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Illinois honors fallen police officers

Mendoza blasts state policies that ‘give more rights to criminals’

By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Nine Illinois police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024 were honored at a ceremony in Springfield on May 1.

The Illinois Peace Officers Memorial takes place every year on the first Thursday of May to honor officers who died on the job in the prior year.

Families of the officers are given a plaque honoring their family member’s service by the state’s constitutional elected officials and the officers’ names are inscribed on a memorial outside the Illinois Capitol.

“They woke up every single day knowing that they may be called on to face extreme uncertainty, that on a moment’s notice, they may be required to put themselves in harm’s way to save another,” Gov. JB Pritzker said.

This year’s event honored DeKalb County Deputy Sheriff Christina Musil, De-

partment of Corrections Sgt. Andrew Faught, Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca, Cook County Corrections Deputy Sheriff Rafael Wordlaw, Chicago Police Officer James Crowley, Illinois State Police Trooper Corey Thompsen, Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins and ISP Trooper Clay Carns.

This year’s event also honored K-9s for the first time, including K-9 officers that died in the line of duty from Rockford, Lake County and Alton last year.

Treasurer Mike Frerichs also gave an emotional speech honoring his cousin, a California police officer who recently died. Frerichs’ office provides a college scholarship fund for children of first responders who died on the job.

Former ISP Trooper Kim Cessna, who leads a nonprofit for family members of fallen police officers, gave a personal remembrance of

her colleague Thompsen, who was killed in a crash last October.

Kathleen Rittmanic-Emme, the sister of Bradley Police Officer Marlene Rittmanic who died in 2021, described the emotional toll that court cases take on families following an officer’s death.

“Four years of hell to get what you call justice is absolutely heart-wrenching and ridiculous,” said Rittmanic-Emme.

Rittmanic’s killer was sentenced in January to life in prison.

Martinez’s death was on Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s mind. Martinez was shot and killed during a traffic stop last November on Chicago’s South Side by a man with an illegally modified gun, according to prosecutors.

But it was the suspect’s criminal history that Mendoza said bothered her the most. Block Club Chicago reported the man was on

electronic monitoring when he killed Martinez and had multiple prior convictions, including battery, fleeing the police and aggravated discharge of a firearm. He was also awaiting trial on drug charges at the time of the murder.

“Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez would be with us right now and not on this button or the memorial wall outside if the monster that murdered him was locked up instead of out committing crimes while out on electronic monitoring,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza, a Chicago Democrat and sister of a Chicago Police officer, blasted portions of the SAFE-T Act – a 2021 police reform law championed by Democrats after Geroge Floyd’s murder in 2020.

She said as an elected official, she needs to do more to speak out against policies she believes jeopardize officer safety.

Mendoza called on lawmakers to remove a provision in state law that requires people on home confinement with or without electronic monitoring to be given two days of movement.

“When we give more rights to the criminals than we do to our police officers, we end up with dead officers and increased crime in our communities,” Mendoza said, earning applause from the officers and families in attendance.

Addison village officials sworn in

The Village of Addison recently hosted the 2025 community inauguration ceremony, swearing in newly elected and reelected officials from the Addison Fire Protection District, Addison Public Library, Addison School District 4, DuPage High School District 88, Addison Park District, Addison Township, and Village of Addison. Officials were sworn in by Judges of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court of DuPage County, The Honorable Chantelle Porter and The Honorable Kenneth Toluemke (retired). In attendance were several state representatives, including State Rep. Norma Hernandez, U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez, and U.S. Rep. Jesus Garcia. The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by the Addison police and fire departments Color Guard. The night also included an invocation by Rev. Bob Tetrick from Messiah Baptist Church and music by the Indian Trail Junior High 8th Grade Orchestra and the Addison Trail High School Choir. New Addison Mayor Tom Hundley is shown above addressing those in attendance after being sworn in.

Sam Nasti, Jay Del Roasrio and Catherine Kluczny, Village Clerk Lucille Zucchero and Hundley.

In another photo (top, from left to right) are Village Trustees

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Addison Independent

Opinion

Slices of life

Love to pack, hate to pack

I have a love-hate relationship with packing.

Not packing as in peanuts.

Not packing as in crates. Not packing as in boxes or tape. Not packing as in a wound. Not packing as in heat.

Packing—as in suitcases. I love it.

And then again, I hate it.

I wish I could say I love to hate it, but that just isn’t true. It’s the dichotomy that is true.

Loving something and hating it at the same time, it almost feels like a lie. But in this case, the thing that feels like a lie is the truth, as oxymoronic as that sounds.

How can you love something and then hate it all within the same minute?

Here’s the deal, I love packing because I love planning and, for me, packing involves a whole lot of planning—and organization— which I love as well. I also love anticipation.

Who amongst us doesn’t?

And isn’t packing the epitome of anticipation— typically of something fun, like a trip to the beach?

Every outfit, every pair of shoes brings with it possibilities. A swimsuit, cover-up and flip-flops promise a sunny day at the beach. Something fancy hints at a night out at an upscale restaurant. Good walking shoes illustrate hopes of a hike in the mountains or maybe a trip to the zoo. Even a comfy sweatshirt and slippers give a nod to relaxed mornings sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee.

