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City Fines, Suspends BlackFinn's Liquor Permit Citing Safety Concerns

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After a number of incidents at BlackFinn American Saloon, including a brawl in October, city officials have suspended BlackFinn’s late-night liquor permit for seven days beginning Nov. 16, according to a city press release.

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While meeting with city officials Nov. 5, BlackFinn admitted to four violations of the city's liquor code and voluntarily agreed to the suspension. The popular downtown Naperville bar also agreed to installing an ID checking system in the next 30 days, security cameras within a one-year time-frame as well as local Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training for its security staff.

If no additional liquor code violations occur during the first three days of the suspension, the city will suspend the remaining four days, city officials said.

The city also fined BlackFinn $1,000, according to the city.  

After a police investigation, the city’s legal department reviewed the liquor code violations and drafted a recommendation for Mayor A. George Pradel, the city’s liquor commissioner, to review and approve, according to the city.

“I believe suspending BlackFinn’s late-night liquor permit is fair and reasonable,” Pradel said in a press release. “The safety of the downtown is a top priority, and I approve of this agreement and find this to be an acceptable solution in this instance.”

On Oct. 27, four men were arrested after a brawl broke out between them around 1:28 a.m. at BlackFinn. One of the men had to be subdued with a Tazer, according to the Naperville Police Department

Officers were in the area of the bar that night when they "observed several subjects fighting," according to a police press release. Police said the men began fighting inside BlackFinn before spilling into the street. 

Naperville police, along with assistance from the DuPage County Sheriff's Deparment, intervened and arrested the four men outside of the bar. 

“The safety of those persons who visit downtown Naperville is a top priority for the Naperville Police Department,” Naperville Police Chief Robert Marshall said in a press release. “Our objective is to ensure those who visit have a pleasurable and safe experience. Those who chose to be disruptive, violate our ordinances and liquor codes and ruin the experience for others will be held accountable.”


Naperville Woman Indicted in Stabbing Deaths of 2 Children

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Elzbieta Plackowska, 40, of Naperville is being held without bail and charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder.

A DuPage County Grand Jury announced Thursday that a Naperville woman has been formally indicted on 10 counts of first-degree murder for the alleged stabbing deaths of her son and a young girl she was babysitting.

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Elzbieta Plackowska, 40, was indicted on five counts of first-degree murder for the alleged stabbing deaths of her 7-year-old son Justin Plackowska and five counts of first-degree murder for the death of 5-year-old Olivia Dworakowski, according to a DuPage County State's Attorney press release.

The indictment, which was filed Thursday afternoon, also alleges two counts of aggravated cruelty for allegedly stabbing to death two family dogs, a mixed breed, Niki, and a dachshund named Tootsie, according to the release.

Both children were found stabbed to death on the night of Oct. 30 when Plackowska was babysitting them inside a townhouse in the 800 block of Quin Court in Naperville, prosecutors said.

Plackowska is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on Nov. 21 at 8:30 a.m. in front of Judge Robert Kleeman. If convicted, she faces a mandatory sentence of natural life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to the release.

Full Coverage on Naperville Patch: 

Naperville Woman Charged in Stabbing Deaths to Undergo Psych Evaluation

After Children's Tragic Deaths, 360 Youth Services Offers Support, Healing

Family of Slain Naperville Girl Grieves, Thanks Community for Support

Memorial Fund Set Up for Slain 5-Year-Old Girl

Video: Naperville Gathers to Mourn, Remember Slain Children

New Judge Assigned for Naperville Mom Accused of Stabbing Kids to Death

Court Denies Bond for Naperville Mom Accused of Stabbing Children to Death

Police Charge Naperville Mom With Murder in Stabbing Deaths of Children

Community Reacts After Children Stabbed to Death in Naperville Home

Police Find 2 Children Stabbed to Death in Naperville Home

Aurora Man Doing 20 For Naperville Murder Now Serving 15 For Robbery

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Courtney Mayes took a plea for robbery and could be out in less than three years. He had been doing 20 for murder.

An Aurora man whose murder conviction was reversed by the appellate court copped a plea to a robbery charge Thursday.

Courtney Mayes, 25, was doing a 20-year bit in Hill Correctional Center when the appellate court ruled the Naperville police messed up his arrest.

