Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated its commencement on Sunday afternoon in the school’s main gymnasium. This year’s graduating class at the Villa Park school includes approximately 450 students. Members of Willowbrook’s
Willowbrook’s marching band are pictured along the
Willowbrook High School celebrated its homecoming last week. The week’s special activities included Friday afternoon’s homecoming parade, which took place in hot and sunny conditions. The parade procession began near Park Boulevard and Ardmore Avenue. Parade participants marched south on Ardmore before turning west onto Highridge Road and into the school’s north
Senior Choir (pictured) sang “America The Beautiful” and “Story of My Life” at the beginning of Sunday’s service.
also included several of the Warriors’ fall athletic teams, as well as
Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while attempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South. Rugg tried to score from second base on a single by sophomore Katelyn Cox in the top of the second inning, when the game was tied at 2-2. Downers Grove South’s catcher tagged Rugg out at home plate for the third out of the inning. The Mustangs went on to defeat the Warriors 7-3 in the West Suburban Gold Conference contest. Wil-
Arbor Day in Villa Park
lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s loss to post an 11-2 win in Saturday’s Hinsdale Central. The Warriors bashed three home runs in the second urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Conference. Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo Kayleigh Dennison provided the home runs. Dennison (No. 5) is background of the above photo. For more about the Warriors, see page
Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2021 celebrated its commencement with two separate ceremonies in the school’s main gymnasium on Sunday morning. The entire class includes over 470 students. About half of those students attended the ceremony that began at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony at 11 a.m. The photo shows members of the Willowbrook Senior Choir during the day’s first service. For more photos, see Page 4.
Villa Park Warriors Football and Cheer program.
of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commission, Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Villa Park Village President Albert Bulthuis, Villa Park Village Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone and Leslie Allison-Seei—chair of the Villa Park Commission. Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday of each April. The National Arbor has recognized Villa Park with Tree City USA designation for 36 straight years. To receive tion, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive munity forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 held its Memorial Day service ing at Cortesi
Patrick sworn in as Villa Park’s village president
New leader spent the last six years as a village trustee; Patrick succeeds Nick Cuzzone as village president
Kevin Patrick was sworn in as Villa Park’s new village president during last week’s village board meeting.
DuPage County Circuit Court Judge Chantelle Porter administered the oath of office to Patrick and other elected officials during the May 12 meeting.
Patrick, who spent the last six years as a village trustee, succeeds Nick Cuzzone as Villa Park’s village president. Cuzzone, like Patrick, served as a village trustee for six years before he was elected to a four-year term as village president.
Patrick defeated a fellow village trustee—Jorge Cordova—in the April 1 election
for village president. Cuzzone did not run for a second term. Two village trustees— Jack Kozar and Deepasriya Kumar—were re-elected to four-year terms in the April 1 election. Tina Konstatos, a newcomer to the village board, won the other available seat for village trustee in last month’s election. Six candidates ran for three available seats as village trustees in the April 1 race.
The new village board features Patrick as village president, and Kozar, Kumar, Konstatos, Cordova and Cari Alfano as village trustees. Patrick still had two years left in his term as village trustee, so his move to village presi-
dent created a vacancy on the board. Late last week, Patrick announced the appointment of Khalid Sabri to fill that vacancy and serve as a village trustee for the next two years. Sabri’s appointment requires approval from the village board. On Friday, May 16, Patrick stated that Sabri would be sworn in during the May 19 board meeting.
Rolf Laukant was sworn in as Villa Park’s new village clerk during the May 12 board meeting. Laukant succeeded Hosanna Korynecky, who spent the last 18 years in that position. Korynecky never missed a village board meeting during her service as village clerk.
Police report
The Villa Park Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations.
Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.
May 13
A complainant in the 300 block of W. Harvard reported at 6:46 p.m. that subjects battered them.
May 12
A complainant in the 300 block of W. North reported an unknown subject entered their vehicle, removed items and used their credit cards.
May 11
A 37-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 400 block of S. Harvard at 3:52 p.m.
A 22-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 400 block of W. Division at 10:28 p.m.
Kevin Patrick was sworn in as Villa Park’s new village president during the Villa Park Village Board meeting on May 12. Patrick is pictured (above) with his wife, April, and two of their three sons—Grant (left) and Benjamin (right)—while DuPage Circuit Court Judge Chantelle Porter administers the oath of office. The May 12 meeting also featured the swearing-in of a newcomer to the village board—Village Trustee Tina Konstatos. Two other village trustees—Jack Kozar and Deepasriya Kumar— were sworn in to begin their second terms on the board. Rolf Laukant was sworn in as Villa Park’s new village clerk during last week’s board meeting. Pictured (at left, left to right) after the meeting are: Village Trustee Jorge Cordova, Kozar, Patrick, Kumar, Village Trustee Cari Alfano, Konstatos and Laukant.
Police remind motorists to buckle up on Memorial Day, and every day
Seat belt enforcement campaign started on May 16, and continues to May 27
Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park, 318 E. Kenilworth Ave. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.
A complainant at a business in the 300 block of W. North reported at 1:55 a.m. that subjects battered them.
A complainant at a hotel in the 1-100 block of W. Roosevelt reported at 5:35 a.m. that a subject battered them.
May 9
Michael R. Dubon, 32, of
Addison, was charged with DUI, speeding 35 mph or more over the speed limit, disobeying a traffic control device and failure to signal near W. St. Charles and S. Route 83 at 1:28 a.m.
May 7
Gregory B. Martin, 49, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI in the 200 block of E. Kenilworth at 10 p.m.
A 49-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 600 block of W. Ridge at 8:55 p.m.
A complainant at a gas station in the 300 block of W. St. Charles reported at 8:26 p.m. that a subject removed merchandise from display shelves and left without paying.
A 15-year-old male juvenile was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 400 block of S. Princeton at 11:59 p.m.
A complainant at a business in the 100 block of E. North reported at 11:56 p.m. that a subject is harassing them via telephone.
The Villa Park Police Department is reminding drivers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign. This high-visibility seat belt enforcement initiative began on May 16, and continues to May 27, coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday.
“Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for everyone,” noted a statement issued by the Villa Park Police Department last week. “It’s not just safe; it’s the law. During this campaign, law enforcement agencies will be working together to ensure the message reaches all drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest way to reduce injury or save a life in a crash.”
Illinois enacted its seat belt law 40 years ago, on July 1, 1985, becoming the third state to require seat belt use for drivers and front-seat passengers aged eight and older. Children under eight were required to be secured in appropriate child safety seats. In July 2003, Illinois strengthened the law to allow officers to pull over and ticket drivers solely for failing to buckle up—a change that led to a significant increase in compliance.
Since the seat belt law’s initial introduction and sub-
sequent upgrade more than two decades ago, seat belt usage has surged from 15.9 percent in 1985 to 92.4 percent in 2024. This dramatic improvement underscores the law’s effectiveness in promoting compliance and enhancing roadway safety.
While Illinois achieved a commendable 92.4 percent daytime seat belt usage rate in 2024, there’s room for improvement. The remaining 7.6 percent need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will take a no-excuses approach to enforcement, issuing citations day and night.
A key focus of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign is nighttime enforcement, as Illinois crash data indicates higher rates of unrestrained fatalities at night.
Notably, in 2023, 72 percent of male passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unrestrained, compared to 28 percent of female passenger vehicle occupants.
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. For more information on safe driving practices, visit ItsNotaGameIllinois. com.
Cruger
Garcia
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CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing
Village board welcomes new District Two trustee
Jessica Hammersmith to fill seat left vacant by former Trustee Puccio
By Jane Charmelo LOMBARDIAN STAFF REPORTER
After an appointment process she credited as “diligent,”
Jessica Hammersmith was appointed to fill the District Two trustee seat left vacant when Anthony Puccio was elected to the position of village president.
“I want to thank the board … we had eight very, very qualified applicants that wanted to step up and serve the village. It was a great process, very open,” Puccio said at the start of the meeting, adding that there were multiple rounds of interviews.
Interviews were held April 27, Puccio noted in a memo to the village board. He related in the memo that he submitted Hammersmith’s name to fill
the vacancy for a term that applies until the first meeting in May 2027.
“I’m delighted that I have the ability to appoint Jessica Hammersmith to this position,” Puccio commented. “I think just her personality and everything will be a very good addition to our board.”
Hammersmith, a 16-year resident of Lombard, has a professional background in health care that includes supervisory and communication experience, Puccio noted in the memo. He further stated that Hammersmith’s civic involvement includes The Outreach House and the DuPage Senior Citizens Council.
“We were blessed to have such a strong field of people interested in the role of trustees,”
he said. “I am hopeful that we can find a way to engage them in a way to be a benefit to the community moving forward.”
Hammersmith was sworn in by Village Clerk Ranya Elkhatib.
“Thank you for having me, and thank you very much for your diligent appointment process,” Hammersmith said after she took her seat on the dais. “This is my first official step into local government and feeling like a real member of my civic community.”
As a nurse for 16 years, “I’ve watched health care take a lot of turns, and so what I think is the most beneficial part of having a nurse on your board is that I know that the health of our community comes before everything.
Lombard police blotter
INFORMATION TAKEN FROM LOMBARD POLICE FILES
The Lombard 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
May 10
Ronnie Friend, 65, of Downers Grove, was charged with battery and being a public nuisance at Yorktown Center at 11:48 a.m.
May 8
A complainant in the 100 block of W. Ash wanted to turn himself in for sexually assaulting a victim in 2015. The incident was referred to the investigations division.
Criminal damage, criminal trespassing
May 10
Terrell Johnson, 52, of Maywood, was issued a citation for criminal trespass to property at Embassy Suites, 707 E. Butterfield, at 8:39 p.m.
May 8
A complainant near Wilson and Lewis advised that three male juveniles tipped over a portable bathroom and fled. An officer attempted to locate the suspects with no results. The Lombard Park District was notified.
May 5
Police said Yorktown Se-
curity reported two subjects were sleeping on the McDonald’s property at 1 Yorktown at 2:27 a.m. and yelled at security when they woke them up. The two subjects were issued no-trespassing citations.
An employee at Madison Meadow Athletic Center, 500 E. Wilson, reported someone tipped over a portable bathroom that had been anchored to the ground.
A complainant at Bella Terra Rehabilitation Center, 2100 S. Finley, reported the steering wheel column in her vehicle had been ripped out.
An employee accessed video footage and advised two males, wearing all black, entered her vehicle. The area was checked with no results.
A complainant in the 500 block of W. Foxworth reported at 10:36 p.m. that three males, wearing all black, broke in to her vehicle. A passenger-side window was broken and the gas tank was forced open.
May 4
A complainant in the 800 block of W. Foxworth advised someone broke in to her 2013 Hyundai Elantra. She advised that nothing was missing and that she did not have any suspect information.
A 22-year-old Glen Ellyn man, a 28-year-old Lombard man and a 28-year-old Glen Ellyn man were charged with domestic battery in the 200 block of W. Roosevelt.
