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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 Kendall County Sheriff’s Deputy Wayne Dial, recently named senior services deputy, will educate seniors on crimes that may affect them and serve as the department’s main contact for seniors.

See story on this page.

Photo provided

Deputy to focus on senior issues Kendall County Sheriff’s Office tasks 20-year veteran with role

By MIKE MALLORY mmallory@shawmedia.com The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is taking an extra step to protect seniors from victimization.

The sheriff’s office announced in February the assignment of 20-year veteran Deputy Wayne Dial to the role of senior services deputy within the office’s community policing unit. Dial began working in this capacity Jan. 1.

While there has been no statistical rise in the victimization of seniors of late, the sheriff’s office said, several different types of crimes affecting seniors are investigated. Dial will work to decrease these crimes.

“The most common crimes we investigate are telephone scams, home repair/work fraud and residential burglaries,” Dial said. “The majority of the cases involve financial themes.

The suspects in these crimes use the trusting nature of seniors for financial gain.”

The sheriff’s office will partner with several organizations that serve the seniors of Kendall County, including Kendall County TRIAD, Kendall County Senior Providers, Kendall County Seniors Advisory Council, Oswegoland Center Senior Advisory Council and more.

Dial will give presentations regarding current financial scams and other crimes targeting seniors to educate them and their associates throughout Kendall County.

“Dedicating a deputy full-time to partner with senior citizen organizations is the first step in helping senior citizens avoid becoming victims of a crime,” County Sheriff Dwight Baird said in a press release.

All citizens – seniors included – need

CIVIC MEETINGS WEEK OF MARCH 7-11 Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.: Oswego Township Board, Town Hall, Oswego.

Tuesday, 6:55 p.m.: Oswego Township Plan Commission, Town Hall, Oswego.

Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.: Kendall County Public Building Commission, County Office Building, Yorkville.

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

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to be aware of dealing with complete strangers, especially those strangers offering to perform unsolicited home repairs or work, Dial said.

“Everyone should trust their instincts and if something does not seem right, it probably is not right,” Dial said. “We encourage all citizens to contact your local law enforcement agency immediately if they suspect suspicious

activity occurring.”

Dial is no stranger to taking on different roles throughout his career with the sheriff’s office. He has served as motorcycle officer, dignitary protection officer, D.A.R.E. officer, child restraint technician, defensive tactics instructor, school resource officer, public information officer, juvenile officer and more.

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Officials: Plan an ‘investment for future’

By LYLE R. ROLFE news@kendallcountynow.com Some Oswego residents have expressed concern about the Oswego Public Library District Board’s announcement last month that they plan to purchase a nearly threeacre parcel of land at 19 North St. in downtown Oswego, just west of Ill. Route 25.

The parcel, which is occupied by two homes and a century-old barn, is north or across Waubonsie Creek from the present Oswego Campus Library site.

However, because of residents’ concern, board members made a statement at their Thursday board meeting that the property “was purchased as an investment for future library development.”

During a meeting in January, board members said they were planning to purchase the land for library patron parking.

Trustees agreed at their Dec. 12 meeting after a closed session to purchase the parcel for $175,000 and referred the proposal to their Feb. 24 board meeting for a vote.

At last week’s meeting, they unanimously approved an ordinance “confirming their intent to acquire the property.”

Sarah Skilton, Oswego Public Li-

brary director, said at the January meeting that the trustees asked her to send letters to occupants of the two structures on the site stating that they would have to vacate the buildings because the land would be needed for parking.

She said the property is in the trust of Russell R. Breitwiser who is listed as owner of the land.

Skilton said the owner was interested in selling and approached the library officials.

“Parking is the number one need in the area of the Oswego Campus.

We have had the same request since our first [patron] survey over 15 years ago,” she added.

However, Skilton did not know when work might begin on the parking lot or if the buildings will be razed.

Skilton said she also was not aware of what the total cost might be with legal fees, filing fees and other expenses, but said they have funds to pay these costs.

Four residents attended Thursday’s board meeting, two of whom commented on the purchase.

Ted Clauser said his concern was that officials plans to use the land for parking.

If it were to keep it from being used for a strip mall or something similar sometime in future, that

would be one thing, he said.

He said he does not believe another parking lot is needed and added that he is concerned about what would happen to a century-old barn located on the lot that is a reminder of what Oswego used to be.

Clauser said he is concerned about the land itself and the runoff into the Waubonsie Creek that would result from covering the land with a parking lot.

He said the library board has a lot to think about before making a parking lot by eliminating the barn.

“If you’re buying the land to have a park element that’s one thing,” he said, adding that he would like to know where patrons would cross from the property to the library.

Pat McCarthy, who resides in a home on Route 25 at North Street, said he and his wife are concerned about how the library board plans to have patrons reach the library from the North Street parcel, how large the parking lot would be and whether the numerous trees on the property would be cut down.

“The library is on the downtown side of the creek and this property is on the residential side of the creek and I think you should keep this in mind when you design this project,” he said.

Library officials said they have no idea when they might do something with the land or the buildings on the site.

County’s most wanted now listed online SHAW MEDIA The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is now listing the county’s most wanted fugitives on the agency’s website at co.kendall.il.us/sheriff.

Starting Friday, Feb. 26, citizens will be able to view and provide information on wanted fugitives to help the sheriff’s office catch them.

Residents can provide information on fugitives by contacting the sheriff’s

office at 630-553-5856. Citizens can also call Kendall County Crimestoppers at 630- 553-5999.

In conjunction with the most wanted list, the sheriff’s office will also launch a “Fugitive Friday” feature on their Facebook page, facebook.com/ kendallcountysheriffsoffice.

Every Friday, a wanted fugitive will be featured with the goal of utilizing social media in order to receive information to apprehend the fugitive.

“The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is committed to bringing wanted fugitives to justice. We look forward to achieving this goal through the use of social media and information received from the public. The key to maintaining a safe community is good communication and partnerships with our citizens,” said Sheriff Dwight Baird.

The sheriff’s office reminds the public to never attempt to apprehend fugitives on their own.

Paying instant CasH now for your

Find candidate info and bios on our website OSWEGO LEDGER Information about local candidates running in the Tuesday, March 15, primary election is now available on the at Oswego Ledger’s Election Central website, kendallcountynow. com/election-central.

The site includes bios and other information on candidates for Kendall County coroner, the Kendall County Board and the races for U.S. Congress from the 11th and 14th districts, which serve portions of Kendall County.

We invite our readers to visit our website and learn more about where the candidate stand on the issues.

BRIEF Easter egg hunt planned for March 12 in Montgomery Park

The village of Montgomery and the Community Christian Church are teaming up to offer a free Easter egg hunt and related events for children from 10:30 a.m. until noon Saturday, March 12, in Montgomery Park at the corner of Mill and River Street, with more activities to follow at the Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N. River Street.

In case of inclement weather, the Easter egg hunt will be inside Village Hall.

The egg hunt will take place in three stages, based on age groups (1-3, 4-6, and 7-10) with the youngest children first. All participants should be at the park by 10:15 a.m.

After the egg hunt, the Easter Bunny will preside over fun activities at the Village Hall, including popcorn and other refreshments, a cake walk, cookie decorating, face painting, a police car and fire truck, live bunnies, and much more. There also will be an opportunity to take pictures with the Easter Bunny.

– Oswego Ledger

Old Coins, Paper Money, Gold, Silver & Platinum Bars & Coins oR Consign them to our Upcoming auctions Fox Valley 4 South 100 N Rt. 59 (1 light NORTH of I-88) www.foxvalleycoins.com Naperville/Warrenville Border 630-305-0100 Coins

3 Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Library land buy questioned

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 3, 2016

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OPINIONS OUR VIEW

‘If you see something, say something’ A pre-recorded message heard frequently on Metra commuter rail trains urges passengers who observe suspicious and possible criminal activity to report it at once to Metra conductors and security personnel. The message – in a cheery voice – reminds riders, “If you see something, say something...”

As we report this week, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is hopeful that county residents will do the same when it comes to the county’s most wanted fugitives. The sheriff’s office announced Friday it has begun posting photos of the county’s most wanted on its website at co.kendall.il.us/sheriff and will post a “featured fugitive” profile on its Facebook page every Friday under the headline “Fugitive Friday.”

Like those pre-recorded Metra reminders, the sheriff’s office is asking anyone who may see or has information on one or more of the fugitives to say something to sheriff’s personnel by contacting the sheriff’s office at 630-553-5856.

Citizens can also call Kendall County Crimestoppers at 630-553-5999.

Sheriff Dwight Baird explained, “The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is committed to bringing wanted fugitives to justice. We look forward to achieving this goal through the use of social media and information received from the public. The key to maintaining a safe community is good communication and partnerships with our citizens.”

