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Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

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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

Oswego buys lumberyard site Village gains control over redevelopment of ‘linchpin parcel’

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 2016

• Relevant information • Marketing Solutions • Community Advocates

ON THE COVER Two-year-old Scarlett Fayfar of Oswego puts on a smile for Santa during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Oswego Village Plaza on Nov. 27. See more photos on page 15. Photo by Steven Buyansky for Shaw Media

The Oswego Village Board approved the purchase of the empty lot which used to house the Alexander Lumber yard in the village’s downtown in a unanimous vote Monday evening.

By ERIKA WURST news@kendallcountynow.com The Oswego Village Board unanimously approved the purchase of the former Alexander Lumber yard property in the village’s downtown Tuesday evening. The property, which is bounded by Washington, Harrison, Jackson and Adam streets near the east bank of the Fox River, has sat vacant since Alexander Lumber relocated its lumberyard several years ago. “This parcel is the linchpin parcel to the success of downtown. That can’t be overstated enough,” Village Administrator Daniel DiSanto told board members before the vote. “If one development is going to change the direction of downtown, this is it.” DiSanto said the proposed purchase price for the 2.38-acre property is $1,492,500, which is the average between the village’s appraisal of $1.35 million for the property and the property owner’s appraisal of $1.635 million. He said the village has enough money in reserves to pay for the property, and then will reimburse itself through the sale of the current police station at 3525 Route 34, which has an appraised value of $1.5 million. Several residents showed up at Tuesday’s meeting to voice concerns over the purchase. Some said they felt the deal was being rushed and came out of

Shaw Media file photo

the blue, taking residents by surprise. “I’m concerned about the price we’re being asked to pay as taxpayers. $1.5 million seems awful high,” resident Russell Pietrowiak said. However, he also noted that the purchase will give residents a lot of say in the future direction of downtown. “We don’t have to wait for a developer’s vision, we can implement the people’s vision,” he said. DiSanto warned the board that if the property was purchased by an outside developer, that developer could sit on the vacant parcel for as long as he/she wished to. “That’s not something we want to see here,” DiSanto said. “So, we’ve cut out the third party. ... The biggest benefit is that the village obtains complete control over what happens here. If we want public parking, amenities, restaurants, we can make sure we have them.” In addressing residents’ questions that the decision to purchase the property came seemingly out of nowhere,

DiSanto assured them that this wasn’t the case. The deal is contingent upon closing at the end of the year, and with environmental studies needing to be completed before the sale goes through, it was important to get the board’s approval as soon as possible, he said. “What happens on the property will be a very public process,” DiSanto said. “Property acquisition negotiations, however, have to remain confidential.” Board members Ryan Kauffman and Luis Perez both voiced their opinions in favor of the sale. “I’m always in favor of the private sector jumping in first,” Kauffman said. “However, this is clearly a situation where the private sector is not jumping in. It’s been [vacant for] a decade, so I’m very much in favor of doing this.” Perez said he’s happy for the village to be in control of such a crucial piece of land. “From a retail development standpoint, we’re the driver now. We’re in a position to be powerful,” he said.

residents on how the budget crisis is affecting them and to discuss ideas on State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, solving the gridlock we have in Springfield.” is inviting area residents to join her at All “Coffee with Kifowit” events are coffee shop stops across her district this free to the public, and those who attend month to discuss state and local issues. will be treated to a refreshment of their “Many of the families I’ve spoken with choice. The events are scheduled from are concerned about the future,” Kifowit 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and will take place at said. “Holding these weekly coffee shop stops gives me the chance to speak with the following locations: Monday, Dec. 5, at

Pomegranate Café, 55 S. Commons Drive, Aurora; Monday, Dec. 12, at Maxfield’s, 2290 Ogden Ave., Aurora; and Monday, Dec. 19, at Benny’s Place, 1158 Douglas Road, Oswego. For more information on these or other events, visit ILDistrict84.com or contact Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630585-1308 or Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net.

BRIEF Residents can talk to Illinois legislator at ‘Coffee with Kifowit’

– Oswego Ledger

CIVIC MEETINGS WEEK OF DEC. 5-9 Monday, 2 p.m.: Waubonsee Community College District Board Policy Committee, Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove. Monday, 6 p.m.: Kendall

County Board reorganizational meeting, County Office Building, Yorkville. Monday, 7 p.m.: Kendall County Zoning Board of Appeals, County Office Building, Yorkville. Tuesday, 6 p.m.: Kendall Coun-

ty Board, County Office 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.

Wednesday, 5 p.m.: Oswego Library District Board Personnel Committee, Oswego Campus Library. Thursday, 7 p.m.: Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission, Oswego Village Hall.

School District 308 board expected to consider issue at Dec. 12 meeting By ERIKA WURST news@kendallcountynow.com

School District 308 Boundary Committee maps can be viewed online at the school district’s website at sd308. org/Page/18959.

“It was interesting to see our community go from rumor and frazzle to a real understanding of what we’re doing here and why we’re doing it.” Lauri Doyle

Immediately following the decision, parents of district students will be able to type their address into an internet feature that will show them the elementary, middle and high schools their children will attend. “We did a lot of work. We wrote a lot of letters, and we listened, listened, listened,” Doyle said of the committee’s responsibility. Each member spent dozens of hours talking to concerned neighbors, attending meetings and public forums, and pouring over maps and numbers. They took the time to ensure the process was organic. “What you all had for an objective was a process that was unbiased and had grassroots support,” said Robert Schwarz of RSP and Associates, who was hired by the district to assist in the boundary process.

School District 308 Board member Schwartz added, “It was never a control mechanism by any board members serving here...it definitely wasn’t anything RSP tried to control, or the administration.” Committee members who went into the process skeptical and concerned a boundary decision had been determined from the start said they left with faith that their voices were heard. They watched the maps evolve over time as public input was received. “It was interesting to see our community go from rumor and frazzle to a real understanding of what we’re doing here and why we’re doing it. It was nice to see the community start to understand that in the end,” Doyle said.

BRIEFS No injuries reported in Main Street apartment fire in Oswego

Oswego Fire Protection District firefighters extinguished a fire in an apartment in the 0-99 block of Main Street at 5:40 p.m. Sunday night. In a statement, the fire district said they had the fire under control within 20 minutes of arriving at the scene, and damage was confined to the apartment where it started. The building has five separate apartment units. No injuries were reported and the cause of the blaze is under investigation, according to the fire district.

Big crowds expected Friday for Oswego’s Christmas Walk

Thousands of area residents of all ages are expected to descend on downtown Oswego on Friday, Dec. 2, for the village’s annual Christmas Walk. The theme for this year’s Christmas Walk is “Home for

the Holidays.” Event hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Organized by the village, this year’s Christmas Walk will feature an illuminated firetruck parade, giant sledding hill, ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping on Main Street, food vendors and a visit from Santa Claus. For more information, call the village at 630-554-4636 or email info@oswegoil.org.

Polystyrene/Styrofoam to be collected at church for recycling

The Oswego Presbyterian Church will provide polystyrene/Styrofoam recycling for the holidays in an effort to keep the popular packing materials out of landfills. The next collection date is set for Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon in the church parking lot, at 1976 Route 25 in Oswego. Any polystyrene foam or Styrofoam materials having the PS6 symbol will be accepted. Event organizers ask that items be divided into three categories in separate

plastic (tied-up) bags (i.e. garbage bags) as follows: • Foam cups and food service containers (rinsed; no straws, lids, plastic wrap or trash). • Packaging foam peanuts. • Other packaging foam (with labels, tape and other materials removed). Foam insulation and other types of foam (non-PS6) will not be accepted.

Christmas fair will take place Dec. 3

God’s Gifts Preschool at 1976 Route 25 in Oswego will be hosting a Christmas Shopping Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Admission is $1 per person. Vendors will include LuLaRoe, Rodan and Fields, Thirty-One Gifts, Avon, Mary Kay, Trades of Hope, Bella Gia and more. For additional information, call the school office at 630-551-4454.

– Oswego Ledger

Thursday, December 1, 2016

After four long months of back and forth discussions, the Community School District 308 Boundary Committee has reached a consensus and handed their recommendations for proposed attendance boundary changes for the district’s schools to the Board of Education. After coming to a surprising 100 percent consensus, the 37 committee members recommended moving forward with the elementary level 3B feeder map, agreeing that the scenario is best for the district. The district, the seventh largest in the state of Illinois with an enrollment of more than 18,000 students, operates 22 schools. “While we didn’t all particularly love every detail of the elementary map, we did agree that this was the best way to go for our community,”

said board member Lauri Doyle, who also served on the Boundary Committee with dozens of other citizens and community stakeholders. As for the secondary level map recommendations, the committee’s decision wasn’t so clearly defined. After reviewing the pros and cons about three possible boundary maps affecting middle school students, the committee recommendLauri Doyle ed moving forward with two possible scenarios, 3B and 3C, and then letting the Board of Education make the final decision as to which boundary map is best. “3B versus 3C is an area where we were very split,” Doyle said of the committee. Now, the decision is in the hands of the board, which will decide at a Dec. 12 meeting which boundary maps will be adopted.

