Joliet Bugle 5-23-12 by Bugle, Sentinel & Enterprise Newspapers

INSIDE

NEWS Veterans court assists service men and women

SPORTS Locals advance to state meet Page 10

Page 3

Our Village, Our News

www.jolietbugle.com

Hardship program offers assistance with ComEd bills

By Jonathan Samples Staff Reporter

Will County and Commonwealth Edison officials met with area residents Wednesday to introduce a new assistance program for customers facing financial hardship. The Residential Special Hardship program provides up to $500 in assistance every two years to ComEd customers who have faced one of several types of recognized hardships. These include medical, military, senior, and disability hardships; loss of employment; and family crisis. Cynthia Thomas, manager of customer assistance program for ComEd, said that the energy delivery company is spending $50 million dollars over the next five years for various types

Jonathan Samples/Bugle Staff

Will County Executive Larry Walsh and Executive Director for Community Concerns Kris White outline the Residential Special Hardship program to area residents.

of assistance. The hardship program will receive most of this funding, as ComEd will spend $8 million this year on hardship grants alone.

“We’re looking at the Residential Special Hardship program as one where we are See COMED, page 2

MAY 23, 2012

Vol. 4 No. 38

Joliet officials consider Madigan’s pension proposal By Jonathan Samples Staff Reporter

Joliet and other local governments are holding their breaths as they wait to learn the future of House Bill 3637,which at the time of production was in the Executive Committee of the Illinois General Assembly. Amendments to the bill would allow the state to move Personal Property Replacement Taxes out of the coffers of local government and into the Teachers Retirement System, a public pension plan for Illinois public school teachers and administrators. “It would have a very serious impact on our budget that is already under stress,” Joliet City Manager Thomas Thanas said. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Joliet officials discussed the importance of

the replacement tax to the budgets of Joliet and other municipalities throughout Will County.Thanas said Joliet would lose about $2.2 million and Will County as a whole would lose about $7.6 million next year if the bill were approved without amendment. “This would have a very devastating impact on municipalities throughout the state of Illinois,”Thanas said. House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) introduced the bill, which intends to use the Personal Property Replacement Tax to fund the teachers’ pension program. Local governments would lose about $1.4 billion from the tax, which is a 2.5 percent tax on corporations that is collected by the state and See HB 3637, page 2

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

News

COMED Continued from page 1 going to spend a majority of those funds,”Thomas said. Thomas said there are several requirements potential applicants must meet before they can be approved for a hardship grant, however. Their income must be at or below 250 percent of the poverty level, and they must be facing some sort of hardship. Joliet resident Sherry Ann Wright feels she meets these requirements. She attended the event, which took place at the Will County Center for Community Concerns, to learn more about the program and apply for a hardship grant. Wright, 57, took in her niece and her niece’s two daughters in December when they had no option but to move into a homeless shelter.

HB 3637 Continued from page 1 redistributed to municipalities. Spokesman for speaker Madigan, Steve Brown, said that the state cannot afford to continue paying the pensions of non-state employees. He acknowledged that feedback and other proposals are welcome, but that the end result would have to remain the same. “The reality is the kind of conclusion isn’t going to change,” Brown said. “The state can’t afford to pay the pensions of non-state workers anymore.” Joe McCoy of the Illinois Municipal League said the bill would affect not just municipalities but local governments as well. If the bill

Submitted Photo

A customer applies for ComEd’s customer assistance program.

“That’s my family, and I love her and my great nieces,” Wright said. “They had no place to go but a shelter and I told her ‘no.’” Wright said that the extra financial strain has put her in a position where she is unable to make her utility payments. “By using the funds I had to help her, it caused me to

deplete,” Wright said. After receiving a disconnection notice earlier this year, Wright decided to inquire about any available assistance. When she came down to the Will County Center for Community Concerns last Monday, she was informed about the new ComEd program that was scheduled to

were passed in its current form, McCoy said the budgets of cities, towns and villages would be devastated. The Executive Committee had planned to vote on the bill Wednesday but did not discuss the matter. However, a vote could still arise. If the Executive Committee passed the bill, it would go before the House. The Associated Press is reporting that the bill may be a bit of political posturing by Madigan. Pension reform is an important issue in this year’s legislative session, and the bill may be a way to push the House to move on the pension issue. McCoy and Thanas seem to share this consensus. “I think that this is probably a tactical maneuver by the speaker to accomplish another objective,” McCoy said. “But that said, we

have no choice but to treat the issue seriously. If it turns out the speaker does intend to move forward with these amendments, we need to have our people mobilized.” Thanas said that Joliet has reached out to local legislators to let them know the city is opposed to the bill, in addition to working with the IML to voice opposition statewide. He feels the bill poses a threat but also feels that it is a political tactic. “I think it’s tied in with a strategy to push a vote on pension reform,” Thanas said. “This bill is showing what could happen if legislators don’t take the need to address pensions seriously. It’s a serious threat and it’s a great strategy on the part of the speaker.” jsamples@buglenewspapers.com

begin two days later. “It was no coincidence,” Wright said with a laugh.“It was God directing our steps.” Will County Executive Larry Wash joined ComEd officials to address potential applicants and answer questions. He stressed the importance of these types of programs in being able to provide assistance to people in need. “This is another program where corporate works with government works with social agencies to try and provide needed services,” Walsh said. “That’s why we’re all here to today; to participate in providing that help,” Walsh said. The Residential Special Hardship program is part of a larger $50 million customer assistance program ComEd started as a result of the Energy Infrastructure Modernization

Act, which was passed by Illinois General Assembly in October. ComEd external affairs manager Jeffrey Hettrick said the hardship program, the ComEd Helps Active Military Personnel program, and programs to educate people on lowering energy use are some of the assistance initiatives ComEd has started in the last year. “All of this was in the bill,” Hettrick said. “It helps with rebuilding infrastructure, but part of that was programs like this. So, there are a number of programs that were passed with the EIMA law.” For more information about the hardship program, Will County residents should contact the Will County Center for Community Concerns at 815722-0722. jsamples@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

Veterans court assists struggling service men and women By Jonathan Samples Staff Reporter

