By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

Jalen Green and Noah Riley each had a pair of hits and drove home a pair of runs as Joliet Central (2-1) hammered Eisenhower 15-1 in five innings.
Jim Zdanwic and Jared King(1-0) each fired a pair of shutout innings at the Cardinals. Zdanwic fanned three and King added four-punch-outs in their two shutout innings on the mound.

AREA BASEBALL SCOREBOARD for March 21

Benet Academy 5 Wheaton North 1  Redwings back over .500 at 3-2
HF 13 Joliet Catholic 0                        2-1 Hilltoppers mauled in Flossmoor
Batavia 14 Minooka 10                         Indians fall to 0-2-1
Lisle 11 Aurora Central Catholic 10      Dylan Laue walks Lions off past ACC, move to 2-0

March 20

On the banks of the DuPage River, on Wednesday the Lions of Lisle won their 2019 season-opener, in thrilling fashion 6-5, over Immaculate Conception. Damian Guerrero, drove home a pair of Lion runs. Lion ace, AJ Casmer, started the game for Lisle (1-0) but did not get a decision. Casmer, helped himself, at the plate, with a pair of hits.

St. Laurence 5 Maine South 0  Hawks fall to 2-1
Minooka 6 Andrew 6 Indians (0-0-1) salvage tie at home in Minooka

The Bengals improved to 4-0 on the season behind a combined two-hit shutout from Jack Crowder (2-0) and Dylan Sullivan, and blasted Providence 7-0 on Friday. Crowder struck out seven Celtics in his five shutout innings and Sullivan blanked Providence (1-1), over the last two innings. Andrew Miller led the nine hit Bengal attack with two hits and two RBI. Crowder helped himself with a pair of hits at the plate

AREA BASEBALL SCOREBOARD for March 22

Plainfield Central 16 Page (GA) 2

Plainfield Central 14 Wilson Ct. (GA) 2

Like General Sherman, Wildcats (4-0) storm through

Georgia on Friday
Joliet Catholic 6 Neuqua Valley 5  Hilltoppers improve to 3-1

Benet 13 Naperville Central 2  Redwings improve to 4-2

Joliet West 10 Genoa Kingston 0   4 ½ innings  Tigers (1-2) win first game of 2019!
Westmont 16 Hancock 0 Matt O’Leary 5 ribbies  for Sentinels!
Montini 11 Lisle 4  2-1 Lions suffer first loss of the season

By Drake Skleba

For the Bugle

Sunny skies and frigid 38 degree temps with 16 mile-per-hour easterly winds off the frigid waters of Lake Michigan greeted the Plainfield South Cougars for their 2019 home-opener on Monday. Due to poor conditions at the varsity field, the non-conference battle with Streator had to be moved to the sophomore field.

Luckily, for all those frigid folks in attendance, the Cougars made quick work of the visiting Bulldog with a 10-0 score in six-innings.  Seniors Austin Richardson (2-0) and Jimmy Fitzmaurice combined on a three-hit shutout on the mound. Richardson allowed one hit in 3 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts. Fitzmaurice allowed two hits in his 2 2/3 shutout innings of relief, to nail down the save. Fitzmaurice fanned three.

Senior second baseman, Connor Blake, led the Plainfield South (4-0) attack with three hits, including a double and  drove home two Cougar runs. DH Griffin Lapp had two hits and for the second consecutive Cougar game, contributed to “South Small Ball” with a executed suicide-squeeze bunt, for a Cougar run in the fourth inning.

“First of all this was a great team win,” Blake said. “We are all swinging the bat well and have had a great start to the season. I have been really hitting well to start the season.

“It was great to get our first win at home this season,” Lapp said. “We are all really playing well. I saw the pitcher was throwing strikes and I hit the ball hard and did everything I could do, to get the win.”

Cougar sophomore Tylor “Puma” Phommahanchon ( 1-for-3, RBI,SB), started “South’s Small Ball” in the very first inning. Cougar leadoff man Tony Mosher and Lapp singled and Mosher went to third. “Puma’s” executed squeeze bunt plated Mosher with the first Cougar run.

Richardson was effective but wild, as evidenced by his seven strikeouts and five base on balls in his 3 1/3 shutout innings. In the top of the fourth, after allowing his first and only Streator hit and his fifth walk, Cougar pitching coach Chet Lines removed Richardson in favor of Fitzmaurice.

With the Cougars up 4-0, Fitzmaurice entered the game in a save situation. Fitzmaurice was greeted by a single to load the bases for Streator (0-1) with one out. Fitzmaurice dispatched of the Bulldog leadoff man and No. 2 hitter on strikes to end the threat and nail down the save.

“I was really off mechanically, in the first inning. “Puma bailed me out.” Richardson said. “I settled in and pitched well tonight. My fast ball on the inside corner, was my best pitch.

“With the bases loaded, I just went out and threw strikes and knew if they hit the ball, my defense would make the plays behind me,” Fitzmaurice said.

Sophomore left-fielder, Jimmy McGuigan, the “little bro” of Cougar standout catcher Justin, had a pair of singles and scored two runs. “Big Bro” Justin did his usual work blocking numerous pitches in the dirt.

With the win, Plainfield South improves to 4-0 before taking off for Louisville, Kentucky for the Cougars annual Spring Trip. Hobart and Zionsville, Indiana and a pair of Kentucky powers await the unbeaten Cougars this weekend.

“It’s freezing cold. It’s lousy out. Austin just had to adjust to the mound, the weather and then pitched well for us,” Plainfield South head coach Phil Bodine said. “Jimmy Fitzmaurice has pitched well for us in his two appearances. Jimmy pounds the strike zone. Connor Blake is hitting over .600 for us and we really try to scratch out runs, in any way we can.

“We are really looking forward to the Louisville Slugger trip. It’s a great time for all the kids to develop the camaraderie, we need to be successful. Hope for good weather and we get to play some quality teams and it should be a great trip, for all of us.”

AREA BASEBALL SCOREBOARD for March 25

Westmont 11 Munchkin 1  Sentinels improve to 4-1 in Munchkin Land!

