The MidAmerican Canoe and Kayak event will be held June 3 with both races finishing at McCullough Park in Aurora. The Fox Valley Park District says registration is now open. (Photo courtesy of FVPD)

Aurora

Montgomery woman facing multiple charges

Aurora police have felony charges through the Kane County State’s Attorney on a 52-year-old Montgomery woman in connection with an incident in which she allegedly dragged a grocery store security employee with her car.

Lori R. Federman of the 100 block of Keck Avenue, faces aggravated battery and felony retail theft charges in connection with the Feb. 19 incident at a grocery store in the 1900 block of W. Galena Boulevard.

Around 6:15 p.m., Federman was allegedly seen shoplifting several items including meat and vitamins by a 24-year-old female employee and when she confronted her, Federman ran to her car with the employee chasing after her.

After getting into the vehicle, Federman grabbed onto the employee’s collar, pulled her partially into her car and took off.

After she let the employee go, Federman sped away through the parking lot’s east exit. Thankfully, the employee suffered only minor injuries and was treated on-scene by Aurora Fire Department Paramedics.

Detectives were able to secure several forensic items that pointed to Federman’s alleged involvement in the case. A warrant was issued for her arrest earlier this month and she turned herself into Aurora Police on April 18.

Registration open For Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race

Registrations are currently being accepted for the 57th annual Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race that will be held Sunday, June 3, on the Fox River.

The historic event will feature two different lengths for paddlers to choose from — a 10-mile run starting in St. Charles and a 6-miler from Batavia — with both races finishing at McCullough Park in Aurora.

The Mid-Am is open to paddlers of all ages and abilities, featuring 11 canoe divisions, 8 kayak divisions and 1 open (non-competitive) division.

“The Mid-Am is something everybody should experience — from ultra-competitive racers to first-timers and young families who want to enjoy a memorable day of paddling on the Fox River,” said event director Jeff Long. “It’s a celebration of river recreation.”

The 10-mile race begins at 9 a.m. from Mount. St. Mary Park in downtown St. Charles, with the 6-miler starting at 10:30 a.m. from the VFW in Batavia, just south of downtown.

Boats will be staged in heats of 10 and then launched individually at 15-second intervals from both start areas. Free shuttle buses for participants and spectators will run continuously from McCullough Park to both starting sites beginning at 7 a.m.

All-inclusive canoe and kayak rental packages are available for both races at discounted prices, with start area delivery and finish line pickup of rental boats included.

A riverside party for all paddlers, friends, families and spectators will take place at the finish area at McCullough Park and feature food, music, beer, prize drawings, local vendors and live interviews with paddlers.

An awards ceremony will conclude the event, with awards for first, second and third-place finishers in each division for both races.

All registered paddlers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, grilled lunch with chips and drink and be eligible for prize drawings.

Visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org to register online. Registration forms also are available at all Park District community centers. Registration closes at noon on May 30, and day-of registration will not be available. For more information, call 630-859-8606.

Kendall County

Kifowit gets sexual misconduct legislation passed 

Amidst a continued conversation on how to reduce sexual assault and harassment in all forms, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) co-sponsored legislation that passed out of the House of Representatives on April 20 making it a crime for rogue members of law enforcement to have sex with those under arrest or in custody.

“When an AP news article focused on Illinois lacking a law to address this situation, we needed to act,” said Kifowit.  “It is unbelievable that this legislation is needed, but reported accounts in other states make this a reality. We need to stand together to be proactive and stop those who might exploit a power imbalance to violate the public trust and commit acts of sexual assault. My legislation addresses the few rogue police that could make a bad name for all police officers.”

Kifowit co-sponsored House Bill 5597, which would provide that any person employed by a law enforcement agency commits “custodial sexual misconduct” when he or she engages in any form of sexual conduct with a person who is under arrest or detained. A recent AP investigation on sexual misconduct by U.S. law enforcement found that roughly 1,000 officers lost their badges over a six-year period for sexual assault and harassment.

“Almost all police officers and other first responders have superior moral character,” Kifowit continued. “That’s why we need to crack down on those who act like predators rather than protectors.”

Senior Services offers smart driver course

Take an award-winning AARP Smart Driver Course.

The enhanced course is based on the latest driver safety research and insights. Take the course at Senior Services Associates, where the course will learn evidence based safe driving strategies, and refresh your knowledge of the latest rules and hazards of the road. After completing the course, participants may be eligible for a multi-year car insurance discount.

