By Megann Horstead | For The Sentinel

Joliet resident Lois Tomac knows how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

So, when an opportunity arose to learn more about dementia, she said this is it.

“I just want to educate myself so just in case anyone loved ones in my family start it,” she said. “Maybe, I can have a little understanding about it.”

Alden Courts and Estates of Shorewood hosted the first of three spring lectures to educate the community about dementia and maintaining a healthy lifestyle on March 8.

The program was designed to engage the community about the disease by means of a live demonstration, presentation and open forum for questions and answers.

Alden Management Services Operations Director of Clinical Programming Dr. Jennifer Stelter noted that talk of memory care is an up and coming topic that is drawing a lot of attention among baby boomers in today’s world.

Dozens were in attendance for the first installment of the lecture series at Alden Estates of Shorewood.

Stelter said though people hold differing amounts of knowledge about dementia and how it works, she would define it simply as memory loss.

“It’s not a diagnosis, it’s actually an overarching term for many different type of disease processes,” Stelter said. “There are actually over 100 different types of dementias.”

Typically, dementia first impacts short-term memory and moves onto long-term memory.

Stelter said it’s important for people to get tested to determine what form of dementia they may have.

What’s more, people could actually be experiencing Alzheimer’s disease as early as 20 years prior to receiving a diagnosis, Stelter said.

Like cancer and diabetes, dementia manifests itself in several forms and there is no single treatment.

Tomac was one of four people who volunteered to take part in a live demonstration to simulate what it’s like to walk in the shoes of someone living with dementia.

Each volunteer took part in the activity by putting on pieces of garb designed to manipulate the ability to use the five senses. This included headphones, gloves, sunglasses and nose plugs.

Participants were asked to perform a series of tasks ranging from turning to a specific page in a copy of Reader’s Digest and picking up a comb to identifying a pen’s color and obtaining a Kleenex. Stelter used a number of prompts, cues and reminders to help the volunteers as they completed the exercise.

“The difficult part for me was the vision,” Tomac said. “It was extremely impaired—very blurred, couldn’t see out of my left or right peripheral. That part really bothered me the most. The pinching of the feet, that was annoying. And those sounds in the ears, I mean, it was so distracting to concentrate on doing what she asked me to do.”

Stelter said though there are medications designed for people with dementia, there is no cure for it.

“They slow the progression down, they don’t stop it,” she said. “It’s like a parachute. It will slowly make it go down meaning that they will eventually have full-blown dementia. It will slow the progression so it’s not so quick, but it does not cure and it does not stop it.”

Stelter referenced research showing how non-pharmacological techniques can be employed to support people with dementia.

Staff working at Alden Courts of the Shorewood, which is a newly opened memory care facility, often will utilize these strategies. This includes cuing, prompting and reminding.

Stelter said it’s important for people to be supportive of loved ones with dementia.

“We should habilitate, not rehabilitate,” she said. “That’s not possible. It’s possible to habilitate meaning focusing on what they can still do.”

Tomac said the lecture was very eye-opening.

“[It was] very helpful, and I can’t wait to come to the next two [lectures],” Tomac said.

Alden Estates and Courts of Shorewood will host another lecture called “Embracing Mindfulness” on April 12.

For more information, visit aldenestatesofshorewood.com

Officials from the Will County Executive, Will County Board and the City of Joliet have announced that after years of being closed between Washington and Jefferson streets, Chicago Street will open to the public as part of a larger property exchange between the county and city. The agreement will benefit Joliet’s downtown redevelopment plans, the county, and the general public.

“Every downtown development plan the city has invested in indicates that reconnecting Chicago Street is key to revitalize downtown Joliet,” said Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk. “The city has talked about this for years, but took no action to make it happen. I am thrilled that we have worked out this deal and can announce that reconnecting Chicago Street and building the city center square is no longer just an idea, it will be a reality. Thanks to our staff, councilman John Gerl, and our good friends at Will County for once again coming together to improve our great city.”

As part of the negotiations, Will County has agreed to trade property with Joliet that will allow Chicago Street to open between Washington and Jefferson streets. Joliet will also receive Van Buren Plaza, where the former State’s Attorney building now sits across from the historic Rialto Square Theater, on which to build a public square.

“Joliet is Will County’s county seat, and a large majority of county facilities are located within downtown Joliet,” said County Executive Larry Walsh. “I have always advocated to keep a strong county presence in the downtown city center, and I am very happy after many years of negotiations we were able to reach a deal that works for all the parties involved. This should lead to forward progress on many fronts for our region.”

“Joliet has been growing rapidly in the past few years, and we’re glad we could work with Mayor O’Dekirk and Joliet officials to further their development efforts,” said Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort). “The collaboration between the county and city government, and the resulting deal, will benefit both Joliet and Will County residents.”

In exchange for the Chicago Street and civic center properties, Joliet will transfer the former Metra parking lot, which is adjacent to the courthouse parking lot, to Will County. Officials have said the parking lot will be resurfaced, redesigned, and automated. The makeover will increase the number of available parking spaces from 166 to more than 200. Parking in the lot will also be available to the public for events after 4p.m. for free.

The Redevelopment Plan for downtown Joliet was completed last year. Opening up Chicago Street will allow visitors attending the Rialto Theatre and other city events to drive directly into the corridor area where these events are hosted. To aid in its redevelopment, Joliet recently received a Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) grant of $86,000 for the redesign and landscaping of Chicago Street. The City also contributed an additional $40,000 to that planning grant for the design of the expanded plaza.

Joliet boxer Joseph “Jo Jo” Awinongya, 9, center holding the belt, stands before the Joliet City Council to be recognized for his achievements. (Megann Horstead / For The Bugle)

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

Joliet resident Joseph “Jo Jo” Awinongya, 9, knows what it takes to be a champion.

So, when an opportunity arose to put his city on the map, he said this is it.

Awinongya said it felt good being recognized by the Joliet City Council for his accomplishments.

“It makes me want to train harder for the Junior Olympics,” he said.

Joliet officials presented Awinongya with a proclamation honoring him for his achievements at their March 7 meeting.

In February, Awinongya claimed the rights to the 8 to 9-year-old 80-pound division title at the 2017 Silver Gloves National in St. Louis.

Awinongya started boxing at age 5 and shortly thereafter started competing. Since that time, he’s had 16 amateur bouts and ranks No. 1 in the nation.

JoJo’s father, Joseph Awinongya, Sr. said it brings great meaning to know his son’s accomplishments were being recognized.

“For me, I’m very, very honored today to come over here with my son,” he said. “One thing about him, he don’t fight like a little kid,” he said.

Joseph first settled in the City of Joliet in 2004, at which time he came with the intent to put an end to his professional boxing career.

“One thing that when I came to Joliet, I said… Joliet should be a boxing city,” he said.

Joseph recognizes the way gyms in Chicago train boxers, and said he decided that he wanted run a facility of his own.

“I know that when you want something, you have to go for it,” he said. “You have to push it. Most of the time, I push my kids.”

“Most of the time when we go to other gyms, they ask me, ‘[why does] he fight better than me?’” he said. “I’m a professional. A lot of people say, ‘I’m a professional and he fight better than me.’”

One day, Joseph put plans in motion to open a boxing gym called Will County Boxing.

“From the beginning, I had all those kids [running] to the boxing gym,” he said.

Joseph said what many trainers don’t know is that they don’t foster growth within their boxers in the right way.

“It’s not something that can get you to the next level,” he said of other trainers. “[It’s about] boxing, training and doing good at school.”

Joseph said it’s not just his son that appears to be doing well, many of the kids reap the benefits of training at his gym.

“They can do whatever they want to do,” he said. “You just have to help them a little bit.”

Jo Jo is currently training for the 2017 Junior Olympic Youth Open and Prep National Championships, which will begin June 28 in West Virginia, with an endorsement and sponsorship provided by Hawk Chevrolet of Joliet.

