Registration is open for the 2025 ‘Cue for a Cause Event takes place on Sunday, Aug. 31; registration closes
on Aug. 11
Get your tongs ready and your smokers fired up—registration is officially open for the 2025 ‘Cue for a Cause BBQ competition! Whether you’re a seasoned pit master or just proud of your backyard rib game, this is your chance to show off your skills and support a worthy local cause.
Taking place Sunday, Aug. 31, from noon to 7 p.m. at the city lot at York and Vallette in Elmhurst, this sizzling event brings together BBQ lovers, live music fans, families, and foodies for a day of friendly competition and community fun—all to benefit the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network (EWAN).
Participants can choose to enter their best ribs or chicken, or go all-in for the Grand Championship, which is awarded based on a combined score in ribs, chicken, and sauce. There’s also a coveted People’s Choice Award for Best Sauce, judged by the crowd during public tastings.
Last year’s Grand Champion, Mike Hall of Hall Hog BBQ, shared some advice for new competitors:
“If you’re interested at
all, take the leap and enter,” Hall said. “Chances are you won’t score well the first time out but don’t let that get to you. We competed for several years before placing in the top three in any category. The best way to learn and get better is by doing it. Regardless of your scores, a day spent smoking meat and having a few beers is going to be a good one.”
In addition to the BBQ showdown, ‘Cue for a Cause will feature live music, local food and drinks, auctions and raffles, and a kid-friendly activity zone, making it the perfect day out for the whole family.
This event is the biggest annual fundraiser for EWAN, a nonprofit that has provided more than $2 million in financial assistance to local families since 1997.
Are you ready to throw your hat in the ring (or ribs on the smoker)? Let’s smoke, sizzle, and serve up support—one delicious bite at a time.
Registration closes on Aug. 11.
Register now at www.elmhurstwalkin.org/cue.
lot at York and Vallette streets in Elmhurst. The friendly barbecue competition
sistance
cue. Hall Hog BBQ took home the Grand Championship trophy at last year’s event. Chef Mike Hall, pictured
Elmhurst Kiwanis Club donates $9,800 to Easterseals
DuPage & Fox Valley for cutting-edge therapy device
The Elmhurst Kiwanis Club has donated $9,800 to Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley to purchase a new state-of-the-art therapy device, the Stretch&Move unit, formerly known as the Intellistretch.
The new device will support children with physical disabilities by enhancing mobility, range of motion, and functional movement.
The Stretch&Move unit represents the latest innovation in physical therapy technology. This device operates in the same way by using joint-based robotic rehabilitation technology to restore motion and improve motor control. In a letter to the Kiwanis Club, Easterseals stated that “This “intelligent stretching” adjusts and responds to each child. It provides real-time feedback to the therapists so they can build a treatment plan that accelerates progress. It also keeps children motivated and engaged through interactive video games they control with their ankle motion. It is
most used with children who have cerebral palsy to address either muscle tightness or weakness. The donation will allow Easterseals therapists to provide more targeted care and support developmental progress for at least 10 children a week over the next 10 years.”
“We are proud to contribute to a cause that so directly impacts the lives of children in our community,” said Derek Schlager, President of the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club. “Supporting organizations like Easterseals aligns perfectly with our mission to serve the children of the world—one child, one community at a time.”
Heather Bereckis, Vice President of the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club, added, “This device will make a tangible difference in the quality of care Easterseals can provide. It’s inspiring to know our contribution will help children achieve greater independence and mobility.”
The donation was spearheaded by longtime Kiwanis
member Jim Williams, who worked closely with Easterseals to understand their equipment needs and identify how the club could make the greatest impact.
“When I saw the Stretch&Move unit in action, I knew it could be a game changer for therapy outcomes,” Williams said. “Helping secure this funding was a privilege, and I’m grateful to be part of a club that rallies so quickly behind a worthy cause.”
Kelly Moreland, Vice President of Development at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley, expressed deep appreciation for the club’s generosity.
“This gift from the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club will directly benefit the children and families we serve every day,” Moreland said.
“The Stretch&Move unit enhances our ability to deliver high-quality therapy and offers new opportunities for children to grow stronger and more confident. We are incredibly thankful for this
state-of-the-art
meaningful partnership.”
The Elmhurst Kiwanis Club has a long history of supporting local youth and health-related causes through volunteerism and
philanthropy. This latest donation reinforces the club’s ongoing commitment to improving lives and building a stronger, more inclusive community.
For more information about the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club or Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley, visit elmhurstkiwanis.org or eastersealsdfvr.org.
State police respond to numerous fatal motorcycle crashes as summer kicks off
As summer gets into full swing, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding the public about the importance of motorcycle safety for everyone on the road. In just one week, ISP alone responded to four motorcycle fatalities.
Summer is historically when the highest number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities occur. A National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) assessment shows from 2013-2022, 47 percent of motorcycle fatalities
occur during the summer months.
According to NHTSA, motorcycles account for less than 3 percent of all registered vehicles, but comprise an estimated 12 percent of all traffic fatalities. To date in 2025, there have been 44 motorcycle fatalities in Illinois according to Illinois Department of Transportation data.
Speed and driving while impaired are two of the main causes of motorcycles fatalities and injuries. According to NHTSA, 59 percent of motorcycle fatalities involved
impaired driving and 40 percent of serious injures involved speeding.
Important safety reminders for motorcyclists
• Wear a helmet
• Wear protective gear like eye protection, a sturdy jacket, pants, boots, gloves
• Make yourself visible by wearing high-visibilities colors and retro reflective materials
• Don’t ride impaired by alcohol or drugs
Important safety reminders for drivers
• Always be on the lookout for motorcyclists, especially your blind spot. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see in traffic compared to cars and other vehicles,
• Keep a safe distance from the motorcycle in front of you. They can slow by downshifting instead of using their brakes.
• Motorcyclists may change positions in their lane to avoid debris in the road.
The ISP encourages new riders to follow the IDOT Ride S.M.A.R.T. guidelines, which emphasize sober riding, offers free license waiver courses to get your motorcycle endorsement, and highlights the importance of wearing proper safety gear, including helmet, eye protection, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots.
For those more experienced riders, IDOT also offers the Advanced Rider Course (ARC) to increase skills and confidence.
John SeifriedGeorge Hammersmith, Jr. Abel Rubio Scott LaMorte
Nancy Brook Mark Martinello Mike HimmesNicole RafieiDavid GaulJanice SpataroKen BartelsRich ReichertBarb Savage
SUBMITTED
PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
The Elmhurst Kiwanis Club donated $9,800 to Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley to purchase a new
therapy device. The new device will support children with physical disabilities by enhancing mobility, range of motion, and functional movement. Pictured left to right (standing) are: Jim Williams, Frank Catalano Sr., Christi Hawn, Brian McDermott, David Gaul, Derek Schlager, Heather Bereckis and Kelly Moreland with Amy Liss (seated).
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Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry participates in nearby CSA
Fischer Farm offers Community Supported Agriculture program
By Jane Charmelo FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
Talk to anyone who grows food or distributes it, and the words “fresh” and “healthy” are always at the forefront of the conversation.
So, it seems natural that the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry was able to collaborate with the Bensenville Park District’s (BPD) Fischer Farm in an effort to benefit from the farm’s “market garden” crops being grown locally.
As farm Manager Christine Shiel, CPRP, explained it, the Bensenville Park District bought the roughly 5-acre parcel from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (FPDDC) in 2022 (after managing it since 2000). The FPDDC had purchased it from the Fischer family in 1999.
She said the BPD initially focused on infrastructure, and then in 2023-24, began growing crops to donate to local food pantries and also to sell at the farm’s store.
Shiel said the executive director and board were contemplating how best to make use of the farm, and “what they wanted to see for the farm,” adding, “We looked at it through an agricultural lens.”
In 2025, she continued, the BPD launched a Community Supported Agriculture program, or CSA, in which community members became shareholders by purchasing a “subscription,” or shares of the crops, that would allow them to pick a share of the farm’s harvest, which started in mid-June and will continue through October.
Shiel said the farm’s head farmer does the field layout and decides “what’s going to be grown.”
That can be “pretty tricky,” she continued, because in selling shares of the crops, “We’re committing to our customers 20 weeks” of fresh produce.
Participants could choose a 20-week produce share or a 10-week share, according to the BPD, with a meat share from August through December, and with park district residents getting a discounted subscription.
Shiel recalled how she and Walter Salek, executive director of the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, were talking when he called to inquire about eggs (the farm store sells them), and he ended up purchasing a subscription to the CSA.
Shiel said there were 31 subscriptions sold, all to individuals, except for the food pantry.
Salek said that the idea of
Bensenville Park District’s Fischer Farm raises crops that can be purchased by shareholders, and this year, the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry became one of them, adding to its inventory of fresh produce. The farm also has a store that sells items such as meats, eggs and honey.
purchasing fresh produce falls in line with the food pantry’s mission; “We’re trying to bring our focus to healthy food.”
He said the food pantry purchased three shares to get three grocery bags a week for 20 weeks.
Salek said on one recent day he had just picked up the produce and “I can guarantee you” that the food would all be distributed at the pantry by the end of that day.
The CSA has become “a jewel for the community,” Shiel believes, adding that the BPD’s mission for the farm includes “agricultural education.”
With the program sold out right away, she hopes to expand the program next year to enable more individuals and groups to participate.
Salek said the food pantry is “committed to fresh food,” so the CSA is “a great source for us.”
“It truly does not get any fresher than this,” he summed up.
About Fischer Farm
Fischer Farm, located at 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville, is believed to be among the oldest homesteads in DuPage County, according to the BPD, with a clapboard cabin built around 1837, and a farmhouse built around 1919.
The property borders Fischer Woods, which includes prairie, wetland and woodland ecosystems.
The farmhouse is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and admission is free.
The BPD also raises other food sources, and sells honey, meat, seasonal vegetables and eggs in its store.
For information about programs and events, such as a 4-H Club, visit www.bvilleparks.org. For information about the CSA program, visit https://www.bvilleparks. org/parks-facilities/fischer-farm/#4.
About the ElmhurstYorkfield Food Pantry
The Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry is located at 1083 S. York St., Elmhurst.
The food pantry started in a closet of the Yorkfield Presbyterian Church basement 43 years ago. It was later moved to a house on the property and in 2015 a new 2,800-squarefoot facility was built.
In 2016 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 Salek estimated that a third of the clients come from Elmhurst alone.
For more information, visit www.eyfg.org.
PAUL PALIAN PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent
Annual Women in Leadership luncheon held at EU
By Brenda Garcia ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
The City of Elmhurst in collaboration with Wintrust Financial Corporation Elmhurst Bank, Wintrust Women of Wintrust BRG and Elmhurst University held their annual “Women in Leadership” luncheon on Wednesday, July 9 at Elmhurst University.
It’s an incredible event where women in leadership roles in the Elmhurst community get together for networking and learning from other women leaders.
This year’s event featured keynote speaker Dr. Alicia
La Hoz, Psy.D., founder and CEO of Family Bridges and Bridges XL. Dr. La Hoz’s speech, “Reclaiming Joy: Leading without losing yourself” focused on the importance of resting and resetting so you could recharge and be a better leader.
