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1 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

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THURSDAY, FEB. 8, 2024

City kicks off ‘Downtown Plan’ for growth, development Public input sought; two workshop meetings scheduled next Tuesday

The City of Elmhurst has announced the kick-off of the Elmhurst Downtown Plan. The Plan will serve as the City’s official guide for downtown growth and development.

Informed by existing conditions, community consensus, community vision, and future potentials, the plan will serve as a road map to the future for the core of the City.

The new plan will guide downtown policy decisions and help the community achieve its long-term objectives – a downtown that is a destination for residents and visitors,

boasts high appearance standards and improvements, and is known for business retention and recruitment.

The Downtown Plan will address land use and development, redevelopment opportunities and catalyst sites, transportation, parking, pedestrian mobility, streetscape, and placemaking and public realm improvements.

When completed, the Elmhurst Downtown Plan will be the product of the community, with a vision and recommendations guided by valuable input received from residents,

business owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Over the next year, residents should stay active and aware of the project as it progresses by tracking it through the project website, which will be available at elmhurst.org/downtownplanupdate.

Also at the web site, stakeholders can access the online survey and create their own map with issues and opportunities for Downtown Elmhurst.

9:30 a.m., a Downtown Business Listening Session will be held at City Hall. It is targeted to Elmhurst’s corporate citizens, property and business owners, and developers, as an important Downtown stakeholder group. The purpose of this listening session is to establish a dialogue and obtain feedback from those members of the business community that have a unique insight and perspective, and whose Public events scheduled assistance and involvement is crufor input, feedback cial to the Downtown Plan’s ultiOn Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 8 to mate success.

Also Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at City Hall, there will be a Downtown Plan Public Workshop, which will allow residents and stakeholders to provide input before any plan recommendations are formulated. Attendees will learn about the planning process to be undertaken and the project schedule. The project team will give a presentation and conduct a Downtown issues and opportunities activity with attendees. For more information, visit elmhurst. org/downtownplanupdate.

Ex-wives?

Or past lives?

When the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra hosted a Mayors’ Roast of John Quigley of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Feb. 2 as a fundraiser for the Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187, these “ladies” played The Dating Game, portraying John’s three former wives. Pictured from left are: Dee Longfellow, playing ex-wife #1, Kevin O’Keeffe, as ex-wife #2, and Shazad Mehta in the role of the 3rd ex-wife, who actually won the date! Full story and another photo in Business.

On Saturday, March 9, the EAO will be out in force at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a brand-new queen.

Inside:

Police Reports...........6 Classifieds................8 Viewpoint.................8 Sports................20-23

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PAUL DELGUIDICE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

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2 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

Carol Stream man shot, killed after police respond to report of domestic violence Incident under investigation; officers’ body cameras to be reviewed

A 30-year-old man died after the Carol Stream Police Department responded to a report of domestic violence early Saturday morning.

According to the Carol Stream Police Department, at about 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, police responded to a reported domestic violence incident at the Village Brook Apartments at 260 E. St. Charles Road in Carol Stream.

According to a statement issued by the department, officers “encountered a tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving situation, which resulted in officers discharging their weapons at the alleged domestic violence suspect.”

The suspect, Isaac Goodlow III, 30, a resident of the Chicagoland area, was struck and sustained critical injuries. He was transported to Central DuPage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No police officers were injured in the incident.

“The department has determined

“

The department has determined that two officers discharged their weapons in relation to this incident.”

– Carol Stream Police Department

that two officers discharged their weapons in relation to this incident,” related the Carol Stream Police Department in an additional statement about the shooting. The two officers have been placed on paid leave while the incident is under investigation.

According to the Carol Stream Police Department, officers’ bodyworn cameras were activated during the incident and will be reviewed as part of an independent investigation.

Send Love Valentine’s Week

Now that’s funny

Feb. 8-14

PAUL DELGUIDICE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Former Mayor Steve Morley (left) and current Mayor Scott Levin have a hearty laugh at one of the jokes told on Friday, Feb. 2 at the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra’s Mayors’ Roast of John Quigley of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECCI). The roast was held at the Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187, which will garner the proceeds from the evening.

Commission announces increase in home rule sales tax

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Effective Jan. 1, the City’s home rule sales tax has increased from 1% to 1.5%, according to the Elmhurst Economic Development Commission. Businesses should update their

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point-of-sale systems to reflect the updated rate.

The increase in home rule sales tax will provide additional funding to the City’s Stormwater Fund. Mitigating

flooding by managing and improving the City’s stormwater system remains a priority for the City. For more information, visit elmhurststormwaterplan.org.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 3

It’s 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.

York Street

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4 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

The elmhursT IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper Locally owned and operated 240 N. West Avenue 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.

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

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Elmhurst University music department to host Kontras String Quartet The Elmhurst University Music Department will be hosting the Kontras String Quartet for a concert performance on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. The concert will take place in Buik Recital Hall in Irion Hall on the Elmhurst University campus. The concert is free and open to the public.

The title for the concert is Reverence: Music of Nature and the Sublime. The program reminds listeners of themes of Romantic-era literature: the natural world, the transcendent, and the awe we feel in contemplation of both. From the shores of distant Nordic islands, through sacred halls echoing spirituals, this music invites us to reflect and ponder the bigger forces at play in our lives.

The program includes Quincy Porter’s 1927 composition In Monasterio to be followed by the famous String Quartet No. 2 by Johannes Brahms. Stacy Garrop’s String Quartet #1 will be followed by selections from Spiritual Fantasy No. 12 by Frederick Tillis. The program will conclude with selections from Last Leaf, tradition-

al music arranged by the Danish String Quartet.

The Kontras Quartet is one of the preeminent professional string quartets in the Chicago area and

has recently returned from a European tour. The quartet musicians include Eleanor Bartsch and Francois Henkins on violin, Ben Webber on viola, and Jean Hatmaker

playing cello.

Admission is free and the public is invited. For further information, please visit www.elmhurst.edu/music.

If you go…

WHAT: Kontras String

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WHERE: Buik Recital

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WHEN: Feb. 10, 3 p.m.

COST: Free FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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visit www.elmhurst. edu/music

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

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.

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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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Obituaries

Joan Crabtree Bates, 95 Joan Crabtree Bates, aged 95, beloved wife of the late Alben F. “Pete” Bates, Jr.; loving mother of Frederick (Janis), Josephine (the late David) Prasil, Angelique, Peter (Jamie) and the late Victoria Joan; proud Grandmere of Georgia, Ella, and Ian Bates; Daniel, Paul, Victoria, and Matthew Prasil; and Madeline, Benjamin, Caroline, and Margaret Bates; dear sister of Barbara Michaels; fond Aunt of many nieces and a nephew. Born May 9, 1928 in Oak Park, IL to Dr. Joseph P. and Rosalie M. (nee Sullivan) Crabtree.

She passed away January 25, 2024 at her home in Elmhurst.

Joan attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and later graduated from York High School in 1946. She then attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Chicago, graduating with the Class of 1949. As her first appointment, Joan worked as a Surgical Nurse at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Hospital. Later she assisted her

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured is the Kontras String Quartet, which will perform in concert on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. in Buik Recital Hall inside Irion Hall on the campus of Elmhurst University. The concert is free and open to the public.

father in his medical practice located on the upper floor of the former Elmhurst National Bank. The first floor NW corner of the bank that housed the old Rexall Drug Store/ Soda Fountain is where Joan and her husband Alben (Pete) were first introduced to one another by her father.

They married 6 months later and enjoyed an enviable life-long union of love, kindness, mutual respect, and laughter. Family life was central and multiple generations enjoyed many memorable travels and road trips together, especially to Joan’s beloved destinations in New Orleans French Quarter, Savannah, and Charleston.

Her surviving children and grandchildren have so many fond memories enjoying summers together at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. They feel so blessed to have had such a loving Mother/Grandmere, guiding force, and positive role model in their lives.

Joan will be remembered also for her beauty, grace, and iconic style, sense of humor, and love for her Bichons.

Joan will be dearly missed by so many and we will remain comforted knowing she is now reunited with her many loved ones in Heaven.

Our family is especially grateful for the loving compassion provided by the caregivers of “Team Joan”.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607.

Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst; 630-8320018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome. com.

Keith Olson, 87 Keith Olson, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024 after a battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Irmgard, daughters Andrea Johnson (Jeffry) and Annette Sprague (Ted), grandchildren Everett, Dylan, and Caroline, and brother Clark (Barbara).

He was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, moved to Indiana and Wisconsin with his brother and parents, Harry and Ruth (nee Stewart) Olson before they settled in Elmhurst.

Keith graduated from York High School, left Illinois for college and graduate school, and lived in many other places, including New Mexico, Alaska, and Germany, before returning to Elmhurst. He was a lifelong educator, teaching chemistry and environmental studies at York for over 25 years and sharing his knowledge of prairie plants and varied interests with numerous others. His tireless work was instrumental in establishing and maintaining efforts to preserve the Elmhurst Great Western Prairie.

He held volunteer positions in community organizations including the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, DuPage Credit Union and Epiphany Lutheran Church. He actively supported many other local, national and international humanitarian, cultural and environmental associations. After retiring from York, he co-authored three non-fiction books and contributed to other publications.

