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covi d-19

State news Increased child care available page 7

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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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upcoming events in your area

Will county

Wednesday, april 8, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

3

romeoville

plainfield

Romeoville will provide each household a $50 rebate on water bill In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Village of Romeoville will be providing each household in the village with a $50 rebate. This will appear as a credit on the June water bill. A total of $600,000 will be given back to the community during this challenging time.

Romeoville offered its first rebate program in 2011 in order to assist residents recovering from the Great Recession. This will be the largest assistance program in Romeoville’s history.

“Through our website and social media, we have been doing our best

to keep residents informed of the latest virus news and various resources available to them,” said Mayor John Noak. “We wanted to go a step further and offer some financial relief as well.”

The rebate applies to single family housing units located within the village’s corporate limits and excludes any second meters such as irrigation meters and sewer only accounts. It does not apply to commercial or industrial accounts. The credit will not be paid out in cash, but will remain on the account to apply against future water charges as applicable.

• The Village of Romeoville will be hosting a very special birthday themed park party this summer. The guests of honor will be Romeoville kids who had to celebrate their birthdays at home during the COVID-19 Stay At Home order.

“It’s tough for kids to not be able to celebrate a birthday with their friends and extended family,” said Mayor John Noak. “We are going to give them their party this summer and invite the whole community!”

More details will be available when the social distancing measures are lifted.

Will county

murder-suicide in lockport thought to be related to covid-19 plainfield s. teacher making fabric masks

Plainfield South High School Spanish teacher Mary Jones is making fabric masks for area health care facilities during the mandated school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jones, who has worked in District 202 since 2001, made 20 fabric face masks with a free kit from Joann Fabrics.

Health care facilities across the country need these fabric masks because of a shortage fueled by the virus outbreak.

Jones, whose mom taught her to sew at when she was a child, returned the first 20 masks to Joann to be donated to local health care facilities.

The craft and fabric store wants to donate 100 million homemade masks across the country.

Jones is now working on masks for the Edward-Elmhurst Health, she said.

“I’m just going to work on masks until I run out of supplies,”

Jones said.

She is working on the masks inbetween working on remote learning plans, she said. Sewing also is therapy for her, she said, and gives her something productive to do while cooped up at home.

Jones also has family members who are first responders or are in the medical field around the country, so she feels like she is helping them by making masks, she said.

“It’s nice that I can do something that helps me pass the time and if it can help somebody else, even better,” Jones said.

The PSHS community is proud of Jones’ efforts, said principal Bob Yanello.

“At a time like this it is so nice to see so many people who are pitching in to do their small part to help during the pandemic,” he said.

“Thanks to people like Mary, going above and beyond, it makes an incredible difference.”

At approximately 8 p.m. on April 2, deputies from the Will County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 400 block of Bruce Road in Lockport Township for a welfare check.

Upon arriving on scene, deputies observed two separate individuals laying on the floor of the residence, with obvious signs of trauma to their heads.

All of the doors and windows of the residence were locked from the inside.

Police and fire personnel forced entry into the residence.

Deputies located Patrick Jesernik, age 54, and Cheryl Schriefer, age 59, in separate rooms of the residence, both deceased.

Both individuals had a pooling of blood formed around their heads.

A loaded revolver containing two spent shell casings and three live rounds were located near Jesernik’s body. There were no signs of a struggle, and the home was neat and orderly.

The complainant advised deputies on scene that he was contacted by Jesernik’s parents, who asked him to check on their son because they had not heard from him.

Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators from the Will County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the residence and began to process the scene and conduct a death investigation.

The Will County Coroner’s office arrived on scene and pronounced

both subjects deceased.

Detectives reported no previous calls for service in regards to domestic disputes.

A check of both deceased individuals was also conducted which showed very limited police contact.

Family arrived on scene and stated that Jesernik had been scared that he and Schriefer had contracted the COVID-19 virus, and that Schriefer was tested two days ago. It was reported that Schriefer was having a hard time breathing.

The family stated that to their knowledge, she had not received the test result.

An April 3 autopsy revealed both died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head.