In a nutshell, packing is putting into motion the positive anticipation of vacation. Let’s go! So there’s the love part.

You might be wondering where the hate comes in.

But then again, it’s probably pretty obvious: I hate that I am not better at packing.

First, I pack too much. Too many socks. Too much underwear. Too much of any sort of clothing, jewelry, shoes, hair products, and beachwear that I’m not going to need, but think I might need and you never know so you might as

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

well stuff it into the suitcase until nothing else will fit and then you just hope for the best in weather, activities and everything else that might or could come up in the next seven days.

I hate the uncertainty of seven days (also known worldwide as a week). What if the temperature is colder than expected? Or warmer? What if it rains? Or snows?

Second, I pack too little. How does one possibly prepare for an entire week away from one’s closet—with only one suitcase? I’ve yet to answer that question—philosophical or not. But the conundrum does thwart me.

A memory of a trip to the happiest theme park on the planet still haunts me. My kids were young. It was March. The happiest place on earth was supposed to be warm. It was not. And I had failed to pack sweatshirts for anyone in the family.

Of course we could buy sweatshirts, but that does not negate the ineptitude involved in not packing sweatshirts for your family in March just because the average temperature is non-sweatshirtworthy, and sweatshirts take up a fairly significant amount of valuable real estate in the average carry-on suitcase—not to mention the conundrum of where and how to pack those newly acquired sweatshirts upon returning home.

I love vacation, and I love packing. I love vacation, and I hate packing.

Much like I love vacation, and I hate vacation. When it ends.

Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

Shining a light on the harmful impact of Trump’s tariffs on Illinois

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Recently, I Recently, I completed a three-stop “Trump Tariff Tour” across our state to hear directly from small business owners, farmers, and workers whose lives are being upended by Donald Trump’s reckless tariff policies.

From Chicago to Bloomington to Urbana, one message was clear: these tariffs are hurting Illinois families and threatening the small businesses that drive our economy.

At every stop—from Testa Produce in Chicago to Kindred Farms in Atlanta to Cloud Mountain Kombucha in Urbana—I listened as business and agricultural leaders described how surging costs and supply chain disruptions are making it harder to survive, let alone thrive. For Illinois’ $200 billion agriculture sector and our family-owned businesses, the consequences of Trump’s trade war are real and rising. These tariffs amount to a hidden tax that raises costs for small businesses, seniors, and every Illinois family on everything from groceries to farm equipment. If fully implemented, Trump’s proposed tariffs could cost the average Illinois household over $4,400 per

year. And with nearly half of all small businesses already bracing for revenue losses, this approach puts our state’s economic future at risk. Now more than ever, we need trade policies that work for Illinois families—not against them. That’s why I’ll keep fighting to end these blanket tariffs and stand up for the workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs who make our state strong.

Celebrating Durbin’s exemplary career of public service

I joined many across Illinois in celebrating Sen. Dick Durbin’s extraordinary career of public service. From expanding access to health care and defending Dreamers to tackling gun violence and confirming a historic number of federal judges, Senator Durbin has delivered real results for working families. His tireless work on behalf of Illinoisans sets the standard for what public service should be.

As he continues his service over the next two years, I look forward to fighting alongside him to deliver even more for our state. From one son of downstate to another: Thank you, Senator.

Cracking down on Congressional stock trading amid tariff turmoil

As market volatility surges in the wake of new Trump Administration

tariff announcements, I’ve called on House leadership to immediately bring our Restoring Faith in Government Act to a vote.

Reports suggest members of Congress may have used non-public information to make timely stock trades, raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest and abuse of power.

One alarming example: on April 9, President Trump wrote on social media, “IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!” just hours before announcing a major tariff decision that sent markets soaring. This kind of behavior opens the door for those with advanced knowledge to profit while everyday Americans are left in the dark.

That’s why I joined a bipartisan group—including Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Cory Mills—to introduce legislation that would ban members of Congress and their families from owning or trading individual stocks while in office.

We need to restore the American people’s trust in their government, and that starts with ensuring elected officials are serving the public—not their portfolios.

Strengthening career and technical education for our students, workers and economy I recently convened

a roundtable at Harry S Truman College with educators, students, and leaders from eight Chicagoland community colleges to discuss how we can strengthen career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare Illinoisans for good-paying, in-demand jobs.

Our conversation focused on meeting urgent workforce needs in sectors like health care, childcare, and skilled trades—all vital to Illinois’ economic growth.

As the author of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, I’ve worked to expand federal support for CTE programs by $1.3 billion annually. These programs ensure students can access strong career pathways without needing a four-year degree while also giving employers the trained workers they need to thrive.

The participants at my roundtable emphasized the need for stable funding, robust apprenticeships, and wraparound support services to help students succeed. I’m committed to advancing these priorities in Congress to ensure our workforce is ready for the future.

Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8 th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes part of Addison, Wood Dale and Bensenville.