Image-1.JPG

Joliet boxer Joseph “Jo Jo” Awinongya, 9, stands before the Joliet City Council to be recognized for his achievements. (Megann Horstead / For The Bugle)

Image-2.JPG

Joliet boxer Joseph “Jo Jo” Awinongya receives recognition from the Joliet City Council for his recent accomplishments. (Megann Horstead / For The Bugle)

Information in Police Blotter is obtained from Joliet, Lockport and Shorewood police departments and the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals listed in Police Blotter charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

JOLIET

FEBRUARY 21

Joshua A. Grebic, 23, of Braidwood, was cited near Brookforest and Black Road for driving while license revoked and driving on a suspended registration.

Christina Alexander, 32, of Joliet, was cited on the 500 block of E. Cass for driving while license suspended and speeding.

Valerie Weyand, 34, of Joliet, was cited near E. Cass and Walnut for failure to yield at intersection and no valid driver’s license.

Joshua J. Lacey, 24, of Plainfield, was cited near W. Millsdale and S. Brandon for disobeying a traffic control device, speeding, driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Joseph C. Fletcher, 24, of Blue Island, was cited near E. Cass and N. Briggs for resisting/obstructing a peace officer and improper lane usage.

Christopher M. Norris, 39, of Joliet, was cited near S. Weber and Caton Farm Road for improper display of registration, no valid safety test sticker, driving while license suspended and improper identification.

FEBRUARY 22

Person/s unknown broke into a residence on the 2500 block of Garden St.

and stole jewelry and three Eagle Scout watches.

Damien L. Thurston, 40, of 16413 S. Spring Creek Lane in Plainfield, was cited near I55 and Plainfield Road for speeding and driving while license suspended.

Jose C. Garcia, 25, of 2123 121st Street in Blue Island, was cited near New Lenox Road and S. Briggs for improper backing, driving while license revoked, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and three counts of possession of drug equipment.

FEBRUARY 23

Mario Arredondo Jr., 32, of Joliet, was cited near Highland Park Drive and E. Cass for illegal use of cell phone, improper display of registration and driving while license suspended.

Person/s unknown entered two vehicles on the 1900 block of Addleman and stole 8 CDs.

Ralph L. Jackson, 50, of Des Plaines, was cited near W. Laraway and Rt. 52 for obstructed front windshield, driving while license revoked and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

FEBRUARY 24

Arnulfo Zarazua-Cervantes, 28, of Joliet, was cited near E. Cass and N. Briggs for no registration light, driving while license suspended, and improper lane usage.

Isaiah M Houston, 20, of Streator, was cited near Jessie and 2nd Avenue for possession of cannabis over 10 grams.  He was held on an active LaSalle County warrant.

Sierra Sashay Kimmons, 23, of 366 N. Broadway in Joliet, was cited near E. Jackson and Scott for driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

FEBRUARY 25

Cassius J. Anderson, 24, of South Holland, was cited near I80 and S. Chicago for driving while license suspended.

Guillermo Gonzalez, 19, of Shorewood, was cited near I80 and Richards St. for no registration light and no valid driver’s license.

Derrick L. Dowdy, 47, of Phoenix, Ill., was cited near E. Cass and Collins for obstructed registration, no registration lights, failure to update address, driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

FEBRUARY 26

Kevin C. Robinson, 45, of 209 Independence in Joliet, was cited near Gardner and Doris for screeching tires, no valid registration, and driving while license suspended.

LOCKPORT

FEBRUARY 25

Lorraine Szymankowski, 20, of Romeoville, was arrested near S. Weber Rd. and W. Gaskin for DUI, underage consumption of alcohol by minor, failure to reduce speed, failure to yield to emergency vehicle.

SHOREWOOD

FEBRUARY 11

Javier Vital, 33, of Bolingbrook, was arrested on the 100 block of Jefferson for aggravated battery, battery, criminal trespass to property, resisting/obstructing an officer

FEBRUARY 14

Juan J. Rodriguez-Rojas, 39, of Chicago, was arrested near Brookforest Ave. and W Jefferson St. for no valid driver’s license, no insurance and no registration light.

FEBRUARY 15

Jeffrey A. Frederick, 24, of Romeoville, was arrested 19700 block of Frontage Road for domestic battery after office were called for a domestic disturbance

FEBRUARY 16

Charges: Adiel Diaz, 60, of Aurora, was arrested near Brookforest/Country Glen for driving with a suspended license, no insurance, improper lighting, Cook County warrant for probation violation, DuPage County warrant for retail theft.

Adrian D King, 52, of Davenport Iowa, was arrested near Summer and Jefferson Streets after he was stopped for driving on the rim of a tire. He was charged with driving with a suspended license, obstruction, operating with unsafe equipment.

A passenger, Megan A. Bird, 27, also of Davenport, Iowa, was for possession of drug equipment.

FEBRUARY 19

Luis A. Rivera, 23, of Shorewood, was arrested on the 500 block of Cottage Street for a Kane County warrant after officers responded to an unwanted subject.

By Randy Whalen
For the Bugle
www.buglenewspapers.com

Prep Shootout All-Star Game

About midway through the second half of the Voyager Media Boys Basketball All-Star Shootout Bolingbrook’s Nana Akenten came to the scorers table and asked what the record for points was.
Well, fresh off helping to lead the Raiders to third place in the Class 3A State Tournament the day before, Anenten scored 22 points to help make sure the team scoring record was shattered.
His North group, however, fell short in a up-and-down fun-filled final game for the all senior all-star teams on Sunday, March 19 at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.

Joliet West’s Trevian Bell scored a team-high 22 points and wowed the crowd with a series of slams as the South squad pulled away in the final few minutes for a 134-122 victory. Bell’s Joliet West teammate ­— Tabyous Casterberry tied him for team-high honors with 22 points, as the 256 points easily broke the combined points record, which was set last year in a 120-119 win by Team Gregory – when the format was a little different.

Niles West’s Aaron Flowers scored a game-high 27 points for the North team, which tied Bolingbrook graduate (‘13) and current SMU Mustang Ben Moore for the the second most points ever scored in the nine years of the boys all-star game.
“This was fun to come out and play with these guys,” Flowers said. “We were getting up and dunking it and having a lot of fun. I had never saw any of them play and I came in with no information, I was just excited to play.”

Both teams also surpassed the previous single team high for points, which was 121 by the North squad in 2013 game.

That was no surprise as the combined rosters included six members of the Class 3A/4A Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-Staters.
Akenten led the way as the lone first teamer, while Bell, Benet’s Jack Nolan and Notre Dame’s Matt Stritzel were third teamers and Lemont’s PJ Pipes and Joliet Central’s Jose Grubbs were on the fourth team.
“I was just playing to play and show the crowd what I’ve got,” Bell said of receiving the MVP award. “The experience was all cool and I just wanted to enjoy the last game and make the most of it. You don’t always get an opportunity to dunk like that in a high school game, so it was a surreal feeling.”

A feel-good award was presented before the game.

The Jeremy Izzo Character Award, which is named after the former Joliet Catholic Academy boys basketball coach, who passed away in 2010. This years award was presented to Lockport’s Matt Smietanski.

“I had no idea,” Smietanski said of receiving the award. “Coach [Brett] Hespell told me I was nominated and knowing [Izzo’s] story, I was just excited for that. I tried to do my best to turn things around at Lockport and give an example of what to be.”

Smietanski scored nine points in the game, including a couple of dunks, to help the South team to the win. Some of his first memories of watching high school basketball were going to the WJOL Thanksgiving Tournament at USF, where he watched former Lockport player and Voyager Media All-Star Karrington Ward – who is currently in the NBA D League, play.

“Some of my first times watching [high school] basketball were here,” Smietanski said. “So it’s pretty neat to end my career in this sport here.”
Plainfield South’s Devin Smith (19 points) along with Kameron Williams (14 points) and Sedrick Brooks (2 points) from Plainfield Central represented the Plainfield schools.

Jason Bingham (16 points), along with Grubbs (9 points) and Jomare McNair (2 points) helped lead Joliet Central to a 23-6 record and a regional title before losing to Joliet West 64-62 in the sectional semifinals.
But the crosstown rivalry was put aside in the all-star game as Bingham teamed up with Bell on an ally-opp slam, among other highlights.

