EI 6.19.25 by Southern Lakes Newspapers / Rock Valley Publishing

Greek hospitality, food, music and beverages were in abundance at the Saint Demetrios

Greek Orthodox Church, Elmhurst, Greek Fest fundraiser on June 1315, which also included carnival attractions (rides, games and food), raffles, church tours, games for kids and pop-up shops. In one photo, (left) parishioner, volunteer and Ladies Philoptochos (philanthropy committee) member Genia Rackos takes donations at the entrance to Greek Fest.

Jane Charmelo PhoTos Elmhurst Independent

Endeavor Health, Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry continue partnership

By Jane Charmelo FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Refrigerated food truck another tool to combat food insecurity

The way Jeffey Zakem sees it, maintaining one’s health doesn’t begin and end with doctors, hospitals or other medical care.

It also involves combating food insecurity so that people in our communities have enough nutritious choices with which to feed themselves and their families.

That is why Endeavor Health’s Community Investment Fund (CIF) recently awarded the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry $168,000 for the purchase of a refrigerated food truck that can pick up fresh food for the food pantry as well as transport it to and from its warehouse.

Zakem, System Program director, Community Impact and Engagement, Endeavor Health, explained that the CIF is “part of our [Endeavor Health] broader community benefit work,” adding, “We think about the health of our communities.”

He went on to explain that the CIF is “not your typical community benefit fund … [it is] a larger strategic investment in the communities that we serve.”

“Health is a lot more than health care alone,” Zakem emphasized, in that there are other factors to consider when it comes to good health—what he called “social drivers of health”—such as access to nutritious foods.

Zakem said that about five years ago, interest from investments was set aside to form the CIF, and that the money would be used as a “capacity builder” for nonprofit organizations to expand their resources and services.

In looking at applications for funding, he said the focus

is on “community context,” and in the case of the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant influence.

That is, during the pandemic, he recalled, residents in need had more limited access to food, but even beyond the pandemic there was “continued increased in our communities.”

Walter Salek, president of the food pantry, said the food pantry started in a closet of the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Presbyterian Church basement 43 years ago.

It was later moved to a house on the property and in 2015 a new 2,800-square-foot facility was built.

In 2016, he continued, the food pantry was serving about 210 families a month from Elmhurst, Oakbrook Terrace, Oak Brook, Lombard, Villa Park, Addison, Bensenville and Berkeley. Today that number is closer to 810 families a month, and he estimated that a third of the clients come from Elmhurst alone.

“For us to distribute more food, we needed more space,” Salek recalled, and in 2024, the food pantry received $330,000 from the CIF to lease warehouse space on Lake Street, that includes freezer and walkin cold storage space, large enough to accommodate a pallet.

Fast forward to 2025. Zakem commented that “We saw how [a] refrigerated truck could connect to that investment in the warehouse,” as well as allow the food pantry to pick up and transport food not only to and from the warehouse, but from other places, such as the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva and The Conservation Foundation, which has a working farm and provides fresh produce.

In fact, Zakem noted, the CIF provided The Conservation Foundation with $360,000 in funding “for equipment to increase their crop yield,” which he said is a way to “connect the dots” among organizations.

In other words, he posed, “How can these investments build on each other?”

Now that the food pantry has a refrigerated food truck that will increase the types of food it can offer, “We’re going to benefit from that for years to come … The investment is helping us build capacity,” Salek said.

“Endeavor has really been a true partner for us … helping us get better at what we do.”

“Today we are getting better at connecting the dots,” Zakem related, “and thinking holistically about patent care.”

“This truck is an important tool in the fight against food

insecurity by ensuring that all our families have continued and reliable access to the resources they need to stay physically, mentally and emotionally health,” said Kim Darey, M.D., president, Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital, in a news release. “Endeavor Health is proud to partner with an organization that puts community connected care first.”

The Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, located at 1083 S. York Road, Elmhurst, is made up of 200 volunteers. Donations of surplus fruits and vegetables during the summer months from home gardens are encouraged.

For more information about the food pantry, visit www. eyfp.org. For more information about the CIF, visit www.endeavorhealth.org/community/ investment-fund.

“We

Endeavor Health’s partnership with the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry has included a $168,000 donation from the health system’s Community Investment Fund, used to purchase a refrigerated food truck with which to transport fresh foods. Pictured (above) is a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Thursday, May 29, as well as a portion of the food pantry (below).

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Forest Preserve District breaks ground on new Grounds & Natural Resources Campus at Blackwell Facility will improve sustainability, safety, and restoration across DuPage preserves

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County held a ceremonial groundbreaking June 3 for its new Grounds & Natural Resources Campus at Blackwell Forest Preserve.

The 112,900-square-foot facility will serve as the main hub for crews who maintain and restore the nearly 26,000 acres of forest preserves countywide.

The new campus replaces aging, scattered maintenance buildings with a centralized, energy-efficient complex designed to improve safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Features include an on-site solar array for renewable energy, rainwater harvesting systems to conserve water, and native bioswales and basins that support both stormwater management and habitat restoration.

“This project will have a multigenerational impact on the public’s experience across the forest preserve system,” said Kevin Horsfall, the District’s director of Planning & Development. “It’ll support our biodiversity goals, cut

Cops

long-term operational costs, and give our teams the tools to do their work more safely and efficiently.”

The campus will also include a new native plant nursery support building and greenhouse, expanding the District’s existing nursery and potentially quadrupling native seed collection and distribution efforts, further reducing reliance on outside suppliers.

Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard emphasized the project’s long-term vision.

“This facility has been critically needed for the past 20 years,” he said. “Our crews, staff, and volunteers are the backbone of everything we do. If you value our mission, you have to value the people and equipment that make it happen. This investment ensures we can continue caring for these lands for decades to come.”

“This project is shaped by the people who know this work best,” said Mike Wiseman, the District’s grounds manager. “The crews who

start and end their day here helped design this facility. It’s not just a new building—it’s a better, safer home base for the people who protect our trails, manage our trees, and care for the land every day.”

The $36.4 million project was awarded to K.R. Miller Contractors Inc. through a competitive bidding process. Woodhouse Tinucci Architects designed the facility. An intergovernmental agreement with the City of Warrenville supports infrastructure improvements.

Construction is expected to be substantially completed by February 2027 with final completion by December 2027.

This is the largest of the 32 certified projects outlined in the District’s 2019 Master Plan. It advances nearly every plan goal, including improving visitor access, restoring habitats, and modernizing infrastructure.

For more information about the project, visit dupageforest.org/what-we-do/projects/ blackwell-grounds-natural-resources-campus.

& Bobbers fishing derby takes place this Sunday, June 22

On-site registration required at the Eldridge Park Lagoon

The Elmhurst Police Department invites residents to a fun-filled fishing derby this Sunday, June 22, at the Eldridge Park Lagoon, 363 W. Commonwealth Lane.

The event will take place in two sessions—one from 9 to 10:15 a.m. and one from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

This friendly competition, which is open to all young anglers, offers a chance to win prizes in three age categories.

Awards will be given for the biggest catch, most fish caught, and the overall smallest fish caught. Live bait will be provided,

but participants must bring their own fishing gear.

On-site registration is required. Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot. Officers will help kids fish and have some fun outdoors.

For more information, visit epd.org/news/eldridge-adventure-day.

DuPage Amateur Radio Club holds event at Wilder Park June 28-29

Members of the DuPage Amateur Radio Club will demonstrate how they communicate in emergency situations during an upcoming display in Elmhurst’s Wilder Park on June 28-29. The public is welcome to observe, ask questions, or send a test message on club member equipment in locations near Wilder Park’s tennis courts from 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28, through 1 p.m. Sunday, June 29. Amateur radio operators of any class or license are welcome to participate with club members. On ARRL (American Radio Relay League) Field Day Weekend (June 28-29), ham radio operators in the United States and Canada set up temporary transmitting stations to show how they serve their communities. The event combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills. To learn more about the DuPage Amateur Radio club, visit its website at w9dup.org. For more about ARRL—the National Association for Amateur Radio—visit aarl.org.

Registration for this year’s 4 on the 4th is going strong

Registration for the 20th anniversary Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th is going at record pace, and the upcoming Fourth of July event could sell out.

“We limit the field to 1,500 to assure a safe and fun race for all participants,” said race director Bob Richards of the Elmhurst Running Club. “And so far this year, we are way ahead of last year when we had more than 1,400 registrants.”

Runners can sign up for the 4-mile run or the Kids (ages 5-12) 1-kilometer run at 4on4th.run. The 4-mile run starts at 7:15 a.m. The Kids 1K run begins at 8:20 a.m. Both races start and finish on Prospect Avenue, just south of the Elmhurst University gate along Wilder Park.

Eighty percent of proceeds after race expenses go to local charities. The event has donated close to $100,000 over the years, Richards said.

Early packet pickup will be available on Saturday, June 28; Wednesday, July 2; and Thursday, July 3, (until 4 p.m.) at Fleet Feet, 124 E. Schiller Street, Elmhurst. For complete race information, visit 4on4th.run.

