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Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

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Graduation day Play at the plate at Willowbrook

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, the game tiedcelebrated at 2-2. Downers Grove South’swith catcher Willowbrook Highwhen School’s Class was of 2021 its commencement two tagged Rugg out at home for the third out of theon inning.

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CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

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 SatCHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa ParkSilver Review urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Conference.

Senior Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and that sophomore ceremony that beganAnnemarie at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony started Kayleigh the home Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the at 11 a.m. Dennison The photoprovided shows members of runs. the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing background of the above photo. more aboutsee thePage Warriors, during the day’s first service.

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Memorial Day in Villa Park KATE KATE DRURY DRURY

right) at the tree planting at the village’s Franklin Park, located at 218 N. Third Ave., are: Villa Park Village your local agent CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns CommisWillowbrook School’s girls basketball team Morton Concerns 61-46 in Friday’s West Suburban sion, Margaret High Schiefer—a member of the Villa Parkdefeated Environmental Commission, Villa Park Gold Conference gameTucker, in Villa Villa Park.Park Senior EllePresident BruschukAlbert of the Bulthuis, Warriors Villa needed toVillage score Trustee 26 points in Village Trustee Cheryl Village Park (and Contact me for a Friday’s contest to reach the 1,000-point milestone in her four-year varsity basketball career.

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She made 10 field goals, including one 3-point basket, and sank five of six free-throw attempts at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park.

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Federal judge sets trial date for State Sen. Tom Cullerton--Page 4

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Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Tensions grow between city, state and federal government over influx of migrants Lawmakers begin offering proposals to address recent arrivals

By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Tensions rose again last week between Gov. JB Pritzker’s office and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over how to handle the tens of thousands of people who have arrived in the state since August 2022 via buses or planes sent from Texas.

The most recent back-and-forth between the two came in response to the city’s recent shift in its migrant strategy: away from building new shelters or even increasing capacity of existing shelters, instead focusing on getting migrants out of shelters and into other forms of housing.

The state had previously committed $65 million to building a shelter in Chicago in November—an effort that has still not come to fruition.

“I’m deeply concerned,” Pritzker said. “We do not have enough shelter as it is in the city of Chicago. The city has not told the state where they would like us to put our resources.

We can’t help if they don’t identify those locations.”

Johnson’s administration is gearing up to enforce the city’s 60-day eviction policy at Chicago’s shelters. Enforcement of that policy was initially delayed due to dangerously cold weather but is set to go into effect next week.

At a news conference on Jan. 24, Johnson suggested that the state build shelters outside of his city.

“The state of Illinois can build a shelter anywhere in the state of Illinois, the state does not have to build a shelter in Chicago,” Johnson said.

Johnson also said Wednesday that he did not think his administration was at odds with Pritzker.

Within city government, Chicago’s shelter policies have drawn criticism.

On Jan. 25, a group of 16 city aldermen penned a letter asking the mayor to walk back the eviction policy.

“To stand by the decision to impose 60-day limits on shelters without addressing these systemic issues leaves new arrivals without options for housing or shelter,” the aldermen wrote. “This situation simply should not be acceptable.”

Beyond Chicago, Pritzker joined

One Stop Shop

eight other Democratic governors earlier last week in a letter to President Joe Biden and congressional leadership asking for more federal coordination of resources to help migrants.

“While political motivations continue to delay the negotiations, our economy, states and localities are bearing the brunt of the shortcomings of the existing immigration system,” the governors wrote. “Therefore, as you return to Washington to resume work on critical federal funding measures, we strongly urge Congress and the Administration to quickly negotiate an agreement on a border security legislative package.”

In addition to Pritzker, the letter was signed by the governors of New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New Mexico.

Conflict between the states and the federal government is also coming from the other side of the political aisle. Earlier last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered Texas officials to allow federal agents to access the state’s border with Mexico. Texas sued the federal government last fall after border patrol agents cut razor wire the state had put up, but the court upheld previous decisions that give the federal government sole responsibility for border security.

On Jan. 24, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has directed the busing program that has brought roughly 35,000 migrants to Illinois, invoked the U.S. Constitution by declaring that the number of migrants at the southern border constitutes an “invasion” of the country and referencing states’ “sovereign interest in protecting their borders.”

“That authority is the supreme law of the land and supersedes any federal statutes to the contrary,” Abbott said in a statement. “The Texas National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and other Texas personnel are acting on that authority, as well as state law, to secure the Texas border.”

Last week also saw several state lawmakers offer possible responses to the influx of migrants.

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Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, penned an op-ed proposing that city and state policymakers use the fact that Chicago is set to host the Democratic National Convention as leverage to force federal action on immigration.

“If the federal government cannot adequately deal with the housing issue for tenured Chicagoans and our new arrivals, then Chicago and Illinois should be prepared to rescind the offer to host the DNC,” Buckner wrote in a piece for the Chicago Tribune.

But backing out of hosting the DNC is unlikely, as contacts with vendors have already been signed and federal law enforcement agencies are already setting out their plans for the event.

“The Democratic National Convention provides an unparalleled opportunity to invest in communities across Chicago,” Natalie Edelstein, a spokesperson for the host committee said in a statement responding to Buckner’s proposal.

Edelstein also noted that the host committee is working with city, state and local partners to “ensure a safe and successful event.”

Buckner is a member of the House of Representatives “New Arrivals Working Group,” an informal group of lawmakers recently convened by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside. That group will likely be an important part of potential funding discussions for the state’s migrant response this spring. While the governor’s office is anticipating a $1.4 billion surplus in the current year which ends June 30, next fiscal year is facing a projected deficit of $891 million.

The state has so far spent or allocated more than $600 million on programs relating to the recently arrived migrants, according to the governor’s office, including a $160 million package through the state’s Department of Human Services announced in November.

Earlier this month, Pritzker said he brought up a potential supplemental

spending plan to legislative leaders in Springfield, but those conversations have so far yielded no proposals.

Some Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, have asked Welch to hold public hearings on the migrant situation.

The Illinois Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republican state representatives, said they attempted to tour shelters in Chicago but were turned away.

While the Jan. 22 letter to Welch from Freedom Caucus members characterized the influx of migrants as an “ongoing illegal immigration crisis,” many of the people bused to the state from Texas are seeking asylum which generally means they can legally stay in the U.S. Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, a member of the Freedom Caucus, said he and his colleagues hope to engage downstate Illinoisans on the issue.

“Transparency in government at any level is important,” Niemerg said.

Illinois proposal calls for expanding vote-by-mail State representative proposes measure that would allow all-mail elections in some areas

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

As the 2024 election season draws near, voters in Illinois will once again choose whether they want to cast their ballots in person or by mail.

But one lawmaker is proposing a bill in the Illinois House that could make that decision a lot easier, making voting by mail the default option for people in counties and cities that choose to go that route.

State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, said voting by mail has been shown to be a more convenient and efficient way of running elections.

“Vote-by-mail has been proven by way of court order, as well as people’s utilization of vote-bymail—I vote by mail—that it has been safe,” she said during an interview. “There have been no problems.

I have not missed a single election. And people who use it increase their voter participation.”

Voting by mail, often referred to as absentee voting, was originally intended for people who planned to be away from home on Election Day, particularly military personnel, as well as college students and people whose jobs required them to travel. That often required voters to ask their state or local election official for an absentee ballot and, in some cases, explain why they wanted to vote by mail.

In more recent years, Illinois and other states have made voting by mail an option for anyone by adopting “no-excuse” absentee voting laws, meaning anyone could request a mail ballot without giving a reason.

Illinois also gives voters the option of asking to be placed on a permanent vote-by-mail list so they can automatically receive a mail-in ballot without having to fill out a new request for one each election cycle.

And in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly passed a law requiring local election officials automatically send vote-by-mail applications to every voter in their jurisdiction, instead of requiring voters to ask for one.

During a special meeting of the House Ethics and Elections Committee held recently in her hometown of Urbana, Ammons said voting by mail has become increasingly popular. But she said the multi-step process of voting by mail is still inefficient because it requires voters to fill out and send in a vote-by-mail

application to receive a ballot.

“But when we went back to look at the utilization of the ballots, the number that came back, and the cost associated with mailing a ballot, we realized as we talked to other jurisdictions that you would actually save the money if you simply mailed them the ballot,” she said.

Ammons is the sponsor of House Bill 4198, which would allow county clerks and other local election authorities to make voting by mail the default option in their jurisdiction. It would give them the option of mailing ballots to all registered voters in their jurisdiction, without requiring voters to ask for one.

But it would still require local election authorities to offer in-person voting as well for those who prefer to cast their ballot in person.

Currently, eight states and Washington, D.C., operate elections almost entirely by mail. William Cavecche, an election administrator in King County, Washington, which includes the city of Seattle, said that state passed a similar law in 2005 and immediately, two-thirds of the counties in the state shifted to vote-by-mail systems.

“Speaking to someone who has run both pollingplace elections and vote-by-mail elections, I can tell you from experience that vote by mail elections are significantly easier to administer,” he said.

Among other benefits, Cavecche said, in a vote-by-mail election, there is no need to worry about problems that commonly occur at in-person polling places such as running out of ballots, voting machines breaking down or poll workers failing to show up.

He also said vote-by-mail elections are more secure because all ballots can be counted in a centralized location. He said ballot counting can also be livestreamed on the internet to provide more public transparency.

The meeting was a subject matter hearing, meaning the committee only heard testimony and did not take action on the bill. But Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, who chairs the panel, said he intends to hold additional hearings during the legislative session, which began Jan. 16, and it’s possible lawmakers could vote on the measure in time to take effect for the 2024 general election in November.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Rock Valley Publishing

V P Court grants state’s motion to deny reView pre-trial release for four Chicago residents illa

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ark

Your Hometown Newspaper

Suspects charged with burglary/leading police on a high-speed chase after they allegedly took more than $4,000 worth of liquor from a Bloomingdale store DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Bloomingdale Director of Public Safety Frank Giammarese announced recently that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for four Chicago residents accused of stealing more than $4,200 from a Bloomingdale liquor store and then leading police on a highspeed chase.

Donald Brown, 28, Terrell Jones, 31, Equnne King, 27, and Jakeiya Brown, 28, each appeared in court on Jan. 17. Donald Brown, Jones and King are each charged with one count of burglary (a Class 2 felony), one count of retail theft (a Class 3 felony) and one count of misdemeanor resisting or obstructing a police officer. Jakeiya Brown is charged with one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (a Class 4

Donald Brown

Equnne King

felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses, including reckless driving.

On Jan. 16 at approximately 9 p.m., Bloomingdale police received an alert regarding a retail theft at PikN-Go Liquors, located at 276 Glen Ellyn Road. When a Bloomingdale officer, who was approximately half a mile away at the time of the alert responded, he observed a sedan allegedly occupied by the four defendants with Jakeiya Brown driving, leaving the scene.

It is alleged that when the officer activated his emergency lights and sirens, the sedan continued to drive away to southbound I-355, where it accelerated away from the officer.

It is further alleged that as other marked squad cars joined the pursuit of the vehicle, Jakeiya Brown con-

Jakeiya Brown

Terrell Jones

tinued to drive, reaching speeds in excess of 120 mph.

The pursuit came to an end when the Oak Brook Police Department deployed spike strips, which successfully stopped the vehicle. It is alleged that when the pursuit ended, Donald Brown, Jones and King exited the vehicle and fled on foot, only to be apprehended a short time later. Jakeiya Brown remained in the vehicle.

All four defendants were taken into custody at that time.

When searching the vehicle, officers found more than 50 bottles of liquor worth approximately $4,300 inside the vehicle.

“The allegations that Mr. Brown, Mr. Jones and Mr. King entered a local business, helped themselves to more than $4,000 worth of merchandise and then fled the scene without

paying are outrageous,” Berlin said.

“What I find particularly disturbing in this case is the allegation that Jakeiya Brown, who was driving the getaway car, then led police on a high-speed chase on a major expressway under winter road conditions, putting countless innocent motorists at great risk. Thankfully, no innocent motorists or pedestrians were injured or worse. Once again, I remind the motoring public, if you hear sirens and see flashing lights behind you, pull over. If you do not, we will use every tool at our disposal to apprehend you, including assistance from other agencies, as in this case.”

“I am extremely proud of the efforts of our officers and those involved from other departments in DuPage law enforcement,” Giammarese said. “We are in a position where the police need to do their job, apprehending offenders is part of our profession. As long as we do it in a safe manner, following department policies and state statute, we will take every step we can to lawfully arrest offenders.”

The next court appearance for all four defendants is scheduled for Feb. 13. All four defendants’ cases will be in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

Armed robbery reported Willowbrook presents “The Odd Couple” next week at gas station in Villa Park

Willowbrook High School will present its winter play—“The Odd Couple”—next week.

There will be three performances (Thursday, Feb. 8, Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10) of the Neil Simon play in the school’s Doris E. White Auditorium. Each performance will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under.

Admission is free for those with a District 88 student ID or a District 88 Senior Gold Card.

This production is rated PG-13 and references suicide.

Tickets will be available to buy at the box office in the hour before each performance. Tickets can also be ordered online at https:// willowbrooktheatre.ludus.com/index.php.

