The Homer Sun :: News ::

Grimes acquitted in Lockport bar shooting

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

After a nine-day trial, a jury decided that a Lockport Township man was not guilty of killing an 18-year-old last year during a bar room gun battle. After the jurors announced their decision, Will County Judge Amy Bertani Tomczak issued an order that Cleveland Grimes, 35, should be released from police custody.

An autumn tradition

By JASON FREEMAN Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Delicately brilliant sunsets, trees crowded with multicolored leaves and crisp winds carrying the scent of rain or burning wood upon them have long been associated with the autumn months.

Joliet resident can�t downsize or stop driving

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:01 CST

Artis Thompson has limited options regarding the vehicle she drives. She says her minivan is a necessity, even though gas prices remain well above last year's levels. Thompson's daughter has cerebral palsy, and the family needs a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Township board: Levy down, pay goes up

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The Lockport Township board last week approved a decreased levy for the next fiscal year and pay raises for four elected leaders.

A helping hand

By PATRICK FERRELL The Herald News — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Last week, a group of about 65 people got off the bus in Lockport and scurried about like drones with a precise assignment.

Paving the way to the future

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

During the next seven years, the Will County Board plans to spend $240 million and create more than 8,000 jobs while fixing a long list of ailing county roads.

Consumers still feel pinch of gas prices

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Gas prices are falling amid recent concerns about the U.S. and global economy. However, consumers are still paying significantly more at the pump than they did a year ago. That could affect the Nov. 4 presidential election.

Lockport vehicle stickers to be available soon

Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Lockport vehicle stickers will be available for purchase Nov. 1, and the city is trying to make the process easier by sending notices with applications in the mail.

Lemont benefit raises $31,000 for foundation

Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

A crowd of more than 300 attended the Lemont High School Educational Foundation's annual "Food for Thought: Enjoying Tastes from Around the World in Lemont" fundraising event held recently at Montefiori in Lemont.

Seniors shaking as economy crumbles

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Donna Cepon and her husband already had figured out how much money they would pull out of their 401(k) when they retired in a year.

Education Briefs

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Lockport High to hold fall play

Lines drawn in the sand over the war in Iraq

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:01 CST

The United States led the invasion into Iraq on March 20, 2003. Four and a half years and more than 4,000 American lives later, U.S. troops remain overseas and the death toll increases. The cost of the war is not just blood, but also in dollars.

Army veteran: Why are we in Iraq?

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:01 CST

Tom Bodak saw enough during a seven-month hitch in Iraq to realize at least one thing � he did not know what our soldiers were accomplishing there by fighting and dying.

Health care: Finding a cure for what ails us

By JANET LUNDQUIST jlundquist@scn1.com — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Judging by the detail and length of each presidential candidate's plan to reform the country's health-care system, there is no simple remedy. Which solution is better: expanding public health programs or nurturing the free market? Experts aren't sure either plan will fix every problem.

Patients seeking affordable health care

By JANET LUNDQUIST jlundquist@scn1.com — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

JOLIET � As a teenager, Sangita Garg learned the hard way what happens when you put off a dentist visit.

The economy: Main Street seeks answers

By BOB OKON bokon@scn1.com — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Why do Wall Street's problems matter on Main Street? Joliet Junior College has had to stall construction and the jobs that go with it because it could not find a buyer for the bonds to finance such projects.

Real-estate agents, mortgage brokers hurting

By BOB OKON bokon@scn1.com — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Michael W. Johnson used to be in the mortgage business. Now, he's in foreclosure.

Catholic group, Habitat build Lockport home

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

In just 48 hours more than 60 volunteers turned a slab of concrete into the shell of a 4-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot home in Lockport. Mary Barbara Kurtz, fraternity director for the Catholic Holy Family Society, said the group has been constructing houses for various Habitat for Humanity chapters every Columbus Day weekend for 15 years.

Will exec hopefuls aim for more influence

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The title Will County Executive sounds more important than it is. The executive is not in charge of the county, but he is the chief executive of county government. That leaves out the biggest population centers of Will County.

Circuit clerk candidates tout experience

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Two women with plenty of government experience want to be the next Will County circuit clerk. Incumbent Pam McGuire, 53, a Democrat from Joliet, has held the office for the past 12 years. Republican Karen Callanan, 64, is the former Will County treasurer and also has served as Plainfield Township supervisor.

Will County plans $240M roads overhaul

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

During the next seven years, the Will County Board plans to spend $240 million and create more than 8,000 jobs while fixing a long list of ailing county roads. The board envisions major improvements to more than 25 miles of road. Six bridges will be fixed, too, and 37 intersections will be improved. All in all, it's 60 projects.

Two dead, one hurt in I-80 motorcycle crashes

Sun-Times News Group — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Update: A man and woman were killed when the motorcycle they were riding collided with a dump truck on Interstate 80 early Thursday near southwest suburban Joliet.

