AI122123

Rock Valley Publishing

FREE TAKE ONE

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Addison

Independent

VOL. 21 • NO. 1

7:30-8:30 p.m. | Frid

ay, Dec. 29 | DGLC Gy

m

Dress in your party gear~ BOAS! GLAM ! GLITT $8 | $6 In-District.

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

ER!

Core Class Passes do

not apply.

@BvilleParks

446892

Page 1

THURSDAY, DEC. 21, 2023

Angelo Battaglia delivered Elmhurst a slice of life… and pizza Owner of Two Brothers, Angelo’s, Rosalia’s passes away at 89

By Dee Longfellow

Italy.

Founder and owner of “Those who touch our lives stay in our Two Brothers from Italy, hearts forever. I will miss my dear, longtime Angelo’s Ristorante, and friend.”

Rosalia’s Deli in Elmhurst, Those are the words of a person who left a Angelo Battaglia passed comment about Angelo Battaglia at the web away on Nov. 26, 2023, at site of the Pedersen Ryberg funeral home. the age of 89. He was born A dear friend indeed… and then there’s in Altavilla Milicia, Sicily the food! Over the years, Angelo Battaglia on March 10, 1934.

Angelo brought some of the best food, along Angelo was a child Battaglia with outstanding restaurant service and during World War II and would remember event catering right here to the Elmhurst the hardships. Growing up, he worked with community all the way from his homeland of his father on his family’s land in Sicily. With FOR THE INDEPENDENT

just a fifth grade education, Angelo was wiser than many and accomplished so much.

At age 26, he married Rosalia, the love of his life, and they celebrated 63 years together this past Nov. 12.

Along with Rosalia and their three children, Angelo immigrated to Germany and then, on to the United States, where they arrived on May 13, 1972. The Battaglia family started their new life here in Elmhurst. Times were difficult at first, but Angelo persisted, often holding two or three jobs at a time to take care of his family.

Angelo and his brother rented a small

space at 128 W. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst and converted it into a small Italian restaurant, where they began their legacy on April 25, 1976. Angelo had a tenacity to develop his own recipes, most of which have never been changed since.

One year later, Angelo and Rosalia became the sole proprietors of the Two Brothers from Italy restaurant. With an unwavering and determined work ethic, he eventually opened Angelo’s Ristorante in 1994, followed by Rosalia’s Deli in 2010.

See BATTAGLIA, Page 3

SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent

Inside:

Opinion....................4 Sports................20-23 Speak Out.................5 Classifieds..............24

Key Club holds Holiday Backpack Project Members of the Addison Trail Key Club hosted a Holiday Backpack Project on Tuesday, Dec. 12, when more than 40 backpacks, donated by the Women’s Club of Addison, which the students filled with school supplies and hygiene products donated by AT staff members. The bags will support AT students and their families, who are in need of basic necessities.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC

Page 2

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

District 87 Board of Education authorizes referendum to address facility needs Last week, the Glenbard District 87 Board of Education authorized the administration to proceed with a referendum to assist in funding Glenbard District 87’s 10-year Facility Master Plan.

A group of parents, students, principals and members of the planning team presented the Facility Master Plan to the board at its Nov. 27 meeting. The plan is the culmination of a process that began in 2022 to identify next steps to improve Glenbard’s four high schools and gather community feedback on priorities.

On Dec. 11, the board unanimously approved a resolution to place a question on the March 19, 2024 ballot to seek voter approval to issue $183 million in bonds to improve the sites of and alter, repair and equip Glenbard’s four high schools, which are between 51 and 101 years old.

The new Facility Master Plan identified $312 million of priorities for improvements at each of the high schools. Glenbard District 87 is asking the community to approve $183 million of bonds to fund the plan, and the district will contribute $129 million of funding from its operating revenues over the next 10 years to fund the $312 million plan.

The bond proposal will cost the owner of a $300,000 home about $4 per week.

Superintendent David Larson said, “This is an exciting chapter in Glenbard’s history. I look forward to moving forward with this proposal. We have many facility needs, and we are eager to launch the 10-year facility master plan to address those needs.”

In February, Glenbard District 87 engaged

Wold Architects & Engineers to develop a new 10-year facility master plan. The previous 10year facility plan concluded with the summer 2023 capital improvement projects. In 2014, Glenbard committed to spending $100 million over 10 years on the facility needs; however, Glenbard exceeded that commitment by spending $154 million over the past 10 years ($35 million from 2014 referendum) while maintaining balanced budgets.

The proposed improvements will address significant needs. While Glenbard’s buildings are structurally sound, they are old and out-ofdate, according to the district.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations/CSBO Seth Chapman said, “We are committed to ensuring our buildings support today’s best practices in curriculum and instruction. The referendum is a path forward that continues our history of responsible planning. We spend less on buildings and operations; carry less debt; and have a lower tax rate than most districts in the metropolitan area.”

Addressing these needs now allows the district to continue to protect what matters most by avoiding expensive, future repairs, according to Larson.

“Doing so will make sure we continue to provide the type of schools and community our children and families need and deserve,” Larson said.

The majority of the projects identified in the new 10-year Facility Master Plan fall into the following categories: • Continue to upgrade and renovate, where needed, building infrastructure—items like

The Moreci Family Invites You to Experience

the Finest Selection of Italian Cuisine. Roberto’s Ristorante Features One-of-a-Kind Gourmet Specialties Custom Created by Experienced Chefs Inquire about our private party luncheons for Memorials, Corporate Meetings, Graduations, Confirmations, Weddings & Baptisms Try Our

Stadium Pizza Carry-Out & Delivery Only

483 SPRING ROAD ELMHURST Reservations 630.279-8486 Pizzeria 630.279.8474 www.robertosristorante.com

Let our Family cater to your Family!!

Make Your Holiday Party Reservations Now!

Call for Details.

Call us for Carry Out or Delivery Service

CELEBRATING OUR 61 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Roberto’s Pizzeria

Established in 1962 FAST DELIVERY AND CARRY OUT SERVICE

DOWNLOAD THE ROBERTO’S APP Order online and receive Royalty points

483 SPRING ROAD, ELMHURST • 630-279-8474 • www.robertosristorante.com Open 7 Days A Week M-Th. 11am-10pm • Fri. 11am-11pm • Sat. 12pm-11pm • Sun. 12pm-10pm

1 OFF

$ 00

On Full Slab of Ribs

On 14”, 16” or 18” Pizza

Pick Up or Delivery Only • One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not valid with any other coupons, offers, or including Royalty reward points Not Valid In Dining Room Expires Dec. 28, 2023

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Pick Up or Delivery Only • One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not valid with any other coupons, offers, or including Royalty reward points Not Valid In Dining Room Expires Dec. 28, 2023

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

FREE

2 Liter of Soda

with $25 Purchase or More

Pick Up or Delivery Only • One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not valid with any other coupons, offers, or including Royalty reward points Not Valid In Dining Room Expires Dec. 28, 2023

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

1 OFF

$ 00

On 14”, 16” or 18” Pizza

Pick Up or Delivery Only • One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not valid with any other coupons, offers, or including Royalty reward points Not Valid In Dining Room Expires Dec. 28, 2023

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

446888

1 OFF

$ 50

roofs, windows, electrical systems, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems; • Enhance safety and security systems and entrances throughout the district; • Upgrade out-of-date science labs; • Modify classrooms to support current best practices in curriculum and instruction; and • Upgrade cafeteria space to provide flexible learning and program spaces and eliminate overcrowding.

Investing in community assets is critical as the district maintains approximately 1.6 million square feet of space and continues to demonstrate fiscal stewardship demonstrated by the low amount of the total budget allocated toward debt payments (roughly 2.2 percent).

The following is how the referendum will be

stated on the ballot: Shall the Board of Education of Glenbard Township High School District Number 87, DuPage County, Illinois, install safety and security improvements, increase accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, repair and replace mechanical systems, roofs and other infrastructure, improve energy efficiency and technology infrastructure, renovate classrooms, science labs, vocational labs and learning spaces and undertake other building and site improvements to, and purchase equipment for, each of the School District’s four high schools—Glenbard East, Glenbard North, Glenbard South and Glenbard West—and issue its bonds to the amount of $183,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

After pushing for law targeting ‘crisis pregnancy centers,’ attorney general backs off legal fight Bill sponsor, Terra Costa Howard, calls Kwame Raoul’s decision ‘heartbreaking’ and a ‘gut punch’ to women

By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A little over six months after pushing Democrats in the General Assembly to pass a law targeted at limited services pregnancy centers, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has agreed in a legal filing to stop the state’s enforcement of it.

Raoul’s decision to permanently halt enforcement of the law came in an agreed order that effectively ends a lawsuit filed by anti-abortion groups within an hour of Gov. JB Pritzker signing the bill into law this past summer.

The order still needs approval from a federal judge in Rockford who previously called the law “both stupid and very likely unconstitutional” when granting a preliminary injunction against the law a week after it was signed.

The anti-abortion groups behind the lawsuit quickly claimed victory last week.

“This law is just one of a number of illegal new laws enacted across the country that restrict pro-life speech,” Thomas More Society executive vice president and head of litigation Peter Breen, a Lombard resident, said in a statement. “We hope this permanent injunction, with full attorney’s fees, serves as a warning to other states that would seek to follow Illinois and try to silence pro-life viewpoints.”

The law, passed during the final days of the General Assembly’s spring legislative session, expanded Illinois’ longstanding Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to specifically include limited services pregnancy centers, often referred to as “crisis pregnancy centers.”

Those facilities advertise services like ultrasounds and material help such as baby formula, diapers and parenting classes, but also aim to deter women from having abortions.

Abortion rights advocates claim CPCs often employ aggressive tactics to confuse those seeking abortion care and ultimately talk them out of terminating their pregnancies by means including directing them to their facilities instead of the actual clinics the abortion-seekers were hoping to find. Under the law, a judge or jury could award up to $50,000 in civil penalties for each act of fraud or deception proven in court.

Judge Iain Johnston in the Northern District of Illinois sided with CPCs in early August, temporarily blocking the law on First Amendment grounds.

The day the bill was signed in late July, Raoul told reporters he was “confident” the law would be upheld in court, saying crisis pregnancy centers are “not free to lie to people and to use deceptive practices.”

Raoul has often recounted his visit to an abortion clinic where his driver was stopped

by CPC volunteers who carried clipboards and attempted to divert him from going into the facility, instead saying they needed to check him in first.

“There’s nothing in the First Amendment that protects that type of action,” he said in July.

Though he and his surrogates had insisted this spring that the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act needed an expansion to explicitly name CPCs in the same way the law names other businesses like car dealers, Raoul on Dec. 11 indicated he’d use the existing law to sue CPCs if needed.

He said the agreed order “in no way affects my ongoing work protecting women’s rights to access the full range of reproductive health services.”

At a news conference Dec. 12, Pritzker said he agreed that the existing state law “will do what’s necessary to keep organizations like the crisis pregnancy centers from providing misinformation, disinformation and allow people to sue under that act.”

But House sponsor,42nd District Rep. Terra Costa Howard, said Raoul’s decision to “back off” from the legal fight over the law is a “gut punch” to women in Illinois and beyond, especially after Monday’s (Dec. 11) ruling from the Texas Supreme Court that denied a woman the opportunity to end her medically unviable pregnancy in order to “preserve her own health and fertility.”

“As the House sponsor of this bill, I am heartbroken by the decision to back down on our promise to Illinois women that these deceptive centers and their staffs will face legal consequences if they tell lies or conceal

See CENTERS, Page 25

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 3A

District 88 hires new The student success coordinator IndependenT

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Ravi Patel named 88’s Best

Pictured here with Addison Trail principal Jack Andrews, left, is Ravi Patel, right, who has been named as Addison Trail’s December recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding academic accomplishments. Patel, a senior, was recognized during the Dec. 11 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

AT junior excels in translation competition Addison Trail has announced that junior Gabriela Carpenter has been named as an award recipient in the European Union Center’s 2023-24 Illinois High School Translation Competition.

The winners were recognized during a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 8 at the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago.

The Illinois High School Translation Competition aims to promote the study of less-commonly taught languages and to provide high school students with hands-on experience in translation.

Carpenter participated in the Polish-English Division and earned an Honorable Mention, which she also received in 2021. This year, she translated an excerpt from “Kwiat kalafiora” by Malgorzata Musierowicz.

• Battaglia

During its Dec. 11 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education approved the administration’s recommendation to name VaLarie Humphrey as the district’s new VaLarie student success coHumphrey ordinator.

Joining Addison Trail in 2021-22, Humphrey immediately made an impact as the school’s part-time student success coordinator.

The district looks forward to having Humphrey work with Willowbrook students as well.

“Humphrey has an innate ability to connect with students and staff and push them to reach their full potential, while providing the support they need,” said Dr. Jean Barbanente, District 88 superintendent. “Public education can be challenging to navigate and Humphrey does it in a way that calls people in to work together toward achieving excellence for all students.

Her enthusiasm and passion to ensure a welcoming environment is contagious and she inspires all those around her to be better.”

With more than 35 years of experience in education, Humphrey has traveled the world as a motivational/ transformational speaker. She was an educator in Chicago Public Schools and Bellwood School District 88, served as a principal with Quad County Urban League, was an administrator with Indian Prairie School District 204 and is a professor at Aurora University, where she will earn her doctorate in Educational Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring in 2024. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Western

Illinois University, she obtained her master’s degree from Benedictine University.

Humphrey’s personal journey of perseverance provides an interesting perspective to encourage students to accomplish their goals. Her focus is to make sure each student succeeds, and she does so by fostering an inclusive environment and authentic relationships with each child and their family members and teachers.

Examples of the positive effects Humphrey has implemented at Addison Trail include: • an intervention program for African American students during the school’s resource period.

• completing “B.A.G.” or Behavior, Attendance and Grades, checking each student.

• educating students about the importance and value of the SAT. • sponsoring the school’s BEYOND Club, which provides mentorship and academic support for African American students to enable them to thrive holistically in high school and BEYOND. About 85 percent of the school’s African American population is part of this group.

• hosting meetings for African American parents and staying in frequent contact with them to discuss their child’s successes and areas for improvement.

• Humphrey founded several events to empower and assist students.

“Humphrey greets everyone with a warm smile, an aura of positive energy and her catchphrase, ‘Be amazing on purpose,’ Dr. Barbanente said. “That statement is more than just words for Humphrey – it’s a motto to live by. And her passion is to make sure students embody that philosophy as well.”

EEHealth named a 15 Top Health System 5th year in a row

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Gabriela Carpenter

Fortune and PINC AI have named Edward-Elmhurst Health (EEH), now Endeavor Health, as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems, once again in the Medium Health Systems category.

PINC AI is the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc. It’s the fifth year in a row EEH, including Edward Hospital, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital made the list.

“We’re honored to earn 15 Top Health System recognition again. Five years in a row speaks to the commitment to the safe, seamless and personal care provided by our team members,” said Joe Dant, president, South Region, Endeavor Health. “We’ve set and maintained a high standard of performance and quality and look forward to continuing that for the patients and community we serve.”

father-in-law Giovanna and Cristoforo Bucaro.

Angelo is survived by his loving wife, Rosalia (Bucaro) Battaglia; a son, Giacinto (Diane) Battaglia and their children Rosalia (Ezequiel) Fernandez, with great grandchildren Maxima and Mason; Carra (Chris) Salzman with great grandchildren Enza and Vincent; Angelo (Faustina) with great grandchildren Lola, Adalyn, Micah, and Eleanor, Bianca (Jesse), and Julia. He is also survived by his daughter Carmela (Lucio) Di Nunno and their children Attilio (Madison), Angelo, Alessia, and Gianluca; and by his daughter Giovanna (Salvatore) Calderone and

their children Teresa (Jake) Whitt, with great grandchildren Sebastian and Giovanna; Rosalia (Mike) Bledsoe with great grandchild Eliot; Adriana, and Calogero.

Angelo is survived by his sister Gaetana (Joseph) Costanza; by a brother Antonino (Rosaria) Battaglia; and by many nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-inlaw as well as God children.

Services have been held.

A funeral mass took place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church arranged by Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home. Mr. Battaglia is interred at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

(Continued from front page)

He was proud of what he built and grateful for what he accomplished— as he well- deserved.

He was appreciative of all his patrons, some became lifelong friends, as in the comment above.

Angelo has had hundreds of employees over the years and always treated every one of them with the utmost respect.

Angelo was fiercely devoted to family and friends and had a smile that could light up a room. He exemplified courage, tenderness, loyalty, hospitality, pride for one’s work, generosity, respect, and patience. Always cooking for his family, friends, and community

members, Angelo handed down that adoration to everyone that had the pleasure to meet him.

His daughter Carmela gave the eulogy at his funeral.

“Angelo Battaglia was an exceptional man, it was a privilege to know him,” she said. “He had a beautiful life and was a loving and devoted husband and father. He treated everyone he met like family.

“We were the luckiest to have had him.”

Angelo was preceded in death by his parents Giacinto Battaglia and Carmela Grana, one son Cristoforo, his sisters Rosa, Maria, Carmela, and Rosalia, and his mother- and

Your Hometown Newspaper 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126 Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900 The Independent is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

Display Advertising: 630.834-8355 Classified Advertising: 630.834-8244 News: 630.834-8244 General Information: 630.834-8244

E-mail: Advertising Department: ads1@rvpublishing.com News Department: Independent@rvpublishing.com Classified Department: Classifieds@rvpublishing.com

Administration: Dee Longfellow News Coordinator Debra Hamilton Advertising Director Pete Cruger Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions: The Independent is mailed to the 60101, 60106 and 60181 zip code areas for $45 yearly. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $50 yearly.

For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

Reprints: Content appearing in the Independent may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor.

Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: THE INDEPENDENT 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

446091

Humphrey already has proven track record at Addison Trail High School

Page 4

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Opinion

Slices of life

Maintaining the personal in an impersonal world By definition, I am an introvert.

I’m usually OK with time alone and minimal interactions with other humans. I enjoy conversations within my own head and maybe, perhaps have a significant relationship with both my phone and my laptop.

However, lately I’ve noticed the world has sort of taken this concept and injected it with steroids.

In just the last decade or so, things have changed. COVID fueled these changes, but they were occurring even before the pandemic. Gradually—or perhaps not so gradually—we are losing our day-to-day human connections. Our world is becoming more and more impersonal.

For most of my lifetime friendships used to involve actually meeting in-person—for lunch, happy hour or play dates.

Now I have friends online whom I’ve never met. They live in different cities and different states than me. Sometimes I forget who they are and wonder how we ever became “friends” in the first place.

But I feel close to quite a few of them; I just don’t know if we’ll ever meet in person.

Speaking of meetings, how did we exist before the likes of Zoom?

These next few are going to date me (and not like going out to the Steve Martin movie called “The Jerk” with a cute guy in high school).

My mom never learned how to pump her own gas. She grew up and grew into adulthood having someone pump it for her, and she liked it that way. When the gas guy left his post, he was replaced by a new gas guy: my dad, who made sure my mom’s tank was also at least half-full.

Remember standing in line for concert tickets? Sometimes we’d sleep on the sidewalk. Lordy, lordy, what we’d do to see REO Speedwagon, Styx or Journey live.

Now we have the privilege of picking our exact seats without ever leaving the comfort of our living rooms—until concert day. They haven’t been able to figure out how to provide us with the true concert experience from our homes. Not yet, but I’m sure it’s coming.

My daughter and her family haven’t been to the grocery store in more than a year. There is no need.

Coming event

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

They order online and do a pick up at the store without ever leaving their car. There is no need for human contact—just a credit card.

Shopping in general has changed.

I recently furnished an entire house online. The same goes for kitchen appliances. I live in a rural area, so my experience may be different from someone in a big city, but my appliances weren’t even available to see at the appliance store that’s more than an hour’s drive from my home.

So I read the online descriptions about features, picked out the models of my choice, measured carefully and had them delivered.

I’m happy to say they all fit!

Remember when banking was in in-person thing? A few months ago, I needed a document notarized so had to visit a real, live brick and mortar bank. I hadn’t been in one for at least a year.

I recently bought a new home and had the option to do the closing online. I wonder how long it will be before we can get something notarized online. Or perhaps get married online?

