Daily Southtown – Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com Get Chicago news and Illinois news from The Chicago Tribune Wed, 12 Jun 2024 23:54:06 +0000 en-US hourly 30 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/favicon.png?w=16 Daily Southtown – Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com 32 32 228827641 Franciscan Health holds memorial for unborn babies that didn’t survive 20 weeks https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/franciscan-health-holds-memorial-for-unborn-babies-that-didnt-survive-20-weeks/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 23:54:06 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17284669 On a warm, summer afternoon about 14 staff members from Franciscan Health Olympia Fields gathered around a burial marker to remember the lives of 27 unborn babies.

The Little Angels Memorial Service Wednesday at Assumption Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Glenwood was one of two held each year for families who lost a child that did not survive past 20 weeks in the womb. The second service is held in October during National Respect for Life Month.

Laurie Crosby, executive director of the Franciscan Health Foundation, said this was the hospital’s 17th memorial service in nine years. She said the service supports the values of the Franciscan Alliance’s health care ministry, which respects life at all stages, including unborn and newborn children.

“It’s just part of our Catholic tradition, just to care for every soul, so it was important to do something … to kind of commemorate their life, as short as it was,” Crosby said.

Next to the burial marker in the infant and children’s section of the Glenwood cemetery was a bouquet, surrounded by 27 white roses to symbolize purity and a life taken too early, one for each lost baby.

Laurie Crosby, of Franciscan Health, lays a few of the 27 roses June 12, 2024, placed in memoriam the 27 unborn babies who did not survive past 20 weeks in the womb, at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Glenwood. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Daily Southtown)
Laurie Crosby, of Franciscan Health, lays a few of the 27 roses June 12, 2024, placed in memoriam the 27 unborn babies who did not survive past 20 weeks in the womb, at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Glenwood. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Daily Southtown)

A nearby memorial bench built to honor the lost babies is engraved with a Bible verse from the book of Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.”

Although there were not any mothers present Wednesday, Crosby said they sent letters to each woman who lost a child at their hospital, inviting them to attend. Crosby said while it may be difficult for mothers to attend the service, she believes it is important for staff members to honor the newborns’ lives in their place.

Employees of Franciscan Health attend a memorial service Wednesday on behalf of babies who did not survive past 20 weeks in the womb. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Daily Southtown)
Employees of Franciscan Health attend a memorial service Wednesday on behalf of babies who did not survive past 20 weeks in the womb. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Daily Southtown)

“I think for a lot of them, it’s comforting to know that someone’s praying for their baby and taking care of them the right way,” Crosby said.

A Franciscan Health priest, the Rev. Phil Cyscon, led with an opening prayer, a psalm, a few gospel readings, a reflection and a petition. Then attendees blessed the burial site for the lost newborns and a letter for the parents was read. The service closed with a prayer.

“Everybody who comes to our door is a family,” said Dobaro Dogisso, director of spiritual care for Franciscan Health Olympia Fields. “So if one of our family members loves the baby, that is how we’re feeling.”

]]>
17284669 2024-06-12T18:54:06+00:00 2024-06-12T18:54:06+00:00
Religion roundup: Waterfall blessing, cash raffle, ice cream social and more https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/religion-roundup-waterfall-blessing-cash-raffle-ice-cream-social-and-more/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 22:35:50 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17284990 Orland Hills

St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 9300 W. 167th Ave.: Mass of Thanksgiving and reception at 11:30 a.m. June 23 as the Very Rev. William T. Corcoran concludes his pastorship after 11 years at the parish. A reception follows in the McBrady Center. The Rev. Kevin McCray will become the new pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Church beginning July 1. Corcoran will continue to serve as interim vicar for the Archdiocese of Chicago Vicariate V and the dean for Vicariate V-Deanery E as well as associate priest at the parish. He was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 13, 1981. His first parish was Sacred Heart in Palos Hills, where he was associate priest. He served four other parishes during his career, as well as being an adjunct faculty member at St. Joseph’s College of Loyola University and Mundelein Seminary of the University of St. Mary of the Lake and earning several academic degrees, and serving the diocese in various roles.

Corcoran said his biggest accomplishment at St. Elizabeth was “motivating the community to be building up the kingdom of God in this corner of the world. They’ve done this by works of charity, reaching out to the unemployed, soup kitchens, supporting food pantries to local shelters to groups that assist unwed mothers … and weekly worship of God.”

He confirmed he’s not retiring. His work for the archdiocese “allows me to be very supportive of the 36 parishes and respond to critical situations with support and assistance (not managing day-to-day),” he said. “I will help the parish work toward a solution and to help them articulate what they need to do.”

He thinks of his time at St. Elizabeth fondly. “I’ve been privileged to be in this wonderful community and surrounded by very competent and capable staff. And at moments where conflicts arise, people always put the parish first in a healthy spirit of compromise,” he said.

Alsip

Incarnation St. Terrence Parish, 4300 W. 119th Place: Parish raffle tickets being sold through June 29. Grand prize tickets will be drawn after the 11 a.m. Mass June 30 at the St. Terrence worship site. Each ticket costs $50. Grand prize is $25,000, first prize is $5,000 and third prize is $1,000 if the goal of 1,500 tickets is reached. Pay with cash, credit or check. Tickets are sold in the parish office or online at incparish.com/

Home Build ‘24 is set for June 22 at St. Terrence Parish. Other parish partners involved in this project to build walls for homes include St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Francis of Assisi, St. George, St. Julie, St. Michael and St. Stephen. People of all ages are welcome to volunteer for building, hospitality and cleanup, as well as prayers for the families of those who receive the homes. Information: whyruhyper@att.net.

