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Secretary of State highlights need for organ donors among minorities

In honor of National Minority Donor Awareness Month, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined community groups, leaders, donor families and recipients to highlight the need for minorities and people of color to join the state’s organ donation registry.

“My hope is that communities across Illinois of all backgrounds, races and ethnicities can be informed and have a positive outlook on organ donation and its life-saving impacts,” Giannoulias said. “There is an especially great need for organ donation within communities of color, and the more people learn about it, the more likely they are to be donors.”

During this month, Giannoulias is working to create a positive culture around organ donation in multicultural communities through outreach and education.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Black people have the greatest need for organ transplants, specifically for kidneys, hearts and lungs.

Of the total number of people waiting for a transplant in Illinois, more than 36 percent are Black, 22 percent are Hispanic and 6 percent are Asian American. There is a pressing need for greater organ donation participation in minority communities, as several kidney, heart, lungs, liver and pancreas diseases are more prevalent among them.

While transplants are not matched according to race or ethnicity, people of color who are waiting for an organ transplant will have a better chance

of receiving one if there are more donors from their racial or ethnic background. Matches between donors and recipients of different races and ethnicities are very common. Still, compatible blood types and tissue markers are more likely to be found among people of the same race or ethnicity.

“The more diverse our organ donor registry, the more likely we will be able to find matches and save the lives of all those in need of a transplant,” Giannoulias said.

To become a donor, Illinoisans can register with the Secretary of State’s Organ and Tissue Donor Registry by visiting LifeGoesOn.com, calling 800-210-2106 or signing up at the DMV.

Student volunteers from Addison Trail High School acted as scenario role-players portraying injured students when police and fire officials held a full-scale emergency drill on Friday, Aug. 4 at Ardmore School. Story and more photos inside.

“ My hope is that communities across Illinois of all backgrounds, races and ethnicities can be informed and have a positive outlook on organ donation and its lifesaving impacts.”

– Alexi Giannoulias, Secretary of State

Bond set at $1 million each for two Cook County residents charged with robbing Lombard gas station at knifepoint

Alleged armed robbery took place on Roosevelt Road on the morning of Aug. 8

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing announced last week that bond had been set for two Cook County residents accused of robbing a Lombard gas station at knifepoint.

Officers from the Villa Park Police Department joined in the pursuit of the suspects, who fled from the gas station in a vehicle and traveled eastbound. Villa Park officers apprehended one of the suspects after he exited the vehicle on I-290.

David Bonner, 50, of Chicago, and Brianne Crannell, 22, of Park Ridge, each appeared at bond hearings on Aug. 9, where Judge Margaret O’Connell set bond at $1 million with 10 percent to apply for each defendant. Both Bonner and Crannell have

been charged with one count of armed robbery (Class X felony).

On Aug. 8, at approximately 7:02 a.m., the Lombard Police Department responded to a call of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the Marathon gas station at 931 E. Roosevelt Road. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that Crannell, Bonner, and a third individual drove

to the Marathon gas station.

Crannell entered the gas station, purchased a bag of Cheetos, and returned to the car. It is alleged that Bonner then entered the gas station with a ski mask covering his face. Bonner allegedly approached the gas station store clerk, brandished a knife, and took approximately $210 from the cash register, along with multiple boxes of cigarettes. Bonner then allegedly left the store, got back into the car with Crannell and the third individual, and drove off.

It is alleged that the vehicle fled from the police, eventually traveling eastbound on I-290, where Bonner, Crannell, and the third individual then exited the car and fled on foot. All three were taken into custody after a short foot chase.

Police allegedly recovered a knife from inside the vehicle.

According to Villa Park Police Chief Michael Rivas, Villa Park officers captured Bonner after he ran from the vehicle. Lombard officers then drove Bonner, Crannell and the third individual—a female—to the Lombard Police Department.

“The allegations that these two defendants robbed a gas station store clerk at knifepoint in daylight hours are extremely serious,” Berlin said.

“Once again, the quick arrest of the defendants and the million-dollar bonds set in this case send a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated in DuPage County. I commend the Lombard Police Department for their truly outstanding work in the identification and apprehension

of the defendants in this case. I also thank the Bellwood, Melrose Park, Villa Park, and Illinois State Police for their assistance in apprehending the defendants.”

“I would like to thank the officers and detectives of the Lombard Police Department for their diligent investigation in this matter and I would like to extend our gratitude to the Melrose Park Police Department, Bellwood Police Department, Villa Park Police Department, and the Illinois State Police for their efforts in apprehending the offenders. I thank State’s Attorney Berlin and his office for their dedication,” Wirsing said.

The next court appearance for both defendants is scheduled Sept. 5 for arraignment in front of Judge Mia McPherson.

37 workers at state-run developmental center targeted in PPP fraud probe

By Molly Parker Capitol News illiNois

At Ludeman Developmental Center in Park Forest, 37 employees have been fired, resigned or face pending disciplinary action after a state watchdog found that they defrauded a federal pandemic-era small business loan program.

The employees who work at the state-run developmental center in south suburban Cook County include 32 mental health technicians—about 6 percent of frontline workers with that job—three residential services supervisors, one habilitation program coordinator and a licensed practical nurse.

A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Human Services, the agency that runs the 383-bed residential center for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, confirmed these additional details late last week.

Neil Olson, general counsel for the Illinois Office of the Executive Inspector General, previously confirmed to Capitol News Illinois that dozens of employees of state agencies and other entities under the OEIG’s jurisdiction are the subjects of an ongoing investigation into whether they fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program loans. Beyond confirming the investigation, Olson declined to provide any additional details about the probe.

Giving the gift of life

The U.S. Small Business Administration loans were intended to help small businesses remain open and their employees paid as COVID-19 forced mass shutdowns to protect public health. But in a rush to disburse the funds, fraudsters across the country stole billions of dollars meant to prop up mom-and-pop shops, a federal watchdog report found last month. The inspector general for the SBA estimated that the agency paid out more than $200 billion in “potentially fraudulent” aid during the pandemic – about 17 percent of the $1.2 trillion that was dispersed through the PPP and other

similar programs.

The employees facing discipline sought loans for small businesses outside of their state work. But those businesses may not have existed, or if they did, may not have earned the income they claimed. The state workers who have faced disciplinary action to date received loans of at least $20,000. To receive that amount meant they claimed income in their second jobs of at least $100,000 on their PPP loan applications.

While state employees are not prohibited from secondary employment, state policies require employees to disclose outside work to the agencies that employ them. Certain state workers, such as managers and people who are responsible for procurement and other financial dealings, must also file statements of economic interest with the secretary of state’s office that would detail any outside business ownership or income.

The investigations center around whether the workers filed fraudulent paperwork to obtain the loans, thereby acting in a way “unbecoming of a state employee,” or failed to follow disclosure rules for secondary income—or both. State employees who took PPP loans for legitimate businesses that were properly disclosed would not face discipline.

IDHS is not the only Illinois government agency whose workers may face disciplinary action up to termination. But the loss of employees at the state’s developmental centers is particularly troubling given longstanding challenges to maintain an adequate workforce and provide care to some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

In total, IDHS confirmed that, as of early August, 47 of its workers had been fired, resigned or face pending discipline related to PPP loan

The other 10

each—were employed at Kiley Developmental Center in Waukegan on the Wisconsin border and

David Bonner Brianne Crannell

fraud.

employees—five

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Dawn Peterson of Lombard gives a thumbs up as she donates blood at a Versiti Blood Center of Illinois blood drive held at the Helen Plum Library on Tuesday, Aug. 8. “Choosing to host a blood drive was an easy decision because blood drives save lives … We are grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with Versiti at our new facility and look forward to hosting future blood drives,” said Helen Plum Library Assistant Director Anne Luzeniecki.

Addison agencies come together for emergency drill at Ardmore School

On Friday, Aug. 4, the Addison Police Department, Addison Fire Protection District, and Addison Elementary School District 4 conducted a full-scale emergency preparedness exercise at Ardmore Elementary School, 644 S. Ardmore Ave.

The drill, which ran two and one-half hours, simulated an active shooter scenario within the school, and was conducted under controlled conditions and safety protocols. This is the first such full-scale drill in Addison since 2016.

Dozens of personnel from area police and emergency medical service agencies, Glen Oaks and Elmhurst hospitals, DuPage County Office of

Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Illinois State Police, community volunteers and representatives of the faith community participated. A family reunification site was also simulated. Area media were invited to cover the drill.

Addison Trail high school students helped by role-playing the parts of the injured.

The exercise allowed officials to test the Blue Point Alert Solutions police notification system.

Similar to a fire alarm, the system alerts police in an emergency and is installed in all Addison District 4 schools and Addison Trail High School.

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FUZE will take the stage at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17 for this week’s Rock ‘N Wheels, which will be Latin Rhythm Night. Opening up the night is BBI at 6:30.

Rock ‘N Wheels presents ‘Latin Rhythm Night’

The Village of Addison continues its 12th season of Rock ‘N Wheels every Thursday through the summer, from 6 to 10 p.m. on the Village Green. Rock ‘N Wheels includes live music, food and beverages from Addison restaurants, attractions available for children and more.

Rock ‘N Wheels presents “Latin. Rhythm Night” on Thursday, Aug. 17. Opening up the night is BBI at 6:30 p.m., followed by FUZE at 8. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Addison’s very own: Sabor de mi Tierra, Tacos Puebla, Dunkley’s, Barbara’s Polish Deli, Flavor Frenzy, Nuova Italia, and 601 Bar & Grill.

In addition, the Addison Historical Museum will host an open house from 6 - 8 p.m., featuring the “1874 School Marm” portrayed by Ellie Carlson. A Craft & Vintage Fair will be going on in front of the museum buildings.

The Addison Township Foundation & Food Pantry continues its food drive at every Rock ‘N Wheels event. The following is a list of accepted donations: cereal, oatmeal, any canned

food, canned fruits, and canned vegetables, any type of pasta, white rice, brown rice, sugar, coffee, tea, olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, any type of dried fruit, baking products, flour, peanut butter, jelly, instant mashed potatoes, crackers, ramen noodles, macaroni & cheese, SPAM, any seasoning packets (tacos, chili, fajita), meal packet helpers, salt, pepper, nuts, granola bars, hygiene products, diapers (size 3,4,5), baby soap, baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby wipes, Depends underwear for men (small and medium), Depends underwear for women (small and medium), laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, napkins, Clorox wipes, Zip-Loc baggies, Band-Aids. Bring your donations to the blue Village of Addison tent at any Rock ‘N Wheels event through the rest of the summer.

Parking is available at Friendship Plaza, as well as at Indian Trail High School, located at 222 N John F Kennedy Dr. For more details and the complete season schedule, visit ItHappensInAddison.com.

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Addison Police Sgt. Frank Pope activates the Blue Point alert system during the Aug. 4 full scale drill at Ardmore School as news media cover the event.

John Heiderschnidt from the DuPage County Regional Office of Education talks with Fox32 News outside Messiah Baptist Church at the family reunification site during the Aug. 4 full scale drill at Ardmore School.

