EI011923

Man wanted for alleged catalytic converter theft apprehended

Suspect who allegedly ran from police car in September held on $500,000 bond

According to a release issued by the City of Elmhurst and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael S. McLean, on Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Elmhurst Police Department, with the assistance of several partnering agencies, apprehended a Chicago man wanted for an incident that occurred on Sept. 1, 2022, involving alleged catalytic converter theft and escape from the back seat of a police vehicle.

Investigators from the Elmhurst Police Department learned Devin M. Revels, 27, of the 800 block of S. Keeler in Chicago, had recently begun frequenting the area of the 800 block of W. Belmont in Chicago. Elmhurst police had obtained an arrest warrant for Revels on charges of Receiving or Possessing a Stolen Essential Motor Vehicle Part, Escape From Peace Officer, and Criminal Damage To Government Supported Property. Revels was also wanted on an unrelated Cook County arrest warrant for Aggravated Assault.

According to the release, at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers from the Elmhurst Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Street Crimes Sup-

pression Unit, the Chicago Police Department, and suburban agencies located Revels in a business at the 800 block of W. Belmont. Revels was taken into custody and transported to the DuPage County Jail for his associated arrest warrant charges. The bond for his DuPage County charges was set at $500,000 with 10% to apply.

The incident initiating these charges against Revels occurred on the afternoon of Sept. 1, 2022. Elmhurst Police detectives had arrested Revels and another defendant for the commission of a catalytic converter theft on that day. The alleged theft occurred in DuPage County and officers originally took the offenders into custody at a residence near Cicero and Erie Streets in Chicago.

At approximately 2:01 p.m., a marked Elmhurst police car was transporting Revels back to Elmhurst on westbound I-290 near the Austin exit. Revels allegedly kicked out the back window of the police car, exited, and ran from the scene into the Columbus Park Golf Course.

A multi-agency search was conducted however, Revels was not located at that time.

Devin M. Revels is now in custody to face the charges associated with these offenses.

ECPA offers ‘Hearts for the Arts’

Devin M. Revels

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured are Jen Blanchette (left) and Meghan Scarsella, who are serving as co-chairs of this year’s Hearts for the Arts campaign for the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA). They are each holding one of the candles available in a new scent created especially for the ECPA. The candles are available for purchase at Maxine boutique as well as other retailers in the community. For more information, visit ECPA-Elmhurst.org.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Did you know that dental-related ailments are responsible for the loss of more than 50 million school hours each year? That’s right. Thousands of children miss school every year because of some dental-related ailment. Fortunately, many of these ailments can be prevented through good oral care.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, make your child’s smile a priority. Take them to the dentist regularly and teach them to care for their teeth properly.

Turkey Trot puts $200,000 back into community

Total of 17 agencies benefit from annual Thanksgiving Day Fun Run

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

It was a picture-perfect day for November, with temperatures almost 50 degrees at the start of the race when 7,155 paid participants took to the streets of Elmhurst for the 39th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving morning.

It was a fun, family-friendly event with entertainment as well. The Men of Spirito managed to sing above the sounds of a freight train and the Anthem Medley was beautiful, according to onlookers. Jim Cornelison provided his usual great rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, as the Lima Lima Flight Team flew over the

start line. Mayor Scott Levin delivered a message to the crowd and Dan Gibbons himself thanked everyone, especially Jack Island, owner of the now-closed Silverado Restaurant on Spring Road.

Island was chosen to be the Honorary Starter for his many years of service to the community through programs like Silverado Jr., a program that allows grade school children to operate the restaurant themselves for a night. Island also donated and served breakfast at Silverado to all the volunteers who helped out with the Turkey Trot every year.

“He would donate 300-350 meals to our volunteers every Thanks-

giving,” Gibbons said. “It’s hard to comprehend, but he did it.”

Gibbons expressed thanks to the 250 volunteers who worked at packet pick-up and registration. He also gave gratitude to the City of Elmhurst, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Mobile Incident Command Unit, Streets and Sanitation, Elmhurst University Security and the DuPage County Sheriff’s Department.

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, checks were distributed to all the beneficiaries.

Gibbons was proud to distribute upwards of $200,000 this year, serving 17 total agencies, which is seven more than in previous years. He said in past years, they had distributed about $162,500, but this year’s total hit a brand-new record.

Recipients included United Community Concerns Association, West Suburban Community Pantry,

Catholic Charities-DuPage, Loaves and Fishes Community Services, People’s Resource Center, DuPage PADS, Immaculate Conception food pantry, Elmhurst/Yorkfield food pantry, the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network (EWAN), Outreach House, Neighborhood Food Pantries, DuPage Senior Citizens Council – Meals on Wheels, Knights of Columbus, Disciples food pantry, Wayne Township food pantry and Hope House.

He mentioned that because contributions had grown so much in the past year, there will be an application process for future donations.

On to the race

Gibbons announced that the top finishers in both male and female were residents of Elmhurst, as were the third place winners. Female finishers included: first place, Julia Ordzowialy of Elmhurst, 18:31; sec-

ond place, Kaitlyn Vanias of Cottage Grove, 19:02; and, Brooke Berger of Elmhurst, 19:34. Male top performers were: first place, Kevin Havel of Elmhurst, 15:15; Julian Watson of Darien, 15:59; and, Sam Ayers of Elmhurst, 16:02.

Next year, the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot will turn 40. Who knows what’s in store for the 40th annual event, but it will be interesting to see.

Like many participants, this couple came to the 39th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning dressed like turkeys! This year’s event raised $200,000 – the most ever – and, according to organizer Dan Gibbons, proceeds were distributed to 17 different agencies, which is seven more than ever before.

A downtown business

This is a photo dated pre-1920 of the Hammerschmidt & Franzen Company located on W. First Street, west of Addison Avenue, purveyors of lumber, coal, feed and ice. The building was destroyed in a fire in 1920.

ELMHURST HISTORY MUSEUM PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The elmhursT IndependenT

Your Hometown Newspaper

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Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900

Visit us at: TheElmhurstIndependent.com

The Elmhurst Independent USPS#022-607 is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126. Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.

Display Advertising: 630.834-8355

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Crestview Garden Club making a difference

At the end of 2022, the Crestview Garden Club of Elmhurst donated a portion of the proceeds from its annual plant sale to four organizations in the amount of $350 each.

They include:

• Heaven and Earth Growers Garden/ Elmhurst Presbyterian Church (HEG)

• York High School Garden Club

• Elmhurst Great Western Prairie (EGWP)

• Glenbard Transitions High School Greenhouse

In addition, at its annual holiday member gathering in Dec., the club raised a total of $210 for the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry. With the dollars raised in December and other member donations throughout the year, the club donated a total of $2,152 and 239 pounds of items for the food pantry. The club is proud to continue its support of the pantry as it works tirelessly to provide food assistance to those families and individuals struggling to make ends meet in our surrounding communities. For more information on the club, visit crestviewgardenclub.com or follow the club on facebook.

Subscriptions:

The Elmhurst Independent is mailed at no charge by request to residents in the 60126 zip code area. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly. Single copies are also available at more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

Reprints:

Content appearing in the Elmhurst Independent may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor. Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

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THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Kuppie’s appreciates community’s outpouring of help

Event on Sunday planned to thank all ‘lovin’ the oven’ supporters

Ave. just east of the Ace Hardware store in the same shopping strip as Mike’s Meat Market.

For those who haven’t heard the story, about a year ago, the oven at Kuppie’s broke down. Repair experts said it would be quite expensive to fix.

It was a Catch-22. Repairing or replacing the oven was cost-prohibitive for owners Dawn and Pedro. But without the oven, they could not possibly turn out baked goods to sell and earn money to fix the stove.

The owners worried that Kuppie’s might have to close its doors.

Unbeknownst to Kuppie’s, a group of friends who were big fans of the bakery, started a GoFundMe page to help fund the oven. Thanks to many residents of not only Villa Park but also Elmhurst and the surrounding area, the money was raised within just a few days. In fact, a short while later, there was

enough money raised to completely replace the oven. Needless to say, the owners and staff of Kuppie’s were stunned and delighted with the community’s generosity.

Now, Kuppie’s is hosting a thank-you event to those who helped them out in their hour of need. All are invited to the Villa Park VFW Post #2801 at 39 E. St. Charles Rd., Villa Park. Kuppie’s will be providing treats and sweets with coffee and juice. A cash bar will be available for anyone who wants to watch football and, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., there will be face painting and balloon art for the kids.

Although the event is free, those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to the Kuppie’s facebook page so they have an idea of how much food will be needed.

Dawn and Pedro look forward to seeing you then!

