DECEMBER 25, 2014 VOL. 9 ISSUE 25
NeWS
Check out how the community is giving back this holiday!
#romeovillebugle
NeWS Plans continue for extended stay hotel Proposed Value Place Hotel is a four-story building consisting of 43,036 square feet
see page 3
SChoolS VVSD to expand early childhood program
RoMeoVilleBugle.CoM
White Oak Library hosts night of holiday cheer The White Oak Library District hosted an evening of holiday cheer with stories, music and a chance to make a gingerbread house much to the delight of all ages.
District will soon begin discussing how to double size of its early childhood programs
see page 4
SpoRtS Spartans to host own tournament Games begin Dec. 26
see page 11
The Details. White Oak Library District: Romeoville Branch 201 Normantown Road Romeoville, IL 60446 (815) 886-2030
T h ur s day, decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
wILL county
THURSDay • CHRiSTMaS PartLy cLouDy
high: 32° low: 25° district 64 students selected as musical all-stars
library’s window finally coming along
Construction may be completed by end of January for the Shorewood-Troy Library’s new, two-story window.
newS .................................................... 3 PoLIce BLotter ............................ 6 oPInIon............................................... 7 caLenDar .......................................... 9
School District 64 middle school student musicians have been selected to participate in two annual regional events.
police reports successful click it or Ticket, drive sober mobilizations From Nov. 17 – 30, 2014, IDOT supported enforcement to remind motorists to buckle up and not drive impaired.
investigation leads to child porn charges against romeoville man A 37-year-old Romeoville man has been arrested for allegedly soliciting a teenage girl from out of state.
take 5 .................................................. 10 SPortS ................................................ 11 SocIaL SPotLIght ......................... 15 BuSIneSS & reaL eState .......... 18
cLaSSIFIeDS ...................................... 19 MonthLy Feature ....................... 23
FRiDay • DEC. 26 Snow ShowerS
high: 28° low: 18° SaTURDay • DEC. 27 Sunny
high: 24° low: 17° weeKend evenT: JiNGLEbELL ROCK METaL FEST iN JOLiET • DEC. 26, 2014 • FRiDay 4:30 PM • MOJOES • 22 W. CaSS ST. JOLiET, iLLiNOiS 60432
T h ur sday, decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
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business
plans continue for extended stay hotel Proposed Value Place Hotel is a four-story building consisting of 43,036 square feet
engineer. “We look forward to seeing this much anticipated katauskas@buglenewspapers.com project progress.” @lkatauskas Value Place is an extended stay hotel that Final development has 175 sites in 30 states plans continue for a new throughout the U.S. that extended-stay hotel to according to submitted be constructed in the documents makes it the Windham Lake Business largest extended stay Park just north of I55. franchise brand in the The proposed Value U.S. Place Hotel is a fournoak The building will story building consisting John MayOR OF include exterior peak roofs of 43,036 square feet ROMEOviLLE reflecting a residential that includes a total of 116 rooms on a 2.1-acre vacant flavor and final development plans show landscaping to be added to parcel. Plans have been reconfigured side entrances and around the for months regarding parking and building; different than what is landscaping and now the village normally done to accommodate is reviewing plans for building the unique-triangular shape of the proposed site. There will be elevations and signage. Mayor John Noak said final sign one parking space per room and offs are pending with the Village slightly smaller in width. Signage By Laura katauSkaS STAff REpoRTER
also carries a variance in height, extending signage to 30 feet and allowing for additional electronic signage. Trustees agreed the variances come with the territory, noting the proximity to I55 warranting the changes. “This is a great final product and they have been a good partner,” said Noak. “They have some variances in the site because of its unique nature when off the interstate and we do take that into account; signage is not above and beyond anything for this site with its location and the landscaping is done differently because of that.” Construction is expected once the weather breaks next year and the hotel to be open by October 2015. This would be only the second Value Place hotel to be built in Illinois. “There is great demand for extended stay hotels—it’s a big industry and we love to have them,” said Noak.
Village news
Village passes tax levy request Final numbers to come in April By Laura katauSkaS STAff REpoRTER
katauskas@buglenewspapers.com @lkatauskas
The village set its 2014 property tax levy at approximately $14 million, though expecting to keep the same levy dollars as 2013. Finance Director Kirk Openchowski explains that the village sets the initial levy request based on estimated 2014 Equalized Value Assessment and budget needs. “We do set the levy artificially high and abate it down in April to give flexibility in the budget process to adjust to police and fire levies based on state results,” said Openchowski. Mayor John Noak continued to remind residents that this is not what will actually be calculated
taX LeVy reQueSt
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THE viLLaGE SET iTS 2014 PROPERTy TaX LEvy aT aPPROXiMaTELy $14 MiLLiON, THOUGH EXPECTiNG TO KEEP THE SaME LEvy DOLLARS AS 2013.
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THE aCTUaL 2013 TaX LEvy WaS aPPROXiMaTELy $12.9 MiLLiON, WiTH a TyPiCaL COST TO THE HOMEOWNER OF $738.
in next year’s budget, which operates on a fiscal calendar beginning in May 2015. “Every single year it comes back and we lower it; this just sets aside an amount to work from; we are just reserving a top out amount to work from,” said Noak. The amounts to be levied,
broken down by fund, are as follows: corporate fund, $3.6 million; garbage disposal, $610,000; Social Security, $1.3 million; tort, $1.4 million; police protection, $570,00; audit, $50,000; Tri-County Special Recreation Area, $300,000; street and bridge, $315,000; fire protection, $315,000; ambulance, $750,000; debt service fund, $782,100; recreation fund, $1.8 million; fire pension, $650,000; and police pension, $2 million. Openchowski said the actual levy has been virtually the same for the past five years with a modest increase of 1 percent last year. The actual 2013 tax levy was approximately $12.9 million, with a typical cost to the homeowner of $738. The 2014 levy cannot exceed the $14 million requested. Noak said it is expected to be lower and match the 2013 levy once evaluations are set.
Village news
Romeoville receives funding for sidewalk improvements Village has been awarded $88,000 to fund the construction of a sidewalk connection Romeoville announced earlier this month that they were one of 50 projects chosen statewide to receive funding through the Illinois Safe Routes to School Program. The Village of Romeoville has been awarded $88,000 to fund the construction of a sidewalk connection between South and North Budler Roads along Taylor Road. “This is an important connection that would provide a safer route for children who live south of Taylor to walk to Creekside and Lakewood Falls elementary
“This is an important connection that would provide a safer route for children who live south of Taylor to walk to Creekside and Lakewood Falls elementary schools ...” schools,” Mayor John Noak said. The Safe Routes to School program encourages children to walk and bike to school by providing a safer and more appealing transportation alternative. Completion of the project is anticipated prior to the 2015 school year.
business
athletic & Event Center wins outstanding facility award Award will be presented in January 2015 Romeoville’s athletic & Event Center was recognized with the Outstanding Facility & Park award by the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA). Open since January 2014, Romeoville’s athletic & Event Center received the highest total points among entries in its category which recognizing public agencies for their exceptional and unique
achievements in design and development. “In every sense of the word, the Romeoville athletic & Event Center is an outstanding facility that has drawn thousands of visitors throughout the region for a variety of sporting and special events since its opening and we are very proud of this recognition,” said Mayor John Noak. The award will be presented in January 2015 at the IPRA Business meeting.
community bulletin
Local School of Metaphysics invites residents to join Universal Hour of Peace Universal Hour of Peace starts at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 31
In its 18th year, The School of Metaphysics is welcoming people from around the world to usher in the New Year with peaceful thoughts and actions during the Universal Hour of Peace. The School of Metaphysics, located at will honor the Universal Hour of Peace with 20 hours and 15 minutes (2015) of continual Meditation, and other mindful and
spirit filled activities throughout the evening. The group invites all to share in the vision of peace. A tradition at the School of Metaphysics since 1996, the Universal Hour of Peace starts at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and continues through 12:30 am Jan 1. According to the school, Mayor Roger Claar and world leaders proclaim this hour as an official event. People around the world read the Universal Peace Covenant at midnight to usher in the New Year.
