DuPage Airport is preparing to accommodate the 2012 Ryder Cup, a global sporting event taking place Sept. 28-30 at Medinah Country Club in suburban Chicago. The airport expects increased traffic during the event to include Ryder Cup players, among them the most elite golfers from the U.S. and Europe, as well as thousands of spectators and reporters.

“Our Flight Center has been working closely with the PGA and the Ryder Cup planners to provide a full service transportation hub for the best golfers in the world and the crowds and media that are expected to attend," said David Bird, Executive Director of DuPage Airport. “The airport has the state-of-the-art facilities and professional staff to handle this major international sporting event.”

The U.S. Ryder Cup team, captained by Davis Love III, will feature such golf luminaries as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and recent Masters Cup winner Bubba Watson, while the European team will feature Rory McIIroy, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood. The Europeans will defend their title at Medinah in what has become one of the most watched sporting events in the world. 

“From the moment the planes touch down in DuPage, travelers will be met with airport staff dedicated to ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience; including full on-site customs, liaison with transport and lodging, and 24/7 concierge service,” Bird added. “We look forward to welcoming those participating in the Ryder Cup and invite them to return for a future trip.”

The west suburban airport has four active runways, a 1 million-square-foot apron and 2 ILS approaches. The longest runway, which spans 7,570 feet, is the second longest runway in the Chicago area after O’Hare International Airport. Aside from O’Hare and Midway, DuPage is the only facility in the region with a 24-hour control tower, and is also equipped with a 24/7 Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting Vehicle. 

The DuPage Flight Center offers a full array of professional services and amenities, including an on-site restaurant and concierge support for over 60 nearby dining, hotel, theater and shopping options. The county is expecting the prestigious event will drive tens of thousands of out-of-town visitors to its restaurants, hotels and shops.

DuPage Airport’s capacity to handle large-scale events was demonstrated at the recent NATO Summit in Chicago when air traffic at the facility quadrupled in daily volume without any delays. Last year, the airport earned praise from the National Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who celebrated the facility as an “economic engine” and “a model for the nation.” This year, the facility received the Excellence in Procurement Award from the Airport Consultants Council (ACC).

The DuPage Airport is located at 2700 International Drive, West Chicago.

SOURCE: DuPage Airport Authority

Hey, parents – if you haven’t done so already, it’s time to get your kids registered for school, pay the fees and do some last-minute back-to-school shopping.

And kids, it’s time to make the most of the waning lazy days of summer.  So, get ready to meet your new teachers, greet your old friends, make some new ones  –  and to begin filling your brains with knowledge.  School begins in just a couple of weeks.

Here’s some information to help get you started for the 2012-13 school year.

Darien School District 61

Mark DeLay Elementary School (grades K-2)

Address: 6801 Wilmette Ave., Darien

Phone: 630-852-0200

Principal: Lisa Kompare

Lace Elementary School (grades 3-5)

Address: 7414 Cass Ave., Darien

Phone: 630-968-2589

Principal: Martin Casey

Eisenhower Junior High School

Address: 1410 75^th St., Darien

Phone: 630-964-5200

Principal: Michael Fitzgerald

Get to know your school

Schools in Darien School District 61 will hold open houses from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, for parents and students who have already registered and paid their fees.

On that day, students and parents will have the opportunity to tour their respective schools, gather information about the parent teacher groups, kids clubs and lunch programs, as well as to pick up materials and supplies.

Eisenhower Junior High School students will also be able to visit their classrooms and practice their schedules by moving from class to class.

Parents who have not paid fees for the upcoming school year may do so beginning in August, when offices at each school will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those paying in cash must visit the district office at 7414 South Cass Avenue in  Darien.

The first day of school (full day of attendance) for District 61 students will be Thursday, Aug. 23.

School attendance times are:

• Mark DeLay Elementary School (grades K-2): 8:35 a.m.-3:05 p.m.
• Lace Elementary School (grades 3-5): 8:20 a.m.-2:50 p.m.
• Eisenhower Junior High School (grades 6-8): 7:50 a.m.-2:25 p.m.

Curriculum nights are scheduled for the following dates:

• Mark DeLay, Wednesday, Aug. 22
• Eisenhower, Tuesday, Sept. 4
• Lace, Wednesday, Sept. 5

For more information, call the district office at 630-968-7505 or click here to visit the website.

