Romeoville 12-12-13

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rECrEatION

NEwS School board to review calendar start date PAGE 8

Our Community, Our News

DECEMBER 12, 2013

Vol. 8 No. 23

wILL COUNty

Union workers approve new contract, county board next County employees returned to work on Dec. 5 By Nick Reiher Managing Editor

StORY BY LaURa KataUSKaS | staFF reporter santa came in style this year to romeoville’s winter wonderland. escorted by the romeoville Fire Department in a parade of lights, santa arrived on a lighted sleigh just in time to light the village christmas tree with mayor John noak.

SEE wINtEr ON PAGE 8

Will County Board leaders at a Dec. 12 meeting will get their first official look at the contract approved overwhelmingly by members of AFSCME Local 1028. If all goes well, the full board should vote on the will County See UNION, page 2 Executive

Larry walsh


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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

UNION Continued from page 1 contract at its Dec. 19 meeting. The Dec.5 vote ended 15 months of negotiations that culminated in a 16-day strike by some 1,000 Will County employees. A tentative agreement had been reached around 2:30 a.m. Dec. 4. County employees returned to work Thursday. The main sticking points were increased health care costs and wage increases.

Previously, employee contributions were based on a percentage of their salary. One of the county’s major goals of these negotiations was to make a switch to employees paying a percentage of the premium of their healthcare benefits. “Our strike was about ensuring that county employees have the fair pay and affordable health care they deserve in return for their hard work, dedication and service to county residents,” said Dave Delrose, AFSCME Local 1028 president. “We didn’t want to see our wages lose ground

News when the cost of living goes up, and we weren’t going to accept a health plan where the lowestpaid employees were asked to do more than the highest-paid. By standing together we reached a fair settlement that achieves those goals.” The new four-year agreement is retroactive to Dec. 1, 2012, and extends through Nov. 30, 2016. It includes cost-of-living wage increases totaling 4.5 percent.The contract also eliminates the county pay plan’s two bottom steps, in effect adjusting the wage scale upward a further 5 percent while ensuring that employees will continue to receive step increases. The agreement also ensures that increased costs for health care are shared equitably based on employees’ ability to pay. Will County Executive Larry Walsh noted that during the negotiation process, the county worked with the union to balance the competing perspectives on the terms of the contract. Ultimately, the county compromised to increase the health care

contributions over three years from 8 percent to 10 percent aggregate of the health benefits rather than 10 percent for all three years.The employee contributions remain income banded so that lower paid employees pay less and upper income employees pay more. “Working with the County Board my office sought to continue to maintain a progressive health care model for our employees,” said Walsh.“During the negotiations my office worked to include an upper income bracket so that the highest paid employees paid a larger share of the cost as compared to the lower income employees. We believed this was fair, but there had to be a compromise on what this amount was. Ultimately, no one was completely happy with these agreed to amounts which often means this was a true compromise.” Delrose thanked the community for its support.“To everyone who hung a sign or joined our picket lines, donated to our cause or just honked and waved, we couldn’t

have done it without you,” he said. “Now we’re glad to be back at work, serving you, our neighbors and the countless friends across the county that we never knew we had.” “I am hopeful that the County Board will give a strong approval of this contract at the December County Board meeting,” said Walsh. “I want to thank all of our employees who continued to work throughout the work stoppage by the union and who kept county services going despite the strike. I particularly want to thank our negotiating team who spent countless hours at the bargaining table to reach this fair agreement.” Walsh expressed optimism that both union and management employees could begin the healing process to repair relationships that were strained due to the strike. “The County Board and my office sought to replace an unsustainable method of paying for benefits with a more fiscally responsible model,” said Walsh. “Will County has grown to larger than 700,000 residents and we must balance the needs of all our residents as we provide services to our communities. There is only so much money available and we believe this contract will put Will County on a more sustainable path for the future.” AFSCME represents more than 1,200 employees in the county court system, health department, highway department, Sunny Hill Nursing Home, county jail, and in the offices of the sheriff, coroner, recorder, assessor, clerk, chief judge, circuit clerk, executive and state’s attorney. The issue with the state’s attorney’s workers could be up in the air until the National Labor Relations Board answers State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow’s recent query on jurisdiction. During the strike, AFSCME sent a letter to Glasgow demanding he refrain from using assistant state’s attorneys to fill in for the striking workers in his office.The assistants are in a union, Glasgow’s office said, but are not among those who are striking with AFSCME Local 1028. Glasgow voluntarily recognized the assistant state’s attorney’s union in the 1990s, even though the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that assistant state’s attorneys were managerial and did not have a right to union representation. In subsequent negotiations,assistants received benefits, including stipends for special assignments, a clothing allowance and free parking.


News

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

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POLICE

15-year-old Mason Patterson who suffered from bleeding in his brain 4 weeks ago now beginning rehabilitation treatments condition. From soccer games, Donate a Dollar and Wear Four weeks Blue for Mason days at after suffering school and workplaces to bleeding in his fundraisers, community brain, 15-year-old members have been out Mason Patterson raising support to help the is fighting family handle what will back, starting be a long road of further rehabilitation and surgeries. Mason Patterson a road to recovery The latest is being held with the Romeoville community today, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. at 10 ready to stand behind him all p.m. at Culver’s, 485 N. Weber along the way. Road. Mention Mason’s name His aunt, Deanna Amann, said when ordering, and a portion of on Nov. 4, life for the Patterson the profits will go to the Patterson Family was turned upside down Family for medical expenses. when Mason was airlifted to Functioning on the left side Loyola Medical Center after of Mason’s body was affected by collapsing unexpectedly. He was the trauma on the right side of later diagnosed with a brain AVM his brain. At the onset, Mason had (arteriovenous malformation), an surgery, was on a ventilator and in abnormal connection between the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit arteries and veins. An AVM is for two weeks. typically congenital, meaning it Mason has just begun dates to birth. rehabilitation at a rehabilitation At the news, community hospital. Physical rehabilitation members were quick to rally is needed to build his strength support: with friends, families before further surgery to correct and supporters wearing blue on the AVM. certain days, sending messages “Mason is hard at work with and cards; from school photos to physical, occupational, and soccer fields, blocks of blue shirts speech therapy,” said Amann. have been seen popping up on “On Dec. 5th, Mason was up in Facebook pages and a website a wheelchair and even took a dedicated to updates on his trip outside. He has a very busy By Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter

schedule all day long and a long road to recovery.” It is his contagious smile and warm spirit that was mentioned most when describing Mason, who is an honor roll student and a varsity soccer player at Romeoville High School. With more than 5,600 hits on his website, “sweet, loving, and amazing” are just a few other ways his friends support and think of him, sharing thanks for the inspiration he shares through this path, bringing home what truly matters in life, they say. “The Pattersons would like to thank everyone in the community for the outpouring of support for Mason. Both AYSO Region 367 and AYSO Region 717 have been especially supportive to the Patterson Family and they can’t thank these organizations enough,” said Amann. There also is a fund set up for Mason’s medical expenses. Checks may be made out to Mason Patterson Medical Fund Bank: BMO Harris Bank (Romeoville Branch) 626 Town Hall Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446. Checks can be either mailed in or dropped off at the bank. Mason would also enjoy getting mail as he recovers. You can send your card to Mason Patterson at 931 W. 75th Street Suite 137, Box 295 Naperville, IL 60565. You can check for updates on Mason’s progress at http:// www.caringbridge.org/visit/ masonpatterson2.

