Yorkville Resident Starring in Play About Former Radium Dial Company in Illinois

April 8, 2013, 4:15 am

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Patch Yorkville, IL --

*The following was provided by Aurora University:*

**Aurora University’s Theatre Department will stage “These Shining Lives” at 7:30 p.m. on April 12-13 and April 17-20 in Perry Theatre at Stephens Hall, 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora.

 “Lives,” authored by playwright and HBO and Showtime television writer Melanie 
Marnich, focuses on Catherine Donohue and her friends, a group of women 
sickened by working with radioactive materials at the former Radium Dial
Co. in Ottawa, Ill. Worker health problems led to a court case and eventual closing of the company.

The public is invited. Admission is free.

Director Kelly Roush of St. Charles, assistant professor of theater, will lead a post-show discussion on Saturday,April 13. A post-show discussion with the cast is scheduled for Friday, April 19.

Roush said, “The play chronicles the strength and determination of Catherine 
Donohue and her friends, women considered expendable in their day, their
true story and its continued resonance.

“The show touches on several topics--worker’s rights, industrial ethics, 
treatment of women workers, and how the press affects public opinion.”

The cast includes students Meagan Kelly and Samantha Chmara, Plainfield, 
Ill.; Emily Karnick, Crystal Lake, Ill,; Patricia Liu, Bloomington, 
Ill.;  Kelsey Burlington, Yorkville, Ill.; Pietro Alfano, Spring Valley, Ill.; Nik Kmiecik, West Chicago, Ill.; Cody Covganka, Huntley, Ill.; Trey Gonzalez, Tampa, Fla.;  and Elijah McNutt, Chicago.

*Radium Dial Co. Background*

The division of Standard Chemical Co. opened an art studio in Chicago in 1918 to paint clock faces for Western Clock Manufacturing, called Westclox, a leading national clock maker.

In 1920, Radium moved the studio to Peru, Ill., and in 1922 moved it to Ottawa, Ill., where it operated to 1934.

More than 1,000 women painted clock faces using radioactive, radium-based paints.  

The women were not told of health hazards while they created more than 1 million clock faces each year.

Radium Dial employed a regular rotation of about 100 workers, mostly young women, to paint the numbers of the clock faces.

For the time, such employment was considered the “top job for a poor working girl.” The average weekly pay was about $5 a week.

Exceptional dial painters could make up to $40 a week. There were very few other 
jobs where a woman could make more money in the 1920s.

To  achieve the distinctive glow, the painters used a mixture of radium 
bromide and zinc sulfide that was combined with an oil adhesive. The paint applied yellow, but glowed green in the dark.

The paint was applied with very fine brushes that required pointing to do very detailed work. Painters pointed the brushes by rolling the brush tips between their lips, ingesting paint each time they pointed a brush.

During training, painters were told that the small amount of radium ingested was not dangerous. Trainers even ate a spoonful of paint to prove that it was harmless.

News arrived in Ottawa in 1928 about painters’ health problems and a court 
case involving women working in a similar factory in Orange County, N.J.

 Joseph Kelly, Sr., Radium Dial president , issued a statement to dismiss dangers of the company’s paint.

He also implied that the firm would close the Ottawa studio if similar problems happened there.

For a short time, Kelly even opened another studio in Streator, Ill., to 
reinforce the threat to close the Ottawa studio and take away those 
jobs.

After 12 years in Ottawa, the Radium Dial Co. closed in 1934.

With employees’ health problems and deaths rising, and legal issues 
mounting, Kelly was ousted by the company stockholders on charges of 
trying to make the firm’s stock worthless.

Within three days of his firing, Kelly and a few associates established 
another studio four blocks away from the Ottawa operation.

In a short time, the new company took over contracts with Westclox and other companies and forced Radium Dial out of business.

Establishing the new company was a way of limiting the liability of Radium Dial in any court cases.

At the time of the Catherine’s court case, Radium Dial was only required 
to post a $10,000 bond since it was no longer an Illinois company.

Laws of the day limited the maximum money awarded to the workers to $10,000. Reported by Patch 31 minutes ago.

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Virtual Learning Solutions Slams Local School Boards in 1,080-Page Response

April 8, 2013, 4:15 am

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Patch Yorkville, IL --

K-12 and Virtual Learning Solutions have released a large PDF document detailing concerns many had when they presented to multiple school districts in the Fox Valley area over the previous two weeks.

They spoke to the Yorkville 115 school board and members of the community at a required public hearing on March 18, 2013.

K-12 has now responded, releasing via email a 1,080-page PDF document stating its case for the charter option.

The report is attached here, for your light-reading pleasure.

It makes strong, data-supported arguments for online charter schools as well as the performance of the K-12 schools elsewhere in the country. The document, introduced and signed by Virtual Learning Solutions President Sharnell Jackson, takes a few moments to slam what VLS calls "special interest groups"—notably including local school board members—for trying protect their "power base."

From the report:

"The many adult interest groups that live off our public education system are already doing their best to co-opt digital learning for their own ends—and to ensure that nobody uses it to threaten their power, membership, or revenue base. Two such groups are especially powerful players in the politics and policies of public education.

"First are local districts and their school boards, vigorously represented by the National School Board Association (NSBA). This crowd would stifle the openness and global reach of digital learning in the name of district empowerment and local monopoly. According to Ann Flynn, NSBA’s director of education technology, online learning 'should be something that school districts can control.'

"Such a cramped viewpoint has even been adopted by some smart reform thinkers. Writing recently in Education Next, for example, veteran thought leader (and digital-learning advocate) Paul Peterson notes that 'if digital learning is to advance beyond the pilot stage, it needs to work within the current system of public education, not against it.' "

Area school districts are expected to vote on the proposals, starting this week. 

Yorkville 115 will be taking action on the proposal at their comittee of the whole meeting on April 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Administrative Office. 

**Districts Targeted for a Fox River Valley Region**

1. School District U-46
2. Indian Prairie School District 204
3. Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202
4. Community Unit School District 300
5. Valley View Community Unit School District 365U
6. Naperville Community Unit School District 203
7. Oswego Community Unit School District 308
8. East Aurora School District 131
9. St. Charles Community Unit School District 303
10. Community Unit School District 200
11. West Aurora School District 129
12. Batavia Public School District 101
13. Geneva Community Unit School District 304
14. DeKalb Community Unit School District 428
15. Yorkville Community Unit School District 115
16. Kaneland Community Unit School District 302
17. Sycamore Community Unit School District 427
18. Central Community Unit School District 301 Reported by Patch 31 minutes ago.

Food Pantry in the Running for $10,000 Prize

April 8, 2013, 5:53 am

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Patch Romeoville, IL --

After more than a decade of helping feed Romeoville-area residents in need, Green Harvest Food Pantry founder Jeff Green got a taste of what it’s like to be on the receiving end when his organization won a $1,000 grant.

Now, the pantry, which provides food and everyday essentials to more than 600 people every month, is in the running for a $10,000 prize from California winemaker Beaulieu Vineyard’s Hometown Hunger Hero program.