View the maps online

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Boundary changes moving forward

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Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

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OPINIONS OUR VIEW

Why your dog might be a bit out-of-sorts If your dog whined a little bit or seemed otherwise out-of-sorts when your Ledger arrived in the mail last week, it might have been because of our page 1 story on the Oswegoland Park District’s efforts to develop a dog park. The news was not good for local dogs or their owners. ComEd has put the kibosh on the park district’s plan to site the dog park on an undeveloped portion of Jaycee Park in Oswego. It seems ComEd does not want the dog

park located under some high power lines that bisect the park. That means that after nearly two years of planning and hard work by park district staff and the nonprofit Oswegoland Park and Recreation Foundation, a new site will have to be found and new plans devised for the dog park. In the meantime, your dog and all the other dogs and their “people” will have to wait. We’re disappointed park district officials are now back at the drawing

board with their dog park planning since the plans they had developed for Jaycee Park had so much going for them. The park is well situated to serve a large population east of the Fox River with adequate space for parking yet far enough away from homes to prevent barking dogs from becoming a nuisance. We also especially liked the portion of the plan that called for separate areas in the park for small and large

dogs. Anyone who has visited or taken a dog to a dog park knows that smaller dogs are often intimidated by their larger cousins. Given the size of the park district, we’re certain that another suitable site can be found. But, unfortunately for dogs and their owners, it will take some more time to find just the right place. We encourage the park district and the Oswego Park and Recreation Foundation to continue with their efforts.

Shoppers get serious with Thanksgiving over Although we’ve hardly put old Tom Turkey’s leftovers in the freezer until we’re no longer tired of them, it’s already the Christmas shopping season – the real one. If you only pay attention to advertisements, you would believe that shoppers were invading stores to buy gifts starting before Halloween, but that’s just the pre-holiday shopping season. Now shoppers are getting deadly serious. As a sort of mental gymnastics to get you ready for this year’s battle with other shoppers for Jedi Master Light Sabers, All-Day Elmo, and other electronic, action, reaction or inaction figures for which your children are begging (whatever happened to Rainbow Brite or G.I. Joe, or Red Ryder lever-action carbines?), I thought I’d let you in on a few facts I encountered while opening all the junk mail the mail carrier shovels into the mailbox out in front of the Matile Manse here in downtown Troy each and every day she shows up: Did you know that Thomas A. Edison had a collection of 5,000 birds? I didn’t think so. You might think, from its name, that December ought to be the 10th month. But thanks to those pesky ancient Romans, two months were added to the calendar pushing December to the 12th month instead of the 10th, where it had been happy for centuries. New England observes Dec. 21, the date the Pilgrims landed, as Forefathers’ Day. The first official day of winter this year falls on Dec. 21, the winter solstice. As light as air, you say? The Earth’s atmosphere weighs 5,700,000,000,000,000 tons and gravity

REFLECTIONS Roger Matile causes it to exert a pressure of nearly 15 pounds per square inch. When you’re cooking those rum balls and brandy fruitcakes this month, remember that one tablespoon is equal to three teaspoons, not the other way around. For all those bent on removing pagan holidays and terms from our everyday life: The month of May is named after Maia, the goddess of the growth of plants. May (and Maia) clearly have to go. Think your kids were loud at the last family gathering? When the volcano Krakatoa blew its top in the Dutch East Indies in 1883, the sound was heard in Bangkok, Thailand, 3,000 miles away. An interesting note: When a low-grade disaster movie was made about the Krakatoa explosion some years ago, its box office take wasn’t helped by its title: “Krakatoa, East of Java.” Krakatoa is WEST of Java. Back to getting rid of pagan calendar days: Did you know that New Year’s Day had its origin in Roman times when sacrifices were offered to Janus, the two-faced Roman god who looked back on the past and forward to the future? Looks like January has to go the way of May. Holly, narcissus and poinsettia are the flowers for the month of December. Thank the British Army for the name of the White House. After the Brits burned Washington, D.C.’s pub-

lic buildings while visiting during the War of 1812, the smoke-stained walls were painted white, giving rise to the name. They’ve been whitewashing things in D.C. ever since. On Dec. 2, 1942, Enrico Fermi and the boys achieved the first controlled atomic chain reaction in a building under the stands at the University of Chicago’s Stagg Field. Just how bright were our Founding Fathers? John Adams, our second president, entered Harvard College at the age of 16. Oh, for the good old days! Speaking of John Adams, his was the first presidential family to live in the then-uncompleted White House. The oldest known ball game is polo, which, though believed to be of Tibetan origin, was first recorded in Persia in 525 B.C. All members of the Oswego Polo and Yacht Club are required to memorize that fact. Andre the Giant was pretty goodsized, as was William “The Refrigerator” Perry, but they are far from the biggest men ever to participate in professional sports. William J. Cobb of Macon, Georgia (near where Perry was from – they grow ’em big in Georgia) worked as a professional wrestler in 1962. The 802-pound blob was known professionally as Happy Humphrey. In case you’ve been wondering, the only recorded case of a go-kart being driven around the world was a jaunt of 23,300 miles in 1961. Must have gotten a bit damp there in the mid-Atlantic, don’t you think? Wrestling, that noble endeavor, is the oldest recorded sport. Wrestling is recorded on murals in Ben Hasan, Egypt, dated 3,000 B.C. Thinking of changing careers?

Jean Lafitte, the famous Louisiana pirate, owned a blacksmith shop before making a rewarding career change to buccaneering. Here’s an idea from ancient Rome that might mean something this New Year’s Eve: Ancient Romans believed drinking from cups carved of amethyst would keep them sober. I’m sure the price of such a cup would be sobering indeed. King Charles II first made it legal for women to appear on stage in England in 1662. If you ever entertain a group of bishops, you should be aware that in the aggregate, they’re known as a bench, as in a bench of bishops. There exist about 80 types of edible vegetables growing in the Andes Mountains, including the cherimoya, a fruit prized by the Incas. Before you eat one, though, remember what happened to the Incas. Think kids are getting married young these days? In 1900, the legal age for marriage in nearly half the states in the Union was 14 for males and 12 for females. Also, in 1880, 1 million children between the ages of 10 and 15 were part of the labor force. Finally, this week’s quiz question: How were electric blankets first used? The first electric blankets were used in 1921 to keep tuberculosis patients warm, who, as part of the cure they then used, slept outside in the fresh air. That’s a good story, but as the great Dr. Samuel Johnson once noted: “Seldom any splendid story is wholly true.”

• Looking for more local history? Visit http://historyonthefox.wordpress.com.

FORUM

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Need to think logically

To the Editor: The United States experienced a second revolution on Nov. 8. The first revolution was the revolt against being under the monarchy of King George. This second revolt separates the United States from being dominated by either Clinton or Bush families at least for the present time. Even more importantly, middle Americans and working class families said “No” to the prospect of a continuation toward socialism that has been the agenda during the past seven years and would have accelerated under Hillary. Thankfully now the appointments to the Supreme Court will be persons that will rule based on the Constitution and not on what some foreign law or what some religion or social group thinks is right. It’s unbelievable that there are protests to the election when nothing indicates there was fraud or abnormalities in the results that elected Donald Trump. In fact if there were any votes that could be disputed it is the estimated three to four million noncitizens who voted and the majority of those votes certainly were for Hillary, which if subtracted makes Trump also the popular vote victor. There were no protests either time when Obama was elected so it shows that the liberals are the real intolerant even though they have previously espoused that conservatives were intolerant. The protests also indicate that many of the protesters do not work and contribute to the economy because they protest during the daytime working hours. It has now been reported that some of the protesters are being paid by a subsidiary of Planned Parenthood who receives taxpayer money. Hopefully, President-elect Trump will bring jobs back to the country so that these protesters will have jobs and not be continuing to live on welfare or be employed by organizations that attempt to influence the elections and our government. What is really amusing is the ruse that the Democratic Party attempted by implying that the Russians were influencing our elections. The fact is it was Hillary who hit the reset button with Russia and we see how well that worked as Putin began supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Does anyone think that Putin is in favor of having persons like retired Gen. Michael Flynn as National Security Advisor and retired

Letters policy The Forum provides our readers with a weekly opportunity to express their opinions on topics of community interest. Here are our guidelines: • Letters must be no longer than 400 words. • Letters must be accompanied by the writer’s full name, address and home phone number. Only the author’s name and city of residence will be printed. • All letters must be signed by the letter writer. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. • Letters must be written by the individual whose name appears as the author. Second party letters or letters copied off the Internet or from other sources will be discarded. • We reserve the right to edit all letters for brevity and fairness, and to withhold from publication letters that we determine to be either libelous, obscene,

Marine generals who are being considered for Department of Defense that President-elect Trump is appointing? Without a doubt, Putin knew that Trump would put America first. There are people who need to think logically instead of following an political ideology. Leland H. Hoffer Oswego

How about Illinois?

