The Soapbox
Rudeness at its worst:
Sad note the other day about a mother dreading the start of school because she has to get her disabled child on a bus. That’s not the sad part. She dreads this time of year because of inconvenienced drivers who — instead of waiting — honk, go around the bus and give her dirty looks. You know who you are, and you should be ashamed.
Football is back:
Yes, high school football returned Friday night, and the college season started this week as well. As much as we enjoy the atmosphere and the games, the NFL settlement with former players offered a sobering pause. Safety has to be paramount, but a game built on collisions will never be completely safe. There is still more progress to make.
It’s more than a game:
Of course, high school football includes the band, cheerleaders, crowds and more. It’s also the return of Bob Frisk to the sidelines, plus a dozen veteran Daily Herald staffers and an army of correspondents working their magic to bring you the stories, stats and photos — and now more videos. Just like the game, it takes incredible teamwork as well.
What took so long?
Smokers who toss butts on the ground can be charged a $1,500 littering fine under a new law that starts Jan. 1. We’re glad the governor signed the bill this month, but we have to wonder: Why haven’t cigarette butts been considered litter until now?
Remembering John Lynn:
Community theater in Lake County lost a giant this week when John Lynn, founder of the Kirk Players theater group in Mundelein, died. He was 83. Lynn is remembered as a tireless community volunteer who was involved for decades in Mundelein pageants, the annual Community Days festival and other community efforts.
Wise planning:
Kane County officials are starting discussions about possible zoning regulations related to growing and dispensing cannabis. Though medical marijuana doesn’t become legal until the new year, it’s a good idea for them — and officials in other counties — to get a handle on the specifics now.
New and improved ride:
Most of the rebuilding is done on Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg. It’s not the prettiest road in the suburbs, but especially now with the grinding, it’s much, much better than it was. And it really didn’t take too long to complete. Not far away, the new surface on Higgins Road through Busse Woods will be kinder to your struts as well.
Seeing is believing:
They say the video doesn’t lie, but a 32-second clip of a driver accused of swerving his vehicle at an abortion protester in Aurora doesn’t seem to help much. Aurora police declined to press charges, but the DuPage State’s Attorney charged the driver with aggravated assault. The driver pleaded guilty to improper lane use. Look at the video and decide for yourself.
It makes you wonder:
Remember the cool and wet spring that canceled so many high school and youth sports events? Now the school year has returned with a heat wave that has been unbearable at times. Fortunately, many schools are equipped to deal with it, but not all. Makes you wonder how we ever survived without air conditioning.