kcbt_2016-06-09_

BATAV IA THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 • $2.00 • KC Chronicle.co m

VOICE FOR ANIMALS Batavia native’s passion lies in protecting and preserving wildlife / 4

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 9, 2016

| GETTING STARTED

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GETTING STARTED ON THE COVER

Batavia native and Waubonsee Community College graduate Katie Billings has pursued a life devoted to animals.

Photo provided

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

Accuracy is important to the Batavia Kane County Chronicle, and we want to correct mistakes promptly. Please call errors to our attention by phone, 630-8455355; email, batavia@shawmedia.com.

SUBMIT NEWS

To submit news to the Batavia Kane County Chronicle, send a news release to batavia@shawmedia.com. Be sure to include the time, the date and the place, as well as contact information.

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MORNING NEWSLETTER

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WHERE IT’S AT Business ..............................................................17 Classified..............................................................39-51 Cover story..........................................................................4 FaceTime .............................................................3 Fun & Games.....................................Kane Weekend, 16-19 Good Natured...................................................................14 Horoscope............................................Kane Weekend, 20 InFocus Weekly................................................................11 Kidscoop..........................................................................37 Learning to Grow................................Kane Weekend, 10 Letters to the Editor......................................................37 Neighbors....................................................................38 Obituaries...................................................................26 Opinions...................................................................36-37 Police reports...................................................................19 Sports Neighbors.................................................Sports, 7 Tales From the Motherhood.............Kane Weekend, 15 Taste of the Town..................................Kane Weekend, 2 Television........................................Kane Weekend, 20-23 Weather.............................................................................5 Web Poll...............................................................................3 Weekend 10........................................Kane Weekend, 4-5

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“I love that it’s a bigger town with a small town feel. It’s casual and comfortable and feels family focused.” – Kelly Peplansky, Batavia

Send us a sentence or two about something you love in Batavia to batavia@shawmedia.com and we’ll share it in print and online at KCChronicle.com.

Taking in history at the Newseum In late May, I spent two days in Washington, D.C., for a family event.

I’d been to D.C. once before and had seen many of the well-known monuments and sights.

But the one place I wanted to visit on this trip wasn’t even open when I was last in D.C. – the Newseum.

Seeing it in writing, it’s probably somewhat easy to discern that the Newseum is a news museum.

Not necessarily the case when the museum’s name is first spoken aloud.

Prior to visiting the site, which is dedicated to free expression and the five freedoms of the First Amendment – religion, speech, press, assembly and petition – I mentioned to several family members and friends that I wanted to visit the Newseum, a phrase often followed by the question, “Which museum?”

“The Newseum.”

“Wait, where?”

“The News-eum. It a news museum.

A museum dedicated to news.”

“Ohhhhh. Newseum.”

Yes, there is a news museum. It

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK Kathy Balcazar opened in 2008 and has seven levels of interactive exhibits, which include 15 galleries and 15 theaters.

The Newseum is just awesome, and – though not everyone has yet heard of it – many others have already visited. “ ... more than 6 million have visited its modern building located on historic Pennsylvania Avenue between the United States Capitol and the White House,” states the Newseum website, www.newseum.org. “ ...

Among the most memorable exhibits are the 9/11 Gallery sponsored by Comcast featuring the broadcast antennae from the top of the World Trade Center, the Berlin Wall Gallery whose eight concrete sections are one of the largest pieces of the original wall outside Germany, and the Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery that features photographs from every

Pulitzer Prize-winning entry dating back to 1942.”

I spent half a day at the Newseum and could easily have spent more time there.

Many of the Pulitzer photos tugged at my heart, whereas a sports reporting documentary narrated by Ahmad Rashad got me pumped up.

The News Corp. News History Gallery was probably my favorite part of the Newseum. It’s the largest gallery there and showcases the history of news gathering, as well as more than 300 historic front pages.

If you’re a news fan and in D.C., I’d recommend a stop at the Newseum.

And – if you’re a member of the media – be sure to bring your press badge, as you’re likely eligible for a discount.

Kathy Balcazar is editor of the Kane County Chronicle and a member of the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association Board. Contact her at kbalcazar@shawmedia.com or 630-845-5368. Learn more about NINA at ninaonline.org.