Lisle 11 Francis  Parker 0  Lions improve to 3-2 Mighty Pleasant Plains Tues!
Lincoln-Way West 8 Lockport 4 Porters suffer first loss, 6-1 now…

Esperanza (CA) 14 Downers Grove South 0

Glendora (CA) 3 Downers Grove South 0

West Aurora 3 Joliet Central 0  Steelmen back to .500 3-3

At the March Member Luncheon, five Districts were invited to speak on the election for the Joliet City Council which will take place April, 2.

District 1: Larry Hug started off his speech by saying he has been a resident of Joliet since 1984, and he has a wife and two kids. Then, he proclaimed in the last four years, the city under his scheme as brought in 1.5 billion in new business, structure and development.

“Bringing fire and police back to full staffing, doing straight repairs and not raising a single tax in four years are what we have been able to do from the success,” Hug said. He concluded that he thinks private businesses and owners should “run their businesses and get the hell out of the way.”

Hugs adversary, Marc Ragusa, countered Hug by also stating he has lived in Joliet most of his life, except for the time he was in the Navy.

“We are now the third largest city in Illinois,” Ragusa said. “With that growth comes challenges.” Ragusa mentioned that Joliet also needs a new source of water, which will solve a huge problem in the city, to go along with a new sewer system and newer infrastructure.

District 2: Pat Mudron, who is running for another term, stressed that giving back to his native city is the important thing.

“We’re almost a $380 million corporation here,” Mudron said. Accountability and sustained success were what Mudron said he will bring again if he gets voted for the second term.

Roger Powell spoke next, opening up about how hard and how much dedication is takes to get things done with the hierarchy positions.

“Actions speak louder than words,” Powell said.

He said that he would use his advantages of going around the world, to bring more diversity to the position, while working diligently to do the best possible job for Joliet.

Vincent Alessio finished off District 2 stating he himself is a small business owner who deals with customers intimately every day.

“There’s going to be issues every

day, but I figured out through business we provide solutions and opportunity to solve these solutions,” Alessio said. He ended his speech saying that he wants to help diversify economic development, and it’s essential to improve the infrastructure within the city.

District 3: Joe Mutz kicked off District 3 by stating he wants to be the voice of Joliet, and keep developing the work that has already been done to date.

“My goal is to make Joliet the best place in America to live,” Mutz said.

Mutz said that his commitment to the economy and making sure that workers have jobs by investing in small businesses is unparalleled, so that in the next 10 years there can be a more promising future for Joliet.

Sharon Reardon started off her speech by saying she is not someone who can just stand around on the sidelines to watch, she needs to get the job done at all costs. “I’ve ran a successful business in Joliet for the last 14 years, for the past five weeks we have been working tirelessly to touch 800 households in our district,” Reardon said.

Ernest Crim concluded District 3 stating that he is a small business owner and a teacher at Joliet Central High School. “If you know anything about education, it’s like managing a business because it’s difficult but I love it and it’s the best thing in the world,” Crim said.

Crim wants to contribute to students after they graduate in society, with job training programs to help further the quality of life for the kids.

District 4: Bettye Gavin kicked off District 4 by saying that Joliet needs someone who fiscally dependent.

“When I came to the council we have a lot of issues that come before us, but we have been able to solve a lot of these issues that have been presented to us with our team,” Gavin said. She also mentioned that there has been just more than $19 million spent for water and sewer renovations, $17 million in roads and she wants to continue the project.

Damon Zdunich followed Gavin stating that he is a lifelong Joliet resident, received a degree in finance from NIU and became a CPA while joining the military.

“The city I think understands we need to diversify the economic base,” Zdunich said. Zdunich said he would want to partner with local colleges to create more diversity, help bring out better jobs to the city.

James Foster finalized District 4 by saying he sees sidewalks that are unpaved, lack of businesses and lack of unemployment.

“District 4 to this day is the left behind District of Joliet,” Foster said.

Foster wants to lean on his education to focus on the safety, economic development and affordable housing to make Joliet a better city.

District 5: Suzanna Ibarra started off the final District speech with saying she is one of the most motivated people anyone can meet.

“I worked at a top financial institution and managed multi-million dollar accounts on a daily basis,” Ibarra said.

She concluded with by saying from her position and her being a woman, she will bring a new set of fresh eyes that will outwork anyone to make Joliet a great city again.

Terry Morris was the final speaker of the event, who is seeking his third term. “In this business, you help people, that’s what we do as councilman,” Morris said. He concluded the night by saying whatever the problem may be in Joliet, he is open to and very willing to correcting it and making it a better place to live, because to him, people are what matter the most.

By Brian Stanley

An 87-year-old woman died March 22 after her grandson allegedly set their house on fire.

The blaze was reported about 1:30 p.m. at a two-story residence in the 1900 block of Glacier Ridge Drive. Deputy Fire Chief Greg Blaskey said crews arrived to find “heavy fire” on the first floor and were told by neighbors Teresa Collado was still inside.

Firefighters found Collado on the second floor with “burns over 90 percent of her body,” Deputy Police Chief Darrell Gavin said. Collado’s caregiver had also been in the house but was able to get out without injury.

Collado was taken to Amita Saint Joseph Hospital and later airlifted to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood where she succumbed to her injuries about 6 p.m.

Police officers learned Collado’s grandson, William Vera, 32, also had been seen at the home when the fire began.

“He did not remain at the scene, but was located by officers at Caton Farm and County Line roads,” Gavin said.

Fire and police investigators determined the fire had been set intentionally. Vera was questioned by detectives and “admitted setting parts of the house on fire,” Gavin said.

Vera, who was living with his grandmother, was arrested on two counts of aggravated arson and booked into the Will County jail where he is being held on $1 million bond. Gavin said additional charges are being reviewed by the Will County State’s Attorney’s office.

“Police had received prior calls for service at that address, but nothing that resulted in charges,” Gavin said. “Vera was known to police from prior contacts.”

