KCC-3-1-2013 by Shaw Media

K C

CHRONICLE FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013 | 50 CENTS | KCCHRONICLE.COM

TALKING POINTS

ST. CHARLES MAYORAL CANDIDATES PARTICIPATE IN FORUM. PAGE 4

Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

Joe Masiokas (center) moderates a forum Thursday for St. Charles mayoral candidates (from left) John Rabchuk, Ray Rogina, Jake Wyatt and Jotham Stein at the Baker Community Center.

IN SPORTS

VIKINGS UPSET RED DEVILS, 55-49

Bring this in for

KICKING BACK

1 FREE Appetizer

St. Charles North’s Kyle Gannon receives Kane County Chronicle Boys Swimmer of the Year honors. Page 12

Page 14 Vol. 24, Issue 39

IN SPORTS

Since 1881.

Where to find it Classified: 29-32 Comics: 26-27 Puzzles: 28

HIGH

Obituaries: 9 Opinion: 10 Sports: 11-18

LOW

31 17 Complete forecast on 5

with purchase of two entrées Book your next event at Aliano’s! Free Delivery on Catering!

90 N North th Isl Island d Av Ave

Batavia 630.406.9400 Buon Appetito!

Open for Lunch nch & Dinner

www.alianosbatavia.com

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

IN FOCUS A weekly feature by Sandy Bressner, photo editor at the Kane County Chronicle

hile driving through LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, I spotted a young tree in the snow. After taking a few “wintry” photos, I found people enjoying the fresh powder. But I especially loved the simplicity of this small tree near the forest with geese flying overhead. I am going to try and document this tree throughout the year, showing the progression of the seasons. There’s nothing like Midwest seasons and what they mean – a time for renewal.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

| GETTING STARTED

– Sandy Bressner

• A headline on page 6 of the Feb. 28 edition of the Kane County Chronicle requires clarification. Rotolo Middle School sixth-graders will use Google Chromebooks, which are laptops, as part of a pilot program. The Chronicle regrets this error. The Kane County Chronicle wants to correct mistakes promptly. Please call errors to our attention by phone, 630-845-5355; or email, editorial@kcchronicle.com

DID YOU WIN? Illinois Lottery Pick 3 Midday: 6-9-3 Pick 3 Evening: 8-9-3 Pick 4 Midday: 2-1-8-1 Pick 4 Evening: 5-9-3-7 Lucky Day Lotto: 5-16-18-29-30 Lotto jackpot: $3.65 million Mega Millions Est. jackpot: $19 million Powerball Est. jackpot: $103 million

ST. CHARLES

Teen band competing for trip to SXSW music festival By ERIC SCHELKOPF eschelkopf@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES – St. Charles teen band The Giving Moon is competing for the chance to go to the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas, later this month. The Giving Moon is comprised of two freshmen from St. Charles East High School and two freshmen from St. Charles North High School. After competing against two other bands Tuesday at the Elbo Room in Chicago and emerging in first place, The Giving Moon has moved to the semifinals in the Battle of the Bands to SXSW. “It was fun,” said drum-

mer Ryan Brasley, 14, a freshman at St. Charles East High School. “We just love playing at the Elbo Room.” The band will have another opportunity to play during the semifinals Saturday. The Giving Moon will compete against four other bands, and the top two bands from the evening will be invited to the final round March 8. The Giving Moon frontman Sean Seales is excited about the prospects about performing at SXSW, one of the largest musical festivals in the world, and the opportunities it holds. The festival will be from March 8 to 17. “There will be a lot of op-

portunities there,” said Seales, 15, a St. Charles East freshman. “There will be so many record companies and producers there.” The second-place finisher in the contest will receive a professional photo shoot by Roger Jansen. The third-place finisher will receive a $150 gift certificate toward recording/ mixing/production with Cassette Company. The fourthplace finisher will receive a band consultation with KMA Management. The Giving Moon recently finished first out of more than 100 bands in the I AM FEST 2012 (Independent Artists and Musicians Festival).

GENEVA PLACE A Covenant Retirement Community Covenant Retirement Communities is a ministryy of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

27 North Bennett | Geneva, Illinois 60134 Covenant Retirement Communities does not discriminate pursuant to the federal Fair Housing Act.

A Rental Lifestyle Community • Reﬁned, affordable rental retirement • Short-term rentals available • One- and two-bedroom apartments • 126 years of faith-based service Call today for more information. 630.232.7733 | www.genevaplace.org

FACE TIME WITH JONI BELTRAN

Where did you grow up? Chicago Who would play you in the movie of your life? Will Smith First job? A caddie at St. Charles Country Club when I was 13 As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I actually wanted to become a pastor, and I am on the road to becoming a pastor at my church. I attend Life Church Assemblies of God in St.

Charles. A book or a movie you’d recommend? “The Passion of the Christ.” And the book would be the Bible. Do you play an instrument? I play guitar, piano, drums and bass guitar. I play with the praise band with my church, and I sing. Favorite charity? Salvation Army Hobbies? Music Favorite local restaurant? Chili’s in St. Charles What is an interesting factoid about yourself? I served Mickey Rooney and Chazz Palminteri while working at the restaurant I worked at, Onesti’s Dinner Club in St. Charles.

and

Kane County Chronicle staffers pick the best of what to do in your free time

Science party at American Science and Surplus

Maple Sugaring Days set at Johnson’s Mound

WHAT: A science party is set at American Science and Surplus. There will be microscope workshops, hands-on demonstrations, science games and prizes. WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. today WHERE: 33W361 Route 38, Geneva INFO: Call 630-232-2882 or visit www. sciplus.com.

WHAT: Maple Sugaring Days will take place at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve. All are invited to come learn the time-honored tradition of maple tapping. Forest Preserve District of Kane County naturalists will show how to tap a maple tree, and there will be an opportunity to try your hand at drilling and setting a tap. WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve, 41W600 Hughes Road, Elburn INFO: Call 847-741-8350 or visit www. kaneforest.com.

Fox Valley Concert Band, students to perform WHAT: The Fox Valley Concert Band and Kaneland Harter Middle School will perform a joint concert at the Norris Cultural Arts Center. The concert is free followed by a reception. Joining the band at this concert are 51 middle school students from Kaneland Harter Middle School. WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday WHERE: Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles INFO: Visit www.fvcb.org or call 847-6957096.

Western Avenue School plans sale event in Geneva WHAT: The Western Avenue School PTO has planned its semiannual clothing and toy sale. The sale will feature infant through teen-sized clothing, shoes, toys, books and more. No strollers or children younger than 10 will be allowed on March 8. WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. March 8 and 8 to 11 a.m.

March 9 WHERE: At the school, 1500 Western Ave., Geneva INFO: Call 630-463-3500 or visit www. geneva304.org/was.

Chicago Fun Family Palooza at Pheasant Run Resort WHAT: Chicago Fun Family Palooza is set at the Mega Center at Pheasant Run Resort. Activities include an indoor zip-line, inflatables, carnival rides, magicians, game shows, rock-climbing wall, pony rides and petting zoo. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 9 and 10 WHERE: Mega Center at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles COST: General admission is $8. The unlimited activity wristband, which includes general admission, is $15. Admission free for children younger than 3. Parking is free. INFO: Visit www. chicagofun.com/ palooza.

TODAY’S WEB POLL

YESTERDAY’S WEB POLL RESULTS

Did you participate in an extracurricular activity in high school?

Have you ever lost an item of sentimental value? Yes, and I found it (21%) Yes, and it’s still lost (60%) No (19%)

VOTE ONLINE | Voice your opinion at KCChronicle.com. Follow us at twitter.com/kcchronicle, or become a fan on Facebook.

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 630-232-9222 Customer Service

800-589-9363 subscriptions@shawmedia.com 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Saturday (Requests for same-day redelivery of the newspaper are accepted until 10 a.m. each day)

Classified Sales Phone: 800-589-8237 Email: classified@shawsuburban.com Fax: 815-477-8898 Legal notices: 630-845-5219 Newsroom Phone: 630-845-5355 Email: editorial@kcchronicle.com Fax: 630-444-1641

Publisher J. Tom Shaw jtshaw@shawmedia.com Editor Kathy Gresey kgresey@shawmedia.com News Editor Al Lagattolla alagattolla@shawmedia.com Advertising Director Mike Harvel mharvel@shawmedia.com Promotions Manager Kelsey Rakers krakers@shawmedia.com

• Friday, March 1, 2013

Out About

The Kane County Chronicle and KCChronicle.com are a division of Shaw Media, 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2, St. Charles, IL 60174.

GETTING STARTED | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

St. Charles resident Joni Beltran, 21, was working at The Salvation Army in St. Charles when he answered 10 questions for the Kane County Chronicle’s Brenda Schory.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

| COVER STORY

Mayoral candidates get down to business STC hopefuls discuss downtown branding, ideas for Charlestowne Mall at forum By NICOLE WESKERNA nweskerna@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES – Four St. Charles mayoral candidates fielded residents’ questions at a forum Thursday, focusing on issues ranging from empty downtown storefronts to Charlestowne Mall. Candidates Jake Wyatt, Jotham Stein, Ray Rogina and John Rabchuk are vying for the position, and all four attended the forum hosted by the westside neighborhood group 2R2R at the Baker Community Center. When candidates were asked about what they would do to improve the downtown area, Rogina said he thinks the “blooming rose” of the downtown area is the Arcada Theatre. He suggested that renewing the Arcada by upgrading its heating system, seats and restrooms, for example, would lead to an expansion of broader cultural opportunities downtown. He suggested putting together a task force comprised of civic and cultural leaders to offer a “helping hand” to downtown businesses. Additionally, he suggested bringing regular musical entertainment to the plaza downtown, and encouraging bicycling activities in the area. Rabchuck suggested creating a more identifiable brand for what types of businesses St. Charles wants to draw downtown. He said a few years ago, people complained that there were too many antique stores downtown, and now there are too many bars. “If you don’t have a brand and an image of what you’re going to be, that’s what happens – you go through these cycles.” Stein said he would recruit a variety of businesses, including manufacturing, business, retail and office space. He said bringing new businesses downtown would make the bars “stick out” less, and that would cause the less successful bars to leave. “The ones that are strug-

Photos by Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

ABOVE: Citizens filled the hall Thursday during a forum for St. Charles mayoral candidates at the Baker Community Center. The event was hosted by 2R2R. BELOW: St. Charles mayoral candidate Jake Wyatt answers a question Thursday as (from left) fellow candidates John Rabchuk and Ray Rogina look on. Candidate Jotham Stein is not pictured. gling, they go out of business or maybe they’re bought out because it’s more rational for another office to be there,” he said. Wyatt said he supports bringing more cultural establishments downtown, but parking would need to be addressed. In addressing the city’s liquor laws, he said there needs to be an escalating fine for bars that violate the city’s liquor code. He also questioned why bars are open an extra hour at night. “I’m a firm believer that nothing good happens after midnight,” he said. In answering a question about renewing Charlestowne Mall, Stein said he would meet with the owners to either encourage them to sell or work with them to fill its empty stores. “The one thing you know if you’ve been in the world of

finance is … if we drop the price enough, somebody will purchase it.” Wyatt echoed Stein’s idea of speaking with the owners to work with them or find another investment group that’s willing to work with the city. He also suggested creating a business district around the mall, which would allow the city to impose a one-cent tax on merchandise sold there that could go back to a special fund that could be used to bring in new businesses. “It needs to start with good old-fashioned negotiation,” he said. Rogina reminded the candidates that the mall is for sale, and said that the mall could benefit by being in a business district. He said a big-box store would help anchor it, and he suggested bringing in a sports complex to attract new business.

“I’m not going to give up on the mall,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a debacle, but yes, it’s in a distressed state.” Rabchuck said he believes businesses will crop up if the right attraction is near the mall. He referred to a mall in

Aurora that was dead for a few years until the city built around it. “As things develop around it, there was more activity, and that gave vitality to the mall and it developed,” he said.

Seven-Day Forecast

Shown are noon postions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

SAT

SUN

MON

Mostly cloudy Partly sunny and Partly sunny and Partly sunny and and breezy with cold cold a little warmer flurries

Bill Bellis Chief Meteorologist

31 17

27 14

29 18

TUE

WED

THU

Mostly cloudy with a few flurries

Partly sunny and chilly

Mostly sunny and much warmer

35 23

33 22

44 33

33 24

Tri-Cities Almanac

Harvard

30/15 McHenry Statistics through 4 p.m. yesterday Belvidere 31/17 Temperatures Waukegan 31/16 32/18 High/low ....................................... 35°/31° Normal high ......................................... 40° Rockford Crystal Lake Deerfield Record high .............................. 63° (1976) Algonquin 32/16 31/17 31/20 31/17 Normal low .......................................... 24° Hampshire Record low ............................... -5° (1994) Schaumburg 32/18 Elgin 33/20 Peak wind .............................. N at 21 mph 31/18 DeKalb Precipitation 31/17 Tri-Cities Chicago 24 hours through 4 p.m. yest. ........... Trace 31/17 33/20 Month to date ................................... 2.34” Normal month to date ....................... 1.72” Oak Park Year to date ...................................... 5.45” 33/22 Aurora Normal year to date .......................... 3.40” Dixon 30/16

UV Index

™

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

32/17

Sandwich 32/18

Orland Park 33/22

10 a.m.

Noon

2 p.m.

4 p.m.

0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme

Air Quality

Reading as of Thursday

City Arlington Hts Aurora Deerfield Des Plaines Elgin Gary Hammond Janesville

Today Hi Lo W 33 20 sf 32 17 sf 31 20 sf 33 21 sf 31 18 sf 34 21 sf 36 22 sf 30 14 c

Saturday Hi Lo W 27 17 sf 28 13 c 27 17 sf 27 17 sf 28 14 c 33 18 c 32 19 pc 26 11 pc

City Kankakee Kenosha La Salle Morris Munster Naperville Tinley Park Waukegan

Today Hi Lo W 34 22 sf 31 17 sf 32 19 sf 33 21 sf 33 24 sf 33 20 sf 33 22 sf 32 18 sf

Saturday Hi Lo W 32 18 c 26 14 pc 28 16 pc 30 16 c 32 21 c 29 15 c 29 19 c 26 14 sf

Fox River Stages 0-50 Good; 51-100 Moderate; 101-150 Unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151-200 Unhealthy; 201-300 Very Unhealthy; 301-500 Hazardous Source: Illinois EPA

Weather History On March 1, 1983, the temperature dropped to 59 in Honolulu while heavy rain hit California. When the jet stream dips far south, Hawaii is cool while California is wet.

Fld: flood stage. Prs: stage in feet at 7 a.m Thursday. Chg: change in previous 24 hours. Station Fld Prs Chg Station Fld Prs Chg Algonquin................. 3....... 1.28...... -0.03 Montgomery........... 13..... 11.72...... -0.02 Burlington, WI ........ 11....... 6.99..... +0.15 New Munster, WI .... 19....... 8.56..... +0.23 Dayton ................... 12....... 7.12...... -0.09 Princeton .............. 9.5........ N.A..........N.A. McHenry .................. 4....... 1.70...... -0.04 Waukesha ................ 6....... 3.22..... +0.06

Sun and Moon Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset

Today 6:28 a.m. 5:44 p.m. 10:23 p.m. 8:10 a.m.

