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SUNDAY MORRIS HERALD NEWS Dec. 27, 2015 • $1.50

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UNDER PRESSURE

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41 30

Morris defense keys victory over Somonauk at Plano tourney / 39

LOW

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LOCAL NEWS

Flu season Holiday travel increases chances of illness / 2 LOCAL NEWS

Year in preview Morris officials outline priorities for 2016 / 12 SPORTS

Second half Minooka pulls away for win over McHenry / 36

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A SERVING OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC Turtle’s Tap in Morris provided gifts and food to anyone who came in the door Christmas Day / 3

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| GETTING STARTED

2

Remembering the year, looking forward to 2016 As we head into the last week of the year, it’s a time to look back and reflect on the year that was.

As it was most years, for me it was a year of ups and downs. There were good times I cherish, such as fishing with my oldest nephew and niece, taking part in all kind of antics with my 2-year-old nephew and even the ordinary get-togethers with friends where we just enjoyed each other’s company.

And there were some struggles, too: Health was a bigger concern for me this year than in past years; and while I did lose enough weight to get a pre-diabetes diagnosis off my chart, there’s still some work to be done there, too. I lost touch with some friends I wished I hadn’t, and there are a few situations I wish I handled differently than I did.

But as the year nears its end, I was

VIEWS Kate Schott greeted with a lot of hope of what’s to come: One my best friends welcomed her first child, a girl, two days before Christmas. I take her arrival as a sign of good things for the new year, and I look forward to getting 2016 started.

••• We looked back at work, too: We are planning in our Thursday editions our annual Stories of the Year report, where we look back on some of the newsiest stories of 2015 in both Will and Grundy counties.

The lists and placings were decided by our staffs in the newsrooms of The (Joliet) Herald-News and the Morris

Herald-News. Whether you agree with them or not, as we’ve compiled them, it reminded me just how much happened locally in the past year.

But it’s also a time to look forward to the new year and start thinking of what we hope and dream for 2016.

Starting today and throughout the week, you will find what we call “year in previews” for many of the communities in our coverage area.

We’ve asked leaders in those cities and villages for a glimpse into what they think 2016 may hold for his or her community. As expected, there are a lot of hopes for economic development, and plans for road construction improvements.

Today you can find the previews for Joliet on page 8 and Morris on page 12; there will be at least once, if not two, a day through next Sunday.

We’ll end with priorities for Will and

Grundy counties in the Sunday, Jan. 3, edition.

What do you hope to see in our communities in 2016? Shoot me an email so we can keep our eyes out for those as well.

••• I’m off this week, with plans to celebrate the holidays with my family and friends, and take a bit of a break from work (my goal is to not check my work email at all this week). I wish a happy New Year to all our readers.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News.

• Kate Schott is editor of The Herald-News, the Morris Herald-News and Herald Life. She can be reached at kschott@shawmedia.com or 815280-4119. Follow her on Twitter @ Kate_Schott78.

Health officials: Holiday travel increases chance of flu

By VIKAAS SHANKER

A sign Tuesday at the Will County Health Department touts the importance of flu shots. The flu season often reaches its peak in February.

vshanker@shawmedia.com JOLIET – As clocks turn to 2016, medical experts in Will and Grundy counties are saying people need to stay vigilant as influenza virus strains migrate around the world.

“What we’re seeing so far is nothing remarkable,” Will County Health Department spokesman Vic Reato said.

“This is the time of the year when the season really begins to take shape.”

Reato said the flu season typically begins in September but ramps up during the holidays, when people go to different countries and may bring back a foreign strain of influenza, the flu-causing virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity is low across the country right now.

In Illinois, 91 out of 5,136 people who had flu-like symptoms tested positive for the flu from Oct. 4 to Dec. 12, according to the most recent data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. That’s lower than the national baseline and on par with the past several years.

The Grundy County Health Department has given about the same number of vaccines to adults and children as last year at this point, Director of Nursing Judy Bailey said.

The flu often peaks in Feb-

Eric Ginnard – eginnard@ shawmedia.com

ruary and can last until May. “Last year was a pretty mild The CDC recommends anyone season here,” Reato said. “If more than 6 months old receive we’re lucky, maybe this year a flu vaccine every year. will be the same.”

Bailey said there hasn’t Influenza spread been much news about the flu The flu has become a com- this year. mon disease in the United “We check each week to see States. But various strains of what the mapping is around the influenza virus are around the United States, starting with the world. what’s happening in the South,” Symptoms of the flu include Bailey said. “We haven’t had a fever, cough, sore throat, body lot of reports or communication aches, fatigue and occasionally coming in from hospitals about vomiting and diarrhea. positive diagnoses.”

Local health departments Dr. Kevin Gordon, a family monitor the flu in their com- medicine physician in Joliet, munities throughout the year, said national health organizaincluding in schools and other tions often look at what’s haplarge gathering places. pening in the southern hemi-

sphere during the summer months to determine what the next peak flu months might look like.

Gordon said the best defense against the flu – other than vaccination – is good handwashing, especially for those around sick people.

“It’s really just due diligence,” Gordon said. “If someone is sick, try to keep your distance. If we can [diagnose] the flu in the first 48 hours, there are medications we can give to shorten the duration and severity of the flu.”

Vaccination

Gordon believes getting a

flu vaccine has become an unnecessary point of discussion in the country.

“There are still a lot of people that don’t want to get the flu vaccine,” Gordon said. “People still think you’re going to get the flu through the vaccine.”

That notion is categorically false, Gordon said, noting that the common trivalent and quadravalent – three-strain and four-strain – vaccines contain dead microbes that can’t infect recipients with the disease.

The most common form of the vaccine, the trivalent vaccine, protects against what medical experts predict will be the three most common strains of the virus in the next flu cycle. Recently, a quadravalent vaccine that protects against four strains has been developed.

The flu shot takes two to three weeks to work, meaning the holidays are a good time to get the vaccine.

Gordon said those who are afraid of needles can receive the vaccine through a nasal spray, provided they are medically cleared. The nasal spray is a quadravalent vaccine that has live microbes, but doesn’t make one ill.

Gordon also said a more concentrated form of the vaccine is available for senior citizens who are more prone to contract the flu.

COVER STORY

3 The Herald–News • Sunday, December 27, 2015 MHN

RIGHT: Jenna Siegel, 12, a Saratoga Ag 4-H member, gives a turkey she raised herself to the Morgan family Friday during the annual Turtle’s Tap Free Christmas Event.

TOP LEFT: Sarah Kozel holds Ian Fuller as a volunteer shows him his new toy.

BOTTOM LEFT: Volunteer Brook Baudino greets guests.

BELOW: John Davis sets out desserts for guests at the free Christmas Dinner on Christmas day at Turtle’s Tap.

Heidi Litchfield – hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

GIVING BACK TO OTHERS

Dozens volunteer at Turtle’s Tap to serve on Christmas Day

By HEIDI LITCHFIELD hlitchfield@shawmedia.com MORRIS – Christmas magic was in the air Friday at Turtle’s Tap as elves scurried about cleaning tables, serving dessert and dropping off presents to each person who came to enjoy a Christmas meal on the house.

When Michael and Carolyn Morgan of Morris entered the restaurant with their children Alexia, Aryannah and Michael, they had no idea what to expect. They just came to eat Christmas dinner before going to the Coal City home of Carolyn’s parents.

As they sat eating their turkey and ham with all the fixings, volunteers came to the table with gifts not only for children but also for mom

and dad.

“Lexi said, ‘Mom, pinch me, am I dreaming?’ This is the best Christmas ever,” Carolyn said.

One gift that arrived at the table couldn’t be wrapped though: 4-year-old Aryannah received her first two-wheel bicycle, complete with training wheels.

Not sure how to react to the shiny new Frozen-themed bicycle, her mother lifted her onto the seat.

“It’s Elsa,” she said quietly, as other patrons looked on with smiles on their faces.

Kevin “Turtle” Krople said there is a family every year who attends the annual meal offered at the restaurant who just tugs at the heartstrings and reminds everyone why they are spending their Christmas at his

“There are a few moments that are just overwhelming.”

Kevin “Turtle” Krople Owner, Turtle’s Tap establishment. He said this year, the Morgan family was one of those families.

“There are a few moments that are just overwhelming,” he said.

Carolyn Morgan stood wiping tears from her eyes as she watched her children with their gifts.

“This feels amazing,” she said. “... It’s just a Christmas miracle, I hope they realize they made a miracle happen here.”

Just when the excitement

was subsiding, 12-year-old Jenna Siegal approached the Morgan’s table, followed

by Turtle carrying a big box with a big turkey in it.

“I raised the turkey my-

self,” she said. “I”m in 4H, and I brought it here to give to someone who could use it.”

Siegal chose the Morgan

See VOLUNTEER, page 4

MHN The Herald–News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

4

LOCAL NEWS

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Stay informed Keep informed on Grundy County news by getting the Morris Herald-News, available Sunday through Friday, or by visiting MorrisHerald-News.com.

Contact Kate Schott at 815-280-4119 or news@morrisherald-news.com.

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Morris Herald-News, 1802 N. Division St, Suite 314, Morris, IL 60450.

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Heidi Litchfield – hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

Lu Kellogg of Morris along with other volunteers spent Christmas Day at Turtle’s Tap wrapping gifts chosen for those attending the free Christmas meal.

Turkeys among gifts given away to families • VOLUNTEER

Continued from page 3 family to take home the turkey she raised since March and sent off to the butcher to be prepped in time for the holidays.

“We had two extra turkeys this year and we really don’t need them,” she said after delivering the ready-to-cook bird.

“I’m happy I did something for someone who needs it.”

She said her family sells turkeys all the time, but she’s never before witnessed some-

one cry when they received a turkey.

Carolyn said they were tears of joy, as she couldn’t believe so many people cared so much about a family they don’t know.

“I can’t even finish eating I’m so excited,” she said.

That was no problem, though, as volunteers brought her a to-go box for the food she and 1-year-old Michael didn’t finish.

Krople said there was something different in the air this year. There were more people than normal coming in the door, lining up as they waited

WHERE IT’S AT Advice......................................... 49, 51 Business............................................32 Classified.....................................53-55 Comics.........................................50-51 Cover story.....................................3-4 Horoscope........................................ 52 Local News.....................................2-21 Lottery............................................... 28

Nation/World............................ 28-29 Obituaries...................................22-27 Opinion.........................................33-34 People..........................................43-47 Puzzles........................................48-49 Sports.......................................... 35-42 State.................................................. 30 Weather...............................................5

for their turn to sit down.

But, he said, there also was more magic.

He said the day after a preview ran in the newspaper letting people know not only about the dinner but also the need for more gifts, people started calling and coming in, each one with an armful of gifts to be given to those who came Christmas Day. “People responded to the article. Something rang through different this year,” he said.

He said one woman called and provided gifts for all the teens who would be coming.

Others came in with bicycles, like the one Aryannah got, and still more came bringing everything from Darth Vader to toy cars.

On Christmas morning, the volunteers arrived – many the same faces who have been there year after year. Others who were new to the event but wanted to spend their day serving others.

“You wouldn’t believe the amount of effort it takes to pull it all off,” Krople said. “Then you look out here and see all these people, and it’s worth it, every year it’s worth it.”

ON THE COVER

CORRECTIONS

Carolyn Morgan lifts her four-year-old daughter Aryannah onto a bicycle given to her on Christmas day at Turtle’s Tap.

Accuracy is important to the Morris Herald-News and it wants to correct mistakes promptly.

Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-942-3221 or email news@morrisherald-news. com.

Heidi Litchfield - hlitchfield@shawmedia.com

To receive daily weather forecast text alerts on your mobile phone, visit TheHerald-News.com.

Seven-Day Forecast for Will County TODAY

TUE

MON

WED

National Weather

THU

FRI

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

SAT

Seattle 43/35

Billings 30/14

Mostly cloudy

Rain, mixed with sleet early

Cloudy

41

40

38

30

36

Cloudy with a couple of flurries

Continued cloudy and colder

Mostly cloudy and quite cold

Mostly sunny and not as cold

35

24

21

33

29

20

Almanac

13

38/29

Aurora

Sandwich 40/30

0

Noon

2 p.m.

0

4 p.m.

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

Air Quality

Reading as of Saturday

54

50 100 150 200

300

500

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

Weather History New York City was hit by its biggest 24-hour snowstorm on Dec. 26 and 27, 1947. The accumulation was more than 26 inches in Central Park, 26 inches at nearby Newark, N.J., and almost 30 inches at Long Branch, N.J.

Kankakee 41/31

Regional Weather City Aurora Bloomington Champaign Chicago Deerfield DeKalb Elmhurst Gary Hammond Kankakee Kenosha

Coal City 41/30

41/31

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

41/30

Morris

41/30

43/35

Peotone

41/30

Streator

1

Joliet

Ottawa

™

Hammond

41/31

Yorkville

41/30

39/30

Oak Lawn

40/30

Today

Hi 40 39 41 39 39 38 39 42 43 41 38

Lo W 30 c 31 r 34 r 30 c 30 c 29 c 30 c 33 c 35 r 31 r 27 c

Monday

Hi Lo 38 34 45 33 47 35 37 34 38 35 35 33 38 35 41 38 48 35 41 37 35 33

W i i r i i i i r r i i

Today

City La Salle Munster Naperville Ottawa Peoria Pontiac Rock Island South Bend Springfield Terre Haute Waukegan

Hi 40 41 40 41 42 41 38 39 41 50 37

Lo W 30 c 31 r 30 c 30 c 32 r 31 r 30 c 29 r 35 r 39 r 28 c

Monday

Hi 38 40 38 39 44 41 37 39 48 52 35

Lo 34 37 35 35 34 35 32 35 35 41 33

W i i i i sn i sn i r r i

Illinois River Stages

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

DES PLAINES Station Fld Prs Chg Station Fld Prs near Russell ............ 7 ..... 6.69 ..... none at River Forest ....... 16 ..... 8.95 near Gurnee ............ 7 ..... 5.83 .... -0.13 at Riverside ............. 7 ..... 4.82 at Lincolnshire .... 12.5 ... 10.10 .... -0.36 near Lemont .......... 10 ......8.51 near Des Plaines ...... 5 ... 12.20 .... -0.48 at Lyons .................. -- ... 14.15

Sun and Moon Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset

Today 7:18 a.m.

4:29 p.m.

7:12 p.m.

8:41 a.m.

Monday 7:18 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

8:13 p.m.

9:21 a.m.

Last

Jan 1

Chg -0.38 -0.11 -0.14 -0.49

Full

Today Hi Lo W 34 17 sn 29 28 sf 75 64 c 69 32 t 73 45 c 30 14 pc 26 19 pc 56 33 r 43 22 r 74 61 c 65 39 r 54 32 r 58 35 r 25 13 c 30 23 pc 42 29 r 82 72 pc 76 42 t 55 35 r 35 29 c 74 58 c 46 29 s 72 53 t

Monday Hi Lo W 35 20 s 36 33 sn 71 58 t 52 31 s 48 40 c 28 15 pc 26 13 c 34 26 pc 23 15 pc 68 58 t 53 47 r 41 38 r 43 31 c 29 15 pc 34 26 sn 37 35 i 83 70 pc 53 35 pc 50 41 r 36 23 sn 72 54 t 46 31 pc 54 34 sh

City Los Angeles Louisville Memphis Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Oklahoma City Omaha Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland, ME Portland, OR Sacramento St. Louis Salt Lake City San Diego Seattle Washington, DC

Today Hi Lo W 61 39 s 69 47 r 76 64 t 82 75 sh 38 28 c 19 11 pc 75 63 c 80 61 c 68 39 sh 38 27 i 25 18 pc 84 67 pc 70 46 c 57 36 s 64 33 r 43 23 i 41 35 r 48 35 pc 44 39 r 26 12 s 62 46 s 43 35 r 73 47 c

Monday Hi Lo W 58 36 c 61 47 t 64 39 sh 83 75 pc 35 33 i 25 22 sn 72 46 t 64 49 t 44 37 pc 32 16 sn 29 22 sn 85 67 pc 47 42 c 59 39 s 42 38 r 30 14 pc 42 34 sh 50 30 pc 52 36 r 29 16 pc 60 46 pc 41 32 r 48 42 r

Monday Hi Lo W 88 74 pc 61 45 s 75 61 pc 65 39 s 93 74 s 38 17 s 49 35 pc 95 73 s 71 49 s 85 75 s 60 29 s 54 40 r 87 69 s 67 58 c 56 44 s 83 62 pc

City Kabul London Madrid Manila Mexico City Moscow Nairobi New Delhi Paris Rio de Janeiro Rome Seoul Singapore Sydney Tokyo Toronto

Today Hi Lo W 49 24 c 59 50 sh 59 38 pc 87 73 pc 71 41 pc 29 19 i 78 59 t 73 52 pc 56 41 pc 91 77 pc 59 36 s 27 14 s 88 78 c 72 63 pc 52 39 c 41 25 r

Monday Hi Lo W 51 22 s 57 49 c 56 40 c 86 74 pc 72 44 pc 23 17 pc 77 57 t 76 50 pc 54 46 c 93 78 t 59 35 s 31 16 s 87 77 c 72 63 pc 48 39 c 31 25 c

World Weather City Acapulco Athens Auckland Baghdad Bangkok Beijing Berlin Buenos Aires Cairo Caracas Damascus Dublin Havana Hong Kong Jerusalem Johannesburg

Today Hi Lo W 89 73 pc 61 45 s 77 61 pc 64 40 pc 93 75 s 28 12 pc 53 44 c 93 71 s 68 50 s 84 74 s 61 30 s 53 50 c 86 68 s 65 57 sh 56 39 s 82 59 t

Jan 9

Jan 16

Jan 23

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

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City Albuquerque Anchorage Atlanta Austin Baltimore Billings Boise Boston Burlington, VT Charlotte Cincinnati Cleveland Dallas Denver Des Moines Detroit Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Knoxville Las Vegas Little Rock

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

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Miami 82/75

Chicago

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UV Index Today

0

Oak Park

Atlanta 75/64

Houston 76/42

41/31

De Kalb

New York 68/39 Washington 73/47

Chicago 39/30

El Paso 37/20

Evanston

39/30

Detroit 42/29

Kansas City 35/29

Los Angeles 61/39

21

Elgin

Temperatures High ............................................ 45° Low ............................................ 39° Normal high ................................ 32° Normal low ................................. 18° Record high ................... 62° in 1982 Record low ................... -13° in 1983 Precipitation 24 hours through 3 p.m. yest. .. 0.17” Month to date .......................... 2.66” Normal month to date .............. 1.92” Year to date ........................... 30.78” Normal year to date ............... 36.53”

0

Bill Bellis

Chief Meteorologist

Denver 25/13

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Joliet Regional Airport through 3 p.m. yest.

