kcct_2015-05-02_

CRUISING TO VICTORY

May 2-3, 2015 • $1.50

North softball gets off to fast start, knocks off Batavia in 5 innings / 19

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Forecast on page 5

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‘THIS DOESN’T END’

St. Charles North addresses bullying with student task force / 6 SPORTS

LOCAL NEWS

Good Natured

Otto: ‘Volcano mulching’ does more harm than good / 10 LOCAL NEWS

At a crossroads

St. Charles North’s Stefan twins cling to final workouts at St. Charles Gymnastics Academy / 17

Educators of the Year Five area educators honored at 40th annual Kane County Educator of the Year Awards Banquet held Friday for their work in the education field / 7

WHERE IT’S AT Advice ............................ 26 Classified................. 30-39 Comics ..................... 28-29 Cover story ..................... 6 Horoscopes................... 29 Local News................. 2-16 Obituaries ....................... 9 Opinions .........................14 Out & About.....................3 Puzzles ........................... 27 Sports........................ 17-22 Weather ........................... 5

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

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GETTING STARTED LOTTERY

ILLINOIS LOTTERY Pick 3 Midday: 6-0-3 Pick 3 Evening: 1-4-1 Pick 4 Midday: 3-9-3-6 Pick 4 Evening: 4-1-3-2 Lucky Day Lotto Midday: 13-14-22-28-32 Lucky Day Lotto Evening: 5-10-12-31-42 Lotto jackpot: $8 million MEGA MILLIONS Numbers: 17-18-61-66-74 Megaball: 3 Megaplier: 3 Est. jackpot: $96 million POWERBALL Est. jackpot: $70 million

ON THE COVER

St. Charles North High School senior Paige Alston (center, with hair in a bun) participates in a Bullying Prevention Task Force meeting at the school April 24.

Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

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Journalism workshop at EIU seeking students

I recently received an email from the Illinois Press Association asking whether I could help spread the word about an event for high school students interested in journalism. As I am a proponent of student journalism – and I know we have some great high school journalism programs in this area – I’m happy to help.

Here’s the scoop: The Illinois Press Foundation will host a hands-on journalism workshop at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston from June 7 to 19.

May 12 is the application deadline, although applicants are encouraged to apply early – and may even be selected early. Space for the 13-day workshop is limited; 18 students will be chosen.

Sophomores, juniors

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK Kathy Gresey and graduating seniors are invited to apply – whether or not they have journalism experience.

According to a news release about the workshop: “ ... This two-week residential program provides students an intimate look at journalism as a career by immersing students into the complete process of publishing news: gathering information, writing news, using social media, capturing video and audio, and producing print and online publications.

“The first week is devoted to instruction and related ex-

ercises, including news-gathering field trips. Professional journalists provide most of the instruction. ... Students then practice what they have learned. For three days, students are driven to newspapers, where they work with reporters and other journalists on assignments.

The remainder of the second week is devoted to producing a newspaper and news website.”

In addition, selected students will participate in several field trips and attend events that they cover.

On the weekend, students typically travel to historical sites and/or to a state park, according to the release.

“The Illinois Press Foundation has sponsored this event at Eastern Illinois University since its incep-

tion more than 20 years ago, as has the Dow Jones News Fund,” states the release.

“The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is also a significant contributor to the program. All expenses, including housing, meals and tuition, are paid from these funds.”

For information about the program, visit IPFworkshop. wordpress.com or www.eiu. edu/~journal, or contact director Joe Gisondi at jjgisondi@eiu.edu or 217-581-6003.

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

Geneva firefighters get raises in last year of contract

By BRENDA SCHORY

bschory@shawmedia.com GENEVA – Geneva firefighters and firefighter-paramedics started receiving a 2.25 percent raise as of Friday, after aldermen this week unanimously approved a revision to the contract with the Geneva Professional Firefighters Association Local 4287.

The association’s four-

year contract left a wage increase to be renegotiated for the part of the agreement that runs from May 1, 2015, to April 30, 2016.

The contract approved by the city and the union in 2012 called for a wage reopener for the 2015-16 fiscal year, meaning no other terms of the contract were negotiated with the exception of wages for the remaining year on the contract, offi-

cials said.

Under the increase, the firefighter pay range is $56,307 to $79,833, and the pay range for lieutenants is $87,226 to $100,976.

The pay range for firefighter paramedics will be $59,256 to $86,784, and the range for lieutenant para-

medics is $90,185 to $103,934, according to the contract.

Firefighters and paramedics had received a 2 percent increase in the 2012 contract and a 2.5 percent increase in 2013 and 2014, according to the contract.

The cost of the raise to the city is $30,000, officials said.

FaceTime

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St. Charles resident Chrisopher Fahey, 17, was at the Friends of the St. Charles Public Library book sale when he answered 10 questions for the Kane County Chronicle’s Brenda Schory.

Where did you grow up? St. Charles.

I’m a senior at North.

Pets? A cockapoo named Daisy and two fish First job? Yard work What do you want to be when you grow up? I’ll be going to Michigan State University for agribusiness and marching band. I play the tuba.

A book you’d recommend? Anything

by Clive Cussler

Valley Sheltered Workshop annual pancake breakfast

WHAT: The Valley Sheltered Workshop’s 49th annual pancake breakfast. There will be pancakes, sausage, fresh strawberries, orange juice and coffee. Takeout will be available. There will be a cash drawing.

WHEN: 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: Valley Sheltered Workshop, 325 Main St., Batavia INFORMATION: The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children. For information, call 630-879-2359.

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Torah scribe visits Geneva

WHAT: Yochanan Nathan, a Torah scribe, will demonstrate how a Torah is created and written, sharing, as well as the rituals and laws that govern the writing of a Torah, and finally calligraphing examples of how the letters of the Torah are written.

WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday WHERE: Geneva Public Library, 127 James St., Geneva INFORMATION: Tickets are $8 for presale, $10 regular sale and $12 at the door. To buy tickets, visit www.fvjn. org/writing-a-torah-presentation. For information on the Fox Valley Jewish

TODAY’S WEB POLL

Do you believe school districts are doing enough to combat bullying?

• Yes • No

Neighbors, visit www.fvjn.org or call 630-465-0356.

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Hultgren to host veterans meeting

WHAT: U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren will host a veterans meeting to discuss ongoing reform. Veteran Service Officers and veterans can hear directly from new and current Illinois Veterans Affairs representatives on ongoing reform updates.

WHEN: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. May 11 WHERE: Kane County Government Center, Building A, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva INFORMATION: Visit www.hultgren. house.gov.

OFFICE 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2 St. Charles, IL 60174 630-232-9222 Fax: 630-444-1641 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday NEWSROOM 630-845-5355 Fax: 630-444-1641 editorial@kcchronicle.com CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 by 6 a.m. Tuesday-Friday, or by 7 a.m. Saturday, call 800-589-9363 by 10 a.m. for same-day redelivery.

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

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‘Life’s Sweet Moments’ at Arcedium Coffeehouse

WHAT: The Arcedium Coffeehouse will have a showing of “Life’s Sweet Moments” by St. Charles artist Rosann Wynykoski/Four Cats Folk Art. WHEN: The exhibit opens with an opportunity to meet the artist from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

WHERE: Arcedium Coffeehouse, 60 Indiana St., St. Charles INFORMATION: Contact Rosann Wynykoski at 630-263-1189 or rosannwynn1@ sbcglobal.net.

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Breakfast set for Sunday in Campton Hills

WHAT: The event features a pancake breakfast, as well as fire station tours, displays of fire equipment, children’s activities and raffles. Donations will be accepted. The breakfast is sponsored by the fire district and the village of Campton Hills.

WHEN: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday WHERE: Fox River and Countryside Fire/ Rescue District firehouse, 40W361 Route 64, Campton Hills INFORMATION: Visit www.frcfr.org.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Tuesday-Friday: $.75 / issue Weekend: $1.50 / issue Annual rate: $234 Tuesday-Saturday.

To subscribe, make a payment or discuss your delivery, contact Customer Service.

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 Jim Ringness jringness@shawmedia.com Editor Kathy Gresey 630-845-5368 kgresey@shawmedia.com News Editor Al Lagattolla 630-845-5385 alagattolla@shawmedia.com Marketing/promotions manager Haley Pitts 630-845-5237 hpitts@shawmedia.com

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Copyright 2015

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YESTERDAY’S WEB POLL RESULTS

What is your favorite thing about local history museums?

1. Being able to research the town that I live in (45 percent) 2. The exhibits (18 percent) 3. My town doesn’t have a local history museum/I don’t visit such a museum (18 percent) 4. The events that the museum hosts (10 percent) 5. Other (9 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

• Saturday, May 2, 2015

OUT&ABOUT 1

KCChronicle.com

Words of wisdom? Don’t get upset if they call you trash. Just remember, it’s a garbage can, not a garbage cannot.

Favorite charity? I volunteer at the St. Charles Park District’s Primrose Farm, a 1930s working farm, since seventh grade. I do milking and give tours. I’ve volunteered there about 2,000 hours.

What game show would you be on?

“Wheel of Fortune” Favorite local restaurant? The Jalapeño Grille in St. Charles What is an interesting factoid about yourself? I have been the features editor at the school newspaper, Stargazer, for two years, and I just placed third in the IHSA Journalism Sectionals for feature writing.

GETTING STARTED | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Get to know Chrisopher Fahey

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

|LOCAL NEWS

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Michels: Development coming to Sugar Grove

Village president delivers State of Sugar Grove address

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

eschelkopf@shawmedia.com SUGAR GROVE – Sugar Grove will see new development this year, Sugar Grove Village President Sean Michels said Friday during his State of the Village of Sugar Grove address at Waubonsee Community College.

Development plans will include The Landings of Sugar Grove, a new senior apartment complex in Sugar Grove that is set to open at the end of July or the beSean Michels ginning of August, he said.

The 60-unit complex will cater to those 55 and older.

“We really think this is a great fit for Sugar Grove,” he said. “People will be able to downsize and live in town.”

Friday’s program was sponsored by the Sugar Grove Economic Development Corp. and the Sugar Grove Chamber of

On the Web Go to KCChronicle.com to watch video from the State of Sugar Grove Village Address.

Commerce and Industry, and held at Waubonsee’s Sugar Grove campus.

In addition, Michels said construction is expected to start this summer on the Prairie Pointe Assisted Living center.

“We think this will be a great amenity in town,” Michels said.

“As the population ages, there are more people who need assisted living.”

A new American Heartland Bank is set to open in August at Wheeler Road and Route 47, Michels said. This will be the bank’s second location in Sugar Grove.

Michels said the village also is looking forward to Triumph Development’s plans to put 1

million square feet of light industrial buildings on 125 acres near Routes 30 and 47. He said the proposed industrial park could create between 500 to 1,000 employees.

The project also could produce significant tax revenue, in addition to bringing more business to the village, Michels said.

“These employees will want to shop here, buy gas and hopefully move to town,” Michels said.

He also addressed road projects in the village, including a project to create a new Granart Road/Dugan Road intersection that will feature a traffic roundabout. Michels said the new intersection is designed to help traffic flow and improve safety.

During his address, Michels also paid tribute to longtime Sugar Grove Village Board trustee Bob Bohler, who recently lost his battle with cancer.

“He put the village first,” Michels said. “He did a lot of great things for the village. He really wanted Sugar Grove to be a first-class community.”

Batavia Park District’s Walk & Wag event pushed back KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE editorial@kcchronicle.com

BATAVIA – In light of the current canine influenza situation, the Batavia Park District’s inaugural Walk & Wag 3K-9, originally scheduled for May 9, has been rescheduled for May 30.

The event will feature an unveiling of a bulldog statue at 10 a.m. at the Bark Park at West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St., followed by a 1.8mile fun walk throughout the park. A variety of vendors will be on site during the event, distributing freebies and samples as well, according to a news release from the Batavia Park

District.

On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. The cost is $5 a person over the age of 13, and $5 for each dog. The first 50 individuals or families to register will receive a complimentary “Wag Bag,” stuffed full of giveaways, courtesy of sponsors DePaw University, Batavia Animal Clinic and Passionate Petsitters. Each dog registered will receive a gift courtesy of the Batavia Park District.

Through the new program, individuals will have an opportunity to buy a granite brick, a bench, or a piece of agility equipment to commemorate or celebrate the life of a beloved pet. They will be placed around

the base of the bulldog statue inside the Bark Park. The cost is $100 a brick. A memorial bench costs $1,500, which includes the bench, plaque and installation.

Information on available items and cost is available by calling the Batavia Park District at 630-879-5235.

Batavia Park District staff will have information and memorial program applications on site for anyone interested in buying a brick, bench, or agility equipment during the event.

Cash and credit cards will be accepted.

After the event, applications will be available in district facilities and online at www.bataviaparks.org.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

WEATHER

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

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COVER STORY

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

Anti-bullying efforts take off at North

By ASHLEY SLOBODA

asloboda@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES – Tyson Jenkins, 15, didn’t have high expectations when, in February, he started an online petition asking St. Charles School District 303 administrators to create clear and precise rules against bullying.

