Reporter 6 21 18 by Southwest Regional Publishing

Meet our players of the year in baseball, softball & girls track

Volume LVIX, No. 15

HICKORY HILLS & PALOS HILLS

REPORTER Profiles in Sports, Section 2

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Thursday, June 21, 2018

Advocates for homeless raise concerns By Dermot Connolly

Homeless advocates have raised concerns that the new Oak Lawn village code requiring churches used as overnight shelters to have sprinkler systems will result in a shortage of shelters next fall. The code requirements pertain to the six churches in the village that offer temporary overnight shelter to homeless people on alternating nights between October and April. The shelter program is coordinated with Beds Plus, a LaGrangebased agency that offers shelters and other services to the homeless population. When the new ordinance was passed, it was understood by Beds Plus officials that the existing shelters would be “grandfathered in” and given time to comply.

New regulation could reduce shelters in Oak Lawn But Flo Breitbarth, shelter operations manager for Beds Plus, said this week that two of the six churches that offer shelters have opted out of the program for the current year due to the requirements for sprinklers and fire alarms. She said these include Mt. Zion Lutheran Church at 10400 S. Kostner Ave., and Calvin Christian Reformed Church, 10056 S. Central Ave. She said a third church, Wesleyan Community Church, 8844 S. Austin Ave., also will likely not be offering a shelter this year because of work being done there. “We’re hoping there might be some concession,” said Breitbarth, otherwise,

there will be several nights during the week when no shelters will be available locally. Village Manager Larry Deetjen said that the board addressed “life safety” issues in 2014 when the code was adopted, and all churches were given a three-year “grace period to comply.” He noted that the village originally had four churches offering shelters in the 1990s, when the economy was worse. “Oak Lawn’s population has not changed and our economy is quite better today, so having four churches participate while ensuring the safety of both our volunteers and participants would be

an appropriate and fundamental goal,” he said. One church in Chicago Ridge also offers a shelter, and does one in Worth and another in Palos Hills, but Breitbarth said that with two or three churches ending the service, there will be gaps in service. The original homeless shelter program began in Oak Lawn in 1997, after a homeless person died outside in 1997. On the nights that shelters are offered, the churches open their doors for 12 hours. Mattresses are provided and volunteers prepare meals for the clients and provide them with a bag lunch each morning that they can take with them for lunch.

“The village is going to work with existing shelters,” said Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury. “It is a process and we recognize that any charitable organization does not have the funds available to make the changes. But if we have lesser standards for homeless shelters than for daycare facilities or schools, we would be criticized also. “We don’t want any homeless shelters to close. We appreciate the necessary work they do. What we do want to see is a safe operation. Anyone who calls it something else has another agenda,” the mayor said. “It is a big commitment for these churches. But, again, if something, God See HOMELESS, Page 8

Hurley supports bills to protect first responders and their families

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Chicago Ridge Sgt. Dave Mitchell carries the torch on Harlem Avenue in Palos Heights, completing the 2.8-mile journey from Chicago Ridge during the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on June 13.

CARRYING THE TORCH Local contingent shows support for fallen officer and Special Olympics By Dermot Connolly

The local leg of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Special Olympics began bright and early on June 13 outside Chicago Ridge Village Hall, where dozens gathered at 7 a.m. for a ceremony before the 2.8 mile run/walk to Palos Heights. For the past five years, this leg of the event, from the Chicago Ridge Village Hall at 10455 S. Ridgeland Ave. has been done in honor of Illinois State Trooper James Sauter, a Chicago Ridge native who was killed in the line of duty on March 29, 2013, when a truckdriver crashed into his police car on Interstate 294 in Northbrook.

In honor of the fifth anniversary, the U.S. flag outside Village Hall at 10455 S. Ridgeland Ave., was solemnly lowered and folded, and presented to Sauter’s parents, Donald and Eileen, by members of Boy Scout Troop 665. “We thank you for your sacrifice,” said Trustee Deb Pyznarski, one of the organizers of the event. Then, following a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the Star-Spangled Banner, the group set out for Palos Heights, with Deputy Chief Jim Jarolimek carrying the torch at first. He then passed it to Sgt. Dave Mitchell, who carried it into Palos

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Chicago Ridge Sgt. Dave Mitchell (at right) hands off the torch to Palos Heights Officer Brent Dreger when the Chicago Ridge runners met those from Palos Heights at Harlem Avenue and Route 83 on June 13 during the Law See TORCH, Page 8 Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

State Rep. Fran Hurley (D35th) said she will continue to support legislation that provides for the needs of first responders. As chair of the House Police and First Responders Committee, Hurley sponsored legislation to increase protections for first responders. She also supported measures that support children of those killed or disabled in the line of duty and which raise public awareness on the mental strain first responders face on a regular basis. “First responders and law enforcement hold selfless jobs that require dedication and sacrifice, it is high time we do more to give back to our officers and their families,” said Hurley. “It takes great mental and emotional fortitude to risk one’s life in the line of duty.” In an effort to protect first responders from injury while in the line of duty in her role as vice-chair of the House Fire and Emergency Services Committee, Hurley co-sponsored House Bill 4390, that a person be prosecuted for committing an offense when the knowingly create and conceal a dangerous condition in a commercial property. The person would be prosecuted if is found that a serious injury or primary cause of death of a first responder occurs while they are working and is a result of their negligence. House Bill 4390 passed the House unanimously and is currently pending in the Senate. Hurley also signed on as chief co-sponsor to House Resolution 809, which aims to increase workplace safety for first responders and law enforcement officers when coming into contact with fentanyl and its analogues. Because fentanyl potency and affinity for absorption into the human body poses real danger to those that come in contact

with it, the resolution urges that first responders and law enforcement officers, as well as public health officials, become educated on proper precautions to avoid exposure and potential overdose. “Enacting measures to help protect those who serve in our communities each and every day is my priority, Hurley said. “Law enforcement, firefighters and emergency workers put their lives on the line to keep us safe.” Hurley is also the chief sponsor of House Bill 4467, which provides educational assistance to children of those killed, or who become 90 to 100 percent disabled in the line of duty. Under Hurley’s bill, natural and adoptive children are given education grants for up to the maximum rate for tuition and fees at any Illinois public college or university. The bill has passed both the House and Senate. The local legislator spearheaded this legislation in response to an Illinois grant which was denied to an officer of FOP Lodge 7. Hurley’s bill clarified statutory language so future children of first responders will not have to fight the court system. House Bill 4345, which makes the third Friday in May each year “First Responder Mental Health Awareness Day” in Illinois was also backed by Hurley. The day is meant to raise public awareness of the mental health issues common among first responders, such as depression and PTSD, as well as honor firefighters, police officers, and paramedics who have tragically taken their lives. In 2016, 108 police officers committed suicide, and 113 firefighters and paramedics committed suicide in the year prior. House Bill 4345 has passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support

HICKORY HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Public works director stuns board by announcing retirement By Sharon L. Filkins Business was conducted as usual at the Hickory Hills City Council meeting last Thursday until near the end of the session when it was revealed that Public Works Director Larry Boettcher was retiring after 25 years of service to the village.

Boettcher, who routinely reports at every council meeting, caught council members by surprise when he started his report by saying, “Tonight, with a heavy heart, I must announce that I will be retiring on July 20 after 25 years of service as director of Public Works. On that date, I will begin the pursuit of the fantasies of retirement.”

He added that it was a pleasure working for a city that allowed the Public Works Department to pursue and advance many projects that brought improvements to the city. Upon completion of his report, he was honored with a lengthy standing ovation. Mayor Mike Howley responded with many compliments stating that under

Boettcher’s leadership the department had made dramatic strides in improving its operations. “It has been a wonderful privilege having you heading our department,” he said. In a later conversation, Howley said there will be a discussion on plans to honor Boettcher at the July council

meeting. “I will speak with him about that to see if he is in agreement,” Howley said. “Traditionally, for some reason, our public works staff shy away from public acknowledgements, but we will see what we can do as he is going to See HICKORY HILLS, Page 8

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2 The Reporter

Thursday, June 21, 2018

POLICE REPORTS Chicago Ridge Suspended license

• Mark Palacio, 37, of the 8500 block of West 103rd Terrace, Palos Hills, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 3:47 p.m. June 11 in the 9500 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said he is due in court on July 20. • Laterra James, 37, of the 7000 block of South Bishop Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 6:37 p.m. June 13, in the 9500 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police said she is due in court on July 11.

Dashing dragon

Drug charge

Photo by Joe Boyle

Daniel Gonzalez, 23, of the 9100 block of Copping Lane, Hickory Hills, was charged with unlawful delivery of cannabis following his arrest at 7:40 p.m. June 10 in the 11000 block of South Natchez Avenue, Worth. Chicago Ridge police said they made the arrest after seeing him hand an unspecified amount of cannabis to someone else. He was held for a bond hearing.

The dragon ride drew large crowds that enjoyed the miniature roller coaster at the annual Most Holy Redeemer Carnival held on the parish parking lot at 9525 S. Lawndale Ave. Evergreen Park. Story and more photos on Page 4.

Rabid bat found in Oak Lawn Residents are advised to keep dogs, cats and ferrets on leashes when outside the home, and update rabies vaccinations, after a rabid bat was found in the 9600 block of South Kenneth Avenue in Oak Lawn on June 1, police said. The bat was confirmed to be rabid after being brought to the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control for testing, which was done at the Illinois State Public Health Laboratory. There were

no bites or exposure to any humans or animals in relation to this bat, police said. But anyone who is exposed to or bitten by a bat is advised to consult their doctor. Police are also advising residents not to touch any bats, skunks or other wild animals. Those who find any dead or injured bats, skunks or raccoons on their property are asked to notify Cook County Animal and Rabies Control at (708) 974-6140.

Theft of service Dominique Lane, 22, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for theft of services at her home in the 9800 block of South Harlem Avenue at 9:30 a.m. last Thursday. She is due in court on July 20.

Domestic battery Sparkle Sullivan, 37, of the 6100 block of West Marshall Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with domestic battery following a disturbance at her home 4:22 a.m. last Thursday. Police said she allegedly lunged at a man she was arguing with and scratched his chest with her fingernails. She was held for a bond hearing.

Evergreen Park Retail theft

• Kayode Powell, 32, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at 9:50 p.m. June 11 at Burlington, 9550 S. Western Ave. Police said he took two items worth $37.98. He was also cited for resisting arrest because police said he refused to obey commands and fought being handcuffed. • Lisa Albin, 26, of Crofton, Ky., was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 3:26 p.m. June 12. Police said she took a wireless router and Bluetooth speakers valued at $337.97. • William Grace, 55, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Sam’s Club, 9400 S. Western Ave., at 3:02 p.m. June 13. Police said he took miscellaneous bottles of alcohol worth $192.42. He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance after he was

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Drug possession Kristopher Kingman, 35, of Morris, was charged with possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop at 5:15 p.m. June 9 in the 9800 block of South Western Avenue. Police said he was carrying 7.2 grams of cocaine. He was also cited for driving without insurance, illegal use of a cellphone while driving, improper lane usage, and driving with a suspended license.

Hickory Hills Obstructing identification

Deleon L. Thompson, 28, of the 9900 block of South Nottingham Avenue, Chicago Ridge, was charged with obstructing identification after police found his vehicle being parked in a handicapped spot in the BP gas station, 7933 W. 95th St., at 7:32 a.m. Friday. Police said he was not authorized to park there, and he initially gave a false name when asked for identification. He was also cited for driving with a suspended license and illegal parking in a handicapped space. He is due in court on July 31.

Suspended license Jasmine N. Spicer, 29, of Justice, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 12:44 p.m. Sunday in the 8800 block of West 87th Street. Police said her passenger, Elmer Spraggins II, 31, of the 9600 block of South Loomis Street, Chicago, was also arrested on an outstanding warrant from Livingston County, Ill., for failure to appear in court on a suspended license charge. Spicer is due in court in Bridgeview on July 11, and Spraggins is due in court on July 23 in Livingston County.

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found to be carrying .3 grams of heroin. • Brian Brown, 25, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 3:03 p.m. June 13. Police said he took nine electronics items worth $247.53. • Ernest Boyd, 66, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 9:15 a.m. last Thursday. Police said he took four steaks worth $53.90. • Ivan Orejel, 26, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Mariano’s, 2559 W. 95th St., at 12:18 p.m. June 12. Police said he took tenderloin steaks and Jack Daniel’s whiskey worth $133.63 in total. • Thaddeus Smith, 54, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Walgreens, 3959 W. 95th St, at 2:49 p.m. June 6. Police said he took two bottles of beer worth $3.96. • Destiny Daniels, 21, of Orland Park, and Kyle Washington, 21, of Chicago, were charged with retail theft at Walmart, 2500 W. 95th St., at 4:56 p.m. June 7. Police said the couple used a self-checkout station and did not scan items worth $38.20 before bagging them and taking them out of the store.

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Samer A. Nasan, 24, of the 8800 block of South 79th Court, Justice, was charged with driving without a valid license following a traffic stop at 9:14 a.m. Sunday in the 7700 block of West 95th Street. Police said he is due in court on July 11.

Revoked license Eric A. Garcia, 33, of the 100 block of Amberleigh Drive, Romeoville, was charged with driving with a revoked license following a traffic stop at 2:27 p.m. Saturday in the 8100 block of West 91st Street. Police said he was also cited for speeding 36 mph in a 20-mph zone. Court information was not available.

Oak Lawn

Battery off nse Alexis Renee Bardou, 47, of

Hollywood, Calif., was issued a local ordinance citation for battery following an incident at TGI Fridays, 5420 W. 95th St., at 10:15 p.m. June 7. Witnesses told police that Bardou, who was among a party of 18 people, caused a disturbance when a server prevented her from leaving without paying her bill. She was also cited for disorderly conduct and issued a summons to appear at a hearing in Oak Lawn Village Hall on July 17.

with two counts of possession of a controlled substance after police questioned him for being parked in a handicapped space without a placard at 11:45 p.m. last Thursday. Police said numerous hydrocode, alprazolam and dexamphetamine pills were found in the center console of the car. He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, another felony. He was held for a bond hearing.

Disorderly conduct

Suspended license

Robert Montanez, 42, of Hammond, Ind., was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance at Thornton’s gas station, 9138 S. Cicero Ave., at 1:37 p.m. June 8. Police said he threw bags of chips and other merchandise around the gas station when an employee stopped his female companion from filling her bag with unpaid-for snacks. He was also cited for driving with a suspended license after police stopped him as he drove away. He is due in court on July 3.

Criminal trespassing Joseph C. Chevis, 54, of China, Texas, was charged with criminal trespassing to a motor vehicle at 9:39 p.m. June 8 when a car reported stolen was found in the parking lot of Gateway Motel, 4657 W. 95th St., where he was staying. The owner of the vehicle told police she had allowed Chevis to borrow it, but reported it stolen when he did not return it at the agreed-upon time. He is due in court on July 27.

Drug possession

• Naperville residents Daniel R. Covey and Brittany Toni Mizwicki, both 24, were charged with possession of a controlled substance after being found asleep in their car beside a gas pump in Speedway gas station, 6030 W. 95th St., at 5:26 p.m. June 9. Police said the couple admitted buying $480 worth of heroin in Chicago and injecting some of it before falling asleep in the gas station. Police said 14 grams of heroin in bags was found in the car, along with 100 bags with drug residue, and more than 40 used and unused syringes and other items associated with drug use. They were also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and syringes and held for a bond hearing. • Patrick M. Boswell, 25, of Chicago Ridge, was charged with possession of a controlled substance after police responded to a report of a man asleep at the wheel in the drive-through lane of McDonald’s 10535 S. Cicero Ave., at 6:50 p.m. June 9. Police said they stopped him as he was about to turn onto Cicero Avenue. He admitted injecting heroin about 10 minutes previously, and a bag containing heroin and another with drug residue were found in the car, police said. Several used and unused syringes were also found. He was also cited for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia and syringes. He was held for a bond hearing.

Criminal trespassing Brendan J. Arundel, 31, of Crest Hill, was charged with criminal trespassing after police responded to a burglar alarm at Foodie’s grocery store, 9652 S. Pulaski Road, at 4:36 a.m. June 10. Police said they found the front glass door broken and Arundel standing behind the cash register. Surveillance video recorded him kicking in the door and wandering around the store, according to reports. Police said he was highly intoxicated, and only remembered leaving a family member’s house in Evergreen Park, and then sitting in the store. He was also charged with criminal damage and is due in court on July 20.

Palos Hills

Drug possession Mohammad Atieh, 25, of Hickory Hills, was charged

• Shakita Ford, 23, of Chicago Ridge, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 9:30 p.m. June 11 in the 11000 block of Southwest Highway. Police said she was also cited for unlawful use of driver’s license and failure to notify the secretary of state’s office of an address change. She is due in court on July 26. • Nestor Flores, 28, of Chicago, was charged with driving with a suspended license following a traffic stop at 7 p.m. Friday in the 7800 block of West 111th Street. Police said he was also cited for driving with unsafe equipment. He is due in court on July 10.

Identity theft A Palos Hills resident reported an identity theft incident at 2:30 p.m. last Thursday. Police said the victim received a bill from Verizon that was opened using their personal information without their knowledge.

Criminal trespassing Sadam Migdadi, 27, of Palos Hills, was charged with criminal trespassing after allegedly coming to the victim’s door without permission at 3 a.m. Friday. Police said he was also charged with harassment by telephone after repeatedly calling and texting the person he had been told not to have any contact with. He was held for a bond hearing.

Aggravated speeding Emmanuel Kidd, 18, of Chicago, was charged with aggravated speeding following a traffic stop at 1 p.m. Sunday in the 7700 block of West 103rd Street. Police said he was also cited for driving without insurance, failure to use turn signal when required and driving with a defective windshield. He is due in court on July 26.

DUI charge Sandra Starr, 19, of Worth, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at 11:30 p.m. June 13 in the 8100 block of West 103rd Street. Police said she was also cited for speeding, driving without a rear registration light, improper lane usage, possession of cannabis and underage consumption of alcohol. She is due in court on July 10.

Disorderly conduct

• Police responding to a disturbance complaint found an intoxicated woman yelling and banging on a door in the 9100 block of South Road. She was escorted off the property. • Police responding to a disturbance complaint at the Emanz Salon, 10408 S. Harlem Ave., at 1 p.m. June 14, broke up an argument between staff and customers that had become physical. An employee said a customer was not happy with their hair style and began arguing with the stylist, and other customers began to join in. The employee, who was pushed and struck during the argument, refused to sign criminal complaints but the offenders were banned from the business.

Theft charges

• Police are investigating reports of bicycles being stolen from outside homes in Cour Michele, Cour Montreal and Cour Leroux shortly after 3 p.m. on June 12. • A concrete gargoyle was reported stolen from outside a house in the 9000 block of West 111th Street at 2 p.m. last Thursday.

Police reports are provided by law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.

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Thursday, June 21, 2018

The Reporter

CHICAGO RIDGE VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

Officials hope TV news report will help speed up process of getting traffic light By Dermot Connolly

Photo by Joe Boyle

A standing-room-only crowd attended the Evergreen Park School District 124 Board meeting awaiting a decision on a newly hired principal who had come under suspicion after some anonymous emails were sent out. The contract of Dr. Matt Eriksen, who was supposed to become the principal of Central Middle School, was rescinded by the board at the June 13 meeting.