“I’m thankful for this opportunity. I was delighted in every interview that I took part in. Every person that I’ve met since I walked in the door has just reaffirmed why I live here and why I believe that a purple town is where I want to raise my family and activate as a citizen,” Hammersmith said.
In other business
• The village board approved parking restrictions for the upcoming Cruise Nights and Summer Concerts that begin Saturday, June 14, and conclude on Aug. 23.
The restrictions limit parking along St. Charles Road between Main Street and Elizabeth Street from 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., and on Park Avenue between Orchard Terrace and
Michael McGuire Drive from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
According to Deputy Village Manager Nicole Aranas, these restrictions are adopted each year “in support of Cruise Nights.”
• The board approved a resolution for the village to enter into a preliminary engineering contract with Civiltech Engineering Inc.—as being the most qualified firm—in an amount not to exceed $150,819, for the purpose of investigating and evaluating “lane assignment alternatives” on Westmore-Meyers Road, which officials say will increase safety.
Westmore-Meyers is “primarily a four-lane roadway, which widens to a five-lane cross section at some of the
signalized intersections,” as described in a memo by Mike Barbier, PE, Civil Engineer II, with the village. He further stated that the engineering portion of this project “focuses on the analysis of lane configuration alternatives along the corridor to increase safety,” the consideration of which “is the addition of a twoway left-turn lane … [to] shift left-turning vehicles out of the through lanes and reduce the propensity for rear-end, sideswipe and turning collisions throughout the corridor.”
According to Barbier, this Capital Improvement Project (CIP) has a budget of $300,000. He said the village “will create separate professional services contracts to be awarded in the future.”
May 7
A caller advised at 12:28 p.m. that people were fighting during a funeral service in the 100 block of South Main. An officer stood by while family members left the area.
May 5
A complainant in the 2200 block of S. Stewart advised he was dropping off items to a subject through Uber Eats and racial remarks were made toward him. The subject advised he was upset due to the complainant not speaking English and not following delivery instructions.
May 3
An employee at Altitude Trampoline Park, 481 E. Roosevelt, advised a group of teens were being disrespectful by throwing food and walking into a private party room.
A parent picked up the juveniles, who were banned from the park for 30 days.
DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol
May 10
Humberto Velazquez, 47, of Melrose Park, was charged with DUI, speeding, improper lane usage, transportation or possession of open alcohol by a driver and no insurance near W. Roosevelt and S. Main at 12:31 a.m.
May 7
Peter Rimas Aglinskas, 66, of Oakbrook Terrace, was charged with DUI and possession of open alcohol near
Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser
The annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser for Special Olympics/Law Enforcement Torch Run was held Friday, May 16, at a number of Dunkin Donuts locations, including Lombard and Villa Park. Special Olympics was founded in Illinois in 1968, and provides yearround sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic–type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities (www.soill.org). The international movement involves over 110,000 members of law enforcement. The Law Enforcement Torch Run was founded in 1981 by Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics (www.letr.org). In the top photo, members of the Lombard Police Department and Lombard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA; www. lombardcpaaa.org) held a fundraiser at the
JANE CHARMELO PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing
Dunkin Donuts at 411 E. North Ave., Lombard. Pictured (left to right) are Officer Dave Vasallo; LCPAAA members Madelyn Kuehl, Jeanine Moore and Dan Naughton; and Detective Paula Rojas. In the bottom photo, members of the Villa Park Police Department raised funds at Dunkin Donuts, 298 W. North Ave., including rooftop cops (left to right) Detective Ernie Perez and evidence custodian Kelsey Martin.
Hey all you complainers. You know the library is probably one of the best values that you’re going to get for your tax dollars Like they say on Channel 11, it’s your window to the world. If you’re really concerned about your tax money, check out what the park district wants to do. They want to build more fitness centers with indoor swimming pools and all kinds of stuff. How do you think they’re paying for that MMAC that they didn’t even ask you about, just built it.
Editor’s note: Your comments were forwarded to Lombard Park District officials and received the following response: “The Lombard Park District’s need for indoor fitness and athletic space was clearly identified through a community survey and comprehensive planning process. The MMAC [Madison Meadow Athletic Center] opened in 2018 at a cost of approximately $9 million. The MMAC was funded through alternate revenue bonds to minimize the financial impact on residents.
“In addition to the fitness center, the facility contains a double gymnasium, which are the only two indoor sports courts that the district has owned in its nearly 100-year history. The MMAC is open 364 days a year to help meet the health and wellness needs of the community.
“There are no current plans for the Lombard Park District to ‘build more fitness centers with indoor
swimming pools.’ The District recently approved a ten-year Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) and a Strategic Plan. The CMP was built around five key themes: Community Strength, Health & Wellbeing, Memorable Recreation Experiences, Nature Connections, and Service Quality.
“Key directions for the plan call for a focus on Modern and Upgraded Facilities (example: improved or new Sunset Knoll Recreation Center), Community Hubs and Gathering Spaces (example: Lilacia Park), and Lifelong Learning Opportunities.
“The CMP is designed to serve as a road map and guidepost for decision-making, while also recognizing that plans will change over the years based on funding and evolving community needs. Progress will be charted through annual work plans and capital improvement plans.
“The planning process included a Needs Assessment and Community Survey.
Community feedback and regular communication remain cornerstones of our ongoing efforts. Thank you to all those who participated in the ‘Level Up Lombard Parks’ planning process.
“For more information on our CMP, Strategic Plan, and all Lombard Park District services, please visit www.lombardparks.com. As always, please contact Executive Director Joe McCann at 630-953-6016 or
How Speak Out works
• Speak Out is a forum in which readers can express their opinion anonymously concerning local, state, national and international topics. Each call is limited to 200 words whether the caller calls 630-629-TALK or emails their opinion to speakout@rvpublishing.com.
• The views expressed by callers are their own.
• All calls are checked by four editors. If a consensus of editors believes a particular call is deemed to be in poor taste, erroneous, inaccurate, libelous, doesn’t make sense, or if claims stated in a call cannot be verified, the call will not be published.
• With regard to calls of a political nature, it is not possible to have an equal balance of calls with liberal and conservative viewpoints during any given week. The editors of Speak Out don’t have control of who calls in, what their political leanings happen to be, and the topic(s) they want to discuss.
• If you have further questions about Speak Out, email: news1@rvpublishing.com.
jmccann@lombardparks. com with questions or comments about the Lombard Park District.”
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In an op-ed piece from May 15, the author says he agrees with a call for $40 million to “provide a safety net” for immigrant communities, to pay for various services, like translators, assistance in program applications, etc. But to provide “targeted cash relief” is where I draw the line. Link/ SNAP cards (for food), fine, vouchers, fine, but I hope he doesn’t mean cold, hard cash. Why, our own citizens don’t even get that. The powers that be in Illinois created the budget debacle by inviting in anyone and everyone, and now we taxpayers are funding services needed by the influx of immigrants that could be used to help our own citizens. As a senior citizen, I barely squeaked by to qualify for LIHEAP assistance with my utilities, and to think these illegal immigrants are getting things for free is insulting. * * *
Gov. JB Pritzker, in responding to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit, said Illinois is not against deporting illegal immigrants “if they are convicted of violent crimes.” What about the crimes such as robbery, theft, etc., that may not be violent but harm the individuals or businesses that are victims? And, stating the obvious, those who come here illegally (key word) are committing a crime as well. So, I guess for the governor, it is a matter of the degree of severity of the crime, and we will just let those here illegally stay here. If they were willing to commit a crime by coming here, then what other crimes might they be willing to commit? Example: Look on Page 7 (May 15 issue); five Venezuelan migrants—juveniles, no less—were recently arrested for robbery/burglary
at Macy’s in Oak Brook.
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Reminder: Gas taxes are going to go up again soon. Why are more people not complaining to their legislators, or protesting? We have the second-highest gas taxes after California, I think it is. For so many of us for whom public transportation is not an option to get to work, these gas taxes are a burden. And even when I have gone from the north end of Lombard to other parts of Lombard, the gas prices can vary as much as 20 cents a gallon. Just more reaching into our wallets and for what? Some of the crummiest roads—that are always under construction to infinity and beyond?
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Are we about done with Tariff Trauma? The MSM has painted this as cataclysmic end of times stuff. Until the 20th century the U.S. used tariffs and fees to fund the government vs. income taxes. Which would you rather have? Tariff is basically a tool—redress and balance trade, right some wrongs, and perhaps intimidate. Seems to be working, if you ask me. We’re not done yet so give it time. I would think by this time people would understand Trump. It’s been said before—Trump-haters take everything he says literally and doubt his sincerity. Anti-Trumpers don’t take what he says literally but never doubt his sincerity.
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Given the situation that the USA finds itself in with our enormous national debt and deficits, I was shocked to hear that we give Israel $3.8 billion in military aid each year. In addition to that we gave them $19 billion for the war in Gaza last year! Why? This is unbelievable. I wonder if most Americans are aware of this?
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There are occasionally
Speak Out comments from people who report that gas costs significantly less in neighboring states. Illinoisans pay the nation’s second-highest gas taxes, trailing only California, thanks to Pritzker and the Democrat-run state legislature. Why don’t Pritzker and the Democrats do something useful, like cutting the state’s taxes on gas (a combined 66 cents per gallon in motor fuel and sales taxes) to make them more in line with other states in our region?
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Democrats hypocritically claim that “No one is above the law.” In reality, Democrats fight tooth and nail to protect criminals, including illegal aliens, and protect them from prosecution. What are “sanctuary” cities and states sanctuaries from? The law! It’s too bad Democrats lost their way. They’re doing everything they can to protect people who shouldn’t be here, including drug dealers, human traffickers, thieves and pedophiles.
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Our country seems very unstable because half the people can’t get along with the other half. Most people don’t seem to have enough patience these days to hold their breath underwater. America’s adversaries are aware of our weak points when engaging in things like a tariff war. What other country in their right mind would take us seriously in negotiating when we can’t even get along with each other?
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Good afternoon. What does it take to keep our postal carriers out of our flower gardens? And yes, I did try to call him the Lombard Post Office. I got their line of baloney, if I wanted this, this and this, and then it rang for over three minutes and then they hung up. So what does it take to keep them out of your flower garden? Take care and have a better
day than I’m having.
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Yes this is Villa Park, DuPage County. I just got done writing my tax bill, the first one, and I can’t believe three quarters of my house taxes go to the schools. Three quarters of your taxes go to the schools. Look at your bill. The Democrats want to give away everything and tax us all to death, the schools are killing us with taxes. We’ve got this idiot Trump who’s killing us with tariffs. Whoever gets voted in again who wants to raise taxes I’m voting no, no matter what it is and everybody else should do the same In the next election comes up don’t vote Democrat, don’t vote Republican. Find somebody else who can actually do the job and stop fighting with each other, and stop raising our taxes, and our food bills and everything else. To the Democrats and Republicans; get together. Knock it off. Let’s work together to save America because both you Democrats and Republicans are killing it.
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Hello I was wondering if anybody else is having trouble getting their mail delivered from the Lombard Post Office. On the 25th of April I mailed one card to Canada and one card to Washington and neither one of them were received as of May 14th I would like to know if anybody’s had better luck going to the Villa Park Post Office.