10 a.m.

12

Minneapolis 19/11

San Francisco 50/40

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The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| LOCAL NEWS

8

City of Joliet has a full agenda for 2016

By BOB OKON bokon@shawmedia.com JOLIET – Mayor Bob O’Dekirk talks like a man with some things under his hat.

He says Joliet will get some interesting news during 2016.

“I think you’re going to see some major economic development projects coming to Joliet,” he said.

Not all of which he is willing to discuss at the moment. But he did point attention to the crossroads of interstates 55 and 80 where Cullinan Properties this year acquired 264 acres once slated for a huge lifestyle mall.

O’Dekirk called the project “very promising. That is a very reputable group.”

City officials are working with Cullinan and the Illinois Department of Transportation on providing access to the site, which was a snag in the previous developer’s plans – along with the impact of the last recession.

The south end of the city,

City of Joliet priorities for 2016 n Economic development projects n Houbolt Road bridge over the Des Plaines River n Downtown development n Gateway Transportation Center n LED street lighting which saw Amazon.com open a fulfillment center this year while Ikea laid out plans for 2.8 million square feet of distribution space, will continue to see development, O’Dekirk said.

And, he expects benchmark developments in the plan to build a Houbolt Road bridge over the Des Plaines River, a project conceived to relieve congestion on local roads by giving truckers direct access from CenterPoint Intermodal Center-Joliet to I-80.

“The bridge won’t be a concept. It will be a reality,” O’Dekirk said.

The mayor is not promising that construction will start next year. But he said enough commitments will be made that people will be able to believe the bridge will be built.

New business will come downtown, the mayor Bob O’Dekirk said. One plan in the works is the possibility of putting a microbrewery in Union Station.

City Manager Jim Hock said a company has looked at the site and is interested in not only using the old restaurant area on the first floor but also the old Amtrak office.

The city has plans to get moving on the Chicago-based Camiros group’s plan for downtown development. The top priority is connecting Chicago Street so that it no longer is divided by a Will County courthouse parking lot.

Hock acknowledged that the city still needs to forge an

LASER TREATMENT

agreement with the county.

But he said the city is confident a deal will be made and expects to begin engineering on the future through street in 2016.

Also high on the agenda for 2016 is Gateway Center, the

future downtown public transit project that came to a halt this year over disagreement between the city and state on future funding.

See AGENDA, page 31

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Plainfield village planner steps down after 15 years in growing community 11

Michael Collins

Michael Garrigan

Garrigan also was good at helping trustees understand diverging visions of the village from their own, trustee Garrett Peck said.

Plainfield was a small town of 13,000 when Garrigan started working there in 2000.

But 15 years later, it’s a thriving village of 42,000. Garrigan praised the Village Board and Historic Preservation Commission on Monday for helping and giving him the opportunity to develop Plainfield.

“When I originally interviewed in Plainfield, as I walked through downtown, I was amazed at its tremendous bones,” Garrigan said. “And what we’ve done with our downtown and historic district is quite amazing.”

See BORTEL, page 31

Plainfield Mayor

tioch.

• Sunday, December 27, 2015

PLAINFIELD – Plainfield Historical Preservation Commission Chairman Michael Bortel remembered moving to the village in 2002 and listening to village officials and trustees talk about several historic buildings downtown.

“I remember them complaining about, ‘That old Opera House building downtown, I wish they would just tear the silly thing down. It looks ugly,’” Bortel said at a Village Board meeting Monday. “Luckily, that didn’t happen.”

Bortel said today, the Opera House, Trolley Barn and Masonic buildings have been restored to preserve their historic nature and act as anchors for downtown business.

Much of that wouldn’t be possible without Village Planner Michael Garrigan, who is leaving Plainfield after 15 years of service to become the new community development director for the village of An-

“I know we’re going to miss him. He has acted as a professional and pioneer of guiding the board all these years.”

Guiding the board

The Village Board praised Garrigan’s work ethic and professionalism.

“I know we’re going to miss him,” Mayor Michael Collins said. “He has acted as a professional and pioneer of guiding the board all these years.”

Trustee Margie Bonuchi said Garrigan’s mentorship through her years on the Plan Commission and Village Board helped her make sound decisions for the village.

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Morris hopes to lay foundation for development in 2016

By MIKE MALLORY mmallory@shawmedia.com MORRIS – Many of the top priorities for the city of Morris in 2016 aren’t just based on preparation in 2015.

They were years in the making.

According to Mayor Richard Kopczick, the biggest priority for the city is to reach an intergovernmental agreement with the village of Minooka and Grundy County for the redevelopment of Brisbin Road north of Interstate 80 as an industrial corridor.

County officials have estimated reconstruction of the 2.5-mile strip of roadway as an 80,000-pound truck route at a cost of $8 million. The road is not suitable for semitrailers as is.

The Brisbin Road interchange, completed in 2012,

City of Morris 2016 priorities 1. Finalize intergovernmental agreement with Minooka and Grundy County to reconstruct Brisbin Road north of Interstate 80 as an industrial corridor.

2. Upgrade east side sewage treatment plant to accommodate Costco meatpacking plant and future residential development.

3. Complete emergency generator project in order to keep water flowing and maintain safety in severe power outage events. was the first big step for development, but an agreement needs to be in place regarding the roadway so all entities involved can receive proper shares of the revenue expected from the economic boost.

The county will need to be

Richard Kopczick

Nancy Norton Ammer

reimbursed by developers for redesign and construction of the roadway.

“It’s very important to get the agreement done,” Grundy Economic Development Council CEO Nancy Norton Ammer said.

“With the economy bouncing back, it’s an extremely competitive time for new project

“This is a tremendous positive for the community,” Kopczick said. “Not just in the treatment capabilities, but also the jobs and tax base it will provide through Costco’s development.”

The treatment facility

is being designed to handle waste from an additional 1,500 to 2,000 homes on top of Costco’s full build-out maximum of 400,000 gallons a day.

“It’s a huge investment by Costco, with the taxes that

See PRIORITIES, page 31

sites.”

The next top priority for Morris, Kopczick said, is beginning work on the east side sewage treatment facility so Costco can open its meatpacking plant in summer 2017.

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The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| LOCAL NEWS

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SHAW MEDIA

To donate to the fundraiser for Raul Weeks, visit www.gofundme. com/7acfn7p2 School tragically passed away on November 11th, 2015,” the page reads. “Raul was a beloved staff member of the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet and Joliet Central High School. Raul was also a great friend who I will never forget. His positive spirit and enthusiasm to help youth will be never be matched.”

The page goes on to say Weeks served as a father figure and mentor to “countless youth over the past 20 years” at the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet.

“In conjunction with Raul’s family, I am attempting to raise funds that will directly go to outstanding funeral expenses,” Diab wrote on the page. “Please consider donating a monetary gift to help give Raul’s family closure and support.”

As of Friday, $200 of the $4,800 goal had been raised.

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JOLIET – A fundraising page has been set up to help offset funeral expenses for a staff member of the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet and Joliet Central High School Raul Weeks died Nov. 11 after his bicycle was struck by a pickup truck. He was 57.

Friends and family rememRaul Weeks ber Weeks, a lifelong Joliet resident, as someone who always had a smile on his face but was also a fierce basketball player despite his small size when he was young. He worked not only for the Boys & Girls Club but for Joliet Central High School as a security guard.

The online fundraising page at GoFundMe states it was set up by Kahlil Diab, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet.

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13 LOCAL NEWS | The Herald-News

Online fundraiser being held for former Boys & Girls Club staffer “I asked for it…

Pizzeria one of few dinner options for delivery Christmas Day More online

By VIKAAS SHANKER vshanker@shawmedia.com JOLIET – If you wanted to eat out on Christmas Day in Joliet, the choices were limited.

“We were driving around everywhere but couldn’t find anything open,” Crest Hill resident Marissa Guerrero said Friday afternoon as one of Pizza For U’s assistant managers, Scott Gehrke, delivered her an order of 20 boneless chicken chunks and fries.

“We’ve been craving chicken wings. But we decided to just come home,” Guerrero said.

Guerrero and others who were delivered pizza, breadsticks and wings from one of the only delivery services open in town Friday especially thanked their delivery drivers.

Pizza For U had officially

Visit this article at TheHerald-News.com to view a video of a delivery driver talking about working on Christmas Day.

Vikaas Shanker – vshanker@shawmedia.com

Pizza For U assistant Manager Scott Gehrke delivers a Christmas dinner order Friday evening to Crest Hill resident Marissa Guerrero. reduced holiday hours Friday and opened its doors at 4 p.m. for delivery, carry-out and dinein orders. But pizzas were in the oven several hours before that.

“If I’m here and everything is ready, I’ll start taking orders,” assistant manager Boyd Sturridge said.

Gehrke said he was able to spend time with his little sister and her fiance Christmas Eve. He slept in a little bit, but started working at Pizza For U about 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Gehrke said he noticed only four other dine-in places open around the Joliet area.

“I still remember everything was shut down when I was a kid,” Gehrke said. “Now, at least there are a few that are open.”

Delivery driver Steve Voudrie said several customers he delivered to Friday told him they were thankful business was open.

“People are saying they really didn’t expect anyone to be open,” Voudrie said.

Pizza For U employees could decide whether they wanted to work Christmas Day or not, but those who did were given extra holiday pay.

“I think everybody would prefer to have the holiday off,” Voudrie said. “But it’s kind of cool we can decide to work.”

Voudrie, who has a second job and studies graphic design at Columbia College in Chicago, said working on Christmas wasn’t a big deal for him. But it was nice to be appreciated by customers.

“Not everyone celebrates Christmas,” Gehrke said.

“Sometimes people can’t wait to see their families and then they say, ‘Oh, let’s get out for a little bit and chill out.’ You never want to squander an opportunity to serve the people.”

Post-Christmas deals, returning, exchanging gifts lead to more shopping JOLIET – Plainfield native Corey Stoneking remember seeing a barbecue grill set selling for $90 online through Sears.

But when he came to the Louis Joliet Mall on Saturday with his girlfriend and younger brother, that price was slashed to $40.

“It really surprised me how good it was,” said Stoneking, whose girlfriend, Bre Vath, bought the set as a Christmas present for her father.

The mall was packed Saturday with people of all ages trying finding post-Christmas deals, returning or exchanging gifts and spending with gift cards they received over the holiday.

Heavy traffic

Parking outside any of the mall entrances was packed be-

tween the mall doors and Ring “It’s nothing near Christmas gether, or went their separate leaned against a bench, waiting Road Saturday.

Eve,” Ahtesham said. “But it’s ways and designated a place to for his parents to finish up their Foot traffic on the inside was not been bad at all.” shopping. meet back in the mall. just as congested, said Car Out“I was looking at some Minooka resident Kyle Clark let brand ambassador Mayte deals,” Clark said. “But some returned some gifts and got the Shoppers Bautista, who was supervising Families either shopped toright-sized clothing before he See DEALS, page 30 an informational business kiosk in the mall.

“It’s very hard to walk and STEAK HOUSE & BANQUETS it’s very crowded,” Bautista said. “But business is going Wishes you & yours a very Happy & Healthy New Year well.”

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The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| LOCAL NEWS

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THE HERALD-NEWS | The Herald-News

Is your chimney ready for winter?

15

GOTTA DO IT

Dec. 27 • Opening Reception for Photo Exhibit “Nepal Remembered 1975-1978” – 5 to 9 p.m., Baron’s Designs, 3 W. Jackson St., Joliet.

Show runs through Feb. 28. For information, call 815-722-1533 or email info@baronsdesigns.com.

Dec. 28 • Will County Mobile Workforce Center – 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Fountaindale Public Library, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. For information, visit www.jobs4people.org.

• English as a Second Language Grammar Club – 10 a.m., Plainfield Public Library District, 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield. Contact Tania Hess at 815-263-8145 or thess@ plainfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Dec. 29 • English as a Second Language Reading Club – 10 a.m., Plainfield Public Library District, 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield. Contact Tania Hess at 815-263-8145 or thess@ plainfieldpubliclibrary.org.

• Bingo – 5 p.m., Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545, 323 Old Hickory Road, New Lenox. Call 815-4858369 or visit vfwpost9545.org.

• Christmas Radio Theater – 6:30

Joliet, Learn to submit an online application to help get noticed by a hiring manager. RSVP by contacting 815-723-3885 or pabbott@willcountyillinois.com. For information, visit www.jobs4people.org.

• Coffee, Chords & Canvas – 6:30 to 10 p.m., The Treehouse, 22 W. Cass St., Joliet. Call 708-516-6318.

• Anne Hatfield – 7 p.m., Chicago Street Pub, 75 N. Chicago St., Joliet.

Call 815-727-7171 or visit www. chicagost.com.

• Billy Sullivan & Cathy Fleetwood – 7 to 11 p.m., “The Pub,” Quality Inn Hotel, 200 Gore Road, Morris. Call Photo provided This image is from “Nepal Remembered 1975-1978,” an exhibit fea- 815-942-4200. turing the work of former Joliet resident Luke Golobitsh that will be Dec. 31 shown at Baron’s Designs, 3 W. Jackson St., Joliet, through Feb. 28.

• Will County Mobile Workforce Center – 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to p.m., St. John the Evangelist EpisCenter – 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., Wilmington City Hall, 1165 S. copal Church, 11th and Washington 3:30 p.m., Plainfield Public Library, Water St., Wilmington. For informastreets, Lockport. Call 815-834-1168. 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield. For tion, visit www.jobs4people.org.

• Midwest Crossroad Chorus of information, visit www.jobs4people. • English as a Second Language Sweet Adelines International – 7 org.

Conversation Club – 10 a.m. p.m., Trinity Christian School, 901 • English as a Second Language and 6:30 p.m., Plainfield Public Shorewood Drive, Shorewood.

Grammar Club – 10 a.m., Plainfield Library District, 15025 S. Illinois St., Regular practice. Seeking new Public Library District, 15025 S. Plainfield. Contact Tania Hess at members. For information, call Illinois St., Plainfield. Contact Tania 815-263-8145 or thess@plainfield866-LUV-SING or visit http://midHess at 815-263-8145 or thess@ publiclibrary.org. westcrossroad.org. plainfieldpubliclibrary.org.

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• Noon Year’s Countdown – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Plainfield Township Community Center, 15014 S. Des Plaines St., Plainfield. Games, crafts, balloon drop. Kids age 8 and under with parent. For information, visit www.plfdparks.org or call 815436-8812.

• Irish New Year’s Party / Live Music by John Condron – 4 to 8 p.m., Chicago Street Pub, 75 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Call 815-727-7171 or visit www.chicagost.com.

• New Year’s Eve With Bad Influence – 6 p.m., The Tree of Joliet 22, W. Cass St., Joliet. For information, call 815-666-8079 or visit www. thetreeofjoliet.net.

• New Year’s Eve Soiree – Dinner is 7 to 9 p.m. Party-only option is 9 to 12:30 a.m., Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge, Bolingbrook. For a full menu list and ticket options, visit www.bolingbrookparks.org or call Ashbury’s at 630-739-2377.

• New Year’s Eve Bash – 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Juliet’s Tavern, 205 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Costume contest and party packages available. Call 815-630-5654 or visit www.julietstavern.com.

(No advance purchase necessary)

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The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| LOCAL NEWS

16

555 W. Gore Road • Morris (815) 941-2868 www.jennifersgardenbanquets.com

17

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Grundy County Donors!

Thanks to your generosity, 161 children from 74 families right here in Grundy County are enjoying their Christmas toys, gifts and clothing from their very own wish list that Santa and his special team of reindeer delivered to their homes Christmas Eve. They also enjoyed a bountiful Christmas dinner with all the trimmings with their family and loved ones with plenty of extras to carry them through the Holiday Season and into the New Year.

Besides the special Christmas Operation St. Nick was able to give these 74 families, 12 Military Families were granted their Chirstmas Dream Wish up to $2,500 enabling them to enjoy a Christmas they could only dream about…and you made their dreams come true.

It has been a beautiful Christmas for so many families that have fallen on hard times for one reason or another right here in our own back yards. This has only been made possible because of your generosity and supporting the Operation St. Nick Radio Auction, the Christmas In July Party this summer at Clayton’s Tap, The Norton Cup Charity Golf Tournament and those who send donations to Operation St. Nick, PO Box 781, Morris.

In January, the board of Operation St. Nick will go back to work, planning for Christmas 2016 for those families in need plus for 12 more Military families.

Get in touch.

Call 815.609.6466 for an appointment.

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THANKS

© 2015 Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center

Thank you Grundy County, you’ve made it A WONDERFUL LIFE for many this Christmas.

Morris 942-5300

Coal City 634-2229

Minooka 467-1139

Gardner 237-2104

Wilmington 476-1700

• Sunday, December 27, 2015

If you have varicose or spider veins, you’re not alone.

THE HERALD-NEWS | The Herald-News

OPERATION ST. NICK

3 in 10 people have varicose veins.

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| THE HERALD-NEWS

18

Funeral ServiceS Directory Banquets/Catering

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Resurrec�on Cemetery Mausoleum 200 W. Romeo Rd. (135th) Romeoville

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Funeral Homes

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Pisut Funeral & Cremation Services 2320 Black Road, Joliet 815-744-0022 www.CHSFuneral.com

1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL

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815-886-0750 Espanol www.dioceseofjoliet.org

To advertise in this directory, please call (815) 280-4101

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The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| THE HERALD-NEWS

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300 Bedford Rd. (Rt. 6) Morris, IL 60450

OBITUARIES For info www.kurtzmemorialchapel. com or 815-485-3200.

American Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090 or Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Born: Feb. 16, 1927; in Mokena, IL Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 Died: Dec. 24, 2015; in New Lenox, IL would be appreciated.

JOHN P. BARNETT For information, www.kurtzmemoriElda Mae Augusta Schuldt Gougar, alchapel.com or 815-806-2225 John P. Barnett, age passed away peacefully at her home 81, of New Lenox, on the farm on Gougar Road in New passed away on Lenox, IL on Thursday, December 24, Tuesday, December 2015, at the age of 88. She was born 22, 2015.