Sara Corkery, who is directing the play at Willowbrook, said she chose “The Odd Couple” as the school’s winter play because it’s a wellknown and popular story. Additionally, the production offers actors an opportunity to experience a different and challenging genre.

Corkery added that the show is filled with physical comedy and props.

“I enjoy reviving classics and bringing them to the stage to resonate with audience members who are familiar with the show, as well as with a new audience,” Corkery said. “The main message of ‘The Odd Couple’ is discovering the value of relationships, despite fate changing the people you end up with. The characters are richly drawn with well-written dialogue, who often surprise us.”

For more information, contact Corkery at scorkery@dupage88.net.

Two masked male subjects reportedly took cash and cigarettes

The Villa Park Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that took place last week at the Thorntons gas station at 250 E. Roosevelt Road.

At approximately 12:25 a.m. on

State police report fewer deaths on Illinois highways in 2023 CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Fatal crashes on interstates and expressways in Illinois fell by 7 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, and shootings were down more than 30 percent.

Illinois State Police report the declines came at the same time troopers were beefing up their enforcement

DuPage Care Center to host Valentine’s Balloon fundraiser to benefit residents The DuPage Care Center will host a fundraiser for the community to send Valentine wishes to Center residents.

For a $5 donation, community members may send a balloon to a Care Center resident to spread cheer and warm wishes. In the past, the public sent nearly 1,000 heartshaped, helium balloons to line the corridors and rooms on Valentine’s Day. Volunteers and staff deliver the balloons to the residents living at the

Center, brightening their days, and bringing lots of smiles along the way.

“This fundraiser provides a great way to warm the hearts of residents at the DuPage Care Center, bringing a smile to their face and lifting their spirits,” said Greg Schwarze, Chair of the Human Services Committee.

“This is an incredible tradition we look forward to every year.”

Balloon donations will be accepted until Feb. 10, and may be sent to: DuPage Care Center, Attn: Valentine

Tuesday, Jan. 23, two male subjects wearing ski masks reportedly robbed the gas station. One of the subjects allegedly displayed a portion of a gun in his clothing during the robbery.

The subjects reportedly stole cash and cigarettes from the gas station and drove westbound on Roosevelt Road in a gray Dodge Avenger with no license plates.

Balloons, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Balloons may also be sent by visiting dpccfoundation.org. Balloons will be delivered on Feb. 14.

Funds from the sale of balloons will benefit the Resident Recreation Fund, which provides programs and activities to improve the quality of life of residents living at the Center.

For more information, Linda Gray at (630) 784-4303 or email linda. gray@dupagecounty.gov.

on the state’s transportation arteries.

Arrests were up 3 percent, gun recoveries up 12 percent, and vehicle recoveries were up 7 percent.

“Over the past several years, we have really demanded more of ourselves, making the tough decisions, executing, and empowering the most effective law enforcement tool there is – the well-trained, professional, crime-fighting trooper,” ISP Director Brendan Kelly said in a news release. “Challenges remain, but we are headed in a good direction.”

ISP also confiscated more than 10,000 pounds of illegal drugs, and $4.5 million in what they call “illicit criminal currency.”

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

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Page 4

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Opinion Slices of life

The hole

Some of us live with a hole that will never go away. It’s an emptiness that can’t be filled. A vacuum within us that’s brimming with nothingness—not even air. Just a permanent, impenetrable, infallible, deep and vast hole.

At first, the hole seems immense—because it is and, honestly, it always will be because the entity that filled the hole was immense in your life and that kind of largeness doesn’t dissipate with time.

But the hole isn’t the all of us.

The hole isn’t our whole. It will always be a part of us, but it doesn’t define us. It doesn’t have to. We are more than the hole—so much more.

Others see our hole and want to do something. To help. To fix. To change us—and it—in some way.

It’s very hard for people without a hole of their own to understand the nature of it. How it just is, and even though it hurts sometimes the damn hole has molded us into what we are today and we wouldn’t be the same without it, nor would we want to be.

The hole doesn’t define us, but it is a part of us and that can’t be changed. Not ever, despite what others want or try to do for us.

Some think they can fill the hole for us. But it has a vastness bigger than infinity. It can never be filled because no one can ever match the exact contours and crevices of the hole’s original inhabitant. Trying to do so would be an act of no avail.

It would be spinning one’s wheels at the highest revolution—with no result.

Others think they can distract us from the hole, and that may be true, at times, because distraction can be a good thing in small increments. But it isn’t the answer. Not long-term, because distraction is momentary and the hole is forever.

Some people simply pretend there is no hole. They believe if they refuse to accept its existence, perhaps we will too. This doesn’t work because pretending never

By

Jill Pertler Columnist

solved any real problem. Not ever.

Pretending is for stage plays, not real life—especially not for real life holes and real life people living in real life in real time.

Finally, they think if they wait long enough we will eventually forget about the hole. This might be the silliest conclusion of all.

Forgetting about the hole would be akin to forgetting the loss that created the hole—the person lost who used to occupy the hole—and anyone who’s experienced the hole up front and personal understands forgetting is exactly the opposite of the desired outcome. Anyone who wants us to forget simply doesn’t understand.

The hole is there. It always will be. We can’t fill it. We can’t move it.

We can’t change it.

But we can grow around it.

We can grow not only despite but because of it. Because the hole (the damned hole) makes us who we are now and that person wouldn’t and couldn’t have existed before.

Who we are now is just as much because of the hole as anything else we’ve ever known. It’s hurt us, but it’s helped us grow—maybe in that order, but not necessarily so.

The hole doesn’t define us, but we can define ourselves based, in part, on what it means in our life, and all we are and all we have become— and are becoming—because of it.

The hole will be a part of us forever. But it isn’t the end; in so many ways it is just the beginning.

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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Letters are limited to 400 words. If a letter exceeds 400 words, it will be sent back to the author to reduce the length of the letter. Authors must include their first and last name, the city or village in which they reside, and a phone number and email address where they can be reached in case there are questions.

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The Smartphone Dead: A series sure to be a hit like The Walking Dead Editor’s note: Previously published columns by Mike Sandrolini will be re-published periodically on the Opinion page. This column was originally published in 2019.

The second half of Season 10 of The Walking Dead premiered this past Sunday on AMC. I’m sure there are more than a few of you who eagerly counted down the days until the premiere. Wish I could say I share your enthusiasm for The Walking Dead series. I know it’s quite popular, but there are only so many times I can watch zombies gorge on flesh or fall over like bowling pins after they are bludgeoned or shot.

What I’d really like to see is producers of The Walking Dead come up with a series that’s more family friendly and easier on the stomach— and certainly would have universal appeal.

How about: The Smartphone Dead.

Casting for The Smartphone Dead wouldn’t be difficult. All any casting company would need to do is show up at food stores, restaurants, schools, Starbucks or malls, street corners or sidewalks. They’d have their pick of smartphone zombies from all walks of life.

Indeed, the smartphone zombie apocalypse has arrived. Smartphone zombies, however, don’t resemble those motley ghouls you see on The Walking Dead. They look like you and me.

I used to think the demographic for smartphone zombies was limited to Gen Z’ers and Millennials. Not anymore. Many Gen Xers and Baby Boomers have turned into smartphone zombies before my eyes.

I live close to the Yorktown Mall, and regularly stop by for either a cheezborger cheezborger, cheezborger at The Billy Goat, or to indulge in some Dutch chocolate frozen yogurt at Skinnysweet (which

By

MIKE SANDROLINI Columnist

is quite tasty, but routinely gives me brain freezes).

Smartphone zombies are easy to spot at the mall. When they’re not walking in a smartphone-induced trance, they usually sit alone, or in small groups, with their noses planted in their phones. Occasionally, they’ll look up … or look up and pose for a selfie. (I’ve never understood the fascination of constantly sticking one’s phone in front of one’s face and snapping a pic, but that’s just me.)

I’ve certainly observed my share of smartphone zombies at the Yorktown Mall. The other day, I found myself on a collision course with a young fellow around my height, but who outweighed me by at least 50 pounds. He kept walking—his eyes transfixed on his phone, oblivious that I was heading straight toward him.

Concluding this was a great opportunity to play a game of chicken with a smartphone zombie, I kept walking, too. With two feet to spare, however, I blinked. I side-stepped him just in time to avoid a collision.

He didn’t even look up.

Observing smartphone zombies at the mall amuses me, for the most part. It’s dealing with them while driving that’s no laughing matter.

As a tot, I was taught to always look both ways before crossing the street.

However, this basic life lesson often goes by the wayside when someone is transfixed on a smartphone. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seen smartphone zombies hold up motorists in front of Walmart, Jewel-Osco or Mariano’s … all the while walk-

ing at a snail’s pace because they’re texting (and, by golly, the world has to stop for them).

One morning, I approached a fourway stop located a couple of blocks from our office in Elmhurst. A woman to my right, driving an SUV, had stopped just before me.

If I remember protocol from driver’s ed class, the driver who stops first gets to go first. So, I waited for her to go. And waited … and waited.

After a few seconds of waiting, curmudgeon-ness kicked in (it doesn’t take long when you reach my age) and I huffed my way through the intersection.

I gave her one of those “if looks could kill” glares as I drove past, but of course, she was unaware of my stare. Why? She was too busy texting. (The following morning, I approached the same four-way stop, convinced I’d find the same woman sitting there texting 24 hours later.)

How I wish one of our men or women in blue happened to be at the intersection that morning instead of me. He or she could have written this smartphone zombie an easy citation.

Speaking of citations, state lawmakers are on the right track with regard to cracking down on those who insist on pecking away on their smartphone screens or indulging in the latest gossip while driving.

According to a law that went into effect last year, drivers who are caught using a hand-held electronic device receive a moving violation (not a warning), as well as a fine. The fine is a maximum of $75 for the first offense, $100 for the second, $125 for the third and $150 for all future offenses.

Personally, I don’t think the fines go far enough. I’d recommend $300 for the first offense, $400 for the second, $500 for the third and $1,000 (or just less than the cost of a new iPhone 11 Pro) for all future offenses.

Food for thought as I await Season One of The Smartphone Dead.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

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Florida man charged with leading police on high-speed chase

when the officer located the vehicle, later determined to be driven by Castro, Castro put his car in reverse and proceeded southbound on Route 83. It is alleged that as the officer pursued, Castro reached speeds of approximately 107 mph in a 45-mph zone and disobeyed three traffic lights.

It is alleged that near 16th Street, Castro completed a U-turn and continued driving northbound on Route 83 reaching speeds of approximately 100 mph in a 35-mph construction zone, at which time the pursuing officer lost sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, the vehicle was located abandoned in a school parking lot. Officers responded to the school parking and at approximately 8:42 p.m., located Castro approximately one block away from the school. He was then taken into custody after a brief struggle with the officers.

Castro’s next court appearance is scheduled July 27 for arraignment in front of Judge Telander.

VOL. 19 • NO. 28

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Celebrating all things Warhol

As many museums are celebrating Andy Warhol and his legacy of pop art, the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild hosted reception for its Inspired By Warhol exhibit, a juried exhibition based on the works of Andy Warhol on display through Friday,

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July 28. Pictured are (from left): Daley Wangler, Reilly Costello, Katy Costello, whose works were on display in the exhibit, Allison Haas and Katie Fox. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

County sheriff investigating Juneteenth shooting incident One killed, 23 wounded; deceased victim was father of two

multiple weapons into a large crowd No arrests have been made as of at around 12:30 a.m. during a gather1 press time in connection with a mass ing to commemorate Juneteenth held shooting at a strip mall in unincorpo- ¢ ¢¢in the parking lot at the mall, located rated DuPage County near Willow- ¢near Honeysuckle Lane and Route brook early Sunday morning, June 83.

18, the day designated as Juneteenth.

Approximately 23 people were The DuPage County Sheriff’s wounded by gunfire. Victims were Office said an unknown number of taken to hospitals in DuPage, Cook suspects fired multiple rounds from and Will counties. One man, idenSTAFF REPORT

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‘Joe the Barber’ honored by Village

tified as 31-year-old father of two Reggie Meadows, died after suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Deputy Chief Eric Swanson of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office said in a news conference Sunday, June 18 that at least two other victims were in critical condition.

“The motive behind this incident is unclear,” Swanson said. “This is

Driving

Range

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Open!

Police Reports.......... 4 information to call 630-407-2343.

The Juneteenth celebration started Viewpoint ................ 8 Classifieds..............10 JULY 4 at around 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

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alsoserving servingOO O also also serving

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Joe Benedetti, known as “Joe the Barber,” recently retired after 50 years of serving the Addison akbROOk eRRace akbROOk errace eRRace akbrOOk akbROOk eRRace akbROOk eRRace community. The owner of Joe’s Hair Styling Unisex at 611 W. Lake Street was honored by the Village of Addison at a Board meeting on Monday, June 5, where he received a Proclamation in honor of his VOL. 17 ••NO. NO. 21 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM VOL. 17••attended NO.23 20 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM VOL. 19 28 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM 17 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM 50 years in business. Nearly 100 community members the meeting to congratulate him.

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Graduation Play at theday plate at Willowbrook

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, the game tiedcelebrated at 2-2. Downers Grove South’swith catcher Willowbrook Highwhen School’s Class was of 2021 its commencement two tagged Rugg out at home for the third out of theon inning.