Mayes, his cousin Cherrod Moore, 32, of Aurora and three other men—Reginald Chandler-Martin, 26, of Aurora, Justin Harper, 25, of Aurora, and Tyrell Jackson, 25, of Villa Park—all were charged with first-degree murder in connection with the April 2008 killing of John Rosales.

Moore and Mayes were playing video games with Rosales in the Naperville man's home when Chandler-Martin and Jackson, both armed and wearing masks, burst in, according to prosecutors. Chandler-Martin ordered everyone in the residence to hit the deck and Jackson shot Rosales in the neck.

Harper supplied the guns used in the robbery, according to a statement released by Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow's office.

The five men were plotting to rip off Rosales for his money and cocaine, prosecutors said, and Moore and Mayes were acting as decoys in the heist.

Like his cousin, Moore took a 20 year hit after he was found guilty at a bench trial. Chandler-Martin was sentenced to 39 years in prison, Jackson got 70 years and Harper got five after pleading to aggravated robbery and "cooperating with prosecutors," according to a statement released by Glasgow's office.

But appellate judges ruled that both Mayes and Moore had been "unlawfully detained for more than 14 hours at the Naperville police station before they were officially arrested," according to a story in the Chicago Tribune, and sent the cases back to court.

Moore was also in the Will County Courthouse Thursday. He will return for a possible plea and sentencing on Nov. 28.

Mayes' plea to aggravated robbery made him eligible for day-for-day credt. He also receives credit for the time he served both in prison and the Will County jail following his arrest. He could be free in less than three years.

Predict the Score: Chicago vs. San Francisco

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Predict the score

Both the Bears' and the 49ers' quarterbacks left their games last week with concussions, making this game extra difficult to predict. The Bears are 7-2 and the 49ers are right behind them at 6-2-1, coming off the first tie game since 2008.

Now they battle on Monday Night Football, 

Patch is getting in on the action.

Predict the score prior to Sunday's Bears game. The reader who correctly guesses the score, or comes closest to guessing the score, will get a Patch tote bag. At the end of the season, we'll have a random drawing among the weekly winners for a larger prize.

Congratulations to Ralph Kriho, of Willow Springs, who predicted the Texans would beat the Bears 17-10 last week (the actual score was 13-6).

 HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

• If you’re a Patch reader, simply comment on the bottom of this article with your name and what you think the final score of the next Bears game will be. (Example: Benny Bears Fan, Bears 102, 49ers 0.)

• All entries need to be received by the start of the game. Because the Bears' game is at 7:30 p.m. Monday (CST), we'll need all entries by then.

• To determine the winner, we will take the difference between actual points scored and predicted score for each team, and add them up for everyone who posted in the comments section. The person whose combined total is closest to zero wins. And it doesn't matter if the points you give are higher or lower than actual points scored, we're just looking for the person who has the lowest differential.

• If two or more people tie for being the closest to the actual total of points scored, a random drawing will be held to determine the winner.

• Only one entry allowed per person. All participants must be 18 years or older. You can read our official giveaway guidelines here.

So, please, comment away. And tell your friends!


 

This is What $350,000 Buys You

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Need More Info? Want to know what's selling in your Patch and throughout the area? Check our Local Home Sales tracker, published every Thursday.

Naperville and Lisle Home Sales, Nov. 15 Edition

Out of these two homes, which one would you buy? Tell us your choice in the comments below. Those selling homes can use Patch to help spread the word.

Naperville Park District Holding Holiday Lights Recycling Program

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As many residents and businesses begin assembling lights and decorations for the holidays, the Naperville Park District has announced its third annual holiday lights recycling program in partnership with Elgin Recycling, beginning Nov. 19 and ending Feb. 15, 2013.

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Rather than tossing old, nonworking lights in the trash, the Naperville Park District is inviting the community to recycle the lights in three locations throughout the district.

The following types of lights will be accepted: Mini-lights, C-7 lights, C-9 lights, Rope lights, LED lights and extension cords. All colors and lengths will be accepted.

The Park District will receive a rebate of approximately $.15 for each pound of lights recycled. The rebate will be used to support the District’s ongoing environmental initiatives.

