Bugle Newspapers 11-24-21

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Tips on buying kids’ toys Shopping for gifts for kids makes many shoppers nostalgic for their own childhoods. Few adults can forget the joy of finding the perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning. Recreating that magic for a youngster can be as joyous for gift givers as it is for kids. That’s especially so when shoppers make it a point to give safe, ageappropriate gifts.

Whether shopping for their own children or their grandkids, nieces or nephews, shoppers can keep these tips in mind to ensure they give toys that are as safe as they are fun.

• Speak to Mom and Dad first. When buying for a grandchild, niece or nephew, shoppers should first ask Mom or Dad for suggestions. Parents will know which types of toys their children like, and they’ll also know the child’s level of maturity.

Some kids may not be mature enough to play with otherwise age-appropriate toys, while others may be mature beyond their years and enjoy more complex toys than their age would suggest.

Parents will know what makes a good toy and what doesn’t.

• Learn what to look for on labels. Toy labels are great sources of information, but shoppers must know what to look for. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that toy labels include information about age-appropriateness (i.e., “Ages 3 & Up”) as well as directions regarding how to use the toy. If the instructions seem a bit complex for the child the item will be for, look for something else.

Children’s toy labels also include additional information that consumers may not be familiar with.

For example, toys labeled “ASTM F963” meet the latest safety standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. An “ASTM D4236” label indicates the materials associated with the art toy have been reviewed and deemed safe by a toxicologist. More information about toy label requirements can be found at cpsc.gov. The AAP advises that electric toys should only be given to kids if they include the UL label. That means the toy has been certified by the global safety certification company UL, LLC. • Avoid certain features. The AAP notes that toys that are loud, shoot objects into the air or contain small pieces pose a threat to children. Especially loud toys can damage children’s hearing, while projectiles can increase the risk of eye injuries or choking. Toys with small pieces also pose a choking risk to young children who may try to put the pieces into their mouths.

• Err on the side of caution. Consumers who are uncertain about the safety of a given toy, even after reading its label, should err on the side of caution and only give toys they’re confident won’t pose a safety risk. Even toys that may seem safe could be dangerous to kids who might otherwise seem old enough. For example, the AAP advises against giving kids under 12 hobby kits and chemistry sets. That’s because such kits may contain dangerous chemicals that even pre-adolescents are not old enough to handle safely.

Shoppers must consider a host of factors when looking for safe toys for kids this holiday season.

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# Bugl e n e W s

news from plainfield Joliet shorewood lockport crest hill Bolingbrook Romeoville downers grove Westmont Woodridge lisle niles Morton grove park Ridge & more

buglenewspapers.com

Joliet central high school s JROtc spare change fundraiser raised $3,375 in a 2-week time period for the Joliet chapter of pink heals. this adds to the $12,750.83 donation raised by this year s Joliet township high pink heals Volleyball Fundraiser. pictured: back row from left, cesar gutierrez, alyssa Flores, Keegan srebro, daisy Vargas, nancy torres and sarah garcia Kneeling, from left, Mia Martinez and alexis Klaff

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cOOK cOunty

library staff participates in community thanksgiving donation

The Niles-Maine District Library staff members gave back to the community with their 10th annual Thanksgiving donation to Niles Family Services.

Staff members donated nonperishable goods and over $400 worth of grocery store gift cards to help Niles area families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal this year. Nonperishable goods including stuffing, bread mix, mixed vegetables, sweet potatoes, and other Thanksgiving favorites were donated. All funds and goods were donated by library staff members. New this year, library staff members donated toiletries and 100 pairs of new socks to Niles Family Services.

“I’m so happy we are continuing this wonderful tradition again this year,” said Executive Director, Cyndi Rademacher. “It’s another way the library staff members are being of service to the community.”

The effort started in 2011 when the Library Director at the time heard that Niles Family Services needed more goods to help feed families in the community during the holidays.

Will cOunty

County leaders spotlight priorities in 2022 annual budget County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant joined County Board leadership in highlighting accomplishments in the Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Budget, which invests in key priorities while maintaining balanced spending. The $793 million package, which was passed unanimously today by the County Board, increases funding for public safety agencies, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and the WillRide transportation program.

“I applaud the County Board for acting on a budget that increases critical services for our residents, while holding the line on taxes,” said County Executive BertinoTarrant. “This balanced budget represents months of hard work to ensure funding for agencies and services that will be key for county-wide economic growth.”

The budget provides $350,000 in funding for the United Way to develop Will County’s first unified 2-1-1 system. The system will provide a centralized call center to support residents seeking mental health support, joining a regional and statewide network of affiliates.

