Saturday Soapbox
Bigger police force needs funding:
A jump in felony arrests in 2006 meant Villa Park police had to work longer hours to investigate those cases. Now some village trustees want to help by hiring more police officers. Increasing the size of the department is a worthy goal. But financially, it's going to be a challenge. One idea, to create a new vehicle sticker, would be a tough sell. Hopefully, more police officers can hit Villa Park's streets without residents taking a hit to their pocketbooks.
Our warm wishes to Rep. Hyde:
We, along with thousands of others in the suburbs and across the nation, are keeping the legendary former Congressman Henry Hyde in our thoughts. We wish him a speedy recovery from his recent heart bypass surgery.
'Hey, I'm walkin' here!
So bellowed Ratso Rizzo, in "Midnight Cowboy" to a cabby who nearly bowled him over. This street hazard isn't exclusive to New York City. Extensive experience and numerous close calls lead us to conclude that suburban motorists fall into either of two categories: One, those who know that pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks and respectfully extend that courtesy. Two, those who make it their mission to gun through all intersections and apparently view any resulting pedestrian trauma as mere collateral damage.
Good financial report card:
Addison School District 4 gets an "A" in finance. For the third year in a row, it earned a certificate of excellence in financial reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International. The award is one of the highest given in recognition of excellence in school district financial operations.
Bikes through benevolence:
There's fewer things more fun for a kid to do on a summer day than ride a bike with friends. But some have to watch while others pedal, because there isn't enough money to buy a bicycle. When Quinten Hoogenboom of Carol Stream found out about this, he collected and refurbished more than 80 bikes for his Boy Scout Eagle Scout project -- and donated them to underprivileged children in Chicago. Kudos for Quinten's compassion.
Don't look now...
...but the sand is quickly slipping through the hour glass for school kids' summer breaks. Practices will open next week for several Illinois High School Association sports, which means opening-day school bells can't be far behind.
Route 59 Pioneer Days:
You don't have to go to Naper Settlement to get a feel for how the early pioneers lived. Just drive along Route 59 through Naperville and Aurora, during rush hour and during construction activity, and you'll experience what it was like to inch along in the covered wagon behind a team of horses.
Now's the time:
Let's say you're a follower of St. Charles School District 303, which serves a portion of West Chicago, and have always wanted to contribute your time and expertise to how it's run. Now you have your chance: Applications are being taken until Aug. 22 for an open school board seat. Yes, there's been discord on the board -- no one said it would be easy. But if there's anything this board, and district, could use is a citizen with no ax to grind who just wants to help the kids get the best education possible.
Happy retirement to canine cop:
Tommy, Wood Dale's canine officer, has been retired after nine years on the job. He is making the transition from police dog to pet in the home of his handler, officer Pat Ludwig. This a big loss to the police department. Tommy was a doggone good cop.