DECEMBER 27, 2017 VOL. 10 ISSUE 5
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FORUM
Celebrating IL Quiet capital — The story of Illinois’ first state city SEE PAGE 4
SPORTS
First six months Look back at the top stories of early 2017 SEE PAGE 7
BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
NEWS
TOP LOCAL STORIES OF 2017 It was a busy year in Downers Grove, Westmont, Lisle and Woodridge as the villages saw mayors unite to oppose an annexation, students showed support for their communities and much more. Here, the first in a two-part series that chronicles what kept people talking in 2017:
MAYORS UNITED IN OPPOSITION TO NAPERVILLE ANNEXATION PETITIONS The mayors of Naperville, Lisle, Woodridge and Warrenville stood in unity during a Jan. 9 press conference, to address the growing chatter in the community regarding the circulation of annexation petitions. Petitions were anonymously filed on Jan. 3 in the DuPage Circuit Court to put a referendum question on the ballot to annex Woodridge, Lisle and Warrenville to Naperville.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham said it was important for area mayors to clear up any confusion and other feelings stirred among residents in light of these filings. “Being here today, it stresses I think something that came through very clearly,” she said. “Right away when this (petition) came forth, each of us joined together and worked together to find answers to some of the questions before us today. Each of the communities that are here represented are independent communities, thriving and that’s the way we want to stay.” As of Jan. 9, more than 30 residents had signed onto the formal objection to the petitions presented to the DuPage Circuit Court. Lisle Mayor Joe Broda questioned the intent behind the petitioner’s effort to collect signatures; to the extent that confusion stirred among residents. “This petition kind of has a lot of our residents up in arms, ‘what’s going on?’” he asked. “ ‘How can this happen? How can the law allow a handful of residents who don’t live in your community, circulate a petition and file it.’ We looked at those petitions, and that’s why they’re being challenged.”
WESTMONT OKS BUSINESS PERMIT, LIQUOR LICENSE Dolce’s is reopening in Westmont under new ownership as early as February. In a 4-1 vote on Jan. 19 the Westmont Village Board of Trustees approved a request for operation of the restaurant in the B-1 limited business district and a Class D liquor license. “Jason and I are very excited to reopen Dolce’s restaurant keeping it a staple of the downtown Westmont business district,” part-owner Greg Notbusch said. “Dolce’s will remain a warm and friendly place for all to enjoy great food and wine… But now adding our combined business, restaurant and culinary skills, we’re going to expand and elevate the quality of service and most importantly the food. Our hope is to not only create a successful Westmont restaurant, but have it become an anchor of the downtown district that will hopefully attract more new business into the Westmont area.” Dolce’s closed its operations at 15 Quincy St. on Dec. 31, 2016.
STAFF, STUDENTS BRAVE COLD WATERS FOR A CAUSE
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NEWS
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CONTINUED If there was ever a good reason to go swimming in Lake Michigan in February, members of the Downers Grove South High School community agreed this was it. More than 50 students and staff members braved icy waters to participate in the Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Illinois on Feb. 18. Downers Grove South High School’s team took a dip into the icy waters of Lake Michigan at Clark Street Beach in Evanston. “This is the first year we’ve done it as a big school,” said Jennifer Martinez, director of student activities. “We have a program—our D99 Hoops program, which is funded by Special Olympics [Illinois] to play basketball within our district for students with intellectual disabilities. So, they’ve done it on a smaller [scale]—maybe some staff members have done it. But this year, we had tons of students that registered and raised lots of money because it’s our [school’s yearly] philanthropy focus.” Students participating in the Polar Plunge were required to raise a minimum of $100 to earn a team sweatshirt. “Many of them exceeded those expectations because our goal was to raise $4,000,” Martinez said. Kevin Ahrens, vocational coordinator for the multi-needs program, participated in the Polar Plunge. “The money goes to Special Olympics Illinois, and that gives our kids opportunities down the road to access different [recreational programs] during high school and post-high school,” Ahrens said. He said the community’s support is exceptional. “It was amazing to see the whole school get involved,” Ahrens said. “To raise over $10,000 is a quite an accomplishment. In year’s past, we’ve had like four, six plungers. To have 53 [participants], is pretty amazing. That says a lot about our school.”