Batavia to celebrate 100 years of Flag Day KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE editorial@kcchronicle.com

BATAVIA – For 30 years, Bernard J. Cigrand campaigned vigorously to create Flag Day. A Batavia resident from about 1912 to 1932, Cigrand was ultimately successful when – in 1916 – President Woodrow Wilson established June 14 as Flag Day. After months of preparation, a committee of Batavians has prepared two days of events to celebrate the centennial edition of Flag Day – and celebrate its local roots.

The second annual Ice Cream Social, organized by the Batavia Fireworks Committee, kicks off the Flag Day festivities from 3 to 7 p.m. June 12 at the Batavia Riverwalk, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia.

Events will include a welcoming ceremony that features the presentation of colors by Batavia scouts, vintage games, raffles and the All Things Batavia Red, White and Blue Market.

Know more For more information on Batavia’s Flag Day festivities, visit BataviaFlagDay. com.

Musical performances will begin at 3 p.m. with the Batavia Community Band. Classical guitarist John Ivan and drummer Jeff Matter will perform at 4 p.m., and the Batavia High School band and chorus will perform at 5 p.m.

Other events will include a human flag formation at Houston Street, featuring drone photography, and a soap box derby racing down Houston Street.

Hot dogs and water will be available for purchase, and visitors can create the perfect sundae at the Peg Bond Center, which will feature ice cream from Batavia Creamery. Proceeds benefit the Fourth of July Sky Concert in Batavia.

On Flag Day, June 14, a celebration

of the Stars and Stripes will take place at the Riverwalk from 7 to 9 p.m. The Air National Guard Band of the Midwest and the Batavia Pop-Up Chorus will perform, and winners of an essay contest, “What the American Flag means to me,” will read their essays.

In addition, 1,777 luminarias, decorated by Batavia students, will be on display, and flags will decorate the entire Riverwalk. Flagsource, a Batavia flag manufacturer, will conduct four free tours of its facility at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 5 p.m. Only 25 people can tour at each time, so email info@bataviaflagday.com to reserve a spot.

Other events around Batavia celebrating the 100th anniversary of flag day include a flag display at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., a patriotic art show at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St., and a flag display at the Depot Museum, 155 Houston St. In addition, the Plain Dirt Gardeners have utilized the colors red, white and blue in displays around town.

Get to know Nick Bacik Batavia resident Nick Bacik, 31, was working at the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau in downtown St. Charles when he answered questions for the Kane County Chronicle’s Ashley Sloboda.

Where did you grow up? Lincolnshire What is your title at the visitors bureau? Sales manager How long have you worked here?

Three years in July.

What is a movie you’d recommend? “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” What was your first job? Construc-

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 14 WHERE: Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, West Chicago COST & INFO: Speaker Rita Emmett will present “Blast Away Procrastination – Just Do It.” Emmett is a professional speaker, consultant and author of three books. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for prospective members and guests. Visit www.bataviachamber.org/programs or call the Batavia Chamber of Commerce at 630-879-7134 no later than June 10 to make reservations.

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‘STARS & STRIPES’ OPENING RECEPTION

WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. June 10 WHERE: Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St., Batavia COST & INFO: This exhibition is inspired by the American flag as part of a citywide celebration of Flag Day and its founder, Batavia resident Bernard Cigrand. Alysha Kupferer will be exhibiting in the Kane County Chronicle Gallery. Although admission is free, a donation of $5 is suggested to support Water Street Studios. For information, call 630-7619977 or visit www.waterstreetstudios.org.

TODAY’S WEB POLL

Of the following, what’s your favorite type of summer vacation?

• Staying in a hotel, motel or other place • Camping • A staycation (staying at home)

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES 800-589-9363 subscriptions@shawmedia.com 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday Missed your paper?

If you have not received your paper, call 800-589-9363.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Thursday: $2/issue Basic weekly rate: $2 Basic annual price: $104 To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, contact Subscriber Services.

Ashley Sloboda - asloboda@shawmedia.com

Batavia Kane County Chronicle staffers pick the best of what to do in your free time

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QUARRY BEACH TO HOST TWEEN NIGHT JUNE 9

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. June 9 WHERE: Harold Hall Quarry Beach, 400 S. Water St., Batavia COST & INFO: The Batavia Park District will provide many activities during this event, such as games, sports, music, movies, dancing and food. Admission is $5 for non-pass holders, and concessions will be available. For information, call the park district at 630-406-5275 or visit www.bataviaparks.org.

