SouthtownStar (Chicago, IL) back issues from April 2009:
Persistence pays off for Chicago Heights woman
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Penny Perdue Guest columnist Carol Milhous, of Chicago Heights, bubbles with enthusiasm when she talks about her work in the Financial Aid office of Governors State University. "I love my job," she said. "I want to help people the way I was helped when I was a student here." Milhous never ...
Academics
Apr 01, 2009 ... Golden Apple Scholars announced The Golden Apple Foundation recently named 100 outstanding Illinois high school and college students as Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois, which is the largest pre-service teacher-support program in the nation. Through a rigorous application and interview process, ...
Argonne in line for $99M
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Henry C. Jackson The Associated Press WASHINGTON - Argonne National Laboratory is set to receive a $99 million stimulus boost to help accelerate environmental cleanup work, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced Tuesday. The funding for the lab, which is near Lemont, is the second significant ...
With ballot status unclear, candidates file as write-ins
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Michael Drakulich Staff Writer While the Illinois Appellate Court ponders whether to put a whole slate of candidates for Bremen Township back on the ballot, one candidate is covering his bases just in case and still thinks he has a chance. Incumbent Richard "Dick" Innocenti will be a write-in ...
TODAY'S CRIME REPORT
Apr 01, 2009 ... Park Forest Home invader robs couple An armed man forced his way into a home and stole money from the residents March 15 in the first block of Oak Lane, police said. Police said the robber approached the home about 8:10 a.m., and a 54-year-old woman opened the door, thinking that the man wanted ...
An 'ICC reform bill' with bite
Apr 01, 2009 ... Did you know that buried in Commonwealth Edison's $273 million annual rate hike in September was $10.5 million in company legal fees billed to customers? The same goes for Nicor Gas' recent $69 million rate hike, which included $1.6 million in fees. That's right, the hard-earned cash that we ...
New hope for real two-party system in Cook County
Apr 01, 2009 ... Still contemplating whether he will run for Cook County Board president in 2010, former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas told Cook County Republicans last week that working to fix problematic government budgets was a key reason he recently switched political parties. "When you take one ...
Kelly meritsa second term in Oak Forest
Apr 01, 2009 ... THE ISSUE: JoAnn Kelly is seeking her second term as Oak Forest mayor. She is challenged by Hank Kuspa, a Forest Ridge School District 142 board member and longtime city volunteer. WE SAY: While we think Kuspa is right on some points, we like some of what Kelly has accomplished and see ...
Telling real cops from fakes
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Donna Vickroy Staff Writer It's almost instinctual. You see flashing lights in the rearview mirror. You break out in a sweat. And you pull over. But what if you're not absolutely sure that the car herding you to the curb contains a real police officer? Last weekend, a woman in Orland Park was ...
Ricky Gervais finds laughs in people's prejudice
Apr 01, 2009 ... By JAMES T. CHAIRMAN The Associated Press NEW YORK - Ricky Gervais is more than an award-winning comedy superstar. With the academic approach he takes to his trade, Gervais is more like an emeritus professor at the University of Funny. With a new DVD out this week of his HBO stand-up special - ...
Job-seekers flock to hiring fair
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Duaa Eldeib Staff Writer The number of job-seekers who made it out to the annual St. Xavier University job fair Tuesday surpassed last year's turnout - within the first 45 minutes. Dressed in starched suits and clutching crisp resumes, more than 400 people remained cautiously optimistic that ...
Open meetings not for Illinois lawmakers
Apr 01, 2009 ... In one of the funniest proposals I've heard in years, Gov. Pat Quinn's Illinois Reform Commission has suggested that the state's Open Meetings Act apply to the Legislature. Section 1 of the law states: "It is the public policy of this state that public bodies exist to aid in the conduct of the ...
Local News Digest
Apr 01, 2009 ... Chicago More prison time for Matteson man A federal judge Tuesday added five years to the sentence of a Matteson man who once escaped from Cook County Jail, robbed five banks and was the subject of an international manhunt. Randy Rencher, 41, received the extra prison term for holding a busload ...
