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Independent

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Saturday, May 17

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also serving Wood Dale

VOL. 22 • NO. 22

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THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025

Bensenville celebrates Arbor Day with tree plantings

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Recently, the Bensenville community celebrated Arbor Day by planting trees at Tioga and W.A. Johnson Elementary Schools.

This Arbor Day marked Bensenville’s 34th year as a Tree City USA community, recognizing Bensenville’s commitment to effective urban forest management. “For 34 years we’ve taken pride in being a Tree City USA community. It’s more than just planting trees, it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to a healthier, greener Bensenville,” said Village President Frank DeSimone. The Tree City USA program was founded in 1976 to celebrate communities committed to growing their urban canopy. Tree City USA is led by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. For more information about Bensenville’s urban forest, visit Bensenville.il.us.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi announces Senate candidacy

By Ben Szalinski

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is the latest Democrat to enter the 2026 U.S. Senate primary for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat.

Krishnamoorthi, of Schaumburg, has represented the 8th Congressional District since 2017. The district includes parts of Addison and Bensenville.

He was born in India and grew up in Peoria. He earned a law degree from Harvard and has worked in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and led a small tech company in the Chicago suburbs.

Describing his middle-class upbringing, Krishnamoorthi said he’ll “never be quiet while billionaires like Elon Musk and a convicted felon deny the dreams of the next generation

for their own egos.”

“People want to know: At this moment, in this time, where is the power to fight back?” Krishnamoorthi said in a video launching his campaign. “What does it look like?

Well, I’ll tell you. It looks like you … all of us ready to step up and fight back.”

Krishnamoorthi represents parts of Kane, DuPage and Cook counties. As a candidate for Congress, Krishnamoorthi has often wooed voters with TV commercials showcasing casual mannerisms and his name, telling voters “just call me Raja.” It’s a theme he is continuing as he joins the Senate race.

“I worked on a friend’s campaign that showed Illinois will give you a shot, even if you have a funny name,” Krishnamoor-

thi said, referring to his stint as show he has $19.4 million in than other members of Illinois’ million in the first quarter of an advisor to Barack Obama’s his campaign fund and has con- congressional delegation. His 2024.

2004 Senate campaign. “And sistently raised more money campaign reported raising $3 See RAJA, Page 8 inspired by Barack’s example, I was elected to Congress.”

As a member of the House, Krishnamoorthi is the ranking member on the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

He also serves on the House intelligence committee.

Like other Democrats around the country, Krishnamoorthi recently visited areas of Illinois outside of his district that are represented by Republicans in Congress to highlight the impacts of the Trump administration’s policies.

Krishnamoorthi is the third SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent Democrat to enter the race and begins with a big cash advantage. Federal election records

Inside:

Opinion.............................4 Police Reports �������������������8 Speak out..........................5 Sports......................... 17-19

Zion-Concord Lutheran School students participate in Grow Your Own Food project

Last week, fourth- and fifth-graders at Zion-Concord Lutheran School in Bensenville were supplied all the tools necessary to transplant cocoa cherry tomato plants as part of the DuPage County Farm Bureau’s Grown Your Own Food Project. Last year, 4,000 fourth grade students throughout the county participated. Students will be observing and recording their plant’s growth at school; then they will take their plant home to care for it and grow their own tomatoes (some of the students gave their tomato plants names). They have also been invited to bring their tomato plants to the 2025 DuPage County Fair in Wheaton for special judging with prizes and ribbons.

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Road Safety & Fairness Act headed for final General Assembly vote

Giannoulias-drafted bill would establish procedures to report unsafe drivers; calls for increasing behind-the-wheel driving test age

Legislation championed

by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias calling for enhanced safeguards to bolster road safety while increasing the age at which Illinois drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from 79 to 87 passed a Senate committee on May 6.

The legislation, supported

by AARP Illinois, passed the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee by a unanimous vote. The bill, which the Illinois House approved last month, now awaits a full vote in the Senate Chamber.

HB 1226, or the Road Safety & Fairness Act, seeks to align Illinois driving standards with the rest of the nation. Its chief sponsors are State Representative Jay Hoffman (113th District-Belleville) and State Senator Ram Villivalam (8th District-Chicago), who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. If signed into law, the legislation would take effect on July 1, 2026.

“Every decision we make is data-driven, and on this topic the data is clear: seniors are among the safest

drivers of any age category,” Giannoulias said. “Aligning Illinois senior driving standards with the rest of the nation will remove an unnecessary burden for seniors while new reporting procedures will keep Illinois roads safe and accessible.”

“The data clearly shows that older drivers are safer drivers. Singling them out to take an extra test is a type of age discrimination that must end,” said Ryan Gruenenfelder, senior director of Advocacy and Outreach at AARP Illinois. “We have heard from our members for years about how the driving test requirement perpetuates false narratives about their driving abilities. We urge the Illinois Senate to pass this legislation to bring Illinois requirements in line with every other state.”

“This measure will align Illinois senior driving standards with the rest of the nation while increasing safeguards so that Illinois remains among the strictest states for road safety,” Villivalam said. “It’s time to adjust this unnecessary and

Order in the court

burdensome requirement unfairly placed on our state’s safest drivers.”

“A birthday is not an accurate gauge of one’s ability to get behind the wheel safely.

Driving ability and medical health should serve as the determining factors,” said Hoffman. “Allowing immediate relatives—who have the most consistent interactions with their loved ones— to report medical concerns about a licensed driver is a more effective approach to maintaining road safety.”

The legislation calls for establishing new procedures aimed at preventing unsafe motorists–regardless of age– from driving. If a motorist’s driving skills begin to significantly decline or cognitive or medical issues get in the way of safe driving, the measure enables immediate relatives to request that the Secretary of State’s office review a submitted written report.

If the report review finds that the claims are credible, the driver would be required to submit a medical reevaluation report and/or undergo

retesting (written, vision and behind-the-wheel tests) to retain their license.

Under the proposed legislation, behind-the-wheel driving test requirements would be amended as follows: Drivers ages 79 and 80 would still be required to visit a DMV facility if they need to renew their driver’s license and take a vision test (and a written test if a driving violation exists) but would not have to take a driving test.

Drivers between the ages of 81 and 86 would still be required to visit a DMV facility to renew their license every two years, which is a shorter renewal period than most drivers, which is every four years. They would still be required to take a vision test (and a written test if a driving violation exists) but would not have to take a driving test.

Drivers aged 87 and older would continue to be required to renew their license annually. These renewals would include a vision test and a driving test. A written

exam may be required depending on the individual’s driving record. The law governing this age group would not change under the new law.

Illinois is currently one of only five states that do not allow immediate family members to report concerns about a relative’s driving ability.

In addition, Illinois is the only state in the nation that requires a behind-the-wheel driving test for seniors based on age.

A temporary measure sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic that raised the age of mandatory driving tests from 75 to 79 became permanent in 2024 after an office-commissioned study found no significant increases in crashes per licensed driver in each affected age range.

Latest statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reveal that in 2023, the crash rate for drivers 75 and older is 24.61 per 1,000 drivers, which is lower than every age range of drivers between 16 and 74 years old.

Disney’s ‘Mighty Ducks’ kicks off Movie in the Park series May 17

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

From over 200 competitors to just three exceptional finalists, this soft-skills competition (The Great Shake) at Indian Trail Junior High School in Addison came down to a courtroom showdown: The People v. Goldilocks. Finalists stepped into the roles of plaintiffs and defenders, arguing both sides of the fairy tale trial using their strongest communication, persuasion, and professionalism. DuPage County 18th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Chantelle Porter (shown above with the finalists) presided over the case—and a special shoutout to former Great Shake contestants who brought the trial to life as Goldilocks, Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear. This experience is more than a competition –it’s real-world preparation. As they head to high school and beyond, these middle schoolers are gaining real-world skills they’ll carry far outside the classroom.

Get ready for a summer of cinematic magic under the stars with the Bensenville Park District’s Movies in the Park series, which begins with a drive-in movie presentation of Disney’s “The Mighty Ducks” (PG) at the White Pines Golf Club driving range at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 17.

Bring the whole family and watch the movie from the comfort of a golf cart. Admission is free, and cart rental is available for $10, with each cart accommodating two adults. The club is located at 500 W. Jefferson.

Carts should be reserved in advance at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street in Bensenville. Cart payments can be made on-site at White Pines the evening of the event.

“The Mighty Ducks” is a sports comedy drama about a self-centered lawyer who is sentenced to community service as a youth hockey coach.

Under his guidance, a ragtag team of misfit players learns the value of teamwork, determination and friendship as they work toward competing at a higher level.

Head to Arbor Park in Wood Dale at 8 p.m. June 7 for Pixar’s

“Inside Out 2” (PG). Join on an imaginative journey through a young girl’s mind, where familiar emotions face unexpected challenges and spark fresh adventures.

Follow the story of the legendary lion as he embarks on a journey to claim his destiny as the rightful ruler of the Pride Lands at 8 p.m. on July 19 with the Movie at the Farm presentation of “Mufasa: The Lion King” (PG).

Make a splash at the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad, 1100 W. Wood St. on Aug. 2 with the “dive-in movie” showing of Disney’s “Moana 2” (PG), sponsored by Armando Perez State Farm and Grand Subaru. Bring approved single-person floats and enjoy the movie under the night sky.

Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and the movie starts after dusk.

All movies begin after dusk.

Don’t miss out on these unforgettable movie experiences!

The Movie in the Park series is a part of the park district’s Park N Play initiative aimed at bringing special activities and events to neighborhood parks and facilities. A listing of these activities will be found at BvilleParks.org/park-n-play.

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Thursday, May 15, 2025

Opinion

Time to reinforce Illinois as welcoming state to Muslims, other immigrant communities

By Irshad Khan A PhD student was taken off the streets by plainclothed ICE officers, with no reason given. She had recently written an op-ed exercising her free speech rights.

A man was mistakenly deported, with no plans for his return to our country— built on the tenets of the land of the free, but for too many, the dream has become a nightmare.

At 18 years old, a young woman was convicted of a crime. Nearly two decades later, now with three children, the woman was denied housing in Cook County because of her conviction— even though the crime is eligible to be wiped from her record. The process is so difficult, it continues to hang over her head and hold her family back.

Across Illinois, the Muslim community and other immigrant communities made up of hard-working people devoted to the principles of peace, understanding, and embracing our differences are being torn apart. We face marginalization and persecution simply because of who we are, what we look like, and what we believe in.

We demand better, and we brought that message to the Illinois State Capitol on April 9 for the 17th Illinois Muslim Action Day. Several dozen advocates, including high school students, met with state legislators to support a package of priorities aimed at reinforcing Illinois as a welcoming state for the hundreds of thousands of people here who believe deeply in this country’s long-running commitment to human rights and basic human dignity.

We have asked legislators to support a resolution that strengthens our welcoming state policies, by allowing everyone to practice their religious beliefs without fear or anxiety in places of business and schools.

We want to strengthen Illinois’ TRUST Act through House Bill 2706 and

Senate Bill 2305. Federal immigration agents should not use local law enforcement as weapons against innocent people.

The Clean Slate Illinois initiative will make it easier and more attainable for individuals to seal criminal records for certain offenses.

This will create smoother pathways to jobs, safe housing, education and the better life we all deserve.

Our laws should make it easier for people to support Palestinian rights peacefully.

House Bill 2723—the Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act—takes an important step forward for free speech rights.

We also join the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) in its call for $40 million to provide a safety net for immigrant communities: language-accessible case management, aid for program application, targeted cash relief and more support.

We were warmly greeted in Springfield by many legislators and top elected officials who share our grave concerns about the divisions tearing communities apart. Gov. JB Pritzker and our allies stand strong with us against a federal administration that disrupts more people’s lives every day.

Our plea is for grace.

Embrace the understanding that our differences don’t define us, but they can unite us in a spirit of collaboration and shared values. We want to build bridges and shape a future where everyone’s voice can be heard, and everyone’s life and perspective can be valued.

In the face of these challenging times that weaken our democracy, we urge you to join us – Illinoisans and Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs—to strengthen our state’s welcoming policies and unite behind the human experience that can bring all of us together.

Irshad Khan of Chicago is former chairman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, and the lead organizer of Illinois Muslim Action Day.

A degree of agreement: Why Illinois needs the Community College Baccalaureate

By Dr. Tim Taylor In today’s divided political climate, finding common ground often feels out of reach. But every so often, a solution comes along that bridges red and blue, reflects the values of both parties, and speaks directly to the needs of everyday Illinoisans.

The Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) is that solution.

It’s a policy bold enough to carry the red banner of fiscal responsibility and local control, the blue banner of equity and opportunity, and—in deep Southern Illinois—the maroon of community commitment and practical action.

At Shawnee Community College, we know firsthand what’s at stake and what’s possible.

For Illinois, and especially in rural and underserved regions, allowing select community colleges to offer applied bachelor’s degrees is not just smart policy; it’s a necessary evolution in how we serve our students, meet workforce needs, and build resilient local economies.

The case for the CCB is compelling under both traditional Republican and Democratic values.

When policy reflects both fiscal restraint and expanded opportunity, local control and equitable access, it deserves broad support.

A conservative case for the CCB: efficiency, self-reliance, and local empowerment The Republican platform has long championed local governance, fiscal responsibility, and workforce self-sufficiency.

The CCB embodies each of these principles.

At Shawnee Community

College, located in deep Southern Illinois, we serve a geographically large district where students often commute 30 to 60 miles to attend class.

For many, relocating to attend a university is simply not an option. By offering applied bachelor’s degrees in high-need areas like operations management, data science, and allied health, we can help students advance their careers and incomes – without increasing state bureaucracy or taxpayer cost.

We already have much of the infrastructure, faculty, and community trust. The CCB allows us to use existing resources more efficiently, giving placebound students a pathway to prosperity that reflects the realities of their lives and responsibilities. It’s a costeffective, locally governed solution that aligns perfectly with conservative principles.

bachelor’s degrees directly into the communities that need them most. It’s a practical step toward reducing disparities in degree attainment and building a more inclusive economy— not just in Southern Illinois, but in dozens of rural and underserved regions across the state.

Addressing the critics: common concerns, realworld rebuttals Despite broad support, several criticisms are often raised. While worth considering, each falls short under scrutiny—especially when viewed through the lens of real communities like ours.

“It’s mission creep for community colleges.”

