The Weekly Reporter

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Published Weekly In Will County

Volume 2 Number 36

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September 3 thru September 9, 2009

First Annual Cappasfest In Markham Features White Tiger, Magician, Singer, Class Cars

Labor Day 2009 September 7th

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American Workers Made This Nation Great

On Sunday August 30th, a reformed John Cappas demonstrated his business smarts.The story of John Cappas a former drug kingpin who reaped millions of dollars from the drug trade only to lose it all to the federal government has worked productively since his release from federal prison. On Sunday, he put his talent on display as he held his First Annual Car Show but the event was much more than that. Cappas put together what amounted to a mini fair.

We dubbed it the Cappasfest.

The event attracted a variety of

antique cars including a hearse, a mint condition Austin. There were vendors, and a Magician whose trademark is the 1945 Chevrolet truck he travels in.

Throw in a tattoo artist, a man whose entire body is blanketed with tattoos, a real live white tiger, an Italian folk singer, a parade of auto-

classics and you have a circus atmosphere.

It began a couple months ago when Cappas learned that an established hotdog restaurant was for sale at 159th and Pulaski Road. The business has been around since about 1955.

Although Cappas was stripped of any profits he may have made from his former drug dealings, his father is, and has been for a lifetime, a successful businessman.

He helped John swing the deal.

Cappas has strong public support as anyone could readily see on Sunday. It is impossible to know exactly how many people attended the Cappas event but it can be said safely that it attracted a thousand or more.

It was the culmination of a successful promotion by Cappas who engineered the doings, planned it, and

promoted it with radio advertising and printed media.

The public showed its strong support for a man willing to confront his past while moving on to a new future by lining up to buy food and refreshments from his “John’s Weenie Wagon.” That line was long and extended outside where folks waited patiently to make their way to the order window. The line never shortened until the event closed.

From The Lips of John Cappas

Weekly REPORTER The Weekly Reporter is a free newspaper published weekly in Joliet, Illinois. The business office is located at 9 East Jefferson Street in downtown Joliet, 60432. Our main telephone number is (815) 726-6500 and the fax number is (815) 726-6549. General emails should be sent to editor@theweeklyreporter.com.

John Gabriel, Editor jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com Shirley Sciarratti artdepot@theweeklyreporter.com Ralph LaPorte rlaporte@theweeklyreporter.com Mark Goodson mgoodson@theweeklyreporter.com Kenny Holmes Kenny@theweeklyreporter.com Lindsey Lindsey@theweeklyreporter.com Information – info@theweeklyreporter.com Guest writers – guests@theweeklyreporter.com

Your name and a phone number are necessary on all correspondence.

NEWS McGuire Helps Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Borrowers With Tax Concerns Joliet, IL Aug. 28, 2009 --Florida-based lender Taylor, Bean & Whitaker paid the June 1 firstinstallment property taxes on 1,746 parcels of property in Will County but filed for bankruptcy August 24. Will County Treasurer Pat McGuire and his staff are fielding calls from homeowners whose taxes were escrowed with Taylor, Bean & Whitaker (TBW) and want to know who will pay their Sept. 1 secondinstallment property taxes.

“TBW has farmed out its loans to at least four servicers,” McGuire said.

“Some are answering homeowners’ calls, some aren’t. We’re working with other county treasurers and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to get the facts homeowners need.”

McGuire encourages TBW borrowers to visit these websites for information: www.taylorbean.com for “Notice to Home Mortgage Customers” to

Signs | Banners |T-Shirts Posters | Magnetic Signs Vehicle Lettering Window Lettering Business Cards Stationary | All Printing

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 2

learn who will be servicing TBW loans. then HUD www.hud.gov Highlights for “Consumer guidance regarding Taylor, Bean & Whitaker.” newsroom.bankofamerica.com/in dex.php?s=43&item=8519 for the Aug. 27 press release “Bank of America Set to Begin Welcoming Former Taylor, Bean, Whitaker Customers.” www.saxonmortgage.com/common/ home/ then to “Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Customers” at the bottom of the page.

EPA And Illinois Sue Midwest Generation The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today filed suit against coal plant owner Midwest Generation for violating the Clean Air Act. The complaint states that Midwest Generation failed to install adequate pollution controls on the six coal plants it operates in Illinois . The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) has been working with a coalition of health, environmental and community groups to force Midwest Generation comply with the Clean Air Act and clean up its coal plants. On July 28, 2009, ELPC and the coalition filed a 60 day notice of their intent to sue Midwest Generation for Clean Air Act violations.

"Midwest Generation's own reports show that they have been breaking the law and endangering www.freddiemac.com/ then to public health for years," said Faith the Aug. 20 news release “Answers Bugel, Senior Attorney for for Homeowners with Taylor, Bean ELPC. "We're encouraged to see Will County Treasurer Pat McGuire

& Whitaker Loans” near the bottom of the page.

McGuire noted, “The mortgage industry estimates it will take two months to sort out who’s paying whose property taxes. Keep calling your mortgage servicer and checking websites for updates, including www.willcountytreasurer.com. We’ll keep digging.”

The treasurer’s office is at 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Phone (815) 7404675 or email treasurer@willcountyillinois.com.

Expanded hours on Mon.-Tues., Aug. 31-Sept. 1 are 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Regular hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

You Drink You Drive You Lose

Midwest Generation Plant Joliet, Illinois

that U.S. EPA and the State of Illinois are holding Midwest Generation accountable for breaking the law. ELPC and our colleagues will remain engaged as the lawsuit moves forward."

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have found that pollution from nine coal plants in northern Illinois causes 311 premature deaths, 4100 emergency room visits, and 21,500 asthma attacks annually. Midwest Generation owns coal plants in Chicago , Waukegan , Joliet , Romeoville and Pekin , Illinois.

NEWS

Weekly REPORTER

Scott Harper Reminds Voters He Is In The Race Heading into the 2008 Congressional campaigns the name Scott Harper was a name many voters had not heard. Harper a successful businessman and ambitious candidate to unseat incumbent Judy Biggert for the 13th Congressional District seat worked diligently and tirelessly to collect both votes and dollars to support him.

Despite an embarrassing appearance on Public Television in which Congresswoman Judy Biggert seemed to lose touch with what was going on, she was able to retain her seat for another term.

Harper was gaining momentum throughout his campaign and continued to do so right up to election day but he fell short of the mark when voters chose to keep Biggert in office for one more term.

The campaign never ended for Harper who has continued to forge his way ahead despite his shortcoming at the polls.

Now Scott Harper has issued a press release in which he is urging his supporters to turnout for him on Saturday September 5th at 6:00pm at his Naperville home.

Here is what Harper has to say.

Today, (Fri, June 26, 2009) Scott Harper formally announced his candidacy for the United States Congress. Harper is entering the race to challenge Congresswoman Judy Biggert in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District which covers parts of DuPage, Cook, and

For Life

For Love

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 3

Will Counties. As part of this Congressional District. In 2008 he announcement, Scott Harper has held Congresswoman Biggert to her lowest ever margin of victory.

During that campaign S c o t t received a broad base of support from p e o p l e through out t h e community, including local leaders, s m a l l business owners, hardworking families, seniors, and y o u n g p e o p l e .

These same people are w h o launched a web video that appears encouraged Scott to throw his hat on his new campaign website at into the race a second time, and http://www.ScottHarperForCongr have already announced their ess.com. support for his campaign.

