ExpandKayla Doerre and top-ranked Lincoln-Way Central have beaten Class 3A power Lemont the past two seasons
(Dean Reid for Shaw Local News Ne/Dean Reid)
Over the past few seasons, the two teams that have dominated the area softball landscape the most have been Lemont and Lincoln-Way Central
Lemont won back-to-back Class 3A state championships in 2022 and 2023 after taking second in 2021 to make for an amazing three-year stretch
was Class 4A state runner-up in 2021 before falling to Lincoln-Way East in a sectional championship in 2022 and losing to Lockport in a sectional championship in 2023
the Knights advanced to a Class 4A supersectional
where they lost to eventual state runner-up Marist
the two teams had each other on the schedule only to see Mother Nature take the game away in 2022 and 2023
they were able to play the game once again
don’t expect Lemont to take the Knights off their schedule
“This is why we schedule games like this,” Lemont coach Chris Traina said
“We want to play against the best competition we can
We probably won’t see anyone as good as Lincoln-Way Central in the playoffs
but now our kids have seen what a top team looks like and what we have to do in order to compete with that.”
Softball: Lockport vs Marengo APR 27 Kelcie McGraw and Lockport will host a Class 4A sectional that features six teams currently ranked in the Illinois Coaches Association top 25
(Dean Reid for Shaw Local News Ne/Dean Reid)
With the Herald-News area as strong in softball as it is
The winner of that sectional will play the winner of the Normal West Sectional in the Illinois Wesleyan Supersectional for the right to play in the state finals. No. 21 Minooka is in Subsectional B of that sectional
23 Bradley-Bourbonnais and East Moline United
The winner will play the winner of the Marist Sectional in the Illinois Benedictine Supersectional
In Class 3A, No. 19 Lemont hosts a regional in Subsectional A of the Ottawa Sectional. In Subsectional B of the same sectional, Providence Catholic and Morris are regional hosts
The winner of the sectional will play the winner of the East Peoria Sectional in the Illinois Wesleyan Supersectional
with regional hosts being Bismarck-Henning and Prairie Central
The winner of that sectional will face the winner of the Illinois Valley Central Sectional in the East Peoria Supersectional
In Class 1A, Dwight and Gardner-South Wilmington will compete in Subsectional A of the Serena Sectional
with Grant Park and Serena as regional hosts
The sectional winner will play the winner of the Argenta-Oreana Sectional in the Illinois Wesleyan Supersectional
Softball game between Joliet West at Joliet Central Joliet Central's Haydn Voss is ranked 18th in the state with her .647 batting average
According to www.maxpreps.com, several area players are among the state leaders in several statistical categories.
Haydn Voss of Joliet Central is hitting .647, which ranks 18th, while Morris’ Halie Olson is 68th, hitting .567, and Wilmington’s Taylor Stefancic (.547) is 90th. Wilmington’s Molly Southall is 49th in slugging percentage at 1.128, just ahead of Minooka’s Addisonn Crumly, who is 50th at 1.125. Southall also is 26th in RBIs with 36.
For pitchers, Lincoln-Way Central’s Lisabella Dimitrijevic, the reigning Gatorade Illinois Player of the Year, is fourth in the state with a 0.49 ERA. Peotone’s Sophie Klawitter is second with 251 strikeouts, while Dimitrijevic also is tied for fourth with 207. Kelcie McGraw of Lockport ranks 20th with 164, and Morris’ Mylie Hughes is 31st with 147.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
The views expressed here are the author's own
Get mom what she really wants this year…breakfast in bed from Do-Rite Donuts
We’re headed to you on Mother’s Day morning
there’s something on the menu for the one you love the most
Please note that orders need to be placed by 9am on Saturday
Your order will be available for home delivery starting at 6:30am
We’re delivering this bakery event to Naperville, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Bolingbrook, and Lemont. Learn more about our delivery zones here
View menu + order: https://dwell.social/42VnCeN
Tuesday, 8:30 amNew Lenox, IL
Tuesday, 4:00 pmNew Lenox, IL
Honor the most important women in your life when Vanille brings cupcakes
which is owned and operated by classically trained pastry chef Sophie Evanoff
Order individually wrapped cookies letting mom know just how sweet she is
There are also cupcakes with custom-printed macarons
and a macaron gift box anyone will be thrilled to open
Please note that orders need to be placed by 9am on Friday
Your order will be available for home delivery starting at 11am
We’re delivering this bakery event to Naperville, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Bolingbrook, and Lemont. Learn more about our delivery zones here
View menu + order: https://dwell.social/3EzTKMZ
You're in luck because Five Squared Pizza is headed your way on Thursday
the husband and wife duo behind Five Squared
left their corporate jobs to follow their dream of owning a food truck
the pandemic forced them to pivot away from the food truck and toward a cloud kitchen model
Named "The best 25 pizzas in Chicago" by the Chicago Tribune and "13 best pizza places in Chicago" by Condé Nast Traveler
their Five Squared Box includes Mix & Match Slices with options ranging from traditional to inventive; cheese
Their delicious pizzas are intended to be heated at home
Simple heating instructions will be provided
Your order will be available for home delivery between 2:30 - 6:00pm
We’re delivering this restaurant event to Naperville, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Bolingbrook, and Lemont. Learn more about our delivery zones here
View menu + order: https://dwell.social/4jG06ZK
Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker
“My wife and I love to go to this huge outdoor adventure park along the I&M Canal with our three kids
because it’s got something for every skill and bravery level
The outdoor concerts are a bonus.” 227 Heritage Quarries Dr
My kids always find something from the impressive selection
And they love the art activities after school and on weekends
themed to holidays or a character.” 310 Canal St
“It has terrain that’s unique for the Midwest
It’s on our bucket list to try cross-country skiing there.” 12545 111th St
We go for the smash burgers and Tater Tots
There’s an outdoor patio we like in the summer.” 12371 Derby Rd
We hope you enjoy our newsletters.To subscribe to the print edition of Chicago magazine, go to chicagomag.com/subscribe
Tags: City Life, My Neighborhood
Chicago magazine newsletters have you covered
Thousands in Centre County Lose Power After Severe Storms
Man Dies by Electrocution in State College After Severe Storm Damaged Power Lines
Road Closures Continue in Centre County After Severe Storm
A restoration project for the bridge on Elmwood Street spanning U.S
Route 322 near Lemont is scheduled to begin Monday
A bridge restoration project near Lemont will impact drivers on U.S
Route 322 and Elmwood Street over the coming months
including a full closure of the bridge this summer
Work is scheduled to begin Monday and continue until September on the Elmwood Street bridge spanning U.S
Route 322 in College Township near the Route 26-State College exit
drivers on Route 322 may encounter short-term lane and shoulder closures while crews work underneath the bridge
PennDOT expects those traffic impacts will be minimal
but urges drivers to exercise caution in the work zone
The bridge on Elmwood Street will remain open through the end of the school year but will be fully closed during the summer for contractor H&P Construction Inc
PennDOT will issue an update on detour information before closing the bridge
The repairs are expected to improve the bridge’s ride quality
extend its service life and raise its overall condition rating from fair to good
Work includes concrete beam and deck repairs
installation of reinforcement bars and new strip seals
The Elmwood Street project is part of a $1.4 million project that includes two other bridge rehabilitations
322 will take place later this construction season
and a project on the Route 504 bridge spanning Wallace Run in Boggs Township was completed in 2024
It’s also one of two PennDOT bridge restoration projects in College Township scheduled to begin on Monday
Work on bridges spanning Warner Boulevard and Spring Creek near the Oak Hall interchange on U.S
Route 322 will result in the right lanes in both directions being closed
Once work is completed in the travel lanes
That project is expected to last through the end of August
80% of consumers turn to directories with reviews to find a local business
We offer the latest breaking news and videos straight from the Centre County region in Central PA
Contact us: info@statecollege.com
© Copyright 2000 – 2024 | StateCollege.com® | All Rights Reserved | State College
PA – Centre County – Central Pennsylvania – Home of Penn State University
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. StateCollege.com Privacy Policy page
MORRIS — The signature event at the Morris Night of Relays track and field meet Friday was undoubtedly the throwers’ relay
That is a race in which each team chose four of their shot put or discus throwers and had them run a 4x100-meter relay
the winning team in each of the boys’ and girls’ races got to split a large cheese pizza
In the throwers’ relay, JCA’s second leg, Makenna Shanahan, spent most of her 100 meters trying to laugh and run at the same time.
“I was laughing when I was running,” Shanahan said. “I had never run on a track in my life, ever. It was so fun. I was happy I got to do it.,
“Overall, it was a fun day and a great meet.”
The throwers’ relay wasn’t the only race with a different setup than normal. The sprint medley relay featured two legs of 100 meters, one of 200 meters and one of 400. The distance medley relay was 4000 meters (10 laps). The first leg was 1,200 meters, the second was 800, the third was 400 and the anchor leg was 1,600. There were also traditional races such as the 300-meter hurdles and 1,600-meter run as well as the normal field events.
Morris finished 1-2-3 in the 1,600, with Cuyler Swanson, Nikita Hovious and Everett Swanson finishing in the top spots. The same three, along with Brodie Patterson, also won the 4x800 relay. Kohen Gross ran the anchor leg of the throwers’ relay, following teammates Malachi Congo, Brady Armstrong and Austin Durbin, which finished second, and took third in the discus.
“This is a fun meet,” Gross said. “I had a pretty good day. I didn’t throw my personal best, but I finished third. I do like the throwers’ relay. That’s a lot of fun since we are usually off by ourselves in the throwing area.
“The big thing was that our team got first, so that makes it a good day.”
Another key cog for Morris on the night was Owen Noon, who was a part of the 4x100 and 4x200 relays, which finished fourth and first, respectively, as well as taking second in the high jump.
“I did pretty much what I do in a normal meet,” Noon said. “But this is a fun change of pace from a normal meet. The whole team gets involved and that makes it a lot of fun.
“The throwers’ relay is a lot of fun to watch. It gets everyone together and cheering for each other.”
Morris coach Ryan Battersby was pleased with his team’s showing.
“We finished like I thought we would based on the times coming in,” he said. “The team aspect of it is what it’s all about. It was a great day for everyone.
