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Come to Order Dig in and organize your gardening tools SEE PAGE 4
FORUM Come to Order Dig in and organize your gardening tools SEE PAGE 4
SCHOOLS Woodrige 68 Village recognizes retirees and years of service SEE PAGE 3
BUSINESS Dave Says Keeping a mortgage for the deduction is bad math SEE PAGE 11
BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
Young Mustangs enjoy solid season despite lopsided loss to Minooka SEE PAGE 7
SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
MORE SUCCESS
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
LISLE LIBRARY NEWS
District launches community engagement project Lisle Library District has launched a Community Engagement Project as a way to help plan the library’s future. The goal of the Community Engagement Project is to listen to district residents, learn about their perceptions of the Library, and hear ideas, suggestions and perspectives about future services, resources, and programs. Information gathered will be summarized and presented to the Board of Trustees who will use what they have learned to inform future strategic planning. There will be two Community Forums this June. The first is on Tuesday, June 6, at 7 p.m., and the
second will take place on Wednesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. Lisle residents of all backgrounds, whether library users or non-users, are encouraged to attend one of these sessions. Because of space, registration is required, either by phone, in person, or by visiting lislelibrary.org. The Community Forums will be led by Millennia Consulting, a local firm serving the nonprofit, public and philanthropic sectors. Millennia Consulting has been hired to design and guide the entire Community Engagement Project. The Library will also launch a Community Survey in July.
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NEWS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
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COVER STORY
Ceremony continues to honor fallen officer Richard Barth Memorial Ceremony continues to honor fallen police officer in 19th year BY MEGANN HORSTEAD For the Bugle @BugleNewspapers sweditor@buglenewspapers.com
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 celebra-
tion 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. Every year, members of Barth’s family will carry out the tradition by partaking in the ceremony. The program included the recital of a poem by Barth’s niece, Julie Worch, and some remarks by his sister, Ruth Stocker. “This event gives my family renewed comfort because we are surrounded by residents of this community, our friends, and members of the Downers Grove and nearby police and fire departments,” Stocker said. “It has now been more than four decades since we lost Richard. Because life goes on, this family has seen many celebrations of life.” Stocker wants her brother to be remembered not only for how he died, but also how he lived. “Richard served and protected his community honestly, without question, without hesitation, and without regard for his own safety,”
she said. Barth gave thanks to all those for taking time to partake in the annual ceremony. “Even more than four decades after he was slain in the line of duty, Richard Barth is remembered and respected by both his colleagues and his community, and I pledge to the members of his family that he always will be,” Tully said. The ceremony was held to coincide with the National Police Week. PHOTOS BY MEGANN HORSTEAD | FOR THE BUGLE
Items on display at a May 18 ceremony to honor and remember the life of Downers Grove Police Officer Richard Barth.; Mayor Martin Tully provides remarks at the May 18 memorial ceremony to honor and remember the life of Downers Grove Police Officer Richard Barth.
SCHOOL BRIEFS
Woodridge 68 recognizes retirees and years of service Woodridge 68 recognizes and honors those who will be retiring at the end of this school year, each having contributed to the district in so many different and positive ways. These retirees represent a combined total of 630 years of service to Woodridge School District 68: Dr. Cathy Skinner, Superintendent of School, John
Erickson, Director of Buildings & Grounds,Barbara Erber, Business Office Secretary,Coleen Kennedy, Board Secretary and Assistant to the Superintendent,Tammy Sanders-Kjos, Bilingual Resource Teacher, Edgewood,Susan Staudt, Art Teacher, Edgewood and Goodrich,Cindy Badtke, School Secretary, Goodrich,Linda Costigan, Speech Language Pathologist, Goodrich,Debra Gray, Teaching Assistant, Goodrich,Mary Pippen, 2nd Grade Teacher, Goodrich,Margaret Ferguson, Teaching Assistant, John L. Sipley,Kimberlee Klemmer,
Teaching Assistant, John L. Sipley,David McCall, Custodian, John L. Sipley,Kathryn Wuest, Teaching Assistant, John L. Sipley,Debbie Cosentino, Custodian, Meadowview,Linda Evola, Teaching Assistant, Meadowview,Donna Linowski, Teaching Assistant, Meadowview,Rosemary Turley, 2nd Grade Teacher, Meadowview,Jeanne Weaver, Teaching Assistant, Meadowview,Anthony Barker, Custodian, William F. Murphy,Ann Marie Goergen, Teaching Assistant, William F.