“It was just like we were all on the same team,” Bingham said of joining forces with players that were rivals during the season. “It felt good to be out there playing with everyone. It was fun to go out and play and not worry about defense.”
There certainly was not any much defense being played. The South team trailed for the final time at 28-27 and then Bell had a pair of dunks in a 10-2 burst to help it take the lead. Leading 67-61, the South all-stars ended the half on a 12-2 burst, capped off on a 3-pointer by Bingham at the buzzer, to go up 79-63 at halftime.

A 19-9 spurt, however, by the North team helped it tie the score at 117-117 on a slam by Akenten with 4:01 to play in the game.
But that also meant that both teams substituted — which they did every four minutes, for the final time. Casterberry then scored six points and Williams had four in as the South team went on a 12-0 run to lead 129-117 with just over a minute to play in the game.
Donavan Finch (7 points) and Pete Ragen (2 points) represented Joliet Catholic. Minooka’s Antonio Milazzo (6 points) and Downers Grove North’s Ryan Pustelnik.

Bolingbrook’s Cameron Harris (16 points) joined Akenten in the game for the North squad. They were fresh off being part of the Raider team which defeated Fremd 70-66 the day before to finish the season with a school-best 30-2 record and capture third place in Class 4A for the second time in three years.

“We love basketball, so when you get called to do something like this in front of the people and in with guys from other teams, it is something fun to do,” Akenten said. “We just wanted to get some highlights.”
Chris Heinichen (12 points), Jeameril Wilson (9 points), and Stritzel (8 points) represented Notre Dame.
“There were a lot of good players out here,” Stritzel said.

Benet had a pair of players — Justin Enochs (9 points) along with Nolan (3 points).

“This was pretty cool to put the Benet jersey on one more time and play with the best players around,” Nolan said. “It is a unique opportunity to be able to come out and play with some of the best players.”
Pipes, who became the leading scorer in Lemont history and helped the Indians give Bolingbrook a battle in the regional title game, finished with 13 points.

“It is fun coming here and connecting with all of them,” Pipes said. “We are all friends and its is fun to have all of in one gym and it is kind of like a little get together before we all leave for college.”
Pipes played for the final time against Bell, who will be his teammate next seaosn at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Downers Grove South’s Dylan Kaczmarek (3 points) rounded out the North team.

By Randy Whalen
For the Bugle
www.buglenewspapers.com

Prep Shootout All-Star Game

When the geographical teams were made for the Voyager Media Girls Basketball All-Star Shootout, the South team ended up with a bit of an advantage.
They pretty much all knew each other.

Led by 10 points from MVP Brooklyn Bachmann and a team-high 13 points from Jaianna Brooks, the South squad pulled away for a 64-43 victory on a fun-filled final game for the all senior teams on Sunday, March 19 at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.
Katie Jaseckas, who helped lead Benet Academy to back-to-back Class 4A state championships in 2015 and 16, led the North team and all scorers with 14 points. But the balance of the South team, which was made up of mostly members of the Southwest Prairie Conference and had 12 of 13 players score, won out.

No matter the outcome, it was a final opportunity to put on their high school uniforms for the players.
“It was definitely special,” said Bachmann, who helped guide Minooka to a 24-4 record this past season. “Especially after ending the season on a bad note [losing 56-49 to Bolingbrook in the regional final].
“I loved playing with them [all-star teammates] after playing
[against] them for four years.”

Bachmann had a variety of assists in the shootout game, to help net her the MVP.

“I wasn’t thinking about it, but after everything it was nice to get,” she said of the MVP. “It was just nice to come out and play, a nice way to end [high school].”

But it’s not the end for Bachmann as far as basketball goes. She was also the setter on the Indians state-runnerup volleyball team and was heavily recruited in both basketball and volleyball. But she decided to continue with basketball in college and will attend Bemidji State University in Minnesota.

“I decided on basketball,” Bachmann said. “In volleyball I ended my career finishing second in the state. But in basketball, especially after the way this season ended, I felt like I still had something to prove.”
With the South team clinging to a 23-22 lead in the opening moments of the second half, Plainfield East’s Maddie Sidman nailed a 3-pointer to trigger a 9-0 run. During the spurt, Bachmann drove to the hoop and was fouled on consecutive possessions. She made 3-of-4 free throws to help extend the lead to 10.

Ahead 32-24, Brooks – who is from Plainfield South, connected on a pair of 3-pointers in a 12-2 burst that extended the lead to 44-26. That pretty much wrapped it up as both teams substituted every four minutes.
Plainfield East, which had the most successful season in school history – finishing 25-8 and advancing to the title game of the East Aurora Sectional, had four players represent at the all-star game.

“I think the chemistry helped,” Sidman said. “We were all in the same conference and that really helped. It was fun playing against them for four years and then playing together.”
Sidman scored five points and her teammate, Ashley Smoldt – who scored six points, agreed.

“I has three teammates out there and knew the other players too,” Smoldt said. “Once we got to talk to each other on the bench, we knew what to expect. We just had to play some more defense [to win] and it was fun.”
Kennedy Collins (7 points) and Lotanna Onua (2 points) also played for Plainfield East.

Mariah Collins (8 points), Tierrah Farris (5 points), and Madison McGath (1 point) represented Plainfield North. Erin Graefen (1 point) was there from Plainfield Central while Tylenea Hood (2 points) and Gabrielle Robertson represented Joliet Central. The only player on the South squad not from the SPC was Lockport’s Elena Woulfe (4 points).

Woulfe, however, had a key steal that she converted into a layup that triggered the South team to a 9-2 spurt to end the half. Collins capped the burst and the first half by draining a 3-pointer right before the buzzer to give South the lead for good at 23-20.
Jaseckas scored six points as the North team oped the game by jumping out to an 8-2 lead.

“It was really fun out here to meet other girls from other teams and it was one more time with the [Benet] seniors. It was nice to put on the jersey one more time.”
She was one of four Benet players that participated in the shootout. The others were Ali Kramer, Emma Lyne (2 points), and Kendal Schramek (6 points), who helped lead the Redwings (28-5) to a third straight sectional title.

“I watched this all-star game a couple of years ago when my older sister was in it,” Schramek said of her sister – Emily Schramek, who is now a sophomore at Northern Michigan University. “So it was great to play in it.
“Obviously the way we ended [a 59-38 loss to eventual Class 4A runner-up Edwardsville in the Wesleyan University Supersectional] was disappointing. So it was great to play with my teammates and the other girls again.”

TyAnn Legrand-Melton, helped Lisle to a Class 2A regional title this season and she scored seven points for the North team. Being a smaller school, she may not have seen some of the other teams and players that were represented, but she was familiar with them.”
“I played against some of them on my travel team,” she said. “This was fun. It was a good experience and was fun just to watch how competitive everyone was.”

Nicole Cyranoski, who is also from Lisle, got to play. Talia Edwards, from Bolingbrook, chipped in with six points for the North team.

“This was pretty fun,” Edwards said. “I got to play with a lot of Plainfield people and we lost to Plainfield East (69-60) in the sectional [semifinals]. So we got to see how relaxed they are on the court and be able to play with them in a game.”

Rounding out the North team was Maine East’s Lauryn Alba-Garner; Downers Grove North’s Hannah Ilyavi and Brigid Miller; Downers Grove South’s Kasandra Rugienius and Addyson Wesolowski; Romeoville’s Lexi Marin (2 points) and Aynna Shelby (4 points); and Resurrection’s Ivy Witczak (2 points).

“I got to play with a lot of people I didn’t know,” Alba-Garner said. “I got to meet other people and they were cool and they played well. It was a fun experience overall.”

Joliet City Manager James D. Hock announces the appointment of Gregory Blaskey as the new Deputy Fire Chief.

Deputy Chief Blaskey is a lifelong resident of the City of Joliet. He attended Joliet West High School and Joliet Junior College. This month marks his 30-year anniversary with the Joliet Fire Department. He has held the ranks of firefighter, paramedic, apparatus operator, lieutenant and captain. He is the past Deputy Director of the Joliet Emergency Management Agency. He has two sons who serve in public safety as police officers.

“There were 5 very qualified internal candidates who applied for the position of Deputy Fire Chief and were interviewed by the Selection Committee” said Joliet Fire Chief Joe Formhals. “Deputy Chief Blaskey brings with him many years of experience handling labor management issues, and he is also well versed in Emergency Management. I welcome him to our team and know he will do an outstanding job”

State’s Attorney James Glasgow, left, Patrick Marcum, Jim Marcum and Glen Marcum at a past Men Who Cook.

