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TRAINING GROUNDS

Kane County Regional Training Center logs 71K rounds fired / 6 SPORTS

Working to get there Kaneland’s Riley Vanik pictures himself on top of the podium at state / 17

LOCAL NEWS

WHERE IT’S AT

New Year’s baby

Advice.......................24, 27 Classified.................. 28-35 Comics.......................26-27 Cover story...................6-7 Horoscopes.................... 24 Local News.................. 2-14 Obituaries........................ 9 Opinions.......................... 11 Out & About......................3 Puzzles............................ 25 Sports.........................15-22 Weather............................ 5

Batavia parents’ boy first baby of 2016 at Delnor Hospital / 9 LOCAL NEWS

School event Lincoln Elementary School supporters hope Sunday fundraiser will keep school from the cutting block / 10

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GETTING STARTED LOTTERY ILLINOIS LOTTERY Pick 3 Midday: 3-0-0 Pick 3 Evening: 3-7-3 Pick 4 Midday: 1-9-6-2 Pick 4 Evening: 2-7-0-2 Lucky Day Lotto Midday: 16-25-36-41-44 Lucky Day Lotto Evening: 2-15-16-31-43 Lotto jackpot: $ 19 million MEGA MILLIONS Est. jackpot: $130 million POWERBALL Est. jackpot: $334 million

ON THE COVER Deputy Shawn Barrows, a range officer, shares technique with deputy Chris Johnson during firearms training at the Kane County Sheriff’s Office range Monday, Dec. 21, 2015.

Mary Beth Nolan for Shaw Media

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS Accuracy is important to the Kane County Chronicle, and we want to correct mistakes promptly.

Please call errors to our attention by phone, 630-845-5355; email, editorial@kcchronicle.com.

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK Kane County Chronicle editor Kathy Gresey is taking the day off. Look for her column in next Saturday’s paper, and catch up on her columns at www.kcchronicle. com.

TEXT ALERTS Get breaking news from the Kane County Chronicle sent to your phone. Text KCCNEWS to 74574. And to sign up for more alerts – including those for prep sports, the Kane County Cougars and severe weather – or to manage your text alerts, visit http://shawurl.com/kcctexts.

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Looking ahead to a shiny new year GOOD NATURED Pam Erickson Otto Any way you look at it, the holidays are a shiny time of year.

Twinkling decorations shimmer in yards and windows; nights – some of them, anyway – are clear and starry; and this past Christmas, for the first time in 38 years, we were treated to a full moon that, when you could see it, added a luster of midday to objects below.

But the other night, driving down Anderson Boulevard in Geneva, I was reminded of another type of shine – one you can enjoy all year round, provided you have a light source and a little luck.

I’m talking about eye shine. It’s the phenomenon whereby light reflects from an animal’s eyes, creating a bright glow. If you’ve ever tried to take a flash picture of your sweet Fifi and Fluffy, only to have the photo portray them as a green-eyed glowering demon from below, you’ve experienced eye shine.

In my recent experience, the light source was car headlights, and the animal was a raccoon. It was hard to miss, seeing as it was about the size of a bear cub, and it was crossing Anderson in that quick but lumbering gait raccoons have perfected.

I slowed down – not that I’d want to hit it, but my actions were as much to preserve my car’s alignment as the critter’s well-being. It glanced briefly toward my car, and its eyes shone brightly from the front of its bulky, hunched silhouette, then it disappeared into the dark shadows of a yard and was gone.

Eye shine occurs when light reflects off the tapetum lucidum, a layer of tissue behind the retina in many nocturnal animals. (Neat fact: “Tapetum lucidum” is

Photo provided

This photo captured the eye shine of three deer in the midst of a nocturnal frolic at Delnor Woods in St. Charles – plus the eye shine of a mystery creature above in a tree.

Latin for “bright tapestry.”)

It reflects light back through the retina to the eye’s photo receptors and improves night vision – a handy function for creatures that normally would navigate by stars and moonlight. But our brighter, manmade lights enhance the effect, often to startling degrees.

I remember a warm night last summer. I was in the middle of a nocturnal jaunt of my own and was looking for a familiar shortcut through a small field. The only trouble was, I had never walked that area at night and my human eyes, which are not well adapted to low light conditions, could not find the narrow footpath.

This small trail, a few hundred feet long, saves literally a mile of walking – when I can find it. I paced back and forth a few times, hoping against hope the rods and cones of my retinas could help my brain discern where to head in. But no luck.

Finally, I resorted to a naturalist’s cardinal sin: I turned on a flashlight. It was the emergency-use-only light, the one on my phone, but that didn’t lessen its effect. The bright blaze of light immediately destroyed whatever night vision I’d managed to build up.

Perhaps more significantly, it showed that I wasn’t alone.

As the light illuminated the field in front of me, I noticed several pairs of eyes shining back at me. Judging by their height from the ground, as well as their quick movements and a faint outline of erect ears, I’m pretty sure I stumbled on a family of coyotes. Mom out with the young’uns, teaching them the finer points of vole hunting, was my guess. Rather than disturb such an important lesson, I gave up my quest for the shortcut and added another 20 minutes or so to my walk. (That “long way around” took me along the side of a very busy road. I had to once again resort to the light of my phone, this time for my own safety. Human eyes do not have tapeta lucida and do not produce eye shine in headlights.)

Under some circumstances, eye shine takes on a color, from red to orange to yellow or green. (“Red-eye effect,” by the way, is a similar occur-

rence but is not the same as eye shine.) Some folks say you can use this color to help identify species – in fact there are many online guides that list such correlations – but I’ve found that there are too many variables involved. The angle of the light source can affect the color, as can the type of bulb; humans’ individual perceptions of light at night also play a role.

I find that paying attention to other cues is more reliable. Is the animal staying still? Are the eyes a few feet above the ground? Probably a deer. Are the eyes moving in response to the light?

Probably a predator trying to escape detection. Are you near a pond? Eyes shining from atop the water, in our area, usually are frogs but down south can also indicate an alligator. Are there teeny-tiny eye shines, close to the ground? Yippee, you’ve found spiders!

I’ve heard many people, these past few days, express the sentiment that with the new year comes a whole new opportunity to shine. Lose those extra pounds, quit a bad habit, go for that promotion.

I’d like to suggest one more: Grab a flashlight, head out at night, and make 2016 your year for eye shine.

• Pam 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 630-513-4346 or potto@stcparks.org.

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K ANE COUNTY

CHRONICLE

Get to know Samantha Pond Palatine resident Samantha Pond, 44, was working at Dick Pond Athletics in St. Charles when she answered 12 questions for the Kane County Chronicle’s Brenda Schory.

Where did you grow up? Glen Ellyn Pets? A great Dane named Ruby Who would play you in the movie of your life? A young Meryl Streep or Nicole Kidman First job? Working for my dad at Dick Pond, lacing shoes for 10 cents As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a veterinarian. Instead, I helped my

Casting call for ‘Things My Mother Taught Me’

WHAT: It is for a Playhouse 38 production. Those wishing to audition should prepare a one- to two-minute monologue and be prepared to read from the script.

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 19 and 20 WHERE: Playhouse 38, 524 W. State St., lower level, Geneva INFORMATION: Call 630-232-4542 or visit www.genevaparks.org

2

Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley seeking tutors

WHAT: A free tutor training workshop will be held. The workshop will teach residents how to tutor adults in English and will discuss the problems adults face when they know little about American norms and customs.

WHEN: 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 18, 20, 25, and 27 WHERE: St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles INFORMATION: Volunteers do not need to know a second language. Volunteers teach in public places, such as local libraries. To register or for information about the workshop, visit www.lvfv.org

or call 630-584-4428.

3

New Horizons Preschool planning open house

WHAT: The New Horizons Preschool is opening its doors to prospective parents to allow parents the opportunity to meet teachers, explore classrooms and learn more about the play-based program.

WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 26 WHERE: The preschool is located inside the Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St., Batavia.

INFORMATION: New Horizons Preschool is a program of the Batavia Park District.

For information, call 630-406-5282 or

OFFICE 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 1 St. Charles, IL 60174 630-232-9222 Fax: 630-444-1641 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday NEWSROOM 630-845-5355 Fax: 630-444-1641 editorial@kcchronicle.com

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

If you have not received your paper 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 visit www.bataviaparks.org.

4

Jimmy Page birthday bash with Kashmir

WHAT: Kashmir will perform its Led Zeppelin experience with special effects, vintage equipment and outfits. Tickets cost $14.

WHEN: 9 p.m. Jan. 9 WHERE: The Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles INFORMATION: Call 630-962-7000 or visit ww.oshows.com.

5

Tree identification event set at Hickory Knolls

WHAT: “Tree Identification: How to tell your ash from a pole in the ground,” will be led by Jack Shouba, a naturalist and Morton Arboretum instructor.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Jan. 13 WHERE: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles INFORMATION: There will be a raffle, recent bird sightings and companionship.

The public is invited. For information, call Bob Andrini at 630-584-8386.

TODAY’S WEB POLL

YESTERDAY’S WEB POLL RESULTS

Do you make resolutions on New Year’s Day? • Yes, every year • I don’t wait until New Year’s Day • Sometimes • No

Of the following, which do you most wish for yourself in 2016?

1. More money (50 percent) 2. Better health (40 percent) 3. Becoming more involved in the community (10 percent) 4. Better relationships with family (zero percent)

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS Tuesday-Friday: $.75 / issue Weekend: $1.50 / issue Basic weekly rate: $4.50 Basic annual rate: $234 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 Laura Burke lburke@shawmedia.com Editor Kathy Balcazar 630-845-5368 kbalcazar@shawmedia.com News Editor Al Lagattolla 630-845-5385 alagattolla@shawmedia.com

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Copyright 2016

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• Relevant information • Marketing Solutions • Community Advocates

• Saturday, January 2, 2016

OUT&ABOUT 1

KCChronicle.com

mom run the business after my dad passed away, and now I’m the general manager.

A movie you’d recommend?

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Favorite charity? American Cancer Society Do you have children? Three Favorite ice cream flavor? Peanut butter chocolate from Oberweis Words of wisdom? Work hard, play hard Favorite local restaurant? Alley 64 in St. Charles What is an interesting factoid about yourself? I met Mr. T at Water Tower Place when I was 12.

