Joliet 03-26-14

INSIDE

SPORTS Locals compete in Prep Shootout PAGE 11

jolietbugle.com

NEWS Renaissance Center banquet facility to close at the end of the year PAGE 5

Your Community, Your News

MARCH 26, 2014

Vol. 6 No. 30

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

BY NICK REIHER | MANAGING EDITOR Just a few hours after spring officially arrived March 20, Illinois transportation officials announced construction work on both directions of the Interstate 55 Des Plaines River Bridge will resume March 31, weather permitting.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in areas and rerouted over the Des Plaines River, officials said. Heavy traffic is expected in this area with long delays. Last year, long back-ups were common during morning and afternoon rush hours.

>> See ‘CONSTRUCTION’ page 19

Accessible Will County campaign kicks off

Residents speak out about lack of transportation, housing and accessible buildings

By Kris Stadalsky For the Bugle/Sentinel

Will County residents packed the Caterpillar auditorium in the Joliet Historical Museum March 23 to participate tOm GiaRRante in the kick-off of mayor of JolIeT the Accessible Will County campaign, organized by the WillGrundy Center for Independent Living.

The purpose of the campaign is to create new inclusive housing for people with and without disabilities, expand public transportation options and increase the accessibility of public and private buildings.

Participants included Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante, Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland, Sen. Pat McGuire, Nick Palmer Chief of Staff for County Executive Larry Walsh and later Walsh himself, as well as county board members, Will-Grundy CIL board >> see accessible | page 2

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

>> accessible, from page 1 members and other politicians and community leaders.

But it was the residents who community leaders wanted to hear from about their experiences and needs in those areas. “(Accessible Will County campaign) isn’t just for people with disabilities, it’s for the entire area of Will County,” said Will-Grundy CIL executive director Pam Heavens.

“We can’t do this alone. We are asking for help from (the community) to be a part of something very exciting.”

Three people told their stories of how inaccessibility to transportation, public and private buildings and affordable, safe housing has personally affected them.

Mary F. White, drop-in center coordinator for Morning Star Mission in Joliet, was once a guest at the shelter. She had to walk miles to and from her job because of a lack of public transportation, she said.

“By the time I arrived, I was tired, sweaty, smelly and hungry,” said White.

She has since graduated with a degree in social work and helps others in similar situations.

Many of them could apply for jobs at one of the 532 warehouse facilities in the county, but lack of proper transportation stands in the way.

“They would be able to support themselves and their families,” White said.

“I have a personal and professional investment in this campaign,” White

News “(Accessible Will County campaign) isn’t just for people with disabilities, it’s for the entire area of Will County,” said Will-Grundy CIL executive director Pam Heavens. added.”Together we can come up with a solution.”

Participants broke off into three groups to discuss the prevailing issues and shared their experiences and frustrations with the lack of accessibility in the county.

Ironically, finding a place to hold the event that was accessible to everyone was difficult in itself, said Will-

Grundy CIL board member Amy Viscioso after the program.

“How difficult it was is very eye-opening,” said Viscioso.

“Businesses think they are accessible, but they are not.”

Giarrante took part in the accessibility group, telling participants it will be a top priority during the rejuvenation of downtown Joliet.

“We have to be very cognizant when developing these old buildings,” Giarrante later told the crowd. “We have to insist they are accessible to everyone.”

The information gathered at the event will be compiled into a plan so local organizations, supporters and governments can begin making the needed changes in the county, said Sam Knight, Will-Grundy CIL Community Organizer.

Knight encouraged attendance at the next Joliet City Council meeting on April 1 to find out more about the issues and to have a voice in them.

He also encouraged attendance at the first Accessible Will County working group meeting, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.April 9 at the WGCIL, 2415A W. Jefferson St., Joliet.

Before the event concluded, both Walsh and Giarrante went to the podium and signed their names, adding themselves to the list of Accessible Will County supporters.

The room broke into applause and cheers.

“This was great today,” said Knight, adding that more work needed to be done. “We are going to win on this.”

WILL COUNTY

News

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

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Goodson to resign Board seat for Edward-Elmhurst Goodson has been a District 5 Will County Board Member since first elected in 2002 Lee Ann Goodson, and surrounding areas, a Will County Board according to a release from member, has been the hospital. named Director Goodson, a resident of Community of Plainfield with two & Government children, replaces Sandy Relations for EdwardBenson, who is retiring Elmhurst Healthcare, April 11 after nearly 25 effective April 9. years at the health system. lee ann GOODsOn Goodson will WIll counTy Benson plans to continue focus her efforts on BoarD memBer as an active Rotarian and Edward’s service DIsTrIcT 5 President of the Naperville area, including Naperville, Library Board of Trustees, and Plainfield, Aurora, Bolingbrook, maintain her involvement in Lisle, Oswego, Romeoville, numerous other community Warrenville, Woodridge, Yorkville volunteer activities.

Goodson will work closely with Diane McGinnis, who oversees Community and Government Relations in Elmhurst Memorial Hospital’s service area, to monitor and lobby for community-focused and legislative issues important to Edward-Elmhurst. Goodson and McGinnis report to Brian Davis, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at EdwardElmhurst.

Goodson has been a District 5 Will County Board Member since first elected in 2002. She also works as County Government Coordinator for House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and is a Commissioner of the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Goodson will focus her efforts on Edward’s service area, including Naperville, Plainfield, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Oswego, Romeoville, Warrenville, Woodridge,Yorkville and surrounding areas, according to a release from the hospital.

Goodson previously was Will County Legislative Coordinator for House Republican Leader Tom Cross from 2004 to 2013. She will resign her current posts when she joins Edward-Elmhurst in April.

Goodson studied business management at the College of St. Francis in Joliet and Joliet Junior College, and is a graduate of the University of Illinois Institute of Government

and Public Affairs Leadership Academy for Local Government Officials.

She is a member of the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners, Illinois Association of Counties, Metro Counties of Illinois, United Counties Council of Illinois, National Association of County Officials and Illinois Association of Park Districts.

WILL COUNTY

Kelley gets Democratic nomination for Sheriff; GOP up in air Provisional ballots will be counted April 1, said Will County Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots Mike Kelley easily be canvassed.That will take won the Democratic a couple weeks. There also nomination for Will could be a partial recount County sheriff over with a vote so close. two challengers on Provisional ballots will March 18. But we’ll be counted April 1, said Will likely have to wait County Clerk Nancy Schultz a while to find out Voots. the Republican who On the Democratic side, mike kelleY Kelley of Lockport finished will face him in DemocraTIc November. nomIneefor WIll with 5,523 votes to 4,194 for Steve Egan of Joliet and After votes from counTy sHerIff 4,063 for Ed Bradley of all 303 Will County University Park. precincts were talliedTuesday night, Kaupas, cousin of outgoing Ken Kaupas, 54, of Shorewood Sheriff Paul Kaupas, currently received 20,388 votes to 20,165 serves as Deputy Chief of the for Nick Ficarello of Manhattan Special Operations Bureau of the Township. Provisional ballots still Will County Sheriff’s Department. must be counted,and all votes must

He has been a police officer for 30 years and is retired as a Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Bureau from District 5 State Police.

His prime goal has to do with stabilizing the department’s budget so that they can continue to provide the appropriate services to the public sector. He did not proposed new programs during the campaign, he said, because “I know the sheriff’s office is not in a position to afford them. I do not support raising levies and tax rates. We have all been extended to the point where we cannot do more.When you have these budget issues, you must look at the core mission of the police department.”

Ficarello, 57, is a retired deputy chief from the Will County Sheriff’s Department. He worked in special operations, investigations and at the Will County jail. He also worked

as a part-time officer for the Posen police and is a licensed private detective.