Thank you.
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I thought of this the other day. The Department of Homeland Security is offering a $1,000 stipend to undocumented immigrants (better known as illegals) who choose to self-deport through the CBP Home app. Maybe this offer should be made available to leftists who can’t stand Trump—offer them $1,000 through this app so they can self-deport!
Community invited to attend Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday
The Village of Lombard will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at the Sunken Garden in Lombard Common Park, located just east of the Grace Street and Maple Street intersection. All community members are invited to join in honoring and remembering the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
Attendees and nearby residents are reminded that the ceremony will include a cannon fire and a controlled gun salute. Please be advised that these commemorative activities may produce loud noises.
Participating in the ceremony will be members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lilac Post #5815, American Legion Lombard Post #391, Lombard Park District, Lombard Historical Society, Lombard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Stanford’s Battery Civil War Cannon, Glenbard East High School, Lombard Junior Women’s Club, Shamrock Garden Florist, Ltd., Brust Funeral Home, local scouts and residents.
Due to limited parking and seating, attendees are encouraged to walk to the ceremony and bring a lawn chair, if possible. Additional parking will be available at Berean Bible Students
Church (535 E. Maple St). In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to Lombard Village Hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave, and updates will be posted at www.villageoflombard.org, as well as the village’s social media pages.
The Village of Lombard extends its gratitude to all veterans and activeduty military personnel, along with their families, for their dedication and sacrifice.
For more information, visit www. villageoflombard.org/memorialday or contact Communications Coordinator Stephanie Calvillo at (630) 620-5718 with questions.
Lombard resident named CPO of Northern Illinois Food Bank
Colleen Ahearn to ‘advance mission and community impact’
Colleen Ahearn—whose professional background includes more than 20 years in education, marketing, fundraising and communications—has become the new chief philanthropy officer (CPO) for the Geneva-based Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB).
Ahearn has a bachelor’s degree in education, with a concentration in communications, from DePaul University. A Missouri native, she said that she was a middle school teacher for three years in Missouri, where she started summer camps with the idea of “galvanizing communities together.”
She also worked for the YMCA of Greater St. Louis as a marketing and membership director, and worked at Ballwin Parks and Recreation.
Ahearn later came back to Illinois as executive director of the San Miguel School Chicago and Community Center, where she led a campaign to reopen a neighborhood resource hub offering food distribution, educational support and recreational programming for Back of the Yards families. She still serves on the board.
Submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing Lombard resident Colleen Ahearn was named the new chief philanthropy officer (CPO) for the Northern Illinois Food Bank, which is located at 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva. (West Suburban Center and main office).
nois Food Bank,” she said. Ahearn said she attended a Feeding America conference (NIFB is a member) in order to learn more about the issue of individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity.
As CPO, one of the challenges Ahearn faces includes funding cuts—she mentioned two programs in particular, one of which is the Local Food Purchase Agreement, which involves the USDA and an agreement with farmers.
In this program, “We lost food, not money,” she explained, which also means the effects will be felt by the farmers.
There will be cuts to the Commodity Credit Corpora-
tion, which helps the NIFB purchase surplus food to distribute to food banks, Ahearn said.
These programs make up “five percent of all of our meals that we distribute,” she said, noting that the two programs add up to about 4.5 million meals.
Adding to the challenge, “The need has been increasing,” Ahearn continued, within the 13-county area served by the NIFB—which provides 250,000 meals a day.
Ahearn said that roughly 75 percent of the NIFB’s budget comes from individual, corporate, business and philanthropic donors, so with budget cuts, “We have to go find it [funding] through other avenues.”
“Hunger is a huge issue; access to nutritious food,” she emphasized, adding that the NIFB is working to “solve the immediate needs.”
“Our goal is to meet the needs of the neighbors we serve,” she continued, saying that her mantra is that “We solve hunger today while working to end hunger for the future.”
“Colleen’s professionalism, strategic mindset and passion for service stood out among a highly competitive pool of candidates,” stated NIFB President and CEO Julie Yorko in a news release announcing Ahearn’s appointment. “Her interpersonal strengths and deep enthu-
siasm for our mission make her a tremendous asset as we continue working to ensure no one goes hungry in Northern Illinois.”
Ahearn said she also is focused on “getting more community members involved,” and hopes they will consider volunteering for the NIFB.
“People right now are ‘hungry’ for a purpose,” and can either donate, volunteer, or both,” she noted. “This is a great place to be connected to.”
For more information about the Northern Illinois Food Bank—which has a network of over 900 food pantries, soup kitchens and feeding programs—visit SolveHungerToday.org.
The CPO said she also was a donor, volunteer and advocate for the NIFB, which gave her some insights into the nonprofit organization.
“I was really drawn to the mission of the Northern Illi-
Ahearn earned a Master’s Degree in Business Analytics from Lewis University, with a concentration in marketing, and most recently was the university’s vice president of University Advancement, where she led a $50 million comprehensive campaign and was involved in a merger with St. Augustine College.
Hats off to Montini’s Class of 2025
Court grants state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Chicago man
accused of fleeing from police/crashing into
Elmhurst home
Defendants allegedly stole more than $1,300 in items from two Villa Park Walgreens locations
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Deputy Chief of Police Dan McCann announced last week that Judge Demetrios Panoushis granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago man accused of crashing his car into the attached garage of an Elmhurst home while fleeing from police.
Arthur Turner, 38, recently appeared in court and was charged with two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony), two counts of retail theft (Class 3 felony), three counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and one count of aggravated battery (Class 2 felony). Turner currently has a pending arrest warrant for armed robbery out of Winnebago County.
• Police
Owin Turner and Thomas White were not detained pre-trial.
On Friday, May 9, at approximately 7:52 a.m., Villa Park police officers responded to the Walgreens located at 10 E. St. Charles Road, Villa Park, in response to a call of a retail theft.
After speaking with the store manager, officers learned that three men, later identified as the defendants, allegedly entered the store, placed diapers and gum packs worth approximately $432.37 in three separate carts and then exited the store without paying for the items.
At approximately 8:07 a.m. that same morning, Villa Park
Turner’s co-defendants, Owin Turner, 54, of Zion, and Thomas White, 55, of Chicago, also appeared in court, where they were each charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of retail theft.
(Continued from page 4)
Roosevelt and Main at 10:17 p.m.
May 3
Kenzell Lesure, 30, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, driving while license revoked, improper lane usage, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and no insurance near Roosevelt and Main at 1:06 a.m.
Harassment, threats
May 9
A parent at Manor Hill Elementary School, 1464 S. Main, advised that a juvenile was verbally threatened by another juvenile.
May 8
A school resource officer in the 700 block of E. South Broadway learned of a student making a threat toward an employee. The incident was followed up by detectives and parents.
May 5
A complainant in the 500 block of N. Joyce reported that he has been paying money to a hired escort for three years, but threats recently escalated and he now fears for his safety.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Lombard Police Department, police reported four incidents of identity theft or fraud between May 3 and May 10.
Retail theft
The Lombard Police Department reported the following incident of retail theft or attempted retail theft that took
police officers responded to the Walgreens located at 200 E. Roosevelt Road, in response to a second retail theft. After speaking with Walgreens staff, officers learned that three men, later identified as the defendants, allegedly entered the store, selected diapers, packs of gum and alcohol, with an approximate value of $891.95 and left the store without paying for the merchandise.
A short time later, officers located the men traveling eastbound near St. Charles and Route 83. Multiple officers began following the vehicle, a Nissan allegedly driven by Arthur Turner. It is alleged when officers activated their emergency lights and sirens, instead of pulling over, Arthur Turner fled from officers.
It is alleged that Arthur Turner continued to flee from officers southbound on West
Avenue, where he reached speeds of approximately 62 mph in a 25-mph zone. It is further alleged that Arthur Turner ultimately made his way to the intersection of Berkley Avenue and Prairie Path Lane, where he struck a moving Ford F-250, veered off the road and then crashed his car into the attached garage of a home on Berkley Avenue.
It is alleged that after the crash, which occurred near Elmhurst’s Lincoln Elementary School, causing the school to go on “Secure and Teach” status, all three men exited the vehicle on foot, but were quickly taken into custody.
It is further alleged that Arthur Turner spat on an officer and made repeated threats toward officers.
“The allegations that Arthur Turner not only sped away from officers during the busy
morning rush hour, but then crashed his car into the garage of an Elmhurst residence near an elementary school are outrageous,” Berlin said. “His alleged actions put not only the officers involved at risk but also other motorists, the residents of the home he crashed into as well as students and staff at a local elementary school, which was forced to take action as a precautionary measure. We are all very thankful, and perhaps a bit lucky, that no one was injured, or worse, as a result of Arthur Turner’s alleged actions. With the school year winding to a close, our streets will soon be filled with children enjoying their summers. I urge everyone, if you see lights behind you, pull over. Do not attempt to outrun police and put innocent people at risk as you will not be successful and
will only make matters worse for yourself. I thank the Villa Park Police Department for their efforts on this case and for their continued efforts in keeping our roads safe for everyone as well as the Elmhurst Police Department for their assistance.”
“Our officers are very proactive in fighting crime and will use all resources available to capture suspects who attempt to flee,” McCann said.
“We are thankful no one was injured during this incident and would like to thank our officers for their efforts and the Elmhurst officers for their assistance in this case. As always, thank you to State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and guidance in this case.”
The next court appearance for the defendants is scheduled for June 2.
place in the village between May 3 and May 10: Dick’s Sporting Goods, 810 E. Butterfield, at 11:38 a.m. May 6.
May 10
Maricela Page, 48, of Westmont, was charged with retail theft at Von Maur, 145 Yorktown, at 1:06 p.m.
Van Williams, 57, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at Target, 60 Yorktown, at 6:30 p.m.
May 9
Wilmar Cardenas Ramos, 43 of North Riverside, was issued a citation for retail theft at JCPenney, 175 Yorktown, at 5:05 p.m.
Mariana Saba, 44, of Lincolnwood, was issued a citation for retail theft at Von Maur, 145 Yorktown, at 2:25 p.m.
Sophia Nicholas, 18, of Berwyn, was charged with retail theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor at JCPenney, 175 Yorktown, at 8:33 p.m.
Kaja Stanisz, 26, of Bartlett, and Kathan Ananth (homeless), 21, were charged with retail theft at Target, 60 Yorktown, at 7:09 p.m.
May 7
Eduardo Patino Fuentes, 23, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at JCPenney, 175 Yorktown, at 7:54 p.m.
Police said Bianca Regino, 20, of Chicago, turned herself in to the Lombard Police Department and was charged with retail theft and burglary at 4:47 a.m.
May 6
Khulan Batbold, 41, of Ar-
lington Heights, was charged with retail theft at Von Maur, 145 Yorktown, at 4:40 p.m.
Lamont Shores, 31, of Glendale Heights, was charged with retail theft and resisting a police officer at Jewel-Osco, 1177 S. Main, at 3:12 p.m.