3

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ST. CHARLES

First customer, last customer Jewelry store marks closing with final purchase

By ASHLEY SLOBODA asloboda@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES – When Goldmine Jewelers opened in downtown St. Charles three decades ago, Jim Kohlert was there.

The St. Charles resident gave the shop its first sale, he said, and – many purchases later – he returned to the store Thursday, its last day in business.

He and owner Jay Montgomery developed a friendship over the years, Kohlert said, noting he wanted to bookend Goldmine’s years in business with his patronage as a show of farewell and good luck.

Montgomery and his wife,

Lynn, are retiring.

“It was a good career and a good life,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery, who lives in Sycamore, described St. Charles as a great community to do business in.

“I was very fortunate to be here,” he said.

Kohlert – who has used the store’s jewelry repair services in addition to buying rings and gifts for family throughout the years – said his first visit to Goldmine was prompted by a sign he saw while walking through town.

Good value, local ownership and personal service kept him coming back, he said.

Montgomery said their relationship is more friendship

than business and noted that it has lasted 30 years – longer than a lot of marriages.

The men joked with each other as Kohlert told Montgomery what he wanted as his final purchase: a heart-shaped diamond necklace.

Kohlert took a few moments to find the right words about his feelings on the store closing. He said it’s great the owners are retiring, but he’s “a little jealous” Montgomery gets to do so before he does.

Lynn Montgomery said the end is “really bittersweet” and that she will miss many of the customers.

Although the Montgomerys are retiring, their goldsmith is not. Mauro Guerrero is taking

Ashley Sloboda – asloboda@shawmedia.com

Jay Montgomery of Goldmine Jewelers talks with longtime customer Jim Kohlert about his final purchase. Kohlert, who was the store’s first customer, visited the St. Charles shop on its last day in business. over the space, 213 W. Main St., with his business, The Golden

Valley Jewelers. He will offer jewelry repair as well as retail.

Aldermen question why their requests were in Geneva FOIA report

By BRENDA SCHORY bschoroy@shawmedia.com GENEVA – When a Geneva alderman’s recent request for old records was listed on the city’s November Freedom of Information Act report, it sparked discussion at a city meeting.

According to the report, it took 3 hours and 15 minutes for city staff to find the records, resulting in a $220.50 cost.

In a Nov. 19 email to City Administrator Mary McKittrick, 5th Ward Alderman Tom Simonian had requested the first year that each of the city’s four union contracts had been negotiated; who negotiated them and all subsequent union contracts; how many union members in each; and copies of each of those initial contracts.

“This was the first time I’d seen an alderman’s name on there,” Simonian said at a recent Geneva City Council meeting. “It just made me uncom-

fortable, honestly.”

The issue was whether an elected official’s request for information should have been included in the FOIA report, the same way it is done for a citizen’s request.

McKittrick said the four questions required substantial

time and research, particularly the original IBEW contracts from 1976, which involved staff going to the public works facility on South Street to look for it.

“I made that call to it being a FIOA,” McKittrick said. “ ‘Does this meet the definition of a FOIA?’ Yes, we are looking

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

4

WEATHER

5

Bill Bellis

Chief Meteorologist

National Weather

TODAY

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

Mostly sunny and chilly

Mostly sunny and continued chilly

Mix of sun and clouds

Sunny and continued chilly

26 13

27 19

Mostly sunny and more seasonal

28 18

29 17

Tri-Cities Almanac

31 23

THU

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

FRI

Increasing clouds Cloudy with rain and mild and snow

33 27

37 30

Harvard

27/18 McHenry Statistics through 4 p.m. yesterday Belvidere 28/18 Temperatures Waukegan 27/18 29/19 High/low ....................................... 30°/20° Normal high ......................................... 31° Rockford Crystal Lake Deerfield Record high .............................. 52° (2007) Algonquin 27/16 28/18 30/21 28/18 Normal low .......................................... 16° Hampshire Record low ............................. -14° (1968) Schaumburg 27/18 Elgin 28/20 Peak wind .............................. W at 23 mph 29/19 DeKalb Precipitation 28/18 Tri-Cities Chicago 24 hours through 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.00” 28/18 29/20 Month to date ................................... 0.00” Normal month to date ....................... 0.06” Oak Park Year to date ...................................... 0.00” 30/22 Aurora Normal year to date .......................... 0.06” Dixon 28/16

UV Index

29/19

Sandwich 30/20

The higher the AccuWeather.com UV Index™ number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

Orland Park 30/22

Regional Weather 10 a.m.

Noon

2 p.m.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

Seven-Day Forecast

4 p.m.

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

Air Quality Reading as of Friday

City Arlington Hts Aurora Deerfield Des Plaines Elgin Gary Hammond Janesville

Today Hi Lo W 29 20 s 29 19 s 30 21 s 30 21 s 29 19 s 33 24 s 34 23 s 27 18 s

Sunday Hi Lo W 29 17 pc 28 17 pc 29 19 pc 29 18 pc 28 16 pc 32 24 pc 32 21 s 29 16 pc

City Kankakee Kenosha La Salle Morris Munster Naperville Tinley Park Waukegan

Today Hi Lo W 30 20 s 29 18 s 30 20 s 31 20 s 30 23 s 29 20 s 30 22 s 29 19 s

Sunday Hi Lo W 28 20 pc 29 16 pc 28 17 pc 29 19 pc 30 21 pc 28 18 pc 30 20 pc 29 17 pc

Fox River Stages 0-50 Good; 51-100 Moderate; 101-150 Unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151-200 Unhealthy; 201-300 Very Unhealthy; 301-500 Hazardous Source: Illinois EPA

Weather History

The temperature at Haleakala’s summit dropped to a frigid 14 on Jan. 2, 1961. Hawaii is known as a tropical paradise, but the high mountains can be surprisingly cold.

Fld: flood stage. Prs: stage in feet at 7 a.m Friday. Chg: change in previous 24 hours.

Station Fld Prs Chg Station Fld Prs Chg Algonquin................. 3 ....... 1.47 ...... -0.09 Montgomery........... 13 ..... 12.56 ...... -0.14 Burlington, WI ........ 11 ....... 8.30 ...... -0.11 New Munster, WI .... 19 ....... 9.35 ...... -0.09 Dayton ................... 12 ..... 10.66 ...... -1.08 Princeton .............. 9.5 ....... 6.93 ..... +0.23 McHenry .................. 4 ....... 3.19 ...... -0.30 Waukesha ................ 6 ....... 3.53 ...... -0.12

Sun and Moon Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset

Today 7:21 a.m.

4:33 p.m.

12:04 a.m.

11:54 a.m.

Sunday 7:21 a.m.

4:34 p.m.

1:01 a.m.

12:24 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

City Anchorage Atlanta Baltimore Billings Boise Boston Charlotte Chicago Cincinnati Dallas Denver Des Moines Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles

Today Hi Lo W 40 32 c 51 35 pc 44 26 s 35 17 s 20 12 pc 39 29 s 53 30 s 29 20 s 38 25 s 53 37 c 41 21 s 30 13 s 81 66 s 53 41 c 33 22 s 37 17 s 51 37 pc 66 45 pc

World Weather City Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Buenos Aires Cairo Calgary Jerusalem Johannesburg London Madrid Manila

Today Hi Lo W 51 45 c 51 31 s 48 22 s 29 17 c 88 71 pc 57 46 pc 29 11 s 44 39 r 85 59 pc 52 43 sh 53 37 sh 87 76 pc

Sunday Hi Lo W 35 29 c 53 34 pc 46 25 s 33 19 s 31 21 c 41 21 pc 56 31 pc 30 19 pc 33 23 pc 57 30 c 42 20 pc 23 15 s 81 68 s 58 39 c 29 22 pc 29 13 s 55 41 c 64 48 pc

City Louisville Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Oklahoma City Omaha Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh St. Louis Salt Lake City San Francisco Seattle Washington, DC

Today Hi Lo W 43 27 s 83 70 pc 30 21 s 29 19 s 48 26 s 55 45 c 41 33 s 47 22 s 34 12 s 68 56 pc 42 31 s 70 48 s 34 26 pc 41 25 s 28 16 pc 54 44 pc 38 29 s 46 31 s

Sunday Hi Lo W 40 26 s 80 63 sh 29 18 pc 26 16 s 48 26 s 57 44 c 43 26 s 44 23 c 25 10 s 59 46 r 44 27 s 73 54 s 33 22 pc 35 22 s 34 22 c 56 46 r 42 34 pc 48 29 s

Sunday Hi Lo W 58 48 sh 50 37 s 39 23 s 24 21 pc 89 73 c 63 50 s 26 9 s 47 42 pc 84 61 s 51 43 r 52 49 c 87 75 s

City Mexico City Moscow Nassau New Delhi Paris Rio de Janeiro Rome Seoul Singapore Sydney Tokyo Toronto

Today Hi Lo W 72 46 pc 6 4 pc 81 71 sh 73 46 pc 52 40 sh 85 72 t 57 46 sh 51 33 pc 86 77 t 77 67 pc 56 45 pc 33 28 c

Sunday Hi Lo W 70 48 pc 9 2 pc 84 73 c 75 48 pc 48 43 r 85 71 c 57 38 sh 46 29 pc 85 77 t 76 65 sh 59 46 pc 34 8 c

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

Jan 9

Jan 16

Jan 23

Jan 31

Forecasts and graphics, except WFLD forecasts, provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2016

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6

COVER STORY ‘A PRETTY HIGH-PERFORMANCE SHOOTING RANGE’ Fees sought for facility upkeep

“We do not charge other county agencies to train. Court security does not pay. St. Charles does not pay because we use their outdoor range.

South Elgin, Batavia and Campton Hills and the EPA pay.”

By BRENDA SCHORY bschory@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP – As the training coordinator for the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Paul Warren is in charge of the Kane County Regional Training Center, where officers receive continuing firearms instruction.

Training for shooting, taser and tactical responses is a critical aspect of law enforcement, Warren said.

“We have over 200 officers go through it every year to get qualified, and that’s just at the sheriff’s office,” Warren said. “Our sworn officers from corrections and public safety have to qualify. Other departments use it to qualify their officers or for tactical training.”

Located on the same campus as the Kane County Judicial Center and Kane County Sheriff’s Office, the 5,700-square-foot firearms range cost nearly $2 million.