Why meet the person in-person when you can marry them first?

How far are we going to take this?

I’m almost afraid of the answer to this semi-facetious question.

I think we, as humans, crave real-alive connections, and there is nothing the Internet or our phones can ever do to replicate that. And whether we realize it or not, they just might be contributing to our loneliness.

How sad, and lonely, is that?

My advice? Close your laptop.

Put down your phone. Go outside.

Say hello to your neighbor. Start a conversation.

Even if you are an introvert.

Especially so.

Take it from me. We all need each other.

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

Adult Winter Reading Program Now through Feb. 1. Curl up with some books this winter and complete reading activities for a chance to win gift cards. Play our bookish Bingo to earn raffle tickets that can be entered for a chance to win Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift cards. This is an online-only challenge, and participants must sign up using Beanstack by visiting helenplum.beanstack.org.

Choice Words

Of roundabouts, railroad crossings and Rudolph antlers on cars …

Not-so-deep thoughts, musings, observations, peeves and what have you, as I count down the days until The Holiday Lite (93.9 FM) returns to its regular programming as 93.9 Lite FM …

• The Holiday Lite has been playing yuletide music 24/7 since Nov. 2. If I had to listen to a continuous loop of “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Santa Baby,” “Last Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas is You,” I think I might need therapy indefinitely.

• At the top of my Christmas wish list is a pair of those Rudolph antlers to put on the driver’s side and passenger side windows of my car, along with a red nose for the front grill. All I can say is my car darned well better fly after I put this stuff on it.

• I took a pass on going to see “The Do-it-Yourself Messiah” because I want it done for me.

• You might think I’m a direct descendent of the Grinch at this point, but I’m not quite the prototypical Christmas curmudgeon poster boy. I think Jingle Bell Jubilee in Lombard is the best; Addison, Bensenville have very nice holiday displays; and I bet you didn’t have your tree and holiday decorations up and running before I did.

• Any day is a good day when you don’t get stuck at a local railroad crossing waiting for freight trains trudging along and pulling a seemingly endless number of cars.

• There’s a promotion I often see on an online financial advice website that shows some distinguishedlooking fellow with a gray beard and hair (Santa, perhaps?) who poses the question: “Can I retire at 65 with $2.5 million?” Hmm … could be tough. He might want to consider applying for subsidized housing.

• Best holiday internet meme I’ve seen this season: “If your grandma got run over by a reindeer, you may be entitled to compensation.” The

nachos are my comfort foods whenever I watch episodes of “The Walking Dead.”

By • Here’s some unsolicited advice MIKE SANDROLINI to those of you who are in fledgling Columnist romances, especially during the holidays: Don’t announce it on Facebook. A relationship usually meme has a photo of what appears to doesn’t have a long shelf life once be an injury attorney photo-shopped you go public on Facebook. Trust me on this one, folks. into it.

• I keep seeing TV ads promoting • Is it just me, or do all businesses drugs that treat certain conditions, with automatic answering services yet have 50,000 side effects—which play the same dull music in the background while you’re on hold for begs the question: Why take the drug in the first place? umpteen minutes?

• I’ve already received an early • Charcoal—you know, those Christmas present from the jolly, chunky, blank thingies you put in old bearded one: Fewer Dinovite your outdoor grill and light. How commercials. Hearing about how does putting charcoal in toothpaste “our little Gizmo’s coat is shinier” help fight bad breath and remove and “how our little Gizmo does a stains on teeth? And how does lot less scratching and shedding” putting charcoal in shampoo clean gets old. And who names their dog your hair?

Gizmo? (I don’t miss the barks after • I was on an online dating site every sentence during the narrative, recently, and the site asked what either.) my body type happens to be. Curvy • Several commercials now wasn’t an option, so I left it blank. promote podcasts. Each commercial • One unique trait birds possess usually ends by saying, “Listen that I’ve always found fascinating wherever you get your podcasts.” is how their payloads, so to speak, Well, where can I get my podcasts? always find your car’s hood or At Jewel-Osco? Walmart? Portillo’s? windshield. Never anywhere else.

• Whenever I hear of a disinfectant White Castle?

• Why does parking between two that kills 99.99 percent of all viruses solid yellow or white lines seem and bacteria, it begs the question: What about the .01 percent it doesn’t to be such a challenge for some drivers? kill?

• It’s only taken three years, but • One of the few things I like about colder weather is that windows there are finally hand sanitizers on the market that smell good instead of on vehicles are usually closed, smelling like vinegar or tequila. thus reducing the chances of being • I can’t be the only person who’s subjected to the steady thumpever wondered why the snowman thump-thump of god-awful music (if you want to call it music) blaring in “Winter Wonderland” is named from the stereos of vehicles that can Parson Brown.

Mike Sandrolini, whose favorite be heard over a two-block radius. yuletide tune is “There’s a Santa • Roundabouts are No. 1 on Who Looks A Lot Like Elvis” (a my list of things I simply don’t understand, with anyone who wears parody of “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”) wishes readers shorts in 35-degree weather coming a Merry Christmas and a happy and in second. healthy 2024.

• Walking tacos and walking

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Hello, this is a Lombard residence calling. Road construction on Route 53 from St. Charles Road to Meadow Avenue has been ongoing since summer. We residents in the area are very much inconvenienced by this. Is the work being done by IDOT? Does the Village of Lombard have answers for us, please? The questions are what is the reason for the work? When will the work be completed? And there have been no street lights in that area.

It’s a very dark, busy, winding road to drive on at night. Will street lights be installed there? Please post the answers for us if you can. Thank you.

Editor’s note: Your inquiry was forwarded to the Village of Lombard for a response, which is as follows: “The road construction on IL Route 53, north of St. Charles Road, is a project being carried out by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and involves the reconstruction of the bridge deck. According to IDOT’s work zone page (https://idot.illinois.gov/travel-information/ roadway-information/work-zones. html), this project is expected to be completed by May 3, 2024. The project does not include the installation of streetlights. Any proposed installation would require approval from IDOT, and associated costs would be the responsibility of the Village.” *** It looks like District 87 is planning a referendum for 2024. They say they need $312 million in “improvements,” and may ask voters, aka taxpayers, to approve the sale of $183 million in bonds. Haven’t we had enough taxing bodies holding their hands out for more of our hardearned money, not to mention rising taxes for which we voters don’t get any say? We have to live within our means, and so should villages, school

districts, etc., who are the stewards of our tax dollars, and also work for us. I plan to vote no. And don’t forget, that raise in your taxes won’t go just to Glenbard East. That will go toward “improvements” at the other three high schools as well. *** I had to go to the Lombard Post Office twice in two days. The first day there was one person at one of three windows, and the line went back to the main entrance doors.

When a customer asked if the employee could get someone to open another window, she said something to the effect that she can’t open another window if there is no employee to work it. So not only is that place apparently understaffed, but the lone employee was less than pleasant, bordering on sarcastic. I had to go back the next day and sure enough, the same employee was there, and only one window was open. Gee, sorry if I was wasting your time asking about packaging options, shipping costs, etc. I later filled out the survey at the bottom of my receipt with a very negative review; not that it will do any good. The service there is at least consistent, if nothing else; consistently bad. *** Again, a judge let two Venezuelan immigrants go pre-trial in separate shoplifting incidents at Macy’s in Oak Brook, essentially saying the prosecution didn’t have enough proof they were a flight risk. The men were told not to go to any Macy’s or visit the Oak Brook shopping mall. Tsk, tsk. Not only has that mall seemingly become a hub for shoplifting, but it almost seems like a roving band of thieves has infiltrated the area. The Oak Brook police chief did mention something about working directly with the mall and security, with cameras and feeds to more close-

How Speak Out works • Speak Out is a forum in which readers can express their opinion anonymously concerning local, state, national and international topics.

Each call is limited to 200 words whether the caller calls 630-629TALK or emails their opinion to speakout@rvpublishing.com.

• The views expressed by callers are their own.

• All calls are checked by four editors. If a consensus of editors believes a particular call is deemed to be in poor taste, erroneous, inaccurate, libelous, doesn’t make sense, or if claims stated in a call cannot be verified, the call will not be published.

• With regard to calls of a political nature, it is not possible to have an equal balance of calls with liberal and conservative viewpoints during any given week. The editors of Speak Out don’t have control of who calls in, what their political leanings happen to be, and the topic(s) they want to discuss.

• If you have further questions about Speak Out, email: news1@ rvpublishing.com.

ly monitor the activity around the mall. I have no problem in this type of case—with the new era of “Big Brother is watching”—because it is a matter of public safety, should one of these thieves be armed. The suburban malls, gas stations, etc. have become a thieves’ playground. And they find out too late that DuPage County will arrest them. Too bad we can’t put up billboards at the county line with State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s picture on it and a warning. *** So cars were lined up for 2 ½ hours for fancy coffees at a new McDonald’s concept store. Tell me again how poorly the economy is faring under Biden. *** Trump, Trump, Trump. Some of my fellow citizens should abandon that refrain. I voted for the right man; Trump. Elections have consequences. Look at the achievements of President Biden: service personnel dying on the pullout from Afghanistan, millions of migrants are allowed to roam our land, cities are inundated and have the responsibility to house and feed these migrants, a shadow of illegality embraces the president and his family. The voters who voted for President Biden share what is happening to our country. For you see, elections have consequences and responsibility. *** So it’s 17 days before Christmas.

I go to the Lombard Post Office to buy Christmas stamps. They are out of them. It’s like not having cheese to make a pizza. *** I wanted to make a statement about the alarming thefts that we see in broad daylight. I was at a store and I left rather quickly because four boys between probably the ages of 10 and 13 came in. They were running through the aisles taking toys off and one of the boys said, “We can steal from here. Nothing will happen.” I went to find a manager, couldn’t find one, and they looked at me suspiciously; they were not even worried that I heard them. I’m like, I’m getting out of here because they knew I had heard them. Then I was at another store and a lady and two, maybe 12- and 13-year-olds, came with her. They took bags that you can purchase there, opened them up and went up and down the aisle filling them. I told the cashier and they said there’s nothing we can do about it. It happens all the time. And the lady and the two kids walked by and looked at me and laughed and went right out the door and into their car.

I can’t believe this is happening all over. I left that store too. It’s not even safe to shop. I hope there’s some solution to this. *** I used to think Jimmy Carter was the worst president in my lifetime.

Not anymore. Now it’s Joe Biden

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 5

hands down. I’m glad Republicans finally got some spine and tied border security with giving more aid to Ukraine. Maybe this will finally bring attention to Biden recklessly allowing people to cross the border by the tens of thousands every month. *** I feel sorry for the poor people in Chicago who were bused in from the southern border and are now sleeping in tents outside in cold temperatures. The blame for their plight lies squarely on Democrats, starting with Biden and then with cities and states like Chicago and Illinois that have thumbed their noses at immigration laws and declared themselves sanctuary cities and states. I don’t blame the governor of Texas one bit for busing those who have crossed the border illegally into Texas to Chicago or New York or other sanctuary cities.

Why should Texas have to absorb all these people and provide resources for them? *** Yesterday, I happened to be in traffic on St. Charles Road in Villa Park (caller referring to Wednesday, Dec. 13). I noticed a guy driving a vehicle with a large Palestinian flag flying from one of the windows. He is free to fly whatever flag he wants; it’s his car. But it made me wonder what his reaction would be if someone flew a large Israeli flag out their car door window.

Terra Costa Howard reacts to SB1909 Editor’s note: The following is a statement issued by the office of state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, whose district represents part of Lombard.: The Dec. 12 decision by the Illinois Attorney General to back off from the fight against so-called “crisis pregnancy centers” is a disappointing setback in our battle to protect every woman’s right to reproductive autonomy and freedom.

(See story, Page 2) The decision whether to bear a child is one of the most profound and personal choices a person can make, and no one should try to interfere with that decision by using scare tactics or outright deception.

By passing the Deceptive Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act (SB 1909) into law, we empowered the Attorney General to hold these centers accountable

if they use pressure tactics or provide misleading information to keep women from accessing abortion care.

As the House sponsor of this bill, I am heartbroken by the decision to back down on our promise to Illinois women that these deceptive centers and their staffs will face legal consequences if they tell lies or conceal important health information from the patients who walk through their doors.

This settlement undoes so much hard work by so many advocates, organizations, and legislators, who stood together against the pressure tactics of these forced birth extremists.

This decision is especially painful given the ruling by the Texas Supreme Court that denied Kate Cox’s right to end a doomed pregnancy

and preserve her own health and fertility.

Since the Dobb’s decision in 2022, Illinois has been a beacon of hope to American women across our country. So this move to dismantle SB1909 is a gut punch to millions of women beyond our state.

One last point: It is deeply unfortunate that these centers are trying to hide behind the First Amendment.

Let us be clear: The First Amendment does not give a shady used-car salesman the right to lie to you about the mileage on a car.

A scammer does not have the right to lie to you about a fraudulent investment. And a deceptive forcedbirth zealot does not have the right to lie to you about your health, your medical choices, or your right to make your own decisions about your body and your life.

Guidelines for writing, submitting a letter to the editor

Rock Valley Publishing encourages our readers to reach out to the community by writing a letter to the editor.

Letters are limited to 400 words; if a letter exceeds 400 words, it will be sent back to the author to reduce the length of the letter. Authors must include their first and last name, the

city or village in which they reside, and a phone number and email address where they can be reached in case of questions.

Send letters to: independent@rvpublishing.com Letter-writers will be limited to one letter per month except for locally elected officials, or individu-

als specifically associated with local village governments or entities such as school districts, park districts or library districts.

No letters directed to a third party will be accepted for publication.

We reserve the right to edit a letter for reasons of clarity, space restrictions and libel.

your source for on-line news: THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 6

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

JANE CHARMELO PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Charitable donation

MIKE SANDROLINI PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Demolition begins on old Helen Plum Library

The Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815 held a dinner Tuesday, Dec. 12, during which time Commander Tom Zilla (left, pictured with Adjutant Chuck Grafton), announced that the post had donated a total of $3,000 to The Outreach House, York Township, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Sacred Heart/Christ the King and St. Pius X parishes.

The commander said thanks to a Uniting to Combat Hunger (UTCH) Grant from the VFW Foundation, the grant enabled the post to double its annual donation to each organization. The funds are donated in two segments: $1,500 prior to Thanksgiving and $1,500 prior to Christmas. Each $1 can buy $8 worth of food.

Water is sprayed on the wreckage of the old Helen Plum Library as a crew begins demolishing the building Friday, Dec. 15. Earlier this year, Lombard village officials and the park district announced the old library would be demolished and the land turned over to the Lombard Park District. The park district plans to use that land to expand Lilacia Park. The old library was completed and opened in 1963. In 1978, a 22,300-square-foot addition to the library building was completed.

College of DuPage among grant recipients The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has granted nearly $9.2 million to 44 organizations, including 21 community colleges, throughout Illinois to help address education and unemployment gaps.

The funding will be used to help minority and low-income students as well as individuals with disabilities remove barriers to completing their education and career goals through the Innovative Bridge and Transition Grant program (IBT).

“Closing the equity gap in higher education is a critical priority of the Illinois Community College Board, and this grant funding helps community colleges and other organizations throughout Illinois do that. These

financial resources help provide effective equitable education and career opportunities for thousands of Illinoisans who may otherwise not have the opportunity to better their lives through meaningful education,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham.

These initiatives improve student transitions to and through postsecondary education and into employment, support transitions for individuals with disabilities, and scale programs that promote equity and diversity among those served. Last year’s grant program served more than 7,000 individuals.

The IBT grant funds are intended to help colleges and community or-

ganizations meet four main objectives: • Adult Education Bridge and ICAPS Programming: Create new or greatly expand bridge or integrated education and training programming, which shall include contextualized basic reading, math, and language skills, occupational competencies, and employability skills.

• Seamless Transitions for College and Career Pathways: Implement programs that provide seamless transitions from high school to college or between postsecondary institutions, CTE program of study development, or college and career pathway

See GRANT, Page 16

During the VFW dinner held Tuesday, Dec. 12, the Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815 presented Law Enforcement Awards to (pictured left to right) Ryan Postal and Alexander Martino, detectives with the Investigations Unit of the Lombard Police Department. On the afternoon of Dec. 8, 2022, Postal was shot in the leg and wounded in an exchange of gunfire with a suspect after he and Martino responded to a report of a robbery at a Lombard smoke shop. The suspect later died and Postal underwent surgery. He said his injuries took some nine months from which to recover. Post Commander Tom Zilla commented of the awards that “The VFW tries to honor someone who does something outstanding,” such as the actions by a public servant.

Post Adjutant Chuck Grafton added that the award typically goes to a first responder or responders. Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing recounted the events of the 2022 incident before introducing the two award recipients.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 7

State regulators once again flex muscle in rejecting utilities’ grid plans, lessening rate hikes Decisions continue shift at Illinois Commerce Commission toward tighter regulation of utilities

By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The Illinois Commerce Commission on Dec. 14 curtailed proposed rate hikes and rejected grid plans from two major electric utilities, mirroring a series of bombshell decisions rendered last month that cut increases for Illinois’ four largest gas utilities.

The ICC rejected the pair of plans from Commonwealth Edison and Ameren, Illinois that were meant to illustrate how the companies would comply with the state’s landmark climate legislation, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Those plans would have laid out how the utilities plan to integrate with new renewable energy resources and meet decarbonization requirements while ensuring electric rates remain affordable for low-income communities.

In rejecting the plans, regulators limited the companies’ proposed rate increases, meaning that next year’s impending increases will be significantly smaller than the utilities’ requests.

ICC Chair Doug Scott said the plans had “significant shortcomings” and failed to meet the minimum standards set out by CEJA, including by failing to adequately address how the plans would benefit low-income communities.

He also said the planning process lacked transparency among other criticisms.

The companies now have three months to file updated plans, which will begin a new review process at the ICC. Consumer and environmental advocates praised the ICC’s decisions, saying they represent a continued, overdue shift toward tighter utility oversight.

“This is not business as usual,” said Brad Klein, an attorney for the Environmental Law and Policy Center who argued in both cases.

“This is really a very significant change in Illinois.”

Klein also said the commission “sent a strong message” to utilities and other stakeholders that they would all be held accountable to the goals laid out in CEJA. Other advocacy groups, such as Illinois PIRG, the Union of Concerned Scientists and AARP Illinois, also commended the decisions.

Sarah Moskowitz, head of the consumer advocacy group Citizens Utility Board, said she is “quite pleased” with the Dec. 14 outcome.

CUB focused much of its arguments against the two cases on lowering the utilities’ proposed return on equity, or profit rate.

While both companies requested a 10.5 percent return, the ICC approved an 8.905 percent return for ComEd and an 8.72 percent return for Ameren.

While pleased, Moskowitz noted she was also surprised by the ICC’s

“

This is not business as usual. This is really a very significant change in Illinois.”

– Brad Klein, attorney for the Environmental Law and Policy Center

recent decision making.

“I’ve never seen this kind of action from the commission before,” Moskowitz said.

While the profit rates for the two companies are now set, pending any potential appeals, key factors for rate-setting remain subject to change, based on the companies’ replacement grid plans.

“Billions of dollars continue to be on the line,” Moskowitz said.

Commissioner and former Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael Carrigan dissented in the decision—a rarity for the agency that mostly rules unanimously.

In a written dissent, Carrigan said while he did not believe the plans were compliant with the state’s climate law, he thought that the commission could have modi-

fied, rather than rejected, the plans to bring them into compliance.

“Based on comments made from the bench, we can say at this time that we are very disappointed with the outcome as described,” a ComEd spokesperson said in a statement released after the ICC announced its decision but before it issued its final order.

Ameren’s Matthew Tomc, the head of the company’s regulatory affairs, was also “disappointed” by the decision and pushed back against the ICC’s characterization of the company’s grid plan.

“Ameren Illinois’ plan was the result of a transparent two-year regulatory process with significant input from stakeholders, including the ICC’s own expert staff,” he said in a statement.

“It meets the statutory requirements of the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.” Tomc went on to say that Ameren’s now-rejected plan advanced the state’s clean energy goals.

Representatives from both companies said they will review the full decision.

