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coVer sTory
Pritzker looking at all possible mitigations
by Jerry noWicKi
Capitol News Illinois
Masks will be required at driver’s license facilities in Illinois starting Monday, Secretary of State Jesse White announced Wednesday, and Gov. JB Pritzker said he is “looking at all the possible mitigations” amid another surge of COVID-19 infections. The secretary of state’s announcement came one day after the Illinois Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated guidance to recommend individuals in areas with “substantial risk” or greater for the spread of COVID-19 should wear face coverings regardless of vaccination status. “Substantial” risk occurs when new cases are between 50 to 99 per 100,000 people over a 7-day period, while “high” risk occurs when cases exceed that amount. A CDC county map, viewable at https://covid.cdc.gov/ covid-data-tracker/#county-view, shows much of the state’s western half along the Missouri border is at high or substantial risk, as is most of southern Illinois. The CDC also recommended masks be worn by all individuals in K-12 schools, and IDPH announced it “fully aligns” with the federal guidance. The governor warned Monday that districts disobeying guidance could face civil liability. White’s new mask requirement will also apply to the Illinois State Capitol and all secretary of state offices. The announcement came as the state reported 2,082 new COVID-19 cases, the most since May 7, and the case positivity rate rose to 4 percent, the highest since April 19. The guidance that all people in school buildings should wear face coverings comes just 18 days after the CDC released guidance saying masks were suggested only for those who had not been vaccinated. Dr. Rochelle Walensky of the CDC said in a Tuesday briefing the main reason for the change in guidance is the fact that the COVID-19 delta vari-
ant – which makes up “eight in 10” of the COVID-19 cases that have had been sequenced in laboratories – is less predictable and more transmissible than previous versions of the virus. It’s also due to the fact that fewer people than expected have chosen to become vaccinated nationwide. “When we released our school guidance on July 9, we had less delta variant in this country, we had fewer cases in this country, and importantly, we were really hopeful that we would have more people vaccinated, especially in the demographic between 12 to 17 years old,” Walensky said according to an audio recording posted to the CDC website. She said the guidance is aimed at protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as children 11 years of age and younger and those who are immunocompromised. While Pritzker said the state has “wanted school districts to make decisions for themselves throughout the last year to keep their districts safe,” school districts face the risk of being held liable in civil courts “if they don’t live up to the standard that is set by the CDC.” The Illinois State Board of Education echoed those comments in a statement Wednesday. “Illinois fully adopted the CDC’s updated guidance for K-12 schools on July 27, which recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status,” an ISBE spokesperson said in an email. “School boards that choose not to implement public health guidance are putting their students and staff at risk and should consult with their insurers as to potential liability.” Other than that, ISBE’s most recent guidance, encouraging school boards to work with local health departments on mitigations, remains in place.
pandemic of the unvaccinated Walensky characterized current spread of COVID-19 as a “pandemic of the unvaccinated.” She said while the vast majority of disease transmission
is happening between unvaccinated individuals, there are “rare occasions” in which vaccinated people have been spreading the virus to others, which necessitated the guidance for vaccinated individuals to wear face coverings. But the vaccine is largely effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death in those who receive it. “We continue to estimate that the risk of a breakthrough infection with symptoms upon exposure to the delta variant is reduced by seven fold. The reduction is 20 fold for hospitalizations and deaths,” Walensky said. Walensky also said a major concern as the virus continues to spread and mutate is that it eventually evolves into a “very transmissible virus that has the potential to evade our vaccine in terms of how it protects us from severe disease and death.” While “we’re not there yet,” she said, that mutation could be as few as “two mutations away” from the current circulating variants. As of now, 99 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Illinois are occurring in unvaccinated individuals, Pritzker has said. As of Tuesday night there were 857 people hospitalized for COVID-19 across the state, a high since June 4 and a 50 percent increase from exactly one week ago. Intensive care bed usage by COVID-19 patients is up 56 percent from a week ago, with 184 beds in use by COVID-19 patients, including 74 on ventilators. Another six deaths were attributed to the virus Wednesday, bringing the confirmed death toll in Illinois to 23,420, with 2,473 probable COVID-19 deaths as well since the pandemic began. The pace of vaccinations continued to slow Wednesday, with 17,982 doses administered daily over the past week, down from a peak of 130,000 in April. About half of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, according to IDPH.
