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Vol. 19 No. 1

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LOCAL BUSINESS

SAVINGS AND EVE NTS!

WILL COUNTY

Union workers approve new contract, county board next County employees returned to work on Dec. 5

By Nick Reiher Managing Editor

STORY & Photos By Clare Walters For the Sentinel Shorewood is abuzz over Mariano’s.

Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc., which owns the Mariano’s brand, announced Dec. 2 it will be acquiring 11 Dominick’s stores, including the one at 950 Brook Forest Ave., and converting them to a Mariano’s early next year.

Shorewood’s Community Development Director Karen James said residents and village staff alike are excited by the announcement.

see MARIANO’S • page 2

PHOTO by Clare Walters | for the bugle

The Dominick’s located at 950 Brook Forest Ave. will transition into a Mariano’s early in 2014.

Will County Board leaders at a Dec. 12 meeting will get their first official look at the contract approved overwhelmingly by members of AFSCME Local 1028.

If all goes well, the full board should vote on the contract at its Dec. 19 meeting.

The Dec. 5 vote ended 15 months of negotiations that culminated in a 16day strike by some 1,000 Will County employees. A tentative agreement had been Will County reached around 2:30 Executive a.m. Dec. 4. County Larry Walsh employees returned to work Thursday.

The main sticking points were increased health care costs and wage increases.

Previously, employee contributions were based on a percentage of their salary. One of the county’s major goals of these negotiations was to make a switch to employees paying a percentage of the premium of their healthcare benefits.

“Our strike was about ensuring that county employees have the fair pay and affordable health care they deserve in return for their hard work, dedication and service to county residents,” said Dave Delrose, AFSCME Local 1028 president. “We didn’t want to see our See UNION, page 3

2

News

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

PHOTO by Clare Walters | for the bugle

The Dominick’s located at 950 Brook Forest Ave. will transition into a Mariano’s early in 2014.

MARIANO’S Continued from page 1 “The mayor, board and staff

were very pleased to have learned of Mariano’s acquisition of our Dominick’s location,” she says. “We believe they are a fine fit for our community.”

Robert Mariano, chairman, president and chief executive

officer of Roundy’s, said in a press release that the acquired stores are “in prime locations with great market demographics.”

“These key locations will seamlessly integrate into and complement our existing base of 13 Mariano’s locations as well as our five additional 2014 Mariano’s locations now under construction,” he said.

Roundy’s opened its first south suburban Mariano’s store in March in Frankfort. The Shorewood location will be the company’s first store in the Joliet area.

James said the village has

not yet received any plans or project schedules from Mariano’s. The extent to which Mariano’s wishes to alter the store, its façade or signage will dictate whether the company will become involved with the village’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Village Board.

“We certainly look forward to working with them as they rebrand the store and join our business community,” she said.

No announcement has been made about the number of jobs that will be available at the Shorewood location, but the Frankfort store employs 450 people. Hiring is selective,

These key locations will seamlessly integrate into and complement our existing base of 13 Mariano’s locations as well as our five additional 2014 Mariano’s locations now under construction.”

- Robert Mariano, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Roundy’s

Roundy’s officials said, and current Dominick’s employees can apply online to work at the store.

Hiring enough people and getting them trained will be a challenge, they said.

Lauri Sanders,a spokeswoman for Dominick’s, said the company had no comment on the sale of its Shorewood location other than to acknowledge it happened.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

UNION

often means this was a true compromise.”

Delrose thanked the community for its support. “To everyone who hung a sign or joined our picket lines, donated to our cause or just honked and waved, we couldn’t have done it without you,” he said. “Now we’re glad to be back at work, serving you, our neighbors and the countless friends across the county that we never knew we had.”

“I am hopeful that the County Board will give a strong

the strike. I particularly want to thank our negotiating team who spent countless hours at Continued from page 1 the bargaining table to reach wages lose ground when the this fair agreement.” cost of living goes up, and Walsh expressed optimism we weren’t going to accept a that both union and health plan where the lowestmanagement employees could paid employees were asked begin the healing process to to do more than the highestrepair relationships that were paid. By standing together we strained due to the strike. reached a fair settlement that “The County Board and my achieves those goals.” office sought to replace an The new four-year agreement unsustainable method of paying is retroactive to Dec. 1, 2012, for benefits with a more fiscally and extends through Nov. 30, responsible model,” said Walsh.

2016. It includes “Will County has cost-of-living wage grown to larger than increases totaling 4.5 700,000 residents percent.The contract and we must also eliminates the balance the needs of • The new four-year agreement is county pay plan’s all our residents as retroactive to Dec. 1, 2012, and extends two bottom steps, in we provide services through Nov. 30, 2016 effect adjusting the to our communities. wage scale upward There is only so much • Includes cost-of-living wage increases a further 5 percent money available totaling 4.5 percent while ensuring that and we believe this • The contract also eliminates the county employees will contract will put pay plan’s two bottom steps, in effect continue to receive Will County on a adjusting the wage scale upward a step increases. more sustainable further 5 percent while ensuring that The agreement path for the future.” employees will continue to receive step also ensures that A F S C M E increases increased costs represents more for health care are than 1,200 • The county compromised to increase the shared equitably employees in the health care contributions over three years based on employees’ county court system, from 8 percent to 10 percent aggregate ability to pay. health department, of the health benefits rather than 10 Will County h i g h w a y percent for all three years Executive Larry department, Sunny Walsh noted Hill Nursing Home, that during the county jail, and in the negotiation process, the approval of this contract at offices of the sheriff, coroner, county worked with the union the December County Board recorder, assessor, clerk, chief to balance the competing meeting,” said Walsh. “I want judge, circuit clerk, executive perspectives on the terms of the to thank all of our employees and state’s attorney. contract. Ultimately, the county who continued to work The issue with the state’s compromised to increase the throughout the work stoppage attorney’s workers could be health care contributions over by the union and who kept up in the air until the National three years from 8 percent to county services going despite Labor Relations Board answers 10 percent aggregate of the health benefits rather than 10 percent for all three years. The employee contributions remain income banded so that lower paid employees pay less and upper income employees pay more.

“Working with the County Board my office sought to continue to maintain a progressive health care model for our employees,” said Walsh.

“During the negotiations my office worked to include an upper income bracket so that the highest paid employees paid a larger share of the cost as compared to the lower income employees. We believed this was fair, but there had to be a compromise on what this amount was. Ultimately, no one was completely happy with these agreed to amounts which

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PHOTO BY NICK REIHER/MANAGING EDITOR

Mark Colwell, an electrician with the Sheriff’s Department, goes over the union contract with a fellow AFSCME Local 1028 member before voting on the contract Dec. 5. Local President Dave Delrose, background, checks any late developments.

State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow’s recent query on jurisdiction.

