BI122922

also serving Wood dale

Man charged following alleged threat to Villa Park police officer

Last week, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced that bond had been set for a Rosemont man for allegedly threatening a police officer outside Demito’s Saloon located on Kenilworth Avenue in Villa Park.

Ryan McGovern, 24, appeared in bond court where Judge Jennifer Martyn set bond at $75,000 with 10 percent to apply. McGovern has been charged with one count of threatening a public official, a Class 3 felony. McGovern’s brother, Aiden, 21, also of Rosemont, has also been charged with one count of misdemeanor resisting or obstructing a police officer for his alleged involvement in the incident.

On Saturday, Dec. 24 at approximately 1:24 a.m., officers with the Villa Park Police Department responded to a disturbance

Santa Claus has come and gone

Ryan McGovern

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Holding a precious little one in his arms is Santa Claus, who was on the scene at several of the recent holiday events held in Bensenville. Here’s wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

IDPH reports 88 counties at ‘Elevated’ level for COVID-19

DuPage back at ‘High’ level, Ayala says

With families across Illinois and the nation gathering to celebrate the holiday season and COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses circulating at concerning levels, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public to celebrate the holidays safely and take action to protect their most vulnerable loved ones, including the elderly and the very young.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra is urging those who are feeling ill to take a COVID-19 test and to stay home if they test positive to avoid spreading the virus to friends and family, especially those vulnerable to serious outcomes.

The IDPH also announced that as of the end of this year, it will follow the lead of the CDC and shift from daily reporting of new COVID-19 cases and deaths to a weekly cadence for reporting that data.

Daily case and death data will no longer be reported as of Jan. 1, 2023. Following that date, IDPH will report weekly data on Wednesday of each week for the previous week ending Sunday. IDPH will continue to report ICU bed availability and hospital admission data on a daily basis.

The CDC announced it was making the shift from daily to weekly reporting of case and death data in October. IDPH officials believe that weekly reporting will provide the public with a more accurate picture of COVID-19 trends across the state over time by tracking cases and deaths by the week they arise, rather than the date they are reported, which may be days or weeks later.

According to the CDC, 88 counties in Illinois rated at an elevated level for COVID-19 by the CDC, up from 86 a week ago (DuPage County is now at an elevated level). Of those, the CDC reported 33 Illinois counties at a High Community Level for COVID-19, down from 43 a week ago; while 55 counties are at Medium Level, compared to 43 last week. IDPH is reporting 23,793 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois since Dec. 16, and 82 deaths.

“Illinois continues to see most of its communities at elevated risk levels for COVID-19, including 33 counties that are currently at high risk,” Vohra said. “Although we are seeing some improvement in the number of high-risk communities, I encourage Illinoisians to continue to use preventative measures as we enter the holiday weekend and enjoy our holiday gatherings. We are still seeing COVID-19 community levels, along with flu and other respiratory illnesses rise in many counties. Our goal is to limit hospitalizations, preserve hospital beds, and protect

those most vulnerable to serious health outcomes, especially those over 65 and very young children.

“These preventative measures start with being up-to-date with the COVID-19 bivalent booster and getting your flu shot,” Vohra continued. “Other important protective steps include COVID-19 testing, especially if visiting someone at risk for severe disease; enhanced ventilation at gatherings; and good hand hygiene. And if you are sick, stay home and consult with your provider about whether you need one of the effective treatments that are available. A high-quality mask or respirator is also recommended and will protect you from COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory viruses. Our hope is for Illinoisians across our state to have a happy and healthy holiday weekend.”

Access to tests and treatments can be found at the following test to treat site or by contacting your provider for treatment options, within five days of feeling ill.

DuPage County update

Based on recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DuPage County is back into a “High” COVID-19 Level.

This means there is a high potential for healthcare system strain and higher levels of severe illness in the community.

Per CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, as of Dec. 21, DuPage County is reporting 203.81 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents and 13.4 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents in the last seven days. Hospitalizations associated with COVID-19 illness in DuPage County have been rising in recent weeks and are at the highest level since January 2022.

Residents can stay informed about COVID-19 activity at DCHD’s interactive dashboard.

“With the holidays and winter upon us, that means more time spent indoors with children, family, and friends.” said Karen Ayala, executive director of the DuPage County Health Department. “Enjoy this time and take at least one action so respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) aren’t on your holiday guest list.

“Whether that’s getting up-todate with recommended vaccines, choosing to wear a high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces, or improving ventilation at your next gathering, do something to protect yourself and those around you while respiratory illnesses are at high levels in our community.”

Park District offers winter warming site

While snow on the ground may look delightful–especially during the holiday season–extreme temperatures may be frightful. Exposure to extreme cold can cause a number of health problems, including hypothermia.

The Bensenville Park District’s Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street in Bensenville, is among the local warming centers where any resident can go during periods of extreme cold temperatures to stay warm and safe.

The Bensenville Emergency Management Agency has implemented a two-level system to assist in the allocation of resources during an extreme cold event.

Additionally, the National Weather Service offers the following winter weather safety tips:

• Make sure your home Emergency Kit is stocked and winter storm ready

• Use sand to improve traction and apply products that melt ice on walkways

Shares weather safety tips Worship Services Directory

• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off

• Keep emergency heating equipment and fuel so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.

• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply. Insulate walls, attics, doors, and windows.

• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

• Do not overexert yourself or work outside for extended periods of time.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency offers guidance in its Winter Weather Preparedness Guide as well.

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Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900

The Independent is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

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Advertising: Brenda Garcia

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The Independent is mailed to the 60101, 60106 and 60181 zip code areas for $15.95 yearly. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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Christening gown spans 111 years 25 family members have worn it

By Jane Charmelo FOR ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING

Handing down special mementos is a tradition in many families, and for one family, it is a very “delicate” matter.

For Barb Cepek, the tradition is a cherished christening gown, made by her paternal great-grandfather’s sister, Kate Mulroyan, as a gift for Mulroyan’s niece’s christening.

Catherine and George Bell were married in 1910 and Mulroyan made the gown for the christening of her niece, Florence “Dolly” Grace Bell, who wore it in 1911.

“It is called the Bell Christening Gown,” Cepek said. “That was the gown that everybody wore.”

The Addison resident said all of Florence’s siblings wore it as well: Ruth Catherine (Bell) Henley; George Richard Bell; and then Janet Marie (Bell) Schall, the youngest sibling and Cepek’s grandmother.

As best she can tell, Mulroyan was married and had five children, but she never used the gown for her own children’s christenings, “since it was a gift,” Cepek surmised.