Will County court records show Vera has been charged with over a dozen traffic offenses in the last 10 years and pleaded guilty to a theft case that occurred in Shorewood in 2009.

Blaskey said the house was “heavily damaged” by the fire and may have to be torn down.

Carl Sandburg students from Susan Vanisko’s second grade classroom practiced their reading skills at a field trip to Wags 2 Wishes in Plainfield.

(From left to right) Students Edgar Rios and Gabriel Travis enjoyed reading to the dogs. (Photo Submitted)

The activity not only gave the seven-and eight-year-old children a chance to improve their reading aloud skills, but it also engaged the animals.

The field trip was the grand prize the class won from a Facebook contest sponsored by Wags 2 Wishes.

(From left to right) Students Cameron Tufuor and Chudy Osita had a chance to say hello to a dog. (Photo Submitted)

The class submitted a picture and an essay about why the students would like to read to the rescue dogs.

The essay described how reading to dogs is proven to improve a reader’s fluency, as well as their confidence. The essays were voted on and the Sandburg essay was selected as the top winner.

At the shelter, the students were able to read to the rescue dogs and play with the puppies. In addition, the students learned how to take care of pets and what the rescue center does to help animals. The students were also treated to a complimentary pizza lunch.

By Brian Stanley

The man who allegedly tried scamming and forcing his way into three different homes has been arrested.

Shorewood police said Angelo Ristick, 31, was apprehended March 21 in Chicago after being identified as the suspect.

(Photo Submitted)

Between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 16, Ristick allegedly tried to burglarize residences in the 500 block of Helene Street and the 900 block of Caprice Drive. If the homes were occupied, Ristick either tried ruses to distract the residents and confronted one, Chief Aaron Klima said. Investigators believe he selected the homes at random.

Ristick allegedly forced his way into a Helene Street home and stole items he later used to commit identity theft. At the Caprice residence, Ristick encountered a woman in her 80s. The 5-foot 10-inch 260-pound man “dragged her around the home” and injured her, according to his arrest warrant.

Police released images from home surveillance systems that reportedly show Ristick and the Chevrolet pickup truck he was driving.

“We partnered with other law enforcement agencies and were able to identify him,” Klima said.

Klima said Ristick was arrested about 12:15 p.m. in the 300 block of Ohio Street in Chicago in connection with the incidents in Shorewood.

Ristick, of the 6300 block of West Belmont Avenue in Chicago, has also used the alias “Sam Mitchell,” police said.

Ristick was held by Chicago police before being turned over to Shorewood police and booked into the Will County jail. He is being held on $6 million bond on charges of home invasion, aggravated battery to a senior citizen, residential burglary and aggravated identity theft.

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow has purchased a drug-detection K-9 for the Park Forest Police Department to assist local law enforcement efforts in removing dangerous drugs from our communities. Glasgow paid for the purchase of “Tucker,” his training, and the transport equipment installed in the police vehicle with nearly $18,000 in drug asset money seized from criminals involved in selling illegal narcotics.

A Dutch Shepherd, Tucker is the sixth drug detection K-9 Glasgow has donated to local police departments in Will County at no cost to taxpayers. Tucker is trained to track people as well as drugs.

(Photo Submitted)

“By using drug forfeiture money, we are taking money out of the hands of criminals and using those resources to remove deadly drugs from our communities,” said Glasgow. “The importance of these canines cannot be understated. Dogs trained to detect the presence of illegal narcotics play an important role in helping address the deadly opioid epidemic that is gripping our communities.”

Tucker joins the five other canines State’s Attorney Glasgow has provided to establish K-9 units in various police departments throughout Will County: “Rookie” in Shorewood, “Sam” in Elwood, “Hutch” in Channahon, “Roxie” in Rockdale, and “Mao” in Wilmington. Glasgow also provided the training and K-9 transport equipment for each of these K-9s.

“The canines my office has provided to police departments throughout Will County have helped take drug dangerous dealers off our streets and helped save lives,” Glasgow said.

“These dogs also help prevent the scourge of drug use by assisting our schools in monitoring for the presence of drugs and providing an opportunity for intervention and prevention.”

State’s Attorney Glasgow has an extensive history of addressing the opioid epidemic. He has pursued an aggressive agenda that includes targeting heroin dealers and prosecuting drug-induced homicides against heroin/fentanyl dealers who have sold this deadly poison to hold them accountable for these tragic homicides. Additionally, Glasgow obtained the federal grants to establish Will County’s drug court program to help offenders re-enter the community following an intensive and structured program. Glasgow also works with HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) and HELPS (Heroin Education Leads to Preventative Solutions) to educate our communities about the dangers of opioids.

By Mark Gregory
Editorial Director
@Hear_The_Beard
mark@buglenewspapers.com

In the second half of the 2019 Voyager Media Prep Shootout All-Star game, Niles West senior Sam Galanopoulos took the game over, scoring 15 of her game-high 20 points, leading her team to the win and grabbing the game’s Most Valuable Player honors.

Galanopoulos finished four points shy of the record for the game, but that was not why she put on the performance she did. She subbed out of the game with four minutes left to play, knowing she was close to the mark.

Galanopoulos didn’t need an individual record — she needed a win.

Admitting as much after the game, the Central Suburban League South Player of the Year was not going to lose the final game of her career in her high school uniform.

That was how Galanopoulos played every game of her career that saw her put her name all over the Wolves’ record books that are headlined by WNBA star Jewell Loyd.

“That is how we are in my house,” Galanopoulos said. “My siblings and I will compete over a paper towel. So, I don’t care who I am playing or what is going on at the other side of the floor — I just focus on me and my teammates and ultimately what happens at the end of the game.”

While leading her team, Galanopoulos averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

For her achievements, she is the 2018-19 Voyager Media Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

Even on a senior-dominated team this year, Galanopoulos led the way to a 19-win season.

“It was a mission. I would go home after games and feel like I’m dying, but that’s just in my blood. With the great conference we play in, I had no choice but to play hard,” she said. “I couldn’t just no feel like playing one game and turn it on one game — I definitely had to play every game and I felt like they looked at me for leadership and jumped on.”