“I didn’t expect it to go above, like, 200 signatures,” the St. Charles North High School sophomore said.

“When it reached 300 in three days, I was amazed.”

The petition, which is posted on www.change.org, has since accrued almost 900 supporters. Those who have signed it shared “some really strong stories” and “very sad things,” Jenkins said, adding many wrote about their own experiences of being bullied and dealing with suicide.

“The petition has grown a lot,” he said. “It started with this narrow focus and has grown to full bullying prevention and awareness.”

He created the petition at a time when bullying and bullying prevention were major topics of conversation at North. Principal Audra Christenson acknowledged

the increased focus on bullying in a March 6 message to parents that outlined the investigative steps taken in a particular case.

“We are interested in hearing any facts or eyewitness accounts of instances of bullying in all cases,” she wrote. “We take accusations of bullying that are brought to our attention seriously.”

Bullying continues at North, Jenkins said, but he and a diverse group of students have been invited by the administration to address the issue.

Christenson said the Bullying Prevention Task Force was started with the goal of “helping us work on strengthening our school culture of acceptance and support.”

Jenkins described the task force as a step in the right direction.

“I think the main reason I started the petition was to bring more awareness to the problem that was happening,” he said.

He said the problem was twofold – little seemed to be done about bullying happening at school, and there was a lack of rules and specificity for the rules.

St. Charles North High School sophomore Stephanie Molitor participates in a Bullying Prevention Task Force meeting at the school April 24.

Photos by Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

St. Charles North High School sophomore Tyson Jenkins participates in a Bullying Prevention Task Force meeting at the school April 24.

“The petition has grown a lot. It started with this narrow focus and has grown to full bullying prevention and awareness.”

Tyson Jenkins

St. Charles North sophomore

His mother, Sharon, said students need to feel comfortable coming forward with information so the administration can do something about the bullying.

“One of the discoveries from this petition and this whole process is that more students need to come forward with information,” she said.

Although the task force includes students who commented on the petition, Christenson said she and other school administrators began talking about how to strengthen the culture of respect last spring. Student involvement was important, she said.

The participants are not only representing themselves and their friends, but they’re also focusing on the big picture of the whole

school culture, Christenson said. She said initial discussions have addressed what a perfect school should look like, feel like and sound like.

“I couldn’t have been more proud of our students,” she said after the first meeting April 8.

Even in just one meeting, she said, the task force is “going beyond what we thought possible in terms of their ideas and their focus, their commitment to the community.”

District 303 Superintendent Don Schlomann said he is proud that the North staff developed an idea that lets students and staff sit down and have discussions about how they feel and how they can deal with these issues.

“I hope the outcome of this will be something our students are proud of, the staff is

proud of and the community is proud of,” he said. “I think our community views North High School as a quality school that provides quality services. If we can enhance that even more by ensuring quality communication with our staff and students, I think it will really be a plus for that building.”

The task force, which has met twice, also drafted a definition of bullying and tested the definition against various scenarios, Jenkins said.

Additionally, he said, the teens are creating a survey to get students’ opinions about bullying in North and to get feedback about their bullying definition.

“While we’re meeting this spring, this doesn’t end this school year,” Christenson said. “We don’t see an endgame to this.”

By CHARLES MENCHACA

cmenchaca@shawmedia.com

Alicia Honnert

Bryan Kunstman

tor of the Year Award went to Sherry Douglas, a science teacher at District 300’s Westfield Community School in Algonquin.

A committee at each nominee’s school building or school district puts together a large binder with letters and pictures detailing their work and accomplishments.

Honnert’s binder included a letter from Thompson Middle School Principal Tim Loversky.

Loversky wrote he has never worked with an assistant principal like Honnert.

She has been an assistant principal at Thompson since 2011 and has worked in St. Charles School District 303 since 2001.

“This is unexpected and very much appreciated,” Honnert said Friday when she accepted her award.

Recovery is everywhere.

Janice Finke

Michelle Lage

Kunstman’s binder included a letter from Kaneland senior Ryan Koeppen that mentioned Kunstman not only teachers music to his students, but introduces lessons of perseverance, passion and flexibility.

Kunstman is the Kaneland High School choral director and fine arts departments chair. He has been with Kaneland for the past 14 years.

“It truly is a joy to come every day to school and work with some amazing kids,” Kunstman said.

coming students at classroom doors and working with those who struggle the most, wrote Alice Gustafson Principal Jan Wright.

Lage thanked Wright and the other members of her nominating committee as she accepted her award Friday.

“I can’t believe this,” Lage said. “I’m overwhelmed and humbled.”

Like the other award winners on Friday, Behlow has formed a close connection with her students. She has taught at Geneva High School since 2001 and has inspired many of her students to continue learning and speaking French.

“What an incredible honor ... to get paid for this job that we all love so much is just icing on the cake,” Behlow said on Friday while accepting her award.

• Saturday, May 2, 2015

ST. CHARLES – Five people from Tri-Cities and Kaneland-area public school districts were honored Friday night for their work in the field of education.

The 40th annual Kane County Educator of the Year Awards Banquet was held Friday at the Q Center, 1405 N. 5th Ave., St. Charles. Attendees had dinner and received praise from their peers.

Honorees included the following local educators: Dr. Alicia Honnert of Thompson Middle School in St. Charles was named School Administrator of the Year; Bryan Kunstman of Kaneland High School was the High School Teacher of the Year; Janice Finke of St. Charles North High School was named Student Support Personnel of the Year; Michelle Lage of Alice Gustafson School in Batavia was named Educational Service Paraprofessional of the Year; and Martha Behlow of Geneva High School received the Regional Superintendent Award.

The Kane County Educa-

Finke has worked as a computer specialist technician since 2007 at St. Charles North Martha Behlow High School.

She not only thrives in the tech world, but has formed bonds with all the students around her, wrote Tanis Simoncelli, director of the St. Charles North learning and resource center and co-adviser for the Team Polaris social club.

Finke thanked her family and the St. Charles North LRC staff while she accepted her award.

“They have taken me in as a true family member,” Finke said of the staff.

Lage has been at Alice Gustafson School since 1997 wel-

7 LOCAL NEWS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Local educators receive awards at banquet

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

|LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL BRIEFS Milling and paving improvements to begin

CAMPTON HILLS – Milling and paving improvements are expected to begin the week of May 4 on LaFox Road in Campton Hills.

The Kane County Division of Transportation indicated work hours are set for 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily for about three weeks, weather permitting, on the stretch just north and south of Campton Hills Road.

Temporary lane closures will be required on weekdays and Saturdays. Motorists should watch for fresh oil signs, flaggers and reduced speed limits while traveling in the construction zone. Delays and increased travel times are expected, so motorists are advised to consider other routes during the work.

For information, call John Guddendorf at 630-816-9671.

Screen Free Week set at Geneva Park District

GENEVA – From Monday to Friday, the Geneva Park District will celebrate Screen Free Week with a variety of free events to keep families enjoying time together and away from TV, video games and other gadgets.

Admission to all events is free, but registration is required.

Among available activities are: Cuentos para la Familia/Family Storytime at the Sunset Community Center, 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday at 710 Western Ave., Geneva. The event includes family storytime featuring stories and activities presented in both Spanish and English. It is recommended for ages 2 and older.

Registration code is 115445.

Family Game/Open Gym Night from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Western Avenue School Gymnasium, 1500 Western Ave., Geneva. Participants can spend the night shooting hoops, participating in relay races and engaging in more activities and games. It is recommended for ages 4 and older. Registration code is 115446.

For information, visit www. genevaparks.org or call 630232-4542.

– Kane County Chronicle

OBITUARIES Born: Oct. 25, 1925; in St. Charles, IL Died: April 27, 2015; in Mankato, MN

unknown how many miles were logged on the first two, but the family traveled over 300,000 miles with the 3rd and final Hatchmobile while touring the Disneys, Sea Worlds, mountains, badlands, and beaches of America.)

Bruce didn’t take well to retirement and it took three attempts to make it stick - even then, he wasn’t pleased about the final farming retirement which occurred in his mid 70’s and often made comments such as, “I should just go out there and do that myself.

He should’ve been out there last week!”

Bruce was preceded in his journey to Heaven by his beloved mother, Hazel Ansley Quackenbush; father, Wally Hatch; parentsin-law, Vernon and Viola Thulien Jensen; his Evel-Knievel son, Karl; brothers and their spouses, Ansley and Kay, Warner, Jack and Beverly, and Gordon; brothers-in-law, Ken and Terry; sisters-in-law, Elaine and Lois; nephews, Warren, Dan, George, Peter, Derek, and Jamie.

Bruce is survived by his favorite sister, Ruth; his amazingly patient, kind, and doting wife, Vernelle; their semi-adult children and spouses, Heidi and Gene, Ted and Jenalle, Patti, and Bonnie and Jason; grandkids, Ted’s daughter, Brittni, Karl’s daughter, Gabrial, Heidi’s sons, Sam and John; great grandkids, (Brittni’s) Peyton, Kylur, and Cameryn; and many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews.

BILL JACKSON Born: Nov. 11, 1939 Died: April 27, 2015

Bill Jackson, peacefully passed away, on April 27, 2015, in the presence of his family at Delnor Hospital. He was a long time resident of St. Charles, IL and recently moved to Williams Bay, WI with his wife Mary V. Fitzgerald after he retired.

He was born in Glasgow, Scotland on November 11, 1939, where he attended the University and received his degree in engineering.

In 1966, he received an internship from Burgess Norton in Geneva,

LIVE UNITED Give. Advocate. Volunteer.

IL and decided to move his family to the United States. After the internship, Bill went on to found his company, AVK Carbo Bond, Inc., which is today located in LaFox, IL. Family meant everything to Bill and he so loved spending time with them and hosting his traditional Scottish Breakfast Christmas morning. It was a highlight of the year for both him and his whole family celebrating his heritage. Bill was a family man first and a friend to many and cherished everyone who came into his life.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Stewart (Jeanne) Jackson; daughter, Corey (Malcolm) Kanute; son-in-law, Dave Marut; grandkids, Olivia and Isabelle Jackson, and Taylor, Marshall, and Max Kanute; sister, Dorothy Johnson of Canada; brothers-in-law, John L. Fitzgerald (Mary), and the late Thomas J. Fitzgerald (Josefina). He also survived by many relatives in Scotland as well as members of the Fitzgerald family.

He is preceded in death by Marion Jackson, mother to Stewart, Tracey, and Corey; beloved daughter, Tracey; brother, Robert Jackson; and his parents, William and Violet Jackson.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to CNS Home Health and Hospice, 690 E. North Ave., Carol Stream, IL 60188.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit the funeral homes obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com.

For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles, 630-584-0060 or like us on Facebook.

CARL R. PIKUS Carl Richard Pikus, 74, of Plant City, passed away February 20, 2015. Born in Cleveland, OH. As a child Carl attended Immaculate Conception School, he grad-

How to submit Send information to obits@ KCChronicle.com or call 815-5264438. Notices are accepted until 3 p.m. for the next day’s edition.

Obituaries also appear online at KCChronicle.com/obits where you may sign the guestbook, send flowers or make a memorial donation. uated Cathedral Latin High School, where he was a running back for their city champion football team.

His superior running back skills earned him a scholarship to the University of Maryland. To pay his expenses during his college years, he worked as a Capitol Policeman at the United States Capitol, even standing guard at President John F. Kennedy’s funeral at the rotunda.

It was also during that event that Carl recovered a rosary belonging to Lee Radziwill, the younger sister of Jackie Kennedy.

Carl had a brilliant career history that took him all over the world. He was the youngest product manager in the US in his early years with Sunbeam corp. where he attained the prestigious position of Executive Officer, just as he would earn at each of the following esteemed corporations as well, including Sturmey-Archer bicycles in the United Kingdom, Bang and Olafson Stereos in Denmark, Fyrenetics smoke alarms in Hong Kong, and King Wire in Chicago, IL. Carl is survived by his loving family, the love of his life, Valorie (McNish); children, Kara Schedler (Mathew Hansen), Carl Pikus (Monique), Mark; their mother, Dayle Gillett; grandchildren, Charles Schedler, Harrison Schedler, Sophie Schedler, Angela Schedler, Miranda Pikus, Matthew Pikus, Eliana Pikus, and Jocelyn Pikus.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cleveland, OH, 10:00 a.m. on May 8, 2015.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Carl’s memory to Immaculate Conception Church and School.

Brandon Cremation & Funeral Services (813) 654-4400D

www.UnitedWayofCentralKaneCounty.org

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• Saturday, May 2, 2015

Bruce Burright Hatch, age 89, of Lake Crystal, Minnesota, died on April 27, 2015, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 30, 2015 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and will continue on Friday from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel in Madelia, MN. A procession from Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel to the Rosendale Lutheran Cemetery will take place on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 2:00 pm. Upon arrival, a graveside service will take place at the Rosendale Lutheran Cemetery, in rural St. James, MN. Military Rites by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard. Reception to follow at Watona Park in Madelia, MN. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel in Madelia. On line condolences may be left for the family at www. sturmfh.com Once upon a time, in land a little farther south, Bruce Burright Hatch was born to a traveling salesman who was guilty of eloping with the sweetest young lady he could swindle out of her maidenhood.

