VPR100523

A day to celebrate

Play at the plate Graduation day at Willowbrook

Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2021 celebrated its commencement with two separate ceremonies in the school’s main gymnasium on Sunday morning. The entire class includes over 470 students. About half of those students attended the

Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while attempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South. Rugg tried to score from second base on a single by sophomore Katelyn Cox in the top of the second inning, when the game was tied at 2-2. Downers Grove South’s catcher tagged Rugg out at home plate for the third out of the inning. The Mustangs went on to defeat the Warriors 7-3 in the West Suburban Gold Conference contest. Wil-

The Village of Villa Park held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lions Park Recreation Center on Friday, Sept. 29. Members of the Villa Park Village Board joined residents, village staff members and others at the ceremony. Construction of the recreation center, located at 320 E. Wildwood St., is about to begin. The project to build the new center should take 12 to 14 months. The facility is scheduled to open in late 2024 at the site of the village’s former Community Recreation Building, which was demolished this summer. The attendees at Friday’s ceremony included Villa Park resident and former Illinois State Senator Tom Cullerton. In 2021, as a member of the state senate, Cullerton secured a $10 million grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to help pay for the construction of the new recreation center. “I’m super-excited that this is starting,” said Cullerton, who was Villa Park’s village president from 2009 to 2013. “It’s wonderful to see that this space is going to be utilized for all the people of Villa Park.” The two-story facility will feature 38,500 square feet of space. Its amenities will include a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, some general program rooms and a fitness center. Additionally, there will be a second-floor track overlooking the gymnasium.

lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s loss to post an 11-2 win in Saturday’s game at Hinsdale Central. The Warriors bashed three home runs in the second inning of Sat urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Silver Conference. Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and sophomore Kayleigh Dennison provided the home runs. Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the background of the above photo. For more about the Warriors, see page 14.

Arbor Day in Villa Park

ceremony that began at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony that started at 11 a.m. The photo shows members of the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing during the day’s first service. For more photos, see Page 4.

Memorial Day in Villa Park

“We’re so happy to be able to provide a high-quality recreation facility to the residents of Villa Park,” said Greg Gola, the director of the village’s parks and recreation department, during Friday’s event.

Leslie Allison-Seei—chair of the Villa Park Community Pride Commission. Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday of each April. The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Villa Park with Tree City USA designation for 36 straight years. To receive that recognition, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

Pictured left to right are: village trustees Carine Alfano, Deepasriya Kumar, Jack Kozar, Kevin Patrick and Jorge Cordova; former village trustee Cheryl Tucker, village president Nick Cuzzone, Gola and village clerk Hosanna Korynecky.

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 held its Memorial Day service on Monday morning at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park. Post Commander Jim Blankshain is pictured bowing his head as Willowbrook High School students Lily Hendrickson and Anna Seelbach sound taps at the end of the ceremony. The post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s observance included a reading of the names of the Post 2801 members who have recently died. That list included World War II veteran Charles “Sid” Bergh, who served as the master of ceremonies of the post’s annual Memorial Day service for several years. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Bergh died in October 2020. He was 94 years old. Bergh was the post’s last surviving World War II veteran.

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Villa Park Review

CROP Hunger Walk raises around $19,000

Twelve teams consisting of 93 walkers from around the area have raised about $19,000 so far during this year’s Great Prairie Trail CROP Hunger Walk, which took place Sunday on the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail. Approximately 25 percent of the funds raised will be used to benefit the following local organizations that already provide hunger relief: the Disciples Food Pantry, Villa Park; the Community Food Table and The Outreach House, Lombard; and the United Community Concerns Association, Elmhurst. One of the 12 participating teams was a team from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lombard (shown above right). The event is sponsored by Church World Service. Jon Skogen (left), national community engagement manager at Church World Service, was on hand Sunday and spoke to the walkers at the First Church of Lombard before they began their walk. Teams that participated in the walk included teams from Calvary Episcopal Church of Lombard, Christian Church of Villa Park, the Community Presbyterian Church of Lombard, Episcopal Church of Our Savior of Elmhurst, the First Church of Lombard AGAPE walkers, Good Samaritan United Methodist Church of Addison, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Lombard, St. Paul Lutheran Church of Villa Park, The Outreach House of Lombard, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Elmhurst, the United Community Concerns Association of Elmhurst and POPcropwalkers.

Seven years after passage, Illinois’ first in string of recent abortion protections gets day in court

Crisis pregnancy centers contend they

By Hannah Meisel Capitol News illiNois

In 2016, before Donald Trump’s presidency paved the way for the eventual overturning of Roe v. Wade, Democrats in Illinois passed what would become the first in a series of laws shoring up reproductive rights in the state.

That law altered Illinois’ 1970s-era Health Care Right of Conscience Act—a statute passed in the wake of the Roe decision to shield health care providers from liability if they have religious objections to abortion. The change stipulated that, if requested by the patient, providers who don’t perform abortions must refer, transfer to or give patients written information about providers who do.

But the law has been in legal limbo since 2017 when a federal judge put it on hold. Amid the drawn-out litigation, Illinois Democrats have since passed several more sweeping abortion protections that have all but erased the 2016 law from the political discourse.

That could change after a federal judge in Rockford recently heard a three-day bench trial over the law, which gave a peek behind the curtain

at “crisis pregnancy centers,” a type of limited services medical facility—usually religiously affiliated—aimed at diverting women from having abortions. The CPCs that sued over the law offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, along with counseling and material help for would-be mothers. But abortion rights activists call CPCs “fake clinics” that lure women in for the sole purpose of convincing them not to terminate their pregnancies.

U.S. District Judge Iain Johnston, a Trump appointee, heard more than 20 hours of arguments and testimony in the case last week, though it could be weeks or months until he issues a ruling. Johnston is also overseeing a challenge to a 2023 law that under Illinois’ longstanding Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act—a law he called “both stupid and very likely unconstitutional” in a preliminary injunction he issued in early August.

The legal questions raised by the two cases are distinct and the landscape of abortion access in the U.S. changed dramatically in the seven years between the two laws’ passage. But arguments made during last week’s trial have resonance in the fight over the

2023 law and beyond.

First Amendment or ‘Rokita standard?’

When Illinois Democrats passed the 2016 law, its sponsors’ rhetoric was focused not on crisis pregnancy centers, but Catholic hospitals, which do not provide elective abortions and often bar doctors from prescribing contraceptives and sterilization.

In extreme cases, like to save the life of the mother, Catholic hospitals may terminate a pregnancy, but sponsors pointed to the story of a woman who was made to wait five weeks during her prolonged miscarriage until she was bleeding enough to justify the procedure. Then, as now, roughly 30 percent of hospital beds in Illinois are in Catholic-affiliated institutions.

But negotiations over the bill in 2015 and 2016 were able to neutralize opposition from influential organizations like the Illinois Catholic Hospital Association and the Catholic Conference of Illinois, and arguments against the bill evolved to prioritize the First Amendment concerns of CPCs. During debates over the bill in the House and Senate, Republican oppo-

nents warned the law would violate both the facilities’ rights to free speech and religious liberties.

Those comments turned out to be a preview of the legal battle over the Health Care Right of Conscience Act’s amendment; last week’s trial involved no plaintiffs associated with Catholic hospitals. Instead, plaintiffs are a handful of CPCs in Illinois, one doctor who volunteers as a medical director for a CPC, and the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, a Virginia-based nonprofit that offers resources, training and legal advice to CPCs across the U.S. Out of the roughly 100 CPCs in Illinois, 81 are members of NIFLA’s network

The facilities—which, according to Chicago public radio station WBEZFM, outnumber actual abortion clinics 3-to-1 in Illinois—often advertise services like ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, and even material help like diapers, baby formula, clothing and parenting classes.

Kevin Theriot, an attorney for the Arizona-based conservative legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom, told Judge Johnston in his opening statements that the law would force cri-

of procedure

sis pregnancy centers to inform clients of “unspecified benefits” of abortion, “even if it makes centers complicit in what (they) believe is morally wrong.” That, Theriot argued, was a violation of the CPCs’ First Amendment rights.

The First Amendment argument was a winner in 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority sided with NIFLA’s objections to a California law that targeted CPCs.

That regulation required state-licensed CPCs to inform clients that the state offers subsidized programs for family planning services, including abortion and contraception. The law also required unlicensed centers to disclose that they were not licensed to perform medical services.

Unlike California, Illinois does not license either abortion clinics or CPCs, and Illinois’ 2016 law did not target the facilities in the same way California’s did. Even so, the litigation over Illinois’ law was put on pause for roughly six months as SCOTUS weighed the California case, given their similarities.

But lawyers for Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office argued crisis

mike saNdroliNi photos Rock Valley Publishing

shouldn’t be forced to convey ‘benefits’

Villa Park BREWFEST to be held on Saturday

Villa Park BREWFEST will be held this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park, 318 E. Kenilworth Ave.

Tickets are available at villaparkbrewfest.com.

Villa Park BREWFEST is a craft beer tasting festival that showcases the talents and unique beers from area breweries. Attendees will be able to sample craft beers and ciders from more than 15 breweries.

This year’s food vendors at the event include Spoon Burger, Flavor Frenzy and Hat Trick BBQ Company.

Villa Park BREWFEST is a 21 and older event. Even the designated driver ticket holders need to be at least 21 years old. No pets of any kind are allowed. Children are strictly prohibited from attending (including but not limited to babies in strollers or being carried in any sort of baby carrier).

VFW Post 2801 Auxiliary accepting entries for its youth scholarship competitions

The deadline to submit entries in the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contests is Oct. 31

The Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 Auxiliary is participating in the upcoming 2023-24 Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy youth scholarship competitions.

The Patriot’s Pen essay contest is open to students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. The Voice of Democracy contest is for high school students.

Students who enter the Patriot’s Pen contest must complete an essay by writing an answer (300 to 400 words) to the 2023-24 theme: “How Are You Inspired by America?”

In the Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition, contestants will write an essay responding to the 2023-24 theme: “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?”

In addition to writing their response to that question, students who take part the Voice of Democracy contest will make an audio recording (3 to 5 minutes) of their essay.

Students who participate in the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contests can advance to four different levels of competition—VFW Post, VFW District, VFW State and VFW National. Students can earn scholarship funds by advancing to each level.

The first-place national award for the Patriot’s Pen contest is $5,000. The grand prize in the Voice of Democracy competition is a $35,000 scholarship.

The deadline to submit entries to the VFW Post 2801 Auxiliary in both contests is Oct. 31.

For more information, or to obtain an entry form, email the post at vfwpost2801auxiliary@gmail.com. Entry forms are also available online at vfw.org. Go to the Community tab, and then click on the Youth and Education tab. From there, click on the Youth Scholarships link.

Police reports

The Villa Park Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.

Sept. 22

Tyler J. Allison, 24, of Wood Dale, was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer exceeding 21 mph over the speed limit, and aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer for an alleged incident that occurred on Aug. 26.

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Vish receives 88’s Best award for September

Willowbrook High School senior Lillian Vish is her school’s recipient of the 88’s Best award for the month of September. Vish was recognized at the District 88 Board of Education’s Sept. 25 meeting. She is pictured (left) at that meeting with Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause (right). The 88’s Best award recognizes students for their achievements in and out of the classroom. The award recognizes nine Willowbrook students and nine Addison Trail students each school year. Vish, who is a resident of Lombard, is a highly accomplished student. When she graduates in 2024, she will have completed 10 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses. An AP Scholar with Distinction, Vish has been named to Willowbrook’s Distinction Honor Roll during each semester of her high school career. She is an inductee of several honor societies, including the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the National Math Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and Willowbrook’s social studies honor society—Civitas. Vish serves as a leader in Willowbrook’s New Beginnings Program, which helps freshmen adjust to the transition to high school. She’s also a member of the school’s math and Science Olympiad teams, and she’s involved in the school’s Best Buddies program, which builds relationships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Vish is a captain of the Willowbrook/Addison Trail girls swim team. A longtime member of the Lombard Waves swim team, Vish is also a lifeguard and a swim instructor at Paradise Bay Water Park. Vish will attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she plans to study chemistry.

