A Joliet man may be paralyzed after being shot in the neck at a gas station early Saturday morning, Joliet police said.
The 31-year-old man was taken to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet shortly after the 3 a.m. attack in the 300 block of Chicago Street and was later flown by helicopter to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, according to a story in the Joliet Herald News.
The assailant was on foot and no motive for the attack is known, police told the newspaper.
Gun control hearings will convene before an Illinois House committee later this month, says Speaker Mike Madigan, and there will be much talk about a new concealed carry law.
“In light of events in recent months in Illinois and in other parts of the country, it’s appropriate and necessary that we give a full vetting to proposed state legislation on this matter," reads a statement from Madigan. "These hearings will provide an opportunity for gun-safety advocates, gun-rights supporters and members of the law enforcement community to offer their views and argue their cases to legislators and the people of Illinois.”
A federal appeals court in December opted to give state lawmakers 180 days to craft a concealed carry law instead of nullifying the state ban. The state has until June 9, according to the court ruling.
The governor would like to keep guns out of schools, parks and shopping malls.
A bill that is gaining bipartisan support would restrict Illinois residents from carrying guns in bars, airports, courthouses, casinos, stadiums, libraries, child care businesses, schools, colleges, jails and mental health facilities. Some lawmakers believe guns should be allowed in shopping malls and movie theaters.
Editor's note: The following is a press release issued by Plainfield School District 202:
Ninety-nine District 202 high school student musicians have been chosen to perform with honor bands as part of the 2013 Southwest Prairie Conference Band Festival on Feb. 19.
The festival will be held at Oswego High School. Guest conductors include Dr. Charlie Menghini, Director of Bands and President at Vandercook College of Music, Chicago; and John Heath, retired Director of Bands at Batavia High School in Batavia and past president of the Illinois Music Educator Association.
About 200 students from the eight Southwest Prairie Conference schools comprise the two Honor Bands. Their directors nominated the students to be part of either the Freshman-Sophomore Honor Band, or the Junior-Senior Honor Band.
THE 2013 SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE CONFERENCE JUNIOR-SENIOR HONOR BAND MEMBERS ARE:
Plainfield High School – Central Campus
THE 2013 SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE CONFERENCE FRESHMAN-SOPHOMORE HONOR BAND MEMBERS ARE:
Plainfield High School – Central Campus
Plainfield South High School
Plainfield North High School
Plainfield East High School
Hollywood Casino Joliet used to be the Empress River Casino, and this 3-foot-by-5-foot nylon flag harkens back to those days.
Here's how the seller describes it on eBay, where it's being auctioned to the higher bidder starting at $67.99 (or skip the bidding and buy it immediately for $99):
"CONDITION: Excellent OVERALL - never been flown and purchased from the Casino after it was bought out and name was changed to Hollywood. Has one minor spot on it."
Bidding closes the afternoon of Feb. 17. Shipping is $8.
Want to see more photos or make a bid? Click here.
Last week it was announced that the Boy Scouts of America was reconsidering its policy barring openly gay people from participating in the private organization, but just days later announced it was postponing the decision.
That the group was considering the change after taking the issue all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it won its case, was a surprise to many.
We'd like to know what you think about this issue. While the organization is legally entitled to keep gays from its ranks, should they?
Take our poll below, and feel free to post your opinion in the comment box below.
Last week's poll...
We asked readers last Monday for their opinion on a variety of questions related to gun control. Here are the results:
When the Founding Fathers wrote the 2nd Amendment, do you think they meant that people should be allowed to have as many -- and as many types -- of weapons as they want? Results: 64 percent yes, 35 percent no
In general, do you favor a greater level of gun control in this country? 15 percent yes, 84 percent no
If more people had guns, would our community be safer? 75 percent yes, 25 percent no
Do you favor a ban on semi-automic assault rifles, such as AK47s? 25 percent yes, 75 percent no
Should all gun buyers have to undergo a background check before being allowed to purchase a weapon? 66 percent yes, 33 percent no
Should there be limits on how many guns someone can purchase in a day, week or year? 25 percent yes, 75 percent no
READ MORE: Guns in Public Places. Where Do You Stand?