He proposed zero-based budgeting to address the budget problem and seeks to create a special victims unit to address serious crimes such as domestic violence, sex crimes, crimes involving children and the elderly and people who have special needs.

Some of the existing detectives could be specially trained to handle these crimes.

“If I were elected sheriff, I would spend the first 100 days working through initial changes and problems,”he said.“During the next 100 days, I would spend 50 days in a patrol car without wearing a rank or an insignia. Then I would work the next 50 days in the Will County jail as a correctional officer.

“I would then be able to see the

department from the bottom up and make manpower decisions.

The only way to do a feasible manpower study is to get in the trenches and see what it takes.”

He said he would also like to use the federal drug asset seizure accounts to fund the department.

“There is $2.1 million in these accounts, and the money can be used to offset expenses that would typically be funded by the county board and the taxpayer.”

Kelley,47,is aWill County Sheriff’s Police sergeant, former executive board member of ASFCME 2961, former executive board member of the FOP Labor Council and a former executive board member of MAP 123. >> To see THe full VersIon of THIs sTory, cHeck ouT buGlenewspapeRs.cOm

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

News LOCAL

Voters approve ChaneyMonge building referendum Referendum asked for $3 million in building bonds to be used for structural repairs, updates Chaney-Monge school officials can schedule those building repairs and someday hopefully will be able to ditch those modular classrooms.

District voters on March 18 approved a referendum by a 227 to 186 margin that asked for $3 million in building bonds to be used for structural repairs, updates and improvements.

While the money is all being asked for on the same referendum, only the first $1 million will be on tax bills in the near future.

One million dollars of that will be used for immediate repairs,said Chaney-Monge Superintendent Andy Seigfried in a previous Bugle story. That would help cover $800,000 worth of roof repairs and $500,000 of electrical work.

The $1 million would add $50 to the taxes annually on a $125,000 home.

The other $2 million would be the district’s portion of a nearly $5 million project to expand and upgrade the school that would see the state of Illinois kick in $2.7 million and allow ChaneyMonge to add classroom space, add bathroom facilities and remove the temporary modular classrooms on the exterior of the buildings.

“If we could come up with

the $2 million, the state would fund the other two-thirds of an addition and let us bring it to more of a 21st century setting,” Seigfried said earlier. “We could get rid of the mods. On days like (this winter) when it is sub-zero, I feel bad for the kids having to go outside and inside.That would be better for safety, too, to have them

“We are now on the 2004 list, which is the next to be funded,” Seigfried said.“We figured this would be a good time to go back to the voters and try to get it improved ...”

to the voters and try to get it improved.We will let them know, too, that if for some reason the state does not come up with its portion of the money, we will not spend ours. They are tied together.”

That means even if approved this election, the taxation would occur only if and when the state is ready to fund its portion of the project.The full referendum of $3 million would add $148 annually to a $125,000 home. However, the additional $98 would not take effect until the state is ready to fund its portion a few years down the road.

The bond is paid over 19.5 years and will not remain on the tax bill forever.

“We thought this was a fair number; we didn’t want to ask for too much,” Seigfried said. “With our $2 million and their $2.7 million, we can add classrooms, add bathroom space – we are dying for bathroom space - we can fix the technology, the band/ music room, the cafeteria.”

The expansion would add an additional 24,400 square feet on to the existing 53,700-squarefoot building. Passage of the referendum also would allow Chaney-Monge to offer full-day Kindergarten in the future.

all inside brick and mortar. But, the mods were the best option at the time.”

Chaney-Monge was originally on the 2003 list for state funding, Seigfried said, but the state had not funded the grant for 10 years.

However, the funding resumed last year, but when the state called to see if District 88 had secured their portion, it had not, and the school was placed on a later list.

“We are now on the 2004 list, which is the next to be funded,” >> To see THe full VersIon of THIs sTory, cHeck ouT Seigfried said. “We figured this buGlenewspapeRs.cOm would be a good time to go back

News WILL COUNTY

Renaissance Center banquet facility to close at the end of the year Banquets have been losing money, up to $300K per year

By Stewart Warren For the Bugle

There won’t be any more banquets at the Renaissance Center’s elegant ballroom, at least for a while.

Joliet Junior College will close the facility at the end of December, President Debra Daniels said Monday. Daniels talked about the ballroom during an update on the college at the Joliet City Council’s workshop meeting. The existing reservations are being honored, but the college is not saving any more dates for the ballroom, Daniels said.

The banquets have been losing money.

“It runs in the red upwards of $300,000 a year,” Daniels said.

About three people work at the

PHOTO courtesy city of joliet

Renaissance Center’s elegant ballroom

facility, and they were notified in June.

But the ballroom eventually will be available again for big parties. The college plans to give it a facelift and then reopen it, Daniels said.

“We are looking at other scenarios, such as bringing in an outside caterer,” she said.

The student-run restaurant on

the first floor near the ballroom will continue, Daniels said. Its buffet lunches and the Friday Night Dinner series are popular.

When the college’s new building at Chicago and Webster streets is completed in 2016, the section of the Renaissance Center that once was motel rooms will be demolished, Daniels said.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

Police Blotter

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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.

Joliet 1

Steven M. Bargery, 32, 400 Wilcox, was arrested at 9:56 p.m. March 14 at 1621 W. Jefferson for retail theft.

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A 17-year-old was arrested at 8:24 p.m. March 14 at 2512 Fairway for domestic battery and interfering w/ reporting of domestic violence.

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Dominique N. Bouie, 25, 1501 Pioneer Road, Crest Hill, was arrested at 4:06 p.m.

March 14 at 150 N. Ottawa for domestic battery.

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Kimmar L. Ezell, 34, 721 Rowell Ave., was arrested at 12:45 p.m. March 14 at Chicago and Interstate 80 for possession of cannabis.

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Mackenzie W. Burich, 18, 3228 Stonehurst Court, was arrested at 3:56 p.m. March 14 at 3430 Christine for criminal damage to property.

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Ernest S. Morgan Jr., 18, 1905 Burry Circle, 18, Crest Hill, was arrested at 7:08 p.m.

March 14 at 1321 Freedom Blvd. for aggravated fleeing/eluding, reckless driving, obstructing a peace officer and aggravated battery w/firearm. Jordan D. Hughes, 18, 2013 Arthur Ave., Lockport, was arrested for possession of ammo w/out FOID, aggravated unlawful use of weapon, aggravated battery w/firearm and criminal damage to property.

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Michael E. Ryerson, 19, 3818 Pandola Ave., was arrested at 2:52 a.m. March 14 at 3931 Pandola for aggravated assault, battery, criminal damage to property, consumption of alcohol by minor and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

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Dwayne P. Richter, 22, 105 Luana Road, was arrested at 11 p.m. March 14 at 718 Wheeler for unlawful use of weapon by felon, unlawful possession of ammo by felon, aggravated unlawful use of weapon and possession of cannabis. Tevon T. Ellis, 23, 100 Girard Blvd., was arrested for obstructing a peace officer.

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Venustiano C. Mireles, 46, address unknown, was arrested at 6:39 a.m. March 15 at 1103 Plainfield for aggravated

domestic battery, interfering w/ reporting of a domestic violence and unlawful restraint.

O. Poku, 37, 10 Christopher 941 Lois Place, was arrested at 8:32 p.m. March 15 at that address for unlawful possession of stolen plates.

Michael J. Nowak, 18, 1918 Westmore Grove Drive, Plainfield, was arrested at 2:40 p.m. March 15 at 2375 Drauden for theft.

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A. Gray, 36, 19260 12 Michael Raymond Drive, Elwood, was arrested at 12:55 a.m. March 15 at 2524 W. Jefferson for theft.