Maria N. Vrettos, 38, of Cicero, was charged with DUI, driving the wrong way on a divided highway or crossing the median, possession of medical cannabis within a vehicle by a driver and no insurance near Route 83 and 16 th Street at 2:07 a.m.

Sept. 21

Edward L. Leaker, 74, of Lombard, was charged with battery/ making physical contact and disorderly conduct/breach of peace at a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt at 5:50 p.m.

Dahlia A. Monarrez, 18, of Lombard, was charged with possession of brass knuckles and possession of cannabis at a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt at 7:38 p.m.

A 24-year-old Bellwood man was

charged with two counts of domestic battery at a hotel in the 1-100 block of W. Roosevelt at 9:16 p.m.

Sept. 20

A 30-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, both of Villa Park, were both charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 200 block of N. 3 rd at 9:18 a.m.

A complainant at a store in the 600 block of N. Addison reported that a suspect removed candy from the display shelf and left the store without paying.

A complainant at a plumbing company in the 100 block of E. North reported at 6:55 a.m. that unknown suspects cut the lock off the gate to the yard and entered the business. The suspects removed several tools and left.

A complainant at a lawnmower company in the 200 block of W. St. Charles reported at 8:25 a.m. that unknown suspects broke the front window of the business and entered the store. The suspects removed multiple items and left.

Sept. 16

A complainant at a hotel in the 1-100 block of W. Roosevelt reported that an unknown suspect shattered a hotel room window. The complainant also reported that the suspects were arguing in the room.

Fraud, identity theft

According to information provided by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported two incidents of residents being a victim of fraud or identity theft.

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Funny random thoughts

Sometimes it’s good (and fun) to just be silly. I guess today is one of those days for me. So here goes.

Words are weird:

We all have that one friend who can only answer one question or address one topic per text. I’ve dubbed them a unitexter.

Those of us fluent in texting about multiple topics at once (with multiple people at once) however are textperts.

I’m just a simple Pert, no texting (or prefix) needed.

If you are in a monogamous relationship, does that make it sexclusive?

If you are flustered and frustrated at the same time, would that make you flustrated?

If you are extraordinary, doesn’t that make you just really, really ordinary?

The blob of toothpaste on your brush has a name; it’s called a hurdle (no running or jumping required.)

The real name for a hashtag is octothorpe, and I octo know!

Every day I make a to-do list, despite the fact that I try to be a minimalist. I guess that makes me a regulist, or perhaps a maxilist.

There is no “I” in team, but if you get creative with the letters, there is “me.”

What’s in a name:

What is French kissing called in France?

What are fancy dishes called in China?

French fries were invented in Belgium. (Go ahead, do the Google.)

If a quiz is quizzical, what is a test?

If olive oil is made from olives and coconut oil made from coconuts, what is baby oil made from?

Hamburgers contain no ham. Hot dogs contain no dog. Catsup contains no cats. A grasshopper (as in the cocktail) contains no bugs. Swedish meatballs contain no Swedes. Duck sauce has nothing to do with a duck.

Spam, however, does contain pork.

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

Who decided to put body parts where they don’t technically belong? For instance, ears of corn, eye of the storm, hair of the dog, mouth of a river, head of cheese, foot of the mountain, nose dive, chest of drawers, fingerling lakes, toe jam, butt of a joke.

Impossibilities and things that don’t exist:

Froot Loops are zero percent fruit, and their different loopy colors are all the same flavor. (Disappointing on both counts, I know.)

It’s impossible to hum while pinching your nose. (I’ll pause here for a moment while you go ahead and try this for yourself. I sure did.)

Vegetables, in the world of botany, technically don’t exist. Tell that to your broccoli-loving grandma! Foods that we eat that grow underground--like carrots or beets—are actually roots. Foods that contains seeds inside their skins— like tomatoes or green beans—are actually fruits. Leafy foods like spinach are leaves. Broccoli is a flower. Peas are seeds. Asparagus and celery are stems.

The takeaway? Eat your flowers, eat your stems and make your grandma proud!

To sum it up:

I try to make it a habit to laugh— really laugh—every day because silly and weird should definitely be a part of life. They simply make things more fun, and if we can’t make it fun, what’s it all about, anyway? Smile. Laugh. Enjoy. Repeat. And, always, always eat your vegetables, even if they don’t botanically exist.

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

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Casten releases statement on continuing resolution to fund the government

Editor’s note: U.S. Rep. Sean Casten released the following statement on Saturday, Sept. 30. Casten represents the 6th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes parts of Lombard.

“After months of working to avoid a government shutdown and prevent House Republicans from enacting extreme spending cuts to vital programs, I’m relieved to have joined House Democrats in passing a continuing resolution that accomplishes that goal and keeps the government funded at current levels for

45 days.

“A shutdown would have had a disastrous impact on Illinois. Over 28,000 troops in our state would have been forced to serve without pay. 167,903 Illinois women and children would have lost access to nutrition assistance benefits. Travelers would have seen delays at airports and food safety inspections would have stopped.

“Thankfully, House Democrats were able to force Speaker McCarthy to leave the far-right extremists in his party behind and work to-

Letter to the editor

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wards a bipartisan solution to avert a shutdown, provide critical disaster relief, and keep the government open.

“That said, the bill we passed today is not a permanent solution, but rather a 45-day reprieve that will allow us to keep working to pass legislation to fully address the needs of the American people and our allies.

I am committed to fighting for additional funding to support Ukraine in their defense of democracy and urge my colleagues across the aisle to join us in this work.”

Eliminating bail is a political decision, reader

The Pretrial Fairness Act Illinois recently enacted is not much to be proud of considering Chicago has one of the highest crime rates and is considered one of the most corrupt cities in the country.

Eliminating bail is a political decision designed to appease leftists. It could promote even more crime in a city that is now only a shell of what it once was.

State leaders ought to be trying to stop crime as opposed to allowing criminals to continue in their activities without fear of incarceration or prosecution … and then continue to walk the streets.

(Alicia) Virani and (Kate) Weisburd (authors of Sept. 28 op-ed: Illinois: Don’t swap money bail for digi-

tal jails) help ensure the continuation because they oppose electronic ankle monitoring (EM). They advocate instead that the monitoring funds would be better spent on “social services to improve people’s quality of life and support their social and economic security.”

The state is not responsible for the improvement of an individual’s quality of life and their social and economic security! People need to take personal responsibility for their lives and not always depend on the state. Enabling is not helping—it’s crippling. Reducing the crime rate ought to be the main focus. Common knowledge dictates that criminals will continue to commit crimes as often as society will tolerate it.

says

Consequences are required to deter criminal behavior, not coddling or rationalizing behavior. Society needs to make criminal behavior as uncomfortable as possible in order to change the behavior. If necessary, building more jails is preferable to allowing more criminals loose on the streets to kill and injure innocent citizens.

Unless we are willing to hand over our country to the Democratic socialists, we had better start to hold individuals responsible for their behavior. Individuals have choices—if they choose crime, they must suffer the consequences.

Marilyn Fawell Lombard

Thanks for the Love Your Neighbor Day photos. It was a reminder how I received assistance several years ago and the volunteers were wonderful, and put me at ease about asking for help as a disabled senior on a fixed income. Take a hint, all you houses of worship in Villa Park and Lombard. Get involved, create your own version of this or join this neighbor day volunteer spirit, so that maybe we can have it happen more often throughout the year, especially in the winter. Or closer to home, all you residents who have older or disabled people living on your block, how about getting together to “love your neighbor” with mowing, trimming bushes, shoveling, etc.?

There is a lot of sentiment about President Trump’s personality, even with his loyal followers. The way things are going these days it looks like we need to restore Trump-era policies. Whether you like Trump or not, America’s future looked better under his presidential ruling. Remember when President Trump got rid of ISIS, and everyday products like food and energy were more affordable?

Perhaps I spoke too early. Last week’s paper arrived unstitched and with a pick up lap. (Yes, I was in printing for 35 years). Thanks!

I see a guy on parole was released under the new bail system, after burglarizing a boutique in Hinsdale. OK, while burglary is not a violent crime in and of itself, the guy was already on parole for armed robbery and aggravated battery in Cook County. Those are violent crimes. The judge said his hands were tied about releasing this person? That burglary is excluded from the list of detainable offenses? Proponents of this no cash

bail system have said repeatedly that judges would still have a say in setting bail. This guy is a convicted felon, and should have been detained for a parole violation, if nothing else. And as tough as prosecutors have been on these criminals coming into DuPage County, this new system will seemingly throw that out the window. Shame.

* * *

Liberals frequently whine about so-called “food deserts” in certain areas. It is a shame that many honest people live in areas with few shopping options. But it’s not a mystery why companies don’t do business in areas with rampant crime. Here’s an idea. Why don’t these areas work on establishing “crime deserts” in an effort to lure some businesses?

Has it been an especially hot year in our area? No. An especially cold year? Not really. Especially dry? No. Especially wet? No. But in a few months, at the end of 2023, get ready for the “climate change” zealots to proclaim that it was the hottest year in the history of the planet, and that we’re in the midst of an “emergency.” What a joke. Do schools still teach students about our planet’s axis and the sun, and how Earth’s tilted axis causes the seasons?

* * *

Thursday, Sept. 28, and I literally just read the article on no bail and no monitoring. Are they goofy? People arrested for felonies that harmed another person, illegal use of a weapon, etc., if released at all should have an ankle bracelet, minimum. Anything less puts the public in graver jeopardy than we already are.

* * *

All the problems we have today were caused by the Democrats we voted for. Those problems include sanctuary cities, open borders, de-

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• The views expressed by callers are their own.

• All calls are checked by four editors. If a consensus of editors believes a particular call is deemed to be in poor taste, erroneous, inaccurate, libelous, contains profanity, doesn’t make sense, or if claims stated in a call cannot be verified, the call will not be published.

• With regard to calls of a political nature, it is not possible to have an equal balance of calls with liberal and conservative viewpoints during any given week. The editors of Speak Out don’t have control of who calls in, what their political leanings happen to be, and the topic(s) they want to discuss.

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fund the police, no bail for criminals to name a few. The plus side is we got rid of Trump.

* * *

There’s a massive amount of retail theft taking place in our country. Criminals are stealing tens of billions of dollars of merchandise per year. On top of that, identity theft and fraud are rampant. Criminals are stealing mail from mailboxes to intercept checks and steal victims’ identities. Theft of catalytic converters from vehicles is also a serious problem, along with carjackings and other cases of motor vehicle theft. There’s also no shortage of violent crime in our country. Amid all of the theft, fraud, dishonesty and violence, we’re told that our country’s elections are safe and secure. Are we supposed to believe that? We’re told to accept that no bad actors would ever tamper with elections, where the outcomes can determine billions of dollars in government spending, among other things. Wake up, people!

* * *

Whatever happened to common sense with people of all ages walking, riding bikes, etc., after the sun sets, with dark clothes and no lights, much less reflectors? The only way to wake up and make them change is

honk your horn at them. It may seem rude, but safety first.

* * *

A caller last week made some good points about another caller who had commented that Speak Out should only list local problems or local news. Here’s my take on it: I can almost bet the caller who says Speak Out should only list local problems or local news is likely a Democrat and doesn’t like it when someone calls and criticizes Biden or Pritzker or the Democrats. I read Speak Out every week. I’ve seen comments on all kinds of topics, including political. To this person I would say, if you support a particular Democrat or Democratic policy, why aren’t you calling in and expressing your views in Speak Out?

Russia is trying to take over Ukraine, China could invade Taiwan at any time, and all the United Nations and the leftist politicians in this country do is tell us climate change is the existential threat to the world. If we are to believe that climate change is an existential threat, why aren’t the United Nations and leftists taking China to task? China leads the world in CO2 emissions. China’s share of the world’s CO2 emissions is near-

ly 30 percent. That’s more than the U.S., India, Russia and Japan combined. When I see China doing its part to reduce its CO2 emissions, then maybe I’ll be more open to buying an electric car and putting solar panels on my house. * * *

I read the story about the end of cash bail in Illinois (Sept. 21 issue). One part of the story really jumped out at me: Here it is: “In 2019, half of jail detainees in Illinois were black compared to 15 percent of the state population; 33 percent were white compared to 76 percent of the population; and 14 percent were Hispanic compared to 18 percent of the population.” This is according to research by the Loyola University of Chicago Center for Criminal Justice. It sounds to me like this specific research was one of the determining factors used in eliminating cash bail. In my opinion, it should not have been. Being charged with certain crimes results in jail time. If someone can’t post bail, then I’m sorry. No matter what the color of a person’s skin happens to be, that person should have thought long and hard before they decided to go down a certain path and get charged with a crime.

