Migration Notice

By Jason Arndt

Effective December 12, all files and clips have been transferred to my new wordpress blog which also includes samples from Brewers Farm Report.

Please refer to the following link for my new and improved portfolio: http://thejasonarndt.wordpress.com/

And as always, my Brewers Farm Report blog at http://brewersfarmreport.mlblogs.com

Commission urges caution on new fire station idea

By Jason Arndt

Correspondent

Members with the Town of Yorkville/Village of Union Grove Fire Commission have requested that the Fire Department first seek public support prior to making a pitch for a new station.    The Fire Department presented its desire to build a new station at the Fire Commission’s Aug. 21 meeting, explaining that the current building constructed in 1974 is becoming too small for firefighters to utilize.

“We are looking at how much longer we want to maintain the fire station we have,” Fire Chief Tom Czerniak told Commission members.

However, the Commission indicated funding and land space is not readily available for the Department, and could take several years to organize a plan of action.

“We do not have any building, we do not have any property,” Commission member Michael Younglove said. “Right now we are not in the position to build a new fire department and the Department should seriously contemplate that.”

Members of the Fire Department conveyed resistance to continued use of the current station to Younglove.

“There were strong responses from members of the department that they want to have a referendum,” Younglove said. “They believe they can convince the voters to approve a new fire station for however many dollars.”

Assistant Fire Chief Tim Allen indicated the present location is an ideal site, given its proximity to residences within the community.

“Right now that is the best property as far as geographical location,” Allen stated. “If that area does not work out in the future, I guess we will just have to find another area.”

Members with the Fire Department began thinking of a new fire station when the Department of Transportation announced plans to improve the location.

“The idea of a new fire station came when there was a new proposed redevelopment of Highway 45,” Younglove said.

The DOT has since been inactive in improving the infrastructure of the area surrounding the Fire Station, according to Younglove.

Commission members suggested the formation of a group to study and reach out to the community and educate residents on the importance of facility upgrades.

“From a public perception, you are going to have a hard time selling the idea of spending millions of dollars on a new station without presenting other ideas,” Younglove added.

Czerniak indicated that the Department is forming a group seeking public support.

Despite the Department’s efforts, Commission members told the Department to seek out other ideas in event a new fire station is not supported by the community.

“If this plan falls through what are the other options,” Commission member Mike Aimone asked Czerniak. “Is there a Plan B?”

Additionally, Aimone suggested the Department work on organizing and maintaining the current station would greatly improve its standing for a new fire station.

“There seems to be a lack of pride in the station. Do some basic upkeep of the building to show you can take care of the existing station,” Aimone stated.

Super Saturday brings fun as well as some road closures

By Jason Arndt

Correspondent

The Village of Union Grove has announced the hours for its Open House commemorating 175 years as a municipality.

“The History Seekers will be here to staff the building with displays and pictures of Union Grove,” said Village President Mike Aimone, speaking at the Village Board’s Aug. 26 meeting.

The hallways will be decorated with pictures and items from Union Grove’s history, and the Chamber of Commerce offices will be dressed up and staffed by Mary Nichols and Carol Knight – two knowledgeable ladies about the Chamber’s history.

The local historical society will be at the Village Hall from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., with an extended trolley service provided to the hall from Main Street.

The trolley is funded by Super Saturday, and will not be at any additional costs compared to prior years, according to trustee Gordon Svendsen.

In addition, the History Seekers will have displays pertaining to other milestone years, including the Villages Centennial and 150th anniversaries.

The local historical society has worked with the Union Grove Chamber of Commerce and Village Board for several months to incorporate a lot of plans for the community milestone.

Union Grove focused on the 175th anniversary theme in its annual Independence Day Parade this year, and is using a flag bearing the commemoration of the anniversary through the remainder of 2013.

Road closures

In response to the Fire Department’s request to be notified of street closures, the Village also announced all side streets will be closed from Friday evening, Sept. 6, until the conclusion of Super Saturday at midnight Sept. 7.

The Department made the request at the Fire Commission meeting held Aug. 21, after not being properly notified of closures in some other events surrounding downtown Union Grove.

“We always try to let the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office know ahead of time of any closures,” Svendsen said.

The Fire Department noted at the Commission meeting that there had been some miscommunication during this year’s annual car show, which led to unanticipated street closures.

But Main Street will not be closed at any time – either prior to and/or during the Super Saturday event – due to state Department of Transportation protocol.

“You cannot close Main Street without approval from the DOT,” Svendsen explained. “It is just one block so we won’t need detours.”

Village, Walmart contribute for new playground equipment

By Jason Arndt

Correspondent

Three new pieces of playground equipment will be available for children to enjoy at Leider Park thanks, in part, to a $1,000 grant awarded by Walmart.

In conjunction with that grant, Union Grove will contribute an additional $1,000 through the Park Improvement Fund to purchase two diggers and a spin cup for kids to play on at the park.

