Joliet Bugle 2-29-12 by Bugle, Sentinel & Enterprise Newspapers

INSIDE

NEWS Rep. Lipinski talks jobs in Lockport

SPORTS Joliet West beats Lockport Page 11

www.jolietbugle.com

Page 2

Our Village, Our News

FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Vol. 4 No. 26

JOLIET SEES A

SURPLUS? City finances fare better than expected in 2011 By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

Joliet city officials recently finalized the year’s finances to the tune of a $3.6 million surplus in the city’s operating fund, despite earlier projections that the coffers would be empty. But what’s being seen by some as a positive change in Joliet finances is also causing frustration among some city residents, who see something fishy in a plan that hikes taxes, only to bask in the glow of a multimillion dollar cushion by year’s end. But officials charge that a host of variable checks and balances affected the outcome,

from a mild winter that cost the city less in maintenance, repair and service, to less than anticipated medical costs. Ken Mihelich from the city’s office of management and budget, said the State of Illinois, which had been delinquent in its payment of income tax funds, finally came through on Dec. 29 with about $780,000. Additionally, Medicare reimbursements of $500,000 and positive real estate transactions of about $400,000 helped account for gains in revenue. On the side of expenses, $350,000 was saved through job attrition.The city, which is self-insured, saw just a 2.3 percent increase in hospitalization costs in 2011, coupled with lower than expected worker’s compensation payouts by about $1.3 million. “Some things we expected to settle in 2011 didn’t settle until 2012,” he said. See SURPLUS, page 23

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

News

Rep. Lipinski talks jobs in Lockport By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

More than 300 job seekers turned out in Lockport last week for a job fair offered up by U.S. Congressman Dan Lipinski. Fortyfive employers were invited by Lipinski to participate in the fair, held at Lockport High School on President’s Day. “People are really still struggling to find jobs,” Lipinski said. “Many workers in their 40s and 50s tell me their concerned employers are looking for younger people, and the jobs that are available aren’t offering the pay and benefits they once had.” The result, Lipinski said, is that even those who have been successful finding employment consider it temporary, and continue the hunt for better opportunities that meet their demands for salary, benefits and cost of living considerations. “There are a significant number of people working in a job at a lower level than they are used to,”

he said On the other side of the argument are employers, who struggle to expand and find qualified staff to meet their needs in the current economic climate. “I hear from many, particularly in manufacturing, that people aren’t qualified for the jobs they need to fill to really take advantage of potential projects,” Lipinski said. A lot of small business owners also are having difficulty getting loans, even when those loans are for expansion. “The economy is getting better, but we are in such a deep hole that it is taking too long,” he said. Lipinski said he wants to help design better regulations for the banks, so more money makes it into the hands of small business. “The banks say that strict regulation impairs lending,” he said “We need to work on that and quickly get loans into the hands of those who can use it to expand, hire workers, build products.”

“We have to go after China for unfair competition, and keep that country from stealing our jobs and profitability,” Dan Lipinski, U.S. Congressman Still, Lipinski said there are structural problems in our economy that existed well before the recession. One of those, he said, is China. “We have to go after China for unfair competition, and keep that country from stealing our jobs and profitability,” he said. Additionally, Lipinski said he and every other representative has a responsibility to those out of work to keep working toward improving the marketplace and to every business owner to make the environment as conducive to growth as possible. “We have to try to come up with a good policy that encourages private sector job creation,” he said, “and we need to address

the needs at the individual level whenever possible. It has to be our top priority.” A lot of longer term solutions to our country’s economic woes are on the table, from investments in science education to developing new environmental technologies, but Lipinski says more needs to be done now, to ease the burden and pressures on both the workforce and the job creators. “Infrastructure is a quick start job,” he said, adding that with passage of the transportation bill, which he himself championed, work could begin as early as this spring, and put Illinois on a path in the right direction. “Illinois is really at the crossroads of the country,” he

said. “Aviation, rail, interstate--but our routes are overburdened. Chicago has an advantage, but we are losing it, because inefficient transportation makes business inefficient. If we cannot move freight better, more efficiently, companies will seek alternatives to our congestion.” But in a state where the debt burden is one of the highest in the nation, investments in infrastructure may be in the hands of Lipinski and his colleagues at a federal level. “We clearly have an issue in Illinois, we can’t pay our bills. The Governor will be making significant cuts, and we can’t just keep raising taxes. But Lipinski warns that even with Federal help, this is not a process that will be done overnight. “On a national level we can borrow easier, but that’s not going to last forever,” he said.“We have to rein in our debt.” sdauskurdas@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Let's Get Serious

Businesses must be heard, says chamber president Doug Whitley Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

It’s time to get serious about changing the anti-business climate in Illinois, says the state’s Chamber of Commerce leader. Doug Whitley, president of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce told a group of local business owners that while legislators have often overlooked their views because “businesses don’t vote,” now is the time for their voices to be heard. The address, offered at Johansen & Anderson, Inc. to members of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Whitley Illinois Jobs

Agenda, a five step plan for restoring the state’s solvency and bargaining power for economic development. The steps,Whitley said, include: • Restore fiscal integrity; • Reduce the cost of doing business in Illinois; • Improve education and workforce skills; • Invest in infrastructure; and • Improve confidence in the state’s judiciary Referencing the recent decision by Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman to take his manufacturing business outside

“Job creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, small business owners and people aspiring for jobs and a brighter future need the Illinois legislators to make decisions that will put this state on a trajectory for growth.” Doug Whitley, Illinois Chamber president

the borders of Illinois, Whitley told the audience that despite the advantages Illinois boasts—access, diversity, location, and the world class city of Chicago—Illinois’ problems are weighing down the

state. “Every employer, no matter how large or small, should follow Oberhelman’s lead, and start discussing what a jobs agenda should entail.”

And if members of the audience weren’t certain, Whitley had the answers, outlining a laundry list of issues legislators need to address, from unfunded pension liability and a ranking of 48th in job growth, to the fourth highest workers’ compensation costs and a per capita income that has slipped from fourth to 13th in the last decade. “Job creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, small business owners and people aspiring for jobs and a brighter future need the Illinois legislators to make decisions that will put this state on a trajectory for growth.” Whitley said.

Veterans offered free boating safety class Volunteers from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary are inviting recent veterans to a boating safety class in Channahon -- free of charge. The Will County class will be on Saturday, March 31, and seating is limited. The eighthour program is also open to members of the public in the Joliet area. “We want to say ‘thanks’ to our veterans,” commented Auxiliary instructor Maxine Baratz. “Protecting them through a safety class seems like a good way to do it.” This introductory boating class will cover basic

procedures, state requirements and emergency response. Newer boaters will find this program helpful in navigation and equipment subjects. The electric fish barrier on the Calumet Saginaw Channel will be discussed as will transiting locks. Baratz’s group of instructors, known as a flotilla, is offering courses on March 24 in Yorkville; on March 31 in Channahon; on April 14 in Highland Park and on April 21 at the Chicago Yacht Club in downtown Chicago. There are 20 spots reserved for recent veterans, who must display

their military IDs to qualify. “About Boating Safely” is the most popular boating safety class in America. The course conducts a colorful, powerpoint slide show together with an easy-to-follow textbook. Baratz’s flotilla has instructed over 500 students. There is a state law in Illinois that requires teenagers, ages 1217, to successfully complete a qualified, boating-safety course before driving a power boat or wave runner by themselves. Some boaters take online courses, but others prefer to have an instructor standing in front of them to answer

questions and explain things. With the warmer weather in recent years, more people are trying water sports. Coast Guard officials are concerned about safety trends.These trends show that not enough recreational boaters are learning the right way to stay safe on the water. The Coast Guard is making a dramatic effort this year to promote safety education. “The students really enjoy this class,” Baratz observed. “And we would prefer to teach a boater about safety then have to rescue them when in trouble.” The Channahon class will

be held at the Four River Environmental Education Center located in McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove, near the intersection of Interstate 55 and Interstate 80. The Four Rivers EE Center has a view of water areas where the DuPage, Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers join to form the Illinois River. The center is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Will County. To learn more about these US Coast Guard Auxiliary boating classes, contact Bob Allen at 1-630-621-5544. Other Auxiliary courses are listed at “ChicagoSafeBoating.com”