“This is all new to us,” said Green, who founded Green Harvest in 2001.

Earlier this year, Green learned he was the first-ever recipient of the $1,000 Hometown Hunger Hero prize after a Green Harvest volunteer nominated him for the award.

The prize money purchased several tons of food from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Green said. That went a long way toward helping feed the pantry’s clients.

“It takes almost four tons of food each month to feed all of our families,” he said.

From April 8 to 18, Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) will open up voting for the $10,000 award on its Facebook page.

If Green Harvest is the big winner, Mr. Big himself, Chris Noth of “Sex & the City” fame, will present the $10,000 check at the Plainfield pantry.

*'A great boost'*

Green said he was inspired to start the food pantry following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“The president called for volunteers to meet the needs of their communities,” Green said.

Green and his wife, Amy, were already running a program that provided holiday food baskets to struggling families.

“My wife just looked at me and said, ‘Maybe you should consider taking this thing full time,'” Green remembered.

Green launched the pantry out of the couple's Aurora townhome.

"We pretty much slept upstairs and used the living room and basement [for Green Harvest]," he remembered. In 2005, Green Harvest expanded into its current location at 25448 Ruff St. in Plainfield.

Today, the pantry serves 125 families per month. Clients can apply for assistance on a six-month rotating basis.

“Our goal is to try to make people responsible for themselves,” he said. “It’s to try to help people that have fallen through the cracks.”

Clients can sign up to come to the pantry during a two-hour window of time and shop for the items their family needs.

“It’s set up like a grocery store,” Green said. “They get a shopping cart and they go through the aisles and pick out what they want. We are considered a full clients’ choice [pantry].”

In addition to BV, Green said companies including Exelon, ComEd, UPS and Jewel-Osco have helped the pantry serve its clients, who live in Plainfield, Oswego, Naperville, Aurora, Yorkville, Bolingbrook and Montgomery.

“To be able to have people like BV come in and help us out, it’s a great boost,” Green said.

*Don’t forget to vote*

Plainfield-area residents can keep an eye on the BV Facebook page for their chance to help Green Harvest win the $10,000 grant.

Voting begins April 8 and ends April 18. Reported by Patch 23 hours ago.

Angry Ex Rams Seven Cars With Mercedes/Shoreline Police Blotter

April 8, 2013, 8:44 am

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Patch Shoreline-Lake Forest Park, WA --

The following information is selected from Shoreline Police reports for March 21-29. Where an arrest is noted, it doesn't indicate a conviction.

March 21

· Gang graffiti was found in a public men's restroom in Richmond Highlands.

March 22

· $700 worth of merchandise was stolen from Sears by two people. Police have obtained video surveillance of the incident.
· A gun was reported stolen from a home on the 900 blck of N. 165th Street.

March 24

· Vehicle prowls were reported on the 15500 block of Interlake Ave N and the 15700 block of Ashworth Ave N.
· A car was stolen from the 16500 block of 10th Ave. NE.
· Someone grabbed jewelry from Sears and fled on a bicycle.

March 25

· A brown 1995 Land Cruiser parked at sears for work to be done the next day was stolen from the parking lot overnight.

March 26

· A driver was booked into Snohomish County Jail after being arrested for Physical Control. The driver was stopped in the turn lane on the 15800 block of Aurora Ave. at about 1:16 a.m.
· An Einstein middle school student told school officials he had taken 26 Prozac pills in a suicide attempt. He was lethargic and the school called 9-1-1.
· A Shoreline resident threw a plastic bottle at another driver's window during a road rage incident on NE 175th Street. The person is being investigated for 4th Degree Assault.
· Three cars were prowled, and windows broken at the North Jackson Park and Ride.
· A woman mad at her ex-boyfriend allegedly began ramming her Mercedes into parked cars--seven in all--in a parking lot at the 20400 block of 19th Ave. Ne at about 10:50 p.m.

March 27

· A man passed a $100 forged bill at Goodwill, buying about $14 in merchandise and getting $86 in change. The bill appeared to have been an altered $5 bill.
· A car was stolen from the Westminster Manor on Dayton Ave. N overnight.

March 28

· Two 5-gallon cans of gas were stolen from a yard on the 18300 block of Ashworth Ave. N.

March 29

· A would-be burglar who entered an unlocked home on Whitman Ave. N was scared off by a barking dog.
· A Honda Civic ws stolen overnight from the Ballinger Commons parking lot.
· A forced entry burglary netted the burglar a handgun.
· A 2004 Ford F250 was stolen from the Metro Park and Ride at 19200 Aurora Ave.N. Reported by Patch 20 hours ago.

Allied Payment Network’s Bill Pay Solution Integrates with CSPI’s Aurora Online Banking Platform for Superior eBanking Experience

April 8, 2013, 6:04 am

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FORT WAYNE, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Allied Payment Network’s Bill Pay Solution Integrates with CSPI’s Aurora Online Banking Platform for Superior eBanking Experience Reported by Business Wire 23 hours ago.

A Fox News Journalist Might Get Jail Time For Protecting A Source In The Aurora Theater Shooting Case

April 8, 2013, 8:45 am

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Denver-based CNN journalist Jim Spellman says the total lack of media coverage of the legal travails faced by Fox News reporter Jana Winter for protecting her sources clearly demonstrates an anti-Fox News bias in the press.

Spellman claimed in a tweet that if Winter, who faces a subpoena and potential contempt of court charges for protecting her sources, worked for the New York Times instead of Fox News, the case would be garnering far greater exposure.

The New York Times still has not reported on the subpoena against Winter, according to a search of the Times’ archives.



Observation: If @janawinter ,who may go to jail to protect sources, worked for @nytimes instead of @foxnews the case would be huge.

— jim spellman (@jimspellmancnn) April 7, 2013

Winter, a reporter for FoxNews.com, faces potential jail time after she broke a story revealing that Aurora theater shooter James Holmes sent a package to a University of Colorado psychiatrist containing a notebook in which Holmes detailed his plans to carry out a mass murder. Winter cited unnamed law enforcement officials as sources. After Holmes’ attorneys argued that the unnamed law enforcement officials may have violated various gag orders, the court subpoenaed Winter’s notes and sources, and will decide by Wednesday whether Winter will be subpoenaed to testify in Holmes’ first-degree murder trial.

Winter has invoked the Colorado Shield Law to protect her sources, but Colorado judge William Sylvester, who is presiding over the Holmes case, can still jail Winter if he decides that the court’s interest in learning the source outweighs Winter’s journalistic interest in keeping it confidential.

“All this means is that if judges want to compel reporters to reveal sources, they can, and the so-called shield laws are meaningless,” wrote Fox News judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano.

CNN journalist Spellman, who notes that his Twitter views “are mine, not the bosses,” joins a short but growing list of mainstream media journalists and academicians who have criticized the subpoena against Winter, despite the fact that Winter works for a media outlet that the liberal establishment regularly scorns.