When Marco Vizcaino approached the bench of Will County Circuit Judge Carla Alessio Policandriotes last Wednesday, he did so as the first candidate for the Will County Veterans and Servicemembers Court. The court will help military men and women, like Vizcaino, who are struggling with life after service. Vizcaino, 31, a veteran of the U.S. Army, has struggled with anxiety and substance abuse since his return to civilian life in 2009. “I was really going through some anxiety trouble, and I didn’t know where to turn,” Vizcaino said. “I kind of fell into an addiction and it kind of spiraled from there. I landed into the hands of the police, but since then I’ve had about eight months of clean time.” Prior to lastWednesday,Vizcaino had graduated from the county’s drug court program, which works with offenders who are battling substance abuse problems. However, the new veterans court goes beyond drug court to provide current and former service men and women with treatment for mental health problems, as well as substance abuse problems. In front of an emotional crowd of veterans, county officials and members of Vizcaino’s family, State’s Attorney James Glasgow filed a petition to establish the new court, which will operate within the current drug court program. Glasgow, who helped start the county’s drug court program in 1998, said the veterans court will continue efforts to prevent felony convictions from going on the records of service men and women. “Once that felony conviction is in place, they can’t find a job and the downward spiral continues,” Glasgow said. Glasgow added that civilians need a drug abuse problem before they can get into drug court, but the new program recognizes mental health problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in veterans and tries to treat them. “The nice thing about the veterans court is you don’t need an addiction to get in,” he said. “We can still do drug drops, even if your not charged with that.Any abuse of any substance can cause you to fail your counseling.”

Similar to drug court,defendants applying for the veterans court will be required to plead guilty to their crimes. The presiding judge would then set the specific terms for the applicant, and they would be required to meet those terms before they can graduate from the program. These terms would typically include remaining substance free, submitting to random drug tests, finding work, and attending counseling sessions. Policandriotes has served as the

presiding judge for the drug court program and will also hold that role in the new veterans court. As the drug court judge, she had encountered Vizcaino numerous times in her courtroom since his arrest last April for possession of controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Policandriotes described the relationship the two formed over that 13-month legal process as one centered around trust, which she said is essential to the recovery process.

Jonathan Samples/Bugle Staff

(Left to right) Will County States Attorney James Glasgow, Marco Vizcaino and Will County Public Defender Frank Astrella stand before Will County Circuit Judge Carla Alessio Policandriotes Wednesday.

“When you and I first met, you had no reason to trust me,” Policandriotes said to Vizcaino in front of the courtroom. “We now have trust. My responsibility, Marco, is to make sure that I never let that trust fail.” After Policandriotes formally accepted Glasgow’s petition and accepted Vizcaino’s application, she said he is an ideal candidate

for veterans court. “Marco is a good candidate because of his prior struggles, his successes and his failures, and because of his current commitment,” Policandriotes said. “This young man has had some major struggles to stay clean, but I believe he’s ready.” See VETERANS, page 4

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

VETERANS Continued from page 3 Policandriotes’ own son is a U.S. Marine, and she feels this will help her in the position of presiding judge of the new court. “I hope that being a mother of a Marine will only assist me in my work,” she said. Vizcaino is just as hopeful as Policandriotes. He reaffirmed the importance of trust in the relationship between people entering the program and the courts, and said her commitment will help future applicants. “I’m amazed at how caring she is,” Vizcaino said.“She’s the perfect woman for this job. I hope to see other veterans take advantage of this program.”

City approves tobacco license By Jonathan Samples Staff Reporter

Joliet has approved an ordinance that would require tobacco retailers to acquire a special license by the end of July to continue selling the product. City Council approved the ordinance at their Tuesday meeting, championing it is an effort to curb underage smoking. Kristen Gundersen, business service manager, said notices will be sent out to business owners by mid-June, and they will have six to eight weeks to comply. “I would say by July 31 they will have to comply,” Gundersen said.

The license application costs $75 and includes background and fingerprint checks. The annual fee for the license is $100, but this year the license will be prorated to $60. According to the ordinance, there are a number of provisions which will cause a person to be denied a license or not have their license renewed. These include felony convictions, violation of tobacco laws or delinquency on other bills owed to the city. City Manager Thomas Thanas

informed the Council at Tuesday’s meeting that some business owners had raised concerns about the tobacco license.Thanas summed up their concerns that this would be an added inconvenience of having to acquire a new license. Thanas suggested that the city may look into consolidating the tobacco and other business licenses into a single license, but details of this process have not yet been explored. For more information about

the license, contact Joliet business services at 815-7243905.

Calendar MAY 23 Joliet Lupus Support Group Meeting . 6:15 to 8 p.m. at the Provena Physical Rehab & Sports Injury Center, 2132 Jefferson St. (in Marycrest Plaza), Joliet. The speaker this month will be Debbie Stapleton, from Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, who will give a presentation on Stress Management. She will discuss different types of stress, how they impact our health, then focus on stress management strategies. The session will end with a guided imagery relaxation. Anyone with lupus or a family member or friend with lupus is welcome to join this group. Meeting dates for 2012 are on

the fourth Wednesdays of odd months Contact Tari at 815-3512544 or e-mail: tlapurdue82@ gmail.com. Visit www.lupus.org for more information. Beginning Genealogy. 7 p.m. at the Joliet Black Road Branch Library. Learn how to get started researching your genealogy. Basic computer skills are needed. To register, call 815-740-2666.

MAY 24 Free Back Pain Talk and Spine Consultation. 6 p.m. in the PSJMC Madison Medical Plaza (3rd Floor), 301 N. Madison St., Joliet. If you’ve been suffering from back pain and have tried

everything with no relief, give the experts at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center NeuroScience Institute a try. Join us for a free 30-minute talk on the causes and treatments of back pain. Physical therapists will also offer free spine consultations. Call 815725-9438 to register.

