Former Plainfield School District 202 Teacher Was Arrested on Multiple Charges
Joliet police scheduled a Monday news conference as community members awaited additional details surrounding the investigation.
A former Plainfield School District 202 educator was arrested over the weekend on multiple charges related to alleged inappropriate conduct involving a minor, according to authorities.
Alex Blaine Buetikofer, 38, of Lisle, was taken into custody and booked Saturday morning on several felony charges, including grooming, solicitation, aggravated battery, and traveling to meet a child. Additional charges were also reportedly filed in connection with the investigation.
Authorities had not yet released many details surrounding the allegations as of Monday morning, including when the investigation began or whether the alleged incidents involved a student connected to Plainfield School District 202.
The Joliet Police Department announced that additional information would be shared during a scheduled
(Continued on page 2 see ‘ARRESTED’)
Ache Head Trauma
Alex Blaine Buetikofer, 38, of Lisle, was arrested Saturday on multiple charges, including grooming, solicitation, aggravated battery, and traveling to meet a child, according to authorities. Photo provided by the Joliet Police Department
Millions Face Elevated Tornado
Risk; Follow These Safety Steps
Millions of people across Illinois and the greater Midwest face an extremely high risk — 4 out of 5 — of dangerous, long-track tornadoes through the rest of today into tonight. The American Red Cross is closely monitoring conditions across the region, with disaster teams on standby and ready to respond if needed.
The National Weather Service warns that severe thunderstorms capable of producing flash flooding, damaging winds, large hail and potentially “intense” tornadoes are expected across the Central Plains and Midwest, with the threat increasing as the day progresses.
Illinois remains in a high-risk area, along with neighboring states including Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky, as this dangerous system moves through the region.
Steps to help you stay safe if you live in the path of these storms, these steps will help keep you and your loved ones safe:
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, expert advice in English and Spanish, and available disaster shelter and support locations.
TORNADO SAFETY Find the safest location at places where you spend a lot of time. A basement or a small interior room with no windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building is best.
Mobile, manufactured, trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not safe during storms. Plan ahead by finding a sturdy building where you can seek shelter.
Stay informed about potential thun-
derstorms and tornadoes by monitoring local weather reports and signing up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
A WATCH means be prepared as tornadoes are possible and you should be ready to act fast. A WARNING means take action now as a tornado is near and you need to move to a safe location right away. If a tornado warning is issued, or if you suspect a tornado, go to your safe place immediately. Then use your arms to protect your head and neck. Stay in your safe place until the tornado warning ends.
If the building you’re in has been damaged, be very careful exiting. Don’t go back inside after you leave. Look around for things that might fall or are dangerous.
Don’t use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
If you’re trapped, try to cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
FLOODING SAFETY During a flood, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe.
Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown!
Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and
12 inches can carry your car away.
Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
If you’re caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families.
The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
news conference at noon Monday at Joliet City Hall, located at 150 W. Jefferson St. Officials said Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans and Plainfield School District 202 Superintendent Dr. Glenn Wood were expected to address the arrest and answer questions from the media.
Police stated that the news conference would not be open to the public, though it would be streamed live on the Joliet Police Department’s Facebook page.
The arrest quickly drew attention throughout the Plainfield area, where District 202 is one of the largest school districts in Will County. Parents and community members took to social media over the weekend seeking more information following reports of the arrest.
District 202 officials had not yet released a separate public statement
beyond their planned participation in Monday’s news conference.
It was also unclear how long Buetikofer had worked within the district or when he last served in a teaching role.
Under Illinois law, grooming charges generally involve alleged efforts to build an emotional connection with a minor with the intent of engaging in inappropriate conduct.
Charges involving traveling to meet a child are often tied to investigations involving online communication or attempted meetings with minors.
Formal charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
This story was expected to be updated as additional information became available from law enforcement officials Monday afternoon.
Timbers of Shorewood donates $1,500 to Shorewood H.U.G.S
The Timbers of Shorewood donated $1,500 to Shorewood H.U.G.S. (Helping U Get Started) on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Fundraising took place through a series of community events held throughout February.
Residents, staff, and families came together to support the local non-profit’s mission of spreading hope and fulfilling wishes within the Shorewood community.
The month-long fundraising effort featured a variety of activities designed to engage the entire community.
Highlights included a restaurant fundraiser in partnership with Giordano’s and a special Valentine’s Day “Teddy and Flower Gram” sale. Additionally, the Timbers hosted a Chicago Bears playoff squares fundraiser, which brought extra excitement to the playoffs and additional proceeds to the effort.
“This was our first-year fundraising for HUGS, and we are already looking forward to next year,” said Sheila Albor, director of marketing at The Timbers of Shorewood. “We hope to exceed this amount as we contin -
Founded in 2008, Shorewood H.U.G.S. has grown from a small group of five friends into an organization with over 50 members. Since launching its Hugs & Wishes Program in 2009, they have fulfilled more than 1,300 wishes and contributed over $1,000,000 to support individuals and organizations in need.
ue to grow our efforts and support the meaningful work being done by Shorewood H.U.G.S.”
Founded in 2008, Shorewood H.U.G.S. has grown from a small group of five friends into an organization with over 50 members.
Since launching its Hugs & Wishes
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Program in 2009, they have fulfilled more than 1,300 wishes and contributed over $1,000,000 to support individuals and organizations in need.
