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1 • Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

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THURSDAY, FEB. 24, 2022

Appellate court declines to rule on mask mandates; Pritzker to appeal to high court Administration requests ‘expedited review’ of court decision on school mask mandates

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration said Feb. 18 it will ask the Illinois Supreme Court for an “expedited review” of an appellate court’s decision not to rule on a lower court order that invalidated COVID-19 mitigation measures for roughly 170 school districts that were parties in a set of consolidated lawsuits.

Late at night on Feb. 17, the 4th District Court of Appeals said it would not review the temporary restraining order issued Feb. 4 by a

Sangamon County judge, calling the issue “moot” because the emergency rules issued earlier by the Illinois Department of Public Health have expired and a legislative panel in charge of reviewing such rules had declined to extend them.

But the court also said individual school districts remain free to adopt their own mitigation policies, independent of any executive orders or state emergency rules.

“The administration is working with the attorney general to request an expedited review of this decision

from the Supreme Court,” Pritzker’s press secretary Jordan Abudayyeh said in a statement Feb. 18. “In the meantime, the governor urges everyone to continue following the doctors’ advice to wear masks so students can remain safely learning in classrooms, and is encouraged that the court made it clear that school districts can continue to keep their own mitigations in place.”

Attorney General Kwame Raoul also issued a statement saying he too was disappointed by the decision.

“The appellate court’s failure to

vaccine mandates and the exclusion from school of people deemed close contacts with COVID-19 patients without giving those students and employees due process.

That order applied to the roughly 170 school districts who were named in the consolidated lawsuits. There are 852 public school districts in Illinois, plus numerous private school Timeline of cases systems covered by the rules.

The cases were filed in various On Feb. 4, Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow issued counties in September after the Illia temporary restraining order blockSee MANDATES, Page 4 ing the enforcement of mask and

address the important legal issues in question has added to the confusion resulting from the circuit court’s decision prioritizing a relatively small group of plaintiffs who refuse to acknowledge science or the need for public health measures to protect vulnerable Illinois residents,” Raoul said.

Montini basketball alumni reunite at center court Montini Catholic High School recently welcomed back athletic alumni including members of its Conference Championship 1992-93 and 1993-94 varsity basketball teams on Friday, Feb. 11 when the Broncos played Ignatius. These Broncos were invited back to enjoy a little recognition amongst current Bronco fans

Inside: Police Reports...........6 Puzzles ������������������ 15 Viewpoint.................8 Classifieds..............18

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for their last Friday night home game of the season. Pictured are (from left): Coach Tim Lofgren, Jim Long ‘94, John Vosicky ‘89, Steve Sobkowiak ‘93, Brian Herold ‘94, Matt McGivern ‘93, Joe Bolduc ‘95, Pat Gibbons ‘95, Jim Wolak ‘94, Asst. Coach Bill Leeberg ‘70.

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2 • Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Did you know that dental-related ailments are responsible for the loss of more than 50 million school hours each year? That’s right. Thousands of children miss school every year because of some dentalrelated ailment. Fortunately, many of these ailments can be prevented through good oral care.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, make your child’s smile a priority. Take them to the dentist regularly and teach them to care for their teeth properly.

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 • 3

Choose DuPage releases economic indicators report

By Dee Longfellow

FOR THE INDEPENDENT

The economic development alliance known has Choose DuPage has recently issued its economic indicators report for 2021.

Beginning with unemployment, in Quarter 4, the unemployment rate in DuPage County dropped from 5.3% in the previous quarter to 3%. This is the lowest unemployment rate in northern Illinois. The rate for the state of Illinois is 4.3% and 3.7% for the entire United States.

Counties neighboring DuPage had the following rates of unemployment: Cook 5.0%, Lake 4.0%, Kane 4.4%, Kendall 3.3%, and Will 4.1%.

Unemployment insurance claims were relatively flat through most of 2019, making a small uptick at the end of the year after COVID-19 surfaced. In the year 2020, claims skyrocketed in March and April. In February of 2020, 1,823 claims were filed, but in March the number went

to 29,794 and in April to 36,813.

The number of claims fell off over the next few months with 18,009 in May, 11,093 in June, 7,793 in July, 5,450 in August and 5,542 in September. The numbers began to spike again toward the end of the year and into 2021. Claims reached 15,615 in October, 16,533 in November and 33,862 in December. Then in 2021, there were 28,284 in January, 19,312 in February, and 13,093 in March, then leveled off more or less through the remainder of the year as follows: 3,528 in April, 5,449 in May, 7,637 in June, 4,532 in July, 4,203 in August, 1,849 in September, 1,474 in October, 2,168 in November, 3,043 in December.

Jobs and the workforce DuPage County is home to nearly 90,000 businesses that are taking advantage of skilled and educated workforce. Together these companies represent 607,056 jobs across a

variety of industries. Total employment in 2021 was 607,056; the labor force size was 512,380. Top industry sectors are 1) health care and social assistance, 2) professional, scientific and technical services, 3) retail trade, and 4) manufacturing.

At the end of 2021, there were 71,524 job opportunities posted in DuPage County. Compared to the same time last year, this represents an increase of 30.44%. Top job openings by occupation were 1) retail sales, 2) stockers and order fillers, 3) registered nurses, 4) customer service representatives.

Office, industrial, retail vacancies The office vacancy rate dropped to 16.3% at the end of Q4, down from 16.5% in the previous quarter. At this time last year, the office vacancy rate was 15%. Class-A office vacancy remained at 23.2% in Q4. At this time last year, Class-A office vacancy was

20.6%.

Leasing activity and sublet availability indicates what is happening short term in the market. Leasing activity, based on the number of deals closed, increased by 88% in Q4 compared to Q3. In total, there were 145 lease deals completed, compared to 77 last quarter and 136 at this time last year.

The sublease availability, or the amount of sublease space on the market, decreased in Q4 by 9.5% compared to Q3. This is a 7% increase compared to the same time last year.

construction in DuPage.

The overall retail vacancy rate in Q4 rose to 7.8%, compared to 7.6% in the previous quarter. Last year, the rate in DuPage County was 7.5%.

The cost of living index estimates the relative price levels for consumer goods and services. The cost of living in DuPage County is 26.2% higher than the U.S. average and 17.1% higher than the State average.

In Q4, the average annual salary rose to $70,710 compared in $69,987 in Q3. At this time last year, the average annual salary was $66,481.

The industrial vacancy rate dropped to 3.2% in Q4, compared to 3.5% in Q3. At this time last year, the rate was 5.3% In Q4, there were 98 industrial/flex lease deals. Industrial vacancy is at a historic low for the county and asking rents are continuing to rise to their highest levels. Currently, there is a 3.4 million square feet of industrial space under

This information was drawn from the 2021 annual report from the Choose DuPage economic development alliance. Sources include the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, JobsEQ, CoStar, IDES, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. For a full copy of the report, visit choosedupage.com.

Elmhurst University, District 88 partner to offer social justice course Elmhurst University and DuPage High School District 88 have teamed up to offer a college-level course on social justice topics to students from the district’s two high schools.

Fifty-five students from Addison Trail High School in Addison and Willowbrook High School in Villa Park are enrolled in Explorations in Social Justice.

The multidisciplinary course introduces students to contemporary equity and social justice issues by

equity is a journey, and we continue to look for ways to enhance this critical initiative and remove barriers to help all students achieve their goals.

Our new course with Elmhurst University is a tremendous example.”

The topics in the year-long course are viewed through a national lens but during the spring term, the course places a special emphasis on equity and social justice issues that affect the Chicago metropolitan area.

The students work in person every day with their high school teachers and then, twice a week they meet remotely from their classrooms with different Elmhurst University faculty members, who address topics like immigration, residential segregation, tual and in-person events, connec- criminal justice, health care, educations to philanthropic and community efforts, and much more.