Dist. 124 rescinds contract of principal hired for Central Middle School in EP Crowd applauds decision, which comes after board meets with Eriksen By Joe Boyle

District 112, he will continue to serve until June 30 as “principal on special assignment.” Dr. Matt Eriksen received positive reviews after School District 112 records do not list specific being appointed in May as the new principal of concerns about Eriksen, only that he chose to Central Middle School by members of the Ever- resign. The district had not commented further green Park Elementary School District 124. on Ericksen except to say that he showed “great But less than a month later, Eriksen’s contract skill in hiring quality teachers and establishing a was rescinded by the board during a jam-packed positive relationship with the faculty.” But School meeting at the administration center on June 13. District 112 stated in the agreement that Eriksen Eriksen had served as an administrator in North cannot return unless the board agrees in writing. Shore School District 112 in Highland Park Eriksen was selected as the principal of for 11 years. But despite the initial positive Central Middle School from a candidate news, Eriksen was under a cloud of suspicion pool with dozens of qualified candidates, after anonymous emails were sent to board according to a press release sent by School members questioning Eriksen’s treatment District 124. District 124 Board members of the staff at School District 112. have not commented further on Eriksen’s The decision to rescind Eriksen’s contract hiring and if they knew anything about came after a three-hour executive session the allegations. Eriksen in which the board members met with “A better open dialogue is needed in the Eriksen to discuss the complaints. After future,” said JoAnne Reilly, a teacher in the announcement was made, parents and many School District 124 for 25 years. “Anyone that district personnel applauded. went on Google could find Dr. Eriksen’s name Before the formal announcement, several teach- in five minutes and knew that he was on leave. ers and parents were allowed to speak during a We don’t know what occurred but we know that public comments period. there was a problem. A deal was made but it is “How is it parents were able to find this in- obvious that district wanted to get rid of him. Why formation in five minutes on the internet and the waste time interviewing outside of the district in board didn’t,” said Laura McCrae, who was a vocal the first place? Our district does not hire from critic of the board after the allegations became within of late. All of these teachers and aides we public. “You have failed to communicate with have are being overlooked over and over again.” residents. How is Dr. Eriksen going to receive Machak did not respond specifically at the end any respect if he is hired when his reputation of the meeting to specific questions about the had been questioned like this.” hiring process or Eriksen. Some parents and teachers voiced their dis“My role now moving forward is to work pleasure, stating that teachers from District 124 on finding the best principal I can for Central are frequently overlooked when appointments are Middle School,” Machak said. “I’ve lost a month made for principal openings. Dr. Robert Machak, in that search because of this process. I need to superintendent of School District 124, denied that focus on what’s ahead of us rather than what’s is the case at the end of the meeting. behind us.” “They need to apply for the positions first,” In regard to an open forum or more input from Machak said. “Everyone will be given full con- parents and District 124 teachers, Machak said sideration.” that there will be much to talk about in the next However, many people who attended the meet- few weeks. ing were skeptical. “There will be a lot of opportunities in the “I think all voices should be heard,” said parent coming weeks and months to talk about the proKendra Gilmore. “Parents and students should be cess and some of the recommendations from the able to be heard for these appointments during parents tonight,” Machak said. “But tonight, is an open forum. I think it is a need and I think not that night.” that is fair.” District 124 issued a statement the following Eriksen has also served as a principal in his day about what will occur in the future. previous district for the past seven years. He “District 124 will now devote its attention to also served as an elementary school principal filling the need for a new principal at Central and middle school assistant principal. He began Middle School, so that the upcoming school year his career as a middle school English Language for students, parents, and staff can begin on a Arts teacher with Libertyville School District 70. positive note,” according to the statement. “The He was scheduled to become the next principal Board of Education is committed to the continued of Central Middle School on July 1. While board members received anonymous well-being and improvement of the school district. emails, word spread quickly about the allega- Every decision made is in the best interest of the tions among parents. They voiced their complaints children and families served. Legal obligations during a meeting held on May 30 that resulted often make it challenging for the district to act as in the board stating that they would consider the swiftly as some may prefer, and we are thankful matter. Eriksen was not available to answer ques- that our community has stood together in unity while we took the steps to resolve this situation.” tions after the June 13 meeting The board also added that “with the contract Eriksen did go on leave in January and agreed to a separation later that month, according to School of Dr. Eriksen now terminated, District 124 holds District 112 records. According to the agreement no financial obligation to him. Eriksen, who was information, Eriksen will continue to receive his scheduled to start on July 1, 2018, will be paid $146,000 salary and benefits. According to School nothing by the District.”

Chicago Ridge officials, as well as nearby residents, are hopeful that recent TV news coverage will speed up the process of getting a long-awaited traffic light at the busy intersection of 99th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. “It can’t hurt. I think it was a good report,” Mayor Chuck Tokar said after the village board meeting on Tuesday. Tokar was among the village officials interviewed by investigative reporter Pam Zekman for a report that aired on CBS Channel 2 news on Monday night. Since 2014, the village has been trying to get a traffic light at the intersection, which was described as “one of the most dangerous in Illinois,” by Channel 2 newscasters. The village has been trying to get a traffic light there since 2014, and Police Chief Rob Pyznarski told Zekman during the report that 137 accidents have occurred in the last four years, and 37 of them involved personal injuries. A two-car crash actually occurred while Zekman was there interviewing nearby residents, including Gino Amato, who originally brought the problem to her attention. “I’m fearful of someone getting injured or killed,” said Amato, who keeps an eye on the intersection from his apartment balcony at the northeast corner, which is in Oak Lawn. He reported seeing as many as one or two accidents per week, and shared photos and videos he has taken of many of them with Zekman.

The crashes seemed to be caused by the drivers of vehicles traveling from the Chicago Ridge Mall and Commons, located just south of 99th Street, coming from the shopping malls and trying to cross four lanes of traffic to turn north onto Ridgeland Avenue. “The latest we’re hearing now (from the Illinois Department of Transportation) is that it could be the end of next year before we have a traffic light there,” said Tokar on Tuesday. “It shouldn’t be that hard. It is not like we are putting a sidewalk in.” In an effort to alleviate the situation in the meantime, the village board has agreed to erect a lighted stop sign on the west side of the intersection. It will have a flashing beam on it, something the one there now does not have. Village Engineer Andrew Pufundt told the board Tuesday that the new sign would cost about $1,300. “There is a stop sign there now. But people don’t pay attention to it. Maybe the lights will help,” said the mayor. Currently, during busy periods vehicles are often lined up at the stop sign on 99th Street, and drivers turning left either disregard it totally or inch past it onto Ridgeland before speeding across whenever there is the slightest break in traffic. In addition to the stop sign, about a year ago a flashing light was installed on Ridgeland to warn motorists of the 99th Street intersection up ahead. Amato said recently that the warning light is hardly noticeable on dark nights. “That doesn’t seem to be helping much either,” Tokar agreed on Tuesday.

Participants and volunteers are needed for ‘Run with the Nuns’ Participants and volunteers are being sought for the annual “Run with the Nuns” 5K run and walk to be held beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct 14 beginning at the Mount Assisi Academy and Convent, 13860 Main St., Lemont. Run with the Nuns is a run through natural hills and picturesque scenery. The challenging all-terrain course features a variety of surfaces from asphalt to grass. All participants receive a medal and short sleeve shirt. Shirts are guaranteed for registrations received before Thursday, Sept. 20. After Sept. 20, shirts may not be available. Virtual runner options will be available for individuals who can’t participate on Sept. 20. Individuals who walk or run on their own will receive a Run with the Nuns shirt and medal. The fee is $20 for children ages 12 and under who walk or run with a parent. Volunteers are being sought to stuff the runner swag bags and assist with packet pick-up. Volunteers are being sought for packet pick-up from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13. On race day from 5:45 to 10 a.m., volunteers are needed for check-in, as court marshals, to cheer on runners, hand out medals, and other possible tasks. Becoming a volunteer can also be used school services hours. More information can be obtained by contacting carriepeters2@sbcglobal.net.

‘Cookin’ for Kids’ in Palos Hills to benefit Lurie Children’s Hospital “Cookin’ for Kids,” a fundraiser to benefit Lurie Children’s Hospital, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 23 at Duke’s Ace Hardware, 7610 W. 111th St., Palos Hills. Three chefs have donated their time and talent for this chef’s tasting event.

Visitors can make a $5 donation to Lurie Children’s Hospital and receive a sample plate of food cooked on Weber and Traeger grills. A raffle will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for one and $10 for three. The grand prize is a black Weber Spirit E-210 LP gas

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4 The Reporter

Our Neighborhood

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Crowd enjoys food and rides at Most Holy Redeemer Carnival Large crowds gathered for the 42nd annual Most Holy Redeemer Parish Carnival that took place for five days on the grounds of the parish, 9525 S. Lawndale Ave., Evergreen Park. The event began June 13 and continued through

Sunday, June 17. The carnival featured food, music, rides, games, raffles and a grand prize drawing that increased each night. Early bird drawings were held for three days of the carnival. Along with the carnival rides that included a

merry-go-round, Ferris wheel and bumper cars were basket raffles, a spinning wheel, split-thepot raffles, pull tabs and face painting. Games of chance also included bars and bells in the Beer Garden.

Kids had fun turning and spinning into each other on the bumper Kids waited in line for their turn on the merry-go-round on June cars at the Most Holy Redeemer Carnival in Evergreen Park. 13 at the Most Holy Redeemer Carnival.

Palos Farmers Market has what you need to make the most of the holiday Great fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses will be celebrated before the July 4 holiday during the Palos Heights Farmers Market on Wednesday, June 27 at 12217 S. Harlem Ave. The market will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 for Independence Day. The Palos Heights Farmers Market has all you need for your Independence Day celebrations. The variety of fruits and vegetables coming into the market is increasing every week. Locally grown fresh strawberries and other berries, tomatoes, lettuces, kale, spinach, radishes, kohlrabi, beets, early summer squashes, carrots, microgreens are in the market now. In addition, breads, and multiple types of bakery items, pies and noodles, cheeses, eggs, butter, jams and jellies, local honey and maple syrup, olive oils and vinegars, beef, pork and chicken, salsas, pasta and barbecue sauces and Italian peppers, three different varieties of ready-to-eat tamales, pizza and pizza products, ready-to-bake pizza, pesto, and organic and vegan frozen vegetable patties, soups, desserts, iced tea and packaged teas are in the market every week. The vendors also have perennial and annual plants, herbs and fresh cut flowers. Get ready for summer barbecues and parties with products from the Pampered Chef. The naturally scented olive oil soaps and other personal care products are also available. The market’s Facebook page will showcase all available produce at the start of the market day: www.Facebook.com/PalosHeightsFarmersMarket. The Community Tents will feature the Palos Heights Recreation Department, and Rita Schultz’s Day Dreamer Jewelry. The Recreation Department will be hosting a Pool Pass giveaway raffle. The raffle prize will include two beach towels and four pool passes. Sign up and find out everything that is happening at the Rec Department this summer. Schultz will be showcasing her “Day Dreamer”

Dan Casey was sworn in as the newest member of Moraine Valley Community College’s Board of Trustees to replace trustee Michael Murphy, who resigned in February. Casey, of Palos Heights, fills the vacated position until the 2019 election. He is the head of credit for BP’s oil trading division in the Americas, and board members will bring a strong finance and business background to help the college remain on sound financial footing as well as further the mission of the college and position it for success. As a former international banker, his global experience also will bring a unique perspective, according to board members. “On behalf of the other trustees,

Photos by Joe Boyle

Youths of all ages spin around and around on the tilt-a-whirl during the Most Holy Redeemer Parish Carnival in Evergreen Park.

Aloha! Worth Township hosts luau

jewelry. She has handcrafted earrings, bracelets and necklaces all inspired by nature. Many new creations will be available. Shoppers can stop by the City Tent to pick up and have their frequent shopper cards endorsed. Patrons will earn double credit on their frequent shopper cards for all canned and fresh food donations. Canned donations are given to Palos United Methodist Church, 12101 S Harlem Ave., Palos Heights. Fresh food donations are given to Operation Blessing in Alsip. All completed frequent shopper cards will be entered into a Market gift certificate raffle every month. LINK cards are accepted at the Palos market. Stop by the City Tent to start the process. “Palos Bucks” Double Value Matching dollars of up to $15 will be offered weekly. Pick up this week’s recipe, “Herbed Vinaigrette Salad Dressing,” at the City Tent. This year’s recipes are courtesy of Palos Health Dieticians. The recipe will also be attached to the weekly email, Facebook page, City webpage (www.palosheights.org). Raffle tickets for this year’s Car Classic Event will be available at every market. The Car Classic Event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 19. This is the 15th anniversary and will feature hundreds of classic cars, a live band, food and beverages. More information about the Car Classic event can be found at www.palosheights.org/events/ carclassic. Volunteers are needed. Email carclassic@ palosheights.org for more information. The market would like to acknowledge and thank this year’s Market sponsors. They include Palos Health, CIBC Bank, Palos Heights/Mayor Bob Straz, CNB Bank and Trust, United Trust Bank, Running for Kicks, Golden Shoes and Camille’s Confections. Additional information about the market can be obtained at www.palosheights.org, by emailing farmersmarket@palosheights.org, calling (708) 3611800, or visiting the Palos Heights Farmers Market page on Facebook.

Moraine board appoints new member I would like to welcome Dan to our board,” said Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, college president. “With his work experience and knowledge, I am confident our students, faculty and staff will benefit from the contributions he will make to the college during his term. I know we all look forward to working with him.” As a new member of the board, Casey hopes to build upon the foundation already established by the current board and administration. In regards to fiscal and economic opportunities, he wants to make sure there’s a viable continuing education option for anyone who wants to pursue it in the college’s district. “I want to lend my leadership experience and help shape the appropriate path for the college to ensure its

financial sustainability,” he said. Casey said he jumped right into collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the college’s unions, attended graduation and has been called into several closed sessions. He says he came onto the board with no expectations so he could gain appreciation for the current position of the college and board dynamics. “I’m very impressed in this short time with the representation of leadership, board members and faculty members of the college,” Casey said. “It has surpassed all of my expectations of how well run the college is. I’m very pleasantly surprised.” When Casey saw the ad for the open board position in the newspaper, he knew right away it was something he wanted to pursue as he and his wife, Cherl, are passionate about continuing education. They have another connection to Moraine Valley through their former neighbor, Robert F. DeCaprio, who was close a close friend of theirs and an ardent supporter of the college before he died. “This was a way to give back to something that was important to him. It’s kind of like a legacy of Bob,” Casey said. In his brief tenure at Moraine Valley, Casey said he already has noticed the passion, commitment and love the faculty and staff have for what they do and for the college. “I look forward to bringing a little of that along with me into my day job,” he said. Casey has a master of business administration degree from St. Xavier University in Chicago and a bachelor’s in finance from Eastern Illinois University. He is the father of three sons: Connor, 17; Chris, 15; and Tyler, 12.

The food included beef and steak tacos. Bratwursts were served all five days by the Most Holy Redeemer Men’s Club. Live music included Julie Shakers, the Stockyard Kilty Band, Jerry Bosch and the Rock Falls Band.

Smiles can be seen on the faces of guests (above) at the Worth Township Luau held last month at the Worth Township Hall in Alsip. Over 100 people attended the event. The guests received leis and flowers for their hair. People in attendance received a catered lunch and were entertained by the Royale Polynesian Revue, who sang, danced and played ukuleles. Left: Worth Township Supervisor John O’Sullivan poses with performers from the Royale Polynesian Revue, who entertained at the luncheon. Supplied photos

Compiled by Joe Boyle

News and events from our archives • 50 years ago

Dist. 122 debates hiring relatives of board members From the June 20, 1968 issue: The story: Wallace Darnell, three-term member of the Ridgeland School District 122 reportedly resigned Monday night after the board passed a motion making it possible for members’ relatives to be employed by the school district, which covers portions of Oak Lawn and Bridgeview. After he left, it was decided that the motion was out of order because prior notice was not given to board members. The board also said that Darnell had not really resigned. His letter of resignation had not yet been accepted and was officially tabled. In any event, the controversial motion will be brought up at a future meeting. The motion itself was aimed at repealing policy passed last March restricting the hiring of school employees who are related to board members. The quote: “It is fine for board members who have relatives who work for the district,” Darnall said. “But, such members should resign and avoid conflict of interest.””

• 25 years ago

Plans approved for new Oak Lawn Ice Arena From the June 17, 1993 issue: The story: Following a public hearing and a thorough discussion, the Oak Lawn Park District Board on Monday voted 4-1 to make a commitment to build a new ice arena at an estimated cost of $4.5 million. At the urging of David Heilmann, president of the Oak Lawn Board of Commissioners, no action was taken to issue bonds for the project. Heilmann asked that the board give him a week to look at the architect’s plan to make sure enough money is dedicated for the project, rather than having to go with a second bond issue. The proposed arena is tentatively scheduled to be built at 94th Street and Kenton Avenue at the site of the district’s current ice rink. Some residents opposed the idea while many others were in favor of the project. The quote: “Wake up and smell the coffee,” said resident Paul Groah. “Ice rinks are regional. Do you think when you get the (Stony Creek) Golf Course completed that only Oak Lawn residents will use the course?”

• 10 years ago

Hickory Hills cracks down on illegal sewer hookups From the June 19, 2008 issue: The story: Illegal and improper sewer hookups are causing problems in Hickory Hills and officials are considering taking action against residents who have not allowed the city to inspect their homes. The Hickory Hills City Council last week discussed plans to issue third inspection notices to hundreds of homeowners with the threat of turning off water to homes whose owners do not comply. The search commenced last fall after the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) reported overflow problems, according to Larry Boettcher, director of the Hickory Hills Public Works Department. The quote: “The problem is some people are not responding to the inspection notices to set up appointments,” Boettcher said. “Second notices were issued to those that did not respond to the first, and while more inspections have been conducted, there are still a couple of hundred homeowners that have not allowed them.”

Thursday, June 21, 2018

The Reporter

WHATIZIT?

Photo by Joe Boyle

The clue for this week’s Whatizit (above) is: Hills center. Send your responses with your name and hometown by noon Monday to: thereporter@comcast.net. Only one person guessed last week’s photo quiz. Our clue, “Nearby relic,” we thought would help, but only if readers walk or drive by The Reporter and Regional News office at 12243 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights. We would have accepted printing press or even the name of one of our newspapers. This old printing machine is located just outside our office and has been there for many years. The old printing press can be seen near the sidewalk facing Harlem Avenue. Ron Wagenhofer, of Palos Park, knew it was the old printing press that is a familiar sight to residents in the neighborhood.

SUDOKU

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Traffic was slowed as a section of a new, larger water pipe measuring 60 inches in diameter was being installed on Southwest Highway just north of 95th Street on Tuesday. Village officials said the work going on across from Oak Lawn Community High School is scheduled to be completed before school resumes in the fall.

Relief is on the way: Oak Lawn trustee says regional water project is nearing completion By Dermot Connolly

Solution on Page 11

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1. __ fi (slang 4. Anecdotes about a person 7. Central Standard Time 10. Beverage receptacle 11. Football’s Newton 12. Be in debt 13. Tattles 15. Musician __ Lo 16. Arrange again 19. A binary compound of carbon with a metal 21. Brazilian futbol great 23. Feared 24. Annoy 25. Unit of heredity 26. Small freshwater fis 27. Muscular weaknesses 30. Fined 34. One-time EU currency 35. Egyptian unit of weight 36. Winged horse 41. Increments 45. Abnormal rattling sound 46. Middle Eastern country 47. A type of greeter 50. __ inning stretch 54. Reaches 55. More gray 56. Football term 57. Swiss river 59. Ninth day before the ides 60. Grow old 61. Don’t know when yet 62. College hoops tournament 63. Japanese monetary unit 64. Medical device 65. Antidiuretic hormone

DOWN 1. Put fear into 2. Partner to corned beef 3. Interiors 4. Agrees to a demand 5. No (Scottish) 6. __ Hess Corp. 7. Ornamental molding 8. Garment 9. Electric car company 13. Decimal digits in binary (abbr.) 14. Gibbon 17. Sun up in New York 18. __ the line 20. A vale 22. Old Irish alphabet 27. A type of band 28. A team’s best pitcher 29. Floor covering 31. A __ in the machine 32. Supplement with difficu y 33. Prosecutors 37. Place in order 38. Japanese lute 39. Mongolian city __ Bator 40. Perceived 41. A cloth for washing dishes 42. Chocolate cookie with white cream fillin 43. Grassy plain 44. Barometer 47. Father 48. Of the ear 49. Thomas __, British dramatist l652-85 51. After eighth 52. Where golfers begin 53. Time units (abbr.) 58. Basics Answers on Page 11

There is light at the end of the tunnel for Oak Lawn residents, and anyone else who has grown tired of Southwest Highway being under construction between Cicero and 95th Street for the past six months while new water pipes are installed underground. Oak Lawn Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) said at the village board meeting on June 12 that “the waterworks project is moving rapidly,” and construction that has tied up Southwest Highway roughly from Cicero Avenue to 95th Street should be completed within the next few months. Work on the $216 million project began last December at Southwest Highway and 48th Court, just west of Cicero. It has already stretched almost to 95th Street, alongside Oak Lawn Community High School. Parts of Southwest Highway are closed to traffic, while others are narrowed to one lane. The Oak Lawn portion of the regional water project that will eventually connect with 12 area suburbs that buy water supplies from Oak Lawn. The water is bought from Chicago, and in turn, Oak Lawn sells it to the other municipalities, including Chicago Ridge, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Orland Park, Orland Hills, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Country Club Hills, Matteson, Mokena, New Lenox, and Olympia Fields. Olejniczak said that as of June 12, 3,800 linear feet of 60-inch piping has been installed in the trenches being dug along Southwest Highway. He said the new larger pipes, together with the existing 42-inch pipes, will create a redundant water pumping system that will ensure fresh water supplies will be available even if there is a problem with one of the pipes. “The pipeline construction began in December at 47th Avenue and Southwest Highway, and the section between 48th Court and Central Avenue, which has reduced traffic to one lane in many areas, is scheduled to be reopened by the end of August,” said Olejniczak. “We have made some quick work in the section between Central Avenue and 95th Street, too,” said Olejniczak. When the work began, the goal was to have the work completed in those areas before school starts in August, to minimize problems for St. Gerald School at Central Avenue, and Oak Lawn Community High School, at 95th Street and Southwest Highway. The trustee said those goals are expected to be met. “(The construction work) will make the turn between 95th Street in the fall and continue down Southwest Highway to Merton Avenue (at the border with Chicago Ridge). That work is expected to be completed by July 2019,” he said. “I appreciate everyone’s patience as the work is being done. We are replacing. this 42-inch pipe, so that will be a big improvement for water flow for our

Photo by Dermot Connolly

Traffic was being diverted off Southwest Highway at 54th Avenue on Tuesday while new water pipes were being installed as part of ongoing improvements to the Oak Lawn Regional Water System.

neighbors down stream. We will have a redundant water pumping system, rather than a single one,” said Olejniczak.

