SouthtownStar (Chicago, IL) back issues from April 2008:
Governor's office sought favorable vote for hire
Apr 01, 2008 ... By JOHN O'CONNOR The associated press SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich's legislative aide told colleagues he might get a favorable vote from a senator if the administration hired the lawmaker's secretary, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press. The November 2003 e-mail from ...
AFTER 'I do' in Iraq
Apr 01, 2008 ... By BRADLEY BROOKS and RUSS BYNUM THE Associated Press BAGHDAD - When American soldiers get off duty in Iraq, the men usually return to their quarters, the women to theirs. But Staff Sgt. Marvin Frazier gets to go back to a small trailer with two pushed-together single beds that he shares with ...
Community Matters
Apr 01, 2008 ... Burbank Villa graduates combat training Army Reserve Pvt. Elizabeth Villa has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received ...
Less corn in the ground could mean higher food bills
Apr 01, 2008 ... By MARY CLARE JALONICK The associated press WASHINGTON - Farmers are expected to plant less corn this year, which could mean continuing higher costs for consumers at the grocery store. Corn prices have skyrocketed in recent years, helped by the burgeoning ethanol industry, which turns the crop ...
Kid stuff?
Apr 01, 2008 ... Spring break is here as I write this, and summer break is just around the corner. That means the kids, for the most part, are going to be home all day, every day. And guess who's expected to be the entertainment director when boredom sets in? For me, this is the biggest challenge to being in ...
news digest
Apr 01, 2008 ... Orland Park Lightning suspected of causing house fire Fire officials are trying to determine whether a bolt of lightning on Monday destroyed a chimney at a home near Silver Lake Country Club. Orland Fire Protection District firefighters responded to the minor fire in the 8700 block of Henry ...
Taking a bite out of dog fighting
Apr 01, 2008 ... By KIM JANSSEN Staff Writer When police rescued a ravaged 4-year-old pit bull terrier from a squalid south suburban home in the largest dogfighting bust in Illinois history, her handlers at the Chicago Ridge animal shelter described her as the "poster dog" for a cruel underground sport that has ...
Wright has right to live wherever he wants
Apr 01, 2008 ... THE ISSUE: The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, whose black separatist and liberation views have brought controversy to the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, is building a new million-dollar home in predominantly white Tinley Park. WE SAY: If Wright were to practice what he preaches, he'd be building ...
Now I know a child's pain
Apr 01, 2008 ... Earlier this month I experienced first-hand one of the dreaded calamities of childhood: the ear infection. They're relatively common, especially in children. When my oldest son suffered through his first ear infection, it was a terrifying experience for him and his parents. He screamed, cried, ...
Rezko jury told of all-day drug parties
Apr 01, 2008 ... By MIKE ROBINSON the associated press The star witness at political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko's corruption trial confessed Monday that he had all-day drug parties with male companions at a suburban spot known as the "the purple hotel," among other locations. Millionaire attorney Stuart ...
Apr 01, 2008 ... Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 28-year-old female. I have a problem with my lower abdomen. In the area of my uterus, it is very tender (when pushed) and swollen. I look as if I am four months pregnant. It especially hurts if my children run up to me and hit the area (like when they hug me). I have been ...
Health Briefs
Apr 01, 2008 ... Adult health fair Little Company of Mary Hospital Health Education Center, 2800 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park, hosts an adult health fair from 8 to 11 a.m. April 19. The fair will include testing to measure your blood count, detect diabetes, gout, kidney and liver disorders and blood cholesterol ...
Dr. Quentin Young, a Chicago legend, to retire
Apr 01, 2008 ... His patients have included Martin Luther King Jr., Mike Royko, Studs Terkel and members of the Chicago 7 conspiracy trial, but after 61 years in private practice, Dr. Quentin Young is hanging up his stethoscope. Young, a physician in Chicago's Hyde Park community who from 1972-81 was chairman of ...
Quality report shows what's checked for in tap water
Apr 01, 2008 ... Two weeks ago, I discussed pharmaceuticals in our drinking water and the importance of properly disposing of medicines. Since it's not mandatory for water to be tested for these chemicals, the question becomes: What is monitored in drinking water? Every year, homeowners receive a drinking water ...
