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VOL. 17 • NO. 5

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THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2021

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

The Villa Park Parks and Recreation Department’s 3-year-old preschoolers spent some time outside during their class at the Iowa Community Center on Jan. 14. The children played outside for about 25 minutes on a relatively warm day for mid-Janu-

ary in Chicagoland. The 3-year-olds, who attend morning classes at the community center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, are pictured with their teachers—Jo McCarthy (left) and Lynn Dion (right).

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Inside:

Police Reports...........6 Sports �������������������� 18 Viewpoint.................8 Classifieds..............16

KATE DRURY 630-514-9961 kdrury@atproperties.com

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2 • Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Meet weight loss, lifestyle goals with hospital’s ‘Jumpstart’ program Jumpstart Your Health is a virtual year-long, group lifestyle change program designed to help people lose weight, increase activity and prevent disease. This program utilizes Group Lifestyle Balance™, a

research-based curriculum that helps individuals make lasting lifestyle changes, develop healthy habits and help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The program consists of 22 one-

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ECCI urges members to voice support at IRA’s web site

The Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) is seeking support in urging Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and state leaders to take a more pragmatic approach to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic mitigations to allow for limited indoor dining that will protect the public health of patrons, while saving the livelihoods of restaurants and bars, and their employees.

The Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Governmental Affairs Committee is forwarding this information so that Elmhurst restaurant and bar owners (and other businesses) can voice their support for the IRA’s campaign via an online link that can be accessed via the ECCI web site at elmhurstchamber. org.

For more than two months, Gov. Pritzker has banned indoor food and beverage service at restaurants and bars in Region 8 (DuPage County) and every other region in Illinois citing concerns over the spread of COVID-19—a punishing restriction that has devastated the state’s hospitality community without the support of proven case-tracing health department data.

“Given that restaurants and bars here in Elmhurst and across Illinois have made a conscious decision to violate the Governor’s mandate and provide indoor dining using the previous COVID-19 healthcare protocols is a clear demonstration of how

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“While we cover nutrition and exercise, the focus is on learning a new lifestyle,” said Sanfilippo. “We also cover such topics as stress management and becoming more active.”

Jumpstart Your Health is for anyone over the age of 25 looking to lose weight and take charge of their health. A one-year commitment is required. There is a one-year program fee of $249. Attendance at class is a key indicator of success in the program.

Call 630-527-6363 to register. For more information, email jumpstart@ eehealth.org or visit eehealth.org/ classes-events.

IRA pushes Pritzker to reopen restaurants

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hour virtual group classes with a registered dietitian/trained lifestyle coach. The classes include education on nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification, and instruction in self-monitoring of weight, food and activity.

Attendance at a free virtual information session is required before enrolling in Jumpstart Your Health.

The program is headed by Julie Sanfilippo, RD, LDN, who is certified as a master trainer through the American Association of Diabetes Educators. She emphasizes Jumpstart is not just about weight management.

The Word is Out

Clarendale Residents Say It Best.

desperate their situation is,” said John R. Quigley, ECCI’s president and CEO. Eating and drinking establishments across Illinois lost 31,000 jobs in November, the most of any state in the country and three times as many as the next closest state, according to data reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Restaurant Association.

Hospitality businesses across Illinois have been surviving the winter months by exhausting all remaining funds (both relief and reserve), laying off dedicated team members, and often closing up operations permanently.

ECCI offers local support to restaurants, residents Developed last March, ECCI’s special “Dine Out” From Home website page has constantly marketed some 90 Elmhurst restaurants and bars which are “open for business” via walk-in takeout, curbside pick-up, drive-thru and/or delivery options for patrons during the Governor’s multiple Pandemic-related bans on indoor dining.

The “Dine Out” From Home page features the name, address, phone number, hours of operation, both menu and online ordering (if an option) hyperlinks, and service delivery options for each of the participating restaurants and bars.

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Edward-Elmhurst Health invites people who are interested in taking charge of their health and losing weight to join a virtual information session to learn more about the Jumpstart Your Health program.

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 • 3

Detectives still seeking suspect, vehicle

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE INDEPENDENT

According to a press release from Police Chief Michael Ruth and the City of Elmhurst, the Elmhurst Police Department was investigating a roadway shooting incident that occurred on St. Charles Road and the I-290 Expressway on Friday, Jan. 16, at approximately 2:30 a.m.

The victim reported observed a silver sedan following the victim’s vehicle driving west on the I-290 expressway from Chicago.

According to police, the silver sedan continued following as the victim exited the ramp to westbound St. Charles Road. As the victim merged onto St. Charles Road, the silver vehicle pulled alongside of the victim and the unknown offender began firing gunshots at the victim’s vehicle.

The victim’s vehicle was struck with several bullets. The victim was not injured.

The victim reported last seeing the suspect vehicle perform a U-turn and proceed east on St. Charles Road, possibly onto eastbound I-290, immediately after the shooting.

The interchange at St. Charles Road and I-290 was closed until approximately 5:30 a.m. on Friday evening, as evidence technicians searched for and collected evidence at the scene.

Elmhurst detectives are investigating the incident. The suspect vehicle is described as: A silver 1995 to 2003 BMW 5 series 4-door sedan with tinted windows.

Anyone with video footage or information about this incident is asked to contact the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050.

New Democratic speaker ends Madigan’s near-four-decade House leadership run

By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

One of the most transformative six-day periods in the history of Illinois government came to an end Jan. 13 with the election of Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, as the state’s House speaker—the first black man to hold the title.

Equally groundbreaking was the fact that Welch unseated Rep. Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, the nation’s longest-serving legislative leader who had been speaker for all but two years since 1983.

Welch sought a unifying tone in his first floor speech as speaker, telling his fellow lawmakers “today will be the last time I talk about us as Democrats or Republicans.”

“We will need to work together to make difficult decisions, folks,” he said, receiving applause from Republicans. “Let’s get ready. Because we are going to have to make some difficult decisions to control spending while we protect our most vulnerable residents and while we ensure schools receive the funding that they need.”

After the floor speech, Welch said during a news conference he had not had time to digest the historic events that led to his speakership. The House adjourned its Jan. 12 session at 4:14 a.m. the following morning

and reconvened to pass a massive criminal justice reform bill and certify Welch as speaker just hours later.

Welch urged to run by House Black Caucus The 22 members of the House Black Caucus urged him to run for speaker in a closed-door caucus, Welch said, and he had no plans to do so before their urging.

All but one of those members had supported Madigan on the first closed-door ballot between Democrats over the weekend. In the end, they provided the backbone for Welch’s late push after Madigan suspended his campaign and Welch built a broader support coalition than three other challengers—Reps. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, and Kathleen Willis, D-Addison.

West rose to nominate Welch for speaker on the floor of the Bank of Springfield Center, which served as the House chamber this week amid COVID-19 concerns.

“We are walking in uncharted territories, with COVID-19 still running rampant through our communities, a major budget crisis, a (legislative) remap, all while immediately following the huge footsteps and monumental legacy of Speaker Madigan,” West said, later calling for a standing ovation for Madigan. “But I firmly

believe that Welch did not choose this moment. This moment chose Welch because he has the wherewithal to convene the great minds within this caucus, so that we could tackle these issues together.”

But Welch’s election did not receive the backing of every Democratic member in the House. Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, and Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, voted present.

