Lest 03 16 2017

TH UR SDA Y , M A R C H 16 , 20 17 • $ 1.00

OSW EGO LEDGER YOUR NEW LEDGER-SENTINEL • SERVING OSWEGO, MONTGOMERY AND BOULDER HILL FOR MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY

COOKING CONTEST Bednarcik students compete to create healthy breakfast Ottawa, IL www.BullockAuctioneers.com UPCOMING AUCTIONS

7 great auctions in April! Visit www.BullockAuctioneers.com for more details.

Accepting consignments for our Spring Firearms, Military, and Hunting Auction.

100’s of firearms, military, and hunting items already consigned from local estates. Single items or entire collections.

Also Accepting Consignments for our Spring Antique Auction.

Single items or entire collections. Auctions will have worldwide exposure!

SM-CL0405973

Call Matt at (815) 970-7077 or (815) 220-5005

We are a FFL auction firm

/ 16

KendallCountyNow.com

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

2

OSW EGO LEDGER KendallCountyNow.com OFFICE 109 W. Veterans Parkway (U.S. Route 34), second floor Yorkville, IL 60560 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday 630-553-7034

NEWSROOM 630-553-7034 Fax: 630-553-7085 News@KendallCountyNow.com SUBSCRIBER SERVICES 866-445-6258 Circulation@KendallCountyNow.com 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday SUBSCRIPTIONS 866-445-6258 CLASSIFIED SALES 877-264-2527 Fax: 815-477-8898 classified@shawsuburban.com LEGAL NOTICES 877-264-2527 PublicNotice@KendallCountyNow.com RETAIL ADVERTISING 630-553-7034 OBITUARIES 877-264-2527 Obits@KendallCountyNow.com General Manager Steve Vanisko 815-280-4103 svanisko@shawmedia.com Editor John Etheredge 630-553-7034 jetheredge@shawmedia.com

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address forms to The Oswego Ledger, c/o Shaw Media, P.O. Box 250, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0250.

Effective Feb. 4, the Oswego Ledger is the successor newspaper to the Ledger-Sentinel, as contemplated by 715 ILCS 5/5 (e), which was a consolidation of the Oswego Ledger and the Fox Valley Sentinel, published every Thursday in Oswego, Illinois, in Kendall County

by Shaw Media. Periodicals postage paid at Oswego, Illinois, 60543.

Subscription rates: One year, $28 in Kendall County; $36 elsewhere in Illinois and $47 outside Illinois The Oswego Ledger and KendallCountyNow.com are a division of Shaw Media.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2017

• Relevant information • Marketing Solutions • Community Advocates

ON THE COVER School District 308’s Bednarcik Junior High School competed in the fifth Top Healthy Chef cooking contest at Aurora University’s alumni cafeteria March 8. From left are Juliana Banks, Harry Hrvatin, Charyelle Kehoe and Nicholas Ramirez.

See story on page 16.

Photo provided by Al Benson

Board OKs layoffs in D-308

By ALLISON SELK news@kendallcountynow.com Seeking to reduce spending to slow the growth of a deficit budget, the School District 308 Board of Education voted Monday evening to approve layoffs affecting several administrative and teaching positions for the 2017-18 school year.

The unanimous board votes came before a standing room audience of concerned parents and staff members in the community room at Oswego East High School.

Superintendent Dr. John Sparlin said the administrative positions cut would be the equivalent of a 16 percent reduction “this year alone.”

Sparlin added that the outgoing administrators’ workload will be handled by remaining administrative staff.

The board then voted to authorize the dismissal and non-reemployment of 16 first year and 22 second-year probationary teachers.

“As you all know we re-drew the (school enrollment) boundaries (and)

we moved programs this year, which automatically creates a shifting of positions as well as some efficiencies with our staffing. We have a declining enrollment in the elementary and junior high, which means we need fewer staff and we are also trying to mitigate deficits, which results in fewer positions as well. For these reasons the board is being asked to approve this resolution,” Sparlin said.

Sparlin said class sizes will not change much next year school year, despite the elimination of the teaching positions.

Sparlin said currently for the 201718 school year, class averages across the district are as follows, kindergarten 23, first grade at 22, second grade at 24, third grade at 25, and fourth and fifth grades at 25-26 students. He said these numbers reflect the decline in enrollment the district predicts.

After some discussion, the board chose to approve the teacher layoffs under the condition that class sizes would be kept the same and not increase.

In a final ballot, the board voted to

authorize the dismissal and non-reemployment of 13 probationary parttime teaches and teachers hired under a temporary contract.

Prior to Monday’s board meeting, Sparlin said there were several reasons he recommended the layoffs to the board.

“It’s a combination of a few different things,” he said. “We redrew our school district boundaries this year, and by redrawing our boundaries we’re able to create efficiencies with our staffing, which accounts for some of the staff reductions. You do that by creating a better balance within our student attendance areas that create those types of efficiencies in staffing.

Part of the boundary process also was having our kindergarten students go back to their home schools. That also created some efficiencies in our staffing. And at the last board meeting I made some recommendations in regards to increasing class sizes, and whenever we increase class size that results in fewer sections, which means fewer staff.”

Doctor’s second trial could begin in August

By TONY SCOTT tscott@kendallcountynow.com The Yorkville doctor accused of molesting his patients will be going on trial again sometime this summer for another five of his many charges.

Dr. Haohua Yang appeared in Kendall County court March 10 with his new attorney, Robert Motta of Aurora, before Judge Timothy J. McCann.

Yang, who lived in Naperville but practiced in Yorkville, is facing multiple counts of criminal sexual assault

and sexual abuse related to accusations that he assaulted female patients at his Yorkville practice.

Yang is being held without bond at the Kendall County Jail in Yorkville.

McCann found Yang not guilty of one count of criminal sexual assault Haohua Yang in a bench trial in January. A bench trial is decided by a judge and not a jury.

This next trial would be on the remaining five charges related to anoth-

er victim in the case, officials said.

During his hearing last Friday, Motta said he needed some time to go over the case because he just took over as Yang’s attorney.

Following a discussion between Motta, First Assistant State’s Attorney Nemura Pencyla, and McCann, it was decided that a trial could most likely start in August.

Motta said he would file a motion to modify bond for Yang. A status hearing was set for 9 a.m. April 5 at the Kendall County Courthouse in Yorkville.

Health, County Health and Human Services Building, Yorkville.

Tuesday, 6 p.m.: Oswego Village Board Committee of the Whole, Oswego Village Hall.

Tuesday, 7 p.m.: Oswego Village Board, Oswego Village Hall.

Tuesday, 7 p.m.: Montgomery Village Board Committee of the Whole, Montgomery Village Hall.

Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.: Fox Metro Water Reclamation District Board, Main Treatment Plant, Oswego Township.

Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.: Oswego Public Library District Board Planning and Development Committee, Montgomery Campus Library.

Wednesday, 5 p.m.: Oswego Public Library District Board, Montgomery Campus Library.

Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Kendall County Regional Plan Commission, County Office Building, Yorkville.

Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Oswego Historic Preservation Commission, Oswego Village Hall.

Thursday, 5:30 p.m.: KenCom Executive Board, County Public Safety Center, Yorkville.

CIVIC MEETINGS WEEK OF MARCH 20-24 Monday, 6:30 p.m.: Montgomery Historic Preservation Commission, Montgomery Village Hall.

Monday, 7 p.m.: Montgomery and Countryside Fire Protection District Board, Station One, Montgomery.

Tuesday, 9 a.m.: Kendall County Board, County Office Building, Yorkville.

Tuesday, 9 a.m.: Kendall County Board Forest Preserve Commission, County Office Building, Yorkville.

Tuesday 6 p.m.: Kendall County Board of

WHEN YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW: Get local news sent right to you. Sign up for KendallCountyNow.com text alerts at shawurl.com/kcntexts. Message and data rates may apply.

Wintery mix impact Ke Tuesday could ndall Co http://sh unty: awurl.com /2ft1

3

State cited as cause for budget woes

By STEVEN JACK news@kendallcountynow.com As School District 308 wrestles with crippling budget deficits projected for the foreseeable future, candidates for the School Board talked finances at a Tuesday night forum organized by the district’s teacher’s union.

Most candidates were quick to point the finger at the state of Illinois and its beleaguered system for funding education as a major source for the district’s financial problems. Those problems include a $7 million budget deficit for 2017-18 and a projected $13 million for the following year.

District officials have estimated the state has shorted the district some $76 million since 2012. And while the candidates stressed that the state needs to

provide its share of education funding, candidate Robert Graves urged the district to begin looking closer to home.

“I hear a lot about what the state has done,” Graves said. “… There will have to be some concessions made…

We have to look at local solutions. The state just doesn’t have the money.”

Candidate Brent Lightfoot, who previously served on the board, agreed.

“Sitting here waiting for Springfield to do something – they’re not going to,” he said. “… We have to fix the problem here. Springfield is not going to do it.”

Incumbent Board President Matt Bauman said getting the district’s finances in order will need the cooperation of all stakeholders and local state legislators. However, after the board approved Monday night the layoff of nearly 40 first and second year teachers and a 16 percent reduction in administration, Bauman said continued cuts are not a long-term solution.

“We can’t just keep cutting our way out of this,” he said. “If we focus solely on cuts we’re going to cut away until we lose the value of our district.”

Fellow incumbent Michael McDow-

ell agreed, saying the district needs to come together as it navigates its way out of its financial difficulties. However, when it comes to further cuts in what could be “dire” circumstances, McDowell said no programs will be immune.

“If we get in a situation that’s very dire, everything that costs money will be a consideration. There (will be) no favorites,” he said.

Another blow to district finances could come in the form of a property tax freeze proposed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. If such a freeze were to pass in Springfield and the state doesn’t change the method by which it funds education, district officials have said it could mean $37 million less for the district over the next decade.

Candidate Heather Moyer said because the district relies so heavily on local property taxes to fund public education, she couldn’t support a freeze without changes to the funding mechanism.

“A property tax freeze alone doesn’t address the issue of our reliance on property taxes to fund public schools,”

she said. “The state has chronically underfunded schools for years, years and years. … If the state were to change its funding formula I suppose I could support a statewide property tax freeze.”

Candidate Dominick Cirone agreed, saying the impact of a property tax freeze on District 308 would be too great. As a compromise he proposed a property tax freeze for property owners on fixed incomes.