"I am running for Congress "We are living during a time because I have a vision for a better that calls for bold leadership. A tomorrow, and the values to lead time when our leaders should us there,” said Scott Harper as he possess a vision and ability to announced his candidacy. “The point us in a new direction..." people of the 13th District showed Local State Senator A.J. last November that they share this Wilhelmi from the 43rd district vision with me when they elected said "Scott’s knowledge of the Barack Obama, and it is time that district, his connection to the they have a representative in individuals and families here, and Congress who is also looking to his commitment to service make the future." him uniquely qualified to represent This is Scott Harper's second us in Congress. I have seen first campaign in the 13th hand Scott’s work and dedication

St. Mary Immaculate Forms RCIA Class Deacon Tom Sagenbrecht announced that St. Mary Immaculate Parish will be starting its 2009-2010 RCIA program on Sunday, Sept. 20th in St. Mary’s Upper Room at 9:00 am.

RCIA is a formal education process for adults seeking initiation into the Catholic Church.

Candidates meet on Sunday mornings September 20 through

Pentecost and are fully initiated at Easter Vigil. Continued learning takes place for six weeks after Easter as the newly initiated move forward in daily and life-long commitments to the Lord.

For more information, or to register, contact Deacon Tom Sagenbrecht at 815-439-1528 or 815-436-2651 ext 476 – or email tsagenbrecht@smip.org. Please call now.

St. Mary Immaculate Parish is located at 15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield, IL 60544. For more information, go to www.smip.org

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to improve the lives of people right here at home, and I’m looking forward to the day Scott is elected so we can work together to bring new jobs and future prosperity to our area."

Scott Harper was born and raised in Naperville, and attended Naperville Central High School.

Scott has two daughters, and his professional background is in business, and he teaches ethics and leadership at North Central College.

"We are living during a time that calls for bold leadership. A time when our leaders should possess a vision and ability to point us in a new direction, and replace the tired ways of doing things with new energy and innovative ideas," added Harper.

"I am looking forward to traveling around the district to build on the grassroots support I received last year by showing voters I am this person and discussing my ideas for getting our economy back on track, and building a better future for our families, children, and communities in the 13th District."

Weekly REPORTER

Your Life

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 4

Financial Planning For The Under 35 Crowd Submitted by Rick Lenoir Joliet, IL District Manager Social Security Administration

Financial Planning is not just for people nearing retirement. In fact, it’s a good idea to begin planning for a comfortable and secure retirement when you’re young.

That’s why Social Security has a new financial planning tool especially for the 25 to 35 crowd. It’s a special mailer with information about Social Security, savings, and other items of interest to young workers. If you’re between the ages of 25 and 35 and you work and pay Social Security taxes, you’ll get this automatically with your next Social Security Statement.

Social Security is the foundation for a secure retirement, but was never intended to be your only source of income when you retire. While Social Security replaces about 40 percent of the average worker’s pre-retirement earnings, most financial advisors say that you will need 70 percent or more of pre-retirement earnings to live comfortably. Even with a pension, you will still need to save. If you will not have a private pension, you will need to save more — and start saving sooner. Today’s young workers can expect to spend 20, 30 or even more years in retirement, so saving is critical.

Want to start planning your future? There are some easy ways to do so. Take a look at Your Social Security Statement, which you’ll receive in the mail about two to three months before your birthday, as well as the helpful two-page insert tailored specifically to workers ages 25 to 35.

Pay close attention to the information provided, including tips on saving, getting your employer to help with matching contributions to retirement plans, and how much of a difference beginning to save early can make. There’s even a graph showing the significant difference saving over time can make, even if it’s just $25 or $50 a week.

The insert also includes helpful links to outside web sites that can help you. For example, you can go to www.mymoney.gov for information on getting credit, paying for education, buying a home, creating a budget, starting a business as well as financial calculators and planning tools. Or, visit www.federalreserve.gov for a worksheet that will help you establish a budget to meet your financial goals. These and other financial links on the insert will help you become the master of your own financial future.

Don’t forget that Social Security coverage is not just for retirement, but also for disability and survivors benefits in the event that you are unable to work, or you leave behind a family that depends on your income when you die. Read more about retirement, disability and survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov.

The Joliet office of the Social Security Administration is located in downtown Joliet at 158 North Scott Street. The telephones number is (815) 740-2020.

Mr. Lenoir is the District Manager at the local office and is a frequent contributor to our newspaper.

By Mary Jo Ardizzone Maryjo.ardizzone@edwardjones.com Edward Jones Edwardjones.com

Get Educated about Investing If you have children at home, you’re no doubt aware that it’s the traditional back-to-school time.

But even if your days of parentteacher conferences are in the past, or even in the future, you can still find a place in your life for education — and you might want to start by educating yourself about investing.

To get the most out of your investment education, ask yourself these questions: What are my goals? Your financial goals should drive your investment decisions.

You probably have short-term goals, such as making a down payment on a home or paying for a vacation, and long-term goals, such as saving for your children’s college education or building resources for your retirement.

Once you’ve identified your goals, you can create an investment strategy to help achieve them.

What is my risk tolerance?

Self-awareness is important in every aspect of life — including your approach to investing. As you create your investment portfolio, you need to understand your own views on risk. Would you consider yourself an aggressive investor — that is, someone who can accept a relatively higher degree of investment risk in exchange for potentially higher returns? Or are you a more conservative investor — someone who is willing to take lower returns in exchange for

lower potential risk? Or perhaps you’re a moderate investor, less risk-averse than some but less aggressive than others. However you’d characterize yourself, it’s essential that you factor in your risk tolerance when choosing investments. Otherwise, you’ll likely end up causing yourself needless worry over your investment portfolio’s performance.

When should I make changes to my investments? Once you’ve built an investment portfolio, you shouldn't leave it on “autopilot.”

Over time, you most likely will need to add new investments or sell others. However, try to avoid selling quality investments just because their share price has dropped — they may still have good long-term prospects. In general, you should sell an investment under certain circumstances. For example, if your goals have changed, you may find the need to sell some investments and purchase others.

You may decide to sell an investment if it’s no longer what it was when you purchased it. For example, maybe you’ve invested in a company whose products are less competitive than they once were, or perhaps the company belongs to an industry now in decline. And finally, if your portfolio has become “overweighted” with certain types of investments, you may decide to sell some of them to bring your holdings back into balance, based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

Whom should I consult for help? You can do a lot to educate yourself about investing — but when it comes to making the right choices for your future, you may need help. A professional financial advisor who is familiar with your family situation, short- and longterm goals and investment preferences can help you build and maintain a portfolio that can help meet your needs.

The investment world can be complex, so the more knowledge you have on your side, the better off you’ll be. Take the time to learn as much as you can about investing. It’s an education that can pay off in the long run.

Weekly REPORTER

Health & Safety

Health & Wellness

How You Can Change The Future Of Breast Cancer (ARA) - One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States.

Whether you've been affected by it personally, or one of your friends and family has been diagnosed, it seems everyone has a story to share due to the prevalence of this disease.

"My mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, so I've come to truly learn the importance of education and early detection," says Carrie Ann Inaba, "Dancing with the Stars" judge. "A lot of women don't know that when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent."

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease differing by individual, age group and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves.

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 5

Women can do many things to lower their risk of breast cancer, including getting regular exercise, following a healthy diet and cutting back on - or eliminating - alcohol intake and smoking.

In addition, early detection of breast cancer is crucial. The 5-year survival rate of a stage one diagnoses is 98 percent. Stage two still has a very high 5-year survival rate of 88 percent.

Conducting a breast self-exam at least once a month is important for all women. After the age of 35, women should get a mammogram once a year also. If a lump is discovered, it doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer. Eight out of 10 breast lumps are benign, or not cancerous. But the only way to know for sure is to speak with a physician.

Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams and scheduling regular mammograms.

Having trouble remembering how often you should do these? You're not alone, but there's an easy way to remember.

As part of Procter & Gamble's (P&G) partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., the GIVE HOPE program educates women about breast cancer in hopes of saving lives. You can visit www.mypinkplan.com to learn more and use an interactive online tool to create a customized Early Detection Plan using e-mails, text messages, RSS feeds and/or calendars for clinical and self-exam reminders.

There is a way you can help others as well. The GIVE HOPE program seeks to educate 5 million women about the importance of early detection. On Sunday Sept. 27, a special GIVE HOPE supplement will be available in newspapers across the country. For every GIVE HOPE brandSAVER coupon redeemed, P&G will donate two cents to the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. Over 3 billion coupons will be distributed, and the donation from P&G will be solely based on the number of coupons redeemed.

The money from this donation will help the NBCF fund early detection education programs across the country. There is no cap on the P&G donation, the more coupons redeemed, the greater the donation, so these coupons could be a great way to help save countless lives.

Approximately 2 million women in the United States currently live with breast cancer. Obviously no woman wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words "breast cancer" doesn't always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding and living with hope.

HOW’S YOUR DRIVING? There is no excuse for riding the bumper of the vehicle ahead of you.

No matter how close you are to him you won’t get where you’re going any faster—and—you might not get there at all!

You may think you can stop fast enough to avoid a collision but thousands of drivers prove you are wrong every year. Maintain a safe distance. Use the 2-second rule and if the vehicle ahead is not moving fast enough for you do the sensible thing—pass it when it is safe to do so.

Driving too close can get you there in a hurry but THERE could be in a hospital or a graveyard. Keep

your distance and keep your head under control.

Weekly REPORTER

NATIONAL NEWS

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 6

Former New York State Supreme Court Justice Thomas J. Spargo Convicted of Attempted Extortion and Bribery WASHINGTON—Former New York State Supreme Court Justice Thomas J. Spargo was convicted today by a federal jury in Albany, N.Y., of attempted extortion and soliciting a bribe, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge John F. Pikus of the FBI’s Albany office announced.

Spargo, 66, was convicted following a three-day jury trial. Evidenced introduced at trial showed that on Nov. 13, 2003, Spargo solicited a $10,000 payment from an attorney with cases pending before him in Ulster County, while Spargo was serving as a state supreme court justice. The trial evidence showed that when the attorney declined to pay the money, Spargo increased the pressure by a second solicitation communicated through an associate.

According to evidence presented at trial, on Dec. 19, 2003, Spargo directly told the attorney in a telephone conversation that he Thomas J Spargo and another judge close to him had been assigned to handle cases in Ulster County, including the attorney’s personal divorce case. According to the evidence at trial, the attorney felt that if he did not pay the money, both the cases handled by his law firm and his personal divorce proceeding would be in jeopardy.

“It is a sad day indeed when a judge breaks the laws that he is sworn to enforce,” said Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer. “The Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section will continue in its singular mission to Continued on Page 15

Labor Day–A Gift of Our Veterans This

labor day let us remember theT American Veterans who went to war to save this great nation and who then returned to rebuild it after their hard fought victory over the enemy.

The United States changed in 1942 from a civilian economy to a wartime economy. Factories that formerly produced household items, and automobiles, and a host of other products that an industrialized society needs, turned out tanks, trucks, and guns.

While her husband, her boyfriend, her father, brothers or others were preventing the enemy from reaching American shores America’s women joined the forces of Rosy the Riveter turning

out supplies for our millions of fighting men and women.

The American Veterans fought to preserve our liberty and when the job was finished, they returned home to rebuild the America that had been turned topsy-turvy to fight a war.

American Veterans returned to nation that was indebted to its fighting force but sadly, jobs became scarce as the demand for military goods came to an abrupt halt.

The Veterans came home with an ambitious spirit. They returned with the same spunk and zeal they departed with when they were called off to fight a war no one wanted. They returned with a desire to put the war behind them.

They came home and rebuilt the factories. Many of them came home with the monthly pay they never received during months of fighting the enemy. When the war was officially over the government began to sell off the huge piles of war supplies it owned. Trucks, cars, jeeps, even ducks were sold as surplus and many ingenious American Veterans found ways to purchase those goods and enter into new businesses. Everything was for sale.

So the American Veterans came home to the land they saved with their blood, and sacrifices and faced a new challenge, that of creating a peacetime economy out of one dedicated to manufacturing military goods.

Today as we celebrate Labor Day we need to recognize the achievements of the American Veterans who are responsible for not only saving our country but for recreating jobs and opportunities for Americans everywhere. We need to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of those brave men and women who not only saved a nation but who rebuilt it when they returned home.

Labor Day is a day when we celebrate the many contributions of the American Worker but we must not overlook the worker who left his life behind to fight for our liberty and won, but who then faced the tremendous task of creating millions of jobs for the nation overall.

On this Labor Day, September 7th, let’s remember that every opportunity that exists for Americans today is an opportunity that was won by the blood, sweat, and tears of our heroic World War II Veterans; Veterans who not only saved the nation but who rebuilt afterward.

Weekly REPORTER

All About You

Tips to ensure your tot's ' TV diet' is healthy and fun

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 7

atio c u d E

ers t t a nM

Courtesy ARAcontent

( A R A ) Figuring out how much and what television is right for your child isn't too different from looking at what to feed your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents think of managing their children's television watching as they would their diet, because the amount of television has an impact on children's health, just like how much and what they eat does.

Children who watched educational television improved in readingrelated skills such as phonics, phonemic awareness and vocabulary acquisition, according to a study by the Annenberg School for Communication Children's Media Lab at the University of Pennsylvania.

Children love to learn and pick up new facts, ask questions and generally want to know how things work. When possible, they eagerly seek answers for themselves by making observations, gathering data, identifying patterns, and forming generalizations - much like professional scientists do. This is why the right television show has proven to be beneficial.

The AAP (www.aap.org) suggests parents take advantage of the high-quality television that is available to their children. Here are some things to do before letting your kids plop down on the couch in front of the television: * Preview shows Parenting magazines and Web sites, such as PBSKids.org, often have previews of upcoming children's television shows. Find these and you can find high-quality programming for children. * Talk to teachers Preschool teachers that see your child in educational settings during the week can give guidance on types of programming that can help your child learn better. Educational programming can help children learn history, phonetics, language, science and how to use their imaginations. * Use shows to nurture interests

Fruit: The Secret Weapon in Parents' Nutritional Arsenal (ARA) - Parents, let's face it -the average child will never really fall in love with Brussels sprouts, broccoli or cauliflower. But few kids object to fruit, making it easier

to help children tap into its wealth of health benefits.

Make getting the recommended servings of fruits per day simple and easy. Look for products and packaging that make f r u i t snacking easy, like Dole's allnatural Jarred Fruit. You c a n bypass

Capturing and holding the attention of younger children can be challenging in the best of times, so television shows can be great tools to help reinforce important educational and social skills. Finding a television show that matches children's interests can help them build upon their love of a particular activity or hobby.

One new show that will be attracting the attention of kids and parents alike is "Dinosaur Train," created by The Jim Henson Company and airing on PBS Kids starting on Labor Day. The show features Buddy, a preschool-age Tyrannosaurus Rex. Children can join Buddy and his adoptive Pteranodon family on a voyage through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they unearth basic concepts in natural science, natural history and paleontology. Paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson will help bring the show's natural history and science elements to life in live-action segments. To learn more about the show, visit www.pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain, where you will also find online games, activities and resources to help build off the shows' themes.

