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1 • Thursday, January 19, 2017 - The Independent

TAKE ONE

Bensenville

Independent

also serving Wood Dale

VOL. 17 • NO. 39

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

389576

THURSDAY, FEB. 11, 2021

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Celebrating the decades

This group of 5th grade students went all out for Dress Down Day on Monday, cades, in this photo, there are poodle skirts from the 50s, hippies from the 70s, even Feb. 1, as part of Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31-Feb. 5. Celebrating the various de- a Guns & Roses fan from the 80s.

Inside:

house

Police Reports...........6 Sports �������������������� 16 Viewpoint.................8 Classifieds..............15

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KATE DRURY 630-514-9961

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2 • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE 2021 We hope this email finds you and your family in good health. The previous year brought a lot of change, but one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety and well being.

As always, we are following the latest infection control recommendations made by OSHA, CDC and the ADA to ensure we are in accordance with their guidance at all times. If you haven’t been to our office in the last 9 months, you may be wondering what additional precautions have been taken to ensure your safety • A deep disinfecting of treatment rooms between patient appointments and increased sanitizing of doorknobs, counters and waiting room areas.

• Everyone entering our facility will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 one to two days prior to arrival and temperatures will be taken when entering the office.

• All patients will wear a mask to prevent the spread of infection to others. A mask will be provided, if needed.

• Dentist and staff members will be wearing additional personal protective equipment as an added layer of security for you and them.

• We are continuing safe distancing measures and fewer appointment times are offered to space out patient arrivals and departures.

• Magazines and other high touch items in the waiting room have been removed to limit the spread of germs.

Amid the pandemic, taking care of your health is more important than ever. Maintaining good oral health goes hand in hand with total body health. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or further discuss our measures to ensure your continued safety, please call us at 630-833-8088.

Sincerely,

389572

Dr. Daniel J. Fornatto, D.D.S.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 • 3

Four stimulus check scams and how to avoid them

The second stimulus check for $600 being distributed to Americans has led to unprecedented online scams that broke the $200 million milestone.

The IRS reported 5.7 million payments totaling $9.6 billion were made in Illinois where residents should be on alert for the most common scams currently being used.

The FTC has received more than 275,643 reports of fraud relating to Coronavirus, costing victims more than $211 million. Google reported during the first stimulus it was blocking 18 million scam emails every single day; and 150,000 fraudulent stimulus check sites were launched.

With a third stimulus for $1.9 trillion being negotiated in Congress, Americans must be on alert and know how

to protect themselves right now and going forward.

SocialCatfish.com recently released a report on four stimulus check scams and how to avoid them based on information from the FTC, FBI and IRS during the Coronavirus pandemic.

• Robocall check scams: The scammer will call pretending to be the IRS and ask for your personal financial information. They will claim they need this to deposit the stimulus check into your account and will also ask for a fee to deposit said check.

The truth is, they want your information so that they can pretend to be you and claim the check for themselves.

They can also drain your bank account with this information and will keep the fee for themselves for good measure.

How to avoid: Do not give out any personal information. The government already has your information on file from when you filed your taxes. The stimulus check will either be automatically deposited into your account or you will get it mailed to your house.

• Email and text scams: Scammers will send you a phishing email, text message, or message on social media claiming that they are the government.

They may email you telling you to click on a link to “verify” information, or text message you a link to fill out an application to receive your check.

How to avoid: Do not click on any links that are emailed or texted to you.

Again, the government already has your information and checks or debit cards are either directly deposited or

University celebrates 35th annual ‘National Girls and Women in Sports’ Day

By Tessa Martyn

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, Elmhurst University celebrated the 35th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day with a social media campaign, driven by the student-athlete advisory committee.

Elmhurst University’s women’s sports teams participated in this celebration by sharing the importance of being involved in sports and the female role models in their lives that have inspired them through sports.

“As a women athlete in sports Serena Williams has inspired me since I was young. Serena showed me how

to be a fighter,” said Elena Cabrera, senior basketball player. “She was never satisfied, always striving to get better. I look up to her as an athlete because she always showed passion, inspired others to be the best they could be, and never stopped working hard through her highest and lowest moments. She has inspired me to be the best version of myself on the court and off it.”

National Girls and Women in Sports Day began in 1987, uniting premiere organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.

“To me, this initiative is about both celebrating and inspiring girls and women to play, be active, and to realize their full potential through sports,” said Kali Bills, head women’s lacrosse coach. “It’s also an opportunity to honor the women that paved the way for other women in sports to continue to strive for greatness, equity, and leadership. This initiative gives voices to girls and women who use sports to reach goals both physical and mental. Movement is medicine is what I like to say.”

In 1987, National Girls and Women’s in Sports Day also served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman, who died from Marfan’s Syndrome in 1986. On this day, Hyman is remembered for her athletic achievements and dedication versity and be age 25 or older.

The AAUW mission is to advance to promoting equality for women’s equity for women and girls through sports by the Women’s Sports Founadvocacy, education, philanthropy, and dation. research at both the national and local levels. Funds for these scholarships come from the Used Book Sale that AAUW hosted in 2019.

Scholarship requirements as well as the application form for the scholarship can be found on the AAUW website: aauwelmhurst.org.

The application deadline is May 1, 2021.

AAUW returning student scholarships now available The AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch is offering two scholarships of $2,500 each to women from the communities of Elmhurst, Addison, Bensenville, Berkeley, Northlake, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, or Villa Park who need financial assistance to continue education at the undergraduate or graduate level. An applicant may be studying full or part time. Besides being from one of the above communities, the applicant must be continuing her education after completing at least 12 credit hours at an accredited college or uni-

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The DuPage County Clerk Election Division announced that special assistance in voter registration is available to the elderly and voters with disabilities through the Division’s office. The Division can assist in the arrangement of voter registration appointments with deputy registrars for the upcoming April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election.

All eligible registered voters, including those who are physically unable to get to their polling place, are entitled to receive a ballot by mail or in person. An individual may request a ballot to vote by mail up through April 1, 2021. An individual may vote early at the Election Division office, beginning February 25, 2021, through April 5, 2021, or early vote in person at one of the County’s Early Voting sites, starting March 22, 2021, through Monday, April 5, 2021.

Polling locations during Early Voting and on Election Day will be equipped with touch-screen voting machines to enable those who are blind, visually impaired or have limited dexterity to vote privately without assistance.

Additionally, a voter may request assistance with marking their ballot. At the polling place on Election Day assistance may be given

by Judges of Election (one from each political party), a friend or a relative. Assistance with marking the ballot will also be at Early Voting sites.

For additional information, contact the Election Division office, 421 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187 at (630) 407-5600, the TDD number at (630) 407-5631, or visit the Election Division website at www.dupageco.org/election/.

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been mailing fake checks that look exactly like the official government-issued paper stimulus checks. Once deposited, the scammers text you pretending to be the government asking for some of the money back claiming too much was sent.

How to avoid: Make sure the check is legitimate, ask your bank to verify it. If anyone asks for a portion of the check back, tell your bank immediately.

If you encounter a coronavirus scam, contact local law enforcement, or file a complaint with the FTC. For more information on the status of your stimulus check ,visit the IRS website.

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• Fake website: If you click on suspicious links, they will likely take you to fake websites that will download malware onto your device and steal your information to drain your bank account. These sites also contain fake forms so any personal or financial information you provide will go to the scammer.

How to avoid: Do not go to any website that does not end in “.gov”.

There are no non-government websites giving stimulus checks. If you suspect a fake website, get off it immediately and report it.

• Phony checks: Scammers have

4B • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

The IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Fenton announces upcoming survey on Social Emotional Learning Fenton High School is participating in a study with Yale University to gather information on how our students manage their emotions in school.

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.

We expect that this information will help us to better support our students. Our participation in this study will also help the research team at Yale to develop and validate

Fenton seeks student input on Black History Month

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

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

February is Black History Month and Fenton High School kicked off with relevant videos and discussions during Bison Time.

Additionally, new banner graphics were added to the homepage of our website.

Each slide features an influential African American past or present and encourages students to ask a teacher about that person.

Another activity invites students, staff, parents, and community mem-

Fenton announces noteworthy changes to the SAT The College Board continues to adapt and adjust to the pandemic and has made some programming changes. The first change is the discontinuation of the optional Essay component of the SAT. Students that take the exam this year (up through June 2021) will have the option to have the essay as part of their exam. After June of 2021, the essay will only be available through state testing for states that request it. This April at Fenton the SAT will include the essay section.

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

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions: The Independent is mailed to the 60101, 60106 and 60181 zip code areas for $15.95 yearly. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly.

For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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

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

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

Office Hours:

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bers to submit a video of themselves reading a favorite quote from an African American and sharing why that quote is meaningful to them. Similarly, Fenton also is collecting videos of students, staff, parents, and community members explaining how they celebrate Black Excellence. The intent is to merge the submitted videos for a celebration later in the month.

The preferred method is to upload a video to GoogleDrive or another file sharing platform.

Police reports 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.

Feb. 2, 1:48 p.m. in the 300 block of Ridgewood Ave., a complainant reported that an unknown suspect made fraudulent bank transactions without the complainant’s authorization. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2100083.

Feb. 1, 11:42 a.m. in the 1000 block of W. Irving Park Road, Enrique De Leon, 20, was cited for unlawful possession of cannabis by the driver and a traffic violation, and Jennyfer Rico, 20, of Villa Park, was cited for illegal transportation of open alcohol by a passenger and unlawful possession of cannabis by a passenger. BEPC2100078.

Feb, 1, 6:51 p.m. in the 400 block of Supreme Drive, a complainant reported she was punched in the back

The second change is that the SAT Subject tests are being discontinued as of June 2021. Students who would like to show subject specific knowledge can include their AP Scores on many college applications in lieu of an SAT Subject Test.

If you have any questions regarding these changes please reach out to Rachel Georgakis, Fenton’s College & Career Counselor, at georgakis@ fenton100.org or Eileen Roberts, Assistant Principal, at roberts@fenton100.org.

of complainant’s head by a known suspect. This case is under investigation. BEPC2100080.

Jan. 31, 5:15 a.m. in the 200 block of W. Sonny Lane, a 37-year-old Bensenville man was arrested for domestic battery. BEPC2100075.

Jan. 31, 9:02 a.m. in the 100 block of George Street, a complainant reported that a package was taken by an unknown suspect. This case is under investigation. BEPC2100076.

Jan. 30, 11:39 a.m. in the 200 block of W. Belmont Ave., Jesus Aguayo-Ornelas, 39, was arrested for misuse of 9-1-1. BEPC2100074.

Jan. 29, 10:33 p.m. in the 400 block of W. Irving Park Road, officers responded to an armed robbery by two unknown suspects. This case is under investigation. BEPC2100072.

Jan. 29, 5:15 p.m. in the 600 block of Redmond Court, a 40-year-old Bensenville man was arrested for domestic battery. BEPC2100070.

Jan. 28, 10:34 a.m. near S. York Road and E. Grand Ave., James Seno, 65, of Melrose Park, was arrested for driving while license was suspended, unlawful possession of cannabis by the driver, no insurance and a traffic violation. BEPC2100067.

a new tool for assessing students’ tips for developing healthy ways of managing their emotions. emotion management strategies.

