The Opus Group (Opus) announced today plans to construct a 1.2 million-square-foot speculative industrial warehouse in the I-80 submarket of Chicago. The project will be located in Joliet, near the intersection of U.S. Route 6 and Hollywood Road, on 75 acres of land that Opus purchased from Ketone Partners. The development will be a joint venture with AEW Capital Management, L.P. on behalf of one of its institutional separate account clients (AEW).

“After months of planning, we’re excited to begin construction for the Joliet project and to partner with AEW,” said Mike Yungerman, vice president, real estate development, Opus Development Company, L.L.C. “Opus has deep expertise in industrial developments and that, combined with understanding the individual needs of markets, has resulted in the completion of many successful speculative projects of all sizes regionally and across the country.”

The building will feature 36-foot clear height, more than 200 loading docks, up to 450 trailer positions, parking for 225 cars with room for expansion and an ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) sprinkler system. The facility is located less than one mile away from I-80 and will provide easy access to the interstate via the Houbolt Road interchange.

“Our Joliet project is a great example of how months of hard work and creative thinking can transform a piece of ground into a successful real estate development,” said Kyle Schuhmacher, president, Ketone Partners. “We assembled a great team of engineers and subcontractors that helped turn the site challenges into opportunities.”

The speculative building will be able to accommodate a single user or up to two tenants of 500,000 square feet or greater, and will be ideal for users in the e-commerce and intermodal logistics industries. Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin spring 2017 with a formal groundbreaking ceremony taking place in May. The project is slated for completion in summer 2018.

Opus’ recent portfolio of work includes more than 6.9 million square feet of industrial developments currently under construction or completed in the past 24 months across the United States, including the Paragon Business Park in nearby Romeoville. Beyond this recent work in the sector, Opus’ local work includes an additional 1.8 million square feet of distribution space at nearby Minooka Ridge.

Opus Development Company, L.L.C. will be the developer, Opus Design Build, L.L.C. will be the design-builder and Opus AE Group, L.L.C. will be the architect and structural engineer of record. NAI Hiffman represented Ketone Partners in the sale of the land and Eric Tresslar and Steve Connolly of NAI Hiffman will market the property for lease.

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

It has been the standard that when a team makes it to the IHSA state finals, the players from that team that have been invited to the Voyager Media Prep Shootout do not play in the game due mainly to pure exhaustion.

After all, those players have just played two of the hardest games of the season on back-to-back nights and more than likely returned to a community celebration that Sunday afternoon.

This season, however, that trend was bucked as two of the players from Bolingbrook’s Class 4A third place team – Cameron Harris and Nana Akenten – did show up and play in the game.

Akenten, who played 59 of the 64 possible minutes in Peoria, came out and put on a highlight show at the Shootout with jaw dropping dunks.

“I just love the game,” he said that night.

On the season, the Nebraska-bound senior averaged 14.8 point and 5.7 rebounds per game, was named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class 3A/4A first team and led the Raiders to its second third-place trophy in three seasons.

For that, he is the 2017 Voyager Media Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Akenten was part of both the trophy winning clubs, but he had a much different role the last time around.

“My sophomore year, I was the guy that was supposed to come off the bench and do what I was told and I got really limited minutes,” he said. “I think that really helped me for this year. I saw what it took and I saw Prentiss (Nixon) and Brodric (Thomas) and my brother (Dimitri Akenten ) and all the seniors. They had the same mentality and they were on the same page all the time. I understood what kind of determination it took to get down here.

“Being a senior and being able to lead my team down here is amazing. In the beginning of the season, we had a lot of doubters who didn’t think we could be very good, but we just took that as motivation and we strived for the best.”

Akenten always strived for the best in his own game as well.

Unlike some of the players like Nixon and current sophomore Joseph Yesufu who have been on scouts’ radar since junior high, Akenten took his raw ability and molded it into a Division-I type player via hard work.

“It was a lot of hard work,” he said. “There is a point where skill is just not enough. If all I know how to do is shoot and my opponent is in the gym learning to defend me, he will prosper instead of me.”

Bolingbrook coach Rob Brost compares Akenten’s rise to that of Ben Moore, who recently finished his career in the NCAA tournament with Southern Methodist University.

“He is very similar to Ben Moore and what happened with him,” Brost said. “We are fortunate to have had a couple kids do what Nana has done. We have had kids like Prentiss and Joe (Yesufu) and people know who they are before they even get to Bolingbrook High School, but we take pride in how we develop our kids and they players they become and especially the people that they are.

“He has matured so much and a human being even more than a player and obviously, he is a great player. He has worked his way into being a first team all stater, McDonald’s All-American candidate, Gatorade Player of the Year nominee and all the stuff he is getting and then he is going to play in the Big 10, which speaks for itself. The best thing about him is that he is humble, he trusts the coaches and he cares about his teammates.”

Akenten credits that team bond to helping the success this season.

“Having a team like this is a blessing,” he said. “I have never played on a team like this before. Not even the basketball aspect, but just the love around the team. We are truly a family. We spend a lot of time together off the court.”

The rest of the First Team is:

Trevian Bell

Joliet West

He averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game for the sectional finalist Tigers.

The MVP of the Voyager Media Prep Shootout was named to the IBCA Class 3A/4A All-State third team. He will play next season at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Malik Binns

Bolingbrook

Binns will focus on baseball in college and in his final season as a basketball player, he helped the Raiders placed third in the state averaging 13.4 points and a team-best 7.1 points per game.

He was selected to the IBCA Class 3A/4A special mention team.

Jonny Butler

Minooka

Senior averaged 17.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 steals per game for the 21-9 Indians.

He was named MVP of the WJOL Thanksgiving Tournament and was named to the all-tournament teams at the York and Galesburg MLK tournaments.

“Words cannot explain the importance and significance that Jonny Butler has meant to the Minooka basketball program,” said Minooka coach Scott Tanaka.

Jose Grubbs

Joliet Central

Grubbs averaged 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists per game this season. He was named to the IBCA Class 3A/4A All-State fourth team as well as the WJOL and State Farm Classic all tournament teams. He was named to the first team all-conference in the Southwest Prairie Conference.

“Jose was a pleasure to coach because of how hard his played for his teammates,” said coach Lawrence Thompson, Jr.

Teyvion Kirk

Joliet West

Leading scorer for the best team in school history averaged 19.3 points, 4.5 assists and 2.7 assists per game this season. He was named to the IBCA Class 3A/4A All-State second team.

Mark McGrath

Lisle

McGrath, headed to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to play football, averaged 18.5 points and 6.8 rebounds to lead Lisle to its first regional championship since 2005.

He ended his career as the program’s second-leading scorer was named to the IBCA Class 1A/2A All-State fourth team.

Jack Nolan

Benet

Nolan averaged 18 points per game this season and connected on 88 3-point field goals and was named to the IBCA Class 3A/4A All-State third team.

Matt Stritzel

Notre Dame

Junior guard averaged 19.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and five assists per game this season. He was voted MVP of the Lane Thanksgiving Tournament and was named to the IBCA Class 3A/4A All-State third team.

Kaleb Thornton

Bolingbrook

He helped the Raiders to a third-place finish in the state by averaging 12.4 points, 4.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds on the season. He was selected to the IBCA Class 3A/4A third team.

SECOND TEAM

Denis Alibegovic

Downers South

A three-year starter for the Mustangs, Alibegovic nailed 90 3-point field goals this season and averaged 17.5 points per game.

T.J. Clifford

Downers South

A Western Michigan University commit, Clifford averaged 11.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, while helping the Mustangs win the WSC Gold title.

Donovan Finch 

Joliet Catholic

Senior captain averaged 10.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Hillmen. He was named to the Aurora Christian All-Tournament team.

“Donovan’s Defense was a key to our success,” JCA coach Joe Gura said. “He guarded 3’s 4’s and 5’s. He was also a great scorer inside and out. He is as quality a human being as you will find.”

Aaron Flowers

Niles West

Senior averaged 14 points, five rebounds and three steals per game for the Wolves.

DeAndre Heckard

Romeoville

Junior guard has been a three-year starter for the Spartans and has averaged 12.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.3 steals per game this season.

Bryan Jakobsze 

Downers North

He averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and two steals per game for the Trojans.

“Bryan has been our go to player the entire year,” said North coach Jim Thomas. “He has delivered on multiple occasions down the stretch of games. With two game winners at the buzzer and two more go ahead baskets to put us up.