“The state has not been shown to be a steady administrator of funds,” he said. “So, giving the state more say in local affairs seems unwise. If they moved forward with a property tax freeze, the state would obviously have to raise taxes in some other way.”

With the district undoubtedly pursuing budget cuts beyond next year, the candidates were asked whether they feel the district should continue funding elective courses for students.

As a member of the board’s Policy Committee, incumbent Danielle Paul said she has studied whether to cut the high school day to six classes per day

See SCHOOL BOARD, page 9

Abuse victim’s lawyer plans to depose Hastert Ex-Speaker up for parole in Aug. in banking case SHAW MEDIA A lawyer for a sexual abuse victim of Dennis Hastert said she’ll depose the former U.S. House speaker after he’s released from a federal jail, according to the Associated Press.

Kristi Browne represents a former Yorkville High School athlete who is suing Hastert for breach of contract in the hush-money pact that led to the Illinois

Republican’s downfall.

Browne said March 8 that no settlement has been discussed.

Her client, now a married father, argues he kept his end of the bargain to keep quiet about Hastert’s misconduct when he was the wrestling coach at YHS in the 1970s. Hastert paid him $1.7 million. The man says he’s owed $3.5 million.

Hastert, 75, is due for parole in Au-

gust. He’s serving a 15-month sentence for illegally structuring bank withdrawals to avoid reporting requirements.

In sentencing Hastert last April in federal court in Chicago, Judge Thomas M. Dunkin, also required that Hastert undergo sex offender treatDennis ment, serve two years of Hastert supervised release after his time behind bars and pay a $250,000 fine to go to a crime victims’ fund.

In his own statement, Hastert admitted that he “mistreated” some of his YHS athletes and said he was “deeply ashamed.”

“I am sorry to those I hurt and misled,” Hastert said. “What I did was wrong and I regret it.”

When the judge asked whether he sexually abused one wrestler specifically, Hastert said yes, the AP reported.

Hastert left teaching and coaching at YHS in 1981 following his election as a state representative representing the Kendall County area.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

School District 308 Board candidates take part in forum

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Steven Jack for Shaw Media

Candidates for seats on the School District 308 Board of Education in the April 4 election participated in a forum in the auditorium at Oswego East High School Tuesday evening. The forum was sponsored by the Oswego Education Association.

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

4

OPINIONS OUR VIEW

Another chapter in story of service We would like to think that somewhere the founding members of Oswego’s 19th Century Club are smiling. Seeing a need and seeking to better the community, the club’s civic-minded members began a community book sharing program using a simple marketbasket in 1899.

That library-in-a-marketbasket later led to the establishment of the first public library in a storefront on Oswego’s Main Street in 1928. The small library eventually grew and grew into today’s Oswego Public Library District, which operates two beautiful and well-equipped library buildings in Oswego and Montgomery.

Like their predecessors in the 19th Century Club, today’s library district officials recently saw a need in the community and have taken positive action.

As we reported last week, Sarah Skilton, library director, told the library district board that the district has partnered with a nationwide non-profit organization, the Next Chapter Book Club (nextchapterbookclub.org) to establish a book club for local adults age 18 and older who have intellectual and developmen-

tal disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Autism and Cerebral Palsy.

Skilton said the library district’s Next Chapter Book Club will offer weekly one hour reading sessions at both of the district’s libraries which will be led by trained library staff members.

She said the goal of the program is to provide social connections for readers of all skill levels.

Founded in 2002 by Dr. Thomas Fish, director of Social work at The Ohio State University, The Next Chapter Book Club currently has clubs in a growing number of public libraries across the United States and is seeking to make them as widely available as the Special Olympics.

Skilton, her staff and the library district board should be commended for their effort to bring a Next Chapter Book Club to the Oswego/Montgomery area and thereby provide a valuable program to a segment of the community and their families that is all too often overlooked. The library district’s new Next Chapter Book Club marks yet another chapter in the library district’s continuing story of community service.

Superintendent Sparlin goes above and beyond We are fortunate that we have a great working relationship with our public officials, but sometimes they go above and beyond our expectations and deserve a pat on the back. In this case, that pat on the back goes to School District 308 Superintendent Dr. John Sparlin.

On Saturday, March 4, we were informed by sources that the school district had laid off teachers and other staff on that Friday. Our News Editor Tony Scott sent off an email to Sparlin and school district spokesman Brian Graves at 5:26 p.m. that

evening, expecting to have a response from the district on that following Monday or Tuesday, which would have been reasonable.

Instead, Scott got a call on his personal cellphone from Sparlin at 6 p.m. on a Saturday evening responding to his questions.

Sparlin could have waited a few days to respond, or handed the matter off to Graves or another district official.

Instead, he placed the call himself and we appreciate that effort to be transparent and open with our readers and the public.

Photo provided

This 19th-century illustration shows Native Americans collecting and boiling maple sap to create maple syrup and maple sugar treats.

March marks dawn of spring on the prairie For our pioneer ancestors, March finally offered the first real evidence of spring on the prairie.

As the days slowly lengthened, the additional daylight was welcomed after our Native American and white pioneer forebears managed to get through the deep winter months of January and, especially, February. While snow was still frequent, the amounts were far less (at least in general; the occasional March blizzard still blew up out of the northwest) than in the preceding two months, and what snow did fall tended to melt much faster than it did weeks before.

Some Native American traditions named March’s full moon the Worm Moon.

Others called it the Crow Moon, while others referred to it as the Sugar Moon.

Each of those names is descriptive of an important part of Native American life.

The Worm Moon refers to those longer days and sun-thawed ground, with the occasional warm night that persuade earthworms to crawl out of their burrows for the first time. Even Native Americans used nightcrawlers and red worms for bait on the fishhooks they received in trade.

And I suppose their ancestors used them on the bone hooks they fashioned in the centuries before white fur traders arrived as well.

Also in March, crows are noisily busy foraging among the unlucky animals that failed to live through the long winter. The retreating snow cover annually reveals this bit of spring bounty for the noisy and surprisingly intelligent birds, as well as

REFLECTIONS Roger Matile the other scavengers who make up Mother Nature’s cleanup crew. A gregarious and social bunch, crows are not easy to dismiss, and their noisy congregations during this early season before true spring arrives undoubtedly gave the month’s full moon its alternate name.

And finally, the Sugar Moon name is a reflection of another of Mother Nature’s annual gifts, the rising of maple tree sap.

Clear, watery, and nearly tasteless, maple sap can nonetheless be processed into about the only sweet that existed before Europeans arrived in North America. For it was the Europeans who brought the industrious honeybee to these shores.

But in those pre-honeybee days – and forever after – March’s maple sap was collected and boiled down to create the maple syrup and maple sugar treats so valued by the indigenous people of North America and then by the Europeans who supplanted them.

Since maple sap is only about 2 percent sugar, it takes a lot of it – 40 or 50 gallons – to boil down into a gallon of syrup or eight pounds of sugar. It also takes a lot of firewood to boil the sap down over fires carefully tended and kept burning 24 hours a day.

See REFLECTIONS, page 5

FORUM

5

Committed to the kids

To the Editor: We would like to take a moment to offer a voice of support for the candidacy of Toni Morgan who is running for a seat on the board of School District 308. We have known Toni for many years and are constantly impressed by her clarity of thought, decisiveness, and solid common-sense.

As a life-long educator, Toni is committed to the development and growth of the most valuable of our community assets, our children. Please join us in supporting Toni Morgan by casting your vote for her in the upcoming SD308 board election.

Rules for election letters Letters concerning the upcoming April 4 local election should be no more than 200 words and conform fully with the requirements contained in our letters policy published frequently on this page. To assure fairness, letters that contain specific charges against a candidate or candidates will be considered for publication through our Thursday, March 23, edition. Candidates will have an opportunity to respond to any charges in letters published through our Thursday, March 30, edition.

will ensure that the voices of families are heard. I watched Heather as she had to make tough choices on programming based on funding cuts. She made these choices with great integrity, always putting the needs of children and families first. I am confident that as a school board member, Heather will diligently Garth and Debby Ingram promote solutions to address the needs Oswego of the 308 community.

I whole heartedly endorse Heather for Voice for our kids the school board, and look forward to To the Editor: what her passionate leadership will bring As a District 308 parent, I find it imperato our district. tive that we have school board members who can be the voice for our kids. To Allison Schuck this end, I am thrilled Heather Moyer is Montgomery a candidate for the District 308 school board, as she has been a leader through Honest, straightforward her advocacy for children and families in To the Editor: Illinois for over a decade.

Toni Morgan is a great candidate for the I have counted Heather a colleague in School District 308 Board of Education. I the nonprofit sector for almost 10 years. have known Toni for over 10 years. I have In that time, I have seen Heather be a been in a number of group situations strong advocate so that local children with her and on different committees. and families have the best chances She is one of the most honest and to thrive. Heather has been a leader straightforward people I have ever met. and tireless champion for the needs of Toni listens to those around her and children, proving time and again that she takes into account the best interests of gallons of maple sap, which collected from the taps in birch bark buckets.

Continued from page 4 When the buckets were full of sap, they were taken to the sugaring camp In the pre-fur trade era, boiling was where they were dumped into large done in bark or hollowed wood vessels tanks assembled from animal hides. by placing rocks that had been heated The sap was dipped out of the holding red hot in fires into the sap. After the tanks and poured into the 12 iron and arrival of European fur traders, iron brass kettles ranging from 12 to 20 and brass kettles became available gallons in size the group used. that could be heated directly over fires.

Fires were kept burning under all The first task for maple sugarers 12 kettles around the clock, and during was tapping maple trees by cutting a a month’s time, 1,900 pounds of maple diagonal slash in the bark and fixing a sugar and 36 gallons of maple syrup bark spout at the low end. were produced.

The sap ran mostly during the dayAs you might guess, the process time, running fastest when temperawas pretty labor and materials intentures went below freezing at night and sive. It takes about a cord of wood – a warmed up during the day. stack measuring 4 feet wide by 4 feet One account of a Native American high by 8 feet long – to produce around family group in Michigan during the nine gallons of syrup in a modern 1760s reported that the eight men and sugaring operation, suggesting it women in the party tapped some 700 would have taken at least 30 cords of trees in order to gather around 13,700 wood to boil enough sap down into the

• REFLECTIONS

those she is working with. As an educator she goes above and beyond for her students and take the time to get to know them and their families. Toni is the kind of person we need on our school board with so many important issues both financially and education to make decisions about. We need a board who will take into account the whole of the district and not just their world. Please vote for Toni on April 4.

