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The Week in Chicago Craft Beer, April 5-8on April 4, 2021 at 5:10 am

The Beeronaut

The Week in Chicago Craft Beer, April 5-8

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The Week in Chicago Craft Beer, April 5-8on April 4, 2021 at 5:10 am Read More »

3 things we learned: Western Illinois savors first win of unique spring football seasonon April 4, 2021 at 5:17 am

Prairie State Pigskin

3 things we learned: Western Illinois savors first win of unique spring football season

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3 things we learned: Western Illinois savors first win of unique spring football seasonon April 4, 2021 at 5:17 am Read More »

Horoscope for Sunday, April 4, 2021on April 4, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Capricorn.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

The moon is high in your chart, which means you are more high visibility. People notice you more than usual. They might even be discussing personal details about your private life. (Like what’s with that?) Just so you know.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Today you want to shake things up a little. You want stimulation and change! This is why you have a strong urge to “get away from it all” and do something exciting. You might meet someone from another country or a different culture. Hola!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Today your emotional reaction to others is more intense than usual. You will also be drawn to people who are more intense. Don’t be surprised if you feel possessive about familiar things that you own, and maybe even people. (It’s just one of those days.)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Today your attention will turn to your most personal relationships. Loved ones and partners will be more important to you than usual. By extension, if you have a conflict with others, it will be more emotional as well. (Oh dear.) Therefore, guard against knee-jerk reactions. Play things cool.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Today you might have to put the wants and needs of someone else before your own. You not being a martyr, it’s just what’s happening. You have a generous heart so you won’t mind doing this. Remember — “It’s a joy to labor for those you love.” (But it’s nice to get paid.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This is a romantic day. Your romantic experiences will be emotionally deep and intense. Others might feel this same influence in a way that makes you feel protective and nurturing about someone, especially a child. This is also a playful day!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today you will welcome an opportunity to retire by yourself to your own private place. You want to cocoon at home among pleasant, familiar surroundings. If you can do this, you will also enjoy being reflective and having a chance to be introspective. (“What will I do with the time left to me?”)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

A female relative might play an important role. Meanwhile, your communications will be more subjective than usual. You will more likely rely on your instincts and your feelings as opposed to your intellect. “I’ve got this hunch. …”

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Because the moon is traveling through one of your Money Houses, it’s easy for you to identify with your possessions. You will enjoy being surrounded by the things that you like. Meanwhile, don’t react to someone who makes you feel you have to defend yourself. Move on.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Because the moon is in your sign, everything is a bit more emotional than usual. However, the moon is in your sign for two days every month, and when this occurs, it also slightly improves your good luck. Why not ask the universe for a favor? See what happens.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

The moon is hiding in your chart, which makes you tempted to withdraw and keep your feelings secret. You’re not being antisocial; you need time by yourself to do what you want to do. You might want to explore a mystical or spiritual discipline because it intrigues you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Your emotional contact with a friend will be important to you. You will want them to know that you need them and you hope that they need you. This is why you will feel protective to someone and more supportive than usual.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Robert Downey Jr. (1965) shares your birthday. You are playful, mischievous and yet straightforward and ready to tell it like it is. You’re a hard worker. Now you will start to see the benefit of all your hard work. About time! Focus on building solid foundations now and for the future. Work with purpose. Physical exercise will be important, which is why you will enjoy physical activities and sports.

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Horoscope for Sunday, April 4, 2021on April 4, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »

Bullpen blows another lead, defense shaky again as White Sox fall to AngelsDaryl Van Schouwenon April 4, 2021 at 4:47 am

Los Angeles Angels’ Justin Upton (10) celebrates with teammates after he hit a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif. Jared Walsh also scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) | AP Photos

Justin Upton’s homer against Evan Marshall caps a three-run rally in the eighth inning and sends the Sox to a 5-3 loss.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Yermin Mercedes made history with hits in his first eight plate appearances, the last one giving the White Sox a lead against the host Angels.

