Joliet 5-13-15 by Bugle, Sentinel & Enterprise Newspapers

MAY 14, 2015 vol. 7 issue 36

see page 9

Featured News

note to brides & grooms: don’t forget to buy each other a present

city News Council approves Autobahn condos

Joliet contracts, Rauner’s budget also considered at May 5 meeting

see page 2

county James Glasgow named State’s Attorney of Year Will County state’s attorney has won award four times

see page 3

police 2 arrested for child pornography, marijuana possession see page 4

opinion Long-term care hits a nerve for many

see page 5

sports Tough road Lockport water polo in one of state’s best sectionals

see page 7

health What In The World Is Keratoconus?

About 1 in 2,000 people are affected by this eye disease see page 19

Streets, sidewalks closed as work on Gateway Center progresses

Map Courtesy of the City of Joliet

By Dave Sennerud For The Bugle When its planned Gateway Center is finally complete, the city of Joliet will have new train and bus stations, a new commuter parking lot, and a new train platform. In the meantime, commuters, pedestrians and residents will have to cope with the inconvenience of closed streets, sidewalks and parking lots. Joliet City Engineer Lisa Dorothy discussed the project at the May 7 Joliet City Council meeting and outlined the closures that began last week – with another round scheduled for June. Initially, those most impacted will be people who make pickups and drop-offs for the Heritage Corridor Line in the streets around the temporary Metra platform. Dorothy stressed the need for traffic not to stop anywhere on Jefferson Street or Mayor Art Schultz Drive, and suggested people use Van Buren Street instead. “We know it’s a long walk, and people are going to be grumpy,” Dorothy said, “but it’s critical for all vehicles’ safety that they do not block traffic.” Through June 11, Mayor Art Schultz Drive will be closed between Clinton and Van Buren streets and between Jefferson and Washington streets. For those who wish to use the temporary Metra ticket office, the northbound lane from Washington Street to the alley will remain open. Dorothy encouraged those who might be affected to consult the city’s website, www. visitjoliet.org, for a map and description of the closures. The city said it has contacted area business to keep them up-to-date, adding that it will use sandwich boards and directional signs at the affected sites. “The reason we’re doing this is to increase the safety of the commuter,” said Dorothy, referring to the former confluence of four train

lines. “In the old formation, [train commuters] had to walk across the train tracks. When we’re done, people won’t have to walk over train tracks – ever.” According to Dorothy, rider pickups and drop-offs for the Rock Island Metra Line are best at the Eastern Avenue end of that platform near Washington Street. Additionally, Osgood Street and its sidewalks will be closed between St. Louis and York streets through May 22. The pedestrian tunnel on New Street will be closed through May 22, and the New Street

parking lot will be closed through May 20. Monthly permit commuter parking lot at the corner of Jefferson Street and Mayor Art Schultz Drive was permanently closed. To make it through some of these obstacles, the city is encouraging pedestrians to use the Van Buren Street sidewalk anytime or use the Union Station pedestrian tunnel between the hours of 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

See

‘coping’ on page 2

W ednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | joli etbug le.com

City council approves Autobahn condos Joliet contracts, Rauner’s budget also considered at May 5 meeting By Dave Sennerud for the bugle

sweditor@buglenewspapers.com @JolietILNews

A plan to build condominiums at a local country club racing facility received a unanimous green flag from the Joliet City Council at its May 5 meeting. The Autobahn Country Club combines the structure of a golf club with a road driving course, according to its website. The facility, which is located at 3795 CenterPoint Way, is about 5 miles away from Chicagoland Speedway. The vote changes the original annexation agreement and development plan.  “Condominiums are part of the

coping | from page 1 “The impact on commuters and residents is going to be significant and, unfortunately, unavoidable,” Dorothy said. “This is a big pain, but if we can get through June, we’ll be OK.” The most inconvenient closure in June is likely Jefferson Street and its sidewalks between Scott Street and Mayor Art Schultz Drive, according to Dorothy. In addition, the New Street pedestrian tunnel and the Osgood Street location will also be closed again. In addition to the closures,

natural evolution of the club,” said Autobahn founder and President Mark Basso, who told the council that his decade-old club has grown to more than 400 members. The six-unit buildings provide members with a more affordable option than the single-family “Garage Mahals” previously offered. Each unit features a garage for four to six cars along with a 25-by-25-foot upstairs area. The condominiums are only available to members, who pay $5,000 annually after a $35,000 initiation fee.

For more City Council coverage, check out ‘Local bidders preferred’ on page 14

Dorothy updated the council on changes to the plans for the train and bus stations in order to stay within budget. The new train station will incorporate a light tower that had been planned to be a separate structure. Meanwhile, architects repositioned the bus station away from a nearby viaduct and shrunk it by 1,000 feet. These updated plans, according to Dorothy, saved more than $1 million. “The changes will not be felt by the public because it’s all back-ofthe-house space,” she said. “The cost savings were made in materials and configuration.”

Wednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | joli etbug le.com

county news

Glasgow named State’s Attorney of the Year County state’s attorney has won award four times By bugle staff sweditor@buglenewspapers.com @JolietILNews

The Illinois State Crime Commission named Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow the 2015 State’s Glasgow Attorney of the James Will County Year. Glasgow State’s Attorney received this year’s award for launching many initiatives to help protect children, according to the Illinois State Crime Commission. He has been named State’s Attorney of the Year four

times in the last 20 years, receiving the honor for the first time in 1996. “I am deeply honored that the Illinois State Crime Commission has recognized the important work my office has performed on behalf of children over the years,” Glasgow said. “My prosecutors, legal secretaries, victim advocates and supporting administrators work tirelessly to protect these vulnerable victims and prosecute the predators who would do them harm.” The commission will honor Glasgow during its 19th annual Salute to Those Who Make a Difference Awards Dinner on June 17 at the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace. Jerry Elsner, executive director of