Cass School District 63

Concord Elementary School

Address: 1019 Concord Place, Darien

Phone: 630-968-3026

Principal: Laura Anderson

Cass Junior High School

Address: 8502 Bailey Road, Darien

Phone: 630-985-1900

Principal: Christine Marcinkewicz

Cass School District 63 has not planned a formal registration day and will deliver specific information to parents via email.

The first day of student attendance for grades K-8 will be Friday, Aug. 24; and for preschool, Tuesday, Sept. 4.

School attendance times for Concord Elementary School (grades Pre-K through 4) are:

• B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Experience childcare program) opens: 6:45 a.m.
• School doors open: 8 a.m.
• School day begins: 8:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m. (Pre-K and A.M. Kindergarten ends at 11 a.m.)
• Pre-K and P.M. Kindergarten: Noon-2:45 p.m.
• ENCORE: 3:45 p.m.
• B.A.S.E. closes: 6 p.m.

School attendance times for Cass Junior High (grades 5-8) are:

• B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Experience childcare program) opens: 6:45 a.m.
• Overture: 7:30 a.m.
• School doors open: 8:30 a.m.
• School day begins: 8:45 a.m.
• School day ends: 3:30 p.m.
• Encore: 4:45 p.m.
• Activity bus departure: 5 p.m.
• B.A.S.E. closes: 6 p.m.

Curriculum presentations are scheduled on the following dates:

• Kindergarten: 3:05-4:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at Concord Elementary School
• First and second grades: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at Concord Elementary School
• Third and fourth grades: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at Concord Elementary School
• Fifth grade:  3:45-4:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at Cass Junior High
• Junior High: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Cass Junior High

Our Lady of Peace Catholic School

Address: 703 Plainfield Road, Darien

Phone: 630-323-4333

Principal: Mickey Tovey

According to the school’s website, registration is still available for the 2012-13 school year.  

Click here for registration forms for kindergarten and here  for registration forms for grades 1-8.

For tuition and fee information, click here.

Attendance times for Our Lady of Peace are:

• 8:40 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (All-day Kindergarten dismisses at 3:05 p.m.)
• A.M. Kindergarten starts at 8:40 a.m. and dismisses at 11:20 a.m.
• P.M. Kindergarten starts at 12:25 p.m. and dismisses at 3:15 p.m.

Dates to remember at Our Lady of Peace:

• Kindergarten parents info meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, in the school library
• Back to School Bash: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14
• Kindergarten orientation 9-10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22
• First day of school for grades 1-8, Wednesday, Aug. 22 (dismissal at noon)
• Noon dismissal (Grades K-8) Thursday, Aug. 23
• First full day of school (Grades K-8) Friday, Aug. 24

Update: Our Lady of Peace has added a new preschool class. For details, click here.

Kingswood Academy

133 Plainfield Road, Darien

Phone: 630-887-1411

Principal: Richard P. Caro

Dates to remember at Kingswood Academy:

• Registration days: Thursday, Aug. 2 and Wednesday, Aug. 8
• Welcome Back Picnic:  1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, at Darien Community Park, 71^st and Clarendon Hills Road, Darien
• First day of school for grades 1-8: Monday, Aug. 27 (dismissal at noon)
• First day of school for pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten: Tuesday, Sept. 4
• Curriculum night for parents: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6

For more information, click here to visit Kingswood Academy's website.

Hinsdale South High School (District 86)

Address: 7401 South Clarendon Hills Road, Darien

Phone: 630-468-4555

Principal: Brian P. Waterman

Hinsdale South High School will hold its summer registration week from 7-11 a.m. and noon-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 16, in the student cafeteria.

Each student should visit the school website for detailed information about the specific date and time at which he or she is scheduled to register. Registration times are set up alphabetically by students’ last names.

The school website also provides detailed information about registration fees and acceptable forms of payment, textbooks, required residency information (for students who have recently moved) and required certificates of child health examination (which must be on file prior to registration for freshmen and within 30 days of registration for transfer students from out-of-state) and more.

Students will receive their ID cards at registration, for which incoming freshmen and transfer students will have photos taken. Upperclassmen will be issued IDs imprinted with photos that were taken in the spring.

For more information about Hinsdale South High School registration, call 630-468-4216 or visit the school’s website by clicking here.

The first day of school at Hinsdale South will be Wednesday, Aug. 22.