A memorial will be held at a later date, tentatively in June. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Elmhurst Symphony (elmhurstsymphony.org) or a humanitarian, cultural, or environmental organization of your choice.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 5

The City of Elmhurst is creating its new Downtown Plan, a road map for the City to direct growth, development, and investment in the Downtown over the next 10 years.

Your participation is key in the creation of the Plan—join us and tell us your vision!

Visit Elmhurst.org/downtownplanupdate to take the online survey and create your own map with issues and opportunites for Downtown Elmhurst.

Downtown Business Listening Session: Tuesday, February 13th from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at City Hall Downtown Plan Public Workshop: Tuesday, February 13th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall

City of Elmhurst Downtown Plan

The new plan will guide downtown policy decisions and help the community achieve its long-term objectives – a downtown that is a destination for residents and visitors, boasts high appearance standards and improvements, and is known for business retention and recruitment. The Downtown Plan will address land use and development, redevelopment opportunities and catalyst sites, transportation, parking, pedestrian mobility, streetscape, and placemaking and public realm improvements.

When completed, the Elmhurst Downtown

Plan will be the product of the community, with a vision and recommendations guided by valuable input received from residents, business owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Over the next year, residents should stay active and aware of the project as it progresses by tracking it through the project website, which will be available through elmhurst. org/downtownplanupdate. Additionally, stakeholders can access the online survey and create their own map with issues and opportunites for Downtown Elmhurst through this website.

Tell Us Your Vision Upcoming Events Downtown Business Listening Session

Tuesday, February 13th from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at City Hall The listening session is targeted to

Elmhurst’s corporate citizens, property and business owners, and developers, as an important Downtown stakeholder group.

The purpose of this listening session is to establish a dialogue and obtain feedback from those members of the business community that have a unique insight and perspective, and whose assistance and involvement is crucial to the Downtown Plan’s ultimate success.

Downtown Plan Public Workshop

Tuesday, February 13th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall This event will allow residents and stakeholders to provide input before any plan recommendations are formulated.

Attendees will learn about the planning process to be undertaken and the project schedule. The project team will give a presentation and conduct a Downtown issues and opportunities activity with attendees.

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The City of Elmhurst is excited to announce the kick-off of the Elmhurst Downtown Plan. The Plan will serve as the City’s official guide for downtown growth and development. Informed by existing conditions, community consensus, community vision, and future potentials, the plan will serve as a road map to the future for the core of the City.

6 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

Police beat

Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery

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 damage Jan. 29 A complainant near North and I-290 told police that while driving at the above location, his rear passenger window was shattered by unknown means.

A complainant at York High School told police that an unknown person(s) keyed her vehicle while it was parked at the above location.

An investigation is pending.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance, dispute Jan. 31 Police said officers responded to an area near Larch and Industrial at 4:02 p.m. for the report of a person with a gun. Upon arrival, the suspect, Titus Smahon, 32, of Elmhurst, was located and found to be in possession of a handgun, according to police. An investigation determined the victim and the suspect were reportedly involved in a traffic dispute and the suspect allegedly displayed a handgun but did not point it at the victim. Smahon was charged with disorderly conduct.

Jan. 26 A 25-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 100 block of Fellows Court. Police said the suspect poured beer on a victim and scratched her.

Jan. 25 A 34-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with domestic battery in the 300 block of N. Highview. Police said the suspect held a victim down and shook her.

DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol, consumption of alcohol by a minor Jan. 28 Calixto Ines Garcia Lopez, 28, of Melrose Park, was charged with DUI, following too closely, improper lane usage, failure to signal when required, possession of open alcohol and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Industrial and Grand at 1:24 a.m.

Walter Mendoza, 37, of Addison, was charged with DUI and two counts of improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Berteau at 12:57 a.m.

Jan. 27 Yateece McGregg, 43, of Elmhurst, was issued citations for possession of open alcohol and suspended registration subsequent to a traffic stop near Euclid and Meister at 4:22 a.m.

CALL 800-222-TIPS Jan. 25 Pamela Morton, 66, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving on the wrong side of the road in the 100 block of Grantley.

Fleeing, eluding

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of fleeing and eluding.

Harassment, threats Jan. 27 A complainant in the 200 block of Walnut told police she believes the suspect is using various social media platforms and unknown phone numbers to harass her. The suspect has also contacted the complainant’s friends and family. Pending investigation.

Jan. 22 A complainant in the 300 block of W. Kimbell reported that a suspect had continued attempting to contact her after being told not to.

The reporting officer spoke with the suspect who agreed to have no further contact with the complainant.

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of identity theft or fraud.

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported five incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Mitchell Love, 28, of Aurora, near Lake and Grand at 2 a.m. Jan. 27; Carlos Salmeron, 35, and Arabella Castro, 21, both of Villa Park, near York and Madison at 8:21 p.m. Jan. 28; Fawaz Saleh, 30, of Bridgeview, near York and Lake at 11:22 p.m. Jan. 28; Rogelio Carrera, 24, of Hillside, near Roosevelt and Route 83 at 11:51 a.m. Jan. 29; and Jose Diaz Sotelo, 28, of Maywood, near North and Addison at 11:56 p.m. Jan. 31.

Solicitation of a child Jan. 29 Police said that subsequent to an investigation of electronic communication between a suspect and a complainant who posed as a 12-year-old child online, the suspect, Andrew P. Barrett, 58, of Elmhurst, was charged with indecent solicitation of a child, grooming and was transported to the DuPage County Jail.

Jan. 31 Police said that subsequent to a retail theft that had just occurred at a pharmacy in the 100 block of W. North, the suspect was located walking away from the scene and was found to be in possession of various stolen cosmetics from the pharmacy. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the police station.

Police said the suspect also had a valid warrant out of Lake County. Charges are pending for burglary and retail theft.

Jan. 30 A victim told police at 3:27 a.m. that he live-streamed and showed his naked self to a female he met on a dating app. The unknown female told the victim that she will share the recorded video with his family and friends if he doesn’t send her money. The victim sent a total amount of $516 due to this online scam.

An investigation is pending.

A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole his wife’s vehicle while it was parked at Edward-Elmhurst Hospital. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Racine, Wis. Further investigation is pending.

A victim in the 200 block of W. Claremont told police he went on a lunch break and left his DeWalt tools at the above location. Upon returning to the site, his tools were missing.

Jan. 29 Officers responded to a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 4:17 p.m. for the report of a delayed retail theft. Upon an officer’s arrival, the complainant related an unknown suspect stole merchandise and fled in a red Land Rover Discovery. And investigation is pending.

Jan. 28 Joshua M. Pickett, 19 of Chicago, was charged with burglary, theft, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and two counts of criminal damage to property in the 700 block of W. Lake at 1:52 p.m. (See full story elsewhere in this issue.)

Dec. 20 A complainant told police that an unknown suspect(s) altered their check and deposited it into an unknown Capital One account in the 800 block of N. Addison.

Dec. 9 Javier Velez Jr., 38, of Chicago, was charged with theft-unauthorized control with intent, not exceeding $500 with prior conviction in the 200 block of N. Myrtle.

Theft of catalytic converters

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported no incidents of catalytic converters being removed and stolen from a vehicle.

Violation of pretrial release Jan. 29 Police said Nyles Smith, 25, of Michigan City, Ind., was found to have an active warrant for missing his court date and was also in violation of his pre-trial release. Smith was charged with violation of pretrial release.

Warrant arrest Jan. 28 Police said Faith D. Lawrence, 21, of Villa Park, was found to be wanted on a warrant out of DuPage County. Lawrence also was charged with operating a vehicle with suspended registration and improper lane usage near north and York at 4:15 p.m.

Man charged with burglary after allegedly stealing car from dealership On Sunday, Jan. 28, at approximately 1:52 p.m. the Elmhurst Police Department responded to WIN Auto Plaza at 704 W. Lake Street for a 911 call reporting a vehicle theft in progress. It was learned that two dealership employees had arrived at the used car dealership to Joshua Pickett drop off a vehicle when they observed a man in the rear parking lot stealing a blue Infiniti coupe belonging to the business. One employee called 911 while another employee followed the stolen car in their vehicle.

The suspect is believed to have mistakenly turned onto a dead-end street at Mary Court and Junior Terrace. The employee attempted to block the Infiniti with his vehicle, while the suspect accelerated to pass the employee. The vehicles collided and the suspect ran from the damaged Infiniti.

Responding police officers arrived at the scene and set up a perimeter to search for the suspect with the aid of a police K-9 and public safety drone.

At 2:10 p.m. Elmhurst police officers located the suspect at West Ave. and Lorraine St. Officers safely took the suspect into custody

and transported him to the Elmhurst Police Station.

While investigating the incident, officers determined the suspect allegedly burglarized the closed dealership by breaking through a glass door, entering, and removing the vehicle key from inside the building. Further, the dealership security camera system was damaged by the suspect while perpetrating the burglary. It was learned the suspect traveled to the area of the dealership using a rideshare company app and had planned to steal this particular Infiniti.

In consultation with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Joshua M. Pickett, 19, of the 1000 block of E. 73rd St., Chicago, was charged with burglary, theft of property-more than $10,000 value, possession of stolen motor vehicle, and two counts of criminal damage to property. He was transported to the DuPage County Jail and was granted pretrial release at first appearance court on Monday, Jan. 29. Pickett’s next court date is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 26, in DuPage County Circuit Court.

