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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020 | A FREE PRESS NEWSPAPER Council approves restrictions for new single-family homes BY BRIAN MURPHY hours, so you guys need to tell me Altiery said he is also concerned amend the budget. you can do for a city is over-hire. I CORRESPONDENT what to do,” Altiery said. “At this time, about the potential budget shortfall if “You cannot spend above the don't know your situation, but you we have not crossed any of the T’s or nothing is changed. appropriated budget, if you are can't over-hire. It's nothing personal, City Council members approved dotted the I's to make it a legal hire. I “We are having an ordinance spending above the budget every dol- we love Braidwood, we care, and all of new restrictions for single family talked to Fay and he said he can do coming through to amend the budget lar, every action taken above that is our guys are making sacrifices too,” homes and their 2021 meeting sched- whatever he wants, so he is putting for the street department. At this null and void. You cannot authorize Lyons said. ule during the regular meeting Nov. him to full time. He's never had a point in time if they stay on the same that payment,” Wellner said. “You Altiery asked Smith to not make 10 at Braidwood City Hall. drug test, background check or any arrow they're on now, they're going to can't just erase a number and put in a any staffing changes until the next Commissioner Fay Smith and paperwork on file.” be $50,000 to $60,000 over budget. number while the doors are closed. budget is made. Administrator Tony Altiery vocally Smith said he filed the appropri- The ordinance they are wanting to do, You have to do it in front of the city “The Mayor, myself, Todd, Doug; disagreed again about the movement ate paperwork and did everything they are wanting to move one guy council, it has to be done in front of we all spend a lot of time keeping the of a part-time employee to full-time legally. from part-time to full-time and also the public and has to be approved the budget to where it's gonna be. We are and whether the budget allowed for “The part-time guy has been employ another full-timer. Between same way the original budget is doing everything we can to struggle this change. made full-time lawfully two months the two of them, it's going to be approved.” and get by. If we can wait, which I Altiery was also concerned about ago. I hired him and I know, drug test roughly $130,000 with benefits which Police Chief Todd Lyons said spoke to Mr. Sullivan, until next budg- this employee, still listed as part time, him as many times as you want, and is going to put the Streets department tough decisions have been made for et time, we can rearrange money so working reportedly more than 80 he'll pass it. I filed paperwork that somewhere around $215,000 and the good of the city. you can put other people on full- hours in one week. said I hired him because I need him, $225,000 over budget,” Altiery said. “I'm down eight full timers from time,” Altiery said. “I need direction from you guys right now part-time is full-time. What City Attorney Bryan Wellner when I started, a secretary, and our Smith said he was unfairly treat- because we have the part-timers I've been elected to do is hire and fire advised the Council that the budget own mechanic which you guys ed, and he is prepared to defend his actually working 80 hours a week. We and run the street department and needs to be properly amended and approved. We are sacrificing, but we can't work a part-timer that many everything that's attached to that,” said there will be an upcoming ordi- are sacrificing because of the situa- SEE COUNCIL, PAGE 2 Smith said. nance regarding the process to tion the city is in and the worst thing

Braidwood Commissioner Charlie Hart passes away The city of Braidwood is and clarity of purpose should mourning the loss of a long drive the board’s decision serving public servant. making. I want open, honest, Charlie Hart, who was and transparent communica- elected as the city’s Public tion between the city and our Health and Safety residents. I believe we can be Commissioner in 2019, passed fiscally responsible while away on Friday, Nov. 13. spending what is necessary to Prior to his election to the maintain and improve our city City Council, Hart was an infrastructure through a bal- appointed member of the anced, well thought-out plan city’s planning and zoning for investment in our commu- board, and also served as an nity. Because I care about the electrical inspector for the city. quality of life in Braidwood, I A veteran of the Army who want to make sure residents served from 1957 to 1959, Hart lived in Braidwood for more know their elected officials, than 15 years with his wife of and who to contact when they 60 years, Karen. The pair were have a need. I want to engage the parents of four children, the residents in conversation grandparents of seven, and about their city and use that great-grandparents of three. conversation to develop In 2019, Hart explained action for a better Braidwood.” why serving the city was Hart’s funeral services will important to him. be held privately due to the “I hope to bring a practi- pandemic. cal perspective and residential His full obituary can be voice to city government,” he found on page 8 of this edi- said. “I believe common sense tion.

Image provided ONE OF TWO ALTERNATIVES FOR a new interchange at I-55 and Illinois Route 129 includes a standard diamond design, with exits and entrances for both north and southbound I-55 traffic, with a connection to Elion Boulevard after Route 129 ends. The exit ramp from southbound I-55 lanes at Route 129 was removed in 2011. Interchange projects at Lorenzo, Pandemic plea: Route 129 ready for public input Stay home order from the spring, rather a BY MARNEY SIMON is a state road. Road will address seeks input on two alterna- Mitigations call to limit outings in hopes of EDITOR Phase 1 of the study was Wilmington’s Elion Logistics tives for both interchanges. once again slowing the spread initiated in 2008, but in 2013 and the proposed The proposals for remain in place as of the virus. It’s been nine years since the project was absorbed into BNSF intermodal facility. Lorenzo Road include two At the close of last week, the Illinois Route 129 ramp the Phase 1 study for the The Route 129 exit will modified trumpet deigns. In Grundy positivity Grundy County’s seven day from southbound I-55 was Illiana Expressway. The Illiana allow for access to Route 129 the first, traffic entering rolling test positivity rate shuttered. Expressway project was put both to and from the south- Lorenzo Road from south- rate tops 25% topped 25% and the number Now, with plans to add a on hold in 2015. In 2018, the I- bound I-55 lanes. Access to bound lanes of I-55 would uti- of new cases was just short of new interchange at Route 129 55 study for Lorenzo Road and those lanes has was shut off lize a loop ramp, while traffic 500 according to the Illinois and a second at Lorenzo Road Route 129 was pulled out of nearly a decade ago. entering I-55 from Lorenzo STAFF REPORT Department of Public Health in the works, the Illinois the Illiana study and moved According to the study Road would use the same exit, (IDPH). Department of Transportation ahead on its own. documents, traffic through with the ramp making a On Monday, Nov. 9, the (IDOT) has opened the com- The study aims to address the region has continued to north-south split. As a second wave of COVID-19 outbreaks continue state health agency reported a ment period for the public to three basic needs for the area: increase. Estimated traffic vol- The second option would total of 1,557 cases had been weigh in. • Improve safety umes for the year 2050 show keep the current Lorenzo to sweep across the state, Illinoisans are being urged to identified in Grundy County. The comment period is • Improve facility condi- that the current interchanges Road exit from southbound On Nov. 16, the case count open through mid-December tion and design would suffer from congestion lanes as is. stay home as much as possible for the remaining days of was up to 2,053. for the proposed I-55 project. • Improve regional and by that time if not addressed, The two options for Route In Will County, the seven Lorenzo Road is under local travel and access which could lead to danger- 129 are a standard diamond, November. The interchange ous highway conditions The pandemic plea is not the jurisdiction of the city of SEE IDOT, PAGE 2 SEE COVID, PAGE 2 Wilmington, while Route 129 improvements at Lorenzo The public outreach a renewal of the stay at home

Survey complete, but dam discussions just getting started BY MARNEY SIMON • Compete removal of the roller dam. vocal proponent of keeping the you want to borrow $3 to $5 rip rap in there,” he said. EDITOR dam — 304 The survey was based on dam, said the survey was mis- million? Well, who is going to In 2018, the city submitted • Construction of a rock guidance from a 2017 study, leading, because the cost of agree to that? I’m not going to a regional permit application WILMINGTON — The ramp — 55 conducted by the Illinois turning the dam over to the agree to it either.” seeking approval from the final results are in, and the • Construction of a rock- Department of Natural state is free. Strong said that while the Army Corps of Engineers and majority of those responded to ramp with canoe/kayak pas- Resources (IDNR), that com- He said that people natu- survey worked to gauge public IDNR to add rip rap to the face the city of Wilmington’s survey sage — 59 pared the costs of changes at rally opted for the cheapest opinion on a handful of of the dam, proposing the on the Kankakee River Dam • Leave the dam alone — the dam. option, when in reality there options, the next step would be placement of approximately said they’d like to see it taken 26 “My understanding was might be ways to keep the dam to meet with the Army Corps of 500 cubic yards of rip rap in the out. Surveys were sent out with that we would turn the dam that are far below the millions Engineers to see what steps the scour hole below the dam to But the survey is just the water bills in August. The sur- over to the state at this point,” it would cost the city if the only city can take to address safety break the submerged hydraulic first step of a long journey to vey was a result of renewed Alderman Lisa Butler said after other options were the ones at the dam. jump (boil), reducing or elimi- address the dam, and if it will interest earlier this year in pur- the committee reviewed the available on the survey. Strong has long been in nating the undertow and ever be removed from its spot suing changes to or removal of survey results. “The survey was kind of favor of adding rip rap to the improving public safety. along the South Island. the dam, sparked by conversa- But that thought was met biased,” Strong said. “It basi- face of the dam in an effort to The survey results were tions initiated with the public with a resounding ‘no’ from cally, it’s saying, do you want to reduce the danger should SEE DAM, PAGE 3 revealed during the Nov. 11 by Alderman Ben Dietz and Wilmington Mayor Roy Strong. spend this money, and [the someone get pulled in. meeting of the Buildings, former Alderman Jake Tenn. “No, no, no, no, no, no, no. respondents] are saying no, we “I think we can get rock in Grounds, Parks, Health and Since 1982, at least 16 peo- Not yet,” Strong said emphati- don’t want to spend the money. there for a lot less, maybe Safety Committee. The final ple have lost their lives after cally. That’s what it’s about. I could- $150,000 or something, we tally: being swept into the hydraulic Strong, who has been a n’t agree with them more, do might be able to do that, get The Braidwood Journal, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 2 WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM

