AUGUST 26-27, 2026 • VOL. 65 ISSUE 43
LOCAL to NEWS Romeoville Further Increase PlainfieldTax East HS Science Property Rebate Village’s OlympiadFiscal students achieveAlOngoing Strength lows for Additional Mid-Year record-breaking state Increase ...see page performance See 2Page 3:
Pritzker signs disaster proclamation to aid Illinois communities in storm cleanup efforts Relief will be available to 15 counties after severe and record-breaking storms See ’Relief’ on page 3
Storm damage can be seen throughout Lansing, Illinois on Aug. 14, 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Maggie Dougherty)
Now Offering Urgent Care AND Primary Care Silver Cross Health Center in Crest Hill now offers primary care and urgent care – so you can get routine, ongoing, and immediate care in one convenient location. Scan the QR code or visit SilverCross.org Family Medicine • Primary Care • Urgent Care
OPEN 7 Days a Week • (815) 300-SICK (7425) • 16127 S. Weber Road, CREST HILL
AUGUST 26-27, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 2
LOCAL NEWS
Now Open – Two Convenient Locations! Primary Care Close to Home
Romeoville to Further Increase Property Tax Rebate Village’s Ongoing Fiscal Strength Allows for Additional Mid-Year Increase Eligible Romeoville homeowners can apply for a $100 rebate on the Village portion of their 2025 property tax bill from Sept. 1 through Dec. 1.
Mahwesh Javed, MD
Vipuli Jayesinghe, MD
Yousuf Mohammed, MD
Muneeb Qadri, MD
Ghassan Rahhal, MD
Our growing practice is now welcoming new patients at two locations, with a team of 5 experienced doctors ready to care for you and your family. • Preventive care and & annual exams • Convenient, patient-focused care • Sick visits & chronic condition management Same-week appointments available + five trusted physicians
Schedule Today – It’s Easy! Call 630-312-6550
396 Remington Blvd., Suite 141 | Bolingbrook UCMAH-2127_6X6
The application period will run from September 1, 2026, through December 1, 2026.
CRACKS IN THE
BASEMENT? WE CAN HELP
WITH THAT! CALL 866-857-9903 WE CAN HELP WITH HOME INSPECTIONS
FOUNDATION REPAIR
CRAWL SPACE ENCAPSULATION
SUMP PUMP INSTALLATION
CONCRETE LEV LEVELING
BEFORE BEFORE BEFORE
AFTER AFTER AFTER
Due to the Village of Romeoville’s ongoing fiscal stability and strength, the board was able to increase the rebate beyond the original amount. Based on that fiscal strength, the Village will be providing eligible Romeoville homeowners with a $100 rebate toward the Village portion of their property tax bill. The Romeoville Village Board has re-authorized and increased the program, allowing owners of qualifying residential properties within the boundaries of Romeoville to apply for the rebate.
329 Remington Blvd., Suite 100 | Bolingbrook
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
Earlier this year the Village announced that the Property Tax Rebate program was returning for the third consecutive year.
BEFORE
AFTER AFTER
EASY FINANCING OPTIONS PTIONS AVAILABLE! AV CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE!
To determine if you qualify, complete the application at romeoville. org between September 1 and December 1 and attach a copy of your 2025 property tax bill. All applications are subject to approval. Only owner-occupied, single-family residential properties are eligible. Commercial and rental
properties are not eligible. Residents in unincorporated areas are not eligible. Owners of applying properties must have paid their 2025 property tax bill in full and must be current on all payments owed to the Village of Romeoville. Those who are approved for the tax rebate will receive $100 within two weeks of approval, either by check or as credit on their water bill. The Village of Romeoville accounts for approximately 10 percent of a typical property tax bill, with the remainder comprised of other taxing bodies. For questions about the Property Tax Rebate program, contact the Finance Department at 815-886-5257. Questions regarding your assessment should be directed to your appropriate township assessor and/ or the Will County Supervisor of Assessments Office. Tax rates and budgets for all other taxing bodies are determined by their respective boards.
FALL
SPECIALS
AUGUST 26-27, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 3
LOCAL NEWS
FROM THE COVER ’RELIEF’
These are the 15 counties covered by Gov. JB Pritzker’s August disaster proclamation
Start the new year clog-free!
Maggie Dougherty, Capitol News Illinois August 19, 2026
this year is Indiana, which had fewer than 100 confirmed tornadoes as of Monday.
Gov. JB Pritzker issued a proclamation Tuesday to bring financial help to 15 Illinois counties pounded by severe and record-breaking storms over recent weeks.
