Sentinel 2-13-13

Sentinel The Shorewood

Wednesday, Februar y 13, 2013

Voyager Media Publications • www.shorewoodsentinel.com

D ‘THE WORST’ Consultant: Will Co. Sheriff’s Department’s Laraway facilities are inefficient, dilapidated B y N ic k R e i h e r v M a nagi ng E di tor

Vol. 18 No. 10

ennis Kimme knows a thing or two about law enforcement facilities. His company consulted on the current Will County Jail and its more recent expansion, as well as the juvenile jail on McDonough Street.

So he didn’t hold back when he gave his opinion of the Will County Sheriff’s Laraway facility Feb. 5 to a combined meeting of the county’s Judicial and Capital Improvements committees: “I’ve been involved with criminal justice facilities for 40 years, and this is the worst situation I have seen,” Kimme said.

See WORST, Page 3

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

News

Minooka school bus drivers want employee handbook

By Kris Stadalsky For the Sentinel

In order to avoid more problems within the transportation department, bus drivers for Minooka High School District 111 would like to have an employee handbook which clearly states department policies.

Two bus drivers spoke to the school board Thursday, Feb. 7.

While the issues brought up were different, they both centered on one theme – inconsistent policies and discipline.

Bus driver Cheryl Cottle asked the board to consider creating a policy handbook so employees would all be treated fairly.

The majority of problems began when former transportation director Dave Miller was hired last year, said both Cottle and bus driver Larry Troutman.

Miller played favorites with some employees while targeting others, including Cottle, she told the board.

Some employees were written up for incidents, while others would not be reprimanded for the same thing.

“There were disciplinary issues. Everything is not exactly as it seems,” Cottle said. “Things were not done fairly or properly.

Anything that happened (during Miller’s employment) needs to be looked at.”

Miller was terminated from his position in December, and Al Price was hired as interim transportation director,according to district records.

Troutman, who is also ChannahonTownship Supervisor, came to the meeting to ask the board not to terminate him. He, too, cited inconsistent rules, and spoke of a policy that doesn’t exist used to fire him.

Troutman said he was notified of his termination Jan. 30, the day after he backed into a parked car when he volunteered to pick up

a Morris High School student from GAVC who had missed the bus.

He was told by Price he was being terminated under the department’s “three strikes” policy. After he requested a copy, Troutman was told there wasn’t such a policy.

“My termination was based upon this phantom policy,” Troutman said.

In a phone conversation with board President Chris Kobe the following day, Kobe confirmed the district does not have a “three strike” policy.

“We do have a support staff handbook, and all our policies are online,” Kobe said.

Troutman explained three other incidents to board members, saying they were not

entirely his fault, and he should not be penalized for them.

During the last several months, Troutman said he grazed a guardrail to avoid a large truck which would have hit him; he struck the overhead door at the bus garage while backing out because it had not been properly opened all the way; and he was faulted for causing glazing on the parking brake pads on his bus even though he had previously filed a report that the parking brake was not working correctly and thought the bus had been serviced.

“For the last seven years that I was driving a school bus, the safety of my students has been paramount,” Troutman said. “No student was ever harmed in any of my so called incidents.”

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

WORST Continued from page 1 He told the committees he was able to drive up near the target range at the site bordered

by Laraway and Cherry Hill roads, and U.S. 52 before a deputy asked for identification.

Various sheriff’s vehicles are stored unsheltered on the property, he noted, contributing to a haphazard look to visitors as well as deterioration.

Undersheriff Martin Nowak noted that poor storage available for evidence led to a recent theft of cocaine from one of the outside lockers.“Luckily,” he said, “we were able to recover it.”

The Laraway facility, long considered outdated by the Sheriff’s Department, is just one of the areas Kimme – as well as H.R. Green Civil Engineering and Stromsland & DeYoung Architects – is studying for the county. That group, led by the DLR Group,is charged identifying public safety issues with the Sheriff’s Department facilities and finding ways to consolidate where possible.

Republican Caucus Chair Jim Moustis, R-Frankfort Township, told the new members on each committee the county initiated the study to determine their overall space needs as part of the county’s master plan. By possibly consolidating Sheriff’s Department offices at Laraway Road, he said, the county may be able to use the downtown space left behind for other purposes.

As it stands, Kimme noted, the Sheriff’s Department is spread out over 10 buildings on six

NICK REIHER/MANAGING EDITOR

A consultant has told the Will County Sheriff’s Department that it’s Laraway facility is “the worst he has ever seen.”

“I’ve been involved with criminal justice facilities for 40 years, and this is the worst situation I have seen.”

Dennis Kimmel

sites. The buildings, in addition to the Laraway complex, include space at the Court Annex, the Courthouse and Eagle Building in downtown Joliet, as well as offices for the Warrant Division at the Will County Farm Bureau Building on Manhattan Road and storage facilities.

Other departments could move to the new complex on Laraway as well, Kimme said.

The Coroner’s Office, now downtown, could be on the same site as the morgue, which now shares space with a Highway Department building on Caton Farm Road.

That causes additional problems, he said, such as bad odors leaching from the morgue to the Highway Department and sheriff’s substation, and bodies having to be loaded and unloaded in the Highway Department garage instead of a more private area.

The Laraway site could also be the new home of the Will County Emergency Management Agency, which would free up room in the County Building downtown, he said.

In total, Kimme said, the new Laraway complex for the Sheriff,

EMA and Coroner would include more than 200,000 square feet of space, as well as remove an existing eyesore, improve safety for employees and visitors, and

improve security for evidence and vehicles.

The plan also includes tying

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in to Joliet’s water and sewer system at a cost of just under $3 million, said Mel Rull, Executive Director of the Will County Building Commission.

The commission, with separate bonding authority, is in charge of the larger county building projects, such as the renovations of the County Building, and construction and expansion of the county jail.

Other costs did not come up at the Feb. 5 meeting. But Kimme said they would put a full report together that would include costs under different construction scenarios and bring it back to the county in several weeks.

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

County official thinks state may be jumping the gun One Will County Board official believes a local resolution supporting the state’s concealed

carry discussions is premature.

Diane Zigrossi, D-Lockport, the board’s Democratic Caucus Chair,

said Feb. 11 that 2nd Amendment rights concerning weapons absolutely need to be upheld.

But she believes the discussion she had just witnessed with the board’s Legislative Committee regarding concealed carry needs to wait until the Legislature acts.

“It’s not our battle right now,” Zigrossi said. “The state hasn’t even voted on it yet.This amounts to lobbying.” She said the issue, if it passes out of committee, faces the same question once it gets to the Executive Committee, composed of chairs of all board committees and board leadership, before it would go to the full board.

But the measure will have to wait at least another month. Despite support from more than 30 National Rifle Association members crowded into the small committee room, the Legislative Committee tabled the issue until March 12.

Board Member Steve Balich, R-Homer Glen, said he introduced the resolution to reinforce a measure the fullboardapprovedin2008supporting the rights of gun owners. Board Member Don Moran, D-Romeoville, helped draft the resolution.

— Nick Reiher

Firefighters: We want you…already trained

By Stewart Warren For the Bugle

From now on, new Joliet firefighters must already be trained paramedics.

That means they’ll be hired for an entry-level position if they’ve paid for their own paramedic training or have worked at another fire department. The members of the Joliet City Council voted unanimously to make the change during their regular meeting Feb. 5.

