Crete eyes removal of ‘several hundred’ ash trees

by Dennis Sullivan
editor@ewcnews.com
Oct. 15, 2013

Crete Public Library Trustee Phyllis Monks reminded the Crete Village board the library would hold its grand reopening Saturday. ‘No refreshments this time,’ Monks said, joking, ‘We do not want to see a spot on our new carpet.’

Crete Public Works employees have taken down 10 Ash trees as part of a municipal program intended to remove trees killed by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive Asian insect, from parkways.

“If I were guessing, I would say several hundred” ash trees are on village properties, Public Works Supt. Phil Hameister told Eastern Will County News after Monday evening’s Crete Village board meeting.

During the meeting Village Administrator Tom Durkin reported separating ash trees by address on a tree inventory conducted in 1997.

Durkin said each tree will be inspected to “get an indication of what stage of dying the tree is at.”

Durkin said the goal is to remove infected ash trees before they fall over.

“It’s a very sturdy tree – at least it was at one point,” Durkin said.

The Emerald Ash Borer lays eggs under the outer bark. The eggs grow into larvae and pupae, which feed off the tree – cutting off the tree’s circulation system in the process. The tree starves and is dead within two to three years.

Durkin acknowledged there is a treatment, “but it’s expensive.”

Trustees didn’t discuss how much it would cost to remove the trees or where the money would come from — issues raised at the last board meeting.

Trustee Holly Milburn said ashes are among Main Street trees marked for removal by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“If you want to see what it looks like,” Milburn said, “look for the hot pink markings.”

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Original material copyright 2013 Eastern Will County News; all rights reserved

Convicted armed robber charged in Crete weapons arrest

by Dennis Sullivan
editor@ewcnews.com
Oct. 14, 2013

Taylor

Park Forest resident Kori T. Taylor, 28, of the 200 block of Indianwood Boulevard is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court Oct. 28 for a preliminary hearing on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and being a gang member in a vehicle with a firearm.

Each charge carries a sentencing range of up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Crete Police arrested Taylor on Oct. 5.

Convicted of armed robbery in Lake County, Ill., Taylor was paroled in June 2012 after serving half of his 10-year sentence. Eastern Will County News previously reported his charge as unlawful use of a weapon, a misdemeanor.

BEECHER
Beecher resident Shelby Oosting, 22, of the 1400 block of Foxhound Trail is scheduled to appear in Cook County court Nov. 12 on charges of DUI, trespassing on railroad property and improper lane use. Orland Park Police arrested Oosting on Sept. 21 near the intersection of 145th Street and West Avenue after she allegedly drove onto railroad tracks in an attempt to evade a passing squad.

Two checks and $100 cash were reported stolen Oct. 3 from a commercial building on the 3300 block of East Brunswick Road.

Mark T. O’Kelly is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 1 in Will County Circuit court on a charge of driving 40 mph above the posted speed limit. Beecher Police arrested O’Kelly during an Oct. 7 traffic stop that also saw him charged with operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

CRETE
Power tools, hand tools, and welding and torching equipment were reported stolen Oct. 1 from a locked vehicle parked at a business on the 1200 block of East Burville Road. The theft occurred sometime after Sept. 1.

An attempted break-in was reported Oct. 3 at a shed on the 24000 block of South Kings Road.

A phone charger, GPS unit and digital camera were reported stolen Oct. 3 from an unlocked vehicle on the 24000 block of South Kings Road.

CDs and loose change were reported stolen Oct. 4 from an unlocked vehicle on the 1300 block of West Broadview Avenue.

A 28-year-old Crete resident from the 1500 block of South Main Street charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with an Aug. 18 traffic stop by Crete Police was jailed Friday after he allegedly failed a mandatory drug test. Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

MONEE
An 18-year-old Monee male from the 6000 block of Industrial Drive is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court Tuesday for a pretrial hearing on a charge of criminal damage to property in connection with an alleged incident at Aunt Martha’s on Sept. 27. Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

PEOTONE
Manteno resident Michael A. Freeston, 20, of the 2300 block of East Watson Avenue is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court Nov. 12 for a preliminary hearing on a charge of possession of a controlled substance stemming from his Oct. 7 arrest by Peotone Police. The charge carries a sentencing range of up to three years in prison if convicted.