Members of the public are reminded defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 7

Two men charged with armed robbery at Addison gas station Court grants state’s motion to deny pre-trial DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Addison Chief of Police Roy Selvik have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for two Chicago men accused of robbing an Addison gas station at gunpoint.

Willie Carter, 24, and Anton Stephens, 24, each appeared at First Appearance Court and are charged with two counts of armed robbery with a firearm (Class X felony) and one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony). In addition, Stephens is facing one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony).

It is alleged that on Jan. 30 at approximately 11:50 p.m., a Villa Park police officer observed a vehicle that was suspected of being involved in an armed robbery at a Villa Park gas station earlier in January, traveling westbound on I-290 into DuPage County.

As the officer continued surveil-

Willie Carter

Anton Stephens

lance, it is alleged that the vehicle exited I-290 heading westbound on Lake Street into Addison and backed into a parking spot near the front door of the Speedway gas station located at in the 700 block of E. Lake Street in Addison. It is alleged that two males, later identified as Carter and Stephens, exited the vehicle and entered the gas station store.

It is further alleged that once in the store, one of the defendants began putting cigarettes in a garbage bag while the other pressed a gun to the side of a female clerk and ordered her to open the cash register, which she was unable to do

as the register was in the process of rebooting.

It is alleged that at one point, a male customer entered the store while the robbery was in progress and that one of the defendants pointed a gun at his head and told him to get on the floor, which he did.

It is alleged that one of the defendants then stole the man’s wallet. It is alleged that Carter and Stephens then exited the store with one of the men carrying the bag of cigarettes and fled the scene in their vehicle eastbound on Lake St. It is further alleged that a Villa Park police officer deployed spike strips in the eastbound lanes of Lake St., which the defendants avoided by driving east in the westbound lanes of Lake St. It is further alleged that a highspeed pursuit ensued as the defendants fled. It is alleged that the pursuit, which at times was in excess of 100 mph, involved approximately 20 police vehicles from

multiple jurisdictions along several roads including Lake Street, Route 83, westbound I-290, I-355, Army Trail Road, eastbound I-290, 25th Avenue and Gardner Road.

During the pursuit, spike strips were successfully deployed on I-290 at Mannheim Rd., which ended the pursuit near the intersection of Gardner Rd. and Gladstone St., when the defendants’ vehicle crashed into a marked police car.

It is alleged that the men then both fled on foot, only to be taken into custody within blocks of the crash.

When searching the defendants’ vehicle, officers allegedly recovered a loaded Glock 22 pistol with an extended magazine.

“In DuPage County, we will not sit idly by and allow the type of violent gun crime such as is alleged against Mr. Carter and Mr. Stephens to occur,” Berlin said. “I cannot overstate the seriousness of the charges against these two men.

After allegedly robbing a gas sta-

tion at gunpoint, the defendants then allegedly led approximately 20 police cars on an extremely dangerous high-speed chase.

“We are all thankful that no innocent motorists or the victims at the gas station were physically harmed as a result of the defendants’ alleged actions. I commend the Addison and Villa Park police departments and all the officers involved in this incident for their swift response as well as the Elmhurst, Bensenville, Berkeley, Hillside, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Westchester, West Chicago and Northlake police departments for their assistance in taking Mr. Carter and Mr. Stephens into custody.”

The next court appearance for both men is scheduled Feb. 26 for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.

If found guilty, Stephens faces a penalty of up to 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections while Carter faces a penalty of up to 60 years due to his history.

Armed convicted felon leads police on high-speed chase

Later charged with being an armed habitual criminal imately 2:56 a.m., an Oak Brook police officer on patrol observed a vehicle, allegedly driven by Hicks, on 22nd Street and Midwest Road reportedly traveling 55 mph in a 35-mph zone.

It is alleged that when the officer activated his emergency lights and sirens, instead of pulling over, Hicks sped up reaching speeds of approximately 60 mph and ignored a red light at a traffic control device.

It is alleged that Hicks allegedly continued to evade the officer reaching speeds of approximately 70 mph in a 35-mph zone until another officer successfully spiked his tires at Spring Road and 31st Street.

It is further alleged that Hicks continued to drive on flat tires and entered I-294 where he reached speeds of approximately 80 mph until his vehicle became disabled in Northlake.

Hicks was taken into custody at this time and transported to a local hospital for medical attention after he told officers he had just ingested ecstasy.

When searching Hicks’ vehicle, in the glove compartment officers allegedly located a loaded SCCY 380 handgun with one bullet in the chamber. Hicks does not possess a FOID card or CCL. “In DuPage County, we take incidents of fleeing from the police very seriously,” Berlin said. “What is more alarming in this case is that, as a convicted felon, Mr. Hicks is prohibited from owning a firearm, yet he was allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded gun at the time of his arrest. Thankfully, no innocent motorists were injured or worse as a result of Mr. Hicks’ alleged actions.”

Hicks’ next court appearance is scheduled Feb. 26 for arraignment in front of Judge Michael Reidy.

Volunteers, sponsors sought for Elmhurst Cycling Classic

Event returns June 8

The Elmhurst Cycling Classic (ECC) is scheduled to return to the Collegeview neighborhood around Elmhurst University on Saturday, June 8. It is the primary fundraiser of the DuPage Cycling Foundation, and the race cannot take place without the help of volunteers. Take advantage of this opportunity to be involved in an epic day of speed, community and charity.

Sponsors sought Get your brand in front of thousands of spectators as well as the athletes. The Elmhurst Cycling Classic

presents sponsorship opportunities to address the full spectrum of objectives. From passive to direct crowd engagement, this event offers a variety of ways to put your brand in the middle of the action as well as the center of the community.

Use your sponsorship to build awareness, drive traffic, engage with the community and build your customer database. Representatives from the ECC will work with you to suggest and create sponsorships that are in line with your particular objective. For more information, visit elmhurstcyclingclassic.com/sponsors.

READERS

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis have announced that Judge Timothy McJoynt granted the state’s mo- Quinton Hicks tion to deny pre-trial release for a convicted felon accused of leading police on a high-speed chase while in possession of a loaded handgun.

Quinton Hicks, 38, of Chicago, appeared at First Appearance Court and is charged with one count of armed habitual criminal (Class X felony), one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony), one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.

On Saturday, Jan. 27 at approx-

8 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Feb. 8, 2024 • 8

Under my father’s fedora

She who laughs last

Well, the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra’s Mayors Roast of John Quigley has come and gone and the laughs are all just a memory. A good time was had by all and best of all… the event raised almost $5,000 for the American Legion. You can’t beat that.

I was among the roasters, and in fact the only female – apparently, they were trying to find a woman in Elmhurst who had neither dated nor married John Quigley and I was the only one!

HA! Another zinger!

I actually screwed up my speech – I was trying to make a point that John gets so many accolades and I get none. I was trying to say, John Quigley gets everything and poor me – my only triumph in Elmhurst was last year when I was the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra’s Queen of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! (which was a delight – a Dee-light!)

At the end, I made a plea for a party on Cinco de Mayo, -- May 5 -- which is my 70th birthday.

I went over my time and had to be played off at the end. I was unable to finish my sincere thoughts about John – because we have a great working relationship and a great friendship – possibly BECAUSE we’ve never dated or married! And I wouldn’t change

By

DEE LONGFELLOW Editor

what we have for anything in the world.

I wanted to say this: “John, I think it was Genie Urick who said that if Elmhurst was a high school, you and I would be Homecoming King and Queen.

You’ve saved me on many occasions when I needed a photo or a column or a comment about someone for an obituary. I’ve told you all my deepest secrets to the point that you could probably either have me killed or send me to the Chair. I don’t know if I’d survived in the job or in this TOWN without you and long nights of beer and ‘Hallelujah’ on TouchTunes.

“And for that you deserve an award.”

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 9 for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, when the EAO will be marching with “Mary,” the world’s largest bass drum – and of course, a brand-new Queen!

Elmhurst Public Library programs Friday, Feb. 9 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Emma (2020) Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib. org/Friday. No registration required.

Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m.-noon Canasta Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 from noon-2 p.m.

In Stitches Needleworkers Knitters, crocheters, and needleworkers: Bring a project, share knowledge, and have fun! Live in-person. No registration required.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 1-3 p.m.

Bridge and Pinochle Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required.

Live in-person. No registration required.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 2-3 p.m.

Meet Arc of Illinois A representative from Arc of Illinois discusses services for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 7-8 p.m.

The Rich and Romantic History of Valentines Who was St. Valentine? How did sending paper valentine cards become so popular? Learn the questions to these answers and more, then browse a collection of vintage valentines. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Slices of life

The gift of darkness

You know how themes sometimes repeat themselves throughout your day, week, year or life?

It happens to me a lot. At least recently. Or maybe such synchronistic occurrences have always been there and I’ve just recently learned to pay attention to them.

I guess that detail doesn’t matter. What does is that I’m paying attention now. And lately, a common theme has been darkness.

Or more specifically the goodness that darkness can portend.

It seems counterintuitive.

To be extremely succinct, the message I’ve been getting is, “Don’t be afraid of the dark.” But it isn’t like the normal “don’t be afraid of the dark” phrase that you might offer to a child after a bad dream or one that might be whispered during a horror movie?

