The Weekly Reporter by John Gabriel

Republican Reorganization Confused With Dirty Tricks Read more on PAGE 5 >

we e k l y re p o r te r.co m

What Arrogance Noak Will Not Respond! Read more on PAGE 9 >

To Protect Those Who Protect Us Read more on PAGE 6 >

First Midwest Bank looking for workers at March 19 event Read more on PAGE 16 >

Girot Makes Another Bid For Sheriff Read more on PAGE 8 >

Pastor Isaac Singleton Retires After 47 Years Read more on PAGE 11 >

T he Week l y Repo r te r B reak s T he Si l ence!

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Frankfort Township Assessor Paul Ruff Caught In The Act! .................................................... John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

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Will Noak & Hassert

Pick

Romeoville

Pockets? ....................................................

John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

....................................................

The Weekly Reporter is paid for by advertisers who want you to know about their businesses. They are exercising their right to freedom of speech and they are paying for the privilege of reaching the public—person by person. When free products are made available everyone is entitled to one. They are entitled to take one for someone else, but when they do take more than one of a free product whether that is legal depends on their motivation, their intent. A nitwit would know he cannot take a stack of newspapers that is not his to trash them. An idiot would know that is wrong! Frankfort Township Assessor Paul Ruff holds a position in which there should never be a question about his honesty. Paul Ruff should do nothing to make you believe he might be a petty thief. Paul Ruff should know not to take what does not belong to him. Paul Ruff holds a position of trust, he should never take something

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....................................................

Some people will read this article and perhaps call it partisan; they may say The Weekly Reporter does not like Brent Hassert. All of that would be wrong. Brent Hassert is a nice man, he has served his community well, and he was defended by this newspaper in the last election when he was accused of raising a tax that did not exist. But! It would be dishonorable to pick and to choose who will be exposed and who will not be. You would never know when to believe what you read and when to disregard it as trash if some people were to escape scrutiny. So, when it was learned that Mr. Hassert may be trying to unjustly dip into your pockets it became imperative to bring the facts to you.

Paul Ruff-date unknown that is not his. Mothers teach their children: if it is not yours don’t touch it. When people entrust a person with the responsibility of taxing them, of assessing their properties, they have right to expect that he will be scrupulously honest. That means a person whose character would prohibit him from taking something that did not belong to him; a person who can be READ MORE ON PAGE 14 >

READ MORE ON PAGE 14 >

Brent Hassert

John Noak

news Inside this Week ASK Lindsey................................................... 12 CLASSIFIED...................................................... 15 CROSSWORD PUZZLE & SUDOKU................ 13 COMPANION CORNER................................... 11 EDUCATION MATTERS...................................... 7 Fall out for ReveilLe (HONOR VETS)........ 6 FINANCE - HEADS UP ON................................ 3 HEALTH & WELLNESS........................................ 5 SENIORS ONLY ................................................ 4 SOMETHIN COOKIN...................................... 10 TEEN TALK....................................................... 12 The Weekly Reporter is a free newspaper published weekly in Lockport, Illinois by John Gabriel who is also the Executive Editor. The Weekly Reporter Office is located at 890 North State Street, Lockport, IL 60441. Telephone number is (815) 838-8200 Fax (825) 838-8205 General Emails should be sent to editor@theweeklyreporter.com The Weekly Reporter Staff: John Gabriel/WR Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com Advertising ads@theweeklyreporter.com Shirley Sciarratti artdept@theweeklyreporter.com Ralph LaPorte/WR rlaporte@theweeklyreporter.com Andrea Sala/WR asala@theweeklyreporter.com Miles Goodson/WR mgoodson@theweeklyreporter.com Kenny Holmes/WR Kenny@theweeklyreporter.com Lindsey/WR Lindsey@theweeklyreporter.com Lisandra Bernadet /WR teentalk@theweeklyreporter.com

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If You Have Questions Tino Lettieri Has Answers ................................................................... Ralph LaPorte rlaporte@theweeklyreporter.com ...................................................................

Most folks know or have heard of Santino Lettieri who has made the news in recent weeks with his charges of ethics violations against Mayor Joe Werner. He also stood up to Chief Randy Rajewski who attempted to prevent him from passing out literature at a polling place during the November 4th election. Tino as most people know him is a 16 year resident of Mokena and has constantly been busy within the village promoting people’s rights while seeking to return the real power in Mokena government to the people. Lettieri is currently a candidate for Trustee and when he was asked why he wants to be a Trustee he said, “I have always been a people’s advocate. I want to return some of the lost power to the people.” He was very upset with how the current administration handled the issue of a referendum that gave the village an opportunity discontinue

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having trustees-at-large in favor of local aldermen whom Tino says would be closer to the people and be able to represent them in a more personal manner than they are now. Mr. Lettieri believes the Mayor and some trustees misused the October 27th Board meeting to make the hearing a soap box from which they voiced their opposition to that referendum. The opposition Lettieri is speaking of came at the end of the meeting when the Mayor and some trustees, each in his own voice and manner, urged a no vote on the issue. The Illinois State Board of Elections prohibits elected officials from voicing opinions pro or con on any referendum while they are acting in their official capacity as they were on October 27th. Recently Tino Lettieri opted out of a meeting attended by Mayor Joe Werner and his supporters. He objected to having prepared questions written out and then distributed to members of the audience to ask. Tino said that is contrary to his vision of democracy. He wanted a meeting at which the people could ask any

Trustee Candidate Tino Lettieri question they had in mind. When the Mayor criticized Lettieri for not attending Lettieri quickly pointed out that Werner himself boycotted a meeting at Lincoln-Way Central in March 2005. He assured people that he would hold his own town hall style meeting at which he would answer any questions. He assured everyone that there would not be any prepared “softball” questions that are intended to make him look good. “I’ll answer whatever the people want to ask,” he said. In response to that promise Mr. Lettieri will be holding his town hall meeting at VFW Post 725 in Mokena on March 26th at 7:00 pm. He promised he would stay as long as necessary to accommodate questions from the audience. It will be interesting to see if Mr. Werner and his supporters take the opportunity to answer questions in an open forum or if they will stay home.

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Create a Strategy for Maturing CDs ..................................................................... Mary Jo Ardizzone Maryjo.ardizzone@edwardjones.com Edward Jones | www.edwardjones.com .....................................................................

Some things, like fine wines, get better with age. But a certificate of deposit (CD) is not one of them. If you have a maturing CD, you need to decide what to do with it — and the earlier you make this decision, the better off you’ll be. So if you’ve got one or more CDs coming due in the next few months, start planning now. Of course, if you had a specific goal for a maturing CD — such as a college tuition payment — your decision has already been made. But if you’ve purchased a CD for another reason, you’ll have to choose whether to renew it or invest the proceeds elsewhere. If you bought the CD for the income it provides, you may want to renew it. If prevailing interest rates are the same, or higher, than the rate on your maturing CD, you can purchase a new CD without worrying about reducing your income stream. But if rates have fallen, you may have a dilemma: How can you reproduce the income you received from your now-matured CD? Here are a few alternatives to consider: • Purchase a bond that pays a higher rate. Instead of buying another CD, you could possibly purchase another fixed-income instrument, such as a bond, that pays a higher interest rate. Be aware, though, that if you find a bond that pays a higher rate, you may be taking on more risk, so make sure any bond you purchase is considered “investment grade quality” by the independent rating agencies. • Buy a longer-term CD. Generally speaking, you can get a higher interest

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No “Pay to Play” Politics in Lockport —Kelly Turner .................................................... Mary Jo Ardizzone

rate when you purchase a longer-term CD. Your money will be locked up for a longer period of time, but it will help provide you with a more stable income stream over time. • Create a fixed-income “ladder.” To combat interest-rate concerns, you might want to build a fixedincome “ladder” by buying several CDs or bonds with varying maturities — short-term, intermediate-term and long-term. When market rates are low, you’ll still have your longerterm vehicles earning higher interest rates. And when market interest rates are high, you can reinvest the maturing short-term bonds and CDs at the higher rates. Thus far, we’ve talked about replacing a maturing CD to protect your income stream. But if you bought a CD for another purpose — such as removing some of your money from a volatile stock market — then the CD’s maturity gives you a chance to re-evaluate your investment strategy. As you know, 2008 was a tough year for the stock market, so, at the time, diverting some of your money to a CD might have seemed smart. But history tells us that even the worst bear markets don’t last forever, and that the biggest gains in a rally often occur at the early stages. Consequently, you may want to take this opportunity to “rebalance” your portfolio, and, if appropriate for your individual situation, look for ways to invest the proceeds of your CD into quality equities or other securities. By planning ahead, you won’t feel rushed to make a hasty decision when your CD matures or, even worse, be tempted to spend the money and have little to show for it. Your maturing CD can help you achieve your financial goals — if you give it a chance.