said. Saltzman said he remains very received, with both of them Smith complimented his supportive of this change. hopefully we are only pushing 3.5% of the U.S. gross Council workers for their ability to “This has been a long around $100,000 in debt.” domestic product, and repair equipment and said time coming and I'm glad to Other Items Approved IDOT that $65 billion worth of they recently saved the City a see this. It's a good call,” Council members also decision using legal means. freight activity either starts substantial amount in poten- Saltzman said. approved the Minutes of “I've worked hard to save or ends in Will County. tial expenses. No public comments October 27, 2020 Regular us money and I like this town, and a diverging diamond. Wilmington at “For the last two weeks, were received in opposition to Meeting; approved an ordi- I could have moved to Florida None of the proposals Lorenzo Road is one of 17 I'm working with antique the ordinance and it was rec- nance designating meeting would involve any change and retired. We agreed on all stuff. Everything I've got is ommended 6-0 by the freight clusters in Will of this five and five, but I'm dates and times and holiday to the Kankakee River junk and I'm trying to work. Planning and Zoning Board observations in 2021 for the County. not getting mine. I don't want bridge on I-55. Closure of the Route Now they worked on that skid- during their November 2 Corporate Authorities and Environmental to argue with you, I'm ready to der a whole week to get it meeting. 129 ramp from south- quit,” Smith said. “I've been Plan Commission for the City impacts being studied going. If I would have to send Budget Shortfall Expected of Braidwood; approved pay- include wetlands, flood- bound I-55 happened in walked on this whole entire that out, you would have Altiery said expenses are 2011. At the time, the time. When you follow it and ment of bills for the amount of plains, prairie lands, farm- about probably $150,000 to projected to outpace the $119,449.34; and approved land conversion, historic interchange served rough- you do right, they penalize pay,” Smith said. “They've budget but they have spent ly 4,700 vehicles per day. you for doing right. I have payroll expenses of resources, threatened and done a good job and it's work- significantly less than the pre- $125,500.12. endangered species, noise, Local municipalities already hired him and it's law- ing; that skid steer, that Cat, vious Council. were told the ramp was ful and I'm not laying him off The largest expenditures right-of-way, and residen- they tore it all apart. There “We were going over were the garbage department tial and commercial relo- scheduled to be replaced, and Altiery, I'll take you to aren't too many places that where we stand in the budget at $43,601.68 and the cations. however, the overpass was court before I'll back up on could do that, but they got it now compared to different that.” water/sewer department at Once the public com- removed with no date in back in shape good and they dates, so we took the last year ment period ends, IDOT sight to build a new one. Altiery said he also heard worked all week. I just want to of the previous council before $37,974.51. The largest payroll troubling allegations against expenses were police salaries will announce the pre- Traffic toward try my best and I will work us from May 1 to November 3. ferred alternative, fol- Braidwood was rerouted Smith made by some of his with you people in every way I We checked out expenses and at $19,552.94 and water employees. salaries at $14,942.40. lowed by a public hearing to Route 113, where a tem- can, but let's not put it all on expenses from them in that this winter. Completion of porary light to help con- “I've talked to some of the me because that's the way it's time frame were $4,297,510. MXU Project Finished people down there and they Commissioner Doug this phase of the project is trol traffic remains in use been going.” The current council from the expected in mid-2021, told me they were told by their Size Restrictions for Single- same exact time frame is only Money said his crew has com- today. commissioner, Mr. Smith, not pleted installation of all the which will be followed by Interested parties can Family Dwellings at $2,563,636. A difference of final design and construc- to use Doug's guys which are new MXU remote water comment on the project Council members unani- $1,733,874 less in the same tion. available to help; so that way meters throughout the city. online at www.i55loren- mously passed the Ordinance time period in that year,” The state of Illinois they could show they need “We completed our proj- zoil29outreach.org, or via Approving Amendments to Altiery said. has allocated $112.7 mil- more people to work. Doug's Section 23-4 Building on Lots “I just got the copy of the ect of replacing all the MXU's email to in town. Every facility in town, lion in the Fiscal Year LorenzoIL129Study@gmai guys work great with Fay's of the City of Braidwood Code Treasurer’s Report showing 2021-2026 proposed high- every house, every business l.com. guys and Fay's guys work great of Ordinances. This amend- that our total expenditures are way improvement pro- with Doug's guys, and it really ment provides that all newly looking to be about $164,000 now has an MXU. So, we have gram for these improve- Comments can also upset me a lot and brought me constructed single-family higher than our total rev- no more contact point, it's all ments, which includes be sent via mail to: to this when I was told by dwellings in single-family res- enues, so the budget is going drive-by now. They nearly had design and construction. IDOT them that they were told not idential districts shall be no to be around $164,000 short. A 100 installed in one day, they In 2017, a freight Bureau of to use his guys to prove we less than 1,200 square feet. lot of that is going to come did an awesome job on that,” study conducted in Will Programming need more people,” Altiery Committeeman Wayne back by grants that we have Money said. County showed $623 bil- Attn: Anna Kutryn, PE lion in freight value moves 201 West Center Court through or in and out of Schaumburg, IL Will County every year. 60196-1096 The Will County Center for Comments will be unique, they all agree that it is rooms should be reserved for sidehealthcare.org/covidtest- Economic Development accepted through Dec. 14, critically important that we medical emergencies. ing. There are two ways to (CED) said that represents 2020. Covid come together in the days and A simple internet search schedule testing including weeks ahead to combat the of COVID-19 testing sites through the MyChart account day rolling test positivity rate coronavirus pandemic. yields multiple returns, but for current patients and for as of the close of last week was Endorsing these strategies is before heading out to get test- those who are not a MyChart 19.9%. one of the most coherent ed individuals should under- user, open scheduling is avail- Will County is now methods for dealing with the stand the protocols at various able. The scheduling links are When to quarantine reporting a total number of current increase in positivity locations — typically outlined available on the website. cases since the pandemic results, hospitalizations, and online. Those arriving for testing will Individuals who have quarantine guidelines when ill began of 29,859, with 485 loss of life,” the Mayors Locally testing locations e-check in and remain in their been tested for COVID-19 and or experiencing COVID like include: deaths. Caucus stated in a Nov. 16 vehicle until called in for their are awaiting results must symptoms, awaiting COVID- • Will County — The Will Both counties remain at release. scheduled test. A mask and remained quarantined. This 19 test results (even if asymp- As the holiday season County Health Department an orange warning level as it identification is required. means they should not report tomatic), after being in close approaches, state officials hosts free walk-in clinics saw increases in four of eight • IDPH has testing sites to work or school, should not contact (closer than 6-feet for indicators the state uses in continue the call for individu- throughout the week at two open every day for everyone visit public places or events, als and families to rethink county locations. 15 minutes or more, cumula- determining if a county is regardless of symptoms, and should not invite non-house- tive in one day) with someone Thanksgiving plans that All locations will test from sites closest to our reading experiencing stable COVID-19 hold members into their who is symptomatic or has include travel and mixing 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. unless area including Aurora and activity or if there are warning homes or visit other people’s tested positive, or if they have households. otherwise noted. Bloomington. signs of increased risk. homes. Wearing a face cover- tested positive. Each of the state’s 11 IDPH director Dr. Ngozi Lewis University will have The Aurora location, 2450 ing does not negate the quar- testing each Tuesday and Anyone experiencing any regions have resurgence miti- Ezike said people should con- N. Farnsworth Ave., is open antine order. Thursday except holidays at 1 of the symptoms consistent gations in place that are aimed sider virtual get-togethers and daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guidelines from the University Dr., Romeoville (at with COVID-19 — fever or at slowing the spread, howev- food drops on family mem- while daily supplies last. Centers for Disease Control ber’s doorsteps. the Fieldhouse in the back). Located at 1106 Interstate Dr., chills, cough, shortness of er the numbers are not show- and Prevention (CDC) state breath or difficulty breathing, Ezike indicated the next This location is walk-in, first- the Bloomington site is open individuals who have been in ing improvement. tiredness, muscle or body few months could be difficult come-first-served. daily while supplies last from close contact with someone Will County is included in aches, headache, new loss of ones for Illinoians. Walk-in testing is also 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. who has COVID-19 should Region 7, while Grundy available at Governor’s State “Just how bumpy it really The state agency also self-quarantine for 14 days taste or smell, sore throat, con- County sits inside Region 2. University Grants Office, 1 gets depends on each of us,” sponsors mobile testing sites from the last day of potential gestion or runny nose, nausea, Gov. JB Pritzker has given University Parkway, University she said. “Let’s hang in there and testing will be conducted exposure to the virus. vomiting or diarrhea — should warning that if mitigation Park, each Wednesday except together and be all in for this week in Joliet and Self-quarantine means seek testing guidance by con- measures are not followed and holidays. Illinois.” Minooka. Again, testing is staying home, monitoring sulting their primary care the metrics don’t begin to The Will County On Tuesday, IDPH available to anyone regardless one’s health and maintaining provider for information relat- show improvement, more Community Health Center is announced 12,601 new cases of symptoms while supplies social distance from others in ed to testing or by visiting drastic actions will be needed. providing COVID-19 testing to of COVID-19 and 97 addition- last. the residence. dph.illinois.gov/testing for “With many community anyone who wants to be test- al deaths, including three peo- IDPH staff will be at During quarantine, indi- nearby testing sites. leaders choosing not to listen ed. The health center will not ple in Will County. All three Minooka Community High viduals may be outside on a Individuals with a positive to the doctors, we are left with collect any money at the loca- deaths were in people over the School Central Campus, 301 S. balcony, in their yard and if test result are required to iso- not many tools left in our tool- tion. If you have insurance, a age of 80. Wabena Ave., Minooka from 8 feeling well can go on an indi- late, meaning they are to stay box to fight this. The numbers small administrative fee may As of Nov. 17, IDPH is a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. vidual walk or bike ride so long home in a specific room away don’t lie. If things don’t take a be billed directly o your insur- reporting a total of 597,849 21. Testing will also be con- as they are away from other from others and pets, and turn in the coming days, we ance by the Illinois cases in Illinois, including ducted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., people. when possible use a separate will quickly reach the point Department of Public Health 10,875 deaths. The age of Thursday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Individuals should follow bathroom. when some form of a manda- to cover the cost of processing tory stay-at-home order is all cases ranges from younger Nov. 21 at the Joliet Park than one to older than 100 the sample at the laboratory. that will be left,” Pritzker said Will County also hosts District, 3000 W. Jefferson St. last week. years. Additional testing loca- The preliminary seven- testing by appointment in At particular concern is Romeoville and Joliet. tions can be found by visiting the number hospitalizations. day statewide positivity for the IDPH website at dph.illi- Custer Fire Toys for Tots cases as a percent of total test Site information can be As of Sunday, 5,581 hospital found online at www.will- nois.gov/testing. beds were in use by COVID-19 from Nov. 10 though Nov. 16 is Additionally, CVS Minute The Custer Fire Protection District is proudly teaming up 12.5%. countyhealth.org. with the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve for this year’s Toys for Tots patients and according to • Morris Hospital outpa- Clinics report providing lab Pritzker just 1,100 intensive For health questions and rapid testing at select Program. Area residents who wish to participate, can drop off a about COVID-19, call the hot- tient drive-thru testing is new unwrapped toy at the Custer Fire Station 21750, Hwy 113, care beds are open across the available by appointment only locations to eligible individu- state. On a regional level about line at 1-800-889-3931 or als. Testing must be scheduled Wilmington. between the hours of 9 a.m. 5 p.m., from now until email [email protected]. Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. Dec. 11, 2020 at 5 p.m. 65% of ICU beds are in use. to 2 p.m. at 150 W. High St., at “If we wait to take action Morris (corner of Lisbon and cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid- until our hospitals are full, it High streets). A physician 19-testing. When signing up will be too late, and countless Getting Tested order is required and a sched- for testing individuals will be patients — COVID patients as As a second wave of uling representative from the asked a few questions to well as those with all the other COVID-19 infections and hos- hospital will call once the determine if they qualify for ailments and injuries that pitalizations surge people of order is received from the testing. Qualified individuals bring people to the hospital — all ages are seeking testing, physician. Results are typically will select a test site and avail- will die unnecessary deaths, and its resulting in a flood of available in three to six days. able time and will be asked to because there aren’t enough phone calls and misuse of • Morris Hospital complete a registration form. beds or people to staff them,” hospital emergency rooms. Diamond-Coal City Campus Insurance card, proof of iden- Pritzker said in his daily press More than 9 million Convenient Care, 1450 E. tity and test confirmation is briefing on Monday. COVID-19 tests had been Division St., Diamond. Walk- required. Upon arrival at the Ventilator usage is also up administered in the state of in testing is available Monday- testing site, individuals should with 514 in use as of late Illinois as of Monday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. follow the posted instructions. Sunday. Utilization on a more than 175,440 of those and Saturday and Sunday Rapid test results are delivered regional level was most occurred in the previous 48 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Requires the same day and lab results recently reported at 22%. hours. As the virus resurges in an exam with a convenient are typically provided within State officials also indi- the ststae, more and more care provider who deter- three to four days. cated concerns about proper Illinoians are searching for mines if testing is appropri- staffing as health care workers testing sites. ate based on patient’s are being forced into quaran- Testing is available medical history and symp- tine because of virus exposure through local hospital sys- toms. An exam with a in the community. tems, as well as sites staffed by provider does not guaran- subscription newspapers named The Free Press Public health officials the Illinois Department of tee a COVID test will be Advocate, The Braidwood Journal and The Coal continue to urge citizens to City Courant, and an advertising shopper known Public Health (IDPH). A num- done. Results for those as the Prairie Shopper. wear face coverings and main- ber of medical clinics and tested are typically avail- tain appropriate social dis- even some pharmacies offer able in three to six days. Advertising and Business Offices: tance when in public, and to COVID testing. • Riverside Medical • 111 South Water St., Wilmington, IL 60481 practice good hygiene includ- Protocols at each location Center Coal City Campus, (815) 476-7966; Fax: (815) 476-7002 ing frequent hand washing are subject to change based 5775 E. Route 113, Coal • 271 South Broadway, Coal City, IL 60416 and sanitizing. on available resources, and City, offers testing (815) 634-0315; Fax: (815) 476-7002 These steps along with the availability of results differ Monday-Friday from 7:30 others like gathering limits from site to site. a.m. to 7 p.m. and week- Deadline for the Prairie Shopper and limiting non-essential Medical professionals are ends from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 The Braidwood Journal Display Advertising: Thursday, 2 p.m. travel were outlined by the seeing many asymptomatic p.m. Testing must be USPS No. 550-940 Classified & Public Notices: Thursday 5 p.m. scheduled, walk-ins are Published weekly, 52 times a year, on Metropolitan Mayors Caucus people turning to their local Wednesdays by Deadline for The Free Press Advocate, as ways to help flatten the hospital emergency depart- not accepted, and a physi- G-W COMMUNICATIONS, INC., Braidwood Journal and Coal City Courant COVID curve. ment with the hope of seeking cians order is required. 111 S. Water St., Wilmington, IL 60481 News and Advertising: Monday, noon “While each of our 275 quick testing, and they want to COVID testing must be Periodicals postage paid at Wilmington, Illinois member municipalities is remind people emergency scheduled on-line at river- E-mail: News & News Photos: [email protected] Postmaster: Send address Ads & Artwork: [email protected] changes to: ©2019 All news, photographs and advertising mate- The Braidwood Journal, P.O. Box 327; rial used in this publication are the property of G.W. Wilmington IL 60481 Communications, Inc. Use of the material without the con- CONTACTUSAT sent of G.W. Communications, Inc. is strictly prohibited. [email protected] or call 815-476-7966 Subscription rates: $40 Grundy & Will coun- Violators of this property right are subject to legal action. ties; $48 other Illinois counties and $54 out of state WITH YOUR STORY IDEAS Eric D. Fisher, publisher G.W. Communications, Inc publishes the weekly Ann Gill, editor WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM The Braidwood Journal, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 3 To catch a thief, one lucky horse thief

