BI030223

Bond set at $250,000 for Lombard man accused of aggravated DUI Suspect allegedly drove car into a Villa Park home

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert B. Berlin and Villa Park

Chief of Police Michael Rivas have announced that a Lombard man has been charged with aggravated DUI for allegedly driving his car into a Villa Park home Feb. 19.

Thomas Whitlock, 38, appeared at a bond hearing in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh who set bail at $250,000 with 10 percent to apply. In all, Whitlock is charged with one count of aggravated DUI/ third violation-BAC.16 or more (Class 2 felony), one count of aggravated DUI/license suspended or revoked (Class 4 felony), three counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and 14 counts of misdemeanor and petty driving offenses.

On Feb. 19 at approximately 8:39 p.m., a Villa Park police officer was dispatched to the Jewel grocery store for a call of a Chevrolet Silverado that was allegedly speeding. It is alleged that the officer attempted to stop the truck, later determined to be driven by Whitlock, but the truck fled.

It is alleged that the officer activated his emergency lights and pursued Whitlock, who at times reached speeds of 69 mph in a 25-mph zone. It is further alleged that the pursuit continued to Maple Street in Lombard where Whitlock lost control of the truck and crashed into a residence on the 900 block of E. Maple St.

It is alleged that after the crash, Whitlock attempted to flee on foot

–

but was taken into custody at this time. When searching the vehicle, authorities found an open 750 ml bottle of Tito’s vodka on the front passenger’s seat. Whitlock was transported to a local hospital for medical attention. It is alleged that Whitlock’s B.A.C was .232.

“It is alleged that following an evening of drinking, Thomas Whitlock made the unwise decision to not only get behind the wheel of a truck, but to also lead police on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood, ultimately crashing his truck into a residence,” Berlin said. “This type of dangerous behavior that puts public safety at risk will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be met with the full force of the law. What I find particularly infuriating is that alcohol-related crashes, such as is alleged in this case, are 100 percent avoidable. Thankfully, no

one in the home or on the streets, was injured or worse. I thank the Villa Park Police Department for their work on this case. I also thank the Lombard Police Department for their efforts on this case.”

“The alleged actions of Mr. Whitlock have left us aghast as to why he would even contemplate operating a motor vehicle in the alcoholic state he was allegedly reported to be in”, Rivas said. “His alleged decision to speed, and attempt to evade, placed everyone in his path in danger.

“The Villa Park Police Depart -

ment will vigorously and aggressively go after all who are not fit to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We urge everyone to obey, and stop, for the emergency lights and sirens of all emergency vehicles. My sincere thanks to the officers of Villa Park and Lombard for taking the subject into custody. We are pleased no one was hurt in this incident.”

Whitlock’s next court appearance is scheduled March 22, for arraignment in front of Judge O’Hallaren Walsh.

“ The alleged actions of Mr. Whitlock have left us aghast as to why he would even contemplate operating a motor vehicle in the alcoholic state he was allegedly reported to be in. His alleged decision to speed, and attempt to evade, placed everyone in his path in danger. ”

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin

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Fenton students visit Holocaust Museum

For Black History Month, Fenton offered students the opportunity to learn about the dangers of travel in the mid-20th Century.

Students in Fenton’s Black Student Union, ALAS, and Ignite clubs visited the Illinois Holocaust Museum to tour the Green Book Exhibit. The Green Book was an annual publication from 1936 through 1966 that outlined what businesses and hotels were safe and welcoming for African Americans to patronize.

The exhibition includes artifacts from business signs and postcards to historic footage, images, and firsthand accounts that illustrate not just the apprehension felt by Black travelers, but also the resilience, innovation, and elegance of people choosing to live a full American existence.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

For Black History Month, Fenton offered students the opportunity to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Students were members of Fenton’s Black Student Union, ALAS, and Ignite clubs.

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. 22, 10:56 a.m. in the 800 block of Devon Avenue, a complainant reported four liberty propane tanks were stolen from an outside cage on the south side of the building of his business. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300163

Feb. 22, 1:57 p.m. in the 400 block of Country Club Drive, a complainant reported an unknown suspect successfully deposited several checks which were issued to different businesses. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300165

Feb. 22, 2:23 p.m. in the 1-100 block of E. Belmont Ave., a 48-yearold Bensenville woman was arrested for domestic battery. BEPC2300164

Feb. 22, 3:27 p.m. in the 500 block of Country Club Drive, a complainant reported his tractor was stolen but has since been recovered.

BEPC2300166

Feb. 22, 12:42 a.m. in the 1000 block of W. Irving Park Rd., a 36-year-old Bensenville man was arrested for domestic battery.

BEPC2300162

Feb. 21, 9:47 a.m. in the 400 block of Briar, a complainant reported an unknown suspect opened a credit card in their name. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300159

Feb. 21, 1:09 p.m. near Belmont Avenue and Pamela Drive, Jennifer Hansen, 48, of Bensenville, was arrested for disorderly conduct.