Blue Island

Blue Island Waterfall on the Cal Sag Channel, Chatham and Fulton streets: Annual Blessing of the Waters at 3 p.m. June 23. The nondenominational, interactive ceremony to bless the water will be officiated by the Rev. MaryBeth Ingberg of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Evergreen Park. The Mudcats will play Dixieland music, and donated refreshments will be served. Each attendee can offer blessings and prayers. Some chairs will be provided, although attendees may bring their own. The event is open to everyone. Information: 708-424-3755.

Oak Lawn

St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Parish, 10621 Kedvale Ave.: Bingo and ice cream social for the 55+ Club at 6:30 p.m. June 25 in Kane Hall. Register for 2024-25 membership in the club. Early bird special rate is $25 for singles and $40 for couples. RSVP at 708-499-2672 or 708-425-5712.

Orland Park

Participants and staff from St. Coletta's of Illinois enjoy a picnic lunch on June 5 at All Saints Lutheran Church in Orland Park. (St. Coletta's of Illinois)
Participants and staff from St. Coletta’s of Illinois enjoy a picnic lunch on June 5 at All Saints Lutheran Church in Orland Park. (St. Coletta’s of Illinois)

All Saints Lutheran Church, 13350 LaGrange Rd.: Participants and staff from St. Coletta’s of Illinois enjoyed a picnic lunch on June 5 at All Saints Lutheran Church in Orland Park. Pastor Don Borling and members of the congregation welcomed 60 developmentally disabled adults and their chaperons to the church for an afternoon of fellowship. On the menu were grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, homemade side dishes and desserts, as well as baseball and bean bag games afterward. The picnics are back after a hiatus during the pandemic. The next one is June 20.

What’s going on at your church? Let us know by sending us an email including time, date, place and public contact information at least two weeks before the event or reservation deadline at religion@southtownstar.com.

 

 

]]>
17284990 2024-06-12T17:35:50+00:00 2024-06-12T17:36:21+00:00
CTA, Metra and Pace could launch day pass to be used across all three transit systems https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/cta-metra-pace-could-launch-day-pass-to-be-used-across-all-three-transit-systems/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 20:01:49 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17284149 A new day pass could soon allow CTA, Metra and Pace users to pay for rides across all three systems’ buses and trains, a step toward long-awaited complete integration of fares among the region’s transit agencies.

Metra’s board Wednesday approved creating a new Regional Day Pass that would allow riders unlimited trips for one day across the CTA, Metra and Pace. The measure still has to be approved by the CTA, Pace and the Regional Transportation Authority at meetings later this month, but if passed, the program would be tested for up to six months.

The move comes as the transit agencies are still looking to bring back riders from pandemic lows and adjust to changing demand, as riders commute less often to Loop offices and look to take buses and trains for other types of trips. It marks the latest attempt to adjust fares, following the creation of a monthly pass that can be used across the transit systems and Metra’s overhaul in February of its fare zones.

The pass would cost between $10 and $16 on weekdays depending on the length of the trip on Metra, where fares are based on the distance traveled. Weekend passes would be a flat $10. Reduced weekday fares would also be available.

The new pass is expected to be available for purchase this year, though the exact date will depend on when the Ventra vendor finishes development and testing. It would be available in the Ventra app, and valid until 3 a.m. the day after it’s first used.

The RTA said the pass prices come out to less than the cost of paying for both a CTA day pass and a Metra day pass. The RTA would reimburse the transit agencies up to $1 million for the difference in price.

The RTA said the ability to integrate fares across the systems, provide frequent service and maintain relatively low fares in the future will depend on getting additional funding from the state to fill a $730 million budget gap expected when federal COVID-19 relief funding starts running out in 2026.

“This agreement is a major step forward for integrating fare policies and products between the region’s transit agencies as we look toward a post-pandemic future of changing travel patterns and more inter-connectivity between agency services,” RTA officials said in the statement.

]]>
17284149 2024-06-12T15:01:49+00:00 2024-06-12T15:13:41+00:00
DBC Gifts of Love to host 5K walk in Flossmoor to support unhoused children https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/dbc-gifts-of-love-hosts-5k-walk-to-support-unhoused-children-in-south-chicago-suburbs/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 19:38:34 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17279694 The nonprofit organization DBC Gifts of Love will host a 5K community walk this Saturday to support unhoused children and their families in the south suburbs.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. near the Vollmer Road Grove Forest Preserve, 4162 Vollmer Road, Flossmoor.

The goal is to raise $25,000 to donate 1,000 book bags with school supplies and gift cards and to purchase uniforms to unhoused school children in the region.

The founder of DBC Gifts of Love, Michiel Burnett said in a news release she she has done giveaways to support unhoused school children for a few years now.

“The families are always grateful for the resources, and the children deserve the assistance, so that they can be prepared and focused for the new school year,” she said.

Burnett and her husband, Sean, were once unhoused after an adjusted loan rate caused them to lose their home 20 years ago.

While renting, staying with relatives and even hotels, the Burnetts started the nonprofit to help other families without homes.

Last week, the Burnetts became homeowners once again.

“Homelessness can happen to anyone,” Michiel Burnett said. “We were blessed with a supportive village who didn’t judge us for the mistakes we made.”

An estimated 12,800 people are unhoused in the Southland region, according to data from South Suburban PADS.

Burnett said she hopes to use her experiences to help families navigate home purchases more effectively, urging them to carefully scrutinize the fine print to steer clear of the challenges she and her husband encountered.

“We learned the hard way and went through some hard times, but now we are trying to be an example to help others and help them avoid the pitfalls of homelessness,” she said.

