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VOL. 12 • NO. 51
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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016
Willis backs bill to crack down on scammers impersonating veterans SPRINGFIELD — Respond- deserving veterans out in the ing to reports of criminals cold. The measure is assigned impersonating veterans in order to the House Judiciary Crimito receive government benefits, State Rep. Kathleen Willis (D-Addison) is sponsoring legislation to give law enforcement the tools needed to crack down on offenders who wrongfully pass themselves off as current and former military personnel for personal gain.
nal Committee. “This bill is a step in the right direction to help to pro-
tect veteran programs from “We need to give prosecutors being accessed by those who the tools to bring these scamhave not earned it,” said Willis. mers to justice.”
Arbor Day celebration honors Dr. Kathie Pierce
}We need to give prosecutors the tools to bring these scammers to justice.”
— State Rep. Kathleen Willis “It’s unfortunate that we’re seeing people who are willing to stoop so low as to pretend to be a veteran in order to steal from programs aimed to help service members,” said Willis. “I’m supporting this measure because we need to give law enforcement the ability to crack down on these scammers.” Senate Bill 2167 creates a new crime for when somebody obtains benefits or money by means of pretending to be an active-duty or veteran member of the armed services. Currently, there is no state law against an individual who pretends to be a current or past member of the military in order to acquire government benefits. This law would give prosecutors the tools needed to crack down on the fraud that is costing benefit programs money and leaving
photo provided
On Tuesday, May 10, the Fenton community celebrated the career of Dr. Kathie Pierce during an Arbor Day tree dedication in partnership with the Village of Bensenville and Tree City USA. Dr. Pierce retired from Fenton High School in January after 33 years of service to the school. District 100 School Board President, Mary Ribando thanked Dr. Pierce for her years of service and for “not only educating and inspiring our students but making sure that each student reached their fullest potential.” Although the weather did not cooperate for the ceremony, the group did head outside afterwards to take a few photos. Pictured from left: Forestry Technician, Frank Palumbo; Seasonal Forestry, Colin Gaerlan; Public Works Director, Joseph Caracci; Forestry Technician, Rodrigo Trujillo; Dr. Kathie Pierce; Public Works Assistant Director, Rick Radde; District 100 Board President, Mary Ribando, District 100 Board Member, David Shimanek; Village Manager, Evan K. Summers; Fenton Principal, James Ongtengco and District 100 Board Member, Susan Ralph.
Inside:
Police Reports......3, 6 Sports �������������������� 18 Viewpoint.................8 Classifieds..........24-25
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