To the Editor: Deep in debt, can’t pay its bills after years of Democrat control. The nation went for a shake-up of the status quo with the election of Donald Trump and numerous other candidates on the Republican ticket. But not Illinois. Oh, we put a few more Republicans in office but not enough to effectively challenge the machine. I had an interesting conversation with a member of the Teamsters Union one time. We were talking about corruption in that union and his response was “Oh, I know they are corrupt but they get me mine.” Interesting thought, excusing corruption because one gets his share. Does that make one corrupt, too? Who is paying for all of this corruption? Does it matter if it is not you? I’ve never met someone who doesn’t think that Illinois politics are corrupt. Harry Truman said, “An honest public servant can’t become rich in politics.” 

untrue, invade personal privacy, or are personal attacks. • Letters withheld from publication will not be accepted as copy for paid advertisements. • Elected and appointed public officials who write letters will be identified with their titles listed under their names. Officials who wish to write letters that are not necessarily representative of their agency’s view should preface their letters accordingly. • Letters containing poetry will not be considered for publication. • The deadline for letters to the editor is 5 p.m. Friday for the next week’s edition. Here’s how to send your letter: By email: letters@kendallcountynow.com By mail: Record Newspapers, 109 W. Veterans Parkway, Yorkville, IL 60560

I’ve never understood how career politicians even brag about the wealth they accumulated with statements like “rich like me” and yet people still vote for them. If a leading politician is making more than $1 million a year, is it not probable that he is more interested in his own interests than that of his constituency, the voters? How much do you make? If it is enough to pay taxes, who do you think is picking up the tab for his good fortune? Isn’t it time that the voters of Illinois stand up to the ineffective, one-party rule that gives credence to the saying that “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”? Bruce Rauner has put his very lucrative career aside to fight for Illinois but he can’t, nor should he be expected to, do it alone. Why not tell your Democrat representatives that you expect them to cooperate with efforts to clean up the financial mess in Illinois or you will vote Republican next time? Isn’t it time to move on from “Oh, I know they are corrupt but they get me mine”? Rod Beary Oswego

Waiting for the details

To the Editor: There is a shadow group of people who will be greatly affected by President-elect Trump and the Republican

Party’s decision to eliminate Obamacare. The 2009 depression pushed many older workers into under or unemployment which cut off their health care. They were too young for Medicare and if they took low-paying jobs, they didn’t qualify for Medicaid. So they had Obamacare, with all its warts, but it was coverage for the older and sicker portions of America. According to Social Security, the average worker usually takes early retirement as soon as it’s available. That means many retirees are 62 years old and are too young to claim Medicare. Their option is Obamacare. Many must feel comfortable enough to make this decision. This helps the younger workers who can take over these jobs that people are retiring from. If the yet as decided on new health care program that Trump and his party is considering, but with details that are not available, then many people will continue to work after 62 and deny younger employees the opportunity to advance into those positions. The other rumbling dealing with health care is the long-awaited Ryan plan on creating vouchers for Medicare. Today you sign up for Medicare, pick from different portions and pay your portion and the government pays for the entire part A portion of Medicare. But if the government wants to cap their health care costs for seniors then they send you, the Medicare recipient, a check that you use to go find the best plan possible. Currently there are few choices for seniors to choose from, so competition is not containing the costs. And just like the government control of minimum wage, the voucher will not keep up with the continuous cost of living so that voucher will pay for less and less care over time. As long as there are profits to be made in the collecting and paying of health care premiums, then costs will only increase unless the government wants to regulate the health care industry and stop lobbyists from using health care industry money to influence legislators. Pretty sure people will not be happy when the control the federal government had over costs is eliminated by handing out vouchers and letting consumers be at the mercy of insurance companies. Be careful what you wish for, it might not turn out how you expected.  Ed Washak Yorkville

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

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Montgomery prepares to light Christmas tree OSWEGO LEDGER Montgomery’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place this Sunday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. in front of the Village Hall at 200 N. River St. in Montgomery. This is a free event for the entire community and is hosted jointly by the village of Montgomery and the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. The event will kick off as students from local grade schools decorate the village Christmas tree with handmade ornaments, followed by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in fire trucks with sirens blaring. After the lighting of the Christmas tree, children can visit Santa and take photos inside the Village Hall while everyone enjoys musical numbers performed by the students outside on the park district’s

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soundstage. Free hot cocoa and cookies will be provided throughout the evening by the GMACC. The Village Hall will once again host a Festival of Trees that will turn all three levels of the building into a winter wonderland. Area businesses participate by decorating Christmas trees for everyone to enjoy, and visitors of all ages are invited to vote for their favorite tree. Some of the businesses will even be sponsoring raffles and prizes that evening. In addition, the Festival of Trees will continue for three weeks, so those unable to attend the Dec. 4 event can still stop by to view the trees and vote for their favorite during business hours until Dec. 22. In addition to on-street parking, two public parking lots are available behind the Village Hall along Main Street.

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Gingerbread man assembly line: Crafters young and old will enjoy the Little White School Museum’s free, family “Christmas Decorations – Victorian Style” holiday make and take activity, set for 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10-11. Participants age 3 and older can drop in any time during the activity’s hours, either day. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free craft activity set at museum OSWEGO LEDGER Stop by Oswego’s Little White School Museum from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on either (or both) Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11, for “Christmas Decorations – Victorian Style.” The museum is located at 72 Polk Street (Polk at Jackson Street), just two blocks from historic downtown Oswego. Create instant heirloom holiday decorations to take home and share

just like our great-grandparents did. These Victorian-themed, handmade holiday crafts will add a special touch to any celebration. Children must attend with an adult. Pre-registration is suggested to help the staff plan for materials, but walkins are always welcome. This free, family craft activity is aimed at those age 3 years and up. For more information, call 630-5542999 or send an email to info@littlewhiteschoolmuseum.org.

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Few GOP candidates file in Oswego Twp. By TONY SCOTT tscott@kendallcountynow.com Five candidates filed petitions for various Oswego Township offices this week for a Republican Party primary election that officials say most likely will not take place unless write-in candidates file to contest the candidates. Oswego Township Republican Party officials last month called for a primary election, notifying township officials, and a candidate filing peri-

od was held beginning Nov. 21 and ending on Monday for a primary that would occur on Feb. 28. However, not enough candidates filed to trigger the primary, according to Illinois State Board of Elections officials. Filing were Michael F. Becker of Boulder Hill for township supervisor, Stephen Youhanaie of Oswego for township clerk, Jeffery Christiansen of Oswego for township highway commissioner, and Diane Selmer and Leah

Oswego man gets 6 years in prison for selling heroin SHAW MEDIA An Oswego resident, James P. Vartiak, 28, of the 0-30th block of Chippewa Drive, has been sentenced to six years in state prison by Judge Timothy McCann for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, according to Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis. The incidents that led to Vartiak’s arrest occurred in January and February of this year when he delivered heroin and other controlled substances to an individual working with the Kendall County Cooperative Police Assistance Team. Vartiak delivered controlled substances, including heroin, on three separate occasions, Weis said.   Weis noted that Vartiak was on

parole for another drug delivery offense when he was arrested. Vartiak received an eight-year prison sentence but requested and completed impact incarceration (boot camp) with IDOC. Weis said, “Mr. Vartiak requested he be placed in a facility with the Department of Corrections to deal with his substance abuse issues. While he has requested and received treatment on prior occasions, Vartiak continues to sell drugs to those within our community. Hopefully, this sentence, with treatment, will help Mr. Vartiak become a productive member of society upon his release.” Vartiak will be required to serve two years of mandatory supervised release after he serves his sentence.

Man sentenced for cocaine sales in Oswego-Montgomery area SHAW MEDIA A Kendall County judge has sentenced an Aurora man to six years in state prison for delivering cocaine to an undercover police officer. State’s Attorney Eric Weis announced Wednesday that Taurean Buck, 33, of the 1000 block of North Ohio Street in Aurora, was sentenced by Judge Timothy McCann to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. Buck was arrested in April for delivering cocaine to an undercover officer working with the Kendall County Cooperative Police Assistance Team (CPAT) on three occasions this spring. The deliveries took place in the Oswego and Montgomery area, Weis said. When Buck was arrested, he was

found with more than $1,600 in cash, Weis said. The cash and other items were later forfeited under drug asset forfeiture laws. Buck has been in custody at the Kendall County Jail in Yorkville since April, and agreed to the sixyear sentence in early November, Weis said. Buck will be required to serve two years of mandatory supervised Taurean release after he serves Buck his prison sentence. He has a history of prior drug-related felony offenses, which have included several sentences in state prison. Assistant State’s Attorney Frank S. Gorup prosecuted the case and the Kendall County public defender represented Buck, Weis said.  

Philpot, both of Oswego, for two of the four open township trustee seats. State Board of Elections spokesman Jim Tenuto said that since those who filed are unopposed, a primary will not take place, unless a write-in candidate files to oppose any of the candidates. Tenuto said township residents have until Dec. 22 to file as a write-in candidate for the Republican primary. If someone files as a write-in candidate by that deadline against one of

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OSWEGO POLICE REPORTS Nov. 25 at 2 a.m. at her residence. Police said Kennedy faces four count charges of domestic battery.

Gas station hit, run Oswego police are investigating a hit-andrun crash at a gas station in the 2700 block of Route 34 Nov. 24 at 8:15 a.m. Police said an unknown motorist hit a cement structure and then left the scene.

p.m. Police said Eichelberger was wanted on two outstanding warrants and ticketed for driving on a suspended license.

MONTGOMERY POLICE REPORTS ID theft reported A Montgomery resident told village police Nov. 28 that an unknown person had opened several new credit card accounts using her information. Police said no monetary loss was reported and the victim was able to cancel the credit cards before they were used.

was taken from the other vehicle.

Struck by vehicle Montgomery police reported that a pedestrian received non-life-threatening injuries when struck by a vehicle in the 1900 block of Caterpillar Drive Nov. 28 at 6 a.m.

Domestic arrest Montgomery police arrested Brian Evans of the 2000 block of Hanbury Lane Nov. 22 at 9:49 p.m. at his residence on a charge of domestic battery.

Vehicle burglaries reported Montgomery police responded to two vehicle burglaries in the 1700 block of Heatherstone Drive Nov. 24. Police said loose change valued at about $15 was stolen from one of the vehicles, while $10-$20 in loose change

Arrested on two warrants Montgomery police arrested Duane Love of the 1000 block of Four Seasons Boulevard, Aurora, on two outstanding warrants Nov. 26

Kimberly hit-and-run Montgomery police took a report of a hitand-run crash involving a parked vehicle in the 600 block of Kimberly Lane in the village Nov. 28 at 12:29 p.m.