So many found that the lat- Notwithstanding the condition ination before a Lockport times in the past I ter had put the of the roads it is said that Justice, but the presence of an have written about three horses up at Paddy made the trip at the rate infuriated mob of two or three the murders, rob- the livery stable of 10 miles an hour.” hundred people prevented this beries, etc. that and also had sold “Paddy Miles had secured and indeed the calaboose door took place in them to some the capture of the thief and he was not open until he was Braidwood. But I men who were was in the hands of the DuPage taken to the cars to go to Joliet. don't want to give buying horses. He county authorities. They were It wasn't considered safe to you the idea that received $200 for anxious to take the prisoner open the door to give him all other places in three horses, and away and bring him home. The breakfast. At one time a man the county were was in great haste DuPage authorities however rushed at the calaboose door without crime. to get his money. did not care about letting him with a crow bar; another So, today our During the time go without due process of law, brought out a rope; several story takes place in the north- he was obliged to wait, he wan- and when Robt. Wiley, a exciting speeches were made ern part of the county near dered around to the harness deputy sheriff of Lockport, met and bets were $10 to $5 that Lockport and Naperville, shop with an old collar, which the grangers at the edge of the the thief wouldn't get to the where justice came almost too he said he wished to get filled town on their way home, they cars alive. swiftly. and pretended to be a granger. were overjoyed to find that he “It was decided to bring The date is March, 1876 - “Just as he was getting on had a warrant. him to the jail at Joliet as soon “We briefly announced in the train he was nabbed by the “The old man was hand- as possible. At the time the 11 Saturday's issue that a team of Sheriff of DuPage county. He is cuffed and his legs tied under o'clock train passed Lockport horses had been stolen from a large man about six feet in the horse. With the officer. the crowd was so fierce it was Mr. John Schusseler, a west height, and says that his name Robt. Wiley, riding by the thief decided not to attempt to side coal merchant. Mr. is Robt. Williams.” at the head of the column, they move him, but just before the Schusseler missed the horses “While in pursuit of the started from Naperville. Two Denver express arrived, a little when he went to feed them in thief Mr. Miles was joined at miles out in the Naperville after one o'clock, the prisoner the morning. After a little every cross roads by one or two woods there was a mysterious was slipped out of the back investigation he started in pur- farmers and when they arrived movement. Robt. Wiley door of the calaboose into a suit of the thief. Owing to the at Naperville there was at least received word from a friend to livery stable. In the stable he snow Friday night he was able thirty in the party. Great excite- keep his eyes open. The officer was placed in a close hack and to track the team without diffi- ment prevailed and it was only turned and said to the crowd: driven to a point some eight or culty and by eight o'clock, by the most strenuous efforts “If any man attempts to inter- ten blocks below the depot a.m., he was at Lockport, by the Sheriff that the infuriat- fere with the prisoner I'll shoot where the conductor, who had where at the barn of Patrick ed grangers were prevented him, so help me God!” By been previously warned, Miles he found one of his own from lynching the prisoner. threats and entreaties, and stopped the train and took the horses. The thief was taken to through the fact that Miles was officers and their charge “Here he found, also, that Lockport, where he was to a relative of his, the officer aboard. Mr. Miles' team had been undergo a preliminary exami- managed to bring the thief to “When the prisoner taken that night and his mare nation. Lockport. At one time they all arrived at Joliet he was pretty left in its place. Mr. Miles, the “When the sixty farmers fixed to seize Wiley suddenly, well used up and very glad to owner of the team, accompa- who were in pursuit arrived at then whip up this prisoner's get to a place of safety under Photo by Marney Simon nied by six or seven others, Naperville, they were not in a horse and then riddle the thief the bars. His real name is SAFETY FIRST — Orange sawhorses are seen on the ground learned that they were after the very pleasant humor. Paddy with bullets Oliver Davis. He has been in in front of the dam along the Kankakee River in Wilmington. thief and were traveling in the Miles, who, when he discov- “Saturday night and the Illinois penitentiary and The city is working through options for dam safety once direction of Naperville and he ered the loss of his horses at his Sunday the prisoner got along there is little doubt that he again. A survey sent this fall to residents indicates that many started for there at once. stable in Lockport, had mount- very well at the Lockport cala- knows more about horse - folks would like to see the dam removed. The city is looking “Mr. Miles and party ed a race horse and gone after boose; but Monday morning, a ing in Will County than any liv- into adding concrete barriers near the dam to keep people arrived at Naperville half an the thief, arrived in Naperville crowd began to assemble. It ing man.” away. hour after the thief. They some time before them. was expected to have an exam- Regardless of what the city ultimately decides, Dam Strong said nothing should move ahead until there is a Emily Anderson Earns DAR Good Citizen Award solid picture of what’s to One year prior, Strong, come. Emily Anderson was hon- President of the National earned Perfect Attendance the city engineer and city “If they did take the ored with the Daughters of the Honor Society and is the throughout her high school administrator met with dam down, we need engi- American Revolution (DAR) Secretary of the Student career. State Senator Sue Rezin and neering,” Strong said. Good Citizen Award for Reed- Council. Emily is very involved Being the recipient of the representatives of the “Exactly what is going to Custer High School. Emily is in the Reed-Custer Music DAR Good Citizen Award, Illinois Department of happen when that dam the daughter of Glenn and Department. She participates Emily has completed an essay Natural Resources to dis- comes down. Because right Mary Anderson of Essex. in Concert Choir, Madrigals, which will have the opportuni- cuss the city plan for the now, anything could hap- The DAR Good Citizen Plays and Musicals, and Pep, ty to advance through state river dam. pen. We don’t know. Right Award honors an outstanding Marching, and Concert Bands. and national levels of judging. An IDNR Office of now behind the Rustic, it’s senior who exhibits the quali- Emily is also involved in The DAR Good Citizens Water Resources report on seven to eight feet deep. ties of dependability, leader- Speech Team, World Language Program and Scholarship the options for the future of What’s going to happen ship, service, and patriotism. Club, and School Contest is sponsored by the the Kankakee River and when that goes down? Is it The selection was voted on by Improvement Team, and has Midewin Prairie Chapter of the millrace dams dated going to be down to two the faculty and staff. been on the High Honor Roll Daughters of the American October 2017 was the result feet, what are we going to do Emily serves as the every semester. She also has EMILY ANDERSON Revolution. of that meeting. That report with that dirt in that canal? was the basis of this year’s “I think we need to step dam survey. there next,” he continued. That report indicated “If they (the state) do take that adding fill to the face of over the dam, what’s next, the dam would likely what’s the process when it’s Propane explosion destroys new home require a detailed individual all taken out, what are we permit application to the left with, is the canal going STAFF REPORT sonnel to the area west of Jugtown Road total loss with damage estimated at Corps of Engineers because to run at all, they’re saying it between Shady Lane and Beaver Lake $400,000. of the placement of a large is but they’re just guessing. I Residents on Shady Lane in Goose Drive. According to Doerfler no one was quantity of fill into a water- think that’s where we need Lake Township felt a blast and upon Upon making their way down a long inside at the time of the blaze and no way of the United States. to be, where our options inspection could see smoke and flames driveway, fire units found heavy fire com- injuries were reported. The individual permit really are.” coming from an area just to their south. ing from the back of the home and report Due to the location of the structure, has to come with an Illinois The city’s liability cov- within minutes the blaze had engulfed the Coal City called in multiple mutual aid It was just after 7 p.m. on Thursday, Environmental Protection erage related to incidents at entire structure that was under construc- units many of them assigned to bring Agency Water Quality cer- the dam was limited to Nov. 12 when the first emergency call was tion and nearing completion, according to water to the site. Among the units called in answered at the Grundy County Dispatch tificate. $500,000 in 2018. Lt. Nick Doerfler, the Coal City Fire were Morris, Wilmington, Braidwood, Also per that report, the The city has taken some Center alerting first responders to a struc- Department’s public information officer. Gardner, South Wilmington, Minooka, ture fire in the 2000 of Jugtown city would have to provide action to improve safety at The cause of the blaze was deter- Elwood, Dwight,Troy and Seneca. the dam. Road. an engineer’s structural mined to be a propane tank that exploded Fire units were on the scene for about design, a hydraulic design Two years ago, the city Callers reported hearing a loud explo- in the home. 2.5 hours and were called back to the site so that the dam system created an exclusion zone sion just prior to discovering the fire that The explosion reportedly blew out a for a short time just before 5 a.m. to put passes the 100-year flood along the west bank of the sent Coal City Fire Protection District per- portion of the house that was deemed a out some hotspots. test, an analysis of potential South Island, prohibiting options for future spillway people from entering the capacity increases, and water. The police were also development of a detailed empowered to write up tick- early warning and emer- ets for those who ignore the Coyote’s gaze captures photo contest win gency evacuation plan for a signs and enter the zone dam breach. anyway. Still, Strong argued to Last week, the city A coyote cruising through a landscape photo at Hammel the committee last week announced that they may the brush won October's por- Woods in Shorewood that that rip rap is a viable be purchasing up to 11 con- tion of the Forest Preserve highlights the site's option. crete Jersey barriers for District of Will County's rich autumn colors; Tyler Paul “I think we have more placement along the road- Preserve the Moment photo of Wilmington for a deter- options here than just that way in the park to keep peo- contest. mined Northern shoveler duck survey,” Strong said. “If we ple away from the dam. The photo was taken by flying high in the sky had rip rap, even if they fall Currently the only Eileen Capodice of Minooka, at McKinley Woods; Toni in there, they could get out. obstruction to keep folks who said she traveled to Vandarakis of Joliet for a mar- So, for a minimum amount, away from the dam are signs McKinley Woods in bled orb weaver in all its Channahon late one afternoon pumpkin-colored glory chill- we could make it safe.” and wooden sawhorses. with her 12-year-old son to see ing out at Hammel Woods; and if they could view any bald Kim Baranowski of New Lenox eagles. Instead, she said she for a shot of washed-out mam- saw a "beautiful and healthy mal bones resting on the forest looking coyote" moving floor near Four Rivers through the woods toward an Environmental Education SEND NEWS AND PICS BY E-MAIL TO opening in the grass. After cap- Center in Channahon. Photo courtesy of Eileen Capodice turing the coyote with her All of October's photo MINOOKA RESIDENT Eileen Capodice won October's portion of [email protected] camera, Capodice said it con- contest entries can be viewed the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Preserve the Moment tinued to the clearing for a pre- on the Forest Preserve photo contest with this picture of a coyote at McKinley Woods in hunting power nap. District's Flickr page, "It was just a cool nature Flickr.com/WillCoForests. Channahon. moment to witness, and I was Capodice is the sixth Reed Township sets Reed Township sets glad to enjoy the moment with monthly winner in the 2020 December 31. tions before entering the con- my son," she said. photo contest. Only two more In January, all eight test. Dec. 1 for Dec. 1 for Honorable mentions for monthly winners will be cho- monthly winners will vie for top honors via public voting on Democrat caucus Republican caucus the month were awarded to: sen by a panel of judges before SMI Woodcrafts Tyler Keene of Plainfield for the contest concludes the District's Facebook page. Monthly photo contest PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE files as new business NOTICE OF CAUCUS NOTICE OF CAUCUS winners receive $75 gift cards. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Overall winners chosen in ON DECEMBER 1, 2020 A CAUCUS OF ON DECEMBER 1, 2020 A CAUCUS OF January will receive PUBLIC NOTICE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN THE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN THE Assumed Name TOWNSHIP OF REED, WILL COUNTY, TOWNSHIP OF REED, WILL COUNTY, MasterCard gift cards worth Publication Notice ILLINOIS WILL BE HELD AT 440 N DIVI- ILLINOIS WILL BE HELD AT 275 S. HICK- FOSSIL RIDGE LIBRARY NEWS $500 for first place, $250 for Certificate 33672 was filed in the SION STREET, BRAIDWOOD, ILLINOIS ORY STREET BRAIDWOOD, ILLINOIS second place and $150 for office of the County Clerk of Will County on 60408, COMMENCING AT 6:00 P.M. FOR 60408, COMMENCING AT 7:00 P.M. FOR November Mondays-Virtual shop on Zoom. Learn about: November 5, 2020 wherein the business THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CAN- THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CAN- Crafternoons, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Common mistakes people make third place. The photo contest firm of SMI WOODCRAFTS, located at 529 DIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING DIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING Join Miss Sarah and Teacher regarding their investments, is sponsored by The Nature Heritage Lane, Lockport IL 60441 was reg- OFFICES FOR THE ELECTION TO BE OFFICES FOR THE ELECTION TO BE Foundation of Will County, istered; that the true or real name or names HELD APRIL 6, 2021. HELD APRIL 6, 2021. Tammy each Monday live on the underestimating the years your of the person or persons owning the busi- ALL POSITIONS ARE 4 YEAR ALL POSITIONS ARE 4 YEAR Fossil Ridge Facebook page to retirement might last, with- www.willcountynature.org ness, with their respective post office TERMS TERMS participate. Each week we will drawing too much too soon, and Photos must be taken by address, is as follows: SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR have a story, song and a craft or the proper way to spend down amateur photographers ages Owner Name: Scott Inskeep and CLERK CLERK Susan Inskeep HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER science experiment. Supplies your assets. Make sure you have 18 or older, and they must be Owner Address: 529 Heritage Lane, 4 POSITIONS FOR BOARD OF 4 POSITIONS FOR BOARD OF will be provided to the first 20 the proper planning in place. snapped in a Will County forest Lockport, IL 60441 TRUSTEES TRUSTEES patrons who call the library and Registration is required. You will preserve after the May 1 con- IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have ASSESSOR ASSESSOR register. Materials will all be list- be emailed a link to this pro- hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at test start date. Read photo con- NOVEMBER 14, 2020 November 15, 2020 ed on our Facebook page the gram after registration. my office in Joliet, Illinois this 5th day of test rules at www.recon- November, 2020. Brian Knorr, Precinct Chairman John Guistat, Republican Chairman week before our next virtual For more information check nectwithnature.org/Preserve- Lauren Staley Ferry Crafternoon. out the library’s newsletter, go to Will County Clerk Angela Hutton Angela Hutton the-Moment-Contest- Reed Township Clerk Reed Township Clerk Nov. 25-Retirement Planning, www.fossilridge.org or call 815- Published in the Braidwood Journal Rules>ReconnectWithNature.o on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 25 and Dec. 2, Published in the Braidwood Journal Published in the Braidwood Journal 7-8 p.m. Join this virtual work- 458-2187. rg and photo upload instruc- 2020. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020. The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 4 WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Ukraine be fired that was You’re fired investigating this corporation CUSTER PARK—What’s so hard about conceding an elec- while his son was on the board tion? It’s pretty certain that Joe Biden has won the presidency. of directors or Ukraine would Yet loser Trump is refusing to concede and instead is forcing not receive any aid from the millions of dollars to be spent on legal proceedings that will end USA. The individual was fired up going nowhere. Come on ex-president Trump, just admit from the investigation within you’ve been fired by America’s voters. six hours and Joe Biden bragged about this on the Election questions news. He is truly a great leader SHADOW LAKES—What I’m very surprised at in my life- that sold out the USA once and time of voting is that the liberal media has already confirmed he will sell out our country Biden as President-elect. He has also been on TV announcing again so that the Democrat some of his plans as President-elect when states have not con- party in Washington DC can firmed their votes yet. So how can he be President elect? It’s sim- play mommy and daddy to ple, liberal media is projecting this without any confirmation. American citizens. Everyone There were 100,000 votes that showed up in Pennsylvania with should go get a dictionary and the only part of the ballots that were filled out was for president, look up the words traitor and nothing else, and they were all for Biden, which raises some treason. questions. In Michigan, 140,000 votes were mysteriously found and these were all mailed in and it happened right after Biden What a fake had his campaign there. If you remember back when Al Gore ran WILMINGTON—Did you for president it took 30 days before he was actually confirmed see Trump lay a wreath at the the loser. So the liberal media is really jumping at something tomb of the unknown sucker? because they want Biden. Why? I don’t know. Dan Hill Like a vacation Celebration will end BRAIDWOOD—Gov. COAL CITY—All the people who are enjoying the election Pritzker gets on TV to of Joe Biden for president had better enjoy celebrating now. announce that COVID num- When he gets through enforcing the things that he is going to do bers are going up so what hap- after the inauguration, the people that elected him president pens next? We have state will discover that their lives will also be affected by the new rules offices, yes with all those gov- which they will also have to obey. And when the employment is ernment paid workers, close taken over by China again and all their taxes will rise, then up before the day this through. maybe you can say to yourself, what have I done, my children The DMV locked up its doors, will not be able to live the American dream. But every person now the court system is talking from foreign lands will have the American dream handed to about closing down. That’s like giving all those employees a paid them on a silver platter while Americans become third class cit- vacation at a time when this state can least afford it. If these Winter is coming izens and have to cater to every foreign country. Good luck try- state agencies are going to close then the governor should force COAL CITY—I read that 33 million Americans are unem- ing to survive while government employees live on easy street. them all to take furlough days. ployed. Thanks to an extra $600 per week in expanded unem- ployment benefits some of them got more money from unem- America going to pot Hand them over ployment than their old wages. But Congress let that supple- COAL CITY—I read voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey WILMINGTON— I don’t know why Trump won’t give Biden ment expire in August and the jobless are facing a desperate sit- and South Dakota approved to legalize recreational marijuana. the daily intelligence briefings, it’s not like he reads them. uation as their savings quickly dwindle. White-color layoffs are Now 15 states as well as Washington D.C. allow recreational mounting. Many had been able to work from home. Corporate marijuana use and 36 permit for medical usage. Oregon resi- America is tightening its belt in anticipation of a rough eco- dents voted to decriminalize possession of small amounts of Check red states nomic winter. Europe is going into lockdown. What’s happening harder drugs like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. It’s WILMINGTON—Why isn't the GOP suing states that Trump in Europe is a leading indicator for the USA for sure to anticipate like a sledge hammer is being taken to the war on drugs. Brain won? Maybe there were ballots illegally cast for the president in a rough economic winter. specialists will confirm using those drugs causes brain damage. those states. No blue wave Next the users will be wanting their marijuana for free. Life flows by COAL CITY—The Democrats spent $1 billion to win the Sold out America COAL CITY—It is easy to be pleasant when life flows by like election. The Blue Wave did not happen. Their plan was to take WILMINGTON—According to the news media we have a a song, but the man worthwhile is the one who will smile when over the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives by 10-12 president named Joe Biden. They say he is a great world leader, everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heart is trouble seats. We remain a very much divided country. There seems to so let’s take a short look at his resume. Joe Biden was involved and it always comes with years and the smile that is worth the be something sinful spending that kid of money on an election with giving over $1 billion to Iran. Joe Biden may have some ties praises of earth is the smile that shines their tears. while many are struggling to make ends meet. Trump voters still with his son’s involvement with the Chinese corporation. Joe An avid President Trump supporter make up half the country. Political polling is a fraud. Biden stated on the news that he demanded the individual in Still lying COAL CITY—Donald Trump ran for president twice in the last five years. Both times he lost the popular vote by millions of votes. Due to the electoral college he served the last four years as president, but this time he lost. He told us a few weeks ago that we were rounding the curve on the coronavirus. He failed to mention that around the curve are the hospital and the ceme- tery. Trump, unfortunately, is not man enough to accept reality and admit he lost. The whiny lowlife continues to make up unfounded lies about the election and thus underminds our democracy, but that is exactly what his benefactor Mr. Putin wants him to do. Why invoke God? WILMINGTON—It’s Saturday and I’m watching the rally for Trump and these people keep invoking God, but if He was real- ly on their side wouldn’t Trump have won? Biden the actor SHADOW LAKES—Why is it the day after the election Biden is standing in front of a blue wall with the printing president- elect? That has never happened in my voting history. Also, CNN always had a little news print on the bottom of how bad the Coronavirus is. After they announced Biden won you can no longer see it there. Does anyone have an answer? Maybe Biden waved a magic wand and it’s gone? After all, he is quite an actor. Dan Hill

Letter to the editor The costs of failing to protect our planet Dear Editor, logical integrity and stopping There is no question that criminals from robbing its nat- the health of humanity is inex- ural resources for profit. tricably tied to the health of The past year has driven nature. As explorers, we have home the costs of failing to witnessed the wonder of our protect our planet. We've seen world's biodiversity firsthand. record breaking hurricanes However, we have also seen and wildfires, and our health the threats it faces - and the and economy are suffering clear correlation between pro- from a new disease that, like moting natural security other pandemics, originated abroad and strengthening our from the exploitation of national security at home. wildlife and nature. During Geography The good news is we have Awareness Week, it is appro- effective and affordable solu- priate to consider how actions tions to address these prob- on the other side of the planet lems, starting with U.S. gov- can affect us here in the ernment investments in inter- United States. When tropical national conservation. An forests are destroyed, fisheries ounce of prevention is worth a collapse, coral reefs die off, or pound of cure, and conserving elephants are killed by ivory nature can help us prevent traffickers, this 'nature loss' many future challenges. As a has catastrophic impacts that new political era dawns, can ripple across the globe. enhancing our natural securi- There is much uncertainty in ty should be among America's this world, but one thing is top priorities. clear: America's security and Thank you, prosperity depend in part on Ashlan & Philippe protecting our planet's eco- Cousteau WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 5 It pays to get a flu shot Springfield moves to fine people $50 for not wearing masks BY GREG BISHOP place as long as necessary and Illinois Retail Merchants THE CENTER SQUARE enforcement is immediate. Association's Rob Karr said the “Right now a restaurant move puts the onus on the Potential fines for busi- can be cited, right now,” individual, not the business nesses that don’t follow Langfelder said. “The addition owner. COVID-19 masking mandates is really the $50 per violation “You can’t physically have been in place for months for the individual.” detain them, you open your across the state, but some Alderman Joe selves up to a lot of different municipalities are taking the McMenamin said the ordi- charges of discrimination,” mandate further, including the nance cuts through having Karr said. “So it is where it city of Springfield multiple steps for immediate belongs, having the enforce- Springfield will now issue enforcement. ment done by law enforce- ment and on individuals.” fines to people who don’t wear “I think this is trying to get Karr said he’d like to see a a mask when required. right to the police officer eye- The Springfield city coun- statewide mandate, but urged balling the violation, someone cil held back a resolution that other communities to follow being maskless, and writing requires bars and restaurants suit. with indoor dining to have 25 the citations,” McMenamin Illinois Municipal League percent capacity and require said. Executive Director Brad Cole patrons to answer a question- McMenamin attempted to applauded the city for the naire. Local officials are allow- amend the measure to remove mandate. ing indoor dining despite Gov. an exemption for someone Springfield is believed to J.B. Pritzker’s blanket prohibi- who claims to have a medical be the first municipality in tion he’s issued in regions condition, but that provision Illinois to pass such a measure. across the state because of remains in the ordinance. increased COVID-19 positivity rates. While Springfield leaders held back the resolution laying out the local guidelines to allow indoor service, it passed a mandate, not just for busi- STEVE FRANCIS (left) of Oak Knoll Financial Strategies accepts a pile of vaccination receipts from nesses, but for individuals with Anita Goulding of Trinity Services. The staff and clients at Trinity Services recently held a flu shot day a $50 fine if they are caught by at its Buchanan Street facility when 52 people were vaccinated. For each shot Oak Knoll Financial will police without a mask inside a donated $5 to each of three local charities including the Christian Help Association, Kuzma Care bar, restaurant or retailer. Cottage and the Caring Closet. Goulding said this is the third year in a row Trinity Services has held Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder said the ordinance a clinic on site, making it convenient for workers and clients. “We can’t afford to have the flu spread requires individuals to wear a through our facility so it makes more sense to get vaccinated. Plus the incentive by Oak Knoll Financial mask while indoors at a bar, in donating to the community helps too,” Goulding said. Anyone who recently has been vaccinated restaurant or retailer. He said can bring their receipt to Oak Knoll at 207 S. Water St., Wilmington through Dec. 31 the civil penalty will be in