Manteno resident Jacob T. Evans, 19, of the 500 block of Water Tower North was charged with DUI during an Oct. 7 traffic stop by Peotone Police for driving 11-14 mph above the posted speed limit. Evans is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 23 in Will County Circuit court.

Manhattan resident Rudy J. Hucko, 45, of the 24100 block of Bayto Bay Boulevard was charged with DUI during a Sept. 28 traffic stop by Peotone Police for improper lane use. Hucko is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 23 in Will County Circuit court.

STEGER
Steger resident John Kosman, 39, of the 3400 block of Sangamon is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 26 in Will County Circuit court on charges of DUI with a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit and improper use of a turn signal. Will County Sheriff’s Police arrested Kosman on Oct. 6 at the intersection of West River Road and Baltimore Street near Wilmington.

A 24-year-old Sauk Village woman from the 2600 block of Marigold Drive is scheduled to appear at a pretrial hearing in Will County Circuit court Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery and criminal damage to property. Steger Police arrested her on Sept. 7.

UNIVERSITY PARK
Lansing resident Kewon Seals, 23, of the 18200 block of Exchange Avenue was arrested Wednesday by University Park Police on two counts of aggravated domestic battery and one count of aggravated battery/great bodily harm to a peace officer. Each charge carries a sentencing range of up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

University Park resident Tina R. Thomas, 40, of the 700 block of Spring Court was arrested Wednesday on a charge of aggravated battery/use of deadly weapon in connection with her arrest by University Park Police. The charge carries a sentencing range of up to five years if convicted.

A 22-year-old University Park woman from the 700 block of Red Oak Lane is scheduled to appear at a pre-trial hearing in Will County Circuit court Tuesday on a charge of attempting to disarm a peace officer. The incident allegedly occurred in University Park Police on Sept. 6. Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

A 21-year-old University Park man from the 400 block of Fairway Lane was booked into the Will County Adult Detention Facility Sunday morning by University Park Police in connection with an alleged domestic battery offense. He was scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court this morning for a bond hearing. Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because he hadn’t been formally charged with a felony at the time the item was posted.

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Original material copyright 2013 Eastern Will County News; all rights reserved

Weekly calendary of events

Events calendar for Friday-through-Friday

by Dennis Sullivan
editor@ewcnews.com
Oct. 11, 2013

Weekly events calendar for Eastern Will County. Submissions accepted with gratitude. Please email contributions & comments.

===============
FRIDAY, OCT 11
===============

Crete Park District;
K of C Fish Fry, Steger, 5 p.m. St. Liborius Parish Hall. Charge

Drive 4 Ur School fundraiser
Peotone Junior High School, Noon-5 p.m.
Each participant earns $20 for the foundation. Must be at least 18.

==================
SATURDAY, OCT 12
==================

Crete Euro Market – LOCATION CHANGE – Cass Street between Main Street and Wood Street 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 12th from 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Last market of 2013.

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6 a.m. to noon, for recyclable items

Crete Park District;

State Rep. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago)
“Coffee and Conversation” with Peotone-area constituents
10 a.m. to noon
Peotone Village Hall (Board Room)
208 E. Main St., Peotone

State Rep. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago)
“Coffee and Conversation” with Sauk Village-area constituents
Sauk Village Hall
21801 Torrence Ave., Sauk Village
1-3 p.m.

Flamenco Passion
“Quejios – Cries in the Air”
8 p.m.
Governors State University/Center for Performing Arts
$25
Directed by Chiara Mangiameli; guest singer Alfonso Cid
A sampling of food and wine native to the region will be offered one hour prior to the show, along with a discussion on the cultural history of Spanish flamenco.

===============
SUNDAY, OCT 13
===============

===============
MONDAY, OCT 14
===============

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items
Crete Village board, 7 p.m., Crete Village Hall
Beecher village board 7 p.m.

Family Fun/Halloween Craft
5 p.m. Steger-South Chicago Heights Library
Advance registration (755-5040) required; $1 per plate.