BEPC2300160

Feb. 20, 10:35 a.m. in the 300 block of Meyer Road, a complainant reported an unknown suspect tried to

cash a check at Bank of America after it was picked up by USPS on Feb. 3. This case is under investigation.

BEPC2300156

Feb. 20, 10:06 p.m., a Bensenville police officer was called out to assist the Willowbrook Police Department with an incident in their town. This case is under investigation.

BEP23002049

Feb. 19, 3:34 a.m. near County Line Road and E. Belmont Ave., Nelson Cifuentes-Lopez, 25, of Bensenville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and other traffic violation.

BEPC2300155

Feb. 18, 2:09 p.m. in the 100 block of George Street, while an officer was doing a well-being check, it was discovered that the suspect had a warrant out of Glendale Heights for retail theft. An officer from Glen-

dale Heights came and picked up the suspect. Nothing further to report.

BEP23001956

Feb. 18, 11:21 p.m. in the 100 block of W. Devon Ave., Wood Dale, a Bensenville officer assisted the Wood Dale police looking for an armed robbery suspect with negative results. BEP23001976

Feb. 18, 12:02 a.m. in the 300 block of Beinoris Drive, Wood Dale, a Bensenville officer assisted Wood Dale police with a call due to them being on another previous call.

BEP23001978

Feb. 17, 11:16 a.m. in the 1-100 block of S. Addison, a complainant reported being struck by another known suspect. This case is under investigation. BEP23001921

Feb. 17, 7:11 p.m. in the 100 block of Woodland Avenue, a complainant

reported that an unknown suspect was on their property looking through their windows. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300154

Feb. 16, 9:51 a.m. in the 1200 block of Mark Street, a complainant reported the theft of two trailers. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300150

Feb. 16, 3:22 p.m. in the 600 block of Thomas Drive, a complainant reported that his company lost money in tools and equipment after hiring an outside towing company.

BEPC2300151

Feb. 16, 5:56 p.m. in the 700 block of Memorial Street, an officer was requested for a domestic dispute which resulted in confiscating a small amount of a possible controlled substance. This case is under investigation. BEPC2300152

Chess team honored, Severiano undefeated at state

The Fenton High School Chess team is one of several groups, that can wave the Fenton flag victoriously. Last week, the Fenton Board of Education recognized the team for qualifying for the IHSA state finals for the 16th straight year. Not only that, Ms. Downen told the Board that David Severiano went undefeated (7 wins and 0 losses) at the statefinals, something no one else at Fenton has ever done before! Board members were in awe of the team’s outstanding achievement. Congratulations to the Fenton Chess Team and a huge Bison shout out to David for making school history.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent

Some laughs for charity

The Bull Valley Golf Club in Woodstock was in great spirits Feb. 11 as The Hooved Animal Humane Society (HAHS) came together to raise awareness and money for the awesome charity. In the center of the event was former WGN Morning News cast member and current podcast host Matt Kissane. “It was a thrill to know I was able to make these wonderful people laugh!” Besides the laughs there were even a few tearful moments watching the video showing the animals who were saved due to the organizations hard work and diligence. “It was a very emotional night, but in the end the folks were able to spread the word about HAHS and raise some money.” Kissane will be performing June 3 at The Lyric Theater in Blue Island. Kissane has lent his talents to many charity organizations in the past including several shows for Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital. For more information on HAHS, visit their website https://hahs.org.

Scholarships available to D88 students

from Americans of Italian Descent of DuPage Deadline to apply is April 4

The Americans of Italian Descent of DuPage County will award $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors of Addison Trail, Lake Park or Willowbrook High Schools. Eligible students must be graduating seniors of Addison Trail, Lake Park or Willowbrook high schools, must be of Italian heritage, must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4-point grading scale, and must be accepted to a two-year or four-year

District 88 students invited to COD’s BIG IDEA Pitch Contest

Share business ideas, win cash prizes

Students of District 88 have been invited to participate in the BIG IDEA Pitch Contest, co-produced by College of DuPage (COD) and Innovation DuPage (ID). Through this event, Addison Trail and Willowbrook students are invited to share their business ideas with a panel of expert judges.

Students who have ideas for innovative products and services that solve real problems to satisfy the needs of growing markets are encouraged to participate. Successful applicants will introduce scalable concepts that can be accelerated by connecting with key mentorship and business resources.

Finalists will pitch live to a panel of judges and a livestreamed audience on Wednesday, May 10 at COD and also will receive a six-month membership to Innovation DuPage. The top three contestants will receive a cash prize as well (1st place is $5,000, 2nd place is $4,000 and 3rd place is $3,000).

To apply, complete the written portion and submit a video by Friday, March 31. For more information, and to apply, go to innovationdupage.org/ bigidea.

County Clerk announces early voting at Fairgrounds

DuPage County voters can cast their paper ballots in the 2023 Consolidated Election now that the county’s early voting location are open at the DuPage County Fairgrounds (Building 5), 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton, just off County Farm Road, east of the county’s Government Administration buildings.

