INSIDE
SPORTS Dyson happy to be back in Joliet PAGE 11
NEWS City council discusses squad car purchases PAGE 4
jolietbugle.com
Our Community, Our News
community
FEBRUARY 12, 2014
Vol. 6 No. 24
local
Slammers field ideas for low-cost fun Local baseball team find new solutions for attracting fans, including lower ticket prices
BY STEWART WARREN for THe BUgLe twenty-five miles of the legendary route 66 run through Will county, mostly along illinois 53. people from all over the world come to see the famous road built in the 1920s, one of the first links in the u.s. highway system. many are on cross-country trips from chicago to los angeles, and they want to travel the road that’s been a main character in so many great stories and songs.
>> see route 66 | page 3
By Stewart Warren For the Bugle
The Joliet Slammers want you to spend less on a good time. So the local independent league baseball team has new options to slow the flow of money from your wallet. Team representatives explained the real steals during the City of Joliet Baseball Committee Meeting held Monday afternoon at Joliet City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson St. Single tickets will range in price from $5 to $10. >> see slammers | page 3
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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014
News >> route 66, from page 1 To them,Route 66 is much more than pavement. It’s more like a myth, something that symbolizes the free-wheeling American spirit, the Clark Gable of highways. So while they’re in Will County, they stop at the Gemini Giant – the huge statue of a spaceman standing by the side of the road in Wilmington – and they take a picture. Then they head to Braidwood for the Polk-A- Dot Drive In. Then it’s goodbye, Will County. They’re outta here, off to Springfield and on to Missouri. Local officials want to change that.They’d like to get more bucks from the byway. They want the tourists to linger here longer, perhaps to visit the attractions not far from Route 66. They envision Will County’s part of the old road as a destination, first for day trips and later for overnight stays, a place along the lines of Door County or Galena. About two years ago, officials from Will County, Joliet, Elwood, Manhattan, Wilmington and Braidwood began working on a plan. Using funding the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, often called CMAP, they hired a team of consultants led by Ginkgo Planning and Design, >> slammers, from page 1 “We really want to focus on continuing to provide value,” said Chris Franklin, the team’s general manager. One of the most attractive ideas involves cheaper drinks. This year, fans who buy a gold-level season ticket package for $408 or $510 will get a special 20-ounce cup, Franklin said. Domestic draft beers or soft drinks sold will cost just $2 when poured into the cup. The gold package also includes tickets for 54 home games, although the buyer will pay only for 51.There also will be a “hidden menu” for these ticket holders that will allow them to buy affordable snacks that aren’t available to the rest of the crowd. A Joliet Slammers Visa Platinum
THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014
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Inc., of Orland Park. After dozens of meetings with representatives from many local and state agencies, community leaders and local stakeholders, they crafted a plan, a road map for the future of Route 66. They introduced the Illinois Route 53 Corridor Plan during Tuesday’s meeting of the Will County Planning and Zoning Committee. “I think it is a marvelous plan,” said Steve Lazarra, senior planner for the Land Use Department.The plan must be approved by the members of theWill County Board before it can be implemented, he said. Ferhat Zerin, a planner and architect from Ginkgo Planning and Design, explained how the plan was created and what the group hoped to achieve. “When we started this project,
it was a little bit of a pie-in-thesky idea,” Zerin said. Now that they have a list of ideas, some of them fairly easy to accomplish, their outlook has changed. “Now it is, ‘Why hasn’t this happened already?’” Zerin told the members of the commission. One of the first tasks will be choosing a name for the area, she said. It needs an identity. There are many unique places to visit here, and a name would unify them and give the area a cohesive identity. During the planning process, some suggestions were kicked around including Will 66, Prairies @ 66 and Will County 66. But nothing was chosen. There also should be better signage. Visitors have trouble finding the road. “Even if you are on Route 66, you don’t know where the heck you are,”Zerin said. There also should be some kind
of gateway. Although that type of landmark can be expensive to build, it might not be in this case, Zerin said. The railroad viaduct over South Chicago Street just south of Interstate 80 could be painted in a way that would designate the route. There also should be easily available information directing travelers from one great place to see to another. Although the Abraham Lincoln Cemetery is hard to miss while traveling Route 66, visitors might not realize the CPX Paintball Park Raceway isn’t far away. “The idea would be if you are in one spot, you would know about the others,” Zerin said. Some new attractions should be added, too. A bike path could be built in existing right-of-way along Illinois 53 between Joliet’s Nowell Park and the Route 66
Welcome Center in Braidwood. It would provide a connection with the three regional trails that go through downtown Joliet, according to the plan. The plan also includes an observation tower for the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington. Because of the flatness of the prairie, visitors would be able to see a large piece of the area, Zerin said. One of the plan’s most innovative ideas was the transformation of Boyd’s Quarry on Patterson Road into a park offering fishing, boating, hiking trails and perhaps rock climbing along the quarry’s walls. “The quarry‘s exposed bedrock is beautiful, and the water is crystal clear. It is drinking-water quality, and is routinely tested,” the plan states. Zerin also suggested more amenities along the highway: parking, restrooms, electric car charging outlets and bike sharing stations. At the end of the presentation, Len Vallone, chairman of the commission, asked how the plans might be funded. “All the implementation strategies could be branched out to different forms of government,” Lazarra said.
Rewards Card also will be available this year. Each card can be customized with a special photo. “It’s a great value for our fans and actually kind of cool,” said Nick Semaca, one of the team’s owners. The Slammers also are bringing back their early-bird food and drink specials. Fans who arrive at Silver Cross Field early – within the half-hour after the gates open – can buy five different things to eat that cost $2.25 or less, Franklin said. That means hot dogs for a $1 and hamburgers for $2.25 and $1.25 soft drinks. The Slammers will also be running their own concession stands this year after parting ways with Levy Restaurants, the former food provider. That was good news to Mayor
Tom Giarrante. During the 2013 season, there often were long, sluggish lines to buy a burger or a beer, he said.The customer service needed improvement. “We have a great opportunity to keep all the things that work and fix the things that we can do better,” Semaca said. The team will continue daily promotions such as $2 tickets
and hotdogs on Tuesdays and the traditional fireworks on Fridays. The team is also considering improvements for Silver Cross Field. In time, the score board will need some work, said Josh Schaub, CEO. “The board is 12 years old and starting to get some gremlins,” Schaub said. Luckily the structure itself is in good shape, he added.
A new deck for fan seating will be added to left field, Schaub said. Although it will debut as a small space, it eventually could be expanded to as much as 1,800 square feet. The area sounds like a great place for a party. “The thought is to have a single price for all you can eat and a decent number of beverages,” Semaca said.
