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Four Joliet West High School musicians were selected to the prestigious Illinois Music Education Association All-State Bands, Choirs and Orchestras. Students from across the state are chosen based on their audition in the fall and participation in the District Festivals held throughout November. The students will spend 3 days in Peoria rehearsing with other outstanding musicians from across Illinois, culminating in a concert on January 27. The Joliet West musicians selected to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Bands, Choirs and Orchestras are Finn Chellino (clarinet); Charlotte Dean (Alto I); Payton Fraser (Soprano II); and David Quintana (Double Bass) Musical instructors are Alyson Bauman, Tim DeBoer, Peter Lipari, and Eric Wellman.
News from Plainfield • Joliet • Shorewood • Lockport • Crest Hill • Bolingbrook • Romeoville • Downers Grove • Westmont • Woodridge • Lisle • Niles • Morton Grove • Park Ridge & more
Joliet Central High School announced that three of its talented musicians have been selected for the prestigious Illinois Music Education Association All-State Bands and Choirs. These students were chosen based on their exceptional auditions in the fall and their participation in the District Festivals held throughout November. They will spend three days in Peoria, rehearsing with other outstanding musicians from across Illinois, and their efforts will culminate in a concert on January 27. Those honored are: Kevin Guzman, a senior, for the All-State Honors Band, he is one of the top ten trumpet players in the state; Ariana Lawson, a junior, as Soprano II for the All-State Chorus and Maximiliano Saenz, a junior, as Bass II for the All-State Chorus.
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Armed juvenile charged with possession of stolen motor vehicle/unlawful use of a firearm
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Woodridge Chief of Police Brian Cunningham announced today that a Cook County juvenile, who was allegedly armed, has been accused of leading police on a highspeed chase in a stolen car. The juvenile, a seventeen-year-old male, appeared at a detention hearing this morning where Judge Demetrios Panoushis ordered that he be detained until at least his next court appearance. The juvenile is charged with one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony), one count of Theft $500-$10,000 (Class 3 Felony), one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Unlawful Use of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony). On January 4, 2024, at approximately 3:46 a.m., a Woodridge police officer responded to a call of a stolen 2007 Toyota Camry from the 7-Eleven convenient store located at 7500 Janes Avenue. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that the driver of the Camry left the car unlocked and running while he went into the 7-Eleven at which time
the juvenile entered the vehicle and fled the scene. Approximately three minutes later, a Willowbrook police officer located the vehicle in the 100 block of 75th Street and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. It is alleged that instead of pulling over, the juvenile fled from officers driving through a red light at Kingery and 75th Street and driving the wrong way on Burr Ridge Parkway. It is alleged that when the car started to smoke, the juvenile exited the car and fled on foot near Burr Ridge Parkway and Lifetime Drive. After a brief foot pursuit, the juvenile was taken into custody. It is alleged that approximately five feet away from where officers took the juvenile into custody, officers located a loaded 9mm Ruger handgun with one bullet in the chamber. “It is alleged that after stealing a man’s vehicle, the juvenile suspect in this case, who is not legally entitled to possess a handgun, attempted to outrun authorities in a car and on foot only to be apprehended just minutes later,” Berlin said. “This behavior is extremely dangerous and puts not only the accused, but the officers involved
as well as the public at tremendous risk. Leading police on a high-speed chase is not the answer and will only make matters worse. I thank the Woodridge Police Department for their work on this case as well as the Willowbrook Police Department for their assistance in apprehending the defendant. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Pingaj and Katharine Walker for their efforts in preparing a strong case against the juvenile.” “This case represents how interagency cooperation helps to keep DuPage County safe,” Cunningham said. “I would like to thank our officers for their quick response to the scene, the operators from DuPage County Safety Communications (DuCOMM) for assisting us with broadcasting the incident to surrounding agencies, and the Willowbrook officers who helped us apprehend a dangerous person. I also thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their legal guidance.” The juvenile’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 12, 2024, in front of Judge Panoushis. Members of the public are
reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a
fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Cook County’s first marriage license of 2024 The Cook County Clerk’s Office issued the first marriage license of 2024 to a couple who were wed in a special ceremony after winning the Clerk’s annual marriage lottery contest. Angelica Rodriguez, 30, and Alfonso Arroyo, 28, were married January 2 in a ceremony at the Clerk’s Office in downtown Chicago. The Clerk’s Office received more than 200 entries for the annual marriage license drawing. “The lottery for the first marriage license is becoming more and more popular each year and we are always so excited to choose a lucky couple,” said Clerk Karen Yarbrough. “We wish the happy couple a lifetime of health and happiness.” In addition to receiving the first marriage license of 2024, the couple received special gifts donated by several Chicago-area signature establishments including a gourmet steak and lobster dinner gift box provided by Whittingham Meats, a sparkling wine basket provided by Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, dance lessons provided by Duet Dance Studio, a gift card from Eli’s Cheesecake, a couples cooking lesson provided by The Chopping Block, tickets to a comedy show provided by Laugh Factory Chicago, and flower arrangements provided by LaSalle Flower Group.