]]>
17279694 2024-06-12T14:38:34+00:00 2024-06-12T16:18:52+00:00
Southtowners: Stachowiak named Superintendent of Distinction, more https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/southtowners-stachowiak-named-superintendent-of-distinction-more/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 18:10:01 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17282570 North Palos’ Stachowiak named Superintendent of Distinction

Jeannie Stachowiak, superintendent of North Palos School District 117, has been named the 2024 Superintendent of Distinction by her colleagues in the Cook South Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

Stachowiak was honored at an awards luncheon May 16 in Springfield.

“I have been honored and blessed to work in North Palos School District 117 for the past 21 years — 13 of those as superintendent,” said Stachowiak, who has been an educator for 33 years. “As my retirement approaches, I reflect on how fortunate I have been in my career to have amazing mentors who have supported me and to truly love what I do with people who share my vision, mission, and core values. We have high expectations for all of our students and do whatever it takes for our students to reach their potential. I am very thankful for this recognition and share it with my team.”

Lemont’s FBLA rakes in awards at state conference

Lemont High School juniors Aditya Oberai and Vikram Oberai teamed to win Mobile Application Development at the 2024 FBLA State Leadership Conference in Springfield. (Lemont High School)
Lemont High School juniors Aditya Oberai and Vikram Oberai teamed to win Mobile Application Development at the 2024 FBLA State Leadership Conference in Springfield. (Lemont High School)

Lemont High School’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America placed among the top ten in 11 of its 14 events at the 2024 FBLA State Leadership Conference, which was held on April 5-6 in Springfield.

Lemont won state titles in three events, marking its first state champions since 2021, and students from six events finished among the top four in their respective competitions to earn berths to the 2024 FBLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Senior Natalia Zagata finished first in Graphic Design; juniors Aditya Oberai and Vikram Oberai teamed to win Mobile Application Development; and senior Daniel Drobnic and juniors Luciano Mancini and Vincenzo Mancini teamed for victory in Computer Game & Simulation Programming.

Juniors Marco Pavlica and Aidan Potaczek (Banking Financial Management) earned a runner-up finish, while juniors Sofia Kuziel and Charlotte Putt (Website Coding) and junior Nicole Russell and sophomore Ashley Scruggs (Community Service Project) placed fourth in their respective events.

Other medalists included seniors Ethan Bator, Hannah Kaminski and Emma Manthey (6th, Broadcast Journalism); juniors Mitchell Sowa (5th, Coding & Programming), Austin Wolfe (5th, Business Calculations) and Amad Yaagoub (7th, Financial Statement Analysis); and sophomore Nina Risatti (6th, Introduction to Business Communication).

Other state finals competitors included juniors Matthew Bechtlofft, Russell Daniloff, Lavya Suri and Ali Nabulsi, and freshman Eli Zogby.

Stagg athletic director Doede earns advanced certification

Stagg High School Athletic Director Jennifer Doede has been recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator.

To earn this distinction, Doede has demonstrated exemplary knowledge, contributions, and on-going professional development in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s educational background, experience, NIAAA Leadership Courses, and professional contributions. It culminated with a practical written or oral presentation project.

Tinley Park’s Canavan earns student service award

Tinley Park’s Gina Canavan was among 146 students honored in May by Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences for volunteering more than 50 hours during the 2023-2024 academic year. Canavan is enrolled in DMU’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.

Monee’s Hogan honored at Central College

Monee’s Kevin Hogan, a sophomore at Central College, recently was inducted into the 2024 National Society of Leadership and Success.

Oak Lawn’s Pavlik nominated at Augustana

Oak Lawn senior Laurence Pavlik, a senior at Augustana College, was nominated to submit a ‘More Than I Imagined’ profile by Dr. Mischa Hooker, assistant professor of Classics.

Annually, faculty nominate Augustana’s seniors who have achieved remarkable academic or personal growth to appear in the college’s ‘More Than I Imagined’ series.

Homer Glen’s Krakow earns university’s highest academic award

Homer Glen’s Sullivan Rakow was among the 80 University of Mississippi students to receive a 2024 Marcus Elvis Taylor Memorial Medal, the university’s highest academic award.

Rakow, an integrated marketing communications major, is now in select company as the award recognizes no more than 1% of the student body each year.

Area athletes help UW-Whitewater claim NCAA bid

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament championship for the league-leading 11th time in program history and earned a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

The Warhawks season ended with a 3-1 loss to Bethel University on May 17.

Evergreen Park’s Keira Jarrett and Tinley Park’s Delaney Becker were a part of this year’s team which finished 33-10.

Matteson’s Babatunde receives nursing scholarship

Matteson’s Opeoluwa Babatunde has received the Pam Taylor Scholarship from Lakeview College of Nursing. Babatunde attends classes on Lakeview’s Danville campus.

Wisconsin Lutheran College spring dean’s list

Chicago Heights: Kyla Elliott; Frankfort: Kathleen Atherton

Pennsylvania Western University spring dean’s list

Jennifer Wisanwanit, Palos Park

Rockford University distinguished scholars list

Sauk Village: Jaiden Walker; Tinley Park: Mia Cosentino

Southern New Hampshire University winter dean’s list

Beecher: Niko Rodriguez; Bridgeview: Jamacia Carter; Evergreen Park: Tomorrow Moore; Frankfort: Lukas Isakson; Homewood: Shalotta Mason; Lockport: Shaun Heintz; New Lenox: Jacob Keagle; Steger: Nicole Tennison

St. Norbert College summer graduates list

Chicago: Genevieve Fialkowski; Crestwood: Jacinta Maslanka; Monee: Emily Fredona; Oak Lawn: Nicole Condon; Orland Park: Emma Hurley; Tinley Park: Alexa Morrow