“He has been clutch all year long.”

Liam Lymam

Benet

Lyman averaged 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while often defending the opposing team’s top player.

Pete Ragen

Joliet Catholic

Hilltopper captain averaged 13.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and two assists per game this season. He was named to the all-tournament teams at both Aurora Christian and East Aurora and was a member of the East Suburban Catholic Conference all-conference team.

“Pete plays the game as hard as anyone I coached he willed us to victory some nights,” said JCA coach Joe Gura.

Matt Smietanski

Lockport

The winner of the Voyager Media Jeremy Izzo Character Award, the Porter point guard led the team in scoring (11.4 points per game), steals (1.4 steals per game) and rebounding (4.8 rebounds per game)

Joseph Yesufu

Bolingbrook

Sophomore averaged 10.1 points per game while adding 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the 30-2 Raiders this season.

Lewis University head women’s basketball coach Kristen Gillespie announced on April 3 that she has accepted the same position at Illinois State University, effective immediately, following two seasons at the helm of the Flyers.

“I cannot thank (Director of Athletics) Dr. (John) Planek, the administration and the entire Lewis community enough for the past two years,” Gillespie said. “To have been able to coach at the same university where my grandfather (Gordie) got his collegiate coaching start is hard to put into words.

“I was extremely blessed to coach a group of incredible young women,” Gillespie continued. “I am so proud of all of their accomplishments on and off the court.

“I will always cherish the memories that I have made here at Lewis.”

In two years, Gillespie and the Flyers finished with a record of 51-12 (.810) including two NCAA Tournament berths and one appearance in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship game. In her first season, the Flyers won the GLVC East Division with a record of 18-0, helping Gillespie to 2016 GLVC Coach of the Year and WBCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year accolades.

By Laura Katauskas

Staff Reporter

A partnership bringing together the Des Plaines River Valley Enterprise Zone and Lewis University in a new endeavor to spark entrepreneurship is growing.

Introducing a new program, the Regional Alliance Business Incubator project, Lewis University hopes to encourage innovation and local entrepreneurs by assisting them in becoming stronger and healthier businesses.

The program will be a partnership with the Des Plaines River Valley Enterprise Zone, which includes Romeoville, Joliet, Rockdale, Lockport and Will County.

The Enterprise Zone Board recently approved the first phase of the program, which includes a feasibility study. Director of the Lowell Stahl Center for Entrepreneurship and Real Estate at Lewis University Kristin Burton explained the goals have been set for the feasibility study to accurately define the market opportunity and demand for a business incubator; define the services needed (programming and facilities) for the startup community; recommend a format and general operating procedures; and assess the incubators potential financial performance.

If the study yields favorable results, the Alliance Incubator will be housed at Lewis University’s Fitzpatrick House and be funded by the Enterprise Zone along with in-kind donations by the university.

By using a mix of educational workshops and the university’s existing intellectual, technological, and material resources, the Alliance Incubator aims to create a state of the art business program. STEM-related, product based, and information technology companies are at the heart of this initiative.

“We’re extremely excited that Lewis University is using their resources and educational expertise to make a direct impact on the county and an investment in our future,” said Romeoville Mayor John Noak. “The Alliance Incubator Program at Lewis will allow our area to become more competitive in capturing and creating the companies of the future.”

Burton said the incubator is designed to be open to a broad range of companies in the surrounding areas including STEM-related companies, product base companies, and information technology companies. More specifics will be determined after the feasibility study is concluded.

“We appreciate the Enterprise Zone’s assistance on this initiative that shows great potential for positive economic impact on the region. We look forward to working with innovative entrepreneurs through the Alliance Incubator, coordinated by our Lewis University Lowell Stahl Center for Entrepreneurship and Real Estate,” said Dr. David Livingston, president of Lewis University.
Once established, the five first-year tenants will receive mentoring and strategic coaching, networking opportunities, assistance with loan applications and venture capital presentations, potential small seed grants, business training offerings, and faculty expert support during the startup process. In exchange for these services, the tenants, either a sole proprietor or a business with a group of founders, will pay rent and have an expectation of locating their businesses within the Enterprise Zone boundaries. The program hopes to graduate these tenants after a two-year stay while accepting five new tenants each year.

“Will County is a great place to do business and the Regional Alliance Business Incubator program is another great partnership that should further the pipeline of entrepreneurs emerging right here in our community,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “We have exceptional partners at Lewis University and the Village of Romeoville who we can work with to bring the knowledge and resources together to further economic development for our community.”
Burton explained there will be a core program that each incubator tenant will be required to attend using a best practice model from the International Business Innovation Association.

The program will typically be a two-year incubation period with strategic business coaching sessions, goals setting and milestone progress meetings, industry speakers, training workshops, and access to university resources such as the recording studio and maker labs.

Applications will be available in Fall 2017.

The following are unofficial election results from the contested April 4 municipal elections in Will County. The results are in alphabetical order according to village or city. For complete election results visit the Will County Clerk’s website.

VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK MAYOR

32 of 32 Precincts Reporting: 12,222 votes

Roger C. Claar (BFP)                      6,142  50.25 percent

Jacqueline L. Traynere (BUP)         6,080  49.75 percent

VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK CLERK

Jaime J. Olson (BUP)             6,028  50.10 percent

Carol S. Penning (BFP)          6,004  49.90 percent

VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK TRUSTEE 3 seats

32 of 32 Precincts Reporting: 32,809 votes

Michael T. Lawler (BFP)                               5,640  17.19 percent

Maria A. Zarate (BFP)                                   5,588  17.03 percent

Robert M. Jaskiewicz (BUP)                         5,508  16.79 percent

Terri L. Ransom (BUP)                                 5,504  16.78 percent

Sheldon L. Watts (BFP)                                5,341  16.28 percent

Mary Helen Reyna De Parsons (BUP)        5,228  15.93 percent

VALLEY VIEW CUSD 365U BOARD MEMBER 4 seats

39 of 39 Precincts Reporting: 36,709 votes

Deborah Sykora                   5,666  15.43 percent

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Campbell       4,553  12.40 percent

Sally (Clemens) Guilbo         4,508  12.28 percent

Victor D. Zack                        4,183  11.40 percent

Vickie Sutterlin                      3,985  10.86 percent

Charlotte A. Droogan             3,884  10.58 percent

Daniel J. Falese                      3,392  9.24 percent

Natale Garofalo                                  2,898  7.89 percent

Sinatra Strong                                   2,394  6.52 percent

Kokeith Perry                                    1,246  3.39 percent

WHITE OAK LIBRARY REFERENDUM (Crest Hill/Lockport/Romeoville)

35 of 35 Precincts Reporting: 7,858

NO                   4,757  60.54 percent

YES                 3,101  39.46 percent

CITY OF CREST HILL MAYOR

12 of 12 Precincts Reporting: 2,700 votes

Raymond R. Soliman (IND)

1,541  57.07 percent

John S. Vershay (IND)

194     7.19 percent

Nicholas ‘Nick’ Churnovic (IND)

965     35.74 percent

CITY OF CREST HILL ALDERMAN WARD 4

5 of 5 Precincts Reporting: 1,187 votes

Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Albert (IND)

658     55.43 percent

Charles Convery (IND)