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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014
News local
City council discusses squad car purchases Councilmen were considering the purchase of 14 new vehicles for the police department By Stewart Warren For the Bugle
There’s a big difference between shopping around and sealed competitive bids. That’s what the members of the Joliet City Council learned during their regular workshop held on Monday. The Councilmen were considering the purchase of 14 new vehicles for the police department. Under a purchasing agreement negotiated by the state, the city could buy the 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility All Wheel Drive vehicles for $382,825 – or about $27,344 for each vehicle -- from Morrow Brothers Ford of Greenfield. That was the lowest total price for the cars. But a local dealer’s total price for all of the cars was just $31 more. Ron Tirapelli Ford, 4355 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood, was willing to sell the city the 14 vehicles for $382,856, essentially the same price as the state.
Breaking down the numbers joliet police department squad car purchases
$382,825 Under a purchasing agreement negotiated by the state, the city could buy the 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility All Wheel Drive vehicles for $382,825
$382,856
Ron Tirapelli Ford, 4355 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood, was willing to sell the city the 14 vehicles for $382,856, essentially the same price as the state.
Councilmen Mike Turk and Jim McFarland considered the issue earlier on Monday during the Public Service Committee meeting. After noticing the slight difference in the two prices, they wondered if the city would be required to accept the lowest bid or instead could
chose to buy local. “There was a lot of discussion back and forth: Is it a quote? Is it a bid?” Turk said. Joliet City Attorney Jeff Plyman explained the situation to the group:Although the prices were called a “bid,” they were not part of the “competitive bidding ordinance,” the rules governing the more formal bidding process, Plyman said. The numbers were more like a quote. “Because you did not use the formal competitive bid process, we did not make any legal promise (to buy the cars from the lowest bidder),” Plyman said. Councilman Larry Hug said the city should buy from local businesses. And in this case, the difference in prices was very small, he added. “I don’t think you can feed a family of six for $31 at McDonald’s anymore,” Hug said. McFarland noted that about 40 percent of Tirapelli Ford’s staff members were Joliet residents. The council was expected to vote on the issue during their Feb. 4 regular meeting.
News will county board
THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014
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Right of way a roadblock to extending water, sewer to Laraway Project is part of a wide-ranging county-city plan to upgrade facilities and transportation in downtown Joliet, at Laraway and U.S. 52 By Nick Reiher Managing Editor
Several Will County Board members are upset at what appears to be a lack of progress on extending Joliet water and sewer service to the area around the sheriff’s Laraway Road station. The project is part of a wide-ranging county-city plan to upgrade facilities and transportation in downtown Joliet and at Laraway and U.S. 52. The water and sewer line is needed not only for a major improvement of the Sheriff’s Laraway station, but immediately because of problems with the septic field there that cause health problems at the station. Officials from Joliet and Will County approved the plan last year, and the county is working to acquire the old Social Security
Administration building on Scott Street, as well as the First Midwest Building downtown as temporary county offices until new ones can be built. But some members of the County Board’s Capital Improvement Committee on Feb. 3 were upset they haven’t seen more progress by the City of Joliet to acquire right of way for the sewer and water extension. “There’s still no progress,” said Board Member Margo McDermed, R-Mokena. “This is completely unacceptable. Why are they not doing anything?” Committee Chair Denise Winfrey, D-Joliet, said the project, “isn’t where we want it to be.” Nick Palmer, Will County Executive Larry Walsh’s chief of staff, assured the committee work is continuing; just not construction. Some work was delayed by Joliet City Manager
One landowner wants a price that would add $300,000 to the county. I didn’t think I should be taking that kind of liberty with county funds.” - Jim Eggen, Joliet’s Director of Public Utilities
Tom Thanas leaving late last year, he said, as well as the death of Mel Rull, longtime director of the Will County Public Building Commission, which is working with county and city officials on the project. Palmer also said there have been some issues with acquisition of right of way for the sewer and water extension, which Jim Eggen, Joliet’s Director of Public Utilities, agreed. Eggen said there are 12 property owners the city has been dealing with along the route, on Manhattan Road (U.S. 52) to Briggs Street and beyond. The city has verbal commitments
local
Billie Limacher awarded State of Illinois ‘Lincoln Award’ Lincoln Award recipients are those “behind the scenes stars” that go beyond for the Illinois tourism industry
Billie Limacher, President of Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park, Inc., has been awarded the State of Illinois Office of Tourism’s “Lincoln Award”. Mrs. Limacher, a long-time Joliet tourism promoter, was one of 5 finalists. She received her award on February 3, 2014, at the Excellence in Tourism Dinner during the Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism. According to Illinois State Travel Director, Jen Hoelzle, Lincoln Award recipients are those “behind the scenes stars” that go above and beyond for
Submitted Photo
Billie Limacher, (left) President of Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park, Inc., received her award on February 3, 2014, at the Excellence in Tourism Dinner during the Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism.
the Illinois tourism industry. Mrs. Limacher was nominated for the Lincoln Award by Bob Navarro, President and CEO of the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor
Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are honored to have a great woman and passionate promoter like Billie Limacher representing our Corridor,” said Navarro. He added, “Billie’s role in bringing visitors to downtown Joliet could not be more valuable to our community as the events attract tourists to this great region.” At “92 years young”, Billie continues to run the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park. Since 1973, Billie has been in charge of scheduling hundreds of events annually that bring in thousands of visitors to the Joliet area. Her positivity and limitless energy shines through her work and radiates to all those who have had the pleasure of meeting Billie. Mayor Tom Giarrante stated “This honor was well deserved. Nobody works harder than Billie Limacher for the Bicentennial Park and for tourism”.
Margo McDermed, R-Mokena
Committee Chair Denise Winfrey, D-Joliet
from three and has been wellreceived by most of the others … except one. “One landowner wants a price that would add $300,000 to the county,” he said Feb. 5. “I didn’t think I should be taking that kind of liberty with county funds.” But if they don’t, Eggen said, it could force the city and the county to look toward another route for the sewer and water extension, or to get a waiver from the county and the Illinois Department of Transportation to put the sewer and water infrastructure under the roadway
Nick Palmer, Will County Executive Larry Walsh’s chief of staff
instead of on a right-of-way they would need to acquire. Palmer told the committee he and other county officials would be meeting with the consultant for the project on Feb. 10. He also said the city of Joliet has been “good partners” with the county in securing the First Midwest Bank building downtown. Once First Midwest finds another location, the state’s attorney’s office ultimately will use that building until new offices are ready. The building then will be torn down as the site for a new courthouse.
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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014
Police Blotter
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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.
Joliet 1
Jeremy A. Lee, 30, 16 N. Broadway, was arrested at 4:24 p.m. Jan. 31 at that address for Possession of a Controlled Substance W/Intent, Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Drug Equipment.
2
Calvin D. Chism, 45, 195 Carriage Lane, was arrested at 10:59 a.m. Jan. 31 at 260 Ruby for Unlawful Use of Recorded Sounds Or Images and Violation Of Trademark Rights.
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Anthony B. Pleasant, 26, 1405 Brown Ave. was arrested at 9:41 p.m. Jan. 31 at 358 E. Cass for Criminal Trespass to Real Property.