“Florence was the first one to wear it,” Cepek narrated, but ironically, “Florence never married, and had no children.”

It was handed down through the family ever since—and was worn by Florence’s nieces, nephews and their descendants.

Recipients included Cepek’s own father, Albert William Schall Jr.,

who was christened in 1944.

“Back then, baby boys wore the gown,” she noted. The last boy to wear it was christened in 1999.

Cepek wore it in 1964, as did her siblings, Karen Ann (Schall) Noesen in 1966, William Michael Schall in 1969, Margo Lynn (Schall) Whiteside in 1978 and Pamela Jean (Schall) Brestan in 1980.

Cepek’s daughter, Nicole Leslie Siemers of Lombard, wore it in 1991.

Most recently it was worn by Morgan Leslie Siemers, Cepek’s granddaughter, who was christened in May.

“I have the history of the gown in my grandmother’s handwriting,” Cepek explained, which is how she was able to establish the path of the gown’s recipients going back so far.

Her grandmother’s notes also indicate the mention of a “Deacon Mike,” who baptized five of the recipients, including Siemers (#18).

When asked how it has held up all these years, Cepek said the cotton-linen gown has been handwashed, and she has used a paste made of baking soda to remove any stains, and it is hung to dry.

“The gown is very delicate. It’s very thin” after 111 years, she added.

“It has to be wrapped in blue tissue paper,” Cepek continued, and now being stored in a box at Siemers’ home.

Cepek is also not sure of the

gown’s future, and if it can or will be worn again, so “We might retire it … it is so fragile.”

However, the legacy of the gown

itself is anything but fragile. It points to a strong tradition that, no matter the fate of the gown, will never fade.

Debra Hamilton Advertising Director

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARB CEPEK Rock Valley Publishing

A handmade christening gown and slip (below right), now 111 years old, have been worn by 25 babies between 1911 and 2022, when

Morgan Leslie Siemers of Lombard wore it in May. Pictured (left to right) are former wearers of the gown at their own christenings: Barbara Cepek (#11), Nicole Siemers (#18), Karen Noesen (#13), Bill Schall (#7) holding Morgan Leslie Siemers (#25), Leann Noesen (#22), Margo Whiteside (#16), Danielle Whiteside (#24) and Jamie Whiteside (#23).

Women’s Club collects in honor of late teacher

On Friday, Dec. 9, the Women’s Club of Addison donated more than 40 gift bags with personal care items to Addison Trail’s Blazer Relief Center in honor and memory of Addison Trail teacher aide Suzanne Flemming, who was a member of the club and helped implement the Blazer Relief Center. Flemming, who passed away suddenly on Oct. 9, was a longtime member of the Women’s Club of Addison and served as Vice President of Programs.

ASE certifies 16 from Addison Trail High School

A total of 16 Addison Trail students recently earned Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Entry-Level Certifications.

Abraham Garcia and Michael Sampey each earned all ASE Entry-Level Certifications including: heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, manual drive train and axles, maintenance and light repair, engine performance, engine repair, electrical/electronic systems, brakes, automobile service technology, automatic transmission/transaxle.

Other certifications went to the following: Alejandro Serna, heating and air conditioning; Bryan Villa, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, brakes, manual drive train and axles; Brandon

• Threat

Mejia, heating and air conditioning, brakes, electrical/electronic systems; Jack Holleman, brakes; Jovanny Galarza, heating and air conditioning; Kevin Guardado, heating and air conditioning, brakes; Antonio Lopez, heating and air conditioning; Brayan Mondragon, heating and air conditioning, brakes; Ruben Gomez, heating and air conditioning; Olivier Pietras, brakes, engine performance, electrical/electronic systems; Huguer Jaimes, heating and air conditioning; Anthony Verdin, heating and air conditioning; Adrian Gurrola, brakes; and, Orlando Mercado, heating and air conditioning.

Garcia, Galarza, Mondragon and Jaimes are seniors. All others are juniors.

(Continued from front page) at Demito’s. Upon their arrival, officers made contact with Ryan and Aiden McGovern outside the establishment.

It is alleged that as officers spoke with the McGovern brothers, both brothers advanced toward the responding officers. It is alleged that both men were verbally assaulting the officers and that Ryan McGovern told an officer, “I have an automatic weapon and I’m going to shoot you.” Ryan McGovern was placed under arrest at this time. It is alleged that as the officer placed Ryan McGovern under arrest, he continued to act belligerently and harass the officer telling him, “I pay for you. I’m gonna sue the f--- out of you.” Both men were taken into custody at this time.

“Regardless of the circumstances, threatening to shoot a police officer,

as alleged against Ryan McGovern, is an extremely serious accusation and will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin said. “I commend the Villa Park Police Department for their work on this case and for their extended efforts this holiday season in keeping our restaurants, bars and retail businesses safe for all to enjoy.”

“The Villa Park Police Department will take any threat against its officers seriously,” Rivas said. “It is alleged these two individuals refused to leave the business and had every opportunity to do so. … I would also like to thank the midnight shift for handling this alleged incident in a professional and direct manner.”

Ryan McGovern’s next court appearance is scheduled Jan. 23 for arraignment in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.

Siupienius named ‘88’s Best’

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Pictured here with Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews is Aiste Siupienius, who has been named as Addison Trail’s December recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her outstanding academic accomplishments. Siupienius, a senior, was recognized during the Dec. 12 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Police reports

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

Addison Dec. 10

Brian R. Moran, 35, of Schaumburg, was charged with two counts of DUI near Lake and Route 53 at 3:21 a.m.

Dec. 9

Tomas D. Servin Medina, 51, of Bensenville, was charged with unauthorized delivery of a fugitive at 5:48 p.m.

Dec. 8

Fredy A. Cifuentes Carrillo, 21, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI and no valid driver’s license near Addison and Fullerton at 1:08 a.m.

Villa Park Dec. 17

David J. Muno, 57, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI and disobeying a stop sign near S. Villa and Wildwood at 11:06 p.m.

Theft was reported in the 200 block of E. Division at 4:06 p.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect removed a package from their front porch.

Theft was reported in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt at 6:48 p.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect removed belongings from a purse in a shopping cart.

Dec. 16

A complainant at the Villa Park Police Department reported that a suspect was harassing them via telephone at 12:51 a.m.

Theft was reported in the 100 block of E. Van Buren at 9:59 a.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect removed a package from their front porch.

Theft was reported in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt at 8:35 p.m.

A complainant reported that an unknown suspect removed their wallet.

