Kurt Begalka
Northwest Herald
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Past articles by Kurt:
Begalka: McHenry County played an important role in fighting another health scourge
The ongoing war against COVID-19 got me thinking about another battle in the early 1900s. → Read More
Begalka: Saving the past isn't tough if you keep up presently
The reason so many historic structures are getting torn down is because saving them is excruciatingly complicated. → Read More
Begalka: Vote your conscience for our nation, past and present
At long (oh my God) last, we are approaching Election Day. → Read More
Begalka: Decision makers should step up and embrace common sense for Coventry House
The military call it “defense in depth,” a strategy whereby the goal is to delay rather than prevent a foe from advancing. It is the same strategy being employed by Canadian businessman Edward Gong and his company, Edward Harvard Holdings – owner of the 1.5 million-square-foot Motorola manufacturing facility on Route 14 in Harvard. → Read More
Begalka: Historical precedent suggests hard choice could be right choice
Nothing like a pandemic to get people to rethink their priorities. → Read More
Begalka: Making change difficult
First there was a coin shortage and now the mail may not go through? What would my Uncle Reinne have said? My grandfather’s brother loved to jingle coins in his pocket – particularly if he had good day at the track. → Read More
Begalka: Context key when envisioning statues with 20/20 hindsight
You’d think the author of the Emancipation Proclamation would be above reproach when it concerns civil rights protests. Not so. → Read More
History: Context key when envisioning statues with 20/20 hindsight
You’d think the author of the Emancipation Proclamation would be above reproach when it concerns civil rights protests. Not so. → Read More
Begalka: Gas station attendant bill stuck in park
As of May 22, Arkansas took top honors for having the lowest average price for a gallon of regular gas, according to AAA. Its $1.601 paled next to Illinois’ $2.212 per gallon – second priciest in the nation. Only California drivers ($2.841 per gallon) paid more. → Read More
History: Gas station attendant bill stuck in park
As of May 22, Arkansas took top honors for having the lowest average price for a gallon of regular gas, according to AAA. Its $1.601 paled next to Illinois’ $2.212 per gallon – second priciest in the nation. Only California drivers ($2.841 per gallon) paid more. → Read More
Begalka: At war with a virus
Retooling manufacturing during a time of war – and let’s be honest, that’s what the battle against COVID-19 is, it’s nothing new. And thanks to companies nowadays, it’s nothing old. → Read More
Begalka: Learning from our pandemic past
During these unprecedented times, it is worth remembering that the world went through something just as deadly in 1918 – perhaps even more so considering the double whammy of World War I-related injuries and prevalence of tuberculosis. → Read More
Begalka: Keeping our past present requires imagination, commitment
A developer wants to turn what some previously characterized as a bug bed-infested flophouse, into a uniquely historic destination. → Read More
Begalka: Sick and tired of medical mayhem? Do your homework
Back in the day, a person could find out a lot more about local hospitals. And that is a good thing. After all, it’s not like you are going in for an oil change. → Read More
Begalka: History key in keeping any downtown new, vibrant
Huntley is in the unique position of being able to re-image its downtown, and Village Manager Dave Johnson said that historic preservation will integral to that plan. → Read More
Begalka: You've come a long way baby, but there's more
There are many types of “snake oils” out in the marketplace. Some, unfortunately, can kill you. → Read More
Begalka: Trains brought 'our boys' home, could be on track to take you places
The Midwest High Speed Rail Association is advocating for a “fast-track initiative” that would create a network of reliable passenger trains branching out from Chicago. It estimates that $233 million will be needed to extend services through Elgin and Huntley to Rockford by rebuilding the Union Pacific track and connecting it with the Metra Milwaukee West track at the Big Timber Road station. → Read More
Begalka: Citizens court a courthouse for posterity
Perhaps there’s just something about courthouses in this county. → Read More
Begalka: You have the power to save small businesses, large silos
This has been a year of economic body blows, especially in Illinois, where ongoing budget and debt issues have kept us down on the mat more often than not. → Read More
Begalka: Cary says 'bull' to rumors it wants to demolish historic cattle building
Village officials said the one-of-a-kind, historic building that houses Cary’s governmental offices and police station is here to stay. → Read More