Catch your favorite TV shows on Web
Apr 01, 2008 ... How'd you like to watch "The Simpsons," "Saturday Night Live" or even a full-length movie on your schedule? New sites allow you to do just this, and the number of shows offered is steadily increasing. Like television, the shows online are advertiser-supported and free to the viewer. There are ...
forum
Apr 01, 2008 ... Archdiocese partly to blame for churches' problems Your March 28 editorial about the Rev. William Killeen couldn't have been more right on. The Archdiocese of Chicago is more than partly to blame. It truly has let down (St. Christopher parishioners). When the archdiocese came to St. Christopher ...
Week 8 winners push away from Easter extravagance
Apr 01, 2008 ... By George Haas Staff Writer During a week that included a holiday feast and enough Easter candy enticements to blow any diet, some Southlanders just said no. "Normally, I'm a big eater for the Easter holiday but I took my time, cut down on the portions and enjoyed dinner conversation as never ...
Missing manhole covers
Apr 01, 2008 ... by nathaniel zimmer staff writer Eight manhole covers were stolen from Oak Lawn streets and alleys between March 14 and March 25 in what authorities believe is the latest attempt by thieves to take advantage of high metal prices. Police said two of the covers, which each weigh about 125 pounds, ...
State budget needs an overhaul to benefit all needy parties
Apr 01, 2008 ... BY RALPH MARTIRE Even the casual observer of state politics has heard about the budget hearings House Speaker Michael Madigan is holding throughout Illinois. Intended to inform the public about, and solicit input from the public on, the state budget, the hearings follow a very structured format ....
More charges against landscaper
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Stewart Warren Sun-Times News Group A former New Lenox landscaper accused of bilking customers now has been charged with home repair fraud. Michael K. Doman, 43, of 2385 Palmer Ranch Drive, agreed to replace a sump pump for a New Lenox woman Feb. 5. The homeowner wrote him a check for $1,320, ...
obituaries
Apr 01, 2008 ... Tommie 'Toni' Alexander Tommie "Toni" Alexander, 75, of Glenwood, died March 28. She was a homemaker. Arrangements are by McCullough Funeral and Cremation Services, (708) 758-2880. Hazel E. Mitchelar Hazel E. Mitchelar (nee Dahlke), 93, formerly of South Holland, died March 30. She was a retired ...
Witness: Internal exams normal for a foot doctor
Apr 01, 2008 ... By KIM JANSSEN Staff Writer A podiatrist who massaged the breasts of an elderly patient, then inserted his finger into her vag-ina and her rectum, was following proper procedure in treating her for a sprained ankle, another foot doctor claimed in court Monday. Olympia Fields physician Anthony ...
Scammer strikes for third time
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Kristen Schorsch Staff writer A con artist who meets his victims in Tinley Park has struck for the third time, most recently taking a Plainfield woman for $17,200. The man, who Tinley Park police say is posing as Wisconsin native Kyle Bradshaw, is using fake Bank of America cashier's checks ...
Southland Golden Apple Scholars named
Apr 01, 2008 ... BY WILLIAM LEE staff writer Twenty-five Southland high school and college students were among 125 recently named statewide as Golden Apple Scholars. The award by the Golden Apple Foundation recognizes students who display academic excellence and a commitment to teaching. In exchange for a ...
speak out
Apr 01, 2008 ... Snobs can stay out of Aldi In regard to the Orland Park woman who could not find what she wanted at Aldi and thought the store was a waste of land: Maybe she had her snob nose so high in the air, she could not see what was on the shelves. I'm glad that Jewel (which is owned by Supervalu) has ...
Sandburg sinks L-Way East
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Curt Herron Correspondent Lincoln-Way East enjoyed the upper hand over Sandburg the previous four years, but it was a different story Monday. The Eagles jumped out to a 9-4 halftime advantage and went on to claim a 14-7 SouthWest Suburban Conference victory over the Griffins in Orland Park ....
After 100 years, what's one more loss?
