The Bolingbrook Sun :: News ::

Did Will County auditor abuse his power?

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 00:01 CST

The county executive and his chief of staff want the state attorney general to investigate Will County Auditor Steve Weber. They want to know if Weber has abused the power of his office. Robert Kuzas, a Chicago-based attorney for Larry Walsh and top aide Matt Ryan, said Monday he was preparing a letter to Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow related to a Wednesday visit by the FBI to Weber's office.

Leap of faith for Plainfield bike park

By R.L. ANDERSON Special to The Sun — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Kids and adults who like to tear over hills on mountain bikes or speed through courses on BMX bikes now have a public park to call their own. The area's first park of its kind officially opened Saturday just south of Naperville when the Plainfield Park District allowed riders into the Plainfield Bike Park at Van Horn Woods, off Lily Cache Road south of Route 30.

Naperville's new sound

By TIM WALDORF twaldorf@scn1.com — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will go down as the first musicians to perform on the stage at North Central College�s Wentz Concert Hall. However, a handful of artists, many of them students, played the place in the days leading up to the college's Sept. 30 gala preview concert featuring the legendary jazz trumpeter. As many of them walked into the room for the first time, the same expression crossed their lips. "Whoa!" �And to hear the first sounds coming from the stage is just a joy. It's just beautiful. I can't wait to share it with everybody,� said Brian Lynch, NCC�s fine arts director.

Drew Peterson says: Read new book

By DAN ROZEK Sun-Times News Group — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Drew Peterson says he hasn't read the new book about him yet. But he thinks other people should read it. In "Drew Peterson Exposed," author Derek Armstrong relies heavily on lie-detector tests Peterson took and concludes that the former Bolingbrook police sergeant probably wasn't involved in the October 2007 disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson.

FEMA announces aid for Will Co. flooding

From Staff Reports — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

As a result of the severe rains and flooding that hit the area last month, Will County and six other Illinois counties are now eligible for federal disaster aid.

7 area counties eligible for flood aid

Sun-Times News Group — Sat, 4 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Flood victims in seven Illinois counties are now eligible to receive federal aid since a request filed by Governor Rod Blagojevich for flood assistance was approved. Residents in Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties who have been affected by the recent flooding can register for temporary housing and grants or loans to help with flood-related losses

Walsh investigation creates national stir

Sat, 4 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

An investigation into Will County Executive Larry Walsh's connection to a county contractor became fuel for the presidential campaign Friday. The ripple effects of the investigation, which has drawn in the FBI and was initiated after questions raised by Walsh's Republican opponent in the November election, have become increasingly political.

Lesson plan: Security

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Kristen Morley remembers moments when her school didn't feel like a safe place.

Get to know Jennifer Dicks

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

As you read this paper and become even more accustomed to the new Bolingbrook Sun, I'd like to take this opportuity to introduce myself. I am Jennifer Dicks, advertising account executive for the Bolingbrook area.

Financial crisis hits home

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

From the front pages to kitchen tables across Bolingbrook, the sluggish economy is a topic that is on everyone's minds these days.

Sound off on election choice

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The Sun is asking readers to voice their opinions on who to vote for in the presidential election.

Community Briefs

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Parish festival set for Oct. 5

Business expo set for golf club

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Now is the time for all good businesses to get more exposure.

Bolingbrook garbage contract OK'd

By R.L. ANDERSON Special to The Sun — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Bolingbrook residents should expect no changes in the way their garbage and recycling items are disposed of, but they will see a 5.31 percent increase in fees over the next year.

Pride of the Lions

By TONI GREATHOUSE Special to The Sun — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The Lions Club has been roaring in Bolingbrook for more than 40 years, making it one of the oldest organizations in the village.

Coming up

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Rotary Club

Garbage fees are going up

By R.L. ANDERSON Special to The Herald News — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Residents should expect no changes in the way their garbage and recycling items are disposed of, but they will see a 5.31 percent increase in fees over the next year. The village board unanimously approved a five-year contract extension with Groot Recycling and Waste Services Inc.