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education > Valley View
VVSD to expand early childhood program next fall
District will soon begin discussing how to double size of its early childhood programs Valley View School District 365U will soon begin serious discussions on how to nearly double the size of its early childhood program next fall after receiving a four-year federal grant to fund the expansion of the VVSD program for academically at-risk preschoolers. “We’re very excited about receiving the grant,” said Jacci Brown, Principal of the Valley View Early Childhood Center. “Valley View has a great reputation for having a quality pre-school program. But this is an opportunity for us to help our under-served kiddos right before they go into kindergarten.” “Our district plan is based on a commitment to enhance our already existing program, implement quality improvements, and ensure strong community partnerships between the school district and other learning providers,” VVSD Executive Director of Pre K-5 Educational Services Elizabeth Martinez told School Board members before they approved the grant application in October. Plans call for the creation of an all-day program for 160 four-andfive-year-olds who will attend kindergarten the following year. Currently 255 students ages three to five attend on a half-day basis. While the half-day program will remain in place at the Early Childhood Center located behind the VVSD Administration Center in Romeoville, the new program will likely be housed in several to-be-determined VVSD elementary schools as well as the Barber’s Corner Kindercare in Bolingbrook and the Good Shepherd Head Start Center in Romeoville. Both programs will follow the researched-based curriculum called “Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers” currently taught in VVECC, according to VVSD Early Childhood Center Student Resource Team Leader Michelle Sands, so the transition will be
“Our children will have more opportunities to have a consistent learning experience,” Sands added. “We’re going to be able to create a more collaborative experience so parents and kids don’t get lost in the shuffle.” extremely smooth. “And what’s nice for our families, most of whom are employed in some capacity and struggle to find quality child care, is they will have an opportunity to have their child in a quality pre-school setting all day at no cost,” she added. After winter break, VVSD officials expect to formulate specific plans for the application and screening processes as well as staffing. “There will be an application process similar to what we do for our pre-school kiddos now. Parents will fill out an application and we will determine their child’s at-risk factor and conduct a screening to make sure we get the students who are most atrisk,” Brown said. “Parents don’t need to do anything right now. We’ll let them know when it is time.” Current students in the VVECC half-day program will be able to apply for the new program as long as they turn four by Sept. 1, 2015. “This is an ideal time to serve our kiddos in a full-day setting,” Brown said. “Our children will have more opportunities to have a consistent learning experience,” Sands added. “We’re going to be able to create a more collaborative experience so parents and kids don’t get lost in the shuffle.”
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community business
Culvers holding Dec. 18 fundraiser for RHS-JROTC Culver’s will donate 20 percent of all purchases from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Romeoville High School’s Junior ROTC program will be the beneficiary of a fundraiser at the
bugle file photoI
An artist’s rendering of the proposed new marquee for the Rialto Square Theater.
Rialto sign donor may pull funds if memorial obligation changed Theater officials say renovations ’almost 75 percent completed’ By Pat Schager for the Bugle
sweditor@buglenewspapers.com @PlainfieldNews
While Rialto Square Theatre officials say controversial renovations to the marquee are nearly 75 percent done, they left open the possibility there could be some change. At a Dec. 17 meeting of the Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority – the board that oversees Rialto operations -- the public had the chance to ask officials about their decision to allow renovation of the Rialto marquee some call gaudy and not at all fitting for the historic, 88-year-old “Jewel of Joliet.” Some have objected to updating the marquee, which is not the original, to include LED signs that will allow theater officials to gain some advertising revenue. Many also are upset at the size of the wording of a memorial on the marquee negotiated by Plainfield developer Ed Czerkies, who donated $350,000 for the new marquee. Rialto General Manager Randy Green asked that the meeting be moved into the theater itself to accommodate an anticipated larger crowd. Around 50 people attended the meeting, 12 of whom spoke.
Green told those who attended he has spoken with Czerkies as the opposition has grown. He said Czerkies is concerned over the controversy, but remains firm the marquee renovation go on as presented. He hinted that anything else could be losing the $350,000 donation. Since they have spent some $197,000 on the marquee already that it nearly 75 percent completed, Green said, “If Mr. Czerkies rescinds his gift, we will be out $550,000.” Green said Czerkies told him in their last conversation that he needs to discuss the issue with his family. “The door remains open,” said Rialto Board Chairman James Smith. Some of the public said they never got their foot in that door. “Why were we left out,” was one of the most asked question from the people attending the board meeting. “Why wasn’t the public asked for some input into the design for a new marquee for the Rialto,” asked Sue Martin, a Joliet resident. “Why is the new marquee so much larger than what’s in front of the Rialto now,” asked Shirley from Shorewood. Rialto officials thought they had good news for residents when they announced Czerkies’ donation
and unveiled a rendering of the new marquee at the opening of the Festival of Trees celebration in November. Not everyone is opposed to the new marquee. Tom Hannah of Joliet praised Czerkies for his donation. “Times change, and it’s an improvement for the Rialto,” he said to applause from many in the audience. On Dec. 15, Green and Smith attended the City Council’s workshop session. About a dozen residents who opposed the new marquee were in the audience, and some of them carried large signs protesting the change. Green went through the project’s timeline, saying that in July he sent an email to City Manager Jim Hock seeking review of the design. Hock forwarded the request to staff, and the city’s Historical Preservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals considered the new marquee. Both groups approved it, Green said. The new marquee would be about 12 feet high, and the letters spelling the Czerkies name were about 10 ½ inches tall, Green said. Smith noted that some people had accused the Rialto’s leaders of trying to avoid an appearance at a council meeting. “That is simply not true,” Smith said. “It is not our intent to disregard public opinion.” Assistant Digital Editor Stewart Warren contributed to this story.
Romeoville Culver’s Thursday, Dec. 18. Culver’s will donate 20 percent of all purchases from 5 to 8:30 p.m. as long as the patron either presents a special JROTC flyer or mention RHS JROTC.
village news
Fire Department sponsors Keep The Wreath Red event Festive holiday symbol to remind residents about holiday safety
Since 1995, the Romeoville Fire Department has used a festive holiday symbol to remind residents about holiday safety. A wreath with
red lights has been placed at each fire station. Each time there is a holiday-related fire from Dec. 1st to Jan. 2nd, one of the red bulbs will be replaced by a white one. The Romeoville Fire Department is asking residents to take precautions to help make this holiday season a safe one.
community bulletin
Registration underway for RHS indoor hitting camp Camps will be divided into two age groups
Romeoville High School’s baseball staff is offering indoor winter hitting camps for youngsters in grades two through eight starting Jan. 11. The six-week Sunday camps will provide quality instruction through drills, fundamentals, and situational hitting.
The camps will be divided into two age groups. Second through fifth graders will attend from 11 a.m. to noon. Sixth through eighth graders will attend from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Camp dates are Jan. 11 and 25, and Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22. The cost of the camp is $50. Camps will be held in the Romeoville High School field house. Registration information is available through Coach Dave Haskins at 847650-3274 or haskinscm@vvsd.org.
education > valley view
VVSD high school students earn Wilco Student of the Month honors Six Valley View School District 365U students have been named Wilco Area Career Center Students of the Month for November. They include Bolingbrook High School’s Colin Jagiel (auto body) and Leanne Becker (criminal
justice), as well as Breanna Vaira (certified nursing assistant), Daniel Zitka (culinary arts) and Berenisse Audelo-Luna (intro to health professions) from Romeoville High School.
www.crimestoppersofwillcounty.org • 800.323.734 T h ur s day, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com 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.
Gilberto Moreno, 22, 2244 S. Albany, Chicago, was arrested at 11:33 p.m. Dec. 2 and charged with driving with a suspended license, no insurance, improper use of registration and driving without lights on Route 53 and Taylor Road.
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Michael Nowak, 54, 710 Roof, was arrested at 4:46 a.m. Dec. 5 and charged with improper use of registration and disobeying a traffic sign near Poplar and 135th Street.
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Brandon Gutzmer, 20, 1570 W. Hundley, Hoffman Estates, was arrested at 7:25 p.m. Dec. 5 and charged with possession of cannabis and drug equipment near Route 53 and Chambers.
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Patrick Cosgriff, 20, 204 Wickham Drive, Schaumburg, was arrested at 7:25 p.m. Dec. 5 and charged with the possession of cannabis and drug equipment near Route 53 and Chambers.
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Anthony Simmons II, 29, 1965 W. Cobblestone, was arrested at 8:50 p.m. Dec. 5 and charged with driving with a suspended license and disobeying a stop sign near Murphy and Bodega.
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Enrique Arroyo, 29, 8148 Keating Ave., Skokie, was arrested at 9:33 p.m. Dec. 5 and charged with DUI, speeding, no insurance, and the possession of cannabis near Route 53 and Enterprise Drive.
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Charles Howard, 37, 1712 Raleigh Trail, was arrested at 3:51 a.m. Dec. 6 and charged with driving with a suspended license, no insurance, fleeing and eluding and disobeying a police officer, traffic sign, traffic and a control device near Weber and Airport Roads.
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Cory Gould, 20, 12625 Blue Iris Lane, Plainfield, was arrested at 3:47 a.m. Dec. 7 and charged with possession of cannabis, illegal consumption of alcohol and attempted obstruction in the 200 block of Hemlock.
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Ernesto Sanchez, 25, 1809 Sierra Trail, was arrested at 7:48 p.m. Dec. 10 and charged with an in-state warrant in the Stamford and Sierra Trail.
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11 Michael Pawlowski, 45, 373 Ave., Joliet, was arrested at 9:55 p.m. Dec. 10, and charged with driving with a revoked license, no insurance, and speeding near Route 53 near Taylor Road.
10 Western
Korin Navarro, 22, 14242 S. Hastings Court, Plainfield, was arrested at 10:37 a.m. Dec. 11 and charged with driving with a suspended license and speeding near Route 53 and Renwick Road.
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Ezell Lucas, 23, 7512 S. Champlain, Chicago, was arrested at 6:42 p.m. Dec. 11 and charged with retail theft in the 300 block of South Weber Road.