Giannoulias recommends permanent increase to driving test age requirement

By Andrew Adams CApITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias last week filed administrative rules that would increase the age at which a driver is required to pass a driving test when they renew their license, raising it from 75 to 79.

The rules, proposed by Giannoulias to the legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, would keep in place a state policy that went into effect during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, lawmakers in Springfield temporarily modified several requirements for driver’s licenses to ease strain on the secretary of state’s office, which oversees driver services facilities. That included the age increase for required driver tests.

But that policy was scheduled to expire on Oct. 1, so Giannoulias’ office filed emergency rules to extend it beyond that date, along with identical permanent rules. That rulemaking committee’s next regular meeting is planned for Oct. 17 in Chicago, at which point it can determine whether to leave the rules in place, request changes or file an objection.

“This change would make Illinois driving standards for senior drivers more consistent compared to other states while keeping Illinois as one of the strictest states for license renewals,” Giannoulias said in a Wednesday news release.

Under the pandemic-era policy and the rules proposed by Giannoulias, all drivers aged 78 and younger must renew their licenses every four years. At age 79, drivers must complete a driving test as part of that process.

State policies for those aged 79 and older would not change under Giannoulias’ proposed rules. Drivers aged 81 to 86 must renew their license and take a vision and driving test every two years, and drivers aged

87 and older must renew their license and take those tests every year.

Illinois is the only state in the country that has a driving test requirement for people over a certain age. Illinois also requires more frequent driver’s license renewals for people over age 80, something only 23 states require.

The change will affect approximately 3 percent of Illinois’ driving population, according to the secretary of state’s office.

As part of the temporary change, the secretary of state’s office issued a report on driving safety among older drivers, which found that drivers aged 75 years and older were involved in fewer crashes—even after the temporary rule change went into effect— than those aged 16 to 69 years.

“When it comes to total crashes, individuals who are aged 75 and older consistently experienced lower crash rates compared to nearly every other age group,” according to the report.

Age-related requirements for drivers have been a longtime issue for AARP Illinois, an advocacy group

that represents the interests of those over age 50.

“Age alone is not determinative of driving performance” Ryan Gruenenfelder, outreach and advocacy manager at AARP Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois.

Gruenenfelder said AARP receives complaints about age-related requirements for drivers, noting they make competent drivers feel “targeted” for their age. He said the organization will continue to work with the secretary of state’s office and advocate for using a person’s mobility or indicators of driving behavior to trigger possible driving test requirements, regardless of age.

But Gruenenfelder said AARP commends Giannoulias for his recommendation this week. The group also approves of Giannoulias’ September action to move the state’s busiest driver services facilities to an appointment-based model, as well as this week’s announcement that two new facilities targeted to senior drivers will offer walk-in services

Youth make recent contributions to The Outreach House

It’s always special when children visit with donations, says director

The Outreach House, 805 S. Main St., Lombard always welcomes donations to keep its shelves stocked, and recently, four young people in Lombard helped add to the Lombard-based food pantry’s supplies.

Leo and Margot LaVaque, ages 8 and 5, respectively, donated $140, or about 80 percent of their earnings, from a lemonade stand they held in front of their house on Saturday, July 29.

As their mom, Diana LaVaque, tells it, “They’ve been asking for a couple of years to do a lemonade stand,” adding, “We finally found a date that would work.”

She added that the kids also included glow sticks and ring pops at the stand.

“I always told them that having [it] on the afternoon/evening of a Cruise Nights would be best” because of their proximity to the downtown, “so we would have a lot of customers.”

“I did make all of the lemon -

ade, homemade with 15 pounds of lemons,” LaVaque continued, “but Margot decorated the sign” with some help from her mom.

“Both kids were really engaged with drumming up business, filling the cups, collecting the money and selling the glow sticks and ring pops,” she recalled.

“They were really working it,” LaVaque added with a chuckle.

Leo went back out the next day and sold lemonade for another hour-and-a-half, she related.

Not long after that, while visiting their cousins, Caleb and Sophia Trotta (10 and 14, respectively), they organized a soda stand on Aug. 26, while staying at their grandparents’ house on Main Street.

Their mom, Dayna Trotta, said the kids also sold rocks. The foursome made another $25 to donate to The Outreach House, LaVaque said, adding, “They all agreed, with no arguing,” to donate the entire proceeds.

She said her two children are

“very aware of The Outreach House,” because she has volunteered on Wednesday evenings during the winter and spring. Even though her kids are young, “I point out to them there are families not as fortunate as we are,” LaVaque noted. “I try to make sure they recognize how fortunate they are.”

“We used it as a learning experience,” she said of raising money to make a donation. “It resonated with them; it kind of planted a seed [and] they took it upon themselves.”

She added that The Outreach House is “always a topic in the house.”

All the kids recognized how their fundraising helps others in need.

Margot said she raised money “because I want to help people.”

Her brother Leo said, “I want to give money to people who need it so they can buy a house, a TV, or

anything else they need.”

Their older cousins also shared their thoughts.

Caleb said: “Even though they might not have much, they still deserve to have everything we have, and all people deserve a house with a loving family and clothes.”

And finally, Sophia shared that “I want to help the less fortunate.”

Catherine Lynott, executive director of The Outreach House, said, “It’s always special when children visit with donations to The Outreach House. The ways they save the money have been varied—dog walking, lemonade stands, babysitting, pocket money.

“But the reason for giving is always the same—a real desire to help those in the community who need some help. It’s so lovely to see how proud they feel when they see the ways The Outreach House is supporting people and they leave

knowing they have contributed and made a difference.”

“Without a doubt, having that experience of how good giving can feel at a young age helps create a lifelong passion for giving back,” the director added.

She mentioned that the kids toured the facility, “so they could see how their money would be used.”

LaVaque even pointed out that her niece, Sophia, is in the Glenbard South High School Key Club, and “she told me she is going to ask the teacher that runs the club if he can add The Outreach House to their list of approved places they can volunteer at and get credit for it.”

For more information about The Outreach House, which offers food, infant, clothing and emergency financial assistance needs, visit www.theoutreachhouse.org.

PHOTO COurTesy Of CaTHerine LynOTT Rock Valley Publishing Lombard residents Margot (5) and Leo (8) LaVaque donated $140, from sales they made at their lemonade, to benefit The Outreach House in Lombard. Their mom, Diana LaVaque, volunteers at the Lombard-based food pantry.

Above: Caleb (10) and Sophia (14) Trotta (left to right), cousins of Leo and Margot LaVaque, also held a fundraiser, selling soda and rocks, to raise money for The Outreach House. They donated $25. In another picture (left), Sophia and Margot are pictured by their soda stand. For information on The Outreach House, visit www.theoutreachhouse.org.

PHOTOs COurTesy Of Diana LaVaque Rock Valley Publishing

Conservation measures

On Wednesday, Sept. 27, Helen Plum Library Director-Strategic Communications and Marketing Sue Wilsey (top right) opened a presentation on conservation measures the new library has taken that earned the Lombard facility Conservation@Work certification from The Conservation Foundation. One of the speakers was landscape architect and Lombard resident Jason Cooper of Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. (ECT) in Lombard, pictured (above) outside pointing out some of the conservation measures taken through exterior landscape design. He explained that “We’ve taken a very specific approach to planting” on the library campus—creating a bioretention system—with water drainage going to the DuPage River in mind. He emphasized that the plantings are not a garden but landscaping, which is maintained—while “gardens are tended.” Cooper also said that in addition to the use of herbaceous plants around the campus, types of flowers and plants were also considered, to be “mindful of trying to have something to see year-round.” He said water mitigation measures also included using permeable paving.

Jane Charmelo PhoTos Rock Valley Publishing

Honored for conservation

The Helen Plum Library has earned the Conservation@Work certification from Naperville-based The Conservation Foundation, receiving the certificate at a presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 27. In this photo, Interim Library Director Anne Luzeniecki is pictured with Conservation@Home Program Director Jim Kleinwachter, a land preservation specialist, who presented the award. Luzeniecki said that libraries have “always considered resources precious,” and related that the library building was engineered to reduce heat gains/losses, such as using exterior canopies/vertical overhangs and automated shades to help reduce heat; used low flow water fixtures; created improved air quality; used reusable materials in the construction; and installed recyclable carpeting, to name a few. During the certificate presentation, Kleinwachter told library attendees, “I’m here to certify the property and say, ‘Good job.’”

Giannoulias announces additions to Skip-the-Line program Plan includes opening two ‘senior only’ centers in Chicago metro area

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced his office is implementing a number of additions to the Skip-the-Line program, which launched just a few weeks ago.

From Sept. 1 to Sept. 21, Illinois Driver and Motor Vehicle facilities (DMVs) have seen more than 165,000 customers by appointment throughout the state. Customers with

appointments are experiencing little to no wait times upon arrival at DMVs, which is a vast improvement compared to the hour-plus waits that Illinoisans had come to expect when visiting DMVs before adopting the Skip-the-Line program.

“The Skip-the-Line program has been functioning at a high level in the few weeks since its official launch,”

Montini Catholic congratulates members of Class of 2027 earning academic scholarships

Montini Catholic has recognized 15 freshmen from its Class of 2027.

The students are recipients of the school’s Freshman Placement Exam Scholarships—offered to incoming freshmen excelling on Montini’s Freshman Placement Exam (offered every December).

Scholarships are awarded based on national percentile ranking of the placement exam scores:

• Students scoring between the 95th to 99th percentiles receive a $2,500 scholarship.

• Students scoring between the 90th to 94th percentiles receive a $1,500 scholarship.

• Students scoring between the 85th to 89th percentiles receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Freshmen (Class of 2027) receiving a Montini Catholic Academic Scholarship are:

Cedona Barrett (Woodridge/St. Joseph School), Gavin Conway (Lombard/St. Pius X School), Molly Felice (Elmhurst/Visitation Catholic

School), Cole Forsyth (Lombard/ Glenn Westlake Middle School), Robert Gutierrez (Berkeley/St. Pius X School), Brianna Konopacz (Woodridge/St. Joan of Arc School), Ailish McKinzie (Lisle/St. Joseph School), Samantha Menapace (Downers Grove/St. Mary of Gostyn School), Colin Miner (Darien/ St. Mary of Gostyn School), Olivia Naso (Downers Grove/St. Mary of Gostyn School), Lorelei Nelson (Westchester/Westchester Middle School), Dylan Palmer (Downers Grove/St. Mary of Gostyn School), Michael Pivoney (Lombard/St. Pius X School). Graham Reiser (Downers Grove/St. Mary of Gostyn School) and Julian Reyes (Bolingbrook/St. Scholastica School).

Montini’s 2024-2025 school year placement exam for scholarship eligibility will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 8 a.m. at the school. There will be a special practice exam held on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. at Montini Catholic.

Man charged in robbery attempt of FedEx driver

Pre-trial release denied

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Downers Grove

Chief of Police

Michael DeVries announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a New York man accused of attempting to rob a FedEx delivery driver.

Keruin Guzman Araujo, 28, appeared at First Appearance Court and was charged with attempted robbery, a Class 3 Felony.

On Sept. 26, at approximately 9:16 a.m., officers with the Downers Grove Police Department responded to a call of an attempted robbery of a FedEx delivery driver in the 800 block of Lincoln Street.

Through the course of their investigation, officers learned that the female delivery driver was walking to the door of a residence to deliver an Apple iPad Pro when she was allegedly approached by a man, later identified as Guzman Araujo, who told her the package was for him.

It is alleged that when the delivery

Giannoulias said. “But we can still make improvements with targeted adjustments, and I am focused on implementing these to benefit all of our customers, especially our seniors.”