It isn’t like that. In my lesson (let’s call it that) darkness isn’t the bad guy. Instead, it’s the conduit.

Darkness allows passage into what’s next: into the light. Darkness allows us to understand the light.

Without darkness, light would cease to exist—and vice versa.

Darkness and light need one another.

Over the last three years, I’ve done my best to attempt to describe and define grief. It’s been one of the bleakest, darkest periods I’ve ever experienced. It’s also been one of the most enlightening.

Hence the conundrum and the cadence of the darkness and

thought you did.

You look again, and there it is. A pin prick of light. Could it possibly By be light?

JILL It seems to be growing stronger.

PERTLER Slices of Life Moving toward you, or are you moving toward it?

And with that, you realize the darkness is steering you toward the lightness. light. The darkness doesn’t want Grief is elusive. It lurks in the to hold you or keep or inhibit you. corner, but fills the room. It excuses The darkness understands. It exists itself for a momentary absence and to show what the light truly means. you breathe a sigh of relief, but What the light truly is, and how then it is back again and you realize much we can glean from it. it never, ever left in the first place.

And in that, you realize darkness Grief may seem like darkness. It has nothing to do with the boogie may be darkness. man or bad dreams. Darkness But grief is transformative. It is necessary to awaken us to its can change its shape and it changes opposite. Darkness is a gift, but yours. It changes you. It changes all only if we make it so. Only if it touches. we realize that the darkness is Grief begins as complete beckoning us toward something darkness. You can’t look in front beyond. Something more. of you, or behind. You feel very Something greater. Something alone. But, if you hear breathing beautiful. Something illuminating. near your ear, or feel it next to Take all you can from the your cheek, you know you are not darkness; steal from it if you must. alone. If you perceive hope behind Use it to grow. And learn. And you or sense it beside you, you are become wiser than you ever could not alone. If you feel anything—a have become if all you’d known brush against your skin, the wind was the light. Realize the darkness moving your hair, the sun on your is in place to teach; garner as many face—you know you are still alive, lessons from it as you can. Let it and perhaps that is something. show you all it knows.

Your darkness may be allIt is then that your own encompassing, but look closely. brightness will truly shine.

There is a light, an ever-so-tiny light—a glimmer—in the corner, Jill Pertler is an award-winning just within the periphery of your syndicated columnist, published vision. When you turn toward it, playwright and author. Don’t miss it disappears, but it is there. You a slice; follow the Slices of Life know it. You saw it. At least you page on Facebook.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 9

Community calendar “Murder on the DeLorean Express,” at Angelo’s Ristorante at 247 N. York Rd. Tickets are $57 and include the show and an Italian dinner. Cash bar, chance to mingle with the actors one hour before curtain. The play will also be performed March 1, 2, and 3. Tickets and info: 630-464-2646 or greenmantheatre.org.

Pick of the Week City hosts Downtown Plan workshop meetings Tuesday, Feb. 13 • From 8 to 9:30 a.m., a Downtown Business Listening Session will be held at City Hall, targeted toward Elmhurst’s corporate citizens, property and business owners, and developers. The purpose is to establish dialogue and obtain feedback from those with a unique insight and perspective, whose assistance and involvement is crucial to the Downtown Plan’s ultimate success.

• From 6:30 - 8 p.m. at City Hall, there will be a Downtown Plan Public Workshop, for residents and stakeholders to provide input before the plan is formulated. Learn about the planning process and the project schedule. Take part in a “Downtown issues and opportunities” activity. Info: elmhurst.org/downtownplanupdate.

Elmhurst Public Library programs Wednesday, Feb. 14 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.

Thursday, Feb. 15 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Genealogy and Artificial Intelligence Learn how AI is currently being used to improve the genealogy experience, and whether or not you should seek out other uses of artificial intelligence for your own research. Live in-person and on Zoom with a virtual presenter. Registration required.

Thursday, Feb. 15 from 2-4 p.m.

Applying for Jobs in Today’s Workforce Learn about new interviewing platforms, online interviewing etiquette, and modern skills for being successful on the job. Presented with Goodwill Workforce. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Friday, Feb. 15 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: The September Issue Enjoy an afternoon at the movies.

Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. Live in-person. No registration required.

For information about any of the above programs, call (630) 279-8696 or visit elmlib.org/events.

Sunday, Feb. 11 From 1-2:15 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum invites residents to enjoy a McCormick House Tour, where you will learn about the special exhibition in the House as well as its unique history and design. $23 per person. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org or 630-834-0202.

Wednesday, Feb. 14 Beginning at 4 p.m. in the Founder’s Lounge of the Frick Center on the campus of Elmhurst University, author and scholar Randal Maurice Jelks will deliver the annual MLK Lecture. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 This is the final day that First Congregational United Church of Christ, 235 S. Kenilworth, will accept preorders for certified organic vegetable, herb and annual flower seedlings. Seedlings can be ordered at the church website elmhurstucc.org/ store. Seedlings will be available for pick up at the church’s Green Garden Fair on Saturday, May 11. It’s never too early to start thinking about your spring garden!

Friday, March 1 Saturday, March 2 Sunday, March 3 Greenman Theatre presents is murder mystery dinner, “Murder on the DeLorean Express,” at Angelo’s Ristorante at 247 N. York Rd. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Friday Friday, Feb. 23 and Saturday, and at 6 p.m. on SunSaturday Feb. 24 day. Tickets are $57 and include the At 7 p.m., Greenman Theatre show and an Italian dinner. Cash bar, presents is murder mystery dinner, chance to mingle with the actors one

nity Calendar” in the Subject line.

Elmhurst Art Museum Now through Sunday, April 28,

DuPage Care Center hosting Valentine’s Balloon Fundraiser to benefit residents The DuPage Care Center will host a fundraiser for the community to send Valentine wishes to Center residents.

For a $5 donation, community members may send a balloon to a Care Center resident to spread cheer and warm wishes. In the past, the public sent nearly 1,000 heartshaped, helium balloons to line the corridors and rooms on Valentine’s Day. Volunteers and staff deliver the balloons to the residents living at the Center, brightening their days, and bringing lots of smiles along the way.

“This fundraiser provides a great way to warm the hearts of residents at the DuPage Care Center, bringing a smile to their face and lifting their

spirits,” said Greg Schwarze, Chair of the Human Services Committee.

“This is an incredible tradition we look forward to every year.”

Balloon donations will be accepted until Feb. 10, and may be sent to: DuPage Care Center, Attn: Valentine Balloons, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Balloons may also be sent by visiting dpccfoundation.org. Balloons will be delivered on Feb. 14.

Funds from the sale of balloons will benefit the Resident Recreation Fund, which provides programs and activities to improve the quality of life of residents living at the Center.

For more information, Linda Gray at 630-784-4303 or email linda. gray@dupagecounty.gov.

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Saturday, Feb. 10 From 1-4 p.m., it’s Family Day at the Elmhurst Art Museum. Visitors are invited to create Valentine’s Day cards inspired by the sights and sounds found in the current exhibition A Love Supreme. With drawing and painting, visitors are asked, “Which of your muses will you send your Valentine to?” Free with museum admission. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org or 630-834-0202.

Saturday, Feb. 24 From 5-7 p.m., the Elmhurst Lions Club will hold its annual All-U-CanEat Pizza Party at Sandburg Middle School, 345 E. St. Charles Rd. Children and adult raffle prizes, 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $10 each or $40 for a family of 5 or more. Info: elmhurstlions.org.

hour before curtain. Tickets and info: the Elmhurst Art Museum latest 630-464-2646 or greenmantheatre. exhibition is A Love Supreme, part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide org. collaboration initiated by the Terra Saturday, March 2 Foundation for American Art that Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Elm- highlights the city’s artistic heritage hurst Children’s Assistance Foun- and creative communities.

In partnership with the Chipstone dation (ECAF) will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a fundraiser at Foundation, guests can also view A River Forest Country Club. For tick- Love Supreme: McCormick House ets and information, visit ecaf4kids. Reimagined.

Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org or org/2023-fundraiser.

630-834-0202.

Elmhurst History Museum To post a community event or The museum’s latest exhibit is Lost Chicagoland Department Stores. Ad- club meeting, email the informission to the Museum is always free, mation to Independent@rvpubalthough some events carry a fee. lishing.com and put “Commu-

10 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Real Estate/Business

Feb. 8, 2024 •10

Crowd turns out for laughs at Quigley’s expense Roast garners $5,000 for Legion

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Friday, Feb. 2 was a mild evening with temperatures in the mid-40’s.

It was mild until 150 ticketholders entered the Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 and the heat was turned up, as the three of the four most recent mayors each took a turn “roasting” John R. Quigley.

Sponsored by the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra (EAO), the president and CEO of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry had to take his lumps from Mayor Scott Levin, former Mayors Steve Morley and Pete DiCianni. Former Mayor Tom Marcucci had to bow out, as he was down with a case of COVID. Most of the jokes performed are not able to be printed in a family newspaper, but everyone seemed to poke fun at Quigley’s long baseball career and his former marriages.

Other roasters included Bill Shanklin and John Scudder of the American Legion, who said that the reason John has trouble with his knees is not from

playing baseball, but from kneeling down so many times to propose!

There was a Dating Game sketch, performed by John’s three “exwives,” two of whom were men in drag! (See photo on page 1 of this issue.