529     44.57 percent

CITY OF JOLIET COUNCILMAN AT LARGE, 3 seats

71 of 71 Precincts Reporting: 23,770 votes

Michael F. Turk                                  3,994  16.80 percent

Jan Quillman                                      3,615  15.21 percent

Don ‘Duck’ Dickinson                        2,682  11.28 percent

Brooke Hernandez Brewer              2,445  10.29 percent

7. Dale Evans 1,735  7.30 percent

Rachel F. Ventura                              1,605  6.75 percent

Betty J. Washington                          1,385  5.83 percent

Roger W. Powell                                1,373  5.78 percent

Alex Rodriguez                                  1,228  5.17 percent

Marc P. Ragusa                                  1,007  4.24 percent

Diane M. Harris                                 898     3.78 percent

Larry Crawford                                 716     3.01 percent

Michelle Stiff                                      439     1.85 percent

Christian Egwunwoke                      391     1.64 percent

Nathaniel Romeo                               257     1.08 percent

JOLIET PARK COMMISSIONER FULL, 3 seats

53 of 53 Precincts Reporting, 17,699 votes

Sue Gulas                   4,346  24.56 percent

Joe Clement               3,523  19.91 percent

Bill Tatro                    3,177  17.95 percent

Kevin Paul                 2,952  16.68 percent

David J. Talarico        2,761  15.60 percent

Jim Patnoudes           940     5.31 percent

JOLIET PARK COMMISSIONER UNEXP 2-YR

53 of 53 Precincts Reporting, 7,461 votes

Patricia Marcum                    3,736  50.07 percent

Matthew J. ‘Matt’ McGuire   3,725  49.93 percent

CITY OF LOCKPORT MAYOR

15 of 15 Precincts Reporting: 3,212 votes

Steven Streit (IND)               2,369  73.75 percent

Joey A. Jeraminas (IND)       843     26.25 percent

CITY OF LOCKPORT ALDERMAN WARD 1

7 of 7 Precincts Reporting, 665 votes

Renee Saban (IND)                           413     62.11 percent

Kristopher A. Capadona (IND)        252     37.89 percent

VILLAGE OF PLAINFIELD TRUSTEE

20 of 20 Precincts Reporting: 8,283 votes

Margie Bonuchi (IND)                      2,387  28.82 percent

Cally J. Larson (IND)             2,173  26.23 percent

Larry D. Newton (IND)                     2,121  25.61 percent

Garrett M. Peck (IND)                       1,602  19.34 percent

PLAINFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY REFERENDUM

45 of 45 Precincts Reporting: 7,132 votes

NO                   4,663  65.38 percent

YES                 2,469  34.62 percent

PLAINFIELD LIBRARY TRUSTEE 4 seats

45 of 45 Precincts Reporting: 16,754 votes

Lisa Schmidt                          3,812  22.75 percent

Vicki M. Knight                      3,598  21.48 percent

Patricia Lynn Miller              3,680  21.96 percent

Ryan Gilles                             3,071  18.33 percent

Jason M. Puetz                       2,593  15.48 percent

VILLAGE OF SHOREWOOD PRESIDENT

10 of 10 Precincts Reporting, 2,668 votes

Richard (Rick) Chapman (IND)                   1,351  50.64 percent

Barbara ‘Cookie’ Kirkland (IND)                 1,317  49.36 percent

VILLAGE OF SHOREWOOD TRUSTEE 3 Seats open

10 of 10 Precincts Reporting, 5,800 votes

Dan Anderson (IND)                        1,733  29.88 percent

Daniel Warren (IND)                        1,452  25.03 percent

Clarence ‘CC’ DeBold (IND) 1,325  22.84 percent

Lona Jakaitis (IND)               1,290  22.24 percent

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

When the word football is heard in Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is players in shorts kicking a white and black ball into a net – or soccer as we would call it here.

Over the last five years, an organization called American Football Worldwide is looking to bring the game we call football in the states to places that are just starting to learn the game.

Among the 28 players from 15 states that will play in Italy April 22 against the Italian national 19U team, which comes together a couple times annually to train and compete against other national teams in Europe, will be Lovell Houston, Jr.

Houston is a Joliet resident that was a running back the past two seasons for Plainfield Central.

During his senior season for the Wildcats, Houston carried the ball 137 times for 734, an average of 5.36 yards per carry. He also scored seven touchdowns while only fumbling once.

“I practice and work hard. It was a great feeling that they asked me to play for this team,” said Houston, who will play football at Millikin University in Decatur, IL next season. “I was accepted in December and I have been training in track and I have been preparing for this.”

Houston is one of five players representing Illinois, the most of any state.

The athletes will leave April 15 and will travel to Italy to practice before playing the game on April 22 in Milan.

“It is great to be able to go over there and play the game that I love and show other people the game,” Houston said. “I am a very quick learner when it comes to football and I am pretty sure that was one of the reasons they picked the other athletes. Football to be is all about having fun and just playing the game that I love.”

The athletes will not only practice and play football, they will also see the sights of Italy, including the Colosseum and Forum in Rome along with St. Peter’s Basilica and museums in Vatican City.  Days later the group will move north through Tuscany with stops in Siena and Florence.  The tour concludes with a stay at the tip of famous Lake Como just north of the Milan.

The team will be coached by Jim Barnes, AFW President and a 16-year veteran as a head football coach at the NCAA Division III level.

“This is the fifth season and it is the first season we are doing two tours,” he said while with a group in Ireland. “American football is a growing sport in Europe, especially in the Under-19 and U-20 level s. It has really only been trickling down to younger than 18-year-olds for a few years now. This will be the third trip to Ireland to play the National U19 team.”

While Barnes said he sees the pride in the athletes as they get to compete for the United States, he also knows they are learning a lot more than just the game.

“When they get here, their eyes are really opened up when they get to experience a culture first hand and get to see history and touch history,” he said. “For many of the guys, this is a great launching point as they go off to college. I think maybe they can think about the world and their place in it more expansively.”

A Honor Roll: Freshmen
Madelynn Ahoyt, Christine Amling, Daniel Analytis, Nicole Arnold, Abigael Bailey, Joseph Batusich, Nathan Bebar, Gianna Belcastro, Zachary Bernhard, Mia Bertino, Stephanie Bertino, Holly Brascia, Sarah Brzezinski, Joseph Bueno, Jake Bumstead, Jack Carroll, Grace Christiansen, Kameron Courtright, Rikki Damaschke, Giovanni Davila, Peyton Ditello, Claire Dow, Gracie Dzurney, Megan Egizio, Madison Evans, Aliza Flores, Megan Gochee, Libby Gregurich, Audrey Rose Hammel, Aine Heron, Makenzie Kaput, Tyler Kaput, Brigid Kelley, Kelsey Kempes, Hagan Lange, Morgan Linneweh, Isabella Magrini, Daniel Mangun, Jisela Martinez, Andrew Medders, Madison Mikuska, Isabella Miller, Katie Nguyen, Annarose Nudera, Jack O’Connell, Mallory Paolucci, Julian Perez, Jose Perez III, Sean Quinn, Joshua Ragusa, Isabella Ray, Jocelyn Reyes, Mia Ruiz, Krystal Sanchez, Henry Schuler, Samantha Scordo, Kaleigh Sheppard, Kenzie Sieracki, Catherine Studer, Emma Tacchia, Ese Takpor, Madison Talarico, Max Toborg, Lauren Wiborg, Jack Wiers, Anthony Zelehovitis

B Honor Roll: Freshmen
Thomas Arnett, Bridget Babich, Eric Bjork, Jacob Budz, Moira Cardwell, Dylan Dante, Vincenzo Fasano, Mitchell Fenske, Reid Fladhammer, Brian Folino, Nathan Gehrke, Beatriz Gonzalez, Grace Gorsky, Michael Green, Sarah Gregurich, Kennedy Hakey, Noah Johnson, Kirsten Kalebich, Thomas Kopman, Paul Kosinski, Maeve Lowry, Gabryel Martinez, Kaitlyn McCarthy, Luc Melnick, Kyle Michel, Mitchell Misischia, Nayeli Morales, Izaiah Murphy, Logan Papineau, Kendahl Parks, Erica Passo, Paige Picciolo, Marcus Porchia, Logan Powers, Morgan Powers, Devyn Robanske, Michael Rodriguez Jr, Owen Roesel, Emilie Ross, Elizabeth Singletary, Luke Spotofora, Hannah Spreitzer, Nathan Szymanski, Laken Testa, Ava Tomich, Michael Walsh, Zyane Williams, Alyssa Wright, Conor Wright, Daniel Wuestenfeld
A Honor Roll: Sophomores