Galanopoulos was named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class 4A All-State second team.

Overall, the Loyola University-bound Galanopoulos is happy with how the career ended.

“I am happy with how we ended. My first two years were kind of iffy because we had a lot of girls that didn’t play AAU and it was hard. I was a freshman and I didn’t want to be yelling and telling people what to do,” she said. “My sophomore year I just played more than verbalized and with the coaching switch junior and senior year, it was just use the experience. We ended the season with 10 seniors and we ended with a bang.”

The rest of the All-Area first team is:

Cierra Bachmann, Minooka

An IBCA Class 4A special mention selection, the senior averaged 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.3 steals per game for the Indians.

Jazz Evans, Joliet West

Junior guard averaged 20 points, three assists and three steals per game. She shot 68 percent from the free throw line on the season.

She was a Southwest Prairie Conference all conference selection and was part of three all-tournament teams during the year.

Anna Griffin, Plainfield Central

Joined Joliet West’s Evans as the only players to average 20 points per game, tallying 20.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, three assists, 2.8 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.

Kendall Holmes, Benet Academy

The leading scorer on a Redwing team that finished fourth in the state in Class 4A. Holmes was a member of the Associated Press and IBCA Class 4A All-State second teams. On the season she averaged 10.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game, while connecting on a team-best 50 three pointers.

Holly Lueken, Downers Grove South

The Colgate University recruit, Lueken paced the Mustangs with 16.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season. She was an IBCA Class 4A special mention selection.

Danyel Middleton, Bolingbrook

Bolingbrook junior scored 12.4 points per game, while grabbing four rebounds and handing out three assists per contest. She is an IBCA Class 4A special mention selection.

Nicole Scales, Maine South

The three-time CSL South All-Conference selection was named to the all-tournament team at the Buffalo Grove Bison Classic and Dundee-Crown.

The North Dakota State recruit averaged 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this year. She broke the 1,000-point mark during the season and finished with 1,064 points, good for eighth all-time in program history.

She ended her Hawk career as the program leader in made three-pointers with 212.

She was an IBCA Class 4A special mention selection.

Brooke Schramek, Benet Academy

Junior Wisconsin commit, Schramek was the top scorer for Benet Academy at the state tournament, averaging 15 points per game for the weekend. On the season, she averaged 10.2 points, 3.4 points and 1.5 assists per game.

She was a member of the IBCA Class 4A All-State second team and was Associated Press Class 4A All-State honorable mention.

Treasure Thompson, Bolingbrook

In her first season with the Raiders, Thompson nearly averaged a double-double, posting 13.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game before going down to a knee injury in the sectional. She was a member of the IBCA Class 4A All-State third team.

SECOND TEAM

Kachae Donald, Plainfield Central

Averaged 17.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2 assists and one steal per game on the season for Central. She shot 33 percent on the year from behind the three-point arc.

Niamh Gardiner, Maine South

Sophomore averaged 7.9 points per game to go along with 6.7 rebounds. She was named to the all-tournament teams at Dundee-Crown. Overall, she finished the season with more than 200 rebounds and was third on the team in scoring.

Nicole Gardiner, Maine South

Sophomore tallied 8.6 points, 5.2 rebounds 2.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. She was the leading scorer for the Hawks in conference play and was second in scoring over all behind Scales.

Maddie Greco, Downers Grove South

A final four competitor for the Class 4A ‘Queen of the Hill’ Three Point Contest, she tallied 11.5 points on the season to go with three assists and five rebounds per game.

Ellie Gross, Downers Grove North

The junior was a West Suburban Conference selection for the second time and was named to the all-tournament team at the Schaumburg Thanksgiving and Wheaton North Christmas tournaments.

On the season, she averaged 10.1 points, 4 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game, while connecting on 43 three-point field goals.

Jayden Marable, Bolingbrook

Averaged 10.7 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists on the season against one of the area’s top schedules.

Clara Prasse, Benet Academy

The senior point guard was the floor leader for Benet, she was a IBCA Class 4A special mention selection averaging 5.9 points, 4.5 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game for the Final Four Redwings.

Shannon Smith, Plainfield South

Senior guard averaged 13.3 points, 2.5 steals, 1.8 assists and 3.4 steals for the Cougars.

Jalysa Stokes, Joliet Central

Sophomore guard was a key to Joliet Central’s 24-win season this year.

She was named to the SPC all-conference team as well as all-tournament at Lincoln Way Central Thanksgiving and Bradley Bourbonnais Holiday tournaments.

On the season she averaged 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 steams per game.

She tallied five 20-plus point games this season and was a final four competitor for the Class 4A ‘Queen of the Hill’ Three Point Contest

Grace Walsh, Joliet West

Lone freshman on the all-area team this season, the 5-foot, 8-inch Walsh tallied 13 points and seven rebounds per game as a compliment to Evans for the Tigers.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

In their Steven M. Bajenski Memorial Tournament First-Round game with Lyons Township, the Porters of Lockport took to a 1-0 lead into the top of the fifth inning. Replacing his brother Jon Weis on the mound, who had blanked the Lions on two hits through the first four innings, Nolan Weis was in a jam.

Behind the plate for the Porters, replacing Porter starting junior catcher Nick Schindler, was sophomore Joe Fiorello. Replacing Jackson Mladic in left field, was the Porters starting quarterback for the football Porters this fall, junior Marcos Voulgaris.

With the tying run at third and the go-ahead run at second, Lion pinch-hitter Rohan Shah stepped into the batters box.

Shah ripped a shot in the direction of junior third baseman Jake Kampf. Kampf snared the smash off of Shah’s bat and fired a strike to Fiorella, who put the tag on LT’s Thomas Ramijas who had led off the inning by being hit by a pitch to cut down the tying run at the plate.

With Lion runners on first and second, LT’s leadoffman Matt Shuler hit a towering drive in the direction of Voulgaris in left. The ball kept pushing away from Voulgaris, who was in hot pursuit.  With total disregard for a chain-link fence in his way, Voulgaris leaped into the fence falling over the fence and amazingly came down with the ball.