Buddy and his friends encourage kids to be inquisitive by comparing and contrasting dinosaurs, making a hypothesis and searching for the possible answers to questions like "Why do some dinosaurs walk on two legs while others walk on four?," "Why do some dinosaurs have horns?" and "Why can some dinosaurs fly?"

In addition to finding the right shows to watch, the AAP suggests parents read reviews of the shows their children want to watch, as well as watching the shows and discussing them with their children - which can lead to long-lasting benefits.

the cutting, slicing and peeling (how many kids have lost interest in their fruit nack by the time Mom finishes preparing it), and instead just open the jar and start enjoying the delicious, wholesome goodness of ready-to-eat fruit.

Encourage kids to continue their healthful, fruity mindset throughout their daily lives.

Starting Aug. 23, parents can log Maui, with accommodations in a on to www.DoleMagic.com with four-star hotel, rental car and their children for a chance to win $1,000 of spending money. some fun prizes, including a grand prize six-night trip for three to

Weekly REPORTER

www.BidClerk.com and reference the Project ID listed below to obtain direct contact information for each job: Baltimore, MD - Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus, 301 Mason Lord Dr., 70,000-squarefoot medical tenant improvement, October 2009, $5 million. Project ID : 1047862 Baltimore, MD - Kol Torah (PRWEB) August 31, 2009 -- Synagogue, 3209 Fallstaff Road,

BidClerk Construction Projects Up For Bid in the Baltimore, MD Area

Baltimore Maryland Skyline summer temps 90’s winter in the 30’s

BidClerk, the Construction Industry Search Engine, reported today that the following building projects are planning to go out for bids or start construction in the next 90 days in the Baltimore, MD Metro Area. Businesses interested in providing services relative to these projects should visit

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 8

NEWS

9,500-square-foot religious renovation, October 2009, $700,000. Project ID : 1037140 Baltimore, MD - Waldorf School of Baltimore - Children's Garden, 4801 Tamarind Road, day care center renovation, November 2009, $500,000. Project ID : 1052331

Baltimore, MD - Clarkson Street Residences, 1406, 1710 and 1416 Clarkson St., interior renovation of three single-family homes, August 2009, $200,000. Project ID : 1025643 Baltimore, MD - Wayland Village Senior Housing, 3020-3026 Garrison Blvd. and 3801 and 3803 Bonner Road, 90 senior housing units, November 2009, $7 million.

Project ID : 1006325 BidClerk.com is the only Search Engine dedicated to providing businesses with in depth information on thousands of construction projects coming up for bid all throughout the School’s United States. Our daily updates of commercial and residential Open construction projects are available to contractors and businesses in related “We continue to urge that all area industries that are seeking bidresidents avoid contact with bats and opportunities. For more informationother warm-blooded wild animals,” on bidding construction projects inaccording to L ee Schild D.V.M., Will your area, visit BidClerk online orCounty Animal Control Administrator.

“All potential call 877-737-6482.

Be Alert!

Post-Exposure Rabies Shots Advised For Joliet Family Joliet – The Will County Health Department recommended that three Joliet residents begin post-exposure rabies prophylaxis August 28, after a live bat trapped in the family’s home tested positive for rabies. Will County Animal Control dispatched the bat to the Illinois Department of Public Health August 27.

The animal was initially seen in the Oakland Avenue residence August 25, and was eventually captured live by Joliet Animal Control.

Post-exposure rabies treatments for all three people living in the home were strongly advised after learning that the bat was seen flying around the bedroom in which the residents (including a 10-month-old baby), had been sleeping. The incident marks Will County ’s fifth case of wildlife rabies for 2009, and the second confirmation involving potential human rabies exposures.

A 17-year-old male began receiving post-exposure rabies treatments after a bat trapped in a Naperville yard was confirmed rabid August 25. Across Illinois , approximately 600 people receive post-exposure rabies shots every year, and the annual national total is approximately 25,000.

exposures should be reported to the most appropriate animal control authority immediately. Animal control personnel take all potential human exposures very seriously, because they understand how dangerous rabies is.”

Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected warm-blooded animal. Bats have accounted for all 44 of the wildlife rabies cases reported in Will County since 1995.

Will County Animal Control is available 24 hours daily at 815462-5633.

Bats are not generally dangerous but are if they become rabid

Weekly REPORTER

NEWS

August 27 - September 2, 2009 - 9

U.S. Department of Justice Approves $50 Million For Illinois Grants Support Statewide Violence Prevention Efforts Chicago – September 1, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) Acting Executive Director Jack Cutrone today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice approved $50.2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Justice Assistance Grant funding for Illinois.

“We’re putting federal Recovery dollars to work in Illinois by funding important violence prevention efforts that will help keep our communities safe and strong,” said Governor Quinn.

The Illinois Department of Human Services will receive nearly $4 million of the award to continue evidence-based programs that have suffered budget cuts in recent years, including child welfare, youth violence prevention, and juvenile delinquency prevention and reduction programs.

Other allocations include: $2.8 million for the Department of Corrections’ Day Reporting Program for parolees; $581,000 to the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault for rape prevention initiatives

Senator Wilhelmi Looks To Deveopment of 43rd Springf ield, ILLegislation sponsored by State Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) focusing on property tax relief for land developers w a s recently signed by Governor Pat Quinn.

Senate Bill 543 allows land developers to be taxed on undeveloped property based on the previous assessed value as opposed to the current market value for that land. In today’s hard economic times, this is a relief for homebuilders and developers who are having difficulty selling or developing vacant lots. This is an initiative of the Home Builders Association and will have an

effective date u n t i l December 31, 2011. “ B y allowing the use of the previous assessment figures for vacant lots, we are helping homebuilders a n d developers stay afloat during these t o u g h economic times,” said Wilhelmi. “With the uncertainty in today’s market, these lots may sit for some time.”

Senate Bill 2370, also sponsored by Senator Wilhelmi, was recently signed by the Governor.

The legislation clarified the legal description for the “surplus land” at Stateville Correctional Center that will be sold with the proceeds to help pay

and to increase victim service accessibility; and $566,000 to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice for residential substance abuse treatment and a center to help paroled juveniles transition back into the community. The Illinois Violence Prevention Authority will receive $500,000 to support Ceasefire, a non-profit violence prevention organization.

In addition, funding will be provided to eligible law enforcement agencies who applied for equipment grants. ICJIA also is requesting proposals from state, local, and community agencies that are in need of funding support.

Detailed information can be found at Illinois Justice www.icjia.state.il.us.

Assistance Grants (JAG) support law enforcement, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education efforts, corrections and community corrections initiatives, drug treatment and enforcement, and criminal justice planning, evaluation, and technology improvement. The state’s JAG program is administered

by ICJIA. “This increased funding will help us continue to provide needed services to victims and at-risk youth, maintain effective supervision of parolees, and provide updated and reliable law enforcement equipment to police agencies that otherwise couldn’t afford it,” said ICJIA Acting Executive Director Cutrone. for the costs of interchange improvements at I-55 and Weber Road. The project will cost about $132 million for rebuilding the bridge and expanding the road, which is highly congested and one of the most dangerous intersections in the state of Illinois.

“This bill will allow us to proceed with the sale of the 200 acres at Stateville along Weber Road,” said Wilhelmi. “Getting the I-55 and Weber Road interchange improvements started will mean easing traffic congestion at this interchange and reducing the number of accidents. This will also be an opportunity for more jobs in the district which will reduce the unemployment rate in Will County.”

was indicted in February 2006 on federal RICO charges, and on March 1, 2006, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the Eastern District of New York. While Guzal eluded authorities, he continued to defraud victims located in the United States.