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ROSIE AND THE RIVETS BAND TO PERFORM

WHEN: 8 p.m. June 10 WHERE: River’s Edge Bar & Grill, 12 N. River St., Batavia COST & INFO: Rosie & The Rivets perform unforgettable 1950s and 1960s classics from Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Dusty Springfield, Chuck Berry, Brenda Lee and Johnny Cash. Free. For information, call 630-406-9200 or visit www.theriversedgebatavia.com.

CLASSIFIED SALES 800-589-8237 classified@shawsuburban.com Fax: 815-477-8898 LEGAL NOTICES publicnotice@kcchronicle.com 877-264-2527 Fax: 630-368-8809 RETAIL ADVERTISING 630-845-5284 OBITUARIES 815-526-4438 obits@kcchronicle.com General Manager Laura Burke lburke@shawmedia.com Editor Kathy Balcazar 630-845-5368 kbalcazar@shawmedia.com News Editor Tarah Thorne 630-845-5385 tthorne@shawmedia.com Batavia Kane County Chronicle is published every Thursday in Batavia, IL and delivered to homes by Shaw Media, 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2, St. Charles, IL 60174. Application to mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is pending at St. Charles, IL and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address corrections to Shaw Media, P.O. Box 250, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0250.

Batavia Kane County Chronicle and KCChronicle.com are a division of Shaw Media.

All rights reserved.

Copyright 2016

facebook.com/ kanecountychronicle @kcchronicle

LAST WEEK’S WEB POLL RESULTS

Pick which phrase best finishes this sentence – summer vacation from school: • Allowed me the chance to play outside. (69 percent) • Was a good opportunity to be lazy. (11 percent) • Allowed me to travel with my family. (18 percent) • Offered more learning opportunities. (2 percent)

VOTE ONLINE: Voice your opinion at www.KCChronicle.com. Poll is at the bottom right of the homepage.

• Relevant information • Marketing Solutions • Community Advocates

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BATAVIA WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON

NEWSROOM 630-845-5355 Fax: 630-444-1641 editorial@kcchronicle.com

• Thursday, June 9, 2016

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BATAVIA MOTHERS’ CLUB SEEKS CRAFTERS, VENDORS

WHEN: Registration by Sept. 1 is $50 or $75 thereafter (Sept. 15 is the deadline for personal checks) WHERE: Batavia High School, 1201 Main St., Batavia COST & INFO: The Batavia Mothers’ Club Foundation’s 31st annual Autumn Craft and Vendor Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 and will feature more than 100 booths. The event includes a juried selection of arts and crafts designed and created by artists. The show includes a bake sale, charity raffle, 50/50 raffle and lunch.

Admission is $5, and all proceeds support local charities. For information, call Kathy Evangelista at 630-747-6724. Visit www.bataviamothersclub.org to apply.

KCChronicle.com OFFICE 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 1 St. Charles, IL 60174 630-232-9222 Fax: 630-444-1641 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

tion. I was a laborer.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A head football coach.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Blue Moon What’s your favorite summer activity? Kayaking What’s your favorite local restaurant? The Beehive If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? The Australian Outback Who’s your idol? Mark Cuban What’s an interesting factoid about yourself? I’m a twin.

Identical or fraternal? Fraternal

OUT&ABOUT

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GETTING STARTED | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 9, 2016

| NEWS

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Photo provided

Batavia native Katie Billing poses with famed animal-rights activist Jane Goodall.

‘Wildlife Katie’ Batavia native challenges others to make a difference

By SUSAN O’NEILL

editorial@kcchronicle.com Katie Billing’s passion for the preservation of wildlife began when she was a 15-year-old youth volunteer at the Brookfield Zoo. There, the Batavia native gained experiences through her interactions with the animals, as well as with a network of people who encouraged her enthusiasm for protecting endangered species and sharing that passion with others.