She discussed how journaling is a very effective way to manage stress and reflect. Dr. La Hoz left an impactful message with the women in the room about internal leadership and leading from a place of balance, strength and wholeness after resetting. Her philosophy is “True rest is
about discovering what genuinely recharges you. It’s more than simply slowing down— It’s about reconnecting with the things that restore your energy, spark your creativity, and center your sense of self.”
In addition, to receiving this powerful message, the women who attended left with a copy of “Lead with Joy,” a book with journaling space by Dr. Alcia La Hoz, Psy. D., Omaira Gonzalez, COO of Bridges XL and Family Bridges, and Susana Pichardo, CPA and CFO at Convey Health Solutions.
Looking good
Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 held its annual Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4. The parade in central Villa Park featured an array of vehicles, including the fire engine that served Elmhurst from 1921 until the 1950s. The engine then spent several years in a private fire apparatus museum in Wisconsin. A private collector in St. Louis purchased the engine in 1995. Elmhurst Firefighters Local 3541 returned the engine to Elmhurst in 2003.
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BRENDA GARCIA PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
From left to right, Nancy Vasser, Wintrust Women of Wintrust BRG; Andrea Pokrefke, Elmhurst Bank; Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Founder and CEO of Family Bridges & Bridges XL; and Heather Bereckis, City of Elmhurst, are shown here after an impactful presentation on leadership and joy at the annual Women in Leadership Luncheon held at Elmhurst University July 9.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
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
July 2
Lionel Long, 61, of Bolingbrook, was charged with aggravated assault in the 100 block of E. Brush Hill at 10:20 a.m. Long allegedly threatened a victim with a bat during an altercation.
Damage to property, criminal trespassing
July 1-July 2
Patrick M. Hanrahan, 22, of Northampton, England; James Wilson, 50, of Johnstown, New York; and John Purcell, 33, of Carteret, New Jersey, were charged with home repair fraud and criminal damage to property in the 600 block of S. Hawthorne. Police said a victim reported the suspects began demolishing her property before she agreed to pay them to do any work.
June 30-July 2
A complainant in the 200 block of S. Pick reported an unknown suspect(s) drilled holes in the siding of their home sometime between the above dates.
Disorderly conduct
July 6
Daryl R. Brown, 51, of Chicago, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct in the 100 block of E. Schiller. Police said officers issued the citation after responding to a report of a suspect making threats and asking customers for money.
David C. Quitsch, 22, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct near Fair and Huntington. Police said that subsequent to a road rage incident, the victim reported that the suspect sped around him, blocked his vehicle and began yelling. Officers spoke with Quitsch at his residence, where Quitsch reportedly admitted to the altercation.
July 4
Daniel Mota, 23, of Elmhurst, was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing identification in the 400 block of W. St. Charles at 12:34 a.m. Police said officers responded to a report of a suspect hitting the complainant’s brother’s vehicle. Officers located Mota, who reportedly provided them with a false name.
July 3
A suspect entered a restaurant in the 100 block of W. First at about 2:48 p.m. and asked patrons for food. Patrons bought food for the suspect, who reportedly threw the food around. The suspect was issued a no-trespass notice.
charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 500 block of N. Walnut at 2:03 a.m.
June 30
A 32-year-old Stone Park woman was charged with domestic battery in the800 block of N. Church at 8:15 a.m. Police said a victim reported the suspect battered him following a verbal argument.
DUI, DUI-drugs, consumption of alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of alcohol
July 6
Andre J. Clark, 28, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, improper turn and no insurance following a traffic stop near St. Charles and Villa at 4:01 a.m.
July 4
Billy Thomas, 33, of West Chicago, was charged with aggravated DUI, driving while license suspended, disobeying a traffic control device and no insurance near North and Route 83 at 9:54 a.m.
Jayden D. Williams, 22, of Chicago, was charged with DUI-drugs and unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver in the 400 block of N. York at 6:23 p.m.
Juan Zuniga, 51, of Villa Park, was charged with aggravated DUI, DUI, driving while license revoked, obstructing identification, improper lane usage, improper lighting—one tail light, and failure to yield to an authorized emergency vehicle after a traffic stop near Route 83 and Roosevelt at 1:05 a.m. Police said Zuniga also had an active warrant out of Hanover Park.
Fleeing, eluding
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported three incidents of fleeing and eluding during which a driver fled the scene after being stopped for a traffic stop by police.
June 30
Joseph D. Budnick, 41, of Berwyn, was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, retail theft, driving while license revoked, passing a vehicle on shoulder, improper lane usage and no insurance subsequent to a retail theft at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 4:06 p.m. Budnick was transported to the DuPage County Jail.
Domestic battery
July 6
A 25-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with criminal damage to property and four counts of domestic battery in the 200 block of W. Butterfield at 2:06 a.m. Police said the suspect battered his two sisters and caused damage to a window and a wall.
July 4
A 44-year-old Willow Springs man was
was issued a citation for selling liquor to an individual under the age of 21 at a gas station in the 500 block of W. Lake. Police issued the citation at about 2 p.m. after a complainant reported that an employee sold alcohol to his 16-year-old son.
Possession of cannabis in a vehicle
Police reported the following incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Brayan Estrada, 20, of Bensenville, near York and Grand at 11:22 p.m. July 3; Rodrigo Flores, 31, of Chicago, near St. Charles and Route 83 at 5:43 p.m. July 4; Josan A. Owens, 27, of Glendale Heights, and Evan W. Carter, 26, of Villa Park, near St. Charles and Pick at 7:48 p.m. July 4; Joseph L. Godfrey, 27, of Berkeley, near Butterfield and York at 8:23 p.m. July 4; Matthew Campos Merino, 20, of Franklin Park, in the 200 block of E. Grantley at 10:50 p.m.
Obstructing
July 4
Jesse J. Huston, 27, of Chicago, was charged with obstructing identification in the 100 block of E. North at 8:34 a.m. After officers responded to a report of a suspicious person, Huston reportedly provided a false name. Huston was found to be wanted out of Cook County.
July 2
Jose J. Guzman Duran, 52, of Chicago, was charged with obstructing identification, no valid driver’s license and no seat belt after a traffic stop in the 700 block of N. York at 4:17 p.m. Police said Guzman Duran was found to be driving without a valid driver’s license after presenting a license with a different name.
John S. Bakopoulos, 50, of Chicago, was charged with theft and served with a no-trespass notice in the 300 block of N. Howard. Police responding to a report of a suspicious person reportedly found Bakopoulos to be riding an electric scooter that had been stolen from a grocery store.
A complainant at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 reported an unknown suspect entered the store, concealed several items, and exited without paying. The suspect then entered the passenger seat of a vehicle and left the area.
July 2
Police said that following a call of three men stealing liquor from a store in the 900 block of S. York, an officer attempted to stop the suspects’ vehicle, which fled from the scene. The vehicle eventually came to a stop on the ramp from eastbound I-290 to southbound I-294, just south of Butterfield Road. Two suspects were taken into custody by a Berkeley and Elmhurst officer. The driver of the vehicle allegedly ran east from the ramp through a dirt construction equipment staging area and went over three concrete median walls, before being fatally struck by a vehicle in the northbound I-294 lanes. The Illinois State Police is investigating the collision. Michael M. Aukstin, 30, of Chicago, was charged with burglary, retail theft, aggravated fleeing and eluding, and resisting/obstructing police officer. Joshua R. Profit, 23, of Chicago, was charged with burglary and retail theft.
June 30
A victim in the 900 block of S. York reported an unknown person(s) stole her wallet and made several unauthorized purchases using her credit cards.
June 29
A victim reported at 7:36 a.m. that an unknown person(s) stole the catalytic converter from his vehicle in the 600 block of W. Lake.
Warrant arrest
July 6
Police said that following a traffic stop in the 600 block of W. North at 11:05 a.m., Ariana D. Rivera, 21, of Addison, was found to have two active warrants out of DuPage County. She also was issued a citation for speeding.
July 5
After responding to call for service in the 100 block of W. Butterfield at 6:16 p.m., police learned Dajon L. Hamlin, 29, of Glen Ellyn, had an active warrant out of DuPage County. While being placed under arrest, Hamlin allegedly resisted arrest and kicked the reporting officer. He was charged with aggravated battery against a police officer and resisting arrest, and transported to the DuPage County Jail.
17-year-old Venezuelan migrant pleads guilty to Downers Grove armed robbery
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced last week that a Colorado juvenile accused of robbing a woman at gunpoint in downtown Downers Grove has been sentenced to an indeterminate period of time in the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) not to exceed his 21st birthday.
Harassment, threats
July 2
A complainant reported a suspect verbally threatened her in the 200 block of E. Butterfield at 1:59 p.m.
July 4
Qaseem S.
The juvenile, a 17-year-old male Venezuelan migrant, with a last known address in Denver, Colorado, appeared in court on July 7, when Judge Kishori Tank accepted his plea of guilty to one count of armed robbery with a firearm (Class X felony) and handed down the sentence.
On May 19, the juvenile appeared at his detention hearing, where Judge Tank ordered that he be detained. He has been held in custody at the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center in St. Charles since that time.
On April 22 at approximately 8:37 p.m., of-
ficers with the Downers Grove Police Department responded to a call of an armed robbery of a woman in the 4900 block of Forest Avenue. Through the course of their investigation, authorities learned that the victim was walking by herself when she was approached by a group of four individuals.
One of the individuals, later determined to be the juvenile, displayed a handgun in his waistband and shouted “money, money” at the woman while another one of the individuals pulled at the woman’s purse.
After the woman gave the juvenile approximately $110, the group fled the scene.
The investigation led to the juvenile, who was found to be living in Colorado. On May 7, Judge Tank issued an arrest warrant for the juvenile. The juvenile waived extradition from Colorado and was brought back to DuPage County on May 16 to face charges.
Bensenville man sentenced to 30 years for 2023 murder
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced last week that a Bensenville man accused of shooting to death Victor Garcia, of Des Plaines, has been sentenced to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Kevin Krenc
Kevin Krenc, 32, appeared in Court where he entered a plea of guilty to one count of first-degree murder. On Oct. 20, 2023, Krenc appeared in First Appearance
Court where the Court granted the state’s motion to deny him pre-trial release. He has been held in the DuPage County Jail since that time.
On Oct. 14, 2023, deputies with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in unincorporated Bensenville of an intoxicated man in need of assistance.
After contacting the man, deputies learned of a murder that had occurred earlier that day on Church Road, also in unincorporated Bensenville. Following an investigation into the matter, authorities learned that Garcia and several other
individuals were at a party at Krenc’s residence on Church Road celebrating Krenc’s birthday. During the party, tensions rose between several individuals at the party regarding allegations that, among other things, Garcia had stolen a pair of shoes from another person at the party and that Garcia felt disrespected at these allegations.
At some point in time, Krenc and several others were in the garage at the residence.
When Garcia entered the garage, Krenc pulled out a rifle he had hidden in the garage and shot Garcia five times, killing him. After
the murder, Krenc hid the weapon in an enclosed trailer parked on the driveway and then fled the scene.
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office identified Krenc as a suspect in the murder and took him into custody on October 17, 2023, from his residence without incident.
When processing the scene, deputies from the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office located a rifle in a vent in the basement of the residence.