Jessica D. Reed, 23, 611 E. Cass, was arrested at 5:23 p.m. March 15 at 2424 W. Jefferson for retail theft.

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Kendall L. Heidelberg, 31, 307 N. Raynor Ave., was arrested at 8:35 p.m. March 15 at 805 Western for obstructing a peace officer.

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Qendrim Marku, 22, 866 Blackhawk Drive, Braidwood, was arrested at 12:41 a.m. March 15 at 117 N. Center for battery.

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Priscilla Galindo, 21, 2802 Discovery Drive, Plainfield, was arrested at 9:38 p.m. March

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15 at that address for domestic battery.

Martin A. Hernandez, 22, 24056 W. Primrose Circle, Plainfield, was arrested at 3:39 p.m. March 15 at 2531 Plainfield for criminal trespass to real property.

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

Shorewood Jared B. Dickey, 20, of 22831 S. Anna Drive., Channahon, arrested March 6 for driving under the influence of drugs at Cottage St. and Amendodge Drive.

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Tanisha L. Johnson, 20, of 782 E. 163rd Place, South Holland, was arrested for possession of cannabis and no seatbelt at Route 59 and Sunrise Drive on March 13.

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A 17-year-old from Morris was arrested March 15 at Bittersweet Lane and Wildflower Lane for possession of cannabis and possession of a controlled substance.

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John J. Burns, 22, 6513 Bazz Drive, Plainfield, arrested for domestic battery March 15 at 700 W. Jefferson St. after officers responded to an accident.

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Michael J. Przybyla, 51, 108 Ravinia Drive, Shorewood, arrested March 15 at Route 52 and Raven Road for driving under the influence, speeding, possession of a controlled substance, possession of cannabis and possession of drug equipment.

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Misty D. Smith, 44, of 25458 S. Blackberry Lane, Channahon, arrested March 16 at Jefferson and Mary streets, for driving under the influence and improper lane usage.

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Sean A. Miller, 42, of 1061 Cardinal Court, Batavia, arrested for driving while license revoked and speeding on March 14 at Cottage Street and Sarah Avenue.

Michael A. Rasmussen, 22, 2008 Leness Lane, Crest Hill, arrested March 14 for driving while license suspended at 251 Brookforest Ave.

Omar J. Vazquez, 21, of 106 E. Jefferson St., Shorewood, arrested for driving while license revoked on March 14 at 251 Brookforest Ave.

A 16-year-old Shorewood juvenile was arrested March 18 for domestic battery and reckless driving in the 21199 block of South Lakewoods Lane.

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COLUMN

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

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Dems use newfound hammer on each other Democrats were able to knock off one of their own by running a union-backed candidate

By Nick Reiher Managing Editor

I remember an episode of the old “Andy Griffith Show” where Deputy Barney Fife decides to run against his boss, Sheriff Andy Taylor.

He pretty much vilifies his boss – whom I believe also was supposed to be his cousin in the show – until the very end when Andy gets up before a riled-up crowd of Mayberry folk and quietly tells them why he has done the things of which Barney has accused him.

When he is done, Andy quietly sits down among his fellow townsfolk, who all look pretty ashamed by now. No more so than ol’ Barn, who just about wants to tuck his head into his tweed coat.

At the end, Barney apologizes and weakly holds out his hand in a gesture of hopefully being forgiven by Andy. Andy, being Andy, of course smiles and shakes Barney’s hand. All is forgiven. Except it looks as though Aunt Bee still wants to invite Barney over for a fivefinger sandwich.

I’m with her. There is absolutely no way I would have been able to shake the hand of

a person who spent the better part of several months dragging me and my reputation through the North Carolina dirt.

In fact, I probably would have asked him for his gun and his one bullet and hit him over the head with both and told him to get his bony butt out of town.

Candidates in primaries have to go at each other like piranhas to earn the right to go after the opposing party.

But then, who knows you better than your own political family?

Clearly, I am not candidate tinder. Candidates in primaries have to go at each other like piranhas to earn the right to go after the opposing party.

But then, who knows you better than your own political family? Sure, they know where all your skeletons are buried.

They probably even helped you bury them.

Way back in 2012, the Democrats on the Will County Board got a pleasant surprise when, through a variety of happenstance, they wound up with a tie on the board: 12

Democrats and 12 Republicans.

With County Executive Larry Walsh, a Democrat, able to break a tie, that gave the Democrats on the board something they hadn’t had in more than 30 years: a majority.

Since then, the County Board Democrats have been able to make the rules, fill the committee chairmanships and just have the overall knowledge that if things get sticky with their Republican counterparts, they have the hammer.

That is, until last year when more than 1,000 Will County employees went on strike after they could not reach an agreement with county officials on a new way to calculate benefits that would have them paying more out of pocket.

A few weeks later, the strike was over. The county settled for salary increases that would amount to 14 percent over three years, but the union members, as well as other county employees, still would have to pay a percentage of the premium of their chosen plan, rather than a percentage of their salaries. County officials said in some cases, that could double the out-of-pocket cost for employees’ insurance.

But they also said they could not afford to keep paying >> see hammeR| page 19

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Applauding a good neighbor, a good friend She inspires and empowers with her faith in all religions The ambassador of Romeoville is my friend Carmen Rocha. She also is a friend to anyone. The definition of an ambassador is to bring countries, states, villages, and people together.

Through the years, Carmen has volunteered many times for her church: The Golden Ager club, drives anyone, anytime to a doctor, etc.

If you called her with an emergency, she would drop whatever she was doing and try to help.

My grandson came to visit me from Phoenix. He had an issue, and Carmen stepped in and helped, as usual. This is her way with everyone.

Carmen is a personal testimony to all. She illustrates and displays love, kindness and genuine goodness.

In today’s world, she is genuine.

She has a profound impact on everyone. She is laudable and humble at the same time.

She inspires and empowers with her faith in all religions. She helps greatly when life “throws a punch.”

Her faith and her heart are in her face. She NEVER gives up. I am fortunate to call her my best friend.

Carmen had to be hospitalized for about three weeks. Her wonderful family and friends surrounded her around the clock.

The Mayor of Romeoville sent her flowers, too.

She is very proud to be a resident of our village Romeoville.

Our village is very communityminded, with excellent leaders.

I write this to publicize and applaud her as a person.

I also write this to promote the reality of kindness in people.

There is greatness through goodness.

Carmen is that example.

Shirlee J. Pergler Romeoville

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

News LOCAL

Kennedy, Rippy lead the primary judicial pack Kennedy easily led the field with 1,161 votes; Rippy with 6,358 for Rep. nom Judicial races are set for November following Primary challenges on March 18, including one very crowded race.

Dan Kennedy defeated six challengers to earn the Democratic nomination for the Second Subcircuit, an Dan kenneDY Daniel RippY area that includes Troy and Joliet townships.

The vacancy was created by the retirement of for Moira K. Dunn and 283 for Judge Richard Siegel.

Stewart C. Ferreira.

Kennedy easily led the field Kennedy now will face Judge Dinah with 1,161 votes, followed by Associate Lennon Archambeault, the 786 for David Garcia, 606 for Jim Republican running Murphy, 543 for Tina Filipiak, lone 407 for Dawn Underhill, 319 in the second subcircuit, in

November.

Will County Judge Robert Livas, who serves the first subcircuit covering Plainfield and Wheatland townships, will retire in November.

In that race, Daniel Rippy easily outdistanced Cosmo J. Tedone 6,358 to 1,894 for the Republican nomination. Rippy will face Democrat Sherri Hale in November.

Will County Circuit Judge Gerald Kinney – a former chief judge – chose to retire on Dec. 1. Will County Associate Judge Dave Carlson, a Republican, and Democrat Diana Para, both unopposed in the primary, will square off in November.

