The Weekly Reporter - April 9, 2009

Jol iet | Bol ingb rook | Romeovi l le | Home r Glen | Crest H i l l | Lock po r t | Pla in f ield | Sho rewood

w e e k l y r e p o r te r. c o m T h e We e k l y Re p o r te r B r e a k s T h e S i l e n c e ! A p r i l 9, 2 0 0 9 - A p r i l 15 , 2 0 0 9 Vo l . 2 I s s u e 15

Tino Lettieri-He Loves Mokena

Tino Lettieri Thanks Those Who Voted For Him ....................................................

Ralph LaPorte – rlaporte@theweeklyreporter.com

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Tino Lettieri knew from the beginning that he was facing really stiff opposition when he chose to go head to head with the incumbents for a seat as trustee. The odds were always against Lettieri but feisty as he is he was determined that no matter how unlikely it was that he would beat the sitting trustees he was going to make an efREAD MORE ON PAGE 14 >

Mayor John Noak

Mayor John Noak Wins By A Landslide ....................................................

John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

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John Noak can legitimately call himself Mayor now—he is no longer an appointee he won the mayoral election by soundly defeating three opponents heading three opposing parties.

Noak was able to use funds from his $100,000 war chest to smother the vilREAD MORE ON PAGE 14 >

Joe Kral Trounces Paul Ruff With 60% of the Vote neighbors that Kral was the victim of dirty tricks. Many others accused Ruff of improperly assessing their property.

Kral’s long uphill battle began with messages last October from a couple of local people who encouraged

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John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

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“I want to tell everyone thank you.

Thank you for your votes. Thank you for your confidence, and thank you to everyone who helped me win an unwinnable battle,” said a very grateful Joe Kral, a man who humbly expressed his gratitude to the public. He repeatedly expressed his thanks to all those who made it possible for him to win in the face of incredibly high odds.

Now that it is over you can call him Frankfort Assessor Joe Kral now. After an extraordinary effort to overcome the disability of not being on the ballot Joe Kral knocked on doors, shook hands and told his story to everyone and anyone who would listen to him. He asked them to write in his name on the ballot.

A disgruntled public, many of them upset with the tactics used by Paul Ruff to keep Joe Kral’s name off the ballot, complained pubNewly elected Assessor Joe Kral licly to the media and to their

Kral not to run against Paul Ruff. Kral, according to an affidavit on record, was offered a job if he would agree not to run for the office. That job offering allegedly came from Frankfort Township Supervisor and County Board Chairman James Moustis.

When Kral refused to quit, his nominating petitions were challenged by an unknown named Kent Brunner.

Brunner filed objections to Kral’s nominating petitions.

Testimony at a hearing headed by James Moustis proved that Paul Ruff, not Kent Brunner, paid for investigators who falsely claimed they were working for the township when they asked people if they had signed Kral’s petitions. One woman testified that she was tricked into signing a false affidavit for the investigators. Brunner’s attorney Patrick D. Burns would not say who paid his fee but it is assumed Ruff might have also paid the attorney costs.

Three of Paul Ruffs political friends, James Moustis, Marguerite McREAD MORE ON PAGE 14 >

She Put Up A Courageous Fight But the Odds Beat Her! Roger Claar wins by a wide margin! ....................................................

By Mark Goodson mgoodson@the weeklyreporter.com

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Bonnie Kurowski-Alicea, mom and Phd. battled against a strong incumbent to become the mayor of Bolingbrook but in the end Roger Claar and the strong support he has within the village proved to be enough to defeat her.

Bonnie and her supporters walked door to door shaking hands and asking for votes. They put up signs and banners.

As they put them up others would remove them. Even the police got in the act and ordered signs removed where Bonnie claimed they should have been allowed.

Mayor Roger Claar who has an enormous amount of money in his campaign chest proved to be an opponent who just was not going to be removed easily.

In addition to facing an opponent with money

and years in office Bonnie faced problems with election judges at the polling places in Bolingbrook. In a telephone conversation at noon on election day Bonnie said she had the State Police following her around to enforce the law. The State’s Attorney’s Office She fought the good fight, Bonnie Kurowski-Alicea

READ MORE ON PAGE 14 >

news Inside this Week ASK Lindsey............................................................................ 12 CLASSIFIED............................................................................... 15 CROSSWORD PUZZLE & SUDOKU......................................... 13 COMPANION CORNER............................................................ 11 employment news................................................................. 9 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 (815) 838-8205 General Emails should be sent to editor@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 Info info@theweeklyreporter.com Guest writers guests@theweeklyreporter.com

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John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer jgabriel@theweeklyreporter.com

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David L. Evans, 67, Dave to everyone who knew him, was a man of ideas, a man who never stopped caring for people, a man who loved his community and everyone in it. Dave had only one problem, he wanted to fix everything; he wanted to improve the situation of everyone who found it difficult to manage. Simply put, Dave Evans was a special person who shared the problems of many, who wanted to make life better for everyone—especially for those for whom life had been particularly difficult.

If you knew Dave you would surely have known that it was difficult at best to persuade him to change course once he had decided on a path he

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Dave Evans— An Irreplaceable Man wanted to travel. Too often he took the burden upon himself believing if the job was going to get done and get done right he was the one to do it.

That was not because he did not trust others to accept a challenge it was simply because he was a man of action, someone who preferred to get the job done as opposed to talking about it extensively.

Dave was recently elected to a seat on the Will County Board (Dist. 8).

He saw that as an opportunity to bring improvements to the eastside of Joliet an area that was special to Dave. It

Commonwealth Edison where he was an accountant and served on the Joliet District 86 Public School Board for 30 years. One of his favorite projects was the Annual Black Pride Parade. Dave was in charge of organizing the parade and although he said he was getting “too old to handle it” he continued to tackle the job each year with zeal.

A couple of years ago the parade was just about to get underway when there was an absolute cloud burst that drenched everyone. Dave was not going to let the rain spoil his parade and he remained out there calling for

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is sad that Dave was able to serve for only a short period of time. Had he been with us to serve for any extended period he would surely have brought some very special ideas and perhaps changes to the board’s vision and priorities.

He was a rock of a man in more ways than one. He was rock firm in his beliefs and firm in his commitments.

There was no deceiving Dave because he was clever and had the talent to see something from several points of view at one time. When he gazed at anyone and his face contracted into a smile it was clear that his mind was conjuring up mental ammunition that he was about to use in defense of his position.

Dave retired from

everyone to continue, even though it was hopeless. The parade, although it lost many to the rain that flooded the streets and soaked everyone there, went on as long as it was possible and Dave laughed heartily about it. He called out, “Come on don’t let a little rain scare you off !” That was Dave he just did not believe in giving up.

The world was a nicer place with Dave around and he and his ideas will be sorely missed by the countless friends he leaves behind. Dave passed away on March 25th. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where visitation was conducted on Thursday.

He was laid to rest in Elmhurst Cemetery on Friday April 3rd.

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Letters to the Editor

Can P/E Ratio Help You Make Smart Investment Choices? ................................................................

Mary Jo Ardizzone Maryjo.ardizzone@edwardjones.com Edward Jones | www.edwardjones.com ................................................................

Many stocks were pummeled by the long and severe market downturn. As a result, you can now find plenty of good, quality stocks selling at low prices. On the other hand, some companies belong to industries whose near-term future looks uncertain — and even though these stocks, too, may be inexpensive, they aren’t necessarily good deals. So, how can you tell the difference between good stocks selling at temporarily low prices and not-so-good stocks selling at deservedly low prices? One tool that may help you is the price/earnings ratio, or P/E. When looked at mathematically, P/E is a simple concept — it’s calculated by dividing the current stock price of a company by its earnings per share. So, for example, a stock that is now priced at $40 and has $2 of earnings per share will have a P/E of 20. Generally speaking, a stock’s P/E reveals how much in-

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You might have expected them to help while they were campaigning and to quit once the election was over. If you thought that you were wrong! The fine men and women who comprise the People First Party who have donated time to distribute food to those who need a helping hand during these difficult times will continue to help after the election is old history.

The food distribution effort is headed

by Woodie Stiltner a man who owns a trucking business that is feeling the economic squeeze as fewer products are being shipped. He has been assisted in Romeoville by Gail Raucci, Toni Castillo, Steve Spandonidis, Bobby Leach, Pattie Holloway and Morris Sparks, members of the People First Party.

