MICROFILMED BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN ABRAHAM LINCOLN PSESIDBmAL UMtARV & MUSEUM PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY 112 North Sixth Street Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 524-7522 Oak Lawn Independent DESCRIPTION OF RECORDS -- Oak Lawn, Illinois oa /1/T-on DATE OF MICROFILMING 92032 ACCESSION NO. Density NOTICE This Material May Be Protected By Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S. Code) Some mutilations and 4 of Other defects the original material are unavoidably a part of the microfilmed file. Oak Lawn Independent ♦ Oak Lawn,Illinois Cook County From Jan 02, 2014 Thru Jun 26, 2014 Microfilmed By Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Springfield, Illinois r CONilllC^ON CONGMBSSMAN RUSH State Legalizes ComiBNTS IM« Camcbl&ation Medical CciOK County Op CovnttCamb Marijuana 2 See Page See Page 4 See Page 5 m\\\\\\\\m\m\^^^^ ^ Per Copy 50 > >2 N eT^*^'"'*'»*We«ia/L/b Tliiiiwiay, Januaiy 2,2014 Eigk^-I^o>ti> Year - No. 1 IHOEFEirDElii (708)388-2425 Thank You From VFW Post 5220 Office of PobKcatMHi, 51M Wl 9S<k Stecet Subboy cmripatyk mwk Rhminc C So2o2k.5 (0b opuenrt yy.e ar Johnson-Phelps VFW and and song on a chilly, rainy Phoae 708-38»-2425 Other ram auppfird on rcqueat. Ladies Auxiliary Post #5220 Veterans Day. Their tribute to hriodical postage paid at Oak Lama, IL 60453 Ptibiuhed weekly in the Village of Oak Idnvn,. I. would like to thank Oak our Veterans at the Oak Lawn PoalmMiMrs'Mnd Mfebw* ohanvM Id U8PS 401.340) Lawn-Hometown Middle Village Memorial, and later School’s Chorus and Concert at the Johnson- Phelps VFW Band for bringing warmth Post, was enjoyed arid appre¬ and light throu^ their music ciate by all. Soup & Games Fundraiser Pilgrim Faith United Chui^ of Christ, 9411 S. Slst Ave., will be holding “Come for Soup, Stay for Gaines” on Sriuiday, Jan. 11th. The Soi^ and Gfflnes will be held in Pilgrim Faidi’s Colonial Hall wim Soup beginning'at S p.m. NHS Collects COOO and Gaines running fiom 6 to 8 p.m. An elevator is available heh> y^,jown to Colonial Canned Food Items For Adult tickets are $7. Children’s tickets ate . $3.50 and you will get to try as St. Germaine Pantry many soups as you like plus bread, desert, beverages, and “Wreaths Across America” games. Tickets will be sold at Members of the National Honor Society from Richards the door. High School collected more than 1,000 canned goods, You may come for Soiqi or boxes of stuffing, and other essentials for the needy in the Gaines or stay for both! weeks leading to Thanksgiving. This is a fundraiser to help IJ.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (11^3) Joined Mayor Sandra Bnry and members of the Students delivered the food to the St. Germaine Church provide scholarships to our Johnson-Phelps VFW Post on Dec. 14 for the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Inteigenerational Retreat. food pantry in Oak Lawn. Oak Lawn's Patriot Station. Wreaths Across America is a national event that began If you would like further National Honor Society students from Richards High more than 20 years ago when Worcester Wreath Co., of Harrington, Maine, started a information, contact Kathy School load donathms in the back of a student’s car tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of the nation’s fallen heroes at Faulkner at before delivering them to the food pantry at St. Arlington National Cemetery daring the winter holidays. Each year since 2008, Germaine Church in Oak Lawn. Congress has issued a proclamation officially recognizing “Wreaths Across America Day," typically the second Saturday in December. This year, more than 800 events were held nationwide to pay tribute to all veterans and their families by laying wreaths at veterans cemeteries, memorials, and other locations to remember those who sacri¬ ficed for their country. “At a time when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming. It is only appropriate that we collectively pause and acknowledge the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families,” Rep. Lipinski said. “I thoroughly enjoy celebrating the Christmas season with family and friends. But I also believe that the holidays are JANUARY 3 - Friday - Worth Township JANUARY 9 - Thursday - Athletic Club extra special and poignant because of the selfless service made by generations of our Senior Citizens Org. Meeting, Worth Auxiliary Meeting, VFW Hall, 9514 S. military men and women. Wreaths Across America remembers our nation's heroes, as Township Center, 11601 S. Pulaski, 52nd Ave., 8 p.m. well as captures the true spirit of the seasou.” 