Freelance reporter Stewart Warren contributed to this story.

News

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

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100 Jeff Thompson leads Joliet Chamber into its 100th year Thompson helped come up with the idea of New Orleans North, which benefits the chamber as well as United Way of Will County Editor’s Note: The Joliet Bugle is working with the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry this year on promoting the chamber’s 100th Anniversary.

By Nick Reiher Managing Editor

Jeff Thompson had to know he would sooner or later be tabbed for the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board not long after he joined nine years ago.

First of all, he has known Chamber Vice President Mary Jaworski since their high school days.

“She says I stood her up for a date, but I don’t remember that,” said a smiling Thompson, who oversees Joliet’s Northern Insurance Service Ltd. with Armand D’Andrea.

Secondly, he not only helped

found the Naperville Exchange Club, he helped organized what would become its most famous – and profitable – fundraiser: Naperville Ribfest, which now brings in hundreds of thousands a year for dozens of charities.

So, naturally,Thompson found himself on the Joliet Chamber’s Special Events Committee, running its golf outing and the Business Expo. His experience in fundraisers helped when the chamber was in the hole at one point.

He helped come up with the idea of New Orleans North, which benefits the chamber as well as United Way of Will County. The adult-only event closes Chicago Street for a night – this year June 13 – with New Orleans-style entertainment and a variety of food options for only a $5 cover charge. Already some 3,500 tickets have been

sold, he said, helping toward a pretty solid event.

“I’m pretty passionate when it comes to chambers of commerce,”Thompson said.“It’s the best resource there is for a small business. And the Joliet Chamber is a tremendous group. One hundred years. How many chambers can say that?”

Thompson, now president of the chamber board, says it’s just another example of how people come out to support their town.

“Business is important,” Thompson said in a comfy office in his Houbolt Road

PHOTO BY NICK REIHER

Jeff Thompson was tabbed for the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board not long after he joined nine years ago.

digs, “but really, it’s about the people.”

Thompson has been getting to know people through the insurance business for 35 years.

At one time, he hoped he could join Arthur Smith’s firm.

But Smith died while Thompson was in college.

That left him on a trail that led to Naperville, Lockport and ultimately, Joliet, where Northern Insurance was formed in 2005 after mergers of independent firms left the company with too many names for a business card.

Now they have 70 employees at various locations, including the Joliet headquarters.

Thompson’s wife Nancy greets clients and friends up front.

Together they have two grown children: Mary, who works as a dietitian at St. Joe’s; and John, who’s in medical school at Loyola in Chicago.

He knows family is important, just as the chamber is a family,led by hardworking Russ Slinkard.

“I have a hard time keeping up

with him,” Thompson says of the chamber’s President and CEO. “I think he used to be a preacher, the way he gets up in front of crowds and talks.”

With Slinkard’s leadership, Thompson said, the Joliet Chamber can celebrate its 100th year this year along with 1,200-plus members.

Those members, and all prospective ones, have what Thompson calls a“smorgasbord” of choices offered by the chamber:They can get involved in just the social events; legislative trips to Washington, D.C., and Springfield; advocacy for important local projects such as the Illiana Tollway; Joliet Young Professionals; and combinations of those and many, many more.

“I’m pretty passionate when it comes to chambers of commerce,” Thompson said.

“It’s the best resource there is for a small business. And the Joliet Chamber is a tremendous group. One hundred years. How many chambers can say that?”

10

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

Crossword Puzzle

Across 1 Williams’ partner in paint 8 Vivid 15 Former and current Yankee Alfonso 16 “How sexy!”

17 *Doing more than is necessary 19 Decorates on mischief night, briefly 20 Norwegian saint 21 Bad marks in high school?

22 *Where secrets are kept 26 MD’s “Pronto!”

29 Habituate 30 New York governor before Spitzer 33 Prefix with tarsal 34 Mean: Abbr.

37 *”The Elements of Style” coauthor 39 *”We’re even!”

41 OK hours 42 Hot stuff 44 Toady 45 “Blue Jasmine” director 46 Map speck

Down 47 *Words before a flip 53 Household name in household humor 54 Bologna bone 55 Local center?

58 Celebration suggested by words that end answers to starred clues 63 Frequent park statue visitors 64 “Show Boat” (1936) standout 65 Gives a kick 66 Hanging in the balance

1 Army NCO 2 Earring shape 3 Most massive known dwarf planet 4 Dog star’s first name?

5 It may be covered 6 “__ Chicago”: 1937 Tyrone Power film 7 Exploding stars 8 Brit’s oath 9 Balderdash 10 Contented sigh 11 “Say __” 12 Contrive 13 Actress Massey 14 French royal name of yore 18 Violinist Zimbalist 22 The Colorado runs through it 23 R.E.M.’s “The __ Love” 24 Bonkers 25 Use a Pink Pearl 26 Project detail, briefly 27 They’re run at bars 28 Chem lab abbr.

31 Defeats, as a bill 32 European prefix 34 Green machines?

35 Medical lab vessel 36 Item in a pool 38 “Did you __?!”

40 Surplus store caveat 43 “Three Sisters” playwright Chekhov 45 Bits of advice from gramps, perhaps 47 Jalopies 48 “Sesame Street” striped-shirt wearer 49 Cuban girlfriend 50 Latin stars 51 Enjoys a lucky streak 52 Editor Marshall and singer Lisa 55 Toledo thing 56 “Star Wars” creature 57 Kin of -ess 59 “Woo-__!”

60 Old Opry network 61 1942 FDR creation 62 Asian occasion

Take 5 Horoscopes Your love life may take wing on rising thermals in the week ahead. Focus on companionship and working with others rather than competing with them. This is not a good week to launch major initiatives.

If you play your cards right and follow the game plan properly, your piggy bank will benefit from small economies. Lovers find your romantic appeal deliciously tantalizing, but stick with the tried and true this week.

Strive to cooperate with friends and a silver lining could appear behind dark clouds. Tension-filled celestial alignments make this a poor week to initiate key projects or sign contracts of extreme importance.

You take pride in being open-minded and sincere, and rewards for being so generous are just around the corner. However, in the week ahead, your tolerant nature may be stretched to its limits by unexpected events.

You may think you’re moving with accelerating power in the week to come. Be sure to double check your impressions to be sure you’re not merely answering the persuasive call of excitement that rescues you from dull routines.

Let trust override suspicions in the week ahead. Fight any dour mood that tries to set in before you get into the swing of things. You might not like to pinch pennies, but a dollar saved is as good as a dollar earned.

A choice might appear in the week ahead that affects your pocket money, and since there’s a 50 percent chance of being wrong, it’s best to hold off on major decisions.

Remain magnanimous in the face of small irritations.

You could concentrate on finances or your lack thereof to the exclusion of other more important matters.

Don’t hide away with a calculator when affectionate others long for your company. Pamper your partner this week.

Those who are egging you on may not have your best interests at heart, but you can profit from their zeal. Take criticism with a grain of salt and hold off on making significant purchases in the early part of the week.

Greener pastures may beckon in the upcoming week.

Important changes that are outside your control may be in the works, however, so you’d be wise to not begin anything significant until the dust settles.

You may struggle to get to the bottom of a problem with a significant other or co-worker, but once you discover the truth it will be easy to overcome. Be sure to get plenty of sleep in the week ahead to offset nervous energy.

Loved ones may be generous with affection and willing to forgive passing spats in the early part of the week. If romantic ardor has cooled, this is the perfect time to stoke up the fires and prove your commitment.