Saturday 6:27 a.m. 5:45 p.m. 11:31 p.m. 8:49 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Today Hi Lo W 30 22 sf 48 31 pc 47 30 pc 55 35 pc 55 37 pc 40 31 sf 54 32 pc 33 20 sf 38 24 sf 56 32 pc 46 28 pc 30 16 c 80 69 s 60 36 pc 36 23 sf 34 19 sf 71 49 s 86 54 s

Saturday Hi Lo W 32 20 pc 46 28 c 44 27 pc 57 35 pc 57 39 pc 42 33 pc 47 27 c 27 17 sf 35 23 sf 57 36 s 54 33 s 30 21 pc 80 68 s 58 34 s 34 22 c 38 25 pc 71 51 s 85 54 pc

City Louisville Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Oklahoma City Omaha Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh St. Louis Salt Lake City San Francisco Seattle Washington, DC

Today Hi Lo W 39 29 sf 71 52 pc 30 19 c 29 9 pc 41 31 sh 56 39 pc 47 33 pc 46 26 pc 32 16 pc 66 44 pc 48 32 pc 77 56 s 35 21 sf 36 23 sf 46 27 c 66 48 s 60 45 sh 48 32 pc

Saturday Hi Lo W 38 25 c 70 50 sh 26 15 pc 27 18 pc 38 22 c 50 35 pc 43 29 pc 50 32 s 35 26 pc 64 38 pc 46 29 pc 82 55 s 32 20 sf 36 21 pc 47 34 s 63 49 pc 56 36 r 46 31 pc

Saturday Hi Lo W 59 53 c 77 53 s 45 25 pc 42 31 s 75 59 r 85 69 pc 50 26 pc 69 58 s 75 56 s 47 34 pc 52 36 pc 93 75 s

City Mexico City Moscow Nassau New Delhi Paris Rio de Janeiro Rome Seoul Singapore Sydney Tokyo Toronto

Today Hi Lo W 80 43 pc 37 14 sn 77 64 pc 81 54 s 44 30 c 83 73 t 57 44 c 36 24 s 87 78 t 72 62 r 61 45 r 30 14 sf

Saturday Hi Lo W 60 30 pc 17 -3 sn 71 60 sh 81 54 s 42 30 pc 84 74 sh 61 35 pc 39 27 s 87 78 t 75 64 sh 53 38 pc 24 12 c

World Weather City Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Buenos Aires Cairo Calgary Jerusalem Johannesburg London Madrid Manila

Today Hi Lo W 56 44 s 73 53 pc 45 22 s 43 27 pc 82 68 pc 72 56 s 51 34 c 57 43 s 76 53 t 45 37 pc 48 30 pc 90 77 pc

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Mar 4

Mar 11

Mar 19

Mar 27

• Friday, March 1, 2013

Regional Weather

City Anchorage Atlanta Baltimore Billings Boise Boston Charlotte Chicago Cincinnati Dallas Denver Des Moines Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles

WEATHER | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

TODAY

National Weather

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

| LOCAL NEWS

Sales tax shows Sycamore boy, 11, holiday season dies in four-car crash started strong VIRGIL TOWNSHIP

By JILLIAN DUCHNOWSKI

jduchnowski@shawmedia.com

By JONATHAN BILYK jbilyk@shawmedia.com The early returns on the holiday shopping season are coming in. So far, they indicate that local retailers may have fared slightly better than in 2012, and did not lose ground from the gains of previous years. Each month, the Illinois Department of Revenue disburses a round of sales tax dollars to each county, city and village in the state, equal to 1 percent of all sales subject to sales tax made within their boundaries. Typically, those sales tax disbursements lag about three months behind the month in which the sales were made. In February, local governments received sales tax revenues for the sales made in November 2012. Kane County reported receiving $1.18 million in sales tax from sales made in November. That amounted to an increase of 4.41 percent from the same month in 2011. It continued a trend of increasing retail activity, as measured by sales tax revenues collected last year, when county sales tax receipts from the state increased by 2.42 percent to $13.66 million. Sales also increased in the Tri-Cities in November. Reports from the Illinois Department of Revenue indicated that sales tax revenues collected for all three cities combined increased by about

0.4 percent from $1.58 million in November 2011 to $1.59 million in November 2012. Among the three cities, however, the results were mixed. In Geneva, sales tax revenues in November jumped by almost 8 percent to $443,556. In St. Charles revenue slipped by 0.5 percent to $778,480. And in Batavia, sales taxes collected in December from November sales dropped 5.7 percent to $368,619. Batavia Finance Director Peggy Colby said the decrease is a concern. She was hopeful, however, that perceived stronger retail activity in December could help recover the losses and close the city’s 2012 books with strength. Typically, retail sales in December can greatly eclipse November’s activity. In 2011, for instance, December retail activity was 28 percent greater than November’s in the Tri-Cities, as the three communities combined to rake in $2.03 million in sales tax revenue. Countywide in 2011, retail activity jumped 19 percent from November to December, according to Kane County financial records. Local retailers reported in January that their preliminary results indicated that their sales activity increased markedly in December, as the holidays neared. Numbers for December 2012 are scheduled to be released by the state in March.

ELGIN – The Elgin Genealogical Society will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the first-floor meeting room of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove

were treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. The drivers of the other three vehicles were treated at the scene, police said. Black was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and operating an uninsured motor vehicle, police said. Kane County police are continuing to investigate the accident. The road was covered with blowing and drifting snow, and police have not determined whether drugs, alcohol or texting played a role in the crash, according to the news release.

GENEVA

Police investigate suspicious vehicle By NICOLE WESKERNA nweskerna@shawmedia.com GENEVA – Police received a call Wednesday about a suspicious vehicle on Sully Drive near Geneva, and they’re looking to contact a driver who they say tried to ask two children to approach the car. Lt. Pat Gengler, the spokesman for the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, said deputies

were called about 2:45 p.m. to a residence in the Mill Creek community. Two children were playing in their yard on Sully Drive when a vehicle stopped on Brundige Road. A female passenger exited the vehicle and yelled for them to come to the car. The children did not respond to the woman, and they eventually went back to their home when their

mother called them, Gengler said. Their mother saw the vehicle, which was described as a green Ford Ranger with a ladder rack attached. The license plates are unknown, and Gengler said he believes a male and female were in the car. According to the deputy on scene, the children reported the woman never tried to get them into the car.

STEP BY STEP PROMOTIONS

FEST F EST V VAL AL OF OF

ART & CRA T SHOW March 2 & 3

DUP GE EXPO - St. Charles 4050 E. Ma n St. - Across from Pheasant Run Resort on Route 64 40 Sat. 9 - 4 / Sun. 10 - 4

8LOCAL BRIEF Genealogical society to talk Internet archives

VIRGIL TOWNSHIP – An 11-year-old Sycamore boy died at Kishwaukee Community Hospital after he was involved in a four-car crash on Route 64 in Kane County, authorities said. Matthew Ranken was riding in the back seat of a 1999 Cavalier driven by his brother, Nicholas Weber, 21, of Sycamore, authorities said. The Cavalier had been going west on Route 64 near Peplow Road about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday when it stopped for traffic backed up because

of a crash about a mile away, according to a news release from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. A 1999 Ford Expedition, driven by 28-year-old Benjamin Black of Sycamore, crashed into the back of Weber’s stopped Cavalier, pushing it into a Buick Lucerne, police said. The Lucerne went into the shoulder and the Cavalier struck a Hyundai, police said. Ranken, Weber and another passenger in the Cavalier were transported to Kishwaukee Community Hospital, police said. Weber and Teale Noble, 18, of Sycamore,

Ave., Elgin. After the business meeting, Kristen McCallum will present the program “Getting the Most out of Internet Archives.” For information, visit www.elginroots.com.

– Kane County Chronicle

AN AUTHENTIC ARTS & CRA T SHOW $3 Adm ss on - 11 And Under Free - Free Park ng CRA TERS ROM 5 STATES

43 4 3

www.stepbysteppromot w ww.stepbystepprom mot o ons.com ns c

DISTRICT 101

By ERIC SCHELKOPF eschelkopf@shawmedia.com BATAVIA – JoAnne Smith said she is excited to take the reins as the new principal of Batavia High School. The Batavia School District 101 board on Tuesday approved Smith’s appointment. Smith will replace principal Lisa Hichens, who will take the helm as the district’s next superintendent

when Superintendent Jack Barshinger retires at the end of June. For the past two years, Smith has served as assistant principal for curriculum and instruction JoAnne at Batavia High Smith School. She has worked in the district for 17 years.

“The opportunity to lead the building is very exciting, and I’m thrilled to have that opportunity,” said Smith, 38, of Elburn. Improving student achievement is one of her first goals, she said. Hichens will help her make the transition, Smith said. Hichens has been Batavia High School’s principal since 2009, and she first joined the district in 1994 as a math teacher at Batavia

High School. Batavia School Board members on Tuesday also approved the appointment of a new assistant superintendent of human resources. Steve Pearce, a principal from Schaumburg School District 54, will start in the position July 1. He will replace Associate Superintendent Greg Romaneck, who is retiring at the end of the school year after seven years

with the district and 33 years in education. “I’m very excited about serving Batavia Public Schools in this capacity,” Pearce said in a news release. “I consider it an honor to work for a school district with such a great reputation, and I look forward to collaborating with the staff and the community to increase student achievement for all of the students we serve.”

regional set at Kaneland HS By AL LAGATTOLLA alagattolla@shawmedia.com MAPLE PARK – When Ken Dentino seeks to draw people to the Kaneland High School Scholastic Bowl team, he puts on a show. Unlike other athletic competitions, the event plays out like a game show, and the school’s longtime coach highlights that each year to eighth-graders at the school’s orientation event. “We make a pretty big showing,” said Dentino, a math teacher who is in his 15th year as coach of the team. The group will bring out buzzers and demonstrate that it’s like a team version of “Jeopardy.” The tactic has brought success. The team last weekend collected a Northern Illinois Big 12 championship – its second in the past two years. Its conference East Division title was its third straight. And Monday, the team will seek its third consecutive regional championship. The seven-team regional takes place at the high school, at 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park, and Kaneland is the

If you go Kaneland High School will host a regional competition of the IHSA Scholastic Bowl. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the school, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park.

favorite. Also at the event will be Dundee-Crown, Burlington Central, Sycamore, Jacobs, Mendota and Cary-Grove. Kaneland is captained by Cameron Carlson, who is joined by Ethan Witt, Chris Farrell, Beau Ott, Nic Likeum, Morgan Buerke, Anna Piazza and Matt Kalinowski. A championship would be a reward for a significant commitment. The season starts in November. “There’s a long season to it,” Dentino said. “I would say about 80 percent of the Saturdays are all-day tournaments.” The regional event will start at 4:30 p.m., and Dentino said it is an audience-friendly atmosphere. “Fans definitely are welcome,” he said.

By JONATHAN BILYK jbilyk@shawmedia.com After months of moving in a positive direction, home prices in the Tri-Cities edged down to start the new year, even as market activity gained steam last month. According to the latest round of local home sales data, more home sellers were finding buyers in Kane County and the Tri-Cities of St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia in January than at the beginning of 2012. In the Tri-Cities, the number of homes sold increased by almost 27 percent in January, compared to the same month one year prior. The MainStreet Organization of Realtors, a trade group representing Chicago area real estate agents, reported that 71 detached single-family homes sold in January in St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia, combined. That compared to 56 closed singlefamily home sales in the three cities a year earlier. Homes sold through foreclosure or short sale, known in the industry as “distressed properties,” continued to account for a large share of

Know more How did the housing market in your community fare in January? St. Charles: 37 homes sold, including 11 distressed; $319,000 median non-distressed price Geneva: 23 homes sold, including 4 distressed; $299,990 median non-distressed price Batavia: 11 homes sold, including 5 distressed; $169,000 median non-distressed price

Source: MainStreet Organization of Realtors that total. In all, 20 distressed properties found buyers in January, accounting for about 28 percent of all singlefamily home sales. But the market share for distressed properties in the Tri-Cities actually decreased in January, data supplied by MainStreet indicated. In January 2012, 25 distressed properties sold, accounting for almost 45 percent of all home sales in the Tri-Cities a year earlier. In Kane County, home sales increased at a faster clip, rising by 33 percent in January 2013 from January 2012, according to the Illinois

your opinion.

Association of Realtors. In all, 430 homes sold in Kane County in January, compared to 323 in the same month a year earlier. At the same time, home prices in Kane County overall increased. The IAR reported that the median home price – the price at which half the homes in the county sold for more, and half for less – rose from $123,000 in January 2012 to $129,950 in January 2013, an increase of 5.7 percent. In the Tri-Cities, however, the median price for nondistressed single-family detached homes slipped by almost 7 percent in January. In January 2013, such homes in the Tri-Cities fetched an average median price of $262,663. A year earlier, such homes claimed an average median price of $282,163. That decrease marked the end of consistent home price gains to close out 2012, when the median price in the TriCities had risen to $289,000. Distressed properties continued to be sold at discounts of 12 to 30 percent, compared to non-distressed, traditionally sold single-family homes.

Tell us what you think. Send Letters to the Editor to letters@kcchronicle.com.

• Friday, March 1, 2013

Tri-Cities home prices slip; Scholastic Bowl house sales rise in January DISTRICT 302

LOCAL NEWS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Batavia High School to get new principal

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

| LOCAL NEWS

GENEVA

Chamber seeks $98K for visitors center By BRENDA SCHORY bschory@shawmedia.com GENEVA – The Geneva Chamber of Commerce is seeking a grant of nearly $98,300 from the Kane County Riverboat Fund to set up a first-floor visitors center at 10 S. Third St., officials said. Having a visitors center is one of the Chamber’s goals for this year, as detailed in its 2012 annual report on tourism. “We applied for riverboat grant money for the visitors center,” Geneva Chamber President Jean Gaines said. “We think it is important to have a visitors center at the county seat, and we hope they think it’s worthy, too.” Through an agreement, the county receives 7.5 percent of net operating income from the Elgin Riverboat Resort – the Grand Victoria Foundation. The grants will be used in education, environment and eco-

“We applied for riverboat grant money for the visitors center. We think it is important to have a visitors center at the county seat, and we hope they think it’s worthy, too.” Jean Gaines Geneva Chamber of Commerce president

nomic development, according to the agreement. Gaines said the visitors center project would involve renovation, such as knocking out a wall to put in a handicapped accessible restroom, air conditioning, carpeting, lighting and other amenities. Gaines said the Chamber did not get riverboat money from its grant application last year for a different purpose. She said the Chamber does not expect to get the full amount requested for this year, but officials hope to get funding for the visitors center project. Gaines said the Chamber

could do more if it received grant money, but the project will go forward regardless. “It might mean the difference between a card table and a desk,” Gaines said. The Chamber is on the second floor of the same building at 8 S. Third St., up a steep staircase. Gaines said officials would keep that space for Chamber use, in addition to a first-floor visitors center. Scott Berger, Kane County Office of Reinvestment director, who oversees the riverboat grant program, said the Chamber’s grant application was one of 67 the county re-

ceived. “It would appear they are requesting 100 percent of the cost of the project from the county,” Berger said. The total amount requested from all the applicants of riverboat funds this year is just under $3 million, Berger said. “That is not uncommon, there is a lot of interest in the riverboat fund,” Berger said. “Municipalities and nonprofits seek out the revenue for their projects.” Grant awards will be made this spring in time for construction season, he said. Mayor Kevin Burns said

having a first-floor visitors center in downtown Geneva is not only important for the city but also for the region. “Half a million people come to Geneva every year,” Burns said. “And with the Chamber of Commerce, having the opportunity to greet those individuals in a more convenient and comfortable manner by having a first-floor presence is key to continuing their customer service.” Burns added the Chamber would be positioned there not only to market Geneva to the public but also the Fox Valley. County Board member John Hoscheit, R-St. Charles, chairman of the riverboat subcommittee, said requests usually are granted in February, but the schedule was delayed this year because of staffing changes. “Our goal is to get these funds out to the public so they can use it,” Hoscheit said.

Come celebrate our “Sweet” beginning. Join us for a “Taste” of our store.

Friday,March1st-Sunday,March3rd Friday Buy 3 Apples get the 4th FREE! Boxed Chocolates are 20% off. All our store made Barks are 20% off. Free Candy Bar with $50 purchase.

Sunday

Geneva Commons • 1308 Commons Drive Geneva, IL 60134 • 630-208-1484

All Clusters, Bears & Trufﬂes are 20% OFF! Plain Caramel Apples are $2.00 Free Candy Bar with $50 purchase.

Saturday

Buy 3 Apples get the 4th FREE! Fudge is 25% off. Come watch us make fudge at 11 am and 3pm. Free Candy Bar with $50 purchase.

8LOCAL BRIEFS

MICHAEL DANIEL FAIRBANKS

U.S. Coast Guard to hold boating education class

Born: Sept. 2, 1993; in Geneva Died: Feb. 26, 2013

Author to bring women’s history to life at event WAYNE – The American Association of University Women Batavia-Geneva-St. Charles Branch has planned an event for 2 to 4:30 p.m. March 16 at Dunham Woods Riding Club, 33W33 Army Trail Road, Wayne. Jacqueline Berger, author of “Loves, Lies and Tears: The Lives of America’s First Ladies,” brings notable women of American history to life from Martha Washington to Jackie Kennedy. She will share their humorous, fascinating and tragic stories at the fourth annual Women of Courage High Tea event.

Conservation district to take orders for plant sale The Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District is taking orders for its annual conservation plant sale. The sale includes various evergreen and deciduous bareroot trees and shrubs; and prairie or pond plant packages. Prices range from $5.50 to $62, depending on the species. Ordering deadline for trees and shrubs is March 18. Deadline for prairie plants is April 29. The trees and shrubs will be distributed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 17 at the Kane County Fairgrounds. Prairie plants will be distributed from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 15 at the district office, 2315 Dean St., Suite 100, St. Charles. To receive a catalog, call 630-5847961, ext. 3, or download it at www.kanedupageswcd.org.

Choral group to present celebration of weather BATAVIA – Choral group Acappellago will present “Escape to … Blue Skies,” an a cappella celebration of the weather, at the Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S. Batavia Ave., at 4 p.m. March 17. Cost is $17 for adults and $15 for seniors. Call 708-484-3797, ext. 2, for information.

– Kane County Chronicle

Donald “Harvey” McClurg: There will be a celebration of life service at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Portage United Methodist Church in Portage, Wis. Arsenio G. Sala: A memorial celebration of Arsenio’s life will be Memorial Day weekend at Garfield Farm Museum. Adolph “Bud” Shulske: A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Yurs Funeral

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE editorial@kcchronicle.com Kane County Engineer Carl Schoedel has been honored by the Illinois Association of County Engineers. He was named Wednesday as the association’s Zone 1 County Engineer of the Year for 2012. His leadership in the Stearns Road Bridge Corridor won regional, state and national awards, including the 2012 American Road and Transportation Builders Association Globe Award for En-

vironmental Sustainability and the 2012 American Council of Engineering Companies Honor Award for Engineering Excellence. County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen said in a news release that Schodel “has built a team of professionals that serve Kane County well.” Bruce H. Bird, the Macon County engineer and the president of the state organization, praised Schoedel as “not only a great representative for Kane County, but also for the Illinois Association of County Engineers.”