Dec. 15

A 19-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 500 block of N. 2nd at 9:19 a.m.

A complainant in the 300 block of N. Biermann reported that an unknown suspect was harassing them via telephone at 3:59 p.m.

Dec. 14

Magdalena M. Matyja, 34, of Wood Dale, was charged with retail theft—possessing displayed merchandise not exceeding $300 at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 12

Burglary was reported at a gas station in the 300 block of E. North at 12:50 a.m. A complainant reported multiple unknown suspects used a rock to break a glass door located on the west side of the building. The suspects entered the gas station and removed a safe with currency inside.

A complainant in the 200 block of W. St. Charles reported that a suspect was harassing them via telephone at 10:18 a.m.

A complainant in the 200 block of E. Kenilworth reported that a suspect was harassing them via telephone at 7:06 p.m.

Dec. 11

Jonathan G. Clayton, 29, of Lisle, was charged with resisting or obstructing a police officer in the 1-100 block of E. St. Charles at 10:06 p.m.

Fraud, identity theft

According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported one incident of residents being a victim of fraud or identity theft.

Catalytic converter theft

According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported one incident of a catalytic converter being removed from vehicles at the following location: in the 400 block of W. St. Charles at 8:48 a.m. on Dec. 16.

Bensenville

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

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

Dec. 20, 1:51 p.m. in the 500 block of Industrial Drive, a complainant states that after purchasing equipment online from out of state and expecting delivery, the seller accepted payment and is now trying to sell the same equipment online. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2201124

Dec. 20, 2:46 p.m. in the 900 block of Route 83, a victim states a 2020

semi-tractor was stolen from the lot. The truck was entered into law enforcement computer system as stolen. BEPC2201125

Dec. 18, 7:56 p.m. in the 600 block of Irving Park Road, a victim reported being battered by an angry patron. BEPC221120

Dec. 17, 2:03 a.m. in the 1-100 block of Grand Avenue, a victim reports an armed robbery. The victim was meeting in person, an Instagram acquaintance. The victim states after meeting, the suspect pulled out a knife, threatening her. The suspect took her money and fled the scene. BEPC221117

Dec. 17, 11:09 a.m. near Wrightwood and Larch, Bensenville officers assisted the Elmhurst Police Department in locating an armed robbery suspect. Elmhurst police officers arrested and charged the suspect. BEP22014620

Dec. 16, 4:15 p.m. in the 200 block of Church Road, it was reported that a student’s AirPods were taken at school. BEPC221115

Dec. 16, 5:25 p.m. in the 100 block of George Street, it was reported that a package delivery of two pairs of Beats Fit Pro headphones were taken from the lobby. BEPC221116

Dec. 16, 3:13 a.m. in the 1-100 block of George Street, Qasim Ali Siddiqui, 21, of Wood Dale, was involved in a traffic crash and charged with driving under the influence. He was transported to station for processing and was released. BEPC221113

Dec. 15, 4:29 p.m., there was a police station report made for fraudulent activity. A complainant received a fraudulent ComEd bill for an address and town in which he never lived. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2201109

Law enforcement officials push for ban on high-power, high-capacity weapons

Gun rights group calls bill unconstitutional, vows lawsuits

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Some of the state’s leading law enforcement officials last week urged lawmakers to pass a statewide ban on high-power, high-capacity weapons, which they say are growing in prevalence in Illinois.

“What the public asks members of the law enforcement community to do each and every day is stunning, knowing full well that the cars we’re approaching, the houses we’re entering, have some of the most lethal weapons you’ve ever seen, ever. And they keep getting worse,” Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart told the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee during a third hearing on proposed legislation.

The committee is considering House Bill 5855, a proposal by Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield. It would ban the possession and sale of a long list of firearms that would be defined as “assault weapons” as well as high-capacity magazines and devices that make a semi-automatic gun fire like a fully automatic weapon.

It would also delete a provision in current law that allows people between the ages of 18 and 21 to obtain a Firearm Owner’s Identification, or FOID card, with the consent of their parent or guardian, effectively establishing a firm minimum age of 21. It would also require hunters younger than 21 to be under the supervision of an adult with a valid FOID card.

The bill was prompted in large part by a mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park earlier this year that left seven people dead and dozens more injured. The alleged gunman in that shooting used a Smith and Wesson M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle and three magazines containing 30 rounds of ammunition each.

“These weapons have entered our schools, our places of worship, our theaters, our parades and our peaceful community spaces with one objective: to create mass carnage,” said Elena Gottreich, Chicago’s deputy mayor

for public safety. “Assault weapons are designed to inflict maximum tissue damage in the shortest amount of time.”

Angel Novalez, chief of constitutional policing and reform for the Chicago Police Department, said that so far this year, his department has taken 1,156 assault-style weapons off the street, nearly a 13-percent increase over 2021. Since 2004, he said, the department has recovered more than 18,000 such weapons.

“We are up against an ever-growing threat and it’s making protecting our neighborhoods more difficult and dangerous for all our police officers,” he said. “It’s making residents feel more unsafe. They’re living in the crosshairs of needless violence every day.”

So far, the proposed legislation has received broad support from gun safety advocacy organizations as well as elected public officials, including Secretary of State Jesse White. But it faces strong opposition from gun rights organizations, including the National Rifle Association and the Illinois State Rifle Association, which argued the bill would likely be ruled unconstitutional.

“I’m here to tell you that the gun owners are tired of being blamed for every madman, every criminal, and every other depraved act that 2.5 million gun owners didn’t do,” former NRA lobbyist Todd Vandermyde said recently. “And we’re not here to negotiate. I’m here to tell you that if House Bill 5855 or anything remotely like it passes, we will see you in court.”

Valinda Rowe, a spokeswoman for the gun rights advocacy group Illinois Carry, also said the law, if enacted, would be challenged in court and likely overturned, and she urged lawmakers to focus on the root causes of violent crime.

“The focus to address the problems that have been brought up today—and they are horrendous problems, there’s no doubt—but the focus going forward … must be on the violent crim-

inals and on the mentally ill who pose a danger to themselves and others, not on law abiding citizens and lawfully owned and possessed purchased firearms,” she said.

But the committee also heard from survivors and witnesses of other notorious mass shootings.

Po Murray, president of the Newtown Action Alliance, said her children were attending Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012 when a gunman armed with an AR-15-style rifle and high-capacity magazines killed 20 children and six educators.