See SPEAKER, Page 13

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUSTIN L. FOWLER/STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER Rock Valley Publishing

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, holds his first news conference after taking the oath of office to become speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in the 102nd General Assembly on Jan. 13. In the second photo, Welch (left), talks with Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, during the lame-duck session for the Illinois House of Representatives held at the Bank of Springfield Center Jan. 12 in Springfield.

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4VP • Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Villa Park reView

Woman killed in fatal crash in Villa Park

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

Vehicle struck a tree at a high rate of speed in a residential neighborhood

STAFF REPORT

An adult woman died in a one-vehicle crash in a residential area in Villa Park last week.

On Thursday, Jan. 14, at 1:39 p.m., Villa Park police and fire units were dispatched to west Kenilworth Avenue near Yale Avenue for a vehicle on fire.

According to a statement issued by the Villa Park Police Department, officers arrived at the scene and found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames, with at least one occupant trapped inside the vehicle. The police officers and responding firefighters were unable to rescue the victim, the statement noted.

“The preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and struck a tree prior to starting on fire,” noted the statement from the police department. “The investigation is ongoing at this time.”

The crash site is in a residential area, one block north of Ardmore Elementary School.

On Friday, Jan. 15, Villa Park Police Chief Michael Rivas said the victim in the fatal crash is an adult female whose next of kin is from out of state. Rivas stated the victim was traveling westbound on Kenilworth at a high rate of speed. The exact rate of speed is unknown, he said.

According to a witness who was at the scene shortly after the crash, the vehicle—a black pickup truck with an extended rear seat cab— struck a tree on the north side of the street. The witness related that a Villa Park police officer tried to gain access to the driver-side door, but was pushed back by the heat from the flames.

The witness added that there were multiple small explosions from the vehicle’s engine compartment following the crash. Debris was scattered as far as 100 feet away from the tree that was struck, stated the witness.

E-mail: 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.

Villa Park man charged with child pornography Resident arrested after undercover internet investigation STAFF REPORT

Authorities arrested a Villa Park man last week for a series of child pornography charges.

David Hibbeler, 68, of the 100 block of N. Summit Ave., is charged David Hibbeler with four counts of possessing visual reproductions of child pornography.

DuPage County Associate Judge Alex McGimpsey set bail at $30,000 during a hearing on Jan. 12.

The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensic Investigation Unit, along with the Villa Park Police Department, executed a search warrant at Hibbeler’s home on Jan. 11. According to information provided by the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, the warrant was signed following an undercover internet investigation into the possession and distribution of child pornography files.

The Lombard Police Department and the Glendale Heights Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

“Our Digital Forensics Unit is picking right up where they left off at the end of the year and are starting 2021 with a renewed commitment to finding and bringing to justice those who deal in child pornography,”

said DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick in a statement issued by his office. “Unfortunately, this is the first of many of these cases they will present to prosecutors in the coming year.”

Hibbeler’s next court date is scheduled for Feb. 12.

“Every day, child pornographers steal the innocence from thousands of young boys and girls, some less than a year old,” added DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin in the statement issued by Mendrick’s office after Hibbeler’s arrest.

“These young victims cannot protect themselves from the severe emotional and physical harm inflicted upon them by these sexual predators. The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, however, continues to do a tremendous job of identifying and locating suspected child pornographers, as is alleged in this case. I commend them for their ongoing efforts in protecting our children from child pornographers.”

The statement from the sheriff’s office reminded members of the public that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

DuPage County Health Department reports 1,057 COVID-19 related deaths since March STAFF REPORT

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

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District 88 to present online memorial service for Dr. Scott Helton on Jan. 28 Superintendent passed away in December

District 88 will host a memorial to honor, remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton, who died on Dec. 10, 2020.

Helton, who was 58 years old, had served as the district’s superintendent since 2012. Prior to that, he spent 11 years as the principal of Addison Trail High School.

The memorial service will air at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.dupage88.net.

The district’s website already includes the virtual funeral service for Helton from Dec. 19, 2020. The website also gives community members

an opportunity to share a message of sympathy with the Helton family.

In honor of Helton’s legacy, his family has joined with the Partnership for Inspired Education (PIE) Foundation—a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that serves public school students in districts 4, 45, 48 and 88—to establish a scholarship to support and champion the educational success of students with need.

To donate to the Dr. Scott J. Helton Scholarship Fund, visit the district’s website, or mail a check to: PIE Foundation, 2 Friendship Plaza, Addison, IL 60101. Include “Dr. Scott J. Helton Scholarship Fund” in the memo line.

The DuPage County Health Department’s daily COVID-19 update of Jan. 17 reported there have been 1,057 deaths related to the coronavirus in county residents since March 2020. The update from the same day reported 65,391 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county.

There have been 2,037 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths related to the coronavirus in Villa Park residents. Lombard has reported 3,409 cases and 45 deaths.

The DuPage County Health Department’s latest COVID-19 information is posted on its website at dupagehealth.org.

The county’s first death related to the coronavirus was reported on March 19, 2020.

The county health department’s Jan. 17 update noted that 615 of the county’s 1,057 deaths related to the coronavirus involved residents 80 and older. Another 247 of the deaths involved residents in their 70s, while 125 of the deaths involved the 60-69 age group. About 93 percent of the county’s deaths related to COVID-19, therefore, involve residents 60 and older.

None of the county’s 1,057 deaths related to the coronavirus have involved a resident 19 and under.

There have been two DuPage County deaths related to COVID-19 in the 20-29 age group.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) update of Jan. 17 reported 1,068,829 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, with 18,208 statewide deaths related to the coronavirus.

More than 14.7 million tests for COVID-19 have been performed in the state. Illinois has a total population of about 12.67 million.

According to the IDPH, as of Jan. 15, nearly half (8,986) of the state’s COVID-19 related deaths involved residents and staff of long-term care facilities.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 • 5

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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 Jan. 14 Police said Luis R. Chagoyn-Ibarra, 29, of Addison, had an original warrant out of the Addison Police Department for unlawful possession of methamphetamine at 7 a.m.

8:46 p.m. Police said the suspect Jan. 7-Jan. 8 struck a victim on the face with his Theft of a vehicle was reported in hand. the 700 block of S. Summit. Police said an unknown suspect stole a seJan. 10 cured vehicle that was parked on the Maria C. San Roman, 42, of Ad- street sometime between 1:30 p.m. dison, was charged with DUI in Jan. 7 and 2 a.m. Jan. 8. the 1200 block of Foxdale Drive at Jan. 13 around 1:10 p.m.

Jan. 4 A 28-year-old Addison man was A 31-year-old Chicago man was charged with domestic battery in the Villa Park charged with domestic battery which 300 block of Lincoln Court at around Jan. 9 causes bodily harm, domestic batCharles C. Hansen, 27, of Deer- tery-making physical contact and refield, was charged with two counts of sisting or obstructing a police officer possession of a controlled substance/ at a hotel at around 12:48 a.m. other drug-any amount near Chase Theft was reported at the Metra and St. Charles at around 1:55 a.m.

Station. Police said an unknown susA 27-year-old Wheaton man was pect stole a silk screen wall banner charged with domestic battery/mak- that was left unattended at the Metra ing physical contact and domestic battery which causes bodily harm on Sept 26, 2020. The original complaint and arrest warrant were issued Jan. 9.