LURING For Great Fish Specials Served Every Friday During Lent! (Available 11 AM - 9 PM) **DINNERS** Atlantic Salmon Dinner ................ $14.95 Rainbow Trout Dinner .................. $12.95 Icelandic Jumbo Cod Dinner ........ $14.50 Broasted Whole Catfish Dinner .... $14.95 Catfish Fillet Dinner...................... $13.65 Cajun Catfish Dinner .................... $13.65 Coconut Shrimp Dinner ............... $13.95 Shrimp Dinner.............................. $13.95 Stuffed Shrimp Dinner ................. $17.25 Dinners include our all you can eat soup and salad bar, bread basket, choice of potato and vegetable

**BASKETS** Breaded Scallops Basket.............. $13.95 Frog Legs Basket ......................... $12.95 Breaded Oysters Basket ............... $12.95 Beer Batter Cod Basket ................ $10.95 Shrimp Basket................................ $8.25 Beer Batter Perch Basket................ $8.75 Baskets include fries, coleslaw and a bread basket

8FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS Frank L. Bruno: A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road in Geneva. A funeral luncheon will follow at Salerno’s on the Fox, 320 N. Second St. in St. Charles. Burial will be private. A memorial visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 8, at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St. (Route 38) in Geneva.

County engineer earns state honor

Home, 405 E. Main St. (corner of Routes 64 and 25), in St. Charles. Interment will be private in Union Cemetery in St. Charles. William Craig Thatcher: The visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main St. (corner of routes 25 and 64), St. Charles, IL 60174. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Yurs Funeral Home.

**COUNTRY PLATTERS** Seafood Platter ............................ $13.95 Broiled Ocean Perch....................... $9.25 Catﬁsh Fillet ................................... $8.95 Cajun Catﬁsh.................................. $8.95 Shrimp ........................................... $8.95 Country Platters include a bread basket, choice of potato and vegetable

Enjoy a cold beer in a frosted mug or glass of wine with your dinner.

Harner’s akery Restaurant & Catering 10 West State Street • North Aurora (630) 892-4400 • harnersbakery.com

• Friday, March 1, 2013

ST. CHARLES – Michael Daniel Fairbanks, 19, of St. Charles, passed away suddenly Feb. 26, 2013. He was born to Denise and Michael Fairbanks on Sept. 2, 1993, in Geneva. He was a 2012 graduate of St. Charles East High School. Michael was a full-time student at Elgin Community College. He was a member of the National Honors Society, and in addition to his scholastic abilities, he played the cello, sang in the Honors Choir and was a member of the Gay Straight Alliance. He was an avid outdoorsman and animal rights activist. He is survived by his parents; sister, Elle Boynton; many aunts, uncles and cousins; his beloved cats, Bubby and Phoebe; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, George and Charlotte Council; paternal grandparents, Charles and Margaret Fairbanks; and cousin, Erik Gabriel. The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 W. State St., Geneva, IL 60134. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. Contributions may be made to The Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702, or www.apl-shelter.org. To leave an online condolence or remembrance to the family, visit the funeral home’s obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com. For information, call Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva at 630-232-7337. Please sign the guest book at www.legacy.com/kcchronicle.

ST. CHARLES – The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will have a boating education class at 9 a.m. March 9 at Gander Mountain, 2100 S. Randall Road, Geneva. Classes are certified by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and taught by Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors. The class is eight hours, consisting of classroom instruction, reviews, stories, videos and final exam covering federal, state and local boating laws; required safety equipment; safe boating; basic navigation; boating problems; moving and storage of boats. For information or to register for a class visit flotilla41-07. org/kc22313, when registering use promo code “KC22313” for additional savings and free shipping.

The event, including delicate pastries, finger sandwiches and fine teas, is $26, and guests are welcome. Call Diane Jangelis at 630-906-1010 or email Ladydi.Jangelis@gmail. com. The deadline for registration and payment is March 11.

LOCAL NEWS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

8OBITUARY

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

| OPINIONS

OPINIONS 8ANOTHER VIEW

The ‘rights’ stuff By ALEXANDRA PETRI The Washington Post Last week, John Kerry noted to an audience of German students, “In America, you have a right to be stupid, if you want to be.” That is my favorite inalienable right. To borrow Stephen Sondheim’s phrasing: “Everybody’s got the right to be stupid. Even though at times they go to extremes.” It’s a nice summation of all those inalienable rights we put so much stock in. Freedom of religion? More like, “right to make a total idiot of yourself, weekly.” Have you listened to your neighbor’s doctrine lately?

He believes we were put here by a flying spaghetti monster. We celebrate you, Pastafarian! Wear that colander with pride! Freedom of speech? In theory, it’s the freedom to express your heartfelt beliefs in cogent, beautiful phrases, aloud, in the public square. In practice, it’s more often the right to open your mouth and sound like a complete idiot. But in some ways, that’s even more precious than the other. Freedom of assembly? In theory, we should use that to forge great social movements and powerful protests. In practice, we go to “Twilight” conventions. Freedom of petition?

You’ve seen Change.org, haven’t you? You’ve seen the White House’s petition site, “We the People”? This might almost exclusively be the right to be stupid. We had a sufficient number of signatures for a Death Star to require an actual, official White House response. Yes, stupidity is a cherished right. It’s my favorite. It’s right there in the Constitution. Well, it’s not there exactly, but it’s pretty strongly implied in the emanations of the penumbras. But it’s a little more prominent and less ambiguous than privacy. And Lord knows it is the only thing making a lot of discussions of the Second Amendment possible.

WRITING TO US The Kane County Chronicle welcomes original letters on public issues. Letters must include the author’s full name, home address and day and evening telephone numbers. We limit letters to 400 words. All letters are subject to editing for length and clarity at the sole discretion of the editor. Letters can be emailed to letters@kcchronicle.com, faxed to 630-444-1641 and mailed to Letters, Kane County Chronicle, 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2, St. Charles IL 60174.

Intersection issues in the city of Geneva I’m driving west on State Street through downtown Geneva. Approaching Fourth Street, my wife says, “See that person crossing the street?” “What person?” I might say, or even, “What street?” Last fall, a friend and his family, after pizza at Aurelio’s on the intersection’s southeast corner, started across State Street to their car. Underestimating the speed of rush-hour traffic, they got stuck midstreet. They waited, terrified. Frustrated and angry, my friend wrote the city – how could it slow traffic and warn drivers about pedestrians? In the course of an email exchange that lasted several days, Mayor Kevin Burns replied the family could have walked east and crossed at Third Street’s traffic light. He also stated the city did not have money to spend on police

officers at every corner of Geneva, but added the city could examine the Route 38 and Fourth Street intersection as a possible “enhanced enforcement zone.” Wanting to cast my own concerns, on the city’s website I found “Make a Request,” which led to a categories dropdown menu. I then selected “Streets and Sidewalks.” From there, I selected “Street Signs,” logged in and wrote my letter. Five days later, hearing nothing, I emailed the mayor. (As for my initial letter, the city said it found no such request on file.) “Public Works has been discussing this intersection … regarding pedestrian crossing signs,” Burns wrote. He said the city and Public Works had hoped that the Illinois Department of Transportation “would share in the cost … . Unfortu-

VIEWS Rick Holinger nately, [IDOT has indicated] that even if we pay 100 percent for the striping/signage, they would not allow it” because it was “too close to the traffic signals.” This seemed to make no sense, but what did I know? I read novels not street plans. The mayor also reported that IDOT believed signage might be useless to stop or slow traffic, “even though it’s the law to yield,” and “would encourage more crossings and thus increase the risk of someone getting hurt.” Using IDOT’s reasoning, maybe we should eliminate stop signs because they only encourage us not to. Moreover,

Editorial board J. Tom Shaw, publisher Jay Schwab

Kathy Gresey

Al Lagattolla Kate Schott

if IDOT rules State Street like an all-powerful Oz, why give any credence to ruby-slippered Public Works? Curious to discover how the other candidate for mayor might resolve the intersection question, I wrote Bob McQuillan, and filled him in on what the city had done – or not done. If it was a safety issue, McQuillan responded, and neither the city nor IDOT could put up warning signage, he wondered, “Why have the crosswalk at all, especially if Public Works is telling people to cross at the light? “If they do keep it,” he continued, “they need to let people know it’s Illinois law to stop for people in a crosswalk.” McQuillan suggested blurbs in the newsletter and a bannerlike sign. “If Geneva wants more people downtown, and they

say they do, the city better do something, because it’s just going to get busier.” Next time I talked to my friend, he was no more optimistic than before. “One day,” he predicted, “to avoid hitting a pedestrian, an eastbound car will crash into Aurelio’s. Want some anti-freeze on your pizza and pasta?” “And nothing,” I added, “takes a back seat to burgers on a grill.”

• Rick Holinger has taught high school English and lived in the Fox Valley for nearly 35 years. His poetry, fiction, essays and book reviews have appeared in more than 100 literary magazines, and he founded and facilitates the St. Charles Writers Group. Contact him at editorial@ kcchronicle.com.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. First Amendment, U.S. Bill of Rights

Geneva senior Mike O’Neil signed a scholarship with St. Ambrose lacrosse before even playing for the Vikings’ varsity, writes sports reporter Kevin Druley. PAGE 18

SPORTS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

SPORTS

QUICK READ

• Friday, March 1, 2013

UNIQUE INTENSITY KYLE GANNON, THE KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE SWIMMER OF THE YEAR, FIRMLY ENTRENCHED AS NORTH’S ANCHOR. PAGE 12 Sandy Bressner - sbressner@shawmedia.com

St. Charles North’s Kyle Gannon is the Kane County Chronicle Boys Swimmer of the Year. Gannon will swim at the University of Iowa net season.

Vikes advance Chris Parrilli (right) and the Geneva boys basketball team upsets Hinsdale Central, 55-49, to move on to tonight’s 4A Wheaton Warrenville South Regional final. PAGE 14

DESPERATE HOUSEPETS

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT FOR

Anderson Animal Shelter

847-697-2880

AndersonAnimalShelter.org

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

| SPORTS

2012-13 KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE BOYS SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

WHAT TO WATCH

St. Charles North’s Kyle Gannon is the Kane County Chronicle Boys Swimmer of the Year.

Pro hockey Columbus at Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m., CSN Baseball World Baseball Classic, first round, Australia vs. Chinese Taipei, at Taichung, Taiwan. 10:30 p.m., MLB Men's college basketball Loyola (Md.) at Iona, 6 p.m., ESPN2 Harvard at Princeton, 6 p.m., ESPNU Fairfield at Manhattan, 8 p.m., ESPNU Men's college hockey Wisconsin at NebraskaOmaha, 6:30 p.m., NBCSN Denver at Minnesota, 7 p.m., BTN Pro basketball Memphis at Miami, 7 p.m., ESPN Oklahoma City at Denver, 9:30 p.m., ESPN Boxing Champion Billy Dib (35-1-0) vs. Evgeny Gradovich (15-0-0), for IBF featherweight title, at Mashantucket, Conn., 8 p.m., ESPN2

Gannon ready for lighter mood after junior nationals

KEEP UP ONLINE

EYESSTRAIGHTAHEAD

Sandy Bressner - sbressner@shawmedia.com

By KEVIN DRULEY kdruley@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES – Arms folded and eyes straight ahead, Kyle Gannon sat purposefully on the St. Charles North pool bleachers earlier this week as his soon-to-be water polo teammates visited and stretched. Gannon will join the group for his senior season after competing in the National Club Swimming Association junior nationals in Orlando, Fla., in two weeks, and he’s looking forward to the lighter mood. You know you have extreme tunnel vision when it flashes without your goggles on. With less than a weekend separating his final IHSA state meet and the onset of training for junior nationals, Gannon simply shrugs and hops in the water. The Kane County Chronicle Boys Swimmer of the Year really knows no other way. “The yardage has gone up a lot,” Gannon said, “but it’s pretty easy, relaxing stuff.”

“The yardage has gone up a lot, but it’s pretty easy, relaxing stuff.” Kyle Gannon St. Charles North swimmer While it might be news to some North Stars underclassmen, Gannon is capable of kicking back. The Pennsylvania native remains “a die-hard Penn State fan” even though he chose Iowa over the school, among other Big Ten programs. Although his intensity might suggest otherwise, Gannon’s equally at ease in the pool that has seen his shadow for four varsity seasons. Seven years after moving to the TriCities, Gannon admits, “If somebody asked me where I’m from, I’d probably say St. Charles now.” His swimming career took off here, he made many new friends here and he’ll graduate from high school here. Perhaps most importantly, he’ll have no inclination to forget veteran coach Rob Rooney

and the program history here. “You always see the guys that are up there on the record board since 2004, 2005 always coming back here during Christmas break. Coming in, seeing Rooney and seeing how the team is doing and stuff like that,” Gannon said. “So when I’m in college, I can see myself coming back, swimming here over Christmas break and seeing how everything is going. I mean, if you ask any of those guys, they’ll say they’re a North Star at heart. So that’s really what it is, is just a big family.” Unless North especially shines to begin the 2013-14 season, Gannon will see his name in three new spots on the team record board. Competing at the state meet at New Trier this past weekend, Gannon joined classmates Austin Stapella, David Chokran and Nick Kowaleski in a 1:34.39 effort in the 200-yard medley relay prelims. The next day, the group swam slightly slower, but still placed fourth.

See GANNON, page 13

Want the latest from the area’s prep sports scene? Follow our coverage online on Twitter at twitter.com/ KaneCounty Preps, become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/ kanecountypreps, or head to KCChronicle.com/preps.

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY Boys basketball: St. Charles North vs. Larkin at 4A South Elgin Regional, 7:30 p.m.; Geneva vs. West Aurora at 4A Wheaton Warrenville South Regional, 7:30 p.m.; St. Francis vs. Aurora Central Catholic at 3A IMSA Regional, 7:30 p.m.

FIRST TEAM Kyle Gannon St. Charles North, Sr. A repeat recipient of Kane County Chronicle Boys Swimmer of the Year honors, the Iowa-bound Gannon again earned four state medals – two individuals and as part of two relays.

Josh Kanute, Marmion, Sr.

Nick Kowaleski St. Charles North, Sr. Senior stalwart and co-captain joined Gannon on North’s state medal-winning 200 medley relay (fourth) and 400 freestyle relay (fifth), both of which set team records during state-meet weekend.

Max Schmitt St. Charles East, Sr. Schmitt has parlayed a oncecasual interest in diving into two successive state berths and college interest from Oakland (Mich.) and Wright State (Ohio).

Will Shanel St. Charles East, Jr. Part of what coach Joe Cabel called a “really strong” 200 freestyle relay that took 11th at state, Shanel also placed eighth in the 200 individual medley.

Jon Thielen, Marmion, Sr. The Minnesotabound Elburn resident placed seventh at state in the 100 backstroke while collaborating

SECOND TEAM TJ Bindseil, St. Charles East, Sr. Mike Burke, Marmion, Jr. Alec Carnell, St. Charles East, Sr. David Chokran, St. Charles North, Sr. Jack Fergus, Marmion, Jr. Spencer Gray, St. Charles North, Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION Michael Barrowclift, St. Francis, Sr. Josh Clay, St. Charles North, Sr. Dan Creighton, Marmion, Jr. Stephan Hutchinson, St. Charles North, Fr. Nathan Jesko, Geneva, So. Kevin Leavy, St. Charles North, Sr. Austin Muehlschlegel, St. Charles East, Sr. Taylor Nunnery, St. Charles East, Sr. Robert Ramoska, Marmion, Sr. Austin Stapella, St. Charles North, Sr. Nick Wellman, St. Charles East, Jr.

COACH OF THE YEAR Bill Schalz, Marmion Schalz often sported the same laid-back look at December practices as he did on deck at the state meet at New Trier. That might have been the contentment in knowing he had a core a of veterans who happily had put in their work. Behind program veterans such as Kanute, Thielen and Burke – a Wayne resident – Schalz guided the Cadets to a seventh-place team finish at state. Marmion’s 63 team points were far greater than the six from a season ago. “The guys had to work so hard swimming out of those early [preliminary] heats to get into finals,” Schalz said. “I’m proud of how they finished.”