“Our town became unrecognizable,” she said. “We were shocked by what happened in our community. But instantly we knew that if our town could turn into a war zone due to an AR-15 that it could happen anywhere. Therefore, we sprung into action to send a strong message to all Americans that no one is safe as long as Americans can legally obtain assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.”

Aalayah Eastmond said she was a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., when a gunman there opened fire and killed 17 people.

“Illinois has led the country in enacting some of the strongest policy solutions to prevent gun violence,” she said. “However, in the wake of the Highland Park shooting where a perpetrator armed with an AR-15-style weapon and high-capacity magazines was able to murder seven people and injure 48 more, I along with several others here today are urging this body to yet again prioritize public health and safety by passing House Bill 5855.”

Last week’s hearing was the third such hearing the committee has held since the bill was introduced Dec. 1, and committee Chairman Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, said there will be further hearings when lawmakers return to Springfield in January. The committee could take action on the bill during an upcoming lame duck session scheduled to begin Jan. 4.

Viewpoint

Slices of life

to make me better

When people see you hurting they want to make it better—to make you better. It’s a kind and compassionate approach to life. I appreciate that.

But to my friends and loved ones, I have a message: You don’t have to try to make me better.

In fact, you can’t. But I appreciate you trying, I truly do. I feel your love. I feel your compassion and empathy. You can’t make me better however much you long to try.

Because there is no making me better. There is no better. There is only right here, right now. I’m in the place where I am supposed to be. And it might be sad sometimes, but it’s my place.

When I write about this place of grief that I currently find myself in, it may seem vulnerable and somber. I like to think of it as honest.

Honest is all I have, people. I don’t have any reason to avoid honest.

I lost big. (How that for honesty?) I’m not going to sugarcoat or shortchange it. I’m not going to pretend the loss wasn’t significant, life-changing or horrendous.

It was all those things. But I’m okay.

Truly. If I wasn’t I’d let you know. I’d reach out.

Grief is terrible, but it isn’t lifeending. At least not for me.

But that won’t stop me from being honest. Because I think it’s needed. I think we need to talk about grief and about how it affects our lives and about how terrible it really, truly is. Pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t make that so. It doesn’t make it the truth because it isn’t the truth.

It doesn’t allow us to avoid it because it is lurking in the corner for everyone. Rich, poor and everything in-between. Status, power, strength, intelligence, wealth, religion—none of it provides a buffer from grief. And that is scary, so we avoid the topic.

I understand that. I even see the logic in that.

Grief is scary

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

Still I think we have to bring it out in the open just a bit more. It’s okay. It’s a part of life—an unavoidable part, but one we all will confront one day. I’m sorry for that.

But I truly think being open and honest about this topic helps us all in the long run. It helps us help one another—whichever end of the grief train we happen to be on at the moment.

Grief sucks. Grief doesn’t end.

But grief isn’t the end, and it certainly isn’t the end to living.

Grief endures, but life does as well.

After a loss, we go on living, but we are never done grieving.

Those of us in the thralls of it may never be over it. We will never be better. We will always be at least a little bit broken.

And you may read that and see it as bleak, but it isn’t. Not really.

Being broken isn’t the end. Losing what we were isn’t bad. It may feel like it at first, but grief is a beginning just as much as it is an ending.

It is a beginning of a new you. A you that you never imagined or wanted before. It may not have been your first, second or even last choice, still it is new.

And new comes with opportunities.

Opportunities for redefining your life. Opportunities for growth. Opportunities for new relationships, new outlooks and new beliefs.

Grief may signify an ending, but it is not the end.

It is a beginning. If we—all of us—allow and let it be.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. She invites readers to follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

Republican Party is irrelevant in Illinois, and that’s not healthy

By Jim Nowlan

The Illinois GOP is irrelevant in Illinois politics.

The Republican State Committee has no bench, no money, no ideas, no platform.

Republicans hold but 3 of 17 congressional seats in the state. GOPers in the legislature are a pitiful band of one-third, or less, of its members.

There haven’t been any statewide GOP elected officials in years.

Further, the Illinois Supreme Court, with a Democratic majority continuously since 1962, has always resolved political issues on a partisan, pro-Democratic basis. This election, Democrats increased their majority to 5 court seats, versus just 2 for Republicans. Organized business, traditionally an ally of the GOP, sat on the sidelines this year while organized labor outspent opponents 3 or 4-to-1 to eke out a narrow victory on a constitutional amendment that gives labor untold powers in collective bargaining.

Total one-party domination is not healthy. Absolute power corrupts, you know, and Illinois already has a national reputation for political corruption.

For a new edition of a book on Illinois politics, my co-authors and I discuss “the changing faces of Illinois.” In 1970, Illinois was almost 90 percent white; today,

60 percent. In the collar counties outside Cook, traditionally white and GOP, one-third of all households speak a language other than English in the home. Downstate Illinois, with its strong Trump base, is withering away, if you haven’t noticed; with one-third of the state population, Downstate continues to lose population. The action is in the ‘burbs.

What to do?

First, take a practical, specific action: Challenge the 2020 state legislative district maps in the state courts, on the grounds of unconstitutional gerrymandering by the Democrats.

Prima facie evidence: The GOP has but 33 percent of the legislative seats in a state where even Darren Bailey (the party’s candidate for governor) received 45 percent of the two-party, statewide vote.

Gerrymandering? Duh!

The Illinois Constitution requires—in two places—that legislative districts be “compact.”

Yet, to achieve its dominance, Democrats drew districts from Chicago outward the look like slithering snakes, the opposite of compactness. A responsible court would have to rule the maps unconstitutional, thus creating opportunity for increased GOP representation.

If the state high court were somehow to rule that black is white, that is, that the 2020 slithering snakes are indeed compact, such

would prove the case—for all to see—that the Democrat-dominated court is indeed politically corrupt, a fact Republicans could trumpet going forward.

Second, rebuild the Illinois Republican Party, by coming up with a coherent platform about how to “Make Illinois Great Again.” (I am not above stealing from a great message, even if I don’t like the messenger.)

This will need to be crafted by younger Republicans. I could see moderate, former GOP governor Edgar (1991-99) leading a task force, joined by co-chairs such as conservative Downstate congressman Darin LaHood and pragmatic, suburban state senator Sue Rezin.

Edgar has also done a great service to our state by gathering a band of sharp young leaders of all stripes and from all parts of Illinois, via his annual, week-long Edgar Fellows Program. Roughly half the 400 Fellows are Republicans; many are state legislators and mayors. So, GOP Edgar Fellows, join the task force. Call it the New Republican Party. Give Illinois reasons to vote Republican, especially in the suburbs.