Daniel Allen, Mary Allgood, Madeleine Anderson, Alissa Victoria Araneta, Grace Bannon, Ryan Bell, Allyson Bennett, Anthony Blecha, Jack Brick, Madeline Buss, Peyton Buss, Elise Carlson, Fernando Chavez, Maxwell Cullen, Shea Duffy, Natalie Franchini, Alyssa Gomez, Tessa Green, Xutong Guo, Reese Hafner, Audrey Herro, Erin Johnson, Katherine Jorgensen, Julia Khater, Conor Klump, Jennifer Krizka, Sophie Krzysciak, Katelyn Martini, Zora Mihelich, Lucas Milczarek, Miguel Moreno, Emily Morrissette, John Nash, Megan O’Brien, Megan Ortinau, Olivia Papesh, Sarah Piper, Sydney Pucel, Morgan Pura, Adam Rangel, Matthew Reyna, Logan Senko, Taylor Shelby, Wyatt Simpson, Jack Smith, Matthew Trizna, Abigail Voss, Cordelia Wagner, Abigail Warf, Kurt Weis, Kylie Weis, Matthew Yanke
B Honor Roll: Sophomores
Jack Alt, Hannah Antzoulatos, Abigail Belling, Marissa Benton, Michael Bertolotti, Max Briscoe, Eric Brociek, Adam Broniewicz, Noelle Chovanec, Matthew Ciarlette, Griffin Coleman, Audrey Collofello, Brendan Conroy, Jared Cushing, Isabella D’Andrea, Nina D’Andrea, Logan Ditello, Nina Donahue, Britney Drysch, Taylor Eaheart, Ashlyn Egizio, Jonah Ferro, Jacob Filotto, Anthony Fleischauer, Alex Frescura, Erin Garman, Zachary Gould, Madeline Graj, Keenan Hailey, Nicholas Hjerpe, Emily Holbrook, Moira Jarot, Ryan Jones, Jake Kassel, Nicole Kelledy, Ryan Laule, Haosen Lu, Darrell Martin, Kellen McLeod, Emma McSteen, Raymond Meyer IV, David Monnot, Kinsley Moore, Alexander Niebuda, Christopher O’Donnell, Ty O’Janovac, Michael O’Neill, Michael Payne, John Ragusa, Avery Resendiz, Julia Reyes, Matthew Spreitzer, Nicholas Spreitzer, Conor Sullivan, Kallista Taylor, Hao Tian, Cameron Turner, Connor Uplegger, Alejandro Vera, Connor Ward, Victoria Weaver, Tianmu Zang, Gregory Ziegler III
A Honor Roll: Juniors
Aryka Adelmann, Michael Allen, Ryan Arnold, Matthew Bebar, Holly Bernhard, John Burkett, Nolan Byrd, Mary Carroll, Kent Patrick Diola, Katherine Dow, Julia Egizio, Alexis Flores, Gabriella Gallucci, Megan Giaudrone, Matthew Gochee, Chelsea Hizon, Benjamin Hulbert, Emily Jones, Jason Kaphusman, Macaire Kelley, Lindsay Kent, Jillian Kozlowski, Pamela Krumviede, Tyler Kuchar Hinthorn, Alexandra Lange, Cosme Lozano III, Emma Markun, Hannah Markun, Joshua Minnick, Emily Molnar, Sarah Nahas, Amanda Nelson, Walter Osterberger, Delaney Phelan, Julius Quilarto, Christopher Ray, Jacob Ross, Ryan Rubino, Margaret Runde, Alexander Runge, Madelyn Scheuber, Jacob Scordo, Sabrina Serna, Luke Singletary, Meghan Sliwa, Gianna Sobieski, Caitlyn Spreitzer, Ryan Surin, Kylie Thornburg, Anais Turiello, Aidan Tyrell, Megan Williams, Bailee Witt, Katelyn Witthuhn
B Honor Roll: Juniors
Paula Acosta, Elyon Amoako, Ariel Bouie, Alyssa Brascia, Abigayle Buhay, Michael Butler, Elana Carmine, Nicole Charley, Justin Conant, Kara Courtright, Justin DeVries, Skylar Duensing, Nafkot Eyassu, Greta Fladhammer, Madison Fleischauer, James Folino, Brennen Fornoff, Katie Gallo, Samantha Garza, Andrew Gould, Simon Grashoff, Mia Gruber, Bradley Hinkleman, Diego Howell, Katherine Kalebich, Caleb Kiefer, Henry Krzysciak, Ludwig Kuhar, Morgan Leuszler, Yechen Li, Alex Maier, Gillian Mantia, Sarah Markun, Maxwell Martyka, John Matthews, Tanner McClintock, Jaylen McMahan, Mia Melone, Anya Moritz, Brittany Murnane, Dominic Napolitano, Kailyn O’Donnell, Zachary Offerman, Delores Pall, Tori Pasdertz, Makayla Porter, Thomas Pritz, Shane Raber, Lauren Rohrer, Anastasia Rousseau, Casey Sheppard, Eric Slemp, Julian Smith, Emily Stockman, Onome Takpor, Cullen Testa, Brennan Torres-Havemann, Nicholas Trevino, Daniel Underwood, Adam Matthew Valera, Matthew Van Dyke, Nathaniel Wascher, John Weglarz, Natalie Zinanni

A Honor Roll: Seniors
Itati Acosta, Claire Allgood, Joseph Ambrozich, Alexander Analytis, Max Babich, Hanna Bergeson, James Blake, Margaret Capalbo, McKenna Carlson, Lauren Clementi, Zachary Corcoran, Lauren Crudo, Alexander Demos, William Dow, Erin Egizio, Emma Ehrsam, Joshua Elias, Jennifer Filotto, Meaghan Fischer, Bailey Garland, Audrey Greder, Eva Greder, Amanda Gruber, William Hindo, James Hines, Matthew Hofmann, Jürgen Huebner, McCoy Hutchison, Alexander Khater, Bryce Kurtz, Matthew LaViola, Joshua Lemke, Erica Martinez, Christopher Mueller, John Naal, Shannon Quinn, Patrick Roth, Alysa Sandoval, Danielle Scudder, Trevor Shelby, Christopher Sherman, Bennett Smith, Samantha Smith, Jack Surin, Reilly Jo Swanson, Kelly Testin, Michael Tillmann, Justin Luke Velasco, Shelbi Voss, Sydnie Weis, Grace Whalen
B Honor Roll: Seniors
Manuel Alvarez, Nicholas Bafundo, Madalyn Bauer, Kyle Behymer, Madeline Blotnik, Tyler Boggetto, Andrew Bravo, Clay Briscoe, Molly Byrne, Paige Callans, Thomas Campbell, Emily Cherwin, Trent Christiansen, Cianna Cruz, Gia Dalesandro, Katelyn Dombrowski, John (Jack) Duffy, Alyson Egizio, Michael Finch, Justin Flagg, Taryn Fox, Ethan Goolsby, Jack Gostkowski, Adrian Guzman, Joseph Harvey, Bret Hursh, Taylor Isaac, Cienna Jones, Henry Jones, Michael Jones, Callie Kariotakis, Gibson Karner, Sheridan Kelly, Adjoa Kennedy, Maximillian Kottman, Kailey Kovas, Taylor Lackey, Christopher Langbein, Alexis Mattea, Megan Meyer, Andrew Mihelich, Kate Mihelich, Deven Miller, Emily Miller, Zachary Mitok, Emily Novak, Michael O’Brien, Danielle Oldenburg, Savannah Osborne, Jillian Parenti, Julia Pultorak, Olivia Pyzowski, Michelle Robert, Nicholas Salinas, Nicholas Sandora, Samuel Seneker, Jonathon Sicinski, Marissa Sliwa, Jafet Soto Zamora, Kendall Spreitzer, Jamie Stolfo, Rio Strama, Patrick Tippet, Hayden Wagner, Andrew Warf, Julia Weis, Kyle Wiborg, Nicholas Wyke, Alyssa Zadel, Taylor Zurliene

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 14

Cynthia Kindred, 34, of Joliet, was cited near E. Jackson and Collins for improper lighting, failure to signal, and no valid driver’s license.

Ruby M. Sanchez, 53, of Joliet, was cited near E. Jackson and Collins for no registration lights, disregarding a traffic control device, driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Victor Diaz, 28, of Plainfield, , was cited on the 2100 block of W. Jefferson

for driving while license suspended.

Vanisha Davis, 22, of Joliet, was cited near Maple and Ridgewood for obstructed view, driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Randy L. Stokes, 44, of Joliet, was cited near McKinley and Seneca for improper lighting and driving while license suspended.

MARCH 15

Suspects entered a vehicle on the 1900 block of Hillcrest Road and stole a purse, wallet, assorted change and prescription medication.

Suspects entered an unlocked vehicle on the 1900 block of Hillcrest Road

and stole a laptop.

Jorge L. Santos-Manrique, 42, of Joliet, was cited near E. Jackson and Collins for no registration lights, improper display of registration, driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Ryan T. Vincent, 40, of Joliet, was cited near S. Rock Run and W. County Farm roads

for failure to reduce speed and driving while license revoked.

MARCH 16

Raymond M. Arnold, 26, of New Lenox was cited on the 200 block of SW Circle Drive for two counts of improper signaling, disregarding a stop sign, driving while license revoked and fleeing/eluding police.

