Sentinel 1-7-15

JANUARY 7, 2015 VOL. 20 ISSUE 4

Kelley said he is committed to fulfilling his campaign platform

see Page 4

colUMN Mayor’s Message with Rick Chapman We are looking closely at DuPage River and the new park on West Shore Drive

see Page 3

opiNioN Romance will be easier to find at the Shorewood library Our two test fiction categories will be Romance and Christian fiction

see Page 7

FeatUre Medical Memo: Combating the Flu Understanding influenza important to treatment, prevention

see Page 19

sports Tigers tested

Shorewood-Troy Public Library’s window may be finished in February, new programs to begin in 2015 The past year has been an active one for the Shorewood-Troy Public Library, and Director Jennie Mills says more exciting plans are in the works.

“We’re always doing something new,” Mills said. “We feel we accomplished that last year, and it’s only going to get better in 2015.”

The largest project of 2014 is still underway – taking out a structurally unsound two-story window and replacing it with a new one. The venture began in August and took longer than expected with difficulties with the contractor, according to Mills, but is back on track again.

SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

Joliet West plays some of Chicago’s best at Pontiac

see Page 9

One of the biggest changes in 2014 for the Shorewood Troy Public Library was the new youth area downstairs, remodeled in late 2013. Construction of the two-story window, seen in the background, began in 2014 and will likely wrap up in early February.

doWnton aBBey tea Party

dr. Who night at the liBrary

Scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25, where those who enjoy the PBS Masterpiece Theater series can enjoy tea and crumpets, crafting and show screenings.

Reservations may be made now for Dr. Who Night, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.

News

KELLEY ANNOUNCES SHERIFF’S COMMAND STAFF

Wedn esday, January 7, 2015 | shoreW oodsenti nel.com

COUNTY NEWS

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY • JAN. 9 MOSTLY SUNNY

authorities seek information in new years day home invasion, sexual assault

Authorities in Westmont are asking the community for help in gathering information related to a home invasion and sexual assault that took place on New Years Day.

record-high 242 district 202 students named 2015-16 state scholars A record-high 242 District 202 high school seniors have been named 20152016 Illinois State Scholars because of their superior academic potential.

students reach out to the armed forces Central Elementary School students in Jessica Williams’ 5th grade classes raised $440 and used the money to fill and ship 27 care packages to soldiers stationed overseas.

numark donates cold weather gear to the needy

Tis’ the season of giving and that is exactly what the employees of NuMark Credit Union did.

high: 19° low: 13° SATURDAY • JAN. 10 SNOW SHOWERS

high: 27° low: 19°

SUNDAY • JAN. 11 FEW SNOW SHOWERS

high: 30° low: 17°

WeeKend eVent: MUSHER MANIA AT MONEE NEWS .................................................... 3 POLICE BLOTTER ............................ 6 OPINION............................................... 7 CALENDAR .......................................... 9

TAKE 5 .................................................. 10 SPORTS ................................................ 11 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT ......................... 15 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE .......... 18

CLASSIFIEDS ...................................... 18 MONTHLY FEATURE ....................... 19

RESERVOIR VISITOR CENTER PRESERVE. IT’S TIME AGAIN FOR EVERYONE’S FAVORITE WINTER EVENT! IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SIBERIAN HUSKY CLUB OF GREATER CHICAGO, MONEE RESERVOIR WILL HOST THE 21ST ANNUAL “MUSHER MANIA.”

COVER STORY > SHOREWOOD-TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Library’s window may be finished in February New programs to begin in 2015

BY JEANNE MILLSAP fOr the sentinel

sweditor@buglenewspapers.com @ShorewoodNews

The past year has been an active one for the ShorewoodTroy Public Library, and Director Jennie Mills says more exciting plans are in the works.

“We’re always doing something new,” Mills said. “We feel we accomplished that last year, and it’s only going to get better in 2015.”

The largest project of 2014 is still underway – taking out a structurally unsound two-story window and replacing it with a new one.

The venture began in August and took longer than expected with difficulties with the contractor, according to Mills, but is back on track again.

Exterior masonry is complete, and Mills said the new brick matches the old perfectly.

Workers are currently putting up drywall, and then painting the wall and measuring for the new

window are the next steps. Once measurements are sent in, the frame and glass will be custom made, and the window could arrive in early February.

It was initially hoped the installation could be done on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when the library would be closed, but work did not progress quickly enough to meet that deadline.

Mills said it will be difficult to have the library open when the window goes in, as there will be an extended period of time where the wall will be open to the outside.

“We will probably just close the library,” she said of the day the window will go in.

There will still be work done in the library on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, however. Mills said the scheduled closing of the building for the holiday will be the perfect time for some electrical work recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration during its December inspection. On that day, floor electrical outlets will be installed for computer connections.

Currently, the library’s computers are

sUBMitted photoi

one of the biggest changes in 2014 for the shorewood troy public library was the new youth area downstairs, remodeled in late 2013. construction of the two-story window, seen in the background, began in 2014 and will likely wrap up in early February. connected to surge protectors.

Also new to the library in 2015 will be dedicated sections for Christian fiction and romance books, a change Mills said other libraries are instituting, as well.

“I think it would be helpful,” she said. “If that works, we’ll pull out mysteries and science fiction later.”

Programs will grow at the library with the New Year, as

well, with a Downton Abbey Tea Party scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, where those who enjoy the PBS Masterpiece Theater series can enjoy tea and crumpets, crafting and show screenings.

Reservations may be made now for Dr. Who Night, which is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, at 7 p.m., and Minecraft parties are scheduled monthly

for those who are fans of the video game. And for those who received new tablets, laptops or phones for Christmas, the library is hosting a “Tech Basics: Tablets and iPads” event on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

The past year was a busy one, too, Mills said, with the hiring of new Children’s Department Head Tiernen Peacy-Dye, who is introducing more STEM features to the department, and new Child Outreach Librarian Kristin McGaffic, who is partnering the library with area schools and daycare centers.

The library has also extended its weekend hours, allowing the building to be open for 71, rather than 68, hours each week.

“It will be a test period until May,” Mills said, “because the board wants to make sure the library is getting used during the new weekend hours.”

Also new in 2014 is a private study room, converted from a staff copy room, for patrons who need a little more quiet or privacy for study or small conversations.

Mills said it’s great for tutoring or college students working with a partner.

Wedn esday, January 7, 2015 | shoreW oodsenti nel.com

3

GUEST COLUMN

We are looking closely at DuPage River and the new park on West Shore Drive Happy New Year, Shorewood! I sincerely hope that 2014 was a good year for you and that 2015 will be better.

Here it is New Year’s Eve at 8 o’clock in the morning. For the first time in years, my wife Shirley and I have plans for this evening. We are going to my daughter’s house in Shorewood to meet with family and friends. We probably won’t be there when the “Ball” drops, because that’s way past our bedtime. Nonetheless, it should be a good time. We both hope you have a good safe New Year’s also.