Murphy,Mary Goetz, District Reading Specialist, William F. Murphy,Barbara Johnson, Art Teacher, William F. Murphy and Meadowview,Maureen Bailey, Physical Education Teacher, Willow Creek,Diane Chonko, Teaching Assistant, Willow Creek,Caroline Adams, LRC Clerk, Jefferson,Julia Lenhart, Language Arts Teacher, Jefferson,Glenn Mueller, Tools for Today Teacher, Jefferson,Nell Pieper, Learning Behavior Specialist, Jefferson Special thanks to the following individuals for their dedication and continuous years of service
to the district, its students, and the community. 30 YEARS: Maureen Pacana, Dreama Mueller 25 YEARS: James Duffy, Mary Pippen, Dawn Sayre, Karen Lawrence, Rosemary Turley, Stacey Wilkinson 20 YEARS: Cindy Badtke, Carol Boots, Deborah Kaminskas, Kathryn Krapec, Deborah Loza, Jean Martinez, Renee Mindy, Michelle Pelc, Kathleen White
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COLUMN >> COME TO ORDER
Dig in and organize your gardening tools
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COME TO ORDER By Sue Becker
Here are some clever and quirky alternatives that may be new to you
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It goes without saying that any job is easier if you have the right tools. It’s also important to take proper care of your tools. At this time of year, this especially relates to your gardening tools. What makes working in your North 40 most enjoyable is not only having the right rakes, clippers and spades, but also having them organized and easily accessible – this applies to both storing and using them. As you’re probably already familiar with the traditional pegboards and store-bought tool caddies, here are some clever and quirky alternatives that may be new to you: STORING LONG-HANDLED TOOLS Recycle a wooden pallet into a new storage space for your long-handled tools. By fastening the pallet flat against your garage or shed wall, shovels, hoes and edgers will easily slip behind the slats and stand upright, organized and accessible. Or try drilling handle-diameter holes into the lid of a 50-gallon
resin trash can. The round container with tools at the ready fits perfectly in any out-of-the-way corner. Another unique solution is to turn a tall furniture crate into a self-contained storage unit for your long-handle garden tools. Affix a few rows of tension-style broom racks to the inside and you’ve created the perfect garden tool closet. KEEPING HAND TOOLS IN ORDER Find a rural-type mailbox large enough to house your smaller hand tools. This is a great way to keep your shears, trowels and claws from going missing. How about converting a hanging pocket shoe storage unit into one that holds your hand tools? Just nail the multi-pocket organizer to an interior wall to keep your small tools out of the elements and accessible. Another idea is to convert the utensil basket of your discarded dishwasher into a small hand tool organizer – it not only contains your tools, but also can travel with you around your garden. CARTING GARDEN TOOLS AROUND A hands-free way to carry your small gardening tools from tool shed to tomato patch is by holstering them in an old leather tool belt. Additional rope
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loops can be added to accommodate extra tools. You might also try strapping a large plastic garbage can to a dolly to transport your long-handle tools from plot to plot. This keeps them organized and within reach at all times. On par with that idea is recycling your old golf bag and cart into a long-handle tool caddy. What a classic and creative way to drive gardening tools out to your fabulous north FORE-ty. CARING FOR GARDEN TOOLS Clean all mud and dirt from your tools before putting them away so the moisture they hold won’t cause rust. Apply linseed oil regularly to extend the life of wooden handles –it will protect them from moisture and prevent them from cracking. I’m sure you have your own ingenious methods of keeping your gardening tools in order. If so, I’d love to hear them. 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.
METRO
NEWS FROM THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
LISLE-WOODRIDGE FIRE DISTRICT
District, Station 52 honored by Edwards Hospital Edward Hospital’s EMS (Emergency Medical Services) “Run of the Quarter” for January-March 2017 has been awarded to the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, Station 52. Fire District personnel were recognized for care they provided to a patient who was initially treated for an allergic reaction to medication, but who paramedics noticed was exhibiting symptoms of a heart attack. After being taken to Edward Hospital, it was discovered one of the patient’s coronary arteries was 100 percent blocked. Following treatment that included the placement of a stent to keep the artery open, the patient left the hospital a few days later. “Without the continued assessment this patient’s critical event may have been overlooked,” says Bill Kottmann, President & CEO, Edward Hospital. “We would like to express our sincere thanks for the crew’s lifesaving efforts.”
