The Chargers finish a perfect 2025 season
Churchville
“We’re
DuPage County announces text to 911
DuPage County recently announced the launch of Textto-911, a vital emergency communication tool allowing residents to send text messages directly to 911 dispatchers when calling is not possible.
“Text-to-911 is a critical step forward in making
emergency services more accessible and inclusive,” said County Board Chair Deborah Conroy.
“Whether someone is deaf or hard of hearing, experiencing a medical emergency that affects speech, or in a situation where speaking could put
them in danger, this service ensures they can reach out for help.”
The system is compatible with mobile carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile and works on any text-capable device including smartphones and tablets. Dispatch
Police remind residents to slow down this spring
Elmhurst residents can pick up and display ‘In this community we slow down for each other’ yard signs at the police station
The Elmhurst Police Department recently issued a reminder to residents to “slow down” this spring.
“Just because the roads are free of ice and snow, it doesn’t mean go, go, go,” noted the police department’s message to residents, who are encouraged to show their support for traffic safety in
Elmhurst by picking up a free “In this community we SLOW DOWN for each other” yard sign at the city’s police station, 125 E. 1st Street.
One sign per resident is allowed, and signs must be placed on the private residential lawn side, not in the city parkway.
“Also, even if you don’t
want a sign, we highly recommend obeying the 25 mph residential speed limit to keep children, pedestrians and cyclists safe,” related the police department’s recent message. “In fact, we recommend it so much that we stop some drivers and give them costly paper reminders. Thanks!”
centers cannot receive photos, videos, or emojis.
Officials emphasize that texting should only be used when calling is not safe or possible.
“Call if you can, and text if you can’t,” said Greg Schwarze, chair of Emergency Telephone System Board of DuPage County. “Calling is better than texting because emergency dispatchers can get more immediate information that can speed up emergency response.”
Voice calls to 911 are still the preferred method of reach-
ing emergency services. Textto-911 is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios: if an individual is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability; if someone is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 911; or if a medical emergency has rendered the person incapable of speech. If there is an emergency and you are unable to make a voice call, follow these steps to text 911:
• Location: Type your exact location as soon as possible;
• What you need: Text what emergency help is needed:
police, fire, or emergency medical;
• Be clear: Send a short message without abbreviations, slang, emojis, photos or video attachments;
• Stay calm: Answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 dispatcher.
Remember that texting 911 is for emergencies only. Misuse of the service, like making a fake 911 call, is against the law.
For more information about the new Text-to-911 service, visit http://www.dupagecounty.gov/text911
Best in Show
The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild held an opening reception for its Spring Members’ Show on Friday, April 4. Judge Lynne Kornecki (left), the founder and publisher of Art BEAT Buzz, awarded artist David Hammer (right) with the Best in Show ribbon for his watercolor piece—“Hope.” The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild’s Spring Member’ Show runs through April 27, and is free to the public during regular Elmhurst Art Museum hours. The museum is located at 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave.
GARRY VACCARO PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
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IC Catholic Prep honors its Students of the Month for
February and March
IC Catholic Prep recently recognized its Students of the Month for February and March. The school noted that the honored students embody IC Catholic Prep’s vision of learning, leading and serving. Pictured left to right are: (front row) junior KC Kekstadt, junior Jade Ruiz Diaz, freshman Samantha Castillo, sophomore Ashley De La Cruz and senior Elaine Blass; (back row) freshman Carmine Murphy, senior Steven Jakes and sophomore Jalen Banks.
IDPH rolls out
new measles simulator dashboard to empower
school officials to protect students, staff from outbreaks
With cases of measles being reported in more than 20 jurisdictions around the United States, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has unveiled a new data dashboard to help school officials and members of the public assess the potential severity of any outbreaks of measles, should one occur in Illinois.
The new Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard makes it easy for the public to find out the measles vaccination rate in any school in Illinois, public or private, and to determine the risk of a child being exposed to measles if a case is introduced in their school.
Illinois has had no reported cases of measles since an outbreak in Chicago in early 2024 and there are currently no active measles outbreak investigations in Illinois. However, IDPH officials are closely monitoring an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico that has resulted in more than 530 confirmed cases, including three deaths, two of them children.
“IDPH continues to work closely with our local public health and health care partners as we prepare for any
potential measles cases in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “The Department is building on the lessons we learned from our successful measles response in 2024 by ensuring that our residents have access to meaningful information to guide their decision-making. Our new dashboard provides the public with the ability to review the measles vaccination rates in their child’s school and its risk for an outbreak. Two doses of measles vaccines are 97 percent effective in preventing measles. I recommend that our Illinois residents make sure that they and their family members are up to date on the measles/ mumps/rubella vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations.”
“Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to prevent the spread of measles and protect the health of our students,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “We are grateful to IDPH for equipping school leaders, parents, and the public with clear, actionable data to assess measles risk and plan proactively. I encourage every school administrator to explore this
resource to support families in staying informed and up to date on vaccinations.”
The dashboard provides predictions, projections and estimates for the size and spread of a measles outbreak in individual Illinois schools from Pre-K through 12th grade using 2023-2024 school vaccination and enrollment data and additional model parameters. The dashboard will be updated with the 2024-25 school year data as soon as that becomes available in the near future.
School administrators and staff are encouraged to use this dashboard to aid their decisions around measles outbreak prevention and control in their individual schools. This simulator was inspired by the University of Texas, Austin, epiEngage Measles Outbreak Simulator.
Most Illinois residents received the measles vaccine in childhood, which provides strong, long-lasting protection. This means the risk of getting measles is very low for the vast majority of people.
According to the CDC, one dose of measles/mumps/ rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93 percent effective against
measles and two doses are 97 percent effective in protection from measles. However, for those who are not vaccinated, measles is more contagious than most other infections. Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. And measles can cause serious and long-term complications, including pneumonia and swelling of the brain.
IDPH stresses the impor-
tance of ensuring everyone in your family is up to date on their immunizations. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates in the United States have dropped, increasing the likelihood of more cases of vaccine-preventable diseases. Individuals can protect themselves and their communities by doing their part and ensuring their families are up to date on all recommended vaccines.
Elmhurst Fire Department to hold Junior Fire Academy Day event on April 26
Deadline to register is April 23; event is for ages 14-20 interested in becoming a firefighter
Do you know a young adult interested in a career as a firefighter?
The Elmhurst Fire Department is hosting Junior Fire Academy Day event on Saturday, April 26. This unique learning experience is designed for young adults (ages 14-20) interested in becoming a firefighter.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elmhurst Fire Department’s
training facility at 910 N. Addison Ave. The day will include hands-on activities and demonstrations providing an opportunity to experience real-life scenarios and gain a better understanding of the fire service profession. Spaces are limited and registration is required. Registration will close on Wednesday, April 23. For more information, visit elmhurst.org/juniorfireacademy.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Author speaks at Elmhurst University
on April 22
What secrets do history’s luminaries share? Widely considered to be one of today’s most insightful biographers, Walter Isaacson captures the unique cultural currents surrounding remarkable leaders and creative thinkers in his best-selling books on Steve Jobs, Leonardo DaVinci, Jennifer Doudna, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin and others. On Tuesday, April 22, Isaacson will discuss how success came to these exceptional figures, through the questioning of conventional wisdom and a willingness to explore new ideas, when he presents “Timeless Leadership,” this year’s Rudolf G Schade Lecture on History, Ethics and Law at Elmhurst University. Isaacson’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave. A book signing will follow the lecture. Copies of some of Isaacson’s titles will be available for purchase before the lecture, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Admission is $15 for the general public and free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit elmhurst. edu/Cultural. For questions, email marketing@elmhurst. edu.
Elmhurst University to celebrate Abner Ganet Endowment April 28
At this year’s annual Abraham Joshua Heschel Lecture at Elmhurst University, the University will celebrate the endowment of the lecture series by the family of Abner Ganet, a trustee emeritus of the University, a former mayor of the City of Elmhurst and a longtime Holocaust educator.
Rabbi Steven Bob, Jewish chaplain at Elmhurst U. and rabbi emeritus at Congregation Etz Chaim of DuPage County, and Elmhurst U. chaplain H. Scott Matheney will lead the Heschel Lecture on Monday, April 28.
The lecture series is named for prominent Jewish philosopher and theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel and focuses on the Jewish faith.
Beginning this year, the newly endowed lecture will also be known as the Abner Ganet-Abraham Joshua Heschel Lecture, thanks to a gift from Ganet’s family.
Ganet was one of the university’s longest-serving trustees and a recipient of both the
Founders Medal and an honorary degree, which was awarded soon after his passing in 2012. A longtime community and civic leader, Ganet was a two-term mayor of Elmhurst, serving from 1977 to 1985. He also was a World War II veteran who spent his later years ensuring that younger generations would never forget the lessons of the Holocaust, by speaking in schools about the day in 1945 when his 1st Infantry Division liberated the Buchenwald concentration camp.
At the Heschel Lecture, Rabbi Bob and Chaplain Matheney will discuss the evolution of the Hillel student organization at Elmhurst; building support for the University’s Jewish students, faculty, staff and alumni; and religious pluralism and interfaith life on campus.
Rabbi Bob served as senior rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim for 35 years before retiring and becoming rabbi emeritus. He also serves as a guest faculty member at Whea-
Unemployment down, jobs up in majority of metro areas in February
Over the year, the unemployment rate decreased in 11 metro areas and increased in one for the year ending February, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES).
Over the year, total nonfarm jobs increased in seven metropolitan areas and decreased in five.
“The data report continues to underscore the strength of Illinois’ labor market with unemployment dropping and increases in jobs across most metro areas over the year,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.
“Illinois remains laser-focused on encouraging business development and expanding economic opportunities throughout the state.”
The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Elgin Metropolitan Division (+2.3 percent, +6,600), the Rockford MSA (+1.2 percent, +1,700), the Kankakee MSA (+0.9 percent, +400) and the Peoria MSA (+0.9 percent, +1,600).
Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metropolitan Divi-
ton College and as an adjunct faculty member at Elmhurst University. The Rev. H. Scott Matheney has been a university chaplain for 45 years, nearly 28 of those years spent at Elmhurst.