During the centennial celebration, the firm will initiate volunteer activities to achieve impact in the areas of partnering for lasting financial strength, promoting healthier futures and advancing inclusive growth. It will also expand on its efforts to foster economic inclusion in the communities it serves, actively collaborating with organizations to make meaningful progress that enables every community to thrive.

To learn more, visit centennial.

EdwardJones.com. having them explore social movements and current events related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and class; and discuss how those concepts influence relationships and understanding in the world today.

“One of our top priorities at District 88 is to create and sustain an inclusive environment through ongoing equity work,” said Jean Barbanente, superintendent of DuPage High School District 88. “We know

Edward Jones Co. celebrates centennial anniversary

Financial services firm Edward Jones announces today the celebration of its centennial, marking a century of transformative growth and the positive impact it has made for its clients, colleagues, communities and society.

This year and beyond, Edward Jones’ more than 50,000 colleagues will join in activities that celebrate this monumental milestone and set the stage for the continued growth of firm’s impact in the next 100 years.

Throughout 2022, Edward Jones will celebrate its centennial across the communities it serves with vir-

tion and environmental racism.

Associate Professor of History Karen Benjamin is a strong advocate for the course’s multidisciplinary approach.

“It gives students an opportunity to look at this huge concept of social justice from all of these different angles, to find where their own specific passion or interest lies,” she said.

“So, no matter what the next step is for them, they have a lot of different ways to think about things.”

The course also gives students a sense of all the different majors available to them at Elmhurst University or somewhere else, Benjamin said.

“It allows them to blend this idea of care and concern for the world

with ‘What am I going to do after I graduate from high school?’” she said.

Explorations in Social Justice is the latest of several Elmhurst University courses that are available to District 88 students. Others include college-level Algebra, Calculus III and English 105. All offer high school students the opportunity to experience the rigor of higher education and earn college-level credit while also connecting with Elmhurst University.

“We know our students continue to succeed inside the classroom and beyond because of these collaborations and we truly value and appreciate our strong partnership with Elmhurst University,” Barbanente said.

Jesse White urges online license plate sticker renewal

Motorists are allowed to drive without an up-to-date vehicle renewal sticker on their license plate as long as they have the receipt from the secretary of state showing that they bought the sticker before expiration.

The receipt is valid for up to 30 days from the expiration of the previous registration sticker’s date.

Last year, 209,844 customers purchased license plate renewal stickers during the last seven days in February. Of this total, 87,520 purchased their license plate sticker online.

White initiated Public Act 981103, which took effect Jan. 1, 2015, to further encourage online transactions.

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Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding customers with license plate stickers expiring at the end of the month that they can renew online at ilsos.gov, print their receipt and keep that receipt in their vehicle to comply with Illinois law.

“This is a consumer friendly initiative that encourages online transactions with my office,” said White.

“Many customers visit our Driver Services facilities to buy their stickers the week before they are set to expire. I am reminding the public that they can make the same transaction online, and use their receipt as proof of up-to-date registration and compliance.”

4A • Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

The IndependenT 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

The library’s Getting Addison Back to Work series Spotlight on Debbie Spacko

Debbie Spacko’s story starts like many Americans: In April 2020, she was furloughed from her job as a customer service representative.

“In the first couple of months of the pandemic, everyone was hoping things would get better. I was on unemployment, I could survive, but not really live, and it was very scary,” she said. “When it became obvious things weren’t going to change, while I knew I wasn’t ready to look for a new job, I decided I couldn’t just sit there all day.”

Spacko started looking into networking groups and opportunities for her to improve her skills to prepare for a potential career change.

“Through networking, I learned a lot about myself and what I wanted in a career, and I feel like a totally different person after attending,” she said.

“There was always something I could take from hearing other people’s stories and words of encouragement. You never know where networking will take you.”

Networking soon led Spacko to the Addison Public Library’s job seeker services in the fall of 2020 after the library’s resources were shared at an event. She signed up for the Getting Addison Back to Work program, a series of online workshops that the library had launched with the support of a grant from Google and the Public Library Association and connected with the library’s Business Services Specialist Lesley Cyrier for more resources.

“It was really nice to feel like people

Discovering the People’s Resource Center After the Getting Addison Back to Work series concluded, Spacko continued attending library workshops, including one presented by the People’s Resource Center (PRC), which sparked a new chapter in her life. After completing a Microsoft Office Specialist certification through the PRC, she joined their team of volunteer teachers.

“Volunteering with the People’s Resource Center has been very rewarding,” she said. “It’s so nice to be able to help people. I can’t believe that just one thing I did at the Addison library led me to something I enjoy so much.”

After several months of skill-building, networking, and volunteering, Spacko was called back from furlough in July 2021. After seven months back at work, she decided to pursue the next step in her career and apply for job in her company’s sales department.

“When I applied, I was one step ahead because I didn’t have to think about how I was going to interview or what I was going to say because of all the practice I’ve had and the people that helped me along the way,” she said. “I felt very empowered, and my company was impressed with how I kept myself busy during the pandemic to work on my skills.”

Spacko’s hard work paid off: her in-

terview went well, and she got the sales position.

“I feel very blessed for all the people I met and all the help I got,” she said. “It’s crazy to think that the dominos fell in just the right places.”

Spacko hopes that other job seekers can learn something from her story and get the job search help they need.

“I think it’s important for people to know there are resources out there, and that the Addison library is one that can help. And it’s free! I’ve taken advantage of [library services] multiple times, and I wouldn’t be where I am without all that,” said Spacko. “Just take a chance. Take that first step. It can be uncomfortable to take that first step or to admit that you need a little assistance, but it pays off in the long run.”

Job seeker services at the library The Addison Public Library is located at 4 Friendship Plaza in Addison.

Job seeker services are available at the library year-round. For more information, visit addisonlibrary.org/services or contact Business Services Specialist Lesley Cyrier at cyrier@addisonlibrary.org or 630-458-3304.

The Getting Addison Back to Work Series will return in February and March of 2022 thanks to a grant from the Illinois State Library and will begin with a Kick-Off Celebration on Feb. 20, in which attendees can get a free LinkedIn headshot and meet other community organizations that support job seekers. All Getting Addison Back to Work events are free and open to all; registration is required. Learn more and sign up at addisonlibrary.org/Addison-works. This story was submitted by the Addison Public Library.

(Continued from front page) nois Department of Public Health is- voided by the TRO are no longer in sued emergency rules mandating that effect, a controversy regarding the masks be worn in school settings, application of those rules no longer that unvaccinated school staff would exists. Thus, the matter is moot,” the have to submit to regular testing, and court wrote. that students and staff deemed to be The opinion was written by Justice “close contacts” with people infect- John W. Turner. Justice Thomas M. ed by COVID-19 be excluded from Harris concurred in the opinion while school buildings and events for a pe- Justice Lisa Holder White concurred riod of time. in part, but said the issues concerning Those emergency rules were is- Pritzker’s executive orders were not sued in response to a series of Pritz- moot and the court should have ruled ker’s executive orders. on them.

However, while the administra“As it stands, the majority’s detion was appealing that decision to cision leaves open the question of the 4th District, the emergency rules whether the circuit court properthat IDPH had issued in September ly enjoined the enforcement of the expired, and on Feb. 14, the legisla- executive orders,” Holder White tive Joint Committee on Administra- wrote. tive Rules voted not to extend them, citing concerns about the restraining Impact on other districts It was unclear Feb. 18 exactly order and the pending appeal.

“We’re currently in a situation what, if any, state-issued mitigation where the TRO says this rule is not mandates remain in place for schools enforceable,” Rep. Michael Halpin, in Illinois.