Michelle Zierler, director of the program in law and journalism at New York University Law School, told Fox News Saturday that Winter should not face jail time. “She was doing her job and she was doing it well. She broke a story and it was a national news story,” Zierler said.

University of Colorado at Boulder journalism professor Len Ackland also called the subpoena of Winter “absolutely troubling,” and said, “Such subpoenas clearly can keep journalists from doing their work as well as intimidating potential sources.”

Please follow Politics on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 20 hours ago.

Construction to Begin on RapidRide E Line in Shoreline

April 8, 2013, 9:25 am

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Patch Shoreline-Lake Forest Park, WA --

The following is a news release from the city of Shoreline:

Beginning this spring, Metro Transit will be installing new bus shelters and signage along Aurora Avenue N as part of its planned bus rapid transit (BRT) service known as RapidRide. This unique form of bus service will run from the Aurora Village Transit Center to downtown Seattle via Aurora Avenue N, replacing Route 358. Named the E Line, service is scheduled to begin in February 2014.

BRT service is designed to be convenient and easy to use. With service at least every ten minutes during the morning and evening commuting hours and fifteen minute service the rest of the day, bus riders do not need a schedule. All buses have low floors and three doors, allowing riders to get on and off quickly, automated ‘Next Stop’ displays and audio announcements for upcoming stops. Larger, busy stops known as “stations” will have electronic signs displaying when the next bus will arrive, maps of the routes showing all stops and destinations and ORCA card readers that allow card users to pay in advance and enter through any bus door.

All stations and shelters will have weather protection overhead, interior lighting for safety and visibility, lights on top of station shelters help identify them from a distance and the unique RapidRide style and color scheme. Bus stops will be located at every signalized intersection on Aurora Avenue N within Shoreline, with stations at N 145th Street, N 160th Street, N 175th Street, N 185th Street, N 192nd Street and the Aurora Village Transit Center.

When designing and constructing the improvements to the Aurora Corridor, the City of Shoreline coordinated with Metro Transit to install much of the infrastructure and technology that will help make RapidRide service fast and reliable. For example, the City installed an integrated intelligent transportation system that allows buses to “talk” to traffic signals and move more quickly through the corridor.

*Are you looking forward to the RapidRide line? Do you think it will help Shoreline bus users?* Tell us in the comments.

For more information about the RapidRide E Line, visit King County's RapidRide website or contact Senior Transportation Planner Alicia McIntire at (206) 801-2483 or amcintire@shorelinewa.gov.

*Previous coverage on Patch*

King County Council Approves Rapid Ride Alignments Including E Line to Shoreline

Moving Target Reported by Patch 19 hours ago.

Muskego Police Credit 911 Callers For Nabbing Drunk Drivers

April 8, 2013, 10:13 pm

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Patch Muskego, WI --

Police are always asking motorists to put down their cell phones, but when it comes to reporting drunken or reckless drivers, they ask that you safely contact them to report it. Such was the case for several incidents, resulting in taking the offending drivers off the road, with good reason.

On Wednesday, March 20, a cellular 911 transfer call reporting a reckless driver resulted in the arrest of a 49-year-old Muskego man for drunk driving on Racine Avenue at Thornapple Trail. 

Police then arrested a 26-year-old East Troy woman with operating after revocation (drunk driving related) and an ignition interlock device violation on Janesville Road at Crowbar Drive. They were made aware of the driver after receiving a transferred cellular call reporting a reckless driver on Friday, March 22 at about 9:36 in the morning.

Another cellular 911 transfer call came in on Tuesday, March 26, around 7 p.m. reporting a reckless driver on College Avenue at Martin Drive. The call resulted in the arrest of a 44-year-old Palmyra woman for drunk driving. 

Other incidents on the police blotter included:

*Saturday, March 16* –

· A 43-year-old Waterford man was arrested for drunk driving on Racine Avenue at Prospect Drive. 

· A 17-year-old Muskego woman was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, and the 19-year-old Muskego man she was with was arrested for outstanding warrants, after they were found in Horn Park after hours. 

*Sunday, March 17* –

· A fight at the Moose Lodge resulted in the arrests of three Muskego men, ages 27, 45 and 49, for disorderly conduct.

· Officers responded to the report of a man walking in the area of Highway 36 and Highway 45 who had fallen in the ditch. Officers found an intoxicated 37-year-old Franklin man who was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. 

*Monday, March 18 *–

· A 20-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested for drunk driving on Janesville Road at College Avenue. 

· A 51-year-old Muskego woman was arrested for shoplifting at Piggly Wiggly. 

*Wednesday, March 20* – A 54-year-old Muskego man was arrested for shoplifting at Pick N Save. 

*Thursday, March 21 *– A homeowner in the S6400 block of Kipling Drive reported damage to a mailbox. 

*Friday, March 22 *– A 31-year-old Muskego man was arrested for his second drunk driving offense on College Avenue at College Court. He was also charged with refusing to take a breath test. 

*Saturday, March 23* – Officers and rescue personnel responded to a residence in the S7900 block of Ancient Oaks Drive for the report of a 21-year-old Muskego woman who had overdosed on drugs. Upon arrival, the woman had regained consciousness and refused treatment. She was arrested and charged with possession of heroin. 

*Sunday, March 24* –

· A 19-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested for drunk driving in the W12600 block of Somerset Drive. 

· A mailbox in the S7900 block of Lannon Drive was damaged. 

· Several calls were received reporting cars egged in the area of Foxboro Place and Bending Brae Drive. 

*Monday, March 25* – Loud music in the S6500 block of Muskego Drive was reported around 8:40 a.m. 

*Friday, March 29* – The parks department reported vandalism to the playground equipment at Jensen Park. It is unknown when the damage occurred. 

A 29-year-old Muskego man was arrested for disorderly conduct after causing a disturbance at Aurora Health on Janesville Road. 

*Saturday, March 30* – Lawn damage caused by a vehicle was reported at a residence in the W16800 block of Green Street. Additional damage was located to a lawn on Bridgeport Way.

*Sunday, March 31 *–

· A 66-year-old Union Grove man was arrested for operating after revocation (drunk driving related) on Muskego Dam Drive at Highway 36. 

· Damage to numerous lawns in the Lake Forest Subdivision was reported. 

*Wednesday, April 3* – A complaint of a loud party at Muskego County Park led to the citing of four South Milwaukee men, ages 17 thru 19, for underage drinking. 

*Thursday, April 4 *–

· Officers and Tess Corners Firefighters were called to a car fire in the parking lot of Tess Corners Fire Station #2 after a driver pulled in looking for help. The cause of the fire was determined to be a cigarette in the back seat. 

· A resident reported that Badger Wholesale Foods was soliciting door to door in the area of Canfield Drive and Castle Glen Court. The salesman was advised he could not sell door to door because he did not hold a valid city permit to solicit.  Reported by Patch 7 hours ago.

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Caribou Coffee Closing 3 Naperville Locations; 5 Total in DuPage County This Weekend

April 9, 2013, 12:29 am

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Patch Lisle, IL --

Employees who work at Caribou Coffee shops around DuPage County have no idea what the future holds, as many will be out of a job by this time next week. 