Walsh aide says FBI probe was a setup

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 00:01 CST

Matt Ryan said Wednesday that he is the focus of an FBI investigation into Will County, adding that he did nothing wrong and federal agents believe they were "set up." Ryan, chief of staff for Will County Executive Larry Walsh, said he met with FBI agents for nearly three hours Tuesday afternoon. "There was never one question that caused me one bit of angst or heartburn," Ryan said.

Will Coroner O'Neil: Experience counts

By BRIAN STANLEY bstanley@scn1.com — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Patrick K. O'Neil believes the experience he brings with 16 years as Will County coroner makes him the best choice for the position again. "I have supervised over 40,000 death investigations. I love my job. Like a police officer or firefighter, (the coroner) is dedicated to helping people through difficult times," the Democrat said.

Homer Glen expo offers free screenings

By JASON FREEMAN Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

There have been times over the past few decades when Orland Park resident Ron Godbout hasn't quite heard what his wife Annette was saying. In his defense, though, he hasn't been intentionally tuning her out. "I had my hearing tested," he said. "It was a little bad." Godbout was able to take his hearing test, along with a free blood screening, during the Homer Township Chamber of Commerce's annual community expo Saturday at Hadley School in Homer Glen.

Joliet OKs funding for USF, Rialto

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The city will provide $540,000 over the next two years to the Rialto Square Theatre for renovations that will accommodate classrooms for the University of St. Francis. The city's funding commitment could increase in future years, according to a plan outlined Tuesday.

Chest pains send Walsh to hospital

By PATRICK FERRELL pferrell@scn1.com — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Will County Executive Larry Walsh was released from the hospital Tuesday after being admitted Monday with chest pains.

Going to the dogs

By TONI GREATHOUSE Special to The Sun — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The Forest Preserve District of Will County held a "Fido Fest" on Oct. 5 to celebrate the grand opening of its third off-leash dog park, Messenger Marsh, off Bell Road south of 159th Street in Homer Glen.

Will County eligible for federal disaster aid

From Staff Reports — Wed, 8 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.

Community Briefs

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Decorate windows for Halloween

JJC to host domestic violence program

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

JJC will hold a panel discussion to raise awareness about domestic violence today on the Main Campus in conjunction with national Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Many booking to library for voter registration

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The downstairs community room of the Plainfield Public Library has been a busy place for the last two weeks. Library staff have been registering people to vote there, signing hundreds of people up in time to choose their candidates in the presidential election Nov. 4.

Mothering nature

By PAT HARPER Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

A Scout troop, two teachers and three men who cleaned up a local creek were among the recipients of Homer Glen's seventh annual Community and Nature in Harmony Awards.

Lockport event to help troops

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

An October benefit will help a local organization send care packages to 10,000 troops overseas this Christmas.

Plans advance for new Homer school

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The Lockport City Council approved an agreement last week that would provide water and sewer services for a future school to be built by the Homer Grade School District.

Lockport referendum plan outlined online

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

As Election Day nears, Lockport Township High School has created a detailed Internet outline of its referendum proposal for a new Cedar Road campus.

Lockport gears up for fall street repairs

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Several Lockport city streets will be repaired this fall after the city council Oct. 1 approved around $125,000 worth of projects.

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.

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.

Lockport referendum plan outlined online

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

As Election Day nears, Lockport Township High School has created a detailed Internet outline of its referendum proposal for a new Cedar Road campus. The new outline -- found at www.lths.org -- delves into a variety of topics, including the proposed campus, tax issues, crowding at the current campuses, and scheduling for students.

Halvorson, Ozinga clash over senior vote

By PATRICK FERRELL pferrell@scn1.com — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Democratic congressional candidate Debbie Halvorson has picked up the endorsement of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. The endorsement could be key, as Republican Marty Ozinga's campaign has tried to paint Halvorson's positions as risky to senior citizens.

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.

Homer schools seek builder bid

By Shenequa A. Golding SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Homer School Board members on Tuesday night approved seeking bids to build a $17 million school in Homer Glen. The new 68,000-square-foot elementary school will house students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade, said Don Cozzie, director of maintenance for the district.

Get to know Lockport at sale

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

LOCKPORT -- A group of downtown merchants will hold a sidewalk sale Saturday to showcase what the heart of Lockport has to offer.

Gandhi's grandson will visit Joliet

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Arun Gandhi, the grandson of the legendary Mohandas Gandhi, is set to speak Oct. 27 at the University of St. Francis. "We sought him out. He's an international attraction," university spokeswoman Nancy Pohlman said.

Dog festival planned in Homer Glen

Sun staff — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The Forest Preserve District of Will County will host a dog festival during its grand opening of Messenger Marsh in Homer Glen from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 5.

Community Briefs

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Craft show to be part of Oktoberfest

Progress made on water talks

By Pat Harper Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Homer Glen Mayor Jim Daley's recent meeting with officials of Illinois American Water Co. resulted in some agreement, but failed to ease the mayor's concerns about the cost of the town's water and sewer service.

