southtownstar.suntimes.com

Centennial School hosts Invention Convention

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:18:00 -0500

The invention of problem-solving names like the Snuggie, Topsy-Turvy and Miracle Socks all started with a budding idea that grew into a popular, new product. The third-grade students of Catrina Niven’s class used their creativity and inventive minds to develop innovative products to culminate their study of inventions, trademarks and patents. The lineup of student products included items like the Showermatic 9000, Bike Pocket, Radical Rain Remover, Magnalamp, the Better Basket, Earring Organizer and Fishy Lights. Each student went through the process of invention development by creating a prototype, assigning a catchy name to their product and applying for the …

Homer Glen, Orland Park police blotter

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:20:01 -0500

HOMER GLEN VAN DAMAGED: The rear hatch window of a 2005 Dodge Caravan was broken out June 4 in the 16000 block of Deer Path Drive. VEHICLES VANDALIZED: Vandals broke out windows June 5 on four vehicles, two of which were in the 16000 block of Meadowcrest Drive and the other two in the 16000 block of Pineview Drive. VEHICLE BURGLARY: A GPS system was stolen June 5 from a vehicle in the 14000 block of Split Rail Drive. REVOKED LICENSE: Robert Esquivel, 27, 14268 W. Melbourne Place, Lockport, was charged with driving on a revoked license after a stop …

Orland Jr. High speech team claims first place

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:22:00 -0500

Orland Jr. High speech team takes first place in competition

Lockport foundation enjoys a run of success

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:20:00 -0500

The fourth annual Lockport Township High School Foundation 5K Run/Walk drew record numbers as area runners gathered April 21 to support the foundation and commemorate the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. More than 300 runners/walkers — many wearing black badges that read “Boston – 4/15/13 – we won’t forget” — took part in the annual event held at East campus. The overall male winner was Marc O’Neal, of Lockport, whose time was 17:32. Amy Bowden, a Lockport English teacher from New Lenox, took the top spot for women with a time of 21:35. The science department, led by teacher …

Bank employees have a heart for animals

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:26:54 -0500

Marquette Bank, a locally owned neighborhood bank, recently completed its third Animal Awareness Drive, an employee-led initiative to raise awareness of challenges facing animals and local animal shelters. Bank employees generated more than $1,200 in donations and collected more than 250 pet items to benefit local animal rescue organizations. “Our employees continue to show their love and support for animals by donating to our Animal Awareness Drive,” employee and drive organizer Cheryl Erwin said. “As a neighborhood bank, we know that it is important to help out the people in our communities, but we are also aware that local animal …

Homer Glen, Orland Park police blotter

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:24:42 -0500

HOMER GLEN VEHICLE BURGLARY: A laptop computer was stolen May 28 from an unlocked vehicle in the 13000 block of Cantigny Lane. GRAFFITI: Graffiti was found May 29 on the garage door of a house in the 13000 block of Dublin Road. VEHICLE BURGLARIES: A GPS system was stolen from an unlocked vehicle and a radar detector was taken from another May 31 in the 14000 block of Eagle Ridge Drive. BURGLARY CHARGE: A teenage boy was charged with vehicle burglary and another was charged with driving without a valid license after a stop June 1 in the 14000 block …

Community Sports Calendar (Central) for June 16, 2013

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:27:20 -0500

Here is a look at sporting events in the SouthtownStar’s Central region, which includes Crestwood, Frankfort, Homer Glen, Manhattan, Midlothian, Mokena, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Orland Hills, Orland Park, and Tinley Park.

Orland Park garden contest deadline is June 28

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:26:17 -0500

Orland Park is holding its annual Garden Contest for amateur gardeners. The contest recognizes residents’ efforts to beautify their neighborhoods. More than 150 homeowners have competed since the program was proposed in the late 1990s by Village Trustee Brad O’Halloran. “The village’s garden contest — which is separate from the June 23 Open Lands Garden Walk — is a great way for the village to recognize the hard work so many residents put into their gardens,” Mayor Dan McLaughlin, an avid gardener, said in a news release. “When you drive through the village’s subdivisions, you see the results of hours …

St. Laurence High School students’ college sporting commitments

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:08:44 -0500

St. Laurence High School students Taylour Estes, Jim Litrenta and Kyle Dalton recently committed to play a sport in college. Estes from Hickory Hills will play soccer at Carroll University. Litrenta from Orland Park will play football at the University of South Dakota. Dalton from Mokena will play football at Elmhurst College. St. Laurence soccer coach Nate Grosse and football coach Harold Blackmon were present at the official signing. The school is based in Burbank. Staff reports …