John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

....................................................

Kelly Turner is doing his best to become the next mayor of Lockport on April 7th. Kelly a small business man sat down on Monday March 3rd to explain his position on making Lockport a better place to live. It is very obvious that Kelly does not like the way things are currently done in Lockport. He voiced some valid concerns for small business and for rising taxes that are placing a greater burden on families and seniors who can least afford to pay higher and higher taxes. He discussed the need to fund schools and related how giving tremendous amounts of money to a school system that cannot control a bulging student population does not make good economic sense. Turner said that if school boards expect the public to approve more money for their districts that tax burden must be balanced by controlling the amount of residential expansion that is allowed. He agreed that land for residential development can and should be zoned and reserved for the construction of family residences, but, there must be a time table that controls when those homes can be built. The time table would operate according to the normal student attrition within the school system. As students graduate their families become families with adult children who do not attend school. The number of students would naturally decline in those neighborhoods. Then additional new home building could be allowed that would bring in new students but only to the level of the attrition that took place. The school system costs could be better controlled by controlled expansion rather constantly reaching out for more money through higher taxes. Kelly Turner opposes a TIF district. He believes that in any event down-

town Lockport ought not be a part of such a taxing district. Instead, he would like to see the development of industrial parks within the old Texaco property. Turner’s vision includes tree lined streets and attractive small industrial buildings that house light manufacturing, service companies and other mom and pop enterprises that provide the bulk of jobs for the nation. Turner said he opposes warehouses and trucking companies because they do not generate a fair share of revenue for the community. They are usually automated to the point that only a few people are required to operate a giant operation. Kelly Turner is big on ethics! He displayed a mailer that he either has mailed or will be mailing. The front side says boldly: “’Pay to Play’ Politics in Lockport? The people deserve better.” The mailer criticizes Dev Trivedi for voting to approve construction by McNaughton DeCONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >

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This article was written by Edward Jones on behalf of your Edward Jones financial advisor. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with a qualified tax or legal specialist for professional advice on your specific situation.

Looking for a job, or need

extra income to get through these tough times. See our Employment News Section on page 16. Legal job prospects with great money potential!

We Are Moving Auction March 15, & 22nd 10:00am View - 10:30am Sale

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Letters to the Editor

Letter to The Editor-1

Letter to The Editor-2

We’re Paying Taxes Getting Nothing Back

He wants Free Schooling Including College

This past week the residents of Romeoville received their “ransom letter” from the Des Plaines Valley Library District. The statement on the envelope said “Library on Normantown Rd. to close. Important information enclosed for Romeoville residents”. The residents of Romeoville need to know that the Des Plaines Valley

Your newspaper is a blessing wherever it is read because it warns corrupt officials that someone is watching. My comment is about education. With a major overhaul of our federal government being inevitable, I believe the time has come to guarantee every child in the United States a free education up to and including

Normantown Rd. This

4 years of college. If you want more you pay. A nation is only as strong as its citizens. The

building is bigger and newer than the

citizens are only as strong as their

So why would they not want it? The fact is that the only way Crest Hill and Lockport would have any chance

With the cost of all schooling in-

of getting new libraries would be to

stead of

library district negotiated away any right to keep or acquire the library building on

libraries in Crest Hill and Lockport.

hold the votes of the resident’s hostage!

Romeoville

How can a town not have a library, surely Romeoville will vote to have their taxes raised 200%? It didn’t happen in November and if the residents are smart they won’t let it happen April 7th. The residents of Romeoville South of 135th St. have been paying taxes to Des Plaines Valley Library District for DECADES and have received nothing for their money. It is time for Des Plaines Valley Library District to give the residents of Romeoville what they have been paying for, a new library

WITHOUT any The residents should be asking where DID our tax dollars go for so many years? April 7th is the time to stand up and say “NO” to the referendum and the “Springfield” politics that’s going on here, at the library! tax increase.

Jeff Mesch Romeoville Resident

level of education.

creasing it makes sense for people to pay taxes to pay for the schooling in-

$100,000 for four years of

college. It is a question of everyone pulling together to make all of us better.

Paul Hartewig Pittsburg PA

Want to be incluced in our

Letter to The Editor Section. Email us at editor@ theweeklyreporter. com

FTC Warns Consumers

About Economic Stimulus Scams ................................................................. info@theweeklyreporter.com .................................................................

The FTC is warning consumers that they could get stung by an economic stimulus scam. The scams come in different forms. Right now, on the Web and in email, scammers are telling consumers they can help them qualify for a payment from President Obama’s economic stimulus package. All they have to do is provide a little information or a small payment. E-mail messages may ask for bank account information so that the operators can deposit consumers’ share of the stimulus directly into their bank account. Instead, the scammers drain consumers’ accounts of money and disappear. Or bogus e-mail may appear to be from government agencies and ask for information to “verify” that you qualify for a payment. The scammers use that information to commit identity theft. Some e-mail scams don’t ask for information, but provide links to find out how to qualify for funds. By clicking on the links, consumers have downloaded malicious software or spyware that can be used to make them a victim of identity theft. “Web sites may advertise that they can help you get money from the stimulus fund. Many use deceptive names or images of President Obama and Vice President Biden to suggest they

are legitimate. They’re not,” says Eileen Harrington, Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Don’t fall for it. If you do, you’ll get scammed.” Some sites suggest that for a small sum of money - as little as $1.99 in some cases - consumers can get a list of economic stimulus grants they can apply for. But two things can happen: the number of the credit card the consumer uses to pay the fee can fall into the hands of scam artists, or the $1.99 can be the down payment on a “negative option” agreement that may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars if the consumer does not cancel. “Consumers who may already have fallen for these scams should carefully check their credit card bills for unauthorized charges and report the scam to the FTC,” Harrington said. The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 >

No “Pay to Play” ... velopment five days after McNaughton gave him $500. Trivedi did not publicly reveal the contribution until one day after the vote when his D2 report was received by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Turner fully supports the enactment of strict legislation to put an end to companies donating funds to political campaign chest if they or any of their affiliates do business with the politician’s localgovernment. He said it is unnecessary for a candidate to spend large sums of money to be elected in small communities. “Knock on doors”, he said. Calling his attention to his mailers he said, “I followup with a knock on the door. I want people to ask questions.” He noted that even mayors who have

large sums of money such as Roger Claar ($1.3 million) only spend a small portion of their campaign funds to actually stomp for votes. The rest he says is for unnecessary expenditures that should be prohibited. Kelly Turner said he is running for one reason and one reason only: He wants the Lockport government to work for the people and not for “big rich companies”. He favors lower taxes, less government control, except for ethics, and greater freedom to allow small entrepreneurs to operate their businesses without constant government intervention. (Editor’s note: Turner’s opponent Audrey Manley favors new ethics laws. Candidate Dev Trivedi has not volunteered an opinion.)

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Four Mayoral Candidates—

Three Want Ethics Reform ................................................................. info@theweeklyreporter.com .................................................................