Chicago woman charged with leading police on a high-speed chase following alleged theft by co-defendant in Bloomingdale

Vehicle driven by subject involved in a three-car crash at Main and Roosevelt in Lombard; subjects arrested after they reportedly entered bathrooms at Lombard Jewel-Osco

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Bloomingdale Director of Public Safety Frank Giammarese announced on Saturday, May 3, that Judge Michael Burton had granted the state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Chicago woman accused of leading police on a highspeed chase and crashing her car into other vehicles after her co-defendant allegedly stole merchandise from the Bloomingdale Best Buy located at 352 W. Army Trail Road.

Autumn Provine, 21, appeared at First Appearance Court on May 3, and was charged with one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (a Class 4 felony) and 19 misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses, in-

Autumn Provine Frank Cerda

cluding attempted leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury or death, improper lane usage and use of unsafe tires.

Provine’s co-defendant, Frank Cerda, 30, of Chicago, also appeared in First Appearance Court on May 3. Cerda was charged with one count of retail theft, a Class 3 felony. Cerda was released pre-trial as required by law with con-

ditions that he does not enter any Best Buy store.

On Friday, May 2, at approximately 6:12 p.m., Bloomingdale Police patrol officers responded to the Best Buy store for a report of an in-progress retail theft. Upon their arrival, officers learned that a male, later identified as Cerda, allegedly selected a Shark hair dryer and two Polaroid cameras and film totaling approximately $621.97, exited the store and entered the passenger side of a black Lexus RX 300, allegedly driven by Provine.

It is alleged that Provine then left the parking lot and traveled eastbound on Army Trail Road. A Bloomingdale police officer observed the Lexus on Army Trail Road

near Gladstone Drive and activated his emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. It is alleged that instead of pulling over, Provine began traveling at a high rate of speed away from the officer reaching speeds of approximately 55 mph in a 25-mph zone on Gladstone.

It is further alleged that after officers successfully deployed a spike strip, which deflated the rear side tire of the Lexus, Provine continued traveling eastbound on Army Trail Road and eventually turned southbound onto Glen Ellyn Road.

Bloomingdale police terminated their pursuit and approximately six minutes later, Glen Ellyn police officers located the Lexus and attempt-

ed a traffic stop, at which time the Lexus allegedly fled from Glen Ellyn police.

At approximately 6:33 p.m., Lombard police advised that the Lexus driven by Provine was involved in a three-vehicle crash at Main Street and Roosevelt Road.

One victim from that crash was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries.

The Lexus was reportedly destroyed in the crash.

It is alleged that Provine and Cerda exited the Lexus on foot and entered the Lombard Jewel-Osco at 1177 S. Main Street, where they were both located in bathrooms inside the store and taken into custody.

“Once again, the apprehension of the defendants in this

case sends a strong message that in DuPage County if you flee from the police, you will be caught, charged and prosecuted. As I have said countless times, if you see lights and hear sirens, pull over and do not attempt to flee, as this puts the public, as well as the officers involved, at risk,” Berlin said.

“On behalf of those involved in this incident, I wish the innocent victim in this case a speedy recovery. I thank the Bloomingdale Police Department for their efforts and good judgment on this case, the Lombard Police Department for their work in apprehending the defendants as well as the Glen Ellyn Police Department for their assistance.”

Trump’s 100 days: Pritzker calls for mass mobilization as he grows his national profile

Governor introduces himself to new audiences at New Hampshire fundraiser, virtual town hall while dismissing presidential speculation

By Ben Szalinski

Capitol news illinois

President Donald Trump marked the 100th day of his second term on April 29 as Gov. JB Pritzker has spent the week calling on Americans to pressure congressional Republicans to oppose Trump’s agenda and highlighting how Trump’s policies affect Illinois.

“I’m deeply concerned about what the next 100 days, and frankly, the next 1,000 days will be like,” Pritzker said during a virtual town hall.

Pritzker appeared on the MeidasTouch podcast’s live town hall alongside three other Democratic governors: Kathy Hochul, of New York, Maura Healey, of Massachusetts, and Tim Walz, of Minnesota—the unsuccessful 2024 vice presidential nominee.

Throughout the town hall, the second-term Illinois governor continued calling for Americans to make their voices heard against what he perceives as a destructive Trump administration.

“I believe that we all ought to be mobilizing,” Pritzker told a Florida resident. “It’s the best way for us to get across what we really believe is that, you know, show up at your Republican congressman’s office and let them know: Quit shutting down veteran services, quit taking away Social Security and Medicaid.”

But for Democrats to be successful in future election cycles, the party must deliver

results on voters’ priorities, Pritzker said. In addition to explaining a “simple message” about the party’s values to voters, Democrats should also embrace alternative media interviews to reach new voters, he said, pointing to a string of podcasts Walz appeared on during last year’s vice-presidential campaign.

“He was everywhere,” Pritzker said. “We’ve got to do that, all of us, and make sure that the Democratic message of standing up for working families is heard everywhere and directly to people who are online.”

Pritzker’s live podcast appearance April 29 came two days after he delivered blistering criticism of unnamed people in his party for using podcasts and media interviews to chastise other Democrats.