May 4
Omar Hasan, 52, of Lockport, was charged with retail theft at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 810 E. Butterfield, at 10:22 a.m.
Jhonger Suarez, 22; Richa Ramones, 33; Jemverlyss Rodriguez, 23; and Ausimre Torres, 25, all of Chicago, were charged with retail theft at JCPenney, 175 Yorktown, at 6:36 p.m.
May 3
Erick Olivas Gallegos, 20, of Chicago, was cited for retail theft at JCPenney, 175 Yorktown, at 8:07 p.m.
James Tyrone Ruffin, 32, of Lisle, was issued a citation for retail theft at Target, 60 Yorktown, at 4:05 p.m.
Road rage
May 5
A complainant in the 600 block of W. Springer reported at 9:23 a.m. that a Silverado cut her off, then brakechecked her and followed her for several blocks. The truck could not be identified.
Warrant arrest
May 10
Police said Tyler Rossow, 41, of Lombard, was transported to the custody of the DuPage County Jail on an in-jurisdiction warrant at 1:48 p.m.
Suspicious incident
May 9
A caller at SureStay Plus, 222 E. 22nd, advised at 7:35 a.m. that a subject came out of his room with a knife. The subject said he bought groceries, including knives, to make breakfast. The subject was trespassed and escorted off the property.
May 8
Students at Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main, reported a male student sent out an inappropriate image of another student.
May 6
A complainant in the 1100 block of E. Cambria advised at 10:28 p.m. that 17 people in three cars were in front of his house taking pictures of his car and house. The subjects were gone upon an officer’s arrival.
May 5
A complainant in the 1300 block of S. Finley reported at 12:05 a.m. a male pulling on door handles gained entry into a sedan. Nothing was missing from the vehicle.
May 4
Loss-prevention personnel at Target, 60 Yorktown, requested officers be on standby due to a previous shoplifting subject walking around the store with two vacuums in a cart. The subject left without stealing anything.
A complainant in the 400 block of S. Edgewood reported her son was talking about killing people. He was upset to see officers, but eventually calmed down and agreed to
stop playing video games that upset him.
May 3
A complainant in the 500 block of W. Pleasant advised an unknown male in a silver Chrysler parked by her apartment building multiple times, blocking the exit.
Theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery May 9
A complainant in the 2100 block of S. Finley advised that someone broke a window on her vehicle and damaged the vehicle’s steering column.
A complainant in the 500 block of E. Washington advised a group of five unknown subjects were offering to do work on the residence for $60. She advised they left in a black Toyota Tundra out of Texas.
NUHS Whole Health Center - Lombard offers a wide variety of integrative medicine services including:
• Acupuncture
• Massage Therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Nutritional counseling
• Diagnostic lab tests & X-Ray
• Physical Therapy & rehab
• Work & sports physicals
Park Village President Kevin Patrick (left) announced late last week that he was appointing Khalid Sabri (right) to serve as a village trustee for the next two years. Patrick, who was elected to a second fouryear term as a village trustee in 2023, won the April 1 election against a fellow village trustee—Jorge Cordova—to succeed Nick Cuzzone as Villa Park’s new village president. Cuzzone did not seek a second term. Patrick’s rise to the position of village president created a vacancy on the board. Sabri will fill that vacancy. Sabri’s appointment requires the approval of the village board. Patrick said last week that the board would approve the appointment, and that Sabri would be sworn in as a village trustee during the village board meeting on May 19.
Patrick appoints Sabri to the village board
Sabri will serve as a village trustee for the next two years
Villa Park Village President Kevin Patrick announced late last week that he was appointing Khalid Sabri to serve as a village trustee for the next two years.
Patrick was elected to a second four-year term as a village trustee in 2023. On April 1 of this year, Patrick won the election to succeed Nick Cuzzone as Villa Park’s village president. Patrick was sworn in as the new village president on May 12. His move to that position created a vacancy on the board. Patrick appointed Sabri to fill that vacancy. The village board must approve the appointment. Patrick said last week that the board would approve the appointment, and that Sabri would be sworn in at the next village board meeting, which took place earlier this week, on Monday, May 19.
Patrick stated that he selected Sabri from a pool of 11 applicants who submitted resumes and cover letters for consideration. Patrick directly interviewed all of the applicants before he made his decision.
“Khalid’s deep dedication to service, combined with his extensive community in-
Cop on a Rooftop
Several members of the Villa Park Police Department participated in the annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser for the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on Friday, May 16. Those police department members were at the Dunkin’ location at 298 W. North Avenue on Friday morning to raise funds for local athletes to participate and compete in upcoming Special Olympics games. In addition to accepting donations from Dunkin’ customers, the police department’s Cop on a Rooftop team sold items including T-shirts, hats and mugs to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois. Friday’s Cop on a Rooftop event in Villa Park, which was covered by FOX 32 Chicago News, raised more than $4,200 for Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
volvement, makes him an exceptional choice,” stated Patrick. “His appointment marks not just the continuation of our work, but the beginning of a new chapter grounded in unity, representation, and hope for the future.”
Patrick described Sabri as a lifelong advocate for civic engagement, and someone who has dedicated decades to
volunteer work and leadership across multiple organizations.
“Most notably, he [Sabri] has been a pillar within the Villa Park Islamic Foundation, where he has served in various capacities as a life member and community liaison. His appointment highlights the important and positive role the Islamic Foundation plays in Villa Park and affirms its place in the future of the community.”
Sabri is a life member of Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801’s Auxiliary. He serves on the Villa Park Historical Preservation Commission, is a life member of the Villa Park Masonic Lodge 113, and is an active member in the Medinah Shriners.
ComEd offers two-way text messaging service for customers to report outages
Residents can also sign up for alerts
The Village of Villa Park recently announced that ComEd now offers a two-way text messaging service that allows customers to report outages and receive real-time restoration updates.
To report an outage, text OUT to 26633 (COMED). You can also sign up for alerts at: https://ow.ly/iiOb50VU59m.
The announcement from the village included the following safety reminders for residents:
• Stay far away from downed power lines—always assume they’re live and dangerous.
• Report downed lines immediately to 1-800-EDISON1 or 1-800-95-LUCES (Spanish).
• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors and make alternative plans if needed.
• Turn off appliances during an outage and keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed to preserve food.
• If you’re on medical equipment, relocate to a safe location as soon as possible.
Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2025 held its commencement ceremony on Sunday afternoon in the school’s main gymnasium. This year’s graduating class at the school includes about 450 students. Two members of Willowbrook’s Class of 2025—Olivia Gwaltney and Peter Kabat—spoke during Sunday’s ceremony. Kabat, who is a Villa Park resident, is pictured (above) during his speech. He will attend Illinois State University, where he will major in biology. Kabat hopes to become a pediatric occupational therapist. An-
from Sunday’s
One more
Halie Ahrens
at the conclusion of the service.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Villa
CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing
other photo
ceremony shows Camryn Dooley (top left) crossing the stage and preparing to shake hands with Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause.
photo shows
(left)
Lombard Police Department joins Illinois ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign to save lives
The Lombard Police Department has announced it is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign that will run Friday, May 16 through Tuesday, May 27 and reminds motorists to buckle up for safety. The campaign focuses on safety education and law enforcement to save lives.
“Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for everyone,” said Police Sgt. Tom Balsitis. “It’s not just safe; it’s the law. During this campaign, law enforcement agencies will be working together to ensure the message reaches all drivers and passengers.
Obituaries
WALTER BRAUNSHAUSEN, 101
Walter ‘Brownie’ Braunshausen, age 101, formerly of Lombard, died May 10 in Goshen, Indiana.
Mr. Braunshausen is survived by four children, Ellen, Tom, Ruth (Barry) Jones, and Donna (Tom) Corbett; four grandchildren, A.J. (Helena Van Gilder) Jones, Evan (Emily Jenkins) Jones, Julianna, and Peter Nahulak; his brother, Charles; and numerous and beloved nieces and nephews.
Mr. Braunshausen is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Eileen, nee Apel; his daughter, Carol; his parents; and his brother, Richard.
Walter “Brownie” was a devoted man of God who dedicated his life to serving others. He led rosary prayer groups and was a volunteer for St. Vincent DePaul. He was a Veteran, having served during World War II in the U.S. Army as a Medic.
In addition to his family, Brownie leaves behind numerous friends and staff members who became family in the Greencroft community where he resided in Indiana. Visitation will be held
Buckling up is the simplest way to reduce injury or save a life in a crash.”
Illinois enacted its seat belt law 40 years ago on July 1, 1985, becoming the third state to require seat belt use for drivers and front-seat passengers ages eight and older. Children under eight were required to be secured in appropriate child safety seats.
In July 2003, Illinois strengthened the law to allow officers to pull over and ticket drivers solely for failing to buckle up—a change that led to a significant increase in compliance.
Since the seat belt law’s initial introduction and subse-
quent upgrade more than two decades ago, seat belt usage has surged from 15.9 percent in 1985 to 92.4 percent in 2024. This dramatic improvement underscores the law’s effectiveness in promoting compliance and enhancing roadway safety.
While Illinois achieved a commendable 92.4 percent daytime seat belt usage rate in 2024, there’s room for improvement. The remaining 7.6 percent need to be reminded that seat belts save lives.
Participating law enforcement agencies will take a no-excuses approach to enforcement, issuing citations
day and night.
A key focus of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign is nighttime enforcement, as Illinois crash data indicates higher rates of unrestrained fatalities at night. Notably, in 2023, 72 percent of male passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unrestrained, compared to 28 percent of female passenger vehicle occupants.
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. For more information on safe driving practices, visit ItsNotaGameIllinois.com.
Friday, May 23rd, from 4 to 8 PM at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard.
Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 24, at 9:30 AM at St. Pius X Church, 1025 East Madison Street, Lombard. Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois.
Donations to St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank, 1025 East Madison Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148 would be appreciated. Info: 888-629-0094 or www.brustfuneralhome.com.
SALLY ANN EFFNER, 93
Sally Ann (Wolff) Effner, age 93, was welcomed home by Jesus on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at The Beacon Hill in Lombard, IL.
Sally was born on April 19, 1932, to Frieda and Carl Wolff at Copley Hospital in Aurora.
She graduated high school in Naperville, IL where she met the love of her life, her future husband. Her father sent his employee, Jim Effner, to pick up Sally at the train station and the rest is history.
Sally attended Copley Nursing School, graduating with her RN. Jim and Sally were married in Aurora, IL on August 19, 1952. They are the parents of 5 children: Susan (James) Scruggs,
Coming events
Summer reading program at Plum Library Dive Into Summer Reading Monday, May 12-Saturday, Aug 2. Readers of all ages can earn prizes for reading this summer. Stop by the library to get a paper reading log from the Youth or Adult Library Services Desks, or log digitally at helenplum.beanstack.com. Village of Lombard blood drive June 10 Lower Level Von MaurMall Entrance Circle, 203 Yorktown Shopping Center Lombard. Versiti Coach 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. First Church of Lombard Fellowship Hall1:30-7 p.m., 220 S. Main St.
