The Soapbox
Keeping perspective:
In an editorial referencing a Buffalo Grove letter about a proposed supportive housing project in Arlington Heights, we failed to note that, that project aside, Buffalo Grove has been a leader in accommodating needs of the mentally disabled. That’s important. It’s an issue, as the editorial stated, where leadership is seriously wanting.
Someone just got rich:
Lake County is home to the suburbs’ newest millionaire following Wednesday’s Powerball drawing and, like anyone else, we’re a little envious. No word yet on who bought the lucky ticket at the Round Lake BP gas station. We’re ready to live vicariously through the winner. Let the dreaming begin.
Scary start to school:
It was a rather terrifying precursor to the school year at Woodland Middle School in Gurnee: A man delivering band uniforms mistakenly hit the gas pedal and crashed into the school building, pinning under his van a boy about to start sixth grade there. Luckily, the child came away with only scrapes and burns.
The best-laid plans:
New signs and red and blue painted markers at Lake Arlington shout the new rules that restrict walkers to one side of the path and bikers to the other. Nice work, Arlington Heights Park District. Now, if only people would follow them. Our reporters in the field (you, the readers) tell us compliance is not universal.
The sky is falling:
Not really, but if the clouds stay away, the Perseid Meteor Shower will be visible the next few nights in the suburbs. Step outside after 9 p.m. and just look up and marvel — no telescope needed. Or, attend a viewing party tonight at Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg or Monday at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.
Let’s be safe on the field:
Another season of high school football begins with the start of practices on Wednesday. Let’s hope the learning curve on concussions and safe practices continues to move forward. Coaches and trainers are at the forefront, and the players’ health must remain their priority.
Terrific Tour:
Kudos to Mayor Craig Johnson, Elk Grove Village and Alexian Brothers for their work in building a Tour of Elk Grove cycling event that only gets bigger and better every year.
A Million and one:
There are a lot of reasons to get excited about next Saturday’s big races at Arlington International Racecourse. The Arlington Million, the Beverly D and Secretariat Stakes have a long and colorful history at the track, but here’s something else to consider: the return of Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens. He’s simply one of the greatest.
Part-time better than no time:
We’re cheered that Meijer announced Thursday it will fill 900 new jobs in its Illinois stores, about 80 percent of those in the Chicago area. The openings will mostly be permanent part-time positions, which could potentially become full-time, company officers say.
Obstacles overcome:
Two children of immigrants have received scholarships from the Computer Systems Institute in Elgin. It may not seem unusual, but considering that Marco Linares, 18, of Elgin is the first in his family to graduate from high school, and Eduardo Chirinos, 19, of Lake in the Hills, has been helping his mother battle cancer, these are special teens.