“What I find ironic about the current conversation surrounding our party is that the voices flocking to podcasts and cable news shows to admonish fellow Democrats for not caring enough about the struggles of working families are the same ones who, when it comes to relieving the struggles of real people, have been timid, not bold,” Pritzker told a fundraiser for the New Hampshire Democratic Party on April 27.

New Hampshire has typically held the first presidential primary election, usually following the Iowa caucus.

Pritzker, who also appeared April 28 on MSNBC, has been working himself into the

national spotlight for months since Trump took over the White House in January. Appearances on trendy podcasts and prime time cable TV shows have become a regular part of the governor’s schedule.

Pritzker received national attention after he warned of similarities between Nazi Germany and the Trump administration in his February State of the State address. His remarks in New Hampshire on April 27 drew more attention as headlines in publications including The New York Times declared the speech “stokes 2028 talks.”

Pritzker downplayed any links between the speech and his personal ambitions, saying he’s only trying to send a message to the party about what the platform for 2026 should be while defending Illinois against the Trump administration’s policies.

“I was surprised that so many people covered that,” Pritzker told reporters in Chicago.

The speech also struck a nerve with Republicans as Pritzker suggested Democrats “will never join so many Republicans in the special place in hell reserved for quislings and cowards.”

“Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption,” Pritzker said. “But I am now. These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace. They must understand that we will fight their cru-

elty with every megaphone and microphone that we have. We must castigate them on the soap box and then punish them at the ballot box.”

Pritzker first called on Democrats to become “street fighters” and engage in mass protest at a Human Rights Campaign dinner in March in Los Angelas.

The Illinois Republican Party cried foul in a news release titled “Pritzker calls for violence against Republicans.”

“His comments if nothing else could be construed as inciting violence,” Trump deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said.

Pritzker scoffed at Miller’s criticism, saying he didn’t listen to the speech.

“Peaceful protest is what I’m talking about. It’s about standing up, speaking out,” Pritzker told reporters. “Again, using your megaphone, your microphone, whatever you’ve got. And the peace that I’m talking about is making sure that they know at all times that the American public opposes the policies of Congressional Republicans and of the White House.”

Outside public appearances, Pritzker’s political organization also announced it was beginning a new video series highlighting Illinoisians who have been hurt by cuts to the federal government under Trump. And to mark Trump’s 100th day in office, the governor’s office released a list of 100 ways “Trump and Repub-

licans are hurting Illinois.”

Responding to a Chicago voter’s concerns about affordable housing during the April 29 town hall, Pritzker rattled off legislation and state spending increases approved under his administration as a way he’s trying to help. But he also argued it’s ultimately going to be challenging to

address such concerns with Trump as president.

“Donald Trump is making everything harder,” Pritzker said. “Housing, rent, being able to borrow money to buy your first home, or any home, and that’s something that we’re all going to have to live with until we’re able to overturn the Congress.”

Sign up now for Bensenville Park District summer camps

New week-long farm camps added for 2025

The Bensenville Park District urges patrons to enroll now in summer camp programs.

Early bird registrants can save $10 per session by signing up for Under the Sun and Fischer Farm camp sessions on or before May 9.

The district offers three distinct summer camps for children ages 6 to 10 in addition to a teen camp for those ages 11-15 and Tot Camp (age 2), Sunshine Camp (ages 3-5) and Sunset Camp for ages 3-5. Summer 2025 brings two new camp experiences: Busy Bees Farm Camp for ages 3-5 and Farm Explorers Camp for ages 1115.

Busy Bees Farm Camp runs July 14-18 and allows children ages 3-5 to get outside and enjoy farm-themed activities especially made for preschoolers at the Pine Room.

Participants will learn about different aspects of farm life in a fun and engaging way. Campers will enjoy a morning complete with farm-themed crafts, activities and playtime at Pines Park. Snack time will be

included so campers are encouraged to bring their own nut-free snacks and water bottle.

At Farm Explorers Camp, campers ages 11-15 will meet at Fischer Farm and go on a day long field trips to farms throughout the Chicagoland area. This travel camp runs July 21-24 and provides a great opportunity for campers to learn about farms, the environment, agriculture and animals.

Fischer Farm Camp allows children ages 6-10 to explore and enjoy farm life. Participants will interact with animals and learn about working and living on a farm. Participants will hike, churn butter, take care of goats and feed chickens.

Adventure Camp—based at the Deer Grove Leisure Center (DGLC), 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville— emphasizes fun, making new friends and trying new activities. Campers aged 6-10 will have a summer full of adventure, cool crafts, games, new discoveries about their surroundings, fantastic field trips, afternoon swim time and nature exploration.

Police Reports

The Addison and Bensenville police departments recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy.

Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Addison

April 29

A 20-year-old Addison woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 100 block of S. Lincoln at 6:02 p.m.

April 28

Fabian Funez, 48, of Addison, was charged with DUI, driving while vehicle registration suspended, driving while license expired and no insurance near Valerie and Michael at 8:52 p.m.

April 27

A 31-year-old Addison woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 700 block of N. Meadows at 8:09 p.m.