“When (the entire 16-mile water line) is complete, this is going to be very good for the whole area,” he said.

Village Manager Larry Deetjen called it “a multi-generational project,” expected to last until at least 2040.

6 The Reporter

THE

COMMENTARY

Thursday, June 21, 2018

REPORTER An Independent Newspaper Published Weekly Founded March 16, 1960

Ray Hanania

Too early for Dems to spike the ball

Preckwinkle rumored to be mulling soda tax revival

ccording to a recent Capitol Fax/We Ask America poll, Democrat J.B. Pritzker leads Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner by nine points, 36-27, with 26 percent choosing an unnamed third-party candidate and 11 percent undecided. In other words, slightly more people said they preferred third party and/or were undecided than supported the frontrunner Pritzker. The partisan breakdown of respondents was 41 percent Democratic, 34 percent Republican and 25 percent saying they were independent. So, the two candidates have a way to go to even convince members of their own parties to stand with them. A full 36 percent of Republicans were still either undecided (9 percent) or chose a thirdRich party candidate (27 percent), while 27 percent Miller of Democrats were either undecided (6) or say they are backing a third-party candidate (21). It’s seems unlikely that a quarter of voters will wind up going third party on election day; but hey, one never knows. Respondents who say they’re with an unnamed third-party candidate might be just temporarily parking themselves there before “coming home” in November. But these results also show deep dissatisfaction with both candidates, and that can’t be great news for the frontrunner Pritzker. Then again, I’d take his results over Rauner’s any day. If you take a look at the attorney general candidates, you’ll see the exact same nine-point spread between the two. Sen. Kwame Raoul leads Republican Erika Harold 44-35. Pollster Gregg Durham said he considers these to be a generic ballot test. We didn’t poll a third-party candidate in that race. According to the poll of 600 likely voters, 56 percent have an unfavorable opinion of President Donald Trump, while 39 percent have a favorable view. That’s the exact same 56-39 split from the 2016 presidential results here. So, why do these “top of the ballot” races have single-digit margins in a “wave” year like this? Do Rauner and Harold have a shot? Pritzker has spent an absolute fortune, but it’s only June and he’s been hit with a lot of negatives since January. Keep in mind that a hobbled, unpopular Gov. Rod Blagojevich won by about 10 points during the last off-year “blue wave” in 2006 – which is right about where these races are. One important Illinois-centric variable could be House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, who, it turns out, is just as or even more unpopular in Illinois as Trump. A very high 60 percent of likely Illinois voters have an unfavorable view of Madigan, while 39 percent have a favorable view. A whopping 63 percent of independents or third-party voters have an unfavorable view of Madigan, which is higher than the 59 percent who had the same view of Trump. Fifty-six percent of women and 62 percent of men have an unfavorable view of the House Speaker (Trump’s split was 60/51). Back to the governor’s race, where 37 percent of respondents had a favorable view of Gov. Rauner, while a solid majority of 55 percent had an unfavorable view. The poll taken June 9-11 with a margin of error of +/-3.99 percent found that 43 percent had a favorable opinion of Pritzker while 39 percent had an unfavorable view. Some 64 percent of Republicans had a favorable view of Rauner, but 29 percent still have an unfavorable opinion of him and 8 percent were undecided, so the governor still has a way to go after barely winning the March GOP primary. The poll found that 67 percent of Democrats have a favorable opinion of Pritzker, while 17 percent had an unfavorable view. Pritzker has a bit of catching up to do on his side. Rauner is underwater with just about every demographic. Some 57 percent of collar county voters and 59 percent of suburban Cook County voters have an unfavorable opinion of the governor. It’s closer Downstate, where he’s underwater by two points, 44 to 46. Pritzker leads Rauner everywhere except Downstate. Pritzker’s ahead 53-13 in Chicago (that’s actually not a horrible number for Rauner). He has about a 10-point lead in suburban Cook and he’s up 33-28 in the collars. Rauner has just a three-point 33-30 lead Downstate, which is not great for him. Rauner leads Pritzker by 2 points among the 65+ crowd, but Pritzker leads in all other age groups. Whites are with Pritzker 33-31 and men lean toward Pritzker 34-28, which is surprisingly good news for the Democrat. Again, I’d much rather have Pritzker’s numbers than Rauner’s, but the governor is not totally out of it yet. Democrats have been spiking the ball ever since the primary. They need to get to work. Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.

INSIDE THE FIRST AMENDMENT

An ongoing outrage, a tragedy — and a puzzling farce By Gene Policinski

The reports came like thunderbolts recently: Another journalist beaten to death in Mexico. Two journalists killed in the United States while reporting on a dangerous storm. And a Russian journalist assassinated in Ukraine. An ongoing outrage. A terrible tragedy. And — as it developed in Kiev — a puzzling farce. The body of Hector Gonzalez Antonio, a correspondent for national daily newspaper Excelsior, was found in Ciudad Victoria, in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas, the sixth journalist killed in the country this year and the second found beaten to death in the last month. At least nine journalists were murdered in Mexico in 2017, according to the international group Committee to Protect Journalists. Antonio, a veteran reporter, often wrote about politics and the violence rampant in his home state, reports said. Mexico has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for those reporting the news. Drug cartels, political corruption and organized crime have created an environment of near-constant threats, attacks and killings. In the United States, WYFF anchor Mike McCormick and photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer were killed when a tree fell on their vehicle as they were covering flooding and damage associated with Tropical Storm Alberto in North Carolina. Just 10 minutes earlier, the local fire chief Geoffrey Tennant had been interviewed by McCormick, and they talked about how “he wanted us to stay safe and how we wanted him to stay safe.” Early reports said the tree likely hit the SUV and crashed through the roof as it was moving — the engine was running and the vehicle was in drive when emergency crews reached the scene. McCormick and Smeltzer were the first U.S. journalists to die in this country since August 2015, when Alison Parker and Adam Ward of WDBJ in Roanoke, Va., were killed by a deranged former colleague during a live morning broadcast. The first news from Ukraine was that Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko, a long-time critic of the Kremlin, had been shot dead in his apartment in Kiev, where he has been working as a TV news anchor. International press freedom groups joined Ukrainian journalists and Babchenko’s colleagues to demand quick action to solve the murder — only to see him show up alive at a news conference, where authorities revealed that the death was faked to foil an assassination plot. Babchenko apologized to fellow journalists and to his wife, who he said did not know about the deception. Shortly

after the shocking revelation, a Ukrainian journalist was quoted in news reports as saying that while he and others were relieved that their colleague had not been killed, “We’d also like to punch him in the nose.” Like many journalists at that news conference did, it’s okay to celebrate — for a moment — that the assassination plot was foiled, and two conspirators arrested. But after that moment, let’s consider the longterm harm done by the fabricated murder. The movie-ready drama in Kiev distracted the world’s attention from Hector Gonzalez Antonio’s horrific death — and from the ongoing horror facing journalists in Mexico. And it overwhelmed the news of the deaths of McCormick and Smeltzer, who died while working in dangerous conditions, as journalists often do, to report on natural disasters and alert us of storm threats. In an era when too many of us doubt the accuracy — and the motives — of journalists, purposely generating fake news, even with the best of motives, seems unwise. If reports are accurate that Ukrainian police knew of the death plot against Babchenko for months, and perhaps even recruited the “hit man” in the sting, surely alternatives to deceiving the world were available. Already, Kremlin officials are using the incident in attempts to discredit earlier reports about nefarious Russian activity in Ukraine and elsewhere, including calling “fake news” the reported attempt earlier this year to poison another critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Great Britain, and reports that Russia supplied the missile used to shoot down a Malaysia Airlines flight in eastern Ukraine in 2014. Yes, it may seem disingenuous to decry both the murders of journalists and the efforts to prevent one — but, put simply, journalists cannot do their jobs and be de facto police officers at the same time. Sources need to trust that reporters are not working with the authorities — particularly in nations without strong protections for press freedom. News consumers need to trust that journalists are not simply another vehicle for government propaganda. And any deception offers “proof” to those who already see conspiracies, bias and political interference behind reports that challenge preconceived notions or the claims of those in power. The world should celebrate that Arkady Babchenko is alive. It’s just too tragic that we cannot say the same of Mike McCormick, Aaron Smeltzer and Hector Gonzalez Antonio — and the many others whose deaths are all too real. Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at gpolicinski@freedomforum.org, or follow him on Twitter at @genefac.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Says remarks about Oak Lawn village manager are off the mark I take exception to the letter written by an Oak Lawn resident criticizing Larry Deetjen’s stance on homeless people in Oak Lawn (“Troubled by Deetjen’s stance on homeless in Oak Lawn,” June 7). Larry has been an excellent village manager and hiring him was a definite win for our village. Larry can be found at his office diligently doing village work after hours and on weekends on behalf of the residents of Oak Lawn.

Cheap shots about his intolerance of homeless people have little basis in fact and are clearly an attempt to discredit his managerial expertise in the handing of village matters. Keep up the good work Larry, and know that most Oak Lawn residents are supportive of the fine job you’ve done serving me and my fellow villagers in your conduct of village affairs. — Mike Sutko, Oak Lawn

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The Reporter, 12247 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 or e-mail us at thereporter@comcast.net

f Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle had not done an aboutface on the issue of the sales tax hike, things might be different. But it was Preckwinkle who denounced President Todd Stroger and his One Cent Sales Tax Hike and used the promise to repeal it as the foundation of her bid to beat him. She won, and I thought wow, finally, a great county leader. Instead, after winning, Preckwinkle kept the Stroger sales tax hike. It was a complete betrayal of the taxpayers, the most brazen, arrogant, and hypocritical act by a government official I have ever seen in 45 years of writing about Chicagoland politics. And I’ve seen some doozies. The sales tax slams suburban middleclass families the most. Chicago, with the help of Cook County, continually tries to make suburbanites pay for their failings at every level of government from schools to CTA transportation. Politicians in Chicago and Cook County scheme to put the heaviest tax burden on the suburbs to shore up their own pensions, salary hikes and endless perks. After breaking her campaign promise, Preckwinkle decided to pile it on the suburbs, introducing the notorious onecent per ounce tax on sweetened drinks and soda pop, including on the unsweetened “diet” drinks. Poor planning kept the soda tax in the headlines after Preckwinkle was forced to cast a tie-breaking vote. That gave suburban Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison, and a few allies, the opportunity to rally opposition for a repeal. A centrist Republican from the 17th District modeled after his highly successful and popular anti-tax predecessor Commissioner Elizabeth “Liz” DoodyGorman, Morrison beat Preckwinkle, convincing all but one commissioner who voted for the tax to repeal it. Angered by the slap in her political face, Preckwinkle launched a vindictive campaign to punish all her foes, succeeding in unseating several commissioners in the last election including John Fritchey, a leading anti-tax champion. Now, Preckwinkle is pulling all the stops to get Morrison. Because once he is out of the way, Preckwinkle is rumored to be planning to reintroduce the soda tax — and more — after the November elections. If Preckwinkle can just get rid of Sean Morrison in November, she will have an open road to reintroduce the one-cent per ounce soda tax, and other punitive tax measures. But that ain’t gonna happen. Morrison is more popular today than ever. He’s the last bastion standing in the way of another unjustified and massive tax hike to slam the suburbs. I read recently California is considering a proposition to divide itself into three states (imagine a U.S. Flag with 52 stars?) That’s what we need in Cook County, a separation between the suburbs and Chicago. Don’t get me wrong. I love Chicago and Chicagoans. I was born there and grew up there. But, Cook County is too big (5.3 million people) and is too much under the control of politicians in Chicago like Preckwinkle, a former Chicago alderman. We need to give the suburbs control over their own lives. It’s wrong for Chicago and Cook County to take money from suburban taxpayers and give little or nothing to the suburbs in return, using the taxes almost exclusively to pay for services in the Chicago portion of Cook County. Suburbanites in Cook County pay more taxes than residents living in Chicago and deserve more services, better transportation, a separate public hospital in the suburbs, and more. Yet, according to Morrison, the bulk of the money is used for Chicago. Re-electing Sean Morrison will put Preckwinkle’s tax-hike plans into check. Preckwinkle can deny the rumors all she wants, the same way she vowed to repeal the Stroger Sales Tax. If Preckwinkle takes Morrison out in November, you might as well sign a blank check now and hand it over. The Preckwinkle Tax Catastrophe is on its way, and Sean Morrison may be the only person left standing to prevent it from happening. Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author and former Chicago City Hall reporter. Reach him at his personal website at www.Hanania.com or email him at rghanania@gmail.com

Thursday, June 21, 2018

The Reporter

EVERGREEN PARK VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

Mayor, trustees honor ‘hero’ police officer By Sharon L. Filkins A police officer, in his first year of duty, was honored for his “outstanding performance of duty” during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting on Monday night. On June 6, Officer Alex Herrera was on patrol when he received information regarding an armed robbery that had just occurred at the 7-11 store at 103rd and Sawyer Avenue. He observed a vehicle matching the description of the car fleeing the scene with five occupants. He initiated a felony stop, called for back-up and detained the vehicle and its occupants. With the assistance of multiple Chicago Police Department units, the occupants were identified by the victim as the offenders. Located inside the vehicle were a ski mask, handgun and evidence of the robbery. Police Chief Michael Saunders commended Herrera for his immediate response and tactical approach to the situation. “You showed great courage and extreme attention to your duty as a law enforcement professional,” Saunders said. “As a result of your actions, five violent offenders were removed from the street and a handgun, evidence and the robbery proceeds were found. This was a job well done.” Other board action included approval of a revision to the village’s municipal code, which now allows males in Evergreen Park to wear dresses or skirts if they so desire. Mayor James Sexton, struggling with his words as he called for the vote on the ordinance, said he had promised that he would behave himself regarding his comments on the ordinance. His muted reaction was echoed by the trustees as they quietly voted approval of the ordinance. “We had to look at the ordinance because a resident questioned it at our last meeting. I

Jump Shot Basketball is offered for kids this summer The Chicago Ridge Park District is holding the Jump Shot Basketball fundamentals sessions for kids ages 11 to 14 on Tuesdays from June 26 through Aug. 7 at the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 W. Birmingham St. Sessions will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays except for July 3. Children will learn how to dribble, pass, shoot and rebound. Each week a number of different skills will be stressed and sessions will end with a game. The registration fee is $41 for residents and $51 for non-residents. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 636-4900 or visit www.chicagoridgeparks.com.

Weekly sports programs are off red for youths

Sports programs will be offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 27 through Friday, Aug. 8 at the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 W. Birmingham St., Chicago Ridge. All boys and girls who would like to play sports or want to learn to play better are invited to these session. The program will not be held on July 4. Kids will learn the basics of basketball, flag football, floor hockey and soccer. The class will also help children develop teamwork skills. The registration fee is $41 for residents and $51 for non-residents. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 636-4900 or visit www.chicagoridgeparks.com.

Park district hosts trip to Strawberry Festival The Chicago Ridge Park District is sponsoring a trip to see the Strawberry Festival in Lake County on Sunday, June 24. This is the premiere event of the Long Grove signature festivals. The bus will leave the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 W. Birmingham St., Chicago Ridge, at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to return at 5 p.m. The fee for the trip is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. The price does not include the $5 fee to enter the festival. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 636-4900 or visit www.chicagoridgeparks.com.

Free Play Mondays to be held at Freedom Activity Center The Chicago Ridge Park District is offering Free Play Mondays through the summer at the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 S. Birmingham St. Children ages 4 to 6 can play from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; ages 7 to 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and ages 10 to 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sessions will continue through Aug. 13. Kids will engage in games such as tag, freezeball, Saturn ball, rock climbing and kickball. The focus will be on kids running around and burning off energy. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 636-4900 or visit www.chicagoridgeparks.com.

Chicago Ridge Park District hosts Experience the Parks 5K Run/Walks The Chicago Ridge Park District will be hosting an Experience the Park 5K Run/ Walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 14 while participants will run or walk through Freedom Park, Menard Park and Memorial Park while tackling a few obstacles along the way. The registration fee is $10 per person and includes a T-shirt and pancake breakfast. Registration is available online at www.chicagoridgeparks.com or in person at the Freedom Activity Center, 6252 W. Birmingham St., or the Frontier Field House, 9807 S. Sayre Ave. All participants must register by Friday, June 29 to guarantee a shirt. More information

DEATH NOTICES Esther M. Martz, nee Davidson Devoted wife of Rev. Leonard T. Martz for 64 years; Loving mother of Philip (Wendelyn) Martz of Charlotte, N.C., Dr. Deborah (Dr. Samuel) Naaman of Carol Stream, IL., Priscilla (Steven) Ross of Clarkston, MI., and David Martz of Worth, IL.; Proud grandmother of Alder, Loren, and Harrison Martz; Blaise and David Naaman; Nathan (Erin), Emily, and Andrew Ross; Dear sister of the late Rev. Harrison (Arlene) Davidson, the late Dr.

Loren Kenneth (Terry) Davidson, and the late Dr. Phyllis (late Dr. Duvon) Corbitt; Visitation Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th Street, Chicago Ridge; Visitation Friday, 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service, 10:00 a.m. at the Worth Church of the Nazarene, 6825 W. 112th St. Worth, IL 60482; Interment Chapel Hill Garden South Cemetery; For funeral info 708-422-2700, or www. curleyfuneralhome.com

William Hendren

Photo by Sharon L. Filkins

Alex Herrera, in his first year of duty as an Evergreen Park police officer, was honored during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night for assisting recently in helping to apprehend an armed robbery suspect. Joining Herrera were (from left) Police Chief Michael Saunders and Mayor James Sexton.

Even though the approval was unanimous, Trustee James McQuillan voiced his concern. “Are we now establishing a dress code for the village? “ Sexton assured him that was not the case. Board members approved the cancellation of the July 2 board meeting, due to the July 4 holiday. The Aug. 6 board meeting has also been cancelled. Approval was granted to a request from residents of the 2900 block of 97th Street for the erection of stop signs on their street for the safety of their children.

guess our village is a little outdated, so it was necessary to update our code,” Sexton said. A member of the audience asked Sexton if the new ordinance would open the door to other issues, possibly endangering the safety of the community. Sexton replied that there are many issues in the world today that can cause concern, but he didn’t think there would be a problem with the revision. He directed the question to Saunders, who said, “We have very strong values in our community. I think we are OK.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR CHICAGO RIDGE

can be obtained by calling (708) 636-4900.