“Our distance runners - Cuyler and Everett Swanson, Nikita Hovious, and Brodie Peterson - are all very strong and that’s why our 4x800 relay team is so good. They really push each other, but it’s a friendly rivalry. They all cheer for each other no matter what order they finish.”
Princeton had a strong showing in taking second place. The Tigers’ Cade Odell, Ian Morris and Landen Hoffman finished 1-2-3 in the shot put, while Morris and Hoffman were 1-2 in the discus. Casey Etheridge won the 300-meter hurdles and was part of the winning 4x400 relay along with Ayden Agushi, Tyler VandeVenter and Gavin Lanham.
“This is a good meet, a lot of fun,” Princeton coach Dave Moore said. “The throws are the strongest part of our team, but everyone did a good job tonight against schools bigger than us. Our 4x400 relay time keeps coming down and we are hoping to get it to state qualifying time.”
“This was a solid night for us,” Lemont coach Tim Plotke said. “The format is different, so it’s nice to get away from the same routine. With conference coming up next week and then the postseason, it’s nice to have a little break like this.
“We had season-best times in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 and our high jumpers were impressive. It was a great night for us.”
ExpandLincoln-Way Central's Jaimee Bolduc (Rob Oesterle)
NEW LENOX – Lincoln-Way Central catcher Jaimee Bolduc has the best seat in the house
She gets to crouch behind the plate and witness the dominance of pitcher Bella Dimitrijevic
That dominance was on display again Saturday, as Dimitrijevic, the reigning Gatorade Illinois Player of the Year, threw a one-hitter with 17 strikeouts in a 5-0 win over Lemont.
An effect of catching a pitcher such as Dimitrijevic is that it gives Bolduc the unique opportunity to see pitching at its best and recognize it when she is in the batter’s box.
She used that handy bit of knowledge in the bottom of the fifth inning, when she launched a solo homer to center to put her team ahead 2-0.
“The ball I hit was a rise ball,” Bolduc said. “My coaches have been telling me to swing more down on the ball, especially on a rise ball, and to think line drives. The one I hit was high in the zone, so I was able to get it up in the air. If I try to hit it in the air, I just pop it up, so swinging down on it helped.
“It also helps to catch Bella and see her rise ball all the time. I can recognize that spin coming out of the pitcher’s hand. This is our first year working together as pitcher and catcher, and it took a while for us to get on the same page. But now, I have a lot better idea of what she wants to throw and when she wants to throw it.”
The Knights (16-1) scored in the bottom of the first when Ellie McLauglin led off with a bunt single, went to third on a double off the top of the left-field fence by Kayla Doerre (2 for 3) and scored on a single by Dimitrijevic (2 for 3, RBI). Courtesy runner Bridget Barz stole second, but Lemont’s Sydney Kibbon worked out of the jam with no more runs scoring.
It was a bit of a theme for Central, as the Knights left 11 runners on base, eight in scoring position, as Kibbon and reliever Mila Mardjetko continually worked out of jams.
“We left a lot of runners on base,” Lincoln-Way Central coach Jeff Tarala said. “We need to do better at bringing runners around to score. We threw the ball well and fielded well, but from time to time we struggle to get runners in. That has been up and down our lineup. Jaimee Bolduc had been struggling lately, so it was good to see her hit that home run.
“It’s very nice when we score early and have Bella pitching. It gives us a lot more confidence, and it tends to demoralize the other team knowing they have to try and come back against her.”
Lemont (13-6) got a double from Natalie Pacyga in the first inning but did not have another hit. Maya Hollendoner reached base twice, once on a walk and once on an error, and Claire Podrebarac reached on a walk, but that was it. No one below the fourth spot in the lineup put the ball in play as Dimitrijevic struck out 13 batters in the 5-9 spots in the order.
“Bella is a very good pitcher, but we have to put the ball in play,” Lemont coach Chris Traina said. “Our pitchers threw the ball well, but when you don’t score that makes it tough.
“But this is why we schedule teams like Lincoln-Way Central. The better competition you see, the more it helps in the long run.”
Despite losing a wealth of experience from last year’s supersectional team, Lincoln-Way Central has 16 wins in its first 17 games.
“We lost almost the whole starting lineup from last year,” Bolduc said. “Everyone has stepped up this year, especially the non-starters. We have gotten contributions from everyone, and it has been really fun to get off to a great start.”
2025 at 12:01 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Incumbent John Egofske is running unopposed for the position
Patch offers candidate questionnaires for all candidates in local races
One of those races in Lemont is the race for Lemont Village President
Incumbent John Egofske is running unopposed for the position
Egofske recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire
Lemont Election Guide 2025: What’s On The Ballot, What To Know
www.PartyofLemont.comFacebook.com/Party of Lemont
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government
This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for
Louise Egofske has served as the Lemont Park District Executive Director for the past 15 years
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:
Currently serving as Mayor of Lemont (Village President) for past eight years
served as Illinois State Representative (82nd District) in 2023
The most pressing issues facing our (board
and this is what I intend to do about them
Our PARTY OF LEMONT ticket (Trustee candidates Ken McClafferty
Samuel Forzley and Clerk Charlene Smollen) want to personally thank our entire community for the opportunity to serve and continue the incredible and excellent progress we have achieved over the past several years in our beautiful town of Lemont
along with lack of basic businesses and recreation opportunities
We promised change and publicly shared a detailed Ten Point business plan to address the most pressing issue of improving our economic development throughout our town but specifically to our downtown
we are pleased to report “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.”...However we have much more to do!!
Landmark buildings and neglected areas of town have been brought back to LIFE
to cleaning up the corner of Route 83 and Main St
We are now recognized as one of the most desired locations in the area to reside and together we can make it stronger
With your support we wish to continue to make it not only GOOD
We will continue our success accordingly:#1
BY CONTINUING TO ENCOURAGE FIRST-RATE BUSINESSESTo have high quality places to shop and visit
we need high quality places to reside and recreate
We will continue our recruiting efforts and we thank all of you that have supported the many new restaurants
We will continue to partner and invest to make Lemont a Recreation Destination
and methodically consent higher-end housing
BY PRESERVING OUR PAST…AND BUILDING THE FUTUREWe have recruited and re-energized our historical downtown while maintaining the charm and character that dates back over 150 years ago
Our downtown is our heart and soul and we will continue to embrace our rich history
maintain our historical physical landscape
and advocate our many community events throughout town
BY CONTINUING TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT & EFFICIENT SERVICES FOR OUR RESIDENTSLemont has just been rated the #16 Safest Town in the State of Illinois and we thank all of you and our first responders
Our Public Works department is second to none in keeping our city clean
and water running….and little known fact: Lemont has the lowest water/sewer rate in the area
We will continue to prudently invest in the future by increasing reserves
what would you bring to the board or plan to change
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:
We will continue to partner and invest to make Lemont an outdoor Recreation Destination and improve biking/pedestrian connectivity
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job
the EXTRAORDINARY SUCCESS and PROGRESS we have recently achieved has transformed our hometown of LEMONT into being recognized as one of the BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN ALL OF THE CHICAGO SUBURBS!!
over the past five years our HOME SALE VALUES have INCREASED OVER 40% (Zillow.com) representing one of the highest values in the area and in the Southwest Suburbs
we were just recognized as one having one of the TOP SAFEST CITIES in the State of Illinois
I want to thank our police force and our LEMA department for serving and protecting us
Together with all of our public partners including our excellent Schools
and Library as well as private outdoor amenities such as The Forge
Lemont has been designated with a MONIKER as a “MECCA FOR MILLENNIALS “ as well as a “RECREATION DESTINATION”
over the past several years we have significantly and successfully transformed our entire town:1
Rebuilt and rejuvenated our historical downtown (added 30+ new businesses and repurposed 20+ acres for future new recreation park and bike bridge connectivity)2
and rebuilt landmark buildings including Pete’s Fresh store
and downtown’s newest building Marbella of Lemont3
Lemont lost over 1,800 acres to neighboring towns and we were involved in costly litigation to lose even more territorial land/subdivisions
We immediately worked with States Attorney office and major land owners to resolve costly lawsuits and even reversed previous de-annexed territory (Glen Eagles)4
Re-branded and developed Lemont into an outdoor recreation destination
Doing what you promised to do is the only way to develop trust
throughout my professional career I always strive to "under-promise" and hopefully "over-deliver"
I am a retired registered Certified Public Accountant (CPA) that served as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) the majority of my 27 year career in corporate finance
I have achieved a successful track record which includes professional corporate experience in legal
what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success
continue the incredible and excellent progress we have achieved across many fronts over the past several years while still preserving our rich history
government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking
As a retired Chief Financial Officer and Certified Public Accountant with 27 years in corporate Finance
I feel very strongly about our prudent fiscal accountability and we are proud to have made it one of our top priorities over the last eight years
Fiscally managing a town is like managing a business in that you must make tough decisions in order to provide the most efficient quality service at the most economical cost
Through our economic growth plan and increased business sales we have been able to maintain lower property taxes (only 7 cents of every tax dollar goes to village)
unfunded pension liabilities across our State of Illinois and surrounding cities are becoming the #1 cost driver that continues to grow by billions of dollars annually
That is why we are proud to say we have methodically paid down and lowered our Lemont Unfunded Pension Liability Debt by approximately 40% over the past eight years
What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community
and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town
I want to thank our community and our outstanding Lemont Police Department considering our town of LEMONT has just been recognized as the #16 SAFEST TOWN IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
We understand that safety and crime prevention are critically important services
We have made a concerted effort to support our police and emergency staff accordingly: 1) empowered our police commission to prioritize and improve the hiring process of new officers 2) purchased and installed new technological automobile License Plate Readers (LPRs) at the entrances of our town to deter crime and 3) increased police and safety officers on duty for major community events
What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development
we committed to a plan we shared to tirelessly recruit and streamline both commercial and residential development
A couple of great examples was the new $5M+ Pete’s Fresh Market Store and the $25M+ Marbella downtown development as well as the $10M+ The Forge outdoor adventure park
Though it is extremely difficult and time consuming
we have been able to attract high quality developers and businesses to invest in our town of Lemont
It is very important we only have high quality and controlled growth that fits the rich character and history of our town
what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents
What will need to be done to make this happen
and be able to properly be absorbed into our current infrastructure
downtown parking will continue to be a point of emphasis and existing lots will need to be re-purposed to accommodate this need
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions
I love our town of Lemont and it is definitely the Best Place to be!