MAY 26 County and City Prayer Walk. Line up at 10:45 a.m. and kickoff at 11:45 a.m. Start out going north on S. Chicago St to 20 S. Chicago St. Turn left onto Washington St. Turn right onto North Joliet Street. Take the first right onto Jefferson St. to Will County Courthouse,

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012 14 W. Jefferson St. Joliet. After courthouse event, a picnic, fellowship and food at 1:30 p.m. Igniting the Fire, 824 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, 815-735-4312. Coupon Exchange. 10 to 11 a.m. at the Joliet Public Library Main Branch. Do you have extra coupons laying around? Come and trade them in for coupons you need. For more information, call 815-740-2660. Tech Talk Computer Club. 1-3 p.m.at the Crest Hill branch of the White Oak Library. Are there questions about technology that you have always wanted to ask? Come to get your questions

answered. May’s program will cover Twitter. The rest of the program will be your opportunity to ask any kind of computer or technology question you can think of. This program is free to attend. To register or for more information, call 815-725-0234.

MAY 31 Senior Exemptions Assistance. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Shorewood-Troy Library. Staff from the Will County Supervisor of Assessments Office will answer questions and assist residents in filling out forms on a variety of exemptions. Stop by the library anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for more information.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

Police Blotter

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 Person(s) unknown broke into a residence in the 1100 block of Spring Green Drive on May 7 and stole a digital camera.

Person(s) unknown broke into a residence in the 100 block of Louis Road on May 8 and stole two TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, three laptopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a camera and a Wii gaming system.

Person(s) unknown broke into a residence in the 300 block of Pembroke Avenue on May 9 and cut copper pipes from the basement area. The offender(s) also shot bullets inside the residence into the walls near the entryway.

9 5 8

Person(s) unknown forced entry into a residence in the 500 block of Fairbanks Avenue on May 9 and stole 18 video games, an Xbox gaming system, a PSP video console, a Nintendo DS, and basketball trading cards.

Tyreace Childs, 32, of 1705 S. Chicago, Joliet, was cited on May 9 on S. Briggs and Interstate 80 for driving while license suspended and no tail lights.

Linda Landrey, 63, 531 N. Briggs, Joliet, was cited on May 11 on E. Cass and Hillcrest Road for improper lane usage and possession of a controlled substance.

George Manning, 76, 101 Broadway, Chesterton, Ind., was cited on May 11 on S. Briggs and Mills Road for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

paper, various cords, 560 tattoo needles, and three transport cases.

Lockport

Tasha Heron, 40, 808 Mills Road, Joliet, was cited on May 11 on S. Briggs and New Lenox for driving while license suspended and traffic sign violation.

Person(s) unknown broke into a landscaping trailer in the 2700 block of S. Farrell Road on May 9 and stole a weed whacker, leaf blower, and a hedge trimmer.

Amy Mack, 26, 1728 Parkside Drive,Shorewood, was cited on May 12 on S. Briggs and E. Washington for speeding and driving while license suspended.

Jeffrey A. Krapil, 21, 1044 Ashley Court, Lockport, was arrested on May 10 on E. Ninth and Jefferson streets for DUI, speeding, improper lane usage and resisting a police officer.

Person(s) unknown entered a residence in the 200 block of Grinton on May 12 and stole 27 tattoo guns, four power supplies, 500 grommets and 1000 ink cups, various bottles of ink, carbon

Person(s) unknown cut the gate chain of a cell phone tower at 15559 W. Bruce Road on May 10 and stole three copper breaker bars and about 50 feet of copper wire.

Forum Letter to the Editor

Illustrated Opinions

Route 66 Route 66 is known as “The Mother Road.” This name exemplifies the road in all aspects. When you speak of “Mother” it is a symbol of strength and direction. It also signifies courage and values. There have been many struggles along this road. As a mother it keeps on going. Route 66 was at one time Route 66A, which is now Route 53. During the depression, John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” and Route 66 was a symbol of our nation’s struggle. Many songs were written about Route 66. One in particular was “King of the Road” and many more. Route 53, at one time Route

66A, runs through our village known as “old Romeoville.” As a very long 50-year resident I am fortunate to have this historic road as a beacon for future homeowners. This “Mother Road” is now 86 years old. I remember old movies about Route 66.A road that never ends.The road started in Chicago and went to California. The pioneers of the depression years were given hope to continue while traveling. I salute all of our farmers, pioneers etc. who traveled the road to their destination. Route 66 was given the correct name “The Mother Road.” Shirlee J. Pergler Romeoville

Write to us! You are invited to use the Forum page of The Bugle to express your opinions about matters that affect our community. Please email your letter to Matt Honold, managing editor, at mhonold@buglenewspapers.com. For more information, call (815) 436-2431. Letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. Please try to limit your comments to 500 words or less. The editors reserve the right to publish, condense, revise or reject any submissions.

Opinions printed on this page, whether in Letters to the Editor or in columns or cartoons, are the opinions of the writer and not necessarily of this newspaper, its publishers, editor or employees. Only editorials reflect the views of the newspaper.

Publisher Rich Masterson publisher@buglenewspapers.com Managing Editor Matt Honold mhonold@buglenewspapers.com Reporters Jonathan Samples Sherri Dauskurdas Rick Kambic Laura Katauskas Debbie Lively Sports Reporters Mark Gregory mgregory@buglenewspapers.com Scott Taylor staylor@buglenewspapers.com Editorial Deadlines Calendar & News: 3 p.m. Monday, three weeks before date of publication Letters to Editor: 9 a.m. Friday www.buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

sweditor@buglenewspapers.com Vice President of Advertising and Marketing Michael James mjames@voyagermediaonline.com Production Director Andrew Samaan andrew@buglenewspapers.com Advertising Sales sales@buglenewspapers.com Published by Voyager Media Group, Inc. P.O. Box 1613 Plainfield, IL 60585 (815) 436-2431 • Fax (815) 436-2592 Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ad Deadlines Space and Copy deadlines for Display and Classified Ads is 3 p.m. Friday before date of insertion. classifieds@buglenewspapers.com Legals, Obituaries and Happy Ads are due at 3 p.m. Friday. announcements@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

Joliet Township High School news briefs JCHS and JWSH students of the month for May named The Joliet Central Students of the Month for May are Miranda Lawson, Lions; Alecxis Maldonado, Kiwanis; Jose Salazar, Rotary. The Joliet West Students of the Month for May are Jennifer Valencia-Salas, Kiwanis Club; David Talarico, Rotary Club; and Emily Limbach, Lions Club. Joliet Township High School Students of the Month must be a senior in high school. Teachers nominate students based upon character, citizenship, dependability and maturity. The final selection is then based on the student’s resume and academic performance.