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This article was submitted by the Romeoville Humane Society:
Mandy is a sweet 2 1/2-year-old female rat terrier who will steal your heart:
Hi! My name is Mandy and not only am I totally adorable but I'm very sweet, too! I am a little shy, but I quickly overcome my shyness and convert to lap dog so you can rub my belly and cuddle with me. Make sure I know when you are ready to take a nap so I can lay with you, I do love that when I'm not cozy sleeping in my cage which is my comfy place as I do enjoy my own space on occasion. Other than catching a few zzzz's with you, I am very good with not jumping up onto furniture. I only bark on rare occasions and am relatively quiet otherwise. I am crate-trained and in the process of being fully house-trained. I'm a good learner. I don't know many commands yet but respond well to "No." Got other dogs or kids? Great - I love them and get along well. I haven't had exposure to cats but I'm such a great girl I think I would like them and they would like me. I do this cute little "circle dance" when I get excited and see you take out treats - I know I've been good and am being rewarded. Oh and squeaky toys, they are so fun to play with! I am wonderful on walks, I do great on a leash and don't pull but I do walk all over to make sure I don't miss anything. I do get a little nervous when hooking on my harness, so it helps if you do it slowly so I'm not scared. What a great pet and companion I will make for you - won't you welcome me into your family and give me a forever home?
Mandy’s adoption fee is $200, which includes her spay, vaccines, fecal and heartworm tests, microchipping and registration. Contact the Romeoville Humane Society by email at romeovillehumanesociety@yahoo.com or phone (877) 813-7300 for more information on Mandy or to set an appointment to meet her.
These properties were sold in Romeoville recently, according to county property records.
Sold! appears every Monday. Looking for more properties? See what sold in Shorewood, Joliet and Channahon.
Get news where you live. Sign up for the Joliet, Channahon-Minooka, Romeoville or Shorewood newsletters.
Paul O. Abbasi, 20, 437 Shadow Creek Drive, Palos Heights, arrested by the Romeoville Police Department and booked into the Will County jail on Feb. 7 on three counts of felony retail theft and one of knowingly damaging property.
Scott F. Erickson, 19, 8620 E. Teal Lane, Wilmington, arrested by the Romeoville Police Department and booked into the Will County jail on Feb. 7 on charges of manufacture/delivery of 1 to 15 grams of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jonte J. Quinn, 21, 1147 Grand, Romeoville, arrested by the Will County Sheriff's Office and booked into the Will County jail on Feb. 7 on charges of driving on a revoked/suspended license and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.
Ammar Qararah, 19, 7136 W. 116th St., Worth, arrested by the Romeoville Police Department and booked into the Will County jail on Feb. 7 on three counts of felony retail theft and one each of possession of a controlled substance and knowingly damaging property.
Diane M. Miller, 53, 242 Haller, Romeoville, arrested by the Joliet Police Department and booked into the Will County jail on Feb. 9 on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving an uninsured motor vehicle, disobeying a police officer's order, improper traffic lane usage, going the wrong way on a one-way street and electronic communication device.
Rachelle R. Parreno, 30, 604 Sherwood, Romeoville, arrested by the Romeoville Police Department and booked into the Will County jail on Feb. 9 on a charge of aggravated battery/victim 60-plus years old.
Mohammad A. Suleman, 25, 469 Claire, Romeoville, arrested by the Illinois State Police and booked into the Will County jail on Feb. 9 on a charge of possession of cannabis.
Jesus M. Sanchez, 36, 501 Pasadena, Crest Hill, arrested by the Romeoville Police Department and booked into the Will County jail on Feb. 10 on charges of aggravated driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, unlicensed driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and failure to wear a seat belt.