When it opened in September 2014, it was a state-of-the-art replacement for the previous shooting range, officials said, with multiple shooting lanes and the capability to accommodate different training scenarios, such as traffic stops and low-light conditions.

The range has logged about 71,000 rounds since late last year, Warren said.

Warren said that in addition to sheriff’s deputies, agencies that trained there include Kane County Court Services, the police departments of St. Charles, Campton Hills, South Elgin and Batavia and the law enforcement branch of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

The Regional Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, Special Response Team and Weapons of Mass Destruction Special Response Team, all based in Naperville, have trained at the regional center as well, Warren said.

The regional training cen-

Sgt. Paul Warren Kane County Sheriff’s Office range coordinator

Photos by Mary Beth Nolan for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy James Thrun fires on moving targets in drills during firearms training Dec. 21 at the Kane County Sheriff’s Office range. BELOW: Deputy Chris Johnson pulls his weapon during firearms training Dec. 21. ter has collected about $2,000 in fees, Warren said.

“We do not charge other county agencies to train,” Warren said. “Court security does not pay. St. Charles does not pay because we use their outdoor range. South Elgin, Batavia and Campton Hills and the EPA pay.”

The cost to rent the facility is $200 for four hours, $300 for eight hours and $400 for 24hour blocks, he said.

“We have pricing for a monthly training date, but nobody seems to be using that at this point,” said Warren, who has been range coordinator for six months. “We are looking for more agencies to use it, once we get our name out there promoting classes that we’re offering. We’re looking to use social media for promotion. We want to give the county money back for the money they invested.”

••• Revenue from rentals is to be used for maintaining the facility. So far, the only maintenance that they needed to do

was replace air filters inside the range, Warren said.

“The filters filter all the lead out of the air, so they are a little bit more involved than filters you use in your house,” Warren said.

The old range, which was at the old sheriff’s office on Fabyan Parkway in Geneva, became unusable as it had flooded and was contaminated by lead and mold, officials said.

More law enforcement agencies previously made arrangements elsewhere in the year-plus gap when the coun-

ty’s other facility closed and the new one was not built yet, Warren said. Geneva, for example, uses the St. Charles outdoor range and the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at College of DuPage, Cmdr. Julie Nash wrote in an email.

Another potential source of revenue for the range will be available in three years, when the bullet trap is cleaned out and all the lead is recycled and the old bullets are sold back, Warren said.

“The trap is what stops the bullet – it’s a pit of shredded rubber,” Warren said. “The

bullets can get recycled because [they’re] hitting rubber.

They don’t fall apart and fragment ... breaking into millions of little pieces.”

The range is not open to the public. It is open only to law enforcement and for retired police officers, Warren said.

When the range’s $1.1 million price tag was not enough, a budget adjustment of $826,000 from the county’s cash on hand put it at nearly $2 million, records show. At the time, the sheriff’s office said it would incur $60,000 to $80,000 in costs if training had to be outsourced at another facility.

Kane County Board members voted 19-4 in favor of additional funds for building the facility at a March 11, 2014, meeting, records show. Kane County Board member Phil Lewis, R-St. Charles, was one of the four who voted “no” along with Mark Davoust, R-St. Charles; Mike Donahue, R-Geneva; and Rebecca Gillam, R-West Dundee.

“I was not a big fan of it,” Lewis said. “I have never been out there. I agree law enforcement needs a range to accurately shoot their weapons if they have to. The city of St. Charles has one [an outdoor range] near [the training facility], and the city of Aurora has their own range that was brand new. So why spend the money?”

One option that Lewis

See RANGE, page 7

it.

• RANGE

Continued from page 6 would have supported was to allow the public to train there as well, he said. But officials at the time said there would be too much liability for the county, so it was not included.

“We got ourselves a pretty high-performance shooting range,” Lewis said. “We’ll see what happens.”

But County Board member John Hoscheit, R-St. Charles, said the board considered all aspects of the range and training center before supporting

“As a board, we weighed the economic benefits and the cost,” Hoscheit said. “We did a long, significant analysis about building our own or cooperating with other agencies. After studying the pros and cons, the conclusion was to build our own, and get other agencies to use it to defray the cost of operating it.”

For Warren, building the training center was the right thing to do.

“I definitely think it was a good idea,” Warren said.

“We’re getting a lot of use out of it.”

LOCAL BRIEFS Learn to emboss in Geneva GENEVA – Participants can exercise their creativity and learn something new in a Geneva Public Library aluminum embossing workshop for 20s and 30s from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at School of Art, 1772 S. Randall Road No. 220, Geneva. Those who participate will create a 3D project out of metal materials, design

patterns and learn principles of drawing. To register, visit www. gpld.org or call 630-232-0780.

Celtic music to be performed Friday

GENEVA – An evening of folk music, performed by February Sky, is set from 8 to 10 p.m.

Friday at Unitarian Church of Geneva, 102 S. Second St.,

630-482-3554 GENEVA BODY SHOP

Geneva. February Sky specializes in traditional ballads and Celtic tunes from England, Ireland, Scotland and original songs. For information on the band visit www.Februarysky.com. This evening of music is suitable for all ages. For information, call 630-232-4542 or visit www. genevaparks.org.

– Kane County Chronicle

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• Saturday, January 2, 2016

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7 COVER STORY | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Board member says economic benefits, costs were weighed

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LOCAL BRIEFS Celebrate with Mr. Nicky and Watson at library

including the Watson song that he composed. Everyone is ELBURN – A rescheduled pro- welcome.

Listen to the Watson song gram, “Celebrate the New Year with Mr. Nicky and Watson,” is at www.elburn.lib.il.us/youth/ dress-watson. set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. Check out Mr. Nicky’s Face11, at the Town and Country Public Library, 320 E. North St., book page at www.facebook. com/mrnickychicago.

Elburn.

For information, call the library Mr. Nicky’s concert on Dec. 28 was canceled due to inclement at 630-365-2244. weather. But there still is an Audubon event set for opportunity to ring in and sing Bliss Woods in Sugar Grove in the new year with a concert SUGAR GROVE – A Kane

by Mr. Nicky wishing everyone, County Audubon event is set for including Watson, the library’s 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at Bliss mascot, a happy 2016.

Mr. Nicky will perform songs, Woods Forest Preserve, 5S660

Bliss Road, Sugar Grove.

Participants should park at the end of the entrance road.

For information, call Mary Ochsenschlager at 630-4664922.

The Dog and Pony Show to perform in Batavia BATAVIA – The Dog and Pony Show will perform at 9 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 22, at Rivers Edge Bar and Grill, 12 N. River St.,

Batavia. The band plays classic rock music.

For information, call 630-4069200.

– Kane County Chronicle

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| LOCAL NEWS

8

• FOIA

Continued from page 4

Batavia couple welcomes Delnor’s first baby of 2016

By ASHLEY SLOBODA asloboda@shawmedia.com GENEVA – A Batavia couple earned the unexpected distinction Friday of becoming parents to the first baby born at Delnor Hospital in 2016.

“He was two weeks late,” Jon Pfautz said, noting his wife’s due date was Dec. 18.

“We did not think he was going to be close to the new year. It’s actually my birthday today.”

Pfautz, 33, said he is happy to share his birthday with his son, adding it’s something they can bond over and celebrate together.

He and his wife, Marisa, welcomed the boy at 11:27 a.m.

The infant weighed in at 10 pounds and measured 22 inches long.

“He’s got a full head of hair

and big cheeks, a nice disposition,” Pfautz said. “We’re very lucky.”

The baby had not been named as of Friday afternoon, Pfautz said.

“We’ve got a list,” he said.

“We really wanted to take a look at him, get to know him, see if a name jumps out.”

He and his wife, who was in good spirits after the birth, decided not to learn their baby’s gender in advance, he said.

“We figured this is our last, so we thought it would be fun to have a surprise,” Pfautz said, noting their new son has two brothers and a sister.

will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Geneva.

Margaret Kruse: Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 2, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 400 Cedar St., St. Charles. Interment will be private at Resurrection Cemetery

in Geneva.

Stephen P. Thomas: Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St. (Route 38), Geneva, with John Klasen officiating.

“He was two weeks late.

We did not think he was going to be close to the new year. It’s actually my birthday today.”

Jon Pfautz Batavia resident

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS Marvin D. Dunn: Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, at Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2300 Main St., Batavia. Entombment

“You think employees – professional staff – should be sent to public works to be looking through lockers and files?”

Kevin Burns Geneva mayor

• Saturday, January 2, 2016

Photo provided

Delnor Hospital’s first baby of the new year was born at 11:27 a.m. Friday to parents Marisa and Jon Pfautz of Batavia. They were still deciding on a name for their son as of late afternoon.

open records request, she said.

“I’ll preface everything, ‘This is city business. I’m doing it for this reason,’ ” Simonian said, adding his requests would not be construed as an open records request.

Mayor Kevin Burns said when he saw Simonian’s and 5th Ward Alderman Craig Maladra’s names in the November FOIA report, he called McKittrick to ask why.

“And then I read the statute,” Burns said.

Not being a trained and certified FOIA officer, Burns said he deferred to McKittrick’s “expertise and insight.” McKittrick said the city’s monthly report on FOIAs is an administrative process to track time spent and equivalent money that it costs to gather that information.

Maladra had requested a record that was filed by a citizen, so it was forwarded via email to him at no further cost to the city, McKittrick said Reading from the city code, however, 2nd Ward Alderman Richard Marks said all records kept by the city are to be open for inspection to any member of the council at all reasonable times.

“That tells me that the information should be given to us and should not be on a FOIA request,” Marks said.

“You think employees – professional staff – should be sent to public works to be looking through lockers and files?” Burns asked.

“That is what code says.

We have the right to that information, and it shouldn’t be FOIA’d,” Marks responded. “It’s not a FOIA request if it’s done by a council member.”

“That does not preclude it from being a FOIA,” McKittrick said. “We would provide any information … whether we count that as a FOIA. It’s trying to be accountable for the time spent.”

Burns later added that public officials should not be treated differently from the public when asking for information not germane to current city business.

“The city has invested time and resources into training FOIA officers to know the law,” Burns wrote in a text in a response to a question. “Asking for special exemptions for elected officials, appointed officials and staff is contrary to good governance and transparency.”

Simonian said he was interested in the past union contracts to see their progression. He said it was pertinent to city business.

