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Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, Illinois state law will allow for the possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana per Illinois resident ages 21 and over to be used recreationally. Residents will also be able to possess up to five grams of cannabis concentrate and 500 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol—or THC – contained in a cannabis-infused product. Nonresidents can possess half those amounts.

Registered medical marijuana patients will be allowed to grow up to five cannabis plants in their home and possess more than 30 grams of marijuana if it is grown and secured in their residence. (That’s right, medical patients can grow it at their home, not recreational users.)

History of marijuana in Illinois Illinois legalized marijuana use for certain medical conditions under a pilot program enacted in 2013.

Three years later, lawmakers decriminalized possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana—about onethird of an ounce—lowering the offense from a misdemeanor to a civil offense that carries a $100 to $200 fine.

It remains a criminal offense under federal law.

The legalization effort made Illinois the 11th state in the U.S. to legalize marijuana but the first to pass a comprehensive legalization package through the legislature rather than a ballot initiative. Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker is especially proud of that fact.

“As the first state in the nation to fully legalize adult-use cannabis through the legislative process, Illinois exemplifies the best of democracy: a bipartisan and deep commit-

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ment to better the lives of all of our people,” Pritzker said at a signing ceremony held at the Sankofa Cultural Arts and Business Center in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, near Oak Park. “Legalizing adultuse cannabis brings an important and overdue change to our state, and it’s the right thing to do.”

Regulations that affect consumers While marijuana consumption and possession may be legal, there are still restrictions. Illinois lawmakers crafted a comprehensive 610-page regulatory bill with bipartisan support, which includes several conditions.

Consumption in public places will still be prohibited and local governments will maintain control as to whether the industry can conduct business within their jurisdictions.

Some communities within the Independent readership area have already declined to allow dispensaries.

Consumption is allowed at a private residence but prohibited in any public place and in the proximity of a person younger than 21 years of age who is not a licensed medical patient. Landlords can prohibit marijuana use on their premises as well.

Anyone operating a car, boat or plane is prohibited from consuming marijuana, although possession is permissible in a motor vehicle if the marijuana product is placed in a secured, sealed container and “reasonably inaccessible” while the vehicle is moving.

Consumption and possession are prohibited at corrections facilities and on school grounds unless for licensed medical use. Consumption by a school bus driver, police officer, firefighter or corrections officer is also prohibited while they are on

duty. Consumption is not allowed at any residence that serves as a childcare facility.

Local governments maintain authority under the new law as well,

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As of Jan. 1, recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois

but they cannot ban individual pos- ment’s location within its jurisdicsession of marijuana or marijuana tion.

Governments at the local level can products. A unit of government may, however, prohibit or significantly See NEW ERA, Page 2 limit a cannabis business establish-

St. Charles Road bridge now open CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

The St. Charles Road Bridge fully opened to traffic last week. The construction project to rehabilitate the bridge over Salt Creek and replace the bridge superstructure began in July, causing traffic congestion in the already busy area of St. Charles Road near Route 83. The Village of Villa Park advised motorists to use alternate routes during the project. Traffic on St. Charles Road at the bridge was reduced to one lane in each direction during construction. The north half of the new bridge deck was poured in October. Demolition of the south half of the bridge took place in November. The new bridge deck on the south half of the bridge was installed in mid-December. After waiting a few days to allow the new concrete to cure, the bridge fully opened to traffic. The weight restriction that was posted on the bridge in 2014 has been lifted. According to the village, there is some remaining miscellaneous work, including landscape restoration, which will be completed in the spring of 2020. As the sign in the photo from Saturday indicates, the portion of the Salt Creek Greenway Trail that passes under the bridge remains closed.

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2 • Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

• New era

(Continued from front page)

also decide if on-premise consumption is allowed at marijuana-related businesses within their jurisdiction.

The new law allows local governments to exempt these facilities from limitations in the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Municipalities can also enact zoning restrictions pertaining to licensed cultivation centers, craft growers, processing organizations and dispensaries. Despite local control, the law requires at least 1,500 feet between each retail operation.

Colleges and universities may continue to prohibit marijuana use on campus in accordance with federregulations. Further, any business 116 S. Main St. Lombard, IL 60148 al may prohibit use on private property.

Licensed medicinal patients will 627-7010 Fax: 627-7027 be able to grow up to five cannabis plants in their own homes, unless the property is rented. In that case they would need written consent from the property owner.

The new law also allows employ359547 ers to continue to maintain drugfree workplaces and zero-tolerance drug-use policies, provided they are non-discriminatory. Employers will also maintain the right to discipline or fire an employee for violating workplace drug policies.

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heart of our efforts, acknowledging that while we normalize and legalize something that is happening across the country, that we tie the direct nexus to the communities that the prohibition has hurt the most,” said State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, a Democrat from Olympia Fields.

“This legislation recognizes that to move forward and create a new cannabis industry, we have to mend the historic inequalities that have torn communities apart,” said Esther Franco-Payne, executive director of Cabrini Green Legal Aid. “Expunging the records of hundreds of thousands of people and making social equity at the center of this bill will change lives and revitalize communities.”

The measure directs 25 percent of legalization revenues to a newly established Restore, Reinvest and Renew grant program to “help communities most disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs,” Pritzker said.

Of course, legislators who opposed the measure disagree about the positive effects of legalization. Illinois State Sen. Dale Righter, a Mattoon Republican, had this to say: “If you legalize it, usage is going to go up. That’s been the experience of all the other states that have done this. When usage goes up, abuse will go up, and there will be more people landing on the doorsteps of drug treatment providers across this state—drug treatment providers who will tell you we have more people than we can serve and we do not have enough money.”

Others argue that recreational marijuana users do not typically end up in drug treatment facilities, only users of harder drugs. One study conducted in New Zealand, where marijuana is illegal, said those who become “dependent” on cannabis most frequently faced financial difficulties, or trouble in the workplace or in personal relationships, rather than a physical toll on their body.

Follow the money: the “real” reason Many suspect the “real” reason behind the measure is simple: Illinois is in dire financial straits and needs to make money in a big way to rise above its crippling debt, especially with its pension obligations and the state’s crumbling infrastructure.

Pritzker’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes $170 million in new revenue from licensing cultivators and dispensaries.

Legalization is expected to generate revenue through a 7 percent tax on the gross receipts from the sale of marijuana by a cultivator and an excise tax on the purchaser. Marijuana with a THC level at or below 35 percent would pay a 10 percent tax; while products over that amount of THC would be taxed at 25 percent. A 20 percent tax would apply to marijuana-infused products. The tax does not apply for marijuana purchased by licensed medicinal patients.

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What about those already convicted?

The new law also includes expungement measures for those with low-level marijuana arrests and convictions. Roughly 700,000 records are eligible for expungement under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, according to Governor Pritzker.

Pritzker said those with arrests for less than 30 grams will have their records cleared through local law enforcement and the Illinois State Police. Those with convictions up to that amount will have their records referred to the Prisoner Review Board, which will make an expungement recommendation to the governor.

Those convicted of possessing between 30 and 500 grams could petition the courts for expungement through a more complex “motion to vacate” process.

Marijuana offenses connected to violent crime are ineligible for the automatic expungement processes, but the individual or state’s attorney can still file a motion with the court to vacate conviction.

Positive effect on social equity?

Some legislators and community leaders are sticking to the belief that the legalization of recreational marijuana will assist blighted communities by revitalizing them by creating jobs and increasing economic 7.3.13 impact.

