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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

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ON THE COVER “What is that building?” became a frequent local question as contractors constructed the United Sugar Corporation’s massive dome-shaped sugar storage facility on Aucutt Road in Montgomery earlier this year. The $40 million facility is the largest of its kind in the nation.

See story on page 3.

Shaw Media file photo

Behavior cited in firing Ex-state rep. accused of misconduct at Corrections Dept.’s holiday party

By HEIDI LITCHFIELD hlitchfield@shawmedia.com Former 75th District State Rep. John Anthony was fired Dec. 7 from his position at the Illinois Department of Corrections after allegations emerged from several women who told investigators that Anthony had been saying inappropriate things and touching women at a party.

According to a redacted investigation memorandum dated Dec. 16, a report from a Department of Juvenile Justice employee alleges she was approached by a man wearing a Cubs jacket, who was later identified as Anthony, as she was going outside to smoke.

According to the report, the employee stated that the man made comments about her chest and buttocks.

The report reflects the male then stepped to the side of the employee and inappropriately pressed his crotch into her left thigh and licked her neck.

The report further states she asked who he was and he said “John.” When she asked for his last name, he said that didn’t matter.

The report also states that, based upon statements from alleged victims who reported that they were not actually assaulted, no statutory offenses could be cited in the investigation.

Another report stated “while on the dance floor, ANTHONY [sic] was trying to ‘squeeze’ in on people dancing and trying to ‘grind’ on people.”

Anthony was assistant to the director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, where he was making $10,000 a month after leaving his state representative position.

The 75th District that Anthony served as a state representative encompasses most of Kendall County, including sections of Oswego, Plano, Yorkville, Plainfield and Joliet.

Nicole Wilson, media relations

with the Illinois Department of Corrections, confirmed previously by email that “John Anthony’s employment with the Illinois Department of Corrections ended Wednesday, December 7th.”

The reports also say Anthony has not responded to requests for an interview from investigators.

“The IDOC does not discuss personnel matters and cannot provide any further information,” Wilson said in the email.

John On Friday, she said Anthony in an email, “As soon as we learned of these allegations of misconduct, we launched an investigation and took immediate action.”

The Corrections Department on Friday released records to Shaw Media after a Freedom of Information request was filed seeking information about Anthony’s firing, which also included a surveillance video.

Anthony was fired just five days after the Illinois Department of Corrections holiday party at the Wyndham Hotel in Springfield.

In one instance, which was caught on a surveillance tape, an Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice employee told investigators she was walking to an exit to go smoke when she was approached by Anthony, who put his arm around her and asked if she was a Corrections employee.

He then allegedly made the comments about her chest and buttocks.

Eventually, she asked him to leave her alone. That interaction was caught on surveillance video that was subpoenaed by the Corrections Department for its investigation.

“I am not be the only woman this happened to, unfortunately,” the woman wrote in an incident report.

That wasn’t the only reported instance of inappropriate touching that

night, according to the records.

Several other women at the party told investigators that Anthony had been inappropriately commenting to and touching them as well.

The behavior warranted a talk by another state employee during the party. That discussion happened after a woman reported Anthony had touched her breasts.

Anthony then reportedly stated “he had done nothing wrong” and said he was a former state representative and “knew better.”

In one instance, a woman said Anthony pulled her arm to get her to dance. She was forced to stand because Anthony was “basically dragging her,” according to the state records. She told him to get away from her but he continued to dance with her, noting that her blouse appeared to be falling off, the report said.

Another woman said he came up to her from behind when she was sitting in a chair and put his arms around her and around her breast. When he did let go, he brushed against her breast. She said she didn’t know if it was intentional, but that it was “uncomfortable,” the report said.

Guests at the party said Anthony “acted intoxicated,” although they did not see him with a drink in his hand all night.

The Corrections Department on Friday said an investigation was launched and “immediate action” was taken as soon as they learned of the allegations of misconduct.

In a statement, the governor’s office applauded the Corrections Department for the quick action.

“Our administration does not tolerate this type of behavior,” spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said. “The Department of Corrections did the right thing by taking immediate action.”

Anthony could not be reached for comment on Friday afternoon.

He had announced his resignation from office June 17 of this year for the $120,000-a-year state job.

Records show he made just more than $82,000 this year for his work at both the Department of Corrections and as a state representative.

CIVIC MEETINGS WEEK OF JAN. 2-6 Tuesday, 6 p.m.: Kendall County Board, County Office Building, Yorkville.

Tuesday, 6 p.m.: Kendall County Board Forest Preserve Commission, 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, 6 p.m.: Kendall County Veterans Assistance Commission, County Health and Human Services Building, Yorkville.

Thursday, 5 p.m.: Oswego Police Commission, Oswego Law Enforcement Center.

Thursday, 7 p.m.: Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission, Oswego Village Hall.

Thursday, 7 p.m.: Montgomery Plan Commission, Montgomery Village Hall.

COVER STORY Here’s who and what made headlines in Kendall County this year

By JOHN ETHEREDGE jetheredge@shawmedia.com 2016 proved a memorable year in Kendall County and local news.

Before we begin the new year, here’s a look back at just a few of the more significant stories that captured headlines here in the Ledger and on our website at KendallCountyNow.com over the past 12 months:

Dennis Hastert sentenced

Former U.S. Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert was sentenced in April to a 15-month prison term for illegally structuring bank transactions in an attempt to cover up his sexual abuse of members of his Yorkville High School wrestling teams when he was a teacher and coach at the school from 1965 to 1980. In handing down his sentence in a federal courtroom in Chicago, Judge Thomas H. Durkin told Hastert and the packed courtroom, “The defendant is a serial child molester.” Hastert began his jail term in June at a federal prison in Minnesota. When questioned by Durkin, Hastert admitted he had sexually abused students.

Hastert’s arrest and sentencing shocked and stunned many of his longtime friends and supporters in Kendall County. A graduate of Oswego High School, Hastert taught and coached at Yorkville High School before being elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1980. He won election to Congress in 1986

intendent Dr. Matthew Wendt ended a four-year run as the district’s chief administrator June 30. Wendt left the District 308 superintendent’s job to become superintendent of the Fayetteville Public Schools in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

During Wendt’s tenure in District 308, the district’s board of education ditched a controversial plan to construct a third high school and instead voted to construct additions to Oswego and Oswego East high schools.

The district’s enrollment continued to climb, though at a far slower pace than prior to the 2008 recession. With more than 18,000 students, the district is currently the seventh Brian Hill - Daily Herald largest in the state of Illinois.

Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert leaves the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago in April after Also during Wendt’s being sentenced on charges he structured cash withdrawals to avoid bank reporting requirements. Pros- tenure, the district – which ecutors said Hastert did so in order to pay hush money to keep quiet sexual abuse he committed against serves students residing in teens when he taught and coached at Yorkville High School from 1965 to 1980. a 68-square-mile area that includes portions of Montgomand was elected Speaker of the and Board Chairman Maria Office of the State’s Attorneys ery, Aurora, Joliet, Yorkville Spaeth, a Yorkville resident, House by his Congressional Appellate Prosecutor’s Special and Plainfield – launched colleagues in 1999. He stepped was found dead in her Lake Prosecution Unit. As the year a new website and dropped Holiday vacation home. She down from the Speaker’s closes, the food pantry has re- Oswego from its name in an effort to be more inclusive. organized under a new board chair in 2007 and retired from and her husband, Ken, the food pantry’s treasurer, had Wendt pointed out that the headed by Greg Witek, fire Congress. resigned from their respecdistrict has to recognize that chief for the Little Rock-Fox Food pantry investigation tive positions on June 7. The Fire Protection District and a 40 percent of the student Yorkville police executed DeKalb County Coroner’s member of the KenCom execu- body doesn’t have an Oswego search warrants June 1 at the Office later determined that tive board. More importantly, address.