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Madeline C. Sanchez, 64, 1825 S. White Ave., was arrested at 11:56 a.m. Jan. 31 at 1801 W. Jefferson for Retail Theft.
5
Mary R. Saveron, 23, 2806 Belleau Woods Drive, was
arrested at 4:01 p.m. Jan. 31 at 2510 Route 59 for Retail Theft.
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Brian F. Davidson, 33, 2200 Oneida,was arrested at 2:02 p.m. Jan. 31 at 1820 Jefferson for Resist/Obstruct A P.O., Criminal Trespass to Real Property and Disorderly Conduct.
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Andrew J. Looney, 31, 5300 Eubank Blvd, NE, Albuquerque, N.M., was arrested at 6:41 p.m. Jan. 31 at 777 Hollywood for Criminal Trespass to Land.
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Derrick O. Chapman, 21, 1322 Englewood Ave., was arrested at 7:37 p.m. Feb. 1 at 1400 W. Jefferson on a Will County Warrant and for Deceptive Practices.
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Ashley L. Stack, 24, 1814 Wake Island Drive, was arrested at 12:49 p.m. Feb. 1 at 1602 Essington for Theft. A. Yemoh, 24, 1448 10 Britainy Pioneer Road, Crest Hill, was arrested at 12:40 p.m. Feb. 1 at 2424 W. Jefferson for Theft. James S.Leo,39,32Arlington Drive, Romeoville, was arrested at 1:20 p.m. Feb. 1 at 508 Cass for Criminal Trespass to Real Property, Aggravated Battery to a P.O. and two counts of Resisting a P.O.
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Patrick J. Caselton, 58, 938 Sutherland, St. Louis, Mo, was arrested at 7:07 a.m. Feb. 1 at 75 N. Chicago for Disorderly Conduct.
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Tony D. Williams, 23, 358 N. Broadway, was arrested at 9:54 a.m. Feb. 1 at 50 E. Jefferson for Disorderly Conduct.
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Julie L. Johannes, 32, 902 Luther Drive, Wilmington, was arrested at 2:39 p.m. Feb. 1 at 2424 W. Jefferson for Retail Theft.
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Termaine M. Morgan, 24, 221 Union, was arrested at 1:02 p.m. Feb. 1 at that address for Domestic Battery, Criminal Damage to Property and Interfering W/Reporting D.V.
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Daniel Torres, 19, 19, 6103 Summer Crest Court, was arrested at 1:13 a.m. Feb. 1 at 1750 McDonough for Possession of Alcoholic Beverages By Minor.
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Juan C. Sanchez, 19, 453 N. Eastern Ave., was arrested at 2:50 a.m. Feb. 1 at Herkimer and Jackson for Domestic Battery.
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Warren, 19, 116 Iowa 18 Alfred Ave., was arrested at 4:40 p.m. Feb. 2 at 2424 W. Jefferson for Possession of Cannabis and Burglary. Jahaud Davis, 21, 1400 Pioneer Road, Crest Hill, was
arrested for Burglary. Lionel L. Russell, 27, 321 Old Indian Trail, Aurora, was arrested at 9:29 p.m. Feb. 2 at 1420 Fitzer for Obstructing a P.O.
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Twinette M. Gray, 20, 605 S. Desplaines, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at 2424 W. Jefferson for Theft.
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Bryan R. Konieczny, 34, 4223 Rivertowne Court, Plainfield, was arrested at 3:35 a.m. Feb. 2 at 777 Hollywood on an Out Of Town Warrant and for Criminal Damage To Property.
21
D.Stevens,33,415 22 Kourtney Maude Ave., was arrested at 10:33 p.m. Feb. 2 in the 400 block of Western for Resisting/ Obstructing a P.O. Rafael L. Cole, 44, 508 N. Raynor Ave., was arrested at 11:13 p.m. Feb. 2 at that address for Domestic Battery and Resisting/Obstructing A P.O.
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Joshua S. Koetz, 31, 924 E. North, Lockport, was arrested at 12:17 a.m. Feb. 2 at 344 Pine for Domestic Battery, Criminal Damage To Property and Possession of Cannabis.
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Allison C. Byrne, 23, 1406 Taylor, was arrested at 3:02
a.m. Feb. 2 at 1401 W. Jefferson for DUI- Alcohol. A 13-year-old was arrested at 10 a.m. Feb. 3 at 150 W. Washington for aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
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Vickie D. Simmons, 24, 6915 Riley Drive, was arrested at 11:34 a.m. Feb. 3 at 2001 Windstone Drive for Battery.
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For more Joliet Blotter, visit www. buglenewspapers.com
Shorewood Jade N. Sally, 21, 568 Redwood Road, Bolingbrook, no valid license, no valid registration, improper use of registration, no seatbelt and illegal use of a cell phone on January 27 at Cottage and Shorewood streets.
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Caria L. Burton, 21, 1057 N. Hamlin, Chicago, no valid driver’s license, no insurance and no seatbelt on January 28 at Amendodge and Cottage streets.
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Herbert S. Hume, 25, 125 Twin Oaks Drive, Joliet, hit and run, reckless driving, no insurance and operating a vehicle with suspended registration on January 29 at 210 School Road.