Chicago Southland Graduate Fair
Governors State University – Hall of Governors
3-7 p.m.
Free program addresses post-graduate opportunites at dozens of schools. 

================
TUESDAY, OCT 15
================
Crete Park District;
Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items
Beecher Community Library Board meets at 7 p.m. at the library.

===================
WEDNESDAY, OCT 16
===================

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items
Crete Park District;

Beecher SD200-U Board of Education meeting
7-9 p.m.
Beecher High School Library, 538 Miller St.

=================
 THURSDAY, OCT 17
=================

Crete Park District;

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

Coffee and Conversation @ The Community Center
9-10 a.m. Steger Community Center
Adults
Contact: Michael Ayala, 755-5040

Crete-Monee High School Boys Varsity Soccer
Versus Rich South
at Rich South
4:30-6:30 p.m.

Steger Elementary Board of Education Meeting
7 p.m. at at Columbia Central Middle School, Room 125.

Couponing 101
Beecher Community Library
7 p.m.
Program intended to be of interest to the inexperienced and experienced. Presented by Norma Jones, a local coupon expert and moderator of the Simply Couponing Facebook site. Refreshments provided.

==============
FRIDAY, OCT 18
==============
Crete Park District;
Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

Bloom Trail High School
* Homecoming Pep Rally
* Key Club – Spirit of the Oaks
* Spirit Week

Crete-Monee High School Senior Night Football Game
Varsity Football Vs. Rich South
 6:30-9 p.m. at Crete-Monee Stadium Fields
Raising money and awareness for Breast Cancer

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Original material copyright 2013 Eastern Will County News; all rights reserved

Grassroot group cheers one Illiana vote, braces for another

Virginia Hamann says CMAP advisory vote was a ‘huge step.’

Members of a bi-state grassroots group opposed to the proposed toll way between Wilmington, Illinois and Crown Point, Indiana are applauding the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning‘s vote against funding the project.

CMAP’s 10-4 vote to exclude the Illiana Tollway from its Go To 2040 long-range transportation plan “is a huge step in our favor,” said No Illiana 4 Us member Virginia Hamann.

Hamann, a Peotone-area dairy farmer, said CMAP’s advisory vote not to list the Illiana among regional infrastructure projects that should be funded sets the stage for more lobbying by opponents.

Hamann is calling on other members of her organization to lobby the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is scheduled to vote Thursday, Oct. 17 on the issue. It originally was also scheduled to vote Wednesday.

The MPO, the decision-making body for regional transportation plans and programs, needs a supermajority of 12 votes to add the toll way to the 2040 plan.

“Now we have to get 10 of the 19 votes next week at the MPO Policy Committee,” Hamann said in an email to No Illiana 4 Us members.

State Rep Elgie Sims
in Peotone Saturday
Members of the grassroots group also hope to discuss the issue with State Rep. Elgie Sims, who is scheduled to visit the Peotone Village Hall from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Opposition grows
Once the lone opponent, the No Illiana 4 Us group has picked up some politically heavy allies. The Chicago Tribune, which editorialized in September against the roadway, predicted Wednesday that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s appointees to CMAP would vote against the Illiana in the vote later that day.

Robert Howard

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle also opposes the project, which has lost the support of early advocate Mike Einhorn. The Crete mayor says its location would do little to alleviate congestion on Interstate 80 or help his village’s fledgling intermodal developments.

Illinois Department of Transportation plans place the Illiana’s east-west right of way more than 20 miles south of the interstate and at least seven miles south of Crete.

Will County board still supports
But advocates include the Will County board, which voted in September to formally ask CMAP to include the Illiana Roadway on its fiscally constrained major capital project list.

County Board Member Robert Howard, D-Beecher, presented the resolution in his role as chairman of the board’s legislative and policy committee. Howard is one of two county board members representing Eastern Will County. Judy Ogalla, R-Monee, opposes the Illiana.

S.V. man charged with defrauding bank, ID theft

by Dennis Sullivan
editor@ewcnews.com
Oct. 7, 2013

Herman

Sauk Village resident Alan A. Herman was arrested Tuesday by New Lenox Police on one count of defrauding a financial institution, one count of forgery and two counts of identity theft.