Schriefer was shot in the back of the head at close range, and her death is ruled as a homicide, while Jesernik died as a result of a selfinflicted gunshot wound, and his death is ruled as a suicide.

Both tested negative for the COVID-19 virus.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of

service calls that deputies have been responding to, involve domestic disputes and crisis intervention calls.

As a reminder, if anyone is a victim of a domestic violence situation, the Will County courthouse remains open for individuals in need of obtaining an order of protection.

The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until noon for the issuance of orders of protection.

If anyone requires assistance in obtaining an order of protection, seeks additional resources or information in regards to domestic violence, you can contact Will County Sheriff’s Office Police Social Worker, Bonnie McPhillips at 815-724-1878.

In addition, you can reach out to Guardian Angel Community Service Groundwork 24 hour domestic violence hotline at 815729-1228 or reach out to the Will County Crisis Hotline online at 815-722-3344 or online at http:// www.willfinduhelp.org/.

cook county

Wednesday, april 8, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

niles

Updated information from the Village of Niles about COVID-19 All Village facilities are closed to the public until further notice except for the Niles Police Department. The Police Department does request that the public limit in-person interaction and submit payments or police reports online when possible. Residents can rest assured that Fire, Police, water, and Public Works services are all continuing. Many Village services are still available to residents remotely.

See information below.

As a reminder, garbage collection by Groot will continue as usual.

However loose items that are not in a bag or cart will NOT be accepted at this time. Furniture and other large items must NOT be placed curbside at this time. Yard waste and branch collection began the week of April 1,

as scheduled. Textile recycling is suspended until further notice.

The Village sent out a “Reverse 9-11” automated call on 4/3/2020 with COVID-19 reminders. Hear the message by calling (847) 588-8080.

Businesses The Village is maintaining a separate COVID-19 information page for businesses. Many local, county, state, and federal assistance programs have been announced, and are detailed on that page.

Food Pantry - Donations Welcomed The Niles Family Services food pantry and financial assistance program are available by appointment, and donations are welcomed. Visit the Niles Family Services food pantry

page for a list of needed items and how to donate.

You can also now donate groceries to Niles Family Services through an online campaign started by District 63 at yougivegoods.com/niles-fooddrive.

State Senator Villivalam has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for area food pantries. Here is the direct link to the fundraiser page.

Human Services - Tools to Help Neighbors Niles Family Services encourages neighbors to look out for one another. You know someone in need please contact (847) 588-8460 or print a Neighbor Care Card and leave for a vulnerable resident who may need assistance. Those who may need extra assistance are encouraged to notify the Village through Family Services at (847) 588-8460.

Niles Red and Green “Flag System”: The Village of Niles has introduced a “flag system.” Neighbors who may need extra assistance from time to time are encouraged to hang a green card in their window. If you need assistance, replace it with a red card.

For anyone who sees a red “flag,” call Niles Family Services at (847) 588-8460. For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1. Any paper or fabric is fine to use to create these red and green cards, but in order to maintain social distancing please find something within your home. You can also write “ASSIST” on a paper and post in your window (make it large).

The Meals On Wheels program continues as usual at this time, although meals will now be left on doorsteps instead of handed over directly to reduce person-to-person contact. The Medical Lending Closet is available by appointment. Call (847) 588-8420.

Feeling restless sitting at home?

The Niles Senior Center has collected fun and engaging activities for all ages from around the web on their Virtual Entertainment page.

Stay-At-Home Order Governor Pritzker has issued a “Stay-at-Home” order, effective 3/21/2020 at 5pm. The order has been extended through April 30, 2020. Information specific to the stay-at-home order can be found in the separate Stay-At-Home Executive Order news flash. The Village is also maintaining a COVID-19 information page for businesses.

Contact the Village The Village is still providing many services to residents and businesses.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Village online with any inquiries, and if they need assistance with services. The Village’s online Citizen Request Tracker has 47 categories of service requests. Residents can also call the usual Village phone numbers to contact staff or receive services.

Not all services will be available, and response times may be slower. A list of detailed service information can be found below.

