Latest news with #CopsandBobbers
Chicago Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Fishing derby participants celebrate despite lack of fish; ‘Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning'
More than 100 people attended the annual Cops and Bobbers Fishing Derby on Saturday at John Janega Park in Lindenhurst. Fishing enthusiasts were offered bait customized to attract invasive and unwanted carp that overpopulate area waters, despite consistent restocking of desired native fish species. But, the 90-minute derby ended without one fish caught, something organizers blamed on the dramatic change in temperatures Friday and Saturday. 'That weather change is not helping,' said John Rytina, a regular angler and also a Lindenhurst police officer who launched the Cops and Bobbers partnership with the Lindenhurst Park District several years ago. He explained that the change prompted the bottom-feeding carp to lie low. But turtles were seen popping their heads above the lake surface to the delight of many. Carp fished from this park lake can measure between 18 and 24 inches, Park District executive director Dave Mohr said. 'They're just invasive,' he said. 'They just tend to sort of take over areas. And this time of the year … they're usually spawning.' Any carp caught would have been donated to a local farm to fortify its fields, Mohr said. 'It's good fertilizer,' he said. 'It's a whole circle of life.' Those in attendance did their best to make the best of the occasion despite the lack of fishing success. 'We're here to build relationships and build rapport,' said Kristin Rayome of Lake Villa, who attended with husband Kyle Rayome, and children Madison Schroeder, almost 10, and Savannah Schroeder, 7. The fishing derby showed Madison and Savannah how 'the community all comes together,' and 'that law enforcement isn't scary,' Kristin Rayome said. Savannah said her fishing pole caught 'nothing,' but that she enjoyed being outdoors, 'because I like nature.' The fishing experience for the Becker family of Lindenhurst included stunts on the shoreline lawn, courtesy of Lucy Becker, 8. She said fishing was 'kind of chill,' and 'we get to hang out.' Nearby, Koa Stokes, 12, of Lindenhurst, hooked a soggy bag that was promptly disposed of in a suitable receptacle. Lucy's sibling Jonathan Becker, 13, caught a small green bucket, so he said he was at least, 'cleaning up the lake.' Despite the absence of fish, Lucy's and Jonathan's father Jim said with a smile, 'It's not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.' Fishing gear also included a rhinestone tiara worn by angler Miss Lindenhurst 2024 Emma Quane, 22. 'It makes you feel like a kid again,' Quane said of the fishing derby. Mary Phillips of Lindenhurst started her birthday celebration in the company of grandson William Pease, 2, of Johnsburg. 'It's a great day to spend with him,' she said. 'He's definitely a grandma's boy.' Lindenhurst Police Chief Melinda M. Linas and Mayor Dominic Marturano said they were grateful for donors, sponsors and community partners. The event included raffle prizes such as fishing pole kits, games and giveaways. The Illinois Conservation Police Lodge trailer attraction offered wildlife interactive education. A youngster who lives across the street from the park sold lemonade from a stand in his front yard under the supervision of his father. 'Events like this are great because it brings the children and their parents together with the officers who are serving the community,' Linas said. 'It's a good way to get to know each other on a personal, casual level. I think it builds that trust.' Marturano said, 'It's another event for our police officers to be involved in, in the community, especially with the young kids. They get to see the best of the officers in good times. 'I think it's important and I think a lot of the families, the parents, think that's important, too,' he added.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jasper County Law Enforcement Professional of the Year: Kyle Lovan
May 15—Kyle Lovan has made such an impact on students at Berg Middle School and throughout the Newton school district that kids can't bear to see him leave. One student created a PowerPoint presentation explaining why the school resource officer should stay at his post. Another student even formed a petition. "There were posters around the school, and a bunch of kids signed it — 'Keep Officer Lovan at Berg!' I think there were close to 400 signatures," Lovan said in an interview with Newton News. "I figured, well, if they went to all that trouble, I'll stay at Berg. That was nice they thought highly of me." It is instances like these that show Lovan is not only a valued member of the community, but he is also a valued member of local law enforcement who is very clearly making a difference. Which is why Lovan has been named this year's Jasper County Law Enforcement Professional of the Year. Those who nominated Lovan said he is "a great example of an officer who continued to strive to be better throughout his career." They described him as an "exemplary" police officer and school resource officer, and one that both the city and the Newton Community School District "are blessed to have." Lovan joined the Newton Police Department as a patrol officer in 2002. Fellow officers respect him for his consistency, dependability and his proactive approach to policing. He is also a very dedicated police officer. In his 23 years serving the community, Lovan prides himself in the fact he has rarely taken a sick day. Four years ago, he applied to be the next school resource officer assigned to Berg Middle School. Ever since he has served students and staff diligently and built strong relationships between them and law enforcement. Without a doubt, Lovan believes these past four years have been his favorites as a police officer. Why? Well, it could be because the role of school resource officer has given him opportunities to build positive engagement between law enforcement