The youngest of their six children, Bruce was born on October 25, 1925 on their farm near St. Charles, Illinois. One of his first memories was when Charles Lindberg flew across the ocean in May 1927, and his love of flight was born.

Bruce had a special relationship with each of his siblings, and they all were very close to their baby brother. He had a close attachment to his mother who was a very special, gentle soul. He left high school early to help his father and brother tend the farm when the rest of his brothers were called to serve their country in WWII and Bruce was too young to serve.

During this time, he spent much time with his favorite (only) niece,

Sheila riding the wide wooded plains of the family farm on a noble steed.

Upon the miraculous and safe return of each of his brothers, Bruce took his turn serving in the US Navy from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean war. He served on the naval aircraft carrier U.S.S. Ticonderoga where he worked on the crash crew and simultaneously earned his diploma. He was full of animated stories about crashes in which a fighter plane missed the catch lines and toppled over the end of the ship or burst into flames and they narrowly rescued the pilot.

He saved like a true Scotch/ Irishman and upon his honorable discharge, he purchased his first new tractor - a Case 930. Upon his return from service, in addition to farming, he worked as an aircraft mechanic at DuPage County airport where his love for flying produced a rewarding masterpiece. He brought home a plane in pieces on a trailer that had been wrecked and rebuilt it. He used it to fly between his farming operations in Minnesota and Illinois. The family dog, Friday, knew his plane and would head to the neighbor’s landing strip to greet him. Another practice was to buzz his parents house to let them know he was back. His mother’s precautionary advice: “Fly low and slow.”

While Bruce was busy farming in two states, he also custom combined and had many fond memories of working the harvest seasons. During his travels, he met his workaholic match in a woman equally as special as his mother - Vernelle Grace Jensen. Shortly after their first date to the Minnesota State Fair, Bruce’s romantic proposal (during the rainy spring season) to this sweet lady was, “Well, I can’t be in the field - wanna get married?” (What’s Frank Sinatra got on him?!)

They permanently moved to the farm near Lake Crystal where they had five cute little kids Heidi, Ted, Patti, Karl, and Bonnie who had a blast learning how to farm, raise critters and plants, kill chickens with dynamite debris, noodle fish in a spring-flooded field, ice fish with a chainsaw, learn to swim in a backyard pond, ride steers, and how to make a Hatchmobile. (It’s

OBITUARIES | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

BRUCE B. HATCH

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

| LOCAL NEWS

10

‘Volcano mulching’ can doom trees’ future GOOD NATURED Pam Erickson Otto Thinking about planting a tree this spring? Think you know what you’re doing?

Just to be sure, you might want to check with a local tree care specialist. Many fine companies operate right here in the Tri-Cities. We are, however, also extremely fortunate to have a group of dedicated tree prodigies – the Super Students of Dorene Tieche’s fourth-grade class at Munhall School in St. Charles.

Just over a week ago, on April 24, these talented individuals put on a series of performances at the City of St. Charles’ Arbor Day Celebration. Through song and dance, a Tree Trivia contest and a student-written, -casted and -directed play called “Tree Trouble,” the students educated the assembled crowd on the importance of planting trees properly.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but there are a lot of property owners around here who could use a refresher course in tree planting and maintenance. Trees throughout our region are suffering – though not for the reasons you may think. Their plight has nothing to do with

Photos provided

LEFT: The Super Students from Dorene Tieche’s fourth-grade class at Munhall School performed an original skit, “Tree Trouble,” at last week’s Arbor Day celebration in St. Charles. RIGHT: Don’t try this at home! The “volcano” mulch around the base of this sapling topped out at 14 inches, deep enough to create problems with disease and pest infestation, as well as premature death. Luckily, the remedy at this point is easy: Pull the mulch away from the trunk and spread it evenly around the tree at a depth of 2 to 4 inches. emerald ash borers, Dutch elm disease, oak wilt or any other commonly discussed afflictions.

Nope, our trees are being hurt by our own good intentions.

Whether planting a brandnew tree or tending to an old favorite, many people have the tendency to “treat” their tree to a heaping helping of mulch. Piled high and deep, as if more is better. If only these folks knew that, when it comes to mulch, you can definitely have too much of a good thing.

In recent years, the practice of “volcano mulching” has become all too common.

You’ve probably seen it yourself, maybe even copied the look because you saw someone else doing it: Tossing shovelful after shovelful of moist, fragrant wood chips around the base of a tree until it looks like a miniature Vesuvius or Krakatoa, only with a trunk instead of lava sprouting out of the middle.

I can almost understand the allure. Mounding mulch can make you feel like you’re tucking the tree in for the season, providing a thick layer of protection from errant lawnmowers and weed whips.

In fact, if you look at a mulch volcano just right, you may find it triggers memories of

the blanket that was wrapped around the base of Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. Not to mention Linus’s touching words: “Maybe it just needs a little love.”

However, if you really love your trees, the last thing you want to do is pile up the mulch. It’s not only wasteful, but also downright harmful to trees of all species.

Pushed up against the bark, the mulch actually creates a micro-climate of moisture and warmth. Left unchecked, these conditions will cause rotting of the bark.

Once this vital, protective layer of the tree is compromised, insect pests, fungi

and disease will follow. The stressed tree also might start sending out roots into this unnatural, above-ground environment. Unlike the strong roots of the soil, these small, weak growths only sap away more of the tree’s health.

The horror stories continue if the volcano isn’t corrected. ... Over time, wayward roots actually can encircle the tree and girdle it – that is, prevent nutrients and water from flowing up and down in the tissues just inside the bark. Thus deprived, the tree dies – literally killed by what was perceived as kindness.

See GOOD NATURED, page 11

• GOOD NATURED

Continued from page 10

• Pam Erickson Otto is the manager of nature programs and interpretive services at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, a facility of the St. Charles Park District. She can be reached at 630-5134346 or potto@stcparks.org.

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE

Kai Schulte, who created the Pacman sculpture pictured here, will be one of several artists featured during the St. Charles Arts Council Open House on Thursday at 7 S. Second Ave., St. Charles.

editorial@kcchronicle.com

ST. CHARLES – The St. Charles Arts Council recently announced the lineup for its open house on Thursday, according to a news release.

The open house will include nearly 20 local and regional arts in a variety of disciplines. The event will introduce the council’s campaign for a downtown center for arts and education, according to the organization.

A visual art exhibition will include the work of the following artists: Skeeter Aschinger; Guy J. Bellaver; Amy Klapperich Furio; Gabriela Guganovic; Danuta Loane; Anne Ressman-Zabinski; Howard Russo; Kai Schulte; Laura Stoecker; Todd Willing; Linda Wininger; Carol Zack; Ed Zack and Catie Barron, who will be painting live at the event, the release states.

Photo provided

St. Charles East High School alumnus Russ Devereaux will perform spoken work, and Mike Aleckson will play guitar at the open house, according to the release.

Video art also will be on hand from Bart Woodstrup, an assistant professor at Northern Illinois University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and School of Art and Design – Time Arts, the release states.

For literature, the first work from the council’s Silken Thread – By and About Artists program, will be presented at the open house. The council previously announced that attendees may have their picture taken in a photo booth by local professional photographer Gabriela Guganovic.

For information about the open house and campaign, call 630-443-3794 or visit www. stcharlesartscouncil.org.

11

• Saturday, May 2, 2015

So what’s the solution?

Like Mrs. Tieche’s fourth-graders depicted in their play, mulch needs to be spread out beneath a tree, to a depth of 2 to 4 inches. Make sure the root flare – that expansion at the base of the tree, right where it meets the ground – is exposed. Rake the mulch so that it’s flat, not rounded, in order to allow water to soak in rather than run off.

As for how far out to spread the mulch, the city of St. Charles Public Works Department offers these guidelines: Mulch should be applied toward the trunk from the drip line (the space directly beneath the outer circumference of the tree branches).

If this is not practical, minimum mulch circles should be 1.1 feet for small

trees, 3.3 feet for medium trees and 9.9 feet for large trees.

When applied properly, wood mulch provides a good source of nutrients, as well as protection for your trees.

Because it reduces evaporation, mulch also can reduce the need for watering.

A little attention to detail this spring – a peak season for planting and mulching – can offer big dividends further down the road.

The Super Students from Munhall will tell you, as they did during the happy ending of their Tree Trouble skit: “If you want to plant a tree, plant it right. And it will live for many years to come.”

Lineup set for St. Charles Arts Council open house

LOCAL NEWS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Mulch provides good source of nutrients to trees

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

| LOCAL NEWS

12

Accused Elburn police officer remains on paid leave – for now

Wright being charged with 21 counts of sexual abuse

By AL LAGATTOLLA

alagattolla@shawmedia.com ELBURN – An Elburn police officer charged with 21 counts of sexual abuse remained on paid administrative leave Friday, Elburn Police Chief Steve Smith said.

The officer, David L. Wright, 53, of Campton David L. Wright Hills, was accused of sexually assaulting a child – a child he knew – over a period of years, from March 2005 to April 2015. As of Friday, Wright remained in the Kane County Jail. Bail has been set at $500,000.

Smith said the department will follow a process to address how long Wright would be on paid administrative leave. Smith said the paid-administrative leave status could change, “when it’s appropriate,” but

that doesn’t mean the department would need to wait for a conviction before taking any further action.

“This is the United States, and people have rights,” Smith said, adding “the process has to be followed.”

Wright has been a member of Elburn’s police force since 1991, and he has been a member of the police pension board, Smith said.

“As far as police work goes, he was a good employee,” Smith said.

Smith said it did not appear any of the charges against Wright would have occurred when Wright was on duty. He said nobody at the department had been aware of what Wright had been accused of, saying, “of course not. Had we ever had any kind of indication, it would have been addressed immediately.”

Wright was taken into custody Monday at his home. He faces 10 counts of predatory criminal assault,

each a Class X felony, and 11 counts of criminal sexual assault, each a Class 1 felony. According to a news release from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, the child was younger than 13 when the assaults began.

The release indicated that Wright would face a sentence of between six and 30 years on each Class X count and four to 15 years on each Class 1 count, to be served consecutive to one another.

He would not be eligible for probation.

Smith said he would welcome residents to call his office or set up a time to talk if there were questions. He said he would ask residents “not to judge the police department by one person and what has been alleged.”

“Our level of service we have always strived to do, to build good relationships with the residents, that won’t change,” Smith said.

“We will still deliver the highest service we can.”

LOCAL BRIEFS Water tower construction set to begin Monday

ST. CHARLES – Construction of a new water tower at the intersection of Route 25 and Red Gate Road is set to begin Monday in St. Charles. The city expects the project will be completed by August 2016 and has retained CB&I Construction as the contractor. The water tower, which will have capacity for 1.5 million gallons, will provide additional storage for the water distribution system, assist with meeting peak water demand capacity and allow for maintenance of other water towers. It was recommended in the 10-year water system master plan and by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The project is being

funded by an IEPA low-interest loan. There won’t be disruptions to water service or traffic lane closures. Contact public works at pw@stcharlesil.gov or 630-3774405 for information.

Teens invited to watch anime shows at library

BATAVIA – Teens are invited to the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 14 to watch anime shows on DVD, meet other anime and manga enthusiasts and play video games. There will be free admittance, as well as free refreshments. Registration is not required. For information, email Anime@BataviaPublicLibrary.org.

– Kane County Chronicle

Minor four-car crash in Geneva

Auditions for ‘The Odd Couple’ set for Sunday, Monday

a $20 script fee and registration will be required.

Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday GENEVA – The Geneva Park District is hosting auditions for those ages 18 and older for “The Odd evenings and will begin the week of May 11. PerforCouple” at Playhouse 38. Auditions take place from mances will be held Swedish Days weekend, June 26 to 28. Tickets cost $20, and they can be bought 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Playhouse 38 is after May 15 at Sunset Community Center. Call at 524 W. State St., Geneva. Those who wish to audition should prepare a 1- to 2-minute monologue 630-232-4542 to schedule an audition.

– Kane County Chronicle and be prepared to read from the script. Once cast,

• Saturday, May 2, 2015

LOCAL BRIEF

LOCAL NEWS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Eric Schelkopf – eschelkopf@shawmedia.com

Authorities clean up after one of the cars involved in a four-car crash Friday morning at Fabyan Parkway and Raddant Road. Geneva police didn’t have any additional details about the incident, but called it a minor crash.

13

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

14

OPINIONS

EDITORIAL

BOARD

Jim Ringness General Manager

Kathy Gresey Editor

Al Lagattolla News Editor

Kevin Druley Sports Editor

OUR VIEW: THUMBS-UP/THUMBS DOWN Thumbs-down to the thought that residents are powerless and have no say on rising property tax bills.

As tax bills arrive in the mail, many residents are upset over the high costs they are asked to pay. They lash out on online forums and social media, and some have called our weekly Sound Off line to express their anger.

Some say their home values still are below what they were a decade ago. Their wages aren’t going up. They want to know why they are paying more. They say someone should do something about this.

What many don’t seem to understand is that the community did have the opportunity to have a voice in the matter. Very few took advantage of that chance – the April 7 election.

