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JA N UA R Y 4 , 2 0 1 7 V O L . 9 I S S U E 6

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Come To Order Tips for organizing your holiday decor SEE PAGE 4

SPORTS

So close Benet falls in tight battle with No. 1 Simeon SEE PAGE 7

BUSINESS Dave Says Credit cards are not an emergency fund SEE PAGE 11

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NEW YEAR NEW LAWS

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

STATE NEWS >> LEGISLATION

New laws to be enforced in 2017 Significant number target crime, make changes to criminal justice system

SPRINGFIELD - As citizens throughout the state of Illinois ring in the New Year, nearly 200 laws will take effect. A significant number of the new laws target crime, make changes to the criminal justice system, seek to assist law enforcement, and advance safety provisions for Illinois motorists.

Advocates of the measure said the training is intended to reduce domestic violence by increasing awareness and offering victims another place to turn for help – especially those who may not feel comfortable going to the authorities.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS POISED TO TAKE EFFECT

Child victims of battery will be able to give testimony via a one-way closed circuit television thanks to Senate Bill 2880. This legislation allows children involved in battery or aggravated domestic battery cases to avoid the serious emotional trauma and distress of testifying in a courtroom.

Senate Bill 2370, sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), requires legal counsel during the interrogation of minors under the age of 15 who have been charged with murder. This law addresses concerns that minors may not fully understand their legal rights, and as a result should have legal representation present when speaking with police.

One measure to allow greater flexibility in granting probation for certain non-violent offenders with no prior conviction for a violent crime is set to take effect on Jan. 1. Senate Bill 3164 is part of a bipartisan package of legislative reforms to Illinois’ criminal justice system, and was introduced at the recommendation of the Governor’s Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform.

The commission was charged with identifying policy changes to reduce recidivism and make significant reductions to the state’s prison population, which had increased by more than 500 percent in the last forty years.

Senate Bill 3164 is one measure that seeks to reduce the number of non-violent offenders in Illinois’ correctional facilities—which are operating at roughly 150 percent of recommended capacity.

NEW LAWS AIM TO ADDRESS SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC ABUSE Another new law, Senate Bill 3096, seeks to increase the reporting, investigation, and successful prosecution of sexual assault cases in Illinois.

This new law gives victims a longer period of time to request a rape kit, speeds up forensic testing to address the backlog of testing rape kits in sexual assault cases, and requires more detailed reporting of sexual assault cases by police.

Additionally, cosmetologists will receive special training to spot the signs of domestic violence and sexual violence as part of their license renewal process under House Bill 4264.

Illinois Department of Transportation.

This new law was inspired by a similar law in Missouri that allowed interstate interchanges to be designated for Missouri residents who were killed in action on or after September 11, 2001, in either Afghanistan or Iraq.

NEW LAWS FOCUS ON CHILDREN

MINORS PROTECTED BY NEW LAWS

NEW LAW STRENGTHENS EMPLOYEE PRIVACY Another new law, House Bill 4999, seeks to further protect employee’s online privacy by strengthening and clarifying existing laws that make it unlawful for any employer or prospective employer to require an employee or prospective employee to provide usernames and passwords to their personal online accounts, including social media accounts.

“BATH SALTS” SALES Senate Bill 210 aims to curb the sale of all synthetic cathinones, drugs that are often sold under the disguise of legitimate products such as “bath salts.” “Bath salts” have made headlines in recent years for the bizarre, zombie-like behavior exhibited by those under its influence. Under this new law it will become a Class 3 felony with a maximum fine of $150 to sell these drugs in a retail store.

POLICE DOG RETIREMENT PLAN

FILE PHOTO

House Bill 5656 requires that DCFS provide visitation privileges and accommodations to the grandparents and great-grandparents of a child under the department’s supervision—as long as it’s in the best interest of the child.

Police dogs will be able to enjoy their retirement in permanent homes with the police officers and staff they worked with under Senate Bill 3129. Should the officer or employee who worked with the dog be unable to take their canine work companion, under the new law the dog may be offered to another officer or employee in the agency, a non-profit agency, or a no-kill animal shelter that will find an appropriate owner for the dog.

suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction while at a sleepover party, House Bill 4462, also known as the Annie LeGere Law, will take effect as 2017 begins.

Annie’s Law provides better access to live-saving treatment for allergic reactions by expanding training for law enforcement on how to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis, including the administration of an epinephrine autoinjector.

NEW TRANSPORTATION LAWS INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY

VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES AIDED BY NEW LAWS

Don’t forget to stop at a railroad crossing when the warning gates and lights are on! Under Senate Bill 2806 the fine for failure to stop at a railroad crossing will double. A first violation will now cost you $500 and subsequent violations will cost $1,000.

Private transportation companies will be allowed to operate video recording devices under Senate Bill 629. The new law stipulates that vehicles using this type of technology must have a notice posted stating that a passenger’s conversation may be recorded. Any data recorded becomes the sole property of the vehicle’s owner.

Student musicians may now be excused from school in the case of a military funeral procession under a new law that takes effect on January 1. House Bill 4432 ensures that any Illinois public student, grades six through twelve, is permitted to attend a funeral of a deceased veteran during school hours for the purpose of playing “Taps,” a bugle call traditionally performed during flag ceremonies and military funerals.

To honor fallen soldiers, House Bill 4344 creates the Heroes Way Designation Program Act. The law allows for the families of veterans who were killed in action while on active duty to apply for a designation to honor the departed with a personal sign on designated roadways under the jurisdiction of the

THE ANNIE LEGERE LAW Prompted by the tragic death of 13-year-old Annie LeGere, who

Children under the care of the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) will now have access to a greater family support system. House Bill 5656 requires that DCFS provide visitation privileges and accommodations to the grandparents and great-grandparents of a child under the department’s supervision—as long as it’s in the best interest of the child.

Amending Childhood Hunger Relief Act, Senate Bill 2393 is a new law this year that requires all school districts in Illinois to implement and operate a “breakfast after the bell” program. The legislation asserts that schools must provide breakfast for their students after the instructional day has begun— and may also begin serving before the day has begun.

NEW LAWS PROVIDE NEW WAYS TO HUNT AND TRAP In order to trap wild game in past years, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) required that all individuals must complete a hunting training course. Senate Bill 2410 has lifted that requirement and now permits that individuals ages 18 and under can trap wild game without certification as long as they are accompanied by an adult age 21 years or older.

Lastly, thanks to House Bill 5788, a new fishing law states that fishermen can now add catfish to the list of species that may be caught with a pitchfork, underwater spear gun, bow and arrow, or a bow and arrow device. Under the new measure, the DNR will authorize the selling of species taken by the above methods.