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Joliet Area Historical Museum features exhibit on space pioneer Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter

Area residents looking for an out-of-this-world experience need only visit nearby Joliet Area Historical Museum, for a trip into space with a local hero. The Museum is partnering with the regional literature program, the 2012 Great Read, to offer a special opportunity on Saturday, March 3 for participants to view its fascinating exhibit about Joliet native Dr. John Houbolt, a pioneer in the early days of the nation’s space exploration program. Dr. Houbolt played a key role in the early space program. He championed the lunar orbit rendezvous concept that eventually allowed the United States to efficiently land men on the moon. The 500-square foot, two-floor exhibit features interactive panels, diagrams and maps, audio-visuals, flat screen narratives and period dioramas to tell the exciting story of the race to the moon, the Apollo 11 mission, the moon landing and Dr. Houbolt’s vision for the American space program. Space-related activities will be available for kids in the Houbolt Resource and Discovery Room and NASArelated mementos will be given

Great "Rocket Boys" Novel Contest Avid readers taking part in this year’s community novel program could win four tickets to the Adler Planetarium by joining the Great “Rocket Boys” Novel Contest. The trivia contest features 10 questions from the book, and two winners will be chosen randomly from the replies with the correct answers. The winning adult (16 years or older) will receive the tickets to the Adler Planetarium, and the winning child (15 years and younger) will get a model rocket building kit. The winners will be announced at the Great Read Closing Gala Celebration, 6 p.m. April 17, 2011, at Plainfield North High School, 12005 S. 248th Street, Plainfield. Visit the Great Read web site at www.psd202.org/greatread, download the contest flier from the front page, and email your answers to the 10 trivia questions to thegreatread@gmail.com by Friday, April 6, 2012. The Great Read was created in 2004 to promote literacy, reading, conversation and community in the greater Plainfield area. “The Great Read” is presented by the Plainfield School District 202; the Plainfield, Joliet and Fountaindale public libraries; Plainfield Township; and the Joliet-area Barnes and Noble stores. Check the Great Read 2011-12 web site for more information at www.psd202.org/greatread

away while supplies last. The exhibit ties in directly with the focus of this year’s Great Read program, Homer Hickam’s “Rocket Boys: a Memoir” Rocket Boys is the story of Hickam’s life in the little town of Coalwood, West Virginia. Hickam had written a short article about his life as a young boy growing up in Coalwood, WV and aspiring to be a rocket scientist for Air & Space Magazine in 1994. It received so much acclaim and interest, he was asked to write a book detailing the whole story. After awards and critical acclaim,

Universal Studios released its film October Sky, in 1999 based on Rocket Boys, and starring actor Jake Gyllenhall. “Nancy Houbolt Family Day” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at

the museum, 204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet. Admission is free to anyone 17 and younger, and only $5 for adults who mention the Great Read. sdauskurdas@buglenewspapers.com

Calendar ONGOING Fish fry. Every Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus #4400, 1813 E. Cass St., Joliet. Dine in or carry out available. For more information call 815-723-3827 or visit www. kofc4400.com. Joliet Lupus Support Group Meeting. From 6:15-8 p.m. on the fourth Wednesdays of odd months at the Provena Physical Rehab & Sports Injury Center, 2132 Jefferson St. (in Marycrest Plaza), Joliet. The purpose of the LFAI support group is to provide participants knowledge, skills and support to manage their lupus effectively. Anyone with lupus or a family member or friend with lupus is welcome to join this group. Contact Tari at (815) 351-2544 or e-mail: tlapurdue82@gmail. com. Go www.lupus.org for more information on lupus. WomenHeart Support Network. The WomenHeart Support Network of Joliet meets monthly (second Thursday of each month) from 6:308 p.m. at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, Conference Rm. A, 333 Madison Street Joliet, Il 60431. Occasionally features guest speakers & special group activities. The WomenHeart Support Network of Joliet is open to women heart patients who are interested in empowering themselves and other women living with heart disease through support, education and advocacy. Birth after Cesarean. This group meets the first Monday every month in Romeoville from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Please come for encouragement, support, and information to plan for your natural birth after cesarean. All babes-in-arms are welcome too.

Call Melanie at 253-861-5897 or VBACesarean@aol.com with any questions. Citizens Against Ruining the Environment. Every third Monday of the month at 6-7:30 p.m. at SOS Children’s Village, 17545 Village Lane, Lockport. This volunteer non-profit environmental organization is dedicated to serving Will County and the surrounding area. For more information or a meeting agenda, call Ellen Rendulich at 815-834-1611. Are you affected by someone’s drinking? Open meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at 265 Republic Ave. in Joliet. Contact Al-anon/ Alateen at 815-773-9623 or visit www.niafg.org for more information. Circle of Hope Al-Anon Family Group. Sundays at 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Joliet Alano Club (back entrance), 265 Republic Ave. in Joliet. This on-

going support group with no fees or dues is for all families and friends of problem drinkers, especially those who are affected today by growing up in an alcoholic home. For more information contact Jillian M. at easydoesit40 @comcast.net Strive 4 Hope. Second and fourth Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Joliet Moose Lodge #300, 25 Springfield Ave., Joliet. This is a newly formed support group which welcomes all cancer survivors, caregivers, family members, and friends. Call Sharon at 815-349-5458 or Carrie at 815-730-0134 for more information. Need a Job or GED Classes? Education Service Network NFP Inc.’s Career Seekers GED/Workforce program, a program of the Regional Office of Education is located at 179 North Chicago St. Joliet, Illinois 60432. We offer GED classes/resume preparation/ job placement for participants between the ages of 16 and 21.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon; Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. We also offer GED classes at our satellite site at the Friendship Centre at HighPoint, 175 South HighPoint Drive, Romeoville on Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information call 815774-8902 or 815-774-8922.

slots. Bring your friends for multiplayer, or sign up on your own. Ages 13-18 only.

Breast cancer support group. 7-8:30 p.m. at Joliet Oncology-Hematology Associates, 2614 West Jefferson St., Joliet. The Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month. For more information call Pattie at 815-436-7640.

Young Widows Support Group. Meets the thirdThursday of every month at varying locations in the Plainfield/Joliet area. Open to those who have lost a partner and are ready to begin healing and moving forward in life by sharing their experiences with others. Children are welcome. For more information please contact Amanda at widowswearstilettos chicagosw@yahoo.com.

Wii Gaming Afternoons. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. at the Shorewood Public Library. Stop by to use the library’s Wii, set up in the Young Adult area. No early registration required, just sign up on the day at the reference desk for 30-minute

Pool Classes for Arthritis. Every Tuesday and Thursday in the Willow Falls Recreation Center, 1691 Willow Circle Dr., Crest Hill. Morning and evening classes are available. For details and registration call Valerie Brockman at 815-773-6229.