Woodie says it is important to help people and just returned from delivering free food to Feed the Children in Nashville, Tennessee. On the turn-around he brought back a load of free books to be distributed by the Illinois Department of Corrections to inmates in that sys-

vestors are willing to pay per dollar of earnings. So, for the stock mentioned above, its P/E of 20 implies that investors are willing to pay $20 for every $1 of earnings that the company generates.

It follows, therefore, that the higher the P/E, the more “expensive” a stock is perceived as being.

Because the average P/E in the stock market has been around 15 over the past 50 years, one might say, in a broad sense, that a stock with a P/E of 20 is neither terribly expensive nor particularly cheap.

Overall, the P/E ratio is a typically a good indicator of a stock’s value — and a much better indicator than the price alone. To illustrate: A $20 stock with a P/E of 70 may actually be much more “expensive” than a $100 stock with a P/E of 20. As an investor, you’re paying much more for the future earnings of the $20 stock than you are for the earnings of the $100 stock. So, in the present-day situation, with the market still down so much, you might be able to use P/E to get a clearer sense of which stocks are really priced attractively and which ones are expensive, despite their

low market price.

Keep in mind, however, that a low P/E doesn’t automatically mean that a company is undervalued. One way of interpreting P/E is as a measure of the market’s optimism about a company’s growth prospects. So, if a company has a P/E that is lower than average, it could mean that the market has low expectations for this company.

Furthermore, just looking at a stock’s P/E in isolation can’t always tell you if it’s a good deal. For that, you also need to compare its P/E with other stocks in the same industry. That’s because some industries, such as utilities, typically have low P/Es, while others, such as technology, generally have higher ones.

As you can see, you’ll need to consider a few “wrinkles” in P/E before using it to evaluate whether a stock is priced attractively. Consequently, you may want to get some help from a financial advisor. But one thing to keep in mind: Right now, you can find attractive prices on quality stocks — and the correct use of P/E may well help you find the best ones.

tem.

Woodie joked that, “If we don’t begin getting some payloads we’ll soon be eating our give ways.”

Last year Woodie delivered 102 truckloads of food for people who need a helping hand. That amounted to about

there was a large turnout of people who came for a variety of foods that included fresh fruit and vegetables and even soda pop. They plan to continue to assist in the food distribution on a regular basis.

If you want to know when the next food distribution will take place you

By the end of the day they distributed an entire trailer of food.

5 million pounds of food to assist people who are feeling the pinch of a failed economy.

The People First Party has been regular participants in the food distribution in Romeoville on Saturday mornings.

Last Saturday was no different and

can contact Woodie at (630) 886-1553.

The warehouse is located at 2104 Oak Leaf St. Joliet. If you are in a position to donate funds or food you may call the same number. He does need public support to continue the program.

Domestic Violence In Bolingbrook?

I

wonder why nothing has been

done

to

address

the

problems

of domestic violence within the

Bolingbrook Police Department?

It is because they do not care about women!

There are two mothers (at least) that will never get to see their children grow up, that were married to a

There

Bolingbrook cop.

is so much corruption

within this department.

There

is so much corruption

Will County Court System as well, as these judges let within our

and continue to let so many women down who have been abused, and these women continue to be re-vic-

timized by our court system, that is supposed to protect them.

Please do not release my identity as I fear for my safety in this town.

Thank you for all you do to stand up for the truth.

CONFIDENTIAL

in

Bolingbrook

Lewis to Host Real Estate And Economy Discussion

ROMEOVILLE— Lewis University will be hosting a panel discussion on the effectiveness of the economic stimulus package and government bailouts as part of the Lowell Stahl Center for Real Estate Studies Speaker Series from noon- 1p.m.

April 21 in the Student Union Commons on the Lewis University main campus in Romeoville.

A panel discussion of real estate and banking experts is set to describe benefits of these programs and their effectiveness in helping individuals and the real estate industry.

The series is sponsored by the Lowell Stahl Center for Real Estate Studies, located on the Lewis University Oak Brook campus. The first panel discussion of the series was held in February. It focused on “Sustainable Building and Site Design: Saving the Planet and Saving your Wallet.”

More information about the speaker series or the Lowell Stahl Center for Real Estate Studies is available by contacting Scott Krafthefer at krafthsc@lewisu.edu or 630-573-

1740.

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The Dirty Tricks Must End—

So I’m Fighting Back Believing She Was Victimized She Files ARDC Complaint ................................................................

By Ralph LaPorte rlaporte@theweeklyreporter.com

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When Christopher Mathis of Bolingbrook filed formal objections to the nominating petitions of Bonnie Kurowski-Alicea to be on the ballot to run for mayor, she waged a strong fight for her rights despite the fact that she is not an attorney.

Nevertheless, Bonnie had to go head to head with an experienced Attorney and the Chairman of the Will County Republican Central Committee Richard Kavanagh. She has filed a lawsuit against the members of the Bolingbrook Electoral Board that kept her name off the April 7th ballot as a result of the objections filed by Christopher Mathis. An amended complaint also names Christopher Mathis as a defendant.

Attorney Scott Skaletsky of Chicago

filed the suit on behalf of Bonnie and has advised her not to discuss the case with anyone. The Weekly Reporter did obtain a copy of the complaint she has filed against Attorney Richard Kavanagh that is a distinct issue apart from the lawsuit.

Bonnie Kurowski-Alicea has been occupied with the April 7th Election and put making a complaint against Kavanagh on the backburner so she could concentrate on her campaign.

Now, with the campaign behind her she will file a complaint with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), a division of the Illinois Supreme Court, on Friday. Her complaint is supported by a transcript of the proceedings that she purchased from CONTINUED ON PAGE 15>

McGuire, Fellow Treasurers Discuss Help For Homeowners ................................................................ info@theweeklyreporter.com

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Joliet, IL April 2, 2009 --- Will County Treasurer Pat McGuire and ten other northern Illinois treasurers met Wednesday, April 1 in Joliet to discuss how to help financially hard-pressed homeowners.

McGuire and his staff hosted the

spring meeting of Illinois County Treasurer’s Association Zone IV at Joliet Junior College’s City Center Campus, 214 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. The assembled treasurers, representing Illinois’ largest counties including Du Page, Lake, Kane, and Will, came from as far as Mt. Carroll.

Helping homeowners wracked by the current economic crisis was the #1 topic discussed. “Deputy treasurer Michael Steward outlined our office’s work identifying local, state, and federal agencies able to give budget advice and financial assistance to Will County families,” McGuire said. “We then heard what’s working in other counties. We’ll begin recommending those remedies to Will County families.”

McGuire encourages Will County property owners seeking help to visit www.willcountytreasurer.com and click on “Financial Education,” “Free Financial Counseling,” “Getting Through Tough Financial Times,” and “Letter to Taxpayers.” Property owners also may call Steward at (815) 740-4692.

First Midwest Bank was a major sponsor of the meeting. Other sponsors were Charter One, Amalgamated Bank, and Joseph Meyer & Associates. Additional educational topics and a Zone IV business meeting completed the agenda.

McGuire is secretary-treasurer of ICTA Zone IV.

Living Wills Protect You at All Ages, Stages of Life (ARA) - “People act as if death is contagious. It’s not contagious, you know.

Death is as natural as life,” so said Morrie Schwartz in the 1997 best-seller by Mitch Albom, “Tuesdays with Morrie.”

The popular biography made death seem almost accessible given Morrie’s comfort level talking about it.

Yet, most people still avoid the topics of death and dying.

Among living creatures, awareness of one’s own mortality is a uniquely human experience. And, for most people, it is not easy to discuss. While some may be afraid to talk about death, most do not want to be a burden to loved ones and would prefer to see their wishes followed in the event of a significant health status change or even a catastrophic event. Yet more than two-thirds of the adult population does not have a living will or other advance directive Older adults are more likely to use ad-

care agent, doctor, hospital, and clinic or managed care plan. You do not have to put specific wishes in your advance directive document if you aren’t sure of your wishes in the face of future unknown. But it is vitally important to appoint a healthcare agent or proxy -someone who will follow your wishes in the event that you can no longer speak for yourself. Appointing that agent and having the conversation about your preferences are important steps toward peace of mind.