EVERGREEN PARK

EP Seniors to hear talk on village’s 125th anniversary The Evergreen Park Senior Council will their next luncheon and program beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 21 at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave. This is the final meeting before the summer break. The special guest speaker will be George Peso, who will share information concerning the kickoff of the 125th anniversary of the Village of Evergreen Park. After the fried chicken luncheon, vocalist Peter Oprisko will entertain with a Las Vegas-style review. The fee is $7 for the luncheon. Tickets must be purchased by Monday, June 18 at the Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St., Room 107. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-8776. Canned good donations for the Evergreen Park Village Pantry will be accepted.

HICKORY HILLS

Food, rides and arts & crafts at Street Fair The 2018 Street Fair, featuring rides and attractions, will be held Sunday, June 24 from noon to 4 p.m. at Kasey Meadow Park (bottom of hill), 91st Pl. and Roberts Rd. Tickets for the rides and attractions can be purchased the day of the event. Some of the other attractions will include arts & craft vendors, food vendors and entertainment. Ride tickets will be available at the park district booth.

Annual bike rodeo Test your riding, hand signals and your bike’s safety at the Annual Bike Rodeo on Friday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Krueger Park parking lot. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. After testing is finished, a drawing will be held for one lucky boy and girls to win a brand-new assembled bicycle. Winners must be present. Only riders wearing their helmet during the drawing will be eligible to win. Also, enjoy the monster truck bounce during the event! The event is sponsored by the Hickory Hills Park District, the Roberts Park Fire Department and the Hickory Hills Police Department.

OAK LAWN

Free summer concerts, movies will be held at Village Green Free summer concerts and movies will be offered at the Village Green, 9446 S. Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn, beginning this month. The first movie will be screened on Friday, June 22. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Sundays, and all three movies will begin on Fridays at dusk. For a full listing of concerts and movies, check out the Summer 2018 Program Guide at www.olparks.com or call (708) 857-2200.

Bowlers sought for ‘Friends of Dominic Duran’ event Bowlers are being sought for the JohnsonPhelps VFW’s fifth annual “Friends of Dominic Duran” Candlelight Bowl beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23 at Arena Lanes, 4700 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. This event is being held in memory of Oak Lawn Community High School baseball player Dominic Duran, who died after collapsing on a baseball field in 2005. All proceeds benefit the VFW’s Veteran Assistance programs. For more information and to register, call (708) 423-5220.

Oak Lawn Garden Club to host annual walk Oak Lawn Garden Club’s Annual Garden Walk will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 24. Participants will tour five local gardens and get some new ideas. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased the day of event at the Village Green Gazebo, 9446 S. Raymond Drive, Oak Lawn. For tickets and more information, call Lorrie at (708) 979-5386.

Annual Fourth of July Parade to be held on 95th Street The Village of Oak Lawn will hold its annual Fourth of July parade beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 4. The parade will kick off at 95th Street and 51st Avenue. The procession will head westbound on 95th Street to 55th Court. This path along 95th Street will be closed during this event. Spectators are encouraged to view the parade on both sides of 95th and should plan on arriving early for a good spot along the route. The parade features many local businesses, organizations and entertainment including Chicago Bulls’ mascot Benny the Bull, Chicago Blackhawks’ mascot Tommy Hawk, and Those Funny Little People. Following the parade and starting at noon, the Oak Lawn Park District’s new Fourth of July “Party in the Park” event will be held at Memorial Park, 10200 S. Major Ave., with family activities throughout the day leading up to the annual evening fireworks display at Richards High School, 10601 S. Central Ave., at dusk.

‘Surfin’ Through Scriptures’ at Pilgrim Faith Church

“Surfin’ Through The Scriptures” Vacation Bible School will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, July 9 through Thursday, July 12 at Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ, 9411 S. 51st Ave., Oak Lawn. Children of the community are invited each day to participate in games, crafts, Bible stories, and music with dance moves. Children ages 4 through fifth grade are invited to attend. The fee is $10 per child or $25 per family. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-6120 or visit www.pilgrimfaith.org.

PALOS HILLS

Health services will be provided at Palos Township Center Health services will be provided this month at the Palos Township Community Center, 10802 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills. The health and resource fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 27. Oral cancer screenings will be held by appointment for a $5 fee. Healthy heart screenings will also be held at the fair from 9 to 11:30 a.m. by appointment only. Fees will apply. Activities are available on their website at www/ palostownship.org/hs. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 598-2441.

Friendship Fest to return to Palos Hills The City of Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department will be hosting their annual Friendship Festival on the grounds of Moraine Valley Community College from Thursday, July 12 through Sunday, July 15. This event will include a carnival, kids’ entertainment, adult bands, food vendors and conclude with a fireworks display on Sunday night. Mega bands are currently being sold at the Palos Hills Community Center, 8455 W.103rd St. Mega bands are $40 if purchased before noon on July 12. They are $50 at the fest. For more information about Friendship Fest, call (708) 430-4500.

William P. Hendren, 86, a former Palos Hills resident, died June 12 at Bridgeview Healthcare. Mr. Hendren, who was born in Memphis, Tenn., worked in the railroad industry. He was described as a friend and servant of the St. Laurence High School community. He left no immediate survivors. Services were private. Arrangements were made by Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home.

Cheryl Hilger Cheryl Hilger (nee Urbanski), 55, a former Palos Hills resident, died June 12 in St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. Hilger, who was living in Odin, Ill., was a homemaker. Relatives said she loved to play cards, especially Tripoley, with her family. She also enjoyed gardening, sunbathing by the pool, and was an avid reader of mystery books. Relatives also said her guilty pleasure was watching reality TV. Survivors included her husband of over 35 years, Nicholas; daughters, Danielle Novak, Stephanie Hoffner, Michelle Hilger and Ashley Hilger; sister and sister-in-law of Terri Freeman, Lori Diviero, and Nancy Scaturro; six grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Services were Wednesday from Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church. Interment followed at Resurrection Cemetery.

Kathleen Kamper Kathleen M. Kamper (nee Dugan), 63, a Worth resident, died June 13 at Elmhurst Hospital. Mrs. Kamper was a trucking broker for a transportation company. Survivors include a son, Charles Berglund; stepsons, John E. Jr. and Michael Kamper; sisters, Janet Stirn and Patricia Beglin; brothers, William Dugan and Brian Dugan; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Services were Wednesday from Schmaedeke Funeral Home to Our Lady of the Ridge Church. Interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Edward Prange Edward Prange, 97, a longtime Orland Park resident, died June 12 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno. Mr. Prange, a World War II Army veteran, was a retired electrical foreman at Nabisco for 30 years. He was an avid Cubs fan and family noted that he will be reunited with his late wife, Lynn Prange (nee Kott), who he was married to for 60 years. Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Quinn; sons, Ed. Jr. and Richard; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday at Colonial Chapel. Interment followed at Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery.

Mary Wyness Mary Virginia Wyness, 89, a former Palos Hills resident, died June 3 at her Naples, Fla. Home. Mrs. Wyness was a homemaker. She volunteered for many years at the Chicago Ridge Animal Shelter. Survivors include sons, Robert, Thomas and William; sister, Sandy Stephens; 16 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Services were Friday from Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church. Interment took place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

8 The Reporter

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Torch

Hickory Hills

Heights, where he handed it off to Officer Brent Dreger at Route 83 and Harlem Avenue. From there, a contingent of Palos Heights officers, family members and residents picked up the torch and ran for 14 miles to LaGrange Road and Interstate 80 in Mokena. The final destination for the torch was Normal, where the Illinois Special Olympics were to start on Friday. Approximately 3,000 officers were expected to carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles on 23 legs around the state between June 10 and 15. Because of Sauter’s anniversary, there was a larger than usual contingent of participants from the Illinois State Police, who either ran themselves or accompanied the runners in police vehicles and motorcycles to provide traffic control. “We’re here to support the Sauter family,” said Capt. Bob Meeter, of Illinois Police District 15. “I want to make sure his family knows he will never be forgotten.” A handful of runners from the Worth Police Department also joined the Chicago Ridge police, residents and officials who ran or walked to Palos Heights. Chicago Ridge Village Clerk Barb Harrison, an avid runner, was among those who completed the trek to Harlem Avenue and Route 83, while other officials, including Mayor Chuck Tokar, and trustees Jack Lind, Ed Kowalski and Bill McFarland ran or walked at least part of the distance along Ridgeland Avenue to 111th Street, and then to Harlem Avenue over the Cal-Sag Channel bridge into Palos Heights. “I’m walking. I haven’t run since third grade,” said Tokar, who donned shorts and gym shoes for the occasion. “Special Olympics is more than a worthy cause, and this is its 50th anniversary” said Tokar. “Everyone knows someone (who benefits from Special Olympics).” He also said the amount of people who also come out to support the police is important too, “when it seems like the blue family is under attack.” “I’ll admit, I walked up the bridge. The humidity was very bad,” said Harrison. At the meeting point, the Chicago Ridge contingent were greeted by Palos Heights police officials, including Chief George L. “Larry” Yot, Deputy Chief Bill Czajkowski and Officer Kevin Apostal, one of the main organizers. Chicago Ridge Police Chief Rob Pyznarski, who led the group in his police vehicle, brought

really be missed.” In other business, two ordinances were approved regarding water rates and sanitary sewer rates. In compliance with rate increases from Cook County, minimum charge water rates for residents will be $97.80 per quarterly billing. Commercial users minimal charge will be $40.75 per monthly billing. Rate increases became effective June 1. According to the water rate ordinance, any singlefamily residential user who qualifies as a senior citizen will not be subject to the minimum billing amount and minimum charge. Wastewater service charges for residential, commercial and industrial users will be a basic charge of $4.20 per month, plus $1.50 per thousand gallons or fraction thereof. Other action included a brief public hearing conducted by city attorney Vince Cainkar regarding a change to the Hickory Hills Zoning Ordinance. Cainkar was seeking approval to update the zoning ordinance to include requirements for drive-through facilities and windows. Cainkar said that when the original ordinance was approved many years ago, drive-through facilities and windows did not exist in businesses in the city. “We need to add regulations and guidance for these facilities as they will continue to increase,” he said. Ald. Brian Waight (1st) asked if the new ordinance would affect the proposed plans for a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-through on the property located just east of the City Hall. “What is already in won’t be affected, but in the future some things could be changed, if the city decided it was necessary,” Cainkar replied. The proposed ordinance was approved unanimously. “This will help us with the safety of our residents and future development,” Howley said. On another matter, Police Sergeant Glenn Tienstra, who was sitting in for Chief Al Vodicka at the meeting, issued an alert to residents that there has been a recent increase in car burglaries in the city. “Residents need to be sure their cars are locked at all times, whether in the driveway or on the street,” he said He also added that cars should be locked at gas stations when the driver enters the station. Don’t leave them unattended or unlocked. It just takes a second for someone to steal your belongings.” He also warned residents about scamming phone calls saying that they are from the IRS. “This is also an increasing event. A scammer calls and tells the victim they owe the IRS money and they will be arrested if they don’t pay. They then tell the victim to purchase a $500 gift card from a large store such as Target or Best Buy and to give the caller the ID number,” he said. Tienstra urged any resident who received such a call to ignore the instructions but to try and get the name or number and report it immediately to the police department. “We work with the FBI to try to trace these calls, so please call us,” he said. He also added that the IRS does not ever call people. “That is how you can know it is a scam.”

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Homeless

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forbid, were to happen, we would be blamed if we didn’t have the regulations in place,” she added. “We’re damned if we do and we’re damned if we don’t,” she said,

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Photos by Dermot Connolly

A contingent of runners from Chicago Ridge complete their 2.8 mile journey to Palos Heights on June 13 during the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

a cooler full of water bottles for everyone. The Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $47 million over 32 years while increasing awareness of Special Olympics athletes and their accomplishments. The Chicago Ridge police chief said the department raised $5,400 for Special Olympics this year, the first time the department participated in the Cop on Top event with Dunkin’ Donuts. Czajkowski said $19,000 was raised in Palos Heights last year, and Apostal said about the same was raised this year, through the Cop on Top program as well as the torch run. “That is a lot for a relatively small community. Our goal is to get our name on the commemorative shirts as one of the top donors in the state. But it is hard to compete with Chicago,” said Apostal. He was among those who made it all the way to Mokena, carrying the American flag for much of the trip. “This is really a great event. And it never seems to rain when we are doing it,” said Apostal.

Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar addresses the crowd assembled for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and commemorating Illinois State Trooper James Sauter.

When the issue came up in November, some Oak Lawn residents said the village was already shouldering too much of the burden and churches in other communities should step in. Responding to that argument, Breitbarth agreed that Oak Lawn has the most shelters. But she pointed out that Oak Lawn also has the biggest population and the most churches, compared with surrounding communities.

“I have been reaching out to churches in Evergreen Park, Alsip and elsewhere. But it is difficult. We desperately need more shelters. But the problem I am running into is that many communities don’t have good bus service either, so people can’t easily get there. The good thing about Oak Lawn is that it does have excellent bus service and excellent transit lines.”

MONSTER RATES

The Reporter

Thursday, June 21, 2018

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14-Month CD 1

2.15

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$1,000 Minimum /New Money Only/IRA Eligible

25-Month CD 1

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$1,000 Minimum /New Money Only/IRA Eligible

Palos Premier NOW Account2

1.25% APY*

On Balances from $5,000 to $500,000

Guaranteed through

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Minimum to open $500.00 New Money Only

1. $1000.00 minimum balance to open and earn stated *Annual Percentage Yield. New money only, not on deposit with First Secure Bank & Trust. Rates current as of 6/3/2018. Rates and Terms are subject to change at anytime and without notice. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. An early withdrawal penalty may reduce earnings. 2. Rates current as of 6/3/2018. $500 minimum to open and $500 average daily balance to avoid $5.00 monthly fee. Fees may reduce earnings. Balances less than $500.00 will earn 0.0% APY. On balances of $5,000 to $500,000 the APY* is 1.25%. Balances $500.00-$4,999.99 is 0.20% APY* . On balances over $500,000 the rate is 0.20% APY*. Rates are guaranteed through 12/31/2018. After 12/31/2018 the rates will be a variable rate and are subject to change at any time and without notice.

Supplied photo

Oak Lawn resident Erik Sorensen’s watercolor titled, “Social (Me)dia” was awarded first place in the 2018 Juried Community Art Exhibition at Moraine Valley Community College.

Oak Lawn artist takes 1st in juried art exhibition at Moraine Erik Sorensen, of Oak Lawn, has been awarded first place in the 2018 Juried Community Art Exhibition at the Robert F. De-

Caprio Art Gallery at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. Sorensen’s watercolor entry,

“Social (Me)dia” earned him a $200 prize. Second place was awarded to Richard Schmidt, who received $125 for his oil painting entitled, “Swamp Reflection.” Kristine Christensen placed third and received $100 for her welded sculpture, “Recoil.” Honorable mentions, with a prize of $40 each, were earned by Sandee Meek, of Palos Heights, for a relief carving she titled, “Magnolia II;” Alfredo Martinez, for his colored-pencil drawing entitled, “Piano Bar;” and Lyn Tietz, for her mixed media entry, “Golden Swirls.” “This is one of my favorite exhibitions every year,” said Tommy Hensel, managing director of the Fine and Performing Arts Center. “The high quality of artwork from our community members always amazes me, and this year we had particularly excellent submissions. The winners represent several different media – a testament to the diversity of talent in our artistic community. I hope everyone will stop by over the summer to view the exhibition.” The exhibition is free and open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday through Aug. 1. The art gallery is located inside the Fine and Performing Arts Center, Building F, at the college, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. Juror of the exhibition was Andrew Reyes, a Chicago-based curator and gallery director at the O’Connor Art Gallery at Dominican University in River Forest. Reyes earned his bachelor of arts degree in art history and sculpture at Dominican University and his master of arts in museum and exhibition studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has worked for commercial art galleries and museums in Chicago, including Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Rhona Hoffman Gallery, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

‘Blues in Pews’ concert to be held at Our Savior’s Church

The third annual “Blues in the Pews” concert will be held at Friday, June 22 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 8607 S. Narragansett Ave., Burbank. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. The benefit concert will feature a variety of musicians, including Grammy Award winning bassist Bob Stroger, Australian guitarist Moondog J., harmonica player and vocalist Doug Lee, guitarist and vocalist Eddie Nees, Chainsaw Dupont, Nas Zegar, One-Take Willie, Robert H. Sampson, Mike McCune and Kevin Mitchell. Ice cream sundaes, refreshments and non-alcoholic drinks will be available during the concert. The MC for the evening will be Bud Monaco, from Sopro Music. An opportunity will be available to bid on a guitar signed by the musicians. All proceeds will go to support the Food Pantry of Our Savior’s and its mission partner, Living Waters, a native American congregation in Cherokee, N.C. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Children under age 10 are admitted free. More information can be obtained by calling the church office, (708) 599-4780.

10 The Reporter

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Don’t let your investments go on ‘vacation’

COMINGS & GOINGS

Boston Fish House in Palos Hills closes

oston Fish House, which moved from its longtime home in Alsip to Palos Hills in late 2014, closed its doors without warning Sunday night. A sign on the door simply said, “Business closed.” The popular restaurant moved to 9736 S. Roberts Road after 28 years in Alsip. The fish house had carried a full line of seafood Bob from shrimp to white fish Bong to squid as well as chicken wings. Owners said business had been poor and it was just time to close the doors.

Salvadoran restaurant opens in Summit

A new restaurant that specializes in Salvadoran pupusas has opened in the former Snack Shack at Summit Park in southwest suburban Summit. Tona’s Pupusas opened this week at the park, 5700 S. Archer Road. It will be open through October, said Martha Sonka, marketing and public relations coordinator for the park district. “They are quite popular from their appearances at the annual St. Joseph Parish carnival,” Sonka said. Pupusas are thick tortillas stuffed with a variety of savory fillings such as chicken, cheese or beans. They are topped with curtido, a pickled kind of slaw, and tomato salsa. The tortilla is usually folded over and eaten like a taco. Owner Tona Mejia hails from El Salvador, where pupusas are commonly sold by street vendors. She and other family members staff the restaurant. For those with less adventuresome tastes, Tona’s also serves tamales, corn in a cup, hot dogs, hamburgers and fries.

Supplied photo

Tona Mejia (center, foreground) stands with day campers at Summit Park at the opening of her new restaurant Tona’s Pupusas.

Drinks include pop, water, bottled beverages and homemade horchatas. Hours are 11 a.m. to sunset Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to sunset on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (630) 2728335 (for English) and (708) 369-9721 (for Spanish).

Pet stores close

Paws & Claws specialty pet stores came and went pretty fast in Tinley Park and Palos Park. The Tinley location opened in December at 16086 S. Harlem Ave. in the Park Place plaza. It closed in May. The Palos location opened in March and is now closed at 9646 W. 131st St. in the Shoppes at Mill Creek plaza.