Kendall County Food Pantry Spaeth had died of a mediIn April, the Board of the pantry – now known as the as part of an investigation into cation overdose. Spaeth had Education voted 5-2 to appoint Kendall County Community the organization’s finances. served as executive director of Food Pantry – has continued veteran educator Dr. John Police said they were looking the pantry since 2008 and her Sparlin to succeed Wendt to serve county residents in into “suspicious transactions death shocked many friends need, unimpeded by the inves- as superintendent. Sparlin and possible theft of funds and pantry volunteers. served previously as the tigation. from the Kendall County Food In September, the Yorkville associate superintendent for Sparlin succeeds Wendt Pantry accounts.” police handed over their administrative services for as school chief On June 21, former Food completed investigation to School District 308 SuperPantry Executive Director Charles Colburn of the Illinois See TOP STORIES, page 7

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

TOP LOCAL STORIES IN 2016

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Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

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OPINIONS OUR VIEW

A hopeful sign for the coming new year Over the past few weeks we’ve published some amazing stories concerning the continuing generosity of Kendall County area residents leading up to the Christmas holiday.

We hope you didn’t miss them but just in case, here are just a few highlights from those stories: In the Oswego-Montgomery area, School District 308 junior high school students, Oswego Fire Protection District firefighters and the Oswegoland Optimist Club secured the donation of a record 7,500 toys, which were distributed by Optimist Club members and volunteers to homes with needy children within the school district.

In Yorkville, the Junior Women’s Club provided Christmas gifts to 1,200 children through this year’s Operation Santa, held for the first time at the Kendall County Community Food Pantry on Beaver Street.

This year marks the 25th year the club has collected gift donations for local children in need.

Over in Plano, the Chamber of Commerce organized more than 50 volunteers to assemble and deliver boxes of food to more than 300 city families for the holidays through the chamber’s Plano’s Rockin’ Christmas event, and in Sandwich the Franklin Mall Project, under the direction of the Sandwich Lions Club, provided groceries and gift cards for an

estimated 250 local families in need, just in time for the holidays.

While it was heartening to read of the dedication of the many volunteers who put on these and other programs, it was also sobering to learn of the large and apparently growing number of Kendall County area adults who struggle daily just to pay their bills and put food on the table for themselves and their children. Still, the hundreds of county residents of all ages who stepped up and generously offered their time and talents at this most busy time of year to help those less fortunate is indeed a very hopeful sign as we enter the new year.

Nothing welcomes in a new year like pickled herring REFLECTIONS Roger Matile Christmas has run its course and Hanukkah is well underway. Now we can gird our loins in preparation to survive New Year’s Eve and all of those New Year’s Day bowl games.

The Matile manse has laid in adequate, we believe, provisions necessary for the coming of the 2017 New Year, including a couple of buckets of pickled herring, which everyone knows you have to eat the first thing in the New Year to assure good luck for the rest of the year.

We have heard that some area residents have taken to eating squid for good luck, but food with more than four legs, especially when those legs have suckers on them, is not part of the Matile lifestyle. We saw some squid in a grocery store once, and we couldn’t help but get visions of Kirk Douglas fighting for his life wrestling the giant squid in “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Eating such a food item, could, we suppose, be termed poetic justice given the tussle the squid gave Captain Nemo (which backwards spells “omen”), but we’re not into poetic justice when it comes to food. And we like to stay away from omens altogether as a general rule.

Instead, late on Christmas Day, after the Bears’ game with that team from the District of Columbia that can’t figure out whether or not its name is a racial epithet, we turned to the gigantic pile of junk mail we had accumulated over the past month to see whether we could find recipes

Photo provided by the U.S. Navy

The USS Constitution fires a 17-gun salute near U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston on Independence Day 2014. Model kits of the historic ship have long been popular and January is National Hobby Month. suitable for a New Year’s repast.

There were, of course, no recipes of value there (or it wouldn’t be junk mail, would it?). But we did uncover a batch of facts that would normally be useless, but which we found just right to fill up the 1,000 words that make up an average week’s “Reflections.”

So, with no further ado, here are a number of things we never would have found out if we hadn’t stuck a silage fork into our accumulated stack of junk mail to see what would turn up: If you got one of those really cool Cutty Sark or U.S.S. Constitution ship models for Christmas, you’ll be happy to learn that January is National Hobby Month.

Has Jack Frost been nipping at your nose? Jack Frost’s story began

as an icicle sprite, who probably originated in Scandinavia. In Norse mythology, the god of the winds had a son named Jokul (icicle) Frosti (frost).

Cool, heh?

Turns out the story of Robinson Crusoe was history’s first docudrama.

Daniel Defoe got the idea for the tale when he heard the story of Alexander Selkirk, who quarreled with his ship’s captain and was marooned on a remote island for 52 months until a passing ship rescued him, presumably in a somewhat less combative mood.

A lot of folks contend it’s really hard to find a truly funny conservative comedian. And, frankly, they’ve got a point. But that doesn’t mean conservatives never took a stab at a sense of humor. The first real newspa-

per cartoons appeared in The Federal Republican, a conservative Washington, D.C., sheet, in 1814.

Got an old lion around the house?

Keep a shovel handy. Maximum longevity of lions is 30 years.

First Emily Post and then Miss Manners tried teaching manners to the American people, alas with little success as far as we can tell. In fact, manners and etiquette have been unsuccessfully distributed to the impolite for centuries. The first known etiquette book, a guide to courteous behavior, was written by Ptahhetep, a high government official in ancient Egypt.

What’s the difference between a marsh and a swamp, we bet you want to know. Well, we’re glad you asked.

Both are wetlands but a swamp has trees; a marsh does not.

Ladies, how do your lips feel, now that you’ve slathered them with seaweed? Yuck, you protest? Well, it turns out there are more than 7,000 species of seaweed, and some of them harbor a gummy substance used in lipstick, soap, photographic film and buttons. You remember photographic film, don’t you?

Did you burn a Yule Log this year?

If so, we hope you saved the ashes.

Yule Log ashes were once thought to guard the house from fire and lightning, and were thought to have power to heal wounds and to make fields fertile – good, all-purpose stuff.

Animal, vegetable or mineral we used to ask to begin a game of 20 Questions. Turns out, though, that some animals and plants are so closely related it’s hard to tell them apart.

The group of Euglena are microscopic

See REFLECTIONS, page 5

FORUM To the Editor: United Methodist Women from The Church of the Good Shepherd would like to thank Meijer and Jimmy John’s for their generous donations for the Chili and Pie Supper held during the Oswego Christmas Walk.

We would also like to thank Neil Schilling, Mark Craig, Betty McQueen, Donna Nease, Amy Nicholson, Mary Ann Stees, Scout Troop 336, the pie bakers, the shift workers, and Rick Kayer for their help in making this event successful.

The UMW will distribute profits made from the Chili Supper and October Craft Show to the following mission projects: Salvation Army, Mutual Ground, Lifespring Ministries, CASA, JFON, Redbird Mission PADS, and the KC Food Pantry.

A special thank you is given to all those who came and shared in the food and good company.

(many of which we are seeing now, according to Skilling) are floods, droughts, violent winds, and dangerous rising sea levels.

According to Skilling, the vast majority of climate scientists agree with Skilling that we are polluting the atmosphere and causing this dangerous CC. This should not be a Democrat or Republican issue. This is a major health concern that could have catastrophic consequences for us and the people that are going to inherit the planet from us.

The government needs to stop subsidizing the fossil fuel industry and invest those monies into clean energy.

We need to start listening to the experts, like Mr. Skilling, in the climatology field.

Scott Pruitt was just nominated as the head of the EPA. He is a self-proclaimed climate change denier, without a science background.

If you do not agree with his position or his appointment, I encourage you to call your senators and voice your opinion, as they have the confirmation vote.

may eliminate taxes on all Social Security payments. Considering the average yearly payout is about $16,000 a year, or an eyelash above poverty, this is not going to impact many people.

So while on the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised not to touch Social Security, he never said Congress wouldn’t mess with it.

Next up, after eliminating Obamacare, is reformulating Medicare. The New Deal and the Great Society safety nets will be eroded over a four-year Donald Trump presidency. It’s a great time to be a senior citizen.

