Easter events planned for local areas. See page 3. SPORTS Plainfield North on a roll
NEWS Art funds scholarships, charity PAGE 13
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Happy Easter! From Voyager Media
T HE ENTERPRISE Your Complete Source For Plainfield News Since 1887
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Volume 124 No. 35
www.enterprisepublications.com
Serving Will and Kendall counties
Back to Busing
INSIDE
Busing at bid in District 202
75 cents
28 pages
By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter
Busing is back on the budget table in District 202 this month, as the contracts for transportation services are up for bid and school officials try to determine which provider to use next year. According to the district, the law requires the “lowest responsible” bid for three years service to be accepted. “That’s the legal language, and it’s really fairly objective,” district spokesperson Tom Hernandez said. “It means the lowest bidder who meets the bid specifications. There isn’t much latitude beyond that.” See BUSING, page 22
Opinions............................................6 Community Events...........................8 Police Report...................................10 Puzzles.............................................13 Sports...............................................15 SUBSCRIBE TODAY — Call (815) 436-2431
News Art takes center stage to fund Three Rivers to present Easter drama local scholarships, charity Page 2
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Writer
Those looking for spiritual inspiration this Easter weekend need look no further than Rolf Road.Attendees will be treated to a powerful visual re-enactment of the biblical events surrounding the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Parishioners from Three Rivers Church of Plainfield will present “Who Moved the Stone?” as a recount of the biblical events following Jesus’ death as part of the church’s Easter weekend services on Good Friday at 7 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday.There will be three services on Sunday at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. “Who Moved the Stone?” was written by Plainfield resident Wendy Holtz and is based on scriptural accounts recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.The re-enactment, which will be presented at all three Sunday morning church services, is directed by Three Rivers Church worship director Eric Fornelli and assisted by Plainfield resident Darlene Pliml. Audience members will experience a dramatic portrayal of the life-altering events following Jesus’ crucifixion, including the political, social, religious and spiritual repercussions felt among Jewish priests, Roman soldiers, Jesus’ followers and skeptics, angels, and men. Three Rivers Church is located at the corner of Route 59 and Rolf Road in Plainfield. For more
information about the Easter reenactment or services at Three Rivers Church, call 815-439-8787.
Inter-ministry services The Plainfield Ministerial Association will host a Good Friday service at noon on Friday at St. Mary Immaculate Church, 15629 S. Route 59. The Plainfield Ministerial Association is a group of area churches dedicated to “showing love in the name of Jesus” to those in need by cooperating with community organizations and other faith-based groups. Area churches will provide special music, and local pastors will lead in a liturgy and scripture readings to tell the story of the first Good Friday. Members of the community are invited to come together to worship together in anticipation of the joyful celebration of Easter morning.
Holy week at St. Mary’s Throughout Holy Week, St. Mary’s is offering mass and other liturgy both at the church and at other community locations. A schedule includes Holy Thursday prayer services; presentations of Stations of the Cross in both English and Polish; Good Friday services in English, Polish and Spanish; the blessing of Easter baskets on Saturday;and traditional Easter Mass throughout the day on Sunday. For a full schedule and location information, visit www. smip.org.
Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter
Two art events scheduled this month in Plainfield, will help support local scholarships.
Local artist and Plainfield Academy Principal Tod Schnowske will put the events together. The Rotary Club of Plainfield is hosting its second annual Art,
Wine, and Jazz Festival on April 13. The event will feature an art auction, wine and appetizers, and live jazz. See ART, page 11
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Dunkin’ Donuts proposal sunk by board Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter
Plainfield will not see a new Dunkin’ Donuts location anytime soon, as the proposal for the 24hour location was denied by the Village Board Monday evening. While initially supported by village planning staff,it was traffic concerns that ultimately killed the motion. Board members and
local residents voiced concerns over the proposal, which included the construction of a drive-thru at the intersection of routes 126 and 59—already one of the busiest spots in the village. Strip mall owner Carl Bryant had been negotiating to lease a retail space to Dunkin Donuts at the location.Two medical offices are located in the strip mall
now. But residents saw problems arising from traffic congestion and the noise levels of a 24-hour location. Mayor Michael Collins decided the fate of the proposal, voting with trustees Bill Lamb, Dan Rippy and Jim Racich to deny the motion. Trustees Marge Bonuchi, Paul Fay and Garrett Peck voted for the proposal.
Local events and activities scheduled for Easter celebration Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter
If you haven’t had your fill of Easter treats and activities, here are a few across the area to fill your “baskets” and your schedule:
Living Stations of the Cross, Joliet St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church, 706 N. Broadway, Joliet, will
have Living Stations of the Cross at 9 a.m.Thursday April 5 and Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m.Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue until midnight.All are welcome to attend.
Egg’straordinary, Plainfield Downtown Plainfield will celebrate the season Saturday April 7 from 9 a.m. on with a host of Easter events, presented by Main
Street Plainfield. Families can have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Larry’s Diner, or lunch with him at Bin 48, then “Hop The Bunny Trail.” Children can pick up a passport at any participating business and travel the Bunny Hop Trail through the downtown business district and get their passport stamped as they search for the Golden Egg. A coloring contest, inflatable jump See EASTER, page 9
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The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Truth or DARE?
As traditional drug education struggles with funding and effectiveness, alternatives are being sought to stem the rise in addiction By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter
Heroin use is on the rise in the suburbs, particularly among young people. As access to the dangerously addictive drug continues to abound, educators and parents are beginning to question how much teens really know about drug use. Drug education typically begins in the younger grades, around fifth or sixth, hopefully when children are old enough to become aware of what drugs are, but before they are directly faced with the choice of using them. Historically, the drug education program of choice has been DARE, or Drug Abuse Resistance Education. It’s a program designed to give kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence. Once implemented in 75 percent of our nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world, DARE is a police officerled series of classroom lessons that teaches children how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives. However, funding cuts have reduced the number of schools and communities offering the DARE program, and even where offered, some research is suggesting the message isn’t reaching the kids at the highest risk. In 1998 the
DARE program failed to meet federal guidelines that they be both research-based and effective. To date they have not met those guidelines, thereby disqualifying the organization from receiving further federal grant money and making it harder for schools and towns to administer the program. Still the need for drug education persists, apparent in the rise of heroin arrests and overdoses in our communities. Will County officials report there were 30 heroin overdoses last year across 14 towns. DuPage reported 59 seizures and undercover purchases in 2011. Naperville alone had 47 heroin arrests last year.With many believing that marijuana, Ecstasy, and other drugs are a gateway to heroin use, the need for education is greater than ever. According to Kathleen Burke, president of the Robert Crown Center for Health Education, one problem is the message kids receive about the consequences of drug use. “The war on drugs is often looked at from a legal standpoint,” she said. “Kids are introduced to the legal consequences, and they were taught what they drugs looked like, what they do to your heart rate—but when they looked around, they found those consequences weren’t happening to the people around them who were using the drug. It seemed
irrelevant.” With all the information available on the Internet, young people are getting mixed messages about drugs, as the tolerance level for marijuana use has shifted, as has prescription drug use. The Robert Crown Center for Health Education in partnership with the Reed Hruby Foundation and the Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy at Roosevelt University is developing one of the world’s first heroin education and prevention programs. The goal of the program is to stop the growing trend of heroin abuse across America. Today, Robert Crown is teaching kids exactly what happens to the body, what addiction really is, and how to negotiate social acceptance among their peers. “Kids need to understand addiction, to know exactly what happens to their brain when the drug is taken,”Burke said.“They can understand that. Let’s teach them that addiction is both emotional and physical, that it’s more likely if there already is addiction in the family. These are things no one wants to talk about.” But, she said, it’s necessary if the message is going to get through. “DARE hasn’t proven effective, and I know they are re-vamping it, she said.“But kids are skeptical. They don’t like to be lied to and that don’t like when we
exaggerate.We are using too many messages that aren’t authentic.” A study of suburban young people using heroin, completed last year at the center, found that more than one third of the research sample began using heroin while they were in high school and were from all socioeconomic groups. It also showed a substantial lack of knowledge among users about the relationship between prescription pain pill abuse and heroin use. “The study shows a need for comprehensive drug education, which starts young and continues into high school,” Burke said. “But it’s not the same conversation, it builds. You have to address the changes they go through every year if you are going to really meet their needs for information. We have to help them learn more and know more.” Burke said the key points are still transitional times, such as the move from elementary to middle school, or from middle school to high school. These are the times when schedules are changing, routines are changing, friendships and interests are shifting, she said. In Plainfield Community
Consolidated District 202, which serves more than 30,000 students across Will County, attitudes about drug education are beginning to change as well. One high school social worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said the school is beginning to “break the silence” when talking about drugs with teens. “In the past, we didn’t want to overeducate out student,” she said. “But when we are talking about heroin, we are talking about kids dying. It’s so dangerous, so available, so cheap, that we have to be more specific about the risks.” Additionally, the social worker attest, schools need to address student drug use with support programs rather than the common approach of removing the child from the school environment entirely. Within District 202,kids who are using drugs or who are found in possession of drugs at school may be placed in the Catalyst program, which combines a consistent school environment with added counseling and group dynamics to address their addictions. See DARE, page 9
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Page 5
Animal Control Center passes inspection By Jonathan Samples Staff Reporter
Amid allegations of unsanitary conditions and animal abuse, the Joliet Township Animal Control Center passed a surprise inspection by the Illinois Department of Agriculture last Tuesday. Joliet Township Supervisor Daniel Vera said that the results of the inspection proved that the allegations of animal cruelty were “completely unfounded.” “The IDA inspector came in unannounced as they always do,”Vera said.“Phone complaints were called in. He was assigned to come out there and he realized [those complaints] were unfounded. He was not happy when he left.”
