Kendall County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

Aurora

Kifowit hosting health care self-advocacy seminar

To help give residents the tips they need to better communicate with health care professionals, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is hosting a Health Care Advocacy Seminar with AARP on Thursday, July 21 from 6-7 p.m. at the Aurora Public Library-Eola Branch, located at 555 S. Eola Road, in Aurora.

“Knowing how to talk with your doctors and pharmacists about your concerns can be difficult, but these conversations are vital to our health,” Kifowit said. “My goal is for residents to leave this seminar equipped with the knowledge they need to be their own health care advocates.”

Kifowit’s seminar will feature AARP Illinois Specialist Courtney Hedderman, who will discuss tools for effective communication with health care professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance to address questions and concerns about approaching these conversations.

This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Kifowit’s full-time constituent service office by calling (630) 585-1308, by email at Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or by visiting www.ILDistrict84.com.

Kendall County

County Sheriff’s Office promotes deputy commander

On July 11, Sgt. Jason Langston was sworn in as deputy commander by Kendall County Sheriff Dwight A. Baird.

Deputy Cmmdr. Langston, a 15-year veteran, is a graduate of Aurora University, where he majored in criminal justice. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, and has served as a field training officer where he effectively trained dozens of new deputies.

Deputy Cmmdr. Langston played an integral role in the sheriff’s office’s involvement in the Illinois and National “Traffic Safety Challenge,” and through his efforts the Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a fully equipped squad car, several radar units, “LiDar” speed guns, and many other items that currently play a crucial role in the Sheriff’s Office’s traffic enforcement efforts.

“I am excited about working with Jason as he starts his new position within the Sheriff’s Office,” Baird said. “Jason has impeccable integrity and with his education and experience I am looking forward to his ideas and daily interaction to ensure the Sheriff’s Office is prepared to meet the current and future needs of our residents.”

Deputies seek information about criminal damage incident

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding Criminal Damage to Property that occurred in the 0-99 block of North Cannonball Trail, Bristol.

On July 6, between 9:30 to 10:30 p.m., two vehicles parked in the driveway of a residence had the windows damaged by someone shooting a bb gun. The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office report number is 2016-2108.

Anyone with information on this or other crimes is urged to call Kendall County Crime Stoppers at (630) 553-5999. Callers remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of the offenders.

Health Department issues West Nile virus update

Kendall County Health Department (KCHD) would like to remind residents to be cautious and protect themselves against West Nile virus (WNV) during the summer months. Prevention is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from becoming infected with WNV.

The most effective way to prevent WNV is to follow the 3 R’s – Remove, Repel and Repair. Remove standing water around your home. Get rid of standing water in pet bowls, flower pots, old tires, bird baths, baby pools and make sure rain gutters drain properly.

Repel mosquitoes when outdoors by applying insect repellent with DEET. Repair or replace screens on doors and windows.

The department said most human cases occur in the late summer and early fall. People over the age of 50 and those with chronic diseases such as heart disease or cancer may be more at-risk for serious complications from encephalitis or meningitis. For that reason, people who experience high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, or a stiff neck should see a doctor immediately.

A human case has recently been identified in a resident of Kendall County. As such, KCHD is encouraging residents to take basic precautions to prevent mosquitoes from breeding or biting.

KCHD will continue to report West Nile virus activity throughout the season. For the most current information, visit www.kendallhealth.org and follow the department on Facebook and Twitter.

John Behnke, who served as named Commander of the Montgomery VFW from 2012-16, has been named as Grand Marshal for the 2016 Montgomery Fest parade. (Photo courtesy village of Montgomery)

John Behnke, who served as named Commander of the Montgomery VFW from 2012-16, has been named as Grand Marshal for the 2016 Montgomery Fest parade. (Photo courtesy village of Montgomery)

Montgomery

John Behnke named Grand Marshal for Montgomery Fest

John Behnke served as Commander of the VFW from 2012-16. He is retired after working as an air traffic controller for the FFA from 1959-2000, serving at both St. Louis and Chicago control centers.

He and his wife Donas (nee Yost) have three daughters; she passed away in 2013 after 51 years of marriage.

John served in the Air Force from 1955-59. He was a ground control radar operator, keeping track of enemy flights and enemy aircraft in Korea. He served with the 607th AC&W squadron, which trained him well for his future civilian job.

While at the VFW, John helped organize various annual events, including the new Rolling Thunder event that was held for the first time last year. He continues to lead the color guard, which provides final honors at graveside services for veterans.

The Montgomery VFW Post was chartered in 1946 and is celebrating their 70th anniversary this year.