Illinois facing long-term deficits, growing bill backlog BY PETER HANCOCK ers’ rejection of Gov. JB deeper cuts, which means he In a statement issued CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS Pritzker’s proposed constitu- will have to seek legislative immediately after the ballot tional amendment to allow for approval for some form of tax measure’s failure, the credit SPRINGFIELD – A new a graduated income tax on the increases. rating agency Moody’s said report from the Governor’s Nov. 3 ballot – which would According to the report, raising the state’s flat tax rate Office of Management and have allowed higher tax rates one of the options being con- by 0.7 percentage points, to Budget shows that without sig- to be levied on people with sidered is some form of tax 5.65%, would generate nearly nificant new revenue, spend- higher incomes – means the increase or elimination of cor- same amount as the proposed ing cuts or a combination of state will have fewer tools at its porate and business tax “loop- graduated tax. But Pritzker so both, the state will face a budg- disposal to address its ongoing holes.” far has expressed reluctance to et deficit of $3.9 billion in the “structural” budget deficits. “As the cuts that would be consider an across-the-board current fiscal year and contin- Revenue officials had esti- required to bring Illinois’ tax hike. uing deficits of $4 billion or mated that passage of the budget to balance would harm “There’s a lot on the table. more in each of the next five amendment would have education and human services We’ve got to look at cuts first, fiscal years. brought in an additional $1.2 programs and damage essen- and we’re all looking at that” It also projects that the billion during the last six tial areas of the state’s econo- Pritzker said during his daily state’s backlog of unpaid bills months of the current fiscal my, the Governor continues to COVID-19 briefing in Chicago believe that cuts alone cannot could grow to as much as $33 year, and roughly $3.2 billion Monday. “I think those cuts per year after that. But the be the solution and revenue billion by fiscal year 2026, up will be somewhat painful, and from the current backlog total rejection of that amendment adjustments need to be con- sidered as well,” the report then we’ll consider all the of about $7.8 billion, if law- now means lawmakers and the administration will have to states. “The Governor will work other options about what we makers do not make structural look elsewhere for solutions. with the legislature to identify need to do in order to get to changes. “Looking ahead to the fis- corporate and business tax balance for FY21 and moving “Sizeable deficits in the cal year 2022 budget [which loopholes that can be closed forward.” general funds budget are pro- begins July 1, 2021] and recog- and tax adjustments that can Another short-term jected for fiscal years 2022 nizing that Illinois continues to be made that will minimize the option is to borrow from the through 2026, ranging from face significant financial chal- impact to lower-and middle- Federal Reserve’s Municipal $4.8 billion in fiscal year 2022 lenges, there are limited ways class families while ensuring Liquidity Facility, which law- and falling to $4.2 billion by fis- to address the structural deficit that Illinois can meet its finan- makers authorized during cal year 2026,” the report stat- of the state budget in the cial responsibilities.” their special session in May, ed. absence of the tax rate struc- It remains unclear, but the GOMB report notes The report does not actu- ture flexibility that would have though, how much the state that would only add to the ally predict that those deficits been provided under the could raise through such state’s debt obligations, and will occur. Instead, it is intend- changes in the proposed con- measures or whether that the projected budget deficits in ed to show what would happen stitutional amendment,” the would be enough to address future years. under the state’s current rev- report stated. the state’s long-term revenue The report also notes that enue structure and spending Earlier this year, Pritzker problems. Pritzker remains hopeful that obligations. advised state agency directors the federal government will The report, which was to prepare for a 5% budget provide another round of eco- released late Friday, Nov. 13, reduction this year, and to nomic stimulus to help trou- attributes much of the current make plans for a potential 10% bled state and local govern- fiscal year’s deficit to the eco- cut in fiscal year 2022, which Illinois 126 ments offset the revenues they nomic impact of the COVID-19 begins July 1. But the report have lost during the pandemic. pandemic, which has resulted says even that would not be to close But it also acknowledges that in dramatic revenue losses for enough to close the gap federal aid will not solve state and local governments between anticipated revenues The Illinois Department Illinois’ ongoing budget prob- throughout the country. and expenditures, and that lems. But it also notes that vot- Pritzker is unwilling to make of Transportation announces that repairs to the Canadian National Railway crossing on Illinois 126, just east of Illinois 59 in Plainfield, will require a full closure now through Nov. 21. A detour will direct vehicular traffic to Illinois 59, 135th Street/Pilcher Road and Essington Road. Truck traffic will be detoured to Illinois 59, U.S. 30, northbound Interstate 55, Weber Road exit, southbound Interstate 55 and Illinois 126 exit. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 6 WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM Post 1336 observes Veterans Day How to track down old friends online Tropical storm Eta with 50 mph winds and flooding rain Dear Savvy Senior, like Google and sons contact college friends, look for an couldn't stop the Floridian Club of Sarasota and St. Juvin Post I'm interested in tracking down Yahoo. information. alumni directory on the 1336 Veterans of Foreign Wars from sponsoring a Veterans Day some old friends I've lost touch When using WhitePages, how- school's website. You might be luncheon for 24 vets and guests. with over the years but could search engines, ever, sometimes able to access your friend's Veterans and guests enjoyed lunch and a patriotically deco- use some help. What websites type in the name provides home rated cake along with the camaraderie usually found when vets contact info by completing an can you recommend that can of the person phone numbers gather. Post 1336 past commander Charlie Brown and his wife, online registration. Or, try call- help me find them? Tracking you're searching for free. Kathy served as hosts. ing or emailing your alumni Tom for in quotation Here are a Coal City’s St. Juvin Post and the Floridian Club also spon- relations department and ask Dear Tom, marks, for exam- few other niche them to pass on your contact sor a monthly veteran's coffee and doughnut event at the Venice, ple, “John Smith.” people-finding Thanks to the Internet, FL housing development. You can narrow websites to help info to your friend. tracking down long-lost your search by you with your If you're looking for some- friends from many years ago is adding other crite- SAVVY SENIOR search. one you served with in the mil- relatively easy to do and, in ria like their nick- Jim Miller To look for itary, Military.com offers a free most cases, it won't cost you a name or middle old high school “Buddy Finder” service that cent. Here are some tips and name, the city or classmates, try has a database of more than 20 online tools to help you get state they may live in, or even Classmates.com. This site has million records - visit started. their occupation. contact information only for Military.com/buddy-finder. Before you begin your If your initial search people who have registered You can also search for free at search, a good first step is to comes up empty, you can also with it. But even if your friend GIsearch.com, jot down any information you use people searches like hasn't registered, it could pro- TogetherWeServed.com and can remember or find out AnyWho.com, Intelius.com or vide contact info for another VetFriends.com. about the people you're trying WhitePages.com. These sites classmate who remains in If you can't find any cur- to locate. Things like their full will provide a list of potential touch with your friend. rent information about the name (maiden and married), matches from across the U.S. Another option is to check person you're searching for, it age or birth date, last known Because many people out your high school alumni address or phone number, old could be that he or she is dead. share the same name, these website. Not every school has To find out if that's the case, e-mail address, names of fam- sites will also supply details to its own site, but some do, and ily members, etc. Knowing help identify the right person, you can look for it by going to use obituary databases such as details can help you turn up perhaps including their age, any search engine and typing Tributes.com and Legacy.com, clues while you search. prior hometowns, names of in the name of the school with which has a newspaper obitu- After you compile your relatives, colleges attended or the city and state it's located ary search tool from hundreds information, a good place to employer. in. You can also search at of U.S. newspapers. start your search is at social While these sites are free AlumniClass.com, a huge Send your senior ques- media sites like Facebook, to use at a basic level, they hosting site for thousands of tions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box LinkedIn, Twitter and charge a small fee for provid- high schools across the U.S. 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or Instagram. And search engines ing certain details like the per- If you're looking for old visit SavvySenior.org.

Library to Woman’s Club makes birthdays brigher host family reading night

The Coal City Public Library will celebtate a Virtual Family Reading Night with the theme “Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover.” Join the library staff as it observes the state of Illinois' Family Reading Night virtually. Complete at least three of the activities on the Choice Board posted on their Facebook page beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19 to receive a small prize bag of goodies. Google forms must be filled out by Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. to receive your prize. Register only if you want to do the craft and the Secret Decoder, so the library can get the sup- plies. Otherwise, partici- pants can stop in to pick up a recording sheet. Activities to choose from include Masked Readers who will read a story and Courtesy photo you guess who the reader GFWC-IL COAL City Junior Woman’s Club collected items for Birthday Bags for Advocate for is, crafts, escape room and Children’s Week in October. Some of the items the bags held were cake mixes, frostings, cake plates, more. CCPLD also offers dig- napkins, small toys, bracelets, birthday badges, as well as other items to parents in having a ital resources that are fun, birthday party for their child. These bags were donated to Help for Hope. Coal City Juniors are “mak- interactive and education- ing a difference” in the lives of others. Anyone wishing to help make a difference in our community al such as ABCMouse.com, are welcome to join. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month September-June at only available in library; 6:30 p.m. in person and virtually. Pictured are Marsha Vaughn, Coal City Junior member and Cathy BiblioBoard, Novelist Plus, Milne of Help for Hope. and TumbleBooks. These resources can be accessed from the library website at www.ccpld.org using a Unemployment CCPLD library card. For Make a Difference Day more information call the claims remain library at 815-634-4552. high in Illinois

BY CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

As the number of infec- tions and hospitalizations for COVID-19 are setting daily records, new unemployment claims continued pouring in to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. During the week that ended Saturday, Nov. 7, IDES reported, 67,158 workers filed first-time unemployment claims, down roughly 9% from the previous week, but still more than six times the num- ber who filed such claims dur- ing the same week a year ago. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 338,899 Illinois workers were receiving continuing unemployment benefits during the week, down about 1% from the pre- vious week. In addition, another 9,726 people filed initial claims for Pandemic Unemployment Courtesy photo Assistance, a federally-funded FOR MAKE A Difference Day, the GFWC-IL Coal City Junior program for gig workers, inde- Woman’s Club collected new socks and underwear for those in pendent contractors and oth- need. They collected 149 pairs of socks and 58 pairs of underwear ers who don’t normally qualify and delivered them to Help for Hope. Seats and Feet’s: Coal City for traditional unemployment Juniors will continue to collect new socks and underwear as well insurance. as blankets and throws. There will be a collection bin at the Coal Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker noted that the PUA system has City Library or contact any club member to donate. Items will be been plagued by fraud nation- collected through Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. All donated items will be wide, and he blamed federal delivered to Help for Hope. Everyone is encouraged to show kind- officials for failing to enact ness to others through giving. Pictured is Marsha Vaughn (left), adequate controls to prevent Coal City Junior Club member and Cathy Milne from Help for Hope. fraud. Braidwood Lions to collect used Christmas lights

The Braidwood Lions Club will be collect- Lions of Illinois Foundation with proceeds to ing used/non-working strands of Christmas benefit the foundation’s sight & sound services lights starting Sunday, November 15th. provided to local Lions Clubs. Collection bins will be located inside A collection bin will also be available dur- Whitmore Ace Hardware in Braidwood and ing the club’s annual Christmas Tree Sale Coal City, and inside Braidwood City Hall until fundraiser, hours of operations. For more infor- January mation please call (815)791-8093 or visit 31st. The strands of lights will be recycled by the www.braidwoodlionsclub.org. WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 7 As the cold comes, warm up with a Hot Whiskey I can't say that I look for- sure is, and it's the ahead and use ents will work, I also add a dash is a delicious way to dissolve The classic Hot Whiskey is ward to cold weather, but I do whiskey in your sugar in place of of Angostura Bitters to my Hot the honey or sugar into the built and served in a preheated look forward to the first Hot cabinet. Use your honey if you are not Whiskey. drink. tempered mug. Whiskey of the year. This week favorite if you have a fan of honey. If you are serving a group, I get it. Winter is coming, Combine in mug: we will take a look at a drink one. If you do not Sugar works quite heat enough water to fill the and that means shoveling side- 3/4 cup hot water with no “official” recipe, many have a favorite, use well in Hot mugs. Once your water is walks, disappointment in col- 1 1/2 oz. whiskey regional variants, and a legend bourbon. Bourbon Whiskey, be sure to heated, add the water to the lege football teams not named 2 to 3 teaspoons honey that has survived every winter is great in the Hot use a “dark” sugar. mugs and follow the recipe Clemson or Alabama, and two 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh for over 200 years. Whiskey because it Brown sugar or below. When serving Hot solid months of Christmas lemon juice The Hot Whiskey is techni- pairs well with demerara sugar will Whiskey, garnish each mug music. Hang in there, and Stir until honey dissolves cally a Hot Toddy that calls for honey and brings bring a nice com- with a lemon wheel or lemon remember that with each set- Garnish with lemon wheel whiskey, it becomes a Hot natural vanilla/oak THE SUNDAY plexity to the drink COCKTAIL wedge, and a cinnamon stick ting of the sun we are one day and cinnamon stick Toddy when a spirit other than flavor notes to the and will not over- to stir. Stirring the Hot closer to the end of 2020. Until next week, enjoy whiskey is used. The recipe drink. Brian Rung power the whiskey. Whiskey with a cinnamon stick I'll drink to that. responsibly. below works with nearly any If you decide The hot water does dark, aged spirit. Aged rum, to use scotch or a great job of tam- brandy, and cognac are all Irish whiskey, used ing ingredients that popular spirit options in the something blended. Blends would normally overpower a Hot Toddy. are typically smoother in char- drink, such as a lower quality The “hot” anything is acter and are better suited to whiskey or pure lemon juice. more of a platform than it is a mixing. How hot should the water recipe. The platform traces its The same general mixolo- in the Hot Whiskey be? It roots back to a time when gy principles that work in cold should be hotter than warm, nearly all cocktails were served drinks will also work well in but not boiling. I guess the hot. A few cocktails may have hot drinks. For example: most optimal temperature for the been served at room tempera- whiskey cocktails are spirit, Hot Whiskey would be “sim- ture, but most were served hot. something sweet, and some- mering”, about to boil. This Why? Because in the era before thing sour. In a Hot Whiskey, way the water will be hot commercially available ice, the sweet comes to us through enough to dissolve your honey there were simply no other the honey, and the sour is the or sugar, and will be at a nice options. fresh lemon juice. warm temp long enough to fin- Hot Toddy-type cocktails Sure, there is no ice to ish the drink. were popular during the dilute the Hot Whiskey, but the Start your water in a Colonial era, and were often drink has plenty of dilution saucepan on the stove, serve in prepared in large batches to be due to the hot water. Speaking a quality “tempered” mug. served to weary travelers in of the hot water, there are If you have a Hot early American inns and tav- some advantages to mixing a Toddy/Hot Whiskey fan in your erns. The hot drinks of this era drink with hot water. The main family, you may have noticed likely used brandy, or dark rum advantage to using hot water is their crockpot filled with which was acquired via trade the dissolvability of granulated whiskey, water, honey, apples, routes. sugar and honey. In a cold cinnamon, oranges, cloves, Meanwhile, the Irish were drink, granulated sugar simply and you name it. The sky really enjoying Hot Whiskey using will not dissolve. This is why is the limit here, the recipe their own Irish whiskies, and simple syrup is used in most below is merely a jumping off the Scots were doing the same. cold drinks as opposed to point for your own version of Is there a “best” whiskey granulated sugar or raw honey. Hot Whiskey. Any combination for the Hot Whiskey? There Speaking of sugar, go of the aforementioned ingredi-

Democrats cancel veto session BY CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS session was scheduled to run But Senator Kimberly Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3. Lightford, D-Maywood, the SPRINGFIELD – The fall This year, however, there Senate Majority Leader and veto session of the Illinois were no vetoes to deal with, chair of the ILBC, said those General Assembly that was largely because the regular ses- issues would have to wait until scheduled to begin this week sion was severely shortened it is safe for the General has been canceled amid a due to the pandemic, which Assembly to convene. worsening COVID-19 pandem- reached its initial peak in April The 101st General ic. and early May. The House and Assembly officially comes to Democratic leaders Senate held a brief, four-day an end on Jan. 12, the day announced their decision to special session in late May, before the next session begins cancel the session, prompting Since early October, how- and newly-elected and reelect- Republicans to question the ever, cases throughout the ed lawmakers are sworn into motives behind that decision. state have been rising sharply office. If the committee does House Speaker Michael to levels exceeding those of the not conclude its work before Madigan and Senate President early pandemic phase, partic- then, Republicans will have to Don Harmon, both ularly in Region 3 of central petition again to form a new Democrats, said that the deci- Illinois, which includes the committee in the next General sion was made out of concern capital city. Assembly. for the safety of lawmakers, Even though there were Democratic Gov. JB staff, their families and the no pressing veto issues to deal Pritzker, who had hoped to use general public, although they with, the Illinois Legislative the veto session to get legisla- left open the possibility that it Black Caucus had hoped to use tive approval for significant could be rescheduled if public the veto session to advance its budget cuts in the wake of the health conditions improve. agenda of racial justice and failure of his proposed gradu- Lawmakers typically hold equity reforms across a wide ated income tax amendment a brief session in the fall to deal range of issues – an agenda on Election Day, also with any legislation from the that both Harmon and expressed disappointment regular session that was vetoed Madigan said they would sup- over the cancellation. by the governor. This year’s port. The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 8 WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM

Connie J. Adams Joyce Brimer BRAIDWOOD—Connie J. Adams (nee her mother, Margaret (nee Sullivan) Fielder, of WILMINGTON—Joyce Antoinette Marshall, Tyler and Madison Brimer and Fielder), 63, of Braidwood, passed away Wilmington and one brother, Mark (Donna) Brimer (nee Righton), 79, of Kelsey and Kendall Peatross; one great- Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 at the Joliet Area Fielder of Braidwood. Wilmington, passed away Friday, Nov. grandchild, Kaelen Kelly; two sisters, Community Hospice Home in Joliet. Preceding her in death were her father, 13, 2020 at home. Audrey Manley and Wynn Righton, She was born Feb. 8, 1957 in Joliet. Connie Robert Fielder and one brother, Bob Fielder. Born April 14, 1941 in Chicago, both of Lockport, IL. married Harry “Jim” Adams on Feb. 28, 1976 in Cremation rites have been accorded. IL, she was the daughter of Stanley Preceding her in death were her Wilmington. She previously taught Sunday Private services will be held. Inurnment will be and Petronella (nee Proncketis) parents, her husband, Donald A. School and Kindergarten at the Christian Faith at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington. Righton. Joyce married Donald A. Brimer (Jan. 2, 2009); one son, Center in Wilmington. She was a member of the For more information and to visit her Brimer on Aug. 20, 1960 in Chicago. Richard Brimer and son-in-law, Christian Life Assembly in Diamond. Connie online guestbook, log on to www.rwpatterson- She was previously an administra- Randy Peatross. enjoyed making jewelry, shopping and her two funeralhomes.com. tive assistant for Lemont School Cremation rites have been cats. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, District. Joyce enjoyed her card club accorded. A memorial service will be Surviving are her husband, Harry James 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of and attending her grandkids sporting held at a later date. Adams; one son, Todd Adams, of Custer Park; arrangements. events. She was a member of St. Rose For more information and to visit of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington. her online guestbook, log on to Surviving are one son, Daniel (Dawn) www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com. Brimer, of Wilmington and two daughters, R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, Charlie Hart Dawn Peatross and Susan (Karl) Ruraede, both 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of of Wilmington; five grandchildren: Lynsey arrangements. BRAIDWOOD—Charlie Hanna Campbell, all of Washington; Hart, 83, of Braidwood and three great-grandchildren: Revan, formerly of Westchester, IL, Luke and Anabelle; one brother, Jon passed away Friday, Nov. 13, (Betty) Hart, of Sun City, AZ; four 2020 at Morris Hospital. brothers-in-law and sisters-in- Edward L. Pierard Born Oct. 3, 1937 in Waukesha, law; one niece, Elizabeth (Kevin) COAL CITY—Edward L. ents; son, Jason Edward in infancy (1970); WI, Charles Owen was a son of Francis Drum and nephew, Peter (Linda) Pierard, 85, and a lifelong sister, Alice Fedash Pierard and brother, “Frank” and Ida Elizabeth (Bolland) Hart, in addition to more than 100 resident of Coal City, David Pierard. Hart. He moved to Westchester at an nieces and nephews on Karen’s passed away Wednesday, Green flameless cremation rites early age with his family where he was side of the family; numerous Nov. 11, 2020 at have been accorded. raised and educated. Charlie graduated great-nieces and great-nephews, as Riverside Rehabilitation A Mass of Christian Burial will be from Proviso High School with the class well as cousins including his cousin, Center in Kankakee. held on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 at of 1955 and went on to honorably serve in Jim Hart, of Oquawka, IL who was like Born April 18, 1935 in Coal 11 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed the United States Army. On Oct. 30, 1960, a brother to Charlie. City, Edward Louis was a son of Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, Charlie married Karen Compton in Westchester Charlie was preceded in death by his par- Ernest Joseph and Talia (Farrero) 215 S. Kankakee St. in Coal City. and together they made their home and raised ents and one son, Brian Hart on Nov. 5, 2013. Pierard. He was raised in Coal City; Reverend Robert Noesen will preside. their family in Westchester until moving to Per Charlie’s wishes, green flameless cre- graduated from Coal City High Due to current pandemic guide- Braidwood after his retirement. mation rites have been accorded. School with the class of 1953, and later lines, face masks will be required for Charlie worked as a lineman for Due to the current restrictions of the pan- went on to earn his Associates in Applied attendees and measures of safe social dis- Commonwealth Edison and retired after 37 demic, a private family memorial service will be Science from Joliet Junior College. tancing practices will be in order. The funeral years of faithful service. He was a charter mem- held at Coal City United Methodist Church with Edward honorably served in the United home staff will assist the family not to exceed ber of Westchester Community Church; Reverend Brad Shumaker officiating. States Army, as well as the United States Corps the safe number set forth for the service. belonged to CECO Recreation Club, where he Those wishing to participate in Charlie’s Reserves from 1957-1963. On Sept. 23, 1961 Those wishing to participate in Ed’s servic- served on the board for more than 25 years; was memorial are welcome to join the live streamed Edward married Lorraine Novotney in St. es remotely are welcome to join the live a member of Midwest Street Rod Association service available on Charlie’s memorial page, Stephen Church in Streator, and together they streamed service available through a link on his (MSRA) and was currently serving on the coun- Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 beginning at 11 a.m. made their home and raised their family in Coal memorial page beginning at 11 a.m. on Nov. 25, cil for the City of Braidwood. Charlie will be laid to rest in Abraham City. Ed was a member of Assumption of the 2020. One who truly enjoyed being retired, Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood with full Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Burial with full military honors will follow Charlie remained active with various hobbies. military honors at a later date. Coal City and retired from Exelon in 1992, fol- in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in He was an avid purist woodworker, who leaves Preferred memorials may be made as gifts lowing 33 years of faithful service. Elwood, where Ed will be laid to rest with his behind countless handmade white oak pieces in Charlie’s memory to Westchester Remembered for his sharp sense of humor son, Jason. both big and small. In addition he cherished his Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd., and financial savviness, Ed took pleasure in Preferred memorials may be made as gifts ‘32 Ford three window coupe street rod, and Westchester, IL 60154 or to a charity of the automobiles and computers, as well as watch- in Ed’s memory to the Assumption Catholic took pleasure in being in the yard and garden- donor’s choosing. ing NASCAR. Church Building Fund, Joliet Area Community ing. Charlie will be missed over early morning Family and friends are encouraged to sign Survivors include his loving wife of 59 Hospice or to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. coffee meetings with the guys, and afternoon the guestbook, upload photographs, join the years, Lorraine; four children: Mark Pierard, of Family and friends are encouraged to sign beers. live stream memorial, and share Charlie’s Summerville, SC; Aaron Pierard, of Rumford, RI; the guest book, upload photographs and share Survivors include his wife of 60 years, memorial page online through social media by Monique Pierard Freeman, of Joliet and Ed’s memorial page online through social Karen; son, David (Tina) Hart, of Port Orchard, logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obitu- Brandan Pierard, of Bloomington, IL; five media by logging onto: WA; two daughters, Julie Hart, of Wilmington ary/Charlie-Hart grandchildren: Michael Pierard, of Rumford; www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/Edward- and Tracy (Jeffrey) Markey, of Westchester; Green flameless cremation services and Derek Freeman, of Joliet; Justin Pierard, of Pierard eight grandchildren: Katelin (Colt) Monroe, of memorial arrangements have been made Bloomington; Mason Freeman, of Joliet and Green flameless cremation services and Wilmington; Christine (Damien) O’Brien, of under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Talia Pierard, of Bloomington; brother, Ernest memorial arrangements have been made under Australia; Martin Patrick, of Kentucky; Bobby Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. Pierard, of Santa Fe, NM and several nieces and the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Markey and Olivia Markey, both of Westchester nephews, as well as dear friends, Pete Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. and Tad Campbell, Zachary Campbell and Giaudrone and Tom Fedash. Edward was preceded in death by his par- Wanda Lou Johnson ELWOOD—Wanda Lou Johnson, nee as well as her brother, Donald Button and Joe A. Silvey Button, 82, of Elwood, surrounded by brother-in-law, Ronald (Kathryn) ESSEX—Joe A. Silvey, 80, gotten. love from her four adult children and Chaplin. She is the beloved grand- of Essex, passed away Surviving are his wife of 58 years, while holding her husband’s hand, mother of Matthew (Asia Burnett) peacefully, Tuesday, Nov. Pamela (nee Wells) Silvey, who he mar- breathed her last breath in comfort Markgraf, Lindsy (Tyler) Chambers, 10, 2020 at his home. ried June 1, 1962 in Flora, IL; two sons, and peace and was welcomed into Sarah (Adam Necklaws) Markgraf, Born June 6, 1940 Todd (Jo Beth) Silvey, of Elgin, IL and the presence of God on Alex Johnson, Kyle (Malai) Chellios, in Xenia, IL, he was the son of Brock (Justine) Silvey, of Evanston, IL; Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 at 11:50 Brittany Hentsch, Corinne (Kory) Leslie and Mary (nee Cope) Silvey. one daughter, Robin Egerton, of a.m. Wanda was born in Joliet on Mitcheff, Kali Hentsch and Hannah He was a Veteran of the United Mulberry, AR; seven grandchildren, Oct. 6, 1938 to Vernon and Lucille (Marcus Melancon) Johnson. Her States Army Reserves. He served nine great-grandchildren, one sister, (Walker) Button and grew up in the beloved great-grandchildren provid- on the former RUCE School Board Fayeanne (Dale) Baker, of Farina, IL; Ridgewood neighborhood. She and ed Wanda with great joy. They are: and was a member of the Coal City one sister-in-law, Joy Silvey, of her loving husband of 61 years, Gerald Carson Chambers, Ellie Johnson, United Methodist Church and was Leadbetter, KY and numerous nieces (Jerry) Dennis Johnson, raised their fam- Charlotte Chambers, Fitz Chellios, the former treasurer of the parsonage and nephews. ily in Elwood. Wanda has been under hos- Griffin Markgraf, Mika Melancon and Briar committee for the Essex, Braceville and Preceding him in death were his par- pice care at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will Chellios. Wanda is also survived by many dear South Wilmington Methodist Churches. Joe ents and his brother, Edward Silvey. County since January 2020. nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed was very active within his community, where he Cremation rites have been accorded. An inspiration to all who knew her for her by all who knew and loved her. also served on the Essex Village Board, was a Private committal services will be at the kindness, gentleness and integrity, Wanda grad- Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, trauma coordinator for the Essex Ambulance, as Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. uated from Joliet Central High School in 1956. Vernon and Lucille Button; mother and father- well as a secretary, treasurer, EMT and Fireman In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in She then worked as an executive secretary at in-law, Verner and Corinne (Allendorf) for the Essex Fire District. If you knew Joe, you his name to the Coal City United Methodist the United States Atomic Energy Commission Johnson; sister, Kathryn Sue (Button) Chaplin knew he had a love for gardening and will forev- Church or to Joliet Area Community Hospice and married the love of her life on Sept. 18, and granddaughter, Lindsy (Chellios) er be remembered for his massive vegetable Home would be appreciated. 1959. Together, she and Jerry grew a successful Chambers. garden. For more information and to visit his family grocery business that included JV Funeral services were held on Monday, He also had a love for sports and was an online guestbook, log on to www.rwpatterson- Supermarket on Cass Street in Joliet, Festival Nov. 16, 2020. Private Interment followed at avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. His children were funeralhomes.com or find them on Facebook. Foods in Bourbonnais, and Food Expo stores in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in his pride and joy; when they were in their youth R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, Kankakee and Streator. An accomplished book- Elwood. he was passionate about coaching little league 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of keeper and business administrator, Wanda’s Memorials are appreciated to St. Jude and the County West Soccer Association. Joe arrangements. favorite career was as wife, mother and grand- Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org will be missed by many, but will never be for- mother. or the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. In addition to her husband, Jerry, Wanda is Wanda’s arrangements were entrusted to survived by their children: Susan (Christopher) Forsythe Gould Funeral Home in Manhattan, Markgraf, Sharon (Cedric) Hentsch, Sandra www.forsythegouldfh.com. (Mark) Chellios and Steven (Melanie) Johnson, Ronald Parsley WILMINGTON—Ronald Parsley, 62, as numerous nieces and nephews. of Wilmington, passed away Monday, Ronald was preceded in death by his Nov. 9, 2020 at his home. parents, one grandson in infancy, Frances Strobel Born May 29, 1958 in Smithville, Matthew Holland and his niece, Charity TN, Ronald Earl was a son of Travis Stone. WILMINGTON—Frances Ruth Jacob Strobel, Annika Strobel, Kaitlyn M. and Elvirda "Judy" (nee Saylors) Per Ronald's wishes, cremation Strobel, 80, of Wilmington, passed away Strobel, Krista (fiancé Alex Bloom) Van Parsley. He was raised and educat- rites are being accorded and private Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020 at Riverside Epps, Zachary Van Epps, Joseph ed in Wilmington and graduated family services are being planned for a Medical Center in Kankakee. Burke, and Edward Burke; three from Wilmington High School with later date. Born Oct. 28, 1940 in South great-grandchildren: Clayton, Kira the class of 1976. On Oct. 2, 1976, Preferred memorials may be Amboy, NJ, Frances was a daughter and Nathanael; two sisters, Patricia Ronald married Kimberly Ann made as gifts in Ronald's name to the of William Edward and Ruth Ann (Ron) Fox and Kimberly (Dave) Jessen in Wilmington. Ronald had a American Cancer Society. (nee Conner) Klegman. She was Brown; one brother, James passion of music and loved playing Family and friends are encouraged raised and educated in Coal City Klegman and three sisters-in-law: his guitar. to sign the online guest book, upload pho- and graduated Coal City High Debbie Klegman, Ilene Kelgman Survivors include his wife, Kim tographs, and share Ronald's memorial School with the class of 1958. On and Sheri Friddle, as well as Schleeter; daughter, Melissa (Michael page by logging onto: Nov. 12, 1960, Frances married numerous nieces and nephews. Holland) Parsley, of Manchester, TN; two grand- www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/obituary/Ronald Douglas Strobel in Coal City. She was Frances was preceded in death children, Michael and Morgan Holland; sib- -Parsley a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic by her parents; three brothers: Donald lings: Terry (Pat) Parsley, of Michigan; Pam Cremation services and arrangements have Church in Wilmington and was active (Carol) Klegman, Thomas Kelgman and (McClure) Cantrell, Travis E. (Shelly) Parsley and been made under the direction and care of with the County Line Kickers, line dancing William “Jersey” Klegman and two sisters, Regina (Jeff) Stone, all of Smithville, TN, as well Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. group. Frances was a former board member of Cathy Broderick and Margaret “Peggy” Ragain. the Wilmington Public Library and remained a Per Frances’ wishes cremation rites are longtime supporter of the library. After high being accorded and memorial services are school, she was employed at the Joliet Arsenal being planned for a later date. and later in life enjoyed working with her sister, Frances will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet The Free Press Newspapers will limit hours Peggy at Western World Racing Hut. She was Cemetery in Braidwood. accomplished at crocheting and enjoyed shar- In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made of operation as Covid-19 positivity rates ing her work with family and friends. She in Frances' memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, continue to climb. We are an essential business and enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, cooking, and Our Caring Closet, or to the Wilmington Fire was dedicated to sending birthday cards and Department. intend to continue print operations as normal. cards of celebration to those she knew and Family and friends are encouraged to sign However, we encourage you to call 815-476-7966 loved. the online guest book, upload photographs, and Survivors include her husband, Doug; three share Frances’ memorial page by logging onto: or 815-634-0315 before visiting either of our children: Reverend Scott (Reneé) Strobel, of www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/obituary/Frances Lockport, NY; Sandra (Ron) Van Epps, of -Strobel offices. Odds are we can service you over the Northfield, IL and Amy (Patrick) Burke, of Cremation services and arrangements have phone. If not, we will arrange it so we can still con- Macomb, IL; 11 grandchildren: Douglas (Holly) been made under the direction and care of Strobel, Michael (Ashalea) Strobel, Timothy Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. duct your business. We appreciate your understand- (fiancé Hope) Strobel, Wesley (Anja) Strobel, ing and please wear a mask everywhere you go WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 9 Bison Crawl brings worldwide audience to Midewin On National Bison Day, As more bison bagged the first bison. It was a bison enthusiasts learned approached, the expedition bull. They dragged it back from about America's National went to First Peoples Buffalo the river. The meat filled two Mammal in a virtual cross- Jump State Park in Ulm, barrels." country learning expedition Montana. From the edge of the LaRock said bison hide from the Prairie State to the cliff that is known to be the was used as waterproof materi- Treasure State. largest buffalo jump in the al for packing gear; for sleeping The USDA Forest Service's world, Park Manager Clark and winter clothing. "Even third annual "Bison Crawl" Carlson-Thompson said the bison dung was used for creat- included live presentations jump was critical to human ing a hot flame with not a lot of from Midewin National survival for hundreds or years. smoke," LaRock said. "Lewis Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, "A buffalo jump is a site thought it 'imparted a spicy the Lewis & Clark National that was used by native peo- flavor to the meat.'" Historic Trail Interpretive ples to harvest large numbers Center in Montana and from of buffalo, usually entire Interpreter Karlene nearby First Peoples Buffalo herds," Carlson-Thompson Faulkner described bowls Jump State Park. explained. "This spot has for- made of bison ribs, pudding The first stop on the virtu- ever been known as a place of made of bison blood enhanced al education tour was at the peace and gathering. with berries and bone marrow. spotting scopes along old his- Thousands of pounds of meat, Pemmican, dried meat, was toric Route 66 at Midewin hides; bones for tools and popular. Hair and cattail fluff National Tallgrass Prairie. more were harvested. It looks stuffed mattresses and more. Forest Preserve District of just like a hill and as we get "This way of life lasted for Will County Community closer and closer to the cliff, it hundreds of years," Faulkner Partnerships & Outreach just appears out of nowhere." said. "Today, the bison are Coordinator Ben Hecke and Carlson-Thompson said making a comeback thanks to Midewin NTP Visitor that the jump was used for at partnerships with Tribal Information Assistant Jasmine least 600 years, starting at the Nations and local, state, and Lyons reported live from the year 900. The jump was used federal partnerships." Henslow Trail. They used by 13 tribes from all over. Back in the Prairie State, mobile devices to show three "From Montana, Idaho, Midewin NTP Range bison grazing far off in the dis- Wyoming and even up into Management Specialist Kelly Gutknecht told about the bison tance. Canada." Depending on the project there. "It's just a beautiful day specific spot, the buffalo jump "Bison were introduced out here and everyone is happy is 20 to 50 feet tall. In some five years ago, and the point is to see bison on National Bison spots, bison bones are up to 22 to see if the bison can help Day," Hecke said. "Jasmine feet deep. He said that most recent carbon dating is from improve diversity of native tells me the entire herd might vegetation during restoration," be headed this way." 1500. The next stop was the Gutknecht said. "Through nat- USDA Forest Service's Lewis & ural seed dispersal and more, Clark National Historic Trail we hope to see increases in grasses like big bluestem, Interpretive Center in Great Indian grass and more." Falls, Montana. Supervisory Staff with Midewin Interpreter Jeff LaRock said National Tallgrass Prairie bison were essential to the Clockwise, from top left: Midewin NTP Public Affairs Officer and Public Services Team Leader organize the Bison Crawl each expedition of Captain year to bring together dozens Meriwether Lewis and William Veronica Hinke explains that female bison horns are c-shaped; Clark Carlson-Thompson, park man- of government and non-profit Clark. ager of First Peoples Buffalo Jump and Tower Rock state parks, looks out on one of the most historic organizations that offer in-per- "They came here knowing buffalo jumps in the world; bison are visible through spotting scopes along old historic Route 66 at son or virtual education pro- that there was this creature Midewin NTP; Supervisory Interpreter Jeff LaRock at The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail grams for the public. called the bison, although Interpretive Center. Photo by Allison Cisneros / The Nature Conservancy in Illinois many of them had never seen one before and had only heard about them," LaRock said. "They found their first sign of bison less than two months after they set out in 1804, but it Remember our veterans wasn't until two months after Morris Hospital that when Private Reuben Field by sponsoring a wreath COVID testing Sponsor a wreath for a veteran’s grave at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. The wreath laying will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19. supply is limited The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Wreaths are placed after a brief ceremony. Volunteers of all ages are needed to In an effort to balance and a separate charge for help place wreaths, dress appropriately for the cold. limited testing supplies with COVID-19 testing if testing is increased demand for testing, ordered. Both get billed to Sponsorship is a tax deductible donation and may be Morris Hospital has asked insurance. made for a specific veteran or any veteran. providers on its medical staff Morris Hospital's urgent Complete the form below. Checks or money orders to limit COVID testing orders care locations are in should be made payable to Wreaths Across America and to those who need it most: Channahon, Diamond-Coal mailed to: Will County Farm Bureau, c/o OCP Wreath symptomatic patients and City Campus, Morris and Project, 100 Manhattan Rd., Joliet, IL 60433 Group# IL0013P those at high risk for compli- Yorkville. The rapid test is not Sponsorships are being collected through Nov. 24 for the cations. being used at these locations year 2020 campaign. Donations after Dec. 2 will be for 2021. “Right now, there is a very at this time. Order online at Wreaths Across America and include ceme- high demand for COVID test- “Our immediate and con- tery ID: ILALNE. For updates pertaining with wreath place- ing,” says Kimberly Wolfer, venient care centers are not ment and coronavirus precautions visit the Facebook page: Director of Laboratory the same as state testing sites Wreaths Across America Abraham Lincolhn National Services at Morris Hospital & where people can come just to get tested for COVID,” explains Cemetery. Healthcare Centers. “Due to *********************************************************** our limited testing availability, Kim Smith, Director of we are unable to serve as a Immediate Care and Grave specific sponsorship testing resource for all situa- Occupational Medicine at Complete a separate form for each veteran. Sponsors tions, especially in the case of Morris Hospital & Healthcare who attend the wreath laying on Saturday, Dec. 15, may asymptomatic people who are Centers. “This is where we place the wreath on that specific grave. seeking testing because of provide walk-in care for concerns about potential patients with mild to moder- Veteran’s name: ______exposure.” ate injuries and illness, includ- Wolfer says the recent ing flu-like symptoms. Having Section and grave marker (required): ______increased demand for testing an exam with an has also slowed test results. immediate/convenient care Contact phone number (required): ______“We have a limited allocation provider does not guarantee a COVID test will be performed. of rapid tests each week and at