Not at all. Community colleges were created to serve local needs, and those needs have evolved. Offering applied bachelor’s degrees in targeted workforce fields A progressive case for the does not change our mission; CCB: equity, access, and it fulfills it more fully. We economic justice are not trying to become From a traditional research universities. We Democratic perspective, are working to meet critical the CCB aligns with longlabor shortages and support standing priorities around economic development in social mobility, educational our own backyards equity, and economic “It will duplicate empowerment. programs offered by Community colleges universities.” enroll the majority of firstIn many parts of Illinois, generation college students, including our district, there students of color, adult is no university offering learners, and low-income these programs nearby, or the residents in Illinois. Yet these university is not producing same students face systemic enough graduates to meet barriers to completing a four- local demand. In fields like year degree—barriers made cybersecurity, emerging worse in rural districts like digital technologies (AI, ours where the closest public VR, MR, etc.), nursing university is 45 miles away. and teacher education, the Many are working parents or shortage is not theoretical— caregivers who cannot uproot it’s real and immediate. their lives to finish their We don’t need duplication; education elsewhere. we need complementary The CCB helps level the capacity. The CCB builds it, playing field by delivering affordably and effectively.

“Community colleges can’t maintain bachelor’slevel quality.”

We already exceed quality expectations in the associate-degree programs we offer, many of which are subject to professional accreditation, licensure standards, and employer review. CCB programs would be subject to regional accreditation and state oversight, just like university programs. In other states, such as Florida and Washington, community college bachelor’s degrees have shown strong outcomes in both employment rates and student satisfaction.

“It’s an unfunded expansion that risks existing programs.”

In fact, CCB programs are typically self-sustaining through tuition, grants, and private sector partnerships.

They are carefully scoped to ensure they don’t drain existing resources but rather add value to the institution and to the community.

At Shawnee, for instance, offering a local applied bachelor’s degree in operations management; entrepreneurship could retain students currently lost to out-of-district options while attracting new adult learners who never would have enrolled otherwise.

“Why not just improve transfer pathways?”

We support strong transfer pathways and have dozens of articulation agreements.

But in practice, only a small percentage of community college students who intend to transfer actually complete a bachelor’s degree. Barriers include distance, cost, childcare, and job constraints.

The CCB provides another ladder—not a replacement,

See DEGREE, Page 5

Hi, I had to get this off my chest. I’m all for seeing motorcycles, but the jerks who ride these crotch rocket motorcycles are out of control.

I happened to be in traffic one afternoon southbound on Route 83 near the Walmart in Villa Park. Traffic had to be backed up at least a half a mile. Everyone was either inching along or completely stopped. All of a sudden, one of these crotch rockets zooms past everyone in between two lanes of traffic. I’m amazed this idiot didn’t side-swipe someone, or someone didn’t side-swipe him. He literally had only a few inches on either side to squeeze by, and he must have been going at least 40 mph. They are arrogant and dangerous. Just once, I’d like to see one of them get stopped by local or state police. Speed limits and the rules of the road apparently don’t apply to them. *** I scrutinized my tax bill and besides grumbling about having to pay for other people’s pensions, one, I resent having to pay even a measly amount to the DuPage Airport for all these years; but mostly when I see how I am paying way more to the Helen Plum Library than to the village, and marginally more than to the park district, I do more than grumble. That is a nice library for sure, but it has more meeting and other rooms than it needed, and is overall such a larger space than it needed to be, in my opinion. I think the board needs to vote on a sunset clause when the debts are paid, although I may not

even be living here by then, or still living. Why not consider giving us taxpayers a break, like a small rebate for all the years we had to wait for this to go through in a location the library originally said it didn’t want, and at a higher price than was originally planned? *** I have to partially tip my hat to the Speak Out May 1 contributor for their contribution recognizing the fallacies of “uninformed voters and lack of common sense” causing the division we experience in our country, and calling for a recognition of respect for the presidential office, to accenting the positives of this great nation and eliminating the negatives “to move America forward.”

Well said, and I applaud your efforts. The reason I only partially tip my hat to you, as your intentions are honorable and full of truth, is that we have a very long way to go before we can extinguish the present hatred against especially not only our president, but the smothering of the politics being used to stifle and suffocate the common man. There is a leftist goal.

World Order, the dissolution of America as a free nation, and securing the servitude of again, the common man. But again I salute you, as your intentions are noble. With determination we can achieve our victory. God bless all. *** There has been chatter on Facebook regarding the rules for e-scooters. If you read the May 8 paper, you would

How Speak Out works • Speak Out is a forum in which readers can express their opinion anonymously concerning local, state, national and international topics. Each call is limited to 200 words whether the caller calls 630-629-TALK or emails their opinion to speakout@rvpublishing.com.

• The views expressed by callers are their own.

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

• With regard to calls of a political nature, it is not possible to have an equal balance of calls with liberal and conservative viewpoints during any given week.

The editors of Speak Out don’t have control of who calls in, what their political leanings happen to be, and the topic(s) they want to discuss.

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

know that the village did what it could to at least keep them legal. The thing I, and others, pointed out is that not allowing riders under age 18 is ridiculous on the state’s part.

Kids are learning to drive a 4,000-pound machine at 15.

They are learning the rules of the road and how to be a responsible driver. There is no reason the state couldn’t lower the age limit to 12 or 14, if kids were to pass a safety course and earn a certificate, like a form of “license.” Some of these young people might even be using the scooters to get to a summer job. I wholeheartedly agree that some riders have been irresponsible at intersections, streets and on sidewalks; maybe because they have not been educated.

But I have seen irresponsible bicycle riders, skateboarders and inline skaters as well, so I don’t think it is fair to single out the scooter riders. Better to see them outside having fun than on their phones and playing video games, or getting into trouble. *** Hello, Lombardian. How about a color photo of the 2025 Lilac Queen on the front page of the paper? *** Other than bashing our current president, our governor in Illinois has no real plan.

Get a plan, a program or an idea of what do here in Illinois, instead of traveling the country preparing to run for president. Now that the federal COVID is money is spent, Illinois is facing a quite large budget deficit. Our governor pretended he was a financial genius while using federal money to save Illinois. He has no financial skills; he has never needed them. He was born with a silver spoon and

• Degree

has never had a real job. He lives off of inheritance and doesn’t live in our world. He will now spend hundreds of millions of dollars of his own money to run for president and leave his mess in Illinois for someone else to try and fix. *** Well, it looks like a lot of us realized the “no mow May” is a bad idea and not recommended by the Arboretum.

Villa Park is doing “no mow” until Mother’s Day, but that’s still wrong. When you finally mow your lawn, you accumulate so much thatch that even more bugs can hide there; the thatch promotes mildew and makes it easier for weed seeds to germinate. Please think about not letting your lawn go unmowed. It not only looks bad—like the lawn at the new terrific Villa Park Library—but your neighbors get your weeds too. Thanks! *** The never Trumpers are entitled to their opinion. We all, both Democrats and Republicans, have to admit Washington is moving in a positive way. The removal of illegal criminals is making our streets safer, buy American is becoming more into focus, and we are starting to become a nation that is more self-sufficient. Big and necessary changes have been taking place since Jan. 20. We need to let President Trump play out his strategies. *** Yet another misdirected and brainwashed soul contacts Speak Out. I refer to the mush contributed by the writer/caller in the May 8 issue, stating his/her support for our disaster of a governor to be nominated for president. “JB actually cares about people

(Continued from page 4)

locally, responsibly, and urgently – for the people of this state. At Shawnee, we wear maroon with pride. But A call to act—together we believe in a future where In rural Southern Illinois, red and blue come together to our challenges are not serve the public good. unique—they are simply I urge Illinois legislators more visible. We face from both sides of the aisle— shortages of nurses, teachers, along with employers, local and skilled professionals. governments, and education We serve students who are leaders—to support the CCB. hardworking, resourceful, Our students, neighbors, and determined – but often and friends don’t have time one barrier away from to wait for perfection. They dropping out. need progress. And they The Community College deserve the chance to finish Baccalaureate is not a threat what they started—right here, to the university system. at home.

It is not a partisan stunt.

Dr. Tim Taylor has worked It is a practical, bipartisan in higher education for more solution that puts education, than 36 years and serves workforce readiness, and as president of Shawnee community prosperity within Community College in reach for thousands of Illinois Southern Illinois. He is a residents. longtime advocate for rural This isn’t about red or workforce development, blue. And it’s certainly not educational access, and about politics as usual. It’s bipartisan solutions that about doing what works— strengthen local communities. but a realistic option for the many students for whom transfer isn’t viable.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

and our country.” Are you kidding? A governor who has done his best to make Illinois the abortion capital of America racking up killing babies almost ten-fold since he took office? A governor who didn’t hesitate to install gas tax increases on a rolling scale (wait until July 1)? A governor who initiated/signed the No Cash Bail Act, thereby letting criminals loose on the streets again, with many committing more heinous crimes while awaiting their trials? I could go on and on but word count doesn’t permit me to.

Each governor inherits financial burdens. JB squandered the federal COVID money on frivolous projects, bragging how he has “balanced our budget.” Poppycock! Now we are in a financial bind again with an inflated budget. And “Mayor Pete” for his vice president if he runs?

I hope he does, as it will be a Red whitewash. Pritzker is not as popular nationally as he thinks he is. *** I have lived in Lombard for four years. During all those years I have not been able to drive on St. Charles Road from one end to the other because Lombard is always doing something. I thought we finally were free, but no, they’re at it again. And I noticed that they’re talking about having parties in the street in the summer with cars. Where are people going to go and park, and when are we going to stop spending money? *** The president’s dementia is showing more each day.

Rock Valley Publishing

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Professional analysts continue to say he has a problem, but no one can address it or you will endure his wrath! It was so embarrassing when he was sitting with the Canadian prime minister and still told him he is going to take Canada as our 51st state. He even said that babies don’t need car seats since their parents can no longer afford them since they come from China.

Yes, we should make them here, but that takes time and babies don’t have that kind of time. Parents can’t legally put kids in cars without the seat! *** Hi, I’m calling from Lombard I was just reading the Lombardian that is dated May 8, Thursday, and I totally agree with the individual who said about how much of our taxpayer money is going toward the library. The building is built. It’s up and running. There are a lot of other places in the village that that money could go to. Thank you very much. Bye. *** I had to do a double-take when I heard about this. A satirical stage production about Luigi Mangione, the prime suspect in the UnitedHealthcare CEO killing, has sold out a month before it is scheduled to open. How anyone would even consider producing something like this is disgusting in and of itself, but the fact that it’s sold out is even more disturbing. We live in a sick society when someone like Luigi Mangione continues to gain notoriety, and is made out to be some type of sex symbol or folk hero.

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

Letters are limited to 400 words. If a letter exceeds 400 words, it will be sent back to the author to reduce the length of the letter. Authors must include their first and last name, the city or village in which they reside, and a phone number and email address where they can be reached in case there are questions.

Send letters to: news1@rvpublishing.com Letter-writers will be limited to one letter per month except for locally elected officials, or individuals specifically associated with local village governments or entities such as school districts, park districts or library districts.

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

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

Coming events Lombard Pride Fest June 1 First Church of Lombard, UCC (220 S. Main St.) will be hosting the Fourth Annual Lombard Pride Fest on Sunday, June 1, from noon to 3 p.m. Learn about supportive organizations and groups in the community, pet some therapy dogs, listen to live music, dance, eat some ice cream and

even enjoy lunch from a food truck. For more information, visit www.fcol.org.

Cantigny summer events Saturdays at 7 p.m. starting May 24: “Summer Sounds,” a new weekly concert series, kicks off with Hello Weekend, playing today’s chart-topping hits. Visit Cantigny.org for details.

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Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Judith Kline named Woman of the Year by Lombard Service League Since 1965, Lombard Service League has honored one outstanding Lombard Woman as the Lombard Woman of the Year. This year the league is pleased to add Judith (Judy) Kline to the list.

During the presentation, each Woman of the Year receives a certificate, charm, corsage and a reception following the presentation. The club members work very hard to make the announcement of the Woman of the Year a surprise until the recipient is announced.

To be a Lombard Woman of the Year the main criteria is that the woman must be a Lombard resident and be nominated to be selected by a panel of judges based on a letter submitted on their behalf.

Kline, who as a teacher worked with visually impaired students, has volunteered at The Outreach House; and has been active at First Church of Lombard, where she has been part of the social justice team-Amos Project and the team for racial justice, was a team leader for the church’s outreach committee that coordinated diaper and school supply drives, raised money for DuPagePads, and participates in adult education classes, among other volunteer endeavors.

Kline participates in interfaith events, has been involved in the annual CROP Hunger Walk, has taught Tai Chi and recently joined the group Prairie Path 100+ Women Who Care.

Past Women of the Year have been active on the village board, started new initiatives for worthy causes, were business leaders and were special wives and mothers.

Judith Kline Lombard Service League has served the community of Lombard for the past 75 years as a part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and is pleased to sponsor this contest since it began.

Mike Kennedy named Man of the Year by the Lombard Rotary Club Lifelong Lombard resident Mike Kennedy has been named the 2025 Lombard Man of the Year.

Kennedy was one of seven nominees submitted for this year’s award.

For over 40 years, Kennedy, a graduate of Notre Dame, has dedicated his time, talent and heart to coaching youth sports at Sacred Heart Catholic School, specifically with the football and basketball teams.

Additionally, he has volunteered his time coaching Lombard Boys Baseball and various Lombard Park District teams.

Kennedy also is active with Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Lombard Moose Club.

A local business owner, Kennedy has served on the Lombard Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. While on the board, he served on the Lilac Ball and golf outing committees.

Kennedy and his wife, Kathy, have been married 47 years and have six children and 18 grandchildren.

Pete Nolan was the 2024 Man of the Year.

The Lombard Jaycees sponsored the Man of the Year program from 1952-2014, with past Jaycees presidents continuing from 2015-19.

The Lombard Rotary Club took over sponsorship in 2020.

Coming event Guardian Corps of America food drive Guardian Corps of America (GCA) Operation EDDA Homeless Persons Survival Movement needs volunteers for the upcoming spring and summer months. GCA is organizing an important Campaign food drive

Submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing

Pictured from left to right: Gina Damore (LCPAAA Board member), Brooke Bingaman (Soapy Roads owner), Mark Olsen (LCPAAA member).

Local business participates in LCPAAA fundraiser The Lombard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA) would like to thank Soapy Roads: Small Batch Artisan Gift & Experience Shop for their generous participation and donation in a recent Clean and Fun fundraiser.

