Joliet 1-22-20

Ja nuary 22 , 2 0 2 0 vol . 1 2 I ss u e 21

# JolI etb u gle your comm u n I t y. your ne Ws .

In tHI s I ssu e e vents

Calendar Events Upcoming events in your area see page 4

sp orts

13 straight

West runs win streak to bakerÂ’s dozen see page 5

bu sI ness

Dave says Dave RamseyÂ’s Column see page 7

jolietbugle.com

your communIt y. your neWs.

neWs

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

local neWs >> JolIet West HIgH scHool

Math teacher & boyfriend charged in attack Joliet West math teacher and boyfriend charged in attack on ex-boyfriend; ashlee catalani and ponciano vargas charged in attack by ryan ostry bugle staff

@RyanOstry_BR18 rostry@buglenewspapers.com

Thirty-three-year-old Ashlee Catalani and her boyfriend Ponciano Vargas, 40, were charged with six crimes in connection with the Dec.1 beating of Catalani’s ex-boyfriend.

The couple was charged with aggravated battery, criminal trespass to a vehicle, two counts of criminal damage to property, criminal trespass to a residence and battery.

At approximately 5:14 p.m., offi-

cers responded to the 4300 block of Timber Ridge Court to an unwanted intoxicated subject.

“Vargas beat up the one male victim and Catalani proceeded to pull the hair of the female victim,” said Sergeant Chris Botzum.

During the arrest, officers who responded to the call were able to determine that Vargas and Catalani, a math teacher at Joliet West, were drinking together earlier at a bar with the victims.

The victims left and went to a residence in the 4300 block of Timber

≠ ≠ ≠ ≠

Will County Sheriff s Office Attn: Carol Stein 16911 W. Laraway Road, Suite 101 Joliet, IL 60433

Ridge Court, and then Vargas and Catalani at some point gained entry to the residence without the couple knowing.

Vargas and Catalani entered the bedroom where the victims were at, and for an unknown reason, Vargas began to batter one of the victims multiple times.

While Vargas was battering the first victim, Catalani began to pull the other victims hair, and the victim then got away from Catalani and hid in another area of the house.

As both Vargas and Catalani were leaving the residence, they began to damage property in the victim’s residence.

Following the attack, officers locat-

We didn’t get the warrant for catalani ... from talking to the detective that worked on this they had enough of what was in front of them at the grand Jury to indict her also.

- sergeant chris botzum

ed Vargas at this residence in the 2400 block of Ingalls and took him into custody without incident.

The Will County States Attorney directly indicted Catalani on Jan. 8, and

issued a warrant for her arrest, where Catalani then turned herself into custody.

“We didn’t get the warrant for Catalani,” Botzum said. “From talking to the detective that worked on this they had enough of what was in front of them at the Grand Jury to indict her also.”

Following Catalani turning herself in, she spent Thursday Jan. 9 in the Will County Jail before posting 10 percent of her $15,000 bail money later that evening.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Catalani and Vargas as co-defendants in last month’s beating of Catalani’s ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend.

scHools >> JolIet publIc scHools dIstrIct 86

registration open for tiger tots preschool Illinois sheriff’s association and Will county sheriff accounce scholarships The Illinois Sheriff’s Association will be awarding over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the State of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley will be awarding one scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Students must be enrolled full time at a certified institution within Illinois and be a permanent resident.

Applications are now available at the Sheriff’s Office, on the Sheriff’s website: www.willcosheriff.org or on the ISA website: www.ilsheriff.org Students must complete the application and return all documentation to the Sheriff’s Office in their county of residence by March 15, 2020. For a directory of Sheriff’s Offices throughout the state, visit the ISA website.

Will County resident applicants should drop off or mail to:

The Tiger Tots Preschool is accepting applications for the spring 2020 semester. The preschool is located in Joliet West High School, 401 N. Larkin Street in Joliet.

Tiger Tots preschool is open to three, four, and five year-old children who are potty trained.

Classes are usually held three to four days a week from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Please click here to see the calendar with exact dates. The Spring Semester 2 session begins Monday, February 3 and ends Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

The price for second semester is $200.00 and includes a morning snack and supplies.

Families must still supply daily lunch, a backpack and folder.

Payment is due the first day of class. Money orders may be made payable to Joliet West High School.

New students also need a current physical and vaccination records, which may be delivered on the first day of school.

Returning students can use the physical on file.