Slew of candidates out to solve overcrowding at Lockport High
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Duaa Eldeib Staff Writer The 10 candidates on the ballot for seats on the Lockport Township High School District 205 board stand to inherit five failed referendum questions, overcrowding woes and a divided community. The district has unsuccessfully asked voters on five separate occasions for ...
Parking-meter firm issues apologyHiring more workers, delaying some rate hikes
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Fran Spielman Sun-Times News Group A private contractor that paid $1.15 billion to lease Chicago's roughly 36,000 parking meters agreed Tuesday to delay price hikes in some areas and stop writing parking tickets until it gets a handle on a rash of broken, over-stuffed and mismarked meters. At ...
Country Club Hills cop heads sheriff's police
Apr 01, 2009 ... BY WILLIAM LEE staff writer A longtime Cook County sheriff's police official from Country Club Hills will be the department's new chief. DeWayne Holbrook has had several dangerous jobs during his 31-year career, whether it was tracking criminals while on the sheriff's fugitive force or ...
Obituaries
Apr 01, 2009 ... Gene A. Langbartels Gene A. Langbartels, 72, of Crete, died March 30. He was a retired auto sales proprietor and an Army veteran. Arrangements are by Steger Memorial Chapel, (708) 755-6100. Nellie W. Peterson Nellie W. Peterson (nee Mooth), 97, of ...
Oak Forest hotel stock improving
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Michael Drakulich Staff Writer As one hotel renovation project comes to a close in Oak Forest, another is just getting under way. The former Oak Forest Hotel at 4375 Frontage Road has been open as a Best Western to feature its new look and new amenities since March 12. Owners of the Terrace ...
Fire station issue still smoldering in Oak Lawn
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Casey Cora Staff writer Top Oak Lawn officials say they have no plans to close a fire station at 103rd Street and Kostner Avenue, one of three firehouses in the village. But was that idea of closing the firehouse ever discussed? That depends on who you ask. And what your definition of ...
Palos fire officials hope to pass 'essential' new 'rescue tax'
Apr 01, 2009 ... BY WILLIAM LEE staff writer Palos Fire Protection District officials say they know they face an uphill battle in asking local residents to pony up money for a new tax, but they say it's worth it. Homeowners in the district on April 7 will vote on a referendum asking them to create a new "rescue ...
Portfolio
Apr 01, 2009 ... Illinois pairs travelers with their perfect getaway The Illinois Bureau of Tourism has launched a new marketing campaign and Web site aimed at matching travelers with their ideal 3-Day Getaway in Illinois. To help consumers plan their next trip, IBOT has designed the interactive Getaway Match ...
Richards' hoop star, buddy await verdict
Apr 01, 2009 ... By KIM JANSSEN Staff Writer Richards High School basketball star Shaun Pratl and his pal Michael Hennigan must wait six weeks to learn their fate, a Cook County judge ruled Tuesday evening as their bench trial on battery charges came to an end. Pratl, 18, part of Richards' 2008 state champion ...
Refinery worker's family to get $6M
Apr 01, 2009 ... BY WILLIAM LEE staff writer Attorneys for an Orland Hills man killed in a Blue Island refinery explosion 14 years ago have reached a $6 million settlement with the refinery's operator. A Cook County judge is expected to approve the settlement this week between the family of Gary Szabla and Clark ...
Reform commission offers blueprint for change
Apr 01, 2009 ... By MIKE ROBINSON The Associated Press The reform commission launched by Gov. Pat Quinn unveiled a sweeping blueprint for change Tuesday, calling for curbs on the types of political corruption expected to be detailed in an impending indictment of ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The commission's ...
Speak Out
Apr 01, 2009 ... What about Stroger? I see some Chicago city employees were found guilty of hire for pay. Everyone is going after Mayor Daley, but nobody is going after Cook County President Todd Stroger for hiring his friends and family. Why is it OK for Stroger to do it? It's God's will Michael Steele, ...
Cubs' final bullpen spots in spotlight
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Gordon Wittenmyer Sun-Times News Group MESA, Ariz. - No matter which way the Cubs go when they make their final two bullpen decisions this weekend, they'll open the season with only one reliever who was on the opening roster a year ago: Carlos Marmol. It's possible only two members of the ...