– Kevin Druley kdruley@shawmedia.com

• GANNON Continued from page 12 In his final high school event, Gannon anchored the 400 freestyle relay that also featured Spencer Gray, Kowaleski and Stephan Hutchinson in 3:07.51. Before taking two individual medals – fifth in the 500 freestyle and seventh in the 200 free – Gannon set a team record with a 4:29.33 swim in the 500 free prelims. Gray, his distance workout partner, was 10th in the 500, and not short on compliments for Gannon. “He’s always been faster than me,” Gray said, “but we help each other train every day and we make each other a lot better.” Gannon also earned four state medals as a junior, but the feeling is much more upbeat this time considering the North Stars’ climb in the team standings. North doubled its 2011-12 output of 31 points to move from 13th place to eighth, bringing credence to the “Ready For Redemption” slogan on the back of the team’s T-shirts. From what Rooney observed this winter, Gannon

may as well be sporting some apparel that reads “Prepared For Perspective.” From the time Gannon was named one of four senior co-captains shortly after the team’s intrasquad meet, Rooney noticed Gannon truly realizing the importance of having those around him succeed, not just himself. “I think his best swimming days are in front of him, not behind him. I really think he’s going to have an excellent opportunity at the University of Iowa,” Rooney said. “I think it’s going to take a little bit of an adjustment on his part, but once he gets that down, I think we’re going to see a kid who’s got some opportunities to do well at the Big Ten level.” As part of that tunnel vision, Gannon plans to compare times from this weekend’s Big Ten meet at Indiana with his own. A freestyle specialist – “I like being able to see my competition,” he said – Gannon calls the longer-distance races in that discipline his strongsuits. Following the lead of sister Taylor, a Rhode Island junior swimmer, into

the NCAA Division I pool, Gannon may also pursue a career in physical therapy like his sibling. He admittedly hasn’t thought much about what he’ll study, but is eager to ponder his place with the Hawkeyes. Part of the reason he picked the program was the coaching staff. Marc Long, a 1990 Iowa alumnus, is about Rooney’s age and stresses the importance of individual growth alongside athletic development. Assistant Nathan Mundt, also Iowa’s recruiting coordinator, is a more recent college graduate and reminds Gannon of North assistant Chris Cloy in that regard. “It’s kind of interesting how it’s the same as it is here,” Gannon said. “It’s just something I’ve thrived in, and I think if you can keep the main thing, keep what I’m used to, keep that going, I think just the familiarity thing will really help me when I go to college.” With that comes the determined posture, even before practice. Gannon may be going to the edge of Disney World later this month, but he’s still there to compete.

BIG deal

Fox Valley Repertory

Get a $42 ticket for Forever Plaid on stage at Fox Valley Rep for only $ $21! 21!! 21

Must purchase voucher at www.PlanitKane.com to receive discount. Offer ends Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 7 a.m.

www.PlanitKane.com Planit Plan itKane Kane

• Friday, March 1, 2013

Kanute, of Geneva, competed with each of the Cadets’ medal-winning state relays, including the 400-yard freestyle quartet that took third and helped Marmion place seventh as a team.

with medal-winning relays in the 200 freestyle (sixth) and 400 freestyle (third).

North Stars prove ‘Ready For Redemption’

SPORTS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

2012-13 KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE ALL-AREA BOYS SWIMMING TEAM

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

| SPORTS

IHSA CLASS 4A WHEATON WARRENVILLE SOUTH REGIONAL: GENEVA 55, HINSDALE CENTRAL 49

Geneva bedevils Red Devils in regional semifinal JAY SCHWAB jschwab@shawmedia.com WHEATON – The Geneva boys basketball team posted winning records in three of coach Phil Ralston’s first four years with the program but a shortage of postseason success – a bugaboo for the program long preceding Ralston’s arrival – has remained a sore spot. In year five of Ralston’s tenure, the Vikings appear to be finding their postseason sea legs. A hard-nosed, inspired effort from start to finish Thursday earned 12th seeded Geneva a 55-49 upset victory against No. 5 seed Hinsdale Central in an IHSA Class 4A Wheaton Warrenville South Regional semifinal. The win vaults the Vikings into tonight’s regional championship against DuPage Valley Conference powerhouse West Aurora. Ralston said today will m a r k G e n e v a ’ s f i r s t a ppearance in a regional final under Illinois’ four-class system. The Vikings’ last regional final appearance was in 2006, and Ralston said the program has not won a regional crown since 1986. “To these kids, they don’t know any better, but to everyone else that’s been around high school basketball, a regional semifinal now in 4A is really like winning a regional,” Ralston said. “That’s a tremendous accomplishment for the program. These boys have helped step us in the right direction, but we definitely have to come ready to play for tomorrow. “We celebrate this one for about 20, 30 minutes on the bus ride home, and then it’s back to work.” Geneva took the lead for good on a pair of Mike Trimble free throws with 3:27 to play in the fourth quarter for a 45-44 edge. Sophomore forward Nate Navigato followed with a layup to make it 47-44 about 30 seconds later. An inside basket by highly touted Red Devils sophomore big man Matt Rafferty

(15 points, 10 rebounds) drew the Red Devils within 4746 with 2:26 to play, but the Vikings (21-8) padded their lead when junior Cam Cook split a pair of free throws and Navigato added another layup thanks to sharp ball movement, making it 50-46 Vikings with 1:05 to go. Trimble, a senior, scored all nine of his points in the second half to help subdue the defensive-minded Red Devils’ second half charge. His 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter gave Geneva a 41-37 lead. “I was scared. I did not want it to end that way,” Trimble said of his scoreless first half. “I had to do something. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep tonight if I knew it was going to end like that.” Navigato also saved his best work for crunch time, posting 11 of his team-high 17 points in the second half to help Geneva build off its 24-21 halftime edge. The Vikings made 10 of 14 free throws in the fourth quarter, five of them in the final minute to fend off a Hinsdale Central team that had won 12 straight games late in the regular season. K.J. Santos, a sophomore forward called up to the varsity in the late stages of the regular season, sparked the Vikings with consecutive 3-pointers in the second quarter to give Geneva an 18-11 lead, prompting a Red Devils timeout. The Vikings needed offense from nontraditional sources with senior big man Connor Chapman plagued by foul trouble. He supplied only a pair of free throws in the fourth quarter. “That kind of shows you a little bit of the depth of the team,” Ralston said. “That’s not the first time that things haven’t gone our way with Connor. … I thought Santos did a great job coming off the bench and giving us some solid minutes defensively, I thought [Kyle] Brown did a tremendous job as well coming out and helping clog up the middle for us. So we had other kids that were able to

Photos by Jeff Krage – For the Kane County

Geneva’s Chris Parrilli (center) celebrates with Nate Navigato (left) and Pace Temple after defeating Hinsdale Central in Thursday’s regional semifinal at Wheaton Warrenville South High School.

IHSA CLASS 4A WHEATON WARRENVILLE SOUTH REGIONAL MONDAY’S FIRST-ROUND RESULTS Downers Grove South 52, Yorkville 43 Geneva 43, Wheaton Warrenville South 33 WEDNESDAY’S SEMIFINAL RESULT West Aurora 67, Downers Grove South 59 THURSDAY’S SEMIFINAL RESULT Geneva 55, Hinsdale Central 49 TODAY’S FINAL West Aurora vs. Geneva, 7:30 p.m. Geneva’s Chris Parrilli (left) walks off the court with Connor Chapman after their win. step up and give us minutes. “But Navigato, Trimble, [Chris] Parrilli and Pace Temple, they were out of this world tonight. They played some of their best basketball tonight.” Geneva opened the regional Monday with a win against host Wheaton Warrenville South, then saw its scheduled semifinal date with the Red Devils pushed from Wednesday to Thursday because of snow post-

ponements Tuesday. That leaves the Vikings without a traditional preparation day to gear up for the vaunted Blackhawks. Ralston, an English teacher at Geneva, noted that he has responsibilities at the school’s in-service day today, so he said game preparation would take place “late tonight, very early tomorrow morning.” Trimble didn’t seem to

mind the prospect of hunting another upset 24 hours after Thursday’s conquest. “I kind of like it for momentum,” Trimble said. “We have a lot of energy right now. That was a huge win. It feels really good actually, so I don’t mind it at all.” The 21 wins ties the highwater mark during Ralston’s tenure. Geneva went 21-7 in 2008-09, his first year on the job.

4A SOUTH ELGIN REGIONAL FINAL: ST. CHARLES NORTH VS. LARKIN, 7:30 P.M. TODAY

By JAY SCHWAB jschwab@shawmedia.com

IHSA CLASS 4A SOUTH ELGIN BOYS BASKETBALL REGIONAL FINAL St. Charles North (18-10) vs. Larkin (22-5), 7:30 p.m. today Note: The Royals won the teams’ UEC River meetings by scores of 61-48 in St. Charles and 76-56 in Elgin. … The North Stars are eying their first regional title since the 2008-09 team advanced to a sectional final. … The winner of tonight’s game will head to Tuesday’s DeKalb Sectional semifinal against Rockford East or Rockford Jefferson. experience and trust in that experience that it’s prepared us.” North and Larkin were both impressive Wednesday in dismantling crosstown rivals in their respective regional semifinals, with Larkin pounding Elgin before North did the same to St. Charles East. The Royals (22-5) are a perimeter-oriented squad led by the high-motor quartet of Quentin Ruff, Quantice Hunter, Kendale McCullum and Derrick Streety. Larkin fell twice to UEC Valley champion Neuqua Valley in a one-week span to close the regular season but the Royals otherwise have shown few cracks.

North senior Quinten Payne, coming off a 26-point night against East, is eager for the North Stars’ third chance at Larkin. “We’ve been working all year for this, the highs, the lows, the wins, the losses,” Payne said. “I think we owe them a little something. … When we played at their place, we played a good first half, and then it [unraveled] in the second half. We owe them 32 minutes of good basketball.” Poulin came away from Wednesday’swinencouragedby the play of North’s bench, which he hopes remains a factor in the North Stars’ favor tonight.

Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

St. Charles North’s Quinten Payne puts up a shot Wednesday during the fourth quarter of its win over St. Charles East at the South Elgin Regional “We didn’t have any dropoff,” Poulin said. “I really like our depth. When we’ve played our best, we’ve gone deep in the lineup. It’s showing right now at this time of year.”

Your free Monday Kane County Chronicle e-Edition is brought to you by:

YOU ASKED. WE DELIVERED. The Kane County Chronicle

eas page-th y-to-use rough design

MONDAY e-Edition has arrived.

! MORE local news ! MORE local sports ! MORE local features

ews day n n o M s all the the area’ er! from news lead cal #1 lo

Get exclusive local content that you won’t find anywhere else, delivered to your inbox every Monday morning!

KCChronicle.com

Visit KCChronicle.com today to get your Monday e-Edition!

• Friday, March 1, 2013

SOUTH ELGIN – St. Charles North boys basketball coach Tom Poulin had a simple, oneword response for how best to subdue Larkin’s transition feeding frenzy. “Scoring,” he said. Poulin figures North will need to be on the mark at the offensive end to keep Larkin from wreaking havoc in the open court of tonight’s IHSA Class 4A South Elgin Regional championship game. The Upstate Eight Conference River champion Royals showed throughout the season they’re capable of pushing the pace, including in a pair of double-digit conference wins against the North Stars. “If we take early, quick shots from deep that lead to long rebounds, or forced shots that they can get the rebound and go with it, then you’re in trouble,” Poulin said. “You’ve got to put the ball through the hoop, and

you’ve got to control the tempo against them. Otherwise, it’s going to be a track meet, and we’re not going to beat them in a track meet.” In sizing up North’s two lopsided losses to Larkin this season, Poulin acknowledged the North Stars generally have not played good basketball, but added that’s “because of them.” Just the same, Poulin said the North Stars have demonstrated they can hold their own against high-level opposition, most notably in going 3-1 at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. That should embolden North that it can knock off Larkin despite this season’s dreary history against the Royals, Poulin said. “We want them to fall back on their experience,” Poulin said. “Some huge wins against very, very good teams. I could list a lot of teams that I would say we weren’t the favorite against that we got a win against, and/ or competed very, very well. So we’re going to fall back on our

SPORTS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

North hopes to amp up scoring against Larkin

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

17 16

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, March 1, 2013

| SPORTS

Genevaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil is landmark lacrosse recruit Mike Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil recently committed as St. Ambroseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lacrosse recruit with zero games of varsity experience as a Geneva goalie. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conceivable he could tote the same seasoning to the Davenport, Iowa, campus as St. Ambrose prepares to begin playing lacrosse in the spring of 2014. The oddity doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil, who, per IHSLA.org posted the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best save percentage among junior varsity goalies the past two seasons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Signing really puts me at ease,â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So If I make JV, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still going to play and have fun with it.â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil embraced lacrosse in much the same manner three springs ago. Friend and fellow Vikings senior Rob Mondi, who has played since seventh grade, wanted a few more of his buddies to see what the sport was all about. At the time, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil was 30 to 40 pounds heavier than his current weight of 185. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just kind of used that as an excuse to be a goalie,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But then I started developing, getting better at

QUICK READ Kevin Druley it and spending time working out. So here I am playing still.â&#x20AC;? Increased interest in the sport eventually steered Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil to the Napervillebased New Wave Lacrosse club, with which he played in a showcase during the first weekend Mike Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil of January in San Diego. St. Ambrose coach Brad Keel was among those in attendance as Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil excelled in the Adrenaline Challenge, where he said â&#x20AC;&#x153;all the teams were elite.â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil also considered Illinois Wesleyan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the college destination of returning varsity goalie Steve Laduzinsky â&#x20AC;&#x201C; along with Augustana and Beloit. Active with youth camps and intrigued by the idea of

8SPORTS BRIEF NI Big 12 East girls hoops honorees announced Kaneland senior Emma Bradford was a unanimous selection to the Northern Illinois Big 12 East girls basket-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Signing really puts me at ease. So If I make JV, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still going to play and have fun with it.â&#x20AC;? Mike Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil, Geneva Lacrosse goalie advancing what many call Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest-growing sport, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil knows he has St. Ambrose to look forward to no matter how this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Geneva tryouts turn out. Keel, currently the coach at Seckman High School in Imperial, Mo., south of St. Louis, is less than five years removed from high school himself. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw this opportunity as if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to start, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still going to get a ton of playing time,â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That part really attracted me, definitely, and the aspect of helping start build a program from its roots really stuck out, too.â&#x20AC;? Welcome to the Majors: Geneva alumnus Shawn Sloan enjoyed a standout varsity career for the Vikings boys soccer team. A little less than four years after graduating, he is eager to build a professional resume.

Sloan this week signed with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer after initially joining the club in January as part of its haul in the leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supplemental draft. Knowing nothing was guaranteed, Sloan traveled to Florida for the Crewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s month-long preseason training camp and emerged with spot on Columbusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 29-player roster. His next goal is making the Crewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 18-player travel team after playing nearly everywhere on the attack during camp â&#x20AC;&#x201C; outside midfield, center midfield and forward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always prided myself on my soccer IQ and I really just think that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m adaptable when it comes to the game,â&#x20AC;? Sloan said Thursday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not extraordinarily fast or a standout in any area of the game, really, but I like to be myself as just a consistent player that is going to make the right pass or the right de-

cision that is going to those things with the ball and help the team.â&#x20AC;? Sloan earned first-team All-Big South Conference recognition in each of his four collegiate seasons at High Point (N.C.). He graduated in December, one semester early, and at first had designs on medical school before the Crew drafted him as a midfielder Jan. 22. Between calls from Vikings coach Ryan Estabrook and persistent texts from former teammate Kendall Spurgeon, Sloan has found â&#x20AC;&#x153;fantasticâ&#x20AC;? interest from the Geneva community since. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really overwhelming the support and congrats Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten from all the people in Geneva,â&#x20AC;? Sloan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice to have that support system there. Just knowing theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pumped for me and keeping up with me gave me that extra little boost during training.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;˘ Kevin Druley is a sports writer for the Kane County Chronicle. He can be reached at 630-845-5347 or kdruley@ shawmedia.com.

1,8 0(1Âś6 $1' :20(1Âś6 %$6.(7%$//

ball squad. Kaneland seniors Allyson O'Herron and Ashley Prost were named honorable mention all-conference selections. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kane County Chronicle

%/$&. 287 :((.(1'

Recovery is everywhere.

:($5 %/$&. 0(1Âś6 +20( *$0(

YV &(175$/ 0,&+,*$1 6DWXUGD\ 0DUFK # 3 0 Dedicated to the prevention, intervention and treatment of addictive behaviors.

:,1 D FDU DW KDOIWLPH )RRWEDOO 6HDVRQ 7LFNHW .LFNRII %R\ 6FRXW 'D\

&+((5 /28' :20(1Âś6 +20( *$0(

YV &(175$/ 0,&+,*$1 6XQGD\ 0DUFK # 3 0 :,1 D FDU DW KDOIWLPH .LGV 7DNH 2YHU WKH &RQYR *LUO 6FRXW 'D\

)25 025( ,1)250$7,21 25 72 25'(5 7,&.(76 &$// 25 9,6,7 86 21/,1( $7

NEIGHBORS

Neighbors is news by readers, for readers, about readers. Have news to share? Send it to neighbors@kcchronicle.com. Kane County Chronicle • Friday, March 1, 2013 • Page 19 • KCChronicle.com

Snow dazzle

When real life resembles Residents make most of winter wonderland a sitcom VIEWS Joan Arteberry

Provided photo

From Geneva School District 304: “A fowl weathered friend visits Harrison Street School playground. Nothing beats a snow covered playProvided photo ground, but when you add the talents of lunch supervisor Andrea TarcSnowman friend “Mr Blue” of St. Charles poses with Ashlyn and Ella zynski and Harrison Street School students, it becomes something Emmert of Batavia. extra special.”