“My personal opinion, their [raises] should be tied to the consumer price index or inflation,” Simonian said. “I’ve had an argument since I’ve been on the council about union contracts not being fair to citizens of Geneva.”

Marks said he disagreed with including Simonian’s questions as a FOIA request.

“I think if an alderman makes a reasonable request, there is no reason to put it down as a FOIA and put a cost to it,” Marks said. “That does not make a lot of sense.”

Besides, Marks said, the union contracts dating to the 1970s should have been more readily available.

“Why are union contracts, that were probably approved by ordinance, sitting up in a carton in public works?”

Marks asked. “I would hope at some point we’d start scanning that stuff in. What’s in what box? I do not know how they keep track of what’s where.”

LOCAL NEWS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Geneva mayor deferred to 9 administrator McKittrick

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By ASHLEY SLOBODA asloboda@shawmedia.com ST. CHARLES – When Lori Smerz saw a photograph of Lincoln Elementary School accompanying a headline about parents rallying to save the facility, she thought people surrounding the building would make for a better picture.

That idea prompted her to organize Hands around Lincoln, an event set for 4 p.m.

Sunday at the school, 211 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles, she said. She described it as a “good, nonverbal visual of how parents are supporting Lincoln.”

Lincoln, the oldest K-5 building in St. Charles School District 303, is one of three schools being considered for closure as a way to cut costs in anticipation of declining enrollment and less financial support from the state.

The September announce-

n WHAT: Hands around Lincoln n WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday n WHERE: Lincoln Elementary School, 211 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles ment about potential closures – Wasco Elementary School and Haines Middle School are the others under consideration – sparked outcry among the community.

Supporters of Lincoln have been particularly vocal, having made “Save Lincoln” T-shirts and creating a “Save Lincoln Elementary School” float in the Electric Christmas Parade.

Smerz said the school’s history is one reason why it has gotten such strong support. Additionally, she said, it’s a school her children were able to walk to, and the teachers, staff and principal are “people I feel willing to stand behind.”

She said she planned her event for Sunday so it wouldn’t interfere with normal school operations. She doesn’t know how many people to expect, she said, or whether enough people will attend to circle the building.

“Anybody who has been supporting our efforts to save Lincoln – they are welcome to attend,” Smerz said, noting she expects the event to last 15 to 20 minutes.

District administration has asked the school board to take action on the facilities options at its regular meeting set for 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Wredling Middle School, 1200 Dunham Road, St. Charles.

School board members are expected to discuss the issue at a special meeting set for 6 p.m. Monday in the Thompson Middle School library, 705 W. Main St., St. Charles. Citizen comments will be limited to three minutes per speaker for a total of 30 minutes.

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LOCAL BRIEF Decorate with Candy Day 2, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 celebration set for Geneva Kaneville Road, Geneva.

GENEVA – The Geneva Park District will celebrate National Decorate with Candy Day from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.

Children ages 4 to 8 are encouraged to make their own winter nature masterpiece out of candy.

The cost is $10 for residents and $12 for others.

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

10 Hands around Lincoln event aims

BOARD

Jim Ringness General Manager

Kathy Balcazar Editor

Al Lagattolla News Editor

Kevin Druley Sports Editor

OUR VIEW: THUMBS-UP/THUMBS-DOWN Thumbs-down: Thumbs down to people driving recklessly

during intense winter weather.

You know who they are. They are the ones who are not slowing down, increasing their following distance or turning on their headlights.

After mild weather most of the season, winter hit full force in the area a number of times this

week.

Sleety, snowy, rainy, all-over yucky weather struck Monday evening. And a lighter snow fell Wednesday morning. Ice also has been part of the equation this week.

During the periods of severe weather, accidents were reported in Kane County and the surrounding area. Route 47 was closed for a time between Routes 38 and 64 due to ice buildup on the roadway. Power outages took place. Some facilities closed early.

Nothing out of the ordinary for the general Chicago area during winter. But it does seem like motorists need a reminder each year to drive safely when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Consumer Reports lists several tips for safe driving. They include making sure one’s vehicle is clear of snow and ice before hitting the road; reducing speed and driving smoothly; allowing longer braking distances; avoiding sudden actions when cornering; and being extra wary of other motorists.

Drivers also should make sure that their vehicle is in proper working order. Items to check include making sure tires are inflated appropriately, that the battery is strong and that windshield-wiper fluid is topped off.

Be the safe driver this season. Don’t be the driver that other motorists need to be cautious of on the roadway.

Thumbs-up: Thumbs up to solar-powered gates that are report-

edly going to save the Forest Preserve District of Kane County time and money.

Residents of Kane County sure seem to like their forest preserves. And they also seem to like environmentally friendly technology.

So it seems that installing the solar-powered, automated entrance gates at 32 of the most active forest preserves in Kane County is a win-win.

The gates automatically open at sunrise and close at sunset.

They also can be programmed to open and close at specific times for evening nature programs and other scheduled events.

Each gate costs about $3,600, with a total price of $115,200.

“Our staff is thrilled, and the public is glad they can access the preserves right at sunrise,” Brad Treadwell, trades supervisor for the forest preserve district, stated in a news release.

“With the amount of time we’re saving in fuel and staff hours, the gates will pay for themselves in roughly two years.”

Sure sounds like a bright idea to us.

WRITE TO US The Kane County Chronicle welcomes original letters on public issues.

Letters must include the author’s full name, home address and day and evening telephone numbers. We limit letters to 400 words. All letters are subject to editing for length and clarity at the sole discretion of the editor. Letters can be emailed to letters@kcchronicle.com, faxed to 630-444-1641 and mailed to Letters, Kane County Chronicle, 333 N. Randall Road, Suite 2, St. Charles IL 60174.

THE FIRST

AMENDMENT

ANOTHER VIEW

The welcome decline of the death penalty THE WASHINGTON POST “The death penalty is withering throughout most of the country,” the Death Penalty Information Center’s Robert Dunham said.

In its year-end report, his group found that executions, death sentences and public support for the death penalty approached or hit historic lows in 2015.

Reducing the use of this immoral and impractical punishment, however, is not enough.

Several places around the country hand down an astonishing number of death sentences, despite the expense in applying the ultimate punishment, despite the fact that exonerations continue to expose injustice in administering it, and despite that the death penalty has no place in a society committed to human rights.

Six states put 28 people to death in 2015, the lowest number of executions since 1991. The pipeline into

11 Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

OPINIONS

EDITORIAL

death row is also shrinking: As of the year-end report’s release two weeks ago, 14 states and the federal government had sentenced 49 people to die in 2015, a modern low, down from a 1996 peak of 315.

This year also saw the death penalty end in Connecticut, where the state Supreme Court effectively struck it down; in Pennsylvania, where the governor issued a moratorium; and in Nebraska, where the legislature ended the punishment. One possible motivation is the mounting evidence of the system’s deep faults: Six people were exonerated and released from death row this year, bringing the cumulative total since 1973 to 156.

Pharmaceutical companies’ refusal to sell drugs to states seeking to perform executions partly explains these figures. So does the lower crime rate the country has experienced in recent years. A majority of

Americans still favor the death penalty. Even so, a greater share of Americans now oppose the punishment than at any time since 1972, and it is likely that many who favor it do so in theory but have qualms about it in application.

Once broadly accepted, capital punishment is increasingly a fringe practice.

A handful of states conduct nearly all executions. Four – Texas, Missouri, Georgia and Florida – carried out 93 percent of them in 2015.

Sixty-three percent of new death sentences came from a mere 2 percent of U.S. counties, a group with a history of disproportionately using the death penalty.

Bad policy encourages this sort of excess: Three states – Alabama, Delaware and Florida – do not require juries to be unanimous when recommending a death sentence. A quarter of new sentences came from split juries in these states.

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.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

| KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE

12

13 KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

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• Saturday, January 2, 2016

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

14

BATAVIA

Police seek info about reported physical assault KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE editorial@kcchronicle.com BATAVIA – Authorities are seeking information as they investigate a report that a woman was physically assaulted Friday morning at an apartment complex on the city’s west side, according to a Batavia Police Department news release.

The woman, 42, reportedly told police that when she arrived home about 4:45 a.m. in the 1000 block of Lorlyn Circle, a man approached her in the lobby and began making conversation.

She refused to speak to him, but he followed her to her apartment door and a

Sugar Grove crash victim discharged from hospital

short struggle ensued, police reported. The man reportedly left after the woman fought back.

No injuries were reported.

The man was described as black, 35 to 40 years old, clean shaven and wearing dark pants with a black or navy coat, police said.

Police reportedly checked the complex and surrounding area but didn’t find the man.

Those who might have seen or heard anything in the area are asked to call the Batavia Police Department Investigations Division at 630-454-2500.

SOUND OFF They protect you

Are you as tired as I am in having the police across America berated, ridiculed and criticized as being the villain? Yes, even some political figures do not seem to support law enforcement. If so, do not be afraid to drop off a card, some cookies, candy or whatever to your local police department, to thank them for what they do. For what they do is protect you.

Can you tolerate all religions?

With all of the anti-Muslim rhetoric and all the problems that we are having with Muslim extremism, I have some questions to ask about religion. When we were growing up, it was the Catholics who said Catholic is the only true religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses say theirs is the only true religion. Muslims say theirs is the only true religion.

Numerous other sects say their religion is the only true religion.

Sound Off guidelines

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 seconds. n Callers may speak on topics anonymously. n Because of the volume of calls to our Sound Off line, please limit 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.

My question to all of them is: Are you able to accept the fact that people have different religions and not consider your religion the only religion and the only true religion, and the rest of us are heathens? The fact is, we were taught because religious wars can never be won, that there are subjects that are taboo. You never answer about religion. You never brought reli-

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

By ASHLEY SLOBODA asloboda@shawmedia.com SUGAR GROVE – A man critically injured in a Sugar Grove crash last month has been discharged from the hospital, according to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.

David Alvarado, 20, of Aurora was flown to the Downers Grove facility after a Dec. 15 crash on Galena Boulevard.

The accident happened at 9:30 a.m. where the road goes over Route 56 as Alvarado was pushing a 2010 Toyota Yaris in the westbound lanes. He was struck from behind by a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu.

The driver of the Malibu, Jorge Espinosa, 18, of Aurora was cited with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving without a license.

gion up in a public place because religion is personal to everyone, and it’s very easy to offend people. My question again is: Can you tolerate all religions?