Giannoulias announced his office will implement the following additions, many of which are tailored specifically toward seniors:

• Opening two “senior only” walkin centers in the Chicago area. The two locations include the Evanston Civic Center, 2100 N. Ridge Road in Evanston and Seat Geek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview.

Seniors at these locations will not need appointments, as these walk-in centers are specifically designed to meet their needs. By offering this targeted option, the office is prioritizing seniors without impacting customers at DMVs who have made appointments. Seniors still have the option to make a standard appointment at these and other locations.

• Increasing the number of available appointments. Expanding scheduling availability will increase the number of in-car/road test appointments at Chicagoland DMVs

by over 40 percent, or nearly 1,300 more per day.

• Adding additional call center features to serve seniors age 70 and older who require a road exam. These callers will be routed directly to operators who will provide on-the-spot information, schedule appointments or assist with online renewals. Seniors may call 800-252-8980.

• Adding new features to the appointment website. Customers can now filter DMVs by ZIP code, highlighting appointment openings at DMVs closest to them.

Comedy meets country

“Honestly it couldn’t have happened to a sweeter guy!” said local comedian Matt Kissane, a Villa Park resident, about the latest star from “The Voice,” Jackson Snelling. “We met a few times at various charity concerts around Chicago and he always was so nice and laid back.” Watch Jackson this season as he competes on Team Reba on “The Voice.” Kissane is pictured (left to right) at the Des Plaines Theater with Daniela Crocco from Jersey Girls and Jackson Snelling.

driver reached the front door of the residence, Guzman Araujo grabbed the package from her. It is further alleged that following a brief struggle, the driver was knocked to the ground and Guzman Araujo fled the scene with the iPad Pro in a rented U-Haul pickup truck.

At approximately 12:15 p.m., officers with the Downers Grove Police Department located Guzman Araujo at an Airbnb where he was staying. He was taken into custody at that time without incident.

“With the increased popularity and convenience of home delivery services, the alleged brazen attack in broad daylight on an innocent woman who was just doing her job is extremely alarming and will be met with the full force of the law,” Berlin said. “This type of crime can have a chilling effect on the residents of the entire community, many of whom rely on such services for their everyday needs. We are all very thankful that the delivery driver was not physically injured as a result of Mr. Guzman Araujo’s alleged actions.”

Guzman Araujo’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 10, for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

DuPage County offering income-eligible energy assistance

The DuPage County Community Services Department, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in DuPage County, has announced that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.

The program is now taking applications for seniors, the disabled and families with children under the age of six years. On Wednesday, Nov. 1, households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25 percent in their propane tank can start applying for assistance.

All other income eligible households can start applying Dec. 1. The application end date is now changing to Aug. 15, 2024 instead of May 31. Applications will be taken on a firstcome, first-served basis through Aug. 15, 2024. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during this period for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s).

Households must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to

receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household.

The income guidelines are as follows: 1-$2,430, 2-$3,287, 3-$4,143, 4-5,000. Go to dupagecounty.gov/ liheap or liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with five members and more.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.

Applications will be taken at DuPage County Community Services at 421 N. County Farm Road, third floor, in Wheaton, as well as at Loaves &

Fishes at 1871 High Grove Lane in Naperville, and area Township offices.

To submit an application, you must submit all documentation required:

1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30day period beginning with the date of application.

2. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and DuPage County will advise accordingly.

3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.

4. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.

5. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.

Call Community Services at 630407-6500 or 1-800-942-9412 (tollfree) for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.

Keruin Guzman Araujo

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Montini Catholic celebrates 27 AP Scholars

Montini Catholic High School has recognized outstanding students honored as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars. The AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students who have demonstrated exemplary college-level achievement on AP Exams. The AP Scholar academic distinction provides the opportunity for students to cite among their credentials on applications and resumes.

Congratulations to the following Bronco AP Scholars from the Class of 2023 (listed as seniors) and the Class of 2024 (listed as juniors):

Scholars With Distinction (Scores of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores a 3 or higher on five or more of these exams):

Michael Crowley, senior; Annabella D’Anca, senior; Matthew DiSimone, senior; Marin Ferris, junior (St. Pius X Parish School); Samuel Hemmersmeier, junior; Carla Osorio Palomino, senior; Alexander Silveyra, senior; Grace Tierney, senior; and Riley White, junior.

Scholars With Honor

(Score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams):

Angela Banov, senior; (Lombard); Thomas Cyze, senior; William Prater, senior; Lucy Rizzi, junior; Sam Ruddy, senior; and Joseph Spaccapaniccia, senior.

Scholars (Score of 3 or higher on 3+ AP Exams):

Shannon Blacher, senior; Megan Blim, senior; Anjay Dhir, junior (Lombard); Hailey Goetz, junior (Lombard); Luke Hemmersmeier, senior; Maren Hoovel, senior; Thira Minauskas, senior (Lombard); Amanda Mrazek, senior (Lombard); Luke Pacelli, senior; Daniel Petersen, junior; Tanner Sebben, junior; and Kenneth Sledzinski, senior.

The Advanced Placement Program enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Montini’s academic program, which includes an offering of 14 AP Courses, paves the way for higher academic achievement, resulting in its graduates accumulating over $89 million in academic scholarship offers in the past five years alone.

Advanced Placement courses are high school courses presenting college-level curriculum and include the opportunity to take a test at the end of the year to earn college credit. Students can earn scores between one and five. They must score at least a three to earn college credit.

Currently, Montini offers AP courses in a variety of subjects, including English, math, science, social studies, technology and world language.

SHOP Local FOR FALL

Scholars from Montini Catholic’s Class of 2024 are, left to right: Lucy Rizzi, Riley White, Tanner Sebben, Danny Petersen, Sam Hemmersmeier, Marin Ferris, Hailey Goetz and Anjay Dhir.

Residents urged to report spotted lanternflies in Illinois to help slow the spread of invasive pest

The invasive insect spotted lanternfly has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents are being warned to watch out for and report sightings of this pest which can damage trees. Experts confirmed a population of the pests in Cook County on Sept. 18 according to a Sept. 27 Illinois Department of Agriculture media release.

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a leafhopper native to eastern Asia that damages a wide range of fruit, ornamental, and woody trees by feeding on the sap. It could harm grape and logging industries but is not a threat to human or animal health. Like other invasive species, it can be hard to remove once popu-

lations are established, so prevention and early response is key to slowing the spread.

Spotted lanternflies were detected in the U.S. in 2014 in Pennsylvania and have recently spread to the Midwest. Entomologist Kelly Estes says while this is the first known occurrence of the pest in Illinois, it’s not a reason to panic.

“This invasive pest has been on our radar for quite some time, and we are continuing to learn more about how the spotted lanternfly behaves in the U.S.,” says Estes, University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute’s state Agriculture Pest Survey coordinator. “Recent research has shown that there are only a few plant hosts it

may stay on for months and months causing more damage.”

Feeding damage stresses trees and can weaken them. Young saplings and grape vines are more at risk from infestations than large trees. The insect’s waste product, called honeydew, also encourages the growth of mold that can harm the host plant.

Illinois Extension Forestry and Research Specialist Christopher Evans says the pest can impact forest ecosystems to some degree, but the insect is more of a nuisance than a tree killer.

“We are not going to experience waves of tree mortality like we saw with Emerald Ash Borer,” Evans says. “Instead, infestations can impact outdoor recreation through the mess they create through masses of insects on trees, production of sticky honeydew, and the sooty mold and other growths that feed on the honeydew.”

Reports of spotted lanternfly sightings from the public will help researchers continue to monitor for

populations. Send photos of spotted lanternflies to lanternfly@illinois. edu and include detailed information such as time, location, and number of insects.

You can also contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture at (815) 787-5476 with any questions or concerns. University of Illinois Extension’s county offices are also able to help with identification and reporting. Connect with a local Extension office at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice.

After reporting sightings, remove and destroy spotted lanternflies by crushing nymphs and adults and scraping egg masses into a container with rubbing alcohol according to the IDOA.

Adult spotted lanternflies are about 1 inch long. The front pair of wings are gray with black spots, and the tips of the front wings have speckled bands. The back pair of wings are red with black spots and a white band. Their heads and legs are black, and the abdomens are yellow with black

bands. Spotted lanternflies are easiest to spot at dusk or at night as they move up and down the trunks of plants. During the day, they will often cluster near the base of the plant, making it hard to find them, according to the USDA.

For more information and help with identification, download a factsheet, available in English at go.illinois.edu/SpottedLanternfly or in Spanish at go.illinois.edu/MoscaLinternaconManchas.

Non-native invasive species are plants, animals, and insects that spread quickly, cause ecological or economic damage, and are hard to remove once established. Illinois’ centralized location and extensive transportation networks provide many ways for pests to arrive. Across the state, Illinois Extension staff and volunteers work with communities to identify potential invasions, remove invasive species, and restore natural areas. Explore more about invasive species at go.illinois.edu/invasive.

Woman sentenced to 10 years for financial crimes against the elderly and defrauding the U.S. government

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin has announced that a former Glendale Heights woman accused of stealing nearly $300,000 through elaborate schemes involving identity theft of more than two dozen victims and multiple fraudulent SBA Payment Protection Loans, has been sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Destiney Baker, 37, appeared in court in front of Judge Daniel Guerin where she entered a guilty plea to one count of theft by deception (Class 1 felony), one count of financial exploitation of the elderly (Class 2 felony) and one count of aggravated identity theft—elderly victim (Class 2 felony).

Guerin handed down the sentence after accepting Baker’s guilty pleas. Baker will begin serving her sentence immediately.

Baker, a CNA, met her victims through a staffing agency that employed her. Beginning in 2016 through February 2019, Baker stole banking information from her victims and used that information to gain access to her victims’ bank accounts as well as opened new accounts using her victims’ information.

With her victims’ bank account information, Baker then stole hundreds

Coming events

Villa Park Library program

Get your garden ready to face the winter. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m., Bill Karges will be at the Villa Park Public Library to teach you how prepare a perennial flower garden for winter, with special emphasis in how to prevent this year’s problems from returning next year. Year end care of vegetable gardens and raised beds will also be addressed. Registration for this program is required. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

‘Harvest Against Hunger’ Oct. 14

The GardenWorks Project (GWP) will host its 6th annual fundraising event, Harvest Against Hunger, on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 5-8 p.m. at the College of DuPage Street Scene, located at the Miller Homeland Security Education Center in Glen Ellyn. The goal of the event is to raise awareness and funding to help alleviate food insecurity within the western suburbs of Chicago. Tickets are $100 and all proceeds will support The GardenWorks Project’s programs and services, improving food security and fresh food access for residents throughout the western suburbs. For more information, to purchase tickets or make a donation, visit: https://www.gardenworksproject.org/harvest-against-hunger-2023.

The Gardenworks Project is still accepting sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. Contact The GardenWorks Project for information.

of thousands of dollars and used the illegally gotten funds for, among other things, personal expenses including airline tickets to Hawaii for herself and three children, tuition for her children at a private school as well as veterinary services for her dog. In July 2019, Baker appeared in bond court where bond was set at $200,000 with 10 percent to apply. She posted bond and was released. Baker violated the conditions of her bond and in February 2021, and once again appeared in bond court where bond was increased by $50,000. Baker again posted bond and was released.

In July 2022, Baker was accused of illegally obtaining more than $80,000 in loans from the SBA Payment Protection Program. Through the course of the investigation into this matter, investigators learned that Baker had illegally applied for five

Pre-trial release denied for Indiana man allegedly found in possession of machine gun at Naperville recreation facility

government-sponsored PPP loans.

In three of these loans Baker used her name with a false Social Security number and in the other two Baker used other people’s names, including the name of a deceased individual who is a victim in one of the other cases against Baker.

Baker appeared in Bond Court on July 15, 2022, where bond was set at $1 million with 10 percent to apply. She has remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time.

In all, Baker’s thefts totaled $294,706.78 and the court ordered her to pay that amount in restitution.

“Ms. Baker’s greed knew no bounds and her heartless theft from her elderly victims as well as the federal government fed that greed,” Berlin said. “The systemic theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars from elderly individuals who relied on her and trusted her and the theft of more than $80,000 intended to help businesses stay afloat during the pandemic is despicable. She caused immeasurable hardship for her victims and for that she will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for an Indiana man who was allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded machine gun at a Naperville recreation facility.