According to Vera, the inspection was prompted by a number of phone calls the IDA received. Vera said he felt the complaints were from friends of an animal control officer who was recently terminated. Since then, the center has come under fire from protesters. Bryan Jones was fired last month for taking a 3-yearold Chihuahua home without permission. Jones worked at the center for 14 years and says he took the dog because he was worried it would be put down. Dave Carlson, candidate for the Will County state’s attorney’s office, sent out a press release last week calling for an investigation into the allegations and criticizing current state’s attorney James
Glasgow for his handling of the situation. “Specifically, these accusations, if true, constitute specific violations of the Illinois Human Care for Animals Act and should be dealt with both swiftly and appropriately,” Carlson said in the release. In a recent phone interview, Carlson said that constituents have e-mailed and called him with their concerns, and he was pleased to hear the news of the inspection. However, he said that it is still the responsibility of the state’s attorney to look into these allegations. “From what I know it sounds like the Department of Agriculture went in and it passed, although I don’t know what the standards were,”
Carlson said. “As the chief law enforcement officer in the county [the state’s attorney] has the access and the resources to look into not just an inspection but also to look into things that have happened in the past.” Charles Pelkie, a spokesman for the Will County state’s attorney’s office, down played these criticisms saying there is no evidence that abuse is taking place. “Our office is not a primary investigation agency,” Pelkie said.“Protestors have not raised these issues with the Joliet Police Department or any other proper authorities. We have contacted [the Joliet Police Department] and they have not received any complaints.” So far there have been no
formal complaints made with the Joliet Police Department. According to Pelkie the state’s attorney’s office does not investigate until they receive reports from Joliet. Pelkie went on to say that the inspection is further evidence that the Joliet Township Animal Control Center is meeting standards. “Even if you know an inspection is coming, it is extraordinarily difficult to clean a facility and get it so it can pass,” he said. “We have confidence that the Animal Control office is running a good facility.” Carlson said his main concern is making sure these allegations are investigated to determine their validity.
Chinese immersion program offered for summer By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter
Plainfield District 202 students will be able to learn about Chinese culture and language this summer through a special immersion program. This is the second summer that District 202 will offer not-for-credit beginner Chinese classes as part of summer school.The classes are presented through “STARTALK,” a federal government-subsidized language program. STARTALK is part of the National Security Language Initiative, which is designed to increase the proficiency and number of Americans communicating in critical languages.
“We continue to look for educationally effective and cost efficient ways to expand our teaching and to offer our students new opportunities for learning,” Glenn Wood, director of curriculum and instruction “This is a Chinese immersion course that gives students exposure to both Chinese language and culture,” High School Director of Curriculum and Instruction Glenn Wood said. Unlike other foreign language courses offered within the school year, there is no credit for taking the course unlike other language classes given during the school year. Wood said that student’s knowledge of the language could
be maintained through self-study after the immersion program has ended. Representatives from “STARTALK” approached District 202 last year to host the Chinese language program, as it has done at several Chicago-area school districts. Wood said that District 202’s first Chinese immersion classes, held last summer, were well received. “We continue to look for
educationally effective and cost efficient ways to expand our teaching and to offer our students new opportunities for learning,” Wood said. “So, it makes a lot of sense to once again give our students access to this special program.” The courses will be open to District 202 students who will be in seventh through 12th grades next fall. It will be run from 8 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m. June 11 through July 3 at Plainfield North High School. Registration is $50 (nonrefundable) to be paid through PayPal. Up to 40 students will be accepted. The registration deadline is June 4. For more information, visit the District 202 website at www.psd202.org or contact Wood at 815-577-4069 or gwood@psd202.org.
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Opinions
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Opinions printed on this page, whether in Letters to the Editor or in columns, are the opinions of the writer and not necessarily of this newspaper, its publishers, editor or employees. Only editorials reflect the views of the newspaper.
Guest Columnist
From the desk of Rep. Jim Sacia The Illinois Budget. - This is an effort to simplify a very complex problem involving billions of dollars. Our annual budget this next fiscal year is approximately $58 billion - of that amount, you the taxpayers are expected to send us $33 billion 719 million in tax dollars. The difference between those two numbers is money we receive as reimbursement from the federal government and some other sources. It is predominately motor fuel tax that is specifically designated for such things as roads and bridges. It is tax money that you pay each time you pull up to the pump and put gas in your car. It is not part of what we call GRF or General Revenue Fund. Of the $33,719,000,000 GRF that you will send us, here is the breakdown of how it will be spent. First and foremost is non discretionary spending.These are obligations that must be made. Number 1 - Our pension obligation is $5.1 billion (this is the state’s portion of the pension expense not including the employee contributions). Number 2 is statutory transfer out money equaling $2.1 billion. This is money that we have collected and we owe a percentage back to local governments such as sales tax revenues. Number 3 is our group insurance obligation totaling $1.2 billion. This is the state’s portion of the state workers’ insurance programs not including the employee contributions. Number 4 is our debt services or
our obligation for money we have borrowed, both principle and interest, totaling approximately $2.2 billion. Number 5 is Medicaid. You the taxpayer are on the hook for $6 billion 638 million. (Our total Medicaid obligation this year is approximately $15 billion including federal reimbursements). Yes, you are right – tax payers are on the hook for all of it. The above five “must be made” expenditures total approximately $17.2 billion. There is another $219 million in non-discretionary expenditures bringing the total to $17.419 billion. If you do the math that leaves $16,300,000,000 for the five appropriations committees to divide which is close to $1 billion less than available funds last year. If your eyes haven’t yet glazed over here is how it allocates out. Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations receive 39.8 % of funding totaling $6 billion 491 million, a cut of $363 million.Higher Education receives 12.1% totaling $1.978 billion,a cut of $110 million. General Services receives 7.1% or $1 billion 165 million dollars, a cut of 65 million. Human Services appropriations (Medicaid removed) receives 31.2% of funding totaling $5 billion 87 million, a cut of 284 million dollars. Public Safety appropriations receives 9.7% of funding or $1 billion 576 million, a cut of $88 million. There will not be a happy agency in Illinois government but this is where the rubber meets the road.
What’s on your mind? You are invited to use the Opinions page of The Enterprise to express your opinions about matters that affect our community. E-mail your letter to the Editorial Department at sweditor@ enterprisepublications.com; send your letter to The Enterprise, P.O. Box 1613, Plainfield, IL 60544; or drop off your letter at our office at 23856 S. Route 59. For more information, call (815) 4362431. Letters to the editor must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. Please try to limit your comments to 500 words or less. The editors reserve the right to publish, condense, revise or reject any submissions.
Send us your news It’s easy; just follow the 5 W’s: What is happening: Describe the event or the purpose of the news release. Who: The subject of the event. Also, include a name and phone number or e-mail address that can be published so readers can call for more information. When: Give date and time. Why, or for what purpose: Explain the nature of the event. Where is it happening: Give the exact street address. E-mail community news releases to sweditor@ buglenewspapers.com The Enterprise reserves the right to subsequent publication of all submissions, in full or in part, through the newspaper’s archives or any other electronic library.
Illustrated Opinions
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Page 7
From Years Past Legion seeks help for boys, girls state programs Five years ago, April 5, 2007
• The Plainfield Village Board April 2 opened a public hearing on the proposed 2007-2008 fiscal year budget that projected about $77.5 million in expenses. The village anticipated revenues around $81 million. No one from the public asked questions during the public hearing.
Ten years ago… 2002 • Work was to begin a little later than first hoped on the last link of a long-awaited alternative to Route 59. Plainfield village officials had at first hoped to begin work on the extension of New Van Dyke Road from Lockport Street to 143rd Street during the first two weeks of April. But project designers had to push the likely start date back to the end of April after slight revisions in the plan required the review and approval of the Illinois Department of Transportation to facilitate the release of state funds. • Plainfield police charged two female students from Heritage Grove Middle School on Van Dyke Road with a class 3 felony for making a bomb threat. The threat came in the form of four consecutive phone messages left by the same caller the previous evening.
Fifteen years ago… 1997 • Newly elected Plainfield Village President Dick Rock admitted Plainfield was facing growth — but he said he wanted it to be closely controlled. The former village trustee and deli store owner/operator said he hoped the village board would carefully evaluate each proposed development.But the new mayor said he didn’t see any immediate solution to Plainfield’s traffic congestion.“The traffic problem we will have to live with for a while,” said Rock, who indicated he had “always been in favor” of shifting Route 30 traffic from Lockport Street to 143rd Street. • The Enterprise editorialized, in part, “Did voters in last Tuesday’s election vote anti-growth? It’s possible, but we interpret the election results a little differently. While it’s true our new village president, Dick Rock, has taken a much more conservative approach to growth issues than the current administration, we don’t believe he was elected because of his politics. “His success, we believe, rests far more on the fact that he is believed to be a kind, thoughtful, generous, honest man of integrity. “Rather than anti-growth, a look at other election results in Plainfield and Wheatland townships indicates people may have voted anti-petty politics. “The past four years have shown what can happen to otherwise good people when they are elected to public office.Infighting,backstabbing and self-aggrandizement have far too often ruled. In many cases, the workings, or non-workings, of local government have been an embarrassment to the community.”
Twenty years ago… 1992 • During a workshop session, Plainfield Village Board trustees began discussion of the 1991-93 budget, which Village Administrator David VanVooren described as bare bones. The budget draft did not allow for the possible loss of $49,000 in revenue if Gov. Jim Edgar carried out his threat not to share income tax surcharge money with local municipalities.The $3.5 million budget anticipated $3.2 million in revenues with the deficit being covered by 1988 bond proceeds. The largest source of revenue for the village was sales tax.
Premier Boys State The American Legion Marne Post No. 13 of Plainfield is asking for help in sending high school junior boys to the 2012 Session of Premier Boys State, which will be held on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on June 9 through June 15, 2012. This program provides citizenship training to young men where they learn the duties, responsibilities, and the rights and privileges of American citizenship. The cost of sending a junior boy to Boys State is $300.This fee covers the cost of the citizenship program, transportation, food and lodging for each boy. This program is supported by donations from local businesses, community organizations and individuals. If you would like to sponsor a boy, please make your check out to American Legion Marne Post 13 and send it to Mr. John H. York, 13456 S. Redberry Circle, Plainfield, IL 60544 by April 27. 2012. If you are unable
to contribute the whole amount of $300, any amount is gratefully appreciated. If you have any questions about this program, please contact John H. York at 815-3723152.