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coVid-19
Mask mandates going into effect locally
In accordance with CDC and IDPH recommendations, the Niles-Maine District Library will require face masks for everyone ages 2 and up regardless of vaccination status starting Tuesday, August 3, 2021. “We thank our patrons for their cooperation,” said Executive Director Cyndi Rademacher. “We want to make sure everyone has the safest experience while in the building.” For the latest COVID-19 updates from the Library, visit www.nileslibrary.org/coronavirus. Niles-Maine District Library serves 59,000 residents in the Village of Niles, Unincorporated Des Plaines, and Unincorporated Glenview.
Will coUnTy Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is announcing new protocols around face coverings at Will County Buildings. Starting Monday, August 2, the public, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, will be required to wear a mask or face covering upon entering any county building and during
any time spent in county buildings. Due to a large increase in COVID cases, both locally and nationwide, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are recommending face coverings be worn indoors for everyone, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, in jurisdictions with substantial transmission. According to the CDC and the Will County Health Department, Will County is an area of substantial transmission with the number of positive cases reported increasing threefold since June 27, while vaccination numbers continue to lag. Areas of substantial transmission are considered by CDC to be those with 50 to 99 cases per 100,000 people over a 7-day period. Areas of high transmission are considered to be those with more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over a 7-day period. The community level of transmission can be found at: https://covid. cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-
view. “We are listening to our public health experts, and they are saying that Will County is experiencing a rapid rise in infections amongst the unvaccinated.” said County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “We know masking can help prevent transmission of COVID-19 and its variants. We will continue to follow IDPH and CDC recommendations to help protect our employees and the public. We encourage all individuals to get a vaccination to protect themselves, their loved ones and our fellow neighbors.”
plainField parK disTricT On Tuesday, July 27th, the Illinois Department of Public Health aligned their language and recommendations with that of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), encouraging individuals to wear a mask indoors in coronavirus hot spots. This guideline includes even those who have been fully vaccinated. Currently, Will and Kendall Counties have been categorized as “Sub-
stantial” in transmission levels. In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, and to prevent moving into higher risk zones and tighter restrictions, the Plainfield Park District will follow both the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and CDC guidelines requiring individuals to wear a mask while indoors starting Saturday, July 31 until further notice.
Patrons visiting our facilities for any reason will be asked to wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status. We also ask that those in attendance at outdoor events be respectful of those around them and practice physical distancing. Keep watching buglenewspapers.com for updates
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Will coUnTy >> ForesT preserVe disTricT
CHAD MERDA/WILL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE
suzy lyttle, a Forest preserve district of Will county program coordinator, holds an award from The national association of county parks and recreation officials. The district won the award in the marketing and communications division for its monthly nature show, The buzz, which lyttle hosts.
‘The Buzz’ wins national award The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s monthly nature show, “The Buzz,” has won a national award. The show, which debuted in July 2020, received the award from The National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials (NACPRO), which recognized the monthly nature program in the Marketing and Communications division of its 2020 annual awards program. NACPRO Award Committee members were impressed with the Forest Preserve show’s quality, humor and “laid back approach to education and information.” The NACPRO awards recognize excellence in parks and recreation at the county, regional and special district levels throughout the nation. “The Buzz” airs live on the Forest Preserve’s Facebook and YouTube sites at 8:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month. Recordings of the show are available for viewing later on the District’s Facebook, YouTube and Instagram pages. “The Buzz” also airs on cable stations in Joliet, Naperville, New Lenox, Romeoville and Tinley Park. Suzy Lyttle, the show’s host, said working on “The Buzz” has been a true adventure, and it has allowed her to share her favorite forest preserve finds with viewers. “Turning a spark of an idea, to a script, to a show each month, and now celebrating a national award,” said Lyttle, who is a Forest Preserve program coordinator “I still don’t think it has fully sunk in that we won, not just for the state but against entries from across the country.”