“For the unprovoked, senseless killing of Victor Garcia, a father of three with a fourth child on the way at the time of his murder, Kevin Krenc will spend the next thirty
years of his life away from society, where he will be unable to harm anyone,” Berlin said.
“The fact that Mr. Krenc took responsibility for Victor’s murder I’m sure is of no consequence to Victor’s family and friends who must now move forward in their lives without the love and companionship he once provided. I commend DuPage County Sheriff Mendrick and his office for their outstanding work in quickly identifying Mr. Krenc as the man who killed Victor.”
Krenc will be required to serve 100 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Two subjects charged with aggravated street racing
Alleged street racing crash sent two to the hospital
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced last week that following an extensive investi-
gation, two male subjects have been charged with illegal street racing that allegedly caused a crash that sent two passengers in one of the vehicles to a hospital with serious injuries.
Jadon Ramirez, 18, of Bensenville, and Sahil Chauhan, 23, of Lisle, have each
Former corrections deputy guilty of sexual misconduct with an inmate
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced last week that Judge Joseph Bugos found a former DuPage County Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Corrections Bureau guilty of having inappropriate sexual contact with a female prisoner.
Judge Bugos returned his verdict in the case against Ricardo Hardy, 54, of Elgin, following a bench trial on June 11.
Hardy, who was fired from his position on May 15, 2023, appeared in Bond Court on May 16, 2023, where bond was set at $300,000 with 10 percent to apply. He posted the necessary 10 percent, or $30,000 the same day and was released from custody.
In all, Bugos found Hardy guilty of five counts of custodial sexual misconduct and five counts of official misconduct, all Class 3 felonies.
On May 10, 2023, after receiving information that Hardy had engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with a female inmate on at least two occasions, the
DuPage County Sheriff’s Office immediately contacted the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, which opened an investigation into the matter.
Following an investigation, authorities learned that beginning on March 13, 2023, through April 26, 2023, Hardy and the inmate engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts in the inmate’s cell, as well as a shower/bathroom area. The investigation also revealed that Hardy had arranged for $300 to be put in the inmate’s commissary account.
The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges against Hardy on May 15, 2023, after which the court issued a $500,000 with 10 percent to apply arrest warrant for him. He was taken into custody the same day from his home without incident.
Hardy’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 14 for post-trial motions and return of the pre-sentence report.
been charged with one count of aggravated street racing (Class 4 felony) and one count of aggravated reckless driving causing great bodily harm (Class 4 felony). On June 27, Ramirez appeared in First Appearance Court, where the Court granted the state’s motion to detain Ramirez pre-trial. Chauhan also appeared in First Appearance Court, where the Court denied the state’s motion to detain Chauhan pre-trial.
crash in front of the Courtyard Marriott, located at 1155 E. Diehl Road.
While investigating the crash, officers learned that a black 2006 Mercedes CLS500, allegedly driven by Ramirez, had been racing another vehicle when the Mercedes swerved and crashed into a tree, causing serious injuries to two of the vehicle’s four passengers, who had been ejected from the vehicle.
a broken arm. Both victims were immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
Following further investigation, it is alleged that Chauhan was driving a blue 2024 Acura ZDX eastbound on Diehl Road and Mill Street, when Ramirez stopped next to him, pointed at him, and gave a hand gesture implying that he wanted to race.
proximately 101 mph in a 40mph zone. It is further alleged that as they raced, Ramirez lost control of the Mercedes and crashed into the tree.
“Street racing is not just illegal, it is extremely dangerous not just for those behind the wheel, but also for their passengers, other motorists and nearby pedestrians,” Berlin said.
On April 26 at approximately 12:06 a.m., Naperville Police responded to a vehicle
One of the victims, a 17-year-old male, was unconscious at the scene and suffered internal brain bleeding, a punctured lung, broken ribs, a broken vertebrae and scapula.
The second victim, an 18-year-old male, suffered
It is alleged that the pair raced and stopped at the traffic control light at Washington Street and Diehl Road and then raced again. It is further alleged that during the first race, Ramirez’s vehicle was traveling at approximately 90 mph and during the second race he was traveling at ap-
“The blatant disregard for public safety allegedly exhibited by both of these men is astounding and will not be tolerated on the streets of DuPage County.”
The next court appearance for Ramirez is scheduled for July 18, and the next court appearance for Chauhan is scheduled for July 28.
Jadon Ramirez
Viewpoint
Slices of life
Why is it?
We live in a quirky, weird, sideways, upsidedown world where some things just don‘t make sense—or they make too much sense to be sensible. As humans we often perpetuate the nonsense. We accept things for what they are and go about our business without question. But sometimes I wonder.
About small things. Big things. Random things, like:
Why do cats have to race you up the stairs? They can come out of nowhere just to get one step ahead of you. Sometimes my cats pause to let me nearly catch up before bounding upwards to beat me. Again.
When shopping online why are we required to put certain items in our cart in order to see their price while other items have their prices posted prominently?
If it’s a seedless watermelon, what did it grow from?
Why do we call them red cabbage and red onions when it’s obvious they are purple? Red grapes are more burgundy than red. Purple potatoes are actually purple—score one for the spuds.
When the batteries on the TV remote go dead why do we continue to press the power button over and over hoping they will suddenly come to life? The same phenomenon occurs when our cell phone loses its charge.
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
Have you ever noticed that abbreviated is an awfully long word? And big is not?
Other words are worth contemplating— phonetically speaking. Gynecologist is a doctor for women. Hysterectomy is a procedure performed solely on women. Hershey is word made up of two female pronouns coming together to make chocolate. I guess that last one makes perfect sense.
In the same vein, if words like “he” and “she” are pronouns, does that also make them anti-verbs?
Why do we call it the funny bone when bumping it is certainly no laughing matter?
When I am driving somewhere and get lost why do I turn the radio off, thinking it will help me find my destination?
Why do people drive around in convertibles with the top down, but the windows up?
Do they call it falling asleep because of the falling dream that sometimes accompanies the going to sleep process? Is it true you would die if you landed (in
your dream) or is that just one of those urban myths?
Who makes up all the urban myths and why aren’t they ever rural truths?
Is it possible to eat charred chard? Or chilly chili? Shrimpy shrimp?
If words made sense, hamburger would be made of ham and a hot dog would be made of… Never mind.
Shouldn’t a pair of pants be two of something?
Why is it always just one shoe (or boot) lying in the middle of the road, but we never see the person who is walking around with the other one?
Every few years we are required to renew our driver’s license. Anyone besides me keep the old ones around lying in the junk drawer—just because? Every so often I glance through them to see how much I used to weigh.
Why is it? I wish I could tell you. Some things deny explanation. It’s at the core of the human paradigm; we assume logic in an illogical world.
Sort of like my cat. Who won’t come when she’s called but will race me up the stairs every time. Go figure.
Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
Yeena Yoo officially launches campaign for DuPage County Treasurer
Yoo is an Elmhurst resident and a legal aid attorney
Yeena Yoo, a current DuPage County Board member, officially launched her campaign for DuPage County Treasurer last month.
Yoo held her campaign kickoff event on June 24. DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy and the DuPage Building Trades co-hosted the event, which was attended by supporters, elected officials, labor leaders and local residents.
“DuPage families deserve a Treasurer who will put people over politics,” said Yoo. “My vision for the office includes innovation and community-centered leadership.”
An Elmhurst resident and legal aid attorney, Yoo has advocated for lowincome clients, veterans, senior citizens, and working families. She is known for her dedication to public
Opinion: Illinois must stop undervaluing conservation before it’s too late
By Eliot Clay
For the second year in a row, the State of Illinois has chosen to underfund the backbone of its conservation infrastructure. This year’s state budget once again provides only $4.5 million in operational funding for the state’s 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs)—comparable to levels from the 1990s.
management. Some districts might be forced to lay off staff or shut down entirely. Others will reduce services, turning away farmers who are eager to meet environmental goals but can’t do it alone.
In the past month alone, we’ve seen stark reminders of what happens when conservation is neglected. In late May, communities south of Chicago were warned not to give tap water to infants due to high nitrate levels—likely the result of fertilizer runoff into the Kankakee River.
not just because of what it means for our organization, but because of what it signals about the state’s long-term vision. Illinois cannot afford to treat conservation as optional, especially at a time when climate volatility, rising input costs, and new federal standards are making sustainable farming both harder and more essential.
service and sharp focus on fiscal responsibility as a County Board Member representing District 2.
“Yeena has proven that she’s the kind of leader DuPage needs—smart, honest, and driven by the public good,” said Conroy.
“I’m proud to support her.”
For more information, visit Facebook @ yeenayoofordupage or email yeena@yeenafordupage.com.
It represents a 48 percent cut from Fiscal Year 2024 and leaves each district with just enough to scrape together one staff salary and benefits, if that.
This isn’t just a budget issue. It’s a public health, environmental, and economic crisis in the making.
SWCDs are boots-on-theground conservation partners in every corner of Illinois.
Our mission is to connect farmers and landowners with the tools, science, and technical assistance needed to protect soil health and water quality while maintaining productive agriculture. These aren’t abstract goals. Our staff help farmers plant cover crops that prevent erosion, implement no-till practices that improve carbon retention, and design conservation systems that reduce nutrient runoff into our rivers. That work is now at risk of disappearing, especially in rural communities where SWCDs are often one of the only technical resources available for land and water
Just weeks earlier, Chicago experienced its worst dust storm in nearly a century, shutting down major highways and endangering lives. These are not isolated events; they are signs of a fragile ecological system under strain.
In response to last year’s devastating budget cuts, AISWCD launched a grassroots petition campaign to demonstrate public support for our work. Volunteers gathered thousands of signatures from farmers, families, and local leaders who understand the importance of what we do. We also introduced Senate Bill 2387, a bipartisan, tax-neutral proposal that would have created a dedicated revenue stream for SWCDs without costing Illinois taxpayers a dime. By the end of May, more than half the Senate had signed on as co-sponsors, with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans.
Despite that momentum, the Legislature adjourned without acting. It’s disappointing,
We often say that Illinois’ greatest natural asset is its soil. That’s not just rhetoric— it’s reality. Our soil feeds families, fuels industry, and anchors an entire economy. But soil doesn’t protect itself. Without adequate conservation infrastructure, we risk losing the foundation of everything that makes Illinois strong.
AISWCD remains committed to finding a path forward. We will continue to work with the General Assembly, state agencies, and the governor’s office to create sustainable funding models that ensure every community has access to the tools they need to protect their land and water. But we can’t do it alone. We call on state leaders to listen to their constituents, revisit SWCD funding during the next legislative session, and recommit to investing in the long-term health of Illinois. Conservation isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about protecting our people, our economy, and our future.
Eliot Clay is executive director of the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Learn more at https://aiswcd.org
Linda Polacek announces run for Illinois State Senate in 23rd District
Linda Polacek, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, mother of two, and dedicated community volunteer, has officially announced her candidacy for the Illinois State Senate in the 23rd District. She is running to stand up for families working hard to make ends meet and to hold the line on taxes in Springfield.
“I’m running because I believe families in our district need a strong voice in Springfield—someone who understands hard work, service, and what it means to give back,” said Polacek.
“My life has been shaped by sacrifice, perseverance, and a commitment to community. That’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to the State Senate.”