Soapy Roads donated a percentage of their recent sales to the LCPAAA. Soapy Roads is located at 10 W. St. Charles Road in downtown Lombard and offers eco-friendly, handcrafted soaps. Owner Brooke Bingaman started

THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

tion is to present and promote a positive image of law enforcement and the Lombard Police Department and to assist them when requested.

With an active membership of over 80 members, the LCPAAA can be found at various events in the community.

Members have gone through the Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy and have joined together to foster volunteer help in support of the Police Department.

For more information visit them at https://www.lombardcpaaa.org.

LHS presents: ‘Infused Beauty: Harnessing Herbs for Luxurious Bath and Body Care’

The Lombard Historical Society (LHS) presents the first in a three-part series exploring how to harness the power of the garden for bath and body care. Join Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh of Backyard Patch Herbs for this hands-on workshop on May 22 at 7 p.m. in the Carriage House at 23 W. Maple St., Mike Kennedy Lombard.

In this engaging session, participants will learn simple infusion techniques—using salt or sugar, water, and oil—to create nourishing base to help save homeless U.S. Military veterans products for natural body in the greater Chicago land area. If interest- care. Attendees will even ed, contact GCA at info@usaguardian.org.

(Ask for our list of supplies when you reply to this email).

your source for on-line news:

Soapy Roads of Lombard alongside her husband, Joe, with the goal of providing clean and safe skincare and home care products that are made with integrity and a healthy dose of humor.

Not only do they sell wonderful smelling, luxurious products, they provide live soap-making events to educate as many people as possible on the benefits of natural and eco friendly products and good hygiene habits. For more information visit them at www.soapyroads.us The LCPAAA’s main func-

herbs in 1994, inspired by her search for quality tea ingredients. Tea remains one of her favorite creations. Because her husband avoids salt and preservatives, all of her seasonings and mixes are crafted to be salt-free, organic, and preservative-free.

The mission of Backyard Patch Herbs is simple: to provide the finest quality dried herb blends—bursting with flavor and free from preservatives and chemicals. You deserve nothing less than pure, About Marcy Lautanendelightful herbs to enhance Raleigh and Backyard both your culinary adventures Patch Herbs Marcy began growing and self-care rituals. make their own herbal-infused scrub to take home and enjoy!

This program is perfect for anyone interested in herbal remedies, DIY wellness, or adding a touch of garden-inspired relaxation to their routine.

This is a free program, but space is limited and registration is required. Reserve your spot today at LombardHistory.org.

Coming event

Lilac Parade Bingo Lilac Parade Bingo cards are now available at the Helen Plum Library. Grab a Bingo card from the library to play during the Lilac Time Parade on Sunday, May 18. As you enjoy the parade, mark off the items or people you see

on your card. This activity can be played from any spot along the parade route. Then, turn in your card to the Library by Sunday, June 1, for a chance to win a gift card from a local business.* *Prize drawings are limited to HPL cardholders only.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 7

Five Venezuelan migrants from Chicago charged with robbery/burglary at Oak Brook stores in two separate incidents One of the accused also faces armed violence charges

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced last week that charges have been filed against five Venezuelan migrants, all male juveniles currently residing in Chicago, for allegedly stealing merchandise from two Oak Brook stores in two unrelated incidents.

All five juveniles appeared at May 6 detention hearings, where Judge Chantelle Porter ordered three of the five juveniles to be detained.

All five juveniles are charged with one count of burglary, a Class

2 felony. Additionally, each of the three juveniles allegedly working together were also charged with one count of robbery (Class 2 felony), one count of misdemeanor resisting a police officer and one count of misdemeanor retail theft, while one of them faces an additional charge of misdemeanor assault.

The two individuals allegedly working together each face additional charges of one count of retail theft, a Class 3 felony, while one of them also is charged with one count of armed violence, a Class X felony, and one misdemeanor count of resisting a

police officer.

On May 5 at approximately 3:42 p.m., Oak Brook police officers responded to a call of a retail theft at the Macy’s store, located at 1 Oakbrook Center.

It is alleged that two of the juveniles entered the store, selected six items of clothing valued at more than $300 and entered a fitting room, where they cut off the security sensors. It is further alleged that the juveniles then exited the store without paying for the merchandise, where they were met by officers with the Oak Brook Police Department and taken into

custody.

It is alleged that officers recovered a 13-inch kitchen knife with an eight-inch blade in the waistband of one of the juveniles.

Earlier the same day, at approximately 3 p.m., Oak Brook police officers responded to a call of a retail theft at the Nordstrom store, located at 10 Oakbrook Center. It is alleged that the three juveniles entered the Nordstrom store and one of the juveniles entered a fitting room. It is further alleged that the two other juveniles brought items to the juvenile in the fitting room.

It is alleged that the juvenile

then exited the fitting room, at which time a loss prevention officer discovered that an item valued at approximately $138 was allegedly missing from the store. All three juveniles then allegedly exited the store, where they were met by the loss prevention officer.

The juveniles physically struggled with the loss prevention officer, with one of them throwing a punch at the loss prevention officer.

All three minors then fled into the mall, where officers with the Oak Brook Police Department took them into custody following a brief foot chase.

Longtime Chicago friend describes first American pope as ‘very dedicated’ The Rev. Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, hails from Chicago’s South Side

By Beth Hundsdorfer Capitol news Illinois

As the red velvet curtains at the Vatican parted, a priest realized that his college pal from the South Side of Chicago that he knows as “Bob” had been elected the first American pope.

“Oh, dear God,” the Very Rev. Anthony Benedetto Pizzo, the prior provincial of the Augustinian Order in Chicago, said as he heard the news.

Pizzo knew Robert Prevost could be named Pope, but it was an outside chance.

Prevost was just named cardinal in 2023.

Pope Francis named Prevost the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, whose job it is to vet potential bish-

ops. His name had come up a few times to succeed Pope Francis, Pizzo said, but he wasn’t a named favorite.

“We were waiting with bated breath to see what would happen,” Pizzo said, speaking from Southern Italy, in an interview with Capitol News Illinois.

Pizzo watched as his friend was introduced to the world as Pope Leo XIV. It was the same man he knew in college, seminary and throughout his career—a man dedicated to his faith and his friends.

Pizzo planned to travel to Rome on May 9, but was unsure whether he would see his old friend. He had known Prevost since the men were

undergraduates studying at Villanova University in Philadelphia.

Prevost was one of three brothers living in Dolton on the far South Side. One brother remains in Chicago.

The other lives in Florida.

His father, a World War II veteran, was a teacher and school administrator, Pizzo said. His mother was a librarian.

Young Robert Prevost attended St. Mary of the Assumption Church, located on the Chicago-Dolton border, serving as an altar boy and attending the parish school.

“Bob is such a good friend.

He was there throughout my life,” Pizzo said. “He was there when I made my vows,

the death of my parents and my installation as a pastor.”

The man who would become pope likes to drive and enjoyed long treks, driving back and forth to college with Pizzo, who described him as very open and an excellent companion.

Pizzo said his friend is down to earth, outgoing and well-rounded.

“He was very dedicated and applied himself in all that he did,” Pizzo said.

The two men attended the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1977. The new pope obtained a Master of Divinity degree.

Prevost began doing missionary work in Peru in 1985, serving in various roles in-

Fatal shooting in Downers Grove on Saturday A 24-year-old man was shot; he died after he was transported to a hospital; police stated there was no threat to general public

On Saturday, May 10, at approximately 6:51 p.m., the Downers Grove Police Department responded to the 2100 block of Prentiss Drive for a report that a person had been shot.

According to the Downers Grove Police Department, the preliminary investigation indicated that two men were in an altercation with another man when several gunshots were fired. The victim, a 24-year-old man, was injured in the shooting and transported to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in critical condition.

The victim died at the hospital. According to the Downers Grove Police Department’s May 11 update on the shooting, the release of the victim’s identification was being held pending notification of family members.

“Police have determined that the individuals involved in the incident were known to each other and there was no threat to the general public,”

related the Downers Grove Police Department’s May 11 update. “Police continue to investigate, and no one is in custody at this time.”

The Downers Grove Police Department asks anyone with information regarding the incident to call 630-4345600.

cluding parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher and administrator. He led an Augustinian seminary for a decade.

From 2001-2013, he served as prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine. He was succeeded by his friend, Pizzo, who continues to serve in the role. In 2014, the young man who grew up in Chicago was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru.

He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015.

Prevost selected his name after Pope Leo XII, who was famous for his 1891 treatise that outlined rights of workers to a fair wage, safe working conditions and the formation of trade unions.

When Prevost became a cardinal in 2023, Sister Barbara Reid, president of the Catholic Theological Union

in Chicago, was in attendance. On Thursday, after the announcement, things got hectic at CTU. Patrick Bittorf, vice president for development at CTU, was fielding calls and requests for media interviews.

“Well, we graduated a pope!” he said.

Pizzo said he hopes his friend receives all the support he needs in his new role and that he continues to be as attentive as he has been, relying on God’s grace.

And does the new pope have a favorite Chicago baseball team?

Pizzo said his friend is from the South Side and was likely a White Sox fan, but then demurred.

“I mean, we never went to a game or anything, but I would assume …”

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Page 8A

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Bensenville Park District summer program registration now under way Register for summer programs and activities at the Deer Grove Leisure Center The Bensenville Park District’s Summer Program Guide is online in homes in time to register for summer programs at the Deer Grove Leisure Center (DGLC), 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville.

“We invite our community to get out and play,” said Executive Director Joe Vallez, noting more than 50 activities will be held at district parks as part of the district’s Park ‘N Play initiative. “The Bensenville Park District is proud to unveil a number of new and expanded programs to engage people of all ages.”

Summer activity and special event highlights include Jim Geils Family Golf Nights at White Pines (beginning Sunday, May 18), the Live at White Pines Concert Series

(beginning Saturday, June 21), Theatre Dayz Movies in the Parks (beginning Saturday, May 17), Fitness Dayz free workouts in local parks (Summer Fitness Circuit kicks off the events May 31 at Breiter-Palm Park) and special events at Fischer Farm that include a Backyard Barn Bash and Back-to-School Bonfire Night in August.

In addition to a new swimming lesson format, diving lessons will be offered at the Bensenville Water Park this summer, and the Bville Bundle offers in-district residents the chance to purchase 10 park admissions for $99. Season passes are also for sale.

The park district is also offering five new nature programs this summer, including

Trail Tails, Wild Wonders, Green Grenade, Whisker Wonders and Natural Treasures Bingo Night.

Summer fine arts activities are highlighted by auditions for the fall musical, “Seussical Jr.,” on Aug. 10. New dance classes include Todler & Me Dance and Music, Hip Hop I, Ballet I, Social Dancing and Tricks, Turns and Jumps.

Music Foundations, Piano I, Guitar I and II are new class-

• Raja

Co-Ed Kickball League and Co-Ed Softball League.

The Young at Heart group has a number of trips scheduled, including a trip to the Holocaust Museum & Hackneys on May 28, a June 10 trip to the Mayslake Peabody Estate, Chicago Dogs baseball, a Wurlitzer concert at the Sanfilipo Estate and a trip to the Fireside Theatre.

Registrations can be completed in person at the DGLC

or via mail with payments included. Mail registration payments may be made by credit card, money order or check payable to the Bensenville Park District, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville, IL 60016.

Household information should be updated with the Bensenville Park District prior to registration. Household registration forms are available at the DGLC as well as online at BvilleParks.org/forms.

Park district adds WERQ cardio dance class to Wood Street Fitness lineup

Wood Street Fitness, located inside the Deer Grove Leisure Center at 1000 W. Wood St. in Bensenville, is turning up the energy this May with the addition of a dynamic new group fitness class: WERQ. WERQ is a wildly addictive cardio dance workout rooted in trending pop and hip-hop music. Designed to be a judgThe Addison and Bensen- woman was charged with two ment-free dance space, the ville police departments re- counts of domestic battery at class blends a high-energy workout with feel-good vibes cently reported the following 1:15 p.m. and a supportive, inclusive arrests and citations. Persons community atmosphere. It who are charged with domes- May 3 tic battery are not named in Edjner Daniel Cruz Domin- offers participants a chance to order to protect the victim’s guez, 25, of Addison, was privacy. charged with possession of a Readers are reminded that controlled substance near Adan arrest does not constitute dison and Elizabeth at 9:10 The Bensenville Water Park a conviction, and that sus- p.m. and Splash Pad, 1100 W. Wood pects are considered innoSt., is scheduled to officially cent unless proven guilty in May 2 open to the public on Memoria court of law. Juveniles age Oscar F. Lopez Garcia, 23, al Day, Monday, May 26.

17-or-younger are not named. of Addison, was charged with The water park and splash no insurance and two counts pad will be open from noon to Addison of DUI in the 300 block of 7 p.m. Tuesday through SunMay 6 Dale at 1:23 a.m. day through Aug. 10. Holiday Diego E. Vasquez Arcon, hours (Memorial Day and In27, of Addison, was charged Bensenville dependence Day) are noon to with two counts of DUI in the May 4, 4:20 a.m. near Fer- 5 p.m.

800 block of College at 1:52 rari Drive., Jose Santiago LoThe water park features a.m. pez, 23, of Bensenville, was multiple water slides, diving Alex M. Aguilar, 26, of arrested for battery, assault, boards, and a large swimming Elmhurst, was charged with and a failure to appear warDUI, driving while license rant. BEPC2500327. suspended, possession of May 4, `10:16 p.m. near cannabis and transportation/ W Irving Park Road, Isaquel carrying alcohol liquor by a Mendez Perez, 21, of BensenThe Bensenville Park Disdriver near Lake and m Villa ville, was arrested for DUI. at 2:57 a.m.

May 3, 2:36 a.m. near E trict announced a new date Jefferson St and Rose Street, for its second spring pickleMay 5 David J., Guerino, 43, of ball tournament, moving to 11 Jhon B. Ceron Salaman- Bensenville, was cited for a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at the Deer Grove Leisure ca, 46, of Glendale Heights, DUI. BEPC2500323. was charged with two counts May 3, 2025, 7:39AM, at Center Gymnasium, 1000 W. of DUI and operating wipers S Center St., Rolando Orduz Wood St., Bensenville.

The tournament is open to without headlights in the 200 Hernandez, 37, of Bensenblock of W. Fullerton at 1:20 ville, was issued a cita- players ages 18 and older and a.m. tion for two counts of DUI. welcomes participants of all skill levels. Teams will comA 20-year-old Addison BEPC2500324. pete in a day of high-energy matches, friendly competition (Continued from front page) and community camaraderie, with prizes awarded to the top Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton my Duckworth and Gov. JB three finishers. and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, Pritzker, two of the state’s top The first tournament, held a Matteson Democrat, have Democrats, endorsed Stratton March 30, was won by the also joined the race. Records before any other candidates team of Eric and Edward show Kelly has $2 million on joined the race.