About Shorewood H.U.G.S. Shorewood H.U.G.S. is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the community by fulfilling wishes and hosting “feel good”
events. For more information, visit https://www.shorewoodhugs.org/.
About The Timbers of Shorewood
The Timbers of Shorewood Senior Living is a rental retirement community that provides senior independent living and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services.
Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for short-term stays.
For more information, visit https:// www.timbersofshorewood.com/ or call (815) 609-0669.
DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT
Workplace Stress Is Fueling a Burnout Crisis Across Generations
Workplace stress continues to impact millions of Americans, affecting not only productivity on the job but also employees’ overall health and well-being. According to the 2024 Work in America Survey from the American Psychological Association, 43 percent of workers report feeling tense or stressed during their workday. For many employees, those pressures do not end when the workday is over.
In fact, 76 percent of workers say job-related stress negatively affects their sleep, making it harder to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The survey highlights how stress spans across all generations, though younger workers appear to feel the greatest burden. More than half (51 percent) of employees between the ages of 26 and 43 report experiencing workplace stress.
Workers in this age group are often balancing growing careers, financial responsibilities, and family obligations simultaneously, which can intensify feelings of pressure and exhaustion. Meanwhile, 42 percent of workers ages
44 to 57 say they experience stress at work, while three in 10 employees between the ages of 58 and 64 also report feeling tense or overwhelmed during the workday.
Experts say the lasting effects of workplace stress can contribute to burnout, anxiety, fatigue, and even physical health problems. Burnout, in particular, has become a growing concern in workplaces across the country. Employees experiencing burnout often report feeling emotionally drained, disconnected from their work, and less motivated to perform daily tasks.
Despite growing awareness around mental health in the workplace, many workers still feel employers are falling short when it comes to providing support. According to the survey, 20 percent of employees experiencing burnout believe their employers are not doing enough to help prevent it.
As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, many companies are exploring ways to improve employee wellness through flexible schedul-
ing, mental health resources, wellness programs, and increased support from management. However, the survey findings suggest there is still significant work to be done to create healthier workplace environments where employees feel supported both professionally and personally.
OF ) )
BEULAH M. GLASCOCK, ) CASE NO. 2026 PR 000172 ) DECEASED. ) CLAIM NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to creditors of the death of Beulah M. Glascock. Letters of Office were issued on April 17, 2026 to Judith A. Morey, 2675 Verona Road, Verona, Illinois 60479, as Independent Executor, whose Attorney of record is Robert J. Welz, Rouskey Law Office, 210 N. Hammes Avenue, Suite 105, Joliet, Illinois 60435.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Will County, 100 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, or with the Independent Executor, or both, WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION. ANY CLAIM NOT FILED WITHIN THAT PERIOD IS BARRED. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Administrator and to the Attorney of record within ten days after it has been filed.
E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/ service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, vit http:/illinoiscourts.gov/faq/gethelp.asp, or talk with your local Circuit Clerk’s Office.
BEULAH M. GLASCOCK, DECEASED BY ____________________________
ROBERT J. WELZ
Attorney for Independent Executor
ROBERT J. WELZ
ROUSKEY LAW OFFICE
210 N. HAMMES AVENUE, SUITE 105
JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60435
815-741-2118
IL REGISTRATION NO. 03127808
Published 4/30/26, 5/7/26 & 5/14/26
STATE OF ILLINOIS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) )
PATRICK M. CLARK, ) CASE NO. 2026 PR 000173 ) DECEASED. ) CLAIM NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to creditors of the death of Patrick M. Clark. Letters of Office were issued on April 17, 2026 to Mark Clark, 1111 Lemorr Avenue, Joliet, Illinois 60435, as Independent Administrator, whose Attorney of record is Robert J. Welz, Rouskey Law Office, 210 N. Hammes Avenue, Suite 105, Joliet, Illinois 60435.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Will County, 100 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, or with the Independent Executor, or both, WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION. ANY CLAIM NOT FILED WITHIN THAT PERIOD IS BARRED. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Administrator and to the Attorney of record within ten days after it has been filed.
E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, vit http:/illinoiscourts.gov/faq/gethelp.asp, or talk with your local Circuit Clerk’s Office.
PATRICK M. CLARK, DECEASED BY ______________
ROBERT J. WELZ Attorney for Independent Administrator
This notice is being published to inform our patients and the community that Aspen Dental Chicago (Rogers Park), located at 7537 N Clark St, Aspen Dental Morton Grove, located at 6821 Dempster Street, and Aspen Dental Schaumburg, located at 1305 E Golf Rd, will close effective April 26, 2026
After this date, the offices will no longer be open to patients, and normal business operations will be paused. All patient records from the Chicago (Rogers Park) and Morton Grove locations will be available at Aspen Dental Skokie, located at 5225 W. Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL 60077, (847) 807-7341. All patient records from the Schaumburg location will be available at Aspen Dental Palatine, located at 968 E Dundee Rd, Palatine, IL 60074, (847) 221-0060.
Published in the Niles Bugle on April 23, 2026, April 30, 2026, May 7, 2026 & May 14, 2026
ROBERT J. WELZ
ROUSKEY LAW OFFICE
210 N. HAMMES AVENUE, SUITE 105 JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60435