Cannabis Task Force “One of the things that we wantThe newSIZE law also establishes a ed to make sure we accomplished 2x4 DUI Cannabis Task Force, which with legalization was ensuring we APPROVED BY will regulate advertising, packaging put social equity at the center and the

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See CANNABIS, Page 5

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 • 3VP

Illinois American Water warns Villa Park customers of utility imposters reView

Villa Park provides assistance with house fire in Lombard

The Villa Park Fire Department joined other area departments in assisting the Lombard Fire Department’s response to a Dec. 26 fire at a Lombard residence at 92 N. West Road. Firefighters responded to the home at approximately 5:45 a.m. According to Villa Park Fire Chief Ron Rakosnik, who was at the scene, a Villa Park fire engine and ambulance both responded to the fire. Two residents were at home at the time of the fire and were able to evacuate before firefighters arrived. One of the residents was treated at the scene, while the other was transported to Edward-Elmhurst Hospital with non-life threating injuries. No firefighters were injured. The extensive damage caused by the fire left the home uninhabitable. The Lombard Fire Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the fire.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

G.M. Smith & Son Realtors food drive a success

G.M. Smith & Son Realtors, 203 S. Villa, would like to thank everyone that helped to make this year’s holiday food drive a huge success. This was definitely the best year yet. Everything collected was delivered to two local food pantries on Dec. 21 and will go a long way in helping to feed those in need. G.M. Smith & Son Realtors can’t thank the community enough for its donations and support through the years. Happy New Year.

at the number on their monthly bill or the company’s website, not the phone number the scammer provides. Illinois American Water customers would call 800-422-2782.

If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 9-1-1.

Your Hometown Newspaper 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126 Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900 The Villa Park Review is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

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

E-mail: SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

District 88’s Best

Willowbrook senior Stacy Caeiro (left) was recently honored as her school’s recipient of the 88’s Best award for October.

Caeiro, who is pictured with Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause (right), was recognized at the District 88 Board of Education meeting on Dec. 16. She was unable to attend the board meeting on Oct. 21. The district’s board and administration created the 88’s Best award to honor students for their achievements in and out of the classroom. Caeiro has consistently pursued the most rigorous courses available at Willowbrook. When she graduates from high school, she will have completed 10 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, as well as several honors courses. Caeiro has been named to the Distinction Honor Roll each semester of her high school career.

She is an AP Scholar with Honors, a State Scholar and an inductee of Williowbrook’s National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Civitas—the school’s social studies honor society.

Caeiro also serves as president of Willowbrook’s Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society.

Beyond the classroom, Caeiro is a member of the school’s choir and band, including the marching band, pep band, pit orchestra and the CenterStage show choir.

She is also a two-time state qualifier for the school’s math team.

Caeiro plans to apply to the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Middlebury College and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She intends to major in environmental science and pursue a career as a conservation biologist.

Advertising Department: ads1@rvpublishing.com News Department: CFox@rvpublishing.com Classified Department: Classifieds@rvpublishing.com

Administration: Chris Fox News Coordinator Debra Hamilton Advertising Director Pete Cruger Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia Marguerite Micken

Subscriptions: The Villa Park Review is mailed to the 60181 zip code areas for $45.00 yearly. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $50.00 yearly.

For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

Reprints: Content appearing in the Villa Park Review may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor.

Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: THE VILLA PARK REVIEW 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

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CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Illinois American Water is warning customers about possible utility imposters in the area.

An individual claiming to represent the City of Elmhurst water department recently claimed to need access to a resident’s home. According to media reports, the imposter said the home needed to be checked for leaking water.

Residents can prevent utility imposters from targeting them by taking precautions. According to Illinois American Water Senior Manager Jen Thornburg, “If someone comes to your door claiming to be from the local utility and you are not expecting them, do not let them inside without proper photo identification. And if you have a sense something isn’t right, do not hesitate in calling 9-1-1.”

Thornburg added, customers can always call Illinois American Water’s customer service center at 800-4222782 to confirm if a service visit is legitimate.

According to Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS), scammers can be very convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income communities. They also aim their scams at small business owners during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams.

Illinois American Water reminds customers that its service personnel drive company-branded vehicles, and wear photo identification badges with the company’s logo. Customers are urged to take time to examine the photo identification tag whenever an Illinois American Water employee arrives at their home or business. Also, the Company does not accept payment at a customer’s house or business.

If customers suspect someone is trying to scam them, they should hang up, delete the email, or shut the door. They should then call their utility company

4 • Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

Police Reports Area police departments 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.

Addison Dec. 26 Police said an Addison Police offi-

cer responded to Harwood Heights Police Department to transport and process James J. Karkoszka, 48, of Chicago, on an original warrant out of the Addison Police Department for possession of drug paraphernalia in the 700 block of Briar Hill Lane at around 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 Roman J. Ibarra-Camargo, 27, of Addison, was charged with DUI, driving too fast for conditions, failure to report an accident, no valid

driver’s license and driving a vehicle on the sidewalk subsequent to investigating a traffic accident in the 200 block of S. Hale at around 4:28 a.m.

Dec. 20 Rafael Moreno-Lucas, 40, of Addison, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, no valid driver’s license, improper lane usage and no insurance near Sherwood and Old Grand at around 10:29 p.m.

Villa Park Dec. 21 Battery was reported at a local restaurant at around 5:01 p.m. Police said an unknown suspect battered an employee, who refused to give the suspect a full refund for food.

Theft was reported at a local store. Police said an unknown suspect took cash from a purse that was left unsecured in the employee breakroom sometime between noon and 2 p.m.

Dec. 13 Santano Delgado, 34, of Elk Grove, was charged with two counts of DUI and illegal transportation of alcohol near Grand and York at around 11:30 p.m.

Charles Jackson, 41, of Chicago, was charged with DUI and improper parking on a roadway near Washington and Yale at around 1:51 a.m.

Dec. 12 A 54-year-old Villa Park woman was charged with four counts of domestic battery in the 1-100 block of W. Monroe at around 10:22 a.m.

Dec. 17 Theft was reported at a local store at around 3:13 p.m. Police said an Dec. 11 Latoya Johnson, 37, of Lombard, unknown suspect took baby formula from the display shelves and left the was charged with retail theft at a local store at around 10:34 p.m. store without paying.

Dec. 10 Alan Clark, 39, of Elyria, Ohio, was charged with disorderly conduct at Willowbrook High School at around 1:54 p.m.

A 34-year-old Villa Park woman was charged with two counts domestic battery in the 300 block of N. 2nd Dec. 14 Theft of lost or mislaid property at around 10:19 p.m. was reported in the 400 block of W. North at around 6:30 p.m. Police Dec. 8 Roman Osorio, 19, of Des Plaines, said an unknown suspect took a wallet that fell out of a coat pocket. The was charged with obstructing identiwallet contained an Illinois driver’s fication near St. Charles and Oakland at around 3:57 a.m. license, $100 and a debit card.

Dec. 16 Theft was reported at a local gas station at around 3:09 p.m. Police said an unknown suspect pumped gas into their vehicle and left without paying for the gas.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin, Downers Grove Chief of Police Shanon Gillette and Warrenville Chief of Police Ray Turano announced last week that bond had been denied for two of three individuals charged with several carjackings in Downers Grove and Warrenville. Emanuel Embry, 19, of Chicago, who is on probation out of Cook County for Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Daysean Washington-Davis, 19, also of Chicago, who is currently on bond out of Cook County for Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, appeared at a bond hearing in front of Judge Kinsella. The third individual, a juvenile currently on probation for robbery, appeared at a detention hearing on Monday, Dec. 16, where Judge Brian Jacobs ordered that he be held in custody until at least his next court appearance which is scheduled for January 3, 2020.