All skill levels are welcome at Sports Camp at the DGLC. The focus of this camp for 6- to 10-year-olds is having fun, learning good sportsmanship, practicing new skills and developing athletic abilities. Participants learn the rules to a new sport each session, then compete against their friends near the end of the session. Campers will also enjoy field trips and swim time.

Teen Leadership Camp, for those aged 11-15, teaches responsibility, respect and cooperation as campers take on the role of counselors in training. Teens will enjoy interesting crafts, cool games and sports, afternoon swim time, exciting field trips and opportunities to help lead the younger campers in activities. They will also take field trips on their own.

“The Bensenville Park District offers many different kinds of summer camps for ages 3-15, so children can explore multiple interests throughout the summer and parents can feel good about providing a variety of positive experiences for their children,” said Recreation Supervisor-Program Coordinator Leslie Monarrez.

Addison Trail presents second Energy Rush Showcase

On April 11, Addison Trail presented its second Energy Rush Showcase. The event featured 19 numbers that were choreographed and taught by group leaders. The members also invited alumni, the LCD dance group (owned by an Addison Trail alumna) and Morton East’s K-Star Dance Group to perform (with whom they became acquainted through the West Suburban Leadership Conference last year).

Woodridge man sentenced to 10 years for fatal

DUI crash

A 31-year-old Addison man was charged with domestic battery in the 800 block of College.

April 26

Epitacio Lopez Gomez, 23, of Addison, was charged with improper lane usage, improper turn signal and two counts of DUI near Addison Road at 12:39 a.m.

April 25

Eric C. Miller, 40, of Wood Dale, was charged with DUIdrugs in the 300 block of W. Lake at 1:48 a.m.

David A. Pirog, 42, of Addison, was charged with DUI-drugs and driving while license revoked or suspended at 11:32 a.m.

April 24

Michelle M. Moss, 56, of Addison, was charged with DUI-drugs, improper lane usage and no insurance near Lake and Central at 12:15 a.m.

Bensenville April 30, 8:30 p.m. near S. York Road, Carlos Reyes-Romero, 42, of Bensenville, was arrested for driving under the influence. BEPC2500315

Tot Camp offers a caring and gentle introduction to the camp experience for two-year-olds with a new and exciting theme presented each week. Campers meet in the Bamboo Room from 9 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and enjoy nature exploration, vegetable gardening, water play and visits to the splash pad on hot days. They also play games, get messy with sensory craft projects and have story time.

The Sunshine Camp caters to children ages 3-5 and is designed to foster children’s growth and independence through exploration, guest speakers, sports, camp songs and playground time. The camps run from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Tiny Tot Room.

Camps begin Monday, June 9. Before- and after-camp experiences are also available for those ages 6 and older. Registration can be completed in person at the DGLC, and payments may be made with cash, credit card, money order or check payable to the Bensenville Park District. For more information, visit BvilleParks. org/Camps.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced earlier last week that a Woodridge man accused of killing a bicyclist while driving drunk and then fleeing the scene has been sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Salil Chander, 35, appeared in court on Monday, April 28, and entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill to one count of aggravated DUI resulting in the death of another person (Class 2 felony), in front of Judge Joseph Bugos, who handed down the sentence.

On Aug. 8, 2023, Chander appeared in bond court where bond was set at $1 million with 10 percent to apply. In October 2024, following a pre-trial detention hearing under the new Pre-Trial Fairness

Act, Chander was granted pre-trial release. On Aug. 6, 2023, at approximately 5:05 p.m., Woodridge police officers responded to a 911 call for assistance on the 4100 block of Nelson Court. Approximately three minutes later, the caller notified officers that the individual, later identified as Chander, had left the home in a silver Kia. Approximately one minute later, Chander struck a light pole on Nelson Court.

After striking the light pole, he continued driving westbound on Green Trails Drive when he veered into the eastbound lane of Green Trails Drive and struck and killed 64-year-old Michael Norton of Naperville, who was riding a bicycle. After striking Norton with his ve-

hicle, Chander continued to drive away. An eyewitness to the crash called 911. Woodridge police officers were on the scene within 10 seconds of the call and located Chander approximately three-tenths of a mile away, near Green Trails Drive and Ridgewood Road, where he was taken into custody. Following an investigation into the crash, authorities learned that at the time of the crash Chander’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) was 0.222, nearly three times the legal limit. Chander will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. He was taken off the floor following his court appearance on April 28 and immediately began serving his sentence.

Glowiak Hilton working to enhance standards for sexual assault evidence collection

At-home sexual assault evidence collection kits, often sold and marketed directly to consumers, are raising concerns about their reliability and the risks they pose to survivors seeking justice. State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is working to strengthen standards by ensuring evidence is collected by trained medical professionals.

“At-home collection kits may sound ideal for privacy reasons, but they don’t provide the same level of support or legal integrity as exams conduct-

ed by a medical professional,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “No one should be sold false hope during one of the most traumatic experiences in their life.”

At-home sexual assault evidence collection kits are marketed online as an alternative to medical forensic exams, but they lack the oversight and expertise needed for reliable evidence collection.

In Illinois, professional exams not only address physical trauma but offer emotional support, with a trained crisis

advocate explaining the survivor’s rights and options. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners conduct the exams, collect evidence according to established protocols and can testify in court if necessary.

