Joliet 11-26-14

november 26, 2014 vol. 7 issue 12

community news

local news Allegations against Ranch Liquors continue The store is across the street from Joliet City Hall

see page 3

opinion Now That Was Some Election Waiting for the final votes to be counted for the Will County Sheriff’s race was pretty exciting

see page 7

county news Mike Kelley edges Ken Kaupas in sheriff’s race Provisional, absentee ballots boost Democrat to Sheriff’s post

see page 5

sports Fara tabbed POY Five locals named to all-area squad

see page 13

Downtown Joliet has a lot going for it. But there’s plenty to improve, including the public perception of the area. Too many people see downtown as gritty and urban, a place to avoid at all costs.

A change is coming, however.

Local officials and the Joliet City Center Partnership want to transform downtown into a vibrant, safe place that pushes the local economy forward. That will be a time-consuming project, of course. Nevertheless, the process has started.

See the full story on page 10

The Details. Joliet resident Samuel Knight listened carefully to Pam Owens, executive director of the Joliet City Center Partnership, in the group considering the city’s image. (Photos by Stewart Warren)

W ednesday, novem ber 26 | joli etbug le.com

WEEKEND WeaTHeR ELECTiON 2014

LOCAL

STATE NEWS

THURSDAY • NoVemBeR 27

mostly cloudy High: 28° Low: 18° state sen. mike Frerichs takes state treasurer race State Rep. Tom Cross, R-Oswego, concedes to state Sen. Mike Frerichs, DChampaign, in the race for state treasurer.

NewS ....................................3 PoliCe BloTTer .............................6 oPiNioN...............................7

jcHs marketing project receives attention from iowa cubs president

Joliet Central High School students in Jeff Riley’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing 101 class recently participated in a project where students pitched new marketing strategies to a minor league baseball team of their choice.

SPorTS ................................11 SoCiAl SPoTlighT .........16 TAke 5 ..................................17 BuSiNeSS

officials say proposed law would help continue electronics recycling programs statewide The Will County Board on Nov. 20 approved a Resolution “Supporting Revisions to the Current Electronics Recycling Law.”

& reAl eSTATe .................18 ClASSifieDS ......................20 legAl liSTiNgS ...............21 fooD .....................................22

FRIDAY • NoVemBeR 28

partly cloudy High: 23° Low: 19° SATURDAY • NoVemBeR 29

partly cloudy High: 26° Low: 19° WeeKend event: Celebrate #smallBizsat on Nov. 29 with the rest of your neighborhood!

Wednesday, Novem ber 26 | joli etbug le.com

local

Allegations against Ranch Liquors continue The store is across the street from Joliet City Hall

By Stewart Warren staff reporter

stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren

A group of East Side residents came for the second time to the Joliet City Council workshop session Nov. 17 to complain about a downtown liquor store.

They clearly were frustrated and upset.

Each member of the group said they had a similar experience. They claim that an employee had done terrible things while they were at the Ranch Liquors, 83 W. Jefferson St., including tossing around racial slurs, stealing their money and displaying a handgun. The store is across the street from Joliet City Hall.

This time, the owner of the store and his lawyer were at the meeting, too. They denied the allegations and said the complainers were looking for a cash payout.

During the Nov. 3 workshop meeting, Joliet residents Charles and Clementine Titus, and Charles Craig, their son, along with Mary Brown-Jones, told the Council members about problems they had during the past 15 months while shopping at Ranch Liquors. Many of their friends had experienced the same thing, they said. Although their stories varied slightly, a theme emerged: An employee treated them badly because they are black.

During the Monday meeting, the Titus family and Brown-Jones sat in the audience but did not speak to the Council. Joliet residents Felicia M. Martin and Rosie Tyler Lewis took the podium instead.

“I was violated at the Ranch Liquor Store,” Martin said. When she dropped by the store one day, she chatted with Brown-Jones, and the employee told them to be quiet and leave, Martin said. Then he spat on Brown-Jones.

“I would like Ranch Liquors to be closed,” Martin said.

Lewis told the Council that the clerk had made racial slurs while she was in the store, and she had called 9-1-1.

“9-1-1 said they couldn’t do

“These events never happened. These stories are fabrications in an effort to extort money,” Rouskey said. nothing about it,” Lewis said.

After Lewis sat down, John Wise, a city attorney, gave the Council members some new information.

Lewis has made a complaint to the Illinois Human Rights Division, a group that investigates civil rights violations and has a pending case, Wise said.

Then Chris Rouskey, the Joliet attorney representing Jack Bashir, the owner of the store, spoke to the Council. The initial accusations involved a particular employee, he said. But that worker was not in the store at the time the incidents allegedly happened, he said.

“We believe this is an effort by certain individuals to try to extort money from our client,” Rouskey said.

The employee does not have a gun, according to the lawyer. But there could be another explanation

for what happened.

“He has a colostomy bag,” Rouskey said.

As he did on Nov. 3, Joliet Police Chief Brian Benton told the Council that his department had investigated the alleged incidents but had hit roadblocks. The victims had not called police immediately, and the delay hampered the investigation.

“There does not appear to be probable cause for an arrest,” Benton said.

After the meeting Bashir and Rouskey talked briefly about the situation.

“These events never happened.

These stories are fabrications in an effort to extort money,” Rouskey said. Although Lewis’ complaint originally involved the clerk, once she learned that he was not working at the store at the time of the alleged incident, the story changed, he said. She then blamed Bashir.

The store has all kinds of customers, Rouskey said. All are welcome there.

“We don’t drive business away,” Rouskey said.

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will county

Contentious partisan vote decides 2015 county budget Members voted 14 times to break partisan tie votes on $465 million 2014-15 budget By nick reiher

managing editor

nreiher@buglenewspapers.com @JolietILNews

Even after having to vote 14 times to break partisan tie votes on the $465 million 2014-15 budget, Will County Executive Larry Walsh still had a lot to say to reporters after the Nov. 20 meeting.

Since Democrats won the majority in 2012, the board had been split with 13 Democrats and 13 Republicans. Walsh, a Democrat, broke any ties. Most often, that had been on board

leadership issues.

During the 2013-14 county budget vote, Republican Tom Weigel, R-New Lenox, voted with the Democrats to include new housing and increased property assessments when determining how much property taxes the county would seek toward its budget.

This year, Walsh and the Democrats wanted to do the same thing, with a proposed $66 million sought for property taxes toward a $192 million corporate budget. Republicans had offered a compromise: keep the tax levy

where is and just get the bump in assessed valuation from new construction during the past year.

The county then could deduct the $1.5 million difference from the capital budget.

They didn’t buy Finance Committee Chair Steve Wilhelmi’s estimate the increase would mean only an additional $5 a year in county taxes. They did not want to see a tax increase, no matter how small it might seem to some.

“At what amount does a tax increase become significant,” asked a fired-up Jim Moustis after the meeting. The Republican Caucus Chair from Frankfort said there are other ways to raise funds, such as sales taxes and user fees.

This time, Weigel stayed on his side of the aisle, leading to a 1313 split Walsh had to break for the budget and each of the 14 tax levy accounts.

“Unbelievable,” Walsh said to reporters afterward. “I’m astounded they carried the issue of providing revenue for capital projects … that they have talked about for two years and … basically in committee all agreed to. And yet, when it comes time to find funding for them …

Unbelievable.

“In my opinion, when I see this kind of action on $1.5 million, I don’t see how we are ever going to come close to find a doable way of funding a new courthouse.

I don’t see the fire is in their (Republicans’) belly to do it.

“What could have happened if I abstained? County government would have shut down.”

“It was a game of chicken,” said Nick Palmer, Walsh’s chief of staff. “They were depending on Larry to do the right thing.”

Walsh and Palmer wondered why the Republicans hadn’t given any specific directions where to

cut under their proposal, other than the capital budget.

The Finance Committee on Sept. 29 got the first look at the budget when they discussed revenues. At that meeting, several Republicans said they did not favor raising property taxes, even by taking into account all the land and value it could.

Republicans on the committee, including Margo McDermed, R-Mokena, and Mike Fricilone, R-Homer Township, said it was premature to talk about revenues before they took a crack at trimming Walsh’s budget proposal.

They said they would start doing that at the Oct. 7 Finance Committee meeting, but they did not then, nor at any of the other Finance Committee meetings where the budget was discussed.

Moustis said that was because,

see budget | page 10

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will county

Mike Kelley edges Ken Kaupas in sheriff’s race Provisional, absentee ballots boost Democrat to Sheriff’s post By nick reiher

managing editor

nreiher@buglenewspapers.com @JolietILNews

Mike Kelley of Lockport said it was like waiting for his first son to be born 18 years ago. And the end result this time was a big win for him as well.