The offenses allegedly occurred Sept. 23-25 and involved  a Manhattan, Ill. bank and a 44-year-old Sauk Village man.

Herman, 35, of the 21400 block of Peterson Avenue  is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court Oct. 26 for a preliminary hearing.

He remained in the Will County Adult Detention Facility this morning in lieu of $2,500 cash bail.

Each count carries a sentencing range of up to five years in prison if convicted.

BEECHER

• A Polaris ATV was stolen from a pole barn on the 2500 block of East Brunswick Road on Sept. 12.
• A 55-year-old Beecher man from the 1000 block of Sycamore Street was arrested Tuesday on a charge of domestic battery in connection with an alleged incident at his home. He is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court Wednesday for a pretrial hearing.  Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

CRETE
Will County Sheriff’s Police say a 22-year-old Crete-area man from the 400 block of East Exchange Street was seriously injured when his vehicle veered off the road at the intersection of Klemme Road and Pine Drive, went into a ditch, struck a utility pole, caught the front end of an embankment, flipped over, and rolled onto its side before coming to rest on the driver’s side. Crete Township Fire Protection District transported the patient to St. Margaret’s Hospital in Dyer, Ind.; he was subsequently transferred to Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn with possible internal injuries. Sheriff’s Police said he was texting when he lost control of the vehicle. Other recent Crete-area incidents include the following:

• Power lines were cut inside a cell tower building on the 900 block of Goodenow Road on Sept. 20.
• Two Coach-brand purses, two checkbooks, a wallet badge-holder, a gold star and identification of a retired Dixmoor police officer were taken from an unlocked vehicle near the intersection of Illinois 394 and Richton Road on Sept. 27.
• Someone rummaged through an unlocked vehicle and camper parked on the 24000 block of South Volbrecht Road on Sept. 23. Nothing was immediately reported missing.
• Will County Sheriff’s Police are seeking charges of battery and resisting a peace officer against a 30-year-old Crete-area woman who allegedly grappled with deputies called to her home on Sept. 12. No charges had been approved by the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office as of this morning.
• A 41-year-old Crete resident from the 800 block of Rosedale Terrace is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court today on a charge of battery stemming from an alleged incident Monday involving a Chicago woman in unincorporated Will County.  Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

MONEE

• Manteno resident Michelle M. Damm is scheduled to be arraigned Friday on charges of DUI and unlicensed driving. Damm, 38, of the 800 block of White Tail Bend was arrested during a Sept. 22 traffic stop on the 28000 block of South Will-Center Road by Will County Sheriff’s Police.

PARK FOREST

• A 28-year-old Park Forest man from the 200 block of Indianwood Boulevard is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court today for a bond hearing in connection with a charge of unlawful use of a weapon. Crete Police booked him into jail Friday evening. The man, convicted of armed robbery in Lake County, Ill., was paroled in June 2012 after serving half of his 10-year sentence.  Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the man because he hasn’t yet been formally charged by the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.
• A 21-year-old Park Forest man from the 200 block of Kentucky Street was arrested Sept. 10 after allegedly stealing from the Speedway Gas Station, 19730 S. Harlem Ave. in Frankfort. He is scheduled to return to Will County Circuit court Wednesday.  Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.
• A 23-year-old Park Forest man from the 400 block of Shabbona Drive is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court Monday on a charge of domestic battery in connection with an alleged Sunday evening incident in New Lenox.  Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

PEOTONE

• A 43-year-old Peotone man’s drunk-driving charge has been upgraded to aggravated DUI to reflect the allegation he was driving on a suspended or revoked license when arrested by Peotone Police on Aug. 25. Michael A. Coulter of the 600 block of Schroeder Avenue allegedly disregarded a stop sign when he was stopped by police. He is scheduled to return to court Oct. 18.
• A digital camera and key ring containing several keys were stolen during a Sept. 12 residential burglary on the 28000 block of South Harlem Avenue. A pole barn window was also broken out.
• A 20-gauge shotgun was stolen during a Sept. 17 break-in at a business on the 32400 block of Egyptian Trail.
• Two pole barns – one on the 32000 block of South Ridgeland Avenue and one on the 6000 block of West Kennedy Road – were broken into on Sept. 17 but nothing was immediately reported taken.
• A business on the 6000 block of West Kennedy Road was broken into on Sept. 17 but nothing was immediately reported missing.
• A 22-year-old Peotone man from the 6900 block of Kennedy Road is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court Friday for a pretrial hearing on a charge of disorderly conduct. Will County Sheriff’s Police arrested him on the charge on July 24.  Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