Over the past several years law enforcement agencies up and down the Fox Valley and across the country have successfully utilized their websites and social media to gather valuable information on criminal suspects.

The sheriff’s office should be commended for broadening its effort to bring in the bad guys by utilizing its website and Facebook page.

To help the sheriff’s office locate the county’s most wanted fugitives, we plan to share the agency’s Facebook posting on our Facebook page each week. We encourage county residents to find the postings at either www.facebook.com/ OswegoLedger or www.facebook.com/ RecordNewspapers. We hope by sharing information on the county’s most wanted we’ll help the sheriff’s office in its continuing effort to bring the county’s most wanted fugitives to justice.

Duryea Brothers never got their due Charles Duryea (left) and his brother J. Frank Duryea, both born in downstate Canton, built the first successful gasoline-powered automobile in the United States in 1893. Their accomplishment has been overshadowed by Henry Ford, who revolutionized the mass manufacture of automobiles by introducing the assembly line.

REFLECTIONS Roger Matile As is usual about this time of year, Mother Nature is toying with residents of northern Illinois.

A day of summer-like temperatures is often followed by a day of mid-winter temperatures followed by rain followed by flurries followed by a blizzard. Sometimes in fact, all on the same day.

The poor snowdrops, who already peeked through the not-quite-frozen ground and seemed to be standing around with bowed heads hoping things would get better, tend to get buried or iced over, and any crocus unwise enough to pop up in an area warmed by the sun often look like they’d like to send out a bloom or two, but the weather usually makes them think twice about it. And, of course, the Star of Bethlehem are biding their time, covertly spreading into places they shouldn’t in preparation for their short, although aromatic, flowering not too many weeks away.

We have contemplated putting the snow shovel back in storage, although we knew that to do so just now would certainly invite a heavy snowfall down upon our heads. On the other hand, not doing so probably won’t have much impact on the weather, either. So we remain ready to spring into action.

This week, at least, let’s put our spring impulses aside and tend to more serious business until the false springs are all out of Mother Nature’s system and the true spring of April and its showers gets here.

While we’re waiting, we can enjoy the seed and bulb catalogs we find like specks of gold among the gravel of junk mail delivered to our mailbox each day. And while dealing with this impatience, we ought to take a few moments to enjoy the junk mail itself for the unexpected nuggets we find from time to time. Here, for instance, are a few gems we never would have found out if we hadn’t opened all of our junk mail each and every day that little U.S. Postal Service truck showed up out in front of the Matile Manse: Henry Ford invented the automobile, didn’t he? Nope. The Duryea brothers built the first successful gasoline-powered auto in the U.S. in 1893.

Ford refined the manufacture of autos, but he didn’t invent them.

Okay, so Columbus discovered the West Indies (not a good thing because

Photo provided

he was actually looking for the East Indies). Where, exactly and officially, are the West Indies? The West Indies are the island chain separating the Atlantic from the Caribbean Sea. The major groups include the Bahamas on the north, the Greater Antilles in the center and the Lesser Antilles to the south.

The greatest number of Olympic participants at a Winter Games was 2,873 athletes who participated in 98 separate events representing 88 nations at Sochi, Russia, in 2014.

Canoeist Josefa Idems participated in seven Olympics, finishing her multi-medal career at the London games at the age of 48.

Speaking of records, Ian Miller has appeared in 10 Olympics with the Canadian equestrian team.

The words “inch” and “ounce” both come from the Latin word uncia, which means “twelfth.” Which would make a lot more sense if there were 12 ounces in a pound instead of 16, but who cares about logic?

The opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico.

Enjoy seeing those little butterflies fluttering around during warm weather? Just imagine what it would be like to see the world’s largest butterfly, the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing, which has a wingspan of 11 inches. If you see one fluttering around this summer, you’ll know something is seriously wrong, since they’re only found in eastern Papua New Guinea.

Think you’ve got problems? Just imagine if you needed a blood transfusion and you shared a blood type with only two other people. That’s the situation a few residents of Bombay, India, face who have blood subtype h-h, the rarest in the world.

The largest diamond ever discovered was dubbed the Cullinan Diamond and turned up in 1905. It was found in South Africa and present-

ed to King Edward VIII of England.

Speaking of diamonds, if they are heated sufficiently, they burn and form carbon dioxide. If they are heated without oxygen, they will turn into graphite.

While we’re on the topic of gems, a large perfect ruby may be worth several times as much as a diamond of the same size.

Whether in the northern or southern hemisphere, the region of sky that is permanently hidden gets smaller the closer you get to the equator.

When you finally get to the equator, you can see all the stars visible from Earth during the course of the year.

Almost, but not quite, makes one consider a trip down thataway.

The maximum possible duration of an eclipse of the sun is seven minutes, 31 seconds.

The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City is the largest opera house in the world, with seating and standing capacity for 4,065, although Chicago’s Civic Opera Theatre comes in a fairly close second.

When buying fresh fish, look into the fish’s eyes. Really. Look for eyes that are bright, clear, full, and bulging; gills that are reddish pink; and scales that are bright and shiny.

The first railroad bridge across the Mississippi was built in 1856 linking Rock Island, Illinois, with Davenport, Iowa. It was a blow to the aspirations of the South, which wanted a bridge down that direction and to St. Louis, which wanted no bridge at all, given its reliance on steamboats for its wealth.

Finally, during the summer, a 350- to 500-pound grizzly bear may eat between 80 and 90 pounds of food a day, very similar to a teenager, when you stop to think about it.

• Looking for more local history?

Visit historyonthefox.wordpress.com.

FORUM maybe the narcissist-in-chief can do that after vacating the White House. I wonder if To the Editor: Out of respect for a great American who then we could see the college transcripts served our country spanning four decades, of the “most transparent president in I withheld swift commentary surrounding history” during the confirmation process to the sad and sudden death of Antonin prove what a constitutional scholar he is.

Scalia. Thoughts and prayers go out to Finally, as yet another embarrassment in the large Catholic Scalia family during this his final year in office, Obama scheduled Lenten season. time to meet with (and thus legitimize) Even sadder than his passing was the the radical “black lives matter” anti-police way Washington politicians and presiden- activists, but couldn’t be bothered with tial nominees immediately turned his death attending Scalia’s funeral. That’s the final into a political football. Obama breathlessly nail in the coffin highlighting exactly why declared that he would have to “fulfill his Obama is not fit to nominate Scalia’s constitutional responsibility” and appoint- successor. Vote wisely. ment a successor. So in his eighth year Dan Kuttner in office, Obama is finally concerned with Oswego his constitutional responsibilities? What happened to his pen and his phone?

Boulder Hill School Fun Fair thanks The spineless Senate Majority Leader, To the Editor: Mitch McConnell, also tried to look tough Boulder Hill School PTA, staff and families and declared Obama would not be allowed would like to extend a huge thank you the opportunity to nominate another to the following companies and families Supreme Court Justice with an election for their generous donations to the 2016 pending. Oh really, Mitch? I think I’ve heard Boulder Hill School Fun Fair. this empty tough talk before in regards to The list of donors are: Walgreens, Bath Obama’s lawless immigration, executive and Body Works, Giordano’s of Osweamnesty, and federal funding for Planned Parenthood and Obamacare ... only to have go, Aurora Skate Center, Krouth Dental you and other weak Republicans cave and of Oswego, Oberweis of Montgomery, Chili’s of Oswego, Scoreboards of Oswesurrender. Why should I believe you this go, Prohibition of Oswego, Maurice’s of time?

Other Democrats hypocritically slammed Oswego, Office Max of Oswego, Darden, Bouncetown of Oswego, American Girl Republicans for mentioning obstructing Doll donated by the Cass family, free cake an Obama nominee. But they advocated donated by JoJo’s cakes, boy’s 20-inch obstructing a third George W. Bush nomKent bike donated by David Cotter with inee last decade. Of course, now that it’s politically expedient for Democrats, Obama Allstate Insurance, a bear from Build a Bear workshop and a $10 gift card generously is eagerly licking his chops and salivating donated by the custodial team at Boulder over the opportunity to nominate a third Hill School, a Kenmore double burner also extreme leftist to the highest court.

Regardless, Scalia’s death is an incredibly donated by the Boulder Hill custodial team, sad turning point moment for our nation’s a girl’s 20-inch Kent bike and two 10-inch tablets donated by Proforma Awards Print history. No one on any of these debate stages, and certainly not Obama, would be and Promotions of Montgomery, two Bulls tickets donated by the Zimmerman able to find a nominee as principled and family, a spa gift basket donated by Salon perfect for this position to offer up as a Central, Rodan and Fields Tanner and spa worthy replacement for Scalia. I can only basket donated by Jamie Grimes, doTerra imagine what he must have been thinkessential oils also donated by Jamie Grimes ing to start his brilliant career under the at Oil Lovin Mamas, a picnic basket and greatest president of my lifetime, Ronald accessories donated by the Biank Family, Reagan, and then end it under the worst Bed Bath and Beyond gift card and an president of my lifetime, Barack Obama.