Sudoku

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency 2014

Previous puzzle’s answers

Previous puzzle’s answers

Previous puzzle’s answers

Jumbles: • NEWLY • CRANK • BUOYED • DEMURE

Answer:

When the mobster had surgery, he was in the -- “UNDER” WORLD

ALL-STAR PHOTOS: Go to www.buglenewspapers.com/all-stargame to purchase photos from the event

buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

11

Locals shine in Prep Shootout South girls battle in loss

Highlights-a-plenty in boys game

By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

After not winning a game for the first four years of the Voyager Media Prep Shootout, the North boys team made it back-to-back wins Saturday night with a 98-83 victory over the South squad at the Sullivan Center on the campus of the University of St. Francis.

The North was paced by a pair of Bolingbrook players, as Gage Davis led the scoring with 24 points and Shakur Triplett added 23. Triplett dominated the first half with 20 points before intermission, while Davis tallied 20 after the break including four three-pointers.

“I was in a race with my teammate, Gage Davis, for MVP,” said Triplett, the Ashford University recruit.“So I was just trying to beat him. Every time he scored, I was just trying to get a bucket and just trying to have fun. It was really fun; I really enjoyed it, to be selected for the all-star game.”

Davis did edge out Triplett for the Most Valuable Player Award, making it the second year in a row a Raider has taken home the award, as Ben Moore won last year.

“We were having fun and trying to see who could get it,” said Davis, who is playing for IPFW next season. “We try to make a name for ourselves at the Brook. It was nice to come out here and play in this game. I wish we could come out here and do one of these every weekend. This is the last thing I could do for the Brook, so get the MVP of an All-Star game is great.”

Bolingbrook players now own four of the top five highest scoring games in the Prep Shootout, as they join Moore (27) and Antoine Cox (21, 2010) on the list. Plainfield >> see BOYS | page 12

cia Valen ’s t s e Prep nd W op) a er Media the Bugle t ( e l g a ob For e Voy e Menozzi/ nah C ’s Jo ayed in th Mik l a r t e) pl t Cen Jolie ler (abov d Chan ut. to Shoo

The sixth annual Voyager Media girls all-star basketball game Sunday night at St. Francis University’s Sullivan Center was the last hurrah for four senior members of the record-setting 201314 Maine East team.

The quartet, consisting of forwards Shaylee Sloan and Maria Protic, and guards Elanta Slowek and Jazlene Gonzalez, helped the Demons win a conference title and post 20 victories— the first time in school history that a girls basketball team has achieved either benchmark.

They also were instrumental in lifting the North all-star team to 64-38 victory over the South.

Sloan, Protic, Slowek and Gonzalez combined for 24 points, and all four were out on the floor for a four-minute stretch during the second half.

I told Jaz(lene) on the bench, ‘Just when I was starting to let it go, and now I see them play again ,’ ” said Maine East head coach Karol Hanusiak, who coached the North all-stars. “This was pretty special; this was nice. One, to have four kids representing our school at this game, and to be able to sit on the bench with them.

“We were texting each other last night (Saturday), ‘One last time; one last time.’ ” The North led from the outset and never relinquished its lead the entire evening, save for a 4-4 tie early in the game on a free throw by the South’s Jenae Rowe of Joliet West.The North increased its margin to 7-4 on Kate Moriarty’s (Chicago Resurrection) threepoint play and a basket by Bolingbrook’s Ashley Drain.

“I liked playing against the other team >> see GIRLS | page 13

12

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

>> BOYS, from page 11 North’s Ryan Crowe still holds the top spot with 42 in 2009.

The one thing different for the North team is that unlike the South squad that features teams from the same few conferences, the North has more of diverse grouping, pulling from five separate

leagues.

“I didn’t really didn’t know anyone on my team and it is always cool to get out and meet new people and they seemed like really cool people,” Davis said.

Joining The Raider duo in double figures for the North were Paul Engo, III of Downers Grove South and Shane Murray

Sports of Lisle.

“I was just happy to be invited here, to come out here and play with these guys,” Engo said.

“All these guys are really good.

Coming into the game, I just wanted to have fun and have that last experience of playing high school basketball.”

“This was a nice place to be because it was pretty much all of the best players in the area.

It was more or less a fun game than a serious game. Everyone was trying to throw down dunks. I came out here to just have fun; it was fun,” Murray added.“I expected seeing better competition (here) than I did the whole season (in Class 2A).

All of these players are better than what I’ve seen all season.

I had a lot of fun with it.”

Also getting in the books for the North team were Lisle’s Jeremy Glavanovits (4), Ray Greco of DGN (3), Bolingbrook’s CJ Redmond (5), Danny Spinuzza of DGS (7) and Andrew Palucki of Maine South (7).

“This was a lot different,” Palucki said. “Maine South is more structured; we have a role and we know what to do.

Here, you just go out and play; it’s kind of like AAU. It’s kind of fun to play relaxed and just have fun.”

The South team was paced by 16 points from Lockport’s Grover Anderson.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get the win, but it was still all fun,” he said. “We have played against each other since grade school and now we get to play with them.”

Mike Menozzi/For the Bugle

>> see BOYS | page 14

Lockport’s Grover Anderson led the South team with 16 points.

Sports >> GIRLS, from page 11 because I knew some of the girls over there so it was kind of fun even though it was competitive,” said Drain, who tallied 10 points.

Drain’s teammate, 6-2 center Ryaen Johnson, hit a jumper to give the North its first doubledigit lead of the contest, 19-9.

Johnson ended up scoring eight points, but it was her dominant defensive performance that enabled her to be named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Johnson blocked eight shots.

“This is my first MVP (award of any kind) so I’m definitely excited,” said Johnson, who’ll be suiting up collegiately at Loyola University next winter.

“But again, it was just about having fun. It was really good, especially playing with my teammate Ashley, and just playing with the (other) girls, the energy they brought.

Everybody was just really working hard and going hard. It was fun.”

A Naomi Mays three-pointer made it 22-16, but that would be the closest the South would get the remainder of the game.

Mike Menozzi/For the Bugle

Naomi Mays represented the Porters in the Prep Shootout.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014 “It was a lot of fun, I had a great time,” the Lockport senior said. “I just came out here to have fun and I really enjoyed it and I am glad I played. I was a great experience.”

The North closed out the half with Downers South’s Claire Hardy—who led all scorers with 11 points—taking a feed from Sloan for a layup and a 2416 advantage.

“Going in, I didn’t think I was going to be scoring 11points,” said Hardy, who had not picked up a basketball since the Mustangs’season ended a month ago. “I just came here to have fun and play some basketball.

I didn’t know what to expect.

All the girls were super friendly and just having fun. It was nice coming back out here because I really miss it.”

Maine East players closed out the scoring for the North in the first half. Protic drove the baseline for two that put the North up, 26-16, and a Sloan free throw enabled the team to take a 27-17 halftime lead.

“It was pretty awesome,” said Sloan, who netted 10 points and will be playing at North Park University in Chicago. “I’m so

13

happy and grateful to be able to play with my teammates one last time. It was fun to play all of the different schools and I’m glad to get the opportunity.”

Protic, the winner of this year’s Jeremy Izzo Character Award—given each year to an all-star game participant who displays the class, character and sportsmanship exhibited by the late Joliet Catholic Academy boys basketball coach—scored nine points. She said she was honored to receive the award.

“I was excited because our coach and our teammates and people recognize what you do off the court as well and helping teammates during practices,” Protic said.“For me it’s about us as a team growing. We did end up winning conference. When they needed me to shoot, I was there to shoot and if they needed rebounders, I was there as a rebounder. It was just a team role where if they needed me I was there.”

The North held the South without a point for over five minutes to begin the second half until a basket by Andreana >> see GIRLS | page 16

14

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

>> BOYS, from page 12 Two of the players that played together all season accounted for one of the major highlights of the game, as Joliet Central’s Jonah Coble hit teammate Antonio Dyson for a thunderous Alley-Oop dunk.