Until now,the city has paid the cost of turning new firefighters into paramedics. But in August 2011, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill that changed the way full-time firefighters are hired.

The members of the Joliet Police and Fire Board met on two occasions late last year to discuss the new law and how it applied to new firefighters.

The board members then decided to present two

different hiring options to the City Council for approval.

One required the prospective employees to be a trained paramedic, and the other didn’t.

Staff backed the option requiring the workers to already be trained. During the Feb. 4 Pre-Council meeting, City Manager Tom Thanas noted that if the change were approved, it would save the cash-strapped city $40,000 in training costs each time a new firefighter is hired.

Mayor Tom Giarrante, a former firefighter, said during the Pre-Council meeting that he had opposed the change before. In the past, the only way to get paramedic training was to be a firefighter on a department.

That has changed, he noted.

Joliet Junior College and Morris Hospital are among the area institutions that offer the training, he said.

Calendar FEBRUARY 14 Spend Valentine’s Day with Bobby Vinton.

Lockport Township Park District will host a trip to the Paramount Theater in Aurora from 10:45 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.

Transportation departs at Prairie Bluff Golf Course, 19433 Renwick Road, Crest Hill. Spend Valentine’s Day with a true legend in the music industry, and enjoy lunch at Two Brother’s Roundhouse. Fees: $106/resident; $116/non-resident.

For more information, call 815838-1183, ext. 207 or visit www. lockportpark.org Magic Class. 4 to 4:55 p.m., Central Square, 222 E. Ninth St., Lockport. Lockport Township Park District is offering a Magic Class for ages 5 to 13. Kids learn amazing tricks and receive a magic kit to take home. Fee: $20 resident/$30 non-resident. For more information, visit www. lockportpark.org or call 815838-3621, ext. 0

FEBRUARY 15 Family Services & Dairy Potlucks.

Joliet Jewish

Congregation’s monthly Potluck will take place on Friday, February 15th at 6:00PM, with services following at 7:00PM. Please call the office with your RSVP and what dish you plan to bring. We always have a great time and the children enjoy taking part in services with Rabbi Rubovits; 815-741-4600.

Beginning Couples Dance.

The Lockport Township Park District is offering Beginning Couples Dance at Challenge Fitness, 2021 S. Lawrence Ave., Lockport for ages 14 years and older from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays beginning Feb. 15 through March 22. Experience the waltz, foxtrot, the rumba, cha cha, tango and even some rock’n roll. Fees: $70/resident and nonresident. For more information, visit www.lockportpark.org or call 815-838-3621, ext. 0 Family Services & Dairy Potlucks: Joliet Jewish Congregation’s monthly Potluck will take place at 6 p.m., with services following at 7 p.m., at 250 N. Midland Ave.

Call the office with your RSVP and what dish you plan to bring.

We always have a great time and the children enjoy taking part in services with Rabbi Rubovits, 815-741-4600. www. jolietjewishcongregation.com

FEBRUARY 16 Party with a game night.

Joliet Jewish Congregation will have a game night for the adults.

More details will follow as the date nears, so please call the office for additional info or check our web site; 815-741-4600. www. jolietjewishcongregation.com Is My Marketing Being Notice By The Right People?

9 to 11 a.m., Shorewood Village Hall Board Room, 1 Towne Center Blvd. Meeting is free and open to the public. Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce members and Shorewood area businesses are encouraged to attend.

Registration required. Contact Denise Schmidt at the Chamber at 815-725-2900. Presented in partnership with Illinois Small Business Development Center,

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013 State Comptroller’s Program, and SCORE.

POWER

FEBRUARY 17 Bridal Expo. Noon to 4 p.m., Ellis House and Equestrian Center’s, 13986 McKanna Road, Minooka. From food to flowers, limousines to honeymoons, brides will find a wide range of wedding merchants eager to please a variety of tastes and budgets. Admission is free, but registration is appreciated. For

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more information, contact Tina Villarreal ay 630-552-5253, and www.ellishec.com

February 23 Joliet Chamber Business Expo. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 23 and 24,Louis Joliet Mall,Interstate 55 and Route 30, Joliet. Area businesses and organizations will showcase their goods and services to the community. 815727-5371, jolietchamber.com

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Police Blotter

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.

St. on a Will County Warrant.

Battery.

Possession of Cannabis.

Battery.

Branden M. O’Neill, 21, 19617 S. Old Coach Terrace, Frankfort, was arrested at 12:36 a.m. Feb. 2 at 777 Hollywood Blvd. for Criminal Damage to Property.

John G. Honiotes, 52, 329 Pleasant, was arrested at 9:23 p.m. Feb. 3 at that address for having a Dog Running At Large.

James W. Ramsey, 45, 324 Elm, Tiptonville, Tenn., was arrested 1:55 p.m. Feb. 4 at 2524 W. Jefferson St., for Retail Theft.

Panagiotis Halas, 50, 601 Ca Crest, Shorewood, was arrested at 1:29 p.m. Feb. 5 at 150 W. Washington St. on a Will County Warrant.

Tadeusz Leja, 46, 14613 Stonehaven Lane, Homer Glen, was arrested 5:27 p.m. Feb. 1 at 777 Hollywood Blvd. for Criminal Trespass to Property.

Ryan R. Tate, 32, 2795 N. 4201st Road, Sheridan, Ill., was arrested at 1:10 a.m. Feb. 2 at 2798 W. Jefferson St. for Retail Theft.

Luis E. Hernandez, 32, 1635 N. Kildare, Chicago, was arrested at 12:20 a.m. Feb. 3 at 4280 W. Jefferson St. for Domestic Battery.

Ross J. Frankovich, 25, 2315 Circle, Crest Hill, was arrested at 6:12 p.m. Feb. 4 at Reed and Richmond on a Will County Warrant.

Harry T. Clark, 53, 1519 West Acres Road, was arrested at 11:17 p.m.

Feb. 5 at that address for Assault.

Shaquille O.Jones,19,422 Oakview Ave., was arrested at 1:55 a.m.

Feb. 3 at 1417 E. Washington St. for Criminal Damage to Property.

Donald C. Ekhoff Jr., 38, 1615 Richmond Circle, was arrested at 12:13 a.m. Feb. 4 at that address on a Will County Warrant.

Jesus G. Torres-Amaro, 32, 1409 Brown Ave., and Octavio ArciaDiaz, 25, 1112 Parkwood Drive, were arrested at 1:48 a.m. Feb. 3 at 504 Meeker For Criminal TrespassTo ResidenceAnd Battery.

Jonathan Palacios-Perez, 22, 1409 Brown Ave., was arrested for Criminal Trespass to Residence, Battery and Possession of a LookA-Like Substance.

Joseph P. Manning, 19, 16155 S. Lincoln Highway, Plainfield, was arrested at 8:25 p.m. Feb. 4 at 1401 N. Route 59 on a Will County Warrant.

A 15-year-old was arrested at 6:33 p.m. Feb. 1 at 2804 Frank Turk for Attempted Burglary from a Motor Vehicle. A 16-year-old also was arrested for BURGLARY FROM a Motor Vehicle.

Sarah L. Page, 25, 1016 Richards, was arrested at 2:34 a.m. Feb. 1 At 3501 Channahon on a Two-Count Will County Warrant.

Dahviyonha L. Bowman, 24, 205 Reichman, was arrested at 1:08 p.m. Feb. 2 at 1801 W. Jefferson St. for Retail Theft. Bailey, Chanel M., 23, 307 Comstock, was arrested for Theft.