Pope Benedict announced today he would resign on Feb. 28, citing age and infirmity as the reasons behind his decision.
His action makes him the second pope in history to leave the position voluntarily, rather than upon death.
We'd love to know what you think of this development and what it might mean for the Catholic church. Please answer our poll questions and feel free to offer your opinion in the comment box below.
If you'd like to read the statements issued by Diocese of Joliet Bishop Daniel Conlon and Cardinal Francis George, archbishop of the Diocese of Chicago, click here.
Joliet police are seeking two men in connection with an early Saturday morning gas station shooting that left the victim in critical condition.
Witnesses told police the suspects responsible for the attack are Anthony White and Gregory Sellers, both 24 and of Joliet.
An arrest warrant for White on an attempted murder charge has been issued, carrying a $2 million bond. Sellers' arrest warrant is for aggravated battery and mob action, and has a $500,000 bond.
The men allegedly shot the victim in the neck at about 3 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot of the Citgo station, 379 S. Chicago St.
The victim was initially taken to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, and later flown to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. Police said Saturday that the injury could leave the victim paralyzed.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of White and/or Sellers is asked to notify Joliet police Detective Jeff German at 815-780-9234. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of Will County at 800-323-6734.
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An area man has charged with soliciting a 12-year-old Naperville minor for sex over the Internet, according to the Naperville Police Department.
Bryan E. Woldman, 35, of 7015 Clearwater Drive in Plainfield Township, near Joliet, allegedly engaged in illicit conversations with the pre-teen via Facebook, cell phone, text and Skype, according to police.
Naperville Police High Technology Crimes Unit began an investigation Dec. 21 after the girl's mother discovered her daughter was allegedly communicating with Woldman, police said.
Over the course of several weeks, Woldman "exchanged sexually explicit text messages with what he thought was the 12-year-old female," according to a police release.
Police said Woldman then traveled from his home in unincorporated Plainfield to AMC Naperville 16 Showplace Theaters in south Naperville to meet with the girl for sex at about 7:45 p.m. Friday.
When Woldman arrived at the theater, he was taken into custody by Naperville police detectives and charged with indecent solicitation of a minor, traveling to meet a minor for a sexual encounter and grooming, according to police reports.
He was transferred to Will County Jail, where is he being held in lieu of $1 million bond.
Police ask anyone with information regarding similar activities involving Woldman to contact the Naperville Police Department High Technology Crimes Unit, 630-420-6666.
Citing uncertainty in state and federal funding coupled with an operating fund deficit, Plainfield School District 202 board members rejected a proposal to give raises to administrators and non-union, non-certified support staff.
The 2.5 percent raises, retroactive to the 2012-13 school year, would have affected 160 staff members including assistant superintendents, directors, principals, assistant principals and support staff members who are not covered under the Plainfield Association of Support Staff (PASS) union contract.
The proposal would have cost the district $315,000 and was included in the budget, said Angela Smith, the district’s assistant superintendent for business and operations.
Supt. John Harper, who is under contract, would not have been affected by the raises.
Harper said the administration and the support staff have been asked “to do more with less,” and because the raises were already built into the budget, they would not have contributed to a deeper deficit.
But the majority of the school board said state and federal funding is too uncertain right now to be approving raises.
READ ALSO:
President Roger Bonuchi, Vice President Michelle Smith and board members Kevin Kirberg, Greg Nichols and Rod Westfall all voted against raises for administrators and non-union, non-certified support staff.
Board member Michael Kelly voted in favor of raises for both administrators and non-union, non-certified support staff.
Board Secretary Eric Gallt abstained from voting on raises for administrators but voted in favor of raises for non-union, non-certified support staff.
“It seems we are putting ourselves at risk to lose administration,” Kelly said.
Gallt added that members of the teachers and support staff unions received raises this year.
Other board members said that while they appreciate the hard work the administrators and support staff does, a raise isn’t financial feasible right now.
“I think they deserve it,” Bonuchi said. “But I can’t in good conscience do that in our financial position.”