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Jan. 8-Jan. 9 Two incidents of criminal damage to a vehicle were reported at a local hotel. In the first incident, police said an unknown suspect used an unknown object to dent the rear bumper and scratch the passenger side door of a vehicle that was parked in a parking lot sometime between 9 p.m.

Jan. 8 and 9:30 a.m. Jan. 9. In the second incident, police said an unknown suspect used an unknown object to dent a vehicle that was left parked in a parking lot sometime between 9 p.m. Jan. 8 and 10 a.m. Jan. 9.

Jan. 8 Roberto Santacruz, 26, of Lombard, was charged with possession of cannabis/more than 30 grams but not more than 100 grams and speeding near Addison and Sidney at around 9:20 a.m.

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Train Station shelter sometime between 10 and 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 26-Jan. 4 Retail theft was reported at a local store. Police said an unknown suspect removed musical instruments from display shelves and left the store without paying for the items sometime between 4:35 p.m. Dec. 26 and 1:52 p.m. Jan. 4.

Dec. 30 Criminal damage to a vehicle was reported in the 900 block of N. Villa. Police said an unknown suspect scratched and dented an unoccupied vehicle that was parked in a parking lot sometime between 5 and 10 p.m.

County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccine Weekly Update Last week, vaccination efforts in DuPage County remain focused on administering first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine to healthcare personnel in Phase 1a and expanding vaccine capacity throughout the county. As of Jan. 12, 2021, approximately 33,950 vaccines have been administered to DuPage County healthcare personnel according to vaccination data provided by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). DuPage County is currently in the top five counties for the percent of population fully vaccinated.

DuPage County, Illinois’ second-most populous county, is fortunate to have a vast medical community. There are several hospitals, outpatient medical clinics, doctors’ offices, federally qualified health centers, and congregate care centers as well as other medical personnel such as dentists, nurses, physical therapists, etc. Due to these factors, health officials expect it will take several weeks before DuPage County is ready to move into Phase 1b.

“We understand some counties throughout the State are ready to move into Phase 1b. However, here in DuPage County we remain committed to vaccinating the thousands of healthcare personnel who have signed-up to receive vaccine appointments,” stated Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department. “We ask residents for their patience as we continue to move forward in our vaccination efforts of Phase 1a.

As more updates become available, this information will be shared on our website, social media channels, and weekly newsletter.”

DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) has received and distributed an average of 11,000 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines per week. Health officials are working closely with partners at all levels, including hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and com-

munity leaders to expand vaccine access and local capacity to administer vaccine in DuPage County. As vaccine supply increases and additional vaccination sites become available, the Health Department expects the rate of vaccination will increase. Additional information about DuPage County vaccine planning and related updates will be posted at www.dupagehealth. org/covid19vaccine.

DCHD COVID-19 vaccine clinics continue offering about 1,500 appointments per week for unaffiliated healthcare personnel (e.g., dentists, physical therapists, hospice workers, home health care).

Healthcare personnel residing, working, or attending a college/ university in DuPage County should sign-up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Weekly Update. Through this communication, the Health Department will share weekly updates and contact individuals and organizations with opportunities to schedule an appointment through DCHD or community partners as additional vaccine becomes available.

Healthcare personnel who schedule an appointment with DCHD will be required to present verification of their healthcare personnel status, i.e., employee ID badge, check stub, state licensure, or certificate at the time of their appointment. If healthcare personnel are affiliated with a health system, they are advised to contact their health system to coordinate vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccination data by county is now available through the IDPH website. Data include the number of doses administered, the vaccination rate per population, and what percent of the population is fully vaccinated. It is important to note that vaccine distribution figures are reported in real-time, while vaccine administration figures are reported with as much as a 72-hour lag.

In 2009, George W. Bush left his presidency with a great economic crisis that hadn’t been seen in several decades. In 2020, Donald Trump was president and led the country to an economic crisis, unemployment crisis, the greatest public health crisis the country has ever seen and a true democracy crisis. At least one of these Republican presidents had ethics and believed in truth; both of these qualities seem to be facing a crisis now, too. During this century, it seems clear that the Republicans have found their niche for successfully leading the country toward incredible demise. We had one Democratic president bail the country out of the 2008 crisis; let’s hope Biden can bail the country out of the crises of 2020. *** I read a story the other day about a student athlete at Glenbrook North who committed suicide. He was the quarterback and captain of the football team. His parents said he struggled with depression before the virus, but the governmental response to it worsened his depression. If you think about it, couldn’t his sad death be classified as COVID related? It makes me wonder how many other students, whether they’re athletes or not, are dealing with depression that may get worse as they continue to endure months of online-only learning. They’re not able to interact with classmates and friends, and they can’t participate in extracurricular activities like band, choir or sports.

It’s been proven that children, teens and young adults are the ones least affected by this virus. These kids need to be back in school. *** This man (Donald Trump), who so

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 • 7VP

many think is such a great leader, is nothing but a poor little man who cannot admit defeat. He has been spoiled his entire life and has never admitted losing anything as he sees declaring bankruptcy as a “win.” His win has cost thousands of people their jobs when he didn’t pay their employers for work they did for him—that’s his way of doing things and he thought he could do it with the country. He is a scam and a sham. Joe Biden will have a very difficult time repairing years of national damage and you “Trumpers” will expect him to fix everything in a year—it’s not going to happen as it took Trump four years to destroy—it always takes longer to rebuild! God bless our country! *** At the end of last year, the Economic Policy Institute reported 25.7 million workers remained officially unemployed, otherwise out of work due to the pandemic, or have experienced a reduction in work hours or pay. I heard on a radio news report that 965,000 unemployment claims were filed across the country last week alone. How many more need to lose their jobs and businesses over a virus that has a 98 percent recovery rate? Lori Lightfoot is now pushing for Chicago bars and restaurants to reopen for indoor dining. Even Andrew Cuomo, who once said he wouldn’t sacrifice human lives to reopen the economy, now stated that New York cannot stay closed. I won’t hold my breath waiting for JB Pritzker to come to the same conclusion. *** Do you remember when we had a Republican governor Bruce Rauner—and there were several deaths in a state-run home for veterans? I remember state Sen. Tom Cullerton

and the media speaking out, criticizing Rauner. In 2020, we had a Democrat governor—JB Pritzker— and there were multiple deaths in a state-run home for veterans. Did we hear as much criticism of the governor in 2020? Did Cullerton make as many public statements as he did when Rauner was governor? I don’t think so. Could it be that Democrats and their allies in the media politicize deaths when it hurts their opponents, but minimize deaths when they hurt a Democrat’s image? It sure looks that way. *** Let’s review what it took to take down Trump. A global pandemic. Mass media hysteria. Democrat governors closing down their states, crippling their economies. Flooding the nation with mail-in ballots. Illegal changes in election laws. Massive suppression of negative Biden coverage from the media, and especially from big tech (Facebook, Google, Twitter). And Trump still almost won! *** I am tired of hearing the left compare the Black Lives Matter riots over the summer to the recent storming of the Capitol building. They say the former is all about standing up against racism and the latter is sedition and insurrection that resulted in injury and deaths. Injury and death happened during the summer riots: 19 deaths alone in 14 days, according to a Forbes report. I do not in any way excuse the Capitol building riot, and yes, I call it rioting. However, what the left seems to leave out is, it is not protesting the deaths of Black individuals that is the problem. It is the looting, rioting, violence and lawlessness that have nothing to do with protesting. If it was to get someone’s attention, they accomplished that, but only to deter from their cause.