the Illinois State Crime Commission, described Glasgow as one of the most innovative state’s attorney’s in Illinois. “Jim Glasgow has launched many creative programs to improve the way crimes are investigated and prosecuted,” Elsner said. “As a prosecutor and as a community leader, he is on the cutting edge when it comes to creating programs that enhance the safety of all citizens.” Glasgow is credited with creating numerous programs to serve children over the course of his career, according to the state’s attorney’s office. Most recently, he initiated the Will County State’s Attorney’s High Technology Crimes Unit, which focuses primarily on investigating crimes against children and prosecuting those

who are responsible. Formed in 2012, the specialized unit tracks down individuals who use the Internet to produce, distribute and download child pornography. In that time, 80 individuals have been arrested for possession of child pornography or sexual abuse of a child. Additionally, the state’s attorney’s office said Glasgow is working with community leaders in some of the county’s more troubled neighborhoods to create an afterschool program where children can receive homework assistance and mentoring. Bettye Gavin, executive director

of the Forest Park Community Center in Joliet, is partnering with the state’s attorney to develop the program, which will include academic mentors from the Glasgow’s staff. Other initiatives credited to the Will County state’s attorney include: Establishing the Will County Veterans Court; passing tough new domestic violence laws; forming a Financial Crimes Prosecution Unit to investigate and prosecute financial crimes against the elderly; and opening the Miller Taylor House and the Julie Anne House for recovering addicts.

www.crimestoppersofwillcounty.org • 800.323.6734 W ednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Joliet Police Department. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

20 4 14

Joliet

Lemar Bridges Jr., 36, 502 Garnsey, was arrested May 1 at 502 Garnsey and charged with possession of controlled substance, cannabis and drug equipment.

Todd S. Paulis, 48, 27 Aspen, Minooka, was arrested May 1 at 3395 Black Road and charged with disorderly conduct. John T. Aversa, 21, 712 Campbell, was arrested May 1 at 1621 W. Jefferson and charged with possession of cannabis. Sabrina M. Burch, 23, 17 S. Raynor, was arrested May 1 at 3340 Mall Loop Drive and charged with retail theft.

Alexis N. Williams, 25, 350 E. Washington, was arrested May 1 at 401 N. Bluff and charged with battery.

Jorden L. Johnson, 18, 2316 Taylor St., was arrested May 1 at Glenwood and Republic and charged with possession of cannabis.

Matthew H. Rice, 32, 1619 St. Charles, Maywood, was arrested May 1 at 508 E. Cass and charged with aggravated battery to a policeofficer,intimidation,obstructing justice and disorderly conduct.

3 9

Darryl K. Bennett, 57, 211 Scott, was arrested May 1 at the residence and charged with domestic battery.

8 9

Artemio Mata Jr., 21, 450 Market, was arrested May 1 at 408 Market and charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, reckless discharge of a firearm and obstructing a peace officer. S. Summers, 24, 2317 10 Bianca N. Fairview Ave., Lockport,

21 22

16 17

Sarah N. Biggerstaff, 21, Hector D. Martinez, 30, 408 S. 16 Joliet, was arrested May 2 at 20 1424 Strawberry Hills, was

at 104 N. Center and charged with unlawful use of weapon by felon, no firearm owner’s identification card and obstructing a peace officer.

the same address and charged with aggravated domestic battery.

arrested May 3 at 3340 Mall Loop Drive and charged with retail theft.

Lario V. Thompson, 18, 210 N. Eastern Ave., was arrested May 3 at the same residence and charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of ammunition without a firearm owner’s identification card.

Charles R. Walls, 1409 Cornelius, 50, was arrested May 2 at the same address and charged with domestic battery.

Tonya M. Mitchell, 45, 652 E. Washington, was arrested May 2 at 2424 W. Jefferson and charged with retail theft.

at 825 Cardinal and charged with aggravated assault and criminal trespassing to state supported land.

Carrie N. Vann, 19, 1843 Schuster Ave., was arrested May 2 at 3340 Mall Loop Drive and charged with retail theft.

John H. Edwards, 45, 817 Violetta, was arrested May 2

Rickey A. Walker, 52, 350 E. Washington, was arrested May 2 at 322 Water and charged with criminal trespassing to state supported land.

Mister L. Tanzy, 22, 601 Water, was arrested May 3 at 506 S. Joliet, and charged with aggravated use of a weapon, possession of a firearm by street gang member, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, and resisting and obstructing a police officer.

C. Copeland, 26, 707 E. Bridges Jr., 38, 420 22 Corey 18 Willie Nicholson, was arrested May Dellwood Ave., Lockport, was arrested May 3 at 814 Robin Lane and charged with criminal trespassing on state-supported land.

3 at Third and Richards and charged with possession of cannabis.

F. Reyes, 28, 805 19 Sanjuan Wilcox, was arrested May 3 at

5 at the same address and charged with possession of cannabis.

M. Wright, 24, 107 23 Bradley Mississippi, was arrested May

the same address and charged with criminal damage to property.

police > crime

2 arrested for child pornography, marijuana possession By bugle staff sweditor@buglenewspapers.com @JolietILNews

Two people were arrested Tuesday for child pornography and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver following a joint investigation by the Will County State’s Attorney’s High Technology Crimes Unit and Will County Sheriff’s police. Eriberto Moreno, 32, of Joliet Township, was arrested by police after they served a search warrant at his home in the 800 block of South Briggs Street. Formal child

Eriberto Moreno, 32 Submitted Photo

Daniel Moreno, 22 Submitted Photo

pornography charges are pending, according to the state’s attorney’s office. Officers seized computers and other electronic devices upon

executing the search warrant Tuesday morning. During the operation, they discovered approximately 320 grams of marijuana. Daniel Moreno, 22, of the same address, was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. In Illinois, possession of 30 to 500 grams of marijuana is a Class 3 felony and carries a sentence of 2-5 years in prison. The arrests were the culmination of a two-month investigation by the High Technology Crimes Unit and Sheriff’s police.