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announces that he has established a new award named after long-time Joliet-area community leader Glen Marcum, who passed away in 2016.

The Glen Marcum Selfless Dedication to Community Service Award will be given annually to a dedicated and selfless supporter of the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center who embodies Glen’s commitment to the service of others. Glen and his father, Jim Marcum, and his sons Tyler, Brett and Patrick were longtime chefs at the annual Men Who Cook fundraiser to benefit the not-for-profit Will County Children’s Advocacy Center. Despite their sad loss, the Marcum team will carry on the tradition and cook once again this year.

The inaugural honor will be given at this year’s Men Who Cook on March 25 at the Pipefitters Training Center off Interstate 80 and LaGrange Road in Mokena. The name of the first recipient will be revealed at the opening of this year’s Men Who Cook.

Glen devoted countless hours of time each year to the Joliet community in roles that touched many lives. He was particularly dedicated to serving the community’s children, ensuring that they had first-rate educational and recreational opportunities. Among his many accomplishments, Glen was:

• president of the Joliet Park District Board of Commissioners (two terms on board, three years as president);
• regional board member for the American Cancer Society, as well as a 15-year participant and 5-year chairperson of the Joliet Relay for Life;
• volunteer basketball coach at St. Paul the Apostle School;
• Joliet Grade School’s Board of School Inspectors for three terms;
• president of the Greater Joliet Youth Foundation;
• president of the Instrumental Music Parents Association;
• president of the Joliet Township High School Athletic Boosters;
• co-chair of the Joliet Township High School Strategic Plan Committee;
• Take Back the Night committee member;
• volunteer at Daybreak Shelter;
• President of and instrumental in establishing the Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence;
• City Center Partnership Christmas Parade committee;
• Right Moves for Youth board member;
• Old Timers Baseball Association;
• head judge of the Will County Spelling Contest;
• and a Men Who Cook volunteer chef for eight years.

Glen was born in Joliet and attended Cunningham Grade School and Hufford Jr. High School. He was a proud graduate of Joliet Central High School class of 1978. He worked as an auto mechanic for 39 years at Bertino’s Auto in Joliet. Aside from his family, nothing gave Glen more pleasure than serving the Joliet community.

State’s Attorney Glasgow established the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995 to improve the investigation of child sexual abuse cases. The center’s professionally trained and compassionate staff performs child-sensitive interviews when there are allegations of sexual or severe physical abuse.

Children’s recorded statements have been used in the successful prosecution of thousands of predators. The caring team also has provided counseling, advocacy services, and medical referrals for nearly 10,000 sexually and severely abused children and their family members.

Tickets for “Men Who Cook” are available online at menwhocook.info or they can be purchased at the door. For additional information, call the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565. Or visit on the Web at menwhocook.info or on Facebook at facebook.com/willcountycac.

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

Laraway Community Consolidated School District 70C moves closer to constructing a new school.

In a unanimous vote, the Zoning Board of Appeals took action at their March 16 meeting by giving a positive recommendation to the Joliet City Council for final review and consideration.

“The reasons that they submitted in favor of the petition, we find to be clear and convincing evidence (to approve the request),” said Ed Hennessy, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals committee.

District 70C officials intend to obtain a special use permit for a school and variations to allow the display of an illuminated sign with an LED electronic message center at 1715 Rowell Avenue.

The property in question is currently zoned R-1B Single-Family Residential District and was annexed to the City of Joliet in 2008 with construction plans lined up for this type of use, but that development never materialized.

The petitioner intends to use the approximately 25.9 acre parcel for a new school. Potential development plans will include the building of two classroom wings, a main school entrance, a secondary entry way, parking lots, a bus drive and playing fields.

The current site for Laraway School is located at 275 W. Laraway Rd. and is positioned in proximity to the intersection at Laraway Road and Route 53.

“If you’ve been to the Laraway campus, we are right at the mouth of the intermodal,” said Superintendent Dr. Joe Salmieri. “Just to the west of our property are the train tracks that are going into intermodal and that’s going to be the location of the high-speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis.

“The board believes that the best use of taxpayer money considering the safety concerns and the need for upgrades is to build a new facility,” Salmieri said. “We believe that the location combined with the educational needs and the upgrades needed with the current facility, this is the best solution.”

The Plan Commission also gave a positive recommendation at their March 16 meeting regarding the school’s request to annex 40 acres located at 275 W. Laraway Rd., drawing the unincorporated land into city limits.

District 70C seeks to sell this land and will later publicly read all bids submitted by the April 19 deadline.

Salmieri said the building of the new school is not contingent on the sale.

Construction for the new school is set to begin as early as April.

Liz Sodic, of Joliet, said though she supports the effort to build the new school, she wants to make sure that she and her neighbors who live in the nearby Sugar Creek subdivision are kept informed about the project.

“We have had issues in the past with drainage,” she said. “When Ryan (Companies) started Laraway Crossings, our pond got totally filled with silt. We’ve had issues for the last 10 or 15 years. IKEA has been extremely thoughtful and put up silt fences, but again… we’re down hill and we’re on a creek, and waters goes down that way and so does silt.”

Sodic added that she hopes their concerns are kept in mind throughout the planning process.

The Joliet City Council will hold a public hearing at their April 3 meeting regarding action required for zoning classification and annexation. The petition for a special use permit and variation will be considered at a later date.

Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

Will County received limited snow this winter, but there are a number of early signs showing that the grounds will be set for the planting of crops and plants, a local expert says.

, manager of the Will County Farm Bureau in Joliet, said there has been an adequate amount of moisture in the ground for the growing of crops and plants despite the lack of snow in winter.

“A couple of weeks ago, we saw rain, and it was more rain than we would’ve liked,” he said. “Some parts of the county received close to 4 inches. Ideally, rain should be 1.5 to 2 inches. We should be good with having had ample moisture in the growing season. Sometimes we need a good packing of snow—always looking for moisture. This time around, the ground wasn’t frozen. We should have adequate moisture going into spring.”

Schneidewind said with spring arriving early this year, we could see farmers looking to start their planting season in a matter of weeks.

“We won’t see much planting until the week of April 17,” he said. “That’s pending weather conditions. That’s when you’ll see some of the corn being planted.”

Schneidewind added that it’s possible that some larger farms will begin their growing season ahead of the Easter holiday.

Like the rest of the Chicago area, Will County witnessed a mild January and an unseasonably warm February.

Schneidewind said if early indicators prove to be correct, some of the wheat grown within the county that came out of dormancy in recent weeks could be impacted by the early arrival of spring.

“Wheat is planted September through October of last year,” he said. “It’ll go dormant during winter. Once it comes out of dormancy [as it has], it likes to grow. We don’t think it’s damaged. It’s going to take a few more months to determine if there’s a slight damage to the crop in Will County.”

“There could be a 20 to 30 percent reduction yield, but we don’t know that yet,” he said.

Schneidewind said a similar effect could impact what gardeners may see with their perennials.

“Some of our perennials, we might see some damage,” he said. “Regular flowers, you won’t see problems. You may not see some of the prettiness when they begin to bloom.”

Schneidewind said the trees should be fine, however.

“They were far enough along,” he said.

Schneidewind said though the area had a good December and it started to rain in March, the early arrival of spring should present no problem for crops and plants grown in Will County.

“It put us in a good position going into spring planting,” he said.

By Mark Gregory
Sports Editor
@Hear_The_Beard
mark@buglenewspapers.com

During Benet Academy’s back-to-back state title runs in 2015 and 2016, much of the attention was givn to the guard play on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

Katie Jaseckas

With guards like Kathleen Doyle leading the way, Benet was known its full court press as well as ability to shoot from the perimeter.

One of the biggest reasons the Redwings had that luxury was the play of Katie Jaseckas.

Jaseckas, the 6-foot, 1-inch, Truman State-bound center, leaves the program as its all-time leader in rebounds (741) and second in blocked shots (209). It was that play that allows the guards to shoot threes, knowing Jaseckas would be there for the rebound and apply pressure knowing if a team beat the press, they had her guarding the rim.