• Continued on page 10

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DUI arrest iPod missing Oswego police arrested Kevin D. Falls, 26, An Oswego resident reports his iPod 6 lost of the 5100 block of West Bernice Avenue, or stolen Nov. 21. Chicago, after stopping his vehicle on Madison Battery among charges Seek info in theft Street and Benton Street Nov. 23 at 7:19 p.m. Oswego police arrested Joseph A. Sova, 34, Arrested on warrants Oswego police are seeking information Police said Falls was charged with driving of the 70th block of West Washington Street, Oswego police arrested Ian Z. Roos, 24, on a case involving the theft of $950 from a under the influence. Oswego, in the 20th block of West Washingof the 500 block of Crystal Court, Oswego, vehicle parked in a parking lot in the 200 block ton Street, Nov. 21 at 11:47 a.m. on charges of at the village police station Nov. 21 at 12:26 Motorist cited, arrested of Ogden Falls Boulevard between 9:53 a.m. criminal damage to property, aggravated bat- p.m. on two warrants for failure to appear in Oswego police arrested Kyerra I. Lewis, and 11:42 a.m. Police said that anyone with tery, resisting arrest, possession of cannabis court on prior charges. Police said Roos was 22, of the 400 block of North Kendall Street, information concerning the case to contact and possession of drug equipment. Police said detained at the Kendall County Jail in Yorkville Aurora, after stopping her vehicle on Route 34 Sova was detained at the Kendall County Jail pending court proceedings. them at 630-551-7300. near the village police station Nov. 24 at 11:45 Yorkville pending court proceedings. Oswego East hit, run p.m. Police said Lewis was cited for driving on Warrant arrest Oswego police took a report of a hit-anda suspended license and arrested on a Kane Seek info in school bus crash Oswego police arrested Joel S. Torres, 31, run crash in the parking lot at Oswego East County warrant. Oswego police responded to a hit-and-run of North Lincolnway, North Aurora, after High School Nov. 26 at 2:10 p.m. Police said a crash involving a school bus Nov. 21 at 4:11 stopping his vehicle on Route 34 at Route 71 Cash disappears motorist struck and damaged a guardrail and p.m. on Waterbury Circle at Ogden Falls Nov. 24 at 12:20 a.m. Police said Torres was An Aurora resident told Oswego police then left the scene. Boulevard. Police said an unknown motorist cited for driving on a suspended license and that she inadvertently left $60 in cash at a struck the school bus while attempting to arrested on an outstanding LaSalle County Hit-and-run charge self-checkout register at a store in the 2300 pass it, resulting in no injuries but damage warrant for failure to appear in court on a Oswego police arrested Jose L. Cano, 55, of block of Route 34 Nov. 23 at 2:09 p.m. Police to the bus. Police ask that if anyone has property damage charge. the 400 block of LaSalle Street, Aurora, on a said when victim returned a few minutes later information on the crash to contact them at charge of leaving the scene of a crash Nov. 27 the cash was missing. Police said they are 630-551-7300. Traffic violation at 3:09 p.m. According to police, Cano was investigating. • Christian D. Sandoval, 21, of the 700 block driving a vehicle that was involved in a crash Motorist arrested on warrants of Rural Street, Aurora, speeding and no valid Bellevue Circle hit, run in the parking lot of a store in the 3000 block Oswego police arrested Shiann L. Eicheldriver’s license. Oswego police are investigating a hit-andof Route 34. berger, 20, of the 100 block of 3rd Avenue, • Franciso Guerrero, 25, of the 700 block run crash that occurred on Bellevue Circle Nov. Aurora, after stopping her vehicle on Old Post of Four Seasons Boulevard, Aurora, no valid Facing felony charge 20. Police said an unknown motorist struck a Road at Seton Creek Drive Nov. 22 at 2:28 driver’s license and speeding. Oswego police arrested John D. Braaksma, sign post and tree and then left the scene. 48, of the 1000 block of South Union Street, Aurora, on a charge of felony retail theft at a Criminal trespass reported store in the 2300 block of Route 34 in the vilOswego police took a report of criminal Visiting Angels of Plainfield is lage Nov. 23 at 2:14 p.m. Police said Braaksma trespass to a vehicle that was left unlocked in attempted to leave the store without paying the 2200 block of Wiesbrook Drive Nov. 26 at looking for experienced caregivers. for merchandise valued at $629.20. Braaksma 5 p.m. was transported to the Kendall County jail in If you love working with seniors Vehicle reported stolen Yorkville pending court proceedings, accordOswego police are investigating a burglary ing to police. call 815-254-0152 or fax resume to from a motor vehicle and the theft of a vehicle Domestic arrest from a residence in the 600 block of Cheshire 815-254-0175 Oswego police arrested Mary C. Kennedy, Court. Police said the incident was reported to 52, of the 200 block of Devoe Drive, Oswego, them Nov. 24 at 7:09 a.m.

9

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Jewelry theft reported Oswego police are investigating a reported theft of a diamond pendant and a pair of diamond earrings from a residence in the 500 block of Homeview Drive Nov. 29. Police said the pendant and earrings are valued at $12,400.

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

10

KENDALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS Boulder Hill arrest County sheriff’s deputies arrested Nora Kathleen Thomas, 57, of the 600 block of South River Street, Aurora, on Tealwood Road near Sonora Road in Boulder Hill Nov. 26 at 4:21 p.m. on charges of simple battery and being intoxicated in the roadway. Police said they were summoned to the scene on a report of an intoxicated person in the roadway. While they were investigating, police said, Thomas struck a deputy. Brake line cut An estimated $20 in damage resulted when someone cut the brake line on a vehicle that was parked in front of a residence in the 100 block of Heathgate Road in Boulder Hill Nov. 26, according to the county sheriff’s office. Vehicle left idling stolen A Boulder Hill resident told county sheriff’s deputies that her 2010 gray Ford Fusion was stolen from outside her residence Nov. 23 at 10:10 a.m. Police said the victim started the vehicle to warm it up and then went back into her residence. When she returned, the vehicle was gone, according to police. Police said they believe the person who stole the car was riding a white and light blue Mongoose mountain bike found in the front yard of the residence. Police ask anyone with information on the incident to contact them. Arrest two in hit-and-run domestic County sheriff’s deputies arrested two Boulder Hill residents while responding to a report of a hit-and-run crash in the area of 42 Hampton Road in Boulder Hill Nov. 25 at 7:18 p.m. Police said the two suspects in the incident became involved in a domestic dispute while driving separate vehicles. Police said one of the suspects, Alejandro Cristobal Alvarez, 30, of the 60th block of Paddock Road, drove his vehicle into a

vehicle driven by Janet Lopez, 32, of the 20th block of Spring Garden Drive. Police said after he crashed his vehicle into Lopez’s vehicle, Alvarez attempted to get into Lopez’s vehicle by using the driver’s side door. Police said Alvarez was arrested on charges of reckless conduct, reckless driving, following too close, providing false information for a crash report and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Lopez has been charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle, according to police.

Domestic arrest County sheriff’s police arrested Andrew L. Ruch, 27, of the 2700 block of North 45th Road, Sandwich, on a charge of domestic battery at a residence in the 0-100 block of Willow Springs Lane in Little Rock Township Nov. 25 at 12:07 a.m. Police said Ruch bit a female victim multiple times. Warrant arrest County sheriff’s deputies arrested Justin Mikel, 25, of the 100 block of Hartway Drive, Montgomery, after stopping his vehicle for a traffic violation in the 1600 block of Route 25 in Oswego Township Nov. 26 a 1:02 a.m. Police said Mikel was wanted on an Aurora police warrant. DUI arrest on Fernwood County sheriff’s deputies arrested Jose Fernando Munoz, 24, of the 2000 block of Clarridge Lane, Montgomery, in the 0-100 • Continued on page 11

and then drove off.

Traffic violations • Joanna Ramos, 24, of the 800 block of Almond Drive, Aurora, speeding, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving on a suspended license. • Marcos Leon, 19, of the 2500 block Ticketed after crash of Madden Court, Yorkville, driving on a Montgomery police ticketed Adan Miranda suspended license, operating an uninsured of the 500 block of East Benton Street, motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle Aurora, after the vehicle he was driving was with expired registration. involved in a crash at Douglas and Mont• Francisco Rodriquez of the 800 block gomery roads Nov. 25 at 7:18 a.m. Police said of Jackson Street, Aurora, no valid driver’s Miranda was ticketed for leaving the scene of license. an accident. • Stephen Johnson of Echo Valley, Elburn, driving on a suspended license and improper Hit-and-run on Rt. 30 lighting. Montgomery police responded to a hit-and• Cristian Renteria of the 1500 block of Wild run accident on Route 30 at Horseman Trail Road, Aurora, driving on a revoked license Nov. 24 at 10:32 p.m. Police said an unknown and speeding. motorist driving a red vehicle struck the • Oscar Rosario of the 600 block of Oak passenger side of a 2006 Chevy Suburban Avenue, Aurora, no valid driver’s license. at 12:51 a.m. on Montgomery Road at Bangs Street. Police said Love was wanted on an Aurora police warrant for reckless driving and a Kane County warrant for obstructing justice.