February 16, 1927, in Mokena IL. Beloved husband She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Amanda Schuldt; of the late Fran nee Graham; loving father of Maria (Steve) Bobzin, Dianna and her sister, Evelyn E. Kimzey Ingram, Lisa Heddins, and Susanna BRIDGET B. CHURCHILL (Moss).

She is survived by her devoted hus- (Brian) Arteaga; cherished grandfather of 15 and great-grandfather of 11; band, Robert Joseph Gougar of New Bridget B. Churchill, dear brother of Phyllis (Bob) Arthaud, Lenox, IL; and her children, Douglas age 61, went home Michael (Judy) Barnett, Ron (Sharon) (Carolyn) Gougar of Henderson, NV, to be with the Barnett, and Barbara (late Ralph Laurie (Larry) Eisenbrandt of New Lord on Tuesday Tissiere; also survived by numerous Lenox, IL, Kim (late Kevin) McGann December 22, 2015 nieces and nephews. of New Lenox, IL and Christine at home.

John was preceded in death by his Gougar of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Born in New Orleparents, Ned Sr. and Mary Barnett nee ans, Louisiana, she was a resident of Grandchildren, Jay (Misty) Gougar, Fitzpatrick; one sister, Jean (late Bill) the Joliet and Channahon area for 60 Kelly (Eric) Bridges, Danielle Gougar, Paul Martino, Anthony Martino, Daniel Huston; and 5 brothers, Robert, Ned years. Bridget attended Joliet Junior Martino, Emily McGann, Jennifer Mc- Jr., Paul, Tom (Ardith) Barnett, and College and the University of Saint Gann and Allison McGann; four great Patrick Barnett; and one grand-daugh- Francis. She retired from Commonter, Danielle Librizzi nee Ingram. grandchildren and numerous nieces wealth Edison in the Management John was an Air Force Veteran. and nephews.

Department.

He enjoyed wood working, polka Visitation will be at Kurtz Memorial Bridget is preceded in death by her dancing, and playing Yahtzee.

Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd, New Lenox parents, John D. McEwen and Alice The family will receive friends at IL 60451 on Monday, December 28, Pearl McEwen.

Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis 2015, from 3:00PM until 8:00PM. She is survived by her loving Rd., New Lenox, IL 60451 on Sunday, husband, Richard Churchill; two Funeral service at St. John’s United Church of Christ 11100 2nd St. Moke- December 27, 2015 from 2:00 until daughters, Felica (Steve) Lamb of 7:00 PM. Funeral service Monday, na, IL 60448 on Tuesday, December Joliet, Illinois and Treveda (Jermaine) 29, 2015, at 11:00AM. Burial will be at December 28, 2015 at 10:30 AM in Redmond of DeKalb, Illinois; one son, the funeral home chapel. Interment St. John’s Cemetery, Mokena IL. James (Toi); seven grandchildren, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Janae, Jada, Amaya, Jalon, Jayme, In lieu of flowers memorial donaElwood, IL. tions to St. John’s United Church of Jazlyn, and J’Dyn; five brothers, John In lieu of flowers, donations to the Christ would be appreciated.

(Azalea) McEwen, Dwight McEwen,

MORRIS L. GOAD Morris Lee Goad, “Moe”, “Morrie”, age 81, late of Frankfort, formerly of Lockport, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 19, 2015 with his loving family by his side. Born in Gamaliel, Kentucky and was a long-time resident of Lockport.

Retired from General Motors in 1987 after 34 years, and from Smedberg in 1996, where he

was a consultant. He was a member of the Lockport Masonic Lodge #538 and a proud member of the Lockport VFW Post #5788. A United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean War. Preceded in death by his parents, Bose and Donna (Crowe ) Goad; his beloved son, Rodney Lee; and a brother, Larry Goad.

Survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley (Holloway) Goad; his daughters, Julie (John) Strahanoski and Kathy (Jim) Sherwood; six grandchildren, Jason, Jaclyn, Samuel, Allyson, Rodney, Jr. and Mary; two great-grandchildren Hunter and Joseph; his daughter-in-law Jacqueline Goad and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 27, 2015 from 2:00pm until time of funeral services at 5:30pm in the O’Neil Funeral Home Chapel, 1105 E. 9th ST. (159th ST), Lockport with Rev. Eric Quinney-Burnard officiating.

Family and Friends are asked to please meet Monday at 10:00am at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood for committal and full military services.

Family and friends can sign the online guestbook or to attain directions at: www.oneilfuneralhome.com

• Continued on page 23

JEAN C. GALLAGHER

In loving memory

Anthony J. Spencer

In loving memory of our Mother who passed away 14 years ago today.

The Broken Chain.

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you; you did not go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

July 23, 1970 ~ Dec 26, 1984 Time does not lessen the pain, But simply allow us to grow accustomed to it.

Love Mom

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Anthony McEwen, Stanley (Sheila) McEwen, Jerry (Tammy) McEwen; four sisters, Teri (Harry (deceased)), Ingrid (Clyde) Snapp, Pam McEwen and Alice McEwen. Numerous other loving family members also survive.

Visitation Services will be held 10:00A.M. Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at Mt Zion 402 Singleton Place, Joliet, Illinois, 60436. Funeral Services will be held 11:00A.M. Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at Mt Zion Baptist Church. A visitation will also be held Monday, December 28, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Range Funeral Home, 202 South Eastern Avenue, Joliet, Illinois, 60433. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery. Reverend Dr. David Latimore, Officiating.

Love always, Daughters & Family

12/26/01

P.S. God has called for Cathy. The chain of links has begun.

Our Ninth Christmas without our beloved sister who has joined Mom & Dad in Heaven.

comfort.love.respect

Making more meaningful moments possible 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet

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ELDA MAE AUGUSTA SCHULDT GOUGAR

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The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| OBITUARIES

22

OBITUARIES Wilmington; one son, Sam (Jill Moore) Hutton of Morris, IL; two brothers, Roger (Cheryl) Hutton of Rocky Mountain, NC, and James (Angie) Hutton of Braidwood, IL; two sisters, Marilyn (Jerry) Sutter of Sebastian, FL and Joyce (Louis) Bohlander of New Lenox, IL; sister-in-law, Darla Hutton of Coal City, IL; father-in-law and motherin-law, Dale and Jan Sanders of Clearwater, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are one son, Bruce John Hutton; brothers, Gerald Hutton in infancy and Ronald Hutton.

Funeral services will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory, Braidwood Chapel, Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Tom Kingery officiating. Interment with military honors will

be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. Visitation Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name to the First United Methodist Church or Masonic Lodge #208 would be appreciated.

For more information and to sign his online guestbook please log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook at R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory.

• Continued on page 25

find comfort in the good times

How to submit Send obituary information to obits@ TheHerald-News.com or call 815-526-4438.

Notices are accepted until 3 p.m. for the next day’s edition.

Obituaries also appear online at TheHerald-News.com/obits where you may sign the guest book, send flowers or make a memorial donation.

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• Sunday, December 27, 2015

Center in Kankakee. Born June 3, 1948 in Joliet, to the late Allen and Eleanor (nee Thontlin) Hutton.

He is veteran of the United States Army, having served during Vietnam and was awarded the bronze star. Graduate of Wilmington High School, Class of 1966. He retired from Local #150 Operating Engineers after forty-nine years of employment. Member of the Masonic Lodge #208 A.F. & A.M. and the First United Methodist Church, both in Wilmington.

In his youth, he enjoyed playing football, baseball, and especially drag racing. He most recently enjoyed golfing, boating, and fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Judith (nee Pouchek) Hutton, whom he married September 18, 2010 in

OBITUARIES | The Herald-News

and retired from the railroad.

Upon retiring, he encouraged and assisted his wife in their family CHRISTOPHER B. business in Manhattan, Mrs. G’s.

GRANITZ SR. He enjoyed gardening, sunshine, reading and public speaking.

Christopher A celebration of Christopher’s Brian Granitz, Sr. life will be 11:00 A.M., Monday, “Mr. G”, age 81, of December 28, 2015, at Heritage Frankfort, formerly Baptist Church, 21739 South Laof Manhattan, Grange Rd., Frankfort with Pastor passed away Milton Jones officiating.

Visitation peacefully at his will be Monday, 9:00 A.M. until home surroundthe time of service.

Interment ed by family on with Military Honors at AbraWednesday, Deham Lincoln National Cemetery, cember 23, 2015.

Elwood.

He is survived Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, by his loving wife of 62 years, Manhattan entrusted with arArlene (nee Moschiano) Granitz; rangements.

815-478-3321, www. his children, Christopher Jr. (Kim), forsythegouldfh.com Mary Jo (Barry Sr.) Bradshaw, Anthony (Joy) , Tina (James) Karasek, Joseph (Rosemary), John Francis (Tina); his grandchildren, Christopher III, Angelina, Barry Jr., Anthony Joseph, Hallelujah Grace, Tiffanie, Taylor, Eve, Samantha, Ava Rose, Nina Marie, Nicholas; his brother, Anthony; and his brothers-in-law, Joseph Moschia- BRUCE T. HUTTON no and Robert Lang.

Preceded in death by his Bruce T. Hutton, parents, Anthony and Lillian (nee age 67, of WilmTerry) Granitz; and his sister, ington, passed Lillian. away Monday, DeChristopher served in the U.S. cember 21, 2015 at Army as a Military Policeman, Riverside Medical later he worked as an engineer • Continued from page 22

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The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| THE HERALD-NEWS

24

OBITUARIES 28, 2015. He will then lie in state until 8:00 p.m. at the Cathedral, and again Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Evening Prayer will be celebrated on Monday at 7:00 p.m.

The Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral. Interment will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL. Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements. For information, 815-741-5500 or to visit the Bishop’s online Book of Memories, you may go to www.fredcdames. com.

Funeral Service for Delores I. Kissack will begin at 7:00 PM on Monday, December 28, 2015, at The Maple Funeral Home located at 24300 W Ford Rd., Channahon.

Interment Private. Visitation also on Monday, December 28, 2015, from 4:00 PM until service begins.

For Information www.themaplefuneralhome.com

before her marriage to Raymond in 1954. Vivian embraced the life of an Army wife and supported Raymond as he made the Army his career.

Upon his retirement, they settled in Joliet and spent countless hours volunteering, mainly at St. Ambrose Church and School, St. Francis and Joliet Catholic High School. Vivian was inducted in the First Class of Honorary Alumni at St. Francis Academy. A member of Women’s Auxiliary VFW #367 and St. Joseph Hospital.

Left to cherish many loving memories are her two daughters, Stephanie (Ken) Sweigard of North Olmsted, OH, and Melanie Richardi (Wendell Drummond) of Joliet; and proud “Ma” to her NANCY L. MITCHELL four grandchildren, Kati Scarlett Sweigard of Nakatsugawa, Japan, Nancy L. Mitchell (nee Stamper), Jared Anthony Sweigard, student at age 78, of Englewood FL formerly The Ohio State University, Andrew of Frankfort, IL, passed away NoDELORES I. KISSACK Joseph Drummond, December, 2015 vember 16, 2015. Nancy was born Born: April 13, 1933 in Harvey, IL to the late William and graduate of University of Dubuque, Died: Dec. 24, 2015 and Timothy Raymond Drummond, Julia (nee Nelson) Stamper. student at University of Dubuque.

Beloved wife of Gordon L. Delores I. Kissack (nee Renfro) Also survived by her sister, Mary Mitchell; loving mother the late was born the daughter of the late Lisa (Lyndon) Swartz, Paul Mitchell, Kay (John) Brozovich.

Carl T. Renfro and Bertha (nee Preceded in death by her husband Laura (Timothy) Meagher, and Sanders) Renfro on April 13, 1933, in of 45 years, Raymond Anthony Nicole (Brian) Noonan; step-mother Riverdale, IL and went Home to be Richardi (2000); her parents, Louis to Mark (Mindy) Mitchell, Stephen with Jesus on Thursday, December and Catherine Bausano; and her (Peggy) Mitchell and Patty Mitchell; 24, 2015, at the age of 82 years. brother, Robert Bausano. cherished grandmother of 13; dear She was united in marriage on Stephanie and Melanie would like sister of the late Joyce (the late February 16, 1963, in Joliet, IL to to thank Joliet Area Community Raymond) Swearingen.

Frank A. Kissack and to this blessed Hospice for their support and guidNancy was retired from RR union they have eight children, ance during this difficult time.

Donnelley.

Vickie Kissack, Diane (Roger) Wall, Anyone wanting to honor Vivian, Family will receive friends at Kurtz Steve (Dana) Kissack, the late may do so by directing donations to Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Bruce Kissack, Peggy Pritchard, the the Hospice Home.

Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 for a late Baby Francis, Jr., Dawn Kissack Those we love don’t go away, Memorial Visitation on Tuesday, and Carla (Mike) McCabe. Loving they walk beside us everyday - unDecember 29, 2015, from 4:00 to grandmother of Stacy, Mandy, 8:00 PM with a Memorial Service at seen, unheard, but always near, still Deniece, Kim, Candy, Kirsten, loved, still missed and very dear.

6:00 PM. Brandon, Trachalle, Misty, Mike, Funeral Services for Vivian RicharFor information, 815-806-2225 or Michelle, Caitlin and Marlee; great di will be held Monday, December www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com grandmother of 16; fond sister of 28, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. from the Don, Jean, the late Thelma, the late Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Vernon, the late Robert, the late Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to Carl and the late Dick; also left to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Crest mourn her passing are numerous Hill, for a Mass of Christian Burial to nieces, nephews and dear friends. be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. EntombDelores was a proud homemaker ment in Resurrection Mausoleum who loved caring for her family, will be private. Visitation Monday G. VIVIAN RICHARDI morning, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the she cherished time spent with funeral home. her church family in worship and G. Vivian Richardi For more information: (815) 741fellowship. She will be remembered (nee Bausano), age 5000 or visit her Book of Memories as a loving and caring wife, mother, 85, of Joliet, died at www.fredcdames.com grandmother, a wonderful sister Tuesday, December and loyal friend. She will truly be 22, 2015, at Rosemissed by all who knew her. wood Care Center In passing Delores would want to after a long battle leave with you the important life with Parkinson’s giving message of John 3:16 For God Disease. so loved the world that He gave His Born in Joliet and graduated from one and only Son, that whosoever Providence Catholic High School, believes in Him shall not perish but Class of 1948.

Worked in Chicago have eternal life.

• Continued on page 26

25

• Sunday, December 27, 2015

could be seen at Daybreak helping to feed the poor.

REV. JOSEPH L. In 1986, the Bishop began the first Diocesan Annual Appeal in order to IMESCH DD raise funds to support the efforts of Born: June 21, 1931 the diocesan agencies and offices Died: Dec. 22, 2015 as well as to provide support for the education of seminarians. In 1996, The Most he established the Joliet Diocesan Reverend Joseph Catholic Education Foundation, L. Imesch, DD dedicated to the advancement of Peacefully was called home Tues- Catholic education through providing long-term financial support day, December 22, to families of children who attend 2015 at Our Lady Catholic schools. of Angels RetireWith the support of Bishop ment Home.

Imesch, the Diocesan Peace and Joseph Imesch Justice Office began its mission was born on June outreach program. A sister relation21, 1931 in Grosse ship with the Diocese of Sucre in Pointe Farms, Michigan, the Bolivia was established. In addition second son of immigrant Swiss to being responsible for building a parents, Dionys and Margaret hospital in Sucre, the Bishop also (Margelisch) Imesch. He was ensured that the medical staff baptized at St. Ambrose Church in received sufficient training.

Grosse Pointe, and later attended In addition to his service to the the parish elementary school clergy, religious and laity of the as well as St. Paul Elementary diocese, Bishop Imesch served on School in Grosse Pointe Farms. various local, regional and national He completed his high school and boards. Bishop Imesch won the college education at Sacred Heart respect of his brother bishops on Seminary in Detroit. the United States Conference of Joseph Imesch earned a LicenCatholic Bishops for his dedication tiate of Sacred Theology (STL) and tenacity. while studying in Rome at the Although Bishop Imesch officially North American College (1953retired as Bishop of the Diocese of 1957). On December 16, 1956, he Joliet, on May 16, 2006, he continwas ordained to the priesthood ued to administer the Sacrament of in Rome and completed further Confirmation, and serve wherever studies at the Gregorian Universi- and whenever needed. ty (1969 – 1970).

Bishop Imesch will be fondly After ordination, he was remembered as a good shepherd; assigned to St. Charles Parish in as someone who loved being a Detroit (1957) where he served priest; who had an open door policy as associate pastor until becomregarding his priests; who cared ing Secretary to John Cardinal about people; who always said Dearden from 1959 to 1971. Father “yes” to the requests he received; Imesch was named pastor of and who put his love for God’s Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in people, especially the poor and disFarmington, Michigan in 1971 and advantaged, into concrete action. served in that capacity until 1977.

Preceded in death by his parents; On April 3, 1973, while yet minishis brother, John (Donna) Imesch; tering as a pastor, he was ordained and his sister, Janet (John) Wendas an Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit. ling.

Bishop Imesch served as Regional Surviving are eight nephews, Bishop of the Northwest Region Dennis Wendling, Thomas (Linda) of Detroit from 1977 to 1979 until Wendling, Edward Wendling, Robert being named as Bishop of Joliet. On (Mary) Imesch, David (Beverly) August 28, 1979, he was installed as Imesch, Jay Imesch, John (Dawn) Third Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet. Imesch and Patrick (Kristin) Shortly after arriving in Joliet in Imesch; and three nieces, Judith 1979, Bishop Imesch, together with (Michael) Sumeracki, Mary Ann the late Senator George Sang(Gordon) Kudirka and Dona (Shawn) meister and local business women Spry. Numerous great-nieces and and men, created the Housing great-nephews also survive.

Foundation of Will County, and The body of Bishop Joseph L. established the Daybreak Shelter Imesch will be received at the to provide emergency services to Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, the homeless. On a monthly basis, 604 North Raynor Avenue, Joliet, IL throughout the years, the Bishop at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December

OBITUARIES | The Herald-News

• Continued from page 23

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| THE HERALD-NEWS

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• Continued from page 25

Carbondale opens synthetic ice skating rink

brother in law, Thomas (Jayne) Naughton, Stephen Naughton, sisters in law, Kathleen (Lawrence) Richards, and Patricia (late Gilbert) Barthe; and over 40 nieces and nephews he adored.

