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news from plainfield Joliet shorewood lockport crest hill Bolingbrook Romeoville downers grove Westmont Woodridge lisle niles morton grove park Ridge & more

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Will coUnty

Jach set to open new wing The new addition at Joliet Area Community Hospice is complete and will open to serve patients and families as soon as state licensing approval is received.

This project is phase one of a two-part project to expand the organization’s facility at 250 Water Stone Circle in Joliet. The goal is to create a 20-bed facility that provides great functionality for patients, families and staff in a warm and peaceful setting.

Phase one is a 9,000 square foot addition on the north end of the existing Hospice Home. It includes 12 all-new patient suites that are built for comfort for both patients and families. Highlights include: • Large suites with beautiful décor and natural lighting • Over-sized patient beds and state-of-the-art medical equipment • Pullout beds for overnight visitors • Electronic communications system, TVs and refrigerators in every suite Each room has French doors which open to a private patio.

The doors are wide enough that the patient can go outside from the comfort of his or her bed.

The new addition includes staff stations just outside the patient suites for maximum connection between patient and staff.

An inviting and peaceful Solace Room offers space for quiet moments. When COVID precautions are lifted, this space will be available for small memorial services.

Once the new addition opens, construction will begin on phase two—the renovation of the existing Hospice Home. Built in 2004 as the first free-standing hospice facility in Illinois, the Hospice Home has served thousands of families. As part of this renovation, all suites will be renovated to include all new furniture, French doors and patios. Family-focused spaces will be added including: • A multi-family living room and dining room where families can gather.

• A private dining room and kitchen where families can prepare and enjoy a special meal if they choose.

• A renovated lobby • A business center for families’

PHOTO COURTESY OF JACH

stained glass window in the new solace Room at the Joliet area community hospice. use.

All construction is expected to be completed by early summer.

During phase two construction, visitors will enter the facility in a temporary lobby in the new addition. Orange signs direct visitors to a parking lot on the east side of the facility.

Current COVID protocol allows two visitors per patient at one time. All visitors are screened before entry and masks are required.

This $8.3 million project was funded through the Remembering from the Heart Capital Campaign which began in 2017. A limited number of naming rights are still available for gifts between $5,000-$50,000. For more information, please contact Eileen Gutierrez, Sr. Director of Development and Communications at 815-7404104.

For Joliet Area Community Hospice CEO Mary K. Sheehan, the completion of phase one is a milestone for the organization she has led since 2015.

“For nearly 40 years, JACH has had the honor and privilege of serving those in need

of end-of-life care. The generosity of this community in supporting this project is heart-warming.

We are also incredibly appreciative of our Board of Directors and campaign steering community for their strong leadership and guidance throughout this project.”

Joliet Area Community Hospice ( JACH) is a not-for-profit, community based, state licensed and Medicare/Medicaid certified agency with local, highly trained teams serving Will, Grundy, Kendall, LaSalle, Livingston, Cook, DuPage, Kankakee, McHenry, Kane and Lake counties.

JACH provides serious illness and hospice care for adults and children and grief support services for family members and the community.

Care is provided in the patient’s home, at assisted or nursing care facilities or in the hospice inpatient unit. No one in need of JACH services is turned away due to their inability to pay.

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oBitUaRy snopeK Lottie T. Snopek (nee Pulaski) of Bolingbrook/Westmont, Beloved wife of the late Joseph. Loving Mother of Joan (Kenneth Dinnon), Barbara, and Joseph (Ann) Snopek. Dear Grandmother of Kenneth, Patrick (Dana) Brian, Timothy, Michael (Elizabeth), Bradford Joseph, and Kathy and Kim. Proud Great-Grandmother of Kenneth, Kaileen, Caroline, Evan, Brianna, Melody, Noelle, Danielle, Tim Jr., Andrew, Lily, Evelyn and Jacob. Fond sister of Stella (Joseph Bielarski), Lucy (Edward Mocadlo) and Edward (Ann) Pulaski; all of whom proceeded her in death.

Lottie was born in Scranton, Pa. on Jan. 22, 1918. She met the one and only love of her life, Joe, at a funeral and after marrying on 10/01/1938 they were inseparable until his death on April 27, 1999. She and her beloved Joe moved their family to Chicago in 1953 where she became very active in the Mothers’ Club at St. Ann Parish volunteering her

time to support teachers/children as well as in a variety of School/Parish events.