After six hours of waiting for more than 3,000 the provisional and absentee votes to be counted on Nov. 18, Kelley learned he had won the Will County Sheriff’s race over his boss, Chief Deputy Ken Kaupas, by a little more than 400 votes.

“At first, I just saw the 2s in the last column, and I thought, ‘Here we go again,’” Kelley said afterward. “But then I saw the 4 (hundred), and I was OK.” While waiting earlier in the day, Kelley said he started getting a case of nerves around 6 p.m. the night before. As the votes were being processed, both candidates walked around the Will County Boardroom looking pretty uncomfortable.

Several people joked there must not have been much going on at the Will County Courthouse that day with all the attorneys on hand to watch the proceedings.

Counting provisional and absentee ballots generally takes only a few hours. Provisionals usually are the ones for residents who came to the polling place, explained that they had registered to vote and asked to vote – but the polling place did not have documentation showing the resident actually was registered.

There were 658 of those type of provisional ballots this year, said Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots, as well as

1,674 absentee votes to be counted.

They had to wait a couple weeks for the absentee ballots to be mailed in because they might be coming from as far away as China, Voots said.

But this year, a new law just for the Nov. 4 election allowed people statewide to register to vote that day.

In Will County, Voots said, there were an additional 733 of those types of provisional votes, cast in one of five spots chosen by population: the clerk’s office, the Joliet Park District headquarters, Bolingbrook Village Hall, Wheatland Township Offices and at the City of Naperville.

A deflated Kaupas said after the count he believed those votes were the ones that did him in. Those votes, he said, “played well for the Democrats.”

He said he would talk to his political advisers about challenging the vote. “I’m not a politician,” he said. “But I would say it was unlikely.

“We worked hard. We ran a good race. A clean race. We knew it was going to be close.” It was close after the initial votes were counted Nov. 4, when Kaupas led by fewer than 300 votes out of nearly 200,000 cast countywide. Kelley said he and Kaupas joked about that during the past two weeks. “There is no bad blood between him and I,” Kelley said. “There never was.”

But Kelley also noted Kaupas, the cousin of outgoing Sheriff Paul Kaupas, was appointed Deputy Chief in 2011. Kaupas came from District 5 State Police the previous December to become Director of Media Affairs for the Sheriff’s Department until his appointment a few weeks later.

Kelley said he’ll need to talk to Ken Kaupas about his plans now; whether he will want to continue in the Sheriff’s Department. “And then I’ll have to decide,” Kelley added.

After all that, the results – all results – won’t be official until the votes are canvassed on Nov. 25.

PHOTOS BY NICK REIHER

Left, going clockwise: Democrat Mike Kelley, left, and Republican Ken Kaupas eye the computer screen intently as they wait for the final votes to be tallied Nov. 18 in the basement of the Will County Office Building. After the provisional and absentee votes were counted, Kelley won the election by more than 400 votes.; Republican Ken Kaupas watches as the votes are counted Nov. 18 in the Will County Boardroom. He believes the one-time statewide provision allowing voters to register on Election Day helped him lose.; Will County Clerk Nancy Schultz shows some of the stacks of provisional ballots that needed to be counted Nov. 18.

www.crimestoppersofwillcounty.org • 800.323.734 Wednesday, Novem ber 26 | bug lenewspapers.com 12

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The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Joliet Police Department. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

Shannon E. Dignan, 25, of 1124 Stonecrop Lane, Joliet, charged with driving under the influence and improper lane usage on Nov.15 at Del Webb Boulevard and Jefferson Street.

Moegamatzane Johannes, 20, 1613 Stanton Lane, Plainfield, was arrested at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at 2108 Wesmere Lakes for domestic battery and aggravated domestic battery.

SHOREWOOD

John M. Palomino, 29, of 3516 Silver Fox Drive, Joliet, charged with driving under the influence and improper lane usage on Nov.16 at 150 Brookforest Ave.

Jack F. Sutton, Sr., 53, 506 Campbell, was arrested at 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at 840 N. Hickory for theft by deception.

Carlos G. Gonzales, 30, of 5112 Woodmere Court, Plainfield, charged with driving under the influence and improper lane usage on Nov. 10 at Brookforest Avenue and Country Glen Drive.

Garrett A. King, 24, of 416 Raven Road, Shorewood, charged with driving under the influence and hit and run on Nov.13 at 321 Arrowhead Drive.

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Paul A. Williams, Jr., 22, of 106 E. Jefferson St., Shorewood, charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug equipment at his residence on Nov. 14.

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Jeremy S. Beard, 25, of 1702 Calla Drive, Joliet, charged with possession of drug equipment on Nov. 14 at 106 E. Jefferson St.

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Nicole A. King, 41, of 1208 Sandpiper Court, Plainfield, charged with driving under the influence, speeding and no valid registration on Nov. 14 at Brookforest and Sunrise Drive.

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JOLIET Brittany T. Zupancic, 26, 2212 Susanna Way, Crest Hill, was arrested at 9:23 p.m. Nov. 14 at 150 W. Washington for retail theft.

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Jillette L. Love, 29, 928 Magnolia, was arrested at 12:18 a.m. Nov. 14 at 6 McDonough for aggravated battery to a peace officer.

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A juvenile, 15, was arrested at 2:15 p.m. Nov. 14 at 201 E. Jefferson for burglary.

Javier H. Ortiz, Jr., was arrested at 10:15 p.m. Nov. 14 at 217 Mound for possession of controlled substance and possession of cannabis.

Terran T. Smith, 24, 120 S. Larkin, was arrested at 11:45 a.m. Nov. 14 at 150 W. Washington for violent offender against youth failing to register.

John J. Tulo-Cortes, 19, 1408 Fitzer Drive, was arrested at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 14 at 1408 Fitzer for possession of controlled substance.

Brittany C. Thompson, 18, 1604 Heritage Pointe Court, Plainfield, was arrested at 8:19 p.m.

Nov. 14 at 1801 Jefferson for theft.

Kenneth M. Housley, 21, 2111 Englewood St., Lockport, was arrested at 5:58 p.m. Nov. 14 at 827 Cardinal for possession of cannabis.

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Mark A. Rodriguez, 37, 3118 N. Nantucket Drive, was arrested at 9:13 p.m. Nov. 14 at 3118 Nantucket Drive for domestic battery.

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Jasmine J. Morrow, 28, 205 Iowa, was arrested at 1:26 p.m. Nov. 15 at Fifth and Sherman for domestic battery.

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Corinne L. Roe, 49, 208 Gordon Ave., Romeoville, was arrested at 5:25 p.m. Nov. 15 at 110 S. Larkin for DUI- alcohol.

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Joshua C. Nance, 22, 116 Krings Lane, was arrested at 12:23 a.m. Nov. 15 on the 1300 Block of North Larkin for possession of cannabis.

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Alfredo Montoya, 16425 Siegel Drive, Crest Hill, was arrested at 11:25 p.m. Nov. 15 at 1300 N. Larkin for possession of cannabis.

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Jessica J. Giarrante, 22, 3922 Terrance Ferry Drive, was arrested at 10:15 p.m. Nov. 15 at 1300 N. Larkin for possession of cannabis.

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Antoinette M. Severino, 24, 113 Sunset Strip, was arrested at 6:28 p.m. Nov. 15 at 2424 W. Jefferson for retail theft.

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Marcos Briceno, 35, 605 Dover, was arrested at 1:22 a.m. Nov. 15 at 2424 W. Jefferson for resisting and obstructing a peace officer.

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Lance D. Percey, 18, 3400 Blandford Ave., New Lenox, was arrested at 12:34 a.m. Nov. 16 at 3321 Blandford for DUI- alcohol and DUI-BAC over .08.

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Christopher D. Wright, 35, 832 Plainfield, was arrested at

9:40 a.m. Nov. 16 at 832 Plainfield for domestic battery and a warrant.

Jaime Martinez, 47, 253 Wilson, was arrested at 3:25 p.m. Nov. 16 on the 400 block of Fourth Avenue for domestic battery.

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Robert L. Grant, Jr., 40, 611 E. Cass, was arrested at 5:37 p.m. Nov. 16 at 2424 W. Jefferson for retail theft and obstructing justice.

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Fallon M. Simmons, 32, 1850 McDonough, was arrested at 8:15 p.m. Nov. 16 at 1850 McDonough for domestic battery.