Jalen Littleton, 19, of Hammond, appeared at First Appearance Court charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon—machine gun, a Class X felony.

On Sept. 30 at approximately 9:51 p.m., Naperville police officers on routine patrol at TopGolf on Odyssey Court, observed a gun in plain view on the driver’s side floorboard of a black Chevy Cruze.

It is alleged that a short time later, Littleton and another individual returned to the vehicle. It is alleged that Littleton entered the driver’s seat of his vehicle. At that time, Naperville police officers immediately activated their emergency lights and boxed in Littleton’s vehicle. It is alleged that when officers searched Littleton’s vehicle, they found a fully-loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine, a laser sight and an auto switch that enables the weapon to fire fully automatic when engaged. Littleton, who does not possess a valid FOID or CCL, was taken into custody at that time.

“Public safety is the top priority of my office and the allegation that Mr. Littleton unlawfully possessed an extremely dangerous, fullyloaded gun capable of firing as a machine gun, at a family-friendly entertainment facility is outrageous,” Berlin said. “Allegations such as those against Mr. Littleton will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be fully prosecuted.”

Littleton’s next court appearance is scheduled Oct. 16 for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.

Destiney Baker

Jalen Littleton

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IS BACK!

Glenbard students, staff chosen for 48thannual Illinois High School Theatre Festival

Seven Glenbard District 87 students and staff members were selected to participate in the All-State production at the 2024 Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF).

The Illinois High School Theatre Festival will host the production of “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen in January 2024.

“She Kills Monsters” features a select ensemble of the top high school actors, technicians and musicians from throughout Illinois. Out of 225 students who auditioned or interviewed for “She Kills Monsters,” 85 were selected for the final production company.

Glenbard high schools are well represented with five members of the company and two members of the production staff. Glenbard South’s student participants include Breanna Crawford (scenery crew), Isabella Dodd (hair and make-up crew) and Kaitlyn Urbanowicz (assistant director). Glenbard North student Gianna Nascimento is on sound crew and Glenbard East student Kaitlyn Theusch is on scenery crew. The production staff features

Glenbard South teacher Jessica Keuth-Rahtjen (assistant director) and Glenbard East teacher Josh Rubin (videographer/Dungeons & Dragons consultant).

Rehearsals for “She Kills Monsters” take place over several long weekends this fall, with final rehearsals occurring the last week before the performances. “She Kills Monsters” will run from Jan. 11-13 at Illinois State University’s Braden Auditorium. This is a closed event for participants of the Illinois High School Theatre Festival. There are no public tickets available for these performances.

“She Kills Monsters” is a drama-comedy that debuted in 2011. It tells the story of Agnes Evans, a woman who loses her parents and little sister Tilly in a car accident. Having been distant from her sister while she was alive, Agnes embarks on an adventure to get to know her sister better by playing a Dungeons & Dragons module that Tilly had written and discovers things she’d never imagined.

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(Continued from page 2) pregnancy centers don’t have the right to claim carte blanche coverage under the First Amendment while also seeking a liability shield from medical malpractice claims under the state’s Health Care Right of Conscience Act.

“Plaintiffs cannot hide behind the First Amendment to avoid regulation of their professional conduct,” Elizabeth Morris, a lawyer for the attorney general’s office, said during her closing arguments.

Instead of viewing Illinois’ law through a pure free speech lens, the state is urging Judge Johnston to consider a standard set in a November 2022 opinion from the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Doe v. Rokita.

The appellate court in that case reinstated Indiana’s law requiring health care providers to dispose of embryonic tissue or fetal remains – whether from abortion or miscarriage – as they would a deceased person: either via burial or cremation. Critics claim the law essentially forces patients to accept the state’s view of fetal personhood.

But in the final paragraphs of the opinion, the panel stipulated that the overturning of Roe v. Wade—paving the way for Indiana’s near-total ban on abortion this year—did not affect the right of governments to “require physicians…to provide accurate information to their clients.”

‘Standard of care’

Providing accurate information to patients, the state argued during the trial, is tantamount to the medical ethics principle of “informed consent.” The state’s case hinges on a theory of in-

formed consent adopted by influential organizations in the world of western medicine like the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

According to this theory, informed consent requires physicians to inform a patient about all relevant options for treatment – including those to which a doctor may have a moral objection.

The state then argued that when medical professionals decline to discuss all options for treatment, they fall short of meeting a “standard of care.” Standards of care are tough to nail down and vary slightly from one medical specialty to another. But in general, a standard of care is the benchmark that determines whether a clinician has met his or her professional obligations to patients. Negligence is the failure to meet a standard of care.

“As soon as (CPCs) began offering medical services, they began to owe a duty of care to their patients,” Sarah Gallo, a lawyer for the attorney general’s office, said in her opening statements.

The state brought in just one expert witness: Dr. Paul Burcher, the residency program director and an OBGYN at WellSpan York Hospital in Pennsylvania and head of the hospital system’s bioethics committee. Burcher, a practicing Catholic who does not perform abortions for that reason, contended that only discussing the risks of abortion with a patient would be a violation of the standard of care.

“(It’s) poisoning the well for a later encounter where someone presents a more balanced (counseling),” he testified.

Retirement should never be

The CPC-affiliated plaintiffs who testified acknowledged that staff at their facilities only discuss risks and harms of abortion with clients. Some scoffed when the state’s attorneys asked about discussing the “benefits” of abortion.

“We don’t believe abortions have any benefits,” Kathleen Lesnoff, the founder, president and CEO of Mosaic Pregnancy and Health Centers based in the Metro East, said on the witness stand. “Basically, we would have to lie to (clients) to tell them there are benefits, and we would never do that.” Lesnoff testified that she both had an abortion and briefly worked at an abortion clinic as a young adult, shaping her anti-abortion views.

Evidence shown at trial included pamphlets distributed by the CPC plaintiffs, some of which warned of infection or surgical complications –though those are risks inherent to any medical procedure – and increased incidences of breast cancer, particularly in Black women, a thoroughly debunked claim.

‘Limited medical services’

In their arguments, lawyers for the CPCs emphasized that the facilities provide only “limited medical services,” and are not practicing prenatal care.

At Focus Women’s Center in McHenry, for example, executive director Judy Cocks testified that the ultrasounds given to women who consent to them after a positive pregnancy test are meant to help determine three things: the estimated gestational age of the fetus, the viability of a preg-

nancy and whether a fertilized egg is growing normally in the uterus or outside of it – a life-threatening condition called ectopic pregnancy.

“Well, we’re not doing any diagnosing with it,” Cocks said of the limited ultrasound. “It’s a great tool for a woman to be able to see her baby and also to hear the heartbeat of the child.”

On the witness stand, plaintiffs and their attorneys did not shy away from the assertion that CPCs use the ultrasound scan to convince so-called “abortion-vulnerable” or “abortion-determined” women not to terminate their pregnancies.

Cocks, who is also a plaintiff in the litigation over Illinois’ recent CPC fraud law, said the nurses who work at Focus are only providing “generally available” medical information to clients, and actually “can’t” give medical advice.

For the most part, the plaintiffs in the case offer urine pregnancy tests, “limited” ultrasounds, and in some cases, limited STD testing and treatment, all free of charge. One CPC leader testified that her facilities offer “abortion pill reversal,” which is essentially the experimental administration of high levels of the hormone progesterone to undo the effects of the first drug in the two-pill regimen referred to as a “medication abortion”— an increasingly common method of terminating pregnancies in the first trimester.

Some CPC-affiliated plaintiffs who testified during last week’s trial said their facilities began as charity resource organizations, but as technologies like ultrasound machines began

getting better and cheaper, they were able to expand their operations.

Most CPCs that use ultrasound machines and lab testing equipment have also hired full-or part-time licensed nurses and techs, moving away from an all-volunteer staff model. The seven CPC-affiliated witnesses all said their facilities also have volunteer medical directors—licensed OBGYNs who can review ultrasound photos, but generally don’t ever actually see patients.

Plaintiffs testified that after receiving the limited medical services like a pregnancy test or ultrasound, CPC clients are told to go to an OB-GYN to confirm their pregnancy and receive prenatal treatment, often signing a medical release form before leaving the facility.

But the state rejected the CPCs’ secondary arguments that they are exempt from state regulations because they only provide “limited” medical services.

In closing arguments, Morris, of the attorney general’s office, echoed Burcher’s testimony that what goes on during a visit to a CPC—“There’s a history taken, there’s a procedure performed and then counseling occurs”—constitutes a medical visit, automatically invoking a standard of care.

“No one forced plaintiffs to start offering (medical services and counseling),” Morris said. “They chose to hold themselves out to their communities as medical centers.”

And in doing so, she said, CPCs also must accept the responsibilities inherent to running a medical center.

A pair of Broncos earn individual sectional berths

Two members of Montini Catholic’s girls golf team earned individual berths in this week’s IHSA Class 1A sectional in Lanark with their performances in last week’s Providence Catholic Regional.

Montini joined eight other teams to compete in the regional, which took place at Green Garden Country Club in Frankfort on Sept. 28. The Broncos finished eighth in the team standings of the nine-team regional.

Montini junior Annika Bartell earned an individual berth in the sectional with her 18-hole regional score of 99. Junior Lily Spanos of

Coming event

the Broncos also qualified for the sectional as an individual. Spanos shot an 18-hole score of 102 at the regional.

The top three teams at the regional (Nazareth Academy, Wheaton Academy and Aurora Central Catholic) advanced to this week’s team competition at the sectional at Lake Carroll Golf Course in Lanark, which is about 20 miles southwest of Freeport. The top 10 individuals at the Providence Catholic Regional who weren’t members of sectional-qualifying teams advanced to this week’s sectional as individuals.

Single Mothers Group to meet Oct. 8

SHE Single Mothers Support Group meets on Sunday, Oct. 8, 12:15 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road. We offer complimentary lunches for all who attend, free child care (ages infants - 12 years), guest speakers, fellowship and support from other single moms. All are invited to attend this monthly event. RSVP to elmhurstcrc.org/she.

Homecoming royalty

The members of Glenbard East’s 2023 homecoming court were introduced during halftime of Friday night’s varsity football game against Elgin. This year’s homecoming court, pictured (left to right) shortly before the halftime introductions, included: freshman Neil Garcines, sophomore Sam King, sophomore Shaniyah Bellamy, senior Briahrie Hudson, freshman Malia White, junior Maddie Bernard and junior Carnell Ashford. Not pictured is senior Jamari Jones, who is a member of Glenbard East’s football team. Glenbard East’s homecoming week celebration concluded with Saturday night’s dance at the school.

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Lombardian, Addison Independent, Bensenville

and Villa Park Review

Coming events

Fall Festival at Danada Oct. 7-8

Join a celebration of the horse and the fall season at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Fall Festival at Danada on Saturday, Oct. 7, and Sunday, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Danada Equestrian Center at 3S507 Naperville Road in Wheaton. Over the course of the two-day event, the main outdoor arena will feature trick riding, vaulting, carriage driving, drill teams, and equine therapy demonstrations by various performers, including the Midwest Renegades, Chicago Vaulting, Stateline Hotshots Rodeo Drill Team, Stateline Spitfires Performance Drill Team, and Danada’s own drill team. A full performance schedule is available at dupageforest. org/fall-festival.

Love Purse drive

To uplift women in need and survivors of domestic abuse, state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton is teaming up with DuPage County legislators to host a Love Purse donation drive through Oct. 31. Local drop-off locations: Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock’s Office: 28 Villa Ave., Villa Park; Villa Park Public Library: 305 S. Ardmore Ave. People with questions or concerns can call Glowiak Hilton’s office at 630-785-3177 or visit www. SenatorSuzyGlowiak.com.

Plum Library programs

Go Nuts for Donuts Storytime

Saturday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m. Drop-

in storytime for families with children of all ages. Start your weekend with a real treat: delicious donuts and hot coffee! Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes followed by a simple craft.

Senior Health Insurance and Medicare Counseling Tuesdays in October and November. Get free one-on-one Medicare counseling at the library with a Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselor provided by the Illinois Department on Aging and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Insurance. To schedule your 30-minute appointment, please call Stephanie Howanietz at 331-7580111. For more information, visit aim-cil.org.

