Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Be Careful After Storm Damage, Southwest Side Homeowners Advised

 ...call this homeowners’ advocate.


By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post
(adapted from an earlier post)

When severe storms pass through the Chicago area--gusts of up to 60 mph, knocking out power to more than 100,000 homes--they can leave quite a bit in their wake: downed trees and power lines, damaged roofs and fast-talking quick-fix guys who seem to come out of nowhere.

“The morning after the last storm passed, there were
branches, leaves and even a few [roof] shingles on my front lawn,” said Garfield Ridge resident Bill Wajda said after a storm a few years ago. “The only thing that wasn’t blown all over the place were the three—three—advertising leaflets from three different guys offering to fix my roof, all stuffed in my storm door.”

Wajda said he didn’t recognize any of the companies named on the leaflets and that none of their phone numbers appeared to be local. He threw all three in the trash.

Such businesses are known as storm chasers. Everyone, from the Better Business Bureau to local chambers of commerce, warn against them.

“Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver,” cautioned the BBB in a seasonal statement.

“Be careful, check references and make sure you’re dealing
Geno Randazzo (right) and Al Cacciottolo
 with a reputable, local business owner with a track record of success,” added Garfield Ridge business leader Al Cacciottolo, who publicly recommended Southwest Side native Geno Randazzo after a recent wave of high-wind storms pounded the area. “Geno will represent you when you deal with your insurance company, he will work to get you what you deserve from them, and his company will make all repairs necessary. Hundreds of the better roofs in this area—homes and businesses alike—are there because of Geno’s work.”

Randazzo’s business, All Exterior Contractors—licensed, bonded, insured and a member of the Midway Chamber of Commerce—is known for quality home repairs at a reasonable price.


He also has been visible in the community over the last several years, helping sponsor drives to assist military veterans, local school children and Thanksgiving dinners for senior citizens.

What sets Randazzo apart from others is that he also serves as a public claims adjuster—a licensed professional who can and has gotten insurance companies to pay what they should pay homeowners.


“Just about everybody likes their local insurance agent—it may be a friend, a relative, an old classmate—but all too often, it’s a different story when people have to deal with the big insurance companies,” Randazzo said. “Keep in mind, that big insurance company you’ve been paying premiums to for years and years does not represent you. They represent themselves. I have heard story after story where homeowners had thousands of dollars in storm damage, only to have their insurance company cut them a check in the hundreds. They got short-changed; and since they didn’t know their rights, they didn’t know what to do.”

“What I tell people is, call me first at (708) 705-7900—before you call your insurance agent, before you contact your insurance company to make a claim,” Randazzo added. “I will show you how I will work on your behalf, representing you, to get what you deserve.”

Click here to see two testimonials.
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, March 6, 2026

Chicago Bar Association Shares Opinions on 2026 Judicial Candidates

Downloadable guide posted on CBA website

The Chicago Bar Association has released judicial evaluation results for candidates running to become a Judge in Cook County, including candidates for the Illinois Appellate Court and the Circuit Court. The CBA strongly encourages voters to use the findings to cast informed votes for judicial candidates on the March 17 primary ballot. 

The Judicial Evaluation Committee findings are available on the CBA’s website at chicagobar.org/votejudges. The CBA’s downloadable “Judge Smart Pocket Guide” is available in English, Spanish, and Polish, allowing citizens to take the findings into the voting booth. 

“The CBA’s ‘Judge Smart Pocket Guide’ is a valuable resource voters can utilize to cast smart and informed votes for judicial candidates,” said Jeffrey Finke, Chair of the CBA’s Judicial
Evaluation Committee. “With 46 judicial candidates on the ballot for this primary, it is imperative for each candidate's qualifications to be accessible to Cook County voters.”   

The non-partisan evaluations are a comprehensive, peer-to-peer review process conducted by the CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee as a long-standing public service. Candidates who submit a questionnaire and participate in the screening process are evaluated based on seven criteria: integrity, legal knowledge, legal ability, professional experience, judicial temperament, diligence and punctuality. 