“Last year the recycling drive diverted over 1 ton of lights from the landfill,” said Director of Marketing Sameera Luthman. “We are happy to partner with Elgin Recycling in this simple but effective way of caring for our environment.”

The following Naperville Park District locations will be accepting lights for recycling:

  • Barn Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave. (Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
  • Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave. – Lower Level (Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
  • Springbrook Golf Course, 2220 W. 83rd St. (Hours: Monday - Sunday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.). Springbrook Golf Course will be closed Dec. 24 - Jan. 1.

For more information, visit www.napervilleparks.org.

Submitted by the Naperville Park District

On-Street Overnight Parking Changes Begin Next Week

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File photo.

The city of Naperville is implementing new changes when it comes to on-street overnight parking. 

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On-street parking is prohibited between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. daily. Beginning Monday, Nov. 19, on-street single-night parking exemptions will be limited to three exemptions per month, per vehicle, according to the city of Naperville.

“Throughout the past several months, we’ve been evaluating ways to enforce the exemptions to the overnight on-street parking restrictions in a fair, uniform manner,” Police Chief Robert Marshall said in a press release. “We had noticed that we were receiving frequent requests for overnight exemptions over and over again. This is a way to balance the needs of our residents with the need to enforce the rules and regulations we have in place.” 

Residents in need of single-night parking exemptions due to overnight guests, vehicle breakdowns, driveway sealcoating or other short-term parking issues can contact the Naperville Police Department at 630-420-6666 before 2 a.m. to request an exemption.

Residents must provide the vehicle description, including vehicle registration information.

Residents in need of parking permits due to construction, medical care provider parking needs or other long-term exemptions should also contact the Naperville Police Department for permit information. The existing longer-term permit process will remain unchanged.

The new overnight exemption limitations will be monitored throughout the next six months as a pilot program. After six months, police will evaluate resident feedback, draft an evaluation report and make adjustments to the program at that time.

For more information on the city of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us

Submitted by the city of Naperville

Police Blotter: Ding-Dong Drano Bomb, DUI, Possession of Cannabis

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Naperville police blotter.

Wednesday, Nov. 14 

Driving under the influence

Nicole Eleanor Bell, 23, of the 400 block of Chestnut Street in North Aurora, was arrested at 2:48 a.m. in the 2700 block of West 75th Street, Naperville Police Department said. She was charged with speeding, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, failure to give signal and no insurance. Her bail was $3,000.

Possession of cannabis

  • Lucas John Habeeb, 19, of the 1200 block of Game Trail North in Bourbonnais, was arrested at 8:15 p.m. in the 400 block of South Brainard Street, police said. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis. His bond was $120.
  • Evan Christopher Landmark, 20, of the 8200 block of Robertson Road in Edwards, at 11 p.m. in the 400 block of South Brainard Street, police said. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis. His bond was $120.
  • Eric Joseph Sutphin, 24, of the 2300 block of Nan Street in Aurora, was arrested at 10:30 p.m. in the 1800 block of High Grove Lane, police said. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis. His bond was $120.

Warrant arrest 

Gladys May Thames, 69, of the 2800 block of Kilburne Lane, was arrested at 10:23 p.m. at her residence, police said. She was charged on a failure-to-appear warrant. Her bond was $500.

Lost/stolen purse 

A lost or stolen purse was reported in the 1600 block of Naperville Wheaton Road, police said. 

Power tools stolen

An unlocked work truck box was entered and power tools valued at $1,920 were taken in the 300 block of Osage Lane, police said. The company name "On the Level" was written on the tools. 

Stolen bike 

A men's Trek 1000 27-inch white, orange and blue bike was stolen in the 100 block of 4th Avenue, police said.

Ding-dong Drano bomb

Someone placed a Drano bomb on a front porch and then repeatedly rang the door bell. The bomb exploded prior to a resident answering the front door in the 900 block of Merrimac Circle. No damage was reported, police said.

Mailbox damaged

A mailbox was damaged in the 2700 block of Springdale Circle, police said. 


Small Fire Damages Roof of Rosebud Restaurant in Downtown Naperville

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Update: Nov. 16, 11:32 a.m. 