GPS program Oct. 11

The Glenbard Parent Series: (GPS) Navigating Healthy Families will present “What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing; A Shift from What’s ‘Wrong’ with You” with psychiatrist and bestselling author Bruce Perry, M.D., at noon and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, via Zoom. Go to glenbardgps.org for further information and the links to these two webinars. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or at 630942-7668.

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

Rams face Warriors

Glenbard East’s girls volleyball team played a pair of matches last week. The Rams opened the week with a 25-14, 25-7 Upstate Eight Conference win at Streamwood on Sept. 26. Senior Sophia Sommesi connected for seven kills to help the Rams to their win over the Sabres. Senior Hannah Meyer handed out 11 assists for Glenbard East, which improved to 15-9 overall and 4-1 in conference play with the win. Senior Lauren Bradley made 10 digs, while junior Grace Johnson provided five digs. Freshman Belle McDermott contributed two kills, three digs and three aces. The Rams completed the week with a 25-20, 25-12 non-conference loss to Willowbrook in Lombard on Sept. 28. Sommesi pounded 10 kills and made six digs against the Warriors. Meyer (No. 9 - above right) supplied 15 assists, while Bradley made eight digs. McDermott (No. 10 - above left) had five kills and two digs in the Sept. 28 match, which was played in front of an enthusiastic Glenbard East audience. The Rams and Warriors were tied at 19-19 in the first game. Willowbrook then won six of the next seven points to close out the opening game. The Warriors improved their overall season record to 19-0 with their win over Glenbard East. Willowbrook fell to 19-1 one day later after losing a three-game contest at Oak Park and River Forest. The Rams’ schedule this week includes conference matches against Elgin and Fenton.

Rams’ unbeaten streak ends

Glenbard East’s boys soccer team played two matches last week. The Rams battled Streamwood to a 2-2 tie in an Upstate Eight Conference match on Sept. 27. Three days later, Glenbard East lost 3-1 to Glenbard West in a non-conference contest in Lombard. The Rams trailed the Sabres 2-0 in the first half of last week’s conference match in Streamwood.

Glenbard East scored a pair of goals to even the score before halftime. Senior Josue Roman of the Rams scored the goal that cut Streamwood’s lead to 2-1. Junior Josh Roimicher delivered the goal that tied the score. Roman assisted Roimicher’s goal. Glenbard East junior goalkeeper Cooper Wooldridge made six saves against the Sabres. The Rams’ conference record stood at 2-2-2 after last week’s tie in Streamwood. Glenbard East entered Saturday’s match with a record of 4-0-3 in its previous seven matches. Glenbard West scored a first-half goal to take a 1-0 lead. Junior Gerardo Figueroa of the Rams scored a goal with about 29 minutes left in the second half to tie the score at 1-1. Senior Lukas Czapla assisted the goal. The Hilltoppers scored the go-ahead goal with about 19 minutes to play. They added another goal with about 10 minutes left in the match.

Glenbard East senior Jonny Weltin (No. 13) earned his team’s Golden Boot honor for his play in Saturday’s match. The Rams’ overall season record stood at 4-4-3 following their loss to Glenbard West. Glenbard East’s schedule this week includes a conference contest against Fenton, along with this Saturday’s conference home match against Glenbard South.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

Puzzle page

ACTIVATOR ADJUSTMENT

ARTICULATE

ATLAS

BONES

CERVICAL

CHIROPRACTIC

COCCYX

DIAGNOSIS

DISC

FLEXORS

HANDS

JOINT

LUMBAR

MANIPULATION

MASSAGE

NECK

NERVES

PAINFUL

SACRUM

SPINAL STIMULATION

SUBLUXATION

SUDOKU

Fun by the Numbers

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

CLUES ACROSS

1. Flat tableland with steep edges

5. Byproduct of fire

10. Talked

12. Unique skill

14. Unembarrassed

16. Where teenagers go

18. Boxing’s GOAT

19. Used to anoint

20. Reproductive structure found in rust fungi

22. Auburn great Newton

23. Some are for Christmas

25. Dried, split pulses

26. Self

27. Where to get your mail

28. High schoolers’ test

30. Flightless bird

31. Expectorated

33. Practice of misrepresenting the truth

35. Type of patch

37. French river

38. Told on

40. Hillside

41. Peyton’s little brother

42. Soviet Socialist Republic

44. Progressive country musician

45. Witness

48. Brews

50. Yellowish-brown

52. Arctic explorers (abbr.)

53. Mexican agave

55. Type of “cast”

56. Popular breakfast food

57. Atomic #52

58. Position north or south of the equator

63. Gadget

65. Another recording

66. Irregular bulges in cell membranes

67. Dark brown

CLUES DOWN

1. Licensed for Wall Street

2. Partner to flow

3. A very large body of water

4. Accumulate on the surface of

5. Central cores of stems

6. Angry

7. Spanish stew: __ podrida

8. Fastened with a pin

9. On your way: __ route

10. Soviet labor camp system

11. Enmities

13. B complex vitamin

15. Go quickly

17. Toast

18. A team’s best pitcher

21. Philly culinary specialty

23. Small child

24. Unhappy

27. Trims away

29. Full of tears

32. Touch softly

34. Former OSS

35. A person’s chest

36. Came from behind

39. Fall back

40. Nellie __, journalist

43. A part of a river where the current is very fast

44. Weather

46. Sports broadcaster Ian

47. Electroencephalograph

49. Phenyl salicylate

51. Web of Things

54. Ship goods as cargo

59. The bill in a restaurant

60. Young female

61. OJ trial judge

62. One’s grandmother

64. West Siberian river

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LEGAL NOTICES

ORDINANCE NO. 1023-23

COMBINED ANNUAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF THE BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, BENSENVILLE, ILLINOIS

BUDGET OF THE BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, DU PAGE AND COOK COUNTIES, ILLINOIS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024

WHEREAS, the Bensenville Community Public Library District, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, caused to be prepared, in tentative form, a combined Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, and the same has been made conveniently available for public inspection for at least thirty (30) days prior to final action thereon; and

WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was held as to such Combined Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on the 25th day of September, 2023; and notice of the hearing was given prior thereto as required by law; and all legal requirements have been complied with;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of the Bensenville Community Public Library District, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, as follows:

SECTION ONE: That the fiscal year of this Library be, and the same is, hereby fixed and declared to be beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.

SECTION TWO: That the following Budget, containing the statement of cash on hand at the beginning of the fiscal year, estimate of cash expected to be received from all sources, estimate of expenditures contemplated for said fiscal year, and statement of cash expected to be on hand at the end of said fiscal year, is hereby adopted as the Budget of this Library District for said fiscal year.

on hand at the beginning of fiscal year

of cash expected to be received from all sources

than taxation by taxation

Special Reserve Fund 85,000 85,000Appropriated Appropriated other Appropriated raised than taxation by taxation

TOTALS 2,536,100 242,000 2,256,100

SECTION TWO: That the Secretary is hereby directed to file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the County Clerk of DuPage County and with the County Clerk of Cook County, within the time as specified by law.

SECTION THREE: That this Ordinance shall take effect upon the date of its passage and approval, as is provided by law.

PASSED AND APPROVED by the Board of Trustees of the Bensenville Community Public Library District, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, this 25th day of September 2023.

APPROVED:

/s/ Linda Weiss Linda Weiss

President, Bensenville Community Public Library District

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR DALLAS COUNTY

Mike Que, Plaintiff, vs. Yuge Bi, Defendant, Case No.: LACV044043

ORIGINAL NOTICE TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT:

APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF THE BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, DU PAGE AND COOK COUNTIES, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024

BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Trustees of the Bensenville Community Public Library District, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois as follows:

SECTION ONE: That the following sums, or so much thereof as authorized by law be, and the same are, hereby appropriated for the Bensenville Community Public Library District for the objects and purposes hereinafter specified for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024. Said sums of money are deemed necessary to defray the necessary expenses and liabilities of the Bensenville Community Public Library District for each object and purpose, as follows:

ATTEST:

/s/Mandi Zalewski

Mandi Zalewski

Secretary, Bensenville Community Public Library District

STATE OF ILLINOIS ) SS

COUNTY OF DUPAGE AND COOK )

CERTIFIED ESTIMATE OF REVENUES BY SOURCE

I, Susan Earley, certify that I am the duly qualified and acting Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the Bensenville Community Public Library District of DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois and, as such, I am the chief fiscal officer of said Library District.

I further certify that said Library District estimates that its revenues, by source, anticipated to be received during the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2023 are as follows:

1.

7.

8.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have affixed by signature this 25th day of September, 2023.

/s/Susan Earley Susan

Earley

You are notified that a petition has been filed electronically, on January 26, 2023, in the office of the Clerk of Court for the Iowa District Court in and for Dallas County, Iowa, naming you as the Defendant in this action. See Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16 for general rules and information on electronic filing; see Division VI of Chapter 16 regarding protection of personal or confidential information in court filings. The name and address of the attorney for the plaintiff is Theodore W. Craig, 699 Walnut Street, Suite 1600, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309. The attorney’s phone number is (515) 244-2600; facsimile number: (515) 246-4550.

You must serve a motion or answer within 20 days after service of this original notice upon you, and within a reasonable time thereafter, file your motion or answer with the Clerk of Court for Dallas County, at the county courthouse in Adel, Iowa. If you do not, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability coordinator at (515) 286-3394. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800-735-2942). Disability coordinators cannot provide legal advice.

(SEAL)

STATE

COUNTY OF

) SS

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

I, Mandi Zalewski, do hereby certify that I am the duly qualified and acting Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Bensenville Community Public Library District of Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois and as such I am the custodian and keeper of the records and files of said Library District.

I do further certify that the attached is a true and correct copy of that certain Combined Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for said Bensenville Community Public Library District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 which was adopted by said Board of Trustees at a meeting of said Board of Trustees held on September 25th, 2023.

I do further certify that the attached Combined Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance has not been amended, altered, changed or repealed and is still in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed by official signature and the corporate seal of said Bensenville Community Public Library District, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois at Bensenville, Illinois this 25th day of September, 2023.

/s/Mandi Zalewski

Mandi Zalewski

Secretary, Bensenville Community Public Library District

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Oct. 5, 2023)

444767

/s/Adam Juckette CLERK

OF COURT

Dallas County Courthouse

Adel, Iowa 50003

IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Sept. 28, Oct. 5 & 12, 2023) 444366

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF ADDISON PUBLIC LIBRARY AUDIT REPORT

The Addison Public Library hereby provides public notice that an audit of its funds for the period May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023 has been made by Sikich LLP, in accordance with 30 ILCS 15/0.01 et seq. The full report of the audit is available for inspection on the library website and at the Library, 4 Friendship Plaza, Addison, IL, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and between the hours of 1 pm and 5 pm on Sunday, except for holidays.

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Oct. 5, 2023) 444833

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79206 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 wherein the business firm of C.J. RECORDS, RECORDING & PUBLISHING CO., 210A E. CHICAGO AVENUE, #226, WESTMONT, IL 60559 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:

Valerie Coleman, 210A E. Chicago Avenue #226, Westmont, IL 60559.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 14TH day of SEPTEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(Published in The Lombardian Sept. 21, 28 & Oct. 5, 2023) 444124

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79218 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 wherein the business firm of LIMB BY LIMB, 610 W. ROOSEVELT RD., SUITE C-2, WHEATON, IL 60187 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:

Aimee M. Swanson, 209 Windsor Cir., Saint Charles, IL 60175.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 22ND day of SEPTEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Sept 28, Oct. 5 & 12, 2023) 444490

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79205 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on SEPTEMBER 14, 2023, wherein the business firm of THE TINSEL TT, 1183 VIRGINIA COURT, BARTLETT, IL 60103 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:

Marisa Webster, 1183 Virginia Ct., Bartlett, IL 60103.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 14TH day of SEPTEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Sept. 28, Oct. 5 & 12, 2023) 444508

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79223 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on SEPTEMBER 26, 2023, wherein the business firm of SUR-SEAL PARKING LOT MAINTENANCE, 380

E. ST. CHARLES ROAD UNIT #805, LOMBARD, IL 60148 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:

Rory Krabec, 1089 Beverly Ct., Lombard, IL 60148.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 26TH day of SEPTEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Oct. 5, 12 & 19, 2023) 444585

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79221 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, wherein the business firm of ON THE SPOT MASSAGE, LLC, 610 W. ROOSEVELT ROAD, WHEATON, IL 60187 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:

Lisa Cadotte, 0N387 Fanchon Street, Wheaton, IL 60187.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 25TH day of SEPTEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(Published in The Lombardian Oct. 5, 12 & 19, 2023) 444652

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79222 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on SEPTEMBER 26, 2023, wherein the business firm of RS CONSULTING, 308 NORTON STREET, LOMBARD, IL 60148 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:

Richard Steben, 308 Norton Street, Lombard, IL 60148.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 26TH day of SEPTEMBER, A.D. 2023.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(Published in The Lombardian Oct. 5, 12 & 19, 2023) 444656

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DU PAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of: DANICA MILA PERISIC

Case Number: 2023MR000518

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from DANICA MILA PERISIC to the new name of DANICA PERISIC. The court date will be held NOVEMBER 13, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL, DuPage County, in Courtroom #2007.

