Joliet 11-27-19

nove mber 2 7, 2 0 1 9 vol . 1 2 I ss u e 13

# 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

Home ruler Benet’s Monson repeats as Player of the Year

see page 5

bu sI ness

Dave Says Dave Ramsey’s Column see page 4

jolietbugle.com

2

county

neWs from around the count y Wednesday, november 27, 2019 | bugleneWspapers.com

local neWs

The Chalkboard will close after 39 years of business online sales run popular education-based business out by ryan ostry bugle staff

@RyanOstry_BR18 rostry@buglenewspapers.com

All good things must come to an end.

That is the case with The Chalkboard — one of the most popular businesses in Crest Hill, Aurora and Downers Grove.

“I’m going to miss coming to work every day because I’ve been working here for 35 years,” said manager Joann Stockenberg. “I’m going to miss the people, the clientele and I’m going to miss my staff the most because their work ethic is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.”

All three local locations will be closing, however, a date has yet to be announced.

Ken and Norma Ireland founded The Chalkboard on August 1, 1980, thrived for years, catering to teachers and students.

The couple is still president, secretary and treasurer of the business and said that it is because of online shopping why The Chalkboard will no lon-

ger be open.

“It’s closing because of Amazon and online sales,” Stockenberg said. “People are coming in and scanning our bar codes and they’re then looking for the product cheaper elsewhere.”

Throughout the years, The Chalkboard has provided products such as school supplies for teachers and children, games, puzzles and other fun services to enhance learning and play.

“The kids, when they come in and see something new as well as the teachers when they see the new themes every year is also something we won’t be able to experience that I’m going to deeply miss,” Stockenberg said. “I’m going to miss having this business as a home, because it is a home.”

The Irelands released a public statement to shoppers who visit The Chalkboard, explaining why they’re going out of business.

An emphasis stating how Amazon has been the reason businesses are closing, how the commercial real estate tax in communities is drying up and how Amazon has had an unfair competitive advantage by not being required to collect sales tax which is another reason they are more price competitive were all included in the message.

PHOTO BY MARK GREGORY

customers shop at the chalkboard, founded on august 1, 1980. the chalkboard thrived for years, catering to teachers and students. all three local locations will be closing, however, a date has yet to be announced.

We’ve just seen the business keep declining here and it’s because of the online service ... there’s been an overwhelming feeling of sadness from our customers it really hurts a lot.

“Jeff Bezos, owner of Amazon, is a brilliant and successful entrepreneur, and even after his widely publicized divorce, he will still enjoy a net worth

local neWs

Police conduct roadside safety checks, seatbelt zones during Thanksgiving

T

he Joliet Police Department, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation, will participate in a statewide effort to increase seatbelt usage and crack down on drunk driving. Special enforcement efforts will include several seatbelt safety zones at various locations throughout the city, a roadside safety checkpoint, and citywide saturation enforcement.

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and more vehicles on the roadways means potential for more crashes and more fatalities. In 2014, on average, 1 person was killed every 53 minutes in a drunk-driving crash in the United States. That totaled 9,967 drunk-driving fatalities that year. Too many people are not getting the message. Drunk driving is deadly and illegal. In fact, even if you have a BAC under .08, you could still be arrested and convicted of drunk driving.

During all of 2014, a total of 21,022

passenger vehicle occupants were killed in crashes, and almost half (49%) of them were NOT wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. Among passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in 2014, the age groups 13-15 and 2534 had the highest percentages (59%) of occupants who were unrestrained at the time of their fatal crash. Officers assigned to these details will be checking for occupant, child restraint violations, DUI violations, as well as other violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code. This enforcement campaign is possible through a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation and will help to deter drunk driving and increase the usage of seatbelt and child restraints during and after the Thanksgiving holiday.

be alarmed! smoke alarm program The Joliet Fire Department has received a generous donation of 150

Smoke Alarms and Installations kits from First Alert. This will help to educate the public on PA-100-0200, which will require Smoke Alarms with a 10 year sealed battery to be installed in all dwellings, which were either built before 1988 or which do not already have hardwired smoke detectors.

If interested in requesting a free smoke alarm and installation you must meet the following criteria: Residence must be a Home, Condo, Townhome or Apartment and must be owner occupied. Must be built prior to 1988. No Rental Properties.

You can then send an e-mail to Smokedetectors@joliet.gov Please provide your name, address, phone number and date (as listed below) that you would like us to install the smoke detector at your place of residence. You will then receive an email to confirm your date and time.

Pick one of the following dates that works for you. All installation will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

of over $160 billion,” Ireland said in a press release. “He has earned this because he is brilliant, but he is also killing our/your towns.”

The Chalkboard customers, for the time being, have been informed that there is now a 50-percent to 70-percent off store-wide sale and “limited stock on hand, all sales final” bargain taking place at the three locations.