Please fill in the application at http://bit.ly/TTots2020 to

see ‘neWs brIefs’ page 8

photo CoUrtEsy oF JoLIEt pUbLIC sChooLs DIstrICt 86

Joliet public schools district 86 board of school Inspectors and superintendent dr. theresa rouse recognized (from left to right) thomas Jefferson elementary school teacher diana yang and Woodland elementary school teacher dawn bates at their January school board meeting for earning national board certified teachers designations.

Jefferson and Woodland teachers Honored by board diana yang and dawn bates recognized

Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors and Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse recognized Thomas Jefferson Elementary School teacher Diana Yang and Woodland Elementary School teacher Dawn Bates at their January school board meeting for earning National Board Certified Teachers Designations.

Diana Yang renewed her National Board Certified Teacher License and

Dawn Bates received her National Board Certified Teacher and Master Teacher Designation on the Illinois Professional Educator License.

“We are proud of these teachers for receiving this certification,” said Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet Public Schools District 86. “They put in a lot of hard work for this honor and are dedicated to our students.”

Diana Yang has taught over 33 years and is currently a bilingual Kindergarten teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Dawn Bates, currently a second-grade teacher at Woodland Elementary School, has

been a teacher for 12 years and with Joliet Public Schools District 86 since 2011.

National Board Certification was created to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate continuous improvement in schools throughout the country.

In order to become a Board certified teacher, teachers complete a performance-based, peer-reviewed application, demonstrating their proven impact on student learning and achievement.

Courtesy of Joliet Public Schools District 86

Instagram: readers, attending an event in your area? take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured!

neWs

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

local neWs

shorewood votes to allow cannabis sales in village

mayor casts vote to break 3-3 tie and open village for business by brIan stanley bugle staff

@BugleNewspapers bstanley@buglenewspapers.com After months of discussion and public hearing, Shorewood will allow marijuana-based businesses to operate within the village.

Mayor Rick Chapman broke the tie among the trustees’ vote at the Jan. 14 meeting and a potential dispensary operator could apply for business and zoning permits. Chapman has said no one interested in establishing a cannabis business has approached village staff.

“We’ve (all) had plenty of time to talk to our neighbors and digest the information. For years we’ve known

We’ve listened to many residents, many of whom I know and the numbers were overwhelmingly in favor of the sale ... as far as I know, my job has always been to represent the majority of the people and that’s what I have to do here.

- mayor rick chapman ‘It’s coming. It’s coming.’ I get questioned on (our plans) everyday,” Chapman told trustees. “The time to vote and put this in front of us or behind us is tonight.”

Trustees Dan Anderson, Steve Brockman and Tony Luciano voted to prohibit cannabis operations,

while C.C. DeBold, Cookie Kirkland and Dan Warren supported them.

As the vote reached 3-3, the mayor appeared to softly sigh and chuckle as the call fell squarely on his shoulders following months of debate.

“We’ve listened to many residents, many of whom I know and the numbers were overwhelmingly in favor of the sale,” Chapman said.

“As far as I know, my job has always been to represent the majority of the people and that’s what I have to do here.”

On Jan. 1, state law changed to allow licensed dispensaries to sell marijuana and other products to adults. Supporters have emphasized potential tax revenue and easier access to alternative medical treatments, while others have expressed moral objections to condoning drug use.

WIll county sHerIff’s offIce

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neWs brIefs >> cIty neWs

Police arrest parolee with a gun faint was charged with obstructing a police officer, driving without a license and driving without insurance by brIan stanley bugle staff

@BugleNewspapers bstanley@buglenewspapers.com

Joliet police reportedly found a parolee driving around with a loaded handgun in his car Jan. 13.

At 10:15 p.m. officers near Fourth Avenue and Richards Street saw a driver commit a moving violation and attempted to pull it over, according to police reports. The vehicle continued for over a block before finally stopping.

Though the driver allegedly told officers a different name and date

of birth, records identified him as James L. Faint, 19.

Faint was charged with obstructing a police officer, driving without a license and driving without insurance.

According to the Department of Corrections, Faint was released on parole from the Western Illinois Correctional Center in July. He was serving a two-year sentence for a 2018 theft conviction in Will County.

“A search of the vehicle located a loaded handgun where the serial number was defaced,” police said.

Faint was then arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated unlawful use a weapon, defacing the identifying markings of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

polIce

Burglaries to motor vehicles as super bowl LIV season continue throughout county begins, remember fans

sheriff’s office reminds residents to lock vehicle doors

The Will County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to lock your vehicle doors whenever you are away from it. Together, with municipal law enforcement agencies, the Sheriff’s Office is on high alert to combat the frequent reports that we are receiving for burglaries to unlocked vehicles. Police believe that there are several crews of offenders working in areas throughout the county with no noticeable pattern.