Laura Bresingham Oswego

They have successfully worked with other governing boards and municipalities to create regional planning projects and shared services saving taxpayer money. This means expanding the more than 30 current shared resource opportunities with businesses and/or governmental partnerships.

They have a clear vision and understand the importance of economic development while protecting our pocketbooks.

Without their team approach, many of these things would not be possible. It is crucial to have leaders that work together for the good of Oswego.

Please join me in supporting and re-electing Judy Sollinger, Pam Parr and Luis Perez again for Oswego Village Trustees.

Alyssa Richter Oswego

Vote for ‘key’ members

To the Editor: I am writing to voice my support for Judy Sollinger, Pam Parr, and Luis Perez To the Editor: for Oswego Village Trustees. These three I’m excited to support Judy Sollinger, have a passion for economic developPam Parr, and Luis Perez for Oswego ment, especially in Oswego’s downtown.

Village Trustees.

Collaboration is key to success as a lo- These three are key members of Oscal leader. These three have collaborated wego’s current team which has a clear well and will continue to lead with Oswe- vision for the future of Oswego. They go’s best interests first. This community understand that the economic vitality of has seen enough dysfunction among our our community is one of the best ways to leaders on many different levels in recent protect your property values. They have years. It has been a breath of fresh air to explored shared resource opportunities see this Oswego Village Board work to• Continued on page 6 gether for the best interests of Oswego.

Will continue to lead

1,900 pounds of sugar and 36 gallons of syrup like the Native American family group.

Not everyone was kept busy tending fires and collecting sap, of course.

Some of the men were detailed to hunt and fish to feed the group while they worked. And according to the account we have of the process, the group also ate 300 pounds of maple sugar while they worked.

According to one expert, two pounds of maple sugar a day is sufficient to feed a mature adult. But, clearly, the bit of dietary variety provided by fish and other game the hunters brought in was undoubtedly welcomed.

We don’t do much maple sugaring around these parts any more, but at one time it was not uncommon – thus the name given to Sugar Grove in honor of the sugar maples that made up many of the trees there when the

settlers arrived.

As late as March 1893, Kendall County Record Editor John Marshall noted, “Pure maple syrup from the old Long Grove sugar camp is not bad eating with good warm biscuits or hotcakes.”

Nowadays, we buy our maple syrup at the grocery store or at specialty shops while on vacation, and we don’t have to wait until March to enjoy it, either.

But the nightcrawlers still wriggle out of the ground on a warm, damp March night, and raucous murders of crows still gather to feed on the unfortunates who did not survive another northern Illinois winter as the nights grow a little bit shorter and a little bit warmer under the full March moon.

• Looking for more local history?

Visit http://historyonthefox.wordpress.com.

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

| FORUM & LOCAL NEWS

6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR • Continued from page 5

Counselor (PAC) within the past year.

The violation cited for PAC enforcement within business and/or governmental showed that Mr. Small and Mr. Yackley relationships, having participated in more ignored the Township Auditor’s “Manthan 30 shared services to date. This agement Recommendation”, Deficiency team will continue to look for win-win Finding No. 2016-03, March 31, 2016. Osoutcomes in economic partnerships, wego Township’s Auditor specifically listhaving demonstrated a willingness ed there was no minute posting, agenda to work with other municipalities and posting, calendar posting, public meeting governmental agencies. Their track notice, operating budget totals, audited record of bringing in businesses, adding financial statements, management letter to Oswego’s commercial tax base, while and no IMRF disclosures on the Township increasing employment speaks for itself. website. What did Yackley and Small do Please join me in voting for this team – when this OMA violation was brought We’re building Oswego together. to their attention by township citizens?

Nothing. Go to oswegotownship.com.

more, etc. “ So therefore I guess I didn’t miss much. Correct me if I’m wrong.

P.S. How about doing a better job of letting people know when and where you are holding a town hall meeting if you ever do so, or are you still hiding?

murder of police officers. Has it ever occurred to you that the rest of us would like a health care system that wasn’t controlled by a confused government – “We have to pass it to find out what’s in it” - Nancy Pelosi – or that we don’t want social engineers on the U.S. Supreme Michael T. Svanovick Court, or that we don’t want our 10-yearPlano old daughters sharing a washroom with any guy that feels like it?

In the middle of the track Peter, if the people coming across To the Editor: our southern border are so valuable to The letter from Peter Cornwell in the a vibrant economy, then why does the March 2 issue struck me as an exercise in Mexican government operate a program rationalization. He mentions some apparhere that helps those people that are ent glory of “the last two weeks” without here illegally stay in this country?

If they getting specific. Peter, are you talking Greg Spears are so desirable, why doesn’t any South Oswego about the horror of the normal activity of Todd Milliron a Republican talking to a Russian official American government want them back?

Yorkville Peter, how is it that you Democrats Following Open Meetings Law that has been blown into some sort of could not see hours ahead on Nov. 8 but To the Editor: Let us have what you have treasonous crime? now see clearly for months and years Oswego Township has conducted the To the Editor: Get out your Google and type in into the future?

Further, you don’t even public’s business in a virtual vacuum for Congressman Hultgren: since my letter “Obama caught on open mic.” Obama is seem to see into your own past and the years. Any new candidate running for in the Record two weeks ago I still havheard conspiring with a Russian official number of elections that Democrats Township Trustee was quick to grasp en’t heard from you regarding health care and assuring him that things would have lost.

You have become the party of this concept of mandated government for the peasants. go easier between them after he was non-issues, twisted truths and violence. transparency and the overdue need to The present plan Speaker Ryan is re-elected. Or, type in “Ted Kennedy Reality is a speeding train and you’re update the Oswego Township website. touting, will once again hurt the middle conspires against Reagan with Russians” standing in the middle of the track.

Not so for current trustees Bill Small and class and the poor. I’ll ask again, why not for another reminder of reality. Could it Tom Yackley, who want to be retained make it simple for all of us? Let us enjoy be possible that Hillary was a problemat- Charles Christensen for four more years. the Federal Employee Health Benefits ic candidate and that a “vast right-wing Oswego The prime reason for the Open MeetProgram (FEHBP) conspiracy” wasn’t required to defeat ings Act is to mandate township business I realize you have to pay a few bucks her? be transacted in the open and have town- into the program but the benefits are Peter, you speak of “all the protests” ship business records easily accessible to “die” for. We can hear Americans without any reference to the rioting for citizen review. demanding to have what you have. On and destruction, nor any clarification as The Small/Yackley Forum letter pubanother subject, as a vet I was sorry I to the fact that it is not conservatives lished March 2 mentioned a recent Open missed your meeting, but after reading that are doing it. You speak of “Trump’s Meeting (OMA) violation cited by the the article in last week’s Record I got dangerous agenda and harmful rhetoric” Illinois Attorney General – Public Access the impression you said “we need to do while liberal movements advocate the

BRIEFS Montgomery Chamber candidates forum March 23

at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at the Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N. River Street in The Greater Montgomery Area Chamber Montgomery.

For more information about othof Commerce (GMACC) recognizes that the business climate in Montgomery can er GMACC programs and upcoming networking events, contact the Greater be influenced by decisions of the Village Montgomery Area Chamber of ComTrustees. In turn, it bemerce: gmacc@chamberofmontgomeryil. lieves that its members org, or, contact Cindy Ferchen, adminisand community resitrative assistant at 630-897-8137. dents deserve to hear what the candidates Early voting for April election have to say about issues that may impact the future of Montgom- starts Monday in Oswego Early voting for the April 4 election is ery.

That’s why the GMACC will host a public now underway at the Kendall County Clerk’s Office at 111 W. Fox St. in downCandidates Forum where the six canditown Yorkville and will start next Monday dates (for three open Trustee positions) in the April 4 election will have the oppor- in Oswego.

Voting and voter registration is availtunity to present their views on a variety of topics. WSPY will moderate this event. able in Room 103 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office also will be open All area businesses and residents are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, invited to attend on Thursday, March 23

and Saturday, April 1.

The last day to cast an early ballot at the clerk’s office will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 3.

Early voting also will be available at Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill in Oswego, beginning on Monday, March 20, through Thursday, March 30. Early voting hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with the exception of Saturday, March 25, when early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early voting will not be available at Oswego Village Hall on Sunday, March 26.

City of Aurora residents living in the Kendall County portion of the city cast ballots through the Aurora Election Commission. For early voting information, visit the commission’s website at auroravotes. org or call the commission at 630-8974030.

– Oswego Ledger

*14 Years Finance Experience with MBA *Student-Centered *Solution-Driven *Volunteerism Contact Dominick: 708-705-5945 dominick.cirone@yahoo.com facebook.com/Cirone308

SM-CL0405818

Woman had worked for county; teen girls had attended OHS

By BRENDA SCHORY bschory@shawmedia.com

Visiting Angels of Plainfield is looking for experienced caregivers.

If you love working with seniors call 815-254-0152 or fax resume to 815-254-0175

“Making sense of investing” www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Jim Cargo

Financial Reviews • 401k Rollovers Financial Advisor 60543 (630)896-1701 Bonds • Roth IRAs jim.cargo@edwardjones.com 25 W. Merchants Dr. • Oswego, IL 60543

IRAs

KendallCountyNOW.com is the official website of the Kendall County Record.

SM-CL0405926

ty Recorder’s Office in Yorkville from September 2013 to September 2015, County Clerk and Recorder Debbie Gillette confirmed Tuesday.

Brittany and Tiffany Coffland attended Oswego High School until December of 2014, according to information provided Tuesday by School District 308.

Two 9 mm handguns were recovered in the condo, but Kintz said police have not yet confirmed that they were owned by Randall Coffland, or which weapon or weapons were used in the shootings.

One gun was in the vicinity of Randall Coffland; the other was found in a closet, Kintz said.

Evidence technicians found a single bullet casing in the vicinity of each victim, Kintz said. A single bullet injured both of Anjum Coffland’s legs, he said.

“The weapons are still part of our investigation … to determine where the weapons came from. He did have a valid FOID card,” Kintz said, referring to the firearm owner’s identification card that gun owners are required to have.

“We have no indication of a struggle, other than the violence of the crime with gunshots,” Kintz said. “As far as I know, there was nothing strewn about to show there was a fight. The coroner

will have to take a look at that on Monday.”

One daughter was found on a couch and the other in a bedroom, he said.