Only select locations around DuPage County will remain open, including one location in each Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove. The remaining stores will shutter their doors at noon Sunday, April 14.

An employee at the Naperville location at 95^th Street and Route 59 said about 12 employees will be out of work when the store closes.

“None of us know anything. None of us know our [job] futures,” said the employee, who did not want to give her name. 

One location in Naperville, the store at 686 E. Ogden Ave., will remain open.

In a statement issued Monday Caribou CEO Mike Tattersfield said:



Over the past few months, we at Caribou have revisited our business strategy, including closely evaluating our performance by market to make decisions that best position us for long-term growth.  With that, we will be closing 80 underperforming stores on April 14th, and an additional 88 coffeehouses across Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin will be converted to Peet’s Coffee & Tea locations over the next 12 to 18 months. Going forward, Caribou Coffee will be made up of 468 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Denver, and ten international markets. While the decisions we’ve made have been difficult for our team in Minneapolis, as well as our team members across the country and our guests and fans everywhere, we are working to make this transition as seamless as possible for the Caribou community. We look forward to continuing to deliver extraordinary experiences to our guests and fans, and thank everyone for their passion and commitment to Caribou. For any questions, please contact 888.CARIBOU.



On Twitter, Caribou said while some of its stores are closing, more than 400 will remain open.

In a tweet to a customer, Caribou said: “After careful consideration we decided to refocus our efforts on the greater MN area.”

According to the manager of Naperville's 1523 N. Aurora Road location, the stores that remain open will "slowly refocus" on becoming Peet's Coffee & Tea Company, a San Fransisco-based company which has nearly 200 locations nationwide.  

**The stores remaining open in DuPage County include:**

· *Naperville*: 686 E. Ogden Ave.
· *Wheaton*: 390 W. Front St.
· *Glen Ellyn*: 495 W. Roosevelt Road
· *Downers Grove*: 5100 Main St.

Three stores in Naperville, another location in Wheaton, and a store in Darien will close Sunday.

Caribou is based in Minneapolis, Minn. And has more than 500 company-owned locations in 16 states, employing more than 6,000. In 2009, the company had $262 million in revenues.

The decision relates to a corporate acquisition of Caribou by Joh. A. Benckiser Group (JAB) in December. The same company had also acquired another large coffee company, Peet's Coffee and Tea Inc., in October. 

There are 66 stores in Illinois, but exactly which will close was uncertain. 

A Boycott Caribou page has been created on Facebook. So far, it has 82 likes. 

"Don't forget to show your local Caribou and their employees your support this last week. I know it will very tough for them after all the great relationships they have built over the years with their customers," a status update on the page said. 

**Stores that are closing include:**

· *Darien*: 2445 75^th St.
· *Wheaton*: 280 Danada Square West
· *Naperville – Design Pointe*: 1316 N. Route 59
· *Naperville – Riverbrook Shopping Center*: 1523 N. Aurora Road
· *Naperville*: 2879 95^th St.

**What do you think about the company closing its locations? Tell us in comments!** Reported by Patch 4 hours ago.

Downers Grove Caribou Coffee Stays Open as Company Closes 80 Stores

April 8, 2013, 2:05 pm

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Patch Downers Grove, IL --

Employees who work at Caribou Coffee shops around DuPage County have no idea what the future holds, as many will be out of a job by this time next week. 

Caribou, which came under new ownership earlier this year, will close 80 stores company-wide and turn another 88 into Peet's Coffee & Tea, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Only select locations around DuPage County will remain open, including one location in each Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove. The remaining stores will shutter their doors at noon Sunday, April 14.

An employee at the Naperville location at 95^th Street and Route 59 said about 12 employees will be out of work when the store closes.

“None of us know anything. None of us know our [job] futures,” said the employee, who did not want to give her name. 

One location in Naperville, the store at 686 E. Ogden Ave., will remain open.

In a statement issued Monday Caribou CEO Mike Tattersfield said:



Over the past few months, we at Caribou have revisited our business strategy, including closely evaluating our performance by market to make decisions that best position us for long-term growth.  With that, we will be closing 80 underperforming stores on April 14th, and an additional 88 coffeehouses across Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin will be converted to Peet’s Coffee & Tea locations over the next 12 to 18 months. Going forward, Caribou Coffee will be made up of 468 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Denver, and ten international markets. While the decisions we’ve made have been difficult for our team in Minneapolis, as well as our team members across the country and our guests and fans everywhere, we are working to make this transition as seamless as possible for the Caribou community. We look forward to continuing to deliver extraordinary experiences to our guests and fans, and thank everyone for their passion and commitment to Caribou. For any questions, please contact 888.CARIBOU.



On Twitter, Caribou said while some of its stores are closing, more than 400 will remain open.

In a tweet to a customer, Caribou said: “After careful consideration we decided to refocus our efforts on the greater MN area.”

According to the manager of Naperville's 1523 N. Aurora Road location, the stores that remain open will "slowly refocus" on becoming Peet's Coffee & Tea Company, a San Fransico-based company which has nearly 200 locations nationwide.  

**The stores remaining open in DuPage County include:**

· *Naperville*: 686 E. Ogden Ave.
· *Wheaton*: 390 W. Front St.
· *Glen Ellyn*: 495 W. Roosevelt Road
· *Downers Grove*: 5100 Main St.

Three stores in Naperville, another location in Wheaton, and a store in Darien will close Sunday.

Caribou is based in Minneapolis, Minn. And has more than 500 company-owned locations in 16 states, employing more than 6,000. In 2009, the company had $262 million in revenues.

The decision relates to a corporate acquisition of Caribou by Joh. A. Benckiser Group (JAB) in December. The same company had also acquired another large coffee company, Peet's Coffee and Tea Inc., in October. 

There are 66 stores in Illinois, but exactly which will close was uncertain. 

A Boycott Caribou page has been created on Facebook. So far, it has 82 likes. 

"Don't forget to show your local Caribou and their employees your support this last week. I know it will very tough for them after all the great relationships they have built over the years with their customers," a status update on the page said. 

**Stores that are closing include:**

· *Darien*: 2445 75^th St.
· *Wheaton*: 280 Danada Square West
· *Naperville – Design Pointe*: 1316 N. Route 59
· *Naperville – Riverbrook Shopping Center*: 1523 N. Aurora Road
· *Naperville*: 2879 95^th St.

**What do you think about the company closing its locations? Tell us in comments!**

- - - 

*There are plenty of ways to keep up on Downers Grove news:*

· *Sign up for our daily email newsletter*

· *Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take* Reported by Patch 15 hours ago.

Batavia Caribou Coffee Among 80 Closing; Geneva Caribou Stays Open

April 8, 2013, 3:19 pm

≫ Next: Caribou Coffee Closing 1 Wheaton Location; 5 Total in DuPage County This Weekend

≪ Previous: Downers Grove Caribou Coffee Stays Open as Company Closes 80 Stores

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Patch Batavia, IL --

Geneva's Caribou Coffee is among the surviving stores, but the Batavia Caribou Coffee shop on Randall Road is one of the casualties among 80 Caribou franchises that will close this weekend. 