“Katie has been the backstop behind the Redwings full court press for the past three seasons,” said Benet coach Joe Kilbride. “She is one of the best shot blockers and rebounders in the school’s history and has been the starting center for Benet teams that have compiled a 94-11 record in her three full seasons on varsity.”

This season, Jaseckas averaged 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.9 steals per game and led Benet to a 28-5 record and a sectional title. For those accomplishments, she has been named the 2017 Voyager Media girls basketball Player of the Year.

Jaseckas was also named to the East Suburban Catholic Conference team, was all-tournament at the Montini Holiday Tournament and was the Most Valuable Player at the Naperville North Holiday Tournament. She was also named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association second team all-state.

With talent surrounding her all three years of her career, Jaseckas knew she didn’t have to bear the entire load. But when the playoffs came, she wanted to.

“In the playoffs, I knew I didn’t want to go home,” she said. “I knew I had to do whatever it took. All year, we always knew someone would pick up the slack. If I wasn’t having a good game, I would just do the dirty work like get a rebound and pass the ball to whoever was hot.”

She said that while the championships were a great bonus, he time at Benet was not all about the wins.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more amazing than the teams I have had and the ride that I had at Benet,” Jaseckas said. “Coach Kilbride made it a phenomenal program. I just love spending time with my team. Winning state two years in a row and this year we won the sectional and had so much fun. This year after we lost, on the ride home, we cried and then we had a dance party on the bus because it was our last time together.”

Other members of the Voyager Media All-Area first team are:

Brooklyn Bachmann

Minooka

Senior averaged an area-best 20.9 points per game, along with 3.5 rebounds.

She ended her career as the all-time leader in points in school history with 1,523.

Was named to the All-Southwest Prairie Conference team and was Class 3A/4A IBCA all-state honorable mention. She will attend Bemidji State University in Minnesota.

Sam Galanopoulos

Niles West

Sophomore was the starting point guard for the Wolves. She averaged 17.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 3.3 assists per game.  She scored more than 30 points in a game 3 times this season.  She made the Central Suburban South All Conference team and was also on the York Thanksgiving  and Nazareth Holiday All-Tournament teams.

“Sam had a wonderful season for us but the best is yet to come from this sophomore,” Niles West coach Tony Konsewicz said.

Olivia Jenkins

Plainfield East

Junior averaged 12.79 points and 7.18 rebounds per game this season.

She was named to the Marist Thanksgiving All-Tournament team and was Class 3A/4A IBCA honorable mention all-state.

“Olivia is a fierce competitor that will do whatever it takes to help the team win.  Some games it was score, some it was rebound, others she set the tone by diving on the floor for loose balls.  She refused to let us lose,” Tony Waznonis said.

Holly Lueken

Downers South

Sophomore forward averaged 15.8 points and five rebounds per game, while recording 65 blocked shots.

Tsimba Malonga

Benet Academy

Junior point guard averaged 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

After sitting out her sophomore year due to transfer, the starting point guard led the Redwings to 28-5 record and sectional championship. She made the all ESCC All-Conference team and was all-tournament at both the Naperville North and Montini Holiday Tournaments. She was named to the Class 3A/4A IBCA all-state third team.

“Tsimba has been the sparkplug to ignite Benet’s full court pressure and fast break offense,” said Kilbride. “An incredibly accurate mid-range shooter, she was the scoring leader for the Redwings balanced attack while shooting 50 percent from the floor.”

Lota Onua

Plainfield East

Senior averaged 11.25 points and 6.44 rebounds per game.

She was named to the SPC All-Conference team as well as all-tournament at the Nazareth Holiday Tournament and DeKalb MLK Tournament. She was Class 3A/4A IBCA honorable mention all-state.

“Lota is the embodiment of a competitor,” Waznonis said. “She was a key part in helping lead us to the success we had this year, not just as an athlete, but also as a leader.”

Julie Pospisilova

Downers North

Exchange student averaged 14 points, six rebounds, three steals, three assists and two blocked shots per game.

She was named to the all-tournament team at the Wheaton North tournament and was MVP of the Glenbard East Thanksgiving tournament. She was named to the All-West Suburban Conference Silver Division team and was Class 3A/4A IBCA all-state honorable mention.

Jahari Smith

Bolingbrook

Junior averaged a double-double with 12.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in her first season with Bolingbrook. She was shot 63 percent from the field. Smith was Class 3A/4A IBCA honorable mention all-state, all-tournament in Naples, Fla. and was MVP of the Rich South Tournament.

Jnaya Walker

Bolingbrook

Senior tore her ACL late in the season, missing the final seven games of the Raiders’ season.  She averaged 10.25 points and 4.25 rebounds per game and added 52 assists and 53 steals.

Walker was named to the Class 3A/4A IBCA second-team all-state.

SECOND TEAM

Kennedy Collins

Plainfield East

University of Dubuque commit averaged 11.33 points and 4.21 rebounds per game for the regional champons.

She was named to the SPC All-Conference team and the Marist Thanksgiving All-Tournament team.

“Kennedy was the key to helping our pressure defense be so successful with her athleticism and hard work at the top spot.  Her defensive commitment is what led to our and her offensive success this year,” Waznonis  said.

Sarah Gersh

Joliet West

Junior captain was named to the All-Southwest Prairie Conference team as well as being all-tournament at the Lincoln-Way Central Thanksgiving and Oak Lawn Christmas tournaments.

On the season, she averaged 14 points per game to go along with 79 assists and 81 steals.

Taylor Hopkins

Lockport 

Junior guard averaged 13 points per game for the Porters and was named to the All-SouthWest Suburban Conference team as well as the Oak Lawn all-tournament team.

Kelle Knopp

Plainfield North

Junior averaged eight points and 12 rebounds per game for the Tigers to help lead the team to a school-best 17-10 record.

TyAnn Legrand-Melton

Lisle

Senior averaged 12.4 points and 9.7 points per game for the Lions, helping them to a 20-win season. She was named Class 1A/2A IBCA all-state honorable mention.

Alexis Marin

Romeoville 

Senior point guard averaged 13.68 points, 2.67 rebounds, 2.64 assists and 1.74 steals per game.

She was named to the All-Southwest Prairie Conference team as well as all-tournament at the Romeoville Thanksgiving and Nazareth Christmas tournaments.

She was a 1,000 point scorer for the Spartans in her career.

“Alexis has been our starting point guard for four years and one of our top scorers,” said Romeoville coach Julio Carrasco. “She is a nightmare to defend and can create her own shot or hit from the outside. She will be truly missed.”

Brittany Osborne

Romeoville

Junior guard averaged 8.47 points, 4.72 rebounds, 2.79 assists and 3.82 steals per game.

She was the team MVP pf the Spartans, named to the All-Southwest Prairie Conference and Romeoville Thanksgiving all-tournament teams.

“Brittany is the heart and soul of our team,” said Romeoville coach Julio Carrasco. “She led the team in assists and steals and was second in points and rebounds. She does all the little things for the team.”

Nicole Scales

Maine South

Sophomore averaged 10.6 points per game for the Redhawks to go along with 2.9 rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals per game.

She was all-tournament in all Maine South’s tournaments and was selected to the all-Central Suburban League All-Conference team. Her 80 made three-pointers broke the school record.

Kendal Schramek

Benet Academy

Senior guard averaged seven points, three assists and two steals per game.

The Saginaw Valley State recruit was named to the East Suburban Catholic Conference All-Conference team as well as the Naperville North all-tournament team.

“During her 4 years on the Benet varsity the Redwings have compiled a record of 115-21 with four regional titles, three sectional titles, two supersectional titles and two IHSA Class 4A State Championships,” Benet coach Joe Kilbride said.

Gabby Smith

Bolingbrook

Averaged 13.7 points, 2.1 assists and 1.9 steals for the regional champion Raiders. She was named to the All-SouthWest Suburban Conference and was Class 3A/4A IBCA honorable mention all-state.

She was all-tournament at both Rich South and in Naples, Fla.

