District 97 race heats up. See page 3. SPORTS
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
Tran places seventh in state in 100 breaststroke
Remember to set your clock forward an hour on March 9
PAGE 13
T HE ENTERPRISE Your Complete Source For Plainfield News Since 1887
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Volume 126 No. 31
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COmmUnitY PHOTO COURTESY OF PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 202
Each winter, Bonnie McBeth read students “The Polar Express,” a tradition depicted on a mural at the Bonnie McBeth Learning Center.
Park District referenda voting approaches Support not unanimous among commissioners By Megan Patsavas For The Enterprise
In the March 18 general primary, voters will be asked to weigh in on three, nonbinding questions concerning the Plainfield Township Park District.Topics include term limits, a new indoor recreational facility and permits for the park district’s dog parks. During a November 2013 meeting, the board voted to put these questions on the ballot. However, the results of the referenda are not binding, meaning the board does not have to (and in some cases, may not be able to) take action. Instead, the purpose of the advisory referenda is to get the public’s opinion in the best way the park district thought possible, according to Director of Communications Doug Booth. But not all commissioners supported putting these questions on the ballot in the first place. Minority commissioner Larry Newton, who voted against each of the questions, called the current referenda a “cynical act” that he said seems to him a way of preventing a different type of referendum from being presented. Each political subdivision is limited to three referenda per election cycle. One question on the primary ballot asks:
BY MEGAN PATSAVAS for THe eNTerprIse the late bonnie mcbeth made such a mark on local education that Plainfield named a school after her. mcbeth, described as a dedicated educator even years after her retirement, passed away tuesday, feb. 25 at the age of 85. “mrs. mcbeth was an inspiration to countless district 202 students, staff and community members, a leader, and a positive and powerful force for education. she was an icon in district 202, and her loss will be felt for a long time,� district 202 director of community relations tom hernandez wrote in an email.
>> see bonnie | page 4
INSIDE
>> see referendA | page 8
Opinions...........................................6 Community Events...........................8 Police Report..................................10 Sports.............................................13 Puzzles...........................................20 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! — Call (815) 436-2431 or go online to www.enterprisepublications.com
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