A P RI L 23 -24 , 2 0 2 5 • vol . 6 4 iss u e 24
News from Plainfield • Joliet • Shorewood • Lockport • Crest Hill • Bolingbrook • Romeoville • Downers Grove • Westmont • Woodridge • Lisle • Niles • Morton Grove • Park Ridge & more
By randy whalen For the Bugle
Langebartles is Timbers of Shorewood Volunteer of the Year Jeanette Langebartles received the “Joni Hilger Volunteer of the Year Award” at the Timbers of Shorewood’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on April 3 during National Volunteer Month, at the Timbers, 1100 North River Road, Shorewood. For nearly five years, Langebartles has been an active volunteer in various roles at The Timbers, a continuation of her lifelong dedication to service. A longtime volunteer, her passion took root during her career as a registered nurse. Notably, she returned to the hospital just three months after retiring and volunteered in the ER waiting room for 30 years before moving to The Timbers. “Jeanette volunteers many hours in our general store, and she is president of our resident council,” said Amy Odell, activities director at the Timbers. “She is such a vital member of the Timbers, and we are so proud to honor her with this award. She has also been part of our welcoming committee in the past.” “I’m going to hang the award on my wall where everyone can see it,” said Langebartles. The Timbers’ award is named for
Joni Hilger who was a beloved volunteer at the Timbers. In 2020, she was named Volunteer of the Year, but because of COVID-19 restrictions, the presentation did not take place. Tragically, Joni passed away. On May 8, 2021, the Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Joni’s family, an award that, from that day forward, became known as the “Joni Hilger Volunteer of the Year Award.” April is National Volunteer Month, a month when people celebrate the work that volunteers do year-round. Organizations across the country are recognizing their volunteers for helping them achieve their mission. April became National Volunteer Month in 1991 as part of President George H. W. Bush’s 1000 Points of Light campaign. Volunteering has been shown to improve memory and help with executive function – the mental skills that makeup a person’s active memory, provide for flexible thinking, and set the stage for self-control – all skills required each day. Such skills may help slow or prevent the onset of dementia. They lead to a strong sense of self-control, selfconfidence, and connectedness which can help stave off depression.
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Former Cemetery employee Charged in Theft of Funeral expenses Payments A former cemetery employee has been charged with multiple felonies after a Cook County Sheriff’s Police investigation found she secretly pocketed more than $100,000 from payments for funeral expenses, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today. Sheriff’s Police Detectives launched an investigation after staff from a Glenwood cemetery reported in August 2023 that one of their employees, 48-year-old Latrecia Marshall-Parris, had taken a cash amount from a family for a headstone, but then deposited a lesser amount in her employer’s account. The employee, who was subsequently fired, had worked with families in planning funerals, including assisting them with purchasing headstones, which were often paid for in cash. During their investigation, Detectives learned that Marshall-Parris took a portion of the families’ payments 49 times from April 2022 to August 2023. More than $114,200 was taken. On March 27, 2025, an arrest war-
rant was issued for MarshallParris, of the 100 block of W. 154th Place in Ha r v e y. She was arrested on April 16 by Harvey Police and turned over to Sheriff’s Police custody. On April 17, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved two counts of continuing a financial crime enterprise, one count of felony theft, and one count of theft deception/intent, against Marshall-Parris. She made her initial appearance on April 18 at the Markham Courthouse where she was ordered released from custody pending trial. The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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CAPE honors outstanding faculty, staff and parents The District 202 CAPE parent organization recognized 95 outstanding parents, community members, teachers and staff members for their dedication to students, their schools and community at the 49th annual CAPE awards night on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Plainfield North High School. CAPE is District 202’s committee for the Coordination of Administration and Parent groups for Educational efficiency. It serves as a “bridge” between district leadership and the parent groups for all 31 District 202 schools. The 2025 CAPE Community Award was presented to Bags of Hope founder and president Lana Howe. Howe has transformed the landscape of food security for countless District 202 students and surrounding areas. Since its inception in 2016, Bags of Hope has flourished under her steadfast leadership, providing essentials to those who might otherwise go without. CAPE presented its 2025 CAPE Lifetime Contributor award to District 202 Board of Education vice president Barbara Seiden for her unwavering dedication to education, environmental sustainability, and service to the District 202 community. Seiden’s commitment to education is profound and long-standing. Before her current role on the District 202 Board of Education, Seiden was deeply involved in her children’s schools as well as serving on CAPE. Her time as a substitute teacher further underscores her dedication to nurturing the minds of our youth. She is also an active board member with Conservation Plainfield and Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry. 2024-25 CAPE AWARD WINNERS Community Award Winner Lana Howe CAPE Lifetime Contributor Award Winner Barbara Seiden INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL-LEVEL WINNERS BLUE HOUSE Charles Reed Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Jill Sitterly • Support Staff of the Year: Karen Nissen • Volunteer of the Year: Lauren Pingul Meadow View Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Abby Panozzo • Support Staff of the Year: Dawn Kozar • Volunteer of the Year: Katie Hoff-