Photo courtesy of Northern Illinois Fire Grounds

Black Friday incident at Kohl’s leads to arrests Individual being brought up on felony charges of aggravated battery By Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter

After being shot by Romeoville police for dragging an officer in a attempt to flee Kohl’s in a Black Friday shopping incident, getaway driver, Charles A. Hinch, 52, of Joliet is the last to be charged with bond set at $400,000. Hinch is being brought up on felony charges of aggravated battery and aggravated resisting a peace officer. In all, three individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the shoplifting attempt. Robert

Russell was also arrested and charged with retail theft and similar charges with bond set at $400,000. Russell had attempted to steal merchandise from Kohl’s, ran from the store and jumped in a waiting car that Hinch was driving. In the process, a Romeoville Police Officer was following Russell and managed to get his arm caught in the car door. Hinch attempted to continue to drive off. Another police officer shot at Hinch to stop him from dragging the fellow officer. The third individual arrested was Gerald Chamberlain, of Joliet, and charged with retail theft and a bond set for $100,000. Police found Chamberlain in the store while the incident was occurring outside.


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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

News

Community care center strives to understand memory loss Memory Care Community at Senior Star at Weber Place is making it its mission to return to patients self-esteem they sorely need By Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter

A devastating disease, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia often can rob patients of their dignity and well-being. But the Memory Care Community at Senior Star at Weber Place is making it its mission to return to patients a self-esteem they sorely need. Dedicated to finding innovative techniques to care for its residents, Senior Star has given its memory care community a new look by redesigning innovative activity stations used to care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in a Senior Star-trademarked program called “Destination Programming.” Now a man can fiddle with

tools, relive their glory days with tall tales from the war or toy with car parts as they did in the garage back in the day. The ladies can recall their wedding day, feeling the texture of a gown or the simple joy of clothing a baby doll. For some, it may be as simple as doing laundry, going shopping or tracing a map, taking them to a place when they felt useful. For Anna Walters, director of Memory Care, holding the comfort of the residents dear to her own heart, she feels it is the utmost importance to have its residents feel safe and secure, with these destination stations being used as a reminiscence tool. “If we see a patient who is becoming agitated,we can redirect them to a time station that brings them to a place where they feel

FOR MORE INFO For more information visit www.seniorstar.com <http://www.seniorstar. com/<http://www.seniorstar. com%3chttp:/www.seniorstar. com.

calm again,” said Walters. She explained the center has been using the stations for some time and based on their success,has expanded the program, allowing for various stations throughout the entire facility. You can catch a resident visiting the music station or the “grocery store,” or myriad of other tasks every time you turn the corner walking the hallways of the center.The hands-on activities are designed to engage a resident wherever they are at any given time. Each station is designed to depict specific destinations that are vocational, social or spiritual in nature, and have been created to provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment by engaging residents

in significant experiences of their past. This helps create a world with which they are familiar, a world as they now see it due to the loss of their short-term memory. By developing these special places, residents are able to feel a sense of peace, comfort and security that reduces the feeling of disorientation and loss, explains Walters. “It’s about turning minutes into moments, helping someone feel safe versus feeling lost,” said Walters.“We try to go where they are and validate their emotions,and hopefully, we can turn paranoia or frustration into moments of joy and hope those moments last.” The center has more than 25 new Destination Stations, staff members who provide memory care at Senior Star and have been recognized by the National Alzheimer’s Association for its advocacy. “We want to help them maintain their senses as long as they can and make it as seamless as possible,” said Walters. “We know they are suffering loss, but they don’t and that leads to them feeling lost. If we can help reduce that stress, we are going to try in every way we can.” For example, the center allows them to feel as independent as they can—instead of serving a meal that they may no longer have the dexterity to do alone, they will

offer finger food; or instead of a craft, they will offer signing. “We strive to engage their senses and keep them involved, some need that socialization,” said Walters. “We need to give them a sense of normalcy and that goes so far in changing the quality of their day.” Walters knows first hand what having Alzheimer’s can do to a family, seeing her father suffer through the disease and her mother dealing with the consequences which she believes played into an expected stroke that ultimately took her life. The stress of seeing someone go through Alzheimer’s often is unbearable; though for some, they might feel as though they were neglecting their loved one by taking them to someone else for care. Walters is making it her mission as is the staff at Senior Star, she says, that people understand they should seek help if they need help caring for their loved one. “When they walk in, they should know that this is their home and we just reside in their environment. We are here to help them,” said Walters.“Our staff truly believes that. Take for instance our receptionist.You have no idea how many times she is asked the same question by our residents, but she turns to them every single time and answers as if it were the first.”


Calendar DECEMBER 12 Symphony in Lights Holiday Light Show. Nightly through December 31 at The Promenade, Bolingbrook. Begins at dusk and runs every hour on the hour until 9 p.m.

DECEMBER 13

10:30 to 11 a.m. for ages 2 to 6 with caregiver. Saturday Special: SSL - Super Science Lab: Sounds Great from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. or 3 to 3:45 p.m. for grades kindergarten through fifth. Registration is required. Wacky Water Week at the Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Center. Get the kids out of the house and into some splashtastic fun with Wacky Water Week starting on December 21 through January 5. Themed games and activities are offered starting at noon each day.For full schedule of activities and holiday hours, please visit www.bolingbrookparks.org.

Pajama Party with Santa Claus. 6 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Annerino Community Center, Bolingbrook. All ages welcome. Come in your favorite Christmas pajamas and celebrate with Santa. Each child will get a picture taken with Santa, tell him their wishes, and receive a special gift. Children will have the opportunity to listen to stories by Mrs. Claus, make crafts in the Little Elves’ workshop, join in the Reindeer games, and enjoy delicious cookies and milk. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Be sure to register early. No registrations will be accepted at the door. $15 for first child; $10 for each additional child. With resident ID, $10 for first child, $5 for each additional.

Teen Winter Break Movie Marathon at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. For grades 6–12. Drop in. For movie title information, call 630-6854199. Noon to 6 p.m., Dec. 23; noon to 6 p.m., Dec. 26; noon to 5:30 p.m., Dec. 27; 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 30.

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DECEMBER 27

Family Friendly Movies: Holiday Special. noon to 4 p.m. at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. All ages, children under 8 with an adult. Drop in. For movie title information, call 630-685-4176.

Family Movies. 10:30 to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. All ages preschoolers with an adult. Drop in. For movie title information, call 630-685-4181.

DECEMBER 18

DECEMBER 30

Holiday Open House 3 to 6 p.m. at the White Oak Library, Romeoville.