“There is not a lot you can get for $1,000 so hopefully we could use some park improvement funds,” explained Village Trustee Tim Mallach speaking at the Water, Wastewater, Streets and Parks Committee meeting Aug. 19.

The Village will pick up the equipment from Playworld Systems in Cambridge to save $300 in shipping costs.

Mallach has spearheaded grants for park improvements and green initiative projects in the past, noted Trustee Bill Stoltz, and was appointed in July to a new adhoc committee to stress green initiatives within the Village.

“He does a good job researching grants and looking at what is out there,” said Trustee Michael Younglove.

Village spends $2,000 to save millions

By Jason Arndt

Correspondent

Village of Union Gove residents could be faced with a hefty bill of at least $2.5 million from 2014 until 2022, pending the review of a petition recently filed with Department of Natural Resources by the Village of Union Grove.

The DNR is imposing a phosphorus limit on all state municipal Wastewater treatment facilities, which includes meeting the mandates by 2022 in a recently issued Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

Union Grove will be ordered by the DNR to reduce phosphorous discharges from 0.9 milligrams per liter in 2013 to 0.075 milligrams per liter by 2022, unless the Village’s appeal works.

“In the end it will be a very huge and expensive addition to us especially when it is around the corner,” said Public Works Director Mark Osmundsen, speaking at an August special board meeting.

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring chemical derived from food, animal and human waste and is one type of fertilizer used on farms.

In accordance with the mandate, all municipalities need to submit a plan of action to the DNR by 2014.

“They have been working on this for quite awhile to bring down the phosphorous levels,” Osmundsen explained.

The Public Works dfirector indicated the state agency was working on establishing limits for the last two years and submitted the final guidelines to the Village 60 days ago.

Village President Mike Aimone indicated one of the options would be to raise Village residents’ sewer rates if the DNR denies the petition.

“This is going to drive people away because people would not be able to afford water,” Osmundsen said.

The Village spent $2,000 to file the petition but trustees agreed inactivity in the issue would have a long-term impact on the community.

“I guess if we don’t do anything and sit back waiting for everybody else to see what happens, then they will ask us why we did not contest it in the first place,” Village Trustee Bill Stoltz stated.

Trustee Teresa Holm inquired with Osmundsen why the City of Racine’s mandate is set higher at 0.6.

“Racine is different because they discharge it into Lake Michigan but we use the river,” Younglove said.

Osmundsen indicated the discharge site along the west bank of the Root River would not be sustainable without the treatment plant.

“The river has been drying up the last couple years and without the treatment plant, there would be no aquatic life present,” Osmundsen added.

Union Grove trustees voted to retain Attorney Paul Kent of Stafford, Rosenbaum LLC to represent the Village in contesting the imposed limits by the DNR.

Aimone received a suggestion to hire Kent as the representative of the Village by the Village Attorney due to “his experience in handling these matters.”

Offering a fresh look at local history

By Jason ArndtCORRESPONDENT

      After spending many hours delving into and digging up 175 years of Union Grove history, the History Seekers group has earned its right to stay at the Village Hall.      That follows the organization’s public presentation of artifacts during the Village’s annual Super Saturday held Sept. 7 and was announced by Board President Mike Aimone at the Village Board’s Sept. 9 meeting.      “The job that the History Seekers have done really exceeded our expectations and it would be a real shame to have all that effort and time put into it and not be made a permanent part of our Village Hall,” Aimone said.      The displays will remain in the same hallway where members of History Seekers guided attendees at Saturday’s open house. “The memorabilia will be housed at Village Hall in permanent display cases in our main hallway,” Aimone said.      The History Seekers group has been in active existence for nearly five years and was invited by the Village to be part of the Super Saturday event when members expressed a desire for more commemoration of the Village’s 175 years as a municipality.      Aimone described the History Seekers’ efforts as time-consuming and labor-intensive to ensure the quality and condition of the memorabilia.      “The planning of acquiring the pieces and refurbishing the display cases and getting them into the condition to be brought into the Village Hall took extensive time,” Aimone said. “They took the time to properly display what they had in possession, along with getting the reprints made for the canvasses.”      The Village President indicated the historical displays provide residents with something to feel good about regarding the history of Union Grove.      “This really adds to the feeling of our proud past,” Aimone added.      Saturday’s Open House attracted less attendees than expected, but Aimone said the event brought forth many productive discussions from the 25 individuals who attended.      “There were a number of people who came forward to talk about things they had in their possession that they would like to share with the History Seekers and make part of the collection,” Aimone stated.      The Village gave sole responsibility to the organization for maintaining the displays, but the Board indicated the History Seekers have plans to keep the display of  memorabilia updated. “They will try to keep it a fresh display so that this is not once and done,” Aimone explained.      He reminded residents there is time for viewing the items that have been put on display for the open house.      “They can still come down and view them,” Aimone said. “If they have questions or want further information on the History Seekers – meetings are open to anyone.”