Illini Girls State Plainfield American Legion Auxiliary Unit 13 is asking for help in sponsoring girls for the Illini Girls State Program, which will be held on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, June 17-23, 2012. This will be the 72nd session of Illini Girls State and is a program for girls that have completed their junior year in high school, and provides them the tools to become good citizens. There are about 540 girls from the State of Illinois who have a “C” or better grade average that attend. Illini Girls State is a mythical government program in which girls set up their own cities and counties. They elect their own government officials and hold elections, conventions and
Wheatland Township brush pickup program begins week of April 9 The Wheatland Township Road District brush pickup for 2012, in all areas of unincorporated Wheatland Township, begins the week of April 9 until all brush is picked up. All branches must be out by the curb before 7 a.m. on the first day of the pick up dates. We ask for your cooperation in placing the branches as neatly as possible with the butt ends toward the street and parallel to each other. Branches should not be cut into small pieces, long branches work best. Small
twigs should not be included. The Highway Department will not accept: Evergreens Short snippings Clippings Roots (which can hide stones) Bags or cans (filled with clippings or rakings) Tied bundles Subsequent brush pick ups are scheduled as follows: Week of May 14th June 11th September 10th October 8th
Publishers Through The Years 20092006-2009 1985-2006 Publisher Richard Masterson
publisher@enterprisepublications.com
Managing Editor Matt Honold
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Staff Reporters Sherri Dauskurdas Rick Kambic Laura Katauskas Debbie Lively Jonathan Samples Sports Reporters Mark Gregory
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Scott Taylor
1979-1985
Vice President of Advertising and Marketing Michael James
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1959-19791939-1959 1937-1939 1935-1937
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General e-mail: sweditor@enterprise publications.com www.enterprisepublications.com
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Member: Illinois Press Association • Member – Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce
are taught how to conduct and run a meeting using Roberts Rules of Order. They are taught the responsibilities, rights and privileges of being an American citizen.The girls campaign to be governor of their mythical state. Since 1986 the community has sent more than 300 young women to this program with the help and support of high schools, local businesses, community organizations and individuals. They live on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. Their food, transportation and the cost of the program are free to the girls attending. If you would like to sponsor a girl or make a contribution (any amount is appreciated) to the IGS program, please send your check payable to American Legion Auxiliary Marne Unit 13 by April 27, 2012, to Nancy York, 13456 South Redberry Circle, Plainfield, Illinois 60544-9362. The cost of sending one girl to IGS is $260, which includes cost of transportation. If you would like more information, please contact Nancy York at 815-372-3152.
1887-1934 (USPS 177-160) Published By Voyager Enterprise, Inc. P.O. Box 1613 23856 W. Andrew Rd., Plainfield, IL 60585
Richard Masterson Beverly Perry Wayne and Beverly Perry Scott Miller and Larry Ellis Irving Johnson G.L. Howieson Claude Phillips Ed J. Williams and Rosco Stanley A. Maurice and Lois Utt U.S.G. Blakely
No part of The Enterprise, including advertisements, stories, photos or captions, may be reproduced without written permission from The Enterprise. Send requests to The Enterprise, P.O. Box 1613, Plainfield, IL 60544. © 2011 The Enterprise
Wood chips are available to all residents of unincorporated Wheatland Township, and will be delivered free of charge by truck load only. Residents of incorporated areas should check with their municipal street department for information on similar programs. For more information contact the office of Dayton E. Jarnagin, Wheatland Township Highway Commissioner, at 4232 Tower Ct, Naperville, Illinois 60564 or phone (630) 717-0092, between the hours of 9 a.m. 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. AD DEADLINES Space and Copy deadlines for Display and Classified Ads is 3 p.m. Friday before date of insertion. (Except holidays & special sections.) classifieds@enterprisepublications.com Legals, Obituaries and Happy Ads are due at noon Friday. announcements@ enterprisepublications.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES Letters to Editor: 9 a.m. Friday Community Events: 3 p.m. Friday (3 weeks before event) Sports: 9 a.m. Friday sweditor@enterprisepublications.com OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Published every Thursday at 23846 W. Andrew Rd., Plainfield, IL 60585. Subscription rates: $25 per year within Will County and 60540, 60564, 60565, 60566 zip codes; $30 within Illinois; $50 per year elsewhere. Single copy 75 cents. Periodical postage paid at Plainfield, Illinois 60544 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to P.O. Box 1613, Plainfield, IL 60544.
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Community Events
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
ONGOING Anything Grows Garden Club of Plainfield. 7 p.m. at Plainfield Congregational Church, 24020 W. Fraser Road. Join us for “Garden Talk.” We meet every fourth Wednesday of the month. Guest speakers, garden projects or day trips are scheduled for every meeting. Dues are $15 for a single membership or $20 for a family membership. For more information contact Anita at awgerardy@sbcglobal.net. Plainfield Art League. To all those interested in joining our community of local artisans and art patrons, we encourage you to come and join us at our Member Meeting & Demo, held from 7pm to 9pm, every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Board Meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of the month from 7pm to 9pm. Currently, all meetings are being held at Panera Bread Restaurant on the southeast corner of Caton Farm Road and Route 59 (entrance off of Caton Farm). Please check our website for updates. Our meetings and demos are always free and open to artists and the public. Bring a friend! For more information contact P.A.L. at 815-556-9278, info@plainfieldartleague.org or www.plainfieldartleague.org. Toddlin’ Twos. 10 a.m. Thursdays at the Plainfield Public Library. This 20-minute drop-in story time is for two-year-old children with an adult caregiver. Children will be treated to stories and finger plays. Bounce & Tickle for Babies. 9:15 a.m.Tuesdays at the Plainfield Public Library. This drop-in group is for children aged 6-23 months with an adult caregiver. Children will be introduced to stories, interactive songs, and finger plays. A short period of free play with educational toys will enhance socialization and fine motor skills. Main Street Museum. 1-4 p.m. Saturdays at the Plainfield
Historical Society, 23836 W. Main St. in Plainfield. Admission is free, and group tours are available by appointment. Current exhibits include early local history projects created by community third grade students. Also featured are exhibits about the Civil War, Electric Park,World War One and Two, and the school band program from the 1930s forward. Call 815-436-4073 for more information. Birth after cesarean. 12-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. meetings the first Monday of the month in Romeoville. Come for encouragement, supports, and information on planning for your next birth. Babes-in-arms are always welcome. Call Melanie in Romeoville at 253-861-5897 for more information, or e-mail VBACesarean@aol.com. Young Widows Support Group. Meets the third Thursday of every month at varying locations in the Plainfield/Joliet area. Open to those who have lost a partner and are ready to begin healing and moving forward in life by sharing their experiences with others. Children are welcome. For more information please contact Amanda at widowswear stilettos chicagosw@yahoo. com. Managing Multiples. A support group offered by Edward Hospital that is open to couples that are still expecting, parents of multiples or even parents who have one or more children who just need to get their life in order. The group will meet the second Thursday of each month from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their babies. The class is free. For more information call (630) 527-5369. Breastfeeding support group. A free support group, offered by Edward Hospital and led by a certified Lactation Counselor, meets on the 1st and
3rd Wednesdays of the month from 11:30 – noon (following Cradle Talk). Join other breastfeeding moms for support and to have any questions answered. No registration required. For information and location, please call (630) 5273957. Nurturing Mom. A free support group for new moms or moms-to-be who are experiencing emotional lows, depression, anxiety, fearful thoughts, difficulty sleeping, or other troubling behavior. Led by a licensed clinical psychologist and a therapist with extensive backgrounds in women’s services and postpartum depression, this support group meets weekly, on Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:30. Registration is suggested. For information and location, please call (630) 527-3957. Silent Prayer hour. The members of the St. Mary Immaculate Military Ministry invite everyone to devote an hour together to pray for the dedicated individuals who wear the uniforms of our country. Please join us on the 3rd Friday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the St. Mary Immaculate Parish Adoration Chapel for an hour of silent prayer for a soldier (or the soldier’s family). Use the North Wing entrance to the church at 15629 South Rt. 59 in Plainfield. We also invite you to submit a name (s) to be added to our prayer intention list. Please contact Maria Prekop at 312-2596851 or Ann Eckhorn at 815-2549656. Young Widows Support Group. Meets once per month at varying locations in the Plainfield/Joliet area. Open to those who have lost a partner and are ready to begin healing and moving forward in life by sharing their experiences with others. Children are welcome. For more information please contact Amanda at widowswear stilettoschicagosw@yahoo.com
“Going Green” Electronics Recycling Project. In cooperation with Vintage Tech Recyclers, Wheatland Township will continue its recycling of electronic equipment for township residents. All equipment received will be fully processed and recycled with a Zero-Tolerance for landfill policy adopted by the recycling company. Equipment that can be dropped off includes:Computers, Monitors, Memory Sticks, Printer Cartridges, Laptops and accessories, Hard Drives, Power Cables, Network Equipment, Fax Machines, Photocopiers and Cell Phones. If you have any other items of question, please call us to see if they will be accepted. All items can be dropped off at the Township office, 31 W 236 91st St. in Naperville, Monday thru Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, contact Jay Madalon at (630) 851-3952 or e-mail to: JayM@ WheatlandTownship.com. Friday Night at Live 59. Every Friday, doors open at 10 p.m. and close at 2 a.m. FNL is an after the work week social mixer with live bands and comedy. There will be a $10 cover at the door, and early arrival is suggested to guarantee seating.
APRIL 6 Biblical Events Easter Reenactment. 7 p.m. at Three
Rivers Church. Three Rivers Church of Plainfield will present a powerful visual re-enactment of biblical events surrounding the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Come experience a dramatic portrayal of the historychanging and life-altering events following Jesus’ crucifixion. Witness the unfolding political, social, religious and spiritual repercussions among Jewish priests and Roman soldiers, Jesus’ followers and His skeptics, angels and mere men, and answer the question for yourself: “Who moved the stone?” Three Rivers Church is located at the corner of Route 59 and Rolf Road in Plainfield. For more information about the Easter re-enactment or services at Three Rivers Church, please call (815) 439-8787.