“Funding the 2-1-1 call center is

an important change in how we respond to mental health challenges at a county level,” said BertinoTarrant. “This will serve as a timely resource for residents, connecting them with a comprehensive array of health and human services for personal and emotional support.”

“It’s important for us to recognize that mental health issues have increased during the pandemic. The 2-1-1 system will provide critical mental health support for residents and reduce the burden on our emergency call centers and social service agencies,” said County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan. “This is just one example of how this approved budget supports our most vulnerable residents.”

The total budget, a combination of $251.2 million in the corporate fund and $541.8 million in special funds, is balanced and continues the five-year trend of reducing the county’s property tax levy for residents. The sound budgeting principles allow the county to meet debt obligations and maintain a AA+ bond rating, with rating agencies commending the county for a diverse tax base, stable financial

performance, and strong reserves and liquidity.

“The Finance Committee worked hard to provide sufficient funding to maintain existing staffing and programmatic levels, along with expanding our support for our shared top priorities,” said County Board Finance Chair Kenneth Harris. “The county has maximized its continued growth to make the most impact with a balanced budget and to reduce the tax burden on our residents.”

With increased demands on the county’s public safety agencies, the FY2022 budget allocates additional personnel funds to support operations within both the State’s Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices. The Sheriff’s Office is also receiving more funding to hire additional deputies to support security at the Will County Courthouse.

“Public safety remains a top priority for county leadership and the FY2022 budget increases our level of support to those who keep us safe,” said Public Works & Transportation Chair Joe VanDuyne.

“I’m proud that we went out of our way to find opportunities to make our residents safer and help our

JenniFeR BeRtinO-taRRant

JOe Vanduyne

most vulnerable residents, including by providing more funding to the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center.”

Keeping an eye towards countywide growth and expansion, the county continues to invest in infrastructure improvements. This includes a five-year capital plan that funds on-going and future projects, including the construction of the county’s Renewable Gas Facility and a new County Morgue.

“Continuing to prioritize our infrastructure network puts us on a

path towards economic strength, while reducing congestion and increasing roadway safety,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “We are also working to ensure that infrastructure funding includes public transportation, providing funds for our WillRide program that coincides with a $200,000 grant from Pace Suburban Bus that will go towards a study identifying opportunities to expand the paratransit system.”

The budget will go into effect on December 1, 2021, the beginning of the county’s fiscal year.

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shop locally on plaid Friday and small Business saturday What better ways to celebrate the diversity, uniqueness and creativity of independent, local businesses than by supporting them during the busiest shopping season of the year?

Plaid Friday was conceptualized in Oakland, Calif., several years ago in an effort to encourage holiday shoppers to slow down and shop locally at small businesses rather than partake in the frenzy of the traditional Black Friday rush at big box retailers. Similarly, Small Business Saturday® was founded by American Express in 2010 as a community-centric day to support local businesses. Small Business Saturday was the catalyst for the generalized Shop Small® movement, which encourages consumers to patronize small businesses.

Local businesses are at the heart of their communities. In a 2015 survey by the Urban and Land Institute, researchers found that more than half of respondents said they wanted a neighborhood where they wouldn’t need a car very often. More than 40 percent specifically noted the desirability of local shopping and entertaining as main features. A neighborhood with a Main Street or thriving local shopping hub can be a big draw. Consumers make these neighborhoods a reality.

Every time they grab a coffee from a local café, purchase a piece of artwork from a neighborhood artist or dine at a family-run restaurant, shoppers are supporting local business owners and strengthening their communities. Here are some ways to make shopping small a priority this holiday season.

• Take inventory of Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday sales by keeping up on local social media. Build holiday shopping lists around the offerings at local businesses.

• Dine out at local restaurants or shop smaller food merchants.

• Visit a local tree farm. When decorating for the holidays, support the farm or local nursery that grows Christmas trees and makes their own wreaths and garlands.

• Keep your money in your com-

munity at a local bank or credit union rather than a large national bank. Local banks may have special promotions to

boost savings for holiday gifting.

The holiday season is the perfect time to support small, local businesses.

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SPORTS

Three local football teams off to state finals Joliet Catholic Academy, Lockport and Maine South will all be playing in DeKalb at Northern Illinois University’s Huskie Stadium hoping to bring home a state football championship.

The latter two — Lockport and Maine South — will be facing off head-to-head for the Class 8A title.

The programs are no stranger to each other in the state championship tilt, as Lockport defeated Maine South in the 2003-04 season 48-27 to claim the 8A title.

It was the Porters’ second straight championship and second of the only two in program history. Lockport has never placed second in state.

The RedHawks, however, have a more decorated past.