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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014
column
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Vigilance is the only way to address heroin problem Will County is planning for the 2014 Hero Helps Community Forum which is slated for May 17 Would anyone pay to have cancer? Would anyone have such a compulsion to have cancer they would give their last dime, their life, their soul to have cancer? Of all the sad, heart-wrenching stories I have heard about the dangers of using heroin, I think the recent death of actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman really hit me. Not because he is an Oscarwinning actor and deserves more attention or sympathy than anyone else. It’s because he had been clean for more than 20 years before the demons got to him again. He went into rehab last year and passed away recently with heroin and prescription drugs in his home and a needle in his arm. During those 20-plus years of sobriety, Hoffman had amazing success on film and in the theater. By all accounts, he seemed to be a pretty good dude: purposefully rumpled and common, like you and me.Well, me, anyway. Despite all that apparent success, something let the demons back in. Or rather, something awakened those dormant demons after years and years of apparent success there, too. It reminded me
of a person who suffered from cancer years ago and has been in remission for some 20 years.They lived life, got married, had children, good job … and out of nowhere, the cancer returned. Except in this case, victims drawn to heroin and other drugs are compelled run toward the disease until they ruin, or end, their lives. Recently, we ran a story about the decrease in 2013 in the number of deaths due to heroin overdose in Will County.Thirty-five compared to 53 in 2012,according to Coroner Pat O’Neil, who noted that still meant “35 families whose lives have been forever changed at the loss of a family member ...” Certainly, a lot of credit has to go to efforts by local officials – Will County Executive Larry Walsh, State’s Attorney James Glasgow, Sheriff Paul Kaupas and O’Neil – as well as families affected by a loss, who have brought a great amount of awareness of the dangers of heroin for the past four years through the HEROES HELPS program. However, Will County officials said they don’t see this drop in overdose deaths as an end to the initiative. The county is working
hoWever, Will county oFFicials said they don’t see this drop in overdose deaths as an end to the initiative. the county is Working to expand the heroin prevention initiative into other schools in Will county. to expand the heroin prevention initiative into other schools in Will County. Will County is planning for the 2014 Hero Helps Community Forum which is slated for Saturday, May 17. Watch for more details. It would be good to attend, or at least familiarize yourself with this killer, especially if you have children. Vigilance really is the only way to stay on top of heroin use, whether or not you or a loved one has been a victim in the past. “I beat it, and I will help you do the same, or prevent you from getting into it in the first place,” sends that demon further into the darkness. But if you’re thinking, “I beat it, and it’s gone.” Or, “This can never happen to me or my kids.” Well, you just made that demon smile. Nick Reiher Managing Editor
guest column
Shorewood-Troy library delivers Do you think you have to come to the Shorewood-Troy Library? We love to see you, of course, but the library can also come to you! We offer home delivery for people that are housebound (either permanently or due to surgery) or in a late stage of pregnancy. We know that when you’re sick, you still want to read. Deliveries are made on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. We’re happy to bring you the books you ask for, but if you aren’t sure what you want to read (or watch), let our Outreach Librarian Tiernen Peacey-Dye work you to find books that you’re sure to like. If you or a family member
would benefit from homebound deliveries, call the library at 815725-1715 to get set up. Our Outreach Librarian also does deliveries to Timbers of Shorewood and Shorewood Horizon. She brings a browsing collection, meaning that residents can browse and checkout the books that interest them. To check out, residents of these communities do need a valid Shorewood Library Card. If a person wants us to bring the application to them, just give us a call! We’ll be happy to sign up people for library cards at the Timbers and Horizon communities.
Also, watch your library newsletter! As the weather gets a little warmer, our librarians will be out and about in the community offering convenient reference service and technology tips this summer! Finally, there’s a new book group forming that we’re very excited about: Books on Tap, which will be beginning in April. The book group will be meeting at an area restaurant over appetizers and drinks (the library will pick up the cost of one appetizer – the drinks are “buy your own”). The first book to be discussed will be “Hyperbole and a Half,” by Allie Bosch. Library Staff
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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014
News WILL COUNTY
Local officials set Illinois Concealed Carry Class Officials will host Concealed Carry classes to the general public on February 21 Will County Board Member Ragan Freitag, R-Wilmington, and Shorewood Village President Richard E. “Rick” Chapman are working with 2A Firearms Education to host concealed carry classes for the general public on Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22, at Skooters, 700 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood. Special pricing has been secured for this class. During class students will be able to make an appointment for the required range session at a private indoor range on March 1. Range fees are included in the class price. To receive the discounted price, you must register for class at www.2afe.com. After registering and paying for class, you will be contacted by Brian from 2A Firearms Education
The new concealed carry law requires 16 hours of training but allows for certain exemptions. Everyone will fall into one of the three following categories: • *Active or honorably discharged military personnel are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of training. • *If you have not served in the military but have taken a firearms safety course, you may be exempt for 4 or 8 hours depending on the course. Call Brian at 815-7149757, and he will help you to determine how many additional hours of training that the law requires. • *If you have not served in the military and have not had any other firearm training, the law requires that you complete 16 hours of training.
to confirm that you are registered. If you are having trouble registering or have other questions, contact Brian at 815-7149757. Fees are, eight-hour course, $135. Range fees and assistance in Shorewood Village applying for your license Ragan Freitag, President Richard are included. Fingerprint R-Wilmington E. “Rick” Chapman service is offered at $55 but is not required to obtain an Illinois concealed for your license are included. carry license. Fingerprint service is offered 12- Hour Course, $230. Range at $55 but is not required to fees and assistance in applying obtain an Illinois concealed carry license. 16 Hour Course, $260. Range fees and assistance in applying for your license are included. Fingerprint service is offered at $55 but is not required to obtain an Illinois concealed carry license. This course also includes the NRA Basic Pistol course packet and completion certificate. All three courses will also meet the training requirements to obtain a Florida or Arizona non-resident concealed carry license. Students who take the 16hour course may also qualify for their Utah non-resident concealed carry license with the addition of another training module for a fee of $50.
Take 5 Crossword Puzzle
Across 1 Breadth of fresh hair? 4 2000s HBO drama set in Utah 11 “Figured it out!” 14 Longtime Parlophone record label owner 15 Valentine sender 16 Submerge 17 A 20 2002 World Series champs 21 Pawn 22 Author Carnegie 23 CPR provider 25 Library sect. 27 AA 32 Venerable ref. 33 Moving line on the ground, maybe 34 Places to perch 35 Rosebud, notably 36 Lean and sinewy 37 Good thing to pass 40 When Bloomsday, which celebrates Joyce’s “Ulysses,”
Down is observed 41 “Just __ figured!” 44 AAA 47 Profound 48 32-Across cousin of arch. 49 River through the Czech Republic 50 Canadian brewery 53 Doughboy’s helmet 55 AAAA 58 Prefix with tonic 59 Restraining device 60 Carnival setting 61 Messenger developer 62 Office chair mechanisms 63 Email suffix
1 “There was no choice for us” 2 “That’s mindblowing!” 3 Laughed nervously, maybe 4 Scene of a lost glass slipper 5 Time to beware 6 Clock-setting std. 7 Stewed 8 Handel opera written in Italian 9 Not hor. 10 Consequently 11 Slow movements 12 Place to lie low 13 Make like 18 Command to Fido 19 Manhattan variety 23 Abbr. for dating enthusiasts? 24 Hood et al.: Abbr. 26 Common cellphone feature, briefly 28 Manservant 29 Italian : gennaio : Spanish : __ 30 Patterned cloth 31 Sticks with a horn
35 Visit 36 Milquetoast 37 Pie material? 38 Of no help 39 Apply liberally 40 Foresail 41 Present and accounted for 42 Moderately dry, climatewise 43 Challenging opening 45 Twisty pasta 46 It’s mostly made of zinc 51 Some NCR devices 52 Spring occurrence 53 Starbucks order 54 Followers: Suff. 55 Pep 56 Service abbr. 57 Pre-A.D.
Tribune Content Agency 2014
THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014
Horoscopes Picky people don’t always pickle peppers, but they might pick on you. In the upcoming week, wear emotional armor to protect yourself from any temporary unpleasantness. This is not the time to take a stand.
The week ahead can be rewarding if you work hard and apply yourself. Avoid tangling with authority figures by challenging their right to be in charge. Remain unruffled if someone seems to be a control freak, dictatorial or overbearing.
Speak kindly. Like a hummingbird, you’re happy and satisfied when sweet nectar is on the tip of your tongue. Avoid making hard-edged pronouncements, being judgmental, or putting your foot down during the week ahead.