Lyttle said her goal is to share the special features of the forest preserves and the flora and fauna that live there. “If I can inspire you to explore a new place, care about a new animal, or plant natives in your own yard then I have done what I set out to accomplish.” Filming the show in all kinds of weather led to some interesting experiences, said Chad Merda, the Forest Preserve’s digital communications manager, who films and edits each episode. “We launched a kayak in freezing temperatures in December to reach the nesting islands at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve,” Merda said. “We were smoked out while filming a prescribed burn. And I almost went completely underwater at Monee Reservoir while filming beaver activity.” Ralph Schultz, the Forest Preserve’s executive director, praised Lyttle and Merda for their hard work and for serving as “great ambassadors” for the Forest Preserve District. “‘The Buzz’ vividly depicts how the Forest Preserve is protecting Will County’s natural resources as well as how the areas we preserve are thriving, which is core to our mission,” Schultz added. “Each episode peeks into different corners of our ecosystem to educate, entertain and inspire members of the public to appreciate nature. We are very proud of this award and of the work we do.” To watch previous episodes of “The Buzz,” visit the Forest Preserve’s YouTube page at YouTube. com/WillCoForests. For more information on the District, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.
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sporTs
JCA’s Hamiti is Illinois’ Excellence Award winner The National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Tuesday announced the state winners of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award (DSHSEA). Recent Joliet Catholic Academy graduate Dean Hamiti Jr. was announced as Illinois’ award winner. The three-time IHSA state champion Hilltopper wrestler leaves JCA as the most storied individual athlete in school history. Hamiti, who is currently attending the University Wisconsin on an academic and athletic scholarship, was a favorite to win his fourth IHSA individual state championship this past winter, but the tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This award and recognition goes beyond DJ as an athlete. It is a testament to his focus on all aspects of being a well-rounded young man,” said JCA head wrestling coach Ryan Cumbee. “I am so proud of him and have no doubt he will see continued success as he
navigates life at the University of Wisconsin.” The DSHSEA was established in 1996 to honor Olympic and World champion Dave Schultz, whose career was cut short when he was murdered in January 1996. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1997 and as a member of the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. The award recognizes and celebrates the nation’s most outstanding high school senior male wrestlers for their excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship, and community service. Winners are evaluated and selected on the basis of three criteria: success and standout performances and sportsmanship in wrestling; review of GPA and class rank, academic honors and distinctions; and participation in activities that demonstrate commitment to character and community.
“This year has been so hard for so many seniors whose seasons and state championships were either shortened, postponed or canceled as a result of the pandemic,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Lee Roy Smith. “Despite the many challenges they encountered, these student-athletes demonstrated tremendous resolve while working to achieve their academic and athletic goals. “In recognition of their fortitude, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is excited to recognize these young men with our Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award, and we wish them continued success, on and off the mat.” The Hall of Fame accepts nominations for its high school excellence awards from state chapters and coaches. The nominations are reviewed by a committee, which selects state and regional winners. The committee then determines the national winners from the regional winners.