During the strike, AFSCME sent a letter to Glasgow demanding he refrain from using assistant state’s attorneys to fill in for the striking workers in his office. The assistants are in a union, Glasgow’s office said, but are not among those who are striking with AFSCME Local 1028.

Glasgow voluntarily recognized the assistant state’s attorney’s union in the 1990s, even though the Illinois

Supreme Court ruled that assistant state’s attorneys were managerial and did not have a right to union representation.

In subsequent negotiations, assistants received benefits, including stipends for special assignments, a clothing allowance and free parking.

Glasgow is asking the NLRB whether the assistant state’s attorneys are considered officially as union members.

He said he would continue to negotiate with them as a union either way.

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

News

Quinn signs pension reform bill into law Senate Bill 1 is attempted pension theft, and it’s illegal.

Once overturned, its

By Alex V. Hernandez Staff Reporter pension reform purported savings will bill Dec. 3. “Today, evaporate, and the we have won. The state’s finances and Gov. Pat Quinn people of Illinois signed into law pension systems will be have won.” last week a major The new law left in worse shape overhaul of the takes effect June 1. state’s government - statement released by “We Are One,” a union coalition that It will increase the worker pension represents the Illinois Education retirement age for systems aimed at Association, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Associated Fire younger workers, fixing Illinois’ $100 Gov. Pat Quinn Fighters of Illinois, the Illinois scale back the billion debt.

Police Benevolent and Protective Association, Fraternal Order Quinn signed the bill annual cost-of-living increases of Police and other union for most retirees and establish during a private ceremony organizations in the Thompson Center in a 401(k)-styled option for a downtown Chicago Dec. 5. limited number of workers. It Lawmakers anticipate the would also skip some annual necessary payments to keep law’s reforms could bring $160 retiree increases, depending the retirement funds.

State pension funds impacted billion into state pension over on when they retire. by the new legislation will For years governors and the next 30 years. lawmakers pushed the state’s include Illinois General “Since I took the oath of debt higher as they neglected Assembly employees, the office, I’ve pushed relentlessly payments into the state’s Teacher’s Retirement System, for a comprehensive pension Illinois Municipal Retirement reform solution that would pensions.

This led to multiple credit Fund, state employees, erase a $100 billion liability and restore fiscal stability to downgrades on state finances. state university employees, teachers and Illinois,” said Gov. Quinn in To prevent this, the new law downstate a statement after the Illinois allows pension participants to judges.

“Senate Bill 1 is attempted General Assembly passed the sue if officials fail to make the

Overhaul of pension systems aimed at fixing Illinois’ $100 billion debt

215 retired after 1984 Average 15.7 years of service, annual pension of

$39,576 • Retirees can also receive benefits from Social Security and federal employee version of a 401k plan Source: Congressional Research Service | Graphic: Judy Trible

pension theft, and it’s illegal.

Once overturned, its purported savings will evaporate, and the state’s finances and pension systems will be left in worse shape,”said a statement released by “We Are One,” a union coalition that represents the Illinois Education Association, Illinois Federation of Teachers,

Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, Fraternal Order of Police and other union organizations. Unions are expected to challenge the constitutionality of the new law.

Will County Board of Health elects new officers The 12-member Board of Health has been overseeing Will County Health Department operations since 1947

The Will County Board of Health re-elected John J. Hines Jr. as president November 20, during its regularly-scheduled monthly business meeting.

A Joliet resident since 1991, Hines has served on the Board of Health since 1998 and now begins his ninth successive term as president. He served

as board vice president in 2004, and brings nearly five decades of auditing, finance and accounting experience to his position of leadership and responsibility.

New Lenox resident Richard Brandolino was re-elected vice president. James Zelko was re-elected secretary. Hines, Brandolino and Zelko are joined by Judith A. McDonald, who was re-elected (Member at Large).

The 12-member Board of Health has been overseeing Will County Health Department operations since 1947. The board meets on the third Wednesday monthly at the Health Department’s 501 Ella Ave. complex in Joliet.

Regularly-scheduled monthly business meetings take place in the lower level Community Room, commence promptly at 3 p.m., and are open to the public.

News

CITY

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

5

120-year-old church needs to be razed Church of the Living God, 353 E. Jackson St., Joliet, condition so poor, it must be razed before it collapses

By Stewart Warren For the Bugle

members do not have the money to make muchneeded repairs.

In April 2012, a storm caused one of the building’s chimneys to collapse on an adjacent garage.

The city then declared the building unfit for

City officials have decided to demolish a dilapidated 120-yearold church that’s been vacant for the past year.

The Church of the Living God, 353 E. Jackson St., Joliet, is in Joliet City Manager such bad shape that it Jim Hock must be razed before it collapses, Joliet City Manager occupancy.

As the councilmen and staff Jim Hock said during the City Council’s Dec. 2 workshop discussed the issue, a slide presentation played on a large session.

“It’s an emergency situation,” viewing screen.

The photographs showed the Hock added.

A structural problem in the inside of the building, including church’s rafters is causing the one that showed a railing that roof to push the walls of the had ripped from a wall because building outward, Hock said. of the structural problems.

So the city will pay $68,667 to The city had contacted an raze the old building made of architectural salvage company about the possibility of saving brick and limestone.

The work should be some of the church’s large completed by the end of stained-glass windows.

The company offered $100 December, Hock said.

Although the small for each window and $50 for congregation has been in the each pew – if the city would building for about 40 years, the deliver the items. The company

(The owner) doesn’t want to endanger his employees.

Having one go inside to salvage anything is too risky.

- Joliet City Manager Jim Hock

doing the demolition has the right to salvage any material, Hock said. But the owner didn’t want to do the work.

“He doesn’t want to endanger his employees,” Hock said. “Having one go inside to salvage anything is too risky.”

There is asbestos in the roof, Hock said. To remove it, the roof will be doused with water and then collapsed into the structure.

A crane and other heavy equipment appeared at the site over the weekend.

Councilwoman Jan Quillman said she had gotten telephone calls from residents asking about the building.

“It’s a shame that this building wasn’t taken care of and nothing could be saved from it,” Quillman said.

Councilman Jim McFarland is also a board member at the

nearby Spanish Community Center, 309 N. Eastern Ave. People who use the center sometimes would walk through the neighborhood, and they always made sure to stay on the opposite side of the street from the church, McFarland said.

• The city will pay $68,667 to raze the old building made of brick and limestone • The company doing the demolition has the right to salvage any material, but the owner didn’t want to do the work.

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

Police Blotter

3 19

13

18

4 9

29

2 6

16

12 14 10 17

20 23

25

28

1

24

15

11

5

26

21

8

30

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

Joseph G. Petroski, 23, 106 E. Jefferson, Shorewood, was arrested at 9:33 p.m. Nov. 27 at Infantry and Jefferson for Possession of Cannabis.

a.m. Nov. 27 at 300 N. Center for Possession of Cannabis. Drew S. Abernathy, 24, 803 Richards, was arrested for Resisting a P.O. and Obstructing a P.O.