CN comment period closes Tuesday

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday is the final day of public comment on the proposed Canadian National Railway merger plan. Since July, when it released a draft analysis of CN�s move to buy 198 miles of Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway tracks, the Surface Transportation Board has accepted public input that will be considered as the panel makes a final decision.

Polygraph results leave Peterson puzzled

The Associated Press — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A former Bolingbrook police officer says he doesn't know why a polygraph shows he was deceptive in answering questions about his wife's disappearance. Drew Peterson is a suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Stacy.

Salt price sours budgets

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The price of road salt may be on the rise, but local street agencies have things under control. "I have heard people are paying more than $100 a ton," said County Engineer Bruce Gould. But Gould isn't one of them, as the county locked in a deal on time to pay only $57.90 a ton. "It has fluctuated throughout the area," Gould said of the price of salt, noting that "It's causing a problem with people's budgets." The cause of the shortage remains a mystery, Gould said.

Stebic family: CBS 'reckless' and 'malicious'

FROM SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP REPORTS — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Craig Stebic�s family filed a lawsuit against CBS and several of the station�s reporters Friday, claiming their coverage of the relationship between Craig Stebic and former NBC reporter Amy Jacobson was false, malicious and illegal. Stebic�s sister, Jill Webb and her husband Robert Webb claim they and their children suffered �severe emotional distress� from the media attention surrounding Jacobson�s swim with the family last summer in Stebic�s Plainfield home.

Village Board discusses garbage contract

By R.L. Anderson Special to The Sun — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Bolingbrook residents should expect no changes in the way their garbage and recycling items are disposed of, but they will see a 5.31 percent increase in fees over the next year.

'Welcome to The Bolingbrook Sun'

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

On behalf of 18,394 students and 2,600 colleagues of the Valley View School District, it is my pleasure to offer a welcome to the "new" Bolingbrook Sun. The words of our students aptly demonstrate the excitement that we all feel about your addition to the community:

Postponed events ready to roll

By DAN CASSIDY dcassidy@scn1.com — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Rain can put a damper on things for a while, but it can't completely stop the fun in Bolingbrook.

Man facing prison for robberies

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A man could spend up to 20 years in prison for robbing an area bank and a wireless telephone store in Bolingbrook within a 22-hour period.

Will Co. schools taught new security lessons

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:01 CST

Educators may want to rethink evacuating schools during a bomb threat, because statistics show kids are safer in locked classrooms, a law enforcement officer said. Keeping students in their classrooms rather than evacuating them is a fairly new idea that is catching on.

Biggert, House GOP propose bailout plan

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Hinsdale, is among a group of House Republicans trying to gain support for an alternative bailout plan. Biggert represents the 13th District, which includes parts of northern Will County.

Community Briefs

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Funfest planned at Crossroads Church

Show off your Sox, Cubs pride

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The Chicago Cubs and White Sox have provided Bolingbrook fans with a lot of thrills this summer as they move toward the playoffs.

School safety takes center stage in town

Sun Staff — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

School and safety officials from throughout the Midwest got a lesson in how to keep kids safe during a special conference this week in Bolingbrook.

Who are you going to vote for?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Obama or McCain? In Bolingbrook, are we blue or seeing red?

Fewer hospital beds in latest edward plan

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

In its ongoing quest to build a new hospital in nearby Plainfield, Edward Hospital has submitted a revised proposal to the state board that includes fewer hospital beds. Meanwhile, expanded obstetric/gynecology services in the new plan boosted the cost of the project by more than $7 million.

Let the spirit soar

Sun Staff — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The heavens were rocking Sept. 20 at Town Center in Bolingbrook, as Christian music groups from around the area hit the stage to sing songs of praise.

Enforce dress code, expert tells schools

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

To keep weapons out of school, educators must enforce a strict dress code that doesn�t include baggy clothes that could be used to hide guns, said a national expert on human aggression and violent crime.

Rail merger bill moves to U.S. House

Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A congressional committee this morning gave approval to rules that would require community impact to be considered by the feds analyzing proposed railroad mergers.