I don’t think these people know the meaning of the word “peaceful.”

And as for this faction of goons who

stormed the Capitol, I can only say it was unacceptable and makes them no better than the rioters on the left. *** Does anyone remember the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks? How many times were we told that we couldn’t penalize an entire group of people based on the actions of a few? How times have changed. Democrats now want to brand Americans they disagree with as terrorists. *** I see Sean Casten denouncing the protest on Capitol Hill but don’t recall him denouncing the peaceful protests when BLM and ANTIFA were burning and looting D.C. and other cities back in June. Both were wrong but you don’t get to pick and choose which you can grandstand for. *** Can’t wait for Trump’s memoirs to come out. Understand to maximize the profit, they are going to come out as a monthly series. It will be with the comics between Little (Hands) Lulu and Demolition Man. *** People need to wake up and see where we are headed. There is an all out assault on free speech. When government-tied corporations start removing content that does not fit their narrative, we are headed to Venezuela or Iran very quickly.

Wake up people; we are headed to socialism in a hurry. You voted Joe Biden in; now you will see the results. Trump may have been less than desirable but at least he fought for our country. *** Get ready for the media to reverse its COVID-19 coverage. Once Biden takes over, you’ll hear more and more about the difference in deaths from the virus and deaths with the virus. You’ll also hear more about the need to reopen businesses and schools. The ridiculous number of tests will also decline, which means

the number of cases will drop. The media will give Biden credit for a virus that’s fading out. *** Disappointing to see the Illinois Senate pass a very important criminal justice reform bill in the middle of the night during a lame duck legislative session. The senators were given the 764-page bill at 4 a.m. and asked to vote on it an hour later. Not one senator had time to read, review and discuss the bill with their constituents before voting on it. The Illinois house, later that morning, passed the changes with the minimum number of votes. That is not how the government is supposed to work and not why these people were elected. Shame on all of them.

They have ruined law enforcement as we know it. They have made the residents of Illinois less safe. Please check how your elected officials voted on this bill and remember that for the next election. *** How many people died in the United States in 2020? I don’t believe the official number has been released yet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2,813,503 deaths in the country in 2017, 2,839,205 in 2018 and 2,854,838 in 2019. The media doesn’t hesitate to report the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19. Our state and county health departments publish daily reports with additional deaths supposedly related to COVID-19. Will the media provide any deep reporting on the actual death total in 2020?

I doubt it. It seemed like the media was more obsessed with hyping death totals to damage Trump. Never mind that the vast majority of the so-called COVID-19 deaths were to elderly people who were near death with or without the virus. Also, will there be any reporting about the number of deaths of despair related to the lockdowns?

Letter to the editor

Reader: Speak Out section has been ‘increasingly divisive’ I have enjoyed reading the Villa Park Review for years. Its local focus brings me the in-depth reporting that is not available elsewhere.

My concern is this: the “Speak Out” section has been increasingly divisive to the point that little real information is provided to the reader. Helpful information provided to readers addresses their concerns.

Thoughtful, warm comments presented in a neighborly fashion benefit everyone.

It does little to help our community

when the platform is used to spread disinformation, partisan bickering and anger. America needs to come together to face the many challenges ahead that affects us all.

For the Villa Park Review to continue to be regarded as “Your Hometown Newspaper,” you have a responsibility to take the lead in lessening negativity so that we can heal and come together to live as neighbors should.

Joe Amore Villa Park

Helping those in need

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

DuPage County Board member Sheila Rutledge recently partnered with York Township to collect formula, wipes and diapers to help families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rutledge helped to provide all nine townships in DuPage County with federal relief funds to purchase the items.

Rutledge (center) is pictured with York Township Supervisor John W. Valle (left) and York Township Food Pantry Director Angela Tanner (right).

8 • Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Viewpoint

Jan. 21, 2021 • 8

Raja calls on the CDC to prevent vaccine waste Last week, I led a bipartisan letter signed by 32 members of Congress to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requesting that the CDC update its guidance to ensure that none of the vital COVID-19 vaccine doses would go to waste due to expiration related to distribution delays.

While the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) outlined an effective tier system for determining which groups receive the vaccine first, based on age, occupation, or other risk factors, and we should make every effort to prioritize higher risk individuals, common sense must be applied. In situations in which vaccines’ shelf lives create a choice in the final 24 hours between vaccinating lower priority individuals or no one, we must not allow a single dose to go to waste.

The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is an enormous undertaking for state governments, and more specific instructions from the CDC on the protocol for using doses before expiration will be helpful. The pandemic continues to rage on, and we can’t afford to waste vaccine doses due to poor planning.

As we stated in our letter, if the CDC does not outline the requested guidance on vaccine waste, we will provide a legislative solution to ensure that every vaccine is administered in a timely fashion.

Introduction of the Public Service Appreciation Through Loan Forgiveness Act As I continue to work with members from both parties on a range of policies to increase college affordability, expand career and technical education, and reduce student debt, on Monday, I introduced the Public Service Appreciation Through Loan Forgiveness Act. This bill would accelerate student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for those who enter public service through working at government organizations and tax-exempt not-for-profit organizations such as teachers, police officers, municipal workers, and em-

ployees at nonprofits or charities.

My legislation shortens the period after which loan forgiveness begins for employees under the Public Loan Forgiveness Program from ten years to four years. Participants would have their student loans reduced by 10% after four years of regular, on-time payments while working in public service, 20% after six years, 50% after eight years, and would completely forgive remaining debts after ten years of regular payments.

Thank you for continuing to stay vigilant and engaged during these difficult times and please contact my office if you have any questions or concerns by calling (847) 4131959; emailing me at IL08.helpline@mail.house.gov; or sending a message through my web site at krishnamoorthi.house.gov/contact/ email.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Representing the 8th District of Illinois

Education reform bill will head to governor; economic equity bills pass House Republicans warn both bills are seriously flawed

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A bill aimed at improving racial equity throughout the state’s K-12 and higher education system passed both houses of the General Assembly on Jan. 11, while another bill addressing economic inequities was up for House approval Jan. 12.

Both bills were part of an agenda being pushed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, which called for the rare lame duck session before members of the next General Assembly—and possibly a new House speaker—take office on Jan. 13.

The House worked late into the night Jan. 11 to pass the two measures after a series of lengthy private caucus meetings, some of which involved negotiations over who the Democrats would nominate for speaker. The education bill had already cleared the Senate earlier in the day and the Senate and was preparing to take up the economic equity bill the night of Jan.

Letter to the editor

Reader enjoyed Jan. 14 issue

I want to compliment you on the Thursday, Jan. 14 edition of the Elmhurst Independent. We always appreciate your mix of local and state news, and in-depth political articles of relevance to our community. This issue was especially informative. Since we only receive the Chicago Tribune on Sundays, I rely on reporting in The Independent. Having news in print form is a gift in this age of online soundbites with endless links!

Dee, I especially enjoyed your article about your famous uncle. Keep up the good work.

Cheryl Yauch

12.

Debates in both chambers were heated, with Black Caucus members arguing that their issues could no longer be ignored and Republicans arguing that despite the Black Caucus’ good intentions, the bills had been put together hastily and were seriously flawed.