Randy (Donna) Effner, Robert (Karen) Effner, Mary (David) Kocourek and James Jr. (Lynn) Effner; grandparents of 14, Kevin (Sarah) Scruggs, Kelly (Jamie) Phillips, Timothy (Sara) Scruggs, Shannon (John) Imel, Lloyd (Kristin) Effner, Jacob (Lindsey) Effner, Robert Effner, Jr., Megan Effner, Kyle (Nicole) Kocourek, Ryan Kocourek, Stephanie (Tyler) Polich, Brittney (Josh) Perkins, Briana Effner and Bryce Effner; and greatgrandparents of 19, Alice, Violet, Lily, Weston, Wyatt, Mason, Grayson, Kyler, Zoey, Liam, Jackson, Addison, Charlie, Payton, Lucas, Bryson, Kole, Kamden and Kaden.
Jim and Sally spent the majority of their married life in Lombard but in 1980 they bought a cabin in the North Woods of Wisconsin and the entire family enjoyed many memories lakeside and together.
Sally had many hobbies and made great friends through those hobbies. She loved to play cards and bridge was her favorite. She was an excellent knitter and made personalized knit Christmas stockings for close to 300 babies and new family members throughout her lifetime.
She and Jim loved to
Lombard. To schedule an appointment, go to www.versiti. org/IL, load the Versiti Donor app or call (800) 7TO-GIVE. Bring a photo ID.
Lombard Pride Fest June 1 First Church of Lombard, UCC (220 S. Main St.) will be hosting the Fourth Annual
travel and visited many parts of the US and abroad with Jim’s employer – State Farm Insurance.
In her 93 years, Sally attended several Lutheran churches and was very active in all of them. She belonged to St. John’s in Lombard the longest and was very devoted to her role in the Stephen Ministry program there. Sally enjoyed singing in the church choir. She was employed by St. John’s School as a secretary/nurse for many years.
Sally is survived by her brother Ed, all 5 of her children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 49 years and her brother Frank.
A Memorial Visitation for Sally will be held on Saturday, May 31, at 12:00 PM with the Memorial Service to follow at 2:00 PM. Both will take place at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln St, Lombard. Private interment.
In lieu of flowers, Sally requested memorials to go to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln St., Lombard, IL 60148—please note ‘Expansion Elevator Fund’ in the memo line of your check. Info: www. brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
Lombard Pride Fest on Sunday, June 1, from noon to 3 p.m. Learn about supportive organizations and groups in the community, pet some therapy dogs, listen to live music, dance, eat some ice cream and even enjoy lunch from a food truck.
For more information, visit www.fcol.org.
THANK YOU TO THE
if help was around
or stop in today
Stolper Insurance Agency Inc Call or stop in today
Brian Stolper, President
447 N York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126-2003
Bus: 630-832-0182
www.brianstolper.com
Farm Bloomington, IL
Worship Services Directory
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.
Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am
“The Crucial Hours”
Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm
Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022
Wednesday Service at 7pm
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, May 24, Game Night at 4 pm
Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022
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
Welcome to ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC COMMUNITY Diocese of Joliet
Rev. Tom Nicholson Resurrection, Aurora
Sixth Lenten Service
SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE
SATURDAY: 5:00 PM (VIGIL MASS) 7:00 PM (ESPAÑOL)
Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora
SUNDAY: 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM
WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE
MONDAY - FRIDAY & FIRST SATURDAY: 8:30 AM
Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14
Join us at the corner of Spring and Vallette 314 W. Vallette Street, Elmhurst, IL www.epiphanyelmhurst.org 630-832-8457
Worship with Us! Saturdays 5:30pm Sundays 9:30am
All are Welcome!
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT - PRAYER CHAPEL
MONDAY - THURSDAY 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Good Friday Tenebrae
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION ( ENGLISH & ESPAÑOL)
Easter Sunrise
SATURDAY: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
Parish Office: 1025 E. Madison Street • (630) 627-4526 • www.stpiuslombard.org
Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17
Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17
Sunday services are live streamed on our website.
Children’s Sunday School, Childcare and Adult Opportunities Available 470618
779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834-6700 www.visitationparish.org
779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834-6700 www.visitationparish.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: Parish Center Eucharist Chapel 24/7
Adoration: Parish Center Eucharist Chapel 24/7
Consumer advocates tell regulators to slash rate hike requests from Ameren, Nicor
Gas utilities seek to increase rates by $7 to $10 per month next year
By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Natural gas customers in the Chicago suburbs and downstate Illinois are likely to see an increase in their monthly bills next year, but it’s up to state regulators to decide how big a hike, if any, to approve.
Nicor Gas, which serves 2.3 million customers in northern and western Illinois, requested the largest gas rate plan in state history—roughly equivalent to $7.50 per month for the average residential customer. Ameren Illinois, which has about 800,000 downstate customers, requested an increase that translates to between $8 to $10 higher monthly bills for a typical residential customer.
Regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission are expected to announce a decision as to whether to approve or alter the hikes in November.
The new rates would go into effect at the start of 2026.
In the meantime, consumer watchdogs and environmental advocates are railing against both utilities for their requests, which they argue should be slashed drastically.
Critiques from consumer groups
The Citizens Utility Board, a consumer watchdog group, filed written testimony this month in both cases arguing that the requests should be cut— Nicor’s by about 36 percent and Ameren’s by about 42 percent. Other groups, like the Illinois attorney general’s office, the Environmental Defense Fund and others argued for additional cuts in their own filings.
Abe Scarr, director of the consumer advocacy group Illinois PIRG, said the companies are requesting “long-term commitments” in paying for gas system infrastructure, despite the potential for decreasing demand for fossil fuels.
“The more expensive their infrastructure investments, the more opportunity they have to profit,” Scarr said. Because utility profits are regulated by agencies like the ICC, there is a financial incentive to invest in infrastructure so that more funds can be “recovered” from customers—a portion of which then go to sharehold-
ers.
That rate of return is one of the things being litigated in these rate cases. Both companies requested a bump in their allowed “return on equity,” which translates to the amount paid to shareholders. In recent years, the ICC has consistently rejected utilities’ requests for higher return rates, although they have approved some modest increases.
“You’re asking us to predict what those shares are worth next year? Next month is gonna be hard,” CUB’s general counsel Eric DeBellis said.
DeBellis said the companies overstepped in other areas of their requests as well, including costs associated with rate cases and post-employment benefits as well as an accounting irregularity worth millions of dollars that Ameren has already admitted was erroneous.
He noted that Nicor included tens of millions of dollars of projects that were rejected by the ICC in the company’s rate request two years ago, a move that DeBellis called “galling.”
DuPAGE DESTINATIONS
Can’t-miss events in and around the area
Editor’s note: If you have information on an event in Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard and Villa Park taking place that you would like us to consider listing here, please email that information to: news1@rvpublishing.com.
Ongoing
North Suburban Carvers
meetings
The North Suburban Carvers meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Wood Dale Public Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Anyone interested in carving, power carving, wood burning or special finishing techniques is welcome. North Suburban Carvers is a non-profit organization that promotes carving in the Chicago area. For more information, visit: northsurburbancarvers.com
.org/calendar.aspx.
Thursday, May 22
Public Works open house
Bensenville
From 3:30-7 p.m. at the Bensenville Public Works Facility, 717 E Jefferson St., there will be a free Public Works open house event. Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the skills, tools and equipment required to maintain the village’s infrastructure. At this family fun-filled event, you can participate in activities and visit informational booths to learn more about Public Works departments—Water, Streets/Forestry, Wastewater, Fleet and Building Services, Stormwater, and Engineering. For more information, visit bensenville.il.us/1310/PublicWorks-Open-House.
Sunday, May
25-Saturday, May 31
Spring Market
Elmhurst
Presented from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily by Chicago Church of Christ Midpoint Ministry at Timothy Christian Schools, 188 W. Butterfield Road, this annual spring market features food vendors with an array of ethnic foods, grillers, and a yummy dessert table. Enjoy the many craft and toy vendors as well. A silent auction table displaying several packages like hotel stays, gift cards, artworks and much more. Get here early because they won’t last long. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ events/1381922389811703.
Monday, May 26
Memorial Day parades
and ceremonies
Addison— Join the Village of Addison in a community observance on Memorial Day with events beginning at 8 a.m. at Indian Trail Jr. High school. The VFW ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Veterans Circle, east of St. Paul Church, 37 W. Army Trail Road. For more information, visit: ItHappensInAddison. com.
Elmhurst—The 107th annual Memorial Day Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. The grand marshal is Bensenville Resident Richard Duzinskas, an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, and two-time purple heart recipient. The parade route begins at York and Third Street, ending at Wilder Park. A Memorial Ceremony follows at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park. For more information, visit: https://exploreelmhurst. com/events/parades/memorial-day-parade
Lombard—The Village of Lombard will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at the Sunken Garden in Lombard Common Park, located just east of the Grace Street and Maple Street intersection. In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to Lombard Village
Hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave, and updates will be posted at www.villageoflombard.org , as well as the village’s social media pages.
Villa Park—Memorial Day services will be held at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park at 11 a.m. If there is inclement weather, the services will be held at the Villa Park VFW Post 2801, 39 E. St. Charles Road. For more information, visit: https://villaparkvfw.org/memorial-day
Wood Dale—The City of Wood Dale and VFW Tioga Post #2149 will be honoring our veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country with a parade and memorial service. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at Addison Road and Elizabeth Drive and end at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 269 W. Irving Park Road. At the conclusion of the parade, a short memorial service will be held on the grounds of the Veterans Memorial. The city will also be recognizing VFW Tioga Post #2149’s 90th anniversary. The Bensenville Park District will participate in the Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade on and invites park patrons to march.
Saturday, May 31
Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot
Elmhurst
The Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot, a 5K fun run benefiting four local Elmhurst organizations, will be held at 6:30 p.m. This exciting new event builds on the success of the long-standing Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot, with a mission to support hunger relief and basic human needs year-round. All proceeds will stay in Elmhurst, benefiting the following Elmhurst nonprofit organizations: Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network, the United Community Concerns Association, the Immaculate Conception Food Pantry and the Elmhurst/Yorkfield Food Pantry This inaugural Twilight Trot provides an opportunity to address hunger and basic needs halfway through the year, in advance of the Turkey Trot’s traditional Thanksgiving efforts. Registration for the Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot is open online at $35 per participant. For more information, call 630-415-2816, email: info@dangibbonsfoundation.org or visit: dangibbonstwilighttrot.org.
Saturday, June 7
Children’s fishing derby
Villa Park
From 9 a.m.-noon at North Terrace Park, A fishing license is not required for anyone under 16, but don’t forget your tackle and bait. Prizes, generously provided by the Villa Park Sportsmen’s Club, will be awarded for the largest, smallest, and most fish caught by children under 16. The casting contest will take place between 9:00-9:45 am. Registration is not required. All ages welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For questions, call 630-749-3217 or email SEarl@invillapark.com.