Lou still concerned about depth of rotation
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Gordon Wittenmyer Sun-Times News Group MESA, Ariz. - The bullpen is the Cubs' only unsettled roster area, but that's not as big an issue to manager Lou Piniella as the depth in the rotation. ''Starting pitching-wise, I hope we stay healthy. That's the concern,'' said Piniella, whose fourth ...
Queen for the day: It's L-Way East's Kingsbury
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Tony Baranek Staff Writer In the world of girls water polo, they just don't get any more versatile than Lincoln-Way East senior Maude Kingsbury. In Tuesday's 12-4 SouthWest Suburban Conference victory over visiting Stagg, she scored two goals and had an assist on offense, and played ...
Calipari leaves Memphis for Kentucky
Apr 01, 2009 ... John Calipari has accepted an offer to leave Memphis for the tradition-rich Kentucky program, becoming the highest-paid coach in college basketball with an eight-year, $35 million deal, according to reports. ESPN.com, citing an unidentified source, reported Calipari would get a $2.5 million ...
Ravisloe goes public with aplomb
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Tim Cronin Staff Writer A time capsule opens in Homewood today. It's called Ravisloe Country Club. Most time capsules are full of damp photos and yellowed newspapers, a musty record of an era long past. This one is up to date, complete with a refurbished white-and-pink stucco clubhouse - ...
One homer shy of 500, Sheffield released by Tigers
Apr 01, 2009 ... Gary Sheffield's next home run will be his 500th in the major leagues. The question is: What uniform will he be wearing when he hits it? The Detroit Tigers released the nine-time All-Star on Tuesday, leaving him without a team as he closes in on becoming the 25th player to reach the milestone ....
Cooper attempts to soothe Sox fans
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Joe Cowley Sun-Times News Group GLENDALE, Ariz. - Don Cooper is willing to try to talk White Sox fans off the ledge. He knows there are concerns about the fragility of the pitching staff. Bartolo Colon, Scott Linebrink, Jose Contreras, Mark Buehrle - a who's who of Sox pitchers who could turn ...
Buehrle named Opening Day starter
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Joe Cowley Sun-Times News Group GLENDALE, Ariz. - Six innings pitched, five hits, two runs, one earned - and one big thumbs up from his manager. Just like that, it appears former White Sox great Billy Pierce will have to make room for Mark Buehrle. After passing his final test of spring ...
Marist senior drives home a better day
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Cheryl Dangel Cullen Correspondent Kristin Duewerth, 18, knows how to get a job done. In fact, "she single-handedly ran our Thanksgiving Drive," said Patti Arvesen, spokeswoman for Marist High School, where Duewerth is a senior. It started as the Marist Youth United for Mission Drive last ...
Sun-Times Media files for bankruptcy reorganization
Apr 01, 2009 ... By David Roeder Sun-Times News Group Sun-Times Media Group - owner of the SouthtownStar, the Chicago Sun-Times and many other newspapers in the Chicago area - filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday with the aim of reorganizing operations, settling a tax liability and making the ...
Big bucks behind campaign
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Nathaniel Zimmer Staff Writer It's usually the incumbents who raise the most campaign cash, but not this year in Orland Township, where supervisor candidate Paul O'Grady and his slate have raked in a total of $78,000. That's more than double the $32,600 or so that Supervisor Robert Maher and ...
They were the ubiquitous face of the housing boom. Where have all the mortgage brokers gone?
Apr 01, 2009 ... A couple of years ago, you couldn't throw a rock without hitting Noel Leyden or someone like him. Leyden is an Orland Park mortgage broker. When times were good, their kind used to be everywhere in the suburbs, applying the grease that kept the machinery of the housing market running ...
Eight accused of stealing pot, guns from cops
Apr 01, 2009 ... By HOLBROOK MOHR The Associated Press JACKSON, Miss.- Authorities investigating how machine guns, pistols and marijuana disappeared from a police department in a Mississippi Delta town say they have uncovered a ring of prison inmates and a county worker who planned to sell the stolen weapons in ...
Oak Forest too much for T.F. co-op
Apr 01, 2009 ... By Steve Millar Correspondent Oak Forest denied everything T.F co-op hit its way Tuesday, earning a dominant nonconference win at home. Cody Moss led Oak Forest with five kills and four aces, and the Bengals defeated the Meteors 25-10, 25-11. Boys volleyball The Bengals (2-1) nearly went the ...
