Treasurer Pappas to Host Philippine Independence Celebration Featuring Traditional Dance Following Daley Plaza Flag Raising Ceremony
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Robert Prevost had money in unclaimed property from closed PayPal account
Vatican City’s been a popular spot for Illinois dignitaries since Chicago native Robert Prevost ascended to the papacy last year.
Leaders from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to lawmakers to Gov. JB Pritzker have come bearing gifts for Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV — a Chicago-brewed “Da Pope” beer, city-sourced giardiniera, an Illini No. 14 jersey, Chicago White Sox gear and more.
Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs’ gift, however, was possibly the most on brand. He delivered the pontiff a certificate to reclaim $8.65 of his own money, a sum the successor of St. Peter had held in a now-closed PayPal account.
The money had been sitting in Illinois’ unclaimed property account, and Frerichs — the account’s administrator — has been trying to return it.
“We found this money last year after he became pope,” Frerichs told Capitol
(Continued on page 2 see ‘POPE’)
Pope Leo XIV speaks to Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Photo courtesy of Treasurer Mike Frerichs’ Twitter account.
Plainfield Population Nears
50,000 Following Special Census Certification
Updated count shows village added 5,200 residents since 2020, bringing population to
Plainfield’s population has grown to 49,962 residents, according to newly certified Special Census results from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The updated count shows the village added approximately 5,200 residents since the 2020 Census, an increase of 11.6%. The certification also places Plainfield’s official housing unit count at 17,329.
Village officials said the updated population figures will have a direct financial impact, generating an estimated $1.2 million in additional annual revenue through state-shared funds until the next federal census is certified in 2030.
Mayor John Argoudelis reflected on the community’s growth over the decades.
“I’ve seen our community grow from a small farm town of 3,000 to a diverse and vibrant community of more than 49,000 people today,” Argoudelis said. “The journey has been quite remarkable.”
Village officials said the census results highlight continued residential development and expanding housing options, which have helped support economic growth throughout the community.
The additional revenue generated by the updated population count will help fund municipal services, including public safety, street maintenance and other village operations.
A detailed breakdown of the Special Census data is available through the U.S. Census Bureau.
(Continued from page 1, ‘POPE’)
News Illinois in a phone call Thursday morning while still in Italy. “We reached out to the local archdiocese trying to get him to claim it, and it fell through the cracks.”
Plan B? “Well, let’s deliver it in person,” he said.
That opportunity came to fruition on Wednesday.
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He was invited to accompany a delegation organized by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and he and his wife Erica decided to make it a personal trip. He was raised Lutheran, she’s Catholic.
They paid for the trip personally, he said, using no campaign or state funds.
“My wife and I came together and made it a bit of a longer trip,” he said. “But I figured when I had the opportunity to meet the pope, you would take it.”
He also gifted the pontiff a commemorative Abraham Lincoln coin from a leftover supply the treasurer’s office had minted years ago, and a book about Chicago history. Erica Frerichs brought some of her family’s rosaries for the pope to bless.
As for the $8.65, Frerichs acknowledged that it’s garnered good press. It’s an election year, and Frerichs is slated to face Max Solomon in the general election, who won the GOP nod as a write-in candidate.
But his marketing of unclaimed property is nothing new.
“We know when people hear about our unclaimed property department, when they see an example of a real person getting money, more people visit our website, and when more people visit our website, we return more money,” he said. “Part of the reason we have smashed records on unclaimed property is because of how we market it differently.”
Frerichs first became treasurer in 2015, and his office has since returned more than $2.5 billion to more than 2.5 million people. That means Pope Leo’s PayPal windfall accounts for roughly 0.00000034% of the money returned.
“Some of them are amazing,” he said of the returns of unclaimed property. “We have an $11 million return, which is the largest in U.S. history. We’ve had million-dollar returns, half million. And some for only $8.65 actually probably will be the most memorable ones of my time in office.”
Upon receipt of the certificate from
Level Up Your Health
Frerichs, the pope chuckled and shared a now oft-repeated anecdote about calling his bank to close an account, only to be hung up on when revealing himself to be Pope Leo.
“It’s a true, slightly modified, but true story,” the pope can be heard saying in a video of the interaction. “A bank in Illinois.”
Frerichs told CNI he “completely understood that.”
He shared an anecdote from a few years back, when he had an issue with a bank that threatened to turn a sum of money over to the state’s unclaimed property administrator.
“I said, ‘Sure, go ahead and do that,’ and they said, ‘Sir, we don’t think you understand, it’ll be more work to claim it from your state’s unclaimed property administrator than to do what we’re asking you to do,’” he said.
“And I said, ‘No, I think I understand our state’s unclaimed property pretty well, go ahead and send it. … You’ll be sending it to me, because I am the state’s unclaimed property administrator,’” he said. “And then there was a pause, and they said, ‘Let me get a manager.’”