“We’ve just seen the business keep declining here and it’s because of the online service,” Stockenberg said.

“There’s been an overwhelming feeling of sadness from our customers — it really hurts a lot.”

neWs brIefs

Man charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon police allegedly saw a man carrying loaded gun on the street nov. 17 by brIan stanley bugle staff

@BugleNewspapers bstanley@buglenewspapers.com Police allegedly saw a man carrying loaded gun on the street Nov. 17.

At 2:18 a.m. officers were in the 900 block of Gardner Street while a bar was closing when they observed Hubert C. Pruitte, 45, in a nearby parking lot. According to police reports, Pruitte had “a firearm in his hand.”

“As officers went to make contact with Pruitte, he ran into a nearby vehicle. Pruitte refused to exit the vehicle and

officers had to pull (him) out,” police said.

Pruitte was taken into custody after a brief struggle and a loaded gun was recovered from the car, according to reports.

Pruitte was also allegedly carrying crack cocaine and heroin when he was arrested.

Pruitte, of the 1000 block of Harrison Avenue, was arrested on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance.

upcomIng events In your area

neWs

Wednesday, november 27, 2019 | bugleneWspapers.com

3

local neWs

Community demands more safety at Rt. 52, County Line Rd. Idot officials say there have been 115 crashes at the deadly intersection, but are conducting a study to help come up with a solution to fix the issue by ryan ostry bugle staff

@RyanOstry_BR18 rostry@buglenewspapers.com The community of Will County is demanding a change that has left its mark in a negative way over the past 10 years.

With more than 100 accidents at Route 52 and County Line Road, residents of Will County have had enough.

“I am hopeful we will here back from IDOT [Illinois Department of Transportation] here in the next few weeks,” said Shorewood Village Administrator Jim Culotta. “Something needs to be done.”

IDOT, which has said there have been 115 crashes at that intersection between 2009 and 2018, said that more than a third have resulted in serious injuries.

It’s unfortunate even though that we identified the road being a problem it took a fatality to get responsiveness. We’ve been told that they’re out there doing a traffic study and the report in december will have suggestions on how it can become more safe.

Most notably as of late, 27-yearold Paige Quinn was killed at the deadly intersection just last month.

On her way to her grandmother’s funeral with her parents, the Jeep her and her parents were riding in was struck by another vehicle.

A study that IDOT is currently doing for preventive measures and to ensure safety among residents and

those who pass through the intersection is currently being evaluated.

Culotta said that the village should be hearing back from IDOT within the next three weeks, hoping that there is good news for what can be a safer road to travel on in the future.

“We were told that they might

local neWs

Will County Sheriff’s Office seize 190 lbs. of cannabis california man in custody On November 18, 2019, at approximately 8:30am, deputies from the Will County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Interdiction Unit, were conducting patrol on Interstate 80 when they observed a recreational vehicle with the windshield wipers turned on because of rain but the vehicle did not have its headlights on as required by law.

A traffic stop was conducted at I-80 and Briggs Street in Joliet. Deputies spoke to the driver, Michael Glenn Silliman, age 64, of 2402 Delaware Street in Huntington Beach, California.

He was the sole occupant in the vehicle and stated he was coming from California to visit friends.

While speaking with Silliman probable cause to search the vehicle was determined and performed.

Found inside the 1997 BMI 110 Recreational Vehicle was: *190 lbs. of cannabis

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILL COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE

found inside the 1997 bmI 110 recreational vehicle was: *190 lbs. of cannabis; *1 thc vape pen; *6.1 grams of methamphetamine and a pipe

*1 THC vape pen *6.1 grams of methamphetamine and a pipe Silliman was transported to the

Sheriff’s Investigations Unit and was charged with Cannabis Trafficking; Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis over 5000 grams; Possession of Cannabis over 5000 grams; Possession of Methamphetamine under 15 grams; and Possession of Drug Equipment.

He is being held at the Adult Detention Facility where he will appear in bond court today. The seized cannabis holds a street value of about $600,000.

have a conclusion for that meeting in early December,” he said. “Ultimately the state is going to dictate what happens there.”

Because of the recent fatality with Quinn, Troy Township Supervisor Joe Baltz said that fatality really made people open up their eyes to the issue, and since then, the state community has wanted a dramatic change.

“It’s unfortunate even though that we identified the road being a problem it took a fatality to get responsiveness,” Baltz said. “We’ve been told that they’re out there doing a traffic study and the report in December will have suggestions on how it can become more safe.”

Baltz added that because of the certain jurisdiction that counties have or do not have, it has made the

process go by slower on how to deal with the issue.

“Troy Township doesn’t have jurisdiction, “ Baltz said. “Basically there is an Area one and Area two which consist of Will and Kendall County, so IDOT has two separate districts.”