New Lenox resolution decries sale of EJ&E

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

New Lenox officials have put their opposition to the sale of EJ&E Railway to CN in writing when they unanimously passed a second resolution against the plan. �CN once again has tried bullying their way through (the system),� said Mayor Tim Baldermann. �We are opposed due to a large number of reasons.�

Now, its time to get serious.

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The craziness of homecoming week at Bolingbrook High School was all leading up to Friday and Saturday�s big events.

Missing Bolingbrook teen found at friend's home

STNG Wire — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A 15-year-old girl who suffers from multiple sclerosis was found safe at a friend's home this afternoon after being reported missing Sunday night from her Bolingbrook home.

2 die in separate crashes Friday night

By CATHERINE ANN VELASCO cvelasco@scn1.com — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Two people died in separate traffic accidents Friday night, including a motorcyclist who collided with a freight truck.

Motorcyclist dead in DuPage Twp. crash

Sun-Times News Group — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A 47-year-old motorcyclist was killed Friday night when he crashed into a truck in the southwest suburbs.

Bolingbrook, we've got your number

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

So, we are Bolingbrook.

Garage sale to aid animal shelter

By Dan Cassidy dcassidy@scn1.com — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

In the suburbs, two of the most popular things are pets and garage sales.

Flood washed out many Bolingbrook events

Sun staff — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A few local roads and some basements weren't the only things affected by the heavy rains last weekend. The weather threw a wet blanket on several events in town, causing some to be rescheduled for later this month. One event to be impacted was Bolingbrook's annual Pathways Parade, which was scheduled for Sept. 14.

Music of praise spiritual center of Joyfest

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A little joy can go a long way.

School security meeting set for Bolingbrook

Sun staff — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

On Sept. 24 and 25, approximately 600 police and fire officials, school district administrators, school safety experts and more from throughout the Midwest will gather at the Bolingbrook Golf Club to discuss how to keep children safe in our schools.

Community briefs

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Job fair for new restaurant

Bolingbrook park part of 'Dream Challenge'

Sun-Times News Group — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Bolingbrook Park District's Century Park was chosen as a participant in the second year of the "Staples Dream Park Challenge with the Bears," a local parks improvement initiative.

Nurse's aide back in court Oct. 2

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A school nurse's aide from Bolingbrook is scheduled to be back in court Oct. 2 after having been arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with three teenage boys. Police say Laura J. Obzera, a health assistant at Wood View Elementary School, had "physical contact of a sexual nature ... during 2006" with the boys.

Peterson in Will Co. court on gun charges

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Former Bolingbrook police officer Drew Peterson was in Will County court Thursday afternoon regarding the gun charges filed against him. His trial on these charges is set for later this year.

CN again asks for expedited ruling

From Submitted Reports — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

UPDATE: Canadian National Railway announced today it filed an appeal to force Surface Transportation Board to decide on its proposal to acquire the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) before the Dec. 31 closing deadline.

Plane makes a crash landing in Bolingbrook

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Itasker Mitchell was sitting at the stop light on Lily Cache Lane on her way to the post office when a small airplane hit a light pole right in front of her and crashed onto Weber Road. �We�re blessed because if it wasn�t for that Lily Cache sign and the Lord that man and I would�ve been dead,� Mitchell said.

Plainfield family forced to evacuate

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Sunday morning, the Stueckrads' house began to fill with water. The house is in what is usually a scenic, peaceful spot in a bend on River Road, right next to the DuPage River. But the river turned ugly over the weekend, pouring over its banks and into the family's home.

State of emergency declared for Will County

Herald-News staff report — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

New: Due to devastating weekend rains and flooding, the Will County executive has declared a state of emergency for Will County.

Bolingbrook welcomes new police chief

By R.L. Anderson Special to The Sun — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

BOLINGBROOK -- As the swearing-in ceremony conducted by Mayor Roger Claar was completed, Bolingbrook's new Police Chief Kevin McCarthy was greeted by a thunderous round of applause from the large crowd at the Village Board meeting.

Grundy, Morris wading through flood waters

Staff reports — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

FLOOD UPDATE: The Morris public works department is surrounded by water overflowing from the Illinois River. �Public works is like an island. It�s nasty,� said Morris Police Chief Brent Dite.