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Rodney D. Bayless, 43, 611 E. Cass, was arrested at 1:01 p.m. Nov. 17 at 83 W. Jefferson for liquor on public way.

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Ricky R. Stinson, 61, 14535 Manistee, Burnham, was arrested at 12:37 p.m. Nov. 17 at 151 N. Joliet for criminal trespass to property.

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Jose A. Ramos, 20, 707 Meeker, was arrested at 9:35 a.m. Nov. 17 at 707 Meeker for aggravated discharge of a firearm, defacing ID mark of firearm and unlawful possession of firearm.

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For more Joliet Police Blotter, visit www. buglenewspapers.com/policeblotter

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guest column

Now That Was Some Election Waiting for the final votes to be counted for the Will County Sheriff’s race was pretty exciting By nick reiher

managing editor

EDITORIAL

nreiher@buglenewspapers.com @JolietILNews

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I had no skin in the game. Either guy seemed OK. I don’t really know them all that well.

That said, waiting for the final votes to be counted for the Will County Sheriff’s race was pretty exciting, more so than I thought it would be.

You had a race so close on Nov. 4 that Republican Ken Kaupas, appointed Deputy Chief by his cousin Paul nearly four years ago, led by fewer than 300 votes out of a total of nearly 200,000 countywide over Democratic candidate Mike Kelley.

Were this being written on an old typewriter, I would have had to get the Wite-Out out for that last sentence.

I had mistakenly typed “Democratic challenger” for Kelley. “Challenger” usually means someone going up against an incumbent, and, of course, Ken Kaupas is not.

That doesn’t mean it didn’t seem like Ken Kaupas was the incumbent. I had mentioned for several months Cousin Paul seemed to disappear, with Ken taking the media calls and getting a lot of press. Cynics would think that was planned. A group of cynics even started a website during the campaign: kensnotpaul.com. Pretty funny.

But, all’s fair in love and elections.

Speaking of which, I marvel at how Will County Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots keeps things humming during

elections and extended situations like the provisional/absentee count on Nov. 18. I climbed the stairs to the second floor of the Will County Office Building that morning, and outside the boardroom were the most people I had seen there since the union was protesting this time last year.

These were poll watchers and a bevy of attorneys watching the poll watchers.

Thank God no one slipped and fell, or they would have had 50 business cards in their face. All of these people were milling about, hovering over the coffee and one box of donuts. One box.

With law enforcement around, too. I’m surprised lives weren’t lost.

In the midst of all this was a tiny, energetic woman leading the charge with her staff, making sure all of this provisional/absentee stuff was going according to Hoyle, who I think was a state rep. from Bonfield back in the 1930s.

She kept everyone informed as to what was going on and likely how long it would take to get ‘er done. When I heard it wouldn’t be until after 2 p.m., I gave up my seat and headed out to lunch with my Exchange Club homies.

Not long after I returned, I spied both Ken Kaupas and Kelley with pained expressions on their faces. Their fate was getting close. I looked at some of the others around the room supporting their candidates, and they had those pained expressions, too. I silently said a thanks I really didn’t care which one won. I would have to work with either.

Then a strange thing happened.

I wish all the winners in the Nov. 4 election good luck, and I thank all of you – win or lose – for taking the time to run. It’s a lot more than a lot of us would do.

Voots steered the candidates and their entourages downstairs to the county computer room. The ballots had been fed into counters, the flash drives removed and would be uploaded into the computers downstairs.

So we all headed down the stairs and crowded into a corner of the room where one person handed the flash drives to another person to plug into the computer that would count all the votes. After the last one was fed in, the county counter said it would take a few minutes to update.

I had a camera trained on the two candidates, who stood next to each other during the count. They got along. Kaupas is Kelley’s boss in the department.

But within a few minutes, that all turned around. Ken Kaupas shook Kelley’s hand and congratulated him, and they and the entourages headed back upstairs.

I had to admit that even cynical me got a rush out of that.

I wish all the winners in the Nov. 4 election good luck, and I thank all of you – win or lose – for taking the time to run. It’s a lot more than a lot of us would do.

letter to the editor

Hoping elected officials embrace their positions, not abuse them Serving as an elected official should be an honor and a privilege, not a seat to keep warm Although we just completed a vibrant and somewhat divisive election, our problems both state and federal are not only serious, but also immediate. A proper solution is vital to the continued way of life as we know it and the world we will leave to future generations.

Economic, fiscal, immigration, pension, term limits, issue, etc., are

universal to us all and aren’t particular to any political or social group. If we fail to properly resolve these issues, we will all suffer and suffer severely.

A dim future is very close at this time unless we act prudently and expeditiously.

Serving as an elected official should be an honor and a privilege and desire to do the peoples’ work, not a seat to

keep warm. Nor should the position be a forever occupation because a person in the position tends to get stale and/or beholding to influence groups after two terms.

I would hope that all those elected officials embrace their positions, expend the needed energy and talent, work together, compromise, and get these problems resolved. Only then will we the people whom they serve benefit from their work.

Mark Turk Joliet

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local

Downtown construction causing concern for travelers City is in middle of creating a transportation center in area surrounding Union Station

By Stewart Warren staff reporter

stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren

When Sue Martin visits her son in St. Louis, she uses Amtrak.

It’s always been an easy trip on the train, said Martin, a resident of Joliet’s West Side who says she’s in her 70s.

“It’s so convenient just to go to Union Station,” Martin said.

These days, it’s not quite as simple and painless as it once was. A lot of things have changed recently in downtown Joliet.

The city is in the middle of creating a transportation center that’s going up in the area surrounding Union Station, 50 E. Jefferson St. The $41.4 million project will include a lot of new things: parking lots, a Pace bus station with a large pedestrian plaza, a train station and platforms where travelers will wait for Amtrak or Metra rail service.

Unfortunately, the city doesn’t have the luxury of closing downtown while the work is being done. The project is being constructed in the middle of an area flooded with people and traffic.

“It’s the equivalent of remodeling the kitchen while trying to host Thanksgiving dinner,” said Lisa Dorothy, a civil engineer for

the city of Joliet. Dorothy is in charge of many aspects of the transportation center project.

Martin knew about the construction. So when she began thinking about a Thanksgiving trip to St. Louis, she went downtown to check it out. The things she saw worried her.

To reach the temporary platform for the Amtrak and Metra trains, travelers must either take a set of stairs or walk up a ramp that’s at the northwest corner of Jefferson Street and Mayor Art Schultz Drive.

Although the ramp complies with the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it’s steep and 220 feet long. Travelers must walk about the same distance to reach the small temporary shelter on the platform, and that could be a long haul for someone traveling with a lot of baggage or an older person.

Concerned about the situation, Martin came to the Joliet City Council meeting on Tuesday in search of answers. Because she keeps track of the Council’s agendas, Martin knew that

Dorothy was going to provide an update on the construction project.

Unfortunately, some of the news did not sound that great.

The temporary train platform and ramp are going to be in place until at least 2016, Dorothy said.

To create the pedestrian tunnels that will lead to the permanent platforms, the Union-Pacific Railroad must stage an outage – meaning a period of time that trains don’t use the tracks – on three different occasions, Dorothy explained. Those outages were scheduled for this year, but now the railroad has postponed them until next spring.

As the members of the City Council discussed the issue, they became very concerned about the installation of lighting fixtures in the Jefferson Street viaduct, snow removal and how best to inform residents and travelers about the situation downtown.

In the end, City Manager Jim Hock and staff decided to meet to work out the details to improve matters for commuters and travelers.

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9

business

Aldi Food Market opens new Joliet store New Aldi Food Market on Jefferson Street opened Wednesday, Nov. 20

By Kris Stadalsky for the bugle

sweditor@buglenewspapers.com @BugleNewspapers

Hundreds of customers lined up outside of the new Aldi Food Market on Jefferson Street Thursday, some waiting hours before the store was scheduled to open for the first time.

The first 100 customers received a golden ticket, redeemable for an Aldi gift certificate worth between $10 and $100.

When the doors opened at 9 a.m. customers streamed in, either hoping they had the big winner or just excited to shop the new, expanded grocery store.

Rhonda Skalak and Raye Porter arrived together two hours before the store’s grand opening.

“We wanted to get here early to get a gift certificate,” Skalak said.

“And to see their new store.”

Skalak has been shopping at Aldi for 15 years or more, she said.

Aldi Vice President Heather Moore said the new facility is about 2,000 square feet larger than the old store a mile to the east off Jefferson, and has new departments such as organic and gluten-free food.

“We still have everything our customers have come to expect,” said Moore. “Now it’s easier to shop, more spread out, wider aisles.”