Ed Washak Yorkville

First, do no harm in ACA repeal

To the Editor: While Congress prepares to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act, it’s important to remember what’s really at stake – the health and well-being of Barb Kayer and Judy Burkard people – including over 1 million Illinoisans Co-chairs, Church of the Good Shepherd, UMW Oswego who depend on coverage under the ACA. We can’t afford to take action that disPat McNamara Glad Hillary lost rupts health care coverage and the Illinois Yorkville To the Editor: economy. Any repeal of ACA coverage In light of post-election behavior, i.e., Great time to be a senior should not take effect until the replacerioting, crying, misplaced blame and death To the Editor: ment plan takes effect. threats to Electoral College people, I’m Just about the time when the feel-good If Congress does not make repeal of glad Hillary lost. stuff starts to fade away after President coverage contingent on adoption of a Her silence on all this only confirms that Trump takes office, the nitty gritty stuff replacement plan, then Congress should she’s not fit to lead. This election sure will come out. The Congress has some also repeal the hospital payment cuts has brought out what’s inside a lot of her interesting material it has worked on for that help pay for ACA coverage. Illinois followers. years and now has a willing participant in hospitals have experienced over $1 billion Conservatives never carried on like the White House to carry it out. in ACA payment cuts. this when Obama won. So much for the One of the first courses of action will Otherwise, people won’t be able to get tolerance they talk about. come out of the House Ways and Means the care they need, local economies will Subcommittee on Social Security, headed suffer and jobs will be lost. Facing revenue Mike Mueller by an arch conservative out of Texas losses, hospitals will be forced to cut Aurora named Sam Johnson (R-TX). His proposal spending by reducing services and staff, is an effort to “save” Social Security for Tom Skilling says delaying new technology and facilities or the next 100 years. Basically it comes To the Editor: shifting costs to privately insured patients. down to a few reforms.

As a person with little background in If Congress repeals coverage and does First, raise the retirement age to 69. It’s not replace it, the preliminary estimate is science, I decided to educate myself on now 67 for anyone born after 1960. Next the issue of climate change since it has that the loss of this revenue in Illinois will become a prevalent topic in recent years. comes stopping all cost of living increases result in a potential loss of $11.6 billion to for anyone who made more than $78,000 $13.1 billion in annual economic activity I recently attended a talk on climate a year starting in 2018. The maximum change (CC), with Tom Skilling as the which translates to a potential loss of keynote speaker. What I heard gave me a Social Security payout for people in this 84,000 to 95,000 jobs. category is a little over $31,000 a year. wake-up call.

On behalf of our 200 hospitals and 50 That would never go up when this plan is health systems, and the patients and comHere are a few of the main points that adopted no matter how bad inflation gets. munities they serve, IHA looks forward to were covered: Next comes the real middle class worker working in a bipartisan manner with our • Mr. Skilling was a CC denier until he took a trip to the Arctic and began study- who made more than $50k a year but state and federal officials to improve our less than $78k. You will see a 28 percent health system. Remember the first lesson ing the research regarding CC. He now reduction in lifetime benefits. If you made of medicine – First, do no harm. feels CC is a great danger to us all. about minimum wage all your life, con• The burning of fossil fuel (oil, natural gratulations you will see a tiny increase in A.J. Wilhelmi gas, coal) is the cause of most climate President and CEO your benefits. change.

Illinois Health and Hospital Association A small nugget of good news is that they Naperville • Some of the effects of climate change

• REFLECTIONS

Continued from page 4 organisms that scientists classify as both plants and animals. There are about 150 kinds of Euglena. The critters (or whatever) live in warm water.

You bought your kids Levis for Christmas, but do you know what denim really is? Do you care? Of course you do! Denim was first woven in Nimes, France, about 300 A.D. (Gauls in denim; way cool!) and was called serge de Nimes. In the late 1800s, Levi Strauss, a U.S. clothing manufacturer making heavy duty work clothes for miners and other laborers, decided to use heavy denim cloth to produce the first jeans. Bet you won’t find that out at Old Navy.

Paper money was invented by the Chinese. It was first tried in 812 A.D., and was perfected and in widespread use by 970 A.D. Deer live on every continent except Antarctica. The smallest deer are Pudu, or rabbit deer, which live in the forests of western South America. A full-grown Pudu weighs about 20 pounds and is about a foot tall. Maybe we could exchange our Whitetail population for Pudus.

Hitting a 20-pound, one-foot-tall deer wouldn’t be nearly as bad as crashing into one of the antlered behemoths that regularly demolish autos on Kendall County roads.

Finally, and with all that said, we hope you all have a very happy and safe New Year. We’ll see you in 2017.

• Looking for more local history?

Visit http://historyonthefox.wordpress.com.

Submit letters Letters must be no longer than 400 words and 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. We reserve the right to edit all letters for brevity and fairness. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.

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. Send letters to letters@kendallcountynow.com or Record Newspapers, 109 W. Veterans Parkway, Yorkville, IL 60560.

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

Christmas Walk thanks

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Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

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Local officials proved quotable once again in 2016

By JOHN ETHEREDGE jetheredge@shawmedia.com

Oswego, Montgomery and Kendall County public officials had plenty to say in 2016. Here’s a look back at some of their more memorable quotes as published in stories in the Ledger over the past 12 months: “Yes.” Former U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert’s response when a federal judge asked him at his sentencing hearing in Chicago in April whether he sexually abused one of his wrestlers while he was a teacher and coach at Yorkville High School from 1965 to 1980.

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

Former U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert apologizes in federal court in April for sexually abusing students at Yorkville High School during his years at a teacher and coach at the school.

••• “Not only do our African-American, black students need to have African-American teachers and coaches and role models but so do our white students.”

Dr. Matthew Wendt, School District 308 superintendent, advocates for greater diversity among the district’s teaching staff in February.

••• “Eventually we’re going to have to make cuts and they’re not going to be popular, but there’s no other way to do it because the revenue side isn’t there. It’s not up to me, but we’re going to have to figure out how to structure the program and what we need to target.

I just don’t know how you can run a district for very long with these kind of deficits.”

Greg O’Neil, a member of the School District 308 Board of Education, comments in June as the board approves contracts with five district administrators that includes salary increases.

••• “Revitalization of our downtown has been a top priority for this board. This acquisition will strengthen our ability to bring people, jobs, and momentum to the heart of Oswego.

That’s what economic development is all about.”

Oswego Village President Gail Johnson explains the rationale for the village’s pending purchase of the former Alexander Lumber yard in the village’s downtown in November.

••• “But for that victim who is coming in here for the first time, when they come through these doors, they go through the parking lot to get here, they’ve gone through a traumatic event in the first place either the night before or even that morning – to come here and have to navigate through the court system is a very difficult procedure.”

Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis voices support for the opening of a Mutual Ground office at the Kendall County Courthouse to help the victims of domestic violence in March.

••• “In checking with the village and the park district we found that they were not interested in the property. Of all the neighbors to the property, the library district has the most vested interest in maintaining and preserving the view from the thousands of square feet of windows that overlook the creek and the property.”

Oswego Public Library District Board secretary Terry Tamblyn explains the library board’s controversial decision to purchase property across the Waubonsie Creek from the district’s downtown Oswego Library in March.

••• “I am honored to have been chosen to lead and serve School District 308 as the next superintendent. If you asked me four years ago where I would see myself five years down the road, I would’ve said exactly where I am today. I couldn’t be any more pleased to have been chosen for this high honor.”

Dr. John Sparlin reacts in April to being named superintendent of School District 308.

••• “Throughout the entire process, if they didn’t read the papers, they would not know anything had happened. So even in the darkest days when there was red ink in the checkbook and the volunteers were barely getting by, they were here every Thursday and the clients came and got food and it all worked out.”

Greg Witek, chairman of the Kendall County Community Food Pantry Board, comments in November on the impact that a special prosecutor’s investigation into the pantry’s finances

had on the area families served by the pantry.

••• “I don’t believe I have a legacy.

There is no legacy of four years of service. I would prefer to view this as a contribution.”

Dr. Matthew Wendt, outgoing District 308 superintendent, reflects in April on his years with the district.

••• “That bridge is gonna need to go in there at some point. We need to figure out how to make that happen. There’s not going to be a bucket full of money from Washington like there used to be, so, what do we do and how to we make that happen?”

Scott Gryder, newly elected Kendall County Board chairman, comments in November on the county’s long-standing plan to construct a bridge over the Fox River on an extension of Eldamain Road between Yorkville and Plano.

••• “When 67 percent of your [property tax] bill is going to the schools, that’s really where you need to start addressing things.”