Bonuchi noted that the general state aid may decrease next year costing the district millions of dollars, and the district will have to pay back $1 million in taxes now that Edward Hospital received a tax-exempt charitable status.
“District 202 is a family from our students to our superintendent,” Bonuchi said. “It’s hard to say no to this.”’
Bonuchi added he feels that there are better times ahead when the district will not be in the red.
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Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.
Children get accustomed to certain security items and habits at a young age, whether it's sucking their thumb or a pacifier, or holding onto a special blanket or stuffed animal. Some children lose attachment to those items on their own, but in other cases, parents have to help the transition along. That brings us to this week's question:
Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.
Susan C. Pacifier should be gone by 1 year. I threw the pacifiers and bottles away at that age together and my boys cried for them but after a few days forgot about it. A favorite blanket or animal is different though and can be kept much longer. via Oswego Patch Facebook
Heather H. 10 months but everyone is different. I weened my kids by only allowing them in the car and bedtime when it was time for it to go. Then it only became a bedtime blanky. My son slept with his blanky for years! He loved it so much. When he was a bit older, I told him he had to let it go. He then started laying it across his pillow for a while when he relized he was getting to old to snuggle with it. Then finally placed it in his closet on his own. We still have it to this day. So many memories! via Plainfield Patch Facebook
Corliss M. When they start walking...always hated to see a child walking around with a binky in his mouth. via Joliet Patch Facebook
Mia C. I got rid of the bottle and pacifier at 1yr with both my kids. The bottle was no problem, but the pacifier took 3 days. Worth it in the long run though!! via Shorewood Patch Facebook
LeAnn H. When it becomes an obsession. I learned the hard way that my Son was using his pacifier to control ME. The daycare told me that when I leave, he spits it out of his mouth and plays the rest of the day...that sucker got thrown out that same day. He was sad, but in the long run, it was needed...for the BOTH of us. Definitely before 2 comes around, all security items should be gotten rid of......it only makes everyone crazy !!! via Bolingbrook Patch Facebook
Dodie W. Pacifier as soon as possible! My daughter had hers too long. Blankets, teddies, or any other lovies they will give these up when they are ready. As far as I am concerned, she can keep her blanket as long as I can wash it! via Montgomery Patch Facebook
Angela P. I know this may sound awful, their is a natural solution that comes in a small bottle with a brush, it kinda looks like nail polish. Anyways it's dandelion extract it's sold to stop nail biting and thumb sucking. Put it on their thumbs and after a few times they won't care much for it and eventually thumb sucking stops! via Yorkville Patch Facebook
So what's your take? Tell us in the comments.
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An 85-year-old Plainfield man was killed Monday when his car struck a pole at Weber Road and Grand Boulevard in Romeoville, the Will County Coroner's Office said.
Henry R. Kutchins was pronounced dead at about 12:15 p.m. at Adventist Bolingrook Hospital, according to a news release from the coroner's office.
Kutchins was attempting to make a left-hand turn from southbound Weber onto Grand when the 11:40 a.m. accident occurred, Romeoville Assistant Police Chief Steve Lucchesi said. He did not complete the turn, instead veering off the road and driving his blue Ford Thunderbird into a light pole, Lucchesi said.
The accident is under investigation, and police are exploring whether an "underlying medical condition" could have caused Kutchins to lose control of his vehicle, Lucchesi said.
An autopsy will be conducted Tuesday, the release said. Modell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
The following property crimes were reported to the Romeoville Police Department:
A side mirror was damaged on a vehicle parked in the lot of a business in the 1400 block of West Normantown Road. Damage estimated at $200; report made at 8:45 p.m. Jan. 16.
A wallet, iPad, leather bag and several bottles of medication taken from a vehicle parked in the lot of a business in the 1200 block of Lakeview Drive. Access gained by breaking window. Damage and loss estimated at $1,650; report made at 9:16 p.m. Jan. 16.