FEBRUARY 29 Tween Scene. 4-5 p.m. at the Gaylord Building, 200 W. Eighth See CALENDAR, page 6

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Joliet Police Department. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

Joliet Frank I. Wallace, 51, 1102 Bartel Road, Joliet, was cited Feb. 14 on N. Briggs and E. Cass for failure to signal and driving without a valid driver’s license. Jimmie Mitchell, 23, 134 North Hoyne, Chicago, was cited Feb. 14 on N. Briggs and Maple Road for driving with a suspended driver’s license. Lamarr A. Coats, 22, 358 N. Broadway, Joliet, was cited Feb. 15 on E. Jackson and Scott for driving with a suspended license and with no front license plate. Tatania Y. Jackson, 32, 1604 E. Washington, was arrested at this address on Feb. 15 for aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault, and no valid FOID card after a domestic dispute escalated and Jackson fired two rounds into the front door of the residence. Monica Godinez, 38, 415 Fourth Ave., Joliet, was cited Feb. 15 on Glenwood and N. Larkin for operating a vehicle with suspended registration and no valid driver’s license. Godinez was held on an active Will County warrant. On Feb. 16, persons unknown

CALENDAR Continued from page 5 St., Lockport. Celebrate Leap Day with crafts, activities, and fun. Contact the Lockport Branch Library adult services desk at 815-838-0755 to sign up for this program. Leap Day Party. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Crest Hill Library. Celebrate a day that only comes once every four years. Play games, make crafts, and have a snack. All ages are welcome. To register, visit the children’s department or call 815-7250234. Evening of anime. 6:30-8

Police Blotter

severely damaged the main door to a detached garage in the 1100 block of Davison and entered it. Offenders entered an unlocked vehicle and stole a kicker box with two speakers, an amplifier, a capacitor, and a large tool bag containing various tools. During the daylight hours of Feb. 16, persons unknown entered the front window of a residence in the 0-100 block of S. Kenmore Ave. and stole nine Blu Ray disc movies. It was reported to deputies from neighbors that a suspicious white Chevy van was seen around 3:25 p.m. driving slowly through the neighborhood. Samantha Rao, 21, 4870 Skyline Dr., Sioux City, IA, was arrested Feb. 16 near I-55 and I-80 for obstruction of justice and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Eugene Tayborn, 21, 11421 S. Forest Ave., Chicago, was also charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Sally Ann Takacs, 42, 3710 Hennepin Dr., Joliet, was arrested Feb. 17 near Essington Road and Old Castle Road for driving under the influence, failure to signal, and driving without lights. Matthew L. Johnson, 35, 5 Ohio, Joliet,was cited Feb.17 on Sterling and Walnut for disobeying a stop sign, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving with a suspended license. Mychal A. Hill, 34, 114 Fairmont Ave., Lockport, was arrested Feb. 17 on W. Maple Road and

p.m. at the Crest Hill Library. Have some snacks and watch episodes from several anime series. For more information call the library at 815-725-0234. St. Thomas More Lecture Series. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 416 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Justin Frato (Director of Faith Formation, St. Patrick Church,Yorkville) “Mass Exodus: Why Catholics are not Going to Mass and How We Can Bring Them Back.”

MARCH 1 Tween Crafts. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Crest Hill Library. Do you like making crafts and hanging out with your friends? Come express your creativity at Tween Crafts.This month, learn to make

Parkwood Dr. for driving with a suspended license, improper lane usage, failure to signal, and possession of cannabis under 30 grams. On Feb. 17, persons unknown broke into a residence in the 500 block of Ontario and stole a laptop, Playstation 3, a Colorado Rockies baseball cap, and a pair of Nike Air Jordan shoes. A minister at Full Gospel Community Fellowship Church, 609 Fox, stated that at about 3:10 a.m. on Feb. 18, he was awakened by noises inside the church. He then heard persons unknown attempting to open his locked bedroom door, and heard footsteps.The minister feared for his safety and exited through his bedroom window and contacted police. Deputies found a storm door located on the south side to be forced open, five exterior window screens cut, and the minister’s bedroom door forced open. Upon searching outside, it was discovered offenders left behind two electric Fender guitars and a winter glove.About $100 was also missing. Ronald J. Davis, 54, 407 N. Bluff, Joliet,was cited Feb.18 on S.Joliet and Patterson Road for speeding, driving with a suspended license, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. On Feb. 18, an unknown Hispanic male and an unknown black male subject entered a residence in the 0-100 block of Pheasant Run Road in response to a clothes washer and dryer that had been posted for sale on www.backpage.com. The female

paper lanters. For ages 9-12. To register, contact the library at 815-725-0234.

MARCH 2 Ellis House Family Fun Night. 4-7 p.m. at the Ellis House and Equestrian Center, north of Route 52, between Ridge and Grove Roads. Night includes tractor-pulled hay rides, bonfires, face painting, pony rides ($3 per ride or $5 for two rides), and special guests the Merry Hearts Clowns. For more information visit www.ellishec.com.

MARCH 3 An evening with the Lincolns. 6-9 p.m. at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. This dinner theatre show features

victim, who had placed the items for sale, stated that after being inside the residence for about 20 minutes asking about the appliances the men ordered her to“lay on the ground, shut up, and don’t move.” The Hispanic man went to her bedroom while the other man placed an unknown object to the back of her head. When the first man returned, the two subjects left. Stolen were a purse, a digital camera, a Playstation PSP, an eReader, a laptop, a small jewelry box with miscellaneous jewelry, and a Nintendo Wii gaming system.

under arrest.

William B. Moton, 48, 101 Hunter Ave., Joliet, was cited Feb. 18 on S. Briggs and E. Washington for driving with a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and improper lighting.

On Feb. 19, a resident in the 400 block of Davison stated that at about 7 p.m. she looked out her front window and observed a male subject, about 20 years of age, standing near her vehicle attempting to open the door. The victim opened the front door of her residence and the subject took off running. The passenger’s side mirror had been broken, but entry was not made.

Cristian E.Avalos-Merino,29,1309 E. Cass, Joliet, was arrested Feb. 19 on N. Chicago and W. Jackson for driving under the influence, aggravated battery to a peace officer, illegal transportation of alcohol,driving with a suspended license, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Remius T. Jones, 28, 311 Niblewill Place, Marietta, Ga., was arrested Feb. 19 in the 600 block of Gardner for reckless driving, and Justin L. Waddell, 26, 126 Iowa Ave., Joliet, was arrested for resisting a peace officer after deputies arrived to a disturbance call and, while standing in the parking lot, observed a 2001 Jaguar pass by at a high rate of speed, coming within inches of striking a deputy. The vehicle was stopped at Spruce Slip and S. Chicago and they were placed

this one-act play with Max and Donna Daniels, who have won awards for their portrayal of the Lincolns. Dinner will be provided by the Joliet Junior College Renaissance Center. RSVP required by Feb. 26 at www.jolietmuseum.org.

MARCH 5 Monday Kids Club. 4:305:30 p.m. at the Crest Hill Library. March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. Learn all about lions: where they live, what they eat, and more. Make a craft and enjoy a snack fit for a lion. For ages 6-9. To register, contact the library at 815-7250234. Teen open mic night. 6:308:30 p.m. at the Shorewood-

Maneul Esparza-Lopez, 31,1118 N. Wabash Ave., Joliet, was cited Feb. 19 on S. Briggs and E. Washington for driving with a suspended license, obstructing a peace officer, and speeding. He was held on two active Will County warrants. Edward J. Samuilis, 47, 349 W. 118th St., Chicago, was cited Feb. 19 in the 100 block of Barr Elms for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Rikita B. Bullock, 20, 511 Water, Joliet, was cited Feb. 20 on Second and Miller for driving with a suspended license, no rear registration plate light, and failure to properly secure a child under eight in a child restraint.