“We want to help you accomplish these goals. We want the state of Illinois to open up opportunity to everybody who wants to have that opportunity,” Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said on the floor of the House. “We all want that same thing.

This is not the way.”

His comments came after a lengthy debate over the economic equity bill, Senate Bill 1608, which creates a number of new commissions and, among other provisions, includes additional racial diversity requirements in state purchasing policies.

Republicans had tried to delay passage of the bill by requesting several “notes” to determine its fiscal impact to the state and how many new mandates it would create. But Democrats voted to declare those notes “inapplicable” and moved forward anyway.

“Our black people are looking for solutions,” Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, said in response.

“They can’t get unemployment. They can’t get (Paycheck Protection Program loans). They can’t get the funds that many of your friends are getting on the other side, and all we’re asking is for you to help us.”

During debate on the bill, Rep.

Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, engaged in a lengthy exchange with the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, over details of the bill, pointing out that it requires purchasing officers to consider racial diversity even in the purchase of real estate and vehicles, where the state has little control over the race of the seller or the manufacturer.

After about 45 minutes of debate, Jones made a parliamentary motion to cut off discussion and proceed immediately to a vote. The bill eventually passed, 70-39, sending it to the Senate.

Another economic equity bill sponsored by Harper, Senate Bill 1480, would cap interest rates on payday and car title loans and to limit the use of criminal history records as a basis for employment and housing decisions. It passed the House 70-43 as well.

The education bill, House Bill 2170, drew equally sharp debate in both chambers. That bill creates a number of new mandates for K-12 education, including changes to the state’s social studies requirements, a requirement for districts to provide computer literacy programs and for the State Board of Education to develop new computer science curriculum standards.

But the one that drew the sharpest disagreement concerned changes to the AIM HIGH grant program in higher education, which is currently funded equally between the state and state universities.

Under the bill, universities where 49 percent or more of the students

qualify for federal Pell grants would only have to fund 20 percent of a student’s AIM HIGH award while universities where fewer than 49 percent of students receive Pell grants would have to fund 60 percent of the award.

The intent of that provision was to lower the cost to schools with smaller endowment funds such as Chicago State University, which last year returned $800,000 of the $1 million in state funds it was allotted, saying it could not afford to pay for its share of the match.

But Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, argued in an interview that universities have a variety of ways to pay their share, including tuition waivers equal to their share of the award, and he criticized CSU—which reported a freshman class this year of just 144 students—for not using that option to attract more students.

In the House, Rep. Norine Hammond, R-Macomb, openly criticized the bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, arguing that the bill puts additional costs on larger universities, such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“Representative, this is going to significantly increase student debt, the very issue that we just talked about,” Hammond said. “And you are cutting dollars to the very students that you represent.”

Ammons said she disagreed.

The bill passed the Senate, 40-18, and cleared the House, 69-41, paving the way for it to head to Gov. JB Pritzker.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 • 9

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 • 11

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Welch addresses allegations Cassidy later issued a statement saying diversification of leadership in Illinois should be celebrated, but she called for a “vigorous review” into allegations against Welch that were outlined in a Chicago Tribune article in the waning hours of his run for speaker.

The Tribune cited a 2002 police report from west suburban Hillside that accused Welch of slamming an ex-girlfriend’s head into a kitchen countertop numerous times after she called him “a loser.” The Tribune said the woman elected not to press charges after talking it over with Welch’s relative, according to the report.

Welch denied the allegations at the time, according to the Tribune report. He also issued a statement last week when confronted with the past allegation.

“This verbal argument occurred nearly two decades ago,” he said in the statement. “I will be honest that I have reconciled with the individual since that night. In fact, after our dispute we sought out the authorities ourselves. Their family lives in my district and are proud supporters of my public service and work.”

Cassidy said in her statement she respects Welch and considers him “a good man” but she reserved her vote “because, at the same time that we’re ending years of scandal over allegations of sexual harassment and corruption, we have also just been made aware of troubling allegations from Speaker Welch’s past.”

“He has denied each allegation, and we certainly have seen plenty of examples of black men being wrongfully accused,” she said. “I feel strongly that I have been too outspoken on issues of sexual harassment and domestic violence to simply ignore these questions.”

Asked about the allegations in a news conference after his election, Welch said he did not see a need to go beyond the statement and he respected the privacy of the individuals involved.

“And I think my life’s work here in the legislature shows my respect for women,” he said.

As Cassidy referenced, Madigan’s decades-long vice grip on power as House speaker and Democratic Party of Illinois chairman was weakened in 2018 amid a sexual harassment scandal that led to the firing of several top aides from his administration, including his longtime chief of staff.

Madigan was further weakened last year when he was named in a court document by utility giant Commonwealth Edison. The company admitted to a yearslong bribery scheme aimed at influencing Madigan by providing jobs to his associates.

Working with Durkin Welch and Minority Leader Jim

Durkin, R-Western Springs, both made statements Jan. 13 that they were willing to reach across the aisle, and they noted they live about five miles from one another.

But rifts in their relationship scratched the surface Jan. 13 in their floor remarks and in news conferences following the vote.

Durkin, prior to Welch’s election, accused Welch of being an extension of Madigan, and he has been critical of Welch’s handling of a House Special Investigating Committee into Madigan’s ComEd ties.

Republicans called that legislative committee after accusing Madigan of conduct unbecoming of a legislator.

Welch chaired the committee, not requiring Madigan to testify and voting to end it after only three hearings in four months.

Durkin repeated again Jan. 13 that Welch, as chairman, “did a disservice to the body” and called the process “an embarrassment.”

While Welch thanked Madigan, Durkin, who is now the longest-serving legislative leader in Illinois having served in the post since 2013, said he did not “have anything positive to say” about Madigan, calling government institutions “better off” with him out of leadership.

Welch was more laudatory, although he later alluded to potential changes to the committee process and leadership from the previous practices of Madigan’s administration.

“While our state has many problems, our schools are better, more children have access to health care, and our working-class families can more easily live the American dream thanks to the strong leadership of Speaker Madigan,” he said.

The new speaker and minority leader will also have to get past their disagreements with how the process played out over the previous six days in the General Assembly—Democrats frequently cut off floor debate in an effort to pass a sweeping Black Caucus agenda and other major reforms before the clock ran out and new lawmakers were seated.

“Speaker Madigan ran through a number of bills that were not well thought out,” Durkin said. “Despite the statements on the floor that these issues have been around for a long time, every one of these major bills that were passed have a cost tag to them, ... and many of them were dropped on us last night without any negotiation.”

Both suggested they are willing to move forward more collaboratively.

“I’m hopeful that he will see by my actions that today is a new day, a new opportunity to develop a new relationship in this space and we’ll go from there,” Welch said of his relationship with Durkin.

Everybody eats!

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To advertise call (630) 834-8244.

Governor activates National Guard for inauguration upon request from D.C. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has ordered the activation of approximately 200 Illinois National Guard members in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

The District of Columbia requested additional support from the Guard in advance of the upcoming event.

“In the wake of the recent incident at the Capitol, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power to the Biden administration is of the utmost importance,” said Governor Pritzker. “The Illinois National Guard is renowned for its exemplary soldiers and airmen and I am proud to have them represent Illinois alongside other servicemembers during the upcoming presidential inauguration.”