Andy Nicoletti, Kendall County supervisor of assessments, comments in May after the county mails annual property tax bills to all county property owners of record.

••• “A lot of the same problems that were going on five years ago we are still seeing in our office today, every month. It’s a struggle.”

Jill Ferko, Kendall County treasurer, urges the county board in May to change the board’s

compensation program, including the per diem system.

••• “The outcome of my questionnaire demonstrates that the leadership of Kendall County is strongly united in the opportunity to extend Metra services throughout their communities. As noted in previous letters and conversations with you, I believe an extension, such as the one being assessed, would benefit the region through job growth and most importantly, offer the communities an additional transportation alternative.”

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Plano, voices his support in May for local efforts to extend Metra commuter rail service from Aurora into Kendall County.

••• “It keeps us in purgatory but it keeps us out of hell.”

State Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, comments in June after state lawmakers adopted a $50.6 million stopgap budget for Illinois.

••• “My experience in trying to sell limestone products helped a lot, in that, when you approach people to sell something, a product, you have to listen to them. You can’t be dogmatic.”

John Shaw, retiring Kendall County Board Chairman, comments in December on how his private business experience helped him in his years as a county board member.

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Oswego OKs downtown TIF

Waubonsee College marks 50th year

Waubonsee Community College launched a year-long celebration of the college’s Montgomery: home 50th anniversary. Since its of the sugar dome founding in 1966, the college A massive dome sprouted has served over 290,000 students from 12 school districts up along Aucutt Road in the in Kendall, Kane, DeKalb and village of Montgomery over the summer and in November LaSalle counties. Over the decades the college has grown village officials joined with from a temporary storefront representatives from the United Sugars Corporation to operation in a former Jewel mark the opening of the corpo- store in downtown Aurora to ration’s sugar storage facility. operating campuses in Sugar The 134-foot-tall dome is Grove, two in Aurora, and one the largest free-standing sugar in Plano. The college is invitstorage facility not attached to ing all alumni and friends of the college to a reunion event a sugar factory in the United set for March 9.

States, according to company officials. They said the dome Candidates line up can hold up to 130 million for township races pounds of sugar and serve as Oswego Township’s tax many as 24 railcars and more levy accounted for just 2.7 than 75 trucks per day. The percent of a township residome immediately became dent’s total annual property a positive symbol for the village’s and the Montgomery tax bill this year, but earlier this month the upcoming Economic Development Corporation’s continuing busitownship election attracted ness attraction efforts. The by the far the largest number village board also approved of candidates for the April 4 plans for additional industrial local election. A total of seven business developments in a – count ‘em – candidates filed previously designated west to run for township highway

commissioner, three filed for the position of township supervisor, and eight candidates filed petitions seeking four open seats on the township board.

Historically, township elections have attracted scant interest among voters and few candidates. But township government has been the focus of increased public scrutiny over the last year and a half as Township Highway Commissioner Gary Grosskopf was accused of spending the majority of his time at a home he owns in Florida.

Grosskopf, who has served as highway commissioner for the past 27 years, was not among the seven candidates to file petitions to have his name placed on the April ballot.

However, Grosskopf’s son, Aaron, was among those filing petitions seeking election to his dad’s current job.

Oswego OKs buying former lumber yard

As the year closes, the village of Oswego is poised to close on the purchase of the former Alexander Lumber yard property on Washington Street at Adams Street in the village’s downtown.

The property has sat vacant and desolate, awaiting redevelopment since the lumber yard moved its operations nearly a decade ago.

The village board voted unanimously earlier this month to purchase the 2.38acre parcel for $1,492,500, which is the average between the village’s appraisal of the property of $1.35 million and the property owner’s appraisal of $1.635 million. Village officials plan to use the proceeds from the eventual sale of the current police station at 3525 Route 34 to cover the expense of the purchase. Once the village takes title to the property, village officials will actively seek firms to re-develop the property.

Village Administrator Daniel DiSanto described the property as “the linchpin ... to success of downtown.” In voicing support for the purchase, Village President Gail Johnson said, ”Revitalization of our downtown has been a top priority for this board.

This acquisition will strengthen our ability to bring people, jobs and momentum to the heart of Oswego. That’s what economic development is all about.”

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Thursday, December 29, 2016

In an effort to spur economic development in downtown Oswego, the village board voted in September to create a TIF (tax increment financing) district for much of the downtown area. Prior village boards had discussed the possibility of establishing a TIF but could never reach a consensus amidst public objections.

Village President Gail Johnson thanked the board moments after their favorable vote. Johnson said, “It’s a huge step forward in my book.

side TIF district.

COVER STORY | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

District 308. He joined the district in 2012 as the executive director for administrative services. He was promoted to assistant superintendent for administrative services in 2013. In this role, Sparlin oversaw the departments of human resources, student services, food service, operations, technology, and transportation. During his 23 years of working in education, Sparlin has worked multiple school districts in Illinois.

I think we’re going to see some amazing things happen in the downtown area in the next few years. This was step one, so I thank you all for the continued support.”

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

8

New county coroner introduces chief deputy

By TONY SCOTT tscott@kendallcountynow.com Kendall County Coroner Jacquie Purcell told the County Board that she’s requested the badges of former deputy coroners, and introduced her new chief deputy coroner.

Purcell introduced Samantha Marshall, her new chief deputy coroner, to the board at the Dec. 20 meeting.

Marshall is a paramedic from Grundy County, Purcell said.

Marshall said she has been a paramedic with the Coal City Fire Protection District for the past seven years.

She said she has also been a paramedic preceptor for Morris Hospital and a deputy coroner with Grundy County Coroner’s Office, and has also been a tech for autopsies for both Grundy and Kendall counties.

Purcell also addressed concerns brought up by county resident Todd

Milliron, who asked about the number of deputy coroners in Purcell’s office and about former deputy coroners’ badges.

Purcell said there are three people in her office right now: herself, Marshall, and a senior deputy coroner, Brian Leonard. Purcell said she sent out 18 letters to former deputy coroners requesting the return of their coroner badges and other property. She said she has received five badges back so far.

“So far everything has been running well, and we’re moving forward,” Purcell said.

According to an annual report presented to the board, the coroner’s office saw 284 total deaths during the past fiscal year, which ran from Dec. 1, 2015, to Nov. 30 of this year. Of those deaths, 254 were marked as natural, 19 as accidental, 10 as suicide and one as homicide. Purcell said most of the accidental deaths were drug overdoses.

BRIEF Montgomery’s 2016 trash stickers still good, village says

The village of Montgomery has extended its waste hauling contract with Republic Services for an additional seven months, ending July 31, 2017.

The green trash stickers currently

Funded in whole by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration

Be Their Guide. Don’t provide.

being sold have a printed expiration date of Dec. 31, 2016; however, due to the contract extension the trash stickers will continue to be valid, at the same price, through July 31, 2017, according to information provided by the village.

– Oswego Ledger

Placement Exam

KENDALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS Boulder Hill domestic County sheriff’s deputies responded to a verbal domestic dispute at a residence in the 0-100 block of Chatham Place in Boulder Hill Dec. 26 at 5:55 p.m. Police said the incident was verbal in nature, but a resident of the home had punched and damaged a door.

Harbor Drive investigation County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a report of a battery at a residence in the 100 block of Harbor Drive in Oswego Township Dec. 26 at 6:04 p.m.

Criminal damage County sheriff’s deputies took a report of criminal damage to property Dec. 25 at a residence in the 100 block of Harbor Drive in Oswego Township. A front door and screen were found damaged, police said.

Plano resident injured A Plano resident, Samantha E. Frahm, 33, of the 220 block of East Steward Street, was injured Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. when the vehicle she was driving in the 9300 block of Millbrook Road in Fox Township left the roadway

and rolled over multiple times into a ditch, according to the county sheriff’s office.

Police said Frahm was transported to Morris Hospital.

Warrant arrest made County sheriff’s deputies arrested Marquette Dezhon Price, 26, of the 100 block of Harbor Drive in Oswego Township Dec. 26 at 6:46 p.m. while investigating a report of a battery at the residence. Police said they learned that Price was wanted on an Aurora police warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge of driving on a suspended license. Police said Price was transported to the county jail for booking.