2. A $10-$15 Amazon e-gift card, depending on which study acWhat your child tivities they participate in. will be asked to do Students will be asked to complete an online survey about their Information Fenton emotional experiences and how will receive: Our school will receive a sumthey would respond to different mary of the emotion management emotional situations.

Students may also be invited to strategies students report using participate in an online focus group (averaged across all students in a where researchers will ask for grade, to protect their anonymity) and general recommendations for feedback on the survey. supporting students’ development of healthy emotion management What you will strategies. be asked to do Participation in this study is volYou will be asked to complete a 5-10 minute online survey about untary. Whether your child participates in this study is up to you and your child and your family. your child.

To learn more about this study, What your child will get Participating students will re- visit the web site.

If you have any questions or conceive: 1. A report on their use of dif- cerns about this study, please conferent emotion management strat- tact Dr. Cynthia Willner at cynthia. egies, with information about the willner@yale.edu or call 203-432helpfulness of these strategies and 2006.

News from Fenton High School District #100 Sports guidelines, vaccination protocols bring some normalcy Good news, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois High School Association (IHSA) have recently agreed on sport guidelines. Fenton will follow these guidelines. Athletic director Todd Becker is working with coaches to plan and review the guidelines.

Fenton coaches have started reaching out to our athletes. The plan is to start bringing “in-season teams” next week. If you have any questions regarding athletics and schedules, please send an email to: becker@fenton100.org Vaccinations begin Vaccination is one of the tools in combating COVID-19, along with washing your hands, watching your distance, and wearing a mask.

Fenton High School paved the way for providing vaccines to all school employees and many municipal employees in Wood Dale and Bensenville.

A structured plan led many small groups through Fenton High School from station to station until eventually receiving the vaccine in the fieldhouse. The first dose was administered last week and the second dose will be administered later in February. A huge thank-you to Fenton’s health care provider that made this happen.

Second teen arrested in carjacking at Addison Popeye’s

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ADDISON INDEPENDENT

In the last issue of the Addison Independent (2/4/21 edition), there was a story about a teen who is being held in connection with a carjacking incident that took place at the Popeye’s restaurant in Addison. Since the story broke, another teen has been arrested.

On Monday, February 1, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Addison Director of

Police Bill Hayden announced that Judge Brian Jacobs ordered that a second Chicago teen charged with hijacking a woman’s car at gunpoint from an Addison Popeye’s restaurant parking lot will remain in custody until at least his next court appearance.

The juvenile, who is 15 years old, is charged with one count of Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking (Class X Felony) and one count of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony).

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 • 5

DuPage County Health Department reports 1,132 COVID-19 related deaths since March All 11 regions in Illinois are now in Phase 4 mitigations

STAFF REPORT

The DuPage County Health Department’s daily COVID-19 update of Feb. 7 reported there have been 1,132 deaths related to the coronavirus in county residents since March 2020.

The Feb. 7 update indicated there have been 69,611 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county.

The DuPage County Health Department’s latest COVID-19 information is posted on its website at dupagehealth.org.

The county’s first death related to the coronavirus was reported on March 19, 2020.

As of Feb. 7, about 58 percent (653) of DuPage County’s 1,132 deaths related to the coronavirus involved residents 80 and older. About 93 percent of the 1,132 deaths involved residents 60 and older.

None of the deaths involved a resident 19 and under.

According to the Feb. 7 update, there were 103 COVID-19 related

deaths of DuPage County residents during the month of January, following 210 in December and 166 in November.

The county health department notes that its figures are provisional and subject to change.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) daily update from Feb. 7 stated there have been 1,146,341 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 19,633 statewide deaths related to the coronavirus.

More than 16.6 million tests for COVID-19 have been performed in Illinois, according to the IDPH report of Feb. 7.

Illinois has a total population of about 12.67 million.

Last week, Region 8, which consists of DuPage and Kane counties, moved from Tier 1 to Phase 4 mitigations in the state’s Restore Illinois Mitigation Plan. The region moved from Tier 3—the plan’s most restrictive level—to Tier 2 on Jan. 18. Region 8 moved from Tier

2 to Tier 1 mitigations on Jan. 26.

One of the metrics that triggered Region 8’s move to Phase 4 mitigations is the COVID-19 test positivity seven-day rolling average.

According to the IDPH, that average in Region 8 stood at 7.1 percent on Jan. 28. The rate dropped to 6.5 percent on Jan. 29, 6.4 percent on Jan. 30, and 6.2 percent on Jan. 31.

Reporting three consecutive days with a test positivity rate of 6.5 percent or lower is one of the metrics required for a region to advance to Phase 4 mitigations.

Region 8’s COVID-19 test positivity seven-day rolling average

kept dropping in the subsequent days, falling to 6 percent on Feb. 1, 5.5 percent on Feb. 2, 5.4 percent on Feb. 3 and 5.1 percent on Feb. 4. According to the IDPH, there were 8,627 total tests for the coronavirus in Region 8 on Feb. 4, with 361 positive tests. That represented a daily test positivity rate of 4.2 percent, a rate that contributed to reducing the seven-day rolling average down to 5.1 percent.

According to the IDPH, the seven-day rolling average of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Region 8 dropped each day from Jan. 28 to Feb. 6. That average stood at 339

on Jan. 28. The average dropped by about 21.5 percent over the following nine days, to 266 on Feb. 6. A region’s seven-day rolling average of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is another declining metric that’s been a factor in the move to a less restrictive level in the state’s mitigation plan.

All 11 Illinois regions are now in the Phase 4 level of mitigations.

The IDPH daily update of Feb. 7 stated that about 2.69 percent of DuPage County residents (24,985 of the county’s total reported population of 928,589) had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

County Stormwater Management seeks public input

DuPage County Stormwater Man• Illicit Discharge Detection and Quality Program on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. agement is currently accepting input Elimination Register for the meeting at https:// on their Countywide Water Quality • Construction Site Erosion and us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ Program. Comments will be accept- Sediment Controls ed through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.

• Post-Construction Best Manage- tZIocu-upzwpHtXqiQ4nSmKmpXewxCDOtBRf. The Countywide Water Quality ment Practices for Water Quality DuPage County Stormwater ManProgram includes a partnership of • Pollution Prevention and Good DuPage County and 41 municipali- Housekeeping for Municipal Oper- agement is accepting input on the program through Feb. 28. ties and townships working together ations Comments may be submitted via to meet water quality goals. Included • Water Quality Monitoring Proemail to water.quality@dupageco. within this partnership, the Illinois gram Environmental Protection Agency These requirements are detailed org or by mail to: DuPage County Stormwater Mangranted DuPage County Stormwater in the DuPage County Stormwater Management a countywide permit to Management Program Plan, which agement Attn: Mary Beth Falsey meet federal water quality require- can be found at dupageco.org/EDP/ 421 North County Farm Road ments, including: Stormwater_Management/Water_ Wheaton, IL 60187 • Public Education and Out- Quality/54206/ DCHD vaccination clinic are sent to reach on Water Quality Topics For questions or issues, please There will also be an informathe Phase 1a or 1b eligible persons • Public Involvement and Partici- tional virtual meeting to discuss the contact DuPage County Stormwater registered through the DCHD regis- pation DuPage County Countywide Water Management at (630) 407-6673. tration form, in chronological order based on the date they registered.

Additional sets of appointments are opened every few days, as vaccine supply allows.

Anyone who lives or works in DuPage County should register for updates about when and where COVID-19 vaccine will be available at dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine. However, if opportunities become available through pharmacies, healthcare providers, or medical groups, people should also register with those providers and get vaccinated at the first opportunity available. If a person who lives or works in DuPage does not have access to the internet, a computer, or needs support with registering, including h We s Fres e’s language assistance, they should call s u tro o i i c p the Health Department at (630) 682i o l p ur cli ngly enc De i at Ku o e 7400 and a representative will assist your nts to pr urage k e-ord pacz them. As vaccine supply increases, Pacz Bakery favorite k e to av the Health Department will share oid la i’s this ye r your order. e a v r r g r e e u s more information about the specific crow r To re call in yo ds. locations people will be able to convors a fl tact to schedule appointments for the vaccine.

Everyone, including those who have been fully vaccinated, should continue using these measures to help end this pandemic as we learn 42 S. Villa Avenue in Villa Park 2 Blocks West of Rt. 83 more about how COVID-19 vaccines Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 6am-5pm • Sunday 7:30am-2pm • Closed Mondays work in real-world conditions.

DuPage County COVID-19 information and resources are available at dupagehealth.org/covid19.

County moves to Phase 4 mitigations

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Due to the substantial progress DuPage County has made against COVID-19, the State of Illinois moved Region 8 (DuPage and Kane) to Phase 4 mitigations on Tuesday, Feb. 3. To maintain this progress, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) urges residents, including persons who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, to continue adhering to the public health measures that help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As of Tuesday, Feb. 3, 78,422 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered to DuPage County residents eligible in the Phase 1a and 1b priority groups. This represents an increase of 19,847 vaccinations over the past week. With 2.32%, or 21,579, of residents now fully vaccinated with two doses, DuPage County continues to lead the Chicago metropolitan counties in this metric.

On average, DuPage County is receiving about 14,000 vaccine doses per week which limit the number of people that can be vaccinated.

DCHD continues to increase the number of providers who are receiving vaccine in DuPage County. Currently, 39 sites are receiving vaccine.

In addition to the thousands of vaccines administered through vaccine clinics at hospitals, outpatient providers, and pharmacies each week, the DCHD COVID-19 vaccine clinic continues to vaccinate between 1,500 – 2,000 people per week while prioritizing persons in the Phase 1a category. Appointment links for the

6 • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Police Reports

Addison Feb. 4 Casiano Garcia, 32, of Glendale Heights, was charged with DUI, unlawful possession of cannabis by the driver and no insurance in the 2000 block of Army Trail at around 1:20 a.m.

Jan. 30 Police said a 36-year-old Addison man had an original warrant out of the Addison Police Department for domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence subsequent to officers responding

to a report of a fight in progress in ed at an automotive parts store in the a parking lot in the 300 block of W. 600 block of E. North at around 3:13 Park at around 9:07 p.m. a.m.

Theft was reported in the 300 Jan. 19 block of W. St. Charles. Police said Armando J. Escobar-Larios, 25, of an unknown suspect cut and removed Addison, was charged with DUI in the catalytic converter from an unocthe 200 block of W. Lake at around cupied school bus parked in the lot.

4:26 p.m.

Jan. 26-Jan. 27 Villa Park Theft of vehicle parts was reported Jan. 28 in the 900 block of W. North. Police Retail theft was reported at a local said an unknown suspect cut and restore. Police said an unknown sus- moved the catalytic converter from pect removed multiple items from an unoccupied vehicle parked on the display shelves and left the store street sometime between 11:30 a.m. without paying for the items some- Jan. 26 and 7:15 a.m. Jan. 27. time between 11:25 and 11:38 a.m.

Jan. 24 Jan. 27 Edgar Perez, 29, of Chicago, was Battery was reported at a gas sta- charged with battery/making physition at around 8:30 p.m. Police said cal contact of an insulting or provokan unknown suspect threw a bottle ing nature at a local hotel at around at the clerk. The suspect also pushed 3:33 a.m. a plastic partition and a change dispenser, causing them to fall into the Jan. 3-Jan. 17 clerk.