Saladworks eyes expanding in Chicago market

Saladworks, a fast-growing chain that features fresh, made-to-order, entréesized salads, has two locations in the Chicago market at Woodfield Mall and O’Hare Airport, but that’s about to change. The company has more than 100 loca-

tions in 13 states and two countries plans to open more locations in Chicago and one is likely headed to the Orland Park area, according to President and CEO Patrick Sugrue. Sugrue said Saladworks is focused on the Eastern United States and Chicago is as far west as the company is looking to expand. “We are looking for real estate in the Chicago market,” he said. “Chicago came in in the top 10 in our research. It’s one of the great markets.” He said any new Chicago locations will probably open in the first quarter of 2019. As a whole, the company will open 18 new stores this year and 25 in 2019. “It takes about a year from the time we find a location to when we open,” he said. He said the new Chicago-area locations would be a combination of franchised operations and corporate-owned stores. If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com. You can track business openings and closings at http://bobbongonbusiness.com/

Northwestern College grads go green with specialty caps and gowns Lawrence Schumacher, president of Northwestern College in Bridgeview, said for the seventh straight year the college featured environmentally friendly caps and gowns at the annual commencement ceremony. College officials again chose to utilize the Jostens Elements Collection for its regalia. The ceremony was held on Friday. Over the years, sustainable caps and gowns have been well-received and appreciated by the graduates and staff who have worn them at previous ceremonies. While the ecologically-friendly regalia looks and feels the same as traditionally made caps and gowns, the Jostens Elements regalia is unique in that it is sustainable from the way it starts. First, the fibers in the gown are sourced from renewable managed forests. The fabric itself contains 57 percent bio-based content by weight, which is far above the 25 percent certification minimum. In addition, the zipper tape and teeth used in the front of the gown are made from 100 percent recycled PET, which is one of the most widely recycled plastics. When the gowns are no longer of use and are disposed of, since their make-up includes USDA certified bio-

Supplied photo

Students display the look of the caps and gowns worn by Northwestern College graduates that are environmentally friendly.

based products, the fabric is will decompose in soil within just one year. Jostens also employs the use of earth-friendly plastic packaging when transporting the individually wrapped caps and gowns to the College, specially prepared for each graduate. The packaging contains ECM Bio Films, a material

that facilitates the decomposition process and has been proven to decompose in landfills within reasonably short periods of time. Through the use of Jostens Elements regalia, one final message is imparted on the students regarding sustainability, encouraging each of them to continue to play their part in preserving the environment. Each gown comes with a large tag that educates the graduates about the gown and encourages their participation in Jostens “Student Give BackProgram.” For every response received, Jostens donates $1 to an environmentally sustainable project. To date, through the Student Give Back Program, Jostens has currently donated nearly $50,000 to support sustainability efforts worldwide. “We only have one planet, and Northwestern College remains committed to protecting it and ensuring its sustainability for generations to come,” said Schumacher. “Incorporating ecologically friendly caps and gowns at our annual commencement ceremony is an extremely visible way of showcasing Northwestern College’s ongoing efforts to go “Green,” which we hope our graduates will continue to support moving forward.”

AREA PROPERTY TRANSFERS Following are the property transfers in the area, according to the latest report, as received from the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office. The Reporter Newspaper does not attempt to correct errors made by that office.

Chicago Ridge

Wells Fargo Bk to Zayed Yousef Jamil, 10310 Ridgeland Ave, Unit #302, $32,500.00; Sperlak Charles J II Tr to Marticzak Maria, 10440 S Ridgeland Ave, Unit #104402, $71,000.00; Pawlikowski Virginia to Smith Marcell T, 10920 S Central Ave, Unit #202, $77,000.00.

Evergreen Park

First Midwest Bk Tr to Cooper Carolyn, 10225 S Clifton Park Ave, $200,000.00; Keenan Therese M to Ready Marita L, 10257 S Homan Ave, $250,000.00; West Andrea L to Burke Kevin P, 2962 W 101st Pl, $186,500.00; Kosmos Thomas P II to Ameh Nicole, 9610 S Troy St, $147,500.00; Telander Brad S to Schickel Diana, 9201 S Millard Ave, $225,000.00; Ready Marita Louise to Signature Homes4U Inc, 3434 W 99th St, $150,000.00; Morawa Remodeling Inc to Sanders Sandy, 2712 W 98th St, $225,000.00.

LEGAL NOTICE Legal Notice: Vacant Property For Sale 8811 W. 103rd Street Palos Hills, IL 60465 | Cook County Available Acres: 0.34 Acres | 14,933 Sq. Ft. Minimum Bid Price: $105,000.00 Zoning: R2 – One Family Residence District PIN: 23-15-202-007-0000 The City of Palos Hills is accepting sealed bids for the sale of the property located at 8811 W. 103rd St. The minimum bid for this 14,993 square foot property is $105,000.00. The City has the right to reject any bid. For more information please contact our Clerk’s Office at 708-598-3400 x1103. Sealed bids are due no later than 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 to our Clerk’s Office located at City of Palos Hills, 10335 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, IL 60465. The bid opening will start promptly at 11:00 a.m. in our Council Chamber, South Entrance. 1

Hickory Hills

Farrell Ronald P Tr to Escoto Elva E, 9129 Barberry Ln, $220,000.00; Pluta Theresa Tr to Hamlin Grp Inc, 9137 W 93rd St, $165,000.00; Winsted Reo II Llc to Klimowska Maria, 8047 W 92nd Pl, $220,000.00.

Oak Lawn Zaborski Sebastian to Rankin Tammy D, 9124 Mulligan Ave, $331,000.00; Oleary Mary C to Robles Susan, 10424 Central Ave, Unit #A14, $88,000.00; Caudle William Bennett to Vaughan David, 5312 W 109th Ave, $342,000.00; Wall Kenneth W Tr to Slattery Francis M, 10704 S Kenneth Ave, $180,000.00; American Revival Co Nfp to BryantBerry Twanna F, 9813 Keeler Ave, Unit#4&4G, $113,000.00; Harris Cody S to Gorski Kenneth M, 4236 111th St, $210,000.00; De La Torre Miguel to Shalabi Ramzi, 8715 Sayre Ave, $299,000.00; Sneed Rheda R to Kennelly Scott, 10801 S Keating Ave, Unit #NE102, $60,000.00; Calvano Robert J Extr to Autullo Michael T, 10745 S Cook Ave, $240,000.00; Angel Bruce to Mendoza Erica, 9700 Merton Ave, $170,000.00; Longstreet Cap Fundg Llc to Anzilotti

Matthew L, 10210 Washington Ave, Unit #312, $65,000.00; Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr to Soltis William, 9226 50th St, $190,000.00; Ramirez Veronica to Vega Julisa, 8820 Mobile Ave, Unit #3A, $97,500.00; Sorgenfrei Ruth Tr to Rinehart Jessica L, 9125 S Parkside Ave, $177,500.00; Horvath Cynthia to Komperda Piotr, 9050 S Parkside Ave, $135,000.00; First Midwest Bk Tr to Barba Anna Marie, 10732 Kilpatrick Ave, Unit #205, $79,000.00.

Palos Hills

Laggos Ronald A to Stankovic Milos, 10429 S Winter Park Dr, $278,500.00; Brinkman Dora M Tr to Sollis Monika, 7935 W 107th St, Unit #7935C, $136,000.00; Marini Marc to Koch David C Jr, 10551 S 84th Ave, $238,000.00; Scheckel John Paul to Zuberi Meiraj F, 11030 S Roberts Rd, $152,000.00.

Worth

Bielanska Danuta to Yasin Rasmieh A, 10605 Southwest Hwy, Unit #2D, $93,000.00; McNulty Const Llc, Ostrowski Agnieszka M, 7013 W Crandall Ave, $229,000.00; Walz Michael E to Lucio Erica Rae, 6551 W 112th Pl, $175,000.00.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is Hereby Given that on 7-28-18, a sale will be held at A-OK Automotive, Inc. at 5809 S. Archer Avenue, Chicago, Il. 60638, 773581-7979, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within Thirty days of the publication of this notice.

Notice is Hereby Given that on 7-28-18, a sale will be held at C & O Auto Rebuilders at 10554 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Il. 60628, 773-785-0080, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the Laws, of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within Thirty days of the publication of this notice.

Notice is Hereby Given that on 7-28-18, a sale will be held at A & T Auto Service at 21 W. 301 Lake Street, Addison, Il. 60101, 630-6705417, to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois unless such articles are redeemed within Thirty days of the publication of this notice.

JACINTHA M. GARDENER & JACINTHA MEDINA GARDNER

BERNICE MILLER

2016 NISSAN Vin # 3N1AB7AP9GY316678 Lien Amount: $16,641.10

2006 CHEVROLET Vin # 1G1ZS51F76F296098 Lien Amount: $10,375.00

SADIA RAHEEM & AMNDEEP THIARA 2008 TOYOTA Vin # JTEBU14R08K032372 Lien Amount: $3,429.80

RENT A CAR CORPORATE 2015 CHEVROLET Vin #

2GNALAEK0F1122602

Lien Amount: $24,224.13

ummer is here — and so is vacation season. Americans spend a lot on their summer getaways — more than $100 billion in 2017 alone, as reported in “Travel and Leisure” magazine. When you hit the road, you will enjoy getting away from your regular tasks, but there’s one part of your life that should never take a break – your investments. To keep your investments working consistently and efficiently for you, consider these suggestions: • Match the right investment with the right “job”: You hire an electrician to install a light fixture, you employ a plumber to clear a clogged drain, and you would not expect either Scott to work on the other’s project. In a way, Johnson one this view of a division of labor is similar to how you might look at different investments. In general, you purchase stocks with the hope of achieving the growth necessary to help you meet long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement. On the other hand, when you purchase certain fixed-rate investments such as certificates of deposit (CDs) or money market accounts, you know they won’t provide as much growth potential, but are available to fund a short-term goal — such as a dream vacation. • Evaluate investments’ performance relative to your goals: Some people think the only way to evaluate their investments’ performance is to track them against a well-known market index, such as the S&P 500. However, using an index as a measuring stick has some drawbacks, one of which is the lack of a personal connection to your situation. Look at it this way: In many types of organizations, you typically go through performance reviews, where your work is assessed in terms of how well it helped you move toward your goals — and you can follow the same process with your investments. Specifically, you can measure their performance by how effective they are in helping you move toward your financial objectives. For example, if you need your portfolio to provide you with a certain rate of return to meet specific retirement goals at a designated age, but you find that you are not currently on track toward meeting these goals, you may need to adjust your investment mix to potentially provide you with a higher return. Be aware, though, that seeking higher return potential will likely mean taking on more risk. You may want to consult with a financial professional to make sure you find a risk/reward ratio suitable for your goals and risk tolerance. • Look for hard-working investments: Some investments work especially hard. Some stocks, or investments containing stocks, pay dividends. Instead of taking the dividends, you can choose to reinvest them, purchasing even more shares – and increased share ownership is one key to helping build financial resources for the long term. Dividend reinvestment is typically automatic, so once you have chosen this option, there’s really no extra work on your part. (Keep in mind, though, that companies are not obligated to pay dividends, and they can be reduced or eliminated at any time.) In the investing arena, as in many endeavors, hard work can be rewarding. So look for opportunities to keep your investments gainfully employed throughout your life. Scott Johnson, CFP, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, 8146 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, (708) 974-1965. Edward Jones does not provide legal advice. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.

Burke supports efforts to expand MAP grants

State Rep. Kelly Burke (D36th) is urging Gov. Bruce Rauner to sign into law a measure to expand access to grants for low-income students. “Education can help people improve situations for themselves and their families,” said Burke, whose district covers portions of Evergreen Park, Chicago Ridge, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills and Worth. “We as leaders in this state need to do everything in our power to establish access to education and to make sure the dream of a college education is one that is not exclusive to the wealthy.” Burke is the chief co-sponsor of House Bill 5020, a measure that prioritizes students currently receiving funds from Monetary Assistance Program, or MAP grants, to continue their college education. Students that remain eligible for MAP and renew by the established priority deadline each year would

receive the grant as long as the program is funded. “In the wake of the uncertainty created by the recent budget impasse, we need to offer as much positive assurance as we can to students and parents,” Burke said. “By making the process to receive MAP easier, colleges and universities in Illinois will be able to provide more certainty to prospective students regarding their financial aid packages, which could also help our schools to be more competitive with out-of-state institutions.” House Bill 5020 passed both the House and the Senate without opposition and is expected to be sent to the governor for approval in the near future. The proposal is one of a number of measures designed to strengthen higher education that came from a bipartisan higher education working group that Burke serves on.

Mortgage Rates Around the Area First Midwest Bank (as of June 18) 30-year fi ed 15-year fi ed 30-year fi ed Jumbo

RATES 4.625 4.000 4.375

United Trust Bank (as of June 18) 30-year fi ed 15-year fi ed 10-year fi ed

RATES 4.625 4.250 4.375

Prospect Savings Bank (as of June 19) 30-year fi ed 20-year fi ed 15-year fi ed

RATES 4.500 4.250 3.875

CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. (as of June 19) 30-year fi ed 20-year fi ed 15-year fi ed

RATES 4.625 4.500 4.125

APR 4.670 4.055 4.430

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.647 4.287 4.429

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.617 4.410 4.077

POINTS 0 0 0

APR 4.7330 4.6470 4.2080

POINTS 0 0 0

All rates subject to change daily. Equal opportunity lenders.

The Reporter

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Plenty of summer fun scheduled for Evergreen Park

STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Local students selected to the dean’s list at WIU

A group of local students were selected to the dean’s list this spring from Western Illinois University in Macomb. Evergreen Park residents selected to the dean’s list were sophomore Darby Duffy and Michaela Houston. Oak Lawn residents selected to the dean’s list were senior Katherine Dipietro and junior Elizabeth Ann Swan. Palos Hills residents selected to WIU’s dean’s list were seniors Somer Dae Riojas and Jazlyn Torres.

Oak Lawn resdent is selected to dean’s list at Northern Michigan University

A local student has been selected to the dean’s list for the winter 2018 semester at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich. Oak Lawn resident Amelia Unger was selected to the dean’s list for having a grade-point average of between 3.50 and 3.99.

Local students receive degrees at Iowa State

Two local students received their degrees last month at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Earning degrees were Oak Lawn resident Michael Walt, who received a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering, and Palos Hills resident Kevin Korniejczuk, who received a bachelor of science in industrial engineering, magna cum laude.

Oak Lawn resident earns dean’s list honors at St. Mary’s College

A local student was named to the dean’s list for the 2018 spring semester at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind. Elizabeth McCarthy, an Oak Lawn resident, was selected to the dean’s list for having a grade-point average between 3.6 and 4.0.

Local students on dean’s list at Loras College

A group of local students have been selected to the dean’s list for the 2018 spring semester at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa Earning dean’s list honors were Amelia Foley, of Evergreen Park; Xavier Sanchez, of Hickory Hills; and Daniel Krasich, of Oak Lawn.

Local students receive degrees at Iowa State

Oak Lawn resident is selected to dean’s list at Northern Michigan University

Oak Lawn High School graduate completes basic military training

Supplied photo

The 2018 graduates of Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn received honors at a recent assembly. Pictured are the male and female Athletes of the Year for the Class of 2018, Tony Barclay and Olivia Ingelse.

Southwest Chicago Christian School students honored at awards assembly An awards assembly was held June 5 to honor the achievements of students at Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn throughout the past school year. Several eighth-graders received special awards at the assembly. Maureen Bradley, of Evergreen Park, and Samuel Vis received the American Legion Award for students who show honor, courage, scholarship and leadership service. The valedictorian for the Class of 2018 was Emma Tiemens, of Worth, and the salutatorian was Isabel Kuecker, of Palos Heights.

CHICAGO RIDGE

Chess instruction is offered at Worth Township Hall each Wed.

Presentation will focus on bizarre history in Illinois

U.S. Chess Federation Certified Coaches and VA Hospital Chess Program will offer instruction. Visitors who already play chess can come out and teach others or find someone to play with. Residents interested in participating can call Worth Township, (708) 371-2900, ext. 28, or visit www.ilchessvets.org.

Making ‘Lantern Bags’ at library

A session on making a “Lantern Bag” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 23 at the Chicago Ridge Library, 10400 S. Oxford Ave. The class will focus on lanterns, which can make beautiful decorations but can also be used as a handbag. Participants will make a pleated tote that can be used as a purse or a gift bag. Library staff will provide the machines, supplies and snacks. The difficulty level is medium. Sign up for the free program by calling the library, (708) 423-7753 or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

“The Bizarre History of Illinois-Strange Stories From Our Past” will be presented from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at the Chicago Ridge Library. This presentation showcases over 100 bizarre Illinois stories that have not been seen in over 100 years. Presenter Chad Lewis will provide a time portal back to the early days of the state when it was filled with strange deaths, ghosts, sea serpents, peculiar people, medical anomalies, oddities, psychic phenomena, and UFOs. To sign up for the free program, call (708) 423-7753 for the library or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

‘Volunteen Carnival’ for kids

The “Volunteen Carnival” will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 at the Chicago Ridge Library. The Volunteens have prepared a carnival of games, face painting, and more activities. Children of all ages are welcomed. For more information, call the library, (708) 423-7753, or visit the website at www.chicagoridgelibrary.org.

OAK LAWN

Kids read comics at library

Golden Eagle Club anniversary winners

Supplied photo

Steven Rosenbaum (far right), president and CEO of Prospect Savings Bank, a division of Hoyne Savings Bank and Hoyne Savings Bank, and Tim Breems (far left), chairman of the board of directors of Hoyne Savings Bank, congratulate the two top prize winners at the Golden Eagle Club’s 37th anniversary luncheon held on May 2. Ray Pietras won a 24-inch HDTV and Elaine Eberhardt won a $75 gift card.

SUDOKU

Answers

CROSSWORD

Answers

Quinn Sytsma, of Palos Heights, received the Dan Griffioen Memorial Award for a student who has the ‘I Never Give Up” attitude. Gianna Slifko, of Evergreen Park, received the Christian Citizenship Award. Jacqueline Byrnes, of Oak Lawn, received the Ruth Award for a student who is always positive and true to self and loyal to others. The Athlete of the Year was awarded to Tony Barclay and Olivia Ingelse, of Palos Heights. The Outstanding Music Award went to Greta Harkness and Zoe Reppmann, of Evergreen Park.

A variety of activities will be offered to kick-off summer beginning this week in Evergreen Park. Movie Night will return Friday, June 22 at 50-Acres Park, 9100 S. Rockwell Ave. The first movie that to be presented will be “A League of Their Own” starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Madonna. The movie is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., weather permitting. Concessions will be hosted by the Evergreen Park Stallions football team as a fundraiser for their organization. The 50th Annual Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Show will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 along 95th Street in the village. Local military veterans, who are currently serving or have served, are invited to take part in the parade. Local veterans can call the Evergreen Park Recreation Department, (708) 229-3373, to be included front and center in the parade route. The parade is always scheduled the day before July 4, unless it is on Sunday. Following the parade, the fireworks show will take place at about 9:15 p.m. at Duffy Park, 9100 S. Millard Ave. Residents are reminded that the Evergreen Park Farmers Market continues every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 25 in the Yukich Fields parking lot, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave. The driving range is also open seven days a week at 50-Acres Park. Golfers can grab their clubs at 10 a.m. and practice their drives until 10 p.m. Lunch and beverages are available in the clubhouse. The village also passes along a reminder that there are new hours for the Village Pantry, 2700 W. 98th Place, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Friday. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-8776.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

U.S. Air Force Airman Air Force core values, Izeaha Morales graduphysical fitness, and ated from basic military basic warfare printraining at Joint Base San ciples and skills. Antonio-Lackland, San Airmen who comAntonio, Texas. plete basic training also Morales is the son of Zoearn four credits toward raida Morales and brother an associate in applied of Samantha Rivera, of science degree through Chicago Ridge. the Community ColThe airman completed lege of the Air Force. Morales an intensive, eight-week He is a 2017 graduprogram that included training ate of Oak Lawn Community in military discipline and studies, High School.

The Illinois Chess Vets Weekly Chess Club and Instruction will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday except holidays at the Worth Township Hall, 11601 S. Pulaski Road, Alsip. The club will teach families or friends how to play chess or to play it better. The weekly chess club is for all ages. The

Children can make new friends while they read “Missile Mouse: Rescue from Takium3” from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, July 23 at the Oak Lawn Library, 9227 S. Raymond Ave. Light refreshments will be served at this session in which kids can read comics. For more information about this and other youth programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Patrons can play board game and eat snacks

Patrons can play board games and can enjoy snacks from other countries with fellow players at 7 p.m. Monday, June 25 at the Oak Lawn Library. Guests can bring favorite games to share with other participants. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or register online at www.olpl.org.

Summer Reading Program begins at library

The Summer Reading Program is beginning at the Oak Lawn Library. Patrons can participate in the program and can read as much as possible. It does not matter how much each individual reads. However, they are required to read each day. The Summer Reading Program is open to all ages. Prizes and experiences are being offered for each age level. Teens and adults have the option of signing up and logging their books online at olpl.beanstack.org. In addition to summer

reading, programs for children, adults and teens are planned around this summer’ theme. For more information about this and other programs, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www. olpl.org.