State grant presented to Lockport park board

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Woods Drive, the main entrance into Dellwood Park in Lockport, will be reconstructed with help from a $250,000 state grant obtained by state Rep. Brent Hassert, R-Romeoville.

Tips for organizing a family

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

In order to work, organization has to be both easy and convenient. And, what is convenient for adults may not be ideal for children.

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.

Homer Glen making progress on water talks

By PAT HARPER Special to The Herald News — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Mayor Jim Daley's recent meeting with officials of Illinois American Water Co. resulted in some agreement, but failed to ease the mayor's concerns about the cost of the town's water and sewer service.

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.

Still time to send in railway sale comments

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Although the public hearings on the purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway are over, there's still time to speak up. Written comments will be accepted until Sept. 30, said Curt Paddock, Will County's director of land use.

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.

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.

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.

Sun Calendar

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Saturday

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.�

Lockport OKs Panduit add-on

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Panduit Corp. last week received Lockport's approval to build an addition to the company's industrial and office facility.

Street fair in Lemont to have historical twist

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The Lemont Street Fair and Antique Road Show will be a show to remember, organizers said of the event planned for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27.

Halloween event set for Dellwood Park

Sun Staff — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

It's never too early to start thinking of Halloween.

Community Briefs

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Lemont High archive to open Sept. 26

Lockport High School boundary committee on tap

By SHENEQUA A. GOLDING Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Lockport Township High School Board members approved creating a residents committee to help determine the attendance boundaries for the proposed high school in Homer Township.

Property owners get sticker shock

By SUSAN DeMAR LAFFERTY Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Some Will County homeowners may have gone through the roof when they recently were notified their property assessments went up. With all the negative news about the economy and the real estate market, many are asking, how can this be?

Homer plan: New school despite vote

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:01 CST

The Homer Grade School District is planning to build a $17 million elementary school on Cedar Road north of 163rd Street, paying for it with about $10 million in existing funds and $7 million in money borrowed through a lease certificate. The plan will not require a referendum.

Serenity of Homer Glen comes with cost

BY STEVE METSCH Sun-Times News Group — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A weekday off at home was hardly lazy for Wayne Slawinski. He spent a cloudy Wednesday afternoon washing his truck in the driveway of his home. He and wife, Wendy, live on Helen Lane, north of Stonehaven Lane, in the Stadtler Ridge Estates subdivision. Big homes on large lots.

Residents to join Lockport HS boundary panel

By Shenequa A. Golding sun-times news group — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Lockport Township High School Board members approved creating a residents committee to help determine the attendance boundaries for the proposed high school in Homer Township.

Lockport ready to celebrate

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The community is invited to Lockport Township High School's homecoming celebration Thursday, with the annual Field Day and Class Games at the East Campus football stadium.

Water, water everywhere

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The water was so high in Ed Anderson's backyard in Homer Glen last week that it brought down dozens of apples from a tree.

Lockport police begin new Fleet Watch program

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Mobile employees from several organizations now act as an additional set of eyes and ears for the police department under the new Fleet Watch program, Lockport Police Chief William Kendziora said.

Community Briefs

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Golf outing planned for Sept. 28

Firm hired for flood relief projects

By Pat Harper Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Trustees in Homer Glen have hired an engineering firm to plan flood relief projects in the Old Oak and Oak Valley subdivisions.

Meijer planning to build in Homer Glen

By Pat Harper Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Officials in Homer Glen are getting ready to welcome a Meijer store into the village's retail mix.

College planning workshop set

Sun staff — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A workshop on college planning for parents of high school students will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Homer Township Public Library.

Lockport houses in the spotlight this weekend

Sun staff — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Have you ever walked by a beautiful home and felt the urge to peek inside? This weekend, a special event will allow you to do just that in Lockport.

New technology offers relief to people with allergies

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

When Bolingbrook resident Yvon Streacker, 11, would roll around with his three older brothers in their backyard, he used to come inside puffy-faced and wheezing.

Auditor looks into 'extra' benefits

By Patrick Ferrell The Herald News — Wed, 17 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.

Dig a trench with barriers to control bamboo growth

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

One of the reasons I enjoy writing this weekly column is being able to correspond with people from all over the country. Many times a question will come in from one region that will still apply to gardeners in other regions. For instance, today we have questions from California and New Jersey about bamboo and plum trees; it is great that the bamboo question is from New Jersey.

High fuel costs won't stop local school buses

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:00 CST

The high cost of gasoline has affected households nationwide, but schools and government bodies are also adjusting budgets. Brian Murphy, who oversees busing of students not only for Lincoln-Way�s high schools, but also for the feeder schools, says he must deal with fluctuations in the oil market. Still, local school officials say, "We�re always going to provide transportation to the kids."