There are four separate parties hoping to woo your vote on April 7th in Romeoville. While each party has candidates running for the clerk’s position, and for trustees, it is the Mayoral race that holds the most significance. The Weekly Reporter has supported strong ethics legislation that would put an end to “pay to play” politics wherever it occurs in the state, particularly in villages, cities, townships, and counties. Each of the mayoral candidates from the four parties running in the April 7th

Gail Raucci

election was asked if he or she would support ethics laws that would prevent companies from donating to the campaign of an elected official if that firm did business or contemplated doing business with a village, city, township or county. Taken alphabetically by party name, Candidate for Mayor Bob Emler of the “Change” Party said he would absolutely support such legislation. Andy Goitia, Mayoral Candidate for the Community United Party said, “Sure I would I think we need it, especially now.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 >

Bob Emler

Andy Goitia

Republican Reorganization

Confused With Dirty Tricks

.................................................... Mark Goodson mgoodson@theweeklyreporter.com

....................................................

Most people had enough dirty tricks and Carl Rove rotgut politics during the eight years under the Bush administration. Ethical Republicans totally reject dirty tricks and dishonorable conduct by any party. The party is in shambles, it is no secret; Illinois is no exception. Leaders have called for reorganization. But, according to one Republican who asked not to be named, there are no efforts to reorganize, the theory is: Cling to as many offices as possible at any cost and build on them. Win at any price! Dirty tricks, unethical tactics—anything goes. If you can’t win a race steal it! Those alleged instructions are said to come from ranking Republicans! They just don’t get it! The Party lost power because of such tactics and dishonest policies. What does it take to make the leadership wake up? Week after week there are stories, some in this very paper, that report the dirty tactics being employed by party leaders who only want keep a grip on the offices Republicans currently hold. That is not the Republican Party Il-

Ignoring Diabetes is Risky Business ............................................................... Courtesy of ARA content info@theweeklyreporter.com ...............................................................

(ARA) - Are you taking risks with your life without even knowing it? You may be one of the nearly 6 million Americans who have type 2 diabetes and don’t even know it. Diabetes affects nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States and another 57 million have pre-diabetes, a condition that places them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you don’t know the risk factors or symptoms for diabetes, you may very well be risking your life to this silent killer. Diabetes is a silent killer because many people can live with the disease for years and never find out that they have it until they start experiencing diabetes-related damage that can lead to a heart attack, stroke, vision problems or kidney disease. In fact, most people with type 2 diabetes do not notice the symptoms because some signs of diabetes aren’t easy to recognize. Symptoms of diabetes include: * Being very thirsty * Urinating often * Losing weight without trying * Having vision problems, such as blurred vision Diabetes is a serious disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can help people with diabetes live healthy and active lives. A person’s risk for diabetes goes up as they get older, gain weight, or if they do not stay active. So how can you find out if you might be at risk for diabetes? Risk factors include:

Business Sign In Lockport

linois needs. The Party needs strong honest leadership such as it had under former Governor Jim Edgar, a genuine political hero. Evidence of the new theory in action can be seen in a couple of races in which supposedly honorable men have not acted honorably in their efforts to keep Republicans in office. If you are a good Republican you will reject such tactics too. Here are examples. In Frankfort CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >

* Being overweight or obese * Not being physically active * Having a family history of diabetes * Having high blood pressure * Having diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth * Being older than 45 years of age Diabetes is also more common in African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. For the past 21 years, on American Diabetes Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association has sounded the alert to raise awareness of diabetes to encourage people to understand the signs of diabetes and find out if they

are at risk for diabetes. Recognized every fourth Tuesday in March, this year, American Diabetes Alert Day will be held on March 24. To find out if you or a loved one are at risk for type 2 diabetes, you can take the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Risk Test. This is a simple test that asks questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for diabetes. Based on your response, you can find out whether you are at low, moderate or high risk for diabetes. You can take the test online at www.diabetes.org/alert or by phone (in English or Spanish) at (800) DIABETES (800-342-2383). If you find that you are at high risk for having diabetes, talk with your doctor to find out for sure. Only your doctor can determine if you have diabetes. To learn more about diabetes risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, or to take the Diabetes Risk Test, visit the American Diabetes Association’s Web site at www.diabetes.org or call (800) DIABETES (800-342-2383).

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They Are Promising Honest Ethical Plainfield Township Government

We oppose

“Pay- to-Play” Politics

................................................................. Ralph LaPorte rlaporte@theweeklyreporter.com .................................................................

Representative Tom Cross (R-84) could be working with some new faces in Plainfield Township if the Plainfield Township Democrats have their way. The local group has fielded a full slate of eight candidates to run in the April 7th Plainfield Township election. The Township Candidates Team as they refer to themselves is headed by Township Supervisor candidate Mike Hilliard. Hilliard believes Plainfield Township residents are ready to make a change in government, a change that will put the public in closer contact with their officials. “I see no reason to hide the affairs of taxpayer’s money and therefore, transparency will be at the forefront of my agenda, as Township Supervisor,” he says. Hilliard calls attention to his membership as a Board Member and Vice President of The Citizens Utility Board (CUB). He also notes that CUB has saved Illinois consumers about $10 Billion dollars. He said some citizens feel they have no voice in Plainfield Township government and said, “…every person matters, every vote matters.” He is joined by Highway Commissioner candidate Bill Wisneski who has visions of completing the Renwick Road bridge project that has been the focus of discussions for 20 years. There has been continual disagreement as to whether that ancient bridge, a one lane 4-ton structure, should be replaced with a multi-lane at grade level bridge or by a grade-separated structure. The difference is that at grade level traffic would have to stop and wait for passing trains while if the bridge is grade-separated the traffic would pass above any train traffic. Those who live nearby have voiced concerns that they do not want to have a high large bridge

Plainfield Township Democrats

in this rustic setting. Those arguments are valid because the setting is peaceful and beautiful. The fact is, however, the current bridge could be preserved as an historic artifact while a new bridge, built some distance from it, would pass about fifteen-feet above passing trains. Wisneski noted that a new grade-separated bridge could be atheistically appealing and built to preserve the natural setting of the community. If the Canadian National Railway is allowed to purchase the EJ&E line the crossing could become a nightmare for motorists if they have to sit out extremely long trains that can reach more than two miles in length. The Plainfield Democrats are running Maureen E. Bilecki for the Township Clerk’s position. Maureen says she is formerly of Lockport and attended Lockport Township High and Joliet Junior College. She cites a number of background experiences as reasons why she is qualified for the position but emphasizes her impeccable organizational skills. The slate is rounded off with Tax Collector candidate Larry Karp and Trustee hopefuls John Bilecki, Anthony Howard, Stanley Paulauskas, and Irene Wittke. Although Plainfield, where Representative Tom Cross has his office, has been viewed as very Republican in the past John Bilecki noted that the political leanings of the community have changed in recent years and that they have a strong block of new voters who are looking for a more responsive group of people to operate the Township Government. Should they be elected the Plainfield Democrats will find a ready ally to work with in the person of Representative Tom Cross who agrees that ethics reform is something that has to be considered by the legislature. Mr. Cross recently telephoned The Weekly Reporter to express his interest in the calls for local ethics legislation.

Ralph La Porte rlaporte@theweeklyreporter.com

Representative Tom Cross Unveils Veterans’ Package

To Protect Those Who Protect Us ................................................................. info@theweeklyreporter.com .................................................................