The Illinois Attorney General has raised concerns that these at-home kits are unreliable and unlikely to hold up in criminal court proceedings due to issues with evidence handling.

House Bill 2548 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April 30.

Worship Services Directory

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am

“The Crucial Hours”

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

Wednesday Service at 7pm

Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26

Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, May 24, Game Night at 4 pm

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

Everyone is Welcome!

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18

Fifth Lenten Service

Rev. Tom Nicholson Resurrection, Aurora

Sixth Lenten Service

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Good Friday Tenebrae Easter Sunrise

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17 Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17

Join us at the corner of Spring and Vallette 314 W. Vallette Street, Elmhurst, IL www.epiphanyelmhurst.org 630-832-8457

Worship with Us! Saturdays 5:30pm Sundays 9:30am

All are Welcome!

Sunday services are live streamed on our website. Children’s Sunday School, Childcare and Adult Opportunities Available 470618

Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM

Daily Masses:

Monday Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM

Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM

Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM

Adoration: Parish Center Eucharist Chapel 24/7

Former Gov. George Ryan dead at 91; remembered for corruption conviction, halting death penalty

Ryan imprisoned for bribery scheme while serving as Secretary of

By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan died Friday morning, May 2, at 91, more than two decades after leaving office for the last time and 12 years after his release from federal prison.

He died just one day after being put into hospice care in his native Kankakee.

Ryan, a Republican, served one term as governor from 1999 to 2003, and spent the last decade or so of his life speaking about and ultimately writing a book on his 2000 decision to put a moratorium on Illinois’ death penalty and then commuting the sentences of 167 death row inmates in the state’s prison system to life sentences.

“I can’t really believe that there’s ever gonna be a system devised where an innocent person couldn’t be executed,” Ryan told Capitol News Illinois in a 2020 interview.

“You gotta have a perfect law if you’re gonna have … death as a penalty. So I just figured the best way to do it was to do away with that opportunity.”

But Ryan’s time as governor—and his entire 35-year

career in politics—was ultimately overshadowed by his time as secretary of state in the 1990s. During his two terms leading that office, Ryan oversaw a license-forbribes scheme that led to the deaths of six children in a fiery vehicle explosion and 79 federal indictments, including his own.

Before that, Ryan served as lieutenant governor alongside Gov. Jim Thompson, whose law firm would later represent Ryan pro bono in his corruption case. He also spent two years as Illinois House speaker, capping a decade in the General Assembly.

A pharmacist by trade, Ryan began his political career in the late 1960s on the Kankakee County Board.

License-for-bribes conviction

The former governor spent nearly six years in prison and on home confinement after his 2006 conviction on corruption charges stemming from an investigation into a freak accident on a Milwaukee expressway in 1994.

The Willis family, who’d been driving from Chicago

to a vacation in Wisconsin, were engulfed in flames when their minivan exploded after a taillight fell off a semitrailer truck and punctured the van’s fuel tank. The explosion killed the six Willis children, while the Rev. Duane Willis and his wife Janet were badly burned.

An investigation into the crash revealed that other motorists had tried to warn the semi driver about the dangling vehicle part, but he didn’t understand English, even though federal law requires truck drivers be proficient in English to get a commercial license.

After Wisconsin authorities passed along the information to the Secretary of State’s office, an internal investigation found the truck driver may have paid a bribe to get his license. But Ryan squashed the probe and fired the investigators.

The feds, however, picked up the investigation while Ryan was running for governor, finding a systematic operation in which bribes paid for commercial driver’s licenses were funneled into Ryan’s campaign fund.

Even as secretary of state employees were being indicted in what came to be known as Operation Safe Roads, Ryan claimed to know nothing about the scheme and was elected governor over Democratic then-U.S. Rep. Glenn Poshard in 1998.

But as the investigation reached a fever pitch and the cloud of suspicion over Ryan grew, he chose to not run for a second term as governor in 2002. That paved the way for Democrat Rod Blagojevich’s victory over Republican Jim Ryan, who suffered from sharing a surname and party with the then-governor.

Ryan was indicted in 2004, convicted in 2006 after a lengthy trial and went to prison in 2007 following a monthslong appeals process, making him the third Illinois governor to serve time. Several years later, Blagojevich would follow.

Death penalty moratorium

Since his 2013 release from prison and subsequent stint on home confinement, Ryan dedicated the last years of his life returning to a subject he’d

become passionate about as governor: the death penalty.

Ryan parlayed his speaking engagements into a book, co-authored with a former Chicago Tribune reporter and published in 2020. The book, titled “Until I Could Be Sure: How I Stopped the Death Penalty in Illinois,” detailed the former governor’s debates and deliberations leading up to his decision to put a moratorium on the state’s death penalty in January 2000.

Just before leaving office three years later, Ryan commuted the death sentences of 167 Illinois prisoners, which garnered international attention.

Ryan’s ascent to the governor’s office coincided with emerging DNA evidence technology and a wave of exonerations across the country, including in Illinois. The state would later become known as an outlier for false confessions and exonerations. But at the time, Ryan’s stance was controversial in a tough-oncrime era of politics.

