This Little Train Keeps Chugging Ahead

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher

and Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post


The last time we mentioned the steadily increasing number of hits we receive on the Southwest Chicago Post website was back on July 28---when, in a Facebook post we mentioned we had just hit 30,000:

"Shortly after 2:00 PM today (July 28), we glanced and saw this---a new milestone for the Southwest Chicago Post, Chicago's newest online neighborhood news service. Over 30,000 hits in just a few short months---with no advertising, publicity or ballyhoo. Just a step-by-step, steady commitment to neighborhood news, reported plainly and honestly by people who live here. Our thanks to you, the men and women of the Southwest Side, for reading and offering common-sense feedback that continues to guide our efforts."


Well, SWCP readers kept reading, new readers jumped on board, and the "hit" counter kept moving faster---so much so that by the time we were going to say "thanks" for 40,000 hits in August, we were already speeding toward a new sign post of success.

And sure enough, a few days ago we looked at the hit counter and saw this:

...and as we write this editorial on a Tuesday afternoon, we're well past 52,000.

We continue to grow quickly; more quickly than we had anticipated. And what we said about the Southwest Chicago Post---and about you---in our "Readers Who Count" editorial of May 1st:

http://www.swchicagopost.com/2012/05/readers-who-count.html

...still holds true.

One more thing we see in the analysis of our "hit" numbers that we like. For the most part, once people start reading the Southwest Chicago Post, they tend to remain readers. We take that as a compliment, that we are essentially on the right track when we report neighborhood news plainly---with no bells, no whistles, no gossip or political glad-handing.

And so we'll keep doing exactly that.

One thing we will never do at the Southwest Chicago Post---fudge our numbers, even though we have been urged to do so by others. Really.

We have been given tips on how to boost our hit count, and tips on how to boost our Facebook "like" count. Trouble is, these tips involve using gimmicks---some ethical, some not---like actually purchasing thousands of "real" FB "likes" in bundles.

Buying hits or likes? Not us. Not ever. Let the others do that.

...or like segmenting our SWCP news stories so you (for example) have to click three times or more to read a single story, rather than once as you do now.

But rest assured, we won't play games like that. We respect you and know your time is valuable. So while we are pleased and flattered that you choose us as a news source, we don't want you on the SWCP website even a minute longer than you want to be. We want to be simple and straightforward---and we think you prefer that, too.

The main reason we won't play games with our hit count or "like" number is that it's dishonest. And that's not us. Not ever.

So thanks again for reading. Please continue to offer us constructive criticism along the way. Your common sense helps guide us and keep this little train on track.

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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 and southern 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 Sector 1. 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.

* * *

A 48-year-old West Lawn man working on his truck behind his garage near 68th Place and Lawndale was shot at by a thug who tried to rob him at 5:43 p.m. Thursday, September 6.

The victim told police he was approached by two men, one of whom pulled a hand gun and said "You know what this is."

As the second thug went through the victim's pockets, the victim said "I don't have anything. I haven't gotten paid yet."

Because the gun man was pointing the pistol directly at the victim's head, the victim slapped his hand away. In response, the second robber told the gun man, "Shoot his ass." The gun man pointed the pistol at the victim's leg and fired. The two then fled on foot.

The victim was not shot, however, as the bullet hit his pants leg but not his leg.

The thugs were described as black men ages 18-20, 5'8 and 170 pounds with short black hair.

* * *

A 42-year-old Gage Park woman told police her car was hijacked at 5:20 a.m. Sunday, September 9 at 55th and Komensky.

The woman and a passenger (a 21-year-old Back of the Yards man) said they were at 26th and Keeler and were asked by two men for a ride to 56th and Komensky. The woman agreed.

At 55th and Komensky, the two men---in the back seat---asked her to pull over. When she did, they became belligerent and demanded the car. The woman bolted from the car, leaving her purse behind and running east on 55th Street.

The two hijackers pushed the 21-year-old man out of the car and onto the ground, pulled a gun on him and went through his pockets. The two then jumped back in the car and drove away south on Komensky.

In the woman's purse was $120 cash. Stolen from the man was a silver ring, a cell phone and a wallet containing $320 cash and a Matricula ID.

The car stolen is a 2005 blue Dodge Neon four-door hatchback, Illinois license plate number H24627.