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Forgery, theft reported The county sheriff’s office is investigating a forgery and theft case that occurred at a bar in the 300 block of Church Street in Fox Township Nov. 27. Police said someone paid for merchandise with a fake $20 bill.

MONTGOMERY POLICE REPORTS • Continued from page 9

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block of Fernwood Road Nov. 24 at 1:05 a.m. Police said they were summoned to the area on a report of a hit-and-run crash. Upon arrival, police said they found a vehicle registered to Munoz had struck a parked, unoccupied vehicle. Police said they were able to locate Munoz, who had left the scene on foot. Police said Munoz was charged with driving under the influence and hit and run.

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Cannabis arrest County sheriff’s deputies arrested Robert John Lewis, 20, of the 400 block of State Street, Ottawa, after stopping his vehicle for a speeding violation Nov. 26 at 9:28 p.m. on Route 71 at Newark Road in Big Grove Township. Police said Lewis was found to be in possession of 15 grams of cannabis and drug paraphernalia. He was charged with possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia. Check fraud reported A resident of Sonora Road in Boulder Hill told county sheriff’s deputies Nov. 18 that someone cashed one of her checks without her permission June 1. Police said the check totaled in excess of $500. Traffic violations Reana L. Bennett, 29, of the 500 block of Powers Court, Yorkville, driving without a valid license.

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Thursday, December 1, 2016

ST. CHARLES – Four Illinois Youth Center-St. Charles guards have been indicted for encouraging juvenile detainees to attack other detainees as a form of discipline, according to a news release from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. Johan O. Asiata, Michael M. Klimek, Andre L. McFarland and Elliott J. Short were indicted on multiple counts Nov. 22 by a Kane County grand jury. An arrest warrant for each was issued immediately, the release stated. Klimek resides in Yorkville. According to the Kendall County government website, Klimek has been a deputy coroner since 2009. Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon alleges that the guards, led by Klimek, encouraged certain juvenile residents to physically attack other juvenile residents, facilitated the attacks and stood idly by during the attacks. The offenses took place in January 2016, and the indictments state that each of the defendants was acting in

his official capacity when he engaged in the alleged acts, which took place at the facility – which is public property, according to the release. All were employed as juvenile justice specialists at the time of the alleged offenses, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections. Asiata, 30, of the 26200 block of South Rachel Drive, Channahon, is charged with Michael M. five counts of official Klimek misconduct, two counts of aggravated battery and one count of unlawful restraint. He was taken into custody Nov. 23 and was released from the Kane County Jail on Nov. 24 after posting $5,000 bond. Klimek, 40, of the 100 block of Tuma Road, Yorkville, is charged with 53 counts of official misconduct, 18 counts of aggravated battery, three counts of unlawful restraint, one count of mob action and one count of theft. He was taken into custody Nov. 22 by Illinois State Police and was released Nov. 23 from the Kane County

jail after posting $7,500 bond, the release stated. McFarland, 31, of the 4500 block of Hitching Post Trail, Rockford, is charged with eight counts of official misconduct and one count of aggravated battery. He was taken into custody Nov. 22 and released Saturday from the Kane County jail after posting $3,000 bond. Short, 34, of the 1900 block of Oak Street, St. Charles, is charged with four counts of official misconduct and two counts of aggravated battery. He was taken into custody Nov. 22 and released Nov. 23 from the Kane County jail after posting $5,000 bond. The charges allege 10 victims – for incidents alleged to have taken place Jan. 9 to 13 and Jan. 28, the release stated, noting that the allegations were reported to the Illinois Department of Corrections in late January. The Illinois State Police handled the investigation, and the defendants were placed on administrative leave. If convicted of the most serious offense, each of the defendants faces a sentence of probation – or two to five years in prison, the release stated. Klimek is set to appear in court at 9 a.m. Dec. 5 in Room 217 of the Kane County Judicial Center.

• Continued from page 10

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Kendall deputy coroner charged

KENDALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

Limelight Theatre will present ‘A Christmas Carol’ OSWEGO LEDGER The Oswegoland Park District’s Limelight Theatre Company will present a radio play adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “A Christmas Carol” at the Little White School Museum, Jackson and Polk streets, on Dec. 3, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and on Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students/seniors.

All seats are general admission and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Donations of a canned good or nonperishable food item for the Kendall County Community Food Pantry will be accepted. As a token of thanks, you will save $1 per ticket (purchased at the door), or receive a coupon for $1 at the concession stand (for all tickets sold online). For more information about this show or to purchase tickets, visit limelighttheatrecompany.org.

Contact Cori at cveverka@oswegolandpd.org with any questions. The radio play will be set in New York City during the 1929 Christmas season. After a Christmas Eve visit from several spirits takes him to a bustling Italian neighborhood, a speakeasy, the docks, and the homes of coworkers and family, Scrooge must confront his own beliefs and isolationism, and discover for himself the true meaning of the holidays.

BRIEFS Hilltop Garden Club prepares pinecones for Christmas Walk

Hilltop Garden Club members gathered recently at the home of Betty Nance in Oswego to prepare for their annual participation in the Oswego Garden Walk on Friday, Dec. 2. The club will again be giving out pinecone bird feeding kits to children. The kits come complete with everything needed, including a bark butter recipe, although most agree that using peanut butter with the bird seed is easiest. The club will also offer their traditional free raffle of an outdoor porch planter filled with assorted greens and holiday trimmings in a festive red pot. The winner will be chosen at 8:45 p.m. and need not be present to win. Brochures and club information will on hand and members will be available to answer questions throughout the night. For more information, contact vgierhart@aol.com.

Antique Study Group gathers Dec. 7 for Christmas potluck

The Boulder Hill and Oswego Antique Study Group will meet Wednesday, Dec. 7, for a Christmas potluck luncheon at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Oswego. A Secret Santa vintage gift exchange will highlight the December Christmas potluck. Sharing classic recipes from

are invited to attend. Participation in the $10 grab bag gift is optional. For more information, call Diane at 630-551-1970.

Guitarist to play free holiday show at Montgomery village hall

Guitarist Randy Walker will perform a free holiday music show called “All Christmas, All of the Time” at the Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N. River St. on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Walker has been a favorite entertainer at past events in Montgomery and will perform popular Christmas songs from the past decades. The event is free and open to the general public. Walker is one of the Chicago area’s Photo provided Hilltop Gardeners (from left) Betty Nance, Robin Langguth and Patti Clements met on most versatile guitarists and vocalists and has been performing for audiences Nov. 7 to make pinecone bird feeding kits to give away at the Oswego Christmas Walk. for over 40 years. He has been playing 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Little White School guitar and singing since age 11 and grew favorite regional and unique cookbooks up in a musical household. Both his parMuseum, 72 Polk Street in Oswego. The makes this meeting a favorite of mements sang in barbershop choruses and he December meeting traditionally brings bers. The study group has met continuously the year to a close with a festive brunch quickly developed an astute ear for music and harmonies. since its founding in 1964, with education and the installation of new executive The monthly Senior Lunch and activity programs provided by members or guest officers of the board. “Thinking back to the start of this year, for 55+ will begin at 11 a.m. after the speakers. If you admire antiques, love entertainment. There is a $4 cost for the there has been so much to celebrate,” history and are interested in learning lunch and pre-registration by Dec. 6 is said Valerie Gierhart, publicity chairpermore about this organization, contact required. son and first vice president. “Highlights Kay at reputation@ameritech.net.  For additional information or to sign included the golden anniversary of our up for this event, call the Montgomery Hilltop Gardeners get ready annual plant sale and we welcomed Village Hall at 630-896-8080, ext. 9023. to close out year Dec. 8 several new members.” – Oswego Ledger The Hilltop Gardeners will meet on Dec. There is no cost for the brunch and all Jackets, Shirts, Caps, Caps, Team Uniforms & Bowling Shirts Shirts

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13 Ribbon-cutting for Tuscan Tavern

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The Oswego Chamber members recently attended an open house for Tuffy Auto Service Center in Oswego and hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new owners. Tuffy Auto Service Center is at 1555 U.S. Route 34, Oswego, just west of the Route 30/Route 34 intersection.

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Recently the Oswego Chamber held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Tuscan Tavern, located at 4571 Route 71, Oswego. Tuscan Tavern offers the finest Italian cuisine from all regions of Italy, using Parmigiano Reggiano and San Marzano tomatoes. Take your family there for dinner during this holiday season for fine food.

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Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

Tuffy Auto Service Center hosts open house

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

| OSWEGO LEDGER

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Photos by Steven Buyansky for Shaw Media The village of Oswego’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting event attracted area residents of all ages to the plaza outside village hall at Routes 31 and 34 late Sunday afternoon. Those in attendance watched as the lights on the village’s community Christmas tree were turned on by Roger Matile, director of the Little White School Museum and longtime Ledger columnist, and his family. Afterward, boys and girls had a chance to meet with Santa Claus in the village hall atrium.

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LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Oswego’s Christmas Tree shines bright

Thursday, December 1, 2016 ABOVE: Nine-year-old twins Matthew and Julia Matile help Santa and Village President Gail Johnson count down the turning on of the tree lights during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Oswego Village Plaza on Sunday. LEFT: Three-year-old Jack Niedbalski of Plainfield poses for his mom in front of the Christmas tree in the Oswego Village Plaza.

ABOVE: A horse-drawn wagon carries visitors around the parking lot after the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Oswego Village Plaza on Sunday. RIGHT: A line forms to visit Santa in the atrium at Oswego Village Hall on Sunday.