So much for enjoying a piece of Sox history.

The Sox (1-2) had another poor defensive game and their bullpen failed to hold a late lead for the second time in their first three games, adding up to a 5-3 loss to the Angels Saturday night. Right-hander Evan Marshall allowed a tying RBI triple to Jared Walsh before Justin Upton broke the tie with a two-run homer in the eighth.

“Those guys have the same goals as we do,” Marshall said. “Tomorrow is a new day.”

Who knows what tomorrow will bring for Mercedes. A night after going 5-for-5 in his first major league start, Mercedes homered, singled and doubled in his first three plate appearances before flying out to center field, falling two hits shy of the Sox record for consecutive hits. Hall of Famer Frank Thomas (1997) is one of three players who share the record.

“He didn’t hit for the cycle so I’m going to have to hold that against him,” manager Tony La Russa quipped.

Mercedes is the first player in the modern era of the major leagues to begin a season 8-for-8, with one Sox win and one loss to show for it in the games he was the designated hitter.

Lance Lynn needed 99 pitches to get through 4 2⁄3 innings in his first start as a Sox, allowing two unearned runs as the Sox defense continued a bad opening series. The Angels have scored seven unearned runs in three games.

Two unearned runs in the third inning resulted from a comical error by Gold Glove center fielder Luis Robert, who called off shortstop Tim Anderson on Anthony Rendon’s popup, only to have it bounce off the bill of his cap for a two-out error allowing the Angels’ David Fletcher to score from first.

Jared Walsh followed with a single scoring Rendon — who had moved into scoring position when Eaton picked up the Robert drop and skipped the throw into the infield off the pitcher’s mound for another error — to give the Angels another unearned run and a 2-1 lead.

“If you take the mound, your job is to pick guys up. They pick you up when you have bad games,” Lynn said. “This game is nasty. There is no blame, you’re all about making the next pitch and that’s the truth of the matter.”

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Bullpen blows another lead, defense shaky again as White Sox fall to AngelsDaryl Van Schouwenon April 4, 2021 at 4:47 am Read More »

It’s on: Gonzaga vs. Baylor for the national championshipJohn Marshall | APon April 4, 2021 at 4:49 am

Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs shoots over UCLA guard David Singleton to win the game in overtime Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Michael Conroy/AP

The showdown between Baylor and Gonzaga that was called off in December because of the pandemic is finally back on, with the biggest stakes of all.

INDIANAPOLIS — Baylor made a mockery of the first Final Four game, stifling Houston for a chance at the program’s first national title.

Gonzaga made miracles happen, winning on one of the greatest shots in NCAA Tournament history.

The showdown between Baylor and Gonzaga that was called off in December because of the pandemic is finally back on, with the biggest stakes of all: The two best teams all season will play for the national championship Monday night.

The wait was worth it.

The Bears opened the first Final Four in two years by overwhelming Houston, 78-59, cruising to their first national championship game since 1948.

Gonzaga’s free-flowing offense was struck down in the nightcap by UCLA, who slogged the game down enough to get it to overtime. Freshman Jalen Suggs came to Bulldogs’ rescue, banking in a 3-pointer from just inside the half-court line at the buzzer for a 93-90 win.

“At the end of it, you could tell how both staffs and all the players reacted that it was an all-timer,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said.

The bid for the first undefeated team since Indiana in 1976 is still intact.

“It was nuts. I still can’t speak,” Suggs said. “I have a million things going on in my head. I just can’t believe that it happened.”

Baylor had seemed to lose some of its defensive mojo during a three-week COVID-19 pause late in the season. The rotations, not as sharp. The closeouts, not quite as close. But the Bears (27-2) rolled through the first four NCAA Tournament games, winning at a nearly 15-points clip, and seemed to have an extra jolt of energy in their first Final Four game since 1950.