Will you be there to place the wreath yourself: Yes__No__ this time have to reserve the It's up to the discretion of the provider.” rapid tests for patients being Non-specific grave sponsorship admitted to the hospital or Morris Hospital also having pre-surgical testing,” advises that the hospital emer- explains Wolfer. “The rest of gency department should be One wreath at $15 ______our COVID collections have to reserved for those who are in need of emergency medical be sent out to a reference lab- Family: four wreaths for $60 ______care. oratory, and the results are currently taking 5-6 days. Business: 10 wreaths for $150 ______Previously, we were seeing a 2- 3 day turnaround for test results that were sent out.” Morris Hospital continues to operate its outpatient COVID drive-thru testing site New doctor joins on the hospital main campus for patients who have a physi- cian's order. After the physi- cian's order is received, a Morris Hospital Scheduling representative from Morris Hospital calls the Local internal medicine Morris Healthcare Center of patient to schedule the physician Dr. Olga Peplos has Morris Hospital at 1300 W. appointment. The drive-thru merged her independent prac- Dresden Drive in Morris and testing does not accept self- tice with Morris Hospital & the Morris Hospital Diamond- referrals or walk-ins. Healthcare Centers. The part- Coal City Campus, 1450 E. COVID testing is also nership allows Dr. Peplos more Division St. in Diamond. done at Morris Hospital's time to focus on patient care, Dr. Peplos has served on urgent care locations only if while Morris Hospital oversees the Morris Hospital Medical the provider determines test- the business management Staff since 2001. She received ing is appropriate after evalu- responsibilities associated her medical degree the ating the patient's medical with her practice. University of Athens Medical Courtesy photo history and symptom severity As a result of the affilia- School in Greece and complet- Dr. Olga Peplos, a local internal through a medical exam. The tion, Dr. Peplos is now seeing ed an internship at St. Joseph medicine physician, has cost includes a physical exam patients at two locations: the Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Peplos completed a three-year inter- merged her independent prac- nal medicine residency at the tice with Morris Hospital & Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago. Healthcare Centers. The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 10 WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM Invasive beetles attacking our forrests Dear EarthTalk:Where I live in could cause serious, wide- Southeast Michigan, an inva- spread damage to our coun- sive insect called the Emerald try’s landscape and natural Ash Borer is wreaking havoc resources.” on our forests. Are other parts In May 2020, Washington of the country dealing with governor Jay Inslee issued an this pest or others that are emergency order in response killing large numbers of trees? to the infestation. These — John D., Sterling Heights, moths have wrought havoc MI before, and scientists have off- In a growing number of set infestations using a special U.S. states, residents have isn’t harboring the invasive kind of moss on different East been dealing with a different pest before being shipped out Coast strains. kind of quarantine that began to other parts of the country or Hopefully similar meas- back in the early 2000’s and world. ures are that a measure can continues on today. But this While the Emerald ash counteract impacts on the one involves wood, not people, borer is found almost exclu- West coast soon as well. There and the perpetrator is a beetle, sively on ash trees, several are many factors driving the not a virus. spread and growth of harmful other invasive bugs are also The problem started in species to trees in North 2002 when the Emerald Ash plaguing other types of forests America. Borer, an exotic green beetle across the continent. Clothing imported from that probably hitched a ride to Asian long-horned bee- China, wood brought from the U.S. with wood materials tles, Spotted lanternflies, Canada, sugar transported from Asia, began decimating Banded elm bark beetles, from Brazil, and much else of ash forests in Michigan. Since Brown spruce long-horned what we consume here that then, this little invader has beetles, Common pine shoot comes from abroad brings killed hundreds of millions of beetles and European oak bark with it the transport of species, ash trees across 35 U.S. states beetles are just a few of the whether on purpose or by acci- and five Canadian provinces. bugs preying on our native dent, with potentially cata- Ecosystems where these forests. strophic effects. Courtesy Photo by B Smith, FlickrCC ash trees play a pivotal role are A new Asian gypsy moth Climate change is also a THE EMERALD ASH BORER hitched a ride on wood from Asia decades ago and has decimated ash decimated, while forest prod- strain is another emerging factor. Insects live in specific forests in 35 states and five Canadian provinces. ucts industries and property threat to U.S. coastal forests. environments based on weath- owners in these areas are also The U.S. Department of er, and their ranges expand worse off. And wood coming Agriculture (USDA) warns, “If and breeding seasons increase two reproductive cycles in the except by buying wood prod- the 501(c)3 nonprofit out of affected regions is being established in the United as global temperatures rise. expanded warm seasons, lead- ucts produced by local logging EarthTalk. See more at quarantined to make sure it Mountain pine beetle States, Asian gypsy moths ing to increased tree mortality operations or wood lots. HYPERLINK numbers, for example, have in affected regions. If warming Likewise, procure firewood "https://emagazine.com" grown rapidly in recent https://emagazine.com. To decades due to the warming continues at the current rate, from local sources, as many trees won’t be able to adapt fast pests hitchhike into new ter- donate, visit climate. Cold winters that usu- https//earthtalk.org. Send ques- enough to survive. rain on firewood in back of the ally drive beetles to hibernate, tions to: HYPERLINK protecting pine forests for a There’s not much individ- family station wagon. "mailto:[email protected] spell, are growing shorter. uals can do to prevent the EarthTalk® is produced by g" [email protected]. Beetles can now complete spread of invasive tree pests Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for JJC closes campus Braidwood Lions Club Joliet Junior College • Closure of college cam- to sell Christmas Trees closed its campus Monday puses to the public starting due to the surging positivity Monday The Braidwood Lions Friday, noon - 7 p.m. and rate among COVID-19 tests in • Employees will work Club will once again be hold- Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to the region. remotely to support virtual ing their annual Christmas 7 p.m., while supplies last. The following message Trees Sale fundraiser begin- campus operations Sales will be closed on was shared by JJC President ning Sunday, November 22nd. Thursday, November 26, for Dr. Judy Mitchell on Friday • Essential employees will The club’s stand will be located As the IDPH reported provide on-site support to in the Whitmore Ace Hardware Thanksgiving and will resume today, Will County's positivity complete the semester parking lot in Braidwood. on Friday, Nov. 27. All pro- rate is 18.6%, and with Academic Affairs is work- Balsam trees ranging in ceeds from the tree sales will Governor Pritzker's emphasis ing through curriculum with height from 6 to 9 feet along go back into the community in on stay-at-home advisories for on-site lab classes to enact the with small and large size deco- the form of the various com- high rate regions, it is incum- appropriate action plan for rated wreaths, grave blankets, munity activities and humani- bent on us to do the right thing each class to complete the small & large size grave pil- tarian services that the and support the health and lows, and artificial gravesite semester. Braidwood Lions Club pro- well-being of our community flower vases will be for sale. vides throughout the year. and state. Student Development will Lions club house brooms, SUDOKU - Here’s how it works: The college will further provide virtual services (and heavy duty brooms and whisk For more information Soduko puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a some in-person appointments please call (815)791-8093 or sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can limit campus activity to slow brooms will also be available appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the the spread of COVID. This such as testing services) to for purchase. visit www.braidwoodlion- numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more includes: meet the needs of students. Hours are Monday - sclub.org.” numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle. WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 11 Free vouchers to visit Think before you shoot national forests now Deer hunters better includes fifth graders know how to The USDA Forest Service Every Kid Outdoors is a process own meat will expand its Every Kid federal public lands partner- BY SHAWN LONG Outdoors program to offer ship created to inspire fourth- fourth- and fifth-grade stu- grade students and their fami- Sports Writer dents and family members lies across America to recreate, free access to more than 2,000 explore cultures, discover con- Deer hunters may want to sites on national forests and nections to nature and spark a think twice before pulling the grasslands for the remainder lifelong passion for America's trigger this weekend when the of the 2020-2021 school year. great outdoors. first of the split firearms sea- A new voucher is available The program focuses on son open. for download now through children ages 9-11 who, The impact of the coron- August 31, 2021. research shows, are beginning avirus pandemic has meat "The year's events have to understand the world lockers already backed up few, made it harder for many stu- around them, and are unique- if any, are willing to process dents to get out to their local ly receptive to engaging with deer meat. National Forest and to use nature and the environment. Barney Faletti, owner of their Every Kid Outdoors By focusing on this age group Faletti Meats in Wilmington, Annual 4th Grade Pass as year after year, the program typically processes deer for intended," said Forest Service aims to ensure every child in hunters but up until last week Chief Vicki Christiansen. "We the United States has the he is turning hunters away. hope the added time will opportunity to create a life- Faletti processed about 40 encourage millions of families long connection to America's deer the previous two weeks to use their free pass to get out big backyard. but was so backed up with to their National Forest, con- To obtain a free 5th Grade butchering beef, pork and nect with nature, and experi- Voucher, visit the Every Kid chicken that he was forced ence the mental and physical Outdoors website, click on the with drawing a line. benefits of the great out- "Hey, fifth graders!" banner, “We’re so busy despite the doors." and download a voucher. COVID pandemic I can’t keep up with processing meat for my year-round customers,” said Faletti. In the past Faletti’s would have as many as three butch- Will County building closed ers processing deer. In about 20 minutes they’d skin a deer File Photo The Will County Office utmost importance. We Building is now closed to the want to do everything we and process the venison into DON’T SHOOT BEFORE you know where you’re going with the deer. There have been deer process- steaks, chops, backstraps and public. With the number of can to protect people which roasts. The rest would be ing facilities that have shut down their operations for the season because they were not able to keep coronavirus cases rapidly includes encouraging the ground into venison hamburg- up with the rush. There are other deer processing plants but they may not be within 10 minutes. rising across the state of public to wear a mask at all er. Illinois, Will County times, wash your hands Faletti Meats would Executive Denise Winfrey often, and to maintain social process as many as 150 deer Julie Guerrero from the able to keep up but they are down several large meat pack- has closed the county office distance. Closing our office during a normal year. This year S&J Lisbon Locker said that as bracing for the rush of the ing plants back in the spring, building to the public. building to the public is a with the way COVID-19 is of now, they don’t intend to shotgun deer season Friday, farmers turned to smaller Residents are urged to responsible move to help contact any office within the limit the spread of this high- keeping more people at home, put a cap on the number of Saturday and Sunday. meat lockers to process their Faletti’s is busy selling more deer they will accept. “I personally think that a county building by tele- ly infectious virus." livestock. Most are still booked phone or via e-mail to Statewide, the IDPH beef, pork and chicken for the In addition to processing lot of new people are out hunt- through 2021 table. the venison they make jerkey ing because of COVID,” added inquire how to handle any reports COVID-19 hospital- “We have customers that application, transaction, etc. izations, including patients “I had a guy in here and salami sticks as well. Guerrero. “I think we’re going come from Wisconsin,” com- Thursday begging for me to “We book it in and they to get buried. I think we’ve This decision follows the in Intensive Care Units and mented Guerrero. “In previous Illinois Department of on ventilators, are at the process his deer. He drove 45 tell us how they want it cut,” already gotten more from bow years, we’ve had a guy come minutes and said he was in no said Guerrero. “We cut it, skin season than we have in past Public Health's new recom- same levels as the first peak up here to hunt from Alabama, mendations to work from of the virus earlier this year. hurry to get the meat. I it and make whatever people years.” his brother lives here but he explained I just don’t have the want. It usually varies. A lot of Guerrero, who has been at home when possible, partic- "We must all take these makes the trip back to come time these days and I was sorry people will take their cuts, S&J Lisbon Locker for the last ipate in only essential activi- statistics seriously and not but it’s hard to find an hour their steaks, chops and roast, 16 years, notes last year they and get it. There are quite a few ties, limit any gathering to 10 let down our guard," Winfrey and a half to do a deer by and a lot of people do cheese processed around 250 deer. that come from the city. It just people, and only travel if added. myself when I have to take and jalapeno sticks.” They’ve already had sev- varies.” necessary For more information care of my regular customers.” Guerrero, daughter of the eral out of state hunters arrive The best advice is to call "The number of positive about the IDPH and its The only other place the owner Sandy Marlat, estimat- with deer as they are having a butcher shops and meat lock- cases for COVID-19 has response to the COVID-19 Free Press Newspapers could ed they have already hard time finding other meat ers and check if they’re accept- risen dramatically," Winfrey crisis, visit the website at find still processing deer was processed around 80 deer for lockers not backed up with the ing deer before heading into said. "The health and well- www.dph.illinois.gov/covid1 S&J Lisbon Locker, about a 40- bow hunters. Their four-per- processing of beef and pork. the field. ness of our county employ- 9. minute drive in Newark, IL. son operation has so far been When the coronavirus shut- ees and our residents is of The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 12 WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Call WANTED TO BUY POTICA or text Deb at 815-693- Wanted: Stories about local peo- Nut, poppy seed, apri- 5870. cc36b-49a Will pay reasonable cot, raspberry; order ple, organizations and events. If you know a price for your I-Phone. now for the holidays. Teen broke hers and is Banana, Pumpkin and Julie’s Remodeling neighbor with an inter- esting hobby, collection going bonkers, help! Zucchini mini breads Siding, soffit, roof re- Coal City area leave also available. Pick up pairs, painting,welding or cause, give the edi- tor a call at 1-815-634- message for Granny at at the Wine Cafe in Wil- repairs, seamless gut- 269-625-8501. cc47b-48a mington and receive $3 ters, fencing, tree re- 0315 or 1-815-476-7966. off a bottle of wine. Call moval, lawn care, Com- tfn/47b Charlotte 815-545-8767. plete Handyman serv- ck46b-52a ice! 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STORAGE WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM The Free Press Advocate, The Braidwood Journal, The Coal City Courant, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 13 The one person who could turn the tide against Madigan With the announcement Whatever the case, a gov- al investigation Garcia's close (Gonzalez, Aaron Ortiz and his people into influential by Rep. Bob Morgan (D- ernor directly confronting the into the House allies have been Delia Ramirez). But if he makes positions every time there's a Deerfield) earlier this month House Speaker has never Speaker's opera- elected or a strong statement either way path (or close to it, like when that he will not vote to reelect worked here. Others have tion. But if Pritzker appointed to the on Madigan, several other pro- Madigan tried unsuccessfully Illinois House Speaker Michael tried. All have failed. A gover- swings and misses, General Assembly. gressives in the chamber could to block Eva-Dina Delgado's Madigan in January, the oppo- nor's opposition would, as it Madigan will still There are very well follow his lead. sition numbered eight House has in the past, give Madigan be around, Pritzker probably no bet- Garcia, by the way, is also a appointment to the House this Democrats, with at least a few something external and con- won't get anything ter examples of member of Madigan's state year after Garcia and the CTU more privately leaning their crete to push back against in accomplished and this than in party central committee. A few supported someone else). way. order to distract from his inter- the voters will not Madigan's own committee members have spo- And that probably They'll need 13 or 14 nal problems. be pleased. neighborhood. ken out against Chairman explains why Congressman Democrats, depending on final And if Pritzker's effort to The dude Garcia ally Celina Madigan, but Garcia has a Garcia isn't returning my general election results, to dislodge Madigan failed, so spent a zillion dol- Villanueva was stronger political organization phone calls and texts these deprive Madigan of the speak- would the remainder of his leg- lars to get elected appointed to the and a larger public platform. days to ask what he's planning er's gavel. So, they may need islative agenda. Not to men- governor only to House in the sum- He could make a real differ- some help to get over the tion that Pritzker certainly hurt find himself in a mer of 2018 when ence there, too. to do about all of this. hump. himself when he not so subtly dozen trick bags. Madigan loyalist But a deal is a deal and, in Rich Miller also publishes And there's one person threw resources Sen. Kimberly Welcome to Illinois! Rep. Silvana Tabares was the long term, Garcia has the Capitol Fax, a daily political outside the House who may Lightford's way during her The one person outside appointed to the Chicago City better end of it. Madigan gets newsletter, and CapitolFax. have enough votes to tip the unsuccessful run for Senate the House who could make a Council in the neighboring peace and Garcia gets more of com. balance either way. President almost a year ago. real and immediate difference 23rd Ward. And, no, it's likely not Gov. Once bitten, twice shy. is U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia. Rep. Villanueva then ran JB Pritzker. Not yet, anyway. There is definite pressure As I've told you before, unopposed in a special elec- Pritzker controls no votes on Pritzker to act, though. As Garcia, the Chicago Teachers tion to replace resigned Sen. in the House. He can't just the saying goes, "governors Union and Madigan came to Martin Sandoval (Madigan's push a button and make some- own," so he'll wear the jacket an understanding not long Senator) and Garcia's congres- thing happen in that chamber. in 2022 if Madigan is still after Garcia, with the CTU's sional aide Edgar Gonzalez Perhaps if he had followed standing and remains as spec- backing, lost the city mayor's was appointed to Villanueva's through on his 2018 promises tacularly unpopular as he is race in 2015. Madigan's 13th House seat. In between, to supplant the moribund state today. Ward carried Mayor Rahm Madigan successfully support- party with a true statewide Maybe Pritzker could qui- Emanuel to victory, but that ed another Garcia staffer for a political organization for all etly do something at the very took an extraordinary amount Cook County Board slot over Democrats at all levels, he end to make it happen if the of work in Madigan's Latino- Sandoval's daughter. might have some buttons to opposition is still slightly short, dominated area. Better to just Congressman Garcia has push. But he didn't, and the but don't expect anything cut a deal. significant influence over at pandemic intervened and here before that unless something Since then, one after least three Chicago we are. major happens with the feder- another of Congressman Democratic House members Illinois gas prices fall Illinois gas prices have $2.79/g, a difference of 97.0 “For the first time in seven slightly again this week as gas fallen 3.1 cents per gallon in cents per gallon. weeks, GasBuddy data showed stations continue to try to pass the past week, averaging The lowest price in the average gas prices rose last along the rise from last week to $2.16/g Monday, according to state is $1.82/g while the high- week, unsurprising given the retail, but ahead of GasBuddy's daily survey of est is $2.79/g, a difference of previous 18% jump in the price Thanksgiving, prices should be 4,378 stations. 97.0 cents per gallon.The of crude oil on promising vac- mostly stable. Gas prices in Illinois are national average price of gaso- cine news,” said Patrick De “For now, motorists 1.6 cents per gallon lower than line has risen 1.2 cents per gal- Haan, head of petroleum shouldn't expect too many a month ago and stand 44.0 lon in the last week, averaging analysis for GasBuddy. fireworks at the pump, but the cents per gallon lower than a $2.12/g Monday. “This year has been any- upcoming release of year ago.According to The national average is thing but normal and such GasBuddy's Holiday Travel GasBuddy price reports, the down 4.3 cents per gallon from news of promising vaccine survey highlights some big cheapest station in Illinois is a month ago and stands 49.0 results will likely rekindle gas changes motorists are making priced at $1.82/g Monday cents per gallon lower than a prices for a short while. We're for the last six weeks of the while the most expensive is year ago. likely to see prices inch up year.” The Braidwood Journal, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 14 WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM It’s a musical movie The show goes on virtually in Coal City STAFF REPORT audience members filling the seats inside the Coal City Performing Arts Center, show patrons Creativity is not lost on the Coal City can watch the production from the comforts of Theatre Department. their home by purchasing an access code at At a time when theaters remain dark, pro- bit.ly/CCTDTickets for the show or shows of ducers and directors are forced to come up with their choice set to air at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20 new ways to share the performing arts with and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. audiences and that’s happening with socially 22. distanced outdoor shows, virtual performances The student performers had just a handful and pre-recorded content. of rehearsals prior to filming. To ensure the show goes on for theatre stu- “They all did an wonderful job, I am incred- ibly proud of what these students were able to dents at Coal City Middle School, accomplish in such a short time, and under producer/director Jack Micetich came up with a unique circumstances,” Micetich said. plan that takes the annual fall production from The yellow cast is let by eighth grader stage to screen. Mason Natyshok as Charlie Brown and seventh In the past few weeks, students have been grader Dane Noffsigner has the role in the blue learning their lines, recording vocals and film- cast. ing scenes for the upcoming productions of Rounding out the yellow cast is Bella Byers, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” Sally; Katie Huston, Lucy; Olivia Sage, The Broadway musical is based on the pop- Peppermint Patty; Logan Hausman, Linus; ular Peanuts comic strip created by Charles M. Bobby Stoudt, Snoopy; Dakota Clubb, Schulz and will feature vignettes and produc- Woodstock; Kyah Hawkins, Marcie, and Bella tion numbers featuring some of the comics Bartholomew and Bridget Feeney comprising favorite characters including Charlie Brown, the ensemble. Lucy, Linus and the lovable Snoopy. Fellow blue cast members are Melody The 23 students selected to comprise the Kinder, Sally; Kylee Kennell, Lucy; Brody Peanuts gang were divided into two casts—yel- D’Orazio, Snoopy; Eliana Chernesky, YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN — Katie Huston and Jordon Olson rehearse as Lucy and low and blue. Both groups spent an entire day Peppermint Patty; Theo Fritz, Linus; Caroline Schroeder. The recorded performance of the musical premieres this weekend. filming scenes for the shows that will be pre- Childers, Woodstock; D’Arcy Ness, Marcie, and sented this weekend—Nov. 20-22. ensemble members Stana Milinkovic and Riley Over 1,200 video clips and audio record- Walker. ings were captured of the two casts and have Jordon Olson takes his place at the piano as been edited into a musical movie. Schroeder in both casts, and Alex Carlson is the Unlike past productions that have found productions one and only Pig Pen.

