Olympic bid: swimming, tennis and kayaking on North Side
Lincoln Park tennis facility would be built if city wins games
By Stacy Jeziorowski
Special to Inside
Chicago may have made it to the short list of contenders to host the 2016 Olympic Games, but changes to the original plan are eminent.
Though the bulk of the Olympic activities are set to take place on the Near South Side of Chicago at a $1.1 billion Olympic Village development, some activities are slated for the North Side as well.
According to the original bid filed with the International Olympic Committee for consideration, the games will expand along the lakefront to the “North cluster ventures.”
North Avenue beach will be home to triathlon swimming and a proposed tennis center will be built in Lincoln Park. Both of these venues will be temporary.
In collaboration with the Chicago Park District, the city is looking to build a permanent rushing-river kayaking and canoe course to host additional events.
The proposed location for this course is in the southern part of the Lincoln Park Lagoon, west of Lake Shore Drive and near North Avenue beach. Residents may be able to use this venue for years to come as, officials say.
The park district has expressed interest in keeping the venue. Contractor bids would be necessary to operate the facility.
Chicago is thought to rank third out of the four cities still in the running to host the games. The International Olympic Committee, however, has expressed disappointment with locations along Lake Shore Drive, as these venues are “not in close proximity” to Chicago’s train lines. This may affect the decision to house Olympic venues in Lincoln Park and at North Avenue Beach
Media contacts for Chicago 2016 and the Park District did not comment for this story.
Wrigley Field is not mentioned as a possible site for events at this time.
Some say residents of Lincoln Park and the surrounding North Side communities may be “invaded” by increasing numbers of international tourists and find their streets crowded in 2016 and they question if the area will lose out on additional business if the Chicago decides to move these venues.
Neighbors: More facts needed about Diversey Harbor driving range upgrade
By Peter von Buol
Special to Inside
Behind-schedule renovations currently taking place at the Chicago Park District’s Diversey Harbor to improve the park’s golf driving range facility have raised some questions among the membership of a local neighborhood organization.
“The delegates to the Spring meeting of the Diversey Harbor Lakeview Association voiced a number of concerns about the project, primarily because so little was known about a number of the project’s improvement components. While generally appreciative of the intent to upgrade the driving range, our delegates expressed the need to be better informed about such issues,” said Gene Fisher, the group’s executive director.
The park district first announced its plans to improve the facility on April 18 and work crews are now replacing what had been the driving range’s grass field with an artificial turf surface.
Interestingly, a written statement released by the park district incorrectly described the range’s previous surface as also having been artificial turf.
According to the park district’s statement, “The work will include grading of the site and removal of the existing artificial turf. New artificial turf will be installed and surrounded by a concrete curb, better equipping the range for year-round use.”
The statement also described additional improvements such as “A crushed stone track along the fence will provide drainage and assist in maintenance of the range. Additional target greens will be installed on the range, giving golfers the ability to practice both their long and short games. These features will collectively offer golfers better views.”
Fisher asked why the park district chose to use an artificial turf for the facility and said he is worried it may contain lead.
“Have health concerns arising from the lead content of artificial turf [used elsewhere] been fully investigated and satisfactorily resolved?” asked Fisher.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on June 18 issued a statement calling for the testing of some artificial turf athletic fields to check for their lead content.
According to Mary Kate Rohan, who serves as the director of community outreach for Ald. Tom Tunney (44), the park district has assured the alderman the new artificial turf will be lead-free.
Other issues of concern to Fisher’s group include the unattractive “landscaping” that has long surrounded the driving range.
“Would the project eliminate, once and for all, the unsightly mud piles on the range’s adjacent grounds along Inner Lake Shore Drive?” asked Fisher’s group.
According to Rohan, the park district has informed Ald. Tunney the exterior of the range will be properly landscaped.
According to the park district’s statement released in April, “Renovation plans incorporate greening initiatives including a draining system that recycles water back into the lake. Additionally, weeping willows will be planted and will provide natural shade at the site.”
Fisher’s group also expressed concern about how the new lighting system at the driving range will impact nearby residents but Rohan told Inside “The park district has met with the neighboring high rises to mitigate any lighting issues.”
Rohan added the park district has said the renovation will also improve the other facilities at the range.
A concession stand, washrooms and other structures associated with the site are all scheduled to be renovated.
Despite the assurances of Rohan, Fisher said his organization remains skeptical about the project.
“Our association is withholding a definitive judgment on the project until it receives acceptable answers to [our] concerns—and hopefully soon,” said Fisher.
In April, the park district said the construction would be completed in approximately four weeks at the popular double-decker driving range.
Some also wondered why the repairs are being undergone during a peak summer-use time for the range.
New development for auto dealer detailed
By Lindsey Reiser
Special to Inside
If all goes according to plan for Jim Letchinger, president and founder of JDL Development Corporation, the face of Wells Street will be changing very soon. Last Thursday an open meeting was held at the Near North branch of the Chicago Public Library led by Letchinger. The point of the meeting? The Grossinger Honda dealership will be leaving its current location and Letchinger has big plans for the cross-street lots; but first he wants some input.
Rather than going to the city first for approval, Letchinger took it to the residents of Old Town for their opinions, choosing to work with the community rather than in spite of it.
“We come to you first,” Letchinger told the attendees. “We’re a business, but we try to consider the environment we build in.” However, despite the JDL president’s good intentions, the residents still had plenty of concerns and complaints, giving the developer much food for thought.
The site in question has two lots on either side of Wells Street between Scott and Goethe, the east lot being substantially larger than the west. As for Letchinger’s plans for the west lot, the residents had relatively few queries. The area facing Wells Street will be reserved for a one-story retail building with a “green” roof, which will have trees and shrubs visible to passers-by on the street. The area on Scott will host six single-family homes, which JDL projects to sell for $2.5 million each. The original plan, however, was to build a 60 to 70 ft. residential tower above the commercial structure, but here the developers ran into a snag. Scott Street is a small dead-end lane, and simply cannot support the traffic that would accompany a building with that many units. Thus creates JDL’s main problem.