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Wedn esday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

Long-term care hits a nerve for many EDITORIAL

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Never has a column inspired more emailed messages than one I recently wrote about private long-term care insurance and the lack of a national system to pay for Thinking about health nursing home and with Trudy community services Lieberman for the country’s aging population. And once again, the emails illustrated the pickle families find themselves in. One email from a 63-year-old man in Jacksonville, Illinois, described an alltoo-typical predicament—Premiums for policies he and his wife bought when they were in their late 50s were rising so high they could no longer pay them. Last year, they went up 83 percent. He said he had to shorten the annual benefit and the number of years the policy would pay in order to keep it in force, hardly an ideal solution. He says he will probably drop the policy in the next couple of years, another bad solution. The carrier said to expect another rate increase in 2016. Marty Callahan, who edits the Greeley Citizen in Greeley, Nebraska, told me costs are escalating at nursing facilities

in his area and more and more of his readers are entering facilities as Medicaid residents. That means those families had no money to pay the nursing home tab, which in Nebraska now averages $72,000 annually for a semi-private and $80,000 for a private room. Other emails offered more evidence. One woman in Burlington, Colorado, told me about her mother’s Medicaid spend-down to pay her nursing home bills. Her mother had worked hard on the farm and supplemented the family income working in restaurants, cleaning houses, and as a caregiver. She spent “very little” of the $50,000 left over from the farm sale, and continued to work. At age 89, she broke her hip. Eventually, she went to a nursing home, and the family paid the bill from the $50,000 cashing out the CDs when the bills came due. When that was gone, she went on Medicaid, and the facility moved her from a small private room to a shared room. In the end, she had less than $2,000 in the bank. An 81-year-old woman from Rome City, Indiana, wanted me to know that the monthly premium for a policy she bought for home care 19 years ago had increased from $60 to $124, but she would not drop the policy because she couldn’t afford the cost of a new one.

She wants care at home, and the policy will pay for some of it. But if she needs a nursing home, she may have to go on Medicaid like thousands of other Americans. I turned to Bonnie Burns, a national long-term care expert who also works with California Health Advocates. These emails are typical, she said. Most people spending down are just short of being considered low-income, and “they exhaust every little bit they have.” As for the larger thread running through them, it shows “we leave it up to every single family to figure it out on their own.” Burns has spent the last two decades trying to improve long-term care insurance in California, a state that has been a leader in consumer protection standards such as reforming home care benefits and “three serious attempts to regulate rates.” The intent, she explained, “Was to prevent the large rate increases we see today. All three have failed.” Legislation on the table in California would create a task force to consider the feasibility of a statewide long-term care program. It would examine everything from fragmentation of services to payment. California may well lead again, but it might take collective voices from across the country to effect change. We’d like to hear about your experiences with end-of-life issues. Write to Trudy at trudy.lieberman@ gmail.com.

letter to the editor

Park district’s Earth Day celebration a success On Saturday, April 18, my family and I enjoyed visiting the Joliet Park District’s Earth Day Celebration at the Pilcher Park Nature Center. We started by enjoying crackers with a dip made from wild garlic mustard. Also, inside we viewed and enjoyed a live bird display. The birds almost appeared

MAY 14

Our Paramount Pollinators. 6:30 p.m. at Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park, Joliet. A meeting of The Will County Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society will feature a program by Kelly Ksiazek, M.S. This presentation will describe the role of

human and responded well to voice prompts and touch. Outside, we enjoyed the outdoor exhibits that were especially designed for the young and the not so young. We took a guided wildflower walking tour from a very inspiring and knowledgeable employee named Abbey, and spent the next 45 minutes or so exploring coneflowers, bluebells, skunk cabbage, trillium, lots of natural habitat

pollinators, provide an overview of their importance, describe how pollination ecology research is contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts, and suggest ways for people to get involved with pollinator protection. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information call 815-725-2934.

and picked bags of garlic mustard to prepare our own dip at home. The afternoon was enjoyable and informative. Kudos to the Joliet Park District and their staff. Our area residents should take advantage of all the activities that are offered at Pilcher Park and throughout the Joliet Park District. Mark Turk Joliet resident

MAY 16

Star Wars Scavenger Hunt. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Joliet Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. Children and families are invited to find 20 of the Original Star Wars

see calendar | page 18

FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF W ednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug leneW spapers.coM

Aries

MaRCH 21 tO aPRIL 20

You may feel a need to act on your beliefs, but guard against offending others in the week ahead. Physical exertion through sports or work around the house burns off steam in a constructive manner.

gemini

M ay 2 2 t O J U n E 2 1

Ask before acting. Family members offer sound advice. You’re prone to being flim-flammed in the week ahead. You may be easily led astray by your enthusiasms, or could turn a blind eye to potential pitfalls and problems.

leo

J U Ly 2 3 t O a U G U S t 2 1

It’s better to get ahead of schedule than get left behind. Pay attention to the nagging voice of responsibility that tells you a job needs to be completed. Use your organizational skills in the week ahead to clear up a messy situation.

Across

Down

1 OVERSEaS COUnty 6 ZURICH HIGHLIGHt 9 GOLdEn GatE ELEMEnt 14 SaVEd fOR LatER, In a way 15 aRCHItECtURaL PREfIx 16 PROVIdERS Of addEd LIGHt 17 EMERGEnCy StRatEGIES 20 MattEREd 21 nBa GREat 22 BUSH LEd It fOR aBOUt a yR. In tHE ‘70S 23 POSt-ELECtIOn GOVERnMEntaL MEEtInG, PERHaPS 32 MaRCH MIddLE 33 tHEy May LEad tO RISky MOVES 34 Many a REfEREnCE BOOk 35 LIkE SOME tEMPERS 36 “REVERSaL Of fORtUnE” OSCaR wInnER 37 BRIMLESS Hat 38 HOME Of PHILLIPS UnIVERSIty 40 SECREtaRy Of StatE aftER COLIn, faMILIaRLy 41 Candy __ 42 nUMBER? 45 SEInfELd SPECIaLty 46 ELECtRICaL PaRtICLE 47 takES an OPPOSItE POSItIOn 56 aLtERS SOME GaME PaRaMEtERS 57 GREat EntHUSIaSM 58 CLaSSIfIEd aBBR. 59 PaRt Of a MEEt 60 dISEnGaGES, aS fROM a HaBIt 61 HIGH dEGREE 62 COMES UP SHORt