Martin A. Williams, 20, 202 Comstock, was arrested at 9:29 p.m. Feb. 2 at Washington and Blackman for Possession of Cannabis.

Ruben H. Balderas, 44, 515 Winston Drive, Bolingbrook, was arrested at 4:10 p.m. Feb. 2 in the 400 block of East Jackson Street for Disorderly Conduct.

Marlon C. Crosby Jr., 825 W. Jefferson St., was arrested at 3:08 p.m. Feb. 2 at that address for Domestic Battery.

Rose A. Jones, 54, 708 3rd Ave., was arrested at 2:10 p.m. Feb. 2 at that address for Aggravated Battery.

Robelio E. Martinez, 56, 703 Manhattan Road, was arrested at 9:21 a.m.Feb.2 at 1811 Burry Circle, Crest Hill, for Unlawful Delivery OF a Controlled Substance.

Williams, Shermarcus R., 24, 409 Hunter Ave., was arrested at 9:56 p.m. Feb. 2 at Jackson and Franklin for Possession of Cannabis and Delivery of Cannabis.

Justin R. Buchanan, 18, 1077 Clover Drive, Minooka, was arrested at 10:55 p.m.Feb.2 at 175 McDonough St. for Possession OF a Controlled Substance.

Robert M. Zabel, 19, 22213 S. Gawain Drive, Shorewood, was arrested at 10:55 p.m. Feb. 2 at 1750 McDonough St. for Possession OF a Controlled Substance.

Julio C. Rodriguez, 30, 1407 Burry, was arrested at 3:04 a. m. Feb. 2 at 508 E. Cass St. for Possession OF a Controlled Substance.

John C. Foster, 31, 922 West Park Ave., was arrested at 5:40 p.m. Feb. 3 at 333 Madison for Aggravated DUI. Juan F. Muniz, 19, 413 WILLOW AVE., was arrested at 10:53 a.m.

Jan. 30 at 1811 Burry Circle Drive, Crest Hill, on three counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Vincent Y. Melendez, 19, 1118 N. Wabash Ave., and Arturo Nino, 47, 239 Algonquin, were arrested at 3:18 a.m. Feb. 3 in the 600 block of Abe for Vehicular Hijacking.

Travaris M. Spiller, 29, 1006 Lois Place, was arrested at 2:21 p.m. at 1001 Lois Place for Domestic Battery and Interfering W/ Reporting D.V. Brian J. Elliott, 34, 22 Ivy, was arrested at 8:52 a.m. Feb. 3 at 708 Mack for Domestic Battery.

Huffman, Tyler J., 23, 507 S. Main St., Mason City, Iowa, was arrested at 9:09 p.m. Feb. 3 at 22 W. Cass for Criminal Trespass to Real Property and Battery.

Timothy D. O’Donnell, 42, 19531 Clifton Way, Mokena, was arrested at 3:13 a.m. Feb. 3 at 151 N. Joliet St., for Criminal Trespass to Real Property.

Nicholas M. Raman, 25, 1204 John, was arrested at 5:32 p.m. Feb. 4 at that address for two counts of Aggravated Battery.

Dante B. Jordan, 31, 107 S. Joliet St., was arrested at 6:39 a.m. Feb. 4 at that address for Domestic Battery.

Kevin R. House, 30, 1511 Mason Ave., at 7:03 a.m. Feb. 4 at that address Aggravated Domestic Battery.

Javier Quezada, 19, 600 E. Washington, was arrested at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 4 at 201 E. Jefferson St. for Domestic Battery.

Giovanni Vargas, 20, 17124 Weber Road, Crest Hill, was arrested 3:36 p.m. Feb. 4 at 1850 Essington on an Out Of Town Warrant.

Daniel R. Fischer, 49, 31 Adler, Minooka, was arrested at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at 150 W. Washington St., for Sex Offender – Failure to Register New Address and Sex Offender – Giving False Info.

Ebony M. Sellers, 21, 114 Luana Road, was arrested 3:02 p.m. Feb. 2 at 1401 Route 59 for Retail Theft.

Artechia C. Shaw, 34, 6712 174th Place,Tinley Park, was arrested at 7:10 p.m. Feb. 3 at 151 N. Joliet St. for Obstructing Justice, Two Counts of Battery and Disorderly Conduct

Leslie K. Sullivan, 60, 10244 Hilltop, Orland Park, was arrested at 3:52 p.m. Feb. 4 at 2424 W. Jefferson St., was arrested at Retail Theft.

Robert T. Holmes, 47, 1012 Parkwood Drive, was arrested at 5:50 p.m. Feb. 2 at 422. S. Chicago

Archaye D. Raine, 25, 215 Lincoln, was arrested at 10:45 p.m. Feb. 3 at that address for Domestic

Brady C. Wendt, 23, 704 Orr, Rockdale, was arrested at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 at 1204 John St., for

Martin Esparza, 18, 118 Pleasant, was arrested at 12:25 a.m. Feb. 4 in the 200 block of South Beach for Obstructing a Police Officer.

William E. Bailey Jr., 25, 16425 Woodlawn West, South Holland, was arrested at 1:16 a.m. Feb. 4 at Raynor and Douglas on a Will County Warrant.

Demotius M. Turner, 19, 91 Bradford Road, was arrested at 9:38 p.m. Feb. 4 at Jefferson and Midland for Possession of Cannabis.

Travis M. Eich, 23, 816 Manor Court, was arrested at 2:47 a.m.

Feb. 4 at 226 N. Broadway on a Will County Warrant.

Kaprison D. Holmes, 27, 826 E. Jackson St., was arrested at 10:44 a.m. Feb. 5 at 509 W. Bellarmine for Possession of Stolen Property.

He also was arrested on a Will County Warrant.

David C. Akin, 20, 3115 W. Gloria Lane, 20, was arrested at 5:35 p.m.

Feb. 5 at 20641 W. Renwick for aggravated Domestic Battery.

Elvia Ornelas-Contreras55, 100 S. Eastern Ave., was arrested at 3:11 Feb. 5 at 3340 Mall Loop Drive for Retail Theft.

Jessie Shaw Jr., 56, 350 E. Washington St., was arrested at 10:54 p.m. Feb. 5 at 73 W. Jefferson St., for Manufacturing and Delivery of Cannabis.

A 16-year-old was arrested at 11 p.m. Feb. 5 at 1226 Gage Court for Domestic Battery.

Rwal A Allison, 30, 337 N. Center St., was arrested at 4:49 p.m. Feb. 5 at that address for Domestic

Antonio Morales, 48, 416 Garnsey Ave., was arrested at 12:15 a.m. Feb. 5 at 431 Columbia for Criminal Damage to Property and Criminal Trespass to Residence.

Kenneth D. Love, 24, 209 Richards, at 11 p.m. Feb. 5 at 363 Broadway for Possession of Cannabis.

Lloyd M. Flatt Jr., 67, 1503 N. Raynor Ave., was arrested at 7:34 p.m. Feb. 6 at 2219 W. Jefferson St. for Criminal Trespass to Real Property.

Andrew F. Forillo, 25, 1505 Staghorn Drive, was arrested at 8:56 a.m. Feb. 6 in the 2300 block of Route 59 for Retail Theft.