Police spoke to the mother at the hospital, but Kintz said he did not know the content of those conversations.

Kintz also could not say why Anjum Coffland was at her husband’s residence that day.

“We have to figure out what brought her back to the apartment,” Kintz said.

Police do not know what, if anything, triggered the chain of events, and investigators plan to talk to friends and others who knew the family, Kintz said.

“We don’t have anything at this point,” Kintz said. “That is part of the follow-up – we have to talk to people and determine what led to this. … This was a tragic and horrific event. Three lives were lost, and another was injured. First responders have also had to deal with the aftermath of this event, and our entire community mourns the loss of the victims.”

Kintz said that although the shootings still are under investigation by both his department and the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force, the official causes of death will be determined by the coroner.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

ST. CHARLES – Randall Coffland told a 911 dispatcher Friday that he shot his daughters to death, that he shot his wife, and that he was going to shoot himself.

“I just shot and killed my children,” Randall Coffland is heard saying on a 911 recording. “And I shot my wife.

And I’m going to shoot myself. … I’m going to kill myself now, too.”

At a news conference Sunday, St. Charles Deputy Chief David Kintz released the 911 tapes in addition to chilling details about the deaths of 16-year-old twins Brittany S. Coffland and Tiffany S. Coffland at the hands of their father.

Even as Randall Coffland was telling the 911 dispatcher what he had done, his wife, Anjum Coffland, 46, can be heard screaming to another emergency dispatcher that her husband had

killed her girls and shot her in the legs.

“Oh my god, my husband shot my kids!” Anjum Coffland said to the 911 operator. “My daughters are dead! …

I’m going into shock. I’ve lost a lot of blood. … He’s finally lost it.”

Randall Coffland, 48, and his daughters all were found with single gunshot wounds to their heads in a condominium at 450 S. First St., St. Charles, where he lived with the girls, Kintz said.

His wife was taken to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition Sunday, Kintz said.

The girls would have celebrated their 17th birthdays Tuesday, Kintz said.

Randall Coffland and the twins were living at the South First Street address, while Anjum Coffland was living separately from her husband in another condominium on South Fifth Avenue in St. Charles. Kintz said he did not know how long they had been living apart.

Prior to 2015, Randy and Anjum Coffland lived on Highview Court south of Mill Road in Oswego. According to Kendall County property records, they bought their Oswego home in 2002.

Anjum Coffland served as a deputy county recorder in the Kendall Coun-

7

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Ex-Oswego man shoots daughters, wife

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

| LOCAL NEWS

8

OSWEGO POLICE REPORTS Two injured in Rt. 34 crash Two people were injured in a two vehicle crash on Route 34 at Arbor Lane March 12 at 12:09 a.m., Oswego police reported. Police said one of the drivers involved in the crash, Callista Morgan, 18, of Oswego was injured and transported to an area hospital. The other driver, Rick Kennedy, 46, also of Oswego, was also injured but was not transported to a hospital. Police said the accident occurred when Morgan’s vehicle pulled out from Arbor Lane into the path of Kennedy’s vehicle.

Tires found slashed Someone slashed the tires on two vehicles parked in the 0-100 block of Seton Creek Drive in Oswego March 13, village police reported.

Cash stolen Oswego police took a report involving $40 in cash being stolen from a purse at a residence in the 4300 block of Schofield Drive in the village March 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Property damage Someone tossed frozen mud from a nearby field and damaged a residence in the 20th block of Christian Court March 11, according to Oswego police. Police said damage to the residence was estimated at $600.

Deceptive practice Oswego police took a report of a deceptive practice at a business in the 70th block of Stonehill Road March 12. Police said payroll

check funds were found to be insufficient.

Hit and run reported Oswego police took a report of a hit and run crash that occurred in the 1200 block of Douglas Road March 12 at 2:05 p.m. No one was hurt in the incident, police said. iPhone stolen Oswego police are investigating the theft of an iPhone from a residence in the 500 block of Colchester Drive March 9. Police said the iPhone is valued at $800.

Property damaged Drywall and a door were found damaged at a residence in the 4300 block of Schofield Drive, Oswego March 8, village police reported.

Police said damage was estimated at $500.

Two arrested Oswego police arrested Angelica Alarcon, 28, of the 1600 block of Coolidge Road, Aurora, and Brenda Moreno, 27, of the 700 block of South Union Street, Aurora, on Route 34 near Route 30 March 7 at 6 p.m. Police said both suspects face charges of retail theft and were each wanted on two warrants.

Hit and run reported Oswego police took a report of a three car property damage accident on Route 30 at Treasure Drive March 7 at 5:34 p.m. Police said one of the vehicles involved in the accident fled the scene. No injuries were reported.

KENDALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS Domestic battery charge County sheriff’s deputies arrested Dario Carmona, Sr., 39, of the 30th block of Anchor Drive, Oswego Township, at his residence on a charge of domestic battery March 13 at 8 a.m. Police said the suspect spit on another household member. Police said the suspect was transported to the County Jail in Yorkville pending court proceedings.

crash. Police said no one was injured in the crash.

Warrant arrest in Aurora County sheriff’s deputies with the assistance of Aurora police arrested Brian G. Labombarbe, 20, of the 400 block of Ashland Avenue, Aurora, at his residence March 7. Police said Labombarbe was wanted on a Kendall County warrant for failure to appear in court on a prior charge of possession of a stolen vehicle charge. Police said the suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to the County Jail pending court proceedings.

Contraband investigated County sheriff’s deputies took a report March 9 of an attempt to bring contraband into the County Jail in Yorkville. Police said suspects have been identified and the case remains under investigation.

When you buy a new home, what you’re really getting is a stage for life’s happiest memories. We want to help get you there. Take $200* off closing costs with your First National Free Checking account and another $100* off closing costs if you pre-qualify between

Cicero man arrested County sheriff’s deputies arrested Manuel Castelo-Garcia, 40, of the 1800 block of South 57th Street, Cicero, while responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity of Brisbin Road south of Route 52 in Lisbon Township. Police said Castelo-Garcia has been charged with driving while license revoked and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Visit fnbil.com/Get300 or call 800.990.5713 to get started.

DUI among charges County sheriff’s deputies arrested Joseph E. Brown, 21, of the 600 block of Redtail Court, Yorkville, after the vehicle he was driving was involved in a crash on Galena Road at Eldamain Road March 8 at 10:45 p.m.

Police said Brown faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence. In addition, he was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol, illegal lane usage and failure to reduce speed to avoid a

Vehicle damaged Someone tossed a cinder block through the window of a vehicle parked in the 300 block of Country Lane in Yorkville March 7, the county sheriff’s office reported. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $300.

Mailboxes damaged An unidentified vehicle struck and damaged three mailboxes in the 1500 block of Little Rock Road in Little Rock Township March 9, according to the county sheriff’s office. Police said they are investigating.

Get up to $300*off mortgage closing costs.

February 15, 2017 - April 30, 2017, and close by July 31, 2017.

Member FDIC

* See a Mortgage Loan Officer for complete details. Some restrictions apply.

Road and was stopped at the stop sign at Route 52, and a 1996 Mack tractor trailer driven by Jose GuarAn Ottawa woman and her two passengers were dado, 51, of Joliet was traveling eastbound on Route taken to area hospitals with critical injuries follow- 52, at around 8:55 a.m. Monday morning. ing a two-vehicle crash on Route 52 at Grove Road State Police said that for unknown reasons, south of Oswego Monday morning, State Police said. Hutcheson’s vehicle entered the intersection in front State Police said that, according to a preliminary of the Mack truck and the truck struck the driver’s investigation, Brittany Hutcheson, 28, of Ottawa was side of Hutcheson’s vehicle. driving a 1998 Ford Expedition northbound on Grove Hutcheson and her two passengers were taken

OSWEGO LEDGER

MONTGOMERY POLICE REPORTS Motorist facing charges Montgomery police arrested Adriana Rodriguez, 18, of the 400 block of South State Street, Aurora, after stopping her vehicle for failure to dim headlights March 12 at 5:23 a.m. on Douglas Road and Parker Drive. Police said Rodriguez has been charged with failure to dim headlights, obstructing identification and driving on a suspended license.

upon his person and passed the last point of sale without paying for the merchandise.

Retail theft charge Montgomery police arrested Ricardo Alejandre 19, of the 4000 block of Southerland, Oswego, on a charge of retail theft at a store in the 2000 block of Orchard Road March 11 at 9:02 p.m.

Police said store officials told them that the suspect concealed merchandise

Multiple violations Montgomery police cited Ramiro Arraiza, 26, of the 1000 block of Pearl Street, Aurora, for driving without a valid license, speeding and having an expired registration after they stopped his vehicle on Montgomery Road at Park Drive, March 14.

ID theft reported A Montgomery resident told village police March 11 that someone obtained their personal information and used it to open up numerous credit card accounts in their name without authorization.

Jackets, Shirts, Caps, Caps, Team Uniforms & Bowling Shirts Shirts

Silk Screening & Embroidery, Inc. 1256 1256 S. Bridge St. (Rt. 47) Yorkville

Continued from page 3 from the current seven. She said what the committee found is that such a move would have a negative impact on students interested in the fine arts and similar types of electives.

“I think it’s important that we fund (electives), she said. “It’s just a matter of where to do we come up with the funds to fund them. … It’s important that we still provide a well-rounded education.”

Candidate Toni Morgan agreed, but went further. She said the arts should be considered core curriculum.

“The creative arts are a more lucrative future for our kids than you would guess,” she said. “… In the United States creative jobs in the arts provide more jobs than Walmart. As we look to the future to get kids ready – use the creative arts to do it. The creative arts should be integrated in all learning through all schools because it makes learning fun for kids.”

630-553-7710 630-553-7710 630-553-7710

Kendall County

RECORD Plano Record

Ledger-Sentinel

Sandwich Record

SM-CL0405353

Montogmery Post# 7452 121 N. River St. Montgomery, IL.