Guzal’s recent capture was a result of co-operative efforts between the New York FBI/NYPD Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force, the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Warsaw, the Polish National Police, the International Police Cooperation Bureau, and several Regional Police entities in Poland.

Guzal is facing charges in the United States, Poland, France, and Germany.

Persons believing they may have been a victim of fraudulent International Fugitive activity involving Guzal are Captured requested to contact FBI New On August 19th, 2009, Pawel York at (212) 384-5000.

Guzal dob 05/09/1970 a.k.a.

Jaromir Havranek dob 04/26/1973, was captured in the Baltic Sea resort town of Wladyslawowo, Poland.

In or around 2000, Guzal arrived in the U.S. on a stolen Czech passport. As a result of FBI New York’s investigation, Guzal

Weekly REPORTER

Somethin’s Cookin’

Somethin’s Cookin’

How to cook like a TV chef and hot water and let it dry (ARA) - The sauteed John Dory with fennel confit you had at that fancy restaurant may have been fabulous, but you think you could never recreate it at home, right? While cooking may be an art, it's not magic. With a few tips, the right tools and a few "insider" techniques, you can cook like the celebrity chefs you see on TV. A fan favorite from Bravo's "Top Chef: Chicago," chef and restaurateur Richard Blais is known for his global ingredients and modern cooking methods. He offers his tips, tricks and musthave ingredients for at-home cooks to prep like the pros: Get organized and keep a clean kitchen A great shelving system is an easy way to get your kitchen space organized and make cooking a more enjoyable experience. "Many people don't like to cook at home because it's not always easy to find key ingredients and cleanup can be daunting at times," says Blais. "It's so important to be organized so you can find the ingredients you need and be meticulous about cleaning as you go - it makes a big difference and you can enjoy your meal even more knowing a sink full of dishes doesn't await you when you're done."

The kindest cut "You get more of a feel for what you're working on when you're working off a wooden board versus a plastic or aluminum board," he says. Use separate cutting boards for meats and produce, and never put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher or into a sink of water. Instead, scrub the surface with all-natural soap

completely.

The right appliances Blais says the must-have elements in a well-functioning home kitchen include a handheld immersion blender and food processor. He recommends the LG gas cooktop, like the one he uses at home. The appliance

Sep;tember 3 - September 9, 2009 - 10

Blais goes on to note that high-powered gas cook tops are perfect for searing protein, advising home chefs to always start their meat or seafood by searing in a hot pan to get good browning and finish in a lower temperature oven.

Pantry staples And what items are always on hand in the chef's pantry and refrigerator? * Seasonal vegetables * Great olive oil * Mild cooking oil * Fresh herbs * Sea salt * Fish sauce * Chili sauce or Sriracha (Thai hot sauce) * Sherry and balsamic vinegars * Mustard * Mayonnaise

If you've got a great signature recipe you've created, Blais encourages you to seek celebrity chef status when you enter the LG "Taste of Something Better" recipe contest and cooking competition.

For complete details and to enter your recipe, go to LGCookBetter.com between August 5 and August 31 and you could be selected to Compliment withRoasted participate in the LG Potatoes & Vegetables culinary cook-off taking features high performance and a center burner offering a powerful 19,000 BTU output (usually only seen in professional-grade cooktops), along with versatility, easy cleaning and a sleek look. It's one of many built-in appliance options that individuals can choose from based on their cooking style and kitchen layout.

He also encourages home chefs to take advantage of the convenience of the microwave, which he believes may be the most underutilized piece in the kitchen.

"Warm and reheat tender braises, use it for fruit purees and jams, and rest roasts in it," adds Blais, noting that some new models now feature a warming lamp to keep dishes hot until mealtime.

Surf and turf

place in September in New York City -- complete with an impressive suite of culinary prizes, along with a chance to compete in a global cooking competition.

Blais offers his signature "Blaised Beef" recipe and encourages all inspired home cooks to get into the kitchen and start making magic.

Blaised Beef Serves two Ingredients: 1 pound beef tenderloin, trimmed 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1 sprig fresh thyme 2 cloves fresh garlic 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons butter or bacon fat Salt and black pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Dry the filet with paper towels and season aggressively with salt and black pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof pan and sear the meat.

3. While browning all sides of the filet, add herbs, garlic and butter or bacon fat.

4. Baste the filet with the butter/oil mixture until all sides are browned.

5. Place pan in a 325 F oven and cook until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 135 F. 6. Remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes.

7. Serve with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Great Mexican Dishes Served by

A Warm, Friendly Staff

Weekly REPORTER

Family Living

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 11

Irene McGuinness, a mother of three, says her son, Tommy, was the victim of a roundworm infection, which started at age 3.

Unfortunately, Tommy died in 2004 at the age of 17 from the chronic disease, after more than a dozen years of severe illness. A roundworm infection can spread throughout the body of an infected child, and in Tommy's case it spread to the lungs and brain.

It's suspected Tommy caught the disease from raccoon Pick Up That Poop -- It's A Public Health Concern droppings, perhaps in their backyard, but the type of (ARA) - It's a big problemroundworm that killed Tommy can whenever people are out and aboutbe shed in dog feces as well.

"We think he picked up the with their dogs. Some dog walkers parasite when he was 3, probably don't want to scoop their pooch's from putting a toy from the poop. But a number of diseases caused by parasites like roundwormsbackyard into his mouth. You only can be transferred from pets toneed a small, small amount -people via droppings. Roundwormabout the size of the tip of a infections in young children can befingernail -- to pick up an infection. Between the ages of 3 very serious.

"That's why it's so important thatand 4 is when we started to notice people pick up after their pets," saysthat he was becoming sick and by Dr. Kevin R. Kazacos, a professor atthe time he was 5 he was spending Purdue University veterinary schoolabout one week a month in the and one of the nation's top expertsintensive care unit at the hospital," on internal parasites. "The No. 1McGuinness says. "Our lives thing that people can do to stop therevolved around Tommy during spread of disease from their pets tothe years he was infected, because their families is to regularly take theit truly was life or death for him." animal into a veterinarian. That's the To protect children from first line of defense. Secondly,parasitic worms common to cats people need to clean up their pet'sand dogs, don't allow a child to play in areas that are soiled with poop."

Parasite control is one of thepet or wild animal feces. Dr. most common tasks thatKazacos says that children can be veterinarians must deal with duringinfected with these parasites by day-to-day practice. They have theeating dirt as well.

Dr. Kazacos says that it's expertise and many tools, including believed that roundworm medications, to protect your pets and infections are very much your families from parasites.

underdiagnosed. A recent study found that approximately 14 percent of Americans carry antibodies for dog and cat roundworms, meaning they've

purely their own. Already blowing up in the U.K. the band has their sites on the U.S. and plan to spend the bulk of 2010 on our shores.

The band features Richard Carter on vocals, the younger brother of Gallows vocalist Frank Carter.

Dead Hearts was produced and mixed by Colin Richardson (Slipknot/Machine Head).

“Rich Carter [was] spitting lyrics like a possessed Beat-poet and orchestrating a musical nihilism even darker than that of his older brother…”5 stars – Kerrang!