Theft of vehicle parts was reported Theft of vehicle parts was report- in the 600 block of N. Villa. Police

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Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.

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Bond set for woman accused of pouring boiling water on sleeping boyfriend On Tuesday, Feb. 2, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Roselle Police Chief Steve Herron announced that bond has been set for a Roselle woman accused of pouring boiling water on her boyfriend as he slept on the couch. Alexis Sykes, 22, of Roselle, appeared at a bond hearing, where Judge Alex McGimpsey set bond in the amount of $500,000 with 10% to apply. On Jan. 8, 2021, a $250,000 arrest warrant was issued for Sykes. She was located in Okitbbeha County, Mississippi, on Jan. 19 and extradited back to DuPage County to face the charges against her. She has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Battery by Caustic Substance (Class X Felony) and two counts of Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 Felony).

It is alleged that in the early morning hours of January 2, 2021, Sykes poured a pot of boiling water on her boyfriend while he slept on the couch in the apartment they shared in Roselle.

It is alleged that Sykes recorded herself committing this act and posted the video to Snapchat with the following

caption: “I kinda feel bad now because he got 2&3rd degree Burns from face to waist & they rushin him to burn center but oh well (shrugging shoulder emoji) BITCH (emoji blowing kiss) n still cried & beg me to drive him to hospital.”

It is further alleged that after scalding the victim, Sykes hid the victim’s car keys from him as the victim described watching his skin fall off his arms.

It is alleged that the victim was finally able to get his keys and drove himself to a local hospital where shortly thereafter, he was transported to Loyola University Medical Center Burn Unit where he spent nearly two weeks and underwent skin graft surgery to treat his burns.

Sykes’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 22, 2021, for arraignment in front of Judge McGimpsey.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.

Appellate Court affirms natural life sentence in 1995 double murder

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said an unknown suspect cut and re- time between 9 a.m. Dec. 15 and 9 moved the catalytic converters from a.m. Dec. 20. two unoccupied vehicles parked in a parking lot sometime between mid- Nov. 30-Dec. 9, 2020 Theft and fraud were reported at night Jan. 3 and midnight Jan. 17. the Villa Park Post Office. Police said an unknown suspect stole personal/ Dec. 15-Dec. 20, 2020 Theft of vehicle parts was report- business checks from a post office ed in the 900 block of W. North. Po- box sometime between 3 p.m. Nov. lice said an unknown suspect stole a 30 and 3 p.m. Dec. 9. The suspect watch that was left unsecured some- also cashed the checks.

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin announced that on Monday, Feb. 1, the Second District Appellate Court of Illinois affirmed the natural life sentence imposed by former DuPage County Circuit Court Judge George Bakalis upon convicted double murderer Joseph Arrieta, 43.

In March 1996, following a jury trial, Arrieta, then 17 years old, was found guilty of the double murder of Anthony Moore and Edward Riola. An investigation into the murders found that Arrieta shot both men multiple times at close range while they were drinking beer and playing cards in a Glendale Heights apartment. Riola was shot three times and Moore was shot six times.

Additionally, the investigation found that when Moore was found to still be alive in a bedroom of the apartment after being shot, Arrieta returned to the bedroom and shot him again while he was lying on his back on the floor.

At that time, Illinois law mandated a sentence of natural life in prison without the possibility of parole in the case of double murders. Consequently, Arrieta was sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment, as required by Illinois law.

A Supreme Court decision in Miller v. Alabama in 2012, however, found that a mandatory sentence of natural life for those under the age of eighteen at the time of the crime violates the eighth amendment’s prohibition on

cruel and unusual punishment and that anyone under the age of eighteen sentenced to mandatory life in prison must receive a new sentencing hearing.

In October 2017, following Arietta’s resentencing hearing, Judge Bakalis ruled that after careful consideration of all the relevant factors, as required by the U.S. Supreme Court in Miller v. Alabama, the “petitioner’s original sentence to natural life imprisonment was correct.”

In his appeal, Arrieta argued that the trial court erred in resentencing him to natural life in prison in that the trial court abused its discretion and also that the sentence imposed by Judge Bakalis was unconstitutional. In its affirmation, the Appellate Court noted that “a juvenile may be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole only if the trial court determines that the defendant’s conduct showed irretrievable depravity, permanent incorrigibility, or irreparable corruption beyond the possibility of rehabilitation.” In consideration of this, the Appellate Court found that “the trial court carefully weighed both the State’s and the defendant’s evidence of rehabilitation from the sentencing hearing” and that in doing so, “the trial court’s sentencing decision passes constitutional muster.”

In its 36-page decision, the Appellate Court also found that the trial court “did not abuse its discretion” on two issues raised by Arrieta concerning expert witness funding and Arrieta’s gang affiliation.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 • 7A

Moran receives Addison Trail’s 88’s Best recognition for January

Dylan Moran has been named as Addison Trail’s January recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his stellar involvement in extracurricular activities. A senior, Moran was recognized during the Jan. 25 District 88 Board of Education meeting.

Moran’s presence is well known at Addison Trail. He is dedicated, kind and doesn’t always like the attention he acquires through his talented performances on the cross-country course.

But his quiet, influential and commanding leadership in class and with his fellow athletes is more than worthy of this award.

He has been a member of the boys cross-country team and the boys track and field team at AT for four years. He also has managed a rigorous academic schedule, taking eight Advanced Placement (AP)/ college-level courses and six honors courses – all with outstanding grades. Moran has competed at Sectionals in cross-country three years in a row, he qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys Cross-Country State meet last year, and he broke the school’s track and field two-mile record as a sophomore and then again as a junior.

“Moran joined our program as a talented freshman after participating in our summer camp during junior high,” said Brad Donaldson, cross-country coach. “He will leave AT as the most accomplished cross-country runner in program

Dylan Moran

history. He is a two-time All-Conference medalist (finishing 3rd in 2019 and 2020). He also is a four-time Regional team participant, a three-time Sectional qualifier and a State finalist in 2019 (there was no State meet in 2020 because of COVID-19), setting a school record with his State finals performance.

“The thing that really stands out about Moran is his drive and determination to succeed. Not only did he have high expectations for himself, but he followed through on his plans to achieve them. Everyone wants to be elite – until it is time to be elite.

Most athletes aren’t willing to make the sacrifice of time and effort to achieve lofty goals. Moran was more

than willing.

“We had one of our best teams this past season (during the COVID-19 disruption), and I firmly believe our success was rooted in his leadership skills and abilities. He was able to organize and coordinate his teammates in the time that we could not be together. When we were able to practice, it was like we hadn’t missed a beat. Throughout a season that saw us never run a common course from prior years or participate in an invitational meet, this year could have been a real challenge, but Moran’s attitude and leadership kept the team in flow and culminated with us almost qualifying as a team for Sectionals (one spot removed).”

Boys track and field Head Coach Jim Ziebka agreed.

“As an elected team captain, Moran leads by example with his indomitable work ethic,” he said. “In my 15 years at AT, I have not coached a student-athlete more committed to his craft than Moran. He has rewritten the AT records for distance running.

His talents, leadership, presence and personality will be sorely missed by many upon his graduation.

“Over the years, Moran also has volunteered with our team at Northern Illinois Food Bank, Kiwanis Peanut Days and at numerous concession stand events. He was always all in to help the track and field program.”

Moran said his biggest reward in being a student-athlete is that he has truly changed the culture of

cross-country and track and field at AT. When he first began, he noticed the members were not really into training – many joined the sport just to hang out with their friends.

But, Moran leads by example – so he started doing winter and summer camps and got his peers to join him and to get more involved in the sport.

Moran’s favorite subject in school is science, so it’s no surprise he found a way to combine his love of the subject matter with his love for the sport. He started taking classes on the human body and has taken Anatomy and Physiology, Bio-Medical Science, Medical Careers and AP Biology.

“As a student in AP Biology this year, Moran has consistently impressed me with the overall quality of his work and his ability to convey complex ideas,” said Carolyn Erwin, science teacher. “He participates in class all the time, which I appreciate so much in our current learning mode. He is present, timely, brilliant and hardworking. All of these attributes will equate to continued success for his future endeavors. It is a pleasure to have him in class, and my congratulations to him and his family for his academic and athletic prowess.”

Science teacher Aileen Sullivan agreed.

“I met Moran when he was a freshman in one of my Biology Honors classes,” she said. “He was always inquisitive and striving to do

his best. Aside from his strong academics, it was quickly apparent he also had a good heart. Classmates were drawn to him because of his self-confidence, intelligence, friendliness and good humor. These wonderful qualities also were evident as a team member of Science Olympiad.

As a young member, he was sought out by older members of the group because he was a team player – dependable and hardworking. Moran is a passionate person, who will be successful in whatever he pursues.

I look forward to seeing him come back to share his story years from now, perhaps as a future Tradition of Excellence recipient.”

English Department Head Amy Ferraro said what makes Moran stand out is his drive to improve and his natural leadership ability.

“Moran was a bright light in AP English Language and Composition last year – prepared, thoughtful, willing to engage in class discussions and challenge himself and his peers,” said Ferraro. “I was most impressed with his humility. Moran doesn’t love to write, but he was always willing to ask for help and share his work with the class in an effort to grow. He is a witty, kind and genuine young man, who is an excellent role model for his peers.”

Moran plans to attend Elmhurst University, where he will study exercise science and run for the Men’s Cross-Country Team and the Men’s Track and Field Team.

Historian to present ‘Robert Frost: A Poet for All Seasons’ virtual program The Addison Historical Society and Addison Public Library are co-sponsoring a free ZOOM program titled Robert Frost: A Poet for All Seasons on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. Frost is one of America’s favorite poets. Most of his poems are rooted in New England rural settings: farms, fences, woods, flowers, birds and gardens. His cadre of 259 poems reflect all seasons of the year-

College news

• The following Addison residents were named to the Dean’s List for Fall 2020 at the University of Kentucky: Sara Janice De La Rosa, nursing; Aidan O’Donnell, pre-journalism; and Lauren Stamatopoulos, mathematical economics.

winter, spring, summer and fall.

Historian and Frost enthusiast Alice Smith will discuss Frost’s fascinating youth, his family, his explosive popularity, goodwill travels for the Kennedy administration and university professorships After retiring from Addison Trail High School as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, Smith began a rewarding and memorable experience, memo-

rizing Frost’s poetry and researching his family history. Her love of history resulted in a seat on the Addison Historical Commission and on the board of the Addison Historical Society.

The program is free of charge, but pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link. To pre-register, go to addisonlibrary.libcal.com/ event/7319123.

Warneke and James Zatos.

Annaliese DiSimone, Cassidy Feddersen, Arianna Fontanez, Doodly Garcia, Destiny Gloms, Semra Kurdova, Maxims Laurea, Jeremy Lodewyck, Abigail Mathew, Amanda Perry, Nina Rauzi, Javier Solis Perez, Kaitlin Staffeldt, Kayla Villarreal.