Being able to sell these fish not only benefits fishermen, but is also crucial to the state’s overall environmental health. The current overpopulation of Asian Carp throughout the state is causing irreparable damage to Illinois’ waterways and ecosystems.

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM use permits.

dedicated members of the village council and staff,” Vattimo said.

Several residents and business owners have stated their opposition to the project.

One of the main concerns residents had was about parking.

Village staff said updated plans for the project require the developer to convert an existing bus stop on the east side of Main Street into four on-street parking spots, provided that Pace approves the elimination or relocation of the stop.

The planned development also includes 10 on-street parking spaces, as well as 162 enclosed off-street parking spaces.

Olsen sworn in as 81st District representative The 81st Legislative House District has a new representative, following former Rep. Ron Sandack’s sudden resignation in July.

Pokemon Go takes over Woodridge, Downers Grove areas The application was released in early July, and already has caused quite a stir in communities across the country.

Woodridge Public Library, as well as other libraries, is a Pokemon gym – a place where trainers can battle their Pokemon and “claim” the gym, and bragging rights, from their friends. Players choose one of three teams to join in the game: Team Mystic, Valor or Instinct.

Along with gyms, there are places called Pokestops, which can be located at parks, post offices, water towers, libraries, village halls, churches memorials and several other places. Pokestops are for refueling Pokeballs, which are required to catch Pokemon in the game, as well as gaining other special items that can be used in the “Pokeworld.”

Village council moves forward with Maple, Main development The Downers Grove Village Council in July approved several ordinances that pave the way for the construction of 3,900-square-foot mixed-use development on Maple Avenue, despite objections from area residents.

Trammel Crow Chicago Development has proposed a part-residential, part-retail development at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Main Street.

The building would include retail space and 115 apartments. At the meeting, the council passed an ordinance for the designation of the development, a land purchase agreement, and rezoning and a special

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David Olsen, of Downers Grove, was sworn in Aug. 3 at Downers Grove South High School. Associate Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh of the 18th Judicial Circuit administered the oath of office and Olsen’s grandmother held the Bible on which he took the oath.

Olsen also served as a commissioner on the Downers Grove Village Council, but resigned from that position in order to take on his new responsibilities as representative. However, Olsen will continue to serve as a trustee and board vice chairman on the College of DuPage Board of Trustees.

Olsen, 27, was selected to fulfill Sandack’s unexpired term. Several from the Illinois Senate and House were at the ceremony to support Olsen and welcome him to the state legislature.

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, and House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, spoke at the ceremony and offered the new member of the Republican caucus in Springfield their best.

Vattimo resigns from Downers Grove Council The Downers Grove Village Council was facing even more change, following the abrupt resignation of Gina Vattimo on Aug. 21.

Vattimo was elected in April 2015 and only served on the council for 15 months.

Vattimo wrote a brief, two-sentence resignation letter that was posted on the village website, where she stated that it had “been an honor to serve” the community. The letter was addressed to Mayor Martin Tully and the commissioners on the village council.

Vattimo wished the best of luck to the council and said she was grateful for the opportunity to have served the community.

“It’s been my privilege to serve the Downers Grove community and to work with the highly skilled and

Dist. 58 unveils county’s first all-accessible playground Downers Grove Grade School District 58 commemorated the grand opening of the first all-accessible public school playground in DuPage County.

Dozens of families attended the Aug. 17 ribbon cutting at Hillcrest Elementary School, bringing area children to the school so they could try out the swings and explore the other all-accessible equipment the new playground offers.

The park, dubbed Owen’s Playground, was the result of a collaborative community effort, according to District 58.

In a press release from the district, parents expressed their support of the project.

“The playground is unique because it will offer accessibility and fun for children of all abilities,” said Hillcrest parent Peg Chaidez, whose son, Owen, is the inspiration for the playground.

Chaidez, with support from District 58, led a crowdfunding effort to secure funds for the project.

She created the Dream Build Play Experience organization in fall 2014 and partnered with Lemont-based nonprofit Abide In Me to serve as the fundraiser’s fiscal partner. Abide in Me helps people with disabilities lead active and engaged lives.

The playground’s designers used modern sustainable technologies and gathered feedback from Hillcrest students, parents and teachers in order to determine which amenities would be most enjoyable. Owen’s Playground was designed to encourage creativity and activity among all children of all abilities.

Members of the Downers Grove and District 58 community, combined with contributions from the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation, raised $600,000 for the playground’s construction.

Grady steps down as Woodridge police chief After a 30-year career with the Woodridge Police Department, Gina Grady stepped down from the department’s top spot.

Grady’s last day as police chief was Sept.

28. She started her law enforcement career with the village of Woodridge in July 1986, when she was hired on as a patrol officer. In February 1998, Grady was appointed sergeant. She became the department’s deputy chief in June 2005 and chief of police in 2013.

“I’d like to express our appreciation and thanks for all of your outstanding policing and leadership over the past 30 years,” Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham said during a recent village board meeting.

In a press release from the village of Woodridge, assistant village administrator Jack Knight said Grady brought a wealth of police experience to her various roles within the department. As chief of police, Grady is said to have employed a proactive and communityfocused approach.

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COLUMN >> COME TO ORDER

Organize your holiday decor You can minimize tediousness by putting away just a few decorations each day over a period of time

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Welcome to the New Year. As the holiday season winds down and you pack away your decorations, consider organizing them in a way that will make it a joy to decorate for the next holiday season. You can make “undecorating” fun by involving family members and making it one of your holiday traditions.

You can also minimize the tediousness by putting away just a few decorations each day over a period of time rather than trying to do it all at once.

Just be sure to take some time to organize and properly store your decorations to ensure that you will continue to enjoy them for years to come.

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Weed out decorations you don’t use or don’t like. If they have sentimental value but you don’t use them, put them in a keepsake box and include a note that indicates their significance. If they’re in good shape but you no longer want them, donate them – schools, community theater groups, senior homes and homeless shelters are all potential recipients. Otherwise, recycle what you can and toss the rest.

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COME TO ORDER

By Sue Becker

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Organize your decorations in a meaningful way.

Think about your decorating technique, and organize your decorations accordingly. If you decorate room-by-room, store the decorations for each room together. If you like to put out similar decorations at the same time (e.g., all the candles, all the window decorations, all the garlands, etc.), pack your decorations according to type. Take pictures of each area of your decorated home to remind you of where things go.

Use special containers for special decorations. Artificial Christmas trees and wreaths are two large items that may not fit easily into a typical box or bin. You can purchase special bags or boxes for these items at general merchandise and home improvement stores.

You might consider putting these and other large decorations into clear plastic bags (recycling bags or dry cleaner

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bags work well). If you don’t have shelf or floor space to store them, consider hanging them from the rafters in your attic, garage, or basement.