Avoid taking implied criticism too personally. Here and there during the week ahead, someone could say or do something that seems unkind or harsh. Remain thrifty with your cash and generous when people make mistakes.
Sit on your hands. Ambitions could rise up and swallow you whole, so it’s best not to meddle or tinker with a situation until your judgment improves. In the week ahead, maintain a low profile and get plenty of rest whenever you can.
The week ahead may bring old friends back into your immediate vicinity or put you in contact with the elderly. Adjust your attitude to meet or exceed the expectations of others. A job or assignment may be repetitive and monotonous.
Use old-fashioned good manners to avoid a showdown. Your natural inclination to be a peacemaker can come in handy in a dispute. You might feel insecure about your financial status or creative abilities in the week ahead.
Put burgeoning business ideas on the back burner. This is a week in which hard work will be required just to keep up and get caught up. Frequent repairs and breakdowns on the home front may keep you busier than usual.
To avoid getting in trouble, you might inadvertently beat around the bush with the wrong end of the stick. In the week ahead, pay attention to meeting deadlines and paying your bills on time. Don’t procrastinate.
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” Take to heart the Dalai Lama’s words in the week to come. You may face numerous opportunities to do the wrong thing.
Your “stuff and nonsense” meter might be going full blast this week. People may seem critical and accusatory with little reason, but it’s up to you to avoid confrontations. A petty quarrel could cause more trouble than it’s worth.
Hold off on starting any new projects or making any important commitments in the week ahead. This is a time to refine your plans and look for loopholes or pitfalls. Don’t dwell on the negatives, just fix them.
Sudoku
Jumble
Previous puzzle’s answers
Previous puzzle’s answers
Previous puzzle’s answers
Jumbles: • MADLY • NOBLE • ZODIAC • PAYING
Answer: When he caught Junior playing with matches, Dad was -- BLAZING MAD
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obituary Michael E. Ryan Michael E. “Mick” Ryan, Age 69 years, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Joliet on Feb. 3, 1945, the son of the late Eugene (1976) and the late Jeanette (1997) (nee Foley) Ryan. Mick attended St. Patrick Grade School and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School. He served in Germany as an MP with the U.S.Army. For 34 years, he worked as the ”Candyman” as Buyer and General Manager for Eby Brown Company in Joliet. He most recently served as Chief Deputy Assessor for the Joliet Township Assessors Office. Mick was a locally renowned fast-pitch softball pitcher for the Manhattan Shadows, Red Barn and Chesty Chips. He was a local youth basketball and football official and he also coached boys baseball at St. Joe’s Park for many years. He was the Master
of Ceremonies over the greatest Ryan Christmases ever. Mick loved everyone as long as you were Irish, Catholic, Democrat and a Cub Fan. Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Jim (1998); his fatherin-law, Lawrence Motta (1970); and a brother-in-law, Don Motta (1995). Survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lori (Lorraine, nee Motta) Ryan; his son, Larry (Chris Jambrosek); his daughter, Shelly (Tom) Felkins; mother-inlaw, Bernice Motta; sister, Mary
Jane Pluth; brother, Pat (Debi) Ryan; sister-inlaw, Lee (Jim) Ryan; and three precious gifts from heaven, his grandchildren, McKenna, Michael and Patrick “Packey” Ryan. He was the proud uncle of Kim (Ron) Mitchell, Sue (Andy) Runde, Dan Pluth, Jayme (Mike) Zobel, Jim (Beth) Ryan, Jocie Pluth and Emilee Motta. Funeral Services were held at the BlackburnGiegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. to the Cathedral of St. Raymond for mass at 9 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation was Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 from 2 to 8 p.m. He was such an admirer of Chicago Cubs legend Ron Santo. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mick’s memory to the Ron Santo Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Illinois Chapter, 11 South LaSalle Street Chicago, IL, 60603.
INSIDE: Minooka wins on senior night; wrestlers and bowlers advance, page 13; NASCAR changes impact Joliet,
buglenewspapers.com
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Home, again After two years away, senior Antonio Dyson is flourishing with Joliet Central By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter
The past four years have been quite a ride for Antonio Dyson. After playing in three different programs in four seasons, the Joliet Central senior is back home and thriving for the Steelmen. Dyson first played competitive basketball as an eighth grader at Washington Grade School after an injury stopped him from playing football and he said early on, it wasn’t his game. “I didn’t know I could be good,” Dyson said.“I first started playing basketball in eighth grade. I was a football player first and I got hurt and I lost a lot of speed and I lost the drive for football. Then, I was all about defense and rebounds and then I really got into basketball freshman year and I was on the B team and all
these guys were on the A team. I wasn’t really good freshman year and I had to advance.” Although he didn’t see his talent as a ninth grader, Joliet Central coach Jeff Corcoran sure did. “When he was a freshman, we knew his talent,” Corcoran said. “When the season was over, I was always on him. I was calling him mom because he wasn’t coming to workouts. We knew this is what he was capable of. We weren’t doing it trying to embarrass him, it was more about, we know what you can do, so get your butt in here and lets go to work.” After getting Dyson to work on his game, Corcoran and the Steelmen lost Dyson to Lockport where he competed on the Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff
>> see DYSON | page 16
Antonio Dyson is averaging 11 points and seven rebounds per game for Joliet Central.
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Sports
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Minooka sweeps Spartans, locals advance By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter
It was a good senior night performance for Minooka Friday night as both the boys and girls teams defeated Romeoville in a varsity doubleheader. The girls opened the night with a 47-24 win over the Spartans. Romeoville opened the game with a 13-8 first quarter lead behind a pair of Alexis Marin three pointers, but then the Indians got defensive, holding Romeoville to just two points in each of the second and third quarter. “This week, we held Oswego to 34 and we held Plainfield Central to 24 and did that again tonight,” said Minooka coach Ray Liberatore. “Defensively, we are playing well. In the Oswego East game, we had stretches where we had trouble scoring, but we were defending so well and eventually we started to score and got a onepoint win.” Liberatore said just getting a win was not the goal of the game, it was about getting a win that allowed the seniors to get floor time. “A night like tonight is all about
the seniors and we are 18-5 right now and they have done a great job of leading us,” he said. “They started the game and got to end the game and that was really cool. The younger girls knew their role tonight was to get a win for the seniors.” Minooka was paced by 10 points from Erin Heide and nine points each from Brooklyn Bachman and Kelly Carnagio. In the guys game, Romeoville got off to an early lead and had Minooka on its heels all the way up until the end of the game when the Indians pulled it out 40-34. Minooka took its first lead in the third quarter and then outscored the Spartans 10-5 in the final stanza to secure the win. “(Romeoville coach) Marc (Howard) is doing a great job with them and we knew it would be a battle just watching them on film. We knew it would be a battle,” said Minooka coach Scott Tanaka. “We have been playing some good basketball.We are 8-3 in the last 11 games.” Like the girls, it was important for the program that they won for the seniors. “We are just glad we could give
our seniors a win on senior night, that was really important to us,” Tanaka said. “We have a group of eight seniors that mean the world to me and it was great to get them a win on senior night. I can’t say what it means to give them a win.” Joe Butler led the way with 11 points, while Neal Tyrell added 10 and Mark Geers scored eight.
