Downers Grove 2-22-18

F E B R UA R Y 2 1 , 2 0 1 8 V O L . 1 0 I S S U E 13

Illinois has embraced its role as the Land of Lincoln

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EVENTS

Calendar Events Upcoming events in your area SEE PAGE 3

SPORTS

Second to one Villalobos takes second at state SEE PAGE 5

BUSINESS Dave Says Rent-to-own options are not good deals

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BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

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FORUM SPOTLIGHT

LAND OF LINCOLN

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

VILLAGE NEWS >> DOWNERS GROVE

Commissioners approve Lester School plans Council also OKs special use permit for upcoming car dealership

BY MEGANN HORSTEAD For the Bugle @BugleNewspapers sweditor@buglenewspapers.com

The Downers Grove Village Council advanced Downers Grove Grade School District 58’s expansion plans for one of its schools.

In a series of 5-0 votes, motions were passed to rezone Lester Elementary School property located at 236 Indianapolis Ave. and authorize a special use to permit an addition. Village Board action gives Downers Grove Grade School District 58 the right to proceed with its plans to add approximately 3,400 square feet of classroom space to the east side of the existing building. With a change in zoning, the property in question is brought into conformance and the intent of the Village of Downers Grove’s comprehensive plan. Prior to Vil-

lage Board action, the property’s zoning designation was R-4 residential detached house and that is converted to INP-2 campus-scale institutional and public district.

The measure intends to accommodate to the Lester School addition, an institutional use, all while protecting surrounding areas.

With the special use request, Downers Grove Grade School District 58 looks to accommodate the integration of its full-day kindergarten program in the building.

Foundation landscaping and entryway planters are proposed by the applicant and are not required in the Village’s zoning ordinance.

A change of note to the site includes sidewalk restoration or replacement, which enables the project to conform to municipal codes.

Other side modifications include a new ADA ramp and a set of stairs

at the north entrance. Additionally, the western Lincoln Avenue curb-cut will no longer be used, as the asphalt driveway will be converted into a landscaped area and walkway. Construction of the Lester Elementary School addition is anticipated to begin in March and scheduled for completion at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year.

Special use for automobile dealership OK’d An automobile dealership is coming to Downers Grove’s Ogden Avenue. In a 5-0 vote, officials advanced a petitioner’s plans to redevelop a 1.5-acre site located at 2410 Ogden Ave. The building remodel will feature a modern design with a makeup primarily of steel, masonry and concrete.

The petitioner has proposed

landscaping around the perimeter of the property and interior islands.

Additionally, the new trash area will have screening, light fixtures are to be added, and some landscaping is to be planted between an enclosure and Ogden Avenue.

No members of the public spoke during a recent public hearing regarding the request for a special use.

The Village’s Plan Commission provided a unanimous recommendation for approval to commissioners at its recent meeting.

To curb concerns for traffic concerning the site, the petitioner intends to remove the eastern curbcut onto Ogden Avenue, while the western curb-cut will be improved.

Commissioners determined that the petitioner’s proposal satisfies the Village’s comprehensive plan, which calls for a concentration of automobile dealerships within the western section of the Ogden Avenue corridor and to promote uses

that have a regional draw.

Round up A brief recap of action and discussion Feb. 13 at a regular meeting of the Downers Grove Village Council: • A motion was passed approving the mayor’s appointment of Daiva Majauskas to the Village’s Plan Commission for a threeyear term expiring Aug. 31, 2021.

• A motion was passed authorizing the mayor’s appointment of Michael McCann to serve as chair of Downers Grove’s Zoning Board of Appeals. His term is anticipated to expire Aug. 31, 2020.

• A motion was deferred to direct Village staff to prepare a draft operating process to reinstate the peer jury program.

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

COMMUNITY

SEASPAR/Kiwanis Aktion Club hosts 80s dance fundraiser The SEASPAR/Kiwanis Aktion Club, a partnership between the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation and the Kiwanis Club of Lombard, hosted an 80s Dance at the Lisle Recreation Center on last month to raise money for charity.

The mission of the Aktion Club is to provide adults with disabilities an opportunity to develop initiative and leadership skills and to serve their communities.

Fundraising and service projects are a key part of the club’s activities, and the 80s Dance kicked off its 2018 fundraising initiatives.

More than 50 SEASPAR participants with disabilities attended the event, which featured a DJ spinning 80s classics, a retro photo booth, and refreshments.

Sequins, tutus, and legwarmers were the preferred attire, as posters from 80s movies adorned the recreation center walls.