Please watch closely for your property tax rebate form that was part of your November or December water bill. It should only take a few short minutes to fill it out. Return it to the Village as soon as you can.

You can also fill out the form on line by going to the Village’s website.

Also watch for the new quarterly park and recreation booklet that will arrive at your house. We are planning more and bigger events for this upcoming year. The idea that I have is to make our home of Shorewood the place we all want to live and play. Each year, we hope to

The idea that I have is to make our home of Shorewood the place we all want to live and play. Each year, we hope to add and improve events to be held at our parks and Town Center area. add and improve events to be held at our parks and Town Center area.

We also are looking closely at the beautiful DuPage River and the new park on West Shore Drive, hoping to take advantage of a wonderful natural resource God bestowed on Shorewood. Again, Happy New Year, Shorewood!

Mayor Rick Chapman

COMMUNITY BULLETIN

AARP Tax Preparation offered at White Oak Library District Free tax prep service is provided by AARP, Will County Senior Services Center The White Oak Library District’s Lockport Branch Library, 121 E. 8th St. has been designated as an AARP Tax Preparation site for seniors and/or low-income citizens.

The free tax preparation service is provided by AARP and the Will County Senior Services Center.

Volunteer tax preparers are unpaid, and provide this service on their own time.

These volunteers are IRS Tax Law Certified. All returns will be electronically filed (e-file). This tax preparation service is available from Tuesday, Feb. 3, through Tuesday, April 14.

Tax preparation is done by appointment only.

Appointments for citizens wishing to take advantage of this service are now being accepted by calling the Lockport Branch Library at 815-552-4260, or in person at the Adult Services Desk, Lockport Branch Library.

Contact the Adult Services Desk, Lockport Branch Library, at 815552-4260, to make an appointment or for more information on this program.

‘doWnton aBBey’ Program at White oaK The White Oak Library District will present the “Chat About Downton Abbey” program from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, in the 2nd Floor, Meeting Room B, at its Lockport Branch Library, 121 E. 8th St. Tea and scones will be served.

Registration preferred, but walkins are welcome.

Register online at http://www.

TAX PREPARATION

Tax preparation is done by appointment only.

Appointments for citizens wishing to take advantage of this service are now being accepted by calling the Lockport Branch Library at 815-552-4260, or in person at the Adult Services Desk, Lockport Branch Library.

whiteoaklibrary.org, or contact the Adult Services Desk, Lockport Branch Library, at 815-552-4260.

sUBMitted photo

shorewood lions club / troy wm.B. orenic intermediate school sixth Grade students and troy Middle school seventh and eighth Grade students of the Month for November are, from left, seated Front row, 6th Graders, amelia tracy, isaac rios, aidan sheehan 6th accelerated sarah Babyak, 7th Graders peyton ditello, Jason hoffman, Back row standing 7th Graders Martwaine robinson, Margaret “Meg” petrilla, 7th accelerated taylor durak, 8th Graders kayla Flynn, Jabari harris, lauren peters, liliana canchola and James Mcdonald shorewood lions club. (Not pictured 8th Grade accelerated alexa Berg).

4

TWITTER: Readers, Send us a #selfie of you reading @Buglenewspapers & you could be featured in an upcoming issue!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

county news

Kelley announces sheriff’s command staff Kelley said he is committed to fulfilling his campaign platform

the future, I am committed to new challenges and for the opportunity to increase efficiency within the Sheriff’s Office.

“Together with my new command staff, I am confident that our years of experience, knowledge, professionalism, and dedication, will be met Will County Sheriff with the main focus on Mike Kelley announced quality of life, safety and Dec. 31 that he security for all residents of has completed the Will County.” promotions of command Kelleysaiditmaytakesome staff that will assist Mike Kelley time, but he is committed him during his term as Will County Sheriff to fulfilling his campaign Sheriff. platform, including moving “I want to thank all of the outgoing administrators the sheriffs’ foreclosure sales infor their many years of dedication house, which could potentially and service to our department,” provide the Sheriff’s Office with Kelley said in a release. “As I look to substantial revenue; the need to

will county promotions

The following promotions took place since Sheriff Kelley was sworn in on Dec. 1: Undersheriff, Robert Contro Deputy Chief of Enforcement Division, Thomas Budde Deputy Chief of Support Services, Jerry Nudera Deputy Chief of Special Operations and Investigations, Richard Ackerson Adult Detention Facility Command Staff Chief Deputy Warden - Bradley Josephson Deputy Chief of ADF Operations, Stuart Taylor Deputy Chief of ADF Support Services, Dale Santerelli

construct a secure evidence storage facility; and looking into alternative working shifts for deputies.

forest preserve

District offers bald eagle, snowshoeing, history programs to community Brigade members will demonstrate their skills as potters, musket shooters, cooks A “Living History Demonstration” will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road. Watch Isle a la Cache Brigade volunteers re-enact life in the 1700s as they portray voyageurs, courier du bois, French women, Metis and Native Americans. Brigade members will demonstrate their skills as potters, musket shooters, cooks, seamstresses or craftsmen.

Registration is not required for the free, all-ages program, which is held indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.

MONEE –The Forest Preserve District of Will County is offering an incentive during its “Warm Up to Snowshoeing” program. Rent one pair of snowshoes and get a second pair to use for free. The program will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, through Sunday, Jan. 18, at Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave. Dress for the

A “Living History Demonstration”

jan.11 3 p.m.

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E. Romeo Road More information can be found at: ReconnectWithNature.org.

weather. Registration is not required for this program, which is for ages 7 and older. The snowshoe rental fee is $10 per pair for all-day use with a $10 cash deposit and a valid driver’s license or state ID. BEECHER – Three sessions of “Nature Play Days for Parents and Tots” are set for 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 14, Feb. 11 and March 11, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S. Dutton Road. Activities may include hikes, stories, games, dancing or playing.

Be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities. The free program is designed for children ages 3 to 5 who are accompanied by an adult, but younger children are welcome.

Registration is required; call 708946-2216.

CHANNAHON – Search for American bald eagles wintering along the Des Plaines River during a self-guided “Eagle Watch on the River” tour on paved paths around the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane. The program will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, through Friday, Jan. 16, and again onWednesday, Jan. 28, through Friday, Jan. 30. Bring binoculars and a camera. Stop at the center to learn more about eagles as you sip on a free hot beverage. Dress for the weather. Registration is not required for the free, all-ages program.

ROMEOVILLE – “Winter Games and Stories” will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road. Share some traditional French and Woodland Indian games indoors and possibly outdoors. Participate in storytelling and create a personal legend.

Registration is required for the free, all-ages program; call 815886-1467. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

INSTAGRAM: Readers, Send us a #selfie of you reading @Buglenewspapers & you could be featured in an upcoming issue!