Label containers. Make it easy to identify what’s in each container by labeling at least 2 of the sides as well as the top – you never know which side will be facing you. You can use a general description (e.g., “Christmas - Living Room”) or instead, you can assign a number to each container and then create a separate inventory of each container’s contents by number (e.g., “Box 1 – New Year’s decorations,” “Box 2 – Eid decorations,” etc.).

Stow containers with retrieval in mind. Make sure one of the labels is facing forward so it can be seen easily. If you have decorations from several holidays, rotate containers so the most current holiday is always the most accessible: put decorations for the most recent holiday in the back or at the bottom and move containers for the next holiday to the front or top of the group.

Sue Becker is a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization who helps individuals and businesses discover the simplicity, harmony, and freedom of being organized and productive. She also speaks to companies and organizations about how to get organized and make the most of their time. Sue can be reached at www.

PilesToSmiles.com or 630.373.7400.

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CALENDAR

U P CO M I N G E V E N T S I N YO U R A R E A

JANUARY 7 Ben’s Bubble Show for Kids. 10:30

a.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library Ben creates marvelous bubble sculptures during his indoor bubble show. There will even be glow-in-the-dark bubbles.

asked to give a brief two-minute verbal resume about positions desired and target companies. This is a good experience in selling yourself to a group of people. For more information contact Sarah Breithaupt (630) 968-2087, ext. 14

JANUARY 8 Concert: Suenos Latin Jazz Quartet. 2 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public

JANUARY 14 Anniversary Kick-Off: Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at

Library. The quartet returns with music encompassing the sounds of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and flamenco.

JANUARY 9 Lisle Township Job Club. 10-11 AM

at Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Dr. Woodridge. Welcome to a place where job seekers and job movers come together to encourage, cajole and support each other’s job search. In a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, we learn effective interviewing techniques, networking strategies, and other mechanics of the job campaign.

Job leads are shared. Each person will be

Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Dr. Celebrated the library’s 50 year anniversary.

Just like Roald Dahl’s story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory there will be five Golden Tickets (winning $50 gift cards) for five lucky finders. Enjoy a chocolate bar and take your own candy tour, choosing favorite old-time candies. Freshly popped popcorn will be served at the 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. during showings of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” starring Gene Wilder.

JANUARY 16 Harry Potter Trivia for Kids. 3:30 p.m.

at the Downers Grove Public Library How well do you know Harry Potter? Bring a personal device that can connect to WiFi to test your knowledge using Kahoot.

Winner will receive a prize.

JANUARY 21 Hamilton’s Women. 2 p.m. at the

Downers Grove Public Library. Actress and scholar Leslie Goddard, brings to life the smart, beautiful women who played important roles on the Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

Dueling Pianos. 7:30-10:30 p.m. at Wheatstack, 5900 S. Route 53, Lisle. Join us for an entertaining Saturday night with great music and food. This is a 21 and over event.

JANUARY 23 Forest Fitness Walk. 8:30 � 10:30 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. All walks will be led by a ranger

SEE CALENDAR PAGE 15

METRO Information in Police Blotter is obtained from the Downers Grove, Westmont and Woodridge police departments. Individuals in the Police Blotter who have been charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

DOWNERS GROVE Domestic Battery Dominique D. Curry, 22, of Joliet, was charged at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 with two counts of domestic battery at Aldrich Drive and Woodward Avenue.

Derrick M. Robinson, 39, of Downers Grove, was charged at 12:46 p.m. Dec. 10 with four counts of domestic battery in the 800 block of Burlington Avenue.

Alexander Bryant Prior, 23, Lisle, was charged at 6:55 a.m. Dec. 10 with battery in the 400 block of Wilson Street.

Alexander J. Miller, 20, of Tempe, Ariz., was charged at 7:08 p.m. Dec. 9 with two counts of domestic battery in the 4300 block of Elm Street.

Paul M. Passero, 60, of Martinez, Calif., was charged at 3:06 p.m. Dec. 3 with two counts of domestic battery in the 7300 block of Blackburn Avenue.

Kevin A. Gorss, 46, of Downers Grove, was charged at 11:56 a.m.

Dec. 6 with two counts of domestic battery in the 2300 block of Ogden

NEWS FROM THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM Avenue.

Daniel J. Peterson, 22, of Downers Grove, was charged at 4:52 p.m.

Dec. 3 with two counts of domestic battery in the 2000 block of Prentiss Drive.

DUI Alexandra Dumitru, 36, of Hinsdale, was charged at 2 a.m. Dec. 9 with driving under the influence of alcohol and resisting a peace officer in the 6100 block of Stonewall Avenue.

Burglary Items from a wallet, jewelry and other items reportedly were stolen between 8:26 and 8:36 p.m. Dec. 2 from a residence in the 900 block of Claremont Drive.

Jewelry and a baseball bat reportedly were stolen between 9:23 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 5 from a residence in the 1400 block of 62nd Street.

Jewelry reportedly was stolen between 1:45 and 5:53 p.m. Dec. 9 from a residence in the 4300 block of Wilson Avenue.

Several items reportedly were stolen from a vehicle but left on the scene between 5 p.m. Dec. 12 and 6:59 a.m. Dec. 13 in the 900 block of Curtiss Street.

Change reportedly was stolen between 3:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 6:30 a.m. Dec. 15 from an unlocked vehicle in the 5800 block of Fairmount Avenue.

Two iPads reportedly were stolen between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 15 from a residence in the 2400 block of Haddow Avenue.

Theft A wallet and purse reportedly were stolen from a store worker Dec. 3 at She’s Boutique in the 5100 block of Main Street.

A phone and cash reportedly were stolen Dec. 5 from a locker at XSport Fitness Center in the 3200 block of Finley Road.

Kennedy K Braasch, 21, of Naperville, was charged at 7:12 p.m.

Dec. 7 with retail theft in the 2900 block of Finley Road.

A package containing a Chromebook reportedly was stolen between 5:15 and 6 p.m. Dec. 2 from a residence in the 4800 block of Cumnor Road.

A painting reportedly was not delivered to the proper address after an online account was hacked at 8:28 p.m. Dec. 9 in the 3800 block of Dillon Court.

A package reportedly was stolen between 8:11 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 10 from a residence in the 600 block of Sherman Street.

A snow blower reportedly was stolen between 11 p.m. Dec. 10 and 5 p.m. Dec. 11 in the 800 block of 55th Street.

Latoya D. Anderson, 21, of Chicago, was charged at 11:22 p.m. Dec. 5 with retail theft in the 800 block of Burlington Avenue.

Intent to deliver cocaine Erasmo Liberato, 31, of Melrose Park, was charged at 12:25 p.m. Dec. 15 with intent to deliver cocaine in the zero to 100 block of East Ogden Avenue, Westmont.

Property damage A front-side window reportedly was broken between 1:30 and 2:45 p.m. Dec. 6 in the 1500 block of Butterfield Road.