Flying around Lucas Oil Stadium, Baylor had the Cougars (28-4) stumbling across the floor with wave after wave of defenders. They made every shot a chore for Houston, switching or trapping ball screens to prevent open looks and collapsing in the paint whenever the Cougars did break free.

A defensive demolition that bodes well for the title game against the ultra-efficient Zags.

“It’s starting to feel like we’re back to where we were before the pause,” said Baylor’s Jared Butler, who had 17 points. “It’s great that this is the right time. We thought it was the worst thing possible when we stopped and it was a three-week break, but I think it worked out perfectly for us.”

UCLA’s upset bid against college basketball’s juggernaut hinged on two big factors: bogging down the game and making shots.

The Bruins (22-10) did both to perfection in the first half.

The bogging down came via the slow roll. With coach Mick Cronin giving slow-down hand gestures, UCLA refused to run even when it had opportunities and methodically worked its offense in half-court sets.

The shot-making part is something UCLA has been doing all through the bracket. Tough shots have fallen since the Bruins arrived in Indy and they kept dropping in the Final Four – 15 of 26, 4 of 7 from 3.

All those shots going in meant fewer rebounds, in turn meaning fewer opportunities for the Bulldogs to get out and do what they do best: run. Gonzaga made 17 of 28 shots, but only led 45-44 at halftime.

The Zags (31-0) were in a similar position in the West Coast Conference Tournament title game. They trailed by 14 in the first half, found their rhythm and won by 10.

The Bruins wouldn’t let it happen to them. They kept making shots, taking it down to the wire.

Drew Timme took a late charge against Johnny Juzang in regulation to send it to overtime. After Juzang scored on a putback, Suggs provided the did-that-just-happen flourish, dribbling over the half-court and letting it fly for the first buzzer-beater of the tournament.

“He’s got that magical aura,” Few said. “It’s been crazy this year how many he’s made in practice where (it’s on) last-second shots. I felt pretty good. I was staring right at it. I was like, ‘That’s in,’ and it was.”

A miracle finish, setting up what is sure to be a mesmerizing title game college basketball fans have waited two years to see.

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It’s on: Gonzaga vs. Baylor for the national championshipJohn Marshall | APon April 4, 2021 at 4:49 am Read More »

Liam Hendriks takes bumpy first save as White Sox closer in strideon April 4, 2021 at 1:18 am

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Closer Liam Hendriks’ White Sox debut wasn’t how he would have drawn it up, allowing a two-run homer to Shohei Ohtani in a rocky ninth inning of a 12-8 win Friday.

But all was not lost.

“We’re going to be on TV in Japan for about a month after that one so it’s good to be building my brand a little bit,” Hendriks quipped Saturday, before the Sox played the Angels in a late game at Angel Stadium.

Hendriks can take a mulligan, having been derailed for eight days because of a kidney stone late in spring training, having to wait through “the longest half inning in history” in the top of the ninth. The Sox scored five runs to break open a close game in which Hendriks had entered with two outs in the eighth.

The normal adrenaline flow was thereby tempered, and it took 34 pitches to get four outs and his first save.

Hendriks ended it with a strikeout of Anthony Rendon, and didn’t hide his emotions even though the outcome wasn’t on the line with the pitch.

“It was a little bit of relief, a little bit of frustration on my part,” Hendriks said. “Obviously, I shouldn’t have let things get to where they were but it happened. At the end of the day a save is a save is a save is a save.”

Hendriks signed a $54 million contract as a free agent in the offseason.

“I got a little emotional at the end of that one,” he said. “First outing in the black and white.”

Defending the defense

The Sox made three errors (Nick Madrigal, Jose Abreu, Adam Eaton) in their first two games, creating two unearned runs on opening night and three Friday.

Manager Tony La Russa knows it must be better but isn’t concerned.

“We’ll have in my opinion, one of the top-five, six defensive clubs in the league as the schedule gets played out,” La Russa said. “I’m very confident about that.

“We have a very strong defensive club. It’s just the way we started with some mistakes here or there. We’re going to be really good.”