Inmate arrested in battery County sheriff’s deputies arrested Taylor James Cano, 26, an inmate at the Kendall County Jail in Yorkville, Dec. 22 at 11 p.m. on two felony count charges of aggravated battery and one felony count of aggravated assault to corrections deputies. Police said Cano made unwanted physical contact with • Continued on page 12

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In past, members chosen by Kane County chairman; 11 running in April for 7 seats

Kendall County sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Sandwich resident, Michael Paredones, 29, of the 800 block of West Church Street, in connection with a Nov. 11 burglary of a residence in the 80th block of Leisure Lane in Oswego Township.

The County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged Paredones with two counts of residential burglary, both Class 1 felonies.

Police said they recovered many of the items stolen from the Leisure Lane residence while conducting their investigation.

Bond for Paredones has been set at $50,000, according to police.

OSWEGO LEDGER

DuPage County, at some points going as far as Route 59. Its western limit is the Fox River running south to Indian Trail, where it turns west along Indian Trail to Farnsworth Avenue, south to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad tracks, east to the DuPage-Kane County line, running along the boundary with the 2nd District.

Here are the candidates who filed petitions, according to their district jurisdiction: 1st District: Charles Anderson, Aurora; Matt Hicks Jr., Aurora.

2nd District: LuAnne Kelsey, Montgomery; Elizabeth “Beth” Waller, Montgomery; Jerry Butler, Aurora; Mary Ann Cummings, Aurora.

3rd District: Giovanni Santana, Aurora; Holly Scholz, Aurora; Roger Schnorr, Aurora; Cynthia G. Penne, Aurora.

At-Large: Alexander G. Alexandrou, Aurora.

The elected board will be seated on May 1, 2017, at which time a lottery drawing will take place to determine length of terms, which will be staggered. Initially, four board members will serve four-year terms, and three board members will serve two-year terms.

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Police seek information on Boulder Hill battery theft

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information in reference to the theft of several commercial batteries from a building in the 100 block of Boulder Hill Pass in Boulder Hill sometime between noon Nov. 12 and 11 p.m. Dec. 16. Anyone with information on this or other crimes is urged to call the Kendall County Crimestoppers at 6300-553-5999.

Callers remain anonymous and are eligible for rewards up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of offenders.

– Oswego Ledger

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Thursday, December 29, 2016

A total of 11 residents – including one from Montgomery – will be vying for a total of seven seats on the Fox Valley Park District Board of Commissioners in the April 4 election.

They will be the first candidates on the ballot in the park district’s 70-year existence. Since its formation in 1947, state law called for Park Board members to be appointed by the Kane County Board chairman, as opposed to being elected, as most other park boards are throughout the state.

As the second largest park district in Illinois, Fox Valley serves 233,000 residents in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery, covering four counties – Kendall, Kane, DuPage and Will – and encompassing 65 square miles.

The new state law, through legislation sponsored by retired Kane County Board chairman Karen McConnaughay, creates three geograph-

ic districts, with two board members elected from each district. A seventh member is elected at-large.

The 1st District includes the entire west side of the Fox River, from the North Aurora village limits on the north to the Montgomery limits in Kendall County to the south. Its western limit is the city limits for North Aurora, Aurora and Montgomery, and the eastern limit is the Fox River.

The 2nd District has a western limit of the Fox River, running south to the Kendall County line, running east to the DuPage-Kane county line, north to the railroad tracks, west to Farnsworth, north to Indian Trail and west on Indian Trail to the river.

The 3rd District runs from the North Aurora village limits and the Aurora city limits on the north to the Aurora city limits in Will County to the south. The eastern edge runs to the Aurora city limits on the east, in

Sandwich man arrested in Oswego Township home burglary

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Election a first for park district

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Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

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11 ment was.)

In a page one editorial, Ford Lippold, Ledger publisher, said he believed 1957 loomed as an important year in the history of Oswego and the surrounding community, due largely to the more than 3,000 area home lots that had been subdivided and were awaiting development. Lippold wrote, “For a good number of years now Oswego has been bogged down in a morass of stagnation; floundering around in a slough of indecision; and stifled in a forest of short-sightedness. The time has come to plan for the years ahead...The time has come for doing and not for dreaming. The time has come for qualified and capable leaders in every position of responsibility.”

December 1996 Citing rising enrollment due to a continuing new home building boom, the Oswego School District Board voted to place two referendums on the April 1, 1997 ballot. One referendum sought voter approval to increase the school district’s education tax levy rate, while the other sought to provide funding for the construction of a new elementary school and additions at several existing schools.

The village of Montgomery’s building department issued permits for the construction of the proposed Anderson Farms senior citizen apartment building just north of the Seasons Ridge subdivision.

December 1991 Oswego School District officials announced they expected to be able to reopen Boulder Hill Elementary School in another month. The school had been closed in November 1991 after airborne asbestos was found in the building.

An investigation determined the asbestos came from old floor tiles.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported employment in Montgomery fell 26 percent from 1989 to 1990. John DuRocher, village administrator, attributed the job loss to layoffs at two of the village’s largest employers, Allsteel and General American Door.

Illinois Department of Transportation officials announced they expected construction to begin in the fall of 1992 on a new, four-lane U.S. Route 34 bridge in downtown Oswego.

Oswego’s downtown beautification committee sent letters to Main Street merchants asking them not to let their employees park their vehicles on Main Street. Committee members and merchants agreed that employees parking along the street were limiting customer access to local stores.

December 1986 To show their appreciation to newly elected Congressman Dennis Hastert, R-Yorkville, for securing $1 million in Build Illinois funds for the village of Oswego, the village board voted to rename a former highway rest area along U.S. Route 34 in the village “J. Dennis Hastert Park.”

(The property is now the site of the Oswego Police station.) The Ledger-Sentinel, however, disagreed with the board’s decision. In an editorial, the Ledger-Sentinel argued that Hastert had done much for the village and would likely “do even more in the future.” But, the editorial continued, “naming a public facility after any living and still politically active individual is bad policy. Since we all hope Hastert has a long and successful political life ahead of him, in effect, the sign naming the park after him will be a permanent, tax-supported campaign sign on our busiest highway.”

December 1981 A small group of concerned Boulder Hill

Photo provided by the Little White School Museum

Snow was falling on Orr’s service station at Route 25 and Route 34 in Oswego when this photo was taken in about 1940. The service station site is now a parking lot for the Oswego Public Library. residents questioned Montgomery Village Board members and village staffers about a recent board vote to double the unincorporated subdivision’s water rates. The residents complained they had no say in the board’s decision to raise the rates. One resident also questioned the legality of the board’s action.

But village attorney James Edwards told the residents that the board acted in full compliance with state law in approving the rate hikes. “Be my guest if you want to sue us,” Edwards told the resident.

During a public forum held at East View Elementary School in Oswego, several Oswego School District residents voiced their opinions on why two school tax hike referendums had been rejected by voters over the past several months. Residents cited their own rising property taxes, apparent frills in the district’s educational programs, a lack of trust in school administrators and the failure to develop a user fee program as contributing to the referendum defeats.

December 1977 The Montgomery Village Board voted unanimously to appoint Dennis Schmidt, a village police officer, to the rank of sergeant due to the pending medical leave of another officer. In other police department news, the board voted to authorize the police commission to appoint two temporary officers to offset a manpower shortage and approved the purchase of a pistol at a cost of $170.50 to be used by department officers as a spare.

Falstaff beer was among the weekly specials at the Booz Bin liquor store on Main Street in downtown Oswego. Customers could purchase a six-pack for $1.39 or a 12-pack for $2.75, according to an advertisement in the Ledger.

December 1971 Fire caused an estimated $100,000 damage at the Shore Heights apartment complex in unincorporated Oswego Township. The fire

apparently started when a plumber applied a blow torch to a joint to be soldered. The flame came into contact with some insulation, which burned up a wall into the roof of the apartment building. Oswego Fire Chief Jim Detzler said a lack of water pressure in fire hydrants near the complex hampered firefighters in their efforts to put out the blaze. “The only thing the fire hydrants in that area are good for is the dogs,” Detzler said.

Holiday gift baskets, with prices starting at $6.50, were on sale at Paramount Heights supermarket on Ill. Route 31 at Caterpillar Drive in Montgomery, according to an ad in the Ledger.