The American Bar Association has a 10-point toolkit for consumers that helps make the process easier to navigate. And the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization provides state-specific forms for use. Experts recommend reviewing advance care planning documents at critical life stages, including the “5 Ds” -- every new Decade of your life, after the Death of a loved one, after a Divorce, after any significant Diagnosis and after any significant Decline in functioning.

National Healthcare Decisions Day

vance directives which are documents that give instructions about health care or appoint someone to make medical treatment decisions, but young people have as much at stake when they have not expressed their preferences. If stricken with a serious disease or accident, medical technology combined with the lack of clear direction may mean they are kept alive against their wishes.

If you are considering your own advance directive, it is essential to write your wishes and preferences down on paper, and then have a meaningful conversation with your family members and doctor. By putting everything in writing, you ensure that the information is available to your appointed health

(NHDD) Initiative on April 16, is part of collaborative effort of national, state, and community organizations committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their healthcare decisions.

Whether younger, middle-aged or older, responsible adults benefit from making their own advance care plans.

And while it is a difficult discussion, talking to family, friends, doctors and your lawyer makes your wishes clear.

An advance directive can assure that those wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are spared potentially agonizing decisions.

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

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Lockport

Chamber of Commerce

Business Expo & Health Fair

Surprise Job Opportunity: Demand at Day Spas Grows Despite Recession ................................................................info@ theweeklyreporter.com

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(ARA) - With high unemployment rates and a wide-spread recession, you might think jobs in a “luxury” industry would be in short supply. Yet many day spas have actually seen an increase in demand, and need qualified massage therapists, yoga instructors and other professionals to keep pace with business.

Penny-pinching Americans may not be willing to spend extra on some luxuries or comfort items, but a trip to the day spa can be seen as making sense for both economic and health reasons, points out Debbie Bates, a massage therapy and spa instructor at Everest College in Fife, Wash. People who once took long vacations and bought big-ticket luxury items are cutting back, but still want to feel like they are treating themselves.

“We find that many people have started indulging in affordable luxuries like massages and yoga,” Bates says. “Day spas aren’t competing with the local beauty parlor. A trip to the spa is seen as a luxury good, like a two-week vacation or diamond bracelet. But compared to a cruise or expensive jewelry, a 90-minute massage is a real bargain.”

There are well over 14,500 spas in the U.S, with about 80 percent of those being day spas, according to the International Spa Association’s 2007 estimates.

With many day spas experiencing increased demand, qualified salon and spa professionals are needed.

Demand for massage therapists is expected to grow by 20 percent through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Money Magazine lists

massage therapy among its top 20 careers. Demand for spa professionals has been growing for a while.

The industry has boomed since 1999, and 53 percent of salon owners had job openings in 2006, hiring nearly half a million new employees, according to a 2007 report commissioned by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Despite industry changes, the future of the salon and spa industry is strong, and demand for experienced employees still exceeds supply at many day spas, the commission found.

Another factor driving increased demand at spas is the public perception of spas’ emphasis on overall wellness, Bates says. “Spas are not simply places for ‘pampering.’ Rather, they promote health and wellness. They really focus on helping clients relax and manage their stress.”

Americans’ stress levels have been rising for years. In fact, a 2004 APA survey found that 73 percent of Americans cited money concerns as the top factor affecting their stress level. “When times are tough, finding the right way to relax

might be the best thing you can do for your health,” Bates says.

“Some see massage as a luxury, but in our Massage Therapy program at Everest Institute, we really emphasize how massage promotes overall wellness and can be an essential part of a healthy lifestyle,” says Erin Murphy, who also teaches massage and spa therapy at Everest College in Fife. She says that professionals find that even when times are tough economically, clients keep coming back for their massages because they know it’s essential to mental and physical health.

“There is no doubt that the recession is going to affect all sectors of our economy, but we have seen that the spa industry is quite resilient,” Murphy says.

To learn more about preparing for career opportunities in the day spa industry, visit www.Everest.edu.

The Lockport Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Business Expo andHealth Fair on Saturday, April 18th at the Lockport Township High School East Campus from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. You can enjoy food from local restaurants, have the opportunity to win door prizes, and get a close look at local businesses and their services.

There will be freebies.

Life Source Blood Centers will hold a blood drive in the Community Room.

There will be informative seminars throughout the day. The seminar/ demonstration schedule is 10:30 – “Bio-Feedback and Stress Management” by Natural Family Health Care; 11:00 – Golf Pro presents “Introduction to Golf –Learning the Basics” by Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club; 11:30 – “Home Maintenance, Safety and Energy” by Mr. Handyman; 12:00 Jazzercise; 12:30 “Golf Conditioning Program geared towards reducing the risk of serious injury and help to improve strength, flexibility, body awareness, and coordination by TheraCORE Physical

Therapy; 1:30 “The revolution of non-surgical disc repair” by Chicago Spine Institute; and 2:00 Jim Nesci Cold Blooded Creatures sponsored

by Verse One and Natural Family Health Care.

The Will County Sheriff ’s Office will offer a car seat safety check in the parking lot throughout the expo. The Lockport Police Department will offer fingerprinting/DNA Kits.

There will be family activities at the business expo. Children of all ages can be creative with P & J Kids Art Loft at the craft table. They can create paper puppets, bookmarks, masks, paper sun catchers, pictures and design I spy. Included in the myriad of entertainment will be clowns, face painting, balloons, and cartoon characters. Dino Jump will be available in a play area.

Wal-Mart will present prizes to the winner of a Coloring Contest. For more information contact Mary Kay Campbell at 815-838-3357 or visit the chamber website at www.lockportchamber.com.

Thursday

April 12th &19th

10:00am View - 10:30am Sale

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Election Is Behind Us But

New Ethics Laws Are Still A Must ....................................................

By Mark Goodson mgoodson@theweeklyreporter.com

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You can sit back happy or sad that the election is over but being a good citizen, caring about your community is a daily chore. It is too important to leave it entirely in the hands of those you elected to serve you.

A good boss is a firm boss who respects those he supervises but in order to be a good boss you must see that the job gets done and that it gets done the way it ought to be done.

You are the boss in your town. That’s right you! Not the mayor you elected or the trustees, you are the boss. They work for you, you pay their salaries and their benefits and you have a right to

demand that they do the job the way you want it done.

That means you have a right to demand ethical performances from those you elected and you must demand strict ethics laws from the State legislature who also works for you. You have a State Senator and a State Representative you elected to go to Springfield on your behalf to do your bidding.

They will do what they believe is best for you unless you let them know what they need to do for you.

How do you do that? You write to your Senator or your Representative and tell them how you feel on certain issues. It is up to you to send letters, emails, or make telephone calls to let them know what is important to you and how you wish them to vote on pending issues. It is all about you— they work for you—they are your employees and don’t let them forget it.

Strict new ethics laws that prohibit companies from contributing to the election campaign funds of those who govern our villages, cities, townships or counties must be enacted. We must not allow “pay to play politics” in Illinois. It must end. Those who have large sums of money to use to corrupt our officials must be stopped. We must restore our tarnished state image and it begins at the local level, right where you live.

No company should be permitted to pay to do business with your village, your city, your township or with your county. Companies who do business with local governments ought to be reducing the amount they are charging your local government for whatever it is they sell or services they provide, instead of dropping thousands of dollars into political war chests.

The $50,000 or $100,000 companies ar willing to donate to politicians for the privilege of doing business with your community could be used to reduce taxes and ease the burden on taxpayers instead of paying to find favor with an official you are paying to do an honest job.

Don’t let your community suffer a Rod Blagojevich experience. Don’t let your mayor or your trustees become a public embarrassment to your town.

Insist that your Senator and your State Representative support strong new ethics laws that will put an end to companies buying their way into the taxpayer’s pocketbooks.

If you need the address of your Senator or Representative you can call the Will County Clerk’s Office at (815) 740-4615 or go to www.willclrk.com.

Click on elected officials and you will see a PDF form of the County directory. The information on Senators and Representatives is located in chapter two.

Ralph La Porte rlaporte@theweeklyreporter.com

All Out for Victory - The Mieure Family, Nine Men Served in WW2 ................................................................. info@theweeklyreporter.com .................................................................