Just east on Jefferson Street, the old Aldi closed its doors at 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The new Aldi opened 12 hours later.

The store had been at the same location about three weeks short

see aldi | page 10

PHOTOS BY KRIS STADALSKY

(From left, going clockwise) Customers shopped the new Aldi’s in droves on Thursday.; Aldi district managers hand out gift certificates to those holding a golden ticket. Rhonda Skalak was one of the lucky first 100 customers to receive a ticket at the Nov. 20 grand opening of the Aldi at Jefferson and Caterpillar, Joliet.; Cashier Shawna Hill congratulates Adele Harris, the big winner in the golden ticket give-away.

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Wednesday, Novem ber 26 | bug lenewspapers.com

Community

will county

38th ‘Festival of the Gnomes’ frolics into town Dec. 6, Dec. 7 This family tradition features 80-minute live, indoor shows The 38th “Festival of the Gnomes” heads in to town Saturday, Dec. 6, and new this year is an additional show on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St, Joliet.

This family tradition features 80-minute live, indoor shows at 1 p.m. Saturday and at 3:30 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $5 for all ages.

Journey with the all-age cast as they tell of the “wee” folk’s good works for man and nature and outsmart the Snotgurgle troll.

After the show, children are invited onto the stage to meet the gnomes in person and draw their own gnome to take home.

Don’ t miss the big raffle and the chance to win a beautiful, soft-sculptured gnome doll by seamstress Sally Susner.

Visit the “gnomemade” gift shop filled with treasures as

aldi | from page 9 of 20 years and has a very loyal following, said Moore.

“It was difficult to respond to customers’ needs in that small space. We had outgrown that store,” she said.

Aldi, Inc. operates more than 1,300 stores in 32 states, primarily from Kansas to the East Coast, according to a company press release. They plan to add an average of 80 new stores a year over the next several years.

Lee Schultz of Elwood makes regular trips to Joliet to shop at Aldi for two main reasons, he said. Aldi has good prices and quality merchandise and they pay a stable wage to their employees.

“It’s so interesting how much

38th “Festival of the Gnomes”

DEC.6 1 pm Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre More information can be found at: bipark@jolietcity.org

little as 25¢!

First year? Get your gnome cap here! Returning? Don ’t forget your free tassel sewn on by the lady gnomes.

Tassels tell of the years each person has been coming to the fest. There is free parking.

Enjoy the spirited live flute music filling the lobby where one can find the popular cookie factorie s $1 variety-cookieplate and 50¢ hot cocoa.

Doors open at noon Saturday and Sunday. Cash or check only at the fest.

Shows sold out last year, so reserve early by calling: (815) 724-3760 option 2, or emailing bipark@jolietcity.org. Tickets can be picked up between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. the TuesdayFriday at the office.

more value you get for the money,” Schultz said.

Many Aldi district managers came from their stores to lend a hand in Joliet. Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante was also on hand.

“It’s a great move for them; they are going to do very well,” Giarrante said. “We thank them for re-investing in the city.”

Store Manager Tawanda Clark has been with Aldi in Joliet for 14 years, including manager at the old store. An additional six employees were hired for the new facility, she said.

“I see a lot of fresh new faces,” Clark said. “We are very excited to serve Joliet.”

Clark was also excited to see so many people in the store.

“I am very excited,” she said.

“Look at this, it’s awesome.”

Crowd considers plans for downtown Joliet Local officials, Joliet City Center Partnership want to transform downtown

By Stewart Warren staff reporter

stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren

Downtown Joliet has a lot going for it. There’s the Rialto Square Theater, Silver Cross Field, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, popular restaurants and a lively nightlife scene at Mojoes. But there’s plenty to improve, including the public perception of the area. Too many people see downtown as gritty and urban, a place to avoid at all costs.

A change is coming, however.

Local officials and the Joliet City Center Partnership want to transform downtown into a vibrant, safe place that pushes the local economy forward. That will be a time-consuming project, of course.

Nevertheless, the process has started. They joined forces several months ago and hired the Chicagobased Camiros, an urban planning group, to brainstorm a makeover for downtown.

Principal consultant William R. James explained the company’s plans to the City Council during the workshop session on Oct. 6.

The plan’s keystone involved a specific demographic: the city should try to attract young renters to the area, perhaps by converting some of the empty office spaces into affordable apartments. The Millennials would appreciate the downtown’s edgy aura. As part of the planning process, a special City Council meeting was held Thursday afternoon at Joliet City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson St. More than 100 residents

budget | from page 4 in part, there was nothing specific in the first year of Walsh’s proposed five-year, $32 million capital budget. Although the County Board through its various committees has discussed a wealth of projects, including a new Laraway Road campus for the Sheriff’s Office and other county functions, he maintained there was nothing specific to cut.

Photos by Stewart Warren

More than 100 people came to Joliet City Hall on Thursday afternoon to talk about a new plan for downtown. and business owners attended, and city staff had to bring more chairs into the Council Chambers several different times to accommodate the crowd. At the beginning of the meeting, James explained the results of the planning process and fielded questions.

One man sitting in the middle of the crowd asked about the role of the Des Plaines River, the waterway that divides the city’s East and West sides. “We think the river is an asset,” James said. “We think it is an amenity and development will want to locate on the river.” But that will take time, he said. To enhance the river, more open space and a bike trail should be added.

Dr. Theodore Kanellakes, a retired Joliet allergist who is active in the community and local politics, asked if the plan addressed the neighborhoods surrounding downtown. It will be difficult to change downtown if those areas aren’t addressed too, he said.

“The downtown area sits like an oasis in a seedy surrounding area,” Kanellakes said. Several people standing near him nodded their heads in agreement. Then everyone moved into three smaller groups to consider different issues: land use, transportation and the public perception of downtown. About

25 people headed into a smaller conference room to consider the image of downtown.

“What is that ‘it’ that Joliet has that other communities would kill for?” asked Kendall Jackson, the city’s planning director.

Pam Owens, the executive director of the City Center Partnership, suggested the answer involved a sense of place.

“Joliet has that culture and history and character of a real community,” Owens said. Then she told a story about Oakbrook. When she visited the area, Owens wanted to patronize Oakbrook’s original downtown, but quickly realized the Chicago suburb didn’t have one.

Garlande Gant, the owner of Gji’s Sweet Shoppe, 81 N. Chicago St., echoed Kanellakes. “If you do something on one side of the river, you have to clean up the other side as well,” Gant said.

The group seemed to agree that the paid parking situation in downtown could cause headaches.

Visitors who traveled by car had to bring quarters to feed the meters.

If the area was revitalized, they wouldn’t need a car to get around, suggested Samuel Knight of Joliet.

“As long as you have a bus pass, a Ventra card, the cars will go away,” Knight said.

Walsh said that was ludicrous, considering funds set aside in the first year of the capital plan for extending Joliet water and sewer to the current Laraway campus, “where every time they flush the toilets, it bubbles up outside.”

Walsh added that they have been fiscally conservative during all of this, cutting personnel and consolidating duties. He said, as he did in his initial budget address, Will County maintains a

AA+ bond rating.

He said there shelves filled with consultants’ reports on various county plans that cost much more than the $1.5 million the Republicans wanted to cut.

With a new 15-11 majority on the board, Moustis said they will move these plans forward.

“They didn’t raise the money,” Walsh said of the Republicans’ refusal to vote on the budget, “but now they get to spend it.”

Wednesday, N ovember 26, 2014 | buglene w spapers.com | P age 11

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Wednesday, Novem ber 26 | bug lenewspapers.com

WEDNESDAY, NOvEMBER 26, 2014

page 13

>> inside: Karrington Ward’s dunK is tHe pic oF tHe WeeK page 16 LoCKpoRt ALum KARRIngton WARd

volleyball

Benet’s Fara

TABBED POY Five locals named to all-area squad

This season, Benet senior middle Rachael Fara may not have posted the flashy stats of other players on other teams in other conferences with other schedules.

But what Fara did do is lead her team to a school-best 41-1 season and the Class 4A state championship, her third as a member of the Redwings.

The Northwestern recruit did it all while being the key focus of other teams and being gameplanned for every match.

For her efforts, Fara is the 2014 Voyager Media Volleyball Player of the Year.

“She impacts the game in so many ways not on a stat sheet,” said Benet coach Brad Baker.

“Just her presence at the net changes games. She is big and long and closes blocks so well and makes people hit shots they don’t normally hit.”

Baker said that was the case in the state final tilt, where Benet won 25-10, 25-10, keeping Libertyville to a record-low 20 points in the match.