Rosebud Restaurant in downtown Naperville reopened for business Thursday at 4 p.m. just a few hours after a small fire on the restaurant's roof was extinguished. 

The fire caused $100,000 in damage to Rosebud Italian Restaurant, 22 E. Chicago Ave., Thursday afternoon, according to the Naperville Fire Department

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Crews arrived to the scene at 12:01 p.m. and found a small fire burning on the restaurant's roof after receiving a 911 call from the restaurant at 11:56 a.m. Thursday.

One firefighter received a minor injury but was not transported to a hospital after crews worked for 45 minutes to extinguish the fire. All employees and patrons were evacuated and no civilians were injured.

The fire came two years after a blaze destroyed the restaurant's previous location at 48 W. Chicago Ave.

Two engines, one truck company, a medic unit and two chief officers were dispatched to the scene yesterday afternoon, according to a press release. 

A building inspector from the Naperville Department of Transportation, Engineering and Development closed the restaurant until the health department responded and repairs were made to the roof. 

Fire investigators from the Naperville Fire Department remained on the scene investigating the cause of the fire, according to the press release.

The estimated damage to the building is $100,000.

Photo Contest: Show Us Your Baby Bears

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Is your little Bear the cutest of them all? Whatever the age, we wanted to see little kids and big kids decked out in their Chicago Bears finery as we enjoy the 2012 season.

When your little one is snuggled up in his Chicago Bears jammies, is he the cutest thing on two feet? When your toddler cries, does she look just like Jay Cutler?

Is your tot a beefy little Dick Butkus?

With the Bears halfway through the season and currently riding high in their division, let's show some team spirit. Please share with us a photograph of your little Baby Bear. We're putting together a gallery of kids decked out in their Chicago Bears finest to celebrate the men in burnt orange and navy blue.

SHARE A PHOTO of your little one in Bears wear by clicking on the "Upload Photos and Videos" button on this article.

The photo you submit could have been taken at any time, in any location. 

Any photo gets you an entry in our contest. Just tell us about your youngster in the caption. Please include names, ages and hometowns.

Our deadline is 9 p.m., Dec. 15.

Once your photo is uploaded onto the site, you're automatically entered for a chance to win our incredibly Patchy giant stuffed bear, or other Patch goodies. 

RULES

OK, now for the rules. Yep—we need rules. 

  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
  • To enter, upload a photo that shows your youngster in Bears colors to this article, and tell us in the caption what makes him or her the cutest.
  • All entries must be received by 9 p.m., Dec. 15 
  • You may submit as many photos as you'd like, but each person is only entered once in the contest.
  • One (1) grand prize winner will be selected by Patch editors, and will win a giant, Patchy bear.  Two runners-up (because we know there's more than one cute kiddie in the Southland) will each receive Patch goodies.
  • This contest is not endorsed by either the Chicago Bears or
    the NFL.
  • If you crave more legalese, read our Complete Official Rules.

Leonid Meteor Shower to Peak Nov. 17

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What you could see when viewing the Leonids Meteor Shower.

Skies are looking like they'll cooperate as the Leonid meteor shower gets under way.

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As you hang holiday lights and light the candles, cast your gaze upon the universe's natural fireworks, as well. The Leonid meteor shower is expected to peak Saturday, Nov. 17 in the pre-dawn hours.

Space.com has a number of tips for watching the Leonids. The site also has some spectacular Leonids photos. And here's a Youtube video of the Leonid meteor shower.

The show follows some nice shows by the Taurids Meteor Shower earlier this month, and the spectacular Perseids Meteor Shower, which wowed gazers in August.

The weather forecast for Burr Ridge is calling for mostly clear skies Friday night.