Maine South has been to the state finals nine times in program history, winning six state championships and losing three times—including the one match-up with Lockport.

Both head coaches in this season’s game were on the sidelines in 2004.

David Inserra was in his third season at the helm of Maine South, while Porter head coach George Czart was a coordinator on the Porters’ championship teams.

This season, both teams entered the postseason with one loss.

Through the 13 games, Lockport as a team has scored an average of 32.2 points per game and has allowed only 8.7 points per contest. The Porter defense has posted five shutouts on the season, including one in the

playoffs.

Lockport held four of its first five opponents scoreless, allowing a total of seven points through the first five games.

Maine South has posted some big offensive numbers at times this year.

The RedHawks have averaged 34 points per game this year, but have twice scored more than 50 points and totaled 49 once.

On defense, Maine South has allowed an average of 16.9 points per game.

As it always does, Maine South has a talented running back putting its points on the board.

Senior Mike Sajenko scored 5 touchdowns Saturday in the 35-33 win over Marist, bringing his playoff total to 14.

Maine South won the game without the help of Northwestern University-bound Chris Petrucci, who was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen.

On offense, Lockport is led by quarterback Hayden Timosciek, receivers Danny Martisek and 6-foot, 4-inch Ryan Little.

It is the Porter defense that has held teams in check.

In the upset win of No. 1 seed Loyola in the semifinal, Lockport intercepted the Ramblers four times and applied pressure to the Loyola quarterback.

CLASS 4A Joliet Catholic Academy is playing in its 19th state championship game,

looking for state title No. 15.

The Hilltoppers are undefeated on the season after posting a 6-0 mark in the pandemic-altered season last year.

JCA enters the title game scoring an average of 44.0 points per game, while allowing an average of 16.2.

Its opponent, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, has averaged 51.3 points per contest, while allowing 14.7.

GIVING THANKS dailynn, Kyle, austin, and calise, in sarah heiden s 2nd grade class at troy cronin elementary school, drew pictures of people for whom they are thankful.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Cyclones run an electric offense under longtime coach Ken Leonard and have tallied 50-plus points in seven games this season, scoring 61 once and were not held below 41 points at all this seasown.

The defense allowed more than 14 points twice in 13 games — both times to Rochester and head coach Derek Leonard, Ken’s son.

In the first contest, son beat father 45-41, but dad got last laugh with a

49-42 win in the state semifinal.

In that win, SHG senior quarterback Ty Lott, passed for 420 yards and five touchdowns.

As is to be expected, JCA is a runheavy offense led by a solid offensive line.

Carrying the ball for the Hillmen are Jordan Anderson, Vinny Iannantone and quarterback Aiden Voss.

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STATE

state supreme court rules on pair of gun cases

By JeRRy nOWicKi capitol news illinois

www.buglenewspapers.com SPRINGFIELD – In its latest round of opinions Thursday, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld a Village of Deerfield assault weapons ban and restored a Putnam County man’s right to a Firearm Owners Identification card over the objections of the Illinois State Police.

The decision in the Deerfield case was split 3-3, with Justice Michael Burke abstaining from the vote, meaning an appellate court’s ruling that allowed the ban was upheld as the final decision.

Burke was part of the 2nd District Court of Appeals which heard the case previously.

The case centered around a narrow window written into a state’s amendment to the FOID Act in 2013, which allowed home rule municipalities to adopt stricter gun laws if they passed an ordinance within 10 days of the law’s effective date, July 9, 2013.

Deerfield did so within the law’s parameters, but the court was asked to decide whether the village’s 2018 amendment to its ordinance that banned civilian use of assault weapons and large capacity magazines was an extension of the 2013 action or a new law altogether.

In 2019, a Lake County judge ruled in favor of gun rights groups and Deerfield resident Daniel Easterday, who sued to block the ordinance and claimed it was in violation of the state’s FOID and concealed carry laws.

But the 2nd District Appellate Court later overturned that decision, ruling that the 2013 FOID amendment created “a hybrid balance of regulatory power between the state and local governments,” and “Deerfield preserved its power to regulate assault weapons concurrently with the state when it enacted its 2013 ordinance.”

While the Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal, the 3-3 deadlock means the appellate court decision remains in effect.

Gun rights are civil rights A 2020 ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court which declared gun rights to be civil rights was key to a Thursday decision which restored Putnam County man Thomas Brown’s right to a FOID card.

Brown was a FOID cardholder for several years, most recently applying for and being granted re-

newal in 2013.

But in 2016, he tried to purchase a gun at a federal firearm licensee, leading the Illinois State Police to conduct a background check.

