Alex Ortiz

Alex Ortiz is a staff writer for The Times Weekly. He is currently a M.S.J. candidate at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and he received his B.S. in Broadcast Journalism with High Honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He can be reached at ortiz614@hotmail.com or at (815) 685-4879. Follow him on Twitter @AJO_35.

Recent Stories

Claar with slim lead over Traynere after election night

Claar holds an unofficial lead of less than 100 votes after a close election night.

Concerned Will County residents march in Joliet ‘Day of Action’ rally

On Saturday, April 1, a group of about 50 Will County residents gathered at Mt. Carmel Church for a Will County Day of Action.

Group of Bolingbrook Muslims throw benefit for Traynere

The challenger in the upcoming Bolingbrook mayoral race has embraced the local Muslim community, and many have embraced her back.

Bolingbrook mayor confident ahead of April 4 election

Roger Claar had a busy day on the last Sunday before the April 4 election.

JTHS Superintendent meets with district parents, community members

Joliet Township High School District 204 JTHS was one of 433 District across the U.S. and Canada that were named to the annual AP District Honor Roll. That was just one of the highlights of the fourth "Community Chat" hosted by District 204 Superintendent Cheryl McCarthy. Parents and community members attended the meeting, along with R. Dale Evans and Don Dickinson, who are JTHS board members on Monday night at Unity CDC in Joliet. Of those named to the honor roll, only three districts were named “District of the Year.” District 204 has 6,400 students. Commenting on the district's progress and the success of the community chats, Supt. McCarthy said, "In every situation I get to meet new people, individuals that didn't know about the school system. It's positive and I think it can grow each time we have it. McCarthy took over as superintendent in 2012, and began the series of talks this year because she wanted an outlet for parents to be able to interact with administrators and board members outside of the board meeting when parents cannot really ask questions.

Certified Warehouse Foods locations set to close

Ken Clymer, President of Certified Warehouse Foods, announced he is closing Joliet store locations on Jackson St. and Richards St., both are located on the south east side of Joliet. He cited a difficulty in being able to compete in a changing market as the reason. “Even with your strong support, the past 5 years have been challenging,” Clymer said. “The market has changed and small independent grocery stores like ours have experienced increased pressure; It seems everywhere you look today someone else is selling groceries. Despite our desire to remain in the community, we can no longer compete with rising costs.” While he said they do not have a definitive closing date, he suspects the stores will be open for “a few more weeks.” He thanked the community for the 36 years Certified Warehouse Foods has been in business.

Rep. Lipinski to host 'Senior Fair' in Romeoville

Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) will be hosting three Senior Fairs in the Third Congressional District, including Romeoville. “I encourage district residents to come to my upcoming Senior Fairs,” Lipinski said in a press release. “The fairs will give my constituents an opportunity to get assistance with a variety of issues from my staff, as well as local organizations, agencies, and businesses that provide services for seniors.”

Rep. Lipinski to host 'Senior Fair' in Romeoville

Rep. Dan Lipinski is coming to speak to constituents in Romeoville.

Traynere blazes unexpected path as Bolingbrook mayoral candidate

There’s a story Traynere tells about the first time she engaged in political activism. She was in the fourth grade at what was then Northview elementary, living in Bolingbrook, and her class wrote a letter to the governor asking him to put a stoplight at the intersection of Route 54 and Briarcliff Road. Most students were able to walk across a catwalk via stairs but any students like those in wheelchairs, crossing was difficult. The class’ letter spurred the state to install the stoplight. “That was really something” Traynere said. “That was probably the first political activity I ever did.”