POLICE BLOTTER Information in Police Blotter is obtained from the Downers Grove, Westmont and Woodridge police departments. Individuals listed in Police Blotter charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
DOWNERS GROVE
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Cindy Rentsch, Edward Hospital, left; Chief Keith Krestan, Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Eric Fitzpatrick, firefighter/medic; Dr. Darryl Wilson, Edward Hospital; Doug Skotnicki, Edward Hospital; Mike Rholicek, firefighter/medic; Lee GoodsonHassert, Edward-Elmhurst Health; James Weaver, Fire District EMS Coordinator. Not pictured: Lt. Jim Kensel; Aaron Conrad, firefighter/medic, and Dave Fazio, EMT-B,
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M AY 6 » A catalytic converter reportedly was stolen between 11 p.m. May 5 and 8:45 a.m. May 6 from a car in the 5300 block of Walnut Avenue. M AY 7 » A mountain bike reportedly was stolen between 10 p.m. May 6 and 10:30 a.m. May 7 from a garage in the 5400 block of Main Street. » Both sides of a car reportedly were scratched between 3 and 3:23 p.m. May 7 in the 2400 block of Ogden Avenue. M AY 8 » Red paint reportedly was sprayed on the side of a car between 11 p.m. May 5 and 11:47 a.m. May 8 in the 4200
block of Saratoga Avenue. M AY 1 0 » A spare tire reportedly was stolen between 5 p.m. April 26 and 6:10 p.m. May 10 from beneath a pickup truck in the 1000 block of 68th Street.
WESTMONT M AY 8 » Alan Santillian, 21, of Berwyn, was charged at 6:45 a.m. with driving on a suspended driver’s license in the 400 block of Ogden Avenue. » Two car tires reportedly were punctured between 7:30 p.m. May 7 and 6 a.m. May 8 in the 200 block of 59th Street. M AY 9 » Two car tires reportedly were slashed between 10 p.m. May 8 and 6 a.m. May 9 in the 300 block of 60th Street. M AY 1 0 » A spare tire reportedly was stolen between 5 p.m. April 26 and 6:10 p.m. May 10 from beneath a pickup truck in the 1000 block of 68th Street.
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CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOUR AREA WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM JUNE 1 Kiwanis Club of Downers Grove Membership Drive. 5-7
p.m. at Downers Grove Public Library, 1032 Curtiss Street. The Kiwanis Club of Downers Grove would like to invite residents that are interested in bettering of our community through Kiwanis service to join. If you have any questions, please contact President Boneta Morris, at 630-910-9935 or visit dgkiwanis.org.
JUNE 16 Community Golf Classic. 1
p.m. at Twin Lakes Golf Club, 400 West 59th Street, Westmont. 1:30 p.m. putting contest, 2:30 p.m. shotgun start, 4:30 p.m. reception and dinner. Sponsored by Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau.
JUNE 19 DuPagePads 2nd Annual Career Fair. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at
College of DuPage’s Student Resource Center. Admission is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with representatives from 35 local employers from a variety of fields including healthcare, manufacturing, security, tech support and more.
JUNE 23 West Suburban Humane Society Pet Parade. 5:30 8:30 p.m. at The Promenade Bolingbrook
631 East Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Spectators and
the community are welcome cheer on the pets as they parade through the streets of The Promenade. Proceeds benefit the West Suburban Humane Society. The post-parade pet party will conclude at 8:30 p.m. Registration for pets is $5-$7 and can be made at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ pet-parade-tickets
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
BASEBALL >> DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH
STILL SUCCESSFUL Young Mustangs enjoy solid season despite lopsided loss to Minooka BY DRAKE SKLEBA For the Bugle
On Thursday May 24, the rampaging Indians of Minooka (2310) squared off with the Mustangs of Downers Grove South, in a Class 4A Neuqua Valley Regional semifinal game. For the winner, a Saturday regional championship game matchup, at 10, with the 32-1 host Wildcats, from Neuqua Valley. Minooka senior centerfielder, Jon Butler, with one out, in the top of the first inning, launched his second home run, over the right field fence, to ignite the 14-hit Indian onslaught. Senior third baseman Cherokee LeBeau’s, clutch two-out RBI double, scored Logan O’Brien ( 2-for-4, 2B, RBI) and Minooka would go on to rout the Mustangs 12-1, in five innings. Minooka’ senior southpaw, Tyler Talbot, would retire the first 10 Mustang hitters he would face and would go on to throw a twohitter. With the win, the Indian hurler improves to 6-2, on the campaign. “This was an important game for us and I pitched well for us today,” Talbot said. “My defense made all the plays behind me.” In the second inning, Indian catcher Nick Airola doubled and scored on a balk, while Indian ace right-hander Jackson Shepherd (8-0), singled and scored on a wild pitch, to give the Indians a 4-0 lead after two innings. With the bases full of Indians, the slick-fielding second baseman, Antonio Milazzo (2-for-3, 2B 3RBI), came through with the bat, in the top of the third. Malazzo’s ringing double, cleared the bases, for a 7-0 Indian lead.