DOWNERS GROVE TALKS ABOUT BUILDING MAINTENANCE, FUTURE OF VILLAGE HALL To enhance the facilities for village hall and the police department, the Downers Grove Village Council in March discussed the prospect of pursuing some potential plans for building maintenance or new construction. “Our police station and our village hall… are both in poor condition and in total require about $10 million worth of maintenance,” said Village Manager David Fieldman. “The police station itself is too small. It doesn’t provide enough space for modern law enforcement techniques and services and creates some inefficiencies.
Village hall is actually quite large, but it’s an old ball-bearing factory, and is very inefficient and has its own set of operational challenges.” The village council has approved a plan to address a number of these facility issues. That plan calls for the expansion and remodeling of the police station, approximately $14.5 million; and another $1.5 million to address some maintenance at village hall. These projects will be paid for using a $16 million budget comprised of existing revenues that include $2.2 million of cash on hand in the village’s asset and forfeiture fund and the issuance of a bond in the amount of $13.8 million. That debt instrument requires an annual payment of roughly $1.1 million, and is to be paid for using the village’s property tax levy, local gasoline tax and the capital fund.
WOODRIDGE CLERK RETIRES, LEAVING LEGACY OF SERVICE Woodridge resident Eileene “Sam” Nystrom, 81, village clerk, former deputy village clerk and former assistant to the mayor, who will be remembered for her service to the community, retired April 30. Nystrom first moved to the village in 1967. Shortly thereafter, she started working for the Village of Woodridge. When Nystrom retired, she capped off a career that spans more than 40 years. Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham said Nystrom had a great vision for shaping the Office of the Village Clerk. “We all thank her for her dedication to service and volunteerism,” she said. “We wish her the very best. We hope to see a lot of her in and around Woodridge.” Nystrom said she likes to think she’s leaving her post in the best possible position for the village to fill her vacancy. The joy she holds for serving the community cannot be refuted, she said. “Public service is a wonderful career because if you like people and like helping people, it can be a marvelous career,” Nystrom said. “It gives back to you as you giveback to others. You don’t make a lot of money, but there’s a lot of satisfaction.” The hope, according to Nystrom, is that her time devoted to the village will not be for naught. “The clerk’s office is always a place where people can over and see where they should go,” she said. “We then guide them to the proper department.”
DOWNERS GROVE TO BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS WITH DEVELOPER
The Downers Grove Village Council weighed the advantages and disadvantages to a series of redevelopment agreements set to assist them in improving the facilities for village hall and the police station. In a 4-3 vote at their March 21 meeting, officials took action to authorize the start of negotiations regarding a proposed townhome development. Commissioners Marge Earl, Greg Hose and Bob Barnett cast the dissenting votes. This measure, as is, does not bind the village to the townhome proposal. Other developments to be considered include plans for an apartment complex and a medical office building.
REDEVELOPMENT PLANS OK’D FOR OAK TRACE Redevelopment is in store for those already living in or considering the idea of moving into Oak Trace Senior Living Community. In a unanimous vote at their April 18 meeting, the Downers Grove Village Council took action to allow redevelopment plans to proceed for a planned unit development located at 200 Village Drive. “. . . I walked through the criteria that are applicable to approval of a planned unit development amendment and indicated that if I was to see or hear anything that would change my analysis at that time, I would certainly take it into consideration,” Mayor Martin Tully said. “Just to close the loop on this, I have not received any information in addition to what I looked at last week that would convince me any different outcome as of tonight’s vote.” While a measure to amend the planned unit development was denied by the Plan Commission, the Village Council came to a consensus that much of the concerns raised by constituents rest outside their jurisdiction. Lifespace Solutions’ plan, which operates Oak Trace, stipulates they intend to construct a new healthcare center, extend residential options to fit the community’s needs, strengthen the business model and absorb the project costs without relying heavily on increases to month service fees.