Apr 01, 2008 ... The scene was all too cloyingly Cubbie - fans milling about the corner of Clark and Addison, taking turns posing in front of the new Ernie Banks statue, smiling and laughing. After a Cubs loss. Seldom has a team been both so lovable and so losery as the Cubs on Monday. With Banks, the eternal ...
Bulls say they're going to fight the good fight
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Brian Hanley Sun-Times news Group If the Bulls are able to capture the final Eastern Conference playoff berth, tonight's game at the United Center against the league-leading Boston Celtics would be a first-round preview. But that would require the Bulls (29-44) to climb from 11th place to ...
One hero, many zeroes
Apr 01, 2008 ... By GORDON WITTENMYER Sun-Times News Group It's only one game - one loss - into a six-month season, but Opening Day at Wrigley Field lasted long enough to reveal at least this much about this year's Cubs: Kosuke Fukudome? The best $48 million the Cubs ever spent. Carlos Zambrano? Couldn't find ...
Call it a dry run for 'Big Z'
Apr 01, 2008 ... By GORDON WITTENMYER Sun-Times News Group On a day it rarely stopped raining, less than a mile from the world's sixth-largest lake, Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano apparently couldn't find enough water to keep himself in the season opener through the seventh inning. Zambrano's problem with cramps ...
Wood knows the drill but fails
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Toni Ginnetti Sun-Times News Group Kerry Wood is 2-0 as an Opening Day starter for the Cubs. He avoided being 0-1 as an Opening Day closer thanks to the heroics of newcomer Kosuke Fukudome, but it didn't ease the first bitter taste of a closer's star-crossed life. Especially since the Cubs ...
Statue stands as 'a miracle' for 'Mr. Cub'
Apr 01, 2008 ... By ANDREW SELIGMAN The Associated Press Ernie Banks couldn't believe what he saw when he yanked away the blue tarp. "Is that me?" he kept asking. "Is that me?" There was No. 14 in his batting stance, clutching a Louisville Slugger and wearing a grin similar to the one on the face of the real ...
Hawks on outside, but keeping the dream alive
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Len Ziehm sun-times News group Yes, the Blackhawks still have a mathematical chance to qualify for postseason play for the first time since 2002, but they face a daunting task. The Hawks beat St. Louis and Columbus over the weekend to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Blue Jackets and ...
For openers,Bears vs. Colts
Apr 01, 2008 ... The Bears' 2008 regular-season opener is sure to be "Super" in at least one regard: It pits them against their Super Bowl XLI foe, Indianapolis. The Colts are to open Lucas Oil Stadium with a prime-time Sunday night game against the Bears on Sept. 7, the NFL announced Monday. NBC is to televise ...
Fowles leads LSU into women's Final Four
Apr 01, 2008 ... LSU coach Van Chancellor can thank Sylvia Fowles for his first trip to a Final Four. Fowles had 21 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots, lifting LSU to a 56-50 victory over top-seeded North Carolina in the New Orleans Regional final on Monday night. The victory sent the second-seeded Lady ...
Return descender
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Joe Cowley Sun-Times News Group CLEVELAND - It was clear Monday the White Sox were prepared to do whatever it took to erase the embarrassment of a 2007 season that had been lingering over them like a dark, suffocating cloud. If that meant catcher A.J. Pierzynski had to step on the back of a ...
Masset recovers in style
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Joe Cowley Sun-Times News Group CLEVELAND - Nick Masset's leash has been extended a couple of inches. As for a few of his teammates, well, that hard tug they just got from White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is something they might want to get used to. Guillen made sure Monday that the players ...
Confident Williams hints at 'bias'
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Joe Cowley Sun-Times News Group CLEVELAND - Ken Williams has an answer for his critics. And according to the White Sox general manager, there seem to be many. Asked Monday about what's at stake for him this year, Williams discussed how the focus of the dismal 2007 season had turned on him ...
Thome packs punch
Apr 01, 2008 ... BY CHRIS DE LUCA Sun-Times News Group CLEVELAND - Jim Thome didn't want to know the exact number. He just knew it was bad. Eleven previous official at-bats against Cleveland Indians left-hander C.C. Sabathia and 11 outs. So when the White Sox's designated hitter jumped on a first-inning ...