LEONID METEOR SHOWER INFORMATION: 

  • These meteors are fast (about 40 miles per second) and can leave trails of smoke, according to Astronomy.com. They will appear to radiate from the constellation Leo the Lion.
  • One of the 10 cool things to know about the Leonids, from Space.com: "Leonids are spawned by the comet Tempel-Tuttle. Every 33 years, it rounds the Sun and then goes back to the outer solar system. On each passage across Earth's orbit, Tempel-Tuttle lays down another trail of debris..."
  • This shower is called the Leonid shower because the meteors seem to come from a point in the constellation Leo. But they are really much closer to Earth than these stars are. The starting point, called the radiant, is found in the part of Leo that looks to be a backwards question mark. 
  • The Leonids has been called, some years, a "meteor storm" (rather than just a "shower"), but reports say this year will be limited to "at best 10 to 15 meteors per hour." The last Leonid storm, with thousands of shooting stars per hour, was in 2002.
  • A report, from MSNBC says there is a reason this year's display is a bit different: "Two peaks of activity, one on Saturday morning and another on Tuesday morning (Nov. 20).
  • Fireballs may be seen with the naked eye.
  • The shower began November 17. To see the Leonids, lie outside in a dark place between midnight and dawn. Point your feet east and look carefully. 

Story originally reported by Ames Patch.

Astronomers anticipate three meteor showers this November and December, including the Taurid meteor shower, which peaked last weekend. The Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak Dec. 13.

Dec. 13: Geminid Meteor Shower

  • The last shooting star cluster before New Year's is the Geminid Meteor Shower, expected to peak in the pre-dawn hours after midnight between Dec. 13 and Dec. 15. They will be visible in all parts of the sky and streak through the sky at more than 50 meteors per hour, almost a meteor a minute, according to EarthSky.com. The new moon is expected to fall on Dec. 13, making for optimal dark skies—as long as you avoid city lights and clouds, the website states.  

Be sure to schedule a night this season to bundle up, lay out some blankets and enjoy the light show in the sky. 

Share your tips for photographing the showers. Tell us your favorite places to sneak off to view the skies. 

Patch Roundup: Chaplain Wins $1 Million in Powerball; Firefighter Killed by Own Dog

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Ron and Kathleen Yurcus pose with their check from the lottery.

Here are some of the top stories from the past week in Patch's west Chicago region:

Glen EllynGlen Ellyn Man Wins $1 Million in Powerball—After finding a pile of lottery tickets and checking the numbers, Ron Yurcus discovered he was a winner.

Geneva—UPDATE- Firefighter Died of Attack From Her Own Dog—Dawn Brown was home alone at the time of the attack. Here are more details.

WheatonOfficials Identify Child Buried as "Johnny Doe" in Wheaton—Officials publicly identify a boy who was found dead in 2005 in Naperville Township as Atcel Olmedo.

Batavia—Police Sting Lands 600 Pounds of Marijuana in Batavia, Elburn and Other Areas—A handful of local residents are charged. Here's how the bust went down.

NapervilleAdult Film Star Jenna Jameson Ordered to Pay Naperville Theater for 'No Show'A DuPage County judge ordered adult film star Jenna Jameson to pay breach-of-contract damages for not showing up at two heavily promoted events last year.

Elmhurst'Mob Daughter' Puts Father's Notoriety Behind Her; New Life Includes Fund-raising at Flight 112—Come meet Nora Schweihs of "Mob Wives" this Saturday.

La Grange/La Grange Park/Western Springs—Rallying Local Support, Retired Officer to Drive Supplies to Sandy Victims—La Grange Highlands’ Jack Kielczynski has less than a week to fill his truck in order to reach Staten Island by Thanksgiving, and the community is answering his call.

Lemont—Lemont Man's Trial For Alleged Romeoville Road Rage Killing Set—Christopher Yeoman of Lemont faces second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of a man he allegedly punched at a Romeoville stoplight.

Hinsdale/Clarendon Hills/Burr Ridge—Heroin Use in DuPage County an 'Epidemic,' State's Attorney Says—District 86 hosted a drug symposium on Nov. 7 at Hinsdale South High School that featured several speakers, including DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin, with first-hand knowledge of the dangers of heroin in the suburbs today.

Oak Park/River Forest/Forest ParkCar Crashes Into Oak Park Home—A car sped into the front of a home in the 700 block of south Grove Avenue on Thursday Afternoon.

St. CharlesNo Favored Treatment for East High Athletes Busted at Party—Teen party fallout: St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 chief says the district’s Code of Conduct holds student athletes to a higher, tougher standard than other students.

Downers GroveDowners Grove North Lip-Dub Video Goes Viral—Students and teachers in the school's Fine Arts Department sing and dance to "It's Always a Good Time" by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen while showcasing various art and music classes.