State Representative Tom Cross Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive package of legislation enhancing health care availability, tax credits and educational benefits for Illinoisans who have served our country in the military. “Veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices for our protection and freedom. Too often they don’t receive the welcome home they deserve: their health care options are limited, they have a difficult time finding a job or starting a business, and their families struggle financially,” said State Representative Tom Cross. According to Cross, older veterans must wait months or even years to get into one of the state’s four veterans’ homes. One key provision of the package, House Bill 4214, would provide a subsidy to veterans to help pay for care at private nursing homes across the state. “There are 200 veterans waiting for care at one of Illinois’ four veterans’ homes. This subsidy would help those waiting for care and would provide more options for aging veterans not willing to move far away from their loved-ones,” said Cross. A related measure, House Bill 4219 would provide health care coverage to veterans who don’t qualify for Medicaid or other existing programs. This bill would replace the failed Veterans’ Care Program initiated by

former Governor Blagojevich in which only 120 veterans were enrolled statewide. “The program we are introducing would not only help uninsured veterans, it would also expand coverage for veterans who rely on insurance from the federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Rep. Tom Cross but live farther than 60 miles from the nearest VA hospital,” said Cross. Other bills in the veterans’ package include: • House Bill 4206 to provide veterans small business loans from the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, similar to the Minority, Women, and Disabled Participation Loan Program. • House Bill 4209 would allow education grants not used by veterans themCONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >

Great Spaghetti— Great Prices—and Ann Karkut Too! If you are watching your budget but still want a night out with the family why not join the good folks at the VFW Post 5788 in Lockport, 1026 E Ninth Street, for some really delicious spaghetti? It is served and prepared by the fine members of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the price has not changed no matter what the economy may be doing. Get out of the house and give the family at treat! Remember you get all

you can eat and adults pay only $5, youngsters 5 through 12 still eat for $3 and those special little ones under 5 years old get all they can eat for free! Meatballs are still one dollar. Bring the family and your friends and have a good time at the Lockport VFW with someone who loves to see you happy, Ann Karkut. Don’t Forget it’s the 3rd Friday of the month and this time it is March 19th.

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NEW Classes Start Now!!!

Frustrating Funding Issues For Schools ......................................................... Andrea Sala /WR asala@theweeklyreporter.com

Andrea Sala is the Principal at Scarlet Oak School District 145 .........................................................

There was a bumper sticker on a car in front of me the other day that said something like, “A good day is when the Air Force has to hold a bake sale to buy its fighter jets.” This is not a statement against our brave soldiers and military. I am a proud, proud supporter of all that is American and am grateful for every service and sacrifice done on behalf of the greater good of our country. But something is wrong when schools have to ask for money to provide what our kids need and when voters have to say no because they just can’t afford it. The current approach in educational funding continues to be a disservice to our country. A Federal Funding update: Details on funds from the federal stimulus package for schools are still being ironed out. State Superintendents met in Washington D.C. last week to discuss the stimulus

package with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Secretary Duncan emphasized the four criteria he wants to see addressed with the stimulus funds: college and careerready standards and assessments; comprehensive data systems; the distribution of quality teachers and overall improvements towards teacher effectiveness; and improving the state’s lowest-performing schools. During that meeting Vice-President Joe Biden put the federal stimulus package into historical perspective, explaining that we have never in the past seen, nor may we ever again see, an infusion of federal funds into education like we are seeing now. Setting set clear goals for these funds and demonstrating achievement is a priority. The stimulus package is currently designed for two years. In recent previous weeks, schools have been advised that these funds are designed to stimulate the economy and would probably be earmarked for capital improvement projects including facility maintenance and enhancing technology. Local leaders were reminded to

continue to make cautious budget decisions as Illinois’ budget problems continue. Superintendent Christopher Koch made a plea to the General Assembly in late February requesting that the current funding levels for Illinois students are maintained. On the local level, as every reader knows, Illinois schools remain over reliant on tax dollars for funding, a problem that makes for drastic inequities in educational opportunities for our students. The problem of just how we fund education is systemic. It is forcing a focus on something other than the best preparation for our students. It does turn the issue to one of “the haves and the have-nots”. In light of this financial crisis we should as parents and educators hope and work for big change in funding for education.

Reminder That It’s Time For Early and Absentee Voting .................................................................

Will County Clerk, Nancy Schultz Voots .................................................................

Will County Clerk, Nancy Schultz Voots, wishes to inform voters that the Consolidated Election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Available options to voters are: Early Voting – No reason required – Must show government issued ID. Vote at County Clerk’s Office or one of the specified early voting sites in which you reside. Early Voting is conducted March 16th through April 2nd. Absentee Voting – Must give reason - Voter will be unable to vote at polling place on Election Day, such as expect to be out of county, student away at school, serving as Election Judge, or physically incapacitated. Absentee voting is offered in-person or by mail through March 14th and April 3rd through April 6th. Please call (815) 740-4632 or visit our website at www.

willclrk.com to request an absentee ballot. Grace Period Voting - For individuals who were unable to register to vote or change their address prior to the close of registration on March 10, 2009. Grace Period Voting is only available in the County Clerk’s Office beginning March 11th through March 24th. Individuals must also vote at the same time. They may not vote at the polls on Election Day. Voting at your polls – Election Day voting at your designated polling place. Polls are open 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Refer to your Voter Registration card for polling place. The County Clerk’s office is located at 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to noon. For additional information, call 815/740-4632 or visit the County Clerk’s website at www.willclrk.com.

news CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 >

Republican Reorganization Confused With Dirty Tricks Township the powers that be did not want the incumbent Township Assessor to lose his seat. It was rather obvious that he might lose the election. His disliked assessments hurt Republicans and Democrats alike. To avoid losing to a competent competitor, supporters of the assessor challenged the man’s petitions and signatures on them. One manner of challenge was to say the voter did not exist or that he or she was not registered. A similar tactic was played out in Bolingbrook where a young woman decided to run for mayor. The signatures on her petitions were challenged. Forty-some signatures were declared signatures of unregistered voters by what the challenger called a stacked electoral board. The truth is all of those names are valid. The signatures were rejected when someone, not a handwriting expert, looked at a signature and decided it was not PRECISELY like the one the voter originally signed when he or she registered to vote. The Illinois

State Board of Elections rejects that. Do you remember exactly how you signed yours? When you sign checks or other documents is your signature always precisely the same? Of course it isn’t, but unscrupulous lawyers are using such a dishonorable, unethical ploy to knock names off petitions. Good Republicans do not support such sleazy maneuvers. When you see a candidate running on the ballot without a challenger you might suspect that the challenger was wrongfully kept off the ballot. If you want to stop this fraud and abuse of democracy forget about party loyalty, be a good American, write in the name of anyone who is running as a write-in candidate. The odds are he or she was kept off the ballot because he would likely defeat the incumbent. The Illinois State Board of Elections, it seems, never anticipated such dishonorable conduct when it wrote its rules for local electoral boards but the rules will have to be changed because of the rotters who abuse the law.

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Representative Tom Cross Unveils Veterans’ Package To Protect Those Who Protect Us selves to be accessed by their children. • HB 4204 would provide a $1,000 tax credit to deployed military families • House Bill 4246 would allow a new veterans nursing home to be built in the suburban areas of northern Illinois to make 200 new beds available for veterans. • House Bill 4197 would add U.S. Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines to the list of military branches

whose veterans are honored on Veterans Day. “As we begin to prepare a new state budget, it is important for us to begin outlining our priorities. The House Republicans feel strongly that Illinois veterans deserve better treatment and their sacrifices must not be forgotten,” said Cross.

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Richard Girot Makes Another Bid For Sheriff .................................................... John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

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in which a deputy needs the help of a fellow officer. But those allegations were rebuffed by Barry who said that is nonsense. “Deputies are never put in danger. They are always backed up by local police and they can always call for help from nearby towns.” Richard Girot criticized conditions under which some people must live in the Adult Detention Facility and said there is no good reason why anyone should be denied drugs prescribed by their family