Students from Wood Dale include: Monserrat Estrada, Nathan Fonseca, Jenna Geraci, Kyle Higgins, Taylor Kaminski, Hanna Matuszewski, Sophie Miller, Rebecca Minutillo, Klaudia Piechocka, Anthony Rogalski, Angelia Sanchez, Victoria Szymikowska, Hanna Tibbetts, Jane Wiggin, Julia Zawitkowska.

• Addison resident John Scorza joined more than 1,800 University of Iowa students to graduate under extraordinary circumstances this year. Scorza earned a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from Iowa’s College of Liberal Arts and • Elmhurst University has re- Sciences. leased a list of students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semes• More than 7,400 undergradter of 2020. Students from Addi- uate students at the University of son include: Adriana Aldana, Rabia Iowa named to the dean’s list for Amin, Christian Aparicio, Allyssa the 2020 fall semester. Among August, Nicolet Bachmeier, Ga- them were the following Addison briella Campobasso, Lisamarie residents: Alex Conrad, Mitchell Caruso, Rosalia Cucinella, Sabrina Gomez, Alec Montgomery, Rebeca Cucinella, Alexander Eddy, Kat- Robles, Gianna Sarli, Rachel Simotya Esparza, Nico Favuzzi, Diana nides.

Grinyuk, Max Gross, Jacquelyn Herrera, Ilvie Karafili, Luceana • Elmhurst University has reLuna, Esbeyda Martinez, Uriel leased a list of students named to Martinez, Caryna Martinez-Rios, the Dean’s List for the fall semester Stephanie Maucieri, Ismet Meh- of 2020. meti, Ramiro Mondragon, Itzel Students from Bensenville inMota, Greta Qano, Lisette Robles, clude: Veronica Aristakessian, AnAlexandra Rodriguez, Osvaldo Ro- dres Avila, driguez, Josiah Varghese, Alissa Hannah Ceaser, Dana Coons,

• Bensenville resident Mackenzie Berschel was among the more than 7,400 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa named to the dean’s list for the 2020 fall semester.

A student in the Iowa’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mackenzie is majoring in Health and Human Physiology.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Alice Smith

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8 • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

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Viewpoint

Feb. 11, 2021 • 8

Slices of life

Family football trophy honors all-time MVP

We’re a big fantasy football family. Have been since we started our own league in 2014. My daughter and I never paid much attention to the NFL prior to this, but when the guys in your life love football, you find it in your heart to love football as well — or at least to participate in the family fantasy football league.

Draft day is in early September.

We all gather — in person or virtually — to pick our respective teams. The draft order depends on your performance the year prior.

Those who bombed get first choice for draft pick; those who did well go to the back of the line.

For some, draft choices come naturally; for others, like me, it requires research, guesswork and lots of luck. I also rely heavily on recommendations from drafting pros, who live over at ESPN. I am proud to announce, that after seven years I can confidently distinguish a running back from a tight end, and know which should be drafted before the other — unless you are talking about a superstar like Kelce or Kittle.

There are a number of rules for draft order, some of them counterintuitive (in my opinion).

Any fantasy pro will tell you that first in the draft order are running backs and wide receivers (and maybe the exceptional tight end), but not kickers, defensive teams or even quarterbacks. You wait on those. It’s hard to wait on a quarterback, at least for me, but if you’re smart you follow the rules.

My husband had his favorite players each year. Rob Gronkowski was one; Adam Thielen was another.

He’d draft them well before they were recommended by the draft pros just because he wanted to make sure they were on his team.

We have a family fantasy trophy; it accompanies bragging rights each year. I won those rights in 2017, my daughter in 2019. Despite his vast football knowledge and keen expertise in draft picks, my husband never won the title; he was typically near the bottom of the pile. He didn’t mind. He was always a good sport about it and was quick to laugh at himself. For him it was about family fun. For him it was always about family. So he didn’t mind losing; and we didn’t mind beating

By

JILL PERTLER Contributor

him.

Until this year.

He started the 2020 season slow and slower. After six weeks he had but one win (against me) and was at the bottom of our family bracket.

Odds of him winning the season at that point were slim to none.

But things were about to change.

His losing streak moved to the “W” column week seven. He was still helping to manage his lineup at that point and got a couple of unexpected and legitimate wins. He was winning at football, but we saw he was losing his other battle. And, somehow, collectively, without even discussing it, we decided he would win the trophy this year.

During the last eight weeks of the regular season and two weeks of playoffs, he averaged 90 points per game while his opponents scored an average of just 23 points.

In layman’s terms, we threw the games against him because we are family. Because it felt like the right thing to do. Because he always wanted to get his name on the trophy and it was the least we could do to make sure that happened.

The trophy is officially yours for the year, Thom. Your name is inscribed in permanent ink and will stay there forever, or at least until family fantasy football is a thing of the past, which I don’t see happening anytime soon.

This year, you are our champion.

And you’ll continue to be next year, and the year after that because as far as we are concerned, you are our GOAT (greatest of all time). Always have been, always will be.

And next September, I promise I’ll do my best to draft both Thielen and Gronk for my team. You always knew how to pick the good ones.

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

EEHealth: What we know about the new COVID-19 variants By now, most people have heard about COVID-19 variants that emerged in the fall and winter of 2020.

Variants are changes on viral proteins due to mutations (which are random genetic changes that occur during viral replication).

Most mutations are inconsequential, but viral evolution can occur when there is a high rate of transmission and viral replication.

For example, common cold coronavirus 229E infects the average person every 2-3 years.

After infection with a 229E, antibodies are produced against targets on the spike protein.

Mutations that change the targets on the spike protein make the antibodies less able to neutralize the virus (or reduce its ability to replicate).

A library of 229E viruses dating back to 1979 shows that mutations on the spike protein are responsible for the common cold’s evolution and its ability to cause repeated infections.

SARS-CoV-2, unlike the common cold coronavirus 229E, can cause severe pneumonia, respiratory failure and death. While the global spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been rapid, it has been stalled through mitigation efforts: stayat-home orders, masking, physical distancing, hygiene and finally, vaccination.

What is known about the mutations that have occurred in SARS-CoV-2?

B.117 (UK variant): The B.117 variant was first discovered in the UK in September 2020. There are several mutations in this variant. It is thought to be more transmissible by attaching better to cells and making more copies of itself. It has become the dominant strain in the UK and sporadic cases have been reported in the US. Antibodies generated from infection or COVID-19 immunization are still active against the B.117 variant.

B.1.351 (South Africa variant): The B.1.351 variant has multiple mutations in the spike protein.

Plasma from patients who had previously been infected with COVID-19 did not neutralize the virus (or stop it from replicating).

However, serum from patients immunized with the current mRNA vaccines did neutralize the B.1.351 variant 50%, as well the original virus.

P.1 (Brazil variant): The P.1 variant has several mutations that may affect transmissibility and the ability of antibodies to neutralize the virus. In the city of Manaus, it was estimated that 75% of residents were infected by SARS-CoV-2 by October 2020, but they experienced another surge beginning in midDecember.

This demonstrates how the

coronavirus can evolve under selection pressures, when there is ongoing transmission, and replication.

What is known about effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants?

The two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, Pfizer BNT162B2 and Moderna MRNA-1273, FDAapproved under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), showed 9495% efficacy in protection against symptomatic COVID-19 and near complete protection against severe infection.

Sera from patients who participated in the phase 1 clinical trials and completed two doses of Moderna vaccine was tested against the B.1.1.7 (UK) and B.1.351 (South Africa) variants. There was no significant reduction in the neutralization against the B.1.1.7 variant, meaning the vaccine was still protective. While there was a six-fold reduction in activity against the B.1.351 variant, it was still above the level to be protective.

In contrast, plasma from patients who recovered from natural infection with COVID-19 did not neutralize the B.1.351 (South African) variant. This is consistent

See VARIANTS, Page 9

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 • 9

First-time jobless claims drop sharply

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

First-time unemployment claims in Illinois dropped sharply in the last week of January as most regions in the state slowly began reopening following the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported Thursday that 40,008 workers filed initial claims for regular unemployment benefits during the week that ended Jan. 30.

That was a 58 percent drop from the previous week when 95,481 people filed claims.

Still, that number was more than four times higher than the same week a year ago, before the pandemic took hold in Illinois.

The four-week rolling average number of new claims also dropped 2 percent, to 81,476.

But that was still seven times higher than the comparable period in 2020.

The Illinois job market also outperformed the U.S. labor market during the week. Nationwide, according to U.S. Department of Labor numbers, first-time jobless claims fell 2.8 percent, to 816,247.

For the week that ended Jan. 23, the number of Illinois workers receiving continuing unemployment benefits fell less than 2 percent, to 322,670. Nationwide, that number fell 2.4 percent, to just over 5 million.

The state’s overall unemployment rate for January won’t be released until later this month.

In December, that rate climbed seven-tenths of a point, to 7.6 percent, which was more than double what it had been a year earlier.

Also in December, Congress passed the Continued Assistance Act, or CAA, which renewed two federally funded unemployment programs that were set to expire at the end of that month. The act also provides an additional $300 per week in benefits, half the amount of supplemental benefits that had been included in the original Coronavirus Aide, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES Act. Those supplemental benefits had expired the week of July 25.

The additional $300 provided under CAA applies between the week ending Jan. 2 and the week ending March 13. IDES began paying the additional $300 beginning Jan. 4.

Another program the act renewed is the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA program, which provides benefits to independent contractors, self-employed individuals and others not covered by traditional state unemployment insurance.

But state officials throughout the country, including Illinois, had complained that the initial program was fraught with fraud because it did not require applicants to verify their previous employment.

IDES announced Feb. 3 that it was implementing several required changes that program, including a requirement for applicants to verify their previous employment or self-employment.

In addition, IDES said, people who had exhausted their benefits under that program before Dec. 26 may remain eligible under the extension and will be notified of the additional weeks added to their claim.

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• Variants

(Continued from page 8) with the studies that show antibody protect just as well against B.1.1.7 levels from mRNA vaccines to be (UK) variant, but also provide greater than the upper half of levels protection against the more resistant found in convalescent plasma.

B.1.351 (South Africa) variant. All the vaccines likely protect against What about the other COVID-19 severe infection from variant strains. vaccines being planned?

What’s the takeaway?

Another two-dose vaccine on the COVID-19 infection can lead horizon, Novavax COVID-19 (a to temporary immunity, but also protein conjugate vaccine), showed allows for more transmission, and an nearly equivalent preliminary opportunity for the virus to mutate efficacy against the B.1.1.7 (UK) and evolve, leading to variant strains variant (86%) as the non-B.1.1.7 and a resurgence of reinfections. In variant (96%). It was 60% efficacious contrast, COVID-19 vaccinations for the South African variant. produce an immune response that Johnson and Johnson announced is greater than natural infection. results of the phase 3 trial for its The vaccines prevent symptomatic single dose Janssen COVID-19 and severe infection, decrease vaccine. It was 72% efficacious in transmission and decrease the the U.S., 66% in Latin America and chances for viral evolution.

57% in South Africa (where 90% of COVID-19 cases are finally infections were due to the B.1.351 decreasing because people are variant). It was 85% efficacious wearing masks, physically distancing against severe infection in all groups at least 6 feet, avoiding social and there were no hospitalizations in gatherings and getting the COVID-19 any of the vaccine participants. vaccine as soon as it is available.