Fans of the Food Network's Cupcake Wars or TLC's Cake Bosses will have their chance to get in on a local version at the Cupcake Challenge Saturday in Willowbrook.

The challenge is being hosted by Chef Laura Valcour, a Burr Ridge resident, who runs her own company, Chefs for a Day.

Before opening her own company, Valcour created cooking classes for the Burr Ridge Park District for nine years. She was the market manager for the Burr Ridge Market on the Green for four years and currently consults for the market.

Valcour offers healthy cooking demonstrations and videos for adults and interactive cooking classes for kids, including chef-to-school and after-school programs.

The challenge will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The entrance fee is $50 per couple and includes six pre-baked cupcakes, three colors of icing, sprinkles and candy decorations.

Contestants must be nine years old and accompanied by a parent to participate. For more info about the Cupcake Challenge, visit www.chefsforaday.com

Supt. Nick Wahl said the tentative District 86 budget for fiscal year 2013 currently on public display is a “slightly” surplus budget, as it estimates the district will take in nearly $600,000 more in its operating funds than it will spend during the upcoming school year.

Wahl pointed out several times during the District 86 Board of Education meeting July 16 that the budget board members approved unanimously for posting was indeed tentative, and will likely look different when the board sees the final version in September, after an independent audit of the district’s fiscal year 2012 finances is complete.

“Between now and the final adopted budget in September … things will change,” Wahl said.

The tentative budget estimates the district will collect about $82.4 million in operating-fund revenue during fiscal year 2013 and spend about $81.8 million. Operating funds include the education fund, the operations and maintenance fund, the transportation fund, the IMRF fund, the working cash fund and the TORT fund.

When the debt service fund and the capital projects fund are included, the tentative budget estimates expenditures to exceed revenue by $17 million ($102 million to $85 million). Most of that difference comes from a capital projects fund that is expected to drop from $17.3 million to $64,864 with the completion of current improvements at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South.

The district sold about $18 million worth of bonds to pay for those improvements.

The focus of conversation at the July 16 meeting was the education fund, which according to the tentative budget, will take in $67.1 million worth of revenue and pay out $67.5 million in expenditures.

Board member Dianne Barrett said she doesn’t like to see the district’s largest fund have a larger amount of expenditures than revenue.

“Moving forward, the board needs to realize that we are in the red in the [education] fund,” she said, noting that a continuous pattern of such budgets could cause problems in future years. 

Though business manager Jeff Eagan said surplus dollars from the transportation fund in fiscal year 2012 made up for a similar education fund revenue-expenditure ratio, Wahl disputed Barrett’s assertion that the district is taking money from other funds to cover for the education fund.

The superintendent said it’s important to focus on the overall operating fund balance. With the 2013 tentative budget, that operating balance will stay above 21 percent of district expenditures.

“We continue to keep the fund balance above the 21 percent fund balance that this board directs us to do,” Wahl said.

The District 86 tentative budget is balanced, Wahl said, but it's the districts actions and its actual spending during the year that will determine its fiscal condition next July. 

"The budget's very important; it’s a plan. But like any other plan it’s only as successful as its operation." 

The tentative budget is on display at the District 86 administrative center and here on the district’s website. A public hearing on the final budget and a vote on its adoption will take place in September.

Updated 5 p.m.

Kathleen Savio's neighbor and friend Mary Pontarelli was on the witness stand all afternoon. Pontarelli insists Savio's death scene was altered after her body was discovered. Specifically she said a towel was placed on the edge of the tub. She said there were no towels when she first saw the body.

Prosecutors wanted Pontarelli to recount the time Peterson threw Savio to the ground and had her arrested for allegedly attacking Drew Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy Peterson. Judge Edward Burmila blocked her testimony.

Updated 3:15 p.m. 

Kathleen Savio's close friend and next-door neighbor Mary Pontarelli has been testifying all afternoon. She gasped and let out a loud sob when shown a gruesome photo of Savio's naked body in a bloody bathtub.

Drew Peterson stared at the same image when it was broadcast on a large courtroom screen. He showed no emotion.

Updated 12:30 p.m.

Defense attorney Joel Brodsky presented opening statements in the Drew Peterson murder trial and began leading the jury on a rambling, disconnected journey through his client's life, but was cut short and slapped down by Judge Edward Burmila.