Proceeded in death by his parents, his infant daughter, Agnes Walsh; his siblings, Mary (late William) Cleary, James (late Shelia) Walsh, Richard (Audrey) Walsh, Dorothy Walsh, Patricia Walsh, and Patrick (late Judy) Walsh; brother in law, James (Teri Pung) Naughton; nephews, Michael Richards and Thomas Cleary.

John aka Nobby grew up on the Southside of Chicago and graduated from Leo High School in Chicago. He served as a Marine during the Korean War conflict. John graduated from De Paul University.

His love of golf started as a caddy in the 1940s at Beverly Country Club. John was a golf pro at Joliet Country Club for 40 years. He and Mary were parishioners of St. Paul the Apostle for over 50 years. He enjoyed attending mass everyday there with Mary and the friendships he made at morning mass. In his retirement, John taught golf clinics and traveled with his beautiful wife.

John loved his weekly golf games and lunches with his friends. Most important to John was being to be able to spend time with his family.

When John’s family thinks of him, they think of an amazing man, who was rich in life, who loved and was loved. Whose faith was the foundation of his life, and most important every person in his life was important. Plus, he loved a good joke. A great man will be missed.

John’s family would like to thank the amazing doctors and nurses at JOHN J. WALSH SR. St. Joseph Hospital and Joliet ComBorn: Feb. 5, 1930 munity Hospice. We will be forever MARJORIE L. TIDMORE Died: Dec. 23, 2015 grateful to you for your help and Born: May 13, 1929 kindness to John and his family.

John Joseph Died: Dec. 21, 2015 Funeral from the Blackburn-GiegWalsh passed away erich-Sonntag Funeral Home, Tuesafter a short illness Marjorie L. day, December 29, 2015, at 9:30 at 85 surrounded Tidmore, age 86, of a.m. to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic by his family on Wilmington, passed Church for a Mass of Christian BuriDecember 23, 2015. away Monday John was born on al at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be December 21, 2015, February 5, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois held at Abraham Lincoln. Visitation at the Joliet Area Monday, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Community Hospice to the late Patrick and Agnes In lieu of flowers memorials to Walsh.

Home. the Alzheimer’s Association would John is survived by the love of Born May 13, 1929, Marjorie was a be appreciated. daughter of the late Alta and Grace his life, his wife of 54 years, Mary Elizabeth (Naughton). His beloved (nee Booth) Tatro. She was raised children, John, Stephen (Amy), and in Roger City, MI and graduated from Roger City HS. In 1948, Marjo- Elizabeth. His grandsons, John, rie married Hubert H. Tidmore Jr. in Vance, Stephen, and Frank. His sibMoran County, TX, and he preceded lings, Roseanne, Kevin(late Mabel her in death. She worked as a book- Ann), and Cecilia (late Donald) Kimball; sister in law, Audrey Walsh, keeper, and retired from Wee Sip

CARBONDALE – A temporary synthetic ice skating rink has opened in downtown Carbondale.

The Southern Illinoisan reported that the rink, made of hard synthetic ice, is in a city-owned parking lot. The rink costs $3 to use, and skates are available for rent. Proceeds will go toward the Carbondale Park District’s effort to build an outdoor aquatic center called Super Splash Park.

The rink, which the city is calling “Town Square East Skating Rink,” will be available through January.

Springfield looking to launch free public wifi

SPRINGFIELD – City officials in Springfield said the Illinois capital is working to start offering downtown public wireless access early in 2016.

The State Journal-Register reported that the network will be accessible in a 35-squareblock area. It will be unsecured and free for the public to use.

Mayor Jim Langfelder said the hope is to offer convenience and make downtown Springfield more attractive.

The network will be installed in phases. The first phase will include the area around the Old State Capitol and downtown hotels. The second phase will include the rest of the coverage area.

The city is accepting bids for the work through Dec. 30. The cost of the project won’t be known until bids are returned.

Peoria Barber College makes changes

PEORIA – A barber college in Peoria that dates to 1897 has reopened under new ownership.

The Journal Star reported that the Peoria Barber College already has enrolled 10 students to learn at its 15 available chairs. New owner Melvin Murry said he eventually hopes to have 25 students involved with the program.

Murry bought the 118-year-old college from the family that owned it for more than 60 years.

27 Murry hired East St. Louis barber Shon Allen to be the school’s general manager and instructor.

Some remodeling also was needed at the location.

Murry has big plans for the school, too. He said that one day, he’d like to build a dormitory to help those who have to commute to the school.

Chicago officer fatally shoots 2 during response

CHICAGO – A Chicago police officer shot and killed two people early Saturday while responding to a domestic disturbance call on the city’s West Side, police said.

The shooting happened around 4:25 a.m. after officers who responded to the call “were confronted by a combative subject,” the Chicago Police Department said in a statement. The medical examiner’s office and family members said Quintonio LeGrier, a 19-year-old college student, was pronounced dead at a hospital at 4:51 a.m. and Bettie Jones, a 55-year-old mother of five who lived downstairs from the apartment where LeGrier was staying, died at a different hospital at 5:14 a.m.

Both LeGrier and Jones were black, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Police did not immediately disclose the race of the officer, nor how long the officer has been with the department or the officer’s current work status.

The Chicago Police Department is the subject of a federal civil rights investigation, which came after the release of a video showing white officer Jason Van Dyke shooting black 17-yearold Laquan McDonald 16 times in 2014. Van Dyke faces six counts of first-degree murder and one of official misconduct in the death of McDonald and is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday. Officials have said the investigation will look into patterns of racial disparity in the use of force and review how the department disciplines officers and handles misconduct accusations.

– The Associated Press

• Sunday, December 27, 2015

Liquors, after more than 20 years.

Marjorie enjoyed ceramics, playing RICHARD G. RIMBO cards, cooking and baking, but most of all cherished her family Richard George Rimbo age 69, of Survivors include five children, Lemont, passed away December Marsha (William) Sanders of Arling23, 2015. ton, TX, Hubert “Trey” H. Tidmore, Employed by Citgo Refinery, III and Joseph (Jill) Tidmore of retiring after 32 years. He served Wilmington, Tom (Claudia) Tidmore the Lemont Community as a Little of Plainfield, and LuAnn (Mark) League coach, was a former Mem- Mahalik of Wilmington; sister, ber of the Village Board, former Ruth Ann (the late Joe) Herkel of Member of the Board of Education Georgia; (14) grandchildren; (15) for Lemont High School District 210 great grandchildren, and numerous and former Member of the Board of nieces and nephews, as well as her Trustees for Lemont Fire Protection dear friend, Phyllis Haldorson of District.

Wilmington.

Survived by his wife, Susan, nee Marjorie was preceded by her parGibbons, Rimbo; four children, Lem- ents; husband; brothers, Raymond ont Fire Chief George J. (Agatha) and Beverly; and sisters, Delores Rimbo, Citgo Fire Chief Brian R. (Alli- and Audrey. son) Rimbo, Christine (Lt. Joseph) The family will receive friends Ostrander, nee Rimbo and Richard on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, G. (Vivian) Rimbo; ten grandchilfrom 12:00 noon until the 2:00 p.m. dren; two siblings, Bishop Robert Celebration of Life at Baskerville FuA. (Lois) Rimbo and Janice (John) neral Home, 700 East Kahler Road Rizzo, nee Rimbo; numerous nieces in Wilmington. Green flameless and nephews; and his dog Lucy. cremation will follow the services.

Visitation Monday, December 28, Preferred memorials may be made 2015, from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. at to Joliet Area Community Hospice Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C. 108 or the American Cancer Society.

Illinois St. Lemont. Lying in State Online guestbook / memorial Tuesday, December 29, 2015, from page: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral SerFuneral services and flameless vices at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew cremation arrangements have Ev. Lutheran Church, 305 Lemont, been made under the direction and St. Lemont. Interment Woodlawn care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Memorial Park, Joliet, IL. Wilmington. (815-476-2181) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Adult Day Care at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4501 Main St. Downers Grove, IL 60515.

Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C. 630-257-6363 or www.markiewiczfh.com

THE HERALD-NEWS | The Herald-News

OBITUARIES

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

28

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IS leader: ‘Caliphate’ well; mocks Saudi-led alliance

BEIRUT – The Islamic State group on Saturday released a new message purportedly from its reclusive leader, claiming that his self-styled “caliphate” is doing well despite an unprecedented alliance against it and criticizing the recently announced Saudi-led Islamic military coalition against terrorism.

In the 24-minute audio, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi said airstrikes by the international coalition only increase his group’s determination and resolve. The message was al-Baghdadi’s first since May, and comes amid battlefield setbacks that IS has recently faced.

Meanwhile, a U.S.-backed coalition of rebels in Syria – including Syrian Kurdish, Arab and Christian groups – captured a major dam on the Euphrates River from the Islamic State group as part of the coalition’s march on IS-held areas in northern Syria.

Top rebel’s death in Syria causes setback

BEIRUT – The assassination of a top Syrian rebel commander who led one of the most powerful groups battling President Bashar Assad’s forces has dealt a significant setback to the opposition that could reshuffle

the lineup of key players on the ground ahead of the planned peace talks in Geneva next month.

On Saturday, the Army of Islam and allied militant groups in Syria mourned the killing of Zahran Alloush, while government supporters and the Islamic State group cheered his death – a reflection of his role in fighting both sides in the Syrian civil war.

Allouch was killed in airstrikes that targeted the group’s headquarters during a meeting on Friday. He was instantly killed along with a number of senior commanders of his Army of Islam group and those of the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham and the Faylaq al-Rahman groups.

Floods hit Britain, causing damage, homes evacuated

LONDON – Homes were evacuated, cars were submerged and boats were brought in to help bring people to safety Saturday as parts of England, Scotland and Wales faced severe flooding caused by repeated heavy rains.

The Boxing Day holiday saw a battle against the elements, particularly in northwestern England. More than 30 “severe” flood warnings were issued – each one meaning people faced possible loss of life if they didn’t exercise extreme caution.

– The Associated Press

Birmingham firefighters work a scene after a tornado touched down in Jefferson County, Ala., damaging several houses Friday in Birmingham, Ala. A Christmastime wave of severe weather continued Friday.

Tornadoes sweep through Dallas area; significant damage caused

By SETH ROBBINS The Associated Press SAN ANTONIO – Tornadoes swept through the Dallas area after dark on Saturday evening causing significant damage while a blizzard was blanketing parts of New Mexico and West Texas with snow, the latest in the nation’s freakish winter weather pattern that sent temperatures plunging to near zero wind chill in the western Plains even as numerous record highs are forecast for the eastern U.S. The Texas tornadoes shifted the national focus away from the Southeast where days of tumultuous weather including tornadoes left 18 people dead over the Christmas holiday period.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Anthony Bain in Fort Worth said two or possibly three tornadoes touched down in the Dallas area although the full extent of damage would not be known until daylight Sunday.

WFAA television in Dallas showed video of damage to homes, a church and vehicles stretching from Garland, about 20 miles northeast of

Dallas, to Glenn Heights, 20 miles south of the city.

The emergency manager of Ellis county south of Dallas, Stephanie Parker, posted on Twitter: “We have destroyed and damaged homes. Please do not get out on the roads if you do not have to.”

The twisters – accompanied by torrential rain, wind and some hail – were part of a weather system that could produce major flooding from north Texas through eastern Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, western Arkansas and parts of Missouri.

The severe weather snarled air traffic in the Dallas area.

The Dallas Mavericks game was delayed by 30 minutes because of the storm.

On the other side of Texas and including much of New Mexico, a snowstorm accompanied by plunging temperatures was expected to leave up to 16 inches of snow through Sunday evening, according to NWS meteorologist Brendon Rubin-Oster in College Park, Maryland.

“It’s going to be quite dangerous for anyone exposed to these elements,” Rubin-Oster said.

Snow fell during the Sun Bowl college football game between Miami and Washington State Saturday afternoon, and El Paso was forecast to get 6 to 8 inches of snow overnight.

Meanwhile, two more deaths linked to weather were reported Saturday in Mississippi, bringing that state’s death toll from severe weather over Christmas to 10. Late Saturday, one death was reported in Alabama.

Flash flooding closed roads across Alabama and trapped motorists in rapidly rising waters.

Ranager Tyler and his son waded into flood water Christmas night and used rope to pull an 11-year-old boy out after his family’s car was swept away near Pinson, about 15 miles northeast of Birmingham.

“The little boy was hanging on to the back of the car,” Tyler said Saturday.

The family’s car was overcome with flood water and ended up in a ditch near Tyler’s Pinson home. The rushing water separated the family as they got out of the car, he said. The boy was later reunited with his family.

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TOKYO – Japanese authorities said that for the first time Saturday, an armed Chinese coast guard vessel entered its territorial waters off islands claimed by both countries that are a flashpoint of disputes between the neighbors.

Japan’s coast guard said the ship, armed with what appeared to be four gun turrets, was one of three Chinese coast guard vessels spotted inside Japanese waters in the East China Sea. It was the only one that was armed.

Chinese vessels regularly sail around the disputed islands,

“Local farmers have really benefitted from the CenterPoint Intermodal Center.”

known as the Senkaku in Japanese and the Diaoyu in Chinese.

But Japanese coast guard official Nanako Uehara said it was the first time an armed Chinese vessel had been sighted in Japan’s waters.

The three vessels have since left the area.

The armed ship also was spotted Tuesday in the area, but Japanese officials said it didn’t infiltrate Japan’s waters at that time.

The latest development could trigger concerns in Japan that China may be escalating its activities in the disputed parts of the East China Sea.

NATION&WORLD | The Herald-News

Japan: Armed China ship infiltrates off islands

29

Lawsuits seek to abolish county’s bail bond system

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| THE HERALD-NEWS

30

By PAUL ELIAS The Associated Press

AP file photo

Ron Soden poses for a photo Dec. 3 at his home in Tacoma, Wash., with photographs of his half-brother, Steven Soden, taken when Steven was in his mid-teens in Paterson, N.J.

Unintended result: Gacy probe clears 11 unrelated cold cases

By SHARON COHEN The Associated Press CHICAGO – His task was to solve a cruel mystery decades after a serial killer’s death.

Sgt. Jason Moran’s work began in a graveyard, his first stop in his quest to identify the eight unknown victims of John Wayne Gacy. More than 30 years had passed since Gacy had murdered 33 young men and boys.

Investigators now had more sophisticated crime-solving tools, notably DNA, so the Cook County sheriff’s detective was assigned to find out who was buried in eight anonymous graves.

Moran quickly helped a family confirm Gacy killed their brother.

Since then, though, his search has led him down a totally unexpected path: He’s cleared 11 unrelated cold cases across America. After eliminating these young men as Gacy victims, he’s pored over DNA results, medical and Social Security records, enlisted anthropologists, lab technicians and police in Utah, Colorado, New Jersey and other states – and cracked missing person’s cases that had been dormant for decades.

Most recently, Moran identified a 16-year-old murder victim in San Francisco who’d been buried 36 years ago.

He’s brought comfort to

some by proving, through science and dogged research that their missing loved ones are dead.

He’s brought joy to others, finding long-lost brothers and sons still alive.

Marveling at this remarkable detour from the ghastly Gacy trail, Moran says he recently told his boss: “Is it possible that an evil serial killer has done some good?”

Moran’s work began four years ago after Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart publicly urged anyone who thought a relative was an unidentified Gacy victim to submit to a DNA test.

Moran prioritized about 170 tips from more than 20 states, representing some 80 missing young men.

He focused on those similar in age (14 to 24) and background to Gacy’s victims: Many had troubled families or substance abuse problems. Some were gay. Others had worked construction for Gacy, a building contractor.

He was executed in 1994.

Authorities had long ago removed the jaw bones and teeth of the eight unknown victims, hoping for eventual identification.

Decades later, they were buried, only to be exhumed in 2011. Moran took them to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, where lab workers developed solid DNA profiles for four victims. For the other four, the entire remains had to be exhumed.

SAN FRANCISCO – Crystal Patterson didn’t have the cash or assets to post $150,000 bail and get out of jail after her arrest for assault in October.

So Patterson, 39, promised to pay a bail bonds company $15,000 plus interest to put up the $150,000 bail for her, allowing to go home and care for her invalid grandmother.

The day after her release, the district attorney decided not to pursue charges. But Patterson still owes the bail bonds company. Criminal justice reformers and lawyers at a nonprofit Washington D.C. legal clinic say that is unconstitutionally unfair.

The lawyers have filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Patterson, Rianna Buffin and other jail inmates who argue that San Francisco and California’s bail system unconstitutionally treats poor and wealthy suspects differently.

Wealthy suspects can put up their houses or other valuable assets – or simply write

a check – to post bail and stay out of jail until their cases are resolved. Poorer suspects aren’t so lucky. Many remain behind bars or pay nonrefundable fees to bail bonds companies.

San Francisco public defender Chesa Boudin says some of his clients who can’t afford to post bail plead guilty to minor charges Rianna for crimes they Buffin didn’t commit so they can leave jail.

Boudin represented Buffin, 19, after her arrest for grand theft in October. Buffin couldn’t afford to post the $30,000 bail or pay a bond company a $3,000 fee and so contemplated pleading guilty in exchange for a quick release from jail even though she says her only crime was being with the “wrong people at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Fortunately, the district attorney declined to charge Buffin and she was released after

being held for three days.

“My family was worried,” said Ruffin, who lost her $10.50 an hour baggage handler job at the Oakland International Airport after her arrest.

The lawsuit filed by the Equal Justice Under Law in San Francisco federal court in October seeks to abolish the cash bail system in the city, state – and the country. It’s the ninth lawsuit the center has filed in seven states.

“The bail system in most states is a two-tiered system,” said center founder Phil Telfeyan. “One for the wealthy and one for everyone else.”

The center has settled four lawsuits, convincing smaller jails in states in the South to do away with cash bail requirements for most charges.

Telfeyan said a win in California could add momentum to the center’s goal to rid the country of the cash bail system, which the lawyers say is used by most county jails in all 50 states. The federal system usually allows non-violent suspects free without bail pending trial and denies bail to serious and violent suspects.

New deals, gift returns bringing people into the mall • DEALS

Continued from page 14 prices went up.”