The Heschel Lecture will be-
gin at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 28, in the Frick Center, Founders Lounge (190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, elmhurst.edu/campusmap). Admission is free but reservations are encouraged, at elmhurst.edu/Cultural.
The intercultural lectures and
other diverse cultural programming at Elmhurst University support community engagement and lifelong learning, and prepare students to thrive as adaptive leaders. For more information, email marketing@ elmhurst.edu.
Happy 92nd birthday
York Township resident Bob Thilges (left) recently celebrated his 92nd birthday at the York Township Senior Nutrition Center, 1502 S. Meyers Road in Lombard. York Township Supervisor John Valle (right) said, “We wish Bob a very happy birthday and another year full of love, happiness and good health.”
sion were up +18,600 (+0.5 percent). The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Bloomington MSA (-2.2 percent, -2,100), the Decatur MSA (-1.7 percent, -800), the Champaign-Urbana MSA (-1.5 percent, -1,800), and the Illinois section of the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (-1.5 percent, -1,300).
Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the 12 metro areas included: private education and health services (11 areas); government (10 areas); retail trade (nine areas); and mining and construction, transportation, warehousing and utilities, and financial activities (seven areas each).
The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate decreases were the Rockford MSA (-1.2 points to 5.6 percent), the Elgin Metro Division (-1.1 points to 5.0 percent), the Lake County Metro Division (-1.1 points to 5.3 percent), and the Kankakee MSA (-1.0 point to 5.9 percent).
The Chicago Metro Division reported the only increase (+0.1 point to 5.3 percent).
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
SUBMITTED
PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.
Criminal trespassing, criminal damage
April 9
Javier Velasquez Jr., 18, of Melrose Park, was issued citations for damage to city property, reckless driving and improper lane usage in the 300 block of W. North at 9:26 p.m.
April 7
Alshawntus R. Beck, 23, of Maywood, was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle, driving with expired plates and no insurance near St. Charles and I-290 at 12:13 a.m. While on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle reported stolen out of Chicago and conducted an investigative stop, according to police. The vehicle was confirmed stolen, and Beck was placed under arrest.
Domestic battery, disorderly conduct, domestic issue
April 6
A complainant in the 600 block of S. York reported his two daughters were having a verbal argument when the suspect became physical with a victim before leaving the scene. Officers attempted to contact the suspect, with no results.
April 5
An 18-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with aggravated battery, resisting a police officer, disorderly conduct and three counts of domestic battery in the 100 block of N. Clinton at 11:18 p.m. Police said officers responded to a report of a disturbance and determined that the suspect battered the victims while he was intoxicated. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported three incidents of identity theft or fraud.
DUI, consumption of alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of alcohol
April 4
Yoni L. Gomez Lopez, 20, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver, no valid license, use of unsafe tires, transportation of open alcohol by a driver, possession of alcohol by a minor, possession of tobacco by a minor, damage to a city street, damage to city property and no insurance near West and First at 8:53 p.m.
April 2
Tyler G. Yu, 59, of Addison, was charged with aggravated DUI, DUI, possession of a controlled substance, obstructing a police officer, driving while license revoked and possession of open alcohol by a driver near Lake and Grand at 11:24 p.m. An officer on patrol
reportedly observed a vehicle wanted for fleeing from the Elk Grove Police Department. The officer conducted a stop and reportedly found Yu to be driving under the influence.
Possession of cannabis in a vehicle
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Erick O. Herrera-Lopez, 28, of Cicero, near York and Industrial at 4:35 p.m. April 7.
Possession of a controlled substance
April 7
Rodney V. Washington, 55, of Chicago, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis by a driver subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Brush Hill at 10:09 p.m.
Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery
April 9
A complainant in the 400 block of E. Vallette reported that a package was stolen off of her front porch.
April 8
Police said that subsequent to officers locating a stolen vehicle near York and I-290 at 1:55 a.m., the vehicle’s driver fled and later came to a stop. The suspects exited the vehicle and reportedly fled on foot. They were subsequently located and taken into custody. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle, according to police. One of the suspects was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was released pending lab results. John Z. Kammrad, 19, of Elgin, was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding, disobeying a traffic control device, not driving on the right side of the road, improper lighting and failure to signal when required.
April 4
A complainant at a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Park told police at 11:54 a.m. the suspects left without paying for their food.
Warrant arrest
April 6
Police said Sherrodo V. Taylor, 34, of El Dorado, Arkansas, came in to the police sta-
tion regarding his lost dog that was found by the Elmhurst police one day earlier. Taylor was found to have a valid failure-to-appear warrant out of DuPage County, according to police.
April 4
Police said Eric Flores, 25, of Bensenville, was found to have an active FTA warrant out of DuPage County subsequent to a traffic stop near St. Charles and Poplar at 3:07 a.m. Flores also was issued a citation for driving while li-
cense suspended, and improper lighting.
Oct. 17, 2024
Police said a complainant reports an unknown male subject took a pair of shoes and left without paying on the above date. Subsequent to an unrelated investigation, the suspect, Mario Sanders, 36, of Chicago, was found to have a valid original warrant from Elmhurst for retail theft, and taken into custody.
Cleaning woman accused of stealing jewelry from clients’ homes
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Glen Ellyn Chief of Police Philip Norton announced last week that the court has denied the state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Hanover Park cleaning woman charged with stealing more than $20,000 worth of jewelry from three clients’ homes.
Sandy Hernandez, 38, appeared in First Appearance Court and was charged with three counts of residential burglary, a Class 1 felony. Conditions of Hernandez’s release include no employment that requires her to enter into any person’s private residence and no contact with the victims in this case.
On Dec. 2, 2024, a Glen
Ellyn resident contacted the Glen Ellyn Police Department to report that jewelry, including a Cartier yellow gold ring with a diamond center, a yellow gold charm necklace and other items of jewelry, totaling approximately $7,900, had been stolen from her house sometime after Nov. 19, 2024. On Jan. 5, 2025, a second Glen Ellyn resident contacted the Glen Ellyn Police Department to report that jewelry, including a 14k gold engagement ring with a .3c diamond, a 14k gold wedding band and more than a dozen additional items of jewelry totaling approximately $10,000 had been stolen from her house sometime after Dec. 30, 2024.
On Jan. 15, 2025, a third Glen Ellyn resident contacted the Glen Ellyn Police Department to report that jewelry, including a white gold Tanzanite Marquee ring, a gold band ring and other items totaling approximately $2,500 had been stolen from her house sometime after Dec. 6, 2024.
An investigation into the thefts led authorities to Hernandez, who had allegedly stolen the jewelry while cleaning the women’s houses. Hernandez was taken into custody without incident on April 8. Hernandez’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 5 in front of Judge Joseph Bugos.
Three Chicago women charged with stealing from Nike store
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced last week that three Chicago women have been charged with stealing from the Naperville Nike Well Collective store, located at 217 S. Main St.
Emiaya Shannon, 27; Shawanda Outlaw, 28; and Martasia Barney, 27, each appeared in First Appearance Court and were charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony).
In addition, Barney is charged with one count of
misdemeanor fleeing and eluding a police officer. All three defendants were released pre-trial with the condition that they are prohibited from entering any Nike store.
It is alleged that on April 9 at approximately 4:20 p.m., Shannon and Outlaw entered the Nike Well Collective. It is further alleged that once inside the store, the pair selected approximately 20 items of clothing with a value of more than $300 and left the store.
It is further alleged that the pair then fled the scene in a car driven by Barney.
It is alleged that when a Naperville police officer activated the squad car’s emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop, instead of pulling over, Barney did not pull over and continued to flee.
With the assistance of a Chicago Police Department helicopter, all three individuals were tracked into Chicago, where they were taken into custody a short time later.
The next court appearance for all three defendants is scheduled for May 5 in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
Police warn residents about scammers who ask victims to tap
The Elmhurst Police Department announced last week it has received reports from victims who were recently approached for donations at local grocery stores.
“Young men told the victims they needed money to pay for the funeral expenses of a family member in Chicago,” noted the announcement from the police department.
“Here’s the catch—the men said they could not take cash,” added the announcement. “They wanted the vic-
their debit or credit cards
tims to tap their credit or debit cards to the scammer’s phone to make a small $5 donation.”
According to the Elmhurst Police Department, when the victims checked their accounts later, they saw they didn’t just donate a few dollars. They had actually “donated” thousands of dollars.
“These scammers are using electronic payment apps to scam hundreds or thousands of dollars from unsuspecting victims,” related the Elmhurst Police Department, which
stated it recently caught five men running this scam in the parking lot of a local gas station.
“Just because these men were caught doesn’t mean others aren’t running this scam as well,” added the police department. “Never provide your credit or debit card to make an electronic donation to unlicensed solicitors, no matter how sad a story they tell you. Any valid solicitor will have a City of Elmhurst solicitor’s license.”
Court grants state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for Bolingbrook man charged with burglary/leading police on chase
Subject and two other defendants allegedly stole nearly $3,500 in merchandise from stores in Villa Park and Lombard
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Deputy Chief of Police Dan McCann recently announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Bolingbrook man accused of stealing more than $3,400 worth of merchandise from two retail stores on March 29, and then leading police on a chase.
Miguel Roman, 38, appeared in First Appearance Court on March 31, and was charged with two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony), two counts of retail theft exceeding $300 (Class 3 felony), one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding (Class 4 felony) and multiple traffic and petty offenses, including driving without a valid license.
Roman’s co-defendants, Brian Gomez, 40, and Altafracia Gomez, 41, both of Chicago, were released at the scene on their own recognizance.
Brian Gomez and Altafracia Gomez have each been charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of retail theft exceeding $300.
On Saturday, March 29, at approximately 7 p.m., Villa Park police officers responded to the Burlington, located at 174 Roosevelt Road, for a call of a retail theft. Following an investigation into the theft, it is alleged that three individuals, later identified as the defendants, entered the store, filled multiple carts with merchandise and then left the store without paying.
It is further alleged that after leaving the store, the trio ran to a 2003 Honda Odyssey minivan, loaded the merchandise into the Odyssey and fled the scene.
A short time later, officers learned that the Odyssey was at the Yorktown Mall in Lombard. A Lombard police officer located the Odyssey in the
parking lot of the Marshalls & HomeGoods, located at 102 Yorktown Shopping Center, and began surveillance.