DuPage County now features 100 percent paper ballots on new voting equipment for both Early Voting and Election Day. Beginning on Monday, March 20, early voting will expand to 20 locations throughout DuPage County.

Hours for early voting at the Fairgrounds are:

• Weekdays: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (now through March 17)

• Saturdays: 9 a.m.-noon (now through March 18)

• Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (March 20-April 3)

• Weekends: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (March 25-April 2)

“Mayors, city councils, and school boards are among the important local offices on the ballot in the consolidated election,” Kaczmarek said. “I encourage voters to take advantage of the opportunity to have a say in how their own communities are governed.”

Voters can find a complete guide to all Early Voting locations and dates, as well as information about voting by mail, on the Clerk’s Election website.

college. Applications must be submitted by April 4, 2023 according to their school’s guidance or college and career center’s procedures.

Scholarship recipients will be announced the week of April 24.

Questions and further information

can be obtained through the following email: AID.ScholarApp@gmail. com.

This release was received from Anthony Amato, Scholarship Chair, Americans of Italian Descent of DuPage County.

“All the information you will need on the ways to vote in the Consolidated Election can be found at www.dupagecounty.gov/ election,” Kaczmarek said. “We also encourage everyone to follow us on Twitter (Twitter.com/DuPageCoClerk), Instagram (https://www. instagram.com/dupagecountyclerk/), and Facebook (Facebook.com/ DuPage-County-Clerk) to stay up to date on the latest election news.”

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Police Reports

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

Addison

Feb. 14

Anthony Miller, 34, of Rolling Meadows, was charged with residential burglary at 6:10 p.m.

Police said Jazmin Aide Quinonez Chavez, 21, of Carol Stream, was issued a warrant near Lake and Rohlwing at 10:37 a.m. for driving while license revoked and no insurance.

Feb. 13

Nicholas J. Bumbaris, 45, of Addison, was charged with DUI-drugs and possession of a controlled substance in the 300 block of W. Lake.

Santos Daniel Lopez, 31, of Addison, was charged with DUI, no valid driver’s license and disobeying a lane control signal near Addison and Sidney at 8:52 p.m.

Nicholas James Migala, 27, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, no insurance and failure to reduce speed at 12:19 a.m.

Feb. 12

Angel Amaro Perez, 49, of Wheeling, was charged with two counts of DUI, no insurance and speeding near Lake and Michigan at 4:10 a.m.

Janely Corona, 26, of Berwyn, was charged with two counts of DUI, driving while license suspended and

speeding in the 1600 block of W. Lake at 1:06 a.m.

Tina L. Koscinski, 33, of Des Plaines, was charged with DUI, speeding and improper lane usage near Addison and Byron at 1:38 a.m.

Feb. 11

Rodolfo Camarena-Jimenez, 29, of Hanover Park, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage near Medinah and Lake at 2:34 a.m.

Feb. 10

Jose P. Maldonado Rosas, 42, of West Chicago, was charged with DUI and unsafe equipment in the 2300 block of W. Army Trail at 11:26 p.m.

Feb. 9

Heliodoro Gamez, 39, of Addison, was charged with DUI, illegal lane usage and disregarding a stop sign near Lincoln and Natoma at 10:33 p.m.

Noel Torres, 30, of Melrose Park, was charged with assault.

A 21-year-old Chicago man was charged with two counts of domestic battery and interference with reporting domestic violence at 2:42 p.m.

Feb. 8

Beatle Miller, 54, of Arlington

Heights, was charged with residential burglary at 6:30 p.m.

Kermy Roby Roche-Vargas, 44, of Addison, was charged with unlawful use of cannabis by a driver, no insurance, expired registration and driving while license expired in the 1400 block of W. Lake at 9:02 p.m.

Villa Park

Feb. 17

A complainant in the 300 block of S. Michigan reported at 11:53 p.m. that a suspect battered them.

Feb. 16

Nakyia M. McCaster-Winters, 20, of Chicago, was charged with theft— unauthorized control $500-$10,000 at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at 11:30 a.m.

A complainant at Willowbrook High School reported at 8:42 a.m. that an unknown suspect damaged the rear driver’s side door of a vehicle parked in the parking lot.

Feb. 15

Police said Jeremiah Washington, 21, of Oak Brook, was arrested on a failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County near N. Ardmore and E. Vermont at 10:26 p.m.

A 53-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic

battery in the 300 block of N. Princeton at 12:17 p.m.

Police said an 11-year-old Villa Park male juvenile had an in-jurisdiction warrant in the 400 block of W. Division at 9:58 p.m. and transported to a juvenile youth detention center.

Feb. 14

A complainant in the 100 block of W. Madison reported at 6:34 p.m. that an unknown suspect used an unknown object to break the back windshield and the driver’s side window of a vehicle parked on the street.