Pete Cruger Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Kuppie’s Bakery would like to invite its “lovin’ the oven” supporters to a thank-you bash at the Villa Park VFW on Sunday, Jan. 22 from 12-3 p.m. Kuppie’s has been located for many years at 42 So. Villa

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

The Crestview Garden Club (CGC) in Elmhurst donated $350 to the Elmhurst Great Western Prairie (EGWP). From left are: Kasia Byrne, Eric Keeley, Mike Freeman, Bob Southworth, Mary Lazas, EGWP, Rosalie Ward, CGC member, Keith Olson, Tim Scully, Edgar Hernando, EGWP, Andrine Keeley, CGC member and Dave Terrill, EGWP.

The Crestview Garden Club in Elmhurst donated $350 to Glenbard Transitions High School Greenhouse. Presenting the check is Andrine Keeley, a member of the Crestview Club.

The Crestview Garden Club in Elmhurst donated $350 to the Heaven and Earth Growers (HEG) of the Elmhurst Presbyterian Church. Pictured here in the Elmhurst Presbyterian children’s garden are CGC members Rosalie Ward (left) and Ruth Schroeter, HEG.

January 9, 2023

Dear Appreciated Client, AS MOST OF SMALL BUSINESSESS we have all gone through a tumultuous time. However we weathered the storm and we celebrate our 100 year anniversary! Having said that, many people have all seen items that are in need of some tender love and care, refinishing, reupholstery, or restoration after extensive wear and tear! Since our lease with the new building owners is up this summer and Richard has fully recovered from a recent surgery, we now have a new and more thankful outlook on life!

If you have been waiting to have your furniture or beloved heirloom restored or refinished or reupholstered this could be your best opportunity. Richard is doing well and thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers and he is back at the ready as always! As we all know nothing can keep him down.

As our sign of gratitude, we are offering our great customers a private sale on our in stock furniture and inventory including our accessories, lamps & Capodimonte giftware. We are also offering a buy two get one free opportunity on our Capodimonte lamps, giftware and centerpieces. OR if you purchase a bedroom set, we will include a dining room set at “no charge” while supplies last. Since we have a large selection of dining room sets we are also offering a BUY ONE GET ON FREE!!

Sale begins January 13th through February 13th Sincerely yours, Richard, Kathryn, Joe (Giuseppe), Antonio, Benito, & Mark THE MONTALBANO FAMILY

Visit http://montalbanofurniture.com to see all that we offer.

mark@montalbanofurniture.com Factory & Main Showroom open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 3:30pm, Sat. by appointment

EHM presents lecture on Chicago’s immigration history

Historian presents ‘How the World Arrived on Lake Michigan’s Shores’

For generations, at least since the first Algonquian-speaking tribes arrived here, the Chicago area has attracted people from all over the world whose lives were disrupted by war, famine, revolution, and economic crisis. What is it about Chicago and its suburbs that has drawn immigrants from across the globe to the shores of Lake Michigan throughout history and continues to do so in modern times?

The Elmhurst History Museum

Obituaries

Josephine “Joann” Bold, 92

welcomes College of DuPage Professor of History and author Sam Mitrani for an illustrated lecture on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. to consider some of the factors that have made Chicago an immigration hub. Participants will learn why so many came here and how these successive waves of immigrants have shaped and been shaped by this region.

The program takes place in the Elmhurst History Museum’s

Education Center which is located just south of the museum at 120 E. Park Ave. in Elmhurst. Tickets are $5 for non-members and free to Elmhurst Heritage Foundation members. Reservations can be made online at elmhursthistory.org. A limited number of walk-ins may be accommodated on a space available basis the day of the program. Free parking is available in

the museum parking lot and in nearby City of Elmhurst garages.

This program is presented in connection with the Elmhurst History Museum’s current exhibit, In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities, which continues its run through Sunday, May 14. The exhibit examines the personal stories and experiences of area immigrants

and their descendants as told through first-person accounts, photographs, treasured objects, video and more. Visitors will gain a better understanding of DuPage County’s growing diversity and the challenges immigrants and their families face as they shape an evolving identity in this country. Admission is free and more information can be found at elmhursthistory.org.

Josephine “Joann” Bold (nee Corrigan) passed away peacefully on January 8, 2023, at the age of 92. Joann was born in Elmhurst to the late William and the late Anna (nee Conlon) Corrigan. Beloved wife to the late Ronald Bold; loving sister of the late William (the late Grace) Corrigan Jr., the late Reverend Joseph E. Corrigan and the late Patricia (the late Emil) Ferrarini. Dearest aunt, great aunt and great-great aunt of many nieces and nephews. There was a Memorial Service held on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel and a graveside service at West Batavia Cemetery, 900 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. For info: 630-834-3515 or www. elmhurstfh.com.

John Sima Jr., 92

John Sima Jr., of Elmhurst, passed away recently at the age of 92. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Korea. Beloved husband of the late Arlene, nee Shanitoske; loving father of Michael F. (Louise) Sima and the late Karen M. Sima; proud grandfather of Michael (Andrea) Sima and Christopher (Joanna) Sima. Honored great-grandfather of Aidan, Mikah, Eliza and Abell. Dear brother of the late Lorraine (the late Robert) Klein, the late Gerald (the late June) Sima and the late Ray (the late Alvina) Sima; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held at the Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home, 435 N. York St., Elmhurst on Friday, Jan. 13. Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 14 at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Interment of cremated remains will be placed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at a future date.

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-2435

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9am Wednesday Service at 7pm Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service

January 28 Game Night at 4pm

Everyone is Welcome! All services are live streamed.

ELMHURST HISTORY MUSEUM PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

A very crowded Maxwell Street is pictured here, which provided all kinds of music, shopping and entertainment for Chicago’s immigrant community. Learn more about it at the upcoming lecture by historian Sam Mitrani, ‘How the World Arrived on Lake Michigan’s Shores’ hosted by the Elmhurst History Museum on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. Admission is $5 or free for Heritage Foundation members.

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.

Arson

Jan. 4

Lukas Kalman, 31, of Elmhurst, was charged with attempted aggravated arson, attempted aggravated residential arson and aggravated battery to a police officer in the 700 block of N. Emory at 5:22 p.m. Police said a victim reported Kalman purposely set a fire inside the residence before fleeing the area. Officers located the suspect and took him into custody. Kalman was transported to the police station where he allegedly fought with officers during the intake process.

Assault, battery

Jan. 5

Isiah Thomas, 27, of Sauk Village, was charged with battery and disorderly conduct in the 100 block of W. First at 10:42 a.m. Police said officers responded for a sexual assault call. Upon arrival, the victim reported Thomas reportedly began making sexual comments to her and he then allegedly grabbed her breast before running away.

Criminal damage, criminal defacement, trespassing

Jan. 4-Jan. 8

A victim related an unknown suspect(s) damaged a sign in the front yard of his residence in the 200 block of S. Cottage Hill sometime between the above dates.

Domestic battery, disorderly conduct, domestic incident

Jan. 8

A 23-year-old Lombard woman was charged with domestic battery at Edward-Elmhurst Hospital at 11:43 a.m. Police said officers responded to the parking lot of Edward-Elmhurst Hospital for a report of a domestic battery. The victim reported the suspect struck her following a verbal argument.

A victim in the 400 block of S. Prairie reported at 10:23 p.m. a verbal argument turned physical when the suspect slapped him. The suspect denied anything ever turned physical and agreed to leave the residence for the night. A witness on the scene did not observe anything physical and no physical marks were observed.

Jan. 8

Deshoun Murff, 22, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver and illegal transportation of open alcohol subsequent to a single vehicle crash in the 600 block of W. North at 4:07 p.m.

Jan. 6

Cherlynn Bolden, 26, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, use of an electronic communication device on a roadway and possession of adult use cannabis by a driver subsequent to a traffic stop near Butterfield and Kirk at 8:14 a.m.

Gustavo A. Dimas-Costeno, 28, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI, no valid license, speeding and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, subsequent to a traffic stop near Ardmore and North at 9:13 p.m.

Fleeing, eluding

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of fleeing and eluding during which the driver of a vehicle fled the scene after being stopped for a traffic stop by police.

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported six incidents of identity theft or fraud in which a victim’s identity was fraudulently used either to make charges on a credit card, open a business, bank or credit account, fraudulently depositing checks, receiving unemployment benefits—or a victim was convinced by a subject to deposit money into an account, send a check, or to buy gift cards.

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Martin Fox, 34, of Berwyn, near Kenilworth and South at 4:08 p.m. Jan. 7; Carlos Ruelas, 30, of Cicero, in the 100 block of S. Route 83 at 9:34 p.m. Jan. 8.

Possession of a controlled substance

Jan. 10

told police she located an Apple AirTag in the trunk of her vehicle. The complainant does not know who placed the AirTag in her vehicle. The reporting officer took possession of the AirTag and placed it into evidence.

Theft or burglary /retail theft/forgery/deceptive practice/obstruction/ robbery

Jan. 10

Police said three catalytic converters were stolen from three vehicles parked in the employee parking lot at Elmhurst Hospital Aug. 27, 2022. Security footage shows two suspects described as black males in a white Ford Mustang convertible stealing the catalytic converters.