The entire Porter bench and the large group of Porter fans all were screaming at Marcos to throw the ball to Porter second baseman, Josh Bentley. The Lion baserunner had taken over for third and never tagged up. Voulgaris fired the ball to Bentley, who tagged second base for the 7-4 double-play to end the innin, with the 1-0 Porter lead intact.

With his face, neck and upper body bloodied by the fence, a happy Voulgaris talked with us after the game.

“I didn’t even see the fence. I was just concentrating on catching the ball,” Voulgaris said. “It felt amazing when I felt the ball go in the glove and I didn’t have any idea, at first, about the double-play. I finally realized that Josh had the double-play at second and threw him the ball.

“All football season I never got so bloodied like I did by that fence,” Voulgaris added. “Only my back was sore after football.”

The Porters picked up two unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth, for a 3-0 lead.

In the top of the seventh, Weis gave up a lead-off double and Porter head coach Andy Satunas summoned Porter closer-deluxe Kampf.

Three Lion batters, three Kampf punch-outs and the Porters had an 3-0 Bajenski Memorial Tournament victory.  For Kampf, it was the junior’s fourth save of 2019.

“On the play at third in the fifth, I was able to make the  stop and throw the ball to Joe (Fiorella), who tagged out the tying run at the plate,” Kampf said. “My success as a closer has been due to my coaches, telling me to throw my fastball more. I believe my best pitch is my curve ball but everybody wants me to keep throwing my fastball.”

Opposing the Porters for Lyons Township was their University of Illinois-bound right hander Grant Leader. Leader has consistently thrown between 90-93 m.p.h. in his Lion career.

In the bottom of the second inning, Bentley singled off Leader, for the first Porter hit. Porter senior left fielder Jack Mladic ripped a 92 m.p.h fastball for a booming double to left, scoring Bentley for the only run for the Porters would need.

“I knew Leader threw real hard and I was looking for one of his heaters,” Mladic said. “It felt great to get all of it and drive home the game-winning run, for all of my teammates.”

Lyons Township (2-1) put the first two runners on via walks in the top of the fourth against Jon Weis (1-0). With LT runners on second and third with one out, Weis picked up a big strikeout and then get out of the jam on a fly ball to Porter centerfielder Collin Woulfe.

“A great team win today,” Jon Weis said. “I owe all of my success today to my teammates, who in between innings, were pumping me up in the dugout. Everything was working for me tonight.”

Up next for the Porters is a 5:30 p.m., 14^th Annual WJOL/Don Ladas Memorial Tournament Quarterfinal with Providence Catholic at Ed Flink Field on Thursday evening.

“What a great game today!” Lockport head coach Andy Satunas said. “What was so great about the victory, was there was so many of our kids contributing to the victory. From the great defensive plays from Jake and Joe (Fiorella) and of course Marcos’ unbelievable catch, to Jon Weis’ pitching and the huge RBI double, from Jack Mladic.

“The development of Jake (Kampf), as our closer, with his tremendous velocity he brings, has been truly an amazing development. What a great Bajenski win today, as we move into the quarterfinals, of what I think is the greatest, high school baseball tournament in the nation.”

AREA BASEBALL SCOREBOARD FOR MARCH 26

Benet 5 Downers Grove North 1

Redwings improve to 5-2; Trojans fall to 0-4

Joliet Catholic 12, Naperville Central 1  Hilltoppers improve to 5-1

Plainfield East 2, Bolingbrook 1  Bengals 5-0 The Brook at 2-2
Pleasant Plains 12 Lisle 8 Back to .500 3-3 for Lions

Coal City 5 Minooka 3   Indians fall to 0-4-1

Providence 14, Romeoville 0 Spartans fall to 0-4-1

The Joliet Fire Department will be entering the first phase of its annual hydrant testing beginning on Monday April 1, 2019.  The testing program will be conducted Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.  The hydrant testing will continue for approximately six (6) weeks, depending on the weather.

During Phase I, testing will take place in the following areas of the City:

Station #4 (868 Draper Ave.)

• The geographical area bounded by Woodruff Rd to the North, Gougar Rd to the East, Cass St to the South, and Collins St to the West

Station #5 (661 Mason Ave.)

• The geographical area bounded by Theodore St. to the North, the Desplaines River to the East, I-80 to the South, and Larkin Ave to the West

Station #8 (2293 Essington Rd.)

• The geographical area bounded by W. Renwick Rd to the North, Infantry Dr to the East, Black Rd to the South, and Bronk Rd to the West

The Fire Department will take precautions to reduce the impact of possible rusty water. The City of Joliet will provide a chemical that removes rust from clothes in a washing machine, however, be cautioned that affected clothes must not be dried until they have been properly run through a rinse cycle with the chemical included.

The chemical will be available at any Fire Station. For those without transportation, call the Water Department (724-4220) or the Joliet Fire Department (724-3500).

By Drake Skleba

For the Bugle

After setting an IHSA Class 5A Football State Championship  Game record with 40 carries which produced 331 yards and three touchdowns to help lead the football Hilltoppers to the Class 5A State Championship over Montini,on Thanksgiving Saturday, we all wondered what Joliet Catholic Academy’s  Nick Iannatone would do for an encore on the baseball diamond this spring.

In JCA’s 14^TH Annual WJOL/Don Ladas Memorial Baseball Tournament Quarterfinal game with Joliet West, Iannantone provided the huge crowd at West with an encore.

Iannantone belted his second and third home runs of the year, producing  five Hilltopper runs in JCA’s 7-0 win over the Tigers. The Hilltoppers’ University of Illinois-bound lefty Alex Vera, fired a two-hit shutout at West with 11 strikeouts.

With the win, JCA (7-1) will meet the undefeated Wildcats of Plainfield Central (7-0) in a WJOL/Ladas Semifinal at West at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday.
“This was a big win for us after Joliet West knocked us out last year, in this important tournament,” Iannatone said. “It’s important for all of us, to win the WJOL/Don Ladas Memorial Tournament and put Joliet Catholic back on top, where we belong.”