The 4th District court’s opinion D-Rock Island, a JCAR member, said in voting for the motion to sus- indicated that the Sangamon Counpend the rule. “It’s possible, if not ty restraining order also applied to probable, that this might change on the governor’s executive orders. But appeal, but as we now sit here, for both Pritzker and Raoul have said they believe the executive orders rethat reason, I’ll vote yes.”

The 4th District panel, however, main in place. cited the JCAR action as its reason “While the Appellate Court’s rulfor not ruling in the appeal, saying ing does not affect the enforceability the underlying rules covered by the of the governor’s executive orders, restraining order were no longer in the decision does fundamentally place. misapply important principles of Il“Because the emergency rules linois law related to the issuance of

temporary restraining orders, such as the order issued by the trial court,” Raoul said in his statement Feb. 18.

Meanwhile, the court’s opinion also said individual districts that are not parties in the underlying lawsuit still have authority to adopt their own mitigation policies, independent of the governor’s executive orders or state agency emergency rules.

“We note the language of the TRO in no way restrains school districts from acting independently from the executive orders or the IDPH in creating provisions addressing COVID-19,” the court said. “Thus, it does not appear the school districts are temporarily restrained from acting by the court’s TRO.” Many of those districts, however, have negotiated the details of their mitigation plans with local teachers unions, and the Illinois Federation of Teachers said Feb. 18 that they should continue abiding by those agreements.

“We continue to insist that school districts statewide abide by existing collective bargaining agreements that are in place to promote health and safety in schools and to follow our laws around safe schools and workplaces,” IFT president Dan Montgomery said in a statement. “As cases continue to decline, discussions about removing these mitigations must be based on good public health decisions. Medical science

tells us that vaccinations, masking, and proper ventilation have been the best ways to maintain health in schools.”

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were there for me when things were rough. Lesley kept in touch with me and told me about things that were going on and was really helpful in getting me what I needed,” she said. “The library changed my whole perspective, not only on me, but on what I want to do and where I’m at now. The library helped me move forward.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Debbie Spacko credits the Getting Addison Back to Work program with helping advance her career thanks to new skills learned.

Mask policies elsewhere The appellate court’s decision comes the Pritzker administration is preparing to roll back the statewide indoor mask mandate on Feb. 28.

Pritzker announced that plan on Feb. 9 but said he intended to keep the mandate in place for schools.

Meanwhile, the issue of mask mandates has become more contentious in the General Assembly where, on Thursday, House Democrats voted to remove nine Republican lawmakers from the chamber for refusing to abide by the House’s own masking rule.

State Sen. Donald DeWitte, R-St. Charles, a member of JCAR, issued a statement saying there should be more legislative involvement in crafting pandemic mitigation policies.

“This appellate court decision is a clear indication that Gov. Pritzker’s unilateral decision-making relative to COVID-19 must end,” he said.

“We are well beyond the point when the Governor should respect the authority and processes of the two other coequal branches of government.

Rather than one-man-rule, the three branches should be working together to create clarity, not chaos.”

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 • 5

Mabutas competes at IHSA individual state meet

Willowbrook standout wins one match in Champaign; Addison Trail’s Skamra wrestles in 2 matches

which concluded on Saturday at the Willowbrook senior Nick Mabu- State Farm Center in Champaign. tas competed at the IHSA Class Battling in the 170-pound weight 3A individual state wrestling meet, STAFF REPORT

division, Mabutas won his first match in Champaign before suffering a loss in the quarterfinal round.

Mabutas then suffered a narrow loss in the consolation round.

Mabutas finished the season with an overall record of 33-7.

Mabutas delivered a second-period pin in his first match at the state meet. That victory propelled Mabutas into the quarterfinal round. Mar-

mion Academy’s Tyler Perry earned a second-period pin against Mabutas in the quarterfinal round.

Austin Stewart of Collinsville edged Mabutas 7-6 in a consolation-round match.

Mabutas earned his berth in the state meet with a third-place finish in the 170-pound weight class at the Conant Sectional on Feb. 12. He qualified for the sectional by winning

the 170-pound title at the Wheaton North Regional on Feb. 5.

Addison Trail junior Seth Skamra competed in the Class 3A individual state meet’s 182-pound weight level.

Skamra suffered a 9-2 loss in his first match in Champaign. He then lost a consolation-round match by a score of 15-7.

Skamra completed the season with a 25-10 record.

Eva Sanchez, REALTOR® To buy or sell a house call EVA today

Call or Text: (630) 561�8742

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www.SeeYourHouseRightHere.com Email: SeeYourHouse@outlook.com CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Blazers finish their season

130 West Park Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126 408189

Junior Elena Papanicolaou (No. 1) of the Addison Trail girls basketball team is pictured during last week’s IHSA Class 4A regional semifinal against St. Charles North. The North Stars defeated the Blazers 52-44 in Addison. Papanicolaou sank a pair of 3-point shots during the second quarter of the Feb. 15 game.

6 • Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Area police departments recently reported the following arrests and citations. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims.

Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.

Addison Feb. 14 Jasmine Guerrero, 23, of Maywood, was charged with DUI in the 700 block of N. Rohlwing at 12:45 a.m.

Police said Robert A. Mezza, 40, of Addison, was issued a warrant in the 600 block of W. Diversey at 8:35 p.m.

Feb. 13 Manuel Carrillo, 45, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI and illegal possession/transportation of liquor by a driver near Rozanne and Michael at 3:31 a.m.

Feb. 10 Artemio Carmona-Velasco, 29, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI, no driver’s license and no insurance in the 300 block of W. Dale at 11:24 p.m.

Feb. 9 Adrian Enciso, 20, of Streamwood, was charged with two counts of battery at 7:25 p.m.

Feb. 8 Francisco Juan Salvador, 23, of Des Plaines, was charged with two counts of DUI and no driver’s license or permit near Kingston and Army Trail at 12:18 a.m.

Feb. 7 Izabela Weronika Ciukaj, 19, of

Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI and stopping/standing/parking in a non-business district near Rozanne and Marilyn at 1:32 a.m.

evelt and S. York at 10:44 p.m.

A 26-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 200 block of N. Wisconsin at 2:17 p.m.

A complainant in the 200 block of Feb. 6 W. North reported at 2:27 p.m. that A 47-year-old Chicago woman an unknown suspect was threatening was charged with two counts of do- the complainant. mestic battery in the 1100 block of N. Swift at 12:07 a.m.

Feb. 10 Elver F. Ramos-Garcia, 24, of AdA complainant in the 100 block of dison, was charged with DUI and im- E. Washington reported at 9:31 a.m. proper lane usage near Addison and that an unknown suspect slashed a Sidney at 12:21 a.m. tire on the complainant’s vehicle while it was parked in a lot.

Feb. 5 Theft of vehicle parts was reportRobert M. Garcia, 24, of Addison, ed at a business in the 100 block of was charged with two counts of DUI E. North at 9:40 a.m. A complainant and failure to notify concerning dam- reported that an unknown suspect reage to an unattended vehicle in the moved a catalytic converter from a 1200 N. Aspen at 1:43 a.m. vehicle that was parked in a lot.

A complainant at a car wash in the Feb. 3 700 block of N. Addison reported at Drew R. Cornwell, 35, of Glen El- 2:34 p.m. that a subject was causing lyn, was charged with possession of a disturbance. Officers spoke with a controlled substance, two counts of the subject, who was issued a trespossession of drug paraphernalia and pass notice. driving while license suspended.

Feb. 9 Jorge C. Ramirez, 57, of Villa Villa Park Park, was issued citations for conFeb. 12 Police said Kenneth D. Hartman, spiracy/leaving the scene of an ac25, of Villa Park, was arrested on a cident involving damage to the atfailure to appear warrant out of DuP- tended vehicle, driving while license age County in the 400 block of N. suspended, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance Addison at 2:27 p.m.