On the above date, officers from the Elmhurst Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Street Crimes Suppression Unit, Chicago police, and suburban agencies located Devin Revels, 27, of Chicago, in a business at the 800 block of W. Belmont. Revels was charged with theft, aiding escape and criminal damage to property. (See full story on pg. 1 of this issue.)

Jan. 9

Theft was reported in the 900 block of Hawthorne at 12:23 p.m. A victim related an unknown suspect(s) stole a package from her porch.

Theft was reported in the 300 block of W. Winthrop at 6:40 p.m. A complainant related unknown suspect(s) stole a package from his porch.

Retail theft was reported at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 4:39 p.m. A complainant related the suspects left the store with clothing for which they did not pay. The suspects were seen loading the clothing along with the shopping cart into their vehicle before fleeing northbound on Route 83. An investigation is pending.

While on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle near York and Industrial, which had been reported stolen. A traffic stop was conducted and an investigator from the Secretary of State Police was contacted. The driver reported to the Elmhurst police station and was interviewed by the SOS investigator. It is believed the victim’s company purchased the vehicle without knowing it was stolen.

Jan. 8

A complainant at a trucking company in the 100 block of Industrial told police that an unknown suspect stole a tractor with a trailer attached from the above location. An investigation is pending.

Sept. 3, 2022

Theft of services was reported at a car rental facility in the 800 block of N. York at 3:27 p.m. A complainant relates the suspect has failed to return a silver Kia Forte that was leased back in August. Several attempts were made to contact the suspect with no results.

Unlawful use of a weapon

and was holding a handgun which was later found to be a BB gun. Unsealed cannabis was also located in the vehicle, according to police. Upon further investigation, a 9mm Taurus was located in the vehicle along with both suspects being in possession of ammunition, police said.

Warrant arrest

Jan. 8

Police said Santiago Pascual-Hernandez, 28, of Bensenville, was found to have a warrant out of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office after a reporting officer made contact with the occupant of a suspicious vehicle who was observed urinating in the parking lot. Pascual-Hernandez was charged with disorderly conduct-befouling property, no valid driver’s license and no insurance.

Jan. 7

Police said that Subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Oaklawn at 10:23 p.m., Antonio Berry, 28, of Chicago, was found to have a valid warrant out of Cook County. warrant. Berry was charged with no valid driver’s license, operating a vehicle with suspended registration and no insurance, and transported to the DuPage County Jail on the warrant.

Jan. 5

Police said Andre Reyes, 53, of Elmhurst, came into the police department on the above date to be served with a warrant. He was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance for an alleged incident that occurred June 20, 2022 in the 600 block of Albert.

IDPH reports 59 counties at ‘Elevated’ Level for COVID-19

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Jan. 13 that the CDC is reporting 59 counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19, compared to 73 in the previous week.

Of those, three Illinois counties are at a High Community Level, compared to 28 the previous week; and 56 counties are at Medium Level, compared to 45 the previous week.

IDPH is reporting 16,602 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois in the week ending Jan. 8, and 113 deaths.

“I am encouraged to see COVID-19 community levels once again declining and hospital capacity remaining stable this week,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Thank you to all Illinois residents who have continued to protect themselves and their loved ones from infection. IDPH is closely monitoring the XBB ‘Kraken’ variant which is spreading in the northeastern United States and leading to increased cases and hospitalizations. Although we are currently seeing low rates in Illinois at about 8 percent of clinical samples, it is important for all of us to prepare for and be aware of this emerging variant. Please continue to use all of the tools available to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory diseases, especially those most at risk for severe disease.”

Jan. 9

Johnny Selph, 46, of Berwyn, was charged with DUI, stopping standing or parking on a roadway, and no insurance near North and Route 83 at 3:19 a.m. Police said Selph was asleep behind the wheel and round to be DUI.

James Leon Garner, 50, of Chicago, was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled near York and Robert Palmer Dr. at 3:17 p.m. Police said Garner also was found to have a valid warrant out of Cook County.

Suspicious circumstances

Jan. 11

A complainant in the 100 block of Schiller

Jan. 5

Daniela Honorato, 21, of Elmhurst, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon—no FOID, while Jose Santiago, 22, of Bensenville, was charged with unlawful use of weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. The alleged incident took place near Cottage Hill/Harbour Terrace at 3:34 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a report of a domestic, the suspects were located. Santiago allegedly entered their vehicle

On Dec. 9, the CDC expanded its authorization for bivalent boosters to include children aged 6 months to 5 years. Children ages 6 months through 5 years who previously completed a Moderna primary series can now receive a Moderna bivalent booster 2 months after their final primary series dose. Children ages 6 months through 4 years who are completing a Pfizer primary series will receive a

DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol, consumption of alcohol by a minor

DuPage County sheriff: HB 5471 ‘a clear violation of the Second Amendment’

Editor’s note: The following statement was issued by DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick on Jan. 13.

“As your sheriff, I wanted to give the citizens of DuPage County an update on the recent passage of HB 5471, also known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act.

“As your duly elected sheriff, my job and my office are sworn, in fact, to protect the citizens of

Glowiak Hilton supports medical licensing bill

State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton supported a measure on Tuesday, Jan. 10, to protect licensed medical professionals from intrusive laws of other states.

“Illinois health care professionals should not lose their licenses or be penalized because of the restrictive laws of neighboring states,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “With this measure, we are protecting health care professionals who are doing the right thing.”

The measure protects Illinois professionals from being penalized for providing care that is prohibited in other states. Further, it protects the right to fertility treatment throughout the state.

“Simply put: A doctor licensed in Missouri and Illinois, whose license is suspended in Missouri for referring a woman to a reproductive health clinic, should not have their license suspended in Illinois,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Medical professionals should not worry about their professional licenses being jeopardized for performing health care services that are legal in Illinois but prohibited in other states.”

House Bill 4664 passed in the Senate Tuesday, Jan. 10.

Editor’s note: This was submitted by the office of State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

• IDPH

(Continued from page 8)

Pfizer bivalent vaccine as their third primary dose.

The updated boosters are available at pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. The best way to locate a vaccine provider near you is to visit www.vaccines.gov and search for bivalent booster availability.

As of Jan. 12, 1,395 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 169 patients were in the ICU and 62 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. The preliminary seven-day statewide case rate is 130 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 Illinoisans.

DuPage County. This is a job and responsibility that I take with the utmost seriousness.

“Part of my duties that I accepted upon being sworn into office was to protect the rights of all of us in the Constitution.

One of those enumerated rights is the right of people to keep and bear arms provided under the Second Amendment.

“The right to keep and bear arms for defense of life, liberty and property is regarded as an inalienable right by the people.

“I, among many others, believe that HB 5471 is a clear violation of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“Therefore, as the custodian of the (DuPage County) jail and chief law enforcement official for DuPage County, neither myself nor my office will be checking to ensure that lawful gun owners register their weapons with the state, nor will we be arresting or housing law-abiding individuals that have been arrested solely with non-compliance of this Act.

County Board Chair Conroy disappointed in Mendrick’s statement

Editor’s note: The following statement was issued by DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy on Jan. 13 in response to Sheriff Jim Mendrick’s statement.

“I was disappointed to read the statement released today by DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick. On October 25, the DuPage County Board heard a moving account provided by Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering. She detailed the devastating impact one shooter and one assault

weapon had on her town. That day, the Board voted to support a state ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Illinois Public Act 102-1116 accomplishes those two goals. As Chair of the DuPage County Board, I stand behind the legislation passed to ban assault weapons.

As Governor Pritzker has said, ‘You don’t get to choose which laws you comply with in the state of Illinois.’ And I believe, in DuPage County, we should not be playing politics with state laws.”

ECPA ‘Hearts For The Arts’ returns

The Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) is bringing back its Hearts for the Arts campaign for the third year this February with Co-Chairs Jen Blanchette and Meghan Scarsella leading the way.

“[The playwright] Lister Sinclair once said ‘The arts bring a community together.’ I truly believe in the importance of community and the power of the performing arts,” said Meghan Scarsella, Elmhurst resident and co-chair of this year’s #HeartsfortheArts campaign. “Elmhurst is a wonderful, supportive community and a performing arts venue would build upon what we already have and continue to bring our neighbors together to enjoy live performances. I am proud to support the efforts of ECPA and their mission to build a performing arts venue to Elmhurst.”

Beginning Thursday, Jan. 19, and running through the month of February only, lovers of the performing arts can show their support through the purchase of locally sourced, heart-shaped, hand-poured candles. Bunnywick Candle Co. owner and Elmhurst resident Christy Rongo created the candles and scent, “Singing’ in the Rain,” exclusively for ECPA. Each hand-carved bowl is reusable after burning the non-toxic candle inside.