Recent events have led me to seek satisfaction by creating a comedy or drama television series to be called “Off-Shore.” It’s in a very early stage, just the outline of events and thoughts about casting. I am thinking either Melisssa McCarthy who looks like me or Maggie Smith who could add a certain dignity to the necessary profanity. The story begins when a writer begins to put a stop to computer issues by trying a different server. That particular server, nameless but starts with the letter A, advertises incessantly and does something called a bundle or a wrap or a sandwich or something. So, the opening scene begins with a hand dialing on an obsolete device that only makes telephone calls. The music is airy and hopeful. Order placed. Two weeks later, no contact. Call the number (turns out it answers by someone “offshore.” Can’t find order. Start over. Installation no sooner than two weeks. On the installation date, stay at home for installer. Nobody shows. Call the number. Get. “O.” Ask for USA contact. Get a guy with lower voice, still off-shore. Sounding insulted, he puts me on hold for five minutes and I get a guy in California – I doubt it. Mistake acknowledged – new installation date in two weeks. Music no longer serene. Sounds like sharks. Profane imperatives and obscene suggestions unleashed. New installation date negotiated. On Big Day, Bruce arrives, spreads cheer and searches for connection. Finds it, and declares a problem.

Provided photo

The Dicola Family depicts themselves in snow in front of their Geneva home.

See LIFE, page 20

Rotary awards money to Mid-Valley for special bikes

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

A bike for smiles

| NEIGHBORS

Dreaming of local service in times of need

• LIFE Continued from page 19

Provided photo

Recently, the St. Charles Noon Rotary Club Foundation Board unanimously approved a $3,472 award to the Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative for the purchase of an adaptive bike for multi-needs high school students who attend Mid-Valley. These children reside in the Mid-Valley area which is comprised of: Batavia, Kaneland, St. Charles, Burlington Central, and Geneva school districts. (Clockwise from left) Linda Koch, coordinator, Raymond Ziegler, class teacher, and Loren Gineris, physical therapist, help Jeremy Minner, a Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative freshman student, ride an adaptive bike.

Need an outside guy. Promises he will be there next day. Inside departs. Outside calls in the morning. “Did I know phone was disconnected?” He has done me a favor by reconnecting and fixing the outside. To reschedule Mr. Inside, call the number. Two weeks for next appointment. More profanity, suggested placement of the product. Long story short, nice Mr. Inside arrived on a Friday morning, does a good job, and later that day – at suppertime – off-shore calls to confirm appointment for 9 a.m. Friday. I stay on the line just for

laughs now and ask for an American guy. I then get the other off-shore guy who is not only insulted but confused. I tell him I am placing him on hold and exit, laughing. The bill came today, not bundled. More episodes to follow – if the high speed Internet doesn’t wipe out. Meanwhile, we will be producing some one-minute public service announcements about capable people who work for reliable, onshore companies: There’s Dan at Batavia WalMart who quickly said, “No problem – we’ll take care of it.” The friendly voice at Corfu who obliged instantly to my request to be sure to include the anchovies on the

carry out Greek salad. And, as always, Sunny at Dunkin’ Donuts was not judgmental when we ordered iced coffee in the midst of the snowstorm. The fashion tip for the week: Mister Z has chosen to accessorize his mink coat with his Army boots issued in Alaska and a perky raccoon hat.

• Joan Arteberry is a longtime resident of St. Charles. Her columns are featured in the Kane County Chronicle’s Neighbors section every other Friday. Write to her at joanarteberry38@gmail.com.

RANDALL 15 MAX Serving Elgin/ Batavia/ Joliet/ Aurora 630-225-8400 Randall Rd. at Fabyan kwy.

Online icketing GQTI.com a d o Facebook

$6 25 BARGAIN TWILIGHT D A I LY 4 : 0 0 - 6 : 0 0 P M

* excludes IMAX, Digital 3D and athom events

NEIGHBORS BRIEF

SHOWTIMES 3/1 - 3/7

I LES AND IMES SUBJEC

Misty River Chorus to host guest nights The Misty River Chorus is inviting area woman who enjoy singing to participate (or enjoy as part of the audience) in the chorus group as part of two special guest nights. Women are welcome to join the group at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, and Monday, March 18 at Montessori Academy of Batavia, 595 S. River St., Batavia. The Misty River Music Makers is an award winning chorus that has been entertaining the Fox Valley for nearly 30 years.

SPRING MOVIES Saturday & Sunday 9 & 10 M

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS ( G)

Provided photo

Drop by or for more information, call Claire at 630-569-1228 or visit www.mistyrivermusicmakers.org.

Bringing Big City Entertainment to Batavia! 630.937.8930 www.BataviaFineArtsCentre.org

Martha Speaks MARCH 2, 2013 • 10:00 AM Martha’s clever way with words saves the day in this

602 E. State Street • Geneva

doggone funny new musical

(630) 232-2860

based on the delightful

Specializing in Jeep® Sales, Service & Parts All Models • 1946 to Present

Martha Speaks series of books by Susan Meddaugh,

Lou’s Works on all American and Foreign Cars & Trucks 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee........$12,850 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee........$10,350 1998 Jeep Cherokee .....................$5,850 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee .........$2,995 Jeep™ is a registered trademark of Chrysler Corporation, LLC. Lou’s is not afﬁliated with Chrysler Corporation.

No passes

O CHANGE

Fair & Honest Service for 67 Years.

published by Harcourt Mifflin. Watch the television series “Martha Speaks” on PBS Kids.

CENTRE SPONSORS: K C

CHRONICLE

SEASON SPONSORS: 2875 Foxfield Road St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 584-0222

METROPOLITAN OPERA PARSIFAL - LIVE SAT. 3/2 11:00 AM LEWIS & CLARK: GREAT JOURNEY WEST TUE. 3/5 4:00, 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 METROPOLITAN OPERA: RIGOLETTO ENCORE WED. 3/6 6:30 & TH. 3/7 1:00 PALEYFEST FEATURING THE CAST OF THE WALKING DEAD - TH. 3/7 8:00

3D JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (PG-13) $2.50 PREMIUM PER 3D ICKE

12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 D-BOX ADDS MO ION SEA ING MAGIC O MOVIES: D-BOX LIMI ED SEA ING AVAILABLE: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (PG-13) 11:00, 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 RI/SAT LS 11:30 PHANTOM (R) 12:00, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 9:00 RI/SAT LS 11:15 THE LAST EXORCISM PART II (PG-13) 11:00, 1:10, 3:20, 5:30, 7:35, 9:50 RI/SAT LS 12:00 21 AND OVER (R) 12:55, 3:10, 5:25, 7:40, 9:55 RI/SAT LS 12:05 DARK SKIES (PG-13) 12:50, 3:05, 5:20, 7:45, 10:00 SNITCH (PG-13) 11:35, 2:05, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40 SAFE HAVEN (PG-13) 11:25, 1:55, 4:20, 6:50, 9:15 RI/SAT LS 11:40 BEAUTIFUL CREATURES (PG-13) 12:15, 9:35 A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (R) 11:20, 1:50, 4:10, 6:35, 9:10 RI/SAT LS 11:25 ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH (PG) 11:55, 2:10, 4:25, 6:40, 8:50 RI/SAT LS 11:00 IDENTITY THIEF (R) 11:15, 1:45, 4:15, 6:55, 9:25 RI/SAT LS 11:55 WARM BODIES (PG-13) RI/SUN/MON 12:20, 2:35, 4:50, 7:05, 9:20 RI/SAT LS 11:35 SAT 7:05, 9:20 TUE 12:20, 9:20 WED 12:20, 2:35 SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (R) 11:05, 1:40, 4:25, 7:05, 9:45 ZERO DARK THIRTY (R) 3:00, 6:20

3D JACK THE GIANT SLAYER IMAX (PG-13) 11:30, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 RI/SAT LS 12:00

WHEELS

Kane County Chronicle • Friday, March 1, 2013 • Page 21 • KCChronicle.com

Ford emphasizes economy in four-cylinder Taurus With the best fuel economy in the full-size sedan segment of the market, Ford’s four-cylinder Taurus should have no problem finding buyers. The 3,990-pound car can average 32 miles per gallon on the highway, 22 mpg in the city and a combined 26 mpg, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. During a week of driving the four-cylinder in city streets, county highways and several interstates with two adults aboard, the average fuel usage (regular) was 28.8 mpg. The inline four-cylinder is a 2-liter, turbocharged, 240 horsepower EcoBoost engine with direct injection. It runs on regular 87 octane gasoline but for performance purposes, premium fuel is recommended for the 19-gallon tank. The engine, like the V6s in the 2013 Taurus lineup, is mated to a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Besides the engine, the fourcylinder has all the attributes of a V6 Taurus, including a mammoth trunk and expansive leg room in front and rear seating rows. The trunk measures 20 cubic feet, which is a space reminiscent of that available in the Lincoln Town Car, a product from Ford’s luxury division. The Taurus has always had a spacious trunk. In 2002, for example, the trunk measured 17 cubic feet and that is when the Taurus was a midsize, and not a full-size, sedan. The Taurus became a full-size sedan in 2008 and the Fusion assumed the mid-size sales role. Since this Taurus is 202.9 inches long, leg room has expanded in the rear seat. The 38.1 inches provided is almost equal to that of the 41.9 inches awaiting in the front seat. For adults no taller than six-feet, threeinches, it can be comfortable in front when seats are powered back as far as they are allowed to go. For shorter adults, the seats can adjust forward and the gas and brake pedals powered

Provided photo

The 2013 Ford Taurus has two V6 engines and one four-cylinder. The three engines are mated to a shiftable six-speed automatic transmission.

REVIEWS Jerry Kuyper outward. This should satisfy the five-foot, four-inchers in the household. The engine is robust, the suspension system superb and the comforts almost countless. Ford offers four Taurus trim levels, the SE, SEL, Limited and SHO. Prices are $26,700, $28,800, $33,100, $39,300, respectively. The tested Taurus was an SEL model. The four-cylinder engine added $995 raising the asking price to $29,795. Frontwheel-drive is standard on SEL models with all-wheel-drive an estimated $1,500. The tested four-cylinder was FWD. Besides the standard power front seats, door locks, exterior mirrors, windows (express up and down in front), remote

entry, intermittent windshield wipers, compass, trip computer, outside temperature display, storage compartments (a big, flat one on top of dashboard), cupholders, cruise control, split and fold rear seat, a twin-cowl dashboard and blind spot mirrors that are standard on the base SE, the SEL adds 18- instead of 17-inch alloy wheels, upgrade cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, memory for power driver’s seat and wood trim. The tested Taurus also had Sync, which was part of a $2,300 option package that included 19inch painted aluminum wheels, reverse sensing system and rear view cameras, adjustable brake and gas pedals, ambient lighting, and an upgrade sound system. Designed for Ford by Microsoft, Sync (introduced in 2008 model year) allows cell phones, MP3 players, USB storage de-

vices and an optional $975 navigation system to be activated by voice command. This is a big plus for cell phone or navigation system users. A person can ask “Where am I?” and the answer will appear on a 7-inch color screen. It is a simple system to use and works well. The tested Taurus also came with the nav system. The SEL shares safety features with the other Taurus models, which are a four-wheel antilock braking system, traction and stability controls, front and side airbags, overhead curtains for both rows, lighted entry and a tire pressure monitoring system. The brakes are 13.9-inch vented discs, front and rear. They should bring this Taurus to a stop from 60 miles per hour in a distance of 135 feet on a dry and flat road. The MacPherson strut suspension in front is complemented by multilinks and coil

over twin-tube, hydraulic and gas-pressurized shocks in the rear. Stabilizer bars are placed front and rear. During the test week, it was a nice, quiet and solid ride in the Limited model. The suspension system is far above average. Assembled in Chicago, Taurus warranty coverage is three years or 36,000 miles. Powertrain coverage plus 24-hour roadside assistance is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. Taurus debuted in model year 1986 and was replaced by the Five Hundred fullsize sedan in 2006. In 2008, Ford resurrected the Taurus, which now replaced the Five Hundred as the company’s full-sized sedan. The single engine offered was a 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbo four-cylinder debuted at the spring 2011 New York Auto Show.

GM Card Member Top Off Earning

Class leading mpg and in stock ready for delivery

+ 500

Great news for you Chevy and GMC buyers that have a GM Card. Between January 4th and February 28th, 2013, many of you have been selected to receive a mail piece that offers a special GM Card Bonus Earnings “Top-Off” Offer good towards the purchase or lease of an eligiblee brand new Chevy vehicle or brand new GMC vehicle during this time period.

Bob Jass Chevrolet

Randall Rd.

www.BobJassChevrolet.com www.BobJassChevrolet.com www.BobJassChevrolet.com

GM Certiﬁed 1.9% and 2 yrs free maintenance.

Auto Show Bonus Cash

www.BobJassChevrolet.com

0% APR FOR 60 MONTHS $ PLUS 7,750 TOTAL ALLOWANCE ON 2013 SILVERADO 1500* WHEN YOU TRADE IN AN ELIGIBLE VEHICLE

Keslinger Road

SPARK

CRUZE

EQUINOX

SONIC

MALIBU

630-365-6481 300 S Main Street Route 47, Elburn, IL 60119 www.BobJassChevrolet.com

www.BobJassChevrolet.com

*Includes all rebates and all star pkg discount. All prices plus tax, title, license and doc fee.

w www.BobJassChevrolet.com ww.BobJassChev

www.BobJassChevrolet.com

www.BobJassChevrolet.com ssChevrolet.com

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

www.BobJassChevrolet.com

ANDERSON BMW

RAYMOND CHEVROLET

BUSS FORD

MOTOR WERKS INFINITI

360 N. Rte. 31 • Crystal Lake, IL

118 Route 173 • Antioch, IL

111 S. Rte 31 • McHenry, IL

Barrington & Dundee Rds. • Barrington, IL

360 N. Rt. 31 • Crystal Lake, IL

888/682-4485

(866) 561-8676

815/385-2000

800-935-5913

888/682-4485

www.andersoncars.com

www.raymondchevrolet.com

MOTOR WERKS BMW

REICHERT CHEVROLET

www.bussford.com

www.motorwerks.com

ANDERSON MAZDA www.andersoncars.com

2145 S. Eastwood Dr. • Woodstock, IL

SPRING HILL FORD

1320 East Chicago Street The Mazda Machine on Rt. 19, Elgin, IL

800/935-5913

815/338-2780

800 Dundee Ave. • East Dundee, IL

www.reichertautos.com

847/628-6000

888/600-8053 www.springhillford.com

KNAUZ BMW 407 Skokie Valley Hwy • Lake Bluff, IL

TOM PECK FORD

847-604-5000

13900 Auto Mall Dr. • Huntley, IL

www.KnauzBMW.com

ST. CHARLES CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP 1611 East Main Street • St. Charles, IL

(630) 513-5353

AUTO GROUP - GARY LANG BUICK Route 31, between Crystal Lake & McHenry

888/794-5502 www.garylangauto.com

REICHERT BUICK 2145 S. Eastwood Dr. • Woodstock, IL

815/338-2780 www.reichertautos.com

www.stcharlescdj.com

ANTIOCH CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP

847/669-6060 www.TomPeckFord.com

ZIMMERMAN FORD

888/800-6100 www.clcjd.com

www.stcharlescdj.com

ANTIOCH CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP 105 Rt. 173 • Antioch, IL

130 Cedar Ave. • Lake Villa, IL

AUTO GROUP - GARY LANG 847/356-2530 www.gregoryautogroup.com GMC Route 31, between Crystal Lake & McHenry

www.garylangauto.com

847/356-2530

www.garylangauto.com

Route 120 • McHenry, IL

800/935-5923

815/385-7220

www.motorwerks.com

www.sunnysidecompany.com

Barrington & Dundee Rds. Barrington, IL

ARLINGTON KIA IN PALATINE

800-935-5913

1400 E. Dundee Rd., Palatine, IL

www.motorwerks.com

847/202-3900

888/794-5502 www.garylangauto.com

AL PIEMONTE CHEVROLET 770 Dundee Ave. (Rt. 25) • Dundee, IL 847/426-2000

www.piemontegroup.com

(630) 513-5353

O’HARE HONDA

CLASSIC KIA

888-794-5502

www.clcjd.com

www.knauzhyundai.com

O’HARE HYUNDAI

www.classicdealergroup.com

Route 31, between Crystal Lake & McHenry

www.garylangauto.com

LIBERTYVILLE MITSUBISHI ANDERSON VOLKSWAGEN

www.libertyvillemitsubishi.com

360 N. Rt. 31 • Crystal Lake, IL

888/682-4485 www.andersoncars.com

(224) 603-8611

LIBERTY NISSAN 920 S. Milwaukee Ave. • Libertyville, IL

847-680-8000

847-234-2800

847-CLASSIC (252-7742)

1119 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL

www.raymondkia.com

CRYSTAL LAKE DODGE

815/459-7100 or 847/658-9050 www.paulytoyota.com

847-680-8000

www.gregoryautogroup.com

775 Rockland Road • Lake Bluff IL 60044 (Routes 41 & 176 in the Knauz Autopark)

1035 S. Rt. 31, One Mile South of Rt. 14 Crystal Lake, IL

847/816-6660

847/831-5980

KNAUZ HYUNDAI

www.raysuzuki.com

920 S. Milwaukee Ave. • Libertyville, IL

www.libertyautoplaza.com

www.antiochﬁvestar.com

888/446-8743 847/587-3300

515 N. Green Bay Rd. Waukegan/Gurnee, IL

www.classicdealergroup.com

LIBERTY KIA

RAY SUZUKI 23 N. Route 12 • Fox Lake

CLASSIC TOYOTA/SCION

CALL FOR THE LOWEST PRICES IN CHICAGOLAND

ANTIOCH CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP

5220 Northwest Highway Crystal Lake, IL

www.Knauz-mini.com

847-CLASSIC (252-7742)

