Supervising Producer CBS 2 Chicago
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Articles by Tracy O'Brien
Elk Grove Village to give $200 gift cards to all households after data center property sale
A $200 bonus is coming to thousands of households in the northwest Chicago suburb of Elk Grove Village. The village is sending prepaid Visa gift cards to all of its 14,000 households. The money is coming from data centers, a hot-button issue in several suburbs. The sale of two data center properties for more than $1.4 billion generated more than $4 million in real estate transfer tax revenue, according to the village. Elk Grove Village has decided to pass along the windfall to residents.
Dead tree falls, damages cars amid strong winds on Chicago's Northwest Side
Some neighbors woke up to a surprise in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood Wednesday, as a dead tree fell on two vehicles and left the street blocked. By 4 p.m., the large dead tree that fell at School Street and Avers Avenue had been removed. But a damaged car, a BMW, remained at the scene with a caved-in back roof and a busted-out back window.
Chicago high school English teacher to make professional boxing debut this weekend
He spends his weekdays in Chicago teaching Shakespeare and grammar, but this weekend Hyde Park Academy English teacher Brendan Lally is stepping into the ring for his professional boxing debut. His opponent is Jimuel Pacquiao, the son of legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao, who also will be making his professional boxing debut.
Aurora, Illinois honors vets with patriotic salute at Veterans Day Parade
The west Chicago suburb of Aurora, Illinois, marked the 87th anniversary of the first Veterans Day Tuesday morning with its annual parade. It was a patriotic salute lined with veterans, American Legion posts, U.S. Marine Corps groups, and Daughters of the American Revolution. U.S. Air Force veteran Scott Hellinger, who is now an aerospace instructor at West Aurora High School, served as the guest speaker at the event.
Reach Rescue resale shop in Chicago suburbs helps fund medical needs of dogs and cats
A Chicago area animal rescue is giving dogs a second chance and shoppers a treasure hunt. At Reach Rescue's resale shop in northwest suburban Mundelein, your next bargain could help save a pet's life. The shop sells upscale items at bargain prices; including furniture, antiques, and even rare collectibles.
4 Italian nationals arrested in $500,000 counterfeit electronics ring in DuPage County, Illinois
Four Italian nationals are behind bars in DuPage County, Illinois, accused of running a counterfeit electronics ring worth more than $500,000. Salvatore Derosa, 50, Simone Signorelli, 23, Vincenzo Demartino, 49, and Luca Demartino, 25, all originally from Naples, Italy, have been charged with felony possession of counterfeit items with intent to sell.
Chicago area marathon runner chasing Olympic dreams while fasting for Ramadan
Training for a marathon is tough enough, but imagine doing it without food or water during daylight hours. That's exactly what one young Chicago runner is doing during the month of Ramadan. She's making it work all while chasing a spot at the U.S. Olympic Team trials. Sabrina Baftiri has been running since middle school. She became a standout at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, winning an impressive 17 All-American awards. Now she's focused on marathons and training with a coach in Chicago.
Lincoln Park Zoo joins national network fighting illegal wildlife trafficking
The Lincoln Park Zoo is stepping up in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking. The zoo has joined the Wildlife Confiscations Network, a program led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo said the program fights wildlife trafficking while providing urgent care for animals seized at U.S. ports.
Pregnant beaver spotted along Chicago River's South Branch
A new celebrity is making waves in Chicago — and she's the talk of Chicago's South and Southwest sides. The environmental nonprofit group Urban Rivers spotted the female beaver along the South Branch of the Chicago River. The group is calling her "remarkably rotund" and say she is likely pregnant. The river queen has been seen near the docks on the river's South Branch in the Pilsen, Bridgeport, and McKinley Park neighborhoods — often with her presumed mate and a litter of kits.
Durbin, congresspeople highlight what they say would be detrimental effects of federal spending cuts
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and other Democratic leaders shined a light Monday on how reforms at the federal government are affecting people in Illinois. The lawmakers gathered Monday at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Also in attendance were Democratic Illinois U.S. Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Danny Davis, Bill Foster, Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jesús "Chuy" García, Mike Quigley, Sean Casten, and Lauren Underwood, along with representatives of Citizen Action/Illinois.
3 baby meerkats make debut at Brookfield Zoo
BROOKFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- The newest residents of Brookfield Zoo are stealing the show. Three baby meerkats born in October have made their big debut at the Desert's Edge exhibit at the zoo. They are already climbing and exploring their new home. Known for their curious nature, meerkats are expert diggers with sharp claws built for speed. Meerkats live in dry areas such as the Namib and Kalahari deserts in Africa, and prefer sandy or even stony ground.