Two students from York’s Class of 2025 receive P.E.O. scholarships

Two members of York High School’s Class of 2025— Skyler Richter and Alina Thomas—recently received scholarships from the Elmhurst P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) chapters. Chapters HY and JU together gave each student a $1,000 scholarship. Pictured left to right are: Richter, Thomas, Sarah Cole of Chapter JU and Holly Kost of Chapter HY. Richter, who has not yet decided which college she will attend, has been accepted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Indiana University and Purdue University. She plans to major in speech-language pathology. She has been part of the Invite to Teach program and worked with students at Edison Elementary School and Madison Early Childhood Center. While at York, she was a member of Key Club, Girls in Business, the Water Safety Club and the York dance team. Richter dances with the Exhibit 3 Dance Company. Thomas, who plans to study medicine, is also considering where she will continue her education. She has been accepted to Elmhurst University/Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, DePaul University/Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences, and Nova Southeastern University/College of Osteopathic Medicine. Thomas has volunteered nearly 100 hours at Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital. She was a member of York’s orchestra and badminton team, and is a member of the Mudra Dance Academy in Palatine.

Excellent Therapy for Children with Autism Depends on Excellent Therapists

At ABA Revolution we have 5 applicants for every one of our therapy positions so we only hire the best.

the ABA Revolution

therapy for children ages 2-8

Police beat

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.

Assault, battery

June 8

Police said that subsequent to a report of a battery in the 100 block of N. Industrial, the suspect later confessed to making a false report.

June 5

Martique D. Barksdale, 43, of Villa Park, was charged with aggravated battery in a public place, assault, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct near Second and Addison at 7:24 p.m. Police said Barksdale battered a victim while the victim was out walking.

Timothy F. Gruskovak, 74, of Stickney, was charged with aggravated assault on public property, unlawful possession of a weapon and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration near Third and York at 2:49 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a road rage incident, the suspect brandished a baton at the victim.

Damage to property, criminal trespassing

Jovan L. Streeter, 35, of Chicago, was issued citations for two counts of walking in the roadway near St. Charles and Washington at 9:58 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a report of a subject with a knife, the suspect was located; however a knife was not found. Due to the subject being observed walking in the roadway on multiple occasions, medics were requested for an evaluation. Medics transported the subject to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment.

June

Luis A. Villareal, 24, of Elmhurst, was charged with criminal damage to property, possession of a controlled substance, resisting/obstructing a police officer and obstructing identification at a hotel in the 500 block of W. Grand. Police said that subsequent to a report of a domestic dispute, the suspect was located; he provided a fake name and was found to have damaged the building.

Police said that subsequent to a report of vehicles racing in the 600 block of N. County Line at 8:50 p.m., multiple vehicles were observed attempting to leave the area. Adrian Vargas, 24, of Davenport, Iowa; Alizae R. Serna, 25, of Davenport; Erick Garcia, 25, of Aurora; Merary B. Manriquez-Guevara, 27, of Hinckley, William Sauseda, 21, of Bridgeview; Justin Trottier, 24, of Lombard; Anthony Orozco, 21, of Melrose Park; Devan L. Simpson, 25, of Riverwoods; Gabriel Rivera, 24, of Des Plaines; Juliana R. Grandados, 19, of Crystal Lake; and Cesar Duran Carrasco, 20, of Northlake, were all issued citations for trespassing. In addition, police said Vargas was found to have an active failure to appear warrant out of Lee County.

Beishen Chekirov, 49, of Chicago, was issued citations for damage to city property and disobeying a traffic control device near North and Emroy at 9:46 p.m.

June 6

Police said that subsequent to a customer dispute at a store in the 500 block of S. Spring at 12:44 a.m., a complainant/employee reported the suspect appeared highly intoxicated,

became argumentative, and threw a doughnut in his direction. The employee requested the suspect be served with a no-trespass notice from the business. A no-trespass notice will be served to the suspect at a later date.

DUI, DUI-drugs, consumption of alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of alcohol

June 8

Alexander A. Lopez Mendoza, 26, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI, no valid license, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage, possession of open alcohol by a driver and no seat belt near Grand and Lake at 9:20 p.m.

June 7

Marvin E. Foster, 64, of Palos Hills, was charged with DUI-drugs, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage and no insurance near Monterey and St. Charles at 4:14 p.m.

Javaira S. Johnson, 27, of Broadview, a passenger in a vehicle, was issued a citation for open liquor in a motor vehicle subsequent to a traffic stop near Roosevelt and Butterfield at 7:34 p.m.

Identity theft, fraud

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 by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported four incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Elissa N. Tojin, 32, of Wood Dale, near Grantley and Howard at 4:21 p.m. June 6; Francisco J. Martinez, 27, of Chicago, near Roosevelt and York at 9:15 p.m. June 6; Aviana L. Miller, 28, of Berkeley, in the 300 block of E. Butterfield at 1:30 p.m. June 7; and James J. Hines, 28, of Chicago, near Roosevelt and Butterfield at 7:34 p.m. June 7.

Theft, retail theft,

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

June 11

A victim in the 800 block of S. Swain re-

June 10

A complainant at a pharmacy in the 100 block of N. Robert T. Palmer reported a suspect stole merchandise.

May 25

A complainant at a store in the 600 block of W. Lake reported a suspect stole packages that were intended to be delivered.

May 9

A complainant in the 200 block of Addison reported she employed a moving company and moved to a new residence. During the move, items went missing.

Warrant arrest

June 11

June 9-June 10

A victim in the 100 block of E. Knighton Place reported after opening an email, her computer froze and displayed a message instructing her to call a number claiming to be Microsoft. Upon calling, she was directed to send money in Bitcoin, and later handed over money to two unknown males posing as couriers who came to her residence.

June 6

Police said Reyna M. Martinez, 25, of Chicago, a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by police in a traffic stop near Roosevelt and York at 9:15 p.m., was found to have an active warrant out of Kane County. Martinez was processed on the warrant and transported to the DuPage County Jail.

Police said Phillip L. Thompson, 54, of Westmont, was found to have an active failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County subsequent to a report of a suspicious person in the 200 block of E. Fullerton at 7:33 p.m.

Police said that subsequent to a check on well-being in the 500 block of S. York, Phillip V. Breckler, 38, (residence not given) was found to have an active warrant out of DuPage County for trespassing. He was also in possession of a stolen shopping cart from a nearby store, according to police. Breckler was placed under arrest, processed on the warrant and charged with theft.

One of two Chicago men charged

with

armed

robbery at Addison

gas station sentenced to 25 years

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced last week that Judge Brian Telander sentenced one of two Chicago men accused of robbing an Addison gas station at gunpoint to 25 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

With a sentencing range of between 21 to 60 years, the State had asked for a sentence of 40 years. On March 13, Willie Carter, 25, entered a blind plea of guilty to one count of armed robbery with a firearm, a Class X Felony.

Carter, who was out on parole for less than two months for armed robbery at the time of the offense, has been held in custody at the DuPage County Jail since his appearance in First Appearance Court on Jan. 31, 2024, at which time the Court granted the State’s motion to detain him pre-trial.

The next court date for Carter’s co-defendant, Anton Stephens, 25, is scheduled for July 22. Stephens is charged with three counts of armed robbery with a firearm (Class X felony), one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon (Class 3 felony) and one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony).

Stephens is currently being held in custody at the DuPage County Jail since his appearance in First Appearance Court on Jan. 31, 2024, at which time the Court granted the State’s motion to detain him pre-trial.

It is alleged that on Jan. 30, 2024, 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 that month traveling westbound on I-290 into DuPage County.

As the officer continued surveillance, 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 701 E. Lake Street in Addison.

It is alleged that two males, later identified as Carter and Stephens, exited the ve-

hicle 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 Street.

It is further alleged that a Villa Park Police officer deployed spike strips in the eastbound lanes of Lake Street, which the defendants avoided by driving east in the westbound lanes of Lake Street. It is further alleged that a high-speed pursuit that involved approximately 20 police vehicles from multiple jurisdictions and reached speeds in excess of 100 mph ensued as the defendants fled.

After the successful deployment of spike strips on I-290 and Mannheim Road, the defendants’ vehicle crashed into a marked police car, at which time both men 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.

“Mr. Carter’s 25-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections sends a loud and clear message that robbing at gunpoint an innocent person who was working the midnight shift trying to make an honest living will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin said.

“There is no place in civilized society for Mr. Carter’s behavior and today’s sentence ensures Mr. Carter will be unable to prey upon society for a significant amount of time.”

Willie Carter

Federal law enforcement seizes fentanyl and 25 firearms from suburban

Elmhurst Police Department provides assistance

Federal law enforcement this week arrested two individuals after seizing multiple kilograms of fentanyl and approximately 25 firearms from their suburban Chicago residences and storage unit.

A criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges James Howard, 32, of Frankfort,, and Shantel Robinson, 31, of Oak Lawn, with drug conspiracy,

residences and storage unit; two individuals arrested

Howard and Robinson were arrested on June 12 They are scheduled to make initial appearances today in federal court in Chicago.