7

Thomas D. Loftis Jr., 44, 1631 Edith, was arrested at 7:38 p.m. Nov. 28 at that address for Criminal Damage to Property.

8

Scott A. Johnson, 43, 601 Garnsey, was arrested at 5:50 p.m. Nov. 28 at 405 Strong for Battery.

9

2

Rafael Moriara-Pahua, 27, 5 Ohio, was arrested at 8:59 p.m. Nov. 28 at 725 N. Collins for Criminal Damage to Property.

3

J. Gutschick, 23, 10 Kenneth 5316 Maple Glen Drive, Plainfield, was arrested at 9:27 p.m. Nov. 28 at 150 W.Washington for Armed Robbery.

Daniel H. Bridges, 31, 651 N. Bluff, was arrested at 5:20 p.m. Nov. 27 at 363 N. Broadway for Criminal Trespass to Real Property.

Heidi E. Litvinchuck, 34, 607 Henderson, was arrested at 8:55 p.m. Nov. 27 at 3340 Mall Loop Drive for Retail Theft.

4

Kyle T. Creal, 33, 1102 N. Charlesworth, was arrested at 8:54 p.m. Nov. 27 at that address for Disorderly Conduct.

5

Charles E. Duncan Jr., 25, 801 Greenfield,was arrested at 9:27 p.m. Nov. 27 at Grand and Wheeler for Possession of Controlled Substance.

6

Jeremy M.Butler,23, 664 4th Ave., was arrested at 12:42

Jason T. Farrell, 30, 2405 Red Oak Court, Plainfield, was arrested at 2:28 p.m. Nov. 29 at 110 S. Larkin for Possession of Cannabis.

11

J. Frechette, 53, 19 12 Mark Exeter Turn, Bourbonnais, was arrested at 11:10 p.m. Nov. 29 at 151 N. Joliet St. for Criminal Trespass to Real Property.

13

Jimmy W. Phillips, 22, 610 Edgebrook Drive,

Shorewood, was arrested at 6:10 p.m. Nov. 29 at 2222 Essington on a Will County Warrant and on six counts of Forgery.

Nobles, 56, 31 N. 14 Donald Broadway, was arrested at 8:14 p.m. Nov. 29 at 151 N. Joliet for Criminal Trespass to Real Property.

Jeremiah G. Jones, 20, 1501 Pioneer Road, Crest Hill, was arrested at 12:29 a.m. Nov. 29 at Notre Dame and St. Jude for Possession of Cannabis.

15

Richard A. Spreitzer, 63, 1608 Richmond Circle, was arrested at 4:33 p.m. Nov. 30 at Campbell and Woodlawn for DUI – Alcohol.

16

Michael Johnson, 39, 305 N. Union St., Dwight, was arrested at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 30 at 150 W. Washington for Battery.

17

Rivera, 33, 1129 18 Esteban Elizabeth, was arrested at 1:45 p.m. Nov. 30 at that address for Domestic Battery.

address for Criminal Damage to Property and on a Will County Warrant.

Letha M. Griffin, 38, and Artesia N. Titus, 18, 1323 West Park Front, were was arrested at 2:19 a.m. Nov. 30 at 379 S. Chicago St. for Criminal Trespass to Real Property, Resisting A P.O. and Mob Action.

Titus also was arrested for Aggravated Battery to a P.O.

21

Ricardo Rodriguez, 21, 2314 County Ridge Drive, Plainfield, was arrested at 9:56 p.m. Dec. 1 at 777 Hollywood for Criminal Trespass to Land.

22

For more Joliet blotter, go to www. buglenewspapers.com

Shorewood Michael Friscia, 24, 323 Louisa St., Shorewood, was arrested at 6:11 a.m. Nov. 26 at Jefferson and Mary streets for No Valid Registration and Unlawful Display of Registration Sticker.

23

A. Hernandez-Tirado, 19 Jorge 19, 801 Fisk, was arrested at 8:07 p.m. Nov. 30 at 3340 Mall Loop Drive for Retail Theft.

Kiley L. Allie, 34, 127 Summer, Shorewood, was arrested at 11:53 a.m. Nov. 26 at Airport Drive and Jefferson Street on an Iroquois County warrant for Fraud.

Javier J. Perez, 27, 18 N. Cagwin Ave., was arrested at 8:02 a.m. Nov. 30 at that

25

20

24

Andrew M. Vuckovich, 29, 105 Yale Court, Shorewood,

was arrested at 6:46 p.m. Nov. 26 in the 100 block of Yale Court for Use of Intoxicating Compounds.

Kevin A. Glover, 35, 1312 Bassett Court, Joliet, was arrested at 1 a.m. Nov. 28 at the Bullpen Sports Lounge, 716 Cottage St., for Battery, Aggravated Assault and Criminal Damage to Property.

26

Gerardo Resendiz Jr., 18, of 6505 Roth Drive, Joliet, was arrested at 1:24 a.m. Nov. 30 at Brookfield Ave and Sunrise Drive for Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.

27

Benjamin T. Johnson, 26, 224 S. William, Joliet, was arrested at 2:48 a.m. Nov. 30 at Jefferson Street and Mary Street for Driving Under the Influence and Speeding.

28

Blake E. Antonides, 28, 25040 W. Pauline Drive, Plainfield, was arrested at 3:32 p.m. Nov. 30 at Black Road and Route 59 for Reckless Driving, No Insurance, Speeding and Improper Lane Usage.

29

Jacob R. Gajcak, 21, 712 Dover Way, Shorewood, was arrested at 4:50 p.m. Nov. 30 in the 700 block of Dover Way for Criminal Damage to Property.

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

Illustrated Opinions

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

News

PHOTO BY JOHN PATSCH

Some 400 people, dressed in five-piece Santa suits, participated in the inaugural JThS alumni association Santa run 5K & 1 Mile fun Walk Saturday, Nov. 30, in Downtown Joliet.

First JTHS Alumni Association Santa Run a great success Four hundred people participated in the JTHS Alumni Association Santa Run 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, Nov. 30. Downtown Joliet was filled with visions of Santa as all 400 participants wore complete fivepiece Santa suits.

“It was an amazing sight with entire families walking together, running and/or pushing strollers through the streets on their way to the finish line where a party hosted by the Jacob Henry Mansion,” said JTHS Alumni Coordinator Lynne Lichtenauer.

The JTHS Alumni Association thanks the following sponsors for their support of this event: Legat Architects, title sponsor; Anew Chiropractic; City of Joliet; Jacob Henry Mansion Estate; Joliet Area Historical Museum; Joliet Junior College Alumni Association; Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts; Joliet Park District; Joliet Slammers Baseball; Just Toni’s; Milano Bakery; Persona Grata Salon;

it waS an amaZing Sight with entire familieS walking together, running and/or puShing StrollerS through the StreetS on their way to the finiSh line where a party hoSted By the jacoB henry manSion.