At the end of the evening, Quigley had his say and shared his feelings about the roasters.

He topped off his comments by presenting a check to the Legion for $1,000.

After the program, there was a drawing for a pair of Bulls tickets that went to Hosi Mehta. Hosi donated them back to be raffled off, which brought in additional $600 for the Legion.

John Quigley may have been the brunt of the jokes, but the clear winner of the evening was the American Legion, which will receive almost $5,000, thanks to the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra – watch for them with Mary, the big bass drum, at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 9.

PAUL DELGUIDICE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Three of the most recent Elmhurst mayors came out to roast ECCI president and CEO John R. Quigley on Friday, Feb. 2. Hosted by the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra (EAO), the event was a fundraiser for the Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187, which will receive the evening’s proceeds of almost $5,000.

Pictured are (from left): former Mayor Pete DiCianni, Quigley, current Mayor Scott Levin and former Mayor Steve Morley. The EAO will be rolling out “Mary,” the world’s largest bass drum, as well as a brand-new St. Pat’s Day queen at the upcoming Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 9.

Author, scholar Randal Jelks to give MLK lecture at University In February of 2017, Randal Maurice Jelks, an award-winning author, documentary filmmaker and professor at the University of Kansas, came to Elmhurst University to give the Martin Luther King Jr. Intercultural Lecture.

As Jelks reflected on King’s work and words during the talk, he said he wanted students to understand “the

struggle to live democratically is lifelong” but that they would not be alone, and that participation would ultimately lead to change.

Jelks’ lecture at Elmhurst inspired his most recent book, “Letters to Martin: Meditations on Democracy in Black America” (2022). The book includes 12 meditations, written as letters to King, that speak to issues

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Americans continue to confront today, including economic inequality and social class conflict.

On Wednesday, Feb. 14, Jelks will return to Elmhurst U. to talk about “Letters to Martin” as the keynote speaker at this year’s MLK lecture. It will take place at 4 p.m. in the Frick Center, Founders Lounge on the campus of the University. Admission is free and all are welcome.

An author of both scholarly and journalistic books and articles, Jelks’ areas of interest include American religious studies, religions of the African diaspora, and religion in American social movements. In addition to “Letters to Martin,” he is the author of “Faith and Struggle in the Lives of Four African Americans: Ethel Waters, Mary Lou Williams, Eldridge Cleaver and Muhammad Ali” (2019); “African Americans in the Furniture City: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Grand Rapids” (2006); and the award-winning “Benjamin Elijah Mays, Schoolmaster of the Movement: A Biography” (2012).

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 elmhurst.edu/ marketing.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 11

E L M H U R S T 130 W. PARK AVE.

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The Schiller Team • 5bed/4.1ba • $1,439,900 630.992.0582 • 256 N Glenview Avenue

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12 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

Paczki Day is

February 13th

Kuppie’s BaKery

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CALL AHEAD TO RESERVE YOUR FAVORITE FLAVORS! Open till 5pm on Tuesday, February 13th

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42 S. Villa Avenue in Villa Park 2 Blocks West of Rt. 83 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 6am-3pm • Sunday 7:30am-12pm • Closed Monday

Happy Valentine’s Day! Elmhurst Knights of Columbus Council #1911 537 S. York St. (parking in rear)

Join us for our first 2024 Lenten Fish Fry Friday, February 16 (Serving 5PM to 8PM)

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 13

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14 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 15

Organization to receive federal funding to help launch regional water sustainability industry Innovation hub hopes to produce 500 jobs within 2 years

By Dilpreet Raju CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A Chicago organization focused on drinking water sustainability will receive a $15 million federal grant over the next two years for a project aimed at jumpstarting a regional clean water industry.

The U.S. National Science Foundation awarded the grant to Current Innovation NFP, a nonprofit “innovation hub” whose mission is to “solve pressing water challenges caused by climate change and pollution.” It will receive one of 10 inaugural NSF Engine awards aimed at using science and technology to drive regional economies.

Current’s Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine, also called Great Lakes ReNEW, includes more than 50 regional partner organizations from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Between the partner organizations, which range from nonprofits to educational institutions and for-profit companies, the project aims to train 500 people for jobs related to water technology within the first two years.

While the initial grant covers two years, it could grow to an eventual $160 million investment over a 10-

year period so long as the project progresses towards its goals.

At an announcement Jan. 30, Gov. JB Pritzker called the federal funding a “win for our economy and for our environment” as climate pressures continue to mount.

“Fresh water is drying up. Nations across the globe are grappling with unprecedented water shortages, and over time, it will become the world’s most precious resource,” he said.

Great Lakes ReNEW will develop methods for selectively separating wastewater molecules to retrieve different minerals used in the production of electric parts.

“Our advantage in the Great Lakes region is that we are home to one-fifth of the planet’s fresh water,” Pritzker said.

Current, which will lead the regional project, aims to launch and invest in dozens of water tech companies while using a testbed for those companies to develop technologies that aim to attract water-intensive manufacturers.

The end goal is a circular economy centered on refining wastewater, removing chemicals such as PFAS—sometimes called “forever chemicals”—while retaining min-

“

No economy or society is sustainable beyond the ecosystems and natural resources we all rely on. We don’t have time to waste, we do have two years and $15 million to show meaningful, measurable progress on new science to extract valuable minerals from our wastewater.”

–Alaina Harkness, executive director of Current and principal investigator of the project

erals like cobalt, lithium and nickel. These minerals are necessary when producing rechargeable batteries, most of which are currently produced overseas, making them valuable to domestic tech companies.

Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board president, said the investment will benefit communities affected by environmental racism.

“We simply will not survive if we don’t invest in clean water,” she said.

The Great Lakes hold about 90 percent of all fresh water in the United States and the National

Science Foundation estimates 40 million people rely on the lakes for clean drinking water.

Alaina Harkness, executive director of Current and principal investigator of the project, said water scarcity is something to tackle as early as possible.

“Today, we waste too much of our water and the valuable materials it carries—materials that we need to power the electrification of our society,” she said.

Harkness said the environment and economy have always been inextricably linked.

“No economy or society is sus-

tainable beyond the ecosystems and natural resources we all rely on,” she said. “We don’t have time to waste, we do have two years and $15 million to show meaningful, measurable progress on new science to extract valuable minerals from our wastewater.”

Harkness said the project will “help address both our environmental and economic challenges, generating solutions to planetary concerns while creating good jobs and opportunities for people to build wealth and stability.”

Within the two-year period, it also plans to engage 1,000 youth across the region in STEM-related programs.

Crafting sensor networks that can detect real-time information on chemical levels in water will be another short-term aim, said Junhong Chen, co-principal investigator and lead water strategist at Argonne National Laboratory based in Chicago’s western suburb of Lemont.

“The breakthroughs will play a pivotal role in securing our domestic supply chain, supporting electrification and advancing our clean energy future,” Chen said. “While it might sound like science fiction, I assure you it is not.”

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16 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

Worship Services Directory

Visitation Roman Catholic Church 779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834-6700   

Gather with us for weekend worship!

Saturdays 5 p.m.

Sundays 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Ash WednesdAy services

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

Mass will be held at 6:15aM, 8:15aM, NooN, 5:00pM aNd 7:00pM

Ash Wednesday

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

142 E. Third St. Elmhurst, IL

ImmanuelElmhurst.org 630-832-1649

450688

VisitationParish.org

450618

450398

Wednesday, February 14 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Handicapped accessible and hearing loop enabled

450730

547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148

630-627-2435

FAITH CHURCH OF ELMHURST

Lent Services 7pm Lent and Easter at Services

“The Passion of Jesus in the Gospel of John” at 7 p.m.

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

“The Ash Wednesday ServiceCrucial Hours” February 14, 2024 THE “IMarch AM” IN9, ACTION! Second Lenten Service 2022 Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to SiftJohn All of18:1-11 You”

MAKING DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST WHO WORSHIP PASSIONATELY, LOVE EXTRAVAGANTLY, AND WITNESS BOLDLY

“What to Remember When Your are February 28, 2024 Seized with Remorse” WHAT KIND OF KING IS JESUS? Matthew 27:3-4

Worship: 10 a.m. Sundays 111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-941-0212

www.faithchurchelmhurst.org faithelm@gmail.com

John 18:28-40

FourthLenten Lenten Service Fourth Service Rev. Jonathan Bergemann Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Fifth Lenten Service

Fifth Lenten Service Rev. Tom Nicholson Resurrection, Aurora

Sixth Lenten Service

March 23,6,2022 March 2024 DO the WE Passover” FOLLOW? “IWHOM Will Keep John 19:1-16a Matthew 26:18 March 13, 2024

March 30,CROSS 2022 THREE SCENES ON THE “TheyJohn Bound Him” 19:16b-27 John 18:12 March 20, 2024

THE VICTORY Sixth Lenten Service THE CONQUEROR WINSApril 6, 2022 John 19:28-42 Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ Luke 22:66

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Maundy Thursday 7 p.m., SundayCommunion School & Bible Study 9am April 14 Wednesday Service at 7pm Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15 Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30pm Easter Sunrise 6:30 Saturday, Feb. 24 Game Night ata.m., 4pm April 17 Easter Breakfast Everyone is Welcome! 8 a.m., April 17 All services are live streamed.