APRIL 7 Free Lacrosse Clinic. 1-3 p.m. at Northwest Community Park, located on 127th St. west of Route 30. This clinic is designed to introduce the sport to new players and parents. All equipment will be provided by New Wave Lacrosse. Participants must be pre-registered using program #33214A1 by calling 815-436-8812 or on www. plainfieldparkdistrict.com. Biblical Events Easter Reenactment. 6 p.m. at Three Rivers Church. Three Rivers See CALENDAR, page 9
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
CALENDAR Continued from page 8 Church of Plainfield will present a powerful visual re-enactment of biblical events surrounding the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Come experience a dramatic portrayal of the historychanging and life-altering events following Jesus’ crucifixion. Witness the unfolding political, social, religious and spiritual repercussions among Jewish priests and Roman soldiers, Jesus’ followers and His skeptics, angels and mere men, and answer the question for yourself: “Who moved the stone?” Three Rivers Church is located at the corner of Route 59 and Rolf Road in Plainfield. For more information about the Easter re-enactment or services at Three Rivers Church, please call (815) 439-8787.
APRIL 8 Biblical Events Easter Reenactment. 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. at Three Rivers Church. Three Rivers Church
of Plainfield will present a powerful visual re-enactment of biblical events surrounding the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Come experience a dramatic portrayal of the historychanging and life-altering events following Jesus’ crucifixion. Witness the unfolding political, social, religious and spiritual repercussions among Jewish priests and Roman soldiers, Jesus’ followers and His skeptics, angels and mere men, and answer the question for yourself: “Who moved the stone?” Three Rivers Church is located at the corner of Route 59 and Rolf Road in Plainfield. For more information about the Easter re-enactment or services at Three Rivers Church, please call (815) 439-8787.
APRIL 13 Art, Wine, And Jazz Festival. Doors will open at 6:30 at Limestone Brewery on Rt. 59 in Plainfield. The Rotary Club of Plainfield is hosting its second annual Art, Wine, and Jazz Festival. The event will feature an art auction, wine and appetizers, and live jazz. Tickets
DARE
EASTER
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“We have to address their belief system, address why they are tempted in the first place,” she said. Challenge them in small groups while keeping them in the school context. Schools are not the problem. The schools are the solution.” Parents are part of that solution as well, she added. And while there’s a natural tendency for teens to separate from parental control, she said it is imperative that they stay involved. “We still need them to be our partners in this,” she said. One creative technique Burke would like to see utilized is to talk about drug use in forums outside health class. It’s more effective if it’s spread around, she said, and kids won’t be as likely to tune out. “Let’s discuss it in other areas of the curriculum—we can talk about addiction in science class. We can discuss the drug trade in social studies. Let’s get our coaches warning kids about pushing past their limits. It stops presenting drugs as a kids’ problem, and starts putting it where it belongs, as a societal problem.” That, in a nutshell is the approach Burke and her colleagues are trying to translate into DuPage and Will County schools.Already the Robert Crown Center is working on curriculumbased education at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, and is beginning to work with the Will County Superintendent’s office on programming for schools in this area. “It’s all about communication,” said Burke. “You have to talk to the kids and offer real information about what the drugs do. But let’s keep it going by being available to hear those things you might not want to hear.That’s our strategy.”
house (weather permitting) and face painting also are scheduled, and candy-filled eggs will be handed out to youngsters at the Plainfield Fire Station on Des Plaines Street. Adults can enjoy a free wine & chocolate tasting from 6-9 p.m. at Wine & Cheese byTCC,or try their hand at the EggThrow at Moe Joe’s during its annual Bunny Bash from 7-10 p.m. For more information, call Susan at MainStreet Plainfield at (815) 609-6130 or visit www. mainstreetplainfield.org
Hippity-Hop Easter Egg Hunt, Shorewood Children of all ages and their
for the event are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Registration is highly recommended, as space is limited. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www. rotaryplainfieldil.org. CPR Heartsaver AED. 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Edward Hospital Education Center. Classroom-based, video-driven course led by an AHA Heartsaver of Basic Life Support instructor. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students received a course completion card, valid for two years. Register by calling 630-527-6363.
APRIL 14 Abilities Expo. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Plainfield Central High School Field House, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive, Plainfield. The events will include vendors, workshops, and guest speakers. Concessions will also be available. For more information visit www. plainfieldparkdistrict.com or www.plainfield-township.com.
APRIL 22 CPR/First Aid for family
families are invited to the 8th annual Hippity-Hop Easter Egg Hunt from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday,April 7, at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Road, Shorewood. More than 10,000 eggs have been ordered and filled for this year’s indoor and outdoor egg hunts, divided by age group. Locations: • Toddlers up to age three will meet indoors in the Balloon Pit. • Children age four to eight should meet outdoors south of the patio. • Children age nine to 12 should meet outside north of the patio. The egg hunt will feature prizes for everyone along with plenty of kid-friendly entertainment including: Photos with the Easter Bunny starting at 11:15 a.m., a petting zoo; caricature and portrait artists; Those Funny Little People;
and friends. 1-4:30 p.m. at the Edward Hospital Education Center, third floor. This videobased classroom course teaches adult Hands-Only CPR and AED use, Child CPR and AED use, Infant CPR, and how to relieve choking in an adult, child, or infant. This is not a certification course. Cost is $10 per person. Register by calling 630-5276363.
APRIL 25 CPR Heartsaver AED. 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Edward Hospital Education Center. Classroom-based, video-driven course led by an AHA Heartsaver of Basic Life Support instructor. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students received a course completion card, valid for two years. Register by calling 630-527-6363.
MAY 11 CPR Heartsaver AED. 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Edward Hospital Education Center. Classroom-based, video-driven course led by an AHA Heartsaver of Basic Life Support instructor.
Chuckles the Clown; Juggler and magician; face painting; games, prizes, popcorn, hot chocolate and cookies. The egg hunt event is free and open to the public. For more information please call 815-6090669.
Child Evangelism Fellowship Egg hunt, Shorewood Child
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Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students received a course completion card, valid for two years. Register by calling 630-527-6363.
MAY 20 CPR/First Aid for family and friends. 1-4:30 p.m. at the Edward Hospital Education Center, third floor. This videobased classroom course teaches adult Hands-Only CPR and AED use, Child CPR and AED use, Infant CPR, and how to relieve choking in an adult, child, or infant. This is not a certification course. Cost is $10 per person. Register by calling 630-5276363.
MAY 23 CPR Heartsaver AED. 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Edward Hospital Education Center. Classroom-based, video-driven course led by an AHA Heartsaver of Basic Life Support instructor. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students received a course completion card, valid for two years. Register by calling 630-527-6363.
Fellowship is having their Sixth Annual Easter Egg Hunt from 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. April 7 at 305 Channahon Street, Shorewood. This is a free event for boys and girls aged 5-12 years old. There will be games, a Bible lesson, memory verse, and egg hunt. This event is open to everyone and sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship. For more information log on to http://www.cef-will.org/home/ special-events.
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Police and Fire
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
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The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Plainfield Police Department. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.
Melissa Warpinski, 19, 4901 Goodhue Lane, Plainfield, was cited on March 25 in the 22000 block of W. Renwick Road for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident before she rear ended a vehicle that had stopped for traffic.
Ottman Deleon, 40, 24069 W. Pear Tree Circle, Plainfield, was arrested on March 22 at 5:41 p.m. on W. Eagle Chase Drive and Van Dyke Road for driving without a valid driver’s license.
Rachael Tuggle, 22, 3702 Thoroughbred Lane, Joliet, was arrested on March 26 at 8:41 p.m. on W. Main and S. Route 59 for driving with a suspended/ revoked driver’s license.
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Samuel Martinez, 33, 313
Lime, Joliet, was arrested on March 27 at 7:16 p.m. on W. 143rd and S. Route 59 for driving without a valid driver’s license.
28 at 7:33 p.m. on S. Joliet Road and S. Route 59 for driving with a suspended/revoked driver’s license.
John Valianos, 39, 25317 W. Willow Drive, Plainfield, was arrested on March 28 at 4:13 p.m. on W 135th and S. Route 30 for driving with a suspended/ revoked license, and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration and no insurance.
Arturo Sanchez, 35, 842 Superior, Aurora, was arrested on March 29 at 9:50 a.m. was arrested at 11509 S. Glenn Circle for driving with a suspended/revoked drivers license.
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Patrick Vaughn, 46, 25121 W. Bicentennial Court, Plainfield, was arrested on March
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Bridjet Morman, 21, 221 N. View, Aurora, was arrested on March 30 at 11:05 a.m. was arrested on W. 143rd and S.
Route 30 for an in-state warrant and driving with a suspended/ revoked license. Blake Thode, 29, 9402 Caledonia Drive, Tinley Park, was arrested on April 1 at 2:22 a.m. on S. Joliet Road and W. Union for driving with a suspended/revoked driver’s license, and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration and no insurance.
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Floyd Berry, 38, 13161 S. Meadow Lane, Plainfield, was arrested on April 1 at 12:10 p.m. at 24545 W.Tufton for reckless driving.
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The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
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Obituaries
Harold C. “Luke” Lutter, Jr. Harold C. “Luke” Lutter, Jr., age 83, a longtime resident of Plainfield, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 31, 2012 Harold C. at Adventist Lutter, Jr. Bolingbrook Hospital, Bolingbrook, IL. He was born December 25, 1928 in Waukegan, IL. Beloved husband of Bonnie R. (nee Schempf) Lutter, whom he married June 22, 1954, loving father of Mark (Connie) Lutter of Lakeland, FL, Kimberly (Barry) Eagen of Tucson, AZ, Tammy (Matthew) Keeney of Westfield, MA and Angelique McDonnell of Plainfield, adored grandfather of Sarah, Justin, Luke, Brittany, Kalina, Mary, Seth, Shana, Zach, Alyssa, Jordan, Bryant and Hannah, cherished great-grandfather of Tierney, Helen H., Simon, Kimmie, Hailey, Laila, Colin, Helen B., Emma and Nacho, devoted son of the late Harold C., Sr. and Ethel (nee Granath) Lutter, dear brother of Joyce (John) Reed of Shorewood, IL, fond uncle of many. Harold was born in Waukegan, moved to Plainfield as a teenager and graduated from Plainfield High School in 1946. He served in the U.S.Army in the late 1940’s and later, was employed for over 30 years by Caterpillar Corp.in Joliet.He retired in 1986,worked two more years for Conek S.A. de C.V. in Mexico and part-time for CarQuest Auto Parts in Plainfield. Harold was a member
ART Continued from page 2 The show is titled “A Toast for Education” and funds raised will provide college scholarships for graduating seniors in Plainfield area schools. The art auction will showcase a variety of student art as well as works from professional artists. Artists and scholarship recipients represent District 202 high schools and the Plainfield academy. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at Salentino Italian Ristorante, 15420 S. Route 59. Tickets for the event are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Registration is highly recommended, as space is limited. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.rotaryplainfieldil. org/. For more information call 815-230-2887. On April 20, the celebration of art continues at the Plainfield Police Department. A 96-foot piece of public art, created by Schnowske, will be unveiled in
of Wheatland Presbyterian Church and Plainfield Masonic Lodge #536. An outdoorsman, Harold enjoyed fishing, hunting, collecting knives and camping. He was also an avid gardener. Visitation was Tuesday, April 3rd. at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Road (Corner of Rts. 30 & 59), Plainfield. Funeral Services were on Wednesday,April 4th, at Wheatland Presbyterian Church, 11839 Heggs Rd., Plainfield, IL 60585, (630) 9041140. Interment: Plainfield Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Wheatland Presbyterian Church, 11839 Heggs Rd., Plainfield, IL 60585, (630) 904-1140. For Info: (815) 436 – 9221 or www.overman-jones.com
Allyn K. Bronk Allyn K. Bronk, age 77 a life long resident of Wheatland Township, joined his Lord and Savior on March 18, 2012. He graduated from Plainfield High School, Class of 1953 and married his sweetheart, June E. Flagg on January 3, 1954. Along with his wife, he is loved and will be greatly missed by his four children Deborah (Kevin) Larson, Dale Bronk, Dawn (Thomas) Fassiotto and Danny (Penny) Bronk. The proud grandfather of Jacqlyn (Steven) Hipp, Emily Larson, Erik Larson, Aubrey Fassiotto, Bradley Fassiotto, Christopher Fassiotto, Matthew Bronk, Michelle Bronk and great-grandfather of Mckenna, Chase and Jeremiah. Allyn enjoyed wintering in Ft. Myers, FL, where he was a member of the Ft. Myers Assembly of God Church. Memorials to the Ft. Myers Assembly of God Church/Mission Fund, 4701 Summerlin Road, Ft. Myers, FL 33919, would be greatly appreciated. “The Most beautiful stones
the courtroom foyer from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The new PPD Inspiration Mural will be accompanied by a display of 35 new works by Schnowske, which will be for sale.Those who purchase a piece at the show can have 100 percent of all proceeds donated to a Plainfield scholarship fund or other local charity. “I call these public art exhibits the Public Arts and Community Service, ART x 2 shows,” Schnowske said. He added that he uses art as “a catalyst to generate recognition and support for community service organizations in our area.”
Charitable options include: • Kiwanis Club of Plainfield Scholarship Fund: benefiting Plainfield high school graduates; • Plainfield Rotary Scholarship Fund: benefiting Plainfield high school graduates in the area; • Plainfield Lions Club Scholarship Fund: benefiting Plainfield high school graduates;
have been tossed by the wind and smoothed by the water. Just like stones, we have been polished by our family and friends… by our experiences...honed to weather life’s greatest storms.” T.C. Metheney A Private family service was held on Monday, March 26, 2012 at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Road, Plainfield, IL 60544 with interment at the Plainfield Township Cemetery in Plainfield, IL Info:(815) 436 – 9221 or www. overmanjones.com
Shirley Kesler DeGroot Shirley Kesler DeGroot, 88, of Washington, IL died at 9:47 p.m. Friday, March 30, 2012 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Eureka, IL. She was born Shirley Kesler on October 17, DeGroot 1923 in Eureka, IL to Loren P. and Ermine Felter Kesler. A 1941 Eureka High School graduate,Shirley studied journalism and was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority at the University of Illinois. Shirley married Joseph L. DeGroot of Little Chute,Wisconsin on February 23, 1946 in Chicago, IL. She is survived by her husband, Joe, of Washington, two children; Becky (Mike) Irons of Indianapolis, IN and Jeff (Rebecca) DeGroot of Germantown Hills, IL, two grandchildren; Kate DeGroot and Sonnie Irons, and two greatgrandchildren; Lanie and Camilla. Her parents preceded her in death. In addition to her many activities, Shirley served on the Eureka Community Unit 140 School Board from 1975-1981.
• Plainfield Art League: promoting art education, support, community participation in the cultural and fine arts throughout the greater Plainfield area; • Plainfield “Shop with a Cop” Program: benefiting needy children and families throughout the community during the holiday season; • Plainfield School District Foundation for Excellence: funding enrichment programs and services that make a significant contribution to the quality of education; • Plainfield Avery Family YMCA: providing recreational and health program funding to needy families; • Plainfield Library; and Plainfield DARE Program: giving kids valuable skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs and violence. Checks for the purchase of any art will be written directly to that person’s charity of choice. The Plainfield Police Department is located at 14300 S. Coil Plus Drive.
Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory inWashington is assisting the family with arrangements.There will be no services. Cremation will be accorded. Memorials may be made to A.R.K. Animal Shelter, 477 State Rt. 26, Lacon, IL 61540 or to a charity of the donor’s choice in Shirley’s name. Shirley’s memorial website is available at www. deitersfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent to the family.
Cheryl O. Jones Cheryl O. Jones,“Cherie”, age 76, a Plainfield resident since 1996. Cherie went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 28, 2012. She was born October 27, 1935 in Newton, Iowa to the late Floyd and Marjorie Owens. Cherie is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Arthur D. Jones, Sr.; her devoted daughters, Georgina Jones of Elgin and Van Nguyen of Vietnam and sons, Courtney (Donna) Jones of Wheaton and Arthur D. (Demi) Jr. of Warrenville; her cherished grandchildren, Arthur D. Jones, III, Samantha Jones, Zachariah Jones, Diana Nguyen and Vincent Nguyen; her siblings, Gary (Sandy) Buehler and Christine (the late Bill) Murphy; as well as numerous
nieces and nephews and a lifetime of good friends. Cherie was a former 21 year resident of Naperville and greeted many new residents as a newcomer hostess for the Naperville Chamber of Commerce. She was a former member of Westmont Bible Church and was a very active member of Friendship Baptist Church, Plainfield. Cherie loved devoting her time to leading Bible Study classes and teaching Sunday School. She was also a dedicated Billy Graham Counselor for many years. For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Cherie’s life, memorials may be made to either Friendship Baptist Church or the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 282010001 Visitation was on Monday, April 2, 2012 at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services,Plainfield.Funeral Services was held on Tuesday, April 3, at Friendship Baptist Church, 15801 S. Route 59, Plainfield, with Pastor Odis Weaver officiating. Interment will follow at Naperville Cemetery. OVERMAN-JONES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES 15219 S. Joliet Road (Corner of routes 59 & East 30) Plainfield, IL 60544 Info:(815) 436 – 9221 or www. overmanjones.com
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The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Enterprise
Thursday, April 5, 2012
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North looks to get past regionals By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter
This year’s Plainfield North squad is on a mission. After coming up short in regional play the past few years, the Tigers are determined to get over the hump and win a regional title.
GIRLS SOCCER With one of the best offensive teams in the state, there is no reason why they can’t. “We can score goals,” North coach Jane Crowe said.“The key is to create those opportunities against the good teams in the postseason. If we can shut teams out, they won’t be able to beat us and we haven’t been able to do that in the past.” The Tigers (4-1-1) suffered their only loss 2-1 to Naperville Central, the same team that beat them in the regional championship last year. But the Tigers know they can beat them. “We want to make it past the first regional game for sure this year,” North junior forward Ashley Handwork said. “I think we have it in us. Naperville Central is a good rivalry for us and I think we can rise up against them and beat them. I think we can go far this year.” “We talked about if we lost to them at the beginning of the year, that’s not what is important,” Crowe said. “What’s important is that we keep getting better and we have. We played a great game against Sandburg and we played well again today. We’re going in the right direction.” After tying Wheaton Warrenville South 2-2 in the next game, North has been on fire, winning their past four games by a combined score of 23-1. The Tigers scored six goals against both Plainfield East and a strong Sandburg squad, then seven goals against Downers North and four against Plainfield Central. “We transition so quickly,” Crowe said. “Not only are they fast, but Callie (O’Donnell) gets from one end of the field to the other so quickly. That makes a huge difference.” “I think our offense is doing pretty well,” Handwork said. “I think we are a speed team, but we also have a lot of foot skills. Sometimes we don’t get the opportunity to show that because we try to use our speed more.”
Scott Taylor/Enterprise staff
Plainfield North’s Heather Handwork scored a goal in a 7-0 win over Downers North last Monday.
Handwork and O’Donnell scored two goals apiece in the win over Downers North last Monday. Sara Stevens, Kaela Leskovar and Heather Handwork also scored goals. “I’m happy with how we started,” Handwork stated. “I like playing good teams at the beginning of the season. It gets us back into the flow. It’s good to come out and get a win like this too, which really ups our confidence.” The 4-0 win against Plainfield Central was the 23rd straight
win for the Tigers in Southwest Prairie Conference play as they look for their fourth straight title. Scoring for North (5-1-1, 2-0) were Brooke Polonus, Kaela Leskovar, Ashley Handwork and Heather Handwork. Offensively the Tigers are in midseason form thanks to having nearly everyone back from last year. “We have to keep playing as a team,” Handwork said. “I don’t think we have a lot of drama. We have a lot of sisters on the
team, which gives us a unique connection. We have that good chemistry flow going, which is good for us.” The defense has come along a little slower as two of the four defensemen from last year have graduated. “We had an injury to the defense and we graduated two starters on the defense from last year,” Crowe said. “That’s basically all we lost on the team. We lost Katie Cox too, but we have a lot of offensive players. Defense is where we
are young and we are still kind of figuring it out. Nikki Auble and Shayna Dheel are playing outside defense and they aren’t defenders. Brooke Polonus plays center defense and she’s a forward. That is kind of the thing we’re working on, but it’s getting there.” •Lexus Rose and Kayla Rice scored goals for Plainfield South in a 2-0 win over Oswego East. The Cougars (4-2, 1-0) lost to Lincoln-Way Central 4-0 earlier in the week. staylor@enterprisepublications.com
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The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Central beats South at WJOL Tournament By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter
Plainfield Central and Plainfield South opened the Southwest Prairie Conference season against each other this week, but the teams got a small preview in the consolation title game of the WJOL/Joliet Central Area Baseball Invite. The Wildcats (6-2) scored five
Mark Gregory/Enterprise staff
Central’s Joe Sparacio had an RBI triple against Plainfield South.
runs in the first inning and six in the second cruised to a 13-6 victory over the District rival Cougars.