“This debut album bulges with muscle and youthful exuberance’; ‘.. push(ing) Blackhole to the front of the pack, perfectly mixing melody and groove with outright fury.” – Metal Hammer The tracklisting for Dead Hearts: Don’t Cry If Only Scared to Change Can’t Breath A Word Tides Witches Post-It-Will Forever I’m Failing to See How This Is A Good…

My Lord We Are The Dead Hearts

E1 Music To Release Debut Album On October 13, 2009 New York, NY – E1 Music announces the North American release of DEAD HEARTS, the debut album by British rock group BLACKHOLE. Putting the boot in firmly as the leaders of the second wave of UK punk bands, Blackhole is about to unleash its debut album which hits like a cruise missile.

Spawned from the same camp and actually family as Gallows, Blackhole have a sound that hits just as hard if not harder but is

been exposed to the parasite.

McGuinness agrees. Tommy's primary doctors never suspected roundworms.

Tommy was diagnosed during an eye exam, due to scarring inside the eyes from the infection. But not long after diagnosing Tommy, doctors who worked on his case diagnosed another child with the disease, McGuinness says.

"There are really a number of parasites that can affect your pets, including heartworm disease, roundworms and hookworms, and all of these can be, to varying degrees, very serious health problems. What's worse, these can be zoonotic conditions which can spread to the rest of the family," says Dr. James O. Cook, president of the American Veterinary

Medical Association (AVMA). "If your pet shows any signs of infection, take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

And when you obtain a new puppy or kitten, have your veterinarian treat them early in their life because they commonly have parasites without any symptoms."

Common symptoms of infections by internal parasites in your cat or dog include a change in appetite or coat, diarrhea, coughing and also reduced activity, but many infected animals will not show any symptoms. Your veterinarian can detect a worm infection with a simple fecal test.

If an infection is found, your veterinarian may recommend a de-worming program.

Kazacos also advises people to be careful about wildlife, particularly raccoons. Researchers like Kazacos have increasingly found that people, like Tommy McGuinness, are being infected by roundworm parasites common in raccoons.

"Roundworms in raccoons may not at first seem like a big health concern, but dogs can be carriers of these roundworms. We have seen many cases of dogs shedding these parasites and, also, many people are now keeping raccoons as pets, which increases the chances of exposure," Kazacos says. "Raccoons have begun thriving in urban areas, and we're becoming more exposed to these parasites as a result."

For more information, or a helpful brochure on how to deal with common internal parasites, visit www.avma.org.

Weekly REPORTER

LIFE

From The Lips Of John Cappas I Win In Court – The Government Appeals No one worked harder than I did to get out of that joint. I avoided trouble, that could only get me more time on top of the 4 5 years I was fighting. There were drugs and jailhouse booze available and there were always the punks ready to provide sex but that was a world I didn’t want any part of. So month after month I hit the books, month after month I crammed my brain full of law and legal theory.

At night I would lay on my bunk awake and thinking long after the lights were out. I was thinking about how the hell I got here in the first place.

My mind didn’t stay on what used to be for very long because the law books started to dominate me. I would start thinking back to something I read that I had forgotten and sometimes it would jar me fully awake. “Yeah! I thought, this is it. I got it now.”

All I had to do was convince my lawyer that I was right.

My lawyer was good but I don’t think anybody likes it when a con is right because cons are supposed to be dumb. Well, let’s face it, how can you consider yourself smart when the guy you call dummy has you locked up. Somehow that picture just didn’t jibe.

I finally gathered up all my research, I mean research—like a ton of it. I poured over those books and I found a sh—house of support for what I thought was my key out of there. Now it was up to the lawyer.

The first thing is I have to sign something saying I am fully responsible for the new approach I’m taking in my case.

Why? Cause they think I’m somewhere out of it and don’t know what I’m talking about. Anyway, how could I? I’m not a lawyer. Wrong, time made me a jailhouse lawyer.

The feds got a form you have to send to the court when you file an action on your case. It’s called a 2255. It gets its name from federal law called 28 USC 2255. Now hundreds of guys drive the feds nuts filing these things in court when they don’t have a leg to stand on so they keep making it harder and harder to file. But that’s cause of some idiots who probably can’t spell 2255 let alone read and reason.

Like everybody else I got anxious after my 2255 was filed. The government asked for and got a 4 month extension to answer. At the end of that four-months they asked for another extension, and then another until they worked the system for 12 months of delays. I am convinced that was deliberate.

After a lot of legal maneuvering the courts finally agreed with me and my sentence was cut. But—that wasn’t the end of it!

The Government appealed the decision made in the District Court to cut my sentence. So there I was, I won the case but I was still locked up because the U.S. Attorney disagreed with the District Court decision.

So I’m back to doing time in the hellhole in the middle of the stabbings, and the rapes, waiting for the Appeals Court in Chicago to hear the government’s argument that the District Court was wrong.

But I’m not getting excited, I’m waiting and trying to keep my head on straight.

Continued next week

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 12

Being released–cuffed to the end

There’s No Safe Place Inside a Prison Thomas Silverstein was an individual to whom life meant nothing. While he was confined to Leavenworth Penitentiary, a high security federal prison with a Level 5 designation, Silverstein was always a problem for his jailers.

He had killed four people while in prison and since there was no federal death sentence there was little that could be done to contain him. In 1980, Silverstein was found guilty of killing correctional officer l. He was transferred to the United States Prison (USP) at Marion and assigned to the control unit.

The United States Penitentiary at Marion opened in 1963; it was the successor to Alcatraz. Alcatraz closed that same year. Marion became the only Level 6 penitentiary in the federal system and was known for its control unit where prisons spent 23 hours of each day locked alone inside a cell. They were allowed out of their cells only to shower or to exercise.The inmates ate their meals inside their cells.

At Marion, officials said Silverstein was one of three inmates who were considered “the commission” who ruled the gang members there.

In the evening, about 7:15 pm, on November 22, 1981, a body was discovered lying inside a locked cell, on the floor sprawled under the bed.

An autopsy disclosed that the man had been strangled. He was identified as Robert M. Chappelle, a convicted killer, and a member of the D.C. Blacks prison gang. An investigation turned up information that he had been killed as a favor to the Mexican Mafia on orders of the Aryan Brotherhood.

The FBI reported that Chappelle was lying on his bed with his head propped up by a pillow when he was killed. He had been lying down with his head near the bars; that was a fatal mistake for him. From the condition of his body the FBI said he had been killed by two men who strangled him with a piece of wire wrapped around his neck and pulled from both ends simultaneously. They walked up, wrapped the wire around his throat and strangled him.

The investigation revealed that at the time of chappelle’s death only two inmates were out of their cell and that they had been allowed out at one time to allow them to run on the tier. The killing had been planned with precision and the men met and carried out the murder quickly.

The two inmates who were outside their cells at the time were identified as Thomas Silverstein, and 28 year old convicted murderer Clayton Fountain.

Fountain was allegedly intent to become a made member of the Aryan Brotherhood and saw the murder as a step toward that end.

Silverstein and Fountain were tried and convicted of Chappelle’s murder.

The convictions rested primarily on the testimony of another Aryan Brotherhood member David Owens who became an informant.

During the trial of Silverstein and Fountain, Marion received another transferee, one Raymond “Cadillac” Smith. The bureau of prisons was aware that Smith was a close friend of the murdered Chappelle and, allegedly, that he had sworn to kill Silverstein. But, the bureau said they had no alternatively secure place to put Smith.