Village considers best uses of an extra $800

By Jason ArndtCORRESPONDENT 
     Long-time car dealership Martin’s Chrysler donated the winnings from the downtown “Take a Seat on Main” contest, where Union Grove businesses decorated chairs provided by Cedar World.      The presentation of Martin’s check for $300, in addition to $500 from Cedar World as part of the “Take a Seat” promotion, were presented to the Village Board at its Sept. 9 meeting by Cedar World co-owner, Dorothy Olson.      The Martin dealership’s prize donation is being made to the Village “for the beautification of Union Grove,” Olson told the Board. “We were shocked at such a generous donation.”      Cedar World had decided to become involved in the event after seeing success in downtown Racine, where the business contributed to the “Sunny and Chair” event held the previous summer.      “We were very pleased when Cedar World came to us with the “Take a Seat on Main” event,” Village President Mike Aimone said.      The woodworking business plans to stay a part of the Super Saturday event in 2014 and is now mulling options about what the themed item would be.      “We want to see growth in Union Grove, and beautify it,” Olson said. “This is a small town and growing fast.”      As for the combined $800 donation, the Village will be asking members of the local business community for their ideas.      “It could be used for a number of different things,” Aimone said. “We will be looking for input from some of the downtown businesses as to how we can best spend the money.”      Some areas Aimone mentioned include the purchase of more Christmas lights for the holidays or more hanging plants along Main Street during the summer of 2014.

Gun shop issue at Plan Commission

By Jason ArndtCORRESPONDENT      In Village of Union Grove Plan Commission business Sept. 16, village resident Brett Buisse received approval to seek a permit by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to open a gun repair shop in the industrial park on Commerce Drive.      Buisse assured commissioners the shop will not sell firearms, after member Ann Kerkman questioned him about it.      “It will be mostly repair, the license that I will carry will cover all,” Buisse responded. “A little retail.”      Prior to the meeting, Buisse said his intent of opening the business is not to become a firearms dealer.      “There could be, but that is not what I went to school for,” Buisse said. “I went to school to be a gunsmith.”      Buisse hopes to open his business near the location of Rasmussen Industrial, an electric equipment business.      Village President Mike Aimone expressed concern about the possibility of discharging repaired firearms on the property.      “There will not be any discharging,” Buisse said, explaining that he will “go to nearby firing ranges (to test) them.”

State law with big effect on small community

When new bills and laws are passed by the state legislature, many do not understand the implications regarding the "fine print."
The political environment in Wisconsin continues to be energetic with passionate opinions from both sides of political ideals - including the the 2011 debate over the Budget Bill - which drew widespread protest at the State Capitol.

Union Grove was affected by the new measures which led to an additional hundreds of dollars billed to local taxpayers - a big deal within a small Village of 4,000 residents.

Business development in small community

Small village municipalities often have a difficult time recruiting new businesses into the community for a variety of reasons, but one Village is engaging in proactive efforts to bring them in.

Public Health issues

What a difference between two county-based agencies and the services they provide. My continuous follow up on the developments and difference between Central Racine and Western Racine County Health Departments lasted three months.
It spanned two different jurisdictions to gauge opinions and feedback from elected officials on the satisfaction of both departments.

Village neighbors disagree, create hour long debate

Public hearings in small village municipalities are seldom attended by residents. But there was an experience involving two business owners and a patio owned by one of them. While there was some emotionally charged debate regarding the use of a patio - it was approved.

I continued to follow up on this after the Planning Commission was given notice the club had the desire to modify its agreement in question.

McDonald's sharing space with Government

Big difference in small community

My eyes lit up when I attended a Union Grove Village Board meeting and saw elementary school children attempting to make a difference in a small community.

The customary Village Board meeting typically is about policies and ordinances but the night I attended had a much difference feel to it.

As a dozen school students stated their goals in making a difference and through my observations discovered the Board really focused in on them. They did everything they could to make their aspirations come true at that moment.

Kenosha Days - Perseverance

Perseverance can be the term used to describe my sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and proved to be the first turning point.

After coming forward applying for a lofty position as an Assistant Sports Editor my freshman year for my student newspaper and walking away empty-handed - there was a sense of discouragement.

The same year I applied for the position as a News Intern with the Kenosha News but had the same result as the editorial position with my student newspaper.

A Year Later

While continuing to write as a general assignment reporter along with a sports beat my sophomore year - something caught my eye - an advertisement in the student newspaper looking for an Assistant Sports Editor. The same position I applied for a year earlier.

Made the decision to not apply for the position while still stinging from being passed over the previous year. Little did I know, some of the editors had me in mind all along - which I was not aware of until my junior year when the photography editor told me.

When the hired Assistant Sports Editor did not pan out - I received a voicemail from the Sports Editor in my dorm room with a simple statement:

"Oh, and the Assistant position is still open, might want to give it another shot."

Within two weeks, I became a member of the Editorial Board at the Royal Purple. More surprising was the news I would move on up to the position of Sports Editor by the next academic year.