Craddock from a field of 12 hand while a political action U.S. Rep. Lauren Under- teams. The park district is committee launched by Strat- wood, a Naperville Democrat, working to make the second ton earlier this year has not re- is also exploring a run for the tournament bigger and better. ported any contributions yet. Senate.

“We really wanted to open Krishnamoorthi’s war chest No major Republican can- up the pickleball tournament could be a leg up in the com- didates have entered the race to more people, and by movpetition as U.S. Sen. Tam- so far. ing the tournament to June

Police Reports

es for summer as well. Two new crafting classes will be offered (Garden Art and Sidewalk Chalk), in addition to Drawing & Painting I and two adult classes: Landscapes in the Park and Intro to Stained Glass.

Sports highlights include a new Table Tennis 101 class, Little Sluggers T-Ball, Bville Jets soccer and the Chicago Fire Soccer Camp. Two new adult programs are also listed:

get fit, express themselves and have fun—all while breaking a sweat to today’s top hits.

The new cardio dance class debuted Monday, May 5 as part of the Bensenville Park District’s annual “Fitness de Mayo” celebration and is now being added to the facility’s regular fitness lineup. The class will run weekly from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Mondays and is taught by Gianna Barash.

Barash is a passionate dance and dance fitness instructor with years of experience that inspire and ener-

gize her students. Certified in WERQ and trained in First Aid and CPR/AED, she fosters a safe and supportive environment for participants of all skill levels. Whether students are seasoned dancers or new to the studio, Barash’s classes emphasize fun, fitness and self-expression. Her high-energy approach encourages everyone to find joy and confidence on the dance floor.

“The WERQ format is a perfect fit for our fitness community,” said Ty Beshiri, recreation supervisor for

the Bensenville Park District.

“It’s high-energy, easy to follow and welcomes all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to shake up your routine, WERQ delivers a great workout in a fun, inclusive setting.”

Wood Street Fitness offers a wide variety of group fitness classes, personal training and state-of-the-art fitness equipment in a convenient community setting. For class schedules and membership information, visit WoodStFitness. com or call (630) 766-7015.

Bensenville Water Park and Splash Pad plans Memorial Day opening pool. The splash pad features a variety of water features and interactive elements for children of all ages to enjoy.

The facility is fully staffed with certified lifeguards and attendants to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

“We’re excited to open the Bensenville Water Park and Splash Pad on Memorial Day,” said Superintendent of Recreation Jason Louro. “The water park offers a fun and safe way

Second Bensenville pickleball tournament to take place June 1 1, we are able to reach out to more potential teams to take part in the event,” said Recreation Supervisor Ty Beshiri.

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, blending elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Played on a badminton-sized court with a paddle and a plastic ball, the sport is easy to learn and attracts players of all ages and experience levels. Its popularity continues to grow due to its accessibility, social atmosphere and health benefits.

The registration fee is $25 per team, and participants are encouraged to sign up by May 23 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center or by calling (630) 766-7015.

For more information about pickleball programs at the Bensenville Park District, visit BvilleParks.org/ Pickleball.

for families to beat the heat and enjoy the summer weather.”

Admission to the water park and splash pad varies by day and time of day, with twilight admission rates available.

Season passes offer the best value for frequent visitors and may be purchased at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St. in Bensenville.

The water park is also available for after-hours events as well as birthday parties. Information and enrollment forms may be found on the Bensenville Park District website.

For more information about the Bensenville Water Park and Splash Pad, including hours of operation and admission fees, visit BvilleParks. org/waterpark.

Addison Trail names April recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Joseph Rohlfing, pictured at right, with Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews, has been named Addison Trail’s April recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding academic accomplishments.

Rohlfing, a senior, was recognized SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing during the April 28 District 88 Board of Education meeting. The award recognizes nine Addison Trail and nine Willowbrook students each school year for reaching their personal best in various areas. Recipients are honored during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in one of the following areas: academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work or performing arts/electives.

They receive an 88’s Best glass sculpture and a certificate to a local restaurant.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 9

Montini Catholic announces Class of 2025 Valedictorian, Salutatorian Merit Commended tini at the VEX Worlds RoLombard tional Student honors. Conor was botics Championship. also named a National Merit Conor, a graduate of SaScholarship Semi-Finalist. cred Catholic grade resident earns Both seniors are members schoolHeart in Lombard, earned Montini’s National Honor academic all-conference Salutatorian ofSociety (NHS) with Conor honors and the IHSA Schoserving as president and lastic Recognition Award Matthew, treasurer of the for his participation in cross honors 2024-25 chapter. country and track and field.

He also serves his fellow students as a Peer Minister and is a member of the Spanish Club, History Club and Lasallian Youth.

Matthew, a graduate of St. Isidore Parish School in Bloomingdale, is also a member of the Spanish Club.

He also is or has been a member of Montini’s Chess Club, Flight Club, Computer Club and History Club during his time at Montini.

Matthew will be majoring in mechanical engineering at Northwestern University in the fall and Conor will be majoring in mathematics at Marquette University.

Montini Catholic will honor Matthew and Conor at its 56th annual commencesubmitted PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing ment Mass and celebration Conor Kaefer (left) of Lombard and Matthew Silveyra (right) were recently named on Sunday, May 18 in the Salutatorian and Valedictorian, respectively, of Montini Catholic’s Class of 2025. school’s field house.

McKenna named 88’s Best for April

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Willowbrook High School senior Natalie McKenna was recently honored as her school’s recipient of the 88’s Best award for the month of April. McKenna, who is a Lombard resident, was recognized during the District 88 Board of Education’s April 28 meeting. She is pictured (right) at that meeting with Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause (left). During the meeting, Krause read comments from some of McKenna’s teachers, who described her as thoughtful, diligent, reflective, engaged, respectful, kind and compassionate. McKenna is an academic standout in Willowbrook’s Class of 2025. She has completed 12 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and an Illinois State Scholar.

McKenna has been named to Willowbrook’s Distinction Honor Roll during each semester of her time in high school.

She is a member of multiple honor societies, including the National Honor Society and the English, math, science, world language honor societies. She’s also a co-president of the Tri-M music honor society, and the president of Willowbrook’s social studies honor society—Civitas. McKenna was a four-year member of Willowbrook’s orchestra as a violist.

Submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing She was also a member of the school’s Scholastic Bowl, Science Olympiad and Econ Challenge teams. As she continues her academic career, McKenna will study neuroscience. She plans to eventually go to medical school and become a neurologist.

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Florida man charged with leading police on high-speed chase

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

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JULY 4 SWIM

Noon-5 p.m. | July 4 Register in Bensenville Water Park calling advance by

DuPage County when the officer located the vehiState’s Attorney cle, later determined to be driven by Robert Berlin and Castro, Castro put his car in reverse Villa Park Chief and proceeded southbound on Route of Police Michael 83. It is alleged that as the officer Rivas announced pursued, Castro reached speeds of that bond has approximately 107 mph in a 45-mph been set for a zone and disobeyed three traffic Florida man aclights. cused of leading Omar Castro It is alleged that near 16th Street, police on a high-speed chase.

Castro completed a U-turn and conOmar Castro, 22, appeared at a tinued driving northbound on Route bond hearing where Judge Michael 83 reaching speeds of approximateReidy set bond at $100,000. ly 100 mph in a 35-mph construcCastro is charged with two counts tion zone, at which time the pursuof aggravated fleeing and eluding a ing officer lost sight of the vehicle. police officer (Class 4 felony) and A short time later, the vehicle multiple misdemeanor and petty was located abandoned in a school traffic offenses including two counts parking lot. Officers responded to of aggravated speeding in a con- the school parking and at approxstruction zone, reckless driving and imately 8:42 p.m., located Castro driving while license suspended, all approximately one block away from Class A misdemeanors. the school. He was then taken into On Thursday, June 22 at approx- custody after a brief struggle with imately 8:28 p.m., an Elmhurst po- the officers. lice officer responded to a call of a Castro’s next court appearance is stolen motor vehicle near Route 83 scheduled July 27 for arraignment and North Avenue. It is alleged that in front of Judge Telander.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Bensenville Independent

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

County sheriff investigating Juneteenth shooting incident

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

SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent

‘Joe the Barber’ honored by Village

Joe Benedetti, known as “Joe the Barber,” recently retired after 50 years of serving the Addison community. The owner of Joe’s Hair Styling Unisex at 611 W. Lake Street was honored by the Village of Addison at a Board meeting on Monday, June 5, where he received a Proclamation in honor of his 50 years in business. Nearly 100 community members attended the meeting to congratulate him.

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

multiple weapons into a large crowd tified as 31-year-old father of two returned immediately to the celebra- time again, gun violence is a public No arrests have been made as of at around 12:30 a.m. during a gather- Reggie Meadows, died after suffer- tion. health emergency in this country and press time in connection with a mass ing to commemorate Juneteenth held ing a gunshot wound to the abdomen. “Out of nowhere, there was a ma- I remain committed to banning these shooting at a strip mall in unincorpo- in the parking lot at the mall, located Deputy Chief Eric Swanson of the jor gunfight for like 30 seconds,” dangerous weapons and making our rated DuPage County near Willow- near Honeysuckle Lane and Route DuPage County Sheriff’s Office said eyewitness Bartosz Majerczyk told state safer for everyone.” brook early Sunday morning, June 83. in a news conference Sunday, June ABC 7 Eyewitness News. “I’d say, Meadows was described as a “de18, the day designated as Juneteenth. Approximately 23 people were 18 that at least two other victims 60 plus rounds. You could tell it was voted father whose life was tragicalThe DuPage County Sheriff’s wounded by gunfire. Victims were were in critical condition. two different groups of people shoot- ly taken from us amidst a Juneteenth Office said an unknown number of taken to hospitals in DuPage, Cook “The motive behind this incident ing at each other.” celebration” on a GoFundMe page suspects fired multiple rounds from and Will counties. One man, iden- is unclear,” Swanson said. “This is Another witness, who said she was set up to provide support to his two still an active investigation.” at the celebration, told ABC 7 Eye- young children, RJ and Gabby.

“We are working around the clock witness News “everybody started Meadows was “a beacon of love to bring those responsible to justice,” running” when the gunfire erupted. and strength, who fell victim to a the sheriff’s office said in a recent “There was a man,” she said. “He devastating crossfire incident that post on Twitter, urging anyone with fell on top of me. He had a gunshot shattered the peace and joy of what information to call 630-407-2343. wound to his leg. It was like some- should have been a day of celebration.

The Juneteenth celebration started thing you can’t imagine.” at around 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17. In a statement, Governor JB Pritz- “Amidst the chaos, Reggie tragiAccording to the Daily Herald, DuP- ker said he is closely monitoring the cally lost his life, leaving an indelible mark of grief on his family and comage County Sheriff’s deputies had shooting. been monitoring the celebration, but “Gathering for a holiday celebra- munity. Our thoughts and prayers go responded to a 911 call of a fight that tion should be a joyful occasion, not out to the other victims who were had broken out nearby. a time when gunfire erupts and fami- injured, as we mourn the loss of While deputies were investigating lies are forced to run for safety,” Gov. Reggie, a remarkable individual who that call, they heard gunshots and Pritzker said. “As I’ve said time and touched the lives of many.”

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

Graduation Play at theday plate at Willowbrook

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while at- lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s loss to post an 11-2 win in Saturday’s game at tempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South. Rugg tried Hinsdale Central. The Warriors bashed three home runs in the second inning of SatCHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa ParkSilver Review West Suburban to score from second base on a single by sophomore Katelyn Cox in the top of urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the Conference.

Senior Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and that sophomore theWillowbrook second inning, the game tiedcelebrated at 2-2. Downers Grove South’swith catcher Highwhen School’s Class was of 2021 its commencement two ceremony that beganAnnemarie at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony started Kayleigh the home Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the tagged Rugg out at home for the third out of theon inning.

Themorning.

Mustangs separate ceremonies in theplate school’s main gymnasium Sunday Thewent en- at 11 a.m. Dennison The photoprovided shows members of runs. the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing background of the above photo. more aboutsee thePage Warriors, on to defeat the Warriors 7-3students. in the West Suburban contest. Wiltire class includes over 470 About half ofGold thoseConference students attended the during the day’s first service.

ForFor more photos, 4. see page 14.

Arbor Day in Villa Park

Memorial Day in Villa Park Receive a digital copy of your hometown newspaper every week with an eSubscription for only $35 a year.

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PoliceReports ..........6 14 Reports............4 ..........8 Classifieds................10 Sports.................... ....................17 16 Reports ..........8 Sports Police Police Legal Notices ......... 15 Speak Classifieds..............13 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..........17-18 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..............16 Puzzles ......................9 Out................8 PRSRT STD PRSRTSTD STD PRSRT PRSRT STD US POSTAGE POSTAGE USUSUSPOSTAGE POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID PAID ROCK VALLEY ROCKVALLEY VALLEY ROCK ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC PUBLISHINGLLC LLC PUBLISHING PUBLISHING LLC

Departing Mariners LOW INVENTORY!

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

The Village of Villa Park observed Arbor Day with a tree planting on Friday, April 30. Pictured (left to right) at the tree planting at the village’s Franklin Park, located at 218 N. Third Ave., are: Villa Park Village your local agent Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns CommisThe Margaret Villa Park Mariners recognized six Villa departing swimmers during Saturday’s meetVilla against sion, Schiefer—a membertheir of the Park “senior” Environmental Concerns Commission, Park Hanover Park at Jefferson Pool.Villa Pictured to right at the end of the meet—Villa final home meet(and of Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Parkleft Village President Albert Bulthuis, VillaPark’s Park Village Trustee Contact me for aRoscoe, the season—are: (front row) Grace Harper Conboy Knudtson; (back Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone andCaitlin LeslieO’Connor, Allison-Seei—chair of theand VillaGabby Park Community Pride 630-514-9961 complementary row) Alexander Dean and Simon Luedtke.

All ofFriday the pictured Mariners areNational members of Willowbrook High Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Warson (VFW) Post 2801 held its Memorial Day service onDay Monday mornCommission.

Arbor Day is observed thesix last of each April.

The Arbor Foundation 630-514-9961 School’s ClassVeterans of Villa 2023.