Money raised by the event will be used to support Feed My Starving Children, Noah’s Hope, and hurricane relief.

Since its creation in 2005, the SEASPAR/Kiwanis Aktion Club has raised funds and performed service projects for causes including veteran and senior services, hunger and disaster relief, health and medical research,

animal welfare, and many more.

The club’s first donation was to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts on September 19, 2005. The club received Kiwanis International’s Distinguished Club Award for 2014-2015.

More than 500 Kiwanis Aktion

CALENDAR FEBRUARY 24, Winter Telemetry Scavenger Hunt. Noon-1:30 p.m. at Lyman

Woods, 901 31st St, Downers Grove.

Winter in the woods can be cold and snowy, but it isn’t without life and adventure! Track animals through the woods using radio tracking equipment, find winter animal habitats, travel through the snow and finish with hot chocolate around a toasty campfire. Come dressed to be outdoors. www. dgparks.org.

Winter Wine and Whiskey Fest. 4 to 8 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo,

8400 31st Street, Brookfield. Come out of your winter hibernation and warm up at Brookfield Zoo’s first ever Winter Wine and Whiskey Fest! Enjoy wine and whiskey

Clubs have more than 12,000 members worldwide. Aktion Club is the only community service club for adults with disabilities.

For more information about the SEASPAR/Kiwanis Aktion Club, call SEASPAR at 630-9607600.

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DISTRICT 99

District 99 Education Foundation hosting annual Pizza Wars District 99 Education Foundation will host its fifth annual Pizza Wars fundraiser on Thursday, March 1. The event will take place at South High in Downers Grove (1436 Norfolk Street) from 5:30-8 p.m. in the Cafeteria. In-advance tickets can be purchased for $10 each at www.pizzawars.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $15.

This year’s local pizza vendors will feature: Nancy’s Pizza (Woodridge), Papa’s Pizza Place (Woodridge), Tortorice’s Pizzeria (Downers Grove), NY Pizza Pie (Downers Grove), Olive Theory Pizzeria (Downers Grove), L&F Pizza (Westmont), WoodGrain Neapolitan Pizzeria (Westmont), Lou Malnati’s Pizza (Downers Grove) and Skuddlebutt’s Pizza (Downers Grove).

Guests will taste the variety of pizza that each vendor provides and have the opportunity to vote on their favorite slice. Vendors are competing for the titles of “Best Crust,” “Best Sauce,” and “Best Overall Pizza.” Winners will be announced at the end of the event. The 2017 winners were as follows: Best Crust: Olive Theory Pizzeria; Best Sauce: Lou Malnati’s Pizza; and Best Overall: Tortorice’s Pizzeria.

During the 2018 event, the

Singing Hoosiers from Indiana University will make an appearance for a few a Capella numbers for the crowd. South High Fine Arts is hosting the Singing Hoosiers for a FREE concert following Pizza Wars at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. All are welcome to attend!

In an effort to achieve the District 99 Education Foundation’s mission of filling in the gap where traditional funding may not be available, Pizza Wars proceeds will benefit a variety of teacher grants and student scholarships at North High and South High in Downers Grove. In 2017, the District 99 Education Foundation gifted more than $20,000 in support of educational programs. Most recently, educational programs funded included AVID, Young Hearts for Life, Raspberry Pi devices for Women in STEM club, and Red Ribbon Week.

“We’re incredibly honored to to support innovative curriculum and cutting-edge technologies in order for our educators to enrich student experiences at District 99,” Julia Beckman, District 99 Education Foundation President, and former District 99 Board of Education member, said. “Pizza Wars is one way for our community to gather and show support for our schools.”

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

samples, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and meet and greets with Animal Ambassadors! https://www.czs. org/WinterWineandWhiskey.

MARCH 17 Dueling Pianos 7:30 p.m. at the

Wheatstack, 5900 S. Route 53, Lisle.

It’s an entertaining Saturday night with great music and food. This is a 21 & over event. wheatstacklisle. com.

MARCH 18 Concert: Boogie Woogie Kid.

2 p.m. at Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove. Described as “Michigan’s Best” in Boogie-Woogie & Blues performance, pianist/singer/songwriter performs high-energy and

family-friendly favorites from the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Co-hosted by the Downers Grove Music Club.

Email Melissa at mfischer@dglibrary.org with questions.

MARCH 18 Spring Palette Art Show. 11 a.m.

at Gregg House Museum, 115 S Linden Ave, Westmont. The museum becomes an art gallery filled with unique oil paintings, watercolor paintings, prints, pencil drawings, glass, sculpture and much more.