The annual Hearts for the Arts campaign supports the ECPA mission to build a state-of-the-art facility for live theatre, music, dance, comedy, and events while also highlighting a local artist and engaging small businesses throughout Elmhurst. Bunnywick candles benefitting ECPA can be found at the following local retailers: Maxine, Tannins, Bread & Butter, Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, Tail Gate for Dogs, La Jolie MLN, Jelly’s Children’s Boutique & Ice Cream Bar, Kie & Kate Couture and Solstice Skin Care.

For updates, visit ECPA-Elmhurst.org. To partner with ECPA or become a sponsor, send an email to ECPAElmhurst@gmail.com.

Viewpoint

Under my father’s fedora TCU beats Michigan - Riff Ram!

My mother went to TCU and the Riff Ram cheer may have been my first words as a baby. Not only did they have a 13-1 season, they made it to the national championship game for the first time since 1938, which sadly, they lost to Georgia. However, the previous game against Michigan was unbelievable.

Three times Michigan was right at the goal line and each time, TCU held them off from scoring. It was a great game, especially after watching the woeful Bears all season. TCU not only threw outstanding passes but also caught them! And often ran them in for a touchdown. (Bears, are you listening??)

Found out some interesting things about TCU by reading my mother’s yearbook. If you think football isn’t or wasn’t a big deal at TCU, the yearbook says it all. There was a page devoted to archery, to intramurals, to tennis, to golf; track got three pages, as did Basket Ball – yes, in 1941, Basket Ball was two words. But football?

There’s a full page in the yearbook for every game! The score at the top, a photo of field action, a short story about the game and, toward the bottom, three or four outstanding players are featured.

Yes, football is kind of a big deal at TCU. Riff Ram Bah-Zoo!

EAM extends Hookham exhibit and my painting is there!

If you haven’t been to the Elmhurst Art Museum lately, the Eleanor King Hookham exhibition has been extended through Monday, Feb. 13. Stop by because one of the artworks lent to the exhibit is a painting that normally hangs in my living room! (The Sentrock exhibit is also extended through Sunday, Feb. 12.) A long-time resident of Elmhurst, Hookham taught art classes here, when she

By DEE LONGFELLOW Editor

wasn’t traveling around the world exhibiting her works. She was the driving force behind the EAM, which just celebrated its 25th year.

Bob Smith is coming back

Our friend, author, attorney and “hockey dad” Bob Smith is back –he has retired after over 20 years as a criminal defense attorney at 26th and Cal. He wrote stories about York hockey, as well as track and cross country, when his twin sons Andrew and Brendon participated.

Bob had written a handful of books at that time, one called The Sakhalin Collection, and has since written another book called Running With Cannibals, about the Philippine-American War (18991902). That book was a finalist in the Adventure – War & Military category of the 2022 American Fiction Awards.

Bob has yet another title coming out quite literally right now – this week -- and a story about it is planned when it officially hits bookstores. Meanwhile, he might be writing a couple of feature stories for the Independent. Stay tuned.

And about the haps in Washington

Just a thought about all the hubbub in Washington, DC – now that classified documents have been found at an office belonging to President Biden, it would be interesting if he took the high road and resigned and handed the gavel to Kamala Harris. Hmmm.

Blair-Sherlock takes oath, begins term with focus on families

State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, D-Villa Park, issued the following statement Wednesday after being sworn in for her first full term:

“As we begin a new General Assembly, families are looking toward Springfield to deliver real results that support reproductive freedoms, target gun violence and address economic concerns.

“Many residents are still hurting from the pandemic, and it’s important that we strengthen critical state services that help people get back on their feet. Responsible, balanced budgets in recent years have enabled Illinois to receive needed credit up-

grades and have eliminated bad debt. We must maintain this good stewardship, and properly utilize the financial flexibility it can offer.

“It’s key that we prioritize funding for our classrooms, job training programs and local infrastructure in order to attract high-paying jobs. We must also take a comprehensive approach toward public safety that supports violence intervention programs and our local law enforcement who work hard every day to make our communities safer.

“In a post-Dobbs environment, we must recognize that states are the last line of defense when it comes to re-

productive freedoms. Illinois has become the Midwest’s leader in reproductive health, and I will do all that I can to protect the essential health care rights that patients and providers deserve.

“I am thankful and appreciative that the residents of the 46th District have placed their trust in me. There will be challenges, but together we can do a lot of great things for the families who call our community home.”

(Editor’s note: This was received from the office of State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock.)

Sadly, it is hard to disagree with Jim Nowlan’s judgment that the Republican Party is “irrelevant in Illinois politics” (“Republican Party in Illinois Is Irrelevant, and That’s Not Healthy,” Independent, Viewpoint, Dec. 29, 2022 issue). Illinois, like every state and the country as a whole, needs a well-functioning two-party system.

As a remedy, Nowlan recommends a Republican challenge to gerrymandered 2020 redistricting maps and creation of a “coherent” GOP platform, to be authored by younger Republicans.

Whether and how much these ef -

forts could actually succeed is an open question, although the need for a constructive Republican platform is undeniable.

I believe no rebuilding attempt can succeed, however, unless the party honestly faces the degradation of its culture. In much of Illinois, today’s GOP and its culture are controlled by those who subscribe to unsubstantiated conspiracy theories, believe that elections have been “stolen,” and/or are convinced that teachers and school librarians “indoctrinate” students in matters of race, sexuality, and gender identity.

Unless the Illinois GOP can address this addiction to misguided beliefs and distortions, and sometimes to the bullying of opponents or supposed culprits, other reforms will not heal what ails the party.

Of course, many Republicans do not want their party to be defined by the culture warriors. They should join Nowlan in the struggle to find a cure and take their party back. In the meantime, extremist views and actions have captured the Republican brand.

And that is regrettable.

David McCurdy

Real estate/Business

Bank group collects for ‘Warm Coats for Cool Kids’

The three branches of Evergreen Bank Group held a coat drive for Warm Coats for Cool Kids of Elmhurst from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31. This is the second year that these

Local

two organizations partnered to help supply coats for distributions reaching children in need. The staff and customers of Evergreen were generous in donating more than 50 new

restaurant helps feed homeless on Christmas Eve

Mata Ne New Asian Restaurant in downtown Elmhurst supplied meals to PADS guests experiencing homelessness on Christmas Eve. PADS, which stands for People Active to Deliver Shelter, provide shelter, healthy meals, and intensive support services for over 1,200 men, women, and children annually. Over 130 meals were supplied this year to help feed those family and neighbors experiencing homelessness that

are staying at the IHC facility in Downers Grove. Mata Ne had also helped with meals last year. Ella Glosner, local York High School Junior helped coordinate volunteers to pick up food, transport it to Downers Grove and help distribute. If interested in helping support the homeless in DuPage county, please visit www. dupagepads.org to see more about how your donation can transform lives.

coats that fit the profile and mission of Warm Coats. Volunteers at Warm Coats for Cool Kids help children shop for a coat at school distributions. This approach insures the child gets a coat they like and a fit that will last them well through the winter season.

Evergreen also made a monetary donation to the organization for future purchases.

Donations to Warm Coats for Cool Kids are needed all year long, in order to meet the needs of its mission. To make an online donation today, visit warmcoats-coolkids.org.

Evergreen Bank Group is owned by Bancorp Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and is a member of FDIC.

Elmhurst History Museum’s exhibit

WE’RE LOVEN THE OVEN

“we have seen amazing things today”

Luke 5:26

God is good, so so good!

2022 dealt a lot of us some serious set backs and sad times, myself included. But, look at all the goodness that accompanied it! We can’t forget it, I’ll never forget it. We have seen amazing things this year! In a time where there is so much toxicity and turmoil surrounding us, I am blown away by the kindness and generosity generated by this community and some of the neighboring communities around us. I had heard of go fund me, even gave to a few of them, but knew nothing about them really. Certainly never thought for a second that I would be on the receiving end of one and it still overwhelms me. Because of so many peoples’ crazy selflessness I was able to replace that oven a lot quicker than was ever anticipated. I was able to use the balance to absorb the high increase for the cost of goods without passing it on to you. While I don’t know how long that will last, I feel blessed it was possible because of you. Your goodness did not stop there, you continued to spread it throughout the year. Many of our local businesses, old and new, have been kept thriving because of the sacrifices you make to support us. In our community alone, the two holiday food drives hosted by Villa Park Office Equipment and GM Smith & Son Realtors I believe had record breaking success in donations to help stock our local food pantries. And let’s not forget our local motorcycle enthusiast who partook in a freezing December parade ride to support Toys for Tots. Who does this? At a time when so many are struggling themselves, who does this? You do! You, this community does. Our faith is so often tested. I know mine has been tested and tested and retested this past year. You have helped me stay focused in my faith in some very trying times. I will forever be greatful to you. I will continue to thank God for the amazing people he has brought into my life by having a business in this community, and shouldered by the awesome communities around us. And I will forever be so, so proud of all of you who do so many good things. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for everything! I encourage you to stay the course with all of your good deeds. Give to someone if you can. Call someone you haven’t spoken to. Hold a door, shovel a walk, share a kind word or a great big smile. Do it all if you can! Do for each other what you have done for me and spread your goodness everywhere you can. Thank you again, for the oven, for your patronage, for your kindness, for everything! Thank you for you! I pray you all have an amazing and blessed 2023!