The hijackers were described as white Hispanic men ages 25-30, 5'5 to 5'10, 170 pounds, black hair.

* * *

Burglars forced open the service door of a garage near 65th and Keeler and stole an air compressor, a weed trimmer, a leaf blower and a set of bolt cutters.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 35-year-old woman, at 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 7.

* * *

A 61-year-old West Lawn woman who had been away from home for a few days returned to her house near 59th and Kolmar at about 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 8 to find her house and garage burglarized.

Stolen were a lawn mower, a snow thrower, a leaf blower, a power inverter, a PlayStation video game console and about 20 video games.

* * *

An 84-year-old Scottsdale woman who had been out visiting for a few hours returned home at about 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 7 to find her house near 82nd and Tripp burglarized.

Stolen was about $50 cash and assorted costume jewelry.

* * *

Burglars broke through a basement window on the side of a home near 47th and Lavergne and stole a cell phone, two diamond rings and a Nintendo Wii video game console.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 29-year-old man, when he came home at 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 7 after picking up his children from school.

* * *

A burglar broke through the side door of a home near 78th and Keeler and stole a digital camera and two Sony PlayStation video game units.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 51-year-old woman, at 10:21 p.m. Monday, September 3 when she came home from shopping. She told police she saw a black man fleeing the scene.

* * *

Burglars entered the unlocked service door of a garage near 47th and Tripp and stole a lawn mower, a leaf blower, two lawn trimmers and a bicycle.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 47-year-old man, at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 5.

* * *

Burglars pushed in a window air conditioner at a home near 69th and Lawndale and stole a TV and $2,000 cash.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 25-year-old woman, as she arrived home at about 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 5. She told police she saw two men fleeing the scene but offered no additional description.

* * *

Burglars pried open the back door of a house near 49th and Keating and stole two cell phones and four gold chains,

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 51-year-old man, when he returned from a local pharmacy at 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, September 4. The home's bedrooms had been ransacked.

* * *

Burglars entered the unlocked front door of a home near 60th and Merrimac and stole three power drills, four tool batteries, two battery chargers, a tool bag, assorted hand tools, a Blu-ray disc player, an iPod with charger, an Xbox 360 video game system, eight Xbox games, five necklaces and a bracelet.

The crime was discovered at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 4 by the victim, a 57-year-old man, who told police that he had left the house to go to a medical appointment and left the door unlocked in case his children or a neighbor wanted to let his dog out.

* * *

Burglars entered an unlocked garage near 65th and Keating and stole a go kart.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 28-year-old man, at about 7:00 a.m. Monday, September 3.

* * *

A 19-year-old Oswego man was arrested in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood for possession of a set of brass knuckles.

Andrew M. Swanson was arrested at the Marathon gas station at 3000 West 63rd Street at 6:45 p.m. Monday, September 3.

Police said they stopped Swanson when they saw a metal object protruding from his pants and thought it might be a gun or other weapon.

They also said that Swanson admitted to being a gangbanger. When questioned about the brass knuckles, he allegedly said "Yep, got those for protection. I'm a Two-Six from 31st and Avers, and I know this is an Ambrose 'hood."

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 812 (see map above), come to St. Symphorosa School at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 12. If you live in Beat 814, come to Vittum Park at 7:00 Thursday, September 13. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

# # #

Crowd-Pleasing Pianists will "Duel" at Fundraiser to Benefit St. Joseph School

Mark your calendars now for the evening of Saturday, September 15 and get ready to enjoy some great musical entertainment at the Dueling Pianos event in St. Joseph School's Centennial Hall, 5641 South 73rd Avenue, Summit. (A block west of 57th and Harlem.)

Two professional pianists will square off throughout the evening, dueling with their musical talents to see who can provide the most crowd-pleasing entertainment.

"This is kind of a 'back by popular demand' event," stated St. Joseph School Principal Lawrence Manetti. "It was a popular event here two years ago, and our School Board decided to bring it back. We encourage all school parents, parishioners, alumni and other friends of the school to join us for an evening of great music and fun."

The fundraising event is sponsored by the St. Joseph School Board. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the pianists playing from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Appetizers will be available, along with a cash bar. Tickets for "split the pot" and a cash raffle will also be available for purchase. The event is recommended for men and women ages 21 and up.