119 Route 173 • Antioch

888/800-6100

847-604-5050

www.oharehonda.com

490 Skokie Valley Road • Highland Park, IL

MARTIN CHEVROLET

409A Skokie Valley Hwy • Lake Bluff, IL

AUTO GROUP GARY LANG MITSUBISHI

RAYMOND KIA

5404 S. Rt. 31 • Crystal Lake, IL

KNAUZ MINI

425 N. Green Bay Rd. Waukegan/Gurnee, IL

GREGORY HYUNDAI

800-628-6087

www.garylangauto.com

PAULY TOYOTA

888-538-4492

River Rd & Oakton, • Des Plaines, IL

www.stcharlescdj.com

105 Rt. 173 Antioch, IL

888/794-5502

815/385-2000

www.arlingtonkia.com

ST. CHARLES CHRYSLER AUTO GROUP - GARY LANG DODGE JEEP 1611 East Main Street • St. Charles, IL CHEVROLET Route 31, between Crystal Lake & McHenry

800/407-0223

111 S. Rte 31 • McHenry, IL

AUTO GROUP GARY LANG KIA 866-480-9527

MOTOR WERKS CADILLAC

1460 S. Eastwood Dr. • Woodstock, IL

BUSS FORD LINCOLN MERCURY

130 Cedar Ave. • Lake Villa, IL

MOTOR WERKS HONDA

BULL VALLEY FORD/MERCURY www.bullvalleyford.com

Route 31, between Crystal Lake & McHenry

200 N. Cook St. • Barrington, IL

Route 31, between Crystal Lake & McHenry

GREGORY JEEP

1107 S Rt. 31 between Crystal Lake and McHenry

SUNNYSIDE COMPANY CHRYSLER DODGE

www.st-charles.mercedesdealer.com

AUTO GROUP GARY LANG SUBARU

www.clcjd.com

847/683-2424

www.gregoryautogroup.com

225 N. Randall Road, St. Charles

888/800-6100

AUTO GROUP - GARY LANG GREGORY CHRYSLER CADILLAC

www.garylangauto.com

www.Knauzcontinentalauto.com

877/226-5099

206 S. State Street • Hampshire, IL

888/794-5502

847-234-1700

CRYSTAL LAKE JEEP 5404 S. Rt. 31 • Crystal Lake, IL

815/459-7100 or 847/658-9050

409 Skokie Valley Hwy • Lake Bluff, IL

www.antiochﬁvestar.com

888/794-5502

FENZEL MOTOR SALES

KNAUZ CONTINENTAL AUTOS

630/584-1800

www.antiochﬁvestar.com

5404 S. Rt. 31 • Crystal Lake, IL

(630) 513-5353

MERCEDES-BENZ OF ST. CHARLES

800-628-6087

CRYSTAL LAKE CHRYSLER

www.knauznorth.com

1035 S. Rt. 31, One Mile South of Rt. 14 Crystal Lake, IL

1611 East Main Street • St. Charles, IL

800-628-6087

105 Rt. 173 Antioch, IL

847-235-3800

PAULY SCION

ST. CHARLES CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP

2525 E. Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174

www.zimmermanford.com

2950 N. Skokie Hwy • North Chicago, IL

BIGGERS MAZDA

Barrington & Dundee Rds. • Barrington, IL

www.motorwerks.com

KNAUZ NORTH

www.libertyautoplaza.com

847-855-1500 www.Gurnee V W.com

920 S. Milwaukee Ave. • Libertyville, IL

375 Skokie Valley Hwy • Lake Bluff, IL

www.knauzlandrover.com

6301 Grand Avenue • Gurnee, IL

LIBERTY VOLKSWAGEN

Land Rover Lake Bluff 847-604-8100

GURNEE VOLKSWAGEN

MOTOR WERKS PORCHE

847-680-8000 www.libertyautoplaza.com

Barrington & Dundee Rds., Barrington, IL

815-459-4000

River Rd & Oakton, • Des Plaines, IL

800/935-5913

www.martin-chevy.com

888-553-9036

www.motorwerks.com

www.oharehyundai.com

RAY CHEVROLET

CALL FOR THE LOWEST PRICES IN CHICAGOLAND

847/587-3300

BULL VALLEY FORD/ MERCURY

www.raychevrolet.com

1460 S. Eastwood Dr. • Woodstock, IL

771 S. Randall Rd. • Algonquin, IL

800/407-0223

866/469-0114

www.bullvalleyford.com

www.rosenrosenrosen.com

39 N. Rte. 12 • Fox Lake, IL

ROSEN HYUNDAI

BUSS FORD LINCOLN MERCURY 111 S. Rte 31 • McHenry, IL

815/385-2000

BARRINGTON VOLVO MOTOR WERKS SAAB

200 N. Cook Street • Barrington, IL

800/935-5393 www.motorwerks.com

300 N. Hough (Rt. 59) • Barrington, IL

847/381-9400

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

PRE-OWNED

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

Roger Daltrey (1944), musician; Ron Howard (1954), actor/director; Zack Snyder (1966), filmmaker; George Eads (1967), actor; Javier Bardem (1969), actor; Justin Bieber (1994), singer. – United Feature Syndicate

HOROSCOPE

JEFFREY WESTHOFF’S GRADE: HHH

By BERNICE BEDE OSOL Newspaper Enterprise Association TODAY – Be alert in the year ahead for several unusual business propositions. Even if some things seem excessively strange, you should examine each offer seriously. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) – It’s best not to discard traditional methods in order to experiment with something new. Actually, working with known qualities enhances your chances for success. ARIES (March 21-April 19) – As long as you stay away from speculative ventures, this should be a profitable day for you. Go out of your way to make your bundle the oldfashioned way – earn it. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) – Don’t allow a few minor setbacks to diminish your hopes and expectations. Any obstacle you encounter is likely to be merely temporary, and easily overcome. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) – Even if you can’t totally resolve some unwanted developments, you should be able to lessen their impact. Besides, challenges only stimulate your ingenuity. CANCER (June 21-July 22) – Don’t deny yourself or those you love an unexpected pleasurable encounter, even if it costs you a few bucks. The happiness it engenders is worth the sacrifice. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) – It’s imperative that you study important situations very carefully. What at first appears to be unpleasant might contain benefits that you’ll discover only after a close inspection. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) – If you’re too materialistic, you might not be satisfied by the results of your efforts. Look out for your interests, but not by gouging another. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) – Funds could suddenly become available to you for obtaining something you’ve wanted but never thought you could afford. How this unfolds could be rather mysterious. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) – There’s a chance that you could be subjected to some frustrating resistance from an individual who is usually easygoing. It proves that everybody is human. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) – What works for you might not work for someone else. Thus, ignore any pessimistic opinions this person might express about something or someone that you hold dear. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) – It behooves you to try to do something different with a casual acquaintance. Fresh personalities and encounters will have a very favorable effect on you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) – You don’t need to be fearful if you find yourself in a tight spot. Adversity only strengthens your resolve, and you’ll discover you’re more than a match for spontaneous complications.

Nicholas Hoult (pictured) plays Jack in “Jack the Giant Slayer.” Warner Bros. photo

‘Jack the Giant Slayer’ a family adventure If not for its PG-13 rating, “Jack the Giant Slayer” would be an old-fashioned, family-oriented fantasy adventure, the type that local television stations used to run on Sunday afternoons. Just a few edits would have guaranteed a PG, but that rating is considered uncool these days. Parents wondering if this is appropriate viewing for their children should take the PG-13 under advisement. The main reason for the rating is a particularly grotesque, almost comical, death of a giant near the end of the film, and like almost all of the film’s violence, it is rendered in CGI. The rating aside, Bryan Singer confidently captures the earnest spirit of such mildly scary family features as “Jason and the Argonauts” and “The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad.” Those classics had Ray Harryhausen’s stop-motion creatures and “Jack” has CGI giants. The giants aren’t especially realistic, but neither were the skeletons in “Jason,” and 50-plus years on, that fight at the end remains a thrilling special effects sequence. Nicholas Hoult, recently seen as an undead Romeo in “Warm Bodies,” plays the title role in the adventure, which is much more a retelling of “Jack and the Beanstalk” than “Jack the Giant Slayer.” The confusion is understandable. Both are old English folk tales involving a hero named Jack and giants, and Mickey Mouse did star in versions of both. But “Jack and the Beanstalk” sounds like a kids movie, and “Jack the Giant Slayer” sounds like an action movie, so now you know why the producers picked which title.

REVIEWS Jeffrey Westhoff The script, credited to Darren Lemke, Dan Studney and Singer’s “Usual Suspects” collaborator Christopher McQuarrie, takes the beanstalk legend and layers in some palace intrigue and a Disney-like subplot about a runaway princess (Eleanor Tomlinson) who falls in love with peasant boy Jack. The princess, Eleanor, has been betrothed to a much older suitor, Roderick. We know he is a conniving weasel because he is played by Stanley Tucci with an arch English accent. The kindhearted king (Ian McShane) wishes his daughter would behave, but she keeps disguising herself as a commoner and running off. A storm arises during one of her escapades, so the princess seeks refuge in the shanty home of Jack, who recently acquired some “special” beans in a transaction familiar from the fairy tale. Jack’s infuriated uncle already has thrown away the beans, and one has settled beneath the house. When rain water activates the legume, a towering stalk carries the cabin into the sky, taking the princess with it. In this telling of the tale, a war between men and giants occurred generations earlier, so everyone in the kingdom already knows about magic beanstalks and the land of giants above the clouds (which makes it curious that Jack doesn’t suspect the offer of “spe-

cial” beans). The king dispatches his finest soldiers to climb the beanstalk and save his daughter from the hungry giants. Jack and the scheming Roderick, who knows a few secrets about the giants, tag along because otherwise there wouldn’t be a movie. From this point on, “Jack” plays out like the original “Star Wars” in ren faire costume. To save a princess, a farm boy goes on a perilous mission led by a venerable knight played by genuine Obi Wan Kenobi Ewan McGregor, who actually says, “I’m getting an awfully bad feeling about this.” The “awfully” must have been thrown in to prevent George Lucas from suing for plagiarism. “Jack” may not be original, but it is fun. These days, too many makers of big-budget action movies seem so embarrassed by their material, they try to prove there are above it – and the audience – with a snarky attitude. “Jack” is not without a sense of humor, but Singer takes the story at face value, magic beans and all, and the cast plays it straight. I enjoyed how McGregor casually says, “Tally ho,” before leaping into action. Holt and Tomlinson are charming as the young heroes, and Tomlinson looks dynamite when she dons Joan of Arc armor toward the end. The giants are fearsome villains, with Bill Nighy playing their two-headed leader (a twoheaded giant is one of the few elements from the “Giant Slayer” legend). For all that, “Jack the Giant Slayer” is Singer’s best film since the second “X-Men” movie. It is charming, exciting and unashamed of its corny virtues.

DEAR ABBY Jeanne Phillips an advance health care directive, and trusted his wife to carry it out, then she was following his wishes. While today’s medical interventions can prolong someone’s life, they can also prolong death. Hospice offers grief counseling for family members for a period of time after a death occurs, and you and your siblings should have received some. It would have helped you to stop blaming the wife, and let go of any negative feelings so you could go on with your life. Dear Abby: My sister “Mary” was in a car accident when she was in her 20s that left her with some brain damage. She appears normal, but has trouble with interpersonal relations, boundaries and impulse control. When we go to restaurants, Mary has a hard time deciding

what to order, often engaging the server in an uncomfortable, long conversation about the alternatives. When her meal arrives, she is rarely satisfied with her choice and makes a scene over her dissatisfaction to the server. She looks forward to going out and we love her dearly. We would hate to exclude her from these family outings, but we don’t know what to do. Can you help? – Impossible to Digest in Washington State

Dear Impossible To Digest: Because you were told to “set standards” for your sister as near to normal as possible, that’s what you should be doing. Before you take her out for a meal, explain to her what the ground rules are. If she acts out, do as you would with an unruly child and leave the restaurant until she regains control of herself. Because of her impairment, she may need extra help with her menu choices. • Write Dear Abby at www. dearabby.com.

Muscle relaxant can help treat tension headache Dear Doctor K: I get tension headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers help, but not completely. What else can I try? Dear Reader: Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They cause a dull tightness or pressure in a band-like pattern across the forehead or in the back of the head. Sometimes the entire head hurts. (I’ve put an illustration of the typical tension headache pattern on my website, AskDoctorK.com.) Tension headaches tend to cause mild or moderate pain. They’re generally not intense enough to keep you from functioning or to awaken you at night. How do you distinguish tension headaches from another common cause of headache, migraines? Migraines have several features not seen with tension headaches; they tend to begin on just one side of the head, often around the eye, even though they may later spread to the whole head. Migraines often are accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting. They typically cause a throbbing or pounding pain. Migraines often are preceded or accompanied by changes in vision. You may see black spots or flashing lights, or just have blurry vision for a while.

ASK DOCTOR K Anthony L. Komaroff Finally, people with migraines are often very sensitive to lights or noises, and want to rest in a quiet and dark place. Migraines don’t necessarily have all of these features, but they typically have at least one. Tension headaches are caused by tightness in the muscles of the scalp and the back of the neck. For many people, an over-thecounter (OTC) painkiller such as ibuprofen is enough to banish the headache. But for others, OTC painkillers and even stronger prescription pain relievers don’t provide complete relief. Painkillers can actually turn an occasional problem into a chronic one. That’s because both OTC and prescription pain relievers target only the symptom of tension headaches (pain); they don’t address the underlying cause (muscle tightness). Rely too much on pain relievers, and you may find that your tension headaches gradually increase in frequency. To make matters worse, frequent use of pain relievers may make other medications less effective at relieving your

headaches. That’s why targeting the root cause of tension headaches – muscle tightness – is a better strategy. A fast-acting but shortlived muscle relaxant such as carisoprodol (Soma, Vanadom) or metaxalone (Skelaxin) can loosen head and neck muscles. These drugs slow the functioning of your central nervous system, creating an overall calming effect. Muscle relaxants don’t relieve pain any more effectively than OTC pain relievers, but they address the mechanism of the tension headache. So, combining a muscle relaxant with a pain reliever can give good relief. Muscle relaxants work quickly, within 15 to 30 minutes. Their effects last only three to four hours, but that’s enough, since tension headaches rarely continue for more than a few hours. If you decide to try a muscle relaxant, be aware that it may cause drowsiness and fatigue. But if your headaches are migraine headaches, they are much less likely to respond to muscle relaxant treatments.

• Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School. Visit www.AskDoctorK. com to send questions and get additional information.

never the right move

Dr. Wallace: My best friend and I are unhappy at home and hate school, and we are thinking about running away. We are both 17 but will be 18 in a couple of months. She has an older cousin who lives in California, and she said that we could stay with her till we get settled. She also is pretty sure she can get us jobs when we turn 18. My friend’s mom won’t care if her daughter takes off, but my overly strict parents will blow their minds. How long do we have to be gone from home before we are classified as runaways? Will we still be runaways after we are 18? – Nameless, Detroit, Mich. Dear Nameless: Running away from home is never the right answer when you are unhappy. Running away only compounds the problem facing you. If problems can’t be solved within the family, outside assistance from the school, religious organizations and community agencies is readily available. The best place to start is with people who know you at your school or church. They will know best how to work things out with your parents. A young person under the age of 18 is considered to be a runaway if he or she is away from home without permission. You are labeled a runaway after you spend your first night away from home without parental permission. If you and your friend should run away and make it to California, your friend’s cousin would be committing a crime if she sheltered your friend and you, knowing that you are away from home without your parents’ blessing. One of the major problems facing the runaway is the lack of

’TWEEN 12 & 20 Robert Wallace money, which causes the teen to do things he or she wouldn’t normally do to earn funds. Many of these things are illegal or morally unacceptable! Dr. Wallace: I really need your advice. I’m a 17-year-old girl and for the past three years I’ve had bouts of depression. When I’m depressed, I don’t like the way I look, and I’m unhappy with my attitude. To avoid seeing people I stay in bed, saying I have a headache. My parents are not aware of my feelings. Sometimes this awful feeling lasts for five or six days, then all of a sudden it goes away. I exercise, eat right, get good grades and try to please my parents, friends, teachers and relatives. I’m tired of living this way, but I don’t know what to do. Is there any way I can get depression to stay away? – Nameless, Jackson, Mich. Dear Nameless: I think it’s safe to say that we all get depressed at times, but most of our depressions are much less severe. You must tell your parents about your problem and encourage them to seek professional counseling for you. Severe depression is an illness, and you must get proper treatment. Please contact me in a few weeks, and let me know how things are progressing. If for some reason your parents don’t help you seek professional help, discuss your bouts of depression with your school counselor who will help you get necessary treatment. • Write Dr. Wallace at rwallace@galesburg.net.