Now through Oct. 7
2025 Farmers Market Lombard
From 3-7 p.m. every Tuesday in downtown Lombard at Park Avenue and St. Charles Road, get your farm fresh goods, enjoy local vendors and live entertainment, and gather with your community at Farmers Market! For more information, visit: www.lombardchamber.com.
107th Annual Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 26 | 9:30 AM
Featuring Grand Marshal Sgt Richard Duzinskas, U.S. Army Cavalry Scout O.I.F Veteran
• Parade Route Begins at York & Third Street, ending at Wilder Park
• Memorial Ceremony follows at 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial
Explore Elmhurst, on behalf of the City of Elmhurst, in cooperation with the Elmhurst Veterans Commission, American Legion THB Post 187, and the Elmhurst Park District, proudly presents the 107th Annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade will travel south on York, loop through Robert Palmer Drive, continue to Church Street and Prospect Avenue, and pass the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park.
View lineup: ExploreElmhurst.com/MemorialDay
PUZZLE Page
SUDOKU
Fun by the Numbers
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
CLUES ACROSS
1. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
4. British thermal unit
7. Afflict
8. Refrain from harming
10. Galls
12. Leg bone
13. Rhine distributary
14. Recipe measurement
16. Chap
17. Useful book
19. Mountain Time
20. Snakelike fishes
21. Places where people live
25. US, Latin America, Canada belong to
26. Periodical
27. A type of sense
29. A way to get possession of
30. Everyone has one
31. Body art
32. Mr. October
39. Abba __, Israeli politician
41. Head movement
42. Jeweled headdress
43. VCR button
44. A way to change color
45. Basketball move
46. Upright stone slab
48. Forest-dwelling monkey
49. Pulsate steadily
50. Negative
51. Sino-Soviet bloc (abbr.)
52. Unit of work
CLUES DOWN
1. Island
2. Pittsburgh ballplayer
3. Chemical compound
4. Indicates density of data (abbr.)
5. Mesas
6. Wild, long-legged sheep
8. Engine additive
9. “CSI” actor George
11. Stony waste matter
14. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
15. Pores in a leaf’s epidermis
18. Digraph
19. Married woman
20. Peripheral
22. Northern Italy city
23. Klutz
24. Type of tree
27. Witnessed
28. Popular breakfast food
29. __ Mahal
31. BoSox legend Williams
32. Professional drivers
33. Atom or molecule type
34. The Constitution State
35. Chest to store clothes (Scottish)
36. Type of solution
37. Speaker
38. Specifying
39. Formerly (archaic)
40. Wiseman and Krom are two
44. The bill in a restaurant
47. Tennis shot
Sports
Five Rams take part in IHSA state badminton meet
Two doubles teams and one singles player complete play at the meet during the opening day of action then suffered a 21-9, 21-5 loss to a Stevenson duo in the second round.
Five members of the Glenbard East badminton team competed in the IHSA state meet, which began on Friday, May 16, at DeKalb High School. The Rams’ lineup at the state meet consisted of two doubles teams and one singles player. Glenbard East’s lineup concluded its
appearance in DeKalb during Friday’s play. Glenbard East’s doubles team of seniors Kaitlyn Kelly and Caitlin Rossi opened the state meet with a first-round victory on Friday. Kelly and Rossi earned a 21-13, 21-14 victory over a duo from Buffalo Grove. Kelly and Rossi
Two Broncos qualify for IHSA Class 2A state meet
Montini Catholic juniors Sydney Gertsen (left) and Ashlynn Lindt (right) will compete in this week’s IHSA Class 2A girls track and field state meet at Eastern Illinois University. Gertsen and Lindt earned their state-meet berths at last week’s Glenbard South Sectional in Glen Ellyn. Gertsen won the sectional’s 3,200-meter run, which she completed in 11 minutes, 14.74 seconds. Lindt also secured a state-meet berth in the 3,200-meter run with her fourth-place sectional time of 11 minutes, 36.31 seconds. The winners of each sectional event automatically qualified for the state meet. Additionally, sectional competitors who met state-qualifying standards secured berths in the state meet. Lindt, who is a Lombard resident, met the Class 2A qualifying standard time (11 minutes, 47.44 seconds) in the 3,200-meter run. In addition to winning the 3,200-meter run at the sectional, Gertsen secured a state-meet berth in the 1,600-meter run with her fourth-place time of 5 minutes, 22.04 seconds. Gertsen met the Class 2A state-qualifying standard of 5 minutes, 24.58 seconds in that event. Lindt, who finished fifth in the sectional’s 1,600-meter run, narrowly missed a state berth in that event. She completed the race in 5 minutes, 28.74 seconds.
Kelly and Rossi won one match in the consolation round, posting a 23-21, 21-11 victory over a Lockport team. The two Rams then completed their run at the state meet with Friday’s three-game loss to a Barrington duo in the next consolation round. The twosome from Barrington beat Kelly and Rossi 21-19, 17-21, 21-13.
The doubles duo of Kelly and Rossi finished the season with a 41-17 record.
The Rams’ other doubles tandem that competed at the state meet—sophomores Betsy Facchini and Daniela Romero—began the competition with Friday’s 2112, 21-17 first-round loss to a Buffalo Grove twosome. Facchini and Romero then won a 21-12, 21-18 decision over a Vernon Hills team in the first round of the consolation draw. The Glenbard East duo exited the state meet with Friday’s three-game loss to a team from Andrew in the consolation draw’s second round. The Andrew duo defeated Facchini and Romero 21-18, 16-21, 21-19.
Facchini and Romero completed the season with
a 43-16 record as a doubles team.
Glenbard East senior Ren Manning, who represented the Rams in the state meet’s singles competition, began the tournament with a 2112, 21-7 loss to an opponent from Illinois Math and Science Academy. Manning finished the double-elimination state tournament with a three-game loss to Hersey junior Teagan Rose in the first round of the consolation draw. Rose edged Manning 16-21, 21-12, 21-18.
Manning closed out the season with a singles record of 38-15.
Warriors’ statequalifying doubles team drops its first two matches in DeKalb Willowbrook’s doubles tandem of senior Hannah Daly and junior Maisie Thompson competed at the IHSA state meet on Friday. Daly and Thompson opened the event with a 21-7, 21-6 loss to a talented duo from Neuqua Valley. Daly and Thompson finished their appearance at the state meet with a 21-13, 21-11 loss to a team from Illinois Math and Science Academy in the first round of the consolation bracket.
The doubles duo of Glenbard East seniors Kaitlyn Kelly (left) and Caitlin Rossi (right) played in the IHSA state badminton meet, which took place on Friday and Saturday in DeKalb. The tandem of Kelly and Rossi began the state meet with a first-round win on Friday. The two Rams lost a second-round contest later in the day. After winning one match in the consolation round, Kelly and Rossi exited the meet with a three-game loss in the next consolation round. The doubles tandem finished the season with a 41-17 record. Glenbard East’s other doubles team at the state meet—the twosome of sophomores Betsy Facchini and Daniela Romero—started the state meet with a firstround loss. Facchini and Romero earned one win in the consolation round before finishing the double-elimination event with a narrow three-game loss. Facchini and Romero posted a 43-16 record in doubles play this season. Glenbard East senior Ren Manning represented the Rams in the state meet’s singles competition. Manning lost her first-round match in DeKalb. She then lost a three-game decision in the consolation round. Manning finished the season with a singles record of 38-15.
Rams prepare for IHSA Class 4A post-season play
The Glenbard East softball team played a pair of Upstate Eight Conference home games last week. The Rams defeated Ridgewood 12-5 on May 12. One day later, West Chicago edged Glenbard East 3-1. The Rams dropped to 18-5 overall and 13-4 in conference play following their May 13 loss to the Wildcats. The visiting Rebels of Ridgewood led Glenbard East 5-0 in the middle of the second inning. The Rams scored six runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a 6-5 lead. Glenbard East tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the third inning to increase its lead to 9-5. Seniors Melissa Saldana (pictured) and Kylie White hit home runs for the Rams in last week’s win over Ridgewood. White launched a two-run homer in the bottom of the second inning to cut the Rebels’ lead to 5-2. Saldana bashed a two-run homer in the bottom of the third inning to raise the Rams’ lead to 9-5. Sophomore Claire Bolda pitched three scoreless innings in relief and earned the win for Glenbard East. Bolda allowed one hit and didn’t issue any walks while recording seven strikeouts in the win over the Rebels. Sophomore Lilly Carver and freshman Emma Jaras supplied two hits each for the Rams in last week’s loss to West Chicago. Bolda amassed 10 strikeouts in seven innings in the May 13 loss. The Wildcats broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run homer in the top of the third inning. Neither team scored for the rest of the game. Glenbard East’s schedule this week includes conference games against Fenton and Larkin. The Rams are hosting an IHSA Class 4A regional this year. Glenbard East will open the post-season by facing Conant in a regional semifinal in Lombard on May 28.
Chris Fox File photo Rock Valley Publishing
Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing
Montini beats the Wolfpack
Montini Catholic High School’s softball team won one of three games last week to move its overall season record to 14-15. After losing 4-3 at Mother McAuley on May 13, the Broncos defeated Saint Ignatius 6-3 in Lombard on May 14. Montini senior Ariana Macias (pictured) pitched six and two-third innings and earned the victory in the team’s win over the visiting Wolfpack. Macias allowed three runs, eight hits and one walk. She struck out three batters. Freshman Cameron Fox entered the circle to record the final out for the Broncos. Montini scored three runs in the first inning and added two runs in the second inning to take an early 5-0 lead. One day after beating Saint Ignatius, the Broncos dropped a 10-5 decision at Fenwick. Montini will finish its regular season with this week’s games against Nazareth Academy and Bartlett. The Broncos will open the IHSA Class 3A post-season with a May 27 game against Chicago’s Pritzker College Prep School at the DePaul College Prep Regional.
Warriors battle the Blazers
The Willowbrook softball team faced Addison Trail in a pair of West Suburban Gold Conference games last week. The Blazers beat the Warriors 11-1 in a six-inning game in Addison on May 12. One day later, Willowbrook beat Addison Trail 10-5 in Villa Park. Senior Sonia Ruchala of the Warriors went 3-for-3 with a home run and three runs batted in during the May 13 rematch. Willowbrook sophomore Aleena McNamara went 3-for-4 with a homer and two runs batted in. Ruchala and McNamara hit back-to-back solo home runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to close out the scoring in the Warriors’ win over their District 88 rival. Moments after Ruchala belted her ninth homer of the season, McNamara connected for her second homer of the year. Above: McNamara (left) and Ruchala (right) are pictured after the Warriors’ home win over the Blazers. One more photo (below) from that game shows sophomore shortstop Liz Pettinger preparing to fire the ball to first base after fielding a grounder. Willowbrook dropped to 14-12 overall and 5-4 in conference play following Saturday’s wild 18-15 eight-inning loss to Hinsdale South in Villa Park. The two teams were tied at 13-13 at the end of the seventh inning. Pettinger, junior Marli Smrz and junior Gianna Dugo hit home runs for the Warriors in Saturday’s loss. Smrz went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Pettinger went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Ruchala went 2-for-5 and drove in one run. Dugo went 1-for-3 with two RBIs. The Warriors’ schedule this week includes conference games against Proviso East, Downers Grove South and Leyden. Willowbrook is hosting an IHSA Class 4A regional this year. The Warriors will face Mother McAuley in a regional semifinal game on May 28.