Can you tolerate it without saying that one religion is worse than another? If the Muslims cannot do that, then we can’t have them here in this country.

This country was founded on religious freedom.

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R U G YO IN T E S LI ER H

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation of discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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

LOG ON TO KCCHRONICLE.COM/PREPS TODAY FOR COVERAGE OF MARMION BOYS HOCKEY.

NATURAL RESOURCES

STEEL ASSISTANT MANNINO CHANNELS CAREER TO HELP YOUNGER PLAYERS /16 Photo provided by Ross Dettman/Chicago Wolves

Steel assistant coach Peter Mannino enjoyed his best years as a professional with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League.

WEEKEND CHIT-CHAT Kaneland distance runner Austin Kintz has high expectations heading into his senior season. PAGE 21

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

SPORTS

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Have some sports news?

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

| SPORTS

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CHICAGO STEEL

‘A great transition for me’

Mannino’s playing past fuels Steel

By KEVIN DRULEY kdruley@shawmedia.com Name a professional or junior hockey team that uses “Chicago” as a place name.

Chances are, Peter Mannino either has backstopped, defeated or helped guide it.

A first-year assistant with the Chicago Steel after recently retiring as a goaltender, Mannino often channels his two seasons with the Chicago Wolves or the night he beat the Chicago Blackhawks as a member of the New York Islanders.

The latter occurred almost seven years ago, at the dawn of his pro career, but experiences trump dates when Steel players ask Mannino to explore his background.

“There’s a lot of Chicago in my life after college,” Mannino said. “To be able to kind of coach juniors now as part of that is very special. To contribute to hockey at all levels and in those positions is really cool.”

Mannino, 31, helped the University of Denver to an NCAA tournament championship in 2005, when he was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. No stranger to hardware, he won the 2004 Anderson Cup with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm.

Although Mannino now works in the Tri-Cities after the USHL Steel’s relocation to Geneva over the summer, the Tri-City club is based in Kearney, Nebraska.

A Farmington Hills, Mich., native, Mannino called rinks in 14 other cities home after his NCAA career ended in 2008-09. Although topping the Blackhawks still holds plenty of (frozen) water – “Did I do that? I forgot. It’s been such a long time ago,” Mannino quipped – his tutelage begins with helping a locker room filled with college prospects understand NCAA life. And ideally beyond.

“If it’s a story, an adjust-

Photo provided by Ross Dettman/Chicago Wolves

Steel assistant coach Peter Mannino was a member of the New York Islanders when he beat the Blackhawks, 4-2, in March 2009. ment for the technical side of their game or guidance on and off the ice, it’s kind of what we’re here for,” Mannino

said. “We’re coaching, we’re teaching, and that’s what I’m really excited about.

“This is a great transition

for me. And the coaching staff, that’s constantly what we’re doing every day is saying, ‘Hey, that’s what we’re here

for. We’re here to give you every tool, every resource.’ You take what you want. Just take even the smallest piece from it, and hopefully it brings you some excellence down the road.”

To Mannino, “the higher you go, this game itself is more fun because of the pace and the skill.” To that end, he reached one of hockey’s pinnacles on the night of March 15, 2009, when he made his first NHL start against the Blackhawks at the United Center.

Of the 42 shots that came Mannino’s way, he stopped 40, helping the Islanders to a 4-2 victory. Mannino’s parents and wife, who was his girlfriend at the time, attended the game, augmenting the pangs of elation for an undrafted free agent who topped an NHL team on the brink of its current dynasty.

Kris Versteeg and Patrick Kane scored for the Blackhawks. Kane’s goal came on one of six Chicago power plays.

“To be able to go against that, win or lose, it was just that special moment you’ve waited for forever,” Mannino said.

Mannino played three games with the Islanders that season and returned to the NHL for three more games with the Atlanta Thrashers/ Winnipeg Jets franchise in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

The Islanders-Blackhawks game was his lone win. He had far more at other levels, including 42 with the Chicago Wolves over 80 appearances in two seasons.

When his playing career ended last season with Binghamton (N.Y.) of the American Hockey League – the same NHL developmental league in which the Wolves play – Mannino embraced an opportunity to enter coaching.

Steel coach Dan Muse and assistant Dallas Steward have lauded Mannino’s energy and enthusiasm.

For Mannino, the motivation is simple. He’s had his day in the sun. Now he wants to help others do the same.

PREP WRESTLING

By JAMES NOKES editorial@kcchronicle.com

• Saturday, January 2, 2016

Riley Vanik can spend hours on the wrestling mat.

The Kaneland junior has a passion to drill moves over and over. In live wrestling, he’s an intense competitor.

But as wrestlers across the state enter the season’s home stretch and prepare for a final, seven-week run, Kaneland coach Joe Orosco has a challenge for Vanik, a New Year’s resolution for the 170-pounder with a 17-1 record.

“Riley can wrestle live all day,” Orosco said. “But he hates to run. I want him to get in extra cardio and run some more. Because he’s been so dominant, most of his matches have ended quickly. But as the season goes on, he has to be ready to go the full six minutes.”

Now is the time where season-defining momentum is built. Beginning Feb. 6, it’s three consecutive weekends of state series tournaments where the competition gets deeper the farther a wrestler advances.

The wrestlers who survive and advance out of the first two stages, the regional and sectional tournaments, will have earned a walk onto the mat at the State Farm Center at the University of Illinois campus in Champaign Feb. 18-20.

It’s only a three-week sprint, but it’s a grueling process that feels more like a marathon to wrestlers. There’s time to tighten up technique, do extra weightlifting, improve cardio and eat a diet designed for optimal performance, but it’s quickly running out.

“My mental focus is on only one thing,” said Vanik, who finished sixth at 160 pounds at the 2015 IHSA Class 2A state meet. “I’m going to visualize standing on top of that podium at state. That’s all I think about when I am training or wrestling.”

To make his dream a reality, Vanik also has a New Year’s resolution.

“I’m going to do a lot more running, a lot more weightlifting and am going to eat

SPORTS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Kaneland’s Vanik prepares for grueling road ahead

17

Mary Beth Nolan for Shaw Media

Kaneland’s Riley Vanik (left) says his New Year’s resolution is simple. “I’m going to visualize standing on top of that podium at state.” clean every day,” Vanik said.

“I’ve got to go all out in the mat room. I’ve got to make it harder than any match I’ll wrestle.”

At Geneva, coach Tom Chernich has a young team, and many wrestlers are hitting the final leg of the season for the first time.

“If wrestling is what you love and you’re willing to go at it hard for the next five to seven weeks, you can get to state if you are dedicated and want it.” Chernich said. “It seems like a long period of time, but it goes so fast. If a guy goes in early in the morning and does extra conditioning, practices hard and stays late to do extra cardio and lifting while maintaining a diet, they are on the right path for getting hot and making a run at state.”

Michael Donatelli is on the

verge of being in the discussion as a state contender. The Geneva 126-pounder is only a sophomore but has years of wrestling experience. As an alumnus of the Geneva Junior Vikings’ Youth Wrestling Club, Donatelli’s career got an early start.

He has a hectic offseason schedule. He’s trained at private gyms and has faced elite competition at offseason wrestling camps.

But to make a run at the Class 3A state tournament, Donatelli has resolved to improve his attack. For an offensive wrestler that has operated at a high work rate, Donatelli has attacked opponents frequently and created scoring opportunities from all angles. The key, however, might be to slow down.

“I’ve got to take a deep

breath once I have a shot locked in,” said Donatelli, who has a 17-4 record. “There’s no need to rush at this point. I’ve already hit a good shot and need to look to finish or hit back points at this time.”

Once Donatelli has hit a shot and locked in a single leg, he wants to “explode upwards and finish right away.”

He’s rushed the move before and missed the opportunity to pick up valuable back points because his opponent got into a scramble. If he’s hit a back trip, he wants to get his opponent to the mat first, gain control and then go to work on a leveraged wrestler.

As Donatelli made his New Year’s resolution to be more calculated in his attack, there’s a piece of history that has chased down every Geneva wrestler for over 25 years.

In 1990, Ray Soto won the Vikings’ only state title. He made a run to the top of the 171 pound Class AA podium – there were only two classes at the time – a feat every Viking since has pursued.

“Everyone in Geneva remembers that name, Ray Soto,” Chernich said. “I’ve seen wrestlers get hot and go on a six-or seven-week run that culminates with a state tournament berth. Sure there are seeds at post-season tournaments, but in reality everyone is 0-0. Everyone has a chance to make a run if they’ve done the right things like doing extra lifting and cardio, eating right, maximizing their time in the mat room and getting on a solid sleep cycle.”

For a wrestler, those are New Year’s resolutions worth keeping.

19 | KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

| SPORTS

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PREP SCHEDULE

GENEVA BOYS BASKETBALL

​Today Wrestling: Marmion at The Clash at Rochester (Minn.), 9 a.m.; St. Charles East at Waubonsie Valley, 10 a.m.; St. Francis at Aurora Central Catholic quad, TBA Boys hockey: Marmion at Benet, 3:40 p.m.

Monday Wrestling: Kaneland at Plano, 6 p.m.

Boys bowling: Geneva at Lake Park, 4 p.m.

Girls bowling: Jacobs at St. Charles East, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday Boys basketball: Glenbard West at St. Charles East, 7 p.m.

Girls basketball: Cary-Grove at St. Charles North, 7 p.m., West Aurora at Geneva, 7 p.m., Rosary at Bishop McNamara, 7 p.m., St. Francis at Queen of Peace, 7 p.m., Johnsburg at Burlington Central, 7 p.m.

Boys swimming: Loyola at Marmion, 5 p.m.

Girls bowling: St. Charles East at Geneva, 4 p.m., St. Charles North at Elgin, 4 p.m.

Wednesday Girls bowling: Geneva at St. Edward, 4 p.m., Huntley at Kaneland, 4:30 p.m.

Girls gymnastics: Geneva, Glenbard East at Glenbard South Triangular, 6 p.m.

Thursday Girls basketball: East Aurora at Kaneland, 7 p.m., St. Joseph’s at Rosary, 7 p.m., De La Salle at St. Francis, 7 p.m.

Wrestling: Batavia at St. Charles East, 5:30 p.m., St. Charles North at Geneva, 5:30 p.m., Burlington Central, Marengo at Genoa-Kingston triangular, 5:30 p.m.