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee spring graduates list

Chicago: Isabelle Beltran; Homewood: Aisha Kendrick; Oak Lawn: Juliana Filippo, Natalia Suwaj; Tinley Park: Aidan Gallagher, Alyson Lopez

University of the Cumberlands summer graduates list

Beecher: Kelly Toppen; Oak Forest: Codie Hoop

University of Dubuque spring dean’s list

Chicago: Eve Carr, Jacob Loaiza; Country Club Hills: Dylan Rogers; Flossmoor: Andrew Robinson; Orland Park: Zachary Floss, Kaylynn Murray, Patrick Rafferty, Giorgos Vallianatos; Tinley Park: Brianna Haggerty

Northwestern College spring graduates list

Luke VanDyke, Homer Glen

University of Evansville spring dean’s list

Beecher: Emily Palmisano; Manhattan: Nico Borrelli; Orland Park: Kevin McCormick

University of the Cumberlands spring dean’s list

Codie Hoop, Oak Forest

University of the Cumberlands spring president’s list

Frankfort: Jeffrey Nyman; Homewood: Brian Nwachukwu

Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com

]]>
17282570 2024-06-12T13:10:01+00:00 2024-06-12T13:10:36+00:00
Southland crime: Gun displayed at Chicago Ridge Mall, attempted car jacking in Flossmoor https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/southland-crime-gun-displayed-at-chicago-ridge-mall-attempted-car-jacking-in-flossmoor/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:33:37 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17283764 The following items were taken from police and court reports and news releases. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Chicago Ridge

WEAPON DRAWN: A 17-year-old man suspected of displaying a gun during an argument at Chicago Ridge Mall June 1 was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct, police said. Officers arrested the teen at his home in Chicago Monday, police said.

Crete

REGISTRATION FAILURE: Joseph G. Clancy, 60, 3500 block of Ronald Road, Crete, is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing June 21, charged with failing to report, as a sex offender, a change in his address or employment for the second time and also with acquiring, on June 6, between 37,500 milligrams and 45,000 milligrams of a drug that is a precursor to methamphetamine, according to Will County court records online. Clancy must register as a sex offender since his conviction for public indecency/sex when he and the other person were 18, according to Illinois State Police records online.

Evergreen Park

ONLINE THREATS: David Z. Blue, 25, 9200 block of Albany, Evergreen Park, was arrested May 20 and accused of disorderly conduct after making death threats May 3 to law enforcement officers via social media, police said.

Flossmoor

ATTEMPTED CARJACKING: The would-be victim of a Friday afternoon carjacking attempt escaped unharmed despite being shot at, police said. The motorist reported being blocked on Sterling Avenue by a car that had followed from the Homewood Metra station, but was able to drive around the vehicle after a bullet penetrated the windshield and another window, police said.

Homewood

AGGRAVATED BATTERY: Brandon Darty, 31, 19100 block of Pierce Avenue, Homewood, was arrested May 23 on a charge of aggravated attempted sexual assault, aggravated battery to a person 60 or older and unlawful restraint, police said. Darty attempted to disrobe the victim May 22 after pushing her into a wall, police said.

Lansing

DUI CRASH: Donya Todd, 30, Lansing, was arrested and accused of drunken driving May 29 after colliding with a parked car, police said.

Lockport

CHILD ABUSE: A 32-year-old Lockport man accused of beating a 7-year-old girl was arrested Monday on a warrant charging him with aggravated battery to a child younger than 13, according to Will County sheriff’s and Will County court records online. Hulickan Gaston, 16500 block of West Teton Drive, hit the girl with a belt Nov. 11, police said. Employees at the girl’s school noticed large bruises on her legs, arms and torso, police said.

New Lenox

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY: A television, video games, jewelry, and cash were reported taken June 6 during a burglary in the 800 block of Woodlawn Road that occurred while the residents were away for an hour, police said.

ILLEGAL SHOOTING: A 57-year-old New Lenox area resident who hit a neighboring home while shooting in their heavily wooded neighborhood about 10:30 p.m. June 2 has been charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied building, according to Will County sheriff’s police and court records online. Kevin M. O’Connell, 15000 block of West Maple Road, was arrested June 5. Police discovered three bullet holes in the side of the house the next morning, sheriff’s police said.

Oak Lawn

BATTERY: A woman who went to a restaurant parking lot May 28 to resolve a disagreement with a male acquaintance pepper sprayed him and two friends, police said. A man told police they were parked outside the restaurant in the 5400 block of 95th Street when the woman arrived with another woman who brandished a baseball bat and blocked their car.

SHOTS FIRED: A car in the 6600 block of 87th Street was hit by bullets shortly after midnight June 6, a little more than a month after a group of adults and juveniles battered a homeowner and another person in the same location, police said. Police attributed the original battery to an ongoing disagreement.

BATTERY: King D. Temple, 27, 8800 block of Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, was arrested May 28 and accused of battery in the 5000 block of 95th Street after punching an Amazon delivery driver in the nose for allegedly hitting his vehicle, police said.

BATTERY: A 23-year-old Chicago woman who accompanied a friend to pick up her children May 31 in 55th Court was punched in the eye by a man, but was charged with battery after swatting a responding officer’s arm, police said. Kiara K. Cue declined medical treatment for her swollen eye and declined to press charges against the man, police said.

Orland Park

DUI CRASH: Christopher J. Woods, 37, 7300 block of Tiffany Drive, Orland Park, was arrested May 31 in that block and accused of drunken driving and leaving the roadway after he drove into a landscaping tree, police said.