and kids. Which is just a fancy way of saying Lovan gets to play games and organize fun activities for kids during the school day. Students love a chance to step away from the school work and compete in a corn hole tournament, for instance. Lovan has created a number of different programs that foster relationship building. Perhaps his greatest program — or his favorite, at least — is Cops and Bobbers. Lovan schedules a day of fishing with select junior high school students. In the past, kids have enjoyed fishing and a picnic at the Izaak Walton League pond. Last year, kids went home with their own pole and tackle box. Lovan's latest venture is establishing an e-sports program at the high school. He is currently fundraising for the program, which he said is about half way to its funding goal. In addition to allowing students compete in video games, the program also opens up opportunities for scholarships. When Lovan first decided he wanted to be a cop, he did not expect he would be creating an e-sports program and going fishing with middle schoolers. But he wouldn't have it any other way. He became an officer to help others make better life choices and to make his community safer and to serve and protect it. He does just that when connecting with youth and showing them a police officer is not someone to be scared of. Police officers can be approachable and easy to talk to. They can still be goofy but also be there for you. Whether it is a traffic stop or talking with students at Berg, Lovan strives for a positive experience. "Showing them that a police officer is just like anybody else," Lovan said. "...That's why in school I want to show the kids that I'm not just a person in a uniform. That is why I build these positive relationships and get to know the kids and things like that, and I want to do that with the community, too."
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
School resource officer wants to create esports program for Newton schools
Mar. 14—Newton Police Officer Kyle Lovan was touring his old high school on his day off when he was shown something that had never even existed when he was a student: an esports room. He saw a room full of high-tech computers, large TV screens and video game consoles. Immediately, he thought of Newton. "It's a gaming program through the school that kids go out for instead of your traditional sports," Lovan said. "They can go out for esports and compete against other kids in other school districts ... Newton doesn't have one. I think I need to bring that to Newton. That's how it got started." As the school resource officer at Newton Community School District for the past four years, Lovan regularly interacts with students of all campuses and grade levels, so he knows just how much the kids love video games. Which is why he thinks an esports club would be a good fit for the school district. "I've got the OK from the high school and from (Superintendent) Tom Messinger," Lovan said. "They're onboard, so now it's just trying to get the fundings." Currently, Lovan is trying to see if any local businesses or community members will invest in the program, which is in need of gaming equipment. Lovan said he wants to have 10 PC stations since many of the most popular and successful esports games are computer games and comprised of five-person teams. Games like "Overwatch," "League of Legends," "Valorant," "Rainbow Six: Siege" and "Smite" all have five-on-five game modes that Newton could compete in. Lovan said he also wants the club to have a couple Nintendo Switch game consoles to allow students to compete in games like "Mario Kart." Lovan is no stranger to starting up fun activities for Newton youth. In addition to the seminars and teambuilding exercises he regularly holds with students, he also started Cops and Bobbers. The annual fishing event is similar to Shop With a Cop in that it gives select kids a positive experience with local officers. For Cops and Bobbers, kids get a chance to go fishing and enjoy a picnic at the Izaak Walton League pond. The event last year let kids go home with their own fishing pole and tackle box to continue fishing. It's become such a big hit that other departments and schools want to join in. If Lovan can secure the funds over the summer, there is a chance the club could be active as soon as the 2025-2026 school year. He expects there will be a varsity team and a junior varsity team. Lovan was relatively unfamiliar with esports, but he has learned the games can teach students strong values. Since many of the games are team focused and require everyone to step up to achieve a victory, Lovan said the esports program can teach students good communication and develop a strong sense of teamwork. Esports can also build good leadership and problem solving skills and build character. Lovan likes esports because of its inclusivity and its ability to introduce kids to extracurriculars, especially those who might not be interested in any of the other traditional activities in school. Esports has fall, winter and spring seasons, which allow for more opportunities and more individuals to compete. "You don't have to be fast, you don't have to be strong — you just have to be good with your hands," Lovan said. "It's geared toward all students." Lovan said esports isn't just about letting kids play games. If teams do well enough in certain games, they can go on to compete in state competitions and earn scholarships to play for college esports teams. Esports is growing in the state, too. In the 2023-2024 season, more than 130 high schools competed. Colfax-Mingo and PCM even have their own esports clubs. Lovan said if other area schools have it then Newton should definitely get on board. "We gotta have esports, too!" he said. If anyone wants to donate to the esports club, Lovan said checks should be given to the administration center and made out specifically for the esports program. To learn more information about Lovan's esports club pursuits, contact him via email at lovank@
