Joliet Central JROTC Teams Excel at National Leadership and Academic Bowl Championships in Washington,
The Joliet Central High School JROTC Leadership and Academic Teams recently returned from the National JROTC Bowl Championship held at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where they represented their school and community with distinction.
From June 15–24, 2025, the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl Championship brought together the top cadet teams from across the globe to compete in a fast-paced and highly challenging academic and leadership competition.
The event is sponsored by the U.S. Army Cadet Command and conducted by the College Options Foundation.
Joliet Central’s Academic Team—composed of Felix Arcand, Erick-Isai Jolomna, Jhoana Figueroa, and Brian Baron— achieved an impressive 7th place
finish out of 32 national finalists. The Leadership Team—made up of Nayeli Ortiz, Marjorie Santos, Chloe Van Ness, and Lacey Johnson—finished 26th out of 40 finalists. Both teams earned the honor of competing in Washington, D.C., after scoring among
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From June 15–24, 2025, the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl Championship brought together the top cadet teams from across the globe to compete in a fast-paced and highly challenging academic and leadership competition. Submitted photo.
Continued From: Page 1, JROTC
rounds against more than 2,000 academic teams and 1,400 leadership teams worldwide.
“The students demonstrated remarkable commitment, discipline, and teamwork throughout the year to qualify for the finals,” said JROTC Instructor Major Phil Jayko. “In Washington, they went above and beyond—performing with poise, confidence, and pride. We could not be more proud of how they represented Joliet Central and the City of Joliet on a national stage.”
The teams will be formally recognized at the Joliet City Council meeting on July 15, thanks to the efforts of City of Joliet Economic Development Director Paulina Martinez, Joliet Central Class of 2008.
During the competition, cadets were tested on their knowledge of core subjects, leadership skills, current events, financial literacy, and the Army JROTC curriculum.
The financial literacy materials
were provided through sponsorship from the USAA Educational Foundation.
The trip to the nation’s capital also included the opportunity to visit historic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, deepening cadets’ understanding of civic responsibility and history.
The JROTC Academic and Lead -
ership Bowls are nationally recognized programs that promote academic excellence, leadership, citizenship, and college readiness among high school students.
Participation in these competitions helps cadets gain confidence, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and explore higher education opportunities.
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From June 15–24, 2025, the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl Championship brought together the top cadet teams from across the globe to compete in a fast-paced and highly challenging academic and leadership competition. Submitted photo.
Plainfield Police & and Fire Protection District responded to park shooting
Plainfield, IL – On Saturday, July 5th, 2025 at approximately 10:44 pm, members of the Plainfield Police Department and Plainfield Fire Protection District responded to the area of Settler’s Park, located at 24401 West Lockport Street, for a person shot assignment.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male subject (17 years of age), who was shot several times with a firearm, conscious and breathing.
The first officer to arrive at the
scene applied a tourniquet to the subject’s arm.
Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene and continued their life-saving measures.
The male subject was transported to Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, Illinois.
Preliminary findings suggest this was not a random act but rather a targeted incident.
There is no further threat to the public known to the Plainfield Po-
lice Department. When additional information becomes available, we will provide an updated press release.
This is an active and open criminal investigation and if anyone has any information or witnessed this incident, please contact Detective Sergeant Ron Mikos at (815) 267-7237 or Detective Sergeant Colin Mulacek (815) 439-7654.
Authority: Cmdr. Anthony Novak #104
Commander Anthony Novak
Illinois Principals Association Names New President
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) is proud to announce that Dr. Angie Codron, principal of Normal West High School in Normal, Illinois, will serve as president for the 2025–2026 school year.
The IPA’s theme for the year is “TeamWorks,” which will be celebrated at the Education Leaders Annual Conference in October 2025.
“TeamWorks means we can accomplish more together than we ever could alone,” Dr. Codron said. “My leadership philosophy is rooted in building strong
systems that help teams work effectively toward big goals. I’m grateful to the IPA for the chance to highlight how both our personal and professional teams make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director for the Illinois Principals Association, said, “Dr. Codron is an exceptional leader. Her vision for teamwork will continue to propel the IPA forward as we strive to effectively serve school leaders together.”