According to the complaint, law enforcement recently covertly discovered approximately 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and approximately 850 grams of suspected cocaine from a comforter blanket package that Howard had placed in the common area of Robinson’s apartment complex. A subsequent court-authorized search

of Robinson’s apartment revealed that it contained multiple firearms and was being used as a drug laboratory, the complaint states.

Law enforcement later conducted court-authorized searches of Howard’s residence and a storage unit Robinson leased in Alsip, and discovered additional kilograms of suspected narcotics, drug manufacturing paraphernalia, additional firearms, and two packages containing Glock “conversion devices,” which make handguns capa-

ble of firing multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger, the complaint states.

The complaint and arrests were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Valuable assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police, Will County Sheriff’s Office, the Justice Police Department, Woodridge, Police

Department, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Elmhurst Police Department, Chicago Police Department, Elgin Police Department, Buffalo Grove Police Department, Frankfort Police Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kurt Siegal and Minje Shin. The officials noted that the investigation remains ongoing.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America,

a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Giannoulias cracks down on unlawful use of license plate reader data

Following reports that Texas police illegally accessed Illinois automatic license plate reader (ALPR) data to track down a woman for an abortion care-related matter, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced new measures aimed at preventing further abuse.

In May, law enforcement authorities in Texas performed a nationwide search of more than 83,000 ALPR cameras to locate a woman they said had a self-administered abortion.

Included in the search were cameras located in states where abortion is legal–including Illinois, specifically Mount Pros-

pect in suburban Cook County.

In 2023, Giannoulias spearheaded first-in-the-nation legislation making it illegal for law enforcement in other states to use ALPR cameras to track or penalize individuals seeking abortion care or criminalize a person’s immigration status.

“License plate readers can serve as an important tool for law enforcement, but these cameras must be regulated so they aren’t abused for surveillance, tracking the data of innocent people or criminalizing lawful behavior,” Giannoulias said. “No one seeking legal healthcare services in Illinois

Three men charged with grooming/ traveling to meet a minor in Downers Grove sting operation

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries announced last week that three men have been charged with traveling to meet a minor for sexual purposes. The following individuals each appeared in First Appearance Court (FAC) and were charged with one count of traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 felony), one count of grooming (Class 4 felony) and one count of solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 felony).

The defendants were all released pre-trial with conditions including electronic monitoring and no contact with anyone under the age of 18.

• Devonte Robinson, 28, of Country Club Hills; next court appearance was scheduled for June 11.

• Nicholas Flesher, 55, of Schererville, Indiana; next court appearance was scheduled for June 12.

• Cameron Konter, 24, of Braceville; next court appearance is scheduled for June 30.

On June 4, the Downers Grove Police Department, in cooperation with the Westmont and Carol Stream police

departments, and the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group (DuMeg) conducted an underage grooming operation using undercover police officers posing as minor children.

It is alleged that the abovenamed defendants replied to an advertisement placed by the Downers Grove Police Department on a website where users can browse listings related to adult services. In the advertisement, the fictitious poster, indicated that she was 18 years old. The same day, the fictitious poster allegedly received a response to the advertisement from each of the defendants.

It is alleged that in correspondence between the fictitious poster and each defendant, during which they discussed sexual activity and payment for the services, the fictitious poster indicated that she was only 16 years old. It is further alleged that after informing the defendants that she was 16 years old, each of the defendants traveled to a Downers Grove hotel to engage in sexual activity with her.

Each defendant was arrested at the hotel upon their arrival.

should face harassment or jail–period.”

“At Personal PAC, we work hard with our partners in government, like Secretary Giannoulias, to pass laws that protect abortion in Illinois,” said Sarah Garza Resnick, CEO of Personal PAC. “Patients rely on Illinois for abortion access that they need, and it is on us to ensure that their right to receive that care is protected in our state. We applaud Secretary Giannoulias for taking swift action in looking into the alleged violations of the ALPR data act.”

“Illinois has taken major steps that protect immigrant rights and reproductive rights, but these policies are only effective if the law is followed,” said Lawrence Benito, execu-

tive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Rights.

“We thank the Secretary of State for shutting off access to out-of-state authorities and protecting all people coming through our state.”

In response to this breach, the Secretary of State’s office instructed Flock Safety, which operates the ALPR network in question, to immediately shut off access for the out-of-state authorities illegally using the system.

The office has also contacted the Illinois Attorney General’s office to investigate the matter and is establishing an audit system with additional safeguards to ensure any law enforcement entity using an ALPR in Illinois is adhering to the law.

Under the act, which took

effect in 2024, law enforcement agencies must attest that ALPR data will not be used to prosecute or enforce another state’s laws pertaining to abortion care or immigration status. If a law enforcement agency violates this agreement, they jeopardize their access to Illinois ALPR data and eligibility for federal and state grants. In the recent case, Mount Prospect’s ALPR settings provided a gateway into Illinois’ system operated by Flock for an unauthorized use, despite the Texas police stating that the reason for the search was related to abortion care. Any law enforcement entity operating the ALPR must adhere to the declaration in the law and deny such requests, according to the act.

Between Jan. 14 and April 30, there were 262 searches for immigration related matters in Mount Prospect alone.

The law still allows police to use ALPR technology for investigating felonies, carjackings, vehicle thefts and missing person alerts, but it protects a person’s right to abortion access and prevents attempts to criminalize a person’s immigration status.

Operated by private companies, ALPRs are used in every state by most metropolitan police departments to scan license plates and provide the time and location of vehicles in real time.

ALPR technology allows police to read thousands of license plates per minute from cameras placed on roadways, streetlights and squad cars.

Viewpoint

Slices of life

Let laughter ring

We are living in serious times. And, while I don’t want to demean or diminish the seriousness of all the seriousness, I have one piece of advice that I hope can benefit us all.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is laugh.

You read that right. In the midst of the dire, sobering, critical, drastic, desperate and extreme times in which we all live, we perhaps can benefit from something as basic and simple and liberating as laughter. From the belly. The kind that takes your breath away and makes tears flow down your cheeks (the ones on your face).

Life is serious. We are living in serious times. I believe both those things to be true. I am not advocating making light of the seriousness, nor am I suggesting we laugh at it. I’m simply proposing a short, minimal break from it all. A laugh break, if you will.

Yes, life is serious. But I also believe life is short and it is meant to be fun and in that I give you permission.

Not that you need it from me, but it feels good to give it.

I give you permission to laugh. And to be silly. To crack jokes. To giggle.

Not at yourself, but at something beyond yourself. At something that is funny to you, whether that’s re-runs of The Office, a hilarious knock knock joke, funny cat videos, a clown slipping on a banana peel, someone pretending to pass gas (loudly) in a crowded elevator or the overall ugliness of your best friend’s big toe. Seek laughter. The reasons are simple: It feels good. And it does good. Laughter provides physical benefits to your body. It increases your intake of oxygen, which benefits internal organs. It helps you relax, which works to decrease blood pressure and provide possible heart benefits. It reduces stress while increasing energy levels - an oxymoron I’d love to live with.

If you’re still struggling, I’d like to give you a

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

hands-on exercise to try for yourself at home. This object lesson is not my own. I came across a version of it online, and couldn’t hold back a smile (much less laughter.) Then I thought how much others could benefit from the silly laughter it evokes and knew I had to share it with you.

In that vein, please do attempt the following while keeping a frown on your face:

Whisper “beep boop” to yourself while (optional) twirling around three times. If still feeling stress, repeat while hopping on one foot. Plug your nose. Say “walla walla bing bang” in a high voice. Then say “halla halla fling flang” in a really deep voice.

Say “unicorn” in the angriest voice you can. Next, look in the mirror and in your best David Cassidy voice sing, “I think I love you!” Then say “pickles” three times as fast as you can while puckering your lips.

If you aren’t laughing yet, maybe you’ve lost your sense of humor. In order to find it you can try watching a few more funny cat videos or old reruns of The Carol Burnett Show. Or you can take a peek at your best friends big toe.

We are living in serious times. I guess when you think about it, most times, historically, have been serious times. In that, we aren’t alone or unique.

The same can be said for laughter. It’s likely humans have been laughing ever since the beginning of time - and since the beginning of seriousness.

Maybe they need each other.

LOL.

Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

‘Trump Tariff Tour’ continues

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

I continued my “Trump Tariff Tour” with a stop in Rockford, where I visited a warehouse for Milescraft, a second-generation, familyowned manufacturer of power tool accessories. During my visit, I spoke with Milescraft CEO Simon Karkosch and his employees about the harmful impacts President Donald Trump’s blanket tariffs are having on Illinois businesses and families. Milescraft, like many other small manufacturers, has already been forced to lay off employees due to dramatically rising costs caused by these tariffs.

