JANUARY 14, 2015 VOL. 20 ISSUE 5
News Home rule question could appear on April ballot Rule would allow officials to handle problems without General Assembly
see page 2
coUNtY News Czerkies pulls $350K donation after Rialto board tables decision about new marquee Members want more answers before they agree to keep new sign for at least 25 years
see page 4
opiNioN Puttin’ Up a Stink on Joliet Partnership Will County government never has been known for acting quickly on major issues
see page 7
sports Back in business JCA’s Nicole Ekhomu goes for 38 in win over Benet
see page 9
HUGS gala goes country with a little bit of rock’n roll If you haven’t worn your cowboy boots for a few decades, it’s time to drag them out, dust them off and wear them with your fancy duds to the HUGS Chocolate Ball next month. The annual fundraiser for the Shorewood based HUGS (Helping You Get Started), will be Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Clarion Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn) on South Larkin Avenue in Joliet. This year’s theme, “Sparkles and Spurs,” is kind of a big change from previous years, said HUGS president and Chocolate Ball co-chair Molly Babyak. See tHe FUll Story on page 19
Decorating committee cochairs Kim Gregory (left) and Sharon Armstrong give a sneak preview of this year’s theme for Sparkles and Spurs, including the wishing tree with mason jar ornaments and wine glasses with removable sparkling bracelets, which will be on sale at the Chocolate Ball.