Because of the speed in which these crimes happen, it is very difficult for law enforcement to catch them. We would like to reiterate to the public that if you see any suspicious vehicle or suspicious person in your neighborhood, please call the Sheriff’s Office or your municipal police department. Although police have increased their efforts in patrolling neighborhoods, the residents who live there can be a key factor in alerting police early on to potential offenders in their areas.

don t let fans drive drunk

more Info here are some simple reminders/tips: ≠ Lock It Up! Whether your vehicle is outside or inside a garage. Lock It! ≠ Tidy It Up! Thieves do not know what s inside the bags you have in your car, but they are willing to steal it and anything else that may be inside your vehicle. ≠ Put away phone chargers, electronic cords/cases. These are items that let the thief know that you may have, or do have, valuable electronics inside. ≠ If you are out shopping, put purchased items in your trunk and bring it inside when you get home. ≠ Roll those windows all the way up. ≠ Park in well-lit areas. Keep outside lights on at night.

none of these tips are 100% guaranteed but taking a few seconds or minutes from your day may greatly decrease your risk of becoming a victim. Every vehicle left unlocked is an open invitation to thieves.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind citizens not to leave their vehicles running without being inside of them. Several vehicles have been stolen in recent months when the owner started the vehicle to let it warm up and re-entered their home. Within a matter of seconds, the vehicle was gone. This also means if your vehicle is parked inside your garage with the garage door open.

FACT: Burglary to a motor vehicle is a crime of opportunity.

That is to say, this crime takes literally seconds, the rewards can be great, and the chances of being caught are low.

FACT: It only takes literally seconds to lock your vehicle in order to decrease your risk of becoming a victim, keeping your property, and not having to deal with insurance companies and law enforcement.

It seems like common sense yet we continue to receive reports from victims on a consistent basis.

Courtesy of Will County Sheriff s Office

super bowl lIv falls on sunday, february 2, 2020; plan accordingly Super Bowl LIV is right around the corner. This year, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with the Joliet Police Department to remind football fans and Super Bowl partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of drunk driving. Super Bowl LIV falls on Sunday, February 2, 2020. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol, plan for

a ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. We want to remind everyone that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

“Everyone wants to have a good time on Super Bowl night, so we want our community folks to plan safe rides home if they plan to be out at a party,” said Chief Al Roechner. “Even one drink can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. Even one drink can be one too many.”

see ‘super boWl’ page 11

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calendar

upcomIng events In your area Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

JANUARY 23 PLAINFIELD crafty kIds creW. 6-7 p.m. Plainfield Public Library District. This program is for children in grades K to 5. Let your creative side show. We supply the materials and you supply the artistic touch.

JANUARY 23 SHOREWOOD mInI melodIes. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Shorewood-Troy Library. Register only the child participant(s). Children under 10 must have a parent present in the program.

Online registration ends 24 hours before program start time. Do you like to sing and dance?

JANUARY 24 PARK RIDGE cards for HospItalIZed kIds. 3-6 p.m. Park Ridge Public Library. Help make handmade cards that will bring a smile to the face of a hospitalized child. Service hours available. Drop-in.

JANUARY 25 SKOKIE famIly art party. 3-4 p.m. Skokie Public Library. Bring the whole family to dive into a hands-on project using all manner of artistic tools and techniques. Drop-in event for families with kids of all ages.

JANUARY 25 PARK RIDGE tWenty-fIrst star cHapter nsdar January 2020 genealogy WorksHop. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Park Ridge Public Library.

Genealogy Workshop, sponsored by the Twenty-first Star Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the third-floor meeting room of the Park Ridge Library. The library is located at 20 S. Prospect, Park Ridge, Illinois.

JANUARY 26 WESTMONT blues musIcal concert WItH nIcHolas barron. 3-4:30 p.m. Westmont Public Library. Join Chicago singer-songwriter Nicholas Barron for an afternoon of folk and blues. Nicholas has opened for blues heroes Al Green, Johnny Cash, and James Taylor, among others. Hear him play songs from a Westmont favorite Muddy Waters as well as many other blues greats.

If you are unable to attend a program for which you have registered, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance, so that we can make your spot available for someone else. You can cancel your program registration by calling the library at 630869-6150 or by using the cancellation link found in your registration confirmation or reminder email. Thank you.