On September 6, 1982, Smith’s opportunity came. He was released from his cell to shower himself. As he walked down the narrow walkway, the tier, he had a knife concealed beneath the towel he carried. Continued next week

Weekly REPORTER

Your Life

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 13

The Summer Adventure Part 13

Dear Lindsey: I’m 16 going on 17 and like most other people my age I hang out with a group of friends that includes guys and girls. All of us are decent and don’t get into trouble and we don’t smoke or use drugs. When we hangout some of our crowd has to use pretty rough language and that bothers me. Also, I have been listening to stories my parents and my grandparents tell about when they were young and dating.It seems like they had more respect for one another and that they did a lot more things than we do. It seems like we don’t do anything but hang around the McDonalds or the park in the summer. We really have a pretty boring life when you think about it. I want it to change how can I do that?

Dear How Can I: That’s quite a challenge you have tossed at me but I will give it a try. I think I know what is on your mind because just like you I also listened to similar stories being told by my family. Times have changed and along with those changes many fun things have been lost. When I was growing up I heard stories of how grown-ups and the kids would go to a nearby pond and ice skate. Someone would always build a fire and someone else would prepare hot chocolate over it. People would huddle together wrapped up in blanket s to keep warm and sooner or later someone would begin singing. That led to everyone joining in. I heard about swim parties on the Chicago beaches late at night, hay rides in the fall, picnics in the woods or at lakes in McHenry County. The teens would pile into old cars that sometimes had to be pushed to start and off they would go. Together they’d scrape together enough money for gas, the gasoline sold for about 20¢ per gallon, and off they would go.

Actually, although you cannot purchase gasoline for 20¢ or build a fire any place you choose, the other activities are still things you could do if you can encourage your friends to just get up and do them. Good things do not have to be abandoned because the year has changed. As far as how to do those things, you’ll just have to convince your friends that they would be neat things to do and then do them. The respect part is something you have to demand and insist upon. That’s a no-brainer.

Dear Lindsey: I want to take a Red Cross class in CPR. My mother said no it is dangerous.

When I asked her how it is dangerous she said you never know what the injured person might be carrying. She said the last thing I want is to catch something from a dummy I am practicing on. I don’t agree with her and I think she is way out in leftfield somewhere on this. What do you think?

Dear What Do You Think: Your mother must have been reading some very old literature that is misleading. Those who attend CPR classes today are issued individual CPR mouthpieces that they do not share with anyone else. Sanitary conditions are a must and those conducting such classes take extra precautions to assure that no one is exposed to any manner of harm. I can understand your mother’s concerns but they are unfounded. There were such concerns many years ago when such training was new but overtime the training has been refined so that there is absolutely no danger from personal contact with someone else, no more than we are subjected to during our normal activities. Explain this to your mother and tell her that frequently the beneficiary of such training is someone in the immediate family who needs assistance until help arrives.

Please include your telephone number with your letter.

John Gabriel Award Winning writer Jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

Father and grandfather worked Hank motioned for Andy to move together to secure the two ropes away from where he was standing together, the one father removed from beside the pile of fallen earth, rocks, his belt and the one grandfather had and coal. Of course, Andy was attached to his own. Satisfied that the anxiously awaiting the rope, and then ropes were securely joined being hoisted up and out of the mine. grandfather called to him.

“Okay Al, we’re ready. Wait just “Al, wrap that end around this a minute. Let me tie this short branch tree and knot it tightly.” on the rope to give it a little weight Father wound the rope around the when you toss it down to them. The tree making certain the turns piece of a branch was short but thick overlapped so that as pressure was put and weighed a few pounds. “There, on the rope it would grip the tree more it’s all set, go ahead and see if you can tightly and not slip. throw it into the hole Al.” The men had not noticed the Father moved as close to the old darkening sky above them as they mine hole as possible. Finally, he was worked intensely to prepare the rope. actually inside and he inched closer But their attention was attracted to the and closer to the hole. It was broad, sky now, when a sudden clap of about eight or ten feet across and it thunder rolled across the heavens and was dark. He could see nothing inside echoed through the hills below. the hole for Andy and Hank had They did not notice the gathering clouds “We have to hurry Al before that extinguished their lights to preserve storm gets here.” them for when they would be needed most.

“Andy! Andy! I’m going to throw the rope down to you. I’ve tied a small log on it so stand aside when I throw it. If it hits you in the head it could hurt you.”

“Go ahead Dad! Throw it we’re standing far back where we’re safe.”

“Here lad, shine your light up at the hold so’s your father has a sort of target.”

Even as grandfather was Andy did as Hank instructed. speaking, the clouds grew darker and Then suddenly dirt and rocks rained the wind began to blow cool and more down lightly from above. There was strongly. Then the rain began falling. a thud and a sharp sound as something In the meantime mother and struck a large rock embedded in the grandmother called out that they were pile of dirt beneath the hold. going to hurry back to drive the van “Hank, Hank, he did it the rope is to the mine so everyone would have here.” some shelter from the rain that was “Fine, fine, now scramble up surely going to fall soon. there and fetch it lad. But mind you “Wait for me,” Kimmy shouted. be careful so you don’t go getting She ran fast to catch up with them yourself hurt.” and glanced skyward as the clouds “Andy,” Father called loudly. became thicker and looked more and “Can you see the rope son?” more menacing.

“Yes, I see it and I’m climbing up Down below in the mineshaft, the dirt pile to get it Dad.” Andy and Hank stood waiting for the There was suddenly another loud rope father said he would throw down cracking of thunder accompanied by to them. Now and then, a small a brilliant flash of lighting that amount of earth and small rocks coursed across the now very dark sky. would fall from the sides of the It was followed by a chilling breeze vertical shaft that led to the outside. and large drops of rain that hit the It was nothing significant but it was earth hard leaving behind small enough to make them conscious of the indentations in the dry dusty soil. peril they continued to face.

“Andy lad, move closer to the side over here just so you don’t get Continued Next Week struck by one of them falling rocks.”

NEWS

Four others have been arrested and charged in connection with the murder.

Cornejo, who also uses the Robert D. Grant, Special alias of “Trigger”, is described as Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago a Hispanic/male, 5’ 5” tall, 160 office of the Federal Bureau of pounds, medium build, with black Investigation (FBI) is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspected member of the Latin Kings street gang who is wanted for the June 2007 murder of a 14-year-old Chicago youth in an apparent gang-related incident.

Sergio Cornejo, age 19, whose last known address was 1418 West 50th Street in Chicago, is wanted by the FBI for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP), which is a felony offense.Cornejo is believed to have fled the state in June Only available photo of 2007 after being charged Of Sergio Cornejo in Cook County Circuit Court with First Degree Murder. hair and brown eyes. He has two The murder charge stems from tattoos, one that says “Eva” on his Cornejo’s alleged involvement in lower right arm and a second that the killing of Enrique Chavez, who says “Sergio” on his lower left arm. was beaten to death by a mob after This case is being investigated the vehicle in which he was riding by the Chicago FBI’s Violent crashed in the 4900 block of South Crimes Task Force (VCTF) which Racine. is comprised of FBI Special According to police reports, Agents, Detectives from the Chavez and two friends were Chicago Police Department, and driving in a mini van near 50th and Investigators from the Cook Racine when they were apparently County Sheriff’s Police. chased by suspected rival gang Anyone recognizing Cornejo members in a second vehicle. The or having any information as to his vehicle in which Chavez was current whereabouts is asked to riding flipped over and the three call the Chicago FBI at (312) occupants attempted to flee the 421-6700 or any law enforcement area on foot. Chavez was caught agency. by a crowd of bystanders, The public is reminded that a including Cornejo and was complaint is not evidence of guilt brutally beaten and then shot to and that all defendants in a death in a vacant lot near the crash criminal case are presumed site. The other two occupants of innocent until proven guilty in a the mini van escaped unharmed. court of law.