Hello, Kenosha

Riding out my newfound promotion into the summer, my writers itch raged on and made the decision to contact the Kenosha News regarding freelance opportunities.

It was my first glimpse into daily newspaper reporting with strict deadlines and became exposed to a sport I never reported on: Triathlons.

Officially-sanctioned United States Triathlons with participation from some of the best athletes in the Midwest.

My comeback

After more than six years of being away from the journalism profession due to a myriad of personal and medical issues, 2013 was the year I was able to make a return.

Following my excellent experience as a News Intern with the Lake County News-Sun, my life hit a snag for several years and since the departure - I wondered if I still had the talent.

Enter in Southern Lakes Newspapers, where I previously served as a Sports Intern eight years earlier for two weekly newspapers (Whitewater Register, Palmyra-Eagle Enterprise) and I was able to make my return.

One thing is certain - having a writer make a return to writing was like riding a bike. I still have the perspective of the citizen in mind, although a bit rusty. But it is a restart I have been waiting for since 2007. 

The challenge of writing for two smaller communities is to dig harder for information and generate stories. While attending Village Board and School Board meetings might not be exciting to an outsider, but many small details and items within meetings can be a major story for a small community.

And sometimes being present at Board meetings catches news NOT contained in the meeting agenda issued. 

In order to understand the significance of small items on meeting agendas, a reporter needs to know the history of the community. Learning about the history in two small communities is a hard task but once I am able to get over the learning curve it will be much easier to follow.

It takes a considerable amount of time for a reporter to not only learn the history but also the public officials and what they stand for.

Bank robbery at Gurnee Mills

Banks have grown beyond the typical commercial building people would normally go to cash or deposit a check and now operate inside grocery stores, retail outlets and gas station teller machines.

Gurnee Mills, a large mall located north of Chicago, has an internal bank for all stores conducting business for security and efficiency purposes.

It all changed when a person presumed to have knowledge of inside operations robbed the Chase Bank at the mall and made out with cash and checks.

Gurnee Mills heist may have been inside job

December 13, 2006

By Jason Arndt

The News-Sun

GURNEE - Despite Monday's bank robbery at Chase Bank, Gurnee Mills security personnel remain tight-lipped about security measures. The mall appeared to be business as usual Tuesday after two men dressed in black sweatshirts, pants, masks and gloves brandishing handguns robbed mall employees of cash and receipts Monday shortly before 10 a.m. The assailants were walking up and down the line of employees waiting to deposit receipts and cash, robbing them at gunpoint.

Chase Bank holds the deposits from all the Gurnee Mills stores and is hidden from the general public in a tunnel near the Entry F entrance of the mall.

The two robbers were able to escape into the Entry F internal exit, where, according to police reports, entered an awaiting newer model Chevy Malibu driven by an accomplice.

The exit door is within 10 feet of the bank entrance, making it a possibility it may have been an inside operation.

"It would appear that the individuals involved had knowledge of the daily operations of the bank," Gurnee Police Cmdr. Jay Patrick said Tuesday.

Monday's holdup brings the total of robberies in the county to 10 this year and the second in the month of December. The previous incident occurred at a Waukegan TCF Bank on Dec. 4. Lake County had eight total bank robberies in 2005.

The robbery also adds to the number of Chicago metropolitan area bank robberies, currently at 278, a yearly record, according to Chicago FBI spokesman Frank Bochte. The previous record was held last year with 240 robberies in the Chicago region.

The FBI does not tell banks how to conduct security measures, but does offer suggestions.

Bochte said most banks utilize their own security systems based on the crime rates in surrounding neighborhoods.

"We suggest an investment in a high-quality camera system in order to receive high-quality images to make it easier to apprehend individuals," Bochte said.

The Chicago FBI has been able to solve an average of 75 percent of all bank robberies in the region.

Due to the discrete location of the bank, several shoppers and store employees working at the time of the incident may not have been aware of the robbery.

"I do not know much about what happened (Monday), so I can not comment on it," said Auntie Anne's employee Jose Hernandez. "I feel fine (every time I make a deposit). I feel good coming in here and I never find any problems."

Hernandez added he never noticed any security problems prior to Monday's incident.

Supervisor Robin Nelson of Liz Claiborne is taking a more vigilant approach to the situation by having an additional employee accompany her to make the daily deposits.

The supervisor decided to go against company protocol in adding an additional employee. She added the store manager did not brief her prior to making the deposit.

Several employees interviewed at the mall Tuesday were either not aware of the robbery Monday or may have been given vague information.

Chase Bank employees declined to comment and referred questions to its corporate offices in Louisville, Ky.

Ton Rinka, the mall's general manager, declined to comment on the matter noting the "mall does not discuss security measures with individuals from outside the mall."

Patrick said he was not aware of what security measures the mall took in the wake of the robbery.

The two stores robbed were Fuzzy Navel, a mall kiosk business, and LVL X, a denim merchandise store.

