Several alternatives for what's next at Batavia's Siemens site
It's been part of the west side of Batavia for more than 60 years, making it a bit difficult to envision something else at the corner of Van Nortwick Avenue and McKee Street.
But as the former Siemens/Furnas Electric factory site has been reduced to rubble during demolition, Batavia city officials and residents are left to contemplate how much longer the economy will struggle - because that's the key to what could happen next at that site.
Based on its vote to rezone the property, the Batavia City Council would like to see a residential use.
Some would like to see homes that fit in with the neighborhood, while others would prefer "affordable housing," which is open to all sorts of interpretations. Still others would like to see a park district recreation center there, instead of near the Quarry Pool.
Put it on a list of current Batavia debates, right along side the need for a second bridge.
Walking wounded? Imagine trying to chase around a wild animal when you are dealing with a cracked vertebrae in your back.
That's the dilemma for animal control expert Phil Zavitz of St. Charles, who recently fell and suffered that cracked vertebrae, which landed him in the hospital for a time.
He may not be chasing animals around for some time, but he is back home and attended services at Baker United Methodist last weekend.
He's going to check with his doc this week, but we're hoping Phil, a former American Legion Post commander, heals quickly enough to be able to participate with his Legion brethren and be a flag bearer in the St. Charles Memorial Day parade.
Open or closed case: Our schools are caught between a rock and a hard flu when it comes to public opinion about staying open or closing the doors during a health scare. Those that close base that decision on following county health department guidelines.
If they stay open, people would squawk if a flu virus ran rampant. If they close, people squawk because the kids congregate at the movie theater or the home of a friend anyway.
I'd be inclined to agree that news about a flu outbreak can take on a life of its own, but erring on the side of caution in reporting the news or closing schools is better than ignoring health warnings and hoping for the best.
You can't run and hide from all public places, but we can certainly consider some precautions at schools, churches and other gathering places.
Time to donate: The Moose Lodge in St. Charles is the place to be Thursday if you are willing to donate your blood to the Fox River Chapter of the American Red Cross.
That community blood drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the lodge, just west of Randall Road on Route 38 and across from the Meijer store.
You can make an appointment online at givelife.org or by calling Doug Weigand at (630) 443-8844. Walk-ins are welcomed.
Donors are reminded that they should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating blood.