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nance (847) 588-8000 Community Development (847) 588-8040 Public Works (847) 588-7900 Niles Senior Center (including Meals on Wheels and Lending Closet) (847) 588- 8420 Niles Family Services (including Food Pantry and crisis team) (847) 588-8460 The Village strongly encourages residents and businesses to use online services as much as possible at www.vniles.com. Transactions such as utility bill payment can be completed through the Village’s website, via the Village Hall outdoor depository box, or by mail – Village of Niles, 1000 Civic Center Drive Niles, IL 60714.

Confirmed COVID Cases As of April 3, the Niles Fire Department has responded to and transported four Niles residents that were later tested and confirmed as COVID-19 cases. For more information on the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.

Niles Free Bus The Niles Free Bus will use its weekend schedule, with no early morning runs, 7 days a week beginning Tuesday, March 24 (the first run will switch to a 9:33am start time for the 411 route, 9:43am for the 410 route and 9:30 for the 412 route).

For more information, visit buglenewspapers.com or the village of Niles website.

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dupage county

Wednesday, april 8, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

5

covid-19

Edward Cancer Center closes Plainfield location to focus staffing Effective Monday, April 6, the Edward Cancer Center – Plainfield, 24600 W. 127th St., is temporarily closed until further notice. COVID-19 continues to cause a significant challenge to hospitals across the country.

This change is being made so staff can focus on patient care at Edward and Elmhurst Hospitals.

Infusion services and radiation treatment will continue to be provided to patients at the Edward Cancer Center in Naperville, 120 Spalding Dr., Suite 111 on the campus of Edward Hospital and the Nancy W. Knowles Cancer Center on the campus of Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. Appointments are being rescheduled. Patients who are typically seen at the Plainfield location will receive treatment at the Naperville location: Edward-Elmhurst Health cancer treatment facilities (where outpatient care is provided) are separate from general inpatient care areas.

Downers Grove Rotary Club Supports Supply Drive The Rotary Club of Downers Grove is facilitating a supply drive to support Good Samaritan Hospital. Supplies are needed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“We’re asking anyone who happens to have these supplies in their home, to consider donating them to

Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove,” commented Joe Kenny, president of the club. “You can drop off supplies at Downers Grove North High School or call us, and we will pick up and donate your items for you.”

The drive is looking for masks, hand sanitizer, eye protection, disinfectant wipes and gloves Community members are asked to drop off supplies between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Downers Grove North High School’s loading dock, located on the southwest side of the building, just east of Prairie before reaching the parking lot. Pull up the ramp, deposit items into the marked box, and the school will deliver donations. If no box is at the dock, the school asks you to not leave items and return at another time.

If you have questions or need assistance in donating your items, please call 630-729-0351.

Gargage collection

2020.

The Village Paper Shredding Event that was scheduled for April 11 has been canceled.

The Village of Downers Grove has been working with Republic Services to ensure the continued provision of all collection services during the COVID-19 crisis. There will be no changes to garbage or yard waste collection services at this time. Yard waste pickup will begin as scheduled on April 1,

In response to the current social and economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Naperville Jaycees and Oswald’s Pharmacy, in cooperation with Men In Black Pest Control Services, are

Food drive

hosting a Community Food Drive to help local emergency relief organizations meet the growing demand for assistance in our community.

The collection event will take place at Oswald’s Pharmacy, 88 W Gartner Rd #112, Naperville, IL 60540, in the Naperville Plaza Shopping Center, on Friday, April 10 from 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm and again on Saturday, April 11 from 9am-3pm.

Food, supplies, and clothing dona-

tions can be dropped off during these times at the collection station on the sidewalk in front of Oswald’s Pharmacy. Volunteers will be wearing masks and gloves and will remove items from vehicles upon request. The list of requested items, additional collection and monetary donation details, and the list of organizations that will be supported through this event are available at naperjaycees.org.

obituary barbara J. copper Barbara J. Copper, age 63, nee Venters, of Plainfield, IL for 17 years, formerly of Crest Hill, IL, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Sunday, March 29, 2020 at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. She was born December 28, 1956 in Joliet to her loving parents, Mona K. Venters and the late Wilburn Venters.

Cherished wife of Dennis Copper, wedded on August 28, 2004.