A T-shirt that Clark previously saw at a store was on sale for $7, but it was $20 Saturday.

“They gave 50 percent off the second one, so that’s how they make up for it,” Clark said. “It’s definitely busier than average.”

Minooka resident Rosalinda Lehotan came to the mall with her two kids and bought a $30 cellphone cover from Ahtesham’s store for $20 Saturday.

“I’m looking for deals I can’t find the rest of the week,” Lehotan said, noting that she also saw prices for some clothing items slashed by as much as 66 percent.

For Stoneking, the trip to the mall was mainly for returning a gift his mother received, giving Vath a belated Christmas gift,

Vikaas Shanker – vshanker@shawmedia.com

Abdullah Ahtesham (center), manager for Street Talk, gives Minooka resident Rosalinda Lehotan (right) a good deal on a cellphone case Saturday at the Louis Joliet Mall.

and finding good deals after the “We moved, but we’re here couple closed on an apartment all the time,” Vath said. “We’re in Wisconsin. light on the gifts this year.”

The addition of generators to help faucet water flow Continued from page 12

Joliet officials working on lighting, shoveling program • AGENDA

Continued from page 8 “We certainly hope that will be resolved, and we will be under construction for a new [commuter] platform and train station,” Hock said.

Meanwhile, the city also plans to use grant funding to help pay for new LED street lighting.

“We’re going to start with the focus on Essington Road,”

Hock said.

Motorists on Essington can expect in 2016 to see the brighter lighting, which, Hock noted, also will last longer and be less expensive to maintain.

O’Dekirk also is working on plans for a volunteer shovel brigade that will go into service during snowstorms to help seniors who need it.

Maybe not this winter, he said, but, “I definitely in the next year want to get that project up and running.”

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Give A Meal at SolveHungerToday.org Northern Illinois Food Bank works with community food pantries and feeding programs to feed our hungry neighbors.

• BORTEL

Continued from page 11 In addition to the establishment of the historic downtown district, which makes Plainfield one of 15 communities in the state on the National Registry of Historic Places, Garrigan also has been credited with being a key contributor to the village’s comprehensive plan, its single-family home design standards and the collaboration between the Village Board and Plan Com-

mission.

Garrigan’s last day in Plainfield was Wednesday. He couldn’t be reached Wednesday or Thursday. But Allen Persons, director of public works for the village, said Garrigan decided to move to the next phase in his career in Antioch, where he has family.

“He did mention to me he felt Antioch is a little bit smaller than Plainfield today, but it’s what Plainfield was like 20 years ago,” Persons said. “He felt like it was the next step in his career to build another community.”

adno=0359219

Garrigan looking forward to being in a smaller community

• Sunday, December 27, 2015

will go into our schools, fire protection and police departments,” Norton Ammer said.

“Not to mention, in excess of 100 really good jobs.”

The city’s third-biggest priority is completing work on an emergency generator project that will keep water flowing through city pipes in prolonged electrical outages,

Kopczick said.

The purchase and installation of four stationary generators and one portable generator, recently approved at a cost of $485,000, will keep water flowing through faucets. It also will prevent evacuation of Morris Hospital and other public buildings because without water, they become a fire suppression risk.

The Morris City Council will meet Jan. 4 to get started on the new year.

LOCAL NEWS | The Herald-News

• PRIORITIES

31

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

32

BUSINESS

How to submit Mail submissions to news@theherald-news.com. Photos should be sent as attachments to an email.

Submissions are subject to editing for length, style and grammar and appear as space is available.

2016-17: Possibility of U.S. recession, or not Dear Mr. Berko: Some economists are predicting that the U.S. economy will report good earnings in 2016 and 2017 and that the Dow Jones industrial average will rise over 21,000.

Other economists think that the U.S. economy will go into recession in 2016 or 2017 and that the Dow will fall to 10,000.

Your thoughts are requested by the members of our investment club, at which you spoke in 1990. – SM, Durham, N.C. Dear SM: I remember! The first law of economists: For every economist, there’s an equal and opposite economist.

The second law of economists: They’re both wrong. I don’t like economists; I never did.

Along with members of Congress, they are among the

TAKING STOCK Malcolm Berko useless humanoids on earth.

Corporate profits have declined for three successive quarters, and many companies will report lower profits for the last quarter of 2015.

I’d not be surprised if the U.S. economy officially entered another recession in mid-2017.

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke believed that a rising stock market would improve consumer confidence and goose corporate profits, much of which would trickle down to consumers’ pockets.

U.S. stocks drift to a mixed close

By KEN SWEET AP Business Writer NEW YORK – Stocks closed slightly lower in extremely light trading Thursday as investors remained on the sidelines ahead of Christmas. The price of crude oil continued to recover.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 50.44 points, or 0.3 percent, to 17,552.17. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 3.30 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,060.99 and the Nasdaq composite rose 2.56 points, less than 0.1 percent, to 5,048.49.

Christmas Eve is almost always the quietest trading day of the year, and this year was no exception. Roughly 1.4 billion shares changed hands on the New York Stock Exchange, a third of what’s typical and the lowest volume since Christmas Eve 2013.

U.S. and European markets will remain closed Friday in observance of Christmas.

Oil prices continued to

recover from lows earlier in the week. U.S. crude futures gained 60 cents to close at $38.10 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude, which is used to price international oils, rose 53 cents to close at $37.89 a barrel in London.

Energy stocks didn’t benefit from oil’s climb. The energy component of the S&P 500 index fell 0.9 percent, the most of the 10 industry sectors in the S&P 500 index.

The dollar edged lower to 120.28 yen from 120.88 yen a day earlier. The euro rose slightly to $1.0964 from $1.0912.

Bond prices rose slightly.

The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note fell to 2.24 percent from 2.25 percent a day earlier.

In the metals markets, gold rose $7.60 to $1,075.90 an ounce, silver rose nine cents to $14.38 an ounce and copper was unchanged at $2.12 a pound.

The $3 trillion of quantitative easing funds the Fed gifted to the banking system certainly goosed the market.

However, the rising market didn’t put a penny in consumers’ pockets. Instead, it trickled up to the very wealthy, whose wealth increased in the amount of the QE funds issued by the Fed. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the average bridge in America is 42 years old, and 151,238 of them are deficient.

The average dam is 52 years old, and 14,076 of them are rated “high hazard.”

America’s seaports, airports and highways require extensive upgrades.

This crumbling infrastructure is dangerous and inef-

ficient. The ASCE estimates that 42 percent of America’s urban highways remain congested and cost the economy over $101 billion yearly in wasted time and fuel.

Over $150 billion is lost (perishable items, crashed computer systems, disappearing data and cancellation of public events) to power outages.

And it’s estimated that airport congestion costs the economy $26 billion and increases each year.

Those billions add up to real money no matter how you slice the salami, Sam! Every member of Congress has this ASCE report.

Still, Congress missed an opportunity to employ 2 million Americans in shov-

el-ready jobs. Since 2008, the cost to update and modernize our infrastructure has increased by 50 percent.

Imagine the ancillary jobs that would be created; 2 million more Americans would have fresh cash in their pockets, and their demand would create increased demand for more goods and services, which would require hiring more Americans to meet that demand, ad infinitum.

I think that electing a Congress is too important to be left to voters who watch the Kardashians and Jerry Springer on TV.

• Address financial questions to Malcolm Berko, P.O. Box 8303, Largo, FL 33775, or email him at mjberko@yahoo.com.

Milano Bakery honored for success SUBMITTED REPORT JOLIET — Officials from U.S. Bank recently recognized Joliet’s Milano Bakery on its 100 years in business with a special congratulatory award followed by a tour of the South Chicago Street facility.

The bakery was founded in 1915 by Mario DeBenedetti I, who came to the United States from Milan, Italy.

Today, the third and fourth generations of the DeBenedetti family closely follow many of his old-world Italian recipes.

Milano Bakery remains family owned and operated under Mario DeBenedetti III, the company’s president, and his brother Darin, the vice president.

Both brothers handle dayto-day operations ensuring quality, consistency and customer satisfaction.

“We are extremely honored to receive this award from U.S. Bank,” said Mario DeBenedetti III. “They have been a strong business partner of ours over the

Provided photo

U.S. Bank recently honored Milano Bakery for a century of success.

Pictured (from left): Greg Fioresi, U.S. Bank senior vice president/ region manager Chicago; Darin DeBenedetti, vice president of Milano Bakery; Seth Freeman, U.S. Bank vice president/C.M. segment manager; Rob Einstien, regional sales manager at U.S. Bank SBA Division; Mario DeBenedetti III, president of Milano Bakery; and John Young, U.S. Bank vice president/senior relationship manager business banking-Chicago. years, and we look forward to continuing and growing the relationship.”

Milano Bakery has more than 80 local employees who satisfy the growing

list of wholesale customers that includes restaurants, casinos, hospitals, grocery stores, schools, and institutions within a 50-mile radius.

OPINION

WRITE TO US: Letters must include the author's full name, address, and phone number. Letters are limited to 300 words; must be free of libelous content and personal attacks; and are subject to editing for length and clarity at the discretion of the editor. Send to news@TheHerald-News.com or The Herald News, Letters to the editor, 2175 Oneida St., Joliet IL 60405.

A look back on 2015

OUR VIEW

Be grateful for the gifts already received auto repairs caused by icy potholes?

Ditto.

Christmas is a season of giving.

Compared to previous frigid DecemPackages large and small await bers, this year’s mild weather has been a families, friends and acquaintances on gift for almost everyone (notwithstandChristmas Eve and Christmas Day. ing the disappointment of snow lovers).

However, all gifts don’t have to be Those who yearn for greenery during wrapped in colorful paper, tied up with the holidays, beyond Christmas trees bows and placed beneath the Christmas and wreaths, traditionally must travel to tree. warmer climes to find it.

Some gifts arrive throughout the But this year, all you need to do is step month unannounced. outside and take in the green grass that Mild December weather is one such many lawns, surprisingly, still have. gift.

Along with snow-free travel conResidents in Will and Grundy counties ditions, our region has enjoyed more have had only one brush with difficult economical times at the fuel pump. winter weather, and a month ago at that.

Gasoline prices of about $2 a gallon That storm seemed to be a harbinger are a welcome relief to the wallet and of a rough winter, but no – since then, purse – a gift that started giving long mild weather has been our lot. before Christmas.

Snow-related traffic accidents? Heart As Christmas arrived, gifts certainly attacks from shoveling snow? Falls on were appreciated. They were the icing slippery pavement? We’ve dodged those on the cake for the gifts our region has wintertime hazards – so far. already received.

Sky-high heating bills? Expensive Merry Christmas.

SHAW MEDIA EDITORIAL

THE FIRST

AMENDMENT

The year 2015 was one of struggle and hope – and a poignant reminder of just how interlinked those two things are. We met with tragedy, heartache and fear, yet emerged with resolve to rise above our adversaries, above difficult circumstances and above our own less noble impulses in order to move forward.

The milestones that we commemorated in 2015 reminded us that our past has been filled with years that have been every bit as tumultuous as this one.

In March, President Barack Obama helped to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic marches from Selma to Montgomery, when the nonviolent marchers put their lives on the line to help secure voting rights for all Americans. The sacrifices and courage of the civil rights heroes who made those marches will never be forgotten.

We also marked the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with emotional commemorations on the Gulf Coast. New Orleans residents celebrated the recovery made so far, and committed to continuing the work of rebuilding the affected communities.

We were reminded again of the vital contributions made by the men and women of our military with ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, and 50 years since the first U.S. ground troops arrived in Vietnam. As those occasions were noted, the commitment of American soldiers in Afghanistan entered its 14th year.

In a celebration of outstanding success, 2015 marked 50 years of the Head Start program, which has provided learning, health and nutrition assistance to more than 32 million children.

And on a lighter note, it’s been 10 years since the founding of YouTube allowed Internet users unparalleled access to videos of news, entertainment and adorable cat antics.

The events of 2015 were dominated by the terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California, near the end of the year. The scenes of slaughter in one of the world’s most beautiful cities and in the incongru-

VIEWS Donna Brazile ous setting of an employee holiday party put the American public on edge to a degree not felt since 9/11.

That level of concern upended the presidential contests. On the Democratic side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton solidified her lead as the candidate with the most foreign policy experience. But she remains in a competitive race, especially in the two early states, with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Among the Republicans, things got ugly as businessman and former reality TV star Donald Trump proposed a ban on all Muslims entering the United States. Trump had already dominated and distorted the race ever since announcing a run in June with a speech denouncing Mexicans as rapists. His unexpectedly high poll numbers only got bigger in the wake of the fear generated by the ISIS attacks.

ISIS sympathizers weren’t the only ones killing Americans in 2015, as the nation saw more in the grim procession of mass shootings. In November, four people were killed and nine injured after a shooting at a Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado Springs. In June, 21-year old Dylann Roof was arrested for the murder of nine black churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina – a crime that prosecutors say was unquestionably motivated by racial hatred.

At least when pictures surfaced of Roof posing with Confederate flags, the public revulsion was enough to finally force the removal of the Confederate flag from the statehouse grounds in South Carolina. The Confederate flag also was removed from the Alabama state capital and from specialty license plates in Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland.

The year saw the lives of millions of Americans affected by political and societal change. A federal district court blocked Obama’s executive actions on

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

See BRAZILE, page 34

33 The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

The Herald-News Editorial Board Bob Wall, Denise Baran-Unland, Anna Schier and Kate Schott

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| OPINION

34

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Joliet American Legion Band appreciates supporters

To the Editor: On behalf of the entire Joliet American Legion Band, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the many individuals, organizations and Band members, who assisted in a variety of ways to help make the 33rd annual presentation of the “Sounds of Christmas” concert a reality. While there are too many names to mention in this forum, please know your efforts are truly appreciated.

I wish to extend a huge thank you to the nearly 1,300 who came out on a balmy, rainy day to experience the ambiance of the beautiful Rialto Theatre and to hear the holiday sounds of the band. The band is grateful to those who attended and was pleased to perform in front of a lively and engaged audience. It is audiences such as this that inspire today’s band to carry-on the dream of its founding members nearly 70 years later.

Following the longstanding tradition of this concert, tickets are available in exchange for a generous donation of nonperishable food and/or paper products, which the band gives to a local charity.

This year Catholic Charities – Diocese of Joliet’s Daybreak Center was the recipient. The band was thrilled to transfer an overwhelming amount of items to this most-deserving charity. Based on the generosity of attendees, the Daybreak Center is looking forward to the possibility of working together in the future.

For the next two months, the band will take its customary winter break. During this time, I encourage musicians in the greater Joliet area and beyond to consider joining the band. The band’s current membership includes several individuals who live more than 100 miles from Joliet.

Members range in age from 16 to 94.

All talented musicians are welcome to attend rehearsals from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Tuesdays at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. For information, visit www. jolietlegionband.org.

It is my sincere hope that all of the concert-goers truly enjoyed this year’s rendition of the “Sounds of Christmas.”

We look forward to seeing you again next year and possibly at many of the band’s other performances throughout the year.

Thank you again to our patrons for your donations that will assist so many in our area.

With appreciation, Gary T. Picha

Chairman of Joliet American Legion Band 2015 Sounds of Christmas

Consider Joliet residents for openings at parks

To the Editor: My name is Bob Stephen, I am 84 years old and have lived in the Joliet area for my entire life. During this time, I became involved in many worthy charities in Joliet. Any success I had working with these charities was because of relationships I had with the city and many other benefactors that I know. Joliet is a people’s city, there is no other city like it.

At present, there are two openings in two organizations that I am very proud of. One, the Joliet Park District and two, the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park. I would strongly encourage that these positions be filled by people living in Joliet or the surrounding areas. I know from experience that we have capable people in Joliet who can be extremely successful and do a wonderful job because of relationships that are the key to getting the job done.

Please give these Joliet applicants your full consideration.

Thank you.

Bob Stephen Joliet

Joliet West winter band concert inspires

To the Editor: I was recently honored to attend the incredibly inspiring winter band concert featuring the excellent Joliet West High School band directed by conductors Karol Domalik and Eric Wellman.

The 155 students who proudly comprise this very talented band put on a truly memorable holiday presentation that will be an inspirational start to this year’s Christmas season. These dedicated student performers who work many hours in order to entertain their grateful audiences should be sincerely congratulated for their efforts.

What a fantastic way to start the 2015-16 holiday season.

David R. Marco Joliet

Wars of all kinds

To the Editor: “Star Wars” at the movies. Budget wars in Springfield.

Raymond Stoiber Joliet

An appreciation of the LincolnWay North 2015 Madrigals

To the Editor: The Lincoln-Way North 2015 Madrigals have been a series of bravura performances of Christmas carols and songs of the season. Who are these accomplished performers? Can it really be our own sons and daughters, nearly grown?

The Madrigals presented marvelous performances by many of the best and brightest students in our community.

The Madrigals are a celebration of Renaissance music, including a feast with strong measures of humor. Guests are welcomed by a prelude performance, with the players in traditional garb, reciting Shakespearian verse, and, alternately, musicians playing period pieces.

Entering the theater, we find the stage has been converted to an intimate dining room setting.

Madrigals are an extracurricular activity. The high musical achievement reflects the dedication of students and instructors. So full are the performances that the listener often imagines instrumentation where there is none.

Comic performances are provided by jester and wench characters, who also contribute a running narrative for the audience and are the stars of the funniest-ever version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

Singing, however, is the show’s center.

A soaring “In the Bleak Midwinter,” previously unfamiliar, seems to have taken permanent residence in my memory.

“Silent Night” was luminous and sacred, but also signaled the feast was nearly over.

Laughter, smiles and tears were in wide evidence. Were the emotions simply parents’ pride? Perhaps. Sensing the passage of time, we’re moved to tears, realizing that our children are becoming adults.

Maybe there’s more than just that. I attended several performances this year, including two at local churches. The tones and timbres may have changed with the room, but listeners always were swept away by the eloquence of the performers and their cascade of music.

These young artists have learned to capture beautiful moments and then share it with listeners. Their accomplishment was to touch hearts and elevate the souls of their audience. Then, leaving the theater and bolstered by their performances, we find ourselves ready for the cold winter nearly arrived.

Tom Kaminski Frankfort

2015 brought challenges, successes • BRAZILE

Continued from page 33 immigration, leaving almost 5 million immigrants who arrived here as children in danger of deportation. On the other hand, after 54 years, Obama restored diplomatic relations with Cuba, although ending the travel and trade bans requires Congressional action, which is unlikely to be swift in coming.

