Sunday Comic: Will Concealed Carry Be Good for Illinois?
Residents of our state will soon have the right to carry concealed weapons in public, but that doesn't mean safety is guaranteed.
Opinion
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Patch on Politics
Income Taxes Leave You Feeling Flat?
State legislature may consider whether to move to a graduated income tax rate, meaning those who earn more would pay more.
Did the tax man take a big bite out of your wallet this month? With tax season almost behind us, let's take a look at an issue before the state legislature — should Illinois switch from a flat income tax rate to a graduated rate? The last year Illinoisans escaped paying income tax to the state was 1969. Just seven states still collect no income tax. Thirty-four states use the graduated income tax system, while eight others join Illinois in imposing one rate on all. Our friends at Reboot Illinois put together a graphic look at various aspects of the flat tax vs. graduated tax debate, excerpted here on Patch. Check out the full graphic at RebootIllinois.com. Want to know more? This article is posted throughout the Chicago-area Patch network…
Dennis Robaugh
8:58 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013
Comments on this article are now closed. Much appreciation to everyone who made interesting points on the flat tax vs. the progressive tax. And thank you, BUTCH, for sending the conversation down a path that ultimately led us to close the comments for everyone. more ›
Friday, April 12, 2013
Yelp's Top 10 Shopping Destinations in Grayslake: Do You Agree?
Check out the top 10 rated shopping destinations in Grayslake, based on Yelp reviews. Did your neighbors get it right?
Websites like Yelp have empowered the everyday customer to become their local neighborhood's critic, praising and damning behind the anonymity of a computer screen. So what do your neighbors have to say on Yelp? Based on Yelp's highest-rated star ranking, here are the top 10 shopping destinations in Grayslake. Related: Yelp's Top 10 Restaurants in Grayslake: Do You Agree? Do you agree or disagree with the Yelp top 10 list? Let us know in the comments' section.
In this Article:
Fifteen Year Grayslake Resident
1:46 am on Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I have to go with Decorum, Pazazz!, Cynthia's Sweets and This Old Book. Greeting cards at Something's Brewing along with great coffee. And I miss the Pig! more ›
Friday, April 5, 2013
Exemption Information is 'Misleading'
A letter to the editor.
In response to the assessor’s article in the township “newsletter,” I would like to clarify the impact of House Bill 944 increasing the General Homestead and Senior Homestead exemptions. The proposed legislation would double each exemption to 12,000 for the General and 8,000 for the Senior Homestead exemptions. In the article, the assessor states “you could save $1,000.” This is a misleading statement and clearly demonstrates a lack of understanding of the assessment and taxation process. There are a few terms that need to be defined to better understand the issue. The net effect of increasing the exemptions would result in a direct decrease to the tax base. My analysis of Avon Township’s assessed value from tax year 2011 confirms the tax …
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Editor's Notebook
GCHS Writers Week 2013 Celebrates the Written Word
Authors, songwriters, broadcasters and journalists shared their expertise with students at Grayslake Central High School.
How to write a story, how to get published, and how to pursue creative dreams were all part of the GCHS Writers Week 2013. The inaugural event was billed as "a week-long celebration of writing." I was honored to be asked to speak at the event on April 2 at Grayslake Central High School, organized by teacher Carl Hauck. I spoke about Patch and the future of digital media. The students asked great questions. I hoped to instill in them that everyone has a story, and writing those stories is a pretty cool privilege. The amount and the variety of other speakers was impressive. It included writers Jay Asher, Jay Bonansinga, Alicia Erian, Sam Weller, Mike Mullin, and Jonathan Eig, Lisa Black; musicians Company of Thieves; Young Chicago Authors; …
In this Article:
Report: Child Care Costs Higher Than Ever
Are you paying more for child care in Grayslake than you have in the past?