Patrick indicated the information regarding the two robbers were "vague" and there is "not a lot of leads to go on at this point."

Gurnee police are asking people who may know about the robbery to contact them at (847) 599-7000 or Lake County CrimeStoppers at (847) 662-2222.

Encounter with the Chicago Bears... and their wives

With the news of Tank Johnson marring a memorable season for Chicago Bear fans, including a Super Bowl run, the wives of Bear players pitched in to help special needs children with support from their husbands.

Days after talking with Johnson outside his doorstep in the midst of a season in turmoil, it was an opportunity for me to report on the positives the team is doing within a community.

There was one rule they conveyed to media members covering the event, no discussing the Johnson case.

Face-to-face with their favorite players

Bears, wives reach out to SEDOL students

December 20, 2006

By Jason Arndt

The News-Sun

GAGES LAKE - It isn't every day a child gets to meet his dream athlete, but for special needs students at the Special Education District of Lake County, it became a reality Tuesday as they met three Chicago Bears. John Tait and his wife Jeneva are honorary board members of SEDOL and helped organize the holiday party for the students along with other Bears' wives.

"We are giving out gift cards this year, thanks to Target, and we have goodies for the kids this year to give to their parents as gifts," said Jeneva Tait. "The kids don't have much of an opportunity to give gifts to their parents, and with this they can. On top of that, the kids will be getting autographs from the players."

"It is always fun to interact with the kids and answer any questions they may have," said her husband, offensive lineman John Tait.

The Taits were introduced to SEDOL through the Bears organization when they arrived in Chicago from the Kansas City Chiefs. John Tait was looking for an organization to assist in the Chicago metro region.

"This organization helps a lot of kids in the Lake County region, which is where I live now," he said.

The Bears' Charles Tillman and Rasheid Davis also attended the event with their wives to show support for the children.

In addition to spending time with the children, the players also read them holiday books with Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa themes.

Tillman and his wife Jackie sat next to one of his fans during lunch and talked to the child.

"I was kind of scared because I had never met an NFL player before," said 11-year-old Nate, wearing a No. 87 Muhsin Muhammed Bears' jersey. "It feels good to have them with me today. Charles is my guy on defense."

Tillman read a Hanukkah-themed book to the children in rotations with his two participating teammates.

"I am really looking forward to doing this with the kids and be there for questions," he said.

The defensive back does plenty of community service opportunities in the Chicago area.

"I usually do these community service things in Chicago schools, so this is the first time I have been at SEDOL," Tillman said. "The wives deserve all the credit in putting this together."

The wives helped the children arrange arts and crafts for their families.

"I just want to wish the wives well in this because they are doing this out of the kindness of their hearts," Charles Tillman said.

Jackie Tillman was impressed with the turnout of children with around 100 in attendance.

"They are all excited and this is what it is all about," she said.

Injured defensive back Mike Brown was going to attend, but had a doctor's appointment, according to his wife, Erin.

"All three guys have huge hearts and they are always giving back to the community," said Erin Brown. "They give as much as they can in the amount of time they have during the season. Every child deserves attention, and it does take time but it's worth it."

Wide receiver Rashied Davis supports children and the value of education.

"I will do anything for the kids, you know. I am a big fan of education, especially for the kids who need a little extra help," said Davis, who has done projects with children prior to joining the Bears when he was a member of an Arena Football League team.

Marcus, a 15-year-old with SEDOL, was working an arts activity with Davis' wife, Diana.

"It's shocking (to be face to face with a player)," said Marcus. "It feels good to have them reach out to us."

Trip to Illinois state capitol - Court appearance

Commuting from Racine to Waukegan everyday was a long haul, but adding nearly five more hours to the mix was a journey - and enjoyed the quiet drive to Springfield in the wee hours of the morning for a court appearance of a public official.

Departed Racine at 1:00 a.m. and made it to the Sangamon County Courthouse in Illinois by 9:00 a.m. (stopped to rest three times) for the court appearance of North Chicago School Superintendent Sandra Ellis - accused of shoplifting nearly 500 dollars worth of goods from a Wal-Mart.

The story was handed to me by an outgoing retiring reporter from the Waukegan newsroom and briefed me on all the case details and offered suggested routes along the Interstate, which Springfield was a lot further than I imagined, knew a lot of miles were driven given all the "To St. Louis" signs along the way.

When I arrived for security checkpoint and took my seat in the courtroom, the appearance by the superintendent lasted five minutes. And there it was, 9:15 a.m. and my work in Springfield was already finished.

Phoned my news editor by phone and gave him the basic info and would be returning to the Waukegan newsroom in the afternoon to file a story.

As I sat to type out the story, the news editor came out of his office and said:
"We are going to call you time-traveler from now on."

Superintendent trial continued

November 14, 2006

By Jason Arndt

The News-Sun

SPRINGFIELD - North Chicago Schools Superintendent Sandra Ellis' trial was continued again Monday due to the high volume of jury trials in Sangamon County Judge John Belz's courtroom. Ellis is accused of felony shoplifting in connection with an incident July 17, 2005, at a Springfield Wal-Mart. The superintendent is accused of shoplifting $445 in food and liquor.