Exhibit on cats, from domestic to wild and ferocious, set to open at Field Museum
New exhibit on cats set to open at Field Museum CHICAGO (CBS) -- Beginning Friday, the Field Museum of Natural History will be featuring an exhibit all about cats—those that meow and purr, those that roar, and everything in between. "Cats: Predators to Pets" opens at the Field Museum on Friday, Nov. 29. The Field Museum says the exhibit showcases the world of cats, their physiology, and how they shaped history and culture worldwide—with videos and open-air taxidermy specimens.
Task force presents "fascinating" findings on the Underground Railroad in Illinois
Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force presents "fascinating" findings CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force on Tuesday presented its ongoing findings on the important role Illinois played in the history of helping slaves reach freedom. The Underground Railroad was a secret network of travel routes and safe houses that guided slaves to free states in the 19th century. The task force is made up of state lawmakers and historians.
Specialized canine rehabilitation clinic giving hope to pets and their owners
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's heartbreaking to watch your dog having mobility issues, especially later in life. A specialized canine physical therapy center on the North Side is giving hope to ailing pets and their owners. At age 14, Little is on the move again thanks to a lot of help from K9PT owner Francisco Maia.
New day retreat for seniors opens in Chicago's northwest suburbs; with casino, movie theater, and more
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A new spot in Fox River Grove is giving seniors—and their caregivers—more time to enjoy life. Second Season Adult Day Retreat is designed not only as a place for care for seniors, but as a social club where they can have fun. With slot machines, fitness classes, and more, Second Season looks and feels more like a getaway than a typical adult daycare facility.
Family and friends deliver early Christmas cheer to woman in final days of her life
ANTIOCH, Illinois (WBBM) -- Driving by a home in the far northwest suburbs, you might wonder what happened to Halloween, as each day more Christmas decorations keep showing up. The answer is a touching tribute to a loving mom, wife and friend; with a special message for everyone. Voices of holiday cheer rang outside a home on a warm fall day in Antioch during a festive gathering for Jamie Haley, a woman loved by many, watching from the front window. "It couldn't be better.
Family and friends deliver early Christmas cheer to woman in final days of her life
Click here for updates on this story ANTIOCH, Illinois (WBBM) -- Driving by a home in the far northwest suburbs, you might wonder what happened to Halloween, as each day more Christmas decorations keep showing up. The answer is a touching tribute to a loving mom, wife and friend; with a special message for everyone. Voices of holiday cheer rang outside a home on a warm fall day in Antioch during a festive gathering for Jamie Haley, a woman loved by many, watching from the front window.
Family and friends deliver early Christmas cheer to woman in final days of her life
ANTIOCH, Ill. (CBS) -- Driving by a home in the far northwest suburbs, you might wonder what happened to Halloween, as each day more Christmas decorations keep showing up. The answer is a touching tribute to a loving mom, wife and friend; with a special message for everyone. Voices of holiday cheer rang outside a home on a warm fall day in Antioch during a festive gathering for Jamie Haley, a woman loved by many, watching from the front window. "It couldn't be better.
Cancer survivors urge women to learn about breast density and impact on early detection
Women unite over breast health, transforming personal journeys into a collective movement CHICAGO (CBS) -- As we focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have a powerful story of sisterhood and survival. At the Paint the Lake Pink Walk in north suburban Lake Zurich, honoring loved ones is just as important as raising awareness. Susanne DePaepe recently visited her sister Patty, who is in hospice care, nearing the end of a 30-year fight with breast cancer.
Chicago-area mom searching for "angel" who gave up plane seat for daughter leaving hurricane zone
Chicago-area mom searching for "angel" who gave up plane seat for her daughter leaving hurricane zon CHICAGO (CBS) — A Rockford woman took to social media to find the good Samaritan who gave up her seat on a flight so her daughter could escape the hurricane zone. Rhonda Adams's daughter Carley's flight from Tampa to Chicago on October 7 was canceled. That's when another mom stepped in and gave up her seat.
Vintage photos found at Chicago train station
Click here for updates on this story CHICAGO (WBBM) -- When you're running to catch the train, it's easy to drop something and not even notice, but it's not usually an item that's more than 100 years old. Someone dropped 12 photos at the Jefferson Park Blue Line station last Friday night around 11 p.m. One was dated July 5, 1914. A few of the photos have names on the back, including "Meyers & H Jones." Jamie Lundberg found them and posted them on social media, hoping to find their owner.
Vintage photos found at Jefferson Park Blue Line station. Do you know who lost them?
Old photos found at Jefferson Park CTA Blue Line station CHICAGO (CBS) -- When you're running to catch the train, it's easy to drop something and not even notice, but it's not usually an item that's more than 100 years old. Someone dropped 12 photos at the Jefferson Park Blue Line station last Friday night around 11 p.m. One was dated July 5, 1914.