12:30 p.m. JANUARY 13 - Monday - Business JANUARY 4 - Saturday - District II Development Commission Meeting, Spring Classes At Moraine “Trustee Is In,” Municipal Center, 9446 9446 S. Raymond, 6:30 p.m. Raymond, 9 a.m. to noon. JANUARY 13 - Monday - Oak Lawn Park JANUARY 6 - Monday - Planning & Board Meeting, 4625 W. II 0th St., 7 Moraine Valley Community College can • Weekend Classes Development Commission Meeting, p.m. help students realize their educational • Off-Campus Classes 9446 S. Raymond, 7:30 p.m. JANUARY 14 - Tuesday - OL Village gpuoanradeles rf,w oprau yar s sufueoc rac nets hasesfs uols cpfiuraittnuegr’es .2d R0e1ge4rge iesst earamntdieo spntre eir¬s, ••A OE cvnoeemn-Dipnalgey tC-ea l-alWissstee esok f Cclraesdsiet s- and noncredit JAC8N lpUu.bmA MR. Yee 6ti n-g M, VoFndWa,y 9 -5 1F4ir eS .D 5e2pnadr tAmveen.t, 9B4o4a6r dR aMymeeotnindg, ,7 :3M0u pn.imci.p al Building, which starts Jan. 13th with on-campus classes can be found in the spring 2014 JANUARY 14 - Tuesday - Village Hall JANUARY 7 - Tuesday - Civil Service credit classes. Off-campus credit classes class schedule or online at moraineval- open to 8 p.m. Commission, 9446 Raymond, 5:30 p.m. and on-campus continuing education class¬ ley.edu. Registration is ongoing. Tuition is JANUARY 14 - Tuesday - VFW 5220 es begin Jan. 21st, and off-campus continu¬ $109 per c^it hour plus fees and books. JANUARY 8 - Wednesday - Free-Blood Meeting, 9514 S. 52nd Ave., 8 p.m. inSgo emdue coafti tohne ccloalslseegse ’bse cgoinu rJsaens. a2r7et ho.f fered Scatund ernetgsi swtehro ihna vthe ea pRpeligeids trtaot itohne cOoflfliecgee, P53re0s0s uWre. 9S5ctrhe eSntin, g1s0, Otoa k11 Laa.mwn. Library, JACNoUmAmRuYn it1y5 -H iWghe dSncehsdoaoyl -D iOstarkic tL a2w2n9 in different formats to accommodate the located on campus in the Student Services JANUARY 8 - Wednesday - Fite & Police Board Meeting, 9400 Southwest needs of students, making it easy for p^ Center (Building S), 9000 W. College Commission Meeting, 9446 S. Highway, Board Room 119, 8 p.m. pie to fit college classes into their life. Pkwy. in Palos Hills; by phone at (708) Raymond, 6:30 p.m. These Flexible Learning Options include: 974-2110 (TTY for the hearing impaired JANUARY 9 - Thursday - Architectural JANUARY 16 - Thursday - Athletic Club • Online and Internet Hybrid classes 708-974-9556); or online at moraineval- Review & Design Commission, 9446 S. Meeting, VFW Hall. 9514 S. 52nd Ave., • Short-Term Classes ley.edu. Raymond, 7 p.m. 8 p.m. Visit Our Website soutliYYestmesseiigerorf .com PAGE 2 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, MIS Work Overtime To Crack Down On Drunk Drivers As 2013 comes to an end, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police and over 250 law enforcement agencies across the state reminded Illinois motorists that they will put in overtime during the New Year’s holiday and Into 2014. This final push has a dual pur¬ pose: Zero motor vehicle fatalities during New Year’s; and a strong, safe start to 2014. Hundreds of additional law enforcement hours funded with federal funds through IDOT will provide roadside safety checks, seat belt enforcement zones and other patrols reminding motorists to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.” This statewide effort will ramp up during New Year’s Eve and continue strong through the first weekend of 2014 to help counteract what can tragically be one of the most dangerous times on Illinois roads. IDOT crash data shows in the last five years (2008-2012) Mother McAuleys Little School during the New Year’s holiday, 38 people died in motor vehicle crashes on Illinois public roadways. Fifteen, or 40 percent, of those 38 individuals, died in crashes involving at least one driver who had been drinking. During the same Welcomes Soldier Home In Big Way five-year timeframe on New Year’s, 2,868 people were injured. During the previous New Year’s holiday, seven people lost their lives and 664 were injured in motor vehicle crash¬ es on Illinois public roadways. Three of the seven fatalities On Wednesday Dec. Jib, students, senior helpers, parents and staff of the Mother Manley Liberal Arts High resulted from crashes involving at least one drinking driver. iS chool Little School program welcomed SMSgt. James Wynn home from Afghanistan with a surprisej^raftm. In 2009,911 people lost their lives in motor vehicle OTsh- iH e arrived at McAuley on the fourth thinking he would speak to the preschoolers, landing hb son, Coli^ about es on Illinois public roadways, marking the first time in the ib eing a soldier. Instead, he was welcomed by his wife, Meg, and younger daughter m he wm W to a plM^honor. Twentieth Century that Illinois experienced fewer than The ceremony included a procession of preschool studento carrying American flags Md singing patrio^ Little School teachers Mrs. Cheryl Dignan and Ms. Marictare Malinger offered a heai^clt thank yM on bdi^ of 1,000 fatalities on its roadways. Since then, Illinois has had the Little School staff and Mother McAuley for all he has done for the country. Sgt Wynn r^r^ from dnpr in 3 additional years with sub-1,000 highway fatalities. While Afghanbtan on November 8, Just in time for the holiday season. Thfa was hb sero^ tour of duty as part of the it appears the 2013 fatality total will once again fall below National Guard Air Force. He is employed with the Chicago PoBce Department whUe at hon^ 1,000, it is of concern that fatalities have risen slightly in “He has sacrificed time that could have been spent watching hb own children grow, to help keep onr country safe. the last two years and 2013 lodifs to be the third year in I am grateful to both him and hb wife, Meg, for the sacrifices that they have made," s^DIpan. which a fatality increase will be recorded. As of Friday, SMSgt Wynn was surprised and thankfuL Before leaving, he answered questions atent how he commn^ted Dec. 27th, motor vehicle fatalities were 21 higher than at with those at home during the seven moiitbs he was deployed. Every morning he used tte FaM^me appUCTWru on this point last year. his iPhone to talk to his family. There was a nine hour time difference, so ft was nsualty r^t before Conn^s bed¬ IDOT and law enforcement recommend designating a time. He had a special way to communicate with hb son. The USD provided the troops with books, ud alinos^ry sober driver and not letting friends and family members Sunday, Sgt. Wynn would videotape himself reading a book to CoBn. He b very gratefhl for the help the USO pro¬ drive drunk. These are just two of several simple steps to vided, and said he would never mbs an opportunity to donate to the USO. avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for drunk driving. Other The Mother McAuley Liberal Aits High School Littte School preschool program b open to aU memters of tM sur¬ important tips include: rounding community. New for the school year 2014-2015, LitOe School wIB offer a full ^y lirfi^a- • Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out tion wlU follow soon. For any questions, please call Mrs. Cheryl Dignan, Little SchoolDi^or, at 773-Wl-^^ and give that person your keys. Pictured: Vice Principal Sbter Lob Bromark, Principal Mrs. Cteudte Woodruff, Littte School teacher Ms. • If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, use mass transit or Mariclare Malinger, Uttle School Director Mrs. Cheryl Dignan, and the Wynn family call a sober fliend or family member to get you home safely. Construction Projects In Cook County • Use your community’s designated driver program. • Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement. Governor Pat (Juinn recently announced capital investments dets. • Wear your scat belt and make sure all pa^engers are of more than $18.6 million for construction projects in Cook Darien ™ n j n i.. safely buckled up. It is your best defense against a drunk County, all part of his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction 75th S^t froni A^ Sti^ to Plainfield 1^ ^1 driver. nroeram. The projects are part of Govetrwr (Juinn’s commit- improved with additional traffic Janes for $12,723,61X2 by To view a preliminary daily snapshot of Illinois crash data ment to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward. Central Blacktt^ Co., of LaGiange, the lowest of foin for 2013, visit httD://wrc.dot.il.gov/fatal “From bridge repairs to patching streets in area communi- bidders. The wcric will mvolve excavatitm, rtorrn scwot ^ crash/crashdata.asDX. ties these projects are taking care of our infiastructure in drainage, new pavement, curb and Mtter, a bicycle path, sides Cook County,’’Governor Quinn said. “The projects will also walks, guardrail, traffic signaU, landscapmg, stnping and Swallow Cliff Chapter employ a number of construction workers, which will help the sigis. locsl economy ** Noi thlulte The projects will be overseen by the Illinois Department of Traffic signals will be modernized on West G^ NSDAR Meeting Transportation front County Line Road to Northwest Avenue and North Wttf Bartl^ and Streamwood Road in Northlake. Hom^ Towne Electric, Inc. of LAe Vilb U S Route 20 (Lake Street) from Oak to Park Avenue will was the lowest of three bidders at $305,100. The Swallow Cliff Chapter be improved for $2,276,399 by Alliance Contractors, Inc. of River Grove u „ m of the Daughters of the Membership in the DAR is Woodstock the lowest of seven bidders. The work will A bridge carrymg Illuiois Route 171 over the Des Plames American Revolution will a unique opportunity to involve widening, resurfacing, shoulder work, and traffic sig- River will be repaired for $175,362 by D Constnicbon, Inc. of meet at 1 p.m. on Saturday, honor one’s lineage and her¬ nal modernization. Coal City, the lowest of five bidders. Jan. 18th at the Palos Heights itage as a descendant of a Blue Islund Tbornton Public Library, 12501 S. 71st patriot of the American The bridge joints will be replaced and the approach pave- One-quarter of a mile of Eleanor Street from Water to Avenue, Palos Heights. The Revolution. Prospective ment repaired on the stnictures carrying 1-57 over the Cal-Sag Williams Streets will be resurfaced for $194,328 by Galla^er NSDAR is a non-profit, non¬ members and guests from alt1 Channel The work will be done for $567,340 by D Asphalt Corporation ofThomton, the lowest of three birWers. political organization dedi¬ south and southwest suburbss Construction, Inc. of Coal City, the lowest of six bidders. These projects are part of Governor Quinn’s $31 billion cated to preserving American are welcome to attend. Forr Cook County Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than history, securing America’s further information, emailI The installation of LED traffic signals at various Cook 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is ^largest future through better educa¬ the chapter at swallowcliff-- County locations will be done for $2,511,109 by John Bums capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of Constmetion Company of Orland Park, the lowest of six bid- the largest capital construction programs in the nataon. tion, and promoting patriot- ALL NEW FACTORY TO YOU Mount Greonwood Mattresses from S78 Community Church Pillow Top Mattresses from S118 j DayBeds-$88 iUMW 3509 W. 111th SL, Chicago II60655 Futon with Pad-$198 Sofa&Loveseat-$488 (773) 236-0067 Church Office Bunk Bed-$168 Rediners-$248 Bedroom Sets—$308 Chests-^ $68 Morning Worship 9:30 AM FREE LAYAWAY EZ^>BdRN0CnB)ITNEEDB) Sunday School 11:30 AM Evening Worship 6KX) PM For a free nutrftk>n booklet wHh cancer Ughting recipes, call toll-free 1-8S6-906-WELL Como As Yi>u Aro 3844 W. 147th St„ Midlothian 708-371-3737 ■ or www.CMnc0rProj9ttorg WWW.FACTORYBEDDINGFURNITURE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 2,2»I4 - PAGE 3 Public Museum Capital Grants Program Accepting Appiications Public museums in Illinois can receive Public Museum Capital Grants Prograin funding assistance to improve museum facil¬ granted $15 million to 49 museums to proj¬ ities and develop new exhibits through the ects ranging firom expanded facilities to Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants exhibits and infrastructure improvements. Program. For detailed information on the application The Illinois Department of Natural process, museum eligibility, matching toitf Resources (iDNR), which administers the requirements, arrd a copy of the application program, is accepting applications from qual¬ form, check the web site at this link: ifying public museums. The deadline to apply http://www.museum.state.il.us/twoerani8/mu is S p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3rd. sgrnnts/. “Museums play a vital role in helping stu¬ Copies of the application toms can also be dents, families, and visitors to Illinois better obtained by contacting the Division of understand the culture, history, and ruitural Grants, Illinois Department of Natural heritage of local communities and of our Resources, One Natural Resources Way, state,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “The Springfield, IL 62702-1271, email Public Museum Ciqrital Grants Pro^am can DNR.Grant^llinois.eov. phone (217) 782- assist local public rmiseums in meeting their 7481. Leo Alumni Basketball Night educational missions by upgrading or expanding museum focilities.” Read,.. All Points A total of $20 million in funding from the state’s “Illinois Jobs Now!” capital program Fonr yean ago Leo Alamai AssociatioB started ha^g “Alnmai Night” basketball has been made available for public museum See Page 4 games, at which they have been spectators, not participants. The event started with 75 capital grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. The ainmni in the Leo’s spacions gym and has now f^wn and has been a very positive item maximum grant award for qualifying projects in what is now a very strong Alumni Association. for FY 2014 is $750,000. This year Ainmni Night vrill take place on Friday, Jan. 31st, a honw game against Projects will be reviewed sole-| Gordon Ihch. Once agafai, a brand new Leo bus wfll leave lh»m Father Perez Knights ly on the merit of the applica¬ ofColnmbnsIIall,3422 W. tilth St., at 6:15 pjn. for the 7:30 p.m. game. The hnswiD tion as presented; no ch^es retnm back to Peru Hall after the game for free pizza and a cash bar. As the evening wean on, the old stories will get a little longer. to the fiinding retpiest will be Invite yonr relatives, clammates, etc. for a Am filled n^t Girts are welcome at the initiated during the review Computers, Inc. game and at Perez HalL Tickets for the game are S5 at the door only. Parking is avail¬ process. able la the Leo lot acrom the streeL The level of local matchingsl^a les • ^rvice • recycling PIctnred are Leo Ainmni planning for the annnal basketball night. For more infor- funds requited to each proj- Vrinii this ad in and gst the followiag; nmtlon, contact Gene ’50 at (708) 63641827. ect is bo^ on die level of attendance at the rqiplicant 9WL off oor M 00 flat labor rati or ooMpotir nrair museum during the preceding Illinois Tornado Recovery News calendar year. Since the 29% off Coepottn that start at *100 gram is funded by ciqrital Free FIcetroRfe RseyeliHO development bonds, only This capsule of recent disaster recovery ered. Call 800^21-FEMA (3362) or visit a those museums operated by information is provided by the Federal Disaster Recovery Center if you have ques¬ 12f41 South Fulaskt Hoad or located upon land owned Emergency Management Agency. tions or ne<^ help’ftnding a rental property. Don’t let mUnfonnation ke^ yon ftnom You can ' also go Nestrent.coin or by a unit of local government Alsip, IL eOtOf registering for rUsaster assistMice. ’ IIHousinirSeaich.ore to identify available are eligible. Sometimes unexpected, tminsured expens¬ rental properties. In FY 2012, the Illinois 70t'92B-24\t es arise weeks or even months after a ^sas- FEMA decision letters are not the end of ter. For exanqrle, you might identify addition¬ the line for rfisaster assistance. al damitge to your home hr the spring udien After registering with FEMA, you will temperatures rise and contractors arc able to receive a letter explaining the status of your conduct a more comprehensive inspection. If iqqilication. The .letter may state fliat you re your insurance settlement is delayed, yon ineligible to assistance, but this isn’t neces- may qualify for temporary rental assistance if sarily a final decision. It is important to read your home is uninhabitable. Or you may the entire letter carefully because it states exhaust the aAtitinnal living expenses pro- exactly what needs to be submitted to poten- vided by your insurance company. FEMA tial federal assistance. If you have insurance, and U.S. Small Business Administration dis- you must submit all of your insurant mfor- aster assistance may help cover some of these mation to FEMA to review your eligibility, expenses. Sending your insurance declaration page is l^isUdng with FEMA is quick and easy, not sufficient. You need to subinit actual You should register even if you have insur- insurance settlement information. If you are ance and regardless of your income level or unsure of how to obtain this document, con- the level of Annaoe your home sustained, tact your insurance company, c^ the FEMA Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. helpline (800-621-FEMA) or visit a Disastw with a mobile device by using die FEMA app Recovery Center. Insurance documents will or going to m.fem^gov. or by calling 800- be reviewed, then an inspector may arrange a 621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or visit to the damaged home or ^jartmCTt to hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800- determine if there are unmsured, eligible 462-7585. losses. Federal disaster assistance may assist SBA tow-interest disaster loans are a in covering some expenses not cover^ by Personal Tour Night: major recovery funding source for Illinois, insurance. You can appeal FEMA’s decision. If you apply for assistance with FEMA and Aiqreals must be filed within 60 days of the are referred to die SBA, it’s important to sub- date of the determination letter. More infor- January 9, 2014 mit a low-interest disaster loan application to mation is available by calling 800-621- assure that the federal disaster recovery FEMA (3362) or by taking the letter to a process continues. You are not obligated to Disaster Recovery Center. You can locate the 6-7:30pm accept a loan, but fiiilure to complete and nearest • center by going to subinit the application may stop die FEMA fema gov/drelocator. grant process. Homeowners may be eligible Help is available to repair damaged vehi- for loans up to $200,000 for repairs. cies. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to If you had a vehicle damaged or destroyed borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace per¬ in one of the counties affected by the Nov. 17 Entrance Exam: sonal property. For businesses, loans are Illinois tornadoes, you may be ejigible for available up to $2 million to repair or replace federal disaster assistance. Even if you are disaster damaged teal estate, and other busi- not a resident of one of to designated coim- January 11, 2014 ness assets. Eligible small businesses and ties, you may still be eligible to this assis- non-profits can apply to Economic Injury lance if you were working or visiting one of Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working to counties. You must re^ster with FEMA to Sam capital needs caused ty to disaster. be considered to eligibility. In addition to You can apply online at FEMA assistance, homeowners and niMctCTl.oMn SRA gov/ela. For additional may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 information about SBA low-interest disaster through SBA’s low-interest disaster loan pro¬ loans. contact to SBA Disaster Assistance gram to repair or replace personal property. Customer Service Center by calling 80(^659- including automobiles damaged or destroyed (^UKliN ( / PKACli 2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing in to disaster. 