Colin S. Pickens, new deputy with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office

Kurt S. Siegmeyer, new deputy with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office

Kendall County

Sheriff’s Offices hires more patrol deputies

The Kendall Sheriff’s Office has hired two new deputy sheriffs to fill vacant positions in the Patrol Division.

Colin S. Pickens was sworn in on June 21 by Sheriff Dwight A. Baird. Deputy Pickens will be attending Basic Police Training Academy (beginning June 25) for 14 weeks.

Upon completion of the academy, Pickens will begin the field training program and then will be paired with an experienced Field Training Officer for a  14-week field training program.

Pickens attended Illinois State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and minor in psychology.

Prior to his employment with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Pickens completed an internship with Naperville Police Department.

Kurt S. Siegmeyer also was sworn in on July 21. He will be attending Basic Police Training Academy (beginning June 25) for 14 weeks.

Upon completion of the academy, Deputy Siegmeyer will begin the field training program and will be paired with an experienced Field Training Officer for a 14-week field training program.

Siegmeyer attended Southern Illinois University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in international relations.

Prior to his employment with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, he worked as a corrections officer for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department. 

Montgomery

Wednesdays are for free Concert In The Park

Head on over to Montgomery Park on Wednesday, July 11 at 7 p.m. for a free concert in the park featuring the popular Ethan Bell Band. 

The Ethan Bell Band is a Chicago-based Nashville recording artist that is getting rave reviews from audiences in Nashville and the Midwest for their popular country music as well as original songs.  This is a concert that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Just bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of great music.  Montgomery Park is located at the corner of River and Mill streets in Montgomery.

Oswego

Montgomery man charged In battery incident

On Sunday, June 17, at approximately 2 a.m., Oswego Police responded to the 0-99 block of West Washington Street for a report of an unconscious individual. Officers found an unconscious male on the pavement with head and facial injuries.

The victim, a 36 year-old male from Oswego, was transported and initially treated at a local hospital. He was later transported to a hospital in Chicago for further treatment due to his severe injuries. No information is available on his current condition. 

An investigation into the incident led to the arrest of a 46 year-old Montgomery man, Hector Saldana, Jr. The Kendall County State’s Attorney approved a felony charge of aggravated battery with great bodily harm against Saldana. 

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone who may have information is requested to call the Oswego Police Department at 630-551-7300 or Kendall County Crime Stoppers at 630-553-5999 to leave an anonymous tip. 

School District 308 names new principals

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education has approved several new principal positions at district schools for the 2018-19 school year.

Lawrence P. Piatek, Jr., was named principal of Churchill Elementary School, replacing Dr. Tammie Harmon who was transferred to Principal at The Wheatlands Elementary School.

Piatek currently serves as the principal at Orenic Intermediate School, Troy School District 30c in Shorewood, since 2013. Prior to that, he was an elementary school principal for five years in Lombard.

“Larry is a diverse educator who utilizes best practices to lead his building.  He is a strong communicator who works collaboratively with students, staff, and parents to make the best decisions for his school community,” said Dr. Lindsay Allen, director of elementary education.

Samantha Sinovich was named the Principal of Southbury Elementary, replacing Allen.

Sinovich has been with the district since 2014 as the assistant principal at Old Post Elementary School.  She began her teaching career 11 years ago as a first-grade teacher in Palos Heights. She has previously worked as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and teacher evaluator.

“Samantha is a dedicated and student-focused leader from within our district and her expertise with technology and social-emotional learning initiatives make her a great fit for Southbury Elementary School,” Allen said. 

Barb Garrison was named the principal of Brokaw Early Learning Center, replacing Andrew McCree who held the position previously and has resigned.

Garrison has been with the district since 2000 where she has held the following positions:  Early Bird Program assistant at Long Beach Elementary School (2000-01), first-grade teacher at The Wheatlands Elementary School (2001–05), assistant principal at The Wheatlands (2005-14), and assistant principal at Lakewood Creek Elementary (2014-18).

Garrison started her career as an early childhood special education teacher in Wood Dale from 1988-93 where she taught students ages 3-6 in a cross-categorical early childhood classroom, developed and implemented IEP goals and coordinated OT/PT, vision and speech/language services for students.

“Barb is a passionate leader who puts students first.  She is dedicated, has high expectations for learning, and is knowledgeable about instructional best practice for early childhood,” said Dr. Allen.  

Police Department operates July Fourth crackdown 

The Oswego Police Department is announcing its plans for July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on drunk and unbuckled drivers. The crackdown will run from June 25 through July 8 to encompass the Independence Day holiday, an all-too-often deadly time on Illinois roads.

The Oswego Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and more than 150 local police and sheriff’s departments for the increased statewide enforcement effort.

This Fourth of July, designate a sober driver and don’t let friends or family members drive drunk. Other important tips include:

• Give your designated driver your keys before you go out.
• If you are drunk or impaired by marijuana or other drugs, call a taxi, take mass transit, use your favorite ride-sharing service, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The crackdown runs concurrently with a media campaign reminding motorists that impaired driving has “Life or Death” consequences.

Yorkville

IDOT gives Route 34 construction update

As part of the Route 34 West project, the north leg of Cannonball Trail at Rt. 34 will be closed starting June 29. This part of the intersection will remain closed until approximately Aug. 10, to complete the infrastructure and roadway improvements.

During this time, Beecher Road and Isabel Drive will be open. There will be signage in place showing motorists alternate routes.

–Kendall County News Briefs–