About Kathleen: She and her husband, Edward, live in Crete and have a son, Edward (Monica) and three grandchildren: Eamon, Molly and Kate. Attended South Suburban College and Southeast College. Employed by the Village of Crete for six years. Member of St. Mary Church in Park Forest. Member of Crete Women's Club. Enjoys scrapbooking.

Accomplishments: Kathleen Wantuch is the village clerk for Crete. She is the "keeper of the records" for the village 30 miles south of the loop in Will County. She takes minutes at the village meetings twice a month and others as needed and transcribes and submits them for approval before filing as permanent records. Wantuch files ordinances and resolutions. She swears citizens in for voter registration and submits candidate paperwork as required to the Will County clerk. "I love my job, being a part of this and being able to help people in the community," she said. "I feel I'm giving back to the village and I really like being here and being a part of this. We have a strong mayor and I like working with him and for him. He's totally dedicated to the village." Wantuch is a member of the Municipal Clerks of Illinois. A former journalist with 30 years experience, she is a member of Illinois Women's Press Association.

Personal heroes: "Mother Teresa number one and I think Oprah is great. She does a lot."

What I read: "I love fiction, Janet Evanovich and I do like some biographies."

Advice: "Try to live each day the best you can."

Best thing about my job: "The people, the community and helping them."

People might be surprised to know: "I have a weird sense of humor."

- SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate a civil servant for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com.