BASEBALL Joe Sparacio, Eric DeLoach and Steve Heffernan each posted RBI singles in the first See WJOL, page 17
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
BASEBALL 1. Downers South 2. Plainfield North 3. Niles West 4. Minooka 5. Joliet Catholic 6. Maine South 7. Plainfield Central
SOFTBALL 1. Benet 2. Downers North 3. Plainfield Central 4. Lockport 5. Minooka 6. Plainfield East 7. Plainfield South
GIRLS SOCCER 1. Plainfield North 2. Downers South 3. Plainfield Central 4. Lockport 5. Maine South 6. Plainfield South 7. Bolingbrook
BOYS VOLLEYBALL 1. Downers North 2. Benet 3. Minooka 4. Downers South 5. Plainfield North 6. Maine South 7. Bolingbrook
BOYS TRACK 1. Plainfield South 2. Minooka 3. Maine South 4. Niles West 5. Plainfield North 6. Joliet West 7. Benet
GIRLS TRACK 1. Plainfield North 2. Downers South 3. Downers North 4. Bolingbrook 5. Lockport 6. Niles West 7. Westmont
Scott Taylor/Enterprise staff
Dominique Roa was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI in a 12-2 win over St. Charles North.
Off to a hot start By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter
Plainfield Central remained unbeaten, going 4-0 last week, before a loss Monday ended its run. The Wildcats (8-1) opened the week with a 12-2 win over St. Charles North.
SOFTBALL Karly Jackson was 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBI in her first game of the season, while Cailey Baker was 4-for-4 with two RBI and Dominique Roa was 3-for4 with two RBI. Kaleigh Nagle allowed two earned runs on five hits, while striking out five over five innings. Next they beat Joliet West 11-1 in six innings as Morgan Vogt (3 RBI), Rachel Egly and Nagle (2B, RBI) each went 3-for-4. Rachel Scaman (2-0) allowed three hits and an earned run. Central continued the slaughters by beating Glenbard East 13-3.
Bagle was 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI, while Baker was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Nagle (5-0) gave up two earned runs and struck out three. The Wildcats closed out the week with a 1-0 win over Yorkville in eight innings. Roa was 2-for-4 and drove home the lone run of the game in the eighth. Timi Tooley was 2-for-3 with a double, while Vogt (1-0) pitched a no-hitter over eight innings of work, striking out five batters, allowing four walks and a hit batter. Vogt also scored the run as she singled, advanced to second on a Baker sacrifice and stole third before Roa sent her home with a two out hit. Central lost its first game of the year Monday, 5-2 against Waubonsie Valley. •Plainfield North (3-3) defeated St. Francis 4-0 as Sydney Schmittel (3-1) struck See START, page 17
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The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
North faced with the injury bug By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter
Plainfield North came into the season as one of the top teams in the Chicagoland area. Early in the season the Tigers are trying to see how much depth they have.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL They have lost senior Peter Bednarz for the year and fellow senior Jake Barber for the immediate future, both due to injuries. Despite the loss of the duo, as well as a starting middle due to illness, North still managed to beat Bolingbrook 25-15, 25-22 last Wednesday. “I think it was (a confidence booster),” North senior setter Matt Guerrieri said. “We missed a lot of serves and our passing wasn’t great. Considering we won, I can’t be too disappointed. It definitely helped with confidence. I think we can still finish up there in conference if we limit mistakes.” “Matt Guerrieri only had two of his hitters out there that he normally sets to the past two years,” North coach Kevin Vesper said. “That is due to
injuries and other incidents that have happened. The great thing is the guys who replaced our injured players stepped up huge and played well. Josh (Quinn) played really well and it was his first time playing outside ever. Yesterday was the first time in practice we ever tried that lineup. After the game they told me what they need to work on (passing and serve receive) and was the same thing I thought.” North built several four-point leads in the second set, but every time Bolingbrook would tie it, North would come up big. “When a new team is out there together for the first time, you’re going to have errors like we had tonight,” Vesper said. “They responded well to it. They did not let it affect them and they had big kills when they needed it.We got the win in two games. They responded and it is a credit to them.” The motto of the game was to just relax and have a good time. “It is go out there and have fun,” Guerrieri said. “You have to go out and play loose. You have to play relaxed or we’re not going to do well out there. I have to be loud and get other See NORTH, page 18
Scott Taylor/Enterprise staff
Matt Guerrieri is one of the few Plainfield North seniors who were able to play against Bolingbrook.
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
WJOL Continued from page 14 inning, while Matt Ryan drove in a pair in the second, followed by RBI hits from Kyle Hunsinger, DeLoach and Cameron Jones and a sacrifice fly RBI from Heffernan. “We have been seeing good pitches and we have to take what they give us and do our best,” said Sparacio, who added a two-run double in the fifth. “We have to go with the pitch and just take what they give us. I am happy with the tournament. We are a lot better this year and we are showing that. Everyone is coming up with timely hitting and we are playing as a team.” Central was in the consolation bracket after losing a one-run game to eventual champion Minooka in the opener and then defeating Lockport in the first game Saturday.
START Continued from page 15 out six and spread out seven hits. Katie ready was 3-for-4, while Taylor Wilhelm was 2-for-2 with a pair of doubles and an RBI. In an 11-1 win over BradleyBourbonnais, Schmittel struck
“The first game against Minooka, for us to battle back after losing in the seventh inning and battle back with two wins today, I am proud of the guys,” said Central coach John Rosner. “We took advantage of some mistakes early on and hit some balls hard. If you put the ball in play, good things will happen and it happened early on. It is a good win. The whole day today was a good day.” “We are starting off well and we are in these games. Hopefully this carries over into the season.” In the 10-3 win over Lockport, Ryan had a single and two-run double and Sparacio cracked an RBI triple in support of senior right-hander Anthony Cunniff who got the win. South got to the consolation final after a 4-1 win over Joliet West. In that game, South broke a scoreless tie with a four-run fifth inning. Austin Howarth tripled
got the inning started with a triple and he scored on a Mike Turk suicide squeeze. After a few walks, Jesse Small cleared the bases with a threerun double. Julian Clouse pitched six innings for South, allowing a run and four hits. Against Central, coach Phil Bodine played it safe as to not show his hand for the upcoming SPC games. “Of course we wanted to show better on this field here (Silver Cross Field),” he said. “But we threw a sophomore out there that we just brought up today, I don’t even know his name, and we thought we would try and squeeze a win out. We open the conference with them and I didn’t want to run any coverages or show anything, just play baseball. They are a good team and we are a team playing with a lot of guys hurt and trying to figure things out. We will be OK. We played some
out six, while allowing four hits and an earned run. She added a 3-for-4 performance at the plate with an RBI, while Ready was 2-for2 with two RBI and Kelly Kennedy had a pair of doubles and an RBI. •Jordan Harbacek allowed one hit for South (5-2) in a 7-0 win over Joliet Central.Whitney Lanphier had three RBI.
BASEBALL North (5-0) defeated LincolnWay North 3-2 as Brendan Millar allowed just one hit and no earned runs in 6.3 innings. Zach Zyburt had a double and an RBI. •Scott Vachon had four hits and an RBI in an 11-4 East (4-4) win over Coal City. staylor@enterprisepublications.com
good baseball. Rick Salazar had three hits and a pair RBI for South (4-3). “This is a great tournament, they do some really nice things for the kids, we get to play at some really nice places,” Bodine said. “Maybe one of these years we can get on the other (winners) side of the bracket.” Like Central, South was sent to the consolation bracket by a team who advanced to the title
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game as Lemont rallied back to beat South 7-5. The Indians scored five runs in the seventh inning to win the game. “That was a nice game against Lemont, we were up and we had our guy on a pitch count and I didn’t want to throw the other starters,” Bodine said.“Our bullpen didn’t hold it, but that’s baseball.” mark@enterprisepublications.com
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The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
NORTH Continued from page 16 guys pumped.” One player who has really stepped up with the injuries is Josh Quinn. “Josh Quinn has done fantastic,” Guerrieri said. “He only played a couple of points last year and this year he has done awesome. It’s a grind right now, but we still have big goals.” Those goals still include conference and regional titles. “The expectations are not going to change, ever, and the kids know that,” Vesper said. “They know that whoever steps in is going to do well, they are expected to do well and they do. Just because we have a couple of players injured doesn’t mean we can’t do what we wanted to from day one. We’re still striving for that. There are zero excuses. They are hungry to achieve those goals.” A good thing with the injuries is that the Tigers will develop more depth and experience,
which could be beneficial late in the season, especially if Barber is able to return at 100 percent. “If you want to take a positive out of these injuries is that it happened early in the season,” Vesper said. “The players on the floor now are going to get experience on the court in game situations. When our team comes back to full strength, it makes our team that much stronger and our depth that much stronger.” North took second in its season-opening tournament, which concluded March 24. The Tigers fell to Minooka in the championship, which is an opponent they will be seeing more of in the Southwest Prairie Conference. “We played decent, they played really well,” Guerrieri said. “We didn’t play our best game. They are very tall and we aren’t very tall. They outplayed us.” The Tigers made it two runnerup finishes, falling to Benet in the final of the Argo Invitational Saturday. staylor@enterprisepublications.com
VOTE ONLINE!