Apps, E-books, Readalouds, Oh My! 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. Grades Kindergarten through fifth with adult. Registration is required. Learn all about apps, e-books,and readalouds.We will go over our databases and options for getting “e-content.” After the presentation, families

DECEMBER 21 Saturday Specials science programs explore Sound at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook. Saturday Special: 1-2-3 Explore with Me!: Sounds Great from

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will have access to many e-readers to test and become familiar with.

JANUARY 16 Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner Gala 6 to 9 p.m., Brunswick Zone, 735 Center Boulevard. For more information on tickets or advertising opportunities, call 815-886-2076 or email info@ romeovillechamber.org.

JANUARY 26 St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School Open House. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 505 Kingston Drive, Romeoville.Are you looking for a safe and nurturing environment for your child’s education, a school with small class sizes and a challenging curriculum? Stop in to our Open House for some refreshments and tour the school, meet the principal, faculty and students while learning about the benefits of enrolling your child at St. Andrew. Full day preschool (3-5 year olds) and Kindergarten through 8th grade. Before and after school care available. For more information please visit the school’s website at www. andrewcc.org or contact Kathy Lifka, principal at 815.886-5953 Ext. 421.

ONGOING Panic Attack Support Group of Bolingbrook. Anyone who is dealing with panic attacks, anxiety attacks, or social phobia is welcome to attend this support group. We meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. Please visit Meetup.com to RSVP http:// www.meetup.com/AnxietyPanic-Attack-Support-GroupOf-Bolingbrook-Naper/.

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

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Police Blotter

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

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

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Primo Bahena, 35, 2241 N. Avers, Chicago, was arrested at 5:24 p.m. Nov. 22 and charged with an in-state warrant on the 100 block of Canterbury.

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Michael Collins, 21, 1425 Pioneer Road, Crest Hill, was arrested at 6:50 p.m. Nov. 25 and charged with retail theft on the 400 block of S. Weber Road.

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Jacob Messinger, 29, 148 Greenfield Drive, Bloomingdale, was arrested at 8:08 p.m. Nov. 25 and charged with an in-state warrant, one headlight and no insurance near Naperville Road and Honeytree.

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Ronnie Jones, 33, 6331 S. Justine, Chicago, was arrested at 9:46 a.m. Nov. 26 and charged with assault on the 1500 block of Lavender Drive.

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Ramiro Ferreira, 23, 1670 Fiddyment, was arrested at 8:01 p.m. Nov. 26 and charged with an in-state warrant on the 1900 block of Tilson Lane.

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Petronilo Cruz, 60, 501 Preston Drive, Bolingbrook, was arrested at 12:57 a.m. Nov. 27 and charged with an in-state warrant on the 400 block of n. Weber Road.

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Sylvester Daniels, 42, 4155 W.Arthington, Chicago, was arrested at 2:43 p.m. and charged with driving with a suspended license, no insurance and no seatbelt near Crossroads Parkway and Normantown Road.

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Taylor Massaro, 18, 136 Dahlia Drive, was arrested at 6:11 p.m. Nov. 27 and charged with retail theft on the 200 block of S. Weber Road.

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Scott Andrelis, 37, 721 Rogers, was arrested at 10:02 p.m. Nov. 29 and charged with an in-state warrant on the 400 block of N. Weber Road. Miguel Bendito-Ponce, 22, 7331 Woodward Ave., Woodridge, was arrested at 12:13 a.m. Dec. 2 and charged with no valid driver’s license, no insurance, and the possession of cannabis and drug equipment

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on the 1200 block of Lakeview. Vito Perez, 36, 7738 Woodward Ave.,Woodridge, was arrested at 5:14 a.m. Dec. 2 and charged with no valid driver’s license and speeding near Route 53 and Chambers.

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Beatrice Saucedo, 49, 930 Prairie Clover, was arrested at 7:17 p.m. Dec. 1 and charged with retail theft on the 200 block of S. Weber Road.

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Kasmier Cruz, 18, 2117 Sienna Drive, Joliet, was arrested at 8:02 p.m. Dec. 2 and

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charged with the possession of cannabis near Weber Road and Carillon. Nathan Kotulski, 18, 2117 Sienna Drive, Joliet, was arrested at 8:02 p.m. Dec. 2 for possession of drug equipment near Weber Road and Carillon.

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A residential burglary was reported at 3:59 p.m. Dec. 3 on the 200 block of Charleston. Several gaming systems, two laptop computers, jewelry and a camera were taken from the residence by unknown person(s). Estimated value of the items taken is $4,040.

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ForuM Post your thoughts! You’re invited to use the Forum page of The Bugle to express your opinions about matters that affect our community. E-mail your letter to our newsroom at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com. For more information, call (815) 436-2431. Letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. Please try to limit your comments to 500 words or less. The editors

reserve the right to publish, condense, revise or reject any submissions.

Send us your news It’s easy! Just follow the 5 W’s: What is happening: Describe the event or the purpose of the news release. Who: The subject of the event. Also, include a name and phone number or e-mail address that can be published so readers can call for more information. When: Give date and time. Why, or for what purpose: Explain the nature of the event. Where is it happening: Give the exact street address. E-mail community news releases to sweditor@buglenewspapers.com The Bugle reserves the right to subsequent publication of all submissions, in full or in part, through the newspaper’s archives or any other electronic library.

Send us your photos Did your club host a bake sale? Did your church group volunteer to paint a senior’s home? If you have photos from your group’s fundraisers or events we would be glad to publish them. Please submit them to sweditor@buglenewspapers.com. Be sure to include information about the event, such as when, why and where it occurred. 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.

General Manager V.P. Advertising and Marketing Michael James mjames@voyagermediaonline.com Managing Editor Nick Reiher nreiher@buglenewspapers.com Assistant Managing Editor Jonathan Samples jsamples@buglenewspapers.com Reporters Jonathan Samples Alex Hernandez Laura Katauskas Sue Baker Sports Editor Scott Taylor staylor@buglenewspapers.com Advertising Manager Pat Ryan pryan@enterprisepublications.com

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Production Director Andrew Samaan andrew@buglenewspapers.com Enterprise Newspapers, Inc. 23856 Andrew Road #104 Plainfield, IL 60585 (815) 436-2431 • Fax (815) 436-2592 Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Editorial Deadlines Calendar & News: 3 p.m. Monday, three weeks before date of publication sweditor@buglenewspapers.com www.buglenewspapers.com Ad Deadlines Space and Copy deadlines for Display and Classified Ads is 12 p.m. Friday before date of insertion. classifieds@buglenewspapers.com Legals, Obituaries and Happy Ads are due at 12 p.m. Friday. announcements@buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Illustrated Opinions

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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Schools

Valley View School District

School board to review calendar start date Draft calls for classes to begin Aug. 13 and the school year to end May 22 as long as there are no snow emergency days By Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter

A plan to start the Valley View School District 2014-15 school year earlier than ever before has been put on hold for further review. In a 3-3 vote, the motion to pass the calendar failed at the past school board meeting. Members Steve Quigley, Rick Gougis and Liz Campbell cast the dissenting