On Nov. 30, 2019, officers with the Downers Grove Police Department responded to a call on Prairie Avenue regarding a carjacking. An investigation into the matter revealed that the victim was sitting in the driver’s seat of her vehicle, which was parked in her garage, and her daughter was in the front passenger seat when a male subject, later identified as the juvenile, allegedly approached the vehicle. It is alleged that the juvenile drove to DuPage County and while wearing a mask, knocked on the window of the vehicle, displayed a handgun and told the victim “give me the car.” It is further alleged that the victim then threw the car keys to the juvenile and that she and her daughter exited the vehicle. It is al-

leged that the juvenile then entered the vehicle and drove away. It is alleged that when the juvenile drove away, he was followed by another vehicle, allegedly driven by Washington-Davis. Nearly two weeks later, on December 13, at approximately 2:06 p.m., the Warrenville Police Department responded to a call on County Ridge Road regarding a carjacking.

It is alleged that as the victim drove, he was being followed by a car allegedly occupied by the juvenile, Washington-Davis and Embry.

It is alleged that when the victim arrived at his house, he exited his vehicle and began walking towards his house at which time he was allegedly approached by two masked men, later identified as the juvenile and Embry. It is alleged that both the juvenile and Embry were armed at the time. It is further alleged that the men then demanded the victim’s car key and his wallet and then drove off in the victim’s vehicle.

Approximately twenty minutes later, at 2:27 p.m., the Downers Grove Police Department responded to a carjacking that had just occurred on Hawkins Street. It is alleged that he victim, a pregnant female, was sitting in her vehicle in her driveway when she was approached by two individuals, later identified as the juvenile and Embry. It is alleged that the juvenile and Embry wore masks and were armed. It is further alleged that the men ordered the woman out of her vehicle and drove off in her car. It is further alleged that Washington-Davis was the driver of the

See BAIL, Page 6

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 • 5

• Cannabis

(Continued from page 2) felt legal recreational marijuana was dollars each year that drove the legalinevitable after Illinois lawmakers ization. approved medical marijuana back in “We live in a state that doesn’t have 2013, but agrees it’s more about the what I would consider a balanced money. budget. It’s probably $3 billion out of Stone said he’d like to think that whack,” Stone said. “We live in a state lawmakers are changing how they that hasn’t had a capital bill to be able view marijuana, but admits it’s more to build roads and bridges in almost 10 likely the hundreds of millions of tax years. These are the things that defi-

nitely move the needle in terms of a recreational program, especially if you look at other states.”

If you add marijuana sales, tourism dollars, and the money that police departments and jails would save by not having to arrest and prosecute marijuana crimes, Stone said recreational marijuana could be worth as much as

$1 billion a year to the state of Illinois.

Now for the BIG numbers…

The Illinois Department of Revenue projects that this industry will generate more than $57 million in tax revenue and licensing fees in fiscal year 2020.

In tax revenue alone, legalization is expected to generate $140.5 million in fiscal year 2021; $253.5 million in FY22; $323.5 million in FY23; and $375.5 million in FY24.

Legalization is expected to generate as much as $500 million each year consumption in apartments or at work. and businesses may ban marijuana on when the industry is fully mature.

Companies may still fire workers un- their premises. der zero-tolerance policies — but some Many suburbs have banned cannaemployers are expected to loosen re- bis businesses within their boundaries, The local scene…

At this time, only 35 stores have strictions. but they may not prohibit the possesbeen authorized to open in the entire sion or private use of marijuana.

No home growing allowed — state. One report said that means one except medical You can be fined for store for every 28,000 of the estimated Medical marijuana patients can using it in the wrong place 1 million potential users. If Illinois folgrow up to five plants per patient at Penalties for using weed in prohibit- lows the pattern of the 10 other states home in a closed, locked area. For rec- ed places, such as in public, in a car or that have legalized commercial sales, reational users, home growing is not on a bus, can vary by local ordinance. consumers can expect long lines and allowed.

In Chicago, it was proposed as $50 for short supplies at least at the beginning. the first offense and $100 for subseAs of Jan. 1, the Village of Addison No driving while high There’s no scientifically prov- quent violations within the following is poised to be first in the sale of recreational marijuana in the area. There are en measure of impairment, and no 30 days. two dispensaries in Addison, but one court-approved breath or saliva test, You’ll need to show I.D. but police can still arrest motorists for Customers must show a state iden- will not be offering recreational maridriving while impaired by cannabis. tification card to get into a cannabis juana for sale until later in the spring.

The Independent paid a visit to It’s typically based on driving infrac- store, but store workers may not record tions and a field sobriety test and in personal information without the cus- Mindful Medical Marijuana Dispensasome cases, a blood test. tomer’s permission, other than check- ry-Illinois located at 1433 W Fullerton Ave., Suite C, in Addison, but was told Sales by individuals ing the person’s age. the location would not be selling prodremain illegal Dispensaries are for 21+ uct until later in the spring.

Only stores licensed by the state Those younger than 21 caught tryEarthMed Medical Marijuana & may legally sell weed. ing to enter a weed shop may have Cannabis Dispensary, at 852 So. WestIt can still be banned their driver’s licenses suspended and gate St. in Addison, has been preparing in some places may be charged with a class A misde- for the expected onslaught of new cusProperty owners such as landlords meanor. tomers after Jan. 1. The Independent

You can still get in trouble What you need to know about recreational weed

Even though recreational weed is now legal, you can still get in trouble for some marijuana use. Here’s what you need to know: As of Jan. 1, adults 21 and older may buy cannabis from licensed commercial dealers, up to 30 grams (about one ounce) of flower, 5 grams of concentrate, or 500 grams of infused products such as edibles.

Still, public use will remain illegal.

Here is what you need to know: No public consumption It remains illegal to use cannabis in public, at schools, in parks, government buildings, on a bus or train, in a car or truck, or near children. The law prohibits use anywhere you can reasonably expect to be observed by others. Chicago police warned that people can’t smoke on front porches but say they won’t ticket users in their own backyards or on their balconies.

You could still be fired Private property owners, such as landlords and employers, may ban pot

dropped by EarthMed, but it was in the midst of a whirlwind of building and expanding the location. The facility has been adding more space not only for products and new customers, but also for the number of employees it plans to increase from 12 to more than 30.

The owners of EarthMed, Mike Perez and Gus Koukoutsakis, were quoted as saying they had been trying to stock up on product prior to Jan. 1, but as mentioned previously, many things have been sold out for the past month or two in anticipation of the demand.

The EarthMed web site stated that there was a “state-wide flower shortage,” which could limit the amount available for consumers to purchase.

Where to buy marijuana for recreational use

While legal in the state of Illinois, individual municipalities must also approve the sale of recreational marijuana within their community.

At this time, recreational marijuana sales have been approved in towns of Addison, Bensenville, Lombard and Villa Park. Elmhurst and unincorporated DuPage County have voted against the sale of recreational marijuana.

Also at this time, the Village of Addison is the only community in the Rock Valley Publishing readership area that has a licensed state-approved dispensary for the purchase of marijuana for recreational use.

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I would like to give a shout out to the Hughes family in Lombard and the Fillipp family in Villa Park whose holiday displays were not only enjoyable to see but who were taking donations for a good cause. Those are examples of a community at its finest. Thanks for sacrificing your time—and electric bill—to create these displays! *** This is in response to a Dec. 19 Speak Out call: List of climate scientists: Richard Alley, Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Science, American, Earth’s cryosphere and global climate change. Kevin Anderson, director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and is

an adviser to the British government on climate change. James Annan, British climatologist with Blue Skies Research, U.K. Scientists, not leftists.

When you call someone names, you are a bully. Much like the bully-inchief! *** The conservatives who complain about any Democratic effort need a reality check. No global climate change. (How about the) day before Christmas in the 50s in Chicago! A Democratic Congress doing its constitutional duty of oversight is a waste of money but over dozens of Republican investigations of Benghazi isn’t!