Dr. Codron has been an active member of the IPA since 2016.
She serves on the IPA Board of Directors representing the Corn Belt region and has previously held roles as the region’s diversity & equity chair and treasurer.
Now in her 10th year at Normal West High School, Dr. Codron served as associate principal for seven years before becoming principal three years ago.
Over her 25-year career in education, she has held various leadership roles including science teacher, assessment coach, basketball coach, and member of several district strategic planning committees.
Her work is driven by a passion for building effective, trustbased systems that support team accountability and high achievement.
Dr. Codron earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education and a master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Eastern Illinois University, where she was also recognized as a Women’s Basketball Academic All-American.
She later completed her Type 75 and Superintendent Certificates, as well as her Doctorate, at Illinois State University.
She is also a proud mother of two sons: AJ, a Golden Apple Scholar and incoming freshman at Illinois State University studying elementary education and coaching; and Carson, who will be entering eighth grade at Bloomington Junior High.
The Illinois Principals Association is a professional organization serving more than 6,700 educational leaders across Illinois.
Learn more at www.ilprincipals.org
Wood could be having a moment among home buyers
Did you know?
Wood could be having a moment among modern home buyers.
According to the real estate experts at Zillow, the term “cozy” appeared in 35 percent more real estate listings in 2024 than in 2023.
Though various components can help to create a cozy vibe inside a home, wood has long been a go-to material when interior designers attempt to add warmth to a property.
The home renovation experts at Houzz also cite wood-infused architectural warmth among its 10 most popular home trends in the coming year.
Homeowners who want to capitalize on this trend before putting their homes on the market or those who simply love the idea of adding more wood-based warmth in their homes can consider installing ceiling beams, wood wall paneling or even wood trim throughout their homes.
NO. 21-00109
TO: ROBERT G HECKO; GERALD HECKO; U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL; INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; U.S. DISTRICT ATTORNEY; Will County Clerk; Current Occupants; and unknown owners or parties interested. A Petition for Tax Deed on premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of Will County, Illinois, as case # 2025TX000061. The real estate is described as: Property Index Number #: 07-0135-102-012-0000
Commonly Known As: 23058 W Eider Drive, Plainfield, IL Said property was sold on December 5, 2022, for the General Taxes for the year 2021. The period of redemption will expire on September 30, 2025. On October 14, 2025, the petitioner will make application to such court in said County for an order for Tax Deed should the real estate not be redeemed.
Publicani Investment Corp. Petitioner
Published 6/12/2025, 6/19/2025, 6/26/2025
ORDINANCE NO. 25-1
AN ORDINANCE OF THE SHOREWOOD-TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL .02% TAX FOR EQUIPPING THE LIBRARY AND FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF THE LIBRARY BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT OF THE LIBRARY DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the Board of Library Trustees of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, Will County, Illinois is desirous, during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, to expend funds for constructing and equipping the library building of the Library District, and for maintenance and repair of the library building and equipment of the Library District.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SHOREWOOD-TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
Section 1. It is hereby determined that during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, sums shall be expended for constructing and equipping the library building of the Library District and for maintenance and repair of the library building and equipment of the Library District.
Section 2. Pursuant to the provisions of the Illinois Public Library District Act of 1991 (75 ILCS 16/35-5), it is further determined that the Library District shall levy an additional tax for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027, in the amount of .02% of the value of all taxable property within the Library District, as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue, for equipping the library building of the Library district and for the maintenance and repair of the library building and equipment of the Library District.
Section 3. Within 15 days after the adoption of this ordinance, a certified copy of this ordinance shall be published once in the Shorewood Sentinel, a newspaper circulated in the Library District.