The rear window of a vehicle reportedly was damaged between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at the Red Roof Inn in the 1100 block of Butterfield Road.

The rear window of a vehicle reportedly was damaged between 11:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 8 a.m. Dec. 15 in the 4600 block of Stonewall Avenue.

Tobacco violation Arriana M. West, 22, of the 7600 block of Monroe Street, Merrillville, Ind., was charged at 5:18 p.m. Nov. 28 with a tobacco violation at the Walgreen’s in the 1000 block of Ogden Avenue.

WESTMONT Battery Xavier Wilson, 29, of Westmont, was charged at 2:55 p.m. Dec. 17 with domestic battery in the zero to 100 block of Fountainhead Drive.

Theft A coat, wallet and cellphone reportedly were stolen between midnight and 1 a.m. Dec. 14 from a business in the zero to 100 block of West Burlington Avenue. The loss is $1,100.

Property damage The windows of three vehicles reportedly were damaged between

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6 p.m. Dec. 13 and 7:45 a.m. Dec. 14 in the 400 block of East Ogden Avenue The damage is $3,000.

A camera at a residence reportedly was damaged between 4:30 and 4:50 a.m. Dec. 16 in the 400 block of South Warwich Avenue.

Driver’s License Officers arrested Gary Bray, 49, of Westmont, at 3:30 p.m., on Dec. 13 for driving with a revoked driver’s license on 200 block of East 55th Street. He was cited for improper parking and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Officers arrested Rober Kassal, 47, of Roselle for driving with a suspended driver’s license at 9:37 a.m. on Dec. 21 on the 6200 block of South Cass Avenue.

DUI Officers arrested Francis Piotrowski, 33, of Westmont at 12:16 a.m. on Dec.23 for driving under the influence on the the 200 block of south Cass Avenue.

Property damage Sometime between 4:30 and 4:50 a.m. on Dec. 16 an unknown offender(s) damaged a camera from a residence in the 400 block of South Warwick Avenue. The damage is $200.

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TAKE 5

FOR WHEN YOU NEED 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF! WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Think outside yourself. Resolve to make your partner’s life just a bit better. As this week unfolds you might find that the support of someone else is necessary to sustain your own happiness.

GEMINI

M AY 2 2 T O J U N E 2 1

If you are receptive and perceptive you can sidestep the deceptive. In the week ahead a close companion might be less than forthcoming. Resolve not to overreact to what seems like a betrayal.

LEO

J U LY 2 3 T O A U G U S T 2 1

Sing a sentimental duet with your special someone.

Perfect harmony is possible if you follow your intuitions.

Don’t expect special favors or generosity from the boss in the week ahead.

ACROSS 1 SOFTWARE VERSIONS THAT PROBABLY HAVE BUGS 6 DEER SIR? 10 LONG-RUNNING TV FORENSIC SERIES 13 REASON FOR SOME FOOD RECALLS 14 TRACTOR BRAND 15 GAVEL SOUND 16 KING OF RAGTIME 18 CALIFORNIA’S SANTA __ MOUNTAINS 19 2,000 POUNDS 20 LEE IN THE FROZEN FOODS SECTION 21 GIVES OFF 23 PRESLEY FILM SET IN SIN CITY 26 NOISY INSECT 29 SEUSS’ “HORTON __ A WHO!” 30 IN ANY WAY 31 ARTIST FRANCISCO 33 RIGHT-ANGLED PIPES 36 PENALTY FLAG THROWER 37 SINCERE 40 PROMISE TO REPAY, FOR SHORT 41 THE “E” IN FEMA: ABBR. 43 FEZ AND FEDORA 44 SPEAKS SCRATCHILY 46 “SOUR GRAPES” STORYTELLER 48 MULTI-ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS 49 ONE CHASING OUTLAWS FOR MONEY 53 DOMED HOME 54 ZIP, AS A ZIPLOC 55 STATIC JOLT 58 BIKINI TOP 59 COUNTER WIPERS, OR WHAT THE STARTS OF 16-, 23AND 49-ACROSS ARE 63 LANAI WREATH 64 PREFACE, BRIEFLY

65 YEAS AND NAYS 66 MASS. CLOCK SETTING 67 MIX, AS A SALAD 68 MAKE INTO A STATUTE

DOWN 1 UNSURPASSED, OR SURPASS 2 DANISH SHOE COMPANY 3 ANIMATED CHARACTER 4 MOUNTAIN HGT. 5 ISN’T USED, AS MACHINERY 6 LEAF UNDER A PETAL 7 PHONE BOOK NO. 8 TYCOON ONASSIS 9 SWISS CONVENTION CITY 10 SITE FOR ONLINE BARGAIN HUNTERS 11 LEGENDARY SLEIGH RIDER 12 “NOT INTERESTED” 14 ANIMATED KID EXPLORER 17 MORNING CUP 22 FOR A __ PITTANCE 23 ACTOR KILMER 24 “NOW I REMEMBER” 25 CASPIAN AND BLACK 26 HANDLE WITH __

27 GOSSIP COLUMN COUPLE 28 17-DOWN WITH HOT MILK 31 BOARDROOM DIAGRAM 32 TORONTO’S PROV. 34 MORE THAN TROT 35 FIGURE (OUT), SLANGILY 38 SHOUT BETWEEN SHIPS 39 SOUL MATE 42 NEVADA CITY 45 WORD BEFORE BASE OR BALL 47 “CUT THAT OUT!” 48 FANTASY BASEBALL DATUM 49 HOLY SCRIPTURES 50 FAIRY TALE BADDIES 51 PASSWORD CREATORS 52 FICTIONAL SLEUTH WOLFE 55 SECOND OF FOUR RHYMING GREEK LETTERS 56 ACTOR BALDWIN 57 HISSED “HEY!” 60 “IS THAT __?”: “ARE YOU DECLINING?” 61 PAIR IN A QT. 62 TOOK FIRST PLACE

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Build a cocoon of contentment. Relax within the warmth of a trustworthy relationship and find hidden benefits in your job. Frustrating situations might prevent you from attaining your goals.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22

The only thing to fear is fear itself. Lucky breaks can improve your career outlook in the week ahead, but you must be able and willing to experiment with something new.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Fool around and fall in love without being foolish. Enjoy relationships that have a definite chance of lasting.

Choose purchases with an eye on durability in the first part of the week.

SUDOKU

TAURUS

A P R I L 2 1 T O M AY 2 1

Your cheerfulness attracts compliments. Remain faithful if you hope to enjoy a rapturous romp with a romantic companion. In the week to come your business sense might be out of kilter.

CANCER

J U N E 2 2 T O J U LY 2 2

It is tempting to remain tethered to togetherness. Make the most of your vacation engaged in quality time with family. Later in the week your loved ones might not have time for you.