Village of Plainfield

9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Friday, March 31

24401 W. Lockport St.

Plainfield, IL 60544

(815) 436-7093

www.plainfield-il.org

Serving Village of Plainfield & Plainfield Township residents only

Village of Romeoville

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Friday, March 31

1050 W. Romeo Rd.

Romeoville, IL 60446

(815) 886-7200

romeoville.org

Serving Village of Romeoville residents only

Village of Shorewood

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. through Friday, March 31

One Towne Center Blvd.

Shorewood, IL 60404

(815) 725-2150

vil.shorewood.il.us

Serving Village of Shorewood residents only

Lockport Township

9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Friday, March 31

1463 S. Farrell Rd., Ste. 102

Lockport, IL 60441

(815) 838-1031

www.lockporttownship.com

Serving all of Will County

Troy Township

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. through Friday, March 31

25448 Seil Rd.

Shorewood, IL 60404

(815) 744-1968

www.troytownship.com

Serving Troy Township residents only

Wheatland Township

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. through Friday, March 31

4232 Tower Ct.

Naperville, IL 60564

(630) 717-0092

www.wheatlandtownship.com

Serving all of Will County

Fountaindale Public Library

9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Friday, March 31

300 W. Briarcliff Rd.

Bolingbrook, IL 60440

www.fountaindale.org

Serving the Village of Bolingbrook and DuPage Township residents only.

Information in Police Blotter is obtained from Joliet, Shorewood and Lockport police departments and the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals listed in Police Blotter charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

JOLIET

FEBRUARY 28

Jolyn Valdivia-Hernandez, 50, Joliet, was arrested near E. Cass and Faust Avenue for DUI.

MARCH 1

Daniel S. Turner, 22, of Villa Park, was arrested for criminal trespass to property on Berkley Avenue.

Suspects broke out a window in order to gain access into a vehicle on the 400 block of Pico Street. The offender then reached inside and stole a purse that was on the passenger seat.

Jada S. Travis, 19, of Joliet, was arrested near Henderson and E. Cass streets for failure to signal, transportation of open alcohol, driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Kevin E. Barber, 18, of Plainfield, and Lorenzo L. Aken, 18, of Bloomington, were both arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and criminal trespass to property. A 14-year-old male juvenile was also charged for possession of a stolen vehicle.

Suspects entered a vehicle on the 1600 block of Maple Road and stole a 15″ Kicker speaker, a jumper box and a tool kit.

MARCH 2

Tyija Walters, 28, of Joliet, was cited near S. Briggs and 5th Avenue for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving while license suspended.

MARCH 3

Alexis N. Williams, 27, of Chicago, was arrested at the Will County Courthouse for resisting a peace officer and criminal trespass to property.

Jaime Moreno-Vela, 50, of Joliet, was cited near S. Briggs and I80 for no registration lights, obstructed windshield, driving while license revoked and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Whitney A. Sykes, 28, of Joliet, was cited near E. Washington and S. Briggs

for obstructed windshield and driving while license revoked.

Leticia Molina-Zamudio, 42, of Joliet, was arrested near N. Broadway and Division Street for DUI, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and improper lane usage.

Marcus J. Robinson, 19, of Romeoville, was cited near W. Jefferson and Airport Drive

for driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Lakendel M. Evans, 36, of Joliet, was cited near Sugar Creek Drive and Manhattan Road for no registration lights, driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

MARCH 4

Catherine Islas-Hernandez, 27, of Crestwood, Ky., was arrested near Cott Street and W. Seil Road for DUI, aggravated speeding, disobeying a traffic control device and failure to signal.

Joe Lewis Williams, 38, of Lockport, was cited near Henderson and E. Jackson

for aggravated driving while license revoked and illegal use of a cell phone.

Alfredo P. Rangel, Jr., 29, of Joliet, was cited near Juniper and Arthur for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, driving while license suspended and failure to yield.

MARCH 5

Antonio Barnes, 62, of Chicago, was arrested near S. Briggs and I80 for DUI, illegal transportation of alcohol, and obstructed windows.

Suspects broke into a storage unit on the 4000 block of McDonough Street and stole multiple pieces of jewelry.

Douglas B. Knight, 48, of Joliet, was arrested for battery on the 300 block of Colburn.

Gerald L. Wampler, 31, of Joliet, was arrested near Milan and New Lenox Road for illegal transportation of alcohol, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident and DUI.

Christopher D. Warner, 40, of Joliet, was cited near W. Jefferson and N. Larkinfor driving while license suspended.

MARCH 6

Suspects stole a .380 semi-automatic handgun from a residence on the 2400 block of Burbank Street.

LOCKPORT

MARCH 4

Kendra Pratt, 23, of Chicago Heights, was cited near Volz and Godfrey for criminal damage to property, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident.

MARCH 5

Deandre Tillman, 22, of Joliet was cited near S. Weber and Caton Farm roads for driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Marissa K. Seals, 19, of Joliet, was arrested on the 400 block of Dellwood for aggravated battery to a police officer, aggravated battery in a public place, and resisting a peace officer.

SHOREWOOD

MARCH 7

Adilene Rocha, 27, of Naperville, was arrested on the 100 block of Picnic Street for aggravated battery, resisting/obstructing a peace officer, obstructing justice, driving with a suspended license and improper lane usage after officers responded to a vehicle off the road.

MARCH 8

Jennifer E .Abbott-Bell, 40, of Shorewood, was arrested on the 900 block W Jefferson Street on a Will County warrant after officers responded to a citizen’s call.

Jonah P. Hoehn, 22, of Joliet, was arrested on the 4200 block of W Jefferson Street on an Illinois State Police warrant after the vehicle he was a passenger in was stopped.

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

A campaign mailing sent to the homes of Joliet policemen by a candidate running for an at-large city council seat in the April 4 election stirred concern at a recent public meeting.

Two incumbent candidates running for re-election also took a moment to criticize the actions of their opponent.

Mike DeVito, president of the Joliet patrol officer’s union, noted the dangers that police officers across the nation face in today’s world and said an issue has now been raised in the city.

“This is deeply concerning not because of the content of the political mailer, but because someone accessed the home addresses of every single Joliet police officer and is in possession of such a list,” he said. “Our officers proudly come to work everyday in hopes of making the community a safer place to live for all our residents. We should not have to be worried about the safety our spouses and children when they’re home and the officers are on their respective shifts.”

“While we can appreciate the need for a political candidate to try and win votes any way that he or she can, I’m concerned about these recent turn of events,” DeVito said.

DeVito insisted that Rachel Ventura, who is running for an at-large city council seat, publicly apologize and said he would like for her to reveal who provided her with this confidential information.

Ventura took to the podium to explain what happened to the Joliet City Council.

“I bought the voter list from the county clerk’s office, which is available to all people running as a candidate,” she said. “I then looked on our city website where our salaries are posted because we, as taxpayers, have the right to know the names, who we pay for, the titles, and how much we get paid. I then compared the names of the police officers on that list to the voter records.”

Councilwoman Jan Quillman said as a wife of a police officer, she finds this very disheartening.

“I have been running for a long time and I’ve never had access, and nor if I did I would never have used that list for my own benefit because I know what risk it could put not only the police officer, but his family’s risk especially if they’re undercover, ” she said. “I just can’t believe this.”

Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer noted that she’s the wife of a deputy for the county and said she’s also concerned.

“Even putting together a list like that, endangers the life of our officers,” she said. “The fact that you’re not aware of that and that you would put a political move above the safety of our children,… I’m sorry but our children, his children, any other officer’s child is way more important than putting together a list like that. Do you know what could happen if those lists get into the wrong hands?”

Ventura questioned the extent to which her mailing put lives at risk and said she sent a mailing that identified the recipient’s name, just like any other individual could receive.

Mayor Bob O’Dekirk said he’s aware of the situation at hand.

“I think the issue is because it’s happened since I’ve been here it’s happened twice where a Joliet policeman had their houses shot up,” O’Dekirk said. “One officer his house was shot with an AK-47. So, it’s information that’s very closely kept on the police department. It’s even state law— now, it wasn’t when I was a policeman— but police officers don’t have to list their home addresses on their driver’s licenses. So, it’s somewhat of a concern.”