Lockport Ariyal M. Mathews, 28, 2204 St. Francis Ave., Joliet, was cited Feb. 15 near S. Briggs and Bruce Road for driving with a suspended license and improper lane usage.

Troy Public Library. For ages 1317. Share you talent for singing, poetry, comedy, or whatever else you can do. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required at http://www. shorewood.lib.il.us.

MARCH 6 Three Rivers Gardening Angels Meeting. 7 p.m. at Channahon United Methodist Church.This month’s speaker will be Nancy Christian from Redbud Creek Farm in Sheridan, Il. The topic of her presentation will be “Something Old, Something New, A Bit Beyond the Tried and True.” She may be reached at www. redbudcreekfarm.com. Guests are welcome to attend a meeting or can call Tine 815-521-0787 for more information.

Forum Letter to the Editor

Thank you to family and friends On behalf of the Grygiel family, we wanted to thank all of those that participated in the bowling event on February 10th at Town & Country Lanes in Joliet. It was amazing to see the many neighborhood family & friends that took time out of their busy schedules to support Megan as she continues her courageous journey fighting (Osteosarcoma) Bone Cancer. We would also like to thank all of our gracious donors for helping make this event

successful. There were so many fine establishments that supported our cause and we can’t thank them enough. We wish Megan all the best. She is a very strong & brave young girl, an inspiration to all those fighting this terrible disease. Thank you all again! Neighbors of the Grygiel family, Lori Pokrzywa & Michelle Cottingim

Write to us! You are invited to use the Forum page of The Bugle to express your opinions about matters that affect our community. E-mail your letter to Matt Honold, managing editor, at mhonold@buglenewspapers.com; or send your letter to The Bugle, P.O. Box 1613, Plainfield, IL 60544. For more information, call (815) 436-2431. Letters to the editor must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. Please try to limit your comments to 500 words or less. The editors reserve the right to publish, condense, revise or reject any submissions.

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

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

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

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Illustrated Opinions

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Schools

JCA celebrates with Jubilaté March 10 What’s in a name? From 19761985, it was Jubilation. Since 1986, it also has been called Jubil-Auction, and Jubilation. And now, entering its 27th year, Joliet Catholic Academy celebrates with Jubilaté. The annual fundraising event will be held on Saturday, March 10 at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. This year’s theme is JCA March Madness, with dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions and raffles. Christine Voss, JCA’s Special Events Manager, anticipates 400 people in attendance. Reservations are welcome through March 1, while raffle tickets can be purchased until the drawings on March 10. Donna and George Barr and Kristy (Juricic ’78) and Pete Pluth have been named as the chair couples, with a group of 60 volunteer parents assisting the Barrs and Pluths as committee members. Profits realized from the event go entirely toward JCA’s operating budget, which will

directly benefit students at the college preparatory high school for boys and girls. “This annual fundraising event brings the JCA family together to celebrate their school,” Voss said. “Through the efforts of many donors, JCA students will derive the benefits of a faith-filled education.” Cash raffle tickets are $100 each, with a cash prize of $10,000. Tuition raffle tickets are $50 each, with the prize being one full year of JCA tuition. Live auction items include a one-week stay in Maui at a beautiful ocean-front condo at a luxury resort; a Blackhawks package featuring autographed player sweaters and tickets to a suite for 12; a one-week condo stay at the Chateau in Beaver Creek, Colo.; NCAA Sweet Sixteen basketball tickets with travel to Indianapolis; one-week stays at condos in Florida, with destination cities of Sanibel, Ft. Myers, Naples and Siesta Key; one-week stay at Big Sky,

submitted photo

Donna and George Barr and Kristy (Juricic ’78) and Pete Pluth have been named as the chair couples of Joliet Catholic Academy’s 27th annual Jubilaté. This year’s theme is JCA March Madness. The event will be held on Saturday, March 10, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. The annual fundraiser includes dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions and raffles. Christine Voss, JCA’s Special Events Manager, expects 400 people in attendance. Reservations are welcome through March 1. Raffle tickets can be purchased until March 10. For more information, contact Voss at 815-741-0500, ext. 283 or by email at cvoss@jca-online.org.

Montana; and a weekend stay at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. The evening’s highlight will be the honoring of the Joe

and Jodie Adler family with the JCA Recognition Award. Joe (’48) and Jodie (’49) have six children who graduated from

JCA, with 22 grandchildren. Please contact Christine Voss at 815-741-0500, ext. 283 or by email at cvoss@jca-online.org.

Take 5

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

H o ro s c o p e s

Across

1 “I’m clueless!” 6 Half of Ethiopia’s capital 11 Finger-to-lips syllable 14 1994 peace prize sharer Yitzhak 15 C.S. who created Narnia 16 Chinese word of enlightenment 17 St. Patrick’s day shout 19 IV administrators 20 0, in Spain 21 Linus awaits the Great Pumpkin in one 22 Singer’s aid 23 Unconventional merchandise quantity 25 “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” singer Neil 27 Lewinsky confidante Linda 30 Delinquency word more commonly heard in the plural 32 Business that serves smokers 36 Fifth in NYC, e.g.

37 Contraire vis-àvis la __: illegal, in Lyons 38 Finished first 39 With “leave,” settle for the existing situation 46 “M*A*S*H” system 47 Drum major’s cap 48 Heat rub product 50 Oysters-on-thehalf-shell seller 54 Menlo Park middle name 55 Somewhat warm 58 Wave radio maker 59 Work the soil 60 Privileged group, and an aptly highlighted feature of 17-, 32and 39-Across 62 Bachelor in personals, briefly 63 Short explosive? 64 It’s not an express 65 Half and half 66 Yarn unit 67 Buck of country music

Down

1 Artist El __ 2 Rowed 3 Classic Ford 4 Company that merged with Konica 5 Stonehenge loc. 6 Actress Jessica 7 Lion player Lahr 8 Sky surveillance acronym 9 Swollen ego 10 Smudge on Santa? 11 Ump’s call 12 “Hammerin’” baseballer 13 Watering aid 18 Fiber- __ 22 Fourth planet 24 Dungeons & Dragons monster 26 R&B’s __ Hill 28 Casual shirt 29 Reverent 31 Sandberg with nine Gold Gloves 32 “I __ I taw a puddy ...” 33 Excessive 34 “This is no lie” 35 Expected soon 40 Turner on screen 41 Poached fare

42 Slob’s opposite 43 Either of the first two consonants in “coccyx” 44 Wanted poster abbr. 45 Unintellectual 49 Broadway matchmaker 51 Italian ball game 52 Narnia lion 53 Fishing gear 54 Facetious “I see” 56 Prefix with scope 57 Crease remover 60 Access points 61 UN workers’ gp.

You can inspire and set ideas on fire. With romantic and gentle Venus in your sign you will find that the week ahead is filled with social interchanges. Someone might go out of their way to be with you.

Rock on with romance. Although you might find it difficult to be completely carefree because there are a few serious issues to handle, the week ahead will offer plenty of opportunities for love.

Nice things come naturally. In the week ahead, your focus might shift to making sure that you are pleased with whatever you have and whatever you buy. Opportunity, like a great deal, only knocks once.

If you throw enough stones at least one will hit the target. Your gentle nature and people-pleasing skills give you the advantage in the week to come. It is worth your efforts to aim as high as possible.

If you want to pick a rose to keep for yourself, you must respect the thorns. In the week to come your heart might yearn for romance, but you will be reminded that love is often accompanied by duty.