Joliet Township High School honors Summa Cum Laude graduates Joliet Township High School would like to recognize the following seniors who graduated Summa Cum Laude. Seniors who obtained this status earned a cumulative 4.0 grade point average or higher after seven semesters. Joliet Central High School Summa Cum Laude graduates are: Rebecca Busse, Samuel Clinton, Jada Green, Nayely González, David Kollross,Alejandro Madrigal, Alejandra Medina, Jesús Patiño, TyVonna Peterson,Matthew Shunk, and Joshua Wojnarowski. Joliet West Summa Cum Laude graduates are: Blake Billups, Sarah Colwell, Erin Cox, Susannah DeRoss, Michael Holwey, Alyssa Johnson, Erin Kelly, Kayla Kijowski, Shannon Kloberdanz, Matthew Koran, Samantha Marconi, Kristen Marcus, Jamie Nelson, Christopher Pascoe, Elizabeth Podkowa, Vinay Rao, Courtney Robinson, Hailey Salazar, Rebecca Schroeder, Francis Spesia, Stephanie Stanton, Samuel Tinken, Melanie Veron, and Joseph Wolnik.

Schools Health careers come alive for JCHS students Health careers came alive for Joliet Central High School students during a recent visit to the Morris Animal Care Hospital. The visit incorporated concrete examples of learning objectives found within the Joliet Township High School Academy of Health and Medicine. “Students got to experience what it is like to be to a veterinarian at the animal hospital,” teacher

Jennifer Pryor said. Dr. Matt Teuscher and Matt Johnson, certified veterinary technician and hospital manager, provided a tour of the hospital and explained the aspects of working with animals. “They were able to watch Dr. T scrub in for surgery, and watch as he neutered a dog,” Pryor said. “After he finished, he brought the organs out so the kids could see it up close and explained what they were looking at. We also

viewed the physical therapy room, boarding facilities, exam rooms, and Dr. Nikki Polson-Meade’s farm truck that is used to make large animal visits.” In addition, students also received a tour of the Joliet Junior College, which focused upon programs in the area of health services. “During the JJC trip students visited the Natural Science See BRIEFS, page 18

Take 5

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

H o ro s c o p e s

Across

1 Programmer’s banes 5 Hollywood tree 9 Soup base 14 Subj. to bone up on? 15 Airline with blue-striped jets 16 Washer cycle 17 Poor boy seller 18 *Delayed reaction 20 *Radioactive decay measure 22 Baa nana? 23 “__ Mio”: classic Italian song 24 Treasure-__ 26 Question of identity 29 Pre-euro Spanish coin 31 *Aviation display 33 Reykjavik-born one-named singer 36 Iron-rich green veggie 37 Repeatedly ... and a hint to the answers to starred clues

42 Beret perch 43 Choir part 44 *Military hobbyist’s pastime 47 It makes Tom frisky 52 “Little Women” sister 53 Alimentary route 56 “Seinfeld” specialty 57 __-fi 58 *Prom time, to prom-goers 60 *Modern 64 Fireworks reaction 65 Knocks for a loop 66 1804 duelist 67 “__ arigato”: Japanese “thank you very much” 68 Provolone alternative 69 Part of a.k.a. 70 Paradise

Down

1 Tough play for Derek Jeter 2 The heebiejeebies 3 Winemakers Ernest and Julio 4 Put the kibosh on 5 Salon foot treatment, briefly 6 High, as a kite 7 “Today” co-host 8 Diamond org. 9 Stout maker 10 Bat mitzvah, e.g. 11 “Come __ My House”: Rosemary Clooney hit 12 “Have you no shame?” 13 Laugh syllable 19 First name in jeans 21 Leave alone 25 Like bourbon barrels 26 “Kapow!” cousin 27 Links target 28 Run a tab, say 30Double-platinum Steely Dan album 32 Deal with moguls? 34 Quite a lot 35 66, notably:

Abbr. 37 Nine of diamonds? 38 “Just doing my job” 39 “Little Women” sister 40 Mythical big bird 41 Get fit 42 “Up, up and away” carrier 45 The “A” in RAM 46 Principal 48 Vacuum tube type 49 Call after a missed field goal 50 Like some health care 51 Slithering squeezer 54 Kareem __-Jabbar 55 Perjurers 57 Grounded fleet: Abbr. 59 Pita sandwich 60 Jammies 61 Obey the coxswain 62 Actor Wallach 63 Sched. question mark

You gotta have friends. In the week to come, you might make more progress on the job by hanging out with co-workers or by joining a business organization. Suspend crucial decisions until late in the week.

Some people come into your life as blessings and others come in to your life as lessons. In either case, you will learn a great deal from social contacts this week. Hold off on financial ventures until late week.

Today’s new moon and solar eclipse in your sign might rock your world. Hopes for a new start might be slowed down by confusion and a lack of precision in the week ahead. Temper idealism with facts.

The new moon and solar eclipse today might stir up some new ideas. During the upcoming week, your dreams of making big money might require a heavy dose of reality. Hold off on major expenditures.

Think big, then shrink to fit. With today’s new moon and solar eclipse setting the scene for a new start, you might have more than one goal on your mind. Develop a game plan during the week ahead.

With a new moon and a solar eclipse in the skies today, you might become aware of a different attitude towards career and reputation. In the week to come, you may find it necessary to make adjustments.

You can sympathize with the reluctant dragon. Leaving your comfort zone might be frightening. In the week to come, you might see the need for further education as a tool to overcome your shortcomings.

You must love yourself to love someone else. Relationships might be illuminated under the light of today’s new moon and eclipse. Don’t make key decisions until the end of the week.

Encourage those who try because they will eventually get it right. In the week to come, you might see numerous ways to light a fire under someone’s enthusiasm rather than dampen their spirits.