VIRGO

AUGUST 22 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Display a tranquil air to lure a lover into your lair. Your mate could be especially sensitive to your needs and wants. This is a good week to make lasting contentment and harmony a reality.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

A spirit of blissful agreement can make significant relationships the centerpiece of tranquility. Implement key plans and long term partnership agreements in the early part of the week.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 23 TO JANUARY 20

Keep your comments to yourself. In the week ahead there could be some crossed wires in your communications.

Resolve to be more understanding and open minded on the job.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Listen to the words of the bard. “To sleep, perchance to dream” may offer necessary rest. Find peace and harmony in the week to come if you are willing to set your imagination loose.

JUMBLE

Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2017

PREVIOUS PUZZLE’S ANSWERS

PREVIOUS PUZZLE’S ANSWERS

PREVIOUS PUZZLE’S ANSWERS

JUMBLES:

• AHEAD • DECAY • UNCURL • EASILY

ANSWER:

WHAT THE CREW CHIEF FEARED WHEN HE WENT ONLINE -- A “CRASH”

PAGE 7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

>> INSIDE: BENET GIRLS FALL IN TOURNAMENT FINALE PAGE 8

BASKETBALL

JACK THE

RIPPER

Benet’s Jack Nolan sets Pontiac tourney record with 21 3’s; leads Benet to a second-place finish PONTIAC — The championship game at the 86th Annual Pontiac Holiday tournament pitted two familiar names to the Pontiac crowd — Benet Academy and Chicago Simeon.

The two met in the 2014 title game with Simeon winning.

Benet got the best of Simeon a season ago with a 49-48 upset when the two met in the Class 4A state semifinal with. ]What a championship game it was as Simeon won 52-50 to win their 13th Pontiac title, but it wasn’t easy.

Simeon came out of the gates and took it to Benet as it scored the final 11 points of the first quarter and lead 19-7 entering the second.

The onslaught continued and at the 5:42 mark of the second quarter it was a 28-10 Simeon lead.

That is when the lights came on for the Red Wings.

“We came out and just had too many turnovers and gave

21

RECORD THREEPOINTERS BY NOLAN

up to many easy baskets,” Benet coach Gene Heidcamp said.

Benet put together an 11-0 run of their own and at the half it was 29-21 in favor of Simeon.

Jack Nolan, the sharpshooting Redwing, only had three points at the break. Simeon totally denied him the ball, with different players switching to guard him.

“Simeon is a great defensive team,” Nolan said. “I haven’t been denied like that since grade school.”

The third quarter saw a back and forth struggle as each team scored 12 points and went to the fourth quarter with Simeon holding a 41-33 lead.

Nolan did get loose and made the most of it as he scored six points in the frame on a putback, a short jumper and his patented 3-pointer.

Then things got really interesting.

Simeon scored the first basket

SEE RIPPER | PAGE 10

23

POINTS AVERAGED PER GAME AT PONTIAC

PHOTO BY MARK GREGORY

Jack Nolan averaged 23.25 points per game at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament.

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8 SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

BASKETBALL

Benet wins rematch, falls in final to Montini

BY MATT LE CREN For the Bugle www.buglenewspapers.com

The Benet girls basketball team will need depth and resiliency in addition to mere talent if it is going to win its third straight state championship.

The Redwings have all three in spades and demonstrated it Dec. 28 in a thrilling 62-60 victory over Fremd in the quarterfinals of the Montini Christmas Tournament.

In a rematch of the past two Class 4A state title games, Fremd

appeared ready to exact a measure of revenge, only to see the Redwings rally from a 17-point deficit to win. Sophomore forward Lauren Stack provided the winning margin when she sank a short jumper in the lane with 7 seconds left.

It was Stack’s first career gamewinner and capped a performance that saw her lead Benet with a career-high 18 points. She also grabbed seven rebounds, including her own miss to set up the winning shot.

“That was incredible,” Stack

said. “I was just really excited to play this game.

“It was like another face-off from the state championship last year, so I was really excited to come in and show I’ve improved and what our team can do.”

The Redwings (15-1) showed that they can deal with adversity, of which there was plenty against Fremd. The Vikings (103) scored the first 11 points of the game and led 21-5.

The Redwings also were saddled with severe early foul trou-

ble to starters Kendal Schramek, Brooke Schramek and Katie Jaseckas.

Jaseckas, the Truman Statebound senior center, scored to pull the Redwings within 35-30 early in the third quarter, but left shortly after with her third foul.

“We just knew that different people were going to have to step up tonight once we got in foul trouble,” Stack said. “We had an awful start.

“That’s probably one of the worst starts we’ve had, but we never gave up and we knew that

if we made them play the way we wanted to play, that we’d win.”

Kendal Schramek eventually fouled out and Benet coach Joe Kilbride elected to keep Jaseckas on the bench for the rest of the game, even after Fremd extended its lead to 49-32 late in the third quarter.

“Katie Jaseckas has probably been our best player all season and the way it worked out tonight, she didn’t end up playing a ton,” Kilbride said. “And KenSEE BENET PAGE 9

BASKETBALL

Mustangs rally for 7th at Oswego East

BY SCOTT TAYLOR For the Bugle www.buglenewspapers.com

After a rough stretch midway through the tournament, Downers South finished on a high note, taking down Aurora Central Catholic 54-33 to place seventh in the Oswego East Holiday Classic.

After two one-score losses, the Mustangs bounced back in the finale, paced by 17 points from Holly Lueken.

“The last two games were close games we thought we could have,” Lueken said. “It was nice to be able to come right back and play.”

Downers South opened the tournament with a 61-41 win over Oswego thanks to four girls scoring in double figures. Lueken led the way with 20 points, Jennifer Masello had 14 points and Maggie Greco and Kasandra Rugienius each scored 11 points.

The Mustangs then suffered close back-to-back losses, the first to Sycamore, 41-40. Rugienius had 13 points, Lueken 12 and Masello 11 in defeat.

Then the Mustangs’ rally from a 45-30 deficit after three quarters came up short in a 50-48 loss to Lemont. Addyson Wesolowski tallied 16 points, Lueken had 14 and Greco added 10.

“Our first game against Oswego and that was a big task playing that early in the morning,” Downers South coach Lynzie Long said. “We played a great

game and won by 20. In the Sycamore game, we had some opportunities to extend the lead to 10 points and couldn’t do it.

They had two great players on the team who fought back. There was a foul call against us in the last second and they made two of three free throws with no time left to win. It is what it is that’s basketball. Yesterday we came out flat and didn’t play like ourselves until the fourth quarter.

We went from being down 18 to losing by two. At least it showed a positive aspect that we will battle till the end. Today we got our stuff together for the most part and came away with the victory.”