In trying to find a way to rectify the major problem, Baltz said that he would like to see a traffic light or a four way stop, but the state has already issued that as a major plan that would take a years to achieve.

“The problem has been said about having a traffic light that it would take something like five years to implement,” Baltz said. “I’m not sure if we need a four way traffic stop or what, but something has to be done because the visibility of the curve is not ideal at all and we can’t continue to have these issues.”

4

calendar

upcomIng events In your area Wednesday, november 27, 2019 | bugleneWspapers.com

noV 1-dec 6 skokie letters from santa. Skokie Park District. Surprise your child with a letter written by Santa. Due to Santa’s extremely busy schedule, participants are encouraged to sign up early.

Registrations forms are available at any Skokie Park District facility and online at www.skokieparks.org beginning November 1, 2019. Letters will be on Friday, December 13, 2019 to ensure delivery by Christmas Eve, December 24, 2019.

Registration deadline is Friday, December 6, 2019. noVemBer 29 Joliet lIght up the holIdays festIval & parade.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Joliet City Center Partnership 116 N Chicago St #101, Joliet, IL. Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade is held on the Friday following Thanksgiving each year. Activities begin downtown as early as 10:00 a.m., and include the Fantastic Fun Fair in the Joliet Area Historical Museum’s auditorium, as well as activities in the Joliet Public Library, Jitters Coffeehouse, Chicken-n-Spice, Chevere Latin Cafe, JJC City Center Campus and more. The Rialto Square Theatre’s annual holiday festivities add to the holiday spirit in Downtown Joliet. Christmas Tree Lighting begins at 5:15 p.m. in Van Buren Plaza followed by the Light Up The Holidays Parade at 5:30 p.m. noVemBer 30 crest hill fourth annual crest hIll WInter festIval. 4-7 p.m. at 1610 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403. Crest Hill’s 4th Annual Winter Festival will be held at the City Hall parking lot. This year’s live entertainment will be local Crest Hill band, The Jib Brothers Band. As always, there will be horse and hayrack rides, live reindeer, pony rides, and local businesses on hand to ring in the holiday season. Santa Claus has confirmed he will make an appearance as well. The mayor will be doing an annual lighting ceremony with very special guests, so you won’t want to miss this year’s event.

NOTE: Parking will be available at El Guero, Chase Bank, and the South Weber Plaza. Knapp Road will be closed from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. noVemBer 30 westmont rotarY cluB uglY sweater 5k. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall. Join family and friends for the Ugly Sweater 5k through the streets of Westmont. The race will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Burlington Ave. Participants registered before November 18 will be guaranteed a race shirt; pre-registration can be done online at westmontrotaryclub.org or by paper forms which will be at the Community Center. Race Day registration will be held from 8:00-8:45 a.m. on November 30. Medals will be presented to our first three finishers and awards will be presented in all other age categories. Awards and refreshments will be provided at the completion of the race. All fitness levels are welcome to participate. noVemBer 30 lockport chrIstmas In the cIty. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Lockport Public Library. All are welcome to join us for Christmas crafts in the Community Meeting Room, then stroll down the Orchard Room for on-going holiday cartoons.

column >> dave says

Dave Says: Setting aside money for a wedding

there’s not really a baby step for weddingsit should probably come after baby step 5 dear dave, We recently started following your plan, and it has made a huge difference in our financial outlook and our marriage. When it comes to the Baby

Steps, when do you recommend setting aside money for a wedding? We have a daughter, and we want to be able to do as much as possible for her when the time comes.

JIm dear JIm, That’s a good question. There’s not really a Baby Step specifically for weddings. In my mind, it should probably come after Baby Step 5—setting aside a college fund for your kids.

Maybe part of this is the dad in

me, but in prioritizing these things I think a good education is more important than a big wedding. Don’t get me wrong, a wedding is a wonderful event and cause for lots of joy and celebration. But it’s also a one-day event.

Plenty of people have inexpensive, beautiful weddings, and enjoy long, wonderful lives together!

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.

page 5

Wednesday, november 27, 2019 | bugleneWspapers.com

BasketBall soccer cross countrY FootBall soccer tennis BaseBall soFtBall VolleYBall track & Field swimming cheerleading dance boWlIng all-area volleyball

benet’s monson repeats as player of the year notre dame-bound libero paced redwings’ state championship run BY mark gregorY editorial director

@Hear_The_Beard mark@buglenewspapers.com

Does someone’s name truly define them?

In the case of Benet Academy senior Hattie Monson, the answer is a resounding yes.

Monson said her parents chose her name as they drove through Hattiesburg, Mississippi and liked how it sounded.

However, by its American origin, the name means “Home Ruler.”

A self-admitted gym rat, Monson made the Benet volleyball court her home the last four years and she ruled it with authority.

Monson posted 370 digs, 98 assists and 12 service aces on the season.