Chicago teachers fighting to restore aides and nurses to schools we have

that they don’t! Turn off Faux News and use your own brains. *** Since the left has it in for billionaires, they should make an example out of our esteemed governor, J.B. Pritzker. His net worth is around $3.4 billion. Why not tax Pritzker’s $3.4 billion at 70 percent or higher? Better yet, take it all from him because he inherited it. *** So this is Trump’s America. Not a week goes by without fresh proof of his total disregard for the rule of law.

He pardons war criminals because Fox News tells him to. He profits from domestic and foreign interests who book his hotels. He shakes down foreign leaders in exchange for personal favors, calls on foreign adversaries to meddle in our elections, incites violence among his supporters. Trump thinks he is the law, an all-knowing untouchable sovereign. He stands in front of the American people and tells them to believe the opposite of what they see and hear. He believes he is

king of America. Vote him out next election or face horrors you cannot imagine. Thank you. *** OK, how about a moratorium on all this Republican, Democrat, Trump, impeach/don’t impeach, blah blah blah. Let’s get back to some of the local issues affecting us here like our water bills, the library and things that are really important to us people in Lombard and Villa Park. Bye bye. *** From all that I have seen and all that I have heard, there is a real problem for Americans in Washington, D.C. President Trump is correct about the swamp in our nation’s capital. It exists, as does a shadow government. The rulers in the House of Representatives want to rule the presidency, the Senate and ultimately the American people. The Congress, who quest for power, absolute power, is unquestionable. They would destroy, not defeat but destroy, all who oppose them. Rules mean nothing. The constitution is just a scrap of paper to

them. Americans, beware of people like Pelosi, Schiff and their followers.

We are in danger. *** I’m looking forward to what these two geniuses, Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy, have to say after this disastrous Bears season. I’m sure they’ll have a million-and-one excuses for Trubisky and why this team was so bad this year. *** I’m glad Trump basically told this 16-year-old climate change alarmist from Sweden propped up by the left to get a life. This angry, whiny little girl is Time’s Person of the Year?

What a joke! I wish AOC, another climate change alarmist, would get a life, too. AOC predicted that the world would come to an end in 12 years if we don’t address climate change. Yeah, let’s take our marching orders from a former bartender and some high school girl from Sweden. In the late 1970s, everyone was predicting a new Ice Age within 30 years. How did that turn out?

Community calendar Friday, Jan. 3 Kindermusik® storytime returns to Library The Villa Park Public Library is pleased to welcome Kindermusik® back to town. Presented by certified instructor Leah Egan, it involves singing, instrument play, movement, storytime and more. Kindermusik® is open to children ages infant to 5 years old, accompanied by an adult.

Attendees can choose one of two sessions: 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

Registration is required. For more information, visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Ongoing events Library introduces new Book Club The Villa Park Public Library is pleased to offer its new Active Adults Book Club at the Oakbrook Terrace Park District, located at 1S325 Ardmore Ave. Upcoming sessions will be held on Thursdays, Feb. 6 and March 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. Visit the library to check out copies of the discussion books. Titles will be available approximately one month before their discussion dates. Registration is not required. For more information including book titles, visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Lions Park being prepared for ice skating Villa Park∙ Parks and Recreation staff is preparing Lions Park, 320 E. Wildwood, for ice skating. The weather must cooperate with a minimum of a week of sub-freezing temperatures for the ice to be ready for skating. Skating will also be available at Jefferson Park, 341 N. Harvard; just east of Jefferson Pool. Jefferson Park’s ice rink is due to be

ready for skating after Jan. 1. Please dress for the cold weather as there are no shelter facilities or restroom facilities. Note the flags flying at the ice rink: green flag flying indicates rink is open; red flag indicates a closed rink. The Parks and Recreation Department owns two sets of “Pond Goals” and one set of Mini-Mite goals available for weekend rental at $10 per set for a Friday pickup and Monday return.

Rentals are done at the Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa. You must leave a copy of your driver’s license or state ID to rent the goals.

For more information and for ice readiness updates, call 630-8348970.

Indoor swim lessons available through Addison Park District Do you miss swimming outdoors?

Parks and Recreation offers indoor swim lessons in cooperation with the Addison Park District. Classes are available on Saturday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday evenings for swimmers with all levels of swim experience and include parent/tot classes. Register with the Recreation Department; lessons are held at the Club Fitness Indoor Pool, 1776 W. Centennial Place in Addison. To see the full schedule of lessons and for fees visit invillapark.com or call 630834-8970.

VFW Friday Fish Fry From 5-7 p.m. every Friday evening, the Villa Park VFW Post #2801, 39 E. St. Charles Road, holds the best fish fry in town. All dinners come with a choice of a baked potato, fries or sidewinders mashed fries, homemade coleslaw, a slice of rye bread and dessert. All prices include tax and are subject to change.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Warrior Project adopts 18 families from York Township for Christmas

Students and faculty members from Willowbrook High School Student Council representing the “Warrior Project” recently hand-delivered Christmas presents and over $1,000 in gift cards to York Township Hall. Every holiday season, York Township brings together families through its “Adopt a Family for Christmas” gift program with the help of local individuals, companies and organizations, such as Willowbrook’s annual “Warrior Project”. This year the Project adopted 18 families with a total of 40 children. Back row from left to right: York Township Supervisor John W. Valle, student Elizabeth Martynenko, teacher Malcom Ross, students Talhah Waheed, Samantha Williams, Lily Morgan and Eric Veal, and teacher Ashley Anderson. Front row: Students Alma Flores, Alycia Cameron, Ellie King, Noelle Faulk, Priscilla DelValle, Penelope DelValle and Max Hirsch.

• Bail

(Continued from page 4) vehicle that brought the men to the juvenile who was taken into custody Hawkins Street address. A friend of on December 13. On December 17, the victim had observed the alleged authorities took Washington-Davis carjacking and followed the stolen ve- into custody from his apartment and hicle. It is alleged that when the sto- several hours later authorities apprelen vehicle was stopped in traffic, the hended Embry in Chicago. victim’s friend approached the vehicle “It is alleged that for two weeks, at which time the occupants, allegedly Mr. Embry, Mr. Washington-Davis the juvenile and Embry, exited the ve- and their juvenile accomplice traveled hicle and fled the scene. to DuPage County on multiple occaIt is further alleged that as the vic- sions, threatened innocent people, one tim’s friend moved her vehicle off of whom is pregnant, at gunpoint and the roadway, one of the defendant’s stole their vehicle. In DuPage County, entered the victim’s friend’s car and we will not put up with this type of drove away. random, violent behavior.”

An investigation conducted by Embry has been charged with the Downers Grove and Warrenville two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Police Departments led to Embry, Hijacking, a Class X Felony. WashWashington-Davis and the juvenile as ington-Davis has been charged with suspects in the carjackings. Through three counts of Aggravated Vehicuthe course of their investigation, au- lar Hijacking (Class X Felony) and thorities were able to apprehend the one county of Possession of a Stolen

Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony). The juvenile has been charged with one count of Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony). The State has informed the Court of its intention to file a motion to transfer the juvenile’s case to Adult Court.

If found guilty, Embry and Washington-Davis face a penalty of between 22 and 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. If the juvenile is prosecuted as an adult and found guilty, he faces the same penalty.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 • 7

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A special visitor

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

The Villa Park Parks and Recreation Department made special arrangements to have Santa Claus visit some area families a few days before Christmas. One photo (above) from Santa’s Dec. 21 stop in Villa Park shows him with the Heidkamp family—left to right—Jaci, Valerie and Martin. One more photo (below) shows Santa at the home of the Sinon family—left to right—Eric, Fiadh and Heather.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Banners such as this one can be seen on some light poles in Oakbrook Terrace. They were created by students at Swartz School.