Candidates must also participate in a personal interview with members of the evaluation committee. They must receive a 60% favorable vote of the hearing panel members to receive a “Qualified” finding and an 80% favorable vote to receive a “Highly Qualified” finding. Candidates who receive less than a 60% favorable vote receive a “Not Recommended” finding, as do candidates who decline to participate in the evaluation process. 

In the March 17 primary election, there are candidates seeking positions on the Illinois Appellate Court and the Cook County Circuit Court. 

Appellate Court: 
One candidate is running to fill one open seat on the Illinois Appellate Court. The candidate was rated “Qualified.” 

Circuit Court of Cook County: 
In addition to the Appellate Court race, 45 candidates are running for Judge in the Cook County Circuit Court. Of the 45 circuit court candidates running, 37 were screened by the CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee. Of those 45, the JEC rated two as “Highly Qualified,” 31 as “Qualified,” and 12 as “Not Recommended.” 

The 12 “Not Recommended” candidates include eight who declined to participate in the JEC screening process and were automatically found “Not Recommended” pursuant to the JEC's governing bylaws. 
  
About the Judicial Evaluation Committee 

The Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) is the nonpartisan, semi-independent committee of The Chicago Bar Association that conducts evaluations of candidates for judicial offices and of sitting judges seeking retention in Cook County. The JEC has 150 dedicated volunteer investigators, 32 hearing division members, and an executive committee of 12 senior JEC members. As a public service, the CBA reports the JEC's findings for all elections. The evaluations are designed to inform the public and the courts of the qualifications, independence, and integrity of judicial candidates.   

About the Chicago Bar Association 

Founded in 1874, The Chicago Bar Association has maintained the honor and dignity of the legal profession, cultivated relationships among members, and promoted the administration of justice and the public good for more than 150 years. One of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the United States, The Chicago Bar Association has more than 17,000 members, including attorneys from every practice area, the judiciary, and law students. Through CLE (Continuing Legal Education) offerings, mentorship, and pro bono projects, the Association provides resources and opportunities for attorneys of all ages, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the modern practice of law. Learn more at chicagobar.org.

Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Elvis, Motown Tributes Return to MDW Area for Seniors, Vets, First Responders

 Geno Randazzo leads effort to bring top entertainment, for free


Several years after he first burst onto the scene in the Midway area, one of the nation’s top Elvis tribute artists will return in an encore show of sorts.

Hugo’s Elvis, a rising young star who has even played Las Vegas, will perform for on stage at Our Lady of the Snows parish hall, 4810 S. Leamington, on Saturday, April 18. 


Doors open at 12:15 p.m., and a Danny's pizza lunch will be served at about 12:45.

The show is scheduled to run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Also performing that afternoon will be Motown tribute group Fred & Friendz, who will take everyone on trip down memory lane as it ran through the Motor City.

Invited to attend are all local senior citizens, military veterans and first responders.

There is plenty of off-street parking on the building's west side, where the hall entrance is.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 708-705-7901 and leave your name, phone number and number of people in your party.

There is no admission charge or charge for lunch. The show is paid for as a public service to seniors, veterans and first responders by Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors, Mike Riordan of Mike Riordan State Farm Agency and Al Cacciottolo of First Rate Realty.

"Based on the tremendous response Hugo's Elvis and Fred & Friendz received when they took the stage here in recent years, we knew we just had to bring them back for an encore performance," Geno Randazzo said. "This is just one way Al, Mike and I salute the community's senior, vets and first responders. They deserve our best efforts, and we are delivering for them."


Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 22, 2026

SW Side Fitness Champ Wants Your Vote(s)

 Vying for Mr. Health & Fitness title

 
By Tim Hadac
Southwest Chicago Post

A man whose life is all about helping others is looking for a vote of confidence to help him do more.

Fitness advocate Bill Truesdale is currently in the running to win a national contest to be named Mr. Health & Fitness, which includes a $20,000 award and the fame that comes with being featured in Muscle & Fitness magazine.

The purpose of the contest is to raise funds for the non-profit Andrew McDonough Be Positive (B+) Foundation in their mission to provide financial assistance to families of children fighting cancer, as well as fund scientific research to treat, cure and ultimately prevent cancer in children.