It is alleged that the officer observed Roman exit the store carrying a duffel bag and go to the vehicle.
The officer also saw Brian Gomez exit the store carrying a duffel bag and piece of luggage and return to the car.
It is further alleged that the Odyssey began to exit the parking space, at which time the Lombard police officer activated her emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop. It is alleged that instead of stopping, the Odyssey, driven by Roman, proceeded through the parking lot away from officers, drove over a curb and grassy parkway near a restaurant, and then drove through the grass onto westbound Butterfield Road.
It is further alleged that while running a red light at Highland Avenue, Roman cut across the
Elmhurst Public Library programs
Friday, April 18 - 2-4 p.m.
Friday Features: “The Art of Racing in the Rain”
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/ Friday. No registration required.
Saturday, April 19
10 a.m.-noon
Canasta: Open Play
Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Saturday, April 19
11 a.m.-noon
College Admission
Process: Start to Finish
Thomas J. Jaworski of Quest College Consulting shares his expertise to help families navigate and understand the college admission process.
Live in-person. Registration required.
Monday, April 21
7-8 p.m.
Ciao Italia
Improve your Italian language skills while exploring a different aspect of Italian culture each month. All skill levels are welcome.
Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required.
Tuesday, April 22
1-3 p.m.
Bridge and Pinochle
Enjoy and afternoon of card
games every week. Prior experience is required.
No registration required.
Tuesday, April 22
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Great Decisions
Learn about critical issues facing America with Dr. Gary Midkiff. Chapter 3: U.S.-China Relations.
Live in-person. Registration required.
Wednesday, April 23 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
American mahjong: open play
Gather every Wednesday for American mahjong, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Wednesday, April 23
10-11:30 a.m.
Getting Started with Streaming Services
Learn about available streaming platforms and how to access them.
Live in-person. Registration with an Elmhurst Public Library card required.
Wednesday, April 23
7-8 p.m. - Be Green When You Garden
Learn simple ways to garden while conserving water and using fewer chemicals through practices such as proper plant selection, water conservation, and composting.
Live in-person and virtual-
northbound lanes of Highland then headed southbound. It is alleged that as he exited onto westbound Butterfield Road, Roman struck a vehicle with three occupants, including two juveniles, causing front end and passenger-side damage.
It is alleged that after officers successfully deployed multiple spike strips, causing the Odyssey’s tires to deflate, Roman continued to flee officers, often driving into the opposite lane of traffic and into the center turn lane. It is alleged that the Odyssey eventually came to a stop in the area of Summit Avenue and Butterfield Road, in Oak Brook, where officers attempted to box the vehicle in. It is further alleged, however, that Roman again attempted to accelerate away from officers.
Officers approached the Odyssey and ordered Roman to exit the vehicle, at which time Roman allegedly then fell from the vehicle after opening
the door. Officers immediately called for medics, who transported Roman to a local hospital for medical attention. The two remaining occupants of the Odyssey, Brian Gomez and Altafracia Gomez, were charged at the scene and released on their own recognizance.
ly on Zoom. Registration required.
Thursday, April 24
10-11:30 a.m.
Résumé Review
Meet with a career expert
for help with your résumé. Presented with People’s Resource Center.
Live in-person. Register for a 30-minute time slot with your Elmhurst Public Library card.
When searching the Odyssey, officers found the bags allegedly carried by Roman and Brian Gomez from the Marshalls & HomeGoods, which contained approximately $1,364.84 worth of merchandise with anti-theft devices still affixed, including clothes, nail polish and footwear. Officers also recovered multiple garbage bags containing merchandise allegedly taken from the Villa Park Burlington, with an approximate value of $2,123.27.
The next court appearance for Roman is scheduled for April 28.
Viewpoint
Slices of life
The dichotomy of widowhood
As a person who was made a widow much too early (and aren’t we all widowed much too early?), I have a confession to those of you not members in our very elite club.
I love seeing photos of you growing old together. But even more, I hate them.
I am so sorry. I wish I felt differently, but life threw me a curve ball and I was supposed to have the photos that you now have. But I don’t.
And I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit that still hurts. It hurts a lot.
So, even though I am happy for you and your travels and cruises and anniversaries and milestones and your growing old together, it hurts to know what I am missing: what I have lost, because it left unexpectedly without my consent.
I hate the feeling I get seeing the photos, but please know I don’t hate that you are living out what I hoped I always would—what I thought I always would. What I thought was a guarantee.
It’s like I went to Vegas and bet on both red and black during a game of roulette and still, somehow, managed to lose.
So much for guarantees.
But on the other hand, you know what they say about when life gives you lemons.
I’m sort of getting used to this new, unexpected, neverwould-have-chosen-it life.
There are even parts of it that I like. That I really like.
I lived much of my adult life as a chameleon. I changed my colors depending on the needs of the people close to me.
My sons liked playing hockey. I became a fan of hockey. My daughter performed in theater. I became a theater mom. My husband held the remote. I watched the NASA channel with him. (If you know the NASA channel, you know what a gesture of love this truly was.)
I liked what they liked because it was easy and it made life more convenient
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
for my family. And my family was my life.
And then my children grew up, as they tend to do. And my husband died, as I never intended.
And I found myself in a place I never expected to be. Alone.
It felt pretty foreboding. Not to mention scary. And overwhelming. It was like I was living in a world where I didn’t belong. But I didn’t really have a choice. I needed to find a way to belong. I wanted that.
And now, here I am, fourplus years out and away from losing my husband, my very best friend in life, and I am finally finding the end of the rainbow.
I don’t need to be a chameleon anymore. I don’t want to. I’ve just recently realized this and it was pretty liberating.
I lived much of my life for others. In that, I sort of acquiesced to their needs, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’d still love to be sitting in the living room watching TV, while my husband held the remote. But that isn’t going to happen.
I lost him and was forced into a new life, and with that, gradually, I shed my chameleon skin. And learned to change my colors according to my own accord. And you know what? I still mourn the life I lost. But I really like all the new colors of the one I found. You might even say I discovered my own rainbow, and it’s quite lovely, if I do say so myself.
Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
Illinois must put patients before profits
By Jax Kelly
At a baseball game, grabbing a ball hit into the stands from a kid breaks an unwritten rule—and rightly earns boos. We all agree it’s unfair for adults to use their size and strength to snatch a souvenir away from a child. Yet, this kind of behavior isn’t just bad sportsmanship—we see it all the time, even in health care.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are doing something eerily similar: taking manufacturer discounts on prescription medications—savings intended for patients—and keeping the money for themselves.
The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program requires drug manufacturers to provide certain prescriptions to eligible health care organizations and covered entities at reduced prices in order to “stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services.”
In other words, these discounts are for the benefit of patients. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was established under the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 and is managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration. It was designed to provide discounted medications to eligible health care organizations, with HIV care being a primary focus.
But now Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), the middlemen between drug manufacturers and pharmacies along with “covered entities” such as rural hospitals, have found a way to keep these discounts for themselves.
Here’s how the scheme works:
Let’s say the 340B program provides a $50 manufacturer discount on a $100 drug. Instead of passing that $50 savings to the patient, PBMs and certain hospital systems pocket the full $100 reimbursement from insurers, keeping the difference as profit.
In fact, this scheme has become a way for health care facilities to realize massive profits all at patient expense. The result is that
a program intended to help low-income patients get access to life-saving medicine has now become a vehicle for PBMs and hospitals to make money.
This exploitation of 340B has turned a patientcentered program into a cash cow for corporate interests, diverting critical funding away from those who need it most. Worse yet, now that PBMs and hospital systems see how profitable 340B can be, they want more.
HIV programs have relied on 340B savings since the beginning. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is one of the largest participants, ensuring that HIV service organizations can expand access to HIV medications, provide wraparound services, and help uninsured and underinsured patients stay in care.
For people aging with HIV, protecting 340B is even more urgent. Today, over 50 percent of people living with HIV in the U.S. are over 50, and many face comorbidities like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline—making uninterrupted access to health care essential.
If PBMs and hospital
systems continue hoarding 340B savings, the very programs that support older adults with HIV will be undermined or forced to scale back services. That means more treatment disruptions, fewer support programs, and higher outof-pocket costs—all because of corporate greed.
This is a crisis that cannot be ignored. If state legislators fail to step in, HIV service providers could lose critical funding, and patients—especially older adults—will be left behind. Illinois must take a stand and stop PBMs from exploiting 340B at the expense of people’s health. The choice is clear: Either lawmakers protect patients, or they protect corporate profiteers. Without urgent action, more people will struggle to afford lifesaving medication. The 340B program was created to save lives, not pad corporate bottom lines. It’s time for Illinois to do the right thing and ensure that 340B serves its original purpose—helping those who need it most.
Jax Kelly is founder, president and CEO of the Aging and HIV Institute in Palm Springs, California.
Community calendar
Recurring on Sundays
Elmhurst Model Railroad
Club Sunday open house
From 1-4 p.m. every Sunday at the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club, 111 E. First St., and visit the club’s three operating model railroad layouts. For more information, call 630-530-9584 or email: emrrc@comcast.net
Thursday, April 17
Flashlight Egg Hunt. From 8-8:30 p.m. presented by the Elmhurst Park District at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect, calling all egg-hunters ages 11-16. Grab your flashlight and join your friends in the frenzy as you search for candy filled eggs. No need to register; this event is free. For more information, visit: www. epd.org/news/flashlight-teenegg-hunt
Saturday, April 19
Doggie Eggstravaganza.