F

ISH

Frida Nigh y 5PM- ts 9P 630-8 59-39 M 8 8

F RY

Mark Erickson

Janna Misek

Mark McGee

1136 Douglas Rd. Oswego

1335 Douglas Rd. Montgomery

630-554-8800 Mark Erickson

630-554-1540 Janna Misek

630-859-8848 Mark McGee

630-554-8800

630-554-1540

@statefarm.com

630-859-8848

Se habla espanol janna.misek.nhv0 @statefarm.com

Se habla espanol mark@foxvalley insurance.com

72 W. Washington Oswego 72 W. Washington www.markerickson.net Oswego www.markerickson.net

1136 Douglas Rd. Se habla espanol janna.misek.nhv0 Oswego

1335 Douglas Rd. Se habla espanol mark@foxvalley Montgomery insurance.com

$10.00

SM-CL0405780

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Warrant arrest Montgomery police arrested Carl Buggs, 38, of the 400 block of East Indian Trail, Aurora, after stopping his vehicle for an equipment violation on River Street and James Street March 11 at 11:47 p.m. Police said Buggs was wanted on a Kane County warrant for failure to appear in court on a prior charge of aggravated domestic battery and ticketed for driving on an expired driver’s license and having only one headlight.

• SCHOOL BOARD

adno=LV23654

Vehicle burglary Someone broke into a vehicle parked in the 2600 block of Caliendo Circle overnight March 13 and stole a wallet, Montgomery police reported. Police said they are investigating.

to area hospitals and Hutcheson remains in critical condition, according to State Police.

Hutcheson was cited with failure to yield at an intersection.

Guardado refused medical treatment, police said.

All parties were wearing seat belts, police said.

The Illinois State Police Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating this crash and it remains under investigation, police said.

9

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Critical injuries in Route 52 crash Monday morning

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

| LOCAL NEWS

10 Rally provides opportunity for residents to connect

Photos by David Toney for Shaw Media

Oswego East High School was the site for the first-ever Oswego Connects: A Community Rally event organized by the village. The rally provided area residents of all ages with an opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of a large number of community volunteer and service organizations. ABOVE: Little ones enjoy playing with the Dickson Murst Farm display during Saturday’s Oswego Connects Rally at Oswego East High School. TOP RIGHT: Kimberly Campos and her daughter, 10 year-old Jaiya Campos-Walker, of Oswego talk to the Kendall County Community Food Pantry about volunteering at the Oswego Connects rally. The event was organized by the village of Oswego in an effort to promote civic involvement. BOTTOM RIGHT: Food trucks were part of Saturday’s rally.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31ST 6:30pm - 10:30pm

FOX VALLEY KICKERS CLUB

We provide the mortgage.

You make the memories.

1015 HARVEY RD, OSWEGO

*Raffles - Silent Auction - Door Prizes* Dancing and Music by the Stingrays 8pm-10:30pm

$30 Per Person - $50 Per Couple *Tickets available at the door*

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE ADMIRAL $2,500 CAPTAIN $1000 COMMANDER $500 LIEUTENANT $250 NCO $100 For more info please contact Dave Krahn - krahn.david@gmail.com

Home Loans hbtbank.com

Restaurant set to open Aug. 14 on Route 34

By TONY SCOTT tscott@kendallcountynow.com

Finding a Great Family Physician is Easier than Ever!

For a Good Dose of Family Medicine, Meet Dr. Amanda Mathias Rajendran Dr. Mathias Rajendran has special interest in:

Whether you’re concerned about getting your child a physical or care for an aging parent, now Rush-Copley Medical Group offers an option for a convenient family physician. Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Amanda Mathias Rajendran delivers an integrative approach that emphasizes care centered around the whole person.

Connect at a free meet-and-greet appointment. View Dr. Mathias Rajendran’s schedule and make a convenient appointment at rushcopley.com/mathiasrajendran.

• Wellness of Adults, Children and Newborns • Women's Health • Diabetes • Hypertension and Cholesterol • Mental Health • Acne

Amanda Mathias Rajendran, D.O. 4789 Rt. 71, Oswego 630-898-5969

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Oswego residents and elected officials munched on steak, macaroni and cheese, and roasted broccoli under a tent Thursday afternoon during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new LongHorn Steakhouse.

The 5,640-square-foot restaurant with seating for more than 200 patrons is anticipated to open Aug. 14 at 2650 Route 34 in Oswego, between the Panda Express restaurant and the Fifth Third Bank, in front of the Best Buy store.

The steakhouse is the first full-service sit-down restaurant to be built in Oswego in 10 years, according to Village Administrator Daniel Di Santo.

The last such restaurant was the nearby Olive Garden, which, like LongHorn Steakhouse, is owned and operated by Florida-based Darden Restaurants.

Village President Gail Johnson, Village Board members Pam Parr, Judy Sollinger, Karin McCarthy-Lange, Luis Perez, and Joe West, and Oswego Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

to the area.

Johnson said the community will benefit from having such a company in the community.

“It’s the first full-service restaurant in 10 years, a national chain, they’re going to be an awesome community partner,” Johnson said. “When we hear a company talk like that, that’s really exciting, because then we know our school groups benefit from it, our community benefits from it, and we know it will be a draw for years to come.”

Johnson said it will be another addition to the thriving Route 34 retail corridor in town.

“This corridor has sustained us,” she said. “The sales tax dollars that come out of here are always good, we want to keep that fresh. When you get a new restaurant, it helps with that. People go to dinner, then they head over to Best Buy or other stores.”

Tony Scott - tscott@kendallcountynow.com Sollinger said a steakhouse is someA LongHorn Steakhouse “grill master” grills up some steaks during the LongHorn Steak- thing the community has been wanthouse groundbreaking Thursday afternoon in Oswego. ing for years.

“We have been wanting a steakAngie Hibben were among those who event. house for such a long time,” she said. attended the groundbreaking.

Halcomb noted that the company “This is awesome, and we’re so excited LongHorn Steakhouse Director of gives leftover food to community or- to have them here. It’s outstanding.”

Operations Kerri Ressmeyer and the ganizations and participates in youth Parr added, “Even people who restaurant’s Managing Partner Whit- job programs. She said the restaurant aren’t beef eaters should love the fact ney Halcomb were also present at the is expected to bring 70 to 80 new jobs that this is going to be here.”

11

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

LongHorn Steakhouse breaks ground in Oswego

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

| LOCAL NEWS

12

Oswego Twp. Highway Commissioner Oswego Township voters will have their choice of six candidates for Township Highway Commissioner in the April 4 election. Long-time current incumbent, Gary Grosskopf, announced last year that he would not run for re-election. The six candidates are all seeking the position for the first time. They are: Tom Cook, Claude Ainsworth, Jeffrey S. Christiansen, Aaron Grosskopf, Terry Olson and Bob Rogerson. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the operation of the township’s highway department which provides road maintenance, snow plowing and leaf vacuuming service for unincorporated areas of the township, including the unincorporated Boulder Hill subdivision between Oswego and Montgomery. The successful candidate will serve a four year term and receive an annual salary of $55,000 along with health insurance coverage and be eligible for enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.

Visit KendallCountyNow.com/election/2017 to read all responses in this race, as well as more coverage of the April 4 election.

Why are you seeking election as Oswego Township Highway Commissioner?

What differentiates you from the other candidates running for highway commissioner?

I’m on a quest to improve the infrastructure throughout the Township which in turn will improve property values. I’m not in this for the paycheck. I’m running to establish trust in the Commissioner’s position, to make sure the office complies with all state and federal guidelines in relationship to the taxpayers’ money, to increase property values by improving the infrastructure of the township and to keep the population that drives the township roads safe.

22 years as a Resident Engineer for Novotny Engineering, a civil engineering consultant. This also includes 22 years of design, acquiring monies, prosecuting and inspection of road projects and the closure under budget of said road project.

I’m the only candidate who is certified by the state in documentation. I’m the only candidate who has worked with Local, State and Federal authorities in the acquisition and finalization of road project. I’m the only candidate who has prosecuted President Obama’s American Rehabilitation and Recovery Act which is also know as ARRA shovel ready program.

Valley Electrical Contractors

I want to bring professionalism back to the Oswego Township Highway Department. I have lived in Oswego since 1969. The fact that the many issues and concerns have been brought to light is alarming and embarrassing. The service that the Oswego Highway Township provides to Kendall County taxpayers is critical and expensive. It needs to be approached that way.

Experience – I don’t know each candidate personally but since this election process has started, I have read the same information about each one just like the voters have. I believe that I have the strongest business background. I will uncover potential saving and bring about a more efficient service to the taxpayers. I have served in many roles in the construction industry for 33 years, from the position of general foreman, leading a large crew of construction workers at many of the largest projects in this area, to general manager of a local contracting firm exceeding $11 million dollars in annual sales.

JEFFREY S. CHRISTIANSEN

Serving the residents of DuPage County for 22 yrs and now wish to continue my public service in Oswego Township to restore accountability and create true transparency.

I have no hidden agenda and pledge to do what is right by ensuring tax payer monies are used efficiently.

AARON GROSSKOPF

I am seeking the position of highway commissioner because I believe I can positively impact the residents of Oswego Township. I believe it is vital, at any government level, for elected officials to be fiscally responsible and eliminate wasteful spending.

One important difference is that I am the only candidate who has experience managing a Highway Department. I also have no other professional interests outside the position of highway commissioner. I don’t own a business, or have any other financial investments. Highway commissioner is a position that requires all of your time and energy.

Heavy Equipment Operator, Project Manager

There are several reasons, one of them is to bring responsibility and transparency into the highway dept, By utilizing my current experience, I will bring training upgrades to each employee of the dept and have all employees cross trained on numerous areas of responsibility, which in the long term, will enhance more services to our community.

My job description uniquely qualifies me to this office as I actively perform all of the duties associated with the highway commissioner, by working as a “hands on supervisory position” and attend all necessary meetings and interact with all customers, engineers, surveyors, city/state/ village inspectors, managers and other trades, etc.

BOB ROGERSON

My family history here in Oswego is the drive for seeking office. We have been committed to public service in Oswego for over 90 years. I want to make a positive impact in our community.

My track record of public service, business history and results. See what my customers are saying at www.RogersonDrywall.com

CLAUDE AINSWORTH Retired

TOM COOK

Detective sergeant, adjunct professor, co-founder of nonprofit

Operations manager, Oswego Township

TERRY J. OLSON

Owner, Rogerson Drywall Inc.

• Candidate questionnaires are continued on page 14

13

OSWEGO LEDGER | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

Oswego Twp. Highway Commissioner candidate questionnaires • Continued from page 12

CLAUDE AINSWORTH

What are your qualifications to serve as highway commissioner?

If elected, will you change or expand the current snow plowing, street maintenance and leaf vacuuming services now offered by the township highway district?

I’ve spent 22 years helping municipalities with issues such as drainage, safety, and traffic conveyences.