WINTER Continued from page 1 On a mission to make the season brighter, the Romeoville Recreation Department and Fat Ricky’s restaurant teamed up to

votes. Cheryl Hansen, Dan Falese, and Debbie Sykora voted in favor of the changes. Leo Venegas was absent. The start of the school year is inching earlier and earlier each year. This past school year began a few days earlier than the past and now the Valley View School District 365u is looking to start even earlier for the 2014-15 school year. The draft calls for classes to

begin Aug. 13 and the school year to end May 22 as long as there are no snow emergency days. The first semester would end before winter break, which would begin on Dec. 20. Spring break would be April 3-10. A committee consisting

of parents, community members, teachers, office staff, administrators, union members and a school board member developed the calendar. The rationale for the early start is to have the first semester end before the holiday break, allowing for testing and grades before the vacation. Upon first review last month, school board members asked further information be shared with the community before any action was taken. The school district sent information to parents and conducted a community survey regarding the calendar. Survey

provide a little Christmas fun as well as a lending hand this weekend with its combined Winter Wonderland/Hope for the Holidays event. Admission to the winter wonderland required a food donation that will go toward those in need within the community.

In return the first 500 in attendance, received a free dinner courtesy of Fat Ricky’s and admission to all the festivities of the recreation center’s winter wonderland. “My husband and I just felt that while we have a business in town that is doing well, that

we should do something to give back to those that are being hurt by this economy,” said Erin DiPego of Fat Ricky’s. Last year, the group was able to provide care packages to 180 families and hopes to do the same or more this year. And those walking

more information The rationale for the early start is to have the first semester end before the holiday break, allowing for testing and grades before the vacation.

results show that 287 responded that the calendar was starting too early, with weather being too hot, and an adverse affect on vacations. A total of 86 respondents approved of the new calendar. The calendar committee is expected to reconvene to adjust the draft calendar for 2014-15 accordingly and provide a new draft for review at an upcoming board meeting. In addition, a calendar committee with representatives from all stakeholder groups will be assembled to plan a draft calendar for the 2015-16 calendar school year in January.

through Winter Wonderland were able to catch a magic show, make a few ornaments, here some carolers and romp through Christmas inflatable all in the name of Christmas cheer.


Take 5 Crossword Puzzle

Across 1 Take off politely, as one’s hat 5 Small silvery fish 10 Ogden’s state 14 “The African Queen” coscreenwriter 15 Apple drink 16 Golfer Ballesteros 17 1976 debut single for Heart 19 Yoked bovines 20 The Beatles’ “And I Love __” 21 Metal-yielding rocks 22 Practices in a ring 23 21-Across tester 25 Chasing 27 Stable warmer 31 Hiding places in walls 34 Wild pig 35 “We __ the Champions” 36 Jack of old Westerns 37 Nationality of the two leaders suggested by the starts of

Down 17-, 27-, 43- and 57-Across 39 Not left out of 40 Pallid 41 Latvian capital 42 Move with ease 43 Biding one’s time 47 Like pretentious gallery-goers 48 Crime against one’s country 52 Follow 54 Carson’s predecessor 55 Mary’s little lamb, perhaps 56 Cabernet containers 57 Informal name for the double bass 60 Correct copy 61 Native Alaskan 62 Got long in the tooth 63 A bit blue 64 Garb at the Forum 65 Raises, say

1 Russian cottage 2 Hideous giants 3 Shaking causes 4 Brimless cap 5 Cricket official 6 Ones who dig 21-Across 7 Outshine fruit bars brand 8 Regulus’s constellation 9 __TV: “Not reality. Actuality.” 10 Golf tournament first played in 1895 11 Portmanteau region between Dallas and Little Rock 12 Solemnly swear 13 Ones in a pecking order 18 They have strings attached 22 Regulus, for one 24 “Beg pardon ...” 25 Leigh Hunt’s “__ Ben Adhem” 26 Linen fiber source 28 WWII torpedo craft 29 Cupid’s Greek counterpart

30 Portable shelter 31 Hems but doesn’t haw? 32 Jai __ 33 Hard to believe 37 Moral lapses 38 Punk star __ Pop 39 Mite 41 Marriage or baptism 42 Dearie, in Dijon 44 Reliable 45 Milano’s land 46 Botanists’ scions 49 Swamp grass 50 Young bird of prey 51 Non-negotiable things 52 On any occasion 53 Zippo 54 Socket insert 57 Bridle piece 58 Half dos 59 Gentle application

Tribune Content Agency 2013

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Horoscopes Grin and bear it. Situations may arise this week that you cannot change no matter how much you may want to. Focus your energies on more constructive pursuits to avoid needless frustration.

Don’t get caught up in double talk. Steer clear of conversations in the coming week that may be designed to cloud the facts rather than enlighten. Be confident in your abilities, as fear or doubt may affect your judgment.

Have a purpose. Don’t waste valuable time and resources on a project unless there’s a worthwhile reward at the conclusion. Save important decisions for later in the week, as new information will likely make your choice easier.

Don’t go splitting hairs. Today you’re able to find fault with just about everything but that doesn’t mean you should let everybody know it. Concentrate on being helpful and constructive rather than critical in the week ahead.

Rats are the first to desert a sinking ship. Things may not appear to be going your way this week, but see how events unfold before you head for the lifeboats. Don’t take criticism too seriously.

Just because you hear something doesn’t make it true. The latest gossip this week may have you ready for action, but first consider the sources and do some fact checking before you believe any of it.

It’s all in the details. You may complete your goals by using shortcuts, but in your haste you may be neglecting the key components that will make it a success. Later in the week, make sure you’re adequately prepared before starting anything new.

Remember who you’re talking to. Your friends will likely just tell you what you want to hear this week, but those who aren’t will tell you only what they want you to hear. Do your own homework to get to the heart of the matter.

Stick to your guns. It may be simpler to compromise your principals over the next few days, but your integrity would suffer in the process. You may find it more difficult to remain ethical but ultimately it will be for the best.

Bide your time. You may have come up with an absolutely foolproof plan this week, but unless you wait until the timing is perfect to set it in motion, you’ll end up the fool. Remember to expect the unexpected.

Know your limits. Some circumstances are simply beyond your control and though you may want to change them, you can’t. Instead of trying to achieve the impossible this week, concentrate on working toward practical goals.

There’s always hope. Even if all your companions have resigned themselves to the bleakest outcome, hold out that it will all turn out for the best. A positive attitude can do wonders to reverse fortunes later in the week.