Open chart in new tab
The proclamation, which took immediate effect, is intended to mobilize resources for debris removal and repairs to public infrastructure and will give small, rural communities the opportunity to apply for disaster relief funding of up to $250,000.
The 15 counties eligible for relief under the governor’s proclamation are Alexander, Champaign, Cook, DuPage, Ford, Fulton, Kane, Lake, LaSalle, Marshall, McLean, Pulaski, Tazewell, Vermillion and Will counties. Communities in those areas are now eligible to apply for disaster response funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Community Development Block Grant.
“I know these storms have impacted countless Illinois families and requires we band together to help them recover,” Pritzker said in a statement The program, funded by the U.S. announcing the proclamation. “As Department of Housing and Urban this relentless and unprecedented Development, will provide reimweather continues to wreak havoc bursement for storm cleanup, debris across our region, I remain commit- removal and public infrastructure ted to ensuring those impacted get repairs. 1.We Clean 2.We Reinforce 3.We Install the resources and help they need.” Funding applications must be subThis money is not available to indi- mitted within six months of the Aug. viduals seeking storm damage relief, 18 proclamation. who instead must apply for assistance through the Federal Emergen- The proclamation also facilitates the cy Management Agency. deployment of state personnel and equipment to assist in storm cleanThe move comes after Pritzker up if requested by local authorities toured storm damage in Lansing last and relieves traditional procureweek and signed a new law intended ment constraints to help communito help homeowners in Chicago ac- ties more quickly make emergency cess financial relief to repair damage purchases of specialized equipment after flooding, legislation that was needed for storm cleanup. * passed in response to significant flooding on the Southwest Side of Ben Szalinski contributed reporting. Chicago last summer. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, Read more: Pritzker tours storm nonpartisan news service that disdamage, signs flood relief bill ex- tributes state government coverage to Surgical grade panding local Chicago programs hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois micromesh Illinois residents have endured a Press Foundation and the Robert R. pattern of severe weather events this McCormick Foundation. year, from heavy rainfall and flash uPVC frame flooding to a record-breaking num- This article first appeared on Capitol ber of tornadoes over 200 as of Illinois and is republished Sticks. Dirt.— Leaves. Bring it on.News LeafFilter® stops debris andhere keeps mid-August. under a Creativeprotection Commons Attribuwater moving. Delivering roof-to-foundation from water damage. Attaches to existing gutters tion-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Trusted by over 1 million homeowners. The counties have endured a series of severe weather events over recent months, from tornadoes and straight-line winds to hail and flash According to reporting by NBC5, License. flooding. Source: Gubernatorial disaster proclamation • Map: Maggie Dougherty, Capitol News Illinois the state with the next-highest count
Get a FREE full gutter inspection and estimate: 1-855-806-2106
America’s #1 gutter protection
Engineered to protect. Built to last Claim by: 02/28/2026
15% OFF + 10% LeafFilter
**
Discount For Seniors + Military
We install year-round!
Get a FREE full gutter inspection and estimate: 1-855-806-2106 Promo: 285
**Promotional offer includes 15% off plus an additional 10% off for qualified veterans and/or seniors. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. See Representative for full warranty details. AZ ROC344027 AR 366920925, CA1035795, CT HIC.0671520, DC 420223000087, FL CBC056678, ID RCE-51604, IA C127230, LA 559544, MD MHIC111225,MA 213292, MI 262300331, 262300330, 262300329, 262300328, 262300318, 262300173, MN IR810524, MT 266192, NE 50145-24, NV 86990, NJ 13VH13285000, NM 408693, ND 47304. OR 218294. PA PA179643. RI GC-41354, TN 10981. UT 10783658-5501, VT 174.0000871, VA 2705169445, WA LEAFFLH763PG, WV WV056912. *The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.
PAGE 4 | AUGUST 26-27, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM
AUGUST 26-27, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 5
BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE
How to Tell Bees, Hornets and Wasps Apart and Identify Their Differences
From sunflower seeds to suet, the right foods can help backyard birds stay healthy and well-nourished throughout the year.
