![Patch gold clean Willow Springs PD patch](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Patch-gold-clean.bmp)
Willow Springs PD patch
Willow Springs police release year in review report
By Carol McGowan
Willow Springs Police Chief Jim Ritz recently released the department’s 2021 Year in Review Report.
The report, which was presented to Mayor Melissa Neddermeyer and the Willow Springs Village Board, is an overview of the programs, activities, accomplishments, and statistics that highlight their achievements last year.
In the report, Ritz stated that 2021 and the pandemic presented some unprecedented challenges not just to the police department, but to village residents.
“Despite these challenges, the members of the Willow Springs Police Department
incessantly served our community with professionalism and compassion,” Ritz said. “As a department, we commit to embracing the highest standards of professional policing excellence and being transparent with those we serve. We encourage and support the exchange of information with our community in order to coordinate further department activities and continue to foster our community prevention and awareness programs.”
Ritz stated that the department is committed to serve in a professional manner, and their crime prevention and community-oriented policing initiatives begin with the residents of Willow Springs, who are active in their neighborhoods and communicating with the force.
“Our officers will always do their best to try and take the time to interact with our residents, engage citizens in positive ways, and strive to provide the highest quality of services that are expected and deserved,” he said.
“As police chief, I take great pride in our department’s commitment to excellence in law enforcement
and our continuous delivery of professional services to the Village of Willow Springs. We share that
common perspective with our community in continually building our community partnerships that focus
on those who compromise our safety and our quality of life in our village. We will remain to be a “safety
conscious” community while being devoted to achieving our mission through the continued support of
our residents.”
The WSPD has a new department patch, designed by department personnel. It symbolizes the history of the department and village, the American flag, and the thin blue line colors in support of law enforcement.
Other highlights are:
- After a year-and-a-half mission of working with the Department of Justice and the
federal Drug Enforcement Agency our department was proud to accomplish our
goal of again regaining full “Eligibility” status with the Equitable Sharing Program of the
Department of Justice. Due to mismanagement and improper use of funds by previous
administrations, our department was placed on a permanent “Ineligibility” status and
unable to receive any federal funding or federal grant award consideration – this was a
great, great, great department accomplishment.
• COVID Emergency Crisis Plan Policies were established to plan for mitigation and
emergency response compliance, which created new department protocols in order to
mitigate the spread of COVID-19 virus throughout the department. The department
maintained and acquired the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including
face masks, protective gloves, hand sanitizer, vital disinfecting equipment, and personal
temperature thermometers.
• By continuous review, and maintaining up-to-date Policies and Procedures, our
department met all the requirements of the Federal Use of Force Policy and Reporting
Act as adopted and signed by our past pro-law enforcement President of the United
States of America. Our Use of Force Policy was reviewed, submitted, and approved
through the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. As a department, we are proud to
say we were approved on our first policy submission, because our Use of Force Policies
and Guidelines were current and in accordance with all newly enacted state and federal
requirements.
• Revised numerous existing policies to meet the newly established changes to State of
Illinois statutes in accordance with the newly enacted anti-law enforcement SAFE-T act.
• Implemented and adopted several new policies related to Cybersecurity and responding
to Cybersecurity Critical Incidents in accordance with all Criminal Justice Information
Services (CJIS) and LEADS required mandates.
• Promotion of two department Corporals to the rank of Sergeant
• Promotion of one police officer to the supervisory rank of Corporal
• Hiring of one new full-time police officer
• Criminal Investigations Unit conducted several major investigations culminating in
arrests, and/or arrest warrants being issued for of a number of offenders involved in
serious felony and misdemeanor cases.
• We started our first ever Child Protective Safety Technician Community Program with
our newly certified officer.
• Worked hand-in-hand with our local schools to participate and oversee their state
mandated active shooter training drills.
• Put into operation a new Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Team for our certified evidence
technicians (ET) for processing our crime scenes.
• Became a member of the Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team (SMART).
• Purchased through equitable sharing funds — at no cost to the village — a new
department unmanned air system “Department Drone” which is a tremendous and
valuable department resource.
• Participated in the Special Olympics Illinois Coffee for Champions Event and raised over
$6,700.
• The Willow Springs Police Department teamed up with the Justice Police Department to
take part in the Special Olympics Plane Pull event at O’Hare airport. Team Willow
Springs/Justice was the second largest fundraiser team in the event raising almost
$6,000 — thank YOU for your support of our efforts.
• Attendance in very valuable training sponsored by the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children (NCMEC).
• Started a new partnership with the Crisis Center for South Suburbia and their Domestic
Violence Advocacy Program.
• Hosted our 3rd Annual Shop-With-A-Cop event that was a tremendous success.
• All full-time police officers being certified in Crisis Intervention Training
• Executed a successful Emergency Operations Plan for the annual four-day WillowFest
event.
• Presented a Department Commendation at a Village Board meeting to our Special
Olympics Team Captain Matt Szeszycki.