WRESTLING At the Lockport Regional, the host Porters were second with 201.5 points, while Lincoln-Way Central won with 237.5. Joliet West was fourth with 151, while Joliet Central was ninth with 31. Lockport advanced eight wrestlers to sectional. Champions were Brian Rossi (113 pounds), Shane Oster (126), Dan Radcliffe (132), Trevell Timmons (138),Vince Dietz (160) and Tyler Johnson (195), while Cameron Rote (120) and Nick Marolda (145) were third. Joliet West will send six to sectional. The Tigers had five in the title match, but only Nick Brown (152) won a regional title.
Placing second were Darvell Flagg (106), Jared Sims (120), Cory Winchell (126) and Jayvin Bandy (138). Meekah Ben-Israel (182) claimed third, Joliet Central’s Donovan Luckett
was third at 138. At Bradley-Bourbonnais, Minooka was second with 168 points, as Moline won the regional title with 168.5. >> see LOCALS | page 16
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Sports
USF opens 2014 baseball season Making its 2014 season debut, the University of St. Francis baseball team dropped both halves of a doubleheader against No. 23-ranked Georgetown (Ky.) College Friday afternoon. The Tigers took game one 3-1, before shutting out the Saints 3-0 in the nightcap. Georgetown starter Tyler Arthur held USF to three singles over six innings of work in Friday’s first game. The Saints scored the game’s first run in the top of the third inning when sophomore second baseman Luke Wyss (Westminster, Colo./ Standley Lake) delivered a two-out base hit to plate junior left fielder Cody Columbus (Plainfield, Ill./ Joliet Catholic), who walked and stole second base earlier in the frame. Junior right-hander Adam Panayotovich (Palos Park, Ill./ Mount Carmel) started the game for USF and set down 10 of the 11 batters he faced over three and a third innings of work. Sophomore right-hander Chris
Blatti (Joliet, Ill./ Joliet Catholic) took the loss, as he surrendered four hits and three runs in one and two-thirds innings. In the nightcap,Brian Barry and Edwin Santiago combined on a six-hit shutout as Georgetown (20) completed the doubleheader sweep with a 3-0 win. Barry scattered six hits over six frames, before Santiago tossed a scoreless seventh. Unkel drove in the game’s first run with an RBI double as part of a two-run bottom of the second for the Tigers. Senior right-hander Jake Butler (Channahon, Ill./ Minooka) took the loss despite allowing only one of the eight batters he faced to reach base.The second of three USF hurlers, junior right-handed reliever Kyle Cunningham (Plainfield, Ill./ Joliet Catholic) walked three batters and allowed two hits over one and two-thirds innings. Saturday’s doubleheader at the University of the Cumberlands has been canceled because of inclement weather.
Sports
Bob Leverone/NASCAR via Getty Images
NASCAR chairman and CEO, Brian France describes the new Chase Grid during NASCAR Sprint Media Tour at Charlotte Convention Center on January 30, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
New changes for NASCAR will impact race in Joliet By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter
While the fact that the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup will still kick off on Sept. 14 in Joliet at Chicagoland Speedway, NASCAR announced Jan. 30 that the way the Cup is won will look a whole lot different. The new championship format will expand from 12 to 16 teams and will put greater emphasis on winning races. It also implements a new roundby-round advancement format that ultimately will result in the winner being decided by the first driver of the final four to cross the finish line. “We have arrived at a format that makes every race matter even more, diminishes points racing, puts a premium on winning races and concludes with a best-of-the-best, first-tothe-finish line showdown race – all of which is exactly what fans want,” said Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO at the State of NASCAR Address. “We have looked at a number of concepts for the last three years
through fan research, models and simulations, and also maintained extensive dialogue with our drivers, teams and partners. The new Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will be thrilling, easy to understand and help drive our sport’s competition to a whole new level.” With the new changes, a victory in the first 26 races all but guarantees a berth in the 10race Chase for Cup. While all 16 Chase drivers will be in the hunt when they take the green flag in Jolie, the number of drivers in contention for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship will decrease after every three Chase races, from 16 to start in the Chase Grid; 12 after Chase race No. 3; eight after Chase race No. 6; and four after Chase race No. 9. If there are fewer than 16 different winners in the first 26 races, the remaining Chase Grid positions will go to those winless drivers highest in points. If there are 16 or more winners in the first 26 races, the ties will first be broken by number of wins, followed by NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series driver points. If the trend continues, there will not be very many positions open for points leaders. In 2012 and 2011, there were 15 different race winners, while in 2013, NASCAR saw 14 unique winners. The first three races of the Chase, beginning at Chicagoland will be known as the Challenger Round, while the next three will the Contender Round, the next three will be the Eliminator Round and race No. 36, the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead on Nov. 16 will be the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship “We are in the midst of historic, positive changes in our sport and I applaud NASCAR for the amount of time, energy and research they have poured into this process,” said Scott Paddock, Chicagoland Speedway president. “Our fans will undoubtedly be the beneficiary of these modifications, and I truly believe they will bear witness to the most exciting season of racing in our facility’s history in 2014.” mark@buglenewspapers.com
THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014
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>> LOCALS, from page 13 The Indians sent seven wrestlers to sectional. Champions were K.J. Minor (113), Bret Miller (126) and Carson Oughton (152). Erik Velazquez (220) lost in the finals and placed second. >> DYSON, from page 11 sophomore team and then as a junior, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky to live with his father,
Sports
Coming in third at regionals were Kenneth Kirkland (145), Chris Hiscock (170) and Josh Bouie (182). Both sectionals feed into the Normal Community Sectional where wrestlers will battle for a shot at advancing to the state meet in Champaign.
In Class 2A, Joliet Catholic Academy traveled to the Belevidere Regional and will send Anthony McInerney to sectional. He placed third at 195.
where he attended Seneca High School and averaged 6.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. “When I went to Louisville, Kentucky I really built my
confidence in my game and that is when I really decided that this is what I wanted to do and that I wanted to go to college to play,” Dyson said.
GIRLS BOWLING At the Joliet West Regional,
Minooka won the team title with a pinfall of 5,947, while West senior Julie Kowalski was the individual champion with a 1,291. Both Minooka and Joliet West advanced the entire teams to the sectional round, while Joliet
Central will send Hannah Bolyn, Hayley Magruder,Addie Reyes and Alysha Guthrie as individuals. At the Sandburg Regional, Lockport won the team title with a total pinfall of 6,139 and advanced as a team.
