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  • Rialto, Police, County Sheriff hosts Active Shooter Readiness Seminar

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Nov 13, 2019

    From 2000-18 there were 277 incidents in the United States involving what the FBI considers active shooters, which is 'one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.' In that time frame three were in Illinois – the Valentine's Day shooting at Northern Illinois University in 2008, an open-space shooting on North Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago in 2015 and the killing of three people one year ago at the Mercy Hospital and M...

  • Minooka falls to nationally-ranked Benet Academy

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Nov 13, 2019

    A loss to a 39-1 team that is ranked No. 12 in the nation by USA Today is nothing to be ashamed about. Minooka (32-8, 10-1) fell to the No.2 ranked team in the state in two sets at the supersectional, preventing them from making it to the title game at Illinois State University. "[Benet] is a great team and I think mentally we kind off took ourselves out of the game," said coach Carrie Prosek. "Hands down they're one of the best teams in the state, and tonight we just had too...

  • Despite first round playoff loss, Plainfield North has successful run under Imbordino

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    In a complete turnaround from its 2018 season where Plainfield North finished 4-5, the Tigers rebounded and went (6-3, 5-2) in the 2019 regular season. Unfortunately for first year head coach Anthony Imbordino, that wasn't enough. The Tigers season came to a close last Friday night when they took on the Fremd Vikings with a 19-0 defeat. "We just had a lot of missed opportunities, they're a really good football team and their record shows that," Imbordino said. "We had a great...

  • District offers cemetery search and investigation presentation

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    A cemetery search and investigation might seem too ominous for some, but not for the Plainfield Public Library District. For those who were interested, the opportunity to meet a Genealogist came to fruition at the library. Tina Beaird, Reference Librarian and Genealogist, discussed suggestions and tips finding that elusive ancestor's burial place and the types of information that may be found. "I've been teaching these classes for a little over 15 years now," Beaird said. "Whe...

  • Victorian Blodgett House hosts annual 'Boo Fest' event

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    It would be hard to believe anyone predicted the amount of snowfall on Halloween. For the Victorian Blodgett House "Boo Fest" in Downers Grove, it was just what the doctor ordered. "It certainly helps that this event is indoor for the kids to trick-or-treat," said Rec Supervisor Felicia Camacho. "We're definitely glad that the kids didn't have to be out in this weather." In what was a Halloween themed scavenger hunt for a treat at the decorated Victorian Blodgett House,...

  • Sheriff's Office announces new Smartphone App

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    In 2019, it's hard to find someone not glued to his or her phone. In some cases it's good, and some are not so good. What the DuPage County Sheriff's Office is now doing, is good. The DuPage County Sheriff's Office has released a new smartphone application that can be downloaded for safety. "I think it fills a void," said DuPage County Sherriff James Mendrick. "The biggest problem and the challenge that public safety has is people don't really know what we do, and I'm very...

  • Bolingbrook defeats Hinsdale Central in the opening round of the Class 8A football playoffs

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    In what was a complete dominant performance, Bolingbrook rolled past Hinsdale Central 42-13. The Raiders (7-3, 3-3), who have been bounced out of the first round for the last four years, were determined to not let it happen for the fifth consecutive year. "We've been knocked out the last four years so it feels good to make it to the second round," said coach John Ivlow. "We're very healthy at this point in the season and that's what has been our Achilles heal the last few...

  • Library hosts annual 'Haunted Happenings' event

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Nov 6, 2019

    The Romeoville White Oak Library District was in full effect for the week of Halloween as they hosted the annual "Haunted Happenings" event. "Every year we do our annual Halloween party but this year we decided to mix things up a little more," said children's services supervisor Jessica Smith. "Last year we had around 300 people, so this year we decided to expand things by moving the games into our programing area, the programing room will have crafts and in the large meeting...