For her efforts, she was named Enterprise Publications Volleyball Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

“She is special,” said Benet Academy coach Brad Baker. “It is easy to recognize the kids that pound volleyballs and it may be hard when you only see small glimpses of her. As a coaching staff, we get to see her on a daily basis.”

Helping her teammates get the glory is something Monson takes pride in.

“Being the one that gets the balls up so they get their kills gives me so much joy, so being the one that puts my body on the line for my setter and my hitters, I love doing that,” she said.

“I have always been a gym rat and I love to be on the floor, so being a libero was meant for me.

“My freshman year as a (defensive specialist), I learned what it was like to be a Benet libero and I realized ho far behind I was and how hard I had to work to get my skills better and be in that legacy of Benet liberos and to win a state title doing it.”

That legacy was following not one,

but two NCAA Division-I liberos that came before her.

“There are people that say they want to be like Haddie, but are they willing to put in the work? Very few kids are,” Baker said. “We have had some who have – Tiffany Clark and Caroline Wolf — that have put in the time if you want to be that good. It is dedicating long hours in the gym and she has done it since she has been a little kid and she loves it. She is a gym rat.

If we told her that we would win a state title if she ran through the wall, she would just ask which one. I can go on and on about all the great plays she makes and how great of a kid she is.

She is still humble. She makes normal plays look super easy, she makes difficult plays look easy. If she gets a touch on the ball, we are getting a swing.”

With the Redwings’ title this sea-

son, Monson earned her first career IHSA state title in her last chance before she heads to play at the University of Notre Dame.

“This is the last time I will wear the Benet jersey. This was four years in the making and I tried to cherish every moment,” she said.

The rest of the 2019 Enterprise Publications All-Area girls volleyball team is:

Mia Alessio Minooka Senior libero tallied 448 digs and 29 aces for the Indians and was named to the all-Southwest Prairie Conference first team.

“Mia led the team in digs this season and was the strong force to our defense,” said coach Carrie Prosek.

“She is one of the hardest workers and competitors on the team.”

Heidi Bonde Minooka Junior outside hitter posted 374 kills, 132 digs, 43 blocks and 10 aces this season. She broke the Minooka school record with 27 kills in one match.

She was first-team All-SPC and has already committed to University of Central Florida.

“Heidi led the team in kills as a junior and also as a sophomore, she was a six-rotation player and being 6-3, she has a great reach and shots and has really developed into an amazing player,” said coach Carrie Prosek.

“She really stepped up during IHSA playoffs and we are excited for her return next year.”

Anna Gawron Plainfield North

Senior setter notched 988 assists, 231 digs, 37 aces and 33 total blocks this season as she was named to the All-Southwest Prairie Conference team.

Nadia Goich Lockport Junior opposite side hitter tallied 186 kills, 22.5 blocks, 41 aces and 95 digs. Is committed to play collegiately at New Hampshire. Was named to the all-SouthWest Suburban Conference team.

“She made the move from middle to opposite and used her slides to light up defenses all year,” said coach Nick Mraz.

Sophie Gregus Benet Academy see ‘ volleyball’ page 6

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

6 sports ‘volleyball’ from page 5 Senior outside hitter led the state champion Benet Redwings to the Class 4A state title. She was tops on the team with 260 kills, while posting 86 digs, 38 blocks, 33 aces and 11 assists.

Ryan Hinshaw Joliet Catholic Academy Junior missed two weeks of the season with an ankle injury and still posted 487 assists, 161 digs, 25 aces, 120 service points, 27 kills and 10 blocks on the season.

“She is a captain who brings a calming effect to her teammates and knows how to run an offense. If she did not come back so quickly from her injury, we probably would not have gone to state. She is the glue player who holds the team together.”

Riley Hungate Joliet Catholic Academy Sophomore outside hitter that was not originally slated for the varsity lineup, but posted 177 kills, 19 aces, 127 service points, 10 blocks and 162 digs.

“Riley has been a Godsend this season. I never anticipated her being on the varsity this year, but because of all our injuries, she stepped into the No.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 | buglenewspapers.com 1 outside hitter position and delivered results starting with her very first match against Mother McAuley getting 11 kills,” said coach Scheibe. “She works harder than any other player on the court and has really improved her passing and defense throughout the season. She has a very effective serve and has gotten on several key service runs during the post season.

She is only going to get better and better.”

Kayla Kenney Benet Academy Tallied 247 kills, 171 digs, 18 blocks, 13 assists and 27 aces.

“Kayla plays elite libero level defense and passing, but also masscards as one of the best OH in our area,” said coach Brad Baker.

Rachel Muisenga Benet Academy Junior Penn State commit recorded 718 assists, 173 digs, 93 kills, 50 blocks and 34 aces for the Redwings.

“Rachel is one of the best setters in the nation. She sets the ball with a fast tempo, with elite level accuracy,” said coach Brad Baker.