SaintTimothy.org Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17 450683

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All are Welcome to Pray with Us Ash Wednesday, February 14th Masses at 6am, 7:30am, and 7pm IC Church, 132 Arthur St. Prayer Service with Ashes Noon-1pm IC Church, 132 Arthur St and Hammerschmidt Chapel, Elmhurst University Prayer Service with Ashes 4:30pm-5:30pm IC Sacred Heart Chapel, 130 Arthur St. www.icelmhurst.org

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Third Lenten Service Rev. Paul Spaude Third Lenten Service St. Matthews, Niles

Matthew 27:15-26

February 21, 2024 THE TWO INTERROGATIONS March 16,18:12-27 2022 John

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Second Lenten Service

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 17

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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. One point south of due east 4. Coagulated blood 8. Fortifying ditch 10. Devotee of Hinduism 11. Trunk of a tree 12. Bank note 13. Capital of Guam 15. Study again 16. Covered with hoarfrost 17. Opening 18. Legendary Rolling Stone 21. Stray 22. Computer storing system 23. Signal 24. Pitching statistic 25. Human being 26. Malaysian isthmus 27. The “Blonde Bombshell” 34. A gland 35. Bluish greens 36. Endangered 37. Three-dimensional 38. In a way, precipitated 39. God associated with dissolution 40. Blemished 41. Flow or leak slowly 42. Disco legends The Bee __ 43. Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. A way to board 2. Get down 3. Highly seasoned sausage 4. First day of month 5. Eurasian shrubs 6. The organ that bears the ovules of a flower 7. Small lake 9. Belief 10. Sunrooms

12. Metric weight unit 14. Vasopressin 15. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

17. One-time family room staple 19. Got back together 20. Anger 23. Sang merrily 24. Sea eagle 25. Military men 26. Kilo yard (abbr.)

27. Found in the sea 28. Protects from weather 29. Type of medicine 30. City along the Rhine 31. Animal disease 32. Martini ingredients 33. Get away 34. Lack of disunity 36. One-time European Commission officer Answers on page 19

18 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 19

Comptroller urges awareness of tax scams State Comptroller Susana Mendoza is warning Illinoisans of email, phone and mail tax scams as the 2024 filing season begins.

One scam, for example, may contain a letter in a cardboard envelope with an IRS letterhead that contains the text “about your unclaimed refund.” That letter may request personal information such as a photo of a driver’s license or Social Security number. The contact information on the letter, however, does not belong to the IRS. Telephone scammers often target recent immigrants and threaten arrest or deportation if the person doesn’t send payment, often in the form of a gift card or wire transfer.

“Remember, neither the state nor the federal government will call taxpayers, threatening them and demanding payment via a wire transfer, or credit or debit card,” Mendoza said in a statement.

Mendoza’s office noted some Illinoisans have been targeted for false unemployment claims. The state sends 1099-G forms to people who have claimed unemployment. If you

receive such a form but did not collect such benefits, you can contact the Illinois Department of Employment Security to report fraud.

Email and text message scams use the IRS logo seeking personal or financial information. Anyone receiving such an email can report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

Individuals should also avoid tax preparers who are unwilling to sign the forms they have prepared.

Once tax returns are filed, Illinoisans can track their state tax refund at myrefund.illinoiscomptroller.gov. $55 million in grant funding will go to 111 local park projects The state announced 111 parks and recreation projects throughout Illinois will receive a portion of $55 million in state funding this year.

The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments to help further outdoor recreation projects.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s office noted

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$18.7 million of the funding will go toward projects in 32 economically or physically distressed communities. Those categories are calculated based on land value, poverty rates and whether the area has experienced a natural disaster or catastrophic event.

The awards included a $600,000 grant for the Carbondale Park District in Jackson County, which will oversee a renovation of Crispus At-

tucks Park that includes the replacement of playground equipment that will make it disabled-accessible.

The city of Toulon in Stark County will receive $600,000 to renovate a city park to include a splash pad, resurfacing a half-basketball court, and making a full basketball court a multi-use space. Playground equipment will also be made disabled-accessible.

Projects in 45 counties will receive

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funding from the OSLAD program this year.

New State Police facility designs The Illinois State Police released designs for a new headquarters and forensic laboratory in Joliet last week. The structures are expected to cost a combined $76.5 million, fund-

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20 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports

Feb. 8, 2024 • 20

York girls gymnastics team breaks 140-point mark at own invitational Stangarone wins floor exercise with 9.65 score

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Not only did the York girls gymnastics team finish second at its own recent York invitational, but the Dukes surpassed an important goal.

York finished second with a 141.225 mark, which eclipsed the team’s stated goal of hitting 140 or higher this season. “We accomplished our team goal of hitting 140 and received our highest team score,” York coach Ashley Samata said.

At the York invitational, Angela Stangarone took second on vault with a score of 9.65. Melania Veselovsky was 10th at 9.10. Stangarone tied for fourth on uneven bars with a 9.10, while Veselovsky was eighth at

8.70. Hayley Schiltz tied for third on balance beam with a 9.20 score. Veselovsky tied for 13th at 8.75. Stangarone won the floor exercise competition at 9.65, while Schiltz was seventh at 9.175 and Veselovsky tied for ninth at 9.10. Stangarone was second in the all-around scoring at 36.80, while Veselovsky was sixth at 35.65 and Schiltz was eighth at 35.275.

In other recent action, York dropped a close 136.70-136.05 West Suburban Conference Silver Division dual meet to Glenbard West.

Stangarone won the vault at 9.45, while Veselovsky was second at 9.15. Stangarone won the uneven bars with a score of 9.50, while Veselovsky was third at 9.25. Stanga-

Timothy Christian girls basketball team wins two in CCC tournament Trojans defeat Chicago Christian and Chicago Hope

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian girls basketball team performed quite well in the first Chicagoland Christian Conference tournament, going 2-1.

The Trojans opened play with a 29-26 loss to Elgin St. Edward. “We played a good game,” Timothy coach Jill Groenewold said. “We lost to them by 20 the week before, so this was a big improvement for the girls. We played very good defense and slowed them down. We didn’t give them as many possessions.” Taylor Parker led the Trojans with 13 points against St. Edward.

Timothy rebounded to record a 45-31 win over Chicago Christian in the tournament. “We had beaten Chicago Christian the previous week,” Groenewold noted. “We played good defense and spread out the scoring a little bit. A lot of other kids took the opportunity to step up and hit some shots, which is nice to see. Our press also was very effective against them.” Elisabeth Van Den Berg led Timothy with 14 points. Sami Drye added 13 points.

The Trojans closed out tournament play with a four-point win against Chicago Hope Academy. “We saw them back in December and had a good game with them,” Groenewold noted. “This was a physical, in-your-face, tough game.” Timothy trailed by seven at one point but rallied to record the 37-33 win. “We pulled out the win,” Gronewold said. “Our underclassmen are turning the corner, which is good to see.”

Parker hit four 3s in the second half. “Taylor was a huge key for us,” Groenewold said. “She played a phenomenal game. She’s a senior who is stepping up and taking the lead, which is nice to see. More and more people are starting to see the floor and take what was given to them. They played a box-and-one defense on Sami and others took advantage of that and found openings. We got a lot of good minutes from our underclassmen. I was very proud of that.”

Those underclass contributions have come from the likes of Anneke Lemkuil, Mia Schilf and Brooklynn Hanchett. Lemkuil, Schilf and Hanchett, plus Van Den Berg are all freshmen.

The two wins moved Timothy to 11-16 overall. The Trojans played Calumet Christian earlier in the week and open regional play Saturday against Chicago Acero/Garcia out of the Chicago Public League.

Groenewold said she’s excited about what she has seen in recent times.

“We had zero wins this summer,” she pointed out. “We’re thrilled to have as many as we have now. People are turning the corner. It’s been a slow maturing process, but we are finally getting there.”

In the St. Edward game, Parker hit three 3s, while Drye had two 3s.

Maria Pozdol-Niego finished with six rebounds, while Van Den Berg had five rebounds. Schilf had three steals.

rone and Veselovsky tied for first on balance beam with 9.10s. Stangarone won the floor exercise at 9.40. Stangarone also won the all-around competition at 37.450, while Veselovksy was second at 35.60.

In the JV meet, York scored a 113.4 against Glenbard West. Clara Fitzer tied for first on vault at 7.90, while Tatiana Kallianis was third at 7.80. Abigail Pointon and Ava Nawrocki tied for first on uneven bars with 6.75s. Samantha King was third at 6.50. Maeve Gibbs won the balance beam event at 7.80, while King was third at 6.90. Gibbs also won floor exercise with a score of 7.85.

Maya Bigeroglu and Pointon tied for second with 7.60s.

King won the all-around competition with a score of 28.60. Fitzer was third at 25.60. “These girls have been stepping up and showing me how motivated they are,” Samata said.

“This is the most consistent I have ever seen them. They are super-focused on what they need to do and accomplishing all the goals they set.”

Samata noted Mia Carone recently made her debut after missing five weeks due to illness. “Mia has been so motivated and determined to get

her skills back,” she said. Samata also has been thrilled with Veselovsky’s progress on the vault. “Melania has spent the last few weeks perfecting her new vault and she finally was able to throw her Yurchenko tuck for the first time in competition, scoring a 9.1,” she said.