From 11-11:30 a.m. presented by the Elmhurst Park District at Berens Park, 493 N. Oaklawn, celebrate spring with your four-legged friend at our Doggie Eggstravaganza when the egg hunt goes to the dogs! Dogs of all sizes can hunt for treat-filled eggs. Registration is not required. Free to attend. All dogs must be kept on a non-retractable leash (maximum 6 feet), be current on all vaccinations, and visibly wear tags. No prong collars please. Dog must be accompanied by at least one person age 16-or-older. No registration required. For more information, visit: www.epd.org/ news/doggie-eggstravaganza
Easter egg hunt on Spring Road. From 12:30-1:30 p.m. presented by the Spring Road Business Association at Wild Meadows Trace, 483 Spring Road, visit with the Easter Bunny starting at 12:30. Thousands of candy filled eggs will be scattered throughout the Wild Meadows Trace for an egg hunt that starts promptly at 1 p.m. Don’t be late because the eggs are gone in 60 seconds! There is time to meet and greet with the Easter Bunny before and after the egg hunt. For more information, visit: https:// springroad.com/our-events
Egg hunt at Berens Park
Starting at 8 a.m. at Berens Park, 493 N. Oaklawn and presented free by the Elmhurst Park District, hop on over to the baseball fields at Berens Park this year for the Park District’s annual egg hunt. Join in a mad dash to collect prize-filled eggs and visit with
the Easter Bunny. Adults must accompany children; don’t forget to bring your basket. For ages 2-10. Registration is required. Register at epd.org.
Crossings by Bernard Williams. Starting April 19 and recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 17 at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., this outdoor/indoor exhibition features large sculptures of vehicles by Chicago artist Bernard Williams that honors Black achievement in transportation and agriculture throughout American history. Williams is represented in the Museum’s Collection and his work will also be included in the gallery show “Legacies.” Admission is $18 for seniors 65-and-older, $15 for students 18-and-over with school ID, $10 for children ages 5-17, $5 for children 4-and-under and free for members. For more information, call 630834-0202 or visit: https://elmhurstartmuseum.org
Saturday, April 26
Create with us: Mosaic masterpieces. From 1-4 p.m. presented by the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., create a mosaic inspired by the practice of exhibiting artist Lydia Cheshewalla, who will discuss the importance of meditative attention in her work and the nature of creating ephemeral artworks. Then, she will lead a handson workshop for participants who will use seeds and other natural materials to explore our relationships to place, time, beings, and collaboration. Free for members; activity included with museum admission. For more information, call 630-834-0202 or visit: https://elmhurstartmuseum.org
Health and Wellness Fair
From 9 a.m.-noon, presented by Courts Plus, 186 S. West Ave., meet with community organizations that focus on health and wellness, speak with a personal trainer, receive free samples and free giveaways and be entered into raffles. For more information, visit: www.epd.org/news/ health-wellness-fair
Rocking Rookies: Free music classes. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. presented by the School of Rock, Elmhurst, 105 N. Maple, these classes are perfect for beginners ages 8-12. School of Rock is offering classes for Rock 101 (8-12) to get students intro-
duced to music. They will get to learn some music vocabulary, explore instruments and play songs. Registration is required. For more information, visit: https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/elmhurst/ music-camps
Monday, April 28
Elmhurst History Museum
Info: elmhursthistory.org. From 7-8:30 p.m. presented free by Elmhurst University, Rabbi Steven Bob, Jewish chaplain at Elmhurst University and rabbi emeritus at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard; and longtime Elmhurst U. Chaplain H. Scott Matheney lead this year’s Abraham Joshua Heschel Lecture, which focuses on the Jewish faith. The event also will celebrate the lecture’s endowment by the family of Abner Ganet, a former Elmhurst mayor and civic leader who dedicated the later part of his life to Holocaust education. Registration is recommended. Visit: Elmhurst.edu/Cultural
Saturday, May 10
Green Garden Fair at the First Congregational Church. From 9 a.m.-noon at 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst. Pick up pre-ordered, certified organic seedlings. Addition organic vegetable and herb seedlings, beautiful flower seedlings and bagged organic mushroom compost and potting mix will be available for purchase at the fair. Bring your garden tools, knives and scissors and Custom Edge Sharpening will sharpen them while you wait. Also, Prairie Wind Natives will be selling native plants. Learn how to live more sustainably from a variety of “green” exhibitors. For more information, visit the church website: https://elmhurstucc. org.
Saturday, May 17
Crestview Garden Club of Elmhurst’s 45th Annual Plant Sale. From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace, 511 S. York Street, Elmhurst. Shop early for the best selection of more than 1,000 plants and many unique varieties. Plant offerings include sun and shade perennials, herbs, native plants, as well as plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies. Check out the club’s website: crestviewgardenclub.com
Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
House approves new abortion protection, plan to ease college admissions
Another bill eases driving tests on seniors
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
The Illinois House took its first step last week in passing legislation responding to proposed actions by the Trump administration.
The House voted 67-39 to advance House Bill 3637, which would put new protections in state law to safeguard health care licenses for providers who offer abortion cares.
It also guarantees continued access to abortion medication even if the medication’s approval is rescinded by the federal Food and Drug Administration.
“We know that Project 2025
has called for the revoking of the FDA approval for medication abortion drugs, and we cannot wait to react after the fact,” Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Romeoville, said.
Under the bill, if the FDA ends approval for a drug, health care providers in Illinois will be allowed to continue providing the medication so long as the World Health Organization recommends it. Democrats fear the Trump administration may take action that makes critical medications, including those for abortion, inaccessible.
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled last year that a group suing to revoke FDA authorization for an abortion drug lacked standing.
Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, argued the legislation sets a dangerous precedent for health care regulation.
“There has to be some safety mechanisms, whether they be in the abortion clinic or with abortion medications,” Hauter said. “Do not reject the authority of the U.S. fed-
The WHO has “experienced health care providers as well so I’m confident on what they put out with regards to safety of drugs,” Avelar said.
See HOUSE, Page 21
Puzzle page
SUDOKU
Fun by the Numbers
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
CLUES ACROSS
1. Dark blacks
7. Construct a wall to confine
13. Most inappropriate
14. A type of board
16. Sacred Hindu syllable
17. Flatterer
19. The Granite State 20. Tears down
22. China’s Chairman
23. Former Houston footballer
25. Periods of time
26. Expressed pleasure
28. World alliance
29. A Brit’s mother
30. Television network
31. Brother or sister
33. Type of spirit
34. __ Ladd, actor
36. A medium oversees it
38. One time province of British India
40. Wrong
41. The highest parts of something
43. Insect
44. Baseball stat
45. A way to use up
47. Where wrestlers compete
48. It helps elect politicians
51. As fast as can be done
53. Genus of legumes
55. Samoa’s capital
56. Monument in Jakarta
58. Former French coin
59. Exploiters
60. College sports official
61. Uninterrupted in time
64. Stephen King story
65. Marked by no sound
67. Weathers
69. Denouncements
70. More beloved
CLUES DOWN
1. Winged nut
2. It cools a home
3. Kisses (French)
4. Oxford political economist
5. Keyboard key
6. Leaf pores
7. Agrees with publicly
8. Not around
9. Czech city
10. Muscle cell protein
11. Greek letter
12. Movements
13. Ned __, composer
15. Popular series Game of __
18. Exclamation that denotes disgust
21. Helper
24. Gift
26. Up in the air (abbr.)
27. Treat without respect
30. Trims
32. Slang for lovely
35. City of Angels hoopster (abbr.)
37. Guitarists’ tool
38. Island nation
39. Delivered in installments
42. A baglike structure
43. Cooking vessel
46. Gets in front of
47. Wounded by scratching
49. More breathable
50. Medical dressings
52. Indiana hoopster
54. Married Marilyn
55. An ancient Assyrian city
57. Congressmen (abbr.)
59. Approves food
62. Ventura’s first name
63. Between northeast and east
66. Atomic #71
68. Email designation
Lawmakers seek ways to prevent data centers from straining Illinois’ power grids
Rapid expansion of AI sparks worries over environmental goals, electricity rate spikes
By Leonard Pini and Medill Illinois News Bureau
Illinois has been at the forefront of the data center boom, but state lawmakers are working to gauge and mitigate the impact these centers have on climate and energy consumption.
In the last two decades, data centers have multiplied due to increased demand for cloud computing, information storage and data processing. However, data centers now also serve AI and cryptocurrency mining, which puts new digital coins into circulation and enters transactions on the blockchain.
Powering these data centers is costly, consuming large amounts of water and energy. The growth of this business has prompted concerns about the impact on the environment and the electricity grid, including rising costs for rate-paying consumers.
State Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Public Utilities, has filed legislation that aims to gather data on the industry to determine the impact on energy and water usage and prevent them from putting too much strain on Illinois’ power grids.
“As data centers continue to multiply, they are putting an incredible strain on the grid,” he said. “And this legislation is trying to ensure that residents are not bearing the rise of this energy cost caused by the booming of this industry.”
Under Stadelman’s Senate Bill 2181, companies that operate data centers in Illinois would need to report their annual water and energy consumption to the Illinois Power Agency beginning next spring under threat of $10,000 fines for non-compliance. The IPA would then synthesize the data into annual reports to answer the question of whether residential ratepayers in Illinois are, in effect, subsidizing data centers, along with the environmental impacts of the industry.
Across the U.S., utilities and grid operators are worried by the increased demand of electricity needed for data centers, and some have proposed delaying the closure of fossil fuel plants to support that demand, setting back environmental goals.
A January study by Frontier Group, a coalition of environmental and consumer groups, found at least 17 units at seven fossil fuel plants have seen their planned closures
delayed—or are at risk of being delayed—due in part to increased demand from data centers. Most of it is happening in Virginia, where “Data Center Alley” is located, and nearby Maryland and West Virginia.
Stadelman cited similar environmental concerns about Illinois’ goals under the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which requires the state to shift to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. He worries that indiscriminate expansion of data centers could hamper Illinois’ ability to meet that deadline.
“When we passed CEJA, no one anticipated the impact of data centers,” Stadelman said. “That is going to have an impact on our ability to meet our energy demands with these data centers.”
The proposal also calls for the agency to suggest legislative solutions “to mitigate any negative impacts of data centers on rate-paying customers.”
But SB 2181 has not yet received a hearing—or any co-sponsors—despite agreement from fellow state Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, that data centers’ resource usage could become a problem for Illinois.
“Illinois has a wealth of power and water, but we have to be good stewards of that wealth,” said Ellman, who chairs the Senate Environment and Conservation committee. “One fear I have is that this increased demand from data centers will delay the closure of fossil fuel plants, much like they did in Virginia and Maryland.”
Trying to regulate the business, though, could be “somewhat tricky,” according to Laurance Lewis, senior advisor at Metro Edge Development Partners, a Chicago commercial real estate firm focused on data center development.