The Mustangs separate ceremonies in theplate school’s main gymnasium Sunday morning.

Thewent enon to defeat the Warriors 7-3students. in the West Suburban Conference contest. Wiltire class includes over 470 About half ofGold those students attended the

InsIde nsIde:

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still an active investigation.”

INDEPENDENC Call the E DAY Pro Shop PARADE “We are working around the clock to Register Today March with to bring to justice,” the those parkresponsible district! the sheriff’s office said in a recent Sign up at BvilleParks.org/L (630) ibertyfest 766-0304 anyone with Puzzles ....................

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According to the Daily Herald, DuP-

age in County Sheriff’s deputies had Register WhitePinesGo advance by lf.com been630-766-7015. monitoring the celebration, but calling 395484

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced that bond has been set for a Florida man acOmar Castro cused of leading police on a high-speed chase.

Omar Castro, 22, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $100,000.

Castro is charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including two counts of aggravated speeding in a construction zone, reckless driving and driving while license suspended, all Class A misdemeanors.

On Thursday, June 22 at approximately 8:28 p.m., an Elmhurst police officer responded to a call of a stolen motor vehicle near Route 83 and North Avenue. It is alleged that

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394390 responded to a 911 call of396445 a fight that 438525 396917 had broken out nearby.

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 THURSDAY, MAY 6,2023 2021 THURSDAY, 29, THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 While JUNE deputies were investigating THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 that call, they heard gunshots and

returned immediately to the celebration.

“Out of nowhere, there was a major gunfight for like 30 seconds,” eyewitness Bartosz Majerczyk told ABC 7 Eyewitness News. “I’d say, 60 plus rounds. You could tell it was two different groups of people shooting at each other.”

Another witness, who said she was at the celebration, told ABC 7 Eyewitness News “everybody started running” when the gunfire erupted.

“There was a man,” she said. “He fell on top of me. He had a gunshot wound to his leg. It was like something you can’t imagine.”

In a statement, Governor JB Pritzker said he is closely monitoring the shooting.

“Gathering for a holiday celebration should be a joyful occasion, not a time when gunfire erupts and families are forced to run for safety,” Gov. Pritzker said. “As I’ve said time and

time again, gun violence is a public health emergency in this country and I remain committed to banning these dangerous weapons and making our state safer for everyone.”

Meadows was described as a “devoted father whose life was tragically taken from us amidst a Juneteenth celebration” on a GoFundMe page set up to provide support to his two young children, RJ and Gabby.

Meadows was “a beacon of love and strength, who fell victim to a devastating crossfire incident that shattered the peace and joy of what should have been a day of celebration.

“Amidst the chaos, Reggie tragically lost his life, leaving an indelible mark of grief on his family and community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the other victims who were injured, as we mourn the loss of Reggie, a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many.”

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

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 SatCHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa ParkSilver Review urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Conference.

Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and that sophomore ceremony that began at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony started Kayleigh the home Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the at 11 a.m. Dennison The photoprovided shows members of runs. the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing background of the above photo. more aboutsee thePage Warriors, see page 14. during the day’s first service.

ForFor more photos, 4.

Departing Mariners LOW INVENTORY!

CHRISFOX FOXPHOTO PHOTOVilla VillaPark ParkReview Review CHRIS SUBMITTED PHOTO Villa Park 390271 Review 377325

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Memorial Day in Villa Park

The Village of Villa Park observed Arbor Day with a tree planting on Friday, April 30. Pictured (left to right) at the tree planting at the village’s Franklin Park, located at 218 N. Third Ave., are: Villa Park Village your local agent

Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commis14 PoliceReports Reports............4 ..........868 Classifieds................10 Sports.................... ....................17 16 sion, The Margaret Villa Park Mariners recognized six Villa departing swimmers during Saturday’s meet against Police Reports ..........

Sports Police Schiefer—a membertheir of the Park “senior” Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park KATE DRURY Hanover Park at Jefferson Pool.Villa Pictured to right at the end of the meet—Villa final home meet of Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Parkleft Village President Albert Bulthuis, VillaPark’s Park Village Trustee (and Contact me for aRoscoe, DRURY Legal Notices ......... 15 Classifieds..............13 Viewpoint ................

Classifieds..........17-18 the season—are: (front row) Grace Harper KATE Conboy Knudtson; (back Viewpoint ................

66 Speak Classifieds..............16 Puzzles ......................9 Out................8 row) Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone andCaitlin LeslieO’Connor, Allison-Seei—chair of theand VillaGabby Park Community Pride complementary Alexander Dean and Simon Luedtke. All six of the pictured Mariners are630-514-9961 members of Willowbrook High

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Warson (VFW) Post 2801 of held itsApril.

Memorial Day service onDay Monday mornCommission.

Arbor Day is observed the last Friday each The National Arbor Foundation 630-514-9961 School’s ClassVeterans of Villa 2023.

Roscoe, has been with the Mariners for years, willTo attend the University ing Cortesi Memorial Park.

Post Commander Jim is pictured bowing his recognihead of as kdrury@atproperties.com hasatrecognized Park withwho Tree City USA designation forBlankshain 36seven straight years. receive that market analysis Wisconsin-Madison.

O’Connor, 11or years with and the Mariners, and Knudtson, who’s a Mariner Willowbrook High School students Lily Hendrickson Anna Seelbach sound ataps at been the end ofcomthe kdrury@atproperties.com tion, a community must have awho treespent board department, a tree-care ordinance, comprehensive of your home!! for sevenforestry years, will both attend Illinois State University.

Conboy,because who hasof been member of the Mariners ceremony.

The post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled the a COVID-19 pandemic.

This munity program and an Arbor Day observance. for 10 years, and Luedtke, who’s been with forof six years, both attend College of DuPage. year’s observance included a reading of the team names the Postwill 2801 members who have recentlyDean, died. who’s been with theWorld Mariners 11 years, will attend theBergh, Milwaukee Villa Park beat That list included War II veteran Charles “Sid” who School served of asEngineering. the master of ceremonies I would to for help!

Hanover Park annual 372-205Memorial in Saturday’s to improve its season record to 2-4.

TheU.S. Mariners finish their of the post’s Daymeet service for several years. A veteran of the Navy,will Bergh died in eight-meet regular season with this Wood Dale a meet in Roselle July 8.

October 2020.

He was 94 years old.week’s Berghmeet was in the post’s lastand surviving World Waron II veteran.

Federal judge sets trial date for State Sen. Tom Cullerton--Page 4

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have a garage where you can charge up your car. What about people like me who live in an apartment and have to leave their cars outside all the time? Electric cars are not an option for us, but they’re constantly being pushed. California and New York are going to mandate that all new cars in 2035 have to be zero emissions.

Good luck with that if you don’t have a garage in New York, especially if you’re trying to charge your car in a place like Buffalo with all the snow and cold they get. I’m surprised Pritzker hasn’t gone the route of California and New York, but I’m sure that’s coming down the pipe because climate change is like a religion to these people. *** One political party is trying to link Joe Biden to his son’s overseas deals, and the other political party is trying to get Trump in court on any charge that will stick. Meanwhile, as they continue their vendettas, nothing gets done to solve the many problems in this country. Republicans and Democrats don’t deserve your vote. A third political party is sorely needed. *** I see Brandon Johnson is calling for a cease fire in Gaza. I thought he was the mayor of Chicago, not a foreign diplomat. Hey Mayor, why not call for a cease fire in Chicago, where people are killed and assaulted every day?

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ing Oak Brook and other stores?

How are they learning about the “hot spots” around DuPage County? Did they figure out the odds are pretty good that they will be released before their court date? Then they can disappear? One alleged thief had cut off his ICE monitor and had a fake driver’s license from another state. Is this their idea of coming here for a better life? At least if they go to jail, they will have a place to sleep and three meals a day. That’s more than most of our homeless population can say. But it will still be at taxpayers’ expense. And looking at the Jan. 25 Lombardian, it is not just migrants being charged with shoplifting. But again, they know they will likely be released pre-trial, which unfortunately tends to negate State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s get-tough stance on crime in DuPage County. *** Our beloved governor announced recently that the state of Illinois has set a record for marijuana sales. So proud. Our state’s claim to fame and way to boost the economy is pot, gambling and abortions. What a great example for the youth of Illinois. *** According to the state, cannabis sales in Illinois fell from 2022 to 2023. No wonder, with something like a 40 percent sales tax, compared to Michigan, at 16 percent. I tagged along to a dispensary there with someone just for the experience, and the employee said it is cheaper to buy from the dispensary than from a “dealer” in that state. Not what I am hearing about Illinois from people I know who use cannabis. Also, dispensaries don’t take credit or debit—banks won’t allow it—thanks to the feds. That made me think: Just as the Supreme Court didn’t ban abortion per se but left it up to the individual states, why won’t the feds do

country, it’s no wonder we still have strains of COVID and other diseases that used to be history. There is no way to control things unless we complacent American citizens take charge and get involved. California now gives illegals free medical care.

Illinois is sure to follow suit. *** An Illinois couple—Jodie and Ken Zitko—have been analyzing the Illinois state voter database (Source: a blog by Jack Gleason at americanthinker.com). The Zitkos have reportedly found numerous irregularities. For example, over a four-year period, the state’s population decreased by 150,000; during the same period, the voter roll increased by 650,000. The Zitkos met with over 1,300 Illinois residents from around the state and examined their voting histories. In numerous cases, voters learned that (a) votes were cast in their name when they did not vote, and (b) votes were missing when they did vote. This is an important story, which means the chances of Capitol News Illinois covering it are pretty much zero. *** I wanted to add to the comments in Speak Out (referring to Speak Out, Jan. 25 issue) about the electric cars in Oak Brook trying to charge up at public charging stations outdoors, but couldn’t because the temperatures were too cold. Electric cars are great if you own or rent a home and

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Some residents in the northwest corner of Lombard woke up with no running water due to a broken water main. Hats off to the public works people who had to get out of bed in the middle of the night and jump into action to repair the problem. The winter weather creates many challenges, but our public works people do their best to normalize our lives with the cold temperatures along with snow and ice. Thanks again to Carl Goldsmith and his crews. *** Monday afternoon, and school is letting out in Villa Park. No turn on red from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. is clearly posted on posts on Meyers Road at Madison. Kids are crossing the street; the car in front of me turns right anyway. What a jerk! Can our police department take some time during school dismissal and patrol?

Please? Thanks. *** Hopelessness, despair and tribalism are tearing apart the fabric of our communities. Rather than continuing to burn holes in the hearts of others, why don’t we use this space to repair what’s broken and lift each other up?

I hope everyone is nice to you today.

And if I’m ever your nurse, I hope you’re nicer to me than you are to the strangers you’re talking about in this cesspool of a troll bridge called Speak Out. Be nice and take good care. *** Hey Lombard, what is with Finley Road in front of the park district between Wilson and Harrison? It sounds like you’re on a roller coaster with a thump, thump, thump, thump, thump happening. No, it’s not a flat tire, Lombard. It’s a strange road.

Thank you. *** Is it a “gang” or organized group of illegal migrants who are target-

the same for cannabis? Let each state decide. As a Schedule 1 drug (seriously?) with “no currently accepted medical use” (again, seriously?) for which I strongly disagree, at least Attorney General Kwame Raoul and others are trying to get it reclassified as a Schedule 3 drug. Oxy and other legal prescription drugs are more misused than cannabis, as well as over-the-counter sleep and diet aids.

I agree it is time to reclassify cannabis and also listen to the reports of its medicinal value. *** Do Democrats understand the consequences of their open-borders and soft-on-crime policies? Look at what’s going on at Oakbrook Center.

There are numerous reports of retail thefts there by people who are in this country illegally. How much are these thefts costing all of us? How much of a drain is it on the stores, the police, the court system, honest shoppers, etc.? There are numerous stories about stores in various cities that have closed because of crime. Is our area headed in that direction? *** President Biden is at his best when he’s on vacation or eating ice cream.

It’s better than putting his foot in his mouth when he’s on stage or in public. You can’t be blamed for something if you do nothing. *** With all the undocumented immigrants who are spread out in our

Page 6

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Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

DuPage County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast returned to record-breaking attendance

“

We are honored to be a sponsor of this phenomenal community event that has succeeded in bringing so many together in the spirit of collaboration.”

– DuPage Foundation President and CEO Mike Sitrick

“We are honored to be a sponsor of this phenomenal community event that has succeeded in bringing so many together in the spirit of collaboration,” said Mike Sitrick, DuPage Foundation president and CEO. “Fostering partnerships and building permanent charitable funds to deliver robust, coordinated impact to address our community’s challenges and opportunities is the cornerstone of DuPage Foundation’s mission. It is a privilege to steward this new fund, and we look forward to the lasting impact it will make for DuPage beginning this year and for years to come.”

Local 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charities that primarily serve DuPage County residents interested in applying for funding from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Fund may do so through the Foundation’s Community Impact grant program. To learn more, visit dupagefoundation.org/CIGP. The application deadline for the Foundation’s Spring Community Impact cycle, which focuses on health and human services, is Friday, March 1. The application deadline for the Fall Community Impact cycle, which focuses on education, in addition to environment and animal welfare, is Friday, Sept. 6.