Scott Taylor/Enterprise staff
Eric Rash serves during North’s win over Bolingbrook.
Monay Crawford, Maine East -Voyager Media All-Star MVP
Morgan Tuck, Bolingbrook -Female hoops player of the year
Sidney Prasse, Benet -First team All-Area, 14.9 ppg
Marlon Johnson, Joliet West -Voyager Media All-Star MVP
Vicky Vodicka, Romeoville -Three goals in season-opener
Ed Presniakovas, Plainfield South -Male hoops player of the year
Vote
for your winner for the Athlete of the Month for March online at www.buglenewspapers.com up until April 16. The winner will be announced in the April 18/19 issue.
www.buglenewspapers.com/madness
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
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Gladstone, Kentucky winners STANDINGS Edward Gladstone 105 Scott Taylor 101 Katie Hartanovich 98 Chris Askew 98 Briana Wilder 98 Joe Sparaciao 90 Dan Leach 88 Gary Taylor 79 Marge Taylor 77 Tom Harper 77 Brian Dudczyk 76 Dave Hartanovich 74 Brian Dunn 73 Note: Bold not eligible for top prizes By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter
Congratulations to Edward Gladstone of Romeoville for winning the 2012 Voyager Media Madness contest. Gladstone picked Kentucky to win it all and finished with 105 points. For his efforts he is the winner of the $100 grand prize. I finished in second place with 101 points, but am not eligible for a cash prize. That makes it a big tie for second place, with Plainfield’s Brianna Widler and Katie Hartanovich
Ohio State (2)
(1) Kentucky (2) Kansas
(1) Kentucky Champion (1) Kentucky (4) Louisville and Westmont’s Chris Askew, all of who picked Kentucky as well. Each contestant will win $25. To claim your prize please go to the Voyager Media Office at 23856 Andrew Road in Plainfield. A photo ID is required to prove you are at least 18 years of age. As for the NCAA championship, John Calipari finally broke through and won the NCAA title. This Kentucky team has been dominant throughout the season. The Wildcats lost just two games all year, despite playing a lot of younger players. They stormed through the
Kansas (2) tournament, never really being in danger of losing, except for a brief moment against Louisville. The question now that will be brought up and already has been is if Kentucky winning the championship with oneand-done players is bad for the game. I personally think it is. While Kentucky fans will be just concerned about the title (as any team would), I feel it hurts the integrity of the game. In essence, you can go out and get the top three one-and-done players every year, and compete for a title, while the other teams
have to fight each other for a few other top talents. Some will say there is nothing wrong with this, especially if he is recruiting players the right way. However, others will argue that this is making a mockery out of the system of having to wait for the pros for a year. Calipari doesn’t even have to do much of the recruiting anymore. He can tell the players that he has a proven track record of sending off top 10 draft picks after the year and competing for championships every year. Granted, he has had the perfect
storm this year; something he was missing all the way back to his Memphis days. They had a dominant gamechanging big man, which was the difference. The young team played defense unlike many other freshmen and sophomores. They also shot free throws and the three-point shot better than the past few years. In the end, it doesn’t mean this will happen every year, but the blueprint is made, so the Wildcats could get all the top players in the future. staylor@buglenewspapers.com
Take 5
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
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H o ro s c o p e s
Across
Down 35 Swelled head 38 T-bone with a warm, red center 42 Colorful card game 43 Lends a hand to 44 Lecture rooms 45 Abel’s assassin 47 Jazzy horn 48 Lass awed by the big city, maybe 54 Bright 55 Sis’s sib 56 IM offerer 58 He “runs through the town ... in his nightgown” 63 Thomas __ Edison 64 Tater __: Ore-Ida product 65 Big tractor name 66 Movie house suffix 67 Allergy trigger, often 68 Passover dinner
1 Burn badly 6 The lightning bolt on Harry Potter’s forehead, e.g. 10 Squirrel away 14 “__ World”: ticklish Muppet’s “Sesame Street” segment 15 Woody Guthrie’s son 16 Candy that comes in twos 17 Winter Olympics event with gates 20 Invoice fig. 21 Place for inks or oinks 22 Subtle vibes 23 One stalking lions or tigers 28 It.’s continent 29 Raw rocks 30 “Octopus’s Garden” singer Ringo 33 Talk show guest’s blatant promotion
1 Nintendo competitor 2 Start up the mountain 3 Italian violin maker 4 Chaney of horror 5 “Spring ahead” hrs. 6 Witch trials town 7 Whooping bird 8 Entirely 9 Kanga’s kid 10 Vain walks 11 In the loop 12 Anglican parish priest 13 Flames that have cooled? 18 Box for practice 19 Horse’s hair 24 Spice Girl Halliwell 25 Ashram authority 26 Store posting 27 Craving 30 Sch. in Big D 31 Commandment count 32 Hubbub 33 Painting reproduction 34 Schoolboy 35 Slippery fish
36 “For Me and My __” 37 Gives the nod 39 Postal sackful 40 Layered haircut 41 Crosstown bus alternative 45 Auto finish protection 46 Height: Pref. 47 Chilly powder? 48 What the nose knows 49 “Circle of Friends” writer Binchy 50 Newspaper bye lines? 51 Seize (from) 52 Gathered, as fallen leaves 53 Orleans’s river 54 Exchange 57 Ogle 59 India Inc.? 60 Gehrig who played with Ruth 61 Credit card users may be asked for them, briefly 62 Society page word
You can’t just say you are free of prejudices, you must be free of them. During the first half of the week, you may be challenged by others to perform at the optimum and criticized if you aren’t politically correct.
Communication conquers discord. Information is something you can distribute, but communication is getting through. There may be days in the week ahead when you can sidestep a serious misunderstanding.
Think like Einstein. He said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” In the week to come, you might be called upon to tackle problems in unique ways.
Take April Fools’ Day jokes in stride. In the week ahead, you will find that your business aspirations get a boost and the work you’ve done to improve your public image begins to pay off.
You can enjoy sentiments without drowning in sentimentality. In the upcoming week, you can keep your head above water and maintain harmony - as long as you don’t fall prey to a bid for your sympathy.
The April Fools’ joke is not on you. Someone might try to persuade you to accept poor advice or a bad situation in the week to come. The joke will be on that person when you don’t fall for it.
Live to fight another day. You may fight through a few bad days to get to the good ones in the week ahead. Your perception of what is right and wrong may be challenged by others.
Horns can turn into halos. Your loved ones might escape your understanding off and on during the week to come. Your dedication and passion, however, will highlight and augment your essential harmony.
Sometimes honesty as the best policy is just too honest. It may be wise to play your cards close to your vest. In the coming week, you may feel pressured to keep your head in the midst of family crisis.
Push on past the pitfalls. Some people are never more righteous than when they are in the wrong. By sticking to your guns in the week ahead, you will be able to overcome adverse situations.
In some instances, a pawn is more powerful than a king. Don’t let the little things that cause aggravation take control of your emotions in the week to come. Remain vigilante; money can slip away.
Make a fresh start each day. In the week ahead, make sure you never go to bed with unresolved arguments brewing in the background. Someone might hide their anger or pretend to accept your views.
SUDOKU
©2012 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
Previous puzzle ’s answers
Previous puzzle ’s answers
Previous puzzle ’s answers
Jumbles: • HOUSE • TROTH • BEAVER • SINGLE
Answer:
When the siblings opened the shoe repair shop, they became -- “SOLE” BROTHERS
TOP POP ALBUMS March 18 through March 24 TITLE
Up All Night 21 Greatest Hits Wrecking Ball Passion: White Flag Whitney: The Greatest Hits Take Care Now 41:That’s What I Call Music
Making Mirrors Some Nights
TOP DVD RENTALS March 18 through March 24
TOP COUNTRY ALBUMS March 18 through March 24 ARTIST
One Direction Adele Guns n’ Roses Bruce Springsteen Passion Whitney Houston Drake Various artists Gotye Fun.
TITLE
Tailgates & Tanlines My Kinda Party Own the Night Chief The Band Perry Footloose Halfway to Heaven Four the Record Spring Break 4... Suntan City
Family Man
ARTIST
Luke Bryan Jason Aldean Lady Antebellum Eric Church the Band Perry Soundtrack Brantley Gilbert Miranda Lambert Luke Bryan Shooter Jennings
TITLE
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Tower Heist Jack and Jill The Muppets The Adventures of Tintin Footloose Young Adult Happy Feet 2 The Three Musketeers In Time
LABEL
Columbia Pictures Universal Pictures Columbia Tristar Walt Disney Pictures Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Warner Bros. Summit Entertainment 20th Century Fox
Kids
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
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The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
BUSING Continued from page 1 The district assistant superintendent for business and operations, John Prince, said because he is in the middle of the solicitation process, he couldn’t speak to the nature of any individual company’s bid. However, he expected to make a final recommendation to the board at the April 9 meeting. Bids are being sought for both regular bus services and special education transportation. Currently, the district is under contract with First Student of Naperville for regular bus services, and Septran for its special education needs. Septran has worked with the district for the past 5 years. First Student has been the transportation provider for District 202 for the last 15 years. Costs for transportation within the district have been upwards of $40 million, so it is not a decision anyone in the district takes lightly. State funds do come in to reimburse up to 80 percent of the districts transportation regular costs, as well as a portion of special education busing needs, but payouts of that funding in recent years have been both late and less than expected. This has created financial turmoil in an already strapped school district. Bus provider Illinois Central, based in Channahon, has offered the lowest bid at about $27.1 million for three years for regular education students and about $15.7 million for three years for special education students. However, Prince said there is some flexibility as administrators determine if the company meets the standards for safety and stability, and able to rightly handle all the district’s needs. The district began a bold transportation plan last fall. Triple-tiered busing altered the school schedules dramatically, but the staggered start-times allowed for fewer buses and saved the district more than $600,000 a year.
“The district is being very cautious and diligent in it efforts to evaluates the pros and cons of each bid,” Prince said. “We take this responsibility very seriously.”