Make it or break it. Your focus might shift to personal ambition in the week ahead. Even when lackadaisical about climbing the ladder of business success you can still be passionate about something.

Too many fantasies spoil the plot. If you can stick to a commitment, you can achieve notice in the workplace in the week ahead. If you are busy dreaming of success, you aren’t busy at your job.

When the world is your oyster it is easier to find a pearl. Reaching goals is a simple matter when there is a special someone to fill up spare moments. Enjoy business and romantic success this week.

The throbbing heart and red tape are both the same color. It is easy to get entangled in endless complications by not being honest. Don’t waste your time pretending to be someone you aren’t.

Exchange efficiency for effectiveness. Although you might be pumped up by your ambitions in the week to come, you might begin to realize that key relationships and the quality of life are important, too.

Joy to the world. Accept with open arms whatever good fortune or advice comes your way. Gather information in the week to come and contact helpful people who can provide you with wise counsel.

Love asks for nothing, but can give everything. In the week to come, you might be filled with awe as you find examples of true love surrounding you. Enjoy being the center of warmhearted attention.

SERVICES, INC.

SUDOKU

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Previous puzzle ’s answers Jumbles: • ABBEY • PUPIL • HARDLY • AUTHOR

Answer:

The millinery shop lost sales because the merchandise was -- OLD HAT

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Schools

Joliet Township High School announces Students of the Month

submitted photos

The Joliet Central High School Students of the Month for February are Sam Clinton, Rotary Club; Paulina Mihelich, Kiwanis Club; and Vanessa Pintor, Lions Club.

The Joliet West High School Students of the Month for February are Steven Austin, Rotary Club; David Stobbe, Kiwanis Club; and Kristen Marcus, Lions Club.

spap w e n e gl

@bu

FIND US! The Bug le

Newspap ers

Visit Us Online... buglenewspapers.com

Joliet Montessori School hosts Open House March 3 Joliet Montessori School (JMS) will host an Open House on Saturday, March 3 beginning at 9 a.m. Parents of three-year-olds and those who will be turning three during the 2012-2013 school year are especially invited to attend as well as any parents wanting to know what a Montessori education can do for their children. Events of the morning include a tour of the school and a preview of

the Montessori Method by the AMI-trained Guides. Refreshments will be served. Joliet Montessori, which was established in 1966, educates children ages 3-14. The school is located at 1600 Root Street, adjacent to Weber Road in Crest Hill. For information about either the Open House or the Joliet Montessori School call (815) 741-4180 or check out www. jolietmontessorischool.org.

INSIDE: Lockport falls to state champs, Minooka also out in opening round page 12; Daytona 500 postponed, page 13

www.buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

West holds off Porters By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

In its final game of the regular season, Joliet West traveled to Lockport for a physical game between two old SouthWest Suburban Conference Blue Division foes.

BOYS BASKETBALL The Tigers would come out with a 40-38 win, when senior Marlon Johnson hit a shot with 22 seconds left after getting the second offensive rebound. The game never seemed to get into a flow, something Lockport coach Lawrence Thompson, Jr. chalks up to the lack of rhythm to the team’s familiarity to each other. “That happens when teams know each other from the neighborhood,” Thompson said. “They are bigger than us and a little quicker and we are just trying to survive out there. We

are not very good offensively, but if we pressure them, sometimes they turn the ball over and get them out of rhythm.” “The game was won in that six to 10 feet around the basket tonight,” Joliet West coach Like Yaklich said. “We have had no rhythm on the floor and we didn’t today either.The refs called a loose game on both sides. I think our guys adjusted to it and I think Lockport adjusted to it. Bottom line, it was a hard fought game between kids who know each other’s tendencies on the court and they know each other off the court. It was a game that neither team was going to quit until zeros were on the clock. We just weathered the storm and punched when we needed to punch.” After his big punch, Johnson then hit a pair of free throws that would prove big, as Lockport’s Brandon Sawin buried a half Mark Gregory/Bugle staff

See WEST, page 17

Marlon Johnson hits the game-winning shot against Lockport.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Sports

Lockport, Minooka out in first round of state By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

The Lockport boys wrestling state tournament came down to one move in one match.

WRESTLING Down 30-24 to Sandburg, the Porters needed a pin to tie the match and send it to criteria for the win. Losing 9-4, Vince

Mark Gregory/Bugle staff

Brian Rossi (top) is one of several sophomores that will return for Lockport next year.

Dietz, Lockport’s 132 pounder, got Dan Garcia to his back and nearly got the fall. “It was pretty close to a pin,” said Lockport coach Josh Oster. “I thought he had it.” That win would have given both teams seven wins apiece and tied the match at 30-30, putting the results in the hands of criteria, which would have See STATE, page 18

Sports Voyager Media Coverage

Tom Pennington/Getty Images for NASCAR

Rain postponed the Daytona 500 for the first time ever Sunday.

Rain postpones Daytona Persistent rain washed out the 54th running of the Daytona 500, forcing a postponement of the Great American Race for the first time in its history. After a storm cell negated trackdrying efforts at approximately 4 p.m., NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway announced the postponement until noon ET Monday. It got postponed again Monday morning until 6 p.m. Monday night. With the postponing of the race until after Bugle deadlines, the results from the first two weeks will be in the paper next week. On four occasions, the most recent in 2009, rain has shortened the Daytona 500, but until Sunday, inclement weather had never prevented the field from taking the green flag on the appointed day. In addition to rain-shortened races in 1965, 1966, 2003 and 2009, rain has affected four other Daytona 500s, the most notable the watershed 1979 event in which CBS gave viewers the first live flag-to-flag coverage of a NASCAR race. The battle between Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough on the racetrack, followed by the televised fistfight between Yarborough and the Allison

brothers in the infield, is part of NASCAR lore. Fewer fans remember that the first 16 laps of that race were run under caution because of rain. Carl Edwards won the pole for the Daytona 500 in last Sunday’s qualifying session and will lead the field to the green flag a day later than planned. “This is one of the toughest things for us drivers,” Edwards said of the postponement.“When you put that off for another day, it’s who can stay focused -- not just the drivers, but the pit crews and teams.” Because the rain has washed rubber from the racetrack, Edwards won’t be surprised if NASCAR calls a competition caution early in the race. “The rain will make the track a little more abrasive at the start,” he said.

NATIONWIDE In a weekend of unlikely winners, James Buescher took the checkered flag under caution in Saturday’s Drive4COPD 300 Nationwide Series race with wreckage from the cars of the likely winners strewn behind him in Turn 4 at Daytona International Speedway. Buescher, a first-time winner in the series, took advantage of a last-lap wreck involving

front-runners Trevor Bayne, Tony Stewart, Elliott Sadler, Joey Logano, Kurt Busch, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch to score the victory, one day after rookie John King won his first NASCAR Camping World Truck See DAYTONA, Page 14

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

DAYTONA Continued from page 13 Series race in his first trip to Daytona. Brad Keselowski dodged the wreck to finish second, with Elliott Sadler coming home third. Rookies Cole Whitt and Austin Dillon ran fourth and fifth, respectively. Buescher survived damage from a late-race crash to secure the win. It was a case of right place, right time. “I got caught up in one of those late-race wrecks, but it’s not over -- we’re still in it,” Buescher said of his attitude approaching a restart with two laps left in the 120-lap race. “There wasn’t a lot of damage on the car.” Compounding Buescher’s problem was the loss of his most effective drafting partners -Justin Allgaier and Joe Nemechek -- in earlier crashes. “We lost all of our track position,” Buescher said. “I had to get back through there using everybody else’s draft, but (with) no drafting partner . . . “It’s incredible. This is top of the list for any racecar driver to win at -- and we did it today.” A race that had been peppered

with minor incidents produced a huge one on Lap 104, when the front of the field accordioned in Turn 4, and cars began checking up and wrecking mid-pack. All told, 20 cars were involved in the crash, including the machines of Denny Hamlin, Kenny Wallace and Allgaier. Dale Earnhardt Jr. ducked to the bottom of the track to avoid the wreck and sustained minor damage to the right side of his Chevrolet. After a four-minute stoppage to pry the splitter from Wallace’s wrecked car from the Turn 4 wall, Earnhardt restarted 14th on Lap 113. But Earnhardt fell victim to a 14-car pileup one lap later when contact from David Ragan’s Ford turned Sam Hornish’s Dodge to trigger the multicar wreck. Pole-sitter Danica Patrick exited the race on Lap 49, after a hard tap from Cole Whitt, her teammate at JR Motorsports, knocked Patrick’s No.7 Chevrolet out of control and into the Turn 3 wall. Patrick’s team pushed the car to the garage for extensive repairs, losing 48 laps in the process. She returned to the track on Lap 98 and finished 38th, an inauspicious start to a championship campaign.