“Supporting the presidential inauguration is a great opportunity

for the Illinois National Guard to be part of history and represent the state of Illinois,” said Maj. Gen. Richard Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. “Our soldiers and airmen are highly-trained and I have full confidence in their abilities to support local and federal agencies as needed.”

Approximately 100 Illinois Army National Guard Military Police Soldiers from the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s 33rd Military Police Battalion will support the inauguration. The battalion is based in Bloomington with subordinate units in Springfield, Freeport and Fort Sheridan.

In addition, a small medical team is being activated to support the Military Police.

About 45 Security Forces Airmen from the 183rd Wing based in Springfield, the 126th Air Refueling Wing based at Scott Air Force Base, and the 182nd Airlift Wing based in Peoria, will be activated to support the Presidential Inauguration. Another 30 Airmen from the Illinois Air National Guard will be activated to provide communication, logistics, and religious support.

About 10 Soldiers with the 5th Civil Support Team, based in Bartonville, will support the District of Columbia National Guard’s 33rd Civil Support Team.

The Illinois National Guard will assist federal and local agencies to ensure safety and security during the inauguration.

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14VP • Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

IHSA athletics remain on pause; board will meet later this month to review high school sports schedules Region 8, which includes DuPage County, remains in restrictive Tier 3 STAFF REPORT

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors issued a statement after its regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 13.

High school winter athletic seasons in Illinois were supposed to begin in November 2020, but those seasons have not started.

High school sports in the state have been on pause since mid-November because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the window for winter sports narrowing, and with the spring seasons approaching, the IHSA, which oversees high school sports in the state, will soon have to announce if and when certain athletic seasons will be conducted during the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.

According to the schedules announced at the start of the 2020-21 school year, the winter seasons were supposed to run until Feb. 13, 2021. The spring seasons—which include football during the current school year—are scheduled to hold their first practices on Feb. 15, with games starting on March 5, and the season continuing through May 1.

The newly created summer seasons are supposed to begin

with practices on April 19, and competitions on May 3. The summer seasons are scheduled to run through June 26.

On Jan. 7, IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson stated that the IHSA believed it could safely conduct sports. Anderson also criticized the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for not providing detailed benchmarks for allowing sports to resume. Anderson also noted that other states are currently conducting high school athletic seasons.

“We realize there is a desire for finality on a sports schedule for 2020-21, however, we did not believe it would be prudent to lock ourselves into a schedule at a time when IHSA schools are unable to conduct any sports,” noted the statement from the IHSA Board of Directors after the Jan. 13 meeting. “Per Governor [JB] Pritzker, we have hope that low-risk sports may be permitted in certain regions of the state as early as this Friday [Jan. 15].”

The statement added that if high school sports in Illinois do not resume in February, the seasons of some sports could be in jeopardy.

“February seems like a realistic timeline to have sports resume statewide,” noted the board in last week’s statement. “We expect that the events of the next two weeks will go a long way toward informing our opinion on which scheduling option we decide to

proceed with. We recognize that if no sports have resumed by February, season lengths could be impacted in certain sports, and that we may need to take a longer look at the likelihood of true seasons being conducted in high-risk sports this year.

“Our overall goal remains unchanged, as we hope to conduct all IHSA sports during the remainder of the school year calendar.

Please know that we see and read many of the comments and messages from student-athletes, coaches, and parents, and that we are doing everything we can to try and bring IHSA sports back within the current parameters we are working in.”

The IDPH announced on Jan. 15 that three regions in the state would move to less restrictive tiers of mitigations. Those three regions are Region 1, which includes Rockford, Region 2, which includes Peoria, and Region 5, which includes the southern part of the state. Regions 1 and 2 moved to Tier 2, while Region 5 moved to Tier 1. The eight remaining regions in the state—including Region 8 (DuPage County and Kane County) remained in Tier 3.

“IDPH will continue to track the health metrics in all 11 regions and announce tier changes when a region makes progress,” noted the state health department in a statement on Jan. 15.

The IHSA Board of Directors will hold its next meeting on Jan. 27.

Sidelined by the pandemic, high school athletes wait and hope for a season STAFF REPORT

In a normal school year, the high school winter seasons would be in full swing by the middle of January. The current school year, of course, has been anything but normal.

High school athletes in Illinois have been sidelined for two months by the state’s actions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The truncated 2020-21 winter athletic seasons were supposed to start on Nov. 16, 2020, and continue until Feb. 13, 2021. But all Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sports in the state have been on pause since mid-November.

With or without reduced state-wide restrictions that may take place in the next few weeks, the IHSA will soon have to make some difficult decisions. What will happen to the winter seasons? Will the winter seasons be completely canceled? Will they be extended into late February or early March? If the winter seasons are extended, how will that affect the schedules of spring sports, which are scheduled to take place from Feb. 15 to May 1, and summer sports, which are slated to run from May 3 to June 26?

Last week, on Jan. 15, Gov. JB Pritzker announced that three regions in the state (1, 2 and 5) would be rolled back into less restrictive COVID-19 mitigations. DuPage County, however, is in Region 8, which remained in Tier 3 mitigations.

Regions 1 and 2 moved to Tier 2 mitigations, while Region 5, which is in the southern portion of the state, moved to Tier 1. The Tier 1 level includes fewer restrictions than Tier 2.

Schools in Tier 2 regions can resume athletic practices in low-risk sports (including bowling, competitive cheer, competitive dance, girls gymnastics and boys swimming and diving).

Schools in those regions can conduct training with no physical contact in high-risk sports.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) classifies boys and girls basketball as high-risk sports.

For now, the area’s high school athletes can only wait to see what happens.

“The gym is set up and ready to go, and we are hoping that the metrics come down soon so we can have more answers,” said Deanna Zuchowski, Willowbrook’s girls gymnastics coach. Girls gymnastics is one of the Willowbrook winter sports—along with boys and girls basketball, girls bowling, cheerleading, dance

and boys swimming and diving—that have been on hold during the state’s current pause in high school athletics.

“The team has been meeting virtually to stretch and condition, as well as talk about goals and expectations for the year and the upcoming year,” added Zuchowski. “We talk a lot about overcoming obstacles and have talked about the mind game that gymnastics plays.

Gymnastics is not only a physical sport, but one has to be mentally ready for the challenge.

We are trying, as a team, to stay positive for the season and not let our spirits falter.”

The Warriors’ strong 2019-20 season included a team score of 130.925 at the West Suburban Gold Conference Meet, which took place on Feb. 1, 2020, at Willowbrook. The Warriors finished second to the Downers Grove co-op team in the conference meet’s team standings.

The Willowbrook team had not reached the 130-point mark in a meet in 12 years until the 2019-20 season. The drought ended in the Warriors’ Jan. 23 win over Morton. The Warriors also reached the 130-point mark in their Jan. 29 victory over Leyden, and in the conference meet on Feb. 1.

The Warriors’ strong 2019-20 campaign included an exceptional post-season from Bella Naumovsky, who won the first-place medal in the uneven bars competition at the conference meet. Naumovsky’s strong sophomore season continued when she won the individual title in the uneven bars at the IHSA Lake Park Regional on Feb. 5.

Five days later, at the IHSA Glenbard South Sectional, Naumovsky earned a tie for third on the uneven bars to secure an individual berth in the state meet. Naumovsky was the first Willowbrook girls gymnast to qualify for the state meet in 11 years. She earned a score of 9.3 in the preliminary round of the IHSA State Meet, good for 12th place in the individual standings.