The group BBI (pictured here) will perform at 6:30 p.m. for this week’s Rock ‘N Wheels on Thursday, Aug. 17 for Latin Rhythm Night.

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Slices of life

Sun and shade

I’ve always loved gardening. No, I’m going to take that a step further: I’ve always loved growing things.

Growing things—as in flowers, vegetables, friendships, babies and kids, this column, faith, my marriage, knowledge, compassion, kindness and most importantly love. And more, of course. There is always more to grow.

I’ve learned many insider tips and tricks about growing things over the years. Today I realized I’m still learning.

I’m in a new climate and meeting new neighbors. That’s a scenario ripe for learning potential.

I was recently talking with a neighbor. She has numerous plants in her yard that are common in this region, but completely new to me. I asked her about a couple—whether they liked sun or shade, water requirements, whether they were finicky or easy to grow, and so on.

“Oh, honey,” she said, “I just plant them. If they grow, they grow. If they don’t, they weren’t meant for my yard. They have to be happy to be here.”

I thought that was insightful and wise.

In my last house I had a large garden plot filled with shade. The owners before me planted roses. Rose plants thrive on sun and temperate winters. I had neither.

However, I did have an ample supply of small children at the time, which prevented me from treating my roses with the TLC they needed

Pritzker vetoes bill that would have allowed new nuclear construction

Bill earned more votes than the threefifths majority needed to override

By Andrew Adams Capitol News illiNois

Gov. JB Pritzker on Aug. 11 vetoed a bill that would have lifted a 1980s moratorium on the construction of new nuclear reactors.

The bill passed in May with threefifths majorities in both legislative chambers, meaning that if all of the members that voted for it also support an override of the governor’s veto, it still could become law. Its Senate sponsor, state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said she has already filed paperwork to bring the bill up in the legislature’s fall veto session scheduled for late October and early November.

The governor said in a message to lawmakers explaining his veto that he did it “at the request of the leadership team of the Speaker of the

• Probe

By Jill Pertler Columnist

to survive in my yard.

So they perished. At the time, I thought: Any plant can grow in the sun. It takes something special to grow in the shade.

I replaced the roses with hostas. Hostas are a common perennial in the cool, dark climates that favor them, but apparently they aren’t as widespread as I thought. My autocorrect wants to change the word to “hostess,” so apparently they haven’t even made their way into some dictionaries.

For those unfamiliar, hostas are sort of leafy northern versions of large-leaved tropical plants. They typically grow in a round mound, with leaves flowing outward. They can be as small as six inches in diameter or as large as six feetand just as tall (or short). Cultivars have come up with hundreds (and probably thousands) of named varieties. I believe I had close to 40 or 50 different strains in my backyard.

It took years to build, and was one of the hardest things for me to leave when I sold my house.

But, there were other gardens to grow.

I moved from a plot of everpresent shade and ever-present winter (or so it seemed) to ever-present sun and ever-present warmth. I’ve looked around and there isn’t a hosta to be found in my new environment. Apparently growing hostas in my yard now would be akin to growing roses in my old plot. With that comes the realization: Not every plant likes the shade. It takes something special to grow in the sun.

Herein lies the wisdom of my new neighbor. Not everything can grow everywhere. Plants have to be happy in their environment. You can try forcing them, like the people who planted the roses at my old house, but it’s always going to be a battle against nature—against the order of things.

The same goes for people. Sometimes we find the right amount of shade and cool temperatures; other times we seek the sun. Both are good. Both can be good.

Bottom line, we all get to figure out where we grow best. When it’s time to put down roots and when it’s time to replant and regrow—sunshine or shade or maybe even a little of both.

I’m not sure where that will take me, but for now, right here seems right, but I’m still learning. I hope I never stop.

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.

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House and advocates.”

While Pritzker said he saw “real potential” in small modular reactors, or SMRs—a type of “advanced” nuclear reactor that proponents tout as a path forward for the industry—he also said he doesn’t think the legislation goes far enough in regulating the nascent technology.

“This bill provides no regulatory protections for the health and safety of Illinois residents who would live and work around these new reactors,” Pritzker wrote. “My hope is that future legislation in Illinois regarding SMRs would address this regulation gap.”

The governor also cited an “overly broad definition of advanced reactor” in the bill that he said could “open

See BILL , Page 5

(Continued from page 2)

Developmental Center in Kankakee, in north-central Illinois.

A July investigation by Capitol News Illinois, Lee Enterprises and ProPublica detailed numerous instances of patient abuse and neglect inside IDHS’ seven statewide centers, including some circumstances that contributed to serious resident harm or death.

In prior statements, IDHS has attributed some of the problems at its centers to staffing shortages, while noting that workforce challenges in health care are a nationwide problem.

AFSCME Council 31, the union that represents most workers at Ludeman, has also publicly shared concerns about staffing issues at the state’s 24/7 facilities, including developmental centers.

In April, the union shared a report to its website specifically calling attention to concerns among workers at Ludeman.

In the piece, a Ludeman employee says workers are sometimes asked to work multiple double or triple shifts in a week, leading to burnout and safety issues.

Anders Lindall, the spokesperson for AFSCME, did not respond to specific questions about the OEIG’s widespread investigation into PPP loan fraud by state employees. “In any investigation that may lead to discipline, the union’s role is to ensure that members are treated fairly, the contract is followed and due process is upheld,” he said.

Previously, IDHS spokesperson Patrick Laughlin said in a statement that the agency takes OEIG’s findings seriously.

“Falsifying a federal loan document, for significant and improper personal gain, calls into question one’s character, honesty, and ability to act ethically,” the prior statement read. “While the vast majority of IDHS’ roughly 14,000 state employees are hard-working people

of strong character who work tirelessly to help the most vulnerable, it is deeply concerning anytime an employee takes advantage of public programs.”

In response to questions about how the loss of employees at Ludeman is affecting overall workforce shortages, Laughlin said in a new statement that the agency has been working to hire more staff at Ludeman since receiving notice of the PPP loan fraud among the center’s workers. Because it is located in Cook County, the facility traditionally has a lower vacancy rate and larger applicant pool than the other centers located in rural areas and small towns, the agency added.

The OEIG is not a criminal law enforcement agency. It investigates state employees and others under its jurisdiction for misconduct and makes recommendations that could range from retraining to termination. But the OEIG has the authority to share its findings with law enforcement.

On June 30, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law that extends from five to 10 years the statute of limitations in Illinois to bring charges against people who fraudulently obtained pandemic-era aid, such as PPP loans and unemployment benefits.

Pritzker’s office did not respond to detailed questions about the scope of the investigation into fraudulent PPP loans obtained by state workers. “We do not provide comment on investigative and disciplinary matters as they proceed through the appropriate processes,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

With respect to the new law, a spokesperson said that “the governor supports holding bad actors who took advantage of an unprecedented crisis accountable. It’s important that authorities have more time to investigate these crimes and prosecute those who violated the law.”

Hello Lombard. OK, I’m confused again. We just gave a huge grant to the Westin to improve their property; hotel motel tax money. Something doesn’t seem right about that. We’re giving money that they’ve collected to them to improve their facility. That just doesn’t seem like it’s within the bounds and the spirit of what hotel motel tax is supposed to be used for. Does this mean I can get a grant for improvements to my property, my home, my small business? Yeah, maybe we should support some of these small local businesses that have been struggling.

Your inquiry was forwarded to Village of Lombard officials, and the response is as follows: “The grant issued to the Westin Lombard was awarded through the Lombard Local Hotel Relief Grant Program. The Local Hotel Relief Grant program was established to assist hotel recovery through funding of investments and improvements to support hotel, hospitality, and tourism recovery post-pandemic.

“Funding for this program was made possible following receipt of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, not hotel/motel tax revenues. The allocation of supportive funding towards the tourism industry and local hotel recovery through the grant program was made following economic analysis establishing that the economic recovery of tourism and local hotels was significantly lagging other economic sectors.

“Locally, between 2020-2022, Hotel/Motel taxes underperformed 2019 pre-pandemic revenue levels by more than $2.1 million dollars. While hotel revenues have seen recent improvement, overall hotel occupancy and room demand have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. The Local Hotel Relief Grant Program was established as a reimbursement grant to cover expenses related to promotions, marketing, incentives to group business and hotel guests, safety/security improvements, capital improvements, hotel facility improvements, and hotel industry memberships and trade show

The Republican Party is infected with Silly Trump Drama. Somehow, the initials for this seem prophetic.

* * *

The president we put in the White House, who can’t put together a sentence without a teleprompter, is now telling us we need to get rid of our gas stoves and gas water heaters. How can we believe anything that comes out of the White House?

* * *

allegedly pressuring Facebook to suppress information, etc. In my opinion, Biden is clearly lying about never discussing business with his son. The leftists who only get their news from leftist sources like the Tribune have no clue what’s going on. * * *

If you think the indictments of Trump aren’t political, you’re beyond help. * * *

won the last election? Are we suffering from voters’ remorse?

* * *

attendance.

“Local Lombard businesses across all sectors received more than $160 million dollars in federal funds through the Paycheck Protection Program and other supportive grant programs. For more information about the Local Hotel Relief Grant Program, visit www.villageoflombard.org/grants.” JAC

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Yeah, I see Villa Park is cutting down trees again. I just have one question. Is Villa Park ever going to replace any of the trees they cut down? I mean, I’ve seen trees that have been cut down for over 10-12 years now and haven’t been replaced. It’ll be a nice question to ask the village.

Your comments were forwarded to the Village of Villa Park officials, who responded: “The Village and DuPage County are currently redoing Lufkin Park. The trees were removed due to the redevelopment of the park. New trees will be planted once the renovations are complete. More information on our current projects, can be found here: Parks & Recreation Villa Park, IL - Official Website (invillapark.com).” JAC

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Many of the officials in Washington are pathological liars. It’s becoming more obvious that most of them hail from the Democratic side of the aisle. Trump said he was going to drain the swamp from the start, but I wonder if he realized it was filled with so many alligators. He is being counter-attacked by politicians on both sides of the aisle who don’t want to change the status quo of corruption.

* * *

I am following articles about the school districts surrounding the proposed new Bears stadium in Arlington Heights and possible TIF funds. I can’t help but wonder how much more revenue it would bring them than when it was a racetrack. If they are going to get way more revenue, why complain so much? And TIF districts can benefit them in other ways, with visitors spending money and bringing in tax dollars from other sources; shopping, restaurants, etc. It just feels so greedy to me.

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Capitol News Illinois sure seems like JB Pritzker’s public-relations service. All of its items in the paper read like they were written by Democrats. In the paper of Aug. 3, in the story about billions of fraudulent unemployment claims in Illinois during the COVID pandemic, the author excuses Pritzker from any fault (he just wanted to help people, there was more fraud in New York and California), and includes this gem: “Republicans, who have been beating the drum on pandemic-era unemployment fraud for the better part of three years, took the opportunity to renew their criticism of Pritzker’s administration.” Capitol News Illinois is not an objective outfit.