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Danielle Hatley, 14024 Weller Drive, Plainfield, was arrested at 7:09 p.m. Dec. 11 and charged with criminal trespass to residence and possession of cannabis in the 1700 block of West Christopher Court.
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Ismael Nieto, 19, 1695 Richfield
Torry Jenkins, 36, 535 N. Chicago, was arrested at 11:05 p.m. Dec. 14 and charged with driving with a revoked license and driving without lights near Normantown and Weber Roads.
14 Trail, was arrested at 7:09 p.m. 16 Sawyer, Dec. 11 and charged with possession of cannabis and criminal trespass to residence in the 1700 block of West Christopher Court. Andrew Smith, 53, 214 McKool, was arrested at 6:12 a.m. Dec. 12 and charged with the possession of a controlled substance, cannabis and drug equipment in the 200 block of McKool Avenue.
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For more Romeoville Police Blotter, visit www.buglenewspapers.com/ policeblotter
Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com
T h ur sday, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
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community bulletin
JWHS Adopt-a-Family has helped students and families in need for 13 years
EDITORIAL
Adopt-a-Family program provided 432 gifts to individual people this year
ADVERTISING
PRODUCTION
ALEX HERNANDEZ • LAURA KATAUSKAS STEWART WARREN • MARK GREGORY • MIKE SANDROLINI
SALES REPRESENTATIVES Phil Besler
pbesler@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 107
Joliet, Crest Hill Lockport, Romeoville Nicole Austin
naustin@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 105
Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Westmont, Woodridge & Lisle
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ENTERPRISE NEWSPAPERS, INC. 23856 Andrew Road #104 Plainfield, IL 60585 Phone: (815) 436-2431 Fax: (815) 436-2592 MON - FRI: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pat Ryan
pryan@enterprisepublications.com 815.436.2431 ext. 106
The holiday season is typically full of joy, but for some families, the season brings uncertainty brought on by financial hardships. For 13 years, the Joliet West High School Adopt-a-Family program has lessened this burden by providing gifts, clothing, and sometimes even Christmas trees, to JWHS students and families in need. The Adopt-a-Family program, established and run by JWHS Social Workers Jean McCormick and Wendy Vantilburg, provided 432 gifts to individual people this year, and a total of 2,700 people have received assistance from the program since its establishment. “The program’s success is built from the generosity of our JTHS family,” said McCormick. “We have never had a problem filling the needs of our families. District and school administration, teachers, student clubs, ROTC and our school security staff come out in numbers to adopt families. They are provided with the families’ wish lists and then they shop and bring the gifts back to school wrapped and ready to distribute.” Distribution of the gifts is one of the program’s unique aspects. “We personally deliver to the families that can’t pick the presents up,” said Vantilburg. “If families can’t find transportation, we come to them, and it is always so rewarding
COURTESY JOLIET TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Adopt-a-Family program, established and run by JWHS Social Workers Jean McCormick and Wendy Vantilburg, provided 432 gifts to individual people this year.
“As the holiday season approaches, I start getting emails from staff and student clubs who can’t wait to get the wish list for their family. They look forward to the shopping and wrapping. We can always count on their generosity.” to see how grateful they are. They are touched by the kindness and generosity and many times people become overwhelmed by emotion. It is amazing.” McCormick said the program fills a need that seems to be increasing in
a time when social service funding is decreasing. JTHS currently has 119 students whose families have been identified as homeless. McCormick and Vantilburg work collaboratively to identify additional students and families in need. It is a confidential process and those who adopt a family do not know the names of who they are buying for. “The program signifies a tradition of giving throughout the district,” said Vantilburg. “As the holiday season approaches, I start getting emails from staff and student clubs who can’t wait to get the wish list for their family. They look forward to the shopping and wrapping. We can always count on their generosity.”
Plainfield, Shorewood
Maureen Vitacco mvitacco@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 108
Niles, Morton Grove, Des Plaines & Park Ridge
ADVERTISING DEADLINES. Space and copy deadlines for display and classified ads is 12 p.m. Friday before date of insertion. Email classifieds@buglenewspapers.com | Legals, obituaries and happy ads are due at 12 p.m. Friday. Email announcements@ buglenewspapers.com. Email Legals@buglenewspapers.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES. Calendar & News: 3 p.m. Monday, three weeks before date of publication. sweditor@buglenewspapers. com
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letter to the editor
Pancake breakfast a community success Local children enjoyed a visit and photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the event Congratulations to the Joliet Noon Lions Club on their recent successful Pancake Breakfast. Chairperson Lion Anneta Drilling-Sowa, with special help from Lion John Joseph Honiotes, toiled many hours to arrange to serve hundreds of attendees. The children in attendance, and some not so young, enjoyed a visit with Santa and Mrs.
Claus and received complimentary pictures of their visit. Main sponsors for the event were Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Dudek. As a 27+ year Joliet Noon Lions Veteran, I know and appreciate the planning, energy, and hard work that it takes to put on a successful event. To
all my brother and sister Joliet Noon Lions Club Members who worked the event, sold tickets, sponsors, and to all those who attended, a big thank you! We Lions members serve the sight and hearing impaired, our community needs, and many state and worldwide humanitarian needs. We Lions are proud and happy to be able to help make a difference. Mark Turk Joliet
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T h ur sday, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
county news
IDOT explains plans to centralize control of downtown bridges Project to link six drawbridges has yet to be funded By Stewart Warren staff reporter
stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren
The state wants to make big changes to the city’s six drawbridges. Officials are working on plans to install a fiber optic cable link between each bridge and the system’s central office, 105 Bridge St. Then workers would be able to raise and lower each bridge from that remote location.
Individual bridge tenders who are stationed at each structure currently control the bridges. Once the work is done, the bridges would be safer for motorists, pedestrians, barge traffic and the bridge tenders, officials said. The move also would save money. Instead of having a staff of six working each of the three daily shifts, there would be just three people on each shift. The construction would take 24 months, and each bridge would be closed to traffic for two to four months at a time. If all goes well, the work would begin with the installation of the fiber optic cable and the construction of the central control system in 2016, said Sarah
Martin, IDOT’s bridge maintenance engineer. But that’s not a done deal. “The project is not funded currently,” Martin said. “But we are hopeful.” To explain the project, the Illinois Department of Transportation held an open house-style public meeting from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday at Joliet City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson St. It began with a short PowerPoint presentation explaining the $10.3 million project. When the centralized system is installed, the drawbridges at Ruby, Jackson, Cass, Jefferson and McDonough streets and at Brandon Road would operate seamlessly and safely, the PowerPoint narrator said.
The bridge tenders could observe the bridges and the traffic going over and under them by watching the 14 video cameras installed on each structure. When the presentation finished, IDOT staff began answering questions. Many of the people who attended the meeting were people who work on the river: barge captains, bridge tenders, a bridge repairman and Darren Melvin of the Illinois River Carriers Association. They had technical concerns related to their work. “If (the new system) doesn’t work, is IDOT prepared to go back to the old ways of operating things?” Melvin asked. Martin reassured him. “We are leaving the option in to have the bridge tender operate the bridge,” Martin said. Mayor Tom Giarrante wanted to know how many bridge tenders would lose their jobs when the change was made. Martin replied that there were 22 on staff now,
but two are planning to retire, and others are sure to follow before the work is completed. So the reduction in manpower would be made through attrition, she said. “This isn’t happening quickly,” Martin said. State Sen. Pat McGuire, D-Crest Hill, asked if the new system truly would be safer for motorists. Martin explained that it included infrared cameras that would provide a clear picture of what was happening on each bridge, even in the dark. “(The bridge tenders) will have better sight lines on the roadways,” Martin said. McGuire and Giarrante urged the officials to do any needed maintenance on the bridges while they were out of service for the installation of the new control system. “We don’t want to have a bridge down for four to six weeks for centralized control and then find out it would be down four to six weeks for repair,” McGuire said.
For our little Bugle readers. Show us your work #BugleKids T h ur sday, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
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FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF T h ur sday, decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
Aries
mARCH 21 TO ApRIL 20
This week, your networking skills allow you to bubble with brilliance. Take the lead and others will follow. Delegate intricate organizational details, such as filing paperwork.
gemini
m AY 2 2 T O J U N E 2 1
Scatter happiness as you prepare for holiday happenings this week. The longest night of the year is at hand and this could be the perfect time for lovers to snuggle in front of a fire and get closer.
leo
J U LY 2 3 T O A U G U S T 2 1
Duty calls in the week ahead. A long list of business obligations might require the organizational skills of a drill sergeant. Family and friends look to you for good advice, helpful referrals and knowledge of new technologies.