D.99 INVITED FACILITIES PLANNING DISCUSSION Community High School District 99 officials sought input April 19 and April 20 from attendees gathering for a set of public meeting about facility needs. “We’re at a point right now where our
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schools are big enough to contain our student body, which looks like it will be right around 5,000 students for the next 15 or so years,” said superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele. “What we don’t have are current modern facilities that reflect the learning and the activities that people are doing in the world of work. [It] can’t occur here very easily in the spaces as they are built now. They’re built for a more outdated mode of learning.” The process of gauging community feedback began in 2011, at which time the Board of Education started the strategic planning process. Since that time, school officials have surveyed the set up of educational institutions in surrounding communities. Proposed plans for the two buildings include the introduction of learning commons, reconfiguration of library space and outdoor renovations. Specific changes at Downers Grove North could also include modifications to the gymnasium, while the auditorium serves as a point of focus at Downers Grove South.
BARTH MEMORIAL CEREMONY CONTINUES TO HONOR FALLEN POLICE OFFICER Nearly 43 years after her brother’s death, Ruth Stocker still remembers the life he chose to lead. Richard Barth, who was a police officer, died on March 18, 1974, trying to fight crime at the scene of a burglary and protect his community. Barth, who is the only Downers Grove law enforcement official to die in the line of duty, was honored at a May 18 memorial ceremony at First Presbyterian Church. “Each year, we gather to pay to tribute to Officer Bart for the sacrifice he made on March 18, 1974,” said Lt. Robert McMahon, of Downers Grove Police Department. “This is also an opportunity for us to honor all police officer who have made the ultimate sacrifice.” Since Barth’s death, more than 7,500 police officers have been killed in the line of duty. While police and community relations are often in the spotlight, the work of law enforcement officials and the authority they are afforded remain a concern in today’s world. “Here in our community Downers Grove, Officer Richard Barth’s tragic and untimely demise serves as a constant reminder of the risks facing every man and woman who carries a badge, even in our quiet suburb, Downers Grove,” Mayor Martin Tully said. “This annual memorial ceremony and celebration of Richard’s life also serves as a recurring reminder of the dedication and the commitment of our law enforcement professionals to our community each and every day. As we thank Officer Barth for his service and his sacrifice, we also thank all of those in uniform, here, today for their service and their commitment [to] our safety.” There are a number of reminders in the Village of Downers Grove that pays tribute to the fallen officer, one being Barth Pond—which was named in his honor in 1976. Additionally, a monument and tree were dedicated to him in his memory at Patriot’s Park.
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GUEST COLUMN
Quiet capital — The story of Illinois’ first state city BY ISAAC SMITH Of the Southern Illinoisan On July 4, 1778, the bell rang and the battered people of Kaskaskia gathered. They found themselves under new rule. George Rogers Clark explained that the revolutionary government was not interested in changing their faith, but wanted to give them liberty. The once British-occupied territory had been liberated by Clark, who was fighting for the Continental Army. About four decades later, this small settlement flanked by the Mississippi River would be the home to Illinois’ first capital. There is a lot to Kaskaskia’s story — a lot that wouldn’t be gleaned by a visit to the sparse island on what would seem to be the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. Emily Lyons, curator for the Randolph County Archives and Museum, said she has spent the last 20 years working to preserve the county’s history in an official capacity, but has spent her life immersed in it. Lyons said her family can be traced in a direct line back to settlers who came to what was then the Kaskaskia peninsula in the 1700s — Lyons explained that the peninsula became an island after years of deforestation along the banks of the Mississippi, as well as soil erosion, created a perfect storm in April 1818 when an ice pack at a bend in the river finally caused what was left of the remaining ties to the mainland to gave way. Lyons explained that Kaskaskia began as one building — in 1703, the Jesuits built a chapel. Not long after, a small population of native peoples and 12 French settlers called the place home. By 1718, and several church buildings later, the chapel became a parish, the Immaculate Conception Church. Lyons said the population grew, and, in 1725, Kaskaskia was incorporated by the French. She said Kaskaskia’s location on the Mississippi River made it ideal for shipping the agricultural goods being produced in the region, but most valuable perhaps were the furs being trapped and sent to the garment trade in Europe. She said over the course of its history, the once-bustling community