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2018

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page 5

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

BASKETBALL SOCCER CROSS COUNTRY FOOTBALL SOCCER TENNIS BASEBALL SOFTBALL VOLLEYBALL TRACK & FIELD SWIMMING CHEERLEADING DANCE boWlIng basketball

lucky

tHIrteen

West runs consecutive games win streak to 13 straight games with win over plainfield north by ryan ostry bugle staff

@RyanOstry_BR18 rostry@buglenewspapers.com Winning streaks are hard in sports, especially when that streak is at 13 consecutive games.

That is what the Joliet West (193, 9-1) basketball team has done so far in the 2019-20 season.

“One thing about this girls is that they’re both very intelligent on and off the court,” said coach John Placher. “It’s starting to get really fun here watching these kids play.”

In the Tigers most recent 73-45 victory against Plainfield North (12-10, 5-5), senior guard Jazz Evans led the way with 26 points and freshman guard Lisa Thompson had 20 points.

“Our coach always tells us that with this winning streak teams are always going to be coming for us so we always have to bring out our best and play the way we know we can play,” Evans said.

The Batman and Bobin duo of the West team have been the two

26

poInts from JaZZ evans

guards who have led them all season, but Placher said the role players have also contributed to the success that they have had this year.

“I really can’t say enough about our role players,” Placher said.

“Symone Riley, Maliyah Walker, Akeisha Watson and Destiny McNair coming off the bench we really have a nice seven man rotation and we don’t really lose anything when they’re in there.”

For North, a relatively young team with one sophomore and two freshmen on the roster, are led by their five seniors who coach Michaela Reedy said are their leaders on and off the court.

“We have three senior captains this year,” Reedy said. Natalie Bearbower has been a huge influence in the game the last month in a half for us and keeps the glue, Marissa Mussatto focuses on her post moves but can shoot threes, Kathryn Jasko brings the most fire on the floor and Kayleann Scholz, who is referred to as the fan favorite, hits a lot of threes for us.”

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poInts from lIsa tHompson

Joliet West ran its win streak to 13 games.

photo by ryan ostry

INSTAGRAM: Readers, attending a game in your area? Take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured!

6 sports

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | buglenewspapers.com

photo by ryan ostry

Joliet West pulling away from ‘good’ category Tigers hope great tag will follow them into the IHSA playoffs

By Ryan Ostry Bugle Staff

@RyanOstry_BR18 rostry@buglenewspapers.com

As February soon approaches and the great high school basketball teams start to pull away from being labeled as good, Joliet West seems to be a part of that great category.

The Tigers (15-2, 10-0), under coach Jeremy Kreiger seem to have a different mojo than last year. This year, the Tigers last lost came against the No. 1 team in the state of Illinois, Curie.

With a veteran roster, led by University of Toledo commit Jamere Hill (20 points), the Tigers confidence is at an all time high.

“Other teams can’t really do much about us,” Hill said. “We’re really deep and we have a lot of confidence in all of our guys.”

In the Tigers most recent game ageist Plainfield North (8-7, 6-4), West fell behind early and trailed 21-17 going into the second quarter.

West outscored North 15-9 in the second

quarter, and headed into halftime with the 3230 advantage.

In the second half, the momentum of the game completely changed and West did something that even surprised Kreiger.

“We usually discuss that we aim to give up just 10 points per quarter,” Kreiger said. “To come out and do that, it doesn’t happen very often.”

What West did was just allow North to score three points in the third quarter, and just six points in the fourth quarter to come out on top 66-39.

North is led by 6-feet-8-inch senior center Colin O’Rourke (8 pts) and senior guard Blake Ellinghaus (11 pts).

Because of the departure from star forward Carter Thurman, North has battled some inconsistencies so far in the 2019-20 season.

Currently, North is on a three game losing streak, but they are an experienced team with the entire roster being seniors and juniors.

ne W s a b o u t lo ca l b u sI nesses I n yo u r c o mmu nI t y

busIness + real estate

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | bugleneWspapers.com

column >> dave says

Stay away from debt consolidation companies dear dave, My wife and I made a resolution this year to pay off $20,000 in credit card debt we’ve accumulated. I want us to follow your plan, and live on a really tight budget. She wants us to use a debt consolidation company, like some of her friends have done.

I’m really against her idea, but how can I change her mind?

dear blake,

blake

I’m glad you two have made the decision to get out of debt, and gain control of your finances. When it comes to this sort of thing, it’s wise to remember there’s no magic pill. No debt consolidation company is going to get you out of debt and help you stay out of debt. The answer is learning how to control yourself and your behavior with money.