“They were so committed to her and that is why our pin hitters had a field day,” Baker said.

“Every time she goes anywhere, they have two blockers on her and that is the kind of attention she draws and we just recognize that. They don’t want to go toward her. It is so hard to explain the value of someone when a team game plans that much for her.”

Fara understands the attention she draws and doesn’t worry about how it impacts her

numbers, but more how it impacts the team’s chances for success.

“I still have to figure out another way to score or keep that other blocker focused on me and then my teammates have a chance to put the balls down when I can’t,” she said. “Not every match will be my match and our lineup is extremely deep, even bench players could play for us and be starters on other teams.”

She knows however, that post season accolades usually are given to the player that lights up the box score.

“I consider that a huge respect to myself that I get noticed,” she said.

The Rest of the Voyager Media All-Area Team consists of:

NATAlie CANulli Benet’s standout senior libero signed with Penn State before her junior year, and was instrumental in the Redwings’ march to this year’s Class 4A state championship. She amassed 409 digs, and had 16 in the state championship match while passing at a perfect 3.0 rate.

“Natalie is one of the best defenders in our state,” said Benet coach Brad Baker. “She has played huge for us in the biggest matches, especially this year at the state championship.” pHoto By MarK GreGory

see ALL-AReA | page 13

mary murphy had 327 kills and 356 assists to lead JcA to second place in the state this year.

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14 all-area | from page 13

TIFFANY CLARK Benet coach Brad Baker calls Clark, a junior, “The best defensive outside hitter in the state.” Clark had accumulated 161 kills and 363 digs prior to the state tourney for the 41-1 Redwings.

“She consistently gets us extra swings and keeps plays alive that no other players in the state can do,” Baker said. “Tiffany also brings an attitude of mental toughness that is rare for high school players.”

ELEXIS COLEMAN Joliet West senior middle hitter

Wednesday, Novem ber 26 | bug lenewspapers.com tallied 42 aces, 251 kills, 150 digs and 50 blocks.

Coleman is a four-year varsity starter committed to Southern Indiana University.

She was named all-conference the last two years. She was Alltournament this year at Joliet Central, Oswego East and Lake Forest tournaments.

“Elexis developed into our go to player as the year went on,” said West coach Al Mart. “What’s most impressive about Lex is that she became a complete player this year. Her defense and serve receive were areas that she focused on and became a quality

player who needed to be on the floor all the time. I’m so proud of the player and young lady she became.”

HANNAH FARLEY The senior outside hitter for Maine East was a four-year starter for coach Anne Bezek’s squad. One of the most dominant and consistent players in the CSL Conference this season, Farley totaled 232 kills with a hitting percentage of 88, and 172 digs.

She also had a 2.42/3.00 servereceive average.

“She is not only an amazing front-row player but led the team in serve percentage (94.3 percent) and has been solid in the back row for us as well,” Bezek said.

KAITLYN FISHER The senior right side hitter had 322 kills, 191 digs, 28 aces and 73 blocks for sectional champion Plainfield North.

She is committed to play at D-I Fairfield University.

“Kaitlyn was voted as a team captain by her peers this year because of her incredible on the court leadership style,” North coach Tracey Marshall said. “As a senior this year she took charge both offensively and defensively with her attacking and blocking. She was consistently in the top kill leaders each match for us this year. Off the court Kaitlyn is a stellar student and also is a volunteer in the community.”

DANA GRIFFIN Griffin, a 5-11 senior outside hitter, led Benet with 284 kills; she was one of three Redwing

players to record 200-or -kills this season. Griffin also was an effective defensive player, notching 244 digs, and was second on the club in aces with 35.

“Her ability to hit every shot and to do so with power makes her a very effective attacker,” said Baker. “Every high level volleyball team has a great outside hitter that can score and Dana is that girl for us.”

ELIZABETH HYLAND Plainfield Central’s leader, Hyland, a senior, posted an areabest 363 kills, hit .343, had 18 aces, 68 blocks and 238 digs for the sectional finalist. She signed to continue her career at Lewis University.

“Hyland is the cornerstone of our team,” Central coach Erik Vogt said. “She has put in a great deal of time and energy to make herself into one of the best hitters in the state of Illinois. She played her best when the best is demanded of her. She is one of the most unselfish people you’ll ever meet and always puts her team before herself.”

GRACE LARSON A three-year starter for coach Mark Wasik’s Downers North Trojans, the senior outside hitter racked up a team-best 326 kills and also registered 228 digs, 37 aces and an 82 percent dig percentage. Larson will continue her playing career at Wayne State University.

“What was most impressive about Grace was that she continually delivered for her team while playing one of the

most competitive schedules in the state,” Wasik said.

ALLIE LINDROTH The Northwestern recruit from Plainfield North tallied 358 kills, 212 digs, 32 aces and 47 blocks for the Tigers.

“Allie Lindroth embodies what a coach looks for in a studentathlete in that she is coachable, works extremely hard and leads by example on and off the court both athletically and academically,” Marshall said. “On the court, Allie is a tremendous leader for us in her ability to play at a high level consistently. She is a vocal leader as well and is always motivating her team to do their best.

“Off the court, Lindroth reaches down into the younger age group and mentors through our Big Sister/Little Sister program and volunteers to coach in our youth camp program. Voted as one of the team captain’s this year she is the player that is highly respected and looked up to throughout the program.”

MARY MURPHY The JCA senior was the leader of the Joliet Catholic A c a d e m y volleyball team that placed second in Class 3A and was named to the All-ESCC team.

She paced the team with 327 kills and was second on the team with 356 assists, adding 116 digs, 45 aces and 32 blocks.

see all-area | page 15

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Wedn esday, Novem ber 26 | bug lenewspapers.com all-area | from page 14 “Mary is a true leader and has great knowledge of the game,” said JCA coach Christine Schiebe.

“I can put her anywhere and she will get the job done. She has set, played right side and outside for us.”

MADDIE NAAL The senior middle hitter paced the team with 71 blocks, adding 160 kills and 17 service aces. She was ALL-ESCC and she posted a near flawless hitting percentage in the Class 3A state title match.

“Maddie has pushed herself this season to become a faster and more dominant player,” Schiebe said. “She has been a big threat in the middle for the Angels this season.”

HALLEY PARDY Tallied 231 kills and 24 blocks for Westmont’s Class 2A regional championship team.

“She was instrumental in our one of them will be the determining factor in a win,” said Westmont coach Patti Cook. “They both have great experience, a high volleyball IQ and provide confidence and energy on the court.”

GINGER PERINAR The 6-foot, 2-inch junior o u t s i d e hitter has been a threeyear varsity player who is committed to Southern Illinois-Carbondale.

She was the team leader in kills with 330, a .323 hitting percentage. She was second in digs (158), aces (48) and total blocks (42).

“Ginger was our go-to player.

She terminated from the outside and the back row when we needed a big swing,” said Minooka coach Chris Hoelscher. “She was a sixrotation player for the first time this season and solidified our defense and passing. She is definitely a player who gets other teams’ attention.”

ASHLEY SHOOK The sophomore setter from Plainfield Central had 746 Assists, 105 kills, a .350 hitting percentage, 29 aces, 81 blocks and 166 digs.

“She is one of the most dynamic setters in Illinois,” Vogt said. “Ashley elevates the level of play of her teammates with her ability to give perfect sets in the most difficult situations.

A shutdown blocker with the ability to terminate the ball at will. She is a great teammate and a student of the game.”

LAUREN STEFANSKI Joliet West junior middle hitter committed to Loyola University.

She was team captain and named all-conference. She was named all-tournament at Joliet Central, Oswego East and Lake Forest Invites.

She posted 62 aces, 274 kills, 165 digs and 57 blocks this season.

“Lauren really came on as a player this year. She led us in most statistical categories,” Mart said. “She is just beginning to reach her full potential. She had a terrific junior year. With continued hard work in the off-season she should have a dominant senior year.”

LINDSEY VISVARDIS Senior libero from Lockport tallied 449 digs, 47 aces and 58 assists on the season. Headed to University of MassachusettsLowell.

“Lindsey has proven in every single match this year that teams should serve and hit away from

her. Her ability to read hitters is like none that I’ve ever coached, and her strength of character and leadership shine through in her play,” said Lockport coach Erika Lange. “We had a very small inexperienced group of hitters this year, which meant that more pressure was put on her behind a smaller block, and more pressure was put on her to keep balls in play to give our hitters more opportunities. We still designed our serve receive and defense around her to funnel as much as possible her way and she dominated in this position against the top teams in the area.