JDL also intends to put in retail units on the east site, hoping the spacious area afforded by the larger lot will draw in high-quality labels, a plan with which the residents also have few qualms. However, in order to compensate for the small number of private units to be erected on Scott, Letchinger must increase the number of residential units he had also planned to build on the east lot. With the residences above and the retail below, this new building will be 131ft tall, rather than the 80 ft on which local residents had originally signed off, but it has a twist.
The exterior of the residential structure will be set back from the outer edifice of the commercial units below; 56 ft from the front facing Wells Street and over 20 ft on either side, creating another green space above the retail. The residential space will be rent-only, immediately assuaging attendees’ concerns about the upkeep of the greenery. Neighboring residents will also have a better view with the receded walls, rather than having a huge residential block immediately outside their windows and gardens.
Despite this consideration, however, the attendees were still irked about the building’s size. Parking was a major concern, as residents worried the retail stores and 216 apartments above would only exacerbate Old Town’s already sticky traffic situation. Though JDL will be building two stories of parking, one of which is to be reserved for residents alone and will provide more parking spaces than apartments, attendees still felt that this was inadequate for friends visiting the new apartments or those shopping in the retail space.
Several attendees went so far as to make suggestions for other building possibilities, ideas which had either already been brought up at JDL and rejected, or new solutions which Letchinger said would be taken into consideration. One such idea that seemed to impress Letchinger was offered up by resident Cindy Laegeler, who had worked in real estate and was familiar with the many problems that come with city building. She suggested making the structure asymmetrical, lower on the north where the building faced the residents on Goethe, and higher on the south where it would be adjacent to another tower.
Towards the end of the evening the listeners seemed to be divided, many appreciative of receded walls and rooftop green space instead of another “ugly block” building, but many more were still unsettled by the structure’s size and the certain increase in Old Town’s traffic.What Letchinger and JDL will do with this input is anyone’s guess, but at least they have it, straight from the people’s mouth.
DePaul dorm goes into default
The owners of a new private 580-bed DePaul dorm at 1237 W. Fullerton Avenue have run into fiscal difficulties.
Owners MJH Education Assistance Illinois paid the proper amount due June on their $73 million bond debt, but since they used reserve cash instead of proceeds from the dorm, default status was triggered on their debt.
About half of the units in the “Loft Right” building also known as “1237 West” were occupied last year; the 275,000 sq. ft. building opened in 2006.
According to their website, rents are about $12,000 per year.
African-born zoo chimp turns 50
By Peter von Buol
Special to Inside
On June 26, Keo the chimpanzee, one of the Lincoln Park Zoo’s most well-known residents, will celebrate his 50th birthday and the Chicago institution will be celebrating with an extra-special party.
All of the zoo’s chimpanzees, along with zoo visitors, will participate in activities that have been planned to help Keo celebrate his nearly half-century tenure at the zoo.
“Keo and his troop will celebrate [the event] with a 600 pound fruit-filled ice sculpture birthday cake (created and donated by Nadeau Ice Sculptures). The chimpanzees’ exhibit will be adorned with piñatas and other fun enrichment [activities] and school children will be singing happy birthday [to him]. The chimpanzees have never seen anything like this,” said zoo spokesperson Sharon Dewar.
Keo arrived at the zoo in June 1959 as a one-year old wild-born chimpanzee from Africa and is now believed to be one of the oldest chimpanzees in a North American zoo.
According to the web site of the Jane Goodall Institute, “chimpanzees in the wild seldom live longer than 50 years. Some captive individuals have lived more than 60 years.”
Interestingly, it was the field research begun in the 1960s by Goodall which demonstrated wild chimpanzees actually live complex social lives and this had a direct impact on Keo and other zoo chimpanzees.
According to Mark Rosenthal, the author of “The Ark in the Park: the Story of the Lincoln Park Zoo”, as a one-year old Keo was the guest of honor at a luncheon hosted by the then-fledgling Lincoln Park Zoological Society and Keo amused those in attendance with his seemingly child-like antics.
“Seated in a highchair on top of the speakers’ table, the baby chimp enjoyed a lunch of [baby cereal] and milk, after which he went table hopping with the help of his keeper and proceeded to help himself to animal crackers on the tables,” wrote Rosenthal in his 2003 book. At the time of the book’s release, Rosenthal was the Abra Wilkin Curator of Large Mammals at the zoo.
As a direct result of Goodall’s research, zoos designed habitats which took into account the social well-being of chimpanzees and the other great apes. In 1976 the Lincoln Park Zoo moved its great apes from the zoo’s original primate house to the groundbreaking Lester Fisher Great Ape House. A few years ago, Keo and the rest of the great apes moved to the Regenstein Center for African Apes which even more effectively recreates a naturalistic environment and allows them to live social lives similar to one
in Africa.
Anti-soccer field group returns to court
The community park protection group, Protect Our Parks announced Monday, June 23 that it will return to court to “defeat any effort of the Park District to pay tax monies to the Latin School of Chicago for their attempted illegal construction of a turfed soccer field in North Meadow South Field Lincoln Park,” which was stopped by Circuit Court Judge Dorothy Kirie Kinnaird in Protect Our Parks original lawsuit.
The group said it will also sue to stop any effort to renew construction at the site and to force the Park District to “immediately clean up the ruined meadow and the public nuisance it has left there, and to restore the area to its previous pristine grass covered condition.”
Protect Our Parks President Tom Tresser said “Latin School should be ashamed of their selfish conduct and their participation in this gross sweetheart deal to rip off taxpayers and receive payment of $2 million in dispute. The location over which we filed a successful lawsuit was designed to primarily benefit the wealthy and exclusive nearby Latin School.”
The park protection group called a special on-site press conference for Tuesday, June 24 at the main turfed soccer field at Montrose Harbor. At that time, president Tom Tresser revealed its plan for developing additional recreational facilities in Lincoln Park, in opposition to the Park District’s Latin School continuing efforts to build a soccer field in the North Meadow of South Field in Lincoln Park. The group also meets June 26 at 1301 N. LaSalle Drive.
Safety fest to be held June 28
The 43rd Ward Summer Safety Fest in Lincoln Park is sponsored by Alderman Vi Daley and Children’s Memorial Hospital, and will feature performances by Old Town School of Folk Music, Emerald City Theatre Company, and A-Z entertainment.