December 1966 Ronson and Remington electric shavers, View-Masters, Timex Watches and the New Lady Shick “Portable Beauty Salon Hair Dryer” were offered for sale in time for the Christmas gift-giving at Grimm’s Drugstore at the Boulder Hill Market, according to an advertisement in the Ledger. In downtown Oswego, Carr’s Department store had socks and slacks on sale, while Shuler’s Drugstore offered a full line of Kodak cameras, including the Instamatic 104, the Instamatic 154 and the M2 movie camera.

December 1916 The Record reported on Dec. 13, 1916, that “Beginning Monday evening, Dec. 18, the merchants of Oswego will keep their places of business open evenings until after Christmas.”

Record Publisher H.R. Marshall wrote in his Dec. 27 column that “Billy Sunday [the counterpart of today’s television preachers] has sprung a new one—in the tabernacle which is to be built for his meetings in New York there will be a private bath for Mr. Sunday’s use after he completes his attacks on sin. We might suggest a trainer and a few blankets that the minister might ‘cool out’ after his bouts.”

“No one can complain of the good old-fashioned Christmas weather for 1916,” Marshall continued. “Snow on the ground and the thermometer hovering around zero makes one think of the earlier days. But the thing that is missing is the tinkle of sleigh bells. Once in a while you see a sleigh or a bob [sled] go by but little of the jingle that makes one feel that there is some pleasure in the world. The raucous toot of the auto horn and the sound of the open muffler have taken the place of ‘Old Dobbin.’”

December 1891 Things were hopping in Oswego in December of 1891. On Dec. 11, the Kendall County Record’s Oswego correspondent noted that illegal prize fights were being held frequently in the Star Roller Skating Rink downtown. “When are the authorities of Kendall County going to December 1961 do something about these outrageous proThe new Boulder Hill Elementary School was ceedings,” the Record wondered. “What will the site for a sock hop for area teenagers Dec. Oswego do about it? Are our county officials 28. WMRO disk jockey Harry Blair was master helpless, or are they asleep?” According to of ceremonies. the Record, Thomas Ryan and “Bull” Howson fought 14 rounds “with bare fists.” According December 1956 to one account, “Ryan pounded Howson into Charles Gaylord, area civil defense director, jelly and won over $8,000 for his side.” The provided the Montgomery Village Board Record charged the CB&Q Railroad was just with information on civil defense equipment as guilty as the prizefighters since they were that was available to the village. Following “guilty of unloading hundreds of outlaws upon Gaylord’s presentation, the board voted a quiet and peaceable village.” unanimously “to cooperate with the civil On Dec. 16 the Record reported that defense director and to provide proper housing Oswego’s population was 641 according to for the equipment and to stand the expense of the census of 1890, down from 663 in 1880. transportation from Springfield, Ill.,” according Oswego Township’s population dropped to to the minutes of the board’s Dec. 3 meeting.

(The minutes did not specify what the equip• Continued on page 13

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

Compiled by Roger Matile and John Etheredge from the files of the Oswego Ledger, Kendall County Record and Fox Valley Sentinel.

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

12

OSWEGO POLICE REPORTS

KENDALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

Barton Dr. burglary Oswego police are investigating a burglary that occurred Dec. 23 at a residence in the 800 block of Barton Drive in the village. Police said an unknown subject entered the residence through the garage and stole a purse that had been left in an unlocked vehicle.

the 300 block of West New York Street, Aurora, at a store in the 2500 block of Route 34 Dec. 20 at 3:50 p.m. on two outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court. Police said Trejo was transported to the Kendall County Jail where her bond was set at $5,000 on one of the warrants and $3,000 on the other.

Theft under investigation Oswego police are investigating a theft from a store in the 0-10 block of East Merchants Drive Dec. 18. Police said merchandise valued at $150 was taken.

Chapin Way hit-and-run Oswego police took a report of a hit-and-run crash on Chapin Way at Townsend Drive Dec. 21 at 11:14 a.m. Police said an unknown motorist struck a parked vehicle and then left.

Minor injuries in crash A Naperville resident, William James, 61, of the 2200 block of Waterleaf Drive, received minor injuries when the vehicle he was driving was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Route 34 at Douglas Road Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., Oswego police reported. Police said the crash is under investigation.

Minor injuries in crash An Aurora resident, Selena Angeles, 20, received minor injuries when the vehicle she was driving was involved in a crash on Route 34 west of Route 30 Dec. 22 at 11:22 a.m., Oswego police reported. Police said the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash, Tracey Emanuel, 41, of Montgomery, was ticketed for failure to yield while exiting a private drive.

Damaged on Otter Way Someone tossed a beer bottle through the back window of a car in the 600 block of Otter Way Dec. 25, Oswego police reported.

Hit-and-run reported Oswego police took a report of a hit-and-run accident that occurred in the parking lot of a store in the 2600 block of Route 34 Dec. 24.

Police said the damage occurred Dec. 24.

Warrant arrest Oswego police arrested Arthur D. Braaksma, 46, of the 20th block of Harrison Street, Aurora, on Route 30 at Douglas Road Dec. 25 on an in-state warrant. Police said Braaksma posted bond and was released pending a court appearance.

DUI arrest Oswego police arrested Kenneth Schroeder, 30, of the 14000 block of Kostner Road, Midlothian, after stopping his vehicle on Route 30 at Wolf’s Crossing Road Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Police said Schroeder was cited for improper lane usage and charged with driving under the influence.

Warrant arrest Oswego police arrested Natalie Trejo, 25, of

VFW

Retail theft arrest Oswego police arrested Kelly L. Cosma, 35, of the 100 block of Kendall Drive, Yorkville, on a charge of retail theft at a store in the 2700 block of Route 34 Dec. 22 at 8:10 p.m. Police said Cosma attempted to leave the store without paying for merchandise valued at $179.90.

Theft investigation Oswego police are investigating a retail theft at a store in the 2500 block of Route 34. Police said the theft occurred Dec. 22 at 9:15 p.m. and merchandise valued at $197.35 was taken.

One hurt in parking lot crash Oswego police reported that a Montgomery resident, Maureen O’Hara, 19, of the 2400 block of Simon Court, was injured when her vehicle was struck by another vehicle driven

by Lisa M. Toutant, 34, of the 10-20 block of Rocky Way in Boulder Hill in a parking lot at a store in the 2300 block of Route 34 Dec. 22 at 4:37 p.m. Police said Toutant failed to yield, and struck O’Hara’s vehicle.

Traffic violations Felipe J. Paniagua, 33, of the 2300 block of Castle Pines, Aurora, driving on a suspended license.

Montgomery VFW Post 7452 121 North River Street Montgomery, Illinois

sometime between Oct. 30 and Dec. 21, the county sheriff’s office reported.

two corrections deputies and assaulted one.

Fox Glen Drive domestic County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an assault and domestic violence incident Dec. 24 at 9.40 p.m. at a residence in the 0-40 block of Fox Glen Drive East, Yorkville, in Kendall Township. Police said they determined that an assault occurred between two family members but the victim declined to sign a complaint.

Confronts burglar County sheriff’s deputies took a report of a burglary to a vehicle Dec. 23 at 8:05 a.m. in the 20th block of Hillstone Road in Boulder Hill. The victim told police that she saw a Hispanic male enter her unlocked vehicle.

When the victim confronted the man, he fled the area on foot.

Rickard Drive damage County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a Dec. 24 incident in which an unknown vehicle parked in a driveway in the 100 block of Rickard Drive in Bristol Township was struck and damaged overnight by another, unknown vehicle.

Graffiti damage An inmate scratched graffiti in a jail cell at the Kendall County Jail in Yorkville

Warrant arrest County sheriff’s deputies arrested Ryan W. Cleary, 26, of the 210 block of Light Road, Oswego, at a residence in the 100 block of Kevin Lane in Oswego Township Dec. 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Police said they found Cleary in an upstairs bedroom at the residence. He was wanted on a Kendall County warrant. He was transported to the Kendall County Jail in Yorkville pending court proceedings.

Vehicle burglary County sheriff’s deputies took a report of a burglary to a vehicle in the 40th block of Sonora Road in Boulder Hill Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Police said a black wallet, an iPod touch and loose change were taken from the vehicle.