Swartz students create source banners for Oakbrook Terrace There’s new art on some light poles in Oakbrook Terrace and it was created by all of the students at Swartz School. The banners feature a hand design created by each Swartz second-, third-, and fourth-grader and when overlapped together in a circle, they create a large flower.

The banners were the brainchild of Oakbrook Terrace Alderman Dennis Greco.

“We already have banners advertising our hotels and I thought wouldn’t it be great to do something with our schools,” he said. “It would be cool for the children to see their art on the city street,” Greco said.

He worked with then-principal Gerrie Aulisa and art teacher Paula Zastrow who were both enthusiastic about the project. Zastrow came up with the idea of each child creating a hand design and putting them togeth-

er in a radius as a larger design.

She added words about character and good citizenship on the stem and leaves: Kindness, empathy, responsibility, respect and acceptance.

“The students loved being part of an all-school project that is on public display,” she said.

The art piece was then created into banners and hung on posts in front of Swartz School, a secondthrough fourth-grade school in Oakbrook Terrace.

“All of us in the city feel the same way; we love the school and love participating in it,” said Greco, who has been living in Oakbrook Terrace since 1999, and with his wife have a son at Albright Middle School.

New banners will be created by students and hung each year. They will feature the artwork of each grade level.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 • 11A

Wins and losses, praise and criticism, for Pritzker and Democrats in year one Party leaders, political observers assess past year, look ahead to 2020 CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A tumultuous year in Illinois politics has drawn to a close as the historic legislative accomplishments of May and June gave way to a flurry of ongoing federal investigative activity, resignations and indictments.

Central to the story of 2019 is Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Chicago Democrat and billionaire who spent more than $170 million of his estimated $3.4 billion fortune on a successful bid to unseat one-term incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner.

During the campaign, Pritzker positioned himself as a foil to Rauner and President Donald Trump and promised to usher in a wave of progressive policies. He also promised a new era of bipartisanship after four stagnant years that included a twoyear budget impasse, which led to a ballooning backlog of unpaid bills and cuts to many state services.

Rauner’s unpopularity, combined with a national “Blue Wave” that saw Democrats retake several statehouses and governors’ offices across the country, helped Pritzker to a near 16-point electoral victory and propelled Illinois Democrats to veto-proof supermajorities in both chambers of the state Legislature.

Pritzker and fellow Democrats got to work quickly when the legislative session began, parlaying that electoral momentum into the February passage of a phased-in increase of the state’s minimum wage to $15 hourly by 2025.

As the months progressed, Pritzker worked with the General Assembly to turn several other campaign promises into legislative victories— legalization of adult-use recreational marijuana; a massive gambling expansion including the legalization of sports betting; a $45 billion capital infrastructure plan and the tax increases to pay for it; protection of rights to abortion in the state; and more. He also signed Illinois’ operating budget with vast bipartisan support.

But perhaps the most essential piece to Pritzker’s long-term agenda—one that the governor’s office estimates will generate more than $3 billion in added annual tax revenue—cannot become law without the approval of voters.

That measure—an amendment to the state’s constitution allowing lawmakers to levy higher income taxes on greater levels of income—will be on the November 2020 general election ballot.

But as the fight for the graduated tax gears up and some of the marquee policies of Pritzker’s first year near their 2020 implementation dates, the FBI is in the midst of a sweeping federal probe that has led to multiple resignations, indictments and raids of lawmakers and statehouse insiders.

Meanwhile, Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) announced plans to resign from his leadership post and retire from the chamber on Jan. 19, setting up the state’s first majority party legislative leadership change in a decade.

Capitol News Illinois interviewed several party leaders and political observers to look back at 2019, discuss

what could be on the agenda in 2020 and how the ongoing federal probes affect the legislative process.

Pritzker’s first year Leaders of both parties agree the state took steps forward in Pritzker’s first year, even if Republicans stand staunchly opposed to some of the marquee proposals advanced by Democrats.

“I thought we’d have a good session, but I did not expect it would be quite as historic as it was,” said Sen. Don Harmon, a Democrat from Oak Park and one of five assistant majority leaders in the Senate.

The $39.9 billion operating budget, capital infrastructure plan that relies on a doubling of the state’s motor fuel tax, massive gambling expansion and legalization of adult-use recreational marijuana all received bipartisan support.

“I think it was a good year for bipartisan solutions,” said Rep. Greg Harris, a Chicago Democrat and majority leader in the House. “Obviously, a lot of things we still disagree on, but those are philosophical things. It just goes to show that when we have common interests, we can work together to fix a lot of stuff.”

But House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, a Western Springs Republican, said while the session may have ended on a bipartisan note, that was not how it began.

“Let’s just remember how we started the year,” he said. “First thing out of the gate with the governor was pushing through, I think, a very near-sighted approach towards the minimum wage, and one that could have been resolved and could have been negotiated with the support of the business community.”

Durkin said Republicans and many business leaders wanted a minimum wage bill that would reflect regional differences across the state.

The rollout of the increase begins this month, when the wage goes from $8.25 to $9.25 before hitting $10 on July 1. From 2021 to 2025, the wage will see a $1 bump every January until it levels off at $15.

“But the governor just took a, you know, one-size-fits-all approach toward it,” Durkin said. “And obviously to fulfill a campaign promise without, I believe, truly recognizing and respecting what the short-term and long-term effects that this will have on small businesses, nonprofits and particularly along our border communities with other states.”

Toward the end of the session, though, Durkin pushed for a series of pro-business reforms that paved the way for extensive Republican roll calls on the budget and capital bills.

Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) agreed with Durkin and characterized the session as “the good, the bad and the ugly” from the Republican perspective, noting he would push for changes to the minimum wage rollout based on geography in 2020.

“The governor was, in terms of communication, I think he was effective in a bipartisan way. Do I believe that he reached across the aisle

an increase to the current 4.95 percent flat tax.

“If it doesn’t pass, the same amount of money can be garnered by a 1 percent income tax raise across the board,” he said.

When asked if he thought failure of the graduated tax initiative would mean tax increases elsewhere, Brady responded, “I hope not.”

“I hope what they (Democrats) focus on is economic growth, which will drive natural revenues to the state and increase and enhance the SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing livelihood of our residents,” he addGov. J.B. Pritzker addresses a crowd of supporters Feb. 19 at a ed.

bill-signing event for Senate Bill 1, which will increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour over a six-year period. He is joined Federal probes and by advocates for the wage increase and Sen. Kim Lightford (D-May- ethics reform wood) and Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) the bill’s Senate and But the graduated tax and the poliHouse sponsors. cies of Pritzker’s first year have been

on everything and worked with us?

No,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood), who sponsored the minimum wage bill, said after its passage, “the session just flew.”

“I knew that we would be very progressive and energetic and ready to do the work, since we had been in a stalemate for years,” she said. “… I wasn’t surprised we were able to get it done, I just didn’t know we actually could do everything with the time frame we had.”

Christopher Mooney, a professor of state politics at the University of Illinois-Chicago, said the cooperation on several issues was largely a counterweight to four years of inaction and infighting under Rauner.

Cullerton, the Senate president, agreed.

“It was a good combination of timing, where we had some pent-up demand because of the gridlock we had under Governor Rauner; it had been 10 years since the last capital bill—and there was a bipartisan effort on the capital bill, which is great,” he said. “At the end of the session, even though we had supermajorities, we worked with Republicans and got them to vote for a bipartisan budget in terms of the revenues for the budget as well as the capital.”

As 2020 gets under way, however, Mooney said he expects to see some of the bipartisan goodwill dissipate.