Polacek currently serves as a Commissioner on the Board of the York Center Park District, where she works to ensure families have access to safe, wellmaintained parks and quality
Obituaries
ENZO BERTI, 91
recreation programs. In this role, she has been a hands-on leader, advocating for fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and services that truly meet the needs of local residents.
Polacek’s commonsense, pro-taxpayer approach stands in sharp contrast to that of her opponent, incumbent Senator Suzanne Glowiak Hilton, who this spring skipped the vote on a controversial $1.50 per-package delivery tax on everything from diapers to pizza—failing to stand up for taxpayers at a time when families and small businesses are already struggling with rising costs. Polacek called the move yet another example of how out of touch Springfield has become.
The daughter of a Mexican immigrant who worked blue-collar factory jobs to build a better life, Polacek brings a deep appreciation for the value of hard work and opportunity. Her background
in office management and customer service, combined with her military service and grassroots involvement, gives her a real-world understanding of the challenges families face every day.
She is also an active member of the Villa Park Women’s Club, where she helps raise funds for local causes, and she volunteers with the Willowbrook Parent Organization and the Willowbrook High School Music Boosters.
“I’ll bring the same values to Springfield that I’ve lived every day—service, accountability, and a deep respect for the people who call this community home,” Polacek said. “I’m running to be a voice for families who are working hard and deserve better from their state government.”
Polacek lives in Lombard with her husband and their two children.
First Congregational UCC in Elmhurst welcomes new settled pastor
The congregation of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elmhurst is pleased to announce the calling of Rev. Brian Louis as its new settled pastor. Following a weekend of meet-and-greet events and a worship service on June 28–29, the congregation voted overwhelmingly to extend a call, which Rev. Louis accepted. Rev. Louis most recently served as pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) after earning his Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 2022. Prior to entering ministry, he worked as a journalist for 25 years, including 12 years as a business and finance reporter for Bloomberg News in Chicago. A native of Marshfield, Wisconsin, he holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in creative writing and public theology from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. His background in journalism, combined with his theological training and pastoral experience, brings a unique perspective to ministry and community leadership. Rev. Louis’s arrival marks the conclusion of a four-year pastoral search process, and the congregation is excited to begin this new chapter in the life of the church. Rev. Louis will preach his first sermon as settled pastor on Sunday, August 17. The community is warmly invited to attend and welcome him to Elmhurst.
The son of Giuseppe and Maria Berti, Enzo was born on May 22, 1934 outside of Lucca, Italy in a small town named San Salvatore. Enzo, his father and sister, Diva, immigrated to the United States, one year following the end of World War II. He arrived on Ellis Island, frightened, shoeless, and speaking not one word of English. The family settled on the near west side of Chicago. Enzo attended Precious Blood Grammer School. He began his study of the English language at the age of 12 surrounded by first graders. He was embarrassed, but undaunted. He did so well, in fact, he received the highest honor as a graduating eighth grader, the Citizenship Award. His love of language and stories were an intrinsic piece of who he was and his love of the pursuit as such, continued throughout his life. He graduated from Morton High School in 1953. Enzo earned his bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Education at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. He earned his masters degree in Spanish at Loyola University. Enzo also studied abroad at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico. He taught all levels of Spanish at Elmwood Park High School from 1957,
until he retired in 1992. Enzo also taught part-time at Triton College and Illinois Benedictine University. He married the love of his life, Lydia Giovacchini at Our Lady of the Angels in Chicago in 1957 and they had three wonderful daughters; Laura Meyer (Karl), Paula Schaub (Randy) and Lisa Kopnick (Mitchell). He was fiercly dedicated to his family and dearly loved his grandchildren; Nina Esch (Stephanie Harbaugh), David Meyer, Brittany Schaub, Jennifer Schaub-Coffman (Spencer Coffman), Max, Jacob and Benjamin Kopnick. Enzo was a passionate gardner, woodworker and Italian “foodie.”
He enjoyed boating, golfing, tennis and raquetball (all well into his 80’s!). He was generous, funny, kind and molto gentile. To know Enzo was to have been touched by an Angel. Husband, father, friend, educator, mentor, linguist, Toscano, charmer, humorist and storyteller.
Memorial visitation Friday, July 25 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in Mary’s Space at Mary Queen of Heaven Church, 442 N. West Ave. Elmhurst, IL. Memorial Mass 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers donations to The Alzheimer’s Association appreciated. https://www. alz.org Arrangements by Giancola
Nicholas C. Burriesci, MD, age 86, of Elmhurst, beloved husband of the late Eleanor T., nee Heafey; loving father of Chris (Jay) Ward, Steve (Karen), Nick (deceased) (Maureen), Matt (Erin) and Mark (Katheryn) Burriesci; cherished Papa to Sophia Ward, Nicholas, Claire, Madeline, Jack, Annie, Kelly, Luke, Ava, Jace, Violet, and Henry Burriesci; Dear brother of the late Frank(Rosemary) Burrell, Connie(the late Brian) McNulty , and the late Rosemary Burriesci; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Nick was born in New York City and attended Cardinal Hayes High School. He graduated from Fordham in 1960, and from the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola in Chicago in 1964. He completed his internship at Los Angeles County General Hospital in 1965, then served as a physician in the Navy from 1965-1967. He completed his residency in radiology in 1970 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Hines. From 1970-1977, he practiced at
Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. He moved his practice to Geneva and St. Charles in 1977, where he practiced as a radiologist for almost thirty years, initially at both Geneva Community Hospital and Delnor Hospital, then at Delnor-Community Hospital, where he served as Director of Radiology.
As a young man, he met Eleanor Heafey, a nurse and Chicago native. They lived in Beaufort, S.C., Chicago, Oak Park, Northfield, Geneva, and Elmhurst, and traveled all over the world. Nick retired in 2005, and he and Eleanor continued to travel and enjoy their summers in Fontana, Wisconsin. A passionate skier, traveler, theatergoer, bridge player, sailor, and lover of cars, Nick always received a dinner invitation, because everyone could count on him to order dessert.
Friends and family will meet for a Memorial Mass, Monday, July 21, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 134 Arthur Street, Elmhurst.
All are welcome to join family and friends for luncheon at The Drake Oak Brook immediately following the service, 2301 York Road, Oak Brook, IL.
Live stream of funeral Mass available through funeral home website. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst. 630-832-0018 or www. gibbonsfuneralhome.com.
DuPage County Sheriff’s Office warns residents about phone scams
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a recent significant increase in phone scams targeting our community.
“We have received multiple reports from individuals stating they received phone calls from someone claiming to be a former deputy with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office,” noted last week’s announcement from the sheriff’s office. “The caller tells the victim there is a warrant for their arrest due to missed jury duty or a court appearance. The scammer then demands thousands of dollars to ‘quash the warrant.’”
The DuPage County Sher-
iff’s Office will never call you to demand money or payment over the phone.
“We will never ask for payment to avoid arrest,” stated last week’s announcement. If you receive a suspicious call like this, hang up immediately. Do not provide personal or financial information. Report the call to your local police department.
If you live in unincorporated DuPage County, contact the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office directly at 630-4072400.
“Stay alert and help spread the word to protect others in our community,” added last week’s announcement.
Worship Services Directory
Berean Bible Students Church
535 East Maple Street Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 889-1090 www.bbschurch.org
Worship God and learn more about Him with us.
Sunday Worship starts at 10:00 am and is followed by a Message. Sunday Bible Study starts at 11:30 am
(630) 889-1090
For more information you can reach us at 630-889-1090 or visit our website at www.bbschurch.org.
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m. “The Crucial Hours”
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am Wednesday Service at 7pm
Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022
Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, July 26, Game Night at 4 pm Everyone is Welcome!
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022
Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18
Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022
Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12
Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022
Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66
Come aboard on our Vacation Bible School adventure as we “Set Sail” on July 21-24 from 5:30pm - 8:00pm For children ages 5-10 Dinner
Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14
Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15
Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17
Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17
SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE SATURDAY: 5:00 PM (VIGIL MASS) 7:00 PM (ESPAÑOL) SUNDAY: 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE
MONDAY - FRIDAY & FIRST SATURDAY: 8:30 AM
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT - PRAYER CHAPEL MONDAY - THURSDAY 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION ( ENGLISH & ESPAÑOL)
SATURDAY: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT Parish Office: 1025 E. Madison Street • (630) 627-4526 • www.stpiuslombard.org
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
Daily Masses: Monday Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM Adoration:
Business
EU Nursing Department named after generous supporter
University’s new Health Sciences Building.
and Thomas Tyrrell.
Dermatologist opens practice in Elmhurst
are
Elmhurst University has named its nursing and public health department in honor of longtime critical care nurse Diane Tyrrell, who, with her husband, Trustee Emeritus and alumnus Thomas Tyrrell, have been generous supporters of Elmhurst for nearly 50 years.
The Diane Tyrrell Department of Nursing and Public Health was dedicated during a ceremony last month at the university’s new Health Sciences Building, which is nearing completion and will be ready to welcome students in the fall. The 45,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art facility will be a hub for not only the nursing and public health programs, but also the occupa-
tional therapy and communication sciences and disorders programs.
Diane Tyrrell was a critical care nurse for 45 years and was named Nurse of the Year at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in 1988. Her dedication plaque notes that she “served every patient and person in her life with the warmth, kindness and care she wished for herself.”
Thomas Tyrrell joined the Elmhurst University Board of Trustees in 1990 and served until 2011, including as chair from 2002 to 2007, before becoming an emeritus trustee. In 2007 he was awarded the Founders Medal, which celebrates those who have distinguished themselves through
philanthropic or personal service to the University.
In addition to the Health Sciences Building, the Tyrrells have supported a number of areas on campus over the years, including athletics and the Tyrrell Fitness Center, the Annual Fund, student scholarships (including the Diane M. Tyrrell Clinical Nursing Endowed Scholarship Fund) and campus improvement projects. The Tyrrells live in Brecksville, Ohio.
“We are so inspired by how Tom’s love for Diane and his alma mater came together to create this generous gift, which will benefit our students and faculty for years to come,” said President Troy D. VanAken.
College of DuPage employees form union with AFSCME
Taking the next step in their union organizing campaign that kicked off in March, some 600 employees of the College of DuPage last week filed a majority interest petition with the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
Lynch said.
AFSCME represents thousands of workers on college campuses throughout Illinois, including at City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois Univer-
sity, Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. About 50 College of DuPage custodial workers are already represented by AFSCME.
Dr. Paula S. Malhotra, MD, FAAD, has opened a state-of-the-art dermatology practice in Elmhurst. Dr. Malhotra, who is board-certified in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, brings over a decade of academic experience at Northwestern University, as well as a respected career in private practice. She offers a comprehensive range of services for patients of all ages. The heart of her new practice at 105 S. York Street, Suite #500, is SKN Spa, an in-house medical spa integrated into her dermatology clinic. Patients have access to leading-edge cosmetic services, including Botox, dermal fillers, PRP, laser treatments, laser hair removal, medical grade facials, chemical peels and skin rejuvenation therapies, all performed or overseen by Dr. Malhotra herself. “I’m thrilled to bring my experience and passion for dermatology to the vibrant community of Elmhurst,” said Dr. Malhotra. “This practice was thoughtfully designed around my patients— from cutting-edge diagnostic tools to a serene, welcoming environment. It’s important to me that every patient feels seen, valued, and confident in the care they receive. My goal has always been to blend scientific rigor with artistic vision, offering patients results that are not only effective, tried and tested, but also naturally beautiful. I’m honored to bring this level of care to a community I deeply value.” To schedule a consultation, or to learn more, visit www.sknin.com or call 630-349-3040.