These blanket tariffs aren’t targeting bad actors or protecting American jobs. Instead, they’re raising prices, slashing margins, and threatening the very businesses and workers that keep our local economies going. For example, Illinois imports more than $82 billion worth of goods from Canada and Mexico, our two largest trading partners. President Trump’s tariffs risk destabilizing those relationships and driving up costs for consumers and producers alike. Yale University’s Budget Lab estimates that these tariffs have already raised consumer prices by 2.3 percent, costing the average household $3,800 per year.

I began this tour weeks ago, and at every stop on

my tariff tour, from produce distributors in Chicago to farmers in Atlanta to brewers in Urbana, I’ve heard the same message: Illinoisans are paying the price for trade policies that don’t make economic sense. That’s why I’ll keep fighting for fair, smart trade policies that strengthen American manufacturing without sacrificing the workers and small businesses who drive our economy.

Accepting the 2024 Governmental Leader of the Year Award

I was honored to recently receive the 2024 Governmental Leader of the Year Award from the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference (DMMC).

I’m especially grateful to Mayor Jeff Pruyn of Itasca and Mayor Rodney Craig of Hanover Park for their nomination, which reflects our years of partnership advocating for communities in our area. This award is a powerful reminder of what local and federal leaders can accomplish when we work together. I look forward to continuing that collaboration to serve our neighbors across DuPage County and our entire area.

Standing up for American values and security by welcoming the world’s top talent

On Sunday, June 1, I joined CBS’s Face the Nation to speak out against

Mayors and Managers Conference.

President Donald Trump’s sweeping restrictions on Chinese student visas. I made it clear that the only winners from this shortsighted policy are leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and the biggest losers are the United States and the students who came here seeking a world-class education. Let me be clear: if a student has significant ties to the CCP or poses a national security threat, that person should not be in the United States. But that’s not what this policy does. Instead, it appears to indiscriminately target all students from China, including those from Hong Kong who fled authoritarian rule in search of opportunity and freedom.

This blanket approach is not only wrong and discriminatory—it plays directly into the CCP’s hands, ensuring top talent remains in China rather than coming here to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to our economy. Policies like this also risk sending a chilling message to students from other countries who are considering studying in the United States. At a time when we should be attracting global talent, we are turning it away.

We must absolutely counter aggression from the CCP and defend our national security, but punishing students and scholars who enrich our nation is not the answer. America should stand as a beacon of democracy, openness, and knowledge— See TARIFF, Page 10

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (right) receives the 2024 Governmental Leader of the Year Award from Mayor Scott Levin of Elmhurst—outgoing President of the DuPage

Worship

Estimated 1,400 people gather in Elmhurst for ‘No Kings Day’ protests

By Brenda Garcia FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

On a cold winter Saturday in February of this year, Grace Clear came to Elmhurst City Hall and protested outside with a sign defending democracy.

The following Saturday, a few people joined her. Then the next Saturday, more people joined and shortly thereafter, this group of people had a rally every Saturday at city hall from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Clear is a board member with Progressives for Change. According to their website, progressives4change.org, “Progressives for Change is an inclusive and progressive network of residents determined to cultivate an informed and engaged citizenry in Elmhurst, IL and beyond. We gather to advocate, educate, and empower ourselves and others.”

On Saturday, June 14, at 1:30 p.m., people gathered in downtown Elmhurst outside of city hall to participate in the “No Kings Day” nationwide protest.

Members of Progressives for Change in Elmhurst organized and coordinated the logistics of Saturday’s event. People of all ages and ethnic backgrounds rallied around the city hall building with their posters. The posters displayed messages defending democracy and protesting the policies of the Trump Administration.

The crowd of people walked from city hall to Glos Memorial Park while chanting different phrases expressing their disapproval of President Donald Trump and his administration’s actions with cutting federal jobs, defunding public programs, deportation procedures of immigrants without due process, President Trump’s al-

leged authoritarian behavior and many more issues.

People rallied all the way to Glos Memorial Park with many cars beeping in support as they drove by. In response to every car that beeped, the crowd cheered and chanted “No More Trump!” among other phrases.

The crowd grew silent around 2:25 p.m. when Clear thanked the crowd for showing up to protest. She was followed by guest speakers Andrew Honig, DuPage County Board Member for District 2 and Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin, DuPage County Recorder.

Both Honig and Chaplin expressed the importance of people continuing to make their voices heard by participating in protests and by showing up at the ballots in upcoming elections.

The speeches concluded with John Baker, a board member of Progressives for Change, recognizing Clear for starting the very first protest for democracy in Elmhurst and for taking the lead with organizing Saturday’s event. He also announced that there were approximately 1,400 people in attendance Saturday.

Afterwards, the crowd continued to rally at the park and then marched back to city hall while displaying their posters and chanting various phrases such as, “This is what democracy looks like!”

Several Elmhurst police officers were nearby monitoring the rally during the entire event, and it remained peaceful even when two or three pro-Trump supporters showed up with MAGA flags trying to disrupt the protest.

Clear reminded the participants to refrain from interacting with pro-Trump supporters to keep it peaceful.

Members of the Progres-

sives for Change said they were impressed by the large number of people who participated in the “No Kings Day” protest.

Prior to Saturday’s event, the organization’s largest rally consisted of 350 people on “Hands Off” day of action on April 5. That was also a nationwide protest against the Trump Administration’s policies, but on a smaller scale, whereas, Saturday’s protest was even more significant since hundreds of cities across the nation were participating in a “No Kings Day” protest.

When asked what propelled her to start protesting by herself. Clear said that the driving force behind her protesting in February stemmed from the election of President Trump and the way she said he started dismantling things. She mentioned there were so many things that drove her to react with “enough is enough.” She said she felt a strong desire to do something and speak up.

Since her first protest in February, Clear said she has received positive feedback from many residents who are happy to see her speaking up and doing something. Most of the people who started joining her in the protests are seniors who can’t travel outside of Elmhurst, but still wanted their voices heard. She said they are also representing the voices of those who can’t come out to protest because they feel they are targeted by the Trump Administration.

When asked what it means to have the protest on Flag Day, Clear responded, “It means everything, everything because often the liberals aren’t seen as being patriotic. We’re just as patriotic as the next person and the flag belongs to all of us; it really does.”

prepare for annual Used Book Sale

AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch NFP members start sorting books in preparation for the annual Used Book Sale that begins on Thursday, June 26 and continues until Sunday, June 29, at Sandburg Middle School, 345 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. Proceeds from the sale of books are used to benefit local scholarships, national AAUW research, and programs for women and girls. For additional information, visit the website https:// elmhurstarea-il.aauw. net, contact info@ aauwelmhurst.org or call 630-832-4677.

BRENDA GARCIA PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Around 1,400 people from Elmhurst and a few from neighboring suburbs, gathered in Elmhurst to participate in “No Kings Day” protests that took place nationwide on Saturday. One of the photos (above) shows DuPage County Recorder Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin (left) and DuPage County District 2 Board Member Andrew Honig. Both Chaplin and Honig spoke at the event.

Community calendar

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Aug. 17

Legacies: Selections from the Elmhurst Art Museum Permanent Collection.

Much of EAM’s permanent collection results from the relationship between the museum and the people who previously owned the work, including artists, collectors, and their family members. The galleries will feature micro installations of paintings, drawings, prints and sculp-

tures from several personal collections donated to the museum to consider the nature of collecting. The exhibition will be accompanied by a lively program of music, film, talks, and tours to question collecting practices, access to collections, and inspire agency for people to build collections. For prices and more information, visit https://elmhurstartmuseum.org/exhibitions

Recurring weekly now through Aug. 6

Wednesday Nights Live

Presented free by the Elm-

hurst City Centre, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., join your friends and family for an unforgettable evening of live music every week. Listen to live under the colorful Umbrella Sky installation. Don’t miss out on the vibrant atmosphere and the joy of music. For more information, visit https://elmhurstcitycentre.com/

Recurring on Sundays

Elmhurst Model Railroad Club Sunday open house From 1-4 p.m. every Sunday at the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club, 111 E. First St., and visit the club’s three operating model railroad layouts. For more information, call 630-530-9584 or email: emrrc@comcast.net

Now through June 27

Elmhurst Artists Guild Summer Members Show. Presented by the Elmhurst Artists Guild and recurring daily. Must be an EAG member. For more information, visit: www.elmhurstartistsguild.org/membership/ membership-show-registration-hrfzp

Now through Sept. 7

“Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World,” the College of DuPage, McAninch Arts Center, and Cleve Carney Museum of Art are collaborating with the City of Elmhurst’s Public Arts Commission and Elmhurst City Centre. Take a stroll down York Street and admire the iconic images of Elmhurst landmarks, all stylized in the traditional Japanese ukiyo-e art style. Each work of art, created by local artist Rich Lo, will be displayed in eight large windows located at 107 N. York throughout the summer. For more information, visit elmhurstcitycentre.com.