Peoples Gas’ failed request In addition to the electric cases, the commission also revisited a gas rate case brought by Chicago’s Peoples Gas on Thursday.

Earlier this month, the company

requested clarification to part of the ICC’s November decision limiting their rate increase and placing a controversial infrastructure program on hold pending an ICC investigation.

The company claimed the decision hampered their ability to conduct emergency repairs and requested the ICC increase the record rate increase it granted last month.

But the commission rejected this request, instead finding it was procedurally improper and that the company has an “enduring responsibility” outlined in law to maintain system safety, according to the commission’s ruling.

The company is “likely” to request a formal rehearing in the case, according to Peoples Gas spokesman David Schwartz.

The now-rejected request was met with strong interest from Chicago-area unions and other groups.

Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea, a group of Chicago city council members, as well as representatives of several area businesses, sent letters to the commissioners sharing concerns about the proceeding.

Scott admonished the tactic on Dec. 14 and said these types of letters “frustrate the efforts of commissioners and commission staff to perform our duties.”

Instead, Scott said, concerned groups should offer public comment online or in meetings.

Pritzker signs measure allowing new small-scale nuclear technology in Illinois It takes effect in June 2024, but any new construction would take several years

By Jerry Nowicki and Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker on Dec. 8 signed into law a measure that will allow for the limited development of new nuclear power generation technology in the state.

The measure, House Bill 2473, does not allow new large-scale power generation facilities like the six plants that are already operational in the state, but rather allows for new smaller-scale emergent technology.

Since 1987, the state has had a moratorium on any new nuclear power construction until the federal government designates a long-term disposal site for nuclear waste— something that has never occurred.

The new law will take effect on June 1, 2024, but because permitting nuclear energy takes many years at the federal level, the earliest a nuclear project could be brought online in Illinois would be in the 2030s.

HB 2473 creates a regulatory structure for the construction of small modular nuclear reactors, or SMRs. The bill limits the nameplate capacity of such reactors to 300 megawatts, about one-third the size of the smallest of the six existing nuclear power plants in Illinois. It also requires the state to perform a study that will inform rules for regulating SMRs, which must be adopted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency by January 2026.

The bill’s proponents say it’s a necessary step as Illinois tries to end its reliance on carbon-emitting power sources over the next two decades.

But its opponents say it distracts from Illinois’ efforts to deploy 100 percent renewable energy production and is an endorsement of unproven technology.

The bill passed with bipartisan support in the Senate, 44-7, and the House, 98-8, on the final day

of the fall veto session last month.

The opposition came exclusively from Democrats. Pritzker vetoed an earlier version of the measure but helped usher the compromise through the legislature.

The bill’s sponsors said after its passage that it has the potential to bolster Illinois’ electric grid reliability as the state’s energy mix becomes increasingly reliant on intermittent technologies such as wind and solar.

Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, sponsored the bill in the Senate, while Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, was its House sponsor. Rezin noted last month that she is particularly interested in the potential for SMRs to be developed at the sites of former coal plants, avoiding the need to build new transmission lines, although that process could take many years.

David Kraft, an outspoken critic of nuclear energy and head of the Chicago-based advocacy group Nuclear Energy Information Ser-

vice, testified against the measure at several points during the legislative process.

Kraft said he was concerned about the lack of existing SMR installations and the unproven nature of the technology. While some nuclear reactors of this scale exist in other countries, no commercial SMRs have ever been built in the United States.

Counting Illinois, 11 states currently have some level of nuclear construction bans on the books. Since 2016, five other states have either repealed or weakened their bans. Several of the states that have lifted their bans have done so to pave the way for SMR technology.

But the biggest U.S. player in that industry has seen several recent setbacks.

In November, NuScale Power— the only company with a federally approved SMR design—announced that it was canceling its highly watched “Carbon Free Power Proj-

ect” in Utah, which would have been the first commercial project with a NuScale reactor. Still, its leaders say the company will continue with its other projects, which are at varying steps of regulation and planning.

Rezin told Capitol News Illinois last month she hopes Illinois’ and other states’ moves to reverse their construction bans will encourage nuclear energy development in the U.S. Pritzker did not issue a statement but signed the bill along with 15 others that were sent to his desk following November’s fall veto session. That included a measure a that would require the state to purchase exclusively “zero-emission vehicles,” such as electric vehicles, after Jan. 1, 2030.

Senate Bill 1769 excludes law enforcement vehicles and vehicles purchased by the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of a program that provides buses to some mass transit systems.

Page 8A

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Addison Trail ‘Packs the Place’ for Special Olympics Basketball

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, Addison Trail hosted its annual Pack the Place game Best Buddies club attended the event to support the student-athletes. To celebrate, for the school’s Special Olympics Basketball Team. Members of the Addison Trail participants danced the “Cha Cha Slide” during halftime.

Blazettes, Cheerleading Team, Boys Basketball Team, Girls Basketball Team and

College of DuPage among grant recipients

The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has granted nearly $9.2 million to 44 organizations, including 21 community colleges, throughout Illinois to help address education and unemployment gaps.

The funding will be used to help minority and low-income students as well as individuals with disabilities remove barriers to completing their education and career goals through the Innovative Bridge and Transition Grant program (IBT).

“Closing the equity gap in higher education is a critical priority of the

Illinois Community College Board, and this grant funding helps community colleges and other organizations throughout Illinois do that. These financial resources help provide effective equitable education and career opportunities for thousands of Illinoisans who may otherwise not have the opportunity to better their lives through meaningful education,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham.

These initiatives improve student transitions to and through postsecondary education and into employment, support transitions for individuals

with disabilities, and scale programs that promote equity and diversity among those served. Last year’s grant program served more than 7,000 individuals.

The IBT grant funds are intended to help colleges and community organizations meet four main objectives: • Adult Education Bridge and ICAPS Programming: Create new or greatly expand bridge or integrated education and training programming, which shall include contextualized basic reading, math, and language skills, occupational competencies, and em-

ployability skills.

• Seamless Transitions for College and Career Pathways: Implement programs that provide seamless transitions from high school to college or between postsecondary institutions, CTE program of study development, or college and career pathway endorsement activities; apprenticeships, or Out-of-School Youth Career Activities, whereas the program is specifically aimed at helping out-of-school youth (ages 16-24) to become reoriented and motivated to complete their education by allowing students to participate in adult education instruction as well as career training activities.

Programs can be modeled after, or as a supplement to, the ICCB Early School Leaver Transitions Program.

• Wrap-around Support Services: Utilize transition/wraparound services that provide students with the information and assistance they need to eq-

uitably access and persist along their career pathway. Services may include academic advising, career pathway navigation, tutoring, supplemental instruction, study skills, coaching, and referrals to individual support services (e.g., basic needs including housing, transportation, and childcare).

• Seamless Transitions for Students with Disabilities: Create comprehensive programming for individuals with disabilities that provides vocational, and psychological counseling, transitional and educational services, and job placement activities for them to live and work independently in the community. These programs may include transitions from high school to college as well as college to employment.

College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn was awarded $215,600, toward Adult Education Bridge and ICAPS Programming.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Making the holidays brighter Letters at the farm

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Students in JoAnna Rieger’s class visited the Bensenville Park District’s Fischer Farm in November to roam the land and try to find items that resembled each letter of the alphabet. Students later uploaded their photos and created composite graphics with all the would-be letters together.

Tip of the cap to all our creative eyes in Rieger’s class.

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, the York Township Republican Committeemen’s Organization held its annual Christmas party at the Elks Lodge in Elmhurst. Each attendee was asked to bring canned goods or a new unwrapped toy for distribution by the York Township Food Pantry.

Toys donated will be distributed to pantry clients with children to make sure their holidays are joyful. York Township Supervisor John W. Valle said, “On behalf of our pantry staff and clients, I want to thank the York Township Republican Committeemen’s Organization for their ongoing support year after year.”

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Obituaries Arrangements by Brust Funeral away on DecemHome. Info: www.brustfuneralhome. ber 14th at home com. surrounded by her family.

CLIFF CHELLEW Barbara was Cliff “Papa” Chellew born in Elmhurst Born March and grew up in 23rd, 1943. Cliff Lombard. She atpassed away tended Glenbard peacefully, surEast High School. There, at age 15, rounded by family she met Don Finnie. She was at the & friends on Depay phone at school and in need of cember 3rd, 2023 some change. Don walked up, ofat Good Samarifered her some and they got to chattan Hospital. He ting. They started dating in December is survived by him wife of 59 years, of 1966. The high school sweethearts Jill (Eichman) Chellew, 3 daughters got married 5 years later in Lombard Tammy (Joe) Ropinski, Lori (Mark) at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Kurzawski & Kristi Slezak. He was August 28th, 1971. a proud Grandfather to 6, Ashley Barb and Don lived in Lombard, in (Jake) Kowalczyk, Erik Graunke, the house Barb’s father built. There, Danny Ropinski, Michelle, Madison she and Don raised a family. Barb & Mackenzie Slezak. He also loved was the dear mom to Cheryl (Ron) & enjoyed his 2 great-grandchildren Mika, Jeanette (Eric) Leach, Tami Cole (8) & Kayla (5) Kowalczyk. A (Sean) Harrison, Georgette Finnie, brother Ronald (Susan) Chellew. He and Brett Finnie. Dear Nana to Miwas a husband, father, grandfather, kayla Mika, Lexi Mika, Jake Leach, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, Hannah Leach, Jayden Phistry, Colcousin, friend & neighbor to many. in Phistry, Ashlynn Finnie and Kane He was a long time resident of Lom- Finnie. Great-grandma to Ezra and bard where he coached slow pitch Oliver Leach. Dear sister to Lyn softball for his 3 daughters for 11 (Dave Fortier) Burton, and Kenneth years. Cliff was a Pipefitter & Union (Paula) Schatz. Barb is preceded in Member for 54 years. Interment was death by her parents Jack and Caroprivate & lyn Schatz nee Bergstrom.

In honor of Cliff, a Celebration Barb grew up in Lombard, gradof Life was attended by family uating from Glenbard East High & friends. He was an example of School. She was a Lilac Princess in strength, courage, persistence & love 1970. Later in life Barb volunteered throughout his long life & he impact- for Friends of the Library. She was ed all that surrounded him. He will also a lunchroom mom at HammerForever be Remembered & Never schmidt Elementary School where Forgotten. Cliff was a long time sup- her kids attended. Barb worked as a porter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospi- substitute caller for 20+ years at Distal, the family is asking for any dona- trict 87 and 88. In her free time Barb tions to be sent there. liked to stay active. She enjoyed power walking around the neighborBARBARA L. FINNIE, 72 hood. She was an avid roller blader.

Barbara L. Finnie, nee Schatz, Most of all Barb loved her family.

Age 72, lifelong Lombardian, passed She loved being a mom and raising

her five kids. Her grandkids affectionately called her ‘Nana’ and she loved spending time with them.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 20, at Brust Funeral Home. The interment will immediately follow the service and will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Glen Ellyn.

JOSETTE R. GRAY, 56 Josette R. Gray, née Bires, 56, of Lombard, passed away at Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

A celebration of Josette’s life will be held in the near future when temperatures are to her liking.

Arrangements by Brust Funeral Home, Lombard. Info 888-629-0094.

ESMERALDA MARONEY, 52 Esmeralda Maroney, age 52, died Dec. 16, 2023.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 3-8 p.m., with a Prayer Service that evening (time pending) at Brust Funeral Home,

Coming event

135 S. Main St., Lombard, Ill. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

GEORGE A. THOMA, JR. George A. Thoma Jr. died at the age of 78.

He is survived by Ann, his wife of more than 50 years, his sisters and brothers, as well as nieces and nephews around the world.

He spent his career teaching Economics at Elmhurst College from 1970 to 2009, when he retired with the rank of Distinguished Emeritus Professor.

He lived in China as Consulting Professor at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in 1983, 1985, and 1987. In 1994 he was a Fulbright Professor of International Economics at Shandong University in Jinan, China. He lived a charmed life.

Memorial donations may be made to fund student scholarships at Elmhurst University, Elmhurst, IL (https://www. elmhurst.edu/give/).

All services are private.

Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

Protect two roofs under one I can save you time and money when you bundle your home and auto insurance.

Call, click or stop by for a quote today.

Stolper Insurance Agency Inc Brian Stolper, President 447 N York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126-2003 Bus: 630-832-0182 info@brianstolper.com www.brianstolper.com

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

®

Availability and amount of discounts and savings vary by state.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas State Farm Lloyds Richardson, TX

416734 248134

Page 9

Check out 4H projects Families planning winter activities or looking for new youth experiences can explore hands-on learning stations with 4-H on Jan. 4 in Yorkville. Ages 8 to 14 will participate in interactive stations about animal care and anatomy; art and design with food decorating; and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Ages 5 to 7 also will do fun, hands-on activities in these areas that are designed just for them. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun with this younger age group. The second annual 4-H Project “Try It” Day will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Smith 4-H Hall on the Kendall County Fairgrounds (indoors) in Yorkville. Registration is required and cost is $15 per youth participant, which includes lunch for youth and for their parents/guardians. Youth will rotate stations from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by pizza for lunch, and 4-H staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about 4-H in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties. Learn more or sign up at go.illinois.edu/Try4Hdkk. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact 630-553-5823 or athenaa@ illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs. For more information on 4-H clubs in your county, fill out a 4-H interest survey at go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk.

432821

REV. ROBERT H. BRABAND JR. Reverend Robert “Bob” Henry Braband Jr., of Lombard, died on December 10th surrounded by his family.

Robert was the dear husband of Donna Rae Yankunas. They married on June 3rd, 1972, at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Washington, WI, and enjoyed 51 years of marriage together. He was a cherished father to Amanda Louise (Patrick) McCartney, Jeremy David (Gin) Braband, and Rachel Elizabeth (Cameron) Douthitt. He was a loving grandpa to Rebecca Louise McCartney, Frank Henry Braband, and Millie Paige Braband. Dear brother to Rev. Charles (Sharon) Braband, and Virginia Braband. Pastor Braband was a relative and friend of many. He is preceded in death by his son Adam Michael Braband.

Robert was ordained in 1972 and began his ministry in Pennsylvania.

His first call was at Luther Memorial Church in Erie, followed by St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Springdale, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hermitage, and St. Paul’s Lutheran in Corry. After moving to Illinois, Robert continued his ministry at Martha and Mary Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect.

He eventually retired after 16 years of service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church here, in Lombard. In his retirement, Pastor Braband went on to serve at Our Savior Lutheran in Aurora as interim pastor and then the Contemporary Service Music Director at Hope Lutheran in Long Grove, IL. Throughout his ministry, Robert enjoyed working with youth, serving on multiple ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod youth committees.

He was passionate about sharing the gospel with kids and teenagers, especially at events such as Leadership Lab. Music was always a passion for Robert. His song “God’s Got Your Back” has been published and became a staple at Leadership Lab. He was proudest of his works “Heart of the Matter” and “Whatever.” Aside from writing music, he loved playing guitar and keyboards. He performed with numerous rock bands throughout his life, most recently playing gigs in downtown Chicago with a Bob Dylan tribute band.

He also enjoyed model trains, spending meticulous hours building and perfecting his personal model train set. Other passions included woodworking, astronomy, and gardening. Robert was an avid learner, continuously engaging and challenging himself to improve. He was especially fond of reading anything related to science and history, particularly the American Civil War. Funeral services were held December 16 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 350 East Madison Street, Lombard, Donations to The Scleroderma Research Foundation, 220 Montgomery Street, Suite 484, San Francisco, CA 94104. https://srfcure.org/support-us/ways-to-give/.

Rock Valley Publishing

State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Worship Services Directory

630-833-7730 www.stalexanderparish.org

Confessions: Tuesdays at 5:00pm-6:00pm and Saturdays 4:00-4:45pm

FAITH CHURCH OF ELMHURST

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST COMMUNITY IN ELMHURST

547 N. Main St. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-2435

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5pm Christmas Day Festival Service 10:15 am New Year’e Eve Service 7pm

Christmas Eve Masses: 4:00pm, 6:30pm and Midnight

Come Join the Global Methodist Movement As We Create Connec�ons through Extending Christ’s Love

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Christmas Day Masses: 8:30am, 10:30am and 6:00pm in Espanol

Worship: 10 a.m. Sundays Christmas Eve Services: 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Everyone is Welcome!

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst 630-941-0212

448151

All services are live streamed.

You can watch them on our Website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org 430062

www.faithchurchelmhurst.org faithelm@gmail.com

447821

✝

St.300Alexander Parish S Cornell Avenue, Villa Park, IL

Messiah Lutheran Church 130 W. Butterfield Road Elmhurst, IL 630-279-4775

Christmas Eve Service Christmas Day

Call Brenda at 630-834-4450 or Betty at 630-627-7010

448645

Be a part of the Worship Services Directory for as low as $20 per week

448220

448380

at 11:00pm

448153

10:00am and 10:00pm

448154

Page 10

Page 11

Worship Services Directory

Immaculate Conception Church

Join us for

Christmas Eve Service 10:15 AM and 10 PM

134 Arthur St., Elmhurst, IL 630 530-8515 www.icelmhurst.org

Sunday Worship Service at 10:15 AM

Christmas Eve Masses

398 W. Eggleston Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126 Gbcelm.org 630-832-8416

3:00pm Church, Sacred Heart Chapel, & Plunkett Hall 5:00pm Sacred Heart Chapel 11:00pm Sacred Heart Chapel

448524

Christmas Day Masses

7:30am Church 9:00am & 11:30am Sacred Heart Chapel

Feast of the Holy Family

December 30 4:30pm Sacred Heart Chapel December 31 7:30am Church 9:00am & 11:30am Sacred Heart Chapel

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God January 1 7:30am, 9:00am, & 11:30am Church

448546

CELEBRATE

AT IMMANUEL LUTHERAN

448646

Come and Celebrate the Birth of Christ with Us!

448576

The Village of Lombard has announced the receipt of a $25,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service facilitated through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban and Community Forestry Partner Grant Program.

This funding, administered by the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), will be used to remove declining, invasive Callery pear trees from village parkways. In alignment with this initiative, the village will provide matching funds to replant with a more diverse selection of trees where sufficient space is available.

“Removing invasives and increasing the diversity of our urban forest provides multiple benefits,” said Forestry Supervisor Eric Hendrickson. “Diversity serves as a protective measure against potential losses in our urban forest due to pests or diseases like Emerald Ash Borer or Dutch Elm Disease.”

The village recently completed a comprehensive assessment of the health and condition of all 331 Callery pear trees in its parkways and will prioritize tree removals based on the overall rating of the trees. Residents affected by the removals will be sent letters notifying them of the plan.

Tree removals, conducted by a contractor, begin in December and continue through the winter, with village forestry staff also addressing some smaller diameter trees.

Starting in the fall of 2024, replacement trees will be planted in locations with sufficient spacing.

Residents impacted by the removals will have the opportunity to select from a list of appropriate trees from local nurseries.

Hendrickson noted, “Callery pears provide minimal benefits to native pollinators. Replacing these pears with more suitable trees will provide habitat and food for a wide variety of creatures.”

It is important to note that the original cultivars of Callery pear had been self-sterile and produced no fruit. However, as newer cultivars were introduced, these trees were able to cross-pollinate with other cultivars and produce viable fruit.

The birds that consume this fruit then spread the seeds to other areas, where they outcompete native vegetation.

For more information about the history of Callery pear in the United States, refer to this article: https:// arboretum.harvard.edu/stories/therise-and-fall-of-the-ornamental-callery-pear-tree/.

While Callery pears represent one invasive species in the region, the Village encourages residents to learn more about replacing other invasive plants, such as Buckthorn and Honeysuckle through the Chicago Region Trees Initiative’s Healthy Habitat website at, https://chicagorti. org/program/healthy-habitat-series/#healthy-hedges.

Rock Valley Publishing

448566

Village receives grant to improve its urban forest

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Page 12

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Five individuals charged with burglary/retail theft from DuPage County businesses in past four days Allegations in one case include the use of an occupied baby stroller to conceal stolen merchandise

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Montini Catholic’s National Honor Society celebrates 46 new members

130 W Vallette | Elmhurst MamaMariasElmhurst.com

store without paying. The next court appearance for all three defendants is scheduled Jan. 8 for arraignment. The state’s motion to detain these three defendants pre-trial was denied by the court.