Darien/WoodridgeDriver Gets $1,500 Fine, Community Service in Crash that Disabled Downers Grove Teen—Parents of 14-year-old Hunter Himes say he won't recover from injuries sustained in February, when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle home from a friend's house.

OMG PD: Drano Bomb, Gas Gobbler, Secret Scrapper

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Police reports from around the area.

NAPERVILLE

Boom Goes The Drano

Someone placed a Drano bomb on a front porch Nov. 14 and then repeatedly rang the doorbell. The bomb exploded prior to a resident answering the front door in the 900 block of Merrimac Circle. No damage was reported, police said.

Thief Lifts Latex

Retail theft of condoms was reported Nov. 13 in the 700 block of South Route 59, police said.

GLEN ELLYN

Bad Example for the Kids

Katharine P. Grilli, 18, of the 3000 block of Mayfair Avenue, Westchester, was arrested at 8:48 a.m. Nov. 5 at Park Boulevard and Sheehan Avenue, police said. She was charged possession of drug equipment, possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis and speeding in a school zone.

GENEVA

I Saw the Sign … and Look What Happened

An Elgin driver's confusion over pedestrian-crossing signs on South Third Street contributed to Tuesday's three-car accident that pushed one vehicle onto the sidewalk next to the Geneva Post Office, Geneva police reports indicate.

The accident took place around 10:43 a.m. Nov. 13 at the intersection of James Street and South Third Street, reports said.

According to reports, a Chevrolet Malibu driven by Samsam Turkman, 65, of Elgin was travelling east on James Street and stopped at the stop sign at South Third Street as a Hyundai Sonata driven by Violeta Flores, 77, was travelling north on Third Street.

Reports said Turkman saw the yellow pedestrian crosswalk stop sign for northbound traffic, assumed that Flores’ Sonata would stop, and proceeded into the intersection. His Malibu struck the rear of the Sonata, which veered to its left into the northwest corner of the intersection, near the Post Office, where it struck a sign post, park bench and two large newspaper boxes. The newspaper boxes then fell into a parked Chrysler Town & Country owned by a Batavia woman.

Garage Grab

Someone took a men’s gray Quest mountain bicycle and Craftsman drill set from a garage of a home in the 100 block of North Bedford Lane sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 27, Geneva police reports said. The garage door was open during the time of the incident, reports said. The bicycle and drill set had a combined value of about $270.

ST. CHARLES

Just Can't Get Enough

A 42-year-old resident of the 1000 block of Dean Street reported at 10:40 a.m. Nov. 8 that someone had siphoned half a tank of gasoline from his 1999 Chevrolet Malibu on Oct. 30-31. Several days later, he told police, he purchased a locking gas cap and installed it on his vehicle. The next morning, he found someone had broken the lock and siphoned more gas from the vehicle. He then told police he parked the vehicle in a more visible spot, but the next morning found someone had let the air out of his tires.

BATAVIA

Get Outta Here

A Batavia man was found "scrapping" from a green dumpster at 9:21 p.m. Nov. 9 in the 1000 block of North Paramount Parkway, according to police. The man stated he had permission to go through the dumpster. Police determined that the subject had a suspended driver's license—he was told he would not be allowed to drive his vehicle. A friend came and drove the man off the property. The man was told not to return unless given permission by the owner of the property.

Police report information is provided by local police departments. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.

Police Blotter: Retail Theft Arrest, Possession of Cannabis

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Police lights

Thursday, Nov. 15 

Suspended/revoked license

  • David Edwin Keating, 35, of the 4200 block of Drexel Avenue in Aurora, was arrested at 9:08 a.m. in the 1600 block of West Diehl Road, Naperville Police Department said. He was charged with no insurance, operating a vehicle with suspended insurance and driving on a suspended/revoked license. His bail was $3,000.
  • Sarah Lynn Tozzi, 27, of the 100 block of Kingsbridge Circle, was arrested at 10:32 p.m. near South Washington Street and Meisinger Lane, police said. He was charged with driving on a suspended/revoked license and no insurance. His bail was $2,000.