Wedn esday, January 7, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

county news

Sen. Kirk adds Will County representation to Heroin Task Force At 2nd meeting of the task force Dec. 29, Kirk said the group now will include state’s attorneys, coroners from Will County By nick reiher

managing editor

nreiher@buglenewspapers.com @JolietILNews

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, R-Ill. Added representation from Will County to his Anti-Heroin Task Force.

At the second meeting of the task force Dec. 29, Kirk said the group now will include state’s attorneys and coroners from Will, as well as from Cook, Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Kendall and Kane counties.

Will County Coroner Pat O’Neil said federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration have worked with the county on local programs such as the annual program and smaller events put on by Will County HELPS (Heroin Education Leads to Preventative Solutions).

O’Neil said that work likely helped get them a seat on Kirk’s task force, which he called a significant achievement for combating the heroin epidemic locally. He said raising awareness to the federal level now will help continue to reduce heroin-related deaths even more.

Will County saw 53 heroinrelated deaths in 2012, he said, followed by a decrease to 38 in 2013. As of Dec. 30, O’Neil said, there were 34 reported in the county, with one more possible before the end of the year.

During the meeting, Kirk stressed the importance of making the naloxone nasal spray device, known as Narcan, accessible to first responders. Since January 2014, the intranasal spray device was 100 percent successful in DuPage County, saving each of the 32 people the spray was used

“Narcan is one easy solution to the heroin epidemic that is killing the communities of Illinois, making it imperative we all work together in pushing the FDA to make it available for all first responders. The longer the FDA makes us wait, the more lives we will lose as each day goes by ...”

Mark Kirk, R-Il. U.S. Senator on.

The DuPage County Health Department pays $16 per unit for the intranasal naloxone, compared to nearly $290 for each unit of the naloxone auto-injector.

Senator Kirk sent a letter to the FDA in October urging for the approval of intranasal naloxone to be marketed as soon as possible.

“Narcan is one easy solution to the heroin epidemic that is killing the communities of Illinois, making it imperative we all work together in pushing the FDA to make it available for all first responders,” Kirk said. “The longer the FDA makes us wait, the more lives we will lose as each day goes by.”

Will County Executive Larry Walsh, whose office also has been a major force locally in addressing

the heroin crisis, said the county’s inclusion on the task force is good news. In July, the Will County Board approved using a federal grant to implement a Narcan program through the Will County Health Department.

“I applaud Senator Kirk and many of our other legislators at the state and federal levels who are addressing the serious issue of heroin abuse in our communities,” he said in a statement. “In Will County, we are continuing efforts to expand the Robert Crown heroin prevention curriculum in our schools and implementing other life saving strategies in our fight against heroin.”

O’Neil said the county’s Narcan program will begin shortly, as Bolingbrook Police officers are trained in its use Jan. 7, followed soon after by Will County Sheriff’s personnel and hopefully many others. Use and training for administering Narcan is up to chiefs in the individual departments, he added.

Joliet Police Chief Brian Benton said they expect to be implementing the program early in 2015 as well. He said they have to work out some issues, including where to store the Narcan when not in the squad cars for security and shelf-life concerns.

Kirk launched the task force in October 2014, which is cochaired by DuPage County Coroner Dr. Rich Jorgensen and Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Nerheim. The task force works with suburban counties and community members to fight the spread of heroin use in Illinois’ communities.

Another original member of the task force is Felicia Miceli, whose son Louie passed away from a heroin overdose in 2012 at the age of 24. She feels that if Narcan had been available to first responders, her son’s life may have had a different outcome.

5

www.crimestoppersofwillcounty.org • 800.323.734 Wednesday, January 7, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

18

6

7

9

15 3

2

17

8

5 16

13

4

14 12

11 10

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 Dorothy M. Gonzalez, 49, 5715 Riviera Blvd., was arrested at 5:07 p.m. Dec. 30 at Theodore and Drauden for DUI-alcohol.

1

Richard J. Allen, 67, 1509 Black Road, was arrested at 11:38 a.m. Dec. 30 at 1312 Black for violating an order of protection.

2

Odeh A. Odeh, 23, 2014 Sudbury Drive, was arrested at 3:57 p.m. Dec. 30 at 2014 Sudbury for battery.

3

David G. Gutierrez, 51, 611 E. Cass, was arrested at 6:43 p.m. Dec. 30 at 508 E. Cass for theft.

4

Micah C. Baker, 32, 419 N. Bluff, was arrested at 11:08 p.m. Dec. 30 at 419 N. Bluff for battery.

5

Jeanette C. Kerr, 49, 1509 Waverly Place, was arrested at 7:02 p.m. Dec. 30 at 1509 Waverly for endangering the life and health of a child and domestic battery.

6

Patricia Z. Szabo, 43, 1911 Caton Ridge Drive, Plainfield, was arrested at 7:46 p.m. Dec. 30 at 1401 Route 59 for cruelty to animals.

7

8

Shanteria S. Brand, 31, 509 Bethel, was arrested at

4:21 a.m. Jan. 1 at 509 Bethel for domestic battery and a warrant.

Elizabeth Salazar, 38, 1029 N. Hickory, was arrested at 6:15 a.m. Jan. 1 at 1029 N. Hickory for domestic battery.

9

Brandon L. Watt, 29, 416 Elmwood, was arrested at 12:06 p.m. Jan. 1 at Fifth and Eastern for unlawful use of a weapon by felon, a warrant and unlawful possession of weapon by felon.

10

weapon, felony possession of a weapon, possession of a firearm by street gang member, no FOID card, resisting and obstructing a peace officer and aggravated assault.

Peji C. Patterson, 24, 2219 W. Jefferson, was arrested at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 1 at 2314 Glenwood for domestic battery and endangering the life or health of a child.

13

Alexander J. Liebich, 18, 203 Davis, was arrested at 12:41 p.m. Jan. 1 at Fourth and Hobbs for possession of cannabis.

Stephanie A. Patterson, 22, 2219 W. Jefferson, was arrested at 3:36 p.m. Jan. 1 at 2219 1/2 W. Jefferson for endangering the life or health of a child.

Jerrell M. Amos, 22, 310 Fifth Ave., was arrested at 12:28 p.m. Jan. 1 at Wallace and Joliet for aggravated unlawful use of a

Anthony A. Green, 26, 933 Moen, Rockdale, was arrested at 8:56 p.m. Jan. 1 at Larkin and Ingalls for DUI-alcohol, possession

11

12

14

of drug equipment and DUI-BAC over .08.

Luis J. Sanchez, 33, 610 N. Broadway, was arrested at 9:41 p.m. Jan. 1 at Jackson and Joliet for DUI-alcohol.

16

Marietta Warren, 57, 505 Plainfield Road, was arrested at 1:47 a.m. Jan. 1 at Plainfield and Wilcox for possession of controlled substance.