With an experienced team, the Mustangs were looking forward to facing the host Wolves in the semifinals and at worst play for third place before the crushing defeat to Sycamore.

“We were hoping to beat Sycamore and have an opportunity to play Oswego East,” Long said.

“They are a really tough team and we waned that opportunity.

We ended up losing and had to play Lemont and didn’t show up and now we are in the seventh place game. We should have been 3-1.”

While the losses were disappointing, it was a learning experience the Mustangs can take with them moving forward.

“We’re excited to go back into conference and take our experiences from this tournament,”

Lueken said. “All of the little things cost us like rebounding, boxing out and playing the whole game with 100 percent energy. It is hard to play all four quarters with 100 percent intensity, so we are working on setting the tempo of the game early and keeping it up where we want it to be.”

“We talked about having heart and passion for the game and come out hard,” Long said. “I think they learned that if you make a mistake or don’t come out ready to play, they will build confidence and beat you.”

Downers South is still alive in the conference race and also faces a difficult non conference schedule in the final month of the season.

“We’re hoping to continue to do well in conference,” Lueken said. “We hope to finish in first place in the conference. We have to keep the tempo up and be intense and come to play every game.”

“We have a huge schedule ahead of us,” Long said. “We play St. Charles East, Benet and Geneva. We’re second in conference right now behind a great Proviso East team.

“We’re hoping to win out the rest of our conference games and beat Proviso East in their gym. That’s our main goal right now, to share the conference title and compete with the top teams, which will help us coming into regionals.”

PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR

Holly Lueken tallied 16 points in the Munstangs’ win over Aurora Central Catholic.

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SPORTS

STORY FROM PAGE 8 dal Schramek fouled out.

“You look at it on paper and think, ‘well, we’ve got no chance.’

But those kids have hearts that are huge and they battled their way back.”

Stack scored 11 points in the second half to keep the deficit from growing any larger, while point guard Tsimba Malonga tallied 11 of her 13 points in the final nine minutes.

The Redwings also got key contributions from senior Ali Kramer and freshman Kendall Holmes, who both scored five points.

Baskets from Holmes and Malonga triggered a closing 13-3 run which also included a rebound basket by Kramer with 30 seconds left to cut the gap to 60-58.

Senior Emma Lyne then made a steal off a double-team at half court and raced in for the gametying layup with 17.8 seconds to go.

“We wanted to double them in full court and I started coming at her when she was facing me,” Lyne said. “She ended up turning around and Tsimba did a great job of staying with her. “(The Fremd player) didn’t see me coming and she ended up losing the ball a little bit and I was right there for the steal.

Then Lauren was backing me up when I was going for the layup making sure no one was behind me.”

Lyne, who finished with five points and two steals, never lost faith in her team.

“It was funny,” Lyne said. “On the bench before I was like, ‘Guys, let’s get a steal, we need a steal.’ And it ended up that I was the one getting the steal.

“The whole vibe on the bench was none of us were giving up. It wasn’t our style the whole game,

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM but for some reason we picked it up and they kind of couldn’t handle the pressure at the end.”

Indeed, the Redwings forced the Vikings into a five-second call on the ensuing inbounds play, setting up Stack’s winner.

“Fremd did a great job,” Kilbride said. “I told (Fremd coach) Dave (Yates) we didn’t deserve that win because I thought they outplayed us.

“But this group has a lot of weapons and it took me a while to figure out which five were going to give us the best chance tonight. I’m really proud of those kids.”

The Redwings have kept winning even though several players have missed time with injuries and illness. Kilbride has used a slew of different lineups and can go at least 10 deep every game.

“One of the good problems that I have this year is we really do have lot of legitimately good depth and they’re high school kids, so on one day this kid’s playing pretty well, this kid is not,” Kilbride said. “Part of it for me is trying to figure out who’s got it going today and ride that.”

Kramer, a Colorado School of Mines recruit, who returned after missing six games with a sprained ankle, was the leading scorer two years ago for Lemont, but comes off the bench for the Redwings.

“We have a lot of unselfish people,” Kramer said. “It doesn’t matter if you start or don’t start.

Everyone is happy to play and it helps out a lot to have fresh legs to come in with our (press).”

After the thrilling win, the Redwings had another nail biter, defeating Rolling Meadows 5150 behid 15 from Jaseckas.

That win advanced Benet to the tournament final, where the Redwings suffered their second loss of the season, falling 59-43 to the host Broncos.

9

10

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SPORTS

RIPPER FROM PAGE 7 of the fourth quarter to go up 43-33 with 6:20 to go.

They didn’t score again until late in the game.

Simeon quit attacking and spent the majority of the fourth quarter trying to run time off the

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM clock and that worked right into the Red wings plan.

Benet kept chipping away and made it 44-38 with the 2:06 remaining.

That is when Simeon finally scored on a free throw.

Nolan finally found space to get open and took over with five

points to make it 48-47 with 11 seconds remaining.

His three at the 11 second mark was a bomb from downtown Pontiac.

Simeon made four three throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Nolan finished with 20 points, as he hit 7-of-9 shots from the field that included going 4-of-6 from behind the arc.

He also added four rebounds and was named to the All-Tournament first team as one of only two unanimous selections.

He averaged 23.25 points per game in the tournament and also set a tournament record with 21 three-pointers for the three-day event.

“I’m blessed to have experienced a tournament like Pontiac,” Nolan said. “This has

been a great week for our team.

We found each other, bonded and really came together.

“The beginning of the game was a little chaotic. But once we got used to the speed of the game and we found our flow we settled down.”

Liam Lyman added 11 points for the Red Wings and hit three key 3-pointers at crucial times when Nolan couldn’t touch the ball.

He was named honorable mention All-Tournament.

“We thought they may try something to deny Jack (Nolan) the ball,” Lyman said. “We just had to step up and come through and we did a pretty good job. We knew it was taking it slowly, you can’t get all the points back at once. Tonight’s game showed that we can play

LTHS Throwers @LTHSThrowers “Had to watch @LockportHoops morning game on computer(working). Nice win. 4pm game will be in Theater again. @Bballin_4life @jmeyer838” Mike Romeli @MRomeli “Great to see another #PEHS alum @Sacks_ Tackles prep for the @CottonBowlGame” PEHSGirlsBasketball ‫@‏‬PEHSgbb “Bengals come up with great team effort and defeat Niles West 69-47. Outstanding team defense. #NextLevel” Robert Brost @brookhoops “Great having @MollyDeserf @BHSATR @ BrookBBallSkip & Coach Ivlow at the game tonight! Means a lot to have support from BHS staff & coaches!”

with anyone and we have a different team than earlier in the season.

Heidcamp saw many positives with the effort his team gave and was pleased with the effort.

“These kids showed toughness tonight,” Heidkamp said.