The Hilltoppers got on the board in the bottom of the second against Joliet West ace Dylan Wolff (1-1).

Hilltopper first baseman Max Cullen (2-for-2, 2 SB,BB) singled, stole second and scored on a booming double off the bat of DH Dan Wuestenfeld. No. 9 Hilltopper hitter Danny Allen singled.

Iannantone, who had walked and was promptly picked off first base to leadoff the Hilltopper first inning by Wolff, quickly made amends.

“When I come up with runners on base, I look for a pitch to move the runners around, Iannantone added. On both home runs, the pitches were right down the middle and I hit the balls hard.”

Iannantones’ 3-run bomb to left gave the Hilltoppers a 5-0 lead after two innings.

Vera (2-1) after allowing the two Tiger hits in the first two innings from Tyler Pransky and Casey Chignoli, began to take control.

Joliet West (4-3) had just swept their four-game, spring trip in Jacksonville, Illinois and were really hitting the ball.

“We really played well in Jacksonville!,” Joliet West head coach John Karczewski said. “I’ve had this outstanding group since they were all seven years old. We had a successful weekend on the diamond and we really bonded into a team”

In the bottom of the sixth against the Tiger bullpen, Wuestenfeld walked and Iannantone, went deep again, for a 7-0 Hilltopper lead.

Vera knocked down 12 consecutive Tiger hitters and finished the victory with a flourish, picking up his 11^th punch-out to end the game.

“After West took us out of the WJOL/Ladas Memorial Tournament , last year, we really wanted to beat them this year,” Vera said. “We had a big win over Brother Rice yesterday and it really carried over for us today. Today was another statement game for us and we want to keep it going.”

For Joliet West, the Tigers will meet their crosstown rivals from Joliet Central (3-4) in a 9 a.m. WJOL/Ladas consolation semifinal, Saturday morning at West. The Steelmen fell to Plainfield Central 6-0 on Thursday.

“Today Alex Vera, had the kind of performance we always knew, he had the ability to perform,” Joliet Catholic head coach Jared Voss said. “Alex is a bulldog. He pounded the strikezone all day. Being a lefty, the sky is the limit for him.”

“Nick Iannantone is a special athlete. What he did this fall has increased his confidence, in any thing he wants to do. An outstanding performance. That first home run of his, is still going.”

Lockport 9 Providence 8 (8 innings)

After Providence (4-2) grabbed an 8-6 lead in the top of the eighth, the Porters responded in the bottom of the eighth.

Alex Martinez’ single was followed by a walk to Nolan Weis. After one out, Jon Weis doubled home Martinez, pulling the Porters within 8-7. Jake Kampf and Collin Woulfe walked Woulfe intentionally to load the bases.

Porter senior, Josh Bentley, sent Porter Nation dancing onto Division Street when he ripped the walk-off single plating Jon Weis with the Porter winner.

The Porters (9-1) who suffered their only loss of 2019 to Lincoln-Way West 8-4 on Monday, get a chance to avenge that defeat on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., in a WJOL/Ladas Semifinal at Ed Flink Field.

Lincoln-Way West 4 Minooka 1
The Indians (1-5-1), fell to the Warriors (3-2), in their WJOL/Ladas Quarterfinal at Lockport on Thursday. The Indians will meet Providence (4-2) in a WJOL Ladas consolation semifinal at Lockport at 9 a.m. Saturday morning.

AREA DAILY SCOREBOARD FOR MARCH 28

Westmont 6 Newark 0 Sentinels improve to 6-2
Niles West 12 Prosser 1  Wolves improve to 4-1

Downers Grove South 9 Mission  (CA) 3  Mustangs (1-4) win first game of season.
Elk Grove 3 Plainfield East 0 Bengals fall to 5-2
Waubonsie Valley 13 Benet Academy 9  Redwings fall to 6-3
Bradley-Bourbonnais 7 Bolingbrook 1 Raiders fall to 2-5

Metea Valley 11 Romeoville 1 Spartans fall to 1-5-1

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

In another edition of the Valley View School District Rivalry between Romeoville and Bolingbrook it was The ‘Ville that came home with district bragging rights.

On the turf at Route 66 Stadium, the home of the Joliet Slammers, Spartan junior AJ Cappalletti stepped to the plate in the bottom of the seventh with a Spartan runner on third.
With the game dead-locked at 2-2, Cappalletti, came through with a walk-off single, and the Spartans won 3-2.

Spartan (2-5-1) starting and winning pitcher Ulysses Munoz fired a five hitter at the Raiders. Anthony Perez, Dylan Scafuri and Mike Bunch all  had a pair of hits, while Bunch picked up a Spartan RBI.
AREA BASEBALL SCOREBOARD for March 29
Maine South 2, Willowbrook 1 – Hawks improve to 6-2
Round Lake 5, Westmont 4 – Sentinels fall to 6-3
St. Rita 6, Benet Academy 4 – Redwings fall to 6-4

By Brian Stanley

Two 26-year-old men were shot to death in separate incidents in Joliet last week.

The first occurred at 11:54 a.m. March 25 when shots were reported near Cutter Avenue and Ada Street. Officers arrived to find Dimitri Allen laying in the front yard of a Cutter Avenue residence.

Allen, who had been shot in the chest, was taken to Silver Cross Hospital but died from his injuries. Sgt. Chris Botzum said Allen lived in the area where he was found.
“At this point, we have not developed any suspect information to release,” Botzum said late last week. Investigators are seeking help from the public – including any residents of the Forest Park neighborhood with outside surveillance cameras.

According to court records, Allen was being sought for arrest at the time of his death for violating probation after pleading guilty to delivery of cannabis in 2016.

At 7:46 p.m. March 27, shots were reported in the 1000 block of Magnolia Avenue where police found Jakias Holman behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Trailblazer still running in the street. Paramedics were unable to revive Holman who was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. No one else was in the vehicle with Holman when police arrived, Botzum said.