When she was 16 years old, she was chosen by the zoo to travel to Canada and study polar bears with the Polar Bears International Leadership Camp. She made friends from around the world, gained knowledge about climate change, developed her leadership skills and stoked her passion for making a difference. But perhaps the most impactful experience was her up-close and personal interaction with a polar bear. Living in a tundra buggy in the middle of nowhere, one day she woke up and looked out her window into the eyes of a polar bear, who was looking right back at her.

“He looked into my soul,” she said.

In that moment, she made the commitment to spend her life doing everything she

could to protect the polar bear and other endangered species for future generations.

When she graduated from high school, Katie decided to attend Waubonsee Community College, so she could continue her work at the Brookfield Zoo and stay involved with her local environmental activities. During that time, Katie helped to create the Batavia Community Garden, advocated for Batavia Backyard Chickens and worked to help make Batavia a more sustainable place.

Going to Waubonsee “was the best decision I ever made,” she said.

While at WCC, she served as president of the Sustainability Club, was a STEM scholar and helped to run Waubonsee’s Earth Week events. She formed close relationships with her biology professors, who encouraged and mentored her. She said her involvement with WCC theater enabled her to combine her science background with her creative abilities to develop the skills she continues to use today in reaching out to others.

After completing an Associate in Science degree in 2013, Katie transferred to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to finish her

News to your phone Sign up for breaking news text and email alerts at KCChronicle.com/ subscribe. undergraduate work, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in zoology – wildlife biology and conservation.

“I continued filling up my plate with as much variety as possible,” she said.

She became a Green Scholar, joined the Zoology Club and was involved in a community-wide clean-up and other community-based projects. She became a student ambassador for a company that encouraged col-

lege students to share their sustainable activities with others.

That role led to her current position at Purposeful Networks as the project manager of Zoo Tracks, a next-level guest experience using mobile programs to encourage users to share their stories, learn more about conservation and take more sustainable actions post-visit for zoos and wildlife.

She spends her non-work time volunteering with CREW – the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Wildlife – and as a volunteer zookeeper with the Cincinnati Zoo’s interpretive animal collection.

“I’ve never had a dull moment,” she said with a laugh.

“I love sharing my passion for animals with people. I love seeing that spark in their eyes when they realize that an individual can make a difference.”

Wildlife Katie, as she calls herself, said she doesn’t know exactly where she will end up in her career. But the young woman whose childhood idol was animal adventurer and television star Steve Irwin said she sees herself following in the footprints of great scientists and zoologists, such as Jane Goodall, and she hopes to continue to inspire her passion for wildlife in others.

“Each and every day I strive to make a difference in the world,” she said. “I am going to be the voice that animals don’t have.”

WEATHER

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Thursday

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Variably cloudy Warmer with Partly sunny, a Turning cloudy An afternoon with a t-storm variable clouds t-storm; hot and not as t-storm warm possible

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Bill Bellis

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Chief Meteorologist

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Almanac 85° 0° 77°/56° 66.2° 66.2° +0.0°

Crystal Lake 79/63/t 86/71/c

Rockford 82/64/t 93/72/c

Hampshire 79/64/t 87/71/c

0.85” 0.52” 14.24” 0.87” 60% 99%

DeKalb 79/64/t 87/70/c

5:18 a.m.

8:28 p.m.

5:18 a.m.

8:28 p.m.

Last

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Aurora Chicago Elgin Gary Janesville La Salle Morris Munster Naperville Waukegan

Jul. 4

AccuWeather.com UV Index™ Thursday 5 Friday 6 Saturday 6 Sunday 6 Monday 7 Higher index numbers indicate greater eye and skin exposure to ultraviolet rays.

0-2 Low; 3-5 Moderate; 6-7 High; 8-10 Very High; 11+ Extreme

80/65/t 79/64/t 80/63/t 80/63/t 81/62/t 83/68/t 82/66/t 81/64/t 80/64/t 76/59/t

Deerfield 77/63/t 82/71/c

Elgin 80/63/t 88/72/c Tri-Cities 80/64/t 88/72/c

Schaumburg 79/64/t Chicago 86/72/c 79/64/t 89/71/c Oak Park 79/65/t 86/73/c

89/72/c 89/71/c 88/72/c 89/71/c 93/70/c 92/74/c 90/73/c 86/72/c 88/72/c 80/67/c

National Cities

City Orland Park 81/65/t 88/72/c

THU. FRI. Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

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Precipitation Waukegan 76/59/t 80/67/c