man Ridge Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Sarah Mieher • Support Staff of the Year: Kim Van • Volunteer of the Year: Mary Buckner Thomas Jefferson Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Jess Wons • Support Staff of the Year: Dawn Zabelka • Volunteer of the Year: Erica Spreitzer Wesmere Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Haley Wilson • Support Staff of the Year: Diana Romero • Volunteer of the Year: Jamie Harris Aux Sable Middle School • Teacher of the Year: Megan Brosman • Support Staff of the Year: Emily Dawson • Volunteer of the Year: Bob Wolff Drauden Point Middle School • Teacher of the Year: Jaclyn Weber • Support Staff of the Year: Kendal Judge • Volunteer of the Year: Matthew Riblon Plainfield South High School • Teacher of the Year: Ashlie Halverson • Support Staff of the Year: Elizabeth Raducka • Volunteer of the Year: Amanda Eischen GREEN HOUSE Central Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Laura Meagher • Support Staff of the Year: Bob Eppenstein • Volunteer of the Year: Melissa Berg Crystal Lawns Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Elizabeth Nold • Support Staff of the Year: Andrea Wrona • Volunteer of the Year: Laura Pasieta Grand Prairie Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Susan Krippelz • Support Staff of the Year: Alyssa Billyard • Volunteer of the Year: Turner Washington River View Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Kim Winters • Support Staff of the Year: Stacy Peto • Volunteer of the Year: Laura Hayes-Farnes Indian Trail Middle School • Teacher of the Year: JJ Fleming • Support Staff of the Year: Sara Junkrowski
• Volunteer of the Year: Katherine Taylor Timber Ridge Middle School • Teacher of the Year: Christopher Daniele • Support Staff of the Year: Sara O’Lone • Volunteer of the Year: Le Quient White Plainfield High School Central Campus • Teacher of the Year: Kate Welsh • Support Staff of the Year: Jennifer Bilotta • Volunteer of the Year: Barbara Bush RED HOUSE Bonnie McBeth Learning Center • Teacher of the Year: Sarah Drumm • Support Staff of the Year: Carmesha Holder • Volunteer of the Year: Mary Vargas Eagle Pointe Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Amy Barone • Support Staff of the Year: Michelle Al-Ashkar • Volunteer of the Year: Jacqueline Rizzo Freedom Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Takisha Hill • Support Staff of the Year: Diane Mahoney • Volunteer of the Year: Nicole Clark Lincoln Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Beth Bradtke • Support Staff of the Year: Robert Duncan • Volunteer of the Year: Amanda Eager Walker’s Grove Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Miranda Kuchta • Support Staff of the Year: LaTonya Brewton • Volunteer of the Year: Desi Kedzior Wallin Oaks Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Nina Leon • Support Staff of the Year: Tara Temple • Volunteer of the Year: Jennifer Oswald Heritage Grove Middle School • Teacher of the Year: Stephanie Perez • Support Staff of the Year: Nicole Swanson • Volunteer of the Year: Pam Schelin Ira Jones Middle School • Teacher of the Year: Christine Kus • Support Staff of the Year: Morgan Syfert • Volunteer of the Year: Melissa
Jeszka Plainfield Academy • Teacher of the Year: Megan Schlanser • Support Staff of the Year: Linda Plutz • Community Contributor of the Year: William Reidy of JJC P-STEP Plainfield North High School • Teacher of the Year: Steve Eighner • Support Staff of the Year: Dan Paymaster • Volunteer of the Year: Bonnie Pyatt ORANGE HOUSE Creekside Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Denise Wilson • Support Staff of the Year: Erica Ruba • Volunteer of the Year: Balpreet Kaur Elizabeth Eichelberger Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Taylor Zaabel • Support Staff of the Year: Amy Draper
• Volunteer of the Year: Jessica Gutierrez Lakewood Falls Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Shannon Bella • Support Staff of the Year: Mecole Parke • Volunteer of the Year: Amanda Merkes Liberty Elementary School • Teacher of the Year: Carla Brinker • Support Staff of the Year: Ginger Wilk • Volunteer of the Year: Alisha Irwin John F. Kennedy Middle School • Teacher of the Year: Holli Long • Support Staff of the Year: Sonia Torres • Volunteer of the Year: Kristie Timbo Plainfield East High School • Teacher of the Year: Michael Schmitt • Support Staff of the Year: William Lewis • Volunteer of the Year: Meredith Giantsos
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Pared-back ‘Right to Play’ bill advances in General Assembly, awaits Senate action By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois
The Illinois House gave its approval to legislation that would give high school athletes a limited right to compete in non-school events or on nonschool teams during the same season in which they play for their school. The House voted 68-39 on April 9 to pass a scaled-back version of a bill known as the Right to Play Act. It would partially override an existing rule of the Illinois High School Association that says students who participate on a school team may not also participate on a non-school team or compete in outside tournaments or events in the same sport during the same season, unless they obtain permission from both their school and IHSA. The association currently allows students to obtain as many as three waivers in a season to compete in outside contests or tournaments if those events are sanctioned by the sport’s national governing body. Rep. Janet Yang-Rohr Janet Yang