Retail theft

Mansoor Kapadvanjwala, 50, of the 1000 block of Lakestone Lane in Aurora, was arrested at 5:37 p.m. in the 700 block of Fort Hill Drive, police said. He was charged with retail theft after allegedly removing a wrench from a set of wrenches and placing it in his pocket. His bond was $150.

Possession of cannabis

  • Javier Rosado, 38, of the 800 block of South Julian Street, was arrested at 8:17 p.m. near Olesen Drive and Edward Road, police said. He was charged with possession of cannabis and interfering with an officer. His bond was $120.
  • Javier Tovar Bautista, 43, of the 100 bock of Briarcliff Road in Bolingbrook, was arrested at 8:17 p.m. near Olesen Drive and Edward Road, police said. He was charged with two counts of driving under the influence of drugs, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of cannabis, leaving the scene of an accident and no insurance. His bond was $300.

No driver's license

Luis Cardenas, 38, of the 1500 block of Perry Court in Aurora, was arrested at 11:40 p.m. near Meridian Lakes Drive and North Route 59, police said. He was charged with no insurance and no driver's license. His bond was $300.

City Fines, Suspends BlackFinn's Liquor Permit Citing Safety Concerns


Naperville Woman Indicted in Stabbing Deaths of 2 Children

Football Playoffs: Listen to Neuqua Valley vs. Mount Carmel Game

Heroin Use in DuPage County an 'Epidemic,' State's Attorney Says

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DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin was among the speakers at a District 86 drug symposium on Nov. 7 that mostly focused on heroin use in suburban communities.

Thirty deaths from heroin overdose have occurred in DuPage County during the last 12 months, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said during an event at Hinsdale South last week.

Related: Biggert, Officials: Battling Heroin Epidemic Begins With Education

Read More on Patch's "Heroin: Naperville's Drug Reality" Page

“This is a real epidemic that we’re faced with,” Berlin said.

Since last year, community forums have been held to help educate the public about the rise of heroin use in Naperville and the surrounding area.

After seven deaths in Naperville due to overdoses within the past year and a series of educational forums that followed, parents and officials are becoming well aware of the drug’s popularity and dangers.

The county’s top prosecutor was one of several speakers who took to the microphone in Darien on Nov. 7 to talk about the prevalence and dangers of heroin at Hinsdale Township High School District 86’s Drug Awareness Symposium.

It’s important, Berlin said, that DuPage County community members learn and then spread the word about the dangers of heroin, a topic he said has not gotten the media attention it deserves.

“This is really an education and a health issue,” he said.  

In Naperville, two students took it upon themselves to raise awareness about the epidemic after filming the documentary"Neuqua on Drugs." The documentary, which tells the uncut story of Naperville's youth drug culture, recently won a Dreamland International Film Festival award and is now available to purchase online.

Naperville Patch will hold a special screening of the film at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 3 at the 95th Street Library in Naperville. 

John Roberts, a former Chicago cop whose son died from a heroin overdose, also spoke at Hinsdale South last week along with community relations coordinator Claudia Evensen from Rosecrance substance abuse center.

An area mother whose son is currently in treatment for heroin addiction discussed her family’s experience with the drug, as well, but did not reveal her full name.

Roberts’ son Billy had just graduated eighth grade when the family moved from the city to the suburbs. Billy started using “soft drugs” and alcohol during his freshman year in high school, and moved on to hard drugs not long after.

Roberts said that when he first learned of his son’s heroin use, he was shocked that a suburban high-schooler could get a hold of the drug.

“Before we knew it, he was gone.”

Billy Roberts died in 2009. Since then, John Roberts and another dad who lost a son to heroin started the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization (HERO), which through support programs, aims to help the families of those who have lost a child to heroin. 

Berlin said law enforcement’s battle against heroin is made difficult by the drug’s accessibility. It’s a cheap drug—$10 to $20 will get someone high for a night—and one that is easy for DuPage teens to get a hold of by traveling I-290, the “Heroin Highway,” to Chicago’s West Side.

Berlin said for every dealer that’s arrested there are several more still out there waiting to fill the void, meaning law enforcement can only do so much. It’s up to parents, he said, to spread the word to friends and other community members while paying attention to their kids—noticing if their grades slip, if they start hanging out with new friends, or if their personality changes and they become more withdrawn.