“We have been doing that all season,” said Coble, who had 11 points in the game. “We knew what to do. He told me to throw it, I threw it.”

“I told Jonah I needed one and he said, ‘let’ do it right here’ so as soon as it opened

up, we got it,” said Dyson, who ended with six points on three dunks.

For Dyson, who attended Lockport sophomore year, it was a chance to play with former teammates as well.

“It felt good playing together all on one team,” he said. “A team like this would have won state.”

The other highlight came on an oop from Romeoville’s Travis Lacey to Joliet West’s Allias Roberts-Burnett.

“It was a great experience, it was awesome,” said Roberts-

Sports Burnett, who had 4 points.

“That was all I really wanted to get that one big dunk.”

Lacey added 12 points to go with his highlight assist.

“I was very happy,” he said. “I was able to score some points, have some fun with a great group of guys out there.”

While the North team was comprised of several conferences, the South was just two, the SouthWest Suburban with Lockport and the Joliet schools and the Southwest Prairie, which houses Romeoville, Minooka

and the Plainfields, who they have seen a lot of each other all season.

“It was fun to play with a good group of guys that play the game well,” said Minooka’s Adam Alexander, who had two points. “We are all mutual friends, we all play AAU, so it was great to come out and play together.”

“It was different, but was a good feeling to get to play with guys you have fought against all year,” said Plainfield Central’s Logan Velasquez, who scored five.

Also scoring for the South were Calvin Brooks (10) and Miles Snowden (8), both from Plainfield South, Joliet West’s Elliot Fizer (2) and Plainfield East teammates Nick Novak (2) and Miles Ward (4).

With all the Plainfield schools on one team, it made Ward wonder what if.

“People always talk about if all the Plainfields were one school,” he said. “This was a chance to see how that would be. It would be pretty fun.”

Mike Sandrolini and Scott Taylor contributed

sPorts

BOYS BBALL Points Per Game Trevor Stumpe, Plainfield North Sean O’Mara, Benet Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East Joe Mooney, Notre Dame George Sargeant, Maine South Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook Jonah Coble, Joliet Central Logan Velasquez, Plainfield Central Paul Engo, III, Downers South Jalen Jackson, JCA Danny Spinuzza, Downers South Gage Davis, Bolingbrook Grover Anderson, Lockport Evan Hines, Niles West John Campbell, Lockport Devin Blake, Downers North Corey Evers, Plainfield South Ahmad Gibson, Niles West Andrew Palucki, Maine South Romeo Magliore, Niles West Kelly, Westmont Jake Nowak, Plainfield North Miles Snowden, Plainfield South Little, Westmont Collin Pellettieri, Benet Allias Roberts-Burnett, Joliet West Kevin Krieger, Plainfield North Jake Smith, Minooka Shane Murray, Lisle Calvin Brooks, Plainfield South Caleb deMarigny, Maine South Antonio Dyson, Joliet Central Kenny Williams, Bolingbrook Shane Ritter, Plainfield South Jacob Buchner, Plainfield South Greg Pietrzak, Westmont

23.3 23.0 18.8 18.0 17.1 17.0 14.9 14.9 14.8 14.7 14.1 14.0 13.4 13.3 12.9 12.9 12.4 12.3 12.1 11.8 11.7 11.6 11.5 11.2 11.0 10.9 10.8 10.6 10.5 10.5 10.2 10.2 10.0 9.9 9.8 9.6

Robbie Brooks, Plainfield Central Jeremy Glavanovits, Lisle Nick Novak, Plainfield East Jojo Rios, Niles West Joe Butler, Minooka Myles Farley, Downers North Ray Greco, Downers North Adam Alexander, Minooka Mike Ruwoldt, Joliet West Jon Arenas, Maine South D’Anthony Wright, Joliet West Logiurato, Westmont Rebounds Per Game Sean O’Mara, Benet Logan Velasquez, Plainfield Central Jeremy Glavanovits, Lisle Devin Blake, Downers North John Campbell, Lockport Antonio Dyson, Joliet Central Zach Trussell, Lisle Miles Snowden, Plainfield South George Sargeant, Maine South Shane Murray, Lisle Joe Butler, Minooka Trevor Stumpe, Plainfield North Kenny Williams, Bolingbrook Shakur Triplett, Bolingbrook Kelly, Westmont Greg Pietrzak, Westmont Josh Smith, Plainfield East Calvin Brooks, Plainfield South Josh Dillingham, Bolingbrook Kevin Krieger, Plainfield North Jonah Coble, Joliet Central Brad Hund, Plainfield Central Jeff Washington, Joliet West Assists Caleb deMarigny, Maine South

9.5 9.4 9.3 9.3 9.2 9.2 9.1 8.8 8.5 8.5 8.2 8.1 13.0 10.0 9.0 7.8 7.5 7.4 7.2 7.0 7.0 6.8 6.3 6.0 6.0 5.9 5.8 5.7 5.6 5.5 5.1 5.0 4.9 4.9 4.9 105

Collin Pellettieri, Benet Grover Anderson, Lockport Andrew Palucki, Maine South Logiurato, Westmont Myles Ward, Plainfield East Sean Maloney, Maine South Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook Ahmad Gibson, Niles West Joe Mooney, Notre Dame Logan Velasquez, Plainfield Central Little, Westmont Ralph Blakney, Lockport Trevor Stumpe, Plainfield North Danny Spinuzza, Downers South Dwight Watkins, Plainfield Central Nick Novak, Plainfield East Jalen Jackson, JCA Jon Arenas, Maine South Jake Pedrelli, Maine South Jonny Butler, Minooka Gage Davis, Bolingbrook Corey Evers, Plainfield South Kelly, Westmont CJ Redmond, Bolingbrook Tim Doll, Westmont Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East John Campbell, Lockport Jonah Coble, Joliet Central Jared Whitacre, Downers North Joe Butler, Minooka Neal Tyrell, Minooka Deiondre Taylor, Lockport Jojo Rios, Niles West Isaiah Webster, Plainfield North D’Anthony Wright, Joliet West Allias Roberts-Burnett, Joliet West Steals Grover Anderson, Lockport

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

100 92 90 87 87 86 80 80 77 75 74 70 70 68 64 63 60 58 57 57 54 54 52 51 51 51 47 46 45 44 43 39 38 35 34 34 53

Corey Evers, Plainfield South Trevor Stumpe, Plainfield North John Campbell, Lockport Romeo Magliore, Niles West Dwight Watkins, Plainfield Central Andrew Palucki, Maine South Logiurato, Westmont Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook Jon Arenas, Maine South Danny Spinuzza, Downers South Ralph Blakney, Lockport Paul Engo, III, Downers South Nick Novak, Plainfield East Myles Ward, Plainfield East Ahmad Gibson, Niles West Little, Westmont Jonny Butler, Minooka Neal Tyrell, Minooka D’Anthony Wright, Joliet West Logan Velasquez, Plainfield Central Kelly, Westmont George Sargeant, Maine South Joe Butler, Minooka Deiondre Taylor, Lockport Caleb deMarigny, Maine South Jojo Rios, Niles West Tim Doll, Westmont Gage Davis, Bolingbrook Sean Maloney, Maine South CJ Redmond, Bolingbrook Jake Pedrelli, Maine South Josh Smith, Plainfield East Mike Ruwoldt, Joliet West Field Goal % Tristin Esker, Plainfield East Shane Murray, Lisle George Sargeant, Maine South

50 50 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 42 40 38 36 32 31 30 29 28 28 28 28 27 27 26 26 26 23 23 22 22 21 21 20 20 .684 .667 .660