The decision to move back and rejoin the players he played with as a freshman, Dyson was not expecting to ease back into the lineup. However, with Jaylen McGee out early in the season with a heart issue, Dyson was exactly the piece the Steelmen needed. “When I decided to move back, I thought I would have to fight for my spot because they are all so good,” he said. He made an immediate impact or Central as he was named to the All-Tournament team at both the WJOL Thanksgiving Classic
and the McDipper Holiday Tournament. He is averaging 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for Central this season, nearly doubling both of his numbers from his junior season in Kentucky. Dyson tallied 12 points and 10 rebounds and had a gameclinching steal at the end of the game last week as the Steelmen handed Bolingbrook its first SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue Division loss of the season, 57-54.
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mark@buglenewspapers.com
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THE BUGLE FEBRUARY 12, 2014
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Plainfield East beats North, leads SPC By Scott Taylor Sports Editor
A packed house and Comcast Sportsnet were on hand Friday night for the battle of 119th street between Plainfield North and Plainfield East. Despite losing to the Tigers at North 78-72 earlier this year, the Bengals held a game lead in the Southwest Prairie Conference heading into the evening. That lead grew to two games with a 69-48 win. “We have had our goals set up from the beginning of the season and we want to win conference,” East senior Nick Novak said.“We were hanging around second or third and some chips fell in our favor. Now we are playing every game is the championship game and hopefully we can win out in conference.” With North and Plainfield South both losing, the Bengals (14-7, 8-2) own a two-game lead over both, as well as Minooka, who are all 6-4 with four games remaining. Even with the nice cushion, it isn’t time to crown the Bengals the champs just yet. “To think we were a game down two weeks ago,” East coach Branden Adkins said. “This is not over.There are still a lot of games left.We have South Friday, who had a 14-point lead on us and then Oswego, who beat us at their house. We can’t get too far ahead. If we win out we can get to 20 wins, which would be great for the program with where we were around Christmas time when we were .500.” “We have to stay focused,”
East senior Myles Ward said. “We can’t get too high or too low. We have to stay focused and keep winning these games.” North scored the first two points of the game Friday night, but that would be its only lead of the game. East took a 17-7 lead early in the second quarter and would keep a double-digit advantage the rest of the game.The Bengals led 31-13 at the half and 46-28 after three. “It all starts with defense,”Ward said.“If we can get turnovers, we can get easy baskets.” The Tigers scored eight straight points early in the fourth quarter to get to within 12 at 48-36, but that would be as close as they would get as East went on an 8-1 run to put the game away. “We were able to attack the basket and get some layups,” Adkins said. “They can go on some runs and score six or eight points quickly. We limited those runs tonight.” It was a balanced attack for the Bengals as Ward had 17, Novak 16 and Aaron Jordan 15. “They told me to keep attacking and be aggressive,” Ward said. “We always start out slow so we had to come out fast today. At the beginning of the season I think we relied on Aaron too much, but now I think we figured it out and everyone started scoring. Once they stop worrying about Aaron so much, then we can get him the ball.” “Myles did a great job getting to the bucket,” Novak said. “He’s our point guard and our leader on the floor, so when he gets going it turns out well.”
Scott Taylor/Bugle Staff
Plainfield East’s Myles Ward scored 17 points in a 69-48 win over Plainfield North Friday.
“We thought we could attack the basket,” Adkins said. “Myles took that challenge. I told him he needed to be a floor leader tonight and make good decisions. He was aggressive and tough and distributed it when he needed to. We knew they were going to faceguard Aaron but other guys contributed and that is what we needed and will continue to need.” Trevor Stumpe scored 18 for the Tigers and Kevin Krieger added 12. “We threw some stuff at them that I thought they really struggled with,” Adkins said. “We switched on screens and it
was stop Trevor by committee. We communicated well on the other guys. They seemed a little stagnant. They like to score quick and I thought we slowed them down.” “We couldn’t make a shot and we didn’t run any offense at all,” North coach Robert Krahulik said. “There was no motion, no movement, no cutting hard. We maybe made two hard cuts the whole game. “Maybe they were a little tight. They knew how big this game was.They knew we needed it for conference. They knew it was on T.V. A lot of different factors could have affected it. A lot of
the shots were short, which was surprising.” Now two games back with four to go, the Tigers are starting to turn their attention towards the postseason. “Now we’re going to build up for regionals,” Krahulik said. “We have four games left. We have to focus on playing good defense, which wasn’t that bad tonight, and moving and cutting.” •Plainfield Central beat North last Tuesday 88-78. Logan Velasquez scored 25 points and had 10 rebounds, while Robbie Brooks added 23 points. Follow Scott @Taylor_Sports staylor@buglenewspapers.com
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News
Health Department working toward Obamacare deadline Specially trained, certified Health Department Navigators will now be providing Medicaid and Illinois Marketplace enrollment assistance at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) closes in less than two months, so the Will County Health Department and Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center of Joliet are working to help area residents get the
coverage they need. Specially trained and certified Health Department Navigators will now be providing Medicaid and Illinois Marketplace enrollment assistance at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center (333 Madison Street
in Joliet). Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each Thursday and Friday through March 28. To schedule an appointment, call 815-727-5990. Walk-ins are also welcome. To access the navigators, enter through Outpatient Entrance 2 on Madison. All patients must wear visitor badges and will need to check in at the concierge desk. Valet parking is free and selfparking is available across the street.
Health Department Navigators are also providing enrollment assistance at other locations in Joliet, Bolingbrook, and University Park. Navigators will be available each Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through March 31, at the Health Department’s Northern Branch Office in Bolingbrook (323 Quadrangle). Eastern Will County residents can obtain enrollment assistance from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Tuesday through March 25, at the Health Department’s
Eastern Branch Office in University Park (44 Town Center). Navigators are always available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Health Department’s 501 Ella Avenue facility in Joliet. For more information about enrollment assistance availability, or to schedule an appointment, call 815-7275990. Those interested in enrollment should bring a form of identification, Social Security Card, and income information.