17

Timothy A. Koch, 40, 2224 Benedict, was arrested at 10:30 p.m. Jan. 1 at 1911 Brier Glen for child pornography by sex offender, sex offender other violation and indecent solicitation of a child.

18

15

At press time, Shorewood police reports were not available.

Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com

Wedn esday, January 7, 2015 | bug leneW spapers.com

7

county news > state’s attorney

Office says 2013 leak of confidential information on Evergreen Terrace does not warrant criminal charge editorial

City’s Code of Ethics could provide avenue to address concern By stEwArt wArrEn STAff REpoRTER

stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren

advertising

production

LAuRA KAtAuSKAS StEwARt wARREN • Mark GreGory • Mike Sandrolini

In January 2013, Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante asked Will County State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow to investigate the leak of sensitive information related to the city’s long-running lawsuit seeking to condemn and then buy the troubled Evergreen Terrace public housing project.

He got an answer late last year. It doesn’t say much of substance.

The city spent many years trying to gain control of Evergreen Terrace, often called ET, the federally subsidized, lowincome apartment buildings at 350 N. Broadway, Joliet. Built during a period of urban renewal in the late 1960s, the 156 units replaced historic 19th Century structures on the west banks of the Des Plaines River.

Officials filed the condemnation lawsuit because they believed the buildings were overcrowded, badly managed and contributed to crime problems in the surrounding area.

When the suit was filed, the city proposed tearing down Evergreen Terrace and building a combination of subsidized and market-rate housing there. In September, a federal judge ruled in the city’s favor.

The issue involving the leak is related to a City Council Executive Session held in August 2013. At that private meeting, Plyman distributed to the Council members detailing a proposed settlement in the Evergreen Terrace case from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

By law, the City Council is allowed to conduct meetings that are closed to the public to discuss certain issues, among them pending litigation and personnel matters, among others.

“Soon afterward and in violation of the standards of executive session, the owners of Evergreen Terrace received a copy of this highly sensitive document,” Giarrante said during the Jan. 7, 2014, City Council meeting, reading from a prepared statement. The mayor then announced that he had asked Glasgow to consider the issue and determine if the leak violated criminal law.

On Oct. 30, 2014, Will County Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Tatroe, the chief of the civil division, wrote a three-page letter to City Attorney Jeff Plyman, who has since retired, on the matter. Plyman’s last day on the job was Oct. 30.

“The privileged document was purportedly turned over to a third party with competing interests in the outcome of the litigation,” Tatroe wrote.

“The outcome of the eminent domain litigation could have significantly impacted the future ownership and configuration of Evergreen Terrace.”

While investigating the matter, Glasgow’s office interviewed Plyman,

examined documents and reviewed recordings from the Executive Session meetings, considered the law, the burden of proof and the City’s municipal code, Tatroe wrote.

In the end, it all went nowhere.

“There is no evidence of any kind of quid pro quo involving this disclosure that would warrant a criminal charge,” Tatroe wrote. “It should be noted that the City’s own Code of Ethics may provide an avenue to address this concern.”

City officials should not disclose privileged or confidential information, Tatroe wrote, directly quoting the code.

Joliet City Manager Jim Hock said there had been no other news on the issue.

“I have not heard anything further from the state’s attorney’s office since Oct. 30,” he said. “I have not heard from the attorney general’s office either.”

Giarrante also had little to say on the issue.

“According to Mary (Tatroe) and the conversations we had with Jeff (Plyman) it is obvious there was a leak but it would be very difficult to prove the source,” the mayor said.

On March 10, the valuation jury trial for Evergreen Terrace will begin, said Mary Kucharz, Joliet’s assistant corporation counsel. It will determine the price that the city will pay for the two different sections of the property, she said. The proceedings are likely to last no more than a few days.

“We should know by mid-March what the numbers are,” Kucharz said.

sales representatives Phil Besler

pbesler@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 107

Joliet, Crest Hill Lockport, Romeoville nicole austin

naustin@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 105

Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Westmont, Woodridge & Lisle

4

enterprise newspapers, inc.

23856 Andrew Road #104 Plainfield, IL 60585 Phone: (815) 436-2431 Fax: (815) 436-2592 MON - FRI: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pat ryan

pryan@enterprisepublications.com 815.436.2431 ext. 106

Plainfield, Shorewood

Maureen vitacco mvitacco@buglenewspapers.com 815.436.2431 ext. 108

Niles, Morton Grove, Des Plaines & Park Ridge

advertising deadlines. Space and copy deadlines for display and classified ads is 12 p.m. Friday before date of insertion.

Email classifieds@buglenewspapers.com | Legals, obituaries and happy ads are due at 12 p.m. Friday. Email announcements@ buglenewspapers.com.

Email Legals@buglenewspapers.com editorial deadlines. Calendar & News: 3 p.m. Monday, three weeks before date of publication. sweditor@buglenewspapers. com

facebook.com/thebuglenewspapers twitter.com/buglenewspapers instagram.com/buglenewspapers

community buLLetin

Romance will be easier to find at library 2-test fiction categories will be Romance, Christian fiction On Monday, Jan. 19th, the Library will be closed in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. But three of our Adult Department staff members will be working to make some books even easier to find! Currently, all of the Shorewood-Troy Library’s fiction books are just organized by author, with no subdivisions (like Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, etc.)

However, we know that browsing for books in a large-ish collection can be a little difficult, especially if you’re just looking for a particular type of book.

So we’re testing pulling out certain collections to make the books easier to locate. Our two test fiction categories will be: Romance and Christian fiction.

So after the 19th (and all the hard work of staff rearranging the books on the shelves), if you’re looking for a paperback romance, or a gentle inspirational read, they’ll be in their own category and their own location. We’ll be happy to show off the changes when they’re done! Just

as a staff member for help locating the new sections. If it seems like the new collections are helping people find the books that they want more quickly, we’ll pull out some additional categories, such as mysteries. Let us know if you like (or don’t like) the changes – we want to hear from you.

Please also feel like you can always give us feedback by talking to our Director, Jennie Mills, by calling 815725-1715 or by emailing her at jmills@ shorewoodtroylibrary.org. This is YOUR library, and we want to make it work for YOU.

FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE 5 MINUTES FOR YOURSELF Wednesday, January 7, 2015 | bug leneW spapers.com

Aries

MArch 21 TO APrIL 20

You can be motivated to aim higher by participating in creative activities in the week ahead. Changing your attitudes can help you shift into high gear and achieve your goals.

gemini

M AY 2 2 T O J U N E 2 1

In the week ahead, you might resolve a financial situation to your satisfaction. It’s possible to clarify joint efforts and come to an understanding with a partner who has worthy worldly ambitions.

leo

J U LY 2 3 T O A U G U S T 2 1

Romantic fantasies or get-rich-schemes could dominate your thoughts in the week ahead. If you apply your idealism to your work, and do the best job possible, you may earn a few gold stars next to your name.