Richard Girot is a name many will recall from the 2006 race for Will County Sheriff. Girot, the former Mayor of Braidwood and veteran Will County Deputy held a press conference Tuesday morning, March 3rd, to announce that he will be making another attempt to become the Will County Sheriff. Girot noted that he collected 45% of the votes when he ran against incumbent Paul Kaupas in November 2006 and said he is confident he can unseat the Sheriff this time around. Girot made his announcement at the Joliet Holiday Inn located on Larkin Avenue and McDonough St., the site of the credit card arrest Richard Girot Paul Kaupas scandal that has brought lawsuits in the millions against doctor. He said it is wrong to deny inthe county for claims related to arrests mates such medication and then refuse that were made close to election time in to provide those drugs to them at county 2006. You may recall the allegations that expense. He promised that if he is elected credit card information was being col- the conditions within the jail will change lected and sold from that location. and people will be treated properly ac Girot emphasized that the attempt cording to law. by Sheriff Paul Kaupas to capitalize on But Barry said the county pays a priinformation allegedly supplied by an in- vate company to administer medical care formant has cost taxpayers countless un- to people held in the Adult Detention necessary dollars, into the millions. He Center. Barry said, “We can’t question says Kaupas relied on false information the decision of doctors. It is up to them allegedly given to him by an informant to decide what inmates need in the way who turned out to be totally unreliable of medication or care.” He did say the and then he, the sheriff, rushed out to company operates without any oversight make arrests without first confirming the from the Sheriff ’s office. information. Richard Girot will seek federal assis Pat Barry, spokesperson for Sheriff tance to fill vacancies within the SherPaul Kaupas defended Kaupas saying iff ’s department and rearrange work that the Sheriff only acted on warrants assignments to eliminate many of the that were issued by the State’s Attorney administrative positions that he views as Jim Glasgow and that the blame does unnecessary. “We have too many people not lie with the Sheriff. sitting around who should be out there During a lengthy question and answer patrolling and it is costing taxpayers an period following the announcement of awful lot of money for nothing. I know his candidacy, Girot said Deputies are of seventeen moves I could make,” he being put into unnecessary jeopardy said. each time they go on duty. Girot said Mr. Barry was asked if there was anyit is ridiculous to expect a deputy in thing he wished to add and he said, “Mr. Wilmington to come to the aid of an- Girot should be trying to win the priother who is in Plainfield or even further mary. He is acting as if he is already the should there be an emergency situation candidate.”

(815) 723-4880 P.O. BOX 2761 / JOLIET, IL 60434

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What Arrogance Noak Will Not Respond! John Noak has not answered. Could it be that he favors â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pay to Playâ&#x20AC;? politics? New ethics laws would stop politicians .................................................... from taking contributions from the people who do business with villages, cities, Appointed Mayor Noak has not re- townships or counties. Of course, Noak sponded to the allegations that the sign would have to stop taking money from posts supporting his large signs came the Village Attorneys; he would have to from Public Works. The posts are still up! stop taking money from other people According to calls received at this office who do business with the village. more of his large signs have been put up. Strong ethics laws can end pay-toIt is as though Noak is thumbing his nose play contracts. There could actually be at the citizens telling them to go to hell I an end to kickback politics wherever donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t account to anyone. slime-balls practice it in Illinois. Strong Two Village Trustees have asked for ethics laws would promote honesty in inquiries into the Noak sign post issue. government. The latest was a call for an investigation While people become upset when by Trustee Andy Goitia at the March 4th they hear about â&#x20AC;&#x153;pay to playâ&#x20AC;? politics in Village Board meeting. Goitia was inter- Springfield they need to know that the rupted by Trustee practice is rampant though Linda Palmiter who out Illinois in our villages, also supported Fred cities, townships, and counDewald. Steve Gulties. That is where the bulk den advised Trustee of questionable contribuEdward â&#x20AC;&#x153;Docâ&#x20AC;? Mctions find their way into polCartan that if he iticiansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campaign coffers wanted informaand eventually into their tion concerning the pockets. sign posts Noak has New ethics laws used for his signs he should prohibit politicians would have to file a from keeping any of their complaint with the campaign money for their police department so own use. They should be reChief Andrew Barto quired to surrender all camcan handle the matpaign funds that are in their ter. campaign accounts to their Noak has turned state political party when John Noak to mailers to do the they no longer run for office. talking for him. That If they are independents is a copout! Using a without a party perhaps the flyer or mailer to reach voters in a little money could be donated to a charitable town like Romeoville is an easy way to organization. avoid answering questions from the voters face to face. Voters cannot put questions to mailers or flyers. They canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask a flyer why a small child has to pay a dollar to get into open gym at the recreation center. They canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask a piece of paper why Mayor Noak got such a handsome contribution from the village attorneys. Mailers cannot question why Noakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign chest burgeoned from $5,800 to $63,000 between February 2008 and December 2008, only ten months time. In small towns it is appropriate to knock on the doors. It is appropriate to ask: Mrs. Jones is there anything I can do to make life better for you in Romeoville? Do you think we have the best possible police force? How can we serve you better? Having flyers passed out is a way to avoid answering to the citizens. It means you do not discuss what you have or have not done since February when you took the reins from disgraced Fred Dewald who was defended by Linda Palmiter. The Weekly Reporter asked Mayor Noak, by multiple emails, if he would be willing to support new ethics laws that will apply to villages, cities, townships, and counties. All other Mayoral candidates in Romeoville promptly said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yesâ&#x20AC;? or responded even more strongly, but .................................................... John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

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A Tribute to Elvis with Bob

West Saturday,

May 2

from 6:30pm to 930pm

Reserve your Tickets Now!

Only $10

$15 at the door

................................................................. Courtesy of ARA content info@theweeklyreporter.com .................................................................

(ARA) - Whether dining out or making a night of it at home, it’s easy to turn everyday meals into special treats by adding healthy, versatile and affordable options. With more than 40 years of experience, Tony Seta is one of only 61 Certified Master Chefs in the United States, an accreditation awarded by the American Culinary Federation. Now, Seta is serving up five tasty tips to makeover your next meal, at home or out on the town.

Dining Out * It’s always tough to decide on a restaurant for a large group with varied tastes. Seta suggests opting for a variety of sharable appetizers and small plates to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Restaurants with communal bar tables and specialty cocktails also make a night out with friends a fun, shared feast. * Sticking to a diet can be a challenge when dining out, but grilled options are an easy and delicious way to savor healthy options. Enjoy leaner cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables prepared with olive oil instead of butter and layered with fresh herbs and spices to amplify taste. To bring out the best flavor with no additives, try market fresh fish seared over a wood-burning grill. Bonefish Grill, an upscale casual restaurant in 29 states

around the country, specializes in woodgrilling and features an innovative menu of fresh, seasonal offerings that can be grilled to perfection and topped with a variety of original sauces. * The best tasting food is always based on the freshest ingredients selected at the peak of perfection and doesn’t have to be

Fresh &

Healthy Tips for Delicious

Dinners

expensive or unattainable. Look for offerings that are timely and seasonal, such as Bonefish Grill’s Rockefeller topping, made with sharp, creamy spinach and succulent lump crab, served on a variety of regionally-available fish such as Arctic Charr, Dorado and Wolfish.

Eating In * The old adage says drink white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat. “Out with the old, and in with the new,” says Seta. There are plenty of delicious red wines that are perfect for fish, seafood, and white meat. When there is no sommelier to guide your wine choices at home, Seta’s rule of thumb is to pair lighter red wines, such as Sangiovese, with delicate, flaky fish, while full-bodied, robust wines like Shiraz stand up against heartier, buttery seafood and shellfish.

* Sauces and condiments can jazz up a meal and add a whole new flavor profile to salmon or chicken. Try warm Mango Salsa on top of simply grilled tilapia for a flavorful, healthy treat, or whip up Seta’s READ MORE ON PAGE 11 >

your life

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Pastor Isaac Singleton Retires After 47 Years .................................................... John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

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The Reverend Isaac Singleton, Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church for 47 years, will be stepping into a new role that of retiree beginning with events on Saturday March 14th. The day has been dubbed Pearl Singleton Day. There will be a luncheon held in honor of Pearl Singleton on Saturday from 11 am until 2 pm featuring speaker Gloria Singleton Hayes. The Mount Zion Baptist Church is located at 402 Singleton Place in Joliet. For more information you may contact the church at (815) 723-9445. It may seem that Pastor Singleton has been a Pastor all his life but that is only part of his many interesting years. A hard worker all of his life the Reverend served in the Army Air Force during World War II, worked on a plantation, and for General Motors in Michigan while he and his lovely wife Pearl raised 6 children. In September Pastor and Mrs. Pearl Singleton will celebrate 61 years of marriage. They are a wonderful example for our youth who need proper role models in a world that produces so few. Reverend Singleton will be turning the church over to a new pastor but he said he will do some teaching and he will be available to lend a hand if the new pastor needs his assistance in any way. The

one thing he said he will not do is get in the way. The Weekly Reporter wishes Pastor Singleton the best of the best in all that he chooses to do. He has been a shoulder to lean on for many people in the community for many years. Some months back he came out to support a young woman who lost her job with a rehabilitation facility in Lemont. Not only did he join other prominent church leaders he was up front to show his support for the lady and remained throughout the demonstration as she attempted to get her job back. Often congregations are unaware of the good

Pastor and Mrs. Isaac Singleton married for 61 years. deeds a pastor does from the shadows for they do their good without making loud noises or seeking applause. That, of course, is typical of Reverend Singleton who is a fine man and one of whom we are certain God must be very proud. Happy Retirement Pastor Singleton!