Tax dollars that go toward local public school districts represent a significant portion of the dollar amount owed on Kane County property tax bills. The April 7 election featured high-profile school board races in the Tri-Cities and Kaneland area. Many candidates made it clear where they stood on taxes, and that was a major issue in multiple races. Yet, only 13.62 percent of those eligible to vote cast ballots in the election.

It’s time for taxpayers to understand they do have a voice. They can vote. They can show up at school board and other local meetings. They should have an interest in how their money is spent. It’s time to stop waiting for someone else to do something about it.

Thumbs-up to honoring a longtime Sugar Grove trustee’s drive to light up the sky in the village.

Bob Bohler, who spent 18 years as a trustee in Sugar Grove, died last week at age 64 after battling cancer. Fellow trustees and Village President Sean Michels praised Bohler’s devotion to the village, and perhaps Bohler’s signature accomplishment involved the annual Sugar Grove Corn Boil fireworks show.

Kevin Geary, also a Sugar Grove trustee, indicated he will be taking over the duties this year, and he also noted that a movement is underway to name the show after Bohler. Also, there is a fundraising effort to cover the costs of the show.

Donations can be made at www.sugargrovecornboil.org.

Running a fireworks show can be difficult for an event such as the Corn Boil. There is a significant amount of money involved – a target of $15,000 has been established for fundraising for this year’s fireworks show. With a cost-cutting mentality in place during the past several years in many areas of the country, it is not a given that fireworks shows will run.

Such events need commitment, and hard work is required. Bohler had done that work.

Naming the show in Bohler’s honor would be appropriate.

THE FIRST

AMENDMENT

ANOTHER VIEW

Bernie Sanders’ revolution THE WASHINGTON POST

It’s official: Hillary Clinton will not be unopposed for the Democratic presidential nomination. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont has decided to make challenging Clinton his first act as a full-fledged member of the party. Heretofore an independent, the self-described democratic socialist has caucused with the Democrats both in the Senate and when he was in the House.

Now he’s jumping into the presidential race “because America needs a political revolution,” as he put it on Twitter.

The logic of Sanders for president is that the revolution must begin with a struggle for the soul of the Democratic Party so that it remains progressive – and unmixed with the business-friendly economic policy and overly militaristic foreign policy for which the Democratic left wing often reproaches Clinton.

Presumably, Sanders would achieve this objective one of two ways: Either he wins or he pressures Clinton to commit herself to a more left-leaning agenda on her way to victory.

There’s much to like about the Sanders agenda, at least in broad outline. He’s right to denounce money in politics as a “disgrace.” Ditto for his promise to push climate change up the list of national priorities. Income inequality is, indeed, a big challenge, as Sanders said – one that would only worsen if Republican cuts to the estate tax and other upper-income breaks he so energetically opposes were to become law. When it comes

to debating new Democratic approaches to these issues in the primary, we say the more the merrier.

On certain points, however, we already know enough about Sanders’s ideas to hope they don’t prevail. He is a particularly simplistic opponent of U.S. global leadership in general, and of President Barack Obama’s free-trade agenda in particular. He backs an increase in Social Security benefits, paid for with a massive tax hike on the rich that would shore up the elderly, already heavily supported by the federal government, but leave little for other, more pressing needs.

Indeed, this is only one way in which Sanders’s socialist revolution would channel scarce resources to the non-needy. With the U.S. population aging and health care costs rising, a true progressive agenda should focus on how to bring opportunity to those most in need. Instead, to take another example, Sanders would devote $18 billion a year in federal funds, with state matching funds, so that states could offer two years of free tuition at public universities to all students, apparently without regard to income. Yet discounted in-state tuition already subsidizes college education for the sons and daughters of many families that make well above the median income – using the tax dollars of many families that make less than the median. The right approach is to charge people according to what they can afford. Yet Sanders would compound the unfair situation and nationalize it. If it’s going to be built on promises like these, we wouldn’t want to be a part of Sanders’s revolution.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

SOUND OFF

Sound Off guidelines

I lost my driver’s license last week at the Fabyan park. A kind n The Kane County Chronicle’s Sound Off number is 630-845-5240. n Please speak clearly and slowly. Keep messages to a maximum of 60 person found it and thoughtfully returned it to my mailbox. seconds. n Callers may speak on topics anonymously.

Thank you very much for your n Because of the volume of calls to our Sound Off line, please limit kindness.

Tax bill, no way

This one’s called “Tax bill, no way.” This is not a tax bill.

This is a pension bill. What kind of services are we getting?

Nothing. We need to cut this bill in half. Better yet, let’s get rid of the whole pension fevery.

You think you should be able to retire and live out your life in style and have me pay for it. Next, we need to get rid of the over-priced health care. If Obamacare is good for me, it is good for you.

Batavia [aldermen at a Committee of the Whole meeting] did something right by voting against giving the Batavia Public Library $100,000, despite city [administrator] Bill

POLICE REPORTS

Kane County

McGrath’s support for [it]. The vote could have been unanimous against the proposal.

Every alderman should look at their recent property tax bill and notice that the library can raise its own money through a property tax increase. Also, stay away from using any of the money received for the sale of the property [at] Kirk and Wilson. If and when this gas station becomes an issue, there [could] be utilities to connect to the property and several

of Forbes Drive, Geneva, reported Monday, April 27, that someone • A resident of the 0-100 block fraudulently used one of their of Heaton Court, Sugar Grove, Social Security numbers to file a tax reported Tuesday, April 21, that her return. tax filing was returned, and she was • A mailbox in the 42W100 block told that someone falsely filed a of Seavey Road, Sugar Grove, return with her information. was reported damaged Wednes• A resident of the 0-100 block day, April 22, from a hit-and-run of Briargate Circle, Sugar Grove, accident. reported Thursday, April 23, that he was missing two guns from his Geneva residence.

• Vandalism was reported Friday, • Richard A. Kubica, 32 and Ameila April 24, in the area of Crane and L. Troutman, 53, whom police said Old Farm roads in St. Charles. were both homeless, were charged The complainant, who met police Monday, April 27, with criminal at the entrance of Crane Road trespass to land. According to poEstates, said he arrived to prepare lice reports, they were at Wheeler the in-ground sprinkler system for Park, 822 N. First St., after closing the spring and summer when he hours. discovered all wiring from the con• Diane C. Hester, 56, of the 1600 trol panel had been cut. A plastic block of Indiana Street, St. Charles, connection to the sprinkler system was charged Saturday, April 25, from the well also was reported with driving under the influence, damaged. driving with a blood-alcohol level • A PVC pipe was reported of more than 0.08 percent, and damaged Friday, April 24, on the making an illegal left turn. former Glenwood School proper• Chad A. Lunsmann, 41, of the ty, 41W400 Silver Glen Road, St. 0-100 block of Briar Lane, Geneva, Charles. The pipe was part of the was charged Sunday, April 19, with sump pump system. driving under the influence.

• Residents of the 0S100 block • Ramon P. Travieso, 38, of the

$100,000 just might cover that cost.

The government we deserved

So, it turns out you get the government you deserve, not always the government you want. It’s only taken three weeks for Carl Fischer to begin missing meetings. In this case, he missed one for the library TIF ... one that I would think is fairly important to the residents of his district. Only three

800 block of Fellows Court, St. Charles, was charged Saturday, April 18, with disorderly conduct in connection with telephone threat. According to police reports, Travieso left voicemail messages threatening the victim.

• William J. Taber, 44, whom police said was homeless, was charged Friday, April 24, with disorderly conduct. According to police reports, Taber went into a private office at 825 W. State St., and aggressively asked about another suite, frightening a woman there, who called police.

• Victor Barrios, 19, of the 800 block of Gates Street, West Chicago, was charged Tuesday, April 28, with driving under the influence, driving with a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.08 percent, underage possession of alcohol, underage drinking, illegal transportation of alcohol, speeding and driving without a valid driver’s license. In the same incident, Adrian Bautista, 20, of the 100 block of East Brown Street, West Chicago, was charged with underage drinking, possession of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.

• Madeline R. Lydick, 18, of the

How is that fair?

I agree with “Speak English” from [the April 25] paper. A Hispanic teacher received an increase in her salary simply because she speaks her native language. How is that fair for the English-speaking teachers?

We speak English in the United States. I love English. I have no desire to speak another language. And who decided we need a second language in our country? Not a good decision.

The ones who didn’t vote Where are all of our teachers? I’m not calling about them; however, I got my real estate tax bill this week and it went up. I did the math and

0N500 block of West Weaver Circle, Blackberry Township, was charged Friday, April 24, with driving under the influence, driving with a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.08 percent, underage drinking, illegal transportation of alcohol and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

calculated that 65 percent of my taxes go to the Batavia School District. I then looked at the Batavia school fund and finances and found 72 percent of their budget goes to salaries and benefits. What that means is that 47 percent of my total tax bill goes to pay teachers and administrators. What’s left pays for the entire city, park district, Waubonsee, the county expenses, the library, and – yes – the operations of the school district. Why so high? Look at the last school board election. Out of eight candidates, the three that were supported and funded by the union were elected. That means that these three are the chosen ones to ensure teacher and administrator salaries and benefits continue to go up, and the cycle goes on and on. I don’t blame the union for getting everything they can; I blame the 80 percent of the voters that didn’t get out and vote and then complain their taxes are too high and the state is bankrupt. Shame on you!

of more than 0.08 percent and improper lane use.

• Ricky Alan Meier, 53, of the 100 block of Lakeside Drive, St. Charles, was charged Sunday, April 26, with driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding.

• Lisa Marie Babich, 19, of the 10000 block of Fawn Prairie Drive, Roscoe, was charged Sunday, April St. Charles 26, with retail theft for reportedly stealing $183.37 in cosmetics from • Matthew Oury Snyder, 26, of the Meijer, 855 S. Randall Road, St. 900 block of Pleasant Drive, South Charles.

Elgin, was charged Monday, April • Hannah Lynn Heffron, 20, of the 27, with possession of marijuana, 400 block of Fulton Street, Elgin, possession of drug paraphernalia was charged Sunday, April 26, with and speeding. retail theft for reportedly stealing • Dolores M. Luedtke, 55, of the $183.37 in cosmetics from Meijer, 32W000 block of Churchill Lane, 855 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.

Wayne, was charged Thursday, • Nathan A. Ekhtiari, 22, of the April 23, with public drunkenness.

100 block of South 18th Street, St. • Matthew R. Heisey, 20, of the Charles, turned himself in Monday, 1600 block of South 13th Avenue, April 27, on a St. Charles warrant St. Charles, was charged Friday, carrying a charge of driving under April 24, with possession of marithe influence. juana.

• Joshua R. Eckel, 31, of the 1400 • Richard T. Leister, 59, of the block of Indiana Street, St. Charles, 100 block of Drummond Avenue, was charged Thursday, April 23, Glendale Heights, was charged with interference with reporting doSaturday, April 25, with driving mestic violence, unlawful restraint, under the influence of alcohol, driv- aggravated domestic battery and ing with a blood-alcohol content two counts of domestic battery.

15

• Saturday, May 2, 2015

Library can raise its own money

yourself to one call a week. n We will not print attacks of a personal nature or those accusing persons of crimes or illegal conduct that have not been previously published or documented. n We will not print calls commenting on signed Letters to the Editor. n We reserve the right to edit comments for obscene, libelous and otherwise inappropriate comments, as well as for space considerations. n Sound Off comments are the opinions of our readers and, as such, should not be taken as fact.

weeks. [Carl] Dinwiddie said multiple times that he would be someone who would be in attendance. Apparently, Carl Fischer, once again, has found that his out-of-town clients are more important than the city of Batavia. Unfortunately, we got the government we deserved.

Thank you.

LOCAL NEWS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Thankful for kindness

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

| LOCAL NEWS

16 North Aurora youngster named national finalist in recipe contest

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

eschelkopf@shawmedia.com NORTH AURORA – Ella Henry said she thinks she has come up with the perfect healthy snack for kids.

The 11-year-old, who is a fifth-grader at Fearn Elementary School in North Aurora, has been selected as one of five national finalists in Sodexo’s Future Chefs Challenge, which encourages children to ditch the chips and candy for healthy snacks.

Ella was selected as a national finalist for her “cat face”

snack, which she made using a rice cake, sunflower butter, strawberries, blueberries and bananas.

“I like to make things that are creative,” Ella said.

Based on the criteria of origElla Henry inality, taste, ease of presentation, kid-friendliness and use of healthy ingredients, 40 regional winners were narrowed to five national finalists, who each created a video of their creative and

healthy recipe. The public will determine the national winner.

People can vote online for their favorite recipe video at Sodexo’s website at www.sodexousa.com.

The national winner will receive a laptop and case, the student version of Office Suite, a computer cooking game, a garden box kit, a $100 Home Depot gift card and a professional blender.

Ella said she thinks it is important for kids to eat healthy.

“It’s a good thing to start getting in the habit of doing, because it’s better for your body

and it makes you feel better,” she said.

Her mother, Kelly Henry, said she didn’t have to give Ella any tips. The Henrys have four children.