Across 1 ELEvATES 6 NEArLY 15 rEAcTION TO fLATNESS 16 NOT PrEDESTINED 17 1975 PULITzEr WINNEr fOr crITIcISM 18 EArLY GErMAN fLIErS 19 WhISkEY PUrchASE 20 JOLTS 21 SUBSTANTIvE PArT 22 SANSkrIT TErM Of rESPEcT 23 OLD SPANISh BrEAD 25 SAfE INvESTMENT chOIcES 28 BAD MArk 33 “MONSTEr” OScAr WINNEr 34 cOUrT SErvIcE 35 AccESSOrY 36 “ShIrT frONT AND fOrk” ArTIST 37 DrUM AccOMPANYING A fIfE 38 TEAM NIckNAMED ThE hALOS, BrIEfLY 40 rISk 41 fIvE-TIME 30GAME WINNEr Of EArLY BASEBALL 42 GOT TIGhT 43 MOISTUrE OvErLOAD rESULTS, IN PLANTS 45 MANhATTAN PArT 47 DOOr SUPPOrT 51 SOUrcE Of A cc 52 “LOLITA” cOSTAr, 1962 54 SIDE UNIT 56 ONE WAY TO ThINk 57 cOUrT ExPErT 58 “ThE LIBErTY BELL” cOMPOSEr 59 MADE MOrE ATTrAcTIvE, AS A DEAL

60 SErf

Down 1 GrIPES 2 EvENT cELEBrATED IN “ThrOUGh ThE LOOkING-GLASS” 3 WhEN “YOU’rE GONNA WANT ME fOr YOUr GIrL,” IN A 1963 hIT 4 MONGOLIAN DWELLING 5 JEDI fOES 6 SPIcES (UP) 7 EYE PArTS 8 ABSOrBED 9 ADvISEr Of A SOrT 10 cANNON ATTAchMENT 11 SOOThEr 12 DrAMA DESk rELATIvE 13 PrISMATIc BONE 14 LAB WOrk 23 PArkEr PrODUcT 24 “ThE JOY LUck cLUB” AUThOr 26 cAMPUS TOWN NEAr BANGOr 27 ShOE PArT 29 SEMI-hArD chEESES 30 ALBUM ThAT INcLUDES

“MIchELLE” 31 DISBELIEvEr’S cOMEUPPANcE 32 LONDON fLAT? 33 IT’S 1 ON ThE MOhS ScALE 34 SOME cOLL. STUDENTS 36 cONSTANTINE NATIvE 39 BAck 40 SOME MIcrOWAvES 42 cAUGhT STEALING, SAY 44 chOP UP 46 STOP BY 47 LITTLE BITS 48 frESh 49 PLAcE fOr A rOck GrOUP? 50 SOMEThING TO PIck? 52 PLYMOUTh POTATO DISh 53 11-DOWN SUBSTANcE 55 YOUNG LOUSE

librA

SEPTEMBEr 24 TO OcTOBEr 23

You may find that your kindhearted inclinations and cheery attitude have little chance for expression during the first part of the week. Save your pennies as though there will never be more.

sAgittArius

NOvEMBEr 23 TO DEcEMBEr 22

Financial security might be the subject of your fantasies as this week unfolds. Careful analysis will reveal which ideas are simply pipe dreams and which ones are worth embracing.

AquArius

JANUArY 21 TO fEBrUArY 19

You may be exposed to revolutionary ideas that spur your creative thinking this week. Keep your guard up during the early part of the week when engaged in social activities.

Sudoku

tAurus

A P r I L 2 1 T O M AY 2 1

Get off to a flying start. The upcoming week might give you plenty of opportunities to discuss plans for your family’s future. Vacations, or even a day trip, might figure prominently in talks.

cAncer

J U N E 2 2 T O J U LY 2 2

You start the week off with a Full Moon in your sign, moving the focus of your thoughts during the next several weeks to relationships. This is a good time to reassess your good and bad habits.

virgo

AUGUST 22 TO SEPTEMBEr 23

There’s no gag order on creative thinking in the week ahead. You might enjoy returning to childhood pastimes or become engrossed in moneymaking activities that display your resourcefulness.

scorpio

OcTOBEr 24 TO NOvEMBEr 22

Your style may be cramped by formalities in the early part of the week. Since it might be difficult to have lighthearted fun, you might as well put your nose to the grindstone and work hard.

cApricorn

DEcEMBEr 23 TO JANUArY 20

Your passion for success can be stirred by inspiring speakers and reading material in the week ahead. You may be brimming with creative ideas and have plenty of help from partners.

pisces

fEBrUArY 20 TO MArch 20

You could sparkle and shine like a newly minted penny in the upcoming week. Your talents and skills may be in the spotlight at work, where you may be more popular than usual.

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency 2014

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• STAID • BALMY • PESTLE • OUTLET

Answer:

WhAT ThE DEADBEAT hOBBYIST cOLLEcTED -- PAST DUE BILLS

WeDNeSDAy, JANUARy 7, 2015

page 9

>> inside: Jca Wins final game to go 2-2 at classic page 11

boys hoops

Battle TeSTeD

Young Tiger team battles in the state’s elite holiday tournament

By mArk GrEGory SpoRTS REpoRTER

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

For a young JolietWest basketball team, just the experience of playing in a tournament like the Pontiac Holiday Tournament is a win for the program.

Playing in the tournament, reaching your goal and playing two of the state’s elite programs is even better.

The Tigers won two games in the tournament, going 2-2, falling to Simeon and Curie, two of the Chicago Public League’s best.

“If you win two games at the Pontiac Tournament, it is a good thing,” said West coach Nick

2

WINS FOR WEST IN THE PONTIAC TOURNAMENT

DiForti. “Right now, it is all about work for us.”

West opened with a 77-64 win over Niles West behind 16 points from sophomore Trevian Bell.

The win placed the Tigers in the winners’ bracket where they then fell 72-30 to highly touted Simeon, the eventual tournament champion.

Despite the loss, Bell said it will only make West stronger.

“This is exciting. I really want to see what I am up against,” he said. “Where we compare and a team to these ranked teams and where I compare to the guys from Simeon. I feel that we compete with anyone here. There were

See TESTED | page 10

23

POINTS By SOPHOMORE TRIO VS. CURIE

PHOTO By MARk GREGORy

Trevian Bell and the Tigers won two games at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament.

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

10

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

st. francis

USF downs No. 18 St. Ambrose Senior Katie Gonnering (Seymour, Wis./ Freedom) scored 26 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, and freshman Christina Ekhomu (Bolingbrook, Ill./ Bolingbrook) finished with 24 points and six assists as the University of St. Francis women’s basketball team toppled No. 18-ranked St. Ambrose University 98-95 in overtime Saturday at the Sullivan Center.