The certainty of your life is in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty you can gracefully handle. Due to today’s new moon and solar eclipse, you may question relationships in the week ahead.

Channel your inner Rembrandt. It might be originality and talent that everyone sees when they view your work that wins kudos in the week ahead. New ideas take root after today’s new moon.

Put your heart on the line. Your mind is like a sponge in the week ahead, so learn to handle emotional issues. Today’s new moon and solar eclipse might mark the beginning of a new area of mental interest.

SUDOKU

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Previous puzzle ’s answers Jumbles: • LOWLY • LUCID • ANEMIA • POISON

Answer:

What rain does when it keeps up -- COMES DOWN

INSIDE: Lockport water polo takes fourth in state, page 11; Locals bring home medals from state track, page 12

www.buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

Joliet Central runners had more on their minds than just a state berth By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

All season long, there was a lot on the minds of the Joliet Central relay teams. The three sophomores, Tre Daniels, Jason Worley and Kenwardo Moore, had it in their heads that the season would be a failure if they didn’t get senior Demetrius Hogue to the state tournament. However, when the time came to make that happen, they had more on their minds and on their heads. All members of the foursome donned headbands that said Addison in black with a red heart. The headbands were a symbol that the runners had Addison Locke on their minds while they ran. The six-year-old daughter of Joliet Central Athletic Director Steve Locke is battling cancer and that was not lost on the Steelmen. “These are for her,”Worley said. “We just found out and this is heartbreaking. This is for her, for the organization and for Joliet Central as a whole.” “A lot of people said we can’t,” Moore said. “This isn’t just for us, this is for Addison.” With all that they had to motivate them, the Steelmen qualified in the 400 relay with a time of 42.66 and the 800 relay in 1:28.78. “I am so happy,” Hogue said. “I can always rely on my team. This is indescribable.”

Coach Michael White said he is proud of his sprinters, both for advancing to state and for the tribute they paid. “Being in the slow heat (of the 400 relay) it was us against time,” White said.“Two relays qualifying – I am really excited for them. For these three sophomores to experience the routine there is big and to get Demetrius to state is great.” As for the headbands, White was unsure if it would be an emotional overload for the young runners. “Steve would be here and he is always excited about kids making state and we really wanted to do it for him,” White said. “I was honestly concerned about wearing them if they would get us psyched out, but today they asked for them. They really wanted to do it.” Joliet West also advanced in both of the relays, running the 400 in 42.29 and the 800 in 1:28.97. West’s Calvin Edwards won the 200 dash in 21.69 and the 100 in 10.91. “That was a nail bitter,” Edwards said of the 100. “Coming in, I didn’t think it would be that close. I was not prepared for (Naperville North‘s James Kerns) long legs and I have to learn to not underestimate anybody anymore.” The big winner of the sectional was Minooka, who claimed the sectional title with 80 points over Neuqua Valley (78) and Waubonsie Valley (72.6).

The Indians advanced seven events to the state meet and gathered four sectional champions. Ethan Cane won the long jump with a leap of 22-feet, 7.50-inches, while the Indians 4x8 team ran a 7:50.71 and Dan Popek won the 800 in 1:57.82. In the high jump, Minooka went one-two with both Kurtis Zumbalen (1st) and Peter Andreano (2nd) clearing 6-3. The Indians 4x4 relay team was second in 3:20.03, with Alex Wielbik placing third in the pole vault, clearing 13-09. Minooka’s 800 relay team was sixth in 1:29.63.

LOCKPORT The Porters won their own sectional title last Thursday with 83 points. Patrick Fisch started the evening out strong by winning the pole vault (14-3). He will be joined at state in the event by Jacob Voltarel, who finished second (13-3). “It feels amazing,” Fisch said. “I had a lot of pressure coming in and was able to do it. I’ve cleared 13-9, which is the state qualifying mark, plenty of times before but having to do it at this meet adds a little pressure. It’s always nice to come in first. It’s my highest jump outdoors. I had to get my run down and once I did I was ready to go. Next week is clearing higher heights and go to finals.” See MINDS, page 13

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

Senior Demetrius Hogue ran the anchor leg in both of the advancing relay races for the Steelmen.

Sports

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

Porters record run ends with fourth place By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

At the end of what’s been the best season—and week—in Lockport High School’s aquatics sports history, boys water polo head coach Joe Lewandowski was certain of one thing: He’d sleep well Saturday night.

BOYS WATER POLO

Mike Sandrolini/Bugle Staff

Junior forward Dan Olendorf scored twice in the Porters’ 10-4 loss to Sandburg in the third-place game of the state water polo finals.

“I can’t even put it into words,” said Lewandowski, several minutes after his team secured a fourth-place trophy at Saturday’s state finals played at Stevenson High School. “Every night I would go home … after the sectional game and after the (quarterfinal) game Thursday. I would be re-living it. I wasn’t even sleeping. I think tonight’s going to be the first night that I can actually close my eyes and get some rest.” The Porters, of course, wanted more after last Thursday’s

dramatic 9-6 quarterfinal victory over Stevenson catapulted them to state for the first time in the program’s history.It wasn’t meant to be, though. Lockport’s dreams of a state championship evaporated after bowing to Loyola, 15-6, in Saturday morning’s semifinals. The Porters then faced Sandburg for third place later that afternoon, but the Eagles put the clamps on Lockport, building up a 5-0 halftime lead en route to a 10-4 win. “It’s been really exciting,” said junior Dan Oldendorf, one of the heroes in the quarterfinal game who scored twice in the thirdplace contest. “Getting third or getting the championship game would have been fun, but really just getting top four in the state, it’s a huge deal. We’ve never gotten very far in the playoffs. “It’s really great to be a part of it.” The defeats, while disappointing, can’t diminish

what Lockport accomplished during a storybook week that revved up the school and the community. Lewandowski saluted the team’s fans for their support, particularly those who came out to root for the Porters Thursday night. “In that game against Stevenson, there were so many fans here and it charged our guys up so much that we were able to pull off the win against Stevenson and get to the medal round,” he said.“I told those guys on the bus that they are the best fans in the world.They’ve met so much to our guys. It just shows how much school spirit we have at Lockport.” Two additional intangibles helped the Porters re-write the school record books, as well, according to Lewandowski— unselfish play and the club’s hard work during the off-season, which carried over into the season. See RUN, page 14

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

Sports

Locals earn medals By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

After not advancing to the second day of competition last season, Lockport pole vaulter Krista Nauseda had big goals for her senior year.