On display now through Sunday, May 14, In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities is the current exhibit at the Elmhurst History Museum which explores the journeys of area immigrants and their descendants who have carved out a sense of cultural identity and belonging in this region.

Info: elmhursthistory.org or 630833-1457.

Elmhurst Symphony prepares for ConcertoFest!

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra has announced its upcoming concert to be performed at a church in Hinsdale as well as at its home location in Elmhurst.

ConcertoFest! will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28 beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield St., Hinsdale. On Sunday, Jan. 29, the concert will be held at 3 p.m. in the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Rd.

A concerto is a piece of music written for a soloist or soloists accompanied by an orchestra. It’s a chance for a virtuoso musician to show off what they can do while the orchestra backs them up. This concert is “packed with virtuoso soloists,” according to Gregory Hughes, ESO executive director.

Violinist Jasmine Lin returns to the ESO after her most recent, stellar performance in 2019. Brandon Acker will make his solo debut with the ESO, playing the “theorbo,” a plucked string instrument in the lute family (see below). Finally, ESO’s own musicians Naomi Bensdorf Frisch and Andrew Nogal, both on oboes, will join concertmaster Emi Tanabe on violin and step into the solo spotlight for this not-to-bemissed program.

The list of selections includes works by Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann

and Dall’Abaco.

For tickets and more information, visit elmhurstsymphony.org.

More about the theorbo

The theorbo is a plucked string instrument of the lute family, with an extended neck and a second pegbox.

Like a lute, a theorbo has a curvedback sound box (a hollow box) with a wooden top, typically with a sound

hole, and a neck extending out from the soundbox.

As with the lute, the player plucks or strums the strings with one hand while “fretting” (pressing down) the strings with the other hand; pressing the strings in different places on the neck produces different pitches (notes), thus enabling the performer to play chords, basslines and melodies.

You have my heart ~ Dawn from Kuppie’s Bakery

ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured is Stephen Alltop as he leads the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra at a past performance. On Saturday, Jan. 28 in Hinsdale and Sunday, Jan. 29 in Elmhurst, the ESO will perform a series of Concertos with featured soloists. For tickets and information, visit elmhurstsymphony.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent Heather Haas (left) and Allie Krishock hold up two of the coats collected at Evergreen Bank Group’s Oak Brook branch, where a collection drive for outerwear was held for Warm Coats for Cool Kids, an Elmhurst organization.

New Construction in Lincoln

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Young man achieves Eagle Scout

Pictured here with his Scoutmaster is Joseph Carrillo, who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout recently. For his service project, Joseph planned, led and carried out a beautification project for Oak Brook Community Church. The project included planting two trees, replacing several low evergreens with variegated dogwood bushes and rejuvenating the corner and side flower beds with new rose bushes and shrubs. With 25 fellow Scouts as helpers, the large amount of work was completed in six hours, just barely in time to get a “heavenly” watering.

Elmhurst Public Library programs

Friday, Jan. 20 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Moonfall

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration required.

Saturday, Jan. 21 from 2-3 p.m. Celebrate Chinese New Year (Families, Elementary School) Listen to a traditional Chinese folktale about the New Year, and make a lantern with help from York High School’s Chinese Club. Live in-person. No registration required.

Sunday, Jan. 22 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lyric Opera Lecture: Hansel and Gretel

Hear the story, learn about the composer, and listen to music. Live in-person. Registration required.

Monday, Jan. 23 from 1-3 p.m. Chess Club

Join us for a friendly game of chess on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Drop-in. No registration

required.

Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 1-3 p.m.

Bridge and Pinochle Club

Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

American Mah Jongg:

Open Play

Gather every Wednesday for American Mah Jongg, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance. Live in-person. No registration required.

Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 7-8 p.m.

Georgia

and the landscape around her homes in New Mexico. What emerges is a complex person whose mythmaking encompassed both her art and her life. Hybrid. Registration required.

Thursday, Jan. 26 from 8-9:30 a.m.

Elmhurst Business Connection

Join Fox Valley SCORE mentors for a roundtable discussion on new topics each month. Meet with business owners in the Elmhurst community to get advice, network, and share experiences with peers. Live on Zoom. Register to receive the information to join.

Thursday, Jan. 26 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Skill Up DuPage

O’Keeffe:

The Inspiration of Nature

In this living-history performance, historian Leslie Goddard, PhD., portrays Georgia O’Keeffe, the legendary artist and modernist. As O’Keeffe reflects on her life, she discusses her intense closeness to flowers, nature,

Youth Commission presents ‘Digital Safety for Parents’

The City of Elmhurst’s Commission on Youth is presenting a workshop entitled, “Digital Safety for Parents” on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Elmhurst YMCA, 211 W. First Street. The program is free and no registration is required.

An Internet Safety Specialist from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office

(ICAC Task Force) will be presenting to our community on the following topics:

• Safe Accounts & Privacy Settings

• Cyberbullying & Digital Citizenship

• Image Sharing & Predatory Risks

• Sexting & (S)extortion.

Commission seeks nominees for youth awards

Do you know an amazing kid? The City of Elmhurst’s Commission on Youth is currently seeking nominees for its 2023 Exemplary Youth Service Awards. Eligibility requirements include:

• Volunteer must be an Elmhurst resident (Elmhurst address), live within School District 205 boundaries, or attend an Elmhurst school.

• Volunteer must be elementary school age through senior in high

school.

• The award is focused on individual achievement.

• The service must be voluntary and unpaid.

• The service must have occurred between Feb. 1, 2022 to present.

Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 1 and the ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at Sandburg Middle School.

From entry to executive levels, learn how workNet DuPage Career Center can help (re)start your career through training and job search support. Hybrid event. Registration required.

Chair Yoga from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Join a certified yoga instructor for a series of simple movements to strengthen and stretch your whole body while comfortably seated in a chair. No prior yoga experience required. Live in-person. Registration required.

Friday, Jan. 27 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Gigi and Nate

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration required.

For more information about any of the above programs, call (630) 2798696 or visit elmlib.org/events.

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P.S. Polycarbonate lenses should be treated with a scratch-resistant coating.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Community calendar

Saturday, Jan. 21

• From 1-4 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum in Wilder Park will hold a Family Day as part of the Eleanor King Hookham exhibition currently on display. Mrs. Hookham was the founder of the Museum. Stop by and learn how to paint like her. Regular museum admission applies.

• Beginning at 2 p.m., the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Arts presents Carved Gems: Inspiration & Expertise, a 60-minute live Zoom lecture with Special Exhibit artist Helen Serras-Herman, who will share her journey from sculptor to gem sculpture, her influences, and sources for inspiration. She will discuss how labor intensive the art of carving gems is and why, the gem materials that are used, and will show step-by-step of the necessary tools for gem carving in the hopes of inspiring a new generation of gem carvers. Attend in person to see the lecture projected in the Museum’s Lecture Hall or visit via Zoom. Regular Museum Admission, members free. Reservations

recommended. Register at www.lizzadromuseum.org.

Sunday, Jan. 29

• At 2 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., welcomes College of DuPage Professor of History and author Sam Mitrani for an illustrated lecture called ‘How the World Arrived on Lake Michigan’s Shores’ in conjunction with the Museum’s current exhibit In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities, on display through Sunday, May 14. The program takes place in the Education Center just south of the museum. Tickets are $5 for non-members and free to Elmhurst Heritage Foundation members. Reservations can be made online at elmhursthistory.org.

• At 3 p.m., the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W Brush Hill Rd., presenting ConcertoFest! The concert will include several soloists on violin, oboe and theorbo, a plucked string instru-

ment in the lute family. NOTE: This concert will also be performed on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2:30 p.m. at the Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 So. Garfield St. in Hinsdale. Visit elmhurstsymphony.org for tickets and more information.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

At 7 p.m. the City of Elmhurst’s Commission on Youth is presenting a workshop entitled, “Digital Safety for Parents” at the Elmhurst YMCA, 211 W. First Street. The program is free and no registration is required.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Foundation 205 will hold its annual fundraising gala “Showcase 2023: Dream Big” at Medinah Country Club. Tickets include cocktail hour, a seated dinner, musical entertainment, raffles, an online auction and an afterglow after-party. For tickets and information, visit foundation205.org.