• Jordan Antonio Mezamunoz, 25 (no known address)—Accused of stealing approximately $1,039 worth of men’s clothing from the Oak Brook Macy’s on Dec. 17. It is alleged that this defendant was in possession of a magnet to remove security devices and wire cutters when he was taken into custody. Mezamunoz’s next court appearance is scheduled Jan. 8 for arraignment. The state’s motion to detain Mezamunoz pre-trial was granted by the court.

“The arrest of these defendants sends the message loud and clear that DuPage County law enforcement is out in full force this holiday season and anyone who steals from one of our establishments will quickly find themselves arrested, charged and prosecuted,” Berlin said. “I commend law enforcement throughout the county as well as loss prevention officers at our retail shops for their outstanding, collaborative efforts during the busy holiday shopping season. They have an extremely difficult job and they have truly done yeoman’s work the past few weeks to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday shopping season for our merchants and patrons alike.”

446889

Montini Catholic’s National Honor Society (St. Pope Paul VI Chapter) recently inducted 46 new members at its NHS induction ceremony for the 2023-24 school year. Thirty-three percent of Montini Catholic’s junior and senior class are members of this prestigious academic community. The minimum requirement for membership in the Montini Catholic High School chapter of the NHS is a 4.0 cumulative GPA at the end of their sophomore year. All students achieving a 3.75 GPA at the end of their sophomore (or junior) year receive the opportunity to petition for membership into the NHS. When applying, students are asked to detail their qualifications in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. This year’s NHS inductees are (in alphabetical order) Top row (left to right): Ryan Andres, Payton Atkins, Liliana Aumann, John Barrett (Villa Park/ St. Pius X graduate), Annika Bartell, Maria Bednarczyk (Lombard/Sacred Heart graduate), Joshua Brunke (Lombard/Sacred Heart graduate) and Hannah Bushati. Second row: Gaetano Carbonara, Dominic Catalano (Lombard/Glenn Westlake School graduate), Liliana Cruz, Julian D’Anca, Annalee DeFeo (Lombard/St. Pius X graduate), Mia Egan (Lombard/St. Scholastica graduate), Mason Esquivel and Isabel Evenson (Villa Park/St. Pius X graduate). Third row: Peyton Farrell, James Fitzpatrick (Lombard/Sacred Heart graduate), Julia Gergen (Lombard/St. Pius X graduate), Naomy Gonzalez, Jaxon Gorny-Lane and Isabella Greco. Fourth row: Ja’niyah Hall, Sean Hubeny, Isabella Jaojoco, Conor Kaefer (Lombard/Sacred Heart graduate), Audrey Kinney, MaryKate Lewan, Ruikun (Ray) Li and Victoria Matulevicius. Fifth row: Zander Montgomery (Lombard/Glenn Westlake Middle School graduate), Margaret Nielsen (Lombard/Sacred Heart graduate), Seoyeon (Yeon) Park (Lombard/International student), Dhruvkumar Patel, Wyatt Prater, Nicholas Sheeran, Daniel Sherman and Matthew Silveyra. Bottom row: Sienna Skarda, Roberto Soto (Addison/ Indian Trail graduate), Lily Spanos, Hayden Surrette, Sierra Urban, Igor Vitale, Collins Whitfield and Christopher Zayed (Lombard/Glenn Westlake Middle School graduate).

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced Monday that law enforcement in DuPage County continues to be on high alert this holiday shopping season and has arrested five individuals accused of stealing merchandise from DuPage County retail establishments in three unrelated incidents during the past four days.

All defendants are charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony). One of the defendants is facing an additional charge of possession of burglary tools, a Class 4 felony.

The most recent arrests include: • Juan Andres Gomez Hernandez, 24, currently staying in Chicago—Accused of stealing approximately $304 worth of Clothing from JC Penny, 175 Yorktown, Lombard on Dec. 14. Gomez-Hernandez’s next court appearance is scheduled Jan. 8 for arraignment. The state’s motion to detain Mr. Gomez-Hernandez pre-trial was granted by the court.

• Sergio Rojas Jaimes, 37, of West Chicago, Juan Sebastian Rojas Jaimes, 25, of Niles and Shirley Vanessa Oviedo-Ortiz, 30, of Niles—all accused of stealing 29 items of clothing valued at approximately $1,458 from Macy’s, 1 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook on Dec. 14. It is alleged that these defendants placed the stolen merchandise in an occupied infant’s stroller and attempted to leave the

630-832-0555 NO 3RD PARTY APP FEES! Our Drivers We Deliver

Scan to call!

OPEN 7 DAYS | DELIVERY or CARRYOUT

1 OFF

$

any $15 pizza purchase Pick up or delivery. With this coupon only. Not valid with other offers.

Expires 12/28/23

FREE 6 Pack of RC Cola

with any $15 pizza purchase Pick up or delivery. With this coupon only. Not valid with other offers.

Expires 12/28/23

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Montini Catholic names annual Christmas card design contest winners

Montini Catholic High School community members will receive a very special Christmas greeting in the mail this year. Junior Annalee DeFeo (left) of Lombard was selected as this year’s winner of the Lasallian preparatory high school’s Spiritual Christmas Card Design Contest. Students were invited to submit their designs in November, with the three top entries winning prizes for the best designs. Sophomore Honor Snell’s (middle) design won her second place and freshman/Lombard resident Jasmine Belle Brunke’s (right) design earned her third-place honors. DeFeo’s design will be featured on this year’s Montini Catholic Christmas card. The two top winners received gift certificates for the Bronco Spirit Store and third place prize was a gift certificate to Montini’s café.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 13

F R I D AY

LOMBARD

PRIVATE GAMING ROOM Sebastianshouse.com

801 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard (630) 376-6947 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield

BAR HOURS Monday Closed Tues-Thurs 12PM-11PM Fri 12PM-12AM Sat 11AM-12AM Sun 11AM-10PM

KITCHEN HOURS Monday Closed Tues-Thurs 12PM-9PM Fri 12PM-10PM Sat 11AM-10PM Sun 11AM-9PM

H DAILY DINE IN ONLY SPECIALS H SUNDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

FRIDAYS

50¢ Boneless Wings LIMIT 12 (with side purchase) $5 Sausage & Peppers ‘Wich (with side purchase) $9 Pasta Marinara (add $2 for Vodka, Meat, Carbonara or Alfredo) $10 Bacon Wrapped Pickle Spears $10 Vegan Pasta Marinara $4 Mimosa - $6 Tito’s Bloody Mary $4.50 Miller Lite or $6 Import 22 oz. Drafts $17 Bottles of Woodbridge House Wine

FREE Bar Bingo/Kids eat free 10 and Under - Ask server for more details $5 Gourmet Cheeseburger (with side purchase) $10 BACON Wrapped Mushrooms $8 Impossible Burger (with side purchase) $5 U Call Its $8 and Under Wine/Liquor ONLY

HHH

HHH

HHH

THURSDAYS

$5 1/2 Lb BLT ‘Wich (with side purchase) $10 BACON Croquettes $8 Vegan Buffalo Chicken ‘Wich (with side purchase) $5 Sam Seasonal Draft $5 Proper Twelve Shot $5 Absolut or Jameson $22 Modelo Buckets

TUESDAYS

$2 Beef/Pulled Pork Taco $3 Chicken - Fish - Pork Belly - Steak $4 Vegan Tacos - Impossible Meat - Chicken - Pork $4 Cilantro Lime Rice or Seasoned Black Beans $10 BACON Nachos $4 Modelo Draft $6 Don Julio Margaritas $7 Don Julio Frozen Margaritas $20 Any Mexican Beer Buckets

$5 Pepper & Egg ‘Wich (with side purchase) $15 Fish & Chips (1/2 Pound Alaskan White Fish) $10 Bacon Stuffed Avocado $8 Vegan Burrito (with side purchase) $5 Stella Draft $5 Crown or Titos $25 High Noon Buckets

SATURDAYS/UFC

$5 Pulled Pork ‘Wich (with side purchase) $10 BACON Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks $8 Vegan Chicken Parmesan ‘Wich (with side purchase) $4 Drafts $8 and Under Half Price Bottles of Wine $25 or More 1/2 Off any $20 or More Bourbon, Scotch or Whiskey

CLOSED - MONDAYS

HAPPY HOUR ~ Tuesday-Friday 3pm-6pm 99¢ Chicken Tenders ~ SLIDERS ~ $2 Grilled Chicken - Meatball - Pulled Pork $3 Burger - Fish - Pork Belly $4 Vegan Chicken or Impossible Slider $5 Italian Beef ‘Wich $8 Medium Cheese Pizza - $3 Full Toppings

Book Your Holiday Party!

Packages of $10.99 per person and Up

Minimum of 20 people

Watch all NCAA and NFL Games HERE!

448521

36 Drafts HHH 350 Bourbons, Scotches & Whiskeys

$12 XL Cheese Pizza - $4 Full Toppings $4 Well Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka & Whiskey $4 House Wine (Woodbridge) $5 Blue Moon Drafts $15 Domestic Buckets - $20 Import Buckets $8 Jefferson Old Fashioned $5 Jefferson 1.25 oz. Pour

Page 16

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

U.S. Supreme Court refuses to block assault weapons ban as full legal challenges progress

By Peter Hancock

Illinois’ assault weapons ban while challenges to the law are still being The U.S. Supreme Court issued heard in lower courts. two orders last week turning down On Dec. 13, Justice Amy Corequests to block enforcement of ney Barrett turned down a request CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

from Republican state Rep. Dan Caulkins, of Decatur, and other gun rights advocates who lost their challenge to the law earlier this year at the Illinois Supreme Court.

May the Joy of this Season be with you Throughout the Year

Brust F H uneral

• Grant

ome

John Brandon Brust, F.D. & Owner Ted Brust, Manager and Staff

Est. 1952

Lombard 135 S. Main Street

630-629-0094 Est. 1937

Villa Park 305 S. Princeton Ave. 448525

630-834-6656

www.brustfuneralhome.com

And on Dec. 14, the full court issued an unsigned order denying a similar request for an injunction by the National Association for Gun Rights, one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging both the statewide ban and a local ban in the city of Naperville.

NAGR filed its request Nov. 29 while it was waiting for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to decide whether it would reconsider its earlier decision upholding the law as constitutional.

But the 7th Circuit said Dec. 11 it would not reconsider that decision.

Because of that, NAGR said this week it is now preparing to ask the Supreme Court for a full review of the law.

Speaking to reporters in Springfield at an unrelated event Dec. 14s, Gov. JB Pritzker, who signed the law back in January, said he still believes it is constitutional.

“I still believe that—as everybody that voted on the law and voted for it—that this is not only a legal undertaking and an appropriate undertaking to keep and safeguard the people of the state of Illinois, but a constitutional one too,” he said.

(Continued from page 6)

endorsement activities; apprenticeships, or Out-of-School Youth Career Activities, whereas the program is specifically aimed at helping out-ofschool youth (ages 16-24) to become reoriented and motivated to complete their education by allowing students to participate in adult education instruction as well as career training activities. Programs can be modeled after, or as a supplement to, the ICCB Early School Leaver Transitions Program.

• Wrap-around Support Services: Utilize transition/wraparound services that provide students with the information and assistance they need to equitably access and persist along their career pathway. Services may include academic advising, career pathway navigation, tutoring, sup-

plemental instruction, study skills, coaching, and referrals to individual support services (e.g., basic needs including housing, transportation, and childcare).

• Seamless Transitions for Students with Disabilities: Create comprehensive programming for individuals with disabilities that provides vocational, and psychological counseling, transitional and educational services, and job placement activities for them to live and work independently in the community. These programs may include transitions from high school to college as well as college to employment.

College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn was awarded $215,600, toward Adult Education Bridge and ICAPS Programming.

WARM WISHES For A Joyous Holiday Season!

CALL ME TODAY TO PLAN YOUR NEXT AMAZING ADVENTURE IN 2024 AND BEYOND!

Joanne Mueller | Franchise Owner/Agent EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS AND EXPERIENCE LIFE NO MATTER WHERE YOUR FEET OR HEART TAKE YOU.

Cruise Planners is merely an advisor distribution channel for the suppliers and makes no warranty expressed or implied.

We are not responsible for errors and omissions.

Copyrighted, all rights protected.

FL ST#39068, CST#2034468-50, HST#TAR-7058, WA ST#603-399-504.

448581

630-337-9886 | jmueller@cruiseplanners.com www.chiprotravel.com | ChiProTravel

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 17

State police training focuses on combating illegal drugs The Basic 40-hour Clandestine Lab Safety School was provided by the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center and was conducted to increase the number of certified clandestine lab team operators.

A total of 19 ISP Division of Criminal Investigation agents from across the state attended the school and were certified as CLT members. CLT is based on the original Methamphetamine Response Team (MRT) that was started in May 2005.

Due to retirements and reassignments over the years, the program lost several certified operators with years of combined experience.

With the increase in unknown drug

Edward-Elmhurst Health named a 15 Top Health System fifth year in a row

1959-2023

62years

at BvilleParks.org/Libertyfest

JULY 4 SWIM

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced that bond has been set for a Florida man accused of leading Omar Castro police on a high-speed chase.

Omar Castro, 22, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $100,000.

Castro is charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including two counts of aggravated speeding in a construction zone, reckless driving and driving while license suspended, all Class A misdemeanors.

On Thursday, June 22 at approximately 8:28 p.m., an Elmhurst police officer responded to a call of a stolen motor vehicle near Route 83 and North Avenue. It is alleged that

60¢ 60¢

1

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Sonic 2

10-11 a.m.

Fischer Farm

8:15 p.m. | Dusk Varble Park rk-N-Play

Villa Park

60¢¢¢¢ 60

@BvilleParks

eview R Review THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023

VOL. 17 NO. 21 VOL.19 17••••NO. NO.30 20 VOL. 17 23 VOL. 17 NO. 24

akbROOk eRRace alsoserving servingOO OakbrOOk akbROOkT Terrace eRRace also also serving akbROOk T eRRace akbROOk eRRace

Golf Get Driving Lessons out and Play!

440255

BvilleParks.org/Pa

Range Saturday, July 15

Call the Pro Shop FITNESS DAYZ to Register

Today Yoga (630) at the Farm 766-0304

10-11 a.m.

Fischer Farm

Officially MOVIE IN THE PARK

Sonic 2 Open!

@BvilleParks 394390 396445 396917

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 THURSDAY, MAY 6,2023 2021 THURSDAY, JULY 13, THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

The 2021 Lilac Queen

INSIDE:

Graduation Play at theday plate at Willowbrook

2020 SCHILLER TEAM SALES: $140,000,000 & 276 CLOSED UNITS

Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while attempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South. Rugg tried to score from second base on a single by sophomore Katelyn Cox in the top of the second inning, the game tiedcelebrated at 2-2. Downers Grove South’swith catcher Willowbrook Highwhen School’s Class was of 2021 its commencement two tagged Rugg out at home for the third out of theon inning.

Themorning.

Mustangs separate ceremonies in theplate school’s main gymnasium Sunday Thewent enon to defeat the Warriors 7-3students. in the West Suburban Conference contest. Wiltire class includes over 470 About half ofGold those students attended the

Register in advance by calling 630-766-7015.

438525

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Bensenville Independent

July 28. Pictured are (from left): Daley Wangler, Reilly Costello, Katy Costello, whose works were on display in the exhibit, Allison Haas and Katie Fox. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

One killed, 23 wounded; deceased victim was father of two 60 60

InsIde:

SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent

‘Joe the Barber’ honored by Village

Police Reports..........4 Viewpoint ................8 Classifieds..............10

alsoserving servingOO O also also serving

T T T

Joe Benedetti, known as “Joe the Barber,” recently retired after 50 years of serving the Addison akbROOk eRRace akbROOk errace eRRace akbrOOk akbROOk eRRace akbROOk eRRace community. The owner of Joe’s Hair Styling Unisex at 611 W. Lake Street was honored by the Village of Addison at a Board meeting on Monday, June 5, where he received a Proclamation in honor of his VOL. 17 ••NO. NO. 21 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM VOL. 17••attended NO.23 20 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM 19 28 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM 17 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM 50 years in business. Nearly 100 communityVOL. members the meeting to congratulate him.

VOL. 17 NO. 24 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

InsIde nsIde:

tified as 31-year-old father of two returned immediately to the celebraReggie Meadows, died after suffer- tion. ing a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

“Out of nowhere, there was a maDeputy Chief Eric Swanson of the jor gunfight for like 30 seconds,” DuPage County Sheriff’s Office said eyewitness Bartosz Majerczyk told in a news conference Sunday, June ABC 7 Eyewitness News. “I’d say, 18 that at least two other victims 60 plus rounds. You could tell it was were in critical condition. two different groups of people shoot“The motive behind this incident ing at each other.” is unclear,” Swanson said. “This is Another witness, who said she was at the celebration, told ABC 7 Eyewitness News “everybody started running” when the gunfire erupted.

“There was a man,” she said. “He fell on top of me. He had a gunshot information to call 630-407-2343. wound to his leg. It was like someThe Juneteenth celebration started thing you can’t imagine.”

JULY 4 SWIM at around 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

In a statement, Governor JB PritzAccording to the Daily Herald, DuP- ker said he is closely monitoring the Noon-5 p.m. | July 4 age in County Sheriff’s deputies had shooting.

Register WhitePinesG Bensenville Water advance byolf.com Park calling been630-766-7015. monitoring the celebration, but “Gathering for a holiday celebra394390 responded to a 911 call of396445 a fight that tion should be a joyful occasion, not 438525 396917 had broken out nearby. a time when gunfire erupts and famiTHURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 THURSDAY, MAY 6,2023 2021 THURSDAY, 29, THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 While JUNE deputies were investigating lies are forced to run for safety,” Gov. THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 that call, they heard gunshots and Pritzker said. “As I’ve said time and

Golf Lessons

Driving

Range

still an active investigation.”

Call theINDEPENDEN Pro Shop CE DAY PARADE “We are working around the clock to Register Today March with to bring to justice,” the those parkresponsible district! the sheriff’s office said in a recent Sign up at BvilleParks.org (630) /Libertyfest 766-0304 post on Twitter, urging anyone with Puzzles ....................9

Officially

Open!

time again, gun violence is a public health emergency in this country and I remain committed to banning these dangerous weapons and making our state safer for everyone.”

Meadows was described as a “devoted father whose life was tragically taken from us amidst a Juneteenth celebration” on a GoFundMe page set up to provide support to his two young children, RJ and Gabby.

Meadows was “a beacon of love and strength, who fell victim to a devastating crossfire incident that shattered the peace and joy of what should have been a day of celebration.

“Amidst the chaos, Reggie tragically lost his life, leaving an indelible mark of grief on his family and community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the other victims who were injured, as we mourn the loss of Reggie, a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many.”

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s loss to post an 11-2 win in Saturday’s game at Hinsdale Central. The Warriors bashed three home runs in the second inning of SatCHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa ParkSilver Review urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Conference.

Senior Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and that sophomore ceremony that beganAnnemarie at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony started Kayleigh the home Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the at 11 a.m. Dennison The photoprovided shows members of runs. the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing background of the above photo. more aboutsee thePage Warriors, see page 14. during the day’s first service.

ForFor more photos, 4.

Departing Mariners LOW INVENTORY!

CHRISFOX FOXPHOTO PHOTOVilla VillaPark ParkReview Review CHRIS SUBMITTED PHOTO Villa Park 390271 Review

Memorial Day in Villa Park

The Village of Villa Park observed Arbor Day with a tree planting on Friday, April 30. Pictured (left to right) at the tree planting at the village’s Franklin Park, located at 218 N. Third Ave., are: Villa Park Village your local agent

Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commis..........6 14 PoliceReports Reports............4 ..........8 Classifieds................10 Sports.................... ....................17 16 sion, The Margaret Villa Park Mariners recognized six Villa departing swimmers during Saturday’s meet against Police Reports ..........8 Sports Police Schiefer—a membertheir of the Park “senior” Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park KATE DRURY Hanover Park at Jefferson Pool.Villa Pictured to right at the end of the meet—Villa final home meet of Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Parkleft Village President Albert Bulthuis, VillaPark’s Park Village Trustee (and Contact me for aRoscoe, DRURY Legal Notices ......... 15 Speak Classifieds..............13 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..........17-18 the season—are: (front row) Grace Harper KATE Conboy Knudtson; (back Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..............16 Puzzles ......................9 Out................8 row) Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone andCaitlin LeslieO’Connor, Allison-Seei—chair of theand VillaGabby Park Community Pride complementary Alexander Dean and Simon Luedtke. All six of the pictured Mariners are630-514-9961 members of Willowbrook High

1

FREE

1 • Thursday, July 13, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

IndependenceBensenville Day in Villa Park ndependent TAKE ONE

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Villa Park Review

I

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 held its analso serving Wood dale nual Fourth of July Parade last week. TheCHRIS parade, which began at FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review VOL. conditions.