1 2 3 4 5

aRISE (fROM) “__ naGILa” JOBS nEwS Of 2010 MOVES BaCk fORMER GEORGIan PRESIdEnt SHEVaRdnadZE 6 fREEZE BEGInnInG 7 HERO In tREECE’S “VInLand tHE GOOd” 8 MaGIC wORd 9 MId-CaLf PantS 10 tHat MUCH OR MORE 11 GRaIn LayER 12 OMaR’S ROLE In “tHE MOd SqUad” 13 nO EffORt 18 SEttLES 19 BaRE tHInGS 23 SUIt MatERIaL 24 HERSEy’S BELL tOwn 25 fROnt VIP 26 LESLIE Of “fanny” 27 danISH CaPItaL 28 EntHRaLLS 29 wHItS 30 aRaBIan PEnInSULa natIVE 31 MytHICaL LIOn’S HOME

39 SUddEnLy OCCURS tO 41 1/100 Of a BRaZILIan REaL 43 HyBRId CatS 44 LOw-COSt StOPOVER 47 StICkInG PLaCE 48 MEMORaBLE naPPER 49 RadaMES’ LOVE 50 fLIGHt fEatURE 51 “wE’RE In tROUBLE!” 52 CaLL fOR 53 tHEy USUaLLy HaVE fOUR StRInGS 54 BIRdS SEEn By PLayERS Of 53dOwn 55 BOdy SHOP fIGS. Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2015

librA

SEPtEMBER 24 tO OCtOBER 23

Your phone may ring off the hook as this week unfolds. If you listen carefully, you may hear sound advice that will help you negotiate profitable transactions. Incorporate beneficial ideas without losing sight of goals.

sAgittArius

nOVEMBER 23 tO dECEMBER 22

Things are as they should be. You may prefer to hide away in a peaceful nook and meditate during the upcoming week. Your penny-pinching ways will prove worthwhile, as extra cash is on hand when needed.

AquArius

JanUaRy 21 tO fEBRUaRy 19

You shouldn’t be resting on those comfortable laurels when work is required. Get pumped up and fulfill your obligations this week. Have faith that the plans you put into motion will blossom if you try hard enough.

Sudoku

tAurus

a P R I L 2 1 t O M ay 2 1

All that glitters is not gold - or even authentic bling. Don’t make a sizable investment in the week ahead unless you’re willing to do your homework. Your business sense will keep the wolves from the door.

cAncer

J U n E 2 2 t O J U Ly 2 2

Remain clear headed in the upcoming week. Someone could perform a sleight of hand with paperwork or possessions. Negotiations could be subject to misunderstandings. Read the fine print before signing.

virgo

aUGUSt 22 tO SEPtEMBER 23

Hey, you, get off of that cloud! You may spend more time daydreaming than getting things accomplished in the week ahead. If you don’t pay close attention, you could cause a dustup with someone near and dear.

scorpio

OCtOBER 24 tO nOVEMBER 22

To thine own self be true. Don’t rely too heavily on the opinions of others. Misguided sympathy could create some discomfort in the week to come. Delay decision making or signing paperwork.

cApricorn

dECEMBER 23 tO JanUaRy 20

Make wise choices with finances during the week ahead. Put your quarters in the bank instead of the gumball machine. If you remain friendly and outgoing, someone may drop a valuable idea in your lap.

pisces

fEBRUaRy 20 tO MaRCH 20

Make a new friend. Community service may lead to advantageous publicity or a new network of business contacts. Attend a local art auction, make a donation, or join a book club in the week ahead and show off your skills.

Jumble

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• SCOUR • GLOVE • IMPOSE • SUPERB

Answer:

HELPS GEESE CROSS tHE ROad -- GOOSE BUMPS

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

page 7

>> INSIDE: Central bass fishing headed to state page 11

boys water polo

Tough road ahead Porters ready to take on tough sectional without hesitation

By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

While the Lockport boys water polo team is having a stellar season, it also knows that is not enough to get it to achieve its final goal. Despite being ranked No. 11 in the state of Illinois by illpolo.com, the Porters will compete in the Neuqua Valley Sectional, as the No. 4 seed. The three teams seeded higher, Naperville Central, Neuqua Valley and Naperville North are ranked No. 2, No. 5 and No. 10, respectively. “We are working on the little things as we head into the postseason,” said Lockport coach Joe Lewandowski. “I have told those guys from day one that there is the regular season and the postseason and they have to be ready for the postseason.” Lewandowski said teamwork is one of the things that will help the Porters reach their top potential this season. “We have to be able to work together and that is what we are seeing,” Lewandowski said. “We are coming in with guys off the bench and they are contributing, getting assists and helping the team out and that just shows the success in our program. We are really coming together now and that is a positive heading into sectionals.” The other thing the Porters hope will help them is their

unconventional style of play. “Lew is a tremendous coach, one of the best in the state,” said senior Steven Howell. “He looks at the game in such a different way. You can tell by the way we play that we are so much more dynamic and advanced. We play these teams, maybe once. We have never played Naperville Central before and we know that helps us. The way that we go into our games is completely different than any other team that we play. They have a hard time getting ready for us and keeping up with us.” Lewandowski also sees that as an advantage. “It is an advantage,” he said. “A lot of teams play a traditional style and our style is a bit more unorthodox and it throws teams off and puts them on their heels. We have really noticed it in the first quarter and that allows us to set the pace, because we want teams to play our style, we don’t want to play theirs.” Lewandowski said that style is simple at the core. “We don’t want to force things,” he said. “We want to make sure we are always moving. If we have someone standing still, then we are not doing our jobs offensively. We average five or six guys a game that are scoring and we are not afraid to share the ball. We are not a one-man team. Everyone can find the back of the net.” photo by mark gregory

see ready | page 10

Despite being the No. 11 team in the state, Lockport is the No. 4 seed in the sectional, which begins this week.