Rohr, D-Naperville, said she thinks that rule is too restrictive because it doesn’t allow for events sponsored by international sports organizations. “Our athletes right now in Illinois have to decline invitations from FIFA (the international soccer governing body), from the Olympic development program, from offers to play with national teams in Canada and Scotland, because these IHSA rules compel the organization to deny their waiver requests,” she said on the House floor. “This legislation will finally be able to let those student athletes participate in those events too.” Under the amended bill, student athletes would be able to obtain waivers for as many as two outside events per year, including “all-star team” events. But they would only need the agreement of their school’s principal or athletics director, not IHSA. The bill also would not require the events to be sanctioned by any official governing body. That is significantly more restrictive than the original bill, which would have removed the prohibition on si-
multaneous participation almost entirely. It would have prohibited participating in both a school competition or practice and a non-school activity on the same day. Read more: ‘Right to Play’ bill that would affect high school athletes advances in House That proposal passed out of the House Education Policy Committee in March, despite warnings from some critics that allowing unrestricted dual participation could endanger the health and safety of the athletes while also setting up the possibility of conflict between a school coach and nonschool coach. But Rep. Martin McLaughlin, RBarrington Hills, who voted for the amended bill, said during floor debate that he would have preferred going even further in limiting the authority of IHSA. “This is an unfortunate turn with your amendments, but I completely appreciate … what you had to do to get this started,” he said during floor debate. “But frankly, let’s next year – and I’ll join you – get this completely
wiped out. Get the IHSA back in the lane where they should be, which is to be fair and to allow all these students to have every equal opportunity for scholarships that they can get.” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said in an email Wednesday that the association still opposes the proposed legislation because it puts principals and athletic directors in
charge of deciding whether a student should be granted a waiver. “It’s my understanding that the schools prefer a process whereby review of such participation is considered by the Association to create equity in opportunities across the membership,” Anderson said. The bill now awaits further action in the Senate.
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BuSINeSS AND ReAL eSTATe
How to determine if the time is right to downsize The phrase “bigger is better” has endured for quite some time. Though it may be impossible to pinpoint precisely who coined the phrase, its lesson that larger things tend to be more valuable than smaller alternatives is applicable in numerous situations. But no adage is applicable to every situation, and in some instances people may find that bigger is not better. Downsizing is an approach many individuals consider after turning 50. Parents who are empty nesters and others nearing retirement may wonder if the time is right to downsize from their current homes. Though that’s a strategy millions of people have adopted over time, the
decision is not always so simple. Individuals over 50 who are trying to determine if downsizing is right for them can consider a host of factors before making a decision. • Monthly housing expenses: Before downsizing their homes, individuals should determine just how much they’re currently spending on housing. Individuals who have fixed rate mortgages likely know the amount of their monthly mortgage payment, but what about maintenance? Home maintenance expenses fluctuate, but a careful examination of the previous 12 months’ expenditures can give homeowners an idea of just how much they’re spending to maintain their prop-
erties. The number may be eyeopening, as Thumbtack’s “Home Care Price Index” released in the third quarter of 2024 revealed that the average annual cost to maintain a single family home reached an all-time high of $10,433. If such expenses are preventing homeowners from building their retirement nest eggs, then it might be time to seek alternative housing. • Real estate prices: Real estate prices have skyrocketed in recent years, which can be both good and bad for current homeowners considering downsizing. Many people who downsize look to move from a single-family home into a condominium, where maintenance tasks
are typically handled by a homeowners’ association (HOA). Such communities typically charge HOA fees, which can be minimal or considerable. In addition, the price of condominiums has risen in recent years, with the lender New American Funding reporting in early 2024 that the median sale price of a condo reached $341,000. So homeowners who want to downsize their homes may end up taking most of the profit from selling their current properties and reinvesting it in a costly condo. Some may deem that worthwhile, while others may find the cost savings of downsizing in the current market are negligible. • Emotional attachment: Down-
sizing may be considered with cost savings in mind, but it’s important to consider your emotional attachment to your current home. Many homeowners over 50 raised their families in their current homes, and letting go of a property where so many memories were made can be difficult. Homeowners who are not prepared to move on from properties that are meaningful to them and their families can consider additional ways to downsize their financial obligations. Downsizing is something many homeowners over 50 consider. Any decision regarding downsizing is best made after considering a range of variables.