Sudoku

Jumble

Previous puzzle’s answers

Previous puzzle’s answers

Previous puzzle’s answers

Jumbles: • HOBBY • DRAWL • JUNKET • FELONY

Answer:

The astronaut was successful when he was -“DOWN AND OUT”

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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013


INSIDE: Romeoville graduate Osusky enjoying success with the University of St. Francis, page 14

www.romeovillebugle.com

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

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Spartan bowlers in rebuilding mode By Scott Taylor Sports Editor

Romeoville is in a rebuilding mode this year. With several young players, the Spartans opened their season Nov. 30 at the Plainfield Central Invite at Pioneer Lanes in Plainfield. While they took 18th of 24 teams, the team showed consistency throughout the day. “Overall we didn’t do bad,” Romeoville coach Mike Eccleston said. “We were pretty consistent all day. We need to work on our one-pin spares, but overall, not a bad day.We’re not going to strike a lot, so we need to work on our spares. They stayed positive all day long, which is what I am looking for.” Eccleston is hoping the young girls are buying into bowling and the program and having them bowl on their own is a big step in that. “I had six girls tell me they went bowling last weekend,” Eccleston said. “I never had that happen before. It’s all about our timing. I have one returning varsity player, so there are a lot of new girls, some who have never bowled before, so we have

a lot of work to do.” Also helpful is keeping the atmosphere loose and light so the girls want to bowl in the future. “I want to try and make it fun,” Eccleston said. “When they get down I tell them it is just bowling and have fun. We make some jokes to keep loose.” As far as this season goes, Romeoville will be looking to get its young players experience and prepare them for future seasons. “It looks like a lot of teams are going to have long seasons,” Eccleston said. “But we lost five of our six varsity girls. I hope our young girls can stay interested. Last year we had one freshman and now we have five sophomores, so that is a good sign.” Junior Breana Gasic led the way at the Central Invite with a 991 six-game series, with a high game of 193. Jenny Zaremba added a 954 and Erin Cosner had an 882. The Spartans defeated Lisle 2,162-2,100. Kaitlyn Maquera led the Spartans with a 511 series. Zaremba added a 472 and Cosner had a 453. See BOWLERS, page 15

Scott Taylor/Bugle Staff

The Romeoville girls bowling team is looking to rebuild this season.


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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Sports Locals enjoying college career with St. Francis By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

Mark Gregory/Bugle staff

Romeoville graduate Angelica Osusky is having success at the University of St. Francis.

Not only is the University of St. Francis looking to build up its women’s basketball program with second-year head coach and former Joliet Catholic Academy star Sam Quigley, but it is also doing so with a lot of local talent. The current USF roster features eight of the 13 rostered players from the greater Joliet area, seven of them residing in the Voyager Media coverage zone. Those local players not only dominate the roster, they serve as key contributors. Senior Paige Stankus, a Plainfield South graduate, averages 5.0 points per game. Fellow senior Marissa Draper from JolietTownship is averaging 5.1 points per game. Joliet Catholic Academy graduate Mary Rouse and Romeoville alum Angelica Osusky, both freshmen, average 3.3 and 2.7 points per game, respectively. “Mary is my roommate and I have played with her,” Osusky said. “It is kind of weird playing with all these local girls because I have played against them all these years and now I am playing with them. It is a good experience playing against them all these years and now transitioning to playing with them.” Sophomore Khadija Cooley (Joliet West) averages 2.0 points per contest. Minooka graduates Caleigh Hill, a junior from Shorewood, and Sara Placher, a freshman, average 1.7 and 1.2 points per game, respectively. Romeoville graduate Christina Gonzalez is a sophomore on the Saints’ roster. “This is fun,” Quigley said. “It is really cool that we have this much talent in the Joliet area. They have all played together or played against each other. USF is a great place with a lot of great people. It isn’t very hard to sell because it really is a special place. Being local, all their coaches and high school teammates can come watch them, so it really is cool.” The Saints recently got a verbal commitment from another JCA player, as Christina Ekhomu will

join USF next year. The Saints recently fell 7456 at Lewis University, where Osusky tallied three points. For the ex-Spartan the game was sort of a homecoming. “It reminded me of high school coming back here and playing in Romeoville with my team,” she said. “It was a really good experience and I think Lewis showed us that there is another level and that we can get to that level and compete.”

MEN The Saints’ men’s team is also loaded with area players, many of whom competed in the Voyager Media All-Star game their senior seasons. Brian Edwards (Joliet West, Joliet), Jaylen Thompson (Plainfield East, Plainfield), Edvinas Presniakovas (Plainfield South, Plainfield) and Jean Pietrzak (Westmont, Westmont) all played in the game and are now playing for the Saints. Lockport alum Brandon Sawin and Mack Brown (Plainfield East, Romeoville) are also on the team. “It was an easy adjustment for me and the chemistry was there already,” Edwards said. “The AllStar game is always nice to see the top players in the area. With Eddie (Presniakovas) being in the same All-Star game as me, I already felt like we are a team.” Brown likes being able to play home games in front of friends and family. “It’s pretty nice because a lot of people don’t get that,” Brown said. “It’s pretty supportive and gives us a boost at home.” St. Francis faced undefeated Lewis Dec. 4 and all three Plainfield alums saw action, as did Edwards. Presniakovas started and played 25 minutes, scoring six points and pulling down three rebounds.Thompson and Brown each tallied seven minutes, with Brown posting two points and three assists and Thompson grabbing a pair of boards to go with a blocked shot. Edwards scored four points in 12 minutes. The Saints lost to the Division II squad 74-64. “I always circle the game on my calendar because it is always fun to play against Lewis,” See LOCALS, page 15


Sports

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

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Sports

Bolingbrook’s Jackson beats buzzer, Cedarville Lewis University junior guard Ryan Jackson (Bolingbrook, Ill./ Riverside-Brookfield) drained a three-pointer with 19 seconds left in overtime, as the visiting Flyers remained perfect on the season with the 83-81 (OT) regional victory over the host Yellow Jackets at the Callan Athletic Center on Saturday (Dec. 7) evening. Jackson and Jeff Jarosz (Lyons, Ill./Morton) combined for 42 of the Flyer points and eight three-pointers. Jackson finished with a game-high 23 points on 7-for-16 shooting from the field and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. Jarosz posted a career-high 19 points, including a careerhigh four three-pointers. As a team, Lewis knocked down a season-high 12 trifectas. That was the most by a Flyer squad since they drained 12 against Olivet Nazarene almost

a year to the day on December 6, 2012. Junior forward Julian Lewis (Flossmoor, Ill./HomewoodFlossmoor) posted his second double-double in as many games, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Sophomore center Kyle Nelson (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) hauled in 10 rebounds, while senior guard Nick Valla (Tinley Park, Ill./ Marist) dished out a career-high nine assists. Valla’s nine assists were the most by a Flyer since Dennis Thomas, Jr. had nine helpers against Trinity Christian on December 30, 2010. “We gutted out a win,” Lewis head men’s basketball coach Scott Trost said.“Give Cedarville credit because they zoned us for 45 minutes and I thought we did a decent job against it. Jackson and Jarosz both hit some big three-pointers for us

tonight. It’s a good win for us.” With the win, Lewis improves to 6-0 on the season, marking their best start since the 198889 campaign when they had 13-straight wins to open the year. Cedarville falls to 1-8 on the campaign. Cedarville guard Jason Cuffee topped the Yellow Jackets with 21 points, while backcourt mates Marcus Reineke (13 points) and Austin Pickett (10 points) both scored in doublefigures. Neither team ever had firm control on the contest, as the game featured 23 lead changes and 12 ties. Cedarville seemed to be in control at the end of both regulation and the overtime. The Yellow Jackets had a threepoint advantage in both the See BEATS, page 16