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Trump faces Illinois ballot challenge By peter hancock Capitol News Illinois
Illinois is now among the growing list of states in which former President Donald Trump will have to fight to have his name appear on the 2024 election ballots. A group of five voters filed a joint objection to Trump’s candidacy Thursday, arguing that Trump should be disqualified under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits anyone who took part in an insurrection against the United States from holding federal office. The objection alleges that Trump’s attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 elections, including his involvement in events leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, amounted to an insurrection. “Consequently, Donald J. Trump is disqualified from, and ineligible to hold, the office of President of the United States,” the objection states. “Accordingly, his nomination papers are invalid under Illinois law because when Trump swore he was ‘qualified’ for the presidential office, as required by (state statute), he did so falsely.” Thursday was the first day for presidential candidates to file petitions for the March 19 primary ballot. According to the Illinois State Board of Elections’ website, the Trump campaign filed its petitions at 8 a.m., along with fellow Republican candidates Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and Texas businessman Ryan L. Binkley. On the Democratic side, President Joe Biden’s campaign filed petitions, along with Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson. As of Thursday evening, Trump was the only candidate facing an
objection. The deadline for filing objections is Friday, Jan. 12. Similar objections have been filed in multiple other states. So far, however, they have only been upheld in Colorado and Maine. The Trump campaign has filed appeals in both of those cases, including a direct appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Colorado case. Matthew Piers, a Chicagobased attorney who filed the Illinois objection, said in an interview that the cases highlight the differences in election laws among the various states. In some states, he said, primary elections are considered operations of political parties, not the states themselves, and therefore are not subject to rules set by the state. But in Illinois, he said, state law specifically requires candidates to state on their nominating petitions that they are qualified for the office they are seeking. Article II of the U.S. Constitution requires presidents to be “natural born citizens” who are at least 35 years of age and who have been residents of the United States for at least 14 years. But the 14th amendment – enacted in the aftermath of the Civil War – adds more conditions, barring any former public officials who previously took an oath to support the Constitution from holding certain public offices in the future if they ever engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States or gave aid or comfort to its enemies. The objection cites numerous other government agencies and officials who have concluded that the events of Jan. 6, 2021, were an insurrection, including decisions of the Colorado Supreme Court and the Maine secretary of state to keep Trump’s name off the ballot in those states. The objection also cites several recent court rulings, including some involving people convicted
of crimes stemming from the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol. In an email, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy said the state party is neutral in the GOP primary but that the issue of Trump’s candidacy should be decided by voters. “This attempt to remove President Trump from the ballot without due process is an anti-democracy attempt to limit the voting rights of Illinois citizens and should be dismissed outright,” Tracy said. Legal challenges to a candidate’s qualifications for office are not uncommon in Illinois. Dozens of them are currently pending at the Illinois State Board of Elections against candidates for the General
Assembly and various judicial positions, mostly based on claims that petition signatures were invalid or insufficient. In 2016, a challenge was filed against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton based on her petition signatures. And in 2012, Democratic President Barack Obama faced three nearly identical challenges to his candidacy based on false allegations about his citizenship. State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich said in an email the objection to Trump’s candidacy will be investigated by a hearing officer who will make a recommendation to the board’s general counsel. The full, eight-member bipartisan board
will consider the challenge at a meeting Tuesday, Jan. 30. Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a quote from Illinois GOP Chairman Don Tracy. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
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Virginia Anne Goss, age 98, of Yorkville, IL passed away on December 25, 2023 at Sandwich Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Sandwich, IL. She was born on August 28, 1925 at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, IL the daughter of Ralton and Margaret (Pennington) Sillar. When she was a small child, her attempts to say Virginia Anne came out as “Zanne”, a nickname which stuck for the rest of her life. Virginia went all through grade school and high school in the schools of Plainfield, IL, graduation from Plainfield High School in 1943. She met her husband, Arthur L. Goss, Jr., in high school, and they were married during World War II on June 9, 1945, when he was in the Army Air Corps. For most of the time between the end of the war to 1955, they lived in and around Plainfield. In 1955, they moved to Rollo, IL, and then in 1969, to Yorkville. During the war and until her children were born she worked at Western United Gas and Electric in Aurora, IL, in a bank, a department store, a clothing store, and at Lyon Metal in Aurora. She was an excellent homemaker, but found some time during child raising years to do occasional secretarial work and bookkeeping work. Virginia was active in the Yorkville Women’s Club, on the Yorkville Election board, as a volunteer in the Yorkville pre-school vision and hearing program, and as a volunteer at Hillside Nursing Home in Yorkville. In 1994, Virginia started working part-time at the Yorkville Public Library. She loved working at the library, continuing to work there until 2017, just a few days before her 92 birthday. As a young girl, Virginia enjoyed roller skating and horseback riding. As an adult, she enjoyed visiting family, watching old classic movies, and spending weekends with her husband at Lake Sinissippi in Hustisford, WI, She had an amazing memory and could recall