In his 2020 interview with CNI, Ryan said the majority of his staff tried to dissuade him from making moves

State

on the death penalty, which wouldn’t be officially abolished in Illinois until 2011.

But Ryan said the uncertainty of decisions made under the death penalty system bothered him, especially in the wake of the exoneration of death row inmate Anthony Porter in February 1999, when Ryan was a month into his term as governor. Porter was freed after journalism students at Northwestern University uncovered evidence of his innocence.

“The whole system was just prone with error,” Ryan said.

“It’s just—you got error in every corner.”

Former Illinois House GOP Leader Jim Durkin, who in 2023 stepped down from the post Ryan held decades before, told CNI he’d gotten to know the former governor better in his later years through Ryan’s son Homer. Durkin said when he’d meet up with the Ryans in Kankakee while campaigning for fellow House Republicans, their lunches would often be punctuated by locals who’d wanted to say, “‘Hello, gover-

Lombard Garden Club to meet May 16

The Lombard Garden Club has announced a program, titled “Dahlias–Living Fireworks” with presenter Carol Cichorski, scheduled for Friday, May 16.

Carol and her husband Mike “found” dahlias 25 years ago and their lives have not been the same since. They plant tubers in the basement in February and grow several hundred plants for their yard

and garden club sales. Mike is past president of the Central States Dahlia Society. Carol loves to share their dahlia passion and let you know how you can easily grow dahlias too.

The program will be held at 1 p.m. at the Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road in Lombard. There is no charge and the public is welcome to attend.

The Lombard Garden Club is an award-winning 99-yearold organization that promotes an interest in gardening and the beautification of the landscape in our community. The club welcomes fellow gardeners who enjoy learning opportunities and the company of others. Please check the club’s website for details at www.lombardgardenclub. org.

RE/MAX agent Kathy Volpe earns annual sales production award

Local agent honored for outstanding business performance

Kathy Volpe, with RE/ MAX Suburban, has earned the RE/MAX 100% Club Award, which recognizes high-achieving real estate professionals for their service to buyers and/or sellers during the past year.

Volpe has received this and even higher honors for a consistent number of years.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award,” said Volpe. “As a real estate agent

with RE/MAX Suburban, I’m fully committed to helping my clients and consumers find the home that is right for them. It’s truly an honor to be surrounded by such an incredibly supportive team.”

Volpe has been serving her community of Lombard (and surrounding communities) as a real estate agent with RE/ MAX for over 40 years and has extensive experience in Residential Real Estate,

earning ABR, CRS, CSC, FSS&R, GRI, SRES Designations.

Among Volpe’s list of achievements with RE/MAX, she has earned the Lifetime Achievement, Platinum Club, Executive Club, Hall of Fame and Pioneer Club awards. In addition, Volpe actively supports the Lombard Chamber of Commerce, Lombard Historical Society and Rotary Club of Lombard.

Scan QR Code to find a

The Rams are rolling

The Glenbard East softball team reeled off four Upstate Eight Conference wins in a four-day span last week to raise its conference record to 11-1. The Rams finished their successful week with two decisive non-conference victories at Saturday’s tournament at Rolling Meadows High School. Those two wins pushed Glenbard East’s overall season record to 14-2. The Rams opened the week with a 19-0 fourinning conference win over East Aurora on April 28 in Lombard. One day later, Glenbard East posted a 3-0 conference home win over Elmwood Park. Sophomore Claire Bolda (right - No. 23) pitched a one-hit shutout to lead Glenbard East to its April 29 win over the visiting Tigers. Bolda allowed one hit and no walks in seven innings in the circle. She piled up 15 strikeouts. Elmwood Park picked up its only hit of the game with a two-out single in the top of the fifth inning. Senior Melissa Saldana went 1-for-3 and drove in one run for the Rams. Saldana’s single in the bottom of the third inning gave Glenbard East a 1-0 lead. The Rams added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Saldana is pictured (above left) after she fielded a groundball in front of sophomore shortstop Lilly Carver (No. 22) and made a throw to first base. One more photo from the game shows senior Madison Krillies (above right - No. 66) of the Rams playing first base. Glenbard East’s week continued with a 7-2 conference win at West Aurora on April 30. Bolda delivered another completegame performance, recording 16 strikeouts over seven innings in the Rams’ triumph over the Blackhawks. Sophomore Ally Amrhein belted a two-run home run in the top of the first inning to give Glenbard East a 2-0 lead. The Rams picked up two more runs in the first inning to grab a quick 4-0 edge. Bolda and sophomore Althea Fitzgerald provided two hits each in the win. The Rams moved to 11-1 in conference action following their 20-2 wipeout of Elgin in a threeinning road contest on May 1. Saldana went 3-for-3 with two homers and eight RBIs. Glenbard East opened Saturday’s event with a 9-2 win over Evanston. In their second game of the day, the Rams walloped Rolling Meadows 17-0 in four innings.