All of the works of art showcase the talents of local artists including the Westmont Park District’s Senior Art participants. There will be demonstrations, a raffle, and some treats.

Meet and chat with over 40 talented artists. If you wish to exhibit

your art work, please call 630-9698080x104. westmontparks.org.

MARCH 23 Flashlight Egg Hunt. 7:45 p.m.

at McCollum Park, 6801 Main St, Downers Grove. Grab your flashlights and baskets and head to the McCollum Park ball fields where you’ll search for candy-stuffed eggs under the moonlight. Participants with food allergies may be exposed to allergens. The hunt starts at 7:45 pm sharp, so arrive early!

Registration deadline is March 20.

No registration will be taken onsite. www.dgparks.org.

MARCH 24 Wild Night Out. 6 p.m. at Ly-

man Woods, 901 31st St, Downers

Grove. Kids- need a break from your parents? Send them out on a date and come to Lyman Woods for a wild Saturday night! We will begin by cooking dinner around the campfire, and then hit the trails to explore the woods at night.

Search the woods for nocturnal animals and search the skies for the stars and planets! We’ll end the evening with an indoor project.

Hey parents- Lyman Woods is less than one mile from Yorktown cinema, shops and restaurants! www. dgparks.org.

Traditional Egg Hunt. 10 a.m.

Lisle Community Park - Bandshell, 1825 Short Street, Lisle. Bring your basket and come to Community

SEE CALENDAR PAGE 8

FORUM

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We want to hear from you! Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

COLUMN

Illinois has embraced its role as the Land of Lincoln

BY KATE SCHOTT THE STATE JOURNALREGISTER Abraham Lincoln may not have been born in Illinois but he clearly is among the state’s favorite sons.

Lincoln came into the world on Feb. 12, 1809, in Hodgenville, Kentucky, but eventually spent several decades living in Illinois, and departed for the presidency as a resident of Springfield. He was a shopkeeper, postmaster, lawyer, and state and federal legislator before being elected president in 1860.

He served as the nation’s 16th president from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. The bullet fired by John Wilkes Booth prematurely took one of the nation’s greatest presidents from its citizens, but could not diminish his accomplishments -- notably the abolishment of slavery -- that have defined his legacy.

Planting roots in Illinois Lincoln had a humble beginning.

The second child and first son to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, he was born in a one-room log cabin. He did not have the benefit of consistent formal schooling, as he often worked to help support his family during his childhood in Kentucky and then Indiana.

The family moved to Illinois in 1830 and Lincoln wound up in New Salem working as postmaster and shopkeeper. He became involved in local politics, winning a seat in the state legislature in 1834. He taught himself law and passed the bar in 1836; in 1846 he won a seat to the U.S. House of Representatives.

He married Mary Todd in November 1842 and they had four sons, although only the eldest, Robert Todd, survived into adulthood. The Greek Revival house the family lived in for 17 years still sits in Springfield today, with its homestead a popular place for tourists to visit when they come to the state’s capital.

Lincoln’s biggest accomplishment was probably the abolishment of slavery, an issue he began speaking out against as a young adult. His first state-

ment on the issue is said to have been March 3, 1837, when he said “the institution of slavery is founded on both injustice and bad policy” during a speech at the state legislature when it was in Vandalia.

It was an issue he would repeatedly discuss during his political career: When accepting the Republican nomination in June 1858 during a convention in Springfield to be the party’s candidate for U.S. Senate, Lincoln gave his “A house divided against itself cannot stand” speech.

And it was one of the main issues discussed during his failed bid for the Senate, as during the 1858 debates with Stephen A. Douglas the future president forcely spoke out against slavery. While he lost the race for Senate that year, those seven debates gave him the national prominence he needed to win the presidency.

The presidency Lincoln was elected the 16th president of the United States in November 1860 and took office the following March. Much of Lincoln’s time as president was spent on the issue of slavery, as the divide between the North and South as to whether it should be allowed led to the Civil War starting a month after he took office.

It was during the war that his Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in Confederate states, went into effect on Jan. 1, 1863. And it was on one of the bloodiest battlefields of the Civil War that Lincoln delivered perhaps the most important speech in American history. The Gettysburg Address, given Nov. 19, 1863, is known for Lincoln’s succinct summary of the purpose of the United States: That the country was “conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,” and that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Lincoln was elected to a second term as the war raged on, but his death came shortly after his second inauguration and just as the Civil War was coming to end. He was shot April 14, 1865, while watching “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. It was Good Friday, just five days after

the surrender of General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. Booth, a sympathizer with the Confederacy, shot the president pointblank in the back of his head.