The parade starts at 1 p.m. on Aug. 14. It will feature community floats, marching bands, the Division BMX Stunt Team and local dignitaries.

Montgomery motorcyclist dies in crash

A 34 -year old Montgomery has died, following motorcycle crash that occurred on Aurora’s North East side.

Juan J. Ortega,1700 block of Ivy Lane, Montgomery, recently died from massive head injuries he sustained in the crash that occurred around 2:40 p.m. on July 10 at Farnsworth Avenue and Corporate Boulevard.

Aurora Police Traffic Investigators say that Ortega was riding a 2005 Suzuki GSX motorcycle northbound on Farnsworth when he apparently attempted to make a right hand turn into the entrance of the Chicago Premium Outlets Mall. Instead, he turned in front of a northbound 2007 Nissan Maxima driven by Daniel Sanchez-Hernandez, 33, of the 900 block of Pearl Street, Aurora.

Ortega proceeded to hit the front end of the Maxima, which caused him to be ejected from the motorcycle, hit the windshield of the Nissan, and come to rest on the pavement.

Ortega, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered massive head injuries and was taken straight to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove by Aurora Fire Department Paramedics. Ortega was pronounced dead at 1:25 a.m., July 11.

An autopsy was not performed by the DuPage County Coroner, however, toxicology tests were conducted and the results are pending.

Sanchez-Hernandez was charged with improper lane usage. There were no outward signs of drug or alcohol use at the scene.

Neither Sanchez-Hernandez nor his three passengers: a 9-year-old girl and two boys, ages 7 and 14, were injured.

Oswego

OHS Assistant Principal named

At its June 27 meeting, the Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education approved the hire of Dr. Greg Baker as the new assistant principal for student services at Oswego High School (OHS).

Baker’s appointment brings the number of assistant principals at OHS to three. The board also approved a third assistant principal position for Oswego East High School.

“Dr. Greg Baker is an excellent choice to help lead Oswego High School forward,” said OHS Principal Michael Wayne. “The addition of Dr. Baker and the new assistant principal for student services position will help streamline responsibilities at the high school and provide students with additional guidance in academic and career planning.”

Wayne said Baker is very familiar with School District 308 as he and his family live in the district and his children attend District 308 schools.

Baker, who began his career as a history teacher in 2003, has several years of high school administrative service. Most recently, he served as dean of students at Glenbard East High School.

Prior to that, from 2011 to 2013, Baker was the department chair for social studies and word language at Proviso West High School.

“I am excited to use my skills and talents to serve the students, families, and community partners of Community Unit School District 308,” Baker said. “I also look forward to joining the team at Oswego High School and helping guide students as they prepare for college and careers.”

District 308 Superintendent expects to save $1 million

Community Unit School District 308 Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin has implemented a plan to save the district more than $1 million over the next four years through reorganization and by not filling vacant positions.

In his first few days as District 308’s new superintendent of schools, Sparlin has decided not to fill an assistant superintendent position and to reorganize job responsibilities. This move, along with other cost-saving staffing moves, will save the district approximately $260,000 per year over the next four years.

The duties of the eliminated assistant superintendent position will now be shared among Sparlin, the associate superintendent and the assistant superintendent for business services and operations.

Reorganization of the District Administration office and top-level administrators means four administrators will now report directly to Sparlin.

“By not filling positions and cutting costs, I am trying to lead by example by implementing changes within my own office and department,” Sparlin said. “Reorganization and sharing of administrative duties will allow us to continue to provide quality education for all district students, while helping to reduce the budget deficit during these tough economic times that require significant belt tightening. Cutting costs without negatively affecting teachers, staff, students or programs is a priority,” he said.

In addition, due to the retirement of a top administrative assistant, the position of secretary to the superintendent of schools has been combined to serve both the superintendent’s office and the District 308 Board of Education.

Plano

Police reminds residents to use 911

Plano Police recently issued a notice reminding residents to report emergencies to 911, and not via the department’s Facebook page.

“We have been receiving an increasing number of reports via private Facebook message requesting immediate police action, investigation, and the reporting of in-progress criminal behavior. Please remember that our Facebook page is not monitored 24 hours per day, and that the administrators for the page are not always on duty,” officers posted on their Facebook page.

Officers said Facebook is an excellent means to transmit information, communicate about ongoing issues and concerns, and to disseminate information to keep the community informed about upcoming events and press releases.

“Unfortunately Facebook is not the most efficient or effective way to report criminal activity, in-progress incidents, or to speak with on-duty officers about a particular situation,” they wrote.

Contact the department’s non-emergency number at (630) 552-3121 for police assistance, or as always, dial 911 for emergency service.

–Kendall County News Briefs–