"Mr. Brodsky, you're testifying to the jury about Mr. Peterson's life story, which is completely inappropriate," Burmila said.

When Brodsky tried to explain himself by saying his story would be relevant later, the judge said, "Stop—the issue is not the relevance of it."

"You're perverting the purpose of the opening statement here," Burmila added.

Once Brodsky's tale of Peterson's time in high school, the Army and the start of his career as a Bolingbrook police officer was cut off by Burmila, the lawyer proceeded to rip the character of his client's slain third wife, Kathleen Savio.

Brodsky said Savio "lies and makes up stories to fit her purpose or when she's mad or angry," repeatedly told of times she went "bonkers," and said she was "bossy."

He also claimed she attacked Drew Peterson and his next wife, Stacy Peterson.

"She charged at (their) car like a person possessed," he said. "She's like a mad woman."

Brodsky insisted prosecutors will fail to prove Peterson killed Savio because she actually died in an accident."

Updated 11 a.m.

It looked like there was nearly a mistrial after Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow brought up the co-worker Drew Peterson allegedly offered $25,000 to orchestrate a hit on his third wife Kathleen Savio.

Glasgow failed to disclose to the defense he was going to use that evidence. This was a big part of the prosecution's case and they now can't use it at trial. Peterson's defense team moved for a mistrial.

There was a long argument, but the judge denied the motion. Prosecutors will still be hampered going forward.

Original post

At long last, the Drew Peterson murder trial has begun. 

Peterson, the 58-year-old former Bolingbrook cop, accused killer and serial marrier is charged with murdering one wife and suspected by the Illinois State Police of having a hand in another's disappearance. 

Stay with Patch throughout the trial as we bring you updates from the Will County Courthouse. Follow how other media is covering the trial in Around the Web piece. 

We'll also post updates to Facebook and Twitter. 

Read More: Drew Peterson Coverage on Patch

• Players in the Peterson Case: A Who's Who
• A Roundup of the Latest Patch Posts
• Drew Peterson's Lawyers Receive Death Threats
• Check Out Patch's "Storify" Compilation of Peterson on the Web

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday called for a special session of the General Assembly on Aug. 17 to tackle pension reform.

The Illinois House was already scheduled to be back in Springfield to decide the fate of indicted Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago), the Chicago Tribune reports. The governor's call means the Senate must also convene.

Quinn made the announcement during a speech to the City Club of Chicago, calling on lawmakers to deal with "comprehensive" reforms that address the state's $83 billion unfunded pension liability.

The state legislature failed to reach an agreement on pension reform during its regular spring session in May, despite last-minute efforts to strike a deal.

Quinn said lawmakers "can't afford to wait another moment" to address the state's massive pension liability, which is growing by millions each day and taking revenue from education, health care and other public serves, according to a Reuters report.

"It's time to vote," Quinn said. "See you in Springfield."

In a joint statement, Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) and House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) said they are "encouraged" by Quinn's call for a special session.

"As many people know, we have been and continue to be supportive of comprehensive pension reform that solves the major crisis facing us today," the statement read. "The time to act has been upon us. We are continuing to encourage Gov. Quinn to take a leadership role to get a comprehensive pension bill passed in the General Assembly."

Quinn renews push for pension shift

According to a CBS 2 Chicago report, Quinn is renewing the push for a controversial plan that would shift the cost of teacher pensions to local school districts over 12 years.

The shift, which was sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) during the spring legislative session, would hold suburban and downstate school districts—and ultimately taxpayers—responsible for the pension contribution typically made by the state.

Of the state's $83 billion pension liability, $44 billion is from the Teachers' Retirement System.

"There is a concept in America that we all try to live under, which is called responsibility," Madigan said of the proposed shift.

In May, Quinn convinced Madigan to drop the proposal, and allow Cross to pass a plan without the pension shift. However, Cross was unable to secure enough support for his plan, and pension reformed stalled.

"As I have said all along, it is unfair for the legislature—which created the equation for its portion of TRS, established the increases in COLA (cost-of-living adjustment), and for many years did not to meet its own financial obligations under the system it established—to give the responsibility for those payments to school districts with no funding source, especially when they were reducing state revenue to schools at the same time," said former District 210 Superintendent Sandra Doebert, who retired in June. 