Her stats show that she was an integral part of all aspects of our play this year, and I do believe her to be one of the top liberos in the state.”

KATIE VONDRA Vondra might be 5-6, but she played bigger than her height,

leading Downers South with 222 kills as a six rotation outside hitter. The senior and two-year team MVP also had a 2.41/3.00 serve-receive average, 17 blocks, and 321 digs this season.

“Katie has been a huge asset in our 21 wins for the season this year and our most relied-on player by all of her teammates,” said Downers South coach Trisha Kurth. “When her teammates need a sideout, they look to her.”

MACKENZIE WELSH Michigan recruit MacKenzi Welsh, a junior from Plainfield East, totaled 487 assists, 153 digs, 140 kills, 39 aces and 56 blocks.

“MacKenzi is a three-year starter on our varsity squad,” Plainfield East coach Emily Tonon said. “She came back into the setting role for us this year and it has been an essential part of our offense this season.

She has also really stepped up her defense and it show in her digging and blocking stats. As setter, her job on the court is vitally important to our success

15

and she is able to read what is happening on both sides of the court so she can gauge where our most successful play might be.”

MADISEN ZYBURT A senior Libero from Plainfield North, Zyburt had 466 digs, 38 aces and 219 assists for the sectional champs. She will be continuing her career at Carson-Newman University in Tennessee.

“Maddie was voted program captain of the squad this year because of her incredible leadership qualities,” Marshall said. “She had a record-breaking season this year shattering the dig’s per season and overall career dig record in the program.

She is more than a leader on the court, as with the other two captains listed Maddie worked as a volunteer in our youth program as a mentor and she volunteered with the school’s special needs program assisting students with disabilities.”

Scott Taylor and Mike Sandrolini contributed

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

16

Wednesday, novem ber 26 | bug leneW spapers.com downers grove north

q & a with local athletes

FEATURiNG

raymond greco Basketball

Who is your favorite person to follow and why? andy Milonakis how often do you use social media? everyday

andreW mccutcHen

What do you use social media for? to keep up with friends Who is your favorite professional athlete and why? Derek Jeter because he is a great role model.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAMS 1 alabama

well-rounded team

2 mississippi state

Lost by five to best team

3 oregon

Have been rolling of late

pLAInfIeLd eAst hs @pehsAthLetICs

4 baylor

Has a couple big wins

5 Florida state

No good wins trumps unbeaten

6 tcu

Barely escaped Kansas

7 oHio state

Peaking at the right time

8 micHigan state

Two losses to top 10 teams

9 mississippi

Two losses as of last Friday

10 ucla Rolling leading up to Saturday

@amascharka (andrew Mascharka): Final: @ emuhoops 89, oakland 77. Karrington ward (@Kward14bball) finished with 22 points including this monster dunk.

“congrats to peHs bowler Gervon Miles for rolling a perfect 300 game in today’s meet vs plainfield north! Gervon ended with a 733 series” ben fRedRICKson @benfRed “through two games tennessee transfer Quinton chievous leads Hampton in points (14.5) and rebounds (7).” benet vARsIty soCCeR @benetmenssoCCeR

“Benet’s own @dalsanto72 in goal for siue w 6 saves against northwestern in round 1 ncAA playoffs. 0-0 w 30 some mins remaining! go Kyle!”

FoR wHEN You wANT To TAKE 5 MiNuTES FoR YouRSELF Wedn esday, n ovem ber 26, 2014 | bug leneW spapers.com

Aries

MARCH 21 TO APRiL 20

You may be too picky to reach your peak. If you’re frustrated by the demands of a job or high expectations this week, crack a book and study how other people have improved their organizational skills.

gemini

M Ay 2 2 T O J U n E 2 1

Take it easy. Where love is concerned, you can count on finding someone to stick with you through thick and thin.

Don’t travel too far afield or take risks to entertain yourself this week.

leo

J U Ly 2 3 T O A U g U S T 2 1

Apply steely determination to achieve your goals. Your sex appeal is on the rise and you can juggle business, financial matters and relationships with a deft hand as the week unfolds.

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34 ACTOR gALLAgHER 37 TEnniS SHUTOUT 38 FLORAL-SOUnding LOS AngELES SUbURb 40 SOniC SERVER 41 bRAid 42 FiRST RESPOnSE TO A CALL 43 FORMER bOXER ALi 44 PAgE OF MUSiC 46 SHORT RUn, FOR SHORT 47 ELiOT TiTLE CHARACTER 48 “LiSTEn TO yOUR HEART” SingER in THE MUSiCAL “yOUng FRAnkEnSTEin” 49 PROMPTEd 52 “big dEAL” Tribune Content Agency 2014

librA

SEPTEMbER 24 TO OCTObER 23

A bustle in your hedgerow doesn’t mean you must jump into action like a jack rabbit. You may not be aware of all the details or find that some crucial information isn’t available. Use good business sense this week.

sAgittArius

nOVEMbER 23 TO dECEMbER 22

Count to 10. You may be impatient and make snap decisions you might regret later in the week. When you look through the wrong end of binoculars, the view may be out of kilter.

AquArius

JAnUARy 21 TO FEbRUARy 19

The week ahead may challenge your ability to lead others or assert yourself. You may be frustrated by a heavy schedule, but someone special may be caught under your spell and bring a smile to your face.

Sudoku

17

tAurus

A P R i L 2 1 T O M Ay 2 1

Time is the wisest counselor. Exercise patience when dealing with others in the week ahead and avoid being goaded into making a hasty decision. Social activities should be planned for the end of the week.

cAncer

J U n E 2 2 T O J U Ly 2 2

Go after the whale, not the goldfish. Let sound advice and experience guide you to market what you’re selling to the right buyer. A poor choice could waste both time and resources this week.

virgo

AUgUST 22 TO SEPTEMbER 23

Grapevines don’t always bear fruit. Be sure to gather your own facts from reliable sources before reaching any conclusions. Wait until later in the week when you know the real truth before putting plans into motion.

scorpio

OCTObER 24 TO nOVEMbER 22

Don’t take on more than you can handle. Don’t let little irritations get under your skin in the week to come. Spend time in meditation, considering the big picture and how it affects your long-term goals.

cApricorn

dECEMbER 23 TO JAnUARy 20

Keep doing what you’ve been doing. You’re focused on being a business success this week, and that could overpower your social life. Count to 10 before you voice an opinion and don’t let little irritations ruffle your feathers.

pisces

FEbRUARy 20 TO MARCH 20

Be the listener, not the speaker in the upcoming week.

Be willing to receive, and to accept, the benefit of someone else’s wisdom and experience. Be the student, and with the knowledge gained, you can become a master.

Jumble

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• CHAFE • EXULT • OPPOSE • QUAVER

Answer:

WHAT THE FOggy nigHT gAVE THE dRiVER -- THE “CREEPS”

News about local businesses in your community

18

Wedn esday, Novem ber 26, 2014 | bug lenewspapers.com

Dave Says

Protecting a loved one’s finances from them I appreciate the fact that you and your wife aren’t being greedy or opportunistic By dave ramsey dave says

www.daveramsey.com @DaveRamsey

Dear Dave, My mother-in-law is in poor health and doesn’t have a lot of money. She has been giving us a lot of her earnings over the last couple of years as a kind of early inheritance, because she’s afraid she’ll spend it all. We’re setting it aside in a savings account in case she needs it, but I still feel strange about the situation. What do you recommend we do?

Andrew Dear Andrew, This is an odd scenario. It’s

like taking donations from poor people because they refuse to address their own issues.

My recommendation is pretty simple. She needs to learn how to properly handle her own money. Obviously, it wouldn’t be a good idea for you to say that to your mother-in-law, so your wife should be the one who attempts to lovingly and carefully deliver the message. The conversation still may not be pleasant, but there’s a better chance she’ll listen to a daughter than to you.

I appreciate the fact that you and your wife aren’t being greedy or opportunistic about this situation. Setting the money aside

and earmarking it for your mother-in-law later on is an honorable thing.

If your wife can’t convince her mom to start taking care of her own finances, at least you can protect her from herself.

You’d still be treating the symptom instead of the problem, but if she won’t listen it may be the best you can do.

not, during which Baby Step do you recommend setting aside money for this?

Carrie Dear Carrie, I don’t have a Baby Step for weddings, but in Dave Says my mind it would come money advice by dave ramsey after Baby Step 5, which is putting aside a college fund for your children.

Once you have education savings, —Dave retirement and extra house payments underway, then you Wedding bells times could start putting aside a little three! extra for weddings.