Golf With Your Friends “Golf With Your Friends” men’s golf league is looking for golfers for Fridays and Sundays for the 2009 season to play at Woodbine Golf Course. Weekly tournaments, individual and team events, prizes, club championships and much more. For more information we will be having a meeting at Woodbine Golf Course 14240 W. 151st St. Homer Glen on April 1st at 7 pm or contact Andy Tonkovich at 708-479-8234 or by e-mail andy12344803@sbcglobal. net. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 >

............................................................... info@theweeklyreporter.com ...............................................................

Controlling your dog’s pain is essential to his overall well-being. NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs commonly used to control pain and inflammation in dogs. NSAIDs help many dogs lead more comfortable lives. What are NSAIDs? NSAIDs help to control signs of arthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Inflammation—the body’s response to irritation or injury—is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals produced by the body that cause inflammation. Some NSAIDs may also be used to control the pain and inflammation following surgery. Your veterinarian may prescribe an NSAID to treat the pain of osteoarthritis in your dog or to control pain following a surgical procedure. Veterinary NSAIDs approved for use in dogs: - ETOGESIC (etodolac) - RIMADYL (carprofen) - METACAM (meloxicam) - DERAMAXX (deracoxib) - PREVICOX (firocoxib) - ZUBRIN (tepoxalin) - NOVOX (carprofen) In the United States, there are no veterinary NSAIDs approved for oral use in cats. What should you discuss with your veterinarian? NSAIDs offer pain relief and improved quality of life to many dogs. However, before giving an NSAID, or any drug, you should first talk to your veterinarian. You should discuss: ? what the NSAID is being prescribed for

? how much to give ? how long to give it ? possible side effects ? what to avoid while your dog is taking an NSAID ? what tests are needed before giving an NSAID to your dog ? how often should your dog be re-examined ? your dog’s previous medical history and any previous drug reactions ? all medications and products your dog currently receives. What should you know before giving your dog an NSAID? - Never give aspirin or corticosteroids along with an NSAID to your dog. - NSAIDs should be approached cautiously in dogs with kidney, liver, heart and intestinal problems. - Never give your dog an NSAID unless directed by your veterinarian. Don’t assume an NSAID for one dog is safe to give to another dog. Always consult your veterinarian before using any medication in your pet. Only give the NSAID as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not increase the dose, the frequency, or the length of time you use the drug unless first discussing this with your veterinarian.

Fresh & Healthy Tips for Delicious Dinners

favorite - Bonefish Grill’s signature Chimichurri Sauce - for a garlicky, fresh herb kick.

Bonefish Grill’s Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients: + 8 cloves garlic, minced + 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or to taste) + 1 teaspoon oregano, dry leaves + 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground + 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes + Finely grated lemon zest from

3 lemons + 4 ounces fresh lemon juice + 1 bunch flat leaf (Italian) parsley + 1 cup virgin olive oil Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse chop until all ingredients are approximately 1/8-inch in size.

Add Italian parsley and pulse chop until parsley is 1/8-inch in size. Add the olive oil and blend in quickly. Allow the sauce to marinate for 30 minutes before serving. For more fresh fish and seafood inspiration, visit www.bonefishgrill.com.

YOUR LIFE

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Lisandra Bernadet / WR

Dear Lindsey: My boyfriend went off and bought three tickets for a Chicago Bulls game and now he expects me to go with him to a watch a basketball game with my little brother who is 11 years old. First of all I don’t like basketball and he never asked me if I do and he just went off and got the tickets. Now he expects me to go to watch something I really think is stupid. It’s just guys running back and forth from one end of a court to another. I really don’t want to go so how should I tell him? Dear How should I tell him: It’s really how do I tell you? You really sound like a brat and I don’t think you really appreciate the guy you have. There is a world of girls out there who would like the considerate kind of guy you just told us about. He was thoughtful enough to buy a ticket for your brother and that’s special. I’ll bet he knows your brother likes the Bulls or basketball itself. You really need to grow up and learn to appreciate it when others are kind and considerate. Your boyfriend did not know you do not like basketball and he was obviously trying to treat you to a special night out. The fact that he is treating your brother tells me something about him. I think you better go and maybe you will enjoy it. Just go and enjoy being with your boyfriend who sounds very nice to me. It is not always about you. It should also be about others and their likes and dislikes. Just seeing your brother and your boyfriend have a good time ought to be make you feel good. Dear Lindsey: Danny and me have been dating about 3 months and I like him a lot. I know he likes me a lot too. But he keeps hitting on me and I keep telling him no but he just brings it up again the next time I see him. He said I need to grow up. He said look around, everybody is doing it and what is wrong with me. He said I have religious hang-ups and I need to get over it. I am a virgin and I want to stay that way. Help! Dear Help: Hurray for you. It sounds like you have a guy who may like you but he likes the idea of sacking you more than having a genuine boy girl relationship. Stick to your guns. Tell him “No” the next time he pressures you and tell him if it happens again that’s the end of your relationship. He may break it off but so what. Look for someone who will respect you and not see you as a trophy. A guy who really cares about you wants a girl he can respect. Once he can do whatever he wants with you the respect will be gone. So, if he persists dump him and protect your self-respect.

...................................................... By Lisandra Bernadet teentalk@theweeklyreporter.com Lisandra is a sophomore at Joliet West High School ......................................................

On Friday March 6, 2009 I had the opportunity to have a sit down interview with the band, I Am the Hitchhiker. The band played at Mojoes in Orland Park and had an amazing performance. They are a Hardcore Electronica group from Chicago. I started the interview by getting the specifics on each of the band members’ importance.

Steve: We haven’t really counted, but I think over 15 shows. L: Was there any band you were excited to share the stage with? Joel: I was super pumped to play with Eli. They are pretty well known band. L: Since I Am the Hitchhiker has played a few shows now how do you try and keep each performance fresh? IATH (Jokingly the band replied): We Try to shower before each performance. Good hygiene is key to having an amazing show. L: Most of your fans know that I

Joel: Vocals Mike: Lead Guitarist Steve: Vocals and keys Bryan: bassist Greg: Guitarist The first question I asked I Am the Hitchhikers… L: When did I Am the Hitchhiker officially become a band? IATH: We became a band in August 2008 L: What inspired you guys to play Hardcore Electronica music? Steve: Well most of us listen to bands like I See Stars, A Day to Remember, Attack Attack, and Underoath, so those bands pretty much influenced our sound. L: How did the band come up the name I Am the Hitchhiker? Bryan: Honestly, it is not really an interesting story. I was sitting in my kitchen on the phone with Steve and I Am the Hitchhiker randomly came to my head and I told Steve and the name just stuck. L: Everyone in the band seems pretty young. How old are each of you? Mike: Well Steve, Bryan, and Joel are 17. Greg and I are 18 and Zerek is 19. L: Do any of you guys have any other things going on besides music? Zerek: Well I am working a lot in my recording studio which is HeadBang Studios. I have a few clients right now so it keeps me busy. Bryan: I do a lot of graphic design for our band layouts. Joel: I’m trying hard to start my Photography Company, but right now I’m just trying to get clients. L: How many shows have I Am the Hitchhiker played in total?