And as for the one who will finally replace Office Max gift card also donated by the Obama (thank heaven), I doubt Scalia had Biank family, Cubbie Love basket donated

by Gallery Trio of Naperville, gourmet treat much faith in any of these presidential candidates either. Is this seriously the best basket donated by the Thomas family, popcorn sampler donated by The Popcorn America has to offer? Old regime names like Bush and Clinton, and wacky guys like Store of Oswego, Capitol Grille gift card donated by the Muszynski family of NaSanders and Trump?

Well, the answer has to at least be better perville, Starbucks Coffee basket donated than the current occupant. Although Hillary by the Sampson Family, Chick-fil-a basket donated by Chick-fil-a of Oswego, $50 gift joked recently that nominating Obama to the Supreme Court was a great idea. So certificate to Spirit Cheerleading donated

by Spirit Cheerleading, Brother’s Country Supply basket donated by Brother’s Country Store of Oswego, Organize your Office basket, donated by Wish, Dream, and Sparkle Radio Show, and Amy Biank, a gift certificate for a free massage donated

by Dr. Kelly Lally from The Chiropractic Place of Oswego, TCBY gift cards donated

by TCBY of Oswego, 150th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Silver Coin donated by Will County Coins, and two Southwest Airline tickets anywhere in the continental U.S. donated by the Lalena Family.

students died from gun shots. I shudder to think of the professor or armed students shooting a killer. How many innocent students might be killed because of bullets being sprayed around an occupied hall?

I see nothing wrong with sportsmen doing their hunting with guns having only a small number of shells. I do, however, question those who are allowed to shoot randomly with high-powered weapons, killing innocent children or bystanders, people attending a church function, etc. How can a civilized society permit such acts?

Janelle Siebert

Montgomery

Corresponding Secretary On behalf of the Boulder Hill PTA, Staff & Community Montgomery

Most qualified

How is this permissible?

To the Editor: Today, while watching the movie “Race” the words bigotry and tyranny came into mind. Jesse Owens suffered because of those two ideologies. I later thought back to my teaching days when I assigned the students to research the accomplishments of Black Americans. This was long before someone came up with the idea of having a Black History Month. The students (and I) learned that Black Americans made contributions in engineering, science, government, education, as well as sports and entertainment. How do we thank them for their gifts?

Pardon me for changing topics so abruptly. In January of this year, I wrote a letter to the editor of the Record Newspapers in which I referenced the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and the NRA and others regarding that amendment. The Second Amendment, ratified in 1791, was inspired by the experiences suffered by the colonists at the hands of the English government. In 1791, the colonists wished to protect themselves by guaranteeing that the settlers could arm themselves.

In 2016, people are allowed to have firearms to hunt pheasants in Nebraska and South Dakota, antelope in Wyoming, even geese in Illinois and Wisconsin among other hunting areas including quail in Texas. Unfortunately, as we know, high-powered weapons have been used to take the lives of people in schools, places of work, churches, on the streets and expressways.

Some people have said that giving more citizens the opportunity to carry weapons would provide protection. I question such thinking. Years ago while I was a student at Northern Illinois University, I sat in Cole Hall, the same building where a number of

Richard Kastner

To the Editor: Jacquie Purcell for coroner. The most qualified candidate. Proven dedication, true integrity, the most genuine and the best person for coroner, hands down.

Sheila and Sam Paisley Montgomery

Hold them accountable

To the Editor: In Illinois we have seen our fair share of corruption. Unfortunately, what we used to think of as corruption in Chicago and Springfield has made its way to Kendall County. When we vote on March 15, let’s not forget about the per diem scandal.

The county board per diem scandal led to the misappropriation of funds from the taxpayers here in Kendall County. When all was said and done, the fractional amount received back as repayment was a mere 13 percent of the original $45,997 amount that was taken out of what appeared to be their personal piggy banks.

If we don’t hold elected officials like these board members accountable, we are enabling and turning a blind eye to corruption in politics. In Illinois and Kendall County in particular, we are buried under some of the highest property taxes in the state.

Think about this, Kendall County pays the nation’s 16th-highest property taxes when measured as a percentage of median home value, which I personally think is absurd.

However, my family and I like it here so we stay and we pay. When paying such a high rate for property taxes, shouldn’t we know and trust that Kendall Country tax dollars are being used for the correct, intended purposes? Where possible, we can hold elected officials (Dan Koukol, John Purcell, Elizabeth Flowers) accountable by not re-electing them.

Francisco Chavez Oswego

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Sad turning point

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Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 3, 2016

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Time to consider combined homecoming parade Dan

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

I received this question late last fall and it reminded me of the numerous times a parent or staff member communicated with me about this issue. In fact, just a few months after I started in July 2012, a similar question was posed for our consideration with many related inquiries over the past several years.

This year the fall homecoming parade for OHS was on a Sunday. While the decision was made due to traffic patterns, and I was hesitant for the change, I believe it was a success. Parents and entire families could attend who would have normally been at work during the week. The homecoming dance for OHS is on the Columbus Day weekend which is also a great decision as it gives our kids an opportunity to come back to school rested and ready to learn.

Indian Prairie and Plainfield scheduled all of their homecoming dances on the same night. In Plainfield, they had an all-high school homecoming parade.

My question: could we schedule OHS and OEHS homecomings for the same day (Columbus weekend) and have both schools represented in one homecoming parade on Sunday to kick off the week? It would be a great opportunity to celebrate as a community.

Thank you for asking the question.

I believe it is time for the question to be asked publicly and for SD 308 to carefully consider the possibility of additional shared celebrations between

ASK DR. WENDT Dr. Matthew Wendt both high schools, including homecoming dances and parades. There is no policy preventing OHS and OEHS from collaborating on any high school event.

In my opinion, the more shared events, the better opportunities for high school students, staff members, parents and citizens.

It is often stated, that having events on separate dates allows students to attend their own high school occasions and the opportunity to attend neighboring high school events. I am aware that OHS students do attend OEHS events and OEHS students attend OHS events. The opportunity to share in the “crosstown” high school celebrations is memorable for many of our high school students. Furthermore, the support many of our high school students offer their peers attending the in-town competitor is exceptional.

A high school homecoming parade might be viewed in a different way.

Your point of having the homecoming parade at a time when parents and citizens can attend should be considered. And in doing so, I would think one community-supported homecom-

ing parade celebrating two public high schools would be advantageous to community spirit and support. Periodically, it is reasonable that the collaboration between two high schools in one school district would benefit students, staff and parents – but it also would shine a positive light on the community that financially and in many other ways supports both high schools.

I offer no excuses for failing to push this conversation forward. I can do my part this spring and early summer to ask others to be a part of a larger dialogue. In the end, the conversation will likely produce other opportunities for two high schools in one community to work together.

And interestingly enough, a fall homecoming parade in conjunction with a shared food drive for Kendall County residents might be another attribute that allows for SD 308 to be recognized again as one of the premier Chicago-area school districts. I can only imagine how spectacular the homecoming parade could be for all who attend, but especially our youngest whose only allegiance is to what is learned from adults.

• If you have questions, please email Dr. Wendt at AskDrWendt@sd308. org, or via the Community Unit School District 308 website, at www.sd308.org.

Eva Alessia, D.O., Nicole Keller, D.O., Jennifer Kurka, D.O., Paul Granoff, M.D.

As Economic Development and Highway Chair I have been a leader. I have helped bring multiple businesses to Kendall County. I am proud that I have brought two major road projects to completion, the extension of Ridge Road south and the expansion of Eldamain Road, both under budget.

Transparent, accountable, and always available to answer questions about county business. My cell number is 630-669-1567.

Vote Dan Koukol County Board District 2 March 15!

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By LYLE R. ROLFE news@kendallcountynow.com

Beach.

Dutton said it is a lovely pool that is a converted quarry.

“It’s a fun place to go, but I can’t ride my bike there from home or have my 10-year-old walk there. I have to pack up the car to take everyone. It’s a beautiful place in downtown Naperville and it has a nice sand beach. It’s fun,” she said.

Dutton said she thought talking to the board in February would be early enough for them to consider having a family pass for this year.

Trustee Bob Mattingly recalled that the board voted last year not to have a family pass, and asked whether they wanted to give consideration to one this year.

Ginny Bateman, director of recreation and marketing, said the district has scholarships for families that cannot afford the regular prices. And there’s a payment plan for families who cannot afford the total amount in one payment.