SAUK VILLAGE

• Two horse pads and 325 pounds of sweet feed were stolen from a storage trailer on Steger Road near Torrence Avenue on Sept. 24.
• Spurs, hats, two show halters, and two show blankets were stolen from a horse trailer on Steger Road between Torrence and Burnham avenues during a Sept. 21 break-in.

STEGER

• Steger resident John Kosman, 39, of the 3400 block of Sangamon Street is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court this afternoon on a charge of DUI resulting from an early Sunday morning traffic stop by Will County Sheriff’s police for making an improper turn.

UNIVERSITY PARK

• A purse was stolen from an unlocked vehicle at the Amoco Gas Station, 24525 S. Western Ave. on Sept. 11.

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Original material copyright 2013 Eastern Will County News; all rights reserved

Events calendar: Friday, Oct 4. through Friday, Oct. 11

by Dennis Sullivan
editor@ewcnews.com
Oct. 4, 2013

Crete Park District’s four-week family- and kid-friendly Family- kid-friendly hip hop dance sessions begin Monday at the Willard Wood Park Center, 515 1st St.

Weekly events calendar for Eastern Will County Submissions accepted with gratitude. Please email contributions & comments.

Special Notice: The Village of Crete Water Department is flushing fire hydrants through Nov. 1. As in the past, signs will be posted in the specific subdivisions where flushing is occurring. The water remains safe for drinking and bathing, but rust produced during the flushing could discolor laundry.

===============
FRIDAY, OCT 4
===============

Crete Park District events

K of C Fish Fry, Steger, 5 p.m. St. Liborius Parish Hall. Charge

==================
SATURDAY, OCT 5
==================

Annual Crete Fire Protection District Open House
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Station No. 1, Bemes Road and Stoney Island Avenue.
Includes noon visit by U. of Chicago Medical Center’s medical helicopter. Other activities include child photo identification by Will County Sheriff’s Police, blood drive, station tours, apparatus on display and fire extinguisher simulator.

Euro Market; Crete United Methodist Church parking lot

Crete Park District events

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6 a.m. to noon, for recyclable items

Crete Bulldogs Youth Football & Cheerleading pep rally 3-5 p.m. at Victory Fields in Crete.

Bloom Trail Varsity Football vs. Rich South
at Rich South
12 noon

Morning Bird Hike
Bird Watching, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing
8-10 a.m.
Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Ages 16 and older
Search for late migrants and winter residents during half-mile to one-and-a-half-mile hike. Short introduction to sandhill cranes. Dress for the weather.
Free, but registration required: 946-2216

===============
SUNDAY, OCT 6
===============

Crete Bulldogs Homecoming
Monee football field, Fireman’s Park
5130 W. Court St.
First game: 10 a.m. Games run all day.

===============
MONDAY, OCT 7
===============

Crete Park District events

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

Crete-Monee School District Board of Education
Superintendent Search Firm Planning Meeting
6:30-9 p.m.
District Office Board Room

Steger Village Board meeting
7 p.m.
Village Hall, 35 W. 34th St.

Family- kid-friendly hip hop
Crete Park District
Willard Wood Park Center
515 1st St.
6-6:45 p.m.: ages 5-9
7-8 p.m. ages 10 and older
Four-week dance session introduces children to old school and new school hip hop music, but not “inappropriate street music.” Teaches dance rhythm, creative movement, understanding and appreciation of music, as well as dance vocabulary and dance etiquette.

Hip Hop sneakers or tennis shoes and loose fitting clothing required. No jeans permitted.
Charge.

