Latest news with #Bozza
Chicago Tribune
11 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Law & Order column: Man guilty in hit-and-run pedestrian death
An Arlington Heights man has pleaded guilty to a charge related to the 2022 hit-and-run death of a pedestrian in Lake Zurich, according to Lake County prosecutors and court records. Gary Bozza, 68, pleaded guilty to a felony count of leaving the scene of a fatal crash in a negotiated plea with Lake County prosecutors. Authorities said Bozza struck and killed a man named Jose Portillo at 11:43 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2022, along South Rand Road. Police had responded to the 700 block after receiving reports of someone walking in the roadway. An officer arrived and saw a dark SUV strike the man later identified as Portillo. Portillo, who was in his late 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. After an investigation by authorities, a Lake County grand jury indicted Bozza in January of 2024. Under the terms of the sentence, Bozza was placed on probation for 30 months and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service, according to court records. He was also ordered to pay about $3,000 in fines and costs. In return for the guilty plea, prosecutors dropped the more serious charge of failure to report a crash involving death. Holiday patrols It seems like the Fourth of July has arrived suddenly. Lots of folks will probably be on the road since the holiday is creating a three-day weekend, and local police departments are alerting motorists that there will be a visible law enforcement presence. Many local departments have announced that they will be increasing enforcement over the holiday period. Waukegan police have stepped up enforcement for things like impaired and unbelted motorists, a campaign that will extend through the holiday weekend. The Lake County Sheriff's Office, and police in Gurnee and Mundelein are among other agencies across the county and state that are participating. So, as the saying goes, drive sober or get pulled over. Meanwhile, Waukegan and Gurnee police, along with their counterparts in Lake Villa and Lindenhurst, will participate in a regional safety initiative effort on Tuesday that is centered on the Illinois Route 132/Grand Avenue corridor. 'Drivers traveling along Route 132 can expect increased police presence and high visibility enforcement throughout the day. But the ultimate goal isn't writing tickets. It is to change behavior, reduce crashes, and save lives,' Waukegan police said in a social media post. Underage alcohol sales Local police agencies recently completed a spring sweep of area businesses that sell alcohol to ensure they are not selling to underage customers. The Lake County Underage Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force said it worked with nine police departments. Young adults carrying identification that showed they were younger than 21 entered 159 establishments to attempt to buy liquor. The underage buyers were turned away at most businesses, though there were eight violations reported. In North Chicago, police noted four violations at the 10 businesses checked. 'Consistency from community to community and monitoring underage drinking issues will help us be successful in addressing this problem and saving lives,' Task Force Chairman Steve Husak said. 'Our desire is to see 100% compliance, but it is refreshing to see that nearly 95% of the businesses that were checked realize the seriousness of this issue and did not sell alcohol to the underage participants.' No violations were reported at the 102 establishments that were checked in Antioch, Buffalo Grove, Gurnee, Lake Forest and Lake Zurich. Knife threat charge A man with a previous conviction for stabbing a roommate was arrested this month on charges that he threatened three people with a knife, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Joshua W. Marksberry was taken into custody Wednesday night following an incident earlier that day at a home in the 15900 block of West Wadsworth Road in Wadsworth. The sheriff's office said it was called at about 9:40 a.m. after witnesses reported that Marksberry, who lives at the address, had pulled a knife on a victim and threatened them and another resident of the property. Marksberry fled on foot, police said, and a man matching his description was seen at about 8:30 p.m. near Wadsworth and Dilleys Road. Police located Marksberry in a tent in a nearby wooded area, and he was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault. According to court records, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2018 for aggravated battery.
7NEWS
29-05-2025
- General
- 7NEWS
How to find a trusted tradie in Australia: Why shoppers are relying on this platform
When a DIY attempt just won't cut it, it's time to call in a professional. But no two jobs are the ever same, and it can be hard to find the right tradie to get the job done well. In fact, studies show that finding the right match be as complicated as navigating the world of modern dating, with studies showing that more than half of Aussies say the find hiring a tradie confusing. That's where Aussie-made platform hipages comes in, a one-stop-shop for finding the right tradie for the job. Thanks to the easy-to-navigate websit e, you can share exactly what you need (and even upload photos) receive multiple quotes from professionals, and compare profiles and verified recommendations to ensure you're choosing the right person for the job. Ready to connect with trusty tradies? Head to the platform here. These challenges have led many Aussies to take matters into their own hands, often with mixed results. Studies show that 19 percent of Australians have attempted DIY jobs simply because they didn't know which tradie to hire. While 17 percent of Aussies have put off important jobs altogether, while seven percent — almost two million people — have ended up hiring the wrong tradie entirely. To help make sense of this nationwide struggle, hipages has teamed up with relationship expert and dating coach Sera Bozza, founder of Sideswiped, to explore how matchmaking advice can apply to finding a good tradie. According to Bozza, hiring someone to work on your home isn't so different from dating. It's about trust, communication, and knowing what you want from the relationship. She explains that in both trades and romance, 'effort is everything.' A good tradie will keep the conversation flowing, check in regularly, and make sure you feel informed, not sold to. Just like in dating, the little things matter. A quality tradie finishes the job properly, cleans up after themselves, and leaves the site spotless. They also communicate clearly, explain next steps, and offer advice for aftercare. One of the biggest indicators of a reliable tradie is their previous work. Whether it's a newly renovated kitchen or a custom-built deck, genuine photos of past projects can help clients get a sense of whether a tradie is capable, consistent, and the right fit for the job. Bozza's dating-inspired insights are a reminder that finding the right person — whether for love or labour — comes down to understanding the green flags and avoiding the red ones. She recommends being wary of vague communication, unclear pricing, and a lack of online presence. On the other hand, verified credentials, strong reviews, clear quotes, and respectful service are all signs you're working with a professional who cares. Tradies themselves agree that trust and communication is key. Mark, a plumber based in Sydney, compares his job to being in a relationship. He says that showing up on time, listening to the client, and leaving things better than you found them are all essential parts of doing the job right. Jess, a carpenter from Melbourne, believes that clients remember how you make them feel, and that finishing touches, good manners, and pride in workmanship go a long way in earning repeat business and referrals. With so many Australians feeling overwhelmed by the tradie search, platforms like hipages offer a smarter solution. Through its verification licenses and business registrations, hipages helps homeowners connect with trusted professionals who are qualified, experienced, and ready to deliver. In a world where DIY can sometimes spell disaster and hiring the wrong person can be costly, doing a little homework — and approaching the process like dating — might just be the best way to find your tradie match.