Police records show Holman was also arrested on charges of delivery of cannabis charges in 2016 – one block from where Allen was later killed.
Holman, who was also charged with unlawful use of a weapon, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance later that year and was released on probation after spending six months in the Will County jail.

Botzum said last week detectives had not established if the slayings are connected.
Anyone with information on either case is asked to call investigators at (815) 724-3020 or anonymously call CrimeStoppers at (800) 323-6734. CrimeStoppers offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Through games of March 30

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH

Deerfield          3-1Z
Highland Pk     5-2
Vernon Hills     5-3-1
Glenbrook N    2-5
Maine West     1-5
Maine East       0-2

CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH
Niles West        4-1
Maine South    6-2
New Trier         4-2
Niles North       2-2
Glenbrook S     3-3-1
Evanston           3-6

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC NORTH
St. Viator           5-0
St. Patrick        11-1
Carmel              2-0
MCC                  2-1
Notre Dame     1-1

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC SOUTH
Nazareth          6-0-1
Joliet Cath        7-2
Marist               3-1
Marian Cath    5-3
Benet                6-4

INTERSTATE 8 NORTH
Coal City            6-1
Westmont        6-3
Plano                 4-4
Lisle                   3-4
Sandwich          2-3

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE
Plainfield S       4-0
Plainfield C       8-1
Plainfield E       5-2
Oswego            5-3
Oswego E         3-2
Joliet West       4-3
Joliet C              3-4
Plainfield N      1-2-1
Romeoville       2-5-1
Minooka           1-5-1

SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN BLUE
Lockport       11-1
LW East           7-1
Sandburg        3-1
H-F                   3-1-1
Stagg               3-4
Bolingbrook   2-6

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Addison Trail  3-2
Willowbrook  3-3
Leyden            2-2
Hinsdale S      1-1
Morton           1-3
DG South        1-4
Proviso E         0-0-1

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER
Oak Park         4-1
Lyons Twp      3-1
Proviso W       3-1-1
Hinsdale C      2-3
York                 1-3
Glenbard W   1-3
DG North        0-6

• Compiled by Drake Skleba

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

Last week the Lockport Porters were Voyager Media Publications Week One Area Baseball Team of the Week. The Porters opened up their 2019 campaign with six consecutive wins.
In their first game after being named Team of the Week, they were throttled by Lincoln-Way West 8-4, on March 25.
After the defeat to the Warriors, the Porters rebounded robustly.

At Route 66 Stadium the following day behind pitchers John and Nolan Weis, closer Jake Kampf and hard-hitting left fielder Jack Mladic, the Porters blanked Lyons Township 3-0. The game was a first round-game in the ninth annual Steven M. Bajenski Memorial Tournament.

With the win, the Porters will have a May 16 quarterfinal battle with currently undefeated St. Rita (7-0). The location and time will be announced in May.

The Weis brothers and Kampf combined on a three-hit shutout. Mladic’s booming double drove home the only run the Porters would need in the second inning. On Wednesday, under-manned Thornton was annihilated 24-0 in four and a half innings in a Southwest Suburban Conference crossover game.

On Thursday, in their 14^th annual WJOL Don Ladas Memorial Tournament quarterfinal tilt against Providence, senior second baseman Josh Bentley’s walk-off single gave the Porters a thrilling 9-8 victory in eight innings. Bentley’s single sent Porter Nation at Ed Flink Field dancing onto Division Street.

“It was crazy,” Bentley said. “A moment I will never forget.”

On Saturday morning, in their WJOL/Ladas Memorial semifinal, an old foe was across in the diamond in the other dugout —Lincoln-Way West.

Eventual WJOL/Ladas Tournament Most Valuable Player Collin Woulfe got the Porter’s revenge party started in the top of the first. With the bases full of Porters, Woulfe tripled and cleared the bases. After an errant Warrior throw, Woulfe danced home for a 4-0 Porter lead.

The Porters rompped past the Warriors 10-4.

“Lincoln-Way West was really trash talking at us, before the game” Lockport shortstop Ryan Moerman said. “This is so sweet to avenge Monday’s loss to them”

In the 14-year history of the WJOL/Don Ladas Memorial Tournament, only one school had ever won back-to-back WJOL/Ladas Tournament titles. In 2008 and again in 2009, the Indians, under the tutelage of their head coach Jeff Petrovic, won two consecutive WJOL/Ladas Championships.

The Porters (11-1) behind an All-Tournament pitching performance from senior Jack Vrba and 2019 WJOL/Ladas Memorial MVP, Collin Woulfe rolled past Plainfield Central, 7-1, for their second consecutive title.

And for the now, back-to-back, WJOL/Don Ladas Memorial Tournament champion Porters are a back-to-back Voyager Media Publications Team of the Week Award.

WJOL/Don Ladas Memorial All-Tournament Selections Jon and Nolan Weis and left fielder Jack Mladic were major elements in the Porters being Voyager Media Publications Week 2 Team of the Week

“It felt great to win the WJOL tournament and to win the Team of the Week again,” Nolan Weis said. “If felt great to avenge our only loss to Lincoln-Way West, in the semifinals and to beat a very good Plainfield Central team in the championship game. We hope to keep up our winning ways for the rest of the season.”

“What is great about this team is we are never out of any game,” Jon Weis said. “We are so confident that we will win. We feel we can come back from any deficit. It was great to win the WJOL for the second consecutive season.”

“All in. Like poker. We never bluff. We all do this all together,” Mladic said. “Great to win the WJOL and the Team of the Week, again.
“What I am most proud of this group, is how well received they are, by other people,” Coach Andy Satunas said. “Everywhere we go, people tell me what good kids I have here. They are polite, well-behaved, good kids. This is a real credit to the fine jobs their parents have done in raising them. As a coach we always hope to get a group like this, but I am really blessed to be able to coach this outstanding group.”

Four arrested at Collins Street prison

By Brian Stanley

Four young men were arrested March 28 for allegedly trespassing inside the long-closed Collins Street prison.