News of Lincoln’s death arrived in Springfield via telegraph at 3 a.m. April 15, 1865, to the Daily State Journal’s newsroom. “The president was shot in a theater tonight and is probably mortally wounded,” read the dispatch.

Moments later another followed: “The president is not expected to live through the night. ... Secretary (of State William) Seward was also assassinated.

No arteries were cut. Particulars soon.”

The second, of course, was inaccurate about Seward’s fate, but the news about Lincoln was correct. Additional dispatches painted the chaos inside Ford’s Theater, including the sound of a pistol, a man waving a dagger leaping from the president’s box, the screams of Mrs. Lincoln, and finally, the heartbreaking confirmation that the 16th president of the United States had died.

A train carried the president’s body throughout the country for nearly two weeks, allowing citizens to grieve their loss. On May 3, crowds descended upon Springfield as the train carrying Lincoln pulled into town for the president’s burial.

“Today we lay him reverently to rest amid the scenes he loved so well,” the Journal said the next day. “Millions will drop a tear to his memory, and future generations will make a pilgrimage to his tomb. Peace to his ashes.”

Pilgrimages continue to the 16th president’s tomb to this day, with many visitors rubbing the nose of the bronze head of Lincoln that sits in front of the entrance to the tomb. The words uttered by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton upon Lincoln’s passing have indeed come true: “Now he belongs to the ages.”

State Journal-Register photo editor Rich Saal contributed to this report.

Kate Schott is the editorial engagement editor at The State Journal-Register in Springfield. She can be reached at kate. schott@sj-r.com. Editor’s note: 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.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

PAGE 5

>> INSIDE: SOUTH’S CARLSON RETURNS TO FORM AND EARNS MEDAL PAGE 6

WRESTLING

FAMILIAR

FOE

Downers Grove South’s Villalobos placed second at state, facing Montini’s Christensen for third time

BY PAUL JOHNSON For the Bugle www.buglenewspapers.com

When it comes to choosing opponents, Downers Grove South senior Sergio Villalobos prefers the unknown.

“I wrestle well when I face somebody for the first time,” Villalobos said. “People don’t believe that I’m as fast as I am.”

In the Class 3A 195-pound finals at the IHSA state championships at State Farm Center in Champaign Saturday, Villalobos didn’t have that luxury.

No, Villalobos had to face somebody that had become far too familiar with in the past three weeks; Montini junior Peter Christensen, and Christensen had the final say in a 5-4 decision to deny Villalobos his state-title dreams.

Villalobos (43-2) picked up a regional crown over Christensen (44-5) two weeks ago to remain unbeaten on the season, but

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TIMES VILLALOBOS PLACED IN TOP THREE

Christensen returned the favor at the Class 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional and the state final came down to the final buzzer.

“They both know each other,” DGS coach Sean Lovelace said.

“They wrestle each other a little bit in the offseason and obviously this is their third week in a row that they’ve competed against each other. We knew it was going to be tight. (Christensen is) a heck of a wrestler, strong kid. It’s hard to say that one kid is better than the other kid in that kind of instance, but that’s the sport.”

The first period went by scoreless. They traded escapes in the second before Christensen took the upper hand with a takedown with 0:27 left in the period, taking a 3-1 lead into late in the third period.

With time running short on a neutral re-start, Villalobos put his speed to use by furiously circling Christensen and earn-

SEE FOE | PAGE 6

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WINS THIS SEAOSN FOR VILLALOBOS

PHOTONEWS MEDIA/CHRIS JOHNS

Downers Grove South’s Sergio Villalobos celebrates a semifinal win at state. He would fall to Peter Christinsen of Montini in the finals, placing second.

TWITTER: For up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @VoyagerSport

6 SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

GYMNASTICS

Carlson bounces back with state medal

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

PHOTO BY MARK GREGORY

Abby Carlson competed at state in the balance beam and floor exercise. She placed second in state in the floor exercise.

PALATINE — Downers Grove South’s Abby Carlson watched last year’s state gymnastics meet from a wheelchair in the balcony at Palatine High School, wondering if she would ever return to the sport she loves.

She finished this year’s state finals beaming from the awards podium after becoming just the third female gymnast in school history to win a medal.

Carlson capped an inspirational comeback Saturday by finishing second in the floor exercise, scoring 9.675. Glenbard West star Maddie Diab, a fellow junior and this year’s all-around state champion, won the state title with a 9.725.