Traffic citations • Zachary Thomas Near Horner, 18, of the 1000-2000 block of Elder Drive, Aurora, no valid driver’s license.

• Robert D. Walker, 50, of the 1200 block of Main Street, Batavia, driving on a suspended license, expired registration and no insurance.

• Emmanuel Delgado, 28, of the 200 block of West Dearborn Avenue, Plano, driving on a suspended license.

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MONTGOMERY POLICE REPORTS Cocaine found in vehicle Montgomery police arrested Juan Martinez, 37, of the 100 block of Fifth Street, Aurora, Dec. 25 at 6:47 p.m. after stopping his vehicle for having a suspended registration in the 1500 block of Douglas Road. Police said they found two grams of cocaine in Martinez’s vehicle. Police said he has been charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Police said they also cited Martinez for operation of a vehicle with no registration light and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Avenue, West Chicago, Dec. 26 at 4:30 p.m. after they stopped the vehicle he was a passenger in on Route 30 at Orchard Road. Police said Saenz was wanted on a DeKalb County warrant for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vehicle damaged A resident of the 200 block of Parker Court told Montgomery police Dec. 26 that someone damaged the gas cap on his vehicle and poured an unknown substance into the gas tank.

Warrant arrest Montgomery police arrested Tony Grayson-Green, 22, of Plainfield Dec. 24 at 10:12 p.m. on Grandview Place at Seasons Ridge Boulevard. Police said Grayson-Green was wanted on a Kendall County warrant for driving on a suspended license.

Paraphernalia arrest Montgomery police arrested Oscar Saenz, 23, of the 200 block of East York

Traffic violations • Lawrence Williams, 21, of Montgomery, driving on a revoked license.

• Christopher D. Shaw, 23, of Aurora, driving on a suspended license.

• Brittany Bell, 19, of Aurora, driving on a suspended license.

• John Walker III, 28, of Aurora, driving on a suspended license.

1,538 in 1890 from 1,718 in 1880.

“Rabbit hunting is the order of the day and local sportsmen of all ages are bringing them in by the dozens,” the Record reported on Dec. 16, adding, “It is fun for the boys, but hard on the rabbits.”

The Record’s Oswego correspondent also was impressed with brand new business technology: “The Simplex Cash Register, an automatic contrivance for helping to keep things straight, has been established in Haight’s store [at Main and Washington]. The amount of your bill will pop right up before your eyes when paying it, and so there is no chance that you can get swindled.”

December 1871 On Dec. 26, 1871, the Record’s Oswego correspondent reported that “The residence of Daniel Pearce, about one mile east of town, was burned Sunday morning and proved a very distressing occurrence. The most of the family was yet in bed when the fire was discovered and the boys, James and Corbin, rushed out in their bare feet to carry water from the spring; James failed to secure his boots in time, which were in the kitchen, and was compelled to go to his brother’s house, (Ezekiel, a half mile distance) barefooted, the weather from 16-20 degrees below zero, his feet were badly frozen. There was nothing saved except a couple of trunks. The fire originated, it was supposed, from the ashes which the old lady had taken up and set outdoors.”

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Thursday, December 29, 2016

Warrant arrest Montgomery police arrested Charles Booker of the 0-100 block of Scarsdale Road, Boulder Hill, Dec. 23 at 2:10 a.m. on River Street at Main Street on a criminal damage to property warrant issued in Kane County.

Rt. 30, Briarcliff crash No one was hurt in a two-vehicle crash on Route 30 at Briarcliff Road Dec. 23 at 6:13 p.m., Montgomery police reported.

However, police said the two vehicles involved in the crash, a Ford Mustang and Scion TC, had to be towed from the intersection.

13

• Continued from page 11

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Photo provided

Montgomery police are seeking information on the identity of a female suspect in connection with the theft of several lottery tickets Dec. 12 from a gas station in the 1900 block of Route 30 in the village.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact Montgomery police investigations at 331-212-9058 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000.

Callers to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and qualify for a cash reward for information that leads to any arrests.

YESTERYEAR

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

| SPORTS

14 GIRLS GYMNASTICS

Oswego learns from state’s elite at invite

By CHRIS WALKER sports@kendallcountynow.com

Ellina Butolph didn’t plan on selling T-shirts on Friday.

The Oswego co-op freshman would much rather have joined her teammates on vault, floor, bars and beam, but a recent knee injury left her sidelined and missing out on all the fun at Oswego’s Tumble for the Troops Invitational.

“It was boring,” she said. “I did have a lady who donated a $100 dollar bill, which was cool. I just sat staring at it because I had never seen one before.”

She likely hadn’t seen some of the incredible gymnastics that also took place on Friday.

While host Oswego co-op finished in 10th place among the 10 teams, the top three teams – DeKalb/Sycamore co-op (146.55), Glenbard West (141.225) and Lake Park (137.65) – were impressive, showing why they were three of the eight teams to advance to state last year.

“I like this meet since it’s right in the middle of the year and you get to see where a bunch of teams are at,” Oswego coach Sarah Dugan said. “The kids love being at home since their friends and family can come out, and as a young and small team we’re just trying to go out and work together.

We’re trying to get better and really enjoy gymnastics and progress together for these next couple of years.”

Cassidy Max wasn’t thrilled with her overall performance, but she did score her highest all-around (30.425) total of the season, so she had reason to be pleased with her overall day.

“I had some mistakes and falls so I know I could still do a lot better,” she said. “So it wasn’t my best meet, but I did have my highest score.”

Oswego was so short-handed that it only had three gymnasts who competed on bars and beam, which really hurt its team score (108.25). Its best effort came on vault with a 32.825.

“That was our highest vault score of the season so that was really good to see,” Dugan said. “On beam we’re just trying to stay on and get through and to keep things clean. Alex [Salinas] stuck her beam routine, so that nice to see.”

Salinas led the team in the allaround (33.1) while Max (30.425) and Sofia Panza (28.775) also had busy afternoons. Salinas had the team’s top score on bars (8.05), floor (8.075) and beam (8.725) while Max had the team’s top honors on vault (8.425).

This marked the seventh year that this annual competition, which previously was just an invite, helped raised

Photos by David Toney for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Cassidy Max, a member of the Oswego co-op gymnastics team, competes on the uneven bars Friday during the Tumble for the Troops Invite. BELOW LEFT: Alex Salinas of the Oswego co-op gymnastics team competes on the balance beam Friday. BELOW RIGHT: Sofia Panza of the Oswego co-op gymnastics team completes her routine Friday on the balance beam at Oswego High School.

funds for the military. Dugan’s part of a large military family and decided to do something on the military’s behalf in 2010.

“I saw how many of the other sports were doing things like ‘Hoops for Heal-

ing’ and thought we could do something community service like that,” Dugan said. “So we’ve sold the T-shirts and taken donations and we’ve now raised several thousands dollars for them.”

All donations will be forwarded to Operation Support Our Troops – America. For more information about what’s now one of the largest volunteer-based military support organizations in the country, visit www.osotamerica.org.

VIEWS Kristin Sharp I discovered my love for sports writing in high school. I worked my way up through the editorial ranks at Eastern Illinois University, taking beats like softball and women’s basketball as a reporter before I eventually found myself standing outside the locker room at Tennessee-Martin waiting to interview Tony Romo.

Kendall County reminded me of Charleston – a lot of cornfields surrounding towns where football is king.

I’ve spent the past few days reflecting on my time here since I arrived in 2002, but it’s impossible to add up all the games and the many miles after 15 seasons.

I followed Oswego football to Menomonie, Wisconsin, Edwardsville, East St. Louis, Rock Island and, of course, Champaign. I made a few trips

to Peoria for Yorkville’s state cross country races and spent a weekend in Normal when the Newark girls basketball team went to state. Plano softball’s Sweet 16 run in 2007 is still the most exciting fastpitch season I’ve experienced.

As more traffic lights appeared along Route 34, Oswego East was built – and suddenly Oswego hated Morris just a little bit less. Still, there’s nothing worse than trying to interview Karl Hoinkes after a loss to the Redskins.