Derrick T. Bailey, 22, 1472 Pioneer Road,Crest Hill,was arrested at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 6 at 150 W.Washington St. for Child Sex Offender – Failure To Register New Address, Child Sex Offender – Residing Within 500ft Of A Daycare And Child Sex Offender – Residing Within 500ft Of A School.

Marquell D. Franklin, 21, 354 Wilson Ave., was arrested at 6 a.m.

Feb. 6 at that address for ARMED Habitual Offender, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Possession of Stolen Firearm and Carrying Weapon W/O FOID. Garrett M. Kappel, 37, 1202 N. William, was arrested at 8:48 p.m.

Feb. 6 at 815 Pearson on a Will County Warrant.

Heidi L.Jokich,49,1010 Lois Place, was arrested at 2:53 p.m. Feb. 6 at 3901 Olympic Blvd. For Criminal Trespass to Real Property.

Kenneth P. Smith, 21, 91 Bradford Road, was arrested at 12:01 p.m.

Feb. 6 at 1115 Arthur for Domestic Battery.

Mitchel L. Colon, 23, 404 Western Ave., was arrested at 12:29 p.m.

Feb. 6 at 3340 Mall Loop Drive for Retail Theft.

Joseph P. Manning, 19, 16155 S. Lincoln Hwy., Plainfield, and Peter Las, 19, 3907 Squires Mill Road, were arrested at 8:11 p.m. Feb. 6 at 1401 Route 59 for Theft.

ForuM Letter to the Editor Illinois needs complete financial reform Dear editor: In a Chicago Tribune editorial on January 25, 2013, entitled “Your taxes and (Surprise!) your enormous debts,” they discussed the Cook County Treasurer’s information of the upcoming real estate tax bills. The information breaks down taxes, debts and liabilities for each government entity that receives a portion of each tax bill.

I agree that all county treasurers should be pressed to supply similar information, plus have all cities, villages, towns, counties and state file a financial, easy to read, report card on an annual basis. The citizens and voters need this information in order to make a better judgment on who

they support and who they elect for local and state offices.

Not only do we need serious pension reform, but we also need complete financial reform. The state and local governments that have failed to properly deal with these problems have failed us.

We need to vote those members out and get new representatives in who will honestly work to correct these messes and hold them to the fire to ensure they act properly.

Failure to act now and act correctly will drive us and future generations to financial ruin.

Like several towns in California, we may face bankruptcy.

Then what will all these pensions, contracts and our future be worth?

Mark Turk Joliet

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Illustrated Opinions

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Schools

Joliet Central alum shares stories with JROTC classes Joliet Central High School alumnus Gaston Ruiz (Class of 2011) recently visited his alma mater to share his post-high school experiences with students enrolled in the JROTC program.

Ruiz currently holds the position of Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corp and has served in the Marine Corp for a year and a half, including combat deployment to Afghanistan during his first service year.

During his visit to Joliet Central, he encouraged students to follow their dreams. “If you have a dream, follow it,” Ruiz said. “But have a plan to go with it. Don’t just go in blind.”

Ruiz also spoke to the students about life outside the United States, stressing the fact that

we should be thankful for what we have. “It is very different in Afghanistan,” he said. “We take many conveniences, such as air conditioning and functioning electricity, for granted.”

While speaking with the students, Ruiz credited Joliet Central for providing him with the skills necessary to be successful beyond high school and included special recognition of JCHS teachers MAJ Phil Jayko, SFC Greg Klugiewicz, SFC Craig Foster,Tony Juarez, Michael Reilly and Lynn Price.

“Central provided me with a solid foundation,” said Ruiz. “I learned to work independently, in a team and with authority figures.” Ruiz also spoke about the importance of arriving on time

and meeting deadlines, two skills he felt his JCHS teachers stressed.

After completing his military service, Ruiz plans to enter the FBI to become a field/special agent.

“Gaston was a great student at Central; strong academics, involved in school activities, and always quick to volunteer his time for community service events. He always looked for new challenges in his life,” said Jayko.

“I think it was great for him to stop by on leave from the military and share his experiences with current students. It definitely opened their eyes to the fact people in other parts of the world live quite differently from the United States,and they should appreciate the opportunities the United States offers.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Joliet Central High School alumnus Gaston Ruiz (Class of 2011) recently visited his alma mater to share his post high school experiences with students enrolled in the JROTC program.

Online programs at USF are ranked among best in nation The University of St. Francis is ranked among the best online education programs in the nation in the latest listings from U.S. News & World Report.

In its “Best Online Education Programs 2013”, the leading educational ranking publisher placed USF 28th of 237 schools for its online bachelor’s programs and 33rd of 101 schools for online graduate nursing programs. The university also was ranked 65th of 208 for online graduate education programs and 80th of 213 for online graduate business programs.

“The USF community is delighted to learn about our outstanding rankings,” said Chuck Beutel, vice president for admissions and enrollment.“USF offers a superior

online learning experience by developing each course in-house, training faculty and supporting its online students.”

USF has been one of the largest providers of online education in Illinois since it piloted its online business program 15 years ago, Beutel said.

“We were a pioneer in online learning back in 1998,” he said.

“It makes sense that USF should be one of the best.”

Studies of online learning have found that a vast majority of students enrolling in online programs live within 50 miles of the university’s physical campus. Among Illinois schools ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s listing, USF has the top

ranking online graduate nursing programs of any public or private school.

Among private schools in Illinois, USF has the top ranked online bachelor’s programs and top ranked online graduate business programs. It was the second ranked online graduate education program among private schools in Illinois.

USF routinely collects feedback from its online students about their satisfaction with the university’s online learning environment.

“We’ve learned from our students that the USF experience was superior to what they had received from another university,” Beutel said.

taKe 5 C ro s s w o rd P u z z l e

Across 1 Make even, in a way 8 Key rings?

15 More than concerned 16 When forging started 17 Juntas, e.g.

18 Discarded storage technology 19 Consider necessary 20 Round seed 21 Blew, so to speak 22 Moving experience?

24 Fine-grained soil 25 Othello game piece 28 Corpulent 29 Unfavorably influence 30 PIN holder’s record 31 Make fit 33 Suffix with nanny 36 Beyond unethical 39 “Bambi”

Down character 40 Wire function 41 Man cave channel of choice 42 Wile 44 __ vindice: Confederacy motto 45 Parker who played Daniel Boone 46 Underlying values 48 Like protozoa 50 Has a turn 51 Improved one’s record 52 Akkadian king who conquered Mesopotamia 56 Kitchen tools 58 “Olly olly oxen free!”

59 Dominions 60 Mess up, as a punch line 61 Lot 62 Slid (over)

1 Makes shake 2 Fonda role 3 Ranch brush 4 Long-odds bet 5 Amalgamate 6 Character flaw 7 Meas. of some field losses or gains 8 Sailing maneuvers 9 Code word?

10 “Psych!”

11 Eat at, as one’s conscience 12 Classroom response, at times 13 Pulitzer-winning writers Timothy and Jennifer 14 Times of prayer in the Divine Office 20 Tried to buy at auction 23 She played Elle in “Kill Bill” 24 Online convenience 25 Pulp figure 26 Tiny paper clip, e.g.

27 Settings for “Junkyard Wars” 29 Loyal to a fault 32 Zola portraitist 34 Droid downloads 35 Chain letters?

37 NYSE deals 38 Cites 43 Flipped 46 Vandalized, in a way 47 “Chestnuts roasting ...” cowriter 48 Like some forest ground 49 Neck line?