Carlson, who suffered a torn ACL at the conference meet last season and underwent surgery shortly after, is the first Mustang to medal on floor exercise. The top 10 finishers on each event from Friday’s preliminaries advance to the finals, where the top six are awarded medals.

“It’s just so exciting,” Carlson said. “My goal all season has been just to be here, so the fact that I’m doing all-around, I couldn’t even have dreamt that.

I’m just so excited to be back.”

A return to the gym was far from certain in the early days after the devastating injury.

Carlson’s recovery entailed eight months of rehab and at first she doubted herself.

“I would definitely say this this injury was more mental than physical,” Carlson said.

“At the beginning I kind of shut myself off, but I would definitely attribute all my success to my coaches and my teammates being there for me to try to keep my spirits high. Without them, I wouldn’t be in the mental state that I am right now.”

That state finds Carlson articulate, blessed and confident.

The honors student knows not to sweat the disappointments, including a rough balance beam routine that saw her fall three times on Friday.

That wasn’t the ideal way to start the meet, yet she bounced back to score 9.1 on vault, 9.35 on uneven bars and 9.55 on

floor exercise, a routine which including a breathtaking double back and left her tied with Diab for second place on floor and in 23rd place in the all-around standings with a 36.0.

“My goal today was just to have fun,” Carlson said. “I knew coming in I shouldn’t expect perfection.

“Nobody here is going to have a perfect day, so obviously I was upset (after beam) but I knew that I had to get it together.

Beam in the past has been one of my weaker events so I just knew I had to get through the routine and I could move on, especially to floor which is one of my favorites.”

Carlson is one of Downers South coach Kristyn Campos’ favorite athletes to work with and not just because of her talent.

“She’s an amazing kid to the core,” Campos said. “She is one of the most hardest-working, toughest athletes I’ve ever dealt with in the last 11 years (as coach).”

While many athletes come back from ACL injuries, not all return to their previous level.

That’s especially true of gymnasts, whose bodies, particularly knees and ankles, take a terrific pounding. Yet Campos isn’t surprised to see Carlson back on top of her game.

“I’m not. Abby’s drive is incredible and she desires nothing but the best for herself,” Campos said. “She’s her greatest motivator sometimes.

“We had a step-by-step plan to get her to state and she’s done everything I’ve asked her to do and it’s paying off her for her. I honesty could not be happier for her as her coach.”

Carlson, who wears a brace on her knee for support but is 100 percent healthy, was asked what advice she would give to other athletes facing ACL surgery.

“I would just say use it to your advantage,” Carlson said. “It’s a horrible thing to go through but the amount of mental and emotional growth that I’ve had with this injury has been unreal and I’ve just found a new love of gymnastics.

“After not being able to do it for eight months, I realized why

SEE MEDAL | PAGE 7

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SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

7

COLLEGE

NCC men win ninth straight over Wheaton A late first-half surge helped the North Central College men’s basketball team shake off a two-game losing streak at King Arena Saturday evening, as the Cardinals defeated Wheaton College, 72-55, to record their fourth straight season sweep of the Thunder.

North Central (17-7, 10-5 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin) won its ninth straight game over Wheaton, paced by the efforts of junior guard Aiden Chang, who set a season high in scoring for the second straight game with 20 points on 8 of 10 shooting (4 of 6 from three-point range).

The Cardinals had four players score in double figures and led for the final 24:47 of the 40-minute contest.

North Central led by as many as nine points in the early going before the Thunder (17-7, 10-5 CCIW ) scored nine straight points to pull in front, 21-17, with 9:14 left in the first half.

The Cardinals got back in front when Chang knocked down a three-pointer and converted a

MEDAL FROM PAGE 6 we do the sport is not to win but because we love it.”

Carlson wasn’t the only Downers Grove gymnast who made history at state.

Downers Grove North junior Brooke Stocki became the first Trojan to advance to the event finals since Krista Lewis in 2003.

Stocki, who was 20th in the

FOE FROM PAGE 5 ing a reverse to tie it at 3-3, putting himself in position for a takedown to steal the title.

Christensen had other ideas, however, putting together a reverse of his own to suddenly take a 5-3 lead. Villalobos had an escape and hoped for another shot, but time ran out.

“I thought I was going to have a takedown there,” Villalobos said of the seconds following his reverse. “I tried to bring it down, but he reversed me and got me.

“My main priority was to be a state champ. It stinks that I

layup within a 20-second span.