Since the Joliet Correctional Center closed in 2002, the legendary lockup has become a target for vandals, thieves and urban explorers – especially with the rise of social media in the last few years.

“(Trespassing) has become a frequent occurrence – mostly with teens and younger adults who are just curious what it’s like or want to share it on social media,” Sgt. Chris Botzum said.

Edwin O. Castrellon, 23; Jesus A. Cabrera, 19; Luis Cabrera, 23, and Erik S. Suarez, 20, all of Chicago, were all found in the prison at 1125 Collins Street about 8:45 p.m. They were charged with criminal trespassing and released on recognizance bonds.

The site is state property, and was under state police supervision for many years, but the empty prison was an admittedly low priority for law enforcement patrol.

“We have motion detectors now wired right to the station,” Botzum noted.

The limestone fortress was built in 1858 and turned “Joliet” into a synonym for prison across the nation over the next century.

Since closing, the yards have fallen into disarray and most valuable material has been stripped out.

The prison’s mattress factory was destroyed by a fire in 2013 and another industries building was burned down in 2017.

Two years ago, a teenage girl accidentally became locked in a cell while trespassing and had to be rescued by firefighters with sledgehammers.

By Brian Stanley

Two people drowned March 31 in the DuPage River near the Hammel Woods Dam in Shorewood.

About 5:50 p.m. Abraham Ramos, 28, of Palatine, went into the water near the dam, which is yards from where Route 52 passes over the river. While the shore and concrete pier near the dam are popular fishing sites, swimming is prohibited and “Strong Undertow” signs are posted.

Warning signs are posted on the river that boaters must portage around the dam.

Will County Forest Preserve spokeswoman Cindy Cain said after the man went into the river, his girlfriend, Hannah Tammeling, 22, of Plainfield, went in after him.

“They were by themselves and we don’t know why they went in, but a witness heard her yelling for help and called 911,” Cain said.

A Will County Sheriff’s deputy was in the area and saw both people near the dam. A Troy firefighter arrived and saw the man on the surface.

“The firefighter went into the water with a rope tied around him, but couldn’t find the man,” Cain said.

Firefighters walked along the shore and searched the river in boats until 9 p.m. when darkness prohibited further searching.

Ramos’ body was found further downriver late the following morning and Tammeling’s was recovered a few hours later.

Access points at Hammel Woods were closed during the search. Troy Fire Chief Andy Doyle said 30 fire agencies and five police agencies participated in the search, which covered a 2.5-mile stretch of the river from Route 52 to Mound Road.

Doyle cautioned Hammel Woods visitors to stay away from the dam, which he likened to a lake riptide. While water near the dam may look calm at times, it is extremely dangerous because of the turbulence at the structure’s base.

“It’s very hard to swim out of that,” Doyle said. ” … We really stress that people stay away from the dam.”
The dam, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a New Deal project during the Great Depression, has been the site of previous drownings and water rescues over the years.

Cain said the Forest Preserve decided in 2017 to remove the dam and was scheduled to solicit bids for the project next week.

By Brian Stanley

Eight years after her prized violin was stolen from her home, a local musician experienced an unexpectedly upbeat coda.

On March 4, 2011, Casey McGrath found her Joliet home had been burglarized while she’d been out. Among the valuables taken was Casey’s violin — a Mietek Rusnak valued at $12,000.

Casey is a professional musician who holds a doctorate in violin performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She’s performed as a soloist with orchestras and symphonies, regularly rocked out at bars and taught music studies at Lewis University and Joliet Junior College. She also plays for events at Holy Family Church in Shorewood.

So the loss of her violin was devastating.

“It’s like an extension of my arm,” she said after the break-in – in which computers, a camera, jewelry and another violin that belonged to one of her students were also taken.

State Farm paid out on an insurance policy. McGrath was able to borrow other violins for performances and eventually purchased an Italian violin made in 1713, which she calls “The Laurel” because it’s “the flower of success.”

“The Laurel has become mine and I’ve grown into it, but of course I wondered whatever happened to the one that was taken,” she said. “There’s an international registry. I looked online sometimes, but I never expected to see it again.”

A man was recently looking online for a violin so his son could start lessons and purchased an $80 instrument on Facebook Marketplace, according to information Will County Sheriff’s police provided McGrath. After researching the Rusnak he received, the man became suspicious he’d unintentionally purchased stolen property and contacted the police.

Eight years and three days after her violin had been stolen, McGrath received a phone call she never imagined.

“After frantically pulling on the first pair of sweatpants I could grab, I was white-knuckling my steering wheel en route to the sheriff’s evidence and property return department,” McGrath said. Several minutes later, he returned with a royal blue instrument case she recognized immediately.

“I got so emotional. I set it right on the chairs by the lockers and took it out and I just started playing,” McGrath said. “I was a mess. I was crying and then I was laughing. I played the piece it was supposed to perform three days after it was stolen.”

The impromptu concert in the atrium brought secretaries to their doorways and detectives leaned over the railings of the second floor to listen to Saint-Saens’ Concerto in B Minor.

“I had a lot of things in my head, but as I listened, I realized how much I’ve grown in the last eight years,” McGrath said.

McGrath’s sheet music and homework were still in the case, though most of the hair was gone from the bow.

Because of the insurance payout, the recovered item was now actually State Farm’s property, but McGrath’s agent, John Wright, had more good news for her.

“It’s not a car or jewelry they could sell to anyone, and State Farm doesn’t want to be in the instrument selling business, so he called back and said ‘Keep it’ They’re gifting it to me,” McGrath said.

The Rusnak needs some restoration – new strings and a bridge. McGrath said it will not replace The Laurel as her go-to instrument.

“But I want to keep it. It’s the first one I bought myself. It’s a really good fiddle,” she said.

McGrath is planning to participate in a concert next spring with the Joliet-based Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra to raise funds for youth music scholarships. The MYSO is conducted by Larry Sisk of Plainfield.

She’ll be playing both violins and have a story to tell.