Saturday, June 21

Elmhurst Family Pride Fest. Presented free by Elmhurst Pride Collective from noon to 4 p.m. at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 S. Spring, celebrate pride at this free outdoor, family-friendly fest, featuring vendors, games, entertainment, food, and friends from Elmhurst and neighboring communities. For more information visit: https://www.elmhurstpridecollective.com/pride-25

Sunday, June 22

Hokusai Outdoor Art Gallery. Recurring daily and presented free by the Elmhurst City Centre, in conjunction with the 2025 exhibition

Jim Gill Kids Concert Presented free by the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., at 2 p.m., clap, jump, dance, and sing along at

this energetic, family-friendly concert at the museum’s new outdoor performance space. Presented by Musician and Child Development Specialist, Jim Gill, the concert will offer more than a performance—Gill provides an opportunity for children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers to experience the joy of music play together. Bring your own chairs or blanket; coolers welcome. Please note: Bathrooms are available in the Elmhurst History Museum (Glos Mansion) during the concert.

Juneteenth commemoration. Presented free by First United Methodist Churh, 232 S. York, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., enjoy a morning of food, music, and Underground Railroad-themed activities while we commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth—the Day of Freedom for our Black brothers and sisters. In addition, we will hear from Jahmal Cole, founder

and CEO of My Block My Hood My City. Through their diverse and multifaceted lineup of programs and initiatives, My Block My Hood My City empowers Chicagoans, encouraging them to explore beyond their immediate surroundings and actively contribute to the betterment of their communities. For more information, visit: https:// umcelmhurst.org/

Friday, June 27

Fourth Fridays concert series. Presented free by the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park, at 7 p.m., at the museum’s new outdoor performance space, experience an eclectic lineup of concerts, from jazz and blues to bluegrass and salsa and cumbia music, on the fourth Friday of each month.

Chairs, blankets, coolers welcome.

Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

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Northern Illinois Food Bank kicks off Free Summer Meals Program for Kids

No ID or registration required; walk-ups welcome

Summer is often the hungriest time of year for children. While more than 20 million kids rely on free or reduced-price school meals during the academic year, those meals disappear when school lets out, leaving many families struggling to fill the gap.

To meet this urgent need, Northern Illinois Food Bank is once again launching its Free Summer Meals for Kids program, running now through Aug. 15, 2025. In partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education, the Food Bank will provide 7,500 free meals daily to

kids across 13 counties in suburban and rural Northern Illinois. No ID, registration, or proof of income is required and walk-ups are welcome. Children must be 18 years old or younger and meals must be consumed onsite.

“Summer meals are a lifeline for families,” said Julie Yurko, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank.

“More than 4,000 schools in Northern Illinois participate in the National School Lunch Program, and over 1 million students—about 51 percent—rely on free or reduced-price meals during the

school year. When school is out, many of these children are at risk of summer hunger. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring every child has the nutritious food they need to grow, learn, and thrive all year long.”

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), these meals are available at eligible sites including parks, libraries, churches, schools and community centers. Meals must be consumed on-site and are completely free, with no registration, ID, or income

Elmhurst History Museum outdoor events

Range of free concert experiences for the community this summer

Known for providing exceptional educational and family-friendly programming, the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., will present the following free concerts:

Special performances

• Jim Gill Kids Concert, Sunday, June 22, 2 p.m.

• Bourbon Aristocracy (Bluegrass) at Family Farm Fest, Sunday, July 13, 1-4 p.m.

• Fourth Fridays Concert Series: From June–Septem-

ber, guests are invited to join the Elmhurst History Museum for a free concert on the fourth Friday each month. Visitors can grab a spot at the outdoor public performance space to enjoy an eclectic line up of renowned musical performances, from jazz and blues to salsa and Cumbia music.

• Highland Park Pops Big Band, Friday, June 27, 7 p.m. (Jazz and big band music)

• Morry Sochat and The Special 20’s, Friday, July 25, 7 p.m. (blues)

• Coffee Jazz Collective,

Friday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m. (jazz)

• Carpacho y Su Super Combo, Friday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m. (salsa and Cumbia Music)

Guests are invited to bring their own chairs and/or blankets.

Coolers and refreshments are also welcome. All concerts are free to attend, and no reservation is required. All ages welcome.

The 2025 concert series is made possible in part by the Dr. Virginia R. Stewart Memorial Fund.

requirements.

Northern Illinois Food Bank provides fresh meals at 145 Summer Meal sites across its 13-county service area. All lunches follow USDA meal pattern guidelines and include a grain, protein, milk, and two fruits or vegetables, ensuring kids receive balanced, nutritious meals to support their health and development. Some locations also offer enrichment activities like reading programs, games, and outdoor play, helping kids stay active and engaged while receiving nutritious food.

To find a nearby summer meal site, visit solvehungertoday.org/child-nutrition-programs (click the Summer Meals tab) or call (800) 359-2163.

In DuPage County:

• Addison Public Library, 4 Friendship Plaza; lunch, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

through Aug. 1.

• Bensenville Community Public Library, 200 S. Church Road; lunch, Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., through Aug. 8.

• Villa Park Public Library, 305 S. Ardmore Ave.; lunch, Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Aug. 7.

New in 2025: Family Fresh Mart now through Aug. 1

This year, Northern Illinois Food Bank is excited to launch Family Fresh Mart, a new mobile summer food initiative replacing Meals on the Move. Open to families with no ID or registration required, Family Fresh Mart brings nutritious boxed lunches for kids and free fresh produce for families to convenient neighborhood locations, including Tuesdays at the Addison Public

Library, 4 Friendship Plaza, Addison, IL 60101, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Summer EBT gives families $120 boost Illinois families can also apply to receive a one-time Summer EBT benefit of $120 for each eligible child. Benefits are distributed on a pre-loaded electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card and can be used at authorized retail locations, including some farmers’ markets. Summer EBT provides families with a monthly grocery benefit to feed their children for three summer months (June, July, August) when children are not receiving free or reduced-price meals at school. For more information about Summer EBT benefit, reach out Northern Illinois Food Bank’s SNAP team at 844-600-7627 or snap@ northernilfoodbank.org – or visit SolveHungerToday.org.

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Sport S

Timothy Christian boys tennis team 11th in the state Freshman Tseng finishes fifth in singles tournament

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian boys tennis team ended its 2025 season in fine fashion.

The Trojans took 11th as a team at the recent Class 1A boys tennis state tournament. The Trojans earned 12 points and finished with the highest point total at state in Timothy Christian boys tennis history.

Individually, freshman Hudson Tseng finished fifth in the state singles tournament. He was joined at state by the doubles team of junior Elliot Tandy and senior Timo Kacian. Tseng won six of his seven matches at state and generated nine points for the Trojans, while Tandy and Kacian won three of five doubles matches and earned three team points. “Elliot, Timo and Hudson worked hard all year and continued to improve and peaked at the best time of the season at the state championship,” Timothy coach Rick McLean said.

McLean pointed out Tseng was the only freshman player in the state’s final eight, “which is exciting as we look forward to his continued growth and improvement,” he said. “His excellent conditioning served him well.” McLean noted Tseng’s third-round match at state went three sets and lasted three hours and 40 minutes.

Tandy, a team captain, returns next season, “and decisions will need to determine if he will be playing singles or

doubles as he looks forward to hopefully a third trip to the state finals,” McLean said. Tandy and Kacian finished the season with a 16-9 record in doubles, while both had identical 9-0 records in singles play. Tseng finished his freshman season with a robust 23-3 mark.

Prior to state, the Trojans took second at the Class 1A St. Francis sectional in Wheaton. Glenbard South won the sectional title with 16 points. Timothy was two points behind at 14. McLean noted it was a competitive eightteam sectional with host St. Francis, Wheaton Academy, Glenbard South, Notre Dame, Northridge Prep, Fenton and Lisle.

Tseng and Luke Tuchsherer competed in the sectional singles division, while Tandy and Kacian and Tong Yang and Phillip Wojciuk were Timothy’s two doubles entrants. Tseng went 4-0 and won the singles sectional title, while Tandy and Kacian lost in the sectional doubles championship match and earned a state berth.

At the Chicagoland Christian Conference tournament, the Trojans took second with 29 points, three behind conference-champion Wheaton Academy. “It was tough losing the conference tournament after going 3-0 in the conference regular season,” McLean said.

Tandy missed the conference tournament due to ill-

ness, McLean noted. Tseng won the CCC No. 1 singles title and earned all-conference honors. Tandy and Kacian also earned all-conference honors.

“Hudson played at a high level of consistency and brought an outstanding all-around game with intensity and focus to each match,” McLean said. “Elliot and Timo have been steady players for us all year.”

McLean also lauded the improvement of the No. 2 doubles team of Yang and Wojciuk, which had a late-season three-match winning streak to its credit. “Tong and Phillip are the most improved players of the year for us,” he said, “and the most flexible. Both have played singles and doubles.”

McLean added freshmen and new players were helpful in the team’s year-end push, including Michael Grandolfo, Maddox Preitauer and Merritt Stolzenbach. “Michael and Maddox had impressive wins in the conference tournament to keep us close,” McLean said. “I am also encouraged by the play of Merritt, who is a freshman. He played some singles and doubles matches and consistently showed growth and improvement.”