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

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EXPLORING SECURITY OPTIONS County Board member suggests moving offices to courthouse By TONY SCOTT tscott@kendallcountynow.com A Kendall County Board member recently proposed moving all of the offices in the County Office Building in Yorkville to the county courthouse, also in Yorkville. The proposal by board member Robert “H.D.” Davidson was sparked by a request from County Clerk Debbie Gillette and County Treasurer Jill Ferko for security measures for their offices. The measure was discussed at the board’s Nov. 10 committee of the whole meeting. Davidson, chairman of the county’s Facilities Management Committee, said the two elected officials requested more security following some incidents that made them “a little uncomfortable.” “I guess a gentleman made a comment and has gotten everybody excited,” he said. The measures include new security glass and countertops for the offices, totaling up to $25,000, according to Davidson. “[The committee’s] recommendation basically is to put a glass shield across their counters, change the counters,” he said. Davidson said the committee is looking at other scenarios, such as locking the building down and hiring security personnel, which he said was “very expen- Robert sive.” “H.D.” Davidson said he and Davidson board member Judy Gilmour, another member of the facilities committee, “visited with” Judge Tim McCann and talked about “maybe even going over to the courthouse, where we already got the security, everything’s there.” “We got five courtrooms we haven’t used for five years, and [the presiding judge] is saying it’s gonna be another 10 before we need a courtroom, and we’re probably only gonna use two,” he said. “And maybe consider moving this whole building over there to the courthouse, where everybody’s got security and selling this building. Because this building was built with no security in it.” The County Office Building was completed in 1975. The current courthouse was completed in 1998, and was added onto in 2010. Davidson said the glass and counter additions would be short-term solutions and that the long-term solution could be discussed at a future date.

Tony Scott file photo - tscott@kendallcountynow.com

The Kendall County Office Building on Fox Street in Yorkville currently houses, among other departments, the county clerk’s and county treasurer’s offices. Both have asked for security measures to be added. “It’ll be the safest scenario we could come up with in a timely fashion right now,” he said. “Then come back later with some more recommendations or which way the board would like to go.” Board Chairman John Shaw asked if Davidson had met with McCann about moving into the courthouse. “Has he offered the remaining courtrooms that are there? What are you talking about?” Shaw said. Davidson said he was referring to the second floor of the courthouse, which is currently a “shell” that is not finished except for an elevator that goes up to the floor. “Who’s gonna move up there? Everybody that’s in this building?” Shaw asked, referring to the County Office Building. “Could be,” Davidson responded. “We may wanna try and move the whole building over there. I don’t know. That’s up to the new board.” Shaw asked if McCann suggested the move. “Not yet,” Davidson responded. “But he said we could move up there for now.” Davidson said there are a “lot of things up there that could happen.” Shaw said he’d “like to hear that from Judge McCann” and that he’s “had a totally different conversation with the judge.” Davidson said that there is “nothing that isn’t possible to happen.” Gilmour said she and Davidson “just walked through the upstairs.” “The judge was with us and a couple other judges tagged along,” she said. “It’s all a concept,” Davidson said. Jim Smiley, the county’s facilities director, said another option was explored that would allow workers in the

current office to “buzz” people in the office and have other security measures. Board member Jeff Wehrli said both elected officials, the treasurer and the clerk, have told the board that they need “something other than the glass” in terms of security measures. Wehrli said another idea suggested was to lock the south entrance of the building, with the ability to lock down a part of the building. However, Davidson said such a measure would not increase security. “How does that make the building secure?” Davidson said. “You got everyone coming through one entrance only. That don’t secure the building, and this building ain’t secure whatsoever, no matter what.” Sheriff Dwight Baird said the county could consider X-ray machines or metal detectors at the entrances, but that having one way in and one way out of the building is probably the “simplest and the cheapest” method of securing the building. “It would cost so much money to fortify this building that you probably could maybe just build another building somewhere else, to retrofit a lot of that stuff,” he said. “I’m exaggerating a little bit, but it would be a pretty good cost to fortify this building.” It was estimated that the cost of X-ray machines, security guards and adding the glass to counters was $101,197. However, County Administrator Jeff Wilkins said that price tag did not include the cost of staff, just equipment. “You’re basically putting a person downstairs, so that could be probably in the $50,000 to $60,000 range,” he said. “It could be a little more if you added the pension cost, too.”

Baird said he would suggest that the security officer be either part-time or hireback, rather than full-time. Board member Dan Koukol said he was under the impression that the clerk and treasurer did not want the glass installed, but preferred other means of security. Wehrli said when it was discussed, the officials said the glass wouldn’t “do us any good,” but that there weren’t cost figures available at the time for the extra security measures. “I don’t think they would turn down that [glass], because that at least would keep somebody from jumping over [the counter] or making physical contact,” he said. “I don’t think they would say they don’t want it. They just wanted more, and we didn’t have the numbers for them.” McCann said he’s told board members that the courthouse has “lots of empty space” on the second floor and “ample parking to accommodate their needs.” “What we do not have on the second floor of the building is plumbing,” he said. “So the cost to go upstairs to put in plumbing is going to be staggering. What I have expressed to them is, if they wanted to put some offices upstairs I probably would welcome that because then they could take on the responsibility of putting in plumbing.” The only restriction would be that the plumbing would have to be installed to accommodate future courtrooms, McCann said. McCann said when officials looked at the cost of building two courtrooms on the second floor around four years ago, it was estimated at $4 million. “So, I don’t know how much of that it would cost them to go upstairs, but it would be a good chunk of that,” he said. McCann said there has always been the possibility of adding on to the courthouse to the west. “If you do that, our building is secure, so if their concern is having building security, we have that,” he said. “We don’t have it after hours, so there would be a cost to staff it after hours if they were having evening meetings. If they wanted to have daytime meetings there, the impact on us would be fairly minimal.” McCann said he would welcome the county “biting the bullet” and building on the second floor. “To go upstairs is going to be extremely expensive for whoever does it, and if they want to be the first ones to bite the bullet I would probably be fine with that,” he said. “I just don’t know if that’s feasible for what they want to do.”

GIRLS GYMNASTICS

Team starts strong on bars, floor at first invite of 2016-17 season By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com The Oswego-Oswego East co-op gymnastics team opened the season with a pair of individual placewinners at the Hinsdale South Hornet Invite. The team posted a score of 118.775 in the season opener on Nov. 23 behind the efforts of sophomores Sophie Panza, Claire Barenie and Kaylee Gatenby and freshmen Alex Salinas and Cassidy Max. “We only have two girls returning from last year’s team that are compet-

ing, and one was on varsity – Kaylee Gatenby,” coach Sarah Dugan said. “We have four new girls competing. They’re all from the club atmosphere, so we talked about the scores being different in the two different environments and adjusting to that. It’s not about where we start and what the score is, it’s about what improvements we make throughout the year and how we’re going to finish.” Gatenby captured 10th place on the uneven bars, while Barenie was sixth on the floor. On bars, Gatenby scored a 7.675,

while scores from Barenie (7.275), Salinas (7.150) and Max (6.6) also counted. Barenie scored an 8.85 on floor to lead Oswego, while scores from Salinas (8.2), Max (7.8) and Panza (6.8) were also added. Salinas led Oswego on the beam with a score of 7.6 and Max was the top scorer on vault with a 7.6. “Kaylee wanted to beat her score from last year, and she did about a point and a half, so she was thrilled with that,” Dugan said. “Being able to place at a varsity meet is tricky too. Claire definitely is starting out strong on floor and has things she wants to

keep adding too. I think those are going to be our strong points this year: bars and floor. Beam is going to come along too. They have a lot of potential.” Oswego will continue the season on Saturday with the Big Purple Invite at Downers Grove North and will move into a busy week that includes a triangular with Geneva and U-46 co-op, as well as the DeKalb Invite on Dec. 9. “This next week is busy for them, and three meets in a week is a lot. We talked about getting through this week and continuing to build up those skills,” Dugan said. “I think the progression of the season is going to go really well, and I’m excited to see where they come out in the end.”

YOUTH BASEBALL

Panthers’ effort good for third place

Winter camps offer chance to polish skills

OSWEGO LEDGER The Oswego girls bowling team traveled to Plainfield Lanes to open the season with the 23-team Wildcat Invite and captured third place overall. The Panthers put up solid numbers in the morning, finishing round 1 with a total of 2,661 on games of 820, 871, and 970 respectively. Oswego was in second place heading into the afternoon and they kept it going in games 4 and 5, rolling 910 and 842. Heading into game 6, the team was barely holding onto second place in front of Andrew. Game 6 saw the Panthers struggled to close out frames and they lost their edge on Andrew, finishing with a 787 in the final game for a grand total of 5,200 on the day which was good for a thirdplace finish. Senior Taylor Kies (1,237) and junior Rachel Clifton (1,099) earned individual medals for their performance, finishing in third place and 14th place, respectively. Oswego East Varsity: The Wolves placed fifth in the Plainfield Central Wildcat Invite last Saturday with a grand total of 5,090. Kiana Krahulik was 10th overall (1,144).

BOYS BOWLING

pleted her cross country season at the Footlocker Midwest Regional hosted by UW-Parkside in Kenosha. Christiansen placed 35th overall in a time of 18:39 over the 5,000-meter course and was the seventh finisher from Illinois. This caps a breakout season in which she established a new cross country school record for three miles at 17:00 minutes and placed ninth at the state championship earning All-State honors. She will now enjoy a two-week break from running and then rejoin her teammates to start the indoor track and field season as they prep for the 2017 track season.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Oswego Freshman: The Panthers participated in the East Aurora Tournament over the Thanksgiving holiday and came away with a second-place finish. After trailing Rosary 10-4 at halftime, the Panthers came out strong in the second half and won 23-11. Throughout the tournament they also secured wins over Oswego East (24-13) and West Chicago (47-22). Their only loss in the tournament was by seven points to East Aurora.