Section 4. The minimum number of voters of the Library District required to sign a petition requesting that the question of the adoption of the ordinance be submitted to the electors of the Library District equal to 10 percent or more of the registered voters of the district at the last election which is 1,610. The petition shall be filed with the District within 30 days after this notice’s publication, and the prospective referendum date is March 17, 2026.
Passed by the Board of Library Trustees of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, Will County, Illinois this 12th day of June, 2025.
Thomas Novinski
President, Board of Trustees
Shorewood-Troy Public Library District
Attest:
Karen Voitik
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Shorewood-Troy Public Library District
STATE OF ILLINOIS) ) SS COUNTY OF WILL )
CERTIFICATION
I Karen Voitik , Secretary of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, Will County, Illinois, do hereby certify that on the 12th day of July, A.D., 2025 there was adopted an ordinance entitled:
“AN ORDINANCE OF THE SHOREWOOD-TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL 0.02% TAX FOR EQUIPPING THE LIBRARY AND FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF THE LIBRARY BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT OF THE LIBRARY DISTRICT” FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON THE 1ST DAY OF JULY, A.D., 2026 AND ENDING ON THE 30TH DAY OF JUNE, A.D., 2027.
It was passed by the President and the Board of Trustees of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District on the 12th day of July A.D., 2025. A true and correct copy is attached hereto.
GIVEN UNDER my hand and seal as Secretary and Custodian of the Records of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, Will County, Illinois on the 12th Day of July A.D., 2025.
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Shorewood-Troy Public Library District
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Village of Niles Planning and Zoning Board on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Niles Municipal Building, 1000 Civic Center Drive, Niles, Illinois, to hear the following matter(s):
25-ZP-20
Majed Adwish of 9225 N Maryland St, Niles, IL 60714 is requesting approval of a Special Use Permit per Village of Niles Zoning Ordinance Appendix B Section 8.2(A) for a ‘Reception Facility’ at 7746 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714.
PIN #: 09-25-201-017-0000
25-ZP-21
Majed Adwish of 9225 N Maryland St, Niles, IL 60714 is requesting approval of a Variation from Section 10.4 to provide 50 parking spaces where 60 are required at 7740-7752 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714.
PIN #: 09-25-201-017-0000
All persons interested should attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard. For additional information regarding the above case(s) or should any individual need auxiliary aid or service, such as sign language interpreter or materials in alternative formats, please contact the Village of Niles Community Development Department at 847-588-8077.
Published June 19, 2025
James F. Frey, age 91, of Plainfield, IL, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 16, 2025. A longtime resident of Plainfield since 1967, Jim was born on June 3, 1933, in Owensboro, Kentucky.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jim was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith and centered his life around family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Madeline (nee Granich) Frey, in 2020, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership.
Jim is survived by his loving children, Laura (Ken) Gilbert, Sarah (Andy) Van Alstine, Julia (Brad) Easter, Jim (Casey) Frey, and Daniel (Rachael Clark) Frey; and his cherished grandchildren, Noah, Ethan, and Theodore Easter, Colby and Blake Van Alstine, Spencer and Jamen Frey, Jacob Gilbert, and Madeline Frey; his dear sister, Laura (the late Bill) Goins; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death his parents, Theodore and Cleophus Frey; and his siblings, William (the late Helen) Frey, Mary Ann (the late Gerald) Oberst, and George (Margaret) Frey.
Jim was a dedicated Catholic and family man. Known affectionately for his humor and knack for storytelling, Jim could spin a tale like no other, insisting every word was true. He found joy in simple pleasures: tinkering in his shop, working on cars, tending to his garden, and welcoming family into his home. He could fix anything except a broken heart. Whether around the dinner table or in the backyard, Jim’s happiest moments were those spent surrounded by loved ones. Most of all, Jim loved having his family around him.
Visitation will be Friday, May 23, 4:00-8:00 PM at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Rd. (Corners of Rt. 30 East & 59 South) Plainfield, IL 60544. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 24, 10:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404. Interment will follow at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery, Plainfield. For information please call 815/436-9221 or visit www.overman-jones.com