19 • NO. 30 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM 10 a.m., took place loss in warm andan sunny The honor guard lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s to post 11-2 win in Saturday’s game at Naval Station Great Lakes led off in the parade.

The honor Hinsdale Central.from The Warriors bashed three home runs the second inning of guard Satis shown (top left) while proceeding west on Central Boulevard near CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa ParkSilver Review Woman urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Harvard Other parade participants included Willowbrook Conference.

Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and that sophomore ceremony that began at 9 Avenue. a.m. The others participated in the ceremony started charged with

Get out and Play!

Saturday, July 15

FITNESS DAYZ

Yoga at the Farm 10-11 a.m.

Fischer Farm

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Sonic 2

8:15 p.m. | Dusk Varble Park

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Warson (VFW) Post 2801 of held itsApril.

Memorial Day service onDay Monday mornCommission.

Arbor Day is observed the last Friday each The National Arbor Foundation 630-514-9961 School’s ClassVeterans of Villa 2023.

Roscoe, has been with the Mariners for years, willTo attend the University ing Cortesi Memorial Park.

Post Commander Jim is pictured bowing his recognihead of as kdrury@atproperties.com hasatrecognized Park withwho Tree City USA designation forBlankshain 36seven straight years. receive that market analysis Wisconsin-Madison.

O’Connor, 11or years with and the Mariners, and Knudtson, who’s a Mariner Willowbrook High School students Lily Hendrickson Anna Seelbach soundataps at been the end ofcomthe kdrury@atproperties.com tion, a community must have awho treespent board department, a tree-care ordinance, comprehensive of your home!! for sevenforestry years, will both attend Illinois State University.

Conboy,because who hasofbeen member of the Mariners ceremony.

The post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled the a COVID-19 pandemic.

This munity program and an Arbor Day observance. for 10 years, and Luedtke, who’s been with forof six years, both attend College of DuPage. year’s observance included a reading of the team names the Postwill 2801 members who have recentlyDean, died. who’s been with theWorld Mariners 11 years,Charles will attend theBergh, Milwaukee Villa Park beat That list included War II veteran “Sid” who School served of asEngineering. the master of ceremonies I would to for help!

Hanover Park annual 372-205Memorial in Saturday’s to improve its season record to 2-4.

TheU.S. Mariners finish their of the post’s Daymeet service for several years. A veteran of the Navy,will Bergh died in eight-meet regular season with this Dale a meet in Roselle July 8.

October 2020.

He was 94 years old.week’s Berghmeet was in theWood post’s lastand surviving World Waron II veteran.

Federal judge sets trial date for State Sen. Tom Cullerton--Page 4

BvilleParks.org/Park-N-Play @BvilleParks

THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023

440490

PRSRT STD PRSRTSTD STD PRSRT PRSRT STD US POSTAGE USPOSTAGE POSTAGE US US POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID PAID ROCK VALLEY ROCKVALLEY VALLEY ROCK ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC PUBLISHINGLLC LLC PUBLISHING PUBLISHING LLC

392497 392497

Police Reports Reports..........6 ..........6 14 ..........8 Sports Sports.................... ....................

16 Police Puzzles............8 & 14 ..........8 17 Legal Notices ......... 15 Classifieds..............13 Classifieds..............13 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..........17-18 Viewpoint...............10 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..............16

Crash killed one, CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review PHOTO Villa Park 390271 Review severelySUBMITTED injured

Memorial Day in Villa Park KATE KATE DRURY DRURY

The Village of Villa Park observed Arbor Day with a tree planting on Friday, anotherApril who 30. Pictured (left to subsequently died right) at the tree planting at the village’s Franklin Park, located at 218 N. Third Ave., are: Villa Park Village your local agent DuPage Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns CommisCounty sion, Margaret Schiefer—a member of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park State’s AttorneyVilla Park Village Trustee (and Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Contact me forVilla a Park Village President Albert Bulthuis, Robert Berlin Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone and Leslie Allison-Seei—chair and of DuPage the Villa Park Community Pride 630-514-9961 County Villa complementary Park Veterans of Foreign Warson (VFW) Post 2801 of held itsApril.

Memorial Day service onDay Monday mornCommission.

Arbor Day is observed the last Friday each The National Arbor Foundation Sheriff James 630-514-9961 ing Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park.

Post Commander Jim is pictured bowingthat his recognihead as Mendrick kdrury@atproperties.com hasatrecognized Villaanalysis Park with Tree City USA designation forBlankshain 36 straight years.

To receive market Christine announced Willowbrook High School students Hendrickson and a Anna Seelbach at the end ofcomthe kdrury@atproperties.com tion, a community must have a tree Lily board or department, tree-care ordinance, ataps comprehensive Brocious that bondsound has ofThe your home!!

Kate Drury for Christine Brocious, pandemic. This ceremony. post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled becausebeenofsetthe COVID-19 munity forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

36, of Chicago Ridge.

630.514.9961 LOCALof AGENT. LOCAL year’s observance included a reading of the names the Post 2801RESULTS. members who Brocious is charged withhave recently died. kdrury@atproperties.com one count DUI That list included World War II veteran Charles “Sid” Bergh, who served asof aggravated the master of ceremonies I would to help! causing death (Class 2 felony) LoveVillaPark.com of the post’s annual Memorial Day service for several years. A veteran of counts the ofU.S. Navy, Bergh died in and two aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm 438517 October 2020. He was 94 years old. Bergh was the post’s last surviving World War II veteran.

(Class 4 felony) stemming from

float away...

Federal judge sets trial date for State Sen. Tom Cullerton--Page 4

Postal Customer **ecrwss

See CRASH, Page 4

InsIde:

High School’s band (left), along with Villa Park in Village Kayleigh provided themarching home Dennison (No. 5) is pictured the at 11 a.m. Dennison The photo shows members of runs. the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing aggravated President Nick (above), who, like other14. parade parbackground of the above photo.

For more aboutsee the Warriors, seeDUI page during the day’s first service.

ForCuzzone more photos, Page 4. many ticipants, distributed candy to young in spectators. deadly crash

LOW INVENTORY! Don't let your dream home

377325

InsIde nsIde:

#1 REALTOR ® • #1 TEAM • #1 OFFICE

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Addison ndependent

Police Reports..........6 Puzzles............8 & 14 Viewpoint...............10 Classifieds..............13

a June 29 crash that claimed the life of another motorist, 25-year-old Jorgo Cukali and severely injured Jorgo’s 30-year-old sister, Nastika Cukali, who was a passenger in his vehicle.

Brocious appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Daniel Guerin set bond at $1.5 million with 10 percent to apply.

On June 29 at approximately 11:30 p.m., DuPage County Sheriff deputies responded to unincorporated Winfield at Mack and Winfield Roads for

See CRASH, Page 4

InsIde:

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Police Reports..........6 Puzzles............8 & 14 Viewpoint...............10 Classifieds..............13

Village joins LibertyFest Parade

These parade-goers are ready to step off with this Bensenville Park District float, which appeared in the Wood Dale LibertyFest Parade. More photos inside.

These youngsters took part in the Kids Race portion of the 4 on the 4th race that takes place every year on 4th of July near Elmhurst University.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC

Digital Subscription is available for this newspaper for only $35.00 per year!

Click on “AVAILABLE SUBSCRIPTIONS” in the menu bar at the top of the page to choose your newspaper!

Start your electronic subscription today!

The Lombardian, Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent, Villa Park Review 440925

Published by

Rock Valley Publishing, LLC

For an eSubscription, visit rockvalleyenews.com or call 627-7010.

The Lombardian, Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent and VillaPublished Park Review by

Just go to rockvalleyenews.com!

630.627.7010

at BvilleParks.org/Libertyfest

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Arbor Day in Villa Park

#1 IN LOMBARD *MRED, LLC, includes all closed sales in Lombard for all property types, all agents, and all offices, 1/1/2020-12/31/2020.

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE March with the park district!

Sign up JULY 4 SWIM

Noon-5 p.m. | July 4 Bensenville Water Park

County sheriff investigating Juneteenth shooting incident

STAFF REPORT multiple weapons into a large crowd No arrests have been made as of at around 12:30 a.m. during a gather1 press time in connection with a mass ing to commemorate Juneteenth held shooting at a strip mall in unincorpo- ¢¢ ¢in the parking lot at the mall, located rated DuPage County near Willow- ¢near Honeysuckle Lane and Route brook early Sunday morning, June 83.

18, the day designated as Juneteenth.

Approximately 23 people were The DuPage County Sheriff’s wounded by gunfire. Victims were Office said an unknown number of taken to hospitals in DuPage, Cook suspects fired multiple rounds from and Will counties. One man, iden-

1 • Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

440255

THE NEWSPAPER! And they’re off Tim Schiller | 630.992.0582 | tim@theschillerteam.com

As many museums are celebrating Andy Warhol and his legacy of pop art, the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild hosted reception for its Inspired By Warhol exhibit, a juried exhibition based on the works of Andy Warhol on display through Friday,

Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while attempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South. Rugg tried to score from second base on a single by sophomore Katelyn Cox in the top of the second inning, the game tiedcelebrated at 2-2. Downers Grove South’swith catcher Willowbrook Highwhen School’s Class was of 2021 its commencement two tagged Rugg out at home for the third out of theon inning.

Themorning.

Mustangs separate ceremonies in theplate school’s main gymnasium Sunday Thewent enon to defeat the Warriors 7-3students. in the West Suburban Conference contest. Wiltire class includes over 470 About half ofGold those students attended the

DuPage County State’s Attorney CHRIS FOX PHOTO Lombardian Robert Berlin CHRIS FOX PHOTO Lombardian Glenbard East High its Local 2021 Scholarship Awards Night last week. after the ceremony.

Pictured (left to right) are: (front row)SUBMITTED Emily DinaLombardian Jovaand DuPage PHOTO Emmie Sathy was School namedheld Lombard’s Lilac Queen during Saturday coronation continued a tradition that began 91 years ago. Ryan, Lombard’s first CHRIS FOX PHOTO More than 40coronation members of the school’s Class of 2021 scholarships Rocco Marcello, TinainDjordjevic andEmmie Sophia Heatley; row) Maddie Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House, 801 E. Roosevelt, Lombard—with support theQueen welfare of active members and isveterans theLombardian United afternoon’s ceremony in Lilacia Park.

She received wasCounty oneand of five Lilac novic, Lilac was crowned 1930.

Queen a senior(back at of Glenbard East Sheriff James during the May 13 celebration in at Biester Auditorium.

Scholarship donors Weltin, Lauren Huber andattend Kendall Crackel.

Glenbard East’s Classabout of 2021 will stucel- of Glenbard East High Class ofstaff/crew, 2021 of celebrated its commenceThis year’s graduating classVanderbilt at Glenbard East includes 560 the help of many generous individuals, businesses, event and States armed forces, their immediate families and the immediate families Princesses to take the School’s stage the beginning the ceremony.

Sheusually soon High School.

She will University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mendrick attend the $13,848 annual event, but safety mitigations limited attendance atThis this year’sveterans. ebrate its commencement with two are ceremonies this Saturday in Saturday’s the school’s stament with Saturday’s two separate ceremonies the Queen. school’s stadium. dents.

Several ofbe thefound graduates pictured at the end of first the incredible community—raised at its and recently held thirdinLilac annual deceased Presenting the check Sue Wackerlin (middle), founder accepted the crown, sash cape as this year’s year’s More photos can inside thisto issue.

Christine service. of the scholarship winners pictured outsideannounced of the dium.

Theare firstTammy ceremonyHendrickson will begin at 10 a.m.

Theand second service starts at 1(right), p.m.

The firstEight service began at The 10 a.m.

The are second started at 1 p.m. service.

Veterans Suicide/PTSD Awareness fundraiser. funds go toceremony support ofauditorium Adopt A Soldier, (left) Johanna Marks Brocious that bond has Adopt A Soldier—a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to lift morale organized the event. beenwho set for Christine Brocious,

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

Celebrating all things Warhol

Graduation Play at theday plate at Willowbrook

8:15 p.m. | Dusk Varble Park

BvilleParks.org/Park-N-Play WhitePinesGolf.com

395484

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

440255

Get out and Play!

Saturday, July 15

FITNESS DAYZ

Yoga at the Farm

Crash killed one, severely injured another who subsequently died

INSIDE:

when the officer located the vehicle, later determined to be driven by Castro, Castro put his car in reverse and proceeded southbound on Route 83. It is alleged that as the officer pursued, Castro reached speeds of approximately 107 mph in a 45-mph zone and disobeyed three traffic lights.

It is alleged that near 16th Street, Castro completed a U-turn and continued driving northbound on Route 83 reaching speeds of approximately 100 mph in a 35-mph construction zone, at which time the pursuing officer lost sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, the vehicle was located abandoned in a school parking lot. Officers responded to the school parking and at approximately 8:42 p.m., located Castro approximately one block away from the school. He was then taken into custody after a brief struggle with the officers.

Castro’s next court appearance is scheduled July 27 for arraignment in front of Judge Telander.

VOL. 19 • NO. 28

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Florida man charged with leading police on high-speed chase

Police Reports..........4 Puzzles ....................9 Viewpoint ................8 Classifieds..............10

Independent

36, of Chicago Ridge.

Brocious is charged with one count of aggravated DUI causing death (Class 2 felony) and two counts of aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm 4 felony) stemming from Opinion ........................... 4 Police reports ................. 7 a(Class June 29 crash that claimed the life of another motorist, About...................

6 Sports .......................11-12 .........................9-10 25-year-old Opinion ...........................Out 4 &Police reports ..............2-3 Jorgo Cukali and severely injured Jorgo’s Out & About................... 6 Sports ............................ 10 30-year-old sister, Nastika Cukali, who was a passenger in his vehicle.

Brocious appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Daniel Guerin set bond at $1.5 million with 10 percent to apply.

On June 29 at approximately 11:30 p.m., DuPage County Sheriff deputies responded to unincorporated Winfield at Mack and Winfield Roads for

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

also serving Wood dale

438525

395484

VOL. 20 • NO. 28

Register in advance by calling 630-766-7015.

InsIde:

Addison

VOL. 20 • NO. 30

TAKE ONE

Noon-5 p.m. | July 4 Bensenville Water Park

1 • Thursday, July 13, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

TAKE ONE

FREE

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE March with the park district!

Sign up

A Celebrating L O M B A RA DL ONMEBWA RS DP AN EP WE SRP AFPOE RR FLOORMLBO AM RB ADR DP EP OE OPPLLEE

Sebastian’s Ale FREE and Whiskey House helps raise over $13,000 for Adopt A Solider Woman at annual charged with aggravated DUI VeteransScholarships presented in deadly crash at Glenbard East Suicide/PTSD Graduation day Local Scholarship Awareness Awards Night at Glenbard East fundraiser

1 • Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

TAKE ONE

20, 2021 Thursday, May 6, 27,2021

Vol. 651959-2021 No. 29 Vol. 63 No. 19 13, 2023 21 Thursday, May 2021 Thursday, May20, 6, 2021 22Thursday, July 27,

1

1 • Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

Rock Valley Publishing 240 N. West Ave., Suite B Elmhurst, IL 60126 Phone: 630.834.8244

440472

Celebrating

65years

Thursday, July 13, 2023 Page 1 LOMBARDIAN

1

FREE

Bensenville Receive a digital copy of your hometown Addison Independent Independent newspaper every week with an eSubscription. The eSubscription is a PDF copy of the printed newspaper emailed to you every week for only $35 a year.

Villa Park eview R Review There’s no waiting for your home delivery.

Your link to the weekly newspaper will be emailed to you every Thursday. The digital version of the newspaper can be read on a computer, laptop or Arbor Day in Villa Park tablet.

377325

LOMBARDIAN

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC

is in

Receive an eSubscription of your hometown newspaper for only $35 per year!

Lombardian Lombardian

Page 1

847-217-9604

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC

REAL NEWS

2021.

To create the list, PINC AI conducted an objective, quantitative analysis of publicly available data to identify the top health systems in the U.S. The primary purpose of the PINC AI 15 Top Health Systems study is to inspire hospital and health system leaders to pursue higher performance and deliver added value to their patients and communities. The quantitative study is based on a balanced scorecard which consists of a variety of measurements distributed across four pillars: clinical, financial, operational and patient experience.

The study is designed to provide a view of health system performance across multiple dimensions: how they stand compared to peers and high performers (whole-system performance), where they stand in the evolution of their own cultures of performance improvement (relative long-term improvement and rate of improvement) and the achievement of cross-system performance alignment (system hospital performance).

For more information, visit pinc-ai. com/100-top-hospitals.

package and transport hazardous materials to containers located throughout the state provided by DEA. ISP provides this service to our local law enforcement partners to minimize or eliminate the high clean-up costs associated with the hazardous materials produced by clandestine drug labs.

PRSRT STD PRSRTSTD STD PRSRT PRSRT STD US POSTAGE USPOSTAGE POSTAGE US US POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID PAID ROCK VALLEY ROCKVALLEY VALLEY VALLEY ROCK ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC PUBLISHINGLLC LLC PUBLISHING PUBLISHING LLC

Fortune and PINC AI have named Edward-Elmhurst Health (EEH), now Endeavor Health, as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems, once again in the Medium Health Systems category.

PINC AI is the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc. It’s the fifth year in a row EEH, including Edward Hospital, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital made the list.

“We’re honored to earn 15 Top Health System recognition again. Five years in a row speaks to the commitment to the safe, seamless and personal care provided by our team members,” said Joe Dant, president, South Region, Endeavor Health. “We’ve set and maintained a high standard of performance and quality and look forward to continuing that for the patients and community we serve.”

Earlier in the year, Edward Hospital was named to the Fortune/PINC AI list of 100 Top Hospitals for 2023. Edward was ranked 14th in the 20 Top Large Community Hospitals category. Edward was previously recognized as a 100 Top Hospital in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2020 and

Since 2007, ISP has been a part of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Authorized Central Storage Program that covers the disposal costs associated with hazardous materials recovered by law enforcement from clandestine drug labs.

CLT operators are trained to properly

415739

substances found on the street, as well as the potential rise of other types of clandestine labs on the horizon, CLT has taken steps to ensure ISP continues to provide certified operators across the state. These ISP officers not only handle ISP cases, they work with local police departments and sheriff’s offices across the state.

The 40-hour training focused on how to safely handle and process all types of clandestine drug labs. During the training field exercises, operators assessed mock lab sites and handled active methamphetamine laboratories. Operators learned how to don chemical and fire-resistant suits, self-contained breathing apparatus, and full-face respirators required to enter potentially dangerous lab sites.

Operators also learned how to properly document, sample, dismantle, and overpack dangerous hazardous materials and components for destruction.

The 16-hour Clandestine Micro-Lab course focused on recertifying current operators and certifying new CLT operators in clandestine drug labs, counterfeit pill mills, and fentanyl handling. With these three courses, ISP now has 47 CLT operators statewide.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Clandestine Lab Team (CLT) recently hosted a Basic 40-hour Clandestine Lab Safety School and two 16-hour Clandestine Micro-Lab recertification courses to combat the increase in unknown drugs found on the street and the rise of labs used to make illicit drugs.

“ISP is committed to combating illegal drugs across the state, including the labs where they are made,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “We want to ensure our people have the necessary training to safely handle clandestine labs as we continue providing these services to law enforcement agencies across the state.”