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

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

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

Conboy,because who hasofbeen member of the Mariners ceremony.

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

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

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

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

October 2020.

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

KATE KATE DRURY DRURY

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

There’s no waiting for your home delivery.

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

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

The Lombardian, Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent and Villa Park Review Rock Valley Publishing 240 N. West Ave., Suite B Elmhurst, IL 60126 Phone: 630.834.8244

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Published by

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Affordable health screenings coming to Elmhurst Residents living in and around the Elmhurst area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.

Clarion Inn Hotel will host this community event on Friday, June 6.

The hotel is located at 933 S Riverside Drive in Elmhurst.

Screenings can check for: • The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular

1

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

377325

Both also dedicate their service to fellow students as NHS Peer Tutors. Matthew and Conor are members of the Spanish Honor Society and Matthew earned an Commendation Toward Biliteracy Award this spring.

Both achieved admission into Montini Catholic’s Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society—Matthew is president and Conor is vice president of the society.

Both are also members of Montini’s Math Team, helping the Broncos secure a sixth-place state finish this spring.

Matthew is a member of Montini’s Robotics team and Conor was a member up until his senior year.

Both Matthew and Conor traveled to Dallas, Texas, last spring to represent Mon-

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Montini Catholic High School announced its 2025 Valedictorian during its 28th annual Academic Awards Banquet on May 1.

Matthew Silveyra earned Valedictorian honors and Conor Kaefer of Lombard earned Salutatorian accolades.

Both young men have been very academically accomplished students throughout their four years at Montini, with each receiving the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and Illinois State Scholar honors during their senior year.

Earlier in the school year, both Matthew and Conor were named Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction (scoring a 3.5 or higher on all AP Exams taken) and both earned Na-

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Worship Services

471821

Page 10

Directory

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

First Congregational UCC 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst, IL

630-832-2580

547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148

630-627-2435

Invites you to a Memorial Sunday Service On May 25th at 10 AM

Lent and Services SundayEaster Worship at 10:15 am

at 7 p.m.

Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am Ladies “The Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm Crucial Hours” Second LentenWednesday Service March Service at 7pm9, 2022 Rev. David “Satan Has Asked to Sift All ofService You” AdultErnest Bible Study Wednesdays after Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26 Saturday, May 24, Game Night at 4 pm

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

Welcome to

Fifth ST. Lenten Service March 30, 2022 PIUS X CATHOLIC COMMUNITY Rev. Tom Nicholson Diocese of Joliet “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12

Worship with Us!

SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE

SATURDAY: 5:00 PM (VIGIL MASS) April 6, 2022 7:00 PM (ESPAÑOL)

Saturdays 5:30pm Sundays 9:30am

of Legality” SUNDAY:“The 8:00Semblance AM & 10:00 AM

Luke 22:66

WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE

All are Welcome!

MONDAY - FRIDAY & FIRST SATURDAY: 8:30 AM ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m.,- PRAYER April CHAPEL 14

Sunday services are live streamed on our website.

MONDAY - THURSDAY 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Good Friday Tenebrae 15 SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION7( p.m., ENGLISHApril & ESPAÑOL) Easter Sunrise

SATURDAY: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT

6:30 a.m., April 17

Easter Festival

10:15 a.m., April 17

471665

for as low as $20 per week Call Brenda at 630-834-4450 or Betty at 630-627-7010

Weekend Weekend Masses: Masses: Saturday: Saturday: 4 PM 4 PM (Vigil) (Vigil) Sunday: Sunday: 7:30,7:30, 9:309:30 & 11:30 & 11:30 AM AM and and 6 PM 6 PM Daily Daily Masses: Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:156:15 and and 8:158:15 AM AM Monday—Friday: Saturday: Saturday: 8:158:15 AM AM

470939

8 a.m., April 17

471708

Parish Office: 1025 E. Madison Street • (630) 627-4526 • www.stpiuslombard.org

Easter Breakfast

Children’s Sunday School, Childcare and Adult Opportunities Available

779 S. 779 York S. York Street Street Elmhurst, Elmhurst, IL IL 630-834-6700 630-834-6700 www.visitationparish.org www.visitationparish.org

Confessions: Confessions: Saturday: Saturday: 3-3:45PM 3-3:45PM Adoration: Adoration: Parish Parish Center Center Eucharist Eucharist Chapel Chapel 24/724/7

470670

Sixth Lenten Service Rev. Phil Schupmann Resurrection, Aurora

Be a part of the Worship Services Directory 469022

March 23, 2022 “I Will Keep the Passover” Matthew 26:18

470618

Fourth Lenten Service Rev. Jonathan Bergemann Good Shepherd, Downers Grove

470925

Everyone is Welcome!

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022 Rev. Paul Spaude All services “Whatare to Remember When Your are live streamed.

St. Matthews,Watch Niles on our website orSeized with Remorse” on Facebook. sainttimothy.org Matthew 27:3-4

Featuring “K9s for Veterans”

This organization provides trained service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD. They also supply free food and basic medical care for the life of the service of the service dogs. A voluntary offering will be taken to donate to this amazing organization. Special music will pay tribute to our veterans. Refreshments to follow in the church parlor.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 11

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Happy 96th birthday!

On Thursday, April 24, York Township Supervisor John W. Valle surprised Shirley Kresz with a birthday cake to celebrate her 96th birthday. Shirley is a Lombard resident and regular at the York Township Senior Nutrition Center, 1502 S. Meyers Road in Lombard. After a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” led by Valle the cake was cut and shared as dessert at Shirley’s request. Valle said, “We wish Shirley Kresz a happy and healthy birthday. She is a regular here at York Township Senior Center and we wanted to show her how much we care.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Lilac Time at the library

Now through Saturday, May 31, Helen Plum Library and the Lombard Historical Society are showcasing the original hand-painted 1930s Lilac Time posters by Chicago artist Charles Medin. Don’t miss this glimpse into Lombard’s history in the Library Hub and on the second floor.

DHS Secretary’s Illinois stop on immigration laws called ‘publicity stunt’ Kristi Noem invokes murder of local activist while bashing Pritzker during 2-hour visit

By Ben Szalinski and Jade Aubrey CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Two hours in the state capital was enough for U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to criticize Illinois’ immigration laws and its governor while invoking the 2023 murder of a local progressive activist.

Her short visit May 7 largely served as an opportunity for an official from President Donald Trump’s cabinet to take photos highlighting immigration policies in a Democrat-run state.

Noem visited a DHS office where she briefly spoke with two people being processed for deportation and then held a news conference with family members of people murdered by noncitizens.

To illustrate her point, Noem held the news conference on the same block where Springfield progressive activist Emma Shafer was murdered in 2023. Shafer was allegedly stabbed by her partner at their Springfield home.

“She lost her life to an illegal alien that’s still out, at large, probably in this state,” Noem said at a news conference in Springfield. “We can’t confirm that because the local law enforcement

and the state law enforcement are barred by state law, with the support of Gov. (JB) Pritzker, from sharing any information.”

The suspect in the case has not been arrested and Springfield police said last year the man, a Mexican national, may have fled the country.

Noem’s remarks appalled one of Shafer’s friends who was protesting near the news conference and said Shafer would be advocating for immigrants.

“Emma Shafer would have never supported Trump’s policies and would have never supported what Kristi Noem had to say,” Francesca Butler told Capitol News Illinois. “Emma would want Kristi to know we should lead with compassion and humility.”

Noem said she was not in contact with Shafer’s family and was unaware they were at another site protesting her visit.

Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said the Republican lawmakers at the news conference didn’t know Shafer was going to be mentioned, but “you have to mention all the people that have been killed by people that shouldn’t have been here.”

Democratic lawmakers and immigration activists protested Noem’s visit outside the Governor’s Mansion and Capitol Building.

State law does not protect people in Illinois from deportation.

Federal officers under Noem’s leadership can still make arrests and deport people in Illinois. Under the 2017 TRUST Act signed

by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, Illinois law enforcement is prohibited from arresting a person based solely on their immigration status and in most cases, cannot assist immigration officials with detaining people based on immigration status, according to the Illinois Attorney General’s office.

“This governor has bragged about Illinois being a firewall against President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda, and it is very clear that he is violating the constitution of the United States because it is a federal law that the federal government set and enforce immigration policies,” Noem said.

Noem claimed Illinois laws make the state less safe, citing a series of crimes committed by people in the U.S. illegally.

“Governors like JB

Pritzker don’t care if gang bangers, rapists and pedophiles roam free in this state,” she said. “If they are here illegally, he’s going to protect them.”

Pritzker slammed the visit as a “publicity stunt” and said Illinois complies with federal immigration laws.

“Trump-Noem publicity stunts do not make our communities safer or our immigration system smarter,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Illinois doesn’t need to abuse power or ignore the Constitution to keep our people safe. Like the millions of Americans asking for sensible, humane immigration reform, I encourage the Secretary to spend less time performing for Fox News and more time protecting the Homeland.”

Pritzker has repeatedly said he supports the federal government deporting people who are illegally in the country if they are convicted of violent crimes.

Republicans are continuing to call for the TRUST Act to be repealed—unlikely in the Democrat-controlled legislature.

“These are crimes that the state could have prevented, had the option to prevent them, and decided not to,” McClure said.

Noem’s first stop in Springfield was a federal field office where Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials were processing two men.

Noem spoke with ICE officers and one of the two men who were being held in the room while their fingerprints were being scanned.

The ICE officer told her that the men were from Guatemala and would eventually be deported because they were illegally in the U.S. Noem asked one of the men a series of questions, including whether he was aware he was being detained and would ultimately be deported, and if he had family in Guatemala. He responded yes to both questions. When an ICE officer told Noem that the man had also been charged with battery, she asked him whether he knew what he was being charged for, to which he replied that he did not understand the question.

Noem’s visit also comes a day after Pritzker agreed to testify next month to the U.S. House Oversight Committee about Illinois’ immigration policies. The Republican-led committee plans to probe Pritzker, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

about “policies that shield criminal illegal aliens from immigration enforcement,” according to a news release.

Noem’s visit also comes less than a week after President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice sued Illinois for the second time over state laws aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants.

In February, the U.S. Department of Justice sued over Illinois’ 2017 “sanctuary state” law. Last week, the Trump administration sued Illinois again, this time over Illinois’ new requirement that employers notify workers whose U.S. employment eligibility is flagged when run through the federal E-Verify system, which compares workers’ employment eligibility federal form I-9 with other federal databases.

Illinois law now requires employers to inform workers of their rights to correct their I-9 forms, if flagged

by E-Verify as a possible undocumented immigrant, and of impending worksite inspections from ICE. The feds allege the law “disincentivizes” employers from using E-Verify and “encourages unlawful employment of aliens in the United States.”

PUZZLE Page Page 12

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

SUDOKU

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

Answers on page 26

CLUES ACROSS 1. Two-person German submarine 6. 60-minute intervals (abbr.)

9. Database management system 13. Vertical position 14. American jazz singer Irene 15. Ancient Greek City 16. Former Senate Majority Leader Harry 17. Japanese seaport 18. Self-immolation by fire ritual 19. Assigns tasks 21. Beloved type of cigar 22. Discounts 23. Cambodian communist leader Pot 24. Important football position 25. Kilometers per hour 28. Lentil 29. Extremely angry 31. Yellow-flowered European plant 33. American state 36. Some are made by rabbits 38. Express with a head movement 39. Affair 41. Cured 44. Youth organization 45. 18-year astronomical period 46. Automobile 48. Focus a shot 49. The NFL’s big game (abbr.)

51. Mouth 52. Infections 54. Curved pieces of a horse collar 56. Shameless 60. Assist in escaping 61. Capuchin monkey genus 62. Cold wind 63. Retired Brazilian NBAer 64. Tropical Old World tree 65. Bulgarian city 66. Speak indistinctly

67. Soviet Socialist Republic

68. Between-meal sustenance CLUES DOWN 1. Not soft 2. Sharp-pointed dueling sword 3. Line a roof 4. Greek god of the underworld 5. Software 6. Large-headed elongated fishes 7. Shag rugs 8. Type of whale 9. Lacking a plan 10. Spill the beans 11. Some is “heavy” 12. One who has been canonized 14. Indicate times 17. Greeting 20. Broadway actor Josh 21. Seashore 23. Indicates before 25. Electrical power unit

26. Destitute 27. Drags forcibly 29. Impropriety 30. Word forms 32. Equal to 10 meters 34. Neither 35. Computer language 37. Practice of aging film or TV characters (abbr.)

40. A woolen cap of Scottish origin 42. A promise 43. Challenges 47. Official 49. People living in Myanmar 50. Notable tower 52. Type of sword 53. Vaccine developer 55. Listing 56. Summertime insects 57. Concluding passage 58. Guitarist Clapton 59. Damp and musty 61. Central nervous system 65. Against

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 13 471822

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Making Your WEDDING DAY SPECIAL The responsibilities of wedding party members A couple’s wedding day is one they will never forget. Guests’ focus is squarely on the happy couple on the day they’re set to make their union official.

However, happy couples are not the only ones with important roles to play during a wedding.

Being asked to be in a wedding is a unique honor. With that honor comes responsibility, as each person in a wedding party can do their own part to ensure a couple’s wedding day is a success.

Maid or matron of honor A maid of honor and matron of honor perform the same functions. The terms are simply unique because a maid of honor refers to a person who has not yet gotten married, while the term matron of honor is used for a person who has gotten married. Some brides choose a man to serve as man of honor.

Whatever title is appropriate, the person who serves in this capacity will help the bride plan the wedding, including being there to offer insight when shopping for a wedding dress.

This person also may coordinate the bachelorette party and periodically speak with bridesmaids to ensure everyone is on schedule. The maid of honor will typically give a bridal toast during the reception.

Best man Don’t let the title fool you, as many couples now choose to have a best woman.

Like the maid of honor, the best man (or woman) may be asked to help with wedding planning and is typically tasked with organizing the bachelor party and toasting the groom during the reception.

The best man also can help to ensure groomsmen are on schedule with tuxedo fittings.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen

rings down the aisle.

Bridesmaids stand beside the bride during the wedding ceremony. They can help with planning and help to resolve any last-minute issues that may arise on the big day, such as a vendor arriving late.

Groomsmen stand next to the groom during the ceremony and may be asked to help the best man plan the bachelor party.

Both bridesmaids and groomsmen also may be asked to help host events leading up to the big day, such as a shower or engagement party.

Parents of the couple

Ring bearer/flower girl The roles of ring bearer and flower girl are typically filled by young relatives of the couple, such as nieces, nephews or cousins.