Boys swimming: St. Charles East at St. Charles North, 5 p.m.

Girls bowling: Streamwood at St. Charles North, 4 p.m., West Aurora at St. Charles East, 4 p.m.

Friday Boys basketball: Geneva at St. Charles East, 7 p.m., Larkin at Batavia, 7 p.m., Streamwood at St. Charles North, 7 p.m., Kaneland at DeKalb, 7 p.m., Marmion at DePaul College Prep, 7 p.m., St. Francis at St. Mel, 7 p.m.

Girls basketball: St. Charles East at Geneva, 7 p.m., Larkin at Batavia, 5:30 p.m., St. Charles North at Streamwood, 7 p.m., Burlington Central at Harvard, 7 p.m., Marengo at Burlington Central, 7 p.m.

Wrestling: Geneva at St. Charles East, 5 p.m., Marmion at De La Salle, 5 p.m., Batavia at Elgin, 5:30 p.m., DeKalb at Kaneland, 5:30 p.m.

Klaus, Vikings learn from Dayton loss

By CHRIS CASEY ccasey@shawmedia.com DeKALB – Before this boys basketball season, Drew Klaus was predominantly known for his abilities on the soccer field.

His 6-foot-5 stature allowed him to win headers in the air, but he’s shown that interest in getting air on the court recently.

It’s been well-noted that Geneva has been without its goto scoring option and on-court leader, Bennett Fuzak, for the past couple of weeks due to injury.

While coach Phil Ralston would like to have Fuzak back in a heartbeat, his absence also has allowed players such as Klaus to see increased roles.

“We’ve had a number of players step up, but Drew has done a great job,” Ralston said.

“This team came together and realized that everyone would have to do a little more, and he is certainly one that has stepped up and played well in Bennett’s absence.”

Playing well may have been an understatement for Klaus’ start to the recent Chuck Dayton tournament.

The senior forward was along-

Sandy Bressner – sbressner@shawmedia.com

Geneva’s 6-foot-8 Drew Klaus (right) has seen a sizable role increase in recent weeks. side his teammates before their championship battle with host DeKalb on Wednesday seeing his name atop the tournament leaderboard for field goal percentage.

Klaus made his first seven shots of the tournament before draining a 3-pointer to make it eight in a row before a miss in the tournament.

However, one shot that neither Klaus nor any Viking basketball player took during Wednesday’s 41-39 loss to host DeKalb was a free throw.

Geneva (10-3) did not make a free-throw attempt in the game. Although the Barbs didn’t make a living from the line – making four of seven attempts in the win – Ralston

provide coffee and doughnuts for attendees.

For information on either GENEVA – The Cougars will event, call the Cougars at 630welcome their soon-to-be-announced 2016 field staff and or- 232-8811. “Meet the Diamondganizational brass when the club backs” tickets are available by phone or online at kccougars. hosts a “Meet the Diamondcom. backs” hot stove event Jan. 29 The Cougars are set to begin at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

Admission is $49, and includes their 26th season of Midwest League baseball in Geneva on an all-you-can-eat buffet and April 7, hosting Clinton at 6:30 draft beer. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a speakers series and p.m. question-and- answer session to Batavia plans start at 7.

On the following day, Jan. 30, turf fundraiser BATAVIA – Batavia High the Cougars will host a free baseball coaches clinic from 9 to School and the Batavia Boosters are set to host Tee Off for Turf, a 11:30 a.m. at the ballpark’s fundraiser for the school’s effort upper-deck level. Instructors from the Cougars and Diamond- to bring a new turf surface to BHS, from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. backs organizations will lead 17 at Topgolf Naperville, 3211 seminars, and the Cougars will

Odyssey Court.

Cost is $75 a person or $450 for a group of six. The day includes golf, a satellite cash bar, bottomless soda, iced tea and water, and a catered food spread featuring chicken and beef sliders. A 50/50 auction also is planned, and sponsorships are available. The facility offers numerous televisions tuned to the NFL playoffs and other sporting events.

Those interested and wishing to pay by credit card can visit www.TeeOffForTurf.ezregister. com. If paying by check, make the check payable to Batavia High School or Batavia boosters and return to the Batavia athletic office by Jan. 15. For information, contact Julie Stuttle at julie.stuttle@bps101.net.

could not recall a time where a team he coached did not attempt a free throw in a game.

“In the past, Geneva has prided itself on getting to the free-throw line,” Ralston said.

“We are making more free throws this season than other teams are taking. DeKalb is a very good team, but to not send one person to the freethrow line in the game is pretty magnificent.”

Regardless of not taking a free throw, one person Ralston would have liked to see either at the line or putting the ball in the basket in the second half was Jordan Vedder.

The 6-foot-8 senior, who has shown an ability to score from just about anywhere on the court, was kept scoreless for the second straight second half Wednesday.

He compiled 27 points in those two first halves, but Ralston said it was also in part to defenses doing a better job on him.

“I don’t think he got less aggressive necessarily, but they have figured out some of the things he likes to do,” Ralston said. “Jordan knows his role on this team and all of our guys will get better as a result of the way this game went.”

SPORTS BRIEFS ‘Meet the Diamondbacks’ event set for Jan. 29

GHS announces Hall of Fame class

GENEVA – Geneva High School recently announced the induction class for its 2015-16 Athletic Hall of Fame. Former girls basketball coach Gina Nolan, Class of 2009 member Taylor Whitley and Class of 1986 member Tom Rogers comprise the class. The induction ceremony is set for Feb. 5. More details will follow at a later date.

Send us your scores

High school coaches wishing to report results of varsity sports may email sportsdesk@ kcchronicle.com, fax to 630444-1641 or call one of two numbers: 630-845-5347 or 630-845-5382.

– Kane County Chronicle

How’s the offseason training been going? What do you do?

What does your training mainly involve?

So we started lifting after Thanksgiving break. We lift Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and they are high-intensity lifts. Coach stresses that he wants them done fast, but right – not socializing during them. After Wednesdays and Fridays, we have something called a finisher. It’s basically another workout in itself. It’s hard to explain besides the fact that it’s high intensity.

We’re constantly encouraging each other and it’s a really good team-building thing.

So does this finisher involve running or is it lifting?

It’s lifting. It’s kind of

AUSTIN KINTZ KANELAND TRACK tough to explain, but here’s an example: We do the Navy Seal workout. You start at 35 reps in each exercise ... so 35 push-ups, 35 sit-ups, 35 dips and so on. You do that round, then do it all over again, but 30 reps, then 25 ... all the way down to five reps. You usually cannot feel your arms after it’s done.

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Are you planning to run anywhere next year in college?

I am going to, yes. I have two options right now. I visited the Air Force Academy the second week of December and I’ll be taking a visit to the Naval Academy in early February. I should be able to have a decision shortly after that.

I heard that you are an aspiring journalist (having worked with the school newspaper).

Where did that interest come from and when did you begin to think you’d like to follow a career path in this fantastic profession?

It’s actually shifted a bit more toward engineering.

At Kaneland, those classes are the first three years, so I took a break from journalism – which I really did enjoy – and I have been leaning toward studying engineering wherever I go for the next four years.

• Saturday, January 2, 2016

Hopefully, I can try and challenge for the top spot in that race. Three of the top five finishers were seniors in that race last year, and the only other guy that beat me was a junior. There will be really good competition with some underclassmen probably coming in as well.

But also, I have more team-focused goals this year. We’re bringing back a lot of returning guys. Finishing sixth (as a team) with only three guys running and jumping in finals, we feel like a lot of momentum that can hopefully carry over to a better finish as a team at state.

CHIT-CHAT

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Finishing fifth at state with that program-record time in the 1,600 run, what are the goals for this year?

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Lastly, with it being your senior year and last go-around, what are your thoughts about that?

It’s going to be weird.

Going back to freshman year, if you told me what I’ve accomplished, I’d have a hard time believing it. Senior year is going to be awesome, fun, a lot of hard work and hopefully a lot of success. I’m really looking forward to it.

SPORTS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Kaneland senior distance runner Austin Kintz is heading into his final prep track season this spring as the Knights’ program record holder in the 1,600-meter run (4:19.21), a mark set at the 2015 Class 2A IHSA Boys Track and Field State Meet. In between his winter training, Kintz caught up with Kane County Chronicle sports reporter Chris Casey in the latest edition of the Weekend Chit-Chat to discuss his excitement and goals for the upcoming season. An edited transcript follows:

Recovery is everywhere.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

| SPORTS

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WHAT TO WATCH TODAY College football TaxSlayer Bowl, Penn State vs.

Georgia, at Jacksonville, Fla., 11 a.m., ESPN Liberty Bowl, Kansas State vs.

Arkansas, at Memphis, Tenn., 2:20 p.m., ESPN Cactus Bowl, West Virginia vs.