I enjoy donating back to our community and will continue to not take a salary or contributions
Our community is special and I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve our town and look forward to improving it even more over the next four years
Let's together keep up the great work and progress
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
2025 at 1:34 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The new field includes dugouts
and a new ADA-compliant synthetic turf field
the Lemont Park District announced the grand reopening of Field 32
the Lemont Park District’s Miracle Field was nearly 100 percent donated by communitysupporters and organizations
according to a release from the park district
this multi-use field has been an asset to the community for people of all abilities; including home to the SEASPAR Spartans
the district was awarded a $600,000 matchinggrant from our state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program
known asOSLAD," Executive Director Louise Egofske said in a release
along with using matching capital reserves
allowed us to build the $1.2 million enhanced field
and a new ADA-compliant synthetic turf field.”
The Rizzo family and the Danny Rizzo Foundation gave a $25,000 donation to the field
The district has renamed the field to “Field 32” in honor of Danny Rizzo
who wore the number 32 when playing at Lemont High School
“We are so grateful and would like to extend a special thank you to the Rizzo Family and theDanny Rizzo Foundation for their contribution to this field,” Egofske said
“The field is a placefor kids of all ages and abilities to experience their first baseball game
play catch and makememories for years to come.”
2025 at 10:30 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;} All tickets are $15
and all seats in the Performing Arts Center - including the balcony and main level - are reserved seats
IL — Lemont High School's Performing Arts Center will feature Music Theater International’s Annie for nightly performances from May 8 through May 10
the school’s Art Department will host a spring art show in Gallery 306
all performances of Music Theater International’s "Annie" will begin at 7 p.m.
and tickets are on sale now for each performance
tickets may be purchased at the door each evening via credit card or with cash or check
Music Theater International’s Annie is based on Harold Gray’s popular comic strip
“Little Orphan Annie," according to a release from the District
the beloved show features the memorable songs “Tomorrow,” “Maybe,” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” among others
Music Theater International’s "Annie" will be produced by Dave Nommensen
Ben Clemons will head orchestral direction
while Andreece Nikudinovski leads vocal direction and Michael Oldham serves as the rehearsal accompanist
Designers for the production will include Thomas Kieffer (costumes)
Max Thalhammer (sound) and Daniel Salazar (lighting)
Jeana Parry will serve as Box Office and Front of House manager
"Annie" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI)
All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI
Gallery 306 debuted in Fall 2017 and typically hosts multiple shows each year
The spring art show will be open from 5:45-6:45 p.m
spotlighting a variety of work from Lemont High School students
2025 at 9:04 am CTThe Social Studies Department tabbed Haley Young as the Sophomore Student of the Month
(Lemont High School)Gabrielle Stasytis was named the Freshman Student of the Month by the Center for Academic Vision & Excellence (CAVE)
(Lemont High School)Kristopher Szaflarski was cited as the Junior Student of the Month by the Industrial Technology Department
(Lemont High School)The English Department selected Lucia Macari as the Senior Student of the Month
IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored with April Student of the Month accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting on April 21
The honorees were senior Lucia Macari (English)
junior Kristopher Szaflarski (Industrial Technology)
sophomore Haley Young (Social Studies) and freshman Gabrielle Stasytis (Center for Academic Vision & Excellence)
Lemont High School honors a student from each grade level for hard work and dedication to the school and the community
Selections rotate among the school’s various departments from month to month
Only 32 students earn “Student of the Month” accolades each school year
with four individuals honored each month from October through May
contributes a donation each month to a charity selected by the award winners
This month’s winners selected the #EllieStrong Forever Foundation to receive the donation
Lemont High School provided information on the student winners below:
Center for Academic Vision & Excellence
Gabrielle Stasytis was named the Freshman Student of the Month by the Center for Academic Vision& Excellence (CAVE)
Gabrielle is a high honor roll performer whose favorite classes include English IHonors and Biology
She is a member of the school’s girls’ soccer program
and also enjoys volleyball.Gabrielle stands out as an exceptional student in the Freshman Academy program
demonstrating alevel of dedication and academic rigor that sets her apart from her peers
and a collaborative spirit that fosters a positive learningenvironment
Gabrielle’s future goals include being successful and having a family
The Social Studies Department tabbed Haley Young as the Sophomore Student of the Month
Haley most enjoys AP World History and Graphic Design
She is a member of the girls’ bowling team and Art Club
and is involved with her church’s bell choir
Haley also is an award-winning artist who has been honored at Gallery 306 shows and South Suburban Conference art exhibitions
Her teachers applaud her level of engagement in class and point out that she always is one of the first to participate in discussions and debates on complex topics
She draws connections between historical events and is a standout writer
Haley hopes to double major in illustration and art education in college
with an ultimate goal of teaching art in high school
Kristopher Szaflarski was cited as the Junior Student of the Month by the Industrial TechnologyDepartment
Kristopher is a high honor roll student who lists Advanced CAD II Honors as his favoritecourse
His interests include robotics and construction
and he also takes time to tutor family friends.He has earned induction to the National Technical Honor Society
is a member of both the RoboticsClub and Drama Club
and has competed in SkillsUSA and Illinois Design Educators Associationevents
Described by his teachers as a hard-working
committed student who consistently puts forthhis best effort
Kristopher is always ready to support his classmates and leads by example
His future goals include earning a degree in engineering
he likes reading and playing games with friends
The English Department selected Lucia Macari as the Senior Student of the Month
Lucia is a highhonor student whose favorite classes in high school have included Journalism
She loves to write both in and outside of class
Lucia was a four-yearmember of the Dance team
serves as a board member for Rho Kappa,and has earned induction to the National Honor Society
She also serves as a copy editor for the Tom-Tom this year
and her role as an editorgives her a chance to provide constructive feedback for all of her classmates
Her words carry weight in class discussions
as she often makes observations about societal norms and teenage life
She works as a hostess at Digs on Canal and enjoys attending concerts
IL — The Village of Lemont is seeking "an experienced
visionary leader" for its next Chief of Police
Interested candidates should apply by April 27
engaged community that values public service
and innovation in law enforcement," the Village said
The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is assisting Lemont with the search
The position offers a salary between $160,000 and $165,000
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degrees in criminal justice or a related discipline; and a Master's degree is preferred
Candidates must also have 20 years of experience as a full-time officer and 10 years of supervisory experience
with five years of senior command-level experience
IL — The Lemont Park District will hold its annual community garage sale on April 25-27
you can register now with the park district to have your home listed in the online directory which will be posted on April 23
and featured on the park district website and social media
If you're only interested in perusing the sales
the public will be able to see the list of garage sales to check out
2025 at 12:00 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Ken McClafferty is an incumbent candidate running for Lemont Village Trustee
One of those races in Lemont is the race for Village Trustee
There are five candidates running for three 4-year terms
One of those candidates is Ken McClafferty
who is an incumbent who has served on the Board since April 2017
McClafferty recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire
(If you are a candidate in the upcoming April 1 election
please email andrea.earnest@patch.com for a candidate questionnaire to share your positions with readers)
Party of Lemont
Specializing in General Contracting and Custom Home Builder
Currently serving my second term as Village Trustee
we are working to enhance downtown parking and reduce truck traffic throughout the town
With the implementation of our strategic plan
we expect a resolution to the parking demand
I bring experience and a proven track record
I pledge to stay focused on the long term goals that we set out by continuing to attract first-rate businesses and stay committed to providing superior services in all our departments.We continue to work on preserving our historic downtown district and enhance existing buildings through our facade grant program
Lemont was at a very different place eight years ago
we had large tracts of lands de-annexed from Lemont
We had over 60% vacancy rate in our downtown district
We had large vacant parcels uptown like Chipain's and the bowling alley
Our residents had very limited options with dining and shopping
I worked hand in hand in implementing his TEN POINT DEVELOPMENT PLAN
This was a huge task that we’ve been working very hard to accomplish
I work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the Mayor’s vision ~ attending Monday night board meetings is the easy part
Over the past eight years I have been a strong advocate for Lemont
making countless trips to Springfield and Cook County offices to address the issues at hand
I have collaborated with the MWRD elected official to navigate regulatory challenges for our bike bridge over the I&M canal
I worked with the toll authority to secure better sound solutions along I-355
Implementing the Mayor’s long term vision will be a success
and supporting existing businesses while attracting new investments
Our budgeting policies over the past eight years have created a fiscally sound village
Our restructuring of municipal departments has resulted in a highly efficient Village Hall
we can now reinvest in our Police and Public Works departments
we have aggressively pursued and secured significant grants for major projects across town
These additional funds translate into substantial savings for our residents
Our award-winning financial department continues to increase reserves while reducing our pension liabilities
further enhancing Lemont’s financial stability
Lemont was ranked the 16th safest town in the state of Illinois
The Lemont Police Department works hard in keeping us safe
we installed LPR cameras in the outskirts of town
We implemented body cameras for our officers
we hired several new police officers recently and are very proud of the recognition the Police Department has received
I believe we have done a good job implementing a smart growth/community development approach
we needed daytime shoppers and a lunch trade
Adding a high quality residential building helps us preserve our historical district
We want to bring professionals and families alike to enjoy our historical town
Adding residential development to our eastern outskirts that was previously in Palos Park
helped increase patronage in our uptown commercial district
We continue to work in sync with our school district to make sure we meet their population goals while also working to grow a tax base so it’s a lesser impact for the existing residents
we have an opportunity to be selective about the quality of development we allow in town
We are committed to enhancing accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the entire community
New developments along 127th street and 131st street continue to incorporate bike trails and walking paths
reinforcing our vision for a more connected and accessible village
working hand in hand with our schools and park district to ensure a well-planned and cohesive future
I want to thank the residents of Lemont for the opportunity to serve as village trustee and if I’m fortunate enough to serve another term
I will continue to do my best to ensure Lemont is “the best place to live.”