Across 1 mOLL’S LEG 4 WORd AfTER fIRE OR pOWER 9 LIkE SOmE WEddING dRESSES 13 BIBLICAL pRIEST WHO TRAINEd SAmUEL 14 ZELLWEGER ET AL. 16 TOGETHER, IN mUSIC 17 ARCHITECT’S AddON 18 *mAkE IT NOT HURT SO mUCH 20 TRE TImES dUE 21 BARk RELATIvE 22 IHOp ARRAY 23 *mARCHING ORdER 26 TYpE Of CRANIAL NERvE 28 ROLE fOR JOHN CHO IN “STAR TREk” 29 JETS ANd OTHERS 31 __ NUTSHELL 32 mEx. NEIGHBOR 34 mOTOR ExTENSION? 35 AT ANY TImE 36 *HAS UNfINISHEd BUSINESS WITH THE IRS 40 SpOT ON THE TUBE 41 GOOd BUddY 42 pLAY ABOUT CApOTE 43 RAN ACROSS 44 fILm CRITIC JEffREY 46 LONG HAUL 49 __ dE CHINE: LIGHT fABRIC 51 *ENTICE WITH 54 EGGHEAdS 56 GOvT. SURvEILLANCE GROUp 57 pTA mEETING SITE 58 *SAGACIOUS 60 __ OUT: BARELY mAkE 61 ALEUTIAN ISLANd 62 fAUNAE COUNTERpARTS 63 GRASSY AREA 64 HARNESS pART 65 YEATS’ “THE WILd __ AT COOLE” 66 mANY AARp
THE mAGAZINE REAdERS: ABBR.
Down 1 2 3 4
SILLY SORTS STRIkE ZONES? SOCIAL SETTING mR. HOLLANd pORTRAYER 5 pUT ON AGAIN 6 HIp JOINT 7 AUTHOR HARpER 8 CONvERSATION OpENER 9 dRINk à LA fIdO 10 CApABLE Of CHANGE 11 COOkBOOk CATEGORIES 12 NIkkEI INdEx CURRENCY 15 LACkING THE REqUIREd fUNdS 19 WINGEd GOd 24 TURNEd AROUNd 25 OppONENTS Of THE ‘60S-’70S NEW LEfT 27 GOLf, fOR ONE 30 SImpSONS CREATOR GROENING 33 “EIGHT IS ENOUGH” WIfE 35 BEdROOm COmmUNITY 36 ORTHOdONTIC
CONCERN 37 RIdE THE WAkE, SAY 38 AWAkENINGS 39 SOmE AUCTION TRANSACTIONS 40 “mOvIES fOR mOvIE LOvERS” NETWORk 44 “AREN’T YOU A LITTLE SHORT fOR A STORmTROOpER?” SpEAkER 45 ISABEL ALLENdE TITLE 47 STANdS fOR THINGS 48 ANY Of THE TOp 25 NfL CAREER SCORING LEAdERS 50 SONG Of pRAISE 52 EGYpTIAN dAm 53 mLB TEAm, fAmILIARLY (ANd WHAT’S mISSING fROm THE SEqUENCE fOUNd IN THE ANSWERS TO STARREd CLUES?) 55 BAd CHECk LETTERS 58 CARd GAmE fOR TWO, USUALLY 59 “WHAT ARE YOU WAITING fOR?!”
librA
SEpTEmBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Extra patience pays off in the week to come. Take care of extraneous holiday obligations. Find the time to contact distant relatives or family members who are sometimes exasperating but lovable anyway.
sAgittArius
NOvEmBER 23 TO dECEmBER 22
Use a practical touch to create joy for others in the week ahead. You may be the person elected to read the directions or put together a new bike to go under the tree. Find ways to create magic moments.
AquArius
JANUARY 21 TO fEBRUARY 19
The busiest bees end up with the most honey. Concentrate on the business at hand as this week starts off to head off complications. Use foresight to avoid scheduling conflicts at home.
Sudoku
tAurus
A p R I L 2 1 T O m AY 2 1
Find a spot under the mistletoe in the week ahead. Someone special wants an excuse to get a bit closer whenever possible. You may have a secret admirer who’s looking for a way to get your attention.
cAncer
J U N E 2 2 T O J U LY 2 2
The New Moon highlights your most important relationships. As the week unfolds, you find proof that your significant other is also your best friend. You could be invited to enjoy holiday celebrations with new friends.
virgo
AUGUST 22 TO SEpTEmBER 23
Show someone how much you care in ways that aren’t measured in dollars and cents. Compliment cooks, praise parents, or flatter friends this week. Everyone deserves a chance to feel loved and appreciated.
scorpio
OCTOBER 24 TO NOvEmBER 22
Deadlines may put you under the gun. Be creative about scheduling this week so everything gets done on time. Most people will be delighted to cooperate and help out if you discuss your needs frankly.
cApricorn
dECEmBER 23 TO JANUARY 20
Get in the holiday mood early this week. Sing carols in duet with a significant other and make some beautiful music together. Be prepared to discuss new ideas.
pisces
fEBRUARY 20 TO mARCH 20
Make spreading season’s greetings a priority this week. Call loved ones far away, or use helpful stars that enhance your presentation skills to touch base with prospective clients.
Jumble
Tribune Content Agency 2014
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
Jumbles:
• ENSUE • GORGE • HECTIC • REALTY
Answer:
WHERE SOmE WILL GO TO GET RId Of WIdTHS -- TO GREAT LENGTHS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014
page 11
>> inside: sparTans Fall To minooKa page 13
area label here
Spartans HOST CLASSIC Romeoville Christmas Classic opens play Friday, Dec. 26
By Scott tayLor SpoRTS EDIToR
staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports
The 2014 Romeoville Christmas Classic is set to begin Friday, Dec. 26 at Romeoville High School. The tournament is split into small and large division brackets with eight teams in each bracket. The small division features Oak Forest, Glenbard South, Joliet Catholic, Geneseo, Lemont, Chicago Christian, Lincoln-Way West and Romeoville. Oak Forest is the defending champion in the third straight year where the small division beat the large division for the title. The team Oak Forest beat was Oswego East (0-6), who returns this year. Reavis (4-4), Lindblom (3-5), Shepard (2-5), Downers North, Argo, Lincoln-Way East and Plainfield Central make up the large division. As far as area teams go, JCA (5-6) opens play at 1:30 p.m. against Geneseo. A win puts it at the 5 p.m. time slot Dec. 27 against either Oak Forest (6-1) or Glenbard South (2-4). A loss puts them at the 9 a.m. slot against the loser of the Oak Forest-GBS game. “We are steadily improving,” JCA coach Joe Gura said. “The Romeoville Tournament is where we hope to take the next step.”
The host Spartans (2-4) play at 8 p.m. to open their play against Lincoln-Way West (50). A win sets them up at 8 p.m. Dec. 27, while a loss puts them at the noon game. They will face either Lemont (6-2) or Chicago Christian (3-5). “We are looking forward to good competition,” Romeoville coach Marc Howard said. “We would like to have a strong showing and put a few wins together. Our primary focus is to use the RHS Christmas Classic as a confidence booster going into the second half of the season.” Downers North (3-4) begins play at 3:30 p.m. against Argo (08). A win puts the Trojans at the 6:30 p.m. game Dec. 27, while a loss has them playing at 1:30. They will play either LincolnWay East or Plainfield Central. “There’s two sections; a big school and small school section,” Downers North coach Jim Thomas said. “The way the Addison Tournament (last year) was scheduled was a little bit different than a traditional Christmas tournament so we just wanted to get back into a (traditional) Christmas tournament. There are some (tournaments) in our back yard that have a lot of our conference teams in it but we wanted to go and kind of experience some different teams and seem some
See clASSIc | Page 14
photo By MARK gRegoRy
Damon Harrison and the spartans will host their own holiday tournament.
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T h ur sday, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
wrestling
Arlis back to coach for one more year By Mark Gregory
sports reporter
mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard
photo by mark gregory
Adrian Martinez and the Spartans have been battling injury and illness this season.
When Bill Normand stepped down as wrestling coach at Romeoville High School and took a job as assistant principal at A. Vito Martinez Middle School in the district, the Spartans were in search of a new wrestling coach. What they got was a past one. Normand was replaced by John Arlis, the same coach he replaced a few years back. “This is a one year deal,” said Arlis, who will be part of
the committee to find his next successor at the end of this season. What the next coach of the program will inherit is a young group of wrestlers getting varsity experience this season. In fact, if he wants to put a lineup on the mat, Arlis has no choice but to use young wrestlers. “We have four seniors on the team and the rest are sophomores and freshmen, we have no juniors on the team,” he said. “Well, we had one, but he is injured and out for the year.” While records may suffer this season, a large group of returning varsity wrestlers should entice a talented new coach. “With these young kids and we have a good group coming in from Lukancic, there will be some real good young talent to work with,” Arlis said. “Any smart coach will realize that we have young kids getting varsity experience and that is a good step. Looking at February and March, we will interview for the head coaching job and I will be part of that to make sure that we keep the wrestling strong here and Romeoville.” Arlis is also hoping that while AVM kids wrestle with the Lukancic program, Normand being at AVM can help middle schoolers want to wrestle. “Being at AVM as assistant principal, hopefully he can encourage some kids to get into wrestling,” Arlis said. Arlis said the quartet of seniors this season are helping the young grapplers. “Evan Stingily, Damien Vasquez, Alex Heston and Alex Garza have been the four seniors who have been going strong,” Arflis said. “They are really helping out with the younger kids and that is good to see the way the seniors are stepping up. It’s been good, I really enjoy the group of kids.” No matter how young the lineup, the Spartans will have no chance at competing until they are able to put a full lineup, or close to, on the mat. Romeoville brought less than have the needed wrestlers to the Plainfield South mega dual Saturday. “We are fighting a flu bug and we have some injuries,” Arlis said. “So we have six here today.”