So, what’s next for Pope Leo? “He just has to give us an address to mail
(Continued on page 12 see ‘POPE’)
This June, press pause and take control of your health. You wouldn’t ignore your stats in a game so why ignore them in real life? Your health is
most important player. A simple checkup can make a big difference. Prioritize your health with: • Annual physicals & preventive screenings • Heart health & blood pressure checks • Prostate & colorectal screenings
Mental health support
Photo of the Plainfield, Illinois Village Hall, at 26401 Lockport Street, Plainfield, IL Photo courtesy of plainfieldil.gov
Treasurer Pappas to Host Philippine Independence Celebration Featuring Traditional Dance Following Daley Plaza Flag Raising Ceremony
CHICAGO, IL — Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and the Philippine Independence Week Committee will commemorate Philippine Independence with a reception on June 10 to honor distinguished Filipino American civic, business, cultural and community leaders whose contributions have strengthened Cook County and Chicagoland.
The recognition ceremony will feature traditional dancing and will take place in the Treasurer’s Office immediately following the noon-time Flag Raising in Daley Plaza. After festivities conclude outside, the public is invited to attend the reception across the street at 118 N. Clark Street, Room 112 on the first floor
of the County Building. Philippine Consul General to Chicago Melanie Rita B. Diano will also be in attendance.
During the event, Treasurer Pappas will present Certificates of Excellence to outstanding Filipino American leaders in recognition of their achievements and service to the community.
“Philippine Independence Day is a time to celebrate the remarkable history, resilience and accomplishments of Filipino Americans who have helped shape Cook County for generations,” said Pappas.
“More than 60,000 Filipino Americans call Cook County home, contributing to every facet of our society—from health-
care and education to business, technology, public service, hospitality and the arts.
Their hard work, leadership and commitment to community continue to strengthen our county, and we are proud to recognize these exceptional individuals as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Philippine independence.”
Observed annually on June 12, Philippine Independence Day celebrates the proclamation of Philippine independence from Spain in 1898. It also represents the Filipino people’s enduring pursuit of freedom, democracy and self-determination.
Honorees include a diverse cross-section of leaders who through their dedication and achievements continue to inspire future generations and strengthen the bonds that unite Cook County’s vibrant and diverse communities.
Honorees: Reynel Espiritu, chairperson, Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC); Brenda Stevens, cultural show chairperson, PIWC; Mercy Matousek, president, PIWC; Dely Villalon, executive correspondence officer, PIWC; Lodi Po, chairperson-elect 2027, PIWC; Hermie Espiritu, donor gifts coordinator, PIWC, Ella Basilio, chairperson, Chicago Philippine Seniors Association; Marilyn McLean, Chicago Bayanihan
Lions Humanitarian Service Club; Joshua Bicoy, president, Zamboanga Del Norte Association of Illinois; Lou Ella Rose Cabalona, artistic director, SamaSama Project; Cate Cauguiran, reporter ABC 7 Chicago; Mae Espina, president, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce and regional banking manager Sr.Huntington Bank; Veronica Leighton, editor in chief, ViaTimes/ CPRT; Ginger Leopoldo, executive director CIRCA Pintig; Gen Presbitero, chief nurse officer, Thorek Memorial Hospital; Melvin Reyes, owner and founder, Mano Modern Café; RJ Silva, artistic director, CIRCA Pintig; Ann Teano, executive producer, MJD Productions and charter president, Chicago Nurses for Diabetes
Enjoy free music! June 11–August 19
6:00–9:00p Concerts start at 7:00p
Central Park
3rd Wednesday of the month 1555 E. Thacker St, at the Gazebo Lake Park Bandshell Thursdays, 2200 Lee St, at Fargo Ave
Thu, June 11 • Strung Out
Wed, June 17 • Prairie Station
Thu, June 18 • The Mackenzie O’Brien Band
Thu, June 25 • Mr. Myers
Thu, July 2 • Des Plaines Park District Community Concert Band
Thu, July 9 • The Rhythm Rockets
Wed, July 15 • Farkus
Thu, July 16 • The Throwbacks
Thu, July 23 • Good Clean Fun
Thu, July 30 • The Yacht Rockettes
Thu, Aug 6 • Serendipity
Thu, Aug 13 • Classical Blast
Wed, Aug 19 • The Messengers
SUNDAYS • JUNE 7 - SEPT 27 9:00am-1:00pm
Fountaindale Public Library’s
PRIZES!
Use your Fountaindale Public Library card to register online, at the library or on the Bookmobile.
All ages can participate!
Sign up and log your activities with READsquared!
Complete and log your activities by July 31.
• Read or listen to a book for 30 minutes
• Read or listen to a new author or genre
• Read or listen to a staff pick
• Visit the Bookmobile
• Attend a library program
• Color, craft or make something
• Explore Studio 300
• Spot the knight each week
• Visit a park, museum or community event
• Checkout Challenge: check out five items
• Play a game
• Make up your own activity
Collect your prizes and earn entries into our grand prize drawings when you reach 25 and 50 points.
Looking for more fun?
Log 75 points to earn a bonus grand prize drawing entry!