Bill Truesdale


Andrew McDonough, a 14 year-old student athlete who loved playing soccer, was stricken with leukemia and died. The boy was always positive. His mantra of life was “Be Positive.” He also had the B+ blood type. After he was diagnosed with cancer, his sister started drawing posters on the door of his room: “B+. Don’t come in here unless you are going to be positive.”

Funds are raised through supporters voting online for those in the contest a vote free vote and option costs a dollar to cast; but there is no limit on how many votes a person may purchase/cast.

The starting field of Round 1 competitors has been eliminated. Truesdale is currently in first place among those 20 remaining; but he is taking nothing for granted.

To cast votes for Truesdale in  Round 4 Top 10 at https://mrhealhandfit.com/2026/bill-truesdale  
 
Southwest Side roots
 
Truesdale’s life was shaped by tragedy at an early age. It struck in March 1970, when he was just 7 years old. His father, William, died suddenly—of a heart attack—at age 34, leaving four children and a wife, Helen, in her ninth month of pregnancy with the couple’s fifth child.

He grew up in a home in the Scottsdale neighborhood, near 85th and Kostner, attending the old Crerar School and later graduating from St. Bede School.

Truesdale went on to St. Laurence High School, and then graduated from Bogan High School in 1981.

A self-described “really skinny kid” as a teenager, he competed in sports—most notably, ice hockey.

While a student at UIC, playing hockey a shoulder injury pushed him into rehabbing with weightlifting.

Truesdale was hooked.

The skinny kid built himself into a national champion powerlifter. He is now a master fit bodybuilder. He bench pressed 385 pounds, squatted 606 pounds and dead-lifted 640 pounds and even coached others in the sport as he earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in physical education exercise science at University of Illinois at Chicago in 1989. 

He served as a physical education instructor with the Chicago Park District at Durkin Park.

A lifelong learner, Truesdale went on to earn multiple degrees and certifications, pursuing a career in education. He was principal at Taylor Elementary School on the Southeast Side, where his leadership helped build the school into a successful model that attracted national acclaim.

After he retired from the Chicago Public Schools, he continued his path, both as a learner as a consultant and special education administrator with the Illinois Board of Education. These days, he is a resident of the Clearing neighborhood.

Truesdale never quit as a fitness enthusiast who understands how building a healthier body often leads to a healthier mind set. These days, at age 62, he teaches a physical conditioning class at West Lawn Park—helping others live better lives. This stretching class began in 1991, a program idea from West Lawn Park retired Supervisor Paul Pope. The current West Lawn Supervisor, Paul Veliotis, transformed the class to a conditioning class in 2017. A student from that class nominated Truesdale into the Mr. Health & Fitness contest.

“I model what I teach,” Truesdale says. That becomes clear to anyone who asks him to roll up his sleeves and hit a double biceps pose. He has the impressive build of a man half his age and is living proof that you’re never too old to be physically fit.


Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Crime News Update

 Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


* * *

Contents Copyright © 2012-2026 Southwest Chicago Post.
All rights reserved. SWCP readers are welcome to share and post links to SWCP pages--however, unauthorized copying and/or re-posting of page content is prohibited by law.


Allegedly kicked police officer in the groin

A 42-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5500 block of South Parkside at 4:22 p.m. Tuesday, December 2.
Meller


David Meller allegedly choked his neighbor, a 35-year-old man, during an argument. A charge of aggravated battery was added after Meller allegedly kicked a responding police officer in the groin, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Meller has been arrested five times by CPD since 2018 on charges that included assault, domestic battery and violating an order of protection.


Traffic stop leads to charges
Fuentes

A 60-year-old Clearing man was charged with driving a vehicle without a state registration tag and a city vehicle sticker after his Dodge Ram pickup truck was curbed by police in front of 6402 W. 63rd St. at 4:05 p.m. Sunday, January 11.

Lorenzo Salgado Fuentes, of the 6100 block of South Massasoit also was cited for driving an uninsured vehicle.



Say South Sider had loaded gun in her carry-on
Beard

A 36-year-old Chatham woman was charged with unlawful use of a weapon after she was arrested at Midway International Airport at 6:05 a.m. Friday, January 2.