51 Cactus __: state bird of Arizona 53 Canter, for one 54 “Memories __”: Billy Crystal film 55 Requisite 57 “__ tu che macchiavi quell’anima”: Verdi lyric 58 Uses Trillian, briefly

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

H o ro s c o p e s If you want something, ask for it. In the week to come, you can get what you want if you remember to be diplomatic and go through the proper channels. Use patience to tackle jobs that have been neglected.

Practicality is not a pretense. You won’t shirk the necessities in the upcoming week. Heavy physical work will not deter you from your objective and you won’t mind getting your hands dirty.

When you miss someone, pick up the phone and call.

During the week ahead, people will welcome contact and value your presence. Make headway with supportive relationships whenever possible.

In the week ahead, cultivate a positive attitude. Learning experiences can help you grow both mentally and spiritually. Some lessons seem like a test you forgot to study for, but others offer rewards.

Help your high expectations. Give everyone your best and the best will come back to you. Be sure to express appreciation for those who show unwavering endurance and loyalty in the upcoming week.

Generosity and an open spirit bring others closer, but beware of going overboard. You may experience guilt later this week if you overload credit cards. Clip coupons from the Sunday paper.

Words are so powerful that they can crush a heart or heal one. The week to come may offer you many opportunities to choose to do the right thing. Extra kindness even in an official capacity can be correct.

New friends are silver, but old friends are gold. Formalities won’t detract from truth. People who value you for your true merit will champion your causes and be a source of strength in the week ahead.

Be true to your word and to continuing good works. This week, you may have the opportunity to show your true merit, act on your instincts and to stand up for what you believe to be right.

You won’t be fired for being inspired. Show off your ideas and ingenuity. In the upcoming week, you will be able to take credit for creative ideas or diligent research that can secure your position.

Realign your rigidity.

Bend with the winds of change this week. You may not be able to change the circumstances in your life, but you can make a conscious effort to change the way you face them.

To be understood, you must clarify. In the week ahead, you might find that explaining to others helps you understand yourself. Poet Robert Frost once said, “I’m not confused, I’m just well mixed.”

Tribune Media Services 2013

Sudoku

J umble

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Previous puzzle ’s answers

Previous puzzle ’s answers Jumbles: • LURID • ITCHY • BEWARE • AROUND

Answer:

When the golfer described his incredible putt, it became -- A WORDY BIRDIE

9

10

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

News Community Notes Richland School town hall meeting on safety The devastating tragedy in Newtown, Conn., in December still leaves us with so many questions regarding the safety of our children in schools.

Richland School District 88A in Crest Hill believes discussion is a sound way to answer some of those questions.

Richland will host a presentation 7 p.m.Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the Main Gym of the school, 1919 Caton Farm Road, Crest Hill.

Presenters will include representatives from Richland School District 88A, ChaneyMonge School District 88, Crest Hill Police, Will County Health Department and the media.

Parents and community members are welcome to share in the discussion. We invite parents and community members to submit questions in writing prior to the event to Jill Smith at jsmith@ d88a.org. These questions will then be answered as time permits during the presentation.

Low income tax prep offered by appointment Will County Center for Community Concerns will help low-income residents with their tax preparation, free of charge.

The group will be taking appointments for basic tax returns. Appointments will be on a first come first served basis and can be made to your convenience.

Taxes are prepared

free of charge to income eligible households and individuals. Please call our office for more information regarding VITA, 815-7220722,ext. 205.

supplies and a children’s auction. Free admission and parking.

For more information, contact Rich Hlavacik, 815-4639480, or richjh@excite.com.

Tax Q&A at White Oak Library District

Joliet Park District Free Easter Egg Hunt

The White Oak Library District will present a Tax Q&A program at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at its Lockport Branch Library, at the Gaylord Building, 200 W. 8th St., Lockport.

Before tackling your income taxes, join us for a 30-minute information session presented by a local H&R Block tax professional. Immediately following the presentation, H&R Block tax consultants will be available for individual questions on a first-come, first-served basis, from 10:30 a.m. until noon. There are no fees. No tax preparation will be completed, information only. Registration is recommended, but drop-ins are welcome.

For more information or registration, call 815-838-0755 or go to www.whiteoaklibrary. org.

Grab your Easter baskets March 23 and head out to either Nowell Park Baseball Field at 10 a.m. or Heggie Field at 1 p.m. for the free Great Egg Hunt. This event is for children 12 and younger.

Nowell Park is at 5 Mills Road, and Heggie Field is at Collins and Williamson streets. For more information, call 815741-7296 or visit jolietpark. org.

Will County Coin Show slated for Feb. 24 Will County Coin Club’s 54th annual Coin Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Holiday Inn, Joliet, 411 S. Larkin Ave & I-80 (Exit 130B).

The show will feature U.S. and World coins and currency, ancient and modern, gold and silver bullion, numismatic

Zonta Club of Joliet to host fundraiser The Zonta Club of Joliet will be hosting its fundraiser, “A Night in New Orleans with Zonta from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern Ave., Joliet.

Ticket prices are $65, and funds will go toward the group’s annual donations to local charitiews as well as its scholarships for local high school graduates.

For more information and or tickets, contact Yolanda Reyes at 815-768-7534 or go to Zonta’s website, www.jolietzonta.com, or find them on Facebook at Zonta Club of Joliet.

Registration open for Women’s Workshop Registration is open for Starved Rock Lodge’s annual Outdoor Women’s Workshop May 17-19 at the lodge.

The three-day workshop offers more than 20 engaging and diverse sessions. For $255 per person, participants can sign up for a variety of sessions, with six meals, transportation and ziplining included.

Registration does not include lodging, but rooms are available at the Lodge.

For more information and to register, call 815-220-7386 or visit the Lodge’s website, www. starvedrocklodge.com.

INSIDE: Fifteen area wrestlers headed to state, page 12; Porters girls bowling team places fourth in the state, page 13

www.buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

11

Bailey earns All-State honors

By Scott Taylor Sports Editor

It was a rollercoaster experience for Joliet West freshman Taylor Bailey Feb. 8 and 9 at the state bowling tournament at Cherry Bowl in Rockford.

Bailey was in first place after four games and in 10th place after the first day, but was outside the top 30 at one point the second day.

However, she rallied with games of 242 and 245 to finish the tournament and take 12th place, the final spot for an AllState bowler, with a 2,547 total.

Oswego East’s Giselle Poss won with a 2,727.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” Bailey said. “I knew I had to pull something through. After my first (big game) my parents told me to do it again, so I had to do it.”

Five of the previous six games Bailey had shot below 200 before the final two.

“You have to forget and move on,” Bailey said. “You can’t worry about what happened yesterday or in the games before. You have to look forward.”

Bailey put her name on top of the leaderboard Friday after firing a 286.

“In a state tournament it was nice, but I was thinking I should have done better,” Bailey said. “I felt like I should have topped it the next game instead of going down, but it was really exciting.”

That game ultimately helped her become an All-State bowler, the only freshman with that honor this year.

“That’s really exciting,” she said.

“A lot of people thought I was really special to be here, but I really felt like I should be here. It was a surprise. I had butterflies in my stomach and then they called my name and I was jumping up and down.”

It is the second straight year that Joliet West has had an All-State bowler after Julianne Kowalski took fourth a year ago. Both will be back next year and they hope to lead the Tigers to state as a team after finishing eight pins short this year.