Upon verifying that the petition includes the signatures of a majority of employees, the board will officially certify the union as part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31.
The new union—College of DuPage Staff United/ AFSCME—will represent “classified” staff (including administrative, clerical, IT and similar employees) whose work supports COD students and faculty.
In the public letter that announced their organizing campaign, COD employees wrote, “We are forming our union because we are proud of the work we do to see our students and community thrive … [I]t’s time for staff to have our own voice.”
“With funding for higher education under assault by extremists in Washington DC, it’s crucial for higher ed employees to have a union—a strong, united voice to advocate for themselves, their families, students and communities,” AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta
ELMHURST UNIVERSITY PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
The Diane Tyrrell Department of Nursing and Public Health was dedicated during a ceremony last month at the
Pictured
Diane
With one center in Villa Park and more to come, we only hire experienced RBT therapists and pay them 40% above the average going rate. We help children ages 2-8 years old better than any other providers in the Chicago area. That is according to us and we would be happy to debate that fact because we have been hiring everyone else’s best therapists.
As a parent of a child with autism, you have every right to ask the following important questions when evaluating any ABA therapy provider:
• Can you provide the resume or qualifications of the individual(s) who will be working directly with my child?
• Will you notify me immediately if my child begins working with a new or unfamiliar therapist?
• Are your BCBAs onsite regularly, or do they work remotely?
• What is your company’s policy and process for providing parent training?
• What has been your employee turnover the past six months?
These questions can offer valuable insight into the quality, consistency, and overall effectiveness of the therapy your child will receive.
220 E. Roosevelt Rd., Villa Park
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. Resorts
5. One point south of southwest
9. Musical performances
11. Matched
13. Four-footed animal part
15. Express severe disapproval of
16. Type of leaf
17. Preparatory
19. Walk heavily
21. Succulent plants
22. Rectangle of grass
23. Lump in yarn
25. Too
26. Foot (Latin)
27. Afflicts
29. Smoothed
31. Mind (Greek)
33. Tampa ballclub
34. Semitic language
36. Sheltered sides
38. Ocean
39. Electronic point of sale
41. Thrust a knife into 43. 12th month (abbr.)
44. Ringworm
46. Father of Aoris (Greek myth.)
48. Fighting back
52. Cease to exist
53. Insects in adult stage
54. Freestanding sculpture
56. Caps
57. Repents
58. Brown and Wallace are two
59. Moved quickly
CLUES DOWN
1. Goes bad
2. Yard structure
3. They __
4. Marine invertebrate
5. European river
6. Office supplies firm
7. Physically abused
8. Service stations in Australia
9. Kills
10. Liquid body substances
11. Particular to a given individual
12. Brave or noble act
14. Sicilian city
15. Conqueror
18. Elected officials
20. Type of “pig”
24. Drop of viscous substance
26. Monetary unit of Spain
28. Guarantees
30. Coloring materials
32. Reddish browns
34. Square measure
35. Will not
37. Canned fish
38. Appeared
40. Six (Spanish)
42. Took off
43. Negligible amount
45. Posts in a Greek temple
47. Witnesses
49. Phil __, former CIA
50. Places to park
51. Guns
55. Dance to pop music
House Holds Strong in 1-0 Win, Builds Momentum for July 19th Showdown
Elmhurst, IL: On Saturday, July 12th, the Chicago House AC Men’s team faced off against Bavarian United in a crucial match to stay in the race for first place in the Midwest Premier League Heartland Division I. The last time these two teams met, the game ended in a 2-2 draw. This time, the House came out on top with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, earning three vital points to remain in title contention.
The lone goal came early, in the 13 th minute, when Kikis Avalos found the back of the net off an assist from Nico Williams. Both teams pushed for opportunities throughout the match, but strong performances from both goalkeepers kept the score unchanged. It was a gritty, defensive battle on both sides, with House ultimately holding firm to secure the clean sheet and the win.
Chicago House fans, don’t miss the Men’s Team’s final home match of the season on July 19 th! Catch the action live at Langhorst Field as they look to build on the momentum from their latest win.
Chicago House AC men’s team postmatch highlights: Defender Jasper Waddington, making his first start since last season, reflected on the match: “It felt good to get another win. We were on a bit of a losing streak, so it was nice to turn it around. Hopefully we can keep it going for the rest of the season.” He added, “We had a good week of training. It’s not like us to lose a couple games in a row. Getting an early goal calmed us down, and we moved the ball a lot better, which helped us secure the win.”
Head Coach Shannon Seymour reflected on the team’s shift in focus, saying, “It started with getting back to the drawing board. When you drop points, something isn’t working, and we needed to fix it. A lot of it came down to energy. We closed the gaps early, so when they won the ball in transition, we were more prepared.”
He also emphasized the importance of momentum heading into the final matches. “The team did well building off each
game, and that will be key in the last two. The group is back together, the atmosphere feels right again. When you lose, culture can slip, but this group knows how to rally and lift each other up.”
Seymour ended with a few player shoutouts: “Nico Williams and Kikis Avalos worked hard to get us that goal. And a big shoutout to the back line, especially Jasper Waddington. First start of the season, full 90 minutes he really held it down and anchored the defense.”
Other Chicago House news: Chicago House is proud to support the newly established Lake York Business Association’s food truck event, Street Eats & Beats, taking place on August 24th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Springhill Suites by Marriott, located at 410 W Lake Street in Elmhurst, IL.
Saturday, July 19th: Back on home turf, the Men square off against AFC Roscoe at 7:00 p.m., with a festive “Celebration of Frozen Treats” House Fest bringing summer sweetness to the stands.
Saturday, August 2nd: The Men hit the road for a 7:00 p.m. matchup against Czarni Jaslo, marking their final appearance of the MWPL regular season. 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.
Goal-scorer #10 Kikis Avalos
Sport S
York’s Koenigsberger finishes in top 12 in state in girls badminton
Another banner season for Dukes; Entire varsity lineup earns all-conference accolades
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
Another year and another strong performance by the York girls badminton team. The Dukes finished 13 th in the state as a team, fueled by the strong play of singles standout Mia Koenigsberger and the doubles team of Sarah Ward and Maddie Mauck.
Koenigsberger finished in the top 12 in the state after logging a 4-2 mark in her time there. She opened state play with a 21-6, 21-7 win over Andrew High School and then downed Rolling Meadows by a 21-12, 21-10 count.
Koenigsberger lost 218, 21-3 to Fremd in the third round before defeating Glenbrook North in the fourth round of the consolation bracket (21-15, 2111) and Metea Valley in the fifth round (21-12, 21-17). Koenigsberger wrapped up state play with a 21-9, 21-9 loss to IMSA in the consolation quarterfinals. The IMSA player went on to finish fifth in the state.
Ward and Mauck went 2-2 at in the state doubles tournament. They downed Plainfield Central 21-11, 2111 in the opener and won 2119, 24-22 against Hinsdale South in the second round. Ward and Mauck lost 217, 21-2 to Stevenson in the third round and dropped a 19-21, 21-15, 21-16 match to Glenbrook North in the fourth round of the consolation bracket. Ward and Mauck finished in the top 24 in the state for doubles teams.
“We did great at state,” York coach Gena Fite said.
“With having only two of our four entries qualify, we took 13 th ahead of many of the teams we played during the season. We had a tough season schedule, and the girls totally benefited from it.” Fite pointed out Downers Grove North, Glenbard East, New Trier, Deerfield (who defeated York at the
Featherfest tournament) and Buffalo Grove all finished behind the Dukes at state (and appeared on York’s regular-season schedule).
Earlier, York took second at its own sectional with 13 points. IMSA won the sectional with 15.5 points. Koenigsberger took second in the sectional singles tournament and earned a spot in the state tournament. After a first-round bye, Koenigsberger downed IMSA 21-6, 21-15 and then defeated Lyons Township 21-15, 21-13 before losing to that same Carissa Chen (who finished fifth in the state) 21-2, 21-6 in the York sectional title match.
Ward and Mauck, both seniors, won the York sectional doubles title. After a firstround bye, Ward and Mauck defeated Glenbard West (219, 21-3) and a pair of IMSA teams (21-19, 21-17 in the semifinals and 8-21, 21-15, 21-16 in the final).
York also took second in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division. All York players in the conference tournament lineup earned a medal and all-WSC Silver honors. Koenigsberger took first at No. 1 singles, while Adriana Kolenda was third at No. 2 singles. Ward was third at No. 3 singles. Mauck was second at No. 4 singles, while Zarria Carter was second at No. 5 singles. Emily Butterly was second at No. 6 singles, while Ava Nawrocki won the No. 7 singles conference title. Kaylee Ewald won the No. 8 singles conference title.
Jess Gonka was third at No. 9 singles and Avery Jacobsthal was third at No. 10 singles.
In doubles, Ward and Mauck took second at the No. 1 position. Carter and Butterly took third at No. 2 doubles, while Koenigsberger and Kolenda took second at No. 3 doubles. Jacobsthal and Gonka took third at No. 5 doubles.
Elmhurst Extreme Orange 12U team wins another title
The Elmhurst Extreme Orange 12U baseball team won a tournament earlier this month at The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin. The Extreme Orange squad went 4-0-1 in the 12-team event and won the championship to capture its fourth tournament title this season. Members of the team, pictured (left to right) with their team banner and championship chains, are: (front row) Tommy Skattum, Brandon Crouch, AJ Fleming, Ryan Kocinski and Chase Olsen; (middle row) Ricky Kohler, Tyler Langenstrass, Logan Osbolt, Aiden Alarcon and Andrew Boeh; (back row) Coach Osbolt, Manager Fleming, Coach Boeh and Coach Kocinski. Not pictured are Jack Steinecker, Liam Northern and Coach Steinecker.
IC
Catholic Prep’s Smith all-state in two boys track and field events
Timothy’s Brady also earns two all-state medals
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
IC Catholic Prep boys track and field star Evan Smith wrapped up his high school career with some serious postseason hardware in his possession. Smith took third in the 200 dash at the Class 1A boys track and field state finals meet and also took fourth in the 400. Smith was leading the pack after the preliminary round after clocking a first-place time of 21.60. He then ran 21.69 in the finals and finished third. Smith was third after prelims in the 400 with a time of 49.07 and finished fourth with a finals time of 49.63.
Smith’s third-place state finish in the 200 ties for the
best in program history, joining Jordan Rowell who took third in the event in 2014. Rowell also took second in the 400 in both 2015 and 2016, leaving Smith with the second-best all-time state finish in that event.
Earlier, the Knights were part of the Class 1A Seneca sectional. The Knights took 10th as a team with 28 points. Smith won the 200 sectional title with a time of 22.65, easily under the state-qualifying time of 23.03. Smith earned an automatic berth with his title win. He also won the 400 with a time of 49.96 (still well under the state mark of 51.92).