Patrons can participate in Oak Lawn Scavenger Hunt

The Oak Lawn Scavenger Hunt is being sponsored this summer through the Oak Lawn Library. Participants who can correctly identify the nine places in Oak Lawn in the scavenger hunt can win a small prize and entered into a grand prize drawing. Participants can bring the completed page from the Oak Lawn Library newsletter, which has all the photos in the hunt, to the customer services desk at the library. Participants can also view the form online at bit.lyolplhunt. Individuals filling out the form online can stop by the customer services desk and inform them. The participants will then earn a prize. Individuals have until Saturday, June 30 to participate. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Seek volunteers to work in the Friends Bookstore

The Friends of the Oak Lawn Library is accepting applications for bookstore volunteers, which consists of sorting book donations and stocking the store at the library. One, four-hour shift per week is required. Volunteer forms are available at the customer services desk on the first floor of the library. For more information, call Carole Onwiler at (708) 422-8646.

Applicants sought for library’s Teen Advisory Board

High school students are invited to complete an application to become a member of the Teen Advisory Board to plan programs and share ideas to make the Oak Lawn Library a better place. Teens are invited to complete an application to become a Teen Advisory Board member by Aug. 15. Teens from classes of 2019 through 2022 will meet once a month and will select one service project to work on throughout the year and receive service hours for school. Selected members for the 2018-19 school year will be notified by Sept.1. Apply online at bit.ly/olplyaTAB. For more information about this, call (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Families can explore technologies

Family Tech Evening for ages 5 and up will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 26 and Thursday, July 19 at the Oak Lawn Library. Guests can come as a family and learn about technology devices. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Reptile show will visit library

JG’s Reptile Road Show will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 27 at the Oak Lawn Library. Families can view a night of wildlife fun and education with pythons, a tortoise, lizards and other animals. More information about this and other youth programs can be obtained by calling (708) 422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.

Oak Lawn ‘Friends’ to view play about Ann Landers

The Friends of the Oak Lawn Library will

plan a trip to view “The Lady with All the Answers: Ann Landers” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8 at the Theatre at the Center in Munster, Ind. In person-registration is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 30 at the library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Landers was an advice columnist with more than 90 million readers each day. This one-woman play unfolds in 1975 when we join Landers in her Lakeshore Drive apartment in Chicago. She shares most of her stories as she prepares to write the most difficult column of her career. Lunch is served in the theater’s dining room prior to the performance. The fee is $68 for members and $73 or non-members. No refunds or exchanges will be accepted. The trip is not wheelchair accessible. Only cash or checks are the accepted forms of payment. More information can be obtained by calling Joanne Neff, (708) 422-4990, or visit www.olpl.org.

PALOS HILLS

Crafting herb cocktails at library

Patrons will learn to make simple syrups and herb extractions during a session at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 21 at the Green Hills Library. Patrons can learn how to craft a myriad of herb flavored and scented cocktails. This includes a party punch with herb ingredients, craft martinis and sours never tried before. Guests will also learn about the history of herbs in alcoholic beverages. Guests will also sample “mocktails,” which do not contain alcohol. The event is for adults only. The session will be limited to 75. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.

Hands-on self defense class

A hands-on self defense class will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 26 at the at the Green Hills Library, 10331 S. Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills. The class covers situational awareness, mindset preparedness, and handson physical self-defense. This class is for adults only. The session is limited to 40. Register online at greenhillslibrary.org.

Kids will tinker with technology

The next tinkering with technology class for kids in the second through fifth grades will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at the Green Hills Library. The kids will take part in making a STEM experiment and lesson, and then will play with the latest technology and robotics. Registration is limited to 25. Register online at www. greenhillslibrary.org.

Tween/teen self defense class to be held at library

A tween/teen self defense class will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at the Green Hills Library. The hands-on self defense seminar for kids ages 10 to 17. Registration is limited to 40. Register online at www. greenhillslibrary.org.

Fact and Fiction Book Group plans to meet

The Fact and Fiction Book Group will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at the Green Hills Library. Members will be discussing “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng. Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk for HHPD cardholders. Register online at www.greenhillslibrary.org.

12 The Reporter

SCHOOL NEWS

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Recent Marist grad becomes national champ for speech

Supplied photo

Marist High School 2018 graduate Morgan Johnson won the title in original oratory at the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament in Washington, D.C. in May. Johnson is the first national champion in the Marist program’s history.

Marist High School 2018 graduate Morgan Johnson made history by becoming the first student from the school to become a national champion for speech. He placed first in the country at the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament held in Washington, D.C. May 25 to 27. Johnson competed in the original oratory category. Competitors create a factual speech based on a subject of their choosing. Johnson spoke about eradicating the stigma thrust upon children with incarcerated parents. There were 234 competitors in the category. Johnson had doubts on day one, but when he advanced to the second day of competition, he felt the hardest part was behind him. After completing the final round, he said he walked out of the room saying, “I think I just won nationals.” “This is a huge win, as it validates [Marist’s program] on a national level and shows that we can hold our own against much larger programs,” said team moderator and English teacher Samantha Paoletti. “I told Morgan that this was such an important moment because there were juniors and freshmen in the audience and he just showed them that national champion is something that is attainable and worth working toward. It seems fitting that someone who gave so much to this

program will have such a lasting impact.” Johnson advanced to nationals along with senior teammates Ashley Kikos, Cate Hynes, of Palos Heights, and Liam Kelly; juniors Kristen Kolp and Sarah Peck, and freshmen P.J. Cunningham and Una Fortier. The team had an exceptional season leading up to nationals. During each regular season competition, Marist had at least one team member place and the team took first place at its home tournament. The team also hosted a showcase for family, students, and friends. Johnson said he wishes more people understood the dedication speech takes. Team members wake up at 5 a.m. each Saturday and participate in 12-hour competitions, where judges expect the same energy and accuracy at 8 a.m. as at 4 p.m. This does not include all the time spent writing, editing, memorizing, and practicing. In reflecting on his participation, Johnson said he gained interview skills, but more importantly learned how to be vulnerable. “All year my coach has been pushing me to open up and talk to people and be able to show vulnerability without fearing rejection, and (that) weekend I finally achieved that,” he said. Johnson will attend Western Illinois University, where he hopes to start a speech team with the help of the University’s theatre department.

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Evergreen Park Community High School student Kashara Bennett shows off her medallion after placing third in the art exhibition at Moraine Valley Community College.

Evergreen Park HS students earns awards at Moraine Art Exhibition

Forty-two Evergreen Park Community High School students had their art work on display recently at the 2018 Moraine Valley Community College Art Exhibition in Palos Hills. Giana Pietkiewicz placed first for Evergreen Park. Naya Gilmore and Kashara Bennett placed second and third, respectively.

Honorable mention awards went to Margaret Miller, Angela Bosch, Mariana Martinez, Emily Goodman, Kierstin Brannigan, Catherine Schulte and Emily Serafin. The Evergreen Park High School students who placed and were honorable mention choices received awards.

Stagg grad includes nursing classes in her busy schedule Morgan Moran wears a smile about a career in the health care that lights up a room and has the field from the time she was a little personality to fill it. She exudes girl. But what confirmed her caa quiet confidence that belies her reer choice was watching the television show “Grey’s Anatomy” 17 years. Moran just completed her se- four years ago that sealed the deal. “I know it was a show, nior year at Stagg High but everyone in the hosSchool, where she arpital was so happy and rived most mornings by excited to be there,” she 5 a.m. for softball pracsaid. “I just remember tice, followed by classwanting to work in that es until around noon. kind of environment.” There’s anatomy, college She said the CNA prep writing, dance and program (which ended fashion design. in May) taught students She then hops in her Moran how to take blood prescar for the short drive down 111th Street to Moraine Val- sure and pulse readings and other ley Community College, where basic care to patients in hospitals she is enrolled in a certified nurs- and nursing homes. Moran said she would like to ing assistant program. “It makes for a really busy get some work experience as a day, but I love it,” Moran said. certified nursing assistant before “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” applying to nursing school to beAfter school, she returns to come a registered nurse. She said she remembers two Stagg where she practices as part of the school’s pom (dance) teachers who had an impact on squad that competes against other her during her time at North Palos schools. And softball just started, School District 117. Lisa Valenso there are games to be played. tine at Dorn “really related to us,” “I’ve been really lucky to have Morgan said. “Plus, she coached so much family support,” Moran with my dad for our recreational said. “My mom and dad (Melissa softball team.” Morgan said the other District and Ron) are always encouraging and come to watch me play and 117 teacher who impacted her was Carolin. Sweiss at Conrady. dance.” “Ms. Sweiss was the teacher She said she and her older sister (Brittany, 25) and younger sister who really got me to read,” she Erin, (14) are close and “are al- said. “I remember we were readways there for each other.” Family ing Edgar Allan Poe and I didn’t is the most important thing and like reading. But she had a way we learned that from our parents.” of encouraging me to read and I Moran said she always thought enjoyed it.”

Conrady band, alumni to perform pre-Independence Day Concert on July 3 The sounds of patriotic and contemporary music will fill the air Tuesday, July 3 as the Conrady Junior High School Band will perform a pre-Independence Day concert with the assistance of the school’s alumni band members. Three pre-concert rehearsals will be held at the school before the free show, which will be held at 7 p.m. in the school parking lot, 97th Street and Roberts Road, Hickory Hills. Sue Clemons, the music director, is asking any former band members who like to perform in the July 3 concert to contact her at sclemons@npd117.net. Alumni should inform her what instrument they play and which of the three rehearsals they can attend. Rehearsal dates are from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 29, Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 at the school. “We want to get the community involved, and what bigger way and what bigger day than on the Fourth of July,” Clemons said. “We’re trying to get a taco truck and ice cream truck out there. That would be great.” Clemons recently was honored by the Quinlan and Fabish Music Company with a Certificate of Recognition for winning the 2018

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Sue Clemons, the School District 117 music director, is looking for alumni musicians to join the current band to perform a pre-Independence Day Concert on July 3 in the parking lot of Conrady Junior High School, 97th Street and Roberts Road, Hickory Hills. Clemons was recently honored by the Quinlan and Fabish Music Company with a Certificate of Recognition for winning the 2018 Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award.

Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award. She was honored for Excellence in the field of Music Education.

SPORTS The Regional News • The Reporter

Ken Karrson, SportsSports EditorEditor • sports@regionalpublishing.com Jason Maholy, • sports@regionalpublishing.com

Thursday,March June 5, 21,2015 2018 Thursday,

REGIONAL/REPORTER BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

McCormick’s place

Southwest Section Southwest • Section•2, Page 1 2, Page 1

GIRLS TRACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

St. Laurence junior has established himself as one of the best hitters in the country By Jon DePaolis Correspondent

Photo by Jason Maholy

To merely say Matt McCormick can do it all on a baseball field might be understating the St. Laurence junior’s abilities. The talented catcher is a weapon behind the plate — he threw out nine of 23 (39 percent) would-be base-stealers on the season. He also acquitted himself admirably throwing to it: In 4.1 innings of work over five appearances, he recorded four saves and gave up no runs, and struck out 11 while walking just four. But it’s McCormick’s abilities at the dish that not only separate him from the pack, but make him one of the best hitters in Illinois — or, if you believe his coach, the United States. In 38 games played, McCormick hit an astounding .510, reached base at a .651 clip and slugged 1.092 for an OPS of 1.743. Of his 50 hits, 33 were for extra bases — 18 doubles, six triples and nine homers — and he drove in 50 runs while scoring 21. For putting up eye-popping statistics that helped the Vikings to a 30-8 record, a Catholic League Blue championship and an eighth consecutive regional title, McCormick is for the second straight year The Regional/Reporter Baseball Player of the Year. When you post a stat line such as McCormick’s, pitchers are going to pitch you carefully. That resulted in a walk-tostrikeout ratio of 26-to-3. “Pretty much every game, I was maybe going to get one pitch to really hit well,” he said. “There were some games when I didn’t even get that. So, going into every game, I knew I was going to get one pitch per at-bat to try and do something depending on the situation. But I did walk a lot.” Vikings coach Pete Lotus has high praise for his star, who burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2016 and hasn’t stopped hitting since. “Matt has been so important to the success of our team,”

St. Laurence junior catcher Matt McCormick hit .510 and had an on-base percentage of .651, while slugging 18 doubles, six triples and nine homers, and driving in 50 runs in 38 games.

See BASEBALL, Page 2

REGIONAL/REPORTER SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

A rare talent Chicago Christian’s Hanna Dieck was dominant in the circle and a force at the plate

By Jason Maholy Sports Editor

Hannah Dieck began here senior season at Chicago Christian in familiar spots: Hitting in the heart of the Knights’ batting order, and as the ace of the pitching staff. Dieck had been in both roles — runproducer and stopper — since her freshman season in 2015. The difference heading into 2018 was that she wanted to get more out of herself on both fronts, and the talented and experienced Knights had high expectations as a team. Led by Dieck and fellow seniors Bethany Regnerus, Megan Gonzalez, Jordan Dryfhout, Ellen Vilendrer, Morgan Campbell and Felicia Ceh, they were gunning for nothing less than regional title, and believed a trip to state was within their reach. Neither materialized, but it would be shortsighted to say Chicago Christian did not have a successful or even special season. The Knights put together a 19game winning streak — which included an undefeated month of April – and exorcised some demons by twice defeating a Ridgewood team that had beaten them six consecutive times over the prior three years. The Knights finished 24-5 overall and 12-0 in the Metro Suburban Conference to take the league crown, and advanced to the championship game of the Class 2A Seneca Regional. Dieck was a big part of it all. The senior shortstop/pitcher hit .420, had a on-base percentage of .476, slugged .579 and had an OPS of 1.056. She drove in 28 runs and scored 38 more.

And while she certainly did her part at the plate, it was in the circle where Dieck truly shined, and carried the Knights to one of the best seasons in program history. She finished 17-1 with a 1.01 ERA, and 178 strikeouts against 38 walks. Her lone loss came in a 6-3 defeat to Seneca in the aforementioned regional title game. Dieck posses the rare combination of elite skills as a pitcher and hitter, and for her individual accomplishments and contributions to her team in the batters box and the circle, is The Regional/Reporter’s 2018 Softball Player of the Year. The season may not have ended for the Knights as Dieck had dreamed, but she appreciates what they did accomplish and the experience of playing on a talented, close-knit team. “It was really awesome,” she said. “It was (the seniors’) last year, everyone just came together and it was just so fun to come to softball every day — even after a long day of school, just kind of go out there and play. It was definitely the best season I’ve ever been a part of, and the best group of girls.” Dieck recalled the start of her high school career four seasons ago, when her already developed skills and potential prompted Knights coach Kevin Pittman to pencil her in as the No. 3 hitter in his lineup. “It was scary, but it was also really cool coming in and being able to have that experience,” she said. “It helped me develop as a high school player — those girls were just so big, but it was really fun and just See SOFTBALL, Page 2

Photo by Jason Maholy

Chicago Christian’s Hannah Dieck went 17-1 with a 1.01 ERA, while hitting .420 with an OPS of 1.056, 28 RBI and 38 runs, helping the Knights to a 24-5 record and Metro Suburban Conference championship.

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Evergreen Park sophomore Tiera Robinson-Jones qualified for state in four events and won medals in the triple jump and 200-meter dash.

Harnessing horsepower Evergreen Park sophomore set two school records, won two state medals By Alison Moran Correspondent

Tiera Robinson-Jones counts Olympic gold medalists Allyson Felix, Dawn Harper-Nelson and Shelly Ann FraserPrice among her role models. Perhaps the Evergreen Park sprinter will one day join those women as track stars who have stood atop the podium as the best in the world at their craft — that is, very simply, running faster than everyone else. Robinson-Jones still has some ground to gain on the competition before she can make such claims, but she concluded her sophomore season by placing second in Class 2A in the triple jump and fourth in the 200-meter dash. She also qualified for the state finals as a member of the Mustangs’ 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams. For her accomplishments — which included setting school records in the 200 meter and the triple jump — Robinson-Jones is The Regional/Reporter’s pick for Girl’s Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Robinson-Jones’ talent was evident from the first time she set foot on a high school track. Evergreen Park track assistant coach Lisa Shields saw Robinson-Jones’ potential more than a year ago, and in an interview with the Mustang Monitor — Evergreen Park High’s school newspaper — predicted the talented sprinter would in the nottoo-distant future qualify for state. One year later, Shields’ prophecy became a reality. But the road to state “had a lot of bumps,” admitted RobinsonJones, who also competes on Evergreen Park’s girls basketball team. “It wasn’t how I’d imagined it in my head,” she said. Robinson-Jones’ story bears the truth of the Roman philosopher Seneca, who is attributed with the phrase, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” “My coaches told me that this season should be a really good one, but l never thought it was going to be as good as it was,” she said. Robinson-Jones has worked hard for her moments. On the advice of Head Girls Track Coach Greg Geyer, she started working with weights during her freshman year, to work on her form. The summer before her sophomore year, she began working out with some of her teammates after the girls made a commitment to each other to “fill the See TRACK, Page 2

Section 2 Thursday, June 21, 2018

The Regional News - The Reporter

Crossbows and squirrel tails

H OUTDOORS WITH

JIM KIRBY

unters in Illinois may use crossbows during archery hunting seasons. Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law House Bill 2893 which amended the Illinois Wildlife Code to repeal restrictions on the use of crossbows during archery hunting seasons in Illinois.

Mepps Squirrel Tail Recycling Program

Celtics take third in state

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The Providence softball team placed third in Class 3A this season. The Celtics, who had multiple players who hail from Orland Park, defeated Ottawa 2-1 to win the Providence Regional, then topped Joliet Catholic 2-1 in the Ottawa Sctional and beat Normal 11-1 in the Bloomington Supersectional. Providence lost 8-1 to Kaneland in the state semifinals but rebounded to take third with a 16-15 win over Mt. Zion on June 9. The third-place finish equals the best in the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. The Celtics also placed third in Class 3A in 2012.

Baseball

Continued from Page 1 Lotus said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is the best hitter that I have ever coached, and is one of the hardest working and most humble players I have coached.â&#x20AC;? McCormick is also a great teammate, and a relentless worker in all aspects of his life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has the unique ability to come though in any situation in the game,â&#x20AC;? Lotus said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His tremendous bat speed and pitch recognition have made him into the best hitter in our area â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â and one of the best in the country. He is an absolute pleasure to coach and to be around.â&#x20AC;? The West Virginia recruit accrued a plethora of awards and recognitions following the 2018 cam-

Track

Continued from Page 1

gapsâ&#x20AC;? after several seniors graduated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were practicing speed one day, then lifting, then doing sprints the next,â&#x20AC;? she recalled. The workouts helped the girls bond and build the chemistry necessary to accomplish their team goals, which included several of them earning a trip to the Class 2A State Championships at Eastern lllinois University. In addition to her work in the weight room and on the track, Robinson-Jones made sure her diet reflected the will of a champion. For breakfast, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Raisin Bran or oatmeal, and when sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training she prefers to eat light, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Salads, things like that,â&#x20AC;? she added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And l drink a lot of water.â&#x20AC;? Another important aspect of strengthening her core was participating in a variety of sports: crosscountry in the fall and playing guard on the Mustangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sophomore girls basketball team in winter, then competing in trackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indoor season that

paign. He was named Chicago Catholic League Blue Player of the Year, Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year, First-Team All-Chicago Catholic League for the third year in a row, and First-Team All-State for the second time. But for all McCormickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual accomplishments, the Vikings winning the Chicago Catholic League Blue title is of what he is most proud. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And just doing what we did all year with winning, and the team, in general,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nobody really picked us to win the CCL. They picked us to be third or fourth, and to not do as well in the regular season, (so) proving everybody wrong as we have in the past.â&#x20AC;? A hot start to the season certainly helped. One year after finishing third in Class 3A, the Vikings rattled off 10 wins in a row to start 2018.

begins in February. Her workouts even during the offseason occur six days a week. When the 2018 season began the season began, the team was not competing up to its own expectations, Robinson-Jones acknowledged. A second-place finish at Joliet West, third at the Argo Indoor Invitational, then a fifth-place finish in Argoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Invitational a few weeks later, werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t what the team had imagined during the summer workouts. But Robinson-Jones started to focus on the positives, and to lead. On the track she transformed into â&#x20AC;&#x153;TR,â&#x20AC;? the competitor who wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the team lose. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It happens when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m at the blocks,â&#x20AC;? she explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;l think about my teammates, and my coaches as l start out. And (thinking of them) and the support theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve given me, helps me run the race and finish it as fast as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve envisioned it. I think to myselfâ&#x20AC;Ś this is what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve trained for.â&#x20AC;? Setting goals helps inspire the TR in her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to break my own school record in the 200 and triple jump,â&#x20AC;?