"We were set for trial today, it got continued on a motion of the defense and the judge agreed," said Sangamon County Prosecutor Gabe Grosball. "The judge had other jury trials today, so he didn't have time to try this case, so that is why the case has been continued to January."

The January court date for Ellis could result in either a trial or plea agreement.

"Between now and January, we will negotiate. I will make an offer and if they take it, it will happen sometime during that week," Grosball said.

The prosecutor added if the defense chooses not to receive the offer, it will become a jury trial.

Despite three continuances, Grosball said, the motions are normal in most court cases, noting that some cases take up to two years to get resolved.

The maximum penalty for felony retail theft is three years in prison and a $2,500 fine, but due to Ellis not having a prior criminal record, there is a chance of probation or some small fines.

Ellis was not charged with shoplifting until six months after the alleged incident took place due to the priorities of the Sangamon County court system, according to Grosball.

"Retail theft cases take longer to file due to possibilities of restitution, but Wal-Mart received all of its property back," Grosball said. "Since Ellis is not in custody, we tend to prioritize more violent crimes such as murders, rapes and other types before retail thefts."

Grosball added that the next scheduled court appearance could be continued if suspects are in custody because judges typically favor trying individuals in police custody over someone who is out on bond.

Ellis should not expect preferential treatment by the judge or prosecutor because of her position as a school superintendent, Grosball said.

"That is not going to cause us to treat this any different if it was (somebody) off the street," Grosball said. "Her position is not going to make me decide whether or not to try this case or to make a certain plea offer."

Ellis has a long history of in public service, most notably as a member of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's Terrorism Task Force.

Belz will determine the January court date at a future time.

Background information...

Schools chief charged

February 25, 2006

By Ralph Zahorik

The News-Sun

NORTH CHICAGO -- New schools Superintendent Sandra Ellis was charged this week with felony shoplifting by the Sangamon County state's attorney's office. 

Ellis was accused of attempting to take $445 in food and liquor from a Springfield Wal-Mart store last July 17 without paying for the items. Ellis said the accusation is false and that she never tried to take the items without paying for them. It isn't clear why there was a six-month delay in filing the charge.

Ellis, in a Jan. 31 interview, before she was formally charged, said the arrest was "a mistake" and that she was innocent. She attributed the episode to an overzealous, inexperienced Wal-Mart clerk. "It was mortifying," she said.

According to an account published July 18 in the Springfield State Journal Register based on a police report, police were called to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Dirksen Parkway the day before, a Sunday, to investigate a shoplifting complaint.

A store employee accused Ellis, who lived in nearby Mount Pulaski, Ill., of attempting to go through a check-out line with $445 worth of unpaid groceries and alcohol in tied "recycle bags," a possible felony theft, the account said.

Ellis said the bags were "silver" freezer bags.

The newspaper said Ellis was taken to Sangamon County Jail.

Copies of the newspaper story have been circulating in North Chicago since Ellis was hired last month.

She is scheduled to appear March 1 in Sangamon County Circuit Court in Springfield, said Jennifer Kuntz, a Sangamon County assistant state's attorney. The offense Ellis is accused of is a Class 3 felony and, if convicted, she could be sentenced to probation or she could be sentenced up to five years in state prison, Kuntz said.

Ellis has no history of prior offenses in Sangamon County, she said.

At the time of her arrest, Ellis was working for the Governor's Illinois Terrorism Task Force. She was a UniServ director -- a union field representative -- in Decatur schools for the Illinois Education Association until March 2005.

When Ellis was appointed Dec. 14, the School Board provided a one-paragraph general statement on the new superintendent with no specifics on her employment history, her education or other credentials.

Information on her professional background was provided later.

Ellis, a native of Toledo, Ohio, has a doctorate in education administration from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and bachelor's and master's degrees from Bowling Green University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

She was superintendent of several downstate school districts before she went to work for the IEA. They included the Brooklyn Unit District near East St. Louis, the Mount Pulaski Unit District near Springfield, the Gillespie Unit District near Litchfield and the Astoria Unit District in Fulton County.

Ellis lives in both North Chicago and Mount Pulaski. She has a rented apartment in North Chicago and maintains a home in Mount Pulaski with her husband, Ron Ellis, a retired Illinois state police office.

Health and Wellness

Every individual values his or her health in every aspect including management of mental health issues. There were a handful of stories where I came into contact with people battling kidney diseases and eating disorders.

It also helps to have community support to help people cope with losses of loved ones and organizations reaching out to struggling families.

Easing the pain

Patient comfort comes first in The Pavilion's on-site dialysis service

January 15, 2007

By Jason Arndt

The News-Sun

Dialysis treatments can be a long and painful procedure. The Pavilion of Waukegan hopes to help patients with kidney ailments through more individualized attention. 