“It really represents us well,” Bailey said. “We definitely want to make it next year as a team.

Someone asked Julianne if it’s her turn next year and I said nope, we’re all coming down as a team.”

MINOOKA The Minooka team advanced to state, but failed to qualify for the finals.

However, senior Allyson Lakota and junior Emily Koulis were able to advance and took advantage of the opportunity.

Koulis finished in 18th place with a 2,501, including Saturday totals of 640 and 666.

“I just wanted to end on a good note,” Koulis said.“I wanted to leave knowing I did the best I could do. It was one of my goals to finish in the top 12, but even the top 20 is fantastic. Last year I placed 53rd, so it’s a big improvement for me and a big accomplishment.”

Meanwhile, Lakota finished 39th with a 2,398.

“I thought it went pretty well,” Lakota said.“Besides my last game of a 141, I was really happy with how I bowled today.”

It wasn’t easy for the girls to bowl without their entire team on the second day after they placed second in the state last year.

“It was hard because we knew we wanted it and we fought hard for it,” Koulis said.“But we missed so much that we couldn’t catch up to it. I was ecstatic for me See EARNS, page 16

Scott Taylor/Bugle Staff

Taylor Bailey took 12th place in the state to earn All-State honors for Joliet West.

12

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Sports

Locals send 15 wrestlers to state

By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

Every year the Joliet area is a wrestling powerhouse and that is no different this season. The Voyager Media coverage area has 15 wrestlers making the trip to Champaign to wrestle at Assembly Hall on the campus of the University of Illinois.

Lockport leads the way with seven qualifiers in Class 3A, while Joliet Central, Minooka and Joliet West have a pair each out of the Moline Sectional. Joliet Catholic Academy rounds out the list

with a tandem of qualifiers in Class 2A. Leading the way individually was Joliet Central’s Trayvon Zabala (43-0), who rolled through the sectional, becoming one of only 15 Class 3A wrestlers to head into the state meet with an unblemished record.

“I feel pretty good winning sectionals,” Zabala said. “My goal was to go into state undefeated, now that I am doing that, my confidence is boosting up.”

In the finals, he defeated See SEND, page 14

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

Tyler Johnson finished in second place at the Moline Sectional for the Porters and is headed to state.

Sports

Porters take fourth in state

By Scott Taylor Sports Editor

Heading into day two of the state meet Saturday, Feb. 9 at Cherry Bowl in Rockford, Lockport found itself tied for first with Rockford Jefferson.

The Porters stayed focused throughout the day and fought hard till the end, despite finishing in fourth place.

“We had a meeting last night with the girls and we said not to get ahead of ourselves,” Lockport senior Megan Szczepanski said.

“We wanted to do what we did yesterday. We came out and probably threw better than we did all year and couldn’t get a break.”

“We felt pretty comfortable, we just didn’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” Lockport junior Ashley Hostert said. “We wanted to keep level heads and try our best today. Before and after every game we huddled and I think that really helped us.”

Waubonsie Valley won with a 12,512, Oswego East was second with a 12,286 and Jefferson was third with a 12,190. The Porters shot a 12,126.

It was a case of Déjà vu for the Porters as they finished behind Waubonsie and Oswego East last year at sectionals, costing them a state berth.

“They are good teams, obviously,” Szczepanski said.

“We’ve had a hard team getting out of sectionals because of them. This year we got out and had our chance.”

“We were very consistent throughout the whole day and even yesterday,” Lockport senior Bri Zabierek said. “We didn’t shoot that low. We just had to shoot some higher games, I guess. I was really proud with how everyone bowled today.”

Lockport was steady throughout the second day, with a low game of a 908 and a pair of games of more than 1,000, but it fell behind due to the hot shooting of the Warriors and Wolves.

Waubonsie shot a 1,141 in the fifth game to pull away from the crowded pack, while Oswego East, which began the day in fourth, shot a state-tournament record 1,179 in the first game to vault up to first.

“We had a really tough start,” Zabierek said.“We all had trouble See PORTERS, page 16

Scott Taylor/Bugle Staff

Lockport’s Megan Szczepanski finished 13th in the state.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

13

14

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

sPorts SEND Continued from page 12 Romeoville senior Naquan Hardy 17-3.

“I think he is the best wrestler at this weight class in the state,” Hardy after the match.

“He doesn’t get the credit he deserves.”

Zabala is ranked third by illinoismatmen.com behind a pair of juniors in Marmion’s Johnny Jimenez and Glenbard North’s Jon Marmolejo.

Zabala said he used his lopsided wins to send a message.

“I want the state title really bad and I have been working at it all year,” Zabala said. “I want to show Jimenez and Marmolejo that I can beat these kids by tech falls and majors.”

Zabala looks to have got the better draw in the brackets, as Jimenez and Marmolejo are both on the opposite side of him.

Zabala would face No. 4 ranked Sebastian Pique of Sandburg or No. 5 Matthew Rundell of Oak Park-River Forest, who battle each other in the prelims.

The area also got sectional titles from Lockport’s Brian Rossi at 113 pounds and freshman Carson Oughton at 145.

“This is going really good for me,” Oughton said. “This is one of the toughest sectionals in my opinion. That was one of my huge goals was to make state this year. I hope to move forward from this and get back in the room Monday and work hard and get ready.”

The other Minooka wrestler to advance to state was senior Corbett Oughton, who placed

second at 152 after missing most of the season with an injury.

Joining Zabala representing Central is senior Sharod Wilson, who lost early, but battled back and placed third at the sectional.

“To regain my focus after the loss, I just thought about what my main goal was and that was being on the podium downstate,” Wilson said. “Going harder here will just make me better down there. The weight class here was almost our whole conference and so I knew it would be tough because we have a tough conference, one of the toughest around. I am satisfied. I reached my goal of making it downstate.”

Joliet West saw freshman Darvell Flag advance with a fourth-place finish and Jayvin Bandy, who placed fourth at 132.

For the Porters, sophomore Tyler Johnson advanced to the championship match, but was taken down in the final 30 seconds and placed second, a place he is proud of.

“This is a pretty big accomplishment for a sophomore,” Johnson said. “He is a big kid and tough to move.

This is a really tough sectional. I feel that this is kind of a toss-up because I think we all worked our butts off.”

Luis Montoya placed third at 195, while Shayne Oster (120), Dan Radcliffe (126), Dominic Naso (138) and Vince Dietz (145) all placed fourth.

In Class 2A at the Rich East Sectional, a pair of Hillmen juniors advanced to the state tournament.

Braden Lancaster placed fourth at 145, while Anthony McInerney placed third at 195. mark@buglenewspapers.com

BOYS BOWLING 1. Lockport 2. Minooka 3. Romeoville 4. Plainfield Central 5. Bolingbrook 6. Plainfield North 7. Joliet West

GIRLS BOWLING 1. Lockport 2. Minooka 3. Joliet West 4. Plainfield East 5. Plainfield North 6. Plainfield South 7. Resurrection

BOYS BASKETBALL 1. Benet 2. Maine South 3. Notre Dame 4. Joliet West 5. Bolingbrook 6. Downers South 7. Joliet Central

GIRLS BASKETBALL 1. Bolingbrook 2. Maine South 3. Romeoville 4. JCA 5. Plainfield East 6. Benet 7. Downers South

WRESTLING 1. Lockport 2. Minooka 3. Plainfield Central 4. Notre Dame 5. Downers North 6. Downers South 7. Lisle Rankings are compiled by Mark Gregory and Scott Taylor.