The free family-oriented event focuses on bike safety. The first 150 kids to arrive on wheels receive a free helmet, properly fitted by experts trained by Mayor Daley’s Bicycle Ambassadors. The Safety Squad will also be on hand to provide car seat installation demonstrations. New this year, attendees are encouraged to bring a new or used children’s book to donate to the St. Vincent De Paul Center. Additionally, all attendees can enter a free raffle ticket to win prizes from local venders, and the grand prize is one free child’s bicycle from Village Cycle.
It will be held Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lincoln Park High School, 2001 N. Orchard St. on Armitage one block east of Halsted.
Head injury is the leading cause of death in bike crashes and fastening helmet’s correctly can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.
For more information, call Ken Labok at Children’s Memorial Hospital at 773-880-6851.
City library commissioner elected to chair DePaul trustees
Chicago Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey, a DePaul University College of Law graduate and a trustee for the past decade, has been elected to chair the DePaul Board. When she calls her first meeting to order next October, she will become the first woman in DePaul’s history to chair the university’s top governing body.
“Mary is respected for her expert public sector management and principled political instincts,” said the Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, president. “I have great expectations for the many ways in which she will help shape DePaul’s future.”
Dempsey’s journey from student to chairman of the board was fueled by her passion for libraries, education and community building. A classic DePaul graduate, she was a first-generation college student who worked part-time while studying law and benefited from a scholarship to help pay for school.
Dempsey, 55, ascends to the position from her role as vice chair, succeeding John Simon, a partner at Jenner & Block who led the board for the past four years. She has been a champion for improving academic quality, expanding the availability of financial aid and ensuring that DePaul students have facilities that are well-equipped and conducive to learning.
“Like Vincent de Paul, Mary moves often and easily between rooms of the most powerful citizens and those with few resources, and she does so with a passion for a better future that is infectious,” Fr. Holtschneider said.
Since her appointment to library commissioner by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1994, she has guided the 79-location, 1,300-employee Chicago Public Library system through two strategic plans.
“Being a woman has never been a barrier for me,” Dempsey said. She is the third woman to head the library system, and her management team is filled with
women leaders.
In 2001 the mayor asked her to succeed Paul Vallas as Chicago Public Schools CEO, but she chose to stay at the library she loves. “I truly believe in the library system and the power of reading.” She has opened 40 new libraries during her tenure, bringing reading within the reach of some of Chicago’s poorest communities.
In 2005, Daley asked her to take a temporary assignment as the city’s interim chief procurement officer to rectify issues with its minority contract set-aside program and now-defunct hired truck service, after which she returned to the library.
“It’s a great privilege and joy to live in this city,” said Dempsey, who recalls advice her husband, lawyer Philip Corboy, gave her. He said “‘If you have the talent and the ability to help the people of this city to grow, you have the responsibility to do it.’” She has taken that duty to heart, dedicating herself to such professional causes as the Urban Libraries Council and personal causes like Mercy Home and Misericordia.
Like so many Chicagoans, Dempsey isn’t the only DePaul graduate in her family. Her brother Bill has a law degree and nephew Conor graduated with a degree in digital media and English. In addition, her husband’s son and partner, Philip H. Corboy Jr., is a DePaul law graduate.
Dempsey earned her bachelor’s degree with honors from St. Mary’s University and a master’s in library science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her contributions to the city and her profession are well recognized with 20 honors and awards noting her distinguished public service and library advocacy, including four honorary degrees. She’s also been a member of 20 boards and commissions addressing a range of city, state, Catholic, civic and educational issues.
Feigenholtz pushes for more health funding
As the Illinois House of Representatives adjourned, state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) helped pass a state spending plan that includes funding for essential human services, including new funds for HIV/AIDS medications and the implementation of a new law to expand voluntary HIV testing in Illinois.
“I worked hard to negotiate a budget that addresses critical human services needs,” Feigenholtz said. “All the talk and promises about improving the health care and well being of the people will only happen if the Governor uses his bill-signing pen and makes this budget law.”
She represents Lincoln Park, Buena Park, Lakeview and the Near North Side.
The General Assembly passed a budget for Fiscal Year 2009, encompassed in House Bill 5701 and Senate Bill 1102, which includes over $2 billion in new spending, much of which is directed toward education and human services.
Included among the new spending is $1 million for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. This additional $1 million is specifically designated so the Department of Public Health can raise eligibility for the program from 400 percent of the Federal poverty level rate to 500 percent.
An additional $500,000 is intended to fund Public Act 95-0007, the new HIV testing law that will make it easier for both health care providers and patients to conduct voluntary HIV testing.
“Last year the Governor signed this new law, then proceeded to veto over $1 million dollars out of the budget in new HIV funding,” Feigenholtz said. “I understand the governor has some concerns over the state’s projected revenues for the coming year, but I strongly urge him to look into his heart and protect these funds for HIV/AIDS programs and other human services programs that are essential to thousands of Illinoisans.”
The budget bills have passed the General Assembly and await action from the governor.
Schakowsky applauds Supreme Court for upholding horse slaughter ban
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement June 16 in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to hear Cavel International’s appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals’ decision to uphold the constitutionality of Illinois’ law to ban horse slaughter.
The Cavel International Horse Slaughter plant located 70-miles west of Chicago in Dekalb was allowed to continue to operate during the first appeals process.
“Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is a major victory for animal welfare advocates and horses. The decision finally puts a stop to Cavel’s endless appeals to challenge the constitutionality of the Illinois law. For over a year, Cavel manipulated the legal process in order to continue slaughtering horses even though the plant knew it would eventually have to comply with the law. Unfortunately, thousands of American horses were slaughtered while Cavel tied up this issue in the courts. While the Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the right of states to ban horse slaughter, it also renews calls for a federal standard to eliminate the need for individual state bans and protracted legal battles. I hope that today’s decision will inspire Congress to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. My bipartisan bill would ban horse slaughter in the U.S. and prohibit the export of horses for slaughter abroad. I urge my colleagues in Congress to follow Illinois, California and Texas by passing my bill and getting it signed into law.”