Here are the candidates for Lemont Village Trustee:
2025 at 10:31 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Sam Forzley is a candidate running for Lemont Village Trustee
One of those candidates is Sam Forzley; Forzley recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire
PARTY OF LEMONT
PRESIDENT ILLINOIS OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATIONPRESIDENT LEMONT HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Born and raised in Lemont I have seen tremendous growth in our community
I will make sure this growth is controlled so that the police department
public works department and infrastructure continues to meet the needs and standards of all our residents
I will make sure all housing meets the high standards of Lemont's comprehensive plan
but we must control the growth as it affects all the taxing bodies
what would you bring to the board or plan to change?*
I opened and operated Forzley Eye Clinic in 1991 and sold it in 2022
I will bring knowledge and experience to help small businesses achieve their plans to succeed
I understand what is necessary to meet the high quality standards for new residents who want to live and raise their family in Lemont
Lemont is the 16th safest town in the State of Illinois
Continuing to support our police and keep our residents safe has always been the number one priority
keeping our city clean our streets clear and our water running with the lowest water/sewer rate in the state
thus making Lemont the best place to live and raise a family
Economic growth over the last few years had made Lemont a destination to eat
I will continue to partner and invest in making Lemont a destination that is second to none
Lemont has a rich history and tradition which we must continue to embrace
Our forefathers have laid the groundwork to make Lemont what it is today
We look to the future but treasure the past
As past president of both the Illinois Optometric Association and Lemont High School Education Foundation
I have the experience leading people to work together to meet common goals
I lead the board in balancing our budget along with creating a surplus for our members
As president of the Lemont High School Education Foundation
our board was able to raise thousands of dollars for the students of Lemont High School allowing them to achieve their greatest academic potential
Being a good listener and understanding what is best for everyone allowed me to accomplish these goals
Those that have known me for the past 65 years know I have built my reputation on honesty
My term in office would be a success by being able to give the people of Lemont the best quality of life that they truly deserve
Governmental finances are no different from running a business or a household - we must balance our checkbook
and control spending while increasing revenue through economic growth and being fiscally responsible
We are fortunate to live in the 16th safest town in the state of Illinois
Continuing to have a strong police department is key to this continued success
We need to encourage first-rate business development
so our residents have quality places to shop
We need to make sure builders meet the high building standards for all our residents while controlling growth
We need to improve parking in our downtown
I will continue to look for areas to provide this for our residents as well as looking for ways to improve our recreation and infrastructure investment
raising 4 children in Lemont - 3 who currently live in town
and 4 (soon to be 5) grandchildren who also live in Lemont
My family is the heart and soul of my existence
Seeing my kids and grandkids grow up and live in Lemont is the greatest gift I could ever ask for
I want everyone in Lemont to have the same wonderful experience living in this town as I have
Here are the candidates for Lemont Village Trustee:
2025 at 1:31 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Candidate Pete Miller is running for Lemont-Bromberek D113A Board of Education
One of those races in Lemont is the race for Lemont-Bromberek District 113A Board of Education
Miller recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire
https://www.facebook.com/profi...
Lemont-Bromberek 113A and Lemont Township High School 210
ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.):
My wife is an educator who has been working in the field for nearly 20 years
I do not have direct connections to current political positions
my mother served as a Board Trustee for the Plainfield Public Library from 2001 to 2019
my older brother worked for the Minority Floor Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives until 2023
she does not work for Lemont-Bromberek 113A
I am a graduate of Plainfield High School and Lewis University where I majored in Aviation Flight Management and minored in Business Administration
I have worked as an airline pilot for the past 20 years
I am currently employed by United Airlines as a Captain on the Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft
Previous or current elected or appointed office:
I am a proud union member and am honored to have served on several committees
including a role as Chairman of the Family Awareness Committee
The most pressing issues facing our district are _______
The most pressing issues facing our district are fiscal responsibility and transparency in practice
I intend to address these issues by closely monitoring enrollment trends and thoughtfully identifying opportunities to maintain and potentially expand our facilities to accommodate the district's needs
I experienced firsthand the challenges of overcrowding in schools and will work to approve solutions that maximize the learning environment for students
I propose implementing video and/or audio recordings of school board meetings
ensuring that those unable to attend can stay informed
Should cell phones be banned during school
They enable students to communicate with their families and respond in emergencies
yet they can also lead to distractions in the classroom and hinder in-person socialization
Governor Pritzker expressed his support for a cell phone ban
it is essential to evaluate updates to school policy and school code
Districts rely on legal support and the Policy Reference Education Subscription Service (PRESS) provided by the Illinois Association of School Boards
I will carefully consider the mandates of this bill and gather input from our educators
and parents to determine the most effective way to implement this policy in Lemont-Bromberek 113A
what do you bring to the board and what may you plan to change
I believe that the current school board members have become complacent in their positions
They are not addressing the inconsistencies in student achievement and are failing to engage in discussions about financial matters
such as the nearly 6% increase in administrative salaries for the current school year
despite hiring five new administrators last spring—typically a time for districts to maintain or reduce spending
This includes increases in the superintendent's salary by 11% and the assistant superintendent's salary by nearly 12% for the current fiscal year
the current Board did not follow a transparent hiring process when Dr
His resignation was accepted on January 16
bypassing the standard superintendent search procedures
This process is crucial for identifying the district's needs
and conducting interviews to find the best match
Complacency is further evident in the attendance of Board members
Incumbent member Collins only attended 29% of school board meetings during the 2023-2024 school year; missing one of the three strategic planning sessions
incumbent member Kerrigan only attended 59% of school board meetings; missing two of the three strategic planning sessions
I will make every effort to attend all school board meetings in order to play an active role in guiding the district
I previously mentioned the anticipated increases in student enrollment and would like to provide some context for this issue
Anthony McConnell initiated a review of our current facilities and enrollment projections
Colby Lewis from STR Architects presented the findings of the 10-year health and life safety studies for Oakwood
along with a district facility assessment and potential plans to address future growth
located near McCarthy Street and Bell Road
some of which may house children who do not currently attend Lemont-Bromberek schools
I believe it is crucial to prioritize enrollment
and staffing implications that must be taken into account
Our community deserves to be actively involved in discussions surrounding potential solutions to prevent a financial crisis similar to the one experienced by the district just 15 years ago
I graduated at the top of my class from Lewis University and had the honor of serving as a speaker at the commencement ceremony
While working as a pilot for a regional airline
I was selected to serve as a Line Check Airman
where I was responsible for training and evaluating other pilots in their qualifications and job responsibilities
I am a founding member of the Robert Delaney Scholarship at Lewis University
which provides funding for aspiring pilots as they acquire the educational and flight hours necessary to complete their degree programs
I must be recognized as being of good moral character
Pilots have an ethical obligation to prioritize the well-being of passengers
and the general public when making decisions in the flight deck
This mindset naturally extends to the role of a school board member
where the well-being of students should be the primary focus
I believe in maintaining open communication about my decisions and actions
I welcome conversations with anyone in the Lemont-Bromberek 113A community regarding the School Board's work and the direction of our school district
I am committed to serving the best interests of the community by prioritizing students in all decisions
what accomplishment would make your term in office a success
I aim to see an increase in student performance in 113A over the next four years
I advocate for the district to reduce spending on non-critical needs and to implement a concrete plan for managing increasing enrollment without placing an undue burden on taxpayers
I believe in enhancing transparency from the Board of Education
many school districts opt to record Board meetings
allowing the community to hear and view the agenda discussions
Lemont-Bromberek 113A provides only a summary of agenda items
which I believe does not foster community participation or promote transparency in the Board’s actions and rationale
What guidance should staff be given for dealing with potential ICE enforcement at schools
Illinois is fortunate to have a State Superintendent who provides valuable guidance to schools on how to best support students and families
Sanders emphasized that the Illinois State Board of Education has issued guidance affirming that all students are entitled to equal access to a basic elementary and secondary education
While School Boards can influence a school district’s goals and direction
they are still required to adhere to state laws and regulations
How do you feel about sex education being taught in school
The State Board of Education has established physical development and health standards that educators in Illinois must teach
These standards are organized by grade level and emphasize the importance of presenting each topic in an age-appropriate manner
I support parents' rights to opt their children out of this instruction
allowing families to engage in these conversations at home and on their own timeline
I believe the school district can facilitate this right by clearly communicating when sex education units are scheduled and providing a straightforward procedure for parents to express their preference for non-participation
I am uncertain whether Lemont-Bromberek 113A currently incorporates this component into its health education program
it is challenging to have an opinion on the district’s direction
The district website features a Curriculum Resources page
but it only provides information on the district’s math
the links on the Common Core webpage under the Academics tab directs users to the Illinois State Board of Education website and do not reflect the specific resources used in Lemont-Bromberek 113A
I believe this lack of information represents an additional opportunity for the district to enhance transparency
allowing families to make informed decisions for their children
what are schools within this district doing well and what needs to be improved
the State Board of Education publishes a Report Card for every school and district in the state
which includes a summary of student achievement and growth based on the yearly state assessment
113A's student achievement in the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the Illinois Assessment of Readiness has surpassed pre-pandemic levels
there is a significant disparity in reading achievement across grade levels
43.8% of 4th grade students met or exceeded state standards in ELA
while an impressive 91.5% of 8th grade students did so
This shows that nearly 50% more 8th grade students are meeting ELA standards compared to their 4th grade peers
with an inconsistent number of students demonstrating proficiency each year between 4th and 8th grade
113A's overall achievement has also exceeded pre-pandemic levels
The performance range between individual grade levels in math is also narrower
72.3% of students met or exceeded state standards in math
while only 44.1% of 4th graders met or exceeded those standards
What factors contribute to the strong performance of 113A’s 8th graders
and how can the district leverage this information to enhance the performance of all students
I believe our current School Board members are not asking the right questions regarding 113A’s student achievement and growth
they are not collaborating with the administrative team to analyze the assessment data in depth
and develop a proactive plan to address areas of need
Administrators in Lemont-Bromberek 113A should be encouraged to publicly share their strategies for maximizing student learning
enabling the Board to ensure that adequate staffing and material resources are provided to educators working with our students
My wife and I have lived in our home since 2013 and expect to live in this residence until we retire
Here are the candidates for Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A:
IL — If you're in the midst of your spring-cleaning
you might want to take advantage of the annual recycle event hosted by State Senator John Curran and State Representative Nicole La Ha
Participants at the event include: E-Tech Trading
Accepted items for recycling include: bikes
document shredding (a limit of two bags per car)
light bulbs and batteries will not be accepted at the event
2025 at 1:32 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Bethany Martino is an incumbent candidate running for a 4-year term on the D113A Board of Education
One of those candidates is Bethany Martino
Martino recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire
Youtube video here.
ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.)
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign
Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign
Lemont-Bromberek School District 113A School Board Member
The most pressing issue facing our district right now is the lack of space
we have seen an increase of nearly 550 students
the board is actively exploring all possible expansion options while remaining committed to the fiscal responsibility we owe our community’s taxpayers
I believe students should have access to them at certain points during the day
but I also know how distracting they can be so placing restrictions on them is also very appropriate
The restrictions will vary based on the age of the student
Our board is committed to sound fiscal management
acknowledging the need for prudent decisions within our budgetary constraints
As we address growing enrollment and space challenges
careful financial prioritization is essential to maintain the quality of education for our students
I have demonstrated proven leadership by collaborating with all stakeholders to drive meaningful improvements in District 113A throughout my previous terms
My active involvement in the Lemont community includes serving as president of a booster club
and supporting various local organizations by volunteering
I hold a master’s degree in Educational Leadership with a Type 75 certificate and am a National Board Certified teacher
further reinforcing my commitment to effective leadership and educational excellence
I have proven my ability to handle the responsibilities of serving as a board member with dedication and diligence
I take the time to thoroughly review all information before making decisions
I consistently put students first while maintaining a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility
As an educator working in a school every day
I have firsthand insight into the experiences of both students and teachers
I understand and empathize with the perspectives of all stakeholders
and finding a solution that addresses this challenge while ensuring financial responsibility and long-term stability would be a significant achievement
Our students continue to demonstrate consistent academic growth
and maintaining this positive trajectory would be a success for not only our students but also our staff and families
and we advise our staff to ensure their actions are in accordance
We understand this is a sensitive topic for many families
District 113A is committed to adhering to the state law
while also striving to provide flexibility for parents whenever feasible
Our staff members are deeply committed to student growth
They have adeptly integrated new curriculum resources
showcasing their adaptability and dedication
Our teachers consistently analyze student data to tailor instruction and ensure every student reaches their full potential
Our educators prioritize student growth by employing flexible instructional strategies and engaging in ongoing professional development to maximize student outcomes
Here are the candidates for Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A:
2025 at 1:31 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Adam McRae is a candidate running for District 113A Board of Education
and early voting already started on March 17
McRae recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire
Facebook page Lemont 113A Putting kids first
Both of my sons are ice hockey players and both daughters compete in cheer
Attended Hinsdale South Highschool and Attended Bradley University
The most pressing issues facing our district are fiscal responsibility and transparency
Fiscal Responsibility: Our district must ensure that every dollar spent directly benefits students
As a business owner and real estate broker
I understand the importance of managing budgets effectively
ensuring that funds are allocated where they make the greatest impact—classroom resources
and student programs—while eliminating wasteful expenditures
Transparency: Parents and community members deserve clear
open communication about how decisions are made
I will push for greater transparency by improving access to financial reports
Families should never feel left in the dark when it comes to the education and well-being of their children
I aim to build trust between the school board and the community while ensuring that our district operates efficiently and in the best interest of our students
No but I believe that there is a time and place for phones
Students need to understand that there should be full attention on the teacher and the lesson at hand during class
As a Lemont parent I bring a unique perspective to the school board as both a parent with four kids in the district and a dedicated youth hockey coach
My direct involvement in the community and with students gives me firsthand insight into their needs—both academically and in extracurricular activities
Enhancing Student Success – Ensuring that every student has access to the tools and resources they need to excel
Strengthening Communication & Transparency – Advocating for better communication between the board
and students so that families feel heard and involved in key decisions
Expanding Extracurricular & Athletic Support – With your experience as a hockey coach
you understand the value of sports and activities in student development
and broader opportunities for all students
Fostering Fiscal Responsibility – As a real estate broker and business owner
I bring financial and leadership experience that can contribute to responsible budgeting and resource allocation for the district
Improving Learning Environments – Whether it’s reducing class sizes
or integrating innovative teaching methods
your goal is to make sure students receive the best possible education
Attitude & Effort Matter – Just as in sports and academics
success in education comes down to a strong work ethic
I believe in fostering an environment where students
and administrators are encouraged to give their best effort every day
This means supporting policies that promote hard work
and personal growth in the classroom and beyond
Fiscal Responsibility – Every dollar spent by the district should directly benefit students
I understand the importance of managing budgets efficiently
ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to improve educational resources
and enhance extracurricular programs—without unnecessary waste
Efficiency & Transparency – Parents and taxpayers deserve to know how decisions are made and where their money is going
You will push for greater transparency in budgeting
and a more efficient use of district resources
This means making financial reports more accessible
and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of students
My biggest accomplishments are being a dad and being deeply involved in my children's lives
My wife and I work every day to help our kids become the best versions of themselves
This same philosophy drives my approach to leadership—I believe in supporting students
and families to create an environment where every child can thrive
my experience as a youth hockey coach has given me hands-on leadership skills
Coaching isn’t just about sports; it’s about developing character
and accountability—values that translate directly into education
and understand the importance of financial responsibility
These skills will help me ensure that our district uses resources wisely
prioritizing students and teachers while eliminating wasteful spending
I bring a common-sense approach to leadership—one that values fiscal responsibility
and business owner gives me the perspective needed to serve our students
Voters should trust me because I am already deeply invested in the success of this school district—not just as a candidate
I am not running for personal gain or politics; I am running because I want the best for all students
My success on the school board would be measured by tangible improvements in fiscal responsibility
Improved Fiscal Responsibility – Ensuring that every dollar spent directly benefits students
Success would mean eliminating wasteful spending and reallocating funds to where they matter most—classroom resources
Greater Transparency & Community Involvement – Making sure parents and taxpayers have clear
accessible information on district spending and decisions
A successful term would mean more open communication
and a stronger connection between the school board and the community
Strengthened Student Opportunities – Expanding support for both academics and extracurricular activities
My experience as a coach and a parent of student-athletes and cheerleaders gives you firsthand insight into the benefits of well-funded
A successful term would mean ensuring students have equal access to high-quality programs that help them grow both inside and outside the classroom
Accountable Culture – Promoting attitude and effort as key drivers of success for students
If the district moves toward a culture of hard work
and the district operates more efficiently
Staff should be guided to follow the law while ensuring the safety and rights of all students
They should refer any ICE inquiries to the district administration and legal counsel
avoid sharing student information without proper legal authorization
and follow established district policies on handling such situations
When I was in school kids we were taught about sex education
Let the parents discuss with their own kids about the topic of LGBTQ
Let parents raise their own kids and let the educators teach
Lemont schools are already excelling in academic performance
I know that strong schools are the foundation of a thriving community
and Lemont leads the way in preparing students for success
ensuring our students stay ahead of those in surrounding districts
we can keep Lemont schools at the forefront of excellence
Lemont Election Guide 2025: What’s On The Ballot, What To KnowHere are the candidates for Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A:
ExpandLemont's Gabe Sularski (21) makes a move to the basket during the Class 3A Brother Rice Sectional final basketball game between Lemont at Brother Rice
CHICAGO – One can’t call Lemont’s boys basketball season much more than a success.
Lemont went undefeated in the South Suburban Conference, won a regional championship and beat Marian Catholic on a last second shot to reach the sectional final. That’s a year after losing by 19 to Marian Catholic in the regional final.
Unfortunately for Lemont, one of the other things one could call its season: Over.
Lemont’s playoff run came to an end in the Class 3A Brother Rice Sectional championship with a 53-41 loss to the host Crusaders on Friday.
Brother Rice’s home court advantage was evident throughout.
The student section was raucous before the game even tipped off as they predominantly donned red, white and blue attire. The Crusader fans could often be heard chanting “USA, USA” at Lemont’s Gabe Sularski and Matas Gaidukevicius. Sularski is American, but plays for the Polish national team, while Gaidukevicius is from Lithuania.
Lemont wasn’t blaming the crowd for the loss after the game, however. Lemont took full responsibility for the loss after it struggled to contain the Crusaders' Marcos Gonzales and Jack Weigus throughout the night.
“I don’t think [the crowd noise] was detrimental,” Lemont coach Rick Runaas said. “I think the kids were just nervous in general with it being a high stakes game. We knew it was going to be high energy atmosphere going in as a sectional championship match.”
While the game was never fully out of reach until the final minutes, the final result looked like a good bet beginning in the second quarter.
Lemont’s only lead of the game was 4-3 early in the opening period and that was followed by a 13-3 run by the Crusaders. Brother Rice finished the first with a 16-7 advantage.
The Crusaders spent much of the second quarter with a double-digit lead with Lemont cutting it to 29-21 on a pair of free throws by Sularski in the closing seconds of the opening half.
The second half didn’t get any easier as the Crusader defense smothered Lemont, while Weigus scored 10 points in the third quarter. Lemont trailed 44-31 after three quarters and trailed by as many as 16 in the fourth.
Gonzales had 20 points for the Crusaders, while Weigus had 18. Sularski finished with 17 for Lemont, and Shea Glotzbach had 11.
It was a tough ending for a senior-heavy Lemont team. Lemont will graduate eight seniors, including four starters in Glotzbach, Gaidukevicius, Alanas Castillo and Simas Dyglys.
“I feel like we’ve grown a really close relationship with each other from practicing each and every day after school,” Castillo said. “It’s jut been like a family the past four years and adding Gabe this year helped even more. ... We definitely exceeded expectations this year.”
While there will be a lot of minutes and production to replace, the cupboard is far from bare. Sixth man Zane Schneider played almost as much as any of the starters and is a sophomore. Sularski, meanwhile, is considered by multiple recruiting services to be the top recruit in the state for his class.