Maggie at the Geneva Caribou said, "We're OK."

An employee at the Batavia Caribou, who asked not to be named, said "all employees are going to be let go."

Caribou employees are team members who do everything from tending the coffee bar to cooking food to serving customers at the register to cleaning up. Except for store managers, they are hourly employees.

"Everybody has equal duties," the Batavia employee said.

Asked what he or she would do after the final day, the employee said, "I have no idea."

The company let Batavia employees know about the pending store closings on Friday but has yet to share specifics regarding the closing date and time or whether employees would be eligible for any kind of severance pay.

"We'll find out on Friday, I think," the Batavia employee said. "(We do know that) our manager is going to be the reserve manager in Geneva."

According to media reports, stores will shutter their doors at noon Sunday, April 14. 

Select locations in Kane and DuPage counties will remain open, including one location each in Geneva, Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove.

An employee at the Naperville location at 95^th Street and Route 59 said about 12 employees will be out of work when the store closes.

“None of us knows anything. None of us knows our (job) futures,” said the employee, who did not want to give her name. 

In a statement issued Monday, Caribou CEO Mike Tattersfield said:



Over the past few months, we at Caribou have revisited our business strategy, including closely evaluating our performance by market to make decisions that best position us for long-term growth.  With that, we will be closing 80 underperforming stores on April 14th, and an additional 88 coffeehouses across Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin will be converted to Peet’s Coffee & Tea locations over the next 12 to 18 months. Going forward, Caribou Coffee will be made up of 468 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Denver, and ten international markets. While the decisions we’ve made have been difficult for our team in Minneapolis, as well as our team members across the country and our guests and fans everywhere, we are working to make this transition as seamless as possible for the Caribou community. We look forward to continuing to deliver extraordinary experiences to our guests and fans, and thank everyone for their passion and commitment to Caribou. For any questions, please contact 888.CARIBOU.



On Twitter, Caribou said while some of its stores are closing, more than 400 will remain open.

According to the manager of Naperville's 1523 N. Aurora Road location, the stores that remain open will "slowly refocus" on becoming Peet's Coffee & Tea Company, a San Fransico-based company which has nearly 200 locations nationwide.  

**The stores remaining open include:**

· *Geneva*, 507 S. Third St.
· *Naperville*: 686 E. Ogden Ave.
· *Wheaton*: 390 W. Front St.
· *Glen Ellyn*: 495 W. Roosevelt Road
· *Downers Grove*: 5100 Main St.

Three stores in Naperville, another location in Wheaton, and a store in Darien will close Sunday.

Caribou is based in Minneapolis, MN, and has more than 500 company-owned locations in 16 states, employing more than 6,000. In 2009, the company had $262 million in revenues.

The decision relates to a corporate acquisition of Caribou by Joh. A. Benckiser Group (JAB) in December. The same company had also acquired another large coffee company, Peet's Coffee and Tea Inc., in October. 

There are 66 stores in Illinois, but exactly which will close was uncertain. 

A Boycott Caribou page has been created on Facebook. So far, it has 82 likes. 

"Don't forget to show your local Caribou and their employees your support this last week. I know it will very tough for them after all the great relationships they have built over the years with their customers," a status update on the page said. 

**Stores that are closing include:**

· *Batavia, *201 N. Randall Road
· *Darien*: 2445 75^th St.
· *Wheaton*: 280 Danada Square West
· *Naperville – Design Pointe*: 1316 N. Route 59
· *Naperville – Riverbrook Shopping Center*: 1523 N. Aurora Road
· *Naperville*: 2879 95^th St.

**What do you think about the company closing its locations? Tell us in comments!** Reported by Patch 14 hours ago.

Caribou Coffee Closing 1 Wheaton Location; 5 Total in DuPage County This Weekend

April 8, 2013, 12:55 pm

≫ Next: Aurora theater shooting: Fox News reporter could face jail

≪ Previous: Batavia Caribou Coffee Among 80 Closing; Geneva Caribou Stays Open

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Patch Wheaton, IL --

Employees who work at Caribou Coffee shops around DuPage County have no idea what the future holds, as many will be out of a job by this time next week. 

Only select locations around DuPage County will remain open, including one location in each Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove. The remaining stores will shutter their doors at noon Sunday, April 14.

An employee at the Naperville location at 95^th Street and Route 59 said about 12 employees will be out of work when the store closes.

“None of us know anything. None of us know our [job] futures,” said the employee, who did not want to give her name. 

One location in Naperville, the store at 686 E. Ogden Ave., will remain open.

In a statement issued Monday Caribou CEO Mike Tattersfield said:



Over the past few months, we at Caribou have revisited our business strategy, including closely evaluating our performance by market to make decisions that best position us for long-term growth.  With that, we will be closing 80 underperforming stores on April 14th, and an additional 88 coffeehouses across Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin will be converted to Peet’s Coffee & Tea locations over the next 12 to 18 months. Going forward, Caribou Coffee will be made up of 468 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Denver, and ten international markets. While the decisions we’ve made have been difficult for our team in Minneapolis, as well as our team members across the country and our guests and fans everywhere, we are working to make this transition as seamless as possible for the Caribou community. We look forward to continuing to deliver extraordinary experiences to our guests and fans, and thank everyone for their passion and commitment to Caribou. For any questions, please contact 888.CARIBOU.



On Twitter, Caribou said while some of its stores are closing, more than 400 will remain open.

In a tweet to a customer, Caribou said: “After careful consideration we decided to refocus our efforts on the greater MN area.”

According to the manager of Naperville's 1523 N. Aurora Road location, the stores that remain open will "slowly refocus" on becoming Peet's Coffee & Tea Company, a San Fransico-based company which has nearly 200 locations nationwide.  

**The stores remaining open in DuPage County include:**

· *Naperville*: 686 E. Ogden Ave.
· *Wheaton*: 390 W. Front St.
· **Glen Ellyn**: 495 W. Roosevelt Road
· *Downers Grove*: 5100 Main St.

Three stores in Naperville, another location in Wheaton, and a store in Darien will close Sunday.

Caribou is based in Minneapolis, Minn. And has more than 500 company-owned locations in 16 states, employing more than 6,000. In 2009, the company had $262 million in revenues.

The decision relates to a corporate acquisition of Caribou by Joh. A. Benckiser Group (JAB) in December. The same company had also acquired another large coffee company, Peet's Coffee and Tea Inc., in October. 

There are 66 stores in Illinois, but exactly which will close was uncertain. 

A Boycott Caribou page has been created on Facebook. So far, it has 82 likes. 

"Don't forget to show your local Caribou and their employees your support this last week. I know it will very tough for them after all the great relationships they have built over the years with their customers," a status update on the page said. 