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hoops
Spartan boys, girls fall against Minooka By Mark Gregory sports reporter
mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard
While the game may not have ended the way Romeoville and coach Marc Howard wanted, the effort and passion the Spartans played with last week in a 54-52, buzzer-beater loss at Minooka is what will win the Spartans games this season. “I sure wish we could have gotten that one to overtime,” Howard said. ”The guys are in there taking this one personally in there and I told them I will take the blame. It was a close one and I am wishing I had done something different defensively down there at the end and not put my guys in this situation. A lot of them are taking it personal, but it is not their fault. They fought hard and didn’t give up. “I believe if we keep battling like that, we will be OK.” After senior Dwayne Griffin sank a pair of free throws to tie the game at 52-52 with less than 10 seconds in the game, Minooka inbounded and right before a desperation three-pointer missed bad, Indians coach Scott Tanaka called timeout with 2.5 seconds left. Minooka junior Nick Clemmons inbounded the ball on the side and rifled the ball underneath to Blake Parzych under the basket for the game-winning layup. After Minooka started the game off ice cold from the field, missing
see hoops | page 14
photo by mark gregory
Lexi Marin had 10 points in the Spartans’ loss to Minooka.
13
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14
T h ur sday, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com HOOPS | from page 13 10 of its first 11 shots, the game was a close battle down to the wire. Minooka grabbed a lead at the end of the game, but senior Damon Harrison stepped up big for the Spartans to set Griffin up to knot the game up. “My seniors played great,” Howard said. “Damon Harrison had a couple huge defensive plays and made some baskets and Dwayne Griffin attacked the rim and was able to tie the game.” Howard contributes the better play to better team chemistry over the last few weeks. “I think in the beginning we struggled chemistry-wise and now we are showing that they trust each other and they are sharing the ball,” Howard said. “I am excited on the direction of the program and I am excited.” Junior Matt Cappelletti led the Spartans with 13 points while Griffin ended with 11.
classic | from page 11 different styles of play, and hopefully it’ll help us down the road.” Plainfield Central (2-6) plays the Griffins (2-3) at 6:30 p.m. the opening night and play either at 6:30 or 1:30 p.m. the following day against the Trojans or Argo. The Wildcats have found success in the tournament,
GIRLS The Romeoville girls basketball team has been struggling in the fourth quarter this season and that trait reared its ugly head again as the wheels fell off for the Spartans late and Minooka rolled to a 52-39 win. “I have no idea, I’m going to have to review the film,” Spartans coach Julio Carrasco said. “Offensively, we couldn’t score. We missed a lot of easy bunnies and I’m not sure what happened to be honest with you, a very frustrating fourth quarter. Defensively, we started getting beat down the floor a little bit. I think that the girls got worn out, but it’s hard to win a game when you can’t score. I don’t think we scored until 3:30 left in the game and that is a major problem” It wasn’t the execution of the plays that hurt Romeoville, it was simply making the baskets. “There is a lot of frustration going on because we missed
finishing second twice and winning the consolation title last year. “The Romeoville Christmas Classic has always been, and continues to be a tournament where everyone in it has a great opportunity to win it, including us,” Plainfield Central coach Steve Lamberti said. “We, like everyone else, plan on competing and putting
a lot of easy looks and baskets underneath. The plays worked, everything was moving and I am not sure what happened,” Carrasco said. “It is frustrating, Minooka is a great team. To be in the game for three quarters and lose in the fourth kind of hurts.” Romeoville did get guard Skye Osborne back from injury, which will help. “It is nice that Skye is back from injury and that is big to have her back in the lineup,” Carrasco said. Jamie Hopper led Romeoville with 13 points, while Lexi Marin tallied all 10 of her points in the first half and Jahari Smith’s added seven points. Romeoville will play a fastpaced schedule over the winter break, something Carrasco hopes prepares the team for the playoffs. “We are getting there. We have a freshman center a sophomore point guard and a lot of juniors that play a lot of minutes, so I like where we are going,” he said.
ourselves in position to win as many games as possible. This is a great time of year as we take a break from school so athletes can put their sole focus on basketball.” The final day of the tournament is Dec. 30. The championship game is scheduled for 8 p.m. The third-place game is at 6:30 p.m. and the consolation title is at 5 p.m. Mike Sandrolini contributed
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15
lewis
Lewis forward tabbed as GLVC Player of the Week Lewis University junior forward Mariyah BrawnerHenley (Skokie, Ill./Niles North) has been named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for games played Dec. 15-21, as announced by the league office Monday (Dec. 22). This marks Brawner-Henley’s first time winning the GLVC’s Player of the Week award this season, and her third career accolade. Brawner-Henley averaged 17.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in victories over Trevecca Nazarene (96-71), Northern Michigan (68-58) and No. 17 Grand Valley State (78-65) this past week. She recorded 21 points and nine rebounds against the Trojans in 28 minutes of court time (Dec. 15). Three days later BrawnerHenley had 17 points and 15
rebounds against the Wildcats (Dec. 18). Then less than 72 hours later, she capped the 2014 year end with 15 points and 10 rebounds over the Lakers to lead Lewis to a perfect 10-0 showing in nonconference play. The junior owns eight double-doubles this season. For the week, the Skokie, Ill., native shot .475 (19-for40) from the field and was 14for-16 (.875) at the free-throw line. She also corralled 34 rebounds, added three steals and nine assists over the three games. “It was a good week of basketball for us,” Lewis head coah Lisa Carlsen said. “We beat some really good teams to close out the non-conference season and Mariyah was instrumental in those wins.” No. 2 Lewis has won three of the six GLVC women’s
weekly awards this season with teammate Jamie Johnson (South Holland, Ill./Marian Catholic) taking home two honors earlier this year. The Flyers are averaging a league-best 82.5 points per game this season and winning games by an average of 18.0 points per contest. Lewis (11-0) has a nearly two-week break for Christmas and New Year’s Day and then return to the court Jan. 2 at Quincy in a GLVC game. Start time against the Hawks is set for 5:30 p.m. CT.
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL The ninth-ranked Lewis University men’s volleyball team has been picked for second place by the league’s head coaches in the 2015 Preseason Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Poll released on Monday (Dec. 22). The league also released the
2015 Preseason All-MIVA Team with Lewis tying for a league high with three honors. The squad is made up of 10 members including one libero of the year. Senior outside hitters Geoff Powell (Claremont, Calif./ Claremont) and Greg Petty (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove North) were named to the team with Lucas Yanez (Burbank, Calif./John Burroughs) earning the libero selection. Yanez was named to the AllMIVA Second Team last season after recording 249 digs (2.33 per set). He earned two MIVA Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2014. Powell was named an AVCA AllAmerican First Team selection last season. He hit .347 with 416 kills (3.89 per set). He added 27 aces and earned All-MIVA First Team and All-
MIVA Tournament Team honors. P owell was an AVCA AllAmerican Second Team selection in 2012. Petty picked up AVCA AllAmerica Honorable Mention accolades last season. He hit .328 with 357 kills (3.43 per set). He led the team with 43 aces while recording a career-best 76 blocks (0.73). Petty was named the AVCA National Player of the Week on Jan. 28, 2014. “It’s great to see the coaches in our league recognize Geoff, Greg and Lucas for the type of impact they can have on the season this year for us,” Lewis head coach Dan Friend said. Lewis opens the 2015 season Jan. 5 at UC-Irvine. First up is an exhibition on Jan. 2 at home against Windsor (Ontario). First serve against Windsor is set for 7 p.m.