Those are two key pieces to build around, and Sularski is already planning for next year.
“We won’t lose in the sectional finals,” he said. “We’ve got to stick it in our heads that we don’t want to have this feeling again. Zane came off the bench and was big today. I’m really excited to see what’s up for us next in June and the season next year.”
While this wasn’t the end Lemont hoped for, it’s also not truly the end.
“I feel like I’ve made relationships I’m going to have for the rest of my life,” Gaidukevicius said. “I basically grew up with all of these guys. We’ll obviously stay in touch. This might be the end of our basketball season, but it’s not the end of our friendship.”
2025 at 3:30 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Dollar Tree is a chain offering household items
IL — The former CVS location at 127th Street and Archer Avenue in Lemont will reopen as a Dollar Tree location
Economic and Community Development Director Jason Berry said the Dollar Tree will be the second location in Lemont for the business
"The owners of Lemont Plaza have told me that the existing Dollar Tree in their plaza will remain open," Berry said
The new location is undergoing preparations to occupy the space
and has several open permits with some rough inspections completed
but there is no expected occupancy date yet
Dollar Tree is a chain offering household items
Lemont (Photo provided by Will County Sheriff's Office)
A reckless homicide charge has been filed in Will County against a Tesla driver who was involved in a crash February that killed his two passengers in Lemont
Russell Johnson, 34, of Lemont was charged Monday with the Feb. 5 reckless homicide of Sameer Gowani
Johnson also is charged with aggravated driving under the influence in connection with the incident
The case against Johnson was investigated by the Will County Sheriff’s Office.
A criminal complaint alleged Johnson acted in a “reckless manner” when he drove a Tesla at 20 mph above the 45-mph speed limit on West 135th Street in Lemont.
Johnson allegedly drove the vehicle “into and through” the opposite lane of travel and wrecked his Tesla, causing the deaths of Gowani and Benbow.
Johnson was taken to the Will County Jail about 1:10 p.m. Monday.
2025 at 10:31 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Daniel Tholotowsky is an incumbent candidate who is seeking his third term on the Lemont Fire Board
with early voting already started on March 17
One of those races in Lemont is the race for Lemont Fire Protection District
There are two candidates running for one position
One of those candidates is Daniel Tholotowsky
who is an incumbent who is seeking his third term on the Board
Tholotwosky recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire
I fully retired from the Pleasantview Fire Protection District with the rank of Fire Marshal
I work part-time for the Village of Hodgkins as a building official / code enforcement officer
I am completing my second term as a Lemont Fire District Trustee which is a 2-year term
The most pressing issue is the new construction of our 2 fire stations
I intend to ensure that this project is completed in a timely and fiscally responsible manner
An issue that defines my campaign platform is that we would continue to improve relationships and partnerships with our municipal government agencies and private entities
Another issue would be to anticipate the needs for future growth and keep progressing
My accomplishments consist of current and prior years experience as a Fire District Trustee
the knowledge of how a Fire District functions and working with current and past administrations
Recently fully supporting and providing hands on involvement in seeing the passage of our $46 Million Dollar Fire District Bond referendum to fund the construction
relocation and remodeling of new and current fire stations
very committed as I only missed 1 meeting in my 6 years of service
and have over 35+ years of Fire District experience
Success to me would be maintaining a healthy fiscal outlook for the District and taxpayers while supplying the finest training
apparatus and stations for our personnel so that they can continue providing excellent service the public deserves and expects
My view is that the Lemont Fire Protection District continues to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money that is entrusted to us
My view is that controlled growth is acceptable
provided that our infrastructure and public safety can support it and are not compromised
Key areas for improvement would be sound infrastructure and public safety
Working together and partnering where possible with all government agencies is required to make this happen
I'm very passionate towards this position as the fire service is very near and dear to me
It's been a wonderful career for me knowing that I can positively impact our community and continue to give back to those professionals who serve us selfishly on a daily basis
Here are the candidates for Lemont Fire Protection District:
early voting starts in just a few days on March 17
and residents can already request a ballot to vote by mail
Here are some races that will appear on the ballot:
Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A
Lemont voters who want to cast their ballots early
Voters can cast their ballot at the Lemont township community center
DuPage County and Will County also offer early voting sites, which can be found here for DuPage and here for Will.
you can apply directly with the County Clerk's Office for your vote by mail ballot request
The first day that the vote by mail ballots will be mailed is March 17
If you are already in line to vote when the polls close
Lemont Township voters will have a chance to voice their opinions on three major issues
Their April 1 ballots will ask about pensions
political redistricting and unfunded mandates
Lemont Township has about 22,000 residents
and is bordered by the Des Plaines River and Interstate 355 in southwest Cook County
Voters will have a chance to share opinions on three advisory questions:
Pensions: “Should the state of Illinois enact constitutional pension reform to protect workers’ existing retirements and generate savings which could provide property tax relief or be reinvested in the community?”
Redistricting: “Should the state of Illinois create an independent citizens commission to draw fair and competitive federal and state redistricting maps
rather than allowing lawmakers to decide?”
Unfunded mandates: “Should the state of Illinois be allowed to force unfunded mandates on local governments who may raise property taxes to cover the costs of those mandates?”
meaning they won’t directly change any laws but they will tell state lawmakers where their constituents stand on the issues
Barrington Township gave voters the question on pension reform Nov
which passed with more than 70% voting yes
The more chances for voters to voice their concerns on these issues
the stronger the message it sends to state lawmakers who currently refuse to address these pressing issues
ExpandLemont’s Gabe Sularski looks to take a shot against Lake Zurich in the 50th Annual Jack Tosh Holiday Classic on Thursday
The Class 3A Brother Rice Sectional semifinal between Lemont and Marian Catholic was one for the books. A back-and-forth contest throughout, Lemont appeared to have the game in hand until Zack Sharkey sank a fadeaway 3-pointer with 11 seconds left to give the Spartans a one-point lead.
Then Gabe Sularski made a driving layup with three defenders clogging the lane, made the ensuing foul shot, and Lemont won 56-54 to advance to the sectional finals.
“We feel great that we get to come to practice tomorrow,” coach Rick Runaas said after the game. “These guys really like each other. I know it’s a cliche, but they really do, and a loss means that you don’t practice anymore or come together after school. We’re excited about coming to practice tomorrow.”
Excitement would be underselling Wednesday night’s thriller. Multiple lead changes, Lemont pulling ahead by nine in the fourth quarter before falling behind by four only to get the win, Sularski starting off slowly only to finish with 28 points. It was the stuff playoff basketball is all about.
They don’t have long to celebrate it, however, as the next challenge is already on the horizon. Not only that, but it’s Lemont’s toughest task yet.
The sectional championship game will be against Brother Rice, the host school. That means the Crusaders will have a familiar environment and the fan advantage. To top it off, Brother Rice is the top seed of the sectional with a record of 28-6.
That doesn’t mean things are already written, however. Lemont is the second seed for a reason and enters the game with a record of 26-7. After losing in regionals last year, Lemont is playing at a whole new level this year.
That’s thanks in no small part to Sularski. A junior, Sularski is rated as the top recruit in the state for the class of 2026. He’s earned college offers from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Purdue, DePaul, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Michigan State, Michigan and others. He’s also had visits with Northwestern, Iowa and Notre Dame.
The 6-foot-6, 190-pound Sularski transferred into Lemont this past summer after spending his first two years of high school at Benet Academy. The addition has paid off tremendously, as Lemont won the South Suburban Conference title with an undefeated conference record.
“He’s been so good at getting to the rim,” senior Matas Gaidukevicius said. “Especially the way teams have been guarding us. They don’t want to help off me and Alanas [Castillo], so we have so much room to work down there. It’s been working all year.”
Make no mistake, Gaidukevicius, Castillo, Shea Glotzbach and the rest of the team have been just as important to Lemont’s success as Sularski has. Gaidukevicius and Castillo are each 6-6, as well, and have proved to be matchup problems for opposing teams all year. Glotzbach is 6-4 and an outstanding athlete, featuring as a strong pitcher for Lemont’s 3A state runner-up baseball team last year.
The depth of the team showed Wednesday after Sularski missed several shots and had four turnovers in the first half before heating up to finish with 28 points. He was the first to point out the contribution of his teammates after the game.
“It’s amazing [to have them],” Sularski said. “I came in over the summer and didn’t really know what to expect, but we had chemistry early. The trust factor with Alanas, Matas, Shea was big. I had a couple of shots that didn’t go, but they kept us going.”
Lemont will be hoping to have things going from the onset when 7 p.m. rolls around Friday. Brother Rice, led by Citadel commit Marcos Gonzales, will be looking to win the sectional title after coming up short against Thornton in the championship game last year. The Crusaders are ready for a shot at the supersectional round against the winner of Peoria and Metamora.
“The biggest key is to play better,” Runaas said. “We’ve just got to get everyone on the same page and stay in front of everyone. Brother Rice has guys capable of going off, so we’ve got to be ready.”
IL — The Village of Lemont is seeking nominations for its St
The queen and king will preside over the St
Nomination letters must be submitted online to the Village by Feb. 5.
high school juniors through second year college students
The candidates must demonstrate an active involvement in school service organizations and/or community service activities
2025 at 10:32 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The village's current agreement with Waste Management is set to expire on April 30
the Lemont Village Board approved a contract with Waste Management for refuse
Village Administrator George Schafer said the Village's current agreement with Waste Management is set to expire at the end of the month
Waste Management has offered the Village a 5-year agreement with three option years
"Services would remain the same," Schafer said
"We're very happy to announce that there would be a rate reduction for residents for the same level of services."
Schafer said the Village had received very few complaints throughout the years about the services
"We were able to keep the most generous senior discount in the area," Schafer added
The contract does include an annual increase of 4.5 percent
Lemont residents' monthly rate wouldn't exceed the current April 2025 monthly rate until 2028
"Especially in this era of high inflation; for us to actually have a rate reduction is phenomenal," Mayor John Egofske said
CHICAGO – The title of “instant classic” gets thrown around a lot
It’s a title that really should be handed out only at the most appropriate of occasions
Wednesday night’s Class 3A Brother Rice Sectional semifinal between Lemont and Marian Catholic was an appropriate occasion.