“We had to grind that out against arguably, the number one ranked team in the state. We showed that we belonged in the championship game and that we can play and beat anyone.

We didn’t shoot the ball well tonight, but we hung in there and fought to the end.

“Jack (Nolan) did an excellent job for being denied like he was.

He played with poise, he let the game come to him and didn’t panic. That shows the type of player he is and give credit to the others because they stepped up when needed. I’m not happy with the outcome, but really pleased with our effort.”

The Red Wings shot 41.3 percent on 19-of-46 from the field and hit 10 of 30 three-point attempts.

They also out rebounded the Wolverines 31-28.

Earlier in the day in the semifinals, Simeon defeated Bloom Township 59-38 and Benet defeated Danville 48-42.

BUSINESS + REAL ESTATE

NEWS ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN YOUR COMMUNITY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

11

COMMUNITY >> WESTMONT

Grocer named best in Illinois Nature’s Best Fresh Market, 257 N. Cass Avenue, honored

The Village of Westmont and the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau is pleased to congratulate Nature’s Best Fresh Market, 257 N. Cass Avenue, Westmont, for being recognized nationally by the Daily Meal™ as the “Best Grocery Store in the State of Illinois.”

Nature’s Best has a slogan that “It doesn’t Get Fresher Than This” and apparently they are correct.

Owner George Kazantzis said that, “It is an honor to be in Westmont serving the community for 20 years.”

The family owned and operated business has taken pride in the quality and variety of food provided to their customers. Nature’s Best Fresh Market store hours are Monday thru Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

For more information on Nature’s Best Fresh Market visit naturesbestfreshmarket.com.

More information on the Nature’s Best recognition can be found at www.thedailymeal.com/ cook/best-grocery-store-everystate.

COLUMN >> DAVE SAYS

Credit cards are not an emergency fund DEAR DAVE, My husband and I are trying to follow your plan. We’ve paid off all of our credit cards, but he still doesn’t want to close the accounts and cut up the cards. Instead, he wants to keep them in a drawer and use them as an emergency fund. He grew up really poor, and I think he’s afraid of being poor again. We both know that’s not what you recommend, so what can I do to convince him to follow your advice?

LYNN DEAR LYNN, I think rather than trying to convince him, it might be a better idea to gently ask questions and talk things through. You said he grew up in poverty. What I’m hearing is that the cards represent a kind of security blanket for him. I can understand that. But if you had $10,000 set aside for emergencies, you’d have the security of knowing that a transmission repair on the car or a new water heater for the house would only be a minor inconvenience — and you wouldn’t have to go back into debt to make things right again.

Explain to him that what you’d like to do is replace the credit cards with your own money. You’d also be

replacing what they do with a debit card. Ask him if there’s a reasonable amount you two could have in the bank that would take away his worry and stress. Talk it out, agree on the amount, and then agree that when you’ve saved up and hit that number, the cards get cut up and the accounts are closed.

Just be patient and understanding. Above all, make sure you work together. If he’s recognized the wisdom of getting out of debt and taking control of your finances, he’s moving in the right direction!

— DAVE DEAR DAVE, How do you feel about using layaway programs?

JAY DEAR JAY, I’m not a huge fan of layaway plans, because they’re not really

the solution to a problem. What’s wrong with just saving up and buying stuff when you have the cash?

I mean, Christmas comes at the same time every year, you know?

It’s not like it snuck up on you.

I know there are rare instances when particular items are on sale, and you can take advantage of it through layaway if you don’t have the cash at the moment. I don’t really have a problem with that kind of thing in rare instances. But I would not, under any circumstances, use a layaway plan that has fees attached. You might as well borrow the money if you’re going that route.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you don’t have the money, you can’t afford it. And make sure you don’t get into the habit of lusting after things you don’t own, because that lack of contentment is always tied to people being broke. Just don’t make plans like this a way of life, Jay. If you do, you’re liable to stay chained to layaway programs just like you’d be chained to debt!

— DAVE DEAR DAVE, My wife and I have been married for 12 years. Last month we found out she has terminal cancer and only six months to live. We’ve been fortunate enough to become fairly wealthy during our lives together, and she wants to buy me a boat.

We always went fishing together, and her last wish is for me to have the boat I’ve always wanted. Even with this prognosis, I’ll be okay financially when she’s gone. Still, I can’t stand the thought of this. It’s just too painful. Do you have any advice?

ANDREW DEAR ANDREW, Buddy, I am so very sorry. I hope you realize that you have the sweetest woman on earth for your wife.

Even with all she’s going through, her thoughts are of you and your happiness. That is one amazing lady.

The first thing I’d tell you both is to make sure your faith is intact.

Hug her a lot, and keep talking to, praying with, and loving on each other. Be there for her all you can, and keep in mind that doctors can be wrong. It happens a lot, believe it or not, so don’t give up hope.

If she brings up the boat again, just smile and let her know it’s all about her right now. Remind her that she did the nicest thing possible many years ago when she agreed to spend the rest of her life with you. If she’s really stubborn about this idea — something tells me she is, and in the very best way possible — promise her that whether you win or lose this fight you’ll buy that boat someday and name it after her.

In other words, just tell her the truth and be real. If she goes home to be with the Lord, there might come a day down the road when the pain you’ll feel has dulled just

a little, and you find yourself sitting on that fishing boat that’s named after her. That would be okay. I’m sure she would be smiling at you while you reeled in a big one. But you’ve got more important things to take care of right now — namely her.

GOD BLESS YOU BOTH, ANDREW. — DAVE DEAR DAVE, My husband has two trucks, one of which is a work truck at his construction site. It’s in really bad shape, and he wants to take $16,000 out of savings to buy another one. We only have $17,000 in the account. What should we do?

CAROLINE DEAR CAROLINE, Your husband wants to drain your savings to buy a $16,000 vehicle and roll it up to a construction site? I think this guy has been watching too many macho-man truck commercials.

In the real world, some hard hat will run into it with a piece of heavy equipment or drop a load of bricks off center and put some big time damage on this truck before he puts 1,000 miles on it.

— DAVE * Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven bestselling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 12 million listeners each week on 575 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.

12

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PHONE: 815.436.2431 >> Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. FAX: 815.439.2548 EMAIL: classifieds@enterprisepublications.com IN PERSON: Enterprise Publications >> 23856 Andrew Rd. >> Plainfield, IL

14

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

COUNTY

NEWS

FROM THE SURROUNDING COUNTY AREA

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

15

COVER STORY >> DUPAGE COUNTY

Making 2017 safer with Smart911 Smart911 is a free public safety service available to anyone in county DuPage County officials are urging residents to make the New Year safer by signing up for Smart911.

Smart911 is a free public safety service available to anyone who lives, works or visits DuPage County.