Feb. 13

Cameron Seymour, 37 (listed as homeless) was charged with resisting a police officer in the 300 block of E. Roosevelt at 12:30 a.m. Burglary to a vehicle was reported in the 700 block of S. Route 83 at 10:11 a.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect(s) broke the locks of multiple trailers that are parked in the parking lot. The suspect(s) also removed several pieces of lawn equipment.

Theft and fraud were reported at a store in the 400 block of W. North at 5:10 p.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect removed a wallet from their purse that was in the shopping cart. The complainant later reported the suspect used their credit cards to make several purchases.

Feb. 12

Isaiah A. Torres, 21, of River Grove, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance in the 600 block of S. Summit at 12:18 a.m. A complainant at a restaurant in the 300 block of E. St. Charles reported at 11:43 a.m. that an unknown suspect damaged their vehicle while it was parked in the parking lot.

Fraud, identity theft

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

TCD honors outstanding AT students

Twenty Addison Trail students were recently named to the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) “A-Team” for the first semester of the 2022-23 school year.

TCD offers DuPage County-area high school juniors and seniors 20 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs as part of their high school curriculum. To earn a place on the A-Team, students must receive an “A” grade in their respective TCD program electives. This recognition represents excellence in occupational skills and applied academics.

Addison Trail honorees include Domenica D’Ugo, cosmetology, Maria Escobar, emergency medical technician, Daniela Guida, nursing assistant training program, Brianna Matthews, criminal justice, Maddie Muccianti, cosmetology, Daniela Robledo Guadarrama, criminal justice, Giselle Salazar, cosmetology,

Tadeusz Tchop, automotive technology, Kelly Canchola, cosmetology, Kerri Carr, nursing assistant training program, Leonardo Diaz Gomez, cosmetology, Alexander Martinez-Olea, criminal justice, Jennifer Nava, nursing assistant training program, Denisse Nazario, cosmetology, William Ocampo, criminal justice, Diya Patel, criminal justice, David Rodriguez Corona, criminal justice, Anna Silezin, criminal justice, Daniel Urquide, HVAC & refrigeration / residential wiring, Osvaldo Villegas, criminal justice. (All are seniors except Anna Silezin, who is a junior.)

A ceremony took place on Friday, Feb. 17 at TCD to honor and recognize the students for their accomplishments. Honorees each received a T-shirt and a certificate. For more information about TCD, go to tcdupage.org.

‘Equitable restrooms’ bill advances in House

Bill calls for setting standards for multi-occupant, all-gender facilities

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A bill that would allow restaurants, hotels and other public places to designate “all-gender multiple-occupancy” restrooms passed out of a House committee Feb. 22, sending it to the full House for consideration.

House Bill 1286, sponsored by Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is similar to one that passed through the House in 2021 but died in the Senate.

“So it just creates the opportunity for places, businesses, universities, you name it, to create a multi-stall gender-neutral restroom, if they so choose,” Stuart said during the hearing. “And it lays out requirements for what is in that facility.”

In 2019, the General Assembly passed the Equitable Restrooms Act, which identified all single-occupancy restrooms in public places as gender-neutral and designated them for use by no more than one person at a time, or for family or assisted use. But there is currently no law in Illinois authorizing multi-occupancy restrooms to be gender-neutral.

The text of the bill states its purpose is “to promote the privacy, safety, and gender inclusivity of all Illinois residents and visitors,” and that the measure should be “liberally construed” to carry out its purpose.

It would require that such restrooms be clearly marked at their entrance with “inclusive signage” that does not indicate any specific gender. It would also require that

each toilet stall be separated by dividers and a functioning lock mechanism on the door.

Urinals, if present, also would have to be separated by partitions.

The bill also provides that any multi-occupancy restroom could be converted to an all-gender restroom. But if another multi-occupancy restroom that is designated for a specific gender is located adjacent to or near the all-gender restroom, both would have to be designated as all-gender facilities.

Additionally, the bill would set out more specific standards for multi-occupant all-gender facilities that are part of a newly constructed building or one resulting from major renovations of a building.

The bill would require the Illinois Department of Public Health to adopt administrative rules to implement the new standards.

Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, said the bill’s requirements could impose significant costs on the owners of large arenas where plumbing fixtures are already in place.

But Stuart said those facilities would be under no obligation to convert their existing restrooms to all-gender facilities. She said the bill would only allow them to do so if they choose.

The bill passed out of the House Human Services Committee on a party-line vote of 6-3. It now goes back to the full House where it could come up at any time for final vote.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Addison Independent

These students were named to TCD’s A-Team, awarded to those who display excellence in occupational skills and applied academics.

A ceremony took place on Friday, Feb. 17 at Technology Center DuPage to recognize the AT students who were named to TCD’s A-Team. Honorees received a T-shirt and a certificate.

Many readers tell us the Independent is their preferred source for local community news. Shouldn’t your business be advertising? Call (630) 834-8244.