Julian Torres, Bolingbrook Greg Pietrzak, Westmont Shakur Triplett, Bolingbrook Davis Neilands, Maine South Free Throw % Caleb deMarigny, Maine South George Sargeant, Maine South Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East Mike Ruwoldt, Joliet West Odi Audisho, Niles West Andrew Palucki, Maine South Matt Hund, Plainfield Central Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook Grover Anderson, Lockport Connor Bielat, Lisle Allias Roberts-Burnett, Joliet West Romeo Magliore, Niles West Cappel, Minooka Ahmad Gibson, Niles West Brodric Thomas, Bolingbrook Gage Davis, Bolingbrook Ralph Blakney, Lockport Torrens, Westmont Myles Farley, Downers North Jonah Coble, Joliet Central Neal Tyrell, Minooka 3-pointers Collin Pellettieri, Benet Aaron Jordan, Plainfield East Evan Hines, Niles West Paul Engo, III, Downers South Nick Novak, Plainfield East Jalen Jackson, JCA Danny Spinuzza, Downers South Ray Greco, Downers North Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook Dwight Watkins, Plainfield Central Jojo Rios, Niles West

15

.630 .600 .595 .590 .940 .840 .838 .810 .806 .790 .790 .773 .761 .760 .750 .757 .750 .747 .742 .740 .734 .720 .717 .715 .710 96 59 50 47 43 41 39 38 37 36 35

16

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

Sports >> GIRLS, from page 13 Johnson (four points) of Plainfield East ended the drought.

“I really liked to play against players from within the conference that we have played against all year,” Johnson said. “I really got to meet the girls and I really enjoyed myself. It was very fun to play in this No. 4 jersey one more time.”

Rowe, Mays and Raytoria Richardson of Joliet Central each finished with seven points to lead the South in scoring.

“I had a lot of fun,” Richardson said. “It was fun playing with players that we have played

against all year. You know how to play them, but you don’t know how to play with them.

This is a very good season of basketball for me and it was fun way to wrap it up.”

Also suiting up for the South team was Chavon Banks of Joliet Central (four points), Jada Brown and Jacqui Eubanks of Plainfield South, Valencia Chandler (five points) and Kailey Foster of Joliet West, and Brittani Wayne of Plainfield North.

“This is the last time in the Steelmen uniform and I am going to miss it and I really enjoyed coming out here,”

Banks said.

“It was a good last game ever for me,” Wayne said. “I had a great time playing with my former teammate (Andreana) Johnson. We used to play together at Plainfield North. It was great to be on the floor with her one more time and to be on the floor once more in the Tiger uniform.”

Putting on their school colors for the last time on the North team was Sierra Birdsell of Lisle, Eden Olson of Benet, and Breanna Sobotka of Resurrection.

Mark Gregory and Scott Taylor contributed to the story

buglenewspapers.com/basketball

THE BUGLE MARCH 26, 2014

17

Benet takes second in state

By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

Josh Yesufu drives to the basket for two of his six points in the Class 4A state final game.

PEORIA - Heading into the IHSA Class 4A state championship game Saturday night at Carver Arena, no one was giving Benet much of a chance against Whiney Young, the state’s No. 1 team and Dukebound Jahlil Okafor, the No. 1 ranked senior player in the nation.

After the opening quarter, it looked as if the masses were correct, but Benet forged back and went on an 8-0 run late, putting a scare into the Dolphins, but coming up just short, falling 46-44.

“We knew we were the underdogs, we were picked to lose this game by 27 points and that really fired us up to be honest,” said Benet senior Sean O’Mara. “To come into the game and think we were going to lose would have been stupid.

We got here and we deserved the same respect that they got.

We had to play great teams to get here and we played some of the same teams they did and the spotlight was not new to us, but they are a great team and they got us tonight.”

Young opened the first quarter with an 18-10 lead, while the Redwings held them to just 28 points the rest of the contest.

“They scored 18 points in the first quarter and 28 in the next three,” said Benet coach Gene Heidkamp. “I think the key for us is, we didn’t shoot very

well in the first half, we had the looks and we were unable to put the looks down. We stabilized the defense, but we fell just a little short. I think this team is a very, very good team and I think we proved it here tonight. They really showed here that they deserved to be in the championship game.”

The battle of the big men was more on the defensive end, as O’Mara and Okafor each had eight points. O’Mara added eight rebounds and three assists.

“He is a tremendous player,” O’Mara said of Okafor. “He is going to Duke for a reason, he is No. 1 in our class for a reason.

He played very well tonight.

We double teamed him and tried different stunts on him.

He is very physical. It is not often I find kids that can match physicality. I know three kids in the state, me, Clff (Alexander of Curie) and Jahlil. We are the only ones that can body up with each other.”

Colin Bonnett led the team with 12 points, while Collin Pellettieri added 11.

Despite the loss, O’Mara is proud of what Benet (25-8) accomplished in the game.

“I am really proud of the way my team played,” O’Mara said.

“We worked since summer of last year to get to this position and I would have liked it to go another way, but just being here with these guys is great. This is a great team and I am so proud to be their leader and their captain. It has been a blessing to be a Redwing.”

SEMIFINAL

Benet took control of the game an 11-2 second half run that pushed the game from a 2121 tie to giving the Redwings a nine-point lead late in the fourth quarter en route to the 38-33 win over Edwardsville.

Bonnett and Josh Yesufu each tallied 10 points to lead the Redwings to the state final matchup.

SUPERSECTIONAL The Redwings almost didn’t advance to the state semifinal as they needed a 62-59 comefrom-behind win over Glenbard North in the Class 4A Hinsdale Central Supersctional.

Benet had the most losses of any team to advance to the state final four since 2010 when Simeon advanced and won the state title with nine losses.

To advance to state, Simeon’s then-senior Brandon Spearman nailed a desperation three at the buzzer to tie the game against none other than Benet in the Hinsdale Central Supersectional. Simeon would win 58-50 in double overtime.

Pellettieri was 8 of 16 from behind the arc, with the final shot coming in the final 25 seconds with the Redwings down by two.

A defensive stop on a block by O’Mara and a pair of Liam Nelligan free throws completed an epic comeback as Benet advanced to the state semifinal.

Follow @Hear_The_Beard mark@buglenewspapers.com

18

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

BUsiNess & real estate

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

SHOREWOOD

Alden Estate ranked best by U.S. News U.S. News & World Report has ranked rehabilitation center as one of its 2014 ‘best’ facilities in nation The staff at Alden Estates of Shorewood is celebrating – U.S. News & World Report has ranked the short-term rehabilitation center as one of its 2014 ‘best’ facilities in the nation.

“Our employees focus their efforts on delivering quality care to our patients every day,” said Administrator Annette Borcky, RN. “The five-star rating confirms their good work.”

Alden Estates of Shorewood received five stars based on health inspections, nurse staffing and quality of care. U.S. News & World Report ranks and displays data for nearly every U.S. nursing facility. The ‘2014 Best’ profiles and ranks facilities using data and quality ratings from the federal government, recognizing those facilities that

>cOnstRuctiOn, from page 1 Accidents were as well, as drivers failed to slow down in time or tried to maneuver around traffic. The Channahon Fire Protection District handled 22 calls between May 1 and Nov. 23, during which 74 people were treated.

Three people died in connection with construction on the Des Plaines River Bridge on Interstate 55 last year.

Channahon Fire Chief John Petrakis told a blue ribbon

>hammeR, from page 7 for the higher premiums. Or rather, the county’s taxpayers could not afford to subsidize the employees’ premiums.

It would have been nice to say that was that, and move on. But some County Board Democrats with strong ties to

“This recognition from U.S. News & World Report is an honor in that it recognizes our commitment to providing a fivestar rehabilitation experience.” provide five-star care.