TWITTER: For up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @VoyagerSport

8 ROUNDUP

W ednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

Wilson helps Indians place second in Southwest Prairie Lockport badminton sending four events to state as singles finish first and second The Minooka girls placed second in the SPC track and field meet last week with 114 points, behind Oswego East’s 124 points. While they did not win the meet, the Indians had several individual performances. Ashleigh Wilson paced the team while winning the 400 meter run in 56.02 seconds. She took second in the 100 dash (13.20) and the 200 dash (25.64). In the 800 run, the Indians took first and second, as MacKenzie Callahan won the race in 2:18.21 and Ashley Tutt was second in 2:21.84. The pair finished in the same order in the 1600 run, as Callahan won in 5:13.40 and Tutt was second in 5:14.25. In the 3200 run, Emily Shelton (11:45.56) won, while Morgan Crouch (12:00.79) was second.

Danielle Stubner won the shot put with a put of 34-feet, 3.75.

SOFTBALL Joliet Catholic Academy Angels defeated St. Viator twice Saturday. In game 2, after seven lead changes the Angels won 117. JCA took the lead in the sixth inning and held on for the victory on a sacrifice fly by Josie Henderson, scoring Reilly Jo Swanson. For the game, Sarah Chamberlin racked up two RBI on three hits. Alyssa Callans got the win as she allowed one run over three innings. Callans struck out three, walked none and gave up three hits. In the opener, JCA blanked St. Viator 8-0. The Angels scored in the fifth on a fielder’s choice, a two-

run single by Paige Callans, a groundout by Gillian Mantia, and an RBI single by Swanson. Alivia Phelps racked up three RBI on two hits for JCA. Alyssa Callans pitched a shutout, allowing no opposing players to cross the plate on four hits while ringing up six. •Two home runs from Jen Ames lifted Joliet West to a 12-2 win over Stagg Thursday. Ames went 2-5 in the game with four RBI and two runs scored. She homered in the fifth and seventh innings. Joliet West had 14 hits, including four extra base hits. Lorelei Tockarczyk added a home run of her own. Kiley Robb got it done in the circle on the way to a win. She allowed one run over four innings, while she struck out two, walked one and gave up one hit.

BASEBALL Joliet Catholic beat St. Viator in both games of a double header Saturday, taking game two 10-4. JCA scored six times in the sixth on an error, an RBI double by Mitch Boe, a two-run home run by Nick Dalesandro, and a two-run single by Jack Howard. Dalesandro racked up two RBI on two hits for Joliet Catholic. Danny Ehrsam got it done on the rubber on the way to a win. He allowed four runs over five innings, striking out 10, walking one and surrendering six hits. In the opener, Mike Dow tossed a shutout to carry JCA to a 1-0 victory over St. Viator. Dow pitched a shutout, allowing no runs on two hits while striking out nine. In the second inning, the Hilltoppers pushed across its only run of the day on an RBI single by Mike Quiram.

BADMINTON Lockport is sending four events to the state badminton tournament. The Porters advanced Jessica Miller and Haley Egelhof in singles, as they finished first and second, respectively. On the doubles side, Lauren Hueckstaedt and Jen Inczauskis placed first, while Sarah Heimberg and Deanna Cooper took third.

Wedn esday , M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com | pag e 9

weddings

‘Gifts should come from the heart,’ and not the appliance section (NewsUSA) If you’re reading this story, you’re probably one of the approximately 825,000 couples who’ve just gotten engaged since Thanksgiving and are now planning your wedding. So here’s perhaps the single most important reminder -- and grooms do seem to need more reminding than brides -- anyone will offer: Tradition holds that you both exchange wedding presents. (Yes, grooms, even though you just bought her an engagement ring.) But what to get? “Gifts should come from the heart,” says WeddingChannel.com. Well, yeah. But that still leaves a lot of room for error. So here’s some tips to keep in mind whether you two opt for some type of jewelry -- the

traditional and most popular choice -- or something else.

Practicality can wait Etiquette dictates that gifts be exchanged at one of three times: the night before the wedding, the morning of the ceremony, or right before you leave on your honeymoon. So you could see where this has the potential for becoming a bigger disaster than Chernobyl if the groom’s idea of “practical” is, say, a toaster.

Being uniquely personal is appreciated One of the best examples we’ve heard of is a guy who had a photographer secretly capture the moment he proposed in New York’s Central Park, and then presented the results to his bride on the day of their wedding. “So cute!” read a typical blog post. The downside, of course, is that pulling it off requires imagination and -- in this instance -a lot of advance planning.

“Gifts should come from the heart,” says WeddingChannel.com. Well, yeah. But that still leaves a lot of room for error.

Jewelry can be “traditional” without being boring Case in point: the very hot Argyle diamonds trend (www.diamondswithastory. com), which fulfills the quest of even the most

ecominded couples for diamond fashion jewelry since the stones are produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way from the Argyle mine in Australia. And the diamonds, themselves, come in gorgeous neutral shades like champagne, cognac, silver and gray. “If your bride likes something different from what all her friends have,” says jewelry and style expert Michael O’Connor, “then the Argyle diamond bracelets, necklaces and earrings are perfect and available at many retailers across the country -- I’ve even spotted women at gyms wearing the diamond pendants. And the cufflinks for men are truly elegant.” Perhaps because prices start at as little as a few hundred dollars for some pieces, O’Connor calls them “the ideal gateway gift.” Meaning, you can use other occasions -- think birthdays and anniversaries -- to add to your collection through the years. Yes, brides and grooms, you’ll soon have to start planning your next milestone together.

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W ednesday, M ay 13, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com ready | from page 7 Howell also looks at the bond between teammates as another asset for the Porters as they head to the playoffs. “The chemistry has been great,”

he said. “The guys we are playing with now are the same guys we played with since sophomore year. For the seniors, these are potentially our last couple games and we are going to give it our all

and not go down without a fight.” The Porters open play May 14 in the sectional against No. 5 seed St. Charles North. The winner would play Naperville Central on May 15.

