Local businesswoman helps adults with autism find job fulfillment

Kathy McRae felt the need to salvage some good from her son’s death of a drug overdose, but she’d long felt helpless. So the Highland Park businesswoman turned instead to a cause where she felt equipped to make an impact, and now helps young adults on the autistic spectrum achieve productive employment.

Lincoln School parents speak out on teacher transfers in Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK — Lincoln Elementary School parents harshly criticized North Shore School District 112 officials Thursday, May 23 for the abrupt transfer of four “star” teachers.

Teacher’s video ‘crossed the line,’ District 112 superintendent says

The superintendent of North Shore School District 112 on Thursday characterized Lincoln School teacher Ellie Rubenstein’s resignation video as “entirely unprofessional,” saying it crossed the line and contained comments that were “unfair, misleading and factually incorrect.”

Missing plaque honoring soldier killed in action reappears

He was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in a military family and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, a casualty of the Vietnam War. But U.S. Army Sgt. Richard Scott McFarland put down some roots in Lake County in the late 1960s, when his family was stationed at Fort Sheridan.

High-ranking officer leaves sheriff’s department

A disagreement over the chain of command between Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran and now-former sheriff’s chief Wayne Hunter resulted in Hunter leaving the department late Tuesday afternoon.

Indian Trail teacher earns HP Community Foundation’s Golden Apple

HIGHLAND PARK — Indian Trail School music teacher Caitlin Lucci has had a banner year.

On Friday, the 28-year-old teacher learned she was the 2013 recipient of the Highland Park Community Foundation’s Golden Apple award. The award committee paid her a surprise visit to present …

Northwood Jr. High’s poetry slam shows power of words

HIGHLAND PARK — Middle school students often struggle to articulate their deepest hurts, worries and resentments, even to close friends. So it took some spine last week for Northwood Junior High students to step on stage, grab microphones and shed personas and pretense.

Transferred Highland Park teacher resigns in impassioned YouTube video

A video bombshell was dropped late Tuesday on top of an emerging controversy in North Shore School District 112 when one of the four teachers transferred out of Lincoln Elementary School posted a YouTube video announcing her decision to leave the district.

Highwood salutes the Fort

I have been a huge Highwood fan since I moved out here in 1954.

But I first reported for Army duty at Fort Sheridan in 1943, just as I was turning 18, and have loved the place ever since. I spent my first, as well …

Two District 113 board members retire, new ventures ahead

DEERFIELD — Although for different reasons, both Harvey Cohen and Bonnie Shlensky felt it was simply “the right time” to step down from the Township High School District 113 Board of Education.

Cohen, 70, of Highland Park and Shlensky, 51, of Deerfield presided over their …

Highland Park’s oldest business remains forever young

HIGHLAND PARK — At Bahr’s Greenhouse in Highland Park, new shoots continue to poke through the soil in search of sunlight.

Each growing season brings bursts of color to rejuvenate winter-weary spirits.

So while Bahr’s is the Highland Park’s oldest business — dating to 1894 …

3 Brookfield Zoo dolphins expecting

Chicago Zoological Society officials say three Brookfield Zoo bottlenose dolphins are pregnant. Officials say Allie, 26, Tapeko, 31, and Spree, 10, are due to give birth this summer and fall.

DUI figures show less drinking and driving in Lake County

Maybe it’s more police officers on the road, an increase in public education or fear of punishment and the hassles of getting a license back after a DUI. Although several officials have suggested differing reasons why, they agree that the number of drunken-driving arrests is going down.

Navy officer surprises daughter in gym class at Wayne Thomas

HIGHLAND PARK — A routine gym class Friday at Wayne Thomas Elementary School became a multi-hanky event for some observers when Navy Chief Jeremy Pruitt shocked his daughter Cadence with an unexpected homecoming.

Highland Park police blotter for May 13 - May 20, 2013

The following incidents were listed among the official reports of the Highland Park Police Department. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Only a court of law can make that determination.

Highland park

TRAFFIC

Two motorists were arrested May …