News government
President signs Farm Bill Local government officials pleased to hear of bill’s approval after long, legislative process President Obama signed the and it will put a five-year plan in long-awaited Farm Bill Feb. 7, three place to help farmers manage days after the U.S. Senate passed it their risk, which is important 68-32.The House approved the bill considering the market and price 251-166 on Jan. 29. fluctuations we have The bill had worked seen in the past year,” its way through a he said following House conference committee passage. where leaders of Schneidewind the Senate and pointed to the following House worked out a provisions in the new compromise on several Farm Bill: crucial elements. Crop insurance is “After repeated enhanced with the delays and short term introduction of a Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill extensions, today’s vote Supplement Coverage is a relief to Illinois Option, which offers farmers who have farmers the option of been waiting two years purchasing additional for House Republicans coverage based on to come to the table county yield or loss and agree on a Farm basis to cover part of Bill,” said U.S. Sen. Dick the deductible. Durbin, D-Ill. “This The support is Farm Bill not only set at 65 percent, ensures stability for our Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. and conservation farmers, but it will also compliance is linked to invest in rural development,energy crop insurance. The bill includes a and agricultural research. flexible farm safety net that includes “I wish this bill took more choices between price-based and responsible steps to reduce crop revenue-based risk management insurance subsidies for those who tools and maintains decoupling of can afford it, while preserving the payments under both programs safety net for those who need from current planted acres. a helping hand. But this bill is Target price which is now to going to move us forward. Illinois’ be called “reference” prices are economy starts on the farm, and proposed to be $3.70/bushel for this Farm Bill will give our farmers corn, $8.40/bushel for soybeans the certainty they need to plan for and $5.50 /bushel for wheat. The another crop year.” Agriculture Risk Coverage program U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., said he will pay to a level between 76-86 also was pleased to see the Farm percent of the historical revenue. Bill pass. Producers will have a one-time “With nearly 7 percent of the option to update yields before the nation’s agricultural exports, or 2014 crop year. Reallocation of base about $4 billion worth of goods, acres among covered commodities Illinois farmers are leaders in shall be in the four-year average of agriculture,” he said in a press acreage planted on the farm to release. “This compromise each covered commodity for the legislation cuts $23 billion in following “harvest, grazing, haying real entitlement reform and is an and silage” for the 2009-2012 example of working together to crop years, as well as any prevent reduce the deficit and the abuse of planted acres. federal resources.” The bill also eliminates direct Mark Schneidewind,Will County payments while maintaining Farm Bureau manager, was pleased decoupled farm support programs with the votes in the House and that will minimize any possible Senate. He said following the planting and production distortions House passage that the local farm that could challenge trade. community spent many hours Marketing loans are the same as went into the compromise bill, current law and there are payment which he said addresses many of limitations on an individual as well the policy objectives they stressed. as a couple. “The plan is fiscally responsible, The bill also includes agricultural
After repeated delays and short term extensions, today’s vote is a relief to Illinois farmers who have been waiting two years for House Republicans to come to the table and agree on a Farm Bill.” U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
research programs such as Foreign Market Development, Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, Market Access Programs and Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Strongly debated cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were set at $8.6 billion over 10 years.The House had wanted to set the cuts at $4 billion, while the Senate was recommending $40 billion over 10 years. “We can live with the $8.6 billion figure,” Schneidewind said. “We appreciate the effort that has gone into the bill and the hard work that has been done over the last several months to move this forward.” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack said the new Farm Bill will help all Americans. “Our communities will have additional support to attract new economic opportunity and create jobs. During difficult times, children, working families, seniors and people with disabilities will have access to nutritious food,” he said in a press release. “The potential of new products, treatments and discoveries will be strengthened through new agricultural research. Renewed conservation efforts will protect our fields, forests and waters creating new tourism options. This legislation is important to the entire nation.” Kenny Hartman, Illinois Corn Growers Association VicePresident, said in a statement the continued funding of crop insurance was key. “In our yearly survey of members, 84 percent reported to us that crop insurance is the most important government supported program available to them,” he said. “Since it’s a public private partnership, meaning farmers have skin in the game, we think it’s a program that’s considerate of both the budget and the taxpayer’s investment.”
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Legislation allows Weber/I-55 work to proceed Gov. Pat Quinn recently signed legislation removing what is hoped to be the final obstacle holding back I-55 project project could not begin without that revenue stream. A freshman legislator, Manley Another hurdle passes in came on board and said she felt the nearly decade long plan to I-55 and Weber Road was a priority reconstruct the Interstate 55 and and began looking, along with Weber Road interchange with the Bertino-Tarrant, at the legislation help of local legislators. and immediately began working Gov. Pat Quinn recently signed to amend the law. legislation sponsored by state “I am grateful that the governor Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, understands the importance of this D-Shorewood, and construction project state Rep. Natalie and our need to move Manley, D-Joliet, forward, independent removing what of whether the land is is hoped to be ever purchased,”Senator the final obstacle Bertino-Tarrant said. holding back the Quinn’s signage of project that would SB1219 will allow the alleviate traffic to an Illinois Department of interchange touted Transportation (IDOT) as one of Illinois’ to move forward with heaviest-congested the I-55/ Weber Road Gov. Pat Quinn areas. interchange project The project was despite the land still first announced being unsold. years ago under “I didn’t want this the umbrella of the project to die on the vine Build Will program, because we didn’t cross backed by both our Ts and dot our Is,” state and federal said Manley. “Now this dollars and its largest project can move forward project estimated at without the sale of the some $132 million. land. In fact, it would be Foreseeing the Rep. Natalie Manley irresponsible to sell the (D-Joliet) 98th considerable sum, a District land right now. It’s a great funding mechanism piece of land and could was created in the form of surplus be a great spot for business some state property. day when the economy comes The law passed seven years ago back. We don’t want to sell the designated 200 acres of Stateville land for what it would cost just to Correctional Center land in Crest scrape the street.” Hill as surplus state property and Will County officials estimate an reallocated it for sale.The proceeds average of 31,700 vehicles travel of the sale (estimated in 2007 to on Weber north of the interchange bring as much as $30 million) each day, and 31,000 travel south were to be used to help pay for of it. improvements to the Weber Road The Illinois Department of and I-55 interchange. Transportation estimates that an “I have the utmost respect for average of 107,800 vehicles travel our former legislators A.J.Wilhelmi each day on I-55 south of the and Brent Hassert who moved interchange and 133,700 travel forward on a smart plan to use north toward the entrance of the sale of the land to take care of Interstate 355. an area that needed an upgrade, “Will County is one of the working to make the area safer,” fastest growing areas in the entire said Manley.“That was in 2007.We nation,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “It is know what happened in 2008.Tha imperative that this roadway can land is worth a fraction of what it handle our increased traffic and once was.” that residents and commuters The land remains unsold and are able to travel safely. This road because the law identified the project will accomplish that.” land sale as the funding source Romeoville Mayor John Noak for future construction, the road applauded the efforts of BertinoBy Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter
“i have the utmost respect For our Former legislators a.j. Wilhelmi and brent hassert Who moved ForWard on a smart plan to use the sale oF the land to take care oF an area that needed an upgrade, Working to make the area saFer.” - rep. natalie manley, d-joliet
Tarrant and Manley. “I’d like to recognize the hard work our local legislators have done to get this passed,” said Noak.“We are happy the governor signed it and are very excited to hear his efforts will allow this to become law and we can move forward.”
While this obstacle has been removed, the larger issue of funding for the construction phase of the project, expected for 2015, is still on the horizon. “A lot will depend on funding, but people are dedicated to this project.This is not just a quality of life issue, it is a safety issue,” said
Manley. “Have you ever traveled south bound on I-55 at 4 p.m. and sat and watched the traffic back up at Weber Road with no where for people to go? It’s terrifying … This legislation was important so that we are not held up and that we are as close to ready as possible to see construction happen.”
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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 12, 2014