Related stories:

Illinois Lawmakers at Odds with Madigan over Proposed Pension Shift

Director of Teachers’ Retirement System: Illinois is in a ‘Fiscal Mess’

The Indian Prairie Public Library at 401 Plainfield Road in Darien invites teens in grades 10-12 to participate in a free, proctored practice Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3.

The practice test is designed to help students identify their test-taking strengths and weaknesses before “the real thing” during the school year. Each student who takes the mock test will be contacted about his or her analyzed test results.

Students should bring sharpened #2 pencils and an approved calculator for the test on Friday.

To register to participate in the practice test at the library on Friday, click here.

The library asks that those who have registered but are unable to attend give a 24-hour cancellation notice so other students will be able to participate.

For more information, call the library at 630-887-8760 or go to www.ippl.info.

According to Hinsdale South High School’s website, the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) are recommended for all juniors and selected sophomores. Students register(for a fee) at Hinsdale South to take the test on a Saturday in October. Each student’s test results will include an estimated SAT score.

For more information on the PSAT and NMSQT, click here.

Are you blessed with insight and good humor? Or just bored today? Share your wit with your neighbors by entering Patch's comic caption challenge. Just add your dialogue for today's comic in the comment section of this post. Our only requirement is that you keep it clean!

At week's end, we'll pick the winning punchline based on how many of us here at Patch giggle and smile at your contribution. The user who produces the winning punchline will get a personalized proof of the comic, with the winning words and a credit line, from cartoonist Chuck Ingwersen and Patch.

Congratulations to Christopher Lindsey, who provided the winning punchline to last week's Dog Gone cartoon:

Sorry Mitt. I decided it was safer to take the bus this time.

Golfers can make a donation toward Darien Memorial Post 2838 Veterans of Foreign Wars while hitting the links at Carriage Greens Country Club this summer.

Those who participate in Carriage Green’s “Nine & Wine” promotion pay for nine holes of golf and receive a $10 same-day credit per cart toward food and beverages at the club’s signature restaurants, The 8700 or The Sandtrap Grille. And, for every two greens fees paid, Carriage Greens will make a $5 donation to the local VFW post.    

The promotion will continue until Oct. 31, for tee-time bookings after 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, based on two greens fees per cart occupancy. The cost is $33 per person, plus tax.

Space is limited, so golfers should schedule tee times in advance by calling 630-985-3400 or by visiting the club’s website.

“The golf (promotion) was brought to us entirely by Brian Broderick at Carriage Greens and came as a surprise to us that he wanted to provide a wonderful opportunity to raise money for our post home,” said Matt Goodwin, post commander of Darien VFW Post 2838.

Goodwin said the post’s membership decided a few years ago to provide a post home – a place where veterans, service members, their families and the community could come together.

“Most VFW post homes are thought of as old, smoke-filled taverns where veterans go to tell war stories,” Goodwin said. “But we want our ‘home’ to be a place where veterans and community members alike can come together and share the rich heritage of service in the Darien-area community.

“(The post home) is meant to bring veterans and service members closer to the community and the community closer to them,” Goodwin added. “It also provides our post with a ‘base of operations,’ so to speak; a focal point where we can run our community and veteran service programs.”

But providing a post home in Darien will require help–and funds–from the community.

Goodwin said most of the VFW posts in the area have occupied their post homes since the 1950s and ’60s, and many of them received donations of land, houses or other property to fund their endeavors.  

“Since our community has become as economically vibrant as it has in the last 60 years, it is much more difficult for us now than it was for those posts back then,” Goodwin said. “But this has not deterred us from reaching for our goal. We are always appreciative of any donation that anyone wishes to make, especially monetary donations or real estate; since those will help us immensely in opening the doors on an establishment dedicated to serving the men and women who dedicated themselves to serving all of us.”

Besides the ongoing golf promotion at Carriage Greens, the post continues to hold fund-raising events such as monthly dinners at Papa Passero's restaurant  (the next one is Aug. 9) and the “Walk All Our Soldiers Home” parade/walk-a-thon scheduled for Sept. 22. 

For more information click here to visit the Darien VFW post’s website and here to learn more about the post's fundraisers.

The school desk. It’s the place where essays get written, books get placed and germs congregate.

As Darien parents prepare to send the kids back to school with new clothes and a boatload of school supplies, it’s also a good idea to make sure that when the kids go back they know healthy classroom habits.

The DuPage County Health Department offers a number of tips to help keep children healthy throughout the school year.