Timothy finished the season 11-7-2 in dual meet action, finishing the regular season strong with four wins and one tie in its last five matches. That streak included wins over Morton, Fenton, Aurora Central, Wheaton Academy and a tie with St. Viator.

qualifiers Elliot Tandy, Hudson Tseng and Timo Kacian. Tseng, a

fifth in the state singles tournament (winning six of his

and Kacian won three of their five doubles matches at state, helping

11th as a team.

York boys tennis team places 16th in the state

Maxeiner and Yu earn all-state doubles

accolades

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

The York boys tennis doubles team of Brennen

Maxeiner and Nathan Yu put itself in some rare air recently. Maxeiner and Yu finished in the top eight of the recent IHSA boys state doubles tournament. IN doing so, Maxeiner and Yu earned first-team all-state honors.

Maxeiner and Yu also joined some elite York company. Coach Brad Sullivan pointed out in the history of York boys tennis, there have been

only two singles players and two doubles players to reach the quarterfinal round of the main draw. Plus, Sullivan added, the last York player to earn all-state honors was back in 1991.

Maxeiner and Yu won three matches during the first day of the doubles tournament to advance to the quarterfinal round where they lost to the tournament No. 1 seed from Hinsdale Central (6-1, 6-4) before beating a team from Stevenson to advance to the medal round on the fi-

nal day. Maxeiner and Yu lost a tough three-set match to Conant (5-7, 6-3, 11-9) and ended up tying for seventh place. On the first day, Maxeiner and Yu, seeded ninth, defeated No. 8 seed Deerfield to qualify for second-day action.

The York doubles team of Kieran Goldstein and Saveen Shah lost its opener to Hersey (the No. 6 seed) 6-1, 6-0 and then dropped a 6-3, 6-4 contest to Jacobs in the consolation bracket. Maxeiner and Yu’s victories at state helped

the Dukes tie for 16th place as a team at state. Earlier, Maxeiner and Yu won a Class 2A sectional doubles title, while Goldstein and Shah took second in the sectional.

“Overall, it was a great season for this team,” Sullivan said. York recorded dual wins against Hersey (finished third in state) and Glenbrook South (finished fourth), finished third in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division and won a Class 2A sectional team title.

At the West Suburban

Conference Silver Division meet, York was third behind Hinsdale Central and Oak Park-River Forest. Sophomore David Borislavov took second in the conference at No. 2 singles, while the No. 2 doubles team of seniors Brendan Carroll and Drew Greene also took second.

Maxeiner and Yu (No. 1 doubles), Shah and Goldstein (No. 2 doubles), Jason DeMott and Finley Humpherson (No. 4 doubles) and Liam Ponton (No. 3 ingles) all took third at the conference meet.

Additionally, York was invited to the prestigious Pitchford Invitational state preview at Hersey in Arlington Heights. York tied for 21st out of 32 of the best teams in the state, Sullivan noted. Maxeiner and Yu finished in seventh place at No. 1 doubles.

“Nate and Brennan played terrific tennis,” Sullivan said.

York finished 13-5 overall in duals and went 4-2 during the West Suburban Silver Division dual-meet season. “Our team continued to play at a high level,” Sullivan said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

From left, Timothy Christian boys tennis coach Rick McLean with Class 1A state

freshman, finished

seven matches), while Tandy

the Trojans finish

Illinois’ $55.2B budget ‘incomplete,’ Civic Federation president says

Democrats monitoring Congress for actions that could force changes to budget

By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois’ latest budget misses the mark in several key areas, according to one independent nonprofit fiscal analyst.

State lawmakers sent Gov. JB Pritzker a $55.2 billion budget on May 31 that raises $1 billion in new revenue and increases spending by more than $2 billion in fiscal year 2026 compared to the current year.

But the head of one of Chicago’s top nonpartisan government research organizations said lawmakers made too many short-term decisions to balance the budget in fiscal year 2026 that could make future fiscal years more challenging.

“It’s an incomplete budget,” Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson told Capitol News Illinois. “It does not add in any meaningful way to discuss any structural issues the state has. It’s a maintenance budget.”

Ferguson said a key reason for that is at least $271 million in fund sweeps used to balance the general revenue fund. Fund sweeps occur when lawmakers dip into lesser-known and underutilized funds outside the main general fund to use as a source of revenue for the fiscal year. This year’s budget also paus-

es several transfers to keep certain dollars available in the general fund for use this year.

For example, the budget calls for pausing the final transfer of motor fuel sales tax revenue to the road fund. The move would free up $171 million of general fund spending in FY26, but delays putting that money toward road construction projects.

the transit issues as well, and this was not the moment to go to that well.”

The fund is still expected to grow from interest income and cannabis revenue in FY26.

budgets, coupled with the state’s public transportation fiscal cliff, could be a wakeup call for lawmakers, Ferguson said.

conference with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

General Assembly, which they say violates the state constitution.

IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne

“It’s not balanced on gimmicks,” House Speaker Chris Welch, D-Hillside, told Capitol News Illinois for the latest episode of the “Illinois Lawmakers” program. “It’s balanced based on revenues and expenditures, and it’s based on what we know. We passed a budget based on what we knew at the time, and we weren’t going to pass the budget with cuts alone.”

Will play volleyball for Division II school

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Lawmakers used some of the fund sweeps to give the governor authority over a new $100 million “emergency” fund to plug unforeseen budget shortfalls.

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

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

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

The FY26 budget would also suspend the monthly transfer to the “rainy day” fund for one year, freeing up $45 million for general fund use.

“It’s absolutely a mistake,” Ferguson said, calling that decision “troubling.”

The “rainy day” fund should continue to grow over time, he said, especially “knowing that we are going to need to go to some last-case resorts in all likelihood when we understand the federal impact and when we approach

Pritzker argued at a news conference after the budget passed that the state’s “structural” deficit—or the gap between ongoing spending and baseline revenues—has improved since he took office in 2019.

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

The U.S. House has already passed a domestic policy plan that would shift more cost of government programs to states, cut Medicaid funding and phase out clean energy tax credits. The Senate is expected to make changes to the legislation, but President Donald Trump wants to sign the bill into law by July 4.

“ I’m really

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, was less worried Congress will cut Medicaid and other key benefits.

“We’re diminishing the one-time expenditures that we have to make,” Pritzker said. “So we’ve gotten, really, much closer than ever before to balancing that structural deficit.”

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

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

Relying on fund sweeps will only make budgeting more challenging if a crisis arrives, Ferguson said.

“Everyone acknowledges that it is all but certain that there are additional things that are going to need to be attended to in the coming months,” Ferguson said.

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

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

An eye on Congress

New action from Congress that punches holes in state

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

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

“After conversations with the Illinois delegation, I don’t feel that there’s going to be any concerns with cuts that are important in our Medicaid budget,” McCombie told Capitol News Illinois.

The constitution states a bill “shall be read by title on three different days in each house,” but does not specify that each amendment to a bill receive the same.

While many components may not hit Illinois’ budget this year, state lawmakers are watching for any changes that could require them to return to Springfield and adjust the FY26 budget.

Last-minute budgeting

Democrats unveiled a more than 3,300-page spending plan about 24 hours before it passed the General Assembly, while the $1 billion tax plan was filed about five hours before lawmakers took a vote.

– Bella Leslie

“We have told the caucus to stand on the ready,” Welch said. State lawmakers boosted spending in the FY26 budget for safety net hospitals and federally qualified health centers, but the state wouldn’t be able to absorb major federal cuts to Medicaid.

Ferguson, the Civic Federation president, criticized the legislative process that gives lawmakers and the public little time to review the budget’s contents.

Each of the bills were read on three separate days this spring in both chambers, even though the substantial amendment containing the budget was filed in the final hours. For example, the bill lawmakers used to raise $1 billion of revenue was originally filed to establish an Emmitt Till commemorative day. The bill met the three readings requirement in both chambers before the Emmitt Till Day provision was removed in the final hours of session in favor of the tax plan.

The constitution also states that it’s up to the House speaker and Senate president to “certify that the procedural requirements for passage have been met.”

“We got some room in there to be able to respond, but it’s hard to prepare when you don’t know exactly what’s coming down the pipe,” House budget leader Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, said during a news

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

ISP backs bill expanding its mission to investigate internet crimes against children

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

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

Director says ‘Alicia’s Law’ would ensure agency’s sustained commitment

By Jade Aubrey and UIS Public Affairs Reporting

While Illinois State Police has long investigated child sex crimes, a new measure would explicitly name addressing internet crimes against children as a core mission of its criminal division.

House Bill 2586, also called Alicia’s Law, would add to the current 13 missions of the Illinois State Police Department of Criminal Investigations. It passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly unanimously in late May.

The bill is named after Alicia Kozak, a survivor of and advocate against online crimes against children, who was at the center of the first nationally known case of child grooming and abduction in 2002. At age 13, Kozak was abducted from her home after months of online grooming by a 38-year-old man, who took her across state lines and

chained her in a basement, where she was sexually assaulted and tortured for four days. The perpetrator livestreamed Kozak’s abuse, which was quickly reported to the FBI by a viewer, aiding in Kozak’s release.