In the early 1970’s they moved to Bolingbrook after Joe was diagnosed with cancer and took an early retirement so they could spend more time together. Although family always came first with her, Lottie and Joe were active members in the Seniors of Bolingbrook for many years, attending events and trips with the organization: she served as President of the Club for a number of terms, and due to her constant involvement with them was inducted into the Will County Senior Hall of Fame in May of 1988.

Lottie and Joe loved to travel, with Hawaii being her favorite destination. She was an avid bowler winning many medals at the Illinois Senior Olympics until her health (at 95) did not allow her to continue bowling.

Lottie took an active role in Civic service, working with both the Village of Bolingbrook and former Mayor Claar, and was a Senior

Citizen representative on a Will County Commission. For many years she also volunteered with the Will County branch of Meals on Wheels at the Levy Center location, receiving recognition for her dedicated service.

Lottie moved into Heritage Woods of Bolingbrook in early 2014 where she resided until 2018 when, days before her 100 birthday a fall prevented her from celebrating the BIG EVENT as planned. During the ensuing three years Lottie resided at Bria of Westmont where she passed quietly in her sleep. Family members were with before her passing and able to loving embrace her before her reunion with her loving God and beloved Joe. Due to Covid-19, private funeral services were held at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home in Bolingbrook followed by burial at Resurrection cemetery in Romeoville, Il. A Mass of Resurrection and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

oBitUaRy Kelly Daniel E. “Dan” Kelly, age 74, a longtime resident of Plainfield, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at his home. He was born September 30, 1946 in Joliet, IL. Beloved father of Sean (Tammy) Kelly and Sandy Kelly both of Hemet, CA, loving grandfather of Damon, Ty, Paige, Taylor and Faith; Caitlin (Keith), Hannah (Joseph), Mackenzie, Sydney, Delaine, cherished great-grandfather of Mollie, Olivia and Lincoln; Scarlett and Lucas; Aribella, devoted son of the late Leo F. and Lois M. (nee Grieff) Kelly, dear brother of Ann (Ben) Wasman of The Villages, FL and the late Lawrence (Carol) Kelly, fond cousin, uncle, great-uncle and friend of many.

Dan grew up in Plainfield, attended Plainfield High School (Class of 1964), earned his degree and teaching certificate from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and taught at Joliet East High School. A lifelong car buff, he later joined his father and uncle at Kelly Brothers Automotive in Plainfield.

Dan eventually took over the business and changed the name to Kelly Auto Rebuilders.

After selling the business, Dan worked as an insurance adjuster for Farmers and Travelers Insurance.

Dan was active with Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for Pack #82. He was a member of St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Plainfield and the Knights of Columbus. Dan also served as a

volunteer on the Plainfield Fire Department and as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Family and friends will meet Friday, January 29, 2021, 3:00 PM at St. Mary Cemetery, 107 N. Ridge Rd., Minooka, IL 60447 for graveside services with Fr. John Regan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, (877) 832-6997 https://www. woundedwarriorproject.org/donate Arrangements by Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield, IL. For more information, please visit www. overmanjones.com or call (815) 436-9221.

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Will coUnty

Will County moves to Phase 4 of Restore Illinois Plan The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that effective today Region 7, which includes Will County, is moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan.

“This is positive news for our residents and our business owners, as well as a reflection of the commitment our residents are showing to stay vigilant in the fight against COVID-19,” BertinoTarrant said. “All of us are feeling ‘COVID fatigue’ and this move into Phase 4 will allow us to regain more of our normal activities.”

Bertino-Tarrant cautions the public to still observe the Three W’s – wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.

Task Force called on for shooting The Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force (WGMCTF) was called out to the 1200 block of Nicholson in Joliet, IL. The male that was shot by police has been identified as Cordairel Whitmore, 29 years of age, of Joliet, IL. Mr. Whitmore was struck three (3) times in the shooting. Mr. Whitmore is in stable condition and alert while recovering at St Joseph’s Medical Center.

Mr. Whitmore spoke with Task Force investigators today and is fully cooperating with the investigation.

The handgun Mr. Whitmore brandished at police has been identified as a Sig Sauer P365 Air Pistol. Via the Sig Sauer official website, “Modeled after its award-winning 9mm counterpart, the P365 Air Pistol is the perfect way to practice your concealed carry firearm.” This air pistol is made to look and feel like the 9mm version of this same handgun. The Officer involved in this incident is a 21+ year veteran of the Joliet Police Department (JPD).

This Officer and the other JPD Officer on the scene of this shooting are scheduled to be interviewed by Task Force investigators early next week.

The Task Force is working closely with the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding this incident.

The vaccine is being rolled out in a safe and measured process. Currently, those 65 and older are being contacted to schedule a vaccine.