ISAAC SMITH, THE SOUTHERN
The Liberty Bell of the West was rung after Kaskaskia was captured from the British in 1778 by the Colonial Army. garnered the moniker of the Versailles of the West. In fact, the Liberty Bell of the West was gifted to the Kaskaskia’s Immaculate Conception in 1741 in recognition of its importance. The bell still sits among the scattered historic buildings left on the island. Lyons said before being incorporated, the king of France had sent a military detachment to build what would be Fort De Chartres. This proved to be a valuable asset in the years and conflicts to come. After the French and Indian War ended, in 1765, Britain took the fort. Lyons said because of poor conditions there, the British moved to Kaskaskia, which is where Clark found them during the Revolutionary War. Lyons said while Clark and his men, who took Kaskaskia without a drop of blood being shed, announced they were happy to let the residents live their lives as they chose, they would need to be supplied. She said the following winter was a hard one as many larders had been raided to help with the war effort. Lyons said after the war ended, Kaskaskia was part of several different territories. First it was part of the Virginia Commonwealth after the Treaty of 1783. Then it was in the Northwest Territory until it was part of the Indiana Territory in 1800. Finally, in 1809, Kaskaskia was part of the Illinois Territory. When President James Monroe signed off on Illinois being admitted as the 21st state in the union in 1818, Kaskaskia was chosen as its first capital. But this didn’t last long. Within a few months of acquiring statehood, Vandalia, which was not even populated at the time, was chosen as the state’s new capital as many favored its more central location within the original 16 southern counties. The
first meeting of the second General Assembly was held at a newly constructed statehouse in 1820. Though at one time home to a vibrant population, Kaskaskia Island now is home to an almost startling quiet. Fewer than 100 people call the island home, with miles (in some cases) between houses. The Liberty Bell of the West sits encased in a brick shrine and the Immaculate Conception Church, its final brick building, just a few yards away. Yawning trees dot the grounds. Lyons said while Kaskaskia is not the tourism hub of, say, Abraham Lincoln’s estate in the current state capital of Springfield, she is happy with things they way they are. She said many who still live on the island do so for a reason — it’s quiet. She said her biggest struggle as curator is getting people to see the value in history, as well as seeing the value in keeping historic buildings standing when possible. “Sometimes the impression is new is better,” she said, noting the irony that many buildings that replace historic structures are often estimated to last only a few decades while those that come down have lasted centuries. She said she always tries to explain the value in these historic places. And when she loses, she is not happy. “It’s not a good feeling,” Lyons said of seeing pieces of her county’s history meet the wrecking ball. Lyons said she wants to preserve her home’s history and wants to ensure the buildings and museums can be maintained. This has been no easy task, as budgets in Illinois have shrunk in recent decades. However, she said she has to strike a balance when it comes to Kaskaskia: The grounds and buildings need to be kept up and the history should be celebrated, but not at the expense of those who still call Illinois’ first capital their home. “The rich and famous go off and buy islands so they can have a secluded place to live and we don’t have to do that,” Lyons said. “We have a secluded place.” Isaac Smith of the Southern Illinoisan can be reached at isaac.smith@thesouthern. com. The weekly Illinois Bicentennial series is brought to you by the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors and Illinois Press Association. More than 20 newspapers are creating stories about the state’s history, places and key moments in advance of the Bicentennial on Dec. 3, 2018. Stories published up to this date can be found at 200illinois.com.