Admission tickets for the fundraiser are $30 at the door, $25 in advance. To purchase advance tickets, call the school at (708) 458-2927 or Joe Hughes at (773) 586-8964.

For nearly a century, St. Joseph School has provided a Catholic elementary education to boys and girls in Garfield Ridge, Summit and other nearby communities.

# # #

Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch Will Host 911-Call Discussion at Next Meeting

The ins and outs of making an effective call to 911 will be discussed at the next meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch (GRNW), set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, September 17 at the field house at Normandy Park.

"Knowing when to call 911 and knowing how to describe a situation accurately, completely and quickly are essential components of fighting crime," stated GRNW President Al Cacciottolo. "We are grateful that the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will be sending a representative to lead the discussion, offer helpful tips and answer questions. We encourage everyone in Garfield Ridge to join us."

All those interested in crime prevention and community improvement in Garfield Ridge are welcome to attend.

With more than 80 members and hundreds of supporters, the GRNW actively works with police, businesses, schools, churches, parks and individuals to prevent crime and promote community cohesiveness and improvement.

# # #

Vittum Park Civic League Hears Police Commander's Take on Crime Concerns

Chicago Police Department Eighth District Commander David R. McNaughton introduced himself to another local group on Wednesday night---this time the Vittum Park Civic League--and gave a ringing endorsement of the men and women he commands.

"In this district, we have some of the best police in the entire City of Chicago," he said. "They perform exceptionally well---often under difficult and challenging circumstances. I can never praise them enough. They're doing a great job."

The meeting, presided over by VPCL President Philip Lopresti, was held at the Vittum Park Fieldhouse. A little more than two dozen people were in attendance.

After offering a little background on himself and on the CompStat crime-fighting system currently in use by CPD, McNaughton took questions.

** In response to one man's concern about a perceived increase in robberies in the Vittum Park area---even in daylight hours---McNaughton said that most "index" crimes are actually down in the district, but acknowledged the concern. He discussed several ways that police fight crime---including use of increasingly available surveillance video from cameras deployed by businesses and homeowners, as well as finding ways to impound criminals' vehicles, making it much more difficult for them to commit robbery, burglary, etc.

** McNaughton addressed a concern about graffiti by praising the city's Graffiti Blasters initiative, but quickly added that city officials "...haven't staffed it like they did in the past; so the response is a little slower, and that has encouraged taggers." He added that police do sometimes catch taggers in the act and talked about how taggers were recently spotted defacing the World's Finest Chocolate plant at 4801 South Lawndale---and then arrested by police after a chase near the Curie High School athletic fields.

** Another man raised the issue of CPD staffing---noting that police ranks have plummeted by literally thousands in recent years. While avoiding a debate about numbers, McNaughton said that in making comparisons, other factors should be taken into account. "Keep in mind, the population of the city is down, too. We used to be a city of 3.5 million people; now we're at what---2.7 million?" He added that it might logically follow that the police force should be smaller by a similar ratio.

"But don't get me wrong," he added. "Every single district commander, if asked 'Would you like more police?' will answer 'Sure.'"

"But we don't come cheap," he said. "Every police officer has a salary, a pension and so forth."

But the larger issue of deciding how many police are enough and figuring out how to pay for it all "...is something that's above my pay grade," McNaughton added, implying that such questions are better directed to elected officials.

**  With the demolition of the Leclaire Courts public housing complex, McNaughton said that the area's old open-air drug market has given way to a new form of illegal drug dealing that involves use of cell phones and buyers' and sellers' cars hitting rendezvous points in the area---making dealers a moving target and more challenging for police to stop.

**   In response to a complaint about numerous panhandlers on Cicero Avenue at the Stevenson Expressway, McNaughton vowed to "...get on it."

** Regarding a longstanding complaint in the area---prostitutes along Cicero Avenue and 47th Street---McNaughton said he has officers working undercover but also acknowledged the difficulty of addressing the problem in a lasting manner. He added that a number of prostitutes are from out of state. "They're even trucking them in," he said. "One young woman was from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They work here for a day or so and then get on a Greyhound Bus and go home."