Public’s Help Sought in Search for Chicago Gang Fugitive

West Nile Samples Positive JOLIET – Mosquito samples tested by the Will County Health Department September 1 have been confirmed positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

The mosquitoes were taken from a monitoring site operated by Will County Environmental Health August 20. The monitoring site, which is located near the Health Department’s Main Office Complex in southeast Joliet , also accounted for the

agency’s first virus confirmation of 2009.

Mosquitoes collected from the site August 14 yielded WNV confirmations August 17 and 18. An identical Will County Environmental Health monitoring site in Frankfort yielded a WNV positive August 20.

The Health Department operates seven monitoring sites across the county and batched samples from each of them are tested twice weekly using a highly-sensitive Rapid Analyte Measurement Platform ( RAMP ).

September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 14

In Arpaio’s view he is simply Tent City Sheriff Opens doing his job, enforcing the law.

Blog Phoenix, AZ—Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has often been viewed as an extremist for the lengths he is willing to go to enforce the law as he views it.

While Arpaio has not been accused of breaking the law, his treatment of those in his custody has frequently been viewed distastefully by his critics.

It began when he first erected and populated his well-known tent

city where prisoners live outdoors in tents rather that in prison cells.

Arapio saw that as a way to house the prisoners while saving money for the state and the county.

He has also become known for his zero-tolerance enforcement of the federal immigration laws. His critics say he sends his deputies out to gather up illegal immigrants but little or no concern for the rights of the innocent people who are frequently caught up in his sweeps.

The federal government has taken a second look at the authorization it extended to Sheriff Arpaio to execute arrests based on federal immigration law. The federal government has trained and authorized some local law enforcement agencies to act under the color of federal law in apprehending illegals who enter the country through their states.

But alleged abuses have been alleged of the constitutional protections in place to protect both the innocent and those who break the entry laws.

Those accusations have heaped wide-spread criticism upon Arpaio for what some see as his lack of empathy for those accused of crimes. An accusation is not proof of a crime and all people are considered to be innocent until they have been proven guilty in a competent court of law where all evidence is heard both for them and against the accused.

Arpaio has setup a blog for the purpose of attacking the press that he views as other than friendly. He is obviously feeling the sting of the sometimes scathing articles that appear about him and is attempting to clean up his image. It could bring some unexpected public responses.

Pop thinks some village cops are making a phony case ta beat some lawsuits. Gee, how can ya tell who da bad guy is? Hey Mr. FBI You listenin’.

MUTTONHEAD

Weekly REPORTER

© Copyright 2009 John's Weekly Reporter

"Lord, what fools these mortals be", Puck.

Weekly REPORTER

St. Louis Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges ST. LOUIS, MO—Bobby Garrett pled guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, making false statements and theft of government funds, Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap announced today.

Bobby Lee Garrett, Leo Liston, and Vincent Carr were police

detectives employed by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit. Officers assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit typically handled investigations involving auto theft, burglary, illegal narcotics sales, and firearms offenses, and usually carried out their duties while working in plain clothes and unmarked cars.

According to statements made in court by Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith at the time of the guilty plea, Garrett aided and abetted other officers acting with him in stealing money from a purported drug courier they stopped on September 18, 2007, and failed to properly report the stop and seizure in order to conceal their actions.

Further, in a June 6, 2008 drug raid, Garrett stole money, lied on police reports about the drug raid, and took other actions to conceal the theft, including falsely arresting and charging an individual relative to the drug raid. Garrett later lied to a representative of the United States Attorney’s Office and FBI agents investigating the incident in order to conceal his criminal conduct. In an unrelated June 11, 2008 drug raid, Garrett and other officers working with him seized approximately

COMMUNITY $12,000 in cash, but only reported approximately $4,000 of the seized cash to the police department. The remaining approximately $8,000 was misapplied by Garrett and the other officers, and a false police report was prepared in order to conceal their criminal conduct.

Garrett, 49, St. Louis County, plead guilty to one felony count of embezzlement of government property, one felony count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one felony count of wire fraud, two felony counts of making false statements, and one felony count of misapplication of government funds.

He appeared before United States District Judge E. Richard Webber.

“It is a sad day when a police officer violates his solemn oath to serve and protect, and instead uses his badge and authority to commit criminal acts. The people of St. Louis deserve better. This Office will continue to vigorously prosecute any public official who, through his or her criminal conduct, cheats the public out of their right to that individual’s honest services,” said Michael W. Reap, Acting United States Attorney.

“Fortunately, this is an isolated incident, and we should recognize the efforts of law enforcement officers throughout the region who continue to risk their lives on a daily basis so that the public can be safe.”

“Drug dealers are criminals, but that is absolutely no excuse for a police officer to steal from them,” said John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in St. Louis. “We will not tolerate this type of public corruption. Even a rare instance like this can taint the credibility of all the other men and women who work so hard to faithfully uphold the law.”

Co-defendant Vincent Carr, 47, St. Louis, pled guilty in February to one felony count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one felony count of wire fraud, two felony counts of making false statements, and one felony count of obstruction of justice, and is scheduled for sentencing September 8, 2009.

Co-defendant Leo Liston, 35, St. Louis, pled guilty in May to one felony count of misapplication of government funds and is scheduled for sentencing September 8, 2009.

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The maximum penalties that the defendants are facing: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, maximum of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000; Making false statements, five years and/or fine up to $250,000; theft/embezzlement of government property, ten years prison and/or fines up to $250,000; obstruction of justice, 20 years and/or fines up to $250,000; and misapplication of government funds, ten years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. Garrett will be sentenced on November 10, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in front of United States District Judge E. Richard Webber.

Reap commended the work on the case by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith, who is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

A Reminder to Always Wear Your Seatbelt Teen Fatalities Are Decreasing JOLIET – Police officers from the Illinois State Police District 5 and Grundy County Sheriff’s Office conducted a Back to School Seatbelt Initiative at Coal City High School on Monday, August 24th. After students and parents arrived at school, officers greeted them with a safety message and passed out informational brochures, key chains and pencils, reminding them to “buckle-up”.

Captain Michael Cooke, the Commander of District 5, stated “Our objective in conducting this initiative

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hold accountable wayward public officials who violate the law and the trust that has been placed in them.”

“Judges are supposed to serve the people who elected them, not their own self-interests. What Mr. Spargo did is nothing more than old fashioned extortion,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Pikus.

The maximum statutory penalty for the charge of soliciting a bribe is 10 years in prison and the maximum penalty for the charge of attempted extortion is 20 years. Spargo also faces a maximum fine of $250,000 for each count on which he was convicted.

This case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Richard C. Pilger and Trial Attorney M. Kendall Day of the Public Integrity Section, which is headed by Chief William M. Welch II. T

is to remind young drivers of the importance of wearing seatbelts.

Education played a key role in the reduction of teen fatalities last year, and we have all intentions on continuing this lesson.”

In addition to education, several other factors contributed to the decline: the newly enacted Graduated Driver’s License Law, requiring young drivers to spend more time behind the wheel before earning their driver’s license the initiation of safety programs, such as Operation Teen Safe Driving, which requires students encouraging fellow students to drive responsibly; this program is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Ford Motors Corporation and AllState Insurance Company the enforcement of traffic laws by police agencies throughout Illinois, along with their participation in special traffic details In 2008, 92 teenagers statewide were killed in car crashes on Illinois roadways. The total is a drastic decrease compared to years 2006 and 2007, where 188 teens (a decrease of over 100%) and 155 teens (nearly 40% decrease) died in car crashes, respectively. Captain Cooke adds, “Although the numbers are encouraging, there will always be room for improvement. We will do everything in our power to continue this downward trend.”