State qualifiers
Seniors Olivia Gwaltney (left) and Amelie Ojeda (right) of the Willowbrook girls track and field team earned berths in this week’s IHSA Class 3A state meet with their performances at last week’s 17-team Rolling Meadows Sectional. Ojeda won the sectional title in the 3,200-meter run, which she completed in 10 minutes, 52.65 seconds. She finished almost 22 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher in the event. In addition to earning a state-meet berth in the 3,200-meter run, Ojeda qualified in the 1,600-meter run. She delivered a thirdplace finishing time of 5 minutes, 11.37 seconds in the 1,600-meter run. The winners of each sectional event automatically qualified for the state meet, which will take place at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Additionally, sectional competitors who met state-qualifying standards in their events secured berths in the state meet. This year’s Class 3A qualifying standard in the 1,600-meter run is 5 minutes, 11.78 seconds. Gwaltney qualified for the state meet with her fourth-place sectional time of 59.01 seconds in the 400-meter run. The Class 3A qualifying standard in that event is 59.38 seconds. Glenbard East senior Mackenzie Fodrey claimed a first-place finish in the triple jump at the Rolling Meadows Sectional. Fodrey’s best effort In the triple jump at the sectional covered 37 feet, 2½ inches. Fodrey also earned a state-meet berth in the pole vault with a sixthplace finish at the sectional. Fodrey’s cleared 10 feet, 6 inches—the Class 3A state-qualifying standard height— in the pole vault competition at Rolling Meadows.
Graduation day
Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated its commencement on Sunday afternoon in the school’s main gymnasium. This year’s graduating class at the school includes about 450 students. Those students gathered in the school’s auditorium before the start of the ceremony. Pictured (left to right) in the auditorium are two members of Willowbrook’s Class of 2025—Lauryn Palicki and Carlos Guerrero. Palicki and Guerrero are Lombard residents.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing
Warriors close out their season
The Willowbrook girls soccer team finished its 2025 season with Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Larkin in an IHSA Class 3A regional quarterfinal match in Villa Park. The Royals of Larkin scored a first-half goal to take a 1-0 lead. Willowbrook freshman Ruthie Tumpane (No. 10 - above left) scored a goal later in the first half to even the score at 1-1. Sophomore Mia Grochowski provided an assist on Tumpane’s goal. The Royals scored what turned out to be the winning goal with about 20 minutes remaining in the second half. One more photo from Saturday’s match shows Willowbrook senior Emily Barth (No. 6 - above right) late in the second half. The Warriors completed their season with a record of 5-13-1. The Royals advanced to the regional’s semifinal round to face Wheaton Warrenville
Broncos tangle with the Trojans
The Montini Catholic girls soccer team finished its regular season with last week’s 3-1 home loss to Timothy Christian. The visiting Trojans scored three first-half goals in the May 14 match.
Senior Annalee DeFeo (No. 4) scored the Broncos’ only goal of the contest with about three minutes to play.
Senior Avery Lucatorto assisted DeFeo’s goal. Montini completed its regular season with a 5-10 record. The Broncos opened the IHSA Class 2A postseason earlier this week with a match against Wheaton Academy at the Lemont Regional.
South earlier this week. The winner of that match advanced to this Friday’s regional final against either South Elgin or Elgin. Four days before playing Larkin, Willowbrook defeated Addison Trail in a West Suburban Gold Conference match in Villa Park. The May 13 battle between the Warriors and Blazers was scoreless after 80 minutes of regulation, and after two 10-minute overtime periods. The two teams settled the match in a penalty-kick shootout. The contest was still deadlocked after the first round of the shootout, with each team converting four of five penalty kicks. Willowbrook sophomore Claire Brennan sent a penalty kick into the net in the next round of the shootout. Willowbrook senior goalkeeper Payton Brose then saved an Addison Trail attempt to end the match.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
MIDWEST GUTTER
Classifieds
Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the Son of God.
Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to answer me in this necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3xs). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who gave me divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.
The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days, after 3 days the request will be granted.
This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. A.S.K. 472268
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DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY AT
340 NORTH MEYERS ROAD
OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Bensenville (the “Village”) adopted Resolution No. R-47-2025 declaring a vacant parcel of real property located at 340 North Meyers Road, Bensenville, Illinois (the “Property”) as surplus property and is authorizing its sale.
A copy of Resolution No. R-472025 is printed below. A copy of the Appraisal, identified as Exhibit B of Resolution No. R-47-2025 is available in the office of the Village Clerk at 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, Illinois 60106 and on the Village’s website at www. bensenville.il.us. The appraised value of the Property is $210,000.00. The Village will contemplate the sale of the Property based on the proposed use and development plan for the Property in accordance with the Village of Bensenville Zoning Ordinance. Sale of the Property will require the execution of a purchase and sale agreement with the Village. Written proposals for the sale and development of the Property must be submitted to Ron Herff, Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development at 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, Illinois 60106. Written proposals will be reviewed as submitted. Further information can be obtained from the Department of Community and Economic Development at (630) 594-1009.
RESOLUTION NUMBER R-47-2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE, DUPAGE AND COOK COUNTIES, ILLINOIS DECLARING THE VILLAGE OWNED VACANT PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY AT 340 NORTH MEYERS ROAD AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZE THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO OBTAIN PROPOSALS FOR ITS SALE AND DISPOSITION AND DIRECT THE VILLAGE CLERK TO MAKE COPIES OF THE APPRAISAL AVAILABLE TO ANY PARTY
WHEREAS, the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois (the “Village”) is a duly organized and existing municipal corporation created under the provisions of the laws of the State of Illinois and under the provisions of the Illinois Municipal Code, as from time to time supplemented and amended; and
WHEREAS, the Village is the owner of a parcel of vacant property in Bensenville, Illinois, commonly known as 340 North Meyers Road, Bensenville, Illinois 60106, identified by PIN 03-11-403-012-0000, that is a 100’ by 230.05’ vacant lot and 23,022 square feet in size (the “Property”), which is legally described on Exhibit A, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof; and
WHEREAS, the Property is located in the I-2 General Industrial District, as identified and described in the Village of Bensenville Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Village President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bensenville (the “Corporate Authorities”) find that the Property is no longer necessary, appropriate, required for the use of, profitable to or serve any viable use to the Village and that the sale and devel-
opment of the Property will eliminate burdensome maintenance cost, provide needed public funds, and generate tax revenue in the future for use in the general fund of the Village; and WHEREAS, the Corporate Authorities further find that the Property serves no public use to the residents of the Village and is in the best interest of the health, safety, and welfare of Village residents to sell the Property; and
WHEREAS, the Property is encumbered with a public use restriction and reverter as described and contained in a document number 979152 as recorded with the office of the DuPage County Recorder and any such conveyance of the Property by the Village shall be conditioned on a full release from said encumbrance by any interested party; and
WHEREAS, 65 ILCS 5/11-764.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code sets forth a procedure for the sale of municipal-owned surplus real property conducted by the staff of the Village after ascertaining the value of the surplus real estate by written appraisal and making said appraisal available for public inspection; and WHEREAS, the Corporate Authorities have determined it is in the best interests of the Village to sell the Property pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-76-4.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the Village ascertained a written appraisal of real property on the Property, dated April 4, 2025, which was prepared by William A. Falkanger of A-Appraisals, 444 West Northwest Highway, Barrington, Illinois (the “Appraisal”), a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, as Exhibit B; and
WHEREAS, the Appraisal determined, as of March 28, 2025, that the appraised value of the Property is $210,000.00; and
WHEREAS, the Appraisal shall be made available for inspection or copying in the office of the Village Clerk of the Village of Bensenville to any interested party to allow for the review, analysis, and submission of a proposal for the acquisition and development of the Property; and WHEREAS, the Village Manager and Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development are hereby authorized to ascertain, review, and recommend a proposal for the purchase and development of the Property that will provide the most benefit to the Village in light of the encumbrances and restrictions herein set forth that exist on the Property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, as follows: Section 1. That the above recitals and legislative findings are found to be true and correct and are hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof, as if fully set forth in their entirety.
Section 2. The Property, as herein described, is hereby determined, and declared to be surplus real estate of the Village.
Section 3. The Village Manager and Director of Community & Economic Development are hereby authorized and directed to ascertain and review proposals for the sale and development of the Property and further recommend and present a proposal to the Corporate Authorities that is in the best interest of the Village for the sale and disposition of the Property in accordance with this Resolution and pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-76-4.1 of the Illinois
LEGAL NOTICES
Municipal Code.
Section 4. The officials, officers, employees, and attorneys of the Village are hereby authorized to undertake the necessary steps to present a proposal and final agreement for the sale of the Property to the Corporate Authorities, as contemplated herein.
Section 5. The Village Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a copy of this Resolution at the first opportunity following its passage in a newspaper published within the Village and to make available a copy of the Appraisal for public inspection by any interested party.
Section 6. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Resolution shall be held invalid, the invalidity thereof shall not affect any other provision of this Resolution.
Section 7. All ordinances, resolutions, motions, or orders in conflict with this Resolution are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.
Section 8. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately after its passage and publication as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, this 29th day of April 2025.
APPROVED: /s/ Frank DeSimone Frank DeSimone, Village President
ATTEST: /s/ Nancy Quinn Nancy Quinn, Village Clerk
Legal Description THE SOUTH 1/2 OF LOT 19 IN FAITH’S BENSENVILLE INDUSTRIAL SUBDIVISION UNIT #2, A SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS; ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 18, 1960 AS DOCUMENT NO. 961941.
Commonly known as 340 North Meyers Road, Bensenville, Illinois 60106
Permanent Index Number 03-11403-012-0000
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review May 22, 2025) 472097
PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY AT 540 COUNTY LINE ROAD OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Bensenville (the “Village”) adopted Resolution No. R-36-2025 declaring a vacant parcel of real property located at 540 County Line Road, Bensenville, Illinois (the “Property”) as surplus property and is authorizing its sale. A copy of Resolution No. R-362025 is printed below. A copy of the Appraisal, identified as Exhibit B of Resolution No. R-36-2025 is available in the office of the Village Clerk at 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, Illinois 60106 and on the Village’s website at www.
bensenville.il.us. The appraised value of the Property is $385,000.00. The Village will contemplate the sale of the Property based on the proposed use and development plan for the Property in accordance with the Village of Bensenville Zoning Ordinance. Sale of the Property will require the execution of a purchase and sale agreement with the Village. Written proposals for the sale and development of the Property must be submitted to Ron Herff, Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development at 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, Illinois 60106. Written proposals will be reviewed as submitted. Further information can be obtained from the Department of Community and Economic Development at (630) 594-1009.