1 Di«LsterCu5tonKlf^igg^^>d)a.gov or visit¬ lOinoia recovery photos and videoa avail¬ able m(.ii sciiixii ing sba.gfiK/disa^- . . Rental asrtstance is available if yon have Visit fema.eov/disasters/4157 to access been displaced as a resnlt of the storms. FEMA’s online library of photos and videos 76‘39 S- Linder Ave Burbank IL 60459 If vou are making repairs to or rebuilding documenting response^ reiroveiy to 708 458 7600 uueenntpeacehs.org ww to^you may b^gible for assistance the Nov..l7 storais and tornai^ in Illiimis. reM^to cover temporary rental TTic page also includes upda^ mforourtion SLraifyour home is uninhabitable-but and important messages regarding Illinois ytomust register with FEMA to be consid- recovery. PAGE 4 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 2,2«I4 Congressman Bobby JilT (Points MEMBER N/\ Rush Commenu On Southwest e)HpI\per A PBliiicalioa Cancellation Of Anoc^ilio^o - 1Fou4nded 18I8 5 or The CountyCare By THOMAS E. GAVIN I SfMithwcst Messenger Press Last week. Congressman Bobby L. Rush released the ]H anpy New Year to e«:h of our readers, advertisere, co-twikere. frie^t^ fiumly Inc. following statement about the ^,3 ^8. We look forward to a year filled with pfw^ty. cha^^ ^ Center for Medicare and ^ou r wtwld becomes a better place to raise pm children^ gram^k^. ^P™y »hat Lucinda K. Lysen Medicaid Services decision to . our elected officials demonstrate scamd judroimt ^ resptmsibilip^ exec^ cancel CountyCare for sen- ^th eir daily activities.’And we should be thankful for the samfices orbo8(^ Unnea M. Lysen Gavin iors and femilies: taiv community, and government who n^e our to^ ci^ “1 am in full support and “ho ods more livable for our foiiuliN each day. Here s hoping for a safis, healtiiy and pro¬ PUBUSHERS urge the Center for Medicare “ ductive 2014! PuMWtwl Evwy THURSDAY and Medicaid Services ™ will be served. For more infonnation con¬ THE PUBLISHB« OF (thCeM CSo)o tko gCroaunnt ttyh eH reeaqluthe sat nodf Illinois Stole Senator Bill Cunnin^tainis ttoac t the Administration Building at (708) MDLaiHWN-BRBi^M MESSeJGBI Hospital System (CCHHS) jm, ninding his constituents that wim uic 88.5 7-2225. OAK LAWN rJDS=0O0TT and Illinois DefMutment of New Year holiday comes a host of THE WORTH CmZBJ Health and Family Service ,l aws for Illinois residents. Laws affecting Secretory of State Jesse White has THE pyujos CmZEN (IL HFS), that would allow everything from social media privacy, to rree quited that AH Points reminds its read¬ HOKORYmUSBOmON CountyCare to continue to tanning bed regulation, to cell pliooc usage eeir s and motorists to celebrate the holiday TETVHBE TCGHRCEBA>GI ORN RTDKG CEO CUmHZBBTT oWpaeirvaeter auunthdoerri ty thfeo r 1a1 165 w.1 sht.i lAe fderwiv ionfgt hwei lml olaskt en oetfafbelcet cohna nJgaensu aarryc mAA ccordinsagf etoly W ahnidt e,n forto mdr i2n0k1 0a-n2d0 1d1r, ivthee. BEVSTLY NB/VS months transitional period - last year statistics were available national¬ MOUNT GHraWVOOO EXPRESS listed below. ,^ . 1® ALSPHXTTON from January 1,2014 dnough ' 1. Talking on a cell phone while dnvuig lly\ , alcohol-related fiitalitics decreased by SC»TTSOALE-ASHBURN NDEPENDBvTT June 30, 2014. is now banned, unless h is completely 44,. 8 percent statewide and by 2.5% nation- BRIX3B*W rOBPBOB^T “Without this transitioi^ Hh ands fit*. Blue Tooth headsets and sp^- ww ide. . . , . BURBANK-STXXNEY waiver, unceit^ty and dis- re rphone are still allowed as long as mey “I believe the decrease m alcohol-related ORLAND TOWNSHP MESSeJGBT orientation will result for *c an be activated by a voice-command or ddr «»lig is a direct result of the laws we have thousands of beneficiaries < passed, however we have more work to do. single-button touch. 2. Use of cmnmercial p tehnarto llheda vien CsoiuginiteydC aruep. and tst anning beds is banned for children under VVev ^enryeoende itnh eth seu sptpatoer tt oa ennds upraer ttkhqer saatfioetny ooff of“ Coau nfnyCi^alrye is asnu ecxcaemsspfulel ttin hien ga gtoe oanf 1in8.c rCeaosuendt ireissk s toufd iselsd nl inckan tcamn-, eoou r roads during the holidw season ana all Implementation of the Patient «e specially at a younger age. 3.17 year olds yy ear long,” Wmte said. “Don't drink and Protection and Affordable It hat will turn 18 before the day ofthe gen- dd rive.” EDITORIAL/OPINION PAGE Cc are Act, so far receiving tc ral election can now vote in primary elec¬ According to the National Highway over 125,000 aj^cations, |t ions. 4. New pet owners ^t purch^ 1T raffic Saf^ Administration: Judge Timothy C. Evans Statement «eann rdo lblriningg oinvge ri n6 5a,n0 0e0x cpeesosp olef js|t hicek c coaslts oafn dv edteorgins acrayn vbisei trse ifmorb uurps etdo f2o1r iiin • Ianlc 2o0h1o1l-, raenla etsetdim tarateffdi c9 ,8cr7a8s pheeos prluet dioiend- wide. These deaths constitute 31 percent of Here, in Cook CounW, any meaningful discussion on how lo,g ^$ 20“0CMou innt ynCewar er emveunsut ec. ontin- id,o apytiso anf ttoer e txhceh paunrgceh athwe. pTehte fyo ra las or ehfauvned .t h5e. vttlh e 32,367 total traffic fotalities. irmeqpuriorvese, ncootu rbty oppoelritaitciso.n As nmd uthsta tb dei scguususiMon mbyu swt bhea tg jruosutnicde^-. u“n eo uotnhdeerr msoemchea naiustmho erxitiys tas ri^n 'i faWce ea $ca5u0g fhint el.i tCteirginagre itnte Iblluinttos ias rwe iilnl ndo^w ce d• fIant aIllliitnieosi si,n t i2ie0r1e1 w, werhei c2h7 8w aakso 3h0o pl-errecleant-t ed in the facts. The Cook County Board President is not com- " the current timeframe to ed as litter. 6. Schools are harmed finm co f the 918 total cr^ fttolities. In 2010, pletely faidiful to the fact& i] allow over 65,000 enrolled rht!f;king students’ Facebook pages witin tth ere were 292 alcohol-related fiitalities. seTrvhiec eSsu mpr eImllien oCios,u artn ids Io vaeprpsleaeuidn gt heoffsoer tesf ftoor tism. pI raorvne oppreeitir itaoQl “b' meficiaries to seamlessly out permission. 