GIRLS TRACK She accomplished those goals Saturday at the state track and field meet at O’Brien Stadium on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Nauseda cleared a personalbest, 11-feet, nine-inches and placed seventh in the state, earning a state medal. “I PR’ed and got medal. I don’t have any regrets about what I did,” Nauseda said. “I have been looking forward to this for the last four years and I finally got it. This is something I can look back on in the future.” Nauseda will continue to vault in college, as she has an offer from the University of IllinoisChicago and may get more after her state performance. “I have a whole college career ahead of me,” she said. “This is a great time for girls pole vaulting,

Mark Gregory/Bugle staff

Lockport’s Krista Nauseda celebrates on her way down from clearing 11-feet, 9-inches at state.

there are so many opportunities out there.” Another Porter primed to have a good collegiate career is distance runner Megan O’Brien, who is headed to Northwestern University. This weekend was the first time O’Brien competed in two events at the state meet and while that and the 93-degree heat finally got the best of her, she had a competitive weekend. In Friday’s preliminary round of the 1600 run, she cut six seconds off her personal-best time and advanced with a time of 5-minutes, 0.97 seconds. Saturday, she ran a 10:52.48 in the 3200 and earned an eighthplace state medal. It was her third career medal in the two mile. “I did the mile yesterday and PR’ed by six seconds, going five minutes flat,” O’Brien said. “My time in the two-mile wasn’t very good, I was shooting for a medal, but I was really tired out there. I was hoping to run a little better (in the finals of the 1600). This is my first time doubling at the state meet. I wanted to go under See MEDALS, page 13

Sports MEDALS Continued from page 12 five, but after the second lap, I knew I didn’t have it.” Adding cross country to her resume, O’Brien finished her career with six total state medals. “There were some up and down moments, but overall as a career at Lockport, it was great,” she said.

MINOOKA After the sectional meet, the Minooka 800 relay team was thrilled to just advance to state. That excitement was elevated when the quartet of sophomore Bethany Bachmann, senior Angelica Estrada, senior Lauren

MINDS Continued from page 10 One of the most thrilling races of the night was the 110 hurdles, where teammates Billy Reed and Jonathan Goins battled to a photo finish, with Reed coming out on top (14.42-14.45). Goins got his sectional title later on in the 300

Jonen, Lauren and sophomore Janile Rogers ran a 1:41.71 in the prelims and advanced to the finals. “Our first goal was just to come down here and once we got here, we knew we had some shot of getting in the finals, so we gave it all we had yesterday and once we knew we were in day two, we figured we would make it the best we could,” Jonen said. The Indians ran a 1:42.41 in the finals, placing seventh. “We were hoping to do a little better,” Jonen said.“But you can’t complain getting on the podium.” “We just wanted to come to state and get PRs and get a new school record, but then we ended up getting in the finals and then we got seventh, so I think we are pretty excited about that,”

Bachmann said. Overall, the Indians enjoyed the weekend. “This has been so much fun,” Estrada said. “We got to spend a lot of time with our teammates and bond and have a good time and then also compete, because that is why we were here. We tried our best and that is all we can ask.” Rogers also competed in the triple jump finals, placing 12th overall. She had very little time to get in place for the relay. “I headed over right away and ran, but the long jump was a good warm up for me,” she said. “I PR’ed yesterday with a 36-12 I was ranked 21st and finished 12th and I can’t be mad at that. I am really happy and really proud of myself.”

hurdles (39.81). “It was close and was going to the camera because it was really close between first and second,” Reed said. “We knew coming in we were the top two and battling for first and second. It was good competition and we are both going to state. Now we both want to make it to finals.” “It was pretty exciting,” Goins added. “I didn’t expect us to

be that close. You need to have someone there to push you and drive you to be where you want to be. I improved a lot (in the 300) in conference and am happy I’m going to state. I want to get two medals at state.” Other qualifiers for Lockport were Crist Brenner in the discus (161-01) and Thomas Razo in the 800 (158.05).

mark@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

RUN Continued from page 11 “It’s the most unselfish team that I’ve ever coached in the 10 years I’ve been at Lockport,” he said.“At times we had six to seven guys scoring (in a game). It’s not one person; it’s not two people. It’s all six that are in there and are scoring at will. “That’s what made us so hard to beat. Plus, we were deep on the bench, so the guys that came in, everybody knew their position, their role and what to look for. That’s why we were able to beat some of these big teams. “They worked so hard in

the off-season, going to camps, training. They deserve it, and to do this for Lockport history, there’s no team swimming, girls or guys, or water polo (team) that has ever made it to a medal level. So for us to be able to give that to Lockport, the community and the fans, you can’t put it into words.” Senior goalkeeper Matt Yeager, who turned aside 14 shots during the quarterfinal matchup, also talked about the Porters’ team-first approach throughout the campaign. “Selfishness on this team isn’t there,” he said. “Everybody plays as a team. The passing is way better than last year, instead of a few guys controlling everything.

Sports The whole team works together perfectly.” David Hir, a senior forward, has been a three-year starter for the Porters. He chronicled Lockport’s steady climb over the past three seasons, culminating with hoisting up the fourth-place trophy on Saturday. “(My) sophomore year was really rough because we were a really young team,” said Hir, who scored a hat trick vs. Loyola and two goals against Sandburg. “(At) sectional and conference there were a lot of strong teams.We just came out (this year), and we’re not the biggest team but we work

really well together. Everyone’s been playing varsity for the last three-and-a-half years so no one’s going to catch us by surprise. We just work really well together. “It’s been a great four years and it’s been an awesome season.” The celebration continued into this week as the squad held its awards banquet Tuesday night. Lewandowski also is savoring what the Porters have accomplished during 2012, but he knows expectations will be higher for future teams, given its success. “We have to evaluate where our program is at, (and) set some

new goals, long-term and short (term),” he said. “What this has done for us, it’s definitely raised the bar for the next group. I think they’ve seen it. “We’ve had guys that are sophomores (this season) that came in and played well. I had one sophomore (Jacob Speechley) that scored a goal against Loyola. That just shows that we’ve got potential down the road.” mike@buglenewspapers.com

Sports

Slammers ready to defend title By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

When the Joliet Slammers opened play last season, they did so with New Lenox product Josh Flores patrolling center field and batting leadoff for the team.