Gabriel Sularski showed why he’s the top junior recruit in the state by making a driving layup and the foul shot with 3.9 seconds left to give Lemont a 56-54 victory over the Spartans. The win sends Lemont to the sectional championship game Friday night against top-seeded Brother Rice.
A late shot to give a team the lead is obviously dramatic and worth calling a game “thrilling.” What made this game an instant classic, though, was what happened the first 31 minutes, 56.1 seconds.
Heck, what happened with 11 seconds to go would’ve made it a classic. Marian Catholic’s Zack Sharkey managed to make a falling down 3-pointer to put the Spartans up 54-53.
Sularski, a Benet transfer with multiple Power Four offers, had the answer.
“I can’t even stop thinking about it,” Sularski said. “[Sharkey] hit that tough shot fading, we called timeout and we just trusted coach [Rick Runaas]. When I came in during the summer, he talked about the trust factor. He trusted me, I trusted my teammates, they gave me the ball and made the basket to win the ballgame.”
Sularski finished with 28 points, but what may have been most impressive was his resiliency. The junior committed four turnovers in the first half and had some bad missed shots, including multiple air balls, before settling in in the fourth quarter.
“He had his ups and downs,” Runaas said. “He missed some shots and had a couple of turnovers, but he kept his head up and kept attacking. We designed a play at the end there to take a little pressure off of him by letting somebody else advance the ball and letting our sophomore [Zane Schneider] make a decision. He saw who was open and got it to Gabe, who turned the corner and got to the rim.”
Early on with Sularski struggling to make shots from the field, Lemont was still in the game thanks to the efforts of Matas Gaidukevicius (13 points) and Shea Glotzbach (12 points).
More than in it, really. Lemont was up 12-7 after one quarter when Sharkey put up one of the best individual quarters any player has had this season. After not scoring at all in the first quarter, Sharkey scored the Spartans' first 19 points of the second, outscoring Lemont 19-10 by himself.
Sularski made four consecutive free throws late in the half to give Lemont a 28-26 lead, but layups by Delan Davis and Tyler Jolly put Marian Catholic up 30-28 at the midway point.
The game seemed to flip back in Lemont’s favor in the second half. Sularski got going offensively, while Sharkey made the first basket of the third quarter and didn’t score again the rest of the period. Marian Catholic was held to five points in the third, and Lemont entered the fourth with a 42-35 edge.
It was a nine-point deficit early in the fourth when the Spartans took a four-point lead after a 13-0 run, but an 8-1 run gave Lemont a 52-49 lead with just over a minute to go.
Two Jolley free throws cut it to 52-51 when Alanas Castillo hit one of two foul shots with 25 seconds left. Sharkey’s 3-pointer seemed to seal the game for Marian Catholic before Sularski sent Lemont to the finals just a year after losing in the regional tournament.
Sharkey finished with 32 points for Marian Catholic, and Davis added 11.
Friday night’s sectional title game will be played at Brother Rice at 7 p.m. Gaidukevicius knows how tough a matchup the top-seeded Crusaders are, but also what Lemont needs to do to win.
“We just have to stay composed,” he said. “We’re playing Brother Rice at Brother Rice. It’s going to be loud, so we can’t let all the noise get to us. If we play like how we’ve been playing and stay consistent, we should be fine.”
2025 at 12:02 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The event is free of charge and is geared toward adults ages 60 and over
giving them a chance to mingle with the school’s students
IL — Lemont High School will host a “Senior Citizen Spring Social” in conjunction with a dress rehearsal of its Spring Musical on May 7
A reception will be held from 6:15-6:45 p.m.
showing of Music Theater International’s "Annie."
The event is free of charge and is geared toward adults ages 60 and over
Due to the event’s popularity and space limitations
Senior citizens interested in attending the Senior Citizen Spring Social should call 630-243-3275 to RSVP
Attendees may RSVP for a maximum of four people
and will be asked to provide the names of the people in their party
attendees should leave a voicemail message with their name and phone number
as well as the names of the people in their party
Lemont High School encourages senior citizens who are interested in attending the Senior Citizen Spring Social to RSVP at their earliest convenience
as reservations will be taken on a first come
No reservations will be taken after the limit of 100 guests is reached or May 2
Light refreshments will be served during the pre-show reception
which will be held in the lobby of the school’s Performing Arts Center
Those attending the event are asked to enter the building through the Performing Arts Center entrance at the southwest corner of the building off of Julia Street
Convenient parking will be available outside the Performing Arts Center entrance and in the parking garage
2025 at 9:01 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}In response to a Facebook post in Everything Lemont on March 22 concerning myself and the Lemont Firemen’s Association
IL — This is a letter to the editor submitted by Mike Kasperski of the Lemont Firemen's Association:
In response to a Facebook post in Everything Lemont on March 22 concerning myself and the Lemont Firemen’s Association
The Firemen’s Association was established in 1896 as a non-profit to raise funds to purchase everything the fire department needed
This was accomplished by holding various fundraisers
The Lemont Firemen’s Association operated as the fire department's source of revenue through the mid 70s
until the Fire Department became a Fire Protection District and was eligible for tax funding
In 1938 the Association purchased the 1938 Pirsch Engine you currently see at Lemont events
In the late 1970s the district put this engine up for surplus and the Association purchased the engine again
Today the Association maintains this truck and participates in Lemont parades and festivals
works along with the Lemont Historical Society and holds an annual food drive supporting Lemont Bethany Church
Some of which have been members since the early 70s and worked with firefighters from decades before
A Union member approached the Association regarding joining
He was informed that being a member may make his work atmosphere difficult because there was an instance when one of the union members helped the Association and was ridiculed for doing so
due to his lack of truthfulness in communicating between the Union and the Association
When the union was established in the early 1990s
The Association meetings follow Roberts Rules of Order
a list of all members and board members and a copy of the Association By-Laws was given to the district during my 22 years as a Trustee
The Association has been told the current administration has misplaced these documents
To explain the claim that “the Association costs the fire district thousands of dollars and benefits nobody…”
collected by the Illinois Municipal League
were funded by this tax which is to be used for the maintenance
The International Fire Union lobbied for the union to receive the tax distribution
The distribution is approximately $45,000 - $50,000 per year
The Association requested $3,000 of this tax from the union
Then one of the previous Chiefs helped us by putting a $5,000 line item in the district budget
The Firemen’s Association funds come from two fundraisers held per year: a 50/50 raffle and Super Bowl squares
the Association received $250 a couple of times from the Mayor’s Golf outing
Two businesses have given monetary donations because of our helping them year around
This just covers the expense of the garage and truck
Your union receives the large annual distribution of the Foreign Fire Insurance Tax and sends a mass mailing for a Beat the Heat raffle
I commend your union for participating in the Fire Buddy Program even though the presentations are made by union members that are on duty and using a department engine or truck
The Association has offered to bring the antique truck to these presentations
but the union never took us up on the offer
the negligence of district employees has caused the district many thousands of dollars for building and truck repairs
It’s true that there isn’t an affiliation between the Association and the District
I spoke to the Union President a couple months back and was assured that the Union didn’t want anything to do with the Association and/or Antique engine
There was a time when the Association needed funds to maintain the engine
the district attorney Bob Trevarthen and Chief Terry Droogan suggested both entities be on the title to accomplish this
and the title was to be returned when the Association became solvent
For some time the Association has requested the title be returned to them
but the current Chief refused because he stated that it’s the only way for him to control the antique truck
I recently moved out of Lemont as well as a couple of other Association members
This pales in comparison to your 50+ union members having only two reside in the district
At no time do the Association members use the garage as a clubhouse or drinking establishment
our goal is to participate in Lemont community events and maintain the history of the department for the benefit and enjoyment of all Lemont residents
The Association at no time has said anything derogatory against the Fire Protection District or the Fire Fighters Local 3966
It’s no secret that the Association backs one of the current candidates running for Fire District Trustee
The Union has budgeted $10,000 to back the candidate of their choice
but you have defamed the Lemont Fire Protection District
Fire Fighters Local 3966 and the Lemont Firemen’s Association
It’s with great regret that this response was necessary
Mike Kasperski of the Lemont Firemen's Association
IL — The twice-yearly Market on Canal returns for its spring edition on May 4
the market is held along the I&M Canal in downtown Lemont
and there is a $5 entrance fee for anyone ages 12 and up
Vendors will offer items like hand poured candles
2025 at 10:32 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The parade steps off at 1 p.m.
Patrick's Day Parade and Fest will be held on March 8 in downtown Lemont
the route will begin on south Stephen Street
Patrick's Day Queen and King will happen right before the parade at 12:45 p.m
on Stephen Street near the I&M Canal bridge
Nominations for a King of the parade are still accepted until Feb
28 by emailing Julie Thomas at jthomas@lemont.il.us
The contest is open to Lemont residents; high school juniors through second-year college students
2025 at 10:32 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The event will take place at Foellinger Great Hall in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
IL — For the third time in four years – and the sixth time overall – Lemont High School’s Honors Symphonic Band has been selected to participate in the state’s premier band festival
Lemont will perform at the 2025 University of Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival on May 10
The event will take place at Foellinger Great Hall in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The District said the Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival amounts to the state championship for concert bands. Lemont, which previously participated in this event in 2001, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2024, is scheduled to perform at 3:30 p.m. on May 10. A livestream to the performance will be available at: www.bands.illinois.edu
Bands from across the state applied to be part of this year’s event by submitting a performance tape over the winter
Lemont’s Honors Symphonic Band is one of just six Class 1A bands that has been invited to participate
It will be joined in Class 1A by bands from Marian Catholic High School
Tinley Park High School and Triad High School
Lemont’s Honors Symphonic Band includes seniors Samuel Ahlberg
Nora Thornber and Owen Zogby; juniors Eve Cosenza
Luke Rupert and Elizabeth Staubus; sophomores Emily Bawiec
Victor Rafacz and Eli Zogby; and freshmen Natalie Rupert
2025 at 5:48 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The duration of the delay is not known
IL — A Metra train has stopped near Lemont in Will County after striking a vehicle
which provides service alerts on Metra trains
Heritage Corridor train 915 was scheduled to arrive in Joliet at 4:56 p.m.