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Worship Services Directory

St.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis comes to

Elmhurst Protesters flood York and Vallette area to oppose his views, recent actions

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE INDEPENDENT

There was an odd familiarity to the events of the afternoon of Monday, Feb. 20. It had a similar feeling to June of 2020, when other protests were staged in downtown Elmhurst.

Monday’s demonstrations took place near York and Vallette in front of the Knights of Columbus and, while not nearly as threatening, were equally impassioned. Many people carried signs or shouted into megaphones to share their feelings about Florida Governor and rumored Presidential candidate Ron DeSantis coming to Elmhurst to address the Chicago Federation of Police (FOP). It was made clear that no press or outside guests were allowed to attend.

Lent and

547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Sunday School & Bible Study 9am

at 7 p.m.

“The Crucial Hours”

Lent and Easter Services

at 7 pm

Second Lenten Service

“His Final Steps”

By 3 p.m., police had barricaded off Vallette Street east of York St., especially by the back parking lot behind the KC Hall, where DeSantis was able to slip in with little knowledge to the public. About 20-25 protesters had gathered at that time, but by 4 p.m., the sidewalks were filled with some 200-250 people including law enforcement from not only Elmhurst, but also many outside agencies, keeping the peace.

March 9, 2022

Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26

Second Lenten Service March 1, 2023

Third Lenten Service

March 16, 2022

Rev. Phil Schupmann “Led to A Tomb” Resurrection, Aurora John 11

Third Lenten Service

March 8, 2023

Rev. David Ernest “Led to A Fig Tree”

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Mark 11:12-14, 20-25

It became difficult to walk around because of the crowds, plus police were keeping everyone confined to the sidewalks to keep York St. traffic moving along as well as possible. In addition, there was one lone police officer poised ominously on the roof of the Knights of Columbus building.

Fourth Lenten Service

Fourth Lenten Service

March 23, 2022

March 15, 2023

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “Led to Some Greeks” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove John 12:20-33

Fifth Lenten Service

Fifth Lenten Service

March 22, 2023

Rev. Caleb Klatt “Led to His Father’s House” St. Matthews, Niles Matthew 27:3-4

March 30, 2022

Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12

Sixth Lenten Service

March 29, 2023

Sixth Lenten Service

April 6, 2022

Rev. Tom Nicholson “Led to His Enemies” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 20:9-19

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66

Maundy Thursday Communion 7:00 pm, April 6

Good Friday Tenebrae 7:00 pm, April 7

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Easter Sunrise 6:30 am, April 9

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

Easter Breakfast 8:00 am, April 9

Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17

At one point, about a dozen people in yellow vests on bicycles came streaming single-file around the corner from east Vallette, turning north onto York. The Independent was told it was a consortium of police officials from many local area jurisdictions who are trained, poised and ready to leap into action when a situation becomes threatening. The vested individuals lined up their bicycles along the curb and stood behind them, forming a barrier of sorts, observing the actions of those on the sidewalk.

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

Easter Festival 10:15 am, April 9 Everyone

Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17

Protest signs were everywhere with messages that ranged from hard-hitting and factual to comical and almost silly. One read “Racist Sexist Boy – We Rebuild What You Destroy” while another said, “Equality Illinois – Show up, Speak up.” Still others said, “Say No to Baby Hitler,” “DeSantis is CRUEL,” and “Satan Respects Pronouns.”

LONGFELLOW PHOTOS The Independent

vested individuals lined up their bicycles along the curb on York St. and stood behind them, observing the crowd on the sidewalk. The Independent was told it was a consortium of police officials from several jurisdictions who are trained to take quick action when a situation seems threatening.

Several people brought protest signs to the rally, expressing their feelings about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s visit to Elmhurst and the fact that his appearance was limited to those who were specifically invited.

DuPage County receives more than $1.2 million in opioid settlement funds

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin has announced that DuPage County has received its initial installment payment from opioid manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, totaling more than $1.22 million as part of settlements reached in lawsuits filed by Berlin’s office against various opioid manufacturers and distributors in 2017.

The payment of $1,222,472.66, which was received on Feb. 13, represents the first four years of base and incentive payments that the County is scheduled to receive from Janssen over the next 10 years. The County is also slated to receive payments from other settling opioid de-

fendants over the next 15 years.

“The settlement agreements and resulting funds earmarked for DuPage County are in large part the result of Attorney General Raoul’s commitment to the future well-being of our state,” Berlin said. “His efforts marshalled the combined resources of municipal, county and state units of government to join together, thus ensuring the state receives its fair share of these historic settlements which will bring approximately $760 million to the state, of which approximately $10.5 million is allocated solely for DuPage County.

In addition, 55 percent of the total funds allocated to Illinois under

these agreements, or $418 million, will be placed in a statewide remediation fund from which all units of local government in Illinois, including DuPage County, can seek additional funding for approved programs and services targeted at abating the opioid epidemic.”