Vaccines can be updated with This will also help prevent the spread boosters that cover newer variants. of variant SARS-CoV-2. There is Moderna is working on a booster that hope for a time when enough of the covers the B.1.351 (South Africa) population is immunized to reach variant. MRNA vaccines provide herd immunity and make COVID-19 excellent protection against the a rarity. circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2 For more information, visit www. eehealth.org/coronavirus. in the United States. The vaccines

The CAA also renewed Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, or PEUC, which provides an additional 11 weeks of benefits for workers who have exhausted their regular benefits. However, IDES said, the way

people transition to that program will vary based on how and when they exhausted their other benefits.

The agency said transitions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 • 11

Interest rates under 3% and low inventory levels make this a perfect time to sell your home! Call 630-279-9500 for a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS on your home.

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Rare 1st floor master suite on a 3,500sf main level footprint.

Set on a 75x190 meticulously landscaped lot on one of the center of town’s quietest and best streets. Lots of prep for the market - tear off roof (2020), new carpet, fresh paint, $1,299,900

Center of Town with 1st Floor Master Rarest of Opportunities Rare 1st floor master suite on a 3,500sf main level footprint. Set on a 75x190 meticulously landscaped lot on one of the center of town’s quietest and best streets. Lots of prep for the market - tear off roof (2020), new carpet, fresh paint, refinished hardwood floors, and new windows. 4 beds, 4 baths, & heated 3 car garage w/ internal staircase to the basement. Chef’s kitchen w/ large prep/entertaining island, large separate eating area, high end SS appliances, w/ vaulted ceilings. And MUCH MORE! $1,299,900

Center of Town

Set for delivery in Spring 2021, this new Center of Town luxury home’s location puts you within walking distance to everything! Being built by a well respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick 1,295,000

Center of Town Set for delivery in Spring 2021, this new Center of Town luxury home’s location puts you within walking distance to everything! Being built by a well respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick out all of your finishes & fixtures. Offering over 4,800 sf of finished living space with its fully finished basement - exercise room, rec room, custom bar and wine room! Gracious 10 ft first floor ceilings welcome you to this impressive home with HWF’s & extensive trim & ceiling detail throughout, 5 beds, 4.5 baths, a 2.5 car garage, custom kitchen w/ huge island, high-end SS appliances (Wolf & Sub-Zero) & eating area open to family rm w/ fireplace, master suite w/ spa bath, designer plumbing/lighting fixtures, surround sound + more! Equipped with all the bells and whistles - backup generator, central vac, security system, and irrigation system. All this within walking distance to Field GS (rebuild in 2023), the Metra station and Elmhurst’s City Centre. 1,295,000

Check out the new and refreshed look complete with NEW ROOF, NEW 96% High-efficiency Lennox furnace with transferrable warranty, & freshly painted interior! Enjoy the quiet tree-lined prestigious single block of S Lawndale from $559,000

Check out the new and refreshed look complete with NEW ROOF, NEW 96% Highefficiency Lennox furnace with transferrable warranty, & freshly painted interior! Enjoy the quiet tree-lined prestigious single block of S Lawndale from your front porch of this updated and expanded Georgian, yet close to all Elmhurst has to offer in this center of town location - shops, restaurants, train, & expressway access. This light-filled 3 bed / 2.1 bath home boasts flexible living conducive to work from home or e-learning needs and great entertainment options with a floor plan perfect for today’s owner. $559,000

Build New or Rehab

Build New or Rehab

Attention Builders or Rehabbers. Great potential for building your Dream House located in awesome neighborhood. The home is situated on a 50 x 167. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, stainless steel appliances, full unfinished basement. Tiny Tot $279,900 NEW PRICE!

Attention Builders or Rehabbers. Great potential for building your Dream House located in awesome neighborhood. The home is situated on a 50 x 167. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, stainless steel appliances, full unfinished basement.

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Home needs TLC or build new! $279,900

389578

Premier Location!

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12 • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

New standards will determine who can become law enforcement in Illinois

By Raymon Troncoso

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A criminal justice package that passed both chambers of the General Assembly last ßthat would grant the state increased power over police discipline and standards of conduct starting in 2022.

The omnibus package, which was backed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, has not yet arrived at the desk of Gov. JB Pritzker, although he has said he looks forward to reviewing the bill which needs

only his signature to become law.

Pritzker campaigned on several issues in the bill and indicated his support, but has not yet said directly that he will sign it.

One of the more controversial provisions in the bill would expand the scope of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, or ILETSB, which currently oversees training and grant programs for law enforcement and correctional officers throughout the state.

Police certification standards

would be made more robust under the legislation, with law enforcement officers placed into three categories: active, inactive and decertified. Only those with an active certification from ILETSB can be legally employed at an Illinois agency in a law enforcement capacity.

A decertified officer has 30 days to file a motion with the board for reconsideration, and all decertifications are subject to judicial review.

Once an officer is formally decertified, they are prohibited from ever

regaining certification.

Each officer will be responsible for keeping their certification active by submitting verification forms to ILETSB every three years to confirm they’ve completed all mandatory training and have no disciplinary actions taken against them that would result in decertification.

Under current Illinois law, officers can only lose their certification under very narrow circumstances. They must either be convicted of a felony or a limited list of “decertifiable mis-

demeanors” such as offering a bribe, theft and prostitution.

From 2009 to 2014, Illinois decertified 64 officers. Over the same period of time, Florida decertified 2,125 officers and Georgia decertified 2,800.

Raoul, in his testimony in House committee in support of the provision during January’s lame duck session, told lawmakers that while he does believe Illinois has the best

See STANDARDS, Page 18

SUDOKU

389848

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 18

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 • 13

CLUES ACROSS 1. Large dung beetle 7. Representation of a plan 13. In a fervid way 14. The Book of Psalms 16. Morning 17. Exactly the same 19. About 20. Brown and basmati are two 22. Swiss river 23. Philippine island 25. Expressions of surprise 26. An ant 28. Common Japanese surname 29. Deoxyribonucleic acid 30. Car mechanics group 31. A person’s brother or sister 33. Ancient pharaoh 34. Quantitative fact 36. Vividly colored bird 38. Your home has one 40. Organic compound 41. Section at the end of a book 43. Flat tableland with steep edges 44. Criticize 45. Split pulses 47. Brief trend 48. Cool!

51. Purposes 53. Brews 55. Skin condition 56. Pops 58. American air travel company 59. Minute bug 60. Anno Domini (in the year of Our Lord) 61. One who rides in your car 64. One of the Gospels 65. City in southern Spain 67. Inquisitive 69. Jean Paul __, author 70. Pop singer Harry CLUES DOWN 1. An ape or monkey 2. Chemical element 3. Zodiac sign 4. Removes

Bill would require all law enforcement to use body cameras by 2025

By Raymon Troncoso CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

5. Brew 6. Nickname 7. Architectural structures 8. Trigonometric function 9. Postmodern architectural building in Vienna 10. Henderson and Fitzgerald are two 11. Mountain (abbr.)

12. Landscaping practice 13. Capacitance unit 15. Redirect 18. Hat for women 21. In a way, dressed down 24. Granny 26. Feed 27. Endpoint 30. Indian instrument 32. Bleated

35. Cablegram (abbr.)

37. Root mean square (abbr.)

38. Jellyfishes 39. Individual TV installments 42. Talk 43. More (Spanish) 46. Leaseholder 47. Monetary units 49. Hostility 50. Work stations 52. Linguistics giant 54. Female sheep 55. Calendar month 57. Seasoning 59. Lofty nest of a bird of prey 62. Single Lens Reflex 63. A way to remove 66. Virginia 68. Old English

Answers on page 18

An omnibus criminal justice bill passed by the General Assembly last month would, if signed by the governor, mandate all Illinois law enforcement agencies to use body cameras.

The legislation, contained in House Bill 3653, would amend the state’s 2015 Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act from affecting “any law enforcement” that may use body cameras to mandating “all law enforcement agencies must” use body cameras for “all law enforcement officers” by 2025.

Effective dates for the legislation are staggered by the size of departments. Municipalities and counties with more than 500,000 people must have law enforcement using body cameras by Jan. 1, 2022. Municipalities and counties with more than 100,000 must comply by 2023, those with more than 50,000 by 2024 and those with less than 50,000 people by 2025.

Despite the legislation mandating the use of body cameras, it does not contain any penalties for noncompliance.

A previous version of the bill reduced the Local Government Distributive Fund—the portion of state income tax revenue given to county and municipal governments—by 20 percent as a penalty.

That provision was stripped from the final package after it was characterized as an attempt to defund the police and faced heavy opposition from law enforcement groups

and municipal associations. Enough Democrats, such as state Sen. Laura Ellman of Naperville, opposed the provision in both chambers that the bill could not attain enough support to pass until its removal.

Now, instead of penalizing agencies that flout the mandate, the legislation attempts to reward compliance. Law enforcement agencies that institute body cameras by the effective date relevant to them will receive preference for grants awarded by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, also known as ILETSB. Unlike many of the other provisions in the criminal justice reform legislation, body cameras have, by and large, been supported by law enforcement. However, there are reservations about making them mandatory for police departments when the bill offers no monetary assistance.

Last October, lawmakers in the state Senate held a subject matter hearing on body camera usage as part of the preparation for crafting the eventual omnibus bill. In that hearing, representatives from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police testified to the prohibitive costs of body camera installation.

The body cameras themselves are relatively inexpensive. However, Illinois law requires all body camera footage be stored for at least 90 days, and body cameras must be on at all times an officer is on duty, with some exceptions. The data storage involved can create a strain on local budgets.

Worship Services Directory

Be a part of the

Worship Services Directory for as low as $15 per week

Call...Brenda at 630-834-4450 339603

Immaculate Conception Church 134 Arthur St., Elmhurst 630.530.8515 All are Welcome to Pray with Us

Continuous Ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 17th

Our doors are open!

Noon-1pm Hammerschmidt Chapel, Elmhurst University

Join our hope-filled community Weekend Worship Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.

Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Education Hour between services at 9:45 a.m.

Mid-week Worship during Lent At noon on Wednesdays Feb. 17 - March 24 All services are streamed on Facebook @ImmanuelElmhurst and on our website

4:30-5:30pm IC Sacred Heart Chapel, 130 Arthur www.icelmhurst.org

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ImmanuelElmhurst.org 630-832-1649

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142 E. Third St. Elmhurst, IL

Noon-1pm Immaculate Conception Church, 132 Arthur

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14A • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Community Development Commission of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, will be held on Tuesday,March 2, 2021 at 6:30 P.M., at which a Public Hearing will be held to review case No. 2021 -02 to consider a request for: Site Plan Review Municipal Code Section 10 – 3 – 2 Planned Unit Development Amendment Municipal Code Section 10 – 4 – 4 With the following code departures: Motor Vehicle Sales Light Pollution Municipal Code Section 10 – 7 – 3.T.2 Mechanical Equipment Location Municipal Code Section 10 – 7 – 4.C.13.a Mechanical Equipment Screening Municipal Code Section 10 – 7 – 4.C.13.b Maximum Number of Parking Spaces Municipal Code Section 10 – 8 – 2.B.6 Pedestrian Circulation System Municipal Code Section 10 – 8 – 7 Tree Replacement Standards Municipal Code Section 10 – 9 – 2.B Parking Lot Landscaping Municipal Code Section 10 – 9 – 5 Buffer Yards Municipal Code Section 10 – 9 – 6 Outdoor Lighting Illumination Standards Municipal Code Section 10 – 9 – 8.C.1 at111-125 W. Grand Avenue in the C – 2 Commercial District.The Public Hearing will be held in the Village Board Room at Village Hall, 12 S. Center Street, Bensenville.