Beloved mom of Melissa “Missy” (Matt) Becker of Yorkville, IL and Brian “BJ” (Jenny) Munch of Sandwich, IL. Adored grandma of Matthew and Addy Boggs, Jimmy and Landon Becker, and Keri Munch.

Dearest sister of Debbie (Mark) Mason, Ron (Jenny) Venters, Betsy (Jonathan) Troy, and Scott (Vickie) Venters. Aunt of many nieces and

nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center,www.rushcopley.com/giving/gift Barb graduated from Lockport Township High School class of 1975. She graduated from Joliet Junior College. Barb spent over 20 years working for Nalco/Ecolab as an accountant. She was an avid fisherman, enjoyed target shooting and cruised the open road on her Harley and later, traveling with family.

Due to the current health crisis, Memorial Visitation and Service dates are pending at OvermanJones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL 60544. Interment is private. For more information, please call 815-436-9221 or www. friedrich-jones.com

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state

ne W s a b o u t lo ca l b u si nesses i n yo u r c o mmu ni t y Wednesday, april 8, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

covid-19

Increased child care available for some

by ben orner

capitol news illinois Workers in Illinois whose jobs are deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic are now eligible for increased state child care services, Gov. JB Pritzker said Sunday.

Because essential workers cannot always be home to care for their children, Pritzker announced the state has expanded its Child Care Assistance Program to include workers in health care, human services, essential government services and essential infrastructure.

The state will cover most of the cost of care at emergency child care centers and homes, the governor said. Workers now eligible for emergency child care assistance range from nurses, doctors and hospital support staff to grocery store workers and food producers.

“Our essential workforce de-

serves to know that their kids are safe and cared for in a small and affordable group setting,” Pritzker said Sunday during his daily coronavirus briefing in Chicago.

Pritzker and Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, entered the briefing room wearing surgical masks, which Pritzker has recommended Illinoisans wear in crowded places. Essential workers can find child care applications on the Illinois Department of Human Services website, DHS.illinois.gov/ helpishere, and the state’s website of COVID-19 resources, coronavirus.illinois.gov.

Child care centers that are closed may apply for a permit reopen as emergency centers through the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services. Home child care providers do not need a permit and can serve up to six children.

Pritzker said the state will also

increase its reimbursement rates to emergency child care centers and homes by 30 percent.

“By and large, child care in this country is a high-risk, low-revenue business with razor-thin margins,” Pritzker said. “The people who run our centers and homes do so because they love to be there for our kids and our families.”

Pritzker also reminded Illinoisans that children who can stay home should stay home, and that the COVID-19 pandemic is not the time for arranging play dates or hanging out with friends.

“We need our youngest Illinoisans to follow this guidance, just like everyone else,” the governor said.

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deadline for cl assifieds: friday at 11 a .m.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020 | buglenewspapers.com

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9 Wednesday, April 8, 2020 | buglenewspapers.com

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sports

Wednesday, april 8, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

golf

PGA TOUR postpones BMW Championsip In conjunction with the PGA TOUR, tournament officials announced today that the 2020 BMW Championship will now take place August 25-30, one week later than originally planned as part of a PGA TOUR schedule adjustment due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The penultimate event of the PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoffs will remain at its scheduled host site at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois.

“We’ve been working closely with the PGA TOUR, BMW and our host club, Olympia Fields, to ensure a smooth transition to our new dates, while focusing on the health and safety of all involved. That is our top priority,” said Vince Pellegrino, Western Golf Association senior vice president of tournaments.

As part of the BMW Championship schedule change, the Wyndham Championship and the other two FedExCup Playoff events will also slide back one week enabling the rescheduling of the PGA Championship to August 3-9 from its original May date. The Wyndham Championship will now take place from August 10-16, while the first leg of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs – The Northern Trust – will move to August 17-23. The TOUR Championship will be held from September 1-7. Additional schedule adjustments are expected to be made by the PGA TOUR

as they become available.

“We appreciate the open and collaborative approach taken by BMW, the Western Golf Association and Olympia Fields Country Club to help get us to this solution,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan.