There’s nothing better than a packed football stadium when Oswego East takes on Oswego or Plano meets Sandwich, a full gymnasium for a showdown between Yorkville and Morris ... or standing room only when Newark basketball plays, well, anyone. But I won’t miss trying to find a parking spot.

I will miss the familiar faces I see, season after season, cheering for their team through thick and thin.

The little ones sitting in the bleachers

GIRLS BASKETBALL: OSWEGO EAST 90, ROCKFORD JEFFERSON 21

East lights up scoreboard, tallying record 90 points

By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com Based on scouting reports, Oswego East coach Abe Carretto felt the Wolves could take control early against Rockford Jefferson.

The Wolves did just that – and more – setting a program record for most points scored in a game with Tuesday’s 90-21 victory in the opening game of the Oswego East Holiday Classic.

“We’re trying to work on our transition and more moving. Sometimes we stand still offensively,” Carretto said.

“We worked on a lot of shots, getting a lot of steals defensively and our transition game. Once halftime came around, we were just trying to match what we did offensively. I wanted to hold them to less, but when you’re bringing a lot of pieces in and out and taking more chances, they’re going to get some shots.”

Oswego East (10-2) put in its first bucket within the first 10 seconds of the game, Amaya Johns (11 points) put in back-toback layups and the Wolves established an 8-0 lead before Jefferson called a timeout.

Jesinde Thomas (17 points) knocked down a three-pointer and Ty Battle (23 points) tipped in her own missed bucket to push the lead, 18-0.

Sydney Schultz had six points before the first period ended with Oswego East owning a 27-0 lead, and Thomas scored the first six of the second quarter for a 33-0 advantage.

Oswego East’s lead swelled 35-0 before Jefferson got on the board at the foul line, but the Wolves led 41-1 before the J-Hawks (1-8) found their first field goal of the game with 2:16 left in the first half.

Jefferson’s Elizabeth Bankole scored six points to close the first half with the J-Hawks trailing 45-7.

With a Schultz basket, Oswego East led 66-12 in the third quarter as Carretto continued to rotate in his entire lineup off the bench.

Despite the lopsided win, Oswego East moves ahead cautiously into the championship side of the bracket. The Wolves have only made one appearance in the title game and have never won their own tournament. Edwardsville is the No. 2 seed and opened the lower half of the bracket with a win over Joliet Central on Tuesday night.

“They’re a Sweet 16 team and really well coached, so we’re going to take the games one at a time because we always tend to falter in Game 2 or Game 3,” Carretto said of Edwardsville. “We’ve got to keep our focus on each game. We’ve only bee in the championship game once.”

with their popcorn waiting for their turn to step into their older brother or sister’s shoes and become the newest headlines on these pages. The former athletes who return to their alma mater to coach the next generation.

As the saying goes, when you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life – and that is absolutely true. I am blessed to have had this opportunity to fill these pages with your stories over the years.

I know you’ll be in good hands when Joshua Welge takes over the sports desk in January. There are many untold stories still to come that will keep you turning these pages week after week.

The little girl from Yugoslavia is now an English teacher in Serbia, and my friend from the campground is now living with her husband and new baby girl in Italy.

Thanks to the power of digital media and Kendall County Now online, I won’t have to wait for the mailman to arrive to keep in touch with you.

PREP ROUNDUP

Oswego prevails with big 2nd half over Riverside-Brookfield scored 44 points in the second half.

Jaylen Jones led all scorers with The Oswego boys basketball 31 points and Dylan Engler had 20 team (3-9) opened the 43rd annual points.

Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York with a 79-55 loss to St. Patrick on GIRLS BASKETBALL Monday.

Oswego Varsity: The Panthers Oswego fell behind early, trail- (3-7) opened the Oswego East Holing 27-12 after the opening quar- iday Classic early Tuesday mornter, and despite a 20-point effort in ing with a 61-41 loss to Downers the second quarter, the Panthers Grove South. trailed 48-32 at halftime. Elliott Despite a close first quarter, Pipkin led Oswego with a team- Downers Grove South turned a high 16 points.

13-10 lead into a 34-20 halftime adOswego moved into the con- vantage on the way to the victory. solation bracket on Tuesday and Gillian O’Neil led the Panthers earned an 89-73 victory over River- with 10 points while Kira Sneed side-Brookfield after the Panthers chipped in with eight.

OSWEGO LEDGER

• OSWEGO EAST

Continued from page 16 in seven more points and Oswego East’s lead swelled to 53-37. Parker ended the drought with 3:13 left in the game, but Chicago Christian could never get back in the game.

Kijana Caldwell put in six straight points for the Wolves down the stretch to maintain Oswego East’s control of the game and the 12-point win.

“I knew we had eight stops in

a row, and that’s something we’ve been focusing on at practice,” Szymanski said. “Our goal is to get a stop and then get a score, and when you can do that eight times in a row, it’s pretty impressive.

They’re a good team. ... They’ve scored 95, 100 and 97 in their last three games. When we needed to, we got the stops.”

Oswego East continues through pool play with games against Joliet Catholic and Neuqua Valley before championship play closes out the tournament on Dec. 29.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Once upon a time, long before Snapchat and Twitter, I kept myself entertained with chain letters.

With a piece of paper and a pencil, I’d write a letter to the person listed at the top of the original sheet and then copy that note three times, moving the names ahead and adding mine to the bottom.

As my list of penpals grew, so did my love of writing. By the time I was 13, I was addressing letters to Japan, France and the former Yugoslavia, and one summer I met a girl from Alaska while camping in South Dakota with my family. She was added to my address book, too.

This week, I am writing my final letter to you, the readers, as I prepare to step away from my pad of paper and my role as Kendall County Record Newspapers sports editor to begin a new chapter outside of journalism.

You have kept our chain of weekly correspondences going for a long time, turning page after page – and for that I am forever grateful.

SPORTS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

After 15 seasons here, farewell, friends 15

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, December 29, 2016

16

SPORTS BOYS BASKETBALL: OSWEGO EAST 64, CHICAGO CHRISTIAN 52

OLIVER IGNITES WOLVES

Team’s 21-0 run leads to comeback tourney win over Chicago Christian

By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com With Chicago Christian averaging 90 points a night, the Oswego East boys basketball team was satisfied with holding the Knights to just 22 in the first half.

A strong defensive effort helped key an impressive offensive burst that turned a 37-32 deficit into a 16-point lead in Monday’s opening game of the East Aurora Holiday Tournament. Oswego East’s Tahj Oliver hit a free throw and the final field goal of the third quarter to spark a 21-0 run that lasted well into the fourth quarter and lift the Wolves to a 64-52 victory.

“He’s our energy guy,” Oswego East coach Steve Szymanski said of Oliver. “If nothing else, he gets us hyped up and ready to play. That’s one thing about this group; they don’t like to lose. When they’re down and their backs are against the wall, they’ll push and fight to the end.”

Oswego East (8-1) has now won eight straight games after a season-opening loss to West Aurora.

“We wanted to make sure we denied their key players,” Oliver said. “That’s how you get steals and can frustrate them. We picked up on their offense pretty quick.”

Despite the hot shooting of Chicago Christian guard Malik Parker (24 points), Oswego East never let the Knights build a double-digit lead. Stephon Harris (18 points) and AJ Hughes got things started early and combined for 11 points in the first half and Trent Taylor (13 points) hit a three-pointer to bring the Wolves with two, 22-20 before halftime.

Chicago Christian (5-5) built a 30-24 lead in the third period, but Harris converted in the paint and Derek Dorsey hit a three-pointer for a 32-29 game. After another Knights’ bucket for a 37-32 score, Oswego East’s defense shut down Chicago Christian for nearly six minutes.

“Kijana [Caldwell] did a good job on [Parker]. He had a couple shots early and KJ said he’d take him,” Szymanski said.

Taylor opened the fourth quarter with a pair of free throws to tie the game at 37, Oliver (13 points) knocked

See OSWEGO EAST, page 15

Photos by David Toney for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Oswego East’s Tahj Oliver (5) goes up for a shot in the fourth quarter against Chicago Christian during Monday’s opening game at the East Aurora Holiday Tournament. LEFT: Oswego East head coach Steve Szymanski looks on during the first half in Monday’s opening game at the East Aurora Holiday Tournament. For more photos from the game, visit KendallCountyNow.com.