7. The state speed limit According to the Illinois Department of any meaningful suggestions as to how our judges hearing crim¬ continue their care. , increases fiom 65 mph to. 70 mph. 1T ransportation (lEIOT): inal matters can more efficiently handle their ever growin„g “The transition period Counties near Chicago and St Louis have • During the 2012 Christinas weekend, workload. However, prtwress is stalled when we are cuttin^g u‘ nder the waiver authority theability tooptoutS. Finesforroeeding: tt here were ten crash .fatalities statewide, comers and receiving only five cents of every tax dollar from° r* equested by CCHHS and IL; in construction zones while workors are; tt woofwl^ die County Bo«ud President HFS, is the best option for, not present were lowered. Additionally, were alcohol-related. There were 529 Since I took office m 2001, the court’s operating budget ha,5s current beneficiaries becausei fines were increased for qieeding in con- It raffic injuries, which is approximately been cut 24.4 percent—from SlTS.ftmillion to $135.6 million1,^. it requires no further action on' struction zones if workers are present 0.. 18% of the 2,852 total motor vehicle Our pretrial services, as well as our probation departmen«t. 't heir p^ provides continuity, To help protect schoolchildren, cameras1 ic radles. can be improved. 1 have been striving to improve bond court 'o f medkal care, coordinationI will be placed on school buses to watch forr • During the 2012 New Year’s weekend, operations since 2008, but f have been blocked, especialllyy 'op ef rcmairtee fboern ebfeincieafriiceisa rtihees ,a abnild-. (ffivers ^t pass stopped buses. 10. If aI It here were six crash fatalities, of when 1 first b^an to seek funding from the Cook Count^y Ii ty to continue to access overr divorited couple has pint custody of chil-• w' hich were alcohol-related. There were Board to fimd a stand-alone pretrial services program. The ' { dien, one patent must ask the otho'if he or •4 75 traffic iiijuries, u^ch is approximate¬ 1,000 providers and 138 cicoeusr te fhfaosr tn hoat sr ebceeeinv ecdr eaa tseindg blye ptaekrin^g. Opeurrs oennntierle apnrdet rpioasl istieorvn,w¬5sj 'oi nfcfilcued es loalcla titohnes , Fedwerhailclyh1f bsheefo wreo uhliirii nligk es otmo etaoknee cealrsee .o IfI t.h eIn cshteialddr oaif iIlc yr as1h8e%s. of the 2,623 total motor vehicle from the Adult Pn^iation Department. We have been robbin^g Qualified Health Centers in1 being forced to throw extra wine away at a Peter to pay Paul, as die saying goes. ^ Cook County. restaurant or winery, they can now cork an The Illinois Department _ of Presidmt Preckwinkle, on December 15, 2013, rmsspokgef “Following flie transitionn unfinished bottle to send home witii you. Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois when she said, “We have fulfilled the chief judge’s itxpiests foler period, CountyCare will con-- The vrine must be re-corked and plac^ in Tollway has aimounced the locations extra positions throughout the year.” That simply is not trujej. tinue as a managed care plann a tamper-evident bag.^ where Interstate speed limits will We had to wait until November of this year before she wouyld. or as a managed care commu¬ increase from 65 to 70 miles-per-hour approve the hiring of 23 probation officers. We have been tryt¬e nity network. Triton Collet’s School of Continuing when a new law takes effect January I, ing since 2008 to get the go-ahead from Cook County to ^ “This will allow beneficiar¬' Education is offering a new course that is 2014. Senate Bill 2356 was signed into replace the probation departtnent’s outdated information sys¬ ies to stay in a mariaged cw^ in response to the passing of the Illinois law in AugusL increasing the maximum temTh. e President wants the public to believe that the j,a i. l i. s over¬ arrangement that is in lin^e law that allows for individuals to carry a speed limit on Illinois Interstates from 65 crowded because judges arc not doing Ihcir jobs. According "ttoo widi state goals, and tiie over¬ concealed wemxm. The course will pro- to 70 mph, where deemed reasonable and the facts, this is simply not true. all goals of the Affordabl^e vide individuals with the education and safe. Drivers must to continue to watch From June 1, 2013, through November 30,2013, more thaann Care Act. The arrangemen?t* training needed to apply for the CoiKealed for signs and obey the posted speed lim¬ 33,000 persons had bond hearings in that five month period. COXf provides affordable and reli¬ Carry License in Illinois. its. those, judges gave recognizance bonds to 6,430, electronnikc able care to hundreds o"f Approved by the Illinois State Police and “IDOT crews will begin to remove the monitoring to 5,552 and D-bonds to 5,882, potentially div^jt-- Illinoisans. I urge CMS t°o the Illinois Community College Board, the old 65 mph signs and install the new 70 ing more