Sleep and a good diet are not only helpful to keep kids engaged during class, but they also offer the one-two punch that helps kids fight germs, according to the DuPage County Health Department.

Since little hands get into lots of germy things, making sure that children know how to wash their hands the proper way is important. The Health Department says children should use soap and water, rub their hands for at least 20 seconds, and thoroughly rinse and dry their hands.

Then, as if to mimic Count Dracula, covering the cough is also of great importance to keep germs at bay. Children need to be taught the importance of covering their coughs and sneezes, according to the Health Department.

While perfect attendance may look good on a report card, if a child is sick, the Health Department says they should be kept at home. One sick kid can spread germs to the entire class.

Sometimes kids demand to wear what they want, like a ballerina tutu when it’s below zero. But, parents need to ensure a child is dressed appropriately for outdoor activities and recess, according to the DuPage County Health Department.

Other important tips to keep kids healthy:

• Make sure your children are up to date on their immunizations and sports physicals, and receive an annual flu shot.
• Notify the school if your child has been diagnosed with an infectious condition such as strep throat, chickenpox, scarlet fever or pertussis.
• Keep your child home if he/she has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, has nausea and/or vomiting, has a sore throat with fever, has a persistent cough (dry or productive), has diarrhea (three or more episodes in 24 hours), has a rash, or has symptoms that prevent him or her from participating in school, such as excessive tiredness or lack of appetite, headaches, body aches, earache or sore throat.

The DuPage County Health Department also says that if a child has recently been ill, parents should be aware of the following guidelines for returning a child to school or athletic or social activity:

• A child should feel well for at least 24 hours, be free of fever for at least 24 hours without medication, and be free of vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours.
• If a child had strep throat, they must be on the appropriate antibiotic for at least 24 hours. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) and rashes should be assessed by a doctor.
• Keep a child home for at least five days after the appearance of a chickenpox rash or until all blisters have scabbed over.

Source: DuPage County Health Department

On a recent vacation, we struggled to find healthy-ish foods for our son to eat. It's hard enough for adults to mind our, ahem, girlish figures, let alone feed our kids.

I'm not opposed to the drive thru from time to time. I don't expect Jenny Craig to hand me the bag through the window. However, it surprises me how many places don't serve plain white milk.

McDonald's is one place that has stepped up with making meals healthier. Our son loves the apples, certainly more than the fries. He drinks milk almost exclusively.

While on this trip, we met another guest at the inn—a body builder. (Did I say body builder? What I meant is that he was by far the largest man I have ever seen, and that includes several pro football players.) We got to talking about food. Turns out, he is a bit of an expert in child nutrition.

He told us that one of the single worst drinks for kids is pop. That seems a little obvious to me. Yet the way he explained it was eye-opening. Their little bodies can't handle the caffeine. In addition to the standard sugar-induced hyper-activity, their bodies get strung out on the caffeine.

And yet, when I go to parties, I see kids as young as 3 and 4 drink pop after pop after pop. I remember seeing one little girl too big to jump. By age 7, she and her mom both went to Weight Watchers together. What a thing to have to subject a child to.

I commend First Lady Michelle Obama for her Let's Move initiative. It seems trivial but it is so regularly overlooked. Have we really become a society where we need public service announcements to tell kids to go outside and play?

Even Sesame Street has layered in extra sketches about exercise. For example, Jason Mraz changed his popular tune to teach kids to go "Outdoors."

It's hard enough as adults to keep active and healthy. Do we really have to subject our kids to those awful extra pounds so early?

As our new body-builder friend said, people would lose a surprising amount of body weight just by cutting out the pop.

So as we wrap up the last of our summer vacations, let's try to focus on keeping our little ones healthy as well as happy. When they aren't so jazzed up by pop, they behave better, and don't get yelled at as much.

Sometimes, the answers can be quite simple.

Updated: 5:30 p.m. 

State's Atty. James Glasgow told the Tribune Thursday he did not believe there would be a mistrial.

"It's a complicated case," he told the Tribune. "We're confident the trial will resume tomorrow." 

Updated: 2:18 p.m. 

Defense attorney Joel Brodsky asked for and was granted a temporary adjournment until Thursday morning. The defense wants to explore its options. They can have all or some of Thomas Pontarelli's testimony or continue to pursue a mistrial.

Updated: 1:31 p.m. 