This may not make me popular Dear Dave, We have three daughters with some young ladies or their under the age of 5, so we may be moms, but an education is more spending quite a bit on things like important than a wedding. Maybe weddings in the years to come. Is this is the dad in me coming out, there a Baby Step for weddings? If but if I had to choose between

paying for college educations and paying for big weddings, I’m going to pay for school. In my mind, anyone who disagrees with that is kind of a twit.

Weddings are wonderful, and you should mark these kinds of milestones with celebration.

But a wedding is only a one-day event. Plus, there’s absolutely no statistical correlation between the size and expense of the wedding and the success of the marriage!

—Dave

* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

will county

CenterPoint announces agricultural transload facility at Joliet intermodal Facility to transfer local soybeans, dried distilled grains into international containers CenterPoint Properties announced the development of a state-of-the-art transload facility for Saturn Agriculture Inc., at CenterPoint Intermodal Center – Joliet.

Saturn will occupy a 14.4-acre parcel, operating an agricultural transload facility to transfer local soybeans and dried distilled grains into international containers.

Dan Leahy and Adam Roth of NAI Hiffman worked diligently with CenterPoint development team members Eric Gilbert and Jeremy Grey of CenterPoint, while John Suerth of CBRE represented William Huang of Saturn in the transaction.

“Saturn will take advantage of the strategic location of the parcel – positioned between both the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP) intermodal yards to efficiently export agricultural products to Asia,” said Eric Gilbert, Senior

“We are truly excited about another investment in an agricultural transload facility in Will County,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh.

Vice President, Infrastructure and Logistics, CenterPoint Properties.

“CenterPoint is thankful to the City of Joliet for their hard work and support to help attract this new business to the park; Saturn chose to make a large investment in Joliet due to their business friendly environment.”

Saturn entered into a 10-year lease on the built-to-suit facility, which includes features such as loading, dump and storage components. The facility will have

Midwest, and bring 8-10 the ability to load 200-plus new jobs to the area. containers per day. The Currently, there are more property is strategically than 105 million bushels located and designed with of locally produced the capacity for future agricultural products expansion, situated on exported annually from the private road system the park. Saturn’s goal is to within CIC-Joliet, which Mark ensure a smooth flowing allows Saturn to take Schneidewind transition between the advantage of permit Will County Farm Bureau suppliers and the end free moves to the UP’s manager user, by unloading trucks yard while significantly quickly and delivering reducing overall drayage the product as efficiently costs.

Operations at as possible. the facility will begin in “It’s exciting to autumn 2015. see Saturn make an “We are truly excited investment like this,” about another investment said Mark Schneidewind, in an agricultural Will County Farm Bureau transload facility in Will Walsh manager. “The supply County,” said Will County Larry Will County chain and logistics Executive Larry Walsh. Executive efficiencies at this “The new facility will help significant agriculture local farmers and grain haulers by providing another export hub, will provide better destination option for their competitive pricing for our commodities, while helping to product.”

The facility will enhance the reduce the costs associated with agricultural transload platform getting the product to the final at CIC-Joliet, which is the largest market destination.” agricultural export hub in the

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Wednesday, November 26, 2014 | buglenewspapers.com

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W e d n e s d ay, no v e mb e r 2 6, 2 0 1 4 | b ug le ne ws pa pe r s .co m Business & Private Party Classified Ads: $16 per week, 20 words or less. Weddings, Births & Engagements: Black & White - $25, Color - $35. Obituaries: $35.

Stay informed with our legal listings Wedn esday, Novem ber 26, 2014 | bug lenewspapers.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTYJOLIET, ILLINOIS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY-STATE OF ILLINOIS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY-STATE OF ILLINOIS

U.S. Bank N.A., successor to the FDIC, as Receiver for Park National Bank, Plaintiff vs.

JDS Management LLC, , et al, Defendants.

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, IN TRUST FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I INC. TRUST 2007-HE7, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007- HE7 PLAINTIFF

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE TRUST 2007-3 ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE BACKED PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3 PLAINTIFF VS. NICOLE M. STEWART AKA NICOLE STEWART, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR HOME MORTGAGE, INC., PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, WOODLAND TERRACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, JOHN DOE, CURRENT SPOUSE OR CIVIL UNION PARTNER IF ANY, OF NICOLE M. STEWART AKA NICOLE STEWART, UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS. DEFENDANTS 14 CH 1271 Property Address: 3119 Ingalls Ave Unit 3D and Garage Number G-34, Joliet, IL 60435 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION AS TO UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to: Unknown Owners, Generally, and Non-Record Claimants, Defendants in the above-entitled action, that a Complaint for Foreclosure and Other Relief has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Will County, by said Plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of certain mortgages conveying the premises legally described as follows: UNIT 3D OF WOODLAND TERRACE SUBDIVISION UNIT 1,CONDOMINIUM “PARCEL C,” TOGETHER WITH AN EASEMENT FOR PARKING AND STORAGE PURPOSES IN GARAGE NUMBER G-34 AND ALSO TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE OF INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS, AS DELINEATED AND SET FORTH IN THE PLAT OF SURVEY ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT “E” TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP RECORDED DECEMBER 6, 1991 AS DOCUMENT NO. R91-71101 AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TLME, IN PART OF LOT NO. 1 IN WOODLAND TERRACE SUBDIVISION UNIT 1, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 1 TOWNSHIP 35 NORTH, RANGE 9 EAST OF. THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINIOS. P.I.N. 06-01-101-007-1012 COMMON ADDRESS: 3119 Ingalls Ave Unit 3D, Joliet, IL 60435 And which mortgages were made by Nicole M. Stewart aka Nicole Stewart, as Mortgagor(s); and given to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Home Mortgage, Inc as Mortgagee, to wit: that certain “Mortgage” dated 2/26/2007 and recorded as Document No. R2007037660, that Summons was duly issued out of said court against you as provided by law, and that the said Complaint is now pending for foreclosure of said mortgages and for other relief. Now, therefore, unless you, Unknown Owners, Generally, and Non-Record Claimants, file your Appearance and Answer to the Complaint in said action in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Will County, Chancery Division, on or before the December 19, 2014 default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer for relief in said Complaint.

PAMELA J.MCGUIRE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

14CH 1882 The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you, Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants, defendants in the above entitled suit, that the said suit has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Will County, Chancery division, by the said plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to wit: LOT 44 IN GRANDVIEW, A SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 53, AND PART OF BLOCKS 51 AND 52 IN SCHOOL SECTION ADDITION TO JOLIET, IN THE CITY OF JOLIET, ACCORDING TO THE MAP RECORDED ONOVEMBER 16, 1889, IN PLAT BOOK 6, PAGE 57, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS Common Address: 221 S. HUNTER, JOLIET, Illinois 60436 PIN: 07-16-110-059-0000 Improved with: a multi unit apartment building Mortgagor: JDS Management LLC Mortgagee: Park National Bank. U.S. Bank N.A., is the successor to the FDIC, as receiver for Park National Bank.

Recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Will County, IL, as Document No. R 2005199999 Present owner of the property is the above-mentioned mortgagor.

Notice is also hereby given you that the said Complaint prays for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law, and that the said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court of Will County, Chancery Division, Joliet Court House Annex Building, Room 213, 57 N. Ottawa, Joliet, IL, on or before December 26, 2014, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint.

Pamela J. McGuire, Clerk.

This is an attempt to collect a debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

ROBERT L. PATTULLO, JR., Attorney 312-281-3860 70 West Madison, Suite 3970 Chicago, Illinois 60602 I635031 Published 11/26, 12/3, 12/10

VS. SHERRY M. ARTHUR AKA SHERRY ARTHUR, CITIFINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., JOHN DOE, CURRENT SPOUSE OR CIVIL UNION PARTNER, IF ANY, OF SHERRY M. ARTHUR AKA SHERRY ARTHUR, UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS DEFENDANTS 14 CH 2248 Property Address: 220 Lincoln Street Joliet, IL 60433 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION AS TO UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to: UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants in the above-entitled action, that a Complaint for Foreclosure and Other Relief has been commenced in the Circuit Court of Will County, by said Plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of certain mortgages conveying the premises legally described as follows: THE EAST HALF OF THE WEST 81.34 FEET OF LOT 1IN DAVID RICHARDS SUBDIVISION OF LOT 12, IN THE CANAL TRUSTEE’S SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST HALF OF SECTION 15, IN TOWNSHIP 35 NORTH, AND IN RANGE 10 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF SAID RICHARDS SUBDIVISION RECORDED OCTOBER 6, 1854, IN BOOK 34, PAGE 592. AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 19447, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N.: 07-15-112-013-0000 COMMON ADDRESS: 220 Lincoln Street, Joliet, IL 60433 And which mortgages were made by Sherry M. Arthur aka Sherry Arthur, as Mortgagor(s); and given to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Decision One Mortgage Company, LLC. as Mortgagee; to wit: that certain “Mortgage” dated April 25, 2007 and recorded as Document No.R2007075698, that Summons was duly issued out of said court against you as provided by law, and that the said Complaint is now pending for foreclosure of said mortgages and for other relief.