Sports

Sunday, Feb. 26 Noon, FOX PICKS Mike Guglielmucci, WJOL Racer’s Forum PICK: Kasey Kahne Scott Paddock, Pres., Chicagoland Speedway PICK: Matt Kenseth Mark Gregory, Bugle Staff PICK:Kevin Harvick Scott Taylor, Bugle Staff PICK: Jeff Gordon Royce Beavers, Lockport Reader PICK: Tony Stewart

ame G OF THE WEEK presents

www.buglenewspapers.com/basketball

Bringing you the top game of the week in the Voyager Media coverage area. THE BUGLE FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Presniakovas breaks scoring record By Scott Taylor Sports Reporter

Have you ever wondered how hard it is to break a major record? If so, just ask Plainfield South’s Edvinas Presniakovas. The senior guard broke Plainfield’s Dave Needham’s record for most points in a career of 1,757 Thursday night in a 7363 loss to Oswego. Needham set the District 202 record in 1960. “It’s a great honor,”Presniakovas said. “I’m proud of myself and of my teammates, everybody who has been with me for four years who got me the ball to score. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to break the record.” “Here’s a guy who has done nothing but commit himself to the basketball team and the basketball program,” South coach Ken Bublitz said. “It’s a great award for him, but he will probably agree that it is as much a team goal as it is an individual award. That’s the type of kid he is. He has always played that way and practiced that way. I can’t say enough about him. He’s a cornerstone of our program. He’s a fantastic kid and a great, great ambassador for our program. It’s nice he was able to get it here at home.”

Presniakovas, who has started for much of his four year career, knew he was coming close to the record the past few weeks and was pressing in the game to break the record. “They’ve been talking to me for the last three weeks that I’ve been getting closer and closer,” he said.“Some games I kind of felt the pressure to get it, so I kind of felt the pressure a little bit.Today they told me what I had to get. It’s a great feeling.” That was shown in his 4-for12 free throw shooting for an 80 percent career shooter. “It was getting to me,” Presniakovas said.“I was thinking too much at the line. I knew I was getting close and I couldn’t make a free throw, which was even more frustrating. Once I got the record out of the way, now we can go to regionals.” But like he has throughout his career, he fought through the off night shooting and through a swarming defense for the third straight game, spying him everywhere he went, to break the record on a three-pointer while falling down with less than two minutes to play. “It’s tough because I bring the ball up,” Presniakovas said. “They always pressure me so I don’t get space and I get kind of winded

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Ed Presniakovas, Plainfield S. Set district career scoring rec.

Morgan Tuck, Bolingbrook 30 pts in sectional final win

Frank Dounis, Maine South 16 pts in win

Nicole Valentine, Benet 16 pts in sectional final loss

sometimes. But we brought a point guard up and that should help. I just have to stop forcing it and let the game come to me.” “They have denied him more,” Bublitz said. “We’ve been trying to get that replicated in practice, which is kind of hard during this time of the year. It’s hard to get guys to go out and grab his jersey and push him and pull him. It’s hard to get him free. We got him loose a little bit tonight, but when we did he didn’t knock it down and that happens.There was a lot of pressure on him and he was pressing.” The record was broken just before the playoffs, which was good for Presniakovas, who could concentrate on advancing in the postseason rather than breaking records. “It’s a relief,” Presniakovas stated. “It feels good to get it off my back before the playoffs. I don’t have to worry about people telling me I need this many points. I can just go out there and play. We want to make it to at least a regional championship. We don’t want to go one and out.”

COMING UP: There will likely be multiple Voyager Media teams playing for regional titles Friday. LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

Scott Taylor/Bugle staff

Go to buglenewspapers.com to vote for your winner! Results here next week!

Edvinas Presniakovas broke the District scoring record Thursday night against Oswego.

SPONSORED BY

Sports

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

BOYS HOOPS Points Ed Presniakovas, Plainfield South Jerron Wilbut, Downers South Brian Bennett, Plainfield East Ben Moore, Bolingbrook John Solari, Maine South Sean O’Mara, Benet Dee Brown, Plainfield East Jeremy Burt, Plainfield North Courtney Cole, Lockport Andre Norris, Plainfield Central Jamall Millison, Downers South Marcus Fair, Plainfield North Zach Warner, Plainfield Central Nate Washington, Romeoville Kevin Honn, Downers South Kyle Ward, Lockport Marlon Johnson, Joliet West Joe Younan, Niles West Uchenna Akuba, Romeoville Will Nixon, Plainfield South Adam Reynolds, Minooka Jake Hogen, Minooka Morris Dunnigan, Joliet West Jaylen Nunn, Romeoville John Enochs, Benet Mack Brown, Plainfield East Ben Heide, Minooka

22.1 19.3 15.8 15.4 15.2 15.1 14.3 14.1 13.1 12.9 12.2 11.9 11.8 11.5 11.4 11.3 11.1 11.0 10.9 10.8 10.5 10.1 9.2 8.7 8.7 8.6 8.6

Rebounds Andre Norris, Plainfield Central Will Nixon, Plainfield South Sean O’Mara, Benet Ed Presniakovas, Plainfield South Marlon Johnson, Joliet West Brian Bennett, Plainfield East Uchenna Akuba, Romeoville Ben Moore, Bolingbrook Adam Reynolds, Minooka Kevin Honn, Downers South Matt Fenza, Plainfield North Bobby Wehrli, Benet John Solari, Maine South

8.8 8.6 8.4 7.3 7.2 6.8 6.8 6.7 6.5 6.4 6.1 5.7 5.7

Danny Quinn, Maine South Kyle Ward, Lockport Greg Garro, Downers South Kurt Palandech, Plainfield North Eric Deloach, Plainfield Central Austin Robinson, Plainfield East

5.5 5.2 5.0 4.6 4.5 4.4

Total Assists Nick Calabrese, Maine South Cam Burnett, Bolingbrook Jamall Millison, Downers South Jawan Straughter, Plainfield East Danny Spinuzza, Downers South Curtis Harrington, Plainfield Central Matt Lahey, Maine South Austin Robinson, Plainfield East Dee Brown, Plainfield East Kevin Honn, Downers South Marcus Fair, Plainfield North Andre Norris, Plainfield Central Kyle Ward, Lockport Myles Walters, Plainfield East Ed Presniakovas, Plainfield South Josh Little, Bolingbrook John Solari, Maine South John Enochs, Benet Christian Hayes, Plainfield South Dantrell Wright, Plainfield South David McCoy, Niles West