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T h ur sday, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
boys hoops Points Per Game Trevor Stumpe, Plainfield North
21.8
Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook
20.8
Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East
19.9
Jalen Jackson, JCA
17.0
George Sargeant, Maine South
15.9
Taquan Sims, Joliet Central
15.2
Robbie Brooks, Plainfield Central
14.4
Jacob Buchner, Plainfield South
14.2
Evan Hines, Niles West
14.0
John Rebellato, Westmont
13.8
Jon Arenas, Maine South
13.4
Shane Ritter, Plainfield South
13.3
Kevin Krieger, Plainfield North
13.2
Trevian Bell, Joliet West
12.7
Matt Cappelletti, Romeoville
12.2
Julian Torres, Bolingbrook
11.8
London Stamps, Romeoville
11.7
Jerry Gillespie, Joliet Central
11.6
Logan Ivy, Plainfield Central
10.9
Caleb deMarigny, Maine South
10.9
Octavius Parker, Niles West
10.5
Broderic Thomas, Bolingbrook
10.5
Denis Alibegovic, Downers South
10.5
Jeff Washington, Joliet West
10.3
Elyjah Goss, Plainfield East
10.3
Jojo Rios, Niles West
10.0
Michael Ortiz, Plainfield South
22
Jon Arenas, Maine South
.590
Maddie Larsen, Resurrection
10.7
Jahari Smith, Romeoville
19
George Sargeant, Maine South
22
Jeff Washington, Joliet West
.570
Morgan Jones, Joliet Central
10.3
Kianna Campbell, Lockport
18
Wilyam Wright, Plainfield East
21
Trevian Bell, Joliet West
.545
Peyton Winters, Downers North
10.3
Monica Nunez, Resurrection
18
Robbie Brooks, Plainfield Central
21
Logan Ivy, Plainfield Central
.540
Raven Reed, Joliet West
10.2
Sam Fagenholz, Maine South
18
Broderic Thomas, Bolingbrook
20
Dimitri Akenten, Bolingbrook
.533
Mikaela Manson, Plainfield East
9.4
Chantell Mack, Joliet Central
16
Jonathan Allison, Plainfield South
19
Jojo Rios, Niles West
.530
Cherish Smith, Romeoville
9.4
Diamond Dortch, Romeoville
16
Jon Arenas, Maine South
19
Jobin Varghese, Niles West
.520
Taylor Farrell, Resurrection
8.9
Mikaela Manson, Plainfield East
14
Da’Von Foster, Joliet West
18
Tony Borges, Romeoville
.517
Sam Fagenholz, Maine South
8.3
Lotanna Onua, Plainfield East
14
TJ Clifford, Downers South
18
Odisho Audisho, Niles West
.500
Kelly Carnagio, Minooka
8.6
Emily Eshoo, Benet
14
Brandon Smeets, Plainfield North
17
Jalen Jackson, JCA
.490
Nina Anderson, Maine South
8.3
Lexi Marin, Romeoville
14
Mirsad Mackic, Niles West
17
Evan Hines, Niles West
.490
Jahari Smith, Romeoville
8.3
Madi Mulder, Joliet Central
13
Odisho Audisho, Niles West
16
Kianna Campbell, Lockport
8.2
Jamari McAfee, Lockport
13
Theyvion Kirk, Joliet West
16
Matt Cappelletti, Romeoville
.905
Brooklyn Bachmann, Minooka
8
Lauren Porcelli, Downers North
13
Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook
16
Broderic Thomas, Bolingbrook
.882
Lauren Porcelli, Downers North
7.9
Morgan Thomalla, Benet
12
Taquan Sims, Joliet Central
15
Octavius Parker, Niles West
.820
Jessica Pawula, Resurrection
7.9
Taylor Farrell, Resurrection
12
Octavius Parker, Niles West
15
Jacob Klima, Joliet Central
.818
Rebounds Per Game
McKenna Carson, Joliet Central
11
Sean Alexander, Westmont
14
Jacob Buchner, Plainfield South
.800
Chantell Mack, Joliet Central
Gabriella Galassini, Resurrection
11
Mantas Augustinavicius, DGS
14
Jalen Jackson, JCA
.800
Jahari Smith, Romeoville
Maddie Larsen, Resurrection
11
Johnny Kostelz, Plainfield Central
14
Caleb deMarigny, Maine South
.790
Morgan Jones, Joliet Central
10
Ternell Jordan, Joliet Central
12
Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East
.780
Mikaela Manson, Plainfield East
7.1
Elise Stout, Benet
.570
Logan Ivy, Plainfield Central
12
Odisho Audisho, Niles West
.770
Sydney Arlis, Minooka
7.0
Raven Reed, Joliet West
.550
Trevian Bell, Joliet West
.740
Cherish Smith, Romeoville
6.7
Katherine Jaseckas, Benet
.550
Steals
Free Throw %
15 10.8
Field Goal %
Jon Arenas, Maine South
25
Jerry Gillespie, Joliet Central
.736
Jessica Pawula, Resurrection
6.7
Emily Eshoo, Benet
.520
Trevor Stumpe, Plainfield North
17
Sean Alexander, Westmont
.714
Raven Reed, Joliet West
6.6
Chizua Onua, Plainfield East
.516
Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East
15
Jojo Rios, Niles West
.710
Jaida Green, Downers North
6.8
Tia Parrinello, Lockport
.500
Caleb deMarigny, Maine South
14
Lotanna Onua, Plainfield East
6.3
Jamari McAfee, Lockport
.493
George Sargeant, Maine South
13
Jalen Jackson, JCA
25
Peyton Winters, Downers North
6.3
Kathleen Doyle, Benet
.490
Adam Doll, Westmont
13
John Rebellato, Westmont
21
Kathleen Doyle, Benet
6.2
Peyton Winters, Downers North
.480
3-pointers
Richie Elias, Plainfield North
13
Denis Alibegovic, Downers South
17
Katherine Jaseckas, Benet
6.0
Nick Ruben, Maine South
12
Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook
16
Kelly Carnagio, Minooka
6.0
Emily Eshoo, Benet
.940
Sam Ebersold, Downers South
12
Evan Hines, Niles West
15
Monica Nunez, Resurrection
4.7
Jaida Green, Downers North
.860
8.6
Brandon Smeets, Plainfield North
11
Shane Ritter, Plainfield South
13
Emily Schramek, Benet
4.6
Taylor Farrell, Resurrection
.860
Kevin Krieger, Plainfield North
11
Octavius Parker, Niles West
12
Maddie Larsen, Resurrection
4.6
Tia Parrinello, Lockport
.833
Elyjah Goss, Plainfield East
9.0
Odisho Audisho, Niles West
11
Nick Thomaston, Plainfield Central
12
Lauren Kucharski, Lockport
4.3
Emily Schramek, Benet
.820
Julian Torres, Bolingbrook
8.8
Evan Hines, Niles West
10
Caleb deMarigny, Maine South
11
Trevian Bell, Joliet West
8.7
Robbie Brooks, Plainfield Central
10
Broderic Thomas, Bolingbrook
10
George Sargeant, Maine South
8.4
Dimitri Akenten, Bolingbrook
8.2
TJ Clifford, Downers South
8.9
James Claar, Plainfield East
8.8
Justin Windt, Plainfield Central
8.6
Davis Neilands, Maine South Rebounds Per Game
Malik Fuller, Joliet Central
7.8
Davis Neilands, Maine South
6.4
Jeff Washington, Joliet West
6.3
Trevor Stumpe, Plainfield North
6.3
Logan Ivy, Plainfield Central
5.9
Justin Windt, Plainfield Central
5.8
Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook
5.5
Kewon Ware, Joliet Central
5.3
James Claar, Plainfield East
5.2
Jamal Harmon, Plainfield Central
5.2
Nick Thomaston, Plainfield Central 5.2 Quintin Brown, Westmont
5.0
Kevin Krieger, Plainfield North
5.0
Assists
Morgan Thomalla, Benet
.800
Kathleen Doyle, Benet
54
Monica Barefield, Joliet Central
.780 .780
Octavius Parker, Niles West
9
Taquan Sims, Joliet Central
9
Monica Barefield, Joliet Central
40
Sam Fagenholz, Maine South
Bryan Villeda, Niles West
9
London Stamps, Romeoville
9
Lexi Marin, Romeoville
39
Elise Stout, Benet
.760
Chuck Hunter, Romeoville
9
Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East
9
Sam Fagenholz, Maine South
38
Monica Nunez, Resurrection
.760
Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook
9
Jacob Buchner, Plainfield South
9
Jaida Green, Downers North
35
Katherine Jaseckas, Benet
.720
TJ Clifford, Downers South
9
Matt Cappelletti, Romeoville
8
Nina Anderson, Maine South
31
Peyton Winters, Downers North
.720
Broderic Thomas, Bolingbrook
8
Jojo Rios, Niles West
7
Brooklyn Bachmann, Minooka
28
Mirsad Mackic, Niles West
8
Scott Gustafson, Plainfield Central
7
Emily Eshoo, Benet
28
Emily Schramek, Benet
26
John Rebellato, Westmont
7
Johnny Kostelz, Plainfield Central
8
Elise Stout, Benet
25
Emily Eshoo, Benet
21
Malcohm Hill, Joliet West
7
Tom Carney, Joliet West
6
Sydney Arlis, Minooka
21
Sam Fagenholz, Maine South
19
Dwayne Griffin, Romeoville
7
Da’Von Foster, Joliet West
Lauren Porcelli, Downers North
21
Jaida Green, Downers North
18
Wynston Wright, Plainfield East
7
girls hoops
6
Morgan Thomalla, Benet
20
Nina Anderson, Maine South
14
Elyjah Goss, Plainfield East
7
Points Per Game
Monica Nunez, Resurrection
20
Lauren Porcelli, Downers North
14
Scott Gustafson, Plainfield Central
7
Jaida Green, Downers North
18.4
Emma Hlavin, Benet
17
Riley Eckhart, Maine South
12
Peter Funk, Downers South
7
Emily Eshoo, Benet
17.5
Julia Sirvinskas, Maine South
17
Lexi Marin, Romeoville
12
Jeff Washington, Joliet West
6
Emily Schramek, Benet
17.3
Taylor Farrell, Resurrection
16
Gabriella Galassini, Resurrection
11
Da’Von Foster, Joliet West
6
Monica Barefield, Joliet Central
17.3
Jamari McAfee, Lockport
14
Brigid Miller, Downers North
10
6
Chantell Mack, Joliet Central
14.8
Gabriella Galassini, Resurrection
14
Monica Nunez, Resurrection
10
Sydney Arlis, Minooka
13.7
TJ Clifford, Downers South
5.0
Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East
4.9
Sean Alexander, Westmont
Caleb deMarigny, Maine South
56
Elyjah Goss, Plainfield East
.763
Jamari McAfee, Lockport
13.5
Kathleen Doyle, Benet
Adam Doll, Westmont
32
Julian Torres, Bolingbrook
.703
Kathleen Doyle, Benet
12.6
Nick Ruben, Maine South
27
George Sargeant, Maine South
.670
Trevor Stumpe, Plainfield North
25
John Paul Leagogo, Westmont
24
Wynston Wright, Plainfield East
24
Assists
Free Throw %
Field Goal %
Steals
3-pointers
Madelyn Sidman, Plainfield East
9
33
Sydney Arlis, Minooka
7
Jaida Green, Downers North
24
Taylor Cogdell, Plainfield East
7 7
Monica Nunez, Resurrection
12.9
Nina Anderson, Maine South
23
Taylor Farrell, Resurrection
Jamal Harmon, Plainfield Central .660
Ashley Hare, Joliet Central
12.0
Kennedy Collins, Plainfield East
22
Jamie Hopper, Romeoville
7
Kenyon Woodfork, Joliet Central
.636
Tia Parrinello, Lockport
11.2
Elise Stout, Benet
22
Amber Watson, Plainfield East
6
Davis Neilands, Maine South
.610
Lexi Marin, Romeoville
11.1
Cherish Smith, Romeoville
19
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T h ur sday, decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com plainField south
q & a with local athletes
FEATURING
paige Kwiatkowski Bowling
What do you use Twitter for? to keep up with friends mostly. i see how some of my bowling friends are doing in college. Do you have a favorite account to follow? Not really.