Hinderman: Butterflies, and summer fun in Orland Park

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 02:22:10 -0500

Garden Patch Farms in Homer Glen held its first-ever butterfly release June 1, setting free butterflies that were raised at the farm, 14158 W. 159th St. They were released at two different times, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., near a stand of butterfly-friendly plants (those that attract the insects). Hayla and Hayden Nicosia attended the 11 a.m. event with their dad, Jim, and released butterflies that they had raised in netted cases as a school project at Spencer Pointe Elementary School in New Lenox, Jim Nicosia said. They were the only children to bring their own butterflies to the morning …

Running seminar set for June 18

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 02:24:04 -0500

Dr. Scott Price, an orthopedic surgeon and former team physician for the Chicago White Sox, will discuss the proper way to begin and maintain a safe and effective runner’s training program during a free presentation 6 to 7 p.m. June 18 at the Palos Health and Fitness Center, 15430 West Ave., Orland Park. The presentation will include how to prevent injury and recognize common conditions that can affect runners at every level, according to Price. Running for Kicks staff will be available to provide proper footwear assessment and advice. A Palos Community Hospital registered dietitian will be available to provide …

Purchase Orland Park vehicle stickers by June 30

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 02:21:11 -0500

Orland Park vehicle stickers must be displayed in vehicles by June 30. Applications for the 2013/15 stickers were mailed to residents who previously purchased them. Any vehicle registered to an Orland Park address must display the sticker. Residents who do not receive applications in the mail may obtain blank forms on the village’s website www.orland-park.il.us or at village hall, 14700 S. Ravinia Ave. The new sticker salutes the Orland Park Lions Club’s 50th anniversary. Completed sticker applications and payments can be mailed or residents can buy stickers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the cashier’s office at …

Orland Park Eagle Scout’s project benefits kids with cancer

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 02:20:05 -0500

Nick Zona, of Orland Park, recently awarded two treasure chests, toys, gift cards and $200 to the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation as part of his Eagle Scout project. Zona organized and coordinated a construction project along with a toy drive to attain Eagle Scout status, the highest rank for members of the Boy Scouts of America. Because of Zona’s hard work, ProCure Proton Therapy Centers in Oklahoma City, and Somerset, N.J., will become the recipients of handcrafted treasure chests. ProCure Proton Therapy Centers serve children and teens using radiation therapy for many types of tumors. Asked about his motivation …

Orland Area Chamber recognizes new Ambassador Club member

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 02:19:55 -0500

Joann Adams, a Mary Kay Cosmetics Independent Sales Consultant, awarded Joanne Sicher, of Regus, her official ambassador ribbon at the January meeting of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club. The meeting took place at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park. The Ambassador Club meets and greets fellow members and those who attend chamber events. The group also participates in membership blitz activities that keep the chamber in touch with its membership throughout the year. The chamber has many committees that members can become involved with as an active member. Information on becoming a member of the …

Homer Glen, Orland Park police blotter

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:36:00 -0500

HOMER GLEN BURGLARY: Money was stolen from two cash registers during a May 23 burglary of Dunkin’ Donuts, 14135 Bell Road. A side door window was shattered to gain entry. BURGLARY: A laptop computer and a safe containing cash and a handgun were stolen May 23 from Original Mr. Beef, 12320 W. 143rd St. The glass on the front door was shattered. DUI ARREST: Andrew Woynerowski, 22, 12018 Victoria Court, Homer Glen, was charged with drunken driving, illegal transportation of alcohol and speeding after a stop May 24 in the 15000 block of Badger Lane, police said. SUSPENDED LICENSE: Kathy …

Homer Glen, Orland Park police blotter

Thu, 30 May 2013 22:32:00 -0500

HOMER GLEN SUSPENDED LICENSE: Javier Marquez, 56, 7950 S. Kildare Ave., Chicago, was charged with driving on a suspended license after a May 7 crash at Dublin and Parker roads, police said. They said Michael F. Finnegan, 51, 13526 Erin Drive, Homer Glen, was charged with failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident. BURGLARY: Between 50 and 75 cartons of cigarettes were stolen May 7 from Ashes Tobacco, 12147 W. 159th St. A patio door was pried open to gain entry. SUSPENDED LICENSE: Raynard Tipton, 33, of Woodridge, was charged with driving on a suspended license and speeding after …