Softball

Continued from Page 1 a cool experience.â&#x20AC;? Dieck elaborated on how her perspective changed over her four high school seasons, from wide-eyed rookie to grizzled veteran. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Senior year, I just felt like I knew the (opposing) teams and felt more confident in the circle,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the top you know everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a way different way of look-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We knew we had a good team coming in, and we were going to beat some teams that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think we could,â&#x20AC;? McCormick said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The start that we got off to definitely boosted our confidence.â&#x20AC;? McCormick decided in November of his sophomore season that he will after he graduates in 2019 attend West Virginia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the other schools, I just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get that feeling that I really wanted to go there,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And then, halfway through (my trip) to West Virginia, I just got it. I (knew I) wanted to go there.â&#x20AC;? The Mountaineers are getting quite the player. Even as late as June 14, recognitions were still coming in, with USA Today listing McCormick on its third-team ALL-USA Baseball Team. A day later, Collegiate Baseball listed McCormick in its 2018 High School All America edition as a first-teamer.

she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That motivates me and boosts my confidence. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not perfect. I know l can do better.â&#x20AC;? Robinson-Jones felt the season turn a corner as regionals approached. In late April, the Mustangs started dominating, winning their second consecutive Chicago Christian Invitational, then the South Suburban Conference championship, then a team sectional title before heading downstate. But sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just getting started. Next year, her ultimate goal is to win a state championship and break records along the way, she said. The girl who aspires to be a history and political science teacher is already looking at colleges and has had inquiries from some schools she did not name. She relies on her â&#x20AC;&#x153;very supportiveâ&#x20AC;? family to help her make such critical decisions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the ones who encouraged me to look at colleges and supported me every step of the way,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mom, dad, three brothers, my sister, and my grandparents: I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do this without them.â&#x20AC;?

ing at things.â&#x20AC;? For Dieck, the defining moment of the season was the first of two victories over Ridgewood. The Rebels had for three seasons been the bane of the Knightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; existence, beating them six straight times and denying them conference titles each of the past two seasons. When Christian and Ridgewood met for the first time April 10, the Knights were slogging along at 4-3 and coming off a victory over Guerin. Dieck was dominant, striking out 13 and going the distance as Christian won 4-0 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of four shutouts Dieck

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Mepps continues to as hunters to save their squirrel tails. The tails are used for the hand-tied, dressed hooks of their lures. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been recycling squirrel tails for over half a century. Mepps buys fox, black, grey and red squirrel tails and will pay up to 26 cents each for tails, depending on quality and quantity. Plus the cash value is doubled if the tails are traded for Mepps lures. For details on the Mepps Squirrel Tail Program, either visit their website www. mepps.com/squirrels or call 800-713-3474.

Fishing reports

Illinois: Perch fishing in the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan and its tributaries re-opened on June 15, and perch are being taken on soft-shells and minnows throughout the southern basin. â&#x20AC;˘ The coho salmon have moved out to deeper waters, 40-60 feet. â&#x20AC;˘ Local Cook County Forest Preserve lakes are producingÂ good catches of bass and panfish that are off the beds; crappies are found anywhere with structure, fallen trees, old duck blinds, docks and piers. â&#x20AC;˘ Cooling Lakes: LaSalle and Braidwood, blue catfish and bass. â&#x20AC;˘ Illinois River should be at normal pool and Starved Rock area around Plum Island good for walleyes, sauger and white bass. Wisconsin: Summer is moving into full swing with visitors streaming into parks and campgrounds. The hexagenia mayfly hatch has begun, which makes for great fly fishing along central Wisconsin streams. â&#x20AC;˘ Walleye fishing on the Winnebago System has been very good, with many anglers catching limits of 15-20-inch fish and some anglers are starting to target and catch yellow perch. â&#x20AC;˘ On lower Green Bay anglers were catching their limit of walleye or close to it. â&#x20AC;˘ A couple of anglers reported catching a musky at the mouth of the Peshtigo River. Lake Michigan anglers were reporting a variety of catches but mostly king salmonÂ and lake trout with a few coho rainbow trout. â&#x20AC;˘ Trollers out of Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha reported mainly lake trout and coho along with a few kings.Â (WDNR report)

U.S House committee approves share act

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Evergreen Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tiera Robinson-Jones placed second in Class 2A in the triple jump this past season as a sophomore and fourth in the 200-meter dash. She also qualified for the state finals as a member of the Mustangsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams.

would toss on the season. The victory galvanized the Knights, propelling them to victories in their next 17 games. The Knights wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose again until the loss to Seneca. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it was really encouraging for us because we were coming of of spring break and it [got us going] on our winning streak,â&#x20AC;? Dieck said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have a really awesome pitcher (Alyssa Malicki) and we always thought â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hit her,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; then top of the seventh we just hit her, and it was awesome because everyone came together and everyone did their job they needed to do. So it was really cool to beat them, finally. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really kicked it into gear with that win over Ridgewood, we picked up our game right then and we knew we could do this. It was definitely a big step in my high school career.â&#x20AC;? The Knights would top Ridgewood again later in April to clinch the Metro Suburban crown, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re work wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done. The heartbreak of losing to eventual state champion Beecher in a 2017 regional final had served as both motivation and encouragement as the Knights headed into 2018, and they wanted more than a league title. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beecher won state, and we were right there with them, we played great that game and we just came up short,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we knew going into my senior year we would have an awesome year. I knew we were going to have great season before it even started.â&#x20AC;? Dieck said this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team was an especially tight-knit group. She and Regnerus, as four-year varsity players, essentially grew up together in the program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I picked her up when she was down, and when I was down she would always pick me up,â&#x20AC;? she said of the dynamic between her and Regnerus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really cool that I could have someone that I can relate to, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always nice to know if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to be on my game sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to have my back.â&#x20AC;? Dieck, who will attend and play softball at Grand Valley State in Allendale, Mich., was rarely not on her game. The loss to Seneca aside, she was virtually untouchable in the circle, but she expressed a mature perspective regarding the regional championship game defeat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew I was going to be facing some great hitters, so went in there just saying Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to try my best and my teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be behind me, and I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I did,â&#x20AC;? she said. [Losing] was sad, but I knew I gave it my all, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was a really great way to end my senior year. We all did, we all gave it our all.â&#x20AC;?

The U.S. House passed resolution (HR) 3668; The Sportsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2017, the Share Act includes expanding opportunities for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting activities on federal land.

IDNR to conduct auction of confiscated and abandoned property The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will conduct an auction of its inventory of confiscated and abandoned property at the IDNR Jack Perschbacher Center in Pawnee, Illinois this Saturday, June 23. Bidder registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the auction beginning at 10 a.m. Potential bidders may inspect the merchandise beginning at 8 a.m. on the day of the sale. There will be limited parking for vehicles on the west end of the facility,Â all other parking will be along the streets. Do not block driveways or fire hydrants. No firearms, ATVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, snowmobiles, watercraft or vehicles will be sold. All the property at the auction will be sold as-is, and all sales will be final. Forms of payment accepted include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash, cashierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s check, personal or business checks. Buyers must take immediate possession of property purchased, and unclaimed items will be disposed of. Confiscated and abandoned property auctions are conducted by the IDNR approximately every five years. As required by law, all proceeds from the auctions are deposited in the State Wildlife and Fish Fund. The last auction in 2013 netted $53,145.

Changes coming to Illinois boat registration policies New state law should speed up the process of getting your watercraft back on the water quicker. The new law changes the expiration date of the three year watercraft license from June 30 to September 30 for when a watercraft must be registered. It has been confusing trying to figure out whether a boat should be titled or when the title fee should be paid. According to the most recent numbers from DNR there were 238,232 watercraft registered in Illinois. The new law took effect in June.

Think about it â&#x20AC;&#x153;You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Abraham Lincoln E-mail Jim Kirby at kirbyoutdoors@ sbcglobal.netÂ Â Â

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, June 21, 2018 Section 2

Katai comes through for Fire

Chicago makes Top 10 on list of best soccer cities

Two quick goals by Colorado put the Fire in a deep hole in their contest last week in Commerce City, but Aleksandar Katai keyed a comeback that earned the Men in Red a tie with the cellar-dwelling Rapids. After the Rapids had gobe up 2-0 just 15 minutes into the contest, Katai forced an own goal when he drove a cross toward goal that Colorado defender Danny Wilson knocked into the net. The Fire equalized three minutes later when Brandt Bronico served in a long cross and found Katai open just outside the 18 yard box. The Serbian chested the ball down and sent his curling, left-footed shot past outstretched Colorado goalkeeper Tim Howard. The Fire moved to 5-7-4 (19 points). Colorado is 2-9-3 (9 points). The Rapids got on the board in the seventh minute when Dominique Badji scored, and Tommy Smith extended the lead in the 15th minute. Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic found little solace in drawing against the team with the fewest points in MLS. “It’s disappointing. It’s disappointing for many reasons,” he said. “This is not the image that we want and we have to make changes. We have to make changes technically, with our attitude, and with our behavior on the road, especially early in the game. It doesn’t work just saying we need to get better, but we have to because it’s not good enough. Starting poorly and allowing two goals early is just too much.” Bronico found some optimism in the Fire battling back.

Soccer’s signature global event, the World Cup, kicked off June 14 in Russia. Thirty-two nations are competing in the Group Stage of the torunament, and althought the United States is not one of them, personal-finance website WalletHub jas released its report on the country’s 2018 Best Cities for Soccer Fans. To find the best places for loving on the world’s favorite sport, WalletHub compared nearly 300 U.S. cities with at least one college or professional soccer team across six divisions comprising 63 key metrics. The data set ranges from minimum season-ticket price for a game to stadium accessibility to number of championship wins. Chicago, home of the Fire of the MLS and Red Stars of the NWSL, ranks 10th on the list.

Midfielder’s goal earns tie vs. Rapids

Supplied photo

Fire midfielder Aleksandar Katai forced a defensive miscue by Colorado and later scored a goal to help the Fire earn a raw against the Rapids on June 14 in Commerce City. Colo.

“I think a positive that we can take away from this game is that we started to get that possession soccer back at times, and I think that coming back from two goals shows a lot of strength from the team to not give up,” Bronico said. Regardng Katai, when Bronico sees him running, he seeks to get him the ball. “The guy scores goals for fun,” he said. “He did all the hard work. I just put the ball up there and he chested it down and scored a beautiful goal, so the credit goes to him.” The equalizing goal made it six straight MLS matches with either a goal or an assist for the Serbian creator. In addition,

the assist given to Bronico was his third in his first three MLS starts. “It’s a very nice goal but it’s not enough because we are going home with only the one point,” Katai said. “It would have been nicer if we had gotten the three points.” The Fire controlled much of the play over the remaining 75 minutes — winning the possession battle 65-35 on the night — and created several chances to take the lead as the match waned, but were ultimately left with just the point taken on the night. It was a frenetic end to the match as defender Johan Kappelhof was shown a red card in the 84th minute for a high-booted

challenge — snapping Kappelhof’s string of 31-straight 90 minute performances in MLS — and goalkeeper Richard Sánchez delivered a clutch save in stoppage time to preserve a draw for the shorthanded visitors. In league play, a few favorable midweek results coupled with the Fire’s draw allowed Chicago to keep pace in the chase to stay above the Eastern Conference playoff line. Next up, the Fire continues its 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign when they take on Atlanta United in the Round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on June 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Red Stars earn draw with Thorns Yuki Nagasato’s second goal of the season helped the Chicago Red Stars to a 1-1 draw with Portland last Saturday at Toyota Park. The tie was the Stars’ league-leading seventh of the season, second in as many games and third in its past five, during which they have one victory and one loss. Chicago (3-3-7, 16 points) entered this week in sixth place in the NWSL. Just 30 seconds into the match, Chicago showed its motive as Sam Kerr received a lofted ball past the Portland backline and charged down the field, streaking her shot barely wide of the far post. In a matter of minutes, the Red Stars put up several shots to Portland’s zero; however, failed to convert any of them. With the ball finding its way on both sides of the field, Chicago finally found a break as Kerr was taken down in the box, but was once again denied – if only momentarily. Nagasato’s low penalty kick was blocked by Thorns goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom, but the deflection was quickly rebounded by Nagasato, who outraced Portland’s Meghan Klingenberg to the ball and put it into the back of the net to give Chicago the lead heading into the second half. Minutes into the second stanza, Portland found the equalizer as chaos ensued in the box. With the box full, Lindsey Horan was able to get a piece of a deflected ball and place it into the side netting to

Best vs. Worst • For MLS, Dallas FC’ performance level, 45.10 percent, is 1.5 times better than Minnesota United FC’s, 29.41 percent. • For NWSL, Portland Thorns FC’s performance level, 49.44 percent, is 1.7 times better than the Houston Dash’s, 29.72 percent. • For NASL, Miami FC’ performance level, 48.44 percent, is 1.9 times better than Jacksonville Armada FC’s, 25.56 percent. • Orlando, Fla., has the lowest minimum season-ticket price for an MLS game, $144, which is 3.9 times less expensive than in New York, the city with the highest at $562. • Cary, N.C., has the lowest minimum season-ticket price for an NWSL game, $119, which is 1.9 times less expensive than in Washington, the city with the highest at $230. • Jacksonville, Fla. has the lowest minimum season-ticket price for an NASL game, $60, which is 3.3 times less expensive than in New York, the city with the highest at $200. For the full reports and to see where your city ranks, please wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-citiesfor-soccer-fans/14207/.

Top 20 Cities for Soccer Fans

The Red Stars celebrate after Yuki Nogasato’s goal gave Chicago a 1-0 lead over Portland on Saturday, June 16.

tie the game up. Continuing the battle in the half, Alyssa Mautz and Nagasato found their fair share of opportunities, all going just over the cross bar. Kerr narrowly got on the end of a goal

after another lobbed ball was controlled ahead of the Portland backline. Kerr stretched wide and shot toward the far post, but Eckerstrom laid out and saved the shot from danger. The Red Stars will continue their

Supplied photo

home-game stretch on Saturday, June 23, when they host the expansion Utah Royals for their first visit to Toyota Park. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on the go90 NWSL apps.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Los Angeles Orlando Seattle Portland, OR New York Salt Lake City Washington, D.C. Kansas City Atlanta Chicago Houston Columbus Cary, NC Minneapolis Boston Dallas San Jose Denver Philadelphia Piscataway, NJ

THESE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: AREA HIGH SCHOOL STATE TITLE WINNERS A look at the Illinois High School Association state championships won by Reporter/Regional area schools, followed by the number of titles which that team has won. 1974-75 Richards wrestling (1st) 1975-76 Brother Rice baseball (1st) 1976-77 St. Laurence football (1st) Richards wrestling (2nd) 1977-78 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (1st) Marist baseball (1st) 1978-79 No title 1979-80 No title 1980-81 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (2nd) Chicago Christian girls basketball (1st) 1981-82 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (3rd) Brother Rice football (1st) 1982-83 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (4th) Marist wrestling (1st) 1983-84 Stagg wrestling (1st) 1984-85 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (5th) 1985-86 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (6th) 1986-87 Richards girls volleyball (1st) Marist wrestling (2nd) 1987-88 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (7th) 1988-89 Richards football (1st) 1989-90 Richards football (2nd) St. Laurence wrestling (1st) Chicago Christian girls track (1st) 1990-91 Mother McAuley girls basketball (1st) Chicago Christian girls track (2nd) 1991-92 Chicago Christian girls track (3rd)

Marist’s girls volleyball team won the Class 4A state volleyball championship last November.

Richards boys volleyball (1st) 1992-93 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (8th) 1993-94 Sandburg boys soccer (1st) Oak Lawn boys volleyball (1st) 1994-95 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (9th) 1995-96 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (10th) Sandburg boys volleyball (1st)

File photo

1996-97 None 1997-98 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (11th) 1998-99 Sandburg girls volleyball (1st) Sandburg boys volleyball (2nd) 1999-2000 Sandburg boys volleyball (3rd) 2000-2001 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (12th) 2001-2002 Sandburg boys soccer (2nd)

Mother McAuley girls water polo (1st) Marist boys volleyball (1st) Sandburg baseball (1st) 2002-2003 Sandburg boys soccer (3rd) Mother McAuley girls water polo (2nd) Brother Rice boys water polo (1st) 2003-2004 None 2004-2005 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (13th) Sandburg wrestling (1st) 2005-06 Sandburg cheerleading (1st) Sandburg wrestling (2nd) 2006-07 Sandburg wrestling (3rd) Mother McAuley girls water polo (3rd) 2007-08 None 2008-09 Richards basketball (1st) Sandburg cheerleading (2nd) 2009-10 Marist boys volleyball (2nd) Sandburg softball (1st) 2010-11 Chicago Christian girls volleyball (1st) Sandburg badminton (1st) Sandburg boys volleyball (4th) 2011-12 Sandburg cheerleading (3rd) Sandburg wrestling (4th) Marist softball (1st) 2012-13 Sandburg wrestling (5th) 2013-14 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (14th) 2014-15 Marist softball (2nd) 2015-16 Sandburg boys cross country (1st) 2016-17 Mother McAuley girls volleyball (15th) 2017-18 Marist girls volleyball (16th)

The Regional News - The Reporter

Thursday, June 21, 2018 Section 2

Section 2 Thursday, June 21, 2018

The Reporter Newspapers Call 448-6161 Deadline 5 p.m. Monday Hours M-F 9 to 5 Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEW PENN FINANCIAL, LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, -v.DAVID HOENIG Defendants 15 CH 08859 15531 112TH COURT ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 23, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 24, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 15531 112TH COURT, ORLAND PARK, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-18-421-004-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file number 262303. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 262303 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 15 CH 08859 TJSC#: 38-3779 I3089485

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: KRUEGER THE MONEY SOURCE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.DIRK KRUEGER, TERESA KRUEGER Defendants 15 D5 30870 AS CONSOLIDATE WITH 17 CH 03467 9003 CYPRESS COURT TINLEY PARK, IL 60487 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 25, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 26, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9003 CYPRESS COURT, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487 Property Index No. 27-34-207-018-0000. The real estate is improved with a white brick, two story single family home with an attached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file number 261492. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 261492 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 15 D 5 30870 AS CONSOLIDATE WITH 17 CH 03467 TJSC#: 38-3856 I3089689

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Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;FANNIE MAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Plaintiff, -v.KAREN D. GREENE, CITIBANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CITIBANK (SOUTH DAKOTA) N.A., UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Defendants 16 CH 15483 11741 SPRINGBROOK CT. Orland Park, IL 60467 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 15, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 6, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 11741 SPRINGBROOK CT., Orland Park, IL 60467 Property Index No. 27-30-309-013-0000 Vol. 147. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $403,931.77. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 541-9710 Please refer to file number 16-3950. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 16-3950 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 16 CH 15483 TJSC#: 38-4654 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3089273

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC; Plaintiff, vs. TADEUSZ SOKOL; JOANNA SOKOL; THE RIVERA IN PALOS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION; MONIKA SOKOL; SLAWOMIR SOKOL; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF TADEUSZ SOKOL, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MONIKA SOKOL, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF SLAWOMIR SOKOL, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 11860 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-23-101-059-0000. Commonly known as 21 Cour Madelein, Palos Hills, IL 60465. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 WA16-0606. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3088673

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Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION UNITED COMMUNITY BANK Plaintiff, -v.JULIE RUSSELL, THE EARL CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, DENISE RICHMOND, KATHY CLAPPER, GEORGE LEON, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BETTY LEON, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, THOMAS P. QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR BETTY LEON (DECEASED) Defendants 18 CH 00961 9728 MILL CT EAST PALOS PARK, IL 60464 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 29, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 10, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9728 MILL CT EAST, PALOS PARK, IL 60464 Property Index No. 23-33-209-031-1049. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-16987. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-16987 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 18 CH 00961 TJSC#: 38-4716 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3089614

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC. Plaintiff, vs. HEA SOOK SHIN, CHICAGO TITLE AND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE UNDER TRUST AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 22, 2004 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NO. 1114017, ARIES INVESTMENTS, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, vs. HAFIDA MRABET Intervenor, 15 CH 2946 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on January 25, 2017 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, July 20, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 27-13-202-037-0000. Commonly known as 15240 Heather Court, Orland Park, IL 60462. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Mr. Anthony Porto at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 150 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 981-7385. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3089657

For Sale

5 ACRES RT. 45 IN PEOTONE 600 ft. frontage x 400 ft. deep 40 ft. x 60 ft. pole barn CALL 815-450-0004

Houses For Sale IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-D, MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-D; Plaintiff, vs. MARJORIE D. ADAMS; WAYNE A. ADAMS; CITIBANK, N.A.; DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; FIA CARD SERVICES, N.A.; VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS; MARJORIE D. ADAMS AS TRUSTEE OF THE VICTORIA LAND TRUST; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MARJORIE D. ADAMS, IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF WAYNE A. ADAMS, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 15 CH 12854 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, July 30, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 23-27-402-007-0000. Commonly known as 12401 South 91st Avenue, Palos Park, IL 60464. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455 WA15-0500. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3090877

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTICE All Real Estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise â&#x20AC;&#x153;any preference, limitation or discrimination.â&#x20AC;? Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1 (800) 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is: 1 (800) 927-9275.