• Friday, March 1, 2013

Dear Abby: I’m convinced my father’s wife killed him and I don’t know where to turn. He had fought complications from quadruple bypass surgery for a few years, and had been in hospice for months prior to his death. My siblings and I didn’t put all the pieces together until afterward. Although I’m sure Dad was killed, based on facts and discussions with social workers, I’m pretty sure it was assisted suicide, which is illegal in most states, including the state where he lived. I feel cheated and angry at my father’s wife for not having the guts to talk to us about his plans. It has been several years now, and I still feel guilty for letting it happen, although I’m not sure how I could have stopped it. Your thoughts would be appreciated. – Angry Son in Georgia Dear Angry Son: I’m sorry for your pain and anger, emotions that are not uncommon when a loved one dies. But for your own sake, accept that if your father had

ADVICE | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Son suspects death was assisted suicide Running away is

Arlo & Janis

Garfield

Big Nate

Get Fuzzy is on vacation. Please enjoy this strip from Feb. 19, 2010.

Crankshaft

The Pajama Diaries

Stone Soup

Pearls Before Swine

Dilbert

Rose Is Rose

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, March 1, 2013

| COMICS

Beetle Bailey

COMICS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Blondie

â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, March 1, 2013

The Born Loser

The Argyle Sweater

Real Life Adventures

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

BRIDGE by Phillip Alder

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

| PUZZLES

Do not overlook the second chance

CELEBRITY CIPHER

Mignon McLaughlin, a journalist and author who wrote two volumes titled “Neurotic’s Notebook,” said, “For the happiest life, days should be rigorously planned, nights left open to chance.” The happiest bridge player rigorously plans his campaigns, although sometimes his success is open to chance, depending on where the missing high cards are located. In this deal, South is in three no-trump. After West leads the diamond queen, how should South plan the play? Remember that when you open one or two no-trump, do not be neurotic about a weak suit. It is your partner’s job to cover that suit; you cannot be expected to do everything. South starts with eight top tricks: one spade, two hearts, one diamond and four clubs. In isolation, by far the best chance of a ninth winner is to take two spade finesses. One will work 76 percent of the time. However, those finesses are into the West hand, the defender who presumably holds the diamond length. Declarer should duck the first two diamond tricks, then take the third with dummy’s ace, being relieved to see that the suit is 4-3, not 5-2. Then South plays a spade to his jack. West wins, cashes his last diamond, and shifts to a club. How should declarer continue? It looks obvious to win with dummy’s jack and to take the second spade finesse. However, South has a second chance to get home, unlikely though it may be. He should take the club trick in his hand and cash his top hearts. Yes, only just under 10 percent of the time will the queen drop, but it is better than nothing before – probably – falling back on the second spade finesse.

Friday March 1, 2013

“Petey and his favorite tennis ball” Photo By: Teri

Upload your photos on My Photos – Kane County’s community photo post! Photos on My Photos are eligible to appear in print in Kane County Chronicle Classified. Go to KCChronicle.com/myphotos

FORKLIFT OPERATORS Batavia & Mont. locations. 2+ years exp. Apply in person M-F 9-12, 13:30 at 701 N Kirk Rd, Batavia

HOUSEKEEPING AIDE Driver

CARRIER ROUTES AVAILABLE IN KANE COUNTY Early morning delivery 5 days per week. No delivery on Sunday and Monday. Must sign a contract and have valid license and insurance.

DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center has a full time position available in our Housekeeping Department. Experience preferred. Starting wage is $8.25 per hour. No phone calls please. Must be dependable Excellent benefits Every other weekend Uniform allowance Attendance incentive

DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center

LOOKING FOR A JOB?

2600 North Annie Glidden Rd DeKalb, Illinois 60115 EOE

Find the job you want at:

(FT) St Charles

JANITOR / DRIVER Growing injection-molding company has an immediate opening for a Professional Janitor/Driver. Responsibilities include: cleaning facility and running errands in company vehicle. Must be a responsible and energetic individual with a valid driver's license and good driving record. Excellent pay, great benefit package and opportunity for advancement. Apply in person:

Chemtech Plastics, Inc. 765 Church Road Elgin, IL 60123 EOE

Apply at:

Call 630-443-3607

KCChronicle.com/jobs

LPN INTAKE COORD.

COPY EDITOR CRYSTAL LAKE Shaw Media's operation in suburban Chicago is looking for an experienced copy editor and page designer to work on its universal night copy desk in Crystal Lake. The universal desk is responsible for editing and designing three daily newspapers: the Northwest Herald (based in Crystal Lake); the Kane County Chronicle (St. Charles); and the Daily Chronicle (DeKalb). The ideal candidate will have the ability to toggle between print & web responsibilities, and feel comfortable editing copy and writing headlines for news, sports and features. While the focus of this job is on copy editing and related duties, the ability to design great-looking pages also is required. Understanding the future of community journalism & digital media's role in it also are high priorities. The hours for this position call for night and weekend availability. Candidates should have a college degree in journalism or related field and previous experience in copy editing and page design, preferably using inDesign.

Interested candidates may send their resume and design samples to: EditorialRecruitment@shawmedia.com or Apply now at: www.shawsuburbanmedia.com/careers Shaw Media is a Drug Free Employer. Pre-employment background check and drug screen required. This posting may not include all duties of position. EOE.

We place FREE ads for Lost or Found in Classified every day! Call: 877-264-2527 or email: classified@shawsuburban.com

MACHINE OPERATORS & SET UP PERSONNEL Must be experienced! Immediate Openings on 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Shifts Chips Offers Competitive Pay Comprehensive Benefit Package Clean & Friendly Work Environment Opportunity to Advance.

Lic LPN for intake, sched and coord of patient care. Need computer skills & exp. w/ elect med records. CPR, 1-2 yrs acute care exp in institutional setting, 2 yrs home health or med office exp a plus.

CovenantCare at Home

Call 630-845-0680 or apply online www.covenantcareathome.org/ employment

Send Resume or Apply in Person: Chips Manufacturing Inc. 741 Winston St. West Chicago, IL 60185

RN Part-time Provide medication training & supervision to direct care staff. Monitor health of adults with developmental disabilities & complete nursing documents in accordance with State regulations. 26 hrs/wk, which includes oncall. Min. 2 yrs RN experience. MS Office skills required. Apply on our website, www.ohinc.org or in-person at

Kane County Chronicle Classified

Opportunity House, 202 Lucas St., Sycamore, IL, 815-895-5108 EOE

“BEST IN THE MIDWEST OR ANYWHERE”

Kane County Flea Market

Receiving Assets Per A Q.D.R.O. Make sure you structure the assets properly. Call TRINITY FINANCIAL 815-288-5800 Or e-mail amber@trinityifs.com To schedule a free consultation

We Never Cancel dmission $5.00 Children under 12 Free!

FREE P RKING (630) 377-2252

HUNDREDS OF DEALERS!

www.kanecountyfleamarket.com

Halloween Yard Art – Beautiful Hand Cfrafted & Painted – Strong Wood Construction – 2 Pieces $50 630-710-7651 Vanity Top – Corian – Brand New Bowl – Biscuit – Slight Scratches From Install (Cost $375) 22x49 $285 630-710-7651

WOOD RAMPS (2)

For handicap access, 12'Lx3'W. $25/ea. 331-442-2146

2.5HP, good working condition! $100 331-442-2146 Saw – Skil – 6½ Worm Drive Model 367 $100 630-740-0641 9am-5pm

2005 Saturn Ion3

4 door. $7600. 67,600 mi 815-354-6843

2002 DODGE DURANGO 164K miles, runs good, no rust. Leather, 3 seats, dual heat and a/c.

$2500/obo .

Scooters – 2 – Razor E 100 Electric – Need repair -$20 For Both 630-710-7651

847-529-2693

Loading Ramps – 2 – Heavy Gage Steel – For Pick Up Or Van – Great For Lawn Mower Or ATV Cartop Carrier DESK - Large metal 4 drawer desk Thule, 24”, $75. 630-337-2242 $50 630-710-7651 5' by 2.5' by 30”. Decent condition See yourself in $25 Local delivery possible. Con- DEER ANTLER RACK – 10 POINT Neighbors $75. tact Sue 815-758-0940 neighbors@kcchronicle.com 847-515-8012 Huntley area DESK - Work surface desk No drawJOBS, JOBS and Floor Mat – Industrial ers. See online photo. 5' by 2.5' by 1½“ Thicl - 4'x6' 30”. $20. Local delivery possible MORE JOBS! $45 630-710-7651 Contact Sue 815-758-0940 FILE CABINET - All metal file cabi- Rug Hooking Supplies – 2 Cutters net. Five drawers 5'6” tall, 42” (Very Sharp) – Burlap – 2 Hooks Lots Of Wool $299 All wide. $25. Local Delivery possible 630-584-5418 Contact Sue 815-758-0940

Kane ounty Fairgrounds

Sat., March 2nd, 12 Noon - 5 p.m. Sun., March 3rd, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Bowling Ball – Ebonite 14lb – Drilled For Child Fingers – Exc. Cond. - Can Be Refitted - $20 630-710-7651 Golf Clubs – Women's Calloway X-14 – Graphite Steel Head Irons $100 630-377-2242

Radial Arm Saw ~ Craftsman

ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES & FANCY JUNQUE Randall Rd. between Rt. 38 & Rt. 64 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, IL

Exercise “Twister” w/folding Crock: “Western” 8 gal., handlebars $12.00 good cond. $50 331-442-2146 630-232-0183 CUBS MEMORABILIA – First Day Cover Stamp. Wrigley Field CubsPadres 1984. Framed. $35. Cabinet: wood, 36”Wx70”Hx32”D 847-515-8012 Huntley area good condition, light knotty pine 331-442-2146 NIGHT STAND – Flowered Frosted Mirrored Glass Night Stand. Curio Cabinet – Glass Front Doors Single drawer & 2 front doors. 48x36x18 Good Condition 27 1/2” h x 22” w x 16” d. $145. $95 630-710-7651 847-515-8012 Huntley area Desk Chairs – 2 - Burgandy Fabric Radio – Old Time – Admiral Super - Heavy Duty – Excellent Quality Aeroscope Tube – Good Sound $30 630-710-7651 $40. 630-584-6095 9am-5pm Desk: Roll Top, oak, $250 Saw: 5 ft., 2 man saw, good man 331-442-2146 cave wall hanger $25 SHELVES - Wood Wall Shelves. 48" 630-232-0183 x 6" and 20" x 17" x 5". Excellent Condition $20 Each. Call, Email or Text 630-464-7049 St Charles 21 Speed, 27” Men's Bike, good condition, $50 or best offer 630-277-1602

No Resume? No Problem! Monster Match assigns a professional to hand-match each job seeker with each employer! This is a FREE service!

Dryer. Maytag Atlantis. Oversize cap. Intellidry. 240v. Electric. $198 OBO.630-277-1602 Dryer. Maytag. Gas. White. Great condition. $299. 630-973-3528 Stove – Roper – Gas – 30” w/Connector – Good Condition $75 630-208-0073 PM

BOOK – Boy Scouts on the Air, of the Great Lakes, by Gordon Stuart. 1914. Hardcover. $25. 847-515-8012 Huntley area Caboose – Lionel – New In Box – Mint - #6-19701 – Porthole Milw. Rd. - Last Car To Sell - $49.95 630-597-6620

Computer Monitor. Samsung. 19” LCD. Like new! $115. 630-232-7751

SPEAKERS (30)

Various brands and sizes, $5/ea. 331-442-2146 TV – RCA Console 23” Color Works Good – Maple Cabinet $50 630-896-5393 TV: 27” flat screen, w/remote, works fine, selling for my mom because she got a bigger TV. $200 630-406-6180

EXERCISE BIKE Health Rider, $60. 630-377-2242

JUST ANIMALS LOW COST VACCINE CLINICS Sunday March 3rd 11am-3pm TRELLIS FARM AND GARDEN St. Charles, IL Cat & Dog Exams $10 Most Vaccines $12 Heartworm Tests & Microchips $20 By Appointment Only 815-830-6568 www.justanimals.org Pet Cage – For Med Size Pet Very Good Condition $35 630-710-7651

Simply create your profile by phone or online and, for the next 90-days, our professionals will match your profile to employers who are hiring right now!

CREATE YOUR PROFILE NOW BY PHONE OR WEB FREE!

1-800-241-6863 or

KCChronicle.com/jobs No Resume Needed!

Call the automated phone profiling system or use our convenient online form today so our professionals can get started Questions about your subscription? matching you with employers We'd love to help. that are hiring - NOW! Call 800-589-9363

CLASSIFIED

Page 30 â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, March 1, 2013

!!!!!!!!!!!

I BUY CARS, TRUCKS, VANS & SUVs 1990 & Newer Will beat anyone's price by $300. Will pay extra for Honda, Toyota & Nissan

815-814-1964 or

815-814-1224 !!!!!!!!!!!

A-1 AUTO

Will BUY UR USED CAR, TRUCK, SUV,

MOST CASH WILL BEAT ANY QUOTE GIVEN!! $400 - $2000 NO TITLE...... NO PROBLEM 815-575-5153 CAN'T GET ENOUGH BEARS NEWS? Get Bears news on Twitter by following @bears_insider

$$ WANTED $$ Cars, Trucks & Vans $500 Cash. Free Towing. 815-739-9221

longing terms. Russell C. Wirbicki (6186310) The Wirbicki Law Group LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1140 Chicago, IL 60603 Phone: 312-360-9455 Fax: 312-572-7823 W12-2167 pleadings.il@wirbickilaw.com I510849 (Published in the Kane County Chronicle, February 22, March 1 & 8, 2013.)

Kane County Chronicle / kcchronicle.com

Batavia TH, $1250/month plus utilities. 2 BR, 2.5 Bath, 1 car gar, FP 630-408-6402 ST. CHARLES NICE 2BR TH 1.5BA, fresh paint, new carpet. Basement with W/D, 2 car garage. $1,350/mo. 630-988-1200

BATAVIA 1 BR starting at $760 2 BR starting at $950 3 BR TH starting at $1255

SYCAMORE 3BR, 1BA Newly remodeled, no smoking. $1000/mo + security. 630-377-0242

St. Charles Off/Ware Space 1,568sf - 19,000sf. Docks/Drive-Ins Aggressive Move-In Package 630-355-8094 www.mustangconstruction.com

630-879-8300

PUBLIC NOTICE "THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE" W12-2167 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT KANE COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION Bank of America, N.A.; Plaintiff, VS. Laura A. Buyka; Gabriel Gironda; Illinois Department of Revenue; Defendants. 12 CH 2047 NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a judgment heretofore entered by the said court occurred in the above entitled cause, Patrick B. Perez, Sheriff of Kane, Illinois, will on April 4, 2013, at the hour of 09:00 AM at Kane County Judicial Center, 37W777 Route 38, St. Charles, IL 60175, Room JC 100, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate in the said judgment mentioned, situated in the County of Kane, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy such judgment to wit: C/K/A: 1226 Riverwood Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102 PIN: 03-03-233-024 The person to contact regarding information regarding this property is: Sales Dept., The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1140, Chicago, IL 60603. Any questions regarding this sale should refer to file number W122167. The terms of the sale are Cash. 10% at time of sale, with the balance due within 24 hours. The property is improved by: SFH. The Property is not open for inspection prior to sale. The real estate, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, and tenements, hereditament and appurtenances thereunto belonging shall be sold under such

GENEVA NE corner Keslinger & Brundige. 1 - 25 acres of land, mixed use business park. Ready for immediate development, flexible lot sizes. Aggressive pricing. Located just West of Randall Rd.

Call Mike @ 630-776-0068

COUNTRY VIEW APARTMENTS 1 & 2 bd apts available. $550$625 Clean Quiet country setting, close to downtown Genoa. Lots of updates. Call 815-784-4606 Kaneville: 2 BR, 1st floor, car port, $700/mo, Avail. March 1st. Only pay electric, 630-232-7411

PEPPER VALLEY APARTMENTS GENEVA 2300 GARY LN. Cash flowing real estate investment opportunity.100% leased industrial property on 4.2 acres just East of Randall Rd. Over $1 Million of improvement to building for tenant. Long term triple net lease.

Call Mike @ 630-776-0068

GBRE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT "Our Mission is to Add Value to Your Investment"

2 BDRM ~ 2 BATH $1020 - $1030 Fireplace, heat, gas, water incl. A/C, D/W, disposal, microwave, blinds, patios, clubhouse, pool. Garages available, small pets OK.

630-232-7226 St. Charles - Newly Renovated 1BR $650 and 2BR $820. NO PETS! 630-841-0590 st

Professional, full service, residential, ST. CHARLES 1 MO FREE! Lrg 1BR $769, Lrg 2BR from commercial OREO property management at reasonable rates. Our $829/mo. Incl heat, water, cooking gas, Appliances & laundry. services often pay for themselves 630-584-1685 and always remove the burden of day to day issues. st

St. Charles 1 Mo FREE!