Police said Karen E. Valles, 22, of near N. Ardmore and E. Vermont at Villa Park, was arrested on an origi- 6:38 p.m.

Burglary was reported at a fitness nal complaint and warrant in the 400 block of N. Ardmore at 4:36 p.m. center in the 200 block of W. Roostemming from an incident Nov. 9, sevelt at 6:59 p.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect 2021. broke the lock on their locker and stole money.

Feb. 11 Theft of vehicle parts was reported Bryan R. Dordain, 28, of Broadview, was charged with possession in the 1-100 block of W. Plymouth of a controlled substance/other drug, at 11:12 p.m. A complainant reported unlawful possession of cannabis by See POLICE, Page 17 a driver and speeding near E. Roos413054

Police Reports

Bond set at $1 million for Warrenville woman accused of Feb. 13 murder DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Warrenville Chief of Police Raymond Turano have announced that bond has been set for a Warrenville wom- Deanna Coakley an charged with the murder of her daughter’s father, 31-year-old Joseph Strock.

Deanna Coakley, 27, appeared at a bond hearing in front of Judge Daniel Guerin who set bond at $1 million with 10 percent to apply. Coakley has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

On Feb. 13 at approximately 6:51 p.m., Warrenville police officers responded to a call at Coakley’s residence for a report of a woman screaming. Upon their arrival, police said officers found Coakley on top of a male, later identified as Strock, near the front of the residence directly in front of the door. Strock was bleeding from the neck and a large pool of blood was under his body.

Strock was transported to a local hospital for a laceration to the right side of his neck and was pronounced deceased.

Following an investigation by the Warrenville Police Department, it is alleged that at some point in the evening, a verbal altercation between Coakley and Strock turned physical at which time Coakley stabbed

Strock in the neck with a kitchen knife.

It is alleged that following the stabbing, Strock exited the apartment and collapsed on the ground outside the front door where authorities found him.

“Nationwide, domestic violence remains a silent epidemic that unfortunately occurs predominantly behind closed doors,” Berlin said. “If left unchecked however, the consequences can be deadly, as is alleged in this case. I urge anyone who finds themselves in an abusive relationship to seek help from any of a multitude of social service programs available throughout the country that offer assistance and guidance to people in an abusive relationship. I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Joseph Strock on their loss. I thank the Warrenville Police Department and DuPage County MERIT for their work on this very sad case.”

“I am extremely pleased that through the hard work and professionalism of the Warrenville Police Department, DuPage County MERIT and the DuPage County Coroner’s Office, we were able to bring a successful resolution to this tragic incident,” Turano said. “I also commend State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their legal guidance throughout the entire investigation.”

Coakley’s next court appearance is scheduled March 10 for arraignment in front of Judge Guerin.

Man charged with concealing loaded gun in baby’s crib/possession of illegal drugs Weapon allegedly had an extended magazine and one bullet in chamber

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin announced that bond has been set for a Woodridge man accused of possessing more than 55 grams of illegal narcotics Tenzell Terry and illegally possessing a loaded handgun.

Tenzell Terry, 22, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Robert Kleeman set bond at $350,000 with 10 percent to apply. Terry has been charged with one count of armed violence (Class X felony), two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (Class X felony) two counts of possession of a controlled substance (Class 1 felony) and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 3 felony).

On Feb. 8 at approximately 5:30 a.m., as part of their ongoing investigations into the sale of illegal narcotics in DuPage County, officers with the Woodridge Police Department executed a search warrant at Terry’s residence.

Occupants of the residence included Terry, another individual and Terry’s one-year-old baby. It is alleged that while performing their duties, officers found a loaded Glock 9mm handgun with an ex-

tended magazine of 30 rounds and one bullet in the chamber underneath the mattress in Terry’s baby’s crib. It is further alleged that located in a closet in the baby’s room were items of clothing containing packaged heroin/fentanyl (approximately 20 grams) and cocaine (approximately 37 grams).

It is further alleged that in a second bedroom, officers found a second magazine with five rounds inside and two additional empty magazines along with $1,064 in cash.

Terry was taken into custody at this time.

“The very idea that someone would hide a loaded weapon with one bullet in the chamber and an extended magazine under a mattress where his baby slept, as is alleged in this case, is just beyond belief,” Berlin said. “Additionally, the illegal narcotics allegedly found in the baby’s room are further evidence of Mr. Terry’s complete disregard for the safety of a one-year-old baby. I commend the Illinois State Police, the DuPage County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the Woodridge Police Department for their work on this case and for their continued efforts in keeping illegal narcotics out of our communities.”

Terry’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 7 in front of Judge Brian Telander for arraignment.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 • 7A

Montini Catholic preps for 31st annual Maroon and Gold Gala The Montini Catholic community is looking forward to celebrating the Lasallian college preparatory high school’s 31st annual benefit auction at their Maroon and Gold Gala, on Saturday, April 29.

The event, themed ‘Empowering & Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders,’ will be celebrated at Montini Catholic this year.

“We look forward to our parents, alumni and friends joining us as we celebrate Lasallian education and thank our honorees for their contributions to our school’s mission,” said President Jim Segredo.

This year’s honorees include: Faculty Dedication Award Recipient: Technology Director, Pete Farina ‘87 Builders of Excellence Recipients: Norman ‘87 and Jennifer Sidler Leadership Award Recipients: Brother Thomas Harding, FSC and Brother Terence McLaughlin, FSC Loyalty & Service Award Recipient: Dennis McNicholas

cludes with Montini Catholic’s much anticipated $20,000 Champions Club Raffle drawing.

“Our Champions Club Raffle is our most anticipated raffle of the year,” said Segredo. “This year we’re giving away a $2,000 second prize and over $2,000 additional in 3rd through 7th place prizes. We are also holding an ‘early bird’ drawing on Wednesday, Mar. 23 when we’ll be giving away $2,000 in prizes on this day too.”

Raffle-ticket holders need not attend the gala to win.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner The Montini Catholic High School served at 7:30 p.m. The evening con- Maroon and Gold Gala is the school’s

largest fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting academic, religious and community service endeavors. Each year, students volunteer to give back to the community through several community service projects including their Golden Gobbler Food Drive, Sophomore Day of Service, and Adopt-a-Family events.

They just recently completed a Coat Drive for John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County during Catholic Schools Week. Broncos also attend service-oriented mission trips throughout the year with Habitat for Humanity (planned for this spring) and are hoping to be

able to plan their sixth international trip soon to Jamaica (in 2023) to provide support to impoverished families.

Due to COVID-19 regulations last spring the school was forced to hold their gala virtually.

“We are so excited to be able to get back together in person to celebrate our student success stories and the accomplishments of our honorees,” said Segredo.

“We are constantly humbled by the generosity we experience each year at our gala and we are forever extremely thankful for our Montini Catholic family.”

Montini Catholic offers summer camp opportunities Registration now open for athletics, fine arts

Montini Catholic is proud to announce opportunities for grade school sports, fine arts and academic enthusiasts to develop skills, gain confidence and discover their passions while making 2022 an unforgettable summer! Bronco Athletic, Fine Arts and Academic Summer Camps are now available for registration.

Camp descriptions within a visual ‘guidebook’ and registration information can be accessed online at: www.montini.org/SummerCamp22.

Montini Catholic Athletic Camps Baseball (Boys) – Grades 4-8 July 11-14 (M-TH) 10-11:30 a.m. • $75 Basketball (Girls) – Grades 4-8 Skills: June 13-16 (M-TH) 9-10:30 a.m. • $75 Fundamentals: June 20-23 (M-TH) 9-10:30 a.m. • $75 Basketball (Boys) – Grades 5-8 Skills: June 13-17 (M-F) 10 a.m. -1 p.m. • $90 Offensive: June 27-July 1 (M-F) 10-11:30

ATHS offers summer school courses Addison Trail is committed to providing opportunities to help students succeed and build positive futures.