The Knights took third at the sectional in the 1,600 re-
lay with a time of 3:39.34 with Tony Dewald, Alex Mitchell, Ricky Ponce and Smith running that race. Freshman Gabe Lisowiec took seventh in the discus throw with a mark of 138-6, while junior Noah Rivenburg was 13th in the discus with a mark of 116-9.
Timothy Christian boys track
The Timothy Christian boys track team ended its 2025 season on a high note with four athletes competing in the Class 1A state finals meet in downstate Charleston.
Junior Chandler Brady headlined the Trojan contingent, earning all-state honors in a pair of events. Brady took fifth in the 300 intermediate
hurdles with a career-best time of 40.19. He also took ninth in the state in the long jump. Brady also competed at state in the triple jump where he finished 23rd and took 31st in the 100 with a time of 11.57.
Brady is one of four Timothy boys track and field athletes in program history to earn a fifth place or higher state finish, joining Phil Sikkenga (5th, 4th and a state title in the event), Dave Boss (5th and 2nd) and Mark Voss (3rd). Brady also is one of only two Timothy boys track and field athletes to medal in the long jump, joining Sikkenga (2nd).
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Two AllStars from School of Rock Elmhurst prepare to perform on tour
One student will tour the Midwest; the other will tour the Gulf Coast region
IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne
I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big
Leslie said she has plenty of memories from IC Catholic Prep’s coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program.
Two keyboard students from School of Rock Elmhurst have been selected to perform in the School of Rock AllStars music program tour in 2025.
region on the week-long tour.
The AllStars represent the highest level of achievement for School of Rock students.
creating unforgettable experiences for audiences.”
center, is
continue her volleyball career at the Syracuse, New York school as a libero.
“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.”
From July 21-26, the tour will feature School of Rock’s most elite musicians, allowing audiences the opportunity to witness the next generation of musical stars as they perform at various stages across the country.
Fewer than 1 percent are chosen each year from over 62,000 School of Rock Performance Program students.
York graduate helps Lewis University to new cross country heights
By Daniel L. Chamness
Sarah May, a York graduate, made sure her final year of cross country was perfection.
May, who spent most of her collegiate career at Grand Valley State University, ran only one year for the Lady Flyers. The result: the first ever time the Lady Flyers won the conference title with a perfect score of 15 points. Not only was it the first ever for the Lady Flyers, it was the first time in the history of the Great Lakes Valley Conference that a team earned the title with a perfect score.
“It does not get much better than that,” said the 2019 York graduate, who was seeking and continues to seek her Master’s Degree from the Romeoville-based school, of the conference meet, which was held in Springfield. “That accomplishment took every single one of us. Our success was the result of months of shared commitment, trust and pushing each other to perform our best. We believed all season that we were capable of something extraordinary. It was incredibly rewarding to see those dreams become a reality.”
For her part, May was the third scoring runner for the Flyers at the conference meet. She completed the 6,000-meter race in 21 minutes, 9.06 seconds. The Lady Flyers captured the first nine places in the conference meet, en route to the convincing victory. At the GLVC Meet, she would run her best 6,000-meter time of the year.
Winning meets had become a regular occurrence for the Lady Flyers at that point. They would start 2024 with
three consecutive victories, winning the Lewis University-hosted Early Bird, the University of Notre Dame-hosted National Catholic Invitational and the Mount Mercy University Seminole Valley Stampede in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Lady Flyers did not taste defeat until the fourth meet of the year, when they were topped by Colorado School of Mines, who would eventually take fifth in the country among NCAA Division II teams. After the conference meet, they would take second in the regionals as a team and sixth in the NCAA Division II Nationals, which were contested in California.
“All of the schools I was looking at were on the East Coast,” Leslie told the Independent last week. “I visited Le Moyne and really liked it. It reminded me of high school because it was a small school, and in a smaller school you will know a lot more faces than if I would have gone to a bigger school. The campus there is really pretty. It sits on a big hill and the scenery around it is great. Everything is pretty close together. They have very nice facilities. The volleyball program has good workout facilities and a nice locker room. I liked how modern it was.”
Leslie 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.”
awarded Lewis Female Newcomer of the Year at the Charlie Awards, which are awarded by the Lewis Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Leslie plans on studying nursing at Le Moyne. “They have a good nursing program,” she said. “As far as what kind of a nurse I want to be, I’m not quite sure yet.”
Leslie played volleyball and girls soccer at IC Catholic Prep all four years. She was a center-midfielder on the Knights soccer team.
Leslie’s volleyball journey started in the fifth grade, the first year she could play the sport at IC Grade School. She’s been playing club volleyball since seventh grade, most recently with the Chicago Elite group that practices out of Scores in Willow Springs and Montini High School in Lombard.
The former Lady Duke was Lewis’ top runner at the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional and at the Lewis Crossover. During the entire season, she was among the top three runners for Lewis all year. At the National Catholic Meet, she finished the 5,000-meter course in 17:37.8, which was her best 5,000-meter time of the year.
Being on one of the best NCAA Division II teams in the country was not new to May. Prior to attending Lewis, she was a member of the Grand Valley State University cross country team. In her final year on that team, they won the NCAA Division II National Championship. In 2021 and 2022, they finished second in the country each of those years.
“I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college,” she said. “It gives me something to do.
•
Leslie said pandemic life hasn’t been overly exciting, though her club volleyball team has started practicing again. “We have been practicing two or three times a week,” she said. “We are going to be starting tournaments again. Before that I haven’t been doing anything because senior soccer season and the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville. This summer, we have some tournaments planned over the next few weekends. They are little tournaments with all of the local clubs. Nothing large and really local. Other than that, I have been trying to work out a lot and stay in shape. I’ve been running a lot, so I got into that. I try and run every day.”
Leslie said she is scheduled to report to Le Moyne in the Aug. 1215 timeframe, but noted preseason volleyball activities already have
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.”
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 made a conscious effort to stay present in the moment, appreciate each moment and fully enjoy the opportunity before me,” said May of her final season. “I knew at the beginning of the season, no matter what happened it was over in a few months. When I started running at Grand Valley State, I was shocked how much of an adjustment it was. Your body has to get accustomed to running more miles, completing longer and more intense workouts, managing a new college routine and being away from home.”
“Being in college cross country made me a stronger person,” said May. “I am going to run the Chicago Marathon this fall with some of my friends and cross country alumni. I plan to continue running and see where it takes me. I will miss seeing my teammates at practice each day the most because they have truly become my second family. I could not imagine being able to get through the early morning practices, the hard workouts and the races without them.”
“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
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-
The daughter of the late Darryl and Susan May, formerly of Elmhurst, now of Lombard, earned a pair of Bachelor’s Degrees at Grand Valley State. She has degrees in Exercise Science and Psychology. At Lewis, she is pursuing a Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy, also known as MSOT.
May finished her final season not only all-conference and all-region honors, she was
“I want to thank my mother. My father died when I was 16. My mom is my biggest supporter. She is simply fantastic. In one of the most difficult times in our family, she was the best mother anyone could ever have.”
“ I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college. It gives me something to do. I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”
“This remarkable opportunity allows these students to showcase their unwavering dedication to music and natural talent on prestigious stages nationwide,” said Anne Schovain, owner of School of Rock Elmhurst.
Students will have an authentic touring experience, including traveling on a tour bus, doing tour publicity, and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a two-week tour.
The tour serves a dual purpose, aiming not only to provide School of Rock students with a musical and educational experience they’ll never forget, but also to raise awareness for mental health.
School of Rock Elmhurst is happy to congratulate its two keyboardists on this achievement. One of those students will be touring the Midwest, while the other will be traveling down to the Gulf Coast
• Track
– Bella Leslie
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.”
“We are pleased to announce the return of our first nationwide tour since 2019, where the AllStars program will unite the School of Rock community and students from around the world,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. “This exciting tour will feature our talented AllStar students performing with local schools in renowned venues across 31 cities, sharing their exceptional skills and
(Continued from page 16)
School of Rock has partnered with the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) to promote healthy practices on the road as a touring musician. A portion of the ticket sales and donations collected during the tour will support SPTS, an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma around discussing suicide and empowering teens, parents and educators with the skills needed to help youth in crisis.
For more information about School of Rock Elmhurst, visit its website at schoolofrock.com/locations/ elmhurst.
Senior Johnathan Kelsey missed the finals in the 400 dash by .04 seconds and finished in 10th place after running a career-best 50.48 in that event. Senior Ryan McKenzie missed the finals in the 800 meter run by .02 seconds and ended up in 13th place. Sophomore Peyton Scholma was 27th in the long jump. “The proverb, ‘A friend loves at all ties, and a brother is born for a time of adversity’ was a powerful and uplifting theme for the team during our state meet experience,” Trojans coach John Vander Kamp said. “We performed very well.”
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.”
Earlier, the Trojans finished third at the Class 1A Seneca sectional with 74 points. Kelsey took second in the 100 with a time of 11.53. Kelsey’s second-place finish automatically qualified him for state. Kelsey also automatically qualified in the 400 after taking second with a time of 50.73 (his time also was under the state standard of 51.92). Teammate Andrew Martinez, a sophomore, was third in the 400 with a time of 53.48.
ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”
As far as the future, Stopka wants York competing at a high level on a consistent basis. “The short-term goal is to restock and build up the team,” he said. “A large portion of last year’s team was seniors, especially the starting 11. We have to make sure the now juniors are up to the speed of the varsity level and are ready to contribute. We want to keep that pipeline going with the younger groups of players. We want to make sure we are not only competitive, but that we are competing for regionals, sectionals and supersectionals. It starts for me with this junior class that is coming in. We want them ready to go and setting the standard for these other classes that come in so they can also contribute right off the bat.”
McKenzie qualified for state in the 800 after taking third with a time of 2:00.65 (besting the state standard of 2:01.53). Sophomore Nate Bemister was third in the 3,200 with a time of 11:01.07. Brady was ninth in the 110 hurdles with a time of 18.43.
Brady won the 300 hurdles and qualified for state after turning in a 41.18 effort (his
time also was under the state barrier of 42.73). Sophomore Joe Tameling was 10th in the discus throw with a mark of 119-11, while senior teammate Jacob Lanenga was 12th with a mark of 118-6.
Brady took second in the long jump and qualified for state with a mark of 20-11
3/4 (also 6.39 meters which was greater than the 6.35 state mark). Schloma was third at 20-11 1/4 and also qualified for state (6.38 meters also was greater than the 6.35 state mark). Brady won the triple jump in 41-11 1/4. Junior teammate Vivek Alex was third with a mark of 40-3 1/2.
Koenigsberger finished in the top 12 in the state at the recent IHSA girls badminton singles tournament. Koenigsberger went 4-2 in the tournament, winning her first two matches and then winding through the consolation bracket with a pair of additional victories. Koenigsberger also finished second at the sectional, won the West Suburban Silver No. 1 singles title and earned a conference runner-up finish in doubles.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Sarah May, #499, just right of
shown competing with the Lewis University women’s cross-country team.
Elmhurst Choral Union commemorates the American Civil War with musical performance (Aug. 30) and
To recognize the 160th anniversary of the conclusion of the American Civil War, the Elmhurst Choral Union will perform An American Civil War Memorial, an oratorio composed by Dr. Michael James Karasis, on Saturday, Aug. 30.
The performance will begin at 3 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 Brush Hill Road.