Taylor Landfair Plainfield Central Senior University of Minnesota

commit, she posted 479 Kills, 326 digs, 39 aces and 38 blocks on the season.

Taylor Morgan Lockport Senior outside hitter led the Porters in kills with 251 to go along with 22.5 blocks, 189 digs, and 44 aces.

She has committed to play next season at Southern Illinois University.

“She was our volume hitter and often went six rotations to become a back row threat. She was a leader not only on the court but off as her positivity was infectious when her team needed it most,” said coach Nick Mraz. “She helped lead Lockport to an overall record of 26-12 despite a very tough schedule and back-to-back regional championships for the first time since 2005-2006. She was named SWSC All-Conference and team MVP for a second consecutive year.”

Bella Ray Joliet Catholic Academy Senior middle hitter posted 289 kills, 92 blocks, 13 assists, 23 digs. The 6-3 Ray was a four-year starter for the Angels and led them to a pair of state medals. For her career, Ray set a JCA mark with 307 blocks.

The two-year JCA captain is committed to play at Lewis University next year.

Ray was named to the East Suburban Catholic Conference All-Conference Team and was an Illprepvb.com 101 reason to watch volleyball. She made the Metea Valley/Oswego East Kickoff Classic and the Autumnfest All-Tournament Teams.

“She has been a dominating force for us this season and helps to open up our outside hitters because our opponents’ middle hitters must stay with her and honor her talent,” said coach Christine Scheibe. “She is a valuable asset to this team and I think she is the best middle hitter that I have seen this season.”

Zoey Seput Minooka Three-year varsity setter set a Minooka record in 2019 with 1,021 assists to go along with 232 digs, 47 aces, 105 blocks and 59 kills. She also holds the school record for sets in a career with 2,782. Her career assist mark places her 10th in Illinois history, while her mark this season puts her in Illinois’ top 20.

Seput was MVP of the Southwest Prairie Conference and was all tournament at the Plainfield North Crimson Challenge, Mother McAuley Asic Challenge and Plainfield Central Harvest Fest.

She is a member of the AVCA All-

Region Team and Under Armour Honorable Mention.

She will She will continue her career at University of California Riverside.

“Zoey has been a three-year starter on varsity leading our 2017 team to a Class 4A state runner-up championship as a sophomore and our 2019 team to an Elite 8 finish as a senior.

She was the key leader all three years, breaking school records for season and career,” said coach Carrie Prosek.

“She is very athletic who blocks and plays like she is over six-foot. She is very hard to read on the court running our 5-1 offense. Zoey is the best setter Minooka has ever had and she is the best setter I have ever coached and will be tough shoes to fill.”

Natalie Stefanski Joliet West Senior outside hitter posted 385 kills, 49 aces, 32 blocks and 241 digs on the season.

Played three years on varsity for the Tigers after spending her freshman year on the varsity team at Providence Catholic.

To see the complete all-area volleyball team, visit www.buglenewspapers.com

We d n es day, N ov e m b e r 2 7, 2 0 19 | b u g l e n e w spap e r s. c o m | pag e 7

8

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 | 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

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

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 | 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.

9

Phone: 815.436.2431 web: buglenewspapers.com/classifieds email: classifieds@buglenewspapers.com

real estate real estate

real estate

real estate IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY - JOLIET, ILLINOIS PHH Mortgage Corporation PLAINTIFF Vs. Margarita Cuevas; BMO Harris Bank National Association; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants DEFENDANTS 19CH1481 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Margarita Cuevas Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1402 Theodore St Joliet, IL 60435 and which said Mortgage was made by: Margarita Cuevas the Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as Nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Will County, Illinois, as Document No. R2014041674; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.

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 1/21/2020 at 2:15 pm at the Will County Court Annex-3rd Floor (Arbitration Center), 57 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet, Illinois.

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. For further information on the mediation process, please see the attached NOTICE OF MANDATORY MEDIATION. YOU MUST APPEAR ON THE MEDIATION DATE GIVEN OR YOUR RIGHT TO MEDIATION WILL TERMINATE. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Andrea Lynn Chasteen Clerk of the Court 57 N. Ottawa Street Joliet, IL 60432 on or before December 27, 2019, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 DuPage # 15170 Winnebago # 531 Our File No. 14-19-09111 NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector.

I3137832 Published 11/27, 12/4, 12/11

real estate 19-091467 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, JOLIET, ILLINOIS MIDFIRST BANK PLAINTIFF, -vsPARNITHA M. STEWART A/K/A PARNITHA STEWART A/K/A PARNITHA MARSHEA STEWART; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; STATE OF ILLINOIS; MEADOW VIEW TERRANCE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD

CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS DEFENDANTS NO. 19 CH 1346 PUBLICATION NOTICE The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you Parnitha M. Stewart a/k/a Parnitha Stewart a/k/a Parnitha Marshea Stewart; Unknown Owners and NonRecord Claimants; Unknown Occupants.

