Soccer

Dear Eric: After 38 years of military and Department of Defense service, I retired and moved to my current home eight years ago (in a town I’ve never lived in before). I became friends with a woman two years ago and she introduced me to her larger circle of friends (about 19 women). Since then, I’ve become close with her and her best friend and the three of us often do things … [Read more...] about Asking Eric: I’m left out of the group chat

Dear Eric: A friend is planning his second marriage. It will be his fiancée’s third. Both are in their mid-to-late 60s, have owned their single-family homes for many years, and have reasonably well-paying jobs. They are planning a wedding shower and have registered for gifts, including expensive kitchen equipment and utensils, china, glassware, lamps, and living room … [Read more...] about Asking Eric: Blatant case of chutzpah

Dear Eric: About 14 years ago our son was seriously dating a woman whom both my wife and I really adored. We both thought she would be a great wife and daughter-in-law. She became the daughter we always wanted to have. Then the unspeakable happened. She cheated on him. They broke up, yet remained friends, but she claimed she had adopted us as her parents. She was estranged from … [Read more...] about Asking Eric: Friend urges us to see her play in drum troupe

Dear Eric: One of my husband’s son’s is going through an ongoing divorce, many years. A few years ago, he started storing equipment, tools, bikes, and more in our garage, attic, shed and basement. Our garage is packed to the ceiling, and we cannot use it for many of our own things. We felt badly for him when he first told us of his “plight”, and we said he could store some … [Read more...] about Asking Eric: I may be overreacting

Elgin residents can expect to pay more in property taxes, water and sewer rates, and garbage fees in 2026 under the new budget approved by the Elgin City Council. The property tax rate is going up by 13.2% — the first increase property tax hike in 11 years, officials said. For the owner of a home or property assessed at $300,000, the city’s portion of the tax bill will go up … [Read more...] about New Elgin budget includes 13.2% property tax hike, fee increases