* * *

It’s easy to pontificate about being a sanctuary city, pat yourself on the back and claim to be morally superior. It’s not so easy once the migrants actually show up. New York and Chicago are figuring that out right now.

* * *

It’s almost comical to see the large headlines on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. “Trump indicted on 4 felony counts” (Aug. 2) and “Trump pleads not guilty to trying to subvert vote” (Aug. 4). Nothing on the front pages about the Biden family allegedly accepting bribes, the Biden family’s alleged shady dealings with foreign adversaries, Biden’s administration

• Bill

(Continued from page 4)

the door to proliferation” of large-scale nuclear power plants, like the reactors at the state’s six existing generating stations.

Pritzker said these traditional reactors are “so costly to build that they will cause exorbitant ratepayer-funded bailouts.”

The bill would have allowed for the construction of reactors that meet the federal government’s definition of “advanced reactor,” which require that fission reactors have “significant improvements” to things such as safety features and waste yields.

Rezin, in a phone interview with Capitol News Illinois, said Pritzker’s characterization of the bill allowing construction of traditional reactors is “just not true.”

“This is a pattern of a governor that is bending to special interests,” Rezin said.

Rezin also noted the limitation in the bill to only apply to advanced reactors came out of bipartisan negotiations.

“Advanced nuclear reactors would help supplement the flaws that wind and solar unfortunately have by providing reliable power 24/7, because wind and solar alone don’t have the infrastructure or technology to provide our state with the reliable, affordable and efficient energy it needs,” Rezin said in a news release.

Rezin’s claims about advanced nuclear reactors are contentious, particularly among some environmental ad-

OK, in 2009 Al Gore’s forecast of the north polar ice cap having a 75 percent probability of being gone by 2016 was made with the technology at that time. As the caller said, it’s currently receding by about 12.6 percent per decade, or about another 80 years. So instead of us having to deal with it, we’re leaving it to about three generations down the road. In the meantime, a third shipping lane has opened up in the North Pole with more to come. Recently built home developments in Arizona have had their water source dry up. Average homeowners insurance policies in Florida are $6,000 per year, and most private insurers have left the state. It’s too hot to grow wheat in most of the U.S. now, so most North American wheat is grown in Canada (remember amber waves of grain?). There’s nothing funny about all this. * * *

I’m so angry about Trump and his Republican regime and how he has destroyed our country. He needs to be tried and thrown in jail for the rest of his life. He has destroyed the United States. * * *

Why is our Democratic Party so focused on past president Trump when we have our own president, who we elected, in the White House to run the country? Let’s focus on the present and improving things for our future. Trump is out. Biden is in. Remember who

vocates that have been leading voices in the push for carbon-free energy in Illinois.

On Aug. 8, a pair of influential advocacy groups sent a letter to Pritzker asking him to veto the bill. The Sierra Club Illinois Chapter and the Illinois Environmental Council’s joint letter outlined several concerns, including waste disposal, costs and a lack of upto-date regulation.

“Nuclear power comes with significant safety risks and results in highly hazardous wastes that threaten our drinking water, with no safe, permanent waste solution in sight,” IEC Executive Director Jen Walling said in a news release. “Rather than abandon all safeguards, Gov. Pritzker recognized that such substantial risks merit the highest protective guardrails our state can offer.”

Waste was the central concern of the original moratorium, which will end when the head of the state’s Environmental Protection Agency finds the federal government has “identified and approved” a method for the disposal of high-level nuclear waste, a responsibility the federal government has failed to successfully act on.

Currently, nuclear waste is stored on-site at the plant that produced it. But in the 1970s and 80s, a facility outside of Morris, Ill., became home to waste from California, Minnesota, Nebraska and Connecticut, making Grundy County the nation’s only de

Hi there. Lombard calling here. I see most weeks in Coming Events that the Helen Plum Library has several offerings ... that’s just great. Here’s an idea for an upcoming one that can’t happen soon enough: Host a community gathering that meets at the new library on Main Street, walks together to the old library on Maple Street, opens the door, brings everyone inside and then collectively shuts the lights off in the unused building. For a group that claims to have the community’s best interest at heart, they sure seem to love wasting electricity and our tax dollars.

* * *

The Republicans continue to go after Hunter Biden, hoping to take down Joe Biden. The Democrats continue to go after Donald Trump, hoping to take him down. Meanwhile, the country becomes more polarized and nothing gets done to help everyday people. If there ever comes a day when a viable third party emerges, I’d seriously consider supporting that party. I’ve had enough of Donald Trump and Joe Biden and both political parties.

* * *

How’s everyone enjoying paying $4.49 for a gallon of gas these days?

Let’s thank our governor for his contributions to this price increase. Pritzker doubled the state’s gasoline tax in 2019 to 38 cents from 19 cents per gallon. He also built in automatic annual increases, but since he was kind enough to give us all an election-year package of tax relief measures that included a six-month delay in the automatic gas tax hike, we now get to pay two 3.1cent increases this year, totaling 6.2 cents. I didn’t vote for Pritzker, but I hope those of you who did are happy with the results every time you fill up you gas tank.

facto high-level storage site.

Rezin defended her proposal on the subject of waste as well, pointing out in an interview that companies building nuclear reactors must submit plans for waste management when they apply for permits.

“This is a very heavily regulated industry by the federal government,” Rezin said.

Beyond waste, environmental advocates also say that focusing on nuclear power diverts attention and resources away from the development of wind, solar and battery storage technology.

“SB76 would have opened the door to increased risk, negative environmental impacts, and higher costs for consumers while jeopardizing our progress toward Illinois’ clean energy future,” Sierra Club Illinois Director Jack Darin said in a news release.

The nuclear moratorium does not affect research reactors, like the one under development at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

In addition to this bill, the governor vetoed a measure that would have required the state to implement a contract to provide religious dietary options in schools, which Pritzker rejected because food service contracts are a district-level responsibility. Pritzker also used his amendatory veto powers to modify two bills that have to do with property taxes and government procurement.

GPS starts new school year with focus on young children

Harvard educator to talk about conversations,

“There is a growing understanding about the foundation of the early years,” says District 87 Student and Community Projects Coordinator Gilda Ross. So it seems fitting that as the Glenbard Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families (GPS) kicks off its 28th year, Rebecca Rolland will talk about “The Art, Power and ABCs of Talking With Children” via Zoom at noon and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22.

While many of the GPS programs have centered on development, communication, substance use, education and mental health with middle school and high school-age students in mind, Ross said the focus of programming has expanded to include families with young children.

“For the past few years the Glen-

communication

bard Parent Series has provided programming for parents of children of all ages,” she explained, adding, “Each year we try to sit back and think about how we can evolve and grow so we are benefiting all families.”

The featured speaker is a nationally recognized speech-language pathologist who teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Medical School. She is also the author of “The Art of Talking with Children: The Simple Keys to Nurturing Creativity and Confidence in Kids.”

Rolland’s program revolves around how parents can have meaningful conversations with children, using “evidence-based” strategies, according to Ross, “to help kids

Helping to prevent, overcome childhood obesity

In the past 30 years, childhood obesity in the United States has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents. Today, it affects more than one in five children and adolescents, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood.

Childhood obesity is caused by various genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. Exposure to unhealthy foods and eating patterns, increased portion size, physical inactivity, socioeconomic status, medications and other factors contribute to this growing national epidemic.

The consequences of obesity during childhood affect a child’s health and well-being now and later in life. Obese youth have a greater risk of heart disease caused by high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and other serious health issues, including:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Sleep apnea

• Asthma

• Joint problems

• Fatty liver disease, gallstones and heartburn

• Psychological distress (e.g., depression, low self-esteem)

In addition, children who are obese are 70 percent more likely to become obese adults, increasing the risk for health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer and osteoarthritis.

Helping a child combat obesity is a challenging task for any parent. But it’s one they must address early, be-

become happy, independent and kind.”

The other aspect of the program, the coordinator mentioned, is not just establishing communication with young children, but also to “help parents build their confidence.”

“I think Rebecca will do a nice job of helping parents feel more confident and effective,” she reiterated, adding that she believes the basis of communication and conversation is “the importance it provides as a foundation for all future learning, behavior and health,” with research showing that between birth and age 3, there is “a period of rapid brain development.”

Ross said that providing programming for parents of different age

groups—say preschool, elementary, and middle and high school ages— really boils down to one goal for parents, which is “to love the child in front of you.”

She also wants to emphasize that by offering virtual programs, parents “across the street or across the country” can watch them.

The coordinator encourages parents to share the information on GPS programs with friends and family no matter where they live, because GPS is “here for everyone, everywhere!”

To be placed on a reminder list for GPS programs or to submit a question in advance, email gilda_ross@ glenbard.org or call 630-942-7668.

For a link to this and other webinars, visit glenbard.org.

They

creative.”

Watchdog overseeing abuse, neglect cases at state-run facilities resigns for Chicago post

By Beth Hundsdorfer CaPITOl NEwS IllINOIS

fore habits set in and a child begins to suffer psychological effects.

Parents can start by:

• Establishing healthy eating habits for the entire family, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, in reasonably sized portions. Limit sugars, saturated fats and salty snacks.

• Encouraging kids to drink lots of water. Limit sugary drinks. Opt for freshly squeezed juices and low-fat milk or non-fat milk instead.

• Ensuring kids eat breakfast every morning to reduce hunger later in the day.

• Helping kids stay active by encouraging at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity daily, such as: brisk walking, playing tag, jump rope, soccer, swimming, dancing and biking. Exercise as a family so it’s a team effort.

• Limiting screen time, including watching television, playing video games or surfing the web, to no more than 1-2 hours daily.

Edward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness Center at Seven Bridges offers a variety of fitness classes for kids and teens struggling with unhealthy weight. Kids can learn fun ways to stay active and build lifelong healthy lifestyle habits through programs like: Cardio Kids, ZUMBA Kids, Sports Conditioning, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, TRX for Teens and youth aquatics. Learn more at EEHealth.org/ healthy-driven/fitness-centers.

After serving nearly four years as the watchdog for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Peter Neumer will step down from his role overseeing investigations into the abuse and neglect of some of the state’s most vulnerable people.

The department announced the move to staff on Aug. 4, noting that Neumer accepted a position as the inspector general for the Chicago Park District and that he will be replaced by Charles Wright, Neumer’s deputy since March 2021. Neumer’s last day as IDHS OIG is Thursday (Aug. 17).

Neumer and his staff investigated allegations of abuse or neglect of individuals who receive mental health or developmental disability services in programs that are overseen by the Illinois Department of Human Services. That includes oversight of the seven state-operated developmental centers and six mental health facilities. Reports from Neumer’s office were a critical source of information for a series of investigative stories by Capitol News Illinois, ProPublica and Lee Enterprises into abuse, neglect and a cover-up culture at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in far southern Illinois.

“Peter has been an invaluable resource to and champion for his office, for IDHS, and, most importantly, to the residents and patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or mental illness, who he has protected and advocated for through the office’s investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect,” IDHS Secretary Grace Hou wrote in an email to employees announcing Neumer’s departure.