Burmila has suggested striking all of Thomas Pontarelli's testimony instead of a mistrial. The defense team is in a conference room talking this option over.

Updated 11:54 a.m. 

Judge Edward Burmila slammed prosecutors saying he will decide at 1:15 p.m. if the case will end in a mistrial. 

Peterson's defense is arguing behind closed doors that if there's a mistrial, double jeopardy applies and Peterson must be freed.

The judge could also rule a "mistrial without prejudice," which would allow prosecution to retry the case if they want. 

Update 11:30 a.m. 

Attorneys are in the judge's chambers arguing again whether to declare a mistrial.

Neighbor Thomas Pontarelli testified he found a .38-caliber bullet in
his driveway. He said Drew Peterson put it in his driveway to intimidate him.

Defense attorney Steve Greenberg called for a mistrial.

Prosecutor Kathleen Patton conceded that she can't prove Peterson put it there.

"You're not going to be able to tie it to the defendant," said Judge Edward Burmila before storming off the bench and ordering the  attorneys from both sides to follow him out for a conference.

It's the second time in two days the defense has moved for a mistrial. On Tuesday, it looked like there was nearly a mistrial after Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow brought up the co-worker Drew Peterson allegedly offered $25,000 to orchestrate a hit on his third wife Kathleen Savio.

Glasgow failed to disclose to the defense he was going to use that evidence. This was a big part of the prosecution's case and they now can't use it at trial. Peterson's defense team moved for a mistrial.

There was a long argument, but the judge denied the motion. Prosecutors will still be hampered going forward.

Update 10:30 a.m.

The first witness called today was Kathleen Savio's next-door neighbor Thomas Pontarelli. Pontarelli's wife, Mary Pontarelli, testified yesterday.

Thomas Pontarelli said Drew Peterson told him "any friend of Savio's is an
enemy of mine" when he caught him helping her move things in 2002.

Thomas Pontarelli said Peterson also questioned him about changing the
locks on Savio's front door.

Thomas Pontarelli also said the tub Savio was found in was "clean, pristine. There was no ring. No soap scum." 

After finding Savio's body, Peterson made a phone call and told someone he would be suspected of killing her, Pontarelli said.

Orginal post

As the second day of testimony in the Drew Peterson murder trial was set to begin Wednesday, Peterson's attorney Joel Brodsky said the accused wife-killer is sleeping soundly in jail now that his murder trial has started.

"He got a solid 10 hours sleep," Brodsky said, also noting Peterson "was very confident at the end" of Tuesday's session.

Brodsky also continued to disparage Peterson's dead third wife, Kathleen Savio, saying she was "someone who never took no for an answer."

Despite Peterson's supposed confidence, he was aware the rest of his life hangs in the balance during his murder trial, Brodsky said.

"He knows that this is probably the most important event in his entire life," he said.

Check out our Storify feature to see what people are saying about the Drew Peterson trial around the web. 

Read More: Drew Peterson Coverage on Patch

• Key Evidence in the Drew Peterson Murder Case Blocked by Judge
• Players in the Peterson Case: A Who's Who
• A Roundup of the Latest Patch Posts
• Drew Peterson's Lawyers Receive Death Threats

“Wait 'til next year.”

The Darien Comets Under-18 Baseball team battled all the way to the championship game last weekend at the Palomino North Zone Regional Tournament at Central Michigan University.

But despite the boys’ best efforts, the team lost 8-5 to the Central Michigan Stars in the final game of the tournament.

“The boys played great, and it was a terrific experience,” said Laura Pomykala, wife of Coach Gary Pomykala and mom of player Tym Pomykala. But rather than focus on the loss, Laura is determined to stay positive and set her sights on the future.

“Like the Cubs, we can say, ‘wait ‘til next year,’” she said.

Pomykala has been keeping Patch in the loop throughout the team’s impressive run at the championship title.  Her synopsis of the Comet’s games at the tournament in Michigan follows:

• In game one, the Comets) beat Bedford Park 4-3 after trailing 2-0 most of the game.  
• In game two, the Comets lost to the defending Palomino World Series Champion Central Michigan Stars 7-6 in eight innings after a hard-fought battle.    
• In game three, the Comets defeated East Lansing, Michigan 9-7 in another extra-inning game; this time nine innings. The victory sent the Comets to the championship round. 
• In game four (championship) The Comets lost to the Central Michigan Stars 8-5.  The Comets were down 5-2 but rallied to tie the score in the top of the fifth. The Central Michigan Stars then scored three in the bottom of the sixth to secure the North Zone Championship and earn their second consecutive trip to the Palomino World Series, which will begin Aug. 3 in Compton, CA.