Seniors encouraged to refund value on CTA farecards
The Chicago Transit Authority reminds senior citizens enrolled in the Senior Free Ride program that the deadline for refunds for the remaining balances for unexpired reduced-fare media cards is Tuesday, July 1.
Customers must have an RTA Senior Free Ride permit in order to be eligible for the refund. The refund value of monthly passes will be prorated; refund value for other eligible fare media will be given at-cost. Expired cards are not eligible for refund.
Cash or check refunds can be received only by visiting CTA headquarters in person by July 1. Customers who wish to receive a check-issued refund by mail will need to fill out a request form and should allow up to four weeks for checks to arrive.
The senior free-ride program went into effect on March 17. Since then, CTA has issued nearly $100,000 in refunds to 6,000 seniors. The highest amount refunded was $1,091.80 and the lowest amount was $0.05.
Customers can check the remaining balance of their cards at any of the passenger information units near the Customer Assistance kiosks in most CTA rail stations; by calling 1-888-YOUR-CTA (1-888-968-7282) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.; or by visiting the CTA Sales Center at 567 W. Lake St., Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Seniors who do not currently have a permit but are interested in participating in the Senior Free Ride Program need to apply for the RTA-issued permit.
CTA eyes battery-powered electric bus
As part of continuing efforts to mitigate rising fuel costs, Chicago Transit Authority officials last week said they are evaluating a new hybrid electric bus that has the ability to nearly double the miles per gallon of current CTA hybrid buses.
The “DesignLine ECOSaver IV Hybrid Electric bus” which is being loaned to CTA – uses a propulsion technology that is different from the existing hybrid drives.
CTA’s Budget Office calculates that every $0.10 change in the price per gallon of fuel increases expenses by $2.4 million. With fuel prices at $4.53 per gallon as of May 26, the CTA could potentially accrue fuel expenses of $25 million over what was budgeted this year. As a result, the CTA is actively researching fuel efficient vehicles to introduce into the fleet.
The CTA’s oldest buses average 2.77 miles per gallon and its 40-foot hybrid buses average 3.95 miles per gallon. The DesignLine Hybrid has averaged seven to eight miles per gallon in other cities and the test period will help determine if the buses will run as effectively in Chicago.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity to test drive this new hybrid electric bus to see how it handles the streets of Chicago and to compare its fuel efficiency to our current hybrid buses,” said CTA President Ron Huberman. “Energy efficiency, whether fuel for buses or electricity for trains, is critical for our operations as we continue to find ways to minimize costs. It also has a positive impact on the environment.”
“Chicago is always leading by example when it comes to finding innovative and environmentally-friendly ways to improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley. “Finding solutions to handle the rising cost of fuel is important for our public transportation system and we’re looking forward to trying this new technology.”
The CTA fleet currently has 20 hybrid buses – 10 operate on a parallel system and 10 use a series drive system. An additional 150 New Flyer Hybrid articulated buses on order will operate on the parallel system. The DesignLine Hybrid is different from the existing hybrid drives and can increase fuel economy by 100 percent over standard buses and 25 percent over other hybrids.
The ECOSaver uses batteries to run an electric motor rather than the standard diesel engine of CTA’s current hybrids. When the batteries lose power, a small turbine engine turns on to recharge the batteries. The turbine engine shuts down as the batteries continue to power the bus. This hybrid configuration produces lower emissions than other hybrids and also reduces noise pollution.
Increased fuel economy is gained from the turbine’s smaller size and because the engine is not running continuously. In addition, the construction of the bus is three tons lighter to further increase fuel savings.
The DesignLine Electric Hybrid bus offers reduced emissions, improved fuel economy, reduced noise pollution, increased passenger comfort and lower maintenance costs.
The Electric Hybrid bus is manufactured by DesignLine International LLC headquartered in North Carolina and costs approximately $580,000. CTA’s current 40-foot hybrids cost approximately $570,000 each and a regular diesel bus cost between $350,000 and $375,000 each.
In May 2007, the CTA bus fleet averaged 2.76 mpg, accumulated more than 6.17 million miles and used nearly 2.23 million gallons of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. In May 2008, the fleet’s average miles per gallon improved to 3.27 and fuel consumption decreased by 335,500 gallons to 1.89 million gallons.
Other energy efficiency measures already in progress at the CTA include accelerating the purchase of 150 articulated hybrid buses manufactured by New Flyer Industries.
In addition, before completing its order for 400 low-emission, 40-foot buses from New Flyer of America, Inc., the CTA was able to reduce the weight of these new buses by approximately 1,000 lbs. By switching from a stainless steel chassis to carbon steel and by using a smaller, more efficient engine, the gas mileage increased from 3.18 mpg to 3.28 mpg. Each of the 400 buses is expected to average 40,000 miles per year in travel making the annual savings in fuel costs more than $565,000, just by operating a lighter vehicle.
Furthermore, because the newer buses are 20 percent more fuel efficient than the buses they are replacing, the total savings to the CTA over the anticipated 12-year life span of the buses is nearly $80 million.
The CTA began taking delivery of the new low emission buses earlier this year, with 110 currently in service, and expects to have all 400 by spring 2009.
Combined, the CTA expects that these steps will save $91.5 million over the 12-year average life of the buses compared to the costs to operate the current fleet of buses.
Lincoln Park mansion builder wins award
Insurance tycoon Richard Parrillo, who is building a $40 million four-story, seven lot, 27,000 sq. ft. mansion on Willow and Burling in Lincoln Park, recently won the 2008 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Parrillo. The CEO of United Auto Insurance Group is a native of Oak Park and a 1960 graduate from the University of Colorado.
“My family has always taken pride in our Italian heritage,” he said accepting the award from the National Ethnic Coalition Organization.
New Swedish exhibit opens June 27
Sandra Binion: Ennesbo is the interpretation of the artist’s experience of Ennesbo, a small settlement in rural southern Sweden where Sandra Binion’s family has had a working farm for the past 300 years on display at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St.
It is also the birthplace of her great-grandmother, who, at the age of 30, immigrated to the United States at the end of the 19th century.