In 2019, when Neumer joined IDHS, Union County State’s Attorney Tyler Tripp was new to his office, and Choate would soon add a new head of security, Barry Smoot. During the two years that followed, 17 Choate workers faced felony charges for abuse and neglect or, in the case of three top administrators, misconduct related to obstructing abuse investigations by the OIG or state police.

Most of the criminal charges, including those of the three administrators, have resulted in dismissals. Others have resulted in plea bargains to less serious charges

that yielded probation sentences. Only one worker received any jail time, a result of his failure to comply with the terms of his probation.

Last month, Bobby Lee, a Choate worker who was accused of striking a 90-pound patient who has developmental disabilities in the face, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery in exchange for a sentence of 18 months probation, including anger management counseling and 30 hours of community service.

In addition to investigating allegations of abuse and neglect, Neumer proposed and championed legislation to combat a culture of cover-ups that existed at Choate and was highlighted both in news reports and by Neumer’s office. The new legislation was signed into law in June and allows the OIG to report workers who obstruct OIG investigations to Illinois’ Health Care Worker Registry, a move that would bar them from working in any health care setting in the state.

IDHS has fired 15 Choate employees since 2019 in the wake of OIG investigations into resident abuse or neglect. That includes six in the past year and three in July, according to the agency. Others have resigned in the face of impending discipline.

Since the news reporting began in September 2022, there have been more than 450 new complaints to the OIG regarding allegations of abuse and neglect at Choate with more than 120 investigations still pending. In his annual report, Neumer said there was a 17 percent increase in investigations into abuse and neglect allegations during fiscal year 2022. Due to staffing levels, the increased number of investigations resulted in a 14 percent increase in OIG investigators’ caseloads. The OIG sought to hire additional personnel to handle the investigations.

Under OIG directives, investigations should be completed in 60 days or less. Under Neumer, about half of OIG cases were completed in that time. At state-run facilities, about a third of those cases were completed within the 60-day time frame. The OIG cases that extended largely consisted of the most serious allegations of physical abuse which would require extensive investigation, according to the OIG’s annual report.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing Writer, speech pathologist and education lecturer Rebecca Rolland will present two Zoom programs for the Glenbard Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families (GPS) on Tuesday, Aug. 22.

The author of “The Art of Talking with Children” says on her website: “I talk about meaningful conversations as a ‘double promise.’

build your bond with kids in the moment, and they help kids become kinder, confident and more

Residents, activists ask state regulators to reject utilities’ rate increases

Top concerns include affordability, business practices, climate effects

By Andrew Adams Capitol News illiNois

Members of the public railed against potential increases to the price of natural gas and electricity at two recent public hearings before a state regulatory body that has the authority to limit those rate hikes.

The Illinois Commerce Commission is considering several rate hikes, including two sought by the utilities Peoples Gas and Ameren Illinois, who say they are needed to fund infrastructure improvements.

Activists and residents in the utilities’ service territories, however, accused the companies of corporate greed and of disregarding the needs of the poor. Environmental advocates also shared concerns about the effects of natural gas on public health and the climate.

Representatives of Peoples Gas outlined their request at an ICC hearing held at a University of Illinois Chicago auditorium on Aug. 1. Their request, if allowed, would result in an approximate monthly increase of $11.83 for residential gas prices. They also noted that they expect the market rate for gas to decrease, which could result in customers’ bills remaining mostly stable next year.

The ICC has the authority to accept, reject or modify the amount

of the increase and the other details included in the request, like how the utility plans to spend its money and the utility’s profit rate.

“The primary driver of our rate request ... is the investments we’re making in our system,” Peoples Gas President Torrence Hinton said Tuesday.

The hearing, which drew about 100 people, came about two weeks after the ICC hosted a similar hearing in Decatur on a proposed electric rate increase from Ameren. Both hearings were requested by AARP Illinois, a consumer advocacy organization that represents people over 50.

Dorian Williams, one of dozens of people who spoke against Peoples Gas’ requested increase, said the question wasn’t about whether to invest in the infrastructure, but who would pay for it.

“It’s my understanding that when a company maintains a product—in this case not the gas itself, but the infrastructure delivering that product—it is their task to maintain it,” Williams said. “So if the infrastructure has been degrading and hasn’t been maintained, if people haven’t been employed at levels to keep it maintained, wouldn’t that be considered negligence on behalf of the company?”

Others at the hearing asked the commission to consider the affordability implications of granting the rate increase. Scott Onqué is the pastor at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church on Chicago’s South Side and the policy director for Faith in Place, an environmental advocacy organization.

“Why spend money on the backs of the least to build an infrastructure that is dated and realistically at the end of its life,” Onqué told regulators. “I’m also alarmed that you have casually announced that this is just a $12 increase. This is not affordable for folks like me. This could be the difference between eating or getting to work that month.”

Peoples Gas has received criticism for its higher-than-average number of customers who are in debt to the company. In recent months, as many as one in five Peoples Gas customers have been more than a month behind on their bills.

Peoples Gas defends record

Peoples Gas defended its record on affordability by pointing to its support for government- and company-funded assistance programs.

“For our customers with low incomes several forms of financial assistance are available, includ -

Former high school teacher gets nine years for criminal sexual assault

ing a fund to which we recently donated $5 million,” Peoples Gas spokesman David Schwartz said in an email statement. “Our team members were at the public meeting to provide in-person help to anyone looking to access the heating assistance funds.”

Peoples Gas has proposed a lowered rate for low-income households, something Schwartz noted “would provide help to many more people.” The new scheme is the result of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which required the ICC to study the best way to implement cost-saving measures for low-income utility customers. In their report on low-income utility rates, the ICC requested that large utilities propose a system for charging low-income customers less than more wealthy customers.

Peoples Gas included its proposal to this effect in its current rate case, but consumer advocates from the National Consumer Law Center said the company’s proposal didn’t go far enough and have advocated for a different rate design scheme as part of their arguments in the case.

Through that program, gas utilities recouped their costs on those projects through a formula-based process that allowed them to collect— and routinely increase—a customer fee without having to go through an 11-month rate case.

Now, with the QIP program set to expire, Peoples Gas is requesting funding to continue that program through the standard rate case process.

“I’ve been working on mains where it actually fell apart in my hand – caused a huge gas leak that I had to respond to, me and my crew,” Iocco said.

Ameren Illinois, an electric and gas utility serving downstate customers, has two ongoing rate cases before the ICC. It is seeking an increase on electric rates that could result in an increase of consumer bills as high as $25 per month by 2027. The company is also seeking a rate increase for their gas utility services that would increase customer bills by around $5 or $6 per month starting in January.

Additionally, Ameren Illinois is seeking a gas rate increase that has faced criticism from consumer advocates and been questioned by members of the ICC.

In a May filing as part of the monthslong rate case, the five commissioners of the ICC, in an unusual move, directly asked Ameren about the impending effect of “electrification”—the trend toward higher use of electric heating, cooking and transportation.

Nathan Bramstedt

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced that a former choir teacher at Metea Valley High School has been sentenced to nine years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for having inappropriate sexual contact with a former student.

Nathan Bramstedt, 43, of Oswego, appeared in court, where he entered a

plea of guilty to one count of criminal sexual assault—position of trust/ authority, a Class 1 felony, in front of Judge Daniel Guerin, who handed down the sentence.

On April 9, 2022, Bramstedt appeared at a bond hearing where his bond was set at $500,000. On April 11, Bramstedt posted the necessary 10 percent, or $50,000, and was released from custody.

It is alleged that beginning in February 2019, continuing through June 2019, Bramstedt sexually assaulted his victim, who was 17 years old at the time, on multiple occasions at

multiple locations within the school. The abuse came to light when the victim notified authorities, who in turn notified the DuPage County Children’s Center, which opened an investigation into the matter.

“Teachers are role models who students look up to and in whom parents place a great amount of trust,” Berlin said.

“Mr. Bramstedt abused this position of trust and authority in the worst possible way.”

Bramstedt will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Bond set for Naperville man accused of indecent solicitation of a child

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Lisle

Chief of Police

Environmentalists also asked the ICC to reject parts of Peoples Gas’ request, pointing out the environmental impacts of continued investment in natural gas. Natural Resources Defense Council advocate J.C. Kibbey said that the effects of climate change have been particularly visible in recent weeks, with Chicago seeing dangerous air quality due to wildfire smoke billowing down from Canada. Kibbey also pointed out that last month was among the hottest in recorded history.

“I know the commission can’t solve all these problems today, but these incredible harms should make us even more skeptical about the record-breaking spending that Peoples Gas wants us to pay for and it can help protect us from unwise spending and higher gas bills,” Kibbey said Tuesday.

Representatives of the Sierra Club and the People for Community Recovery also spoke at the hearing.

The company said, among other things, that it was in the “early stage of further examining the role that the natural gas system will play in a decarbonizing world.”

A coalition of public interest organizations, including Illinois PIRG and the NRDC among others, took issue with this characterization, saying the company’s own studies cast doubt on the need for increased infrastructure spending.

“In all of the gas rate cases, there’s a fundamental challenge because the companies are operating on status quo assumptions. They’re trying to spend as much money as possible,” Illinois PIRG Director Abe Scarr told Capitol News Illinois.

Eziz Serdarow

Kevin Licko have announced that bond has been set for a 19-year-old man living in Naperville on a student visa accused of soliciting and attempting to meet a 12 year-old girl through text messages for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts.

Eziz Serdarow, 19, appeared in bond court in front of Judge Mia McPherson, who set bond at $100,000.

He was also ordered to surrender his passport as a condition of bond.

It is alleged that on Friday, Aug. 4, Serdarow sent a 12-year-old girl

unsolicited text messages, asking her to go on a walk and to send photos of herself to him. The victim told her parents about the text messages and her parents reported the incident to Lisle police.

Serdarow allegedly sent more messages to the victim’s phone, including photos of nude people engaging in sexual acts. Serdarow also allegedly sent a text to the victim’s phone indicating he wanted to have sex with her.

It is alleged Serdarow agreed to meet the victim in a park so he could drive her to his house to engage in sex. When Serdarow arrived at the park on Thursday, Aug. 10, Lisle police took him into custody.

After executing a search warrant on Serdarow’s car, police allegedly found condoms and lubricant in the

glove compartment.

“With text messaging and instant messaging functions, cell phones have become a part of the everyday lives of millions of people,” Berlin said. “Unfortunately, text messaging has also become a virtual electronic playground where sexual predators can hide behind the anonymity it provides.

“I encourage parents to talk to their children about cell phone safety and to instruct their children to be cautious when using text or instant messaging features.”

Serdarow has been charged with indecent solicitation of a child (Class 1 felony) and traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 felony). Serdarow’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 18, in front of Judge Mia McPherson for arraignment.

Schwartz noted in an email that Peoples Gas’ investments and research into things like “renewable natural gas” and hydrogen technology have reduced leaks in old pipelines and that since 2017, the company has reduced methane emissions by more than 1,300 metric tons.