The Legal Descriptions are as follows: THAT PART OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, DESCRIBED BY COMMENCING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 26 AND RUNNING THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 1486. 7 FEET TO THE CENTER LINE OF GRAND AVENUE; THENCE SOUTH 85” 52 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST ALONG SAID CENTERLINE 495.59 FEET FOR A POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUING SOUTH 85” 52 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST ALONG SAID CENTER LINE 91.39 FEET; THENCE NORTH o· 54 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF THE KAL TENBACK FARM 507.26 FEET TO A LINE THAT IS PARALLEL WITH AND 1000.

7 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE NORTH 87” 57 MINUTES EAST ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE 98.13 FEET; THENCE SOUTH PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 26, 504.05 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 111 W. Grand Avenue, Bensenville, IL 60106.

AND PARCEL 1: LOT 1 IN JOHN H. SCUDDER’S RESUBDIVISION, BEING A RESUBDIVI-

SION OF PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF SAID RESUBDIVISION RECORDED NOVEMBER 16, 1966 AS DOCUMENT R6645131, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 2: THAT PART OF LOT 3 IN WHITE PINES CENTER FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SUBDIVISION, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THAT PART OF THE NORTH HALF OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED NOVEMBER 7, 1977 AS DOCUMENT NO. R77-1O2033, BEING DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE FOUND IRON PIPE MARKING THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 3, THENCE WESTERLY ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 3, SAID SOUTHERLY LINE ALSO BEING A NORTHERLY LINE OF GRAND AVENUE AS DEDICATED BY SAID DOCUMENT NO. R77-1O2O33, AN ASSUMED BEARING OF SOUTH 85 DEGREES 16 MINUTES 46 SECONDS WEST, A DISTANCE OF 290.46 FEET TO A 5/8 INCH REBAR WITH A PLASTIC CAP MARKED “P.L.S. 3240” ON A LINE 290.00 FEET WEST OF AND PARALLEL TO THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 3; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 29 MINUTES 51 SECONDS WEST, 311.71 FEET ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE TO A 5/8 INCH REBAR WITH PLASTIC CAP MARKED “P.L.S. 3240” ON THE NORTHERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 3, THENCE NORTH 87 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST, 290.06 FEET ALONG SAID NORTHERLY LINE OF LOT 3 TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 3; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEGREES 29 MINUTES 51 SECONDS EAST, 300.91 FEET ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 3 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as125 W. Grand Avenue, Bensenville, IL 60106.

Wayne Balogh of Grand Subaru LLC, Heritage Bensenville LLC, and Heritage 1000 LLC of 303 W. Roosevelt Road, Lombard, IL 60148 are the owners of the subject property and Nathan Laurent, Keller Inc, of N216 State Road 55, Kaukauna, WI 54130 is the applicant for the subject property.

Any individual with a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any public meeting held under the authority of the Village of Bensenville should contact the Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville, 12 S. Center St., Bensenville, IL 60106, (630) 766-8200, at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting.

Applicant’s application and supporting documentation may be examined by any interested parties in the office of the Community and Economic Development Department, Monday through Friday, in the Village

Hall, 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. All interested parties may attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing via electronic means. Directions for electronic attendance and participation will be posted on the Village website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Written comments mailed to Village Hall, and online comments submitted on the Village website, will be accepted by the Community and Economic Development Department through March 2, 2021 until 5:00 P.M Office of the Village Clerk Village of Bensenville (Published in the Addison Independent & Bensenville Independent Feb. 11, 2021) 389964 LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 6:30 P.M., the Community Development Commission of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, will hold a Public Hearing to review Case No. 2021 – 03 to consider requests for: Zoning Map Amendment Municipal Code Section 10 – 3 – 6 Zoning Text Amendments Municipal Code Section 10 – 3 – 6 The proposed Text Amendments to the Village Code are to amend Title 10 (Zoning Ordinance), Chapter 2 (Administrative Bodies and Procedures), Chapter 3 (Zoning Applications), Chapter 4 (Planned Unit Developments), and Chapter 7 (Uses).

The Hearing will be held in the Village Board Room at Village Hall, 12 S. Center Street, Bensenville.

The Zoning Map and Text Amendments are being sought by the Village Board.

Any individual with a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any public meeting held under the authority of the Village of Bensenville should contact the Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville, 12 S. Center St., Bensenville, Illinois 60106, (630) 766-8200, at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting.

Applicant’s application and supporting documentation may be examined by any interested parties in the office of the Community and Economic Development Department, Monday through Friday, in the Village Hall, 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. All interested parties may attend the Public Hearingand be heard. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing via electronic means. Directions for electronic attendance and participation will be posted on the Village website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Written comments mailed to Village Hall, and online comments submitted on the Village website, will be accepted by the Community and Economic Development Department through March 2, 2021 until 5:00 P.M. Office of the Village Clerk Village of Bensenville (Published in the Addison Independent & Bensenville Independent Feb. 11, 2021) 389965

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GOP members hope to block new teacher standards

Proposed ‘culturally responsive’ educator standards up for review Feb. 16

By Peter Hancock

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Republican Illinois state lawmakers are pushing back on proposed new standards for teachers and administrators that are scheduled for a hearing before a legislative rulemaking committee later this month.

Supporters of the proposed “Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards” say they’re merely an attempt to make sure that all educators are trained in ways to reach students across all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. But critics are calling them a form of political indoctrination that seeks to inject partisan, liberal ideology into the classroom.

The new standards would apply to teacher training programs at Illinois colleges and universities rather than K-12 school curricula. They are scheduled to come up for legislative review on Tuesday, Feb. 16, before the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, or JCAR, a legislative body that has oversight authority over state regulatory agencies.

If approved, the standards would take effect in October 2025 in order to give state-approved educator preparation programs ample time to incorporate them, according to a statement from the Illinois State Board of Education.

ISBE also noted it will “offer optional professional development on the standards to current educators,” but school districts “maintain local control over what professional development they choose.”

During a virtual news conference Feb. 1, three Republican House members said they hope JCAR will block the adoption of the proposed rules.

“You know, across the country and around the world, we’ve seen politics be injected in more and more parts of our lives. And the litmus test of ‘is someone progressive enough or not’ has come up time and time again,” said Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon. “Unfortunately, the rule that’s being offered by the state board of education today, around culturally responsive teaching standards, is really just an attempt to impose further progressive politics into our education system, instead of focusing on the things that we know teachers, administrators, students and families across Illinois need.”

Demmer was joined in the news

conference by GOP Reps. Steven Reick, of Woodstock, and Adam Niemerg, of Dieterich. Demmer and Reick both serve on JCAR. Reick pointed specifically to a portion of the new standards that call on teachers to “understand and value the notion that multiple lived experiences exist, that there is not one ‘correct’ way of doing or understanding something, and that what is seen as ‘correct’ is most often based on our lived experiences.”

He also pointed to another provision calling on teachers to “(a)ssess how their biases and perceptions affect their teaching practice and how they access tools to mitigate their own behavior (racism, sexism, homophobia, unearned privilege, Eurocentrism, etc.)”

Another provision calls on educators to “(b)e aware of the effects of power and privilege and the need for social advocacy and social action to better empower diverse students and communities.”

“Let’s be clear. This rule is not an improvement to education,” Reick said. “It’s an attempt to interject politics into the classroom. The standards that ISBE wants to impose are beyond misguided. Requiring certain political viewpoints in our school systems is simply unacceptable.”

JCAR is a 12-member group that is evenly divided between House and Senate members and between Democrats and Republicans. Its main function is to review proposed agency rules to make sure they do not conflict with state law and to make sure administrative rules reflect the General Assembly’s intent when it passed a law authorizing such rules.

In most cases, the panel makes a finding of “no objection,” meaning the agency is free to adopt the final rule.

Occasionally, when JCAR members have some concerns about a proposed rule, they will vote to make a “recommendation” that the agency go back and clarify a point or tighten up its language.

But JCAR also has authority to issue an “objection” to a proposed rule if enough members believe it is inconsistent with state law, that it would have an adverse economic impact on small businesses, municipalities or nonprofit organizations, or that it fails to meet some standard or requirement of the Illinois Administrative Procedures Act.

Montini Catholic High School announces summer sports camps Montini Catholic High School has announced opportunities for grade school sports enthusiasts to develop skills, gain confidence and discover their passions while making 2021 an unforgettable summer.

Bronco sports summer camps are now open for registration.

“Wherever one’s athletic interests lie, we are sure that they will find that there is something here for them,” said Athletic Director Tom Lentine.

“We offer a wide variety of fundamental camps for all ages, as well as specific camps in several sports. Our coaches really look forward to con-

ducting our athletic camps each summer and are committed to working with campers to hone and improve their knowledge and skills.”

Offered this summer Baseball (boys) – Grades 5-8 July 12-15, 10-11:30 a.m. $75.

Basketball (girls)— Grades 4-8. Shooting and ball handling June 14-17, 10-11:30 a.m. $75; fundamentals June 21-24, 10-11:30 a.m. $75; skills and shooting July 1215, 10-11:30 a.m. $75.

Basketball (boys)—Grades 5-8.

Skills June 14-18 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $85; shooting June 28-July 2, 9-10:30

a.m. $50 Broncettes (dance)— Grades 2-8. July 26-28, 9 a.m.noon and 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 28. $85.

Cheerleading—Grades 4-8. July 13-15, noon-1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 15. $75.

Cross country (girls)— Grades 4-8. July 5-30 (no Wednesdays), 8-10:30 a.m. $100.

Cross country (boys)— Grades 5-8. July 5-30 (no Wednesdays), 8-10:30 a.m. $100.

Football (boys)—Grades 5-8.

Youth skills June 28-July 1, 1-3 p.m.

$75; big man July 2, 1-3 p.m. $25.

Golf (coed)—Grades 4-8. July 2629, 1:30-3 p.m. $80.

Lacrosse (girls)—Grades 4-8.

July 26-28, 10 a.m.-noon. $50.

Soccer (coed)—Grades 4-8.

Camp 1 June 14-17, 12:30-2 p.m. $75; Camp 2 June 21-24, 12:30-2 p.m. $75.

Softball (girls)—Grades 1-8.

Grades 5-8 July 6-8, 9-10:30 a.m. $65; Grades 1-4 July 13-14, noon1:30 p.m. $40.

Speed and agility (coed)—Grades 5-8. Basics July 13, 15, 20, 22, 8-9:30 a.m. $40.

Volleyball (girls)—Grades 3-8.

Grades 3-4 July 6-9, 9-11 a.m., $60; Grades 5-8 July 6-9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $60.

Volleyball (boys)—Grades 5-8, July 12-16, 8:30-10 a.m. $50.

Small Fry Introduction to Sports (coed). Ages 4-7, June 14-18, 9-10 a.m. $25.