I cannot say there is any thing about the plowing, leaf, and branch collection I would change because I haven’t had a chance to look over the current services. However, Road Maintenance that’s a different story. The infrastructure improvements that are being done are a joke. The contracts call for resurfacing streets in the Township that do nothing to improve the structural integrity of the streets. They don’t include the replacement of Curb & Gutter, and sidewalks including making the sidewalks ADA compliant which is mandated by the federal government.

Retired

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

| LOCAL NEWS

14

TOM COOK Valley Electrical Contractors

My administrative credentials along with my cooperative personality. The Highway Commissioners duties are mostly administrative!

Based on what I have read from the other candidates I’m not sure they know that. The Illinois Department of Transportation has listed and published the “General Administrative Duties” of the Township Highway Commissioner published in July of 2013. I have reviewed this document thoroughly before deciding to enter into my candidacy for this position.

(Did not submit a response.)

JEFFREY S. CHRISTIANSEN

Supervised over 70 employees, managed training for over 125 employees, managed grants as well as major projects and worked with other Highway Commissioners and Supervisors for the benefit of residents.

It is my understanding, from discussions with residents, that they are overall satisfied with services. What I will be doing is ensuring we are providing the best possible services in the most cost effective and efficient manner.

AARON GROSSKOPF

Being Operations Manager for the past five years I have gained experience, knowledge, and respect for the position of highway commissioner.

I am proud to be part of a Highway Department that initiated so many vital services the residents have come to depend on and continuously look for ways to increase the services we provide. The trick is to never be satisfied with the job you’re doing because there is always room for improvement.

I am a heavy equipment operator, and have been operating road equipment daily for over 35 years. I own Caterpillar Excavators, Crawler loaders and Mack trucks for our company operations which include road building and repair, underground utilities, fiber optic, sewer and water installation and decommissioning, excavation, building demolition and trucking. As a operator and a semi truck driver, I can personally perform all of these duties (in-house) and can reduce the overall cost of (sub) contracting services to the residents, businesses of (Oswego) Township

I will change or expand the current snow plowing, street maintenance and leaf vacuuming services now offered by the township highway district. Add a “de icing” program to the community. Solar lighting for the township. Expand the free wood chip (program). Create top soil program to the residents of the township .

CDL class A license, plowed/ hauled snow for the railroad and city of Plainfield, operated all kinds of heavy equipment, built custom homes. I have estimated, managed, budget engineered multiple public projects such as the Oswego and Montgomery Village Halls.

I have acquired knowledge of new technology for asphalt and concrete longevity from the Townships of Il conference. Will need to budget engineer options for all services while keeping our tax levy stable.

Detective sergeant, adjunct professor, co-founder of nonprofit

Operations manager, Oswego Township

TERRY J. OLSON Heavy Equipment Operator, Project Manager

BOB ROGERSON Owner, Rogerson Drywall Inc.

BRIEFS Limelight to present ‘SPACE’

The Oswegoland Park District’s Limelight Theater Company presents “SPACE” on March 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. at Murphy Jr. High School, 26923 Grande Park Boulevard in Plainfield. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students/seniors. To purchase tickets, visit limelighttheatrecompany.org. Contact Cori at cveverka@ oswegolandpd.org with any questions.

Legion auxiliary meets Monday

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 675 will meet on Monday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Legion Post Home. All members are encouraged to attend the meeting.

Hostess will be Sandy Ramey. For further information, contact Cheryl Magana at 630-740-8813. For information on joining the auxiliary, contact membership chairman, Deanna Steinke at 630-553-5186.

Civic Club set to meet

Oswegoland Woman’s Civic Club will meet on Wednesday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at Celebrate Differences, which celebrates abilities of those with disabilities and is at 5375 Route 34, Oswego.

Co-hostesses are Mary Jo Hartley and Judy Siedlecki. At each meeting, a raffle

is held which benefits the Kendall County Community Food Pantry. Nominations for 2017-18 officers will also be held.

The club welcomes anyone interested in joining or just learning more about the group to attend.

For information, call President Kathy Guseman at 630-554-5848 or Vice President Judy Siedlecki at 630-551-1852.

– Oswego Ledger

SPRING MEANS SAVINGS AT

15

NEW 2017 CHEVY

NEW 2016 BUICK

CRUZE

NEW 2017 GMC

ENCORE

TERRAIN

MSRP: $31,165

MSRP: $20,400

Stock# C70157

SALE PRICE

16,997

$

*

MSRP: $40,635

22,665

$

Stock# T60646

SALE PRICE

SAVE $6,000!

NEW 2017 GMC

ENVISION

ACADIA SLT

MSRP: $36,795

MSRP: $21,895

SALE PRICE

17,895

$

*

SAVE $4,000!

MSRP: $43,310

Stock# T70117

SALE PRICE

30,908

$

*

CAMARO

LACROSSE

2 TO CHOOSE FROM

10,000 OFF

$

*

Stock# B70168

SALE PRICE

SIERRA SLE 4X4 Crew

+ $2,000 CONQUEST CASH AVAILABLE ** & ***

30,990

$

35,948*

$

NEW 2017 GMC

MSRP: $36,990

Stock# C60461 & C60462

SALE PRICE

17% OFF – SAVE $7,362!

NEW 2017 BUICK

MSRP: $48,970 & $46,625

Stock# T70047

SAVE 16% – $5,887!

NEW 2016 CHEVY

HEADREST DVD SYSTEM!

*

SAVE $6,000!

39,936**

SALE PRICE $

Stock# T70041

20% OFF – SAVE $9,984!

JUST ANNOUNCED!

2000

$

DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PLUS 0% FOR 72 MOS. AVAIL ON SELECT 2016 & 2017 MODELS*

* To qualified buyers. See dealer for details. Prices plus taxes, title, license and doc fees, All prices, subject to change due to changes in factory incentives. These offers not available on prior sales. All vehicles subject to prior sale. Dealer not responsible for unintentional inaccuracies, if any, in vehicle descriptions or prices. Actual sale vehicles may vary from above photos. Prices expire three days from publication. **If financed via GM Financial.

Sales Hours

Mon-Fri 9am-9pm Saturday 9am-6pm

Service Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Saturday 8am-12pm

GM CERTIFIED USED VEHICLES | CERTIFIED SERVICE 815.786.2177 630.552.3422 800.378.3325

WE’RE NOT HERE TO SELL YOU A CAR, WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU BUY ONE!

GJOVIKAUTO.COM

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Stock# T70587

SALE PRICE

NEW 2017 BUICK

TRAX

34,635*

$

Stock# T70003

8,500! OFF!

$

NEW 2017 CHEVY

*

OSWEGO LEDGER | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Gjovik Chevy-Buick-GMC

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

16

BULLETIN BOARD

Highlighting students and activities in Oswego and Montgomery-area schools. Email details to news@kendallcountynow.com.

Montgomery Foundation awards 2 scholarships OSWEGO LEDGER The Montgomery Foundation presented $1,000 college scholarships to Montgomery residents Kaitlyn Caul and Sean Fitzpatrick during a Montgomery Village Board meeting Monday evening.

Caul is a senior at Kaneland High School and will be attending Aurora

University. Fitzpatrick is a senior at Oswego East High School and will attend the Milwaukee School of Engineering as part of their university scholars honors program.

Montgomery Foundation scholarships are awarded through an annual application progress designed to recognize academic achievement, participation in extra-curricular activities and

Bednarick students compete in cook-off OSWEGO LEDGER Student chefs from Aurora’s Cowherd Middle School won two of four trophies in the fifth Top Healthy Chef cooking contest at Aurora University’s alumni cafeteria March 8.

Young chefs from four area middle schools including Cowherd, Herget and Granger in Aurora and Bednarcik, also in Aurora but in School District 308, competed in the final round, a 30-minute cookoff to create a healthy breakfast from a surprise basket of ingredients.

Earlier contests featured healthy salads (2016), sandwiches (2015), pizza (2013) and snacks (2011).

Cowherd’s team, the Cooking Cougars, comprised Assyria Balfour, seventh grader; Charisma Farmer, eighth grader; Bryan Hernandez, sixth grader; and Mykael Williams, seventh grader. They won awards for best presentation and judges’ award for best overall creation.

Other award winners were Granger Middle School’s

community service within the Village of Montgomery.

Other invitations of the tax deductible 501(c)(3) charity includes sponsoring Little Free Library stations to promote family reading and literacy, activities to encourage historical appreciation and preservation and encouragement of visual and performing arts.

The foundation’s board of directors include Marion Bond, president; Stan Bond, secretary treasurer; Steven Andersson, Matt Brolley, Marilyn MIchelini, Karen Towers and Pete Wallers.

The work of the foundation is focused entirely within the boundaries of Montgomery. For more information about the foundation, visit TheMontgomeryFoundation.com.

College students visit schools for ‘Read Across America’ Student athletes from Aurora University and North Central College recently visited District 308 schools as part of the “Read Across America” observance in district schools. The students celebrated the joy of reading and the birthday of Dr. Seuss with activities throughout the week. The college students visited on Alma Mater Monday, which tied-in with the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.” TOP: A total of 20 North Central College Cardinals student athletes read to students in The Wheatland’s Elementary School in Aurora.

BOTTOM: A total of 20 Aurora University football and track athletes read to students at Wolf’s Crossing Elementary School in Aurora.

Eggbeaters who received the Chef’s Award and Healthy Huskies from Herget Middle School, Aurora, for best tasting dish. The Bulldog Breakfast Ninjas from Bednarcik Junior High School also competed.

Contest emcee Zaida Rodriguez, community relations coordinator for Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, presented awards.

Judges were Robert J. O’Connor, Aurora mayor; Sherry Eagle, Aurora University; Faith LaShure, Communities in Schools board president; Barbara Jeffers, executive director, Kane County Health Department; James Wurst, chef, Sodexo food service-Aurora University; and Larry Fullmer, Sodexo district manager-schools.

The event was part of the Kane County Fit Kids 2020 initiative, designed to promote making healthy eating fun for county kids during the next three years.

Preliminary contests involved teams from nine Aurora-area middle schools.

Photos provided

630-554-5700 Independently Owned & Operated

Your Place Realty

Your Local Real Estate Experts® www.YourPlaceRealty.com 5 E. Washington Street, Oswego, Illinois

GIRLS SOCCER

Parker, Zimbelmann lead experienced group for Oswego

By CHRIS WALKER sports@kendallcountynow.com

Shaw Media file photo

Riley Parker (8) is the top goal scorer back for the Oswego soccer team this spring. nior defender Carissa Brown. “We’re super excited for this year. We only lost four seniors and we’ve added some girls. We think we’re going to do pretty well.”