Yoan Moncada bobbled a ground ball costing the Sox a double play Friday, but La Russa said it had tricky spin.

Upon further review

La Russa came under fire for not challenging an out call on Nick Madrigal’s stolen base attempt during the seventh inning on opening night, and it’s fair to say the play was close enough and late enough in the game to be challenged. But a major league source familiar with MLB’s replay operations said that video evidence wouldn’t have provided enough evidence to overturn the call.

The Sox lost 4-3. After his first game managing since 2011, La Russa alluded to a new rule reducing the time to make a replay decision from 30 seconds to 20 seconds, essentially admitting the trigger wasn’t pulled in time. But in the end, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway.

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Liam Hendriks takes bumpy first save as White Sox closer in strideon April 4, 2021 at 1:18 am Read More »

Blackhawks notebook: Vinnie Hinostroza will receive opportunity to contribute after quarantineBen Popeon April 4, 2021 at 12:02 am

Jeremy Colliton made Vinnie Hinostroza into a productive player during the 2017-18 season and brought him back based on that relationship. | AP file phot/David Zalubowski

Plus, Brandon Hagel leaves COVID-19 protocol after positive test determined to be false, and faceoff woes continue to plague the Hawks.

Vinnie Hinostroza clearly wasn’t part of Joel Quenneville’s plans for the Panthers the rest of this season, considering how eagerly they dumped him in Friday’s trade.

But the Blackhawks see Hinostroza as someone who can play a significant role.

“I feel confident that he can contribute,” Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton said Saturday. “We need more of those guys, so [I’m] happy that he’s going to get an opportunity. We’ll see what happens.”

If anyone knows how to maximize Hinostroza’s strengths, it’s probably Colliton.

The two are familiar with each other from the 2017-18 AHL season, when Colliton took over as the Rockford IceHogs’ coach and Hinostroza was sent there after Hawks training camp.

Under Colliton’s watch, Hinostroza dominated the minor leagues to the tune of 22 points in his first 23 games. That earned him an early December call-up and he hasn’t been back to the AHL since.

Any more time in Florida and he likely would’ve ended up back in the minors, though, so Colliton expects him to be “hungry for the opportunity” with the Hawks. He’s driving the 20 hours to Chicago, rather than flying, in order to reduce his required quarantine time.

Colliton also insisted Hinostroza’s addition wouldn’t cost a young player like Philipp Kurashev a roster spot or block a prospect’s route to the NHL.

“It won’t block anyone,” he said. “Ultimately, the guys earn what they get. They’re going to get an opportunity to show what they deserve. But you want to have quality surrounding your young players that play.”

Hagel had false positive

Brandon Hagel was placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list Friday because of a false positive, Colliton said.

After several negative tests in the past 24 hours, Hagel was removed from the list Saturday. He played in the Hawks’ 3-0 loss to the Predators, although Colliton said he “had had to jump through quite a few hoops to get” to Nashville since he wasn’t allowed on the team flight Friday.

That news is certainly a relief for the Hawks — especially in light of the disastrous ongoing outbreak with the Canucks that has so far reportedly infected 14 players and three coaches, some severely.

Faceoff woes continue

The Hawks squandered a crucial one minute, 55 seconds of a five-on-three power play Saturday in part because Kirby Dach lost all three faceoffs during it, giving the Preds three easy clears.

It turns out that has been happening all year. The Hawks entered the day 30th in the NHL in power-play faceoff percentage at 46.6% — just slightly better than their 28th-place ranking in overall faceoff percentage.

David Kampf and Carl Soderberg are the Hawks’ only centers above 48% — much less 50% — on draws this year.

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Blackhawks notebook: Vinnie Hinostroza will receive opportunity to contribute after quarantineBen Popeon April 4, 2021 at 12:02 am Read More »

Bearing down: Baylor routs Houston to reach title gameDave Skretta | Associated Presson April 4, 2021 at 12:27 am

Baylor guard Davion Mitchell shoots over Houston guard Marcus Sasser on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Darron Cummings/AP

Jared Butler scored 17 points to lead five Baylor players in double figures, and the Bears roared to a 78-59 victory over the Cougars in the Final Four.