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The custom of the bride’s parents paying the entire bill has largely fallen by the wayside, as many modern couples now pay for their own weddings.

If they want to contribute, parents can offer to pay for the engagement party and/or rehearsal dinner, but such generosity is not expected of them.

Serving in a wedding party is a unique and humbling honor. The roles of each person in the party vary, and party members who want to do their best for the couple can study up on their responsibilities in advance of the big day.

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Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Sports

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 17

Rams reel off five wins to improve to 18-8 overall Four Upstate Eight Conference wins push Glenbard East to 14-1 in conference action

The Glenbard East baseball team won five straight games last week to raise its overall season record to 18-8. The Rams earned four of those five wins in Upstate Eight Conference play to move their conference record to 14-1.

Glenbard East began the week with a 13-3 conference win at Riverside Brookfield on May 5. One day later, the Rams rallied to beat the Bulldogs 3-2 in Lombard. The Rams defeated Larkin 11-3 in a May 7 conference contest in Elgin. The Rams earned their fourth conference win in as many days with a 10-0 triumph over the Elgin Maroons in Lombard on May 8. The Rams completed the week with Saturday’s 7-6 10-inning non-conference home win over Naperville North.

Senior John Murphy went 4-for-4 and drove in two runs for the Rams in their May 5 victory at Riverside Brookfield. Junior Josh Ziemer went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Senior Connor Peckham went 3-for-4 and drove in one run. Seniors Horacio Solis and Devin Kraft contributed two hits each for Glenbard East.

Senior Konrad Toth pitched a complete game for the Rams in their May 5 win.

Toth allowed four hits and didn’t give up any walks in seven innings on the mound.

He recorded four strikeouts.

The Rams trailed Riverside Brookfield 2-1 going into the bottom of the seventh inning of the May 6 game in Lombard. Ziemer singled to lead off the bottom of the seventh inning. Kraft then delivered a bunt single down the firstbase line. The next batter— Peckham—connected for an RBI single that drove in senior Corey Marshall (who ran for Ziemer) to even the score at 2-2. The Bulldogs then intentionally walked senior Ryan Frano to load the bases.

Junior Justin Kay stepped to the plate and walked, allowing Kraft to trot home to score the game-winning run and close out the victory.

Frano pitched the first six innings of the May 6 game.

He piled up 12 strikeouts and allowed one hit, four walks and no earned runs. Senior Brian Kud pitched a scoreless frame in the top of the seventh inning and picked up the win for the Rams. Kud struck out one batter and issued one walk. He did not give up any hits.

Ziemer, Kraft and senior Paulie Steiskal connected for two hits each in the Rams’ May 7 win over the Royals of Larkin in Elgin. Steiskal and senior Hank Schendel drove in two runs each.

Glenbard East junior Nile Anderson pitched the first six innings of last week’s game at Larkin. He notched 11 strike-

outs while allowing no earned runs, one hit and two walks.

Junior Lucas Calderin pitched a scoreless seventh inning to close out the Rams’ win over the Royals. Calderin didn’t allow any hits or walks. He struck out one batter.

Kraft went 3-for-4 and scored three runs in the Rams’ 10-0 five-inning win over Elgin on May 8. Junior Jayden Phistry pitched a complete game for Glenbard East. Phistry didn’t give up any hits in five innings on the mound. He issued six walks and recorded eight strikeouts.

The Rams and Naperville North were tied at 5-5 after seven innings of Saturday’s contest. Each team scored one run in the eighth inning. Neither team scored in the ninth inning. Junior Carter Hoovel of the Rams delivered the game-winning hit with a twoout RBI single in the bottom of the tenth inning.

Peckham, Frano and Calderin supplied two hits each in Saturday’s win. Senior Michael Ruzycki picked up the win for Glenbard East by pitching two scoreless innings in relief. Ruzycki didn’t allow any hits or walks. He struck out two batters.

The Rams’ schedule this week includes a non-conference home game against Machesney Park’s Harlem High School, along with a conference battle at East Aurora.

Milestone achievement

Senior Annika Bartell of Montini Catholic High School’s girls lacrosse team scored the 300th goal of her varsity career last week. Bartell, a fouryear varsity player with the Broncos, notched her 300th goal during her team’s 18-2 home victory over Neuqua Valley on May 5 in Lombard. Junior Miley Brunski scored a team-leading six goals in Montini’s win over the visiting Wildcats. Bartell, who will play lacrosse at the Division I level at Manhattan University in New York City, supplied five goals. Senior Ava Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing Sebben contributed four goals. Brunski (No. 14), Bartell (No. 33) and Sebben (No. 34) are pictured left to right after the victory. Junior Sofie Blackmore added two goals, while freshman Nicole Castaldo delivered one goal. Two days after beating Neuqua Valley, Montini defeated Fenwick 17-6 in Lombard. Brunski and Sebben scored eight goals each for the Broncos in their May 7 victory over the Friars. Bartell added one goal. Montini’s overall season record fell to 7-10 following Friday’s 16-7 loss at Lake Forest.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Glenbard East’s baseball team won five games in a six-day span last week to improve its overall season record to 18-8. The Rams earned Upstate Eight Conference victories over Riverside Brookfield on May 5 and May 6. Glenbard East trailed the Bulldogs 2-1 going into the bottom of the seventh inning of the May 6 contest in Lombard. Junior Josh Ziemer of Glenbard East singled to lead off the bottom of the seventh inning. Senior Devin Kraft then reached base on a bunt single. Kraft is pictured (above) as he leaves the batter’s box after executing that bunt. The next batter—senior Connor Peckham (No. 5 - right)—delivered a single that drove in a run to tie the score at 2-2. After Riverside Brookfield intentionally walked senior Ryan Frano, junior Justin Kay drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in Kraft and close out the Rams’ 3-2 victory. Glenbard East’s winning week continued with an 11-3 conference win at Larkin on May 7, followed by a 10-0 conference home victory over Elgin on May 8. The Rams moved their conference record to 14-1 with their triumph over Elgin.

Glenbard East closed out the week with Saturday’s 7-6 non-conference home win over Naperville North.

The Rams and Huskies were tied at 6-6 with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning of Saturday’s contest when Glenbard East junior Carter Hoovel lashed a run-scoring single to end the game.

Page 18

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Five Rams qualify for the state badminton meet

Five members of the Glenbard East badminton team will play in this week’s IHSA state meet at DeKalb High School. The five Rams earned their spots in the state meet at the Hinsdale Central Sectional on May 8. Glenbard East’s doubles duo of seniors Kaitlyn Kelly and Caitlin Rossi qualified for the state meet after delivering a thirdplace finish at the sectional. Kelly and Rossi won their first two sectional matches before dropping their next match. They then posted a 15-21, 21-16, 21-19 victory. The Rams’ sophomore doubles tandem of Betsy Facchini and Daniela Romero advanced to the state meet after placing fourth in the sectional. Glenbard East senior Ren Manning earned a berth in the state meet with her fourth-place finish in the sectional’s singles competition. The top four singles and doubles finishers in each of the state’s 16 sectionals qualified for the state meet, which will take place this Friday and Saturday, May 16-17. Pictured (left to right) after the sectional at Hinsdale Central are: Facchini, Romero, Kelly, Rossi and Manning. Hinsdale Central won the team title at the seven-team sectional with 12.5 points. Glenbard East placed second with 10.5 points. Glenbard South claimed third with 7.5 points.

Rams pick up two conference wins

The Glenbard East girls soccer team earned two Upstate Eight Conference East Division victories last week.

The Rams defeated Riverside Brookfield 2-1 in a conference match in Lombard on May 5.

Five days later, Glenbard East posted a 3-0 conference win at Fenton. The Rams moved to 7-8-3 overall and 4-0-2 in conference play following Saturday’s triumph over Fenton. Sophomore Teagan Murphy (No. 14) scored both of Glenbard East’s goals in last week’s win over Riverside Brookfield. Junior Paige Goldsmith assisted Murphy’s second goal of that match.

One day after beating the Bulldogs, the Rams traveled to West Chicago and battled the Wildcats to a scoreless tie in a conference match. To CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing help determine conference standings, the two teams tangled in a penalty-kick shootout at the end of the contest. West Chicago prevailed in the shootout. The Rams suffered a 4-0 loss to South Elgin in Friday’s non-conference match in Lombard. Murphy is pictured during Friday’s battle. Sophomore Sam Anderson, junior Nora Opila and junior Lily Tripp scored one goal each in Saturday’s win at Fenton.

Goldsmith assisted Opila’s goal against the Bison. Opila provided an assist on Tripp’s goal. The Rams are completing their regular season this week. Glenbard East will open IHSA Class 3A post-season play by facing St. Charles North in a semifinal match at the St. Charles North Regional on May 19.

The Rams claim two conference wins

Glenbard East’s boys volleyball team won two Upstate Eight Conference matches last week to improve to 15-10 overall and 4-0 in conference action.

The Rams earned a 25-9, 25-19 win at Ridgewood on May 6. Two days later, Glenbard East beat Elmwood Park 25-12, 25-22 in Lombard. Sophomore Gloire Emena hit eight kills and made five digs in last week’s victory at Ridgewood. Junior Gabe Polyak provided four kills and five CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing digs. Junior Nate Lynch pounded seven kills, while Ryan Ghannem (below) Glenbard East’s softball team won one of three Up- bashed five kills. Senior state Eight Conference games last week. The Rams Max McDermott handopened the week with a 10-4 conference win over Glen- ed out 15 assists for the bard South in Lombard on May 5. One day later, Riverside Rams, while junior CharBrookfield defeated Glenbard East 10-3 in a conference lie Cooper supplied seven contest in Lombard. The Rams lost a 3-2 home decision assists. Senior Joe Chamto South Elgin in a May 8 conference battle. The loss to bers provided 10 kills in the Storm of South Elgin moved Glenbard East’s con- Glenbard East’s May 8 ference record to 12-3. The Rams finished the week with win over Elmwood Park. two non-conference victories—Friday’s 12-3 home win Senior Nick Sommesi hit over Batavia and a 7-4 triumph over Glenbard West on nine kills, while Ghannem Saturday in Lombard. Glenbard East improved its over- (pictured while making a all season record to 17-4 with Saturday’s victory. Junior serve in the May 8 match) Reese Kuhlman of the Rams went 2-for-4 with a home delivered five kills. McDerrun and two runs batted in during last week’s win over mott (No. 9 - above) piled Glenbard South. Sophomore Lilly Carver went 2-for-3 up 19 assists. Senior Coowith two RBIs in the win over the Raiders. Junior Marley per Wooldridge knocked Szeluga also went 2-for-3 for Glenbard East. Sophomore two kills and made five Claire Bolda pitched six innings and earned the win digs. Junior Jake Hayes over Glenbard South. Bolda recorded six strikeouts. The supplied four digs and two visiting Bulldogs of Riverside Brookfield scored three aces. runs in the fifth inning of the May 6 contest to build a 3-1 lead over the Rams. Riverside Brookfield erupted for six runs in the sixth inning and tacked on one more run in the seventh inning. Sophomore Ally Amrhein hit a tworun home run for the Rams in the bottom of the seventh inning. Amrhein is pictured as she heads to meet her teammates at home plate after her home run over the left-field fence. Carver went 3-for-4 with a solo homer in last week’s loss to South Elgin. Carver hit the home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to cut the Storm’s lead to 3-2. Bolda amassed 11 strikeouts in the May 8 loss. Carver went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs in Friday’s win over Batavia. She bashed a two-run homer in the bottom of the third inning. Freshman Lorelai May pitched a complete game and earned the win in Friday’s game. May allowed six hits and one walk in seven innings. She recorded nine strikeouts. Amrhein, Carver and Szeluga homered during Saturday’s win over Glenbard West. Bolda recorded 12 strikeouts in seven innings in the circle.

Rounding the bases

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Warriors sweep Morton

The Willowbrook baseball team moved to 14-2 in West Suburban Gold Conference play after sweeping last week’s three-game conference series against Morton. The Warriors opened the series with a 13-3 road win on May 5. Willowbrook posted a 5-4 win at Morton one day later. The Warriors completed the series sweep with a 9-2 win in Villa Park on May 8. Willowbrook closed out the week with Saturday’s 4-2 home victory over Lyons Township in a non-conference contest. The Warriors’ overall season record stood at 22-6 after Saturday’s victory. Willowbrook junior Alek Ramey went 3-for-5 with two doubles and four runs batted in during the series opener against Morton. Senior Jesus Torres went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Senior Sam Marrese went 2-for-5 and drove in one run. Junior Noah Edison pitched six innings and earned the win for the Warriors. Edison recorded seven strikeouts.

He allowed two earned runs, three hits and two walks. Senior Vinny Ippolito went 3-for-3 and drove in one run in Willowbrook’s May 6 win over Morton. Torres went

Warriors’ doubles duo qualifies for state meet

Willowbrook High School’s doubles duo of (left to right) senior Hannah Daly and junior Maisie Thompson will compete in this week’s IHSA state badminton meet. The two Warriors earned a berth in the state meet’s doubles competition with their secondplace finish at the sectional at Naperville Central High School on May 8. Daly and Thompson won their first two matches at the sectional to advance to the championship round. The two Warriors earned their berth in the first-place match with a 9-21, 21-15, 21-19 victory over a Metea Valley tandem in the semifinal round. Daly and Thompson then lost 21-15, 2118 to another Metea Valley duo in the championship contest.

The top four singles players and the top four doubles teams from each of the state’s 16 sectionals qualified for the state meet, which will take place this Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing at DeKalb High School.

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 19

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

1-for-3 with two RBIs. Ramey provided a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning to cut Morton’s lead to 3-2. Torres hit a two-run single later in the inning to give the Warriors a 4-3 lead. Junior Bobby Biggs pitched five innings and earned the win for Willowbrook. Sophomore Michael Garner pitched the final two innings and picked up a save. Marrese, Ramey and Torres connected for two hits each in the Warriors’ May 8 home win over Morton. Ippolito (No. 14 - above right) went 1-for-3 and drove in two runs. Junior Luke Ranieri (No. 22 - above left) pitched six innings and earned the win in the series finale. Ranieri allowed two runs, seven hits and two walks. He recorded five strikeouts. Senior Ryan Adamczyk pitched a scoreless seventh inning to close out the win. Edison earned the win in Saturday’s contest with a complete-game effort. He allowed two runs, three hits and no walks while recording six strikeouts in seven innings. The Warriors will close out their conference season with two games at Leyden next week (on May 19 and May 22).