Palos Hills

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY: More than 100 pairs of shoes were reported stolen June 5 from a store at 11264 Southwest Highway. The complainant said entry was made through the glass front door after shattering the glass.

Park Forest

DUI CRASH: Ronald J. O’Rourke, 54, Grant Park, was arrested May 23 and accused of drunken driving, failing to reduce speed to avoid a collision, driving without insurance and possessing drug paraphernalia after an officer witnessed him drive off the road into a pedestrian-crossing device, police said.

ILLEGAL GUN: Kenny D. Flagg Jr., 20, 100 block of Sycamore Drive, Park Forest, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and illegally possessing a controlled substance after an officer recovered a loaded .38 special revolver and an Ecstasy pill from his parked car during May 23 at parking lot on Sycamore Drive, police said.

ILLEGAL GUN: Larry L. Thomas Sr., 37, 300 block of Main Street, Park Forest, was arrested and accused of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated domestic battery, battery and aggravated assault May 25 after he fought with three women, brandished a 9 mm gun at one woman and choked another, police said.

STRANGULATION: Daniel S. Williams, 43, 3400 block of Western Avenue, Park Forest, was arrested May 27 and accused of aggravated domestic battery/strangulation and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon

SHOOTING ARREST: A 31-year-old Lynwood man accused of shooting a man in the leg turned himself in June 5, police said. Ira R. Edwards, 700 block of Michelle Drive, is charged with aggravated battery/discharging a firearm and with two counts of being a felon possessing a firearm in connection with the May 29 shooting in the 100 block of Arbor Trail, according to police and Will County court records online.

]]>
17283764 2024-06-12T11:33:37+00:00 2024-06-12T14:01:31+00:00
Harvey residents, business owners protest fines, water rates and withholding of business licenses https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/harvey-residents-business-owners-protest-fines-water-rates-business-licenses/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:25:41 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17283395 Tension in Harvey was heightened Monday as close to 50 business owners and residents marched to the city municipal building to protest fines, fees and the holding back of licenses.

Business owners said their licenses were not being issued if they did not pay at least $2,500 in fines for delinquent property taxes, pastors were outraged over a Harvey law requiring churches to obtain business licenses and residents protested a water rate hike.

Protesters marched from Transformation Community United Methodist Church to the municipal building before the monthly City Council meeting.

Residents and business owners called for an investigation into Mayor Christopher Clark’s administration and its business dealings, chanting in unison “stop the extortion” and “where is the money?”

Harvey business owner Benecia Gonzalez, one of the organizers, said the chants were in response to settlement agreements offered to businesses with delinquent property taxes.

The City Council passed an ordinance in January to deny operating licenses to businesses that owe property taxes.

Clark said the city collects 52% of its property tax revenue, and some businesses have evaded property tax payments for up to 20 years, costing the city $25 million a year in tax revenue with roughly $12 million from overdue property taxes.

Clark said the city also loses 35% of all sales tax revenue to the state because of unpaid Police and Fire department pensions, an issue he says he inherited from his predecessor.

Ald. Colby Chapman marches with Harvey residents toward the city municipal building Monday to protest water bill hikes, business license withholding and a church license ordinance. (Samantha Moilanen/Daily Southtown)
Samantha Moilanen/Daily Southtown
Ald. Colby Chapman marches with Harvey residents toward the city municipal building Monday to protest water bill hikes, business license withholding and a church license ordinance. (Samantha Moilanen/Daily Southtown)

Businesses with overdue taxes who choose to operate without a license are being presented with a settlement agreement allowing them to sidestep fines of up to $2,500 per day and continue to run their business while they determine how to settle the property tax debt.

Harvey’s 2nd Ward Ald. Colby Chapman said the decision to offer a settlement agreement was not presented to the City Council for a vote.

“Certainly an agreement of any sort where the city of Harvey is recouping dollars for something should have been presented in front of the council,” Colby said.

Delinquent business owners can pay a $2,500 down payment plus an additional $2,500 a month, eventually totaling $30,000; two installments of $12,000 for the year totaling $24,000; or $20,000 for the entire year up front, according to a copy of an agreement obtained by the Daily Southtown.

“We tried to find a way that, in lieu of prosecution, we would be able to allow them to stay open, but they would have to pay some type of fine as a result, and that way we didn’t have to continually charge them $2,500 a day,” Clark said.

Protesters wait to enter the Harvey municipal building before Monday's City Council meeting. (Samantha Moilanen/Daily Southtown)
Samantha Moilanen/Daily Southtown
Protesters wait to enter the Harvey municipal building before Monday’s City Council meeting. (Samantha Moilanen/Daily Southtown)

But some residents at Monday’s meeting expressed confusion and frustration over the settlement and withholding of operating licenses.

Gonzalez said she inherited her grandfather’s auto shop along with years of late property tax bills when she was 20. Gonzalez, now 24, said the city ordered her auto shop to close in May due to outstanding property taxes, shortly after she applied to renew her business license.

The city’s planning department reviews business licenses and all renewal documents are due at the end of April, according to a city ordinance. Failure to renew a license by the deadline will result in a daily $2,500 fine, according to the license renewal policy letter for 2023-24 applications.

“All we want to do is provide for our families,” Gonzalez told the City Council. “We feel like we have nothing to lose anymore.”

Gonzalez said when she went to city officials to plead her case, she was given the settlement agreement, which she has not accepted.

Harvey business owner Benecia Gonzalez, 24, addresses the City Council over orders to close her auto shop due to overdue property taxes. (Samantha Moilanen/Daily Southtown)
Samantha Moilanen/Daily Southtown
Harvey business owner Benecia Gonzalez, 24, addresses the City Council over orders to close her auto shop due to overdue property taxes. (Samantha Moilanen/Daily Southtown)

Business owners who had accepted the settlement deal expressed frustration Monday that their business licenses were still being withheld.