President Harry S. Truman’s greatgrandson, Wesley Truman Daniel, will provide narration. Artistic interpretations of the Civil War will be projected throughout the performance. The chorus, professional orchestra, and soloists will be under the direction of Scott Uddenberg, and colors will be presented by Commander Mike Kerley and the American Legion Post 187 Color Guard.
Tickets are $20 (adult) and $10 (youth up to age 18). Purchase tickets online at elmhurstchoralunion.org/tickets or at the door the day of the concert.
Pre-concert lecture on Aug. 20
Enhance your enjoyment of the performance of An American Civil War Memorial by attending a pre-concert lecture on Thursday, Aug. 20 from 7-8:30 p.m., presented by Scott Uddenberg, the artistic director of the Elmhurst Choral Union. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of the composition, the musicians, and the composer. The lecture will be held at the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Avenue, in the Kossmann Room. The lecture is free and open to the public. (This event is not affiliated with the Elmhurst Public Library.)
For more information, visit elmhurstchoralunion.org or email info@ elmhurstchoralunion.org.
the
SUBMITTED
PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
The Elmhurst Choral Union will perform An American Civil War Memorial, an oratorio composed by Dr. Michael James Karasis, on Saturday, Aug. 30. The performance will start at 3 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 Brush Hill Road. The concert will recognize
160th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War. Scott Uddenberg, the artistic director of the Elmhurst Choral Union, will give a pre-concert lecture on Thursday, Aug. 20. That lecture will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Kossmann Room at the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Avenue. The Elmhurst Choral Union is pictured during a performance in May.
Community calendar
Music at the Gazebo Concert on Spring Road
rescheduled for tonight, July 17
Due to the weather the July 10 Music at the Gazebo concert on Spring Road was rescheduled to this Thursday, July 17 at the park on Spring Road and Prairie Path Lane. Lake Effect band will play from 6:30-8:30 p.m. They will fill the evening with pop and standard music so bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the concert. For more information, to: SpringRoad.com/our-events.
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.
Recurring weekly now through Aug. 6
Wednesday Nights Live
Presented free by the Elmhurst City Centre, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., join your friends and family for an unforgetta-
ble 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/.
Now through Aug. 15
Summer Scavenger Hunt. Presented free by Elmhurst City Centre, 109 W. First St., and recurring daily, over 100 plush dogs are hiding just beyond the rainbow in your favorite City Centre merchant stores. Find 20+ of them and enter to win one of 120 prizes. Player cards are available in the City Centre Office, participating merchants, and online at elmhurstcitycentre.com.
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 sculptures 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.
Now through Sept. 7
Umbrella Sky Elmhurst. Recurring daily and presented free by the Elmhurst City Centre, The City of Elmhurst’s Public Arts Commission and Elmhurst City Centre bring back one of the world’s most famous and beautiful art installations back to Elmhurst City Centre: Umbrella Sky Elmhurst 2025. Snap a photo under the Umbrellas at Schiller Court (sponsored by Community Bank of Elmhurst), Color Rain at 110 S. Cottage Hill, and Color Dots at 254 N. York. A new set of art pieces, featuring a fresh color palette, will replace the initial instal-
lations in early July and will be on display until the Rock the Block Party in September. For more information and details, visit elmhurstcitycentre. com.
Hokusai Outdoor Art Gallery. Recurring daily and presented free by the Elmhurst City Centre, in conjunction with the 2025 exhibition “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.
Monday, July 21
Museum Maker Monday From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. presented free by the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park
Ave., drop in at the museum on a day typically closed to the public. Kids and caregivers can explore exhibits on a day reserved for families, play games, and complete a craft (while supplies last). Appropriate for elementary age children accompanied by an adult, no registration required. Craft activity changes monthly.
Thursday, July 24
Music at the Gazebo Presented free by the Spring Road Business Association from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Livestream is back! They will bring the best of the 80s and 90s music to Spring Road. This cover band will have you on your feet dancing and singing along. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment as the sun sets for the day. Please note consuming alcoholic beverages in the park is not permitted per Elmhurst Park District policy. For more information, visit: https://springroad.com/ our-events/#music.
Sunday, July 27
Stationery Mini-Market with local artists . Free
from noon-5 p.m. at 569 N. York St., welcome to the Stationery Mini-Market at Papel Arcano. Papel Arcano is turning the shop floor into a paper-lover’s paradise. Browse pop-up tables from indie illustrators, local artists, sticker designers, and journaling supply crafters—plus all the pens and washi you already love on our shelves. Whether you’re a bullet journal enthusiast, a planner addict, brand new to stationery, or just love pretty paper, this event is for you. What to expect: Six-plus local artists selling stationery, prints, stickers, and ephemera; all attendees can opt-in to raffles for Papel Arcano goodies; support small makers, meet your future pen pals, and stock up before planner season kicks off on Stationery Store Day in August. Admission is free, but RSVPs are appreciated so artists can plan accordingly. For more information, call 630-426-1401 or email papelarcano@gmail.com. Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
Deuter highlights direct admissions proposal, encourages greater higher education opportunity
As part of efforts to knock down barriers to higher education and further encourage students to pursue a degree, state Rep. Marti Deuter, D-Elmhurst, backed a plan to send qualified high school and community college students direct admissions offers from nine of the state’s public universities.
“This measure creates a more affordable and stream-
lined process for students and families navigating the college admissions process,” Deuter said.
“Particularly for those who were on the fence with continuing their education or were unfamiliar with state options, this proposal will open doors and provide real opportunity.”
House Bill 3522 creates a direct admissions program for academically-qualified high
Glowiak
Hilton invites
Elmhurst residents to securely discard documents at shred event this Saturday
Elmhurst residents will have the opportunity to securely shred personal documents on Saturday, July 19, through an event sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.
Residents can safely discard documents at American Legion Post 187, 310 W. Butterfield Road, from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the truck is full. The event is a joint effort between Glowiak Hilton, State Rep. Marti Deuter, Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin, the Elmhurst City Council and American Legion Post 187.
Identity theft is one of the top categories of scams targeting Illinois residents. The Better Business Bureau recommends shredding unneeded sensitive documents, such as bank statements, medical bills and pay stubs, to prevent personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
For more information, contact Glowiak Hilton’s office at 630-785-3177.
school seniors and community college transfer students. Admissions standards would be set by universities, and eligible students would be automatically notified of their guaranteed acceptance and have their application fees waived. Participating universities include:
• Chicago State University,
• Eastern Illinois University,
• Governors State University,
• Illinois State University,
• Northeastern Illinois University,
• Northern Illinois University,
• Southern Illinois University,
• University of Illinois Springfield
• Western Illinois University.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Illinois Chicago are not included in the guaranteed direct admission aspect of the measure, but the institutions would collaborate with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the State Board of Education on an outreach program to connect with and
encourage qualified students to apply.
House Bill 3522 passed with bipartisan support and is expected to be signed by the governor. Students entering college for the 2027-28 academic year would be the first to benefit.
For more information, contact Rep. Deuter at: Office@ RepMartiDeuter.com.
IDOT: Extreme temps could cause pavement
With extremely high temperatures and increasing humidity in the recent forecast, the Illinois Department of Transportation is cautioning the public to be on the lookout for pavement failures on roads throughout the state.
Pavement failures or blowouts occur when pro-longed high temperatures cause the
road to expand and buckle up or blow out, resulting in uneven driving surfaces. Precipitation and humidity increase the potential for buckling.
Pavement failures can be reported to IDOT by calling 800-452-4368 or by reaching out to law enforcement via 911.
Additionally, if you must
travel during extreme heat, bring drinking water. Becoming stranded could be dangerous without proper hydration, as dehydration can occur quickly in these conditions.
For more information about pavement failures and how they occur, take a look at this educational video online created by IDOT: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VkkwpqlX0RQ.
Elmhurst’s police and fire departments invite residents to Public Safety Night Out on Thursday, Aug. 7
The Elmhurst Police Department reminds residents that responsible firearm owners ensure their weapons are secured to prevent unauthorized access by children and those legally prevented from possessing firearms.
Residents in need of a gun lock can visit the front lobby of the police department, 125 E. 1st St., to receive one at no charge.
The City of Elmhurst’s police and fire departments will host this year’s Public Safety Night Out on Thursday, Aug 7. The free event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot at York Commons Park, 665 S. York St. Residents who attend the safety-focused event will be able to meet police officers and firefighters. There will also be interactive activities and games for kids, who will be able to explore police and fire vehicles. The evening will also feature safety demonstrations, a helicopter landing, music, giveaways, and more.
Illinois hospitals fear massive cuts under Trump domestic policy law
By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Hospital officials in Illinois say they will have to make some difficult decisions in the next few years that could involve laying off staff, cutting back services and even closing some facilities entirely.
That’s the expected result of federal funding cuts built into the recently passed domestic policy bill that President Donald Trump signed into law July 4, a law that will cut federal spending on Medicaid by more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years.
A.J. Wilhelmi, CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association said in an interview with Capitol News Illinois that the financial pressures will fall heaviest on hospitals that serve rural areas, where a larger share of the population is covered by Medicaid.
“The hospitals in these communities are already on the brink, based on some of the increases in labor, drug and supply costs coming out of COVID, a continuation of claim denials by payers and relatively flat reimbursement rates,” Wilhelmi said. “So, all of that is creating significant pressures. And when you add these Medicaid cuts to an already challenging situation, we know that there are several hospitals that close because of these changes.”
Enrollment, reimbursement reductions
The new law contains provisions that are expected to reduce the number of people
enrolled in Medicaid, particularly in states like Illinois that expanded eligibility for the program under the Affordable Care Act, the 2010 law commonly known as Obamacare.
Those include work requirements for people who enrolled through the expansion as well as requirements that they verify their continued eligibility for the program twice a year instead of annually.
But the law also includes changes in aspects of the program that most people outside the health care industry never see. Those mechanisms, known as provider taxes and directed payments, affect the way states finance their share of the cost of Medicaid and the way they direct additional payments to certain health care providers such as hospitals.
Like many states, Illinois levies special taxes on certain health care providers, including hospitals. The money those taxes generate is used to draw down additional federal matching funds, then is paid back to the providers in the form of directed payments to increase their overall reimbursement rate and to reward them if they meet certain performance or quality standards.
Currently, IHA estimates the hospital tax generates about $2 billion a year in revenue. This past session, lawmakers passed a bill to increase the assessment in order to fund a 54 percent increase in hospital payments, subject to federal approval of the state’s plan. But state lawmakers passed that
bill before Congress passed Trump’s domestic policy bill, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Prior to passage of the new federal law, the tax rate states could levy was effectively capped at 6 percent of a hospital’s net patient revenue. But under the new law, for states like Illinois that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, that cap will gradually be lowered by half a percentage point each year starting in 2028 until it reaches 3.5 percent in 2032.
In addition, Wilhelmi said, the new law imposes a cap on the directed payments that expansion states like Illinois can send to hospitals so that the total does not exceed the maximum allowed under Medicare—the federal health insurance program for seniors, which has a lower reimbursement rate than Medicaid.
“And that will result in a significant reduction in Medicaid reimbursements for hospitals,” Wilhelmi said. “It means literally hundreds of millions of dollars in less reimbursement to hospitals.”