METRO
NEWS FROM THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
TRANSPORTATION >> STATE
‘Getting Around Illinois’ provides road conditions Responsive, mobile-friendly IDOT site keeps travelers informed As the official start of winter approaches, the Illinois Department of Transportation reminds travelers to visit and bookmark the newly redesigned GettingAroundIllinois.com for continually updated information on road conditions. “The new-and-improved GettingAroundIllinois.com is a great resource any time of the year, but
especially during winter when road conditions can quickly change,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Illinois has the third-largest highway system in the nation, so we know it is important to provide the public with a convenient way to access information they know they can trust.” Available on your computer or mobile device, the website includes the ability to identify and zoom in to a location, travel route or destination. Road conditions are recorded by IDOT plow drivers out in the field and relayed through GettingAroundIllinois. com through a cloud-based system. The site’s winter road condi-
tions map averages more than 2 million visitors during snowand-ice season. Recent updates to this map include more detailed reports of snow coverage and a color scheme that aligns with map technology used by surrounding states, creating a more seamless travel experience for motorists.
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TAKE 5
FOR WHEN YOU NEED 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF! WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Ho-ho-home is where the heart is. Surround yourself with those whom you care about the most and enjoy the warmth of the holiday season together. There may be little to be gained from last minute shopping expeditions.
GEMINI
M AY 2 2 T O J U N E 2 1
Make sure the sleigh runs on schedule. Conflicting social obligations may create a brief period of turmoil, so you may need to set priorities to keep things running smoothly. Those around you make look to you for guidance.
LEO
J U LY 2 3 T O A U G U S T 2 1
Peace on earth, goodwill to man. Imbibing a little too much holiday spirit could cause some tempers to flare but you are the one who can diffuse things by spreading a little joy. Drive home the lesson that the best things in life are free.
ACROSS 1 “I LOVE LUCY” AIRER 4 SEARCH, IN A WAY 9 “I LOVE LUCY” ROLE 14 CAUCASIAN NATIVE 15 HAVENS 16 __ FOOTBALL 17 DETERGENT IN A RED CONTAINER 18 KIND OF CURL 19 MORE MIFFED 20 O 23 INCA __: PERUVIAN SOFT DRINK 24 TAXING PEOPLE? 25 MEET AT THE POKER TABLE 26 TWITTER FOLLOWER, USUALLY 28 HORSESHOESHAPED BOAT PART 32 O 37 GARDEN POND FISH 38 CROOK’S INVENTION 39 METEOR TAIL? 40 ANCIENT GREEK PHYSICIAN 42 AUTHOR DEIGHTON 43 O 46 ANGLES FOR IRON USERS 48 COURSE FOR NEWCOMERS: ABBR. 49 “... __ THE SET OF SUN”: “MACBETH” 50 SEVEN-FILM FRANCHISE 52 SMOOTH OVER 56 SITE OF CONFUSED ACTIVITY, AND A HINT TO 20-, 32AND 43-ACROSS 61 STOCKPILE 62 SPORTSCAST ANALYSIS 63 “RUMOUR __ IT”: 2011 ADELE HIT 64 FIRST SIGN
65 IN NEED OF CHANGE? 66 SPACEWALK INITIALS 67 BRIEF COPY? 68 SPOKE ABYSSINIAN? 69 “L.A. LAW” ACTRESS
DOWN 1 IT’S ALWAYS DATED 2 GRAND CANYON ANIMAL 3 SPIRAL-SHELLED CREATURE 4 VIEW FROM THE QILIAN MOUNTAINS 5 COMING DOWN 6 MUPPET IN A CAN 7 STRIPS OFF 8 “OUTSIDE THE LINES” AIRER 9 HIDDEN DVD FEATURES 10 GARDEN TOOL 11 SUB 12 U.S. DEPT. WITH A WINDMILL ON ITS SEAL 13 ESCAPADE 21 CLASSIC 20-ACROSS 22 GENESIS NAME 27 WAS SUPERVISED BY
28 R.E.M.’S “THE __ LOVE” 29 ST. WITH A PANHANDLE 30 “FARGO” DIRECTOR 31 WARMHEARTED 32 UNDISGUISED 33 TOAST TOPPING 34 WORD SEEN UNDER A DEER SILHOUETTE 35 YOUTUBE CLIPS, FOR SHORT 36 RR SCHEDULE LISTING 41 MORE CAPABLE 44 HUNGARIAN WINE REGION 45 WIDELY CRITICIZED 1985 PRODUCT INTRODUCTION 47 RUDE SORT 50 BEDROOM NOISE 51 WARMLY LIT 53 YEARNED 54 POLISHED 55 SAT PART THAT’S JUDGED 56 WIELDER OF MJÖLNIR 57 PERFECT 58 GRATING SOUND 59 SALT TOPIC 60 MORE THAN ANNOYED
LIBRA
SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Over the river and through the woods. Holiday outings could be a memorable source of adventure and fun. Joy and merriment will be contagious, and you won’t have to work very hard to create a festive atmosphere.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22
A rolling stone gathers no mistletoe. Seeing all your holiday plans through may require you to stay in motion as if you rest you may just stall altogether. A close friend or loved one may finally provide a long-awaited answer.