MARCH 17

Suspects entered a construction site on the 2400 block of Plainfield Road and stole 100-foot of aluminum gutters and 24-foot. of downspouts.

Esther Pichardo, 30, of Joliet, was cited near Walnut and Sterling

for improper stopping in roadway and driving while license suspended.

Matthew Doyle, 35, of Crestwood was cited near E. Cass and Walnut for improper lane usage and driving while license suspended.

MARCH 18

Elgy L. Booth, 30, of Joliet, was arrested on the 100 block of Paterson Road for battery after he allegedly struck a security guard.

Suspects stole a 1998 Dodge Ram from the driveway of a residence on the 200 block of Oscar.

Suspects broke the window of a vehicle on the 18000 block of S. Briggs in order to enter it and steal a 7″ touchscreen stereo from the dashboard.

Todd A. Mills, 53, of Joliet, was cited near Sterling and N. Hebbard for driving while license revoked.

Vince Rangel, 51, of Joliet, was arrested near Plainfield and Sycamore roads for DUI, speeding, and improper lane us.

Edward A. Prater, 38, of Joliet, was arrested near Peale and E. Washington for illegal parking in roadway, improper lane usage, impeding traffic movement, driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and DUI/drugs.

Ernest L. Myers, 50, of Lockport, was cited near Scott and E. Van Buren streets for obstructed view and driving while license suspended.

Alex Hernandez, 32, of Joliet, was cited near N. Larkin and Mason roads for improper lighting, no child restraint and no valid driver’s license.

Jose J. Ibarra, 35, of Joliet, was arrested near Henderson and Washington

for improper lane us, driving while license suspended and DUI.

Taurean Johnson, 34, of Chicago was cited near S. Chicago Street and W. Schweitzer Road for speeding and driving while license suspended.

MARCH 19

Lucas McGann, 25, of of Crest Hill, was arrested near W. Jefferson and N. Midland for DUI, driving while license suspended and speeding.

Terrell Hunter, 26, of Joliet, was cited near E. Cass and Henderson for disobeying a stop sign and no valid driver’s license.

James F. Bendel, 50, of New Lisbon, Wis., was arrested near S. Weber and W. Renwick roads for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, driving while license revoked, no headlight, and DUI.

Stacey Brown, 53, of Crest Hill was cited near near Plainfield Road and N. Larkin Avenue for no valid driver’s license and expired registration.

MARCH 20

Frances Walker-Andrews, 52, of Joliet, was cited near E. Washington and Richards for improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed, expired registration and improper turn.

Suspects broke into a detached garage on the 300 block of Middletree and stole a grill and a garage door motor.

Wiley Pettway III, 21, of Chicago was cited near E. Millsdale and S. Chicago, for improper lane usage, speeding, and driving while license suspended.

Kristina Montoya, 24, of Joliet, was cited near S. Weber and W. Division for driving while license suspended and improper lighting.

LOCKPORT

MARCH 16

Suspects stole a tan 2014 Toyota Corolla from the driveway of a residence on the 1300 block of Highland.

MARCH 18

Edward C. Dus, 22, of Chicago was arrested near W. Renwick Road and S. Independence Drive for speeding, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and DUI.

SHOREWOOD

MARCH 17

Edwin G. Zayas 23, of Plainfield, , was arrested at 10:08 p.m. on the 800 block of Brookforest Avenue on a Will County warrant after his vehicle was stopped for a registration violation.

MARCH 18

Kenneth Gomes, 49, of Shorewood, was arrested at 9:44 p.m. on the 1000 block Breckenridge Lane for domestic battery after officers responded to a disturbance.

Nicholas M. Puleo, 38, of Joliet, was arrested at 9:37 p.m. on the 200 block of Brookforest Avenue for driving on a suspended license and expired registration following a traffic stop.

MARCH 19

Luis O. Najera, 34, of Plainfield, , was arrested at 8:50 p.m. near Breckenridge Lane and Vertin Blvd for speeding and no valid registration

The former site to an old Joliet brewery with history dating back to the 19th century is now owned by Sehring Property Holdings. The winery group is looking to restore the property located at 310 Bridge Street. (Megann Horstead / For The Bugle)

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

A winery group is planning to rebuild the former site of a brewery building.

In a unanimous vote, the Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals provided a positive recommendation to the Joliet City Council to advance the project.

Phil Soto, a petitioner speaking on behalf of Sehring Property Holdings, they’re pleased to see the project given the go-ahead to move forward.

“We’re just trying to restore what was originally built back in the 1850s,” he said. “We’re pretty excited about the amount of the foundations of the old brewery that we’ve been able to uncover and the tunnels. So, I think it would be the perfect re-use.”

The property in question is currently zoned as R-5 multi-family residential and the petitioner is requesting a variation of use to allow the operation of a brewery and special events space in a B-3 general business use. An associated variance is also of interest that looks to decrease the setback variance from 25 feet to zero.

The site used to serve as the home of the Sehring family, which housed a brewing company at southwest corner of Bridge and Summit streets, zoning records show. By the 1940s, the Catholic Diocese of Joliet assumed new ownership of the building and operated a dormitory within the castle for 50 years thereafter.

When a preliminary plat of subdivision was proposed to divide the existing three buildings on site, the Diocese gained approval but the recording never occurred thereafter, zoning records show. The property was recently sold to Sehring Property Holdings after the Diocese moved their main facilities to Crest Hill.

The project, if later approved by the Joliet City Council, could serve between 80 and 100 people.

The developer intends to distill whiskey on site in the yet to be constructed processing building, which is currently being excavated and will utilize the limestone they find there in reconstruction. Other plans include growing grapes on site.

John Sheridan, of Joliet, spoke on behalf of the Cunningham Neighborhood Council saying they support the project.

“We think it’s a good use of the building,” he said. “We’re looking for thriving business on the near west side… I think this would be a good fit. We kind of butt up to it with St. John’s (Neighborhood Council) organization. So, we look forward to the winery coming into our neighborhood.”

Sgt. John Perona speaks to residents in attendance for the April 4 session of the Citizens Police Academy. (Megann Horstead / For The Bugle)

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

Residents learned about use of force and high voltage electronic devices by the Joliet Police Department during an April 4 session of their 12-week Citizens Police Academy.

The course gives citizens an introduction into what local law enforcement officials do.

Sgt. Rob Hall, a training coordinator for the Joliet Police Department, said the reason for holding the program is clear.

“In large part, it’s an outreach program,” he said.

The program, which started a number of years ago, also gives participants a law enforcement perspective on relevant current events.

Hall noted that many shape their views of law enforcement officials based on what they see in the media and said this gives the police department a chance to shed greater light on what they actually do.

Each week, the class learns firsthand from guest speakers, such as a gang intelligence sergeant and a judge. In previous years, the police department invited representatives from the State’s Attorney’s Office to learn about the criminal justice system as a whole.

While last week participants learned about gangs as well as law enforcement training and recruitment, later in the course they’ll explore other topics, such as traffic stops.

“We’re going to go in the parking lot, we’re going to set the cars up, and they’re going to go up and do mock traffic stops,” Hall said. “They’re going to face the exact same things that we face on traffic stops, including the absolute terror at times.”

Hall noted the many efforts taken by the department to increase diversity among the police force and said this occurrence is also evident among attendees for the Citizens Police Academy.

“In large part we do [get a broad spectrum of participation] in large part because of recruiting efforts as well,” Hall said. “In your typical Citizens Police Academy in most places consists of retired people with a little time on their hands and think, ‘oh, well, we’ll go do this.’ When I took over this position a couple years ago, I said, ‘that’s not going to cut it.’ Most of those people already get us. They support us already. We need the younger people, we need them to understand.”

Robert Bolek, of Joliet, said he decided to sign up for the program to learn more about law enforcement.

“It gives a whole different perspective on what they’re up against, just like this Taser program,” he said.

Bolek said you start thinking about what police officers are exposed to, how they time everything and when they should look to exert use of force.

Bolek said it was “mind boggling” to learn about gangs and law enforcement, as they did the prior week.

“I had no idea what these symbols are, but when you see a gang sign [and it is] explained [to the class] what you see on garage, who wrote it, and who they’re up against,” he said.

Bolek added that he looks forward to what the program holds in the coming weeks.

“At the end, people really understand a whole lot better,” Hall said.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

With 29 seconds left in the Steelmen varsity football game on Homecoming 2017 at Central, on September 17, 2016, Joliet Central senior wide receiver JoJo McNair, caught the game-winning 30-yard touchdown pass, from junior quarterback Zach Wisneski. 29 seconds later, the Steelmen varsity football team won 38-35, ending a 57-game losing streak. McNair caught 8 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns and was  a unanimous All-Joliet-Area wide receiver. 

“It was an amazing feeling to watch the scoreboard clock go to 0:00 and finally win a football game,” McNair said. “What was more rewarding for us, was to accomplish something that everyone said we could not do. It felt great to prove them wrong. In our last game of the season, we won again over Romeoville. Again people said we couldn’t do it.”

This winter, McNair, at 6-feet tall, played center, forward  and guard, for the 23-6 Steelmen varsity basketball team, who won the Class 4A  Joliet Central Regional Championship. Archrival Joliet West, ended the Steelmen’s season in a Class 4A Lincoln-Way East Sectional Semifinal, 64-62 on March 8. Once again, McNair was a Joliet-area All-Area selection in basketball.

This spring, along with fellow three-sport teammate and catcher, Ryan King, 2016 returnees, RF/P Wisneski, 3B James Epting, SS Ricky Malmfeldt, IB  Tom Langley and OF Johnny Slattery, McNair and his Steelmen, look to prove people wrong again, on the diamond.

A natural leader. The phrase best describes the ultra-talented McNair. Whether on the mound or patrolling centerfield, when he is not pitching, he is always doing his best to help the Steelmen achieve success. At the plate, possessing lightning-quick speed, McNair leads the area in infield hits. On the bases, he wreaks havoc on opposing defenses.

“JoJo and Ryan (King), are besides being great athletes, are winners and provide us with great leadership,” Joliet Central head baseball coach Kevin Fitzgerald said. “ JoJo never let’s down and is always playing his very best for us. His presence, lights everyone up the diamond and the Steelmen all look up to him.”

Fresh off a 9-1 pasting of East Aurora, on Friday April 7, the Steelmen are 3-5-2 after their first 10 games, of the 2017 season. A solid performance at the WJOL/Don Ladas Memorial Tournament, last weekend, where the Steelmen tied Lincoln-Way West, lost to SPC foe Minooka (7-2) and tied SPC archrival Joliet West, have given the Steelmen confidence heading into this week.

“We must be more consistent,” McNair said. “Whether pitching, hitting or on defense, we must gain consistency to be successful. Also we must improve hitting, with runners in scoring position and take advantage of the opportunities are opponents, give us.”

The SPC, which had five Class 4A Regional Champions in 2016 (Plainfield North, Plainfield South, Plainfield Central, Plainfield East and Minooka), is stronger than ever in 2017. Last season both Plainfield South and North. fell to eventual Class 4A three consecutive state champion Providence, in the Supersectional and Semifinals.

“We realize the league is very strong,” McNair added. “But I am very confident, that once again, we are going to prove people wrong and win a number of games in the SPC, this spring.”

In late August, McNair along with friend and teammate Ryan King, will head to Waverly, Iowa and continue his college education at Wartburg College. The Knights are an NCAA Division III institution, located in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls-area of northeastern Iowa. McNair plans on majoring in Physical Education and dreams of being a coach, when his playing days are over.

“I love Wartburg, the coaches, Waverly, everything,” McNair added. “I plan on majoring in Physical Education and hope to be a coach one day. I will play football and baseball for the Knights. After football, I may just talk with the basketball coach and see if I can play some basketball, too.”

“I owe all of my success to my Dad. He has been my coach and mentor since I was a little. He taught me to be a leader and to work hard. I want to be a great coach, like him”

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 21

Norma E. Cortes, 26, of Joliet, was cited near N. Larkin and W. Jefferson for failure to dim headlights, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and no valid driver’s license.

Linda M. Towner, 59, of Joliet, was cited near N. Larkin and Theodore for driving while license revoked.

Elizabeth Paredez, 24, of Joliet, was cited near E. Jefferson and N. Eastern for no registration light, no valid driver’s license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

MARCH 22

Darnell D. Robinson, 25, of University Park, was cited near 0-100 block of S. Chicago St. for possession of cannabis under 10 grams.

Dwayne M. Lane, 20, of Joliet, was arrested on the 500 block of Sehring for criminal trespass to property.

MARCH 23

Lance D. Scott, 57, of Joliet, was arrested on the 780 Sugar Creek Drive for battery.

Brian W. Juhant, Jr., 36, of Joliet, was arrested on the 1600 E. Washington Street for aggravated battery and domestic battery.

MARCH 25

Martin J. Rodriguez, 46, of Joliet, was cited near E. Benton and Henderson for improper lane usage and driving while license revoked.  He was held on a failure to appear Will County warrant.

Alex C. Gavins, 29, of Joliet, was cited near Henderson and Williamson for no registration light, driving while license revoked and no valid registration.

MARCH 26

Two male white subjects entered the BP Gas, 17100 W. Laraway Road, at 8 a.m. and asked the clerk if they could purchase beer this early.  When the subjects were told no, they proceeded to the beer cooler, removed a case of Bud Light, and left the store without paying for it.

A male white subject entered the Shell, 4230 W. Jefferson St., and asked for change for a $50 bill.  As the clerk opened the cash register and began removing low denominations the man reached across the counter and grabbed the money without giving her the $50. The subject made off with $50.

MARCH 27

Jeffrey Lamarr Brown, 49, of Joliet, was cited near Gardner and 4th Avenue for aggravated driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and improper turn.

LOCKPORT

MARCH 27

Suspects entered an unlocked van on the 300 block of Princeton and stole prescription medication.

SHOREWOOD

MARCH 14

Melissa S. Ronczkowski, 27, of Chicago, was arrested two DuPage County warrants, one Will County warrant, 1 Kane County warrant, all for possession of a controlled substance.

MARCH 16

Andres Trujillo, 25, of Chicago, was stopped at 10:56 p.m., near Glen Mor and Savoy drives for driving with a flat tire and was charged with DUI, illegal transportation of alcohol, no insurance and unsafe equipment.

MARCH 20

Jessica L Congleton, 31, of Milwaukee Wis., was stopped near Jefferson and Mary streets after her vehicle was stopped the cell phone violation she was arrested for driving on a suspended license, no insurance and illegal use of cell phone

MARCH 21

Gianncarlo L Clarke, 22 of Joliet, was arrested at 1:18 a.m. on the 800 block of Brookforest Avenue for driving on a suspended license, disregard traffic control device.

Labaron J. Scott, 42 of Romeoville, was arrested at 3:06 p.m. near Black and River roads for driving on a revoked license and operation of vehicle while load drops onto roadway

Megann Horstead | For the Bugle

To begin the search for a new city manager, the Joliet City Council discussed the hiring process that will ensue at their April 12 special meeting.

City Manger Jim Hock recently announced to the council that he is going to retire on May 3.

“My choice is we shouldn’t wait two weeks to address what we’re going to do,” Mayor Bob O’DeKirk said. “Last time when Tom Thanas left, it took us about six months to get the replacement hired and then up and going. So, I thought we should jump on this right away.”

Hock is in the third year of his contract working for the City of Joliet. The last time the city performed a search for city manager, officials selected GovHR to assist in the search and paid the consulting firm $18,354.

“I think GovHR did a great job,” O’Dekirk said. “We got about 80 or 90 applicants, and it led to a number of meetings and interviews that the council had to do to get to the final answer, but I thought the process worked well. So, my recommendation would be that we move forward with this again.”

Councilman John Gerl agreed.

“The process worked well last time,” he said. “When we did the search when Tom Thanas retired and needed someone to be the point person to sift through all those resumes, I thought it worked well.”

This consulting firm, which is based in Northbrook, intends to have the search wrapped up in three months. They, too, are working with Joliet to address some non-union compensation matters.

Councilman Terry Morris questioned what the city should do in the meantime.

O’Dekirk explained what he thinks will happen is the city will need to look internally or reach outward for a temporary city manager.

Part of the recruitment process requires the creation of a community profile that describes what the officials are seeking when they look for a new hire. If the city chooses to use a different consulting firm, that company will need to compile this brochure, whereas GovHR already has composed theirs and would only need to update it.

The matter is to be addressed further by the council at their April 18 meeting, at which time officials will consider accepting a proposal for recruitment services with GovHR to find a new city manager.