Jim Nowlan is a former Illinois GOP state legislator, running mate for lieutenant governor of Gov. Richard Ogilvie in 1972, and campaign manager for moderate Republican U.S. Senate and presidential candidates. He lives in Princeton, Ill.

8am-5pm

Three charged with retail theft, burglary at Elmhurst Kohl’s

CPD helicopter aids in pursuit down I-290; all apprehended near Madison Street

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced last week that bond had been set for three individuals accused of stealing almost $350 worth of merchandise from the Kohl’s department store located near the corner of St. Chas. Rd and Rte. 83 in Elmhurst.

Trinetta Wells, 52, and Sylvester Wells, 50, both of Chicago, and Darryl Foster, 56, of Wheaton, each appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Margaret O’Connell set bond at $40,000 with 10 percent to apply for Sylvester Wells, at $20,000 with 10 percent to apply recognizance for Trinetta Wells and at $10,000 with 10 percent to ap-

ply recognizance for Foster.

All three defendants have been charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony). Trinetta Wells has also been charged with one count of possession of another’s debit card (Class 4 felony) and Foster faces an additional count of misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Tuesday, Dec. 20 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Elmhurst officers responded to a report of a theft at the Kohl’s department store located at 303 S. Route 83. While investigating, officers were alerted that a car matching the description of the vehicle al-

legedly involved in the theft had been observed traveling on I-290 in Des Plaines.

With the assistance of a Chicago Police Department helicopter, officers located the vehicle on I-290 and Cicero Avenue and continued tracking the vehicle until it exited the expressway at Independence Blvd.

All three defendants were taken into custody without incident in the area of Madison St. and Springfield Ave.

It is alleged that all three defendants entered the Kohl’s store and went directly to the coat section. It is alleged that all three defendants took one jacket each before fleeing the

store. The entire incident reportedly lasted about three minutes.

While searching the suspects, officers reportedly found a crack pipe and a straw containing a white powdery substance in Forster’s pocket.

“As we approach the end of the holiday shopping season, I want to assure the public that law enforcement in DuPage County remains 100 percent committed to the safety and security of our holiday shoppers, businesses and visitors,” Berlin said. “The quick apprehension of the defendants in this case illustrates our commitment to public safety and our willingness to use every tool available to us to apprehend anyone suspected of criminal

behavior. I thank the Elmhurst Police Department for their work on this case as well as the Chicago Police Department for their assistance.”

“This is another example of Elmhurst officers working with Chicago police to track down offenders within minutes of committing a crime and bringing them to justice,” McLean said. “I thank the responding Elmhurst detectives, Chicago Police, and DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their assistance on this case.”

The next court appearance for all three defendants is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 18 in front of Judge O’Connell.

Elmhurst University radio station earns 4 national award nominations One sports show nominee is Addison native

Four Elmhurst University students involved with campus radio station WRSE-88.7 FM have been nominated for national awards from the Intercollegiate Broadcast Systems.

The students as well as faculty advisor Lizzie Baumgartner have been named as finalists in four categories for their work at WRSE in the past year:

• Best Sports Talk Program: “The Bluejay Boys Show” with Charlie Uczen, a junior from Brookfield, Wis.; Alex Sakleh, a senior from Addison; and Josh Diaz, a sophomore from North Riverside.

• Best Sports Director: Charlie Uczen

• Best Program Director: Stephanie Cipolla, a senior from Belvidere.

• Best Faculty Advisor: Lizzie Baumgartner, of Naperville.

The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System will announce the winners during their annual conference in February in New York City. The organization advocates for student media, provides educational opportunities and honors the works of students and campus stations around the world.

It is the second year of nominations for WRSE, with the station garnering one more nomination this year than last.

The station has produced Chicago radio legends, including WBBM-AM 780’s Len Walter (Class of 1962) and WXRT-FM 93.1’s Terri Hemmert (Class of 1970).

“The recent recognitions are a result of the hard work that Baumgartner and a small team of students have done over the past few years to revitalize the station as a place to learn the ropes and showcase their talent,” Baumgartner said. “For example, the Best Sports Talk Program nomination for ‘The Bluejay Boys Show’ is richly deserved. All three students are incredibly knowledgeable about all sports and have great on-air chemistry.”

Regarding the “Best Program Director” nomination, Baumgartner said that while Cipolla enjoys being on the air, she has also taken the initiative to learn all about how the

station operates, from music selection to production, and “to be helpful to every department we have.”

Baumgartner is grateful to have been nominated again for Best Faculty Advisor.

“It’s been a challenge doing this solo, but the kids really make it rewarding,” she said, adding that she believes WRSE is on the path to a Best College Station nomination in the nottoo-distant future.

Students can get involved at WRSE as a class or a co-curricular activity. You can listen to WRSE at 88.7 FM or stream it at wrse887fm. com.

Forest preserve district board passes 2023 budget

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the agency’s 2023 budget and annual appropriation ordinance. The $130 million budget includes $44.9 million in operating expenses and $60.3 million in capital expenses.

On Nov. 15, the board approved a $51.3 million tax levy for 2022 to pay a portion of the district’s operational and capital needs. The district abated $4 million of the debt service levy, keeping this amount off DuPage residents’ property tax bills. Despite record-pace inflation, the district’s 2022 levy reflects a 0 percent increase over the 2020 and 2021 tax levies, resulting in three straight years of zero increase in the property taxes levied.

“Budget preparation began six months ago, and it has been an engaging process,” said Andrew Brown, district director of Finance and Administration. “Staff was able to work within the president’s guidelines to develop a fiscally sound budget that accommodates a number of master-plan initiatives and provides for the continued delivery of top-notch recreation and nature-education services with no increase to property taxpayers.”

Brown further stated, “President Hebreard and the board of commissioners have kept the total extended property tax levy flat over three consecutive fiscal years with record-breaking inflationary impacts. This is a significant accomplishment.”

Initiatives slated for funding in 2023 include the continued implementation of master plan

projects and investments in landfill infrastructure. Notable projects include the construction of a new wildlife center at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn, exterior rehabilitation and construction at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, and improvements to the atrium at Danada House in Wheaton.

Also included are the construction of a shelter at York Woods in Oak Brook, a natural resources support building at Greene Valley in Naperville and a bridge over Sawmill Creek at Waterfall Glen in Darien.

Board President Daniel Hebreard expressed his enthusiasm for the district’s ability to increase operational funding while holding the line on taxes. “I’m pleased that we will be able to accomplish so much in 2023 while at the same time taking care of taxpayers and not placing any additional burden on them.”