But the most welcome change in 2015 was the June Supreme Court decision ruling legalizing gay marriage throughout the country. It took a while to convince a certain county clerk in Kentucky, but hopefully marriage equality is here to stay.

The summer saw the first visit to the U.S. by Pope Francis, thrilling the faithful. The pontiff spoke at the United Nations, filled Madison Square Garden and became the first pope ever to address Congress.

The end of the year also saw some hopeful moves forward on climate change, as representatives of 195 nations reached an agreement on limiting greenhouse gas emissions to help forestall global warming. Oh, and if the effort to save planet Earth is too little, too late, NASA announced in 2015 that there is liquid water on Mars.

In sports, the New England Patriots shocked the Seattle Seahawks with a goal line interception in the closing moments that gave them victory in Super Bowl XLIX. The Golden State Warriors took the NBA championship for the first time in 40 years with a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Blackhawks won their third Stanley Cup in the past six years.

And the Kansas City Royals won their first World Series since 1985 by defeating the New York Mets.

As we watch the year 2015 recede in the rear-view mirror, let us say a prayer of thanks for having passed through a very hazardous stretch of territory – and hope the journey ahead will be smoother.

Merry Christmas.

• Donna Brazile is a senior Democratic strategist, a political commentator and contributor to CNN and ABC News, and a contributing columnist to Ms. Magazine and O, the Oprah Magazine.

Tough defense lifts Morris to late win over Somonauk / 39

Contact Sports Editor Rob Oesterle at roesterle@shawmedia.com

Stay informed

Keep informed on Grundy County news by getting the Morris Herald-News, available Sunday through Friday, or by visiting MorrisHerald-News.com.

Morris’ Matt Shaw goes up for two of his 35 points in a 67-53 win Saturday night over Somonauk in the Plano Christmas Classic.

Dan Voitik for Shaw Media

MHN

PUTTING ON THE PRESSURE

35 The Herald–News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

SPORTS

Have some sports news?

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| SPORTS

36

GIRLS BASKETBALL – LINCOLN-WAY EAST MEDIEVAL CLASSIC: MINOOKA 57, LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL 46 (0T)

Minooka rallies past Lincoln-Way Central

By CURT HERRON cherron@shawmedia.com FRANKFORT – You never know what you’re going to get in a fifth game of a basketball tournament that concludes the day after Christmas.

But the girls teams from Minooka and Lincoln-Way Central handled their contest in Lincoln-Way East’s Medieval Classic just as if they were playing for the championship.

While the Knights did a lot of good things to give themselves a good chance to close with a win, the Indians did a better job of closing and rallied for a 57-46 overtime victory.

Brooklyn Bachmann scored 24 of her game-high 32 points in the final half to pace Minooka (9-4), which trailed, 31-22, with less than three minutes remaining in the third quarter.

“We were struggling a little bit defensively since we hadn’t seen a team that penetrates that much, so we really had to play help defense,” Bachmann said. “We struggled a little bit getting

“We were struggling a little bit defensively since we hadn’t seen a team that penetrates that much, so we really had to play help defense. We struggled a little bit getting rebounds in the beginning, but then all of my teammates stepped up, and we grabbed a lot of key boards and kicked it out.”

Brooklyn Bachmann Minooka girls basketball player rebounds in the beginning, but then all of my teammates stepped up, and we grabbed a lot of key boards and kicked it out.

“When Sydney [Arlis] gets in foul trouble, it’s a little scary at first because she’s always there. But today, everyone stepped it up defensively, which allowed me to get open offensively, so it’s all the team. We’re young, so most of the girls on the team haven’t experienced games like this. But every day at practice, we play super hard on everybody else and just never give up.”

Shortly after Arlis (16 points, seven rebounds) hit a 3-pointer to pull the Indians to within 31-25, she drew her fourth foul and went to the

bench, where she remained for more than four minutes.

But Bachmann answered the bell by making a layup to pull her team to within 3127 going into the last period and then opened the fourth by hitting two more layups to tie the score.

The game stayed closed throughout the rest of regulation, which finished with the teams tied at 41. Central took the early lead in overtime when Cora Likins hit two free throws 14 seconds in, but Arlis put her team up for good with an old-fashioned three-point play with 2:55 left, and then Bachmann hit four straight free throws to make it 48-43 with 1:29 to go.

Bachmann, who earned a spot on the all-tournament

team for her efforts, hit four more free throws after that and closed things out with another layup as the Indians outscored the Knights, 16-5, in the extra session.

“A huge key to winning close games is having somebody who can hit free throws,” Indians coach Ray Liberatore said. “I think Brooklyn hit eight in a row in overtime, and that’s just huge since it demoralizes the other team. But it’s a role that she really likes to be in.

“Sydney is the heart of our team and plays so hard defensively but gets in trouble at times, so we’ve had to play without her a time or two, and I’d rather not. But the other girls stepped up, and we held our own until she got back.

We played four very good basketball teams here, and that’s what you want. That’s going to help us once we get back into conference play.”

After falling behind, 9-4, in the early going, the Knights took a 20-18 halftime lead.

That advantage grew to 28-20 just 1:44 following the break when Colleen Barrett (seven points, five rebounds) hit a 3-pointer and was still at 31-22 with 2:54 left in the third quarter after Rebecca Gorman (17 points, five rebounds) made a layup.

Central also got nine points and seven rebounds from Kate Honan and seven points from Grace Curran, while Savannah Johnson added five points and five rebounds for Minooka.

“I thought we played real good for 3½ quarters,” Knights coach Chris Fetherling said. “We struggled at the end of the fourth, and we didn’t play well in the overtime. But I thought we got good contributions from the girls all throughout the tournament. I thought all in all that we played well, but we just didn’t do enough to win.”

BOYS BASKETBALL – JACK TOSH HOLIDAY CLASSIC: MINOOKA 54, McHENRY 35

Butler, Minooka win with big second half

By DRAKE SKLEBA Shaw Media Correspondent ELMHURST – In Minooka’s Jack Tosh Holiday Classic opener Saturday, to say Joe Butler had a pretty good second half would be an understatement.

The 6-foot-3 senior scored 18 of his game-high 27 points in the second half to lead the Indians past McHenry, 5435. Butler was 11 of 17 from the floor and added six rebounds, three steals and two assists.

“We all played very hard today, and this was a big win for us,” Butler said, “We really wanted to win and play on Monday in the championship bracket. That is where

we will play the best teams, which will help us get better.”

The Indians (7-3) will meet Hinsdale South (7-3) at 4:30 p.m. Monday. Hinsdale South beat Lane Tech behind Northwestern-bound 6-10 center Barrett Benson.

Indians senior guard Larry Roberts put on a show with Butler at the start of the fourth quarter. With the Indians leading, 36-30, Roberts hit Butler with a pass for a layup.

A minute later, the Roberts-Butler combo struck again on another Roberts pass to Butler for two.

With 5:20 left, Roberts (eight points, five assists), buried a 3-pointer for a 37-24 lead.

“I really didn’t have my shot today,” Roberts said.

“It felt great to finally hit the 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. I noticed that they could not stop Joe (Butler) inside. We ran our offense to perfection, and I was able to set Joe up for layups. It’s really great to be playing in the championship bracket, and I am looking forward to playing against Benson and Hinsdale South.”

In the first quarter, 6-2 senior guard Nick Clemmons came off the bench, replacing Jonny Butler (five points), who picked up two quick fouls, and ignited a 7-0 run.

Clemmons blocked a shot, had three rebounds, two steals and added an assist in

the quarter as the Indians grabbed a 10-4 lead.

“I try to do everything I can to help us win,” Clemmons said, “Last year, I started a number of games.

This year, my role is to come off the bench and give us energy, which I was able to provide today.”

Clemmons (eight points, five rebounds, three steals, assist, blocked shot), scored seven fourth-quarter points to conclude a sixth-man of the game performance.

The Indians led McHenry (4-6), 19-17, at the half.

“I am so proud of the fact that the kids play so hard,” Minooka coach Scott Tanaka said. “We played poorly in the first half, but more than

made up for it with an outstanding second half.

“I truly believe Joe Butler is the best basketball player in the state. He does everything for us. No one works harder than Joe. Larry [Roberts] wasn’t scoring, but he made had some outstanding assists in the fourth quarter to break open the game.

“Every team we play, we have to outwork. All our wins are grinders. With our motion offense, we make opposing teams play defense as we try to wear them out. At the end of the game, I want the opposition to be exhausted. Hopefully on Monday, we can wear down Benson and Hinsdale South.”

BOYS BASKETBALL – ROMEOVILLE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC: JOLIET CATHOLIC 69, SHEPARD 35

By DICK GOSS dgoss@shawmedia.com

• Sunday, December 27, 2015

ROMEOVILLE – The end result was nice.

Very nice.

But it was how that result was achieved that had Joliet Catholic boys basketball coach Joe Gura in a festive mood, even by his standards.

His Hilltoppers shot lights out from 3-point range and whipped Shepard, 69-35, in Saturday’s opening round of the Romeoville Christmas Classic.

Next up is a 5 p.m. Monday quarterfinal date with Plainfield Central.

“What I liked most is how we got the 3s,” Gura said. “We played inside out. We moved the defense, relocated and got great shots.”

Senior guard Jalen Jackson, as usual, was the ring leader as JCA (6-2) finished 14 of 24 from beyond the arc. That included 14 of 22 through three quarters as the Hilltoppers led, 19-9, after one quarter, 39-14 at halftime and 59-25 after three quarters.

Jackson finished 6 of 9 from 3-point range and scored 20 points. Pete Ragen scored 12 and was 2 of 2 from long range.

Donavan Finch contributed 11 points and nailed all three of his 3s. Harry Davis contributed 10 points and he, Jared Lenoir and Jack Surin all contributed 3s.

“We had a great start tonight,” Jackson said. “This game gives us a lot of confidence for the rest of the tournament. The way we shot was a tribute to the way we played – inside out.”

When Jackson gets good looks and shoots in rhythm the way he did Saturday, it’s about as automatic as shooting free throws.

“That’s my teammates,” Jackson said. “They gave me the basketball where I could shoot in rhythm.

“Sometimes, I take iffy shots. We call them heat checks, and coach [Gura] gets on me for that. But tonight, I didn’t. It was the first time in a long time I didn’t face a box-and-one or somebody face-guarding me.”

Gura said Jackson proba-

SPORTS | The Herald-News

JCA gets 3-point looks the right way

37

Larry W. Kane for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Joliet Catholic’s Harry Davis drives the baseline around Shepard’s Roy Humphrey during Saturday’s opener of the Romeoville Christmas Classic. Davis scored 10 points as JCA won, 69-35. BELOW: JCA’s Donavan Finch, who scored 11 points, drives to the basket. bly is one of the two best offensive players he has coached, the other being James “Tiger” Foster from the days when he was known as one of the Three Amigos at Lockport.

When the box-and-one and face-guarding situations do arise, Jackson has plenty of potential help on the offensive end.

“We have two very good big men [Ragen and Luke Mander] and several guys who can score,” Jackson said. “Finch is a great outside shooter.”

Two weeks ago, the Hilltoppers went through an uncharacteristically poor shooting weekend. They lost at Benet and Minooka, both After a victory over Carmel “The first line I said to the good opponents, but were disappointed in their offensive and the drubbing of Shepard, guys after the game was we things are looking better. need to play this type of basoutput.

ketball every quarter,” Gura said. “We do that, and we will be much better offensively. I really liked the play of our bigs today.”

Shepard (2-8) missed some opportunities around the basket, but overall, JCA had a big night defensively. The Astros were 4 of 19 from the field in the first half and 11 of 41 for the game, 26.8 percent.

In addition, the Hilltoppers enjoyed a 35-23 rebounding edge. Ragen, Mander, Davis and reserve forward Kyle Behymer all had four boards, while Jackson, Finch and Surin contributed three apiece.

“Little by little, a few minutes at a time, we’re getting more contributions from our bench,” Gura said. “That really helps us.”

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| SPORTS

38

BOYS BASKETBALL – RICH SOUTH BIG DIPPER TOURNAMENT: JOLIET CENTRAL 59, KING 46

Joliet Central uses late 19-0 run to beat King

By JEFF DE GRAW Shaw Media Correspondent RICHTON PARK – When you commit 15 turnovers and shoot only 9 of 28 from the field in the first three quarters, your team usually is in trouble.

But a 19-0 run in the fourth quarter helped propel Joliet Central’s boys basketball team to a 59-46 victory over King in an opening-round game Saturday of Rich South’s 43rd Big Dipper Tournament.

With the victory, the Steelmen move on to the championship bracket and play a quarterfinal game, at 7 p.m.

Monday, against the University of Chicago Lab School.

Central never led until a basket by Devonte Pitchford – who finished with nine second-half points – with 6:16 left in the game gave it a 38-36 lead.

However, King came right

back and hit a 3-pointer to go up, 39-36.

The Steelmen then went on a 19-0 run over a three-minute span to seal the win.

“There was no flow in the first half,” Central coach Jeff Corcoran said. “We knew King would press and try to make the game a track meet.

At halftime, we talked about the value of each possession, taking care of the ball – things we didn’t do in the first half.

We played hard, the kids never let up, and we finally got it going our way late.”

Central – which trailed, 11-6, after the first quarter and 24-19 at the half – tied the score at 34 at the end of the third quarter on a buzzer beating 3-pointer by Jomarre McNair.

McNair (six points), also put the finishing touches on the run with a 3 to give the Steelmen a 57-41 lead with only 2:23 left. Taquan Sims, a

“There was no flow in the first half. We knew King would press and try to make the game a track meet.

At halftime, we talked about the value of each possession, taking care of the ball – things we didn’t do in the first half. We played hard, the kids never let up, and we finally got it going our way late.”

Jeff Corcoran Joliet Central boys basketball coach senior, led the Steelmen with tributed nine points and 13 points, eight assists, three nine rebounds. Fuller scored rebounds and two steals. three quick baskets in the pivotal third quarter to ‘Defense comes first’ get Joliet Central back in the “We really worked on find- game. ing our rhythm early,” Sims “I was playing way too fast said. “Basketball is a game to begin the game,” Fuller of runs, and we really nev- said. “I finally slowed down er let them [King] have a big and let the game come to me. run; and as long as we hung We really stepped up the dearound, our run was coming. fense in the second half. If you Defense comes first.” play good defense, the offense Senior Malik Fuller con- will come, and that is what

we did in the fourth quarter.

That was Steelmen basketball.”

“Malik struggled in the first half, and at the half we talked about getting him going,” Corcoran said.

Central’s Jose Grubbs saw limited action, having received medical clearance regarding an injured hand.

“We didn’t know until today whether Jose would be able to play,” Corcoran said.

“We used him sparingly, just trying to get him some reps.

Anytime on the floor is a great asset for the team.”

Central’s defense held King to 37 percent from the field (15 of 41) and forced 19 turnovers, most of those coming in the second half.

The Steelmen ended up shooting 39 percent from the floor and 68 percent from the free-throw line (15 of 22). They were 7 of 9 in the second half from the charity stripe.

BOYS BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Plainfield Central, Lemont open with victories STAFF REPORTS ROMEOVILLE – The Plainfield Central and Lemont boys basketball teams both got off on the right foot Saturday in the opening round of the Romeoville Christmas Classic.

Plainfield Central outscored Reavis, 17-10, in the fourth quarter to secure a 5242 victory in the tournament opener. Lemont took the lead for good late in the first quarter and beat Chicago Christian, 63-49.

Scott Gustafson had 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the way for Central (2-9), which has won two straight.

Justin Windt added nine points, Christopher Bowitz eight, Michael Hood seven and Michael Lyons six. Lyons grabbed seven rebounds, and Bowitz had two steals and two assists.

The Wildcats will face Joliet Catholic at 5 p.m. Monday in the quarterfinals.

Lemont (7-3), meanwhile,

was led by P.J. Pipes and Nick Wisz. Pipes finished with 24 points and six rebounds. He hit 7 of 13 shots and 8 of 10 free throws. Wisz had 14 of his 17 points in the second half, made 8 of 9 free throws and grabbed seven rebounds, tying Austin Tittle for game honors in that category.

“We came out and played really well in the third quarter,” said Lemont coach Rick Runaas, whose team led, 29-21, at halftime, 43-27 with 3:24 left in the third quarter and 46-34 at the quarter break.

“I thought that was key, that we were able to build on our lead,” Runaas said.

“I challenged P.J. to be the best player on the floor, and that’s a reality many nights.

It’s a nice position to be in.

And Nick wasn’t getting calls in the first half, and that made him even more determined in the second half.”

Lemont will play in the 8 p.m. game Monday.

coln-Way East 45: The Griffins ors at 38 after three quarters

as sophomore Brian Castelli buried two 3-pointers to pull the Celtics even.

“This was a huge win for our program,” Providence coach Tim Trendel said.

“After losing our top six players from last season, we have been improving every game. It’s been a gradual climb back; and as I stated this time last year, I believe YORK TOURNAMENT Providence 58, De La Salle 49: we again will be playing our Providence (3-6) trailed Chica- best basketball in February go Catholic rival De La Salle, and March.”

30-23, at halftime, in its Jack Tosh Holiday Classic opener BIG DIPPER TOURNAMENT Lincoln-Way Central 57, Hales but awoke in the second half to score the victory. Jake Schut- Franciscan 54: Central (7-1) nevter, who scored 15 points, made er trailed in a close matchup at seven of his eight fourth-quar- Rich South against the defending tournament champion. ter free throws.

“This was a huge win for The Knights built a 15 pointlead and then hung on for the us,” Schutter said.

Metea Valley (4-5) sur- victory.

Mikey Koszela lead Central prised Batavia, 57-52, and will meet Providence on Monday. with 19 points, six rebounds Anthony DiNardo, chipped and three assists. Jarret in 12 points for the Celtics. Gmazel added 13 points and Downers Grove North 57, Lin- Providence caught the Mete- grabbed six boards. fell behind, 17-7, after one quarter and 31-13 at halftime and couldn’t recover. East meets Chicago Christian at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the consolation bracket. Kyle McDermed scored 14 points, grabbed six rebounds and had two steals while Lucas Galifos chipped in 11 points.