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bass fishing The Joliet Township High School Central and West Bass Fishing Teams competed in the IHSA Braidwood Bass Fishing Sectional on Friday, May 1, with one team advancing to the state competition. Joliet Central High School had a banner day. The team of Sean Cook, Tommy Zobel, John Murphy and Boat Captain Tony Cook captured first place and qualified for the IHSA State Tournament to be held at Carlyle Lake in Southern Illinois on May 14-16. The team of Nick Varman, Samantha Varman and Captain Mike Varman finished in 4th place and received a medal. The Joliet Central High School Bass Fishing Coach is Terry Piazza. “It was a great team effort by both boats. The team worked hard and fished the lake 8-10 times prior to the event,” said Piazza. “This preparation led to the great results we had. The team is looking forward fishing in the state tournament in Carlyle and bringing home some additional hardware. I want to extend special thanks to Tony Cook and Mike Varman for volunteering their time and boats to provide our students with this opportunity.” The Joliet West team of Drew Landrum, James Blankenship, Joshua Aalders and Rachel Rowlett limited out and finished in seventh place overall. The Joliet West High School Bass Fishing Coach is John Barber. “I would like to thank our Boat Drivers, Chris Olson & Dennis Goron, for taking time out of their day to give students the opportunity to fish in the sectional,” said Barber. “I would also like to thank the parents of the students for having them at

submitted photo

Joliet Central had one boat advance to state as sectional champion and one place fourth at the sectional. Pictured, from left, Mike Varmin (boat 2 captain), Tony Cook boat 1 captain), Samantha Varman, John Murphy, Tommy Zobel, Nick Varman, Sean Cook, and coach Terry Piazza. school at 5:30 am. The students had a very exciting day and I am very proud of Rachel and Josh for catching 24 fish in total (5 keeper Bass). I can’t wait to see

what we can accomplish next year with some more tournament experience.” • Minooka also advanced to state with the boat of Anthony Fazio,

Jacob Doster, Kenneth Johnke and Brent Beckwith bringing in 11 pounds, 10 ounces worth of bass. Jacob Doster pulled in a bass weighing in at 3-10, tied for the

largest fish in the competition. He was awarded the largest fish via the tiebreaker, which was determined by number of fish caught.

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St. Francis

Lockport’s Garritson tabbed as CCAC player of the year Joliet Catholic graduate Columbus joins teammates on District All-Academic Team University of St. Francis junior Krystal Garritson (Lockport, Ill./ Lockport) has been named the 2015 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Women’s Golfer of the Year. Garritson, who earned All-CCAC recognition for the second straight season, was the medalist at the CCAC Championship Apr. 27-

28 at The Sanctuary Golf Course in New Lenox. She finished the tournament with a 36-hole score of 155 to help lead St. Francis to a second-place team finish – one stroke behind league champion Saint Xavier University. As the CCAC individual champion, she qualified to participate in the NAIA Women’s Golf Championship to be held May

13-15 at Savannah Quarters Country Club in Pooler, Georgia. In 10 events this season, Garritson posted an average score of 80.1 in 18 rounds. She earned CCAC Player of the Week honors in mid-April after tying for ninth out of 104 golfers at the Illinois Wesleyan University Spring Fling. En route to carding rounds of 78 and 76, she made a hole-in-one on the par-3, 165-yard fourth hole.

see USF | page 13

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Wedn es day, M ay 13, 2015 | bug leneW spapers.coM usf | from page 12 • University of St. Francis senior Josh Gass (Streator, Ill./ Streator) has been selected to the 2015 AllChicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Men’s Golf Team. Gass, who also earned All-CCAC accolades in 2013, fired rounds of 76 and 75 to share runner-up honors at the CCAC Championship at Flossmoor Country Club on Apr. 29-30. He helped lead the Saints to a second-place finish, which earned the team a spot in the NAIA National Championship to be held later this month. On the season, Gass played 25 rounds in 15 events are carded an average score of 76.2. He shot season-low rounds of 71 at the USF Spring Invitational (Apr. 14) and Millikin University’s Weist Foundation Classic (Apr. 17). St. Francis will participate in the

NAIA Men’s Golf Championship May 20-22 at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Florida. • University of St. Francis seniors Cody Columbus (Plainfield, Ill./ Joliet Catholic), Adam Panayotovich (Palos Park, Ill./ Mount Carmel), and Matt Scott (Brookfield, Ill./ RiversideBrookfield) have been selected to the Capital One Academic AllDistrict Baseball Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). A three-time Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference AllAcademic selection and 2014 NAIA Scholar-Athlete, Columbus has played in 50 games with 48 starts in the outfield this spring. He is batting .226 with a .363 on-base percentage. A recreation administration major, he leads the Saints with 16 sacrifices and 11 times hit by pitch. The 2015 CCAC Pitcher of the

Year, Panayotovich has posted a 12-2 record with a 1.36 earned run average and three shutouts to earn his fourth straight appearance on the All-CCAC First Team. In 105 2/3 innings, the recreation administration major has struck out 108 batters while allowing only 11 walks. Through games of May 5, he ranked second in the NAIA in wins, fifth in strikeouts and 12th in ERA. He holds St. Francis career records for most victories (39) and strikeouts (336). Scott, a recreation, sport and tourism management major, is batting .329 with 24 RBIs. An AllCCAC Second Team first baseman this spring, he has drawn 11 walks and been hit by a pitch on eight occasions en route to producing a .392 on-base percentage. He earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete and CCAC AllAcademic accolades a year ago.

featuring

joe swoboda

MAINE EAST BOYS VOLLEYBALL what types of social media do you use? Instagram the most and Facebook second. I rarely go on Twitter. I made a Twitter account a long time ago but can’t tell you last time I’ve been on there. what do you like about instagram? The reason I like it the most is that it’s convenient. It’s

something I like to do in my free time. what speciﬁcally do you like to do when you’re on instagram? Just scroll for people’s pictures just to see what they’re doing, and see what’s going on in people’s lives. how many followers to you have? I have 321 followers.

News about local businesses in your community

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business

Local bidders preferred for Joliet contracts Ordinance passed to help qualified local bids Continued | from page 2 Local bidders will get an extra shot at winning Joliet contracts with the help of a new ordinance passed by the Joliet City Council. City Manager James Hock said a qualified local bidder who submits a bid that is within 2 percent of a qualified non-local bid (up to a maximum of $20,000) would have the opportunity to match the lowest amount and get the contract. To qualify, a local bidder

must submit a prequalification application with documentation that shows a presence in Will, Grundy or Kendall counties.