SAT. SUN. MON. Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

TUE. Hi/Lo/W

93/64/t 82/62/c 82/59/pc 80/57/pc 93/64/t 78/61/c 80/62/pc 78/58/s 93/63/t 79/61/c 81/59/pc 80/55/pc 94/64/t 79/61/c 88/65/pc 79/58/s 97/63/t 81/59/c 87/63/pc 82/55/pc 95/67/t 85/66/c 88/65/pc 81/56/pc 95/65/t 84/64/pc 88/67/pc 81/57/pc 93/65/t 79/62/c 86/64/pc 78/57/s 93/64/t 81/62/t 80/60/pc 80/54/pc 92/62/t 75/58/c 81/62/t 76/54/s

Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2016

THU. FRI. Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

SAT. SUN. MON. Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

TUE. Hi/Lo/W

Anchorage 68/52/pc 63/52/pc 63/50/r 66/55/c 68/54/pc 72/55/pc Atlanta 87/65/s 92/72/s 95/74/s 97/75/s 95/73/pc 92/69/t Denver 87/61/t 90/61/pc 88/61/t 87/57/t 76/55/t 81/56/s Honolulu 84/74/pc 85/74/pc 85/74/pc 84/74/pc 84/74/pc 83/74/pc Los Angeles 78/62/pc 76/59/pc 74/58/pc 74/55/c 78/62/s 78/62/s Miami 87/77/t 87/77/t 88/76/t 89/77/pc 88/77/t 88/77/t New York City 72/56/s 76/58/s 78/65/pc 77/61/c 78/62/pc 74/62/c Phoenix 105/84/s 102/79/t 103/77/pc 103/75/s 102/77/s 105/79/s Wash., DC 77/58/s 78/61/pc 84/70/c 85/64/s 82/66/c 81/66/pc Beijing Buenos Aires Jerusalem London Madrid Mexico City Paris Rome Sydney Tokyo

World Cities

94/69/pc 92/66/t 55/41/pc 51/39/s 77/59/s 78/60/s 72/56/pc 69/56/sh 96/66/pc 86/60/pc 74/55/t 75/57/t 72/55/pc 72/58/pc 76/62/t 77/62/t 69/54/s 67/50/s 78/67/t 84/65/s

91/65/pc 51/37/s 78/62/s 67/55/c 84/58/pc 74/57/t 67/55/t 77/64/pc 64/53/s 83/68/pc

90/66/pc 55/44/s 83/67/s 65/56/sh 88/60/pc 73/57/t 66/56/sh 76/62/t 62/54/pc 79/68/c

87/68/sh 55/45/c 92/71/s 67/53/sh 90/61/s 72/60/sh 63/55/r 77/61/t 65/55/s 73/66/r

83/64/s 57/44/pc 91/68/s 63/51/r 81/58/s 78/58/sh 59/53/sh 75/61/pc 67/54/s 76/67/r

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Jun. 12 Jun. 20 Jun. 27

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Algonquin 79/62/t 86/71/c

Aurora 80/65/t 89/72/c

Map Key City Thursday’s Hi/Lo/Weather Friday’s Hi/Lo/Weather

Moon Phases Full

Elburn 79/64/t 88/71/c

Sandwich 81/66/t 90/72/c

Sunrise and Sunset

First

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McHenry 79/61/t 84/71/c

Harvard 79/61/t 85/70/c

Belvidere 80/64/t 88/71/c

Precipitation

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Sunshine and patchy clouds

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Total for the week Total for the month Total for the year Normal for the month % of normal this month % of normal this year

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Statistics through Monday, June 6

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The Week Ahead

Tuesday

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 9, 2016

Seven-Day Forecast

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 9, 2016

| NEWS

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Batavia taking action on Depot Pond

By MARK FOSTER

editorial@kcchronicle.com BATAVIA – If Batavia’s idyllic Depot Pond is to be preserved in the future, action must be taken now.

That was the consensus among aldermen and Batavia Park District trustees during a joint session May 31.

The threat being posed to the pond is the inevitable failure of the nearby Fox River dam at the Challenge building. A break in the long-crumbling dam would leave the pond as a dried-up mud flat.