Defendants in the above entitled suit, that the said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Will County, by the said Plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: UNIT NO. 30 OF MEADOW VIEW TERRACE CONDOMINIUM, TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS, AS DELINEATED AND SET FORTH IN THE PLAT OF SURVEY ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT “C” TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP RECORDED JUNE 20, 1996 AS DOCUMENT NO. R96-54616 AND THIRD AMENDMENT RECORDED MARCH 22, 1999 AS DOCUMENT NO. R99-37426, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, IN PART OF THE WEST HALF OF SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 36 NORTH, RANGE 10 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 2037 Manico Court, Crest Hill, IL 60403 Permanent Index No.: 11-04-31-329-0221006 and which said Mortgage was made by Parnitha M. Stewart Mortgagors, to Union Federal Bank of Indianapolis as Mortgagee, and recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Will County, Illinois, Document No. R2003243945.

And for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of the said Court against you as provided by law, and that the suit is now pending.

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 January 7, 2020 at 1:00 pm at the Will County Arbitration Center, 57 N. Ottawa Street, 3rd Floor, 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. For further information on the mediation process, please see the attached NOTICE OF MANDATORY MEDIATION. YOU MUST APPEAR ON THE MEDIATION DATE GIVEN OR YOUR RIGHT TO MEDIATION WILL TERMINATE. Now therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, e-file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, on or before the 30th day after the first publication of this notice which is December 27, 2019.

Default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accor-

real estate dance with the prayer of said Complaint.

E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/serviceproviders. htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble efiling, visit http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/ FAQ/gethelp.asp, or talk with your local circuit clerk’s office.

Clerk Shapiro Kreisman & Associates, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 2121 Waukegan Road, Suite 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 ILNOTICES@logs.com THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOUR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THIS DEBT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED BY A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY OR BY AN ORDER GRANTING IN REM RELIEF FROM STAY, THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED SOLELY TO FORECLOSE THE MORTGAGE REMAINING ON YOUR PROPERTY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THE DISCHARGED PERSONAL OBLIGATION. Published 11/27, 12/4, 12/11

real estate IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY - JOLIET, ILLINOIS RJP INVESTMENTS, LLC, PLAINTIFF vs.

JL AFFORDABLE HOUSING, INC.; JERMAINE LAVELLE WALKER; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, DEFENDANTS 19CH1402 PUBLICATION NOTICE The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, JERMAINE LAVELLE WALKER; and UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendant in the above entitled suit, that the said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of the 12th Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois by the plaintiff against you and other defendant, praying for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage conveying the premises described as follows to wit: THAT PART OF LOTS 14 AND 15, IN J. REICHMANN’S SUBDIVISION OF PART OF BLOCKS 37 AND 40 OF CANAL TRUSTEE’S SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST 1/2 OF SECTION 15, IN TOWNSHIP 35 NORTH AND IN RANGE 10 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED MAY 29, 1889, AS DOCUMENT NO. 152817, IN PLAT BOOK 4, (PART 1), PAGE 49, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 14; THENCE WEST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT 14, 43.00 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 119.03 FEET TO A POINT ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 15,

THAT IS 41.86 FEET WEST OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 15, AS MEASURED ON SAID SOUTH LINE , THENCE EAST ON SAID SOUTH LINE, 41.86 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 15; THENCE NORTH ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 15 AND THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 14, 119.03 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, ALL IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. COMMON ADDRESS: 204 Reichman Street, Joliet, Illinois 60433 P.I.N.: 30-07-15-326-003 and which said mortgage was signed by JL AFFORDABLE HOUSING, INC., Mortgagor, to Island View Private Loan Fund, LP, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Will County as Document No. R2017072769; and for such other relief prayed; that summons was duly issued out of the Circuit Court of Will County against you as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending.

NOW THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU, the said above defendant, file your answer to the Complaint in said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of this Court in Will County at Will County Court House 14 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432 on or before December 20, 2019, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said complaint.

E-Filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http:// efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers. htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www. illinoiscourts.gov/faq/gethelp.asp or talk with your local circuit clerk’s office.

Circuit Clerk Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1125 Chicago, Illinois 60606 Email: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Ph. 312-541-9710 / Fax 312-541-9711 JB&A # COM IL 19 1260 I3137464 Published 11/20, 11/27, 12/4

10

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.

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ABDULRAZZAK N. ABDELALHALEEM, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF ABDULRAZZAK N. ABDELALHALEEM, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ABDULRAZZAK N. ABDELALHALEEM, DECEASED, FAIRUZ H. ABDELALHALEEM, ISSAM ABDELAHALEEM, ANA ABDELAHALEEM, AYMAN ABDELAHALEEM and JOSEPH CERNUGEL, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF ABDULRAZZAK N. ABDELALHALEEM, DECEASED, Defendants.