$48 billion impact over 10 years
According to the nonpartisan health policy research organization KFF, federal Medicaid spending in Illinois is expected to be reduced by about $48 billion over 10 years under the new legislation. That includes an estimated $6.73 billion in spending cuts in rural parts of the state.
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker has been harshly critical of the new law, and particularly the Medicaid cuts con -
tained in it.
“Donald Trump isn’t just cutting health care—he’s also closing hospitals in Illinois and across the country with his latest scheme,” Pritzker said in one social media post while the bill was moving through Congress.
“Hard-working Illinoisans will spend more time in overcrowded waiting rooms and lose access to life-saving care.”
Obituary
REV. FR. PANAGIOTIS K. MALAMIS
Rev. Father Panagiotis
K. Malamis (Nov. 14, 1935 – June 25, 2025), age 89, of Elmhurst, IL, passed unexpectedly, but called by God on June 25, 2025 while visiting his beloved homeland of Kalavryta, Greece.
Born on Nov. 14, 1935 in Sigouni, Kalavryta, Father Panagiotis was the youngest of four children born to the late Konstantinos and Demetra Malamis. From the tender age of nine, he began dreaming of becoming a priest. With reverence, he often said that he was inspired by his grandfather, who served the Church as a chanter.
His childhood was marked by resilience, as he survived World War II and the Greek Civil War, often recalling, “It was difficult in those years, with the andartes coming in. Finishing school was a challenge.” Unlike many others, with God’s grace he was able to complete his schooling.
Later, he was introduced to his beloved Presbytera Theodora (nee Hamakiotis), who hailed from nearby Tourlada, Kalavryta. They married on February 24, 1962 in Montreal, Canada.
In 1966, Father Panagiotis enrolled at the Holy Cross School of Theology and the couple moved to Boston. In May 1968 in Connecticut, he was ordained a deacon by His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Olymbou.
The following May he graduated, and then on June 16, 1969, the same bishop ordained him to the Holy Priesthood. By July 1969, he was assigned to his first parish, The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. After two years, he was transferred to Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago for a three-year assignment.
In September 1974, he joined the parish where he would spend the remainder
Wilhelmi, meanwhile, said there is still time before the cuts begin to take effect, and he is urging state officials to begin work immediately to develop strategies to adapt to the changes.
“I think the state will need to work with stakeholders like IHA and our hospitals, other provider groups, to identify creative options to
ensure that the Medicaid program can continue to be that lifeline for vulnerable patients and communities,” he said.
“And that will include identifying options to fortify those programs and services, as well as identify working with our congressional delegation on ways to mitigate or further delay these changes.”
of his life – Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst, IL. There, he was charged with building the church edifice and the community center to bring the parish to another level of worship and life. Father Panagiotis proved to be a much-respected leader, and he is beloved in the community.
As Proistamenos, Father Panagiotis actively led the parish in its efforts to construct a school and fellowship center in 1976, and then a new church in 1978. In 1985 the new church was consecrated by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Chicago of blessed memory. On that day, Bishop Iakovos bestowed Father Panagiotis with the title of “Oikonomou.” When Father Panagiotis celebrated his 25th year in the priesthood at the Holy Cross School, the late Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America granted him the title of “Protopresbyter”, which is the highest rank and distinction that a married priest may attain. His visionary leadership later brought to fruition two additional sacred projects, the completion of the St. John the Baptist chapel at Arlington Cemetery and the Holy Anargyroi chapel at St. Demetrios. Through five decades of ministry, his steadfast guidance and compassionate shepherding forged an enduring spiritual legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Together with Presvytera Theodora, Father Panagiotis raised nine children, watching with quiet joy as they flourished - a joy that only multiplied with the arrival of each grandchild. Nothing brought him greater happiness than witnessing their growth, achievements, and the lives they built.
In the 1990s when he began to vacation each year in his home village of Sigouni, he did not rest. He worked tirelessly, building and restoring area churches so the faithful had proper places to worship.
His liturgical legacy was built not only by his
leadership and service to the Church, but by bringing life to the words of the Scriptures. He became a “trendsetter,” reviving traditions to our local Diocese, now Metropolis. He was the first priest in the area to celebrate the 40-day liturgies during the Christmas fast. Many have noted that “his office was the altar” and “the Divine Liturgy defined his purpose in life.” When he was not offering services, Father Panagiotis could be found quietly and humbly ministering to the faithful in a most loving way – offering wisdom, encouragement, and prayer. Both the faithful and his family were inspired and guided by his example, as he fully embraced God’s two great commandments: to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind; and to love his neighbor as himself.
After his official retirement in 2005, Father Panagiotis continued what he loved most - serving at the altar and staying actively involved in parish life, his commitment to St. Demetrios never wavering.
He is survived by Presbytera Theodora; his children, Demetra (George) Neofotistos, Maria (Dr. George) Karalis, Lemonia Katsiris, Dino Malamis, Anthony (Anastasia) Malamis, Spero (Alexia) Malamis, Dr. Angelo (Dr. Eleni) Malamis, Fr. Sotirios (Presvytera Stefanie) Malamis, Demetri (Patrice) Malamis; his 27 grandchildren; 3 greatgrandchildren; his sister, Eleni Malamis; and brother, Georgios (Sophia) Malamis; plus nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Aggelos (the late Nikolitsa) Malamis; and his parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Fr. Panagiotis K. Malamis may be made to “St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church” c/o of “The Fr. Panagiotis Malamis Pythagoras Greek School Scholarship Fund.” 893 North Church Road, Elmhurst, IL. 60126 May his legacy of faith and love endure forever!
Pritzker warns 330,000 Illinoisans could lose Medicaid under Trump’s budget plan
By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
The U.S. House gave final passage July 3 to a budget bill that will cut federal Medicaid spending by an estimated $1 trillion over 10 years.
All three Republican members of the Illinois congressional delegation voted in favor of the bill, despite a last-minute plea from Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker who warned the bill will result more than 330,000 Illinoisans losing Medicaid coverage and have a devastating effect on some rural hospitals.
“As those who are entrusted with protecting the health of all your constituents, I urge you to oppose these harmful Medicaid provisions and work to protect healthcare access for rural Illinois families, workers, and veterans,” Pritzker wrote in the letter addressed to GOP Reps. Mike Bost, Darin LaHood and Mary Miller.
The cuts would translate to about $48 billion in Illinois over that period, or about 20 percent of what the state would otherwise receive, according to
an analysis by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research organization.
That would be one of the largest percentage reductions in any state in the nation, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research organization formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Louisiana and Virginia would each see cuts of about 21 percent, KFF said.
The state-level analysis is based largely on Congressional Budget Office estimates showing the bill would reduce federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion nationwide over the next decade.
The KFF analysis does not include estimates of the number of people who would lose Medicaid coverage under the bill, noting how that will depend on how individual states respond to the policy changes contained in the bill. But overall, it estimates the number of uninsured Americans will grow by 11.8 million.
The bill, which includes many of President Donald Trump’s domestic policy pri-
orities—including tax cuts and increased spending on border security—passed the Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 51-50, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Both senators from Illinois, Democrats Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, voted no.
The final vote in the House was 218-214
“The One Big, Beautiful Bill is a once-in-a-generation victory for the American people,” Miller said in a statement after the House vote. “It delivers on President Trump’s America First agenda with bold, decisive, and immediate action. This is the most pro-worker, pro-family, pro-America legislation I have voted for during my time in Congress, and I was proud to help get it across the finish line for the hardworking Americans across my district.”
Medicaid and the health care marketplace
Medicaid, which is jointly funded by states and the federal government, provides health coverage for lower-income individuals and families. It was established in 1965 alongside Medicare, the federally funded health coverage program for people over 65.
Today, according to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the program covers about 3.4 million people in Illinois, or a fourth of the state’s population. At a total cost of $33.7 billion a year, it is one of the largest single categories of expenditures in the state’s budget. It pays for about 40 percent of all childbirths in the state, according to KFF, as well as 69 percent of all nursing home care.
But questions about its future loomed over the Illinois General Assembly during the just-completed legislative session as both Congress and the General Assembly were crafting their respective budgets for their upcoming fiscal years.
“This was a difficult year because of the unprecedented changes and cuts that are looming on the horizon in Washington,” state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, said on the floor of the Illinois House during debate over a Medicaid bill on the final day of the session.
According to KFF, most of the reductions in Medicaid spending would result from just a few policy changes contained in the bill
Those include imposing a work requirement on adults enrolled in Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.” That law expanded eligibility for Medicaid to working-age adults with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty
level. About 772,000 people in Illinois are enrolled under that program.
The bill also calls for requiring people enrolled through the ACA expansion to verify their continued eligibility for Medicaid twice a year instead of annually. That is expected to filter out enrollees whose incomes rise above the eligibility limit as well as those who simply fail to complete the verification process.
Another provision would limit the ability of states to finance their share of the cost of Medicaid by levying taxes on health care providers. Illinois imposes such taxes on hospitals, nursing facilities and managed care organizations that administer the program. Revenue from those taxes is used to draw down federal matching funds that are then used to fund higher reimbursement rates to health care providers.
Illinois Tollway announces that closure of Vallette Street/ Electric Avenue is scheduled to continue until July 25
As part of the Illinois Tollway’s ongoing Central TriState Tollway (I-294) reconstruction project, the closure of Vallette Street/Electric Avenue between Edgewood Avenue in Elmhurst and Coolidge Avenue in Berkeley has been extended through Friday, July 25, to support work on the I-290/I-88 interchange.
“The Tollway has coordinated with the Village of Berkeley and the City of Elmhurst to extend this closure in
an effort to expedite construction and reduce the need for additional full closures in this area,” stated Jeffrey Allen, the Illinois Tollway’s deputy chief of program implementation, in a July 9 letter to area residents.
“The Illinois Prairie Path will be open while the local roadway is closed, and flaggers will assist trail users as needed while the work takes place,” Allen added.
“All work and schedules are
weather dependent.”
For more information on the I-290/I-88 Interchange Project at I-294, visit the Project section on the Illinois Tollway website at www.illinoistollway.com.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact the Illinois Tollway’s construction communications team via email at 294tristate@getipass. com, or by calling the 24/7 construction hotline at 630246-2930.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Elmhurst Police Department. “Prior to 1925, Elmhurst was protected by town marshals who served our community alone, often patrolling by motorcycle,” related last week’s announcement from the police department. “That year, Henry Wolf was appointed Chief of Police and organized the City’s first police department. During Chief Wolf’s first year in office, he and his four police officers were issued uniforms and 25 police call boxes were installed on City streets.” To commemorate the police department’s founding, a committee of Elmhurst police officers developed the 100th anniversary patch logo (pictured) with special meaning. The triangle logo represents the first Elmhurst police uniform patch. The stars represent the three different badges officers have worn since the department’s founding. The blue mourning band on the center star honors Marshal Harry Magers, who sacrificed his life protecting Elmhurst in 1920. The surrounding green elm leaves recognize the namesake—Elmhurst.
Speaking with reporters at an unrelated event, Pritzker predicted “hundreds of thousands” of people in Illinois will lose Medicaid coverage if the Senate bill is signed into law.
“This is shameful, if you ask me, and it’s going to be very hard to recover,” Pritzker said. “The state of Illinois can’t cover the cost—no state in the country can cover the cost of reinstating that health insurance that is today paid for mostly by the federal government, partly by state government.”
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