Chicago area boys' rocky business venture proves to be a sparkling success
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A group of 9- and 10-year-old boys found a fun way to spend their summer break. They stumbled on a gold mine – or rather, a rock mine – that has turned into a sparkling success. Carter, Isiah, Tommy, and Pete are buds from the same neighborhood in Lombard. Now they're business partners. "Isiah was smashing these rocks with a hammer, and he found one of the gems," Carter said.
Woman-owned Michigan farm a story of struggle and success, now a staple at Chicago farmers markets
Parra Farms a story of struggle and success for the woman who owns it CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Michigan family farm that has become a staple of Chicago area farmers markets is a rarity in more way than one, run not only by a woman of color, but a domestic violence survivor. Experienced hands teaching beginners as her grandchildren help out, Maria Parra is the heart and soul of Parra Farms in Benton Harbor, Michigan. "I like it, and when you like doing something, there's no hard," she said.
2 women robbed at gunpoint on Chicago's North Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police on Monday afternoon were looking for the men involved in an armed robbery in East Lakeview. At 2:17 a.m., police responded a robbery call in the 700 block of West Cornelia Avenue – between Broadway and Elaine Plaice. Two women said they were robbed by three men who fled the scene in a white vehicle, police said. One of the victims said one of the robbers was armed with a handgun, police said. No one was hurt in the robbery, and no one was in custody Monday afternoon.
Turner Mining Group Expands Utah Mining Team
May 20, 2021 • Celebrations SALT LAKE CITY- Turner Mining Group continues to increase their presence in the North American mining sector with additions to the mining team, led by Lennie Boteilho, Senior Vice President of Mining. The growth of the Utah-based team includes several new hires with significant experience in mine engineering, planning, estimating, safety and operations.
Lennie Boteilho Joins Turner as Senior Vice President of Mining
November 9, 2020 • Celebrations Turner Mining Group is excited to welcome Lennie Boteilho as the Senior Vice President of Mining. With a background as an Executive level Senior Project Manager and Manager of Environmental Affairs, Lennie has 30+ years of management experience in mining.
Q3 Sustainability Report Released
October 2, 2020 • Celebrations Since the end of Q1 Turner Mining Group has been working on formalizing sustainability metrics to better communicate results throughout the organization and improve accountability. “In a lot of ways we’ve built our business model with sustainability in mind. We want to build a company that creates impact for decades, not just a short burst. From our values, we drive decision making for the long-term.
Turner Receives Association for Corporate Growth Award
October 1, 2020 • Celebrations Turner Mining Group is honored to be named a Corporate Value Award winner for 2020, meaning that we were among companies that created the greatest corporate value benefit to employees, customers, suppliers and community over the past year. Economic growth, financial growth and job growth were all considered.
Turner Donates to Food Banks Across the Country
September 28, 2020 • Celebrations Turner Mining Group employees came together to collect donations for food banks across the country. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, the majority of the donations went to Hoosier Hill Food Bank. Remote staff and field employees were also encouraged to donate to their local food banks in other states, with significant contributions in Colorado and Arizona.
Pit & Quarry Highlights Turner’s Outlook Post Election
September 17, 2020 • Media Spotlights Pit & Quarry turned to President Keaton Turner for his expectations for demand in the coming months. This statement was published as part of their Road to Recovery coverage. “Post-election and into the new year, we expect to see more projects coming online as companies plan ahead to meet demand generated by a possible infrastructure bill.
CAT Features Turner as One of 95 Stories for Good
September 16, 2020 • Media Spotlights Caterpillar Inc. took interest in learning about how Turner Mining Group uses social media to recruit millennials and gen Zers, making dirt work “fun and sexy.” The crew spent three days visiting sites, getting a feel for how our company operates and how we’re different.
McClelland and Bailey Take On New Operations Roles
September 9, 2020 • Celebrations As Turner Mining Group continues to expand mining operations, two exciting changes have been made to the Operations Team structure. Matt McClelland was promoted to the role of Operations Director, leading the field operations at large. Matt is responsible for providing on-site support for issue resolution, contract management, scheduling and budget management. Ryan Bailey has been appointed to Continuous Improvement Advisor.
Centering Black Lives: A Reading List for All Ages
The Black Lives Matter movement is working to create a more just and equitable society by pushing for systemic reforms and raising awareness of violence and racism against African Americans and other Black people worldwide. The name of the movement, Black Lives Matter, is simple and direct, yet radical in asserting that Black people, and their history and lived experiences past and present, be seen, heard and known. One way to learn more is to read broadly about Black lives.