“The Challenge dam is going to col-

lapse one of these days,” Mayor Jeff Schielke said.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources made a proposal early last decade for the removal of the dam, but an advisory referendum in 2003 found that Batavia residents wanted to keep the concrete structure in place.

“I think we’ve been on borrowed time since 2003,” park board President Patrick Callahan said.

The dam is really three structures, Schielke said, with the first dating back to the 1860s. A break at the east end of the dam next to the Challenge building

in 1975 resulted in a major drop in the water level in the pond, the mayor said, and was repaired with the third structure a year later.

City and park officials repeatedly referred to the pond and shoreline Riverwalk area as Batavia’s “crown jewel,” which must be saved.

With the dam failing and the state of Illinois unwilling to replace it, the answer to maintaining water levels in Depot Pond would require closing the mouth of the pond with a berm at its north end.

The city council and park board

Mason Rivers kicks off park district’s free concert series

Participants of the ET Batavia Triathlon enter the pool one at a time during the 2015 race, including Nick Fortino of Tinley Park (background). The 2016 race will take place June 12.

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE editorial@kcchronicle.com

BATAVIA – The Batavia Park District’s River Rhapsody Concert Series kicks off at 7 p.m. June 15 at the Batavia Riverwalk, located on Island Avenue, just north of Houston Street.

The free concerts will be held on select Wednesdays throughout the summer from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and are presented by Rotary Club of Batavia, according to a news release.

On June 15, a high-energy country band, Mason Rivers, will play covers of today’s country music and the classics. Soda will take the stage June 22, featuring an eclectic mix of songs from Johnny Cash and Dave Matthews to Styx and John Mayer.

The Rockin’ Fenderskirts play June 29.

Caribbean rock and reggae group Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band will perform July 13. Piano Man Mike Sigman will perform a tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel on July 20. Female-fronted country band Wild Daisy will play July 27, and cover band Red Woody will play popular songs from every decade Aug. 3.

The River Rhapsody Concert Series is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Batavia, Costco, Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Club, Panera Bread and Kane County Chronicle.

For information, call 630-879-5235 or visitwww.bataviaparks.org.

members, who also want to cooperate on river issues ranging from shoreline erosion to public waterfront access, decided that protecting the integrity of the pond must be the top priority.

City Administrator Bill McGrath said that engineering and hydrological studies performed by the IDNR in 2003 for removal of the dam remain on file, and recommended that staff from the city and park district make a presentation to the elected officials.

They agreed, and it was decided to hold another joint meeting between the two groups in about a month.

Photo provided

Batavia triathlon, duathlon set June 12

By BEN DRAPER

bdraper@shawmedia.com BATAVIA – Nearly 700 multitalented individuals are about to test their limits in Batavia.

The 13th annual ET Batavia Triathlon and Duathlon will take place bright and early June 12, with athletes arriving to set up as early as 4:30 a.m., and the race officially beginning at 6:30 a.m. at Harold Hall Quarry Beach, 400 S. Water St., Batavia.

In 2015, the triathlon had 388 participants, the duathlon 109, while the splash and dashes had nine total. But race director Joe LoPresto expects more in 2016.

“We typically have around 700 athletes racing across our four events: Adult Triathlon, Adult Duathlon, Youth Splash and Dash and Kid’s Dash,” LoPresto said.

He estimated the crowd of spectators could reach an additional 1,200.

The triathlon begins with a 400m swim at Harold Hall Quarry Beach.

Competitors then enter a transition before departing onto the 14.7-mile bike course, which takes the riders out on Main Street to Bliss Road, then to Seavey Road, then Nelson Lake Road before heading back into town. After the second transition, the participants embark on a 4.1-mile run, which heads south on the Fox River trail, before turning around and heading back the way it came. The run course will finish in a new location in 2016: the Batavia VFW, located at 645 S. River St. in Batavia.

“This year we have the finish line at the Batavia VFW. It is a wonderful facility, and we are honored to be partnering with the VFW and all they stand for,” LoPresto said.

The duathlon features a run-bikerun format, with a two-mile run replacing the triathlon’s swim. The Youth Splash and Dash features four

age groups: ages 7 to 8, 9 to 10, 11 to 12 and 13 to 15. Finally, the Kids Dash features a 50-yard run for children ages 3 to 4, and a 100-yard run for those ages 5 to 8.