An average of 2 percent of a DuPage County homeowner’s tax bill funds the district’s budget. For example, a homeowner with property that has an assessed valuation of $300,000 is estimated to pay on average only $114 annually to the District.

This portion of the tax bill supports operations and improvements to ensure taxpayers continue to enjoy numerous services within the District’s 26,000 acres of land, 60 forest preserves, 600 acres of lakes, and 166 miles of trails.

For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the district’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok pages.

New year to bring new laws in Illinois

Elimination of cash bail one of many changes taking effect Jan. 1

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

By now, almost everyone in Illinois has heard that Jan. 1 will mark the beginning of a significant change in the state’s criminal justice system – the elimination of cash bail.

It’s an issue that dominated the 2022 campaigns and has been both praised and criticized on editorial pages in newspapers across the state. It essentially means that starting Jan. 1, the decision as to whether a criminal suspect should be held in jail while awaiting trial will be based on public safety and the likelihood the suspect will flee rather than their financial ability to post bond.

And while that criminal justice reform has received widespread attention, it is by no means the only new law that will take effect when the calendar turns over to 2023.

For most people who work a minimum wage job, the new year will bring a pay raise to $13 per hour, a $1 increase over the current wage. That’s the result of a law Gov. JB Pritzker signed in 2019, his first major legislative victory after being sworn into office a month earlier. The law will eventually raise the wage to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2025.

The new $13 hourly rate does not apply to all minimum wage earners. People who receive tips at work will see their base wage rise to $7.80 an hour. And people younger than 18 who work fewer than 650 hours per year will see their wage go up to $10.50 an hour.

The higher wage will probably come as welcome news for those who drive a car to and from work. That’s because the new year will also bring higher motor fuel taxes.

The same year Pritzker signed the minimum wage bill, he also signed a multi-year, $45 billion transportation and capital improvements bill known as “Rebuild Illinois,” which is funded in part with higher motor fuel taxes that are scheduled to increase with inflation each year.

The adjustment in the tax rate is supposed to take effect on July 1 of each year, the first day of the state’s fiscal year. But last spring, in the face of rising inflation and healthy state revenues, lawmakers authorized a six-month delay in the scheduled increase, putting it off until Jan. 1.

As a result, starting Jan. 1, the motor fuel tax people pay at the pump will go up 3.1 cents per gallon, and then it will increase again when the next regular adjustment date comes around on July 1, 2023.

Criminal law

Several new criminal laws will go into effect Jan. 1, including three that deal with sex offenses.

One of those prevents people who solicit sex from a minor or a

person with a severe or profound intellectual disability from asserting a defense that they simply did not know the person was underage or intellectually disabled. House Bill 4593, signed into law May 27, puts the burden of proof on the defendant that they did not know the age or disability status of the other person, rather than the other way around.

Another new law changes the definition of when a person is “unable to give knowing consent.”

Under current law, a person cannot give knowing consent when the accused person “administers any intoxicating or anesthetic substance or any controlled substance” that causes the victim to lose consciousness of the nature of the act.

House Bill 5441, signed June 16, broadens that definition to include when the victim has taken any intoxicating or controlled substance causing them to lose consciousness of the nature of the act, even if the substances were administered by someone else.

Another bill expands certain employment restrictions that apply to convicted child sex offenders. Currently, they are prohibited from being employed by, or even being present at, child day care centers, schools that provide before- and after-school programs for children or any facility that provides programs or services exclusively for people under age 18.

Senate Bill 3019, signed May 27, expands that to prohibit convicted child sex offenders from working at carnivals, amusement enterprises, county fairs and the State Fair when people under age 18 are present.

Another new law expands the list of professionals who are required to report suspicions of child abuse or neglect. Starting Jan. 1, under Senate Bill 3833, signed May 13, occupational therapists and assistants, physical therapists and assistants, and athletic trainers will be added to that list.

Carjacking

Three new laws taking effect Jan. 1 are intended to address a spike in carjackings around the state. All were signed on May 26.

House Bill 601 expands the crime of possession of burglary tools to include possession, with the intention to enter and steal a vehicle, of devices to unlock or start a vehicle without the key to that vehicle, or devices that capture or duplicate a signal from a key fob to unlock or start the vehicle.

House Bill 3699 expands an existing state council charged with providing grants and financial support to law enforcement agencies to aid in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting carjackers and recover stolen vehicles.

And House Bill 3772 ensures that victims of carjackings are not

liable for costs and fines associated with impounding a vehicle that was stolen or hijacked, provided the owner files a police report in a timely manner.

Education

To address a shortage of substitute teachers throughout the state, House Bill 4798, signed April 27, allows students enrolled in approved teacher training programs who have earned at least 90 credit hours to obtain a substitute teaching license. Before, applicants had to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.

House Bill 4716, signed May 27, calls on the Illinois State Board of Education to adopt “rigorous learning standards” for classroom and laboratory phases of driver education programs for novice teen drivers. Those will include, at a minimum, the Novice Teen Driver Education and Training Administrative Standards developed by the Association of National Stakeholders in Traffic Safety Education in association with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Higher education

In an effort to get more people to pursue careers in human services, Senate Bill 3925, signed June 10, establishes a student loan repayment program. Subject to appropriations, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will award loan repayment grants to qualified individuals with an associate degree or higher who works for a human services agency that contracts with or is grant-funded by a state agency that provides “direct or indirect services that ensure that individuals have essential elements to build and maintain physical, emotional, and economic well-being at every phase of life.”

Awards can be made for a maximum of four years. Maximum amounts are $3,000 per year for someone with an associate degree, $15,000 per year for a person with a bachelor’s degree and $25,000 per year for a person with a master’s degree or higher, with a $5,000 peryear add-on if the applicant holds certain professional licenses.

Meanwhile, students currently enrolled in any program at a public university or community college will have access to trained individuals who can help them apply for federal, state or local assistance based on their financial need. House Bill 4201, signed June 7, requires those institutions to designate a “benefits navigator” to help students identify and determine their eligibility for various benefit programs.

Alzheimer’s care

Senate Bill 3707, signed May 27, requires all employees and

people who work for agencies that contract with the Illinois Department on Aging who provide direct services to individuals participating in its Community Care Program to receive at least two hours of training in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as safety risks, communication and behavior associated with the disease.

Hunting

Starting Jan. 1, deer hunters in Illinois will have a new option for the type of firearm they use. House Bill 4386, signed May 27, authorizes the use of single-shot centerfire rifles – guns that can fire only a single round of ammunition that contains primer in the center of the cartridge and not in the rim of the cartridge. Before, only shotguns, handguns and muzzleloading rifles were allowed.