** Regarding complaints about loud music at house and yard parties that last into the night, McNaughton was unclear on the specifics of Chicago's ordinance against noise nuisances, but advised people to call 911. "It never hurts to call 911," he said. "Now, if you're calling on a busy Friday night---will we get out there right away to look into it? We might not. It might take a while. But don't hesitate to call 911. We prioritize calls."

McNaughton mentioned that he has spoken at the local CAPS meeting (Beat 814) at the Vittum Park Fieldhouse and encouraged everyone to get involved with CAPS.

The next Beat 814 meeting is set for 7:00 p.m.Thursday, September 13 at Vittum Park.

Vittum Park Civic League meetings are typically held on the first Wednesday evening of the month at Vittum Park.

# # #

Good News About a Good Kid

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post


As a news publisher---but more so as a Southwest Sider and mother of two, I enjoy seeing and sharing stories about young people doing good things for others. Not only is it a hopeful sign for our future, it's an illustration of a child raised well and growing up straight and tall.

So I am grateful to Southwest Chicago Post reader Chuck Dryden for sharing a photo and news about his daughter, Emily, a seventh grader at Byrne Elementary School.

Emily recently volunteered her time to help at the Wounded Warrior motorcycle ride, honoring 11 wounded American military veterans. The ride started at the Pipefitters Local 597 training facility in Mokena and ran all the way to Wilmington. Some 400 bikers rode in the rain at the event.

In the photograph, Emily appears at left, with volunteer Tina Holmberg-Hauptman. Emily and other volunteers helped organize various activities to provide support services for the bikers, veterans and others at the ride.

I find that kind of volunteerism and can-do spirit commendable.

So thanks to Emily and congratulations to her justifiably proud dad!

And for those of us looking for a closer event to help our local vets, Chuck suggests this one:  https://www.facebook.com/events/327580990671225/

# # #

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 and southern 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 Sector 1. 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.

* * *



A 41-year-old West Lawn man has been arrested and charged in connection with Friday's robbery of the Marquette Bank branch at 6155 South Pulaski.

Robert Schweisthal of 62nd and Knox allegedly robbed the bank at about noon. Police say that a robber matching his description walked into the bank and stood in line. When summoned by a teller---a 29-year-old Gage Park woman---he walked up and appeared nervous, the teller told police. She said he did not make eye contact, fiddled with his cell phone and asked about how to open an account. She said she then briefly explained the process to him.

Shortly after that, he allegedly handed the teller a note that read, "I have a gun. Give me the money and no dye pack."

Robert Schweisthal

The teller complied by putting cash in a bag and handing it to the robber---who then ran out the door and drove away.

Police combing the area after the crime occurred were flagged down at 61st and Kildare by two men (a 26-year-old Chicago Lawn man and a 42-year-old Brighton Park man). The men told police they had followed the bank robber to that location and had allegedly seen him jump out of his car and run west through a gangway next to 6104 South Kildare.

Police report that they then saw Schweisthal nearby and apprehended him after a brief foot chase. He was brought back to 61st and Kildare and positively identified by the witnesses; and then IDed at the bank by the teller.

* * *

A 58-year-old Vittum Park man told police he was robbed at gunpoint at 1:00 a.m. Friday, August 31 just after he withdrew cash from an ATM at the Citibank branch at 5674 South Archer.

The robber, armed with a large handgun, ordered the victim to hand over his money. The victim told police he responded by throwing $50 cash on the lobby floor. The bandit picked up the cash and fled on foot, north on Laramie.

The victim described the thug as a white Hispanic man, 20-30 years old, wearing a red cap and red shirt.

* * *

Burglars smashed through the window of the front door of the U.S. Navy recruiting office at 5160 South Pulaski, stole a TV and fled out the back door.

5160 South Pulaski

The crime was discovered by a 27-year-old Navy petty officer when he arrived to open the office at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 1. He told police he discovered a beer can and a chunk of concrete nearby.

* * *

An 18-year-old Archer Heights woman suffered a long scratch and a bruise on her upper left arm after scuffling with a thug who snatched her cell phone.

The woman was on a westbound CTA bus at 63rd and Karlov at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 1 when the robber yanked the phone away from her, jumped off the bus and ran east on 63rd Street. The woman also got off and chased him, catching the criminal at Komensky.

They struggled, and the crook pushed her to the sidewalk before fleeing east with her cell phone. He was last seen near 63rd and Springfield, running north.