Yahkirah Y. Beard, of the 8700 block of South Michigan, allegedly tried to board a passenger jet with a loaded handgun in her carry-on luggage, a CPD spokesman said, adding that Beard is a legal gun owner and holds a Concealed Carry License.


Charged with domestic battery
Gonzalez

A 51-year-old West Lawn man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested in the 6000 block of South Mobile at 7:02 p.m. Wednesday, December 3.

Jorge L. Gonzalez, of the 6200 block of South Knox, allegedly grabbed a 42-year-old woman by the throat and threw her to the floor, a CPD spokesman said.



He broke my car window, woman tells police

A 34-year-old Clearing man was charged with criminal damage to property after he was arrested on the street near his home in the 5400 block of West 64th Street at 12:46 a.m. Tuesday, January 6.
Soria


Anthony Soria allegedly broke the driver’s side window of a vehicle belonging to a 31-year-old woman, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.

According to public records, Soria was arrested by CPD in August 2024 near 47th and California and charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.


Say convicted felon strangled woman

A 32-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5800 block of South Tripp at 9:07 p.m. Monday, January 12.
Lindo


Jorge I. Lindo allegedly choked a 29-year-old woman with his hands during an argument. A charge of unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon was added after police reportedly found a handgun on a bedroom nightstand. A charge of possession of a controlled substance was added after police reportedly found a small amount of heroin in Lindo’s wallet.

According to public records, Lindo has been arrested seven times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as unsafe conduct (spitting on a fellow CTA passenger), unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, damage to public property, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, reckless conduct and failure of a convicted gun offender to report to authorities.



Charged with burglary, again

A 38-year-old West Lawn man was charged with burglary after he was arrested on the street in front of 4142 W. 58th Place at 8:34 a.m. Tuesday, January 13.
Palomar


Albert Palomar, of the 3900 block of West 61st Street, was apprehended without incident. A CPD spokesman said Palomar matched the description of a man wanted for an October 20 burglary of a garage in the 3800 block of West 60th Place. 

According to public records, Palomar has been arrested 13 times by CPD since 2014 on charges that included burglary (five times), reckless conduct, leaving the scene of an accident, criminal damage to property, driving on a revoked license, violating parole by having contact with street gang members, criminal trespass to land, theft and resisting arrest.


Charge elderly man with armed robbery

A 67-year-old Hearst area man was charged with armed robbery, as well as possession of a BB gun, after he was arrested at his home in the 4400 block of South Leamington at 7:10 a.m. Wednesday, November 26.
Kesek


John J. Kesek allegedly robbed three men ages 22, 41 and 53 at Shop & Save Market, 5829 S. Archer. A CPD spokesman was unclear on when the robbery was allegedly committed or exactly what was stolen; but did say police confiscated a BB gun and two knives from Kesek.

According to public records, Kesek has been arrested nine times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as assault, aggravated assault, domestic battery, aggravated battery of a merchant, criminal damage to property, retail theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, obstructing a police officer and criminal trespass to land.



Charge woman with forgery
Mata

A 23-year-old Archer Heights woman was charged with forgery after she was arrested at her home in the 5000 block of South Kilpatrick at 11:29 a.m. Wednesday, December 10.

Jayda E. Mata allegedly tried to cash a fraudulent payroll check (in excess of $600) at a local currency exchange, a CPD spokesman said with elaborating.


Claim woman took down surveillance camera

A 39-year-old Gage Park woman was charged with criminal damage to property after she was arrested at her home in the 5500 block of South Homan at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, December 14.
Juarez

 
Evangelina Juarez allegedly took a surveillance camera off the hallway wall in the building where she lives, the 67-year-old landlady told police.

According to public records, Juarez has been arrested five times by CPD since 2015 on charges that included driving on a suspended license, theft, burglary, looting and battery.



Claim two stole vehicle

Two women were charged with robbery after they were arrested on the street in front of 3442 W. 63rd Place at 7:45 p.m. Monday, January 12.

Cecelia V. Rodriguez, 18, of the 5000 block of West 32nd Place, Cicero; and Preciosa B. Vazquez, of the 3500 block of West 63rd Place, were apprehended by police recovering a vehicle that had been reported stolen from the 1500 block of North Massasoit.