Nearly 987,000 men and women from Illinois served in World War II. It was not entirely uncommon for multiple members of the same family to be serving our country at the same time.

The following story about a family from a small community in southeastern Illinois is an incredible example of going “All Out for Victory”.

Nine men from the Mieure family of Sumner, Illinois served in World War II. Five of the men (Hubert, Harold, Gerald, John, Eugene) were sons of Mr. and Mrs. Garl Mieure and four (Raymond, Delbert, Leslie, George) were sons of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Mieure. The men’s fathers, Gus and Garl, were brothers.

Hubert enlisted in the Air Corps at Chanute Field and was sent to training until August of 1941. He was then transferred to Biloxi, Mississippi and served as a technical sergeant at Keesler Field. Harold and Gerald (identical twins) were first cooks with Co. L National Guards at

Lawrenceville and were transferred to Camp Forrest, Tennessee in March of 1941. Harold and Gerald actually followed each other when their unit was sent to Europe and were never more than 10-15 miles apart. John enlisted in the Army Air Corps at Chanute Field in 1939. He was transferred to Hamilton Field, California, then to Fort Douglas, Utah. From there he was sent to Honolulu and ultimately served in Australia. Eugene enlisted at Chanute Field in August of 1940 and was transferred to Glendale California and served as a clerk in the Army Services head quarters.

Raymond enlisted in the Marines in Chicago approximately seven years before the war began and served as a sergeant in the First Parachute Battalion. He was in China and the Philippines.

Delbert enlisted in the Air Corps at Chanute Field in April of 1941. Leslie was in the Army with the Co. L Reserves and then was assigned to the 130th Infantry at Camp Forrest where his cousins, Harold and Gerald were assigned. George was in the Air Corps and was assigned to Keesler Field in Biloxi, Mississippi, where his cousin, Hubert was assigned.

All nine men returned safely to their families when the war was over.

Everybody Loves Spaghetti, Come and Get it! ................................................................. info@theweeklyreporter.com .................................................................

The Ladies Auxiliary of Post 5788 VFW in Lockport reminds you that Thursday April 16th is the third Thursday of the month and that means spaghetti time. Remind your family and friends that the girls will be working hard to put out another great spaghetti dinner for everyone to enjoy at 1026 East Ninth Street in Lockport.

If you haven’t tried spaghetti at the VFW Post 5788 you don’t know what you are missing. Give mom a KP break, round up the kids and head for the post where Ann Karkut and all the great girls will be working hard to give you and your family a great meal at a great

price so you can have a great time.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet up with old friends or neighbors and just shoot the breeze over a delicious meal that will go easy on your pocketbook. Adults still eat for only $5, youngsters five through twelve get away for $ 3, and the lucky little ones under five eat for free!

Meatballs at still only $1 and it is an all you can eat dinner!

If you have put off going out to eat because of the economy this is a great chance to forget about finances for a while and treat yourself and your family to a really fun time at the VFW where you know you will be welcomed by friendly Lockport faces. Dinner is served from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

news

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8

Our Popularity Continues to Grow and Grow The Weekly Reporter has always valued the number of telephone calls and letters we receive from our readers. Soon, however, the number of emails we received surpassed the number of letters and calls combined. That’s fine, we don’t care how you do it we just love hearing from you.

When The Weekly Reporter went on line last year with its own web site we did not get many hits at first and we seldom had anyone use the contact us section where readers can send a message directly to our office. But each month the number of on line readers has increased and during March The Weekly Reporter reached an all time high getting 8,662 hits on the webpage.

That means we can count an additional 8,662 readers to our readership which as far as we can estimate probably places us second to the daily Herald News in distribution for the area we service. But it is you who deserve the hurrah because it is you who wait patiently for the latest issue each Thursday. It is you who have patronized our advertisers who bring

The Weekly Reporter to you.

We actually have people who standby waiting for the paper each week and we love every one of them. If your local business does not receive a supply of The Weekly Reporter each week you might suggest that they call us and we will deliver to them at no

charge—totally free.

A loud round of applause must go to our really great artist Shirley Sciarratti who does such a really good job each week and who is responsible for our web site.

We thank each and every reader and hope you will check out our web site where you can view not only past articles but the entire Weekly Reporter just as it was printed each week.

WILHELMI SUPPORTS ECONOMIC STABILITY

LEGISLATION Springfield, IL- State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) helped pass today legislation bringing jobs back to Illinois and allowing the State to pay its Medicaid bills on time.

Currently, there are approximately 600,000 people in Illinois who are without employment. The $8 billion package will bring jobs throughout the state immediately. Despite the State experiencing an economic downturn, the Senate was able to vote on the package at no cost to Illinois taxpayers. Along with creating jobs, the package will secure Illinois’ allotment of $6.7 billion in federal stimulus dollars.

“We promised that we will bring jobs READ MORE ON PAGE 16 >

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

employment news

New Unemployment Numbers Hit 11th District Halvorson Emphasizes Commitment to Finding Jobs, Helping Veterans ....................................................

Column by Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (IL-11)

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

The Illinois Department of Employment Security recently published unemployment numbers for Illinois metropolitan areas including the 11th district – and as expected, we saw another increase. While some parts of our district - such as the Bloomington-Normal area have experienced only small increases in unemployment rates, many of our other communities are among the highest.

For instance, the report shows the Kankakee-Bradley area with a 3.3% increase in the jobless rate, bringing unemployment to 12%. It also classified the Joliet and Naperville areas as part of metropolitan Chicago jobless numbers, which are up 9% from 5.6% in Feb. 2008. The increase in jobless numbers are also being felt at state and national levels, which is why we are working hard at the federal level to address these and other unemployment issues.

The good news is that stimulus dollars and grant funding are helping to create job opportunities in Illinois. In fact, the district could see an estimated 8600 new jobs in the near future. And while I admit we don’t have all the answers yet, I’m committed to working with others to continue seeking solutions that best serve the interests and needs of the 11th District. Our children and grandchildren are depending on it!

While I’m hopeful that unemployment numbers will shrink, I’m equally as troubled by a new report out this week that shows an 11.9% increase in unemployed veterans during the month of February.

Our Afghanistan and Iraq veterans are getting hit hard, especially those between the ages of 20- and- 24. This group reached a 15% jobless rate in February as well. What bothers me is that these are the men and women who put their lives on the line for us, making these veteran unemployment numbers unacceptable on many levels.

Although current statistics show a tough job market after military service, there is determination at the federal level to do more for our veterans regarding these and other issues. One benefit that invites jobs for veterans is available through the

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9

Have a Job To Offer?

Need A Job? We Want to Help ................................................................ info@theweeklyreporter.com

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

More and more Will County residents are finding themselves without work. This is our community we are friends and neighbors; good neighbors help one another. Beginning next week The Weekly Reporter will offer free classified ads to companies that have jobs to offer. The ads will be a standard one-column inch ad but exceptions will be made if the ad offers other than usual opportunities to the applicants.

Each ad will run free for one week.

If the position goes unfilled we will run it again at no cost. The company must email mail us to ask that an ad be run a second time. There are some qualifications: The company must offer the job free of charge. If the applicant must pay a fee or a charge for obtaining the job the company will not be allowed to participate.

Unlicensed home based sales jobs do not qualify. The company must have a

recently passed stimulus package. It includes a $2400 per-person credit for employers who hire unemployed veterans in 2009 and 2010. In addition, Labor Department career centers are now provide priority services for veterans, the HireVetsFirst (www.hirevetsfirst.gov/website) is offering assistance and more veterans are receiving preference in some government positions.

As we continue to work on resolving the very difficult economic issues facing us as a district and as a nation, it is clear that it may take awhile before unemployment numbers make a strong turn upward. Last year, the House helped to make that turn when it established the Wounded Warriors Project (www.woundedwarriorproject. org) – a program that offers employment opportunities to the wounded and disabled veterans. Recently the House took another step in the right direction by passing the GIVE ACT, a piece of legislation that received my strong support. This Act includes the creation of the Veterans Engaged for Tomorrow (VET) Corps (www.politics4all.com/ bills/111HR1401) - a group that promotes service opportunities to veterans and retired military.