The victim and a witness described the thug as a black man, 20-25 years old, 5'10 and 150 pounds, brown eyes, black braided hair and a dark complexion.

Chicago Police detectives are checking with the CTA to review footage from surveillance cameras on the bus.

* * *

Two burglars pried open a side window at Las Asadas restaurant, 3834 West 47th Street, stole about $12 from a cash register and then failed to open the business' safe before fleeing out a rear door.

The crime was discovered at 2:56 a.m. Friday, August 31 when the burglar alarm was tripped. The restaurant's owner shared surveillance video with police, who are investigating.

* * *

Burglars broke into the Home Products International warehouse and office at 5507 South Archer and stole several computerized product scanners.

The crime was discovered by a company manager at 5:30 a.m. Thursday, August 30 when he arrived on site and found the front door forced open and the office ransacked and ceiling tiles ripped down.

The company is sharing surveillance video with police.

* * *

Burglars pried open the service door of a garage near 49th and Kildare and stole a power saw, a bicycle and 10 microphones.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 35-year-old man, at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, August 30.

* * *

Burglars tried but failed to pry open the back door of a home near 67th and Knox.

Police responding to a burglary alarm at 1:25 p.m. Thursday, August 30 found the door and frame damaged, but no sign of entry. The homeowner, a 39-year-old man, told police he had reinforced the door and frame, which thwarted the criminals.

* * *

A quick-thinking clerk thwarted an armed robber at the Citgo station at 4319 West 47th Street.

At about 10:40 p.m. Wednesday, August 29, the thug walked into the business, got a can of 7Up from the cooler and set it on the counter next to the cash register.

According to the clerk---a 32-year-old man---the robber then covered his face with a black-with-white-dots handkerchief before sliding aside a pane of bulletproof glass, brandishing a pistol and demanding cash.

The clerk quickly ducked away to a safe corner, and the frustrated crook fled the store on foot.

Police are reviewing video surveillance footage.

The clerk described the robber as a white Hispanic man, 25-30 years old, 5'5 to 5'7 and 160-175 pounds, brown eyes, black hair, light complexion, wearing a black skull cap, a black long-sleeved t-shirt and black pants.

* * *

A 21-year-old Beverly View man was arrested last week in connection with a burglary and criminal damage to property in the Scottsdale neighborhood.

According to police, Marion Merill of 80th Place and Oakley was discovered attempting to steal a car jack from a garage near 86th and Tripp at about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 29.

A 19-year-old man living at the address said that when he confronted Merill in the garage, he dropped the box that contained the jack. A scuffle ensued and spilled into the back yard.

Merill allegedly tried to force the victim to let him in the house. When the victim refused, Merill allegedly smashed a window of the home with a brick before fleeing north on Tripp with another man.

Police searched the area, and at 10:53 a.m. spotted two men walking near 83rd and Kostner and matching the description given by the victim. They were apprehended and brought to the victim, who positively identified Merill.

Police reported that Merill and the other man were carrying a black guitar case containing two electric guitars, as well as a backpack containing a Toshiba TV remote control.

* * *

Burglars broke down the back door of a home near 61st and Kolin and stole a laptop computer, two TVs, two video game consoles, 10 video games and 10 Blu-ray movie discs.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 27-year-old man, at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 29.

* * *

Four criminals dressed as house painters kicked in the back door of a home near 66th and Keating and stole $200 cash and a coin collection valued at $1,000.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 76-year-old man, at 4:30 p.m. Monday, August 27 who came home to find his house ransacked. A neighbor who told police he thought they were painters said he had seen them loading bags into a white Chevy van with temporary Illinois license plates.

* * *

A burglar pried open the rear storm door of a house near 83rd and Scottsdale, kicked in the main door and stole three TVs, a laptop computer, an iPad, two wedding bands, a gold bracelet, a video game console, 10 video games and an unknown number of Blu-ray movie discs.

A 15-year-old neighbor who may have seen the offender described him to police as a black man age 18-20, 5'8 to 5'9 and 150-160 pounds, brown eyes, black hair in dreadlocks, medium complexion, wearing blue jeans,

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 815 or 821 (see map above), come to St. Bruno School (south entrance), 4839 South Harding, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 5. If you live in Beat 834, come to Bogan High School at 7:00 Thursday, September 6. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

# # #