Oswego East Varsity: The Wolves BOYS BASKETBALL picked up a 10-0 sweep over Joliet West Oswego East Sophomore: On Nov. 21, on Nov. 15, 2,920-2,450. Will Clark had Oswego East opened the season with a the high series with a 643, followed by 67-60 loss to West Aurora. The followKyle Ragsdale’s 588. ing night, Oswego East faced Hinsdale Central and picked up a 60-49 win. On CROSS COUNTRY Nov. 23, Oswego East won 67-61 over Oswego: Isabelle Christiansen com- Naperville North. A key three-pointer

by Jordan Williams and clutch freethrows by Julian Holland helped secure the win. Leading the team in scoring was Julian Holland and Kamron Battle with 17, and Jordan Williams with 11. In the third-place game on Nov. 25, Oswego East faced Oswego. The Wolves jumped out to a big lead behind the scoring of Conner Sinadinovic and the rebounding of Sam Schultz. In the second half, the sophomore Wolves did not let up behind strong efforts from Austin Paige, Carson Harmon, and Gerard Brown-Ship. The Wolves won 64-42 with the scoring leaders being Carson Harmon with 12, Conner Sinadinovic with eight, and Austin Paige with six. Oswego Sophomore: The Panthers played in the Thanksgiving War Hawk Invite, hosted by Waubonsie Valley and West Aurora, and finished with a 3-1 record. The Panthers started out strong, defeating DeKalb 44-16. Then after trailing in the first half, Oswego battled back and defeated Naperville North 34-33 in overtime. The girls struggled to find their rhythm in the third game, falling to West Aurora by four points, but they finished the tournament on a high note, defeating West Chicago 58-8.

GYMNASTICS

Oswego co-op: The Oswego-Oswego East co-op gymnastics team competed in the Hinsdale Central Thanksgiving Freshman Invite on Dec. 8. Elliana Butolph was seventh in the all around with a score of 7.8375, and placed fourth on floor (8.25) and fourth on bars (7.7).

OSWEGO LEDGER The Oswego High School baseball staff is hosting two clinics this winter through the Oswegoland Park District. Spring Training Camp: This clinic is designed to help athletes in grades K-8 prepare for their upcoming baseball season. The first session takes place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 14-28 for $50. The second session takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 14-21 for a $40 fee. Register online at oswegolandparkdistrict.org or in person at any Oswegoland Park District facility. Father/Son Pitching Camp: This two-day clinic demonstrates the skills and drills needed to be a successful pitcher. Camp is designed for all abilities and provides knowledge on the art of pitching, technique and the development process for anyone interested in pitching. The camp will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 at Oswego High School for athletes in grades 5-8. The fee is $25. Register online or in person at any Oswegoland Park District facility.

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Thursday, December 1, 2016

PREP ROUNDUP

SPORTS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Oswego co-op places 2 at Hornet Invite

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Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

| SPORTS

18 PREP WRESTLING

Patch, Clabots get wins for Wolves Inexperienced Oswego East falls to DeKalb By JOHN GALLIONE sports@kendallcountynow.com

Graduating 14 wrestlers from last season, Oswego East put its new generation to the test with a road trip to DeKalb to open the season. The DeKalb wrestling team took care of business in Sam Hiatt’s debut as coach on Nov. 23, topping Oswego East, 69-12. Hiatt said the prematch preparation made him a little nervous, but watching his team dominate was satisfying. “Getting all of the gear together, making sure everyone was here and certified, getting everyone on weight, I now know how [former] coach [Mike] Pater felt last season,” Hiatt said. “I was excited to see these guys wrestle. You don’t score 69 points and win a lot of your matches with bonus points without all of the hard work the boys have put in. That work really carried over to the matches. It was a lot of fun to watch.” Oswego East fell behind 36-0 through six bouts before Nico Patch

said. “Nico Patch and Sean Clabots won matches at 152 and 285 today. We are primarily freshmen and sophomores right now. I tell these kids to go out, wrestle hard and not worry about points. I thought our boys did pretty well. We’re rebuilding right now, but these boys motivate me. Every time they come to the room and work hard, they motivate me. They give us effort, so we’re going to give it back.” On Friday and Saturday, Oswego East entered its first tournament of the season with Conant’s Chris Hruska Invite and scored 27.5 points. Jackson O’Reilly placed eighth at 160 and Clabots took fourth at 285. O’Reilly lost his first match by a 4-1 decision before winning his consolation match by tech fall in 2:21. He lost the seventh-place match by a 3-2 decision. Clabots opened with a 1-0 win to advance to the semifinals after an early bye, but lost by pinfall to move into Matthew Apgar - mapgar@shawmedia.com the consolation bracket. He won a 1-0 Jack Evans of DeKalb (left) grapples with Christian Almanza of Oswego East during their decision in the wrestlebacks, but was 145-pound bout at a wrestling meet at DeKalb High School on Nov. 23. pinned in 4:43 by St. Charles East in the third-place finals. pinned Austin Munk in 31 seconds for gram, and coach Paul Coy said his Oswego East will open the Souththe win at 152 pounds. Sean Clabots team has been putting in a lot of effort, west Prairie Conference season at Jowon by pinfall in 4:07 against Alex and what shows on the scoreboard liet West on Dec. 1. The Wolves’ first doesn’t necessarily reflect that. Hoppe at heavyweight. home match of the season arrives on “We only have one senior,” Coy Dec. 6 against Romeoville. Oswego East (0-1) is a young pro-

PREP WRESTLING

Offseason work translates early for Panthers By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com The Oswego wrestling team has experienced its growing pains in recent years, but the Panthers are all grown up now and looking for a big finish to their senior seasons. The Panthers’ lineup boasts 10 veterans, including three returning state qualifiers in seniors Josh Torres and Luke Pradel along with junior Gannon Hughes. Oswego comes off a 14-win dual finish to the 201516 season, which was the school’s best record in two decades, in addition to a runner-up finish in the Southwest Prairie Conference. “A lot of our guys spend a lot of time working freestyle or Greco in their club or came with to our big team trip to the Wisconsin Dells in the summer. Everybody has worked together for a couple years now,” Oswego coach Andrew Cook said. “We’ve got 10 seniors in our lineup and they’ve all wrestled varsity as they’ve worked themselves through the ranks. It’s good to have that many seniors. They’re good leaders and great kids to be around. It’s fun in that aspect.” Oswego opened the season on Nov. 22 with a 48-

26 dual win over Waubonsie Valley before entering Conant’s Chris Hruska Cougar Classic on Saturday and capturing fifth place in the 18-team tournament with 149.5 points, one champion and eight other placewinners. “We were without a couple guys with injuries, but once we get everyone down to their weights and back in the lineup, we’re a competitive team both in duals and tournaments,” Cook said. “We’ve got a lot of guys scoring points, and that always helps. Everyone we entered won matches, and that contributes to success. That’s a great tournament. You battle and see some top-level kids. We learn real quick where we’re at and what we need to work on going into the heart of our dual meets.” Torres opened with an early bye at 170 pounds before starting with a major decision win over St. Charles East and a 8-2 win over Crystal Lake Central in the semifinals. He closed the day with a 3-0 win over Sandburg in the championship bout to become a two-time tournament winner at Conant. “Josh last year was a champion at Conant, so he repeated, which is always a good thing,” Cook said. “We’re excited about how things are rolling.” At 103, freshman Aric Nieves took third place with a 7-3 win over Maine South in the finals, senior

Michael Aguirre took seventh at 113 pounds with a 6-0 decision over Glenbard North in the final round and at 120 pounds, sophomore Sam Saravia placed fifth with his 2-0 decision over Sandburg. Pradel placed fourth at 126 to finish 2-2 on the day while Hughes went 4-1 at 138, defeating Leyden by a 6-1 decision in the finals to place third overall. At 145, junior Allen Swanson went 3-2 overall to take fourth place. Senior Kevin Alvarez finished 3-2 at 220 to take fourth overall and at heavyweight, senior Jared Romero went 3-3 to take sixth overall. “Aric, our freshman coming in at 103, had a great first week competing, and Mike Aguirre is back in the varsity lineup battling and he put in a lot of work over the spring and summer – same with Sammy Saravia, Luke Pradel, Gannon Hughes, Allen Swanson – all of them,” Cook said. “They’ve all put in a lot of work. This group works hard.” Oswego kicks off the Southwest Prairie Conference season on Thursday at Minooka before hosting Plainfield North on Friday. The West Aurora Mega Duals take place on Saturday, followed by trips to Joliet West and the Glenbard East Quad next week. “Our guys are jacked about the conference duals. They’re ready to get going,” Cook said.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: BENET 47, OSWEGO EAST 45

By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com

a chance at tying the game, but the connection could not be made. “We just kept telling our kids to battle it out. They’re a very good team and Abe does a great job – well-coached and well-prepared,” Benet coach Joe Kilbride said. “We knew it was going to be tough. We had a difficult time making our shots today and had a hard time getting the tempo where we wanted it. We just grinded it out before Katie made a couple big 3’s, and then it was just a question of getting a stop.” Oswego East established the early lead off baskets from Battle (nine points) and Schultz (10 points, 7 rebounds), and a three-pointer from Christine Corpuz put the Wolves ahead 11-4. Despite the lead, Oswego East faced an early setback when Schultz picked up her third foul with less than two minutes to play in the first quarter. She took a seat on the bench and remained there until there were less

than two minutes remaining in the third quarter. Corpuz added four more points early in the second period for a 17-10 score, and Taylor Peck found Battle inside before Peck knocked in a free throw for a 28-19 game late in the first half. Oswego East took a 29-23 lead into intermission, but Benet hit a pair of three-pointers to tie the game with 5:37 on the third-quarter clock. Benet never took the lead, keeping Oswego East within a single-digit lead for the remainder of the game. “Both teams were lackluster offensively, but when it gets that close you can’t make mistakes, and we made mistakes offensively and we made mistakes defensively,” Carretto said. “It should put a little fire in our players’ guts. They should be disappointed with this loss because of the opportunity to finish the game and we just didn’t do it.”