King visited DuPage County in 1967, giving a speech at North Central College. “As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. himself believed, we want DuPage County to be a ‘beloved’ community,” said Co-Chair Dan Wagner. “It’s not just about DuPage, but also the world.”

Donations can be made to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Fund of DuPage Foundation at dupagefoundation.org/MLKDay.

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From left to right: Dr. William Carroll, president emeritus Benedictine University; Dan Wagner, event co-chair and senior vice president of government relations for The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc.; Michael Sitrick, president and CEO DuPage Foundation; and Regina Brent, event co-chair and founder and president of Unity Partnership NFP.

Lombard Historical Society announces February Black History Month events

Expect to be enlightened and History Month events. There will be Lombard Historical Society in Febentertained when you attend the documentary screenings, lectures, ruary. Reservations for all events Lombard Historical Society Black music and storytelling—all at the are strongly encouraged as space is limited.

Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m.— Mama Edie will lead us on a journey of storytelling, guiding audiences to examine through their own stories what they appreciate about their city (wherever it is!) and how their lives are impacted by it.

Audiences are encouraged to envision other possibilities and how they can empower themselves to make their visions happen. Registration required-limited space.

Tuesdays Feb. 6 and 13 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.—Enjoy a free guided tour of the Sheldon Peck Homestead. Learn little-known details about the Peck family from a staff historian.

Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m.—Join the Lombard Historical Society virtually for a Zoom interview with submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing British author, Jeffrey Green as he Mama Edie Armstrong will lead those in attendance on a jour- discusses his book “Black Amerney of storytelling at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. The event is part of the icans in Victorian Britain,” which Lombard Historical Society’s lineup of events during Black History explores and represents the experiMonth in February. ences of some of the black American citizens who ventured forth to Britain in the midst of the Victorian era. Whilst there, they informed the Victorian British and Irish about slavery and repression in the United States.

Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.—Join the Historical Society for a screening of “Sheldon Peck: Portrait of an Ordinary Man in Extraordinary Times,” produced by Tim Frakes Production Inc. with the Lombard Historical Society. Witness the story of Sheldon Peck’s life in the home that he built.

All events are free and reservations are encouraged. For more information about these events or the Lombard Historical Society, visit lombardhistory.org, email info@ lombardhistory.org, or call 630629-1885.

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The re-established DuPage County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast took place Monday morning, Jan. 15, at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace with a sold out, record-breaking crowd of more than 1,200 attendees.

Originally started in 1994 by Dr. William Carroll, president emeritus of Benedictine University, the DuPage County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast became an annual event that drew more than 1,000 attendees and raised money for scholarships.

Upon Dr. Carroll’s retirement, the community event went away.

However, recognizing the need to bring diverse communities together, The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. decided to re-establish the annual event by working in partnership with more than 280 community leaders to form the DuPage County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Committee.

The Committee began planning the event last February with the leadership of Co-Chairs Regina Brent, founder and president of Unity Partnership NFP; and Dan Wagner, senior vice president of government relations at The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. “The DuPage County Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast is no ordinary breakfast,” said Co-Chair Regina Brent. “Besides honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this one day, we needed the event to serve the black and brown people of our communities and to create understanding and trusting relationships between people of color and leaders in business, education, and not-for-profits. We believe it did just that.”

All net proceeds from the Breakfast will go to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Fund of DuPage Foundation, a new, permanently endowed, community fund, seeded by Inland to augment DuPage Foundation’s Community Impact grant program in the areas of health, human services, and education, with a focus on supporting public charities primarily serving DuPage County residents that prioritize serving black, indigenous, and people of color. More than $100,000 is projected to be netted from this year’s breakfast for the new endowment fund, with $10,000 of that reserved for initial grantmaking in 2024.

MURIEL L. CUBBERLEY, 92 Muriel Louise Cubberley, 92 years old, of Lombard, passed away on January 21, 2024.

Muriel was born to Willard Danser and Margaret Ruhlman on January 19, 1932, in Trenton, NJ. She was the beloved wife of Maurice for 70 years; loving mother of Raymond (Kathleen) Cubberley of Indiana, Kenneth (Priscila) Cubberley of Lombard, Bruce (Yvonne) Cubberley of Seymour and Freeport, and James (Karen) Cubberley of Wheaton; dear grandmother of Kara (Richard) Higginbotham of Buffalo Grove, Thomas (Emily) of Indiana, Phillip of St. Charles, Joshua of Seymour, Timothy of Seymour, Samuel of St. Charles, Katelyn of Wheaton.

Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice; her brother, Howard Danser; and by her daughter, Joyce Lynn, who died in infancy.

Prior to her marriage, Muriel attended one year of art school in Philadelphia, PA. A Lombard resident since 1965, she received a certificate in Transportation from College of DuPage in 1979. She was a devoted

mother to her four boys and wife to Maurice. She was an accomplished, artist, seamstress, and pianist. She taught piano to children. With her husband, she was also an avid square dancer.

She volunteered her time over the years with the Boy Scouts as a Cub Scout den mother, Newcomers in Elmhurst, IL, and room mother at the boys’ schools. She had a deeply personal encounter with the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, leading to her volunteering in her church nursery and at Care-Net Services in DuPage County. When the boys were grown, she worked part-time as a sales clerk and travel agent.

A Funeral Service & Visitation for Muriel was held on Monday, January 29, at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. A later Interment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery, Glen Ellyn.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Muriel’s name to Care-Net. org or Preborn.com.

More info at www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

PAMELA GRIESBAUM, 53 Pamela Griesbaum nee Workman, age 53, of Lombard, died Jan. 21, 2024.

Funeral Services are pending at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main

Schools as part of the Teach for Chicago program and has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school level where he also served as an athletic coach. He has held multiple administrative positions, including dean of students, assistant prin-

cipal, principal, and has served as the assistant superintendent for human resources at Glenbard District 87 since 2014.

Chambers was recognized by his peers at the IASPA Annual Conference on Jan. 25.

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https://www.adoptpetshelter.org/ ents Paul and Mildred Bunta.

St., Lombard.

Phyllis graduated from Barrington donate.

Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com High School class of ’57 where she or 888-629-0094. was pianist in the dance band. She BEVERLY ANN STOCKTON, 93 Beverly Ann Stockton, age 93, a taught piano in Glen Ellyn and LomDOROTHY M. HAACKER, 86 Dorothy M. Haacker, nee O’Brien, bard for 55 years. Phyllis loved cook- longtime Lombard resident, died Jan. age 86, longtime Lombardian, died ing and gardening and took great joy 24, 2024, at Beacon Hill Healthcare in celebrating Christmas with family. Center.

Jan. 22, 2024.

Visitation and funeral services A visitation and funeral service She played tennis for 35 years at the were held on Saturday, Jan. 27, at DuPage, Glen Ellyn, and Naperville were held Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main tennis clubs. Phyllis and Carl en- Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main joyed sailing on Pistakee Lake and St., Lombard. Interment at Chapel St., Lombard. Interment private.

Hill Gardens West, Oakbrook TerInfo: www.brustfuneralhome.com spending winters RVing in Florida.

Services private.

Memorials race. or 888-629-0094.

Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com in Phyllis’s name can be made to ADOPT Pet Shelter in Naperville at or 888-629-0094.

PHYLLIS E. SCHROEDER, 83 Phyllis Schroeder of Lombard, Illinois, passed away on January 15, 2023. She was 83 years young.

Phyllis was the dear wife of Carl Schroeder for almost 65 years, meeting at Northern Illinois University. She was the dear mom of Jill (Kevin) Spealman, and Jeff (Svetlana) Schroeder; grandma of Aleksandar, Stefan, and Nicholas Schroeder; aunt of Todd Petersen; and true companion of “Lilly” Schroeder. Phyllis was preceded in death by her sister Brought to you by Rock Valley Publishing and the Illinois Press Association Cami (Cliff) Petersen, and her par-

Glenbard assistant superintendent earns state group’s Personnel Administrator of the Year Award Josh Chambers has been named as the recipient of the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators (IASPA) Personnel Administrator of the Year Award Josh Chambers for the 2023-2024 school year.

The award is given to an IASPA member who has distinguished themselves in personnel administration; is an involved and contributing participant at the local, state and national level; whose contributions have made a significant impact on public education; and is a skilled manager of change and is creative in their approach to school personnel administration.

Glenbard Superintendent David Larson said, “Josh has been a valuable and indispensable senior level administrator for the past several years. His array of leadership skills, dedication and strong intellect have brought quality and excellence to the programs and culture in Glenbard District 87. Larson called Chambers a “talented and bright senior level administrator who possesses excellent human relation skills. We are fortunate to have him on our team.”

Chambers said, “I am honored to be recognized by IASPA, but this award is really a reflection on my wonderful HR staff, my fellow District 87 administrators, teachers and staff. Without them I would not earn this award.”

Chambers began his career as a teacher in the Chicago Public

Rock Valley Publishing

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Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

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Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

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.

Jan. 23 Police said Jesus L. Ventura De La Cruz, 55, of Villa Park, was served with an in-jurisdiction warrant service out of DuPage County near N. Addison and W. Sunset at 11:43 p.m. and released after posting the required $500 bond.

Police said two suspects wearing masks at a gas station in the 200 block of E. Roosevelt at 12:32 a.m. implied they had a weapon and showed the clerk what appeared to be a gun in their waistband. The suspects proceeded to take several cartons of cigarettes and cash, and then fled the scene.

Jan. 22 Police said Tradamus D. Lanigan, 43, of Downers Grove, was wanted on a failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County. According to police, Lanigan was not able to post the required bond, so he was transported to the DuPage County Jail.

A complainant at a fitness center in the 200 block of W. Roosevelt stated they were threatened by a gym member, and they wanted the member trespassed from this location. The subject was contacted and stated he has tried canceling his membership twice and is still getting charged. The subject has been trespassed from this particular location.

a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at 9:02 p.m.

Police said a ride share driver near N. Ardmore and E. St. Charles reported at 11:28 p.m. that a customer they had just dropped off threatened them several times and struck the back of the seat during the drive.

A 24-year-old Arlington Heights man was charged with domestic battery in the 500 block of W. Division at 5:26 p.m.

Police said a suspect removed alcohol from a display shelf at a store in the 1-100 block of E. North and attempted to leave the store with the items without paying for the items. Security was able to recover the items.

Police said an unknown suspect at a tobacco store in the 500 block of E. St. Charles displayed what looked like a “stun gun” and demanded all the money. The suspect left on foot with approximately $1,000.

A complainant at a convenience store in the 300 block of N. Ardmore advised he has had problems with a subject in the past and no longer wants the subject in his store. The subject was advised he was trespassed from the store.

Jan. 19 A complainant at a store in the 1-100 block of E. North reported that an unknown suspect removed two LEGO sets from the display shelf and left the store with the items without paying.

An intoxicated complainant in the 500 block of N. Ardmore reported that an unknown suspect stole his two brown-striped cats.

Police said a subject fled from officers in his vehicle during a traffic stop near S. Michigan and E. 13th at 10:29 p.m.

A partner of District 88 SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

The District 88 Board of Education recently named Villa Park’s Funky Java Coffee House (40 S. Villa Ave.) as a 2023-24 Business Partner. The board’s Business Partner program recognizes businesses and organizations for their support in building futures for District 88 students and helping to accomplish the district’s mission and vision. Larry Poggi (pictured), the owner and proprietor of Funky Java Coffee House, was recognized at the board’s Jan. 22 meeting. “Our business community is extremely important to us in supporting all the work that we do,” said board president Donna Craft Cain during the meeting. “Hopefully the school district can be supportive of them as well.” Poggi noted during the board meeting that he has been in business for 28 years. He mentioned that one of his brothers graduated from Addison Trail High School, while two of his brothers graduated from Willowbrook High School. Poggi’s daughter and son are both Willowbrook graduates. John Epple, the head of Willowbrook’s art department, noted during the meeting that Poggi is a longtime supporter of the school’s art students. Each December, numerous pieces of Willowbrook students’ artwork are displayed at Funky Java Coffee House. “He’s all in for District 88 and for our awesome kids,” said Epple. “It was really nice of you to have me here,” stated Poggi during the board meeting.

“You guys do a lot for the community, and it shows, because people want to stay in the community and buy homes in the community.”

Six migrants charged with burglary from Oak Brook Macy’s in two unrelated incidents

One incident alleges theft of more than $10,000 including items Jan. 21 Jan. 18 placed in suitcases also Police said Thaddeus Sakwa, 71, A complainant at a saloon in the 300 of Downers Grove, was wanted on a block of E. Kenilworth reported that a stolen from the store failure to pay a fine in-jurisdiction war- suspect battered a victim. rant near S. Main and W. Roosevelt in Lombard. He was charged and released Fraud, identity theft after posting the required $600 bond.

According to information provided by the Villa Park Police Department, Jan. 20 police reported two incidents of resiFelecia A. Graziano, 49, of Lyons, dents being a victim of fraud or idenwas issued a citation for retail theft at tity theft.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis have announced that charges have been filed against six individuals accused of stealing merchandise from the Oak Brook Macy’s store in two unrelated incidents. Nicolas Paillacan-Bravo, 20, and David

Back wages totaling more than $5 million owed to thousands of Illinois workers CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The U.S. Department of Labor is currently holding more than $5 million in wages owed to more than 7,000 Illinois workers, and the department has launched a new website in an effort to return it.