INDIANAPOLIS — Nearly two decades ago, Scott Drew decided to leave his comfort zone at tiny Valparaiso for the scandal-plagued basketball program at Baylor, explaining to his father that there was nowhere for the Bears to go but up.

Now, they’re one win away from the top.

Led by Jared Butler and the rest of their brilliant backcourt, a defense that refused to give Houston an inch, and a coach intent on making the most of his first trip to the Final Four, the Bears roared to a 78-59 victory Saturday night in their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament semifinals in 71 long years.

“Every day you’re grinding, and you don’t really look back. You’re pressing forward,” Drew said, “but I’m so blessed to have these unbelievable players that bought into what we like to do with the program.”

Or, as Butler put it: “This is what we came to Baylor to do.”

Butler scored all 17 of his points in the first half, but just about everyone from Baylor (27-2) got in on the act, with five players scoring in double figures. They doubled up Houston after 10 minutes, built a 45-20 lead by halftime and coasted the rest of the way in the first Final Four showdown between schools from the Lonestar State.

They’ll face Gonzaga, the overall No. 1 seed, or upstart UCLA on Monday night for their first national championship.

“That was one of my goals, to leave a legacy at Baylor,” Butler said. “And you have to win national championships. You have to win. You have to be a great program, be about great things, and that’s what we’re doing.”

Marcus Sasser had 20 points for the cold-shooting Cougars (28-4), whose dream path to their first Final Four since 1984 — they faced teams seeded 15th, 10th, 11th and 12th along the way — ended with a whimper against a team focused squarely on this night since the moment last year’s tournament was canceled because of the pandemic.

For Drew, the wait had been even longer.

He took over a program 18 years ago embroiled in arguably the biggest controversy in the history of the sport: the graphic shooting death of player Patrick Dennehy, his teammate Devon Dotson pleading guilty to his murder, attempts by then-coach Dave Bliss to cover it all up, and NCAA sanctions that lasted well into Drew’s own tenure.

Yet somehow, the son of longtime Valpo coach Homer Drew always pictured the very scene that unfolded Saturday night: His team playing selflessly, almost effortlessly, never once feeling the pressure of college basketball’s biggest stage.

Well, there were a few things Drew probably didn’t picture.

Instead of 70,000 fans reaching to the rafters, the Bears were cheered in the lower bowl by thousands of cardboard cutouts — from the late Georgetown coach John Thompson to New Mexico State mascot Pistol Pete — due to measures against COVID-19 that have forced them to live in a bubble for the last three weeks.

The roughly 8,000 fans that were allowed through the doors, socially distanced in a vast ocean of blue seats, provided a muted soundtrack to the blowout inside the cavernous home of the Indianapolis Colts.

The only cheering? That came from those in green and gold.

The Bears controlled the game from the jump, unleashing an early 14-3 run fueled by the crisp passing, silky shooting and dastardly defense that made them unbeatable before a 23-day COVID-19 pause late in the regular season.

When the Cougars finally scored, the Bears ripped off another 16-3 run later in the first half, carving up the nation’s top 3-point field-goal defense with ruthless efficiency. By the time Davion Mitchell knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to end the first half, the Bears had a 45-20 lead that felt insurmountable.

Probably because it just about was.

Sasser did everything he could to keep Houston alive, hitting five 3-pointers and scoring 17 himself. But the rest of the Cougars were 1 of 15 from the field, including All-American guard Quentin Grimes (0 for 5) and DeJon Jarreau (1 for 7), who earned MVP honors in the Midwest Region.

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, whose reputation for being a master tactician was stretched to the limit, tried to get the guard-heavy Cougars to forget about the 3-point line and go right to the basket in the second half.