“I know Inspector General [Chris] Regis is looking into it, and Chief [Brian Benton,] I think you have an internal investigation going on this,” O’Dekirk said. “Just to make it clear, I don’t have access to that roster. The chief doesn’t have access to that roster. So, I don’t know it could’ve been leaked, but we’re going to find out.”

Joliet City Council hopefuls address the crowd during a luncheon hosted by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

Candidates vying for one of three at-large council positions in the April 4 election looked to express their views and interests during a March 23 chamber luncheon.

The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry held the forum with the intention of introducing the candidates, which 11 of the 15 attended. One other candidate submitted a statement to be read.

Brooke Hernandez Brewer wants to serve on the council for another term.

Hernandez Brewer noted that her passion lies within Joliet and said she wants everyone to know that it is her desire to see the city being regarded by her children, just as she does.

“I want to give them a city that makes them want to make the same choice my husband and I made and our parents made, which was to raise our family in Joliet,” she said.

Hernandez Brewer said among the many things she’d like to see through as a councilwoman includes an initiative bringing a pipeline of Lake Michigan Water to the City of Joliet.

Don Dickinson noted that he’s been very active in the community over the years and said he wants to serve the community in another capacity, but this time around as a council member.

“The reason why I’m running is because I want to help bring better paying jobs to Joliet,” he said. “I feel it’s important. We have so many jobs out there that are in warehouses, and people sometimes need to work more than one job, just to survive. It shouldn’t be that way.”

Dickinson said the city must also work on its long-term bonding to improve public infrastructure.

“You can’t go down your neighborhood street without seeing a patch,” he said. “That’s simply unacceptable. We need to work on our streets. We need to work on our infrastructure.”

Jan Quillman noted that she’s been serving the residents for Joliet the last 12 years and said though she’s seen the city experience tough times, she wants to see it continue to thrive.

“We’ve worked hard for those tough years, and since then, we have seen stabilization and growth,” she said. “Thousands of jobs have been brought into the city and many corporate headquarters are now considering moving to Joliet. Building permits are up for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. These add up to increasing the city’s tax base.”

Quillman said she has a number of priorities she’d like to take on if re-elected.

“I want to continue to work for the residents, keep the economy growing strong, keep property taxes down while improving our infrastructure and city services, expand our police department and in turn expand our neighborhood policing to keep our neighborhoods safe, attract new business, and help secure a new water source to [avoid] a problem in the future,” she said. “We are the crossroads of mid-America, and Joliet is experiencing a new renaissance. We are in this together, and we are a city for everyone. I want to continue with the work we have started.”

Michael Turk said many good things are happening in Joliet and he wants this trend to continue.

“The downtown looks like it’s on the verge of some great developments,” he said.

Turk said with all that’s happening in the city, he hopes that he can continue to serve on the council and make a difference moving forward.

“I appreciate the time I have spent on the city council, and it’s a position I take very seriously,” he said. “It takes a lot of hours to perform my duties as a council person effectively. I have strived to do that with a high degree of integrity.”

Rachel Ventura was not in attendance for the luncheon, but submitted a statement to be read.

Ventura wants to work with the City Center Partnership to ensure Joliet becomes a tourist destination.

Ventura intends to change the city’s image by bringing up policing levels and reintroducing programs in the schools, such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

Betty Washington referenced the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and said her aspiration is it to serve the community as an advocate for quality education, jobs that pay a living wage and economic growth and development for every segment of the city.

“I hope to become an instrumental member of the city council using all my energies to bring about constructive and positive change, which affects all residents of the City of Joliet,” she said.

Washington added that she has a sincere interest in serving all of the city’s residents, not just a select few.

Diane Harris said she’s worked hard to achieve what she’s accomplished over the years and said now that she’s retired, it’s time to work for the community where she lives.

“My focus is to promote innovativeness, cleaning up our corridors and reducing crime thorough ordinance enforcement [to] make the city more inviting to new businesses,” she said.

Harris said she’s ready to work for the people.

“As an alternative to raising taxes, I support renewable energy projects,” she said. “I am the only candidate in the race with experience who has hands-on experience in the U.S. infrastructure [system.]”

Mark Ragusa said he thinks that he holds a good understanding of the community and the things its people value.

“My father was a battalion chief on the Joliet Fire Department and my uncle was a captain on the Joliet Police Department,” he said. “I feel I have a good perspective on how important those departments are to the city and to the residents of Joliet.”

Ragusa said he has many transferrable skills and hopes to use them by serving on the council.

“I have managed multi-million dollar projects as well as large staffs of engineers,” he said. “I’ve always been able to foster good relationship between all levels of staff, bringing consensus and driving successful solutions.”

“I’m running for Joliet City Council because I believe we need strong, innovative leadership to continue to grow the city that I believe in,” he said. “I can use my leadership and management skills to accomplish those goals.”

Roger Powel Sr. said the reason he’s running is because he believes in “giving back.”

“I’m a worker, I’m not the type of person to sit back and just talk,” he said. “I get things done.”

Powell wants to see city open up Chicago Street.

“You have to understand that this is very, very important,” he said.

Alex Rodriguez said he’s running because he believes the city has fallen behind when it comes to its neighbors.

“I believe in this city,” he said “I believe that the American dream is alive in this city. I’ve been blessed to live it. When I first came to live in Joliet, my family and I stayed at the Daybreak Center. Now, my wife and I own a home in the [heart] of it.”

Rodriguez wants to see the city thrive.

“I believe that government’s role should be to empower people, encourage home ownership, encourage small business,” Rodriguez said. “I believe in limited government, low taxes, low-regulation. I think that’s the kind of things that empower people and empower business.”

Larry Crawford said he’s honored to live in a strong city where there are 14 other candidates looking to run for city council.

“I think that speak volumes about the kind of city we have,” he said.

Crawford wants to help the city to grow.

“I think the experience of some of the people who are running is going be useful in terms of what the future might hold for our city, but at the same time we could [really be enriched] by a candidate, like myself, who will bring the voice of the people to that council and represent you,” he said.

Candidates who did not attend or send statements were Christian Egwunwoke, Nathaniel Romeo and Michelle Stiff.

A candidate luncheon, hosted by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce &, featured introductions by 11 of 15 individuals running for open at-large city council positions. (Megann Horstead / For The Bugle)

Will County Clerk, Nancy Schultz Voots, wants Will County residents to know how to find and use the Election Night Results on the website www.thewillcountyclerk.com.  Click on the Election Results Quick Link at the top of the page.  Scroll down and click on April 4, 2017 Consolidated Election Results.  There will also be a link on the homepage directly to the results page.
Vote by Mail and Early Voting results will now be loaded first.  After these results are in, Precinct results will then start to appear and continue to update approximately every 15 minutes until all 300 Precincts are reporting.  It is important to refresh the browser to make sure the most current results are showing.
Fourteen days after the election, the next upload will take place to the Provisional Group which will include any valid Provisional ballots from Election Day and remaining Vote by Mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day.  Twenty one days after the election, the Official Certification of Elections will be completed including City of Aurora results.  At this time, the results will become official.
Election Night Results offers a variety of options for viewing Office/Candidate vote totals.  Every office contest has the icons below giving the ability to customize viewing preference.

Families trying to keep their lives together after losing their housing due to economic hardship can find help at Families in Transition Day sponsored by the Will County Regional Office of Education, Will County Center for Community Concerns, and Joliet Township High Schools on Saturday, April 22 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Joliet West High School 401 N. Larkin Ave. Joliet.

School staffers and service workers from community organizations will be on hand to inform and help families gain an understanding of their children’s educational rights and provide information about health insurance and medical care.

Information about nutrition, credit counseling and credit rebuilding, housing counseling and eligibility for rental assistance or affordable housing is also available, along with a story time for children, haircuts and free books to take home. A light breakfast will be provided.

Bringing documents, such as identification cards, social security cards, medical cards and income information, may help families apply for services from participating community organizations.

Community service agencies participating in the event include: United Way of Will County, First Midwest Bank of Crest Hill, Presence Hospital, Will County Health Department, Aunt Martha’s Health Team, Orland Park Dental Services, Joliet Lions Club, and Will County Center for Community Concerns, Community Service Council of Northern Will County, Catholic Charities Daybreak Center, and JJC Workforce Development.