Over the 13 years, LoPresto said the event has evolved toward a great family fitness day with the addition of its youth events.

The event has quite a lead-up, with packet pick-up already underway.

Other events include a bike and swim course preview, and a Race Day Success clinic from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. June 11.

For those interested in spectating, LoPresto had some suggestions.

“The two best places to [watch] are at the race starting area, the Quarry Beach, from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., then move across the river on the Fox River path to the VFW finish line and expo party that runs from 7:30 to 11 a.m.,” he said.

For more information or to register, visit BataviaTriathlon.org.

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NEWS | ABOVE: The North Aurora Community Parade heads east on Oak Street on June 5.

LEFT: The Kane County Rangers participate in the North Aurora Community Parade on June 5.

FAR LEFT: Candy is tossed from the Bulldog Ale House float during the North Aurora Community Parade on June 5.

Photos by Jeff Krage - For Shaw Media

By BEN DRAPER

bdraper@shawmedia.com BATAVIA – A 2010 Batavia High School graduate will compete in the Miss Iowa pageant June 9 to 11 in Davenport, Iowa.

Christy Scimeca currently holds the title of Miss Johnson County 2016, which qualifies her for the chance to compete for Miss Iowa as part of the Miss America system of pageants. Both the local and Iowa competitions feature five areas of competition, and each has its own weighted score: lifestyle and fitness in a swimsuit (15 percent), evening wear (20 percent), talent (35 percent), private interview (25 percent) and on-stage questions (5 percent). While competing in the Miss Johnson County event, Scimeca won both the lifestyle and fitness, and talent categories.

“I started competing in the Miss America system close to four years ago.

Last year was my first time to Miss Iowa, and I was Miss Pearl City representing Muscatine,” she said.

Each participant in the Miss America system has her own personal platform, and Scimeca chose the “March of Dimes: Fighting for Every Baby.”

“I chose my platform because of my personal family stories. My brother was born at 26 weeks, my nephew at 33 weeks and myself at 36 weeks, all making us a statistic of prematurity. Prematurity is the No. 1 killer of newborns, and 1 in 9 children are born premature. With my title, I have been able to immerse myself in the March of Dimes organization, serving on the Iowa City March for Babies walk committee, attending the Chefs Auction event, holding a position on the Iowa City and Cedar Valley area board and lobbying for the March of Dimes at the state capitol in Des Moines,” she said.

This will be the last chance for Sci-

meca to earn the title of Miss Iowa, because the age range for “Miss” is 18 to 24.

After graduating from Batavia High School, Scimeca attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a double major in dance and athletic training, with a certificate in marketing. She is currently employed as a dance instructor and choreographer at the Nolte Academy, is the Iowa City West High School dance team coach, and also is the head athletic trainer of the University of Iowa dance department.

“My brother was born at 26 weeks, my nephew at 33 weeks and myself at 36 weeks, all making us a statistic of prematurity. ... With my title, I have been able to immerse myself in the March of Dimes organization.”

Christy Scimeca, Miss Johnson County 2016

2010 Batavia High School graduate Christy Scimeca will compete for the chance to be named Miss Iowa from June 9 to 11 in Davenport, Iowa.

Photo provided

KCB

2010 Batavia graduate to compete for title of Miss Iowa

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 9, 2016

Celebrating community

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE kcchronicle@shawmedia.com

GENEVA – Orders are being accepted for 1.25-pound lobsters (fresh or steamed) and 2-pound bags of raw frozen Gulf shrimp – in addition to Josef’s Elegante Meats and Deli providing 8-ounce beef filets – for TriCity Family Services’ long-standing fundraising tradition, The Great Lobster Fly-In. Orders may be placed online at www.tricityfamilyservices.org or by calling 630-232-1070 until noon June 13. Items will be available for pickup from 9 to 11:30 a.m. June 18 at the

Kane County Courthouse parking lot, 100 S. Third St., Geneva. A.J. Looten’s 1918 antique steam engine will be onsite for those who prefer to have their lobsters pre-cooked.