Using a debt consolidation company seems appealing, because there’s usually a lower monthly payment or lower interest rate attached. The problem in most cases, however, is

the lower payment or interest rate exists only because the term is extended.

You might pay a little less each month, but you end up staying in debt longer.

There are other problems involved in using debt consolidation companies, too. For one thing, it can trash your credit for a long time when it comes to buying a car or a house. For these reasons I sometimes refer to it as a CON-solidation, because the whole thing is basically a con. They make you think you’re really doing something about your debt problem, but the debt—and all the bad habits that caused it — are still there.

My guess is your wife’s friends think using a debt consolidation company is an easy, harmless way to get out of a financial mess. But sometimes you’ve got to be an adult, admit the mistakes you’ve made, and do what it takes to straighten things out. This kind of thing isn’t a math issue. It’s a behavior issue. Making the decision to get out of debt and never go back there again, by living on a really tight budget and

dave says by dave ramsey

@DaveRamsey daveramsey.com

making sacrifices, is the best way to fix this mess and learn a lesson in the process. Live like no one else, so that later, you can live — and give — like no one else. Stay away from debt consolidation companies, Blake. Doing this the right way is worth it!

dave * Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 16 million listeners each week on 600 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey. com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.

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deadline for cl assifieds: friday at 11 a .m.

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Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | buglenewspapers.com

Business & Private Party Classified Ads: $21 per week, 20 words or less. Weddings, Births & Engagements: Black & White - $45, Color - $55. Obituaries: start at $45.

‘news briefs’ from page 2 reserve your spot. You will be contacted after registration materials have been received.

Tiger Tots Director Adrienne Walton said, “Thank you again for your interest in our Tiger Tots Preschool Program. We are looking forward to a session of fun and learning for your child and the high school students in our classes. Please contact me if you have any questions. If you are on Facebook, follow us at Joliet West Tiger Tots.”

Contact Adrienne Walton at 815-774-1654 or email awalton@ jths.org for additional information.

Duckworth statement on the beginning of the Senate impeachment trial of President

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after being sworn in as a juror for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump: “Today I raised my right hand to once again to swear an oath to this nation: to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws,” Duckworth said. “What I hope for in this trial is to see witnesses, documents and evidence, and then I will deliberate. Trials have witnesses, cover-ups don’t.

We need a transparent process so that I—and the American people—can carefully review the evidence underlying each article of impeachment. I plan to be an impartial juror and carry out the weighty responsibility that now

rests on my shoulders as a United States Senator.”

Underwood secures $30 million in funding to establish an EHR system across the Department of Homeland Security WASHINGTON— Today, in a Homeland Security Committee Hearing, Vice Chair of the Committee Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) questioned top officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the need for an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system across all DHS components. Dr. Alexander L. Eastman, Senior Medical Officer for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that EHRs will allow DHS medical officials to effectively document the medical care being provided and ensure that DHS can measure, assess, and learn lessons for future medical care at the border. Additionally, the EHR system will help improve the Department’s ability to conduct disease surveillance to monitor and combat the spread of potentially infectious diseases, including influenza.

“During my oversight trips to the border last year, I saw and heard firsthand about the need for resources to improve medical recordkeeping. As a nurse, I know how important clear recordkeeping is when it comes to patient outcomes and ensuring providers can most effectively do their jobs,” said Underwood. “In response to

what I saw at the border, I’m so proud that we passed bipartisan legislation last year to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection with an electronic health record.

And just a few days ago, President Trump signed an appropriations package that includes $30 million dollars in dedicated funding for that EHR.” In her questioning, Underwood also asked about how EHRs can help providers better communicate about patient care. Witnesses stated that EHRs allow the Department to effectively communicate and document the care DHS medical officials are providing from the point of apprehension to the point of release from DHS custody—critical information for DHS officers and medical officials.

The Department of Homeland Security is currently in the process of building an EHR for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Full video of Underwood’s remarks can be found here.

Ahead of the new year, Underwood was successful in her efforts to secure $30 million in funding for an interoperable EHR for CBP. The legislation providing that funding was signed as part of the appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020. In September, Underwood’s legislation, the U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening and Standards Act (H.R. 3525), to establish an HER to set standards for medical screenings at the border passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

Durbin, Duckworth Announce $144 see ‘news briefs’ page 10

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9 Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | buglenewspapers.com

Phone: 815.436.2431 >> Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. FAX: 815.439.2548 email: classifieds@enterprisepublications.com IN PERSON: Enterprise Publications >> 23856 Andrew Rd. >> Plainfield, IL

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stay i nfo r med wi th leg a l li sti ng s

legal listings real estate

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT JOLIET, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS DITECH FINANCIAL LLC, Plaintiff, vs.