As part of that focus, the Guidance Department shares important information regarding summer school registration. Summer school classes help students earn credit to stay on track for graduation, as well as provide an opportunity for students to get ahead with graduation requirements. See details below.

When: 8 a.m. to noon from June 6 to 30 (Monday through Thursday) Summer school courses: • Public Speaking and Communication • Online Consumer Education • Consumer Education • Economics See course descriptions at https:// drive.google.com/file/d/1zLzU2w7nE0yHdqeKGAbRG-6rTqEvejUg/view.

Registration: To register, go to https://dupage88.revtrak.net/athsmenu/aths-summer-school.

The deadline is April 15.

a.m. • $60

Broncettes (Dance) – Grades 2-9 July 19-21 (T-W) 9 a.m. -12 p.m. & 5-8 p.m. (Th) • $85 Cheerleading – Grades 4-8 July12-14 (T-Th) 12-2 p.m. • $75 Cross Country (Girls) – Grades 5-8 June 28-July 29 (T-TH-F) 8-10:30 a.m. • $50 Cross Country (Boys) – Grades 5-8 June 28-July 29 (T-TH-F) 8-10:30 a.m. • $50 Football (Boys) – Grades 5-8 5-8 Youth Skills: July 11-14 (M-TH) 1-3 p.m. • $75 7-8 Big Man: July 7 (TH) 1-3 p.m. • $25 Golf (Coed) – Grades 4-8 July 18-21 (M-TH) 1:30-3 p.m. • $80

Softball (Girls) – Grades 1-8 Grades 5-8: July 12-14 (T-TH) 9:30-11 a.m. • $65 Grades 1-4: July 13-14 (W-TH) 11:30 a.m.

-1 p.m. • $45 Speed & Agility (Coed) – Grades 5-8 Basics July 12, 14, 19, 21 (T-TH) 8-9:30 a.m. • $40

Volleyball (Girls) – Grades 3-8 Skills #1 June 13-15 (M-W) 1-3 p.m. • $60 Skills #2 July 26 and 27 (T-W) 1-3 p.m. • $40 Volleyball (Boys) – Grades 5-8 Skills July 11 -15 (M-F) 8:30-10 a.m. • $50 Wrestling (Boys) – Grades 3-8 Youth Skills July 25 -27 (M-W) 5-6:30 p.m. • $60

Bricks for Kids® – Ages 6-9 Lego City Engineering & Architects: June 27 - July 1 (M-F) 9 a.m. -12 p.m. • $180 JEDI Engineering: July 11-15 (M-F) 9 a.m.

-12 p.m. • $180 Mining and Crafting Adventures: Aug. 8-12 (M-F) 9 a.m. -12 p.m. • $180 Exploratory Spanish – Grades 2-4 June 27- July 1 (M-F) 10 a.m. -12 p.m. • $120 Extreme Science – Grades 5-8 June 20-24 (M-F) 9-11 a.m. • $145 LEGO® Robotics – Grades 5-8 June 13-16 (M-TH) 1-3:30 p.m. • $125 Theater – Grades 6-8 June 6-10 (M-F) 9 a.m. -12 p.m. • $150

Lacrosse (Girls) – Grades 4-8 Fundamentals June 27-29 (M-W) 12:30-2 p.m. • $50

Small Fry Introduction to Sports – Coed Ages 4-7 (Coed) – Ages 4-7 June 6-10 (M-F) 8:30-10 Video Game Coding – a.m. • $25 Grades 5-8 Parent, guardian or babysitter required to June 13-16 (M-TH) 9:30 a.m. -12 p.m. • stay on site during this camp. $125

Soccer (Coed) – Grades 4-8 Camp 1 June 13-16 (M-TH) 12:30-2 p.m.

• $75

Montini Catholic Academic/Fine Arts Band – Grades 6-8 July 11-15 (M-F) 9-11 a.m. • $50

Visual Arts – Grades 3-6 July 11-15 (M-F) 12-2 p.m. • $150

Willowbrook teacher placed on administrative leave STAFF REPORT

The head of Willowbrook High School’s English Department recently resigned from the presidency of the District 88 Teachers Council after he sent a Brett Blair message to his fellow union members about the district’s new mask-optional policy.

Brett Blair, the head of the Villa Park high school’s English Department, was also placed on administrative leave.

Blair sent a message to union members on Sunday, Feb. 6, one day before District 88’s mask-optional policy went into effect. District 88, which includes Willowbrook High School and Addison Trail High School, began its mask-optional status after Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Raylene Grischow issued a temporary restraining order on Feb. 4. That restraining order nullified Gov. JB Pritzker’s executive order that required masking in Illinois’ schools.

District 88 was one of about 140 Il-

linois school districts named in multiple lawsuits related to Pritzker’s executive orders regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Grischow issued the temporary restraining order after reviewing those lawsuits.

On Feb. 6, Blair, in his capacity as the president of the District 88 Teachers Council, sent a message to members of that union.

“I have been awaiting guidance from the Local/IFT [International Federation of Teachers] since Friday [Feb. 4] to advise all of you on what can be our next steps regarding this horrendous decision by an inept and corrupt judge,” stated Blair at the beginning of his message to the union members.

Blair went on to state that the union’s members should remain masked when on campus and/or representing District 88 in any capacity.

“Unfortunately, we are going to receive letters from Jean [District 88 Superintendent Jean Barbanente] tonight that state that we are not to confront students who are unmasked tomorrow [Feb. 7],” added Blair in his message. Blair stated that the District 88 Teachers Council was filing a

grievance against the district for not following Pritzker’s mask mandate.

He then made an apparent reference to five Willowbrook students whose parents were reportedly involved in the lawsuits that led to the temporary restraining order. Blair appeared to support the view that the temporary restraining order only applied to families involved in the lawsuit.

“If these five … children …at Willowbrook want to remain unmasked, then they can be dealt with; however, all other children should remain masked,” Blair wrote in his message.

“This is the contention of the Union and will remain so. The problem is, badly raised students will probably be unmasked tomorrow [Feb. 7].”

Blair went on to reiterate that every District 88 employee must continue to follow Pritzker’s masking and testing mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Honestly, tomorrow, you may want to make sure that you double mask, wear KN95s, wear shields, tape off your desks so no unmasked student crosses a line, etc.,” stated Blair near the end of his Feb. 6 message to

fellow union members.

“I am at a loss,” Blair wrote at the conclusion of his message. “The IFT has filed their appeal. Pritzker may be filing a new Executive Order soon.

Districts named in the lawsuit have filed their appeals. The Grievance is digitally filed and will be hand-delivered tomorrow. We now wait. Hopefully, reason will happen sooner than later.”

Blair’s message to union members soon appeared on various social media outlets. On Feb. 11, Barbanente issued a message to the community.

Her message noted that the district was aware of the communication sent

by Blair in his capacity as the president of the union representing District 88 teachers.

“As a result of these communications, the person who sent the messages has been placed on administrative leave until further notice, pending a personnel investigation,” stated Barbanente. “As this is a personnel matter, please understand we are unable to share further details at this time.”

Barbanente’s message added that Blair had resigned as the union’s president, effective immediately.

8 • Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Rock Valley Publishing

Viewpoint

Feb. 24, 2022 • 8

Legislature bears some blame for disarray in social services

By Jim Nowlan This past month, a Cook County judge held the director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in contempt of court, an unprecedented action.

In this latest instance, two DCFS youngsters languished in mental health facilities months after they were ready to be discharged.