The exhibit is a multi-media installation including multi-channel video and sound, paintings on paper, photographs, and wall coverings. The use of Binion’s multi-media format allows the viewer an immediate sense of movement and discovery.
The exhibit opening of Sandra Binion: Ennesbo is slated for 6 p.m. Friday, June 27. Other opportunities to see the exhibit early include the gallery walk at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28, Start with Art on July 9 from 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m., and Family Night on July 17 from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.
The space of the exhibition itself reflects Binion’s personal discovery of unfamiliar rooms, houses, landscapes, and histories at and around the farm. Binion’s project began in early 2006. During the summer of 2007, she spent a month in and around Ennesbo.
She was drawn to the Ennesbo farm in an effort to delve into her personal, familial, and cultural roots. Through the richness of her time spent there, she has come to be a locus for investigating broader issues of one’s sense of place, the effects of landscape on individual sensibility, and the transmission of cultural values across history.
Binion’s imagery focuses on everyday activities, and through the installation format, media sites develop that give an evocative form to these images. The artist seeks to find poetic connections that visitors can experience in an individual way, so that, through their own associations and histories, they can connect to some fundamental human qualities through exploring and celebrating differences.
By focusing on familial heritage, and the issues of immigration and the absence inherent in it, the Swedish American Museum hopes to give Sandra Binion: Ennesbo a personalized entrance into Swedish culture and history.
Sandra Binion is an interdisciplinary artist who makes live performances, video installations, and visual artworks. Her video installations focus on distilling new associations from her travels by re-contextualizing these images in particular architectural settings. Binion has presented over 30 performances and installations since 1978 at numerous festivals, galleries, museums, and theaters in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The Swedish American Museum Center is located in the heart of Andersonville, Chicago’s historically Swedish neighborhood. The Museum was founded in 1976 and is committed to preserving and celebrating the history, culture, and traditions of Swedish immigrants in Chicago.
City stickers expire June 30
Current Chicago Vehicle Registration Stickers expire on June 30. Enforcement begins on July 16, after a fifteen day grace period. There will be a $40 penalty on Vehicle Stickers sold after the grace period.
In addition, all current Residential Permit Parking Stickers expire on June 30. Chicago Vehicle Registration Stickers, Residential Permit Parking Stickers, and Guest Passes are available. Stickers can always be purchased at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle, Room 107 or online.
Children’s Hospital patient meets congressman
Stephanie Rodgriguez, 20, of Chicago, diagnosed at seven with a life-threatening brain tumor, is in Washington D.C. to meet with Congressman Luis Gutierrez.
Stephanie, whose family is on Medicaid, is part of a group of families participating in the National Association of Children’s Hospital’s Family Advocacy Day.
Approximately half of all patient care in children’s hospitals is paid for by Medicaid. Current proposed cuts to Medicaid totaling $12-15 billion would severely impact the specialized services provided to children with some of the most serious health care needs.
She met with Rep. Gutierrez Thursday, June 19 at 2266 Rayburn in the House Office Building on Capitol Hill in D.C.
This is the fourth annual Family Advocacy Day. Children participating range in age from 1-20 years, and are current or former patients of children’s hospitals nationwide. Advocacy Day ran June 18 and 19.
Bar association releases educational videos
William Oberts, Chair of the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association, announced last week the release of five video segments, available at no charge to the general public, with legal information regarding mortgage foreclosures.
“With the recent surge in mortgage foreclosures, there couldn’t be a better time to release these videos to help people better understand their rights and responsibilities in these difficult circumstances,” Oberts said.
The first video provides an overview of the mortgage foreclosure process. The second explains options available to avoid foreclosure. In the third, mortgage foreclosure scams are described.
The fourth video provides an overview on what happens when a foreclosure lawsuit has been filed, and the fifth explains what happens after a foreclosure sale. All of the videos are available for free on ILAO’s website for the public, IllinoisLegalAid.org.
A Spanish language version of the videos will be released next month and will be available on this website as well. The videos will also be posted on You Tube.
“These videos and brochures provide an important public service to people facing foreclosure in the Circuit Court of Cook County. When people understand their rights, responsibilities, and options in a foreclosure case, they are more likely to come to court and take the steps necessary to save their home,” said Judge Dorothy Kirie Kinnaird, Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Chancery Division, the division where foreclosure cases in Cook County are heard.
Giant Japanese puppets coming to park
Millennium Park will play host to giant puppets when A Rabbit’s Tale comes to the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion this summer. Presented by Fast Fish Puppet Theater, this original puppet play featuring enormous Bunraku (Japanese)-style puppets, can be seen Wednesdays at 3 p.m. on July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and August 6 and 13; and on Sundays at 11 a.m. on July 13, 27, August 3, 10 and 24, 2008.
Created by Chicago’s award-winning puppet artist, Blair Thomas and set to a live piano performance of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, this story tells the tale of a young boy’s voyage through a magical forest and the many characters he meets along the way.
“The whimsical puppets of Blair Thomas are a unique addition to the Park this summer. Families will love his dynamic and expressive use of puppetry, masks and live music,” said Lois Weisberg, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.
A Rabbit’s Tale is sponsored by the Chicago Office of Tourism. The August 24 performance is presented in conjunction with the AGA Khan Foundation.
Blair Thomas & Company was founded in 2002 by renowned puppeteer Blair Thomas, a co-founder of Chicago’s Redmoon Theater.
Since 2002, the company has created a repertoire of original puppet theater that tours locally, nationally and internationally. Blair Thomas & Company received Citations for Excellence in Puppetry from an international puppetry organization, in 2002 and 2004. The Jim Henson Legacy Project selected the company to perform and conduct a weeklong puppetry workshop at the Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts at University of Maryland in 2005, where Artistic Director Blair Thomas was honored to be the first annual Jim Henson Artist-in-Residence.
A Rabbit’s Tale was originally presented in a workshop version in the fall of 2005 and premiered at Symphony Center with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in April, 2007. A Rabbit’s Tale is the premiere production of Fast Fish Puppet Theater, Blair Thomas & Company’s branch for children and family audiences.