The Knights advance to a 4 p.m. quarterfinal game Monday against Bolingbrook.

Bolingbrook 78 Butler College Prep 65: Bolingbrook raced to

a 34-19 halftime lead, extended the lead to 19 in the second half and cruised to an opening-round victory.

Nana Akenton led the Raiders with 20 points and five rebounds and added three assists. Devon Sams added 16 points.

MARSEILLES TOURNAMENT

Reed-Custer 116, Tri-Point 44:

The Comets (10-1) established a new school record for points scored in a quarter with 49 during the opening period.

Brent Headrick had 18 points and 12 rebounds, A.J. Simonelli added 16 points and seven rebounds, Tommy Shaw had 15 points and five steals and Russell Page contributed 13 point.

Reed-Custer also set a new tournament record for points scored.

39 SPORTS | The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015 Photos by Dan Voitik for Shaw Media

LEFT: Morris’ Matt Walker brings in a rebound during a 67-53 win over Somonauk on Saturday night.

ABOVE: Jordan Miracle of Morris is fouled while attempting to shoot in a 67-53 win over Somonauk in the Plano Christmas Classic on Saturday night. Miracle scored 14 points.

BOYS BASKETBALL – PLANO CHRISTMAS CLASSIC: MORRIS 67, SOMONAUK 53

Pressure defense leads Morris to win over Somonauk

By ROB OESTERLE roesterle@shawmedia.com PLANO – With a little more than seven minutes remaining in Saturday night’s consolation bracket game in the Plano Christmas Classic, the Morris boys basketball team trailed Somonauk, 43-37.

Then, the Redskins increased the pressure on defense, and the result was like that of a dam bursting. The points that Morris had been struggling to score started pouring through, and Morris outscored Somonauk, 30-10, the rest of the way for a 67-53 win.

“We extended our pressure and forced Somonauk into some quick shots and turnovers,” Morris coach Joe

Blumberg said. “That resulted in us getting some runouts and easy baskets, which was huge for a team that’s been struggling to score as much as we have lately.

“When you are struggling to score like we did the other night [a 44-27 loss to Sandwich], it’s more than just shooting drills and setting better screens that you need to do. We had to create some offense with our defense, and we were able to do that.”

Junior guard Matt Shaw was the centerpiece of the increased Morris scoring, as he led all scorers with 35 points.

Backcourt mate Jordan Miracle added 14 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. Shaw had 11 in the fourth, including a 7 of 7 performance from

the free-throw line, to help keep Somonauk from mounting any type of comeback.

Shaw also was hot early, hitting three 3-pointers to help the Redskins (5-5) to a 16-11 lead after the first quarter. Somonauk battled back to make it 25-24 at halftime and battled through the third quarter to take a 39-37 lead into the fourth before Morris sped up the game.

“Somonauk played us hard,” Blumberg said. “They were more aggressive attacking the rim than we were early, and we were struggling to find any scoring inside. But we got things going, and it was nice to get a win under our belts.”

The victory was the first for Morris since Dec. 1 and

put the Redskins into an 8 p.m. Monday game against the winner of Fenton and Coal City.

“We’re back at .500, and we have a chance to finish 2015 above .500,” Blumberg said.

“After a pretty tough month of December, that would be a pretty good accomplishment.”

Miracle started the fourth-quarter outburst for Morris by hitting a pair of free throws and then got a steal and basket off the inbounds pass. After two straight buckets by Somonauk got the lead back to 47-41, Jackson Shannon scored underneath for the Redskins and Shaw converted a steal into a layup to draw to within 46-45 with 5:57 remaining.

With 5:32 to play, Shaw scored on a putback basket and was fouled, converting the old-fashioned three-point play for a 48-47 lead that Morris never relinquished.

Miracle followed that with a 3-pointer, and Aurelius Lennon-Rios was next with a baseline drive that ended with a reverse layup for a score. A three-point play on a putback by Miracle put Morris ahead, 56-47, with 3:19 to play.

At the 3:06 mark, Somonauk’s Jacob Kenyon scored to make it 56-49, but Shaw answered with a pair of free throw. In the final 1:46, Morris got four free throws from Shaw, two from Miracle and one by Tommy Balentine to provide the final score.

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| SPORTS

40

GIRLS BASKETBALL – LINCOLN-WAY EAST MEDIEVAL CLASSIC: LINCOLN-WAY EAST 57, MOTHER McAULEY 50

Lincoln-Way East wins Medieval Classic title

BY CURT HERRON cherron@shawmedia.com FRANKFORT – Things didn’t start out too well for Lincoln-Way East’s girls basketball team in its Medieval Classic championship game against Mother McAuley on Saturday.

But despite the fact that the Mighty Macs were red hot from the floor early on, coach Jim Martin wasn’t panicking and didn’t want his Griffins to rush things.

That strategy paid off as East patiently got back into the game in the opening quarter and then used a great start of their own after the break to capture a 57-50 victory.

Claire McMahon scored a game-high 21 points to lead the Griffins (10-2). The senior was recognized for her play in the tournament by receiving the most valuable player award.

“I pulled Claire out early and told her, ‘You’re not running what you’re supposed to,’ ” Martin said. “She was looking right away for the very first option, so I told her to let it develop and she did and we got some nice baskets and made some stops and then were able to run it.

“At halftime, we said that they were shooting the lights outs and they were good. But we had a size advantage and rebounded pretty good, and we were patient and got good looks. We made a few adjustments, and then we got hot. Claire [McMahon] played well, and the advantage of her being big is that she can go inside or outside with her.”

Jim Martin Lincoln-Way East coach

“At halftime, we said that they were shooting the lights outs and they were good. But we had a size advantage and rebounded pretty good, and we were patient and got good looks. We made a few adjustments, and then we got hot.

Claire played well, and the advantage of her being big is that she can go inside or outside with her.

“Our pool wasn’t as tough as their side, so this was a good game for us and we needed to see a good opponent. We’re understanding some of our roles better, but we just get a little anxious. I tell them that they’re veterans and need to stay calm and let the game happen and just make better decisions and I thought we made some good decisions to-

night.”

Before the start of the title game, Brian Papa was honored as the honorary tournament chair of the Medieval Classic.

The longtime assistant basketball coach and hall of fame soccer coach at Lincoln-Way and East is retiring at the end of the school year.

He and Martin couldn’t have been too pleased to see McAuley score the first six points and then go up 12-4 following threes from Grace Hynes (eight points, 11 rebounds) and Vanessa Gavin (12 points).

But the Griffins gradually started to work their way back into the contest. They used a 7-0 run, which featured two layups from McMahon to close to within 12-11 and then moved

in front late in the period on a three-pointer from Sam Nair (seven points).

McAuley moved ahead at 31-25 following a three from Tara O’Malley (12 points) and a layup from Hannah Swiatek.

The Mighty Macs still owned a 34-30 halftime advantage.

But East came out of the gates strong in the final half, making its first six shots. It finished 7 of 11 for the quarter while McAuley only connected on 1 of 8 tries. All-tournament selection Quinn Madden (seven points) and McMahon (seven rebounds) each hit two three-pointers in the quarter as the Griffins went on an 18-5 run to take a 48-39 lead into the fourth quarter.

“We started pretty slow and have to work on that but

once we picked it up and started making some baskets, it helped us and gave us more energy,” McMahon said. “We really started playing as a team and passing better. They were a very good shooting team so we just had to figure that out and get out on their shooters and we adjusted well.

“It feels good to win this because last year we didn’t make it to the championship. It’s our tournament so it’s good to win it. I like the friendship on our team. Most of us have been playing together since we were little so it’s good to go out in a big way. We’re doing good.”

The Mighty Macs were able to close to within seven points on three occasions in the final quarter but could get no closer. East also received eight points from Ashley Just and five points from Courteney Barnes.

THIRD-PLACE GAME Lincoln-Way North 71, Plainfield South 47: The Cougars

settled for fourth place in the tournament after falling to the Phoenix. South was paced by Jaianna Brooks (11 points), Antwanetta Boswell (10 points) and Anya Brooks (nine points).

AREA SCHEDULE MONDAY’S EVENTS Boys Basketball

Romeoville Christmas Classic

Oswego East vs. Argo, 9 a.m.

Reavis vs. Shepard, 10:30 a.m.

Phillips vs. Oak Forest, 12 p.m.

Lincoln-Way East vs. Chicago Christian, 1:30 p.m.

Geneseo vs. Lindblom, 3:30 p.m.

Plainfield Central vs. Joliet Catholic, 5 p.m.

Glenbard South vs. Romeoville, 6:30 p.m.

Downers Grove North vs. Lemont, 8 p.m.

Lockport vs. Danville, 9 a.m.

Joliet West vs. Plainfield North, 9 p.m.

Rich South Big Dipper

Bolingbrook vs. Lincoln-Way Central, 4 p.m.

Joliet Central vs. University of Chicago Lab, 7 p.m.

Plano Christmas Classic

Morris vs. Coal City/Fenton, 8 p.m.

York Tosh Holiday Classic

Marseilles Holiday Tournament

Gardner-South Wilmington vs.

Putnam County, 3:30 p.m.

Leland-Earlville vs. Reed-Custer, 5 p.m.

Flanagan-Cornell vs. Seneca, 6:30 p.m.

Effingham-Teutopolis Christmas Classic

Lincoln-Way West vs. Charleston, 3:30 p.m. (at Teutopolis) Lincoln-Way West vs. Marshall, 8 p.m. (at Teutopolis)

Pontiac Holiday Tournament

Providence vs. Metea Valley, 3 p.m.

Minooka vs. Hinsdale South, 4:30 p.m.

of Will and Grundy Counties

Support

11:30 a.m.

1:15 p.m.

Plainfield East vs. Lanphier, 3:45 p.m.

Chicago Christian vs. Coal City, 3:30 p.m.

St. Edward/Walther Christian vs.

Reed-Custer/St. Francis, TBA

Pekin Holiday Tournament

Kankakee Holiday Tournament Peotone vs. St. Anne, 6:30 p.m.

Donovan Holiday Tournament

Wilmington vs. Southland Prep, 10 a.m.

Wilmington vs. Donovan, 4 p.m.

Girls Basketball

Montini Christmas Tournament

Lisle Holiday Cage Classic

Hillcrest Holiday Classic

Joliet Catholic vs. Proviso West/ Thornton, 7:30 p.m.

Lockport vs. Hillcrest, 3 p.m.

State Farm Holiday Classic

Plainfield South vs. U-High, 9 p.m.

Momence Holiday

Marian Catholic vs. Bolingbrook, Tournament State Farm Holiday Classic 8 a.m.

Wilmington vs. Paxton-BuckPlainfield South vs. Zion-Benton, Romeoville vs. Rolling Meadows, ley-Loda, 11:30 a.m.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties

bbbswillgrundy.org

NBA

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Dallas 36 26 7 3 55 126 91 St. Louis 37 22 11 4 48 95 87 Blackhawks 36 20 12 4 44 96 87 Minnesota 34 18 10 6 42 92 83 Nashville 35 17 12 6 40 92 89 Colorado 35 17 17 1 35 99 97 Winnipeg 34 15 17 2 32 92 104 Pacific Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles 33 20 11 2 42 84 76 San Jose 34 17 15 2 36 93 94 Vancouver 36 13 14 9 35 91 103 Arizona 33 16 15 2 34 90 104 Calgary 34 16 16 2 34 91 113 Edmonton 35 15 18 2 32 91 106 Anaheim 33 12 15 6 30 62 85 EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Detroit 35 18 10 7 43 92 91 Montreal 37 20 14 3 43 106 92 Boston 34 19 11 4 42 107 91 Florida 35 19 12 4 42 95 81 Ottawa 35 17 12 6 40 105 104 Tampa Bay 36 18 15 3 39 92 84 Buffalo 35 15 16 4 34 85 92 Toronto 33 12 14 7 31 86 93 Metropolitan Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Washington 34 26 6 2 54 108 72 N.Y. Rangers 36 20 12 4 44 104 93 N.Y. Islanders 35 19 11 5 43 96 82 New Jersey 36 17 14 5 39 84 90 Pittsburgh 34 17 14 3 37 79 85 Philadelphia 34 15 12 7 37 74 92 Carolina 35 14 16 5 33 83 102 Columbus 37 13 21 3 29 90 117

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Saturday’s Results St. Louis 3, Dallas 2, SO Buffalo 6, Boston 3 Tampa Bay 5, Columbus 2 Washington 3, Montreal 1 Carolina 3, New Jersey 1 Detroit 3, Nashville 2 Pittsburgh 3, Minnesota 1 Los Angeles at Arizona (n) Edmonton at Vancouver (n) Sunday’s Games Carolina at Blackhawks, 6 p.m.

Boston at Ottawa, 4 p.m.

Columbus at Florida, 5 p.m.

Toronto at N.Y. Islanders, 5 p.m.

St. Louis at Dallas, 5 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Winnipeg, 7 p.m.

Arizona at Colorado, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at Anaheim, 7 p.m.

Edmonton at Calgary, 8 p.m.

MVP Stephen Curry shoots his way to AP Male Athlete of Year

By JOSH DUBOW The Associated Press OAKLAND, Calif. – Stephen Curry’s greatness as a basketball player can be measured by his record-setting shooting numbers that are changing the game.

His immense popularity derives from something less tangible.

While many NBA greats rely on uncommon height and athletic ability that average fans can only dream of having, Curry’s game relies on the traits that every casual player can work on: shoot, dribble and pass.

The difference is, perhaps nobody ever has put those three skills together the same way Curry has the past year as he has dominated on the court

and made the once downtrodden Golden State Warriors the NBA’s must-watch team.

“The way that I play has a lot of skill but is stuff that if you go to the YMCA or rec leagues or church leagues around the country, everybody wants to shoot, everybody wants to handle the ball, make creative passes and stuff like that,” he said. “You can work on that stuff. Not everybody has the vertical, or the physical gifts to be able to go out and do a windmill dunk and stuff like that. I can’t even do it.”

That’s about all Curry is unable to do on the basketball court. His amazing year, in which he won an MVP, led Golden State to its first title in 40 years and helped the Warriors get off to a record-setting

start this season, earned him The Associated Press 2015 Male Athlete of the Year.

Curry finished first in a vote by U.S. editors and news directors, with the results released Saturday. He joined LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird as the only basketball players to win the honor in the 85 years of the award. Curry beat out golfer Jordan Spieth, who won two majors, and American Pharoah, who became the first horse since 1978 to win the Triple Crown.

While American Pharoah got three more first-place votes than Curry’s 24, Curry appeared on 86 percent of the 82 ballots that ranked the top five candidates. More than onethird of the voters left American Pharoah off their list.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Wireless coach-player talk on hold

By ERIC OLSON The Associated Press LINCOLN, Neb. – The move toward allowing wireless communication between coaches and players on the field in college football is on hold after a plan to experiment with the technology in a few of this year’s bowl games was scrapped.

The NCAA football rules committee last February gave the go-ahead for the first steps to be taken for putting wireless devices in the helmets of the quarterback and one defensive player to allow coaches to give directions or play calls, same as in the NFL. The idea was tabled in November after a tech-

nology subcommittee charged with laying groundwork for the system ran into opposition from some coaches and had difficulty working out details.

“We were in the realm of the unknown with the bowls, not knowing what teams would be participating in what games and not knowing whether the teams or coaches in those games would want to do it,” said Big 12 senior associate commissioner for football Ed Stewart, a member of the rules committee and technology subcommittee. “So it kind of fizzled out.”

The NFL began using the technology in 1994, allowing a coach on the sideline to communicate with the quar-

terback on the field. One defensive player, usually a linebacker, was allowed to have a device in his helmet as well beginning in 2008. Communication is allowed only between plays and cut off when the play clock reaches 15 seconds.

The original plan was for the NFL-style system to be used on a trial basis for what was hoped to be five or six bowls – College Football Playoff games and other New Year’s games excluded. But not everyone agreed it was the right time to go away from the hand signals, poster boards with cartoon characters, photos and silly symbols and other methods used on sidelines to relay play calls.

NFL NATIONAL CONFERENCE North

W L T Pct PF PA x-Green Bay 10 4 0 .714 347 265 Minnesota 9 5 0 .643 296 272 Detroit 5 9 0 .357 302 363 Bears 5 9 0 .357 289 352 East

W L T Pct PF PA Washington 7 7 0 .500 316 332 Philadelphia 6 8 0 .429 318 362 N.Y. Giants 6 8 0 .429 373 358 Dallas 4 10 0 .286 246 324 South

W L T Pct PF PA y-Carolina 14 0 0 1.000 449 278 Atlanta 7 7 0 .500 302 312 Tampa Bay 6 8 0 .429 311 353 New Orleans 5 9 0 .357 350 432 West

W L T Pct PF PA y-Arizona 12 2 0 .857 445 269 x-Seattle 9 5 0 .643 370 248 St. Louis 6 8 0 .429 241 294 San Francisco 4 10 0 .286 202 339 AMERICAN CONFERENCE North

W L T Pct PF PA x-Cincinnati 11 3 0 .786 378 243 Pittsburgh 9 5 0 .643 378 287 Baltimore 4 10 0 .286 292 360 Cleveland 3 11 0 .214 253 387 East

W L T Pct PF PA y-New England 12 2 0 .857 435 269 N.Y. Jets 9 5 0 .643 344 272 Buffalo 6 8 0 .429 341 336 Miami 5 9 0 .357 278 361 South

W L T Pct PF PA Houston 7 7 0 .500 275 301 Indianapolis 6 8 0 .429 285 372 Jacksonville 5 9 0 .357 343 380 Tennessee 3 11 0 .214 269 359 West

W L T Pct PF PA Denver 10 4 0 .714 308 259 Kansas City 9 5 0 .643 365 257 Oakland 7 8 0 .467 342 376 San Diego 4 11 0 .267 300 371

x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division Thursday’s Game Oakland 23, San Diego 20, OT Saturday’s Game Washington at Philadelphia (n) Sunday’s Games Bears at Tampa Bay, noon Houston at Tennessee, noon Cleveland at Kansas City, noon New England at N.Y. Jets, noon Indianapolis at Miami, noon San Francisco at Detroit, noon Dallas at Buffalo, noon Carolina at Atlanta, noon Pittsburgh at Baltimore, noon Jacksonville at New Orleans, 3:05 p.m.

St. Louis at Seattle, 3:25 p.m.

