Those who register by April 19 for the Barnyard Dash 5K
will get a special $29 rate and are guaranteed a Dri-Fit T-shirt. To register online and for more information, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org, www.wherefunbegins.org or call 630-892-1550. (Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm)

Aurora

Man sentenced for DUI crash that killed 9-year-old girl

Aurora resident Anthony S. Potochney, 26, has been sentenced to prison for a 2016 drunken driving crash that killed 9-year-old Katie Jonak of Aurora.

Kane County Associate Judge Linda S. Abrahamson Potochney to 13 years in prison.

Potochney pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated DUI — one Class 2 felony and two Class 4 felonies — and failure to stop after an accident involving personal injury or death, Class 4 felony.

Prosecutors said that on Oct. 7, 2016, Katie Jonak was riding in a left side rear passenger seat of a minivan driven by her mother. Two other children were passengers in the vehicle. The girls were on their way home from play rehearsal.

At approximately 9:12 p.m., the minivan was northbound on Broadway Street (Route 25) south of Pierce Street, when the 2003 Cadillac Deville that Potochney was driving on southbound Broadway crossed into the northbound lane. Katie’s mother swerved to avoid the Cadillac, but Potochney struck the left side of the minivan.

When his vehicle came to a stop, Potochney fled the scene on foot. Katie was unresponsive when medics arrived. She was pronounced deceased a short time later at the hospital.

Potochney was taken into custody a short time later by Aurora police, who noted the odors of alcohol and marijuana on him.

The investigation determined that Potochney’s Cadillac was traveling at least

75 mph in a 35 mph zone a moment before impact. Potochney’s blood was drawn four-and-a-half hours later at the hospital. It revealed a blood-alcohol concentration of .193, as well as the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolite.

Potochney admitted to police that he had consumed six Coors Lights, four Captain Morgans and smoked marijuana the evening of the crash.

The sentence is 10 years for the Class 2 aggravated DUI, 2 years for the Class 4 aggravated DUIs and one year for the failure to stop offense. The terms are to be served consecutive to one another.

Registration is on for annual Barnyard Dash 5K

Blackberry Farm is welcoming runners, walkers and athletes of all abilities to the Barnyard Dash 5K on Saturday, April 28, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Run on a USTAF-certified course, the race features 14 age divisions for both men and women racers ages 10 and up.

Those who register by April 19 will enjoy the early bird rate of $29 and are guaranteed a Dri-Fit T-shirt. The early-bird rate extends through April 22; the fee increases o $34 after that. On-site registration is also available the day of the event.

This run/walk is set amid the natural beauty of Blackberry Farm on a course that circles picturesque Lake Gregory and includes portions of the Virgil Gilman Trail, traversing historic Blackberry Farm and alternating between trails of asphalt and limestone screenings. Chip timing is utilized to assure greatest accuracy.

Refreshments are served at the finish line. Each participant also receives a complimentary beer, and ample amounts of bacon samples will be available for taste tastings.

Families with younger children (ages 5 and up) are encouraged to sign up for the Pig Pen 1-Miler that begins at 9:45 a.m. Registration is $15 per entrant. All runners who register for the Barnyard Dash 5K may also participate in the Pig Pen run/walk for no additional charge.

The top three finishers (male and female) in each age division will be awarded a colorful, handcrafted medallion to commemorate their achievement. All non-placing runners will receive a race ribbon.

To register online and for more information, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org, www.wherefunbegins.org or call 630-892-1550.

Kendall County

FVOAS members making beds out of bags

Fox Valley Older Adult Services (FVOAS) has found a fun and unique way to use plastic bags to create bed mats for the homeless and have some old-fashioned fun while doing it.

Come join the volunteers the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Fox Valley Community Center, 1406 Suydam Road, Sandwich.

The recycled bags are folded and then made into “plarn” through an easy, fun process. The completed bed mats are then donated to various shelters.

While you are at the Center helping create this meaningful item check out our other activities and programs.

FVOAS serves DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle counties in Active Adult Activities at the Senior Center, Adult Day Service and Home Services.

FVOAS offers 24/7 Private Home Services.

For more information call, 815-786- 9404 or stop by the Fox Valley Community Center at 1406 Suydam Road, Sandwich for a personal tour. The Home Services Department can be reached directly at 815-570- 2531.

Habitat for Humanity seeking volunteers

Women Build is Habitat for Humanity’s program that empowers women to learn construction skills, build homes, and build communities. Join Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity Women Build Friday and Saturday, May 11-12.

To support the FVHH construction days, we will be asking every volunteer to fundraise $250 per day of volunteering.

As a Women Build volunteer you will receive:

• A Women Build t-shirt
• Catered Lunch
• Personalized fundraising website
• Office support

Contribute your time and talent on one of these days to build strength and stability in our community. If you are looking for a unique opportunity, come help us build a home!

There are limited spots available. Registration will be open until April 21.

The $75 of your goal is due by April 28 in order to receive a Women Build t-shirt to wear on your build day. There will be other incentives as you reach milestones during your fundraising!

Help meet the goal of $10,000. Contact Julie Clark for all the details at 630-206-5034 or j.clark@foxvalleyhabitat.org.

Native Plant sale helps Kendall foundation

The Forest Foundation of Kendall County is hosting a Native Plant Sale on Sunday May 27 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Harris Forest Preserve.

Over 200 native perennials, trees, and shrubs available. Pre-order your plants today by visiting https://naturalcommunities.net/pages/kendall-county-native-plant-sale

When placing your order, insert “FFKC” into the discount box at checkout to ensure that your order is delivered to Harris Forest Preserve for the sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Forest Foundation of Kendall County.

Oswego

Wine on the Fox pre-sale tickets available

Tickets are on sale now for Wine on the Fox, returning May 5-6 to downtown Oswego.

The festival promises to offer a little something extra this year, with additional wine selections, multiple tiers of wine, and an opportunity to creatively interact with Oswego businesses.

Also new this year, Oswego’s small businesses are joining in on the fun with interactive and crafty demonstrations and make-and-take activities, free to event attendees.

Enjoy live entertainment from last year’s favorites Junkyard Groove and Lincoln Don’t Lie, the up-and-coming Althea Grace Duo, the crowd-pleasing American Idol contestant Gina Glocksen Band, and more, while noshing on food pairings from tasty Italian to gourmet grilled cheese.

Packages this year begin at $15 and include a commemorative glass, a wristband, and seven wine tickets. Small, 1-oz. pours begin at just one ticket each.

A two-day Mother’s Day Package includes a commemorative glass and wristband, 22 tickets to be used over two days, and the choice of a special gift from downtown Oswego businesses.

Tickets go on sale at Oswego Village Hall in the weeks prior to the event, and will also be available at the door.

For more information or to buy tickets visit www.wineonthefox.com. For a full listing of events happening this summer around Oswego, visit www.GoOswego.org.

–Kendall County News Briefs–