- Jths alUmNI cOOrdINatOr lyNNe lIchteNaUer

Presence Inwood Athletic Club; Rialto Square Theatre; TCBY; The Great American Bagel;Will County Executive Larry Walsh; and WJOL 1340-AM Nextmedia.

The Alumni Association is also thankful for the support that was received from Santa’s special elves: Abe Conde Photos, Cheryl McCarthy, Teresa Gibson, Michaelynn Rogers, John Randich and Mark Turk.

News TRANSPORTATION

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

9

Kirk, Coats stress Illiana to keep region competitive Senators highlight economic importance of proposed $1.5 billion highway project

By Alex V. Hernandez Staff Reporter

U.S. Senators Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Dan Coats, R-Ind, joined other Illinois and Indiana leaders Dec. 6 at the Union League Club of Chicago to highlight the U.S. Senator U.S. Senator Dan Coats, R-Ind economic importance of Mark Kirk, R-Ill the proposed $1.5 billion Illiana project.

QUICK FACT: “The Illiana expressway Toll revenues for the new would add approximately roadway are estimated at 9,000 construction jobs between $2.4 billion to $3.8 to our area,” said Kirk. billion over the life of the “The vision here is to public-private build a drag strip to the partnership contract. eastern market. And we will have an estimated 854,000 people coming keep the region economically to this region in the next 30 competitive. “This action is years, so we won’t have any taken out of our concern that issues getting the toll money in this area.”

It’s estimated that the proposed 47-mile toll way, stretching from Interstate 55 near Wilmington in Will County to Interstate 65 in Porter County, Ind., would generate about $1.3 billion in wages over that 30year period.

Additionally officials estimate it could generate $1 million in daily travel time savings and help commercial traffic bypass the Chicago metropolitan area.

Toll revenues for the new roadway are estimated at between $2.4 billion to $3.8 billion over the life of the publicprivate partnership contract.

“Anyone who has driven down the corridor knows this is already a congestion point,” said Coats. He stressed the Illiana project is a way to

those looking to expand will look elsewhere.”

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee already approved the Illinois segment of the project on Oct. 17.Meanwhile the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Transportation Policy Committee (NIRPC) approved the plan on Dec. 3. If NIRPC votes in favor of including the Illiana Expressway project in its long-term regional comprehensive plan Dec. 12 the project could break ground as early as 2015.

“The buildup of the intermodal facilities in Will County happened at the end of the economic boom,” said Will County Board member Don Moran, D-Romeoville. “Right now, it’s the largest inland port in North America, but the ability to move trucks between the intermodal facilities is becoming

increasingly difficult.”

Moran went on to say it would be cheaper to address the issue of congestion now than to wait for the problem to get out of hand when the cost of fixing it becomes prohibitively expensive. He said this would ensure the region remains “the center of the universe for freight traffic.”

As for concerns the project would burden area taxpayers, both Kirk and Coats stressed the public-private partnership contract would prevent that.

With Coats saying that federal funding is in short supply for highway projects and that tax revenues for gas has been steadily declining.

“Right now, we’re experiencing (political) gridlock in Washington, D.C.,” said Kirk. “Our goal is to move forward on this.”

Coats agreed, and said publicprivate partnerships are the future for projects like Illiana.

However Kirk also said whether Illiana becomes a priority project would depend on the private investor market.

Concerning overdevelopment and the impact Illiana would have on the environment of the region, Kirk said it would be up to each individual municipality make sure their community’s concerns were addressed.

“I don’t know any road built that hasn’t been controversial,” said Kirk.

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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

Crossword Puzzle

Across 1 Take off politely, as one’s hat 5 Small silvery fish 10 Ogden’s state 14 “The African Queen” coscreenwriter 15 Apple drink 16 Golfer Ballesteros 17 1976 debut single for Heart 19 Yoked bovines 20 The Beatles’ “And I Love __” 21 Metal-yielding rocks 22 Practices in a ring 23 21-Across tester 25 Chasing 27 Stable warmer 31 Hiding places in walls 34 Wild pig 35 “We __ the Champions” 36 Jack of old Westerns 37 Nationality of the two leaders suggested by the starts of

Down 17-, 27-, 43- and 57-Across 39 Not left out of 40 Pallid 41 Latvian capital 42 Move with ease 43 Biding one’s time 47 Like pretentious gallery-goers 48 Crime against one’s country 52 Follow 54 Carson’s predecessor 55 Mary’s little lamb, perhaps 56 Cabernet containers 57 Informal name for the double bass 60 Correct copy 61 Native Alaskan 62 Got long in the tooth 63 A bit blue 64 Garb at the Forum 65 Raises, say

1 Russian cottage 2 Hideous giants 3 Shaking causes 4 Brimless cap 5 Cricket official 6 Ones who dig 21-Across 7 Outshine fruit bars brand 8 Regulus’s constellation 9 __TV: “Not reality.

Actuality.”

10 Golf tournament first played in 1895 11 Portmanteau region between Dallas and Little Rock 12 Solemnly swear 13 Ones in a pecking order 18 They have strings attached 22 Regulus, for one 24 “Beg pardon ...”

25 Leigh Hunt’s “__ Ben Adhem” 26 Linen fiber source 28 WWII torpedo craft 29 Cupid’s Greek counterpart

30 Portable shelter 31 Hems but doesn’t haw?

32 Jai __ 33 Hard to believe 37 Moral lapses 38 Punk star __ Pop 39 Mite 41 Marriage or baptism 42 Dearie, in Dijon 44 Reliable 45 Milano’s land 46 Botanists’ scions 49 Swamp grass 50 Young bird of prey 51 Non-negotiable things 52 On any occasion 53 Zippo 54 Socket insert 57 Bridle piece 58 Half dos 59 Gentle application

Tribune Content Agency 2013

Take 5 Horoscopes Grin and bear it.

Situations may arise this week that you cannot change no matter how much you may want to. Focus your energies on more constructive pursuits to avoid needless frustration.

Don’t get caught up in double talk. Steer clear of conversations in the coming week that may be designed to cloud the facts rather than enlighten. Be confident in your abilities, as fear or doubt may affect your judgment.

Have a purpose. Don’t waste valuable time and resources on a project unless there’s a worthwhile reward at the conclusion. Save important decisions for later in the week, as new information will likely make your choice easier.

Don’t go splitting hairs. Today you’re able to find fault with just about everything but that doesn’t mean you should let everybody know it. Concentrate on being helpful and constructive rather than critical in the week ahead.

Rats are the first to desert a sinking ship. Things may not appear to be going your way this week, but see how events unfold before you head for the lifeboats. Don’t take criticism too seriously.

Just because you hear something doesn’t make it true. The latest gossip this week may have you ready for action, but first consider the sources and do some fact checking before you believe any of it.

