Saturday Soapbox
Congratulations, Chargers!
Thank you to the Dundee-Crown High School Chargers who reminded us what heart and grit can do when combined with teamwork. After stunning No. 2 ranked Neuqua Valley, Dundee-Crown made it to the Illinois High School Association Class 4A final four last weekend.
The unexpected journey capped a season of surprise as the Chargers shocked the basketball world and, even, local fans. As supporters welcomed home the team Sunday, principal Lynne McCarthy looked at the cheering fans and grinning basketball team and asked: "Is this awesome or what?" Awesome indeed. Way to go, Chargers. You put a smile on the faces of a lot of Fox Valley fans.
Silly season run amok:
Early voting has begun, campaign signs are lining the landscape and candidates are knocking on our doors. Oh, and the first election-related lawsuit has been filed as a construction firm claims a candidate defamed it in a political flier. Now that's a sign of the silly season we could do without.
Seeing red on campaign trail:
Whether they're running for school board, village board, township, library or fire, hundreds of candidates are debating issues near and dear to many of us.
But complicated taxes, assessments and economic development issues don't quite ring the bell like a red light camera ticket. Just ask Lake in the Hills trustee candidates debating whether the town needs more red light cameras or any at all.
It'll be interesting to see who voters give a green light to ... and who they pull over to the curb.
Don't hold the salt:
It's guaranteed snowplow crews are keeping a close eye on legislation proposed this week by state Sen. Pamela Althoff, a McHenry Republican. If successful, it'll cover the exorbitant costs of salting our roads thanks to a lack of communication from a state purchasing agency that meant we paid as much as three times more for salt in the northern suburbs. If the bill passes, it could mean substantial reimbursement that could help patch some potholes. And wouldn't that be like a sunny day?
Charging on the rails:
In these days where plastic rules, it's hard to understand why Metra is only now considering accepting credit or debit cards. Better later than ...
While Metra's at it:
We love the idea of modernizing commuter rail by adding Wi-Fi. And we know updating other procedures like the ticket system ultimately could save money. But there's something charming about the sight of a train conductor and sound of the paper punch.
Barsanti getting the message out:
Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti was quite pleased with the results of his second "No Refusal" sting March 14 and St. Patrick's Day. The DUI crackdown is intended to keep drunken drivers off the roads. Drivers can be held in contempt of court if they refuse court-ordered sobriety tests.
It was the second time the county conducted the operation during which drivers suspected of being impaired can be ordered to take a sobriety test if they initially refuse. During the most recent crackdown, three people were arrested. The first "No Refusal" sting was last year and 14 people were arrested. Barsanti says he plans to have a third crackdown. Great idea.