Am the Hitchhiker has had some band troubles, exactly what was the cause of that? Bryan: Well to sum it up, we all had a time where we just didn’t get along and we each had a turn at quitting the band. L: After everything has been settled, do you guys feel more secure as a band? Steve: Definitely! We are pretty tight now. Joel: Actually, I’m not totally sure we won’t have band problems. L: Originally Greg wasn’t in the band, he replaced Julio, do you mind telling us why Julio left? Bryan: He had a lot of personal problems and he couldn’t deal with pressures of being in the band. L: Are you satisfied with Greg. Greg: Of Course they are! I’m amazing. L: I know you guys are working hard at HeadBang Studios which is founded and operated by Zerek the drummer, when will we hear a complete album? Steve: Well it will be our demo so that will be ready in the summer of 2009. I had so much fun seeing I Am the Hitchhiker perform. They had an amazing show and they are all really cool people. To read the rest of the interview and see it live go on to the I Am the Hitchhiker Myspace band page. www.myspace.com/iamthehitchhiker

your life

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Sadieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sunny Day

............................................................ Christine Carroll Piech Christine@theweeklyreporter.com .........................................................

What happened to the snow? I looked out the window this morning and guess what? NO SNOW! And you know what else? It was warm out! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been cold for so long, but TODAYâ&#x20AC;Śit was really nice! So you know what Riley and I got to do? Be outside ALL dayâ&#x20AC;Ś AND our friends Lilo and Rico came to play with me and Riley! We were having such a good timeâ&#x20AC;Śuntil GOTTI messed up our fun! Gottiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VERY scary! He lives down the street from us and we all stay FAR away from him. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much bigger then us! We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even like walking by his house because he will growl and bark. So we just ignore him. And sometimes he comes by and teases usâ&#x20AC;Śheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just soooo mean. BUT TODAY! TODAY, he was a BIG bully! All of us were running around playing ball when we saw Gotti coming down the street. BOY! Did he look mad! Riley and Lilo said we should tell him to leave us alone. OH NO! Not me and Ricoâ&#x20AC;Śweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not real big and we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gonna say ANYTHING to Gotti! I knew he was coming to ruin our fun and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want that to happen. Rico and I thought we should pretend he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even there. So when he got close - we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even look at him! We just turned around like he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even there! Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stopped for a second (it felt like forever) but FINALLY he walked awayâ&#x20AC;ŚPhew! That was a close one! We went back to our game and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re having so much fun that we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even see Gotti coming back down the street! Uh-oh, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look happy! He came running into our yard! Barking REALLY loud! We all started to run â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FAST! But poor Ricoâ&#x20AC;Śheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so little â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get away as quick as the rest of us. Gotti chased him around the yard until Rico found a bush to hide behind. You know what Gotti did? He waited! He wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to leave! RICO! We have to help Rico! What should we do? â&#x20AC;&#x153;LEAVE HIM ALONE!â&#x20AC;? barked Riley. That surprised Gotti and he moved away â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but he went over to Riley! Riley was so brave. He stood up to Gotti and told him he was being mean. He asked him why he was picking on Rico and why he always had to bark at everybody. All of a sudden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gotti didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem as angry anymore â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he actually seemed sad. He told Riley he was sorry for always being rude â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to act like thatâ&#x20AC;Śhe was just hurt. HURT? How can anyone hurt Gotti? He said nobody ever asked him to play. Riley, Lilo, Rico and me play together all the time and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never asked Gotti to join us. He said his feelings were hurt and it made him mad. He felt really bad for scaring us...he never wanted us to be afraid of him. What he really wanted was to be friends with all of us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to ask. Hmmâ&#x20AC;ŚWe werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t very nice to Gotti either. Because he was big we figured he was mean â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so we never even tried to talk to him. You never know what someone is like if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take the time to get to know them. We asked Gotti to join our game and guess what? He was a lot of fun! And he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem big and scary anymore! Huh - you know what I learned? It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just the weather that turned out to be really nice today...so was Gotti â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our new friend!

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Down 1. Beeper 2. Ice house 3. Gist 4. Finish 5. Deli bread 6. Pancho ___ 7. Waterless 8. Knightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s title 9. Monarch or emperor 10. Repent 11. Select 12. Gillette product 13. Foe 21. Lyric poem 23. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ for the poorâ&#x20AC;?

25. Complete reversal (hyph.) 26. Pen part 29. Discontinue 30. Flog 31. Health club 32. Domestic swine 33. Caviar 34. Pipe problem 36. Hot pepper 37. Persian, e.g. 38. In the past 39. For each 44. Not us 46. Through 48. Gallery display 49. Bead

50. Tedium 51. Coral reef 52. Brooklynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ___ Island 53. Giant 54. Operate an airplane 55. Chute 56. Senior 58. Churn 59. Pocket bread 63. ___ juice (milk) 64. Hair goo 65. Epoch

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Answers on page 15

NEWS CONTINUED FROM FRONT >

Frankfort Township Assessor ... trusted in any situation. If such a person cannot be trusted, in small matters, he might also succumb to opportunities for corruption. On March 3, 2009 Paul Ruff showed a side of him to the public that some people have said exists but which could not be proven—until now. Two eye-witnesses say they saw Paul Ruff take property that did not belong to him. Paul Ruff visited a Gas City convenience store in Frankfort on Tuesday March 3rd between 7 and 8 am. He made an Illinois Lottery purchase and on his way out of the store Paul Ruff came upon 40 or 50 copies of The Weekly Reporter that were in that store for public distribution. Paul Ruff took every copy of The Weekly Reporter and removed them from the store. Two store employees observed him in the act. The store’s security tapes are being checked. This time Ruff has gone too far and taking newspapers that did not belong to him is something every voter ought to consider when he chooses an assessor. If someone is assessing your home and establishing how much you will pay in tax on that home you have every right to expect that person to be honest. You have a right to expect that person to be absolutely trustworthy. If you have the slightest reason to question that person’s honesty perhaps you need to re-consider whom you will select as your Township Assessor on April 7th. Taking newspapers that do not belong to you is criminal. If a little kid took a package of gum from that same Gas City convenience store it would be shoplifting. Fifty copies of The Weekly Reporter have a much greater value than a package of gum and even though they are given away they are very costly. The printing costs alone are great. Why might Paul Ruff take newspapers that did not belong to him? That particular issue contains two stories relating to events that are part of Paul Ruff ’s attempt to destroy his opponent’s chances of beating him in the election. If Paul Ruff took your copy of the newspaper you can view it on line at www.theweeklyreporter.com. There is a PDF version on line that will allow you to view the paper as if you had it in your hands. What Paul Ruff did was not only dishonorable it might make one wonder if he can be trusted at all. Between the questionable tactics used to keep his opponent Joe Kral off the ballot and now taking newspapers that he certainly knew were not his there is good reason to question his overall honesty. Paul Ruff did not respond to our request to speak with him. Election Day is April 7th—Vote! Think about this Mr. Ruff: Berkeley CA—Berkely Mayor Tom Bates, convicted of stealing 1,000 free newspapers from the Daily Californian stands… Mr. Ruff they say those concrete floors in Paul Kaupas’ jail are awfully hard to sleep on.