**Stores that are closing include:**

· *Darien*: 2445 75^th St.
· **Wheaton**: 280 Danada Square West
· *Naperville – Design Pointe*: 1316 N. Route 59
· *Naperville – Riverbrook Shopping Center*: 1523 N. Aurora Road
· *Naperville*: 2879 95^th St.

**What do you think about the company closing its locations? Tell us in comments!** Reported by Patch 16 hours ago.

Aurora theater shooting: Fox News reporter could face jail

April 8, 2013, 1:18 pm

≫ Next: Customers, Employees Cope with Naperville Caribou Coffee Closure

≪ Previous: Caribou Coffee Closing 1 Wheaton Location; 5 Total in DuPage County This Weekend

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When journalists following the Aurora theater shooting case file into the courtroom for a hearing this week, one will do so with an extra weight on her shoulders. Reported by Denver Post 16 hours ago.

Customers, Employees Cope with Naperville Caribou Coffee Closure

April 8, 2013, 7:50 pm

≫ Next: Aurora Shooter Trial Forces Discussion On Press Freedom

≪ Previous: Aurora theater shooting: Fox News reporter could face jail

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Patch Naperville, IL --

"Good to the last drop." 

It may be the slogan for Maxwell House coffee, but it can just as easily be applied to the way loyal customers feel about the soon to be shuttered Caribou Coffee at 1523 N. Aurora Rd.

*Earlier: *Caribou Coffee Closing 3 Naperville Locations; 5 Total in DuPage County This Weekend

The location, which has been in business for about 17 years, is one of three in Naperville that will close their doors at noon Sunday, April 14. Caribou's 686 E. Ogden Ave. Naperville location will remain open.

Doug Kwiecinski, manager of the Aurora Road location for seven years, said he and his nine employees were hit hard by the news when it was announced Friday.

"It’s kind of become numbing," Kwiecinski said. "I know it’s happening and it’s sad, and now I feel bad for the customers. But I’m here to be strong for them and for the team." 

At first glance on Monday afternoon, it may have been hard for the average Joe to tell that the coffee shop was closing in just six days.

Tables were filled and business seemed to be booming. A few customers gathered around the front counter and were chatting about how news of the store's closing came as a surprise.

"It's just sad. It's really sad," said Carrie Groener, a former employee of the shop and current loyal customer. 

Groener said even though she doesn't work at the shop anymore, she still drives from North Aurora to frequent the Naperville location multiple times a week. 

"I usually come in here about three days a week," she said. "There's other people that I know that have been coming in here every single day for years."

Other coffee lovers responded to the news on Naperville Patch's Facebook page.

"My husband, Nick Kariotakis and I met at the Caribou on N Aurora. Hate to see them go." - Deanna Kariotakis

"Bummed :(" - Ruth Sheahan

"I am really upset about this. I met my husband at a Caribou Coffee and we love going there. We even featured the Bruce Cost ginger ale we discovered there at our wedding." - Melanie Parker-Alaspa

"It sucks, Cairbou has great coffee and great employees." - Justin Feld

"So sad! I love Caribou!" - Jeanette Marchiando Golk

Kwiecinski wrote one final message to his customers on the shop's chalkboard this weekend, thanking them for their support over the years.

The decision to close Caribou locations relates to a corporate acquisition of Caribou by Joh. A. Benckiser Group (JAB) in December. The same company had also acquired another large coffee company, Peet's Coffee & Tea Inc., in October. 

There are 66 stores in Illinois, but exactly which will close is uncertain.

According to Kwiecinski, the stores that remain open will "slowly refocus" on becoming Peet's Coffee & Tea Company, a San Fransisco-based company which has nearly 200 locations nationwide.

For the next six days, Kwiecinski said he will be focusing on saying goodbye to customers and staying positive. 

"I’m just focused on keeping the team as positive and as upbeat as I can. I’m just trying to be their guide for these last few days," he said. "I think there’s a lot of negativity going on, but I want to focus on the good that I got from this company because that’s what I remember. I’ve had seven great years." 

After he pours his final cup at the location Sunday, Kwiecinski said he hopes to stay within the coffee business, but he's not certain what the future holds. 

"Right now, it’s just setting up the resume, throwing seeds out and hoping one starts and hoping and praying my friend."  Reported by Patch 9 hours ago.

Aurora Shooter Trial Forces Discussion On Press Freedom

April 8, 2013, 2:02 pm

≫ Next: Glen Ellyn Caribou Coffee Stays Open as Company Closes 80 Stores

≪ Previous: Customers, Employees Cope with Naperville Caribou Coffee Closure

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As the preliminaries for the murder trial of suspected Aurora, Colo., shooter James Holmes unfold, a compelling side-story is quietly developing that could have significant implications for freedom of the press in the United States. A hearing this Wednesday will likely determine whether a reporter working in Colorado can utilize one of the most effective tools for fighting government and corporate corruption: the confidential source. Reported by Forbes.com 15 hours ago.

---

Glen Ellyn Caribou Coffee Stays Open as Company Closes 80 Stores

April 8, 2013, 6:55 pm

≫ Next: Chicago Tribune Makes Final Push for Kelly Before E-Day, Attacks McKinley Again

≪ Previous: Aurora Shooter Trial Forces Discussion On Press Freedom

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Patch Glen Ellyn, IL --

Employees who work at Caribou Coffee shops around DuPage County have no idea what the future holds, as many will be out of a job by this time next week. 

Only select locations around DuPage County will remain open, including one location in each Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove. The remaining stores will shutter their doors at noon Sunday, April 14.  

According to a sign in the Caribou Coffee location closing Sunday, the store was the first Caribou to open in Illinois.

An employee at the Naperville location at 95^th Street and Route 59 said about 12 employees will be out of work when the store closes.

“None of us know anything. None of us know our [job] futures,” said the employee, who did not want to give her name. 

One location in Naperville, the store at 686 E. Ogden Ave., will remain open.

In a statement issued Monday Caribou CEO Mike Tattersfield said:



Over the past few months, we at Caribou have revisited our business strategy, including closely evaluating our performance by market to make decisions that best position us for long-term growth.  With that, we will be closing 80 underperforming stores on April 14th, and an additional 88 coffeehouses across Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin will be converted to Peet’s Coffee & Tea locations over the next 12 to 18 months. Going forward, Caribou Coffee will be made up of 468 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Denver, and ten international markets. While the decisions we’ve made have been difficult for our team in Minneapolis, as well as our team members across the country and our guests and fans everywhere, we are working to make this transition as seamless as possible for the Caribou community. We look forward to continuing to deliver extraordinary experiences to our guests and fans, and thank everyone for their passion and commitment to Caribou. For any questions, please contact 888.CARIBOU.



On Twitter, Caribou said while some of its stores are closing, more than 400 will remain open.

In a tweet to a customer, Caribou said: “After careful consideration we decided to refocus our efforts on the greater MN area.”

According to the manager of Naperville's 1523 N. Aurora Road location, the stores that remain open will "slowly refocus" on becoming Peet's Coffee & Tea Company, a San Fransico-based company which has nearly 200 locations nationwide.  