Rams win two of three matches

Glenbard East’s boys volleyball team won two of three matches last week. The Rams began their week with a 22-25, 25-16, 25-20 Upstate Eight Conference victory over Riverside Brookfield on April 29 in Lombard. One day later, the Rams beat Naperville Central 25-23, 2516 in a non-conference match in Naperville. Playing its third match in as many days, Glenbard East lost a threegame non-conference battle to St. Charles North on May 1. The Rams won the opening game of that match, but St. Charles North rallied for a 17-25, 25-17, 25-20 win. Sophomore Gloire Emena bashed 14 kills and made nine digs for the Rams in last week’s win over Riverside Brookfield. Junior Gabe Polyak provided 12 kills and seven digs for the Rams, who improved their conference record to 2-0 with their victory over the visiting Bulldogs. Senior Max McDermott contributed 21 assists and six digs for Glenbard East. Junior Charlie Cooper supplied 18 assists and seven digs. Junior Nate Lynch and senior Ryan Ghannem connected for five and four kills, respectively. Senior Cooper Wooldridge added three kills, three blocks and two digs. Junior Jake Hayes made 10 digs. Emena hit eight kills in last week’s win at Naperville Central. Polyak bashed six kills. McDermott provided a team-leading 15 assists. McDermott (top left - No. 9) piled up 15 assists and eight digs in the Rams’ three-game loss to St. Charles North. Polyak (top right - No. 3) hit nine kills and made five digs in the May 1 contest. Emena provided seven kills and nine digs. Lynch (left - No. 12) and Ghannem pounded six kills each. Hayes (pictured below) made 14 digs, while Cooper handed out 12 assists.

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

High-scoring week for Rams

Glenbard East’s girls soccer team won three straight matches in a five-day span to raise its overall season record to 5-7-2. The Rams routed Ridgewood 10-0 in an Upstate Eight Conference match at Ridgewood on April 29. Glenbard East’s week continued with a 6-0 non-conference victory at Glenbard North on May 1. The Rams’ winning streak continued with Saturday’s 3-1 conference win over Elmwood Park in Lombard. Glenbard East sophomore Sam Anderson (above left - No. 3) scored four of her team’s goals in last week’s win over Ridgewood. Senior Brissa Sarabia netted three goals, while sophomore Jessica Gilleran (above right - No. 10) supplied two goals. Junior Nora Opila provided one goal and three assists. Sophomore Teagan Murphy contributed two assists. Sarabia, Murphy, Opila, Gilleran, senior Cleo Glenzinski (right - No. 4) and junior Lily Tripp scored one goal each during the Rams’ triumph at Glenbard North. Glenzinski and Opila scored goals in the first half of Saturday’s home match against Elmwood Park. Glenbard East led the visiting Tigers 2-1 at halftime. Opila scored the only goal of the second half with about 10 seconds left in the match. The Rams raised their conference record to 2-0-1 with Saturday’s win. Glenbard East’s schedule this week includes conference matches against Riverside Brookfield, West Chicago and Fenton. Anderson, Gilleran and Glenzinski are pictured during Saturday’s victory over Elmwood Park.

Warriors beat Broncos

The Willowbrook and Montini Catholic girls soccer teams squared off in last week’s match in Villa Park. The Warriors defeated the visiting Broncos 2-0 in the April 30 contest. Willowbrook secured its second win of the season with its victory over Montini and moved its overall 2025 season record to 2-11-1. The Broncos’ record dropped to 5-7 following their loss to the Warriors. Senior Emily Barth (right - No. 6) gave Willowbrook a 1-0 lead over Montini when she headed the ball into the net off of a corner kick by senior Liz Tretina with about 31 minutes remaining in the first half. Senior Halie Ahrens (middle - No. 22) extended the Warriors’ lead to 2-0 when she scored on a penalty kick with about 24 minutes left in the second half. One more photo from the match shows (left to right) Montini senior Annalee DeFeo and Willowbrook freshman Alina Blain (far right - No. 14).

Winning Warriors

The Willowbrook softball team earned a pair of West Suburban Gold Conference wins last week to improve to 12-7 overall and 4-0 in conference play. The Warriors traveled to Hinsdale South and defeated the Hornets 13-3 in a six-inning conference game on April 30. Two days later, Willowbrook routed Proviso East 19-0 in a four-inning contest in Villa Park. Senior Sonia Ruchala went 3-for-3 and drove in five runs for the Warriors in last week’s win at Hinsdale South. Ruchala scored four runs for Willowbrook, which piled up seven runs during the top of the fifth inning. Junior Marli Smrz went 3-for4 and scored three runs in the Warriors’ win over the Hornets. Senior Isabel Bates went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Sophomore Aleena McNamara went 2-for-4 and drove in one run. Sophomore Liz Pettinger went 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Ruchala went 3-for-3 with a home run and drove in three runs in Friday’s dominant victory over Proviso East. Marli Smrz went 3-for-3 with one RBI. Juniors Allie Coppersmith, Adrianna Weaser and Delaney Smrz supplied two hits each. Bates is pictured while firing a pitch during Friday’s game. She didn’t give up any hits in two innings in the circle. Bates recorded four strikeouts and walked one batter. Willowbrook junior Kyleigh Miazga pitched the final two innings of Friday’s game against the Pirates. Miazga did not allow any hits or walks. She struck out four batters.