CASE NO. 18-CH-2009 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 3605 JUNIPER AVE JOLIET, IL 60431 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN YOU, Unknown Heirs and Devisees of Abdulrazzak N. Abdelalhaleem, deceased, Unknown Claimants and Lienholders Against the Estate of Abdulrazzak N. Abdelalhaleem, deceased and Unknown Claimants and Lienholders Against the Unknown Heirs and Devisees of Abdulrazzak N. Abdelalhaleem, deceased, Defendants, 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 3605 Juniper Ave, Joliet, IL 60431, more particularly described as: i.

The names of all plaintiffs and the case number are identified above. ii.

The court in which said action was brought is identified above. iii.

The names of the title holders of record are: Heirs and Devisees of Abdulrazzak N. Abdelalhaleem, deceased iv.

A legal description of the real estate sufficient to identify it with reasonable certainty is as follows: LOT 310 IN LONGLEAT UNIT 7-N, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTH 1/2 OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 35 NORTH, RANGE 9 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AUGUST 30, 1990 AS DOCUMENT NO. R90-48085, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Permanent Index Number: 05-06-02-122-0040000 v.

A common address or description of the location for the real estate is as follows: 3605 Juniper Ave, Joliet, IL 60431 vi.

An identification of the mortgage sought to be foreclosed is as follows: Names of the Mortgagors: Abdulrazzak N. Abdelalhaleem and Fairuz H. Abdelalhaleem, signs solely for the purpose of waiving homestead rights.

Names of the Mortgagee: MERS, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for The Federal Savings Bank Date of the Mortgage: April 17, 2015 Date of the recording: April 29, 2015 County where recorded: Will County Recording document identification: Document No. R2015036095 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 December 12, 2019 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 MEDIA-

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 | buglenewspapers.com

real estate

real estate

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT JOLIET, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS

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 December 13, 2019, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT FOR FORECLOSURE.

real estate TION 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 December 13, 2019, 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. Danielle Patterson (#6306717) 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 11/13, 11/20, 11/27

real estate IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY - JOLIET, ILLINOIS US Bank Trust, N.A., Not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as Owner Trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust PLAINTIFF Vs. Louis Lakota Jr.; Jerry Lakota; Barb Ludwick; Karen McDermott; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Helen Lakota; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants; Richard Kuhn, as Special Representative for Helen Lakota (Deceased) DEFENDANTS 19CH1470 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Helen Lakota Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1257 Elizabeth Street Joliet, IL 60435 and which said Mortgage was made by: Helen Lakota the Mortgagor(s), to First Suburban Mortgage Corporation, as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Will County, Illinois, as Document No. R96000576; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending.

NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Andrea Lynn Chasteen Clerk of the Court 57 N. Ottawa Street Joliet, IL 60432 on or before December 13, 2019, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 DuPage # 15170 Winnebago # 531 Our File No. 14-19-09032 NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector.

I3137089 Published 11/13, 11/20, 11/27

BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JOSE HERRERA, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF JOSE HERRERA, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JOSE HERRERA, DECEASED, ANDRES HERRERA, KARINA HERRERA, ADRIANA HERRERA and JOSEPH CERNUGEL, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF JOSE HERRERA, DECEASED, Defendants.

CASE NO. 19-CH-181 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 611-613 LANDAU AVE. JOLIET, IL 60432 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN YOU, Unknown Heirs and Devisees of Jose Herrera, deceased, Unknown Claimants and Lienholders Against the Estate of Jose Herrera, deceased, Unknown Claimants and Lienholders Against the Unknown Heirs and Devisees of Jose Herrera, deceased, Andres Herrera and Karina Herrera, Defendants, 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 611-613 Landau Ave., Joliet, IL 60432, more particularly described as: i.

The names of all plaintiffs and the case number are identified above. ii.

The court in which said action was brought is identified above. iii.

The names of the title holders of record are: Andres Herrera, as to an undivided 1/2 interest and Heirs and Devisees of Jose Herrera, deceased, as to an undivided 1/2 interest and Andres Herrera iv.

A legal description of the real estate sufficient to identify it with reasonable certainty is as follows: THE NORTH 45 FEET OF LOT 1 IN BLOCK 5 OF GARNSEY AND KNOX’S SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 35 NORTH, RANGE 10, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AUGUST 2, 1888 IN PLAT BOOK 6, PAGE 3, AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 148996, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Permanent Index Number: 30-07-10-216-0070000 fka 07-10-216-007-0000 v.

A common address or description of the location for the real estate is as follows: 611-613 Landau Ave., Joliet, IL 60432 vi.