than 17,800, or 53%, from the jail. And is the jaaiill grant this transitional waiveJr course ffilfills the 16-hour state retruire- mph signs in the designated areas early overcrowded? Facts will show there are open beds. As of Juantee request and provide t,o, ment and will include lessons on basic January to comply with the new law, but 1 2013 there were 10,155 persons being held in the jail. As ooff CCHHS and IL HFS the nec- firearm safety and Illinois state and feder- it’s very important that motorists obey Ijte essaiy authority as they seek December 19, 2013, there were 9,272. According to the al laws regaraing the ca^ of a concealed the posted speed limits,” said Illinois ^as to deliver anordable and Sheriff, the bed capacity of the jail in Febniaiy 2013 was handgun. The course will also include an Transportation Secretary Ann L. 10,157. This summer he and President Preckwinkle added 917700 Reliable health care to the hour of training at a firing range in Schneider. additional beds in the new medical unit. As of December 1199, people of Cook County.” Lombard. “We remind our customers to always 2013, that results in 1,855 open beds. St. Linus Zumbathont “Triton has a very strong criminal justice obey the posted speed limit while driving The judges and 1 arc working through several option to program and a long history of training first on the Tollway and all Illinois roads, improve and enhance court operations. I have been directing a Fitness Fundraiser responders, which will be leveraged to said Illinois Tollway Executive Director review of the Adult Probation Department since mid-sumn^ provide a high quality CCW education for Kristi Lafleur. “The new 70 mph speed of this year to identify and resolve issues. The Juvenile Justice FTC Zumbathon a fitnessss our district residents,” said Paul Jens^ limit goes into effect on segments of our Division is partnering with a nationally renowned organization fundraising event will blee Dean of the School of Continuing system that can accommodate the hi^er to prepare for the infuix of 17 year-olds come January 1. While Cook County judges are meeting the national standard in dis¬ held Friday, Jan. 10th at thlee Education. speed while still maintaining the safety posing of 80% of the felony cases filed within one year, there St. Linus School Gymg , To enroll, students must have a Firearm of our customers, which is always our Owners Identification (FOID) card, which primary concern.” is always room for improvement. We arc working collabora- 10400 Lawler Ave. in Oak ^ must be shown on the first day of class. Once the new law goes into effect, lively with the State’s Attorney, the Public Defender, the City Lawn. Doors open at 6 p.m. of Chicago, and the Illinois Slate Police. We believe we have and Zumba will be from 7 to' The course is $249. For class dates and approximately 87 percent of Interstate igdoeanl.t iIfni^cliumdpedo ratamnot nsgte pths etshea ts cteapns b ea rtea kreend utoc ihnegl pt hues rpeearciho dth oatf 9 p.m. Join FTC for two® timTreist,o nv isailts ow owfwfe.rtsri teodnu.ceadtuio/CnC aWnd. training hInigtehrwstaatyess uanndde r I9D8O Tp’es rJcuernistd icotfio nr uwrialll lime between the preliminary hearing and the assignment call, hours of fun with Amanda in Basic Security and a 20-hour Firearms be increased to 70 mph. Araproximately from21 days to 14 days and working with the City of Chicago Morell. Tickets are $15 pre¬ handling course. 28 percent of the Tollway’s 286-mile sys¬ and the Illinois Slate Police to make evidence available in court sale or $20 at the doo>rr.. For more information, call Triton’s tem will be increased to 70 mph. more quickly. ■ • , Tickets are available at thhee School of Continuing Education at (708) The new law includes an additional We also would like to be able to supply the 47 Criminal rectory or call (773) 4155-- 456-0300, Ext. 3500. safety provision, which lowers the limit Division judges with more law clerks to help them research the 4562. •** by five mph at which drivers may be laws on sentencing and other pertinent matters.Unlike others, Water will be provideedd The Oak Lawn Park District Board of charged by law enforcement with exces- the judiciary is obligated to hear both sides and weigh the facte and there will be free cha,ii,r. Commissioners have announced that a. sive speeding. Currently, the threshoio evenly before making decisions. No one kriows more clearly .L Grand Re-Opening of the Community for penalties is 31 mph over the limic massages. The evenL which than the judiciary that iustice delayed is justice denied. Q Pavilion (9401 S. Park Ave.) will take: The new law lowers that threshoW to zo We believe the comt should receive the necessary funding will benefit St. Linus FTC,' place Saturday, Jan. Ilth. Ribbon cutting; mph over the limit, in an effort to ftixn the County Board and the Cook County Board President is designed for all fitne^ss ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Refreshments1 increase safety on Illinois roads. to help judges do justice for the people of Cook County. levels.