Millennium Park is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It is bordered by Michigan Ave. to the west, Columbus Dr. to the east, Randolph St. to the north and Monroe St. to the south. Convenient parking is located in the Millennium Park Garage (entrance on Columbus at Monroe or Randolph) and at the Grant Park North and East Monroe Garages, all located within a short walking distance to Millennium Park.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Committeeman: traffic and congestion at
Halsted and North remains a problem
About seventy residents attended a recent meeting called by Alderman Daley and billed as a Traffic and Congestion report. Residents were anxious to hear about the City’s plans in light of the construction of a large Whole Foods on Kingsbury and the rumored move of REI and Apple to the area south of North Ave. Plus, as many of you know, two large high-rises are also under construction in the area.
What is the city planning to do? Not much, it appears. Members of the Department of Planning and consultant unveiled a “Halsted Triangle Plan.” This study, which apparently started in January 2007, was designed to address “development pressures” in this planned manufacturing district (meaning there are not supposed to be residences there). The planners stated they were trying to find a way to develop a look for the area, buffer the industrial areas, and help drivers find their way to parking.
The plan showed a streetscape for Kingsbury, which would change the parking from diagonal to parallel, widen the sidewalks and put in trees. The planners also proposed a riverwalk for along the North Branch and a pedestrian bridge which would allow workers from Goose Island to reach the area.
So what’s missing from this picture? The residents figured it out quickly - no plan for the traffic in and around the area. Residents peppered the speakers with questions about North Avenue traffic, and explained that Kingsbury is now used as a bit of a relief valve for North/Halsted traffic. Please contact us if you have further questions.
Michelle Smith
Democratic Committeeman (43rd)
DePaul archaeology students to dig on South Side
Will unearth 1920s arcade
DePaul University’s annual summer archaeological field study course revisits the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s Far South Side for five weeks of excavation June 16 through July 18 at the site of the 1880 Pullman Arcade, 11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Headed by Jane Baxter, an associate professor of anthropology at DePaul, the class for the first time welcomes community volunteers along on the search for relics from the past as part of its Community Archaeology Weekend, July 12 and 13.
Once the business and retail hub of Pullman, the arcade housed a number of essential and diverse institutions, including a shopping center, library, opera house and police station before it was demolished in the 1920s.
“Arcades were heavily European influenced during this period,” explained Baxter. “They were social spaces—beautiful places to shop and meet your neighbors.”
Baxter said that she and her students hope to re-create the internal architecture of the space by finding the walls of the various businesses and structures and retracing the “footprint” left behind. “We also expect to find fixtures, furnishings and personal objects,” she added.
In the 1950s, the American Legion Hall was built on the site, and today the Historic Pullman Foundation, co-sponsor of DePaul’s field study program, occupies part of the land.
The Community Archaeology Weekend is designed to provide volunteers of all ages with an authentic urban excavation experience.
Volunteers will work in two shifts side-by-side with DePaul students, Baxter and the project staff. The morning shift will be from 9:30 a.m. until noon. The afternoon shift will run from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both groups are invited to join the DePaul crew for a free lunch from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Each session opens with a brief introduction to archaeological field work and involves two hours of work in the field.
DePaul’s summer field study course is in its sixth year. Pullman was the site of archaeological digs during the summers of 2004 and 2005. Other field studies have taken place at the Field Museum of Natural History and in the Bronzeville community.
Committeeman hosts North Shore candidate
43rd ward Democratic Committeeman Michele Smith will host a fundraiser for congressional hopeful Dan Seals Thursday, June 26 at the home of Justin Oberman, 1962 N. Bissel St.
Seals, a Wilmette teacher turned banker, is attempting to unseat four-term Republican Mark Kirk in the North Suburban 10th District which includes Wilmette, Winnetka, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, North Chicago, Waukegan and Arl. Heights.
Seals won 47 percent of the vote facing off against Kirk of Highland Park in 2006.
Ash Borer spotted in city for first time
Since 2002, the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation’s Bureau of Forestry has been working closely with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture to prepare for the arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species of beetle from Asia that destroys the Ash Trees that it nests in. The Emerald Ash Borer was first spotted in the United States in 2002 in Ash Trees in Southeastern Michigan. On Thursday Morning, the City confirmed that the Emerald Ash Borer has arrived in Chicago.
On Thursday, June 12, a beetle resembling the feared borer was captured on Chicago’s South Side in a tree at 29th and State Street.
For now, the infestation has been limited to this South Side neighborhood, but officials fear it could spread to the North Side.
Since many beetles resemble this pest, it was sent off for confirmation. The City has since then confirmed it is indeed the Emerald Ash Borer and on Wednesday, June 18, Streets & Sanitation officials spotted another Ash Borer emerging from a downed tree limb on the same site.
Streets & Sanitation Commissioner Michael J. Picardi was joined at the Thursday morning press conference by his Forestry managers, representatives from the U.S. and IL. department’s of agriculture and Sen. Dick Durbin’s Chief of Staff Mike Daly, as well as officials from the Morton Arboretum and the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Prosecutors focus on real estate corruption
Sixty-seven defendants, including mortgage brokers, loan officers, realtors, home builders and five attorneys, are facing federal charges relating to mortgage fraud, identity theft and bankruptcy fraud in a dozen new cases in Chicago, federal law enforcement officials announced June 19 as part of Operation Malicious Mortgage, an initiative against fraudulent homelending schemes. Together, the cases involve more than $170 million in fraudulently-obtained home mortgages issued by various lenders and secured by several hundred residential properties in the Chicago area, and even some as far away as Nevada and California. As a result, the various lending companies suffered losses in excess of $40 million after the loans went into default and the properties were foreclosed upon. The local cases are included among more than 144 such prosecutions against more than 400 defendants, announced by Justice Department officials in Washington, D.C., that have been handled nationwide since March as part of a coordinated law enforcement effort against crimes that pose a threat to the domestic housing industry and global credit markets.
In Chicago, six defendants were arrested June 18, while dozens of others will soon be ordered to face the charges in U.S. District Court.