State symbols

Illinois will have two new of -

ficial state symbols effective Jan. 1. House Bill 4821 establishes the eastern milksnake as the official state snake. That was an initiative of Gentry Heiple, a snake enthusiast and Carterville Junior High School seventh grader. And House Bill 4261 establishes dolostone as the official state rock. That was an initiative of a group of students from Pleasantdale Middle School and Maplebrook Elementary School.

Vehicles

People who own vehicles that were manufactured in Illinois will be able to apply for a slight break on their registration fees starting Jan. 1. Senate Bill 3609 allows those drivers to apply for a onetime $25 rebate, “if the vehicle is manufactured in this state and the application for title is made no more than one year after the month in which the vehicle was manufactured.”

With labor dispute settled, railroads focus on service

By Daniel Grant FARMWEEK

It’s not necessarily back to business as usual for the nation’s railroad industry now that the threat of a nationwide strike has been averted for a second time.

Industry representatives, who met with members of the National Grain and Feed Association at the Country Elevator Conference and Trade Show held fittingly at Union Station in St. Louis, say the focus now is to build crew numbers and improve overall rail service.

“Ultimately, it’s best for the overall economy. It was a compromise that takes into consideration both parties’ side to the story,” said James Wilson, director of marketing for Norfolk Southern Corp.

“Hopefully everybody can come to grips with it, put it behind us and go to work.”

President Joe Biden signed into law a measure forcing 12 rail labor unions to adopt an agreement with rail companies earlier this month, ending the threat of a strike.

The labor dispute, along with shortages of crew members in some areas, contributed to rail service issues much of this year.

A lack of timely grain shipments became problematic for the elevator industry during harvest and was exacerbated by low water levels on the Mississippi River system, which simultaneously snarled barge traffic.

“We’re manpower constrained in terms of moving product,” Wilson

said. “Our service was not where we wanted it to be. It goes back to train crews available to move the product.”

Rick Paterson, managing director of Loop Capital Markets in New York, reported recent “on-time” rates of 88 percent for CSX, 89 percent for Kansas City Southern, the mid-70 percent range for grain movements in October for Canadian Pacific, 65 percent for Union Pacific and 60 percent for BNSF’s grain network.

Only Canadian National has posted on-time rates near 100 percent since July. Norfolk Southern doesn’t report such rates.

Overall, there have been 13 meltdowns in the North American rail industry since 2014, according to

Paterson.

He defined a meltdown as a situation in which a railroad runs out of crew or locomotives at a critical location, which reduces speed and compresses capacity.

Operations of a rail network generally slow about 20 percent during a meltdown.

“The common denominator of meltdowns has been crew shortages,” Paterson said.

He believes the railroad industry must come up with a better system to manage crew capacity and it needs to implement service reform and not just service recovery.

And that’s just what some are doing.

“We’ve aggressively gone out and hired and continue to hire,”

Helping prevent, overcome childhood obesity

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

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

The consequences of obesity during childhood affect a child’s health and well-being now and later in life. Obese youth have a greater risk of heart disease caused by high

Coming events

blood pressure and high cholesterol, and other serious health issues, including:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Sleep apnea

• Asthma

• Joint problems

• Fatty liver disease, gallstones and heartburn

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

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

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

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

Parents can start by:

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

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

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

• Helping kids stay active by encouraging at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity daily, such as: brisk walking, playing

tag, jump rope, soccer, swimming, dancing and biking. Exercise as a family so it’s a team effort.

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

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

Learn more at EEHealth.org/ healthy-driven/fitness-centers.

Editor’s note: Unless otherwise specified, learn more about these events and programs at: addisonlibrary.org/events or call 630-5433617.

Friday, Dec. 30

Drop-in crafts

From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, we’ll provide the supplies; you provide the creativity. Materials will be available to make picture frames to display some of your favorite photos.

Wednesday, Jan. 4

Talking politics

From 7-8:30 p.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, get out of your echo chamber! Discuss and debate political issues with your neighbors in this safe space.

Friday, Jan. 6

Movement stations

From 10 a.m.-noon at the Addison Public Library, at this program for littles, we’ll have out some special toys in the children’s department for you to try. Practice yoga moves, walk the balance beam, or move across some stepping stones. No registration required.

Monday, Jan. 16

for showcasing your business online and see a step-by-step website startup demonstration.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

• iPad and iPhone basics

From 6-7 p.m. at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, have a new iPad or iPhone or are looking to get one? Join us to learn all the basic functions and get the most out of your device! We will discuss how to get connected, common apps, and how to use your device safely. Part of our Technology Made Simple series; learn more and sign up at https:// www.addisonlibrary.org/Tech-Simple.

• Winter evening story time

From 6:30-7 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, join us for an evening of stories and crafts all about winter. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Thursday, Jan. 19

• Monthly meditation at the Library

From 10-11 a.m. at the Large Meeting Room of the Addison Public Library, join friends old and new in-person to discover the life changing effects of meditation. No experience required.

periences in his hometown of Rochester, N.Y. and across the country that shaped his life and photography as we know it. You’ll also see photos with demonstrations of several distinctive Kodak cameras from 1896-1936, including the famous Brownie camera. Co-sponsored by Addison Historical Society.

Friday, Jan. 20 Free time Fridays

From 11 a.m.-noon at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, Join us for crafts, games, light refreshments, conversation, and fun with friends old and new. We’ll do something different each time we meet and it will always be a fun treat.

Saturday, Jan. 21

Chinese New Year story time with the Language Labs

From 2-2:30 p.m. at the Addison Public Library, learn about the origins of Chinese New Year, share stories, and make a traditional Chinese New Year craft.

Ongoing events Open enrollment is ongoing for the Addison Park District Preschool

Wilson said of Norfolk Southern. “We feel our network is actually running pretty well right now. We feel pretty confident how we’ve been performing.”

The company has a target of surpassing 7,500 train engine employees.

“Hopefully recessionary and inflationary issues subside and don’t impact our ability to hit our forecast,” Wilson added. “We appreciate the patience (from rail customers) continuing to work with us as we went through labor issues and service issues.”

Down the road, the rail industry is also looking at automation and technology to help deal with labor constraints.

Jim Gales, of Gales Design and Consulting, outlined the development of a “manless rail terminal” for grain elevators at the conference.

“This stuff is doable,” said Gales, who noted an automated grain terminal is in use in a controlled environment. “The technology is out there.”