The state’s attorney encouraged parents to emphasize safety over privacy.

“[Your child’s] cell phone is the most important tool that you have. You’ve got to know what’s in that phone,” said Berlin, recommending that parents look at their child’s phone activity after they go to sleep or getting a program that monitors their kids’ text messages. “It may sound a lot like big brother, but this is a serious problem.”

Roberts echoed Berlin's pressing tone.

“It’s out here," he said of heroin in the suburbs. "It’s here now.”

Berlin said incarceration of heroin addicts does not address the problem. Rehabilitation is how to address it. DuPage’s drug court puts those charged with possession into treatment. Berlin said since 2002, 592 people have gone through the county’s drug court, and around half were successfully treated.

Court Supervision: Look What Happened at the Courthouse This Week

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Maybe that publicity deal Drew Peterson signed with his attorney, Joel Brodsky, wasn't such a great idea after all.

Former Bolingbrook cop and current Will County jail bird Drew Peterson highlighted the week's courthouse action when a couple of his lawyers showed up with a motion for a new trial.

The old trial ended not so well for Peterson, as he was found guilty of murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio.

The motion for a new trial paints former Peterson attorney Joel Brodsky as a publicity hound, and claims a deal he entered with a Florida public relations worker damaged Peterson's chance for a fair trial.

What else was going on at the Will County Courthouse? Well, keep reading:

8A Football: Neuqua's Season Ends in Loss to Mount Carmel

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Mount Carmel WR Jason Gasser. He had six receptions for 68 yards and three TD's.

Breaking It Down: Neuqua Valley wasted no time making a statement against Mount Carmel as Mikey Dudek took the opening kickoff 97 yards to give the Wildcats a 7-0 lead. The Wildcats defense was ready for the option and able to force the Caravan to turn the ball over on downs twice in the first quarter; one of which was inside the 5. 

Caravan quarterback Don Butkus connected with receiver Jason Gasser for an 8-yard score to tie the game at 7. Neuqua struck again with Dudek scoring his second touchdown on a 10-yard pass from quarterback Dylan Andrew. The Caravan, with less than two minutes left, marched 80 yards down the field and tied the game at 14 with a 24-yard strike to Gasser, his second of the game. 

After a back-and-forth third quarter with both sides committing turnovers in enemy territory, the Caravan took the lead for the first time early in the fourth with a 13-yard pass to Gasser.

Down 26-14, the Wildcats scored on a 32-yard catch by Reggie Ervin, who was able to grab a jump ball that had been tipped near the endzone to make it a 26-21 game with 32 seconds left. On the ensuing onside kick, the Caravan were able to down the ball on a very close play, ending Neuqua's season. 

Patch’s MVP: Jason Gasser, Mount Carmel. He had six receptions for 68 yards and three of the four Caravan touchdowns on the evening. 

Mount Carmel Stat Pack: Running back Matt Domer had 23 carries for 160 yards and a touchdown. Draco Smith had 22 carries for 82 yards and was crucial in burning precious minutes off the clock in the fourth quarter. 

Neuqua Valley Stat Pack: Mikey Dudek had five receptions for 73 yards to go with his 97-yard kickoff return. Running back Joey Rhattigan had 20 carries for 76 yards and two receptions for 54 yards. 

Quotable I: Neuqua Valley coach Bill Ellinghaus: “We fell a bit short tonight, but I’m proud of my kids and they did a great job battling all night.” 

Quotable II: Mount Carmel coach Frank Lenti: “Our offense did a terrific job all night of keeping their offense off the field, and they made some great plays.” 

Quotable III: Mount Carmel WR Jason Gasser on the slow start: “It’s a big momentum change for sure, but we’ve been down before. We knew what he had to do on offense.” 

What’s Next: Neuqua Valley’s season is over at 12-1. Mount Carmel (12-1) will play Glenbard North at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 in the 8A State Championship at Memorial Stadium in Champaign-Urbana.

Scores of Interest: Glenbard North defeated Loyola Academy 27-24 in the other 8A semifinal. In 7A seminfinal games, Lincoln-Way East defeated Benet Academy 37-13 and Glenbard West defeated Lake Zurich 19-13. For more scores, go to IHSA scorezeone.

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