All data centers are not the same, Lewis pointed out. There are both “hyperscalers” and “colocation” centers. Hyperscaler data centers are usually owned and operated by one company, such as tech giants like Google or Amazon. Colocation centers, on the other hand, rent out space to smaller companies, which could make it difficult to collect data on resource usage.
“If you are a data center landlord of a retail colocation facility, you have multiple tenants. Some of their energy and water consumption may
not be metered precisely” Lewis said, noting that poorly crafted legislation could be “unduly burdensome.”
An October study published by the Center for Secure Water at the University of Illinois found that hyperscalers can use up to 550,000 gallons of water per day, while smaller data centers can consume up to 18,000 gallons per day.
However, Lewis argued that many critiques on water consumption are “overblown,” claiming the data center industry is “self-regulating” and trying to find solutions, “such as a closed-loop water system that does not require millions of gallons of water.”
Recently, the need for such large expenditures of resources by U.S. data centers has been called into question with the emergence of new Chinese AI large language model “Deepseek,” which reportedly consumes less water and power than Open AI and other competitors.
Cushman and Wakefield, a global real estate services firm with a Chicago office, assesses that Chicago’s metro area currently hosts 1.2 gigawatts of operational capacity, with 169 megawatts under construction and about 2.6 gigawatts already planned in upcoming years.
Nevertheless, a comprehensive study to estimate data centers’ impact on the electricity grid is difficult to find. The rapid boom of data centers in recent years means their impact is still up for interpretation.
In the meantime, data centers are multiplying. The Chicago Tribune reported last month that a new data center in Minooka, 40 miles southwest of Chicago, could be opened by California-based Equinix Inc. by 2034. The new structure, the Tribune reported, will need 3 million gallons of water per day and 700 megawatts of power.
Weighing the economic benefits
As in many other municipalities, local leaders and residents are weighing the economic benefits of the project—including new jobs and tax revenue—against possible environmental tradeoffs. But absent state action like the data collection called for in Stadelman’s bill, those environmental factors are currently difficult to quantify.
Andrew Chien, director and founder of the Center for Unstoppable Computing
at the University of Chicago, believes that in the meantime, “planning is always important.”
“In Virginia, for example, they are building fossil fuel generators alongside renewables because they did not have an adequate plan to support the demand of power data centers required through renewable energy,” said Chien, a professor at the University.
But he pointed out that Illinois has a different mix of energy sources than Virginia, owing to the state’s 11 reactors at six nuclear plants—the most of any state—“and ample wind and solar resources.”
“I think the right way to
deal with this is to build capacity with those clean energy resources to be prepared for the growth in data centers,” Chien said. “If we are prepared, we would not only attract jobs and investments. We would also do so in a way that does not increase carbon emissions.”
On this note, Lewis agrees with Chien: Illinois is different from other states, as Illinois’ energy market deregulated nearly 30 years ago, opening it up “to the entire country to procure energy,” he said.
While the coexistence of technological innovation amid the shift towards renewable energy has proved problematic in other parts of the country, Illinois legislators think it is still early enough to tackle this issue.
Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, chair of the House En-
“Going back to fossil fuels is less likely to happen in Illinois than in a regulated state,” Lewis said. “There are solar projects in DeKalb, for example, some wind projects and new technology coming in the market like hydrogen fuel cells and Dairy Renewable Natural Gas. There is a general sense that fossil fuel can only take us so far.”
See GRIDS, Page 21
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Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale begins fifth decade May 9-10
“Awesome.” “Exquisite.”
“We went away singing!” These are among the many audience accolades regularly received by Glen–Ellyn Wheaton Chorale—which will be presenting its annual spring concert Mother’s Day weekend on Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 10, at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist of Glen Ellyn.
This much-beloved 60-voice choir has been performing in the western suburbs for over 40 years—and is known for its mix of audience-pleasing song selections and musical excellence.
This year’s event is titled “A Time and Place for Us” and will include selections from Bernstein’s timeless “West Side Story,” along with vibrant works by Bob Dylan, Paul John Rudoi and Thad Fiscella, Blake Morgan, Gjeilo, Forrest and Wilberg. Conducted by their acclaimed musical director Jennifer Whiting, the choir will also perform a new piece “Hymn to Time,” by local composer Lee Kesselman.
The concert theme of “time and place” is a fitting nod to the choir’s recent journey to find new locations for rehearsing and performing. This auditioned choir has members from across the area, so after losing their long-standing Wheaton venue, they researched 55 suburban sites, finally landing on locations in Glen Ellyn and Elmhurst. Interestingly, the Glen El-
Supreme
By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
and Saturday,
lyn Main Street Recreation Center—their new rehearsal home—was the site of group’s very first rehearsal space in 1985, directed by founding member Dr. Ramona Wis.
The concerts on May 10 and 11 will be performed at the First United Methodist Church in Glen Ellyn, recognized for its acoustic excellence. Located in downtown
Glen Ellyn, it’s convenient to many local restaurants for those wanting to extend their outing or celebrate a mom they bring along!
Tickets for “A Time and
Place for Us”—a musical celebration of home, belonging, and peace—may be easily purchased online at gewchorale.org. (If tickets do not sell out online, they will also be available for purchase at the door.)
The First United Methodist Church is at 424 Forest Ave., one block south of the Glen Ellyn train station.
Court rules House Republicans waited too long to challenge maps Republicans argued recent election cycles show maps illegally gerrymandered
Illinois House Republicans waited too long to file a lawsuit challenging legislative maps drawn in 2021, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled last week. As a result, the Democrat-majority court will not hear the case.
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, along with a group of individual voters, asked the court to reject the current legislative map for its partisan bias and lack of compactness. House Republicans wanted the court to appoint a special master redraw the districts.
They alleged the voting district maps are not “compact,” a requirement of the state constitution, which has led to allegations of gerrymandering in favor of Democrats.
The plaintiffs argued court cases in other states and at the federal level required them to gather data from multiple election cycles with the maps in place to show a pattern that proves the maps aren’t compact and were drawn for partisan benefit. But the court said McCombie’s caucus waited too long to make their case.
“Plaintiffs could have brought this argument years ago,” the court wrote in a short two-page opinion. “Their
claim that waiting multiple election cycles is necessary to reveal the effects of redistricting is unpersuasive.”
Republican Justice David Overstreet was the lone dissenting justice.
“They had the chance to make this right just to give the voters the chance to pick their representatives instead of representatives picking their voters and they declined,” Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, told reporters.
The court’s ruling follows a similar case in 2012 that challenged the compactness of the 2011 maps. In that case, the court dismissed the challenge as untimely even though it
was filed just eight months after the maps were enacted.
Attorneys for House Speaker Chris Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, were allowed to intervene as defendants in the case, which was originally filed against the State Board of Elections.
“To allow plaintiffs to proceed now, mid-decade, with their proposed redistricting challenge would invite political parties to wait until they have a wave election and use their best election results to justify a partisan challenge to the legislative map,” the Democrats’ lawyers said in their filing.
The court wrote that five years since the 2020 census, population data might also be “stale.”
“Plaintiffs’ approach would also be prejudicial and create uncertainty for voters and officeholders alike, now and in the future, as to whether any redistricting plan in Illinois is ever final,” the court wrote.
The court’s decision not to hear arguments on the case is the latest blow to various Republican legal efforts to throw out maps drawn by lawmakers and instead force an independent commission to draw new maps.
A lawsuit from multiple parties challenging the map
was dismissed in 2021 by a federal three-judge panel, which rejected arguments that the map diluted the voting strength of racial minorities.
The court’s ruling last week noted Republicans did not appeal those rulings.
The Illinois Supreme Court blocked a 2016 citizen-driven referendum attempting to create an independent redistricting commission. The lead plaintiff in that case was John Hooker, a now-convicted conspirator in the “ComEd Four” corruption case. Federal courts also rejected Republican efforts to throw out the
The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale will present its annual spring concert on Mother’s Day weekend with concerts on Friday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m.,
May 10, at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Glen Ellyn, 424 Forest Ave.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
‘Chilling silence’: Waves of Illinois’ international university students lose their visas
Illinois hosts one of the largest international student populations in the nation, ranking fifth
By Jackson Brandhorst, Bridgette Fox, Molly Parker, Julia Rendleman and Lylee Gibbs
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
The federal government has revoked the visas of some international students studying at universities across Illinois, but college administrators are sharing few details, including how many students have been impacted.
A spokesperson for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign last week confirmed that some of its students are affected, but did not disclose a number. U of I ranks sixth nationally in the size of its international student body at over 15,000.
“Out of student privacy concerns, we are not sharing specific information, but we are working directly with affected students to help them connect with appropriate resources and understand their options,” said Robin Kaler, a university spokesperson. Kaler declined to provide more details, though multiple sources familiar with the situation at U of I, who asked that their names not be used because they are not authorized
to speak on the matter, say the number of students whose visas have been revoked is at least several dozen — and likely growing.
The revocations are part of a broader federal crackdown playing out on campuses across the country. International students have faced abrupt visa cancellations in recent weeks, as the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration dragnet ensnares college students, federal officials claim have violated visa rules, though the reasons for the revocations are not always made clear. In many cases, students have also lost their status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, SEVIS, which allows them to legally stay in the U.S. while enrolled in school.
Across its vast network of public and private colleges and universities, Illinois hosts one of the largest international student populations in the nation, ranking fifth, with more than 55,000 international students, according to a 2024 Open Doors report
A spokesperson for Gov. JB Pritzker’s office said it has been in “close touch”
with both public and private university leaders across the state but declined to share any information about how many students have been affected— or whether it even knows. The spokesperson said Pritzker’s office is deferring to the universities to provide data on what is “an incredibly fluid situation.”
Ed Yohnka, a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, said the lack of transparency from both federal officials and universities raises serious concerns about accountability and democratic oversight. It also makes it difficult for advocacy groups like his to provide a meaningful response to affected students.
“One of the things we often think about when we think about the First Amendment, or we think about free speech is that I can’t speak freely about what the government’s doing if I don’t know they’re doing it. I can’t actually exercise my constitutional right to participate, criticize and critique the government if, in fact, the government acts in such an opaque way that I can’t know what the heck
they’re doing,” he said.