AARON J. SAIF, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES LLC and MICROF, Defendants.

CASE NO. 19-CH-1595 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1014 LOREN DR JOLIET, IL 60431 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN YOU, Aaron J. Saif, Defendant, this case has been commenced in this Court against you and others, asking for foreclosure of the Mortgage held by the Plaintiff on the property located at 1014 Loren Dr, Joliet, IL 60431, more particularly described as: LOT 14 IN CAMBRIDGE UNIT 2, A SUBDIVISION IN A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT OF PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 35 NORTH, RANGE 9, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AUGUST 9, 1989 AS DOCUMENT NO. R89-39178, IN WILL COUNTY, LLINOIS. Permanent Index Number: 05-06-23-202-1340000 fka 06-23-202-134-0000 Commonly known as: 1014 Loren Dr, Joliet, IL 60431 YOU MAY STILL BE ABLE TO SAVE YOUR HOME. DO NOT IGNORE THIS DOCUMENT. By order of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, this case is set for Mandatory Mediation on March 12, 2020 at 1:30 PM at the Will County Court Annex-3rd Floor (Arbitration Center), 57 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432. A lender representative will be present along with a court appointed mediator to discuss options that you may have and to pre-screen you for a potential mortgage modification.

YOU MUST APPEAR ON THE MEDIATION DATE GIVEN OR YOUR RIGHT TO MEDIATION WILL TERMINATE. UNLESS YOU FILE your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this cause in the Office of the Clerk of this Court at the Will County Courthouse, 14 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432-4399 on or before February 21, 2020, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT FOR FORECLOSURE. CLERK OF THE COURT THIS COMMUNICATION IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Meredith Pitts (#6280878) HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Attorneys at Law P.O. Box 740 Decatur, IL 62525 Send Notice/Pleadings to: Veronika J. Miles (#6313161) Email: Non-CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Telephone: (217) 422-1719 Facsimile: (217) 422-1754 Published 1/22, 1/29, 2/5

‘news briefs’ from page8

Million In Continued Funding For Local Homeless Assistance Programs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that a total of $114,704,242 in grants have been awarded to renew support to more than 300 local homeless assistance programs and nonprofits across Illinois. The funding, which is awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care Program (CoC), will support a broad array of interventions designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those living in places not meant for habitation, located in sheltering programs, or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

The full list of programs receiving funding in Illinois is available at https://files.hudexchange.info/ resources/documents/2019-illinois-coc-grants.pdf.

“No family should be without a safe and reliable place to call home,” Durbin said. “This critical federal funding will help thousands of individuals and families across Illinois get back on their feet. I applaud the work of these organizations and will continue fighting to ensure they receive support at the federal level.”

“Individuals across Illinois rely on investments like these to gain access to affordable and reliable housing,” Duckworth said. “Having a safe place to stay is an important first step for families to move forward with their lives. I will keep advocating for federal funding with Senator Durbin to help ensure these organizations receive the funding they need to assist some of our state’s most vulnerable residents.”

With the goal of long-term stability, the CoC Program is designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and to provide the services needed to help such individuals move into transitional and permanent housing. More broadly, the CoC Program is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; to provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals, families, persons fleeing domestic vio-

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | buglenewspapers.com

lence, and youth while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; to promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and to optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness.

New IRS data reveal the state loses twice as many high earners as it attracts CHICAGO (Jan. 7, 2020) – Illinois is losing billions each year as residents leave and take their earning potential with them. Original analysis by the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute found that the state lost out on up to $32 billion in adjusted gross income, or AGI, since 2010 from residents moving to other states. That’s roughly $12.4 million per day.

Using new data released by the Internal Revenue Service for tax years 2017-2018, the Institute found that while residents leaving the state come from all income brackets, Illinois is losing more than twice as many wealthy residents as it is attracting.

These findings come as Illinois voters will decide Nov. 3, 2020, whether to scrap Illinois’ constitutionally protected flat income tax for a progressive income tax. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has promised the $3.4 billion tax hike will fund programs, services and new spending.

Other highlights from the analysis: A cumulative loss of $32 billion in income to other states during the decade is the second-largest loss of any state in the nation in both raw dollar terms, after New York, and on a percentage basis, after Alaska.

Since 2010, Illinois has not seen a single year in which the state gained AGI on net from other states.