**The stores remaining open in DuPage County include:**

· *Naperville*: 686 E. Ogden Ave.
· *Wheaton*: 390 W. Front St.
· **Glen Ellyn**: 495 W. Roosevelt Road
· *Downers Grove*: 5100 Main St.

Three stores in Naperville, another location in Wheaton, and a store in Darien will close Sunday.

Caribou is based in Minneapolis, Minn. And has more than 500 company-owned locations in 16 states, employing more than 6,000. In 2009, the company had $262 million in revenues.

The decision relates to a corporate acquisition of Caribou by Joh. A. Benckiser Group (JAB) in December. The same company had also acquired another large coffee company, Peet's Coffee and Tea Inc., in October. 

There are 66 stores in Illinois, but exactly which will close was uncertain. 

A Boycott Caribou page has been created on Facebook. So far, it has 82 likes. 

"Don't forget to show your local Caribou and their employees your support this last week. I know it will very tough for them after all the great relationships they have built over the years with their customers," a status update on the page said. 

**Stores that are closing include:**

· *Darien*: 2445 75^th St.
· **Wheaton**: 280 Danada Square West
· *Naperville – Design Pointe*: 1316 N. Route 59
· *Naperville – Riverbrook Shopping Center*: 1523 N. Aurora Road
· *Naperville*: 2879 95^th St.

**What do you think about the company closing its locations? Tell us in comments!** Reported by Patch 10 hours ago.

Chicago Tribune Makes Final Push for Kelly Before E-Day, Attacks McKinley Again

April 8, 2013, 3:07 pm

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≪ Previous: Glen Ellyn Caribou Coffee Stays Open as Company Closes 80 Stores

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This Tuesday voters in Illinois’ Second Congressional District will select who will replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr; in anticipation, the Chicago Tribune has launched its final assault against Republican Paul McKinley.

In doing so, the Tribune has firmly established their role in enabling the very system of collaboration between the press, the city leaders, and the unions that one candidate (McKinley) is fighting against.

The Tribune’s Bill Ruthhart penned an article (or advertisement?) Sunday, “Kelly getting out the vote days before the 2nd District election,” recommending to voters that Democrat nominee Robin “Kelly is ramping up her get-out-the-vote effort for an anticipated low-turnout contest.”

Ruthhart’s puff piece glosses over the most glaring concern readers of the Tribune might have about the Democratic Machine pick – her unresolved ethics violations – instead choosing to provide coverage of Kelly’s get out the vote message to voters. 

Ruthhart quotes Kelly: “There's a whole lot of effort around reminding people" to vote Tuesday, she said. "We'll be out this weekend with door hangers and reminding people that it's not over and they still need to vote."

Ruthhart then mentions Kelly’s endorsement from President Obama, writing that she “denied she has been using a ‘rose garden’ strategy of lying for the general election to avoid any missteps.”

How Ruthhart came to this conclusion is difficult to ascertain; after hardly making a public appearance since the February 26 primary and practically disappearing from the campaign trail, Kelly held her own candidate forum on Thursday in lieu of participating in a candidate debate. It was at that one public appearance that Kelly made more than a casual misstep, as Breitbart reported (the Tribune has yet to inform its readers of this activity of Kelly’s).

Kelly essentially blamed the victims of the Aurora, CO, movie theater shooting, telling voters “in the movie [theater], they have conceal and carry, but nobody pulled out their guns to kill the gentleman that did all the damage that he did."

As Breitbart News pointed out after her remarks on Friday, “the Cinemark Theater where the shooting took place was the only one within 20 minutes of suspect James Holmes's apartment that had a policy banning guns from the premise. Victims and their families are preparing a lawsuit targeting Cinemark for allegedly failing to provide security for its patrons the night of the shooting."

The Tribune also has yet to report on the enormous backlash Kelly received on her Twitter and her Facebook page, with hundreds of comments blasting her ignorance of what happened in Colorado and for making false claims to support her extreme opposition to Second Amendment rights.

Just as the Tribune has failed to report on any of the voter backlash, it has also failed to respond to readers’ outcry for them to host a debate between the two candidates.

As Legal Insurrection points out, Robin Kelly has refused throughout the campaign to accept opponent Paul McKinley’s debate challenges. In what appears to be an example of the very “rose garden strategy” that she denied using to Ruthhart, by avoiding any debates Kelly has managed to keep herself from being questioned about the ethics violations and at the same time avoided other Aurora-like gaffes.

Ruthhart didn’t miss yet another chance to reconvict McKinley on his past—the same past which McKinley openly refers to in his campaign—writing about his armed robbery conviction and focusing on his 20 years in prison, never mentioning, in the course of many reports, any of McKinley's positions on issues facing the voters of the second district.

McKinley’s past is certainly fair game in an election to represent the people. But should Kelly’s be exempt?

Kelly allegedly failed to report time taken off from her duties as Chief of Staff to then State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias while running an election to replace him. In February, Ruthhart  reported on the story.

Ruthhart has also reported that "Executive Inspector General David Wells recommended that Kelly be disciplined” for getting paid by taxpayers while campaigning for public office.

Why, then, would Ruthhart fail to include Kelly’s ethics questions in his pre-Election Day report, instead using the pages to recycle her stump speech and bring up well-known information about McKinley? And beyond propping up Kelly, Ruthhart used the final election coverage to suggest—incorrectly—that $3,400 of the less than $10,000 the McKinley’s grassroots campaign was able to raise went to McKinley himself. 

McKinley told Breitbart News that “every penny that has been spent by the campaign can be accounted for and there are receipts for everything,” saying that if any filings show otherwise, there has been an error that will be corrected immediately.

Ruthhart could have taken the opportunity to examine Kelly’s FEC filings, which show that of the several hundred thousand dollars raised from far left-wing groups like ACT Blue and Democracy for America, she reimbursed herself $7,000 from the campaign and refunded her husband $3,500. FEC records provide no evidence that money was ever loaned or put into the campaign by herself or her husband, leaving open the question: a refund for what?

Kelly’s campaign did not respond to Breitbart’s request for more information regarding those details.

Kelly's records also indicate her campaign used funds to contribute to Planned Parenthood, a group McKinley says is waging a "black genocide" through the promotion of abortion in America.

What is most clear from Ruthhart’s fervor in propping up Kelly while recycling old news on McKinley is where the Tribune and its so-called watchdog reporters stand politically. While no surprise, it is time that voters and readers understand what their papers contribute to (the Machine), and for whom its reporters stump.

In fact, this special election to replace Jesse Jackson, Jr. in IL-02 has exposed the Chicago Media as a virtual PR firm for the Chicago Machine; we now have seen from their general refusal to cover the Republican primary to their attempted reconviction of Paul McKinely, they are the gatekeepers to the political power in Illinois, and when it comes to reporting any truth, it is done so in a way in which can do minimal harm to their candidate of choice, while allowing themselves to say they reported on it.

This is how the local media willingly aids in its stranglehold over the Chicago area and areas like Chicago all across the country.