While jobless numbers have increased for vets and non-vets alike, it is important to know that I’m committed to working hard for job creation and decreasing unemployment in the 11th district. As your Congresswoman - and as a military mom, I’m also dedicated to finding a fair and equitable agenda for veterans when it comes to workforce education. As the only Illinois representaBoardwalk tive serving on the House Veteran Affairs CommitFinancial tee and with the creation of the 11th District VeterGroup ans Advisory Committee, I look forward to working on Leecourt Consulting these and other issues affecting unemployment and 630.986.5967 ext102 job growth – and I sincerely hope you’ll work with me as well.

Please feel free to go to my website for more information on issues affecting the 11th district at http:// halvorson.house.gov/.

B

physical presence in Illinois and may not be an offer to engage in internet businesses, envelope stuffing, or other similar offers that require investments.

Construction, repair, mechanics, industrial jobs, drivers, barbers, salons. cooks, dishwashers, restaurant help, cashiers, or department stores including the major chain stores and government agencies. This is not an offering to place a free business ad for your company, it is an opportunity to bring those who are seeking work together with companies who have jobs for them. It is in the best interest of everyone to help our neighbors get back to work.

All offerings must be non-discriminatory and open to all who qualify.

We welcome you to participate. We reserve the right to refuse service to those who do not qualify. Contact us with a complete job description, company name, address, and telephone number. Email info to jobs@theweeklyreporter.com.We are people helping people.

BUSINESS OWNERS Stated Unsecured Business Loans

GET UP TO 25K IN UNSECURED FINANCING FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN AS LITTLE AS 5 DAYS!! www.boardwalkfinancialgroup.net

SOMETHIN’S COOKIN

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10

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

Potatoes Pack a Hearty Punch ...............................................................

Ara Content - info@theweeklyreporter.com

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

(ARA) - It’s no secret that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America, where one in every three Americans is at high risk, according to the American Heart Association. Sadly, most people don’t know about the risk.

If that thought doesn’t get your heart pumping, this will: Potassium, like that found in potatoes, may help lower diastolic blood pressure. Potatoes with skin are a good source of potassium, a nutrient that can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and promote heart health. In fact, a recent study from Deakin University found that increased potato consumption was associated with a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, likely due to the potassium content of potatoes.

Potassium is an electrolyte that’s necessary to keep a normal balance of water inside and outside of the body’s cells. It also plays an essential role in nerve stimulation and the contraction of muscles, including the heart muscle.

Take it to heart Simple lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy body weight and choosing foods that are a good source of potassium and that are low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

“When I want to do something good for my heart -- I reach for potatoes,” says Devin Alexander, host of Healthy Decadence with Devin Alexander. “Research indicates that keeping weight down and eating a diet high in potassium is important to heart health. As a good source of potassium that is naturally fat-free and contains only 110 calories, potatoes fit the bill.”

One medium potato with the skin contains 620 mg of potassium. That’s 18 percent of your daily requirement.

In fact, potatoes rank highest for potassium among the top 20 most frequently consumed raw vegetables and the top 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits

-- yes, even more than bananas.

As an added benefit, diets high in potassium-rich fruits and vegetables may also help maintain lean body mass and bone-mineral density as we age, according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

So, how do you perk up your basic potato? * Add spicy salsa and low fat sour cream * Top it with vegetarian chili and sprinkle with low fat shredded cheddar cheese * Make it Italian with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese * Steam vegetables with olive oil and herbs and perch them on top * “Repurpose” last night’s rotisserie chicken; add sautéed, diced onions and peppers for a fajita potato Or take it a step further with easy, one-dish potato wonders from your microwave, like Microwave Mashed Potatoes: Ingredients: 4 medium russet, yellow-flesh or white potatoes or 6 to 8 small red potatoes Milk Butter Salt and pepper Directions: 1. Wash potatoes, do not puncture potato skin 2. Place potatoes into either a microwave steam bag or into a microwavesafe dish with lid or with plastic wrap cover. Note: If using plastic wrap, poke one small hole in cover to vent.

2. Microwave for 9 minutes on high (cooking time may vary depending on microwave).

3. Add milk, butter, salt and pepper to your taste, mashing until desired consistency is reached (for best results, add milk and butter, and then microwave for one more minute). Leave the skin on to enjoy all the wonderful color and nutrients, like potassium, fiber and vitamin C.

YOUR LIFE

At Age 13 He Is An Accomplished Musician And A World Traveler. ...............................................................

By Larry Randa Former Publisher of The Herald-News

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

But Jane Addams Middle School eighth-grader Sandeep Bharadwaj doesn’t consider himself a professional even though he has recorded two CDs and played in dozens of concerts from Chicago to India.

“I’m still learning. I’m not that great yet,” Sandeep said. “I will get a lot better.”

Sandeep is a violinist. Not just your ordinary run-of-the-mill violinist…a traditional Indian Carnatic music violinist.

“The instrument is the same,” he said.

“The music and notations are different.”

On April 8 he will play the Violin at the Chicago Cultural Center, something he’s done before. Three days later he’ll be presenting a Homage Concert to the Great Indian Doyen of Carnatic Music Shri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer as a torch bearer of Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana Sustaning Sampradayam group comprising of mostly older musically-gifted youngsters from throughout North America in Cleveland State University’s annual Easter weekend music celebration event.

And he’ll be back at Cleveland State April 16 after being selected following a nationwide talent search to play in a concert conducted by Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana.

The son of Sundaravalli Shankar and Shankar Srinivasan, Sandeep was born in India but moved to the United States when he was barely one. He and his family moved to Bolingbrook in second grade.

He took up the violin seven years ago.

“My mom wanted me to have some talent on the side in addition to my academics so she put me in that,” said Sandeep who has gotten straight A’s his entire school. “Playing has helped me learn a little more about my heritage too.”

Sandeep’s bio reads like that of a famous music artist. (By the way, it can be found on his own website: www.sandeepbharadwaj.com.)

• World record holder for being the youngest non-Indian releasing a Carnatic Music Album and for performing concerts at the prestigious Chennai Music Season at age 12 • Winner of the Yuva Shree Kala Bharati Award at age 13 • Winner of numerous violin and vocal carnatic music competitions • Inducted into the prestigious Issai

Mazhalai group at age 12 • Represented India at the World Music festival • Recognized for his achievements in Carnatic Music by Shri Annamacharya Project of North America, Telugu Association of Greater Chicago and Challengers Academy World Cup India • Has accompanied leading Carnatic Musicians from India.

• Presented concerts in sabhas in India including Narada Gana Sabha, Mylapore Fine Arts, Thyaga Bharma Gana Sabha and many more.

• Regularly performs charity shows during major religious festivals at temples and not-for-profits throughout the United States.

And in his spare time, Sandeep recorded his first CD, a solo with drum accompaniment, while in India.

“My mom came up with the idea. I like it and it just materialized,” he said.

The CD can be purchased through his website.

His second CD, a live recording of one of his performances at the Chicago Cultural Center, is now being sold mainly through various Traditional Indian Music organizations and can be purchased through his website.

Sandeep uses the money from CD sales to help offset lessons with his teacher Jayshankar Balan who lives in Detroit.

“There are no teachers for me around here so I have to go there to learn,” Sandeep said. “That’s a lot of expense.”

The young man might want to consider saving some of the income from CD sales because he has some pretty steep tuition bills ahead of him.

“I want to be a cardiologist,” said Sandeep. “I hope to have my music as a side hobby.”

For now, short of heading downtown to Sandeep’s next concert at the Chicago Cultural Center, the best way for local fans to catch a performance is to show up at the Jane Addams Junior National Honor Society induction ceremonies.

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11

Attitude Counts In Dog Training ...............................................................

Courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com ...............................................................

Nothing more critical to the success of dog training than the owner’s attitude. The mindset of the trainer is more important than the equipment purchased, the exact system used, or the breed of dog involved. Nothing can destroy the likelihood of effective training more quickly than an owner with the wrong outlook on the training process.

Dogs naturally crave and enjoy human companionship. When their human companions approach them in the right way, they are particularly receptive to learning and develop a strong desire to act in a manner that will please their master. When the owner is pleasant, the dog will be pleasant. When the owner is excited about teaching, the dog will most likely be excited about learning. Dogs can often reflect the attitudes and dispositions of their owners, a fact that must be kept in mind during training.

So, what is the right attitude to bring to dog training? Owners should strive to maintain a positive perspective at all times and should strive for a mood that makes the process fun for both the dog and the trainer. Failure to approach training with such an attitude risks disaster. The proper attitude and perspective is a necessary prerequisite to training success.

The owner should be positive. A positive perspective, of course, works in conjunction with any quality training method. Effective training requires positive reinforcement, and that kind of praise and affection is best administered by someone who generally presents a positive attitude. Training ought to be filled with compliments, encouragement and praise. Those rewards, which are the key component to training, are more likely to be appropriately and effectively administered by a trainer with a positive disposition.

Trainers should recognize that they can manage to be both firm and friendly at the same time. It is not necessary to affect an angry or severe tone during the training process. A softer tone with a serious “bite” is more than enough. When praising and instructing, the owner must remember to use a very friendly and happy voice. The

dog will respond knowing his owner enjoys their interaction so much and will be very motivated to learn as a result.

The trainer must always remember that dog training is supposed to be fun.

It should be fun for the trainer and just as much fun for the pet. The idea is to make the training process as exciting and enjoyable for the pet as possible.

By making the process a treat, the dog will be especially motivated to perform.

Too often training becomes nothing more than a mandatory task. The owner does not relish the opportunity to spend time with his or her dog. The dog understands this and does not get excited at the prospect, either. In worse cases, training becomes an undesirable chore. The negative disposition and attitude of the owner is sensed clearly by the dog and mirrored. Training progress stalls, frustration sets in, and CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >

YOUR LIFE

Dear Lindsey: We have a neighbor who is really old. I don’t know how old but I know she is older than my grandmother and she’s old. I see Mrs. Sweeney all the time she comes out to spend time in her yard and she picks up small paper or things that blow on her lawn. My mom’s friends told us sometimes she runs out of food but she won’t tell no one because she is too proud. She used to have a family but they all died before her.

I want to help her but my mom says Mrs. Sweeney might be offended if I took groceries to her even though she needs them. Got any ideas?

Dear Got Any Ideas: I sure do! I have an idea you are simply a really super person. You sound like you might be a teen and I really think it is great that you are so sensitive and wise. If the lady is proud as you say you might knock on her door one day with some cupcakes on a plate. Since she knows you just tell her you just cooked them and you were going to have some with milk but you don’t like to eat alone. Explain that mom is busy and you are home alone.

Ask her if she would share them with you and chat for awhile. That will break the ice and during your visit with her you might explain that you often have a little extra and would like to share it with her. Explain that it is terrible to waste food when so many folks in the world have so much less than WE HAVE. If you put it that way you will open the door for her to accept the food not because she needs it but because it is better to share than to waste. Old as you say she is she will appreciate that and I’ll bet she will welcome the chance to get something extra to eat. Later as you know her better you can try bringing some small items to her and just increase it as she becomes comfortable with accepting food from you. Just remember to respect her dignity.

Dear Lindsey: I usually read your column when I get my sister after work. She works in dental office.

The trouble is lots of times there are no more papers and sometimes somebody took your column out of the one that is left. Can I order the paper?

Dear Order the Paper: The Weekly Reporter is delivered to 550 businesses in the area. In most places the papers disappear quickly. If people are taking the paper from the dental office that is fine that is why they are delivered to businesses. You can be sure to get a copy by having your sister call our office for more copies each week or she can ask the delivery person to leave more. We are happy to provide additional copies where they are needed. You could also ask your sister to put a copy aside for you each week and you will always have your own. You can also go to the internet and view the paper on line each week. The Thursday paper is on the web by Friday and you can click on the PDF button to view the paper just as if you had it in your hands. www.theweeklyreporter.com. Thanks for being a fan.

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College ......................................................

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

We are now in the month of April; which means High school graduation is around the corner. Many teens plan to go to college, but don’t manage to have the financial stability to attend the University of their Dreams.

In today’s economy it seems as if many teens will have to unfortunately delay their plans and save money to pursue their dream career.

ACLU Goes to Bat For Teens Accused of Pornography ................................................................

John Gabriel, Award Winning Writer info@theweeklyreporter.com

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

The American Civil Liberties Union sued to prevent a Wyoming County Pennsylvania prosecutor from charging three teenage girls with child pornography after they allowed themselves to be photographed partly clothed. The photos were taken with cellphones.

The issue involves a teenage trend to send nude or partially nude photos with their cellphones or unloading

12

Lisandra Bernadet / WR

There are always grants, student loans, scholarships, and financial aid. But most of the time it is never enough when tuition prices rise drastically every year.

To be considered for a state grant, which is money given to a student for college tuition, your parents must make under a certain amount of money a year. If the college see on parent’s W2’s that they earn a decent amount of money annually, the college will not approve the grant.

The whole process of receiving a state grant is very difficult. It upsets many families because the colleges do not take into consideration that

such photos to the internet.

Two of the teenage girls were shown wearing white bras in the photos while a third girl posed with a towel wrapped around her waist but nude from the waist up exposing her breasts. The ACLU said school officials discovered the photos on cell phones that had been confiscated from students last October. In all about 20 teens were threatened with felony child pornography charges after the photos were discovered.

The ACLU sued Wyoming County District Attorney George Skumanick after he accused the girls of “being accomplices to the production of child pornography” because they allowed themselves to be photographed. The girls did not distribute the photos that was done by other teens.

The District Attorney gave the girls the option of facing the felony charge or agreeing to probation and participation in a counseling program. The ACLU said that was wrong and Skumanick should not have threatened the girls with felony charges.

The ACLU asked United States District Judge James M. Munley to stop the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office from filing felony

families have other expenses and may have other children to support. The grant process is flawed and leaves a lot of teens hopeless.

There is also another alternative, a variety of teens are going to a community college for their first two years then transferring to the college of their choice. This tactic is smart financially and still gives the student the same amount of credits. Remember community college is not for everyone. People are different and have different aspirations.

With the sky rocketing tuition at colleges it seems as if education will soon be a privilege instead of a right.

charges against the girls. According to the Times-Tribune in Scranton Pennsylvania Judge Munley granted that request.

“Kids should be taught that sharing digitized images of themselves in embarrassing or compromised positions can have bad consequences, but prosecutors should not use heavy artillery…to teach them that lesson,” said Witold Walczak ACLU Pennsylvania director.

In a survey conducted last year 20 percent of teens admitted to having sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos of themselves online. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Unplanned Pregnancy said 39 percent of teens say have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages.

The ACLU takes the position that Skumanick abused his authority by threatening the girls with felony charges unless they chose the alternative probation and counseling.

“The case could set a national guideline for schools, prosecutors, and parents over how to deal with the ‘sexting’ phenomenon,” said Sara Mullen Pennsylvania ACLU spokesperson.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 >

Attitude Counts In Dog Training the whole process becomes unproductive.

The cliché that “attitude is everything” really does describe dog training. A negative or harsh attitude will crush hopes of success. A positive perspective coupled with friendliness and a sense of fun will make training a treat.

A pleasant disposition also makes training more enjoyable for the dog owner. The trainer’s positive attitude

creates a more receptive disposition for the pet, which in turn improves the trainer’s outlook even more. By starting the training process with a solid positive attitude, the owner sets the mood for success. The end result can be a training experience that is enjoyed by both pet and owner, which is sure to create amazing results. ing them into play toys. Take the rope out of your drawstring pants, and you can have kitty jumping, leaping

and pouncing for hours. Roll up a pair of gloves into a tight ball, and she’ll be trying to dig it out from under the couch every time you turn your back.

If you decide to replace carpet somewhere in your house, keep a couple of scraps and attach them to boards for her to roll on, scratch and climb. Just remember, snuggle time on your lap is probably her favorite -- and most ecofriendly -- time spent during the day.

your life

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

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

The Doggie Diaries

Sadie’s Easter

Song

(To the tune of She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain) He’ll be coming to our house on Sunday He’ll be coming to our house on Sunday He’ll be coming to our house and will be as quiet as a mouse He’ll be coming to our house on Sunday.

He’ll be hiding Easter baskets all around He’ll be hiding Easter baskets all around He’ll be hiding Easter baskets, filled with treats and yummy snacks He’ll be hiding Easter baskets all around.