/s/ Danica Mila Perisic

Dated: 9/11/2023

Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-936008

(Published in The Lombardian Sept. 21, 28 & Oct. 5, 2023)

443962

VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR RIGHTS-OF-WAY TREE and STUMP REMOVAL

Notice is hereby given that the Village of Lombard, Illinois, acting through the Department of Public Works, will receive sealed bid proposals for RIGHTS-OFWAY TREE and STUMP REMOVAL

Bid proposals must be received prior to 9:30 a.m. October 20th, 2023, at the Public Works Department, 1051 S Hammerschmidt Avenue, Lombard, Illinois, 60148, marked “Attention: Eric Hendrickson” and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Each proposal should be placed in a sealed envelope and labeled on the outside of the bid packet:

”This packet is in response to the Village of Lombard’s request for bids relative to:

Bid #: PWO 24-14

Bid Description: Rights-of-Way Tree and Stump Removal”

This is to assure that the bid is clearly identified as such. In addition, only sealed bids will be accepted.

Any bid packets received after 9:30 AM on October 20th, 2023, will be returned to the bidder unopened.

Bid proposals for this project will be considered to determine the lowest responsible bidder. Judgment on the award of the contract shall be based not only on cost but also on past performance,

experience, and ability to perform the work. The Village of Lombard reserves the right to accept the proposal deemed to be in its own best interest based on all of the above considerations and other considerations the law allows in determining the definition of ‘responsible bidder’. Bids will be acted upon by the President and Board of Trustees.

Description of Work

The proposed work is officially known as Rights-of-Way Tree and Stump Removal. The Village of Lombard is seeking a Contractor to the skilled removal of trees and stumps from Village parkways and other rights-of-way throughout the Village on a monthly basis starting in 2024. The duration of the contract is from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, with options for 2025 and 2026. All of the above, as well as other project details, are further described in the contract documents for said work as prepared by the Village of Lombard.

Qualification of BiDDers

Bidders shall:

• Have adequate equipment and employ adequate staff to accomplish the work specified.

• Be able to document and provide current references for the above.

availaBility of contract Documents

Bid specifications and specific instructions to bidders may be requested electronically at http://www.villageoflombard.org/bids. All questions concerning the bid document or specifications must be submitted in writing to Eric Hendrickson, Forestry and Urban Landscaping Supervisor (hendricksone@villageoflombard.org) on or before October 16, 2023. A written response will then be provided to all known bidders via email and made available to the public by posting to the Village website. No interpretations, clarifications or addenda will be issued after October 16, 2023, four days prior to the scheduled bid opening. Any questions submitted after that date will not be answered. Please include your email address when picking up a bid packet in the case any addenda is issued.

rejection of BiDs

The Village reserves the right to defer the award of the contract for a period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days after the date bids are received, and accept or reject any or all proposals, and waive technicalities.

Village of Lombard, Illinois

Elizabeth Brezinski Village Clerk

(Published in The Lombardian Oct. 5, 2023) 444470

VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR PARKWAY, TURF AND LANDSCAPE RESTORATION

Notice is hereby given that the Village of Lombard, Illinois, acting through the

Department of Public Works, will receive sealed bid proposals for PARKWAY, TURF AND LANDSCAPE RESTORATION

Bid proposals must be received prior to 9:00 a.m. October 20th, 2023, at the Public Works Department, 1051 S Hammerschmidt Avenue, Lombard, Illinois, 60148, marked “Attention: Eric Hendrickson” and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Each proposal should be placed in a sealed envelope and labeled on the outside of the bid packet:

“This packet is in response to the Village of Lombard’s request for bids relative to:

Bid #: PWO 24-17B

Bid Description: Parkway, Turf, & Landscape Restoration”

This is to ensure that the bid is clearly identified as such. In addition, only sealed bids will be accepted.

Description of Work

The proposed work is officially known as Parkway, Turf, & Landscape Restoration. The Village of Lombard is seeking a Contractor to perform soil and seed restoration of locations throughout the Village of Lombard where an underground utility dig or stump grinding operation were performed by the Village or our contractors, starting in Spring 2024. The duration of the contract is from March 1, 2024, to November 1, 2024, with options for 2025 and 2026. All of the above, as well as other project details, are further described in the contract documents for said work as prepared by the Village of Lombard.

Qualification of BiDDers

Bidders shall:

• Have adequate equipment and employ adequate staff to accomplish the work specified.

• Be able to document and provide current references for the above.

availaBility of contract Documents

Bid specifications and specific instructions to bidders may be requested electronically at http://www.villageoflombard. org/bids. All questions concerning the bid document or specifications must be submitted in writing to Eric Hendrickson, Forestry and Urban Landscaping Supervisor (hendricksone@ villageoflombard.org) on or before October 16, 2023. A written response will then be provided to all known bidders and made available to the public by posting to the Village website. No interpretations, clarifications or addenda will be issued after October 16, 2023, four days prior to the scheduled bid opening. Any questions submitted after that date will not be answered. Please include your email address when picking up a bid packet in case any addenda is issued.

Bid proposals for this project will be con sidered to determine the lowest respon sible bidder. Judgment on the award of the contract shall be based not only on cost but also on past performance, experience, and ability to perform the work. The Village of Lombard reserves

the right to accept the proposal deemed to be in its own best interest based on all of the above considerations and other considerations the law allows in determining the definition of ‘responsible bidder’. Bids will be acted upon by the President and Board of Trustees.

rejection of BiDs

The Village reserves the right to defer the award of the contract for a period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days after the date bids are received, and accept or reject any or all proposals, and waive technicalities.

Village of Lombard, Illinois

Elizabeth Brezinski

Village

(Published in The Lombardian Oct. 5, 2023)

Clerk

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DU PAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of: SOPHIA EILEEN GOMEZ

Case Number: 2023 MR 520

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from SOPHIA EILEEN GOMEZ to the new name of AUGUST ESAI GOMEZ. The court date will be held November 22, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL, DuPage County, in Courtroom #2007.

/s/ Sophia Gomez

Dated: 9/28/2023

Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-936421

(Published in The Lombardian Oct. 5, 12 & 19, 2023) 444837

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79225 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on SEPTEMBER 28, 2023, wherein the business firm of ONLINE PUBLISHERS, 323 S. ARBORETUM CIRCLE, WHEATON, IL 60189 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Scott J. Kolbaba, 323 S. Arboretum Circle, Wheaton, IL 60189 and Florin T. Kolbaba, 0S083 Lee Court, Winfield, IL 60190.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 28TH day Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk

Rams roll to a 56-7 win over Elgin

Glenbard East scores seven first-half touchdowns in its homecoming game; Rams move to 5-1

The Glenbard East football team won its homecoming game in convincing fashion, crushing Elgin 56-7 in Friday night’s Upstate Eight Conference contest in Lombard.

The Rams improved their overall season record to 5-1 with the victory. Elgin dropped to 1-5.

Glenbard East’s season continues with tonight’s conference game against Fenton (0-6) at Triton College in River Grove.

Playing in front of a large crowd on a beautiful evening, the Rams scored four first-quarter touchdowns to take an early 28-0 lead over Elgin. Glenbard East added three more touchdowns in the second quarter to extend its lead to 49-0 by halftime. That lead of at least 40 points led to a running clock throughout the second half.

“I thought our guys were sharp tonight,” said Glenbard East coach John Walters after Friday’s win over the Maroons. “I thought we were fast. I thought we were physical. We executed really well.”

The Rams opened the game with a 63-yard touchdown drive. Senior Matt Larson delivered runs of 13 and 46 yards on the first two plays from scrimmage. After a 2-yard run by Larson, senior quarterback Blake Salvino completed the four-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Senior Ryan Snell made the first of his eight extra-point kicks of the game to give the Rams a 7-0 lead with 10:16 left in the first quarter.

Larson scored Glenbard East’s next touchdown on a 55-yard punt return. Senior linebacker Augustus Winkler scored the Rams’ third touchdown of the night when he intercepted an Elgin pass and raced 29 yards into the end zone.

Junior Amonte Cook scored Glenbard East’s fourth touchdown of the

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Glenbard East’s football team beat Elgin 56-7 on Friday night in Lombard. The Rams improved their 2023 season record to 5-1 with the win. Playing its homecoming game, Glenbard East built a 49-0 halftime lead in the Upstate Eight Conference matchup against the Maroons. Glenbard East senior Matt Larson (No. 1 - above left) is pictured during his 55-yard punt return for a touchdown with about nine minutes left in the first quarter. Senior Augustus Winkler (No. 13 - above right) is shown during his 29-yard interception return for a touchdown with about six minutes remaining in the opening quarter. The Rams held a 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Glenbard East’s season continues with tonight’s conference game against Fenton. The game will be played at Triton College in River Grove.

first quarter on a 22-yard run. Snell made the ensuing extra-point kick to give the Rams a 28-0 lead with 3:35 left in the opening quarter.

Senior Eric McClain of the Rams blocked an Elgin punt late in the first quarter. Senior Aaron Dotson picked up the loose ball after the block and returned it to the Maroons’ 8-yard line. Moments later, in the opening seconds of the second quarter, Salvi-

no fired an 18-yard touchdown pass to Cook.

Larson scored Glenbard East’s sixth touchdown of the night on a 63-yard run with 5:01 left in the second quarter. Junior quarterback Max Salek delivered a 43-yard touchdown run with 3:40 remaining in the second quarter. Snell tacked on the extra-point kick to raise the Rams’ lead to 49-0.

Elgin scored its only touchdown of the game on a 73-yard run in the first minute of the third quarter.

Junior Valentino Heredia scored Glenbard East’s eighth and final touchdown of the night on an 18-yard run in the middle of the third quarter.

The Rams became playoff-eligible with Friday’s victory, which guaranteed a winning record in the 2023 regular season.

In other conference action on Friday, Glenbard South defeated South Elgin 14-13 in South Elgin. The Raiders and the Storm both entered that game with perfect 5-0 records.

Glenbard South now sits atop the conference standings with a 6-0 record. Glenbard East and South Elgin both hold records of 5-1.

The Rams will face Glenbard South in Lombard on Oct. 13.

Rams, Warriors and Broncos run at the Pat Savage Invitational

Several area cross-country teams competed in Saturday’s Pat Savage Invitational at Niles West High School in Skokie.

The boys teams from Glenbard East and Montini Catholic competed in the event, as did the girls teams from Glenbard East, Montini Catholic and Willowbrook.

Glenbard East’s boys team posted a 10 th-place finish in the overall team standings of the invite, which included 43 squads.

Senior Ryan Van Dam led the Rams to their 10 th-place showing by running to a ninth-place finish in the overall individual standings.

Van Dam completed Saturday’s 3-mile White Division race in 15 minutes, 37.44 seconds.

Glenbard East sophomore Mason Hephner ran to a 19th-place overall finish in Saturday’s invite, which included nearly 500 finishers. Hephner negotiated the course in 15 minutes, 57.57 seconds.

Van Dam and Hephner were the only two Rams to place among the boys division’s top 100 finishers.