Call Bill at (630) 253-9742 for information and services menu Gaffney Blanchard, LLC

Nicely Remodeled. 1BR. Oak floors, Cat OK.$815 includes heat, hot water & cooking gas. Broker Owned. 1330 W. Main. 630-688-7124

ST. CHARLES, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, laundry, air, heat incl. No pets + security deposit. $875/mo. 630-289-7484 Breaking News available 24/7 at KCChronicle.com

Brand New Homes Available. Only $616.15/mo. Only $750 Down. 0% interest. Cortland Community 815-895-9177 If qualified, the monthly payment for this home $616.15 based on a total price of $24,001.25 including applicable taxes and title fee, 0% APR and a term of 132 months. Monthly payment includes principal and interest. Financial information provided by Green Hill Financial, an Illinois residential mortgage licensee #333677 and John McCarthy, Director of Credit, NMLS #304348. Pricing, terms and availability of offer are subject to change without notice.

LEGAL NOTICE / PUBLIC NOTICE Public Hearing Notice Notice of Public Hearing Presence Pine View Care Center

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by: (Name of Applicant/Agency). On: Friday, March 15, 2013 At: 11:00am Where: Presence Pine View Care Center In: Family Conference Room

St. Charles 1 Mo Free Rent! Shared bath & kit, $110-120/wk. W/D, incl utilities, Wi-Fi, no pets. No smoking. 630-232-7535 ST. CHARLES ~ MEN ONLY Free utils., incl cable & internet (except phone). $120/week. 630-370-2823 or 630-377-2823

St. Charles Large 2BR, 1BA Apt to share - heat & water incl. Cable and pool available. $525/mo + util. 224-856-1901

Riviera Maya Mexico. The Grand Mayan Palace. 7 Days: 3/22/133/29/13. 1285 sq ft Grand Suite Condo. Sleeps 6. $500. Call Bruce 630-878-8279 Chronicle Classified 877-264-2527

DEKALB

I. For the purpose of considering a project for which financial assistance is being sought from the Illinois Department of Transportation, pursuant to the Illinois Department of PUBLIC NOTICE Transportation's general authority to make such Grants, and which is generally described as follows: "THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY II. INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE A. The funds IDOT will be used to provide free transportation USED FOR THAT PURPOSE" to our residents, allowing them access to doctors, pharmaW12-2167 cies, shopping, social events, and more. Our service will utiIN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE lize X vehicles to transport elderly/disabled passengers in 16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Kane County and the surrounding areas. 14 passenger MediKANE COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, um Duty Paratransit vehicle with lift. Estimated cost $63,000. CHANCERY DIVISION This project will be included in a Consolidated Vehicle ProBank of America, N.A.; curement Program undertaken by the State of Illinois on bePlaintiff, half of Presence Pine View Care Center with State and Federal VS. Laura A. Buyka; Gabriel Gironda; Funds. Illinois Department of Revenue; B. Relocation Assistance will not be required. Defendants. C. Environment This project is being implemented to 12 CH 2047 minimize environmental impact. D. Comprehensive Planning. This project is in conformance with comprehensive transportation planning in the area. E. Elderly and Disabled All new equipment included in this project will meet ADA accessibility rules for the elderly and persons with disabilities. II. At the hearing Presence Pine View Care Center will afford an opportunity for interested persons or agencies to be heard with respect to the social, economic and environmental aspects of the project. Interested persons may submit orally or in writing, evidence and recommendations with respect to said project.

ST. CHARLES ~ 2 BEDROOM

Wake up with Kane County Chronicle 5 days a week. For Home Delivery, call 800-589-9363

y cial Center, 37W777 Route 38, St. Charles, IL 60175, Room JC 100, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate in the said judgment mentioned, situated in the County of Kane, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy such judgment to wit: LOT 37 IN RIVERWOOD ES-

RE: State of Illinois Paratransit Vehicle Grant for Kane County and surrounding areas.

W/D in unit, all utilities and cable included. No pets, no smoking. $1150/mo + sec. 630-232-7535

Paying Top Dollars For Your Manufactured Home Call Immediately 847-321-1674

NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a judgment heretofore entered by the said court occurred in the above entitled cause, Patrick B. Perez, Sheriff of Kane, Illinois, will on April 4, 2013, at the hour of 09:00 AM at Kane County JudiCe 37 38 St

Immaculate 4,280 sq ft Office / Warehouse. Air conditioned office area and bathrooms Great location near airport & tollway in DeKalb.

815-754-5831

III. A copy of the application for a state grant for the proposed project for the intended service area will be made available for public inspection at Provena Pine View Care Center, 611 Allen Lane, St. Charles, IL Elliott Triplett, Administrator 611 Allen Lane Saint Charles, IL 60174 630-377-2211 (Published in the Kane County Chronicle March 1, 2013)

CLASSIFIED

Kane County Chronicle / kcchronicle.com judgm LOT 37 IN RIVERWOOD ESTATES, UNIT NO. 2, BEING A RESUBDIVISION OF LOT 79, IN RIVERWOOS ESTATES UNIT NO. 1 IN THE VILLAGE OF ALGONQUIN, KANE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. C/K/A: 1226 Riverwood Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102 PIN: 03-03-233-024 The person to contact regarding information regarding this property is: Sales Dept., The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1140, Chicago, IL 60603. Any questions regarding this sale should refer to file number W122167. The terms of the sale are Cash. 10% at time of sale, with the balance due within 24 hours. The property is improved by: SFH. The Property is not open for inspection prior to sale. The real estate, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, and tenements, hereditament and appurtenances thereunto belonging shall be sold under such terms. Russell C. Wirbicki (6186310) The Wirbicki Law Group LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1140 Chicago, IL 60603 Phone: 312-360-9455 Fax: 312-572-7823 W12-2167 pleadings.il@wirbickilaw.com I510849 (Published in the Kane County Chronicle, February 22, March 1 & 8, 2013.) Questions about your subscription? We'd love to help. Call 800-589-9363

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT KANE COUNTY - GENEVA ILLINOIS JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff, vs. Carlos Verastegui; Rene Verastegui; Antonina Verastegui; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants; Defendants. Case No. 13 CH 190 236 West Illinois Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506 PUBLICATION NOTICE The requisite affidavit(s) having been duly filed herein, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL DEFENDANTS IN THE ABOVE ENTITTLED ACTION, that said action has been commenced in said Court by the plaintiff(s), naming you as defendant (s) therein and praying and for other relief; that summons has been issued out of this Court against you as provided by law, and, that this action is still pending and undetermined in said Court. NOW, THEREFORE, unless you file your answer or otherwise make your appearance in said action in this Court, by filing the same in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court on or before March 18, 2013, AN ORDER OF DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court on February 7, 2013.

lepho Fax: 614-220-5613 Attorney. No.: 6289893 (Published in the Kane County Chronicle, February 15, 22 & March 1, 2013.)

PUBLIC NOTICE 1#06180405 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 16th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT KANE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN DELORES SODERQUIST, Deceased. General No. 13 P 102 NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS, CREDITORS, AND INTERESTED PARTIES 1. Notice is hereby given of the death of HELEN DELORES SODERQUIST, who died on January 8, 2013, a resident of St. Charles, Kane County, Illinois. 2. The Executor for the estate is DAWN SODERQUIST OKANO. 3. The attorney for the estate is: James D. Skaar, Law Office of James D. Skaar, 220 South Third Street, Geneva, IL 60134. 4. On February 25, 2013, an Order Admitting the Will of HELEN DELORES SODERQUIST dated March 23, 1994, to Probate and Appointing the Executor was entered by the court. 5. Within 42 days after the effective date of the Order Admitting the Will to Probate, you may file a Petition with the court to require proof of the validity of the Will by testimony of witnesses to the Will in open Court, or other evidence, as provided in Section 6-21 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/6-21). 6. Within six months after the effective date of the Order Admitting the Will to Probate, you may file a Petition with the court to contest the validity of the Will as provided under Section 8-1 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/8-1). 7. Claims against the estate may be filed on or before September 10, 2013. Any Claim not filed within that period is barred. Claims may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 540 South Randall Road, St. Charles, Illinois. Copies of any Cl Cl

pi any Claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the attorney of the estate at the address given above within ten days after it has been filed. 8. The estate will be administered without court supervision unless an interested party terminates independent administration by filing a Petition to Terminate Independent Administration under Article XXVIII 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/28-4). /s/ James D. Skaar Counsel for Executor James D. Skaar (#06180405) Law Office of James D. Skaar 220 South Third Street Geneva, IL 60134 (630) 232-6000 (Published in the Kane County Chronicle, March 1, 8 & 15, 2013.)

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

y y cate was filed in the office of the County Clerk of Kane County, Illi/s/ John A. Cunningham Need Legal Help? FREE REFERRAL nois, setting forth the names and Kane County Clerk Call 877-270-3855 addresses of all persons owning, Courtesy of the conducting and transacting the (Published in the Kane County Illinois State Bar Association at business known as ADVOCATE IN- Chronicle, February 15, 22 & www.IllinoisLawyerFinder.com VESTORS located at 116 Oakhill March 1, 2013.) Call to advertise Court, St. Charles, IL 60174. 815-455-4800 PUBLIC NOTICE Dated: February 13, 2013. Buying? Selling? ASSUMED NAME Renting? Hiring? /s/ John A. Cunningham PUBLICATION NOTICE Kane County Clerk To place an ad, Public Notice is hereby given call 877-264-2527 (Published in the Kane County that on February 27, 2013 a certifiChronicle, February 15, 22 & cate was filed in the office of the Kane County Chronicle Classified March 1, 2013.) County Clerk of Kane County, IlliJOBS, JOBS and nois, setting forth the names and PUBLIC NOTICE addresses of all persons owning, MORE JOBS! conducting and transacting the business known as LAW OFFICE OF No Resume? No Problem! ASSUMED NAME Monster Match assigns a EDWARD A PERRY JR located at PUBLICATION NOTICE 527 Illinois Ave, St Charles, IL professional to hand-match each job seeker with each employer! Public Notice is hereby given 60174. that on February 21, 2013 a certifiThis is a FREE service! cate was filed in the office of the Dated: February 27, 2013. County Clerk of Kane County, IlliSimply create your profile by phone /s/ John A. Cunningham nois, setting forth the names and or online and, for the next Kane County Clerk addresses of all persons owning, 90-days, our professionals will conducting and transacting the business known as HANDYMAN- (Published in the Kane County match your profile to employers who are hiring right now! WORKS located at 1474 Carlson Chronicle, March 1, 8 & 15, 2013.) Court, North Aurora, IL 60542.

Sealed bids submitted in DUPLICREATE YOUR PROFILE NOW CATE in a sealed envelope with the BY PHONE OR WEB FREE! words "CITY OF GENEVA 2013 Dated: February 21, 2013. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRO1-800-241-6863 /s/ John A. Cunningham GRAM" clearly marked on it, will be Kane County Clerk or GORDON TRUCKING CDL-A received by the City of Geneva, IlliDrivers Needed! Up to $4,000 KCChronicle.com/jobs nois until 11:00 A.M., Tuesday March 19, 2013 at the office of the (Published in the Kane County SIGN ON BONUS! Home Weekly No Resume Needed! City Administrator, 22 South First Chronicle, February 22, March 1 & Available! Benefits, 401k, EOE, No 8, 2013.) East Coast. Call 7 days/wk! Street, Geneva, IL 60134, at which TeamGTI.com 888-653-3304 Call the automated phone profiling time they will publicly opened and Have a news tip system or use our convenient Kane County read aloud for the furnishing of all or story idea? online form today so our Chronicle Call us at 630-845-5355 materials, labor and for performing professionals can get started Classified or email all related work thereto for landmatching you with employers It editorial@kcchronicle.com scape maintenance of various City that are hiring - NOW! works. properties totaling approximately PUBLIC NOTICE 60 Acres for the base bid with an additional 22 acres for the alternate ASSUMED NAME bid. PUBLICATION NOTICE (Published in the Kane County Public Notice is hereby given Chronicle, March 1, 2013.) that on February 13, 2013 a certificate was filed in the office of the County Clerk of Kane County, IlliVisit the Local Business Directory online nois, setting forth the names and In print daily at KCChronicle.com/localbusiness PUBLIC NOTICE addresses of all persons owning, Online 24/7 Call to advertise 877-264-2527 conducting and transacting the ASSUMED NAME business known as KHIPS GROUP PUBLICATION NOTICE located at 1279 Dorr Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Public Notice is hereby given that on February 13, 2013 a certifi- Dated: February 13, 2013. filed in th offi of th

Friday, March 1, 2013 • Page 31

“ help

Our mission

is to

validate the

individuals in the region acquire and

literacy skills

that they need to function more efectively in contemporary U.S. society. We want to equip and

empower individuals who are otherwise unable to participate fully in our

community.

”

AT YOUR YOUR SERVICE

Ofering one-to-one tutoring with trained volunteers, focusing on reading, writing, speaking and understanding in English

/s/Thomas M. Hartwell Clerk of the Circuit Court (SEAL) /s/ Alan S. Kaufman One of Plainttiff's Attorney's Alan S. Kaufman One of Plaintiff's Attorneys MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC Attorneys for Plaintiff One East Wacker, Suite 1730 Chicago, IL 60601 Telephone: 312-651-6700

(630) 584-2811

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Friday, March 1, 2013

Vestuto Real Estate Corp.

(630) 377-2336

Saint Charles, IL 60175

www.vestuto.com Over 36 years of experience Call us and talk to a real person... Old fashioned personalized service.

Scan Here to Find Out About Our Advantages

Residential Commercial Multi Family Vacant Land

BEFORE LISTING YOUR PROPERTY, CALL US AND SAVE MONEY!

RETAIL SPACE ST. CHARLES

IN TOWN ST. CHARLES

5 BR LUXURY HOME ST. CHARLES

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING

Buy with little money down! 1400 Sq. Ft. retail space in St. Charles / Campton Hills. Building faces Route 64, and has tremendous exposure. Unit is ﬁnished inside and ready for your business. Save money on your build-out by locating here! Located in busy retail center at major intersection. Offered at $215,000

Brick custom home on wooded lot on East side in St. Charles. Custom cabinets, granite counter tops, Viking cook top. Master suite has tray ceiling, bath with dual vanities and upgraded tile shower. Gorgeous sunroom with skylights, large windows and breathtaking views. Very private feel. REDUCED TO $479,000

Worth Every Penny!! Vaulted and Cathedral Ceilings everywhere! Fine custom finishes throughout. 1.5 Acre Private lot. Chef’s kitchen with large island. Library on 1st floor would make a great office. Luxurious master suite with awesome tub & sitting room. Lots of WOW Factor.

Great 9120 sq. ft. building featuring 3 units. Owner has plans where you can put up an additional 10 thousand sq.

Offered at $675,000

NEW LISTING!

CHARMING RANCH IN WAYNE

8000 SQ. FT. STRIP CENTER

RESTAURANT

Great income on this two unit building. Potential for running business downstairs and keeping upstairs rented. City parking lot one block away on this in town property. Great price!

PRICE REDUCED! Experience the charm of Wayne with this solidly built brick 1 story Ranch. Large living room leads to the eat-in kitchen. Lap board ceiling in Kitchen and Eating Area. Other great features include ofﬁce/den area off kitchen, and large enclosed porch. Hard to ﬁnd 1 acre lot in downtown Wayne with many mature trees. Listed at $199,929

Great strip center west of St. Charles with a fantastic return on investment. Strip center faces LaFox Road and is located in a high trafﬁc area. Center is in retail complex that is the only commercial/retail area in the area. 3 unit building, Owner will sell with Master Lease.

Restaurant located on out lot. Location right off busy Route 38 in St. Charles. 3,991 sq. ft. restaurant, 33,683 sq. land. Seating for 150 with large surrounding parking lot. This is a tremendous opportunity and a great value for building and land. Turn-key operation with existing kitchen equipment and restaurant furniture included. High cpd count on Route 38. Offered at $735,900

Offered at $238,000

Offered at $1,750,000

JUST REDUCED

4 BEDROOM HOME IN CORTLAND

COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL

MAIN STREET COMMERCIAL LOTS

OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE. Fantastic retail location in the Campton Crossings center just west of St. Charles. 2 unit building features 1 1600 sq. ft. unit and 1 2000 sq. ft. unit. Great rental history and income producer. Good cap rate at current rental rates. Beautiful exterior building with good location that fronts on busy Route 64. High visibility location. REDUCED TO $859,900

4 Bedroom 2.5 bath in Neucort Lakes. Kitchen features large eating area. ceramic tile, and spacious family room with ﬁreplace. Upstairs features a sitting room, full hall bath, huge master bedroom w/ large master bath. Needs some TLC, but a great opportunity!

A good spot to run your business from on Route 64 and Campton Hills Road. This 1.0 acre site features a three bedroom home with full basement near post ofﬁce and Randall Road shopping. Surrounded by commercial properties, good chance of getting commercial zoning.

Offered at $132,900

Offered at 375,000

MAKE AN OFFER! 15 commercial lots zoned B3 located on busy Route 64 one block west of Randall Road. Close to Geneva Commons and near downtown St. Charles. Can be bought as a package or individual lots. Site is across the street from the post ofﬁce. 1+ to 3+ acre lots. New Great Prices! Lots start at $225,000!

For the buyer friendly service ... for the seller quick results