After Wheaton’s Luke Peters came up with a steal and layup, North Central closed the first period with an 11-0 run over the final 3:48 and went into halftime with a 41-29 advantage.

The visitors extended their lead to 19 points early in the second half before Wheaton put together a 13-1 run in a span of 5:37 to cut the lead to 53-46 on Zack Kvam’s three-pointer with 7:18 to play. After a timeout, the Cardinals scored six points in the next minute to build their lead back up to double digits as Connor Raridon sank two free throws and Tommy Koth fed Matt Cappelletti for a fast-break layup before driving for an inside score of his own.

North Central led by at least 11 points the rest of the way.

The Cardinals’ defense hounded Wheaton into 29.3 percent shooting (17 of 58), including just a 3 for 26 effort from three-point range.

Cappelletti scored 16 points, while Raridon finished with 13

points, 10 rebounds and six assists and Alex Sorenson scored 10 points.

Aston Francis led Wheaton with 20 points despite a 5 of 24 shooting performance (1 of 13 from beyond the threepoint arc). Kvam and Kobe Eichelberger each scored 10 points for the Thunder.

Having already clinched a spot in the upcoming CCIW Tournament, the Cardinals close out the regular season on Tuesday at No. 23-ranked Illinois Wesleyan University (19-5, 12-13). Tipoff the Shirk Center is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

all-around with a season-high 36.35, qualified on beam and bars. Finishing tied for fourth on beam with a 9.325 in prelims and tied for seventh on bars with a 9.4.

Stocki placed 10th on bars in the finals with an 8.7, but finished the meet by capturing sixth place on beam with a 9.225.

“For beam I’ve just been re-

ally consistent this year and I’ve also felt really confident,” Stocki said. “I had the mindset that I just wanted to come in and have fun and I did. I had one of the most fun meets of my life.”

‘I’m very happy,” Downers North coach Linda Reynolds said. “She really couldn’t have done any better.”

won’t be a state champ, but I went down swinging. That’s all that matters.”

Lovelace said that while a state title would have been great, the impact Villalobos had on Downers South will live on. Villalobos was an all-stater in both football and wrestling while also being a school leader with a 3.15 GPA. Villalobos said he is undecided on his college destination, or which sport he will pursue.

“Sergio is an awesome kid and we’re so proud of him, behind being a third-place finisher (as a junior) and a second-place finisher,” Lovelace said. “He’s

just a great kid. Kids like Sergio, they’re rare. As a coach, you relish the opportunity (to coach them). It’s a shame that there was no more time on the clock, because I wanted to see them keep wrestling.”

Downers Grove North’s Nate Cummings (113 pounds) finished one win shy of the medal stand. The Trojans also sent Jim Flavin (220) and Ethan Smith (285) to state.

Lisle sent seven wrestlers to the Class 1A meet, and Westmont sent five, but none were able to advance to Saturday.

TENNIS The North Central College men’s tennis team dropped a pair of non-conference matches on Sunday at the Illinois Institute of Technology Triangular, falling 7-2 to the host Scarlet Hawks in the morning, before suffering a 6-3 defeat at the hands of Monmouth College in the nightcap.

The Cardinals (2-4) began the opener against IIT in a 3-0

hole after doubles play, leaving little room for error heading into singles competition.

IIT (2-3) was able to claim victories at No. 1 and No. 2 singles to seal the match victory, but Adam Winters got the Car-

dinals on the board with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Abhishek Rana at the No. 3 position. Tyler Bussell was also victorious, battling back from a 6-4 first-set defeat to take down Mike Rivich, 6-4, 1-0 to earn the win.

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BUSINESS + REAL ESTATE

NEWS ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN YOUR COMMUNITY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

COLUMN >> DAVE SAYS

Rent-to-own options are not good deals DEAR DAVE, Is it okay to buy something using a rent-to-own plan?

JOSH DEAR JOSH, I advise against rent-to-own deals. Rent-to-own places get people in the door with promises of low monthly or weekly payments.

But when it comes to rent-to-own furniture, washer and dryer sets, and that kind of thing, you’ll end up paying much, much more than if you saved up and bought item outright. The amount you’ll pay out of pocket is even more ridiculous if you compare it to buying the same item, slightly used, somewhere else.

CALENDAR FROM PAGE 3 Park for this festive annual tradition! Children will hunt for colorful eggs by age groups (2 & Under, 3-5, 6-10) in different areas of the park. Awesome prizes will be given to those who find the golden eggs. Parents be sure to bring your camera so you can take your kids picture with the Bunny. This is an outdoor event so remember to dress warm for the weather. lisleparkdistrict.org.