When an employee is underpaid for the work they do, the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division can launch an investigation. If it finds that the employee is owed money, known as back pay, the department collects the unpaid wages and attempts to distribute it to the employee.

The new Workers Owed Wages website attempts to connect workers with potential unclaimed back pay.

“As you can imagine, some-

times the workers have moved or their addresses aren’t known and therefore, those are the workers, we term unlocatables, that we search for based on the best information we can. But sometimes we are unable to locate them,” Tom Gauza, district director of the U.S. Department of Labor, said.

The Department of Labor can only hold employees’ back pay for three years. After that it is turned over to the Department of Treasury and the employee can no longer claim it. The department also cannot send money to people using tax filing information received each year since not all employees have social security numbers or live at their listed addresses,

Gauza said.

Across the country over 222,000 workers can still claim more than $161.4 million in back wages, according to the Department of Labor. Gauza said the most common industries in which the department investigates and finds unpaid wages are restaurant, home health care, agriculture and construction.

Workers who think they are due back wages can go to the Workers Owed Wages website and follow the instructions on the main page to search the database. It is available in English and Spanish. If a worker finds they are owed money, they will be directed to a Department of Labor office that can send them a check.

Saez-Vega, 34, both of Chile currently staying in Chicago, appeared at First Appearance Court where Judge Joshua Dieden denied the state’s motion to detain the defendants pre-trial.

In an unrelated incident, Elvis Rodriguez-Rubio, 28; Gabriela Salzar-Vasquez, 30; Victor Sevilla-Arteaga, 33; and Danielis Vasquez-Arteaga, 27, all of Venezuela currently staying in Countryside, also appeared at First Appearance Court where Judge Joshua Dieden denied the state’s motion to detain the defendants pre-trial.

All six defendants are charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony).

On Jan. 23 at approximately 6:28 p.m., Oak Brook police officers responded to a call of a retail theft at the Macy’s department store located at 1 Oakbrook Center.

Following an investigation, it is alleged that Paillacan-Bravo and Saez Vega entered Macy’s and began removing anti-theft devices from merchandise with a magnet they brought with them. It is further alleged that the duo then placed 54 items worth approximately $10,155.49 into two suitcases they obtained from the luggage department.

It is alleged that the pair then left the store without paying for the items where they were met by officers with the Oak Brook Police Department. Earlier the same day, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Oak Brook police officers responded to a prior call of a retail theft at Macy’s.

Following an investigation, it is alleged that Rodriguez-Rubio, Salzar-Vasquez, Sevilla-Arteaga and Vasquez-Arteaga entered Macy’s and went to the Tommy

Hilfiger section where Vasquez-Arteaga and Salazar-Vasquez selected merchandise and then took the merchandise to the second floor.

It is alleged that the two females then selected shoes and entered a fitting room. It is further alleged that the women exited the fitting room wearing the merchandise and the four defendants exited the store without paying for the items. It is alleged that when the defendants exited the store wearing the merchandise, which totaled approximately $927.99, they were met by a loss prevention officer.

“I want to assure the public that in DuPage County we are one hundred percent committed to protecting our retail establishments, their employees and patrons,” Berlin said. “The arrest and prosecution of these six defendants once again sends the clear message that if people continue to steal, my office will continue to use every tool at our disposal to hold them accountable.

Contrary to popular belief, retail theft is not a victimless crime, causing significant financial hardship to businesses and their employees which results in higher prices for shoppers and loss of investment and tax revenue for entire communities.”

“I believe that six felony arrests in one day illustrates that migrant criminal activity is a real problem,” Strockis said. “The amount of these types of arrests that we have had in the last couple of months is significant and would be taxing for any police department. We are well prepared to continue our enforcement efforts and I can assure you that there are easier places to commit these crimes than Oak Brook or DuPage County.”

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 9

449034

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Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

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Rock Valley Publishing

Page 11

Bruschuk reaches 1,000-point milestone in Warriors’ win over Morton Needing 26 points to hit magic number on her home court, senior delivers a 26-point output to lead Willowbrook to conference victory

The Willowbrook girls basketball team played a pair of home games last week. After losing 54-48 to Riverside-Brookfield in a non-conference contest on Jan. 24, the Warriors earned a 61-46 West Suburban Gold Conference win over Morton on Friday.

The Warriors improved to 7-3 in conference play and 11-16 overall with Friday’s win over Morton.

Senior Elle Bruschuk of Willowbrook reached the 1,000-point mark in her varsity career during Friday’s game. Bruschuk, a four-year varsity

player, needed to score 26 points in the contest to reach the special milestone. She hit that number when she scored her final points of the game on a driving basket with a little more than one minute to play.

The game was briefly stopped after Bruschuk reached the 1,000-point mark. In addition to being congratulated by her teammates and coaches, she received a banner noting her achievement.

Bruschuk piled up 22 points in the Warriors’ 54-48 loss to Riverside-Brookfield on Jan. 24. The vis-

iting Bulldogs led Willowbrook 11-6 after one quarter. Riverside-Brookfield led the Warriors 31-28 at halftime and 45-33 at the end of the third quarter.

Junior Ayaani Gusman made all 11 of her attempts from the freethrow line and scored 18 points for the Warriors during last week’s battle against the Bulldogs. Willowbrook senior Tia Kelly contributed five points, all of which came during the fourth quarter. Senior Seyna Fall provided three points for the Warriors.

Willowbrook trailed Morton 12-7

after one quarter of Friday’s conference game in Villa Park. The Warriors outscored the Mustangs 23-9 during the second quarter to take a 30-21 halftime lead. Willowbrook held a 50-35 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Bruschuk scored five points in the first quarter of Friday’s game. She made four free throws and scored six points during the second quarter.

She made three baskets, including a shot from 3-point range, to tally seven points in the third quarter.

She delivered four baskets to score eight points in the fourth quarter and hit the 1,000-point milestone on her home court.

Gusman scored 15 points for Wil-

lowbrook in Friday’s win. Junior Kendall Medinger, who drained three 3-point shots during the second quarter, supplied 11 points for the Warriors. Vish provided seven points, while Fall contributed two points.

Willowbrook split its conference series with the Mustangs this season.

The Warriors dropped a 54-51 decision at Morton in the teams’ previous conference meeting on Dec. 8.

The Warriors’ schedule this week includes a non-conference battle at Glenbard East, along with conference contests against Leyden and Downers Grove South. Willowbrook will finish its West Suburban Gold Conference schedule with this Friday’s game at Downers Grove South.

Send Love

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Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook’s girls basketball team raised its West Suburban Gold Conference record to 7-3 following Friday’s 61-46 victory over Morton in Villa Park. Senior Elle Bruschuk scored a team-leading 26 points for the Warriors during Friday’s victory. Bruschuk (No. 33) is pictured while driving to the basket and scoring her final two points of the night. With those two points, Bruschuk reached the 1,000-point mark in her four-year varsity career. Another photo from Friday’s game shows Willowbrook junior Ayaani Gusman (No. 10), who scored 15 points. One more photo shows senior Lillian Vish (No. 22), who supplied seven points for the Warriors.

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Page 12

Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Sports Rams pick up three victories in four games Glenbard East moves to 9-4 in Upstate Eight play with its win over West Chicago

The Glenbard East boys basketball team won three of four games last week. After beginning their week with a 67-55 Upstate Eight Conference home win over Larkin on Jan. 22, the Rams suffered a 63-58 conference loss at South Elgin one day later. The Rams defeated West Chicago 68-47 in Friday’s conference game in Lombard. Glenbard East finished the week

with Saturday’s 68-52 victory over Antioch at Rich Township High School’s Breast Cancer Awareness Shootout.

The Rams’ overall season record stood at 11-14 after Saturday’s contest. Glenbard East improved its conference record to 9-4 with Friday’s win over West Chicago.

Senior Aleks Jajic scored 18 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Rams during last week’s win over Larkin. Sophomore Michael Nee added 17 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Rams. Senior Ari Pierson and junior Devin Kraft provided 10 and eight points, respectively.

Glenbard East led South Elgin for a significant part of last week’s conference battle. The Storm overtook the Rams in the fourth quarter.

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

Several members of Glenbard East’s boys basketball team are pictured while cheering from the sideline after one of their teammates—senior Brett Vercruysse— scored a basket in the fourth quarter of Friday’s 68-47 Upstate Eight Conference victory over West Chicago in Lombard. The Rams improved their conference record to 9-4 with the victory. Glenbard East raised its overall season record to 11-14 with Saturday’s 68-52 win over Antioch at Rich Township High School’s Breast Cancer Awareness Shootout. The Rams’ schedule this week includes this Friday’s conference home game against Glenbard South.

“We were up most of the game,” said Glenbard East coach Eric Kelly of the contest at South Elgin. “We just turned the ball over a couple of times in bad spots. You can’t do that against a good team.”

Nee scored 17 points in last week’s loss to the Storm. Kraft supplied 16 points, while Jajic contributed 11 points.

The Rams led West Chicago 15-12 after one quarter of Friday’s Upstate Eight matchup. Glenbard East’s lead grew to 3926 by halftime. The Rams owned a 53-36 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Nee scored a team-leading 16 points for the Rams in Friday’s victory over the Wildcats. Pierson and Kraft added 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Rams. Sophomore Danny Snyder supplied nine points. Jajic provided eight points. Juniors Ryan Frano and Brett Perryman contributed five points each. Senior Brett Vercruysse and sophomore Norman Loechel scored two points each.

Nee poured in a team-high 29 points in Saturday’s win over Antioch. Snyder tallied 15 points, while Jajic amassed 10 points and nine rebounds. Kraft provided 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists in Saturday’s win.

Glenbard East’s schedule this week includes conference games against Fenton and Glenbard South. This Friday’s battle against Glenbard South will be part of a girls-boys varsity doubleheader in Lombard. The girls game between the Rams and Raiders will start at 5:30 p.m. The boys game between the two schools will begin at about 7 p.m.

Rams roll to three decisive conference wins Carney provides 26, 23 and 27 points to help Glenbard East run its Upstate Eight record to 14-0

The Glenbard East girls basketball team improved to 14-0 in Upstate Eight Conference play and 19-6 overall with three conference victories last week.

The Rams began the week with a 54-25 win over Larkin in Elgin on Jan. 22. One day later, Glenbard East crushed South Elgin 67-34 in Lombard. The Rams completed their week with a 60-46 win at West Chicago on Jan. 25.

Glenbard East held a 13-2 lead over Larkin after one quarter of last week’s conference matchup. The Rams led the Royals 24-11 at halftime and 38-18 at the end of the third quarter.

Senior Catey Carney sank four 3-point shots and scored a team-leading 26 points for the Rams in last week’s win at Larkin. Carney made a pair of 3-point shots and scored eight points in the first quarter. She made a 3-point shot to provide three points in the second quarter. Carney made two baskets, including a 3-point shot, during the third quarter. She also sank all six of her free-throw attempts during that quarter. Carney tacked on two field goals in the final quarter.

Senior Gabby Walton scored eight points for Glenbard East in its victory over the Royals. Senior Ciara Johnson contributed six points by making two 3-point shots during the first half.

Senior Livia Robbins and freshman Lilly Carver supplied five points each. Junior Erin Brown and freshman Teagan Murphy scored two points each.

The Rams owned a 15-6 lead over South Elgin after one quarter of last week’s Upstate Eight contest in Lombard. The Rams’ lead swelled to 37-16 by halftime and 58-32 by the end of the third quarter.

Carney connected on four 3-point attempts and scored 23 points in Glenbard East’s home win over South Elgin. Walton provided 15 points in the victory over the Storm. Robbins and Brown netted seven and six points, respectively. Johnson contributed five points, while junior Taylour Hodges added four points. Three Rams—Carver, Murphy and junior Veronica Witt—scored two points each. Sophomore Sarah Crocker tallied one point with a fourth-quarter free throw.

Glenbard East led West Chicago 15-14 at the end of the first quarter of the teams’ Jan. 25 clash. The Rams scored 21 second-quarter points and owned a 36-23 lead at halftime. They extended their advantage to 55-31 by the end of the third quarter.

Carney made 11 field goals, including two baskets from 3-point range, and scored 27 points in last week’s win at West

Chicago. After scoring seven points in the first quarter, she tacked on eight points in the second quarter. Carney drained five baskets, including one shot from 3-point range, to produce 11 points during the third quarter. She made one of two free throws to tally one point in the game’s final eight minutes.

Walton scored 17 points for the Rams during last week’s win over the Wildcats. She scored 11 of those points during the second quarter. Johnson and Brown provided four points each.

Carver, Murphy, Witt and senior Christina Chiero supplied two

points each.