Sports

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

15

JCA can’t weather perfect storm at ND

By Mike Sandrolini Sports Reporter

Last Friday night, Joe Gura and his Joliet Catholic Academy boys basketball team had to confront what Gura later labeled “the perfect storm” at Notre Dame The Dons were hosting Senior Night, they were coming off losing two straight for the first time this season. And they certainly were not happy about the latter.

The Hilltoppers kept within striking distance of Notre Dame during the first half, but the Dons rained threes on JCA after the break. Eight of Notre Dame’s 17 second-half field goals came from beyond the arc as the Dons kept JCA winless in the ESCC with a 77-50 victory.

“It’s like the East Coast is

getting: the perfect storm,” Gura said. “The stars didn’t actually line up for us too well, but I was very pleased with my team’s effort. I’m pleased that we’re getting better at all the different phases of the game.

We’ve got a long way to go, but we played hard from tip to buzzer.”

The Hilltoppers trailed by just three points, 10-7, early in the second period after a Jimmy Elias basket, but the Dons outscored JCA 16-3 from there to mount a 26-10 lead.

JCA went a 5-0 run which made it 26-15. Later in the quarter, senior Ryan Peter sank a three-pointer to cut the Dons’ lead to 28-19, but the Hilltoppers wouldn’t get any closer than that the rest of the night. Notre Dame led 32-22 at halftime.

An 8-2 Notre Dame run to start the third quarter upped its lead to 40-24.

Peter, who finished with a game-high 15 points—13 of which he collected in the first half—said he gave some of the Hilltoppers’ younger players a head’s up prior to taking the court on what the atmosphere would be like playing the Dons on their home floor.

“You’ve just got to let them know that it’s going to be loud and they’re going to be physical,” Peter said.“You’ve got to grind it out and be mentally tough. It’s a tough place to play, especially coming up here on Senior Night and they were coming off a couple of losses last week.

They’re a good team.”

Freshman Jalen Jackson chipped in with 12 points,

including two fourth-quarter treys. Gura said he likes the way Jackson and his other freshman starter, Harold Davis, are developing at the varsity level.

“I’m very happy because you can see (that) the two freshman all through the game showed signs of really being pretty good players,” he said.

Overall, Gura said he’s trying to get his young and improving squad to understand the game and play with confidence at the

season winds down.

“It’s tough in this conference,” he said. “It’s keeping their focus on the little things of the game, the individual and what team concepts we’re trying to get across so that at the end we get something out of every practice, every game.”

The Hilltoppers (4-21), who have yet to win a game in the new year, will try to do so when they resume action Tuesday night at Providence Catholic. mike@buglenewspapers.com

16

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Sports EARNS Continued from page 11 and Allyson that we had another chance to place.”

Minoka placed 14th after the first day with a 5,552, finishing 65 pins behind 12th-place Prospect, which earned the final qualifying

PORTERS Continued from page 13 carrying. We were making good shots. Right now I guess I feel relieved because there was a lot of pressure on us. We gave ourselves a shot, so I’m really happy with how we performed.”

The Porters were still positive, even after just missing out on a

spot.

“I don’t know what it was, but we really had a slow start,” Koulis stated. “We were missing spares, we were pulling balls. It was a disaster. We just couldn’t carry, that’s how it goes and was just our luck.”

“When we missed, we paid the price for it,” Lakota said.“We had a lot of opens that we should have

gotten.”

Lakota and fellow seniors Danielle Grygiel and Alison Warwick finished their careers as a part of four state-qualifying teams.

“I’m really proud of myself,” she said.“I went to state all four years.

I was really happy with how I did for my career.”

trophy.

“It feels great to be the top four in state,” Hostert said. “I mean first is great, but I’d take fourth over 12th, so it still feels good.”

Szczepanski was the unlucky 13th place finisher individually, racking up a score of 2,520 over 12 games. The top 12 girls were named All-State.

“I just threw the ball and concentrated on getting as much as I could on the frame I was in,”

Szczepanski said.“I didn’t want to look back into the past like when I had three 7-10s yesterday.There’s noting I can do about it. I threw the ball the best I could.When you have three pocket 7-10s, there’s nothing else you can do.”

Hostert finished 15th (2,508), Zabierek was 23rd (2,483), senior Allyson Ware was 46th (2,371) and Nicole Troha was 64th (2,244).

staylor@buglenewspapers.com

staylor@buglenewspapers.com

50 www.buglenewspapers.com/basketball

60

THE BUGLE FEBRUARY 13, 2013

17

Spartans complete undefeated SPC season

By Scott Taylor Sports Editor

Last year Plainfield East beat Romeoville in the season finale, forcing the Spartans to share the Southwest Prairie Conference title with Oswego East.

The Spartans wouldn’t let that happen again.

Romeoville (25-3 overall, 14-0 in SPC) jumped out to a 17-7 lead after the first quarter and went on to win 60-50 Thursday, Feb. 7 in Romeoville.

“It doesn’t get better than that,” Romeoville guard Abby Smith said. “We’ve been working for that since day one and to achieve that is amazing. We wanted to take it for ourselves and make sure nobody else came close.

That was motivation through it all.”

“It feels really good, especially with last year and everything,” Romeoville senior post Kiera Currie said. “We did finish out goals all the way and this year we proved that we could accomplish our goals. We just have to get back in the gym and get ready for regionals. It’s a really good feeling for us.”

Romeoville entered the game unbeaten in the SPC, while East had a single loss to the Spartans earlier in the season. Romeoville made it two in a row this time and went undefeated in the SPC season in the process.

“It feels great,” Romeoville coach Julio Carrasco said. “I thought the girls played really well. I couldn’t be prouder of the girls. They really put in the time. They play the way Spartan basketball should be.

I’m very excited for them. It’s an undefeated conference season and I believe only Minooka has done that a few years ago.”

After playing five closely contested games with the Bengals (22-4, 12-2) the past two years, Romeovile was able to have control for much of the game.

“The difference was our intensity,” Smith said. “Our motivation to win this game was big. East is a good team and we have played them so many times.

We know each other pretty well, so our main thing was to get the ball to Kiera and get her shots inside and work as a team, that’s what we’re good at.”

“I think our coach did a really good job of motivating us and getting us pumped up,” Currie said.“We were really pumped up and were ready for this. I think we proved a point and showed we really wanted it.”

The Spartans led 32-24 at the half, but the Bengals rallied to make it 36-33 in the third quarter.

However, the Spartans scored the final 11 points of the quarter to take a 47-33 lead and the lead remained in double digits the rest of the game.

“We made sure we were consistent and kept the lead,” Currie said. “Even when we did get down, we didn’t let it affect our game, we kept pushing hard.”

“The first half was kind of shaky, but in the second half they were switching things up and I had the opportunity to take it,” said Romeoville’s Angelica Osusky, who scored 13 of her 15 points in the middle two quarters. “Then I could pass it out to the outside for shots.We were really connecting and were pumped for this game. We didn’t want to share again.”

Currie led Romeoville with 21 points and Smith tallied 13. Faith Suggs led the Bengals with 13.

The celebration for Romeoville was short lived as it played a Lemont Regional semifinal game Wednesday with the possibility of a fourth game this year with Plainfield East.

It would be the seventh meeting in the past two years and both teams have won three times. The Spartans have won the past two, which should give them some added confidence.