“Beginning today, our local restaurants, bars, personal care and other locations can begin to accommodate more customers while still maintaining safety measures,” she said.

Phase 4 Guidelines include the following:

feet between parties; impermeable barriers may be installed between booths which are less than 6 feet apart

should remain closed • Indoor recreation to operate 50 customers or 50 percent of facility capacity, whichever is less

RETAIL AND SERVICE COUNTER • Continue capacity limit of no more than 50 percent occupancy

MUSEUMS • Capacity limit of no more than 25 percent occupancy • Guided tours should be limited to 50 or fewer people per group

RESTAURANTS AND BARS • Indoor dining and drinking now permitted for parties of up to 10 people • Seated areas should be arranged so that tables allow for 6

INDOOR/OUTDOOR RECREATION • Reopening select indoor recreation facilities (e.g., bowling alleys, skating rinks); indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks

PERSONAL CARE • Continue capacity limit of no more than 50 percent occupancy

MEETINGS AND SOCIAL EVENTS • Limit to the lesser of 50 people or 50 percent of room capacity • Multiple groups may meet in the same facility if socially distanced and in separate rooms IDPH will continue to closely monitor test positivity, ICU bed

availability, and the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 in the county.

If data shows a region trending in the wrong direction, based on the established mitigation metrics, regions could once again find themselves in a higher tier with increased measures.

Additional information about which tier and phase regions are in can be found at the top of the IDPH website homepage.

A Phase 4 Guidelines Overview can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.

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state

Lame Duck Look Back: How criminal justice bill would overhaul officer certification

Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing “Lame Duck Look Back” series in which Capitol News Illinois is following up on the major bills that passed both chambers of the General Assembly in the Jan. 8-13 lame duck session. This is one of several stories examining the criminal justice reform backed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.

By Raymon tRoncoso

Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – A criminal justice package that passed both chambers of the General Assembly last month contains provisions that would grant the state increased power over police discipline and standards of conduct starting in 2022.

The omnibus package, which was backed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, has not yet arrived at the desk of Gov. JB Pritzker, although he has said he looks forward to reviewing the bill which needs only his signature to become law.

Pritzker campaigned on several issues in the bill and indicated his support, but has not yet said directly that he will sign it.

One of the more controversial provisions in the bill would expand the scope of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, or ILETSB, which currently oversees training and grant programs for law enforcement and correctional officers throughout the state.

Police certification standards would be made more robust under the legislation, with law enforcement officers placed into three categories: active, inactive and decertified. Only those with an active certification from ILETSB can be legally employed at an Illinois agency in a law enforcement capacity.

A decertified officer has 30 days to file a motion with the board for reconsideration, and all decertifications are subject to judicial review. Once an officer is formally decertified, they are prohibited from ever regaining certification.

Each officer will be responsible for keeping their certification active by submitting verification forms to ILETSB every three years to confirm they’ve completed all mandatory training and have no disciplinary actions taken against them that would result in decertification.

Under current Illinois law, officers can only lose their certification under very narrow circumstances. They must either be convicted of a felony or a limited list of “decertifiable mis-

demeanors” such as offering a bribe, theft and prostitution.

From 2009 to 2014, Illinois decertified 64 officers. Over the same period of time, Florida decertified 2,125 officers and Georgia decertified 2,800.

Raoul, in his testimony in House committee in support of the provision during January’s lame duck session, told lawmakers that while he does believe Illinois has the best trained and most upstanding law enforcement in the country, the massive discrepancy in the numbers has more to do with how hard it is to fire and decertify officers for blatant misconduct, even if the officers were known to be repeat offenders.

The new law would grant ILETSB broader discretionary authority to decertify officers that violate the new standards of conduct.

If the board determines an officer committed a felony or “decertifiable misdemeanor” that would normally result in automatic decertification, but the officer has not been charged or convicted, it can decertify that officer through the discretionary process.

Other misconduct that can result in discretionary decertification includes excessive force; failing to intervene in another officer’s use of excessive force or failing to render aid; tampering with dashboard and body cameras or their footage; committing perjury or making false statements in an investigation of a crime; and engaging in any unprofessional, unethical or deceptive conduct harmful to the public whether or not it caused actual injury.

While governmental agencies are required to submit violations to ILETSB within seven days of their occurrence, the provision would also allow for members of the public to submit a complaint about an officer, and they may keep their own identity confidential as well.

Decertification process Opponents of the bill have claimed the ability to file complaints anonymously will result in officers being targeted by disgruntled citizens and criminals who will flood the system to

get them fired.