National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners announced Two Lombard residents named

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners.

The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors. These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the

academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

NMSC finances most of these single-payment National Merit $2,500 Scholarships. Corporations and company foundations that sponsor awards through NMSC help underwrite these scholarships with grants they provide in lieu of paying administrative fees. Donations made to NMSC’s President’s Fund also provide funding for some National Merit $2,500 Scholarships awards. Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

2025 National Merit Scholarship Competition This year’s National Merit Scholarship Program began in October 2023 when high school juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Last fall, the highest-scoring participants in each state, representing less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors, were named Semifinalists on a state-representational basis. More than 16,000 Semifinalists had an opportunity to continue in the competition. From the Semifinalist group, over 15,000 students met the very high academic standards and other requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. By the conclusion of the 2025 program, more than 6,930 Finalists will have earned the “Merit

See WINNERS, Page 20

Page 20

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

State revenue projections improve as economic uncertainty grows But legislature’s revenue estimate remains below Pritzker’s February proposal

By Ben Szalinski Capitol news Illinois

The General Assembly’s independent forecasting commission has improved revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year despite growing economic volatility.

That’s good news for state lawmakers who are in the final weeks of crafting the fiscal year 2026 budget set to take effect July 1. But the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s upward revision to its revenue forecast remains significantly more conservative than what Gov. JB Pritzker’s office projected when he proposed a budget in February.

COGFA’s latest update now projects $54.5 billion in rev-

enue in FY26 – $266 million more than the commission’s March projection, but still $471 million below the governor’s February projection for baseline revenues.

Pritzker has also proposed changes to raise an additional $492 million in revenue in FY26, although that number is not factored into the baseline revenue comparison.

COGFA is also projecting state revenue will increase by $317 million in the current fiscal year 2025 compared to its March projection. That means the state would finish the fiscal year at the end of June with $53.9 billion of revenue—above the $53.3 billion lawmakers budgeted for and $31 million more than the

governor’s office’s February forecast.

The projected revenue growth was driven by strong April income tax receipts.

April revenue was up $593 million compared to April 2024 and was driven by 20 percent growth in income tax receipts, thanks to higher capital gains and interest earnings last year. Corporate income taxes also grew by 6.6 percent for the month, even though the revenue source remains down 8.2 percent for the fiscal year.

But there are warning signs in several areas, according to COGFA. The commission lowered expectations for federal receipts for FY25 by 8.5 percent and 6.3 percent in FY26 because the state has been using a fund outside the typical General Revenue Fund for Medicaid-related expenses. That means reimbursements from the federal government to the state are not reflected in the state’s General Revenue Fund total.

The commission also

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

Themorning.

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

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Lunairi opens for business

Lunairi Boutique owner Karen Cruse and Village President Frank DeSimone hold the scissors to cut the ceremonial red ribbon at the new business that has opened at 13 W. Main St., Ste. 3 in Bensenville.

Joining them are members of the Bensenville Village Board and the Bensenville Chamber of Commerce.

Lunairi is a boutique with over 10 local artisans displaying their handmade products. They carry natural soaps, crystals, jewelry, keychains, shirts, flower arrangements, and more. They also offer weekly workshops such as candle-making, soap-making, painting, and more.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

Page 1

CHRIS FOX PHOTO PHOTO Villa Villa Park Park Review Review SUBMITTED SUBMITTED PHOTO Villa Park 390271 Review

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Getting wet to help Special Olympics Illinois athletes Memorial Day in FREE Villa Park

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

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Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns CommisTakE onE ..........6 14 Police Reports Reports ..........8 Police Sports......................8 ....................17 16 sion, Police ..........8 Sports ....................

Margaret Schiefer—a member of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park Opinion ...................4 Administrators and staff members from Willowbrook School joined members of the Villa Park KATE DRURY Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Villa Park Village PresidentHigh Albert Bulthuis, Villa Park Village Trustee (and Contact for Department tome takeNick part in a Saturday 2024 Law Enforcement TorchPark Run Polar Plunge for KATE DRURY Legal Notices ......... 15 Sports Classifieds..............13 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..........17-18 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..............16 Village President-Elect) Cuzzone andafternoon’s Leslie Allison-Seei—chair of the Villa Community Pride Speak out.................5 .........14, 15, 18 Police 630-514-9961

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

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

ForFor more photos, 4.

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Photos with the Bunny Games . Crafts . Inflatables

also serving wood dale

VOL. 21 • NO. 14

Special Olympics Illinois.

Participants the took aof brief plunge in an National outdoor pond atDay theFoundation Oak Brook Villa complementary Park Veterans of Foreign Warsin (VFW) Post 2801 held itsApril.

Memorial Day service on Monday mornCommission.

Arbor Day is observed on theevent last Friday each The Arbor 630-514-9961 Bath and Tennis Club.

The plungers caught aCommander break from Mother onis Saturday, when temperatures ing Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park.

Post Jim pictured bowing his recognihead as kdrury@atproperties.com hasatrecognized Villa Park with Tree City USA designation forBlankshain 36Nature straight years.

To receive that reached the mid-50s.

The have Polar is Hendrickson a fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois athletes.

Theend team that Willowbrook High School students and Anna Seelbach sounda taps at the ofcomthe kdrury@atproperties.com tion, a community must aPlunge tree Lily board or department, a tree-care ordinance, comprehensive of your home!! included members of the Villa Park Police Department and Willowbrook/District staff raised over $2,500. ceremony.

The post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled because of the88 COVID-19 pandemic.

This munity forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

Pictured left to rightincluded before taking the of plunge on Saturday are: Willowbrook Principal Danrecently Krause, died.

Villa year’s observance a reading the names of the Post 2801 members who have Park Police OfficerWorld Kordell Willowbrook School Resource Officer as Ernie Villa Park Police That list included War II veteran Charles “Sid” Bergh, who served thePerez, master of ceremonies I would toKitching, help!

Detective D.J. annual Giammarino, Willowbrook dean students Malcolm Ross, of Willowbrook special education of the post’s Memorial Day service forofseveral years.

A veteran the U.S. Navy, Bergh died in teacher andold.

Willowbrook assistant to student services Yesenia OctoberNiklas 2020. Zimmermann He was 94 years Bergh was the post’s last surviving World War Ocana.

II veteran.

75¢ Federal judge60¢ sets trial date for State Sen. Tom Cullerton--Page 4

VOL. 21 • NO. 14

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also blaring more warnings.

Wells Fargo modeling projects stagflation from tariffs and an increase in inflation will cause an economic downturn, while Goldman Sachs’ early April projection pegs the likelihood of a recession at 45 percent.

“The U.S. economy has entered a precarious phase, with early signs of contraction and rising inflation signaling the potential onset of stagflation,” Varner wrote.

“While domestic demand and business investment remain relatively strong, they are being overshadowed by external shocks—particularly the surge in imports ahead of tariff implementation. The policy-driven volatility is already weighing on forecasts and investor confidence.”

The governor’s proposed $55.2 billion FY26 budget is based on a December S&P Global forecast that projected stable economic growth and considered some of Trump’s proposed economic policies, including tariffs and tax cut extensions, Pritzker budget office director Alexis Sturm said told a legislative committee in February.

• Winners

(Continued from page 19) Scholar” title and received a total of nearly $26 million in college scholarships. NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was founded in 1955 specifically to conduct the National Merit Scholarship Program.

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ic reports have indicated the U.S. added more jobs than expected in April, but the nation’s gross domestic product declined by 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first quarter of economic regression since 2022. Personal consumption grew by 1.8 percent, showing consumers overall aren’t yet cutting back, but it was the slowest growth since spring 2022.

“It’s very concerning because Illinois tends to lag the nation in economic growth and economic stability,” Davidsmeyer said.

The decline in GDP was driven by an increase in imports, COGFA Chief Economist Ben Varner wrote, because businesses are likely “front-loading” foreign purchases before tariffs imposed by the Trump administration kick in and make overseas goods more expensive. Imports are subtracted from domestic growth to calculate GDP. National projections are

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warned that the federal government could, at any time, decrease financial aid to states, creating more uncertainty.

“Those capital gains revenue increases are not sustainable so as we look at fiscal year 26, we should not expect that as we go into fiscal year 27, I think it’s going to be an even worse look,” COGFA Co-Chair Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, said at a news conference last week.

COGFA Revenue Manager Eric Noggle wrote broader economic uncertainty necessitates a “more cautious approach” projecting next year’s revenue numbers.

“The unknown implications of tariffs create many questions related to the duration of the tariffs, their impact on prices, and if these changes could lead to a recession,” Noggle wrote. “These complicating factors and their potential impact on tax revenues make the revenue estimate for FY 2026 very challenging.”

Recent national econom-

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Five people honored, including former Bear Tom Thayer

Winners Ashar Hussan of LomScholarships presented Sebastian’s Ale bard, who is a student at Wiland Whiskey at Glenbard East House helps Graduation day Local Scholarship Addison raise over lowbrook High School. ProbThe 2021 Lilac Queen Awards Night at Glenbard East $13,000 I ndependent Getting a ‘Pi’ for Adopt able career field: financial Villa Park A Solider Your hometown newspaper is available in both print and online versions. in the face Your hometown newspaper is available in both print and online versions.

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Suicide/PTSD Graduation day The printedThe newspaper is delivered by thebypost every Thursday fullyear. year.A A digital Awareness The 2021 East Lilac Queen printed newspaper is delivered the office post office every Thursdayfor foronly only$45 $45 for for aafull digital at Glenbard Mustafa S. Tajammul of fundraiser eSubscription also available for onlyfor$35 and and cancan be be read onona acomputer, tablet. eSubscription also available onlyper $35year per year read computer, laptop, laptop, orortablet.

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This Indian Trail Junior High staff member was one of several who got pied by students during the school’s annual Pi Day recognition last week. The event is held at the Indian Trails Commons lunchroom and occurs during the last 10 minutes of every grade’s lunch period during the day of the event.

INSIDE:

INSIDE: Opinion ........................... 4 Police reports ................. 7 About...................

6 Sports .......................11-12 .........................9-10 Opinion ...........................Out 4 &Police reports .................

8 Speak out........................ 5 Sports ...............14, 15, 18

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Graduation Play at theday plate at Willowbrook

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

Themorning.

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

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

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

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

Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and that sophomore ceremony that began at 9 Avenue. a.m. The others participated in the ceremony started charged with High School’s band (left), along with Villa Park inVillage Kayleigh provided themarching home Dennison (No. 5) is pictured the at 11 a.m. Dennison The photo shows members of runs. the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing aggravated President Nick (above), who, like other14. parade parbackground of the above photo.

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

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

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THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023

Arbor Day in Villa Park

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

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

LOW INVENTORY!

Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns CommisPolice Reports Reports..........6 ..........6 14 ..........8 Sports Sports.................... ....................

16 sion, Police Puzzles............8 & 14 ..........8 17 Margaret Schiefer—a member of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park KATE DRURY Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Villa Park Village Trustee (and Contact me forVilla a Park Village President Albert Bulthuis, KATE DRURY Legal Notices ......... 15 Classifieds..............13 Classifieds..............13 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..........17-18 Village Viewpoint...............10 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..............16 Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone and Leslie Allison-Seei—chair of the Villa Park Community Pride 630-514-9961 away...

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

Memorial Day service onDay Monday mornCommission.

Arbor Day isfloat observed the last Friday each The National Arbor Foundation DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James

630-514-9961 ing Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park.

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

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

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

36, of Chicago Ridge.

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

(Class 4 felony) stemming from

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

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THE NEWSPAPER! INSIDE:

– NFHOF Founder John Figarelli

Trainer Extraordinaire” was the next to be inducted into “The Hall” as 2012 NFHOF Inductee Bill Crawford recited the numerous career accomplishments Dan has reached and some of the celebrities he has trained to get in the “best shape of their lives.”

• Vince Gironda, the legendary trainer, was honored by two individuals who knew him best. Sgt. Robert Torres and John Kunkle were good

Opinion ...................4 Police ......................8 Speak out.................5 Sports .........14, 15, 18

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

Crash killed one, severely injured another who subsequently died

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

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

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

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

Scholarship donors Weltin, Lauren Huber andattend Kendall Crackel.

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

Sheusually soon High School.

She will University inimmediate Nashville, Tennessee.

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

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

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

Theare firstTammy ceremonyHendrickson will begin at 10 a.m.

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

The firstEight service began at The 10 a.m.

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

Veterans Suicide/PTSD Awareness fundraiser. funds go toceremony support ofauditorium Adopt A Soldier, (left) Johanna Marks Brocious that bond has Adopt A Soldier—a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to lift morale organized the event. beenwho set for Christine Brocious, 36, of Chicago Ridge.

Brocious is charged with one count of aggravated DUI causing death (Class 2 felony) and two counts of aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm 4 felony) stemming from Opinion ........................... 4 Police reports ................. 7 a(Class June 29 crash that claimed 2020 SCHILLER TEAM SALES: the life of another motorist, About...................

6 Sports .......................11-12 .........................9-10 25-year-old Jorgo Cukali Opinion ...........................Out 4 &Police reports ..............2-3 $140,000,000 & 276 CLOSED UNITS and severely injured Jorgo’s Out & About................... 6 Sports ............................ 10 30-year-old sister, Nastika Cukali, who was a passenger in his vehicle. #1 REALTOR ® • #1 TEAM • #1 OFFICE Brocious appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Daniel Tim Schiller | 630.992.0582 | tim@theschillerteam.com Guerin set bond at $1.5 million *MRED, LLC, includes all closed sales in Lombard for all property types, all agents, and all offices, 1/1/2020-12/31/2020. with 10 percent to apply.

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

“

After a threeyear hiatus, mainly due to CoVid, it was most important to the members of hall of Fame to gather and recognize, in person, all of these terrific people and continue our mission of helping all Americans to ‘Get Fit and stay healthy’.”

InsIde:

JANE CHARMELO PHOTO Lombardian

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The 2024 National Fitness Hall of Fame (NFHOF) Induction Ceremony & Awards Dinner was held on Sunday, March 10 at the Medinah Shriners Banquet Hall in Addison. The event included a celebration of the NFHOF’s 20th anniversary this year.

The room was packed with visitors, some of whom traveled across the nation to attend this special evening.

It began with Governor JB Pritzker extended a warm virtual welcome to the group.