Questions about Families in Transition Support Day, contact Ron O’Connor, McKinney-Vento Liaison for Will County, at 815-740-4787 or email roconnor@willcountyillinois.com

Brayer Teague, left, Downers Grove North High School Fine Arts Chair and Band Director, and president of the Illinois Music Education Association; Shad Hallihan, Joliet Central principal; Don Stinson, Central band director; and Sean Smith, Give a Note Foundation board member.

The Joliet Central High School Band accepted a $5,000 grant from the Country Music Association (CMA) and Give a Note foundations on March 17, during the Radio Disney Music in Our Schools Concert.

Along with performances from Radio Disney Artists, Los 5, and the Central Band, Director Don Stinson accepted the prestigious honorary Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMA) “ARDY.”

Central won the grant and concert after viewers voted daily for videos submitted by schools through an online contest that garnered more than 60,000 views.

The CMA Foundation also named Central music educator Don Stinson a 2017 CMA Music Teacher of Excellence. Stinson will receive the award during a dinner hosted by five-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town Wednesday, April 26, at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

“I am extremely grateful for the grants from Give a Note and the CMA foundations,” said Stinson. “The reality at Joliet Central is that more than 70 percent of the students in our band program do not own, or cannot rent, their instrument. Our administration believes in and supports our music programs. They work hard to provide equipment, materials and opportunities for our student groups, but band programs can be costly for schools and individual students. We are fortunate to receive this extra support.”

Cristian Torres is a senior at Joliet Central High School and a percussionist in the band. Cristian plans to become a music educator as well.

“The Central music program has not only shown me how to become a well-trained musician, but has also built my character, bettered my work ethic, and pushed me to succeed in being a supportive and helpful person in the community,” said Cristian, who calls the music program at Joliet his “second home.”

“The band program is a vital component of our school culture,” adds Joliet Central Principal Shad Hallihan. “Through their performances at assemblies, sporting events, parades, and school and community concerts, the band program is a source of pride for our school and community. The additional resources and opportunities that these grants provide will allow this fantastic program to have an even greater impact.”

To learn more about Give a Note Foundation and the Music In Our Schools Tour, visit www.giveanote.org and follow the hashtag #MusicInspires. Be sure to follow the Tour on Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

View Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jths204/albums/72157678283713293

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, right, presents the “Glen Marcum Selfless Dedication to Public Service Award” to the late Glen Marcum’s family. (Megann Horstead / For The Bugle)

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center turned down the heat and allowed it to simmer and marinade at its annual March 25 Men Who Cook.

The event, held at Pipefitters Local 597 in Mokena, was meant to please attendees by serving up smiles one plate at a time, with the goal of raising funds to help abused children.

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said the event is designed for everyone to enjoy.

“Because of the atmosphere here, food… stimulates conversation,” he said. “If somebody’s going, ‘wow, this is really good.’ You’ll say, ‘well, where did you get that?’ Then, you’ll say, ‘well, you got to try this, too.’ People are talking to each other who had never talked to each other at a normal event.”

Men Who Cook typically features 50 cooks who prepare selections of food for attendees to sample. From macaroni and cheese and meatballs to chili and brisket, a host of dishes were served.

Tom Grotovsky, of Mokena, was preparing beef tenderloin bits au poivre for attendees to try.

“I’ve been doing this nine years ever since it started,” he said. “I started doing it because of what the cause is all about. It’s fantastic for the children right here in our county.”

Grotovsky turned up the heat and let the flame roar across his cooking pan and said everyone seemed to be enjoying what he had to offer.

“Everybody says it’s wonderful,” he said. “I started out with about 50 pounds of this before it’s all trimmed. Then, I seasoned it and [made] my sauce… [I] flame it with cognac, and it turns into a heavy cream.”

Attendee Edward Ronaowski, of Mokena, said he enjoys what the event offers.

“I’ve been to most of them,” he said.

Ronaowski noted that he sampled many different items and said his favorite dish, though, is “the chili.”

Ronaowski said he’s been most surprised by how wonderful the food is.

“It goes from good to great to wow,” he said.

Kathy Hilton, of New Lenox, said she’s glad that she decided to drop in.

“It’s as I remember it,” she said. “I liked it so much last year I came back to it.”

Hilton was mingling while sampling food with her husband.

“It’s a good date night,” she said.

Hilton said she couldn’t believe how many different dishes were featured.

“The variety that these creative chefs constantly come up with [is surprising,]” she said. “Every year, it’s more and more creative.”

Glasgow said he’s pleased by this year’s turnout.

“The pre-sold tickets, I think it was [500] or 600 on the internet,” Glasgow said. “For a local event, that is truly amazing. I think that people understand that children who are the victims of sexual abuse are special victims in our criminal justice system, and the people who do it are extremely dangerous and must be convicted and punished.”

But that doesn’t end there for abused children, Glasgow said.

“They’re scarred, and it’s critical they get the right intervention psychologically and counseling-wise,” he said. “We also have our [therapy] dogs that are present for the interviews, which really helps to relax the child, lower their stress level so that we get a complete and truthful statement.”

The children are interviewed by trained forensic interviewers who work to build trust with them to obtain the information needed to support a case.

Glasgow said it’s wonderful seeing the way the community comes together for Men Who Cook.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” he said. “Each one has been better than the one before. Last year, we brought in about $75,000, and we’re already pass that.”

Glasgow added that the organization was hoping to reach six figures with the funds received.

This year’s event was sponsored by, in part, by D Construction, Midland States Bank and Ed Czerkies.

Information in Police Blotter is obtained from Joliet, Shorewood and Lockport police departments and the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals listed in Police Blotter charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

JOLIET

MARCH   7

Octavia D. McCann, 23, of Joliet was cited near E. Cass and Henderson for no valid registration and driving while license suspended.

Cassiday Hartman, 22, of Lockport was cited near E. Cass and N. Briggs for no headlight, no registration lights, failure to change address, driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

MARCH   8

Latifah S. Williams, 25, of Joliet, was cited near E. Jackson and Scott for no headlights, no valid driver’s license, obstructed registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Jamal M. Smith, 25, of Crest Hill, was cited near Ohio and Scott for no tail light, expired driver’s license.

Virginia Lopez-Juantos, 24, of Joliet, was cited near Collins and E. Cass for improper lane usage, license never issued, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Anthony D. Nevels, 44, of Joliet, was cited near N. Hickory and Western for improper lane usage, driving while license revoked and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Riley E. White, 36, of Joliet, was cited near Ingalls and Vine for driving while license revoked and improper lane usage.

MARCH   10

Gary F. Douglas, 60, of Joliet was cited, near I80 and S. Briggs for improper headlights and driving while license revoked.

MARCH   11

Sarah A. Garner, 58, of Joliet, was arrested near E. Jackson and Collins streets for failure to signal, improper lane usage, expired driver’s license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, aggravated DUI and DUI/drugs.

Damascene Uwayezy, 25, of Chicago, was cited near I80 and S. Chicago St. for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper passing of emergency vehicle and improper passing of emergency vehicle/injury to another.

LOCKPORT

MARCH   8

Suspects broke into a residence on the 1300 block of McCameron and stole a handgun.

MARCH   11

Leonard Harris III, 47, of Joliet was cited near S. Weber and W. Airport roads for expired registration and driving while license revoked.

SHOREWOOD

FEBRUARY 28

Margaret A. Hunter-Pinson, 59, of Joliet, was arrested for retail theft

MARCH   7

Janet Salas, 24, of Romeoville was arrested for theft of cash that occurred on Sept. 26, 2016.

MARCH   11

Sheriece R. Harris, 32, of Chicago, was arrested for driving while license suspended, illegal use of cell phone, no child restraint, no insurance

MARCH   15

Ladonius D. Churchill, 26, of Chicago, with driving while license suspended and improper display of registration Improper display of registration after he was stopped on the 600 block of Brookforest Avenue.

 MARCH   16

Daniel J. Montejano, 35, of Plainfield, was arrested, after a random license plate check, for driving while license revoked, operating motor vehicle with suspended registration and no insurance.

Sarah J. Rumburg, 29, of Shorewood, was arrested on a warrant for retail theft.