"Once a person goes on dialysis, it means they suffer from kidney failure," said Pavilion spokesperson Aaron Shpayher. The only alternative to defeating dialysis would be to receive a kidney transplant. A person can survive for the remainder of his life with one kidney.

The Pavilion has been open for service since 2000 and the program is geared toward individuals who have chronic long-term kidney failure.

"We function more on the focus of chronic situations," said Shpayher, on the difference between the Pavilion and a full service hospital.

The long-term care facility offers several other services to help ease the emotional and physical pain of dialysis, including television entertainment and an in-house beauty and barber services.

"We have a very bright room with a television and radio. We have the ability to provide them a distraction from the pain," Shpayher said.

In addition to leisure recreation activities, they also offer nutritious meals and social settings for patients to interact with one another.

"Because we are a chronic care facility, the traveling and transporting is much easier," said dialysis specialist Monica Wrobleski. "It makes the treatments a lot more comforting and assuring."

In addition, Wrobleski said the staff can give more one-on-one attention to the patients because they are around the patients more than in a traditional hospital.

"The patients have a better familiarity with the staff," Wrobleski said.

Shpayher said the entertainment offered can be a relief to some patients in the Pavilion due to their on-going kidney problems.

However, due to the pain they endure, most choose to attempt to fall asleep.

The Pavilion also offers religious services to individuals who need spiritual guidance to walk them through the obstacles in their lives. With the high volume of individuals on transplant lists for kidneys, patients appreciate spiritual support to help them cope with what looms ahead.

Dialysis treatment involves three treatments per week with the four remaining days off.

"We have success stories from people on dialysis. Some of come in looking very sick and were able to go out into the community after a few weeks in treatment," Shpayher said. "But they still have to undergo the three-day a week treatment."

The process is ongoing because people will need to remain in the treatment until they receive a transplant.

There is a series of medical professionals to assist the patient in every aspect including a nephrology social worker, kidney dietician, patient care technician and biomedical technician. They also provide occupational, speech and physical therapy.

For individuals who have been suffering for a tremendous amount of time, they offer hospice care to help ease the pain.

Positive support

National organization for eating disorders has roots in Highland Park

October 30, 2006

By Jason Arndt

The News-Sun

HIGHLAND PARK - Christine Reh has found a way to turn a past problem into a positive experience, courtesy of a locally founded organization. 

The 21-year-old DePaul University senior is an intern for the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, which has provided support for the illness which plagued her 10 years earlier.

"I am currently working on a project where we are replicating a study on the age onset of anorexia, bulimia and any kind of eating disorder," said Reh. "I am a recovering anorexic and a major in psychology and I am going to hopefully go to graduate school and get my PhD to study eating disorders eventually and get into the field and help people who are dealing with eating disorders."

Reh found the organization online at her St. Louis home when she was a high school student and began receiving support from individuals around the country who visited the online chat rooms and forums. She also called into the hotline when she needed assistance.

The hotline allows the organization's volunteers to refer individuals who suffer from eating disorders to more than 1,800 professionals throughout North America and the rest of the world.

"So far it has been a really great experience for me," Reh said, about her internship with ANAD.

Reh said she has been in recovery for two full years and began having symptoms at 11 years old. Through the support of her mother and father in high school, she was able to come to terms with the illness.

"The recovery process didn't really begin until I was old enough to really begin to take control of myself and I wanted to get better," Reh said.

Vivian Hanson Meehan founded the organization when she was a nurse at Highland Park in 1976 when a family member was diagnosed with anorexia.

Due to the lack of resources then available to medical professionals, she sought to verify the severity of illness and prove it had become an epidemic.

Meehan credits former District 10 State Rep. John Porter for assisting the organization with congressional measures such as parity legislation, where health insurance providers can recognize eating disorders and mental illness as a medical issue.

The organization also has participated in congressional hearings regarding the dangers of certain diets and products pertaining to eating disorders.

The former nurse began the organization without any major expectations and seems surprised by the national and worldwide support of the organization.

Meehan started the organization by putting advertisements in the local paper calling out family members who might have a relative with anorexia.

She received a high volume of response from people who have suffered from the illness or who had relatives seeking more information about the illness. Meehan was challenged by a local doctor to find 2,000 people who suffered from anorexia and her efforts eventually turned into the founding of a worldwide organization.

ANAD has organizations in Germany and was once affiliated with a Canada organization until Canadian authorities threatened to take funding away due to being affiliated with an American organization.

Amanda Elliott, 27, is the national coordinator for support groups. The organization has approximately 250 support groups nationwide and receives requests on a daily basis to form new support groups, according to Elliott.

Elliott said she will stay with the organization for as long as it exists due to the amount of support she received when she suffered from the eating disorder.

Compassionate Friends holds healing vigil on Sunday

December 9, 2006

By Jason Arndt

The News-Sun

MILLBURN - The holidays can be a difficult time for a parent to grieve over the death of a child. The Northern Lake County Chapter of Compassionate Friends is working to help parents who have lost a child by holding a candlelight vigil scheduled Sunday at Millburn Congregational Church. 