Gonnering, who was 16-of-18 from the free throw line on the

tested | from page 9 a lot of times where I couldn’t

day, drew a foul with two seconds left in regulation and the Saints trailing 86-84.

She hit her first attempt, and following a St. Ambrose timeout, buried the second to send the game into overtime.

St. Francis (6-11) never trailed in the extra period.

Back-to-back 3-point baskets from sophomore Kamari Jordan (Bolingbrook, Ill./ Bolingbrook) and senior Kaitlin Ray (New Lenox, Ill./ Lincoln-Way West)

in the opening minute followed by a pair of Ekhomu foul shots at the 3:35 mark gave the Saints a 94-89 lead.

Sydney Greiner’s sixth 3-pointer of the game drew the Bees (8-4) to within three (96-93) with 1:50 to go, but Gonnering made two more free throws with 17 seconds left to cap the upset win.

Sophomore Mary Rouse (Yorkville, Ill./ Joliet Catholic) each tallied 10.

do anything, but it was a great learning experience for me to see what level I have to be on or better

when I am a senior.”

Fellow sophomore Teyvion Kirk, who iced the game against Oak Park-River Forest late, said the Tigers were not intimidated.

“They put their jersey on the same way we do, so we play hard every game,” Kirk said. “I think it gave us a learning experience playing such a high level of basketball.”

In the win, Kirk paced the team with 14 points and Bell added 12.

In their final game of the tournament, the Tigers fell 80-77 to Curie in the fifth-place game.

Senior Jeff Washington paced West, scoring 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Mike Ruwoldt added 12.

The sophomore trio of Kirk, Bell and Jaron Nabors combined for 23 points.

“We have to go out and hustle every night. With us being young, they have an advantage and we need to play hard every game,” Kirk said.

“As sophomores, we always try and prove to everyone that we are on varsity for a reason,” Bell added. “I feel we can compete with effort, heart and talent and we can play with anybody.”

DiForti was happy with the play of his young team.

“The way we play, it wears us down as well. We have to be able to take some turnovers. It causes chaos,” he said. “I haven’t ever had to question our kid’s heart.

We have learned a lot in these first few weeks of basketball.”

LOCKPORT The Porters also competed in the tournament, but lost its first two games.

They opened with a 53-40 loss to West Aurora and then fell 39-21 loss to Peoria Manuel.

No Porter tallied scored in double digits in either game.

INSTAGRAM: Readers, attending a game in your area? Take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured!

Wedn esday , January 7, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

11

boys hoops

JCA finishes 2-2 at the Romeoville Classic

By Scott Taylor

sports editor

staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports

It is always good to head into a break playing well and coming off a win.

Joliet Catholic was able to accomplish that Dec. 30 in the Romeoville Christmas Classic, finishing play with a 47-36 win over Lincoln-Way East to finish the tournament 2-2.

“We played four pretty good teams with Lincoln-Way East and West, Geneseo and Glenbard South,” JCA coach Joe Gura said.

“To go 2-2 and more importantly

photo by Scott taylor

Harold Davis and the Hilltoppers went 2-2 at the Romeoville Christmas Classic, including a win in the final game.

play four good games is great.

When you finish on a high note playing good and team-oriented as we did today, it is good going to break.”

The Hilltoppers were tested despite being in the small division, losing a pair of games before coming back against a large division opponent before a 10day break between games. They began play with a loss to Geneseo, bounced back to beat Glenbard South and lost to Lincoln-Way West before finishing with the win over the Griffins.

“I’d rather been in the big

see jca | page 13

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

12

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

boys hoops

Central searching for answers

By Mark Gregory sports reporter

mark@buglenewspapers.com @Hear_The_Beard

photo by mark gregory

Jerry Gillespie had 26 points in the lone Central win at the McDipper.

Heading into the McDipper Tournament, the Joliet Central boys basketball team had not played its best basketball and the Steelmen went in looking for answers.

Those answers were not found early as Central opened the tournament with a pair of losses.

First the Steelmen lost 62-59 to Tinley Park behind 20 points from Kenyon Woodfork and 15 points from Ternell Jordan and then fell 79-67 to King before defeating Seton Academy 73-63.

After beating Seton, Central fell in the fifth-place consolation game, 56-44 to University High.

Kewon Ware led the team with 16.

In the lone win, Jerry Gillispie was 4-for-4 from three-points land to finish with 26 points to lead the Steelmen.

Central had four scorers in double figures, as Malik Fuller added 14 points, Kenyon Woodfork tallied 12 and Kewon Ware score 11.

“Coach told us someone had to step up and get the team going because we had been on a losing streak,” Gillispie said. “Today we played a as a team. At the beginning of the tournament, we were not playing well. We played as a unit.

Ternell Jordan got us to where we needed to be at the beginning of the game, then Kenyon got going and Kewon came in and took a couple of charges and then Malik Fuller got a few blocked shots and got everyone going.”

Although he did not want to be in that situation, Central coach Jeff Corcoran said the fact that the team had to defeat Seton to play the fourth game of the tournament was a good lesson.

“With what happened the first two days, we just talked about living to fight another day,” Corcoran said. “This game was a great way to prepare for the regional in that it was a win or go home.”

He also said the team was looking for a spark like the one they got from Gillespie and he liked how the other scorers reacted.

“We have been talking, should we have played a game before

see central | page 13

INSTAGRAM: Readers, attending a game in your area? Take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured!

Wedn esday , January 7, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com jca | from page 11 division, to be truthful with you,” Gura said. “I love this tournament. They do a nice job and it gives us great competition.

Now we need about four or five days where I don’t see them. We got to .500 playing good ball. We don’t play till the ninth, so we’re taking off the rest of this week.”

Harold Davis scored 15 points, Jalen Jackson had 14 and Drake Fellows 11 for the Hilltoppers, who had a 46-23 lead in the fourth quarter.

“It was a big win for us after coming back from a tough loss yesterday,” Fellows said.

“Today we came together, pulled through and stayed with the gameplan. It is rael good when we share the ball. We are at our

central | from page 12 we played here? Did we have too many days to prepare? We have all been looking for what the problem is and we need someone to step up and get it done. It is not just going to happen,” he said.

“And when that person steps up, we need someone to follow. It is

best when everyone is scoring.”

With 16 games down already (8-8), JCA can now focus on picking off some more teams in the brutal ESCC and prepare for those teams during break.

“The conference we are in is a monster,” Gura said. “We already went up to Carmel and did something we haven’t done.

We beat Carmel on their home floor. We’re 1-1 in the conference and really happy about that. We have seven conference games and every one of them is tough.

We know our level of play has to be high.”

“We’re definitely going to have to work on some stuff,” Fellows said. “With the tough competition, we’re going to have to be at our peak and keep sharing the ball like we did

today. It definitely helps us for the playoffs.”