RESOLUTION NUMBER R-36-2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE, DUPAGE AND COOK COUNTIES, ILLINOIS DECLARING THE VILLAGE OWNED VACANT PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY AT 540 COUNTY LINE ROAD AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZE VILLAGE STAFF TO OBTAIN PROPOSALS FOR ITS SALE AND DISPOSITION AND DIRECT THE VILLAGE CLERK TO MAKE COPIES OF THE APPRAISAL AVAILABLE TO ANY PARTY
WHEREAS, the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois (the “Village”) is a duly organized and existing municipal corporation created under the provisions of the laws of the State of Illinois and under the provisions of the Illinois Municipal Code, as from time to time supplemented and amended; and WHEREAS, the Village is the owner of a parcel of vacant property in Bensenville, Illinois, commonly known as 540 County Line Road, identified by PIN 03-24-209-0130000, that is approximately a 120 x 355 vacant lot that is 42,600 square feet in size (the “ Property”), which is legally described on Exhibit A, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof; and WHEREAS, the Property is located in the I-1 Light Industrial District, as identified and described in the Village of Bensenville Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Village President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bensenville (the “Corporate Authorities”) find that the Property is no longer necessary, appropriate, required for the use of, profitable to or serve any viable use to the Village and that the sale of the Property will eliminate burdensome maintenance cost, provide needed funds and generate tax revenue in the future for use in the general fund of the Village; and WHEREAS, the Corporate Authorities further find that the Property serves no public use to the residents of the Village and is in the best interest of the health, safety, and welfare of Village residents to sell the Property; and
WHEREAS, 65 ILCS 5/11-764.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code sets forth a procedure for the sale of municipal-owned surplus real property conducted by the staff of the Village after ascertaining the value of the surplus real estate by written appraisal and making said appraisal available for public inspection; and WHEREAS, the Corporate Authorities have determined it is in the best interests of the Village to sell the Property pursuant to 65 ILCS
5/11-76-4.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the Village ascertained a written appraisal of real property on the Property, dated September 24, 2024, which was prepared by William Falkanger of A-Appraisals, 444 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington, Illinois 60010 (the “Appraisal”), a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, as Exhibit B; and
WHEREAS, the Appraisal found that the appraised value of the Property is $385,000.00; and
WHEREAS, the Appraisal shall be made available for inspection or copying in the office of the Village Clerk of the Village of Bensenville to any interested party to allow for the review, analysis, and submission of a proposal for the acquisition of the Property; and
WHEREAS, the Village Manager and Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development are hereby authorized to ascertain, review, and recommend a proposal for the purchase of the Property for its future development that will provide for the construction of an industrial use on the Property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, as follows: Section 1. That the above recitals and legislative findings are found to be true and correct and are hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof, as if fully set forth in their entirety.
Section 2. The Property, as herein described, is hereby determined and declared to be surplus real estate of the Village.
Section 3. The Village Manager or Director of Community & Economic Development are hereby authorized and directed to ascertain and review proposals for the sale of the Property and further recommend and present a proposal to the Corporate Authorities that is in the best interest of the Village for the sale and disposition of the Property in accordance with this Resolution and pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-764.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code.
Section 4. The officials, officers, employees, and attorneys of the Village are hereby authorized to undertake the necessary steps to present a proposal and final agreement for the sale of the Property to the Corporate Authorities, as contemplated herein.
Section 5. The Village Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a copy of this Resolution at the first opportunity following its passage in a newspaper published within the Village and to make available a copy of the Appraisal for public inspection by any interested party.
Section 6. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Resolution shall be held invalid, the invalidity thereof shall not affect any other provision of this Resolution.
Section 7. All ordinances, resolutions, motions, or orders in conflict with this Resolution are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.
Section 8. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately after its passage and publication as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, this 25th day of March 2025.
APPROVED: /s/ Frank DeSimone Frank DeSimone, Village President ATTEST:
LOT 3 IN BLOCK 4 IN BENSENVILLE FARMS BEING A SUBDIVISION IN SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED NOVEMBER 7, 1923 AS DOCUMENT 171311 IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 540 County Line Road, Bensenville, Illinois 60106
Permanent Index Number 03-24209-013-0000
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review May 22, 2025) 472098
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That at 9:00 am on May 26 2025 a sale will be held at 60 E Hill St Villa Park Il 60181 to sell the following articles to enforce a Mechanics Lien existing Under laws of the State of Illinois against such articles of the labor/towing services, skill, or material expanded upon a storage furnishing for such article at the request of the following designated person, unless such article at the requested of the receipt of the notice. Owner Joshua J Griffin 526 N 3rd Ave Villa Park IL 60181and Lienholder Navy Federal Credit Union P.O Box 25109 Lehigh Valley 18002Lien amount 2,385.00 for further information regarding this sale you may contact Sharon Vasquez 312/543/4764.
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review May 22, 29, June 5, 2025) 471995
MECHANIC’S LIEN NOTICE
This notice is to enforce a Mechanic’s Lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 45/1 et seq, and 90/1 et seq., against: Bartlomiej Siwicki and First Community Credit Union for the following vehicle, 2022 Jayco Jay Flight 32BH VIN number 1UJBJ0BT7N1TR0349, for the amount owed of $19,385.27. A sale will be held at New Wave Motors, 865 Fairway Dr., Bensenville, IL 60106 after May 26, 2025, unless redeemed by owner within 30 days of the date of the first publication of this notice.
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review May 8, 15 & 22, 2025) 471456
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79695 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on APRIL 29, 2025 wherein the business firm of LA BELLA DONNA VINTAGE CREATIONS, 553 PHEASANT TRAIL, ST. CHARLES, IL 60174 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Ann Maloy, 553 Pheasant Trail, St. Charles, IL 60174. Continued on next page
Coming events
Summer reading program at Plum Library Dive Into Summer Reading Monday, May 12-Saturday, Aug 2. Readers of all ages can earn prizes for reading this summer. Stop by the library to get a paper reading log from the Youth or Adult Library Services Desks, or log digitally at helenplum.beanstack. com.
Cantigny summer events
Saturdays at 7 p.m. starting May 24: “Summer Sounds,” a new weekly concert series, kicks off with Hello Weekend, playing today’s chart-topping hits. Visit Cantigny.org for details.
State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock
hosts a property tax seminar June 3
Do you know how your property taxes are calculated? Come to state Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock’s property tax seminar at the Villa Park Library Meeting Room, 324 Ardmore Ave., from 7-8 p.m. June 3, for a brief presentation by the Kozar Law Office and learn what appeals, available exemptions and other assistance may be available to lower your property taxes. If you have any questions, call 630415-3520 or email JaxWest. D46@gmail.com.
Continued from previous page
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 29TH day of APRIL, A.D. 2025. Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian May 8, 15 & 22, 2025) 471410
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79698 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MAY 5, 2025, wherein the business firm of THE BARTLETT INSIGHTS & COACHING GROUP, 3300 CREEKSIDE COURT, WOODRIDGE, IL 60517 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: William J. Bartlett II, 3300 Creekside Court, Woodridge, IL 60517.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 5TH day of MAY, A.D. 2025
Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian May 15, 22 and 29, 2025) 471637
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79699 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MAY 6, 2025, wherein the business firm of BECKY’S HEALING TOUCH AND SOUND, 610 W. ROOSEVELT ROAD, WHEATON, IL 60187, was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:
LEGAL NOTICES
Rebecca Page, 5 Wheaton Center Apt 321, Wheaton, IL 60187.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 6TH day of MAY, A.D. 2025. Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian May 15, 22 & 29, 2025) 471786
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF BENCHMARK 2019-B12 MORTGAGE TRUST, COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2019B12, Plaintiff, vs. OAKBROOK TERRACE CORPORATE CENTER, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; LCCM 2017-FL1 CRE TRUST, a statutory trust formed under the laws of Delaware; UNKNOWN OWNERS; and NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants. Case No. 2025-FC-000266 Mortgage Foreclosure 1815 South Meyers Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, defendants in the above-captioned action, that this suit has been commenced in the
Circuit Court of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, DuPage County, Illinois, by plaintiff against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage and Security Agreement (“Mortgage”), dated July 3, 2019, and conveying the premises described as follows:
PARCEL 1:
The South 400.00 feet (as measured on the East and West lines thereof) of Lot 4 and Lot 5 (except the West 110.75 feet, as measured parallel to the South line thereof) lying North of the South 400.00 feet (as measured on the East and West lines thereof in York Center Second Addition, being a subdivision of Lot “A” of Pesek’s Survey of part of the East Half of the Southwest Quarter of Section 21, Township 39 North, Range 11 East of the Third Principal Meridian, according to the plat thereof recorded October 22, 1952 as Document 665608, in DuPage County, Illinois.
ALSO: The West 16.0 feet, lying South of the North 44.18 feet (as measured on the East and West lines) of Lot “B” of Pesek’s Survey of part of the East Half of the Southwest Quarter of Section 21, Township 39 North, Range 11 East of the Third Principal Meridian, according to the plat thereof recorded February 19, 1952 as Document 645155, in DuPage County, Illinois.
PARCEL 2:
Lots 2 and 3 in York Center Second Addition, being a subdivision of Lot “A” of Pesek’s Survey of part of the East Half of the Southwest Quarter of Section 21, Township 39 North, Range 11 East of the Third Principal Meridian, according to the plat of York Center Second Addition, aforesaid, recorded October 22, 1952 as Document 665608, in DuPage County, Illinois.
PARCEL 3:
Easements for the benefit of Parcels 1 and 2 as created by Declaration and Grants of Easements dated November 28, 1988 and recorded January 18, 1989 as Document R89-007308, for access and parking over land more particularly described as Easement Parcel 2 and Easement Parcel 4 in Exhibit 1 of said declaration.
PARCEL 4:
Easement for the benefit of Parcels 1 and 2 as created by Declaration and Grants of Easements dated October 24, 1986 and recorded October 27, 1986 as Document R86-133023 and amended by Document R86160372, for access over the land more particularly described as Easements Parcel 5 in Exhibit 1 of said Declaration, in DuPage County, Illinois.
Common Address: 1815 South Meyers Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Parcel Identification Numbers:
06-21-308-002
06-21-308-017
06-21-308-018
Mortgagor and title holder of record: Oakbrook Terrace Corporate Center, LLC
Mortgagee: Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, on Behalf of The Registered Holders Of Benchmark 2019B12 Mortgage Trust, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2019-B12, pursuant to assignment.
Mortgage recorded in DuPage County, Illinois, with the Recorder on July 9, 2019 as Mortgage Document Number R2019055763; Assignment recorded on October 4, 2019 as Assignment Document No. R2019089492.
Notice is also hereby given you that the said plaintiff also prays for other relief.
NOW THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU, the said above defendants, file your answer to the Complaint in said suit or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187-0707 on or before June 23, 2025, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED FOR IN THE COMPLAINT.
Dean M. Victor - #6210334
Jill L. Nicholson - #6257217 DENTONS US LLP
(Firm No. 81800)
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 5900 Chicago, IL 60606-6361 Telephone: 312.876.8000 dean.victor@dentons.com jill.nicholson@dentons.com I3266646
(Published in The Lombardian May 22, 29, June 5, 2025) 472171
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