“She just is very capable and able and likes to do things on her own from start to finish,” Kelly Henry said. “She set her mind to thinking about what she wanted to do, and she prepared it. I tasted it, and I thought it was great.”

Ella will cook for her family on occasion, including making tacos, lasagna, and burgers from scratch, her mother said.

This is the fifth year of Sodexo’s contest, and more than 2,500 students participated this year.

“Sodexo developed the Future Chef Healthy Challenge as a fun and interactive way to bring good nutrition lessons from the cafeteria into students’ lives,” Sodexo spokesperson Greg Yost wrote in an email. “The program is designed to teach students about the importance of making healthy choices while also developing culinary skills, which are both things that will last a lifetime.”

Federal court dismisses deputy’s Campton Hills police warn of earthquake scam ing users to phishing web- ftc.gov/articles/0074-givKANE COUNTY CHRONICLE claim that firing was political sites or websites infected with ing-charity. editorial@kcchronicle.com

By BRENDA SCHORY

bschory@shawmedia.com A federal court has dismissed a former sheriff’s deputy’s federal lawsuit against former Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez. In the suit, the former deputy had claimed his firing in October 2008 was politically motivated and violated his First Amendment free speech rights.

In a lawsuit filed in 2012, former deputy Steven Yahnke had alleged that Perez fired him because Yahnke aspired to run for sheriff and then supported Perez’s opponent in a 2006 election. He sought his job back and more than $1 million in damages.

But in a 19-page decision issued Thursday, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, found that Perez fired Yahnke because he was insubordinate and untruthful to his superiors – not because of political aspirations.

According to the ruling, Perez and an undersheriff both told Yahnke in November 2007 not to work a second job as police chief of Maple Park because it was a conflict of interest.

Later, an Office of Professional Standards investigation found that Yahnke continued to work as the Maple Park chief and was not “absolutely honest” as required when interviewed about it.

“The alleged flaws in the [Office of Professional Standards] investigation and

“Won’t appeal just for sake of appealing. Will research when I get back ... and will consider course of action based on federal law, rules and guidelines.”

Steven Yahnke

former Kane County deputy through text message Sheriff Perez’s personal investigation do not support the conclusion that Sheriff Perez’s reason for terminating Yahnke’s employment was a lie, or that the sheriff’s reason was unreasonable,” according to the decision.

Yahnke failed to produce evidence that Perez’s real reason for recommending his discharge was politically motivated, according to the decision.

Perez said he was happy with the outcome.

“Justice has been served,” Perez said. “It’s been a long time coming.”

Because the court dismissed Yahnke’s lawsuit without prejudice, he could refile his complaint. Yahnke responded to a text message that he was on vacation and had not seen the ruling yet.

“Won’t appeal just for sake of appealing,” Yahnke’s text message stated. “Will research when I get back ... and will consider course of action based on federal law, rules and guidelines.”

CAMPTON HILLS – The Campton Hills Police Department is warning residents of a new scam regarding the earthquake in Nepal.

In an email to residents, Police Chief Dan Hoffman wrote that the scam is similar to the recent Internal Revenue Service scam.

He cautioned people from providing personal information and opening emails or attachments unless they are absolutely sure of the identity or authenticity of the sender.

Scam emails might contain links or attachments direct-

LOCAL BRIEFS

Fitness Demo Day today in Geneva

malware, Hoffman’s message states. It notes that phishing emails and websites seeking donations for fraudulent charitable organizations are common after natural disasters, such as the recent earthquake.

Residents can take these measures to protect themselves: • Do not follow unsolicited web links or attachments in email messages.

• Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.

• Review the Federal Trade Commission’s charity checklist at www.consumer.

a.m.

• New Summer Blast Bootcamp from 10 to 10:25 a.m.

GENEVA – The Geneva Park • Mat Pilates from 10:30 to District’s Fitness Demo Day is 10:55 a.m. today. Free 25-minute demo classes allow participants, ages • Cardio Challenge & Sculpt 16 and older, to try out a group from 11 to 11:25 a.m.

• PiYo Strength from 11:30 to class before summer registra11:55 a.m. tion.

Registration is required, and a Summer registration day waiver must be signed the day is Tuesday for Geneva Park of class.

District residents and May 12 In-person registration is for nonresidents. available at Sunset Racquetball Sunset Racquetball and Fitness Center class demos today & Fitness Center, 710 Western Ave., or the Stephen D. Persinclude: inger Recreation Center, 3507 • Hits & Mitts from 8 to Kaneville Road.

8:25 a.m.

Phone registration is available • Drills & Skills from 8:30 to by calling 630-232-4501 or 8:55 a.m.

• Strength & Stretch from 9 to 630-232-4542.

For information, visit www.

9:25 a.m.

• 20/20/20 from 9:30 to 9:55 genevaparks.org.

• Verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting the organization directly through a trusted number. A list of numbers is available on the Better Business Bureau’s national charity report index: www.give.org/charity-reviews/national.

Hoffman encouraged residents to contact the police department at 630-584-0330 to report phone calls or emails they believe are suspicious.

Visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft for information on identity theft and other scams.

Annual native plant sale today in Elgin

ELGIN – The Northern Kane County Wild Ones will have their third annual native plant sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin. Native flowers and grasses will be offered for sale.

In addition, Ohana Farms, of Marengo, will be selling a selection of native shrubs and trees.

The event will feature exclusive collections for sun or shade by native landscaper Pat Hill.

Cash, checks or charges will be accepted. For information, visit www.northernkanecounty. wildones.org, or www.Facebook.com/NKWildones, or call 847-794-8962.

– Kane County Chronicle

Contact Sports Editor Kevin Druley at 630-845-5347 or at kdruley@shawmedia.com.

PREP GYMNASTICS

BEAMING WITH SISTERHOOD

St. Charles North’s Stefan twins stay close as crossroads near

By KEVIN DRULEY

kdruley@shawmedia.com

S

T. CHARLES – A 30-mile stretch of highway separates Winona, Minnesota and La Crosse, Wisconsin, a gap that soon will test the Stefan twins of St. Charles North.

Neither Gabby Stefan nor Riley Stefan plan to bring cars to college.

Naturally, the gymnasts must channel their nimble natures to arrange a rendezvous beGabby Stefan tween Gabby at Winona State and Riley at Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Before consulting bus schedules or hailing cabs, however, the Riley Stefan North seniors keep clinging to their final workouts at St. Charles Gymnastics Academy.

The siblings first jumped from the Academy’s rec classes to its competitive USA Gymnastics teams, and even were once part-time employees there.

These days, both are Level 9 gymnasts verging on forming independent identities as collegiate athletes, one pesky state line apart.

“We’re very close. We do everything together,” Gabby Stefan said. “I mean, I think us going to separate colleges next year is going to be kind of a little shock.”

Next week offers a minor exercise in separation anxiety troubleshooting.

An all-around competitor, Riley Stefan advanced from last month’s Level 9 regionals in Niles, Ohio to the USA Gymnastics Eastern Nationals to be held Thursday through May 10 in Kissimmee, Florida.

Hobbled by a left shoulder

Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

Riley Stefan, a senior at St. Charles North, chalks her hands during a practice on the uneven bars at the St. Charles Gymnastics Academy. injury she suffered while executing a handstand earlier this season, Gabby Stefan participated only in the floor exercise and was unable to qualify for Easterns, which feed into senior nationals later in May. Par for the course, the sisters endured the hardship together.

“We never advanced levels faster or slower than one another,” Riley Stefan said.

“We always kind of stuck together through it. … It’s so awesome, honestly. It’s like having more than a friend there all the time where you can kind of fall back on them when you’re having a bad day or need someone to lift you up or something.”

First-generation gymnasts, the sisters juggled a number of other activities growing up.

Cheerleading, dancing and ice skating offered invigoration, but ultimately not the caliber the Stefans found from competing in vault, beam, bars and the floor exercise.

Riley Stefan calls vault her strongest event because it’s usually the one for which she’s least nervous.

No matter the apparatus at the Academy, the Stefans sense great comfort while training there throughout the year – in some cases five or six days a week.

Where some contemporaries have made the practice of switching gyms, the sisters maintained an allegiance to

St. Charles since entering the competitive phase of gymnastics as fourth graders, collaborating with a core of longtime coaches.

“When we were younger, I mean, I really can’t remember a time where I didn’t do gymnastics. Growing up, this has kind of been my second home because I spent so much time here,” Gabby Stefan said.

“Next year, one of the biggest changes is definitely going to be not having this in my life, I think.

“Quitting’s never even really been an option for us, I guess. I mean, we’ve seen teammates come and go, and our team now compared to when we were first-year Level 5s is just totally different,

but we’ve always just kind of stuck together, and it’s always been just kind of a consistent thing.”

Three fellow seniors – East student Taylor Coppola and Brooke Fisher and Emily Kincer of North – also are in the closing stages of competing for the Academy.

Coppola will join Riley Stefan at Nationals, while Wredling Middle School eighth grader Sarah Rowland represents St. Charles in the Level 9 junior competition.

Poll each one about their first experiences trying to discern between the Stefans, and smiles are the common denominator.

See GYMNASTICS, page 18

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

SPORTS

17

Have some sports news?

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

| SPORTS

18

PREP SOCCER

Bosco takes next step in soccer career

By CHRIS CASEY

ccasey@shawmedia.com When her club team had an event in San Diego at the beginning of April, where United States national team scouts were present, St. Charles native Marissa Bosco knew there was a chance she could get an invite to the team’s U-18 camp come the end of the month.

When she got the news that she was invited, Bosco knew it was the next step toward her ultimate goal.

The main focus of the group invited to the camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, is to be part of the team trying to qualify for the 2018 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Although every member who was invited to the camp is eligible for next summer’s U-20 World Cup team, the main focus is to make the 2018 squad.

Bosco, a midfielder, was selected as part of the 24-member camp, which took place from April 19 to 26.

“It’s just important to keep getting invited to these camps at this point,” said Bosco, a St.

Photo provided

St. Charles native Marissa Bosco (left) poses with a teammate at the United States U-18 Women’s National Team camp in Chula Vista, Calif.

The camp took place from April 19 to 26.

Charles North junior. “It’s just a continuous process and making the next camp is the most important thing for me.”

That next camp will be in September, so with her performance at the camp and continued training with her club team, the Kentucky commit

will try to impress to get another invite. Bosco committed to Kentucky in May 2014.

She was definitely pleased with her performance at the camp and feels good about moving forward.

“I definitely thought things went well at the camp,” Bosco

said. “I haven’t felt this good in a while. I felt much more explosive and confident than I have in the past.”

Bosco does not play for the North Stars girls soccer team, nor does any member of the Eclipse team.

Instead, she plays with the Oak Brook-based team, preparing for chances like the one she was given this past week.

The 16-year-old, who will turn 17 in June, got a good test and strong look at how things will be with camps and training sessions with the United States Women’s National Team moving forward.

“The week consisted of two-a-days and a lot of drills to teach you their system,” Bosco said. “The drills require you to think a lot and think quickly.

They see how well you adjust and understand what they are trying to teach you.”

However, Bosco was not a stranger to the camps, having previously been invited to a U-15 Girls National Team camp in October 2013, which was run by now USWNT head coach Jill Ellis.

During the camp, the

PREP GYMNASTICS

Twins taking different college routes

Outgoing Academy gymnasts recall friendships

By KEVIN DRULEY

kdruley@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES – Brooke Fisher’s gymnastics genesis sprouted because something wouldn’t tumble.

“My parents said I had too much energy,” Fisher said, “so they threw me in gymnastics to get rid of it.”

Having an older sister involved in the sport eased the first of Fisher’s many mat transitions.

Her next one is on the horizon, as the Level 10 senior from St. Charles North prepares to pursue a collegiate career at Northern Illinois in the fall.

Fisher joins North classmates Gabby Stefan (Winona State) and Riley Stefan (Wisconsin-La Crosse) in that regard, but the rest of the St. Charles Gymnastics Academy’s Class of 2015 figures its next step is part-time coaching.

St. Charles East senior Taylor Coppola and North senior Emily Kincer both plan to attend community college locally and will not have an outlet to compete.

squad competed in two separate matches. The first was an intrasquad scrimmage. At the camp’s conclusion, the team defeated the San Diego SeaLions of the Women’s Premier Soccer League, 1-0.

The camps do not interfere with any plans Bosco has to go play for Kentucky beginning in the fall of 2016. In fact, she said college coaches hope their players get invited while part of the college programs.

“It’s definitely not a bad thing to get an invite while in college,” Bosco said. “The coaches encourage it and want you to be asked to go. It’s not looked at like you’re missing training, but the coaches are pulling for you to make it.”

Bosco’s Eclipse Select prospects leave the future bright, as four Eclipse-tiered players are concluding their camps with the USWNT U-20 team.

Just the thought of representing her country in a World Cup would be extremely satisfying at such a young age.

“It would be a great feeling,” Bosco said. “To be able to see all of my hard work pay off would really be something.”

Both started in gymnastics either before or around the time they entered kindergarten.

“Yeah, it’s kind of sad,” Kincer said. “But 17 years in gymnastics is kind of a long time.

I guess it needs to come to an end, but ...”