“And, so I think that’s why, if the federal government won’t share this information—if they’re trying to, sort of, just sneak one by here— this is where it gets incredibly important for universities to at least give some sort of number, some sort of range, to say that people in their community are being impacted and affected by these reckless and unlawful government policies.”
Many schools are citing privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as to why they cannot disclose information about student visas.
SIU professor William Freivogel said that while the FERPA bars university disclosure of a student’s visa status unless the student gives written permission, the university should release anonymized data—without student names or identifying information.
“If the university is concerned that a student is losing the[ir] visa without the government presenting adequate reasons, the university can ask the student if it can disclose the information,” said Freivo-
gel, who specializes in media law. “Presumably the governor’s office, if concerned about the situation statewide, could try to collect information in the same way — asking students if they want to waive their FERPA rights so that people can get a better picture of what is happening statewide and nationwide.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in late March that student visas are being revoked because select international students came to the U.S. to study, but instead engaged in “activist movements that are disruptive and undermine universities,” through protests on campus, specifically those that “are supportive of movements that run counter to the foreign policy of the United States.” That includes those calling for support of the Palestinian people and a ceasefire in Gaza, although it is unclear what the U.S. considers to be “movements that run counter to the foreign policy of the United States.”
On Wednesday, April 9, the U.S. said it will begin monitoring immigrants’ social media pages for antisemitism
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said, “Anyone who thinks they can come to America and hide behind the First Amendment to advocate for antisemitic violence and terrorism—think again.”
Under this new directive, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will consider social media content that indicates an immigrant “endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests”—which may lead to visa revocation and the inability to be reinstated.
Happening on campuses across the state University officials in Illinois have not disclosed the reasons that their students have lost their visas, and in some cases said they don’t even know themselves.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale reported one
See VISAS, Page 18
St. Timothy Evangelical
547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.
Easter Worship
“The Crucial Hours”
Maundy Thursday Service April 17 at 7pm
Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are
Good Friday Tenebrae Service April 18 at 7pm
St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
Fourth Lenten Service
Easter Festival Service April 20 at 10:15am
March 23, 2022
Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18
Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022
Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12
Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022
Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9am Wednesday Service at 7pm Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30pm Saturday, April 26 Game Night at 4pm Everyone is Welcome!
Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14
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HOLY WEEK SERVICES
Holy Thursday, April 17: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 PM Night Prayer, 11:45 PM
Good Friday, April 18
Celebration of the Passion, 3 PM Stations of the Cross, 7 PM
Holy Saturday, April 19
Easter Food Blessing, Noon Easter Vigil, 8:00 PM
Easter Sunday, April 20 Masses at: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM
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us for Easter Sunday Worship 8:00am and 11:15am Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 9:30am Children and Family Worship with Holy Communion All are Welcome! Sunday
student with a revoked visa in late March but has since declined to comment on whether additional students have been affected.
After the initial confirmation, an SIU spokesperson told a reporter it would “no longer confirm or share information” and is “devoting our resources and energies to supporting our international students.”
Meanwhile, SIU Edwardsville has confirmed that eight students, including three undergraduates and five graduate students, lost their visa status early last week.
A Northern Illinois University spokesperson confirmed last week that five international students there had lost their visas.
SIU Carbondale reported 875 international students for the fall of 2024, a 2.5 percent increase from the year prior, while NIU enrolled roughly 970 international students.
As of spring 2025, SIU Edwardsville had 825 international students representing 69 countries.
The University of Chicago
student newspaper, the Chicago Maroon, reported that three current students and four recent graduates had lost their visas. International students at the University of Chicago make up nearly a quarter of its student body of roughly 16,000.
As university leaders try to balance student concerns, fears of retaliation in an increasingly fraught political climate and growing demands for transparency, some say they feel left in the dark. And they worry the lack of transparency could conceal the full scope of the federal government’s actions against international students nationwide.
“What is deeply distressing about the news—that an international student’s visa was revoked—is the chilling silence around it, which only adds to the sense that we are powerless in the face of multiple attacks on the very existence of universities as places of learning, questioning and nurturing the next generation,” said Jyotnsa Kapur, a professor in cinema and me-
dia studies and the director of the University Honors Program at SIU Carbondale.
Kapur said international students fear jeopardizing their education and citizenship status—and want the school to provide stronger backing.
“Students want the upper administration to show support for international students — not just send cautionary notes,” said Kapur, referring to the email sent out by the university to its international student body on March 28.
“I had a couple of students in my office—they don’t want their names to be known— but they told me that there is absolute alarm about what can happen. One student was taking an after-dinner walk and a car just sat there with its lights on for 15 minutes. The student was actually afraid they may be picked up by ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] like the Tufts student,” Kapur said.
Questioning the legality of these actions
Illinois state Rep. Katie
Stuart, chair of the House Higher Education Committee, said she’s heard “lots of stories of visas being revoked” but also had no concrete numbers about the impact across Illinois.
“I think it would be helpful to put together a briefing for legislators to understand what the different institutions are doing to protect students because ultimately that’s our goal,” said Stuart, a Democrat whose district includes SIU Edwardsville.
“But the answer really is — right now — we don’t know for sure what’s going on.”
Illinois Sen. Dale Fowler, a Republican whose district includes SIU Carbondale, also said he did not have any sense of the scope of the situation.
“I would love to know for sure,” he said.
Lawyers and legal scholars have begun to question the legality of these actions from the federal government, on international student visas.
These uncharted legal waters—coupled with the
looming threat of losing federal funding—have effectively pushed many U.S. colleges into a state of silence and compliance with the federal government.
Lauren Aronson, a clinical professor at the University of Illinois College of Law and director of its Immigration Law Clinic, said she is particularly worried about the university’s large population of students from China, who she believes are becoming a target.
“The purpose is xenophobia and racism—it’s about punishing countries that don’t fall in line,” she said.
Aronson said it’s her understanding that some of the students impacted haven’t participated in protests and don’t have criminal records.
“I’m hugely concerned,” she said.
“The thing that is to me the most nefarious is the fear that is being instilled now into every international student, as there isn’t necessarily rhyme or reason about who will be targeted.”
Some SIU students have
started to raise concerns to not only their administrators, but to their peers as well.
At a student government meeting on April 2, SIU student Dustin Kinney asked what they are doing for the safety and protection of international students and other marginalized groups on campus.
“I just thought it was important to mention, because there are students on this campus who are deathly scared of legal and academic retaliation. Or, in the instance of international students, having their visas revoked,” said Kinney.
“Friends of mine are too scared to even come to things like USG meetings because of the revocations happening nationwide and at SIU.”
This story was produced for Capitol News Illinois through the Saluki Local Reporting Lab, supported by grant funding from the Pulitzer Center, the Illinois Press Foundation and the SIU Foundation.
Welcome to ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC COMMUNITY Diocese of Joliet Parish Office: 1025 E. Madison Street - (630) 627-4526 - www.stpiuslombard.org
Holy Week and Easter Schedule
April 17 — HOLY THURSDAY
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper/Bilingual — 7 pm
Adoration from 9 pm to Midnight
April 18 — GOOD FRIDAY
Live Stations of the Cross/Bilingual — 1 pm
Stations of the Cross/English — 3 pm
Viernes Santo De la Pasión del Señor — 5 pm
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion — 7 pm
April 19 — HOLY SATURDAY Celebration of Easter Vigil — 8 pm
April 20 — EASTER SUNDAY
Masses — 8 am, 10 am & Misa en Español 1 pm
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
St. Peter’s United Church of Christ 125 W Church Street, Elmhurst stpeterselmhurst.org
Easter Services
Sunrise Service at 7:00am
York girls badminton team off to strong conference start
Dukes third at Glenbard East invitational; Tested at tough Stevenson quad
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The results have been quite positive for the York girls badminton team inside the West Suburban Conference Silver Division thus far. The Dukes got off to a 3-0 start in Silver Division action with victories against Lyons Township (150), Downers Grove North (87) and Oak Park-River Forest (14-1). York was 4-4 overall in its first seven duals. The Dukes also defeated Downers Grove South 15-0 and lost to Naperville Central (9-6), Stevenson (8-0), Neuqua Valley (6-2) and Fremd (7-1).
The Dukes, who took second earlier in the season at the 16-team Hinsdale South invitational, recently competed in the Stevenson quad where it lost those matches to the host Patriots, Neuqua and Fremd. Those three teams plus York finished first through fourth in state a year ago.
At Stevenson, York’s Mia Koenigsberger, who took eighth in the state in singles last year, played competitively against each opposing No. 1 singles player, coach Gena Fite noted. Fite added Koenigsberger’s best match was against Stevenson’s Adalyn Shum. “Mia challenged her opponent with decisive shots that pushed the score into double-digit scoring (she lost 21-9, 21-14),” Fite said. York’s Sarah Ward won at No. 3 singles with a 21-11, 21-17
girls
Ewald, Ava Nawrocki, Mia
April Vierow.
decision against Fremd, while Xochitl Pena won at No. 4 singles, downing Neuqua Valley 17-21, 21-19, 21-18. York also took third at the recent Glenbard East 16-team invitational. Senior Adriana Kolenda took first in the “B” division of an A-B-C-D-formatted tournament, winning
four of her five matches, of which four went a third game. Senior Ava Nawrocki won both her first-round matches, putting her in the “A” division. She dismantled Conant’s No. 1 singles player 19-21, 21-16, 21-13, Fite noted. Through late last week, Koenigsberger was 9-4 at No.
1 singles with her only losses to top eight state-ranked players. Kolenda was 11-7 at No. 2 singles.
Fite also has liked the team’s progress in doubles matches. “After weeks of practicing specific doubles strategies, we have recently had some ‘aha moments,’
which are allowing many more rallies to be controlled by us,” she said. “That makes me smile.”
Fite likes where things are headed with this group. “In order to compete at a high level and win matches, there are so many components the players are required to do well
and do well in a very short period of time,” she explained. “The team works daily on endurance and strength as well as hitting quick and accurate shots while simultaneously using clean and precise footwork. Badminton is a very complex sport. That’s what makes it so exciting.”