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

Joliet Junior College officials and members of the community celebrated the completion of the newly constructed City Center Campus and Renaissance Center on April 11.

The grand opening ceremony featured remarks by a number of guests, including JJC president Dr. Judy Mitchell, board chairman Bob Wunderlich, alumna Rosie Cowell, Demonica Kemper Architects principal Dominick Demonica and Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk. The building first opened for classes in January.

“The opening of this facility has been a long time coming,” Wunderlich said. “I’ve been a trustee at the college for over four years, and I’ve seen JJC [bloom] as the institution it is today—a college of state of the art facilities, innovation of academics, and a key resource for generations of traditional students, non-traditional students, local businesses, and organizations.”

This six-story, 96,000-square-foot facility, designed by Demonica Kemper Architects, intends to demonstrate a contemporary expression of the vitality this development brings to the downtown community.

Ten years ago, JJC officials embarked on its master plan campaign to enhance its facilities and educational experience. The development of the City Center Campus and Renaissance Center is what resulted.

“I am pleased to see our vision is realized,” Wunderlich said. “We are proud to invest in downtown Joliet.”

The college’s history with the City of Joliet and the downtown area dates back to 1901, at which point its first campus was set up in the current location for Joliet Central High School. When JJC separated from the high school district and moved to its current location on Houbolt Road in 1967, efforts were devised years later to return to the downtown with the purchase of the renaissance center and adjoining hotel.

The City Center Campus and Renaissance Center hosts a number of special events and currently houses programs for adult education and literacy, workforce development and culinary arts.

“We are excited to continue these services, in addition to expanding our offerings [due] to increased space we now have,” Mitchell said.

O’Dekirk said it’s important to see the college’s leadership not only making a commitment to downtown Joliet but also keeping it.

“As mayor the last two years, I’ve had numerous ribbon cuttings and announcements—a lot of projects happening in Joliet—but we recognize this is a big one,” he said. “It’s a big one for the city, it’s a big one for downtown.”

Cowell, a class of 2015 graduate of the culinary arts program, took a moment to revel in the milestone her alma mater has reached. She said as a student, she saw JJC as a “sanctuary” for faculty and students.

“Relationships flourished through the fellowship of shared meals at the end of a long… day and through the experience of extracurricular events,” Cowell recalled. “From friendly greetings in the halls to deep and meaningful advising counseling sessions, professors dedicated their time to students. This deep care for faculty resulted in very dedicated students who came to school ready to learn and grow. It is my prayer that JJC would continue to attract those same students and faculty, who desire to thrive in all aspects of life, to strive for excellence, dedication, and passion.”

Cowell wants people to know that the culture at JJC is one that thrives—no matter if the experience was held in the J Building or in the new City Center Campus.

“Even with only 20 workers outfitted [with] equipment in crammed spaces, I experienced one of the greatest culinary educations this nation has to offer,” she said. “I can only imagine how exponential the growth will be for students, here, at the new City Center Campus.”

Mitchell gave credit to constituents within the district, along with supporters at the city, county and state levels for believing in the college and investment in the education of the community.

“We are proud to preserve this space’s rich history so that it may continue to serve our students and our great city,” she said.

By Scott Taylor
For the Bugle

The Joliet area has become well known across the state as being a girls bowling powerhouse with teams like Lockport, Joliet West and Minooka all having success.

In April, however, the area has gone national.

This month has seen individuals across the area win national titles, and the University of St. Francis bringing home a championship as well in just its fourth season.

BAILEY

Last year, Taylor Bailey was busy helping lead Joliet West to its first state bowling title.

Taylor Bailey (Jonathan Mailhes)

This year, as a freshman at McKendree University, she was making an immediate impact on the varsity team.

She earned her stripes throughout the year, and by the end of the year, she was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team as the Bearcats won the NCAA Championship, their first in school history for any sport.

“It makes it that much more special to make history,” Bailey said. “This was one of my biggest goals coming here.

“I haven’t really compared the two (high school and college titles). With the high school team, we didn’t really expect to win. Here I thought we could win.The experience was a lot different from high school state.”

The biggest difference between the two titles was that she was on live TV on ESPNU for the NCAA Championship and appeared to be unfazed with her success as McKendree swept Nebraska in the championship.

“I was really excited and nervous,” Bailey said. “I didn’t let it (being on TV) get to me. We all stayed in the moment and it helped us stay in it and stay together.”

The NCAA championship was won the day before Easter in Baton Rouge.

Bailey and the Bearcats celebrated by spending Easter in Louisiana as they prepared for the USBC Intercollegiate Championships the following weekend.

While it wasn’t quite as dominant of a performance as the weekend before, the Bearcats were able to make it two tournament titles in eight days as they defeated Webber International Saturday to win the ITC title.

ST. FRANCIS

The Saints, with a roster loaded with local bowlers, used their experience to guide them to the NAIA National title to open the month in Lexington, Kentucky.

USF Bowlers

Among the eight bowlers in the tournament, four were from the Joliet coverage area and another player was from Plainfield.

Lockport’s Lauren and Nicole Troha and Courtney Fowler and Minooka’s Allyson Lakota helped lead the Saints to the title without losing a match in the tournament.

All are seniors except Nicole Troha, who is a junior.

“It has been fun calling ourselves national champs, and at the same time, it is a little surreal,” Lauren Troha said.

“It was pretty cool that on the way home we had a police escort,” Nicole Troha said. “It was really cool to see people waiting there to congratulate us, even though we didn’t get back until 10 p.m.”

To win the title the No. 2 seeded Saints beat top seeded Pikeville, a perennial power in the NAIA, 3-2 and 3-0, avoiding the winner-take-all final match.

The tournament win was redemption from last year, where they were sent home early with a pair of losses to lower seeded teams.

“I know there are a lot of upperclassmen, but I think the underclassmen have a really special bond with us,” Fowler said. “They wanted to do it with this team because of the bond we all shared together.”

SZCZEPANSKI

Starting the run off for the area was Lockport’s Megan Szczepanski.

She took a slightly different path than the other bowlers as she went to Bellarmine University of Louisville, which although an NCAA school, is a club program and doesn’t get full funding from the university.

But, the school was able to beat many others in scholarship money, even though it was all academic, and she ended up bowling for the Knights and made an immediate impact.

The past two seasons she was the president of the team and this year she led the team to the Club National championship.

En route to the title, Szczepanski was also tabbed the MVP of the tournament.

“It was a good feeling,” she said. “We were confident and all believed in each other. We knew we had to do some work and bowl against some good teams and battle it out. Winning the title my senior year is definitely a great way to go out.”

Thanks in large part to Szczepanski, Bellarmine is now a known school across the bowling landscape.

“It definitely feels good to be a part of a growing program and bringing it to a new level,” she said. “I’ve gone to Junior Gold the past two years to help recruit.”

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

MARCH 28

Tyree Cholen Reddick, 35, of Joliet, was cited near Plainfield Road and Gaylord for driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and expired registration.

MARCH 30

Suspects threw a brick through the rear window of a vehicle on the 500 block of Schribner.

Suspects vandalized two vehicles on the 400 block of N. Briggs by throwing bricks at the windshields causing them to shatter.

MARCH 31

Maggie L. McVey, 30, of Lockport, was arrested on the 0-100 block of W. Jefferson Street for defrauding a drug test.

Rosalio Quinones, 53, of Joliet, was cited near Rowell and 2nd Avenue for no front license plate, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving while license suspended.

Norberto Garnica, 34, of Joliet, was cited near Collins and E. Jackson streets for improper lane unsafe, driving while license suspended and no registration light.

APRIL 1

Perrion Hayes, 28, of Joliet, was cited near Henderson and E. Jackson for defective windshield, no valid driver’s license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Martin Morales-Bustos, 34, of Joliet, was cited near Henderson and Meeker for disregarding a stop sign, no registration lights and driving while license revoked.

APRIL 2

Tony D. Donegan, 39, of Joliet, was cited near N. Briggs and Maple for improper lane usage, obstructed driver’s view, driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

Mauriana Griffin, 26, of Lockport, was cited near Draper and Maple for no front plate and driving while license suspended.

APRIL 3

Jessica L. Tait, 29, of Shorewood, was arrested on the 0-100 block of W. Jefferson Street for defrauding a drug test.

LOCKPORT

MARCH 29

Shannon McKenna, 31, of Lockport, was arrested near W. Oak and Brassel for disobeying a stop sign and possession of a controlled substance.