Former sex-trade victim can stay in United States
Apr 01, 2008 ... By Annie Sweeney Sun-Times News Group For four years, she has told her story again and again, reliving every dehumanizing detail. Today, the petite woman who was forced into the international sex-slave pipeline and escaped to Chicago can't stop smiling. A federal immigration judge has ruled she ...
Obesity epidemic a tragedy for youngest generation
Apr 01, 2008 ... You can't turn on the nightly news these days without a special investigation on the obesity crisis in America. The "fattest" states and cities. The industries that are to blame when it comes to being overweight. The countless illnesses that are directly attributed to excess weight. Adults are ...
Portfolio
Apr 01, 2008 ... Early bird rates available for Homer Twp. golf outing The Homer Township Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual golf outing June 12 at Broken Arrow in Lockport. Through the end of this month, golfers can take advantage of the "Early Birdie" rate of $110, which includes greens fees, cart, ...
'Death is very final'
Apr 02, 2008 ... By Guy Tridgell Staff writer Dick Corrigan worries a fatality awaits at the intersection at 183rd Street and Wolf Road in Orland Park. For the past six months, the Orland Park resident has waged a one-man battle to get a traffic signal where the roads meet near his 183rd Street condo. He sees ...
Spitzer casts new light on infidelity
Apr 02, 2008 ... The Eliot Spitzer case in New York has put new light on infidelity and marriages. Private investigators around the country are reporting an increase in cases involving the possibility of a cheating spouse. On March 17, CNN and Larry King had a show dedicated to infidelity and several of my ...
Vacuum pitch a dirty trick
Apr 02, 2008 ... I didn't think door-to-door salesmen existed anymore. But last week, I spent three hours suffering through a sales pitch for a vacuum cleaner. Tempted by a free carpet shampoo, I agreed to the "no pressure" demonstration. I timed the visit to coincide with my 21-month-old son's nap. I moved ...
Autism
Apr 02, 2008 ... By Anna Tesauro Staff Writer The 2006 documentary "Autism Every Day," airing at 7 tonight on the Sundance Channel, chronicles the experiences of eight families and offers a stark depiction of a day in the life of children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders. The neurological disorder ...
U.S. auto sales drop in March as consumers hold back
Apr 02, 2008 ... by the associated press Ford sales dropped 14 percent in March as automakers reported double-digit U.S. sales declines as demand for trucks and sport utility vehicles plummeted and consumers held back because of concerns about gas prices, the housing slump and tightening credit. General Motors ...
A-Rod still top earner
Apr 02, 2008 ... Alex Rodriguez makes more this year than his hometown Florida Marlins. Boosted by his new deal with the New York Yankees, A-Rod tops the major league baseball salary list at $28 million, according to a study of contract terms by The Associated Press. The 33 players on the Marlins' opening-day ...
Hotel fire kills one, injures one
Apr 02, 2008 ... By Brian Stanley Sun-Times News Group A five-alarm fire raged through a residential hotel in Lockport early Tuesday, killing a 45-year-old woman and injuring at least one other person. The fire broke out about 4 a.m. at the historic William Volz building, 933 S. State St. - a three-story ...
Hoosiers hire Crean
Apr 02, 2008 ... Indiana is turning to Tom Crean to bring respectability back to Hoosiers. A couple dozen wins each year would help, too. After a tumultuous season and turbulent coaching search, the Hoosiers finally hired Crean on Tuesday as what they hope will be a long-term replacement for Kelvin Sampson ....
Parker powers Vols to Final 4
Apr 02, 2008 ... OKLAHOMA CITY - Even with an injured shoulder, Candace Parker was still able to lift Tennessee into another Final Four. WOMEN'sNCAA TOURNAMENT Parker scored 26 points and returned after dislocating her left shoulder to lead the Lady Vols out of a second-half deficit for a 53-45 win over Texas ...
Community Matters
Apr 02, 2008 ... Bedford Park Essay contest awards The Argo-Summit Bedford Park Woman's Club will host its annual Essay Contest Awards Night at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Bedford Park Community Building, 6700 S. 78th Ave. Information: (708) 594-2484. All members are requested to bring refreshments. Blue Island Civil ...