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

holidays HAPPY

From Our Family To Yours

Save $200 York Street

917 South York Street • Elmhurst, IL 60126

917 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126

427534

Page 18

PUZZLE Page

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 19

ACTIVITIES ARRIVAL BARTENDER BEVERAGES CHAFING DISHES CHARGERS ENTERTAIN FOOD GIFT GUEST LIST HOME HOSTING INVITE ITINERARY MENU MUSIC OVERNIGHT PARTY PLANNING PLAYLIST RECEPTION RSVP VALET

SUDOKU

Fun by the Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Answers on page 25

CLUES ACROSS 1. Droops 5. Subatomic particle 10. Not in danger 14. Nursemaid 15. Black band worn in mourning 16. Long song in opera 17. Edible seed of a Philippine tree 18. Chicago political family 19. Pursues pleasure from one place to another 20. Appetizer 22. Hill (Celtic) 23. Simple shoe 24. Songs to one you love 27. Secret activities 30. Upset 31. Popular hot drink 32. Body art (slang) 35. Fired 37. Blood relation 38. Identical 39. Porticos 40. Partner to cheese 41. Type of sword 42. Enough (archaic) 43. Surface layer of ground 44. Cotton fabric woven like satin 45. Choose for a post 46. Father 47. Tell on 48. Indian title of respect 49. Fonts 52. Fencing sword 55. Mock 56. Vaccine developer 60. Atmosphere surrounding a person or place 61. Marten with a short tail 63. Chinese temple 64. Invests in little enterprises 65. Popular cut of meat 66. Charity 67. Iron-containing compound 68. River in Northern Europe 69. One point east of southeast CLUES DOWN 1. Exhausts 2. Genus of fish related to gars

3. Impudent behavior 4. Adherents to Islam 5. They come after A 6. Spoke 7. Room to receive guests 8. About opera 9. End-blown flute 10. Heroic tales 11. Member of a Semitic people 12. Dog’s name 13. Opposite of west 21. Political divisions in ancient Greece 23. Ocean 25. Cool!

26. Young woman about to enter society 27. One from central Caucasus 28. Indian city 29. A way to serve ice cream 32. Emaciation 33. Escort aircraft carrier

34. Italian city 36. Mythical settler of Kansas 37. Unhappy 38. High schoolers’ test 40. Measured in pace 41. Satisfies 43. Gullible person 44. Enclosed space 46. Substance used to color something 47. Shirt type 49. Discover by investigation 50. __-Castell, makers of pens 51. Semitic Sun god 52. Grads wear one 53. French river 54. Part of a cap 57. Digestive fluid 58. Metrical foot 59. Body part 61. Very fast airplane 62. Supplement with difficulty

Page 20

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Sports

Rams beat West Chicago, then lose to Fenton Glenbard East ends week at 3-7 overall and 3-2 in conference play

The Glenbard East boys basketball team split a pair of Upstate Eight Conference games last week.

The Rams began the week with a 75-55 conference win at West Chicago on Dec. 12. Three days later, the Rams lost 61-44 to Fenton in Friday’s conference contest in Lombard.

Glenbard East fell to 3-7 overall and 3-2 in Upstate Eight action following Friday’s loss to the Bison.

Five Rams delivered double-digit scoring outputs in last week’s victory in West Chicago. Sophomore Norman Loechel scored a team-leading 16 points for Glenbard East. He also provided four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Junior Devin Kraft of the Rams contributed 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists in his team’s victory over the Wildcats.

Sophomore Danny Snyder supplied 12 points, four rebounds and five assists. Sophomore Michael Nee added 10 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Senior Aleks Jajic produced 10 points and five rebounds.

“We shot the ball really well,” said Glenbard East coach Eric Kelly of the Rams’ win in West Chicago. “We made eight threes in the first half—all by sophomores [four from Loechel and two each from Nee and Snyder].”

Fenton took an early 13-0 lead over the Rams in the first quarter of Friday’s game in Lombard. Jajic scored Glenbard East’s first points of the night with a rebound and inside basket with about 2:40 left in the opening period. Fenton led the Rams 17-6 at the end of the first

quarter. The Bison owned a 32-17 advantage at halftime. Fenton’s lead stood at 45-28 at the end of the third quarter.

Nee scored a team-high 16 points for the Rams in Friday’s loss. He scored 10 points during the fourth quarter, when he made a pair of 3-point shots and sank all four of his attempts from the freethrow line.

After a scoreless first half, Nee scored six points in the third quarter by making two shots from 3-point range.

Snyder converted three shots from 3-point territory and scored 11 points in Friday’s game. Jajic added eight points. Kraft scored four points, while junior Luke Martinez and senior Ari Pierson contributed three and two points, respectively.

“We’ve got to be stronger and tougher,” said Kelly after Friday’s loss to the Bison. “We missed eight layups in the first half, and we couldn’t get stops when we needed to. We’ve got to get better defensively.”

Senior Alejandro Diaz scored a game-high 25 points for Fenton during Friday’s win over Glenbard East. Senior Damian Harnish added 15 points for the Bison. Senior Xavior Gonzalez supplied 10 points.

The Rams’ schedule this week includes a conference game at East Aurora and tonight’s non-conference contest at Wheaton Academy.

Glenbard East will play at York High School’s Jack Tosh Holiday Classic, which begins on Dec. 26.

The Rams will open the tournament with a game against Glenbrook South.

Glenbard East’s boys basketball team squared off against Fenton in Friday’s Upstate Eight Conference game in Lombard.

The visiting Bison defeated the Rams 61-44. Fenton raced out to a 13-0 lead in the opening minutes of the contest. The Bison led the Rams 17-6 at the end of the first quarter. Fenton’s lead grew to 32-17 by halftime.

Sophomore Michael Nee (No. 4) scored a team-high 16 points for the Rams in Friday’s game. Nee did not score in the first half. He Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing made two 3-point shots in the Junior Devin Kraft (No. 10) of the Rams is also pictured during third quarter. He drained two 3-point attempts and sank four Friday’s contest. Kraft scored 13 points in Glenbard East’s previous free throws in the fourth quarter. game—a 75-55 conference win at West Chicago on Dec. 12.

Rams move to 6-0 in Upstate Eight Conference play

Glenbard East’s week includes conference victories over West Chicago and Fenton; Rams also lose at Willowbrook and win at Addison Trail

Glenbard East’s girls basketball team won three of four games last week. The Rams finished the week with an overall record of 9-3 and an unblemished 6-0 record in Upstate Eight Conference action.

Glenbard East opened the week with a 46-29 conference win over West Chicago on Dec. 12 in Lombard. One day later, the Rams lost 48-30 to Willowbrook in a non-conference clash in Villa Park.

The Rams crushed Fenton 68-37 in Friday’s conference game in Bensenville. Glenbard East concluded its week with Saturday afternoon’s 39-25 non-conference victory at Addison Trail.

The Rams led West Chicago 10-5 after one quarter of last week’s meeting. Glenbard East led the Wildcats 22-13 at halftime and

28-23 at the end of the third quarter.

The Rams delivered a 14-2 run to start the fourth quarter and raise their lead to 42-25. Freshman Lilly Carver made three baskets, including a 3-point shot, and sank one free throw during that run. Senior Catey Carney scored Glenbard East’s six other points during the run with one field goal and four free throws.

Carney made all 12 of her freethrow attempts during the game and scored a team-high 18 points in the Rams’ win over West Chicago.

Carver added 10 points. Senior Gabby Walton supplied six points.

Senior Livia Robbins, junior Veronica Witt and freshman Teagan Murphy contributed four points each.

The Rams had a forgettable eve-

ning in their Dec. 13 game at Willowbrook.

The Warriors led Glenbard East 10-6 after one quarter and 21-17 at halftime. Willowbrook’s lead ballooned to 37-21 by the end of the third quarter.

Witt, Walton and Carney scored one basket each at the start of the fourth quarter to cut Willowbrook’s lead to 37-27. A free throw from Murphy reduced the Warriors’ lead to 39-30 with 4:31 to play. Willowbrook then outscored the Rams 9-0 to end the game.

Carney scored 13 points for Glenbard East in last week’s loss in Villa Park. Walton scored nine points, while Murphy provided five points.

The Rams rolled to a 25-7 lead through one quarter of Friday’s

game at Fenton. Glenbard East led the Bison 39-13 at halftime and 5527 at the end of the third quarter.

Walton scored a team-high 18 points for the Rams in Friday’s win in Bensenville. Carney scored 17 points. Witt, Murphy and junior Erin Brown contributed six points each.

Robbins supplied five points in the victory over Fenton. Carver scored four points. Junior Taylour Hodges and sophomore Sarah Crocker added three points each.

The Rams led Addison Trail 17-9 after one quarter of Saturday’s contest in Addison. Glenbard East led the Blazers 23-14 at halftime and 32-17 at the end of the third quarter.

Walton scored a team-leading 11 points for the Rams in Satur-

day’s victory. Murphy provided 10 points, while Carney tallied nine points. Carver added five points.

Robbins scored two points, while Brown and Hodges netted one point each.

Senior Cailey Salerno scored a team-leading eight points for Addison Trail in Saturday’s game against Glenbard East. Junior Emma Caniglia, who sank two shots from 3-point range, added seven points for the Blazers.

Addison Trail’s overall season record fell to 4-7 following Saturday’s loss.

The Rams’ schedule this week included a conference home game against East Aurora. Glenbard East will play at next week’s tournament at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 21

Montini ends four-game losing streak with a win over Trinity Montini moves to 8-4 overall with last week’s victories over Trinity and St. Francis

The Montini Catholic girls basketball team won two of three games last week to move its overall season record to 8-4.

The Broncos began the week with a 52-46 loss to Hersey at the Exam Jamm event at Lake Zurich High School on Dec. 12. That setback extended the Broncos’ losing streak to four games.

Montini ended its losing streak with a 69-42 Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) win at Trinity on Dec. 13. The Broncos finished the week with Friday’s 56-34 GCAC victory at St. Francis.

Montini improved to 3-2 in GCAC action with last week’s wins at Trinity and St. Francis.

The Broncos had a slow start in

last week’s game against Hersey in the one-day Exam Jamm showcase in Lake Zurich. Hersey led Montini 15-6 after one quarter and 27-14 at halftime. The Broncos cut the Huskies’ lead to 41-36 by the end of the third quarter. Montini trimmed Hersey’s lead to three points with a little more than one minute to play, but the Huskies held off the Broncos to earn the victory.

Montini senior Victoria Matulevicius scored a team-leading 18 points in last week’s loss to Hersey. Matulevicius scored seven of her nine field goals during the second half.

She made three baskets during the third quarter and netted four baskets in the fourth quarter.

Junior Nikki Kerstein provided

12 points for the Broncos in the loss to the Huskies. Kerstein made a pair of 3-point field goals in the second quarter. Junior Lily Spanos added nine points for the Broncos by making three 3-point shots during the third quarter.

Montini owned a 21-5 lead after one quarter of last week’s conference battle at Trinity. The Broncos’ lead swelled to 45-17 by halftime.

Montini junior Shea Carver scored a team-high 17 points in her team’s win over Trinity. She scored all 17 of her points during the first

half after making three of four attempts from 3-point range, three of three 2-point attempts and both of her shots from the free-throw line.

Matulevicius supplied 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists against Trinity. Kerstein contributed 13 points, six assists and four steals.

Senior Alyssa Epps scored 11 points.

Spanos provided eight points, while senior Riley White tallied six points.

Montini held a 14-10 lead over St. Francis after one quarter of Friday’s game in Wheaton. The Broncos expanded their lead to 28-16 by half-

time. Montini led the Spartans 47-24 at the end of the third quarter.

Kerstein made four shots from 3-point range and scored a team-leading 18 points in Friday’s victory.

Matulevicius added 14 points. Carver scored 12 points, while Epps contributed seven points. Spanos scored three points with a 3-point basket in the first quarter. Junior Peyton Farrell added two points.

The Broncos will continue their season at their own 12-team Christmas tournament, which runs from Dec. 26-29.

Broncos’ week ends with loss to St. Francis

The Montini Catholic boys basketball team lost a pair of games last week. The Broncos opened the week with a 56-43 loss at Brother Rice on Dec. 12. Montini finished the week with Friday night’s 49-30 loss at St. Francis.

The Broncos’ overall season record slipped to 2-9 following their loss to the Spartans in Wheaton.

St. Francis held a 12-9 lead over Montini after one quarter of Friday’s game, which completed a girls-boys doubleheader between the Broncos and Spartans. St. Francis owned a

22-15 halftime lead. The Spartans’ lead stood at 32-24 at the end of the third quarter.

Junior Drew Church of the Broncos delivered a three-point play to cut the Spartans’ lead to 41-30 with 2:40 remaining in the contest. St. Francis then went on an 8-0 run to end the game.

Senior Danny Petersen scored seven points for the Broncos in Friday’s loss to the Spartans. He made three baskets, including a 3-point field goal. Senior Tyler Pavlik provided six points for the Broncos.

Pavlik connected on a 3-point shot in the second quarter and sank three of four free-throw attempts in the third quarter.

Seniors Nick Lombardi and Maddox Shepherd provided four points each for Montini in Friday’s game at St. Francis. Church, junior Max Bell and junior Dillon Bagley scored three points each.

The Broncos’ season continues with four games in four days at the upcoming IC Catholic Prep/Westmont Christmas Classic, which begins on Dec. 27.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Rams win three of four games Glenbard East’s girls basketball team won three of four games last week to improve its overall season record to 9-3. The Rams began the week with a 46-29 Upstate Eight Conference home win over West Chicago on Dec. 12. One day later, Glenbard East lost 48-30 to Willowbrook in a nonconference game in Villa Park.

The Rams defeated Fenton 68-37 in Friday’s Upstate Eight Conference contest in Bensenville. Glenbard East ran its conference record to 6-0 with that victory. The Rams completed their week with Saturday’s 39-25 nonconference win at Addison Trail. One photo (above) from last week’s game at Willowbrook shows Glenbard East senior Gabby Walton (No. 23) and senior Elle Bruschuk (No. 33) of the Warriors. Walton scored nine points against Willowbrook.

She scored a team-leading 18 points in Friday’s victory at Fenton. Walton provided a team-high 11 points in Saturday’s win at Addison Trail. Glenbard East freshman Teagan Murphy (No. 14 - left) is pictured while launching and making a shot during the Rams’ victory in Addison.

Murphy scored 10 points against the Blazers.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Blazers vs. Rams

Addison Trail’s girls basketball team faced Glenbard East in Saturday’s non-conference game in Addison. The visiting Rams beat the Blazers 39-25. Addison Trail’s overall season record dropped to 4-7 following the loss. Senior Cailey Salerno (No. 22 - left) scored a team-leading eight points for the Blazers in Saturday’s contest. She made two baskets and sank all four of her attempts from the free-throw line. Junior Emma Caniglia (No. 0 - above) drained a pair of 3-point shots for the Blazers and provided seven points. Addison Trail improved its West Suburban Gold Conference record to 2-2 with a 33-25 victory over Proviso East on Dec. 12.

Page 22

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Warriors post pair of impressive home wins Two days after beating Glenbard East, Warriors win a double-overtime thriller against Downers Grove South

After starting last week with a decisive loss, the Willowbrook girls basketball team produced a pair of impressive home victories over Glenbard East and Downers Grove South.

The Warriors began the week with a 66-36 non-conference loss at Waubonsie Valley on Dec. 12. One day later, Willowbrook defeated nearby rival Glenbard East 48-30 in Villa Park. The Warriors closed out the week with Friday’s thrilling 65-63 double-overtime win over Downers Grove South in a West Suburban Gold Conference battle.

Willowbrook improved to 5-8 overall and 3-2 in conference play following Friday’s victory.

Waubonsie Valley led Willowbrook 18-12 after one quarter, 3118 at halftime and 51-30 after three quarters.

Senior Lillian Vish and junior Ayaani Gusman scored nine points each for Willowbrook in last week’s loss at Waubonsie Valley. Senior Elle Bruschuk scored seven points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Warriors.

The Warriors led Glenbard East 10-6 after the first quarter of the Dec. 13 clash between nearby schools.

The Warriors led the Rams 21-17 at halftime. Willowbrook outscored Glenbard East 16-4 in the third quarter to build a 37-21 lead with eight minutes to play.

Vish scored a season-high 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Warriors during their win over Glenbard East. Gusman provided 15 points for Willowbrook, while Bruschuk contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Rams went on a 6-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to cut Willowbrook’s lead to 37-27. Gusman then scored a basket to push the Warriors’ lead to 39-27. Glenbard East reduced Willowbrook’s lead to 39-30 with 4:31 to play. The Warriors then closed the game with a 9-0 run that included two baskets from Gusman and one basket each from Vish and Bruschuk, along with one free throw from Bruschuk.

Downers Grove South led the Warriors 13-0 through a little more than three minutes of Friday’s con-

ference game in Villa Park. The visiting Mustangs made two 3-point shots and added a three-point play during their 13-0 run to start the game. Vish scored Willowbrook’s first points of the night with a rebound and basket with about 4:50 left in the first quarter.

Vish provided a total of six points during the opening quarter of Friday’s game. Downers Grove South led the Warriors 19-12 at the end of the first quarter.

The Mustangs led Willowbrook 29-18 late in the second quarter.

Senior Seyna Fall of the Warriors made a pair of free throws to cut Downers Grove South’s lead to 2920 with 1:50 left in the first half.

Fall launched and sank a 3-point shot from the left wing as the second quarter expired to cut the Mustangs’ lead to 29-23 at halftime.

Downers Grove South led the Warriors 37-32 at the end of the third quarter. A steal and basket by Bruschuk cut the lead to 41-38 with about 5:45 remaining in the fourth quarter. Vish made a 3-point shot to trim the lead to 45-41 with 2:55 left in regulation. Gusman sank a 3-point shot to drop the Mustangs’ lead to 45-44 with 2:15 to play in the fourth quarter. Moments later, after a steal by Willowbrook junior Loralai McIntyre, Gusman drained another 3-point shot to give the Warriors their first lead of the game—a 47-45 advantage with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs regained the lead by sinking a 3-point shot with 1:18 left in regulation. Bruschuk made one of two free throws with 4.8 seconds on the clock to tie the score at 48-48.

Bruschuk scored the first points of the first four-minute overtime period to give the Warriors a 50-48 lead.

A basket from Vish raised Willowbrook’s lead to 52-48, but a 3-pointer from the Mustangs cut the Warriors’ lead to 52-51.

Gusman made a pair of free throws to give the Warriors a 54-52 lead with 1:40 left in the first overtime period. The Mustangs made two free throws with 1:14 on the clock to tie the game. Downers Grove South took a 57-54 lead with a three-point

play with 38.7 seconds left in the period. Bruschuk made one free throw with 33.6 seconds on the clock. She returned to the line a few seconds later and made both free throws to

Warriors’ winning streak ends with a loss at Downers Grove South Willowbrook will play Hinsdale South this Friday in Villa Park

The Willowbrook boys basketball team’s three-game winning streak ended with Friday’s 85-49 West Suburban Gold Conference loss at Downers Grove South. The Warriors dropped to 4-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play following the loss to the Mustangs.

Downers Grove South led Willowbrook 19-4 after one quarter and 45-14 at halftime. The Mustangs’

lead stood at 65-36 at the end of the third quarter.

Sophomore Otis Powell scored a team-leading 18 points for Willowbrook in Friday’s contest in Downers Grove. He also grabbed five rebounds. Sophomore Jaylen Griffin provided 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Warriors. Senior Andrew Ciesinski contributed five points and six re-

bounds. Junior Filip Palutkiewicz added four points and six rebounds.

Senior Kenyon Rhodes scored four points.

The Warriors will face Hinsdale South in this Friday’s conference battle in Villa Park. Willowbrook will then play four games at the IC Catholic Prep/Westmont Christmas Classic, which will take place Dec. 27-30.

tie the score at 57-57. The Mustangs missed a lengthy shot at the end of the first overtime period.

Gusman made a pair of free throws to give the Warriors a 61-60 lead with 2:11 to play. Gusman made one free throw to boost her team’s lead to 62-60 with 1:03 remaining.