“As Governor of the state of Illinois, I am pleased to welcome everyone gathered for the 2024 National Fitness Hall of Fame Ceremony,” he said. “I commend the work you have done to help make Illinois a stronger and more enjoyable state. On behalf of the people of Illinois, I offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable occasion.”

NFHOF Founder John Figarelli welcomed the crowd and invited a star-studded line-up to introduce the current year inductees and award winners.

• Mark Rothstein, a 2011 NFHOF Inductee brought up 89-yearold Richard Derwald to accept his induction. The Hall of Fame Wrestler/Bodybuilder; Richard has spent five decades promoting and teaching fitness especially attentive to the senior population around Eric County, Pennsylvania.

• Dan Isaacson, “Hollywood

Lombard-based Radonova (www.radonova. com), which sells radon detection kits, hosted a lung cancer awareness event on Thursday, March 14, called the White Ribbon Project (www. thewhiteribbonproject.org). Project co-founder and Colorado resident Heidi Nafman-Onda, pictured here, explained that she and her husband, Dr. Pierre Onda, launched the project in October 2020 after she was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2018—which was discovered during another diagnostic procedure. As a health educator and “lifelong health enthusiast” with no history of smoking, she soon learned about radon gas. Nafman-Onda’s son, an environmental engineer, asked her if she knew their home’s radon level, and a subsequent test showed the home to contain twice the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline amount of less than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). According to the EPA, “Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium, thorium or radium— radioactive metals—break[s] down in rocks, soil and groundwater.” The EPA also states that people are exposed to radon “primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps CHRIS FOX PHOTO Lombardian in buildings and homes. Also pictured at the event CHRIS FOX PHOTO Lombardian is Pictured “Radon(left Man” from Radon Glenbard East High its Local 2021 Scholarship Awardsduring Night last week. after the ceremony. to right) are:Naperville-based (front row) Emily Dina JovaEmmie Sathy was School namedheld Lombard’s Lilac Queen Saturday coronation continued a tradition that began 91 years ago. Ryan, Lombard’s first CHRIS FOX PHOTO Reduction Systems, Inc. (www.TheRadonMan. More than 40coronation members ceremony of the school’s ClassPark. of 2021 Roccowas Marcello, TinainDjordjevic andEmmie Sophia row) Lombardian Maddie afternoon’s in Lilacia She received was one scholarships of five Lilac novic, Lilac Queen crowned 1930.

Queen isHeatley; a senior(back at Glenbard East during the May 13 celebration in at Biester Auditorium.

Scholarship donors Laurengraduating Huber andattend Kendall Crackel.

East’s Classabout of 2021 will stucelcom), who in Glenbard radon services.

See Glenbard East High Class of 2021 of celebrated its commenceThis classworks at Glenbard Eastmitigation includes 560 Princesses to take the School’s stage the beginning the ceremony.

Sheusually soon Weltin, High year’s School.

She will Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. attend the annual event, but and safety mitigations limitedinLilac attendance atThis this year’s ebrate its commencement with two are ceremonies this Saturday in Saturday’s the10. school’sfirst stamore information and photos on ment with Saturday’s two separate ceremonies the Queen. school’s stadium. dents.

Several of thefound graduates at the endpage of accepted the crown, sash cape as this year’s year’s More photos can be inside thispictured issue. service. of the scholarship winners pictured outside started of the auditorium The first ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. The second service starts at 1 p.m.

The firstEight service began at 10 a.m.

The are second ceremony at 1 p.m. dium. service.

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DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Addison ndependent

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

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

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

See CRASH, Page 4

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

InsIde:

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

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

Village joins LibertyFest Parade

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

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

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Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE IS GIVEN by the Board of Education of Bensenville Elementary School District 2 that a tentative budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, will be available for public inspection in this school district at the Educational Administration Center, 210 S. Church Road, Bensenville, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from May 19, 2025, until June 18, 2025.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a public hearing on the District’s 2025-2026 budget will be held at 6:30 p.m. local time on June 18, 2025, in this school district at the Lifelong Learning Center of the Educational Administration Center, 210 S. Church Road, Bensenville.

Dated this 15th day of May 2025.

Victoria Gonzalez, Secretary BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 COUNTY OF DUPAGE, STATE OF ILLINOIS (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review May 15, 2025) 471796 MECHANIC’S LIEN NOTICE This notice is to enforce a Mechanic’s Lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 45/1 et seq, and 90/1 et seq., against: Bartlomiej Siwicki and First Community Credit Union for the following vehicle, 2022 Jayco Jay Flight 32BH VIN number 1UJBJ0BT7N1TR0349, for the amount owed of $19,385.27. A sale will be held at New Wave Motors, 865 Fairway Dr., Bensenville, IL 60106 after May 26, 2025, unless redeemed by owner within 30 days of the date of the first publication of this notice.

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review May 8, 15 & 22, 2025) 471456 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79688 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 21, 2025, wherein the business firm of CHICAGOLAND RESCUE SERVICES, 90 OLESEN DRIVE APT 301, NAPERVILLE, IL 60540 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: Kristian H. Leigh, 90 Olesen Drive Apt 301, Naperville, IL 60540.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 21ST day of APRIL, A.D. 2025.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian May 1, 8 & 15, 2025) 470941 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79695 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 29, 2025 wherein the business firm of LA BELLA DONNA VINTAGE CREATIONS, 553 PHEASANT TRAIL, ST. CHARLES, IL 60174 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: Ann Maloy, 553 Pheasant Trail, St. Charles, IL 60174.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 29TH day of APRIL, A.D. 2025.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian May 8, 15 & 22, 2025) 471410 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79698 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MAY 5, 2025, wherein the business firm of THE BARTLETT INSIGHTS & COACHING GROUP, 3300 CREEKSIDE COURT, WOODRIDGE, IL 60517 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: William J. Bartlett II, 3300 Creekside Court, Woodridge, IL 60517.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 5TH day of MAY, A.D. 2025 Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian May 15, 22 and 29, 2025) 471637 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79699 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MAY 6, 2025, wherein the business firm of BECKY’S HEALING TOUCH AND SOUND, 610 W. ROOSEVELT ROAD, WHEATON, IL 60187, was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Rebecca Page, 5 Wheaton Center Apt 321, Wheaton, IL 60187.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 6TH day of MAY, A.D. 2025.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian May 15, 22 & 29, 2025) 471786

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Thursday, May 15, 2025

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 23

Local company participates in Lombard Pride Cleanup Radonova, Inc. of Lombard volunteered in the Lombard Pride Cleanup of Trails and Parks on April 26. Held each April around Earth Day and before Lilac Time, this event engages local residents and businesses to remove trash from the two regional bike trails and parks in the Village of Lombard, Illinois.

Radonova volunteers were assigned an area along the Great Western Trail. They spent their Saturday morning picking up trash, cleaning the trail, and helping to beautify the area. Participants bring their own protective equipment such as gloves, grabbers, and insect repellent.

Radonova Operations Manager, Steve Leslie, organized the group and coordinated all protective equipment. “As a business in Lombard, we are always looking for ways to give back to

our community,” says Leslie.

“I wanted to help do my part for the community that I work in,” says Radonova Logistics Supervisor Deontae Dodd-Hrobowski.

“People passing us along the bike trail thanked us for our service and were genuinely appreciative of the work we were doing.”

“I actually love doing cleanups,” says Sandra Fisher, Client Service Specialist for Radonova.

“It’s gratifying to see the garbage disappear and to help save animals and nature from the waste humans can leave behind.”

One of the most interesting finds during the clean-up was a tree growing through the hole in an old washing machine door.

This finding created quite a chuckle! The team also enjoyed seeing a home with dome windows built into the fence for their dogs to see out.

Endeavor Health recognized for excellence Endeavor Health has announced that six of its hospitals have earned “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care: Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital, Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital, Highland Park Hospital and Northwest Community Hospital.

Notably, Endeavor Health

Elmhurst Hospital has maintained a straight-A streak since Leapfrog’s inaugural grading in 2012—one of only 11 hospitals nationwide to achieve this distinction. Recognized among the safest in the nation for patient care, this achievement underscores Endeavor Health’s Submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing commitment to consistent, sysRadon measurement company Radonova, of Lombard, participated in the April 26 Lombard Pride Cleanup event tem-wide safety and quality held in the village. care.

107th Annual Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 26 | 9:30 AM

Featuring Grand Marshal Sgt Richard Duzinskas, U.S. Army Cavalry Scout O.I.F Veteran • Parade Route Begins at York & Third Street, ending at Wilder Park • Memorial Ceremony follows at 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Explore Elmhurst, on behalf of the City of Elmhurst, in cooperation with the Elmhurst Veterans Commission, American Legion THB Post 187, and the Elmhurst Park District, proudly presents the 107th Annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade will travel south on York, loop through Robert Palmer Drive, continue to Church Street and Prospect Avenue, and pass the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park.

View lineup: ExploreElmhurst.com/MemorialDay

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Page 24

Classifieds

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Rock Valley Publishing

Serving Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard & Villa Park

Page 25

In-Print and Onlne at www.TheIndependentNewspapers.com

Elmhurst Office (630) 834-8244

Call Classifieds at

Lombard Office (630) 627-7010

EMPLOYMENT

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE

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Burial Needs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Page 26

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

What Trump’s cuts to federal climate research could mean for Illinois State climate scientists, lawmakers seek local solutions to address climate change

By Isabella Schoonover and Medill Illinois News Bureau The Trump administration took the unprecedented step of halting work on the next National Climate Assessment, recently dismissing all 400 volunteer scientists who were tasked with writing the new version of the report.

Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford was among those dismissed in his volunteer capacity with the federal program. On April 28, Ford and his colleagues received an email saying the upcoming Sixth National Climate Assessment, due to be released in 2027, is “currently being reevaluated in accordance with the Global Change Research Act of 1990.”

The Global Change Research Act mandates that the National Climate As-

sessment be published every four years to inform the public of the ongoing impacts, risks and responses to climate change. In the last 35 years, the federal government has never failed to publish the nation’s preeminent report on climate change, but its fate was brought into question last month when it was reported that NASA canceled a critical contract for the U.S. Global Change Research Program, which oversees the assessment.

“It’s disappointing from a personal standpoint,” said Ford, who served as a technical contributor to the Fifth National Climate Assessment published in 2023. He said he was looking forward to taking on a larger role as an author of the Midwest chapter in the next report, which was due in 2027.

He and the other authors

of the Midwest chapter had already begun planning what topics the next report should focus on, like the effects of extreme heat on farmers and farm workers, livestock and even mental health, “something that the Midwest chapter hadn’t done previously,” Ford said.

Illinois researchers have always played a role in the National Climate Assessment. University of Illinois emeritus professor Donald Wuebbles has contributed to all five previous reports, including serving as a lead author of the fourth assessment in 2017.

He said his greatest concern is that the report could now move forward under a different team of scientists hand-picked by President Donald Trump, who has a history of denying climate change as a “hoax.”

“There’s a group of denialists out there,” Wuebbles said. “They let their politics affect their science.”

The National Climate Assessment is meant to help policymakers understand the immediate threats of rising global temperatures to the environment in their region and implement solutions at the local level.

“Almost all impacts of climate change are local,” Ford said.

In Illinois, those impacts include heavy rainfall and flooding, heat waves and

drought in the summer, and natural disasters like tornadoes, which can lead people to become displaced and cost the state billions of dollars in damage, according to Ford.

A 2021 Illinois climate change assessment, which Wuebbles led and Ford co-authored, cites extreme flooding in the spring of 2019 as an example of how climate change is already impacting Illinois. Crop yield losses that year led to a record number of Prevented Plant claims and crop insurance payouts to farmers by the state. Similar events are expected to occur more often and with more intensity if global temperatures continue to increase at the current rate, the 2021 assessment found.

“Climate change isn’t going to stop by ignoring it,” Ford said. “If we don’t have the assessment, we don’t know what to expect, and therefore we can’t plan. Is it (climate change) going to cost $5 billion to the economy, or is it going to be $10 billion?”

The Trump administration is reportedly not going to track the cost of major natural disasters any longer.

Ford shared Wuebbles’ concerns that the next assessment, if published, could be influenced by Trump’s anti-climate change regulation agenda. He also

said without the involvement of a diverse group of researchers, the next assessment could fail to represent the interests of the states.

“We are, as experts, tasked with assessing what kinds of problems and solutions are worth including in the National Climate Assessment,” Ford said. “But if this is being disbanded, who’s going to be leading this?… Probably not people from Illinois.”

Trump’s White House has fueled these concerns, saying climate change regulations threaten the president’s goal of “unleashing American energy.” He described state and local climate policies as “burdensome and ideologically motivated,” saying they” “threaten American energy dominance and our economic and national security.”

This is paired with a recent move by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zelden to repeal the endangerment finding of 2009, the agency’s official recognition of greenhouse gases as harmful to human health and the planet.

PUZZLE 2

CROSSWORD

Proposed Illinois legislation could fill gaps in research Amid national setbacks to climate change research and environmental policy, Illinois lawmakers are continu-

Answers PUZZLE 1

441189

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471950

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ing to advance progressive climate legislation at the state level, such as Illinois Senate Bill 1859, referred to as the Climate Displacement Act. That measure cleared the state Senate and is awaiting action in the House.

If passed, the act would establish a state task force to assess and provide recommendations for how Illinois can prepare for the impacts of climate change—specifically, an anticipated influx of climate-displaced people moving to the Midwest from other parts of the U.S. Sponsors say the bill was informed by the Fifth National Climate Assessment, which projected a trend of increased migration of people away from coastal areas over the next 20-30 years, due to greater frequency of natural disasters. The task force would evaluate ways Illinois might proactively respond, and what the cost burden of that response would be. An initial report of its findings would be due in 2026.

“There’s not a lot of states that are proactively doing this kind of planning despite, you know, the looming danger,” said Senate bill sponsor Sen. Graciela Guzmán, D-Chicago.

Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, criticized the measure in an Energy and Environment committee hearing.

“Is this task force going to study the outmigration as a result of some of our climate policies in this state, specifically the outmigration of good union jobs?” he asked.

House bill sponsor Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, said the proposed task force would work to project those trends. Wilhour said if the task force were to include relevant union stakeholders, he would consider supporting the bill.

The bill passed the House Energy and Environment Committee, and now moves to the House floor.

Illinois has a track record of enacting progressive climate policies, which Ford said is the silver lining to an otherwise difficult situation for climate scientists.

“They don’t have to follow the science,” he said.

“But they’re at least informed by the science at the state level in Illinois. We’re at least doing that.”

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 27

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Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, May 15, 2025

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