APRIL 1 Easter Brunch with the Easter Bunny. 9 a.m. at the Wheatstack,

5900 S. Route 53, Lisle. Brunch Includes: Prime Rib & Honey Ham Carving Station, Omelette Station (omelettes cooked to order), Smoked Salmon, Shrimp, Sausage & Peppers, Macaroni & Cheese, Pasta, Eggs Benedict, French Toast & Maple Syrup, Scrambled

I don’t recommend rent-to-own scenarios when it comes to buying a home, either. Most of those offerings are listed at full retail price and then some. Plus, the contracts are tilted toward the seller’s side of the equation. And very few people Eggs, Bacon & Sausage, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Mashed & Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit Tray, Salads, Assorted Desserts, Chocolate Fountain, Coffee, Soda, Tea, and an Ice Sculpture. wheatstacklisle.com.

APRIL 7 Passport to Safety & Wheely Big Trucks. 10 a.m.- noon at

Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave, Downers Grove. FREE! Sponsored by the Downers Grove Park District, Fire Department and Police Department, Passport to Safety offers safety tips for all ages. Each child will receive a passport at the beginning of the event and use it to meet local safety personnel and learn important tips to keep you safe in and around your home.

Afterwards, head outside to touch, see and explore trucks and vehicles of all shapes and sizes. www. dgparks.org.

who sign a rent-to-own home deal follow through and become homeowners.

When it comes to real estate deals, the only thing I would consider — other than an outright cash purchase — is leasing with an option to buy. That’s different than rent-to-own, because in a rent-toown situation you’ve committed to purchase. On a lease with an option to buy deal, you have the right to purchase, but not the obligation.

Josh, most of the people who use rent-to-own deals are not in good financial shape. They’re deeply in debt, and they have no money.

Rent-to-own ensures they’ll stay there.

APRIL 14 32nd Annual Road Rally. 3:30

p.m. Grab your neighbors and friends to create a team of 4 to 6 adults per vehicle. You get a map and bag of clues; you’ll need teamwork, logic and luck to stay on track. Some clues are helpful while others are designed to throw you off course. This exciting and somewhat physically challenging four-hour scavenger hunt on wheels will test your mind, body and teamwork. At the completion of the rally, teams meet for an awards presentation and a pizza dinner. This event is coordinated with the Bolingbrook, Lisle, Naperville and Woodridge park districts. Space is limited. Registration deadline is April 11. Captain’s letters are emailed the week prior to the event. An email address is required upon registration. www. dgparks.org.

—DAVE DEAR DAVE, I’m looking at long-term disability insurance policies. What does the term “elimination period” mean?

GLEN DEAR GLEN, The elimination period is, by definition, the time from the point you’re declared disabled by a doctor until you begin receiving payments from the insurance company. If you have a 90-day elimination period, it will be about that long from the time you’re officially declared disabled until you see your first check.

I recommend 90- to 180-day elimination periods, depending on what kind of financial shape you’re in, and how much

money you have stashed away in savings, investments, and your emergency fund. If you have a fully-loaded emergency fund of three to six months of expenses — and you have little or no debt, plus other money stashed away — you should be able to carry a policy with a longer elimination period.

And remember, the longer the elimination period, the lower your premiums will be. Hope this helps, Glen!

—DAVE * Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 13 million listeners each week on 585 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.

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TAKE 5

FOR WHEN YOU NEED 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF! WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

You are like the little train that could. Just continue to think positively and even an uphill climb will be possible.

In the week ahead focus on networking and making new friends.

GEMINI

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

Accept minor irritations with good grace. A friend may push you off your couch to persuade you to do something physical. Focus on accepting challenges with poise and tact in the week ahead.

LEO

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

Take baby steps. It might not be a lack of ambition, but feeling the weight of responsibilities that prevents you from trying to get ahead. Be a perfectionist about ethics in the week to come.

ACROSS 1 SON OF GOD, IN A BACH CANTATA 5 SACRED WADING BIRD OF ANCIENT EGYPT 9 ENGLISH CLASS TOPIC 14 NOVELIST HUNTER 15 OUTSTANDING CREDIT 16 __ VALLEY, CALIF.: 1960 WINTER OLYMPICS SITE 17 PRE-EXAM REVIEW SESSION 20 PREPARE TO PROPOSE 21 FIGURE SKATING LEAP 22 SATISFIED SOUNDS 23 TEL __, ISRAEL 25 USE AN ACETYLENE TORCH ON 27 MULTINATIONAL MILITARY ALLIANCE 33 PIN REQUESTER 34 IN A BIT 35 WORDS BEFORE “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” 37 EXPLORE EBAY 39 VINTAGE ROADSTER 41 POP SINGER DIAMOND 42 MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS 45 STATE FIRMLY 48 DELTA RIVAL: ABBR. 49 REPORTER’S TRUSTWORTHY CONTACT 52 “WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF __?”