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

created in 2004, although it’s currently under the attorney general’s office.

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

• Stopka

(Continued from page 18)

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

“I’ve spent the last 25 years sharing my story and presenting to audiences about online safety and advocating for critical change. And through my work, I’ve heard so many heartbreaking ‘if only’ stories, ‘if only we had known sooner’ or ‘if only we could have stopped it,’” Kozak said in an interview. “Now, with Alicia’s Law in Illinois, Illinois children are safer.”

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

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

If signed by the governor, Illinois will be the 13th state to adopt a variation of Alicia’s Law. In most states that have passed a version of the law, it allows states to create a task force to investigate internet crimes against children. Illinois already has such a task force that was

Illinois’ task force coordinates the AG’s office with state law enforcement officials to investigate and prosecute child exploitation cases. During an October 2021 news conference, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said his office managed over 5,100 cyber tips the year prior, an increase of over 2,000 since 2018. Raoul said he expected that number to continue to grow, in part due to increased reporting and awareness by social media and apps.

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

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

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said although ISP has become “much more engaged” in cases involving internet crimes against children in recent years, he said he believes it needs to be explicitly stated in statute that investigating those types of cases is one of ISP’s core duties.

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

Through talks with Kozak about the issue, Kelly said ISP drafted the bill and spearheaded efforts to get it passed during this year’s legislative session.

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

“We believe that this is something that is critical, this is important and that is essential to what our values are as the Illinois State Police,” Kelly said. “Making sure that this is a legal, permanent function of our agency is something that I think needed to be done because we want to make sure that these efforts are sustained over time.”

Kozak agreed.

“Before the law, investigating crimes against children in Illinois wasn’t really a legal obligation, it was something Illinois state police would choose to do when resources allowed,” Kozak said.

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

“And now, with Alicia’s Law, it’s a permanent responsibility, it’s no longer optional.”

“It was chaotic, nontransparent—nontransparent even to the legislators that had to vote on it—and not really the way that we want to go about this business, especially at a sensitive time,” he said.

A group of conservative lawmakers also contended the process was illegal in a lawsuit filed recently in Sangamon County. The Illinois Freedom Caucus argues that the budget amendments were not read on three separate days in each chamber of the

In applying what’s known as the “enrolled bill doctrine,” the Supreme Court has consistently declined to infringe on the legislature’s authority to certify its own bills, due to separation of powers concerns.

It has also consistently upheld broad authority for the General Assembly to gut the original contents of a bill and amend it with a new subject, making the lawsuit a long shot.

and Yu earned all-state firstteam accolades. They are the first York boys tennis players to earn all-state honors since 1991. Maxeiner and Yu won three matches on the first day, including a victory over a higher-seeded team, to advance to the final day of competition.

House Power on Full Display in Home Doubleheader

Elmhurst, IL: On Sunday, June 15, “Kickin’ with My Heroes” night ended on a high as Chicago House AC swept the doubleheader, with both the Men’s and Women’s teams claiming victories.

The Women opened with a dramatic last-second 2-1 win over Green Bay Glory, sealing redemption with goals from Emily Rossi and Alexis Suptela.

Riding that momentum, the Men followed with a hard-fought 4-3 victory, shutting down Glory’s shot at revenge and capping off a dominant night for The House.

Fans can keep up with both teams and stream future matches at www.chicagohouseac.com/gamesstreams.

Chicago House AC men’s team postmatch highlights: Chicago House dominated the first half, heading into halftime with a commanding 3-1 lead.

Head Coach Shannon Seymour reflected on the game, recognizing both the team’s strong start and second -half lapse. “I think the boys responded well in

the first half,” Seymour said. “But they took the foot off the pedal in the second half, and Glory took advantage of that.”

Still, he made sure to credit the team’s effort: “I want to shout the boys out when they win. Highlights to Ryan Grady and AR Smith for their comebacks after missing a few games. At the end of the day, they defended their home.”

Midfielder and second-half captain AR

Smith shared his pride and highlighted the team’s growth. “Tonight the team tried to fix our own mistakes versus trying to play against their play style. This game gave us the confidence that our play style works no matter the situation. At the end of the day, a win is a win.”

Chicago House AC Women’s team post-match highlights: After a tight match that remained tied until stoppage time, House finished strong with a clutch goal from Alexis Suptela in the 91st minute. Forward Alexis Suptela said, “The momentum shifted in the last ten minutes. The team was not going to let another t ie

happen. We turned on the wheels, got locked in and got it done.”

Head Coach JJ Ruane shared, “The team came out with the needed energy today and played really well to get the win.” He continued, “Schuyler Riese played really well today and Olivia Chianelli had unbelievable effort, defending, and ability to transition us through the midfield.”

Other Chicago House news: Shoutout to House sponsors who took the ceremonial first kicks: Dr. Tommaso Colella of Fortephy Rehab and Fitness and Tony Cannon of Aunt Tina’s Restaurant.

With Sunday night’s win, Chicago House AC moves into first place in the Heartland Conference Division 1 of the Midwest Premier League. Looking ahead:

Friday, June 20th: The House Men hit the road to face Bavarian United. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 21st: The House Women travel to take on Milwaukee Torrent. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, June 27th: The Women return home for a match against Chicago KICS FC at 7:00 p.m., featuring a special “Cancer Awareness and Youth Appreciation” House Fest.

Saturday, June 28th: The Men’s team heads to DeKalb County United for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Sunday, June 29th: The Women are back on home turf to face Milwaukee City AFC at 3:00 p.m. This match will feature a “Soccer with a Social Conscience ” House Fest.

Season ticket packages, individual game tickets, and Chicago House merchandise are available at www.chicagohouseac.com.

Chicago House home games at Langhorst Field offer affordable family entertainment, featuring fun pre-game and post-game activities for all ages.

PUZZLE Page

SUDOKU

Fun by the Numbers

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

CLUES ACROSS

1. Type of bread

5. Range of mountains

10. Ended

12. Musical forms with a recurring theme

14. On the nature of being

16. Law enforcement agency

18. Australian flightless bird

19. Subway rodent

20. More dried-up

22. A beaver might build one

23. Suggestive of the supernatural

25. Art __, around 1920

26. American rocker Snider

27. Not or

28. Earliest human:

__-Magnon Man

30. Firearm

31. Tough outer skin of fruit

33. Alternative form of a gene

35. Low shrub some call “fat pork”

37. Plants in the chamomile tribe

38. Revolutionary War era

spy

40. Portion of a book

41. Hoover’s office

42. Title of respect

44. Tax collector

45. Cool!

48. Real estate

50. Boy’s name

52. Airborne (abbr.)

53. Strongly recommends

55. Hit lightly

56. Bar bill

57. Atomic #54

58. Devotes again

63. Fish sauce

65. French stock market

66. Things that consist of two elements or parts

67. Tense

CLUES

1. Retired game show host

Sajak

2. Equal (prefix)

3. Israeli city __ Aviv

4. Loved

5. A type of analyst

6. Ad __

7. Gasteyer and de Armas are two

8. Ran without moving

9. Opposite of yes

10. Diffuse clouds of gas

11. Mentioning one by one

13. Instruments used to dilate

15. Freshwater fish

17. Remotely-manned flying objects

18. Doctor of Education

21. Renews

23. Not the start

24. Pitching stat

27. Small water buffaloes

29. Ceramic jars

32. I (German)

34. Something to toss on a fire

35. The process of flowing in

36. A series of acts at a night club

39. Egg of a louse

40. Inquire too closely

43. Travelers

44. Drink

46. Behave in a way that degrades

47. Electronic music style

49. Northern Ireland city

51. Upset

54. Stiff structure resembling a hair

59. Father

60. North Atlantic fish

61. 8th month (abbr.)

62. Make an effort

64. Commercial

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LEGAL NOTICES

ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CASE NUMBER 25 P 03

Request for a Map Amendment and Conditional Use Permit

Notice is hereby given that the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., in the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request by Joseph Cantore, J & A Cantore, LP, contract purchaser, (owner Soumar Tuckpointing/Masonry Restoration Inc, Peter Soumar), for a map amendment from C3 General Commercial District to C3A Restricted Commercial/Industrial District and a Conditional Use Permit for outdoor storage of contractor vehicles, equipment and materials as an accessory use to a contractor office and shop at the property commonly known as 1033 & 1037 S. Illinois Route 83 Frontage Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126, PIN’s 06-15-413-023 and 06-15413-019 for the purpose of using the property for a contractor facility with outdoor storage.