It’s all in the details.

You may complete your goals by using shortcuts, but in your haste you may be neglecting the key components that will make it a success. Later in the week, make sure you’re adequately prepared before starting anything new.

Remember who you’re talking to. Your friends will likely just tell you what you want to hear this week, but those who aren’t will tell you only what they want you to hear.

Do your own homework to get to the heart of the matter.

Stick to your guns. It may be simpler to compromise your principals over the next few days, but your integrity would suffer in the process. You may find it more difficult to remain ethical but ultimately it will be for the best.

Bide your time. You may have come up with an absolutely foolproof plan this week, but unless you wait until the timing is perfect to set it in motion, you’ll end up the fool. Remember to expect the unexpected.

Know your limits.

Some circumstances are simply beyond your control and though you may want to change them, you can’t. Instead of trying to achieve the impossible this week, concentrate on working toward practical goals.

There’s always hope.

Even if all your companions have resigned themselves to the bleakest outcome, hold out that it will all turn out for the best. A positive attitude can do wonders to reverse fortunes later in the week.

Sudoku

Jumble

Previous puzzle’s answers

Previous puzzle’s answers

Previous puzzle’s answers

Jumbles: • HOBBY • DRAWL • JUNKET • FELONY

Answer:

The astronaut was successful when he was -“DOWN AND OUT”

INSIDE: Locals contribute for St. Francis basketball teams, page 13; Minooka hoops comeback comes up short, page 17

www.buglenewspapers.com

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

11

Steelmen drop SWSC battle to ‘Brook

By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

Both Bolingbrook and Joliet Central knew that the opening game of the SouthWest Suburban Conference would be a good test for both teams.

It was just that, as Bolingbrook earned the 58-51 win, handing Joliet Central its first loss of the season.

Both coaches, however, know the game is just the start.

“This is going to turn over a bunch of times, we know that,” said Joliet Central coach Jeff Corcoran.“There is no easy game in (this conference).”

Both teams came in playing good basketball as the Raiders dropped just one game in the title match up in Decatur, while the Steelmen came in undefeated.

It was Bolingbrook which came out of the gate hot, as junior guard Prentiss Nixon tallied 14 of his game-high 20 points in the opening quarter.

The Steelmen seemed to figure Nixon out after the explosive start and took complete advantage of a cramp that kept Nixon out midway through the fourth quarter.

He entered the game with just more than four minutes left and immediately hit a basket and to stop a Central run.

“We made some adjustments Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

See STEELMEN, page 12

Kenyon Woodfork goes to the basket in Joliet Central’s 58-51 loss to Bolingbrook Friday.

12

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

Sports STEELMEN Continued from page 11 and then he came back in and stole that basket,” Corcoran said.

“That was big for them.”

The Raiders made it their defensive goal to hold Central’s leading scorer Jonah Coble, which they did, allowing him only 10 points.

“The goal was to keep him out of the paint and keep him off the three-point line,” Nixon said.

“When he drove to the lane, we helped and we tried to push him off the line and it worked.”

Being a competitor, Corcoran knew his star was not happy with his performance.

“Jonah is frustrated tonight because he is such a competitor, He got two quick fouls and he came back and had a good game,”

Corcoran said.

Antonio Dyson picked up some of the slack for the Steelmen, scoring 12 points to go along with 11 rebounds and five blocks.

“In my opinion, he was getting used to the system and this is what I feel is his best game so far,” Corcoran said. “He can change some things for us.”

For Bolingbrook, Shakur Triplett tallied 12 and nine rebounds, while Gage Davis and Devon Sams scored 11 each.

The Raiders were still without Kenny Williams, who they are hoping returns for the McDipper Christmas Tournament at Rich South.

“He will bring a whole new dimension on the block that we didn’t have tonight,” Brost said.

So, as much as the game was a big opener for both teams in league play, it really just showed both what they need to work on.

“We want to pressure and create tempo,” Corcoran said,“The first thing we had on the board is no TO or TO, meaning no turnover for turnover. What is the point of us getting the turnover if we are going to give it right back? To play like we did and lose by eight, I don’t want to say I am happy, but it is something maybe we needed now. It shows us what we need to work on.”

Brost had the same feeling about the win.

“Overall, I wasn’t happy with how we played,” he said. “We just beat a 5-0 team and I feel like we didn’t play very well.We have a lot of things to work on. One of the signs of a good team is to not play our best game and still find a way to win. We did that tonight. We turned the ball over too much and we have things to clean up and we have to do that in a hurry.” mark@buglenewspapers.com

Sports

Locals contribute for USF

By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

Not only is the University of St. Francis looking to build up its women’s basketball program with second-year head coach and former Joliet Catholic Academy star Sam Quigley, but it is also doing so with a lot of local talent.

The current USF roster features eight of the 13 rostered players from the greater Joliet area, seven of them residing in the Voyager Media coverage zone.

Those local players not only dominate the roster, they serve as key contributors.

Senior Paige Stankus, a See USF, page 16

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

Joliet West alum Khadija Cooley is a guard for St. Francis.

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

13

14

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

Sports

Day competes in all-star volleyball game

By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter

For the fourth straight season, SportstownChicago.com posted an All-Star volleyball

game that allowed some of the top high school seniors in the Chicagoland area one more chance to play representing See DAY, page 15

Mark Gregory/Bugle Staff

Minooka’s Skyler Day competed in the SportstownChicago.com All-Star game.

Sports DAY Continued from page 14 their high school teams.

The game was held on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton.

Three members of the Voyager Media coverage area competed in the game. All three were recently named to the 2013 Voyager Media All-Area Team.

Competing in the game were Minooka’s Skyler Day, who posted 248 kills, 23 blocks and 27 aces this season, as well as Bolingbrook outside hitter Krissa Gearing, who posted 420 kills, 37 aces and 472 total points scored this season and

Caroline Wolf, the Benet libero who posted 562 digs this season, which is the most all-time in Benet history.

All three players were members of the same team in the game and enjoyed their final game as representatives of their high school teams.

“I pretty much know everyone here and it is great playing with them,” said Wolf, who will attend Wake Forest next season. “It was great playing against Anni (Annika Albrecht) because she is home schooled. I play club with six of these girls, so it was great and it was for a good cause.”

The game featured Team White and Team Pink and raised awareness for breast cancer research.

“It felt good playing in our last game for the high school and now it is back to club. It was great. I live playing together with kids from all over the state,” said Gearing, who will play next season for Southeast Missouri State University.

Day said she was honored to get the call to play.

“It was an honor and I am blessed to be able to be part of this. It was great to be considered one of the best,” said Day, who will play at Buffalo University next season. These are the best of the best and that was a lot of fun. It was challenging not having played with the people next to you before, but it was still a lot of fun. It was cool, I got to play with and against

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013 some of the kids from my club.