Overall, Samata said she can’t properly put into words how proud she is of her team. “They have accomplished so much so far this season and have been so successful,” she said. “The hard work is being put in and we are seeing results after every competition.”

York coach Ashley Samata conducts a post-meet huddle with her varsity squad, congratulating them on a second-place finish and season-high score at the York invitational.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

York’s varsity team recently took second at its own York invitational and surpassed the team’s goal of hitting a 140 team score by recording a 141.225. Pictured from left are Nora Heflin, Mia Carone, Angela Stangarone, Melania Veselovsky, Hayley Schiltz and Daniella Chavez.

SPORTS 19

sports sports

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 • 21 The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team IC Catholic Prep graduate wins two games in GCAC tournament

Knights earn No. 1 sub-sectional seed Leslie headed to Le Moyne

By Mike Miazga

bank and dropped a 55-46 game to while Raffaelli had nine points.

feel like I would be soout bored Providence Catholic of withNew “This was a very good win for us,” Will play volleyball Iout it because it hasplayed been such big Fisher said. “It was a good win beThe IC Catholic Prep girls basket- Lenox in a game at St.a Laureally of my life.”led the Knights with cause weI’m ball did A-OK II in school its first foray part rence.

Geiger forteam Division bounced back from the Leslie said she has plenty of into the tough Girls Catholic Ath12 points, while Hilgart had 11 Providence us get back

By Mike Miazga excitedloss. toWebesawable from IC Catholic letic Conference tournament. The memories points. “Providence is a goodPrep’s team,” to some things from an offensive CORRESPONDENT coach Nancy Kerrigan’s Knights 2-2 in thePrep tournament said. “They playedprogram. very good standpoint we had gottenin away to playthatvolleyball Recentwent IC Catholic gradu- Fisher “I loved playing there,” she said. which pits all GCAC teams from the defense against us. couldn’t real- from a little bit the last few weeks. ate Bella Leslie wanted to head east “I probably enjoyedWe college. gives megood twocollege. divisions against each other. ly get a run going toschool cut thevolleylead to Our transition It game was very for ball more than club because I love ICCP opened tournament play a oneor two-possession game.

We in the first quarter and our free-throw Her landing spot ended up being my team and the coaching staff something to do. the roadDivision in RiverIIGrove with a couldn’t fight and claw back to make shooting really sparked us Iin the aton NCAA Le Moyne was very supportive onwithin and off theor fourth quarter.”

44-36 loss to Trinity.

The Knights it a game where it was one College where the former Knights court. It made it a really good enfeel like I would be led 12-7 after the first quarterwill and two possessions.”

ICCP sank 10 of 12 free throws in volleyball and soccer standout vironment to be in.

Coach (Kerritrailed 23-18 halftime. career “It wasata The Knights again bounced back the fourth quarter.without Hilgart was 6-forbored continue her at volleyball gan) was great.

I have known her 6so good game,” Knights coach Todd to record a 48-47 win over Wheafrom the line in the fourth, while the Syracuse, New York school as for a while. When I was little, I did ton St. Francis in a game played Kelsey McDonoughitwas 2-for-2 and it because has aFisher libero.said. “I think with this game all the littleMcAuley kids camps, and herIt Geiger was 2-for-4. “We were agyou could tell we hadn’t played in at Mother in Chicago.

“All of the schools I was looking was third in mygame brother’s grade gressive beeninsuch aquarter big getting a week. Trinity is a good team with daughter was ICCP’s this season the fourth at were on the East Coast,” Leslie at IC.” a couple nice players, but there was against the Spartans. “A very good to the basket,” Fisher said. told the Independent last week. “I part of my life.”

LeslieFisher said she some rust on our part.” Allie Geiger game,” said.will miss plenThe Knights close out the regular CORRESPONDENT

“

visited Le Moyne and really liked ty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will – Bella Leslie led the Knights with 13 points. AnalThe Knights led 17-10 after the season this week with games against it. reminded me nine of high school miss how close knit of a communiisaItRaffaelli added points. first quarter and went into intermis- Elgin St. Edward, Southland Prep because it was a small school, and it was,” she said. knew everyThe Knights then headed to Mon- tysion tied 25-25.

St. “IFrancis led 38- and Chicago Latin School. “If you in a smaller school you they will scored know aa body the the school.

It quarter. will be weird dueweek to the pandemtini in Lombard where 31 toatstart fourth “I was been look cancelled at how the went, I was lot more faces than if I would have on campus not knowing ic.

“I of willtheprobably leavebounced Aug. 50-26 win over Chicago De La Salle. going very impressed byand our fourth-quarter proud way the kids gone bigger school. camthe faces. miss close 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” ICCPtoleda the entire game.The “This was all effort,” FisherI’ll said.

“It those was possesback from the losses,” Fisher said. pus pretty.

It sits on connections with theWe coaches said.

“We tournament had Zoom is call with a lotthere betterisofreally a game for us,” Fisher sion by possession. foughtand and she “The GCAC a grind. asaid. big “We hill and the ascenery around it teachers.

It will for the andgood they teams. said played lot better defense. clawed our way be backweird and won the the We team playedrecently four very isWe great.

Everything is pretty close year or so.” they an isanswer did a lot of good things defen- first game.”

Now,should the keyhave for us comingabout off a together.

They have very but nice iffacilLeslie saidhit pandemic life hasn’t next is7-10 days. sively against Trinity, you Raffaelli a baseline jumper our winseason againstin St.the Francis to get on a ities.

Thethe volleyball program has been overlyseconds exciting, though her They talked about momentum three scenarios compare Trinity game to the next with eight left in regulation run and get more headgood facilities andita was nicea club volleyball has started could happen like if we gameworkout against De La Salle, to win the game.team St. Francis missed and ing what into the postseason.” locker room.

I liked how modern it practicing again. havea been the season someone lot better.

I was very happy with how a last-second shot.“We “It was good, startICCP earned and a No. 1 Classgets 2A was.” or part,” threeFisher timessaid a sick and we have the kids bounced back.” Geiger led practicing contest shottwo on our sub-sectional seed to andstop willand playgo. eiLesliewith plans studying nursing “We areshot. goingGrato That’s one ofRey the reasons they ICCP 18on points, while Mary week,” of the she finalsaid.

St. Francis ther Cristo Jesuit orwhy Chicago atKate Le Hilgart Moyne.added “They have a good be starting tournaments again. Belooking at in moving the season to eight points. ziella Narcisi led the Knights with are Perspectives the regional semifinursing she down said. “As far fore that I haven’t any- the spring. Right now the plan is to ICCPprogram,” then trekked to Bur17 points.

Hilgart been addeddoing 13 points, nals. as what kind of a nurse I want to thing because senior soccer season have a season, but we won’t know be, I’m not quite sure yet.” and the club volleyball season were until the next 7-10 days.”

Leslie played volleyball and girls cancelled. We were supposed to go But if all systems are a go, Lessoccer at IC Catholic Prep all four to a few club volleyball qualifiers lie can’t wait to take her skills as years. She was a center-midfielder in Grand Rapids and Louisville. a libero to the next level with the on the Knights soccer team.

This summer, we have some tour- Dolphins. “I feel like being a libeLeslie’s volleyball journey naments planned over the next few ro you have to be really quick and started in the fifth grade, the first weekends. They are little tourna- that is typically what I am good at. year she could play the sport at IC ments with all of the local clubs. I have really good reaction time,” Grade School. She’s been play- Nothing large and really local. she said. “I like diving on the floor ing club volleyball since seventh Other than that, I have been trying and saving balls. It’s a really good Knights facedwith DePaul Prep Loyola action grade, most recently the Chi-College to work out a lot and and stay in shape.Academy feeling whenin yourecent make a save.

The cago EliteMiazga group that practices out I’ve been running a lot, so I gotproud into position fits my finished personality,

By Mike before against DePaul.

I was The Knights off a too. busy of Scores in Willow Springs and that.

I try and and run every day.” play. You the loudest one on CORRESPONDENT of the effort our physical weekhave withto abe73-45 non-conference Montini High SchoolPrep in Lombard.

Leslie sheusisfor scheduled to the I have a loudPrep. personality.

The IC Catholic boys bas- This will said prepare the 2A playwincourt. against Southland “We put “I’m team reallymay excited able ketball very to wellbeend up report offs.” toJunior Matt in Sloan came12off You it allhave together Le Moyne the Aug. to beagainst prettythem,” loud ifTyrrell you to playthe volleyball in college,” she 15 being most prepared team among thetimeframe, bench to score 20 points against want said. to “Jake for this but noted preseason be aGallagher libero. I was thinkout I match said.

“It gives me something to do. volleyball the Class 2A state playoff field.

Loyola, while Jake Gallagher and that game, but other guys stepped up big activities already have description.”

The Knights continued their Andrew Hill each had eight points. time with the short turnaround with tour of the tough Chicago Catholic ICCP then traveled to Lombard to a 1 p.m. game after playing Montini League with recent contests against in a CCL White Divi- the night before.”

(Continued fromface pageMontini 18) DePaul College Prep and Loyola sion game. Montini also is in ICCP’s Fromelt had 20 points, while Hill They lost to West on huge rah-rah person. little bit ble andJohnson communicate Academy.