LEGAL NOTICEv Certificate No. 34993 was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of WILL COUNTY on DECEMBER 29, 2023 wherein the business firm of JELLY CRAFT EMBROIDERY Located at 900 Willow Ln., Shorewood, IL 60404 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective address(es), is/are as follows: JoEllen Eveland Sarpen 900 Willow Ln., Shorewood, IL 60404 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Joliet, Illinois. this 29th day of DECEMBER, 2023 Lauren Staley-Ferry County Clerk Published in the Bugle 1/4/24, 1/11/24, 1/18/24
relatives and events from many years ago. Virginia is survived by two sons, David (Diane) Goss and Allan (Beth) Goss; three grandchildren, Brad Goss, Andrew (Jen Husted) Goss, and Joanna Goss; two greatgrandchildren, Harrison Picton and Maryelle Goss; two nephews and one niece; and several great nephews and nieces and great great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralton and Margaret Sillar; her husband, Arthur Goss; and her brother, Robert (Joyce) Sillar. Visitation will be held from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM on Friday, December 29, 2023 and the funeral will be held at 1:30 PM the same day, both at the Yorkville Congregational United Church of Christ, 409 Center Parkway, Yorkville, IL with Rev. Elizabeth Hartung officiating. Burial will be at the Wheatland Township Cemetery north of Plainfield. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or 630-553-7611. Arrangements by Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield, IL. For more information, call (815) 436-9221 or visit www.overman-jones.com
Josephine E. Kocher, 76, of Plainfield, IL passed away and entered eternal life on December 30, 2023. Josie was born on December 16, 1947 to American and Irish Parents, Joseph and Bridget (Houston) Kocik in Glasgow, Scotland. Josie came to the United States at 5 years of age and graduated from Lockport West High School while residing in Crest Hill, IL. Josie is survived by her four wonderful children, Stephen Kocher, Michelle (Alex) Diaz, Brian Kocher, and Ken Kocher; four brothers, Peter (Breda) Kocik, Jim (Char) Kocik, Rick (Darlene) Kocik, Mike (Theresa) Kocik; two grandchildren, Anthony Diaz, and Nicholas Diaz; several nieces and nephews, several great-nieces and greatnephews; and sisters-in-law, Katherine “Cookie” Vidrine and Lynn Schuller. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bridget and Joseph Kocik; a twin sister, Marie (aged three months); brother, John Kocik; and former spouse, Del Kocher. Josie first worked at the Joliet Arsenal making 105 mm caliber Howitzer Ammunition in the late 1960’s. She also worked at the White Fence Farm Restaurant when she was young, which afforded her the opportunity to travel the world. After joining the Joliet Dominic Club (A Catholic Singles Organization) she met and married Del Kocher in 1972. She was a stay-athome mom for several years raising her four children, while simultaneously continuing in the footsteps of her father who owned several bakeries, by baking, decorating and selling custom made cakes out of her home. She also was a highly successful saleswoman for the Tupperware Company in the 1980’s. Josie later proudly worked as a Product Merchandiser for Procter & Gamble in the Chicagoland area and then went on to work in the newly established Central Scheduling Department at Edward Hospital in Naperville, before finishing her career at USF Holland in Joliet working as a biller. Josie was a tenacious woman who provided for her children after becoming a single mother and did “whatever it takes” and often worked several parttime jobs in the early 1990’s, sometimes working 7-days a week, including foodsampling at grocery stores on Saturdays and Sundays – which she truly enjoyed as it gave her the chance to use her sweet personality to socialize and make new friends, which she did everywhere she went. She was a fierce, yet friendly, competitor playing “Scrabble,” “Words
with Friends,” and the “Left Center Right” dice game. On Thursday nights, one could always find her playing BINGO with friends in Plainfield at the American Legion Hall. Josie loved to travel before being married and also after her children were grown. She visited over 25 foreign countries and enjoyed her annual Fall Weekend Trip to Michigan with her family. She supported many organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Misericordia Home, St. Labre Indian School, and the “Baby Bottles for Life” campaign in support of the Waterleaf Women’s Center in Aurora. Josie will be remembered for her selflessness, generosity, and kindness, as well as being a gift giver, having a compassionate soul, and possessing a very strong Christian faith. Her legacy will certainly live on through the lives of her children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Waterleaf Women’s Center, 2055 E. New York St., Aurora, IL 60504. Visitation will be Thursday, January 11, 4:00-8:00 PM at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, corner of Routes 30 & 59, Plainfield. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 12, 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2003 Hassert Blvd., Naperville. Interment will follow at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery, Plainfield, IL. For information please call 815/436-9221 or visit www. overman-jones.com Arrangements by Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield, IL. For more information, call (815) 4369221 or visit www.overman-jones.com
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