“Initially (Republicans) have been happy to not have Rauner, but as time goes on, and has gone on this year, I think things have been settled down into more of the party debate over issues,” he said. “And I think they’re done being happy that Rauner’s gone.”

Graduated tax The parties are prepared for “war” on at least one issue in 2020—the graduated income tax.

“We know that there will be a war on protecting taxpayer interests when it comes to this issue of altering our state’s constitution,” Brady said. “... We want to convince the business community that this will be defeated and they shouldn’t delay their investment in Illinois, their growth in Illinois.”

Harris, the House majority leader, said he believes the added resources are needed to further investment

in public education and human services.

“I think when I go around my neighborhood ... I think people get the fact that it’s appropriate for the people at the top end to pay more of their fair share and people of lesser means at the lower end of the economic scale to pay less in order to support our state,” he said.

Mooney said he expects the measure to “be an effective test of Pritzker,” and said it’s an “even money” bet as to whether it will pass.

“I think the governor’s going to have a hard time selling it. The opposition has a very good argument to say, ‘More taxes? You trust these guys?’ That’s all you have to say, we’ve been in such trouble for so long,” Mooney said.

Pritzker has already shown he is willing to dedicate his personal fortune to support the graduated tax, contributing $5 million in early December to the Vote Yes for Fairness ballot initiative committee which is raising support for the measure. A likely counterweight to that committee is the Vote No on the Blank Check Amendment ballot initiative committee, a business-tied group which had not reported any donations as of Dec. 18.

To pass, the measure will require approval from 60 percent of those voting on the question or the majority of those casting ballots in the election.

If the measure is successful, a rate structure passed by the General Assembly this year will kick into effect.

Per that structure, those making less than $250,000 annually will see their income tax decrease or remain at the current 4.95 percent rate, while those making above that amount will see higher rates, up to a maximum 7.99 percent for those making more than $1 million annually.

Harris said failure of the ballot initiative would mean “some pretty tough decisions.” He pointed to public education, in which the state has increased its investment by more than $700 million over the past two years.

“If we have to start going backward and shift more of the cost of education back to local school districts and just force more property tax increases, that’s a very bad result,” he said.

Cullerton said one alternative is

overshadowed lately by the sweeping federal probe of alleged state government corruption.

Just two months after Pritzker signed the expansive capital infrastructure plan—the first one passed by the General Assembly in a decade—the Statehouse office of one of the bill’s lead architects was raided by the FBI. Sen. Martin Sandoval, a Chicago Democrat who was chair of the Senate Transportation Committee at the time, eventually submitted his resignation from the chamber effective Jan. 1.

News quickly followed of raids on a former lobbyist for ComEd, an electric utility company with close ties to Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago. Later it was revealed that federal agents also executed search warrants in several small towns in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, apparently searching for information about red light camera contracts.

Neither Sandoval nor any ComEd representatives have been charged with wrongdoing despite the ongoing investigations.

In October, however, Rep. Luis Arroyo, a Chicago Democrat, was arrested on charges that he tried to bribe an unidentified state senator who was later revealed by federal affidavits to be wearing a wire for investigators.

Before any of that, state Sen. Tom Cullerton of Villa Park, a distant cousin of the Senate president, was indicted in August on charges he collected a salary as well as health and pension benefits from a labor union “for which he did little or no work.”

He remains in the Senate.

The constant flow of headlines pertaining to alleged corruption put ethics reforms at the top of the agenda for the fall veto session, which produced measures tightening disclosure laws for lobbyists and creating a commission to study potential changes to ethics laws.

Harmon said it will be “incumbent upon” lawmakers in 2020 to “demonstrate our responsibility to voters.” He said the General Assembly should overhaul statements of economic interest and institute “an even greater separation” between legislative responsibility and fundraising obligations.”

12 • Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 • 13

Rock Valley Publishing

Sports Jan. 2, 2020 • 13

Willowbrook girls take fourth at Wheaton North tournament Herron and Dasbach earn all-tournament honors; Warriors tied for first in WSC Gold

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Willowbrook girls basketball team concluded the 2019 portion of its schedule by finishing fourth at the 16-team Bill Neibch Holiday Classic at Wheaton North.

The Warriors began the tournament with a crushing 73-14 win over Elgin on Dec. 23.

They then beat Waubonsie Valley 41-38 on Dec. 26. Willowbrook lost 46-40 to Elk Grove in Friday’s semifinal round. Wheaton North defeated the Warriors 45-35 in Saturday’s third-place game.

The Warriors’ overall season record at the end of the tournament stood at 10-7.

Two Willowbrook players—senior K’Aliyha Herron and junior Stephanie Dasbach—were named to the event’s all-tournament team.

Willowbrook coach Terry Harrell was thrilled with the play of Herron against Elgin.

“K’Aliyha had a huge game,” he said. “You don’t see a high-school triple-double very often.”

Herron finished with 28 points (13 of 22 shooting), 12 rebounds and 11 steals in the win over Elgin.

“Those triple-doubles are hard to come by,” Harrell said. “She had 17 steals in a game earlier this year. She’s averaging five steals a game.

She has extremely quick hands. She’s one of those kids who keeps her head on a swivel.

She’s active in the passing lanes. She’s just as effective in the half-court sitting down on the ball. She will wait for you to make a mistake.”

The Warriors led Elgin 18-6 after one quarter and 42-8 at halftime.

Dasbach scored 14 points and pulled down 18 rebounds against Elgin. Junior Annemarie Knudtson added 15 points.

Willowbrook outscored Waubonsie Valley 14-4 in the third period of the second-round game to take a 36-27 lead with one quarter to play. The Warriors held a 40-29 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Waubonsie Valley rallied in the closing minutes to narrow Willowbrook’s lead.

Knudtson, who made four of five 3-point attempts, scored a team-leading 18 points in the win over Waubonsie Valley. Dasbach scored 12 points, and after recording 18 rebounds against Elgin, she grabbed 18 more rebounds against Waubonsie Valley.

Herron provided 11 points and four steals in the second-round win.

Friday’s semifinal loss marked Willowbrook’s second loss to Elk Grove in less than one week. Elk Grove defeated the Warriors 5340 in a Dec. 21 meeting.

Willowbrook led Elk Grove 23-20 at halftime of Friday’s semifinal. Elk Grove held a 29-26 lead late in the third quarter, but Knudtson made a 3-point shot to tie the score at 2929. Elk Grove scored the last four points of the quarter to take a 33-29 lead with eight minutes to play.

Herron’s rebound and basket cut the lead to 35-31 with five minutes left in the game.

Herron delivered another rebound and basket to trim Elk Grove’s lead to 36-33 with 3:30 to play.

Herron drained a 3-point shot to cut the lead to 39-36 with about 2:20 left in the game. The

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook’s girls basketball team won two of four games and finished fourth in the 16-team Bill Neibch Holiday Classic at Wheaton North. The Warriors opened the tournament with wins over Elgin and Waubonsie Valley. They lost a semifinal battle to Elk Grove before losing to Wheaton North in the third-place contest. Willowbrook’s overall record stood at 10-7 at the end of the tournament. Senior K’Aliyha Herron and junior Stephanie Dasbach of the Warriors were both named to the all-tournament team. Herron is pictured at right during the game against Elk Grove, while Dasbach is shown above during the contest against Wheaton North. One more photo from the semifinal game shows junior Annemarie Knudtson (No. 11-top right). Knudtson scored 15 points in the win over Elgin. She provided a team-leading 18 points in the victory over Waubonsie Valley and contributed 11 points in the loss to Elk Grove.

Warriors launched and missed a 3-point shot that could have tied the game with about 1:40 to play.