The Cougars cut their deficit to 16 at one point, but there was no coming back on this night.

The big cushion down the stretch gave the Bears — mullet-haired Matthew Mayer, MaCio Teague and Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua in their bright pink sneakers, Butler and Mitchell and the rest of their guys lounging on the bench — plenty of time to celebrate the program’s second trip to the national title game.

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Bearing down: Baylor routs Houston to reach title gameDave Skretta | Associated Presson April 4, 2021 at 12:27 am Read More »

Phillips shakes off 504-day layoff, beats Westinghouseon April 3, 2021 at 11:33 pm

Jacoby Erving waited for his moment. The Phillips senior was the fourth string running back last season. And it has been 504 days between football games for the Wildcats. That’s a lot of time for anyone, but it feels even longer to high school kid.

So when Erving finally had his chance, he took total advantage. Erving took his first touch of the game, a handoff on Phillips’ second play, all the way to the house for a 50-yard touchdown run.

The Wildcats beat Westinghouse 46-6 on Saturday at Solorio. Erving and fellow running back Jamel Britt each scored three touchdowns.

“Throughout these 500 days I’ve been working and working and working,” Erving said. “We only have four games but I’m going to show out and ball.”

Erving had seven carries for 133 yards. He scored on the 50-yard run, a three-yard run and a 20-yard run.

Erving is small, fast and shifty. Britt is a punishing, 220-pound runner. He had six carries for 55 yards. Britt caught a 36-yard touchdown pass from Phillips quarterback Tyler Turner and had a seven-yard and a 12-yard touchdown run.

“When I’m back there they think I’m a speed back and I can’t run people over,” Erving said. “And when [Britt] is back there they think it’s for short yardage. But he is versatile too. He can run and bust through a whole just like me.”

Chicago Public Schools began allowing limited fans at games this week.

“We were going to come out and do our thing with or without fans but to have the people here that love us and enjoy watching us play, it is so much better,” Britt said. “It motivates us.”

Turner, a junior, was 10-for-22 for 170 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception.

“The two senior running backs really stepped up,” Phillips coach Troy McAllister said. “They’ve both waited their turn patiently and they both stood up today.”

Phillips’ backbone was its defense. The Wildcats held Westinghouse, which beat Lincoln Park 26-0 last week, to just four yards rushing and 39 yards passing.

“We try to limit every opponent we face to negative yards,” Phillips linebacker Steven Hirsch said. “This is a great accomplishment but we still have work to do.”

Hirsch, who has committed to Wisconsin-Platteville, was worried he’d show up at college with one fewer season under his belt than everyone else, so just playing on Saturday felt like a gift.

“It’s amazing,” Hirsch said. “I was scared that all my future teammates would have full 14-game seasons and I’d be on the outside looking in and it was really tough. Even just four games, it is a blessing.”

Westinghouse (1-1) scored midway through the first quarter on a 90-yard interception return by senior LaDainian Linnear.

“That was a learning experience,” Warriors coach Julius Carter said. “We are a really young team. With the spring season popping up on us we are missing a few kids. We had a good win last week and now we played one of the top teams in the state. We have to bounce back, review the film, fix our mistakes and get ready for Lane.”

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Phillips shakes off 504-day layoff, beats Westinghouseon April 3, 2021 at 11:33 pm Read More »

Kurt Miller, a Winnetka veterinarian who gave his all for people and pets, passes awayon April 3, 2021 at 9:59 pm

Dr. Kurt Miller was a man for all the right reasons.

Last Tuesday, we got to count all the ways he was.

A champion of companion animals, Dr. Miller, 56, a much loved North Shore veterinarian with a pachyderm-sized clientele, died suddenly at his home Tuesday.

Although he had recovered from COVID-19 late last year, his sudden death was a stunner.

Well-known and loved in the community, the man known as “Dr. Kurt” was a maestro in the magisterium of dogs and cats wiggling their way through his office since setting up his own shop, the Winnetka Animal Hospital, in 2007.