Timothy Christian baseball team records 3 wins
Trojans boys volleyball team defeats Walther Christian and Elmwood Park
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The Timothy Christian baseball team rolled off three recent wins to improve to 5-3 on the young season. In addition to a 4-1 non-conference win against Yorkville Christian, the Trojans won a pair of games against IolaScandinavia (Iola, Wisconsin) by scores of 17-7 and 4-1.
Sophomores Johnny Tragos and Brian Gannon have been bright spots on the mound.
Tragos started the year with a 1.31 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 16 innings of work, while
Gannon had a 1.50 ERA with five strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings. Senior Eli Colegrove was hitting .381 with six RBI and six steals, while sophomore Jonah Roemmich was hitting .350 with nine runs scored and seven steals.
“The team has gotten better at having an approach at the plate,” coach Frank Romano said. “When we attack fastballs in the zone, good things happen.” Romano said he has been impressed with the team’s drive to improve each day.
“They come to the field with a Christ-centered mindset every
day and always seeks to glorify Him in all we do. We want to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus and give all the praise and glory to Him.”
Timothy Christian boys volleyball
The Timothy Christian boys volleyball team started the season with a 3-1 record, which included recent wins against Walther Christian (25-9, 25-15) and Elmwood Park (25-20, 25-15).
Owen Wise is leading the team in assists with 76, while Trevor Munk is tops in kills with 38
(4.2 per et). Connor FIrnsin is leading in hitting efficiency at .438, while Evan Frens is tops in blocks with six.
“Outside of our match against York, our serving has been one of the foundational pieces of our current success,” Trojans coach Corey Oliver said. “Additionally, I feel like our hitters are becoming more dynamic and they are starting to find the openings in the defense.”
Oliver said the team is leaning on the consistency of Wise and Munk. “Their offensive play and consistency from the service line
has been crucial to our success,” he said. He added Firnsin and Frens have been competitive to be the true second option at the net for Wise, while James Matousek has had some success at the service line, “but when he is on, he is a huge catalyst for our ability to score points and execute our offense,” Oliver said.
Oliver said the team is working to establish itself as one to be feared in the Illinois boys volleyball world.
“We will keep getting better and work to deliver results,” he said.
SUBMITTED
PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
York’s
badminton team celebrated its 10 senior student-athletes recently. Pictured, from left: Jessica Gonka, Avery Jacobsthal, Kaylee
Koenigsberger, Adriana Kolenda, Maddie Mauck and Sarah Ward. Not pictured: Managers McKenzie Sczczepanek and
York baseball team off to 8-1 start
Dukes open conference play with pair of wins against Proviso West; Seniors cited for excellence
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
It has been smooth sailing out of the gates for the York baseball team. The Dukes opened the 2025 season with an impressive 8-1 mark, which included a 2-0 start in West Suburban Conference Silver Division play. In recent action, the Dukes downed neighbor IC Catholic Prep 9-2 in a non-conference game and then scored a pair of conference wins over Proviso West by counts of 17-1 and 8-2.
Through nine games, Josh Fleming was leading the team in batting average at .435 and onbase percentage plus slugging percentage (1.276). Marco Giorno was leading the team with 11 RBI, while Drew Gami was tops in steals with seven. On the mound, Jack Bodach had three wins and had a 0.00 ERA in 14 innings of work.
York coach River Pitlock likes how hitters have been making the needed adjustments at the plate. “Hitters are making in-
game adjustments and trusting the process,” he said. “This is leading to better at-bats and resulting in getting on base more.”
In addition to Fleming hitting .435, York has received offensive boosts as well from Luke Pieczynski and Austin Grzywa. Pieczynski is hitting .391, while Grzywa is right behind him at .389. “Luke has been seeing the ball very well,” Pitlock said. “Austin finds ways to put pressure on the defense with his
speed. He is getting great jumps and preventing extra-base hits in the outfield.”
Pitlock said senior leadership also has been a key component to York’s hot start. “The seniors hustle, work hard and look out for each other,” Pitlock said. “The bench during the game is in the game and is always looking for ways to help the team. This team has fun while playing the game the right way. The seniors are showing our underclassmen how things should be done,
taking on responsibilities, and doing most of the grunt work that comes with playing high school baseball. They set the tone, and the rest of the team matches their energy.”
Pitlock added the Dukes are focused on more improvement with an intense game schedule on the horizon. “We are looking to continue playing good baseball, especially as we have a difficult stretch ahead of us in April,” he said. With the hot 8-1 start, York is 64-27-1 dating back to 2023.
Timothy Christian girls soccer team nets key win against Latin School Schilf, Lalso tied for team lead in goals; Drye leads in scoring
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
Never count out the Timothy Christian girls soccer team. Coming off spring break, the Trojans recorded a recent 2-1 come-from-behind win against Chicago Latin School. Makenzie Laslo scored both Timothy goals with assists from Mia Schilf and Sami Drye. Emily White made six saves in goal to earn the win. The victory pushed the Trojans to 3-1-2.
Timothy trailed 1-0 against Latin with under 10 minutes to go in the game. Laslo scored both Timothy goals in less than two minutes to complete the comeback victory. “The Latin win was huge,” Timothy coach Nate Drye said. “It was a re-
ally nice win for the girls.”
In the previous game, the Trojans found themselves down 2-0 in the second half to Glenbard South and came back to tie the game. “The girls have shown nice perseverance this year,” Drye noted. “They have not panicked when we get down. They keep playing.”
we will be.”
Nate Drye pointed out Sami Drye has been on a free kick roll of late, “both assisting and scoring on set pieces,” he said. “She scored both goals in the Glenbard South comeback, one directly off a corner kick and the other off a free kick.”
Schilf also was cited for
strong play in the early going. “Mia has been tremendous in controlling the play for us,” Drye said. “She has scored, and she had the winning assist on a great pass to Mackenzie against Latin.”
Avery Croff, Drye noted, has proven to be a versatile player for Timothy. “Avery has been our leader on de-
fense, but we have also rotated her up to striker when we needed added firepower up top. She has excelled at both. Avery is a very strong and decisive player.”
Drye likes the progress he has seen thus far. “We are continuing to incorporate some new players and finding the best lineups,” he
said. “We hope to continue to improve as we head toward the postseason. We have not played our best soccer yet, which is a good thing.”
On the further statistical front, the Trojans scored 16 goals in their first six games, while White has made 29 saves in goal and has a 2.32 goals-against average.
U12 baseball action
Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball game.
Through the first six games, Sami Drye was leading the team with four goals and five assists, while Schilf had five goals and two assists. Laslo also was tied for the team lead in goals with five. “We are constantly trying to improve on making connections and finding feet,” said Drye of the team’s recent improvement. “The more we connect, the better
York girls soccer team defeats Downers Grove North in conference action
Eight different Dukes players have recorded at least one goal so far
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The York girls soccer team started the West Suburban Conference Silver Division portion of its schedule with some positive results. The Dukes recorded a 3-1 Silver Division win over Downers Grove North where Jordan Ebner, Cate Carter and Maddie Schaefer each had a goal. York also dropped a tough conference game to Oak Park-River Forest on penalty kicks. The game was tied 1-1 after regulation and overtime and OPRF won the penalty-kick phase 3-2. In earlier action, the Dukes (3-1-1, 1-1 WSC Silver) were 3-1 win-
ners against Downers Grove South in a WSC crossover game. Jamie Fulco, Schaefer and Andriana Soupos each had a goal for the Dukes.
Through late last week, Carter had two goals and four assists on the season, while Ebner had two goals and three assists. Maggie Quinn and Schaefer each had two goals and two assists. “The team has done a great job of finding different ways to score goals,” York coach Stevan Dobric said. “So far this season we have eight different goal scorers. Some of our goals from the run of play, some from set pieces and some in transition. This
versatility in scoring is a great benefit to have and allows us to win games.”
Dobric said York also has benefited from the play of goalkeeper Ava Lewandowski. “Ava has been making some big saves so far this season,” he said. “She is providing leadership from the back of the field and helps organize our defense on a daily basis.”
Dobric also has liked what he has seen so far from Carter offensively and Fulco as a defender. “Cate is a threatening player going forward,” the coach explained.
“Her ability to take players on 1-on-1 or develop plays
using combinations with others has been a driving force in our attack. Jamie has been able to help stifle attacks of our opponents. She also has done an exceptional job of getting forward to join the attack and provides plenty of crosses for goal-scoring opportunities.”
Dobric mentioned all players on the team are eager to grow and improve. “Everyone works hard in training, which helps bring a competitive edge that prepares them for pressure situations on the field,” he said. “I am proud of how hard the girls work, and it shows when they step on the field for matches.”
Bodach played a key role in helping the Dukes start the season with an 8-1 mark. On the mound, Bodach earned three wins and posted a 0.00 ERA in 14 innings of work.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
eral Food and Drug Administration. This is an important safety mechanism. This is unprecedented in my mind.”
Lawmakers approve bills easing driving tests on seniors
Road tests to renew driver’s licenses could be a thing of the past for many seniors in Illinois under a bill unanimously approved last week by the Illinois House.
The House voted 114-0 to approve House Bill 1226, which would raise the age that seniors must take a driving exam to renew their licenses from 79 to 87. People age 79 and older would still have to go in person to a secretary of state facility to renew their license but wouldn’t have to take a driving test with a state employee until they turn 87.
The bill is an initiative of
• Court
(Continued from page 12)
2011 legislative maps.
In the case thrown out last week, Republicans argued that more than half of the current House Districts were less compact than a district the state’s high court tossed out in 1981.
They also said Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, who led the House redistricting process for House Democrats in 2021, admitted during debate that the maps were drawn for her party’s political gain.
The Princeton Gerrymandering Project, which assesses legislative maps around the country on several metrics, gave the current Illinois House map an “F” grade for its compactness metric.
Republican leaders said they will review possible additional legal options in this case, but their next steps toward enacting independent mapping will be outside of court.
Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, said he wants to try another petition drive to force a ballot referendum on the issue.
“It’s up now to the voters to take this baton and run with it,” Spain told reporters.
“We need to have voters initiate the redistricting reforms that were cut down.”
Republican lawmakers also want to pursue judicial ethics reform, arguing Democrat Justices Elizabeth Rochford and Mary K. O’Brien should have recused themselves from the case after receiving campaign contributions in 2022 from a political action committee run by Harmon, who intervened as a defendant in the case.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
“Study after study indicates that senior drivers are the most safe amongst us and there’s really no need for this onerous test to be administered when you are a senior,” said bill sponsor Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea.