  • Museums at Lisle Station Park host paranormal investigators

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 30, 2019

    For those who do not require a lot of sleep or are fine with having nightmares, kudos. Some of those people were in attendance at the Museums at Lisle Station Park where paranormal investigators discussed past findings, evidence and what their job entails. Kim Pearce, Truman Pearce, Nancy Booker, Audra Weizeorick and Michelle Damadeo all were present giving the crowd a frightening entrance into the world of paranormal investigations. “At the museum we’re trying to get more eng...

  • Famous singer Maureen Christine stops at Woodridge Library for "Fabulous 40's and Nifty 50's" night

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 30, 2019

    Some might call it the swing era or rhythmic jazz, but the 1940's-50's are universally known and recognized as one of the better music eras. That era was officially brought to modern day society at the Woodridge Library as Maureen Christine showed off why she is one of the greatest singers and performers in 2019. "I'm excited because today because I think that libraries are the new presenting arts center," Christine said "It's a wonderful opportunity for people to see quality...

  • Plainfield Park District hosts Haunted Pony rides

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 30, 2019

    The Plainfield Park District horses didn't want to be left out on Halloween this year. A group of horses at Normantown Equestrian Center brought on many happy and smiling faces, while they waited to take kids on a ride for their life. "I like to offer events that are more friendly beginner entry level," said Recreation Manager Amanda Bergman. "It helps get people introduced into riding and the programs that we have here." Rides that lasted 10 minutes where a child had the...

  • Westmont hosts Pet Promenade & Party in the Park

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 30, 2019

    For the eighth consecutive year, the annual Westmont Pet Parade was held at Ty Warner Park. This popular event that usually hosts more than a thousand spectators didn't see as many Sunday morning, but Executive Director Larry Forssberg said that doesn't mean it wasn't a success. "We usually hold this event in May," Forssberg said. "It's a very family focused event that helps families get educated about pet care, and even though it was rescheduled a couple times people seem to...

  • Plainfield Park District to hold Haunted Hayrides

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 23, 2019

    With spooky season officially in full effect, the city of Plainfield is getting in on the fun. The Plainfield Park District is hosting a two-day event on Oct. 25 and 26 called "Haunted Hayrides Scaring Up Chills". "We used to do some years ago but this is the first time we've done it in quite awhile," said Communications Coordinator Brock Stein. "We're hoping that after this year it becomes very successful again so it can become an annual event for our community." The event...

  • Orchestral students perform with famous musicians from New York

    Ryan Ostry, Staf Reporter|Updated Oct 23, 2019

    Districts 58 and 99 Orchestras had their Halloween treats delivered early last week. An experience of a lifetime came to Downers Grove North High School where the professional music group, "PROJECT Trio" partnered with the local Orchestras where there were more than 200 total performers. "The schools in both 58 and 99 are playing with such an amazing internationally renowned ensemble called the PROJECT Trio," said Orchestra Director Jennifer Mullen. "This group of guys have...

  • A win this week would put Joliet West in the IHSA playoffs as a conference champion, despite 4-5 mark

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 23, 2019

    In a game that was significant for both teams with a conference title on the line, Joliet West defeated Plainfield South 22-13. The Tigers, who entered the game one game behind Plainfield South and Plainfield East, needed the win to keep their playoff hopes alive. A South win would have locked up the Southwest Prairie Conference East Division title, however, the West win gives the Tigers a shot at the title and a playoff berth, despite a best-case 4-5 overall record. The...

  • Romeoville falls in overtime to Plainfield Central, misses out on second win

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 16, 2019

    Although Plainfield Central and Romeoville will not make the playoffs in the 2019 season, Friday night was not an indicator of the two teams records. Four quarters was not enough for one of the teams to come away with the victory. Even though the Wildcats (1-6, 1-5) eventually prevailed 16-13, the Spartans (1-6, 1-5) did not go down without a fight. "I thought our defense was great in the first half," said coach Justin Trovato. "In the second half Central got going a little...

  • A pair of early safeties help Joliet West hold off Joliet Central for crosstown win

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 16, 2019

    Last year, Joliet Central made history against Joliet West. For the first time in 29 years, the Steelmen beat the Tigers 20-9. This year was a little different. "Well [Central] is obviously in our district and after last year it did feel good to get this one," said West coach Bill Lech. "We came out in the second half, not really sure how we got there but I'll take it." Not knowing how each team got there might be an understatement as the final score was 24-0, but West only...