An estimated 200 gallons of diesel fuel taken from several truck parked in the lot of a business in the 1800 block of Normantown Road. Loss valued at $730; report made at 6:20 a.m. Jan. 18.
An unknown object was used to crack the front window of a residence in the 300 block of Hale. Damage estimated at $1,000; report made at 10 p.m. Jan. 19.
Front window smashed on a vehicle parked in front of a residence in the 300 block of Hale. Damage estimated at $150; report made at 2:41 p.m. Jan. 19.
Several cans of baby formula, valued at $224, reported taken from a business in the 400 block of North Weber Road. Report made at 5:56 p.m. Jan. 19.
A Wii game and laptop computer, valued at a total of $650, taken from a residence in the 400 block of Laurel Avenue. Report made at 7:46 p.m. Jan. 20.
Several used motor vehicle batteries, valued at a total of $800, taken from a businss in the 400 block of South Weber Road. Access gained by prying open a rear door. Report made at 11:48 p.m. Jan. 21.
Vandals spraypainted the side panel of a residence in the 1100 block of Grand Boulevard. Damage estimated at $100; report made at 4:54 p.m. Jan. 22.
All appliances in a home in the 100 block of Mountain Laurel Court taken while house was undergoing construction. Loss valued at $3,000. Report made at 3:52 p.m. Jan. 22.
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Joliet photographer John Parli is recognizing Joliet Patch's Athlete of the Month each month with a portrait such as the one above of Joliet West basketball standout Morris Dunnigan.
Parli will present a digital image to Dunnigan as a keepsake to mark the occasion.
Dunnigan, a 6-foot-2 senior guard/forward, erupted for 25 of his game-high 32 points in the second half of Joliet West's 60-49 victory over Joliet Central on Jan. 4. He is averaging about 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Dunnnigan was selected as Joliet Patch's Athlete of the Month for January from a list of Patch MVP weekly winners by Patch Sports Editor Ron Kremer.
The other weekly winners were Ryan Peters (JCA basketball), Julianne Kowalski (Joliet West bowling), Brandon McCullum (Joliet West basketball) and Destiny Nash (JCA basketball).
PHOTO CREDIT: John Parli Photography
A mid-intersection collision between two cars and a truck Monday left 70 gallons of diesel fuel spilled on Jefferson Street and Houbolt Road, Joliet Police Cmdr. Rich Demick said.
The accident occurred at about 9:40 a.m., with each of the vehicles attempting to make turns from three different directions, Demick said. It's not clear who was at fault, and no tickets have been issued as the police continue to investigate.
The worst aspect of the crash was cleaning up the spilled motor fuel, which was done by the Joliet Fire Department, Demick said. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency also had to be on hand to ensure the cleanup was handled correctly and no environmental damage occurrred, he said.
The drivers did sustain some minor injuries but all were treated at the scene, he said.
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A Bolingbrook man who threatened to hurt his former girlfriend's family if she refused to see him was arrested Sunday on a felony stalking charge, Romeoville Assistant Police Chief Steve Lucchesi said.
It was the second time in less than a week that Antonio Sanchez, 36, of 612 Cochise Circle, issued a threat against his ex, who lives in Romeoville, Lucchesi said. On Feb. 5, he told her he would kill her and her new boyfriend with a gun unless she agreed to see him and he later showed up at the woman's house, prompting her to call Romeoville police, he said.
In that case, the woman opted not to press charges. Instead, police told Sanchez they would arrest him on trespassing charges if he were to return to the victim's home and instructed him to not have any contact with her, Lucchesi said.
Just five days later, however, he called the woman and demanded she meet him at Walmart or he would go to her family's home and injure them, he said.
The woman refused to comply, and she later saw him driving past her house, prompting her to again call the police, he said.
When officers spotted Sanchez driving on Airport Road, they took him into custody and charged him with stalking and with operating a vehicle with expired registration.
He was booked into the Will County jail and released after posting $1,000 bail.