Arizona State, at Phoenix, 9:15 p.m., ESPN Prep football Under Armour All-America Game, at Orlando, Fla., 11 a.m., ESPN2 Pro basketball Phoenix at Sacramento, 4 p.m., NBA Houston at San Antonio, 7:30 p.m., NBA Men’s basketball DePaul at Seton Hall, 10 a.m., FS1 Penn State at Michigan, 11 a.m., BTN West Virginia at Kansas State, 11 a.m., ESPNU Houston at Temple, 11 a.m., ESPNEWS St. Joseph’s at Richmond, 11:30 a.m., NBCSN Butler at Xavier, noon, FS1 Rutgers at Wisconsin, 1 p.m., BTN Tennessee at Auburn, 1 p.m., CBS Texas at Texas Tech, 1 p.m., ESPNU Norfolk State at Alabama, 1 p.m., SEC Dayton at Duquesne, 1:30 p.m., NBCSN Morehead State at Murray State, 2 p.m., CBSSN Michigan State at Minnesota, 2 p.m., ESPN2 St. John’s at Providence, 2:30 p.m., FS1 Indiana at Nebraska, 3 p.m., BTN Baylor at Kansas, 3 p.m., CBS Tulsa at Cincinnati, 3 p.m., ESPNU TCU at Oklahoma State, 3 p.m., ESPNEWS St. Louis at Rhode Island, 3:30 p.m., NBCSN Arkansas at Texas A&M, 3:30 p.m., SEC George Mason at VCU, 4 p.m., CBSN Notre Dame at Virginia, 4 p.m., ESPN2 Marquette at Georgetown, 4:30 p.m., FS1

Iowa at Purdue, 5 p.m., BTN 1 p.m., FS1 6 p.m., FS1 Memphis at South Carolina, FAU at FIU, 2 p.m., FSN Fordham at George Washing5 p.m., ESPNU Illinois at Ohio State, 4 p.m., ton, 6 p.m., NBCSN Iowa State at Oklahoma, BTN Wake Forest at Louisville, 6 p.m., ESPN2 UMass at LaSalle, 4 p.m., NBCSN 7 p.m., ESPN Mississippi at Kentucky, Oregon at Oregon State, Colorado at Stanford, 9 p.m., 6 p.m., SEC UConn at Tulane, 6:30 p.m., CBSSN South Florida at SMU, 6:30 p.m., ESPNEWS Maryland at Northwestern, 7 p.m., BTN $ FREE Brake 10 OFF any oil Georgia at Florida, 7 p.m., Inspection with Tire change up to 5 qts ESPNU Rotation LSU at Vanderbilt, 8 p.m., ESPN2 FREE Check Engine New Mexico at Fresno State, Code Read with FREE FREE Alignment 8:30 p.m., CBSSN Checks half hour Dignostic Villanova at Creighton, 9 p.m., FS1 $ San Diego State at Utah State, FREE Front Wiper 9.99 Winter 9 p.m., ESPNU Blade with a $100 Inspection Gonzaga at San Francisco, purchase 10 p.m., ESPN2 $ 99 49. Coolant Flush Women’s basketball Richmond at LaSalle, 10 a.m., FREE Battery Check CBSSN Expires 11/30/15. Only valid if printed. Cannot be combined with any other offer. All taxes and fees apply.

South Florida at East Carolina, noon, CBSSN Mixed Martial Arts UFC 195, prelims, at Las Vegas, 7 p.m., FS1 Soccer Premier League, Liverpool at West Ham, 6:45 a.m., NBCSN Premier League, Newcastle at Arsenal, 9 a.m., NBCSN Premier League, Swansea City at Manchester United, 9 a.m., USA Premier League, Manchester City at Watford, 11:30 a.m., NBC

ESPNU Women’s basketball Michigan at Indiana, 11:30 a.m., BTN Dayton at Duquesne, noon, CBSSN

Cold Weather Ahead!

SUNDAY Pro football N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, noon, CBS Detroit at Bears, noon, FOX Seattle at Arizona, 3 p.m., FOX San Diego at Denver, 3:25 p.m., CBS Minnesota at Green Bay, 7:20 p.m., NBC Prep football Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, at Carson, Calif., 8 p.m., FS1 Pro hockey Ottawa at Blackhawks, 6 p.m., CSN Pro basketball Bulls at Toronto, 2:30 p.m., WGN Men’s basketball Arizona at Arizona State,

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WEEKEND LIFE

23

Three days in a row, my dear daughter flopped down beside me and announced, “I’m bored.”

“Let’s watch a movie,” I said, grinning. Hooray! Our “Little Women” moment had finally arrived!

“Naw,” she replied. Shoot.

“Wanna play cards?”

“No.” “Read a book?”

“I do lots of reading,” she said.

“Texting doesn’t count,” I said. “Walk the dog?”

She sighed. So did the Big Red Dog. “Call so-and-so to hang out?”

“Mom!” By the third day I even suggested she plan a party and invite all of her friends.

Which would have involved actual housework on my part.

But no dice. I think she even mumbled something about me needing to mind my own business as she walked away.

Whatever.

There’s this thing some moms do where we kinda hold our breath and hover at the

perimeter of each day, sorta there-but-not-there, just in case the adolescents in our lives need us (it happens), or, dare-I-say, want to hang with us (equal parts pathetic and opportunistic – it’s a skill).

But two weeks is a long time to hold your breath. It’s a marathon. NOW I understand my friends’ penchants for planning “get-outta-Dodge,” umbrella-drink-in-hand moments, and mission trips to warmer climes during winter break.

(But you’re killing me with the Facebook pics, people. Have you seen our weather?) Possessed with my own mission, to catch this fleeting week and make a memory with my kids before it completely slips through my fingers and they slip back into school mode, I pounced upon an idea.

“Hey, Noah, let’s – “I began, while he not so subtly checked his phone for a better offer. Yes, things are as they should be, I decided, as I lamented once more that we forgot to do something “meaningful” with this week,

TALES FROM THE MOTHERHOOD Jennifer DuBose reassured myself that there will be others and – yeah – texted my own friends, visions of bonding and board games dancing in my head. While I waited for their reply, I wondered, what’s up with this “bored” stuff, anyway? I know Holly’ll survive it (and maybe even become so desperately bored that she creates her own fun, yadda yadda. Yeah, I got the memo), but maybe “bored” isn’t exactly the right word? Whatever it is, I’ve been feeling it, too. It’s sort of a disconcerting, untethered feeling, a we-must-be-so-usedto-being-overscheduled-thatwe-can’t-appreciate-a-plotlessday-for-the-gift-that-it-is sort of mood – right? For which there really is no just-right word? No, that’s not quite it.

But there IS a just-right meme, and it’s floating around

the Internet right now, and it describes this wonky weirdness perfectly. Maybe you saw it. The picture of the three stick figures? The first is depicted as feeling “Festive” until Dec. 26. Yay! Presents!

Pie! People I never see but once a year! The caption on the third stick figure (more bloated than stick, actually) is “Fat.” But the one in between, who’s just hangin’ out and chillin’ during that wonky week between the festivities of Christmas and New Year’s?

The caption reads: “Confused, full of cheese, unsure of the day of [the] week.” Ha! That’s IT! Noah laughed when I showed it to him. I found Holly downstairs on the couch, her mouth full of saltines, and she giggled, too, as she poked at the computer screen.

“That’s exactly it,” she said, grinning. (I was right!

It’s not boredom, after all.

Sshh. We can’t let her know that I GOT her, even for a moment, as it might upset the angsty balance in my-parents-

don’t-get-me, and God-forbidthey-do-’cause-that-would-beweird land.)

Seems I was also right about that whole boredom-breeds-brilliance stuff.

My girl is SO creative. Totally knows how to make her own good time. Indeed, after she stopped poking at the computer screen, she perched another saltine between her lips and showed me her latest trick, sharing it with the Big Red Dog. Seems he has forgiven her. Yeah, those umbrella flaunters can kiss it, ’cause we are rockin’ it over here. For her next trick, I just know Holly’s bound to create a nonprofit-that-helps-someone-somewhere, but this week, we’re full of cheese.

Pass the crackers!

• Jennifer DuBose lives in Batavia with her husband and their two children. Her column runs regularly in the Weekend Life section of the Kane County Chronicle. Contact her at editorial@kcchronicle.com.

A look at classic Nordic cooking with ‘Fire + Ice’ Darra Goldstein’s insightful new book, “Fire + Ice” (Ten Speed Press), offers home cooks here an inside look at what classic Nordic cookery is all about.

The founding editor of Gastronomica, Goldstein is a recognized authority on Scandinavian food. Her book’s 100 recipes shed light on the culinary traditions and lore of Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

A good example is her Danish recipe for Fish Cakes with Remoulade Sauce, a tasty dish that picks up a striking green hue from mixed herbs.

Yellow mustard and curry powder, added to the remoulade, introduce a vivid yellow to the sauce.

The book is divided into various chapters encompass-

ing appetizers, bread, soup, salads, fish, meat, poultry, vegetables, desserts and the larder.

TOM’S COOKBOOK LIBRARY

FISH CAKES WITH REMOULADE SAUCE​

Tom Witom

(Serves 4)

• 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped • 1 lb. cod or other whitefish, skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley • 1/4 cup flour • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 2 Tbl. melted butter, plus 1 tablespoon • 1 tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper • 2 tbl. vegetable oil

• Remoulade Sauce (below) Process the onion finely in the bowl of a food processor.

Add the fish, dill, parsley, flour, egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, salt and pepper and pulse until ground medium fine. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate, covered, for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours (the longer you refrigerate the fish mixture, the greener the fish cakes will be).

Shape the fish mixture into 8 patties. Set them on waxed paper.

Heat the oil and the

remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a heavy wide skillet over medium heat. When the butter begins to foam, add the fish cakes and cook for about 6 minutes, until golden, periodically sliding a spatula under the cakes to make sure they don’t stick. Carefully flip the fish cakes, lower the heat to medium-low, and continue until nicely browned, about 6 minutes more, periodically using the spatula to keep the fish cakes from sticking. Serve immediately with remoulade sauce on the side.

• 1/2 tsp. prepared yellow mustard • 1/4 tsp. dry curry powder • 1/8 tsp. salt • Freshly ground white pepper Make this sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours to give the flavors a chance to blend and the mayonnaise time to absorb the color of the curry powder and mustard.

Stir together all of the ingredients in a small bowl.

Scrape into a serving dish and refrigerate until well chilled.

REMOULADE SAUCE​

• Journalist Tom Witom, who lives in Elgin, has written extensively for years about food and the food industry.

Feedback on this column can be sent to editorial@kcchronicle.com.

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 cup minced dill pickle • 1 Tbl. capers, rinsed and drained • 1 Tbl. snipped fresh chives

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

Fighting the good fight of boredom

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

| ADVICE & HOROSCOPE

24 Bone-weakening osteoporosis is a risk for some older men Note to Readers: This column is an update of one that originally appeared in October 2012.

Dear Dr. K: My doctor

says I need to worry about osteoporosis. I’m a man in my 60s. Doesn’t osteoporosis affect mostly women?

Dear Reader: Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones. You’re correct that women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, but that doesn’t mean men don’t have to worry about it. In fact, about 2 million men in the United States have osteoporosis.

There are two main reasons men are less vulnerable than women to bone loss. First, men start out with bigger bones and greater bone density.

Second, men generally have high levels of androgens, hormones that increase bone density.

When men under age 75 develop osteoporosis, it’s often because of treatment with certain drugs that cause osteoporosis as a side effect or because they have other medical conditions that weaken bone. When osteoporosis is caused by a treatment or another underlying condition, it is called secondary osteoporosis. For example: Medications: Glucocorticoid use is one of the most common causes of secondary osteoporosis. Glucocorticoids are steroids used to reduce inflammation caused by asthma, arthritis and a variety of other conditions. Anticonvulsants (medicines used to control seizures) and certain cancer treatments also increase risk.