Full camp descriptions and registrations now available at www. montini.org/SummerCamp21. Montini Catholic will abide by IHSA and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines for all 2021 summer camps.

York Road Location

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 • 15 of 18 living with parents or legal Retail or Office Use For Expert Service Call Today! custodians, pregnant women (630) 833-3500 ext 207 and people securing custody of woodmechanical.net Charlie children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of thellaw.

Ombard OfficE (630) 627-7010 Elmhurst OfficE (630) 834-8244 all lassifiEds Our readersat are hereby informed in-Print and OnlnE at www.lOmbardian.infO in-Print and OnlnE at www.thEindEPEndEntnEwsPaPErs.cOm that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call JK MAINTENANCE HANDYMAN BILL HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS or refunded Painting Other Real Estate Handyman Part Timecannot Help be credited Building Repair/ Service TheTree toll-free tele phone number PAINTING & MORE Reliable Handyman after the ad has been placed. for the hearing impaired is 1-800Wanted • Drywall & Tile Repair Remodeling PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real Specializing in general maintenance Ads canceled before deadline estate advertising in this newspa927-9275.

EQUAL HOUSING ******************** Deck Repairs & Restaining JK MAINTENANCE DEMERIS & •SON, per is subject to the Fairpaper Housing will be removed from the T & M TREE SERVICE and repair both inside and out.

OPPORTUNITY • Driveway Sealcoating Act which makes it illegal to adPAINTING & MORE • Free Estimates • Trimming Dental Specialty Practice in INC. as a service to our customers, CARL WUNSCHEL BLDRS. FREE ESTIMATES • REASONABLE RATES vertise any preference, limitation & Tile Repair • Complete Removal, stumps, brush “No Job• Drywall Too Small” Elmhurst is seeking a mature • Interlocking Flooring but no credit or refund will be or discrimination based on race, • Deck Repairs & Restaining All Home 630-832-8169 • Free wood chips •Kitchen/Bathroom Remodeling color, religion, sex, disability, fapart-time assistant.

Prefer toto your 630-673-2182 • Driveway Sealcoating issued account.

101017 • Insured Improvements miliar/ status or national origin, • Tile Installation & Painting “No Job Too Small” train the right person.

Call Todd 630-303-4641 or an intention to make any such & Repairs - Guaranteed Workmanship 630-673-2182 Approx.

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247169 DISCLAIMER NOTICE This pubpreference, limitation or discrimi******************** For a fair quote & prompt service call HPS Decorating Inc. nation.

Familial status includes 630-220-8138(cell) or 630-627-7844 Please call 630-530-4808.

Carpentry • Plumbing lication does not knowingly acSemi-retired painter with over children under the age of 18 living • Electrical cept fraudulent or deceptive adPlumbing with parents or legal custodians, 40 years experience; Highly GREG STEBEN CARPENTRY pregnant women people severtising. Readers are and cautioned No job too small!

In Elmhurst Call 630-834-8244 curing custody of children under skilled with great resume.

Small Home Repairs and Remodeling to thoroughly investigate all ads, 18. This newspaper will not knowWEST SIDE PLUMBING, INC. General Carpentry 630-832-0472 • No down payments • Insured especially those asking money ingly accept any for advertising for or Lombard Call 630-627-7010 30 Years Experience From A Drip To A Water Heater *FAST DELIVERY* Owner Operated Since 1987 real estate which is in violation of in advance.

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16 • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Rock Valley Publishing

Sports Feb. 11, 2021 • 16

12U Chiefs win Dells Hockey Classic

Elmhurst Chiefs Girls 12U hockey team won the recent Ultimate Hockey Tournaments Dells Waterpark Classic. The girls competed against three co-ed (mostly boys) teams scoring 21 goals and 7 against with and impressive 7-1 win in the final championship game. Seven different girls scored goals in the championship. Pictured are (from left): Kaitlyn Dill, Sameera Lanoue, Talon Sorce, Coach

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Claude Ledoux, Harper Jesswein, Gabrielle Ledoux, Emma Rychley, Julia Matke, Addison Boehm, Kate Mulvhill, Elle Close, Brooke Vogel, Lauren Dizillo, Head Coach Dave Rychley. (Not pictured: Claire Kotowicz, Caitlyn Mikes, Cat Messersmith, Coach Ted Close and Team Manager Melissa Close.

IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team boasts experience

Knights return three leading scorers from last year; Opened play earlier this week

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

One key benefit for the IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team in starting operations coming out of the pandemic break is the amount of experience it has on its roster.

Coach Todd Fisher returns a number of key components, including a trio of starters.

“We were hearing rumors about the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) saying this and that about starting up, but until you know what really is going on you wait,” Fisher said. “We started last Monday and it’s great to be back. The kids are

happy and we are happy to be back in the gym.”

Returning for the Knights are 2019-2020 starters Alia Johnson (510, G-F, Sr.), Claire Wagner (5-11, G-F, Jr.) and Gia Gaudio (5-9, G-F, Sr.). Johnson and Wagner earned all-Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division honors a year ago.

“Those three girls look really good on the court,” Fisher said.

And with those three returners, Fisher said one particular expectation lies on the offensive end. “I told the kids, one goal for us with our three leading scorers back is to have more scoring depth,” Fisher noted. “In games we expect to put up a lot of points.”

Also helping IC Catholic Prep will be the likes of Becca Cash (57, F, Sr.), Frankie Chaidez (5-3, G, Sr.), Grace Grady (5-10, F, Sr.) and Frances Cook (5-5, G, Jr.), along with freshman Analisa Raffaelli (G).

“Becca Cash had some great moments for us last year,” Fisher said. “She was very good in some key spots and had some very good games.”

While Fisher expects the Knights to be improved on the offensive end, he’s not forgetting about the defensive side. “Our goal every game is rebounding,” he said. “We stress it all the time. We are going to get after it on defense and we are going to win the rebounding battle more often. We will build on our defense. It’s going to be a work in progress. We will still be aggressive and do what we did last year, but with some newcomers it might take a little time. And this season we don’t have a lot of time.”

IC Catholic Prep was slated to open the COVID-19-abbreviated 2021 season this past Monday against Elgin St. Edward. “We’re staying in our conference as of now for our games,” Fisher said. “We’re

looking at playing two or three games a week.”

Fisher said another point of emphasis has been getting all players up to speed on the conditioning front — with the sudden start to the season. “From a conditioning standpoint, not everybody is the same right now,” he said. “Last fall, we had the open gyms and the contact days and then we were shut down. It’s tough because we haven’t been consistent in the gym, but we are getting acclimated.”

Academics also is in the forefront of Fisher’s thinking amidst a truncated season. “My concern is academics,” he said. “The current situation we are in is not easy for some kids. Obviously going from doing nothing to all of a sudden being back in the gym and playing consistently. So we have to watch on the academics and also taking care of their bodies so they don’t get injuries. We have five weeks to

play here so we’ll all do our part to keep everybody safe and healthy.”

Fisher said the length of the recently started season is fine with him. “Five weeks is better than zero weeks,” he said. “We had a season last year. The spring sports didn’t have any season. I understand what the IHSA is doing to help the spring sports. The IHSA could have told us no basketball this year, instead they gave us the opportunity and we plan to make the most out of that opportunity in the short time we have. It’s also important for our seniors to have this season and have their day and have their recognition. Whatever we do, it means a lot to these seniors. We want them to have that moment. We thrilled we have this opportunity.”

IC Catholic Prep hosts Bishop McNamara tonight at 7 p.m., and welcomes MSC Red Division entrant Ridgewood to town Saturday for an 11:30 a.m. contest.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 • 17

Illinois Republicans name Don Tracy as new chairman

By Peter Hancock

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The Illinois Republican Party Central Committee on Saturday named Springfield attorney Don Tracy as its new chairman, replacing Tim Schneider, who had held the post for more than six years.

Tracy, a partner in the firm Brown Hay and Stephens, also served as chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board during former Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration.

“I ran for this position because I love Illinois—it’s my home—and I believe the ILGOP can be a tremendous catalyst for change in this state,” Tracy said in a statement after the election. “The upcoming election cycle can be monumental if we seize on the tremendous opportunities before us.”

Tracy was chosen over two other candidates: Mark Shaw, who is the Lake County GOP Chairman and president of the Illinois Republican County Chairman's Association, and Scott Gryder, the Kendall County Board Chairman. Tracy is also the first party chairman since 1988 who is not from Chicago or the collar counties.

He now faces the challenge of uni-

fying the state party organization, where divisions have erupted over the impeachment of former President Donald Trump.

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, of Channahon, was one of 10 Republicans in the House to vote in favor of impeaching Trump during his final days in office on a charge of inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, prompting dozens of GOP county party chairmen in southern Illinois to issue a statement condemning his actions.

On Feb. 4, two days before the chairmanship election, the state party issued a statement saying that while it strongly disagreed with Kinzinger and other Republicans who voted for impeachment, “we will let the voters be the arbiters of any vote taken by an elected official.”

“The stakes of the 2022 election here in Illinois—defeating Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, winning back congressional seats, and electing Republican judges to the Illinois Supreme Court—are too monumental to engage in a circular firing squad,” the statement read.

Republican U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis, Darin LaHood and Mike Bost all issued statements Monday prais-

Appellate Court affirms natural life sentence in 1995 double murder DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin has announced that the Second District Appellate Court of Illinois affirmed the natural life sentence imposed by former DuPage County Circuit Court Judge George Bakalis upon convicted double murderer Joseph Arrieta, 43.

In March 1996, following a jury trial, Arrieta, then 17 years-old, was found guilty of the double murder of Anthony Moore and Edward Riola.

An investigation into the murders found that Arrieta shot both men multiple times at close range while they were drinking beer and playing cards in a Glendale Heights apartment.

Riola was shot three times and Moore was shot six times. Additionally, the investigation found that when Moore was found to still be alive in a bedroom of the apartment after being shot, Arrieta returned to the bedroom and shot him again while he was lying on his back on the floor.

At that time, Illinois law mandated a sentence of natural life in prison without the possibility of parole in the case of double murders. Consequently, Arrieta was sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment, as required by Illinois law.

A Supreme Court decision in Miller v. Alabama in 2012, however, found that a mandatory sentence of natural life for those under the age of 18 at the time of the crime violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment and that anyone under the age of 18 sentenced to mandatory life in prison

must receive a new sentencing hearing.

In October 2017, following Arietta’s resentencing hearing, Judge Bakalis ruled that after careful consideration of all the relevant factors, as required by the U.S. Supreme Court in Miller v. Alabama, the “petitioner’s original sentence to natural life imprisonment was correct.”

In his appeal, Arrieta argued that the trial court erred in resentencing him to natural life in prison in that the trial court abused its discretion and also that the sentence imposed

by Judge Bakalis was unconstitutional. In its affirmation, the Appellate Court noted that “a juvenile may be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole only if the trial court determines that the defendant’s conduct showed irretrievable depravity, permanent incorrigibility, or irreparable corruption beyond the possibility of rehabilitation.”

In consideration of this, the Appellate Court found that “the trial court carefully weighed both the State’s and the defendant’s evidence of rehabilitation from the sentencing hearing” and that in doing so, “The trial court’s sentencing decision passes constitutional muster.”