Clark said by law, the city cannot award licenses to any business with outstanding property taxes. He said the settlement agreement is a way for businesses to avoid these fines, but also give back to the city in some form.

Clark said he made efforts to inform business owners and residents about the settlement agreement option before licenses were due for renewal.

“We were hopeful that the businesses would take advantage of it so much so that I had my team send a letter out to the businesses to let them know that this was available for them,” Clark said.

Clark said the money from the settlement does not go toward a business owner’s outstanding property tax balance, but gives them time to determine how to pay back their dues.

Business owners said even if they wanted to take the settlement, they cannot afford $2,500 a month.

Other protesters spoke out against a city ordinance requiring charitable organizations and churches to acquire business licenses.

The Rev. Johnathan Johnson, a pastor at Holy Bible Missionary Baptist in Harvey, said he is frustrated because the business license his church applied for over two months ago is still under review.

“They have not given us a word as to where they are with the review,” Johnson said. “And we’re not a business. We’re a charity. We operate solely off of donations, not profits.”

Clark said he has made an effort to communicate his agenda and invite open discussion, but residents and elected officials say there has not been enough transparency regarding how city money is being spent.

Colby expressed her ongoing efforts to obtain information from the city regarding the transition from the annual treasurer’s report, which provides a detailed breakdown of government expenditures and revenues, to the comptroller’s report, offering a more comprehensive view of the city’s financial well-being. She said she has yet to receive any responses.

The city has not released a yearly treasurer’s report since 2022, but recently published a comptroller’s report in March, Colby said.

“The residents need to know what’s going on,” she said. “This is very important that as an administration, we can be heard like our minority voice means something, even if it’s not a part of the majority vote. But we must be heard.”

smoilanen@chicagotribune.com

]]>
17283395 2024-06-12T10:25:41+00:00 2024-06-12T11:35:45+00:00
Riot Fest 2024: Beck, Public Enemy and Fall Out Boy at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/riot-fest-will-move-to-seatgeek-stadium-in-bridgeview/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:10:22 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17273661 Riot Fest headliners for 2024 will be Beck, Public Enemy, the Marley Brothers and Fall Out Boy, along with Slayer, The Offspring (performing “Smash”), St. Vincent, Bright Eyes, Rob Zombie, Dr. Dog, Sublime and Pavement.

The three-day music festival is moving to Bridgeview, running Sept. 20-22 at SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. Tickets (2-DAY and 3-DAY) are on sale at 11 a.m. Wednesday at riotfest.org.

Other bands and performers include Michael C. Hall with his band Princess Goes, Spoon, Manchester Orchestra (performing their 2014 album “Cope”), Oliver Tree, Sum 41, Cypress Hill, Waxahatchee, New Found Glory, Something Corporate, Tierra Whack, Taking Back Sunday, Lamb of God, Mastodon (performing “Leviathan”), Hot Mulligan, Beach Bunny, The Hives, Suicidal Tendencies, L.S. Dunes, Basement, State Champs, Poison the Well, Gwar, Clutch, Rival Sons, Health, Descendents, Circle Jerks, Pennywise, The Lawrence Arms, Face to Face, Buzzcocks, Laura Jane Grace with Catbite, Dillinger Four, Lagwagon, The Vandals, All Strung Out, Dead Milkmen, D.O.A., The Dickies, Codefendants, Cobra Skulls, Swingin’ Utters, The Defiant, The Exploited, Urethane, Get Dead and Doomscroll. The full lineup includes some 90 bands.

The announcement of the move Wednesday dubbed the new location RiotLand, and came after a social media statement from Riot Fest founder Mike Petryshyn late Tuesday that the annual three-day music festival would no longer be held in Douglass Park in the North Lawndale neighborhood. Riot Fest had been held there since 2015, before that in Humboldt Park since 2012.

Before Riot Fest’s move, the annual Summer Smash music festival of hip hop relocated in 2023 from Douglass Park to SeatGeek Stadium, with this year’s Summer Smash taking place there this coming weekend.

Riot Fest to leave Douglass Park following years of community tension, founder says

Petryshyn said the Chicago Park District was “solely” responsible for the festival’s move, and thanked Ald. Monique Scott, 24th, for her support of the event. Though Scott said the local community supported Riot Fest, some had criticized it and some other big music events for taking over portions of city parks and fencing them off from the surrounding community.

The SeatGeek Stadium campus, which is owned by the local village of Bridgeview, has hosted other music festivals in the past. Along with the stadium, the location has a number of surrounding sports fields with artificial turf that have been used for stages.

Although it has a large parking lot, the location is some 15 miles southwest of downtown and is not easily accessible by public transportation, requiring a Pace bus transfer from the the Midway Orange Line CTA station. A Getting to RiotLand page on the festival’s website said that information about shuttles was coming soon.

Riot Fest will also include its usual array of food, drink and merchandise vendors, as well as the the Wedding Chapel, vintage arcade games and the Hellzapoppin’ Circus Sideshow Revue. A Q101 Radio Tower is described as “a nostalgic tribute to an iconic radio station.” The Cabaret Metro Stage is named after the Chicago music venue. Riot Fest also promised an NOFX World stage, a skate ramp and an operating casino.

  • Beck performs at The Wiltern on Jan. 6, 2024, in...

    Beck performs at The Wiltern on Jan. 6, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Phillip Faraone/Getty)

  • Rappers Flavor Flav and Chuck D from Public Enemy perform...