It was also really good that I was able to play against a lot of the biggest rivals.”

All of the players still have work to do before heading off to their colleges, as they will head right into club season.

“I am ready to start club and college. I will miss high school, but it was a good run and I will remember it forever,” Wolf said.

Prior to the All-Star game, the event featured a showcase for unsigned high school seniors.

The game also featured Team Pink vs. Team White and Joliet Catholic Academy’s Julia Shemaintis, Plainfield East’s Briana McGee and Westmont’s Haley Bueser and Vanessa

15

Possidoni were invited to show their skills to scouts.

BOYS BOWLING Minooka placed fourth at the Oswego East Invite Saturday with a 5,897 total. Plainfield North won with a 6,041.

Kai Devine placed seventh with a 1,264, while John Kauffman was right behind with a 1,260.

GIRLS HOOPS Minooka (5-1, 1-0) beat Plainfield North 54-34. Kelly Carnagio had 17 points, Erin Heide scored 12 points and Brooklyn Bachman had 11. mark@buglenewspapers.com

16

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

USF Continued from page 13 Plainfield South graduate, averages 5.0 points per game.

Fellow senior Marissa Draper from Joliet Township is averaging 5.1 points per game.

Joliet Catholic Academy graduate Mary Rouse and Romeoville alum Angelica Osusky, both freshmen, average 3.3 and 2.7 points per game, respectively.

Sophomore Khadija Cooley (Joliet West) averages 2.0 points per contest.

Minooka graduates Caleigh

Hill, a junior from Shorewood, and Sara Placher, a freshman, average 1.7 and 1.2 points per game, respectively.

Romeoville graduate Christina Gonzalez is a sophomore on the Saints’ roster.

“This is fun,” Quigley said. “It is really cool that we have this much talent in the Joliet area.

They have all played together or played against each other. USF is a great place with a lot of great people. It isn’t very hard to sell because it really is a special place.

Being local, all their coaches and high school teammates can come watch them, so it really is cool.”

Cooley said having locals on the team makes it easier to come together. Some even played in the annual Voyager Media All-Star game together. In fact, Stankus, Rouse, Osusky, Placher, Gonzalez and Cooley all played in the allstar game.

“It makes me more comfortable on the floor,” Cooley said. “Even though we are new as a team, it makes us gel that much more as a team because we have played together and against each other.

It is nice that we are all from the area, we are all getting our education together and playing together and growing together so it is pretty nice.”

“I love it,” Rouse added about playing with local players. “I played with Angelica in travel basketball and I played against (Kaitlyn Ray from Lincoln-Way West) my freshman year, so it is nice that we are all from the area.

It is a lot of fun.”

The Saints recently got a verbal commitment from another JCA player, as Christina Ekhomu will join USF next year.

“If a recruit comes in they are not really new because we have played with them before so it is more like a girls night,” Cooley said.

“I got to be honest,” Rouse said.

“I could tell her this is a great

Sports school, I love my team and it’s a great program.”

The Saints’ program also brought in Placher, who did not make USF her first choice.

“I went away to Ashford but I came home because I was homesick and she (Quigley) gave me another chance to play and I am very thankful for that,” Placher said. “I didn’t think I would have a chance to play again. There are a lot of people on the team now I played against in conference and I have known Angelica from playing against her and I played against Mary, so it is really nice being around them. I was less nervous than going to a whole new place again. It was nice to see familiar faces. It was just natural.”

MEN The Saints’ men’s team is also loaded with area players, many of whom competed in the Voyager Media All-Star game their senior seasons.

Brian Edwards (Joliet West, Joliet), Jaylen Thompson (Plainfield East,Plainfield),Edvinas Presniakovas (Plainfield South, Plainfield) and Jean Pietrzak (Westmont, Westmont) all played in the game and are now playing for the Saints. Lockport alum Brandon Sawin and Mack Brown (Plainfield East, Romeoville) are also on the team.

“It was an easy adjustment for me and the chemistry was there already,” Edwards said. “The AllStar game is always nice to see the top players in the area. With Eddie (Presniakovas) being in the same All-Star game as me, I already felt like we are a team.”

“The familiarity they have with one another helps,” first-year St. Francis coach Ryan Marks said.

“They talk about other games and they understand each other.

They take pride that there is such good basketball in this area.”

Scott Taylor/Bugle Staff

Joliet native Brian Edwards is a contributor for St. Francis.

Edwards likes being able to play home games in front of friends and family.

“It’s great,” Edwards said.

“People come out and see me every home game. Everybody gives me a lot of support. It feels good to have my family come and watch me play.”

Edwards currently averages 7.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 21.3 minutes per game. He leads the team with 15 steals.

St. Francis faced undefeated Lewis Dec. 4 and Edwards finished with four points and two boards in 12 minutes of play.

The Saints lost to the Division II

squad 74-64.

“I love the challenge,” Edwards said.“They are a great team.They beat a D-I team. I thought we came out and battled, but they had a good game. I love playing against this competition.”

Marks is looking forward to continuing the recruitment of local athletes.

“There’s so many of them,” Marks said. “You always have a segment of kids who want to go away, but the ones that are interested in staying close to home and like playing in front of family and friends are the ones we need to have on our radar.”

Scott Taylor contributed

buglenewspapers.com/basketball

THE BUGLE DECEMBER 11, 2013

17

Plainfield North holds off Minooka rally

By Scott Taylor Sports Editor

For much of three quarters Plainfield North had things rolling in its Southwest Prairie Conference opener.

It held a 22-point lead midway through the third quarter at home against Minooka Friday.

The Indians fought back though and made it a game. But in the end, it was the Tigers who held on for the 66-58 win.

“When we play well we are a tough team to beat,” North coach Robert Krahulik said. “We have three really good weapons plus a big man that when he is playing well is very good. We’re very deep so when we bring guys off the bench, they can hit shots too.

When we’re playing well, we’re going to be tough to beat. But when we lack focus and don’t play defense, we can get beat by anybody.”

The Tigers (6-0) opened with a 17-13 lead after one quarter as Jake Nowak drilled three threepointers.

“Everybody is hyped in the beginning,” Nowak said.“My shot was going today and it felt good.”

That lead ballooned to 36-22 at the half and was 51-29 in the third before Minooka made its run.

“We were hitting,” said North’s Trevor Stumpe,who had 18 points in the middle two quarters. “We have shooters. And when I drive, people converge on me and I have shooters who can knock down open shots and they were hitting today.”

The Indians answered with the final 10 points of the third quarter and went on a 17-2 run overall to cut the score to 53-46.

“We came in from the locker room and we knew we had to work hard,” Minooka senior Jake Smith said. “We put it together and got some points back, but it wasn’t enough. Our intensity just wasn’t there in the first half and in the second half we felt the pressure.”