MARCH 30

Takia M. L. Barrentine, 25, of Joliet, was arrested for battery and criminal trespass to property.

MARCH 31

Suspects entered a property on the 3000 block of S. State Street and stole a catalytic converter off of a van.

SHOREWOOD

MARCH 22

Chiquita C. Raine, 46, of Joliet, was arrested near Bronk Road and Black Road for driving on a suspended license, no insurance and no valid registration.

APRIL 11

Richard A. Kurzweil, 42, of Joliet was arrested near Sarah Avenue and Cottage Street for driving with a revoked license and no valid registration.

APRIL 12

Arturo Temich, 37, of Joliet, was arrested near Black Road and Summit Creek Drive for no valid driver’s license and illegal use of an electronic device.

Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

After nearly three years of failing to see lawmakers pass a state budget and witnessing the effect it has on social service organizations in the community, Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk is looking to usher in some change.

“I think that unfortunately, it’s becoming our problem,” he said. “City government, I think we may need to step up to fill the gap until the state can figure out what they’re going to do. I think the county also bares some responsibility for this.”

O’Dekirk wants to call a meeting for organizations like the Spanish Community Center, Warren-Sharpe Community Center and Forest Park Community Center, along with city and county officials, to come up with solutions. O’Dekirk recently visited the Spanish Community Center and learned of the circumstances they face.

“It wasn’t really news, but I guess I didn’t realize just how dire things are getting for the Spanish [Community] Center and a lot of other organizations in our community that rely heavily on state funding,” he said. “They haven’t had it for three years now. I know [with] the Spanish [Community] Center that private individuals have stepped up and are keeping… the doors open, but we really don’t know how much they’re going to stay open.”

O’Dekirk recognizes that sooner or later, there’s going to be a state budget and said he thinks there will be money coming to these groups they just can’t access at this time.

O’Dekirk stressed that bringing all the key players to the table to determine what actions can be taken is important.

“Maybe, in the next couple of weeks, we can get something together,” O’Dekirk said. “We can get everybody at the table and put our heads together to see what we can do in the short-term. These organizations are vital. There’s a lot of people in our community that depend on them.”

O’Dekirk said he doesn’t think it’s wise to assume the issue will subside if officials don’t take action.

“It’s not our problem, but it’s become our problem,” he said.

Recruitment services proposal approved

Also at that meeting, the Joliet City Council accepted a proposal by GovHR to begin the hiring process for a new city manager.

In a 7-0 vote at their April 18 meeting, council action allows for the approval of a proposal for recruitment services necessary to proceed with a search. Councilwoman Bettye Gavin was not present.

Joliet officials said their decision to work with GovHR is based, in part, on how quickly the position could be filled because they already have a community profile.

On April 6, City Manager Jim Hock submitted his retirement notice to the city council.

The city will pay GovHR $21,000 to perform the recruitment services they’re seeking.

Corporation Counsel Marty Shanahan named interim city manager

O’Dekirk announced that Corporation Counsel Marty Shanahan will serve as the interim city manager.

“It’s probably the most seamless way to do this, as opposed to taking someone else from the city or hiring someone from the outside who’s not going to know where our city lies in a couple months. [We’d need to] get them up to speed.”

Hock is set to retire on May 3 from his post as the city manager.

“Chris Regis, the inspector general, is going to take over Marty’s position as corporation counsel,” O’Dekirk said.

O’Dekirk gave credit to Shanahan and Regis for stepping up.

A 1-year-old girl who had been playing with a group of children was reported missing April 25 in Joliet, according to police.

Semaj Crosby was least seen in the area of Luana Road and Richards Street Tuesday afternoon, according to the Will County sheriff’s office. A relative who had been repairing a vehicle discovered the girl was missing after checking up on her.
She was last seen wearing a gray long sleeve shirt, with the image of a cat’s face, and jeans. She was not wearing shoes. Her hair was in ponytails with white beads.

The girl’s mother pleaded for anyone with information about her toddler’s whereabouts to come forward.

ABC 7-Chicago reports that search teams were setting up this morning near a pond close to where Semaj was last seen.

By Megann Horstead | For The Bugle

The difficult journey of one young man in jail was shared at an April 21 summit on the heroin and opioid epidemic impacting the suburbs.

The man is working his way through the Will County Drug Court and the jail stint where it took two months before he cared whether he would live or die and the fog started to lift and he started to remember who he is, said Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow.

He was there and he witnessed the change seen in the young man over time.

“Sixty days it took with this kid, and I would imagine that’s pretty much the norm,” Glasgow told the crowd in attendance for the sixth annual Hero-Helps Southwest Coalition Community Summit at the Edward Hospital Athletic & Events Center in Romeoville.

The programs in the community aimed at targeting the heroin and opioid epidemic and the growing need for awareness and support were the subject of discussion at the summit.

Glasgow said the sad thing is an arrest must be made in order to get a person into the Drug Court.

“We have to figure another way to get that treatment methodology to everybody,” he said.

“We have quadrupled the number of drug dealers going to the prison the last five years,” Glasgow.

Still, the heroin and opioid epidemic continues to rise.

In 2016, 96 heroin overdoes were reported in Will County.

Will County Executive Larry Walsh, Sr. noted that it’s moving to see the way the community comes together in response to the epidemic and said he is hoping they can find a solution.

“We are losing our most valuable resources over and over again, our children,” he said. “We need to focus whatever we can do and whatever need to do to try and educate them in the dangers of trying this terrible drug.”

In Will County, a number of initiatives aimed at targeting the epidemic have been launched.

Through the efforts of the county’s new director of substance abuse initiative, Dr. Kathleen Burke, law enforcement officials along with sheriffs have acquired the training needed to intervene in crises involving a heroin overdose.

To date, 29 lives have been saved by police officers in Will County administering Narcan.

The County continues to work with the Robert Crown Center for Health Education in offering a heroin prevention curriculum to teach children about the dangers of heroin and other opioids.

Walsh wants people to feel compelled to tell their children, grandchildren and neighborhoods the truth about heroin.

“Over the last six years, it’s been an unbelievable realization that neighborhoods that thought they were not ever going to have an issue, [to find out] heroin knows no boundaries—whether you are rich or poor,” he said. “It can strike any one of us at any time.”

The summit also featured a resource expo providing people the opportunity to consult and gather information on services offered in the community. Representatives for a number of social service organizations were in attendance, including Gateway Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers, Stepping Stones and Trinity Services.

“It’s such a touching thing that goes to every community, affects communities all over the place regardless of background, and it’s something that we need to come together [for,]” Romeoville Mayor John Noak said. “As we look around we have representatives from a wide range of government, social service organizations and just volunteers, families that care. If we are going to really make a dent on this epidemic thing, this is what’s going to do it by all of us coming together.”

Final election results as certified by the Will County Clerk’s Office:

32 of 32 Precincts Reporting

VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK MAYOR

Candidates                                                  Votes               Percent

Jacqueline L. Traynere (BUP)                     6,165              49.57%

Roger C. Claar (BFP)                                 6,273              50.43%

VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK CLERK

Candidates                                                   Votes   Percent

Jaime J. Olson (BUP)                                   6,118  49.96%

Carol S. Penning (BFP)                              6,127  50.04%

VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK TRUSTEE (VOTE FOR 3)

Candidates                                                  Votes   Percent

Robert M. Jaskiewicz (BUP)                       5,588  16.72%

Terri L. Ransom (BUP)                             5,589  16.73%         

Mary Helen Reyna De Parsons (BUP)       5,306  15.88%

Michael T. Lawler (BFP)                           5,758  17.23%         

Sheldon L. Watts (BFP)                              5,460  16.34%

Maria A. Zarate (BFP)                               5,713  17.10%

Statistics for the April 4 Consolidated Election

Will County Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots would like to thank Will County for voting in the April 4 Consolidated Election.  Below are the statistics for this Election:

Total Registered Voters                                            419,882

Total Ballots Cast                                                       76,382

Total Vote by Mail Ballots Cast/Returned                      5,408

Total Early Voting Ballots Cast/Returned                        8,819


Total Polling Place Ballots Cast/Returned                      60,812


Total Same Day Registrations taken on Election Day          338

Voter Turnout                                                                     18.19%

For Election Results visit www.thewillcountyclerk.com. The next election in Will County is March 20, 2018, the Gubernatorial General Primary.