Sports

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Gearing competes in All-Star game By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

For the fourth straight season, SportstownChicago.com posted an All-Star volleyball game that allowed some of the top high school seniors in the Chicagoland area one more chance to play representing their high school teams. The game was held on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton. Three members of the Voyager Media coverage area competed in the game. All three were recently named to the 2013 Voyager Media All-Area Team. Competing in the game were Minooka’s Skyler Day, who posted 248 kills, 23 blocks and 27 aces this season, as well as Bolingbrook outside hitter Krissa Gearing, who posted 420 kills, 37 aces and 472 total points scored this season and Caroline Wolf, the Benet libero who posted 562 digs this season, which is the most all-time in Benet history. All three players were members of the same team in the game and enjoyed their final game as representatives of their high school teams. “I pretty much know everyone here and it is great playing with them,” said Wolf, who will attend Wake Forest next season. “It was great playing against Anni

LOCALS Continued from page 12 Thompson said. “They are our crosstown rival. They are like six miles away, so we are always ready to play them and I can’t wait to play them next year.” “It’s always fun playing Lewis,” Brown said. “They are a really good team. If we get a chance to beat them, it gives us

BOWLERS Continued from page 13 Romeoville fell to Oswego East 3,059-2,763 but did take two

(Annika Albrecht) because she is home schooled. I play club with six of these girls, so it was great and it was for a good cause.” The game featured Team White and Team Pink and raised awareness for breast cancer research. “It felt good playing in our last game for the high school and now it is back to club. It was great. I live playing together with kids from all over the state,” said Gearing, who will play next season for Southeast Missouri State University. Day said she was honored to get the call to play. “It was an honor and I am blessed to be able to be part of this. It was great to be considered one of the best,” said Day, who will play at Buffalo University next season. These are the best of the best and that was a lot of fun. It was challenging not having played with the people next to you before, but it was still a lot of fun. It was cool, I got to play with and against some of the kids from my club. It was also really good that I was able to play against a lot of the biggest rivals.” All of the players still have work to do before heading off to their colleges, as they will head right into club season. “I am ready to start club and college. I will miss high school, but it was a good run and I will

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

Bolingbrook senior Krissa Gearing played in the SportstownChicago.com All-Star game.

remember it forever,” Wolf said. Prior to the All-Star game, the event featured a showcase for unsigned high school seniors. The game also featured Team Pink vs. Team White and Joliet Catholic Academy’s Julia Shemaintis, Plainfield East’s Briana McGee and Westmont’s Haley Bueser and Vanessa Possidoni were invited to show their skills to scouts. mark@buglenewspapers.com

a nice push forward.With a new coach coming in, everyone has accepted their role to fit in the system.” St. Francis coach Ryan Marks is looking forward to continuing the recruitment of local athletes. “There’s so many of them,” Marks said. “You always have a segment of kids who want to go away, but the ones that are interested in staying close to home and like playing in front

of family and friends are the ones we need to have on our radar.” •Bolingbrook resident Ryan Jackson is a junior for Lewis. He is averaging 19.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 32.8 minutes. He has 10 steals and is shooting 80 percent from the free throw line. He had 17 points, three rebounds and three assists in the win over St. Francis.

points with a game one win. Zaremba rolled a 594, Maquera had a 587, Cosner shot a 579 and Breana Gasic had a 543.

Central 2,990-2,805. Cody Surges (649), Stephen Vaghn (604), Jacob Hubbs (553) and Jimmy Comparetto (544) paced the Spartans.

BOYS Romeoville

beat

Plainfield

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Scott Taylor contributed

Follow Scott @Taylor_Sports staylor@buglenewspapers.com


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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

Sports

Brooks wins regional, AVM falls in title game Brooks Middle School won its own 8th grade girls basketball regional title Thursday afternoon, beating Jane Addams 49-22. The Lady Bulldogs (19-2) competed for the sectional title at Brooks Dec.11 against Homer Junior High School. Homer advanced by beating Romeoville’s A. Vito Martinez Middle School in the Oak Prairie Regional. Homer scored 11 straight points in the second and third quarters and never looked back as the Mustangs tripped Martinez 36-28. It took Martinez (15-7) almost four minutes before they scored on a Brittany Osborne layup off a great pass by Maddie Massaro in the first quarter. Haley Gwin’s three-pointer with 3 seconds left tied the score at 10. Jahari Smith’s put-back and Osborne’s jumper made it 1412 Vikings with 3:25 to go in the half before Homer went on its 11 point run. It was 21-14 at halftime and 23-14 when two Osborne hoops and a Smith putback made it 23-20. But that’s as close as Martinez got.

Submitted photo

Brooks Middle School won the 8th grade girls basketball regional.

Homer scored the final eight

points of the quarter to go up 31-20. Osborne led the Vikings with 11 points, while Smith scored seven, grabbed 17 rebounds and had six blocks. Massaro added seven points.

RCA The Romeoville Christian Lady Kingsmen clinched their 6th straight win in Grayslake, IL defeating the Eagles of Westlake Christian 41-33.

BEATS Continued from page 11 second half with 1:47 remaining and in overtime with 1:36 left in the contest. The Flyers had the answer each time. In regulation, Cedarville held a 73-70 advantage following a Reineke jumper at the 1:47 mark. Lewis keyed a 4-0 run over the next 70 seconds as he scored four points and grabbed two boards to push the Flyers to the 74-73 lead with 37 ticks left. The Yellow Jackets were fouled on their ensuing

The Kingsmen were led by Captains Lauren Johnson (12 points) and Casey Perez (12 rebounds). Freshman Jessie Perez contributed 15 points in helping the Kingsmen remain unbeaten. A balanced effort really helped to clinch the win against a solid opponent. The Eagles trailed the entire way, but closed the gap to two points in the 4th quarter.

Romeoville will not be in action again until December 17 when they take on the Patriots of Calumet Christian.

possession and Cuffee split his charity shots to tie the game up at 74 with 23 seconds remaining. The Flyers had a chance to win the game in regulation, but were unable to convert three attempts in the waning seconds as the game went to overtime. The extra session was much of the same, as Cedarville held a 79-76 lead with 1:36 left in overtime. The lead was cut to 79-78 following a pair of Lewis free throws at the 1:15 mark. Cedarville had the ball and Pickett was unable to convert a three-point attempt, but teammate Easton Bazzoli hauled in the offensive board with 45 seconds left. Reineke, however,

was whistled for an offensive foul which awarded the ball to the Flyers and set the stage for Jackson’s heroics. Jackson took a feed from Valla for his fourth and final three-pointer to give Lewis the 81-79 lead with 19 seconds left in OT. Cedarville drew a foul on their next possession, but Pickett split his free throws, allowing the Flyers to keep an 81-80 advantage with six seconds left in the game. Forced to foul, Cedarville sent Valla to the line for a pair of free throws with five seconds left in the game that secured the win for the Flyers. Those were the only points of the game for Valla.