Bruschuk made two free throws with 28.1 seconds to play to push Willowbrook’s lead to 64-60. The Mustangs made a 3-point basket with 18 seconds remaining to trim the Warriors’ lead to 64-63.

McIntyre made one of two free throws with 11 seconds to play. The Mustangs then missed a last-second corner shot that could have sent the game to a third overtime period.

Bruschuk piled up 27 points, 19 rebounds and five assists in Friday’s victory. She made 10 field goals and sank seven of 10 shots from the freethrow line.

Vish provided 13 points and 10 rebounds in Willowbrook’s win over the Mustangs. Gusman, who made seven of eight free throws in the game, contributed 13 points. Fall and McIntyre supplied five points each.

Junior Kendall Medinger scored two points.

The Warriors’ season continues with tonight’s non-conference home game against Fenwick. Willowbrook will play four games at Wheaton North’s holiday tournament, which will take place Dec. 26-29.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook’s girls basketball team delivered two winning performances last week. After opening the week with a non-conference loss at Waubonsie Valley on Dec. 12, the Warriors defeated nearby rival Glenbard East 48-30 in a non-conference game in Villa Park on Dec. 13. Willowbrook finished its week with Friday’s exciting 65-63 double-overtime win over Downers Grove South in a West Suburban Gold Conference game in Villa Park. One photo from last week’s win over Glenbard East shows Willowbrook senior Lillian Vish (No. 22 - top left), who scored a team-leading 16 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in the contest. Another photo shows junior Ayaani Gusman (No. 10 bottom left), who supplied 15 points for the Warriors. One more photo shows Willowbrook senior Elle Bruschuk (No. 33 - above) launching a shot as Glenbard East senior Catey Carney (No. 30) looks on. Bruschuk scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the Warriors’ win over the Rams. Bruschuk erupted for 27 points and 19 rebounds in Friday’s win over Downers Grove South. Vish added 13 points and 10 rebounds. Gusman, who made seven of eight free throws, also scored 13 points. Willowbrook improved to 5-8 overall and 3-2 in conference action following Friday’s win over the Mustangs.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 23

Warriors’ week ends with win at Addison Trail’s invite Two days after losing dual meet to Leyden, Willowbrook claims title at Blazers’ six-team competition performances on the uneven bars (7.9), the balance beam (8.05) and in floor exercises (8.7). Campbell compiled a third-place total of 33.75 in the meet’s all-around standings.

Willowbrook freshman Lillian Macias placed seventh in the all-around standings with her score of 28.3. Sophomore Kaia Capulong of the Warriors placed eighth in the all-around competition with her total of 27.8.

Leyden senior Kasey Macleod won the meet’s all-around title with her score of 35.25. Macleod earned firstplace scores on the vault (9.2), uneven bars (8.35) and balance beam (8.8).

The Warriors finished the week by winning the title at Saturday’s six-team Addison Trail Winter Tumbleland Invite. Willowbrook posted a team score of 132.7 at the event. Addison Trail earned a second-place total of 130.2.

Leyden (130.0) placed third. Mundelein (124.875), York (115.55) and Morton (94.0) finished fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.

McBride delivered two first-place

Page 1

n an barrddiia ba om LoLm N

LOMBARDIA

Celebrating

65years 1959-2023

2023 March 30, Thursday, 1 LOMBARDIAN Page

Thursday, May

LOMB A Celebrating

62years

2021 20, 6, 27,2021

P EP OE OPPLLEE O MLBO AM RB AD R D R FPOE RR FL O R 60¢ 60¢ W S P AN PE WE S P A A RA DL ONMEB A R D 2021 6, 2021 2023 27, 30, May May20,

63 No. No. 14 Vol. Vol. 651959-2021

Thursday, 21 19 22

March Thursda Thursday,y,

performances at Saturday’s invite. She earned her wins on the balance beam (9.05) and the uneven bars (8.5).

Campbell claimed the first-place medal in the invitational’s all-around competition with her total of 35.0.

Campbell earned second-place scores on the vault (9.05), uneven bars (8.35) and balance beam (9.0). She delivered a fourth-place score of 8.6 for her routine in floor exercises.

McBride finished second in the invite’s all-around standings with her total of 34.7.

Capulong finished fourth on the balance beam (8.5) at the six-team invite.

She tied for fourth on the vault (8.75).

The Warriors opened their 202324 season with a meet at conference rival Hinsdale South on Dec. 7. The two teams finished in a tie in the team competition, with each squad earning a total score of 123.8. McBride posted first-place efforts in each event of the Warriors’ meet at Hinsdale South.

She delivered first-place scores on the vault (8.5), uneven bars (8.5), balance

FREE

1

1

1 • Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

1 • Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

Queen

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced that bond has been set for a Florida man accused of leading Omar Castro police on a high-speed chase.

Omar Castro, 22, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $100,000.

Castro is charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including two counts of aggravated speeding in a construction zone, reckless driving and driving while license suspended, all Class A misdemeanors.

On Thursday, June 22 at approximately 8:28 p.m., an Elmhurst police officer responded to a call of a stolen motor vehicle near Route 83 and North Avenue. It is alleged that

Lombardian PHOTO PHOTO Lombardian

SALES: ER TEAM 2020 SCHILL 276 CLOSED UNITS &

BAR D #1 IN LOM MB AR D ®

R com hillerteam.

582 | tim@thesc1/1/2020-12/31/2020. | 630.992.0 all offices, all agents, and om all property types, in Lombard for erteam.c all closed sales theschill 1/1/2022-12/31/2022.

9961 | kdrury@ brokerages, all offices, all

#1 REALTO

Tim Schiller

*MRED, LLC, includes

Kate Drury *MRED, LLC,

| 630.514.

includes all

closed sales

in Lombard

for all property

types, all agents,

and

Postal Customer

**ecrwss

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Police Reports..........4 Puzzles ....................9 Viewpoint ................8 Classifieds..............10

t

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE March with the park district!

Sign up

at BvilleParks.org/Libertyfes

VOL. 19 • NO. 28

t

JULY 4 SWIM

also serving Wood dale

438525

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

Noon-5 p.m. | July 4 Bensenville Water Park

Register in advance by calling 630-766-7015.

438525

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Celebrating all things Warhol

As many museums are celebrating Andy Warhol and his legacy of pop art, July 28. Pictured are (from left): Daley Wangler, Reilly Costello, Katy Costello, the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild hosted reception for its Inspired By Warhol exhibit, a whose works were on display in the exhibit, Allison Haas and Katie Fox. Info: juried exhibition based on the works of Andy Warhol on display through Friday, elmhurstartmuseum.org.

1

1 • Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

Villa Park

eview R Review

60¢¢¢¢ County sheriff investigating Juneteenth shooting incident 60 GolfOne killed, 23 wounded; deceased victim was father of two Driving multiple weapons into a large crowd tified as 31-year-old father of two returned immediately to the celebra- time again, gun violence is a public Lessons

STAFF REPORT

Range

No arrests have been made as of at around 12:30 a.m. during a gather- Reggie Meadows, died after sufferpress time in connection with a mass ing to commemorate Juneteenth held ing a gunshot wound to the abdomen. shooting at a the stripINDEPENDENCE mall in unincorpo- in the parking lot at the mall, located Deputy Chief Eric Swanson of the Call Pronear PARADE Shop rated DuPage County Willow- DAY near Honeysuckle Lane and Route DuPage County Sheriff’s Office said MarchJune Register with83. brook to early Sunday morning, Today the park district! in a news conference Sunday, June 18, the day designatedSign as Juneteenth. up at BvilleParks.org/Libertyfes Approximately 23 people were 18 that at least two other victims 766-0304 t The (630) DuPage County Sheriff’s wounded by gunfire. Victims were were in critical condition.

Office said an unknown number of taken to hospitals in DuPage, Cook “The motive behind this incident suspects fired multiple rounds from and Will counties. One man, iden- is unclear,” Swanson said. “This is JULY 4 SWIM still an active investigation.”

Noon-5 p.m. | July “We are working around the clock 4 Register WhitePinesGolf.com to bring those responsible to justice,” in advance by Bensenville Water Park calling 630-766-7015. akbROOk eRRace akbROOk errace eRRace the sheriff’s office said in a recent akbrOOk akbROOk eRRace 394390 396445 akbROOk eRRace 438525 396917 post on Twitter, urging anyone with information to call 630-407-2343.

VOL. 17 NO. 21 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 VOL.17 17••••NO. NO.23 20 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM THURSDAY, MAY 6,2023 2021 VOL. 19 28 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 29, WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 VOL. 17 NO. 24 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 The Juneteenth celebration started SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent at around 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

According to the Daily Herald, DuPage County Sheriff’s deputies had been monitoring the celebration, but Joe Benedetti, known as “Joe the Barber,” recently retired after 50 years of serving the Addison responded to a 911 call of a fight that community. The owner of Joe’s Hair Styling Unisex at 611 W. Lake Street was honored by the Village had broken out nearby. of Addison at a Board meeting on Monday, June 5, where he received a Proclamation in honor of his While deputies were investigating 50 years in business. Nearly 100 community members attended the meeting to congratulate him. that call, they heard gunshots and

alsoserving servingOO O also also serving

‘Joe the Barber’ honored by Village

Graduation Play at theday plate at Willowbrook

Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while attempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South. Rugg tried to score from second base on a single by sophomore Katelyn Cox in the top of the second inning, the game tiedcelebrated at 2-2. Downers Grove South’swith catcher Willowbrook Highwhen School’s Class was of 2021 its commencement two tagged Rugg out at home for the third out of theon inning.

Themorning.

Mustangs separate ceremonies in theplate school’s main gymnasium Sunday Thewent enon to defeat the Warriors 7-3students. in the West Suburban Conference contest. Wiltire class includes over 470 About half ofGold those students attended the

T T T

Officially

Open!

InsIde:

Police Reports..........4 Puzzles ....................9 Viewpoint ................8 Classifieds..............10

tion.

“Out of nowhere, there was a major gunfight for like 30 seconds,” eyewitness Bartosz Majerczyk told ABC 7 Eyewitness News. “I’d say, 60 plus rounds. You could tell it was two different groups of people shooting at each other.”

Another witness, who said she was at the celebration, told ABC 7 Eyewitness News “everybody started running” when the gunfire erupted.

“There was a man,” she said. “He fell on top of me. He had a gunshot wound to his leg. It was like something you can’t imagine.”

In a statement, Governor JB Pritzker said he is closely monitoring the shooting.

“Gathering for a holiday celebration should be a joyful occasion, not a time when gunfire erupts and families are forced to run for safety,” Gov. Pritzker said. “As I’ve said time and

health emergency in this country and I remain committed to banning these dangerous weapons and making our state safer for everyone.”

Meadows was described as a “devoted father whose life was tragically taken from us amidst a Juneteenth celebration” on a GoFundMe page set up to provide support to his two young children, RJ and Gabby.

Meadows was “a beacon of love and strength, who fell victim to a devastating crossfire incident that shattered the peace and joy of what should have been a day of celebration.

“Amidst the chaos, Reggie tragically lost his life, leaving an indelible mark of grief on his family and community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the other victims who were injured, as we mourn the loss of Reggie, a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many.”

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s loss to post an 11-2 win in Saturday’s game at Hinsdale Central. The Warriors bashed three home runs in the second inning of SatCHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa ParkSilver Review urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Conference.

Senior Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and that sophomore ceremony that beganAnnemarie at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony started Kayleigh the home Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the at 11 a.m. Dennison The photoprovided shows members of runs. the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing background of the above photo. more aboutsee thePage Warriors, during the day’s first service.

ForFor more photos, 4. see page 14.

Arbor Day in Villa Park

InsIde nsIde:

Departing Mariners LOW INVENTORY!

CHRISFOX FOXPHOTO PHOTOVilla VillaPark ParkReview Review CHRIS SUBMITTED PHOTO Villa Park 390271 Review

Memorial Day in Villa Park

The Village of Villa Park observed Arbor Day with a tree planting on Friday, April 30. Pictured (left to right) at the tree planting at the village’s Franklin Park, located at 218 N. Third Ave., are: Villa Park Village your local agent

Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commis..........6 14 PoliceReports Reports............4 ..........8 Classifieds................10 Sports.................... ....................17 16 sion, The Margaret Villa Park Mariners recognized six Villa departing swimmers during Saturday’s meet against Police Reports ..........8 Sports Police Schiefer—a membertheir of the Park “senior” Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park KATE DRURY Hanover Park at Jefferson Pool.Villa Pictured to right at the end of the meet—Villa final home meet of Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Parkleft Village President Albert Bulthuis, VillaPark’s Park Village Trustee (and Contact me for aRoscoe, DRURY Legal Notices ......... 15 Speak Classifieds..............13 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..........17-18 the season—are: (front row) Grace Harper KATE Conboy Knudtson; (back Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..............16 Puzzles ......................9 Out................8 row) Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone andCaitlin LeslieO’Connor, Allison-Seei—chair of theand VillaGabby Park Community Pride complementary Alexander Dean and Simon Luedtke. All six of the pictured Mariners are630-514-9961 members of Willowbrook High PRSRT STD PRSRTSTD STD PRSRT PRSRT STD US POSTAGE POSTAGE USUSUSPOSTAGE POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID PAID ROCK VALLEY ROCKVALLEY VALLEY ROCK ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC PUBLISHINGLLC LLC PUBLISHING PUBLISHING LLC

Willowbrook High School’s girls gymnastics team competed in its first home meet of the season last week. The Warriors faced Leyden in a dual meet in Villa Park on Dec. 14. The visiting Eagles outscored Willowbrook 128.75-124.05. Senior Mia McBride of the Warriors delivered a first-place score of 9.05 in floor exercises during the meet.

McBride is pictured (above) during her second-place performance on the balance beam. McBride also received second-place honors for her routine on the uneven bars. She placed third on the vault and finished second in the all-around standings. Willowbrook junior Naomi Campbell, who is also shown on the balance beam (below) during the meet, placed second on the vault and finished third on the balance beam, uneven bars and in floor exercises. Campbell placed third in the meet’s all-around standings. On Saturday, Willowbrook won the team title at Addison Trail’s six-team Winter Tumbleland Invite. McBride finished first on the uneven bars and balance beam and placed second in the all-around standings of Saturday’s event. Campbell, who posted second-place scores on the vault, uneven bars and balance beam, won the first-place medal in the all-around competition.

InsIde:

392497 392497

& RESU LTS. $140,00 0,000 LOCA L AGEN T. rd.co m #1 OFFICE LoveLomba TEAM • R • #1

#1 IN LO

432110

LOCA L

when the officer located the vehicle, later determined to be driven by Castro, Castro put his car in reverse and proceeded southbound on Route 83. It is alleged that as the officer pursued, Castro reached speeds of approximately 107 mph in a 45-mph zone and disobeyed three traffic lights.

It is alleged that near 16th Street, Castro completed a U-turn and continued driving northbound on Route 83 reaching speeds of approximately 100 mph in a 35-mph construction zone, at which time the pursuing officer lost sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, the vehicle was located abandoned in a school parking lot. Officers responded to the school parking and at approximately 8:42 p.m., located Castro approximately one block away from the school. He was then taken into custody after a brief struggle with the officers.

Castro’s next court appearance is scheduled July 27 for arraignment in front of Judge Telander.

Register in advance by calling 630-766-7015.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Bensenville

Independent

at BvilleParks.org/Libertyfes

Florida man charged with leading police on high-speed chase

FOX FOX PHOTO Lombardian CHRIS CHRIS eight CHRIS FOX Dina Jovaprovided first Ryan, Weltin d its Emily Lombard’s net. row) Maddie ago. the continue (front row) Lombardian PHOTO Eastat FOX are: East above (back 91 years CHRIS celbegan at Glenbard finish Heatley; (left to right) will stuGlenbard e 560 11) rising thatand Sophia aasenior (No. of 2021 Pictured sixth-plac a tradition Classabout Tennessee.

Emmie isEast’s the Warriors. staceremony. first on Friday theWeltin Queen Aidan continued posting TinainDjordjevic East includes in Nashville, win over 1930. the school’s and Glenbard junior inplace Saturday’s week. after Marcello, coronation Glenbard Crackel. in their East University last end of at crowned Rocco matches the took at 1 p.m. last Night was Kendall this at Saturday classVanderbilt Saturday al, which novic, andattend with s Rams Awards of four for the Huber pictured twograduating ceremonies Lilac Queen service starts Invitation kills are season two Queen21during issue.

Lauren scholarship 9.

Scholarship Lilac She willent Hills with Lilac The second Weltin, page graduates of five by- winning This year’s received its 2023 its Local 2021 inside this School.

March thefound 10 a.m. n/Vernon held ofbe usually of 2021 was one of the commencem season opened School begin atsee its Lombard’s She soon High commence donors Several can Class willRams, Barringto game its She ebrate Park. l team named dents.

East High photos decisive first school’s about the acelebrated was Scholarship year’s 12-team the in Lilacia ceremony. volleybal first ceremony of this Glenbard more the Sathy stadium. force won the atThis thegame.

2021 of to year’s More . ForThe Auditorium. of Emmie ceremony dium. members school’s 40coronation Class attendance Biester the Queen.

East’s boys ok.

The ingame beginning third thanRams 1 p.m. service. s inLilac the auditorium thelimited atSaturday second and at School’s ofthis thecelebration Glenbard at WillowbroMore of the High stage year’s 13 started ceremonie start mitigations afternoon’s the but to beat East May outside the okthewon as on safety takelead at and separate ceremony to cape pictured Glenbard went during two event, second a 9-0 week’s match Park. Willowbro Rams sash Princesses The are winners Saturday’s The took a.m. the annual crown, with Villa at 10 the 15-1. attend Rams shows Glenbard toscholarship ment began of the match in accepted grew service the match The visiting firstEight service.

Thegame in that photo from third game.

East’s lead 25-14. One Glenbard ok 25-15, 22-25, Willowbro

.7 INSIDE: reports ................ ........... 4 Police .........9-10 .......................11-12 Opinion ................ .. 10 6 Sports ... ............. reports INSIDE: About................

Out &Police -10 ....2-4, 6-7 .........................9 Candidate profiles 8 Sports ...................

Out & About

TAKE ONE

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE March with the park district!

Sign up

JULY 4 SWIM

Noon-5 p.m. | July 4 Bensenville Water Park

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC

s presented Scholarship East at Glenbard day n ship atioolar

FREE

Addison

Independent

VOL. 20 • NO. 28

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC

TAKE ONE

adul Sch21 Lit gh GrLoca st 20 hi Ealac eGl ng enbrdsardNigh Awa atyi FlTh

beam (8.5) and in floor exercises (8.3) to win the all-around title with her total of 33.8.

Franczak and Trombatore lead Addison Trail Addison Trail senior Nicolette Franczak compiled a fourth-place allaround score of 33.75 at Saturday’s invite. Sophomore Mia Trombatore of the Blazers posted a sixth-place allaround total of 32.7 to help her team to its second-place total of 130.2.

Trombatore won the first-place medal in floor exercises with her score of 9.1. Junior Olivia DeBeau of the Blazers placed second in floor exercises (8.7). DeBeau placed ninth in the all-around standings with her total of 32.2.

Franczak finished third on the vault (8.95) and in floor exercises (8.65).

She earned a fourth-place score of 8.0 on the uneven bars.

Addison Trail sophomore Gabby Trejo contributed a fifth-place score of 8.45 on the balance beam at Saturday’s invite.

In Print and Online Every Thursday 395484

9.05 in her first-place performance.

She also turned in second-place scores of 8.3 on the uneven bars and 8.15 on the balance beam. McBride posted a third-place score of 8.7 on the vault.

She finished second in the all-around standings with her total of 34.2.

Junior Naomi Campbell of the Warriors earned a second-place score of 9.1 on the vault in the Dec. 14 meet in Villa Park. She turned in third-place

377325

The Willowbrook girls gymnastics team competed in its first home meet of the season last week, facing West Suburban Gold Conference rival Leyden in Villa Park on Dec. 14. The visiting Eagles outscored the Warriors 128.75124.05 in the overall team standings.

Willowbrook senior Mia McBride delivered a winning effort in the floor exercises in last week’s meet against Leyden. McBride earned a score of

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Warson (VFW) Post 2801 of held itsApril.

Memorial Day service onDay Monday mornCommission.