Resolution calls for changes to Rauner’s budget Since Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget calls for reducing the local share of income tax revenues by 50 percent, the Joliet City Council unanimously passed a resolution on May 5 calling for the

Republican governor to restore full funding. During Rauner’s fiscal 2016 budget address, he called for a $600 million reduction in local revenues. If passed, Joliet alone would lose almost $7 million. “This would result in severe cuts in goods and services,” City Manager James Hock told the council.

City aids developers In order to redevelop vacant property and generate tax revenue, the Joliet City Council approved a $167,775 payment to a local developer to help

with improvements for a retail development known as the Jeffcat Subdivision. City Manager James Hock said the money will help Capri Development pay for modifications to a nearby intersection, as well as a water line extension that were unexpected at the project’s outset. Capri had asked the city to share the expenses or risk losing the project. The 4.4-acre property is located at the former site of Joliet Dodge on Caterpillar Drive and Jefferson Street. The development includes an Aldi grocery store, as well as restaurants such as Chipotle and Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE at 2457 Red Oak Trail Crest Hill, IL 60403 (Residential). On the 28th day of May, 2015, to be held at 12:00 noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, under Case Title: US Bank, National Association, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee for the RMAC Trust, Series 2013-1T Plaintiff V. John Ford a/k/a John G. Ford; et. al. Defendant. Case No. 12 CH 6360 in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois. Terms of Sale: ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund. No judicial sale fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Will County. In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(H-1) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State. For Information Please Contact: Codilis & Associates, P.C. 15W030 N. Frontage Road Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-794-5300 630-794-9090 fax 14-12-35282 PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Published 4/29, 5/6, 5/13

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 | buglenewspapers.com

W e d n e s d ay, M ay 1 3, 2 0 1 5 | b ug le ne ws pa pe r s .co m Business & Private Party Classified Ads: $16 per week, 20 words or less. Weddings, Births & Engagements: Black & White - $25, Color - $35. Obituaries: $35.

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JOLIET PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. STATE OF ILLINOIS ) ) SS. COUNTY OF WILL ) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS US Bank, National Association, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee for the RMAC Trust, Series 2013-1T Plaintiff, vs. John Ford a/k/a John G. Ford; et. al. Defendant. No. 12 CH 6360 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Public notice is hereby given that pursuant to a judgment entered in the above cause on the 11th day of December, 2013, MIKE KELLEY, Sheriff of Will County, Illinois, will on Thursday, the 28th day of May, 2015, commencing at 12:00 o’clock noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder or bidders the following-described real estate: THAT PART OF LOT 51 IN OAK TREE VILLAGE, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 35 NORTH, RANGE 9 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 20, 1989 AS DOCUMENT NO. R89-29360, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LYING WESTERLY OF A LINE COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWESTERLY CORNER OF SAID LOT 51; THENCE SOUTH 40 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 55 SECONDS EAST 36.77 FEET, ALONG THE NORTHERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 51, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 48 DEGREES 49 MINUTES 21 SECONDS WEST 132.08 FEET TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 51 AT A POINT 37.25 FEET EASTERLY OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 51, FOR THE POINT OF TERMINUS, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 2457 Red Oak Trail Crest Hill, IL 60403 Description of Improvements: Residential P.I.N.: 06-01-205-042 Terms of Sale: ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund. No judicial sale fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Will County. In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c) (1)(H-1) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Codilis & Associates, P.C. 15W030 N. Frontage Road Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-794-5300 630-794-9090 fax 14-12-35282 MIKE KELLEY Plaintiff’s Attorney Sheriff of Will County Published 4/29, 5/6, 5/13

action figures plus a bonus figure hidden throughout the Museum’s galleries. Free admission. For more information, call 815-723-5201 or visit www.jolietmuseum.org.

MAY 20

2015 Time Travelers Bus Tours. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lemont-Lockport Church Tour with lunch included at the historical Public Landing Restaurant in Lockport. The tour will visit some historical and unique churches in the Lemont and Lockport area. For more information and to buy tickets, call 815-723-5201 ext. 235 or visit www.jolietmuseum.org.

MAY 21

1976 Band. 7:30 p.m. at the Joliet Area Historical Museum’s Outdoor Rooftop Terrace, 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. The Summer

Rooftop Music Series is back in 2015 for its sixth year. The band 1976 revisits all the great rockin’ music from the 1970s. A different live performance is featured each month. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and performers take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $8 for students with valid student I.D. and JAHM members, or $10 for the general public. Proceeds from this event benefit the museum’s educational & programming departments. For more information, call 815-7235201 or visit www.jolietmuseum. org.

MAY 25

Memorial Day Mass. 9 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery, 1519 N. Plainfield Road, Plainfield. If inclement weather, Mass will take place at the church at 9 a.m. Everyone is invited to bring a lawn chair. There will be no 7:30 a.m. Mass on Memorial Day. For

more information about St. Mary Immaculate Parish, call 815-4362651 or visit www.smip.org. Memorial Day Celebration. 6 p.m. at Towne Center Park, 1 Towne Center Blvd., Shorewood. Shorewood’s Towne Center Park and it’s Veterans Memorial Fountain will be the focal point of a Memorial Day Celebration that features a parade and patriotic concert by the Joliet American Legion Band, following a short ceremony of remembrance. For more information, visit www. EnjoyShoreood.com

JUNE 1

LEGO Club. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Shorewood Troy Public Library, 650 Deerwood Drive. Ages 6-12. Everything is awesome when you play with LEGOs at the library. Bring your creativity, the library will supply the LEGOs and games. For more information and to register, visit www.shorewood.lib. il.us or call 815-725-1715.

JUNE 6

Annual Star Wars Day. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. Costumed

characters, kids games, prize giveaways, live music,vendors, exhibitors special guests, authors and artists. Free admission. For more information, call 815-7402660 or visit www.jolietlibrary. org.