Coppola thought she was facing that reality herself, but relished a pleasant surprise when she recently learned she’d been elevated from alternate to athlete for next week’s USA Gymnastics Eastern Nationals in Kissimmee, Florida.

Fighting through what she dubbed a history of “really bad back injuries,” Coppola will channel her resolve once more.

And get to see another part of the country – another perk of competing for much of her life.

“Over the years, we’ve gone to three different places in Florida. (Las) Vegas, Houston, Indiana. We’ve gone all over,” Kincer said. “So I think that’s the best part, is the relationships. I mean, the skill, yeah. Being able to do gymnastics is also a great experience, but being able to create friendships that will last forever is better.”

Taylor Coppola

Brooke Fisher

Emily Kincer

• GYMNASTICS Continued from page 17

“Riley’s more bigger built. She has more muscle than Gabby. So I can always tell them apart a little bit,” Fisher said. “But their faces are still identical. If I only had a picture of their face, I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart.”

Maureen Medel, among the Academy coaches who has worked with the Stefans since their competitive debuts, asserts “they’re two totally different people and athletes.”

“It’s like coaching two kids,” Medel said.

“But they’re all like sisters in the gym. I mean, they’re here so many hours together, the whole team. They’re all kind of like family.”

For the biological members of that figurative bond, something else differentiates them.

Gabby Stefan is interested in pursuing a writing-based major. Her sister is “definitely headed into kind of a science direction.”

To be sure, Winona State and Wisconsin-La Crosse are separate institutions, but perhaps the twins can compare notes on any overlapping gen-ed courses.

People have stayed connected across distances of well more than 30 miles, after all.

ST. CHARLES NORTH 11, BATAVIA 1 (5 INN.)

By CHRIS CASEY

ccasey@shawmedia.com

• Saturday, May 2, 2015

ST. CHARLES – The St. Charles North softball team has had the mindset to not take any team for granted.

The North Stars showed that exact mentality Friday as it hosted Batavia.

Amanda James and Abby Howlett homered for the North Stars, who scored early and often in a 11-1 win in five innings in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division game.

Although James’ fifth home run of the year, a solo shot in the third, will stick out in the box score, her 13-pitch at-bat that resulted in a leadoff double in the second inning arguably was more impressive.

“I was just trying to get on base any way I could,” James said. “I kept fighting and fighting, and I wanted to get the inning started right for the team.”

North coach Tom Poulin said his team had been stressing working deep into counts, knowing that it is more likely for an opposing pitcher to make a mistake the more pitches she throws to one batter It also helped that North (16-3, 11-2 UEC River) got off to a fast start, thanks to RBIs from Allison Moberg and Erin Nemetz in the first inning.

The North Stars added five more runs in the second to give starting pitcher Allison Hausl a comfortable lead early in the game.

In her five innings of work, Hausl (7-0) struck out three and gave up five hits, but had strong defense behind her the entire game.

“I trust our defense so much,” Hausl said. “I knew if they hit anything, that I had them all behind me. Pretty much everything was working for me today, and we knew a couple of the opposing players, so we knew how to pitch them.”

Of her starts this season, Poulin thought it was the best he had seen Hausl throw.

“I thought that was easily one of her best outings on the mound,” Poulin said. “She

SPORTS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

North cruises to five-inning win over Batavia

19

Photos by Jeff Krage for Shaw Media

TOP: St. Charles North’s Amanda James runs toward third on a hit up the middle in the third inning of Friday’s game against visiting Batavia.

James scored to give the North Stars a 3-0 lead. LEFT: North’s Allison Hausl pitches to a Batavia batter. it is for his team to come out with intensity and a sense of urgency, especially in conference games.

“I thought getting the early lead just let everyone relax,” Poulin said. “We wanted to try and bury them early. We respect [Batavia] and knew that getting that early lead really would settle us down. I think it helped us in every area, but especially in the field and the circle.”

Batavia (11-10, 6-7) knew coming in that giving the North Stars extra outs would be a rough proposition. Aside from the few errors in North’s five-run second inning, the hitting was not present, eiwas throwing hard, she hit ing out to an early lead calmed ther. her spots for the most part not only Hausl, but the entire Bulldogs coach Lupe Casand defensively behind her I North Stars team, especially tellanos was happy to see his thought we were very sharp.” in the field. team start to put better atHe knows how important bats together against Hausl Poulin also thought jump-

in the final two innings, one of which led to an RBI single

by Ashley McNamara for the Bulldogs’ only run of the afternoon.

“I think we got more comfortable at the plate as the game went on,” Castellanos said. “But if we want to beat good teams like North and [St. Charles East], we have to come out strong early. Today, I think before we knew it, we were down, and by the time we realized it, the deficit was too big.”

Eight of the nine batters in the starting lineup for North had at least one hit, with Kaitlyn Waslawski and Sam Hausl each contributing three hits to the 14-hit outburst.

Howlett’s three-run home run in the fourth gave her a team-leading four RBIs on the day.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

| SPORTS

20

Let’s go to the videotape ... or not There was one major rule change this season in baseball, but after working about 40 games this spring, I have yet to see it.

Perhaps I’m paying too much attention to what’s happening on the field. But isn’t that what I’m supposed to be doing?

Baseball and softball teams are now allowed to record and watch video in the dugout, but it has to be for coaching purposes only and it must be recorded in dead-ball territory. Coaches are still prohibited from having any recording device in their possession while in the coaching box.

I suppose some recording is going on, especially with the easy means of doing it today with phones and tablets.

Still, I don’t know how often coaches are showing kids footage while in the middle of the game. It’s a safe bet most

review it afterward.

“We’ve never used it in a game and we don’t have anything hooked up to a phone or tablet to do it at game speed anyway,” Kaneland baseball coach Brian Aversa said. “We had a dad film [Thursday], and we’re going to use it to work on one kid who didn’t have a very hot series [against Yorkville], so we use film in practice.”

Burlington Central softball coach Kyle Molik is using video in a similar fashion.

“We haven’t used it in games because even with two coaches on the bench, there’s multiple responsibilities to divvy up,” he said. “We’ve used it for practice, and our pitching coach will look at arm angles. It’s something we hope to take advantage of, but we’re not quite there yet.”

Some umpires may cringe when they hear the word

QUILL THE UMPIRE CHRIS ROLLIN WALKER “video.” While their mistakes – yep, even the best umpires make them – might end up on some coach or parent’s tablet or phone, they certainly won’t be running onto the field to show an umpire. Well, technically they could, but that’s a surefire way to be sent in for an early shower. National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rule 10-1-5 states, “The use of videotape or equipment by game officials for the purpose of making calls or rendering decisions is prohibited.”

While on the subject of video being reviewed, I turned to Naperville Community Television earlier this week to confirm that I umpired a

COUGARS

Cougars giddy for La Russa appearance

By KEVIN DRULEY

kdruley@shawmedia.com Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa reached Cougars owner Dr. Bob Froehlich when the Arizona Diamondbacks still were without a Class-A player development contract partner.

On May 13, almost eight months later, La Russa will make a house call to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

La Russa, the D’backs’ chief baseball officer, is headlining the Cougars’ “Out to Tony La Russa the Ballgame II” event, a speaker’s series held before that day’s 6:30 p.m. game against Burlington.

Doors open at 4 p.m, with a program that also will feature Minor League Baseball president Pat O’Conner, Midwest League president Richard Nussbaum and Froehlich to begin at 4:30.

Cost is $95, and includes a super suite ticket for the game, buffet dinner and question and answer session with the speakers.

“There’s certainly a lot of excitement for a Hall of Famer

like Tony La Russa to be coming here,” Froehlich said. “It’s a testament to the Diamondbacks and their interest and involvement with affiliates. They’re very, very attentive to everything, and I couldn’t be more pleased with them as an organization.”

La Russa, Major League Baseball’s third-winningest manager of all-time, guided the White Sox, Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals during his 33-season career. He won his first world title with Oakland in 1989 before earning championships with St. Louis in 2006 and 2011.

First-year Cougars manager Mark Grudzielanek, a Major League infielder for 15 seasons, played for La Russa with the Cardinals in 2005, and cites him as a heavy influence.

“I was lucky to play for Tony, as well as a few other awesome managers,” Grudzielanek said.

“Felipe Alou, Tommy Lasorda, those guys.”

Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts spoke at the Fifth Third Bank Ballpark super suite in July 2014.

Those interested in attending this year’s event can call 630-2328811 or order tickets online at www.kccougars.com.

no-hitter on Monday. I knew Metea Valley’s Jack Szott was on his game, but I could’ve sworn he was nicked for at least one hit. My partner, Geneva resident Scott Baker, thought the same thing, but I received confirmation from a small video clip on the web, as well as from Mustangs coach Craig Tomczak.

“The one thing that I noticed right away was that everyone was tall, so there was a big strike zone,” Baker said.

“He could’ve been pitching to a much lower strike zone, though, and it wouldn’t have mattered. He was nipping the outside corner, and of the 14 strikeouts, I’d say 10 of them were called or they were totally fooled.”

It was Szott’s third no-hitter this season. He combined with two other pitchers to no-hit Proviso East and then threw one himself against

Proviso West.

“He’s been pretty good and the big thing about Jack is he’s throwing three pitches for strikes,” Tomczak said.

“A lot of people look at his fastball as his best pitch, but when he can control his breaking pitch, he’s at his best.”

Lastly, I had to smile when I learned that St. Francis junior Brett Whelton homered twice against Montini on Tuesday. Whelton was the subject of my column last week for having his first career high school homer nullified by my balk call.

Well done, Brett. Keep on swinging.

• Sugar Grove resident Chris Rollin Walker is a baseball umpire with an eye for strikes, balls, gerunds and participles. Contact him at editorial@kcchronicle.com.

SOFTBALL: ST. CHARLES EAST 6, GENEVA 1

Hall leads Saints past Vikings

By KEVIN BEESE

editorial@kcchronicle.com ST. CHARLES – St. Charles East softball pitcher Jordan Hall excelled in the circle and at the plate to lead the Saints to a 6-1 victory Friday against Geneva.

Hall scattered three hits in a complete-game victory and belted a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth to break open what had been a close Upstate Eight Conference River Division contest.

“I felt confident on the mound,” Hall said. “They are a good hitting team.

You’ve got to make good pitches against them. I felt I had all my pitches working.”

Hall struck out four and didn’t allow a Geneva baserunner until the fourth inning.

“She was strong on the mound. It was really nice to see,” Saints coach Kelly Horan said. “... She had a great day.”

Horan said Hall has not been batting much of late, so she was glad to see the junior pitcher hit the homer, her fourth of the season. Injuries to Katie Kolb and Maddie Candre got Hall in the batting order Friday.

“She has not been getting up to the plate a lot,” Horan said. “It was great to see her come through like she did. ... I think it says a lot about this team that other players have stepped up (with a couple players injured).”

With an off day Thursday, Horan said

the squad had a light practice where she stressed doing the small things – advancing runners, hitting cutoffs and throwing to the right side of the base. The Saints showed off their polished skills in a tworun third inning.

Kelly Rinker led off the inning with a slap infield hit, beating the throw to first.

Olivia Cheatham moved her to second with a sacrifice bunt, and Alex Latoria drove her in with a single to right.

One out later, Rylee Stout dropped a double between Vikings outfielders Madison Keith and Rylie Porretto, scoring Lotoria.

“It was a double, but there was some miscommunication,” Geneva coach Greg Dierks said. “I thought it was a ball that could have easily been catchable.”

One of the few times the Saints (19-4, 11-2 UEC River) didn’t execute small ball, they still scored.

A throwing error by Geneva (12-6, 8-4) starting pitcher Emily Plocinski led to the Saints’ first run.

After Cheatham singled with one out in the first, Latoria popped up a bunt, which Plocinski caught, but fired wildly to first in an effort to double off Cheatham.

Cheatham went all the way to third on the error and scored on a single by Jordan Hieber.

“I thought with a little better defense we could have been 0-0 in the middle of the game,” Dierks said.

Fill me in on your gymnastics background.

How has gymnastics helped you in track and football?

When I was little, doing lots of the core stuff that

PREP SCHEDULE

TODAY Baseball: South Elgin at Batavia, 10 a.m.; Waubonsie Valley at Geneva, 10 a.m.; Prairie Ridge at Kaneland, 10 a.m.; Neuqua Valley at St. Charles East, 10 a.m.; Metea Valley at St. Charles North, 10 a.m.; Rockford Lutheran at Marmion, 10 a.m.; Burlington Central at Belvidere North, 10 a.m.

Softball: Batavia at Marengo Invite, 10 a.m.

Girls soccer: Batavia, St. Charles North at Tournament of Champions in Burlington, Iowa; Dixon at Burlington Central, 11 a.m.

Boys track: Batavia, St. Charles East at Glenbard West Invite, 9 a.m.

Girls track: Rosary at Mooseheart Invite, 8 a.m.

Boys tennis: Batavia at Huntley Quad, 9 a.m.; Geneva, St. Charles North at West Aurora Tournament, 8:30 a.m.