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Go with the flow. It may take a little effort to find your holiday spirit but once you get into the swing of things you’ll have a ball. Don’t be shy if you find yourself among new faces as you will most likely make fast friends.
SUDOKU
TAURUS
A P R I L 2 1 T O M AY 2 1
Remember to leave out the milk and cookies. The object of your affection will be sure to leave extravagant goodies in your stocking and show you how much they care. Romance may blossom to a new level tonight.
CANCER
J U N E 2 2 T O J U LY 2 2
Be a Scrooge ... after he was visited by the three ghosts, that is. You’ll find no greater satisfaction than giving to others and spreading good cheer. Remember that the cost of a gift is irrelevant as it is the thought that counts.
VIRGO
AUGUST 22 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Santa would get nowhere without his elves working behind the scenes. Take charge as it will be your planning and attention to detail that will make holiday festivities successful. Go out of your way to create a little magic.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Stick with the program. The hectic nature of the holidays may have everyone pulling in separate directions, so you may need to be the voice of reason. You may need to remind others that there are only so many hours in a day.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 23 TO JANUARY 20
Grin and bear it. While the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, certain relatives may be kind of a chore to endure. You may be genuinely surprised when the least likely person turns out to be your secret Santa.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Have it your way. Whether you want to attend a big holiday bash or spend an intimate evening with a special someone, it’s all up to you. Sometimes a comfortable silence with a loved one can say more than a deep conversation.
JUMBLE
Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2017
PREVIOUS PUZZLE’S ANSWERS
PREVIOUS PUZZLE’S ANSWERS
PREVIOUS PUZZLE’S ANSWERS
JUMBLES:
• GRUNTT • OPERA • UNJUST • ENGULF
ANSWER:
WHEN HE ASKED HER IF SHE WANTED A NEW MINK COAT, SHE SAID -- “FUR” SURE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
PAGE 7
YEAR IN REVIEW: THE FIRST HALF
A LOOK
BACK Looking back at the top stories during the first half of 2017
LUCKY 13 Typically, when a team rallies from five points down in the final 10 seconds and ties the game on a banked in three-pointer at the buzzer, that would be the story of the game. While that is what happened for Lisle in its 46-43 regional final win over Timothy Christian, it wasn’t the main story of the contest. Than belonged to freshman Ahniya Melton, who scored the game’s lone basket in overtime ending a 13-year drought.