Wednesday, March 1

This is the deadline to submit

A BIG “THANK YOU”

to those readers who have sent a donation to help underwrite The Elmhurst Independent. For those of you who haven’t done so in the past year, but enjoy this newspaper and would like to help us pay for its operation, please send a donation in any amount to:

Elmhurst

240 N. West Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126 IF YOU THINK THE INDEPENDENT IS WORTH

an issue, it would be $26.00; 75¢ an issue - $39.00 or $1 an issue - $52.00 You won’t get a tote bag, T-shirt, coffee mug or CD of Lawrence Welk’s Greatest Hits. But you will get the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to support your favorite newspaper.

nominations for the 2023 Exemplary Youth Service Awards, sponsored by the Elmhurst Youth Commission.

To post a community event, send the information to Independent@rvpublishing.com and put “Community Calendar” in the Subject line.

Elmhurst Art Museum

• Extended through Feb. 12: The first solo museum show of Pilsenbased street artist Sentrock, whose real name is Joseph Perez, is currently on display at the Elmhurst Art Museum. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

• Extended through Monday, Feb. 13: The Elmhurst Art Museum is holding an exhibition in honor of its

founder Eleanor King Hookham. In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the Museum is honoring its founder Eleanor King Hookham (19092003).

She was an educator, internationally exhibiting artist, and the main driving force behind the museum for many decades. Artwork by Hookham from the museum’s collection will be on view in the McCormick House, along with historical photos and documents that show her leadership in securing the historic home for the museum’s future patrons to enjoy. Professionally she called herself El King and exhibited around the world.

Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Resident to perform with OPRF Symphony

Elmhurst resident and violist Uli Widmaier will be featured soloist with the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest at its concert of rarely-heard gems on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. at Concordia University’s Chapel in River Forest.

Widmaier will perform as the soloist in Hindemith’s Trauermusik and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra. Soprano Nathalie Colas is featured in Rav-

After

el’s Sheherazade. The program concludes with Williams’ Symphony No. 5. Professor of Music and Associate Conductor Maurice Boyer leads the award-winning orchestra. A pre-concert lecture begins at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $30 ($27 if ordered online by Feb. 18) and can be ordered at Symphony OPRF.org. For more information, call 708-218-2648 or send an email to TheSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com.

frenzied ‘lame duck’

session, 103rd General Assembly is sworn in Ceremonies held at

Old State Capitol, University of Illinois

By Nika Schoonover and Hannah Meisel

FOR CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A mix of incumbents and newly minted lawmakers were sworn into their terms in the 103rd General Assembly last week following a hectic week of “lame duck” action in the House and Senate.

The crowning achievement from Democrats who wield total control of state government was a ban on the sale and manufacture of assault weapons in Illinois. Sixteen hours after Gov. JB Pritzker signed the measure into law, the Rev. Jerry Doss of Springfield’s Abundant Faith Christian Center recognized it before his invocation over the House swearing-in ceremony.

“I want to also personally thank you—the leaders and the decision-makers—for passing the bill on banning assault weapons,” Doss said. “We appreciate you. Thank you.”

Doss’ comment was met with rousing cheers from Democratic supporters—and silence from Republicans. Though the dozens of speeches during inauguration activities on Jan. 11 struck positive notes about working together for the good of Illinois, they also contained subtle hints about the growing partisan divide in Springfield.

“Those who choose discord, those whose blind allegiance to extreme

Springfield

ideology would dismantle our fundamental institutions, those who would derail the work people have sent us here to do: they will find that this House will not waste the people’s time on their games,” House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, warned in his address in the auditorium at the University of Illinois Springfield.

Seven miles north during the Senate’s inauguration ceremony at the Old State Capitol, incoming Senate GOP Leader John Curran of Downers Grove spoke as a member of the superminority party.

“We are all here to do one thing: create a better Illinois,” Curran said. “That means that all legislators—not just the majority—are here to represent our constituents through creating strong, practical public policy.”

Welch touted the importance of debate and compromise while reminding legislators to remember their “why.”

“As legislators, we’re going to disagree on ‘how’ to achieve a goal, or ‘when’ is the right time to do it. But more often than not, our ‘why’ is very much the same,” he said. “We want to help people. We want to use the opportunities afforded to us to create more opportunities for those who come after us.”

He then took a moment to ac-

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York girls basketball team continues to cruise along Dukes score big win over Downers Grove North

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls basketball team continued its recent winning ways with a pair of West Suburban Conference Silver Division victories. After a 55-24, WSC Silver win over Proviso West, the Dukes upended Downers Grove North 45-33 in a game that saw both teams enter at 6-1 in conference play. York also defeated Glenbard West in an earlier WSC Silver game 5031 and took fifth at the Montini Christmas tournament.

“Our defense has been great,” York coach Brandon Collings said. “Since we lost at Montini, we have given up 37, 25, 31, 24 and 33 points. We are getting it done on the defensive end. And our four losses so far this season all have been to top teams, and we shot under 30 percent in those four games combined. The good news is we are starting to shoot the ball better again.”

Collings said the defensive excellence is the result of a number of factors. “We pick them up full court, make or miss,” he said. “We are going to get some traps and we are still getting a lot of steals off our defense and getting easy transition buckets. We are doing a good job of boxing out, closing out on shooters and talking on defense.”

Collings lauded the recent play of Mariann Blass, Lizzie Baldridge, Stella Kohl, Hannah Meyers, Allison Sheehan and Anna Filosa. York has been down a starter since the new year. “Mariann has been playing well, and so have Lizzie, Stella and Hannah,” he said. “Allison Sheehan has been starting lately and is doing a great job, and so is Anna off the bench.” Blass leads the team in scoring at 15 points per game. Meyers averages 9 points, while Baldridge and Kohl are at 8 points and Filosa is at 5.5 points a contest.

Against Glenbard West, Kohl had 17 points, while Blass had 12, Baldridge had eight points and Meyers added seven points. Blass had 15 points in the Proviso West win. Meyers added 10 points, while Baldridge had nine, Sheehan seven and Kohl five.

Blass hit for a team high 17 points in the Downers North win. Meyers had 10 points, Kohl added seven, while Filosa had five and Baldridge finished with four points. The Dukes were 15-4 overall and 7-1 in WSC Silver

play through late last week. The Dukes are a game back of Lyons Township in the loss column in the race for the WSC Silver title. The two teams square off in early February at LT. York has games scheduled this week against Willowbrook and state-ranked Maine South (Saturday at home). “I’m happy with how we are doing,” Collings said. “The four losses came during a five-game stretch. That competition we played we wouldn’t see unless we made a state run. That’s the level of competition we played in those games. It’s one of those things where we did everything we could have, but we didn’t shoot the basketball well. Overall, that tough schedule is making us better.”

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent York High School’s girls basketball team faced Saint Ignatius in Saturday’s game at the Coach Kipp’s Hoopsfest event at Montini Catholic High School in Lombard. Saint Ignatius defeated the Dukes 59-55. York’s overall season record fell to 15-5 with the loss. Pictured during the game are senior Mariann Blass (No. 1 - left), who scored a team-leading 17 points; junior Stella Kohl (No. 22 - above left), who provided 13 points and 10 rebounds; junior Hannah Meyers (No. 20above right), who supplied eight points; senior Lizzie Baldridge (No. 10 - bottom left), who contributed seven points and nine rebounds; and sophomore Anna Filosa (No. 2) - below, who scored five points.

“ The four losses came during a fivegame stretch. That competition we played we wouldn’t see unless we made a state run. That’s the level of competition we played in those games.”

– Brandon Collings, York coach

IC Prep boys bowling team competes

IC Catholic Prep dance team wins conference title

Knights bowling team second at regional; Gunther earns multiple CCL honors

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The IC Catholic Prep competitive dance team added to its bag of riches by winning the Metro Suburban Conference title.

The Knights scored a season-high 84.6 at the MSC meet held at Elmwood Park High School. It’s the first time in program history ICCP has won the conference title.

The MSC crown follows a regular season of success that included firstplace showings at Wheaton North and Oswego, a second-place finish at Huntley and third-place efforts at Lakes/Antioch and Naperville North. The Knights started competitions in mid-November.

Coach Lauren Caputo-Seren noted the Knights competed their “Turning Tables” routine that it learned in late October.

“Throughout the season we have made changes and have drilled/ cleaned our routine to become more perfect in sync,” she said.

Caputo-Seren the team is filled with potential. “It is a young team with three seniors on the floor,” she said.

Senior captains Ava Meurer, Avery James and Cristina Costa, along with junior captain Delliss Bartles, and sophomores Mila Conneely and Julia Grady were named to the allMSC team. Juniors Ella Conkle and Caitlin Conkle, sophomores Natalie

Captuo-Seren is assisted by coaches Alexis

The Knights head to South Elgin this weekend for IHSA sectional competition where state berths will be on the line. The Knights won a sectional title last year and took eighth in the state, “so we have lots more work to do this season,” Caputo-Seren said.