That unearthed a 2001 conviction in California on a “misdemeanor offense of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse” that he did not disclose on his FOID application, according to a court filing.

California law provides that after a period of 10 years a person convicted of a misdemeanor can no longer be penalized for gun possession. Brown’s lawyers argued that because Brown was eligible to own a gun in California after 10 years, that means he had his “civil rights restored,” satisfying a specific exemption in federal law that allows for his gun ownership.

The court agreed, stating that “California law does not apply to Brown in a vacuum,” and he does not have to show an “affirmative statement of restoration” from the

state of California in order to show that he had his civil rights restored.

The court dismissed ISP’s argument that that Brown should have sought a pardon from the California governor to receive an affirmative statement of restoration, stating Brown would have needed a pardon only if the firearm ownership prohibition was still in effect in California.

The fact that California does not consider gun ownership a civil right did not matter in this case, because, the court wrote, “this court unanimously concluded (in the 2020 Johnson case) that restoration of firearm rights under the FOID Card Act constitutes ‘civil rights restored’ for purposes of federal law” It was necessary for Brown to show that he satisfied that exception in federal law, because the state’s FOID Act specifically states that granting relief to a person who is appealing their denial cannot be done in violation of federal law.

Outside of that question, the Supreme Court determined that the Putnam County court did not abuse its discretion in determining that Brown met all the other criteria to have his gun rights restored.

The Supreme Court noted it had to rule only on whether the circuit court abused its discretion in determining whether Brown met the criteria, which also state that an applicant must not be dangerous and that granting them a FOID card cannot be against the public interest.

“Again, our sole task is to determine whether the trial court’s decision was arbitrary, fanciful, or one that no reasonable person would make,” the court wrote.

“Not only was the trial court’s decision not arbitrary, fanciful, or one that no reasonable person would make, it was well supported by the evidence.”

ISP had argued that granting Brown a FOID card would be against the public interest, citing

his 2001 arrest, a 2005 DUI conviction in Bureau County, a 2005 arrest for battery in LaSalle County that did not lead to criminal charges, and a 1997 conviction for misdemeanor assault that occurred when he was a minor.

But the Supreme Court determined none of those cases indicated he would be a danger, particularly in light of a letter from Brown’s ex-wife, the victim of the 2001 incident, which indicated “that no weapon was involved in the incident, she was not injured, nor did she believe that Brown intended to injure her.”

The fact that Brown omitted the 2001 conviction from his 2013 FOID application could be overlooked as well, according to the court, because he was “under the impression that the charge in California was disposed of with court supervision and that, if he completed his sentence without incident, that was the last he would hear of the matter.”

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11 Wednesday,NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | buglenewspapers.com

Phone: 815.4246.24241 >> Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. FAX: 815.4249.2415 email: classifieds@enterprisepublications.com IN PERSON: Enterprise Publications >> 2241556 Andrew Rd. >> Plainfield, IL

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What to buy young professionals Holiday shoppers relish the moment when a loved one unwraps a gift and immediately smiles widely.

Hitting the nail on the head in regard to a holiday gift is its own reward, and there’s no shame in looking around for some inspiration to find a gift loved ones will truly cherish.

Shopping for young professionals this holiday season could be a little tricky, as changes sparked by the pandemic continue to affect work environments. However, shoppers can still find gifts to make young professionals happy this holiday season.

• Home office essentials: Many businesses have welcomed workers back to the office, but some are taking a hybrid approach to being in the office. Many professionals who once went into the office five days a week are now spending one or two days a week at home. Others may still be working remotely full-time. Holiday shoppers can take this into consideration when shopping for young professionals and look for some basic home office essentials. A comfortable office chair, a monitor that can be paired with a company-issued laptop and even a single-serve coffee pot for young people accustomed to getting their morning coffee on the way into the office can help professionals seam-

lessly transition from the office to their home office during the work week.

• Messenger bag: Looking the part can boost young professionals’ confidence as they begin their careers. A leather messenger bag is a stylish and sophisticated way for young professionals to carry their laptops and other workday essentials to and from work.

Professionals working in especially formal environments may prefer a leather briefcase, which creates a more traditional look for young people who will be entertaining clients or shuffling from one business meeting to another.

• Business card holder: Though they might not be as prevalent as they once were, business cards remain an effective way for young professionals to build their networks. An elegant, monogrammed business card holder can help young professionals make a strong first impression.

• Luggage: Business travel may not be back to its pre-pandemic levels just yet, but many young professionals will undoubtedly still appreciate an upgrade over the luggage they used in college. If designer luggage is a budget buster, look for a sturdy, elegant alternative that young professionals will be proud to tote around on their first official business trip.

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