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LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
TO: Simon Zarkin, Ideen Zarkin; Will County Clerk, Michael Zarkin, Debbie Goldstein; Occupant, 25326 Federal Cir, Plainfield, IL; Parties in occupancy and possession; any unknown owners and occupants. TAX DEED NO. 2025TX000064. FILED: April 2, 2025. TAKE NOTICE. County of Will. Date Premises Sold 12/5/2022. Certificate No. 21-00303. Sold for General Taxes of (year) 2021. Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and special assessment number N/A Warrant No. N/A Inst. No. N/A. THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. Property located at. 25326 Federal Cir, Plainfield, Illinois. Legal Description or Property Index No. 06-03-08-303005-0000. This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on 9/30/2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before 9/30/2025. This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this county in the Will County Courthouse, 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432, on 10/16/2025 at 9:15 AM in room 904. YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY. Redemption can be made at any time on or before 9/30/2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Will County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Joliet, Illinois. For further information contact the County Clerk. ADDRESS: 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. TELEPHONE: (815) 740-4615. Pro Cap 8 FBO Firstrust Bank, Purchaser or Assignee. Dated: April 18, 2025. Published April 24, 2025, May 1, 2025, May 8, 2025
TO: Laura Flannagan; Will County Clerk, Andover at Carillon Homeowners’ Association, Inc. RA: Tressler Corporate SVCS, Inc., Carillon Adult Master Association RA: KSN Registered Agent, LLC, Michael Long, John Flannagan, Kelly M. Long, Christopher Long, Cynthia Gilman; Occupant, 20833 W. Peppertree Court, Plainfield, IL; Parties in occupancy and possession; any unknown owners and occupants. TAX DEED NO. 2025TX000077. FILED: April 2, 2025. TAKE NOTICE. County of Will. Date Premises Sold 12/5/2022. Certificate No. 21-00468. Sold for General Taxes of (year) 2021. Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and special assessment number N/A Warrant No. N/A Inst. No. N/A. THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. Property located at. 20833 W. Peppertree Court, Plainfield, Illinois. Legal Description or Property Index No. 11-04-06-279-012-0000. This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on 9/30/2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before 9/30/2025. This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this county in the Will County Courthouse, 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432, on 10/16/2025 at 9:15 AM in room 904. YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY. Redemption can be made at any time on or before 9/30/2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Will County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Joliet, Illinois. For further information contact the County Clerk. ADDRESS: 302 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432. TELEPHONE: (815) 740-4615. Infinite Financial Investments, Purchaser or Assignee. Dated: April 18, 2025. Published April 24, 2025, May 1, 2025, May 8, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE TO: Jon Heatherwick; Will County Clerk, Occupant, Hampton Glen Condominium Association RA: Shifrin Legal, Inc., Hampton Glen Condominium Association c/o Tammy Griffin, and Denise Dobias; Occupant, 5122 New Haven Ct., Plainfield, IL; Parties in occupancy and possession; any unknown owners and occupants. TAX DEED NO. 2025TX000073. FILED: April 2, 2025. TAKE NOTICE. County of Will. Date Premises Sold 12/5/2022. Certificate No. 21-00830. Sold for General Taxes of (year) 2021. Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and special assessment number N/A Warrant No. N/A Inst. No. N/A. THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. Property located at. 5122 New Haven Ct., Plainfield, Illinois. Legal Description or Property Index No. 05-06-04-205-146-1002. This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on 9/30/2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before 9/30/2025. This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this county in the Will County Courthouse, 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432, on 10/23/2025 at 9:00 AM in room 905. YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY. Redemption can be made at any time on or before 9/30/2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Will County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Joliet, Illinois. For further information contact the County Clerk. ADDRESS: 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60423. TELEPHONE: (815) 740-4615. Pro Cap 8 FBO Firstrust Bank, Purchaser or Assignee. Dated: April 18, 2025. Published April 24, 2025, May 1, 2025, May 8, 2025
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