While they were in the minority, some offered comments in support of Peoples Gas’ requested increase. Donato Iocco, a Peoples Gas employee and vice president of Utility Workers Union of America Local 18007, noted that the increase would help continue the company’s pipeline replacement program.

Pipeline replacement program

That replacement program had previously, for about a decade, been funded through the state’s Qualified Infrastructure Plant program.

Scarr later noted that Ameren’s studies show that “no matter what, we’re going to use less gas.”

In a July filing responding to the public interest organizations, Tomc said that even in an electrifying industry, infrastructure spending is still required.

“No one at (Ameren Illinois) is arguing for the retention of the status quo—we agree that the business is changing and needs to change as we transition into a clean energy economy,” Tomc wrote. “I do not agree that we simply reduce investment.”

Tomc said in a statement to Capitol News Illinois that Ameren supports beneficial electrification and that the company “has a responsibility to meet the energy needs of our customers, as well as our safety and compliance obligations.”

These people enjoy a 3 oz. glass of craft beer – some with “pretzel necklaces” -- at last year’s Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest presented by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation. This year’s event takes place on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 16 on the lawn of the Elmhurst History Museum. Discount tickets are available through Sept. 8 at elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.

8th annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest returns Sept. 16

Featuring craft beer, cider, mead, and seltzers from over 50 brewers, the 8th Annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest will make its return Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1 – 6 p.m. on the stunning grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 East Park Ave. The fest is hosted by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm for the Elmhurst History Museum and proceeds benefit the educational programs and exhibits for the museum and the Churchville School House.

Beer novices and aficionados alike will be able to enjoy a variety of brews from renowned brewers, many of which are from Elmhurst, including Elmhurst Brewing and Bottle Theory, and others, such as Afterthought, Goldfinger and Revolution. Giving fest attendees a chance to relax while sampling their favorite beverage, PettyCash and Lake Effect will perform on the music stage throughout the afternoon. Tacos will be available for purchase onsite from Rigo’s Tacos.

“We are thrilled to bring the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest back for the 8th year,” said Cathy Jordan of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation. “Thanks to the dedication of our team and generous sponsors, this year will be our largest Fest to date, with over 50 breweries in attendance.

“Over the years the fest has grown into an amazing community event, and

Deadline is looming for the grillers

EWAN’s ‘Cue for a Cause participants must register by Aug. 20

It’s time once again for local grill masters to put their skills to the test by registering to compete in the 2023 ‘Cue for a Cause, benefitting the Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network (EWAN).

The deadline for grill masters to register as a team is Sunday, Aug. 20. To register, go to elmhurstwalkin.org/cue. Space is limited, so sign up now.

The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 3 in the City parking lot at York and Vallette (behind the Knights of Columbus).

Teams can compete in ribs, chicken,

Police Reports

we can’t wait to welcome everyone to enjoy an afternoon supporting the beautiful Elmhurst History Museum.”

Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest tickets may be purchased at www.elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com. Discounted tickets are available now, featuring $45 tickets and VIP, early entry tickets, allowing entry at noon for $55. After Sept. 8, admission tickets will be $55 and $70 for VIP entry.

Tickets include a 3 oz. commemorative tasting glass, 18 drink tickets, live music, and light snacks. Designated driver tickets are $20. The first 200 attendees to arrive will also receive a $5 City Centre gift card that may be used after the fest in Elmhurst City Center restaurants.

Pints, owned by Kristi Blessing, 112 S. York Road, has supported the work of the Foundation for years and serves as the event sponsor. 2023 Platinum Sponsors include Lakeside Bank, Kelly Stetler Compass Real Estate, Elmhurst Bank, The Katris Law Group, The Hinton Agency - Farmers Insurance, and McGrath Elmhurst Toyota. For additional information on the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest, please visit elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com or follow us on social media at @ElmhurstCraftBeerFest on Facebook, @elmhurstcraftbeerfest on Instagram, @BeerElmhurst on Twitter or on the Untappd app.

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79163 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JULY 27, 2023 wherein the business firm of SPOTLESS CLEANING SERVICE, 18W277 BUCKINGHAM LANE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181 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:

Claudia Zarate, 18W277 Buckingham Lane, Villa Park, IL 60181.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 27TH day of JULY, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Aug. 3, 10 & 17, 2023) 441665

The Addison police department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Aug. 7

Raul Allende-Meneses, 26, of Addison, was charged with DUI in the 600 block of W. Lake at 11:56 p.m.

An 18-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 800 block of N. School at 6:51 p.m.

Aug. 6

Davon M. Davy, 33, of Carol Stream, was charged with placing a video device/public unauthorized video-taping in the 500 block of N. Gary at 1:14 a.m.

Aug. 5

Sebastian Hernandez, 21, of Des Plaines, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and illegal possession of ammunition, while Brian J. Resendiz, 20, of Des Plaines, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of cannabis in a vehicle near Addison and Carter at 6:57 p.m.

Aug. 2

Ernesto Hernandez, 34, of Addison, was charged with aggravated arson and arson near Villa and Myrick.

Aug. 1

and sauce, but to win the Grand Champion mega-trophy, the $250 cash prize, and major bragging rights, they must compete in all three categories.

The 9th annual cookoff provides the perfect backdrop for Elmhurst residents to come together for summer’s last hurrah. Three live bands—School of Rock, Common Area Maintenance, and Forget Hannah—will play throughout the day.

This year will bring a full complement of food trucks. Barbeque Jim will be back with his award-winning barbeque, and will be joined by

grilled cheese, taco, and pizza trucks. The root beer float stand will be back in action as well. Kids will enjoy an inflatable slide, face painting, balloon twisting, crafts and more.

Attendees will also have the chance to win raffle prizes and silent auction bids.

Proceeds from the event go to benefit EWAN. In its 25 years of operation, EWAN has provided nearly 1.75 million dollars in financial assistance to Elmhurst neighbors in need. For more information about EWAN or the ‘Cue, visit elmhurstwalkin.org.

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79161 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JULY 25, 2023, wherein the business firm of BEEBO’S PRINTABLES, 9 EAST PARK BLVD. APT #1, VILLA PARK, IL 60181 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:

Barbara Dawson, 9 East Park Blvd., Apt. #1, Villa Park, IL 60181.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 25TH day of JULY, A.D. 2023.

(Published

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

Laura Esparza, 24, of Addison, was charged with DUI, transportation of alcohol by a driver and possession of cannabis in the 100 block of N. May at 11:42 p.m.

A 25-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 100 block of E. Lake at 4 p.m.

July 31

A 30-year-old Addison woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery near Lake and Neva at 5:47 p.m.

July 30

A 37-year-old Roselle woman was charged with criminal damage to property, battery and two counts of domestic battery in the 1300 block of N. Fox-

dale at 10:10 p.m.

A 47-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery at Valerie Lane at 1:30 a.m.

July 29

Santos J. Rojas-Lara, 51, of Elgin, was charged with improper lane usage, driving while license expired and two counts of DUI near Lake and Marcus at 10:59 p.m.

July 27

John Q. Meyer, 59, of West Chicago, was charged with DUI, disregarding a traffic control light, stopping/standing/ parking in a non-business district and improper signal at 4:49 a.m.

Diamond A. Owens, 26, of North Chicago, was charged with cruelty to animals.

July 25

A 24-year-old Addison woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 400 block of S. Cherry Hill at 8:35 p.m.

July 24

Juan Gutierrez-Rivas, 61, of Addison, was charged with violation of an order of protection in the 300 block of E. Fullerton at 11:07 a.m.

July 23

Marino Cortes-Rosales, 24, of Addison, was charged with possession of a controlled substance in the 1-100 block of N. Lincoln at 3:47 a.m.

Nelson J. Cubas-Aguilar, 27, of Lombard, was charged with aiding, abetting, possession and selling a stolen vehicle.

Juan M. Galan, 43, of Addison, was charged with violation of an order of protection in the 600 block of N. Meadows at 3:30 p.m.

Brenda M. Salazar, 43 of Addison, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an invalid FOID card in the 1-100 block of N. Lincoln at 3:47 a.m.

July 22

Bajdeep Singh, 26, of Mundelein, was charged with two counts of DUI, failure to reduce speed and disregarding a traffic control device near Army Trail and Swift at 4:58 a.m.

Kulwant Singh, 65, of Hanover Park, was charged with two counts of DUI and improper lane usage near Lake and Medinah at 2 a.m.

July 21

A 29-year-old Addison man was

charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 500 block of W. Potter at 2:38 a.m.

July 20

A 28-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery and interfering with reporting domestic violence in the 1100 block of Taft, Wheaton, at 9:01 p.m.

Bensenville

The Bensenville police department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Aug. 9, 8:21 p.m. near Railroad Street and Center Street, there was a report of a fight between two juveniles. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300656

Aug. 8, 4 p.m. in the 800 block of Thomas Drive, James Poreca of West Dundee and Marty Cameron, 25, of Bellwood, were both cited for battery. They were issued citations with a court date, and released. BEPC2300653

Aug. 8, 9:09 p.m. in the 400 block of E. Red Oak, officers responded to dispute between cab driver and passenger for non-payment of fare. During the encounter, police said it was discovered that Giselle Camacho 22, of Bensenville, had an outstanding failure to appear warrant. She was transported to the station for processing, then transported to the DuPage County Jail. BEPC2300654

Aug. 7, 8:36 p.m. in the 300 block of S. York Road, a complainant reported their Amazon package taken by an unknown suspect. BEPC2300651

Aug. 6, 9:57 a.m. in the 300 block of Marshall Road, a complainant reported fraudulent checks received by a known suspect. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300648

Aug. 4, 3:59 p.m. in the 100 block of Bridget Court, a Bensenville officer assisted the DuPage County Sheriff with a warrant attempt. BEP23009089

Aug. 2, 7:04 p.m. near at N. York Road and E. Irving Park Road, a Bensenville officer attempted to pull over a driver for speeding which turned into an aggravated fleeing/eluding an officer. The officer lost sight of the suspect and the pursuit was terminated. This incident is under investigation. BEPC2300642

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

FLORENCE C. KRAWISZ, 97

Florence C. Krawisz, age 97, of Lombard. Beloved wife of the late Raymond; loving mother of Barbara Yousefian, Bruce (Jane) Krawisz, and the late James Krawisz; devoted grandmother of Anna (Evan) Schwartz, Dan (Yelka) Krawisz, and Ray (Catherine) Yousefian; great-grandmother of Julian Yousefian, Eamon Yousefian, Emma Jane Schwartz, Theodore Schwartz; aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday August 12, 2023, from Knollcrest Funeral Home to St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1025 Madison E. Madison Street Lombard, IL 60148. Interment St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials to St. Pius X or The Salvation Army (1S415 Summit Ave. Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181) are appreciated.

Funeral info: knollcrest.net/ or 630932-1500. Send a special remembrance to the family with our Send With Love gift Store. (https://www.sendwithlove. com/direct-case).

BRUCE SCHUURMANN, 78

Bruce Schuurmann, age 78, a resident of Lombard for 10 years and formerly of Gallup, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2023.