The Rams’ schedule this week began with a non-conference home game against Willowbrook on Monday, Jan. 29. Glenbard East’s week also features conference home games against Fenton and Glenbard South. This Friday’s battle against the Raiders is a rematch of the two teams’ Jan. 13 conference meeting in Glen Ellyn. Glenbard East earned an exciting 39-38 win in that contest. Both teams entered that meeting with identical 9-0 conference records. If the Rams prevail in this Friday’s rematch, they will practically lock up sole possession of the 2023-24 Upstate Eight Conference title.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Glenbard East’s girls basketball team raised its Upstate Eight Conference record to 14-0 with last week’s victories over Larkin, South Elgin and West Chicago. Senior Catey Carney (No. 30) is pictured during last week’s 67-34 win over South Elgin in Lombard on Jan. 23. Carney scored 23 points in the victory. She scored 26 points in Glenbard East’s 54-25 win over Larkin in Elgin on Jan. 22. Carney piled up 27 points in the Rams’ 60-46 victory at West Chicago on Jan. 25. Senior Gabby Walton (No. 23) of Glenbard East is also pictured during last week’s game against South Elgin. Walton scored 15 points in the contest. The Rams’ schedule this week includes this Friday’s conference battle against Glenbard South in Lombard. Glenbard East edged the Raiders 39-38 in the teams’ first conference meeting of the season on Jan. 13. Both teams entered that game with conference records of 9-0.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 13

Broncos deliver strong finish to beat Schaumburg Montini outscores Saxons 9-0 in closing minutes to earn 50-41 win

The Montini Catholic girls basketball team won four straight games last week to raise its overall season record to 21-5.

The Broncos began the week with a 63-37 victory at Marist on Jan. 22.

One day later, Montini beat Saint Ignatius 62-39 in Lombard. The Broncos pounded Rosary 85-31 in Lombard on Jan. 25. Montini completed its week with Saturday’s 50-41 home victory over Schaumburg.

The Broncos extended their winning streak to six games with Saturday’s victory.

Montini senior Victoria Matulevicius scored 21 points in last week’s win over Marist. Junior Nikki Kerstein added 12 points for the Broncos, while senior Alyssa Epps provided six points. Juniors Shea Carver, Natalie Gartlan and Lily Spanos supplied five points each. Junior Peyton Farrell contributed four points, while senior Riley White and junior Audrey Kinney scored three and two points, respectively.

Montini led Marist 14-9 after one quarter. The Broncos’ lead grew to 28-14 at halftime. Montini’s lead swelled to 48-27 by the end of the third quarter.

Kerstein drained a pair of 3-point attempts and scored 16 points for the Broncos in last week’s Girls Cath-

olic Athletic Conference (GCAC) Red Division win over Saint Ignatius. Matulevicius piled on 14 points, while Carver, who made two 3-point shots in the second quarter, contributed 13 points. Spanos made three 3-point baskets in the first half to supply nine points. Spanos sank her first 3-point basket of the game during the first quarter. She made two more 3-point baskets to provide six straight points for the Broncos in the second quarter.

Epps scored eight points in last week’s win over the Wolfpack, while Kinney provided two points.

The Broncos led Saint Ignatius 12-6 after one quarter, 33-17 at halftime and 52-33 at the end of the third quarter.

Montini led Rosary 27-14 after one quarter of last week’s game in Lombard. The Broncos, who sank 12 attempts from 3-point range during the game, led the Royals 46-19 at halftime and 65-29 at the end of the third quarter.

Matulevicius made 11 baskets, including one 3-point field goal, and scored a team-leading 23 points for Montini in its win over Rosary.

Kerstein, who connected on five 3-point shots during the game, added 19 points. Spanos, who sank four 3-point attempts, supplied 14 points.

Rams finish their regular season at Upstate Eight Conference Meet

Glenbard East is taking part in this week’s IHSA regional at Glenbard West

Glenbard East’s girls gymnastics team completed its regular season by competing in Saturday’s Upstate Eight Conference Meet in Oswego. The Rams posted a team score of 115.0 to finish fifth in the meet’s team standings.

Oswego won the title at the five-team meet with its score of 138.5.

Glenbard South (125.5) finished second, while Riverside-Brookfield (124.5) and Elgin’s U-46 team (120.15) placed third and fourth, respectively.

Glenbard East senior Olivia Broyles finished fifth in the meet’s all-around competition with her score of 31.85. Broyles delivered a fourth-place finish on the balance beam (8.35). She earned an eighthplace score of 7.6 for her routine on the uneven bars.

Senior Emma Iwaniszyn of the Rams placed eighth in the all-around competition at Saturday’s conference meet with her score of 31.2.

Iwaniszyn finished in a tie for third on the vault (8.5). She also earned a fifth-place score of 8.6 in floor exercises.

Junior Dalia Daoud of the Rams posted a 15th-place all-around score of 26.05 at Saturday’s conference meet. Glenbard East freshman Mylee Janisch (25.7) finished 16th in the all-around standings, while sophomore Keira Nelson placed 18th with her total of 23.5.

Three days before taking part in the Upstate Eight Conference Meet, the Rams earned a 123.4-82.85 victory over Elgin’s U-46 team in a meet in Lombard. Broyles delivered team-leading scores on the vault (8.9), uneven bars (8.25) and balance beam (8.8) during the Jan. 24 meet. She added a score of 8.45 in floor exercises.

Iwaniszyn gave the Rams’ best performance in floor exercises in last week’s meet in Lombard. Her routine on the floor received a score of 8.55.

Iwaniszyn earned a score of 8.6 on the vault during last week’s home meet. She posted a score of 8.4 on the balance beam and added a score of 7.05 on the uneven bars.

Senior Ashley Macias of Glenbard East contributed a score of 8.6 on the vault in the Jan. 24 meet against the U-46 team.

Earlier this week, the Rams competed at an IHSA regional at Glenbard West. The regional featured three other full teams—Geneva, Glenbard South and Glenbard West.

Epps and Gartlan scored eight and seven points, respectively.

The Broncos made four shots from 3-point range in the first quarter of Saturday’s battle against Schaumburg. Montini led the Saxons 22-8 at the end of the opening quarter. Kerstein netted a pair of 3-point baskets in the first quarter. Epps and Carver made one 3-point basket each during the game’s first eight minutes.

Schaumburg, which entered the game with a season record of 22-4, cut the Broncos’ lead to 26-21 by halftime. Montini held a 39-35 lead at the end of the third quarter.

A Schaumburg basket evened the score at 41-41 with about 4:20 left in the game. Epps fired and made an outside shot to give the Broncos a 43-41 lead with about 3:40 remaining. Her basket began Montini’s 9-0 run to finish the contest.

Kerstein drove the length of the court before passing to Matulevicius, who scored a layup to push Montini’s lead to 45-41 with 1:55 to play.

Kerstein made a pair of free throws with 52.4 seconds on the clock to boost Montini’s advantage to 47-41.

Kerstein returned to the freethrow line with 28.1 seconds on the clock. She made one of two attempts to raise the Broncos’ lead to 48-41.

Kerstein scored the game’s final points when she made two free throws with 10.7 seconds to play.

Epps, who made a pair of 3-points shots during the game, scored a team-high 17 points for the Broncos in Saturday’s victory. She also contributed 10 rebounds and six steals in the game, which took place in front of an energetic Senior Night crowd.

Montini honored its three seniors— Epps, Matulevicius and White—before the game.

Kerstein made two 3-point shots in the first quarter and sank five of six free throws in the fourth quarter to contribute 11 points in the Broncos’

win over Schaumburg. She also supplied seven assists and five rebounds.

Carver and Matulevicius scored 10 points each. Farrell provided two points with a third-quarter basket.

She also contributed six rebounds and two steals.

Montini, which raised its GCAC

Red Division record to 6-2 with its Jan. 23 win over Saint Ignatius, will play four games in this week’s GCAC Tournament.

Three Broncos—Epps, Kerstein and Matulevicius—were named to the 2023-24 GCAC Red Division First Team last week.

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

Montini Catholic’s girls basketball team improved its overall season record to 21-5 following Saturday’s 50-41 victory over Schaumburg in Lombard. The Broncos and the visiting Saxons were tied at 41-41 with a little more than four minutes left in the game. Montini senior Alyssa Epps is pictured while launching and making an outside shot that gave the Broncos a 43-41 lead with about 3:40 remaining. The basket from Epps started Montini’s 9-0 run to end the game.

Epps scored a team-leading 17 points in Saturday’s contest to lead the Broncos to their sixth straight victory. She also grabbed 10 rebounds and made six steals. “Alyssa had a huge game,” said Montini coach Shannon Spanos after Saturday’s win. “We talk about different kids stepping up every night. Tonight was her opportunity, and she really stepped up to the challenge. She made some big shots, got some huge rebounds and played really good defense.”

Willowbrook and Montini dance teams compete at IHSA state meet

The Willowbrook and Montini Catholic dance teams performed at the IHSA competitive dance state meet, which took place on Friday and Saturday at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

Both teams performed during Friday’s preliminary round. Neither team advanced to Saturday’s finals.

Willowbrook needed to place among the top 12 teams in the 2A division on Friday. Montini Catholic needed a top-12 finish in the 1A division during Friday’s preliminaries.

Willowbrook placed 25th in the 2A division on Friday, while Montini finished 16th in the 1A division.

Willowbrook was one of 30 teams to qualify for the state meet in the 2A division. The state meet’s 1A division also featured 30 teams.

Area cheerleading teams compete at IHSA sectionals The Glenbard East, Willowbrook and Montini Catholic cheerleading teams participated in IHSA sectionals on Saturday. The three teams attempted to qualify for the IHSA competitive cheerleading state meet, which will take place this weekend in Bloomington.

The Rams, Warriors and Broncos were unable to qualify for the state meet.

Glenbard East needed a top-five finish in its co-ed division at the Dundee-Crown Sectional to qualify for the state meet. The Rams finished seventh in their division.

Willowbrook competed at Saturday’s sectional at Rolling Meadows High School. The Warriors needed a top-five finish in their division to earn a state-meet berth. They earned a 13th-place finish.

Montini participated at the Hinsdale South Sectional on Saturday.

The Broncos needed to finish among the top five teams in their division to qualify for this week’s state meet.

Montini placed sixth in its division.

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Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Warriors place third at conference meet Campbell takes third in the all-around standings

The Willowbrook girls gymnastics team hosted the six-team West Suburban Gold Conference Meet on Saturday. The Warriors earned a third-place finish in the team standings.

The Downers Grove co-op team won the title at the meet with its total score of 144.45. Hinsdale South

with her total of 35.65.

Campbell’s all-around total included her second-place score of 9.2 in floor exercises, her fourth-place score of 8.775 on the balance beam, her sixth-place score of 8.725 on the uneven bars and her seventh-place score of 8.95 on the vault.

Willowbrook senior Mia McBride finished in a tie for seventh in the all-around standings with her score of 32.925. McBride finished 10th on the uneven bars (8.45), 13th on the balance beam (7.85), 14th in floor exercises (8.175) and 16th on the vault (8.45).

Freshman Mallory Yeazel of Willowbrook placed 13th in the conference meet’s all-around standings with her total of 30.8. Another Willowbrook freshman—Lillian Macias—finished 14th in the all-around competition with her score of 30.625.

Macias tied for eighth on the vault (8.9).

Willowbrook sophomore Kaia Capulong contributed an 18th-place finish in the meet’s all-around standings with her total of 29.55.

Addison Trail senior Nicolette Franczak compiled a sixth-place all-around total of 34.275 at the conference meet. Franczak delivered a third-place score of 9.125 in floor exercises. She placed fifth on the vault (9.15), ninth on the balance beam (8.0) and 11th on the uneven bars (8.0).

Addison Trail sophomore Mia Trombatore joined McBride to tie for seventh in the all-around standings with her total of 32.925. Trombatore finished sixth in floor exercises (8.8) and tied for 11th on the balance beam (7.9). She placed 12th on the uneven bars (7.9).

Sophomore Mickey Fricano of

landed in second place with its score of 133.0. Willowbrook posted a thirdplace total of 130.35, while Addison Trail (127.675) finished fourth. Leyden (126.2) and Morton (113.225) placed fifth and sixth, respectively.

Junior Naomi Campbell of Willowbrook finished third in the conference meet’s all-around standings

Warriors pick up conference win at Morton

Powell supplies 27 points and 13 rebounds to lead Willowbrook to victory over the Mustangs

The Willowbrook boys basketball team split a pair of West Suburban Gold Conference road games last week. The Warriors suffered a 66-56 loss at Proviso East on Jan. 24. Two days later, Willowbrook defeated Morton 66-55 in Cicero.

Friday’s victory over Morton gave the Warriors an overall record of 8-16 and a conference mark of 3-4.

Willowbrook led Proviso East 16-5 at the end of the first quarter of last week’s game in Maywood. The Warriors held a 27-22 halftime lead.

The Pirates delivered a 26-11 burst in the third quarter to take a 48-38 lead with eight minutes to play.

Sophomore Otis Powell scored 21 points for Willowbrook in last week’s loss at Proviso East. Junior Jaden Royal scored 12 points, while sophomore Jaylen Griffin provided eight points. Junior Filip Palutkiewicz and senior Andrew Ciesinski supplied six and four points, respectively. Ciesinski also blocked 10 shots and made seven rebounds.

The Warriors raced out to a 23-7

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Graduation Play at theday plate at Willowbrook

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, the game tiedcelebrated at 2-2. Downers Grove South’swith catcher Willowbrook Highwhen School’s Class was of 2021 its commencement two tagged Rugg out at home for the third out of theon inning.