The top 10 scorers, including ties, advanced to the individual finals.

Willowbrook’s dance team, which should be in the middle of its competitive season right now, is also unable to practice together in person.

“We have been meeting virtually,” said Maggie Porter, the head coach of the Willowbrook dance team. “We are hoping for a season.”

For several years, the Willowbrook team has performed a kick routine to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” at halftime of a boys basketball game played during the Christmas season. The girls on the team did the best they could to continue that tradition this year by putting together a video/virtual performance, with each team member performing individually.

In 2019, the Willowbrook dance team qualified for the IHSA competitive dance state meet.

One year ago, the team narrowly missed earning its second straight trip to the state meet. The top six teams at the Geneva Sectional advanced to the state meet. Willowbrook placed sixth in that sectional, which took place on Jan. 25, 2020.

CHRIS FOX FILE PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

High school sports in Illinois have been on pause since mid-November because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state’s high school winter athletic seasons have not started. The winter seasons for the current school year were supposed to take place from Nov. 16, 2020, until Feb. 13, 2021. The Willowbrook High School winter teams waiting for news about their seasons include the girls gymnastics team and the dance team. One photo from the 2019-20 season shows Willowbrook’s Bella Naumovsky competing on the uneven bars at the IHSA girls gymnastics state meet on Feb. 21, 2020. Naumovsky, who qualified for the 2020 state meet as a sophomore, is pictured with assistant coach Andy Isaacson (left) and head coach Deanna Zuchowski (background). Another photo from the 2019-20 school year shows members of the Willowbrook dance team competing at the IHSA Geneva Sectional on Jan. 25, 2020. Willowbrook narrowly missed earning its second straight trip to the IHSA competitive dance state meet.

The top seven teams at the Geneva Sectional qualified for the state meet. Willowbrook placed seventh in the sectional standings.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 • 15

388542

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Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call JK MAINTENANCE Landscaping/ CLASSIFIEDNever IN-COLUMN ADS Building Repair/ BILLGutters Known to Fail Announcements HANDYMAN HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777.

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Our readers Plus any other antiques and are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are Proudly serving DuPage County for 10 years!To complain of discrimination collectibles. Call: v v v v v v available on an equal opportunity basis.

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Queen of Heaven and Earth! I Say this prayer 9 times a day, humbly beseech youThis from the by the eighth dayDISCLAIMER your prayers NOTICE pubwill be answered. It has never bottom of my heart to answer me lication not knowingly acbeen known to fail.

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One way we can help each other get through these challenging times is to keep our dollars local. Here are three good reasons.

Reason #1: Shopping locally saves you gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 • 17

Willowbrook speech team takes part in virtual competition Finishes fourth in the 19-team event

Members of the Willowbrook High School speech team competed in a recent virtual tournament hosted

by Grant Community High School of Fox Lake. Willowbrook placed fourth out of 19 teams in the Jan. 8 competition.

Junior Emily Maher of Willowbrook earned first-place honors in the Extemporaneous Speaking category.

Maher also placed fifth in Impromptu Speaking.

Senior Michael Poirier of Willowbrook claimed first place in Prose Reading. He also placed third in Po-

etry Reading.

The Willowbrook team’s other contestants in the event included the duo of Caitlin Brennan and Cara Burns; the two seniors placed second in Dramatic Duet Acting. Senior Sean Shepherd and junior Katherine Wentworth finished sixth in the same category.

Shepherd teamed with sophomore Amelia Tortorici to place third in Humorous Duet Acting. Tortorici was a finalist in Original Comedy. Senior Lily Morgan earned second-place recognition in Prose Reading.

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! Answers on page 18

Villa Park Library events Monday, Jan. 25 • Library presents Medicare 101 The Villa Park Public Library will present Medicare 101 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Attendees can get up to speed on what Medicare covers, what it doesn’t, and their potential out-of-pocket exposure.

They will also learn about Supplements, Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Coverage, and cost-saving strategies for the years ahead. This program will be held online via Zoom.

Registration and a valid email address are required. The link for the meeting and instructions on how to attend will be sent to all registrants via email. For more information, visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-8341164.

• CUB offers free utility bill clinic through the Library The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is offering an online Utility Bill Clinic through the Villa Park Public Library on the above date. All are welcome to sign up for a free 30-minute one-on-one consultation with an energy expert from CUB. Sessions will be held online via Zoom, and various timeslots are available. Registration is required. For more information, visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Thursday, Jan. 28 Library presents I Miss You postcards The Villa Park Public Library will present I Miss You Postcards—Valentine’s Day Edition! from 6-7 p.m. At this virtual program, participants will use a kit to make a great project to send to loved ones! Kits are available at the Library and cost $3 per person, per project. The program will be online via Zoom, but it will also be recorded and viewable until Thursday, January 28 for those who cannot make the live session. Registration is required. For more information, visit the Library’s website CLUES ACROSS 1. Composed 5. Lesotho currency 9. Ethnic group associated with Hungarians 11. Gains knowledge of 13. Gradual destruction 15. Purchase 16. Pharaoh of lower Egypt 17. Where you’re going 19. The 6th letter of the Greek alphabet 21. Fishing net 22. Midway between south and southeast 23. A way to sort 25. C C C 26. Popular sports podcast (abbr.)

27. Discount 29. Consumes tobacco 31. A way to run 33. Popular musical awards show 34. Pertains to the male sexual organ 36. Supplements with difficulty 38. Green veggie 39. Deep-bodied freshwater fish 41. Holy fire 43. Usually has a lid 44. Being of use or service 46. Have a yen for 48. Unknowingness 52. Dry white wine drink 53. Unwinds 54. Traveling by sea 56. Outdoor entertaining areas 57. Stringed instruments 58. __ Redgrave, actress 59. Moves earth CLUES DOWN 1. Progressive decay of a bone or tooth 2. Burrowing rodents 3. French/Belgian river 4. A professional cleaner

at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Ongoing programs Winter Reading Program returns to Library Journey beyond the covers of books with Dig Deeper, the Villa Park Public Library’s 2021 Winter Reading Program. The program officially launched online with Beanstack on Jan. 4. This is the same system the library used for Summer Reading 2020. Itis a fun, free, easy-to-use app for iOS or Android devices. Returning readers can easily join in the challenge from the Beanstack website or app, and new readers can sign up from the library’s website. Get ready to start tracking reading, collecting badges, and earning tickets for prize drawings this winter. The adult and youth programs offer fun for all ages.

Both programs are free, easy, and open to everyone. For more information, visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Library presents healthy cuisine virtual program The Villa Park Public Library will present Healthy Cuisine to Start the New Year with Chef Maddox! At this virtual program, attendees will learn how to skip the calories but not skimp on incredible flavors and textures. They will also learn some new methods and techniques in preparation and cooking.