She said additional information on the sale of passes would be sent to all trustees for their consideration before a final decision is made on Dutton’s request.

In other business, Mike Fee, operations director, said the district would auction a 1997 John Deere Turf Gator used at Fox Bend Golf Course.

The 16 year-old vehicle still has some usable life, Fee said.

However, he said it’s about five years past its useful life for golf course service. It also is in need of repairs, he said.

For information on the vehicle and the pending auction, call the park district at 630-554-1010.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Oswego resident Michele Dutton spoke at last week’s Oswegoland Park District Board meeting, hoping to convince officials to offer a family pass for the district’s swimming pools.

The board chose to postpone action on the request until they can obtain additional information on past sales of passes.

The board turned down a similar request from Dutton last year, so she came back early this year.

She explained she made her request last year too close to the time when passes were already on sale.

“Since I haven’t heard a no, I’m back,” she said.

Dutton said she learned talking to friends and neighbors that families who would need four or more passes go without because it’s too expensive.

She said four passes would cost $236 for the year.

“I’d love to take my family of seven to the pool for less than $436 or whatever the tab would be for seven people,” she said.

Dutton said she checked with the Fox Valley Park District and learned they do not have a family pass. But Naperville has a non-resident family pass for Centennial Beach that costs $260, she noted.

She questioned whether the district would lose money with an early bird family pass for four or more family members for $236 or whether they would get more people signing up who now don’t buy any passes.

Board President Dave Krahn said he was not familiar with Centennial

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Board hears request for family pool pass

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Montgomery residents Bella Rios (left), 7, and Addison Thomas, 8, sold 162 boxes of Girl Scout cookies at The Home Show at Prisco Center in Aurora last Saturday and Sunday.

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MONTGOMERY

Alleys to be repaved

By MATT SCHURY mschury@kendallcountynow.com A last minute add-on to the village of Montgomery’s street maintenance program for this year should help alleviate some of the flooding issues residents have been dealing with in the village’s older neighborhoods.

The village board voted unanimously Feb. 22 to include about $100,000 in funding in the program to repave several village alleys.

Todd Hoppenstedt, director of public works, said that Geneva Construction was the lower of two bidders for the street maintenance program contract. Their bid came in at about $1.431 million, Hoppenstedt said, which includes the add-on for the alley work.

Even with the extra work, he said the program should still come in under the engineer’s estimate of $1.7 million.

“We think it’s a worthwhile endeavor to go forward,” Hoppenstedt said.

Peter Wallers, the village engineering consultant, explained how repaving the alleys will improve stormwater drainage in local neighborhoods.

“We’ve had standing water along the alley areas for some time,” he said.

Wallers said when the alleys were originally constructed, they were designed with a V shape to carry water away. Over time as the village has resurfaced the alleys, that V shape has leveled out.

“It sort of traps water along the edges of the property,” he said.

Wallers said that the program will address the drainage issue using permeable asphalt that would allow the water to soak into the ground, where it can be carried away by drain pipes.

“It’s basically coarse graded asphalt that allows water to pass through it,” Wallers said.

Hoppenstedt said the village has received a number of complaints from residents about the alleys flooding after heavy rains. This should address the degradation of the alleys as well as the flooding issue.

“We’ve had a number of complaints regarding the conditions of the alleys, not only from the position of the pavement degradation but also the drainage,” Hoppenstedt said.

Trustee Stan Bond wanted to know if the drainage would be putting more pressure on the basement foundations of the properties surrounding them.

“The pavement is permeable and the stone underneath is permeable, and then instead of a standard 12-inch or 18-inch storm sewer we have basically a six-inch storm sewer that are draining below the pavement,” Waller said. He said some of the water will be absorbed by the ground and the rest will be carried away by the six-inch pipe.

The project has the support of the President Matt Brolley.

“This is the first time we will have permeable asphalt in Montgomery, so I’m very much behind this,” Brolley said.

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Oswego-based School District 308 has prohibited students from bringing hoverboards to the district’s schools. The devices have been linked to 28 fires in 19 states in the past several months.

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School District 308 banning hoverboards OSWEGO LEDGER Due to safety concerns associated with battery-operated hoverboards that have been raised by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Oswego-based School District 308 has instituted a district-wide ban on the devices.

Effective Monday, Feb. 29, and until further notice, hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters and hands-free segways, will not be permitted in any School District 308-owned building or campus, the district announced in a statement issued Friday morning.

In an email, Brian Graves, school

district communications director, said only a few students have brought hoverboards to school.

In the statement, Superintendent Dr. Matthew Wendt said, “With the documented dangers and safety concerns and the reports of the damage and injuries these devices present, this decision was made with the well-being of our students in mind.”

There have been documented reports of hoverboards spontaneously igniting during use or while charging. On Dec. 15, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced it was investigating 28 fires in 19 states involving hoverboards.

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OSWEGO LEDGER | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

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| LOCAL NEWS

12

OSWEGO POLICE REPORTS Store reports theft Merchandise valued at $417.94 was stolen from a store in the 2700 block of U.S. Route 34 in Oswego at 5 p.m. Feb. 27, village police reported.

Domestic battery arrest Oswego police arrested Allan D. Hillyer, 57, of the 200 block of Long Meadow Court, Oswego, at his residence Feb. 28 at 12:15 a.m. on a charge of domestic battery. Police said Hillyer is being held at the Kendall County jail in Yorkville pending court proceedings.

Hit and run reported Oswego police are investigating a hit and run crash that occurred in the parking lot of a store in the 500 block of Fifth Street in Oswego at 7:10 p.m. Feb. 27. Damage to the victim’s vehicle was estimated in excess of $1,500, police said.

Credit card cloned An Oswego resident told village police Feb. 26 that someone had cloned her credit card and used it at a business in Chicago. Police said they are investigating.

Retail theft arrest Oswego police arrested Robert M. Jones, 23, Paraphernalia arrest of the 400 block of Watson Street, Aurora, on Oswego police arrested Cesar U. Silva a charge of retail theft at a store in the 2500 Venegas, 20, of the 700 block of Clearwood block of U.S. Route 34 in the village Feb. 26 at Avenue, Aurora, Feb. 28 on U.S. Route 34 at 4:55 p.m. Police said Jones attempted to leave Boulder Hill Pass on a charge of possession of the store without paying for merchandise drug paraphernalia. valued at $153.19. Jones posted bond and is Fraud reported scheduled to appear in court on the charge Oswego police took a fraud report involving Cannabis arrest later this month. a transaction at a business in the 3500 block Oswego police arrested Tramell M. of U.S. Route 34 in the village Feb. 29.

Weathersby, 24, of the 20th block of Afton Possession arrest Road, Boulder Hill, at a business in the 90th Oswego police arrested Kyle A. Corum, 20, Springbrook Trail arrest block of Fifth Street at 9:40 p.m. Feb. 27 on a of the 400 block of Reagan Drive, Oswego, Oswego police arrested David Basurto Jr., charge of possession of less than 2.5 grams at his residence Feb. 27 at 12:08 a.m. on 22, of the 200 block of Springbrook Trail of cannabis. Police said Weathersby posted charges of possession of alcohol by a minor, South, Oswego, at his residence Feb. 28 at bond and was released pending a court possession of drug paraphernalia, possession 2:58 a.m. on two charges of domestic battery appearance later this month. of cannabis with intent to deliver. Police said and obstructing an officer. Police said BasurCorum was detained at the Kendall County Jail to is being held at the Kendall County jail in Two in crash ticketed in Yorkville pending court proceedings next Yorkville pending court proceedings.

Oswego police ticketed two motorists month. involved in a crash on U.S. Route 30 north of Car found damaged Gastville Street at 3:56 p.m. Feb. 27.

Suspect arrested in theft An Oswego resident told village police that Police said Marcia Rousonelos, 60, of Oswego police arrested Amanda Owens, 35, she found her car damaged after she parked Minooka was ticketed for failure to reduce of the 2100 block of Walcott Road, Aurora, it in the parking lot of a store in the 3000 speed to avoid an accident, while Colleen at a store in the 3000 block of U.S. Route 34 block of U.S. Route 34 in the village Feb. 26 Karros, 60, of Oswego, was ticketed for no in the village Feb. 22 at 3:24 p.m. Police said between 3:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. proof of insurance.

Owens faces a charge of retail theft after she

attempted to leave the store with merchandise valued at $135.86. Police said Owens was also wanted on two DuPage County warrants for prior charges of possession cannabis, possession of a hypodermic needle and possession of a controlled substance. She was taken to the Kendall County Jail in Yorkville pending a court appearance later this month.