Area road closures

Herald News staff — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A list of closed roads in Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Plainfied Township.

Residents take refuge from rising waters

FROM STAFF REPORTS — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The east branch of the DuPage River in Bolingbrook broke flooding records Sunday, topping the 1996 mark.

Regional police train for riots, disasters

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A group of local police officers have gone above and beyond their day-to-day duties over the past year. When a tornado hit Richton Park, they went there to help the local police deal with the aftermath. Part of the group got a first-hand view of rioting protesters while providing security at the recent Republican National Convention in Minnesota.

Judge delays test on jacket worn by Vaughn

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

For the time being, state prosecutors can't do a special test on a jacket worn by Christopher Vaughn on the day his family was killed, Will County Judge Dan Rozak ruled Thursday. But that might change later. Vaughn, a former Oswego resident who worked as a private investigator, was charged last year with the June 14, 2007, murders of his wife and three children.

Stebic lawyers back in court over visitation

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The lawyers attempting to arrange visits between the family of missing Plainfield mom Lisa Stebic and her children, who are cared for by her husband Craig Stebic, were in court again Friday for a closed-door conference with a judge. Apparently, they didn�t get much closer to their goal of arranging a second visit. The case will return to court later this month.

Valley View schools' enrollment increases

FROM SUBMITTED REPORTS — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Enrollment in Valley View School District has increased slightly for the 2008-09 school year. Preliminary numbers, presented to the school board by Andrea Hall, administrative assistant for enrollment at Valley View, indicate a total enrollment of 18,369 students as of Sept. 3. That's up 156 students from a year ago at the same time and up 541 from the end of last school year.

Will auditor takes aim at staff's 'extras'

By Patrick Ferrell pferrell@scn1.com — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Will County Auditor Steven Weber said he has noticed a pattern of some county employees receiving more than the county's standard benefits package allows, potentially costing taxpayers in the long run.

Sun Calendar

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Friday

Get on board

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The theme for this year's Pathways Parade to be held Sept. 14 in Bolingbrook hints at the village's recent honor of being named one of America's best places to live by Money magazine.

New police chief takes the helm

By R.L. Anderson Special to The Sun — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

As the swearing-in ceremony conducted by Mayor Roger Claar was completed, Bolingbrook's new Police Chief Kevin McCarthy was greeted by a thunderous round of applause from the large crowd at the Sept. 9 Village Board meeting.

Valley View schools OK budget

By R.L. Anderson Special to The Sun — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

There is cautious optimism about a conservative budget for Valley View School District 365-U.

Community Briefs

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Mexican Independence Day celebration

Poker run to aid search for Stacy

Sun staff — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A poker run fundraiser is scheduled for Sept. 13, with the proceeds to be used to help find missing Bolingbrook woman Stacy Peterson.

Drug bust nets a lot of cocaine

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad agents raided two houses in Bolingbrook this week, arresting one man and seizing a large amount of cocaine, police said.

Small price to pay for Peterson fight?

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A push in the back got Len Wawczak a slap on the wrist.

Police: School nurse had sex with teens

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A school nurse has been arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with three teenage boys. Police say Laura J. Obzera, a health assistant at Wood View Elementary School, had �physical contact of a sexual nature � during 2006� with the boys.

Residents' rally cry: CN rail plan hurts Will Co.

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Opponents of Canadian National Railway nearly filled the 650-seat Lincoln-Way High School auditorium Wednesday night as politicians urged folks to write letters voicing their concerns about the negative impacts the sale of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway would have in our area.

Bolingbrook drug bust nets a lot of cocaine

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad agents raided two houses Tuesday, arresting one man and seizing a large amount of cocaine, police said. "We took down a pretty major distributor (and got) a lot of dope," MANS Director Jerry Wall said.

Ex-pal pleads guilty after Peterson fight

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A push in the back got Len Wawczak a slap on the wrist. Wawczak, who has said he and his wife, Paula Stark, wore a wire for police for months in hopes of nailing Drew Peterson for a pair of murders, pleaded guilty to battering Peterson in a strip mall parking lot in July. Wawczak had already admitted he confronted Peterson and pushed him in the back.