Feeding wild birds can be a popular and rewarding hobby. Such a hobby facilitates a connection with nature and helps to ensure local wildlife gets the sustenance it needs to survive. According to estimates from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, around 50 million Americans engage in bird feeding each year. When feeding birds, it’s important to choose quality foods to ensure health and survival, particularly during months when the weather is harsh. Here are some factors to consider when setting out food for birds. Choose wisely When selecting bird feed, homeowners should look for feed that is high in fat and protein.
adees when insects are scarce. Homeowners should choose commercially produced suet cakes or raw suet, as homemade varieties made from cooking grease might melt and mat birds’ feathers, affecting their insulation. Shelled peanuts and crushed nut meats, which are the kernel of nuts, can offer high-energy fats for titmice and jays. Avoid certain foods Although we’ve all seen people casting bread out to wild birds, bread products are particularly discouraged as bird food. They fill birds’ stomachs without providing necessary nutrients. Table scraps containing excessive salt or sugar also should be avoided.
Black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) are a popular choice because they offer high caloric value and are easily opened by the greatest variety of species.
Maintain avian hygiene Bird feeders can concentrate flocks, which can be fun to watch. But it also increases the risk of disease transmission among birds.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology reports that BOSS, which are small, thin-shelled seeds, attract more than 40 types of North American birds, making it the most universally accepted food.
The Audubon Society and similar conservation groups emphasize that studies show poor feeder hygiene can increase rates of disease like salmonellosis.
For smaller birds, like goldfinches and pine siskins, nyjer (thistle) seed is an ideal choice. Offer essential fats It’s key for birds in colder climates to maintain significant fat reserves to achieve the correct body temperature. Suet cakes, which are rendered beef fat mixed with seeds or fruit, can be the meal birds need. Suet provides essential calories for birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches and chick-
Feeders should be cleaned weekly with a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) and completely dried before refilling. Hosing off the area to wash away bird droppings also can keep feeders and surrounding areas sanitary. Choosing nutrient-dense, high-quality seeds and fats and maintaining a clean feeding station can ensure that a backyard remains a haven for wild birds. Those with additional questions about what to feed birds should consult with a wild bird food retailer.
Providing nutritious food and maintaining clean feeders can help support the health and well-being of backyard birds.
SAVE $350 when you transform your patio into an outdoor oasis.
Instant shade—at the touch of a button. Enjoy more quality time with family and friends. Up to 10-Year Limited Warranty.
Call 1-855-978-3598 now to
SAVE $350 TODAY!
America’s #1 Awning!
AUGUST 26-27, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 6
LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE WILL COUNTY PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS - IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
)
JOSE PROA,
)
SAVE $350 when you transform your patio into an outdoor oasis.
) Case No. 26 PR 385
) DECEASED.
) CLAIM NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICES Notice is hereby given to BRIAN SERRANO and any other interested party of the death of JOSE PROA, of Lockport, State of Illinois. Letters of office were issued on July 30, 2026, to JOSE M. PROA, of Bolingbrook, State of Illinois, whose attorney is T. Andrew Coyle of 131 East 9th Street, Lockport, IL 60441. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court at Court Annex, 3208 McDonough Street, Joliet, Illinois 60431, or with the representative, or both, on or before February 19, 2027, which date is not less than 6 months from the date of the first publication of this notice and any claim not filed within that period is barred.
Instant shade—at the touch of a button. Enjoy more quality time with family and friends. Up to 10-Year Limited Warranty.
Copies of any claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. JOSE PROA, DECEASED
Call 1-855-978-3598 now to
SAVE $350 TODAY!
/s/ T. Andrew Coyle The Coyle Law Office 131 E 9th St, Lockport, IL 60441
America’s #1 Awning!
(815) 838-6199 Published 8/12/26, 8/19/26 & 8/26/26
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
WILL COUNTY PROBATE NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS - IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
)
CLARENCE ERICKSEN,
)
) Case No. 26 PR 423
) DECEASED.
) CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is hereby given of the death of CLARENCE ERICKSEN, of Lockport, State of Illinois. Letters of office were issued on August 10, 2026, to SARAH K. O’BRIEN, of Tinley Park, State of Illinois, whose attorney is T. Andrew Coyle of 131 East 9th Street, Lockport, IL 60441. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court at Court Annex, 3208 McDonough Street, Joliet, Illinois 60431, or with the representative, or both, on or before February 26, 2027, which date is not less than 6 months from the date of the first publication of this notice and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of any claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. CLARENCE ERICKSEN, DECEASED /s/ T. Andrew Coyle The Coyle Law Office 131 E 9th St, Lockport, IL 60441 (815) 838-6199 Published 8/19/26, 8/26/26 & 9/2/26
August 19, 2026 The Shorewood-Troy Public Library District wishes to announce that the library will have nominating petitions available on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, for persons who want to run in the April 6, 2027, Consolidated General Election for the positions of library district trustee. Petitions can begin being circulated on August 25, 2026. The election will fill two (2) library district trustee positions for six (6) year terms. Library Trustees serve as uncompensated elected officials. Nominating petitions and all necessary forms will be available at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, 650 Deerwood Dr., Shorewood, IL 60404. Office hours to pick up nominating petitions are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may request that a petition packet be mailed by contacting Jennie Mills at jmills@shorewoodtroylibrary.org. A minimum of fifty (50) signatures by eligible registered voters residing within the Shorewood-Troy Library District are required on the petition to get one’s name on the election ballot. Prospective candidates must reside within the library district boundaries. The first day to file for election is Monday, November 16, 2026. Candidates must file by mail or in person at the Shorewood-Troy Library District between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All candidates who file at 9:00 a.m., including those whose mailed-in petitions arrive on November 16, will be placed in a lottery drawing to determine ballot placement. Candidates who file after 9:00 a.m. on November 16th will be placed on the ballot in the order in which their petitions are received. Petitions may also be turned in between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on November 17, 18, 19th, and 20th. The last day for filing is Monday, November 23rd between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. No petitions will be accepted after 5:00 p.m. For further information, please call Jennie Mills at 815-725-1715. Published August 26, 2026
AUGUST 26-27, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 7
SENIORS
Skin Cancer Prevention for Seniors: It’s Never Too Late to Protect Your Skin
It’s never too late to protect aging skin from the cumulative effects of ultraviolet exposure.
Wisdom and age frequently go hand in hand. But when it comes to knowledge of the latest medical advancements, some older adults may not be up-to-date.
the norm then doesn’t mean things can’t change now. It’s never too late to reduce your skin cancer risk by lathering on sunscreen daily — even when the sun doesn’t seem particularly strong. Seniors should look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 for daily use.
Medical recommendations evolve over time. After all, it wasn’t too long ago people were told to avoid foods containing high amounts of dietary cholesterol because it would raise their own blood cholesterol levels. Now MedlinePlus says the general consensus is that eating dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most people. And people in their 70s may have raised children thinking it was fine to lay the child in the crib on the baby’s stomach. Now the advice is “back is best.” Medical professionals now know that exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun and tanning beds can contribute to the development of skin cancer. But just a few generations ago people were slathering on baby oil and using suntan reflectors to accelerate tanning. The risk of skin cancer is raised for those who have had cumulative exposure to the sun. So it is essential that seniors practice sun safety every day so they are not adding to the
• Wear protective clothing. Choose tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats to protect you. You can purchase clothing that has sun protection built right in.
Older adults can take simple steps, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade, to reduce their risk of skin cancer.
damage that already may have occurred. It’s also foolish to think, “I’ve made it this long without skin cancer, and it takes decades to develop, so I’m never going to get it.” No one knows how long they will live and it’s important to take care of oneself to live as strong, healthy and long as
possible. To that end, seniors can employ these sun safety tips, courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation. • Learn the facts. Suffering just five sunburns over your lifetime more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma, and each successive tan or sunburn raises the risk even further. Suntans dam-
age the skin’s DNA and age it before its time. Also, skin undergoes changes that reduce defenses against disease and healing. One bad burn as a senior may be the final straw. • Use sunscreen. Sunscreen may not have been widely used when today’s seniors were young. Just because that was
• Avoid being outside during certain times of day. Stay out of the sun when it is at its peak. Radiation is typically the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That’s when the risk for skin damage is highest, says the American Cancer Society. • Seek shade. When spending time outdoors, seek shady spots, whether you’re under an umbrella or in tree-lined areas. Sun safety for seniors is generally the same for people of all ages. But it becomes a more urgent necessity due to cumulative sun exposure that comes with age.
An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community for individuals of all incomes aged 65 and older.
See how we can fit your lifestyle Restaurant-style Dining
24-Hour Staffing
Private Apartments
Housekeeping and Laundry
Emergency Response System
Personal Care Assistance
THE BEST SENIOR CARE FACILITY
You won’t believe all the wonderful things waiting for you at the Timbers. Award winning Independent, Assisted Living and Short-Term Care for Seniors
14731 S.Van Dyke Road Plainfield, Illinois 60544
815-267-3800 hw-plainfield-slf.com
THE TIMBERS OF SHOREWOOD 1100 North River Road • Shorewood, IL 60404 815-609-0669 • www.timbersofshorewood.com
SM-AT251112_134501
Managed by Gardant
PAGE 8 | AUGUST 26-27, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM