Senate advances bill to expel students who commit sexual violence at school
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate advanced a plan Thursday that would ensure students who commit sexually violent crimes can be expelled from school.
The chamber voted 48-3, with two voting present, to pass Senate Bill 939 sponsored by Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, which would require students who initiate sexual assault to be expelled for at least one year, or at least six months for initiating nonconsensual sexual acts.
The bill would apply to incidents that happen at school, school property such as buses, and school-related events.
The bill was filed last year after an incident in Taylorville where a 10-yearold girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 14-year-old male student on the bus, who then chased the girl from the bus stop and raped her, according to the girl’s mother. She obtained an order of protection, and the student was removed from the school for the
(Continued on page 2 see ‘SENATE’)
:Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, listens to debate in the Illinois Senate on May 30, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Forest Preserve District Celebrates U.S. Semiquincentennial With America 250 Lineup
Districtwide America 250 initiative will feature exhibits, history programs, videos, book discussions, and scavenger hunts celebrating DuPage County’s past and present.
As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its independence, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is marking the occasion with a museum exhibit, blogs and videos, scavenger hunts, and programs exploring the history and changing landscape of DuPage County.
Two features are already underway. In the visitor center at St. James Farm, the “Stars and Stripes: Our American Flag” exhibit, open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 31, is showcasing artifacts from the farm’s museum collection that highlight the history and significance of the American flag.
Online, the four-part monthly blog series “A History of DuPage County” explores the land, plants, animals, and people of the region across four time periods from 1776 to today.
The six-part video series “The Work of Many Hands,” which will post to the Forest Preserve District’s Instagram page on the six days leading up to July 4, will follow the historical process of creating an American flag by hand, from selecting fiber and spinning wool to weaving, dyeing, sewing, and unveiling the finished piece.
Kline Creek Farm’s “Celebrating the Fourth” on Thursday, July 2, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. will invite visitors to bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of handson history with traditional games and Victorian picnic displays. Guests can also help make ice cream the old-fashioned way using ice from the farm’s icehouse.
The Forest Preserve District’s quarterly “Peabody’s Pages Book Club” is also joining the celebration with a July 3 discussion of “The Birth of the Republic” by
Edmund S. Morgan, a classic account of the American Revolution that explores the ideas and events that shaped the nation’s founding.
And for outdoor adventurers, the Forest Preserve District will be offering America 250 scavenger hunts on the Goosechase app that will guide explorers to DuPage forest preserve sites tied to local history.
Links to Forest Preserve District America 250 blogs, videos, programs, and scavenger hunts will post as available on dupageforest.org/America-250.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health.
More than 5.9 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, sev-
(Continued from page 1, ‘SENATE’)
rest of the semester but later returned.
The girl’s family sued the Taylorville School District and bus company last year over violations of federal Title IX rights, negligence and emotional distress.
“This bill is really important because it’s going to be needed and it’s going to help survivors of sexual violence who are having a hard time as it is after one of these situations, let alone having to go to school and see the person who did that to you right there all the time,” McClure said.
He said similar incidents have happened in other districts, including an assault on a 4-year-old girl by a 15-year-old boy in western Illinois. The issue, McClure said, is that state law lacks clear guidelines on what schools should do with sexual assault situations.
punishments on a case-by-case basis and must consider a student’s ability to understand their actions. And any disability they might have would also have to be considered when schools assess what direction to go with the situation.
“We want both sides to get help here, and we want to get the student on the right path,” McClure said.
Opposition to the bill
Democratic Sens. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, and Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, voted against the bill.
“Right now, schools are allowed to expel students,” Villa said. “In fact in this case that was talked about that drove this legislation, the child did end up getting expelled. There’s no need to continue to find punitive ways to attack our children. Instead, let’s take the cases case-by-case. There’s no need for this bill.”
en education centers, and scores of programs each year.
For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter and Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube pages.
“Most schools do the right thing, but in a lot of cases I continue hearing about, the school is not doing the right thing and that is why this bill is necessary,” McClure said.
According to the bill, students may be removed from their school but would still be eligible to attend alternative learning centers. Superintendents would also have power to modify
Ventura said she is concerned two consenting students could get caught up in the law.
“My concern with the bill is by mandating school boards automatically expel students not because of the situation but because of fear of not following a state mandate,” Ventura said.
(Continued on page 13 see ‘SENATE’)
District 58 Celebrates New Learning Spaces at Herrick and O’Neill Middle Schools
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies
District 58 celebrated the completion of major learning space transformations at O’Neill Middle School (May 6) and Herrick Middle School (May 7) with ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
The projects are part of a threeyear referendum initiative that also includes improvements across all District 58 elementary schools. District Board of Education members, administrators, staff, students, families, community members, and project partners gathered at each school’s newly renovated entrances to celebrate the collaboration and effort behind the updated learning environments.
Designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and student success, the new spaces reflect thoughtful planning, strong community support, and extensive teamwork.
They are already energizing and inspiring students and staff. Beginning next school year, District 58 will transition to a sixth- through eighth-grade middle school model, bringing all three grade levels together for the first time and expanding academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities within these newly transformed learning environments.
Superintendent Kevin Russell wel -
comed attendees and thanked the community for its longtime support of District 58 schools. He also recognized the project team whose work brought the new learning spaces to life, sharing his deep appreciation for everyone involved and excitement for the future.
Board of Education President Darren Hughes expressed gratitude for the collaboration, strong community support, and patience shown by students, staff, and families during the two-year projects, noting the completed spaces were well worth the wait.
The ribbon-cutting ceremonies brought together project partners, including architectural firm Wight & Company, construction management firm Bulley & Andrews, and owners’ representatives Huffman Keel Partners, Inc. and Forge Projects, LLC.
Middle school principals Ms. Lauryn Humphris (O’Neill) and Dr. Steve Perkins (Herrick) highlighted the positive impact of the renovations, noting how the updated spaces are already inspiring collaboration, innovation, and stronger school communities.
PTA parent representatives Mrs. Brienne Harris (O’Neill PTA) and Mrs. Adriana Karawan (Herrick PTA),
along with student leader Rachel Reynolds (O’Neill Student Council President), shared their appreciation and excitement for the transformed schools. District 58 is deeply grateful for the
support of its community throughout the planning and construction process.
These transformed spaces reflect the District’s continued commitment to providing exceptional learning environments for all students.
Learn more about Downers Grove Grade School District 58 at www.dg58.org.
O’Neill Middle School Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony 5-7-2026. Photo submitted by Downers Grove Grade School District 58
DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT
How to determine how much home you can afford
Though career experts often say it’s never too late to make a professional change, research suggests workers become far less likely to switch jobs after age 55.
According to an analysis from USAFacts titled “How Long Americans Stay,” employees between the ages of 25 and 34 typically remain with an employer for a median of just 2.7 to 3.2 years.
By comparison, workers between 55 and 64 stay in the same position for a median of 9.6 years, reflecting a major shift in career stability later in life.
Several factors may explain why older professionals are less inclined to pursue new opportunities.
Employees who have spent decades with one company often enjoy higher salaries, greater retirement benefits, more vacation time, and seniority that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Some may also prefer the familiarity
and security of an established role rather than taking the risk associated with starting over at a new organization.
Still, staying put is not the only path older workers choose. A 2023 report from AARP found that many professionals age 45 and older who changed jobs experienced positive results after making the transition.
Half of respondents said changing employers improved their mental health, while 48 percent reported earning more money after the move.
Others cited greater flexibility, better work-life balance, and increased job satisfaction as benefits of pursuing a new opportunity later in their careers.
The findings suggest that while older workers may be less likely to seek change, career moves after age 55 can still lead to meaningful personal and financial rewards.
STATE OF ILLINOIS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) )
BEULAH M. GLASCOCK, ) CASE NO. 2026 PR 000172 ) DECEASED. )
CLAIM NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to creditors of the death of Beulah M. Glascock. Letters of Office were issued on April 17, 2026 to Judith A. Morey, 2675 Verona Road, Verona, Illinois 60479, as Independent Executor, whose Attorney of record is Robert J. Welz, Rouskey Law Office, 210 N. Hammes Avenue, Suite 105, Joliet, Illinois 60435.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Will County, 100 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, or with the Independent Executor, or both, WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION. ANY CLAIM NOT FILED WITHIN THAT PERIOD IS BARRED. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Administrator and to the Attorney of record within ten days after it has been filed.