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Houses For Sale

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.VALERIE BENNECKE SLACK, EDWARD F. SLACK, FIFTH THIRD BANK (CHICAGO), UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants 17 CH 655 9220 SOUTH 85TH COURT Hickory Hills, IL 60457 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 11, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 5, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9220 SOUTH 85TH COURT, Hickory Hills, IL 60457 Property Index No. 23-02-314-013-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $250,344.94. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL 60015, (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm. Please refer to file number 16-080846. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 16-080846 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 17 CH 655 TJSC#: 38-4585 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3089174

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION LENDINGHOME FUNDING CORP. Plaintiff, -v.RELIANT ASSET CORP., AWAD M. ODEH Defendants 17 CH 13434 9937 S 88TH AVE. Palos Hills, IL 60465 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 24, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 6, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9937 S 88TH AVE., Palos Hills, IL 60465 Property Index No. 23-11-300-010-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $569,191.60. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 541-9710 Please refer to file number 17-0784. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 17-0784 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 17 CH 13434 TJSC#: 38-4652 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3089271

HAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE? Advertise today! Call 708-448-4000 or 708-448-6161

Section 2 Thursday, June 21, 2018

The Regional News - The Reporter

The Reporter • 448-6161 • Deadline 5 p.m. Monday • Hours M-F 9 to 5

Get Fast Action

The Reporter Newspapers Call 448-6161 Deadline 5 p.m. Monday Hours

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Original Westgate Homeowners annual 1-day subdivision garage sale on Saturday, June 23 from 8 am - 2 pm. Watch for balloons on mailboxes. Westgate (E) - Harlem (W), 121st (S) - 127th (N).

Moving Sale 6400 W. 85th Place, Burbank Fri. & Sat., 6/22 & 6/23, 9am-4pm A Collectors Dream! Antiques to New, baseball cards, comics, buttons, Crafts, bar signs. Furniture, household items, bedding & more. Picturesonestatesales.net Sale by Creative Home Services

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Garage Sale “Darling’s Boutique” And Garage Sale Rain or Shine 5600 S. Mason Thurs., Fri. & Sat., 6/21, 6/22 & 6/23, 10am-5pm Restored current Barbie Dolls, “Baywatch & Coca-Cola”Barbies Mens novels, 1969 Chrissy Doll, Womens & Jr. sizes blouses, girls Toddler clothes, dvd movies, 2 cube footstools and much, much more!

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Friday & Saturday 6/22 & 6/23 9-4 10206 S 82nd Palos Hills Collectibles, Cardio Glide, toys, Precious Moments & Willow Trees Garage Sale Thursday, Friday & Saturday June 21, 22 & 23 9-3 p.m. 5915 W 90th St Oak Lawn, IL Huge 5 family sale Treadmill, plants, quality clothing Bargains galore

For Sale Older Singer sewing machine, older Kenmore canister vacuum, 8x10 park green rug and size 16 womens garments Call 708-598-1174

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Garage Sale Block Sale Saturday June 23rd 8-3 12521 S 73rd Ave Palos Heights Antiques, Star Wars, tools, plants, housewares & much more

Business & Service Directory

M-F 9 to 5

The Regional News • Call 448-4000 • Deadline 5 p.m. Monday • Hours M-F 9 to 5

The Regional News Call 448-4000 Deadline 5 p.m. Monday Hours

Hot water tanks • Bathroom installations Toilets, Tubs, Sinks & Faucets Sewers rodded • Sump pumps Sewers inspected by camera Foundation leaks repaired Battery back-up systems

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Your Guide to Arts and Events in the Southwest Suburbs and Beyond

OUT & ABOUT

The Regional News • The Reporter

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Southwest • Section 2, Page 7

Bridge Teen Center to present movie night, bagpipes Students can enjoy a variety of upcoming events at the Bridge Teen Center, 5555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park. From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, the center will show Jurassic World as an outdoor movie presentation. Indoors, teens will take part in a Wikisaurus Rex Rumble. Barbecue samples will be provided by City Barbecue in Orland Park. “Around The World: Scottish Bagpipes w/ Orland Park Cultural Center” will perform from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Students will get the chance to play the bag pipes and hear a professional bagpipe player perform a traditional Scottish tune. The presentation will be followed by “What’s It Like To Be: NASCAR Racer w/ Chicagoland Speedway” from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Justin Allgaier, who competes full-time in the Xfinity

Series for JR Motorsports, will speak to students about his career. In addition to answering audience questions, Allgaier will illustrate the use of his safety gear and fire suit. “Advanced Writing: Character Development” will offer teens 7th through 12th grade a chance to create a believable fictional character through the use of depth and personality. The workshop will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28. During the free event, students will choose their characters’ appearance, history and mannerisms. In addition, they will outline how their character undergoes change and development through the course of a story. More information may be obtained by calling (708) 532-0500 or visiting www.thebridgeteencenter.org.

Supplied photo

Camp is back at The Center. Camp Staff for 2018 includes (back row, from left) Patrick Boyd, Amy Didominicis, Noah Colon, Connor Johnson, Amanda Hoelzel, Paul Purdy and (front row, from left) Angelica Colon, Cate Hynes, Taty Cherry, Lauren Tucker, Elizabeth Johnson, Hassan Abdelghani, Camilla Czapla, Alyssa Trinko.

The Center schedules wide range of activities for adults and kids

Buy in-season seafood and enjoy fresh flavor The notion of buying local can be applied in various ways, but perhaps no way is as satisfying as buying local foods. Local, in-season foods taste fresh, and eco-conscious foodies can enjoy their meals even more knowing the ingredients did not travel far and wide to make it onto their plates. Local, in-season seafood is both fresh and affordable, and now is a great time to try the following recipe for “Spring Shellfish Stew with Kale and Pancetta” from Jill Lightner’s “Edible Seattle” (Sterling Epicure). SPRING SHELLFISH STEW WITH KALE AND PANCETTA Serves 4 • 1/4 pound pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch cubes • 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced • 3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste • 1 small (roughly 1/2 pound) bunch kale, stemmed and sliced into 1/4-inch thick ribbons • Salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 2 cups dry white wine • 1 28-ounce can peeled whole tomatoes • 1 8-ounce bottle clam juice • 3 cups chicken or fish stock • 3/4 pound manila clams, scrubbed clean • 3/4 pound mussels, scrubbed clean and debearded if necessary (discard any that are

broken or won’t close) • 1 pound halibut fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes • 3/4 pound (about 12) extra-large shrimp, deveined (optional) • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1. Heat a large, deep soup pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta, cover, and cook until browned, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pot. 2. Add the onion to the pot and cook until soft, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic, red pepper and kale, season to taste with salt and pepper, and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring and turning as the kale on the bottom cooks down. 3. Increase the heat to high, add the wine and simmer for 2 minutes. 4. Use your hands to break the tomatoes into small pieces and add them, along with their juices, and the clam juice, stock and pancetta to the pot. Lower the heat to medium and simmer the stew, partially covered, until the kale is soft and the tomatoes begin to break down, about 30 minutes. (You can add a little water, if too much evaporates.) Season to taste with salt and pepper. 5. Add the clams and mussels to the pot and cook, tightly covered, for 5 minutes. Add the fish and shrimp, if using, stirring them into the broth, and simmer, covered, until the fish is cooked and all the shellfish have opened, another 5 minutes or so. Serve piping hot in bowls, sprinkled with the parsley. (Discard any clams or mussels that won’t open.)

from the inner critic, and rewrite a new inner script for empowerment and positive action. No prior art or writing experience is needed. This experiential workshop is based on The Creative Journal Expressive Arts Method created by Lucia Capacchione, Ph.D. & A.T.R. Light, healthy snacks provided and all materials provided. A fee of $35 will apply. Rosebud Bracelet Workshop will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 23. Instructor Liz Credio will help students create a rosebud bracelet with cooper wire and gemstone beads. Credio will have a variety of different beads to choose from. This is a fun and easy wire-wrapping technique. The workshop fee is $22 plus a $10 materials fee. This workshop will be held at The Log Cabin Center for the Arts. Outdoor Art for Kids sessions will be held June 25, July

2, July 16 and July 30. Instructor Ruth Augspurger brings a world of art and nature to children. Children will experience drawing, printmaking, pottery, painting, sculpture and more. Creative expression, hands-on fun, encouragement, and opportunities to learn new artistic techniques will be featured. Students will spend time outdoors creating nature-inspired artworks utilizing items from nature within their art. Each session ends with an art show of the students’ creations. Session 1: Monday June 25 – June 29. Class is held Monday through Friday from 9 - 11 a.m. each day. Class fee is $ 90. Session 2: July 2 – July 13. Class is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week from 9 - 11 a.m. each day. Class fee is $110 Session 3: July 16 – July 27. Class is held Monday, Wednesday

and Friday each week from 9 - 11 a.m. each day. The fee is $110. Session 4: July 30 – August 3, Class is held Monday through Friday from 9 - 11 a.m. each day. Fee for the class is $90. Plein Aire Sketch and Watercolor workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. June 28. Instructor Lois Hrejsa and art students will visit St. James of the Sag in Lemont for this meeting. Painting and drawing is scheduled until 12:30, when the group breaks for lunch followed by a group critique. Students are asked to bring art supplies and a folding stool or chair. Pre-registration is necessary to receive a detailed schedule with exact locations and lunch details. Classes are for students with some art experience. The class fee is $22 per session. Meet at The Center.

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, thinking about the future is exciting, and it may motivate you to make some changes. Picturing the future helps you try different scenarios on for size.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, there is no need to worry about whether or not you have been handling affairs deftly. Others will be quick to vouch for your work if called on.

It’s important to have this time to rest.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, take some alone time to focus on what is important to you. This will help you to feel the joy and fulfillment that keeps you going even when times are tough.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Your competitive nature might be needed this week, Libra. Your confidence will be an asset as you propel through tasks in record speed. Slow down to catch your breath.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, this week you are in the mood to rise above petty conflicts and mend fences. Set aside time to speak one-on-one with those who need forgiveness.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 It is time to share your good fortune with others, Scorpio. Expressing gratitude and helping those who do not have enough will make you feel happier and more fortunate.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, fun and physical activity attract you this week, especially as you approach your birthday. Surround yourself with loved ones and enjoy some fun nights.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/ Dec 21 Infuse your social circle with some fresh energy, Sagittarius. Get together with friends and find ways to include new people into your social circle.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 It is alright to want to escape your daily routine sometimes, Leo. If you are feeling restless this week, plan a getaway so you can take in new sights and sounds.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, if life has been rushing by at a harried pace, you need to find a place of solace where you can sit and exhale.

The Center, and the Log Cabin Center for the Arts, are located at 12700 Southwest Hwy. in Palos Park. Registration for activities that require it can be made by calling (708) 361-3650. Taming the Inner Critic will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 23. Workshop leader Karen Signore will help participants work on one of the biggest obstacles to a peaceful, creative and fulfilling life, which resides in one’s own mind. That obstacle is one’s inner critic, which can undermine self-worth, keep one in unhealthy relationships and situations, and block one from following one’s heart’s desire. Through creative art experiences, journal prompts and guided meditation, attendees will learn simple but powerful techniques for quieting the critical voice within and learn to disengage

HOROSCOPES AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Be conscious of how your actions and words affect others, Aquarius. Communication issues can affect relationships when misconstrued words are taken to heart. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, procrastination is often a sign that a person is not interested in what he or she is doing. Find activities that truly motivate you.

JUNE 21 Lana Del Rey, Singer (33) JUNE 22 Cyndi Lauper, Singer (65) JUNE 23 Frances McDormand, Actress (61) JUNE 24 Lionel Messi, Athlete (31) JUNE 25 Angela Kinsey, Actress (46) JUNE 26 Derek Jeter, Athlete (44) JUNE 27 J.J. Abrams, Director (52)

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

July 30 – August 3 • 9:00–11:30 a.m. VBS is a fun place for children who are 3 years old through 6th grade. At Son Rock Kids Camp, children of all ages will learn to build their lives on the SOLID ROCK of JESUS. Children will learn that they are Accepted, Protected, Saved and Forgiven by Jesus and that they are Living for Jesus. Bible study, games, crafts, music, snacks, friends and more await the campers as they learn and live the theme verse 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!” This is a free program for the community. PROGRAM AND DINNER Thursday, August 2, 6-8 P.M. REGISTRATION ON-LINE www.trinitycovoaklawn.org Or drop off/mail to Trinity Or call the church office 708-422-5111 HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!! BRING A FRIEND FOR THE WEEK AND GET A PRIZE!

Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church 9230 S. Pulaski Road | Oak Lawn | 708-422-5111

8 Section 2

Thursday, June 21, 2018

The Regional News • The Reporter

FASHION CHAT

Earn

Stocks signal consumer excitement On June 14th, The Commerce Department reported that U.S. stocks saw an increase in retail sales of 0.8 percent in May 2018. That is a significant increase, the biggest increase in six months, in fact. That is not soft data either, like reflections on consumer confidence; this is hard data. As corroborated by CNBC, we have seen boxretailer stores grow faster than internet sales and restaurant sales grew faster than grocery sales. It has been said that the consumer makes up at least two-thirds of the economy, and the economy is thriving. Also, an all-time record number of households reported experiencing recent gains in income. Clearly, people in the U.S. are feeling good, they are excited, and they are going out and spending money. Surprisingly, bricks-and-mortar retailers are hot stock tickets again. On May 11, Hilary George-Parkin wrote for Footwearnews.com, citing a Pymnts.com survey of 2,500 U.S. consumers. She reported findings that show millennials are on pace to becoming the biggest generation in America and quite significant to the fashion industry. The majority of their extra cash is spent on clothing and accessories. While Amazon still dominates among preferred retailers, George-Parkin reports that about half of this segment “prefers to shop in brick-and-mortar stores, and 48 percent say they buy online after browsing either in-store or online.” These millennials may be the early adopters of new buying trends, and more segments will soon be following suit during

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financial prosperity. Perhaps also in step with the arrival of pleasant weather, we are taking our fattened paychecks and our tax returns and heading out to explore the retail jungle. We share in the adventurous retail experience with our friends and family. Now, we are happily taking the time to invest in our fashions. We feel encouraged to finally buy that superb trench coat. We seek the touch of the fabric, the experience of that boisterous billowing of a flowing, ruffled silk dress. Plus, where else relish our happiness and prosperity than in a restaurant also relishing a wonderful meal? We are gathering to experience the zeal for artful cuisine at the new local bistro, or maybe we are more frequently returning to those brilliant family favorites with the warm greeting at the door. We feel no shame in a beautiful and hearty splurge because our lives are flourishing, safe and wonderful. As we examine our futures, let us take note of the many ways we find ourselves reacting to that wonderful need to celebrate.

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BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Palos rocks with concerts tonight in two towns

Palos Heights and Palos Park kick off their respective Concert In the Park events this evening. In Palos Heights, The Fortunate Sons will rock Memorial Park with a tribute to Creedance Clearwater Revival. The park is located just east of City Hall, 7607 W. College Drive. The show is expected to run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Concert-goers should bring their own seating and food. There is no charge for admission. In Palos Park, rockers The Neverly Brothers will perform on the Village Green, 8901 W. 123rd St., beginning at 7 p.m. From Elvis to The Beatles, The Neverly Brothers will entertain until approximately 9 p.m. Admission is free of charge. Food vendors will be on hand. The grounds will open at 5 p.m. with a Presentation of Colors by Boy Scout Troop 699 and the presentation of Palos Fine Arts Scholarships at 6:45 p.m.

Final call for Palos Area Chamber golf outing

It’s not too late to join the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce for the Annual Scholarship Golf Outing, June 26 at GlenEagles Country Club, 13070 McCarthy Rd. in Lemont. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start scheduled at noon. Proceeds from the golf outing are used to fund the annual scholarships awarded by the chamber to three area students. A cocktail

and dinner reception follows and will include split the pot, raffles and more. Registration can be made by following the events link at www.palosareachamber. org. Sponsorships are still available and more information can be obtained by calling (708) 480-3025.

Orland Grassland Volunteers to hold quarterly meeting

The Orland Grassland Volunteers will hold their quarterly meeting at 7 p.m. June 26 at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14700 Ravinia Avenue. The agenda will include a discussion about the group’s invasive species work and an update on the fight against callery pear and birdsfoot trefoil. Our bird, frog and dragonfly monitors will tell us about what they are seeing on the grassland. The Shrub Club and the Old Plank Road Prairie League will discuss their restoration activities. Treats will be available. More information can be obtained by calling (708) 942-8038, visiting www.orlandgrassland. org or looking up the group on Facebook using the keywords Orland Grassland Volunteers.

Neat Repeats in Orland Park plans open house

Staff and volunteers at Neat Repeats Resale will celebrate the store’s recent remodeling on Thursday, June 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. The store, located at

9028 W. 159th Street, offers a large selection of clothing and decorative housewares. Proceeds from Neat Repeats benefit the Crisis Center for South Suburbia and victims of domestic violence. Neat Repeats sales provide more than 25 percent of necessary operating funds to CCSS. The store will offer light refreshments and special sales for all who attend the open house. With an additional outlet in Worth and a growing need for serving victims of domestic violence at the Crisis Center, the store in Orland Park opened in 2002. CCSS Coordinator Deonne Senese will be available to answer questions and distribute volunteer applications. Those interested in volunteer opportunities may also contact Deonne at dsenese@crisisctr.org or (708) 429-7255, ext. 143.

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TRUSTWORTHY CARE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME Whether you’re experiencing a new or chronic health condition or recovering from surgery, you or your loved one can count on our licensed, certified professionals. And our new House Calls program offers quality medical care to patients who are unable to come to us.

Diabetes Education

Nutrition Services

Rehabilitation & Therapy

Wound Care

Behavioral Health Services

Pain Management

Palliative & Supportive Care

Private Duty Care

Home Care & House Calls

Hospice Care

To request home care services* or to learn more, call Palos Home Care Services at 630.257.1111 or visit paloshealth.com/today. We will visit to assess your needs within 24 hours of your call.

Supplied photo

Something good a-brewin’

The coffee’s on again at Palos Perk Café, located in the Metra Station at 123rd Street and 82nd Avenue. The Village of Palos Park recently took over operation of the establishment. The previous lessee was in default of its agreement with the village, which has stepped in on a temporary and trial basis to run the café. Mary Ann Hansen, shown with Mayor John Mahoney, was hired to run this concession operation. It is open from 5 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. In the future, the village may look for another lessee to take over. Inquiries can be made with Village Manager Rick Boehm at (708) 671-3702.

paloshealth.com *These services are available for qualified patients.