    Rappers Flavor Flav and Chuck D from Public Enemy perform at a pre-Grammy gala at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Feb. 3, 2024. (Frederic J. Brown / AFP)

  • Rob Zombie performs during the Freaks on Parade tour at...

    Rob Zombie performs during the Freaks on Parade tour at Toyota Pavilion in 2023 in Concord, California. (Tim Mosenfelder/Getty)

  • Patrick Stump and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy perform...

    Patrick Stump and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy perform during the So Much For (2our) Dust tour at Dickies Arena on March 7, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty)

of

Expand

Scott issued a further statement early Wednesday, saying that Park District permission for Riot Fest to remain in Douglass Park had been scheduled for a board meeting Wednesday but the decision had come too late.

She also called community opposition to the festival a “false narrative” and said inequities to the community were a wider problem.

“For the past eight years. Riot Fest has been a cornerstone of positive impact and opportunity in our community. The festival has worked closely with our office. community organizations. and numerous stakeholders to develop a plan that resulted in unprecedented benefits for the local community. Their significant investments in our youth, small businesses and residents have greatly contributed to the well-being and vibrancy of the 24th Ward,” the statement read in part. “My constituents have expressed their concerns about the vast financial inequities that exist in parks located in predominantly Black neighborhoods versus others. Despite the substantial payments made by Riot Fest over the years, local stakeholders believe the promised reinvestment into our community is insufficient.”

dgeorge@chicagotribune.com

 

 

 

 

]]>
17273661 2024-06-12T10:10:22+00:00 2024-06-12T14:48:35+00:00
Again and again. Marist’s Christian Teresi repeats as Daily Southtown Boys Volleyball Player of the Year. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/christian-teresi-marist-daily-southtown-boys-volleyball-player-of-the-year-ohio-state-recruit/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:35:15 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17281238 In his first two years at Marist, Christian Teresi played for a pair of varsity teams that had lofty national rankings and high expectations but no sectional championships or state appearances.

So, mere minutes after the junior setter/right-side hitter and the RedHawks won the state championship, Teresi got the chance to take a look at the trophy up close and personal.

And he was hyped up.

“I’ve wanted this freshman year and sophomore year,” Teresi said. “It was so sad when we lost those years. But winning this year … I’m actually so happy about it.”

Teresi was itching to get that final kill on June 1 in a 25-21, 28-26 victory over York at Hoffman Estates, helping Marist win its first state championship since 2018.

He definitely got it.

“I just wanted them to set me the ball,” Teresi said afterward. “I don’t even know what to say. I’m just so excited.”

Teresi, who repeats as the Daily Southtown Boys Volleyball Player of the Year, has had RedHawks fans excited for three years. He was primarily a setter as a freshman, developed into a strong hitter as a sophomore and was an even stronger hitter this spring.

Marist's Christian Teresi (2) during the 1st game of Saturday's state championship match against York, June 1, 2024. Marist won the match, 25-21, 28-26. (Brian O'Mahoney for the Daily Southtown)
Marist’s Christian Teresi (2) takes his approach against York during the first game of the state championship match in Hoffman Estates on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Brian O’Mahoney / Daily Southtown)

The 6-foot-4 Teresi finished with 327 kills, 575 assists, 174 digs, 68 blocks and 65 aces. The Ohio State recruit received tons of postseason accolades, including being named the East Suburban Catholic Conference’s player of the year for a third straight season.

Teresi’s versatility has already impressed his teammates and coach Jordan Vidovic.

He also received notice from his opponents. After Marist’s 25-17, 25-15 state quarterfinal win over Public League power Payton, Graham Miller and Francis Richmond raved about the Marist star.

“Seeing that kid swing and seeing someone who swings like that who sets so well is just something you don’t usually see,” Miller said of Teresi. “We had some good blocks against him, but just how high he can get and how he can hit, it’s hard to slow him down. He moves around, and you have to make sure you know where he is at.”

“I was pretty impressed he did so well because what he does is so very, very, very hard,” Richmond said.

Later, Teresi tallied nine kills, 12 assists, four digs and a solo block in the win over York.

York coach Ken Dowdy knew the Dukes were going to have their hands full with Teresi.

“He does everything,” Dowdy said of Teresi. “You are not going to shut him down completely. He’s going to get his kills. You have to accept that. You just can’t get the other players go off.”

Marist's Christian Teresi (2) during the 1st game of Saturday's state championship match against York, June 1, 2024. Marist won the match, 25-21, 28-26. (Brian O'Mahoney for the Daily Southtown)
Marist’s Christian Teresi (2) connects against York during the first game of the state championship match in Hoffman Estates on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Brian O’Mahoney / Daily Southtown)

While Teresi’s power continues to cause jaws to drop, his serving keeps getting more effective as well. If he’s not getting aces, he’s causing havoc with the opponents’ serve receive.

Vidovic never put a speed gun to Teresi’s serves but guessed they are in the range of 60-70 mph.

“It’s college level,” Vidovic said. “At its max out, it’s by far the most velocity we’ve ever had here, without any question. (Teammate Nathen) Toth can give him a run for his money sometimes, but Christian’s serves are the hardest.

“If you had a stopwatch, the amount of time it leaves his hand to the time it would get to a passer … there is zero comparison.”

Teresi said he started to jump serve at age 6. His older brother, Colin, played in club tournaments and Christian tagged along. He and his father, Marty, put some of the down time to good use.

“I remember going to my brother’s tournament at Adversity and they had these badminton nets that were my height,” Christian said. “My dad would always toss the ball to me.

“I would hit over it. That’s how I learned my jump serve.”