  • Expert talks about retirement, how to gauge readiness

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 16, 2019

    The book "Packing For Retirement" by author James Flanagan was discussed, among gauging adults readiness for retirement at the Plainfield Library. For more than 30 years, Flanagan has provided financial guidance to people who are at, or thinking about retirement. A national recognized expert on financial issues, Flanagan said he wants those who were in attendance to understand that retirement is a journey. "The book I wrote is basically a nuts and bold guide preparing for and...

  • Brianna Richards presents Fright Fest makeup tutorial

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 16, 2019

    Brianna Richards, Six Flags Fright Fest makeup artist in Gurnee, stopped by the Woodridge Library to present a fun and spooky show-and-tell tutorial. While providing a demo and explanation techniques to create Halloween makeup effects and give tips that anyone can use to create a great Halloween look for themselves, Richards said that there is a lot of work that goes into prepping actors and actresses to provide a scare. "Fright Fest is really popular especially among a lot...

  • Village to add on to Edward Hospital Athletic and Event Center

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 16, 2019

    The village of Romeoville is currently in discussion to add on to the Edward Hospital Athletic and Event Center. The 76,000-square-foot facility of turf, courts, meeting space, party rooms and expo space housed is an award winning building. Village officials are currently weighing the feasibility of adding a 68,000-square-foot-building to the facility, which would nearly double the footprint of the current center. "Staffing and consultants are looking at why configurations the...

  • RHS Senior named Merit Scholarship semi-finalist

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 14, 2019

    Romeoville High School senior Ryan Boots has big goals in mind. A future bioengineering student, who has always been interested in Stem Cell Research, is currently taking AP Chemistry and AP Physics as a couple of his high school courses. "I've always enjoyed reading about Stem Cell Research and I've always been a huge science guy," Boots said. "I've also been trying to really focus on the last couple year the high end math courses, because that's obviously a big part of...

  • Chamber to host annual Halloween Spooktacular

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 9, 2019

    In what has been an annual Plainfield event for more than 10 years, Halloween Spooktacular is back. This family friendly environment that lasts from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on October 26 has been a large part of spooky fall fun in Plainfield. "It's just a safe fun environment for families and friends to attend," said Plainfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Assistant Vitella Barnes. "I've been here for about five years now and it's been going on for more than 10." The events...

  • Despite records, Lisle gives Westmont a battle

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 9, 2019

    On paper, a 15-win team and one with only three victories should be an easy win for the stronger team – not when Westmont and Lisle meet up. Despite a 3-17 record coming into the match, the Lions (3-18), gave Westmont (15-8) all it could handle in the first set between the two rivals. Back-and-forth lead changes gave Westmont and Lisle both momentum in the opening set, with the Sentinels eventually winning 27-25. Westmont carried that momentum into the second set and won e...

  • Local church hosts African Children's Choir concert

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 9, 2019

    In sub-Saharan Africa, education opportunities are the highest rates of educational exclusion in the world. More than one-fifth of children between the ages of seven and 11 and one-third between the ages of 12 and 14 are not educated. Almost 60 percent of children in sub-Saharan Africa between the ages of 15 and 17 are also not educated. While traveling from Uganda to Downers Grove, members of the impoverished country are trying to do something about those numbers. A group of...

  • Raiders survive early scare, hold off Lockport for fifth win

    Ryan Ostry, Staff Reporter|Updated Oct 9, 2019

    In a game that was a tale of two halves, Bolingbrook came out on top 29-14 over Lockport. The Porters (2-4,2-2), who are led by first year head coach George Czart, received the ball first in the game and exploded out of the gate with a 40-yard rush by senior running back Colin Schmutzler (33 rushes, 127 yards) that set up a six-yard rushing touchdown by Schmutzler to put the Porters up 7-0 in the first quarter. On the Porters second drive of the game, backup quarterback...

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