Girls badminton: Geneva, St. Charles East, St. Charles North at UEC

GENEVA’S JUSTIN TAORMINA

we’ve been doing here really helped me start my weight training, you know. It got me a little stockier, a little bit bigger. Because I used to be a skinny kid. Once I started coming here, it really started building up my upper body strength. So that just helped me get better as a football player and at track because I was getting faster and bigger. It was a good experience overall. I wish I still did it. But it just [conflicted] with everything. ... I stopped around sixth, seventh grade.

As a coach, do you still go through the familiar motions a decent amount?

Singles Meet, TBA Boys water polo: St. Charles North at St. Charles North Invitational, 8 a.m.

Boys lacrosse: Conant at St. Charles North, noon; Downers Grove South at Batavia, 4 p.m.

MONDAY Baseball: Kaneland at Sycamore, 4:30 p.m.; Marmion at Ottawa Marquette, 4:30 p.m.

Softball: Rosary at Montini, 4:30 p.m.

Girls soccer: St. Charles East at Oswego, 4:30 p.m.

Boys track: Plainfield North at Kaneland, 4:30 p.m.

Boys volleyball: St. Charles East at South Elgin, 5:30 p.m.

Boys tennis: Geneva at West Aurora, 4:15 p.m.

Boys water polo: Waubonsie Valley at St. Charles East, 5:30 p.m.; St. Charles North at Maine South, 6 p.m.

Boys lacrosse: Geneva at Batavia, 6:30 p.m.

You’re proud of this and you’re a great athlete in your own right, but did the guys give you trouble about gymnastics?

You know, when I was little, they used to. But now they’re watching me move and stuff and they’re like, ‘Wow, that’s really cool.’ I’m just thinking back and I’m like, ‘I used to do that stuff.

I could still be doing it.’ ... I enjoyed it, but then again, football’s my main passion.

That’s why I quit gymnastics, because I wanted to play football.

Have recruiters been

WHAT TO WATCH

TODAY MLB White Sox at Minnesota, 1:10 p.m., WGN Milwaukee vs. Cubs, 1:20 p.m., CSN NFL Draft, Rounds 4 through 7, at Chicago, 11 a.m., ESPN Arena football San Jose at Arizona, 8 p.m., ESPN2 Auto racing NASCAR, XFINITY Series, Winn Dixie 300, at Talladega, Ala., 2 p.m., FOX NBA Playoffs, first round, Game 7, San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, 7 or 8 p.m., TNT NHL Playoffs, conference semifinals, Game 2, Washington at N.Y. Rangers, 11:30 a.m., NBC Golf PGA Tour-WGC, Cadillac Match Play, round of 16, at San Francisco, 2 p.m., TGC; 6:30 p.m., NBC Horse racing Thoroughbreds, Kentucky Derby, at Louisville, Ky., 3 p.m., NBC SUNDAY NHL Playoffs, conference semifinals,

knocking on the door for football?

You know, I’ve been getting a lot of interest from Ivy League schools and some other schools. The majority of emails have come from Cornell, Columbia, those kind of Ivy League (schools). Also Valparaiso, Drake University.

How was the trip out of town for track (this past weekend)?

Down in Louisville, we performed pretty well for how bad the weather was. I mean, it was 65, but it was a downpour. ... We took 11th as a team out of 150-something teams. Yeah, it was a big accomplishment for us.

You work with cheerleaders on tumbling. Have you, in effect, taught a cheerleader who’s cheering for you?

I have taught cheerleaders who are cheering for St. Charles North and St. Charles East, but not a cheerleader for Geneva yet. ... I’m teaching the tumbling aspect of it.

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FOUR your

Consideration

This week, the Kane County Chronicle sports staff asks four football athletes: How does the NFL Draft being held in Chicago impact your interest?

Jordan Bergren

St. Charles North Sr., DL “I don’t think I’ve ever really watched the NFL Draft, to be completely honest. … I don’t know. I never really watched professional sports. I’ll occasionally watch football, maybe baseball, mostly hockey. Most times, I’m interested in sports if I know somebody on the team [including his older brother, Jake, of the Minnesota baseball team]. … If the Bears get a good guy in the draft, I’m excited, I’m happy, but I mean, besides that, I’ve never really kept up with biggest names in the draft or who’s going where. I’ll read about it a day or two after.”

Matt Loberg Game 2, Minnesota at Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN Playoffs, conference semifinals, Game 2, Tampa Bay at Montreal, 5 p.m., NBCSN Playoffs, conference semifinals, Game 2, Calgary at Anaheim, 9 p.m., CNBC MLB White Sox at Minnesota, 1:10 p.m., CSN Milwaukee vs. Cubs, 1:20 p.m., WGN N.Y. Yankees at Boston, 7 p.m., ESPN Auto racing NASCAR, Sprint Cup, GEICO 500, at Talladega, Ala., noon, FOX Golf PGA Tour-WGC, Cadillac Match Play, semifinals, at San Francisco, 8:30 a.m., TGC; 1 p.m., NBC NBA Playoffs, first round, Game 7, Brooklyn at Atlanta (if necessary) or second round, Game 1, Washington at Atlanta or Brooklyn at Washington, noon, ABC Playoffs, second round, Game 1, Memphis at Golden State, 2:30 p.m., ABC

Geneva Sr., DL

“I think it’s pretty cool that it’s in Chicago and stuff like that. Of course I’ll have it on all night [for Thursday’s first round], and I’ll be watching it. It’ll be a lot of fun. .. I usually always watch the NFL Draft, but it being in Chicago makes it that much cooler. And it’ll probably have a lot of Bears players there with it being in Chicago.”

Will Purdom

St. Francis Jr., RB/P “I’ll be watching it. I think it’ll be kind of cool knowing it’s in our city and being close to all the players. Being in the same state, that’ll be cool. … I watch it either way.”

Isaac Swithers Kaneland Sr., RB/DB

“I think it’s going to be really aweome just because Chicago is a great city and I love the NFL. Basically, it’s something great because it’s in Chicago. … Especially because I actually follow college football a lot more, so I’m excited to see and watch them get drafted.”

• Saturday, May 2, 2015

I used to do it when I was little, and my little sister does it right now. And my older sister did it competitively at the college level up at Winona (Minnesota) State.

She’s done now, though. She had some knee injuries.

Weekend Chit-chat with

Oh, yeah. I still flip around the trampoline. I have fun with my kids, you know. I just miss this sport a lot. It’s just fun to watch my little sister (Paityn) and my older sister (Brittany) do it.

It’s hard to watch them do it and not be doing it anymore, but it’s fun living through them. My older sister paved the way. My dad was a high school football player. My mom, she played the flute and played basketball.

SPORTS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Kane County Chronicle sports editor Kevin Druley did a quick double take while leaving St. Charles Gymnastics Academy earlier this week. Geneva junior football and track athlete Justin Taormina was preparing to coach gymnastics, a sport he holds dear, it turns out, after first embracing it growing up. Catching up with the Chronicle for the latest edition of the Weekend Chitchat, Taormina discussed how the gym has impacted his abilities in team sports, as well as a few other topics.

Here’s an edited transcript:

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

| SPORTS

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PREP ROUNDUP

Marmion bass fishing earns state berth KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE

SHABBONA – Many high school sophomores are reminded that their class name translates to “wise fool” at some point during the school year.

Marmion’s sophomore bass fishing trio of Steven Callahan, Dennis Hayes and Daniel Lin sure played against socalled convention Friday.

Hurrying to the busy dam area at the south end of the lake, the group helped Marmion to a second-place finish at the IHSA Shabbona Lake Sectional, catching 13.65 pounds of bass.

By placing in the top three among 19 boats representing 10 schools, the Cadets advanced to the state meet at downstate Carlyle Lake on May 15 to 16.

“That was fantastic,” said Cadets coach Joe Large, whose assistant, David Dvorak, drove the advancing boat. “They got down there to the dam and started catching them first

thing in the morning. They did a very good job.”

The competition began at 7 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m, with five teams catching the five-bass limit. DeKalb won the sectional with a haul of 16.85 pounds. Rochelle (12.45 pounds) was third, just ahead of Batavia (11.90) and St. Charles North (11.70).

“It was really, really close between the top five teams,” Large said.

Credit that to a number of factors, including a later competition date, more favorable temperatures and a recent restocking of Shabbona Lake with 270 smallmouth bass.

Collectively, the anglers caught 47 bass weighing 118 pounds.

The competition is held under catch-and-release rules, but participants must keep the fish alive on the boat until the day’s final weigh-in.

Lin snagged four of the Cadets’ five keepers. DeKalb’s Zach Elliot reeled in the big

bass of the day, a 4.55-pounder.

Marmion alternate Joseph Schafer was unable to attend, but Large said he’ll be part of the state contingent.

GIRLS SOCCER Batavia 3, Ankeny (Iowa) Centennial 1: At Burlington, Iowa,

Batavia (11-1-3) won its opener of the Tournament of Champions. According to the Tournament of Champions news release, Ankeny was ranked No. 31 nationally.

“We tried to do a lot more of possessing the ball,” Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco said. “It’s hard for them to beat us when they don’t have the ball. We played two groups today and that’s what you have to do coming to these tournaments. So everyone was ready to play and the same will go for tomorrow.”

The Bulldogs’ goals were scored by Mackenzie Foster, Tori Renfus and Megan McEachern. Batavia will be back in action today with an

8 a.m. start against No. 16 ranked Collinsville.

In other tournament play, St. Charles North blanked Whitefish Bay (Wisconsin), 1-0, to improve to 11-2-1. Hailey Rydberg scored midway through the second half for the game’s only goal.

The North Stars will also have an 8 a.m. kickoff today as they take on Lee’s Summit West (Missouri).

consolation bracket. Mary Landry scored twice and Emily Hauser and Jaden Ciesielski each added goals in the win for the 7-8-2 Vikings.

BASEBALL Huntley 3, Burlington Central 1: At Huntley, Drew Wiss had

two hits, one of which was a home run, for BC (17-5).

BOYS TRACK Naperville Invitational – BarCrystal Lake Central Invitarington 3, St. Charles East 1 (OT): tional: At Crystal Lake, Kane-

At Naperville, East (15-1) lost its first game of the season in a semifinal match. Freshman Chantel Carranza scored East’s only goal on a second-half penalty kick.

Geneva defeated Lincoln-Way Central, 4-0, in the

land scored 96 team points to win the event that included runner-up Yorkville (86) and third-place Burlington Central (83). The Knights’ Mike Rinella won the pole vault with a personal-best effort of 14 feet, 6 inches.

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KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

| KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE

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WEEKEND LIFE

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T

‘Different, yet connected, and possessing the same value’

here is only so much we can do to change ourselves, short of surgery, that is. We can alter our appearance with colored contacts, hair dye, braces and weight loss/gain. We can change some of our personality by dropping bad habits, learning better communication, adopting new perceptions; but aside from these things, who we are is pretty much carved in stone and determined well before we take our first breath.

Some of what is predetermined can be discovered through genetic testing.

Although costly and still in its infancy, genetic testing can be used, amongst other things, to determine inheritable conditions to which we are predisposed.

Recently, the actress Angelina Jolie, opted to have a double mastectomy to reduce her chances of developing breast cancer after her doctors estimated (through genetic testing) that she had an 87 percent chance of getting the disease.

You see, we come pre-wired from birth. We have physical, mental, sexual and physiological characteristics that are predetermined and distinguish us from one another. Like a cake, we bake in the oven for nine months and depending on the genetic ingredients that went

THEORY Jamie Palmer into the recipe, we turn out to be the flavor we were meant to be.

Our job in life is simply to love cake.

Our only choice is how we decide to decorate ours. How simple is that?

What if we stop concentrating on what we perceive as other’s defects, and start looking instead at other’s gifts and accomplishments. That’s the frosting of life.

I’d like to believe that we have moved past judging someone based upon predetermined traits utterly beyond their control.

In fact, I would like to think that we have moved beyond judging others altogether, but I don’t feel we are fully there yet. There are many who still have a norm by which they measure and judge others. Those who fall outside of the norm – that stand out as being different – are sadly subject to the scrutiny, criticism and judgment of others.

A perfect example is our sexuality, another predetermined characteristic.

Numerous exhaustive scientific studies performed at the world’s most respected research institutions have shown that our sexual orientation is based upon our brain’s genetic and chemical make up, determined before we are born. Because the incidence of non-heterosexual orientation occurs in only about 4 percent of the population (not the norm), these people are seen as outliers, by some, and not worthy of the same rights or respect as others.

Judging others is not part of our job description. Loving others is.

On a personal note, I know two young men, fraternal twins, who were born prematurely at 26 weeks. Scientists and medical researchers would conclude several years later that there is a higher incidence of homosexuality among male children born three months early. At 26 weeks, a male fetus receives fetal testosterone from its mother, the hormone that helps determine sexual orientation. These brothers will tell you that given a choice, they would not have chosen to be homosexual. They would not have wanted a life of loneliness, ridicule, threats and ostracism. It was simply the hand they were dealt.

We don’t always have the answers.

We can sometimes know the HOW, but not always the WHY some things happen. Maybe we are not meant to know everything. Some of life will always remain a mystery, and – because of this – my life is simplified. Because I am not meant to figure it out, I don’t have to judge.