Puppy mill owner awarded breeder's license
Apr 02, 2008 ... By Duaa Eldeib Staff Writer The woman accused of running a puppy mill in Peotone where police said they rescued 50 feces-and-urine-covered dogs a month ago was issued her kennel operator's license Tuesday. A spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Agriculture confirmed the agency granted ...
SXU dining hall shut down
Apr 02, 2008 ... BY WILLIAM LEE staff writer The main dining hall at Saint Xavier University will be closed until further notice after Chi-cago health inspectors discovered rodent droppings inside. A call to the city's 311 hot line spurred inspections by the city health department last week at the cafeteria in ...
Police: Sting not last answer
Apr 02, 2008 ... By David Schwab staff writer The large-scale drug sting last week in Chicago Heights went a long way toward making the area "palatable" in the short term, but did little to put a dent in the area's crime and drug problems over the long haul, experts said. Last week's undercover sting that ...
Homewood needs urgent resolution to firefighter situation
Apr 02, 2008 ... THE ISSUE: A Homewood Fire Department staffing study, obtained last week by the SouthtownStar, says the village must add six full-time firefighters in order to meet the bare minimum life-safety standards. Village officials say the report is "incomplete" despite reportedly being finished in ...
Former state treasurer employee charged with taking $750,000
Apr 02, 2008 ... SPRINGFIELD - A former employee of the state treasurer's office was accused Tuesday of embezzling $750,000 in taxpayer funds. A federal grand jury indicted Debra Kirby on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, U.S. Attorney Rodger Heaton's office said. Prosecutors seek forfeiture of ...
Serious safety flaws with equestrian sports
Apr 02, 2008 ... Earlier this month, there was a series of tragic events in Florida at the Red Hills Horse Trials competition. Horse trials, or "eventing," is an equestrian sport in which horse and rider participate in a number of disciplines including dressage (so-called dancing horses), stadium jumping (in ...
Witness: Rezko had pay-to-play plan for Blago campaign
Apr 02, 2008 ... A government witness said Tuesday that political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko personally approved plans to squeeze a firm wanting to do business with a state pension fund for either a $2 million kickback or a $1.5 million campaign contribution for Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Stuart P. Levine ...
Candidates' Web sites need some serious updating
Apr 02, 2008 ... There was a certain amount of hilarity in watching my grandmother get accustomed to her answering machine. Her children bought her one when I was in college, and they tried to teach her how to use it. She would stand in her kitchen and shout at it or call me up and shout at mine, certain that it ...
Education simply a con job in Illinois
Apr 02, 2008 ... Once upon a time, the state board of education was an independent body that cared about, well, the quality of public education in Illinois. Seeing a financial crisis on the horizon, board members said a statewide tax hike was needed to support public education. In 1997, Republican lawmakers, led ...
forum
Apr 02, 2008 ... Avoiding taxes is bad for business Your views on the Chicago bottled water tax were right on the money. Throughout the years, it appears our political leaders forever are overestimating the amount of income from new taxes as well as the accelerated cost of a bond issue when proposing new ...
Mall gunman's bail set at $1 million
Apr 02, 2008 ... By STEPHANIE GEHRING STAFF WRITER A 22-year-old Chicago man who forced the lockdown of The Plaza shopping mall in Evergreen Park Monday evening is being held on $1 million bail, authorities said. Michael Duncan, 9565 S. Sangamon Ave., was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, aggravated ...
Foot doc says exams justified
Apr 02, 2008 ... By Kim Janssen Staff writer An Olympia Fields podiatrist who allegedly subjected four women to degrading and unnecessary internal exams loudly proclaimed his innocence Tuesday while testifying at his trial in Chicago. Anthony Overton admitted inserting his fingers into the rectum and vagina of a ...
Portfolio
Apr 02, 2008 ... National City weighs options amid rumors of sale National City Corp. confirmed Tuesday that it is reviewing its options amid rumors that it wants to find a buyer. New York investment bank Goldman Sachs has been hired to look into strategic alternatives, the Cleveland-based bank said. National ...