Bits of News

  BILL SPONSORED FOR BICYCLING AND WALKING FACILITIES... A bill sponsored by State Senator Ed Maloney that requires the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to adopt a federal policy that requires routine inclusion of bicycling and walking facilities in all IDOT projects passed the Illinois Senate recently.
    “People are more health conscious than ever before, and that means more people are interested in bicycling for transportation and recreation,” said Senator Ed Maloney. “So I am very pleased to sponsor this legislation, which would require IDOT to be more in line with federal guidelines for bicycle routes on roadways.”
    The legislation applies to all IDOT projects that involve highways, except where there is an absence of need, where cost limits are exceeded, or where bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited.
    The legislation is backed by the League of Illinois Bicyclists and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.
    Senate Bill 508 passed the Illinois Senate by a 41-13 margin. It now goes to the Illinois House of Representatives for their consideration.

    HOUSE BILL 3417 PASSED... State Representative Eileen Lyons passed legislation through the State House Wednesday to encourage greater fiscal responsibility in state budget matters by better managing payments to state service providers.
    “This legislation would not be necessary if we had a balanced budget, but the current budget deficit has created a situation where payments to service providers are being delayed to help the state appear financially stable,” Lyons said. “In reality this is only aggravating state finances as late interest penalties to the
providers continue to stack up.”
    Lyons added that the state paid over $3 million last year in late interest penalties and said House Bill 3417 would change the State Prompt Payment Act to help reduce those penalties. The legislation would require that state agencies review and immediately submit bills to the Comptroller’s office, eliminating the common practice of agencies holding the bills in house to help
manage the backlog. Lyons added that with the timely submission of all bills, it will also be easier for the State’s financial officers to make informed decisions on budget matters.
    “We cannot balance the budget on the backs of providers. We need to start the clock ticking so the providers receive their money in a timely manner without additional cost to the state in late interest penalties,” Lyons said.

    TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD INTRODUCED... Congressman Dan Lipinski introduced the Teacher of the Year Award. This award acknowledges area teachers for their outstanding dedication and contributions to elementary education.
    “We have all had a great teacher; a teacher who pushed us to do our best, who took the extra time to make sure we understood that math problem or finished our term paper,” Lipinski. “This award recognizes these achievements and shows our great appreciation
for all that they do for our children.”
    The Teacher of the Year Award is a fantastic opportunity for students and parents to show their appreciation for local teachers. School administrators, students, parents and community leaders are invited to nominate an elementary school teacher who they
think most deserving of this special honor.
    “As an educator myself, I understand the joy and satisfaction of watching your students succeed,” Congressman Lipinski stated. “It is important that we acknowledge our local teachers for their continued commitment to preparing our children for the great
futures that lie ahead of them.”
    “One great teacher can truly make a difference in the life of a child,” continued Lipinski. “It is important we take the time to say thank you.
    Nomination forms have been distributed to local schools and are also available by contacting Congressman Lipinski’s office at (312) 886-0481.

    HOST FAMILIES WANTED... International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE) is seeking local host families for boys and girls from a variety of countries around the world. These students are 15 to 18 years of age, and are coming to this area for the upcoming high school year or semester. These personable and
academically select exchange students have good English, are bright, curious and anxious to learn about the USA by living as part of your family, attending high school and sharing their own culture and language with you.
The exchange students arrive from their home country shortly before school begins and return at the end of the school year or semester. Each ASSE student is fully insured, brings hi or her own personal spending money and expects to bear his or her share of household responsibilities, as well as being included in normal
family activities and lifestyles.
The students are well screened and qualified by ASSE. Families may select the youngster of their choice from extensive student applications, family photos and biographical essays.
To become a host family or find out more about ASSE and its programs, call (800) 736-1760.