“I have really been struggling at the plate all season,” Milazzo said. “It felt really great to get the two big hits today.” The Mustangs scored their lone run of the game on a clutch twoout, RBI single, from first baseman Mike Greco, driving home, Mike Hoes, who had walked. The Indians put the game away with a big five-run fifth. Shepherd (2-for-2 BB, RBI) singled home a run while Butler, drove home his second and third runs of the game, with a single. Luke Faifeer (2 for-4, RBI) joined the party with an RBI single while O’Brien drove home the 12th Indian run, with a single. Shepherd looks to get the ball Saturday in the regional championship game, with the 32-1 Wildcats. In a rap-style verse, Shepherd said. A condensed version follows. “I just do what I have to do, and know what we have to do, Saturday, to get it done against Neuqua Valley.” Butler echoed all the Indians in saying. “We’re doing this for our manager Drew Turek.” For the Mustangs (23-12), another successful season concludes under the tutelage of legendary Mustang head coach Darren Orel. The Mustangs finished in third place in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division, with a 13-5 record. “We are very young and we have had a very successful season in 2017,” Orel said. “We went 9-4 in one run games which I think is a great accomplishment, for such a
SEE MUSTANGS | PAGE 11
PHOTO BY ALAN BENSON/FOR THE BUGLE
Downers Grove South’s Alex Hanek makes contact in the Mustangs’ 12-1 loss to Minooka at the Neuqua Valley regional semifinal Thursday, May 25.
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BUSINESS + REAL ESTATE
NEWS ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN YOUR COMMUNITY WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
COLUMN >> DAVE SAYS
Keeping a mortgage for the deduction is bad math DEAR DAVE, My wife and I are looking at buying a new home. We’ve been really blessed with our finances, and we’re at a point where we can pay cash for a new house and still have plenty of money in the bank. Should we do this, or is it a better idea to get a mortgage for the tax deduction? BRIAN DEAR BRIAN, I think the real question is this: Why wouldn’t you pay cash if you have the ability to do so? I would never advise someone to get, or keep, a mortgage just for the tax deduction, because these tax deductions are never 100 percent. Let’s pretend you had a $200,000 mortgage at five percent interest. That would be $10,000 a year in interest. If you take a $10,000 tax deduction and you’re in a 25 percent tax bracket, that would save you 25 percent of $10,000 on your tax bill — or $2,500. So, you would never send $10,000 to your mortgage company just to avoid sending $2,500 to the IRS. You don’t keep a mortgage just for the tax deduction. That’s trading a dollar for a quarter, and you don’t want to do that. Everybody thinks losing the tax deduction is an awful thing, but you could give $10,000 extra to your church — something you don’t have to be in debt to do — and get the same tax write-off. There are numerous positive aspects to staying out of debt. One
big thing it does is change your risk level. It gives you a level of peace and security you’ll never have when debt is hanging over your head. All that money that was going out the door to the bank can be used to build wealth and give like never before! —DAVE DEAR DAVE, I paid off my house a little over a year ago, and I’m completely debtfree. That’s a good thing, because I recently had some large medical bills and I don’t have quite as much cash as usual on hand. My younger sister recently received a tax bill from the IRS for $30,000. I love her to death, but she’s extremely irresponsible with money and in debt up to her eyeballs. I know how you feel about debt, and I’ve tried to teach her how to handle money, but considering her situation — should I take out a home equity loan of $30,000 to help her? TONI DEAR TONI,
Absolutely not! Does that mean you don’t love her and care about her? It does not. But you told me she won’t behave with money. You don’t give money to people who won’t behave with the stuff. That kind of behavior doesn’t help anyone, and it doesn’t fix the problem. It’s like giving a drunk a drink. “Help” would be aiding this lady in changing her ways when it comes to finances. If you just give her a fish, it will stink and go bad. You have to teach her to fish. That attitude is not about being mean to her, it’s just where she is in her life. She needs to be educated, not enabled. And it doesn’t mean she’s a bad person, either. It just means you can’t endorse negative behavior or participate in her denial. Keep trying to teach her, and pray for her. Make sure, too, that she’s in contact with the IRS about a payment plan. I know she’s your little sister, but you can’t fix this one for her. Sometimes the best help you can give someone is to help them change their behavior. That way, they will hopefully learn how to carry their own weight. —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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SCHOOLS