In its 36-page decision, the Appellate Court also found that the trial court “did not abuse its discretion” on two issues raised by Arrieta concerning expert witness funding and Arrieta’s gang affiliation.

Presiding Justice Bridges delivered the judgment of the Court with Justice Hutchinson and Justice Zenoff concurring.

ing the choice of Tracy as the new chairman.

“Illinoisans have had enough of the Democrats’ destructive policies in Springfield, and I know Don’s conservative leadership will help put the GOP on a path to help fix the many challenges our state faces,” Bost said in a statement. “I am excited to work with Don and unite our party for victory in 2022.”

Democrats, on the other hand, responded to Tracy’s election by criticizing his ties to both Trump and Rauner, and by criticizing his tenure as chairman of the Gaming Board.

Tracy served as chairman from February 2015 until June 2019 when he resigned following an Office of

Executive Inspector General’s report that found he had engaged in improper political activity by making several campaign contributions while serving on the board, in violation of the Riverboat Gambling Act. “The Illinois GOP has deemed Don Tracy, a Trump supporter who resigned as the Illinois Gaming Board chair after steering illegal contributions to former Governor Rauner's campaign, as their best hope to carry their party into the future,” Democratic Party of Illinois executive director Mary Morrissey said in a statement. “It will be interesting to see if the Illinois Republican Party will continue to embrace questionable leadership, division and

extremism or consider working with Democrats to find solutions that lift up workers and families across Illinois. We aren't holding our breath.”

Republican Party spokesman Joe Hackler criticized the Democrats’ statement.

“Ms. Morrissey's statement is rich given that the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois is Mike Madigan, the most corrupt politician in America,” Hackler said in an email statement.

“Don Tracy looks forward to uniting the Republican Party in Illinois around a positive agenda of reform: ending corruption, restoring fiscal sanity, growing our economy, and standing for law and order."

18 • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing sports

York boys basketball opens 2021 campaign against Glenbard West New coach Dunn thankful for opportunity to play this season

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

High school basketball is back and new York boys basketball coach Mike Dunn couldn’t be happier.

Even with the frenetic pace that the Dukes returned to the gym since the IHSA and the state board of health gave the thumbs up for resumption.

“It’s been chaotic , but we are playing and that’s all that matters,” Dunn said.

York opened its season this past weekend with a 51-22 loss to West Suburban Conference Silver Division foe Glenbard West in Glen Ellyn in Dunn’s first game as the Dukes new coach.

“Glenbard West is very wellcoached and extremely talented,” Dunn said. “Length in their 1-3-1 zone gave us problems.”

Alex Sherman led the Dukes with six points, while Luke Malaga added five points. York shot 3-for-21 from the 3-point line.

• Standards

Dunn, who previously coached at Yorkville High School, begins his York career in the most unique of circumstances, after taking over last summer for longtime coach Vince Doran, who retired after a tremendous run on St. Charles Road.

“The kids have been excellent,” said Dunn, who teaches history at York.

“It’s been a great transition. Everybody has been very welcoming. We are doing a lot of similar things that coach Doran did. Our coaching staff has three guys who were on staff with him. I am very thankful to have this great opportunity to coach at a great school in a great conference. To be honest, I didn’t know if we were going to get to play this year. I’m thankful we are playing and I am thankful to be at York. I’m teaching history at a great school. Obviously it’s been an interesting year to transition into a new job. The faculty and the administration here have been outstanding. These are unprecedented times. We’ve never seen anything like this before. We are trying to do what is best for the kids and give them the best experience we can.”

York returns five players who logged some type of meaningful varsity minutes a year ago on a team that went 28-5. That list is headlined by 6-4 senior standout Jeff Grace (guard), a

four-year varsity player and a returning all-West Suburban Conference Silver Division selection.

“He’s a rock,” Dunn said of his star player.

Also back is junior Nick Hesch (6-6, forward), who was a key contributor as a sophomore for the Dukes. “I believe Nick has the opportunity to play at the next level,” Dunn said.

Junior Drew Kircher (5-11, guard) also was a contributor a year ago as a sophomore, while senior Cornell football recruit Malaga (5-10, guard) and 6-6 junior forward Denton Rhode also are back after seeing time last season.

“It’s a great group of kids,” said Dunn.

Sophomore newcomer Sherman (511, guard) also is expected to be in the varsity contribution mix, as evidenced by his team-leading point output against Glenbard West.

As always, defense will be a key calling card for York. “One of our strengths will be defensively,” Dunn said. “We are very good there and play extremely hard. They won a lot of games with coach Doran and have a winning mentality. There is great leadership. These guys are very appreciative and grateful to have the opportunity to play. Right now it is not about winning and losing. It’s about appreci-

ating the opportunity to play. We have been locked down for basically a year not doing anything. I know it sounds cliché, but we are taking it one day at a time. Every time we get a chance to practice or play we are taking it as a gift. It could change very quickly.”

Dunn added York will be strong around the basket offensively. “Offensively we have looked pretty good,” he said. “We are big and can attack the basket. Denton Rhode is a really good rebounder. Jeffrey Grace is extremely athletic and can attack and finish around the basket. It’s a crafty group that knows how to share the basketball and play team basketball. That is why they have been successful. They have a pedigree over the last decade of playing great defense, taking good shots and sharing the basketball.”

Dunn also pointed out York’s off-season experience was limited, but other schools have been faced with the same situation. “It obviously varies district to district,” he said. “I got this job in June and we had four summer camp days and we couldn’t scrimmage anybody. We had nine contact days in the fall and then went remote. We’re getting there little by little. We’re throwing a lot at the kids. We want the kids to go out and compete and have a great experience. Go out and play

together against other teams that have gone through the same thing we have.

The guys in the other uniforms are fighting the same battle we are.”

York is scheduled to play each team in the WSC Silver Division once and then play three crossover games against the WSC Gold Division, as well have the opportunity to schedule three additional WSC games of its choosing. Dunn said there has been scuttlebutt bandied about concerning a conference tournament on the last two Saturdays of the season, but nothing is finalized.

The Dukes travel to Wilowbrook Friday for a WSC crossover game and will play in a three-team jamboree Saturday at Lyons Township against LT and Downers Grove South. Each team will play two games that day that will feature 20-minute halves using a running clock. “We want the kids to be able to play as many games as possible,” Dunn said. “We are hosting the sophomores that day. Another thing to keep in mind is the situation with facilities because you have boys and girls basketball and badminton going on, and then all the other sports that want to have contact days. It’s going to be interesting.”

As of this writing, York has 12 games scheduled.

choose to decertify an officer through another majority vote.

Outside of this process, an officer’s certification can only be revoked if they’re convicted under the current decertification standards or rendered inactive if the officer fails to submit a valid verification form to ILETSB during their required reporting period.

tain two new searchable public databases in an accessible portal on their website. One will contain officers’ agencies, their certification status and confirmed instances of misconduct that led to decertification. The other will contain all completed investigations against law enforcement and correctional officers with any identifying information of the officers involved redacted.

The attorney general’s office will also have greater latitude to investigate systemic abuse in law enforcement agencies under the new provision. According to Raoul, his office can only do so under the current law if the abuse is a clear human rights violation based on race, gender, national origin or other protected classes but not if it is a general systemic issue.

lawmakers take issue with the unfunded mandates involved in the new system and mandatory trainings for officers. The bill goes too far without providing more funding for police departments, they said, especially as the state is already hurting for revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued structural budgetary pressures.

The bill’s sponsors in the General Assembly, Chicago Democrats Sen. Elgie Sims and Rep. Justin Slaughter, have indicated budgetary issues and clean-up language can be addressed in follow-up legislation in the new session, which is why the bill’s effective dates are pushed back by a year or more instead of being effective immediately.

A release posted to the ILETSB website the day after the legislation’s passage reads “we have asked for our appropriations to be increased and funding secured to accommodate the increased trainings and duties associated with processing certification verifications, investigating statewide complaints, and seeking the decertification for reported misconduct.”

(Continued from page 12)

trained and most upstanding law enforcement in the country, the massive discrepancy in the numbers has more to do with how hard it is to fire and decertify officers for blatant misconduct, even if the officers were known to be repeat offenders.

The new law would grant ILETSB broader discretionary authority to decertify officers that violate the new standards of conduct.

If the board determines an officer committed a felony or “decertifiable misdemeanor” that would normally result in automatic decertification, but the officer has not been charged or convicted, it can decertify that officer through the discretionary process.

Other misconduct that can result in discretionary decertification includes excessive force; failing to intervene in another officer’s use of excessive force or failing to render aid; tampering with dashboard and body cameras or their footage; committing perjury or making false statements in an investigation of a crime; and engaging in any unprofessional, unethical or deceptive conduct harmful to the public whether or not it caused actual injury.

While governmental agencies are required to submit violations to ILETSB within seven days of their occurrence, the provision would also allow for members of the public to submit a complaint about an officer, and they may keep their own identity confidential as well.

Decertification process Opponents of the bill have claimed the ability to file complaints anonymously will result in officers being targeted by disgruntled citizens and criminals who will flood the system to get them fired.

Raoul contends the provisions of the bill prevent unwarranted termina-

tion by filtering complaints through several layers, and that confidentiality is important to preserve the integrity of the process.

“We have to realize there have been incidents throughout the country that make the public at large feel that they can’t have the greatest level of trust in law enforcement and we have to restore that public trust,” Raoul said in a recent interview with Capitol News Illinois. “Just like other professions where they may be whistleblowers that their identity is protected such that there’s no retaliation against them, but that doesn’t mean you don’t investigate the allegation thoroughly.”

When ILETSB receives a complaint about an officer, it will conduct a preliminary review to determine if there’s enough information to investigate. If the review finds there’s sufficient cause, the board will conduct a full investigation.

If the board’s investigation determines the officer may have conducted decertifiable conduct, it will submit a formal complaint to the Illinois Law Enforcement Certification Review Panel— a new entity created by the legislation with 11 members appointed by the governor and attorney general.

The complaint will result in a formal hearing before an administrative law judge who will hear the allegations in the complaint and testimony from the officer, their legal representation and relevant witnesses to the case. The judge will then deliver their conclusion and a recommendation to the panel.

The panel then votes on whether to recommend ILETSB remove the officer’s certification or dismiss the complaint, with a simple majority vote needed either way. The recommendation is nonbinding.

Then, and only then, can ILETSB

Transparency database The legislation also requires ILETSB to enhance transparency, both within law enforcement and for the broader public.

The Professional Misconduct Database, a private portal for chiefs and sheriffs, will be expanded and streamlined for all relevant governmental agencies, law enforcement entities and state’s attorneys. The portal will contain an officer’s certification history, reported instances of misconduct, suspensions and terminations.

Any agency looking to hire an individual in a law enforcement capacity would be mandated by law to view the individual’s entry in the database before offering employment.

ILETSB will also create and main-

Potential ‘clean-up language’ Republicans and law enforcement groups have voiced fierce opposition to the criminal omnibus legislation as a whole, urging Pritzker in a news conference to veto the bill once it arrives on his desk.

On police certification, Republican

Answers PUZZLE 1

PUZZLE 2

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 • 19

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Paczki Day is Feb. 16th We’re taking orders for your faves!

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20 • Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

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