Users create a secure, private online safety profile that includes essential household information about family members, home, pets and vehicles. When users call 911, the profile appears on the dispatcher’s screen, and the dispatcher can convey any criti-

cal information to first responders answering the call.

Smart911 users can create their profile at www.smart911.com.

Users decide what important information they share, but they can include anything that may be needed in an emergency, including: • Family members’ ages, photos or physical descriptions • Information about their home, including address, utility shutoff valves and key holders

MORE INFO DuPage County was the first county in Illinois to offer Smart911; since its introduction in 2011, more than 29,000 residents have created safety profiles. Learn more on the DuPage ETSB webpage at www.dupageco.org/ smart911 and register at www.smart911.com.

•

•

Medical information, such as medications, medical conditions or disabilities Special considerations like language restrictions, restraining orders or rescue

notes Smart 911 is valuable when unresponsive callers are unable to speak due to a medical condition, or in a house fire when first responders need to locate family members or pets.

Because users can include photos in their profiles, Smart911 can also save valuable time if a child goes missing.

One other important feature: More than 70 percent of 911 calls come from mobile phones. That cell phone’s exact location can’t always be determined by GPS from a cell tower. Smart911 displays the listed address of the mobile phone in the profile and can track the call via GPS, even if the call is disconnected.

“Saving response time saves lives, and when you sign up for Smart911, you’re helping first responders help you faster,” said Gary Grasso, chairman of the DuPage County Emergency Telephone Service Board, which provides the service.

“Smart911 can be a lifesaver when seconds count. Using this free service can save your life and the lives of your loved ones.”

DuPage County was the first county in Illinois to offer Smart911; since its introduction in 2011, more than 29,000 residents have created safety profiles.

Learn more on the DuPage ETSB webpage at www.dupageco.org/smart911 and register at www.smart911.com.

COMMUNITY >> DOWNERS GROVE

D.A.R. inducts Downers North Alum

Daughters of the American Revolution National Society (DAR) recently affirmed the membership of Alyse Dutcher The Daughters of the American Revolution National Society (DAR) recently affirmed the membership of Alyse Dutcher, a 2016 graduate of Downers Grove North The DAR is the largest society for women who are directly descended

from patriots who participated in America’s fight for Independence during the Revolutionary War. Dutcher, who’s family immigrated in 1657 to what was then New Netherlands, is the seventime great-granddaughter of David

CALENDAR FROM PAGE 4

Come to the Kids Program Room at 2:30 p.m. and vote for your favorite creation.

and naturalist. The walks are for ages 18 and up. They cost $4 per person in advance; $6 at the walk. Register online or by calling 630-850-8110.

JANUARY 24 Taxes are Everyone’s Business.

7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library. Judi Strauss, owner of Strauss Tax Service, provides an annual update of tax information and what you need to know before filing. Time for questions included.

JANUARY 29 Edible Book Contest. 1 p.m. at the

Downers Grove Public Library. Transform your favorite book into a 3D creation using both edible and nonedible supplies. (Think “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck depicted as a bunch of grapes with angry faces drawn on! More examples online.)

Make your display at home and bring it to the library at 1 p.m. Winners will be selected for a variety of categories.

JANUARY 31 Teen Video Game Tournament.

4 p.m. at the Downers Grove Public Library. Compete in Mario Kart on Wii U for a chance to win. Snacks provided. Register at www.dglibrary. org/events

Family Game Night. 6 p.m. at the

Downers Grove Public Library. Play with our board games from classics like The Game of Life to something new like Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons game. Games appropriate for all ages and family sizes.

FEBRUARY 6 Forest Fitness Walk. 8:30 � 10:30

a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. All walks will be led by a ranger and naturalist. The walks are for ages 18 and up. They cost $4 per person in advance; $6 at the walk. Register online or by calling

Dutcher, who served as a minuteman with the New York Militia.

His regiment faced British and Hessian forces in two pivotal events of the early Revolutionary War in the Battle of Long Island; this first engagement of the war between General Washington and Sir William Howe remained the largest naval assault by the British Empire until World War II and the first Co-

lonial victory in the Battle of Saratoga. Following the New York Campaign, the Militia served with the Continental Army at Valley Forge for the remainder of the war.

“It’s a lot of fun learning (about) your family history. Every time you find something new, you want to learn more.” Dutcher said. “What I like most about DAR is it reminds you of the difference between pa-

triotism and politics, which is really important with what’s happening in our country today. Becoming a member is a great honor and something that will be an important part of me throughout my life.”

The DAR participates nationally in the preservation of historical documents, charity drives, and in honoring both Revolutionary Patriots and all veterans.

630-850-8110.

Join us for an entertaining Saturday night with great music and food. This is a 21 and over event.

Preserve in Oak Brook. All walks will be led by a ranger and naturalist. The walks are for ages 18 and up. They cost $4 per person in advance; $6 at the walk. Register online or by calling 630-850-8110.

FEBRUARY 7 Friends of the Westmont Public Library. 7-8 p.m. at Westmont Public Library. Are you interested in supporting your library? Find out about about becoming a Friend. Get involved with fundraising, advocacy and volunteer opportunities.

FEBRUARY 11 Raising Readers: Reading Comprehension. 2-3 p.m.at Westmont

FEBURARY 20 Forest Fitness Walk. 8:30 � 10:30

a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. All walks will be led by a ranger and naturalist. The walks are for ages 18 and up. They cost $4 per person in advance; $6 at the walk. Register online or by calling 630-850-8110.

Public Library. Wondering what to do after you’ve read a book with your child? In this workshop, led by Literacy Connections & Advocates, you and your child will listen to a story, and then participate in a reading comprehension activity. Families will walk away with a collection of fun and simple activities to determine if your child “got it.”

FEBRUARY 28 Organizing for Your Personality Type. 7-8 p.m. at Westmont Public

FEBRUARY 18 Dueling Pianos. 7:30-10:30 p.m. at

MARCH 6 Forest Fitness Walk. 8:30 � 10:30

Wheatstack, 5900 S. Route 53 Lisle.

Library. Are you right-brained or leftbrained? Everyone can be organized once they know what works for them. Find out your best organizing style with Beth Randall, international professional speaker and owner of Joe Organizer.

a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest

MARCH 20 Forest Fitness Walk. 8:30 � 10:30

a.m. at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. All walks will be led by a ranger and naturalist. The walks are for ages 18 and up. They cost $4 per person in advance; $6 at the walk. Register online or by calling 630-850-8110.

APRIL 8 Community Clean Up the Parks.

9-11 a.m. at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park,8301 S. Janes Ave. Woodridge. Help get the parks clean together. Gather friends and neighbors and bring your group out for a fun, clean-up party. The Park District provides bags and gloves. All participants receive a T-shirt and group recognition in the fall park district

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