================
TUESDAY, OCT 8
================

Crete Park District events

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

Beecher Volleyball Sign Up
6-8 p.m.
Community Center
The Program will start Oct. 27 and run through Dec. 1 at Beecher Junior High School.
For More Details

University Patrk Village Board
7 p.m.
90 Towncenter

===================
WEDNESDAY, OCT 9
===================

Crete-Monee School District Board of Education
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30-9 p.m.
District Office Board Room

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

Crete Park District events

=================
THURSDAY, OCT 10
=================

Crete Park District events

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

==============
FRIDAY, OCT 11
==============

Crete Park District events

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

H.S. Varsity Football
Bloom Trail Vs. Crete-Monee
at Crete-Monee
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Crete-Monee High School Stadium Fields

Crete-Monee School District Board of Education
Personnel Committee Meeting
8:30-10:30 a.m.
District Office Board Room

Chicks at the Flicks
After-hours romantic comedy
Peotone Public Library
515 N. First St., Peotone
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Movie starts at 6:30 p.m.
Advance registration: 258-3436

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Original material copyright 2013 Eastern Will County News; all rights reserved

Crete mayor, trustees talk trees

‘Crowning’ of ash tree’s upper branches indicate infestation. Photo Credit: Joseph O’Brien, USDA Forest Service, http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=5038045#sthash.zgw6QhDJ.dpuf

The need to replace parkway ash trees infected by an invasive Asian beetle has prompted Crete officials to consider establishing a municipal nursery and reactivating a program that subsidizes resident’s tree purchases.

But Mayor Mike Einhorn says the village first needs to have a clear idea of what – and where – it wants the new trees to be.

Trustee Mark Wiater said an inventory of Crete’s trees, performed several years ago, suggested the village had an ample supply of silver maples.

Trustee Holly Milburn, speaking during the Sept. 23 village board discussion, said there’s also the issue of paying for the trees. “We already know what’s in the budget: Nothing,” she said, displaying paperwork.

Unfortunately, that’s an optimistic assessment, Einhorn responded. “You are actually overdrawn.”

A village tree nursery?
One possibility ties in with Trustee Dean Gaffney’s inventory of village-owned real estate.

“With as much vacant property as we have, we could literally start our own nursery,” Einhorn said.

“That’s not such a bad idea,” Trustee Steve Johnson responded. “Put ‘em in the ground and let ‘em grow.”

Milburn agreed, noting Richton Park “has done that.” Their nursery “backs up to the on-ramp” at Interstate 57.

Front of an Emerald Ash Borer’s head. Photo Credit: A. Kennedy http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=2159012#sthash.j6C7qBbR.dpuf

Einhorn said Crete has eliminated 39 trees infested by the Emerald Ash Borer from village parkways, with the likelihood that “more will need to go over time.”

Reimbursing residents
Milburn and Trustee Larry Johnston, responding to Trustee Dan Taylor’s suggestion to consider reimbursing – to some extent – residents for their tree purchases, said they liked the idea and recalled Crete covered part of the cost of their tree purchases years ago.

In the meantime, village employees are attempting to accommodate residents by first cutting off dead branches, Einhorn said. “But as a practical matter, cutting them out isn’t going to stop it. That tree is going to die anyway.”

The Public Works chipper truck will continue to be out until the week of Oct. 28. Village officials ask that branches be no larger than eight inches in diameter, and that the cut side faces the curb. Small branches, twigs, and leaves are acceptable and encouraged to be placed in the yard waste container, provided by Allied Waste.

In a related action, trustees intend to amend the current tree code to state that an arborist would be called to make a decision in cases when a property owner contests village plans to take down an allegedly infected or infested tree.

Info about the Emerald Ash Borer

Tunneling from Emerald Ash Borer larvae and pupae. Photo Credit: Michigan Department of Agriculture http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1241012#sthash.gOUvDFkZ.dpuf

An adult Emerald Ash Borer is one-third of an inch to half an inch long, metallic-green and slender. Its black compound eyes cover most of the side of its flattened head. Short antennae extend from the face, then curve back to just past the eyes. The upper side of the abdomen is copper to purplish, and is visible when the wings are open.