PERFECT SEASONS Senior Zach Muller of Westmont became the school’s first wrestling champion Feb. 18 when he pinned Taylor Fleetwood of Fulton in 1 minute, 9 seconds to claim the Class 1A title at 285 pounds. The win also capped off a perfect 37-0 season for Muller. He opened the tournament by pinning Tyler Elsbury of Byron in 46 seconds and then pinned Ricky Cantu of Knoxville in 3:22. His only match that lasted into the third period was a 5-1 win over Ian Kuehl of Lena-Winslow in the semifinals. The title only the fourth wrestling medal in Westmont history and first since 1986 when Clint Dvorak (2nd, 185) and Mike Plowman (4th, 132) both medaled. Muller becomes only the fifth male state champion in Sentinel history and first since Henry
Arndt won a track title in 2011. • After losing in the 2016 state finals, Plainfield East’s Michael McGee had a plan for 2017. “The goal the beginning of the year was to have an undefeated senior year and to finish on top of the podium in February,” he said. Check and check. McGee ended a dominant 43-0 season with a dominant win, beating DeKalb’s Fabian Lopez by technical fall in 5 minutes, 14 seconds for the Class 3A title at 120 pounds. McGee becomes the first District 202 wrestler in history to win multiple state titles, as he placed first his sophomore year as well. He also the first in district lore to reach the finals three years and joins only Plainfield Central’s Ryan Prater (2004-06) and Nick Nasenbeny (2011-13) as threetime state placers. McGee is also the only wrestler in District 202 to finish a season with an undefeated record. • Another amazing showing for the area was Lockport resident Austin O`Connor (46-0), who wrestles for St. Rita who finished his career with his fourth high school state title, by beating Cole Smith of Providence by a 20-7 major decision at 152 pounds. It was the second-straight undefeated state championship for O`Connor, who finished his career with a combined record of 180-4. SEE YIR PAGE 8
FILE PHOTO
Westmont’s Zach Muller completed a perfect championship season.
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8 SPORTS YIR FROM PAGE 7
LEMONT’S CHIEF While most residents of Woodridge attend Downers Grove High School, you won’t find the name PJ Pipes in any of the Mustangs’ record books. The record book you will find his name in Lemont’s. Pipes lives in the small area of Woodridge that attends Lemont High School and he has rewritten the Indians’ record book, placing his name at the top of the alltime scorers list with 1,259 career points.
STARS SHINE When the geographical teams were made for the Voyager Media Girls Basketball All-Star Shootout, the South team ended up with a bit of an advantage. They pretty much all knew each other. Led by 10 points from MVP Brooklyn Bachmann and a teamhigh 13 points from Jaianna Brooks, the South squad pulled away for a 64-43 victory on a funfilled final game for the all senior teams on Sunday, March 19 at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. Katie Jaseckas, who helped lead Benet Academy to back-to-back Class 4A state championships in 2015 and 16, led the North team and all scorers with 14 points. But the balance of the South team, which was made up of mostly members of the Southwest Prairie Conference and had 12 of 13 players score, won out. No matter the outcome, it was a final opportunity to put on their high school uniforms for the players. Bachmann had a variety of assists in the shootout game, to help net her the MVP. • About midway through the second half of the Voyager Media Boys Basketball All-Star Shootout Bolingbrook’s Nana Akenten came to the scorers table and asked what the record for points was. Well, fresh off helping to lead the Raiders to third place in the Class 3A State Tournament the day before, Akenten scored 22 points to help make sure the team scoring record was shattered. His North group, however, fell short in 134-122 South win. Joliet West’s Trevian Bell, the game MVP, scored a team-high 22 points and wowed the crowd with a series of slams as the South squad pulled away in the final few minutes for a victory. Bell’s Joliet West teammate — Tabyous Cast-
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM erberry tied him for team-high honors with 22 points, as the 256 points easily broke the combined points record, which was set last year in a 120-119 win by Team Gregory - when the format was a little different. Niles West’s Aaron Flowers scored a game-high 27 points for the North team, which tied Bolingbrook graduate (‘13) and current SMU Mustang Ben Moore for the second most points ever scored in the nine years of the boys all-star game. Both teams also surpassed the previous single team high for points, which was 121 by the North squad in 2013 game. That was no surprise as the combined rosters included six members of the Class 3A/4A Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-Staters. Akenten led the way as the lone first teamer, while Bell, Benet’s Jack Nolan and Notre Dame’s Matt Stritzel were third teamers and Lemont’s PJ Pipes and Joliet Central’s Jose Grubbs were on the fourth team. A feel-good award was presented before the game. The Jeremy Izzo Character Award, which is named after the former Joliet Catholic Academy boys basketball coach, who passed away in 2010. This year’s award was presented to Lockport’s Matt Smietanski.