And we’ll all go on an egg hunt when he’s done Oh, we’ll all go on an egg hunt when he’s done Yes we’ll all go on an egg hunt with our family, friends and loved ones Oh we’ll all go on an egg hunt when he’s done We’ll be getting jellybeans and choc-o-late We’ll be getting jellybeans and choc-o-late We’ll be getting jellybeans, but make sure your good not mean And you’ll get your jellybeans and choc-o-late Well my friend the Easter Bunny’s on his way Yes, my friend the Easter Bunny’s on his way Oh, my friend the Easter Bunny will be showing up on Sunday Yes, my friend the Easter Bunny’s on his way.

So, we’re wishing you a Happy Easter Day! Oh, we’re wishing you a Happy Easter Day! Well we wish your day is full of - peace and joy and love Sadie and Riley wish you a Happy Easter Day! We wish you and your family a blessed and joyous Easter.

Across 1. Gambling, e.g.

5. Crowded 10. Mob 14. Wrinkle remover 15. Give a speech 16. Chocolate cookie 17. Croon 18. Bet 19. Prevaricator 20. Allot 22. Transportation fee 24. “___ what?�

25. Great merriment 26. Pecuniary 30. Type of clergyman 35. The day before 36. Liquor 37. Wear away 38. Rust 41. Quandary 43. Municipal 44. Japanese money 45. Half way 46. Extremely skillful 47. Urgent request 50. “___ of Eden�

53. English airforce 54. A measure of

explosive power 58. Develop 62. Translucent

mineral 63. Speedy 66. Expanse 67. Lean 68. Armistice 69. Firm covered

bandage 70. A reply that

repeats 71. Adjust 72. Other

A p r i l 9, 2 0 0 9 - A p r i l 15 , 2 0 0 9 Vo l . 2 I s s u e 15

Down 1. MasterCard

alternative 2. Fleur-de-lis 3. Deprive of by

deceit 4. Motor 5. Descending 6. Baseball stat 7. Hen-peck 8. Pilfer 9. Mysterious 10. Links or miniature 11. An elaborate song

for solo voice 12. Not far 13. Clinton’s #2 21. Cause to do 23. Celebrate

25. Athletic facility 26. Muhammad’s

birthplace 27. Elliptical 28. Audacity 29. A street or road in

France 31. Wrath 32. Punctuation mark 33. Declare to be true 34. Poised for action 39. Pulling apart 40. Eight 41. Lair 42. Unwelcome

visitor 44. All the same 48. Flee 49. Wipe out

13

51. Large trunk artery 52. A vicious angry

growl 54. Yard pest 55. Heroic poem 56. Cut 57. The highest

adult male

singing voice 59. Using speech 60. Comparative of

little 61. Palm fruit 64. Place 65. Solid h2o

*HH KRZ V FRPH GH\ JRWWD PDNH ODZV WR NHHS VRPH SROLWLFLDQV KRQHVW" 3RS VD\V FDXVH GH\ JRW D JRG FDOOHG PRQH\ 'DW V ZHLUG

Sadie and Riley

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 >

Global Youth Service ... young people participate in and lead service projects, working with their families, schools, community organizations, faithbased communities, and businesses, to improve their communities by addressing critical issues such as global climate change, education & illiteracy, poverty, health, hunger, and homelessness. Visit GYSD.org to follow the latest updates and event postings!

Our young men and

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women are smart, technologically savvy and want to take an active role in creating a world that is better for all of us and what better way could there be than to become a participant in Global Youth Service Day. You can obtain information and details from Unity In Service, R. Dale Evans Sr., Executive Director, A Boost Up Coalition Inc. 815 549-5678.

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Answers on page 15

NEWS CONTINUED FROM FRONT >

Mayor John Noak Wins By A Landslide lage with signs and with rapid-fire mailings in the closing days of the campaign that secured a large win for him.

The members of the three parties who opposed Noak, are to be congratulated for putting up a fierce battle despite the fact that they lacked sufficient funds to launch a really stiff effort against the gargantuan campaign funds Noak was able to raise since he took office last February.

The challengers put themselves at a serious disadvantage because it was obvious from the beginning that they would be splitting the independent vote by three while Noak could count on the support of village workers, members of their families, and Fred Dewald supporters.

That gave him a significant base on which he could rely.

That base allowed him to coast to a victory.

If John Noak would have had to face one strong opponent that opponent would have surely fared better than any of the three losing parties did by splitting the vote.

What made it worse was the fact that none of the parties were able to muster sufficient funds to adequately challenge Noak.

Things could change by the time Noak runs for reelection four years from now. It is likely there will be new ethics laws that might put an end to the large contributions that saw his campaign funds rise from just under $6,000 to $100,000 at election time. Businesses should not be permitted to drop hefty funds into a mayor’s campaign bank account—that is pay to play no matter how you cut it and that breeds corruption.

Noak’s election raises some new issues for the citizens.

Noak has made it clear that he wants to be a fulltime mayor with a hefty salary increase. But, if Noak is going to be a fulltime mayor why does the Village need a fulltime Village manager?

Does that mean Noak might alter the Steve Gulden’s job to a part time position so he can justify being a fulltime mayor? It does not seem that he can justify a fulltime Village Manager and a fulltime Mayor too. Romeoville is not New York City—it is a village of 37,000 people.

Still the voters selected Noak and whatever he chooses to do it is likely they will have to live with his decisions whatever they may be. On the other hand maybe the citizens really believe they can afford two high-priced officials to run the village whether there is something for them to do or not, after all they only your tax dollars.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT >

Tino Lettieri Thanks Those Who Voted For Him fort.

Lettieri put a strong effort into his challenge for one of the three trustee seats. He walked, he talked, and he shook hands but in the end, he suffered a defeat not at the hands of his opponents but at the hands of people who would have voted for him had they come to the polls.

Tino wants to thank everyone who did come out to vote for him. He thanks those who helped him in so many different ways. He said this set back does not mean he will not have an interest in what happens in Mokena. On the Contrary, Tino said, “I love this village and I care what happens in it and to it so I will be on top of things watching what is going on.”

Voter turnout across the county was disgusting and was enough to make any observer ask if people really do care about their freedoms or is it simply something so commonplace it does not count for much when it comes to making an effort to keep it.

Voter turnout across the county was a sickly 16% or so, a real embarrassment for Will County. Many candidates were not defeated by the votes their opponents collected, but by the votes they did not get because they were never cast by those who stayed at home.

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14

CONTINUED FROM FRONT >

Joe Kral Trounces Paul Ruff With 60% of the Vote Dermed and David Smith sat in judgment of a hearing held to consider whether or not to allow Kral’s name to appear on the ballot. They comprised the local Frankfort Township Electoral Board. After a hearing that was fashioned to exclude Kral’s witnesses and evidence that might have proven the prejudicial makeup of the board, Kral was told that his name would not be permitted on the ballot. That was not surprising. Most observers knew what the decision would be before the first witness was called.

One Township Attorney, Richard Vogel, actually went to work collecting information for Kent Brunner and developed a case for Attorney Patrick D. Burns who was absent from the examination of evidence. Two affidavits and the transcript support those allegations.

The alleged improprieties of the hearing outraged some media observers. This reporter considered it a disgrace to the American

system of jurisprudence.

Joe Kral was prepared for the decision and said, “Actually I think I would have been shocked if they came back with a decision to leave me on the ballot.”

The hearing and the alleged bias Kral said he encountered gave him a stronger determination to overcome the odds and defeat Paul Ruff in the run for the Frankfort Township Assessor’s office. Spurred on by what he saw as a lopsided hearing and the participation of the Township attorneys in strengthening Ken Brunner’s case against him, Kral dug in his heels and campaigned harder, according to Kral, “than I probably would have if they had let me alone.”

After a preliminary hearing that preceded the actual hearing held on February 17th an article appeared in this newspaper concerning it. That article concluded with, “They may have opened a can of worms they should not have tampered with.”

Those words proved to be prophetic for since that time one $15 million dollar lawsuit has been filed against Paul Ruff; 3 attorneys face complaints for misconduct.

Those complaints are before the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), two more lawsuits are pending, and Paul Ruff lost his bid for reelection to Joe Kral.

The People have proved they are the real power in the American political system. The voters have established that the pens that mark the ballots are the strongest weapons in the fight for honest ethical government.

After realizing he won the election Kral said, “Now I am going to really fight hard for strict ethics laws. We have to do it.”