    CRIME FIGHTING BOWSER PASSES AWAY...On April 30, retired Summit K-9 Buddy passed away from health complications. He was 13 years old.
    Buddy started out as someone’s pet and was donated to Cook County Forest Preserve Police k-9 Training Center where he was paired up with an officer from Cook County jail. He worked at the jail for two years until his handler was injured and went of disability.
    In July of 1995, Officer Dubinka and Buddy were teamed up and trained for six weeks at Cook County Jail. In September of 1995, Dubinka and Buddy then trained at the Cook County Forest Preserve District K-9 Training Center. Dubinka became a State Certified K-9 Handler and Buddy as a Patrol Dog. In December of
that year, Buddy trained in article search, person search and handler protection. Buddy was also certified in narcotics and tracking.
    Within his first few weeks on the Summit Police Department, Buddy had his first currency seizure of several hundred dollars. His first narcotics seizure was 81 pounds of marijuana hidden in the body of a pick-up bed that had to be air-chiseled open to retrieve it. Buddy also discovered two hidden compartments in the
accomplice’s vehicle, in a compartment containing six pounds of marijuana. Both vehicles were seized.
    In 1997, Buddy scored number one in Narcotics Certification and had the fastest time in search out of a group of more than 20 certified K-9 dogs from all over the state of Illinois.
    Buddy’s largest drug seizure was 2,210 pounds of marijuana stashed in hidden compartments in specialty made furniture. The furniture had to be disassembled to retrieve the drugs for the trailer it was shipped in. His largest currency seizure was more than $800,000 for the D.E.A. Buddy also assisted in apprehending
several armed robbers and burglars. He was recognized five times with special awards by the United State Police Canine Association. Buddy’s total amount of currency seizure was approximately $3 million and the total narcotics seized just over to and a half tons.
    Buddy retired in January 1, 2004 after ten years in law
enforcement.
    MORAINE VALLEY FORENSICS TEAM TAKES 5TH IN STATE...
The Moraine Valley Forensics team recently finished their season, placing fifth in the state and earning several individual honors as well.
    State competition winners included Stacey Bell, who placed fourth in “Dramatic Interpretation” and fourth in “Poetry Interpretation”; Chase Budziak, who placed sixth in “Speech to Entertain” in the open finals, which included university member and community college freshman and sophomores); Katie Krizka placed second
in “Persuasion” and Steven Lovejoy placed fifth in “Programmed oral Interpretation and sixth in Prose Interpretation.”
    In addition, Krista Appelquist, instructor of Speech and coach of the college Forensics team, was recognized with the Dennis Ross Outstanding Coaching Award. This award is voted upon by the students at the state tournament and given to a forensics coach who exhibits a strong commitment to forensics, maintains a focus
on the students’ education, and displays a positive attitude and good sportsmanship.
    “I’m completely honored to have received this award,” Appelquist said. “I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Illinois forensics community and especially privileged to work with John Nash, assistant director, and appreciate the work he has put toward our success.”

    WATER DISTRICT COMMISSIONER PAY TRIBUTE TO COMMITTEEMAN... Vice President Kathleen Meany of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District congratulates Thomas Hyde on his recent retirement after 30 years of service. In addition to his political career at the 19th Ward Democratic Committeeman, he has been a public servant for most of his adult life. He served as First Assistant General Counsel for the Cook County Park District; member of the Democratic National
Committee; Chairman of the Midwest Caucus; member of the Rules & By-laws Committee and a partner in the law firm of Quinlan & Carrol. he was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1970. He then served as Cook County Assessor for 18 years, until his resignation in 1997. During his tenure as the Assessor, Hynes instituted real estate tax incentive programs and extensive property
tax reform that created thousands of new jobs in Cook County.
BRIDGEVIEW SCHOOL AND BRIDGEVIEW BANK TEAM UP FOR ‘READ TO SUCCEED’ CHALLENGE... Bridgeview School entered a Read to Succeed challenge. During the 4th quarter of the school year, the school needs to read 2,000 books. The challenge began
on April 6 and will end June 2. They will keep a book thermometer outside of the office to keep track of the books. If they reach their goal, Bridgeview Bank will make a monetary donation to the school.
    The top reader in each classroom will receive a bank from Bridgeview Bank.
    STATE TREASURER MEETS WITH WITH ILLINOIS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS... Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka is pictures with students and teaches at the Northern Illinois University Illinois Council on Economic Education Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Union League Club of Chicago.

    LATINA ARMY OFFICER KICKBUSCH AT MORTON COLLEGE APRIL 27... Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is the keynote speaker at Morton College’s “Planning for Life,” a student workshop from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, in the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center on the campus at 3801 S. Central Avenue, Cicero.
    The free informational conference for high school and college students is part of Morton College’s commitment to creating a brighter future through improving the mind, body and soul.
    High school participants will take the Princeton SAT/ACT Test Review on-line for free, while all attending receive a directory of scholarships and internships for Latino students as well as a backpack with other gifts.
    Kickbusch, who speaks at 10:30 a.m., became the
highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field before retiring from the U.S. Army in 1996. She grew up in a tiny barrio in Laredo, Texas, and overcame the challenges of poverty and discrimination to become a successful leadership role model.
    The day also provides students a chance to understand their personal strengths for future success as well as learn about Morton College. To register, call Ernesto Mejia at (708) 656-8000 Ext. 334 or e-mail him at Ernesto.Mejia@morton.edu

    WILKINS STUDENT WINS CONTEST... Wilkins Junior High student Agnes Paliwoda has been selected as the overall winner in the Illinois Coal Calendar’s 17th Annual Art and Essay Contest sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Coal Development. Agnes’ poster “Reliable
Energy: Past to Future” will be featured on the cover of the
calendar. A reception and award ceremony will be held May 11 at the Executive Mansion in Springfield. Her cover was entered by her social studies teacher Rebecca Schalachter.