“It’s the rubber match I guess,” Carrasco said. “We’ve each won three times in the past six games in the last two years. Now we have to see who is going to win the rubber match. I hope the girls are ready.”

“We have the confidence, but we have to go in with the mentality that we are 0-0,”

Scott Taylor/Bugle Staff

Romeoville’s Angelica Osusky takes it inside on East’s Nina Maggio in Romeoville’s 60-50 win.

Osusky said. “It’s going to be all fresh because you are one and done now. We have to put this

win behind us and go out with a bang. They are a great team but I’m glad we did what we did

tonight and we’re able to pull it out.” staylor@buglenewspapers.com

PLAYER OF THE WEEK Nominees Ahmad Gibson, Niles West 24 points in win over GBS

Last week’s results Abby Smith Romeoville

Aaron Jordan Plainfield East

Scott McNellis Downers South

Jasmine Lumpkin JCA

Frank Dounis, Maine South 19 pts in 13th straight win Jasmine Lumpkin, JCA 24 points, 17 rebs vs. Mac Kiera Currie, Romeoville 21 points in win vs. Plain. East Go to buglenewspapers.com to vote for your winner!

31% 50%

12%

6%

18

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Business & Real Estate

Making mistake not same as being wrong Q. I know I misunderstood something one of my employees said and overreacted.We used to have a great relationship. Now he hardly looks at me. I really don’t want to have to admit I was wrong? How can I fix the relationship and still keep my pride?

A. You can fix the relationship if you can realize that making a mistake is not the same as being wrong. If you believe that your entire being can be made wrong because you are a human being who learns through errors, then you’ll be unable to problem solve because you are too stuck in embarrassment.

We will all make mistakes in and out of our workplace. If we strive to achieve great goals, we’ll also make grand mistakes not merely small mistakes. Every mistake gives us a chance to start again more intelligently.

My clients tell me that using the language I teach them is a great asset in fixing mistakes.

For instance, if you talk to employees about realizing that you may not have listened to them thoroughly, you are not admitting there is something horribly wrong with you. Most of us on a bad day have been less than perfect listeners.

Consider the possibility that, instead of limiting yourself categories like right and wrong, you could use categories like effective and ineffective. If you evaluate your behavior based on whether it works or doesn’t work, there is no global assessment of your soul going on.

Reality is a great teacher to all of us in the workplace. We come to a job in our twenties with a lot of theories. We try out our theories and, if we’re wise, notice that some theories don’t

seem to be effective.

As the boss, you’re in a position to be a powerful role model to your team. What you do will speak much more loudly than what you say. If you can acknowledge that you didn’t listen well and overreacted, then your employees have the room to also admit and fix problems.

There have been multiple studies on the concept of a “learning organization.” The idea can be summed up like this: If people feel free to make mistakes, admit errors and learn, the entire organization makes more money.

Productivity really is based on our capacity to see what doesn’t work, not be bogged down in being upset about that, and figuring out a better way.

American business in particular has prided itself on innovation on novel problem solving. Ask yourself how you or your team can engage in creativity if you are too embarrassed to admit what doesn’t work?

Last word Q. One of my coworkers keeps bringing up something that upset him in the past where he thinks I was mean to him. Can I tell him to shut up politely?

A. No, but you can ask him what he wants from you now.

Those who are stuck in their past are stuck because they can’t ask for what they want in their present.

Daneen Skube, Ph.D., executive coach, trainer, therapist and speaker, also appears as the FOX Channel’s “Workplace Guru” each Monday morning. She’s the author of “Interpersonal Edge: Breakthrough Tools for Talking to Anyone, Anywhere, About Anything” (Hay House, 2006).

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

News THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013

MCHS students earn awards from Grundy vocational center

Sustaining Success

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Debra Jacobson, Governor’s Award program manager (second from left), presents a 2012 Sustainability Award to (from left) Will County Executive Larry Walsh, Land Use Director Curt Paddock and Land Use Committee Chairman Tom Weigel during the County Board’s January meeting. Will County was one of 21 Sustainability Award winners in 2012, but is only the second county to win for countywide efforts since the award’s inception in 1987.

Future Business Leaders of America shine at conference Minooka Community High School congratulates the members of its chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America for their exceptional performance at the Central Northern Area Regional Conference at Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort Saturday, Jan. 26.

Nine members of the MCHSFBLA team participated in the conference, which consisted of 10 area high schools and over two hundred entrants.

MCHS senior and current FBLA President, Jimmy Lee received a 3rd place medal in Sports Management.

Additional results include: sophomore and current FBLA

Vice-President,Melina Lomeli - 4th place in Hospitality Management, sophomore Lucas Godsey - 4th place in Impromptu Speaking, sophomore Jose Lopez - 4th place in Business Communications, junior Allison Walther - 5th place in Business Law, junior Sarah Vogelsander - 6th place in Entrepreneurship-Team,freshman Ebony Alvarado - 6th place in Health Care Administration, freshmen Robert McClure and Michael Hatcher - 6th place and 7th place respectfully in Sports Management.

The Minooka Community High School Future Business Leaders of America sponsor is Rose Ann Rakidzic. For more information, contact her at rrakidzic@mchs.net.

Minooka to offer summer driver education course Minooka Community High School will once again offer a driver education course this summer for area teenagers who do not attend the high school.

The course is open to students who are 15 years old, who live within the boundaries of MCHS District 111, and who have completed at least eight high school credit hours.

There are two components to the course – classroom and behind the wheel. The classroom component of the course is scheduled from Wednesday, June 5, through Tuesday, July 2, and the behind the wheel component of the course will begin on

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Wednesday, June 5, and will end no later than Wednesday, July 10.

Information and registration forms may be picked up directly from students’ high school counselors (at the school they currently attend). To request an application or for more information, call Bert Kooi at 815-521-2338.

Completed applications and fee payments re due to MCHS no later than March 9. A mandatory meeting for parents and students enrolled in the summer driver education course will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, May 6, in the cafeteria at Minooka Community High School - South Campus.

Several Minooka Community High School students taking classes at the Grundy Area Vocational Center were presented with Director Awards for their outstanding performances in class during the first half of the 2012-2013 school year.

Director Award winners for September included: Zachary Sinadinos (Automotive Technology), Ethan Cane (Building Trades), Rachel Lamber (Cosmetology), Maverick Nave (Early Childhood Education) and Alyssa Young (Health Occupations).

Director Award winners for October included: Jeremy Tondini (Building Trades), George Howard (Computer Applications), Nathan Allen (Cosmetology) and Sarah Lindmark (Criminal Justice).

Director Award winners for November included: Eric Pashnick (Automotive Technology), Zachary Trost (Building Trades),

Jordan Talley (Computer Maintenance Technology), Elizabeth Guldenbecker (Cosmetology), Miguel Ocon (Criminal Justice), Stephanie Smolkovich (Health Occupations) and Haley Nichols (Welding).

Director Awards winners for December included:Alexis Klein (Automotive Technology), Elizabeth Schrishuhn (Cosmetology), Andrew Pry (Criminal Justice) and Jose Perez (Welding).

GAVC Director Award winners are presented with a prize package and have their names and photographs displayed at GAVC for the duration of the school year.

GAVC Assistant Director Mark Hulbert said the center offers students an opportunity to explore potential careers that would have a significant impact on their success after high school.

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL FEBRUARY 13, 2013