What’s new? DCFS has been under a federal court order to do better for the 21,000 young in its care—for 30 years! This is a reflection of the uneven, often poor, job Illinois has done in providing and delivering services to the four million Illinois residents (out of 12.8 million) who receive health and social services from the state.

As a former Illinois House member whose service predates the four decades of the House Speaker Mike Madigan era, I have recommendations for reform of both our people services and the Legislature.

The state of Illinois spends more than 4 of every 10 dollars of its operating budget on health and social services, while we spend just 2 in 10 of our state dollars on educating our kids, from preschool through our colleges and universities. Obviously, getting things right in providing services to people, which will never be easy, is a big deal.

Yet, according to research that Tom Johnson and I did for our book Fixing Illinois (University of Illinois Press, 2014), problems with the state’s delivery of social services go much deeper and broader than DCFS. A few examples: · Agencies and divisions operate within “silos,” unable to share information digitally about clients, whose problems they often share. As one bureaucrat put it: Interagency cooperation is an unnatural act among unwilling partners. · Perverse incentives. As a mom lamented recently to a nonprofit agency director: “I want out of welfare, but I’m trapped in the system.” That is, if she takes a job on offer, she will immediately, before she can get her life back together, lose health care and other services for her children. So, she opts for what she thinks best for her kids and stays on welfare.

· We strand people in the system too long. DCFS keeps children in foster care longer than any state in the nation. · The wrong people are in charge.

Governors come and go, and often enter office with little knowledge of state government. By the time they develop some understanding, the guvs and their agency directors are out the door.

As a result, social services are largely directed by the powerful public employee unions, plus the interest groups that represent hospitals, doctors, nursing homes and other interests. Their leaders are, maybe understandably, often more concerned about their members than about the mostly powerless people they are supposed to serve.

So, who is to represent the poorly educated single mother who made bad decisions early in life? Or the veteran in a state nursing home, or any of the 4 million of us who receive state social services?

My friends say it’s the governor’s job, but governors are transient. The DCFS failures have been with us for 30 years, and six governors have been unable to fix the problems.

I say the responsibility ultimately falls to the Illinois General Assembly, with its fundamental responsibility to oversee the executive branch. Parliamentary systems such as in the United Kingdom do not even have an elected executive branch. Walter Bagehot, 19th Century English political economist and founder of the Economist news magazine, observed: “The job of a minister (always a member of their Parliament, that is, legislature) is not to run his ministry (department), but to see that it runs well.” That is the challenge for our General Assembly.

Our legislature has, however, become fragmented and woefully inept at handling big-picture problems. The Illinois House has 47 committees(!) for a body of 118 members. Each can deal only with a little piece our sprawling state bureaucracy.

This ridiculous number of committees has been created because: 1.) each chair and minority party spokesman receive a $10,000 bump to his or her pay for heading a committee; almost every House member is a “committee leader,” and 2.) the fragmentation increases the power of the legislative leaders.

See SERVICES, Page 17

Slices of life

Grief tutorial 2.0 — Part 1

About a month after I lost my husband, I put together a tutorial of sorts for what to do (and not to do) when someone you love is grieving.

It’s been over a year since and then and in that time I’ve gained myriad knowledge about the grief process.

(Yeah me!)

Losing is a part of loving and loving is a part of life so I think this is knowledge we all can use, whether we are helping someone through grief, we are grieving ourselves or both.

This information was too much for one column, so I’ve put together advice for those who are grieving (this column) and those who love someone who is walking the walk (next week’s message).

When you are grieving: It’s tempting to compare your situation to that of someone else’s.

Don’t.

The death of a child, a spouse, a friend, a sibling, a parent or anyone you love or have loved—they are all devastating. You can’t measure or compare devastating. Each experience is unique. Don’t equate your grief with someone else’s, especially if theirs is newer than yours. Give them the moment.

As much as you want it to end, it never will. I remember on day two vowing I wouldn’t be defined by widowhood. I now realize

eternal and more beautiful than I ever knew before grief.

Grief may leave you alone, but By alone comes with certain unique JILL possibilities. When you share PERTLER your world with another person Columnist it is wonderful, but it also means sharing your world. Grief leaves you free to not share. This means that might be impossible. Much pursuing you. It is realizing it’s like other significant roles in life, OK to have your own bucket list you can’t pretend widowhood because the “our” bucket list may away. The event doesn’t have to not longer exist. Take this for what completely define you, but much it is and bucket your way away. like the significant gain of a Give yourself grace. You are marriage or birth of a child, it will walking a walk that you never change you and will forever affect planned nor would have chosen. you. You simply can’t deny it.

You were forced to pivot midAfter a deep loss, every day step and keep breathing the whole starts out hard because it often while—that is nothing short of Olympic. Give yourself a medal for comes with the realization of the life you are now living; Sometimes participation; make it a gold one at the aloneness is nearly too much to that.

No one chooses grief, or loss; bear. But every day is also a new it descends upon us and claims a day with opportunities to take a permanent spot in our lives. Grief step (even a small step) forward. isn’t something you get past or get If you falter and stand still or go over. It is something you learn to backward, give yourself grace. live with—in tandem. It remains in There’s always tomorrow. your life, but whether it rules you The people we loved are not or you rule it is in your power. gone or lost. They are close, Claim your power. especially if we acknowledge and Jill Pertler is an award-winning believe in their closeness. They want us to acknowledge and believe syndicated columnist, published in their closeness. Love never dies; playwright and author. She invites human bodies die, but love remains readers to follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook. intact. It continues to grow. It is

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 • 9

Campers take the floor

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook High School’s cheerleading program held a week-long camp for girls in kindergarten through fifth grade during the week of Feb. 7. The 31 girls who took part in the camp performed during halftime of the Warriors’ boys basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 12. Willowbrook’s cheerleading program will conduct another week-long camp for kids this summer.

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 • 13

Bill seeks pay raise for tipped workers Sponsor says it is a step out of poverty for millions of working families

A bill in the Illinois House would do away with the sub-minimum wage paid to waitresses, bartenders and other tipped service workers.

Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, introduced House Bill 5139 last month. If the bill becomes law, workers who supplement their wages with tips will receive the state’s minimum wage starting on Jan. 1, 2025, in addition to their tips.

Its passage may be a tall order, however, as the Illinois Restaurant Association successfully lobbied when lawmakers overhauled the minimum wage schedule in 2019 to allow businesses to continue to pay less than minimum wage to employees who earn tips.

Lilly’s bill has currently not received a full committee assignment and has no cosponsors.

In 2019, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation into law providing a path to increase Illinois’ minimum wage rate to $15 per hour and $9 for tipped workers by 2025. Servers and bartenders who receive tips are currently subject to a $7.20 an hour minimum wage.

At a bill signing for that 2019 law, Sam Toia, president of the Restaurant Association, appeared along-

side Pritzker and praised the law for maintaining the credit which allows employers to pay tipped workers 60 percent of the minimum wage if tips make up the other 40 percent.

The IRA did not respond to a request for comment as of this publication.

But Lilly, in a recent news conference, noted that Valentine’s Day is the highest grossing day of the year for restaurants, making the announcement of the effort to eliminate the sub-minimum wage in Illinois poetic.

“This work comes from the heart,” Lilly said. “This is the beginning of addressing poverty for each and every worker across the state of Illinois.”

“Two years ago, we raised the minimum wage, but we left tip workers out,” Lilly said. “This is a way to address that.”

Since 2020, more than a million workers have left the hospitality industry nationwide. In Illinois, about 90,000 workers have left the industry since 2020, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The bureau reported that a record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in November, but the quit rate in the hospitality and leisure industry was 6.4 percent – more than double the

average of all the combined industries.

The virtual news conference was hosted by the organization One Fair Wage, based in New York.