As the season continues, the goals remain the same for the improving program.

“Our goal since the beginning of the year is to get better every week,” Gura said. “We want to be competitive in every game.

When I first got here, a few minutes into the game everyone knew JCA was going to get beat.

Now it is not like that because we have great kids. We’re real happy with where we are at. We know we have a long way to go before we can be considered a top team.

“If we play with the same defensive aggressiveness and sharing of the ball that we did today, we have a chance to compete.”

a testament to the guys because there were some dark days here. I don’t know what it is. We just have to get back to basics.”

Corcoran also said the Steelmen were able to use different players over the course of the four games because of illness and injury and that the production of some of

those players could lead to help off the bench down the road.

“We got some good minutes out of some guys that we don’t really go to and that was good,” he said. “Guys got different kind of minutes and got different looks and that is going to be good for us too.”

13

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

14

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 | bug leneW spapers.com pLainfieLd east

q & a with local athletes

FeATURiNG

Wilyam Wright Basketball

What do you use Twitter for? I like to get the word out whenever we have a game and to let people know how we are doing. I also use it to get stuff off my chest.

How often are you on Twitter? i’m probably on 2 or 3 times a week to see what is going on and for big social issues like the Missouri situation and to help out people with school in some classes.

Who is your favorite person to follow? I always like the athletes motivation tweets and athlete facts because it lets you know how real it is. I also saw something that told you how to pick your team up after a loss, which is really helpful, being a captain of the team.

andreW mccutchen

who will win this year’s super Bowl?

ansWers:

green bay packers seattle seahaWks neW england patriots other

DAN MoLLoy @DANMoLLoyTv

@dgNzone: Romeoville Christmas Classic 2014 champions

“future #illini @shooting4days is the pekin tournament mVp. scored 28 in semis, 37 in tonight’s final.”

MARK GREGoRy @HEAR_THE_BEARD “Still undefeated... @BenetRedwings beat Trinity 60 42 to win montini title...All tourn..eshoo 2nd team, e schramek 1st team, Doyle mVp” ARIEL MASSENGALE @AyE_MASS05 “watching @Jaminthefiend on espn2!!! love seeing him represent the city of Bolingbrook!!!”

INSTAGRAM: Readers, Send us a #selfie of you reading @Buglenewspapers & you could be featured in an upcoming issue!

Wedn esday, January 7, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

15

county news

Snowless December in 102 years about to change Some events have been canceled by Forest Preserve district due to lack of snow

By Stewart Warren staff reporter

stewartwarren509@yahoo.com @stewartwarren

It’s been a worthless winter for The Shovel Boys.

There hasn’t been much snow.

And no snow means no money for Nick Pardo, the teenage entrepreneur from Plainfield. But that finally seems to be changing.

Four years ago, Nick, now 16 and a resident of the Heritage Meadows subdivision, started The Shovel Boys, a snow removal service, as a way to make more spending money.

“He wanted stuff that we would not buy him,” said Marlana Pardo, his mother.

After launching a web site and a Facebook page, Nick found regular customers and did particularly well during last winter’s record-setting

snow season. But this winter has been wimpy.

“Last year, it snowed every other weekend,” Nick said on Saturday.

“It is already January, and there is no snow. I’m disappointed.” And he admits he’s just the tiniest bit broke.

There really was very little snow in December, said Eric Lenning, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville.

“We had a trace of snow -- you can’t get much less than that,” Lenning said.

The smallest amount of snow measured by the National Weather Service is one-tenth of an inch, and there wasn’t even that much in December. “It basically means there were flakes but nothing you could measure,” Lenning said.

Although the snow total didn’t

set any records, it did tie old ones.

In fact, since 1885, there have been just two other Decembers with only a trace of snow: 1889 and 1912, Lenning said. So it’s been 102 years since there was a December with such a skimpy snowfall. The month typically sees an average of eight inches of the fluffy white stuff.

While plenty of people probably are happy about the lack of snow – no snow means no hanging around outside in the cold, shoveling and salting while dreaming about snorkeling in the blue-green Caribbean – other people aren’t exactly overjoyed.

Like Nick, they’re missing the income.

Brad Hamilton, owner of Hamilton’s Small Engine Repair, 611 Joyce Road, Joliet, fixes snow blowers for homeowners and commercial salt spreaders and plow trucks for businesses. But he hasn’t done much of that kind of work lately. So he’s been fixing broken

lawn mowers instead.

In a more typical winter, Hamilton’s customers use their equipment, and then something breaks. That brings him work. Not this year.

“Everyone is pretty quiet right now,” he said.

Of course, there are other positive points to a wimpy winter. Anyone who needs a new snow shovel or snow blower can probably find one to buy. At Shorewood Home and Auto, 1002 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood, everything is still in stock, said Marc Moyer, owner of the hardware store.

“We are not running out of anything yet. We are still waiting for the big push,” Moyer said.

At the Forest Preserve District of Will County, some events have been canceled because there wasn’t any snow, but many others weren’t, spokeswoman Cindy Cain said.

“It does affect some of our programs, mostly the sledding and

snow shoeing,” she said. “But of the 40 programs we are offering this quarter, only seven will be affected.”

Even Musher Mania, the dog sled racing exhibition scheduled for Jan. 10 at Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave., Monee, will go on as planned even if there is no snow on the ground. Wheels simply replace the runners on the sleds, Cain said.

All good things always come to an end, of course. The snow finally began on Sunday, and by that afternoon, there was at least an inch on the ground across Chicagoland, Lenning said. More was expected on Monday, and it would be followed by a deep freeze. Temperatures should drop significantly from Tuesday night into Wednesday.

“The wind chills will be minus 20 to minus 30, and the actual highs will be close to zero,” Lenning said, urging residents to carefully prepare for long drives or prolonged exposure to the outdoors.

News about local businesses in your community

16

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 | bug lenewspapers.com

come to order

Multitasking does not work Our brains are built to focus on one activity at a time, not multiple tasks and somehow my brain stopped paying attention even though my come to order www.PilesToSmiles.com ears were well aware of the fact @BugleNewspapers that she was talking.

As it turns out, our brain Confucius once said, can’t multitask, but rather, “The man who chases it switches back and forth two rabbits, catches between activities, paying none,” or something like attention to only one at that. Multitasking is a bit a time – or in my case, like chasing two rabbits. eventually paying attention We set our sights on one to only one thing for an goal, then shift them to becker extended period of time. another while still trying sue Come To Order The New York Times to keep track of the first reports that, “While goal. In the end, instead of completing multiple tasks more many people say multitasking quickly, they often end up taking makes them more productive, longer and aren’t done as well as if research shows otherwise. Heavy multitaskers actually have more we had focused on one at a time.