It is believed to have arrived in the United States in 2002, via Detroit.

The adult beetles colonize a tree by laying eggs on the bark and in bark crevices on the trunk and branches.

The larvae tunnel beneath the bark and feed on a layer of live cells between the bark and the sapwood. The tunneling creates S-shaped or serpentine patterns.

The larval tunnels eventually “girdle” the trunk, cutting off the tree’s ability to move nutrients and water upwards. The tree then starts to die from the top down – foliage on the tree wilts and the canopy may appear sparse.

Although it can take up to two years for a tree to exhibit problems, severely attacked trees may exhibit crown dieback from the top down in the first year of infestation.

Increased woodpecker activity on a tree also indicates infestation.

Crete-area woman charged with bringing drugs into jail

Rankins

by Dennis Sullivan
editor@ewcnews.com
Sept. 30, 2013
A 34-year-old Crete-area resident was charged Wednesday with bringing a controlled substance into a penal institution shortly after being sentenced to 30 days in jail on a traffic conviction.

Tiffany S. Rankins of the 24600 block of South Stone Ridge Lane is scheduled to return to Will County Circuit court on Oct. 17 for a preliminary hearing on the Class 1 felony charge, which carries a sentencing range of up to 15 years if convicted.

Rankins, who pleaded guilty Wednesday to driving on a suspended license on Nov. 6 in Beecher also received 24 months probation.

She remained in the Will County Adult Detention Facility this morning in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

CRETE

C. Shorette

M. Shorette

Two Crete men, one 35 and the other 32, are scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court Oct. 17 on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. Christopher D. Shorette and Michael J. Shorette, both of the 1300 block of Selleck Street, were arrested on the charge Wednesday by Crete Police. The charge carries a sentencing range of up to three years in prison, if convicted. The younger Shorette is currently on probation from a July 2 battery conviction. That incident occurred at his home on June 18.

An ATV was reported stolen from the 2600 block of East Exchange Street on Sept. 3.

MONEE
Monee-area resident Sergio Martinez, 43, of the 7400 block of West Pauling Road is charged with aggravated DUI/no valid license in connection with a Sept. 25 traffic stop by Illinois State Police.

A stove, refrigerator and furnace were stolen during a residential burglary that extended into the garage, from which a 1998 skid steer loader was stolen. Access was made by kicking open the front door of the home on the 4600 block of West Stuenkel Road, according to the Sept. 10 report to Will County Sheriff’s Police.

PARK FOREST
Park Forest resident D’Angelo A. Gillespie, 17, of the 300 block of Oswego Park Forest is charged with robbery in connection with a Sept. 23 incident in the Will County portion of that village.

PEOTONE
A “suspicious” Sept. 5 barn fire on the 4900 block of West Corning Road is under investigation by arson investigators.

Two ATVs, jumper cables, two walkie-talkies and a video recorder were stolen during the burglary of a large utility building on the 10000 block of West Wilmington-Peotone Road, according to a Sept. 9 report.

An ATV was reported stolen from a pole building on the 29000 block of South Center Road on Sept. 9.

STEGER
A 35-year-old Steger man from the 3400 block of Halsted Boulevard charged with domestic battery in connection with an alleged Sept. 21 incident in that village is scheduled to return to Will County Circuit court on Oct. 28.  Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

A 43-year-old Crete-area man from the 1400 block of West Norfolk Road has been charged with three counts of domestic battery and one count of interfering with a report of domestic battery in connection with an alleged Sept. 19 incident on the 3700 block of Union Avenue in Steger. He is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit court on Sept. 30 for a pre-trial hearing.  Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

Steger Police blotter online
The Village of Steger provides a weekly incident listing on its Website. To read the Sept. 20-27 post, click here.

UNIVERSITY PARK
A 40-year-old University Park man from the 500 block of Circle Drive is scheduled to appear in Will County Circuit Court on Oct. 26 on a charge of domestic battery stemming from an alleged Sept. 21 incident in that village.  Eastern Will County News isn’t naming the defendant because the charge is a misdemeanor.