Bruce was the husband of the late Audrey Schuurmann; father of Andrew (Cathi) Schuurmann of Lombard and Emily (Hank) DeGroat of Framingham, Massachusetts; grandfather of Cailey and Nate Schuurmann and Benjamin and Adriana DeGroat; brother of Fred (Terry) Schuurmann and the late Milly (Pete) Buma; and uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Bruce was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and grew up in Lynden,

Washington, and Moline, Michigan. Bruce attended Calvin College for his undergraduate and The University of Michigan for medical school. Bruce worked as a radiologist for over 30 years in Gallup, New Mexico. After retirement, Bruce taught Anatomy and Physiology for seven years at the Gallup Branch of the University of New Mexico and then ran the Makeshift Art Gallery in Gallup.

Bruce was an avid photographer and a member of many local artist coops where he shared his work. He also loved music and was a part of many choirs, including the Elmhurst Choral Union, West Towns Chorus, Chorus of DuPage and the Calvary Episcopal Church Choir. When he wasn’t taking photos or singing, Bruce enjoyed running and bicycling. He finished many half marathons and completed the Chicago Marathon at age 64.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, August 16, at Calvary Episcopal Church, 105 W. Maple Street, Lombard, IL 60148, and was recorded on the Calvary Church Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, Bruce asked that donations be made to the Bethany Church Building Fund: https://secure. myvanco.com/YNKQ/campaign/CZ1JS.

Arrangements by Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888629-0094.

ELEANOR D. VOLKE

Eleanor D. Volke, a lifelong resident of Lombard, Illinois passed away peacefully on Aug.7, 2023.

Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 14, from Brust Funeral Home to Mass at Sacred Heart Church immediately following prayers at the funeral home. Interment followed at Chapel Hill Gardens West, Oakbrook Terrace. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

Local student travels with Carthage team to watch World Cup matches

Sara Fitzgibbon of Lombard was among members of the Carthage College women’s soccer team who took a tour of Australia and New Zealand from July 21 through Aug. 2 to watch four World Cup women’s soccer matches, compete in two friendly matches, and sightsee.

Carthage College is raising expectations for a private college experience. It blends the best liberal arts tradi-

tions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, personal attention from distinguished faculty, and a focus on career development, which makes its graduates competitive in the workforce.

Founded in 1847, Carthage is located on an idyllic shore of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the thriving corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago.

Employee Appreciation Day

Lombard Lodge #1098 recently had the opportunity to recognize and honor the employees of the Village of Lombard by hosting its third annual Employee Appreciation Day. This was a luncheon held Aug. 2 to recognize the village staff, including our police officers, firefighters, public works staff and administrative personnel, who were invited to take part in a catered meal to say “Thank You” to all the hard-working heroes we have working in our village. It turned out to be a beautiful day, where 160 boxed lunches were served by the members of the lodge, to the various departments who work tirelessly day and night to ensure we have a great community to live in and one that is safe and welcoming for all. Our daily lives are all so busy, and it’s often easy to miss an opportunity to say thank you and it is lodge members’ hope that everyone will take the time to say “Hello” and “Thank You” to those who make our village what it is today. Since 1923, the lodge’s diverse membership is a testament to the success and continued growth of the lodge, enabling members to be among the fastest growing lodges in Illinois for many years. You can learn more about Freemasonry and Lombard Lodge at http://www.lombard1098.com.

Bond set at $1 million for man accused of leaving the scene of a fatal accident

Defendant’s BAC was allegedly 0.222

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, Woodridge Chief of Police Brian Cunningham and Lisle Chief of Police Kevin Licko announced that bond has been set for a Woodridge man accused of killing a person while driving drunk and leaving the scene of a fatal accident in which he was allegedly involved.

to westbound Green Trails Drive.

Salil Chander

Salil Chander, 33, appeared at a bond hearing, where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $1 million with 10 percent to apply. Chander is charged with one count of leaving the scene of an accident causing death (Class 1 felony) and one count of aggravated DUI resulting in the death of another person (Class 2 felony).

On Sunday, Aug. 6, at approximately 5:05 p.m., Woodridge police officers responded to a 9-1-1 call of an allegedly intoxicated man walking around his house with a sword. At approximately 5:08 p.m., the caller notified officers that the individual, later identified as Chander, had left the home in a silver Kia. Approximately one minute later, the Kia allegedly struck a light pole on Nelson Court and continued driving

College news

Spring 2023 graduates

• Cole Hardtke of Lombard recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC)—an independent, residential, nationally ranked Christian college in Milwaukee

• Therese Burch of Lombard graduated from the University of Dallas in May. Burch earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Constantin College at UD’s spring 2023 commencement ceremony. She also was one of more than 450 University of Dallas undergraduate students named to the fall 2022 dean’s list for earning a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher.

• In May, more than 6,500 University of Iowa undergraduate, graduate, and professional students received degrees. Bain Thames of Lombard was among the students conferred their degrees. Thames was a student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences whose program of study was Enterprise Leadership. The degree awarded was a Bachelor of Arts.

• James Ost of Lombard graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor of science degree in finance. He also was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester of the 20222023 academic year.

• More than 620 students graduated from Carthage College, completing their degree requirements between February and May. The recent graduates include Alexander Flores, who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science, and Olivia Schwefel, who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Both are from Lombard.

• The following students from Lombard graduated from Campbellsville (Kentucky) University this spring: Talha Ahmed and Bashwar Al Mashjary Mohammed.

It is alleged that Chander drove westbound in the 1900 block of Green Trails Drive when he veered into the eastbound lane of Green Trails Drive and struck 64-year-old Michael Norton of Naperville who was riding a bicycle, killing him. It is further alleged that after striking Norton with his vehicle, Chander continued to drive away.

An eyewitness to the crash called 9-1-1 and Woodridge police officers were on the scene within ten seconds of the call. Woodridge police officers located Chander about three-tenths of a mile away near Green Trails Drive and Ridgewood Road where he was taken into custody.

It is alleged that at the time of the crash Chander’s BAC was 0.222.

“The allegations that after he had been drinking and with a BAC of nearly three times the legal limit, Mr. Chander got behind the wheel of his car, hit an innocent bicyclist, launching him into the air over the vehicle, and then, instead of stopping to render aid, fled the scene, are horrific,” Berlin said. “I offer my sincerest condolences to Mr. Norton’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of a beloved family member and friend.”

Chander’s next court appearance is scheduled Friday, Sept. 1, for arraignment in front of Judge Reidy.

• Dominic Tenca of Lombard earned a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at spring commencement held in May.

• Ryan Newstrom of Lombard graduated with a BSME, while majoring in Mechanical Engineering, from Bradley University in May. Newstrom was among more than 900 students who earned degrees.

Dean’s list

• Christopher Bieszk of Lombard was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Bieszk was initiated at Florida Institute of Technology.

• Milwaukee School of Engineering recognizes three students from Lombard named to the spring quarter 2023 Dean’s List.

Jonelle Faith Fabian with High Honors. Fabian is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.

Daniel Leskiewicz is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Matt Hanewall is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in construction management.

• Brian Avila of Lombard is among the 1,300 students honored on the Lewis University dean’s list for the 2023 spring semester. Avila is studying Aviation Flight Technology.

• More than 7,100 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa were named to the dean’s list for the 2023 spring semester.

Dean’s list status was earned by 968 firstyear undergraduates during the 2023 spring semester at Iowa, only 1,604 second-year students, only 1,922 third-year students, and only 2,630 fourth-year students. The following students from Lombard were named

See college newS, Page 12

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Midwest Traveler

A Special Advertising Section

Madison Classics Swap Meet & Car Show celebrates 46 years in Jefferson

Mark your calendar now for the Madison Classics 46th annual Fall Jefferson Auto Swap Meet & Car Show held at the Jefferson County Fair Park located at 503 N. Jackson Ave in Jefferson, WI on September 22 -24, 2023.

Come browse over 99 acres for classics, collectibles and parts to find that special piece for your collection. The show features more than 3,100 vendor spaces and hundreds of cars for sale. The Swap Meet and Car Corral is all three days and the car

Coming events

Farmers market seeks vendors

Now through Oct. 17, 20 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard. Join the Lombard Chamber Tuesdays 2-7 p.m. now through Oct. 17. Get your farm fresh goods, enjoy local vendors and live entertainment, and gather with your community at the Farmers Market. Please visit and like our Farmers Market Facebook Page for current updates, and check out our vendor list here. Looking to be a vendor? Email info@lombardchamber.com.

EMF Autumn Affair Sept. 16

The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation’s 19th annual Autumn Affair gala will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Place in Chicago. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner, a live auction with auctioneer Jim Miller and dancing with music provided by The DJ Firm. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, tables of 10 or individual tickets can be purchased, and individuals and businesses can donate items for the silent and live auctions. In addition, the gala will feature a “Golden Ticket” drawing, wine toss and a wide variety of unique experiences, including travel, sports and dining. For more information about purchasing tickets, becoming a sponsor or donating items for the auctions, visit www.EMHFoundation.org/autumnaffair or contact the Foundation at (331) 221-0388.

Mystery play auditions at Villa Park Library

An old tradition of the Friends of the Villa Park Library returns. The annual murder mystery play will be performed at the library this fall. That means the Friends need you. Come to the library to audition for role in the annual murder mystery play on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 7-8:45 p.m. No experience necessary. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

show is Saturday and Sunday only. All makes and models are welcome in the car show. Car show is Sat/Sun only.

This year will feature a Demo Derby presented by Hollywood Motorsports starting at noon on Sept. 24

along with Cars and Coffee presented by Piggly Wiggly for the car show participants.

For admission fees and more information, please call (608) 2448416 or visit www.madisonclassics. com. No pets, please.

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• College

news

(Continued from page 10) to the dean’s list: Abigail Idasek, Braden Robbins, Isabel Branecki, Jillian O’Brien, Mary Crotty, Olivia Broeski and William Lynott Hawbecker.

• Over 925 Elmhurst University students were named to the spring 2023 dean’s list. The dean’s list is composed of students who during the term concerned, attained a gradepoint average of 3.75 or higher (out of a possible 4.00). The following students from Lombard were recognized: Quratul Aien, Zaynah Ansari, Naimah Arif, Mahvesh Arif, Milijana Arsenic, Rachel Banas, Madeline Bauman, Michael Finnegan, Paul Flicek, Alejandra Galvan, Molly Galvin, Cassidy, Glenn Taylor Hanks, Grace Hayes, Huda Hussaini, Abigail Kunz, Breanna Latelle, Maimoona Mahek, Amina Malik, Chelsea Manzano, Amina Mirza, Amina Mohiuddin, Tooba Mutahir, Michan O’Brien, Katherine Pettinger, Amar Rajput, Brynn Rubacky, Abby Schaub, Alexandria Schweikle, Emma Sukowski, Miftha Syed, Grace Tu and Brian Whipple.

• Ryan Junior of Lombard was named to the University of Alabama dean’s list for spring semester 2023.