Herron made a pair of free throws to cut Elk Grove’s lead to 40-38 with 52.8 seconds remaining. The Grenadiers made two free throws with 43.1 seconds left to take a 42-38 lead. Elk Grove scored three points over the next 30 seconds to build a 45-38 lead.

Herron, who scored nine of her team’s 11 fourth-quarter points, finished the game with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Knudtson scored 11 points, while Dasbach supplied seven points and nine rebounds.

Wheaton North led the Warriors 25-13 at halftime of Saturday’s third-place game. The lead grew to 32-13 in the third quarter. Willowbrook trailed the Falcons 42-27 with about two minutes left in the game before closing the gap with an 8-3 run.

Dasbach scored 17 points and snared 14 rebounds in the final game of the tournament.

Herron contributed 11 points and six rebounds.

Willowbrook has plenty of momentum on its side heading into the 2020 portion of its sched-

ule. The Warriors are 5-1 in West Suburban Conference Gold Division play after the first round.

“We lost that first conference game to Proviso East where we didn’t shoot well and then we ran off five in a row,” Harrell noted. “We are tied for first right now with Proviso. We are very much looking forward to the second part of the schedule. We have had a pretty good start.

“We lost [junior] Gracie Tumilty to a knee injury before the season. We are pretty happy where we are. It’s been a pretty good year so far. We’re getting help off the bench and getting deeper over the course of the year. We are a heck of a lot better than we were at the start

of the year.”

Willowbrook returns to action Saturday, Jan. 11, at home against Downers Grove South in a WSC Gold game. Willowbrook won 50-48 in overtime at Downers South on Dec. 10. Willowbrook faces Proviso East in Maywood on Jan. 25.

“Our schedule is a little tougher this year,” Harrell said. “We picked up Montini (part of the Willowbrook Thanksgiving tournament), and that doesn’t help your record, and we played Elk Grove, and the second-part of our schedule isn’t going to help either. It’s going to be tough.”

Chris Fox contributed to this story.

Young Addison Trail boys basketball team continues to make strides

Carlson, Roszkiewicz leading the way for Blazers

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Addison Trail boys basketball coach Brendan Lyons knew patience would be a virtue during the early part of this season.

“Early in the year we knew we were playing a lot of younger guys and seniors with limited varsity experience,” he said earlier last week.

“Guys were getting thrown into the fire right away.”

Addison Trail started the season with a 2-8 mark in its first 10 contests heading into the Maine East tournament over the holidays. A win in the first game at Maine East against Argo snapped an eight-game losing streak.

“We went through a rough stretch there and hopefully we are starting to turn the corner,” Lyons said. “We saw what we kind of expected with some inconsistency, especially with taking care of the ball. We are growing from an education standpoint on both ends of the floor.

“We have seen a lot of peaks and valleys so

far. We are improved in some areas. We are starting, slowly but surely, to find people in certain roles for us. We have done a better job of taking care of the ball.”

Lyons said progress has been made on both sides of the ball.

“The defensive end has improved at a quicker rate than the offensive end,” he noted. “Traditionally since I have been at Addison Trail we have been a man-to-man team. Over the last few weeks we have mixed in some zone with our man defense. We had some hiccups early on with guys understanding the movements and nuances of the zone. We’ve been able to transition and use both effectively, and it has worked in our favor to keep us in games.”

Lyons added a key of late has been reducing the number of giveaways in games. “I think it starts with limiting turnovers as a team,” he said. “We are averaging close to 22 turnovers a

See BASKETBALL, Page 14

14 • Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 - Rock Valley Publishing

Stubblefield’s miraculous long-range shots stun the Red Devils A 3-pointer at the end of regulation sends the game to overtime; buzzer-beating shot from beyond half-court line wins the game

STAFF REPORT

The Willowbrook boys basketball team played four down-to-the-wire games at the 16-team Hinsdale Central Classic. The Warriors won just one of those four games, but it was an unforgettable victory.

Willowbrook was the victim of a pair of last-second shots in its first two games of the tournament. The Warriors won their third game of the event, beating Hinsdale Central on senior Everett Stubblefield’s spectacular shot from well behind the halfcourt line.

Stubblefield sank a pair of buzzer-beating shots in Friday’s 49-47 win over the Red Devils. His 3-point shot from about 35 feet at the end of regulation tied the score at 41-41 and sent the game into overtime. Willowbrook trailed the Red Devils 47-46 when Stubblefield caught an inbounds pass with about three seconds on the clock.

He took a couple of dribbles between two Red Devils and launched the miraculous game-winning shot.

“They had just made two free throws [with about three seconds to play] to take the lead, and we were out of time outs,” said Stubblefield in discussing his game-winning shot.

“Sam [Tumilty] inbounded the ball to me. I went through the double-team and just threw it up, and it happened to go in.”

Stubblefield’s excited teammates ran toward him to celebrate the magical game-winning shot.

“It was a nice feeling,” said Stubblefield, who was named to the event’s all-tournament team. “We were on a losing streak, and that ended the streak right there, so that felt pretty good.”

“I’ve never been a participant in anything like that,” said Willowbrook coach Chris Perkins of Stubblefield’s heroics. “It’s difficult to hit a buzzer-beater, but to hit two in one game, that was pretty remarkable.”

Willowbrook held an overall season record of 5-8 at the end of the tournament.

The Warriors opened the event at Hinsdale Central with a 61-59 loss to St. Rita on Dec. 23. St. Rita sank a game-winning shot of about 15 feet at the buzzer to break a 59-59 tie.

Willowbrook jumped out to a 12-0 lead early in the game. The Warriors held an 18-8 lead after one quarter. St. Rita sliced Willowbrook’s lead to 3433 by halftime, and took a 46-43 lead by the end of the third quarter.

St. Rita drained a 3-point shot with about 1:10 to play to tie the score at 59-59.

Stubblefield, who made three 3-point shots, scored a team-leading 21 points for the Warriors. Senior Sam Bruns, who also made three shots from 3-point range, added 11 points. Senior Sam Tumilty and junior Haven Pryor both scored nine points. Senior Deandre Holliday added seven points.

Thornton-Fractional South made a last-second inside basket to beat Willowbrook 55-54 on Dec. 26. The Warriors rallied from a 17-8 deficit after one quarter to cut the lead to 47-45 by the end of the third quarter.

Holliday’s layup with about 1:30 to play gave Willowbrook a 54-53 lead.

Thornton-Fractional South scored the winning basket after inbounding the ball with about six seconds to play.

Stubblefield, who made six 3-point shots, scored a team-high 30 points.

Tumilty added 12 points for the Warriors, who attempted only three free throws in the game. Willowbrook missed all three foul shots. Thornton-Fractional South converted five of 12 free-throw attempts.

Stubblefield drained three 3-point shots and scored 15 points in Friday’s victory over Hinsdale Central.

In addition to hitting buzzer-beating shots at the end of regulation and at the conclusion of the overtime period, he made a 3-point shot during the first quarter. The Warriors held a 25-23 halftime lead. Their lead stood at 3634 after three quarters.

Holliday contributed 12 points in the victory over the Red Devils.

Tumilty provided eight points.

Willowbrook finished the tournament with Saturday’s 48-44 loss to

Crossword Puzzle Answers

Lincoln-Way Central. The Warriors trailed Lincoln-Way Central 40-27 early in the fourth quarter. A layup by Tumilty cut the lead to 42-37 with less than four minutes to play. Sophomore Sean Paige sank a pair of free throws to cut the margin to 42-39 with 3:24 remaining.

Stubblefield’s 3-point play at the 1:22 mark cut Lincoln-Way Central’s lead to 45-44. The Warriors had shots to tie the game or take the lead in the closing minutes, but they were unable to convert the attempts. The Knights made two free throws with 17 seconds to play to increase their lead to 47-44.