CENTER OF ATTENTION During Benet Academy’s backto-back state title runs in 2015 and 2016, much of the attention was given to the guard play on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. With guards like Kathleen Doyle leading the way, Benet was known its full court press as well as ability to shoot from the perimeter. One of the biggest reasons the Redwings had that luxury was the play of Katie Jaseckas. Jaseckas, the 6-foot, 1-inch, Truman State-bound center, leaves the program as its all-time leader in rebounds (741) and second in blocked shots (209). It was that play that allows the guards to shoot threes, knowing Jaseckas would be there for the rebound and apply pressure knowing if a team beat the press, they had her guarding the rim. In 2017, Jaseckas averaged 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.9 steals per game and led Benet to a 28-5 record and a sectional title. For those accomplishments, she has been named the 2017 Voyager Media girls basketball Player of the Year.
Jaseckas was also named to the East Suburban Catholic Conference team, was all-tournament at the Montini Holiday Tournament and was the Most Valuable Player at the Naperville North Holiday Tournament. She was also named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association second team all-state.
TRACK STATE(MENT) A season ago, Benet Academy’s Ali Munson won the IHSA Class 2A title in the pole vault. This year, the Redwings moved up to Class 3A, but Munson did not miss a beat as she repeated as state champion clearing 12feet, 3-inches at O’Brien Stadium on the campus of Eastern Illinois University - just up a class. Munson found herself under unexpected pressure in the preliminaries when, after she skipped on all heights through 11 feet, needed all three jumps into a head wind to clear 11-3 and qualify for the finals. While she was hoping for a higher vault, Munson will take the win – her third pole vault state medal. Downers Grove North senior Emma Moravec finished second in the 800 run with a time of 2:15.08. “I had a really great time this weekend,” she said. “Being able to finish second in the 800 and medal again in the 4x400 is amazing. I am really happy to be able to say that I finished my senior year with two more state medals and it is just crazy that it is all over. Moravec also teamed with senior Gina Kowalewicz, junior Rachel Sprague and sophomore Kimberly Brent in the 1600 to place fourth in 3:56.90. Downers Grove medaled a pair of long jumpers as North junior Isabel Maletich placed sixth with 18-06. South junior Maddie Manganiello placed seventh with a jump of 18-03.25 and credits having less pressure on her this season. “It was amazing. Last year I was ranked first and I ended up fouling all of my jumps in prelims, she said. “So, this year I made finals and I can thank God for that. Today was a bit rough, I wish it turned out better, but I am happy with the way it turned out.
FIRST TROPHY A lot of people had a hand in the historic feat accomplished this spring by the Downers Grove North girls soccer team. But when it came time to carry their prize, the Trojans put it in the hands of senior defender Eliza-
FILE PHOTO
Benet’s Ali Munson won her second pole vault title in 2017.
beth Hodonicky. Hodonicky, who served as co-captain along with forward Emily Redpath and midfielder Maggie Nevrly, beamed as she held the Class 3A fourth-place trophy on Saturday. The Trojans didn’t win a game in their first appearance at the state finals at North Central College in Naperville, but they did become the first soccer team, boys or girls, in school history to win a trophy. Downers North (20-4-2) had never even reached a sectional final before this year. But the Trojans won nine straight games before their state championship dreams ended with a 1-0 loss to eventual state champion Barrington in Friday’s semifinals.
PITCH PERFECT There was a time not long ago when Abby Swanson wasn’t thinking about becoming an All-State soccer player. All she wanted to do was be able to play the sport again. The Downers Grove North midfielder suffered a torn ACL her freshman year and Swanson tallied 13 goals and 18 assists and led the Trojans to a school-record 20 wins and a fourth-place showing in the Class 3A state tournament. Oh, yes, she also was the first Trojan in more than 15 years to be named AllState. For those efforts, Swanson is the Voyager Media Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
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