“I’m not happy with digging

that big of a hole,” Minooka coach Scott Tanaka said. “If there is a silver lining it is that we were willing to fight and get back into the game. We need to learn to play with a sense of urgency much earlier in the basketball game.”

Stumpe picked up his fifth foul with three minutes left in the game on a Neal Tyrell threepointer. Tyrell made two of three freebies and the score was 57-52.

A Smith three-pointer a minute later, his fifth of the game, trimmed the deficit back to five for the Indians at 62-57. However, the Tigers were able to hold on in the last minute for the win.

“It’s just something that happens,” Smith said of his shooting. “The offense is based around whoever is hot that day. I was just hitting shots today.”

Part of the reason for the slow start for the Indians may have been their inexperience.

“We have a lot of guys who don’t have a lot of varsity experience,” Tanaka said. “However much you say it, you just have to get them out there. It took a little bit of a hit in the mouth for us to get it going, but when we did I think our kids did a good job of fighting.”

Meanwhile, with Stumpe sidelined with the fouls, it forced the younger players to take on a larger role down the stretch for North.

“That was actually good for us for the future,” Krahulik said.

“It shows that we can win with multiple players. It gives them confidence to play at the end of games and not just rely on him.”

“I’m really proud of our guys,” Stumpe said.“I fouled out and am one of the primary free throw shooters, but the other guys stepped up. Coach has us play defense in practice with our hands behind our back, but it didn’t really work out tonight.”

Stumpe finished with 22 points and Nowak had 17 for North.

Smith paced the Indians with 21.

Follow Scott @Taylor_Sports staylor@buglenewspapers.com

Scott Taylor/Bugle Staff

Jake Smith scored 21 points and had five three-pointers for Minooka in a 66-58 loss to Plainfield North.

18

Business & Real Estate

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

Dealing with a boss who overpromises Q. We’re getting near the end of the year, and my boss has promised his managers he will deliver the moon.

Every day he puts ridiculous pressure on our team to deliver the impossible.

I don’t want to end up unemployed at the end of the year because my boss wanted to look like God to his manager. How do I manage my boss’s ridiculous demands?

A.You can manage your boss’s ridiculous demands in two steps: 1) Keep your frustrations about his unrealistic promises to yourself. 2) Put your boss in the hot seat to give you the road map to deliver on his promises.

Your boss probably has a great deal of pressure from his management to make his team and his superiors look good. Some managers may even promise the moon because they

figure they may get promoted before they have to deliver.

Be aware that your boss, himself, probably realizes even Superman would disappoint your upper management. You are correct that the last thing you’d want is to end up fired because your boss makes you the fall guy for his crazy promises.

You also probably realize you can’t simply look at your boss, tell him he is nuts, and refuse to help him with his plans.

What you can do is innocently inquire about how your boss would achieve these goals.

Make sure you get him to be specific and step-by-step in his instruction.

The first defense of a person who overpromises is to stick to vague instructions.

Don’t let your boss get away with platitudes and grand concepts. Keep looking confused as you query him about how to implement his

noble goals.

Most of my clients find it embarrassing to maintain such a deeply confused and inquisitive stance with their boss. But you need to maintain this stance until your boss starts admitting he has overstretched or you will be hung out to dry for not achieving the impossible.

For instance, your boss has promised that your team will “fly” at the next meeting. If you let your boss give you vague lectures on the benefits of flying, you will be blamed when you fail to lift off. If instead you look confused and ask for the exact steps he has used to fly, he will have to admit ignorance.

If you argue with your boss’s goals or refuse to help him, you will soon be reading the want ads.

If you proceed as if your boss’s goals are realistic and admit you just need some coaching, he will be forced to reconsider his impossible expectations.

I know it would be emotionally satisfying to get your boss to admit he has

The first defense of a person who overpromises is to stick to vague instructions.

Don’t let your boss get away with platitudes and grand concepts. impressed his management at your expense. But this satisfaction will only make your boss your enemy.

If you can choose to appear aligned with your boss’s plan and require him to coach you on implementation, you will keep your job and your boss’s good will.

The last word(s) Q. Is it my imagination or do a lot of my coworkers say one thing, do another and then act like they did what they originally said?

If I’m right, why don’t people see when they do the opposite of what they promise?

A. Yes, you are right. The reason is people are mostly

driven by their unconscious mind, which in most people is like the blind spot in their cars. This column is how about how not to get run over by the unconscious (yours and others’)!

(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). You can contact Dr. Skube at www.interpersonaledge. com or 1420 NW Gilman Blvd., #2845, Issaquah, WA 98027. Sorry, no personal replies.)

(c) 2013 INTERPERSONAL EDGE DISTRIBUTED

BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Dave Says: Breaking down the baby timeline Dear Dave, I’m in the military, and my wife and I have $13,000 in the bank along with $35,000 in a Roth IRA. We also have no debt, and we put $3,500 into our savings account each month. Our new baby is due to arrive in January, so do you think this would be a good time to buy our first home?

Tom Dear Tom, Based on the market alone, it’s a great time to buy a house.

Interest rates are fantastic, and prices are recovering but still buyer-friendly. However, considering your wife’s delivery date and the fact that it takes a while to find and complete the process of buying a home, I think I’d wait on this. Moving is stressful enough under normal circumstances, but combining that with a pregnancy could shoot your wife’s stress levels

into the stratosphere. I really don’t think you want to do that to her.

And speaking as an old married guy, it’s something you don’t want to experience, either.

Another thing to consider is if there’s a good chance you’ll be reassigned in the next four or five years. We work with the military a lot, and that means we see people who buy, and get stuck with homes all over the country.

These places usually become rental homes because they don’t sell quickly. And this is a situation you want to avoid because being a long-distance landlord is a real pain.

If everything falls into place, you could easily have enough set aside for a big down payment a few months after the baby arrives. At that point, things will feel a little more settled. I know the temptation is great right now to move into

a place you can call your own, but you want buying a home to be a blessing, not a curse. Take a little more time, and see how things feel career- and familywise in a few months. That’s my advice.

—Dave

Keep the emergency fund where?

Dear Dave, Is it better to keep your emergency fund in a certificate of deposit or a money market account?

Tiffany Dear Tiffany, Right now, a short-term certificate of deposit (CD) pays about the same as a money market account. The problem is you’re only going to make about 1 percent with either one. The good thing about a money market, though, is that there are no early withdrawal

In my mind, an emergency fund isn’t there for the purpose of making money. It needs to just sit safe and sound until it’s needed.

fees attached.

In my mind, an emergency fund isn’t there for the purpose of making money. It needs to just sit safe and sound until it’s needed. It should also be in a program where it’s easily accessible and there are no stupid fees or penalties for simply using your own money.

So, yeah, savings interest rates right now are aggravating. But you don’t have 3- or 4-percenthome-mortgage world without a 1-percent CD world. They kind of go together. Just remember that interest rates aren’t the end game when it comes to your emergency fund.