Elements for a complete meal also will be available from local food vendors. The Geneva Spice House will offer Chicago Steak Seasoning and Seafood Boil Blend; Dawn’s Early Light Café will offer corn and potato side salads in 2-pound quantities; Hahn’s Bakery will provide French baguettes; The Sugar Path will provide Summer Berry Tarts; and two flavors of ice cream will come from Kimmer’s Ice Cream, a news release stated.

NEWS BRIEF Kane County Genealogical Society meeting set June 16

skills. MacEntree specializes in the use of technology and social media to The Kane County Genealogical Society improve genealogy research, accordwill have its next meeting at 7 p.m. June ing to a news release.

The presentation is free and visitors 16 at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. are welcome. Register at the Reference Batavia Ave., Batavia.

Desk, online at BataviaPublicLibrary.org Professional speaker Thomas MacEntree will give a presentation on or call 630-879-1393. For information on the Kane County Genealogical Society, the most effective ways to find living people using search engines and how visit www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilkcgs. making contact with living relatives – Kane County Chronicle can help hone genealogy research

BIG CITY WILD!

TICK STARTETS AT

20

$

P CONVLUS TAX & ENIEN CE FE E

KCB

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 9, 2016

| NEWS & OPINIONS

8 Orders now being taken for lobsters

Live In Concert

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2016

All guests must be 21 years of age or older and have a valid Wild Rose Players Club card to attend.

SM-CL0360896

Must be 21 years or older to gamble. If you or someone you know needs gambling treatment, call 1.800.BETS OFF.

Photo provided

Renovations at Engstrom Park, located at Millview Drive and Main Street in Batavia, were completed in May. The park features a baseball diamond, basketball court and soccer fields, in addition to a pavilion and playground.

Popular Engstrom Park reopens to large crowds The wait is finally over … Engstrom Park is officially complete!

Engstrom Park, located at Millview Drive and Main Street in Batavia, is one of the Batavia Park District’s most heavily used parks. It features a baseball diamond, a basketball court and soccer fields, in addition to a pavilion and a playground.

The park was built in 1984 and came due for an upgrade several years ago. In 2014, parking lots were rebuilt; the nearly 1-mile walking trail was replaced; new rain gardens were added to help aid in stormwater runoff; and the shelter was renovated. In 2015, the focus was on the ballfield. New fencing was added; a new back stop was installed; and the spectator and player areas were redone. The infield was also regraded and enlarged. The last piece of the renovation was completed in May, when the entire playground was replaced and a safety surface was added.

The design of the playground area was not taken lightly, and park district staff wanted to ensure the community had a say in what would replace the previous equipment.

“In December 2015, we held an open house to allow the public to choose the playground design, and we had a fantastic turnout,” said Jim Eby, capital projects and contractual services manager for the park district. “The one chosen really incorporates the latest trends in playground design.”

The new playground features a 2- to 5-year-old area connected by stepping pods to the 5- to 12-year-old area. It has multiple climbing features, three slides, a swing set with two tot seats, a single adaptive use seat and two belt swings. But perhaps the most popular feature is the 50-foot zip line!

A poured-in-place safety surface

PARK DISTRICT DISH Kari Felkamp was also added, which will allow for better access for anyone with mobility challenges. The material is able to withstand heavy use and weather conditions better than the typical playground surface. While the surface may feel hard, it meets the national fall criteria, which means the surface will absorb the impact and reduce the chance of injury to a child.

Since the playground opened on May 25, it has been a very popular destination for families.

“It’s been wonderful to see so many kids utilizing the playground at Engstrom Park,” said Kim French Treger of Batavia. “The colors are vibrant, and it really brings life to the corner of Main and Millview again. Even my 12-year-old daughter has enjoyed a little time back at the space net, and she couldn’t wait to take some out-oftown friends there to test out the new playground. Batavia Park District did a great job!”

Batavia Park District Board and staff will celebrate the completion of the park at a community dedication celebration at 10 a.m. Aug. 13 at the park. The event will include refreshments, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and family-friendly activities. For information, visit www.bataviaparks.org.

Kari Felkamp is director of marketing and public relations for the Batavia Park District. The “Park District Dish” column runs the second Thursday of each month in the Kane County Chronicle. Contact Felkamp at editorial@kcchronicle.com.