“Mortgage fraud inflicts serious damage upon financial institutions but, more importantly, makes life more difficult for ordinary citizens,” said Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “These crimes, on the scale being addressed today, cause banks and lending companies, which have been saddled with huge numbers of fraudulent mortgages, to tighten their lending practices and adjust the costs of doing business. Ultimately, these burdens are borne by anyone hoping to purchase or sell a home and the shareholders of institutions financing those transactions,” he added.
While the announcement of the 12 new cases filed in Chicago since March is meant to deter criminal activity in the home mortgage industry and send a message that federal law enforcement has elevated these crimes to a high priority, prosecuting mortgage fraud here is not new, the officials noted. Just before the current reporting period began, 25 additional defendants were indicted in early February in three related cases alleging one of the district’s largest ever mortgage fraud schemes involving some 150 properties and losses totaling approximately $25 million. In an unrelated case last month, three additional defendants were arrested.
Dance festival held
Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance and Music, Dame Libby Komaiko, founder and artistic director, in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, presents the 32nd annual American Spanish Dance Festival which began June 18 and runs through June 30 on Northeastern’s main campus and throughout the Chicagoland area with the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and guest artists from Spain and the U.S.
This year’s festival highlights include a Spanish exhibition of sculptures and paintings, a Flamenco music concert, extensive Spanish dance and music classes in the Clásico Español, folkloric and Flamenco styles, a cocktail reception, and three “Flamenco Passion” gala performances by the full company of forty dancers, singers, instrumentalists, and international guest artists, presenting world premieres and company favorites. Pictured is Assoc. Artistic Director and dancer Irma Suarez Ruiz.
Tomato sickness strikes North Side
On June 18, Chicago health officials reported nine people on the North Side got sick from ingesting infested raw tomatoes at Adobo Grill eateries in Old Town and Wicker Park.
The sickness comes on the heels of a nationwide recall of tomatoes due to salmonella contamination that has left about 400 ill across the U.S.
Since mid-April, 17 Chicagoans are known to have been made ill by the bacterium believed by federal investigators to be linked to consumption of certain types of raw tomatoes.
All 17 individuals either have recovered fully or are almost fully recovered, officials added. Most of the illnesses occurred in mid and late May. The investigation is ongoing, and several additional cases of illness are awaiting laboratory results that may possibly connect them to the multi-state outbreak.
Fourteen of those who got sick are ages 26 to 39. One patient is seven months old, another is one year old, and a third is 47 years of age.
Three of them required hospitalization; but all were discharged and have recovered.
Most of the 17 live on the North and Near West Sides of the city. Five live in the West Town neighborhood; four in Lakeview; two in Logan Square, and one each in Lincoln Park, Near North Side, Near West Side, Irving Park, Rogers Park, and Roseland.
Nine of the 17 Chicagoans are linked to dining at Adobo Grill, which has two locations in the city.
Nationally, there are about 40,000 cases of salmonellosis reported every year, although federal health officials say that the actual number of cases may be as much as 30 times higher—since most cases are mild and go unreported. In Chicago, there are about 300 reported cases in a typical year.
Health sanitarians have inspected both Adobo Grill restaurants. Both are in compliance with food safety regulations are abiding by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s advisory on serving and eating certain types of raw tomatoes. Adobo Grill management is cooperating fully in the investigation.
To alert the medical community to be on the lookout for cases of illness that may be caused by Salmonella Saintpaul, health workers last month notified all hospitals in the city. The resulting increased vigilance has led to better detection of cases.
As the investigation continues, communicable disease investigators are sharing information with officials at the Illinois Department of Public Health; who in turn share information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the FDA and other federal authorities.
Since mid-April, there have been 277 reported cases of salmonellosis nationwide caused by Salmonella Saintpaul, an uncommon form of Salmonella. At least 43 hospitalizations have been reported.
FDA has previously issued a warning to consumers nationwide that they believe the outbreak is linked to consumption of raw red plum, red Roma, round red tomatoes, and products containing these raw tomatoes.
FDA recommended consuming raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw red round tomatoes only if grown and harvested from areas that have not been associated with the outbreak. A complete list is available at www.fda.gov.
Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they have in their home are encouraged to contact the store or place of purchase for that information. If consumers are unable to determine the source of the tomatoes, they should not be eaten, according to FDA officials.
Consumers should also be aware that raw tomatoes are often used in the preparation of fresh salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo, are part of fillings for tortillas, and are used in other dishes.
Types of tomatoes not currently linked to any illness outbreaks are cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes with the vine still attached, according to health department spokesman Tim Hadac.
Activists meet June 26 to battle new soccer field
The Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public, which is fighting against the new Latin School soccer field near the Lincoln Park lakefront, is holding a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26 at First St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1301 N. LaSalle Drive.
The public meeting will include a legal update, a discussion of the hazards of artificial turf by a university professor of Environmental science, a question and answer session and guest speakers. The local residents have been battling the soccer field in the media and courts since last fall.
“You might as well put a soccer field smack in the middle of Daley Plaza” said Tom Tresser, president of Protect Our Parks. “There is space there, too. It just so happens that a few hundred thousand people use it for other things. Same thing in South Field. It is the wrong structure in the wrong place”
For more information, visit cklpp.org or call 312-276-5165.
Park expansions approved
As the City Council approved a plan last month to rebuild a park in the Grand Crossing neighborhood, Mayor Daley introduced several additional plans to expand park and open space on the North Side.
“These proposals further the goals of the City Space Plan to add additional parkland and open space to neighborhoods across Chicago,” said Mayor Daley. “They illustrate the City’s commitment to creating and enhancing open space to benefit of all our residents.”
The City Council approved plans for community garden park and open space land on the North Side.
In Lake View, the city will use $532,000 in Open Space Impact Funds for the acquisition and development of a 2,000-square-foot parcel at Burling and Oakdale Avenue for a Community Garden, 2931 N. Burling St. Corlands, a non-profit land trust, will secure the site, demolish the existing building, install fencing and sod before selling the property to the City for the development costs.
The land will then be conveyed to Neighbor Space, and the garden will managed by the Burling Avenue Block Club.
Open Space Impact fees are collected from developers of new residential developments. These fees have enabled the city to establish neighborhood parks in communities throughout Chicago.