IC Catholic Prep boys bowling

The Knights’ boys bowling team took fourth at the Lake Park regional held at Bowlero in Roselle and earned a spot in this weekend’s sectional they will host at Bowlero in Glendale Heights.

“We fought hard on some tough lane conditions,” IC Catholic Prep coach Dan Gunther said.

Senior Jacob Gunther took second at the regional with a 1,244 series. He was six pins away from winning the regional title.

Earlier, the Knights competed in the Chicago Catholic League championships at Bowlero in Woodridge.

ICCP finished second during the regular season in the CCL North Division.

Conference title win

IC Catholic Prep senior bowler Jacob Gunther finished second at the recent Lake Park regional with a 1,244 series. Gunther was six pins out of first place.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

The IC Catholic Prep boys bowling team recently took fourth at the Lake Park regional in Roselle and earned a spot in this weekend’s ICCP sectional in Glendale Heights where berths in the state finals will be on the line.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The IC Catholic Prep competitive dance team recently won the Metro Suburban Conference title at Elmwood Park High School. The Knights scored a season-high 84.6 points. It is the first conference title in program history. ICCP competes in the South Elgin sectional this weekend where the top six teams advance to the state finals.

Denekas and Abby Zwolinski and freshman Lillanna Costa also contributed to the conference-championship team.

Makaris and Carlina Saviano.

IC Catholic Prep graduate

IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team defeats De La Salle Knights hold strong against tough non-conference slate

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Will play volleyball for Division II school

The IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team tested its mettle against a pair of strong non-conference opponents last week. And Knights coach Todd Fisher liked what he saw.

next season. Kelsey McDonough led the Knights with 15 points, while Maura Grogan added 13 points in the win.

“It was a very good defensive game, especially in the first half,” Fisher said.

road win for us.”

Leslie headed to Le Moyne

I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

The Knights led 25-15 at halftime.

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Knights were 47-41 winners over Chicago De La Salle, a school that will join ICCP in the revamped Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC)

Recent IC Catholic Prep graduate Bella Leslie wanted to head east for college.

Her landing spot ended up being at NCAA Division II Le Moyne College where the former Knights volleyball and soccer standout will continue her volleyball career at the Syracuse, New York school as a libero.

“All of the schools I was looking at were on the East Coast,” Leslie told the Independent last week. “I visited Le Moyne and really liked it. It reminded me of high school because it was a small school, and in a smaller school you will know a lot more faces than if I would have gone to a bigger school. The campus there is really pretty. It sits on a big hill and the scenery around it is great. Everything is pretty close together. They have very nice facilities. The volleyball program has good workout facilities and a nice locker room. I liked how modern it was.”

Leslie plans on studying nursing at Le Moyne. “They have a good nursing program,” she said. “As far as what kind of a nurse I want to be, I’m not quite sure yet.”

Leslie played volleyball and girls soccer at IC Catholic Prep all four years. She was a center-midfielder on the Knights soccer team.

Leslie’s volleyball journey started in the fifth grade, the first year she could play the sport at IC Grade School. She’s been playing club volleyball since seventh grade, most recently with the Chicago Elite group that practices out of Scores in Willow Springs and Montini High School in Lombard.

“I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college,” she said. “It gives me something to do.

Stopka

They lost to West Chicago on think an own goal in the last five minutes. That was against the state champs in the sectional finals. That’s a hell of a season if

ask me.”

Stopka will teach Spanish at York.

He taught Spanish and one math class at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am more of a players’ coach,” he said.

“I have been a big Liverpool soccer supporter ever since 2015 when Jurgen Klopp came over and he’s known as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my coaching idol. I want to related to the players and form bonds with them. am more light-hearted and smiling. I like to have fun and joke with the kids. The goal is understanding where each player can be successful and the provide the best way possible to convey the knowledge they need at the position they play. I am not big

“It was probably some of our best defense we played all year in that first half,” the coach added. “Toward the end of the fourth quarter, we made some key free throws. It was a good

Leslie said she has plenty of memories from IC Catholic Prep’s coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program.

“I loved playing there,” she said. “I probably enjoyed school volleyball more than club because I love my team and the coaching staff was very supportive on and off the court. It made it a really good environment to be in. Coach (Kerrigan) was great. I have known her for a while. When I was little, I did all the little kids camps, and her daughter was in my brother’s grade at IC.”

Leslie said she will miss plenty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will miss how close knit of a community it was,” she said. “I knew everybody at the school. It will be weird going on campus and not knowing all the faces. I’ll miss those close connections with the coaches and teachers. It will be weird for the first year or so.”

Leslie said pandemic life hasn’t been overly exciting, though her club volleyball team has started practicing again. “We have been practicing two or three times a week,” she said. “We are going to be starting tournaments again. Before that I haven’t been doing anything because senior soccer season and the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville. This summer, we have some tournaments planned over the next few weekends. They are little tournaments with all of the local clubs. Nothing large and really local. Other than that, I have been trying to work out a lot and stay in shape. I’ve been running a lot, so I got into that. I try and run every day.”

Leslie said she is scheduled to report to Le Moyne in the Aug. 1215 timeframe, but noted preseason volleyball activities already have

Earlier last week, the Knights dropped a 55-27 decision to Marian Catholic out of Chicago Heights. Marian was ranked eighth in a recent Associated Press Class 3A state poll. “Marian is solid. They are a very good team that is big and athletic,” Fisher said. “We held our own. I was very proud of the effort. The kids played hard against a bigger, more athletic team. Our kids

fought hard against a high-quality program.”

McDonough had nine points, two assists and two steals, while Mae Bigane had seven points and three rebounds. Grogan finished with four points and 10 rebounds. “Maura has been playing really well for us,” Fisher said.

Previously, the Knights dropped a 67-38 Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division game to crosstown neighbor Timothy Christian. McDonough had 18 points, while Graziella Narcisi had seven points and four rebounds. McDonough also had eight rebounds. “We had a game plan going in, and the kids did a very good job executing the game plan,” Fisher said. “Give credit to Timothy, they had some kids step up.”

After the 1-1 split, the Knights were 13-10 overall and 0-4 in MSC Blue action. “We’re heading down the home stretch,” Fisher said. “We’ll get to play everybody in the conference one more

time. Right now, we had a good win against a good De La Salle team and now we’re focused on the conference games coming up. The season has gone by kind of quick. The postseason is coming up next month already. The playoff seeds will come out in early February. We’re getting the kids ready for these next games coming up. From a coaching standpoint, we’re looking down the road to see potential matchups in regionals. With this win against De La Salle, hopefully we can build on it and get some more momentum. The kids are working hard in practice. We are working on the things we need to work on and tweaking a few things and implementing some new things. We’re looking short-term and longterm.”

ICCP played Riverside-Brookfield earlier in the week in MSC Blue play. The Knights will host Southland College Prep Charter out of Richton Park Saturday as part of ICCP’s Coaches vs. Cancer annual event.

been cancelled due to the pandemic. “I will probably leave Aug. 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” she said. “We had Zoom call with the team recently and they said they should have an answer about our season in the next 7-10 days. They talked about three scenarios and what could happen like if we start the season and someone gets sick and we have to stop and go. That’s one of the reasons why they are looking at moving the season to the spring. Right now the plan is to have a season, but we won’t know until the next 7-10 days.”

But if all systems are a go, Leslie can’t wait to take her skills as a libero to the next level with the Dolphins. “I feel like being a libero you have to be really quick and that is typically what I am good at. I have really good reaction time,” she said. “I like diving on the floor and saving balls. It’s a really good feeling when you make a save. The position fits my personality, too. You have to be the loudest one on the court. I have a loud personality. You have to be pretty loud if you want to be a libero. I think I match that description.”

• IC (Continued from page 21)

Gunther led the way, taking home the season-high average award (228), season-high series award (771) and earned all-conference honors for being one of the top five averages.

Gunther also won the Tony Lawless Award for being the top senior with the highest series of the day at the conference championship (1,102). Dan Gunther noted this award is comparable to an MVP or player of the year honor.

Freshman Jacob Dominick won the JV individual title with a 1,013 series and earned a high-game medal for a 231 effort.

ICCP finished fifth overall. “Not too bad for the new kids in the Catholic League,” Dan Gunther pointed out.

tournament and recorded a dual-meet victory against Aurora Christian.

Knights coach Jason Renteria noted Isaiah Gonzalez and Omar Samayoa are leading the ICCP charge. Both were undefeated at press time.

huge rah-rah person. I’m a little bit more of an individual players’ coach. I will pull kids to the side at practice and games and teach them.”