Three library enthusiasts eye two Acorn seats
Apr 02, 2009 ... By Jim Hook Staff Writer The three candidates running for the two six-year seats on the Acorn Public Library District board are regular patrons of the library in Oak Forest who share a passion for reading. Bill Hanson, Chuck Newman and Sheryl Halwax agree the library is in good shape, but they ...
Ridge Historical Society rich with resources
Apr 02, 2009 ... There's a big problem in writing about the Ridge Historical Society of Chicago's Beverly community - there's just too much to discuss. Whether talking about the history of the area or the services that the society offers from its location at 10621 Seeley Ave., there is much information to ...
Barkeep of the week
Apr 02, 2009 ... Swing open the heavy, windowless door at White Horse Inn in New Lenox and you will find a cozy, dark bar filled with union guys sipping after-work beers. You also will find Carmen Perez pulling beers and pouring shots three nights a week. Perez, 50, joined the White Horse's payroll 13 years ago ...
Hey guys, is this heaven?
Apr 02, 2009 ... By LeeAnn Maton Sun-Times News Group According to one online magazine, the Windy City deserves yet another nickname: Guy Heaven. Citing Chicago's year-round sports scene and vibrant cultural events, AskMen.com awarded it the No. 1 spot on its new list, "Top 29 Cities for Men to Live In." The ...
Blagojevich corruption indictment deadline nears
Apr 02, 2009 ... By MIKE ROBINSON The Associated Press Facing a deadline just days away, federal prosecutors are expected to unveil an indictment as early as Thursday charging ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich with presiding over state government awash in political corruption. U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald has ...
Saying goodbye
Apr 02, 2009 ... If a television show is lucky, it will get the chance to say goodbye to its characters and tie up story lines for its fans. Those behind series that have run for a few years usually know when the end is near and plan accordingly. "That '70s Show," for example, ended with the return of prodigal ...
Sweet comfortsTanking economy means spike is candy sales
Apr 02, 2009 ... By Donna Vickroy Staff Writer Soured on the economy?Maybe some Bullseyes or Tootsie Rolls or chocolate-covered raisins can help. People may be tightening their budgets during this tough economic time, but there's little evidence to support that they're necessarily tightening their belts. Candy ...
Devastated by loss, Empress official looks to the future
Apr 02, 2009 ... That fateful March 20 fire was still fresh in the mind of Empress Casino Joliet general manager Frank Quigley. I sat down to speak with him about what's going to happen at the property in the wake of the total destruction of the pavilion. "Once the firefighters saw that the pavilion fire was ...
Blue Chip, Four Winds, Potawatomi and more
Apr 02, 2009 ... New vehicles and cash giveaways, along with quality star entertainment, are on the agenda for area casinos. Blue Chip Casino Guests at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Ind., will have a chance to "Cruise into Spring" on the first three Fridays in April when $80,000 in cash and prizes will ...
Around Town
Apr 02, 2009 ... Friday 3 after-hours party Crete Public Library, 1177 N. Main St., hosts Young Adult After-Hours Party for ages 12 to 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Registration with parental permission slip is required. Information: (708) 672-8017. flashlight hunt Crete Park District, 515 First St., Crete, offers ...
Characters to take flight in Bloom Trail's 'Peter Pan'
Apr 02, 2009 ... Bloom Trail High School will stage four performances of "Peter Pan" in the school's Neubauer Auditorium at Sauk Trail and Cottage Grove Avenue in Steger. The curtain will rise for evening performances at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A matinee show will be at 2 p.m. Saturday. "The play ...
Daley urges residents to support Olympic bid
Apr 02, 2009 ... By DEANNA BELLANDI The Associated Press Mayor Richard Daley wants Chicagoans to show they're revved up about the city's chance to host the 2016 Summer Olympics as an International Olympic Committee inspection team is set to arrive in town Thursday. Daley is encouraging people to make Chicago ...