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Original material copyright 2013 Eastern Will County News; all rights reserved

Monee-area man charged in fatal Green Garden crash

Wiesch

A 40-year-old Monee man has been charged with aggravated DUI/death in connection with a two-vehicle collision Thursday evening in Green Garden Township that killed an 84-year-old Mokena man and seriously injured the man’s passenger.

Illinois State Police said John L. Wiesch of the 27100 block of South Wildwood Drive was driving a 2008 Ford F250 Series pickup truck eastbound on Pauling Road around 7:35 p.m. when he failed to stop at the LaGrange Road stop sign, striking a 2013 Toyota Avalon driven by Mokena resident William Slager. The Will County Coroner pronounced Slager dead at the scene. Slager’s passenger was airlifted to an area hospital.

Wiesch could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison if convicted.

He is free on $20,000 cash bail, according to Will County Adult Detention Facility information.

Weekly events calendar for Eastern Will County. Submissions accepted with gratitude. Please email contributions & comments to editor@ewcnews.com

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FRIDAY, SEPT. 27
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Crete Park District;

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

K of C Fish Fry, Steger, 5 p.m. St. Liborius Parish Hall. Charge

Fundraiser for Steger Kiwanis Service Projects
Steger Kiwanis Club, Bloom Trail Key Club and volunteers will be out with peanuts at the intersection of 34th Street and Chicago Road from about 9 a.m. to noon. They will also be out with peanuts in Steger at Old Plank Trail Community Bank, Kmart and Party Liquors from 3-7 p.m.

Steger Wildcats Pre-Homecoming bonfire at Veterans Park.

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SATURDAY, SEPT. 28
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Third Annual Danielle Dennis Towne PT Meet will take place at the Bloom Trail High School Field House in Steger at 8 a.m. Sixteen different JROTC units are scheduled to be there.

Steger Wildcats: Homecoming weekend games start at 1 p.m. and run all afternoon

Euro Market; Crete United Methodist Church parking lot

Crete Park District;
Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, drop-off for recyclable items

8th Annual Oktoberfest
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 5323 W. Margaret St., Monee. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free entertainment. Craft booths, bake sale and food concessions.

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SUNDAY, SEPT 29
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Last day of the season to rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedalboats at Monee Reservoir. Due to infrastructure improvements, all watercraft rentals for the 2013 boating season will end on Sept. 30. The Visitor Center at 27341 Ridgeland Avenue is scheduled to remain open during its normal operating hours for other equipment rentals and concessions. These hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Nov. 1 through March 31.

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MONDAY, SEPT 30
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Crete Park District;

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items com/Calendar.aspx

C-MHS Freshman Football game against Rich East – 4 p.m. at Rich East (rescheduled from Friday)

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TUESDAY, OCT 1
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Crete Park District;

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

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WEDNESDAY, OCT 2
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What’s in the Sky this Month?
7:30-9 p.m. Plum Creek Nature Center, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. All Ages. Free.
Discuss and view interesting night-sky objects visible with the naked eye or through binoculars or a telescope that include the visible planets, the Moon, orbiting spacecraft, comets and asteroids. Registration required; call (708) 946-2216.

Wednesday Morning Walkers
7:30-9 a.m. Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest. Ages 11 and older. Free. Activity Type: Hiking, wildlife viewing on two miles of Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve’s winding trails. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking on natural surface trails across uneven terrain.

Crete Park District;

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

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THURSDAY, OCT 3
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Crete Park District;

Crete Lions Club Recycling; 1215 Douglas Lane, 6-9 a.m., drop-off for recyclable items

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FRIDAY, OCT 4
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Candlelight Yoga
7-8:30 p.m., Plum Creek Nature Center, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. Ages 15 or Older. $12 per person. Program will take place indoors in an accessible facility. No experience necessary. Learn how yoga builds strength, increases flexibility, and improves balance. Discover how to reduce stress and relax deeply. Program involves kneeling on the ground for short periods of time. Please wear loose-fitting clothing and bring a mat or a beach towel. Registration is required by calling (708) 946-2216.

Crete Park District;

Crete Lions Club Recycling;

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Original material copyright 2013 Eastern Will County News; all rights reserved