• Special thanks to Police Chaplain, Al Hernandez, who works with many police agencies,
for donating so many brand new Christmas Toys for those who attended the first ever
Willow Springs Winterfest, which was attended by so many – thank you.
Congratulations and special recognition went to department personnel:
- Corporal Bob Jennings in celebrating his 20-year anniversary of service to the Willow
Springs Police Department.
• Sergeant Jerry Jelinek on achieving his 15-year anniversary with the department.
• Promotions of Corporals Jerry Jelinek and Michael Jurak to the supervisory rank of
Sergeant.
• Police Officer Ed McKinney being promoted to the supervisory rank of corporal.
The full report can be found on the Village of Willow Springs website.
Local News
![NAEHER Red Stars goalie Alyssa Naeher, shown retrieving a ball against Washington on May 1, left a May 12 game against Utah with an injury. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NAEHER-1024x575.jpg)
Red Stars win at home again, Naeher hurt
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The NWSL released a fun fact that is pretty darn fun for Chicago Red Stars fans. This year’s version of the Red Stars opened the season 3-0-1, scoring 10 points in the first four road games. They were the fourth team in league history to do that. According to…
![ANNA Anna Marassa is the only girls volleyball coach in De La Salle history. Photo courtesy of De La Salle](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ANNA-1024x1024.jpg)
Hall of Fame volleyball coach Anna Marassa coach calls it a career
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Hall of Fame volleyball coach Anna Marassa is retiring. Marassa is the only girls volleyball coach in De La Salle’s history as she headed up the program in 2002 and racked up 538 victories, 10 regional championships and four sectional titles. She is also the boys coach and wraps…
![SHEPARD Shepard's Kyla Motley (left) and Rajae Stevenson at the Lyons Sectional. Photo courtesy of Shepard High School](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SHEPARD-768x1024.jpg)
Girls Track | Shepard’s Kyla Motley wins three titles at Lyons Sectional
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Shepard junior track star Kyla Motley was a sectional champion in three events for the second year in a row. Motley won the 100 high hurdles with a time of 15.31, the long jump with an 18-2.5 effort, and the triple jump with a 36-9 at the Class 3A Lyons…
![Tennis Stagg Twins Stagg tennis players and twins Nick and Seamus Keough finished third at No. 3 singles at the SouthWest Suburban Red meet. Photo by Xavier Sanchez](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tennis-Stagg-Twins-1024x682.jpg)
Boys Tennis | Stagg takes third at final SWSC Red tourney
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent Saturday blue skies cleared the way for the final SouthWest Suburban Conference boys tennis matches as Stagg hosted Andrew, Lincoln-Way Central, and Lincoln-Way West at Moraine Valley Community College. The Chargers started the season losing five of their first games but finished the regular season 10-10-1. They finished third…
![dvn 5-18-24 Anthony Calderon Anthony Calderon](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dvn-5-18-24-Anthony-Calderon-890x1024.jpg)
UPDATE: Bedford Park man, girlfriend charged with plotting Bridgeview father’s murder
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong A Bedford Park man and the victim’s girlfriend have been charged in the shooting death of Arturo Cantu last Wednesday. Bridgeview police arrested Anthony Calderon, 20, of the 7700 block of 65th Place, Friday night. He allegedly confessed to the murder and reportedly led police to the weapon used in…
![thumbnail_40 Facepainting was a hit at Stickney's annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/thumbnail_40-1024x683.jpg)
Stickney celebrates Cinco de Mayo
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan The Village of Stickney didn’t disappoint this year with its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. Village Trustee Leandra Torres, who is the Co-Chaiman of the Parks and Recreation Commission along with Trustee Jim Hrejsa, said it was a fun-filled day. “We had 774 people attend this year,” she said. “It…
![Summit officials with SD 104 wrestlers Summit Village officials with SD 104 Wrestling Coach Joe Phelan, and Wrestlers
Gianna Araujo-Dominguez,Ali Arellano-Phipps,Yaili Fortiz, Joaquin Fortiz, and Skylar Arellano-Phipps. Michael Starzyk was not present. (Photo by Carol McGowan)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Summit-officials-with-SD-104-wrestlers-e1716067127774-1024x529.jpg)
Summit congratulates District 104 westlers
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan At their April 15 board meeting, Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez and village officials presented Certificates of Accomplishment to boy and girl wrestlers from Summit School District 104. Rodriguez read their accomplishments and called them up one-by-one to receive their certificates. They were given a standing ovation by those in attendance.…
![dvn 5-12-24 vern woyner working Vern Woyner works on a 2009 Buick Lucerne at his shop, Vern’s Auto Service, in Lyons. He was honored by the village recently. (Photos by Steve Metsch)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dvn-5-12-24-vern-woyner-working-1024x683.jpg)
Auto mechanic Vern Woyner honored for 47 years working in Lyons
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch If you have lived in or near Lyons the past 47 years and needed your car repaired, there’s a good chance you know Vern Woyner. Woyner, 70, has been repairing vehicles in Lyons since 1977. His longevity of expert service has earned him the highest award presented by the village.…
![new rainbow cone flavors new rainbow cone flavors](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/new-rainbow-cone-flavors.jpg)
Rainbow Cone adds 4 new flavors