Junior Nolan Ferris of Montini finished 20 th in the invite’s overall individual standings. Ferris completed the Red Division race in 15 minutes, 47.79 seconds.

Junior Conor Kaefer of the Broncos posted a 97 th-place finish in the individual standings with his time of 17 minutes, 27.37 seconds.

Montini wound up 26 th in the event’s team standings.

Rams finish 10 th in the girls race

Glenbard East’s girls team ran to a 10 th-place finish in the overall team standings of Saturday’s girls event at the Pat Savage Invitational. Willowbrook placed 19 th in the girls competition, which included 43 teams. Montini Catholic’s team posted a 23 rd-place finish.

Junior Elena Kosorog led the Rams to their 10 th-place finish by placing 40 th in the invite’s overall individual standings. Kosorog finished the 3-mile White Division race in 20 minutes, 24.1 seconds.

Senior Maya Reinheimer turned in a 46 th-place overall finish for Glenbard East. She completed the race in 20 minutes, 27.29 seconds.

Junior Brissa Sarabia (20:50.05) contributed a 66 th-place finish for the Rams. Senior Erica Long (21:18.92) landed in 82 nd place. Seniors Anabelle Stevenson (21:41.16) and Sammy Kelly (21:41.77) finished 103 rd and 107 th , respectively. Saturday’s girls competition at Niles West included nearly 450 finishers.

Ojeda leads the Warriors with a ninth-place finish

Junior Amelie Ojeda of Willowbrook sprinted to a ninth-place finish in the invite’s overall standings. She completed the White Division race in 19 minutes, 13.28 seconds.

Junior Malin Meeker was the

second Warrior to cross the finish line in Saturday’s invite. Meeker posted a 91 st-place time of 21 minutes, 26.59 seconds.

Gertz delivers a second-place showing

Sophomore Sydney Gertz of Montini Catholic produced a second-place overall finish on Saturday. Gertz ran the 3-mile Red Division girls race in 18 minutes, 9.71 seconds. Her time was five seconds behind the invite’s overall individual champion—Vernon Hills senior Anna Lester (18:04.36).

Sophomore Ashlynn Lindt of the Broncos finished 14 th overall. She completed the Red Division race in 19 minutes, 22.04 seconds.

Warriors’ undefeated season ends with a loss to the Huskies

Oak Park and River Forest beats Willowbrook in a three-game battle; Warriors fall to 19-1

The Willowbrook girls volleyball team played three road matches last week. After beating Whitney Young and Glenbard East to improve their overall season record to 19-0, the Warriors suffered their first loss of the season on Friday.

Willowbrook fell to 19-1 after Friday’s three-game loss at Oak Park and River Forest High School. The Huskies defeated the Warriors 25-17, 24-26, 25-10.

The Warriors opened the week with a 25-17, 25-13 win at Whitney Young on Sept. 25. Senior Calli Kenny provided six kills, six assists and four blocks in Willowbrook’s win over the Dolphins. Junior Anna Marinier supplied six kills and three digs for the Warriors, while junior Hannah Kenny contributed four kills, 15 assists and six digs. Senior Elle Bruschuk hit four kills and made five blocks. Senior Elisa Chivilo added seven digs, three assists and two aces. Junior Lily Javier and senior Eliza Ramey hit four and three kills, respectively.

Calli Kenny bashed six kills, made five digs and handed out nine assists in Willowbrook’s 25-20, 25-12 win over Glenbard East in Lombard on Sept. 28. Hannah Kenny added three kills, 10 assists and nine digs. Marinier delivered three kills and six digs.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook’s girls volleyball team improved its overall season record to 19-0 following last week’s 25-20, 25-12 win over Glenbard East in Lombard. One photo (above left) from the Sept. 28 match shows junior Anna Marinier (No. 8, far left), senior Elisa Chivilo (No. 3, center) and some of their teammates after the Warriors won the first game against the Rams. Another photo (above right) from the match shows senior Elle Bruschuk smiling after her team won a point during the second game. One day after beating Glenbard East, Willowbrook played a match at Oak Park and River Forest. The Huskies handed the Warriors their first loss of the season, beating Willowbrook 25-17, 24-26, 25-10.

Bruschuk delivered four kills. Javier and Ramey hit three kills each.

Calli Kenny amassed 10 kills, four blocks, 10 assists and eight digs in

Warriors cruise to a convincing 43-8 win over Proviso East

Willowbrook builds a 43-0 halftime lead; moves to 4-2 overall with the win

The Willowbrook football team improved to 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the West Suburban Gold Conference following Saturday afternoon’s 43-8 win over Proviso East in Maywood.

The Warriors scored six first-half touchdowns to take a 43-0 halftime lead. The Pirates (1-5 overall, 0-4 in the conference) scored their only touchdown of the game on a short pass with 8:30 left in the fourth quarter. Proviso East then completed a two-point conversion pass.

Willowbrook will face Oak Park and River Forest (1-5) of the West Suburban Silver Conference this Friday in Villa Park.

Willowbrook scored four touchdowns in the opening quarter of Saturday’s game to take a 29-0 lead.

Proviso East drove to the Warriors’ 10-yard line on its first drive of the game. That drive ended with the Pirates turning the ball over on downs at the Warriors’ 15-yard line.

Willowbrook then drove 85 yards for a touchdown. Senior quarterback Arthur Palicki completed a 12-yard scoring pass to junior K.J. Rhodes to give the Warriors a 6-0 lead. Junior kicker Brandon Lopez made the extra-point kick to give Willowbrook a 7-0 lead with 5:59 left in the first quarter.

After a short Proviso East punt, Willowbrook began its next drive at the Pirates’ 20-yard line. Palicki completed the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. Lopez added the extra-point kick to push the Warriors’ lead to 14-0 with 3:34 remaining in the first quarter.

Willowbrook scored its third touchdown of the game about one minute later. Moments after recovering a Proviso East fumble, the Warriors scored on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Palicki to Rhodes. Palicki then ran across the goal line to complete a two-point conversion and push Willowbrook’s lead to 22-0 with 2:38 to play in the first quarter.

Junior Jovon Boyd scored the Warriors’ fourth touchdown of the game on a 12-yard run with 1:20 left in the first quarter. Lopez converted the extra-point kick to push Willowbrook’s lead to 29-0.

Palicki connected with junior receiver Martin Anfinson on a 15-yard touchdown pass with 8:30 to play in the second quarter. Lopez made his fourth extra-point kick of the day to give the Warriors a 36-0 lead.

An 8-yard touchdown run by senior DaeVeon Madison boosted Willowbrook’s lead to 42-0 with 4:05 left in the second quarter. Lopez closed out the team’s scoring for the day by making the extra-point kick.

Friday’s loss at Oak Park and River Forest. Hannah Kenny piled up eight kills, nine assists and 10 digs. Ramey had three kills and three blocks.

Chivilo made 13 digs. Senior Keri Ostrowski had eight digs.

The Warriors’ schedule this week includes a West Suburban Gold Con-

Sectional qualifier

Willowbrook’s boys golf team competed in last week’s IHSA Class 3A regional at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club’s No. 2 Course in West Chicago. Junior Austin Coppersmith of the Warriors earned an individual berth in this week’s IHSA Plainfield North Sectional with his strong performance at the Sept. 27 regional. Coppersmith fired an 18-hole score of 78 on the par-72 layout. He is pictured after the competition. The regional’s top 10 individuals who weren’t members of sectional-qualifying teams advanced to the sectional as individuals. Hinsdale Central won the regional’s team title. Wheaton Warrenville South placed second, while Downers Grove North finished third. Those three squads earned team berths in the Plainfield North Sectional, which was contested earlier this week at Whitetail Ridge Golf Club in Yorkville. Willowbrook finished eighth in the nine-team regional’s standings. Glenbard East placed seventh in the event’s team competition. Senior Peter Ahern of the Rams secured an individual berth in this week’s sectional. Ahern delivered an 18hole score of 75 at the regional. All sectional competitors attempted to earn berths in the Class 3A state meet, which will take place this Friday and Saturday in Bloomington.

ference match at Hinsdale South, a non-conference battle at Riverside-Brookfield and this Saturday’s appearance at the Elk Grove Invite.

Warriors run to a team title in Chicago

The Willowbrook boys cross-country team won the team championship of Saturday’s Solorio Sun Warrior Invitational at Marquette Park in Chicago.

The Warriors posted a team score of 39 to capture the title at the event, which featured 15 teams. Andrew High School of Tinley Park produced a score of 52 in its second-place finish.

Junior Adriano Quintero led Willowbrook to the team title by racing to a thirdplace finish in the individual standings. He completed the 3-mile race in 16 minutes, 39.3 seconds.

Willowbrook’s trio of senior Declan Abercrombie, junior Jake Skibbie and junior Kasen Blain placed among the top 10 individual finishers at Saturday’s race. Abercrombie posted a seventh-place finishing time of 16 minutes, 52.6 seconds. Skibbie (16:54.2) placed eighth, while Blain (17:04.9) finished ninth.

Junior Omar Arenas (17:36.50) ran to a 16th-place finish for the Warriors.

Broncos drop to 5-1 after losing to

Providence Catholic Montini will play its homecoming game this Friday

The Montini Catholic football team suffered its first loss of the season on Friday, when it dropped a 38-7 decision at Providence Catholic in New Lenox.

The Broncos fell to 5-1 with the loss. Providence Catholic improved to 4-2.

Montini will play its homecoming game this Friday in Lombard. The Broncos will face St. Viator (3-3) of Arlington Heights. The Lions lost 25-14 to Carmel Catholic of Mundelein on Friday.

Providence Catholic scored two first-quarter touchdowns to take an early 14-0 lead over the Broncos. The Celtics extended their lead to 21-0 in the second quarter. Montini senior Alex Marre delivered a 12yard touchdown run with about four minutes to play in the first half. Senior Cole Stumbaugh added the extra-point kick to cut the Celtics’ lead to 21-7.

Marre rushed for 83 yards on 16 carries during Friday’s contest. He also made four receptions for 33 yards.

Montini junior quarterback Gaetano Carbonara completed 12 of 21 pass attempts for 133 yards. He didn’t throw any interceptions.

Providence Catholic kicked a field goal late in the second quarter to raise its lead to 24-7 by halftime. The Celtics pushed their lead to 31-7 with a touchdown in the middle of the third quarter.

Junior Sean Hubeny and sophomore Isaac Alexander recorded interceptions for the Broncos during Friday’s game.

Vish receives 88’s Best award for September

Willowbrook High School senior Lillian Vish is her school’s recipient of the 88’s Best award for the month of September. Vish was recognized at the District 88 Board of Education’s Sept. 25 meeting. She is pictured (left) at that meeting with Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause (right). The 88’s Best award recognizes students for their achievements in and out of the classroom. The award recognizes nine Willowbrook students and nine Addison Trail students each school year. Vish, who is a resident of Lombard, is a highly accomplished student. When she graduates in 2024, she will have completed 10 Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses. An AP Scholar with Distinction, Vish has been named to Willowbrook’s Distinction Honor Roll during each semester of her high school career. She is an inductee of several honor societies, including the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the National Math Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and Willowbrook’s social studies honor society—Civitas. Vish serves as a leader in Willowbrook’s New Beginnings Program, which helps freshmen adjust to the transition to high school. She’s also a member of the school’s math and Science Olympiad teams, and she’s involved in the school’s Best Buddies program, which builds relationships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Vish is a captain of the Willowbrook/Addison Trail girls swim team. A longtime member of the Lombard Waves swim team, Vish is also a lifeguard and a swim instructor at Paradise Bay Water Park. Vish will attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she plans to study chemistry.

Another shutout victory

Willowbrook’s flag football team improved its 2023 season record to 4-0 with Saturday’s 59-0 victory over Fenton in Villa Park. The Warriors have shut out all four of their opponents this season. One photo from Saturday’s contest shows sophomore Leigh Bernardo (No. 2 - above) after she scored a first-half touchdown. Another photo shows sophomore quarterback Marli Smrz (No. 6 - top left).

One more photo (left) shows freshman Liz Pettinger, who received Willowbrook’s player of the game award. The Warriors’ season continues with this Saturday’s home game against Addison Trail.

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