I used to think I was a good (make trouble focusing and shutting irrelevant information, that great) multitasker. I could out carry on a phone conversation scientists say, and they experience and check email at the same time. more stress. And scientists are Ha – I sure was surprised a while discovering that even after the ends, fractured ago during a phone conversation multitasking with a business associate when thinking and lack of focus she asked me what I thought of persist.”

It’s understandable that we an idea she had, and I realized I had no idea what she was feel the need to multitask – our talking about. I was reading my lives are becoming increasingly emails while she was talking, complex, ironically due in part to By sue becker

the technology that was supposed to make our lives easier. Phone, email and text messages help make sure we’re never caught up on our communications, and social media soaks up even more of our time. Our attention is being pulled in so many directions that we feel as though we have to multitask just to keep our heads above water.

Ever since my embarrassing phone fiasco, I’ve made a point not to multitask or to stop it as soon as I’m aware I’m doing it.

I’ve found that when my eyes as well as my brain are purposely focused on one thing at a time I feel less frazzled and more in control. Without trying to sound overbearing, I’d like to challenge you to stop whatever multitasking you engage in, just for a day, or even just for an hour, and let me know how it affects your productivity.

Sue Becker is a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization who helps individuals and businesses discover the simplicity, harmony, and freedom of being organized and productive. She also speaks to companies and organizations about how to get organized and make the most of their time. Sue can be reached at www.PilesToSmiles.com or 630-7241111.

Dave Says

Don’t drop full insurance coverage There’s a reason insurance rates are so high for teens - they’re not good drivers have a pile of cash in Dear Dave, savings, I assume you My husband and I are debthave some kind of medical free except for our home, and insurance and you’re debtwe have about $100,000 in free. savings. Recently, one of our Under the daughters was diagnosed circumstances, I get where with Crohn’s disease. We’re Dave Says worried about this, and the money advice by you’re coming from and the idea of having even more fact that she and her sister are dave ramsey money available to put both teenage drivers. Do you think we should drop full coverage, toward medical issues. In your case, and have just liability, since we’ll however, there’s no way I’m going probably have lots of medical bills to have only liability coverage when there are two teenage drivers in the over the next few years?

Kim house. There’s a reason insurance rates are so high for teens. It’s called Dear Kim, I’m really sorry to hear about statistical analysis of their driving your daughter’s medical situation. ability. They’re not good drivers!

I haven’t had a wreck in over 20 But speaking from a financial perspective, you guys are in pretty years, but I’ve had some kids who good shape to handle things. You did. No, I wouldn’t drop the coverage.

Under the circumstances, I get where you’re coming from and the idea of having even more money available to put toward medical issues.

In your case, however, there’s no way I’m going to have only liability coverage when there are two teenage drivers in the house.

Hopefully, your daughter will be okay. But I wouldn’t take a chance on having to write a check for another car on top of medical expenses.

—Dave

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

17

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 | buglenewspapers.com

18

W e d n e s d ay, J anua r y 7, 2 0 1 5 | b ug le ne ws pa pe r s .co m Business & Private Party Classified Ads: $16 per week, 20 words or less. Weddings, Births & Engagements: Black & White - $25, Color - $35. Obituaries: $35.

easy tips for a healthy lifestyle #buglehealth Wedn esday, January 7, 2015 | shoreW oodsenti nel.com

Understanding influenza important to treatment, prevention Flu season is upon us – and Chicagoland is being hit hard. This month we will review the signs and symptoms of influenza, but first there is the matter of the flu vaccine and its efficacy.

“MISMATCH” To help explain this important concept, and why it has become so critical this year, parents must understand the production of the vaccine. The strains of flu virus that are selected for inclusion in the vaccine are updated each year. Influenza centers in over 100 countries around the world conduct year-round monitoring to study disease trends, including which strains are prevalent in certain geographic areas and how they are spreading. In the United States, an advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration uses the available date to decide which strains of influenza to include in the upcoming year’s vaccine. It takes at least six months to produce large quantities of flu

DOES MY CHILD HAVE THE FLU? A common question parents ask their pediatrician is if their sick child has the flu or is it just the common cold. Unless the doctor decides that a flu test is appropriate, there is no way to know for sure. The symptoms of influenza and those seen in children with a regular cold virus can be very similar and often vary from child to child.

Some of the differences that might

There are only two established ways to decrease the likelihood of getting the flu. The first is having all adults and children over the age of 6 months visit their primary care physician to be vaccinated. Even with the “mismatch” situation that developed this year it is still extremely important for people to be vaccinated.

The mutated strain discussed above accounts for only 45-50 percent of the circulating flu in the Chicago area, leaving at least 50 percent of the flu virus that the vaccine provides protection. Some flu experts feel that the current vaccine may still provide some degree of defense even against the mismatched strain.

vaccine. One factor that can reduce the effectiveness of the flu vaccine is how closely matched the virus strains included in the vaccine are to those actually circulating among the population. This year there is a While strain of H3N2 virus most people who that is slightly catch the flu will recover in 5-7 mutated, days, serious and sometimes deadly making it complications can develop. Other different from infections, such as pneumonia or strep the strain used for this year’s throat can look like the flu, so be sure vaccine.

This to stay in contact with your physician genetic “drift” was and seek medical attention if symptoms noted in March, which persist or worsen. was too late to change the formulation of the vaccine. It is also important to note that it was not until September that the new strain became common. help a pediatrician or parent suspect the flu relate to the severity of the symptoms. Generally, kids with the flu will feel worse, and appear “sicker” than children with the common cold.

The onset of symptoms is typically more sudden in children with influenza, while kids with a cold tend to develop symptoms more slowly. The level of fever can be another indicator.

The flu usually includes a high fever compared to kids with colds who have little or no fever.

Headaches and muscle aches are symptoms more typical of influenza infection. Sore throat and significant decrease in appetite and energy levels are also reported more in kids with the flu compared to those with the common cold.

Dr. Adam Aronson, MD is a pediatrician based in Skokie, Illinois. The advice contained in this column is for informational purposes only. Readers should consult with a physician to evaluate any illness or medical condition. Dr. Aronson accepts new patients. Call (847) 676-5394 or: www.kidsfirstpediatricpartners.com

19

The other strategy to decrease spread of the flu is ensuring family members frequently wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.

The mainstay of managing the flu is what pediatricians call “supportive care.”

Encourage consumption of fluids including water. Make sure the sick child or adult gets lots of rest and quiet time.

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help bring down the fever and relieve body aches. Dress in layers that can be removed if chills develop. Look for ways to cheer up the sick person, such as having friends call , or getting them a fun book to read. For a specific group of high risk patients, if they are identified within the first two days of illness, their physician may choose to prescribe an antiviral medication, which may shorten the course of symptoms by a day or two.

P age 20 | Wed n e sd ay, J a n u a r y 7, 2 0 1 5 | s hor ewoodsen t in el. c om