Raoul contends the provisions of the bill prevent unwarranted termination by filtering complaints through several layers, and that confidentiality is important to preserve the integrity of the process.

“We have to realize there have been incidents throughout the country that make the public at large feel that they can’t have the greatest level of trust in law enforcement and we have to restore that public trust,” Raoul said in an interview with Capitol News Illinois last week. “Just like other professions where they may be whistleblowers that their identity is protected such that there’s no retaliation against them, but that doesn’t mean you don’t investigate the allegation thoroughly.”

When ILETSB receives a complaint about an officer, it will conduct a preliminary review to determine if there’s enough information to investigate.

If the review finds there’s sufficient cause, the board will conduct a full investigation.

If the board’s investigation determines the officer may have conducted decertifiable conduct, it will submit a formal complaint to the Illinois Law Enforcement Certification Review Panel, a new entity created by the legislation with 11 members appointed by the governor and attorney general.

The complaint will result in a formal hearing before an administrative law judge who will hear the allegations in the complaint and testimony from the officer, their legal representation and relevant witnesses to the case. The judge will then deliver their conclusion and a recommendation to the panel.

The panel then votes on whether to recommend ILETSB remove the officer’s certification or dismiss the complaint, with a simple majority vote needed either way. The recommendation is nonbinding.

Then, and only then, can ILETSB choose to decertify an officer through another majority vote.

Outside of this process, an officer’s

certification can only be revoked if they’re convicted under the current decertification standards or rendered inactive if the officer fails to submit a valid verification form to ILETSB during their required reporting period.

Transparency database The legislation also requires ILETSB to enhance transparency, both within law enforcement and for the broader public.

The Professional Misconduct Database, a private portal for chiefs and sheriffs, will be expanded and streamlined for all relevant governmental agencies, law enforcement entities and state’s attorneys. The portal will contain an officer’s certification history, reported instances of misconduct, suspensions and terminations.

Any agency looking to hire an individual in a law enforcement capacity would be mandated by law to view the individual’s entry in the database before offering employment.

ILETSB will also create and maintain two new searchable public databases in an accessible portal on their website. One will contain officers’ agencies, their certification status and confirmed instances of misconduct that led to decertification. The other will contain all completed investigations against law enforcement and correctional officers with any identifying information of the officers involved redacted.

The attorney general’s office will also have greater latitude to investigate systemic abuse in law enforcement agencies under the new provision. According to Raoul, his office can only do so under the current law if the abuse is a clear human rights violation based on race, gender, national origin or other protected classes but not if it is a general systemic issue.

Potential ‘clean-up language’ Republicans and law enforcement groups have voiced fierce opposition to the criminal omnibus legislation as a whole, urging Pritzker in a news conference last week to veto the bill once it arrives on his desk.

On police certification, Republican

lawmakers take issue with the unfunded mandates involved in the new system and mandatory trainings for officers. The bill goes too far without providing more funding for police departments, they said, especially as the state is already hurting for revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued structural budgetary pressures.

The bill’s sponsors in the General Assembly, Chicago Democrats Sen. Elgie Sims and Rep. Justin Slaughter, have indicated budgetary issues and clean-up language can be addressed in follow-up legislation in the new session, which is why the bill’s effective dates are pushed back by a year or more instead of being effective immediately.

A release posted to the ILETSB website the day after the legislation’s passage reads “we have asked for our appropriations to be increased and funding secured to accommodate the increased trainings and duties associated with processing certification verifications, investigating statewide complaints, and seeking the decertification for reported misconduct.”

It continues, “we trust that in the upcoming months, discussions on this topic will be fruitful.”

Despite opposing the broader bill, law enforcement has been supportive of the certification provisions. Starting in June, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the Sheriff’s Association and state’s attorneys collaborated with the office of the attorney general and the governor’s office to craft the language. According to Raoul, the group met nearly 20 times.

“We were trying to work with the attorney general on this,” Joe Moon, president of Illinois Troopers Lodge 41, said at the Wednesday Republican news conference. “However, before that could happen this was all rammed together and shoved out in the lame duck session for a vote.”

While police certification was originally its own legislation, it was added to the criminal justice reform omnibus package on the final day of the lame duck session.

“With regards to people urging the governor to veto, I welcome discussion about specific elements of the bill and where there might be need for a follow-up, clean-up language and so forth. I think that is a healthy part of the legislative process,” Raoul said.

“My participation has been to negotiate in good faith and to have the input of law enforcement along the way.”

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Wednesday, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 | buglenewspapers.com

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