The Warriors missed a 3-point attempt with a few seconds to play. The Knights made one free throw with a fraction of a second to play to seal their victory.

Paige led all scorers with 17 points.

He made six of nine shots from the field and converted five of six shots from the free-throw line. Stubblefield scored 12 points, while Tumilty contributed seven points.

Willowbrook made one of 19 shots from 3-point range during Saturday’s game.

“We lost three games by seven points,” said Perkins in summarizing the tournament. “All four games came down to one possession. We’re right there. We’ve got to start pulling games out at the end.”

The Warriors’ season resumes with another game against Hinsdale Central. Willowbrook will face the Red Devils this Saturday in Hinsdale.

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook’s boys basketball team won one of four games at Hinsdale Central’s holiday tournament. The Warriors suffered their three losses by a total of seven points. Senior Sam Tumilty (No. 5-above left) and sophomore Sean Page (No. 35-above right) are pictured during the Warriors’ final game of the tournament—Saturday’s 48-44 loss to Lincoln-Way Central. That setback sent Willowbrook’s overall season record to 5-8.

• Basketball

(Continued from page 13) game. The more we can do to lower by six or seven points,” Lyons said. that number, the more we can settle “We have to improve our free-throw into our offense.” shooting. We are at only around 60 Finding consistency in scoring percent right now. That’s a key thing beyond AJ Carlson and Robert Ro- in close games. As we hit the holidays szkiewicz is another key for the here, we are hoping to see progress.”

Blazers. “Outside of AJ and Robert, Lyons lauded the play of Carlson we don’t have anybody really scor- and Roszkiewicz. “AJ and Robert ing consistently for us,’ Lyons said. easily are our two leading scorers,” “We are looking for someone to fill he said. “They account for 70 to 75 that void and it doesn’t have to be the percent of our offense. We kind of same guy all the time. We are looking came into this year expecting them to for that third scorer.” handle the road.”

Free-throw shooting is another asLyons also was high on the recent pect Addison Trail is working hard to play of Alex Conrad and sophomore improve upon.

Sammy Renc.

“We are finding ourselves losing “Alex is our senior point guard and

Sudoku Puzzle Answers

has gotten better at handling the basketball and is reliable on the defensive end,” he said. “We are going to need him to keep growing into that role.

Sammy is starting for us and playing well. Against Leyden he played with consistency. Being a sophomore, we hope that is something that continues at an even higher rate. He’s like a 2-guard for us, but sometimes plays the point. Sammy, Alex and AJ are pretty interchangeable in our offense.

We are working with a lot of different guys to get the ball down the floor.”

Lyons said an over-arching goal heading into 2020 is to see continued improvement. “We told the guys at practice we are halfway through the season already,” he said. “The lack of experience card goes out the window.

We have to step up into our roles and keep getting better.”

Addison Trail concluded play in the Maine East tournament earlier this week and will get a rematch with Argo Saturday at 6 p.m. in Summit.

This coming Tuesday, the Blazers experience more Maine East da ja vu when they host Maine East in a 7 p.m. non-conference tilt.

“We have talked to the guys about this being our second season,” Lyons said. “We want to continue with our improvement. We have found ourselves in similar situations the last few weeks against teams such as Downers Grove South and Leyden where we had leads late in games and squandered them. We will hang our hat on what we are doing well and then improve on the things that are causing these games to get away from us.”

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 • 15

Highlight reel: Willowbrook’s Stubblefield drains pair of buzzer-beating 3-pointers Senior standout helps Warriors to OT win at Hinsdale Central tournament

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Senior Everett Stubblefield made a pair of long buzzer-beating shots to lift Willowbrook to its victory at the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic—Friday’s 49-47 overtime win over Hinsdale Central. Stubblefield made a 3-point shot of about 35 feet at the end of the fourth quarter to tie the game. His shot from well behind the half-court line at the end of the overtime period lifted the Warriors to the thrilling victory. “When I saw it in the air, going on its way, I was like, that might be going in,” said Stubblefield of his game-winning shot.

Willowbrook senior boys basketball standout Everett Stubblefield III had himself not one, but two, ESPN Sportscenter “Play of the Day”-type moments in Friday’s game against host Hinsdale Central at the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic.

For starters, Stubblefield hit a pull-up 3-pointer from the right of the volleyball line inside of half court as time expired to send the game into overtime.

“The first one we were down three with about six seconds to go,” Stubblefield explained. “Coach had called a timeout to draw up a play.

I had about five seconds to take at least two dribbles and get a shot off.

I shot it and it went in. It was probably about 35 feet.

“When I felt it leave my hands, it felt like it had the right path to go in. I was pretty confident of it going in. It was a good feeling, but then I realized we still had to play hard to the end because we were going to overtime and the game wasn’t over

yet.”

Stubblefield wasn’t done with the highlight-reel-type heroics. This time, with about three seconds left in overtime and the Warriors trailing by one point, he uncorked a running, nearly three-quarters-court shot from the opposite volleyball line on a straight line to the basket, hitting nothing but net to give the Warriors a 49-47 victory.

“They had just made both free throws and we were out of timeouts,” Stubblefield noted. “Sam (Tumilty) took the ball out of bounds and I was trying to get open and finally did. I knew I had one or two dribbles there and when I threw it up it was lined up with the basket. It felt like it was going in and it did. That was a great feeling to hit a buzzer-beater to win a game.”

Stubblefield said he felt more confident about the game-winner when it left his hands.

“This one felt a little better because it was lined up perfectly with the rim when it left my hand,” he noted.

The video of both shots can be seen on the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic Twitter feed (@HINSDALECLASSIC) Stubblefield finished the game against Hinsdale Central with 15 points and five assists.

He averaged 19.5 points per game and drained 12 three-pointers in the tournament on his way to earning an all-tournament designation.

Being in those types of intense late-game situations is fine by Stubblefield.

“I enjoy those moments a lot,” he said. “For my coach [Chris Perkins] to put that kind of trust in me to hit those big shots means a lot.

And building off that type of energy helps make our team play better as well.”

Willowbrook ended up going 1-3 in the tournament with the win against Hinsdale Central and close losses to St. Rita (61-59), Thornton-Fractional South (55-54) and Lincoln-Way Central (48-44). The Warriors’ overall record at the end of the tournament stood at 5-8.

While Stubblefield continues to pour in the points for the Warriors, he feels other parts of his game have taken the next steps forward.

“This year I feel like I have improved more defensively,” he said.

“Last year, my man-to-man defense wasn’t that great. I am getting more steals this year and helping to rebound the ball better. I’m becoming more of a complete player.”

Stubblefield likes Willowbrook’s never-say-die attitude this season.

“We are smaller this year and we

like to get after it on defense,” he said. “We don’t give up. We fly around and fight to the end and try to win games. Every game we have played we have always been right there. I like that we never give in.”

Stubblefield, who was rated as one of the top 50 players in the Chicagoland area during the preseason, has enjoyed plenty of success the past few years on the football field and basketball court. He was part of Willowbrook’s history-making football team that reached the state semifinals this past season.

“The last couple years have been good,” said Stubblefield, who is receiving college interest. “We won a lot of football games and made it over the hump this year and got to the semifinal. This year’s football season was very exciting and now rolling into the basketball season, it has been pretty good as well.”

Stubblefield said the key to the rest of the basketball season for Willowbrook is simple. “To maintain the right and never give up,” he said. “We have to crash the boards and tighten up even more on defense so we can get easy points off steals and our transition.”

Also of note at Hinsdale Central, Tumilty broke the program record for most steals in a single game with 11 against Lincoln-Way Central.

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