Underlying Medical Conditions: Abnormally

low sex hormone levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis in men (and women). Men and women produce both estrogen (the “female” sex hormone) and testosterone (the “male” sex hormone. Of course, women make a lot more estrogen than men, and men make a lot more

ASK DOCTOR K Anthony L. Komaroff androgen than women.

Both estrogen and androgen build bone.

Levels of both of these hormones decline as people age, and this can cause bone loss. When men have very low androgen levels (or a rare condition in which men’s tissues don’t respond to androgens normally) it is called hypogonadism.

In addition to hypogonadism, other disorders also can damage bone health: Type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis and many others.

Other risk factors particularly relevant to men include: • Heavy Alcohol Use. Heavy drinking can damage bone health by reducing bone mass.

• Smoking. Many years of smoking encourage the thinning of bones.

• Inactivity. Our bones respond to being challenged by becoming denser and stronger.

The bones of the legs, hips and spine are strengthened by weight-bearing activities, and by exercises like walking or running.

• Gastrectomy. This operation, in which part or all of the stomach is removed, can reduce the amount of calcium the body absorbs. That, in turn, causes some thinning of the bones.

Some men (like some women) are more vulnerable to getting osteoporosis, but we don’t understand all of the genetics involved. Also, people of Caucasian or Asian ethnicity are at higher risk than those of African background.

• Write to Dr. Komaroff at www.askdoctork.com or write Ask Doctor K, 10 Shattuck St., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02115.

All teenagers need at least some privacy Dr. Wallace : I’m a mother of a 14-year-old daughter and I guess you will call me unwise and overprotective because I’m what you would call a snooper.

I love my daughter more than life and I want to know everything that takes place in her life. I snoop in her room, in her closets and in her dresser drawers. I read all of her notes, her diary and her computer files. I even listen in to some of her telephone conversations.

Parents who don’t snoop because they trust little Kayla or Jordan are making a huge mistake. Many times I have followed my daughter just to make sure she is going where she says she is going. I also, without knocking, walk into her bedroom just to see what she might be doing. So far, she has been squeaky clean, and I intend for her to stay that way.

I know that you badmouth parent snoopers, but just because you think you know all about teens doesn’t mean that you are right, does it? – Mother, Salt Lake City, Utah Mother : No parenting

philosophy is perfect and all parents make mistakes, but I am far more comfortable erring on the side of trust than using your method, which is to keep your teen under

’TWEEN 12 & 20 Robert Wallace almost prison-like scrutiny at all times.

Even your term “squeaky clean” is law enforcement terminology.

What has she done to deserve such treatment?

What you don’t mention in your letter is the downside to all this surveillance, but I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a huge resentment smoldering beneath the surface.

And if there isn’t, I’d be worried about your daughter’s lack of self-esteem.

Instead of snooping, be observant.

Know who your teen’s friends are, where they go and what they do. You shouldn’t have to snoop to know if your teen is drinking, smoking or doing drugs.

You should take time to talk to your daughter about every aspect of her life – including sex.

Being willing to listen when she approaches you for discussion will help you understand her concerns and will provide you the information you need to guide her to make wise decisions.

Parents who encourage open communication in all areas are far less likely to have troubled teens.

All teens need some privacy. Reading diaries and personal mail, entering rooms without knocking and listening in on phone calls should be taboo. Parents who create an atmosphere of permanent mistrust in the home are begging their teen to act out in some way. “Why shouldn’t I?” the teen is likely to ask herself. “Mom and Dad don’t trust me anyway.”

Wise parents provide teens with space to be a teen – gently, carefully, observantly letting go.

Parents must guide their teens when necessary, but never fail to encourage their independence. Only in extreme situations, when teens have shattered trust are parents encouraged to limit privacy and to become more aware of their leisure time, especially when they are with their friends.

Peer pressure, many times, can be more potent than parental influence.

P.S.: I doubt any adult on this planet knows “all” about teens, or ever will.

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

HOROSCOPE

By EUGENIA LAST Newspaper Enterprise Association

TODAY – You’ll be pulled in many different directions this year. Make a point to evaluate matters quickly and be selective in the way you offer your time. Organization and attention to detail will help you bypass costly mistakes that infringe on your time and patience.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) – Spend today reflecting on the past and considering what changes you want to make at home. Explore innovative or unusual financial prospects.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) – Don’t just think about what you want to do next, start conducting some research and get the ball rolling.

Progress can be made if you are quick to respond to an offer.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) – Be objective, but also protect against anyone trying to take advantage of you.

Open up to someone you feel has as much to offer as yourself. Form

partnerships based on equality.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) – Enjoy some downtime with a special someone. Discuss your plans and prepare to make this the best year ever. Create opportunities and follow through on your objectives.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) – If you find out what others want and how they feel, you will be able to help.

This aid will come back in spades when you need it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) – Take a moment to consider your current situation. Face any dilemmas objectively and plan to move forward and make the necessary changes to ensure that the year unfolds in your favor.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) – Share your ideas and plans for the upcoming year with someone you love. The feedback you get will help you move forward with confidence. You will gain the assistance required to make any transition flawless.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) – Don’t dwell on past mistakes or failures, but

do use the lesson of experience to ensure that you are successful in accomplishing your goals without a hitch this year.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) – Do your best to stay healthy and steer clear of excessive responsibilities. Stay in shape and eat a proper diet. Moderation and clean living will help you operate at your optimum level.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) – Address matters instead of ignoring them.

If you want to advance, you have to put unfinished business to rest.

Greater happiness will result if you are true to yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) – Reach out to colleagues you enjoyed working with in the past. Find out what’s new. A unique idea of yours will spark interest and lead to an interesting partnership.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) – Think about what you are doing and how you can use your attributes to your advantage. You can make a difference if you are willing to make personal changes.

PUZZLES SUDOKU

BRIDGE by Phillip Alder

The youngsters can bid very well, too

CELEBRITY CIPHER

Today, let’s look at the winners of the 2015 Richard Freeman Junior Deal of the Year from the International Bridge Press Association.

The deal occurred during a four-day training visit to the Czech Republic by two pairs from the England under-20 team, Laura Covill-Stephen Kennedy and Freddie Illingworth-Ben Norton.

This auction was produced by Illingworth (North) and Norton. When West opened one diamond, and North sensibly overcalled two clubs (to make a takeout double with only a doubleton spade and such a skewed hand would not have been wise), South’s two-heart advance was forcing for one round (an agreement that I like).

Then the jump to five diamonds was Exclusion Key Card Blackwood.

It agreed hearts, indicated a diamond void, and asked for key cards excluding the diamond ace. South’s six-club reply (step four) indicated two key cards and the heart queen.

Now came the key agreement: six diamonds invited the grand slam and asked for help in clubs.

Although the singleton was not as good as the king, South anticipated being able to establish his partner’s suit with ruffs. So he jumped to seven hearts.

South won the first trick with dummy’s spade jack, drew one round of trumps, and claimed 13 tricks: three spades, six hearts, one diamond, one club and two diamond ruffs in the dummy.

But even if West had led, say, a trump, declarer would have had no trouble ruffing down the club king.

Their homework had really paid off.

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

CROSSWORD

25

Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

26

COMICS Arlo & Janis

Garfield

Big Nate

Frank & Earnest

Crankshaft

Soup to Nutz

Frazz

The Born Loser

Dilbert

Rose Is Rose

Blondie

Pearls Before Swine

The Argyle Sweater

Real Life Adventures

Francisco Dear Sort Of Childless: No,

but recognize that whatever you offered clearly made someone defensive. When people are in that mode, they aren’t receptive to your opinion.

Remember the phrase “casting pearls before swine”?

It means offering something valuable to those who don’t understand that it’s precious.

You and I, and most parents, understand that you are rich in experience. Don’t let the others get under your skin.

Dear Abby: My 15-year old daughter, “Jenny,” has a best friend, “Carly,” she stays with when we’re out of town. My husband and I are planning a three-day trip at the end of the month. Jenny has already

DEAR ABBY Jeanne Phillips asked Carly if she can stay, and of course, the answer was yes.

This morning Jenny got an invitation to another friend’s birthday party the Saturday of the weekend we’ll be away.

Although the birthday girl knows Carly, Carly was not invited. I told Jenny it would be very rude for her to leave Carly’s house to attend a sleepover party that her friend wasn’t invited to. My husband agrees, but won’t verbally back me up. He says, “I don’t want to get in the middle.”

I’m trying to teach my daughter to do the right thing, even if it’s hard. She’s angry with me now. Any advice? –

Perplexed In Pheonix Dear Perplexed: Ask Jenny

how she would feel if she had agreed to let Carly stay with her while her parents were out of town, and Carly left to attend a sleepover birthday party from which Jenny had been excluded. I’ll bet she’d feel as left out and hurt as Carly would.

The plans have been made and they shouldn’t be changed. However, depending upon how important it is to the birthday girl to have your daughter there, she might be willing to extend an invitation to Carly if the situation was explained to her. Suggest Jenny give it a try.

P.S. The lesson you are trying to teach your daughter is important, so stick to your guns. I’m sorry your husband doesn’t step up to the plate, instead of making you the bad guy. He seems to have forgotten that parenting is supposed to be a team sport.

• Write to Dear Abby at www.dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

• Saturday, January 2, 2016

Dear Abby: I’m a gay man in my late 40s who has worked for 10 years in the public school system with young adults and kids with special needs. I have done everything from changing preschoolers’ diapers, to tutoring, travel training and teaching life skills to older children. In the process, I have encountered my share of cooperation, defiance, failure and success.

When speaking with family, friends or strangers about their parenting, I sometimes share my experiences. This is usually accepted and even encouraged, but occasionally I am put in my place by a parent who feels I must be told that what I’ve done “isn’t the same as being a parent.”

Some even go so far as to imply that I should remain silent, as I have nothing of a parenting nature to offer.

I would think that making everyone feel included would be more important than official parent status, especially when discussing similar experiences. So what’s the best way to handle this? I have no kids of my own; my students are all I have to share stories about. Should I just dummy up? – Sort Of Childless In San

COMICS & ADVICE | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

Man without kids gets no 27 respect from some parents

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Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Saturday, January 2, 2016

| KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE

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