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Will coUnTy
Shorewood breaks ground on a new public works facility The Village of Shorewood is investing nearly $15 million to consolidate operations of the Public Works Department to provide more efficient service delivery in a new facility on Mound Road. When the project is completed, the seven parcels that Public Works currently occupies in the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District will become available for redevelopment. The new 71,000 square foot building will be constructed on Village-owned property that is already occupied by a water tower, well treatment plant, salt dome and telecommunications tower. The site will be able to accommodate a future building addition within the outdoor storage yard. A number
obiTUary FassioTTo Shirley A. Fassiotto (nee Petitgout), age 90, a resident of Plainfield, IL since 1963, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at her home. She was born December 14, 1930, in Galena, IL to the late Sherman and Marguerite (nee Girot) Petitgout. Beloved wife of the late Eugene J. “Fuzz” Fassiotto, whom she married on August 25, 1950 and who preceded her in death on March 11, 1996. Loving mother of David (Melissa) Fassiotto of LaVeta, CO, Robert (Chris) Fassiotto of Portland, OR, Thomas (Dawn) Fassiotto of Plainfield and Susan (Jerry) Rambert of The Colony, TX. Also an adored grandmother of twelve, cherished great-grandmother of ten, a dear sister of Phyllis (Keith) Althafer of Warren, IL, James (the late Jean) Petitgout of McBee, SC, the late Paul Petitgout, and sister-in-law, Rosalie Shackleford of Joliet, IL. Shirley grew up in Hanover, IL and was a 1948 graduate of Hanover High School. After marrying, she lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, Coal City and Crest Hill, IL before coming to Plainfield in
1963. Shirley was a longtime active member and volunteer at Plainfield United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling around the country to visit her family members, and especially to attend her grandchildren’s sporting and special events. Shirley continued to be an avid supporter of athletics at Plainfield High School long after her own children graduated. A talented baker and cook, Shirley was famous for her delicious caramel rolls, Christmas cookies and homemade ravioli. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, sharp wit and gregarious personality. Once you met Shirley, you would never forget her spunk and unique sense of humor. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 5:00-8:00 PM at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL. Additional visitation will be held Wednesday, August 11, 10:00-11:00 AM at Plainfield United Methodist Church, 15114 S. Illinois St., Plainfield, IL 60544, (815) 436-9651. A funeral service will follow Wednesday, 11:00 AM in the church.
Future interment: Plainfield Township Cemetery, Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Shirley’s memory may be made to: Plainfield United Methodist Church, 15114 S. Illinois St., Plainfield, IL 60544, (815) 436-9651, http://plainfieldumc.com/ Please plan to wear a mask in order to respect and protect those in attendance. Thank you. For more information, please call (815) 436 – 9221 or visit www.overman-jones.com
of innovative landscape elements are included in the project, which include use of native plantings, designation of monarch waystations, and the establishment of a tree farm that will be used to grow saplings for use on public property when they have matured. Once completed, the project will not only streamline Public Works operations but the property will also serve other entities including the Police Department, Troy Fire Protection District, and Western Will County Communication Center (WESCOM). The Village celebrated the start of construction of the new Public Works Facility on Saturday, July 24th with a ground breaking cere-
mony. The construction is expected to begin in August with completion anticipated by the summer of next year. Mayor CC DeBold explains that “this project has been contemplated by the Village for many years due to the inadequacy of the numerous locations from which Public Works operates. In order to fund this project, the Village is issuing debt at a highly competitive true interest rate of 1.78% which was made possible by maintaining our AA+ bond rating. The low interest rate allows the Village to more efficiently use public funds to construct a facility that allows future growth while facilitating redevelopment opportunities in the TIF District.”
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Phone: 815.4246.24241 >> Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. FAX: 815.4249.2415 email: classifieds@enterprisepublications.com IN PERSON: Enterprise Publications >> 2241556 Andrew Rd. >> Plainfield, IL
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real estate 19-092692 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, JOLIET, ILLINOIS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. PLAINTIFF, -vsUnknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Peggy L. Reichenberger, Deceased; Frank Reichenberger a/k/a Frank H. Reichenberger; Richard R. Reichenberger, Jr.; Joseph M. Reichenberger; Joseph M. Cernugel, as Special Representative for Peggy L. Reichenberger, Deceased; First Midwest Bank; State of Illinois; Midwest Mortgage Services, Inc.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS DEFENDANTS NO. 20 CH 45 PUBLICATION NOTICE The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Peggy L. Reichenberger, Deceased; Unknown Owners and Non-Record 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: LOT 14 IN BLOCK 3 IN HAMPTON PARK SUBDIVISION NO. 3, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 3, 1959, AS DOCUMENT NO. 872683, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 411 Montclaire Court, Romeoville, IL 60446 Permanent Index No.: 12-02-33-402-014-0000 and which said Mortgage was made by Richard R. Reichenberger and Peggy L. Reichenberger Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Nominee for First Midwest Bank as Mortgagee, and recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Will County, Illinois, Document No. R2004189148. 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. 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 August 23, 2021. 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 efile, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit https://efile. illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.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 LOGS Legal Group LLP 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. 8146-916499 Published 7/21, 7/28, 8/4
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