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

]]>
17281238 2024-06-12T09:35:15+00:00 2024-06-12T09:40:46+00:00
Introducing the 2024 Daily Southtown Boys Volleyball All-Area Team https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/12/introducing-the-2024-daily-southtown-boys-volleyball-all-area-team/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:47:37 +0000 https://www.chicagotribune.com/?p=17281252 State champion Marist, state qualifier Lincoln-Way West and juggernaut Lockport lead the first and second teams.

First Team

Jeremiah Aro, Sandburg, junior, right-side hitter: Ended up with 300 kills and 50 blocks for Eagles. All-state, all-conference.

Josh Bluhm, Lockport, senior, right-side hitter: Had 338 kills and 155 digs to go with 52 blocks and 21 aces. All-state, all-conference. Committed to William Penn.

Evan Dziadkowiec, Lockport, senior, setter: Tallied 876 assists to boost career total to 2,765. Added 207 digs, 67 kills, 39 blocks and 34 aces. All-state, all-conference. Committed to Loras.

Connor Jaral, Lincoln-Way West, senior, outside hitter: Had 342 kills, 139 digs and 46 blocks. All-state, all-conference. Committed to Loras.

Noah Konopack, Lincoln-Way West, senior, setter: Notched 872 assists, 237 digs and 26 aces. All-state, all-conference.

Trey Marek, Lincoln-Way East, senior, outside hitter: Had 361 kills while hitting over .300 and providing a 2.40 passing percentage. All-state, all-conference. Committed to Illinois Wesleyan.

Justin McGary, Marian Catholic, senior, setter: Came up with 811 assists, 166 digs, 147 kills, 60 blocks and 42 aces. All-state and all-conference. Committed to Missouri Baptist.

John Mikrut, Brother Rice, junior, right-side hitter: Had 313 kills, 130 digs, 42 aces and 31 blocks. All-state, all-conference.

Aidan Peloquin, St. Rita, senior, outside hitter: Packed powerful swing and was strong on defense for Mustangs. All-state and all-conference. Made AVCA All-American watch list.

Christian Teresi, Marist, junior, setter/right-side hitter: Led RedHawks with 327 kills, 575 assists, 174 digs, 68 blocks and 65 aces. All-state. East Suburban Catholic Conference’s player of the year. Committed to Ohio State.

Nathen Toth, Marist, junior, outside hitter: Had 287 kills, 182 digs, 54 blocks and 53 aces for state champions. All-state. Named state tournament MVP by Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association. Took visits to MIT and Princeton.

Jozef Walus, Reavis, junior, outside hitter: Racked up 252 kills, 241 digs and 26 aces. South Suburban Red’s player of the year.

Lockport's Evan Dziadkowiec (15) blocks a shot by Lincoln-Way West's Connor Jaral (17) during the Southwest Suburban Conference Championship game on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (John Smierciak for the Daily Southtown)
Lockport’s Evan Dziadkowiec (15) blocks a shot by Lincoln-Way West’s Connor Jaral (17) during the Southwest Suburban Conference match on Thursday, May 9, 2024 in Lockport. (John Smierciak / Daily Southtown)

Second Team

Luke Brannigan, Marist, senior, outside hitter: Paced RedHawks to state championship with 213 kills, 217 digs, 35 blocks and 33 aces. All-state, all-conference.

Marco Budzak, Oak Lawn, sophomore, setter/right-side hitter: Had 370 assists, 157 digs, 160 kills and 31 blocks. All-conference.

Mitchell Carrera, Oak Forest, senior, setter/right-side hitter: Totaled 606 assists, 37 blocks, 103 kills and 60 aces. All-conference. Committed to Cornerstone.

Sebastian Corral, St. Laurence, senior, middle hitter: Had program-record 58 blocks to go along with a .680 hitting percentage. All-state, all-conference.

Ian Faber, Chicago Christian, senior, middle hitter: Finished with 99 blocks and .533 hitting percentage. All-state, all-conference.

Kaden Kaczmarek, Providence, senior, middle hitter: Had 197 kills and .380 hitting percentage with 51 blocks, 36 digs and 24 aces. Catholic League White’s player of the year.

Ethan Kuziela, Marist, senior, setter/right-side hitter: Had 172 kills, 451 assists, 91 digs, 35 blocks and 26 aces. Committed to Illinois Wesleyan.

Phoenix McGruder, Marian Catholic, senior, outside hitter: Totaled 316 kills, 139 digs, 52 blocks and 44 assists. Had .287 hitting percentage. All-state, all-conference.

Matthew Muehlnickel, Lincon-Way East, junior, outside hitter: Had 259 kills while passing at a 2.40 clip. All-state, all-conference. Committed to Lindenwood.

Sebastion Pardol, Argo, sophomore, outside hitter: Tallied 334 kills, 173 digs and 52 aces for Argonauts. All-state, all-conference.

Ahmad Powell, Homewood-Flossmoor, junior, outside hitter: Totaled 226 kills, 132 digs, 32 aces and 28 blocks. Had 2.31 passing efficiency. All-state, all-conference.

Kevin Rodriguez, Lockport, senior, libero: Chalked up 272 digs, 70 assists and 20 aces. Had 2.23 rating in serve receive. All-state, all-conference.

Marist's Luke Brannigan (11) during the 1st game of Saturday's semifinal match against Glenbard West, June 1, 2024. Marist won the match, 28-26, 26-24. (Brian O'Mahoney for the Daily Southtown)
Marist’s Luke Brannigan (11) hits through the block against Glenbard West during the first game of the boys volleyball state semifinals at Hoffman Estates on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Brian O’Mahoney / Daily Southtown)

Honorable Mention

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

]]>
17281252 2024-06-12T08:47:37+00:00 2024-06-12T08:58:00+00:00