The City also plans to sell a parcel at 2425 W. North Ave. to the Near Northwest Neighborhood Network (NNNN) for the development of community open space that will be landscaped and used for cultural events that will promote Puerto-Rican traditional dance and music for Community Open Space, 2425 W. North Ave.
The parcel sits adjacent to the oldest Puerto Rican mural in the City, “La Crucificcion de Don Pedro,” painted in 1971. NNNN is a community non-profit organization established in 1987, currently serving the West Town and Humbolt Park community areas.
Appraised at $353,000, the parcel will be sold to the group for $1.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:Be careful with fireworks on July 4
Last year, approximately 6,400 Americans spent part of their Fourth of July holiday in the emergency room, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Despite warnings to consumers on the dangers of fireworks, the number of injuries every year has remained relatively steady. But, the long-term effects of these injuries can be severe. In fact, the American Society of Ocular Trauma states that an average of 400 Americans permanently lose vision in one or both eyes due to fireworks injuries annually.
Sadly, children ages 15 and younger make up a significant number of fireworks injuries, accounting for 36 percent.
For children under the age of 5, a third of the total injuries were from sparklers. Many parents may not be aware that sparklers can burn up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The National Fire Protection Association found that fireworks referred to as “safe and sane” cause more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to preschool children.
In addition, nine out of ten injuries that required emergency treatment were from fireworks that were approved by Federal regulations.
“There are no such things as safe fireworks,” said Daniel Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. “Although there seems to be a prevailing attitude that because an accident hasn’t happened before that fireworks aren’t dangerous, the statistics prove the opposite to be true.”
Prevent Blindness America supports the development and enforcement of bans on the importation, sale and use of all fireworks and sparklers, except those used in authorized public displays by competent licensed operators.
The group believes it is the only effective means of eliminating the social and economic impact of fireworks-related trauma and damage. Today, only five states ban all consumer sales: Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
Interestingly, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also found that more than 100 people were injured from fireworks while attending public displays. Because all fireworks are unpredictable, even those used by licensed professionals can take unexpected flight paths or result in falling debris from the explosions.
Adults and children attending authorized displays must use caution.
Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, has developed fact sheets and brochures dedicated to fireworks safety education and offers them free to the public. Through its “Safe Summer Celebrations” brochure, the group offers fun, safe and fireworks-free ideas to celebrate Independence Day.
During the day, let the kids decorate t-shirts or hats with paint and glow-in-the-dark decals. Their creations will be ready by the time the sun goes down.
Create your own noisemakers by using bicycle horns, whistles, bells, cymbals or pots and pans.
Glo-sticks, glo-ropes and glo-jewelry can safely light the night for kids.
For a free copy of the Safe Summer Celebrations brochure or other fireworks safety information, including the Prevent Blindness America Fireworks Position Statement, please call 1-800-331-2020 or log onto our website.
Sarah Hecker
Prevent Blindness America
History Museum hosts free July 4 festivities
The 49th Annual Star-Spangled Independence Day celebration, featuring music from the Chicago Pops Concert Band, a children’s costume parade, and visitors from the pages of Chicago and American history; such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, will provide fun for the entire family on Friday, July 4, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 12noon at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.
The keynote Speaker is Leon Despres, former Chicago Alderman. This outdoor event is free and open to the public.
In keeping with its 49-year tradition of providing an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration, the museum will offer a series of outdoor performances and activities for the entire family on Museum’s plaza, adjacent to Lincoln Park.
The outdoor festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a formal program beginning at 11 a.m. Family-fun activities include juggling, patriotic face painting, a children’s costume parade led by the World’s Tallest Uncle Sam, Brown Bess Muskets being fired, and craft activities for children.
The museum will be open to the public from Noon until 4:30 p.m. on July 4. All guests have free admission until 1 p.m. in honor of the holiday. For more information about the event, contact the Chicago History Museum at 312-642-4600 or visit the History Museum website.
CSI: Elementary School
British School of Chicago students participate in a ‘whodunnit’ murder mystery, using forensic science to solve the case. This activity was part of the school’s first ‘Science Day,’ held on June 10 at the school’s new Lincoln Park location, 814 W. Eastman Street.
DePaul Art Museum closes season with new exhibit
Chicago-based installation artist Gerda Meyer Bernstein brings her emotionally charged work to the DePaul Art Museum, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., when “Domestic Surveillance and Other Recent Work” opens June 27 with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibition will run through Aug. 29.
The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.
Bernstein uses non-traditional materials to address thorny social and political issues. Her works in the exhibition explore the difficult question of how individuals should respond to violence, disaster and injustice. “The piece titled ‘Domestic Surveillance’ refers to the U.S. Pentagon’s unauthorized terror and surveillance activities and the need to re-establish habeas corpus,” explains Bernstein.
The German-born artist and Holocaust survivor’s past exhibitions include “Tribunals,” which reflected on the trials of Nazi war criminals, and “Windows,” which sought to break the silence about female genital mutilation.
Kids love the big red dog
On Friday, June 20 the Lincoln Park Zoo hosted SuperZoo Picnic 2008 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Approximately 4,000 Lincoln Park Zoo members and guests were expected to attended. Children’s book character Clifford, the Big Red Dog, was on hand. Photo by Peter von Buol.
Inmate indicted for murder in downtown jail
A Michigan man was indicted June 17 on a federal charge of second-degree murder in the March beating death of an inmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, a federal prison facility in downtown Chicago. The defendant, Jason Tolen, was charged in a single-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury. U.S. Bureau of Prisons officials at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, 71 W. Van Buren St., assisted in the investigation.
Tolen, 20, of Ishpeming, Mich., in the state’s Upper Peninsula, was charged in the March 11 beating of Jason Katz, 32, of South Bend, Ind., who was pronounced dead the following morning at Stroger Hospital. Tolen, who is in federal custody, will be arraigned at a later date in U.S. District Court. The indictment alleges that Tolen killed Katz with “malice” but it does not allege premeditation, making the charge second-degree murder.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Baker and Manish Shah.
If convicted, second-degree murder carries a maximum
penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The court, however, would determine the appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
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