Those who take the course will learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, and new traffic laws and rules of the road.

Plus, there are no tests to pass. Sign up and learn. This class will be offered at Senior Services Associates at 908 Game Farm Road, Yorkville on Monday, May 14th and Wednesday, May 16 from 1 to 5 pm.

If you are interested in attending this course, please contact Senior Services Associates, at 630-553-5777.

Sheriff’s Office receives tobacco grant

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office has been chosen by the Illinois Department of Human Services to receive a grant in the amount of $770 to establish a comprehensive educational and enforcement program addressing minimum age tobacco laws.

“We are pleased to receive this grant to enhance our efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco products. The health of the children in our community is very important and we are dedicated to reducing the availability of tobacco products to minors through enforcement efforts,” said Sheriff Dwight A. Baird.

The Illinois Department of Human Services, the state’s lead agency in developing strategies to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors, annually awards $1 million in grants to communities that are willing to implement its Tobacco Enforcement Program.

Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Community Policing Deputies will conduct two compliance checks of retailers of tobacco products in unincorporated Kendall County. Prior to the first compliance check, all tobacco retailers will be educated on the sale of tobacco and will receive the Department’s Tobacco Retailer Kit which includes a review of state minimum age tobacco laws, required signage, and training guides for their personnel.

Tobacco retailers within the entire program currently average over 80 percent compliance rates.

During the year of 2017, tobacco retailers in unincorporated Kendall County were above the state average for compliance. For additional information about the Illinois Department of Human Services, visit their website at www.dhs.state.il.us

Montgomery

New Police Chief Appointed

Phillip J. Smith was unanimously appointed as Montgomery’s new Chief of Police at the Village Board Meeting at the April 23rd Board Meeting. He has been serving as chief of police in Berkeley, Ill. for the past four years, and will be succeeding Chief Daniel J. Meyers who is retiring April 30. 

Chief Smith’s appointment will be effective as of May 1.

Smith has an impressive 27 years of experience in law enforcement.  During his 23-year career with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office he served in diverse roles, including deputy sheriff, narcotics investigator, detective, sergeant and police operations commander.  His experience also includes eight years as the Tactical Commander for a multi-jurisdictional Tactical Response Team.

Smith holds a master of arts in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University.  He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University’s Executive Management Program and the School of Police Staff and Command.

In making this appointment, Village President Matt Brolley stated, “Phil Smith has had an extensive law enforcement career that has prepared him well to serve as Chief of Police for the Village of Montgomery.  He is a proven professional with the education, experience and leadership skills necessary to lead our Police Department.  We look forward to working with him as we continue to move Montgomery forward.”

Deadline this week for Bridge Planter Program

The popular annual Flower Planter program is under way. Sign-up sheets can be picked up at the Village Hall or are included with April water bills.

They can also be printed from the link below. The deadline to register is May 4. Unfortunately, the village cannot process any registrations received after May 4.

Space for a sign on the Mill Street Bridge is limited, so sign up early to ensure your spot. Any questions, please contact Renee at the Village Hall 630-896-8080, ext. 9034 or visit https://ci.montgomery.il.us

Yorkville

Emily Lech, the new Yorkville Grade School principal

New Yorkville grade school principal selected

Yorkville CUSD 115 is has named Emily Lech to the administrative staff as the new Yorkville Grade School principal. Lech will begin her appointment on July 1.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Emily to our administrative team,” said District 115 Superintendent Dr. Timothy Shimp. “I was impressed with her extensive work in developing new social-emotional learning approaches and her natural ability to connect with students and their families. Her focus on leading instruction and collaboration will be of great value to our staff members.”

The District 115 Board of Education approved the hire at its April 23 meeting. Lech will assume the principal position from current YGS Principal Melissa Lewis who is moving out of state to be closer to her family.

“It is a great honor to be named the new principal of Yorkville Grade School,” Lech said. “I’m energized and deeply committed to building a strong, joyful learning foundation for every child. I look forward to connecting with the wonderful District 115 community.”

Lech has more than 13 years of experience in teaching and leading elementary education, most recently serving as the assistant principal at two elementary schools in Park Ridge-Niles School District 64.

She also has served as a teacher in Evanston/Skokie District 65 for five years, Chicago Public Schools for one year, and at a school in Washington, D.C. for three years.

Lech received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa and her master’s degree in educational administration from Lewis University in Romeoville. She is currently earning her endorsement in special education at Elmhurst College.

–Kendall County News Briefs–