RYDBERG Lukanic Middle School 8th grader Paige Rydberg qualified for the United States Figure Skating National Championships in Boston next month by capturing the Bronze Medal at the Midwest Sectionals in Lansing, MI over the weekend.


buglenewspapers.com/basketball

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

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Plainfield North holds off Minooka rally By Scott Taylor Sports Editor

For much of three quarters Plainfield North had things rolling in its Southwest Prairie Conference opener. It held a 22-point lead midway through the third quarter at home against Minooka Friday. The Indians fought back though and made it a game. But in the end, it was the Tigers who held on for the 66-58 win. “When we play well we are a tough team to beat,” North coach Robert Krahulik said. “We have three really good weapons plus a big man that when he is playing well is very good. We’re very deep so when we bring guys off the bench, they can hit shots too. When we’re playing well, we’re going to be tough to beat. But when we lack focus and don’t play defense, we can get beat by anybody.” The Tigers (6-0) opened with a 17-13 lead after one quarter as Jake Nowak drilled three threepointers. “Everybody is hyped in the beginning,” Nowak said.“My shot was going today and it felt good.” That lead ballooned to 36-22 at the half and was 51-29 in the third before Minooka made its run. “We were hitting,” said North’s Trevor Stumpe,who had 18 points in the middle two quarters. “We have shooters. And when I drive, people converge on me and I have shooters who can knock down open shots and they were hitting today.” The Indians answered with the final 10 points of the third quarter and went on a 17-2 run overall to cut the score to 53-46. “We came in from the locker room and we knew we had to work hard,” Minooka senior Jake Smith said. “We put it together and got some points back, but it wasn’t enough. Our intensity just wasn’t there in the first half and in the second half we felt the pressure.” “I’m not happy with digging

that big of a hole,” Minooka coach Scott Tanaka said. “If there is a silver lining it is that we were willing to fight and get back into the game. We need to learn to play with a sense of urgency much earlier in the basketball game.” Stumpe picked up his fifth foul with three minutes left in the game on a Neal Tyrell threepointer. Tyrell made two of three freebies and the score was 57-52. A Smith three-pointer a minute later, his fifth of the game, trimmed the deficit back to five for the Indians at 62-57. However, the Tigers were able to hold on in the last minute for the win. “It’s just something that happens,” Smith said of his shooting. “The offense is based around whoever is hot that day. I was just hitting shots today.” Part of the reason for the slow start for the Indians may have been their inexperience. “We have a lot of guys who don’t have a lot of varsity experience,” Tanaka said. “However much you say it, you just have to get them out there. It took a little bit of a hit in the mouth for us to get it going, but when we did I think our kids did a good job of fighting.” Meanwhile, with Stumpe sidelined with the fouls, it forced the younger players to take on a larger role down the stretch for North. “That was actually good for us for the future,” Krahulik said. “It shows that we can win with multiple players. It gives them confidence to play at the end of games and not just rely on him.” “I’m really proud of our guys,” Stumpe said.“I fouled out and am one of the primary free throw shooters, but the other guys stepped up. Coach has us play defense in practice with our hands behind our back, but it didn’t really work out tonight.” Stumpe finished with 22 points and Nowak had 17 for North. Smith paced the Indians with 21. Follow Scott @Taylor_Sports staylor@buglenewspapers.com

Scott Taylor/Bugle Staff

Jake Smith scored 21 points and had five three-pointers for Minooka in a 66-58 loss to Plainfield North.


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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

News

Kirk, Coats stress Illiana to keep region competitive Senators highlight economic importance of proposed $1.5 billion highway project By Alex V. Hernandez Staff Reporter

U.S. Senators Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Dan Coats, R-Ind., joined other Illinois and Indiana leaders Dec. 6 at the Union League Club of Chicago to highlight the economic importance of the proposed $1.5 billion Illiana project. “The Illiana expressway would add approximately 9,000 construction jobs to our area,”said Kirk. “The vision here is to build a drag strip to the eastern market. And we will have an estimated 854,000 people coming to this

region in the next 30 years, so we won’t have any issues getting the toll money in this area.” It’s estimated that the proposed 47-mile toll way, stretching from Interstate 55 near Wilmington in Will County to Interstate 65 in Porter County, Ind., would generate about $1.3 billion in wages over that 30-year period. Additionally officials estimate it could generate $1 million in daily travel time savings and help commercial traffic bypass the Chicago metropolitan area. Toll revenues for the new roadway are estimated at between $2.4 billion to $3.8

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, R-Ill.

U.S. Senator Dan Coats, R-Ind.

billion over the life of the publicprivate partnership contract. “Anyone who has driven down the corridor knows this is already a congestion point,” said Coats. He stressed the Illiana project is a way to keep the region economically competitive. “This action is taken out of our concern that those looking to expand will

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Celebrate the Season Local Parishes Christmas Week Service Schedule

Policy Committee (NIRPC) approved the plan on Dec. 3. If NIRPC votes in favor of including the Illiana Expressway project in its long-term regional comprehensive plan Dec. 12 the project could break ground as early as 2015. “The buildup of the intermodal facilities in Will County happened at the end of the economic boom,” said Will County Board member Don Moran, D-Romeoville. “Right now, it’s the largest inland port in North America, but the ability to move trucks between the intermodal facilities is becoming increasingly difficult.” Moran went on to say it would be cheaper to address the issue move forward on this.” Coats agreed, and said publicprivate partnerships are the future for projects like Illiana. However Kirk also said whether Illiana becomes a priority project would depend on the private investor market. Concerning overdevelopment and the impact Illiana would have on the environment of the region, Kirk said it would be up to each individual municipality make sure their community’s concerns were addressed. “I don’t know any road built that hasn’t been controversial,” said Kirk.

QUICK FACT: Toll revenues for the new roadway are estimated at between $2.4 billion to $3.8 billion over the life of the publicprivate partnership contract.

look elsewhere.” The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee already approved the Illinois segment of the project on Oct. 17. Meanwhile the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Transportation of congestion now than to wait for the problem to get out of hand when the cost of fixing it becomes prohibitively expensive. He said this would ensure the region remains “the center of the universe for freight traffic.” As for concerns the project would burden area taxpayers, both Kirk and Coats stressed the public-private partnership contract would prevent that.With Coats saying that federal funding is in short supply for highway projects and that tax revenues for gas has been steadily declining. “Right now, we’re experiencing (political) gridlock in Washington, D.C.,” said Kirk. “Our goal is to

News Briefs Holiday Gift Idea The Romeoville Area Historical Society will hold a one-day holiday sale of its new book on the history of Romeoville during the Friends of the Library book sale at the White Oak Library in Romeoville. From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat. Dec. 14, the books will be sold for $17, $5 off the retail price. For further information about the book or the Society, email nancy.reader@sbcglobal.net.