JUNE 8

Board Game Night. 6-8 p.m. at the Shorewood Troy Public Library, 650 Deerwood Drive. Ages 13 and older. Stop by to play fun multiplayer board games like Magic the Gathering, Risk, Scrabble and more. Bring your friends and family for a fun night out. For more information, visit www.shorewood.lib.il.us or call 815-725-1715.

JUNE 9

Writer’s Circle. 6-7 p.m. at the Shorewood Troy Public Library, 650 Deerwood Drive. Ages 11-17. Teens and tweens, stop by the library for a fun and loose creative writing workshop. Play writing games, work on your current project or get some ideas to start something new. For more information, visit www. shorewood.lib.il.us or call 815725-1715.

Easy tips for a healthy lifestyle #buglehealth We dnesday, M ay 13, 2015 | joli etbug le.com

medical memo with Dr. Stuart Sondheimer, MD

What In The World Is Keratoconus? have increasing amounts of astigmatism, which can become “irregular” and cannot be corrected with glasses. In severe cases, the irregular astigmatism cannot be corrected with contact Keratoconus is a progressive lenses. Keratoconus affects about disease that causes the outermost 1 out of 2,000 people. layer of the eye, Its inheritance is poorly known as the cornea, understood, although about to become steeper, 15 percent of people with thinner, cone shaped keratoconus have relatives and distorted. with the disease. The name Frequent eye rubbing “keratoconus” is and rigid contact lens derived from the wear may contribute Greek words “kerato,” Dr. Stuart to the development of meaning cornea, and Sondheimer keratoconus. Many patients “conus,” meaning cone-shaped. Keratoconus usually are found to have keratoconus in affects both eyes, but it can be adolescence. In many cases, the far more advanced in one eye or condition stabilizes for people in the other. An ophthalmologist their 30s or 40s. Some people have can determine steepening of the cornea through the use of corneal vulnerabilities that cause them topography – a topographical map to develop a keratoconus-like of the cornea – or keratometry disease called “corneal ectasia” – an optical instrument that when they have eye surgeries that measures the steepness, flatness, weaken the cornea such as LASIK astigmatism and regularity of the or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to treat nearsightedness, cornea. Keratoconus patients farsightedness or astigmatism.

About 1 in 2,000 people are affected by this progressive eye disease

An ophthalmologist should be able to detect most, but not all, patients who are likely to develop corneal ectasia following LASIK by performing special tests such as corneal topography or corneal tomography. Some candidates for refractive surgery to lessen dependence on glasses or contact lenses are discouraged from having such surgery because of elevated risk factors for developing postoperative ectasia including young age, thin corneas or significant nearsightedness. Patients with keratoconus commonly complain of decreased vision. Some see multiple images. In milder cases, glasses or soft contact lenses correct a patient’s vision. In more severe cases, vision may be corrected with gas permeable or hybrid contact lenses. Plastic corneal implants called intacs may help improve vision. In severe cases, corneal transplant surgery may be required to restore vision. Internationally, and in the U.S., there are new treatments, including Corneal Collagen Crosslinking,

Dr. Stuart Sondheimer examining a patient. which can stop the progression of keratoconus and post-LASIK and post-PRK ectasia of the cornea. In some cases, CCC lessens the steepening and irregularity of the cornea caused by keratoconus or ectasia. In CCC, the cornea is first treated with drops of riboflavin that is absorbed by the cornea after receiving successive drops over time. Originally, the soft outer covering of the cornea was removed prior to administration of the drops, but now many patients are treated without disrupting the cornea. Next, ultraviolet light is focused on the cornea. This causes the riboflavin-treated cornea to form new “crosslinks” that stiffen the

cornea and stop the progression of keratoconus and corneal ectasia. A contact lens is placed on the eye after treatment and antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are used. CCC can also treat bacterial infections of the cornea that are resistant to antibiotics. This treatment is welcome news to people with keratoconus and is indicative of the progress being made in modern ophthalmology. Dr. Stuart Sondheimer, MD is an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon with offices in Park Ridge, Deerfield and Skokie, Illinois. The advice contained in this article is for informational purposes only. Readers should consult with a physician to evaluate any illness or medical condition. Call 847677-2794 or: www.drsondheimer.com

Health department activates West Nile information line Residents encouraged to report dead birds May marks the beginning of the West Nile Virus season across Illinois, and Will County residents can help minimize the potential for WNV by reporting dead birds to the Will County Health Department. Will County’s WNV Information Line is now available for individuals wishing to report dead birds, which can help identify the potential for human infections. The 24-hour service is accessible at 815-740-7631. Launched in May

2002, the information line enables area residents to access the latest information concerning WNV, report the location of dead birds and talk to a health department representative about the disease during regular weekly business hours. Will County Environmental Health uses dead bird reports to monitor potential WNV hot spots and identify other possible trends requiring health department intervention. Adult crows and blue jays have long been testing priorities, but the Illinois Department of Public Health will accept multiple bird species for laboratory analysis.

Other birds suitable for testing include robins, finches, grackles, sparrows, wrens, swallows and cardinals. “WNV poses potential health risks for everyone,” said John Cicero, executive director of the Will County Health Department. “We are interested in the location of dead birds because that information is one way we are able to assess the potential for local virus activity. Dead bird monitoring and testing are critical parts of the statewide WNV surveillance initiative.” The health department will collect a limited number of reported

dead birds and submit them to the state for analysis. Pictures of bird testing priorities can be viewed on the environmental health Web page, www.willcountyhealth.org. WNV is a mosquito-borne disease capable of producing encephalitis and meningitis, potentially fatal inflammations of the brain and spinal cord. Residents can minimize personal risk by avoiding outdoor activity at dusk and near dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing light-colored long sleeves and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites on your property can also reduce personal

risk. Residents are also advised to use insect repellent containing DEET or other chemical compounds that deter mosquitoes when spending time outdoors. There were more than 2,250 human WNV cases and 85 fatalities reported nationally during 2014. Fatalities were reported in 22 states. Illinois has reported 2,133 cumulative WNV human infections and 135 fatalities since 2002. The state totals include 66 Will County cases and two local fatalities. For more information about WNV, visit www.idph.state.il.us or www.cdc.gov.

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