Themorning.

Mustangs separate ceremonies in theplate school’s main gymnasium Sunday Thewent enon to defeat the Warriors 7-3students. in the West Suburban Conference contest. Wiltire class includes over 470 About half ofGold those students attended the

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IndependenceBensenville Day in Villa Park ndependent TAKE ONE

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Villa Park Review

I

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 held its analso serving Wood dale nual Fourth of July Parade last week. TheCHRIS parade, which began at FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review VOL. conditions.

19 • NO. 30 WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM 10 a.m., took place loss in warm andan sunny The honor guard lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s to post 11-2 win in Saturday’s game at Naval Station Great Lakes off in the parade.

The honor Hinsdale Central.from The Warriors bashed three homeled runs the second inning of guard Satis shown (top left) while proceeding west on Central Boulevard near CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa ParkSilver Review Woman urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Harvard Other parade participants included Willowbrook Conference.

Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and that sophomore ceremony that began at 9 Avenue. a.m. The others participated in the ceremony started charged with

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Crash killed one, CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review PHOTO Villa Park 390271 Review severelySUBMITTED injured

Memorial Day in Villa Park KATE KATE DRURY DRURY

The Village of Villa Park observed Arbor Day with a tree planting on Friday, anotherApril who 30. Pictured (left to subsequently died right) at the tree planting at the village’s Franklin Park, located at 218 N. Third Ave., are: Villa Park Village your local agent DuPage Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns CommisCounty sion, Margaret Schiefer—a member of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park State’s AttorneyVilla Park Village Trustee (and Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Contact me forVilla a Park Village President Albert Bulthuis, Robert Berlin Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone and Leslie Allison-Seei—chair and of DuPage the Villa Park Community Pride 630-514-9961 County Villa complementary Park Veterans of Foreign Warson (VFW) Post 2801 of held itsApril.

Memorial Day service onDay Monday mornCommission.

Arbor Day is observed the last Friday each The National Arbor Foundation Sheriff James 630-514-9961 ing Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park.

Post Commander Jim is pictured bowingthat his recognihead as Mendrick kdrury@atproperties.com hasatrecognized Villaanalysis Park with Tree City USA designation forBlankshain 36 straight years.

To receive market Christine announced Willowbrook High School students Hendrickson and a Anna Seelbach at the end ofcomthe kdrury@atproperties.com tion, a community must have a tree Lily board or department, tree-care ordinance, ataps comprehensive Brocious that bondsound has ofThe your home!!

Kate Drury for Christine Brocious, pandemic. This ceremony. post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled becausebeenofsetthe COVID-19 munity forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

36, of Chicago Ridge.

630.514.9961 LOCALof AGENT. LOCAL year’s observance included a reading of the names the Post 2801RESULTS. members who Brocious is charged withhave recently died. kdrury@atproperties.com one count DUI That list included World War II veteran Charles “Sid” Bergh, who served asof aggravated the master of ceremonies I would to help! causing death (Class 2 felony) LoveVillaPark.com of the post’s annual Memorial Day service for several years. A veteran of counts the ofU.S. Navy, Bergh died in and two aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm 438517 October 2020. He was 94 years old. Bergh was the post’s last surviving World War II veteran.

(Class 4 felony) stemming from

float away...

Federal judge sets trial date for State Sen. Tom Cullerton--Page 4

Postal Customer **ecrwss

See CRASH, Page 4

InsIde:

High School’s band (left), along with Villa Park inVillage Kayleigh provided themarching home Dennison (No. 5) is pictured the at 11 a.m. Dennison The photo shows members of runs. the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing aggravated President Nick (above), who, like other14. parade parbackground of the above photo.

For more aboutsee the Warriors, seeDUI page during the day’s first service.

ForCuzzone more photos, Page 4. many ticipants, distributed candy to young in spectators. deadly crash 377325

DuPage County State’s Attorney CHRIS FOX PHOTO Lombardian Robert Berlin CHRIS FOX PHOTO Lombardian Glenbard East High its Local 2021 Scholarship Awards Night last week. after the ceremony.

Pictured (left to right) are: (front row)SUBMITTED Emily DinaLombardian Jovaand DuPage PHOTO Emmie Sathy was School namedheld Lombard’s Lilac Queen during Saturday coronation continued a tradition that began 91 years ago. Ryan, Lombard’s first CHRIS FOX PHOTO More than 40coronation members of the school’s Class of 2021 scholarships Rocco Marcello, TinainDjordjevic andEmmie Sophia Heatley; row) Maddie Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House, 801 E. Roosevelt, Lombard—with support theQueen welfare of active members and isveterans theLombardian United afternoon’s ceremony in Lilacia Park.

She received wasCounty oneand of five Lilac novic, Lilac was crowned 1930.

Queen a senior(back at of Glenbard East Sheriff James during the May 13 celebration Biester Auditorium.

Scholarship donors Weltin, Lauren Huber andattend Kendall Crackel.

Glenbard East’s Classabout of 2021 willstucel- of Glenbard East High Class ofstaff/crew, 2021 of celebrated its commenceThis year’s graduating classVanderbilt at Glenbard East includes 560 the help of many generous individuals, businesses, event and States armed forces, their immediate families and the families Princesses to take the School’s stagein at the beginning the ceremony.

Sheusually soon High School.

She will University inimmediate Nashville, Tennessee.

Mendrick attend the $13,848 annual event, but safety mitigations limited attendance atThis this year’sveterans. ebrate its commencement with two are ceremonies this Saturday in Saturday’s the school’s stament with Saturday’s two separate ceremonies the Queen. school’s stadium. dents.

Several ofbe thefound graduates pictured at the end of first the incredible community—raised atsash its and recently held thirdinLilac annual deceased Presenting the check Sue Wackerlin (middle), founder accepted the crown, cape as this year’s year’s More photos can inside thisto issue.

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Theare firstTammy ceremonyHendrickson will begin at 10 a.m.

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Veterans Suicide/PTSD Awareness fundraiser. funds go toceremony support ofauditorium Adopt A Soldier, (left) Johanna Marks Brocious that bond has Adopt A Soldier—a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to lift morale organized the event. beenwho set for Christine Brocious, 36, of Chicago Ridge.

Brocious is charged with one count of aggravated DUI causing death (Class 2 felony) and two counts of aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm 4 felony) stemming from Opinion ........................... 4 Police reports ................. 7 a(Class June 29 crash that claimed 2020 SCHILLER TEAM SALES: life of another motorist, About...................

6 Sports .......................11-12 .........................9-10 the Opinion ...........................Out 4 &Police reports ..............2-3 $140,000,000 & 276 CLOSED UNITS 25-year-old Jorgo Cukali and severely injured Jorgo’s Out & About................... 6 Sports ............................ 10 30-year-old sister, Nastika Cukali, who was a passenger in his vehicle. #1 REALTOR ® • #1 TEAM • #1 OFFICE Brocious appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Daniel Tim Schiller | 630.992.0582 | tim@theschillerteam.com Guerin set bond at $1.5 million *MRED, LLC, includes all closed sales in Lombard for all property types, all agents, and all offices, 1/1/2020-12/31/2020. with 10 percent to apply.

On June 29 at approximately 11:30 p.m., DuPage County Sheriff deputies responded to unincorporated Winfield at Mack and Winfield Roads for

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Addison ndependent

Police Reports..........6 Puzzles............8 & 14 Viewpoint...............10 Classifieds..............13

a June 29 crash that claimed the life of another motorist, 25-year-old Jorgo Cukali and severely injured Jorgo’s 30-year-old sister, Nastika Cukali, who was a passenger in his vehicle.

Brocious appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Daniel Guerin set bond at $1.5 million with 10 percent to apply.

On June 29 at approximately 11:30 p.m., DuPage County Sheriff deputies responded to unincorporated Winfield at Mack and Winfield Roads for

See CRASH, Page 4

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Village joins LibertyFest Parade

These parade-goers are ready to step off with this Bensenville Park District float, which appeared in the Wood Dale LibertyFest Parade. More photos inside.

These youngsters took part in the Kids Race portion of the 4 on the 4th race that takes place every year on 4th of July near Elmhurst University.

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Greaves placed 20th in the all-around standings with her score of 28.825.

Willowbrook and Addison Trail will join two other teams (Lake Park and Maine East) in today’s IHSA regional at Lake Park High School in Roselle.

Willowbrook’s girls gymnastics team battled five other teams in Saturday’s West Suburban Gold Conference Meet in Villa Park.

The Warriors earned a third-place finish in the meet’s team competition. Downers Grove’s co-op team won the title at the conference meet. Hinsdale South posted a second-place finish. Willowbrook junior Naomi Campbell delivered a third-place finish in the meet’s all-around competition. Campbell is pictured during her performance on the balance beam at Saturday’s meet. She won fourth-place honors on the balance beam. Earlier in the meet, she delivered a second-place effort in floor exercises. Another photo from Saturday’s meet shows senior Mia McBride of the Warriors, who is pictured during her 10th-place performance on the uneven bars. McBride finished in a tie for seventh in the meet’s all-around competition. Willowbrook is competing in tonight’s IHSA regional at Lake Park High School in Roselle.

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REAL NEWS

lead over Morton after one quarter of Friday’s conference battle. Willowbrook led the Mustangs 33-14 at halftime and 50-31 at the end of the third quarter.

Powell piled up 27 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Warriors to Friday’s conference road victory over Morton. Palutkiewicz provided 10 points and seven rebounds. Senior Noah Boyd scored nine points, while Griffin and senior Kenyon Rhodes scored seven points each. Ciesinski contributed four points and nine rebounds, and for the second straight game, he blocked 10 shots. Royal added two points, five rebounds and three assists.

Willowbrook won both of its conference games against Morton this season. The Warriors opened their West Suburban Gold Conference schedule with a 59-50 win over Morton in Villa Park on Dec. 1.

The Warriors’ schedule this week includes conference games against Leyden and Downers Grove South, along with a non-conference contest against Christ the King.

the Blazers tied for 12th on the vault (8.5). Junior Olivia DeBeau provided Addison Trail with a 13th place score of 7.775 on the uneven bars. DeBeau finished 15th in the all-around competition with her total of 30.625.

Addison Trail senior Brooke

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Rock Valley Publishing

Page 15

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Did you know that dental-related ailments are responsible for the loss of more than 50 million school hours each year? That’s right. Thousands of children miss school every year because of some dental-related ailment. Fortunately, many of these ailments can be prevented through good oral care.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, make your child’s smile a priority.

Take them to the dentist regularly and teach them to care for their teeth properly.

York Street

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ATTIC BASEMENT BELONGINGS CATEGORY CHORES CLEAN CLOSETS CLUTTER DONATION FILED GARAGE GARBAGE HAZARD HOARDING LABEL MESS ORGANIZE PATTERN PROFESSIONAL SORTED STORAGE SYSTEM TASK THINGS

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. Become less intense 6. Variety of pear 10. Religion native to China 14. Type of tooth 15. Fitted out 17. Make every effort 19. Autonomic nervous system 20. Complete 21. Alternate name 22. River in France and Belgium 23. Miami’s mascot is one 24. Turfs 26. Most cognizant of reality 29. Broad volcanic crater 31. Canadian surname 32. Satisfaction 34. Traitorous Greek mythological prince 35. Collide 37. Immune response 38. Feline 39. High opinion of one’s own appearance 40. Thin strip to align parts 41. Containers 43. Convicted American spy 45. Breathe noisily 46. Taxi 47. Pancakes made from buckwheat flour 49. Swiss river 50. I.M.__, architect 53. Have surgery 57. Formal withdrawal 58. Dutch and German surname 59. Square measures 60. 2,000 lbs.

61. Degrade someone CLUES DOWN 1. Siberian river 2. Blessing 3. Substitutes (abbr.)

4. Principle underlying the universe 5. Work unit 6. Yellow edible fruits 7. Gemstone 8. A place ships dock (abbr.)

9. Evergreen tropical tree 10. Reality TV star Richards 11. Nonflowering aquatic plant 12. Stakes 13. Antidiuretic hormone 16. Make warm again 18. Light beams 22. Lethal dose 23. Terrorist group 24. Kids love him 25. Naturally occurring solid 27. German surname meaning “man from Saxony” 28. Popular cuisine 29. Partner to cheese 30. Type of horse 31. __ Diego 33. Defensive nuclear weapon 35. Most shrewd 36. It may be for shopping

37. Midway between south and southeast 39. A stock of foods 42. The bindings of books 43. Swiss river 44. Megabyte 46. Sammy __, songwriter 47. Dutch colonist 48. Clare Booth __, American writer 49. Sun or solar disk 50. Popular type of bread 51. Transfers of money (abbr.)

52. Association of engineering professionals 53. Young women’s association 54. City 55. Niger-Congo branch of languages 56. Pointed end of a pen

Answers on page 19

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Rock Valley Publishing

Page 17

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

Warrior cheer

Willowbrook High School’s cheerleading team competed in Saturday’s IHSA sectional at Rolling Meadows High School.