Depth and experience should take the Panthers along way. Their roster includes 10 seniors and nine juniors.

“Our experience is our biggest strength this year,” Champion said.

“Our underclassmen are also very talented and I am excited to see how they grow throughout the season.”

Not only are they experienced, but also they get along extremely well.

“We’re a super close group and I

GIRLS SOCCER

Wolves’ new coach inherits group full of talent

By CHRIS WALKER sports@kendallcountynow.com

Juan Leal may be in his first year as Oswego East head coach, but the program he inherits from former coach Hayley Morganegg is loaded with talented.

“We have the potential to string together some wins and take the Southwest Prairie Conference,” Leal said.

“We have eight strong seniors that are willing to take command of the team.

We are deep on the bench and have solid subs for all positions. Overall, if we can put it together, we will be very dangerous.”

Taking the conference certainly will be the ultimate challenge, especially since Plainfield North hasn’t lost an SPC game since 2008, going 56-0

the past eight seasons.

“We’ve talked to the girls about how they need to play to the level of Plainfield North with their intensity and quickness on and off the ball,” Leal said. “This year we’re going to be pretty competitive. We have a lot of girls who are hungry for that success.

If we stick to our game plan and adjust to other teams we should be very competitive.”

Leal might be in year No. 1 as head coach but it’s his fifth year overall for the Wolves. He’s revamping how they do things and going to play to his personnel’s biggest strengths.

“We are small in size, but we’re quick, so our offense is going to be a bit more fast-paced,” he said. “We’re looking for quick counters. That’s our M.O. this year. We want to catch teams

on their heels and when we have to, we’ll drop back, win the ball again and go back down.”

The Wolves expect huge things from their seniors, several of them already committed to play in college.

Jasmine Ruiz (Villanova), Maddy Lambert (Savannah College of Art and Design), Taylor Peck (University of Indianapolis) and Kara Blasingame (Texas A&M – Commerce) all return to lead the way. Blasingame is the school’s all-time assist leader.

While such experience will certainly be advantageous, the youth of the Wolves is also going to be huge.

While they may be young, Leal says they’re ready to step in and play. That group includes freshmen Haley Lewis, Madison Frazer and Allison Adams and sophomores Brooke Lipscomb and

Sydney Conway.

“It’s been really nice to see these freshmen come in and step up and fit in nicely with the older girls,” Leal said. “The older girls do a nice job with the pace of play and they’ll help teach the younger kids more about the game, communicating and helping each other out. Our future is in good hands.”

The Wolves, who finished 9-10-1 overall and 3-4 in conference last year, will need to be strong defensively if they hope to contend for a conference title.

“Our back line struggled last year in finding space and getting the gaps covered,” Leal said. “That’s one of the things we’ve been emphasizing this year. Our back line needs to communicate better.”

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Oswego has plenty of talent, a great deal of experience and a hunger for success.

All signs point toward the Panthers having an outstanding season, but one factor could get in the way.

“The conference is going to be as competitive as I can remember it ever being,” Oswego coach Kelsey Champion said. “Minooka’s going to be good, Oswego East and Plainfield North are going to be very good and all those other Plainfield schools might not have the club numbers as some other schools, but they come out and play hard.”

The Panthers, who went 10-7-3 overall and 5-2-0 in conference last year, will have a decent idea of where they stand in conference before March ends.

They travel to Minooka in just their third game on March 23 and then host Plainfield North on March 29.

Plainfield North has been the cream of the crop in the conference for a long time. The Tigers haven’t lost an SPC game in nine years.

“We’ve improved a lot but all the other teams have improved,” said se-

think that’s going to help us,” Brown said. “A good chunk of us play in the travel season together so we know other.”

There have been prior seasons where Champion had to rush a player up the ranks who may not have been ready for varsity soccer.

She doesn’t have to do that this year.

Riley Parker (10 goals, 3 assists in 2016), Kaylee Zimbelmann (10 goals, 2 assists) and Abby Grzetic (7 goals, 3 assists) return. Senior forward Alyssa Radakovich (Grinnell College) who joins the team from club, giving the Panthers plenty of firepower on offense.

While Champion is especially excited about the prospect of multiple scoring options, she also thinks the team is going to be solid in the midfield and with its backline, with Brown, goalkeeper Megan Rasmussen and newcomer Ashley Bailey in the midfield.

Rasmussen split time in net with Ball State recruit Madison Lockard last year, but Lockard is hurt and Champion is unsure when, or if, she’ll return.

“We should be competitive in every game we play this season,” Champion said. “We have a very skilled group that has played together for a long time.”

The goals are simple and similar to those of many teams.

“Their eyes are on winning a conference championship and a regional title,” Champion said. “Their eyes are on the prize and to get better and better as we go on.”

SPORTS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Deep roster meets tough conference

17

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

| SPORTS

18 PREP BASEBALL

Aughenbaugh leads Oswego’s strength up middle

By JOSHUA WELGE jwelge@kendallcountynow.com

Shaw Media file photo

All-conference player Cole Aughenbaugh (right) is one of the key returners for the Oswego baseball team this spring.

An old baseball axiom is that good teams start with strength up the middle.

Oswego hopes it holds true.

The Panthers, coming off a 24-9 season and second-place finish in the Southwest Prairie Conference, appear to be in good shape in those key places on the diamond.

All-conference player Cole Aughenbaugh, committed to St. Ambrose, could play center field while hitting in the middle of the lineup, Cody Peterlin and JD Miller figure to man second base and shortstop and senior Gabe Panza is back behind the plate for Oswego, which starts its season Saturday against Plano.

Senior Tanner Sohst, the fifth returning starter, is penciled in to play right field.

It’s a good foundation for first-year head coach Joe Giarrante, who’s been in the program for 12 years – eight as varsity assistant/pitching coach.

“We have some cornerstone pieces, which is good,” Giarrante said. “We have to find some guys to help out and find some pieces in the lineup.”

Oswego does shape up to have a young pitching staff. No. 1 pitcher Carter Turnquist, a three-year

starter, and Luke Torrez were among those who graduated off last year’s team.

Aughenbaugh does return on the mound, joined by juniors Andrew Schimmoler, Nathan Ricken and Jeffery Crafton.

“We’ll have to find innings on the mound. It will be a learning curve and a process for our junior guys” Giarrante said. “Cole did a great job last year on the mound, part of the reason he was all-conference. He will eat up some innings.”

Aughenbaugh is also expected to be penciled in hitting third or fourth. Giarrante noted that Miller had a strong summer out of the leadoff spot.

“He has good instincts, probably the best on the team,” Giarrante said. “As a sophomore he is very mature for a baseball player, something you need at the top of the lineup.”

Last year’s Oswego team knew their roles, knew their positions and everything clicked. Giarrante is hoping they can find the same formula with this group. Their commitment to the weight room and their strength and agility is a good start.

The Panthers’ defense should be a strength.

“It’s a matter of finding lineups and guys jelling,” Giarrante said. “This year, we are going to be looking for some answers. We have some quality guys.”

PREP BASEBALL

Goetz anchors experienced pitching staff for Wolves

By JOSHUA WELGE jwelge@kendallcountynow.com It’s a good place to start.

As Oswego East hopes to improve on its 12-19 finish last season, the Wolves know they have one thing going for them already.

Arms aplenty.

All-conference selection Garrett Goetz leads a pitching staff returning entirely intact from a year ago.

Good timing.

The IHSA in December approved a 105-pitch limit to protect young pitchers’ arms. There are also guidelines in place mandating rest time between outings, which should put a premium on pitching depth.

Oswego East opens its season with a trip to Jacksonville in southern Illi-

nois, where it will play Kenwood and DeKalb this weekend.

“If our pitchers can throw strikes and be consistent, with the experience we have, we’re going to be in every game,” second-year Wolves coach Matt Engelhardt said. “Hopefully it pushes us over the edge to a winning season.”

Goetz, who will play collegiately at Waubonsee, is a good place to start.

He hit .430 as a junior with a 2.00 ERA in 54 innings. Goetz was hurt in the Wolves’ playoff game with West Aurora and took some time off over the summer, but is back to anchor the staff.

“What he did for us numbers-wise last year, both hitting and pitching, were just phenomenal,” Engelhardt said.

Workhorse Mason Madalinski,

committed to Olivet Nazarene, logged 43 innings and hit .330.

“He’s added some miles per hour to his fastball and he’s added a new pitch,” Engelhardt said.

Daniel Nelson, committed to Wisconsin-Parkside, Sean Schumacher (2.9 ERA in long relief) and Illinois recruit Dylan Jones round out the returnees on the mound.

Jones, a four-year varsity player, is back at full strength after missing almost a month at the beginning of last season with a knee injury. His talent is unquestioned.

“Dylan has awesome projectables,” Engelhardt said. “He’s fast, he can track the ball down like a deer, great exit velocity with the bat and he’s got electric stuff out of the bullpen.”

Goetz will play shortstop, Mada-

linski first and third and Schumacher, Nelson and Jones outfield when not pitching.

Other returners back include Jake Stock (catcher), JD Ludacka (third base), Devon Zielke (second base) and lefty reliever Josh Litkenhus. Vito Lamorgese is a senior lefty returning from injury.

Frontrunners from the junior class to fill out the lineup include Garrett Fiduccia (third base), Dominic Zupo (catcher) and BJ Graves (first base).

Shane Schatz and Daniel Rodriguez could add pitching depth.

“The junior class will offer some solid bats to the lineup and give us some versatility as we look to fill a few key positions around the infield depending on who’s pitching,” Engelhardt said.

W E N R U VISIT OE BAR! INSID 630-385-2477 | 129 E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville IL

JACKIE MEIER SHELTER INSURANCE / LEDGER ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: MATT BLANCO

Oswego East’s Blanco sets program record in 2-mile run at Batavia

By JOSHUA WELGE jwelge@kendallcountynow.com

Thursday, March 16, 2017

There are still many miles to go in Matt Blanco’s track season.

He just ran two to remember.

Blanco, an Oswego East junior, ran the 3,200 meters in 9 minutes, 46.42 seconds at the Batavia Distance Madness meet last weekend. Running about 20 seconds faster than his marks from earlier in the indoor season, Blanco bested the previous indoor school record in the metric 2-mile held by Ryan Fluke.