"My daughter died in 2002 and I have been going to it ever since," said Jenny Selle, leader of the county chapter. The loss of her daughter was tough for the Selle family due to her daughter being her only child.

Selle's daughter, Lila Marie Ruffolo, a Warren Township High School graduate, died at the age of 24 in an auto accident. She was attending the University of Arkansas-Little Rock at the time of her death.

She believes the timing of the vigil is crucial due to Christmas.

"The holidays are a heavy time of the year (for parents who lost their children) and it can be comforting to feel the support," she said.

Compassionate Friends holds monthly meetings to help parents cope with the loss of their child.

"The main thing is these are people who have been through what we have been through," said Selle. "That is the greatest value (of the organization)."

Selle believes the organization provides more support than a professional therapist because everyone involved within the group can assist each other and understand each other better.

The candlelight vigil has taken place annually in the second Sunday of the month since 1997.

Lake County's Compassionate Friends organization was formed in 1984 to support parents, relatives, siblings and grandparents. Selle said 10 to 15 people come to the meetings every month, but more usually participate in the candlelight event with expectations of around 100.

Only two men attend the monthly meetings on a regular basis.

"One of the reasons why I am in Compassionate Friends with my wife is because it is a family thing," said Jenny's husband, Rick. "I just want to let men know it is OK to come in and talk about it."

Rick Selle mentioned the organization also can help keep marriages strong when a family tragedy of losing a child occurs. "It helps keep the marriage together, we must share the grief and we are in this together," he said.

The worldwide non-profit organization holds the vigil at the same time, making it the largest vigil in the world, according to the organization.

Compassionate Friends chose the second Sunday of December because it coincides with National Children's Memorial Day.

Lake Zurich organization and e-Bay reach out to single-parent families

October 16, 2006

By Jason Arndt

The News-Sun

According to the 2002 Illinois census, 38.8 percent of single-mother families lived below the poverty level. Lake Zurich's Carolyn Gable along with a board of directors is looking to bridge the gap to help struggling single mothers and their children succeed in everyday life. Gable was a waitress with seven children. She now owns a $30 million transportation company based in Lake Zurich. 

"I credit good people, a great customer base and a belief in myself that God can put it all together," Gable said.

New Age Transportation began in 1989 when her company earned its first million dollars.

According to Gable, the biggest jump in the business came in 1999 when the revenue doubled from $4 million to $8 million in one year.

"Once she got to a new level of success with her transportation company, she remembered where she came from," said Executive Director Kathy Gregg on why Gable decided to create the "Expect a Miracle" organization. "She felt she needed to give back to the community."

What started out as a yearly traditional garage sale turned into a worldwide fund-raising effort, courtesy of online auction giant ebay.com.

"She was all for it. We had a garage sale at her house and previewed (the items)," Gregg said.

For the first five years, the organization held garage sales to fund activities for youth in poverty. Then Gregg and Gable's board of directors presented Gable with an idea of an e-Bay store. This September, the first week the sale went virtual, the online e-Bay fund-raiser raised $1,000.

The "Expect a Miracle" Foundation aims to reach out to single mothers who cannot afford to send their children to extra-curricular activities such as ballet lessons, choir workshops and athletic programs.

Since the foundation began in 2001, they have sponsored $200 for each child in the program to participate in athletics.

"When we told a mother of eight kids they could play football, she literally broke down in tears at the Lake Zurich Park District," Gregg said. "Her kids spent all of their lives on the sidelines watching their friends play football."

The organization has touched the lives of 1,000 other single-parent families across the United States.

The "Expect a Miracle" organization donated 52 percent of its proceeds to the inner city of Chicago last year.

In addition, the foundation also has funded a $25,000 summer camp for inner-city children every year since its inception.

"We are reaching quite a cross-section of people," said Gregg, who is still collecting demographic data on diversity.

Gable said the roadblock of the organization is more money is going out than coming in.

Despite the majority of the recipients being single mothers, single or widowed fathers also have been helped by the organization.

A 15-year-old Stevenson High School student and aspiring musical theatre major in college was able to receive funding to attend a trip to New York with her choir class.

"Going to New York will definitely be the best experience because of all the opportunities to perform there," said the recipient in the letter to the organization. "I really enjoy singing and I am looking forward to singing in many places in New York."

A mother of a 12-year-old tae kwon do student wrote a letter of thanks to the organization for funding her son's advancement through a program at a fitness club.

"He will be in the program for three years and is so happy and excited that he can now take belt promotion tests," the mother wrote. "It has been difficult financially for us to afford extra-curricular activities for (him)."

The single mother also indicated in the letter that her son aspires to be a scientist or doctor when he attends college.

In order to apply for a grant from the organization, or for information on making a donation, call (847) 545-1157 or go to www.expectamiraclefoundation.com.