Minor injuries in crash An Oswego Township resident, Rosa Valdovinos, 42, of the 4200 block of Light Road, was treated for minor injuries at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora after the vehicle she was driving was involved in a crash on Plainfield Road at Linden Drive in Oswego at 7:01 a.m. Feb. 24. Police said the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash, Max Tansey-Spence, 18, of the 600 block of Vista Drive, Oswego, was not injured.

ID theft reported Oswego police took a report of an identity theft incident that occurred at a gas station in the 4000 block of U.S. Route 34 in the village Feb. 21. Police said the loss in the incident amounted to $22.

Juvenile arrest Oswego police arrested a juvenile at a store in the 2300 block of U.S. Route 34 in the village Feb. 23 on charges of retail theft and • Continued on page 13

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MONTGOMERY POLICE REPORTS U.S. Route 30 at Orchard Road in the village.

Police said Granados was observed illegally crossing Orchard Road. Police said he was later charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Warrant arrest Montgomery police arrested Jaime Rojas, 20, of the 100 block of Hamlet Circle, Montgomery, in the 800 block of Shepherd Lane in Elburn at 5 p.m. Feb. 23 on a Kendall County Sheriff’s Office warrant for domestic battery.

Retail theft arrest Montgomery police arrested Adrian Williams, 26, of the 2100 block of Jericho Road, Montgomery, on a charge of retail theft Feb. 28 at 1:15 p.m. in the 2000 block of Orchard Road in the village. Police said Williams was observed concealing merchandise and then attempted to leave the store without paying for it.

Possession arrest Montgomery police arrested Santos Granados, 23, of the 2700 block of Savoy Lane, Montgomery, at 11:17 p.m. Feb. 28 on

Traffic citations issued Montgomery police issued traffic citations to the following motorists over the past week: Kerry Watson, 21, of the 700 block of North Avenue, Aurora, driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Rogelio Hernandez, 23, of the 600 block of Palace Street, Aurora, no valid driver’s license.

Issac Muhammed, 28, of the 700 block of Sexton Street, Aurora, driving on a suspended license.

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OSWEGO POLICE REPORTS • Continued from page 12 possession of alcohol by a minor. Police said the suspect posted bond and was released pending a court appearance.

of Sherwick Road in the village. Police said the damage was reported to them Feb. 26.

Traffic citations issued Oswego police issued traffic citations to the following motorists over the past week: Eric Langel, 36, of the 700 block of Spires Theft under investigation Oswego police are investigating the theft of Drive, Oswego, improper use of an electronic communication device. over $100 at a cosmetics store in the 2500 Guilllermo M. Morales, 32, of the 400 block of U.S. Route 34 in the village Feb. 23. block of Kendall Street, Aurora, driving on a suspended license and speeding.

Scammed out of $782 Derrell N. Bell, 20, of the 300 block of BuckOswego police reported Feb. 26 they are investigating a scam in which a victim placed tail Drive, Oswego, driving on a suspended license. a vehicle for sale on the internet and then Nohemi Rivera-Olivera, 43, of the 200 block sent a Moneygram to someone to cover what she thought was needed for insurance. Police of Julep Drive, Oswego, driving on a suspendsaid the victim later learned she was out the ed license.

Leticia Salazar, 19, of the 600 block of money – a total of $782 – and the transacKingston Drive, Romeoville, driving on a tion was fake. suspended license.

Javier Carrsaco, 22, of the 200 block of Damaged on Sherwick Oswego police are investigating an incident Keck Avenue, Aurora, no valid driver’s license, in which a car was damaged in the 10th block speeding and no insurance.

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Retail theft arrest Montgomery police arrested Antonio Loupe, 25, of the 2100 block of Jericho Road, Montgomery, on a charge of retail theft at a store in the 2000 block of Orchard Road at 1:15 p.m. Feb. 28. Police said Loupe was observed concealing merchandise and then leaving the store without paying for it.

Trespassing arrest Montgomery police arrested Michael Maxwell, 53, of the 600 block of River Street, Aurora, on a Kane County warrant for trespassing Feb. 29 at 1:56 p.m. in the 1100 block of South Lincoln Avenue in the village.

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Obstruction arrest Montgomery police arrested Nikita Williams, 24, of the 1000 block of Fifth Street, Aurora, at 1:37 a.m. Feb. 27 in the 200 block of Montgomery Road in the village. Police said Williams was arrested for obstructing after she provided a false name to police officers. In addition, police said Williams was wanted on an Aurora Police Department warrant for obstructing identification.

13

PA R E N T R U L E # 1

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Break-in attempted Someone attempted to break into a storage bin at a residence in the 2800 block of Providence Lane in Montgomery Feb. 23, village police reported.

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 3, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

14

Police seeking info on exposure incident OSWEGO LEDGER Oswego police are seeking information on an incident in which a man exposed himself to a female runner on Saturday at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the corner of Liszka Lane and Linden Drive.

Police said the female told them she reported was running on a sidewalk along Cotoneaster Court at approximately 3 p.m. when a man driving an older red SUV-type vehicle motioned for her to assist him with directions.

After giving him directions, the female continued running.

Police said a short time later she saw the same vehicle stopped at the corner of Liszka Lane and Linden Drive and the driver motioned again for assistance.

She approached the vehicle and the driver is alleged to have exposed himself. The female then called police.

Police said they later learned that a couple of children had observed a similar vehicle in the area. The children had reported that a man driving a red SUV had called out to them on Linden Drive near Hemlock Lane around 3 p.m. The children ignored the driver

Submit information Anyone with any information on the exposure incident is asked to call the Oswego Police Department at 630-551-7300.

and he drove away.

A short time later, the children saw the vehicle and what is believed to be the incident involving the runner. The children reported last seeing the vehicle drive west on Linden and then turn south onto Juniper Street, according to police.

Police said the suspect is described as a male, white, in his early 20s, with medium brown, shoulder-length, straight hair, possibly brown eyes, a skinny build, wearing a neon-yellow construction type sweatshirt with long sleeves.

The vehicle is described as an older, four-door red SUV, including a rear spare tire with no cover. Both the runner and the children reported seeing a piece of lumber in the man’s vehicle.

Police are asking anyone with any possible information to call the police department at 630-551-7300.

KENDALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS Sheridan man arrested Kendall County sheriff’s deputies arrested Travis B. Jennings, 28, of the 2900 block of North 4201 Road, Sheridan, after stopping his vehicle on Fox River Road at Fox Road at 1:01 a.m. Feb. 27.

Jennings faces charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of hypodermic syringes and possession of cannabis.

Vote for experience March 15

Jacquie Purcell Kendall Kend all county Coroner

incident at his residence Feb. 28.

According to the sheriff’s office, Wilkinson punched a wall, causing a hole, forcefully removed an outside vinyl fence panel causing it to break, and damaged a wooden railing inside his residence.

Arrested on Orchard Road Kendall County sheriff’s deputies arrested Mark A. Bell, 36, of the 1200 block of MarketWarrant arrest place Drive, Yorkville, shortly after 2 a.m. Feb. Sheriff’s deputies arrested Richard W. Esler, 28 at a gas station on Orchard Road at Aucutt no address, on Hill Avenue at Goodwin Drive Road in Montgomery. in Montgomery at 12:45 a.m. Feb. 26 on a According to the sheriff’s office, deputies warrant for a prior a charge of shoplifting. attempted to stop Bell’s vehicle on Orchard Road at Caterpillar Drive for a speeding Domestic battery arrest violation. However, Bell accelerated through Joseph B. Montgomery, 35, of the 700-1000 an intersection, committing several lane use block of Morgan Street, Yorkville, was arrest- violations before coming to a stop at the gas ed by sheriff’s deputies Feb. 28 at 8:35 a.m. station. at a residence in the 700 block of Morgan At the gas station, Bell refused to comply Street on a charge of domestic battery. with deputies’ commands before being Montgomery was transported to the placed under arrest, according to the sheriff’s Kendall County jail in Yorkville pending court office. proceedings, according to the sheriff’s office.

Identity theft reported Boulder Hill arrest A resident of rural Oswego told sheriff’s Sheriff’s deputies arrested Brandon L. deputies Monday that someone had changed Wilkinson, 31, of the 10-20 block of Ashlawn the address and his email for his Social Avenue, Boulder Hill, on a charge of crimiSecurity account without his consent or nal damage to property during a domestic knowledge.

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Veteran journalist Dan Waitt, who had served as the Record Newspapers’ news editor since last July, died Friday afternoon at an Aurora hospital.

A non-smoker, Waitt, 55, had been diagnosed in October with lung cancer.

“All of us here at the Record Newspapers and Shaw Media are extremely saddened by Dan’s passing,” said Record Editor John Etheredge.