Illinois showed a net loss of $6.9 billion in AGI to other states in tax year 2017 and $5.6 billion in AGI to other states in tax year 2018, the worst losses of wealth on record.

The largest age group leaving the state in tax year 2018 were those of prime working age, with 58% of those leaving aged 26-54.

Those who moved were also higher-skilled workers choosing markets with more job opportunities.

Those who left Illinois made on average $18,000 more than those who moved into the state.

In tax year 2018, Illinois lost residents to 43 states on net. Illi-

nois only gained a combined 191 residents from the remaining six states: Vermont, New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey.

While Illinois is losing income at all brackets, those who earn $200,000 or more are leaving twice as fast as average-income residents. The only state to see a higher share of residents making more than $200,000 leave in tax year 2018 was New York.

Orphe Divounguy, chief economist for the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute, offered the following statement: “When Illinoisans leave the state, they don’t go empty handed.

They take with them jobs, opportunity, talent and financial assets that would otherwise have fed Illinois’ economy. This makes state budgeting more complicated and puts more financial pressure on those who remain in the state.

“The consistent loss of more people to other states and higherearning residents to other states should exacerbate concerns over Gov. Pritzker’s biggest policy priority: the progressive income tax.

The policy increases taxes on the Illinoisans already most likely to exit the state, which means Illinois will be forced to hike income taxes beyond Pritzker’s introductory rates as the revenue runs short. Illinois is running out of rich people to tax. We must protect the middle-class residents who will be left picking up the tab.”

To read the full analysis, visit Illin.is/IRS2018.

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.

Courtesy of the Illinois Policy Institute

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Eliminating Driver’s License Suspension as Penalty for NonMoving Violations Chicago - Governor JB Pritzker today signed the License to Work Act, which eliminates driver’s license suspensions for most nonmoving violations and allows tens of thousands of Illinoisans whose licenses were canceled, suspended or revoked to have their driving privileges reinstated.

“With this bipartisan legislation, Illinois now recognizes the fact that suspending licenses for having too many unpaid tickets, fines, and fees doesn’t necessarily make

a person pay the bill — but it does mean that people don’t have a way to pay,” said Governor JB Pritzker, who also has called for reform for the past several years. “We, as a state, have a vested interest in making sure all our residents who need their licenses to apply to a job or an apprenticeship program, or who already use their licenses to drive to work, to the grocery store, or to the doctor, don’t lose those opportunities because of a practice that reinforces cycles of instability.”

More than 50,000 Illinois licenses are suspended each year because drivers cannot afford to pay tickets, fines, and fees. Suspended licenses hinder an individuals’ ability to maintain employment and pay off fines and fees, keeping people trapped in a cycle of debt and unemployment.

“For years, Illinois has held driver’s licenses hostage when people couldn’t pay excessive parking and vehicle tickets. That drives people into poverty and keeps them out of work. Using license suspension for debt collection is cruel, counterproductive, and frankly embarrassing,” said Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “I am proud to stand with my colleagues, community leaders, and partners and say; this practice ends today. No more will Illinois take driver’s licenses away and turn lives upside down because of parking and vehicle compliance ticket debts. This is an important victory in the fight to end policing for profit and stop funding government through tickets, fines, and fees - especially on the people least able to afford them.”

“The License to Work Act was truly a labor of love. This piece of legislation has taken over two years to introduce and pass and I am honored to have championed it. This new law doesn’t just restore drivers licenses to tens of thousands of Illinois residents, it restores dignity, equity, and quality of life. It eliminates driver’s license suspension as a penalty for most non-driving violations,” said Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Champaign). “I am grateful that Gov. JB Pritzker understands that when we take basic life necessities away from people, we perpetuate a downward spiral of financial despair. This legislation was designed to ensure that over 50,000 licenses are restored, jobs are restored, economic growth is restored, community is restored.

Today, that downward spiral of financial despair ends, and we starting building up.”

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Chamber honors USF with 2019 Education Award

the university of st. francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide Joliet, Ill. – The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry annually hosts a special Annual Dinner and Celebration of Success that honors area businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions to the Joliet area.

This year’s event, held on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 176 West Banquets in Joliet, honored seven businesses and organizations, as well as three individuals.

The University of St. Francis (USF) was one of the evening’s honorees and was presented with the Chamber’s 2019 Education Award.