andrew mccuTchen
how often do you tweet? Almost every day. how often do you go on Twitter?? Not a lot.
who will lead the area in scoring?
aaron Jordan
Trevor sTumpe
Joe mooney
prenTiss niXon
80% 10%
lEWIS WoMEN’S hoopS @lEWISWBBAll
10% 0%
What is the best holiday basketball tournament? ponTiac boys proviso wesT boys monTini girls sTaTe Farm classic boTh
@taylor_sports: Denis Alibegovic scored 19 points as Downers south picked up its first win of the year against Willowbrook.
“final score @lewiswBBall 68 @nmuBBAll 58! @lewiswBBall Jess reinhart lead the with with 27 points! #goflyers” AllEN TRIEu @AllENTRIEu “grand Valley State also has a commitment from plainfield east (il) QB cole Kotopka” BlAKE BAuMGARTNER @BfBAuMGARTNER “really great to see @Davesobo3, @fsKpart3, @pat_ mac27 & matt parisi all supporting their alma mater tonight @Benetredwings’ w over mcHs.”
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News about local businesses in your community
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T h ur sday, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
community
Rialto leaders explain new sign to City Council members Members of the City Council and public are upset about Rialto Theatre’s new marquee By Stewart Warren staff reporter
stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren
Nobody seems completely happy about the Rialto’s new marquee. There’s been too much public debate about it. The members of the City Council are upset, and they seem to be kicking around the idea of withholding their annual funding to the historic theater at 116 N. Chicago St. Local residents who oppose the updated sign remain mad, and the theater’s leadership seems uptight. Ed Czerkies, the prominent local businessman who donated $350,000 for the new marquee, is bothered by the ongoing criticism. “To put it mildly, he is very concerned about the current situation,” said James V. Smith, the chairman of the Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority, the Rialto’s governing board. For the past seven years, the theater’s management has been looking for a donor who would fund
a new marquee. The old one was rusty, held together with duct tape and badly needed to be replaced, they said. Czerkies pledged his support and dedicated the gift to his late parents with wording on the marquee that reads “In memory of Michael and Mary Czerkies.” The complaints began right after the theater announced the new marquee on Nov. 24. Some people knocked the more modern overall design and the LED lighting. The size of the lettering of the Czerkies’ name on the marquee drew particularly sharp criticism. Many people said it simply was too big. On Dec. 15, Randy Green, the theater’s general manager, and Smith attended the City Council’s workshop session. About a dozen residents who opposed the new marquee were in the audience, and some of them carried large signs protesting the change. Smith noted that some people had accused the Rialto’s leaders of trying to avoid an appearance at a council meeting. “That is simply not true,” Smith said. “It is not our intent to disregard
bugle file photo
Trish Stoner from the Rialto Square Theater invites the protesters to come in and hear the Joliet Legion Band Concert on Dec. 14. public opinion.” Green then went through the project’s timeline, saying that in July he sent an email to City Manager Jim Hock seeking review of the design. Hock forwarded the request to staff, and the city’s Historical Preservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals considered the new marquee. Both groups approved it, Green said. The new marquee would be about 12 feet high, and the letters spelling the Czerkies name were about 10 ½ inches tall, Green said. Councilwoman Jan Quillman seemed to think the new marquee was too big.
“It’s hiding some of the architecture on the front of the building,” she said. She wanted to know if the Czerkies family could be remembered somewhere else. “If you are getting married (at the Rialto), the big draw is to have your name up in lights,” Quillman said. Green replied that the Czerkies name could be removed from photos. “We decided it would be very easy to Photoshop off the sign,” he said. Councilman Bob O’Dekirk asked what would happen to the theater if the city did not make its annual $600,000 donation next year. “It will create some very serious
issues we will have to address,” Green said, saying later that the theater’s yearly operating budget was about $4 million. Quillman asked if there was some way the design of the sign could be changed to make it look more oldfashioned while still incorporating LED lighting. Councilman Larry Hug also wanted to know if the design could be tweaked. “It all depends on what those modifications might be,” Green said. After the discussion ended, Green talked briefly about the project in the hallway outside City Council chambers. The sign already was being constructed in three sections that fit together like a puzzle. Each one of those segments had been made, and the electronic components were ready. The size of the Czerkies name probably couldn’t be minimized because the part already had been made. “In all projects, there can be a change, but there would be a cost,” Green said. Although the workshop’s agenda included two reappointments to the theater’s board, Mayor Tom Giarrante announced that he would discuss that matter during the City Council meeting on Tuesday.
Dave Says
Teaching a lesson to a very young, unlikely thief An incredible example of a teachable moment By dave ramsey dave says
www.daveramsey.com @DaveRamsey
Dear Dave, I gave my wife $350 for Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart. While she was there with our six-year-old daughter, she cashed her bonus check to put with the Christmas money. When she tried to check out, the money was gone. My wife even asked our daughter if she took the money out of mommy’s purse, and she said no. Later, we found the money in our daughter’s coat, and she didn’t seem sorry at all for having taken it. How should we address this? Jonathan Dear Jonathan, Most children that age really have
that was very valuable no idea something like this to her — and ask how is such a big deal. But this she would feel in that is more than just a money situation. thing. It’s something of great Lots of times this value, and it’s someone approach, especially with else’s stuff. Not only that, but little kids, will touch their she took it, lied about it and hearts and help them then showed no remorse. Dave Says I’ve got a really short fuse money advice by realize the magnitude of their actions. In a case like when it comes to lying, but dave ramsey this, I think I’d hand out the lack of repentance and sorrow associated with something very little in the way of punishment. Regardless, you have to nip this kind like this are my biggest problems. First of all, you and your wife of thing in the bud immediately. This have to present a united front is the kind of violation you cannot when you talk about this with allow to happen unaddressed. And your child. This is an incredible whatever the consequences of her example of a teachable moment, actions end up being, you must but you two have to be on the same make sure she clearly understands side and treat it with appropriate why she’s being punished and why seriousness. You have to make your what she did was wrong. —Dave daughter understand that what she did was wrong and why it was You need an umbrella! wrong. Perhaps you could also use an example of someone taking Dear Dave, something from her — something My husband and I both lost our
jobs over a month ago. I’ve been interviewing, and he started a twoweek training program for a new job the other day, but right now we’re in survival mode. We just cashed in an annuity, and were wondering if we should pay down debt and reduce the money going out each month, or just live on it? Veronica Dear Veronica, Right now, it’s raining and you need an umbrella. If it were me, I’d just sit on the money for the time being. Don’t misunderstand me. You need to be honorable and pay your debts, but you may have to put that on hold for a while. Right now, it’s more important to have food in the house and keep the heat on. This kind of situation is scary and can be really stressful, so make sure you hug and hold on to each other a lot, too. It’s been rough for you guys,
especially right here during the holidays. But it sounds like things may be taking a turn for the better. Your husband is about to start making money again, and you may have some possibilities on the horizon. Through this stretch, honest communication can make a huge difference. Make sure your creditors know what’s happening. Let them know that you want to make things right, and that you will make things right as soon as you can. God bless you guys! —Dave * Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
For more information, or to submit your own listing, email legals@buglenewspapers.com
T h ur sday, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
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SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE at 736 ROGERS ROAD ROMEOVILLE, IL 60446 (TAN, VINYL SIDING, SINGLE FAMILY, TWO CAR ATTACHED GARAGE). On the 22nd day of January, 2015, to be held at 12:00 noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, under Case Title: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-7 Plaintiff V. CARLOS NIETO AKA CARLOS A NIETO AKA CARLOS ALBERTO NIETO; CAROLINA NIETO; COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS ; Defendant. Case No. 14 CH 947 in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois. Terms of Sale: ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund. No judicial sale fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Will County. Judgment amount is 139,038.06 plus interest, cost and post judgment advances, if any. In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c)(1)(H-1) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State. For Information Please Contact: PIERCE & ASSOCIATES ONE NORTH DEARBORN THIRTEENTH FLOOR CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602 312-346-9088 312-346-1557 (Fax) PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Published 12/25, 1/1, 1/8
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T h u r s d ay, D e ce mb e r 2 5 , 2 0 1 4 | b ug le ne w s pa pe r s .co m Business & Private Party Classified Ads: $16 per week, 20 words or less. Weddings, Births & Engagements: Black & White - $25, Color - $35. Obituaries: $35.