Turner Mining Group Joins Arizona Mining Association and Utah Mining Association
July 29, 2020 • Celebrations With a purpose of making life better for the mining industry, Turner Mining Group looks to expand impact within the mining community. “As a national service provider, it’s important that we demonstrate our partnership in states across the country where we have the ability to help create change,” said Tracy O’Brien, Chief Marketing Officer.
Turner Elevates PM & APM Positions
July 29, 2020 • Celebrations With a focus on leadership, professionalism and client service, we have revamped the Project Manager role to enable the most effective performance, site management and day-to-day decision making. An emphasis on training, technology and communication when it comes to planning & forecasting, managing tradeoffs and reflecting & reviewing, enable Project Managers to establish ownership and accountability for their projects.
Turner Mining Group Joins CalCima, Nevada Mining Association and NSSGA
May 7, 2020 • Celebrations Turner Mining Group joins CalCIMA, the Nevada Mining Association, and the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association as the company looks to take an active role in industry organizations. Servicing several projects in California, Turner Mining Group is a key partner for CalCIMA as they work to support construction and industrial materials.
Pit & Quarry looks to Turner Mining Group for thoughts on COVID-19 impact
Pit & Quarry’s Kevin Yanik caught up with President Keaton Turner and CMO, Tracy O’Brien on the impact of the pandemic on Turner Mining Group’s business, it’s employees and outlook on the future. “We’re a very forward-looking company. I think everyone has understood the impact to the market. Because our sales cycle has a longer tail, we’re going to probably see some impact to our sales cycle in the second, third and fourth quarter.
Keaton Turner Contributes to NSSGA’s ROCKPAC
ROCKPAC works to support candidates who understand and appreciate the value of aggregates operation and are committed to promoting sensible, scientifically-based safety and environmental laws and regulations.
Turner Mining Group’s Momentum Featured on Forbes
Just shy of three years ago, Turner Mining Group was founded by President Keaton Turner. Today, he’s being recognized for championing the success of young people and making tough jobs fun. Featured on Forbes, March 2, 2020, the article references Turner Mining Group’s innovative approach to contract mining and Keaton’s desire to “win the people game.” He was quoted saying, “businesses have to change the way they treat people, the way they speak to people.
Turner Mining Group Launches Next Level Employee Portal to Scale Communication
With employees from coast to coast and border to border, Turner Mining Group identified the need for a central source of communication and information warehousing. As a three-year-old company who has been on an aggressive growth path, internal communications have been an afterthought until this point. The internal website named “The Employee Portal” was built mobile first, with an easy to update back end interface enabling the ability to seamlessly update information and maintain relevancy.
Jake Hubbell Hacks Equipment Maintenance Routine with #MakeTracksCleanAgain
January of 2019, Heavy Fleet Manager, Jake Hubbell, joined Turner Mining Group. He arrived at a state of disarray when it came to equipment management, immediately recognizing the lack of attention on maintenance. “Basic maintenance was just not happening,” said Hubbell, “we were getting hit with lots of undercarriage bills and losing money left and right.” To solve this, Jake implemented #MakeTracksCleanAgain.
Nervous! Placed | Group Photography Exhibition | Opens tomorrow
The time has come! Placed opens tomorrow, Friday 25th of April, at 7pm at Hendrons Collider Gallery (see map: http://bit.ly/1fgfk4d), and will run Sat 26th and Sun 27th 12-6pm If you are in Dublin and fancy popping in, please do. Placed | presents work from members of the Tog Dublin Hackerspace concept to exhibition group.
Stroll along the Embarcadero, San Francisco
Stroll along the Embarcadero, San Francisco Whilst on a recent trip in the US, I popped into the wonderland of B&H and of course came out with a new toy. A nice little second hand film beauty, my first. Finally, I’ve gotten around to putting up the results of my first roll of film, which I have to say I’m delighted weren’t blank! Onwards and upwards! The rest, if you wish to browse them, are here: http://pix.ie/corkgirl/album/492092 Like this:Like Loading...
Gold Medal | Sydney Harbour International Salon of Photography
Gold Medal | Sydney Harbour International Salon of Photography I got some great news! I’ve won an RPS gold medal and an RPS ribbon for two of my images in the Creative section of the Sydney International Salon of Photography. I’m floating on cloud nine :-) Like this:Like Loading... Related This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.
Quick Shot Competition - November 30th 2013
To coincide with the release of this year’s Boards Photobook we’re running an amazing Quick Shot Competition on November 30th with plenty of great prizes to be won!! For just a €5 entry fee your picture could win you a Digital Camera, Nokia Lumia 1020 Smartphone with a 41-megapixel camera sensor, as well as Irish football jerseys, photography vouchers and much more. All proceeds go to the Santa Strike Force Children’s charity.
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