• Illinois Wesleyan University’s dean’s list for the spring semester of the 2022-23 academic year consisted of 731 students from 30 states and 29 countries. The following students from Lombard made the list: Alex Johnson, a senior majoring in English-Literature; and Muhammad Totten, a first-year major in Psychology.

• Millikin University in Decatur has announced the names of the outstanding undergraduates who have been named to the dean’s list for the spring 2023 semester. The following students from Lombard were named to the dean’s list: Jacob

Bailey (High Dean’s List), Kameron Cummuta, Kaitlyn Mullins, Marjhe Mason and Sydney Wilson.

• Brittany Miller of Lombard has been named to the Kalamazoo College spring 2023 dean’s list. The college is located in Kalamazoo, Mich.

• Mary Hope Burch of Lombard was named to the University of Dallas spring 2023 honor roll. Burch is a junior Drama major

• Ryan Holleman, Morgan Tracey, Jenna Meola, Sara Fitzgibbon, Luke Owen and Sarina Garza of Lombard have been named to the dean’s list in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement in for the spring 2023 semester at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis.

• Karli Wilson, majoring in Communication Studies, Multimedia Journalism and Mass Communication and Public Health from Lombard, was among the students named to Augustana College’s 2022-23 spring semester dean’s list.

• More than 1,000 students were named to the President’s List at Coastal Carolina University for the spring 2023 semester, including Riley Alstott of Lombard.

• More than 1,700 students were named to Bradley’s dean’s list for spring 2023. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must achieve a minimum 3.5 grade point average for the semester on a 4.0 scale. The following students from Lombard made the list: Luke Borri, Anna Breuker, Jackson Kugelard, Rocco Marcello and Morgan Pedersen.

• Giavanna Dagenhart of Lombard made the 2022-23 dean’s list at Lawrence University, a liberal arts college in Appleton, Wis.

In Print and Online Every Thursday

Outgoing Warrior recognized

The Willowbrook High School Athletic Booster Club presented its Most Outstanding Female Athlete Award to Molly Brennan at the school’s senior athletic banquet, which was held at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Brennan, who is a Villa Park resident, was a key player on the Warriors’ girls tennis and girls soccer teams. She also served as a captain of both teams. To be considered for the Outstanding Female Athlete Award, a student must rank in the upper third of her class at the end of her seventh semester, and she must exemplify the characteristics of a good athlete. Pictured (left to right) at the banquet are: Willowbrook girls tennis coach Eduardo De La Cruz, Brennan, Willowbrook girls soccer coach Julio Del Real and Willowbrook athletic director Brandon Murphy. Brennan, who was an academic standout in Willowbrook’s Class of 2023, will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She intends to study economics, along with computer science. Brennan eventually plans to attend law school.

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.

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JOe PearsOn PhOtO Rock Valley Publishing

Coming events

DuPage Foundation

luncheon Aug. 29

DuPage Foundation is proud to join presenting sponsor Itasca Bank & Trust Co., currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, Duly Health and Care, and Edward-Elmhurst Health, together with 13 area chambers of commerce in hosting a Multi-Chamber Hunger Action Luncheon at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn on Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Heading into Hunger Action Month in September, the luncheon will raise awareness about the growing issue of food insecurity impacting DuPage County. Steve Dolinsky, an American television, radio, print, and podcast food and travel reporter, and “The Food Guy” on NBC-TV Channel 5 in Chicago, will deliver the Luncheon’s keynote address. Chambers will donate $5 from each $40 ticket to their local food pantries. Chairing the organizing committee is Scott LaMorte, vice president of business development at Itasca Bank & Trust Co., and a member of the ECCI Board of Directors. To register or learn more, visit: itascabank.com/ hunger-action-luncheon or purchase tickets through one of the 13 participating chambers.

DuPage County to host veterans resource fair

The County Recorder and Veterans Assistance Commission will host a resource fair for veterans from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 29. More than 50 agencies will be in attendance to provide informational materials and veteran programs and resources. Representatives from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office will be available to assist with veteran designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs. Attendees can also sign up for the Recorder’s Honor Rewards program. For additional information, please contact Steve Fixler at (630) 407-5655 or steven.fixler@ dupageco.org.

Mandarin Storytime with

The Language Labs

Saturday, Aug. 19, at 10:30 a.m. Drop-in storytime for families with children of all ages. Learn about different cultures through books, music, and crafts with our friends from The Language Labs. No prior knowledge of the featured language is necessary.

GPS program Aug. 24

The Glenbard Parent Series: (GPS) Navigating Healthy Families will present “Smart But Scattered: The Executive Functioning Approach to Help Kids Reach Their Potential” with authors Pam Dawson and Richard Guare. Dawson and Guare will offer tips to help identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses and enhance their problem-solving skills while avoiding micromanaging, cajoling and ineffective punishments. This program will be presented during two Zoom webinars: at noon and 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. Go to glenbardgps.org for further information and links to these two webinars. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@ glenbard.org or at 630-942-7668.

Historical society events

Friday, August 18 at 7 p.m. – Ashley

Lewis presents Roots and Branches, A Bluegrass Legacy. Known for her sparkling vocals and captivating mandolin performances, Ashley is also a profound songwriter, and evidence of her Kentucky bluegrass legacy appears in the words and music of her original songs. Roots & Branches, A Bluegrass Legacy will focus on the songs of musical migration and oral tradition through generations. Tickets recommended. Gazebo. Free. Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. – Leslie Goddard presents “The Colorful History or the Little Black

Dress.” Versatile, dependable, and affordable, the Little Black Dress, or “LBD,” has become the fashion equivalent of a Model T Ford. In this illustrated lecture, historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., explores the history of this fashion icon. Learn how Chanel helped dissociate black from mourning, how Audrey Hepburn helped establish the LBD; and how it has been reinvented by everyone from Betty Boop to Prada. Reservations are recommended as space is limited. Carriage House. Free. Visit lombardhistory.org.

Puzzle page

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!

CLUES ACROSS

1. A way to pick up

5. Presents

10. Type of guitar

14. Actor Idris

15. A citizen of Iran

16. Creative

17. Harness

18. Weight unit

19. You better call him

20. Utterly devoted

22. Male cat

23. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation

24. Risk-taker

27. A team’s best pitcher

30. Cool!

31. Women’s __ movement

32. Georgia rockers

35. Step-shaped recess

37. The princess could detect its presence

38. Type of truck

39. Butterhead lettuces

40. Angry people see it

41. Lines where two fabrics are sewn together

42. Soviet city

43. Carpet

Traveled all over

straight bar

art

3. Ancient Hebrew calendar month

4. Long-legged frog family

5. Photo

6. Delivered a speech

7. Lute in classical Indian music

8. Decorated

9. Take a seat

10. Belonging to a bottom layer

11. Member of a Semitic people

12. Part of a ticket

13. Defunct Guinean money

21. Challenges

23. Popular BBQ food

25. Subway dweller 26. By way of

27. Shady garden alcove

36. European pipeline

37. Al Bundy’s wife

38. Ocean

40. Root eaten as a vegetable 41. Sound units 43. Style of music 44. A way to drench 46. Hot beverage 47. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish 49. Rumanian city 50. Urge to action 51. Vaccine developer

52. Canadian law enforcers 53. Wings 54. “Perry Mason” actor Raymond 57. Small fry

58. __ Clapton, musician

59. Take a chance

61. Bland food

62. Consumed

Announcements

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.

Burial Needs

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.

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.

Lombard’s Estelle Soger begins a new chapter

Montini librarian retires after 30 years at the school

Montini Catholic librarian and alumni parent Estelle Soger of Lombard has retired after celebrating 30 years at the Lasallian college preparatory high school.

“Thirty years ago I read an ad about a job opening for a librarian at Montini,” recalled Soger, who, at that time, had three daughters attending St. Pius X Parish School in Lombard. “We wanted them to attend Montini for high school, but weren’t sure if we could afford the tuition. I had been a stay-at-home mom, but it was time for me to head back to work full-time.”

Soger, a parishioner at St. Pius X, had been subbing at St. Pius School and knew the school’s principal (Rick Cronquist) well. “Mr. Cronquist was also on the Montini School Board. I asked him if I could use him as a reference. My interview with Brother Chris [Kavanaugh] went really well and after he talked to Rick, he called to offer me the job.”

Soger then began a new 30-year chapter

in her life at Montini Catholic.

“My first big job was taking the print card catalog and putting it into a digital form. The library’s first three computers had DOS programs with CD-ROM drives,” she recalled. Since that first year, Soger has witnessed a constant and exciting evolution of Montini’s library—accommodating updated and modern needs with each new generation of Broncos.

A big change during her tenure occurred in 2005 during Phase II of Montini’s Capital Campaign and the design of the new library, renamed the Ed and Pam Mack Learning Resource Center (LRC).

“How exciting it was to choose things that were important to me as a librarian,” Soger said. After the renovation, she was made a member of the school’s Technology Task Force to help facilitate Montini’s move from computer labs to one-to-one iPads in 2014.

“My daughter Shannon was already working for the Apple Corporation and

helped us transition into this new phase of education. It was so neat to see my daughter, who had been a student here, teaching some of her former teachers this new technology,” Soger said.

It was after this phase that Soger began the move to purchase more online resources for Bronco students. “I still love physical books and help pull books for the many student research projects when required,” she stated.

The next vision for Montini’s LRC, which Soger is happy to have been a part of, happened in 2020 with the reimagining of its interior space into a more collaborative and modern student area. “The new design allows our students to work on group projects more easily. During this phase, six Apple TVs were added to the LRC, as well as moveable, comfy seats.”

In addition to being Montini’s librarian, Soger has fulfilled many other roles throughout her 30 years in the Montini

Catholic family. “When you work at a Catholic school, you don’t do ‘just one thing,’” she said. “I helped Brother Joe Seiler before taking over his role as locker director. Every summer, I changed locker combinations and put in new locks. Back in the early days, only half the students got long lockers; the rest would get two half lockers. Students were hard-pressed to get their coats, their backpacks and their books into these half lockers. So when Driscoll Catholic [in Addison] closed, I was able to get their long lockers moved over, meaning all our lockers had to be renumbered. Flip [Kathy Filipiak, Montini’s former assistant principal] also remembers taking on that huge task with me! I then assigned lockers to all the students. [Montini Catholic dean] Anne Westerkamp (‘84) remembers when many students would switch lockers on us to be next to their friends. My solution? I

See SOGER, Page 19

Sports

Lombard native Camryn Biegalski nets first NWSL goal

Former Firebirds SC player was a member of Washington Spirit’s 2021 NWSL championship team

Camryn Biegalski, a 2016 graduate of Glenbard East High School and a product of the Lombard-based Firebirds Soccer Club, is now playing professional soccer with the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

A defender and forward with the Spirit, Biegalski scored the first goal of her NWSL career during Washington’s recent 4-2 victory over the NJ/NY Gotham FC on July 28. The match took place at the Spirit’s home venue—Audi Field in Washington, D.C.