“We are gratified to see these funds reach DuPage County as a result of years-long litigation brought by State’s Attorney Berlin and Attorney General Raoul,” DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy said. “I intend to work with our elected officials and local public health leaders to invest in programs that help our residents overcome the devastating impact of substance

use disorder on our communities. Too many of our DuPage families are engaged in the long and difficult battle against addiction. But working together, we can provide some much-needed help to those who are struggling.”

As part of the settlement, any funds received must be used for programs that address the opioid epidemic in Illinois. Approved uses include medication assisted treatment, prevention programs, support for individuals in treatment and recovery and training for healthcare professionals, among others. The funds received from Janssen are part of the overall opioid settlement agreement reached in July 2021

with distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal and McKesson and with Manufacturer Johnson and Johnson.

“These funds will go a long way in helping DuPage County residents and their families who find themselves or a loved one caught in the deadly grip of opioid addiction,” Berlin continued. “We have lost far too many lives to this epidemic and unfortunately, our work is still far from over. Our litigation involving other manufacturers and pharmacies continues and we anticipate receiving many more millions of dollars that will be used to bring further relief to the residents of DuPage County.”

New law allows Illinoisans to change sex on birth certificate without doctor’s affirmation Illinois

By Nika Schoonover CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinoisans seeking to legally change the gender on their birth certificate will have an easier time under a new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker.

“Here in Illinois, we recognize that gender transition is a personal journey that doesn’t always follow a prescriptive medical path, but still deserves to be honored legally,” Pritzker said in a statement. “In a time of increasing violence and hateful rhetoric against the trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming community, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our state’s commitment to recognizing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ Illinoisans.”

Under House Bill 9, which will take effect July 1, individuals will no longer need a medical professional to affirm they have undergone gender

becomes 12th state, first in Midwest, to allow self-attestation

reassignment surgery or other clinical treatment in order to change their gender on their birth certificate. Once the change takes effect, they simply have to submit a statement expressing their intention to change their gender classification.

Mike Ziri, director of public policy at Equality Illinois, said in an interview that the policy change was important because individuals often do not have access to a provider and because providers sometimes refuse to consent to providing such a statement.

“The old requirement, it was a barrier to equality,” Ziri, whose organization worked on the bill with other advocacy groups, said. “Someone may not be able to afford a visit to a doctor, or there may not be an affirming provider.”

By removing the need of a health

care professional to reaffirm an individual’s gender change status, the law makes it easier for a person’s documents to be consistent, according to a statement from state Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, a lead sponsor on the bill.

“This legislation will now make it easier for trans and nonbinary people to live as their authentic selves and ensure consistency on legal documents,” Fine said in the statement.

An updated birth certificate can make it easier to obtain a new driver’s license reflecting the person’s gender identity, said Brigid Leahy, vice president of public policy at Planned Parenthood Illinois Action.

“If your birth certificate doesn’t match other documents that you have, it can be complicated and confusing for everyday life and doing things like applying for certain things

where you need documentation,” Leahy said. “And if there are inconsistencies in that documentation, it can make it harder for you to complete the process.”

The measure passed with only Democratic support in both chambers of the General Assembly.

The law also waives the costs associated with acquiring a new birth certificate for previously incarcerated individuals, homeless people, youths under care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, individuals under 27 who were previously in care and individuals living in domestic violence shelters.

“Access to your birth certificate will become a less onerous process for many Illinoisans, removing barriers for people who already face so many,” Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, another lead

sponsor on the bill, said in a statement.

A new birth certificate request usually costs $15, plus $2 for each additional copy.

The law is the latest passed in Illinois that expands protections for transgender individuals, following protections for gender-affirming care and a measure allowing people previously convicted of felonies to change their name “due to marriage, religious beliefs, status as a victim of trafficking or gender-related identity.”

With the new law, Illinois joins 11 other states in allowing self-attestation of gender on birth certificates, according to Equality Illinois.

“We’re really excited that Illinois is moving on this issue on the topic of birth certificates into those ranks of those affirming states,” Ziri said.

Illinois earns 7th credit upgrade in less than two years

S&P cites recent early debt retirement, buildup of rainy day fund

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

S&P Global Ratings announced Feb. 23 that it had raised Illinois’ long-term credit rating to A-, up from BBB+, marking the seventh upgrade the state has received from a major rating agency in less than two years.

The rating applies to roughly $27.7 billion in outstanding general obligation, or GO, bonds.

“The upgrade on the GO debt reflects our view that Illinois’ commitment and execution to strengthen its budgetary flexibility and stability, supported by accelerating repayment of its liabilities, rebuilding its budget stabilization fund to decade highs; and a slowing of statutory pension funding growth, will likely continue during the outlook period,” S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Geoff Buswick said in a

news release

Bonds are a tool that governments and businesses use to borrow money, typically for long-term capital projects such as building construction or other kinds of infrastructure. GO bonds are backed by the government’s general taxing authority but other bonds may be backed by more specific revenue sources, such as sales or motor fuel taxes. Higher bond ratings generally mean the borrower—in this case the state— pays lower interest rates.