The cost of child care has risen dramatically over the last 25 years according to a U.S. Census Bureau report. According to the report, child care costs have nearly doubled since 1986. The average weekly child care payment for a family with children under the age of 15 and a mother who works full-time is $148. Those numbers rise to $179 per week for those with children under the age of 5. Most families choose to have a relative care for their child, with about 42 percent of kids under the care of a grandparent or other relative. More than 32 percent of families opt for an organized care facility like day care or preschool, the Census Bureau reports. Have something to say about local daycare centers? Share your reviews through the Patch …
In this Article:
Lisa Henderson
8:58 am on Friday, April 5, 2013
If you have to work and family can not help you by taking care of your child/children then you really want you kids in a safe loving environment. I am a home child care provider and even though you are saying the rates have gone up I have not had a raise in 4 years. People who work out of the home will receive cost of living increases as well as bonuses we do not. Most home providers will offer a… more ›
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Letter: No Code of Ethics for Avon Action
A letter to the editor. Letters are edited for grammar and AP style.
The shenanigans of the Avon Action slate demands public attention; Lisa Rusch appointing herself as Temporary Supervisor, then appointing her slate candidate to Clerk, bullying a candidate off the ballot and the” kangaroo court” held to address Douglas Williams' homeowner’s exemption issue are examples. Though posting a “special meeting” on a late Saturday afternoon for Monday evening is “legal,” it gives residents little notice. So much for transparency! Now, soon before Election Day, a newsletter is mailed to township residents that focuses solely on individuals who are part of the Avon Action slate! Candidate Rusch claims she is an advocate for less government spending, but spent tax dollars to produce political propaganda for the Avon …
Madison Sands
4:02 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2013
Thank you Mayor for taking a stand against unethical campaign behavior. I wish more elected leaders would stand up against campaign bullies and "win-at-cost" tactics that attempt to smear the hard work that leaders in our community do. It takes a lot to make that decision to run for office. Candidates should be free to run on their philosophy and vision to make the office they seek better, and … more ›
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Danni Allen Named 'The Biggest Loser'
Wheeling resident Danni Allen was declared the winner of NBC's reality show Monday night.
Wheeling resident Danni Allen shed 121 pounds during her participation on The Biggest Loser, earning her $250,000. Allen was declared the show's winner during a live finale on NBC. Fans gathered at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire, where Allen tends bar, to cheer her on. The winner of the show's 14th season, Allen began the contest at 258 pounds. She weighed in Monday night at 137. "Down to the final round of the show she has inspired thousands, if not millions of people with her life, story, and triumphs on the show," Eric Pelletier wrote Friday on Patch. Allen, 26, is a graduate of Mundelein High School, according to the Daily Herald.
In this Article:
Brian
9:36 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
While I generally loathe all of these contest type, reality t.v. shows, at least this one addresses a problem and leads people to a healthier lifestyle. Congratulations Danni, that is quite an accomplishment. Not only losing all that weight but also inspiring others to follow suit. more ›
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Who's Got the Best Pie in Grayslake?
In recognition of March 14 being National Pi Day, Patch wants to know where to get the best slice in Grayslake—and yes, pizza counts!
March 14 is unofficial holiday known as National Pi Day because the numbers in the month and date correspond with the first three digits of π (3.14), according to timeanddate.com. Pi is a name given to the ratio of the circumference of a circle to the diameter, meaning for any circle you can divide the circumference by the diameter and always get exactly the same number, which is approximately 3.14159, according to math.com. By the way, March 14 is also Albert Einstein’s birthday. Wonder if he had a favorite type of pie—apple, cherry, pizza? Tell Us: Who's got the best pie in Grayslake? Got a great recipe? Share it in the comments!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Poll: How Would You Rate Grayslake's Snow Removal?
Were you satisfied with the village's services? Or do you think there's room for improvement?
Tuesday's snow storm dumped a good half-foot or more of the white stuff across the region, which resulted in an old-fashioned "snow day" for many. While residents were digging out their vehicles, driveways and sidewalks, village plows were working to clear the roadways. Patch wants to know how you rate the snow removal service of your village. Take our poll and share your comments. Related: Snow Blower Etiquette in Grayslake: What Times of Day Are Appropriate to Snow Blow? 5 Snow Games to Rid the Winter Blues in Grayslake
In this Article:
Doug Daluga
11:53 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
My only advice would be to go around later and make sure to go curb to curb. Some of the streets (like School Street) are still really narrow. more ›
William
12:15 pm on Sunday, May 12, 2013
Wow...change your name to delusional. So you think the guy on the right should say..."whoa buddy...I'm calling the police...you better be worried" Even the police don't agree with you. I'm calling you out, ignorance is not an excuse despite what the liberals are telling you. more ›