Biegalski’s goal tied the score at 2-2 early in the second half. The Spirit added two more goals later in the second half.

In its next match, Washington defeated the Orlando Pride 1-0 in Orlando, Florida, on Aug. 4.

Biegalski, who is a Lombard na-

tive, enjoyed a standout career with the University of Wisconsin women’s soccer team. The NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars selected Biegalski in the 2020 NWSL Draft.

After making her NWSL debut with the Red Stars in 2020, Biegalski joined the Washington Spirit in 2021. She was a member of the Spirit’s 2021 NWSL championship team. The Spirit defeated the Red Stars 2-1 in the title contest, which was played in Louisville, Kentucky, on Nov. 20, 2021.

Biegalski played four seasons with the University of Wisconsin women’s soccer team. She started 20 matches for the Badgers during her freshman season in 2016. Wisconsin finished that season with an overall record of 9-5-8. She started all 22 of the team’s matches during her sophomore season in 2017.

Biegalski scored her first goal as a Badger during her sophomore campaign. Wisconsin posted an overall record of 14-6-2 during the 2017 season.

In her junior season, Biegalski started all 22 of the Badgers’ matches. She tallied her second goal as a Badger during the 2018 season and helped the team to a 14-4-4 overall record.

In her senior season with the Badgers, Biegalski led Wisconsin to an overall record of 16-4-2 during the 2019 campaign. She was named the Big Ten Conference’s 2019 Defender of the Year. Biegalski, who contributed three assists during her senior season, was named to the 2019 All-Big Ten Conference First Team. She was also recognized as a Second Team All-American after her senior season.

Willowbrook honors special student-athlete

Willowbrook High School’s Athletic Booster Club held its senior athletic banquet near the end of the 2022-23 school year. The banquet, which was held at the school, included the presentation of awards and scholarships to several members of Willowbrook’s Class of 2023. The honorees included Villa Park resident Sarah Ball, who received the Helen Carpenter Award. That award is presented to the school year’s most valuable female athlete, as voted by the school’s entire coaching staff. The honor is named after the first female president of the Willowbrook Athletic Booster Club. Ball was a standout member of the school’s flag football team, which won the Illinois state championship during its inaugural season in the fall of 2022. During her career as a Warrior, Ball also excelled as a member the school’s girls gymnastics and girls track and field teams. Pictured (left to right) with Ball (second from left) at the banquet are: Willowbrook flag football coaches Nick Hildreth and Rachel Karos, Willowbrook girls gymnastics coach Andy Isaacson, Willowbrook girls track and field coach Clyde Ware and Willowbrook athletic director Brandon Murphy. Ball will attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she plans to study nursing. She will also be a member of the Spartans’ women’s track and field team.

Lombard native

Biegalski is a member of the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Biegalski, who played in the Lombard-based Firebirds Soccer Club, graduated from Glenbard East High School in 2016. She played for the University of Wisconsin women’s soccer program for four seasons. The Chicago Red Stars selected Biegalski in the 2020 NWSL Draft. Biegalski joined the Spirit in 2021. She was a member of Washington’s 2021 NWSL championship team, which won the league title in November 2021. A defender and forward, Biegalski scored the first goal of her NWSL career during her team’s 4-2 victory over the NJ/NY Gotham FC at the Spirit’s home venue in Washington, D.C. on July 28. She is pictured (above) after netting that goal, which evened the score at 2-2 early in the second half. Biegalski celebrated her 25th birthday on Aug. 11. Another photo (below) shows Biegalski in action during the Spirit’s 2021 championship season.

PhotoS courteSy of WAShINGtoN SPIrIt Rock Valley Publishing

Camryn

Joe PeArSoN Photo Rock Valley Publishing

would try to put groups of students together who were friends, or at least involved in the same activities.”

Soger also worked as Montini’s yearbook moderator for several years. “Our good friend, Sue Musil, died unexpectedly and there was no one to take over the yearbook moderator position. I knew nothing about producing a yearbook, but I’ve always loved taking pictures. I talked [former Montini Art teacher] Wanda Drabik into co-moderating this huge task, while teaching me the ropes. From Wanda, to Sue Martin and from Sue to Jessica [Sippel] Rodriguez we produced 11 awesome yearbooks with indexes and supplements.”

With the death of her daughter Megan in 2013, Soger stepped out of her yearbook moderator role. “The Montini family was so supportive to our family during this very difficult time,” Soger said. “My faith has always been important to me, which I feel is why the Lord led me here.”

Perhaps as a way to nurture her own faith-life after her daughter Megan’s passing, Soger took an active leadership role in Montini Campus Ministry’s Kairos Retreat program. “When [Assistant Campus Minister] Kelly Davis first came to Montini 17 years ago, she was looking for leader help. I told her I had helped out on a couple retreats and could help her. Our first retreat was held on a weekend and had just a few participants. This program has now grown into two solid senior retreats each year; of which I’ve attended at least one ever since.”

Soger continues to assist Montini’s Campus Ministry program, chaperoning Junior Retreats as well as the annual Sophomore Day of Service event. “For a few years, I would even drive our minibus out to LaSalle Manor to rake leaves!”

Soger is also honored to serve as a Eucharistic Minister at school masses. “Being a Eucharistic Minister here has also been a way to connect with students,” she said.

Montini’s Theatre Department has also benefited from Soger’s services and her dedication to touching hearts. “I’ve always loved the theater, and when [teacher]

Gina Gasbarre left Montini, Dr. Di Matheson asked if I could help out in the role of house manager. So for the past several years I’ve created and sold tickets to fall plays, spring musicals and concerts. When the theater was upgraded I created a new seating chart too. I’ve worked with many National Honor Society students in their role as ushers for these events. And when [alumni parent and lunch coordinator]

Chris Ernat left, I also took over the role of selling concessions. I’m so happy I’ve gotten to work with [Montini’s Theatre Director] Jackie Martin in her new role. The plays this year have been awesome!”

For the past several years, Soger has acted as co-moderator for Montini’s National Honor Society. “Art Stuart had been in charge of this program for many

years and when he needed a comoderator I raised my hand. We worked together for a couple of years, before he stepped down. And then [teacher] Mike Dailey came on board with me. We’ve been in charge of choosing the new members, hosting the induction, keeping track of their extra service hours, sponsoring blood drives, getting students to sign up for the many programs where students are needed to help out and volunteering at Feed My Starving Children.”

After 30 years, special memories have been ‘too many to count’ for Soger. “I think the ones that are the most important to me are the ones that involve my daughters’ high school years at Montini. Denny, my husband, was the softball coach with [teacher] Elise Barth for 13 years and can boast of nine regional championships. All four of my girls were softball pitchers for Montini. Jenny played volleyball and was a Broncette, and went downstate twice. Shannon ran cross-country and played basketball. She was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and a member of the Homecoming Court. Erin played volleyball and basketball, was a member of the National Honor Society and was on the Prom Court. And Megan had roles in several plays during her time here and worked on the yearbook with me. All three of the older girls were also in Montini’s annual San Miguel Fashion Show, which meant I also volunteered. Even after they graduated, they were asked to come back and model as alumni. The last time I got to model too! And Jenny has come back several years to do hair and makeup for these shows. I’m not sure if the girls were always happy I was here, but I loved being a part of their high school experience!”

Soger also appreciates ‘the unexpected’ situations that occurred throughout her life as librarian at Montini Catholic. “Have you heard my duck story? Our first library was in the area the nuns lived [now DeLaSalle Hall], and there was a courtyard. Mommy duck would lay her eggs every spring there, but then the ducklings couldn’t fly out. Wanda [Drabik] and I would gather up the ducks and put them in a box, as mommy duck sat on the roof

and squawked at us. Then I would climb a ladder on the outside of the building, holding the box with the ducklings, so the mommy duck could hear them. I would climb down the ladder and dump the ducklings out of the box. Mommy duck would fly down and lead them off to water. I never knew what ‘extra duties’ would come along to enliven up my day!”

Soger is also proud to have been a part of Montini Family Networks, and having the opportunity to help build houses with Habitat for Humanity. She also fondly remembers participating in the Lasallian Youth Retreat Program in Minnesota with Campus Minister Michael Blanchette. She helped chaperone a summer trip to France, and she worked with [former teacher] Joan Considine† to start a book club for Montini faculty and staff; she has also kept score for Broncos’ volleyball matches.

“I got to ride in the Montini float for the Lilac parade a few years ago and chaperoned Montini dances— until my daughters asked me not to anymore—a bit embarrassing, I guess,” Soger said. “My four daughters were all able to graduate from Montini, and some of their best friends are those that they met either at St. Pius or at Montini.”

As much as she will miss Montini, Estelle is really looking forward to the next chapter in her book. “Starting with sleeping past 5:45 a.m.! I’ll keep my job at Glass Court, teaching water aerobics. I’ll continue in my roles at St. Pius’s St. Vincent de Paul Society. I’ll be in charge of my grandson, Vinnie, as he attends half-day pre-school at St. Pius. I want to catch up with friends I don’t get to see. My retirement gift is a trip to Alaska [taken with friend Mary Ellen Spokas in June].”

“As I look back on 30 years as the librarian, now known as the Library Resource Center Director, the first words that come to mind are ‘faith and flexibility’ [borrowed from Brother Tom Harding]. Who knew what would transpire from the time I graduated with my MLS in 1978? I do want to thank my Montini family for the incredible memories over these past 30 years. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!”

Warriors’ boys golf team starts its season at the St. Laurence Invite

Coppersmith turns in the team’s best score with an 85

Willowbrook’s boys golf team opened its 2023 season by competing in last week’s St. Laurence Invite at Lincoln Oaks Golf Course in Crete.

The Warriors finished 11th in the team standings of the Aug. 10 event, which included 13 teams.

Junior Austin Coppersmith delivered the Warriors’ best performance of the invite, firing an 18-hole score of 85 on the par-71 course. Senior

Carson Stefani shot a 93 for Willowbrook. Junior Trent Kovacs carded a 96 for the Warriors, while senior Alex Calderon posted a score of 97 to contribute to Willowbrook’s team total of 371.

Willowbrook’s schedule this week includes today’s home meet against Elmwood Park at Sugar Creek Golf Course.

years of working as Montini’s yearbook moderator.

Willowbrook holds its Community Night event this Friday

Evening will include introductions of Warriors’ fall athletes, along with a fireworks display

Willowbrook High School will present its Community Night event in the school’s stadium this Friday, Aug. 18, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. The celebration will include introductions of the members of all of Willowbrook’s fall athletic teams. There will also be a ribbon cutting for the Warriors’ new concession stand, as well as a fireworks display. The members of the Villa Park Warriors Youth Football and Cheer teams will also be introduced during Friday’s event.

submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing Estelle Soger of Lombard has retired after serving 30 years as the librarian at Montini Catholic High School. Soger is a parishioner at St. Pius X in Lombard. All four of her daughters (Jenny, Shannon, Erin and Megan) graduated from Montini, where they were pitchers for the Broncos’ softball team. In addition to working as Montini’s librarian, Soger filled many other roles at the school, including several