“Besides being an experienced and gifted editor and reporter, Dan was first and foremost our good friend,” Etheredge said.

Prior to coming to the Record Newspapers, Waitt worked for more than three decades as a reporter and editor at the Aurora Beacon-News.

During his years at the Beacon-News, Waitt served stints as a reporter, special sections, business and entertainment editor.

During his years as Dan Waitt beat reporter in the 1980s and 1990s, Waitt covered at various times the Oswego School District, Yorkville City Council and the Kendall County Board. Waitt returned to covering the

Yorkville City Council this past July when he was named the Record’s news editor.

A 1983 graduate of Indiana University, Waitt attended the National Journalism Center and completed several graduate level courses in journalism, education and law.

Waitt is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and a daughter, Lauren, a senior at West Aurora High School.

A public memorial for Waitt will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday, March 6, at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 10 N. Edgelawn Ave. in Aurora. Burial was private.

Local officials urge Metra to finish service studies SHAW MEDIA

extension project.

Administrator Di Santo said, “We wanted to let the current Metra Board know what we have known for decades – this extension is necessary and Oswego is committed to making it happen, no matter what it takes.”

The two studies are completely funded by acts of Congress from the mid-2000s.

A group of stakeholders is expected to meet with Metra leadership and U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren on March 5 to further discuss the project.

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– Oswego Ledger

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15

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Oswego Village President Gail Johnson and Village Administrator Dan Di Santo spoke at a Metra Board meeting in support of completing the preliminary engineering and environmental studies to extend Metra commuter rail service to Oswego and Kendall County last Wednesday.

Planning for this extension began in the late 1990s and had been progressing until Metra suddenly halted the two

planning studies in August 2015.

“As community leaders, we have an obligation to plan for the future. Extending Metra service to Oswego is essential to providing access to jobs, education and health care for our growing population,” Johnson said.

In a rare move, the Metra Board engaged in a discussion following the public comment testimony. Several board members asked questions about the project and confirmed the $7.5 million is reserved for the Kendall County Metra

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has appointed former State Rep. Tom Cross, R-Oswego, as the chairman of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Cross’s experience as a state legislator and fiscal reformer will be an asset to the board, according to a statement issued by Rauner’s Tom Cross office.

Cross served in the Illinois General Assembly for 22 years and was the House Republican Leader from 2002-2013. He is currently a distinguished fellow at Aurora University, where he promotes innovation in STEM education programs and a senior consultant at Culloton Strategies.

Cross is also an attorney and a former prosecutor in the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office.

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SHAW MEDIA

Tom Cross appointed to Board of Higher Education

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Record Newspapers news editor mourned

BRIEF

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 3, 2016

| LOCAL NEWS

16

Variance denied for landscapers

By MATT SCHURY mschury@kendallcountynow.com The Montgomery Village Board unanimously denied a zoning variance last week requested by the owner of a local landscaping business.

The village’s plan commission had recommended the board deny an amendment to the village’s special use permit for outdoor storage and a special use for alternative surfaces. The special uses would have allowed JPC Tree Care to expand its operation at 1065 and 1079 Sard Avenue.

Richard Young, the village’s director of community development, said the business owners, John and Jessica Cordero, were granted a special use for the location in 2013. Their operation includes a large mulch and wood pile on the north end of their property that has grown larger than what the village allows under the special use.

“The pile had exceeded what I would estimate to be over 15 feet high,” Young said. “It’s down now from what it had been at the beginning part of the year.”

Trustee Steve Jungermann said he wondered if the business had ever been in compliance with the special use.

“They are essentially ... begging for forgiveness now and want to expand

to this new special use to include what they have already done,” Jungermann said.

Dan Kramer, an attorney representing the Corderos, said his clients obtained the special use when they were tenants of the property and it was owned by Aurora Blacktop.

“It’s not true that they’ve never been in compliance,” Kramer said.

He also pointed out that JPC had done work for the village.

“The business expanded faster than they could have ever believed,” Kramer said. “They couldn’t get the chips out fast enough and that’s when they started mulching the chips. The Corderos have tried to be good members of the community and they’ve got a lot of employees and hope to keep doing business in the village.”

Trustee Denny Lee said the first time the owners of JPC came before the board, they agreed to comply with special use, but he hasn’t seen that compliance.

“There’s so many things – how do you get your client to turn around and say I will abide by your rules?” Lee asked.

Lee also said he had heard from homeowners near the business who have complained about the smell asso-

ciated with the pile.

“He can talk all he wants but I don’t see any action by this gentleman,” Lee said. “I’m sure his business expanded and that’s nice, but he’s not listening to the rules and I don’t think that he really feels that he has to abide by our rules.”

President Matt Brolley said he sympathized with the owners but Denny Lee didn’t think the special use should be expanded at this time.

“I struggle with this because I don’t expect or anticipate somebody when they’re going to buy property that they’ll research it deep enough to know that the special use that’s existing isn’t going to govern them,” Brolley said.

“What I struggle with even more is that we granted the special use but had lot of conversations about it and wanted to at least give them the opportunity to do this use on the site and try to find a way where it wouldn’t impact the residents in that area.”

Trustee Theresa Sperling agreed with Brolley.

Sperling said she expected the JPC owners to be “a good neighbor in that area. ... Things haven’t quite gotten fixed.”

BRIEF Kifowit invites area residents for coffee and discussion

In an effort to share a connection and legislative updates with the residents in her district, State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is hosting four coffee shop stops this March.

“As the spring legislative session moves forward, it’s important to me that I am connected the community’s priorities on local and state issues,” Kifowit said. “Hosting coffee shop stops allows me to talk with residents about the most pressing issues in my district, and answer any questions they may have about the budget or upcoming legislation. ” All “Coffee with Kifowit” events are free to the public, and those who attend will be treated to a drink of their choice. The events are from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the following locations: • Monday, March 7, at Pomegranate Café, 55 S. Commons Drive, Aurora.

• Monday, March 14, at Maxfield’s, 2290 Ogden Ave., Aurora.

• Monday, March 21, at Benny’s Place, 1158 Douglas Road, Oswego.

• Monday, March 28, at Panera, 2775 Showplace Drive, Suite 123, Naperville.

– Oswego Ledger

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Program is March 5 at Little White School Museum in Oswego SHAW MEDIA

ON CAMPUS Jessica Johnson of Oswego was named to the dean’s list at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. ••• Kayla Larsen of Oswego was named to the academic dean’s list of the Indiana Wesleyan University College of Arts and Sciences for the fall semester of the 201516 academic year.

••• Lauren Larsen of Oswego was named to the academic dean’s list of the Northern Illinois University College of Health and Human Services for the fall semester of the 2015-16 academic year.

••• Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri, announced that Oswego resident Mikaela Rae Mockenhaupt was named to the honor list for the fall 2015 semester.

••• Dominican University announced that Montgomery resident Katie Heiden was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2015 semester.

••• Wittenberg University recently recognized Kristen Feigel of Aurora for maintaining a 3.5 or higher grade point average for the 2015 fall semester and earning a place on the dean’s list.

••• Miricle Dominguez and Vanessa Ramos, both of Montgomery, were named

CLUB FILE to the fall 2015 dean’s list at Ball State University.

••• Gabriella Gugliotta of Montgomery and Sarah Frantik of Oswego were recently named to the dean’s list at Drake University. This academic honor is achieved by earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the fall 2015 semester.

••• Montgomery resident Jacob Schien was named to the dean’s list at Greenville College for the fall semester.

••• Michaela Wagner of Oswego earned recognition on the fall honors list for the 2015-16 academic year at Concordia University Wisconsin.

••• Northern Michigan University announced that Jessica Spoo of Oswego was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2015 semester.

••• Millikin University recently announced its fall 2015 dean’s list. Local students earning this honor include Oswego residents Katherine Meyer, Therese O’Shaughnessy and Michaela Ponstein.

••• Southern Illinois University recently announced its fall 2015 dean’s list. Local students named to the list include Sergio Batista and Ryan Kossakowski of Aurora, Dymon Flint of Montgomery and Oswego residents Paige Benes, Alexandria Burk,

Jessica Gardner, Nicole Gutierrez, Marissa Gutkowski, Brittany Maertzig, Michael Mancini, Douglas Middendorf, Michael Naeem, Katelyn Queen, Annamarie Radecki, Carissa Ray, Rachel Strandell, Tyler Thevenot and Emily Walters.

••• Southern Illinois University recently announced its fall 2015 graduates.

Carlos M. Medrano of Montgomery earned a Bachelor of Science degree in automotive technology.

Douglas R. Middendorf of Oswego earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry.

