Soapbox: Endless speculation
The 700-acre riverfront property northwest of Carpentersville known as the Brunner property has had so many suitors, one might imagine it is the best real estate deal since Manhattan island went for $24. One might be wrong, too. It's a great piece of land, so nice it has been considered as a state park location in addition to a bridge corridor and residential development area. Now, it seems, the Kane County Forest Preserve District and the village of Carpentersville are planning to arm-wrestle for it. The forest preserve district would like it for, well, a forest preserve. Carpentersville wants it for retail development and estate homes. Funny thing, though. For all the suitors, there's always been one problem. The owner never seems inclined to sell.
Odd employee benefit
When McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer presented new rules tightening controls over business and travel expenses of county departments and employees, the finance committee immediately tossed the ball to the human resources committee. Why? Because expense reimbursements are considered an employee benefit. An employee benefit? They've got to be kidding. Expense reimbursements are for personal expenses incurred while performing public duties. They are expenses that should be looked at critically, not as a perk for employees. But that attitude might explain why the current state's attorney believes buying snacks, candy, flowers and meals on the taxpayer's dime is OK.
Piece of history saved
The wooden Viking ship that sailed from Norway to Chicago for the 1893 Columbian Exposition won a new life this week. The decaying ship, pieces of which are in the Museum of Science and Industry, now sits under a canopy in Good Templar Park in Geneva. It has won a $52,000 reprieve from the Partners in Preservation Program. The ship, a reminder that Viking Leif Erikson journeyed to the New World 500 years before Columbus, will get a fix-up and a new storage facility. And a tiny piece of history will be saved. Better yet, it'll be saved without taxpayer money.
Can't be defamed in church?
Interesting argument, you've got to admit, from a Crystal Lake priest being sued by a man who claims the priest defamed him in a speech in church. The Rev. Luis Alfredo Rios of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Crystal Lake is arguing that the court should dismiss the suit by Angel Llavona against him and the Rockford Diocese because religious ceremonies are protected from government judgment and interference. Maybe so, but it's just as likely a court could argue that no one loses their civil rights just because they decided to go to church, either. A case worth following.
Beyond braggin' rights
For the first time in 43 years, today's game between Northwestern and Illinois will mean something to both teams. The winner automatically moves up the bowl bid ladder. The last time both teams had winning records coming into the game was 1964 when someone named Dick Butkus roamed the sidelines in the Big Ten. All over the state, colleges and universities are battling for postseason play. Kudos to Southern Illinois (9-1) and Eastern Illinois (7-3) for being among the best in their divisions.
Happy Thanksgiving
In the spirit of the original celebration -- a meal of thanks shared with family and friends -- Soapbox wishes you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.