By Joe Boyle
Worth Police Chief Tim Denton has been attempting to come up with ways to allow for new technology that would protect children from predators on the internet.
Lending a helping hand is the Worth Lions Club.
Denton said during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night that their current computer system is not able to track criminals that try to take advantage of youths online.
But Denton was happy to announce that the Worth Lions Club donated $5,000 to the police department to purchase an upgraded computer, a desk and work station to address such crimes.
Denton said the local police department will work with the Internet Crimes Against Children, or ICAC, task force program. The ICAC consists of state and local law enforcement task forces dedicated to developing effective responses to online enticement of children by sexual predators, child exploitation, and child obscenity and pornography cases.
The Worth police chief said that through the generosity of the Lions Club they will be better prepared to track these online criminals and communicate with other local police forces regarding any criminal activity exploiting youths on the internet.
“This super computer will allow us to do a better job of tracking these crimes,” Denton said. “It is going to make the work so much easier.”
The new computer system will allow the department to store the information where they did not have the capacity before, Denton added.
Worth Lions Club members were on hand at the meeting and presented the check to Denton and the police department.
In another matter involving the Worth Lions Club, the organization requested and was given permission to use the land at 116th and Harlem Avenue to hold their annual sale of Christmas trees. The annual fundraiser is tentatively scheduled to be held from Nov. 9 and continue until Dec. 31.
Trustee Pete Kats, chairman for the public safety committee, said that 43 arrests were made last month by the police force.
“And again, nearly half of them did not have driver’s licenses,” Kats said. “People just don’t get it.”
Thirteen offenders did not have a driver’s license, while another nine either had their license suspended or revoked, according to the police.
Kats also reminded the board and residents that the ninth annual FOP Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 4, at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St.
The fee is $7 per person and children under age 4 can attend the event free.
Kats made a point of saying that the Worth Lions Club often provides support for the village and local organizations. The efforts of the organization sometimes are overlooked, Kats added.
Trustee Rich Dziedzic referred to the Lions but added that there are several organizations and many residents who help out when a need occurs.
“Even though (Worth) is just four miles wide, we have many volunteers and organizations that help out. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Dziedizic said. “I don’t know if other villages have this.”
Trustee Laura Packwood summed up the support the village receives.
“That’s why they call this the friendly village,” she said.
Trustee Brad Urban, chairman of the public works committee, said that six water main breaks occurred last month but were quickly repaired.
An ordinance was approved that allows an amendment to the purchase agreement with Garden Center Services concerning property at the southeast intersection of Crandall Avenue and Depot Street.
The property in question is a green box that is owned by AT&T. Mayor Mary Werner explained that below the box is a room the size of an office. No one was aware that was there, the mayor added.
Gerry Beagles, executive director of Garden Center Services, said they are waiting to hear from AT&T on how they want the utility easement to be set up.
Beagles said they are ready to move forward as soon as AT&T makes a decision regarding the easement. Construction will take place at the location where the Garden Center Services apartment complex will be built for residents with disabilities but are functioning adults who can live on their own.
A contract was approved for John’s Pro Tree Service regarding tree removal services. John’s Pro Tree Service, based out of Mokena, had the lowest of two bids proposed to the village.
An ordinance was approved for professional services between the village and Grant Administration Services. Another ordinance was approved for paid leave benefits for 28 part-time employees, who Werner said are mostly radio operators and crossing guards.
A business license was tentatively granted for Worth Synchronicity, 6721 and 6723 W. 111th St. Owner Seth Vermilyea said the business will offer crystals and a variety of gifts.
A new owner will take over Fresh Fades 1 Inc., 11401 S. Harlem Ave. Owner Fareed Abdelhadi said the longtime barbershop will continue to serve the village.