••• Local students were named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater dean’s list for the 2015 fall semester. Students earning this honor include Gunnar Mlsna of Aurora along with Oswego residents Ellen Buchert, Kevin Oppe, Jessica James, Julia Clayton and Jennifer Schultz.

••• Nicole Olenek of Montgomery was named to the dean’s list for fall semester 2015 at Parkland College.

••• St. Ambrose University announced that Montgomery resident Gabrielle Bauer and Oswego residents Olivia Bennett, Karli Mockenhaupt and Deanna Reichardt were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2015 term.

Garden Club will meet March 10

Hilltop Gardeners Garden Club of Oswegoland will meet March 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Little White School Museum, 72 Polk Street in Oswego. The featured program will be “Sumptuous Succulents,” given by Alyssa Sohn of Chicago, who represents the Cactus and Succulent Society of Greater Chicago. She will detail the care of succulents, as well as explain how to use them in displays, containers and in the landscape.

Non-members are invited to attend any of the garden club meetings, which are held on the second Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted. For more information, email Valerie at vgierhart@aol.com.

Oswego Rotary Club hosting ‘Chips for Charity’ fundraising event

The Rotary Club of Oswego will host a Chips for Charity event from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, in Smith Hall at the Kendall County Fairgrounds in Yorkville.

Tickets are $125 per person and include an open bar, heavy hors d’oeurves, live entertainment and casino night with professional dealers.

Games include poker, black jack, roulette, craps and a free dice roll with a chance to win $10,000.

All proceeds will benefit local and international charities. For more information, visit rotarychipsforcharity.com.

– Oswego Ledger

Thursday, March 3, 2016

From Aristotle to Sherlock Holmes, beekeeping has been both a hobby to the rich, poor, famous and fictional for thousands of years. Find out more about “The Benefits and Joys of Beekeeping” starting at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Oswego’s Little White School Museum.

The museum is located at 72 Polk St. (Jackson at Polk Street), just two blocks from historic downtown Oswego.

The second in the museum’s winter-spring program series features Dr. Ed Bell, owner of Bellfry Bees and Honey, who will explain the ins and outs of managing home honeybee hives, and Photo provided the sweet benefits of beekeeping, a Learn all about “The Benefits and Joys of Beekeeping” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at hobby that just keeps on giving.

Oswego’s Little White School Museum. Bee evangelist Dr. Ed Bell, owner of Bellfry Bees Suburban beekeeping is a growing and Honey, will explain the joys and benefits to the environment of this ancient hobby. hobby and hives can be successfully maintained even in suburban subAdmission is $5.

divisions. For instance, the city of Yorkville allows beekeeping in city limits as an accessory use.

According to Bell, bees are the only insects to produce food for humans, account for 80 percent of all insect pollination, and are directly responsible for pollination a third of all food crops eaten every day in the United States.

During the program, Bell will explain the ins and outs of starting a backyard bee hive, the current state of local zoning laws concerning beekeeping, and the hobby’s positive environmental impact.

He will also touch on the ongoing problem of honeybee hive collapse, its potential effect on the world’s food supply, and what’s being done to fight it.

Preregistration is not required. Admission at the door is $5. Proceeds will benefit the museum’s operations.

Regular museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information on any of the museum’s upcoming programs and activities, call 630-554-2999 send an email to info@littlewhiteschoolmuseum.org, or visit littlewhiteschoolmuseum.org.

17

LOCAL NEWS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Learn about ‘benefits and joys of beekeeping’

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 3, 2016

| SPORTS

18

Montgomery native feeling Oswego confident at Western Mich. East heads BOYS BASKETBALL

By KRISTIN SHARP

to regional semifinal

ksharp@kendallcountynow.com After playing basketball for four schools in three states, Montgomery native Thomas Wilder has settled in at Western Michigan University.

The sophomore guard and Broncos leading scorer reflected on his career after a bit of a Homecoming celebration last Saturday in DeKalb.

Western Michigan traveled to Northern Illinois for a Mid-American Conference game, allowing Wilder to step onto the court in front of some hometown fans.

“I had a lot of people there watching the game, and I really appreciate them all coming out and supporting me,” Wilder said. “I probably talked to them for about 15, 20 minutes before I had to get back on the bus.”

One person he was sure to greet postgame was Terrell Watkins, a teacher and coach in School District 308 who has watched Wilder play from his early days at Plank Junior High. Watkins was on the Oswego East boys’ basketball coaching staff when Wilder played for the Wolves.

“He’s just a nice person. I went and saw him in DeKalb and he comes back and trains with me,” Watkins said. “He was at Plank when I was at Plank so I’ve seen him play since sixth grade and to see his maturation, it’s a good buzz. Some of the players who are seniors now know of him and [Wilder] came back during his break to work out at the gym and talk to the team. Everybody is happy to see how he’s grown as a person and as a basketball player.”

Last Saturday, NIU avenged its earlier loss to Western Michigan, winning 76-67 despite Wilder’s teamhigh 17 points. The Broncos are now 11-18 heading into their final week of the regular season.

“They’re a really good team.

When they came here, we kind of did what they did to us there. They just came out and had a lot of energy,” Wilder said. “We didn’t play our best offensively.”

Wilder averaged 17 points per game while at Oswego East, but transferred to Oswego after district boundary changes and played limited minutes as a junior due to an injury. He went on to Quakerdale Prep in Iowa before joining Hawkins’ roster last season.

“I love it here,” Wilder said. “In terms of basketball and mentally getting prepared, [Quakerdale Prep]

By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com

Photo courtesy of Western Michigan University/ Garrett Fergeson

Western Michigan sophomore starting guard Thomas Wilder drives to the basket against Central Michigan. The former Oswego East player currently leads the Broncos in scoring, averaging 18.4 points per game this season. really helped me mature quicker. It made it easier to transition from that to the college level.”

Wilder currently leads the MAC in scoring, averaging 21.2 points in conference games. He was named the MAC Western Division Player of the Week on Feb. 22 after averaging 25 points, 4.5 rebounds and two steals over two games that week.

He hit the game-tying shot to force overtime and had 24 points at Kent State before pouring in 26 points with a career-high seven assists in a win over Central Michigan on Feb. 20.

“I think my confidence has grown,” Wilder said. “I think I’m doing a pretty good job of having a better feel for the game and when I should try to score or be more aggressive and when to give my teammates the ball. Probably one of the areas I need to improve on is concentrating the whole 40 minutes. I feel like I’m

doing a pretty good job getting the best out of my minutes, but there’s always room for improvement.”

Wilder doesn’t plan to return home soon, despite the university’s spring break arriving next week. Instead, he hopes to take an extended trip to Cleveland, Ohio for the MAC tournament, which kicks off on Monday. Western Michigan – now 5-11 in conference – has lost seven MAC games by single digits including three in overtime.

“I feel like we’re capable of beating any team in this conference. We’ve proven that, but we’ve just found a way to lose close games,” Thomas said. “We just have to concentrate for the full 40 minutes. ... Hopefully I don’t get to go home for spring break.

If I come home for spring break, that means we lost in the conference tournament.”

The regular season ends Friday at Central Michigan.

The Oswego East boys’ basketball team completed a three-game season sweep of Plainfield Central to open the Class 4A postseason with a victory in Monday’s Andrew Regional.

The Wolves (13-14) turned a two-point halftime lead into a 72-59 victory over the Wildcats behind a pair of 20-point nights from Stephon Harris and Kaelub Newman. The Wolves had a balanced offensive night from Tahj Oliver (10 points), Trevor Ross (nine points) and Mitchell Glende (eight points).

“To their credit, [Plainfield Central] was making every shot they took,” Oswego East coach Steve Szymanski said. “I think we took control in the second half.

Our defense got better and offensively, we just got better looks. It made a big difference.”

With the win, No. 12 seed Oswego East advances to the regional semifinal game Wednesday night against No. 5-seed Stagg at 7 p.m. The winner moves into Friday’s regional championship game.

“It’s a good matchup for us. They’re worried about us as much as we’re worried about them,” Szymanski said. “We are a 12 seed by our record, but I think we’re playing better than a 12 seed right now and hopefully that carries us through the tournament.”

Oswego East sophomore: On Feb. 19, Oswego East played its final home game, defeating Plainfield South 65-48. Leading scorers were Trent Taylor with 12 points, Jordan Smith and AJ Hughes with 10.

Oswego East capped the season with a 52-45 win on Feb. 23 at Plainfield North.

The first quarter went back and forth with key baskets from Hughes and Houston Pickett giving the Wolves the onepoint lead at the quarter. The second remained tight, but the Wolves led 25-24 at the half.

In the second half, the Wolves found themselves trailing by seven points leading into the fourth quarter, but the hot shooting of Trent Taylor and the dominance in the paint by Kamron Battle helped the Wolves secure the victory.