Green Bay at Arizona, 3:25 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Monday’s Game Cincinnati at Denver, 7:30 p.m.

WHAT TO WATCH College basketball South Carolina St. at Ohio St., 5 NBA Presbyterian at Marquette, 1 p.m., BTN Pro football p.m., FS1 Loyola (Md.) at Northwestern, 7 Jacksonville at New Orleans 3, Texas Southern at Syracuse, 1 p.m., BTN CBS p.m., ESPNU Pro basketball Bears at Tampa Bay, noon, Fox Marshall at Maryland, 3 p.m., BTN New York at Boston, 6 p.m., Green Bay at Arizona, 3:25 p.m.

Fox N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 7:20 p.m., NBC Pro hockey Carolina at Blackhawks, 6 p.m., WGN

41

• Sunday, December 27, 2015

NHL

NBA

SPORTS | The Herald-News

EASTERN CONFERENCE Central Division

W L Pct GB Cleveland 19 8 .704 — Indiana 17 12 .586 3 Bulls 16 12 .571 3½ Detroit 17 14 .548 4 Milwaukee 12 19 .387 9 Atlantic Division

W L Pct GB Toronto 19 12 .613 — Boston 17 13 .567 1½ New York 14 17 .452 5 Brooklyn 8 22 .267 10½ Philadelphia 1 30 .032 18 Southeast Division

W L Pct GB Atlanta 20 12 .625 — Miami 18 11 .621 ½ Orlando 17 13 .567 2 Charlotte 16 13 .552 2½ Washington 14 14 .500 4 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division

W L Pct GB San Antonio 26 6 .813 — Dallas 17 13 .567 8 Memphis 16 16 .500 10 Houston 16 16 .500 10 New Orleans 10 20 .333 15 Northwest Division

W L Pct GB Oklahoma City 20 10 .667 — Utah 12 15 .444 6½ Denver 12 18 .400 8 Minnesota 11 19 .367 9 Portland 11 20 .355 9½ Pacific Division

W L Pct GB Golden State 28 1 .966 — L.A. Clippers 17 13 .567 11½ Sacramento 12 17 .414 16 Phoenix 12 19 .387 17 L.A. Lakers 5 25 .167 23½ Saturday’s Results Dallas 118, Bulls 111 Washington 111, Brooklyn 96 Toronto 111, Milwaukee 90 New Orleans 110, Houston 108 Miami 108, Orlando 101 Charlotte 98, Memphis 92 Boston 99, Detroit 93 Atlanta 117, New York 98 Indiana 102, Minnesota 88 San Antonio 101, Denver 86 L.A. Clippers at Utah (n) Philadelphia at Phoenix (n) Cleveland at Portland (n) Sunday’s Games L.A. Lakers at Memphis, 5 p.m.

Denver at Oklahoma City, 6 p.m.

New York at Boston, 6 p.m.

Portland at Sacramento, 8 p.m.

People submissions can be emailed to news@theherald-news.com. Photos should be sent as attachments to an email. Submissions are subject to editing for length, style and grammar and run as space is available.

Joliet woman built Christmas tradition piece by piece

By DENISE M. BARAN–UNLAND dunland@shawmedia.com JOLIET – For some people, the holiday season begins with Thanksgiving weekend sales. For others, it starts with stringing outdoor lights or setting up the Christmas tree.

But for Laura Randles of Joliet, the onset is early October when she washes the walls and the blinds in her dining room, and then pushes aside furniture to make room for an entire village – not holiday houseguests, but a three-tiered, lighted miniature village display featuring hundreds of components.

By the time November arrives, Laura is ready. She and her husband, Mike Randles, bring out the bins and map out where each piece will stand.

“We change it every year because we want it to look nicer than the year before,” Laura said.

Laura’s sister, Kathy Tinsman of Shorewood, started the village tradition with a smaller version. This inspired Laura to begin hers more than 20 years ago.

For Laura, who grew up poor (“We were lucky if we got a tree,” she said.) and who also lost her father when she was 10 and her mother when she was 16, this was her chance to make Christmas special for family. This included her daughters, Samantha Kledzik, now 26, and her twins, Katie and Morgan Randles, now 18.

The first year, Laura bought a few inexpensive pieces and set them up in the middle of her dining room table.

The following year, Laura added a few more, and then a few more the next year, and so on.

But as the village grew, the lights sometimes blew, as Laura had only one outlet in her dining room. Recently, Laura upgraded her electricity and added extra outlets, which ended the unwanted tradition of rerouting the cords.

Once the lights are up, the real fun begins.

“I can figure out where the skate park can be and where the houses are

Eric Ginnard – eginnard@shawmedia.com

Laura Randles of Joliet smiles over her elaborate miniature village display, which she has gradually built over 20 years. going,” Laura said.

Laura proudly shows off the large white lights she added this year to border the tables, the skirts her sister made and the ceramic Christmas trees her husband’s mother made.

“My son-in-law got me a moose just to be a smart aleck,” Laura said. “I said, ‘Don’t laugh. I will put it in my village. It will be the only village with a moose.’”

Laura spends anywhere from $30 to several hundred dollars per piece.

She points to the hand-painted details on the more expensive items. She was thrilled to find a nun last year, as she has four churches.

She loves the stacks of wood, the little wagons, the castle, the kids having snowball fights, Santa collecting money for the poor, the child mailing a letter to Santa and the ice pond.

“It’s hard to go to the store and not buy something,” Laura said. “My kids’ friends say, ‘I just want to get really small and live in there. I think it’s just so magical.’”

But the value of the village is more

Know more It takes a village of memories to raise the 440-light, 310-piece display. Among the 67 trees and 45 houses, Laura Randles gave her reasoning in a written statement for the following items: n Independence Hall – “Reminds me we live in America where our flag is raised proudly.” n China trader – “Reminds me of other people around the world.” n Churches – “Reminds me that Mike and I went to the same grade school, St. Mary Nativity on Broadway, and married there later in life.” n Police – “Men who are on our streets every day watching over our neighborhoods to protect us the best they can.” n Firefighters – “Who risk their lives to save someone we love from burning buildings.”

n Castle – “Reminds me of the years I went to Joliet Central High School, as well as my girls, and all the wonderful honors award ceremonies and plays and concerts we shared.” n Toy shop – “Where children wonder what wonderful toys they would like to have.” n Dance academy – “Reminds me of all the recitals we sat through just to watch our girls in a few numbers and feeling so proud.” n Train station – “Picking up loved ones just to spend time with them.” n Royal theater – “All the shows and movies we have gone to over the years.” n Quilt shop – “Reminds me of all the crafts made with love.” n Newspaper stand – “It reminds me of my route as a young girl.”

than sheer magic, which is why Laura wishes more people could see it.

“I would love for people to put down their phones, get off your computer, shut off the TV, and talk to your kids’

friends and family. Be kind to each other,” Laura said in a handwritten statement. “That is why I love my village. Because it reminds me of what’s right in the world.”

43 The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

PEOPLE A village of magical memories How to submit

Project beautifies Arboretum

PLAINFIELD

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| PEOPLE

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The HERALD–NEWS

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William B. Orenic Intermediate School Honor Society co-sponsor Chelsae Farrell (back, left) is shown next to Joey Hartwig and (front row, from left) Cloie Kehlet, Cole Kamper, Vin Vasquez and Vivian Franco. Not pictured: co-sponsor Tina Governale.

School honor society helps collect $849 in Coins for Coats campaign The HERALD–NEWS PLAINFIELD – Sixthgrade students in the William B. Orenic Intermediate School Honor Society, together with the school’s LEAD Club, raised $849.11 in a De-

cember school-wide competition, Coins for Coats. The loose change collected from students and staff will go to buy coats and other cold weather gear for WBO and Troy Middle School students who do not have them.

JOLIET – On Oct. 25, a Joliet Eagle Scout candidate completed a project he began at the end of summer.

Boyan Golden, son of Bennett and Barbara Golden, a senior at Joliet West High School, and a member of Troop 18, sponsored by Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet, worked with a circular raised planting bed located at the Joliet Arboretum at the Broadway Greenway that featured a Mother Nature statue in the middle.

On Oct. 24, volunteers moved mulch out of the space, tilled the soil and marked the location of the plants.

The next day, about 27 people helped complete the project from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

People of all ages came to help, including students from the Joliet West High School JROTC. Jim Teiber, the city

Photo Provided

On Oct. 25, Joliet Eagle Scout candidate Boyan Golden completed a project he began at the end of the summer. of Joliet arborist, also volunteered his time.

Green Glen Nursery provided plants.

Arbor Tek, Homer Tree Service, anonymous donors and the city of Joliet covered the cost of the plants.

Landscape architect Evelyn Fink drew up plans for the project.

Eagle Scout mentor Rita Renwick, the Joliet Tree Advisory Board and Bruce Renwick, Boyan’s Scoutmaster, also aided the efforts.

Collecting donated gifts for children

Searching for traditions around world Firstgraders at Indian Trail School in Frankfort researched holiday traditions around the world.

Photo provided

Students support New York burn victim Evan Flores, 7, holds a gift he and his Central Elementary School second-grade classmates will send to Sa’fyre Terry, an 8-yearold girl in New York who lost her family and suffered massive burns in a 2013 house fire. Flores saw the story on Facebook and asked his classmates to help brighten Terry’s holiday by sending her handmade cards, drawings and gifts from the Plainfield school’s bazaar.

Photo provided

Frankfort Lions members Judy Hageman, Donna Stratton and Patricia Meyers collected donated gifts for children in need this holiday season.

The HERALD-NEWS ROMEOVILLE – Melanie Harrison, a senior dual-major in computer science and mathematics from Tinley Park and Betsy Langland, mathematics major from Downers Grove, attended the annual OurCS Conference held at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

OurCS stands for Opportunities for Undergraduate Research in Computer Science.

Harrison’s group worked on a project called “Does this Post Make Me Look Good?”

The project applied machine learning techniques to help predict whether a Facebook post would be positively or negatively received by a person’s Facebook friends.

Harrison’s research for the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program, which she participated in the sum-

mer, also focused on machine learning.

Langland’s project, “The Golden Years,” was the creation of a computer system prototype. Langland and her group developed a prototype for a wearable device that would help a person afflicted with COPD identify when he or she started having difficulty breathing.

Harrison and Langland also presented their own original research.

Harrison’s project was based on her summer REU experience. Her poster, “Image Processing in Python using the Otsu Method,” explored the use of machine learning to process images.

Langland presented “Determining the Success of a Mathematics Major.” Langland also presented the research in the summer as part of Lewis’ Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

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• Sunday, December 27, 2015

JOLIET – Joliet Township High School is pleased to announce that 86 students from the graduating class of 2016 have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission bestows this prestigious recognition to top Illinois high school students annually. State Scholars rank in approximately the top 10 percent of high school seniors, representing 652 high schools across the state.

The following Joliet Central students were named 2016-17 Illinois State Scholars: Morayma Barron, Cecelia Beamsley, James Budrick-Diaz, Tymerra Coleman, Roberto Contreras Jr., Kate Fanning, Talia Franchini, Yessenia Garza, Kelly Goeing, Stacey Goode, Alexis Granados, Maribel Guzman, Marycarmen Juarez-Figueroa, Alex Kulak, Henry Linehan, Endy Lozano, Annaisse Martinez, Marcos Mercado, Dominic Micheletto, Lidia Montoya, Eric Nunez, Alexia Ornelas, Alondra Sanchez, Kolton Skeldon, Tamara Snevely, Dennis Sweeney, Christopher Trevino, Michael Tucker, Hannah Vercellotti,

Luis Villagomez and Morgan Voss.

The following Joliet West students were named 2016-17 Illinois State Scholars: Harris Alexander, Cristian Arana, Christopher Beltran, Jacob Blaauw, Jonathan Boeringa, Kyle Brick, Zachary Browning, Yesenia Chavez, Alvi Renzyl Cortes, Jack Cowart, Sydney Czyzon, Shannon Doran, Noah Dulski, Brendan Erickson, Alexander Glascoe, Jessica Gossen, Miguel Gutierrez, Abigail Hammond, Halea Johnson, Karen Juricic, Robert Kasheimer, Matthew Kinsella, Emma Kasanovic, Jacquelyn Krolikowski, Jailene Leyva, Zachary Lindley, Zachary Maielli, Melissa March, Jessica Marshall, Malana McCloud, Zachary McDonald, Jason Miller, Mary Mulligan, Alexis Nelson, James Newby, Holly Nies, Clayton Pelzer, Allison Persicketti, Nicholas Policandriotes, Jacob Pullen, Dora Richardson, Vanessa Sanchez, Brandon Scarano, Mario Scarcelli, Eric Small, William Stapp, Kara Starasinich, Samantha Surges, Janellemarie Suriaga, Gabriella Tamayo, Alexander Tibble, Steven Tollios, Katherine Turek, Adriana Vaca and Charlotte Youell.

Visitation and Aid Society provided both Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to 118 helps local families

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JTHS students recognized

Operation Care Package for troops

Operation Care Package for troops

Students from Caroline Bentley, Tyler and Spencer Crossing schools teamed up to collect donations for Operation Care Package to support troops. Between the three schools, the students brought in more than 50 boxes full of food, toiletries and candy for troops.

Pictured (from left) with the toy donations for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program are Plainfield Fire Protection District Fire Inspector Mary Ludemann, Battalion Chief Scott Moore, EMS Coordinator Cheryl Hansen, Lt. Chuck Kraft, firefighter/paramedic Bryan Gallup, Chief David Riddle, firefighter/paramedic Matt Mullins and Deputy Chief Jon Stratton. More than 100 toys were donated.

The Herald-News • Sunday, December 27, 2015

| PEOPLE

46

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Photo provided

PEOPLE BRIEFS Students discuss hurt feelings after reading book on the theme

FRANKFORT – Second-grade students at Frankfort Square School discussed hurt feelings by reading the story “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes.

As the teacher read the story, the students passed around a picture of the main character.

Whenever the character’s feelings were hurt, the student holding the picture added wrinkles to it.

When the character felt better, the student holding the picture tried smoothing out the wrinkles.

Because some wrinkles always remained, this showed the students that unkind words can last a long time.

Senior Star hosts at Weber Place holiday baking for residents

ROMEOVILLE – Senior Star at Weber Place recently held a holiday baking celebration to help residents continue their cherished holiday traditions.

Weber Place provided the preparation space, ovens, equipment and ingredients, while the residents provided

Students help Angel Tree project

Baking lesson at career center

Photo provided

Kindergartners and other students at Troy Hofer Elementary School, including these kindergarten students in teacher Sarah Brooks’ class, joined with the Salvation Army in December for an Angel Tree project to help area children in need.

their family recipes. The halls of Weber Place were filled with aromas as residents gathered and baked homemade goods.

Plainfield High School Hockey Association holds annual toy jamboree PLAINFIELD – Plainfield High School Hockey Association held its annual Toys for Tots Jamboree on Dec. 13 at Canlan Ice Sports Rink in Romeoville.

PHSHA’s varsity and JV Red

teams played teams from Waubonsie. All four teams participated in the on-ice toy presentation, where they individually skated up to the three U.S. Marines in attendance and presented their unwrapped toy.

Through the generosity of the Plainfield and Waubonsie coaches, parents and skaters, the association was able to bring Christmas joy to hundreds of children.

Photo provided

Wilco Area Career Center chef and culinary teacher Nicole Kinzer shows Ira Jones Middle School eighth-graders how to frost Christmas cookies during their visit Dec. 17.

Recycle Christmas trees through Will County Forest Preserve District

The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s annual “Recycle the Holiday Spirit” program kicks off Sunday and concludes on Jan. 10.

The trees will take on a new life “path” by becoming mulch for the district’s trails and landscaping efforts.

People should remove all tinsel, lights and ornaments

before dropping off any trees.

This program is for individual households; no commercial trees.

Trees may be dropped off in designated areas from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Monee Reservoir in Monee, Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher and the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet.

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Coe College student from Minooka studies in Germany for fall term The HERALD–NEWS MINOOKA – Coe College student Sara Bechard of Minooka spent the fall term in Germany as a participant in an accredited off-campus study program. Bechard, a 2012 graduate of Minooka High School, is the daughter of Michael and Sweden Bechard.

Study abroad at Coe College allows students to take a full load of courses for a term or a year-long program in locations around the world. Participants study local languages and immerse themselves in local cultures, often staying with host families.

Bechard is a junior at Coe, majoring in business administration, psychology and international business.

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• Sunday, December 27, 2015

Doc’s Pharmacy, First Bank of Manhattan, Grand Prairie Animal Hospital, HomeStar Bank, Illinois The HERALD–NEWS Eye Associates, Kid Country MANHATTAN – Christmas fun Childcare, Manhattan Dental sprinkled Manhattan on Dec. 5 Care, Manhattan Medical, Manas the community celebrated hattan-Elwood Public Library Christmas on State Street.

District, Manhattan Park District, The Manhattan-Elwood Public Roadhouse 52 Restaurant and Library offered children’s crafts. Zark Heating and Cooling.

The Manhattan Park District The village and Manhattan hosted photos with Santa Claus Police Department coordinated in a decorated room. The Mantraffic during the parade. Santa’s hattan Chamber of Commerce float – pulled by the Manhattan awarded prizes for creatively Fire Department – depicted his decorated gingerbread houses sleigh atop a house roof as the in various age groups to Brody chimney billowed with smoke.

Liras, kindergarten to second Kirby’s Korner Bakery and grade; Sydney Rutkowski, third Country Flooring treated the to sixth grade; Mike Korpitz, crowd to cocoa and cookies sixth to eighth grade; and Kelly after Mayor James Doyle lit the Ardan, adult.

Time Square tree donated by Children and their parents vis- Don and Phyllis Tures and decited locations on the scavenger orated by the township. Doyle hunt card to collect signatures read a proclamation making and get treats. The winners Dec. 5 in Manhattan James were Allison and Erin Donovan.

Walsh Day in honor of the Time Additional events around town Square tree and New Year’s included Kid Country’s ChristEve celebrations, which Walsh mas Program, the Manhattan inaugurated.

Township Historical Museum’s “Toys of the Past” display and St. Paul’s Church’s chili dinner.

The following businesses made possible pictures with reindeer, Comet and Cupid: Ardan Autobody, Andy Partak Jr., Collision Center, Lee Hansen of Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell,

PEOPLE | The Herald-News

Christmas in Manhattan a community affair