PRO BASEBALL With Flores leaving baseball for the 9 to 5 working world, the Slammers have replaced him with another local product as they look for a second consecutive Frontier League title. That new centerfielder is 2007 Lockport graduate Trevor Willis. Willis was Named third team AllBig Ten in 2011 for the University of Iowa, hitting a career-best .271, He posted a school record nine triples, which led the Big Ten and was ranked second in the nation. Defensively, he had 13 outfield assists to lead the team. “I am honored to be on this team,” Willis said. “I am hoping I can be a contributor. I am willing to do whatever they ask me to do. I am hoping I can contribute and be a big part of the team.” His new manager is also happy to have him. “You will never replace a Josh Flores,” Slammers manager Bart Zeller said. “He was a one of a kind, but on the same note,Trevor has been doing an outstanding job for us. He hits the ball, he runs real well, he is going to be good for us.” Willis is happy to be playing in front of hometown fans. “Not a lot of people were able to come see me play at Iowa,” Willis said. “So I am excited to play at home where they can come watch me play.” While Willis is new to the team, another player with local ties returns to the Slammers after a solid season last year. Not only was Brian Smith one of the top relievers in the his 1.24 ERA in 40 appearances during the regular season, the Northern Illinois University product took over for former closer, now Arizona Diamondbacks farmhand Ryan Quigley as pitching coach for the University of St. Francis. “This was my first year as a coach when Ryan Quigley was called up in November,” Smith said.“Both of my parents went to St. Francis, so I knew the system coach (Gordie) Gillespie had in place. It was an easy transition.” Smith said being a current

Jeff Haynes/Joliet Slammers

Lockport’s Trevor Willis will lead off for the Slammers.

player helped in his coaching. “How I spoke to pitchers on how to approach hitters,” Smith said. “I preached them to command the strike zone and that is something I have thrived on.” As Quigley left for affiliated ball and left his coaching spot open, he also left his closers’ role open. That role will be by newcomer Amlio Diaz. The 25-year-old Venezuelan signed with the Angels at the age of 18. He reached the Double-A level at the age of 21 and got promoted to Triple-A by the Angels in 2010. “They are giving me the opportunity to close and I am

excited about it,” Diaz said. “The ninth inning is the best.” Joining new players, the Slammers have several key players returning from last year’s team, such as Jake Renshaw, Erik Lis, Hector Pellot and Brad Netzel. “I think we really strengthened our ball club,” said Zeller, the 2011 Frontier League Manager of the Year. “I wish we played on paper because it would be a lot easier. I am cautiously optimistic. I think we have a much stronger ball club coming out of spring training than we did last year. I could not be more excited for this season.” mark@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

Sports PICK VS. PROS

Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Speedway Driver

Pts. Diff.

1. Greg Biffle

411

2. Matt Kenseth

409

-2

3. D. Earnhardt Jr. 397

-14

4. Denny Hamlin

394

-17

5. Jimmie Johnson

372

-39

6. Martin Truex Jr. 372

-39

7. Tony Stewart

369

-42

8. Kevin Harvick

361

-50

9. Kyle Busch

349

-62

10. Carl Edwards

337

-74

11. Clint Bowyer

335

-76

12. Brad Keselowski 328

-83

13. Paul Menard

308

-103

14. Ryan Newman

307 -104

15. Joey Logano

293

16. Kasey Kahne

283 -128

17. Jeff Burton

275

-136

18. Marcos Ambrose 274

-137

19. Juan Montoya

272

-139

20. Jamie McMurray 263

-148

-118

Totals through 11 of 36 races

Mike Guglielmucci, WJOL Racer’s Forum

Sat., May 27 4:30 p.m. FOX THIS WEEK’S PICK:

Dale Earnhardt, Jr Last wk: NO PICK Total Pts (11 races): 359 THIS WEEK’S PICK: Readers Last wk: NO PICK Dale Earnhardt, Jr Total Pts (11 races): 350 Mark Gregory, Bugle Staff

THIS WEEK’S PICK:

Dale Earnhardt, Jr Last wk: NO PICK Total Pts (11 races): 349 Scott Paddock, Pres., Chicagoland Speedway Last wk: NO PICK Total Pts (11 races): 339 Scott Taylor, Bugle Staff Last wk: NO PICK Total Pts (10 races): 307

THIS WEEK’S PICK: Jimmie Johnson

To make your pick, email the driver’s name, reader’s name and hometown to mark@ buglenewspapers.com. Picks must be made by noon Monday for the following week’s race. One email will be selected at random to represent the readers.

www.buglenewspapers.com/outdoors

THE BUGLE MAY 23, 2012

Western New York is a sportsman’s paradise By Dan Stefanich

“Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today. I want to be a part of it New York, New York!” Okay, I realize that Frank Sinatra definitely didn’t have wild turkey, steelhead, and smallmouth bass in mind when he sang that. But nonetheless, that song was going through my mind as I left Chicago towards Western New York for a recent adventure. Organized by the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and Niagara Tourism, this trip offered us opportunities to hunt wild turkey and fish some amazing bodies of water. As I quickly discovered, the Niagara Falls region is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for sportsmen. Lewiston, New York was “home-base” for the trip. Located on the majestic Niagara River, this quaint community had friendly people, amazing history, and a quiet downtown shopping district. Our turkey hunting took place south of Buffalo, in the rolling hills about 20 miles from Lake Erie. With large tracts of timber, open grass meadows interspersed between cornfields, the hunting terrain was not much different than Illinois. With only two days to hunt, we had our work cut out. The early spring severely impacted the turkey behavior. Since birds starting gobbling and chasing early, our hunt was near the end of the mating season presenting a much more challenging hunt. The birds were not very vocal, so locating them was extremely difficult. I saw some giant toms but never filled my tag. I figure they will be there next year when I go back.