An identification of the mortgage sought to be foreclosed is as follows: Names of the Mortgagors: Jose Herrera, Andres Herrera and Adriana Herrera, who signs solely for the purpose of waiving Homestead Rights Names of the Mortgagee: Bank of America, N.A. Date of the Mortgage: November 17, 2009 Date of the recording: January 6, 2010 County where recorded: Will County Recording document identification: Document No. R2010001194 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 December 12, 2019 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.

CLERK OF THE COURT THIS COMMUNICATION IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED

real estate WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Danielle Patterson (#6306717) 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 11/13, 11/20, 11/27

neWs from around the count y

county

Wednesday, november 27, 2019 | bugleneWspapers.com

11

local neWs >> forest preserve dIstrIct of WIll county

Win $500 Prize in Preserve the Moment Photo Contest

enter november’s contest by 11:59 p.m. on saturday, november 30

I

f you haven’t entered the Preserve the Moment photo contest yet, time is of the essence not only as November comes to a close but also because the end is near for this year’s contest, which wraps up on December 31.

Sure, the weather hasn’t exactly been stellar lately, but don’t let that stop you from getting outdoors and exploring nature. There are plenty of opportunities to snap a photo of a variety of wildlife that are easier to spot now that most of the leaves have fallen, to find some cool fungus, or simply take in the scenery.

So go ahead and venture out into a preserve and try to wow the judges.

Just be sure to enter November’s contest by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, November 30.

Even if you don’t have anything from this month, photos taken in a preserve since the contest started in April also can be submitted. If you’re just finding out about the contest now, it’s a good time to go through your recent nature photos and enter a potential winner.

Each monthly finalist — as voted on by a panel of judges — will receive a $75 MasterCard gift card and

advance into the final round of judging once the contest concludes on December 31. The top three winners will be determined by a public vote on the District’s Facebook page, with the first-place winner receiving a $500 gift card; second place, $250; and third place, $150.

Three random drawings also will be held for all contest participants and those three winners will each receive a $75 MasterCard gift card. All who enter receive a participation gift.

Participate in the “Woods Walk” program, which will get you moving in some wonderful natural settings.

Visit Hadley Valley Preserve, which just earned an Excellence in Ecological Restoration accreditation.

Register for a guided hiking program and bring your camera, because these hikes are a great way to see – and learn about – wildlife in the preserves.

Check out our Will County Wildlife Facebook Group to see what everyone else is spotting throughout the county.

Check out our Instagram account and Flickr page.

Participants may enter up to five digital photos per month. All photos must be uploaded via the District’s contest upload page. Be sure to fill out all of the required information, including the date and location the photo was taken.

Photos must be taken by amateur

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF WILL COUNTY

september finalist michelle Wendling captured this photo of a beautiful sunset. photographers age 18 or older, and they must be snapped in a Will County forest preserve during the contest period, which began on April 1. For instance, pictures taken at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, which is

local neWs

$5.3 Million grant awarded to Veterans Memorial Trail Project a new 3.5-mile section of veterans memorial trail will become a reality thanks to a $5.3 million federal grant

The paved trail section will be built in Homer Township from 159th Street, just east of Interstate 355, south to Hadley Valley preserve.

Construction could begin sometime in 2020.

The northern section of the new trail segment will connect to a path the Illinois Department of Transportation is building along the north side of 159th Street from I-355 east to Route 45. The southern section of the new Veterans Memorial Trail segment will connect to the Forest Preserve’s Spring Creek Greenway Trail.

The Transportation Alternatives Program grant was allocated recently by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning as part of $475 million in federal funds awarded to 70 transportation improvement projects throughout the region.

The grant will pay for 80 percent of the Veterans Memorial Trail extension. The City of Lockport is contributing $575,000 for the project, which will help the Forest Preserve pay its 20 percent grant match.

“The city recently completed its Bike Path Master Plan Survey and the Veterans Memorial Trail is a huge

part of that plan,” said City Manager Ben Benson. “We’re really looking forward to this new trail extension.”

The trail segment is a critical link in a collaborative effort by the Forest Preserve and its partners to build out Will County’s regional trail system, said Ralph Schultz, the District’s chief operating officer.

“Connections like these offer true nonmotorized alternatives that clean our air and offer healthy options for travel between our homes, businesses and natural areas,” he added. “We look forward to working with others to continue to expand the Veterans Memorial Trail in the future and provide additional opportunities and connections within our communities.”

owned by the U.S. Forest Service, and Pilcher Park, which is a City of Joliet park, will not qualify for the contest.

For a list of all Forest Preserve locations, check out the District’s preserve page and be sure to read the contest

rules before entering. Entries not adhering to the rules will automatically be disqualified.

The Preserve the Moment photo contest is sponsored by The Nature Foundation of Will County.

pag e 1 2 | Wednesday, Nov em ber 27, 20 19 | b ugle n e w s pa p e r s .c om