He hit me in the ribs, woman tells police
Alvarez

A 40-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5400 block of South Karlov at 11:54 p.m. Saturday, January 17.

Gamaliel Martinez Alvarez allegedly pushed a 44-year-old woman and hit her in the ribs during an argument.




Say man punched woman in the face

A 30-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 4100 block of West 77th Place at 12:19 a.m. Wednesday, January 14.
Casey


Michael K. Casey allegedly punched a 64-year-old woman in the face during an argument. A charge of criminal damage to property was added after Casey allegedly damaged the woman’s cellphone.

According to public records, Casey was arrested by CPD in December 2018 near 79th and Carpenter and charged with possession of a controlled substance.


Charged with domestic battery, again

A 24-year-old West Lawn man was charged with two counts of domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 4200 block of West 76th Street at 5 p.m. Saturday, January 10.
Bush


Aaron L. Jolliff Bush allegedly dragged a 38-year-old woman by her hair during an argument and punched a 27-year-old man in the face.

According to public records, Bush has been arrested five times by CPD since 2021 on such charges as domestic batter (three times), aggravated assault and criminal trespass to a residence.


Suburban man hit with vehicle, traffic charges
Ott

An 18-year-old man from suburban Bloomingdale was charged with driving a vehicle with expired license plate registration after he was arrested during a traffic stop in front of 5217 S. Central at 4:25 a.m. Thursday, January 1.

Tyler J. Ott was apprehended by officers responding to a call about drag racing near Archer and Central. He also was cited for running a red light.


Allegedly cut woman’s nose

A 35-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 8300 block of South Karlov at 12:49 p.m. Saturday, January 10.
Moya


Jose Pahua Moya allegedly struck a 39-year-old woman in the face, causing a cut on her nose, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.

According to public records, Moya was arrested by CPD in December 2016 Near Archer and Cicero and charged with aggravated assault.


He smacked me in the eye, man says
Szeliga

A 41-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5300 block of West 53rd Place at 6:12 a.m. Wednesday, January 7.

Robert L. Szeliga allegedly hit a 64-year-old man in the face, causing swelling near his eye.

According to public records, Szeliga was arrested by CPD last October outside the Orion restaurant and bar and charged with criminal damage to property.


Multiple charges for driver

An 18-year-old man from the Central Illinois town of Elkhart was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated fleeing, speeding at more than 35 mph over the posted speed limit and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after he was arrested in front of 6545 S. Hamlin at 2:08 a.m. Sunday, December 28.
Lopez


Riley Sigredo Calderon Lopez was apprehended after his vehicle crashed into a CPD vehicle near 65th and Hamlin. A CPD spokesman said Lopez was first spotted by police responding to a report of drag racing and other reckless driving near 79th and Kedzie. The spokesman said Lopez was spotted holding a pistol and pointing it at police before fleeing north on Pulaski. The gun was later confiscated.

Two counts of child endangerment were added to charges when police discovered two children, ages 3 and 5, seated in the vehicle with Lopez, the spokesman also said.


Bust two on weapons rap on Pulaski
Antimo

A 24-year-old Austin man was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, illegal possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of cannabis, driving on a suspended license and driving an uninsured vehicle after he was arrested during a traffic stop in front of 4222 S. Pulaski at 12:02 p.m. Sunday, January 11.

Anthony Jaymes Antimo, of the 4900 block of West Kamerling, was driving a vehicle that police had been trailing from about 26th and Pulaski, a CPD spokesman said. In his vehicle was a loaded handgun, police said.

According to public records, Antimo was arrested by CPD in March 2024 near 62nd and Artesian and charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
Huerta


Also arrested in the January 11 incident was 22-year-old Eileen Michelle Huerta, also of the 4900 block of West Kamerling. She was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.




Allegedly threw keys in her face
Quinones

A 57-year-old man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested outside the BEDS Plus transitional shelter (the former Aloha Motel), 8515 S. Cicero, at 3:57 Tuesday, December 9.

Mario E. Quinones, who police said lives at the facility, allegedly snatched car keys away from a 57-year-old woman and threw them in her face.


# # #

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)