Sheriff Jim O`Grady`s been boasting about his diligence in keeping his campaign pledge to get back all those part-time deputy badges that were passed out willy-nilly over the years to little shots and big shots. But as of Tuesday, his office still hadn`t managed to get back the badge belonging to Howard Medley-the CTA official indicted April 6 on federal charges of accepting a bribe.
THE BUSH LEAGUE . . .
Pricey preppy feed: For a $10,000 contribution to the Republican National Committee`s Presidential Trust (and an invitation), one can dine June 18 at the Kenilworth home of Baxter Travenol Laboratories Inc. chairman Bill Graham, who`s hosting the do for Vice President and Mrs. George Bush. If that`s a bit steep, you can skip dinner and just do cocktails (for $1,000) at the Winnetka home of Turtle Wax honcho Denis J. Healy. The Presidential Trust wants to raise $8 million nationally for Bush.
STADIUM STUFF . . .
The howls are still coming from the Interfaith Organizing Project about INC.`s items on a city poll of residents on the proposed West Side Chicago Bears` stadium site. Father Tom O`Gorman says that the city`s conclusions
(that the majority of residents polled favored a buyout or relocation benefits) are wrong and that residents are firmly united in their opposition to the stadium proposal. He and others say they can`t even find anyone who`s been polled. The city stands by its poll.
EMMY, HOW I LOVE YA . . .
Chicago`s television community gathered Monday at the Fairmont Hotel Ballroom for the local Emmy awards, and in a gesture of kindness to the viewing public, didn`t televise the proceedings. . . . The loss of television revenue required cutbacks: Asparagus in puff pastry and wine were cut from the already-printed menu. . . . Overheard: ”How come you`re not a member of the TV Academy?” ”Because Gary Deeb is.” . . . Every show that aired on Chicago television last year-with the possible exception of the daily lottery number drawings-was nominated. Okay, almost every show. In one of the 24 categories, there were 54 nominees. . . . The honeymoon isn`t over: John Coleman and wife Cheryl were spotted on the escalator necking like teenagers.
OFF STAGE . . .
Both sides agree that Bonnie Sue Arp is no longer in the cast of the Goodman Theatre`s production of ”Pal Joey,” which opens Monday. Beyond that, the stories differ. The theatre`s official line: Arp was replaced ”by mutual agreement” and until a replacement is found, the role of Melba the reporter will be played by choreographer Anne Reinking. The other side: Arp got the word Monday from artistic director Bob Falls-by phone-that she was being replaced by Reinking. (According to theater sources, Falls and Reinking said during rehearsals that they were pleased with Arp`s performance.) She received a cash settlement. The end of the story will be revealed when it becomes clear 1) if Reinking is a temporary or permanent replacement, and 2) if the show is going to New York.
A NAME IS A NAME . . .
– But ”Catfish?” That`s the new moniker Mayor Gene Sawyer picked up after his recent successful fishing expedition in his hometown, Greensboro, the self-proclaimed ”catfish capital” of Alabama. Asked about it at a Tuesday press conference at the Merchandise Mart, Sawyer said, ”No, I don`t mind the name. Everybody loves catfish.” Deep-fried, anyway.
– How about ”The Gold Dust Twins?” That`s what the Capitol press corps has dubbed Chicago White Sox owners Eddie Einhorn and Jerry Reinsdorf, who were back in Springfield Tuesday schmoozing Illinois legislators about money for their new stadium.
INC.LINGS. . .
Wednesday birthdays: Boz Scaggs, 44; Audrey Meadows, 64; James Darren, 52; Joan Rivers, 55. . . . When Lou Liberatore of ”Burn This” on Broadway takes a two-week vacation starting June 13, the role of Larry will be played by BDI Theatre Company`s Jim Crag. . . . Julie Wilson, who opens June 14 at the Gold Star Sardine Bar, is being photographed Wednesday for a Harper`s Bazaar fashion layout. . . . When you`re hot department: WLUP`s Jonathon Brandmeier`s Poplar Creek shows later this month will be taped for a home videocassette.