“It’s a complex situation, and we want to balance the commitments to our various partners with playing opportunities for the world’s best players – while providing compelling competition to our fans – but all of that must be done while safely navigating the unprecedented global crisis impacting every single one of us.

“While we are moving forward with the plan announced today,” Monahan added, “it’s important to restate that we will absolutely continue to follow the advice and recommendations of the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Controls and local and national authorities to ensure we are thoughtfully and safely presenting the PGA TOUR to our fans worldwide – at the right time and in the right manner.”

All 2020 BMW Championship tickets already purchased, including for general admission and hospitality, will be honored on the days of the week noted on the tickets, but for the new dates of August 25-30.

For further information on tickets and hospitality opportunities for the 2020 BMW Championship, please

visit www.bmwchampionship.com.

The BMW Championship will once again raise funds for its sole beneficiary, the Evans Scholars Foundation. In 2019, the BMW Championship drew more than 130,000 golf fans to Medinah Country Club and raised $4.4 million for

the Foundation’s Evans Scholarships.

“We’re committed to hosting a safe and entertaining event for the Chicago Southland, while also continuing to provide the Evans Scholars Foundation with vital funding for college scholarships for deserv-

ing caddies,” said Pellegrino. “As we navigate this challenging time, we remain committed to fulfilling our mission to help young men and women build better lives for themselves while building stronger communities.”

high school

IHSA still has sights set on crowning spring champions Even though Illinois schools will remain closed through April 30, the IHSA announced last week that it remains optimistic that a May 1 return to school, followed by a to-bedetermined acclimatization practice period, can still result in a truncated spring season that culminates with IHSA State Series tournaments and the crowning of state champions in June.

In its discussions thus far, the IHSA Board of Directors has been highly supportive of creating an exemption to the IHSA Season Limitation By-law to allow spring sports to play into late June, but competing into or beyond July is not being considered at this time.

“We are also realistic in recognizing that any further school postponements, or the cessation of physical

school attendance for the remainder of the year, will almost certainly result in the cancellation of all remaining IHSA sports and activities this school year,” the release stated.

The IHSA also answered some frequently asked questions about the time off.

SPRING TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE Q: Will spring sport state tournaments be conducted on their normal dates after a shortened season, or rescheduled later in June or July?

A: At this time, we are monitoring the updates from state educators and health professionals on the best practices related to COVID-19.

If the May 1 deadline appears to be on-schedule in the coming days and weeks, we will communicate an appropriate plan on spring sports to

our member schools. It is important to remember this is an unprecedented situation and will remain fluid. It is possible, for example, that schools may reopen at some point, but that other gatherings (like sports) may remain limited.

ELIGIBILITY Q: If the spring sports are unable to be conducted this year, or if a student has to repeat a grade for any reason, including related to the COVID-19 school closing, will student-athletes receive an additional year of eligibility?

A: No. Students have eight semesters of eligibility that begin when they enter ninth grade.

NON-SCHOOL COMPETITIONS Q: During the mandated school closure timeframe, can a studentathlete compete in a non-school

event that uses the skill of the sport of an IHSA sport that is currently in season?

A: The student-athlete’s athletic director or official representative of their school can complete the NonSchool Competition Request Form through their IHSA Schools Center account, and the IHSA will either grant or deny permission. In order for permission to be granted, the IHSA request form must be submitted by the athletic director or official representative at least 10 days prior to the event, the event must be sanctioned by an IHSA approved national governing body or its Illinois affiliate or junior affiliate (i.e. USATF), and the student-athlete may only have received IHSA approval for less than three other non-school events for this sports season.

VIRTUAL COMPETITION Q: During this time of mandated school closures, can schools organize virtual competitions in sports or activities where athletes/participants compete by recording their individual performances?

A: No. Schools cannot organize competitions of any type during this time.

COACHING Q: During this time, can a school coach provide guidance on the types of workouts and skills that individuals from their team can complete on a voluntary basis?

A: Yes. This is allowed as long as coaches aren’t requiring individuals from their team to practice the skills or complete the workouts.

For all the questions, visit buglenewspapers.com or the IHSA site.

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