THE DOCTOR IS IN — Lucy, played by Kylee MAN’S BEST FRIEND — Brody D’Orazio Kennell, dispenses some of her famous advice as embraces his role as Snoopy for the Coal City part of the Coal City Middle School’s performance Middle School performance of “You’re a Good THE CAST OF Coal City Middle School’s “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” rehearse for this week- of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” Man Charlie Brown.” end’s performance, which will premiere as a recorded movie instead of on stage.

Delinquent Property Tax List for Reed and Custer Townships PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENDED APPLICATION FOR JUDGMENT FOR 24-07-104-013-0000...... PATTERSON STEVEN ...... 122.52 SALE OF PROPERTIES UPON WHICH REAL ESTATE REED TOWNSHIP 24-07-104-022-0000...... MADISON JEFFREY S...... 2,096.49 PROPERTY TAXES AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS ARE DELINQUENT 24-04-101-003-0000...... MC CLAIN R DAVID ...... 535.84 24-07-105-004-0000...... STOPHER DONNA J ...... 3,199.72 24-04-101-024-0000...... DELL'AQUILA ELEANOR C ...... 221.33 24-07-109-019-0000...... HASEMANN PROPERTIES INC ...... 494.88 I, Tim Brophy, County Treasurer and Ex-Officio County Collector of Will County in 24-04-101-046-0000...... MINETT MARGARET R REV T...... 280.30 24-07-109-020-0000...... HASEMANN PROPERTIES INC ...... 494.88 the State of Illinois, give notice that I will apply on the first Wednesday in December, 2020, 24-04-101-047-0000...... SHELDON JAMES A III LIN ...... 280.30 24-07-118-013-0000...... BROWN HOLLY ...... 7,221.54 the same being the second day of said month, to the Circuit Court of said County for Tax 24-04-101-053-0000...... MINETT MARGARET R REV T...... 346.83 24-07-200-032-0000...... CHINSKI CHANDRA...... 1,371.46 Sale, to be held at the Will County Office Building, 302 North Chicago Street, in the City of 24-04-101-055-0000...... WEAVER STAN...... 767.28 24-07-200-060-0000...... VIRZINT DONALD W LESLIE ...... 1,843.18 Joliet, in said County of Will for Judgment against properties described in the delinquent 24-04-102-040-0000...... WARTALSKI ROBERT SUSAN ...... 1,808.52 24-07-201-045-0000...... ZEB DENNIS LEE ANNE...... 345.27 lists for the taxes, special assessments, interest and costs due thereon and that I will then 24-04-103-001-0000...... RIVERA ANTHONY J ...... 535.84 24-07-201-047-0000...... SELOCK JACOB W ...... 605.52 and there apply for an order to sell the properties for the satisfaction of said general taxes, 24-04-103-002-0000...... RIVERA ANTHONY ...... 641.06 24-07-201-049-0000...... SELOCK JACOB W ...... 3,709.20 special assessments, interest and costs. I also give notice that on December 9, 2020 the 24-04-103-003-0000...... RIVERA ANTHONY ...... 767.28 24-07-201-063-0000...... ALVARADO RANDY J SR DIA...... 1,742.59 same being the Wednesday next succeeding the date of application, all the properties for 24-04-104-002-0000...... EVANISH DANIEL J ALICIA...... 1,071.56 24-07-301-002-0000...... ESCALANTE JOSHUA D JASO ...... 456.58 the sale of which an order is made will be exposed to public sale at the Will County Office 24-04-104-003-0000...... PINTLER RITA K ...... 953.80 24-07-301-003-0000...... ESCALANTE OSCAR ...... 3,993.66 Building aforesaid in said County and State for the amount of taxes and costs due. Said 24-04-104-016-0000...... BAZON-FORSBERG TONI ...... 459.87 24-07-305-024-0000...... BUDICK KRISTOFER S TRUS...... 3,035.56 tax sale will commence at the hour of ten-thirty a.m. on said Wednesday, the ninth of 24-04-104-025-0000...... LOGAN ROBERT C...... 485.71 24-07-311-004-0000...... GRUNDY BANK ...... 2,822.61 December, 2020 and will continue from day to day until all properties upon which general 24-04-104-027-0000...... JONES MARY A ...... 1,627.61 24-07-311-013-0000...... GRUNDY BANK...... 153.90 taxes, special assessments, interest and costs remaining due and unpaid at the time are 24-04-104-036-0000...... WILDY CHRISTOPHER L ...... 746.26 24-07-311-014-0000...... GRACE JEWELANN ...... 302.76 offered for sale. 24-04-104-048-0000...... VELAQUEZ LAURA C ...... 737.10 24-07-312-026-0000...... KALUZNY ROBERT D KIM ...... 1,821.00 TAKE NOTICE: In addition to the delinquent amount, the cost due on each proper- 24-04-104-072-0000...... GRAY KIM HELEN ...... 2,837.98 24-07-312-028-0000...... ADLER WILBERT M RAMONA ...... 400.00 ty is $10.00. In addition to the delinquent amount and costs, each person purchasing any 24-04-104-079-0000...... SOTO LAURA L...... 717.64 24-07-400-004-0000...... MICHALOWSKI JOHN T ...... 1,484.50 property pursuant to any provision of the Illinois Compiled Statutes 35 ILCS 200/21-245, 24-04-105-013-0000...... SLOAN JEAN MARIE REV TR ...... 427.25 24-07-402-026-0000...... SCHIPIOUR CHRISTOPHER...... 3,989.78 35 ILCS 200/21-295, 35 ILCS 200/21-330, 55 ILCS 5/4-4001 shall also pay to the County 24-04-126-018-0000...... LAFAIRE DEBORA E ...... 822.42 24-07-402-028-0000...... HARPER DANIEL ...... 328.74 Treasurer (Collector), fees of $10.00, $20.00, $60.00, $4.00 and ($37.00 if back taxes are 24-04-126-019-0000...... THANH VO V ...... 746.20 24-07-403-028-0000...... BHATIS RAMESH...... 2,593.42 included in the certificate of purchase) for each parcel purchased prior to the issuance of 24-04-128-002-0000...... DZABIRI SABAN ...... 216.69 24-07-405-014-0000...... TILLEY ROBERT R JR...... 1,466.52 any certificate of purchase. These amounts shall be included in the purchase price of the 24-04-130-004-0000...... BURALLI ANTHONY ...... 380.43 24-07-407-033-0000...... CLELLAND DAVID J SUSAN ...... 2,054.48 certificate of purchase. 24-04-130-013-0000...... HOLDERBAUM THOMAS ...... 774.12 24-07-410-022-0000...... TAYLOR TOBY LICETH ...... 211.62 All delinquent taxes for the year 2019 are charged interest at the rate of one and one 24-04-130-016-0000...... TOMANY MELISSA ...... 956.54 24-07-410-025-0000...... SKOWRONSKI CHESTER J NA ...... 302.76 half percent per month, the first installment being delinquent after June 3, 2020, and the 24-04-132-048-0000...... KUBBINS LAWRENCE...... 1,190.44 24-07-410-026-0000...... SKOWRONSKI CHESTER J NA ...... 961.59 second installment being delinquent after September 3, 2020. 24-04-153-001-0000...... RUBY KATHERINE MARIE ...... 996.28 24-07-411-017-0000...... BOHAC JOSHUA G FELICIA ...... 158.80 Following is a list of properties situated in some of the townships of the County of 24-04-153-002-0000...... RUBY KATHERINE MARIE ...... 301.56 24-08-100-025-0000...... CINOTTI ADAM J DENEEN P...... 317.21 Will, State of Illinois, upon which the taxes remain due and unpaid, together with the names 24-04-153-013-0000...... GERGER GARY W LIVING TR ...... 703.52 24-08-102-006-0000...... JELDEVELOPMENT LLC ...... 228.29 of the owners, as far as is known and the amount of tax thereon. Said taxes are for the 24-04-155-001-0000...... OCONNELL DONALD ...... 360.16 24-08-102-011-0000...... MOWBRAY EDWARD M MARY C ...... 502.60 levy year 2019, payable in 2020. 24-04-156-003-0000...... LAPKUS MELANIE ...... 1,209.12 24-08-105-002-0000...... ATG TRUST LO10-161...... 2,136.24 IN ORDER TO PURCHASE ANY PROPERTY AT THE SALE, each person desiring 24-04-156-007-0000 ...... NOLAN GERARD KERRI KATH ...... 331.17 24-08-106-016-0000...... RICHARDS MICHAEL A...... 1,232.65 to bid at the sale must register by November 23, 2020 with the Treasurer on the forms pro- 24-04-156-021-0000...... SANDEI EMMA DOMINIC A ...... 791.54 24-08-108-034-0000...... GUTIERREZ SALVADOR F ...... 3,013.00 vided by him. 24-04-156-022-0000...... HUSCH PATRICK ...... 829.90 24-08-109-013-0000...... ECKHARDT WILLIAM...... 2,452.96 TIM BROPHY 24-04-159-001-0000...... GREEN MICHAEL R MARIE J ...... 1,616.30 24-08-109-027-0000...... ECKHARDT WILLIAM ...... 307.80 WILL COUNTY TREASURER 24-04-201-008-0000...... ADAMS KENT DANA...... 662.34 24-08-110-014-0000...... GONIS HAROLD SR CHARLOT ...... 1,317.66 EX-OFFICIO COUNTY COLLECTOR 24-04-201-017-0000...... HOVANIEC ROBERT J ...... 881.16 24-08-200-030-0000...... PAULEY RICHARD CECELIA ...... 1,537.42 DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX LIST FOR 2019 LEVY 24-04-203-004-0000...... BENSON ANDREW RYAN ...... 570.12 24-08-201-048-0000...... GEE STEVE ROGER AMANDA ...... 302.76 24-04-205-049-0000...... ARTEAGA SAUL ...... 794.08 24-08-202-008-0000...... RUSSELL CAROLYN ...... 1,310.57 CUSTER TOWNSHIP 24-04-205-060-0000...... ACURIO GILBERT ...... 1,022.20 24-08-212-015-0000...... FISK DELORIS ...... 1,311.44 24-02-300-004-0000...... I.D.N.R...... 262.30 24-04-205-065-0000...... ROAN JESSE E DOROTHY ...... 397.04 24-08-212-017-0000...... PROESEL ALLAN G ...... 555.86 24-02-300-005-0000...... I.D.N.R...... 109.70 24-04-207-013-0000...... ASHCRAFT JAMES F CAROL ...... 478.52 24-08-217-013-0000...... SWANSON RON LAURA ...... 401.94 24-03-100-007-0000...... MILLER HARRY J JR ...... 2,726.00 24-04-226-005-0000...... HOLMON DWAINE ...... 570.12 24-08-217-014-0000...... SWANSON RON LAURA ...... 1,583.68 24-03-100-008-0000...... MILLER HARRY J JR ...... 481.78 24-04-226-006-0000...... VAIRA MARCELL ...... 295.63 24-08-221-019-0000...... GRUNDY BANK ...... 5,477.68 24-03-101-003-0000...... ESPARZA MATTHEW AMANDA ...... 1,250.52 24-04-226-007-0000...... KUTER THOMAS M SR ...... 2,892.84 24-08-301-011-0000...... SHROUT KIMBERLY LINDA ...... 904.75 24-11-100-008-0000...... I.D.N.R...... 65.50 24-04-227-019-0000...... HALL TINA M ...... 942.50 24-08-301-020-0000...... SHROUT KIMBERLY LINDA ...... 253.15 24-12-100-007-0000...... HART ROBERT Y...... 4,922.88 24-04-303-011-0000...... MONKS GERALD ...... 956.54 24-08-302-027-0000...... SEFCIK CHANTEL ANTHONY...... 2,356.22 24-12-100-010-0000...... KOTIK JULIA ROSE ...... 960.27 24-04-304-007-0000...... INCAVO CHRISTOPHER ...... 1,375.90 24-08-303-019-0000...... PETRIC CINDY L ...... 1,890.85 24-12-100-047-0000...... DAUGHERTY STEPHEN KIMBE ...... 126.80 24-04-304-024-0000...... HOLLINGSWORTH VINCENT...... 783.36 24-08-303-044-0000...... WOULFE PATRICK J SR PRS...... 2,867.74 24-13-100-010-0000...... BROWN KIRT A ...... 1,143.04 24-04-304-028-0000...... COLTRINARI RICHARD ...... 535.84 24-08-304-031-0000...... EVANS WALLY D ...... 1,317.66 24-13-203-010-0000...... O'MALLEY DEBORAH ANN...... 4,219.32 24-04-304-031-0000...... WILCHEK WALTER...... 746.20 24-08-306-019-0000...... DEYOUNG OWEN M SUZANNE ...... 318.90 24-15-100-017-0000...... STAUFFENBERG D AND G ...... 728.16 24-04-304-035-0000...... HANK SCOTT L...... 476.93 24-08-306-055-0000...... BHATIA RAMESH ...... 918.82 24-15-100-021-0000...... D & G STAUFFENBERG FARM...... 3,872.32 24-04-305-007-0000...... DUVA FMLY TRUST ...... 245.25 24-08-307-055-0000...... DANIELS KENNETH P COLLE ...... 2,503.35 24-15-200-002-0000...... SMITH SAMANTHA M...... 421.64 24-04-305-010-0000...... GENTEMAN HENRY W...... 746.20 24-08-401-020-0000...... ADDLEMAN ROBERT ESTATE ...... 140.50 24-15-200-022-0000...... RUESCH JOHN ...... 420.77 24-04-305-017-0000...... CLARK RONALD W ...... 1,632.78 24-08-401-021-0000...... ADDLEMAN ROBERT ESTATE ...... 105.24 24-15-200-023-0000...... RUESCH JOHN ...... 422.33 24-04-305-023-0000...... WETZEL ANTHONY P DEANNA ...... 556.61 24-08-401-022-0000...... ADDLEMAN ROBERT ESTATE ...... 613.84 24-15-300-016-0000...... BAZZARONE DAN ...... 1,971.01 24-04-305-029-0000...... KIRCHENS WILLIAM...... 714.68 24-08-401-023-0000...... ADDLEMAN ROBERT ESTATE ...... 945.23 24-23-100-021-0000...... ROBERTSON NEIL R LINDA...... 2,084.01 24-04-305-035-0000...... BURKE-OBRIEN DIANE ...... 387.13 24-08-401-024-0000...... ADDLEMAN ROBERT ESTATE ...... 333.50 24-23-200-009-0000...... STARK ROSEMARIE K ...... 2,937.56 24-04-305-039-0000...... BOZEK WILLIAM D ...... 725.32 24-08-404-014-0000...... MADI CORPORATION ...... 7,715.28 24-25-300-001-0000...... FIRST BANK OF MANHATTAN ...... 3,014.40 24-04-305-040-0000...... OGLE CARMELLA H ...... 552.42 24-08-406-025-0000...... BRAIDWOOD K OF C BLDG A...... 90.22 24-26-100-011-0000...... NOWAK GUY D ...... 35.62 24-04-306-012-0000...... RIVERA ANTHONY ...... 1,989.24 24-08-407-003-0000...... KAMANI PARSHOTAM SUKETA ...... 2,558.25 24-34-100-003-0000...... GOLEMA LAURA ...... 2,490.54 24-04-307-021-0000...... SWAN GREGORY W THOMAS J ...... 511.52 24-08-414-018-0000...... BENSON JOAN E REV LVG T ...... 518.18 24-35-200-007-0000...... KRAML KENNETH ESTATE ...... 9.68 24-04-307-056-0000...... STACK SEAN M ...... 397.04 24-08-415-015-0000...... FLYNN JAMES E LVG TRUST ...... 50.00 24-35-400-005-0000...... CHRISTODOLOS PETER ...... 560.16 24-05-100-005-0000...... GOODWIN INVESTMENTS LLC...... 996.64 24-09-102-058-0000...... LIGHTHOUSE COVE TOWNHOM ...... 10.00 24-35-400-021-0000...... CRAMER WALTER R...... 4,151.38 24-05-300-014-0000...... JAGE ROGER E ...... 4,092.04 24-09-102-066-0000...... WEISS HOWARD B ...... 1,909.60 24-35-400-034-0000...... CRAMER WALTER ...... 635.58 24-05-300-061-0000...... FIERRO RAMIRO MARIA C...... 2,623.62 24-09-103-005-0000...... LIGHTHOUSE COVE TOWNHOM ...... 10.00 24-36-100-008-0000...... RODRIGUEZ ANTONIA...... 204.98 24-05-301-018-0000...... RAMSEY MARK R ...... 1,263.92 24-17-100-009-0000...... KINNEY ROBERT E ...... 1,018.07 25-19-102-002-0000...... 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ENSURE CONSTRUCTION INC...... 194.48 24-19-306-002-0000...... SKALA ROBERT L ...... 288.12 25-31-200-003-0000...... LOVE WILLIE H JR REV TR ...... 211.13 24-06-404-022-0000...... ENSURE CONSTRUCTION INC...... 194.48 24-19-312-010-0000...... WAYMIRE ROSE L ...... 300.72 25-32-300-021-0000...... OFARRELL PATRICK...... 1,640.10 24-06-404-023-0000...... ENSURE CONSTRUCTION INC...... 194.48 24-19-313-002-0000...... QUIGLEY RITA L...... 742.04 25-33-100-009-0000...... DIFRANCESCO CONNIE JOHN ...... 1,416.24 24-06-405-001-0000...... ENSURE CONSTRUCTION INC...... 194.48 24-21-200-002-0000...... YOKAS WILLIAM P REV TR ...... 10,892.86 25-33-100-039-0000...... HALSNE RANDY R JUDY L ...... 10.12 24-06-405-002-0000...... ENSURE CONSTRUCTION INC...... 194.48 24-21-400-011-0000...... PERINAR GARY III ...... 747.00 25-33-400-016-0000...... D & G STRAUFFENBERG ...... 1,191.35 24-06-405-003-0000...... ENSURE CONSTRUCTION INC...... 194.48 24-33-402-009-0000...... FOX CHRISTOPHER M ...... 692.79 24-07-100-008-0000...... PETERS BARBARA R...... 919.80 Published in the Braidwood Journal, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM The Braidwood Journal, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 15