For this outstanding effort, Matt Blanco is the Ledger Athlete of the Week.

“I didn’t expect to get it by that much,” Blanco said. “I didn’t go out the way I wanted, but I finished well. I almost even-split my two miles.”

Not bad for only his second indoor race of the season.

“It was kind of what we expected,” Oswego East distance coach Jim Milner said. “He shows those signs in workouts. We’re looking for him to get better and keep improving. It’s a big drop in time.”

Blanco was the No. 1 seed in his section of the race, so he expected to be out front pushing. He won Section 3 of the race, and was seventh overall.

“Even if I’m not one of the top runners I want to go out with that top group,” Blanco said.

Blanco caught the running bug in fourth grade. He ran a 5K and won the elementary school division while at Wheatlands Elementary. He hasn’t

SPORTS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Wolves junior gets good mileage indoors

19

Photo provided

Oswego East junior Matt Blanco (left) set a program record in the indoor 3,200-meter run last weekend at the Batavia Distance Madness meet, running the metric two miles in 9:46.3. stopped since.

Blanco was a solid fresh-soph runner last spring, occasionally sticking his nose in varsity races.

“He’s one of those up and coming kids,” Milner said, “a real good kid, hard worker. He’s every bit of that.”

Blanco, though, was plagued by tendinitis in his knee that slowed him down last spring. He’s since been prescribed exercises to do before and after practice, and reports a relatively clean bill of health from that rehab.

Blanco took home all-conference honors in cross country last fall.

“He took a pretty big step forward,” Milner said. “He was banged up a little last year but he’s fought through that stuff. He’s a good racer.”

Blanco isn’t quite sure where his next runs will be.

Oswego East is at the Southwest Prairie Conference indoor meet this Saturday at Lewis University, and back in Romeoville the next weekend for the Fast Times Meet.

There’s a possibility, though, that Blanco could skip indoor conference and compete at the Top Times meet at Illinois Wesleyan March 24-25.

The Wolves head outdoors the first week of April, and Blanco already has his sights set high.

“My goal is to win conference for the two-mile. It could be a little tough because we have the state cross-country champ in our conference (Minooka’s Soren Knudsen),” Blanco said.

“My ultimate goal is to make state.”

Is there a Shelter agent working for you?

Jackie Meier

651 Prairie Pointe, Ste 104 Yorkville, IL 630-553-8909 JMeier@ShelterInsurance.com

We’re your Shield.

We’re your Shelter. ®

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

20

SPORTS PREP SOFTBALL

RECORD-SETTERS RETURN Division I-bound Schultzes lead 13 back from East’s first regional title

By JOSHUA WELGE

More inside

jwelge@kendallcountynow.com Emily Schultz gets asked the question a lot.

Who’s older?

Is it Schultz, Oswego East’s star junior, or her talented sophomore sister Ashley? The Schultzes, high school teammates for the first full season this spring, have been frequent travel softball partners.

“She’s my younger sister by a year and a half,” Emily Schultz said, “but softball-wise I feel we’re the same age. She competes. She’s always played up with older girls but she definitely proves herself.”

The Wolves are proving to now be a softball program to be reckoned with.

Oswego East enjoyed a groundbreaking season on the softball diamond last year. The Wolves set a school record for wins, and won the program’s first regional championship.

They could be just getting started.

Oswego East returns 13 of its 14 players, four of them Division I recruits, off last year’s 22-11 group, led by third-year starters Schultz and Juvia Davis.

“We’re the same team for the most part,” said Schultz, committed to Loyola. “That is really going to help us. All of us get along together. Our communication is great and we know each other.”

It’s a good place to start for first-year head coach Mark Green. Green, who assisted Laura Nussle for four seasons, has taught at Oswego East since the school opened its doors.

“The girls are excited about this year,” Green said. “They haven’t necessarily talked about a number of wins they’d like to reach, but they’re excited. I’m just doing my best to prepare the girls for this season, to put them in the best position to succeed.”

Schultz, Davis and fellow

• Oswego soccer season preview. Page 17 • Oswego East soccer season preview. Page 17 • Oswego baseball season preview. Page 18 • Oswego East baseball season preview. Page 18

Shaw Media file photo

Oswego East junior Emily Schultz, a Loyola recruit, is one of 13 players returning from a team that won the program’s first regional championship in 2016. junior Danielle Williams are a great base to build on.

Loyola recruit Schultz, Oswego East’s leadoff hitter and No. 1 pitcher the last two years,

hit .464 with 47 runs scored as a sophomore and went 14-10 on the mound. Indiana-bound Davis, the Wolves’ No. 3 hitter and shortstop, hit .358 last year

with six homers and 45 runs batted in.

Williams, another Loyola recruit, hit .435 with 35 runs scored last year and will hit

second and play center field.

“Those girls are battle-tested, if you will,” Green said.

Schultz’s kid sister Ashley, a sophomore catcher, doesn’t have the other three’s varsity seasoning – but she’s one to watch. The Northwestern recruit had three hits in Oswego East’s sectional game, only her third at the varsity level.

Senior MacKenna Mittelstaedt notched the second-most innings for the Wolves last year, going 7-1, and returns another good bat after hitting .358 with 19 RBIs. Other players back in the mix are junior third baseman Sydni Mitchell, senior second baseman and returning captain Emily Green and junior outfielder Rachel Johnson, herself in her third season on varsity. Sophomore Kaili Chval could contribute in the infield or outfield.

Oswego East finished in the middle of the pack in the Southwest Prairie Conference last year, and the league will be tough again led by Plainfield Central and Plainfield East.

The Wolves are scheduled to open their season Thursday at home against Bolingbrook, the same team that ended their season last year.

“One of our mottos is taking everything one game at a time, not getting ahead of ourselves,” Schultz said. “We want to just focus on the next game, no matter the opponent.

That’s what we’re working for.”

THURSD A Y , M A R C H 16 , 2017 • $ 1.00

OSW EGO LEDGER YOUR NEW LEDGER-SENTINEL • SERVING OSWEGO, MONTGOMERY AND BOULDER HILL FOR MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY PAID ADVERTISING

KendallCountyNow.com

INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

FREE Educational Seminars

LEARN HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT from the most significant breakthrough in natural medicine through regeneration

Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Neck Pain

Neuropathy

Lower Back Pain

UPCOMING SEMINARS INSIDE THIS PUBLICATION Look inside for today’s Oswego Ledger

FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR BY THE

STEM CELL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

Do you SUFFER from...

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

| OSWEGO LEDGER

2W

Knee Pain Low Back Pain Shoulder Pain Neuropathy Joint Pain

SEMINARS

Huntley

Schaumburg

April 11th at 10:30

March 21st at 12:00

April 11th at 1:30

March 21st at 3:00

Northbrook March 28th at 1:00

Naperville

March 28th at 6:30

March 22nd at 12:30

Crystal Lake April 11th at 6:30

Plantar Fasciitis

Joliet

Osteoarthritis

March 22nd at 6:30

of the Knee Neck Pain Tennis Elbow

March 21st at 6:30

March 22nd at 1:00

Chicago O’hare March 28 at 12:00

March 22nd at 6:30

Gurnee

April 11th at 1:00 April 11th at 6:30

Geneva

March 29th at 12:30 March 29th at 6:30

March 28 at 6:30

Reservations Required

CALL TODAY

866-761-0952 866-876-7760 SEATING IS LIMITED CALL TODAY!

SM-CL0418143

With medicine evolving we are able to now offer patients cutting edge treatment options that are alternatives to joint replacement surgery. The ChicagoLand Clinics offer therapies that are cutting edge treatment ideal for improving joint mobility, reducing joint pain and preventing costly and painful surgeries.

We have clinics throughout ChicagoLand that have partnered with the Stem Cell Institute of America because our providers understand you or someone you love may have been diagnosed with Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease or been told you are bone on bone.

We know that as people are diagnosed with these conditions, common treatments ensue, including OTC

medications, prescription drugs, pain killers, physical therapy, injections including cortisone and “rooster comb” (Synvisc, Orthovisc...) and even surgery.

As treatments are tried, the benefit and relief from many of these therapies is short lived and other treatment options are provided to take the previous protocol’s place and still temporary results are obtained. The end result for many of these conditions is major surgery, like a total joint replacement, or live with chronic pain and disability. We have the solution to many of these problems and it’s Regenerative Medicine presented by Stem Cell Institute of America.

The Stem Cell Institute of America offers seminars that include vital information on the healing potential of Amniotic Placental Tissue. This tissue is a rich source of non-immunogenic cells nearly eliminating the risk of rejection or side effects while providing an incredible healing force in your body. Over the span of a few weeks to months, the cells and growth factors assist your bodies ability to repair and regenerate cartilage, ligaments, joint fluid, muscles, tissues and even nerves. This simple in office procedure can have an incredible impact on your function and restore your pain free life.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT 866-876-7760

Knee joint with arthritis

It worked for me, it can work for you!

Hub Arkush

Free Educational Seminar Near You Naperville • Crystal Lake • Geneva • Gurnee • Huntley • Joliet Northbrook • Schaumburg • Chicago Ohare SM-CL0418144

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Regenerative therapy takes advantage of your body’s ability to repair itself, naturally. The army of healing cells is injected to the area by one of our trained practitioners. These procedures are SAFE, ETHICAL and EFFECTIVE at repairing damage and reducing pain while improving your function.

OSWEGO LEDGER | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

REPAIRING YOU NATURALLY!

3W

4W

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 16, 2017

| OSWEGO LEDGER

STEM CELL INSTITUTE of America

Do You Suffer From...

Knee Pain Neck Pain Hip Pain Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip Shoulder Pain Neuropathy Low Back Pain Joint Pain

STOP THE PAIN! Get Relief without Surgery!

Regenerative medicine is now available locally and can effectively reduce and even eliminate your pain without surgery or addictive medications.

Find Out If Regenerative Medicine Is Right For You!

Regenerative medicine uses amniotic tissue cells to regenerate and repair tissues in your body that are damaged due to injury, age, disease and defects. Stem cells have the power to go to these damaged areas and generate new cells and rebuild the area.

SAFE • ETHICAL • EFFECTIVE UPCOMING SEMINARS

Naperville • Crystal Lake • Geneva • Gurnee • Huntley Joliet • Northbrook• Schaumburg• Chicago O’hare RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY SM-CL0418145

866-876-7760