The bill includes a number of safeguards, including that immediate family members can submit reports to the secretary of state if they are concerned a relative has a condition that makes it unsafe for them to drive.
The bill was conceived by a constituent of Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, last year.
“We have had a persistent issue with discriminating against older folks in this state,” Keicher said. “This bill goes part of the way towards resolving that.”
• Grids
Pritzker’s direct college admission plan
The House voted 102-2 last week to advance House Bill 3522, which would create a direct admission program that applies students for admission at most Illinois public colleges and universities at once, bypassing college application fees.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Illinois Chicago would not be included in the program.
The plan was proposed by Gov. JB Pritzker.
Students would have to “opt-in” to take part in the program and provide their contact information and GPAs to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The commission would then apply admission criteria from each university to find out at which
(Continued from page 11)
ergy and Environment committee, said it’s “critical” for state policy to “achieve this balance” allowing those two sectors cohabitate.
“I think it is a false choice to put our environment and innovation against each other, it should not have to conflict.” she said. “We need to protect our environment and ensure that up-and-coming technology develops sustainably. We need to regulate the industry to ensure technology does not pollute our communities while allowing new fields to emerge and provide opportunities.”
But environmental concerns are not the only possible pitfall for data centers. Another concern is their impact on energy customers, who could see the cost of
their rates spike in upcoming years. Sarah Moskowitz, executive director of the Chicago-based consumer advocacy group Citizens Utility Board, said she worries that Illinois’ energy capacity may be monopolized by data centers in the near future.
“In Illinois, we have put together solutions to ensure adequate energy supply for citizens through ratepayer support for nuclear power plants,” Moskowitz said, referring to fees approved by the General Assembly in the last decade that support the continued operations of nuclear plants in the northern half of the state as a bridge to expanding more renewable energy.
“Those supports do not expire for a couple of years,
universities the student qualifies for admission.
No coverage caps on general anesthesia
Hauter also is the sponsor of HB1141, which unanimously passed the House floor last week. The bill would require all private insurance companies to cover the costs of medically necessary general anesthesia for the entire duration of a patient’s medical procedure.
“Patients have no control over the length of their surgery,” he said. “Physiologists have no control, or little control, and surgeons oftentimes have no control when they run into complications, abnormal anatomy or even malfunctioning equipment.”
The bill would ensure insurance companies can’t deny lengthy coverage in Illinois
but now is the time to start working on strategies to ensure that the power generation that citizens need is not all gobbled up by these single, powerful customers.”
Moskowitz warned that the growth of data centers could cause higher prices for energy for consumers and cautioned that “the entities that control the information about data centers are the entities that benefit the most from inflating demand projections.”
“Suppose those data companies can outbid everyday ratepayers for electricity generation,” she said. “In that case, that is removed from the overall markets and exacerbates real or perceived energy supply shortages that drive up market prices.”
and continue the state’s status quo, Hauter said.
Blue Cross Blue Shield recently threatened to set a cap on the duration of medically necessary anesthesia in Missouri, New York and Connecticut in late 2024. After receiving nationwide backlash on the decision, the company changed course and never set a cap.
Artificial intelligence in health insurance decisions
Health insurances companies could face new restrictions on how they use artifi-
cial intelligence under a measure approved on a 79-35 vote last week.
House Bill 35 sponsored by Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, would prohibit health insurance companies from only relying on AI to deny, reduce or terminate coverage for patients receiving care ranging from prescriptions to surgery. Instead, those AImade decisions would have to be reviewed by a human employee who can override it. Health insurance companies would also be required to disclose to the state when they are using AI.
LEGAL NOTICES
INVITATION TO BID
The Elmhurst Public Library is accepting sealed bids for Exterior Renovations for the following individual prime trades; Landscaping, Electrical, Concrete/Excavation, General Trades, and Site Furnishings. Bid packet information can be obtained from the Construction Manager. REthink Owner Solutions (846) 476-9003 or at the mandatory jobsite walk-through at 125 S. Prospect Ave. Elmhurst, IL to be held April 24, 2025, at 8:00 AM CDT. Sealed bids will be opened on May 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM CDT at 125 S. Prospect Ave. Elmhurst, IL
(Published in The Elmhurst Independent April 17, 2025) 470438
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
CASE NUMBER 25 ZBA 05
Request for Variation
Notice is hereby given that the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., in the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request by Peter Gatsch, National Energy Contractors, on behalf of the property owner, Brent Yurschak, for a Rear Yard Setback Variation at the property commonly known as 765 S. Cedar Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois for the purpose of replacing a screened in porch addition.
Following is a legal description of the subject property:
LOT 7 IN MADISON ESTATES, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED NOVEMBER 30, 1972 AS DOCUMENT R72-73516 IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
PIN: 06-13-207-017
The common street address is 765 S. Cedar Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois. The subject property is located within the R1 Single-Family Residence District.
If you have any questions regarding this case, please contact the Community Development Department at 630-530-3121.
Any person who has a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting, should contact Emily Palm, ADA Compliance Officer, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., City of Elmhurst, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126, call 630-530-3770 or email HR@ elmhurst.org within a reasonable time before the meeting. Please provide as much notice as possible for sign language interpreting requests.
Eileen Franz, City Planner (Published in The Elmhurst Independent April 17, 2025) 470462
LEGAL NOTICE
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, an in-person and virtual meeting conducted by DuPage High School District 88 will take place at the District Office (2 Friendship Plaza, Addison) and via Zoom at 8:00 am. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the District’s plan for providing special education services to students with identified disabilities who attend parentally placed private/parochial schools and home schools located within the District’s boundaries for the 2025-26 school year.
If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of DuPage High School District 88, you are encouraged to attend.
If you have further questions about this meeting and/or are interested in attending, please complete the survey at: https://forms.gle/ oaEsKAnAeTpmxQL17 or scan the QR Code:
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7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.
religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Business & Service DIRECTORY
TEXTILE SUPPLY MANAGER
R & R Textile Mills, Inc. seeks F/T Textile Supply Manager to negotiate and arrange raw material essential for linen manufacturing; Sourcing high quality yarns, fabrics, dyes and packaging materials for production process. Purchase, conversion, packaging, and transport from abroad to U.S. ports and company facilities. Bachelor in Business/ Commerce or its foreign equivelant plus 2 years purchasing/procurement experience. 40 hr/wk, $101,192/yr. No Benefits. Resumes: 1101 N. Lombard Rd., Lombard, IL 60148.
Bills addressing cannabis odor in vehicle, safe gun storage pass state Senate
Law enforcement officers would no longer be allowed to search a vehicle or detain a driver who is over age 21 based solely on the smell of burnt cannabis in the vehicle under a bill that passed last week in the Illinois Senate.
Senate Bill 42, sponsored by Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, is a response to a September 2024 Illinois Supreme Court decision that held the smell of burnt cannabis alone was insufficient to establish probable cause for searching a vehicle without a warrant.
In a separate opinion from December, however, the court
ruled the odor of raw cannabis coming from a vehicle is sufficient evidence to provide officers with probable cause for a search because the smell suggests cannabis is not being transported in an odor-proof container as required by state law.
Both of those decisions stemmed from Illinois’ landmark legislation, passed in 2019, legalizing adult use of recreational marijuana statewide.
The Senate bill calls for repealing one requirement in that law—that cannabis in a vehicle be kept in an “odor-proof” container, but it continues to
require the cannabis be kept in a “sealed or reusable and child-resistant container that is inaccessible.”
“I want to be very clear that I encourage every driver to drive sober at all times,” Ventura said on the Senate floor. “This is directing law enforcement to take into the totality of the circumstances.”
But opponents of the bill said the proposed policy made no sense from a law enforcement standpoint.
“We would never, ever ask a police officer to disregard the odor of alcohol when they pull a car over,” said Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet. “Why on
earth would we ask a police officer to disregard the odor of cannabis? At a minimum, they should have the duty to ensure that the driver is not impaired.”
Safe gun storage requirements advance in General Assembly
Illinois senators also passed legislation last week that would require gun owners to keep their weapons securely stored so they are not accessible to minors.
Known as the Safe Guns Storage Act, Senate Bill 8, sponsored by Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, would require any firearms owner to
store their firearm in a secured, locked container in any location where a minor or at-risk person could otherwise access the firearm.
The bill would also allow local law enforcement agencies to revoke a person’s Firearm Owner’s Identification card if they fail on two or more occasions to report a lost or stolen firearm within 48 hours.
“The sooner a firearm is reported lost or stolen, the more likely it is that law enforcement can investigate and recover that firearm before it’s used to commit a crime,” Ellman said.
Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia, took issue with law
enforcement being granted the ability to revoke a person’s FOID card.
He said that aspect of the bill would not be consistent with the 2023 United States v. Rahimi Supreme Court case, which ruled a person’s firearm owner identification can be temporarily revoked if a court determines they are a threat to public safety when in possession of a firearm.
Ellman disagreed. She said that the case did not exclude law enforcement from being able to revoke a person’s FOID card.
The bill passed on a vote of 33-19 and goes to the House.
Visit our FB page (Lezza Spumoni & Desserts) for samples of our work
Join us this Saturday, April 19th for some fun! Starting at 12:30 pm visit with the Easter Bunny! We have thousands of candy filled eggs scattered throughout the Wild Meadows Trace for an egg hunt that starts PROMPTLY at 1:00 pm. Don’t be late to this event because the eggs are gone in 60 seconds! Meet and Greet with the Easter Bunny before and after the egg hunt.
Cakes
(Adoration of the Eucharist will follow in the Church)
Night Prayer: 11:45 p.m., Church
Good Friday - April 18th
Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church
Stations of the Cross: Noon, Church
Passion of the Lord: 3:00 p.m., Church
A Day of Fast and Abstinence
Holy Saturday - April 19th
Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church
Blessing of Easter Food: Noon, Church
Easter Vigil: 8:00 p.m., Church
Easter Sunday - April 20th
Mass: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Sacred Heart Chapel Mass: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Church
(Please note: There will be no 4:30 p.m. Mass on March 30 and no 7 p.m. Mass on March 31)
Well over