District approves teacher cutback In other budget news, the district approved the cutback of 17 full-time equivalent elementary teaching positions next year, saving the district about $1.1 million. The Board of Education voted 5-2 at its March 26 regular meeting to eliminate the 17 position. The decision was made because of declining enrollment at the elementary level. Board member Mike Kelly and board secretary Eric Gallt both voted against the cuts. Elementary enrollment is expected to drop by about 340 students next year. As the student population ages, middle school enrollment should grow by about 20 students, and high school enrollment is projected to increase by about 240 students next year. As part of a proposal designed to trim costs and improve efficiency, 64 full-time positions were going to be cut. However, the Board opted to cut only the 17 elementary positions that would have been cut in any case next year because of enrollment. They decided to wait for more solid information about state funding. District officials now say that state officials are considering a further reduction of funding for transportation. Local school districts may also have to pay for teacher pensions, which are now paid by the state. District officials have said that those two proposed state changes could add as much as $24 million more in expenses to the district’s budget. The budget is already projected to have a $3.2 million operating fund deficit at the end of the 2012-13 school year. Earlier this year, the board approved the cutback of
64 certified, support and administrative positions. The move saved $3.9 million. Since March 2009, District 202 has eliminated 361 full-time equivalent certified, support and administrative positions to save about $44 million.
Travel
The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
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Changes spice up northern Europe While the countries of southern Europe struggle with financial instability, those living in northern Europe are in stronger shape, thanks to their ability to produce more while consuming less. It remains to be seen to what degree they will continue to bail out their less fiscally responsible neighbors. But one thing’s certain: Travelers to Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia will encounter their share of renovations, red tape, and reinvigorated neighborhoods and sights this year. Berlin remains one of Europe’s most exciting and affordable capitals. The city has been busy updating and expanding several communist sights, including the Berlin Wall Memorial, the DDR Museum, with a quirky collection of communist-era artifacts, and the new but underwhelming Stasi Museum, featuring exhibits on East Germany’s state security service. Unfortunately, visitors to the Reichstag - Germany’s inspirational parliament building - must now make an online reservation in advance to tour its impressive glass dome (www. bundestag.de). If it’s not too crowded, you may be able to get in without a reservation, though it’s unlikely. In Munich, the Lenbachhaus, featuring early Modernist art, and the Halls of the Nibelungen at the Residenz remain closed for renovation and are projected to reopen in 2013. In Wurzburg, the opulent chapel at the Residenz is undergoing restoration and should open to visitors in mid2012, while St. Kilian’s Cathedral will be closed for renovation until the end of the year. The classy horse races near BadenBaden have resumed, with three sessions happening in May, August, and October. Several new walking tour offerings can help spice up your German adventure. In Rothenburg, the country’s bestpreserved medieval walled town, you can now do a walking-tour double feature. Start by strolling the town on the Executioner’s Tour, a macabre hour with Georg Lehle costumed as a 14th-century executioner, then follow it up with the longrecommended NightWatchman’s Tour, accompanied by gritty tales
of old-time Rothenburg. If you’re saddled with a long wait at Frankfurt’s airport, the Frankfurt Layover Tour offers a unique way to kill time. Offered by Frankfurt on Foot, the tour lasts at least three hours but can be tailored to your interests and time, and includes pick-up and drop-off at the airport. Changes are also afoot in Switzerland, Germany’s neighbor to the south. In the Swiss capital of Bern, the bears are back. Two years ago, Finn (a male from Finland) and Bjork (a female from Denmark) moved into Bern’s terraced Bear Park and got busy; soon afterward they welcomed female cubs Ursina and Berna. In Lausanne, the Olympic Museum will be closed for renovation until late 2013.During this time, you can still enjoy the park and see the Olympic flame. A temporary floating exhibit, moored just across the street from the park, will feature a taste of the museum’s collection. Considering how hot the Mediterranean region is in the summer, vacationing in Nordic Europe has become a hit in July and August. As usual, the biggest changes are taking place in the capital cities. In Denmark, Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Kodbyen, is one of the city’s most upand-coming destinations for restaurants and nightlife. Located behind the main train station, the neighborhood is filled with trendy galleries and eateries that mingle with surviving offices and warehouses for the local meatpacking industry. In Oslo, Norway, damaged buildings in the Grunerlokka neighborhood now bear a poignant tribute to the events of July 22, 2011 - when an antiimmigration lunatic killed eight people in the city with a car bomb before shooting and killing 69 more at a Labor Party summer camp. Permanent memorials will eventually be built at the sites of the tragedies. In 2014, the Swedish capital of Stockholm will welcome a new commuter rail line that’s
Submitted Photo
Copenhagen’s Kodbyen district is home to a number of trendy eateries, including BioMio, a fresh and 100-percent organic take on a traditional cafeteria, located in the old Bosch building.
being built beneath its main train station (until then, expect lots of construction). The city is also welcoming a new breed of tourist: fans of Stieg Larsson’s punked-out computer hacker heroine, Lisbeth Salander, and jaded journalist hero, Mikael Blomkvist. Set in Stockholm and shot here, the Hollywood version of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is making the cityscape more recognizable. Just south of the Old Town, the Sodermalm neighborhood is the primary setting of the books. It’s here that fans will find Kvarnen, an oldstyle pub in which Lisbeth hangs out with an all-girl punk band, and the Mellqvist cafe, where the love-struck Lisbeth sees Mikael kiss his mistress. Fans can also visit the City of Stockholm Museum, which displays Larsson artifacts,features a reconstruction of Mikael’s office at Millennium magazine, and offers Millennium walking tours in English. Despite a few hassles, northern Europe remains one of the easiest places to travel, whether it’s a spring fling to Germany, an alpine adventure in the Swiss Alps, or a summertime swing
through Scandinavia.
at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)
(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. E-mail him
(c)2012 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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The Enterprise, Thursday, April 5, 2012
The real costs of today’s health care This has been a hot business and personal f i n a n c e topic lately, especially in the wake of “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act”, better known as “Obamacare”, current Supreme Court hearings regarding the Act’s constitutionality, and this being an election year. I’d put the healthcare costs debate into four categories – medical providers,insurance companies, the legal system, and last but not least… the government. Although each could be a whole article or book, I’ll go easy on the former three here, and to paraphrase Dave Ramsey, punch the latter right in the face. Many people think medical providers are highly paid. In some cases this may be true, but as usual, I have a personal story. A few months ago I had an outpatient procedure that took two preparatory office visits, a two and a half hour surgery plus prep and recovery time, and two follow-up visits. The highly educated and
skilled surgeon billed insurance approximately $5,900. The insurance company disallowed over $4,700 because they can, and the medical providers take it because two-thirds of patients without insurance don’t pay. Insurance only paid $1,100 and my portion is $121 after meeting my deductible with other medical bills. For three hours of that surgeon’s time, minus paying his staff, overhead, malpractice insurance, legal fees, etc., that’s not overpaid in my opinion. I mentioned that insurance companies dictate payments to medical providers, similarly to federal Medicare and state Medicaid. Another major concern is increasing premiums. As the insured population becomes older and sicker, costs increase. Therefore premiums also increase. Currently when someone has a personal Medicare supplemental insurance policy, which is already structured by the government, they can change companies to get into a new “pool” of policyholders and save premiums. With Medicare, which is partially funded with a mandatory See HEALTH, page 28
Business & Real Estate Mark Peter’s Diamond Designs supports food pantry Between now and April 21st, Mark Peter’s Diamond Designs will donate a portion of each sale to Plainfield’s Interfaith Food Pantry. They encourage their customers to join them in support and will offer a jewelry buying incentive. Clients who bring in a shopping bag full of nonperishable food items receive an entry into a raffle for a $250 gift certificate. For those interested in making a purchase, not only are they entered into the raffle, they also receive a 10% discount off of their jewelry purchase (manufacturer’s exclusions apply). Mr. Mark Perle, Owner said “Plainfield has been so very good to my family and our business for over 20 years. I believe it’s important to give back to the community and to me, there’s no better way than helping parents feed their children.” The drawing will be held on Monday,April 30th, and winners need not be present. There are no limits on donations. The first donation bag earns one raffle entry and a 10% discount. Any additional donation bags will receive additional raffle entries. Whether people are in the market for jewelry or just want to help Plainfield’s hungry families, they can stop in with a food donation and join
Mark Peter’s Diamond Designs in supporting those less fortunate. Visit the store at 127th Street and Route 59 in the Plainfield-Naperville
corridor or on-line at www. MarkPetersDiamondDesigns. com. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call 815.436.2100.
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HEALTH Continued from page 24 payroll tax on employees and employers, coverage is required, premiums are withheld from Social Security, and the program is administered by the federal government and subsidized with federal general revenues. There is no opt-out, premiums continue to rise, and the trust funds continue to deplete. That’s
how our government-run system works so far. The legal system has been scrutinized as a cause for high healthcare costs including malpractice insurance premiums. In 2005, law professors from Duke Law School published an article titled “Judicial Hellholes: Medical Malpractice Claims, Verdicts and the Doctor Exodus in Illinois”. More recently, in August 2010, the AMA released a study analyzing survey responses from over 5,800 physicians that
42 percent are sued at some point in their career, including 6 of 10 who practice until age 55 or older.By specialty,general surgery and obstetrician-gynecology tops the list at 69 percent. Over half of OB-GYNs surveyed were sued twice or more in their careers. However, a Chicago area medical malpractice lawyer disputes the connection to healthcare costs stating that the “Congressional Budget Office reports that medical malpractice amounts to less than two percent of overall
healthcare spending.” Unless something changes, the above-referenced Act is fully effective in 2014. Businesses and individuals will be required to have health insurance or be fined by the IRS. Meanwhile, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee warned that as many as 16,500 new IRS auditors and investigators, or a 17 percent increase in IRS workforce could be needed to administer and enforce the new health insurance rules.
I don’t have the answers, but when you get behind a political candidate this year because of what he or she is going to provide for you, consider what it’s going to cost you, and your children, your children’s children, etc. God Bless America, please! Mike Reid, the self-proclaimed “Money Maverick” is a Registered CPA, a fulltime Advertising Consultant for Bugle Newspapers and Voyager Media Group, and an independent contractor with various entities in the Chicago area, Central, and Southern Illinois.