53 BRING IN FROM THE FIELDS 54 CRIES FROM SUCCESSFUL SOLVERS 57 FLU SYMPTOM 59 SOUNDS OF THUNDER 63 COIN-OPERATED KIDDIE RIDE 66 SPIN DOCS 67 “IF ALL __ FAILS ... “ 68 OUT OF THE WIND 69 SHABBY 70 PUTS INTO WORDS

71 WHERE BOATS TIE UP

DOWN 1 SODA __: FOUNTAIN WORKER 2 TIED, AS A SCORE 3 OUT OF DANGER 4 HARD TO BELIEVE 5 CHECKPOINT REQUIREMENTS: ABBR. 6 CONDUCT, IN REPORT CARD COMMENTS 7 CURLY-HORNED GOAT 8 SPRINKLED WIDELY 9 GI SHOW GP. 10 DETACHMENT OF FIGHTER JETS 11 SUBTLE GLOW 12 NASTY CUT 13 FLEECY FARM FEMALES 18 “DON’T BE CRUEL” SINGER 19 CHIN INDENTATION 24 SIMPSON TRIAL JUDGE 26 WEATHER MAP “L” 27 TENS AND TWENTIES 28 “NONE OF THE ABOVE” CHOICE 29 LOVE, IN ROME

30 NBA GREAT SHAQUILLE 31 __ D’ALENE, IDAHO 32 ROOM-FILLING COMPUTER UNVEILED IN 1946 36 MAGAZINE YOU CAN READ FORWARD AND BACKWARD? 38 LIKE SHINY SHOES 40 FLIPPED DURING FRYING, AS EGGS 43 AUSTRIAN “A” 44 THE DEVIL 46 TAMPA-TO-PALM BEACH DIR. 47 PEST CONTROL TARGET 50 UNIDENTIFIED FLYING RADAR BLIPS 51 TRANSFER, AS COMPUTER DATA 54 BANDSTAND BOOSTERS 55 “PRESENT!” 56 SUMMIT 58 GOLDEN ST. CAMPUS 60 FOLKSY GUTHRIE 61 TINY TIME MEAS. 62 SEARCH FOR 64 VAGUE QUANTITY 65 “__ MISÉRABLES”

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

You may receive more attention than you deserve. Your flirtatious mannerisms may interfere with a partner’s plans. Enjoy new contacts and plenty of social activities in the week ahead.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22

Find a budget buddy. In the week ahead you might spend time analyzing your expenses and resources. The pennies you often spend here and there on little things could mount up.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

It pays to discriminate, especially about romantic hookups. In the week ahead, you may be tempted to accept the first offer that comes your way. Remember there will be no doubts with true love.

SUDOKU

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TAURUS

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

Your best qualities could be on display in the week ahead, so don’t miss a chance to charm someone who can help your career. You may have some good ideas to increase your net worth.

CANCER

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

Drum up support and promote your dreams. People are likely to provide the helping hand you need to get projects off the ground in the week ahead. A partner may be especially thrifty.

VIRGO

AUGUST 22 TO SEPTEMBER 23

It may not be fun, but it will be dependable. Rather than being restless for thrills be grateful for a steady diet of the same-same-old that you can rely upon as the upcoming week unfurls.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Use your imagination. Conceive of ways to put a positive spin on situations so that you come out on top.

As this week unfolds you may be given an opportunity to make beneficial changes.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 23 TO JANUARY 20

It is difficult to be carefree when locked into a serious mood. Give in to sentiment and put family pictures in order. Make your home a pleasant, restful haven as the week progresses.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Keep the faith. Sleep on major questions and concerns, and wake with the perfect answer. Important decisions may be made with little effort if you are patient in the upcoming week.

JUMBLE

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PREVIOUS PUZZLE’S ANSWERS

PREVIOUS PUZZLE’S ANSWERS

PREVIOUS PUZZLE’S ANSWERS

JUMBLES:

• ANNOY • VERGE • SCORCH • HAIRDO

ANSWER:

THE POETRY-WRITING PRISON INMATES-CON-VERSED

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