BOYS BASKETBALL

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Youthful Oswego looks beyond winless start

Panthers take notes from 1-3 War-Hawk tourney record

Panthers learn lessons from OT tourney loss By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com Oswego’s week in the Hoops for Healing tournament wasn’t so much about counting wins and losses as it was about gaining early experience for its young players. The Panthers (0-4) introduced a host of underclassmen to their first varsity experience, including an overtime battle in Friday’s tournament finale. Oswego ended the week with a 56-46 overtime loss to Hinsdale Central. “We’re finishing out the fourth quarter in overtime with a freshman, three sophomores, a senior who didn’t play at all last year, and a four-year starter. That’s going to happen,” Oswego coach Matt Borrowman said. “I told the guys at the start of overtime, win or lose, what a wonderful opportunity for us. It’s all about the experience right now. They key is we have to learn from it. If you don’t learn from it, you don’t get any better.” Although Oswego held a 10-point

edge over Hinsdale Central, the Red Devils chipped away at the scoreboard and tied the game at 44-44 with 1:10 remaining in regulation. Neither team could capitalize on opportunities in the closing minute with missed shots and turnovers on both sides of the court. Hinsdale Central cruised through overtime, outscoring Oswego 12-2 for the win. “We’ve got to work on trusting our teammates and getting defensive stops,” Borrowman said. “We were pretty much a mess defensively in the fourth quarter. Give Hinsdale credit; they executed down the stretch and they got stops.” Jaylen Jones led Oswego with 22 points and Dylan Engler added 11 points while Elliott Pipkin had 15 rebounds. In pool play, Oswego fell to DeKalb 43-38 on Nov. 23 despite a game-high 24-point effort from Jaylen Jones. That loss came one day after a 61-50 loss to Neuqua Valley on Day 2 of the tournament. Jones had 23 points against the Wildcats. Oswego will travel to Plainfield Central on Friday to open Southwest Prairie Conference play against the Wildcats at 6:30 p.m.

By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com Despite a strong start to the WarHawk Invite, the Oswego girls basketball team dropped its next three games to open the season with a 1-3 record. Oswego (2-3) kicked off the 2016-17 season with a 37-31 win over DeKalb, but fell to Naperville North in Game 2 of the tournament, 54-14, on Nov. 21. “It was definitely a relief to get that first win because it took us a while to get it last year. It was nice to get it in our opening game,” Oswego coach Dave Beebe said. “After that, unfortunately, in the Naperville North game we just couldn’t shoot to save our lives. They shot well, and we weren’t.” The Panthers returned to West Aurora on Nov. 25 and fell to the Blackhawks, 54-44. Kira Sneed scored 13 points, Kacie Moran added eight points while Angelina Schlinger and Gillian O’Neil scored seven each. Oswego closed out the tournament with a 48-38 loss to West Chicago despite holding a lead for much of the first half. O’Neil scored 12 points to pace the Panthers while Sneed scored nine and Schlinger added seven. “West Chicago was a good learning

“It was definitely a relief to get that first win because it took us a while to get it last year. It was nice to get it in our opening game. After that, unfortunately, in the Naperville North game we just couldn’t shoot to save our lives.” Dave Beebe Oswego girls basketball coach experience. We just have to get used to playing with each other because right now not everyone is on the same page,” Beebe said. On Tuesday, Oswego opened a three-game home stand with a 56-48 win over Plainfield South in the first Southwest Prairie Conference game of the year. The Panthers established an early 10-4 lead, and although the Cougars cut Oswego’s lead to six entering the fourth quarter, Oswego held on for the win. Katie Beebe had a team-best 16 points and Oswego saw balanced scoring from O’Neil (12 points) and Schlinger (10 points).

Thursday, December 1, 2016

The Oswego East girls basketball team was minutes away from handing the Class 4A defending state champion Benet its first loss since January 2016. Oswego East (5-1) held a 43-36 lead over Benet in Saturday’s tournament championship game in the early minutes of the fourth quarter when the Redwings (6-0) caught a spark. Katie Jaseckas hit a three-point basket, produced a steal on the opposite end and returned to the arc to sink another long-range shot to bring Benet within one, 43-42, with 2:43 remaining in the game. After a pair of Oswego East free throws – the Wolves’ final points in the game – Kendal Schramek hit a three-pointer to tie the game with 1:41 to play. Both teams committed a series of turnovers in the closing minute be-

fore Oswego East called timeout with 30 seconds on the clock. The Wolves turned the ball over on the ensuing play and Benet’s Tsimba Malonga capitalized with the game-winning basket with 0.7 seconds remaining to give the Redwings a 47-45 victory and a third consecutive tournament championship. “This is a game that we should win,” Oswego East coach Abe Carretto said. “We just didn’t do a great job towards the end boxing out. We do that, and they don’t make those threes, and it comes down to us at the free throw line. You have to make sure you’re doing everything well on the defensive end. When it comes down to stopping a team when you have the lead, you just have to bear down and do it.” With a fraction of a second remaining, Oswego East’s Sydney Schultz lobbed the ball across the court in hopes of connecting with Ty Battle for

SPORTS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Last-second Benet shot dooms East

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Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 1, 2016

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SPORTS BOYS BASKETBALL: OSWEGO EAST 47, DeKALB 33

Harris answers the call

Senior scores 12 points in 3rd quarter to help lift Wolves to win By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com Despite averaging double-double figures through the first three games of the Hoops for Healing tournament, Stephon Harris wasn’t having a good first half against DeKalb. The Oswego East senior scored just two points as the Wolves trailed DeKalb 23-21 at halftime of Friday’s tournament finale, but the second half was a different story. Harris scored 12 of his game-high 14 points in the third quarter to help lift Oswego East (3-1) to a 47-33 win and earn a place on the All-Tournament team. “We just had to adjust to each other. We had to see how each other played,” Harris said. “We had defensive intensity. We were cutting hard, boxing out. We’re small, so a lot of teams are going to be bigger than us so we just had to box out and get more rebounds.” This is the best tournament finish for the Wolves in seven years. “It’s definitely a good feeling,” Szymanski said. “We lost the first game by 33 [to West Aurora]. Bad teams can fold and let that get to them. We responded really well. It’s good to see because I don’t think some teams in the past could have done that.” The Barbs (2-2) welcomed back seven football players from DeKalb’s 6A state semifinal team and made an early run at Oswego East. Oswego East opened with a 7-0 run to start the game, but DeKalb chipped away at its deficit with a 3-pointer from Michael Mitchell (six points) and Dwight Wallace (six points, five rebounds) to tie the score at 9 at the end of the first quarter. Mitchell hit another long-range shot in the second quarter, and Darvon Sisson completed a three-point play to put DeKalb ahead, 23-17, with three minutes to play in the half. Oswego East’s AJ Hughes (12 points) tried to break up DeKalb’s momentum before halftime with a late basket, and Szymanski challenged his players at the break. “We had to rebound and play better defense,” Szymanski said. “They were getting around us too easily and getting to the hoop too easily, and they were beating us on the board. We

Photos by Steven Buyansky for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Oswego East’s Stephon Harris (center) does a reverse layup against DeKalb’s Darvon Sisson (left) and Michael Mitchell (right) during the Hoops for Healing Boys Basketball Tournament at Oswego High School on Nov. 25. RIGHT: Oswego East’s AJ Hughes (right) drives against DeKalb’s Michael Albert on Nov. 25. were down at half in the rebound battle and we won the rebound battle for the game by five [37-32]. I think that was the difference. We stopped them from penetrating.” Harris, who also led with 11 rebounds, hit a three-pointer to open the second half, and both Hughes and Harris scored again to maintain a 7-0 run and prompt a DeKalb timeout. DeKalb’s lone field goal of the third quarter came from Mikey Vilet, as Oswego East outscored the Barbs, 20-3. “We’ve struggled a little bit in the third quarter in this tournament,” DeKalb coach Al Biancalana said. “We shot 9 percent – 1 for 11 – and gave up 20 points. It wasn’t really a

concentrated effort. I was really disappointed that the adjustments we made in the locker room we couldn’t take to the floor. We’re having all our football players back for basically the first night tonight, so next week’s practices will be really important for us. It’ll be the first time we’re all together for an extended period on the practice floor.” Oswego East’s lead swelled to 44-26 when Derek Dorsey hit a 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter, and DeKalb never recovered. Oswego East will play Glenbard East in its home opener on Nov. 30 before turning its focus to the Southwest Prairie Conference season opener at Plainfield East on Dec. 2.