E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/ service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, vit http:/illinoiscourts.gov/faq/gethelp.asp, or talk with your local Circuit Clerk’s Office.
BEULAH M. GLASCOCK, DECEASED BY ____________________________
ROBERT J. WELZ
Attorney for Independent Executor
ROBERT J. WELZ
ROUSKEY LAW OFFICE
210 N. HAMMES AVENUE, SUITE 105
JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60435
815-741-2118
IL REGISTRATION NO. 03127808
Published 4/30/26, 5/7/26 & 5/14/26
STATE OF ILLINOIS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) )
PATRICK M. CLARK, ) CASE NO. 2026 PR 000173 ) DECEASED. ) CLAIM NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to creditors of the death of Patrick M. Clark. Letters of Office were issued on April 17, 2026 to Mark Clark, 1111 Lemorr Avenue, Joliet, Illinois 60435, as Independent Administrator, whose Attorney of record is Robert J. Welz, Rouskey Law Office, 210 N. Hammes Avenue, Suite 105, Joliet, Illinois 60435.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Will County, 100 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, or with the Independent Executor, or both, WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION. ANY CLAIM NOT FILED WITHIN THAT PERIOD IS BARRED. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Administrator and to the Attorney of record within ten days after it has been filed.
E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, vit http:/illinoiscourts.gov/faq/gethelp.asp, or talk with your local Circuit Clerk’s Office.
PATRICK M. CLARK, DECEASED BY ______________
ROBERT J. WELZ Attorney for Independent Administrator
ROBERT J. WELZ
ROUSKEY LAW OFFICE
210 N. HAMMES AVENUE, SUITE 105 JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60435
815-741-2118
IL REGISTRATION NO. 03127808
Published 4/30/26, 5/7/26 & 5/14/26
LEGAL
NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE: OFFICE CLOSURE
This notice is being published to inform our patients and the community that Aspen Dental Lockport, located at 16473 W. 159th St., will close effective April 26, 2026
After this date, the office will no longer be open to patients, and normal business operations will be paused. All patient records from the Lockport location will be available at Aspen Dental Joliet, located at 2901 Plainfield RD Ste A, Joliet, IL 60435, (815) 287-0649.
Published in the Joliet Bugle on April 22, 2026, April 29, 2026, May 6, 2026 & May 13, 2026
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) )
HERBIE J. SHAW, ) CASE NO. 2026 PR 000215 ) DECEASED. )
CLAIM NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to creditors of the death of Herbie J. Shaw. Letters of Office were issued on April 30, 2026 to Nellie M. Luckett, 314 Luana Road, Joliet, Illinois 60433, as Independent Executor, whose Attorney of record is Chris D. Rouskey, Rouskey Law Office, 210 N. Hammes Avenue, Suite 105, Joliet, Illinois 60435.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Will County, 100 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, or with the Independent Executor, or both, WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION. ANY CLAIM NOT FILED WITHIN THAT PERIOD IS BARRED. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Administrator and to the Attorney of record within ten days after it has been filed.
E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/ service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, vit http:/illinoiscourts.gov/faq/gethelp.asp, or talk with your local Circuit Clerk’s Office.
CHRIS D. ROUSKEY ROUSKEY LAW OFFICE
210 N. HAMMES AVENUE, SUITE 105 JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60435
815-741-2118
IL REGISTRATION NO. 03123595
Published 5/7/26, 5/14/26 & 5/21/26
HERBIE J. SHAW, DECEASED BY ______________________ CHRIS D. ROUSKEY Attorney for Independent Executor
(Continued from page 2, ‘SENATE’)
McClure responded only nonconsensual incidents would be punished under the bill and that his legislation only adds a type of scenario where a student could be expelled and does not change any other parts of state law that govern expulsion processes. Accused students would still be entitled to a hearing.
The bill now heads to the House, where Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, sponsored a similar measure earlier this spring that was unanimously advanced out of committee, but did not receive a vote in the chamber before an April deadline.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