Congratulations Mr. Assessor Joe Kral! The public, who expects honest assessments, will be expecting your best performance after you take office. Hurray for the American Voter!

CONTINUED FROM FRONT >

She Put Up A Courageous Fight But the Odds Beat Her! Roger Claar wins by a wide margin! also had a significant presence in Bolingbrook.

She reported that at some polls the judges were interfering with the distribution of handouts showing voters how to write in her name. The law prohibits passing out literature less than one-hundred feet from the polling place but the measurement is to be taken from the door of the place where the polling is actually taking place. Not from some remote entrance to a building. According to Bonnie her workers were beyond the legal boundry.

In some cases she said voters were being refused entrance to the polling place if they had voting information in their hands.

That was improper. Voters can

take whatever information they wish with them to assist them in voting. Even a sample ballot previously marked is allowed.

It appears that some supporters of Roger Claar pulled out all the stops to prevent Bonnie Kurowski-Alicea from getting votes. That did not discourage her and she was vigorously seeking votes and trying to get folks out of their homes to vote as the day progressed on Tuesday.

Bonnie did prove one thing, Roger Claar is vulnerable and if she or someone else chooses to challenge him in the future it will be easier because the voters have seen that he can be challenged.

Some people actually thought it foolish to run against him but

Bonnie has come close and that means there is support for a challenger upon which she or someone else can build.

The final figures reported on Tuesday night show that Bonnie was able to garner many more votes than anyone might have speculated she could get against such a significant opponent. Taking into account the fact that Bonnie received 26% of the vote says a great deal about her efforts. Bear in mind that Bonnie was a writein candidate—her name was not on the ballot. It is difficult to speculate what might have been if her name had not been removed from the ballot.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 >

St. AndrewThe Apostle School Raises $4,038 St. Jude Kids

Saint Andrew the Apostle School, Romeoville, participated in the Saint Jude Math-A-Thon program and raised $4,038 to benefit Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the premier center for the research and treatment of childhood cancer and other deadly diseases.

The Romeoville community sponsored students by pledging

an amount per problem or a one time donation. More than 100 students participated in this fun, educational event and learned how rewarding it is to help kids.

Francesca Embery, a sixth grader, raised the most monies with $135.

Students also won prizes upon completion of the Saint Jude Math-A-Thon.

Prizes ranged

from a Saint Jude T-shirt to a Math-A-Thon backpack.

St. Andrew the Apostle School offers pre-school through 8th grade. It is located at 505 Kingston Drive in Romeoville, IL. Please contact 815-886-5953 or visit the school’s website at www. standrewromeoville.com for more information about the school.

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15

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 >

The Dirty Tricks Must End...

County Court Reporters, Inc. She has alleged, among other things, that Attorney Kavanagh may have used false evidence in the hearing.

The problem lies with signatures on Bonnie’s petitions.

Attorney Richard Kavanagh submitted information to the Electoral Board that 42 of the 205 signatures on Bonnie’s petitions were not registered voters.

That is an incredibly high percentage of non-registered voters to be culled out of only 205 signatures. It is very unlikely that if you went into an area and knocked on doors you could easily find 42 unregistered voters. It could happen but the possibility of it happening would be unusual.

There are a couple of possibilities under which that many unregistered names might show up on petitions: (1) Someone sat down and wrote fictitious names on the petitions. That is, someone just invented names and scrawled signatures on the petitions; or, (2) the names that the County Clerk was asked to check to see if they were registered voters was a fictitious list that was invented and not taken from the petitions at all.

The truth can be determined easily enough by checking the names that appear on the petitions with the names of registered voters that are on file with the County Clerk.

It would require someone put

under oath and sworn to make an accurate and honest examination of the signatures.

There could be serious, very serious implications, as result of such an examination The list of names that Mr. Kavanagh provided to Bonnie Kurowski-Alicea were allegedly different names than the one submitted to the County Clerk. Mr. Kavanagh accused her of not being prepared but that seems out of order since he had the burden of proof and was obligated to provide her with all copies of all evidence he intended to use at the hearing.

Attorney Kavanagh shifts that burden on the record: “I am sick and tired of the complaints made to the fact that we are the ones who have a couple of days to do something with this and we did it and we did it the best we could, so.”

Under ordinary rules of evidence he had no right to make that argument because the burden of proof was always with the Objector that Mr. Kavanagh was representing.

If Kavanagh felt pressured it was not the fault of Bonnie Kurowski-Alicea he was always obliged to prove his case.

Bonnie must now await news from the ARDC and a response from Attorney Kavanagh.

NEWS Mokena Residents Use

Newest Electronic Recycling Center .................................................... info@theweeklyreporter.com

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MOKENA – Even before the ribbon was cut, Mokena residents had dropped off enough electronics for recycler Vintage Tech to haul away a load, and the container was already half full a second time.

Two vehicles pulled in and added to the pile as Will County and Village officials made their way to the bin for the ribbon cutting at Mokena’s Public Works Garage, 19004 Wolf Road, on Monday, March 30. Regular hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is the County’s ninth location and the fourth to open in 2009.

The permanent drop-off sites are run in partnership with the Will County Land Use Department’s Waste Services Division and are for residential recycling only.

Mayor Joe Werner said the response in Mokena proves that people will do the right thing if given the opportunity. He added an old television to the stack.

Will County Executive Larry Walsh, who oversees the Land Use Department, said, “Ninety-eight percent of a computer can be recycled. But if it goes in the landfill, none of the parts will break down.”

Since July 2007, when the first permanent recycling site was opened, 602,000 pounds of electronics have been recycled.

In addition, the Land Use Department has been hosting one-day electronic collection events throughout Will County since 2000. Those events have netted more than half a million pounds of ad-

ditional electronic products, bringing the total to nearly 1.2 million pounds.

Marta Keane, the County’s Recycling Program Specialist, said the General Assembly passed legislation in 2008 which will ban computers, televisions and a few other electronic items from landfills by 2012, while also requiring manufacturers to pay some of the recycling costs associated with electronic recovery.

Keane explained, “Under the County’s current electronic recycling contract, some television manufactures are paying the cost of television recycling directly to the contractor. This has saved the County nearly $1,000 since November.”

The other permanent electronic recycling facilities are at: Bolingbrook Village Hall, 299 Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook; Channahon Township, 25461 S. Fryer St., Channahon; Manhattan Township, 24645 S. Eastern Ave., Manhattan; New Lenox Township, 1100 S. Cedar Road, New Lenox; Reed-Custer School District 255, Intermediate School Maintenance Buildings, 162 S. School St., Braidwood; Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 Laraway Road, Joliet; Troy Township, 25358 Seil Road, Shorewood; and Washington Township/Village of Beecher, 30200 Town Center Road, Beecher.

Hours and days of operation vary by location. For more information about the Will County Residential Electronics Recycling Program, as well as upcoming one-day collection events, contact the Waste Services Division at (815) 7278834 or go to www.willcountylanduse. com/WasteServ.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 >

WILHELMI SUPPORTS ... back to the state and invest in infrastructure,” Senator Wilhelmi said. “This is a good first step.”

Construction is expected to start in May and Senator Wilhelmi’s district is scheduled for repairs totaling almost $38 million.

Projects in the 43rd Senate District include: U.S. 6/ U.S. 52/ McDonough St; Center Street/ FAU 316; Hoff Road; Manhattan-Monee/ FAP 531; New Avenue/ FAU 361; Interstate 55; U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway); Jefferson Street; U.S. 52/ Old Manhattan.

“These roads need immediate attention,” Senator Wilhelmi said. “This is only the beginning of our plan to bring more jobs, repairs and money to our state

and the people of Illinois have much more to look forward to as we continue to work on a comprehensive plan.”

Also, the package includes $1.7 billion to pay outstanding Medicaid bills to providers, doctors and hospitals across the state. This allocation will make the State current with its payments and allow it to change to a 30-day payment cycle.

“We must pay our bills on time,” Senator Wilhelmi said. “We have the opportunity to get up to date with our bills and I am glad that we are working in a bipartisan manner in the Senate to make sure that happens.”

The legislation passed 59-0 and now moves to the House for further consideration.

Unfair assessments or treatment that is almost fraudulent.

FOR FAIR ASSESSMENTS. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FROM SKALETSKY & ASSOCIATES