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong Chicago’s iconic Original Rainbow Cone has been evolving over the past few years. First, it joined forces with the folks at Buono Beef and expanded its presence from its original location in Beverly to offer cones at Buono Beef locations and a few stand-alone stores as well as food trucks.…
![dvn 5-5-24 gary crossman Bridgeview Trustee Gary Lewis urges residents to get rid of clutter on the May 11 spring cleanup day. (Photo by Steve Metsch)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dvn-5-5-24-gary-crossman-894x1024.jpg)
Spring cleanup day in Bridgeview set for Saturday
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Any Bridgeview resident with clutter to clear will be busy Friday night, May 10. That’s when they will be putting all kinds of things on the parkway as the village prepares for its annual spring cleanup day set for Saturday, May 11. All items must be at the curb by…
Neighbors
![Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TRACY-06741-bRYaAc-1024x682.jpeg)
Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Halfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party. Tracy, who’d held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in…
![Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IDEC-3-gA9lr0-1024x682.jpeg)
Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday creating a new cabinet-level state agency dedicated to early childhood education and development. The new Department of Early Childhood, which will become operational in July 2026, will take over programs currently housed across three state agencies, including funding for preschool…
![Speaker Welch rebuffs lawsuit from would-be staff union as ‘forum shopping’ Speaker Welch rebuffs lawsuit from would-be staff union as ‘forum shopping’](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1024-EXEC-JN-WELCH-BURDEN-STAFF-09191-Jd97ud-1024x682.jpeg)
Speaker Welch rebuffs lawsuit from would-be staff union as ‘forum shopping’
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is urging a Cook County judge to dismiss a lawsuit members of his staff filed against him last month seeking to force recognition of their union. In a new filing Monday, attorneys for Welch argued the Illinois Legislative Staff Association has no…
![Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/scotus1-N8hYn7-1024x768.jpeg)
Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com After the U.S. Supreme Court last week upheld a federal law that bars those under domestic violence-related restraining orders from owning guns, victim advocates say Illinois lawmakers should pass a measure to ensure firearms are actually confiscated in those situations. The legislation has been stalled for more than…
![Communities, commission push Pritzker admin for more prison plan details Communities, commission push Pritzker admin for more prison plan details](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240611-COGFA-SOTO1-AsGWYO-1024x682.jpeg)
Communities, commission push Pritzker admin for more prison plan details
By DILPREET RAJU Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com Jimmy Soto spent more than 42 years wrongfully imprisoned in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities. In 2020, he was moved to the “F-House” at Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet, a condemned unit, not because he was being punished, but because it was where the facility was housing individuals…
![Elections board urged to dismiss complaint that Bailey illegally coordinated in 2022 campaign Elections board urged to dismiss complaint that Bailey illegally coordinated in 2022 campaign](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240429-BAILEY-PROFT1-yRwYCt-1024x624.jpeg)
Elections board urged to dismiss complaint that Bailey illegally coordinated in 2022 campaign
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com A hearing officer is recommending the Illinois State Board of Elections dismiss a complaint that alleged conservative radio host and political operative Dan Proft illegally coordinated with former Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey during his 2022 campaign for governor. Proft, a one-time gubernatorial candidate himself, is behind an…
![State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’ State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FLASHING-LIGHTS-SQUAD-POLICE-00971-ilpWzw-1024x682.jpeg)
State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois State Police say an automated license plate reader program has helped the agency identify witnesses or suspects in 82 percent of highway shooting cases this year, including all eight that resulted in a death. But as the state looks to further expand its network of more than…
![Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TRACY-06741-bRYaAc-1024x682.jpeg)
Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Halfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party. Tracy, who’d held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in…
![As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Wetlands-Prairie-scaled1-3WD1bu-1024x683.jpeg)
As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails
by JENNIFER BAMBERG Investigate Midwest jennifer.bamberg@investigatemidwest.org In 2006, 19-year-old Jessica Whinston inherited 20 acres of land that her grandparents once farmed in Quincy, Illinois. The land had sat dormant since the 1980s and was overgrown, but Whinston and her husband Bradley worked to turn it into a productive farm. The couple were eventually able to…
![Elections board dismisses illegal campaign coordination complaint, declines to clarify law Elections board dismisses illegal campaign coordination complaint, declines to clarify law](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240618-PIC-Board-of-Elections1-1aDJ4Z-1024x658.jpeg)
Elections board dismisses illegal campaign coordination complaint, declines to clarify law
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – State elections officials on Tuesday indicated they were unlikely to step in to clarify what constitutes illegal campaign coordination after voting to dismiss a complaint alleging such coordination in the 2022 campaign for governor. At their monthly meeting in Chicago, Illinois State Board of Elections members…