Before the recent string of upgrades, all three major rating agencies—including Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings—had rated Illinois’ bonds at one notch above “junk” status, the point at which large institutional investors will no longer purchase them.

During the last two years, however, Illinois has used higher-than-ex-

pected revenues to pay off its backlog of past-due bills and retire other short-term debt early. In addition, it has set aside $1.9 billion for the state’s budget stabilization fund— commonly known as the “rainy day” fund—and the state is projected to deposit another $138 million into that fund in the upcoming fiscal year, according to Gov. JB Pritzker’s latest budget proposal

“I am thrilled to see our hard work at righting the past fiscal wrongs of our state reflected in today’s action by S&P with another credit rating upgrade—the third such upgrade in just two years,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Our continued fiscal responsibility and smart budgeting will save Illinois taxpayers millions from adjusted interest rates, and my partners in the General Assembly and I look forward to building on that success.”

In its announcement Feb. 23, S&P credited the state’s “deep and diverse economic base” as well as the state government’s access to readily available cash, including the rainy day fund and untapped interfund borrowing authority. The agency also said it expects ongoing union contract negotiations to be settled in a timely manner.

Offsetting those factors, S&P said, is the state’s high unfunded pension and other postemployment benefit liabilities such as health care. The agency also dinged Illinois on its practice of releasing annual financial audits later than most other states and population declines, which it warned could impact future economic growth.

S&P said it could further upgrade Illinois’ rating if the state continues paying down unfunded pension liabilities and building up its rainy day

fund while shrinking its structural deficit. S&P said that deficit was in large part caused by not contributing to its pension funds at actuarially determined levels.

On the other hand, S&P said it could downgrade the state’s rating in the future if the structural deficit were to increase due to economic uncertainties or if its pension and other fixed-cost obligations exceed expectations.

Pritzker’s recent budget proposal seeks to add an extra $200 million to the pension fund beyond statutory levels for the current fiscal year.

For now, S&P said the state’s near-term credit outlook is “stable.”

In addition to upgrading the state’s general obligation bond rating, S&P also raised its rating on the state’s Build Illinois sales tax bonds to A, up from A-.

Puzzle page

EMPLOYEE

SUDOKU

Fun by the Numbers

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

CLUES ACROSS

1. Relaxing place

4. Plant by scattering

7. A type of explorer

12. Unique traits

15. Lady

16. Dismayed

18. Railway

19. Type of whale

20. Sodium

21. Manning and Lilly are two

24. Where golfers begin

27. Entrapped

30. Influential punk artist

31. Hebrew calendar month

33. Car mechanics group

34. Undesirable rodent

35. Minneapolis suburb

37. Witch

39. Get free of

41. A written proposal or reminder

42. British School

44. Country on west coast of Africa

47. Cool!

48. Information

49. __ route

50. Jim Nantz’s network

52. Something to register (abbr.)

53. Give cards incorrectly

56. One who’s learning on the job

61. Stevenson adventure novel

63. Taking careful notice

64. CNN’s founder

65. Speak badly of

CLUES DOWN

1. A person with unusual powers of foresight

2. Single sheet of glass

3. Portrays a character

4. Expresses happiness

5. Acquires

6. “The Martian” author

7. Degree

8. 60-minute intervals

9. A detective’s pal

10. Group of nations (abbr.)

11. Popular Georgia rockers

12. Fencing swords

13. Basement

14. Samoan monetary unit

17. Male parent

22. Finnish lake

23. A smooth fabric

24. Arctic explorers (abbr.)

25. Mild yellow Dutch cheese

26. Very willing

28. Expressed pleasure

29. Lasso

32. Hindu model of ideal man

TIMECLOCK

36. Move your head in approval

38. Ill-__: gained illegally

40. Die

43. Accused publicly

44. Precious stone

45. Individual thing or person

46. Behaved in a way that degraded

51. Derogatory term

54. No seats available

55. Liability

56. Popular beverage

57. Tough outer skin of fruit

58. __ Spumante (Italian wine)

59. Troubles

60. Negative

62. Camper Answers

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American Flyer, Lionel trains, Barbie and other dolls; G.I. Joe, Tonka, Matchbox, Hot Wheels cars, slot cars & more! Plus any other antiques and collectibles. Call: 630-248-3222

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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Slices of life

Falling off the cliff

Life changes us. Sometimes in increments, like accidentally stepping off the curb.

Sometimes in ways akin to falling off a cliff. It’s these cliff—changing moments that transform us in ways we never could have imagined— before. It’s like falling from one world into another—into a life so different that your old life can only be referenced as “before.”

This new life. The life you are living “after,” whatever that after may be for you: After a birth. After a death. After a divorce. After a marriage. After a major illness. After some life changing event—truly life changing in every aspect of every day and every minute.

An event so sweeping that it encompasses you and every cell of your being. It changes the way you view the world.

And whether excruciatingly joyous or magnificently sad, you

Artist Series performance

March 12

The 15th season of Artist Series presentations at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lombard, will continue Sunday, March 12, at 3 p.m. with a concert by the highly acclaimed Wind Symphony of Concordia University Chicago.