119 112 92 83 82 82 81 66 65 61 58 57 56 49 49 49 49 48 47 46 43

GIRLS HOOPS Points Morgan Tuck, Bolingbrook Jewell Loyd, Niles West Carlie Corrigan, Plainfield North Brigid Hanley, Plainfield Central Kiera Currie, Romeoville Sidney Prasse, Benet Gabby Williams, Plainfield East Faith Suggs, Plainfield East Nijea Dixon, Joliet Central Jacqui Grant, Maine South Khadija Cooley, Joliet West

28.8 27.0 18.7 18.5 16.2 14.4 14.0 13.0 13.0 12.9 12.5

Taylor Quain, Lockport Ashley Clemmons, Minooka Christen Prasse, Benet Mary Echemann, Downers North Bernasia Fox, Joliet Central Brianna Harris, Romeoville Michelle Maher, Maine South Madeline Eilers, Benet Abby Smith, Romeoville Sara Placher, Minooka Kaitlyn O’Boye, Plainfield North Angelica Osusky, Romeoville Nicole Valentine, Benet

12.5 12.4 12.0 11.6 11.0 10.5 10.9 10.8 9.8 9.3 9.3 8.2 8.1

Rebounds Jewell Loyd, Niles West Kiera Currie, Romeoville Morgan Tuck, Bolingbrook Carlie Corrigan, Plainfield North Gabby Williams, Plainfield East Aaliyah Stepney, Joliet West Jacqui Grant, Maine South Jessica Kaminski, Plainfield Central Nina Duric, Maine South Brianna Harris, Romeoville Sarah Costello, Downers North Taylor Quain, Lockport Vicky Orasco, Joliet West Tia Beard, Joliet Central Nicole Valentine, Benet Emily Obradovich, Plainfield Central Faith Suggs, Plainfield East Mary Echemann, Downers North LaSoji Ward, Joliet Central Kaitlyn O’Boye, Plainfield North

11.0 10.3 10.0 9.9 7.0 6.8 6.4 6.4 6.3 6.2 6.0 5.7 5.5 5.0 5.4 5.2 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

Assists Abby Smith, Romeoville Michelle Maher, Maine South Kaitlyn Mullarky, Maine South Sarah Costello, Downers North Kaitlyn O’Boye, Plainfield North Kristen Shimko, Plainfield North Khadija Cooley, Joliet West

117 106 101 96 76 71 71

VOTE ONLINE! Jewell Loyd, Niles West -Scored 3,000th career point

Robby Bain, Bolingbrook -Second in state at 285-pounds

Cullen Cummings, Downers South -Second in state at 132-pounds

Brad Johnson, Lockport -Back-to-back state champ

Abby Smith, Romeoville -10 points, 5 assists, 3 steals per.

Nathan Davis, Plainfield Central -Second place in state at 126-pounds

Vote

for your winner for the Athlete of the Month for February online at www.buglenewspapers.com up until March 12. The winner will be announced in the March 14/15 issue.

Sports WEST Continued from page 11 court heave at the buzzer. “We had a lot of confidence because we knew we could score or get the offensive rebound,” Johnson said. “I wanted to score. We were down three with a minute thirteen on the clock and I told the team we were going to win this game and we did.” After the Porters held a 3531 in the closing minutes, West went on a 9-0 run to close the game before Sawin’s Hail Mary. “Good teams get the ball where it needs to be and that is what West did,” Thompson said. “We try and have continuity where we want everyone to be able to score the basketball and it failed us in the last couple minutes. “Coach Yaklich did a better job making sure his kids finished the

game.They finished the first half better than us and they finished the game better than us and that comes down to pure coaching. He did a much better job and his kids were much more under control than mine. I know this is game 27, but I still have hope that we play hard enough and there is still time that we can finish games and hit free throws and layups and not fall short.The kids work too hard for that not to happen, but I have confidence in that.” While the game was senior night for the Porters, the West seniors got the win in their final regular season game. “I am proud of our guys,” Yaklich said. “I am proud of our seniors, this is a great way to end the regular season and it is something they can take away and always remember.” Johnson paced all scorers with 14 points, while John Campbell led Lockport with nine points. mark@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

STATE Continued from page 12 won the match for the Porters. Instead, Lockport lost 33-24 to the eventual state champion Eagles. “We knew we had to win seven matches to beat them and there were matches we thought we could have won that we didn’t win, not because we didn’t wrestle well, but because it was evenly matched and they came out on top,” Oster said. The dual was the closest contended race out of all four Class 3A quarterfinals. “I know we had the closest dual in the first round and against a lot of the other teams, we move on,” Oster said. “Without seeding, and I am not complaining, but without it, you just have to wrestle who is in front of you.” In their first-ever state dual final, the Porters got wins from Shaun’Quae McMurtry (23-8 technical fall at 160 pounds), Eric Dietz (3-1, 170), Luis Montoya (12-4 major decision, 195), Brad Johnson (fall :54, 220), Brian Rossi (10-4, 106) and Austin Strzelczyk (3-2, 113). “Sandburg is a great team,” Rossi said. “We knew it would be a close one. They just came out on top today. “Coming back next year, we are just going to work harder in the room. Now we know what it takes to place here or win a state championship. Unfortunately,

we couldn’t do it this year for our seniors, but hopefully next year, we can do it for Lockport and make it a yearly thing.” Oster knows that although the Porters will lose key seniors like state champions Johnson and McMurtry, Rossi and Strzelczyk lead a group of young wrestlers that will keep the Porters contenders for the next few years at least. “The group of sophomores we have from 106 to 132, they have put a lot of time in over the last two years, in season, out of season, in the weight room and in the freestyle circuit,” he said. “Without them, we are not where we are. Of course we have the seniors that have meant a lot to our program, but without those five we are not here.” To advance to the state meet, Lockport defeated Plainfield Central 33-23. In another quarterfinal, Minooka was defeated by Glenbard North 36-24. The Indians won five matches on the day, the final one being a forfeit at 132 pounds after the match was out of reach. One of the four match winners was Corbet Oughton, who defeated Dan Johnson by a 15-4 major decision at 152. At 160, Joe Govendik defeated Jimique Davis 5-2, while freshman Nathan Gunn beat Cesar Vega 9-5 at 220 and state champion Jake Residori bumped up a weight class and earned an 18-3 technical fall over Alec Kecca. mark@buglenewspapers.com

Sports

Business & Real Estate

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

JJC offers new class Joliet Junior College Corporate and Community Services are pleased to announce a new culinary arts class that will be held this spring. Chopped JJC is an interactive class that will give participants the opportunity to vote on ingredients that they would like the chef to use during the classroom demonstration. Sign up for this class to see which list will be demonstrated and also enjoy tasting and recipes to share. Chopped JJC (LLC 4382) will be held on Thursday, March 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the main campus. Fee is $54. To place your vote for the Chopped JJC Ingredients Survey, please visit the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/jjc.ccs. Voting ends March 20. Joliet Junior College is located at 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431. For more information or to register, please contact the Joliet Junior College Corporate and Community Services at (815) 280-1555 or visit: www. jjc.edu/llc.