Stay tuned for Election Coverage on Tuesday…

Follow @RebelPundit on Twitter

 
 
 
  Reported by Breitbart 14 hours ago.

Virtual Learning Solutions Slams Local School Boards in 1,080-Page Response

April 8, 2013, 5:05 pm

≫ Next: Caribou Coffee Closing Darien Location; 5 Total in DuPage County This Weekend

≪ Previous: Chicago Tribune Makes Final Push for Kelly Before E-Day, Attacks McKinley Again

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Patch Montgomery, IL --

When K-12 and Virtual Learning Solutions presented their proposal of an online charter school for the Fox Valley area to the Oswego 308 board about two weeks ago, the board expressed their "disappointment" with the information given.

“If we don’t ask these questions and don’t get the answers we could be damning these kids,” said board member Dave Behrens at the informational meeting on Tuesday, March 19. “You’re coming to us and you don’t have answers to these very pointed questions. You can’t treat our kid’s education this way.”

K-12 has now responded, releasing via email a 1,080-page PDF document stating its case for the charter option.

The report is attached here, for your light-reading pleasure.

It makes strong, data-supported arguments for online charter schools as well as the performance of the K-12 schools elsewhere in the country. The document, introduced and signed by Virtual Learning Solutions President Sharnell Jackson, takes a few moments to slam what VLS calls "special interest groups"—notably including local school board members—for trying protect their "power base."

From the report:

"The many adult interest groups that live off our public education system are already doing their best to co-opt digital learning for their own ends—and to ensure that nobody uses it to threaten their power, membership, or revenue base. Two such groups are especially powerful players in the politics and policies of public education.

"First are local districts and their school boards, vigorously represented by the National School Board Association (NSBA). This crowd would stifle the openness and global reach of digital learning in the name of district empowerment and local monopoly. According to Ann Flynn, NSBA’s director of education technology, online learning 'should be something that school districts can control.'

"Such a cramped viewpoint has even been adopted by some smart reform thinkers. Writing recently in Education Next, for example, veteran thought leader (and digital-learning advocate) Paul Peterson notes that 'if digital learning is to advance beyond the pilot stage, it needs to work within the current system of public education, not against it.' "

Area school districts are expected to vote on the proposals, starting this week. 

Oswego 308 will be voting on the proposal at their Monday night meeting on April 8 at 7 p.m. at Oswego East High School.

Patch will be providing a link to a livestream of the meeting on Monday evening. 

**Districts Targeted for a Fox River Valley Region**

1. School District U-46
2. Indian Prairie School District 204
3. Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202
4. Community Unit School District 300
5. Valley View Community Unit School District 365U
6. Naperville Community Unit School District 203
7. Oswego School District 308
8. East Aurora School District 131
9. St. Charles Community Unit School District 303
10. Community Unit School District 200
11. West Aurora School District 129
12. Batavia Public School District 101
13. Geneva Community Unit School District 304
14. DeKalb Community Unit School District 428
15. Yorkville Community Unit School District 115
16. Kaneland Community Unit School District 302
17. Sycamore Community Unit School District 427
18. Central Community Unit School District 301 Reported by Patch 12 hours ago.

Caribou Coffee Closing Darien Location; 5 Total in DuPage County This Weekend

April 8, 2013, 9:35 pm

≫ Next: Judge postpones decision on whether reporter needs to testify in Holmes case

≪ Previous: Virtual Learning Solutions Slams Local School Boards in 1,080-Page Response

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Patch Darien, IL --

Employees who work at Caribou Coffee shops around DuPage County have no idea what the future holds, as many will be out of a job by this time next week. 

Only select locations around DuPage County will remain open, including one location in each Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove. The remaining stores, including Darien's at 2445 75^th St., will shutter their doors at noon Sunday, April 14.

An employee at the Naperville location at 95^th Street and Route 59 said about 12 employees will be out of work when the store closes.

“None of us know anything. None of us know our [job] futures,” said the employee, who did not want to give her name. 

One location in Naperville, the store at 686 E. Ogden Ave., will remain open.

In a statement issued Monday Caribou CEO Mike Tattersfield said:



Over the past few months, we at Caribou have revisited our business strategy, including closely evaluating our performance by market to make decisions that best position us for long-term growth.  With that, we will be closing 80 underperforming stores on April 14th, and an additional 88 coffeehouses across Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin will be converted to Peet’s Coffee & Tea locations over the next 12 to 18 months. Going forward, Caribou Coffee will be made up of 468 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, Denver, and ten international markets. While the decisions we’ve made have been difficult for our team in Minneapolis, as well as our team members across the country and our guests and fans everywhere, we are working to make this transition as seamless as possible for the Caribou community. We look forward to continuing to deliver extraordinary experiences to our guests and fans, and thank everyone for their passion and commitment to Caribou. For any questions, please contact 888.CARIBOU.



On Twitter, Caribou said while some of its stores are closing, more than 400 will remain open.

In a tweet to a customer, Caribou said: “After careful consideration we decided to refocus our efforts on the greater MN area.”

According to the manager of Naperville's 1523 N. Aurora Road location, the stores that remain open will "slowly refocus" on becoming Peet's Coffee & Tea Company, a San Fransisco-based company which has nearly 200 locations nationwide.

**The stores remaining open in DuPage County include:**

· *Naperville*: 686 E. Ogden Ave.
· *Wheaton*: 390 W. Front St.
· *Glen Ellyn*: 495 W. Roosevelt Road
· *Downers Grove*: 5100 Main St.

Three stores in Naperville, another location in Wheaton, and a store in Darien will close Sunday.

Caribou is based in Minneapolis, Minn. And has more than 500 company-owned locations in 16 states, employing more than 6,000. In 2009, the company had $262 million in revenues.

The decision relates to a corporate acquisition of Caribou by Joh. A. Benckiser Group (JAB) in December. The same company had also acquired another large coffee company, Peet's Coffee and Tea Inc., in October. 

There are 66 stores in Illinois, but exactly which will close was uncertain. 

A Boycott Caribou page has been created on Facebook. So far, it has 82 likes. 

"Don't forget to show your local Caribou and their employees your support this last week. I know it will very tough for them after all the great relationships they have built over the years with their customers," a status update on the page said. 

**Stores that are closing include:**

· *Darien*: 2445 75^th St.
· *Wheaton*: 280 Danada Square West
· *Naperville – Design Pointe*: 1316 N. Route 59
· *Naperville – Riverbrook Shopping Center*: 1523 N. Aurora Road
· *Naperville*: 2879 95^th St.

**What do you think about the company closing its locations? Tell us in comments!** Reported by Patch 7 hours ago.

Judge postpones decision on whether reporter needs to testify in Holmes case

April 8, 2013, 8:24 pm

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A journalist who could face jail time if she refuses to reveal the source of a report detailing the contents of a notebook Colorado massacre suspect James Holmes sent his psychiatrist won a temporary reprieve on Monday.Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr., who is presiding over the Aurora movie theater shooting case, ruled that he will not make Fox News reporter Jana Winter testify until he decides if the n... Reported by msnbc.com 8 hours ago.