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Habitat For Humanity To Host Open Houses For Applicants JOLIET – Will County Habitat for Humanity will be looking for applicants willing to help build their new homes during a pair of open houses in March. The event will be held at noon on Saturday, March 14, at the Habitat office, 417 W. Taylor St., Suite 2W. Up to four qualifying families will be chosen for the “sweat equity” homes in

2009. Qualifications include: current living conditions are substandard, such as overcrowded, unsafe or unsanitary; a stable income that does not qualify for conventional loans; and a willingness to put in 350 hours of sweat equity to the family’s own and other Habitat homes. In addition, candidates must attend

two homebuyer education classes, make house payments promptly and maintain the home after closing. Applications must be picked up in person. For additional information about the open houses or the application process, call the Habitat for Humanity office at (815) 726-1880.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT >

Will Noak And Hassert Pick Romeoville Pockets? Former State Representative Brent Hassert was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1993. In November 2008 he was defeated when the voters elected Emily McAsey to replace him as the people’s representative for the 85th Legislative District. Hassert’s fifteen years of service make him eligible for a state pension so he will never go hungry. Mr. Hassert, as of February 9, 2009, had $217,831.68 in campaign funds. He owns a home in Romeoville’s Meadowdale on Birch Lane that is valued at more than $250,000. The Recorder’s Office said he prospered nicely from the sale of property he purchased from the IRS that had a tax lien on it. On or about February 22nd Brent Hassert asked the Village of Romeoville to hire him as a consultant for $36,000 per year. Keep in mind that the voters replaced Mr. Hassert, and you and they are paying Senator A.J. Wilhelmi and Representative Emily McAsey to represent you and Romeoville in Springfield. Brent Hassert has approached Mayor John Noak to be hired by Romeoville as a consultant. Where have we heard that word before? Although you are already paying two people to represent you, and although you said you did not want Brent Hassert to represent you

anymore in Springfield, he wants you to pay him anyway! Rumor says the Will Country Forest Preserve Board has hired him as a consultant to represent it. Then why not get rid of the people who are so incompetent they need Brent Hassert to do their jobs for them! How many times must taxpayers pay for the same services? This is nothing more than highpriced welfare. Perhaps Hassert will move on to Bolingbrook and ask to be their consultant, and then to Lockport, Joliet, and Shorewood and convince each of them to shell out $36,000 a year and he can lay back and collect his fat fee from each of them for doing what your State Senator and your State Representative is being paid to do. If, and that is a big if, Brent Hassert needs work he should apply to some of the big contributors to his campaign a few months ago such as the Southern Wine & Spirits Dist. PAC that gave him $10,000 ; TOC Enterprises of Elmhurst, $5,000; ABDI, PAC Springfield, $15,000; Chicago Auto Trade PAC, $5,000; ComEd $5,000; Exelon PAC $3,000; The Healthcare Council, $20,000; IPACE, Illinois Education Assn $40, 000; Illinois Federation of Teachers COPE, $22, 500; Illinois State Medical Society, $25,000; Local

150 I.U.O.E, $13,500; RPAX Realtors, $9,500. It goes on and on, $274,450 worth. Fred Hassert does not need free money. Anyone of those should be willing to give Brent a nice 9 to 5 job; but then, you have to work 9 am to 5 pm. As a consultant you may never have to do a day’s work for the rest of your life. You just say you did or perhaps you can lift a phone and speak with a friend. Nonsense! If you allow this to happen every official you vote out of office will pop up on the steps of your local administration building and ask to be paid monthly as a consultant for what you already pay two other people to do as a Senator and as a representative. You paid Brent Hassert nicely for every day, every year he represented you in Springfield. He will now get his nice comfortable pension. You, the taxpayers owe nothing to Brent Hassert. He did a good job; he was paid good to do it. You decided someone else could do that job better and you retired him, now you will pay Brent a pension for his good service. That is all he deserves, that is all he is entitled to and that is all he should get unless he looks for a job and lands one like the other folks do. He does not deserve a handout!

CONTINUED FROM FRONT >

Did Richard Kavanagh Unfairly Boot Bolingbrook Mom?! has not been available to answer a single question. He is alleged to be a close ally of Roger Claar. When Mathis challenged Bonnie’s nominating petitions Attorney Richard Kavanagh, a sworn officer of the court, claims that some yet unidentified person went to the County Clerk’s office and checked the 205 signatures on her petitions. Astonishingly he claimed that 42 signatures out of the 205 were not registered voters. Any voter registrar who has walked to encourage people to register to vote knows that is a phenomenal percentage of unregistered voters. Kavanagh claims the County Clerk certified that the names he provided to her are not registered voters. But, although Richard Kavanagh has a duty to provide those names to the person he is challenging, he refused to provide a list of the names to Bonnie! Every first-year law student knows how

wrong that is. Kavanagh represented the petitioner-objector, the burden of proof was always with him and he had to prove his case. If Bonnie Kurowski-Alicea is correct that Kavanagh refused to tell her which names were not registered voters and then asked the board to base its decision upon that list, it would surely seem that he was simply taking advantage of Bonnie who is not a lawyer. It would be an abuse of due process and a deliberate obstruction of Bonnie’s right to defend against the allegations. Bonnie is unsure if the names Kavanagh provided to the County Clerk actually came off the petitions. She believes they may not have because Kavanagh refused to allow her to see the names. Bonnie believes there has been some serious abuses done to prevent her from challenging Roger Claar. Bonnie believes the outcome of the hearing was predetermined by a board

composed of three Roger Claar supporters who are his close political teammates. They formed a new party with Roger Claar on February 12th two days after they kept Bonnie off the ballot. Bonnie is planning to file a complaint against Richard Kavanagh with the Illinois Supreme Court Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). Attorneys who violate the rules are subject to suspension or loss of license in cases of egregious wrong doing. Bonnie Kurkowski-Alicea will be running for Mayor on April 7th however voters will have to write her name in and blacken the oval to indicate she is a write-in candidate. She is urging voters to vote and to vote for her. Bonnie said someone has to bring an end to the Roger Claar era and bring good government to Bolingbrook. Bonnie said the citizens deserve it.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 >

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...Three Want Ethics Reform Gail Raucci the People First Party’s candidate for mayor said “Of course I would. What is going on is wrong and no one should be able to buy their way into doing business with any branch of government.” Appointed Mayor John Noak, the Romeoville United Party’s candidate has not been available by telephone so he was repeatedly sent emails to his party’s email address and also to his email address at the village hall. He has not answered any of our requests for his feelings on strong ethics legislation. It is noteworthy that firms

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employment news

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V o l . 2 I s s u e 11

First Midwest Bank looking for workers at March 19 event JOLIET â&#x20AC;&#x201C; First Midwest Bank will be looking for new employees during four group sessions on Thursday, March 19, at an event sponsored by the Workforce Services Division of Will County. The event will be held at the WSD office, fourth floor, 214 N. Ottawa St. The walk-in sessions will be held in one-hour increments, beginning at 9 a.m. and culminating with the final session starting at noon. First Midwest Bank will be looking for full- and part-time tellers, a parttime courier/mailroom clerk, safe deposit clerk, and a full-service banker. All positions require a high school diploma or GED, computer skills and cash handling experience. Some teller positions require experience. A college degree is preferred for the full-service

banker opening. All jobs are to be performed during banking hours. Job seekers should bring resumes with them. In an effort to provide a consistent time frame for job seekers, WSD has set aside Thursdays to host recruitment events. The intent is to feature a variety of businesses and employment agencies that are hiring for high demand occupations offering $12 an hour or more. More information on recruitment events or other services offered by the Workforce Services Division of Will County is available by calling (815) 727-4444 or going to www.jobs4people.org. Additional information on the positions at First Midwest Bank is available under job postings 100389 through 100394.

Need Extra Money? Be an Election Judge April 7th JOLIET - Will County Clerk, Nancy Schultz Voots needs Election Judges in specific areas of Will County for the April 7, 2009 Consolidated Election. Republican Judges are needed in the following areas: Bolingbrook, Beecher, Braidwood, Channahon, Crete, Elwood, Frankfort, Homer Glen, Lockport, Monee, Naperville, Wilmington and the east side of Joliet. Democratic Judges are needed in the following areas: Channahon, Green Garden,

www.tino4mokena.politicalgateway.com Paid for by Santino Lettieri

and Manhattan Townships. Election Judges are compensated for working on Election Day. We require Election Judges to attend a two-hour training class prior to serving. Please contact the County Clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office if you are interested at 815/7404617 or 815/740-4618. If you do not live in one of these areas and are willing to travel, we reimburse for mileage.

Unfair assessments or treatment that is almost fraudulent. FOR FAIR ASSESSMENTS. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FROM SKALETSKY & ASSOCIATES