If you're looking for a job, Patch is here to help. We’ve gathered a sampling of the most recent local job ads to aid you in your search.

If you’re the one doing the hiring, post an ad here, or write about the position in the comments below. Job ads below are provided by Indeed.

Acceptance Insurance in Lombard is looking for a customer service representative.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois in Downers Grove is looking for a receptionist/image clerk.

Inland Human Resource Services Inc. in Oak Brook is looking for a payroll specialist.

Professional Eyecare Center in Naperville is looking for an optometric assistant.

AutoNation in Westmont is looking for an automotive service advisor/consultant.

E.A. Sween Company in Woodridge is looking for a Class B route delivery driver.

ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc. in Bolingbrook is looking for a planner.

The GEO Group in Woodridge is looking for a part-time monitor.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock in Oak Brook is looking for a shoreman.

PopTop SEO in Oakbrook Terrace is looking for a search consultant.

GoNannies.com is looking for a part-time, live-out nanny for one child in Wheaton.

The new school year is right around the corner. As parents prepare for back to school and plan doctor visits they should know there is a vaccine that students entering sixth and ninth grades must have.

Students entering sixth and ninth grades must provide proof that they have received a pertussis vaccination, according to the DuPage County Health Department. 

Health Officials in DuPage County along with the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition are urging parents to make sure students immunizations are up to date before school begins. 

Pertussis is easily transmittable through coughing and sneezing and can cause an illness that persists for weeks to months, according to the health department. In Illinois in recent years there have been a number of outbreaks.

During grade school protection against pertussis begins to wear off, leaving pre-teens, teenagers and adults at risk for the illness, according to the health department. To address the increase in pertussis cases among older students, a booster vaccination, called Tdap, is recommended for all students in grades six through 12. 

The new immunization requirement comes after a significant increase in whooping cough cases across the country over the last three years, according to a news release from the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition.

In Illinois, there have been 1,048 cases of whooping cough reported through July 21, compared to 435 reported cases during the same time period in 2011. According to the CDC, Illinois ranks fifth among all states in terms of the number of pertussis cases reported this year.
 
"We've made tremendous strides over the last several decades in reducing the number of preventable deaths through the widespread use of vaccines," said Dr. Kay Saving, president, American Academy of Pediatrics-Illinois Chapter. "But the recent increase in whooping cough cases proves that parents can't let their guard down when it comes to their child's immunization schedules. Back to school also means back to the doctor to ensure your entire family remains healthy and protected."  

Students entering sixth and ninth grades without one of the following will be subject to exclusion: 

• Proof of Tdap vaccination
• An approved medical or religious exemption on file with the school

Many health providers, pharmacies and health departments provide the Tdap vaccination and parents are encouraged to check with their child’s health provider to determine if a child’s vaccinations are up to date. Adolescents and adults should receive a single Tdap vaccine at 11 years of age or older.

For uninsured and underinsured patients, many providers participate in the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines at no cost to doctors who serve Medicaid-eligible children younger than 19 years of age.

Anyone who may need assistance may check with the DuPage County Health Department for resources for getting the Tdap vaccination.

You know Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz - the duo on the History Channel's American Pickers? The guys who find great joy and a little adventure in treasure-hunting through rural barns and out-of-the-way shops?

They are coming to Illinois in mid-September, and producers are looking for good picking grounds.

They want colorful characters who value collections and the stories behind them. Specifically, they are looking for old movie posters, unusual transistor or tabletop radios, pinball and slot machines, antique casino or gaming machines, bicycles from the 1940s or earlier, old rodeo items and early Halloween items, among other things, according to producers.

Perhaps there's someone like this in Darien?

They're not interested in farming and agricultural items, tractors, crocks, stoves, glassware or appliances, according to producers.

Producers encourage applicants to submit several pictures of the collections and where they are stored. For more information or to submit an application, see this website from the History Channel. Informational flyers have been attached to this article as PDFs.

You also can e-mail Cineflix Inc. at Americanpickers@cineflix.com or call the hotline at (646) 493-2184.