Honoring women in business Whether or not you’ve heard the quote before, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy,” perhaps my family’s version of it may be more appropriate – “If you want to show how much you love your family/children, then you love your wife/their mother.” I hope to be able to do a good job with this topic without being interpreted as sexist, but as the self-described “Money Maverick,” I’ll take my usual chances with political correctness. With March beingWomen’s History Month and our company honoring Women in Business, how could I not honor the women that most impact my life, both professionally and personally? In a CPA’s analytical way, allow me to group them into short lists. Of course to state the obvious, at the top of the list is family. In chronological order are my two grandmothers,Gertrude and Marie, my mother, Carol, my two sisters, Patty and Diane, my wonderful wife of over 10 years, Kristina, and my daughter, Maddy. While the roles of mother, wife, and daughter are some of the most challenging and most important avocations, each has made significant

contributions to my professional development. M y grandmother, Gertrude Reid, was Illinois Mother of The Year in 1978,as commemorated on the wall of the Capitol Rotunda in Springfield. Beside the fact that she raised 16 kids (yikes!), kind of a Maverick herself, she said she raised them on “LSD,” Love, Security, and Discipline. We all know that the women in our daily lives at home also have a profound impact on our own emotions and actions, both at home and at work. Next on this list are the women in our daily lives at work. For me, that list is long but we all know from Business 101 or Sales 102 that first and foremost are the women (and men) in the front office. Whether you work for a media group, a medical office, a retail store, or a trucking company, that first person you meet when you walk in the door can positively or negatively impact your experience.

Not only from the impression they make on you, but more importantly, the impression you make on them. My greeting with Annette and/or Linda at the office, using a little weather analogy, may be a barometer for the climate in the office. A good salesperson knows that the gatekeeper at the front desk may likely be more important to their first impression than the purchasing agent, the hiring manager, or even the CEO. Switching from weather to a medical center analogy, the doctors, nurses and technicians in my office that help keep the patients alive and moving are Laureen in Marketing, Carolin in Production, and Alyssa and Debbie in Editorial. They definitely contribute to our having a “toptier facility.” If you’re keeping track at home, that was my “lucky number 13”… Some other frequent contacts in all of our business lives are the women who run the Chambers of Commerce, community organizations, and other customer and vendor companies. My observations from the numerous Chambers of Commerce that I’ve been involved with are that

Chambers whose Executives were men a decade or two ago, are now led by women. Some examples, in chronological order again, and working my way from Downstate Illinois to the North, are Decatur, Springfield, Pontiac, Downers Grove, Woodridge, and Niles. Laura Crawford, President and CEO of the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, comments that,“Women are prevalent in the not-for-profit arena, often holding positions that require people skills, patience and passion.” Since I only have the honor of being published on a monthly basis, my wrap-up of this piece would be to acknowledge that although I’m only “Irish” one day a year on March 17th, how lucky I am to have had so many influential women in my business and personal life. See you next month. Mike Reid, the self-described “Money Maverick” is a Registered CPA, a full-time Advertising Consultant for Bugle Newspapers and Voyager Media Group, and an independent contractor with various entities throughout Chicagoland, Central and Southern Illinois.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Travel

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Denmark beyond Copenhagen Copenhagen is a thriving metropolis and the main attraction in Denmark. But a trip here isn’t complete without a swing through the cute Danish countryside. In less than two hours, you can timetravel from modern Copenhagen to a 10th-century Viking ship, 17thcentury castle, or 19th-century fairy tale. While today’s Denmark is small - roughly twice the size of Massachusetts - at one time the Danish empire included all of Scandinavia and stretched into Germany. A reminder of all that power is the stunning Frederiksborg Castle, floating serenely on an island in the middle of a lake. An hour north of Copenhagen,Frederiksborg is considered by many to be the grandest castle in Scandinavia - the Danish Versailles. Built in the early 1600s, Frederiksborg was the castle of Christian IV, Denmark’s greatest king. Today it houses the Museum of National History, filled with countless musty paintings that create a fascinating scrapbook of Danish history from 1500 until today. Frederiksborg still gives visitors

SURPLUS Continued from page 1 Further, Mother Nature blessed the city this winter, accounting for close to $800,000 in savings during the final months of the year. “We didn’t use any salt, and we didn’t have to plow a thing,” Mihelich said. Make no mistake, many are glad to see the city in the black, sort of. Combined with capital budgets, Joliet actually ended the year a million in the red, still much better than the $16 million deficit officials predicted in January 2011. But a lot of the financial advantages Joliet experienced in 2011 were unusual and unexpected things, and city leaders say a blurry 2012 financial picture leaves them inclined to stay the course in preparation for a looming $17 million deficit this year. “Even though the last quarter was good, we’re not out of the woods,” Mayor Tom Giarrante said.

a feel for what it was like in its heyday. The suitably regal entry is ringed by a moat designed more for swans than defense. The royal apartments exude royal opulence. The Great Hall is where Christian IV threw lavish parties, with the orchestra playing from their perch above. If you prefer Rauschenberg to royalty, a trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a must. About 30 minutes north of Copenhagen, Scandinavia’s mostraved-about modern-art museum is a holistic place that masterfully mixes art, architecture, and landscape. A delightful sculpture garden sprawls through the grounds, downhill toward the sea. Inside, the ever-changing collection displays post-1945 art, including Picassos, Warhols, and Hockneys. A crowd favorite is The Big Thumb, a 6-foottall bronze thumb by the French sculptor Cesar. While Copenhagen is Denmark’s

political and cultural capital, its historic capital is located about 20 miles to the west in the town of Roskilde. Eight hundred years ago, this was the seat of Denmark’s royalty and its center of power. Today, the town is famous for hosting northern Europe’s biggest rock festival each July,featuring such acts as U2, David Bowie, and Bjork. But long before Coldplay came to play, Christians came to pray. Roskilde’s centerpiece is its imposing 12th-century, twin-spired cathedral. This stately old church, with fine wood carvings and a great 16th-century organ, is the resting place of 38 kings and queens. After the Reformation gutted the church of its saints and Virgin Marys, it left a blank slate for Danish royals to fill with their tombs. The oldest tomb, from 1397, holds Queen Margrethe I, whose strong leadership and clever negotiating helped unite the three Nordic Kingdoms. Today, a spot has been restored for its next resident - the current queen, Margrethe II, who teamed up with an artist to design her own tomb. A short walk from the cathedral leads to Roskilde’s waterfront and

City Manager Tom Thanas has advised a 60-day cash-on-hand emergency fund. The budget is aided by an estimated $6.5 million from the September tax increases, and the city currently is negotiating with union representatives in the hopes of forgoing a scheduled 4 percent pay increase for this year. The outcome of those contractual agreements will determine much of the budget outlook for this year. Further complicating matters is decreasing gaming revenue

which saw a 15 percent loss in January returns over last year. Over an annual basis, that could be more than $3 million. Additional expenditures for 2012 include payments for acquisition of a new radio system and the pending buyout of the city’s obligation to the Splash Station Water Park. “Some people may be talking surpluses, but we really don’t have surpluses,” Thanas said. “We have a long way to go. sdauskurdas@buglenewspapers.com

the excellent Viking Ship Museum, highlighted by five full-size vessels. These ships were deliberately sunk a thousand years ago to block the entrance to the strategic and rich city. In 1962 they were brought up from their salty grave. The huge,ocean-going freighter is similar to the ship Leif Eriksson took to America 1,000 years ago, though this one was likely used to carry Viking emigrants - with their families and the entire farm - to Iceland and later on to the New World. The skinnier, faster warship, powered by 26 oarsmen, terrorized much of Europe back when people dreaded those rampaging Norsemen. The museum’s interactive exhibits are great for kids.Craftsmen

demonstrate boat-building, ropemaking, woodcarving, and other traditional skills, while a replica Viking ship sails around Roskilde’s harbor,giving visitors a taste of what it was like to ride in a vessel built by these fabled masters of the sea. From daunting ships to regal castles, Denmark is a land of fairy tales.Each time I visit,it’s like reading another page of a book that I don’t want to end. (Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 29, 2012