Everything's better covered in chocolate
Apr 02, 2009 ... Dreaming of a chocolate-covered world? Here's a start. Chocolate covered potato chips 1 pound high quality milk chocolate, chopped 8 cups ridged potato chips Place about 3/4 of the chocolate into a heat safe bowl, and place over the top of a pan of simmering water. If you ...
Charming customers
Apr 02, 2009 ... By KIM SMITH Sun-Times News Group The owners of the Country Charm Restaurant in New Lenox are serving up a new kind of rewards program. "This community has always been good to us," said Jason Panagos, general manager of the restaurant, now in its 25th year at 101 Lincolnway Drive. "I was looking ...
Making cream-filled chocolate Easter eggs at home
Apr 02, 2009 ... By ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press There's no need to wonder whether the Easter Bunny will leave you cream-filled chocolate eggs this year. With a recipe like this one, it's easy - if calorically costly - to make your own. The sugary, creamy filling in these chocolate eggs isn't as soupy as ...
Four candidates seek three seats on Crestwood Library board
Apr 02, 2009 ... By Jim Hook Staff Writer Now that the controversy over issuing police-like badges to some Crestwood Library trustees is resolved, candidates can focus on expanding the library and the programs offered within. Four candidates are seeking three six-year seats on the board, including incumbent ...
Today's Crime Report
Apr 02, 2009 ... orland park Police stun man with Taser Things went badly for a Park Forest man whose argument with a woman led to him being stunned with a Taser gun by police. Derrick Calloway, 29, 23443 Western Ave., was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest in the March 18 incident at 142nd ...
Crowd Pleasers
Apr 02, 2009 ... Here is a look at several upcoming entertainment events. Also, check out "Elaborating on Entertainment" at http://blogs.southtownstar.com/entertainment every Friday afternoon for "This weekend & beyond" events. ART THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO - 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 443-3600: ...
Retired teacher challenges incumbents
Apr 02, 2009 ... By Kristen Schorsch Staff writer A retired longtime Tinley Park High School teacher and coach wants to make sure class sizes, programs, teachers and staff members don't get cut as Bremen Community High School District 228, like many other districts, faces the grim economy. That's why Werner ...
A family feel
Apr 02, 2009 ... In a nutshell: Don't let the exterior of the Original Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant in New Lenox deceive you. This is a white-tablecloth Italian restaurant with a full menu. The entrees - which come with bread, soup, salad and relishes - provide far more food than you can consume in a single ...
'All in one place'
Apr 02, 2009 ... By Jason Freeman Staff Writer When it comes to spending money, Tinley Park resident Ed Abrand likes to keep it as local as possible. "I like to shop Tinley," he said. "There's a lot of great companies in the area." Abrand said opening his wallet for local businesses isn't just a quality or ...
New egg dying kits
Apr 02, 2009 ... Each year Americans purchase more than 10 million egg dying kits during Easter season and decorate as many as 180 million eggs. Here are some new kits for 2009 from PAAS: n Chalked Up - Decorators design with chalk. Changed your mind? Simply wipe off the chalk with the felt eraser. n Funky Foil ...
NBC a lot different from days when 'ER' started
Apr 02, 2009 ... By DAVID BAUDER The Associated Press NEW YORK - The "ER" that exits television with its final episode tonight on NBC is a shadow of its former self, stripped of the star power and buzz - and a majority of viewers - from its heyday. Kind of like NBC itself, when you think about it. When "ER" ...
5 reasons to ...
Apr 02, 2009 ... Athletic competitions draw huge crowds, especially when they're piped in to television audiences. But few endurance contests offer the glittery costumes, sprayed-on tans, musical entertainment and comedic judging found on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." Rena Fulka offers five reasons to tune in ...
Flossmoor mayoral candidates differ on economic development strategy
Apr 02, 2009 ... By John K. Ryan Staff Writer Flossmoor's two mayoral candidates agree the village is up against formidable challenges due to the tough economy. They differ, however, on how that needs to be addressed when it comes to economic development. Mayor Roger Molski, who's been in office since 1994, ...
Around Town
Apr 02, 2009 ... Friday 3 basketball game Lincoln-Way High School District 210 hosts the 10th annual Mike Davis Faculty Basketball game at 7 p.m. Friday at Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for students. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for ...