File Photo File Photo REED-CUSTER FOOTBALL coach Gavin Johnston was selected to be on the boys basketball dream FORMER REED-CUSTER FORWARD Grant Kluge was picked to be on the Comet boys basketball team. dream team. Comet coaches develop basketball dream team BY SHAWN LONG Grant Kluge.The first kid I have ever seen throw Ryan Johnson earned All-Conference during his senior year. SPORTS WRITER down some dunks in a game. Porter notes they were pretty decent play- One of the most rewarding things about That year, Cuddy averaged 12 ppg, Kluge 11 ers and Johnson earned all-conference in his coaching to Porter is to coach a father-son duo They’re considered the best of the best ppg and Meents led the Kankakee area’s best senior season. which he has done a few times already. when it comes to Reed-Custer boys basketball. defensive attack with his prowess stealing the Scotty Scamen “When you stick around some place long Two former Reed-Custer coaches—Rich basketball. Scamen, who played with the Comets from enough and I’ve been there long enough, the Vana and Tim Ricketts—were polled along with “We won our first round of the regional 72- 2016-19, earned All-Conference at point guard kids are coming through here, I’m starting to current coach Mark Porter to put together a 11. We beat Plano in the championship 52-37 so in 2019. coach their kids especially as a varsity. Jake dream team of Comets who would make the we could literally put five guys on the floor who Scamen led the Comets with 134 assists McPherson played for us last year and I coached list. Here’s who they picked. were all over 6-2, 6-3. At that time in Class A, we while also compiling 161 points to lead them to his dad, Chris when I was a fresh/soph coach. I Shane Fitzpatrick were pretty tough, we didn’t give up many a 13-win season in 2019. coached Josh Foote, who graduated in ‘98. He Vana, who coached the Comets from 1988- offensive rebounds.” Russell Page & was an All-Conference player for us. His son is Lucas. That’s the fun part of it to see those kids 94, named Shane Fitzpatrick, the record-setting Kluge went on to play college basketball at Gavin Grace point guard from the early 90’s . Knox College, where he was named captain of that you’ve coached in the stands and you get to the team during his junior year and was a During the 2017-18 seasons, Page and watch their kids come up through the program Fitpatrick still holds the record for the best Grace were some standouts that helped lead free-throw percentage, draining 81 percent of Midwest Conference Player of the Week back in and wind up being good players also.” Feb. 11 of 2008. Reed-Custer to a couple double digit win sea- Gage Stamm his charity shots in 1990-91. sons. Page and Grace were named All- Jason Grace Gavin Johnston Conference. Stamm earned All-Conference during the 2020 season where the Comets had won nine Ricketts combed through old yearbooks Ricketts notes Gavin came up as a sopho- “Russell was just kind of freak athlete. And games. He put up 256 points while collecting 97 and had a few players in mind. more to play point guard because he was such a Gavin improved. He was one of the hardest rebounds. He looked at 1999, his first season coaching tremendous athlete that was a starter in every workers I’ve seen. He would really take things to the Comets. During that season, there was a sport he played. heart. He would come in here and when other Jim Downey point guard Jason Grace, who was a three-sport “He was a three-sport athlete. Starting kids would come in to work on the ropes and Downey, who played on the Comets in athlete that earned all-conference in all three of shortstop, starting quarterback, starting point stuff. 1975-76 season when they had a record of 10- the sports he played. He led the Comets in scor- guard. I brought him up as a sophomore “He would really work on his ropes. He’d 14, is also worth a mention on the dream team. ing during a 14-13 season. because he was just a great athlete. just come in and work on his ball handling on He is the single-season leader for points in Jason Grace was also a standout who went Gavin went on to play football at Milikin for the side. He had plenty of talent too. He was a boys basketball history, scoring 726 that year. to college to play baseball at Chicago State four seasons. great shooter. He made himself a great player. He also collected 348 rebounds that season and University. The Best RC Trio He was doing exactly what I wanted him to do. 808 overall. Both statistics were team-highs. Mike Grines Porter, who coached the Comets from From that point on, we couldn’t take him out of Downey went to Southern Illinois In 2000, Mike Grines made an impact on 1989-98 and then again from 2009 to present, the lineup.” University-Edwardsville to play college basket- Reed-Custer. He played forward and he could named Travis Schoonover, Brent Headrick and Gavin went on to play basketball at Joliet ball and scored a total of 109 points in two sea- score. Neil O’Donnell as his standouts. Junior College where he scored 256 points as a sons with 91 rebounds from 1976-78. “Mike was a very solid basketball player,” Travis was a shooting guard, Brent was a freshman, connecting on 61 three-pointers. Tyler Ricketts (2010), Anthony Scaglione said Ricketts. “He played a couple years at forward and O’Donnell was another point Jake Welsh (2011), Ryan Johnson (2012), Dalton Kinzler Robert Morris University. guard from 2013-2016. In that short span, the Welsh was an underclassmen during the (2013), Tyler Foote (2014) and Gage Stamm Mikey Shorkey Comets won 70 games, and had a winning per- Comets run of success from 2013-16 and he (2020) were also standout players for the Comets who all earned All-Conference honors. Mike Shorkey played for Ricketts the fol- centage of 76, winning the regional every year. lowing season and it was beneficial for his “Travis and Brent were pretty solid choices coach that he was 6-6 as a senior averaging 16 when it came to a good forward and guard,” points and eight rebounds per game. said Porter. “Neil O’Donnell was someone that could just make the ball sing when handling it. “He was a big kid, played three years of var- He led us in assists three years in a row. But sity ball. He was a NFL linemen size of a kid. His because the other kids were doing all the scor- sophomore year, he was 6-6 and built more like ing, he was somebody I thought didn’t quite get a basketball player, very lean. But when he got the recognition he deserved, and he finally did older, he got big. As a sophomore, he could up his senior year when he was all-conference. and down the floor really easily. In his junior and senior years, he was way more of a block to Brent and Travis were just different kind of block post player that could still shoot it pretty players. well.” “Brent deserved all the hype and Travis of course had over 1,900 points in his career, was Trevor Huettemann all-state two years in a row. Brent was third On that same team, Trevor Huettemann team all-state two years in a row. Both those was Ricketts’ first all-state basketball player, kids were all-conference three years in a row. who scored 21 ppg in his senior year and over The best shooting guard we had was Travis. The 1,300 points overall. best power forward or stretch we had was Brent “Trevor was a three-year starter and was an and he could definitely stretch the defense with all-stater his senior year,” added Ricketts. his range and then Neil the point guard.” Huettemann went on to play basketball at Josh Foote Milikin University but before those two left, Foote earned All-Conference in 1998. those two helped produce a 19-9 season. “His son, Lucas is going to play varsity ball “We had a nice little run with that team,” for us here soon if we ever do play.” commented Ricketts. “When Shorkey and Grines, a kid by the name of Bobby Cuddy was Pat Brown in there too. We had a nice mix of guards and big Brown, who Porter coached in the late 90’s, men. We just had a nice mix of balance. We lost was a two-time all-conference pick for the to Herscher 47-43 in the regional champi- Comets in 1996 and 97. onship. They had a kid who had 27 of their “He broke all the three point records that points.” we had back then and then of course, those The hoops trio were the records that Brent and Travis and During 2003-04, the Comets went 21-8, those kids broke. He shattered Fitzpatrick’s winning the regional championship. records. Ricketts said point guard Josh Meents, Jason Hendricks Michael Cuddy and Grant Kluge were standouts Porter coached him in his first year of var- on that championship team. sity coaching. He averaged 17 ppg. “Meents was a heck of an athlete. He went “He was a pretty good player for us,” on to West Point to play baseball. I had Michael added Porter. “Good shooting guard.” Cuddy a left hander and we had another kid, Jake Benson The Braidwood Journal, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, page 16 WWW.FREEPRESSNEWSPAPERS.COM

Photos by Shawn Long REED-CUSTER SENIOR Danielle Cherry will hope she is smiling after Thursday. The IHSA will have REED-CUSTER SOPHOMORE Lucas Foote will hope he has a chance to play basketball this winter. their board meeting on Thursday to figure out their next course of action with the winter season that After hearing what the Illinois High School Association and Governor’s Office have said, it’s hard to has beeen postponed due to the coronavirus. take in but he and Reed-Custer will hope for the best in regards to the season. Comets, Wildcats put winter season on hold

BY SHAWN LONG After the Illinois High meeting on Thursday. “It was 100% that,” said Association, the Illinois move forward with the IHSA STAFF WRITER School Association went forth “We’ll hope to have a bet- Goff. “The insurance company Association of School basketball season was not with planning for the winter ter direction on Thursday told us, ‘that’s on you’. They Administrators, the Illinois meant to be adversarial. It was Basketball will have to season on Wednesday, Oct. 28, when everyone gets together said if you go against the State Board of Education and a rooted in a desire to receive wait as Reed-Custer and Gov. Pritzker held a press con- but at this point in time, it’s not Illinois Department of Public coalition of the 200 school more direct communication Wilmington high schools join ference the day after, stating feasible to move forward.” Health Guidelines, we can’t be superintendents who made an and data from our state part- Coal City in announcing there schools could face legal conse- What influenced the deci- liable. We would be liable for effort to contact the Governor ners. They hope all the groups won’t be winter sports played quences if illness or injury sion for many was insurance that so we would lose tort regarding school sports. will see the mutual benefit of locally. results from playing in defi- companies that are warning immunity which means if “The Board hopes to cre- increased discourse and be The local schools are ance of the state’s guidance. that coverage will be dropped somebody sued the school, we ate a dialogue and build a represented at the meeting on going to abide by the Illinois So far 34 schools have said if they don’t abide by the state. wouldn’t be covered. Now, more collaborative relation- November 19.” they intend to start their sea- Department of Public Health “I expect they’ll push our they’re going after individual ship with all the entities The IHSA Board said that sons while 300 said no and 212 in taking COVID-19 safety pre- are undecided. season back,” added coaches. It’s just not worth it.” involved with developing while the schools can start cautions by waiting until the Reed-Custer athletic Anderson. “Who knows what The IHSA had a virtual sports policy in our state as practicing on Nov. 16, they will go-ahead is given. director Chuck Anderson will happen but that’s what I board meeting on Wednesday everyone tries to navigate the be held to Level 1 mitigations Coal City sent a press explained the Comets will be expect they’d do. to discuss Thursday’s agenda. myriad issues caused by the from the IDPH All Sports Policy release out Thursday saying following the IDPH. Wilmington athletic direc- Representatives from the IDPH pandemic,” said IHSA until at least Nov. 19. they would be following the “We’re like everyone else,” tor Brian Goff said the liability and governor’s office have Executive Director Craig They’ll hope to have more guidance of the IDPH and said Anderson. “It’s like the rest issue was the exact reason the been asked to attend. They also Anderson. direction after the meeting on Illinois State Board of of the schools in our confer- Wildcats are going to wait. invited the Illinois Principals “The Board’s decision to Thursday. Education on the winter bas- ence, most of them and the ketball season. Coal City bas- area, we’re just not able to do ketball players will be working it.” on no-contact skill develop- Anderson is hopeful for a ment and conditioning until more clear view on the season the sports are approved. when the IHSA has a board Stellano makes it offical

Courtesy Photo IT’S OFFICIAL–Reed-Custer pitcher Jack Stellano signed a letter of intent to play college baseball at Quincy University this past week. Stellano verbally committed to Quincy over the summer and made it official this week with is signing.