You want three to six months of expenses just sitting there, waiting for life to happen.Trust me, it will!

—Dave *Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times bestselling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership.

The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Ramsey on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

Business & Real Estate

THE BUGLE/SENTINEL DECEMBER 11, 2013

WILL COUNTY

19

Greuling: 2013 a Good Year, but More Work to Do John Greuling, CED president and CEO, informed stockholders how their investments had paid off at Dec. 6 meeting and warehousing.Those include: Home Depot – CenterPoint Intermodal Businesses and Center – Joliet 1.6 government entities million-sf (300 jobs) pay thousands of FedEx Ground – dollars a year to Romeoville 238,000-sf partner with the (270 jobs) Will County Center Vintage Tech for Economic John Greuling, CEO and President of the Recycling – Plainfield Development on 160,000-sf (100 jobs) finding the best ways Will County Center for Economic “Home Depot’s to strengthen each Development largest North American for the benefit of all. distribution center is in On Dec. 6, John Will County,” Greuling said.“That Greuling, CED president and makes a large statement.”

CEO, told a couple hundred In all, he said, 67 businesses stockholders how their recruited, expanded or retained, investments have paid off. with $850,000,000 in new In his Annual Report to capital investment, and those Investors, Greuling said the new jobs brought with them bottom line is job creation. He more than $175 Million in new saidWill County s unemployment annual salaries and benefits. rate is 8.1 percent; we d like to Infrastructure growth was see it around 5 ½ to 6 percent. But it s a struggle More businesses huge in 2023, Greuling said, with are learning to do with fewer public-private partnerships set up by the state to further the employees.

Still, Greuling said, Will County South Suburban Airport and added nearly 5,500 jobs this Illiana Tollway. But the county year, more than 1,100 in the still needs to continue to pound targeted area of transportation away at plans for adding lanes

By Nick Reiher Managing Editor

to Interstate 80 from U.S. 30 to the Grundy County line, the Interstate 55/Weber Road interchange, the I55/U.S. 6 interchange and the I-80 and Houbolt Road interchange.

Although Will County has made a name for itself globally by marketing its intermodals to become the largest inland port in North America, Greuling said the contentious Illiana debate with some officials from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency Board “showed we’re still not getting the word out.”

During the debate, CMAP Chair Gerald Bennett called the Illiana a “highway to nowhere land” and referred to Will County as a “wasteland.”

He apologized for the latter comment.

Likewise, keynote speaker Adam Pollet, Director Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, cautioned those in the audience from buying in to the belief that Illinois is bad for business.

Although he agreed there is a lot of room for improvement, he said the state is fifth in the nation for business location and easily outperforms other Midwestern states for job creation.

Asked about the state’s reluctance to offer incentives for business attraction or retention,

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ...

Will County Center for Economic Development The CED is a dynamic organization that brings the public and private sectors together creating an environment where successful businesses will prosper by providing a forum for communication, cooperation, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Will County, one of the fastest growing counties in the United States, is also the home to 37 distinctive municipalities and 24 townships covering 850 square miles of urban, suburban, and rural life –in many ways a microcosm of the U.S. Will County is fortunate by its unique location.

• 50,000 new jobs are anticipated to be created within the next decade • Rapidly growing population with increasing diversity and wealth • Diversified economic base • Global Transportation Center, the largest North American intermodal center • Diversity of settings with ample parks and open space • Two-thirds (2/3) of the land is undeveloped Source: the Will County Center for Economic Development’s Official website

Pollet said they can play a role when offering to a business in a targeted sector of the state.

Generally, however, incentives account for only about a tenth of job growth.The rest is attributed to growing the business from the ground up.

It’s better to create a better overall climate for business, he added.

One questioner wanted to know if Illinois elected officials thought about going to other states to cherry pick business

the way some from other states have done in Illinois.

“Poaching companies is not an economic development strategy,” Pollet said. “It’s politics. “It’s all about (the politicians).

“The governor is not going to go to Washington State because Boeing is having problems in its home state. But we will put together a competitive (Request for Proposal). We will go to trade shows and tell all of what Illinois has to offer.”

Rogina honored with inaugural Frank Turk Award Frank Turk, president of Turk Furniture, was co-founder of Center for Economic Development in 1980s

By Nick Reiher Managing Editor

Bob Rogina of Rogina and Associates was awarded the first Frank Turk Business and CommunityAchievementAward by the Will County Center for Economic Development at its annual report to investors Dec. 6.

The award was given in honor of Frank Turk Jr. who passed away in April at age 83. Turk, president of Turk Furniture, was a co-founder of the CED in the 1980s when Joliet’s

unemployment rate, following plant closings at U.S. Steel and Texaco, exceeded 20 percent.

Rogina was surprised at the award, having been told another CED member was to receive it.

He told the large group gathered in the ballroom of Joliet’s Holiday Inn that he was honored because of whose name the award bears and the wealth of good he achieved for the community.

CED officials said Rogina was given the award “For His Personal Commitment and

Bob Rogina of Rogina and Associates

Generosity to the Economic and Community Development of Will County, IL, Improving the Quality of Life for All of Its Residents.”

John Greuling, president and CEO of the Will County CED,

joked that his four-hour car tour with Rogina was his final test before being hired as CEO. As well as his work with CED, which includes chairing its Government Affairs Committee and serving on the CED board and its Foundation, Rogina, has more than 35 years of project management experience that includes transportation and municipal planning, engineering studies, design engineering, and construction services for significant projects in one of the fastest growing counties in the Chicago suburban metropolitan area.

He is involved in all facets of public works.

Transportation projects through the firm of Rogina & Associates, Ltd. include the design of highways, arterial/

collector roads, local roads and streets, interchanges, intersections and signalized intersections, surface parking facilities and subdivision drives.

Significant projects include a 386-acre business park on Interstate 80 frontage, corporate office and truck dispatch terminal, 145,000 square foot corporate complex with distribution facility accommodating 700 employees on nearly 160-acres, and a 1,000 single-family lot residential subdivision with infrastructure costs ranging from $5 to over $10 million.

He attended Joliet Junior College and the University of Illinois-Urbana where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering.

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Santa visits Harley Davidson in Shorewood

photos by clare walters | for the sentinel

(From top left, going clockwise) A boy has his picture taken with Santa Saturday at Conrad’s Harley Davidson in Shorewood. Families wait in line to see Santa during a free event Saturday at Conrad’s Harley Davidson in Shorewood. Visitors enjoyed a free pancake buffet during Breakfast with Santa Saturday at Conrad’s Harley Davidson in Shorewood. Children look out the window at a Harley-riding Santa in a snow globe outside of Conrad’s Harley Davidson in Shorewood.

Celebrate the Season Local Parishes Christmas Week Service Schedule

Advertise your parish by calling 815-436-2431 ext. 105

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