“I’m still crying,” said Marilyn Wirtz, wife of Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, whose late Beagles Bernie and Queenie pose next to the Stanley Cup in a wall portrait in Dr. Miller’s office.

“He was so special,” she said. “He knew we suffered if our pets suffered. He took care of us as well as our pets.”

Truth be told, Dr. Miller also tended to my golden retrievers Marley, Querencia, Zeb, Pip and Tutu along with cats Minou II, the “Terrible Tess,” and Calvin the magnificent mouser.

“In the category of a wonderful life, he checked all the boxes,” said Francee Nachbar, an office staffer and friend for 25 years.

“When Kurt was a young vet just starting out, he once drove a sick Boxer five hours to a teaching hospital in Missouri where a doctor was capable of doing a rare procedure, stayed for three days, and drove the client back without charging a dime for his help.”

As a client, there was always an available Tootsie Roll Pop to tide you through an office visit; as a patient there was always a dog treat exit.

And if you wanted a little adventure while waiting in his office, Zola the Ball Python could be viewed nesting in a large box off a back office wall — an act of adoption kindness when the young son of a client died.

“Kurt was a diagnostician whose practice was all about compassion and respect for companion animals and their important role in people’s lives,” said his wife, Julie, whose home was shared with “Blue” the Labrador, “Hazie” the new Great Dane Christmas puppy, and the PAWS Chicago rescue cat named “Anabelle,” a special needs kitty.

“Kurt, who had been considering becoming a doctor, opted to become a veterinarian after receiving a grant to work in Liberia, West Africa, on river blindness and where he helped with the release of chimpanzees used to develop Hepatitis C vaccine,” said his wife.

“He wanted them returned to the wild instead of being used for new AIDS experimentation.”

The couple, parents of son Nolan, 26, who recently got engaged — and daughter Grace, 21, who is soon to graduate from college, recently celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary.

“Dr. Miller was genuine,” said Dr. Bruce Kramer, a member of Miller’s medical staff.

Tech vet Kayla West noted the special, private room in Miller’s office complex designed to ease the delivery of difficult news,” she said.

“While hiring me, he offered inducements like the office’s ice cream socials Wednesdays and pizza day Fridays. He also loved to cook and loved to feed us.”

“When he had to close the office for 10 days last December because of COVID, he told us not to worry because we would be paid no matter what,” she added.

“It was his way of doing things.”

Thanks for doing things your way, Kurt.

March Madness . . .

. . . mayhem style!

In 2018, Loyola University’s beloved 101-year-old chaplain Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt spun March Madness magic cheering the Ramblers men’s basketball team into their historic Final Four run.

This year, it’s 15-year-old Riverside native Sam Tomas calling what could become the March Madness sure shot!

  • Translation: Tomas’ 2021 NCAA Men’s Tournament bracket is currently ranked #3 worldwide in the ESPN Men’s Tournament Challenge.
  • To wit: This puts the basketball-loving teen in the top 99.9999998 percentile.
  • Timeout: There are seven other people in the same slot tied for third place with Tomas.
  • The twist: A life-long Michigan State University Spartans fan, Tomas’ bracket is dubbed “MSU Underdog.”
  • The kicker: Once the UCLA Bruins made an improbable run to this year’s Final Four by beating Tomas’ beloved Spartans, his impressive bracket secured its #3 spot.

“The reaction has been crazy,” Tomas explained.

“I planned on Michigan State going to the Final Four, but once UCLA beat them, I just stuck with UCLA. I guess that was a good idea.”

Sneedlings . . .

Saturday birthdays: Eddie Murphy, 60; Alec Baldwin, 63; and Paris Jackson, 23. . . . Sunday birthdays: Robert Downey Jr., 56; Jill Scott, 49; and David Blaine, 48.

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Kurt Miller, a Winnetka veterinarian who gave his all for people and pets, passes awayon April 3, 2021 at 9:59 pm Read More »