Lemont Police said a semi-truck was "clipped" by the train
No injuries were reported and there is minor damage
Police said the incident was in Will County Sheriff's Office jurisdiction
The Will County Sheriff's Office advised drivers to avoid the area as traffic will be heavy until the train is cleared to proceed
Evergreen Park 1 (5 inn.): Brett Tucker and Shea Glotzbach each homered to lead Lemont to a South Suburban Conference victory Thursday
Tucker and Glotzbach each drove in three runs
Jacob Parr went 2 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs scored
Cannon Madej allowed two hits and one run and struck out 10 through five innings
Plainfield North 0 (5 inn.): Kyle Perry went 3 for 4 with an RBI and three runs scored to help the Wildcats to a Southwest Prairie Conference win
Tyler Gadomski struck out five in five innings
Bolingbrook 0: Cameron Kelliher went 1 for 4 with three RBIs and a run scored
and the Cougars picked up a Southwest Prairie Conference victory
Pablo Herrera struck out 15 through five innings pitched on the mound
Hanover Central 3 (Indiana): Enzo Infelise homered twice and the Celtics got off to a hot start during a Do It Stevie’s Way Tournament win
Eddie Olszta homered and drove in three runs
Declan Kane went 3 for 3 with an RBI and three runs scored
striking out six through five innings on the mound
Bede 3: Ayden Collom went 4 for 4 with 3 RBIs and two runs scored
and the Trojans picked up a Tri-County Conference victory
Owen Dunlap went 2 for 2 with two RBIs and two runs scored
Joey Starks struck out eight through five innings
Romeoville 2: Dylan King went 1 for 2 with an RBI and two runs scored
and the Panthers won a Southwest Prairie Conference matchup
Aiden Jaquez struck out six through seven innings
Sandburg 0 (5 inn.): Peyton Ablin homered and drove in four runs to help the Knights to a SouthWest Suburban Conference victory
Shawn Mowry droove in two runs and Filippo Baratta and Conor McCabe each scored two
Lincoln-Way West 3: Michael Pettit went 2 for 3 with a triple and an RBI
Pettit struck out five through six innings
Joliet Catholic 0: The Hilltoppers lost in nonconference play
Joliet Central 0 (5 inn.): The Steelmen fell behind early and couldn’t get on the board during a Southwest Prairie Conference matchup
Gardner-South Wilmington 0: The Panthers fell short in nonconference action
Andrew 0: Lisabella Dimitrijevic pitched a perfect game and struck out 14 to lead the Knights to a SouthWest Suburban Conference win
Kayla Doerre and Mia Degliomini each had an RBI and doubled
Evergreen Park 2: Natalie Pacyga went 2 for 4 with three RBIs for Lemont during a South Suburban Conference victory
Maya Hollendoner went 1 for 2 with a double
Lisle 1-0: The Coalers dominated Game 1 and scored eight runs in the second inning during a 15-1
five-inning Illinois Central Eight Conference win
Addison Hodgen went 3 for 3 with a homer and four RBIs
and Addison Harvey went 4 for 4 with three RBIs and two runs scored
Picard homered and the Coalers got the shutout in a 7-0 Game 2 win in five innings
Juliana Covington and Masyn Kuder all had an RBI
Kuder struck out five through 4⅓ innings pitched
Joliet West 2: Sydney Unyi homered and drove in four runs for the Cougars during a Southwest Prairie Conference win
and Giana Zumdahl and Hailie Boardman each collected two hits
Boardman struck out eight through seven innings pitched
Sandburg 0 (5 inn.): Rheanna Slavicek went 2 for 2 with two RBIs and two runs scored for the Porters during an SWSC victory
Liliana Janeczko and Bridget Faut each drove in two runs
Faut struck out eight through five innings
Romeoville 0: Ava Sommerfeld went 2 for 4 with a double
three RBIs and two runs scored to help the Wildcats to a Southwest Prairie Conference win
Kierney Latarewicz struck out four through 6⅔ innings pitched
Stagg 0 (5 inn.): Hannah Borchert and Madi Lukasik homered for the Warriors during a SouthWest Suburban Conference victory
Borchert drove in four runs and scored three
and Reese Rourke went 3 for 4 with an RBI and two runs scored
Peotone 2: Autumn Clay and Caelan Farmer each drove in a run
but the Blue Devils fell in nonconference play
Sophie Klawitter struck out 10 through six innings pitched
Bolingbrook 0 (4 inn.): The Raiders lost in Southwest Prairie Conference action
Gardner-South Wilmington 0: The Panthers couldn’t get on the board in nonconference play
Plano Invite: Aurora Central Catholic took first with 96 points
and Coal City took fifth with 74 points in a 10-team meet
Julian Micetich won the 110-meter hurdles (15.67) and the 300 hurdles (42.74)
Parker Jacovec won the long jump (6.43m) and Alexander Collins won the triple jump (12.34m)
Lemont Invite: Providence took first with 108 points
and Joliet Catholic took eighth with 28 points in a 10-team meet
Watseka Invite: Bismarck took first place with 180 points and Peotone took seventh with 28.5 points in an eight-team meet
Greyson Denny took second in the 3,200 (11:50.35)
Lane Tech Invite: Mundelein took first place with 143 points and Plainfield North took a close second place with 142 in a six-team meet
Naperville North Invite: The hosts took first with 337 points
and Romeoville took seventh with 145 points in an eight-team meet
Plano Invite: Plano took first with 111 points
and Coal City took fifth with 59 points in a 10-team meet
Madelyn Castle won the 300 hurdles (51.07)
Evelyn Wills won the high jump (1.47m) and Ella Wills won the triple jump (9.46m)
Lemont Invite: Lemont took first with 144 points
Plainfield South took third with 81 points
Joliet Catholic took fourth with 74 points
and Providence took 10th with 15 points in an 11-team meet
Ashley Wrublik won the shot put and Christiana Ostrander won the discus
Watseka Invite: Bismarck took first place with 152 points
and Peotone took seventh with 47 points in a seven-team meet
Terrrynn Clott took second in the shot put (10.51m) and first in the discus (31.49m)
Hillcrest Invite: Tinley Park took first place with 87.67
and Romeoville took seventh with 53.5 points in a 16-team meet
Minooka Invite: Homewood-Floosmoor took first place with 151.5 points
and Lincoln-Way Central took fifth with 54 points in an eight-team meet
Kyra Hayden won the 300 hurdles and the 4x400 relay won
Maya Ledesma won the 1,600 and the 4x800 won
Barrington Invite: The hosts won with 111 points
and Plainfield North took third with 96 points in a 12-team meet
Yorkville Invite: The hosts took first with 188 points
and Plainfield Central took fifth with 69 points in an eight-team meet
Downers Grove North Invite: Mount Prospect took first with 133 points
and Joliet Central took 15th with seven points in a 15-team meet
Manteno 2: Gwen Stewart had four goals for the Comets during the Illinois Central Eight Conference victory
Streator 1: Kylee Kennell had two goals for the Coalers during an Illinois Central Eight Conference win
Lemont 1: The Porters scored in the final two minutes to put them ahead for the Lockport Tournament victory
Lincoln-Way Central 0: The Knights lost 25-12
25-23 in Wheaton Warrenville South Tiger Classic action
Walter Payton College Prep 0: The Knights got the shutout and win in Wheaton Warrenville South Tiger Classic tournament play
Notable players include Ben Pryor with 12 kills
Braeden Fawcett with 13 kills and Braeden Fiore with 31 assists
the Warriors dominated to a SouthWest Suburban Conference victory
Sandburg 7: Ava MacFarlane pulled out a winning match to help the Warriors to a SouthWest Suburban Conference win
MacFarlane’s was the last match of the night
4) and Gianna Vlastelica and Avary Shinovich (No
Shaw Local News NetworkShaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois
IL — Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A is considering its options as student enrollment is expected to continue to grow at the District
"We're one of the few districts in the state that continues to experience a growing student population," Board of Education President Damon Ascolani told Patch
the District has grown 25 percent in student enrollment
The District reopened its Central School in the 2022-23 school year to address the growth in the community and make space for full-day kindergarten
the District is looking again at both short-term and long-term options to address growth
"We knew that it was continuing to grow," Ascolani said
District 113A and Lemont High School's District 210 teamed up for a population study earlier this year
and found that an increase of 250 to 450 students are expected in the next four years
"We want to get ahead of it," Ascolani said
adding that the Board has been aware of this issue and already considering options for some time now
D113A sold property at 131st Street and Derby Road to the Lemont Park District
The 10-acre parcel will be used for a park
Ascolani said that the site was evaluated for a use as a school
but the property was not a good fit and was too small
we don't own anything else that we're not using other than the Bromberek building," Ascolani said
One long-term option for the District includes the reopening of Bromberek School
the building is used as a school for the students at St
"It's not the only option we're looking at," Ascolani said
The District has been in talks with the church and Archdiocese of Chicago since May on the possibilities of using the space
Ascolani emphasized that nothing has been decided at this point
If the District did move forward with the Bromberek option
it would need some work to get the building up to public school standard
Another long-term option is additions to current buildings
Several of the current buildings do have room to build on
Ascolani noted that it's relatively expensive to do so
we're looking at mobile and temporary classroom set-ups," Ascolani said
"Nobody wants to do that; but it's growing so quickly."
Ascolani said he and the Board know that the space issue is no
IL — New safety measures have been added to Lemont railroad crossings throughout the downtown to deter visitors from accidentally turning onto the tracks
Lemont Police Chief Marc Maton thanked CN Railway for partnering on the project
which included upgrades at the crossings at Stephen and Lemont streets
"We were able to stripe that area and put delineators up," Maton said. "The goal is to prevent cars from turning on those tracks that we've had a frequency of in the past."
Maton said they believe this is the first step in the safety upgrades
Mayor John Egofske said the Village has to balance the historical nature of Lemont and keeping visitors safe
but I've been hearing decent feedback and people appreciating that it's not too obnoxious