Attendees said the hot job market led many in the hospitality industry to find higher paying jobs in other sectors.

The added challenges for restaurant workers included enforcing COVID-19 mandates, as well as exposing themselves to the virus by those who refused to comply with mitigation efforts. Also, sexual harassment is often tolerated because waitresses and bartenders depend on tips to supplement their hourly income.

In 2019, women made up 51 percent of workforce in the hospitality industry.

Tabina Gibson, of Chicago, worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years. Gibson, who attended the news conference with Lilly, is the mother of five and grandmother to two.

When the pandemic hit and she was laid off, she said she found she made too little in wages to collect unemployment. She used a grant and started a small business with her daughter selling lip gloss and other personal care items.

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One of his employees has worked for his restaurant for 30 years, Love noted. That kind of loyalty, Love said, provides stability.

“Give and it shall be given back to you,” he said.

Love’s daughter, Grace, is a waitress at her father’s restaurant. She currently gets paid $9 an hour plus tips.

Illinois Democrats vote to remove 9 maskless Republicans from House chamber Drama over House’s self-imposed COVID-19 mitigations once again delays start of session

By Grace Kinnicutt CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The Illinois House voted to remove nine Republican members from the House floor Feb. 17 for their refusal to comply with face covering requirements, delaying the start of the legislative session for the third straight day.

In a 66-39 vote, Democrats voted to remove Reps. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, Da-

vid Welter, R-Morris, David Friess, R-Red Bud, Chris Miller, R-Oakland, and Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport.

While most of those lawmakers chose to participate remotely after that action, one, McCombie, remained on the floor, unmasked, without incident for the remainder of the Feb. 17 session.

The removed GOP members were accompanied by most of their caucus upon exiting the floor, and they

See MASKLESS, Page 17 412999

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Gibson isn’t alone. In March 2020, one in four people in Illinois who lost their jobs was in the restaurant industry, but two-thirds of restaurant workers reported they couldn’t access unemployment benefits because their subminimum wage was too low to qualify for benefits.

Victor Love owns Josephine’s Southern Cooking in Chicago. He said he has challenges. His restaurant survived the pandemic and the violence that occurs in the neighbor-

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14A • Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Fenton Mid-Term Art Show

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Anthony Bingham stands with his photograph he called “SunkDanna Melendez used photography as her medium as she created “Paradise” (top left) and “Untrouissed.” bled” (top right).

Using mixed media, Ada Popoca made artworks inspired by the theme, “Growing Up.”

David Peralta shows one of his creations titled “This Dude.”

Miguel Mendoza made this metal eagle out of wire for the Fenton Mid-Term Art Show.

Morgan Tatela created many artworks, often involving ice cream! Her theme was “Love Story.”

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 • 15

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30. Senses of self-importance 32. Midway between south and southwest 33. When you hope to get there 35. Electronic data processing 36. Passports and drivers’ licences are two 39. Fishes 41. Air Force 42. Personal computers 44. Ecological community 46. Wings 47. Halfway 49. Cool, calm and collected 52. Jewelled headdress 56. Musical composition 58. __ Falls 60. Repeating remarks 62. Periods in one’s life 63. Hyphen CLUES DOWN 1. __ Humbug!

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10. Fastened over animal’s neck 12. Device 13. Rechargeable power source 16. Ancient sage 17. Consist of two elements 20. “Pygmalion” writer 22. “The Centennial State” (abbr.)

25. Of I 26. Get older 27. Brotherhoods 29. Buzzing insect 31. Sunscreen rating 34. Brew 36. Leader 37. Indigo bush

38. Burn with a hot liquid 40. Junior’s dad 43. Horse mackerels genus 45. Morning 48. Unit of linear measurement (abbr.)

50. Double curve 51. Small, twisted bunch 53. Developed 54. Mars crater 55. Humanistic discipline 57. Word element meaning ear 58. Last or greatest in an indefinitely large series 59. Wood residue 61. It cools your home

16 • Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

Mazzochi: Pritzker’s mask mandate chaos ‘utterly predictable,’ ‘entirely avoidable’ After nearly two years of exhausted students, parents and school boards working through the chaos caused by Gov. JB Pritzker’s ever-changing mask mandates, State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) confirmed that finally, some members of the legislature have brought them to a halt, at least for now.

Gov. Pritzker’s last mask mandate emergency rule expired on Sunday, Feb. 13, shortly after a court order issued in a civil suit characterizing

his school masking rules as void and unenforceable. In response, Governor Pritzker had the Illinois Department of Public Health file yet another emergency rule on Monday, Feb. 14, to reinstate the rule notwithstanding the court order striking it down.

However, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, a bipartisan legislative committee, finally had enough. On Tuesday, Feb. 15, it issued a bipartisan vote to suspend the Governor’s latest school mask rule

from going into effect.

In response, Gov. Pritzker begrudgingly stated his willingness to work with the General Assembly, school districts, parents, communities and all stakeholders going forward. Mazzochi called that “too little too late.

“It was utterly predictable that his approach of ruling by Executive Order, bypassing the legislative process, ignoring the specific needs of parents and school boards, and denying due process would be polar-

izing and demoralizing,” she said.

“Had he respected the legislative, school board, and individual due processes, much of the chaos our schools, parents and students have endured these last two years would have been entirely avoidable.”

The end result of the Governor’s misstep is that now no school mask mandate rules are in effect at the state level. Mazzochi explained that even if the appeals court were to lift the lower court’s restraining order against the prior rule, Governor

Pritzker cannot reinstate it after the legislative committee’s suspension.

“Whatever your position is on masks, the appropriate way to decide these issues was at the local level; or through the legislative process,” Mazzochi noted. “It is time to end the Governor’s practices of making new law through Executive Order, and get back to a more normal, balanced approach to governance.”

(This was received from the office of State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi.)

Local ophthalmology practice offers SMILE procedure Kovach Eye Institute is the first Ophthalmology practice in the state of Illinois to perform the SMILE procedure, the latest advancement in laser vision correction for myopia (near-sightedness), with or without astigmatism, providing LASIK-like outcomes. SMILE is a one step, one laser, minimally invasive procedure.

SMILE is an acronym that stands for “Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.” Simply put, a laser is used to create a thin, contact lens-shaped layer just beneath the surface of the eye and then a small opening, through which the layer is removed.

During the procedure, the surgeon uses a computer guided, highly focused laser light to cut a tiny incision in the cornea and will use it to remove a small piece of corneal tissue (called a lenticule).

“SMILE is a game-changing procedure for laser vision correction

that goes beyond PRK and LASIK, as it redefines refractive surgery,” said Kevin J. Kovach, M.D. “At Kovach Eye we believe in vision for life. We are Chicagoland’s leading provider of advanced vision correction and visual health.”

This revolutionary procedure developed by ZEISS utilizes the VisuMax® femtosecond laser which Kovach Eye Institute acquired in December 2021. With this new treatment option, Kovach Eye Institute is now offering patients access to the most advanced refractive laser vision correction technology available.

SMILE is a safe and proven method of vision correction with more than four million procedures done worldwide. With SMILE, there is no flap, therefore there are no flap complications. Unlike LASIK, the SMILE procedure is bladeless, flapless, and effortless.

The benefits of SMILE include: • Minimally Invasive Procedure Your surgeon only needs to make a small, precise opening 4mm to 6mm to correct your vision.

• Quick and Proven - SMILE takes only a few minutes from start to finish and people worldwide have experienced clearer vision thanks to SMILE. • Rapid Visual Recovery - Vision recovers quickly after SMILE. Many people return to most of their normal activities the next day.

• Eye Comfort - With SMILE, you may experience minimal to no discomfort during and after the procedure.

• Freedom from Lenses - SMILE is designed to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts.