It is an online presentation via YouTube, and will be recorded and viewable from Thursday, Jan. 14 through Thursday, Jan. 21. Registration and a valid email address are required. Registrants will receive the YouTube link and recipes through email before the class in available. For more information, visit the Library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Library offers take-home science kits for kids In partnership with the Museum of

5. A Russian river 6. Kiln 7. True statements 8. Most private 9. French city 10. Masses of fish eggs 11. Apart from others 12. Monetary unit of Samoa 14. Nanosecond 15. Film 18. Men’s fashion accessories 20. Flowering shrub 24. North Carolina university 26. Former monetary unit of Spain 28. Foodies 30. New Zealand parrot

Science & Industry Chicago, the Villa Park Public Library is offering MSI Science Minors: Science at Home take-home activity kits. These kits are perfect for children who loved attending in-person science minors programs in the past or who just have a curious mind and enjoy some hands-on experiments. Each kit will contain three activities that focus on sound, light, and air.

The activities are intended for children ages 8 and older to do independently.

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

Library offers online ukulele classes The Villa Park Public Library is offering ukulele classes for everyone ages 14 and up. Classes will meet online via Zoom on Wednesdays through Feb. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. During this six-week course, students will learn to play some chords and songs. Registrants must attend all six classes. Visit perrysmusic. net for details about ukulele rentals.

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

Library offers winter activity kit for kids Children ages 5 and younger can make the most of winter with a bundle of frosty fun from the Villa Park Public Library. The Winter Wonders Bundle for Little Ones contains crafts and activities about snow and cold weather delights that will give young children a way to explore and enjoy the season from the comfort of home. Activity kits can be picked up at the library now.

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

32. Makes very happy 34. A payment required for not fulfilling a contract 35. Emerald Isle 37. The act of terminating someone’s employment 38. Gland in some mammals 40. Commoner 42. Large animals 43. Belch 45. Employee stock ownership plan 47. Work units 49. Wagon 50. Nerve fiber 51. Proclaimed 55. Japanese delicacy

18 • Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

The Independent

Sports

Jan. 21, 2021 • 18

IHSA provides update on status of high school sports Several regions can resume practices after governor lowers mitigations; basketball, football seasons called into question

CORRESPONDENT

The Illinois High School Association issued a pair of updates last week related to the status of high school sports in the state.

Late last week, Governor JB Pritzker announced three regions in the state (1, 2 and 5; or the Rockford and west area, Peoria area and southeastern Illinois areas of the state) are being rolled back from Tier 3 COVID-19 pandemic mitigations to Tier 2 status. In fact, the IDPH’s website now lists that Southeastern Illinois Region 5 as being all the way back to Tier 1. That announcement allows further participation opportunities for IHSA schools located in those three regions.

On the same day last week, a Chicago newspaper story labeled “Pritzker’s latest announcement likely puts an end to hopes of a basketball season; football holds on by a thread,” sent shockwaves through the high school sports community.

Also earlier last week, the IHSA provided an update coming out of it regularly scheduled board of directors meeting with news that all sports not operating under an official IHSA season calendar may begin to conduct contact days as soon as they are allowable under state board of health mitigations and local school guidance, plus a warning that the association’s current COVID-19-adjusted calendar for the winter, spring and summer seasons likely will need adjusting, setting a Jan. 27 special board meeting date as the next likely update timeframe, but with the possibility of a sooner announcement on an adjusted calendar for the low-risk winter sports.

“We realize there is a desire for finality on a sports schedule for 2020-

2021, however we did not believe it would be prudent to lock ourselves into a schedule at a time when IHSA schools are unable to conduct any sports,” the IHSA Board of Directors said in a joint statement. “Per Governor Pritzker, we have hope that low-risk sports may be permitted in certain regions of the state as early as Jan. 15 (Regions 1, 2 and 5). With that in mind, February seems like a realistic timeline to have sports resume statewide. We expect that the events of the next two weeks will go a long way toward informing our opinion on which scheduling option we decided to proceed with.

“We recognize that if no sports have resumed by February, season lengths could be impacted in certain sports, and that we may need to take a longer look at the likelihood of true seasons being conducted in high-risk sports during the remainder of the school year calendar. Please know we see and read many of the comments and messages from student-athletes, coaches and parents, and that we are doing everything we can to try and bring IHSA sports back within the current parameters we are working in.”

After the IHSA’s second update was released, a Chicago Sun-Times sportswriter published an article that created a firestorm concerning the sports of basketball and football and the viability of those schedules being played in any fashion this school year. The article, written by Michael O’Brien, references a document obtained from Pritzker’s office that still lists basketball, football, hockey and wrestling as high-risk sports and allows for a best-case scenario of team scrimmages only and no games for those sports, even when their regions are rolled all the way back to Tier 1.

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In Tier 2, which is the next current rollback step for COVID-19 regions still in Tier 3, high-risk sports can only participate in non-contact training, according to the Sun-Times story. The state has been mired in the current Tier 3 since November due to surging COVID-19 metrics.

Low-risk winter sports for schools in regions that lower to Tier 2 status can begin practice immediately and begin competition within their geographic COVID region on a future date to be determined by the IHSA board. High-risk winter sports in Tier 2 (boys basketball and girls basketball) can conduct team training with no physical contact. Low-risk winter sports include badminton, boys swimming and diving, cheerleading, dance, boys and girls bowling and girls gymnastics.

Spring and summer sports for schools located in regions lowered to Tier 2 mitigations may begin to conduct contact days on Monday, Jan. 25. All contact days must be conducted under the rules of the Illinois Department of Public Health All Sports Policy based on their risk level. Weight training may be conducted in regions under Tier 2 mitigations as along as social distancing and masks are utilized.

The IHSA stressed all athletic activities remain on pause for schools located in regions that remain under Tier 3 mitigations.

“This is certainly positive news for three regions of the state, but we still have a long way to go until we get all of our student-athletes back to being active,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “High school student-athletes are hurting from a mental, physical and emotional standpoint, so we hope this is the first step toward getting that back to

normalcy.”

The IHSA added the board is scheduled to meet again on Jan. 27. Anderson said he anticipates the board will set competition start dates for low-risk winter sports prior to the Jan. 27 meeting. “We all need to continue to take the mitigations seriously,” Anderson said.

“Wear a mask. Socially distance.

We need to get these other regions to

Fenton softball standout headed to Elmhurst University Fenton center fielder Madison Spencer recently decided to continue her softball career at Elmhurst University, a Division III NCAA school located in the neighboring city of Elmhurst.

“Elmhurst University has called my name since the day I began the college searching process,” Spencer said. “It suits all of my needs -- I get to stay close to home, study nursing, and play softball! I can’t wait to continue growing and learning as a person, student, and athlete during my transition into college.”

Spencer has played on the varsity team since her freshman year and began as a corner outfielder until taking over at center field halfway through her first season.

“Madison is a great person and a really hard worker,” Coach Mello said. “She was a key part of our Conference Championship team in 2019.

We are very lucky that we still have her for one more season. Once she does go to Elmhurst, we will certainly go and support her.”

Reflecting on her time at Fenton, Spencer said she’s very grateful for

Answers PUZZLE 1

Tier 2 and cannot risk having others backslide.”

The IHSA board directed IHSA staff to take feedback from last week’s meeting as well as any insights gained in the coming weeks and bring forward viable scheduling options for that Jan. 27 special meeting.

All IHSA sports have been halted since Nov. 20.

PUZZLE 2

Madison Spencer

all the growth opportunities.

“Since day one, Fenton softball has been more than just an athletic program to me,” Spencer said. “Through my amazing teammates and coaches, this program has taught me who I am and everything I want to be.”

Congratulations, Madison Spencer! Fenton is proud of you.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 • 19

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20 • Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

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