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Thursday, December 25, 2014 | buglenewspapers.com
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Stay informed with our legal listings T h ur sday, Decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
ROMEOVILLE PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. STATE OF ILLINOIS ) ) SS. COUNTY OF WILL ) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-7 Plaintiff, vs. CARLOS NIETO AKA CARLOS A NIETO AKA CARLOS ALBERTO NIETO; CAROLINA NIETO; COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS ; Defendant. No. 14 CH 947 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Public notice is hereby given that pursuant to a judgment entered in the above cause on the 23rd day of September, 2014, MIKE KELLEY, Sheriff of Will County, Illinois, will on Thursday, the 22nd day of January, 2015, commencing at 12:00 o’clock noon, at the Will County Courthouse Annex, 57 N. Ottawa Street, Room 201, Joliet, IL 60432, sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder or bidders the following-described real estate: LOT 18, BLOCK 6, IN HAMPTON PARK SUBDIVISION NO. 5, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 28, IN TOWNSHIP 37 NORTH, AND IN RANGE 10 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 28, 1960 AS DOCUMENT 906786, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 736 ROGERS ROAD ROMEOVILLE, IL 60446 Description of Improvements: TAN, VINYL SIDING, SINGLE FAMILY, TWO CAR ATTACHED GARAGE P.I.N.: 12-02-28-406-021 Terms of Sale: ten percent (10%) at the time of sale and the balance within twenty-four (24) hours; plus, for residential real estate, a statutory judicial sale fee calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser to the person conducting the sale, not to exceed $300, for deposit into the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund. No judicial sale fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. All payments shall be made in cash or certified funds payable to the Sheriff of Will County. Judgment amount is 139,038.06 plus interest, cost and post judgment advances, if any. In the event the property is a condominium, in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1507(c) (1)(H-1) and (H-2), 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(5), and 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1), you are hereby notified that the purchaser of the unit, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 and the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Pursuant to Local Court Rule 11.03 (J) if there is a surplus following application of the proceeds of sale, then the plaintiff shall send written notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1512(d) to all parties to the proceeding advising them of the amount of the surplus and that the surplus will be held until a party obtains a court order for its distribution or, in the absence of an order, until the surplus is forfeited to the State. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: PIERCE & ASSOCIATES ONE NORTH DEARBORN THIRTEENTH FLOOR CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602 312-346-9088 312-346-1557 (Fax) MIKE KELLEY Plaintiff’s Attorney Sheriff of Will County Published 12/25, 1/1, 1/8
iNStAgRAM: Readers, test this recipe yourself and post it! #buglefoods T h ur sday, decem ber 25, 2014 | rom eovi llebug le.com
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hoLIDay cheStnut SouP wolFgang pucK’s Kitchen
SERVES 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1. 2.
This year, enjoy your holiday chestnuts simmering in an open pot Fortunately, you can now find whole already-cooked chestnuts, peeled and sealed in jars By woLFgang Puck
TRIBuNE coNTENT AGENcy
www.wolfgangpuck.com @WolfgangBuzz
If you grew up almost anywhere cold in North America or Europe, one of the most evocative sensations of the holiday season is the smoky-sweet smell of chestnuts, roasting irresistibly on charcoal-fueled street-corner stands. I’ll bet right now, at that very thought, you’re hearing in your head the famous lyrics of “The Christmas Song,” written and sung by the late Mel Torme, who dined often at my Spago restaurant in Beverly Both music and foods have an uncanny power to spark our memories. And chestnuts are among those ingredients that capture the holiday spirit. That’s been true now for centuries, with chestnuts figuring prominently in celebrations grand and humble across the Western world. H
broth and some Port ow many times have wine, and then pureeing you read or heard Charles them, using a blender Dickens’ description for the soup and a handof the Cratchit family’s operated ricer for the modest festivities in “A much thicker side dish. Christmas Carol,” when Whichever you choose “apples and oranges to prepare (and there’s were put upon the nothing that says you table, and a shovelful of woLFgang Puck’S kItchen can’t try both recipes, one chestnuts on the fire”? for Christmas and one for Nowadays, many WOLFGaNG PUCK New Year’s Eve), there’s home cooks hesitate to roast their own chestnuts, another benefit of chestnuts that’s whether because they lack a well worth celebrating: They’re a fireplace or they simply don’t good dietary choice. Unlike most nuts, which are want to go through the time and bother of scoring an X in the very high in fat, chestnuts get only hard, shiny shell of each nut, about 7 percent of their calories then cooking them in the oven, from fat, so the relatively small and finally peeling off those amounts of butter and cream in the recipes don’t impact them bothersome shells. Fortunately, you can now find much. One serving delivers a whole already-cooked chestnuts, peeled and sealed in jars, ready remarkable 62 percent of the to use. Imported from France or recommended daily allowance Italy, they’re available at this time for Vitamin C, possibly helping of year in many gourmet food you ward off winter colds. They’re also a good source of stores, Italian delis, and wellstocked supermarkets, as well as dietary fiber, so you’ll feel fuller before you get to those holiday online. I love to use these chestnuts desserts. Who knew that chestnuts in two of my favorite holiday dishes: a silky, smooth chestnut could actually help you get a soup to start a special meal, jump on the most popular New and a luxuriously thick puree to Year’s resolution: to eat more healthily? accompany a festive roast. (c) 2014 WOLFGANG PUCK The recipes share many WORLDWIDE, INC. DISTRIBUTED BY similarities, particularly TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. simmering the chestnuts with
3. 4.
5.
4 tbs. unsalted butter 1 medium organic carrot, finely chopped 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 2 cups (500 ml) cooked chestnuts, from one 14.8-ounce (420-g) vacuum-packed jar
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
1 cup ruby port 1 thyme sprig 3 cups (750 ml) organic, low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream kosher salt, Freshly ground black pepper Finely chopped fresh Italian parsley or chives, for garnish
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. add the carrot, celery, and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. add the chestnuts and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes longer. add the port and thyme, raise the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring frequently, until the port has reduced by half, about 4 minutes. add the broth and bring to a boil. Partially cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the ingredients are tender, and 30 minutes. Discard the thyme sprig. remove the pan from the heat and stir the cream into the soup. working in batches, puree the soup in a blender, following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid splattering the hot liquid, and pouring each pureed batch into a large bowl. return all of the puree to the saucepan, return the pan to medium-low heat, and bring the soup to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into heated serving bowls, garnishing with parsley or chives before serving.
BraISeD cheStnutS or cheStnut Puree
SERVES 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup (125 ml) finely chopped yellow onion 1 cup (250 ml) ruby port 4 cups (1 l) cooked chestnuts, from two 14.8-ounce (420-g)
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
vacuum-packed jars 3 cups (750 ml) organic, low-sodium chicken broth 2 sprigs fresh thyme kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Finely chopped parsley or chives
heat a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. add the oil, butter and chopped onion. Saute, stirring frequently, until the onion turns a light golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. add the port and stir and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan deposits. add the chestnuts, broth, thyme, and a little salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, stirring occasionally. then, cover the pan, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until the chestnuts are tender and have absorbed most but not all of the liquid, about 30 minutes, checking occasionally to stir and to make sure the liquid hasn’t completely evaporated. remove and discard the thyme. offer as whole braised chestnuts. or pass the chestnuts in batches through a ricer into a heated bowl, stirring in the remaining liquid from the pan, to make a puree. Season to taste, as necessary, with a little more salt and pepper. Serve the whole or pureed chestnuts garnished with chopped parsley or chives.
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