Now, therefore, unless you UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, file your Appearance and Answer to the Complaint in said action in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Will County, Chancery Division, on or before the December 19, 2014 default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer for relief in said Complaint.

PAMELA J. MCGUIRE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Zeeshan Pervaiz - 06290442 Kluever & Platt, LLC 65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 2300 Chicago, Illinois 60601 (312) 201-6679 Attorney No. 06187248 Our File #: SPSF.1838 I633550 Published 11/19, 11/26, 12/3

Attorneys for Plaintiff Jonathan E. Fay - 06304739 Penny A. Land - 06211093 Zeeshan S. Pervaiz - 6290442 Kluever & Platt, LLC 65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 2300 Chicago, Illinois 60601 (312) 201-6679 Our File #: SPSF.1616 I632852 Published 11/19, 11/26, 12/3

“THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE” WA14-0268 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 12TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2003-2, Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2003-2; Plaintiff, VS. Norward A. Allen, Jr.; Shaunell M. Brown Allen; City of Joliet; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Norward A. Allen, Jr., if any; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Shaunell M. Brown Allen, if any; Unknown Owners and Non Record Claimants; Defendants.

14 CH 2146 Judge Thomas Thanas NOTICE BY PUBLICATION The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you: -Norward A. Allen, Jr. -Shaunell M. Brown Allen that Plaintiff has commenced this case in the Circuit Court of Will County against you and other defendants, for foreclosure of a certain Mortgage lien recorded against the premises described as follows: LOT 28 IN WILLIAM A. GARDNER`S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 29 OF CANAL TRUSTEE`S SUBDIVISION IN THE WEST 1/2 OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 35 NORTH, RANGE 10, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 11, 1882 AS DOCUMENT 123566, IN WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS C/K/A: 414 Gardner Street, Joliet, IL 60433 PIN: 30-07-15-303-007-0000 said Mortgage was given by Norward A. Allen, Jr. and Shaunell M. Brown Allen, Mortgagor(s), to New Century Mortgage Corporation, Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Will County, Illinois, as Document No. R2002216025.

YOU MAY STILL BE ABLE TO SAVE YOUR HOME. DO NOT IGNORE THIS DOCUMENT. By order of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court, this case is set for Mandatory Mediation on December 11, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Will County Court, Annex 3rd Floor (Arbitration Center) 57 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet, Illinois. A lender representative will be present along with a court appointed mediator to discuss options that you may have and to pre-screen you for a potential mortgage modification.

YOU MUST APPEAR ON THE MEDIATION DATE GIVEN OR YOUR MEDIATION WILL BE TERMINATED. UNLESS YOU file your appearance or otherwise file your answer in this case in the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Will County, Will County Courthouse, 14 West Jefferson Street, Joliet IL 60432 on or before December 12, 2014, A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED FOR IN THE PLAINTIFF’S COMPLAINT. Russell C. Wirbicki (6186310) The Wirbicki Law Group LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1140 Chicago, IL 60603 Phone: 312-360-9455 Fax: 312-360-9461 WA14-0268 pleadings.il@wirbickilaw.com I632778 Published 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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FoR wHEN You wANT To TAKE 5 MiNuTES FoR YouRSELF Wednesday, novem ber 26 | bug leneW spapers.com

CreAMy horSerADiSh MASheD PoTAToeS

serves 6 1.

wolFgang PucK’s Kitchen

2.

3.

1.

2.

3.

great mashed potatoes make your holiday spread complete You and your guests will be happily surprised by these very satisfying muffins two? Together, they suggest that there’s more than one way to get tRIbune Content AgenCy www.wolfgangpuck.com delicious mashed potatoes. Not @WolfgangBuzz only that, but they also demonstrate that mashed Whenever I do a potatoes can become a cooking demonstration delicious canvas for other on TV, it always flavors to complement fascinates me how wild whatever main dish you’re the hosts and viewers serving. Finally, they show alike go over one of the that mashed potatoes simplest dishes ever: don’t always need lots of mashed potatoes. Just a WOLFGANG fat to taste great; indeed, single spoonful makes PUCK’S KiTChEN the second recipe gets people close their eyes wolFGanG pucK less than a third of its total with intense pleasure. calories from fat.

I’m not surprised.

The first recipe, however, After all, more than half a century has passed since instant mashed follows a more traditional model. potatoes became a widespread It begins with baking potatoes, supermarket product, and too which cook to a fluffy consistency many people have grown up many people adore. They’re eating something that may call enriched with your choice of heavy itself mashed potatoes but is cream or milk, along with butter. actually a pale imitation of the I add to them up to a tablespoon real thing. On top of that, many of bottled prepared horseradish, home cooks today never learned which goes wonderfully with any the basics of turning a bag of holiday roast, whether turkey, potatoes into a perfect puree - ham, or especially beef. But you even though the process is fairly could substitute other savory flavorings such as Japanese easy.

So I’m happy to share with you wasabi (green horseradish) paste not one but two easy recipes. Why or caramelized onions.

By wolfgANg PuCk

For lighter mashed potatoes, I begin with the Yukon gold variety.

Although their consistency is waxier than russets, they also have a naturally rich, buttery flavor that makes you feel as if you’re eating something rich. I moisten them with buttermilk, which has a rich consistency but is low in fat. And I add just a little butter, which I cook until brown to contribute a deep, nutty flavor.

Whichever recipe you prepare, a few tips will help ensure success. I like to cook the potatoes in salted water, for more uniform seasoning. But don’t boil the potatoes beyond the point of fork-tenderness, or you’ll get watery results. I prefer to puree them with a simple hand-held ricer, which helps produce a uniformly fluffy consistency; but you could also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, a food mill, or an old-fashioned hand-held masher. Just be sure to avoid using a food processor, which gives potatoes a gummy consistency.

Here’s to your festive holiday table - with the best mashed potatoes ever!

(c) 2014 woLFgANg PuCK woRLDwiDE, iNC. DiSTRiBuTED BY TRiBuNE CoNTENT AgENCY, LLC.

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2-1/2 pounds (1.25 kg) baking potatoes, peeled and cut into even 2-inch (5-cm) chunks 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning to taste 2/3 cup (165 ml) heavy cream or milk,

4.

5.

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7.

or a combination 6 to 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces Pinch freshly ground white pepper Pinch freshly grated nutmeg 2 to 3 teaspoons prepared horseradish

Put the potatoes in a saucepan filled with enough cold water to cover them well. Add the 1 teaspoon salt.

Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer briskly until the potatoes are fork tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the milk or cream and butter in a small saucepan. heat over low heat until the butter melts.

Drain the potatoes well and return to the pot. Cover tightly and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.

Press the potatoes through a ricer into a large, heatproof bowl. use a sturdy spoon to stir in the cream and butter gradually. Continue stirring until the potatoes look light and fluffy, seasoning generously to taste with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the horseradish, and then adjust the seasonings to taste.

Serve immediately, or keep warm by covering the bowl and setting it over pan of gently simmering water.

reDuCeD-fAT MASheD yukoN golD PoTAToeS wiTh BrowN BuTTer

serves 4 1.

2.

3.

4.

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2.

3.

4.

5.

1-1/2 pounds (750 g) small yukon gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 2-inch (5-cm) chunks kosher salt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup (125 ml)

5.

6.

7.

buttermilk freshly ground white pepper freshly grated nutmeg 1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves or chives

Put the potatoes in a saucepan filled with enough cold water to cover them well. Add the 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer briskly until the potatoes are fork tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the milk or cream and butter in a small saucepan. heat over low heat until the butter melts.

Drain the potatoes well and return to the pot. Cover tightly and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.

Press the potatoes through a ricer into a large, heatproof bowl. use a sturdy spoon to stir in the cream and butter gradually. Continue stirring until the potatoes look light and fluffy, seasoning generously to taste with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the horseradish, and then adjust the seasonings to taste.

Serve immediately, or keep warm by covering the bowl and setting it over pan of gently simmering water.

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