NEWS ABOUT SCHOOLS IN YOUR COMMUNITY WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
MUSTANGS FROM PAGE 7
SCHOOLS
Benedictine striving to be ‘transfer-friendly’ Among the initiatives are guaranteed four-semester, 60-hour completion programs for select majors Benedictine University has long been a leader for transfer programs and a school of choice for transfer students seeking an undergraduate, values-based education. Now, Benedictine is striving to be even more “transfer-friendly.” According to Inside Higher Education, the United States is only 16th in the world in the percentage of young adults with college degrees, and the percentage of U.S. jobs needing college degrees is growing faster than the supply. Colleges and universities need to make sure that each college student can complete their degree work as expeditiously as possible. Through the collaborative efforts of academic and administrative areas, Benedictine is implementing more “transfer studentfriendly” processes and procedures. These initiatives focus on making it even easier for students to transfer to Benedictine and earn their degree while maintaining the University’s academic integrity and value. “At Benedictine University, we strive to meet students where they are and validate the experience and credits they bring,” said Karen
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Campana, director of advising at Benedictine. Among the initiatives are guaranteed foursemester, 60-hour completion programs for select majors; pairing students with a faculty advisor earlier in their college experience; the creation of summer transfer bridge programs; competitive pricing and financial aid; expedited transfer credit evaluation turnaround; and utilizing “Transferology” to see how credits transfer. According to the Community College Transfer Center at Columbia University, more than 80 percent of community college students intend to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. However, only about a quarter end up transferring and about 62 percent of those complete a bachelor’s degree, but it takes many students six years to earn a degree after transferring. Benedictine makes it easier for transfer students majoring in business, biology and health science who earn an associate degree at a community college to earn a Benedictine degree within four semesters of enrolling through new degree pathways. Four semes-
ter, 60-hour completion programs are also under review in all academic colleges beginning with the majors that are most popular with transfer students. Benedictine transfer advisors will also work directly with academic departments to assist with the transition for all incoming students. This is a new, collaborative process between the advising center and the academic colleges. The goal is to promote a strong, positive transition for each student’s academic, career and personal development. The implementation of summer transfer bridge programs will begin this summer. The program, which will allow transfer students to complete courses required of all Benedictine students tuition-free, is being offered to a select group of new transfer students who are expected to complete their degree within four semesters at Benedictine. Benedictine will also continue to offer expedited transfer credit evaluation. This is critical to provide potential students with accurate course articulations. Further collaboration with faculty to streamline the review process and engaging in a collaborative process for reviewing major coursework will make it easier for transfer students to complete their degree in a timely manner.
young team. We went down to the final day, still in the hunt, for the WSC Gold championship,” On Wednesday May 17 and Thursday May 18, the Indians defeated Plainfield South, for an outright Southwest Prairie Conference championship, defeating the Cougars 12-9 and 6-5. The SPC is considered by many, to be secondbest baseball conference in the state, behind the Chicago Catholic League Blue Division. “In the postseason one needs great pitching, good defense and the clutch hit,” Minooka head coach Jeff Petrovic said. “We had all of that today. The quick start relaxed us and Tyler pitched fantastic for us, as expected. We are playing great baseball over the last three weeks. We have worked very hard and are right where we want to be. “We have a great challenge on Saturday against a great Neuqua Valley team. I just hope we play well and I am very excited about our team.”
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