What to look for in a long-term rental property
As rising home prices push more would-be buyers into the rental market, experts recommend focusing on costs, location, landlord reputation and rent protections when searching for a long-term home
The sharp increase in home prices has been well documented in recent years.
Though price increases have varied from market to market, the National Association of Home Builders reports that the average home price increased by 55 percent between the first quarter of 2020 and the third quarter of 2025.
Many adults who otherwise would be in the market to buy a home have felt priced out by the sharp increase in prices.
That’s led many to the rental market, where more and more adults are looking for long-term solutions. Much like the process of buying a home, finding a long-term rental requires would-be renters to be diligent, patient and honest with themselves about what they’re looking for. With that in mind, adults looking for a long-term rental property can keep these tips in mind during their search.
Get a clear idea of all costs associated with a property. Monthly rent is the primary expense associated with a rental property, but there might be ancillary costs as well. In addition to the rent, a property might include fees for parking, trash, fitness facilities, recreational facilities like a community pool, and other expenses.
These fees can quickly add up, but it’s good to note that some of them might remove additional expenses. For example, a property with an on-site fitness facility may come with a monthly access fee, but that fee could be less than an expensive membership at a nearby gym. Take note of all expenses associated with a property and if some of them will cancel out other monthly bills.
· Get a handle on a potential landlord. Many renters prefer a responsive landlord who takes their concerns seriously and is quick to act when an issue arises. Long-term renters who find a property they like will be dealing with the landlord for years to come, so prioritize finding a
landlord with a strong reputation among past and current renters. Many landlords do not have direct access with tenants but communicate through property management firms. Ask the rental listing agent which type of arrangement exists at each property and, if possible, speak with current tenants to get an idea of the dynamic between the landlord/property manager and residents.
· Consider the location. A low monthly rent might be hard to resist, but if a property is far away from the office, those cost savings could be erased by expenses related to getting to and from work each day. It’s also worth noting that a big advantage to renting is the smaller time commitment related to renting a property as opposed to owning one. Rental maintenance and routine property upkeep like mowing is typically left to a landlord or property manager, allowing renters to use that extra time for recreational pursuits or other endeavors.
But that advantage can quickly vanish if renters are spending much of their free time commuting.
· Inquire about rent control. Rent control laws, if they exist, vary by municipality. Many renters consider finding a rent-controlled property akin to finding a needle in a haystack, but it can be done.
Rent control laws often regulate how much a landlord can increase rent at the end of each lease, and those allowable increases tend to be much smaller than the increases that have characterized much of the rental market in recent years. Prospective long-term renters are urged to work with a real estate agent or realtor to find a rent-controlled property in their desired location.
Long-term renting is a viable option for many people. Some patience, research and even a little luck can help individuals find a long-term rental that makes them happy.
(Continued from page 1, ‘POPE’)
the check to,” Frerichs said. Any Illinoisan can check to see if they have unclaimed property on the treasurer’s website, icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/.
Adults looking for a long-term rental property can keep these tips in mind during their search.
EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT
Magnet-Schultz of America, Inc. Director of Sales - Westmont, IL.
Manage and train sales managers and sales representatives to ensure performance goals are met. 25% domestic travel required. Bach. degree required. 4yrs of exp. required. Email resume to dwhitworth@magnet-schultzamerica.com. $203,923.
LEGAL NOTICE
IN THE HAMILTON SUPERIOR COURT ROOM NO. 5 CAUSE NO. 29D05-2601-AD-000006
STATE OF INDIANA ) ) SS: COUNTY OF HAMILTON ) IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF ) )
NEVAEH LYNN RUFF, ) a minor child )
NOTICE OF ADOPTION
Kenzie Nicholas Ruff is notified that a petition for adoption of a child named, Nevaeh Lynn Ruff, born on November 12, 2013, by the spouse of the biological parent of the Child, was filed in the office of the Clerk the Hamilton Superior Court, Room No. 5, One Hamilton County Square, Noblesville, Indiana 46060. The petition for adoption alleges that the consent of Kenzie Nicholas Ruff is not required pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-19-9-8(a) (1), Indiana Code § 31-19-9-8(a)(2) and (a)(11).
If Kenzie Nicholas Ruff does not file a motion to contest the adoption within fifteen (15) days after the service of this notice, the above named court will hear and determine the petition for adoption, the consent of Kenzie Nicholas Ruff will be irrevocably implied, and Kenzie Nicholas Ruff will lose his right to contest either the adoption or the validity of his implied consent to the adoption.
No oral statements made to Kenzie Nicholas Ruff relieves him of his obligations under this notice.
This notice complies with Indiana Code § 31-19-4.5-3 but does not exhaustively set forth a person’s legal obligations under the Indiana adoption statutes. A person being served with this notice should consult the Indiana adoption statutes.
Joel D. Kirsh
KIRSH & KIRSH, P.C.
2930 East 96th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 575-5555
Attorney No. 5545-49
Attorney for Petitioner
Published June 4, 2026, June 11, 2026 & June 18, 2026