Arbor Day is observed the last Friday each The National Arbor Foundation 630-514-9961 School’s ClassVeterans of Villa 2023.

Roscoe, has been with the Mariners for years, willTo attend the University ing Cortesi Memorial Park.

Post Commander Jim is pictured bowing his recognihead of as kdrury@atproperties.com hasatrecognized Park withwho Tree City USA designation forBlankshain 36seven straight years. receive that market analysis Wisconsin-Madison.

O’Connor, 11or years with and the Mariners, and Knudtson, who’s a Mariner Willowbrook High School students Lily Hendrickson Anna Seelbach soundataps at been the end ofcomthe kdrury@atproperties.com tion, a community must have awho treespent board department, a tree-care ordinance, comprehensive of your home!! for sevenforestry years, will both attend Illinois State University.

Conboy,because who hasofbeen member of the Mariners ceremony.

The post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled the a COVID-19 pandemic.

This munity program and an Arbor Day observance. for 10 years, and Luedtke, who’s been with forof six years, both attend College of DuPage. year’s observance included a reading of the team names the Postwill 2801 members who have recentlyDean, died. who’s been with theWorld Mariners 11 years,Charles will attend theBergh, Milwaukee Villa Park beat That list included War II veteran “Sid” who School served of asEngineering. the master of ceremonies I would to for help!

Hanover Park annual 372-205Memorial in Saturday’s to improve its season record to 2-4.

TheU.S. Mariners finish their of the post’s Daymeet service for several years. A veteran of the Navy,will Bergh died in eight-meet regular season with this Dale a meet in Roselle July 8.

October 2020.

He was 94 years old.week’s Berghmeet was in theWood post’s lastand surviving World Waron II veteran.

Federal judge sets trial date for State Sen. Tom Cullerton--Page 4

The Lombardian, Villa Park Review, Addison Independent & Bensenville Independent Your hometown newspaper is now available in both print and online versions.

The printed newspaper is delivered by the post office every Thursday for only $45 for a full year. A digital eSubscription will also be available for only $35 per year and can be read on a computer, laptop, or tablet. The eSubscription is a PDF copy of the print version that will be available online every Thursday. A link to the online newspaper will be emailed to you every week.

To order an online eSubscription or print home delivery by mail, please call 630.834-8244 or mail the coupon below. ___ Yes. Please send the print version of the newspaper by mail at the special rate of $45 for a full year. ___ Yes. Please send me an eSubscription with a weekly email link for only $35 per year. Enclosed is my check for $35.

Fill out form & mail with payment to: Rock Valley Publishing, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Check box

Lombardian

Villa Park Review

Addison Independent

Bensenville Independent

Check enclosed

Credit Card # _______________________________

(circle card used)

Expiration date ________

CID# _______

Name ______________________________________Phone_________________ Address __________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State _____________ Zip ______________ Email _________________________ 440474

Page 24

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Serving Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard & Villa Park

Classifieds Elmhurst Office (630) 834-8244

In-Print and Onlne at www.TheIndependentNewspapers.com

Call Classifieds at

Lombard Office (630) 627-7010 In-Print and Onlne at www.Lombardian.info

BUSINESS & SERVICE Landscaping/ Lawn/Garden

GREG STEBEN CARPENTRY

LAWN & SNOW MANAGEMENT

Small Home Repairs and Remodeling General Carpentry 30 Years Experience “Specializing in Quality Workmanship and Attention to Detail”

630-495-8077

630-832-9530

247155

Concrete

Wanted

T & M TREE SERVICE

I BUY OLD TOYS

• Tree Removal • Tree Trimming • Bush Removal • Stump Grinding • Free wood chips • Free Estimates • Insured Call Todd

Available Services • Commercial & Residential Affordable Weekly Mowing • Aeration Spring & Fall clean up • Power Raking Fertilizing and/or Seeding • Sidewalk edging Black dirt/Mulch/Stone • Driveway Bush trimming sealcoating Call for Free Estimate • Villa Park

For details on placing an ad in our

Tree Service

630-303-4641

403865

Classified Section Call 630-834-8244 or 630-627-7010

American Flyer, Lionel trains, Barbie and other dolls; G.I. Joe, Tonka, Matchbox, Hot Wheels cars, slot cars & more! Plus any other antiques and collectibles. Call: 425230

Building Repair/ Remodeling

630-248-3222

The Elmhurst Independent The Addison Independent • The Bensenville Independent Villa Park Review • Lombardian

247158

FIND YOUR NEXT JOB IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Painting

Find us online: theindependentnewspapers.com

vvvvvv

CALL Elmhurst (630) 834-8244 or Lombard (630) 627-7010 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD!

CONCRETE RESTORATION Overlay - Epoxy - Repair

422796

RESTORE/REPLACE CONCRETE

FOR RENT

AL’S PAINTING SERVICE 395580

Bobby 630.520.5812 Mynor 630.631.3073

The Home Repair & Improvement Company No job is too small!

Free Estimates ~ Call 630-853-3059

https://homepaintingillino.wixsite.com/website https://homepaintingillino.wixsite.com/website

PAINTERS. FULL-SERVICE. FULL-SERVICE. PAINTERS. INSIDE. INSIDE. OUTSIDE. OUTSIDE. HOME. HOME. BUSINESS. BUSINESS. SATISFACTION SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. GUARANTEED. CALL CALLGREG: GREG: (630)234-1471.

(630)234-1471.

425020

388922

Call Greg 630-469-6898

Business Office Rentals ELMHURST OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

CUSTOM CONCRETE

Residential driveways, patios, walkways.

Stamped and colored concrete.

• Interior & Exterior Painting • Power Washing Anything

Electrical

Plumbing

Burial Needs

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed.

Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale.

Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Automobiles

FOR SALE: 2015 BMW 750Li, 52,000 miles, garage kept, $100,000 car new, asking $26,000. 630-901-0444

Company New Listing � 248.202 Peoples Acres MOL, with 235 acres in row crop production carrying an impressive McHenry County,ILIL130 productivity MCHENRY COUNTY, withwith 235 acres in rowof 248.202 Acres index. Farm is located inMOL, a prime justinSouth New Listing � 248.202 Acres MOL,location 235 acres row crop production carrying an impressive 130 production carrying an impressive 130 productivity Hebron crop Illinois.

630-834-2939/630-337-9963 (cell) Licensed - karl@codeelectric.net

364628

447946

productivity index.inFarm located in a of prime index.

Farm is located a primeis location just South location just south of Hebron, Illinois.

Hebron Illinois.

ELECTRICAL SERVICE

DOUGLAS YEGGE � 563�320�9900 DOUGLAS YEGGE � 563�320�9900 ALAN MCNEIL 563�321�1125 ALAN MCNEIL �� 563�321�1125

REMODELING WORK & UP-GRADE SERVICE

630-981-1459 Cell

Gutters

700 700 6th6th Ave., 52742 Ave.,DeWitt, DeWitt, IA IA 52742 Peoplescompany.com Peoplescompany.com

Time To Sell Your Home?

Call

422784

Handyman

FARMS FOR SALE REAL ESTATE

Announcements

FARMS FOR ILSALE MCHENRY COUNTY,

• Troubleshooting • Upgrade Service • Car Chargers • Remodeling

630-495-8500

630-941-4700

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Peoples Company

CODE ELECTRIC

TROUBLE SHOOTING SPECIALISTS

Partially Furnished. 3,200 SF. Close to Rt. 83 & St. Charles

448748

mynorconcrete.com

FOR SALE

448785

Stoop - Steps - Drives Garage Floors & More! * Licensed/Bonded/Insured *

630-834-8244 or (Lombard) 630-627-7010

(Elmhurst)

for details on placing an ad

448763

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

379666

• Centers

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Answers

(Continued from page 2) important health information from mation about providers who do. PUZZLE 1 the patients who walk through their The law is a change to Illinois’ doors,” said Costa Howard in a 1970s-era Health Care Right of statement Tuesday. “This settle- Conscience Act—a statute passed ment undoes so much hard work by in the wake of the 1973 U.S. Suso many advocates, organizations, preme Court Roe v. Wade deciand legislators, who stood together sion—aimed at shielding health against the pressure tactics of these care providers from liability if they forced birth extremists.” have religious objections to aborCosta Howard, whose district tion. represents parts of Lombard, deJohnston heard a bench trial on feated the Thomas More Society’s the law in September, just weeks Breen, a former suburban GOP after issuing his preliminary inlawmaker, in both 2018 and 2020, junction in the CPC fraud law case. in races that centered largely on The two intersect in myriad ways, abortion rights. and the practices of CPCs were disJudge Johnston is also oversee- cussed at length in the September ing a related challenge to a 2016 trial. law stipulating that, if requested by But nearly three months later, a patient, providers who don’t per- Johnston is still waiting on final form abortions must refer, transfer post-trial motions and weighing arto, or give patients written infor- guments from both sides.

PUZZLE 2

In the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, DuPage County, Illinois, Chancery Department, VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE, a Municipal Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. Wah C. Chu, Royal Business Bank, Successor in interest to Pacific Global Bank, Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants, Case No. 2023 CH 000270.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given you Wah C. Chu, Royal Business Bank, Successor in interest to Pacific Global Bank, Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants, Defendants in the above-titled suit, that said suit has been commenced in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, DuPage County, Illinois, Chancery Division, by the said plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for a demolition of the structure and removal of garbage and debris from the premises described as follows:

LLC

Can Publish Your Legals

LOTS 14, 15 AND 16 IN BLOCK 10 IN BAUCKE’S RESUBDIVISION OF LOTS 10 AND 11 IN BRETTMAN’S ADDITION TO BENSENVILLE, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4

815-877-4044

Or email your legals to Legals@ rvpublishing.com Today!

P.I.N. No’s:. 03-13-315-001 (Lots 15 and 16); 03-13-315-002 (Lot 14) Commonly known as: 118 E. Green Street, Bensenville, Illinois 60106 173 S. May Street, Bensenville, Illinois 60106

CANDACE ADAMS, Clerk.

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 2023) 448121

LEGAL NOTICE ADDISON TOWNSHIP 2024 BOARD OF TOWN TRUSTEES MEETING DATES Approved 12-13-2023.

January 10 Wed. 6:30 P.M. February 14 Wed. 6:30 P.M. March 13 Wed. 6:30 P.M. April 9 Tues.

7:00 P.M.

May 8 Wed. 6:30 P.M. June 12 Wed. 6:30 P.M. July 10 Wed. 7:00 P.M.

August 14 Wed. 6:30 P.M. September 11 Wed. 6:30 P.M. October 9 Wed. 6:30 P.M. November 13 Wed. 6:30 P.M. December 11 Wed. 6:30 P.M.

Call

OF SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED MAY 10, 1911 AS DOCUMENT 104212, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said above named defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in the said suit or otherwise make your appearance herein, in the office of the Clerk of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court of DuPage County, Illinois Chancery Department, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois 60187 on or before January 5, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a Judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said Complaint.

Regular Meeting Regular Meeting Regular Meeting 2024 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Followed By Regular Meeting Regular Meeting Regular Meeting PUBLIC HEARING: Town Budget f/by PUBLIC HEARING: Road Budget f/by Regular Meeting Regular Meeting Regular Meeting Regular Meeting Regular Meeting Regular Meeting

PLEASE NOTE: All meetings are held at 6:30 P.M., unless otherwise indicated, in the Office of the Town Clerk, in the Addison Township Administrative Facility, Event Center, 401 N. Addison Rd., Addison.

BY ORDER OF ADDISON TOWNSHIP PAMELA JOY MORETTI TOWN CLERK (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 21, 2023) 448682

CROSSWORD

425133

STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF DUPAGE, ss.

Page 25

Rock Valley Publishing

LEGAL NOTICES MONTANA & WELCH, LLC (308878) Attorneys, 11950 South Harlem Avenue, Palos Heights, Illinois 60463

Rock Valley Publishing

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79276 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 30, 2023, wherein the business firm of CANTERBURY CAROLLERS, 3 WHEATON CENTER UNIT 514, WHEATON, IL 60187 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/ are as follows: Daniel L. Miller, 3 Wheaton Center Unit 514, Wheaton, IL 60187; Lisa D. Miller, 3 Wheaton Center Unit 514, Wheaton, IL 60187.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 30TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 2023) 447982 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79279 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 1, 2023 wherein the business firm of SUR-SEAL ASPHALT SEALCOATING AND PARKING LOT MAINTENANCE, 380 E. ST. CHARLES RD. UNIT #805, LOMBARD, IL 60148 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/ are as follows: Rory Krabec, 1089 Beverly Ct., Lombard, IL 60148.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 1ST day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 14, 21 & 28, 2023) 448393 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79278 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 1, 2023, wherein the business firm of C&J ENTERPRISES, 954 N. YORK RD., ELMHURST, IL 60126 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the

person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Costandi Khoury III, 945 N. York Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126; James Juliano, 945 N. York Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 1ST day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 14, 21 & 28, 2023) 448458 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79287 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 8, 2023, wherein the business firm of “SING IT” KARAOKE SHOWS, 1533 BROOKDALE ROAD, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Todd H. Rominsky, 1533 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 8TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 21, 28, 2023 & Jan. 4, 2024) 448555 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT DUPAGE COUNTY, WHEATON, ILLINOIS BRYNN E. RUBACKY, Petitioner, vs LUIS ROCHA, Respondent Case Number: 2023OP001633 DOMESTIC RELATIONS PUBLICATION The requisite affidavit of publication having been filed: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO YOU

LUIS ROCHA, Respondent, that a petition has been filed in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court of DuPage County of DuPage County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, against you for an ORDER OF PROTECTION and for other relief; that summons was duly issued against you as provided by law, and such petition is still pending.

NOW THEREFORE, unless you LUIS ROCHA, the Respondent, file your answer to the Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the office of the Clerk of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court, at the Judicial Center, 505 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois on or before 1/21/2024, a default may be entered against you at any time after that date and an ORDER OF PROTECTION be entered against you in accordance with the prayer of said petition.

Dated: 12/13/2023 Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-938223 (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 21, 28, 2023 & Jan. 4, 2024) 448652

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DU PAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT) Request of: SHAHRUKH ZIYADULLA HALIKUL Case Number: 2023 MR 608 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from SHAHRUKH ZIYADULLA HALIKUL to the new name of ARDIAN MORADI. The court date will be held January 17, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL, DuPage County, in Courtroom #2007. /s/ Shahrukh Ziyadulla Halikul Dated: 11/28/2023 Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-937822 (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 7, 14, & 21, 2023) 447934

Page 26

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Working to reduce nutrient pollution

By Emily Steele U of I Extension Media Communications Manager

The loss of nutrients into Illinois’ lakes, streams and rivers harms water quality here and downstream all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, NLRS, was established in 2015 and is designed to reduce nutrient pollution in Illinois’ waterways and the Mississippi River and its negative impacts by exploring and recommending practical, research-based nutrient loss practices and collaborating with partners across the state.

The 2023 NLRS Biennial Report, now available at go.illinois.edu/ NLRS, is the latest update to the strategy. It documents water quality updates and initiatives for 2021–22 that reduce the loss of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus across three sectors: agricultural, wastewater treatment facilities, and urban stormwater. The report also stresses the multifaceted challenges of con-

fronting increasing nutrient loads in Illinois waterways.

The results of water quality measures taken in 2021-22 are mixed.

While wastewater treatment facilities successfully reduced their total phosphorus discharges by 6.2 million pounds, or 34%, compared to the 1980-96 baseline measurements, nutrient levels in the state’s waterways have continued their upward trend.

The five-year average nutrient loads from 2017-21 show that nitrogen increased by 4.8% from baseline to 416 million pounds annually and total phosphorus increased by 35% to 46 million pounds annually.

The primary goal of the strategy is a 45% reduction in both nitrogen and total phosphorus loads, with interim targets set at a 15% nitrate-nitrogen decrease and a 25% total phosphorus decrease by 2025.

A variety of factors contribute to rising nutrient loads, including increased streamflow, residual nutrients, nutrient management practices, and some unidentified sources. The

Student support

impacts of climate change, particularly increased runoff and drainage, intensify river loads and more proactive measures are needed to achieve the strategy’s water quality goals.

Nutrient pollution promotes algal growth and impairs local ecosystems, making water unsuitable for drinking, recreation, fishing, and aquatic life. Excess nutrients also contribute to the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico where aquatic life struggles due to depleted oxygen levels.

Illinois is one of 12 states with nutrient strategies that are members of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Hypoxia Task Force created to address the issue. The NLRS is a collaborative effort involving the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, IDOA, University of Illinois Extension, stakeholders, and experts from industry, science, and technology.

Nutrient pollution comes from a variety of sources. In Illinois, the agriculture, wastewater treatment and urban stormwater sectors all have

crucial roles and unique challenges in reducing nutrient loss. The levels of nitrogen and phosphorus attributed to each sector vary and were published in the original strategy released in 2015.

Fertilizer is the primary source of nutrient loss from agricultural production. Wastewater treatment facility discharge and urban stormwater runoff also contribute to nutrient loss.

The 2023 Biennial Report is the fourth update to the strategy since its inception in 2015. Implementation of the NLRS is guided by research to optimize nutrient loss reduction while fostering deep collaboration and innovation across academia, the private sector, non-profits, wastewater agencies, and local, state, and federal government agencies.

“Our partnership with NLRS allows University of Illinois’ esteemed research scientists and outreach educators to engage with industry experts and agricultural producers across the state, all in the pursuit of

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

Senior Ryan Stringer (No. 14) of the Glenbard East boys basketball team launched a 3-point shot in the closing seconds of Friday’s Upstate Eight Conference game against Fenton in Lombard. The members of the Rams’ student section wanted Stringer’s shot to drop, but it did not go in. Fenton beat Glenbard East 61-44. The Rams dropped to 3-7 overall and 3-2 in conference play following Friday’s loss.

enhancing the health of our waterways,” said Shibu Kar, Illinois Extension assistant dean and program leader for natural resources, environment, and energy. “The findings in this report underscore the need to deepen our understanding of nutrient dynamics.”

The 2023 Biennial Report outlines work done by NLRS partners across the state to mitigate nutrient loss through 78 distinct nutrient loss reduction programs and projects, including community outreach and engagement. University of Illinois Extension watershed outreach staff work with farm communities in priority areas to facilitate their engagement in watershed planning and to encourage farmers and landowners to put practices into place that reduce nutrient loss, such as growing cover crops or installing bioreactors to filter water running off farm fields.

“Illinois Extension’s longstanding ties with farming communities across the state through our local county offices allow us to continue to advocate for the adoption of research-based land management practices that farmers can trust as they steward their lands and our waterways,” said Travis Burke, Illinois Extension assistant dean and program leader for agriculture and agri-business. “The widespread adoption of soil and water conservation practices will be crucial to our continued success as an agricultural state.”

Illinois Extension also has rainfall management staff and programs aimed at reducing nutrient loss in the urban stormwater sector by managing runoff and reducing the duration and intensity of flooding. The stormwater sector continues to provide public education on nutrient loss reduction, including the new website, IllinoisGroundwork, which provides information on green infrastructure research, tools, and resources.

Despite the ongoing implementation of nutrient loss reduction practices by each sector, challenges remain. The next Biennial Report will be published in 2025, which marks a decade since the strategy’s inception.

Given the current rate of progress, the 2025 goals may not be achieved.

More work is needed to encourage widespread adoption of agricultural conservation practices and foster deeper community engagement at the watershed level. Continued support for research, conservation initiatives, and education is essential.

The 2023 NLRS Biennial Report and an executive summary synopsis of the report are available at go.illinois.edu/NLRS. Print copies of the report and executive summary are available upon request to NLRS@ illinois.edu.

The annual NLRS Partnership Conference on Jan. 25, 2024, in Springfield will explore the report and other elements of the strategy, including future developments. The conference, which also has an online attendance option, is open to partnerships, stakeholders, and the public who are interested in reducing nutrient loss in Illinois. Visit the NLRS event registration website to sign up.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 27

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

30

2 0 2 3

Community Bank of Elmhurst

330 W. Butterfield - 133 N. York (630)782-1234 - www.communityelmhurst.com Member FDIC 446894

1 9 9 3

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023

448583

Page 28