Following are legal descriptions of the subject properties:

THE WEST HALF, AS MEASURED ON THE NORTHERLY AND SOUTHERLY LINES THEREOF, OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THAT PART OF LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS, DESCRIBED BY COMMENCING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 6 BEING THE EAST QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 452.9 FEET TO A POINT 172.8 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NORTH 7.60 ACRES OF LOT 6, FOR A PLACE BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE SECTION LINE 82.8 FEET; THENCE WEST PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 6 A DISTANCE OF 527.05 FEET TO THE WEST LINE THEREOF; THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID WEST LINE 82.8 FEET; THENCE EAST PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 6 A DISTANCE OF 527.6 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING IN SAID PARK FARMS, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SECTIONS 14 AND 15, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JULY 3, 1909 AS DOCUMENT 97528 (EXCEPTING THEREFROM THAT PART OF SAID LOT 6 DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: A 15.0 FOOT WIDE MEASURED RADIALLY) STRIP OF LAND LYING EASTERLY OF AND CONTIGUOUS TO THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF STATE ROUTE 83 AS DEDICATED BY DOCUMENT 324043, RECORDED APRIL 8, 1932, BEING A CURVE CONVEX WESTERLY AND HAVING A RADIUS OF 6775.55 FEET; SAID STRIP OF LAND LYING SOUTHERLY OF A LINE WHICH BEGINS AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS, BEING 449.1 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS, BEING 453.62 FEET

SOUTH OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 AND LYING NORTHERLY OF A LINE WHICH BEGINS AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS, BEING 531.9 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 EXTENDING EASTERLY TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS, BEING 535.7 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

THE WEST HALF, AS MEASURED ON THE NORTHERLY AND SOUTHERLY LINES THEREOF, OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THAT PART OF LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS, LYING SOUTH OF A LINE EXTENDED FROM A POINT IN THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 5, A DISTANCE OF 535.7 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 WHICH IS 531.9 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 5 AND NORTH OF A LINE EXTENDING FROM A POINT WHICH IS 625.7 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 5 TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 WHICH IS 625.7 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 IN SAID PARK FARMS, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SECTIONS 14 AND 15, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JULY 3, 1909 AS DOCUMENT 97528 (EXCEPTING THEREFROM THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PART: A 15.0 FOOT WIDE MEASURED RADIALLY) STRIP OF LAND LYING EASTERLY OF AND CONTIGUOUS TO THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF STATE ROUTE 83 (FORMERLY ROUTE AS DEDICATED BY DOCUMENT NO. 324043, RECORDED APRIL 8, 1932, BEING A CURVE CONVEX WESTERLY AND HAVING A RADIUS OF 6775.55 FEET; SAID STRIP OF LAND LYING SOUTHERLY OF A LINE WHICH BEGINS AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS, BEING 531.9 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTH WEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 AND EXTENDING EASTERLY TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS, BEING 535.7 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 5 AND LYING NORTHERLY OF A LINE WHICH BEGINS AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS BEING 625.7 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 AND EXTENDING EASTERLY TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 IN PARK FARMS BEING 625.7 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 6 (CONVEYED TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS), AND EXCEPT THAT PART THEREOF FALLING IN ROUTE 83 DEDICATED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 324043, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

PIN’s: 06-15-413-023 and 06-15413-019

The common street address is as follows: 1033 & 1037 S. Illinois Route 83

Frontage Road, Elmhurst, IL. The subject properties are located within the C3 General Commercial District.

If you have any questions regarding this case, please contact the Community Development Department at 630-530-3121.

Any person who has a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting, should contact Emily Palm, ADA Compliance Officer, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., City of Elmhurst, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126, call 630-530-3770 or email HR@elmhurst.org within a reasonable time before the meeting. Please provide as much notice as possible for sign language interpreting requests.

Eileen Franz, City Planner

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent June 19, 2025) 473433

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79730 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JUNE 10, 2025, wherein the business firm of ZEPPYS REEF LOCATED AT 508 N. EVERGREEN AVENUE, ELMHURST, IL 60126 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: NAME OF PERSON(S) KEITH RZEPKA, HOME ADDRESS 508 N. EVERGREEN AVENUE, ELMHURST, IL 60126.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 10TH day of JUNE, A.D. 2025.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL)

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent June 19 & 26, July 3, 2025) 473376

NOTICE

Now COMING FORWARD; Krystn Evert, intending to conduct business in DuPage County, IL under the name of KRYSTN THERESE EVERT at the following address: 796 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst IL 60126. Any inquiries send to the above-said address.

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent June 19 & 26, 2025) 473309

SOUNDBITES

of Chicago blues, jazz, Japanese music and Yoko’s compositions.

SOUNDBITES MORVERN

HUM

Morvern Hum blends the accessibility of modern alternative/indie rock and the dreamy aesthetic of shoegaze/dream pop.

150 S Cottage Hill Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Complimentary small batch beer and beverages courtesy of Marz Community Brewing Company. Advanced tickets required. Space is limited. Image credit: Doug Fogelson, Solo No. 3, 2024, color photogram

‘This issue isn’t going away’: Illinois lawmakers delay pension reform again

Fiscal year 2026 budget allocates money to address Social Security compliance concerns

By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Public employees hired since 2011 must continue to wait for pension reform after Illinois lawmakers declined to take up the issue during the spring session.

Lawmakers and labor unions have both expressed concern that benefits for Tier 2 employees—those who entered the public sector after 2011—are inadequate and that some workers in that category are in line to receive benefits out of compliance with federal law.

Tier 2 benefits are less generous than those received by Tier 1 employees, who also had to work only five years to become vested compared to 10 years for Tier 2, but the state constitution prohibits diminishing benefits for people to whom they have already been guaranteed.

But problems have arisen from Tier 2, according to a coalition of labor unions seeking reforms, including that the lower level of benefits makes public sector jobs less attractive and hurts recruitment and retention.

‘Safe Harbor’ test

Illinois lawmakers have learned in recent years that Tier 2 benefits for some employees fail the “Safe Harbor” Social Security test, which requires that pension benefits be at least equal to Social Security benefits. If a pension system fails to meet that requirement, the employer must make up the difference.

Officials from pension systems have said falling short of Safe Harbor would be costly, though exactly how much so is unclear.

Despite more than a year of legislative hearings about pension reform and pushes to get it done in previous sessions, lawmakers left Springfield at the end of May without taking up the issue.

“This issue isn’t going away,” the We Are One Illinois coalition of labor unions said in a statement. “Public employees are leaving their professions and our state because they can’t rely on a pension that ensures dignity in retirement. Public employee shortages have been reported all across Illinois, impacting critical services for our res-

idents. Delaying a fix only makes the problem more costly and damaging.”

The coalition said it was “inexcusable” that a proposal they introduced in the House during the final week of session did not receive a committee hearing.

Reforms that fell flat

Reforms filed in late May in Senate Bill 1937 would have accomplished several of the unions’ goals had they passed. Cost of living adjustments would increase 3 percent annually, and people would have been able to retire as early as age 62 if they had maxed out on their pension. Age 67 is the standard retirement age under Tier 2. Many police officers and firefighters would be able to retire at 52 rather than 55 following 20 years of service under the proposal.

To address the Safe Harbor issue, the bill called for increasing the limit on earnings for people entering the pension system between Jan. 1, 2011, and Jan. 1, 2027, to be equal to the Social Security wage base for that year. Beginning in 2027, the earnings

limit could be no more than the Social Security wage base.

The final average salary calculation would also be redefined for Tier 2 employees. The current maximum salary for Tier 2 employees is more than $40,000 below the Social Security salary base and has increased at half the rate of inflation.

It’s not clear how much addressing the Safe Harbor problem or broader pension reform will cost, but prior estimates last year by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability found it could cost $5 billion over the next two decades to tie earnings to the Social Security wage base and improve the annual cost of living adjustment. Lowering the retirement age could also cost about $3 billion over that span.

The bill also would have set a schedule to fully fund pensions by 2049, rather than reach 90% funding by 2045 as required by current law.

Why it stalled

The bill quickly fizzled out when it was introduced, however, despite garnering more

than 40 House Democratic cosponsors. The governor’s office said the bill’s late introduction left little time for a full analysis, which in turn contributed to the bill’s demise.

“While we were provided with a short summary of their ideas, the governor’s office cannot and will not conduct any policy due diligence based on only a few bullets,”

Alex Gough, a spokesperson for Gov. JB Pritzker, said in a statement.

“When it comes to the long-term fiscal health of the state and meeting our pension obligations, the governor welcomes these discussions but will not make major financial decisions that impact taxpayers without the opportunity and time to review the details.”

The union coalition argued the governor’s office was part of discussions throughout the process.

“For more than a year, our coalition has engaged in good faith with lawmakers to address this critical issue,” the We Are One Illinois coalition said. “Throughout, we

communicated consistently with the governor’s office and legislative leaders to develop a comprehensive, fiscally responsible solution that met their legislative criteria.”

Funding provided

Despite the reform’s failure, lawmakers sought to address the problem with Safe Harbor in the budget. Part of the budget package created a new Tier 2 reserve fund that can be accessed if there are violations of the Safe Harbor law.

Lawmakers appropriated $75 million for the fund this year, in line with Pritzker’s proposal.

Other pension reform was passed for Chicago police officers and firefighters. Lawmakers unanimously passed House Bill 3657 that aligns calculations of Tier 2 benefits for Chicago first responders with those in the rest of the state.

Chicago officials warned the plan will cost the city billions, however.

Both the budget and Chicago pension bill still need the governor’s signature.

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