Study: Chicagoans spend $300 million yearly on unused data for cellphones

Chicagoans pay nearly $300 million every year on unused data for their cellphones, according to a new report.

The study, from the Citizens Utilities Board and Texas-based wireless research firm Validas, said that Illinoisans each spend about $30 a year on unused data on wireless …

Report: 9 percent of Illinois’ bridges ‘structurally deficient’

Nearly 9 percent of Illinois’ bridges are “structurally deficient” and in need of serious maintenance or replacement -- an uptick of 1 percent from two years ago, a new report on the state of the nation’s bridges indicates.

Buyer saves Long Grove Confectionery days before closing

LONG GROVE — The Long Grove Confectionery Co. was days away from closing when its founders, John and Heidi Mangel, negotiated its sale last week to Arway Confections, Inc. of Chicago.

Deerfield residents voice concern over proposed gun ordinance

DEERFIELD — More than 50 people packed the Village Board meeting Monday and a dozen voiced opposition to an ordinance regulating storage and transportation of assault weapons.

For about an hour, Deerfield and other area residents questioned the need for such an ordinance in the …

Community shows its support for Blackhawks

Once a year for the past few years, the Libertyville Sports Complex has been home away from home for Chicago Blackhawks fans. Now, with the Hawks on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup for the second time in four years, the Sports Complex is again draping itself in Red/Black.

Vernon Hills native jumps into startup as a Thiel Fellow

Kevin Wang, 18, was studying toward a computer science degree the University of California at Berkley when the Vernon Hills native took a gamble: getting paid to drop out. Wang is a “20 Under 20” Thiel Fellow. The competitive program awards $100,000 over two years and access to a mentor community of investors, scientists and entrepreneurs.

Libertyville’s Bee-line Communications competes in AMC reality show, ‘The Pitch’

A reality contest on AMC will chronicle a Libertyville woman and her business starting late this summer. Bee-line Communications, also of Libertyville, is the only suburban marketing firm in the Chicago area chosen for the second season of “The Pitch.” “She’s a little dynamo,” producers said of owner Stacey McClenathan.

Lake Zurich hosts inaugural Iron Girl triathlon

LAKE ZURICH — Allison Zimmerman pulled her blue-framed swim goggles over her matching cap and chatted excitedly with fellow sprint triathlon contestant Colleen Cox.

Deerfield resident’s wish is to continue helping others

DEERFIELD — Sure, it sounds cliché, but Deerfield resident Richard Oleff maintains that volunteering his time gives him a feeling that no amount of money could otherwise buy. He has the evidence to back it up, too.

Ochs picture shakes things up

DEERFIELD — Lillie Ochs used her imagination to tackle what struck her as difficult artistic assignment: draw a picture that depicts both parks and milkshakes.

“I was thinking about how I could fit milkshakes in the park,” said Ochs, 9, who just finished fourth grade …

Deerfield dermatologist retires after 44 years in area

DEERFIELD — In 1969, Dr. Burton Silver, a dermatologist who had just finished his residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago opened a small office in Deerfield. His first patient was a little boy named Richard Lozins, whose mom brought him in for poison ivy.

Vernon Hills-based tech firm CDW planning IPO

VERNON HILLS — Technology retailer CDW Corp., which was taken private in 2007, announced a return to the public market with an IPO that could bring in more than $700 million.

Jay’s Camp celebrates 40th year with new season in Long Grove

LONG GROVE — “I’m different than every other camp on the North Shore.” And to Jay Silverman, owner of Jay’s Camp in Long Grove, what separates his business from the competition is clear.

State Rep. Drury leads criminal justice reform

In the final hours of the recent legislative session, the General Assembly approved a bill sponsored by State Rep. Scott Drury, D-58, of Highwood. The law aims to reduce the amount of wrongful convictions while also protecting police officers from false accusations of misconduct.

The …

Gurnee looks ahead to digital streaming

Libraries long ago stocked more than books as they evolved with modern media, adding vinyl record albums, cassette tapes, laser discs, and then CDs and DVDs.