The Wind Symphony is the premiere instrumental ensemble at Concordia-Chicago, maintaining an active performance schedule, having performed in schools, churches, and concert halls in 43 states, Canada, Eastern Europe and China. The 45-member group has a commitment to the finest traditional and contemporary sacred and secular repertoire. The Wind Symphony has recorded 13 compact discs of sacred music.

More information about St. John’s Artist Series is available by calling the church office, 630-6292515.

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

understand you will never be the same again. You can’t ever go back to the you that was before. That door has irrevocably and permanently shut and the only way forward is, well, forward.

It’s almost like the before never happened. It’s hard to remember what life was like—back then. Sometimes you want to remember— you long for it—but you just can’t go back. In reality or memory. Oh, sure, you can recall certain instances, certain experiences, but to actually remember—on the cellular or the heart level—what it felt like

to live that “other” life? No. You can’t because you’ve changed and you’re no longer the person who lived that life—before.

You can recall, but you can’t remember. Not really. And it wouldn’t be right if you did, because every day—every moment—you are changing and evolving and becoming a new you. A you who is living in the now, not the before. Perhaps not by choice, but by circumstance.

With that said, your life now is not always in the after. You try, but sometimes it hits you. It hits you so hard that you have to catch your breath and consciously will yourself to breathe in and out. One gulp of air at a time.

Your mind bends to the before— because you may want that badly— and it engulfs you just as surely as falling off the cliff engulfed you. Like a rockslide or avalanche.

But then on the second, or third, or 15th or 80th breath you find you are breathing normally again. Your heart is not thumping out of your chest, but seems to be beating along with the air flowing in and out of your lungs.

And in that moment, you realize there really isn’t a before or after; there is only a now.

You may long for the before, and I often do.

You may long for a new after, which I also do.

But what you really have is now. Right now. Today.

And you can choose how to perceive this.

It can be constricting—denying you both your past and the future. Keeping the memories at bay. Keeping hope just beyond reach. Or, it can be liberating. Providing hope and strength to both your past and your future. Giving memories their space, without letting them control you. Allowing the hope and joy and trust to surround your now and allow you to know it will be all right.

Because it is all right. Already. It is. See that. Embrace that. It’s all going to be okay, and that is a very lovely thing. Worth smiling about, even.

Dr. Kelly talks straight about sciatica

Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information.

To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because local doctor Kelly Synowiec-Moroney DC is going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts.

MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest.

FACT: If you are dealing with back pain, buttock pain or leg pain, then you must seek help from a doctor who is knowledgeable in sciatica immediately. Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain.

MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica.

FACT: In severe cases, sciatica can lead to the inability to control your bowels or bladder - leading to embarrassing situations.

MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with sciatica.

FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure the root cause of sciatica.

MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to get sciatica.”

FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to sciatica. Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause sciatica.

Sciatica can affect anyone - including super-fit celebrities like Tiger Woods, Sylvester Stallone, and British Olympic medallist Ian Wynne.

MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to overcome sciatica.

FACT: Staying active can help to relieve sciatic pain and prevent the pain getting worse. Staying inactive in bed could be the worst advice - based on a recent study in the Netherlands.

MYTH: Sciatica requires surgery.

FACT: NO! There’s been a huge breakthrough in the treatment of sciatica and lower back pain. It’s a new procedure called Non-Surgical ReConstructive Spinal Care. The excellent results from this treatment have been published in major medical journals. Success rates are up to 88%.

MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.”

FACT: With the correct treatment from a healthcare professional who specialises in sciatica, you can find relief from the core cause - and the symptoms.

MYTH: Getting Sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive.

FACT: Not true. We are currently offering an initial consultation right here in Elmhurst for Just $43.

We have helped over 1,483 patients find relief from agonising back pain and sciatica. We are one of the first places to use Non-Surgical Re-

Constructive Spinal Care. This procedure does not require a hospital stay. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the back pain and sciatica.

According to Dr. Kelly, “We use a combination of ultra-advanced technology, not found elsewhere in the region, for precisely diagnosing the cause of your low back pain and sciatica. This means superior long-term results for most people.”

Because the treatment is non-surgical, safe, and easy, most patients report an almost immediately relief from their back pain.

Patient Jeff P. from Berwyn wrote, “My back pain was unbearable but the worst thing was the searing burning pain I felt in my buttock and leg... my wife insisted I see doctor Dr. Kelly. I’m 95% better in just a couple of weeks.”

Take the Next Step - END the Suffering... Initial Consultation Just $43 Call 630-941-8733 to schedule your appointment. Mention this article (CODE: IND43SCS12)

Only 100 reader consultations are available at this exclusively discounted rate.

Call her office now and get a full and thorough examination to pinpoint the cause of your problem for just $43. You can even call on the weekend as there is always a staff member ready to assist you. During the week they are very busy, so if they don’t pick up straight away do leave a message.