Stopka noted York has been doing conditioning drills and said the plan as of earlier last week was to start summer camp pending District 205 approval. “I have probably been able to meet 60 to 70 percent of the players so far,” he said. “If it does get approved that would be the start of our contact days with four days a week for three weeks straight. And even though the IHSA waived the blackout dates before the school year, we won’t take advantage of that. I’m pretty sure families have plans to do things before school starts. I’m the new guy and I’m not going to say you can’t go with your family. Go do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

As far as the future, Stopka wants York competing at a high level on a consistent basis. “The short-term goal is to restock and build up the team,” he said. “A large portion of last year’s team was seniors, especially the starting 11. We have to make sure the now juniors are up to the speed of the varsity level and are ready to contribute. We want to keep that pipeline going with the younger groups of players. We want to make sure we are not only competitive, but that we are competing for regionals, sectionals and supersectionals. It starts for me with this junior class that is coming in. We want them ready to go and setting the standard for these other classes that come in so they can also contribute right off

U12 baseball action

IC Catholic Prep wrestling

The IC Catholic Prep wrestling team recently took second at the Unity

“The team is really becoming a family and I see our underclassmen becoming leaders, not only by talking to the younger kids on the team, but showing them how to work and get the job done right,” Renteria said. “Our biggest improvements have been our guys are starting to chain wrestle and figure their offense out, which is big for them. Overall, I think we need to get the rust off. It’s been a shorter season with our football team winning state, so it’s all about making sure we get these boys ready to peak come state time.”

Barr was the recipient of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleyball team and still has a season to add to that total.

“ I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college. It gives me something to do. I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

Bella Leslie

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball game.

Levine exploded for 36 points in York’s recent 63-62 loss in overtime to Oak Park-River Forest in West Suburban Silver action. Levine also had 26 points in the team’s 63-51 WSC Silver win over Proviso West.

York boys basketball team defeats Proviso West

Dukes lose to Oak Park in overtime; Levine hits for 36 points

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York boys basketball team continued its string of strong play during a recent three-game stretch.

The Dukes were 63-51 winners over Proviso West in West Suburban Conference Silver Division action. AJ Levine led York with 26 points, while Braden Richardson added 18 points.

“I thought we took care of the ball well,” York coach Mike Dunn said. “Proviso West wants to play a very fast-paced temp and we controlled the way we wanted to play.

We rebounded extremely well and went to the free throw line and knocked down free throws when we needed to. That was two good games in a row after a tough loss to Glenbard West. One step at a time forward.”

York also dropped a close 63-62 overtime game to Oak Park-River Forest in another WSC Silver matchup. Levine exploded for 36 points in the game. Kyle Waltz added nine points.

Earlier, York defeated IC Catholic Prep 51-47 in a non-conference game played at ICCP. Levine had

17 points, while Chris Danko had 13 points and Waltz had 11 points.

“We handled adversity very well,” Dunn said of the team’s performance against ICCP. “We were down 8-0 to start the game. We played very well against a very good team at their place. We made big shots in the second half and played solid defensively.”

York was 10-10 overall and 2-5 in WSC Silver play after the Oak Park overtime loss.

Dunn noted Ryan Pechous, a junior, has performed well off the bench for the Dukes.

“Ryan has done a really good job defensively as the sixth guy coming off the bench,” he said. “He is solid. He makes the extra pass and does the little things very well. He provides a nice energy bump off the bench.”

Dunn also liked the recent play of Richardson. “Braden has played well. He played well in the Proviso game,” he said. “When Braden plays well, we are tough to beat.”

Dunn added the team is looking forward to the eventual return of Brendan Molis, who is working his way back from injury.

“We’re taking steps forward and trying to keep moving forward,” he said “Brendan is probably still two or three weeks away, but when we get him back that will be a nice bonus for us.”

York played Geneva earlier this week at a Martin Luther King event at Prospect High School and will face Downers Grove North Friday at home in a WSC Silver game before heading to Batavia Night of Hoops Saturday to square off against St. Charles East.

“It’s a very busy week for us,” Dunn said.

Timothy Christian girls basketball team enjoys week in Florida Mix of service projects and basketball proves beneficial for Trojans

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

As part of Timothy Christian High School’s annual Renew initiative the Trojans’ girls basketball team spent last week in the Orlando, Florida area combining service project work with a little basketball thrown in as well. But the main emphasis was a week’s worth of service projects. Timothy Christian visited the Mustard Seed of Central Florida organization, which has helped many families recover from the recent hurricane by providing household furnishings and clothing. The Trojans went to the Mustard Seed warehouse and helped sort items, such as clothes, coach Jill Groenewold noted.

The Trojans also spent time at the New Hope for Kids organization that helps children who are dealing with losses in their lives. Timothy Christian players worked on some projects there, including art projects. Groenewold said another highlight of the trip was helping out at

a strip-mall shopping center that had separate stores where individuals could go and have a shower, get their clothes cleaned and visit a health clinic, among other services offered. The Trojans helped out in the facility’s warehouse. “It’s been a great experience for the kids,” Groenewold said. “They really bought in to what we have been doing here. It’s been an opportunity for them to see another side of life. It’s been really good for them.”

The Trojans also mixed in some basketball, losing by 14 points to Bishop More out of Orlando, a perennial Catholic school power in that area. “They are a school a little bigger than us. They are a powerhouse down here that qualifies for state quite often. It was a good challenge,” Groenewold said. “We had a tough first quarter and got down 15-0 and then played them even the rest of the way.”

Prior to heading to Florida, the Trojans went 3-0 with wins over Ridgewood, Riverside-Brookfield and IC Catholic Prep. “We

have been playing well defensively,” Groenewold said. “We have been talking to the kids about it. My assistant coach says defense always travels. If we can keep playing defense like we have been, that is going to help keep us improving and keep us in games. Against Ridgewood we struggled a little offensively and then did much better offensively and played a complete game against a good Riverside-Brookfield team.”

Groenewold has been pleased with the varied contributions the team continues to receive. “Maddie (Drye) and Grace (Roland) continue to play like senior leaders. Mili Martens has been playing well and Sami Drye hit 8 threes and helped us out a lot against IC. That’s a lot

of 3s,” she said. Roland also recently went over the 1,000-career point mark. “That’s a nice accomplishment for Grace,” Groenewold said.

The Trojans were 16-6 overall and 6-1 in Metro Suburban Blue play through late last week. Timothy’s only loss in conference came against Wheaton St. Francis. The Trojans head to Wheaton tonight for the rematch and then play Rosary in a fight against pediatric cancer event Saturday in Aurora. “We have some tough games coming up,” Groenewold said.

“I’m glad the kids are playing hard, and I think this week away has helped from a bonding standpoint. We want to keep the defense pressure up and keep this flow going offensively these last three weeks of the regular season.”

knowledge former Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, who officially resigned his seat on Jan. 10.

“It’s no secret that Rep. Jim Durkin and I would disagree on many of the ‘hows’ and ‘whens’ of lawmaking, and we would often make those disagreements known—sometimes at maximum volume,” Welch said. “And that’s a good thing, because debate and disagreement are necessary steps toward compromise and cooperation – as long as we never lose sight of our ‘why.’”

Welch was formally elected to a second term as Speaker of the House with unanimous Democratic support and was sworn in by his wife, ShawnTe Raines-Welch, a new Cook County Judge. He took his oath on a family Bible that was passed on to him and his wife when they got married 12 years ago.

Last year’s campaign cycle added to the tremendous churn in lawmakers Springfield has seen over the past handful of years, resulting in the least-tenured crop of House and Senate members in modern history.

Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, noted that “with a whopping tenure of not quite three years” he’s now the longest-serving legislative leader in the General Assembly.

“Make of that what you will,” he quipped.

Tony McCombie, elected for the first time as Republican Minority Leader, became the first woman to ever lead a House caucus.

In her speech, the Savanna Republican stressed a need for better balance in Illinois,

making special note of the state’s “gerrymandered maps.”

“We must prioritize the co-equal nature of our government and prioritize fulfilling the constitutional duty,” McCombie told the crowd.

“My Republican colleagues in the House have put their faith in me to restore, and to rebuild, and to bring balance to Illinois. It will be difficult but we will claw back in the wake of the worst gerrymandered maps in the country.”

Part of the turnover is also due to forced resignations as legislators have found themselves mired in scandal in a wide-ranging federal probe alleging wrongdoing connected with legislation including gambling operations, red light cameras and giant utility companies.

Welch’s predecessor, longtime powerful House Speaker Mike Madigan ceded his gavel nearly two years ago after growing pressure from his caucus to step down after being named as the target of alleged bribes by Chicago-based electric utility Commonwealth Edison. Madigan faces trial next year, while others connected with the scandal are scheduled for their day in court this spring.

After the feds filed even more evidence in their case against ComEd’s former lobbyists and executives late Tuesday night, Harmon’s address also included a warning to his colleagues, noting the “sweeping tarnish” that affects all Springfield politicians “that comes when even one elected official strays.”

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