Times Columnist Philip Potempa (center) with Illilnois State Rep. Jerry Weller (left) and Sonny Bono

Times Columnist Philip Potempa (center) with Illilnois State Rep. Jerry Weller (left) and Sonny Bono in 1994.

Ready for Her 'Close-up': Actress ready for role of a lifetime starring as lead in 'Sunset Boulevard'

When Chicago actress favorite Christine Sherrill was cast as the lead role of faded silent film star Norma Desmond in Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook's new production of "Sunset Boulevard," like her stage alter ego, she faced a mixture of fear and excitement.

Steve and Joann Scamerhorn 25th Wedding Anniversary with Family January 1994

Joann (far left) and Steve (back row, center) join their family celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in January 1994 at All Saints Catholic Church. Grandpa and Granny Wojdula are in front with Joann's sister Alice and husband Byron, while Ann and Amy Scamerhorn are in the center with G…

OFFBEAT: Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel and Casino losing trademark 'live' lions

The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino is seen in this 1994 photo still sporting its original "Lion Entrance," removed in 1998, and a marquee promoting the "Oz Buffet."

Times POY 2011 - Flight 4184

Wearing her brother Jeff's jersey, Gina Gagliano is comforted by her boyfriend, Paul Graetz, at the memorial to American Eagle Flight 4184 Oct. 31. Jeff Gagliano was one of the pilots of the ill-fated flight that crashed in a field near Roselawn, Ind., 17 years ago on a cold, rainy Halloween…

POTW Oct 30 - Nov 5 - Remembering Flight 4184

Wearing her brother Jeff's jersey, Gina Gagliano is comforted by her boyfriend, Paul Graetz, at the memorial to American Eagle Flight 4184 on Monday. Jeff Gagliano was one of the pilots of the ill-fated flight that crashed in a field near Roselawn, Ind., 17 years ago on a cold, rainy Hallowe…

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | Terri Severin and her friend Mike Ryder stand by the crosses of Patty Henry and Patty's son Patrick who were killed on American Eagle Flight 4184 in 1994.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | Pastor Kathie Hostetter of the Roselawn United Methodist Church leads the memorial service Monday, October 31, 2011 for the American Eagle Flight 4184 crash.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | Pastor Kathie Hostetter of the Roselawn United Methodist Church leads the memorial service Monday, October 31, 2011 for the American Eagle Flight 4184 crash.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | In the shadow of a corn field, a small group of family members gather, as they do every year, at the site of the crash of American Eagle Flight 4184 Monday, October 31, 2011. The plane crashed in 1994 on Halloween killing all on board.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | Paul Graetz uses spray paint to touch up the cross of Jeff Gagliano, one of the FLight 4184 pilots.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | Gina Gagliano adds lettering to her roadway memorial.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | Gina Gagliano adds lettering to her roadway memorial.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | Gina Gagliano adds lettering to her roadway memorial.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | A small group of family members gather, as they do every year, at the site of the crash of American Eagle Flight 4184 Monday, October 31, 2011. The plane crashed in 1994 on Halloween killing all on board.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | As Helen Mudd looks on, Pat Cockrell and Julie Gunter read the names of the American Eagle Flight 4184 crash victims. Helen and Julie, along with Helen's son Chuck Mudd are co-organizers of the Flight 4184 Roadside Memorial and have helped maintain the site since 1995.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | As Helen Mudd looks on, Pat Cockrell and Julie Gunter read the names of the American Eagle Flight 4184 crash victims. Helen and Julie, along with Helen's son Chuck Mudd are co-organizers of the Flight 4184 Roadside Memorial and have helped maintain the site since 1995.

Family members remember Flight 4184

ROSELAWN | As Helen Mudd looks on, Pat Cockrell and Julie Gunter read the names of the American Eagle Flight 4184 crash victims. Helen and Julie, along with Helen's son Chuck Mudd are co-organizers of the Flight 4184 Roadside Memorial and have helped maintain the site since 1995.

Family and friends mourn those lost in Flight 4184

Family members and friends gather Monday — as they do every year — at the site of the crash of American Eagle Flight 4184 near Roselawn. Everyone aboard died in the wreck on Halloween night in 1994.

Family and friends mourn those lost in Flight 4184

Family and friends gather to remember the flight crew and passengers of American Eagle Flight 4184 who died 17 years ago in a crash in a field near Roselawn.