Local students help launch Lewis University’s Jet Fuel Review Lewis

University

student-

run and faculty-advised literary journal, the Jet Fuel Review, recently launched the bi-annual issue. The online journal features work by Lewis University students as well as national artists. The work includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, interviews, art and eBooks.The high-octane literary journal includes students and faculty on its staff. The students include Ryan Arciero, Joe Block, Melissa Carrington, Ashley Castillo, Caitlin Connelly, Mary Egan, Tim Fitzpatrick, Sarah Ford, Audrey Heiberger, Kyle Kotas, Kari Krajniak, Emily Lif, Stephanie Lipinski, Deirdre McCormick, Tina McKee, Stephanie Raga, Adam Smetana, Michelle Staie, Linda Strahl and See NEWS BRIEFS page 23


Real Estate & Business

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

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Dealing with a boss who overpromises Q. We’re getting near the end of the year,and my boss has promised his managers he will deliver the moon. Every day he puts ridiculous pressure on our team to deliver the impossible. I don’t want to end up unemployed at the end of the year because my boss wanted to look like God to his manager. How do I manage my boss’s ridiculous demands? A.You can manage your boss’s ridiculous demands in two steps: 1) Keep your frustrations about his unrealistic promises to yourself. 2) Put your boss in the hot seat to give you the road map to deliver on his promises. Your boss probably has a great deal of pressure from his management to make his team and his superiors look good. Some managers may even promise the moon because they figure they may get promoted before they have to deliver. Be aware that your boss, himself, probably realizes even Superman would disappoint your upper management. You are correct that the last thing you’d

want is to end up fired because your boss makes you the fall guy for his crazy promises. You also probably realize you can’t simply look at your boss, tell him he is nuts, and refuse to help him with his plans. What you can do is innocently inquire about how your boss would achieve these goals. Make sure you get him to be specific and step-by-step in his instruction. The first defense of a person who overpromises is to stick to vague instructions. Don’t let your boss get away with platitudes and grand concepts. Keep looking confused as you query him about how to implement his noble goals. Most of my clients find it embarrassing to maintain such a deeply confused and inquisitive stance with their boss. But you need to maintain this stance until your boss starts admitting he has overstretched or you will be hung out to dry for not achieving the impossible. For instance, your boss has promised that your team will “fly” at the next meeting. If you let your boss give you vague lectures on

the benefits of flying, you will be blamed when you fail to lift off. If instead you look confused and ask for the exact steps he has used to fly, he will have to admit ignorance. If you argue with your boss’s goals or refuse to help him, you will soon be reading the want ads. If you proceed as if your boss’s goals are realistic and admit you just need some coaching, he will be forced to reconsider his impossible expectations. I know it would be emotionally satisfying to get your boss to admit he has impressed his management at your expense. But this satisfaction will only make your boss your enemy. If you can choose to appear aligned with your boss’s plan and require him to coach you on implementation, you will keep your job and your boss’s good will.

The last word(s) Q. Is it my imagination or do a lot of my coworkers say one thing, do another and then act like they did what they originally said? If I’m right, why don’t people see when they do the opposite of

Dave Says: The baby timeline Dear Dave, I’m in the military, and my wife and I have $13,000 in the bank along with $35,000 in a Roth IRA. We also have no debt, and we put $3,500 into our savings account each month. Our new baby is due to arrive in January, so do you think this would be a good time to buy our first home? Tom Dear Tom, Based on the market alone, it’s a great time to buy a house. Interest rates are fantastic, and prices are recovering but still buyer-friendly. However, considering your wife’s delivery date and the fact that it takes a while to find and complete the process of buying a home, I think I’d wait on this. Moving is

stressful enough under normal circumstances, but combining that with a pregnancy could shoot your wife’s stress levels into the stratosphere.I really don’t think you want to do that to her. And speaking as an old married guy, it’s something you don’t want to experience, either. Another thing to consider is if there’s a good chance you’ll be reassigned in the next four or five years. We work with the military a lot, and that means we see people who buy, and get stuck with homes all over the country. These places usually become rental homes because they don’t sell quickly. And this is a situation you want to avoid because being a long-distance landlord is a real pain. If everything falls into place,

you could easily have enough set aside for a big down payment a few months after the baby arrives. At that point, things will feel a little more settled. I know the temptation is great right now to move into a place you can call your own, but you want buying a home to be a blessing, not a curse. Take a little more time, and see how things feel career- and familywise in a few months.That’s my advice. —Dave *Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times bestselling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Ramsey on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

The first defense of a person who overpromises is to stick to vague instructions. Don’t let your boss get away with platitudes and grand concepts. what they promise? A.Yes, you are right.The reason is people are mostly driven by their unconscious mind, which in most people is like the blind spot in their cars. This column is how about how not to get run over by the unconscious (yours and others’)! (Daneen Skube, Ph.D., executive coach, trainer, therapist and speaker,

also appears as the FOX Channel’s “Workplace Guru” each Monday morning. She’s the author of “Interpersonal Edge: Breakthrough Tools for Talking to Anyone, Anywhere, About Anything” (Hay House, 2006). You can contact Dr. Skube at www. interpersonaledge.com or 1420 NW Gilman Blvd., #2845, Issaquah, WA 98027. Sorry, no personal replies.)

(c) 2013 INTERPERSONAL EDGE DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013

NEWS BRIEFS Continued from page 18 Roslyn Summerville. Persons of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to submit their work of art for review, with the chance of being featured in the next issue of the Jet Fuel Review. Visit http://www.jetfuelreview. com to read the latest issue and future submission guidelines.

Meteorologist talks with King students about the weather It takes a wide variety of tools to forecast the weather. So says WGN and National Weather Service Meteorologist Paul Merzlock who helped Irene King 2nd graders wrap up their water cycle unit with a personal visit to the Romeoville elementary school. “Weather moves. What we’re seeing today (snow flurries) was falling in Kansas and Texas a day or two ago,” he said, pointing out weather forecasters use satellite photos, radar and computer programs to predict the weather. Merzlock utilized several hands-on tools to show students what makes clouds and how water vapor is created. During Q&A, he spent time talking about what created the

tornadoes that struck Illinois a little over a week ago. “That warm air we had contained a lot of water vapor and when it collided with cold air, that made thunderstorms form,” Merzlock said. “You also need big winds that blow in

different directions at different levels of the atmosphere. As the air rises, it starts to spin and the thunderstorms spiral around like they were on a carousel.” Other questions students asked: How hot is the sun? “Really,

really hot.” (6,000 degrees) “But a bolt of lightning is even hotter.” (50,000 degrees) What causes a rainbow? High clouds reflecting light. How do clouds move? “They move wherever the wind blows them.”

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How is snow made? “Snow is not a frozen rain drop, that’s sleet.” A snowflake is groups of ice crystals stuck together. Merzlock also talked about floods,hurricanes and typhoons, and stars.


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THE BUGLE DECEMBER 12, 2013


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