alcohol, temperance play role in Plainfield’s past. see page 2. neWs
sports
ComEd issues threaten River Trail Bridge project
South, East looking to move up SPC standings page 9
page 3
T HE ENTERPRISE Your Complete Source For Plainfield News Since 1887
thursday, april 16, 2015
enterprisepublications.com
Volume 127 no. 37
serving Will and Kendall counties
20 pages
green grass of home
Community forum emphasizes importance of continuing fight
Park District honors fallen soldier by renaming area park
by laura katauSkaS | BUGLE STAFF
T
he number of heroin deaths has decreased in the past year; though good news, it isn’t reason to rest. Will County alone saw 34 deaths in 2014, and the number of convictions of dealers rose from 14 in 2012 to 56, at last count. Parents and those who may be tempted to try the drug need to know one time leads to a lifetime of recovery … if they don’t die first. “Heroin is the Ebola of drugs and unlike anything law enforcement has seen before. We have to get parents more guarded and geared for battle with their kids,” said Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow. “We can’t let up. There will always be a new wave.” That was the sentiment of a host of leaders and lawmakers who came together for the fourth annual HERO and HELPS event. The forum, titled “A Community’s Public Health Response to the Heroin Epidemic: Action Strategies” was held April 10 at the Edward Hospital Athletic and Event Center in Romeoville. Much progress has been made in Will and DuPage counties, with federal and state agencies looking to the area as a model for action strategies. But it is the philosophy that continued action is needed, viewing the heroin epidemic as a public health concern requiring legislators, law enforcement, health professionals and community members coming together. Parents need to know there are many ways their children can get involved with heroin, and they might unknowingly be part of it. Leftover painkillers such as Vicodin in medicine cabinets or on dressers can be tempting. Once those are gone, experts say, those using them – including the rightful owners -- can sometimes be looking for something stronger. Heroin is available and cheap.
75 cents
By PAT SchAger
for the enterprise
news@enterprisepublications.com @PlainfieldNews
Be A Hero—support HB 1
“our hope is this new legislation will further the efforts to reduce heroin abuse in Illinois,” state rep. lou lang said. “The expansion of the availability of Narcan will help save lives.”
Call yoUr state rePresentatiVe. CHeCk tHe Following weBsite For yoUr rePresentatiVe at www.eleCtions.il.goV/DistriCtloCator/aDDressFinDer.asPX
INsIDE
See ‘actIon’ oN PAge 14
opinions...........................................6 police report....................................8 sports.............................................9 puzzles...........................................13 Business & real estate ...............14 suBsCriBe todaY! — Call (815) 436-2431 or go online to enterprisepublications.com
Pfc. Andrew Meari is being posthumously honored by his hometown by renaming Plainfield’s Mayfair Park near his former home. Meari was killed in action while serving his country in Afghanistan in 2010 when a motorcycle filled with explosives went off during an attack. Meari was awarded the Army’s Bronze Medal and Purple Heart for his part in action “Dragon Strike.” Plainfield Park commissioners voted April 8 to rename Meari’s boyhood park. His stepfather, Jerry Meehan, gave an emotional tribute during the meeting calling the park “the center of his (stepson’s) young Pfc. ANdrew life and where he MeArI was allowed to ride his bike for the first time.” Meehan said his stepson’s mother didn’t know “I am here tonight speaking to you. It was that knock on our door that day which would change our lives. I thank you for this honor on the family’s behalf.” Those present in the audience, and board members, stood to applaud Meehan after the presentation. Mayfair Park is being renovated with new playground equipment and landscaping. The park will be become known as “PFC Andrew Meari Memorial Park,” with the renaming ceremony planned for sometime in July.
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