“Kovach Eye Institute consists of a dedicated team of world-class ophthalmologists, partnering optome-

trists, and patient-centric employees committed to advancing the science and practice of ophthalmology,” said George Ludwig, Kovach Eye Institute president. “We are pro-innovation and pro-patient. Our stateof-the-art surgery center and clinics utilize the most advanced lasers and diagnostic equipment available. Our patient experience is personalized for your lifestyle and desired outcomes.”

Kovach Eye Institute has offices conveniently located in Elmhurst, Naperville, South Barrington, Lincolnwood, and Itasca. If you are considering laser surgery to correct a refractive error such as nearsightedness and/or astigmatism, SMILE may be a viable option. To learn more about SMILE or to book a consultation for any of your vision needs, please visit https://www.kovacheye.com or call 630-833-9621.

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SMILE is a game-changing procedure for laser vision correction that goes beyond PRK and LASIK, as it redefines refractive surgery. At Kovach Eye we believe in vision for life. We are Chicagoland’s leading provider of advanced vision correction and visual health.”

– Kevin J. Kovach, M.D.

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 • 17

(Continued from page 13

went to a private caucus meeting for about an hour before mask-compliant members returned.

The motion for the GOP removal came from Rep. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago.

“If you choose not to wear your mask, do that outside of the chamber,” Collins said. “But while we’re in here, I ask that you respect the chamber’s rules, wear your masks, and get the work done.”

Passed at the beginning of the pandemic, House rules require all members to wear a mask unless they are eating, drinking or speaking into the microphone.

“We’re not sitting over here and telling you to take off your masks.

We’re merely asking you to respect us as we respect you,” Niemerg said.

The unmasked members speaking on the floor criticized what they called Democratic hypocrisy, citing the fact that Democratic members are frequently seen out in public at fundraising events without masks.

House minority leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, called on Democrats and Republicans to act with “civility” after receiving a letter from House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch about a week ago regarding the chamber’s need to “be more civil and work more collaboratively together.”

Durkin noted that while the removal of members is within the House rules, it is a “very serious sanction,” and does not help the situation.

“It does not put me in a frame of mind that there is still a place for civility where we can actually have an honest discourse between both sides of the aisle,” Durkin said.

Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, noted that the main frustration among Republicans the past few days is there have been two votes to remove Republican members from the chamber, but the body has not yet taken a vote to impose COVID-19

• Services

“

I believe in masks, so wearing one is not a problem.

But at the same time, to kick out members of the caucus, we’re part of the Republican team.”

– Rep. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett

speaker Mike Madigan eliminated all the permanent legislativepublic commissions, as part of his concentration of power in the speaker’s office.)

I know many good, smart people within both the Illinois bureaucracy and state legislature. Unfortunately, neither is organized to function effectively.

Jim Nowlan is a former Illinois legislator, state agency director, an aide to three governors, chair of the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission, a professor and a community newspaper publisher.

We want to print your news!

Is your church hosting a special event?

Community Calendar listings are free!

Send details to independent@rvpublishing.com

(Continued from page 6)

that an unknown suspect removed more at 5:53 p.m.

A complainant at a bar in the 300 a catalytic converter from a vehicle block of E. Kenilworth reported at parked in a parking lot.

12:22 a.m. that subjects were physically fighting at the bar.

Feb. 8 Theft of vehicle parts was reportRetail theft was reported at a store in the 600 block of N. Addison at ed in the 100 block of N. Princeton 4:08 p.m. A complainant reported at 5:44 p.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect removed that an unknown suspect removed multiple items from display shelves a catalytic converter from a vehicle parked in the driveway. and left the store without paying.

A complainant in the 900 block of S. Euclid reported at 10:41 p.m. Fraud According to information providthat a suspect was sending harassing ed last week by the Villa Park Police phone calls.

Department, police reported five incidents of residents being a victim of Feb. 7 Theft of a vehicle was reported in fraud. the 1400 block of S. Cornell at 12:32 Bensenville p.m. A complainant reported that an The Bensenville Police Departunknown suspect stole a vehicle that ment recently reported the following was parked in the driveway. arrests and citations. Persons who are Theft was reported in the 100 charged with domestic battery are not block of N. Addison at 4:51 p.m. named in order to protect the victim’s A complainant reported that an un- privacy. Readers are reminded that an known suspect removed money from arrest does not constitute a conviction, the complainant’s room. and that suspects are considered innoRetail theft was reported at a store cent unless proven guilty in a court of in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are 7:43 p.m. A complainant reported not named. that an unknown suspect removed Feb. 16, 11:48 a.m. in the 1100 multiple items from display shelves block of S. York Road, an unknown and left the store without paying. suspect entered the business and took a set of Samsung Galaxy Ear Feb. 6 buds without paying for the item.

A 36-year-old Lombard man was This case is under investigation. charged with two counts of domestic BEPC2200136.

Feb. 16, 12:08 p.m. in the 600 battery in the 600 block of N. Ard-

mitigations beyond what has been put forth in executive orders from the governor.

“I find it pretty unfortunate that this is the second vote we’re having to remove members of the body and we haven’t taken one vote or held one hearing on the governor’s mitigations,” Batinick said during floor debate.

“You guys have chosen to abdicate your duty to provide oversight. Live with it.”

Rep. Steve Reick, R-Woodstock, said the House should make its own rules regardless of influence from the governor’s office.

McCombie, who remained in the chamber, said when she was close to others, she asked if they would be more comfortable if she wore a mask. But the floor mandate was too far-reaching.

“Mind your own business, mitigate your own risk,” McCombie said.

Rep. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett, a Answers freshman lawmaker, said he joined the rest of the GOP caucus in leaving PUZZLE 1 the floor when his colleagues were asked to leave.

“I believe in masks, so wearing one is not a problem,” he said in an interview after the vote. “But at the same time, to kick out members of the caucus, we’re part of the Republican team.”

(Continued from page 8)

I have some thoughts. First, reorganize the Illinois General Assembly. Forty-seven House committees is nutty. The fragmentation assures that nothing comprehensive and significant will be accomplished.

Instead, for example, create a permanent Blue-Ribbon Commission on Social Services, a panel of legislators plus outside expert members (interest group leaders ineligible to serve). The commission would meet throughout each year and become students of the big picture issues. (In the 1980s,

• Police

PUZZLE 2

block of N. York Road, a possible fraudulent sale of $134,000 worth of Covid-19 testing kits was reported. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2200137.

Feb. 16, 4:16 p.m., a ruse burglary occurred in the 200 block of E. George St., when an unknown suspect offered to repair a dent in victim’s vehicle.

When the victim entered the condo to retrieve money to pay the suspect, the suspect entered the condo with victim, and then took victim’s safe and ran. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2200138 Feb. 16, 10:49 p.m. in the 130 block of George Street, a 29-yearold Bensenville man was arrested for two counts of domestic battery.

BEPC2200139 Feb. 14, 10:49 a.m. in the 300 block of E. Green St, a complainant reported two of three mailboxes on the exterior, were broken into and mail taken without authorization.

BEPC2200125.

Feb. 14, 11:46 a.m. in the 300 block of E. Washington St., a complainant reported scribbling was found in one of the women’s bathroom. This case is under investigation. BEPC2200123.

Feb. 14, 11:39 p.m. in the 200 block of E. George St., Vincent W. Zapata Jr., 28, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, resisting and obstructing justice, aggravated resisting a police officer and a traffic violation. BEPC2200128.

18 • Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 - Rock Valley Publishing

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Skilled Trades Lombard area Steel Rule Rotary and Flat Die manufacturing (corrugated box & displays) looking for experienced Steel Rule Die maker. Full time or part time positions available. Entry level positions also available. Other position available laser operator. Delivery driver also needed, must have valid drivers license and insurance.

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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.

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.

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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.

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