“DePaul PrepChicago is one of the sub-sectional of the I’m statea playoffs. hadand 17 transparent points. Aidan added Itop think an own last 3A,” five more an individual coach. everybody.” teams in thegoal stateininthe Class “Thisofgame had someplayers’ meaning for a with 14 points and Sloan had 11 points. minutes.

That TJ wasTyrrell againstsaid. the state willdifferent pull kidsreasons,” to the sideTyrrell at practice As far as the Stopkaturning wants ICCP coach “We Ifew said. “It’s nice to future, see Danny champs in in thethat sectional That’s games teach crowd them.”and there York high level on struggled game. finals.

They beat us and “It was an and amazing thingscompeting on late in at theaseason,” Tyrrell agood. hell of a season if you me.” of was Stopka hasItbeen consistent basis. short-term We struggled withask a couple somenoted fun York energy. was doing a fun asaid.

“It’s been great“The to see.”

Stopka Spanish at York. conditioning and said the plan is to moved restock to and15-13 build up the guys out.will We teach couldn’t put anything overall high school drills basketball game.”

The goalICCP He taught Spanish and one math class of earlier last22-20 weekatwas to start said. “A win. largeThe portion of together.

We’d like to forget that as with theheSouthland Knights Knights trailed halftime but team,” atone.”

St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am summer camp District42-35.

205 last was St. seniors, especame back to pending win the game wereyear’s slatedteam to face Francis de more of a players’ he said. have been able starting St. 11. Mel We and haveChito DePaul downed coach,” the Knights 67- approval.

“We did a“Inice jobprobably in the second half cially Sales, the Providence “I a big66-46 Liverpool soccer 60 to 70 percent the playsure the now juniors to 21have and been then lost to Loyola in to ofmeet locking them down,” of Tyrrell said. make cago Academy to round outare theupregsupporter since 2015 when Jur- ers so far,” said.win “If ittodoes of the varsity level and and are a pair ofever CCL crossover contests. ularspeed season.

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Division games.

14-13.”days with four days a week that coaching idol. better.

I want to related to the three weeks straight.

And even groups of players.

We want to make played much I think they are for Danny Fromelt led the Knights “We’re getting ready for the playplayers form bonds with them. though IHSA “Danny waived the nottime only of competitive, but No. 19 and in one of the state rankings. with 15thepoints. gaveblackus a sure offs.we It’sarethat year,” Tyrrell IWe amwere moredown light-hearted andatsmildates before the school year,came we that are have competing for regiononly 30-23 half. out huge effort,” Tyrrell said. “He said.we“We had some really ing. likeplayed to havereally fun and joke advantage of scored that. I’m sectionals and supersectionals.

The Ikids tough andwith bat- won’t up bigtake for us.”

Hill also 15 als, tough battles lately and they were the goal starts for me with class tled.kids.

The The effort wasis atunderstanding a high level. pretty points.sure families have plans to do Itphysical battles.

We this wantjunior to take the where eacha player canquarter be successful starts.excited I’m the coming in.those We want They had big third and that things “Thebefore guys school were very to that littleisthings from battlesthem and and provide the bestWe wayoutscored possible new guywin andinI’m notofgoing say ready to gostay andoptimistic setting the standard wasthethe difference. get the front a big to crowd build and while playto convey the inknowledge they need you go withsection your family.

Go for classes that come in them 12-11 the fourth quarter. withcan’t our student behind us,” ing these a veryother difficult schedule against atWe thefelt position play.

I amthe notnight big do it andsaid. enjoy it. This is a crazy and so they skilled can also contribute right off Tyrrell highly schools.” muchthey better than

IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team continues to run U12 baseball action Chicago Catholic League gauntlet Player of the week sponsored by

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CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

IC Catholic Prep girls basketball players Mary Kate Hilgart (left) and Allie Geiger were honored during the recent Girls Catholic AthleticAnthony Conference tournament for during their selections to the all-GCAC Bucolo fires a pitch a recent U12 baseball White Division team for the 2023-2024 season. This is ICCP’s first game. year in the GCAC.

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YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK ANNA FILOSA GIGI BARR YORK GIRLS BASKETBALL YORK GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Filosa hit for a career-high 28 points to help the Barrgirls was the recipientteam of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern York basketball record a 58-41 West junior female athlete the yearGlenbard award. Barr went over itthe Suburban Silver winofagainst West, a team 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleyhad lost to earlier in the season. ball team and still has a season to add to that total.

22 • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 - The Elmhurst Independent

York girls basketball team posts three more wins

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The York girls basketball team gained some good momentum heading toward the postseason with a recent 3-1 showing during a fourgame stretch. York downed Hinsdale Central 58-44 in a West Suburban Conference Silver Division game where Hannah Meyers led the Dukes with 21 points.

The Dukes then avenged an earlier 50-49 one-point loss to Glenbard West by soundly defeating the Hilltoppers 58-41 in conference play. “They beat us the week before by one on a last-second shot,” York coach Brandon Collings explained. “We played really well in this game. We shot well and defended well.”

Anna Filosa led the Dukes with a career-high 28 points. Meyers added 11 points and sophomore Olivia Silkaitis finished with nine points.

The Dukes followed that up with a 60-33 WSC Silver win over Proviso West. Filosa had 18 points, while Silkaitis finished with 13 points. Stella Kohl also had 13 points and Meyers finished with seven points. “This was kind of a trap game for us,” Collings said. “We had the huge win against Glenbard West. I think they were 23-5 at the time and we also lost to them by a point the week before. We had a really slow first half against Proviso West. We picked up the intensity and hit shots in the second half and won by 27.” York led only 27-23

at halftime against Proviso West, outscoring its opponent 33-10 in the second half.

The Dukes also lost 59-46 to Lyons Township in a Silver Division ballgame. “If we had beaten LT, we would have finished tied for second in the conference,” Collings noted.

York trailed 12-0 early. “We fought back and were down only six points at half,” Collings said. “We ended up coming back.” Lyons hit six free throws in a row late in the fourth to seal it. Meyers sank four 3s an finished with 14 points. Filosa had 11 points, while Silkaitis had nine points and Kohl had eight points against LT. Downers North won the conference at 111, while Glenbard West was second at 9-3 and York and LT tied for third at 8-4. “We played a lot of tough games in the conference,” Collings said. “We split with Glenbard and Lyons. Lyons split with Glenbard. Downers beat us and Lyons twice and split with Glenbard West.

We lost to Downers by a point in one of the games.”

York played highly regarded Lake County entrant Stevenson earlier this week. “Stevenson is one of the top-ranked teams,” Collings said. “We have to keep getting better. We did a better job rebounding and boxing out against LT, but LT hit eight 3s and combined with their

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“The Affordable Connectivity Program is connecting millions and millions of households across the country. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created this program, our largest-ever effort to make broadband affordable nationwide, but we now are on the brink of letting that success slip away,” said Rosenworcel. “Disconnecting millions of families from their jobs, schools, markets, and information is not the solution. We have come too far with the ACP to turn back.”

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The ACP supports eligible low-income households struggling to afford monthly broadband service.

In accordance with pre-established wind down procedures, the ACP will stop accepting new enrollments on Feb. 8, and an outreach effort is already underway to tell ACP households about the potential loss of the benefit.

Last week, broadband providers were required to send an initial notice to all of their ACP subscribers to preview the possible end of the ACP and the impact on the households’ broadband bills once the ACP benefit is no longer available.

Following the FCC announcing the official final month of ACP funding, ACP providers must send at least two more notices to households informing them that the ACP is ending, how and when the end of the ACP will impact their bill, and that they may opt-out of continuing service after the end of the ACP or change their service.

As announced in January, ACP funding is currently expected to last through April with only partial support available in May 2024.

• York

(Continued from page 22) good inside game we had a tough the balanced offensive production we’ve done a better job of. We have time stopping them defensively. We the team has received lately. “We to keep doing a better job defenhave gotten better offensively, but are consistently getting points from sively with things such as boxing we have to keep improving defen- girls these last six, seven or eight out and limiting second-chance points. If we can play better desively. We need to fix some things games,” he said.

“We’re getting good scoring fensively, we have a chance, and on defense if we want to make a run from Anna, Hannah, Stella and we’ll see if we can win some games in the playoffs.”

Collings has been thrilled with Oliva. Olivia as a sophomore has here.”

York drew a No. 7 Class 4A secstepped up and has played very well lately. She had one game with tional seed and will play in the Lake a career-high 15 points and has Park regional against the hosts and been consistently in that 8-10-point No. 10 seed Lancers. If York wins area. Moving forward here, I think its playoff opener it would either (Continued from page 19) we are a dangerous team because of play No. 16 seed Addison Trail, ed through the $45 billion Rebuild what we can do. We have girls who No. 18 seed Proviso West or No. 2 Illinois capital infrastructure pro- can score, and we have shooters. seed St. Charles North for the Lake gram that originally passed in 2019. We have to handle pressure, which Park regional title.

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Athletes of the Month for Timothy Christian High School

Photo by Katie Kooima Photography

The legendary Timothy Christian High School Cheer Team won the IHSA small division Sectional Championship on January 27!

This is the Fourth Sectional Title in our school’s history!

The victory earned the team a trip to the IHSA State Cheer Competition in Bloomington on February 2-3. This is the Cheer Team’s thirteenth trip in the last fourteen years to the State Competition. They have had a stellar season including winning the Chicagoland Christian Conference championship.

Congratulations to the Cheer Team!

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