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Section 1 Daily HeralD

SaturDay, July 18, 2009

Firefighter sues Des Plaines Funeral: No plans for crematory

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By Robert McCoppin
rmccoppin@dailyherald.com

A former Des Plaines firefighter who suffered a careerending injury in a training drill filed suit Friday in federal court to get the city to pay his health insurance. James Kedroski is suing the city and City Manager Jason Bajor, seeking to pay his $1,612 monthly health insurance premiums. In a drill on July 19 of last

year, Kedroski went into a burning, smoke-filled building and dragged out on hands and knees a dummy weighing 180 to 200 pounds, the suit says. He injured his back and can no longer lift more than 20 pounds, ending his firefighting career at age 49 after 19 years, attorney Ann OConnell said. Kedroski is married with two school-age children. Municipalities are required

by law to pay insurance for firefighters injured in the line of duty during what they reasonably believe is an emergency. City attorney David Wiltse said that because the injury occurred in a training drill, the law does not require it to be covered as a bona fide emergency. Former Des Plaines firefighter and current Alderman Jim Brookman has a similar claim pending against the city.

no significant impact on congestion, said Matt Dabrowski, development planner for the village, who has been in charge of reviewing the proposal. In an e-mail, Arlington Heights resident Jim Grossman said he believes SCI is setting the stage to develop a crematorium, which he said would decrease home values. Murray said there are no plans for a crematory. Village officials said the

owner would have to go through the same extended process to get approval to operate a crematorium as is required to open the funeral home. SCI has agreed to a regulation that prohibits a crematory on the site, spokeswoman Jennifer Brandino wrote in an e-mail. At the planning commission meeting, Arlington Heights resident Bob Hess stressed his support for the project, saying the corner plot is ugly and poorly maintained.

Also backing the project is the Rev. Thomas R. von Behren of the Clerics of St. Viator, on Euclid Street. Were supporting their determination and judgment that they need a new facility in order to meet the current needs of the clients, he said, adding he would hate to see Memory Gardens leave Arlington Heights. Theyve been a good solid member of the Arlington Heights community and a solid contributing business within our community..

Organizers frugality helps fest

By Elisabeth Mistretta
emistretta@dailyherald.com

Bypasses: Higgins grew up in Palatine

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As Roselle prepares for its 28th annual Taste of Roselle in the midst of a recession, organizers are realizing their frugal tradition is paying off. Instead of hiring famous rock acts or popular local cover bands, the village always holds auditions, and bands agree to play for fun and exposure. Village Clerk Patty Burns, who has served on the Taste committee for 18 years, said this helped the village keep the fest alive in a rough economy. We do not pay anything for our entertainment, but our schedule is always full because people want to participate, Burns said. I think that says a lot about how we do things. This years fest runs Friday, July 31, to Sunday, Aug. 2, along Main Street. It features performances by more than a dozen musical acts, a craft show, childrens entertainment, a carnival and, of course, food. Twenty restaurants will have booths on site, while the American Legion will sell ice cream and the Roselle Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce will host a beer garden.

Organizers still are accepting sponsors and volunteers for the event. The help will be needed to manage approximately 20,000 people who visit the Taste when weather cooperates. Burns said shes hoping this summers rainy weather trend will hold off during the festival, because the village hopes to raise money. Since 1982, the event has raised more than $300,000 for community projects like the gazebo at Turners Pond, a handicap ramp at the Roselle Historical Museum, library computer equipment, a

thermal imaging camera for the fire protection district and more than a dozen other local initiatives. For information about volunteering or sponsorship, call the Roselle Chamber of Commerce at (630) 894-3010 or visit rosellechamber.com. For a schedule, visit roselle.il.us.

the issues. ... Clearly, Ryan is in touch with people. Other local Republicans have also quietly bristled at the fact Higgins has lived in the district only since September. However, he grew up in

Palatine and is a Fremd High School graduate. Other Republicans could still petition to run against Higgins in the primary but would lack party support. Froehlich, who beat ForteScott last year to retain the seat after switching to the

Democratic Party, announced this month he wont seek reelection next year. The Democrats havent announced a candidate to replace him. The district includes most of Schaumburg and parts of several surrounding suburbs.