With the win, the Wolves finished 23-1 on the year and a Southwest Prairie Conference champions.

BOYS BASKETBALL: CLASS 4A ANDREW REGIONAL

By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com

Eric Miller - emiller@shawmedia.com

Oswego’s Brice Robinson is fouled in the lane and completed both free throws on his way to a game-high 29 points in Tuesday night’s regional semifinal against Lockport. at the start of the second quarter to cut Oswego’s lead, 11-10, but the rest of the night belonged to the Panthers.

Robinson scored six more to build a 10-point lead at halftime, 23-13, completed a three-point play early in the second half and hit another 3-pointer to push the Panthers ahead 31-18.

“Brice got a lot of freedom, and if he gets going early, he’s a nightmare matchup,” Oswego coach Matt Borrowman said. “Our defense is what

set the tone. We played four quarters of aggressive man-to-man. ... Our kids rose to the challenge and we live to see another day.”

Ross dropped behind the arc for a 3-pointer at the buzzer, giving Oswego a 16-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, and Robinson scored six straight to open the final period of play with a 45-26 lead.

Elijah Winston punctuated the game with his first career dunk before

the starters took a seat on the bench with 1:30 remaining in the game and Oswego leading 47-29.

Looking ahead, Oswego will be playing for its first regional title since 2013.

The winner of Friday’s championship game will advance to the Lockport Sectional semifinal game next Tuesday against the winner of the Minooka Regional.

“One game at a time. We’re just trying to cut the net,” Robinson said.

BOYS SWIMMING

Oswego seniors Guist, Kaku finish strong at state

By CHRISTINE BOLIN DASCHER cbolin@kendallcountynow.com Tyler Guist and James Kaku, both three-time state qualifiers on the Oswego-Oswego East boys swim team, capped their senior years at the state meet last weekend at Evanston Twp. Both boys qualified out of Friday’s state prelims and into the finals on Saturday. Oswego scored 10 points for 29th place in the standings.

Kaku was seventh in the state in the 100-yard breaststroke in 57.68.

Guist finished 10th in the state in the 200-yard freestyle in 1:43.43. He also qualified in the 500-yard freestyle but

did not get past Day 1 of the tournament.

“It was great to get back to Day 2.

It’s been a long time since we had guys come back to finals,” Oswego coach Deryl Leubner said. “It was very good to see that. It’s a hard meet to swim fast at.”

On Day 1, Kaku clocked in at 57.49 and in 10th place. The 100-yard breaststroke was won in 55.90 by Cha Scheinfeld from New Trier.

“He’s been a tremendous addition, a workhorse,” Leubner said of Kaku.

“He works hard every day and leads by example. He brought a lot of mental toughness on Day 2.”

On Day 1, Guist ended up in 10th in the 200-yard freestyle in 1:42.73. In the 500-yard freestyle, he finished in 4:38.83 and in 14th place.

The 200 was won by Dylan Boyd from Lake Forest (1:37.67) and the 500 was won by Colton Paulson from Notre Dame (4:25.87).

“He’s a product of the program, he’s been with us since he was young and has come up through the ranks,” Leubner said of Guist. “His time [in the 500] would normally bring him back [to Day 2] but the meet got extremely fast in the second half [on Day 1].”

As a team in 2015-16, the squad fin-

ished 4-3 in duals, in third place at the Independent Conference meet and in eighth place at the Metea Valley Sectional.

“It was a growth year. We had to get better as a team, and we did,” Leubner said. “We have to get better at being better than everyone else. DeKalb [conference champions and eighthplace finishers in the state] graduated a lot of their seniors, Plainfield [second in conference, 11th in state] graduated a lot of their seniors. Next year is wide open [in conference]. If we can get better at being better than everyone else, then we can be right back where we were years ago.”

Thursday, March 3, 2016

After three consecutive overtime losses, Oswego guard Malique Ross was happy to take a moment on the bench with a double-digit lead on the scoreboard Tuesday night.

The Panthers (17-9) opened the Class 4A postseason with a 51-34 victory over No. 13 Lockport in the Andrew Regional semifinal game to snap the skid and advance to Friday’s championship game.

Oswego, seeded fourth, will face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal game between Stagg and Oswego East.

“It’s great. It gives us time to rest,” Ross said. “We still played really hard, but I got time to sit down and rest and that’s good on our minds too. We’ve been playing overtime games every night and that’s a lot of mental and physical and it’s great to get through this and keep moving.”

Lockport (11-16) focused much of its defensive game plan around stopping Ross, and while the Porters managed to limit the Panthers’ talented guard to just three field goals in the game, that strategy only opened up opportunities for Brice Robinson. He started with nine of the first 11 points of the game on his way to a 29-point night that included three 3-pointers from the 6-foot7 forward.

“I felt like today, everything was my shot. It just a great shooting night,” Robinson said. “We’ve had four tough days of practice and I’m just sick and tired of losing in overtime. I just wanted to make a statement today.”

Lockport knocked down a 3-pointer

SPORTS | Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com •

Panthers make statement in opener

19

Oswego Ledger / KendallCountyNow.com • Thursday, March 3, 2016

20

SPORTS GIRLS BASKETBALL: CLASS 4A BENET SECTIONAL

Eric Miller - emiller@shawmedia.com

Oswego East’s Milin Smith consoles fellow senior Alexis Davis after she fouled out with 14 seconds to play in Thursday night’s Class 4A Benet Sectional championship game.

STORYBOOK SEASON ENDS Wolves fall, 68-60, to host Redwings in sectional championship game

By KRISTIN SHARP ksharp@kendallcountynow.com Oswego East’s storybook season came to an end Thursday night with a loss to Class 4A defending state champion Benet, but few tears were shed as the Wolves walked off the court with their heads held high.

Oswego East capped a school-record season with a 27-3 overall record and a Sweet 16 appearance after a 68-60 loss to the Redwings in the Benet Sectional championship game. Benet (303) advanced to Monday’s Bloomington Super-Sectional at Illinois Wesleyan and defeated Edwardsville 53-51 to advance to state.

The Final Four will also include Fremd, Whitney Young and Trinity, and the state tournament kicks off Friday at Redbird Arena in Normal.

“We have next year,” Oswego East junior Sydney Schultz said. “We went from being a team that no one knows to regional champs that made it to the sectional finals. ... This was my fun-

nest season ever. I’ve never gotten this far with a team, and just to know that we went from zero to one of the best teams in the area – it’s an amazing feeling. Even though we lost, we still came a far way.”

Schultz scored the first six points of the game for Oswego East and blocked a shot from Nebraska-bound Kathleen Doyle, who did not score her first field goal until the closing minute of the first quarter. But Doyle could not be contained the rest of the night as she went on a 6-0 run to end the opening period on her way to a career-high 31 points.

A Benet 3-pointer created a 22-8 lead for the Redwings, but Oswego East’s Ty Battle (26 points) finally got her offense going with her first bucket of the game two minutes into the second quarter.

Battle knocked in six more before halftime to help the Wolves close the gap, 32-23, and Doyle scored two more before intermission.

“In the first game, [Battle] and

Schultz together had 10. I thought, ‘There’s no way that’s going to happen again,’” Benet coach Joe Kilbride said of the Nov. 28 meeting, which resulted in a 65-35 win for the Redwings. “[Carretto’s] teams always get so much better from beginning to the end, and

by February they’re always a tough program. Ty’s been playing really well lately and Sydney as well ... I knew this was not going to be the same game as the one in November.”

Doyle helped Benet get off to a strong start in the second half, and Oswego East struggled to connect its passes or convert in the paint.

Oswego East coach Abe Carretto took two timeouts to try and end the spell, but Benet surged ahead 49-29 with 2:30 to go in the third quarter.

Jesinde Thomas came through with a bucket to end the Redwings’ scoring spree and kick off a 6-0 stretch for Oswego East.

Benet knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and led 57-38 after a basket from Katie Jaseckas (19 points), and

it looked as if the Redwings would coast into the super-sectional, but Oswego East was relentless. The Wolves chipped away at their deficit, and a three-point play from Battle made a 59-48 score with 3:00 to go.

“In the fourth quarter, we knew it wasn’t over,” Battle said. “We had to fight to the finish. We know to play until the buzzer so we had to finish the game.”

Battle went on to score six more down the stretch as Oswego East closed the gap 66-58, but with less than 45 seconds remaining, time expired without getting any closer on the scoreboard.

“You’re playing against a team that has three people that can put the ball in the hoop and you’ve got to take chances on those decisions you’re making on the defensive end. We just gave up too many in the third quarter,” Carretto said. “The end of the third quarter was big because we were getting stops, but we just couldn’t put the ball in the hole. We needed to make those shots in the third quarter.”