Elsewhere, LEADER AutoPilot, technology that automatically controls trains, was designed for railroads to improve operations.

An automatic test run, with no human intervention, was successfully carried out with a heavy haul cargo train on a 48-mile test track in Colorado.

This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com.

skills. The experiences are both educational and recreational, which aid in social, physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. Registration is taken in-person at the Centennial Rec Center. Call (630) 233-7275 option 3 for registration availability. Visit addisonparks.org for required paperwork due prior to first day of program.

English reading circle

Starting at 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, build your vocabulary and reading skills in a small group setting.

English conversation groups

At 2 p.m. Mondays on Zoom, and at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library, practice listening and speaking skills in a small group setting. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events

English reading circle

At 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Adult Program Room of the Addison Public Library. Learn more at: addisonlibrary.org/events

Heroes story time

Website

design with a stellar marketing focus

From 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom via the Addison Public Library, in this presentation, you’ll learn why WordPress, the world’s most popular web-building platform, is the best choice

• Life through the lens of Kodak

From 7-8 p.m. on Zoom via the Addison Public Library, in 1895, Eastman Kodak was producing 90 percent of all the film in the world. Join us as we meet Kodak founder George Eastman, who will share stories of ex-

The Addison Park District preschool program curriculum reflects the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. Visit www. illinoisearlylearning.org for more details. The Park District helps children develop prekindergarten skills, including letter/name recognition, listening skills, healthy habits, cooperative play, fine motor, and socialization

From 10-10:30 a.m. at the Addison Public Library, join us for stories and activities about everyday heroes, superheroes, and more.

Clubs and organizations are welcome to send entries for this column to: news1@rvpublishing.com. Please include a phone number or e-mail address to contact for information.

SUDOKU

Fun by the Numbers

S. China seaport

Former OSS

Early English printer

Aphid genus

General’s assistant (abbr.)

Aussies

Dissuades

Make law

Drench

Explores beneath the Earth

You can find it in a can

“Land of the free”

Footwear

CLUES ACROSS 5. Type of sarcoma 6. Tax collector 7. Sun up in New York 8. One who scorches 9. Influential psychotherapist 10. Situated at an apex 11. Communicative 12. Forearm nerve 13. Former CIA 19. Folk singer DiFranco 21. Employee stock ownership plan 24. Large-scale 25. School environment 26. Remove 27. Male parents 31. Large rodent 32. Weighed down 34. Held tightly

Challenges

They hold things

Product or __ (abbr.) 35. __ route: going there 36. Explains again 40. Exclamation of surprise 41. Courteously 45. Lying down 47. Judge 48. Forcefully took 52. Loosely compacted sediment 53. High mountain 54. Portable conical tents 56. Cereal grass 57. Dining utensil 59. Thoughtful 60. Helps you walk 61. Indicates near 62. Midway between northeast and east 63. Local area network

Zodiac sign ACHES BACTERIA BLANKET CHILLS CLEAN CONGESTION CONTAGIOUS COUGHING DISINFECT DOCTOR GERMS HUMIDITY ILL INFLUENZA MEDICINE MUCOUS PAINS PHLEGM QUARANTINE REST SANITIZE SLEEP SNEEZE VIRUS Answers on page 14

Canine visitor delights seniors

On Thursday, Dec. 8, Deputy Chief David Clark from the Oakbrook Terrace Police Department brought special guest, Pickles, to visit with seniors before lunch at the York Township Senior Nutrition Center, located at 1502 S. Meyers Road in Lombard. Pickles completed his training back in August and was officially sworn in on Oct. 11. He put huge smiles across many faces during his return visit and was welcomed by seniors and staff alike. Supervisor John Valle said, “I want to thank Deputy Chief David Clark for blessing us with another visit. Our senior residents had a blast spending time with Pickles. We look forward to more visits again next year.”

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 78911 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 15, 2022 wherein the business firm of J + K MILITARY COLLECTIBLES, 604 S. GRANT AVE., VILLA PARK, IL 60181 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/ are as follows:

Richard A. Rodrigues, 604 S. Grant Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181; Lisa C. Rodrigues, 604 S. Grant Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 15TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2022.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 22 & 29, 2022 & Jan. 5, 2023)

430544

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 22 & 29, 2022 & Jan. 5, 2023)

430484

Trinity Lutheran Church donates to York Township’s Christmas program

NOTICE OF

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 78913 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 15, 2022 wherein the business firm of ANS GARAGE DOORS, 111 E. PINE AVENUE, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106 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:

Saul Junior Aguirre, 111 E. Pine Avenue, Bensenville, IL 60106.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 15TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2022.

TO ISSUE A CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

INTENT

In accordance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Loan Rules, Title 35, Subtitle F, Chapter II, Part 662.330 (State Environmental Review), the IEPA has determined that the Belmont Ave. and Church Rd. Water Tower Rehabilitation Project (Project), may be excluded from a detailed environmental impacts review. The Agency may categorically exclude certain types of projects from environmental review if no potential for negative environmental impacts exists. All proposed construction will occur outside the floodway and wetlands on previously disturbed land. No digging will occur. For these reasons, the project is receiving categorical exclusion from a detailed environmental review.

Information related to the Project and Categorical Exclusion prepared by the IEPA are available for review at the Village of Bensenville, Village Hall located at 12 S. Center St, Bensenville, IL 60106. There will be a 10-day comment period subsequent to the publication of this notice to receive comments from interested and affected parties. Comments may be submitted to the Village of Bensenville, Public Works Department, Attn Lisa Lucht, P.E., 717 E. Jefferson Street, Bensenville, IL 60106.

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 29, 2022) 430657

Trinity Dorcas Guild members set up a “Giving Tree” at Trinity Lutheran Church of Villa Park, 300 S. Ardmore Ave., for parishioners and fellow guild members to help children in need celebrate the holidays. Guild president Karen Magnuson and guild member Debbie Thompson delivered about 50 gifts, including toys, books, games and stocking stuffers to York Township Hall on Dec. 9. Thompson (left) and Magnuson (center) are pictured with York Township Supervisor John W. Valle (right). The donations were distributed to food pantry client families with children as part of York Township’s “Adopt a Family for Christmas” program. “On behalf of our pantry clients and staff, I would like to thank Trinity Lutheran Church and its Dorcas Guild members for their support year after year,” said Valle. “We are proud to have such generous partners in making Christmas a little brighter in York Township.”

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Gutters

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PERSONALS

Carmel Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity, Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Amen. Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. I am confident my prayers will be answered. Thank You Mother of God!!! JC 349866

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