Sentinel 4-15-15

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APRIL 15, 2015 VOL. 20 ISSUE 18

county’s ‘Recyclepalooza’ draws thousands wanting to drop off waste for recycling

NEWS

‘an oVerWhelMing SucceSS’

see page 2

NEWS voters approve home rule referendum Officials: It’s needed to acquire Lake Michigan water

see page 2

TRANSPORTATION

temporary lane closures begin on illinois 53 / illinois 7 Traffic lanes reduced during construction

see page 3

COUNTY

Officials ask for $50 million for courthouse County Executive’s office worries about plan’s effect on road funds

see page 5

OPINION

this roller coaster keeps climbing Managing Editor Nick Reiher began his journey in Joliet 30 years ago this week

see page 7

SPORTS Baseball on a roll Local teams off to good starts

see page 9

Community forum emphasizes the fight must continue BY LAURA KATAUSKAS | BUGLE STAFF

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he number of heroin deaths has decreased in the past year; though good news, it isn’t reason to rest. will county alone saw 34 deaths in 2014, and the number of convictions of dealers rose from 14 in 2012 to 56, at last count. parents and those who may be tempted to try the drug need to know one time leads to a lifetime of recovery … if they don’t die first. “Heroin is the ebola of drugs and unlike anything law enforcement has seen before. we have to get parents more guarded and geared for battle with their kids,” said will county state’s Attorney James Glasgow. “we can’t let up. there will always be a new wave.” that was the sentiment of a host of leaders and lawmakers who came together for the fourth annual HeRo and HeLps event. the forum, titled “A community’s public Health Response to the Heroin epidemic: Action strategies” was held April 10 at the edward Hospital Athletic and event center in Romeoville. much progress has been made in will and dupage counties, with federal and state agencies looking to the area as a model for action strategies. But it is the philosophy that continued action is needed, viewing the heroin epidemic as a public health concern requiring legislators, law enforcement, health professionals and community members coming together. parents need to know there are many ways their children can get involved with heroin, and they might unknowingly be part of it. Leftover painkillers such as vicodin in medicine cabinets or on dressers can be tempting. once those are gone, experts say, those using them – including the rightful owners -- can sometimes be looking for something stronger. Heroin is available and cheap. in his keynote address, dr. Jeff coady, regional administrator of substance Abuse and mental Health services, outlined federal strategies to combat the heroin epidemic. See ‘ACTION’ on Page 7

Be A Hero—support HB 1

“our hope is this new legislation will further the efforts to reduce heroin abuse in illinois,” state rep. lou lang said. “the expansion of the availability of narcan will help save lives.”

call yoUr state representatiVe. checK the FolloWing WeBsite For yoUr representatiVe at WWW.elections.il.goV/districtlocator/addressFinder.aspX


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