All I know is that on the day of my sons’ birth, the world was given two wonderful human beings, and my job was – and still is – simply to love them.

There are two truths in life: We must love one another, and one day we will die. If we can do the first one, we will indeed live a very full and abundantly rewarding life.

Appreciate each other’s differences like the two sides of the same coin, different, yet connected, and possessing the same value.

• Jamie Palmer is a Batavia resident, a licensed clinical professional counselor and mediator with more than 35 years of experience in the field of psychology.

She is a behavior health clinician in the adolescent psych department at Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin.

To contact Palmer, email editorial@ kcchronicle.com.

Mulch ado about nothing …

With the news headlines pointing out the divisions in American society, it is nice to find a cohesive similarity that binds us all together. Baseball?

Hot dogs? No, mulch.

We Americans love our mulch. You see it everywhere in numerous colors, textures and applications. It is hard to deny some of the positive benefits of mulch, from inhibiting weeds to retaining moisture in the summer months. Correctly laid mulch acts as a protective blanket, lessening hard freezes and allowing plants to wake slowly in spring.

Unfortunately, all of the benefits begin to fade when it is used incorrectly. The most common sin is mulch spread too thickly. Looking around, you will see many places with mulch dumped on plants 6-8

LEARNING TO GROW Jim Stendler inches high, if not more. The protective blanket now has begun to smother. Plant roots need air, and that thick of a mulch layer creates a zone of rotting material above the roots, encouraging root decay and diseases.

The correct depth is 2-4 inches around a plant. Do not put any mulch over the plant, and pull back the mulch several inches away from the center to give that extra space. Remember, the goal here is to make the plant happy, minimizing weeds is only a side benefit. This applies to trees as well. Excess mulch can cause trees to grow

circling roots, killing the tree in the end. Plan to make mulch “doughnuts” around trees (leaving open ground around the trunk) not peaked volcano piles of bark chips!

If you are burned out on buying bark chips every year, there are other options. Compost is nearly fool-proof, with worms incorporating it into healthy soil. Quality compost will have the weed seeds “cooked” out of it, so it becomes a weed-free medium. The end result is a rich soil most plants love.

You can also plan to leave the pitchfork in the shed and skip it altogether. Beds planted with mixtures of grasses and perennials act like prairies, with grasses breaking through the tough clay soil to encourage water infiltration and shielding the ground from evaporation

Photo provided

Mulch acts as a protective blanket, lessening hard freezes and allowing plants to awake slowly in the spring. and weeds.

Ground covers quickly cover open spaces, creating a protective carpet over the soil. In more wooded areas, leaf litter acts as a perfect cover, and the trees did all the work spreading it. In the end, the best way to discourage weeds is by encouraging healthy plants that grow

to block weeds from developing, whether it is under the cover of mulch or in the company of other plants.

• Jim Stendler is a University of Illinois Extension master gardener for Kane County. Call the extension office at 630-5846166 for more information.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

Two sides of the same coin

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

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ADVICE

Boss’s unwelcome advances ruin first job Why do older guys

Dear Abby: I’m 16 and just got my first job working in food services. I have been working here for about two months, and have grown close with my co-worker “Samantha” and my boss. Samantha quit suddenly a few days ago.

Today she told me our boss had told her he had strong feelings for her. He’s married with kids.

I am now very uncomfortable being there, but I still want to continue working for the experience and to save money for college. I’m not sure what to do. – Server Girl In Chicago Dear Server Girl: Now that you know your employer is capable of inappropriate behavior, keep your distance. If he does make a move on you, “remind” him that you are a minor, and if he doesn’t stop it, you will tell your parents and he could get into serious trouble.

Dear Abby: I am in a happy relationship with my girlfriend,

DEAR ABBY Jeanne Phillips “Tracy.” Recently, she has been talking on and on about how she is so in love with a particular celebrity. I find it irritating when she says things like, “That’s my man,” or “I had an intense dream about him.” How am I supposed to react?

– Regular Guy In Indiana Dear Regular Guy: Ask your girlfriend how she would feel if you kept telling her you’re “in love” with Jennifer Lopez or Beyonce and have “intense” dreams about them. Then tell her honestly that what she’s doing is annoying and you want her to cut it out.

Dear Abby: I had a closet full of clothes I found hard to part with, although they no longer fit me.

My sister-in-law helped me move

recently and asked me if she could have some of the items. We are close, and I was happy to give them to her because I could see how much she liked them.

I have just learned that she took the items to a consignment store and sold them. If I had known she was going to sell my clothes, I wouldn’t have given them to her. I feel deceived.

Should I address this issue? – Swindled In The South Dear Swindled: You were taken advantage of because you were led to believe your SIL wanted the clothing for herself. But “once a gift is given it belongs to the recipient to do with as she (or he) pleases. If she asks you for more things in the future that would be the appropriate time to refuse and tell her why.

• Write Dear Abby at www. dearabby.com.

Good eyelid hygiene will prevent blepharitis Dear Doctor K: I had some itching and burning in my eye.

My ophthalmologist said I have blepharitis. Can you tell me more about this condition?

Dear Reader: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edges of the eyelids and eyelash hair follicles.

It is a common and sometimes long-lasting condition. The good news is that it will not permanently damage your eyesight.

Blepharitis can be triggered by bacterial infections, though it is not contagious. You can also develop blepharitis if your eyelid glands make too much oil. People with skin conditions such as rosacea, seborrhea, oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes are more likely to get this condition.

Blepharitis may cause any or all of the following symptoms: • Mucus at the corner of the eyes when you wake up; • Upper and lower eyelids that appear greasy; • A crust that clings to the lashes; • Itching; • Burning; • A feeling that something is in your eye when you blink; • Red and swollen eyes; • Missing lashes or lashes that turn inward; • Irritation or breakdown of the skin along the edges of the

ASK DOCTOR K Anthony L. Komaroff

eyelids; • Excessive tears.

I’ve put an illustration showing some of the effects of blepharitis on my website, AskDoctorK. com.

Some of the symptoms of blepharitis can be seen in other conditions -- ones that can even threaten your sight.

For example, a feeling that something is in your eye when you blink can mean there really is something in your eye. A doctor needs to examine your eye, and to remove such a foreign body (like a speck of sand) if it’s there.

Another condition, acute glaucoma, can suddenly make the eye red and painful. Acute glaucoma is an emergency that requires immediate attention by an eye doctor.

The key treatment for blepharitis is good eyelid hygiene – and that’s also the best way to prevent the condition in the first place.

Go through the following cleansing routine twice daily, in the morning and the evening.

Once the condition is under control, you can do this cleaning

less often. Resume twice-daily cleaning if your symptoms return.

To clean your eyelids: • Loosen crusts and oil debris by placing a clean washcloth dampened with warm water over closed lids for five minutes.

• Create a cleaning solution by mixing three drops of baby shampoo with two or three ounces of warm water. Moisten a washcloth or cotton swab with the cleaning solution. Rub the base of your eyelashes to remove loosened skin and crusts.

• Rinse the lids with warm water and pat gently with a clean, dry towel.

If the condition does not improve with cleaning alone, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment if there appears to be an infection. Drops containing an anti-inflammatory drug might also help.

Blepharitis is difficult to cure permanently. Symptoms can change over time and disappear for months or years before returning. In most cases, however, treatment reduces the symptoms and controls the condition.

• Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School. Visit www.AskDoctorK. com to send questions and get additional information.

go for younger girls?

Dr. Wallace: I don’t want to give all the details, but my best friend and I are attractive young ladies and we enjoy our spare time sunbathing and spending time at the Gulf of Mexico. Almost every time we are at the shore we get hit on by older guys. It’s flattering, but all we ever do is talk with them. We never give out our names or telephone numbers.

We have been wondering why older guys seem fascinated with younger girls. We are both 16 and we look our age. Some of these guys who hawk us are in their late twenties or even older. – Friends, Naples, Florida Dear Friends: Most older guys who “hawk” younger girls often find it difficult to compete with their peers for females their own age.

That drives them to the younger girls, where the competition is less challenging. This gives the guys more confidence and many younger girls are flattered by the attention given them by older guys. You and your friend would be wise to completely ignore older guys who you know are on the prowl.

Dr. Wallace: Three years ago I was a member of the National Honor Society and maintained excellent grades. I dropped out of school at the end of my junior year because I was pregnant and I decided to have the baby. I’m glad that I did so because I love her so very much.

I’d like to finish my education, but I’d like to start in college without returning to high school because I’m now 20 years old. My parents will provide the funds for college tuition. Is it legal-

’TWEEN 12 & 20 Robert Wallace ly possible for someone who has not completed high school to attend a four-year college? At this time I’m not interested in getting an equivalency GED high school diploma or attending a community college. – Nameless, Tulsa, Oklahoma Dear Nameless: A student who hasn’t earned a high school diploma can be admitted to any college or university if the admissions department feels the student is capable of earning a degree. It’s up to the individual schools, not the legal system.

Dr. Wallace: My boyfriend and I have become sexually active in the past two weeks. We have been dating for more than a year, so you can’t say we rushed into having sex.

We both want to be as sure as we can that we don’t become premature parents. I’m on birth control pills and my boyfriend uses a condom when we have sex. Does that make us 100 percent sure that I won’t become pregnant? No lectures, please. Just give me the information. – Nameless, Hammond, Indiana Dear Nameless: Common sense dictates that the more protection used, the lower the odds of pregnancy. Used properly and together, the pill and the condom offer 99 percent protection from pregnancy.

If you want 100 percent protection, you must practice abstinence.

• Email Dr. Robert Wallace at rwallace@ galesburg.net.

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

BRIDGE by Phillip Alder

You know the fourth, but does partner?

CELEBRITY CIPHER

Beyonce said: “We all have special numbers in our lives, and four is that for me. It’s the day I was born. My mother’s birthday, and a lot of my friends’ birthdays, are on the fourth; April 4 is my wedding date.”

Four is the special number for defenders trying to defeat game in a major. Sometimes three winners are apparent and one defender sees the fourth, but maybe his partner cannot.

Then that defender must take control to make sure there isn’t an accident.

In this deal, how should the defenders play to defeat four spades after West leads the diamond ace?

Under West’s diamond ace, East drops the nine, starting a high-low with his doubleton.

West cashes the diamond queen and continues with the diamond king. What should East discard?

East can be confident that the third diamond will stand up. If West had begun with six solid diamonds, he would not have passed over one spade. And East knows the heart ace is the fourth defensive trick. But if he discards the heart four, will partner be sure that is high and encouraging? Or, if he pitches the club seven, will partner know it is low and discouraging?

East should take control of the situation. He should ruff his partner’s winner – which is fun!

– and cash his heart ace.

Phillip Alder is combining in May 2016 with Kalos to run a bridge and golf river cruise starting from Bordeaux, France.

Details are available on Phillip’s website: www.phillipalderbridge.com.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

PUZZLES

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

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COMICS Arlo & Janis

Garfield

Big Nate

Frank & Earnest

Crankshaft

Soup to Nutz

Stone Soup

The Born Loser

Dilbert

Rose Is Rose

By EUGENIA LAST

Newspaper Enterprise Association

Blondie

Pearls Before Swine

The Argyle Sweater

Real Life Adventures

• Saturday, May 2, 2015

TODAY – You will face an assortment of challenges this year. Financial matters should be monitored scrupulously. Choose projects carefully based on time and financial considerations. You have what it takes to succeed, but you must avoid burnout from taking on too many projects or doing too much for others.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) – Difficulties with a family member can be resolved if you are willing to compromise. Being too stubborn or pushy will cause tension and lead to a stalemate. Be willing to meet halfway.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) – You will be tempted to mix business with pleasure. A co-worker will intrigue you, but don’t get too chummy or you will jeopardize your reputation or position. Consider the consequences.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) – Stay clear of someone who wants you to bankroll an enterprise. You work too hard for your money to toss it away on someone else’s dream. Invest in yourself instead.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) – Someone will try to smear your reputation. Don’t divulge too much about your personal life or current plans. If you play by the rules, you will come out on top.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) – Focus on your occupation. Your superiors will be quick to react if you spend too many working hours trying to solve your personal woes. Address such issues on your own time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) – You will be bewildered by a current situation.

End the anxiety by getting in touch with the person causing the problem, and work to find a solution.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) – You won’t have a problem convincing potential partners to back your plans. Put your best foot forward and seize the moment. Your knowledge and determination will make a positive impression.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) – Don’t expect something for nothing. Make sure that you know what’s expected of you before you make a commitment.

A misconception on your part will be costly.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) – Residential improvements will add value and comfort to your home. One of your favorite hobbies can be turned into a successful enterprise. Make every move count.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) – Someone has an interest in what you have to offer. Some planning and imagination can improve your financial status.

Present your ideas to a potential source of support.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) – A disappointment is likely if you trust a sales pitch. Get all the details before you go ahead with a personal change. A rash decision will lead to regrets.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) – Strive to be more self-assured. Showcase your talents. The positive feedback you receive will make your confidence grow.

A personal relationship will take a positive turn.

29 COMICS AND HOROSCOPES | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

HOROSCOPES

Beetle Bailey

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, May 2, 2015

| KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE

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