In addition to Alden Estates of Shorewood, seven other Alden short-term rehabilitation centers are on the honoree list with five-star ratings: Alden Des Plaines (Des Plaines); Alden Estates of Barrington (Barrington); Alden Estates of Evanston (Evanston); Alden Estates of Jefferson (Jefferson);

Alden Estates of Skokie (Skokie); Alden Poplar Creek (Hoffman Estates); and Alden Wentworth (Chicago).

“We continuously strive to provide top-notch care and

services,” said Borcky. “This recognition from U.S. News & World Report is an honor in that it recognizes our commitment to providing a five-star rehabilitation experience.”

committee Jan. 23 that most of the calls they had involved people from out of the area.

The committee, led by state Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., D-Elwood, met the first time in November to try to find out ways to reduce accidents.

The Illinois State Police will be patrolling the work zone 24 hours a day throughout the construction season. Illinois State Police will enforce what they call the “Fatal Four” violations; speeding, distracted driving, driving under the

influence and seatbelts. They urge motorists to make safety their number one priority. Stay focused and aware of your surroundings at all times and keep your distractions down.

Michael Wiater of IDOT told the panel they are confident a new Intelligent Transportation System plan will help. That system will be able to detect backups immediately and let drivers know via electronic signs to slow down, take caution or take an alternative route due to an accident or lengthy

backup.

IDOT officials said they had many signs out last year, which some drivers either ignored or did not realize that construction was as intensive as it was.

Some drivers, including truck drivers, tried to avoid some of the traffic backups by taking frontage roads instead. But even though some frontage roads are near homes and on bus routes, IDOT officials said there is really no way to regulate the traffic on those roads with speed limits or “local traffic only” designations.

labor instead decided to take aim at members of their own party for looking out for the taxpayers as a whole instead of the union members.

The Democrats were able to knock off one of their own on March 18 by running a unionbacked candidate, Lauren Staley-Ferry, against Diane

Zigrossi, who had been very visible during negotiations as chairman of the Insurance and Personnel Committee.

I have been in that position: stabbed in the back by people whom I thought were my friends or at least peers on the same team. And I’ve had to sit and work with them again

after that. It’s not fun.

Frankly, in this case, I don’t know how you go back to being one, big happy family on the County Board floor after that. Maybe, you just don’t.

If not, the union may have won on March 18, but county Democrats as a whole suffered a big loss.

suBMiTTeD PHOTO

Alden Estates of Shorewood Short-Term Rehabilitation Center, specializing in transitional care and post-acute services.

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Food wolfgang puck’s kitchen

spicy, Asian soup made with

By Wolfgang Puck Tribune Content Agency

Photo courtesy Fotolia

Thai chilies like these or other small hot red or green chilis can be used to add zest to the soup base.

One of the great things about this soup, apart from its aromas, flavors and textures and the ease of cooking it, is how readily you can find the ingredients. easiest to shop for and prepare at home - is a version of tom ka gai,Thai-style chicken soup, with a spicy coconut-flavored broth; little chicken dumplings; and the slippery, satisfying, translucent strands known as glass noodles, cellophane noodles, or bean threads.

One of the great things about this soup, apart from its aromas, flavors and textures and the ease of cooking it, is how readily you can find the ingredients. Not only are ethnic markets more widespread today, especially in larger metropolitan areas, but also most of the items are now available in the produce and Asian foods aisles of most well-stocked supermarkets. And, if you can’t locate some of them, I’ve offered

substitutes or alternatives in the recipe.

Once you have all the ingredients, you’ll be surprised how quickly the soup comes together. Total prep time is only about 15 minutes, and you can cut up the ingredients, make the soup base, and mix and form the dumplings ahead of time. The cooking time itself, including the soup base, totals about 30 minutes.

That makes this soup ideal even for dinner on a busy weeknight. Because, as we all know wherever we live, cold winter weather and the need for warming soup - doesn’t discriminate between our working days and weekends.

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recipe

THAI COCONUT-LEMONGRASS SOUP WITH CHICKEN DUMPLINGS Serves 4 as a main course, 8 as an appetizer

SOUP BASE: 5 cups organic chicken broth or vegetable broth 2 tablespoons bottled Thai red chili paste 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, or wide strips of zest cut with a swivel-bladed peeler from 1 lemon 20 fresh Thai basil leaves or regular basil leaves 2 small fresh Thai chilies or other small hot red or green chili

Spicy, broth-based Asian soup will chase away the winter chill

Even here in Southern Califor nia, where I live, some winter nights can be so chilling that it feels like you need to serve wolfgang puck’s s o m e t h i n g kitchen special to By Wolfgang chase away Puck the cold. And one kind of dish in particular does that job for me especially well: a big, hot bowl of soup.

I like most soups in weather like this. Given my choice, though, I go for a broth-based soup. The light yet flavorful liquid seems to speed its warmth straight into my body. (Just think of the effect chicken soup with rice or noodles probably has on you.) I’ll go even further and say that I would prefer it if that broth also tasted not only rich, which seems to me to increase its comforting powers, but also spicy, a quality that does a great job of amplifying the warmth the soup delivers.

All those qualities lead me, in the end, to a particular region of origin for my soup: Asia, where you’ll find all kinds of wonderful broth-based,hearty,well-seasoned soups, from China’s hot-and-sour soup to chili-spiked Japanese miso soup with ramen noodles to yuk gae jang, a spicy Korean soup with beef and noodles. I can find them all at the many ethnic restaurants around Los Angeles.

But the one I like to make most of all for myself - one I also find

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL MARCH 26, 2014

CHICKEN DUMPLINGS: 1 pound lean ground chicken 4 teaspoons potato starch 2 teaspoons bottled mushroom soy sauce 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1 teaspoon bottled Thai or other Southeast Asian fish sauce Pinch freshly ground black pepper 12 sugarcane sticks, each about 4 inches long, optional

COCONUT SOUP: 2 cups canned coconut milk 12 Kaffir lime leaves or 12 strips lime zest, each about 3 inches long Salt Freshly ground black pepper Fresh lime juice, to taste 2 tablespoons palm sugar or light brown sugar GARNISHES: 2 ounces dried Thai glass noodles (also called bean thread or cellophane noodles), soaked briefly in water until softened 2 small leeks, white parts only, thoroughly rinsed, cut lengthwise into thin julienne strips 1 medium carrot, cut lengthwise into thin julienne strips 8 Thai chilies or other small, red or green fresh chilies, halved lengthwise, stemmed, and seeded 8 Kaffir lime leaves, cut crosswise into thin strips, or 1 tablespoon thinly shredded lime zest

First, make the Soup Base: In a large saucepan, combine the broth, chili paste, lemongrass, Thai basil, and Thai chilis. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue boiling, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces to about 4 cups, about 10 minutes. Set the pan aside.

For the Chicken Dumplings, put the ground chicken, potato starch, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir well with a fork until thoroughly blended. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions; with clean, moistened hands, form each around an end of a piece of sugar cane; or, alternatively, into a spherical dumpling.

Put on a clean plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cooking time.

To put together the Coconut Soup, add to the pan of reserved Soup Base the coconut milk and Kaffir lime leaves or lime zest strips. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you like with salt, pepper, lime juice and sugar. Gently add the dumplings, avoiding splashing, and simmer until they have cooked through, about 7 minutes.

To assemble and garnish the servings, divide the softened glass noodles among 4 large individual soup bowls. Place 3 dumplings on top of the noodles in each bowl, leaning the sugar cane sticks, if using, against the side of the bowl. Ladle the hot broth from the saucepan evenly among the bowls. Garnish each bowl with leeks, carrot, chilies and lime leaf or zest. Serve immediately.

CUT HERE

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