“The University of St. Francis thanks the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry for this award, which comes during our Centennial year. USF has been a proud partner of the Joliet region and the communities we have served for one hundred years. We look forward to

continuing that in our second century as Joliet’s Catholic and Franciscan University,” said USF President Arvid C. Johnson after accepting the award on the University’s behalf.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished. But what we are particularly proud of are the over 25,000 USF alumni who live in Illinois – many in Will County and many in Joliet. They make incredible contributions to the community because we have prepared them to contribute to the world through service and leadership,” Johnson added.

The Joliet Chamber also recog-

nized businesses and organizations that are celebrating milestone anniversaries and recognized USF for its 100 years in business.

Others honored at the event included: Annette Szobar, Ambassador of the Year; ASK Dress Boutique, Retail Services/Consumer Services; NuMark Credit Union, Financial Services; Shorewood H.U.G.S., Social Services; Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts Restaurants – Thrive and Saveur, Professional/Business Services; The Great American Bagel, Small Business of the Year; Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel, Large Busi-

ness of the Year; Lawrence Wiers, Lifetime Achievement Award; and James Roolf, Lifetime Achievement Award.

The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide, offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work.

There are over 50,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis. edu.

Courtesy of the University of St. Francis

county neWs

forest preserve recognized for financial reporting excellence for the 24th consecutive year, the forest preserve district has been awarded the certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting

photo CoUrtEsy oF ForEst prEsErVE DIstrICt oF WILL CoUnty / by GLEnn p. KnobLoCK

the certificate was awarded by the government finance officers association of the united states and canada for the district’s comprehensive annual financial report. ‘super boWl’ from page 3 Whether you’re attending a party, hosting a party, or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your night. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated driver is actually sober. Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you. If you are driving, remember that sober driving isn’t the only law that should be followed: Make sure you — and your driver — wear your seat belts.

If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the night’s MVP. No matter what, do not drink any alcohol — people are relying on you. While at the party, enjoy the food, the company, and the nonalcoholic drinks. Encourage other

designated drivers on social media using the hashtag #DesignatedDriver. Your positive influence could help keep other designated drivers on the right track. If someone you know has been drinking and tries to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely. Even if they make a fuss in the moment, they’ll thank you later.

If you’re hosting this year’s Super Bowl party, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for your guests and the designated drivers. Get creative and try out some Super Bowl-themed snacks and beverages. Support your designated drivers, they’re doing everyone a favor by keeping drunk drivers off the roads. Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance, or help them coordinate with other

For the 24th consecutive year, the Forest Preserve District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The certificate was awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the District’s comprehensive annual financial report.

“This award is an honor and great recognition of the hard work and dedication that our finance department staff members put into their jobs all year long and especially during the annual audit process,” said Matt Pehle, the Forest Preserve District’s chief financial officer. “Although I am new

to the Forest Preserve, I used to work as an independent auditor and know the hard work and time that goes into receiving this award.”

The award marks the Forest Preserve’s financial statements as being of the highest quality and transparency for the users and residents of the District, Pehle added.

“Being able to achieve this for 24 years in a row is a remarkable accomplishment,” he said. “In my short time here, I have seen the pride the finance department employees take in their work, and I am excited to be a part of the team as we look forward to going for our 25th in a row with this year’s

partygoers’ designated drivers.

Remind your drinking guests that they have a long evening ahead of them, and encourage them to pace themselves, to eat food, and to drink plenty of water. Another important reminder: Do not serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the underage driver. In fact, you can face jail time if you host a party where alcohol is served to people under the age of 21.

Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road: Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem, for men and for women alike. If drivers are impaired by any substance — alcohol or drugs — they should not get behind the wheel of

a vehicle. It is illegal in all states to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Remember: Driving while impaired is illegal, period. The bottom line is this: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It’s that simple.

If you’re heading out for a night of Super Bowl fun, make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening: Remember that it is never okay to drive drunk. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely if you plan to drink.

If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Joliet Police Department.

Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

audit!”

The award was for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2018.

“The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management,” according to a news release from GFOA. The release said the Forest Preserve’s comprehensive annual financial report met the program’s high standards, which included a “spirit of full disclosure” designed to clearly communicate the District’s financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the document.

Courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of Will County

Remember: If you drive drunk, you may lose money, your reputation, your car, and even your life. Everyone should know by now that it is illegal to drive impaired. Even still, thousands die each year in drunkdriving-related crashes.

In 2018, there were 10,511 people killed in drunk-driving crashes. The costs can be financial, too: If you’re caught drinking and driving, you can face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates, and lost wages.

For more information on the dangers of drunk driving, visit https:// www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/ get-materials/drunk-driving/ buzzed-driving-drunk-driving/super-bowl.

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