A FISHERMAN’S DREAM The Niagara Falls region is with a doubt a fisherman’s dream. Three bodies of water — Lake Erie,Lake Ontario,and the Niagara River offer a variety of species including walleye, smallmouth bass, salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, lake trout, panfish and catfish. Did I miss anything? Our group did fantastic on the salmon, boating several 18-pound-plus Kings. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to fish the big lakes, I fished the lower Niagara River several miles below Niagara Falls. Fishing a three-way rig, we driftfished bouncing a one-ounce weight along the bottom with a five foot trailer line baited with emerald shiners. Our technique was to drift about a quarter mile, then fire up the motor and boat back up river and start the drift again. Pass after pass we hooked into 3 and 4-pound smallmouth and 5-10-pound steelhead. On our last afternoon, my buddy Don Dziedzina hooked into something big. With the drag screaming and line peeling off the reel, we fired up the motor and chased it down river. After one heck of a fight, we boated a giant 18-pound lake trout. The Niagara River is unlike any water I have ever fished before. The water is a beautiful bluish-green very similar to Lake Michigan, and crystal-clear due to a granite rock bottom. Combined with vertical solid rock walls that confine the river, the scenery is simply spectacular. It’s pretty cool to drift down a river with Canada on one side and the Unites States on the other.

Courtesy of Dan Stefanich

Dan Stefanich and Matt Yablonsky hold up a steelhead and a smallmouth bass while fishing the Niagara River.

For those that remember the smelt fishing phenomenon in Chicago in the early 80’s this is your chance to step back in time. The smelt are usually running at the end of April and the city of Lewiston hosts a fantastic Smelt Festival.

The Niagara region is not just for hunters and fishermen. History buffs will enjoy Old Fort Niagara. Built by the French in 1726, the Fort overlooks Lake Ontario at the entrance to the Niagara River. With some of the oldest buildings in the region, this “living history”

attraction is complete with actors and tour guides that offer a glimpse of life during the war of 1800’s. For more information or to book a trip to this incredible region, visit www.nigara-usa.com. For photos and more resources, visit www.danstefoutdoors.com

Business & Real Estate

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops announces new shop in Lockport Merlin’s Franchising, Inc. has announced that Chris Shultz has opened the newest Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Lockport, at 983 E. 9th St., in the Summit Plaza Shopping Center.This is the third Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop franchise for Schultz. “I’m very excited to be a part of the Lockport community and offer customers professional vehicle repair and maintenance that can help their automobiles reach their full life potential,” said Schultz. “I hope to help the Lockport community understand the true mileage potential of today’s passenger vehicles by introducing them to Merlin’s Drive For 200,000 during the

course of every business day.” Schultz joined the Merlin organization in 1997 and worked for the company shop operations group. In 1999, Schultz opened his first Merlin shop in Aurora, 390 N. Eola Road, where he and his team broke the chain’s first year sales record. Within three years, they shattered the $1 million dollar sales mark and have had sales increases every year since opening. In 2010, Schultz opened his second Merlin shop in Plainfield, 14120 S. Route 30.. Again, Schultz and his team set a new first year sales record for the chain and in 2011 exceeded $1 million dollars

in sales. During his career with Merlin, Schultz has achieved numerous awards for sales achievements, customer service, marketing effectiveness, and facility image and maintenance. Schultz has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Northwood University in Midland Michigan. A Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tires - almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life (except car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair). Special offers for the Merlin

BRIEFS

to the success of our students. Students clearly saw the relevance of their math, science and other related courses.”

for Concordia Language Village in Minnesota for two weeks. Junior Vanessa Ulloa and freshman Emma Sheikh will both attend the French camp at the Language Village. The Concordia Language Village mission is to prepare young people for responsible global citizenship. “I am pleased that these two excellent students will represent Joliet West at the camp this summer,” Joliet West teacher Jo Anne Bratkovich said.

Continued from page 8 building, Vet Tech, Nursing, CNA, and Orthotics and Prosthetics labs,” Pryor said. “Students were fortunate to have the opportunity to view a cadaver, which resulted in many thoughtful questions from the students. It was the highlight of the day. I believe that trips and activities like these are critical

JWHS students awarded scholarship for language camp Two Joliet West High School students were recently awarded scholarships by the Swiss Benevolent Society of Chicago

200,000 Miles Shop in Lockport can be found by visiting www. merlins.com/lockport or in The Bugle Newspaper.

For more information on the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Lockport, please contact Schultz at 815-838-1100.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012

Submitted Photo

Joliet West students competed in the annual history fair.

Joliet History students honored at history fair Over 30 Joliet West High School students competed at the 27th annual Illinois State History Fair Exposition on May 3 at the Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Ill. The students advanced to the State History Fair and presented exhibit boards, research papers and documentaries after qualifying at the recent Northern Illinois University History Fair. Students who received a “Superior” rating were Anthony Avila, Jessica Bowen, Nicole Campbell, Paul Koerner, Bianey Liera, Kendra Lindsey, Lauren

Miller, Evelin Mireles, Ann Oldham, Olivia Radokovich, Melissa Ramos, Miriam Rascon, Christian Rodriguez, Kris Rinck, Markeysha Small, Jessica Soukup, Sean Stucker, Shawn Sullivan and Sherneice Washington. Lauren Miller also received a $100 Award for earning the Illinois Society Colonial Dames XVII Century award. Students who received an “Excellent” rating are Jessica Allen, Sara Lemons, Aaron Martinez, Alixandra Martinez, Alexandria Neal, Miracle Nelson, Danielle Thomas, Alexis Del

Toro, Kianna White and Chante’ Williams. More than 2,500 students representing 184 junior and senior high schools throughout the state competed in the event. “These awards reflect the hard work and dedication of our students in our American Studies course,” Joliet West history teacher Luke Yaklich said. “We are looking to build off this year’s effort and send at least one of our students to the National History Day competition in College Park, Maryland.”

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MAY 23, 2012