The Warriors needed to finish among the top five teams in their division at the sectional to qualify for the IHSA state meet, which takes place this week in Bloomington. Willowbrook earned a 13th-place finish in its division at the sectional and did not advance to the state meet. Several members of the team are pictured after Friday’s girls basketball game in Villa Park. Pictured left to right are: (front row) junior Ava Venegas, sophomore Gianna Datoli, junior Kinsey Crawford, sophomore Veronica Suero, junior Cassie Yepez and sophomore Aliah Ramirez; (back row) junior Trinity Smith, junior ShaNiya Lawson, junior Mariah Green, senior Camryn Jerome, senior Samantha Arroyo and junior Sophia Gianatasio. Not pictured are sophomore McKenna MacDonald, senior Mason MacDonald and senior Brenda Martinez.

Broncos defeat Trojans 40-35

LEGAL NOTICES

Shepherd delivers 22 points in Montini’s home win

The Montini Catholic boys basketball team raised its overall season record to 9-16 following Saturday’s 40-35 victory over Timothy Christian in Lombard.

The Broncos led the visiting Trojans 6-2 after one quarter and 20-16 at halftime. Montini led Timothy Christian 29-25 at the end of the third quarter.

Senior Maddox Shepherd scored a team-leading 22 points for Montini in Saturday’s win. Shepherd made nine field goals, including one 3-point shot, and drained all three of his freethrow attempts during the game.

Montini junior Max Bell supplied eight points in Saturday’s victory.

Senior Danny Petersen added five points for the Broncos. Senior Tyler Pavlik and junior Drew Church provided three and two points, respectively.

The Broncos’ schedule this week includes this Friday’s home game against IC Catholic Prep.

The

Lombardian Can Publish Your Legals Call 815-877-4044 or email your legals to Legals@rvpublishing.com 425146

VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR FY2024 Water/Sewer System Supplies The Village of Lombard is now accepting sealed bid proposals for FY2024 Water/Sewer System Supplies.

linois, 60148, marked “Attention: Carl S. Goldsmith” and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Each proposal should be placed in a sealed envelope and the envelope labeled with the bidder’s name, address, bid item name and bid opening location, room number, time, and date. Only sealed bids will be accepted.

Bid proposals must be received prior to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024 at the Department of Public Works, 1051 S. Hammerschmidt Ave., Lombard, Illinois, 60148, marked “Attention: Carl S. Goldsmith” and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Each proposal should be placed in a sealed envelope and the envelope labeled with the bidder’s name, address, bid item name and bid opening location, room number, time, and date. Only sealed bids will be accepted.

Bid specifications and specific instructions to bidders may be obtained from the Director of Public Works at the Department of Public Works. All questions concerning the bid document or specifications must be submitted in writing to the Director of Public Works. A written response will then be provided to all known bidders and made available to the public. No interpretations, clarifications or addenda will be issued after three (3) working days prior to the scheduled bid opening.

Bid specifications and specific instructions to bidders may be obtained from the Director of Public Works at the Department of Public Works. All questions concerning the bid document or specifications must be submitted in writing to the Director of Public Works. A written response will then be provided to all known bidders and made available to the public. No interpretations, clarifications or addenda will be issued after three (3) working days prior to the scheduled bid opening.

The Village of Lombard reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive all technicalities or to accept the proposal deemed most advantageous to the Village.

Elizabeth Brezinski Village Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Feb. 1, 2024) 450500

The Village of Lombard is now accepting sealed bid proposals for FY2024 Snow and Debris Hauling.

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79327 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 19, 2024, wherein the business firm of ABIGAIL ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY, 230 DUANE STREET APT 2D, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137 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: Abigail Hine, 230 Duane Street Apt 2D, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 19TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Feb. 1, 8 & 15, 2024) 450510

Bid proposals must be received prior to 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024 at the Department of Public Works, 1051 S. Hammerschmidt Ave., Lombard, Il-

VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR Coarse Aggregate Material

The Village of Lombard reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive all technicalities or to accept the proposal deemed most advantageous to the Village.

Elizabeth Brezinski Village Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Feb. 1, 2024) 450501 VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR FY2024 Snow and Debris Hauling

The Village of Lombard is now accepting sealed bid proposals for Coarse Aggregate Material.

Bid proposals must be received prior to 10:00 AM, February 23, 2024 at the Lombard Public Works, 1051 S. Hammerschmidt Ave, Lombard, Illinois, 60148, marked “Attention: Carl S. Goldsmith” and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Each proposal should be placed in a sealed envelope and the envelope labeled with the bidder’s name, address, bid item name and bid opening location, room number, time, and date. Only sealed bids will be accepted.

Bid specifications and specific instructions to bidders may be obtained from the Utilities Superintendent at Lombard Public Works or by requesting them electronically at www.villageoflombard. org/bids. All questions concerning the bid document or specifications must be submitted in writing to the Utilities Superintendent. A written response will then be provided to all known bidders and made available to the public. No interpretations, clarifications or addenda will be issued after the fourth day prior to the scheduled bid opening.

All contractors and subcontractors bidding for work involving fixed works constructed for public use, for public work, or otherwise undertaking public works, must pay prevailing wages as required by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130).

The Village of Lombard reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive all technicalities or to accept the proposal deemed most advantageous to the Village.

Elizabeth Brezinski Village Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Feb. 1, 2024) 450499 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79311 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on January 8, 2024 wherein the business firm of T2DO Home Repair, 254 BOBWHITE LANE, BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108 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: PAUL B TARMAN, 254 BOBWHITE LANE, BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 8TH day of January, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Jan. 18, 25 & Feb. 1, 2024) 449696

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79321 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 18, 2024, wherein the business firm of VILLA PARK KARATE, 341 S. ARDMORE AVENUE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181 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: Devin Patrick Andrekus, 302 Pine Street, Villa Park, IL 60181; Carter James Kampert, 175 E. Van Buren, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 18TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & 8, 2024) 450257

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79305 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 28, 2023, wherein the business firm of THE WESTLEEN GROUP, 2200 S. MAIN STREET STE. 112, LOMBARD, IL 60148 was registered; and the following changes were made: *The following named person or persons should now be registered as associates of the aforesaid firm: Marilyn Jo Davis, 1111 Holly Ct Unit 313, Oak Park, IL 60301.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 19TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Feb. 1, 8 & 15, 2024) 450551

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Rock Valley Publishing

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Serving Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard & Villa Park

Classifieds Elmhurst Office (630) 834-8244

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GREG STEBEN CARPENTRY Small Home Repairs and Remodeling General Carpentry 30 Years Experience “Specializing in Quality Workmanship and Attention to Detail”

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CALL Elmhurst (630) 834-8244 or Lombard (630) 627-7010 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD!

Painting

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The Elmhurst Independent The Addison Independent • The Bensenville Independent Villa Park Review • Lombardian

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FOR SALE Announcements

Burial Needs

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed.

Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale.

Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

EMPLOYMENT

FIND YOUR NEXT JOB IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

ESTIMATOR/PROJECT MANAGER NEEDED Must have at least 3 years experience.

Office located in Elmhurst.

Please call 630.941.4700

450527

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Residential driveways, patios, walkways.

Stamped and colored concrete.

• Tree Removal • Tree Trimming • Bush Removal • Stump Grinding • Free wood chips • Free Estimates • Insured Call Todd

Available Services • Commercial & Residential Affordable Weekly Mowing • Aeration Spring & Fall clean up • Power Raking Fertilizing and/or Seeding • Sidewalk edging Black dirt/Mulch/Stone • Driveway Bush trimming sealcoating Call for Free Estimate • Villa Park

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Lombard Office (630) 627-7010

vvvvv

PERSONALS Never Known to Fail Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the Son of God. Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother.

Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to answer me in this necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother.

Oh, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3xs). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who gave me divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory.

Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.

The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days, after 3 days the request will be granted.

This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. A.S. 350676

Mount Carmel Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity, Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Amen.

Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you.

I am confident my prayers will be answered. Thank You Mother of God!!!

JC

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Celebrating years

65

1959-2023

2023 March 30, Thursday, LOMBARDIAN Page 1

Thursday, May

2021 20, 6, 27,2021

E O PPLLEE B A RB AD R DP P E O O R FL OORML O M 60¢ 60¢ P A PE WE SRP AFP E R D NMEBWA RS D N 2021 6, 2021 2023 27, L O M B A RA L O 30, May May20, A Celebrating Thursda Thursday,y, ay, March

62years

No. 14 Vol. 651959-2021

Vol. 63 No.

Thursd 21 19 22

In Print and Online Every Thursday FREE

1

TAKE ONE

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 1, 2024) 449753

The bid must be in a sealed opaque envelope plainly marked Lawn Maintenance – BID. The Village Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids or portions thereof.

Corey Williamsen Deputy Village Clerk (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 1, 2024) 449754 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79317 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 16, 2024 wherein the business firm of VIDA TRAVELS, 193 JUDSON STREET, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106, 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: Araceli Hernandez, 193 Judson Street, Bensenville, IL 60106.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 16TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 1, 8 & 15, 2024) 450517

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced that bond has been set for a Florida man acOmar Castro cused of leading police on a high-speed chase.

Omar Castro, 22, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $100,000.

Castro is charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including two counts of aggravated speeding in a construction zone, reckless driving and driving while license suspended, all Class A misdemeanors.

On Thursday, June 22 at approximately 8:28 p.m., an Elmhurst police officer responded to a call of a stolen motor vehicle near Route 83 and North Avenue. It is alleged that

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when the officer located the vehicle, later determined to be driven by Castro, Castro put his car in reverse and proceeded southbound on Route 83. It is alleged that as the officer pursued, Castro reached speeds of approximately 107 mph in a 45-mph zone and disobeyed three traffic lights.

It is alleged that near 16th Street, Castro completed a U-turn and continued driving northbound on Route 83 reaching speeds of approximately 100 mph in a 35-mph construction zone, at which time the pursuing officer lost sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, the vehicle was located abandoned in a school parking lot. Officers responded to the school parking and at approximately 8:42 p.m., located Castro approximately one block away from the school. He was then taken into custody after a brief struggle with the officers.

Castro’s next court appearance is scheduled July 27 for arraignment in front of Judge Telander.

Register in advance by calling 630-766-7015.

Bensenville

Independent

at BvilleParks.org/Libertyfest

VOL. 19 • NO. 28

eview R Review

VOL. 17 NO. 21 VOL.17 17••••NO. NO.23 20 VOL. 19 28 VOL. 17 NO. 24

Lessons

Range

STAFF REPORT

No arrests have been made as of at around 12:30 a.m. during a gatherpress time in connection with a mass ing to commemorate Juneteenth held shooting at a the stripINDEPENDENCE mall in unincorpo- in the parking lot at the mall, located Call Pronear PARADE Shop rated DuPage County Willow- DAY near Honeysuckle Lane and Route MarchJune Register with83. brook to early Sunday morning, Today the park district!

18, the day designatedSign as Juneteenth. up at BvilleParks.org/Libertyfest Approximately 23 people were 766-0304 The (630) DuPage County Sheriff’s wounded by gunfire. Victims were Office said an unknown number of taken to hospitals in DuPage, Cook suspects fired multiple rounds from and Will counties. One man, iden-

Officially

JULY 4 SWIM Noon-5 p.m. | July

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WhitePinesGolf.com Bensenville akbROOk eRRace alsoserving servingOO O akbROOkT Terrace eRRace InsIde: Water Park also akbrOOk also serving akbROOk T eRRace akbROOk eRRace Police Reports..........4 Puzzles ....................9

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Register in advance by calling 630-766-7015.

394390 396445 438525 396917

THURSDAY, THURSDAY,MAY MAY13, 6, 2021 2021

THURSDAY, JUNE THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 THURSDAY, JUNE29, 3, 2023 2021 Viewpoint ................8 Classifieds..............10

Joe Benedetti, known as “Joe the Barber,” recently retired after 50 years of serving the Addison community. The owner of Joe’s Hair Styling Unisex at 611 W. Lake Street was honored by the Village of Addison at a Board meeting on Monday, June 5, where he received a Proclamation in honor of his 50 years in business. Nearly 100 community members attended the meeting to congratulate him.

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, the game tiedcelebrated at 2-2. Downers Grove South’swith catcher Willowbrook Highwhen School’s Class was of 2021 its commencement two tagged Rugg out at home for the third out of theon inning.

The Mustangs separate ceremonies in theplate school’s main gymnasium Sunday morning.

Thewent enon to defeat the Warriors 7-3students. in the West Suburban Conference contest. Wiltire class includes over 470 About half ofGold those students attended the

Register in advance by calling 630-766-7015.

438525

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

July 28. Pictured are (from left): Daley Wangler, Reilly Costello, Katy Costello, whose works were on display in the exhibit, Allison Haas and Katie Fox. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

60¢¢¢¢ County sheriff investigating Juneteenth shooting incident 60 GolfOne killed, 23 wounded; deceased victim was father of two Driving multiple weapons into a large crowd tified as 31-year-old father of two returned immediately to the celebra- time again, gun violence is a public

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent

‘Joe the Barber’ honored by Village

Noon-5 p.m. | July 4 Bensenville Water Park

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Bensenville Independent

As many museums are celebrating Andy Warhol and his legacy of pop art, the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild hosted reception for its Inspired By Warhol exhibit, a juried exhibition based on the works of Andy Warhol on display through Friday,

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Celebrating all things Warhol

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Reggie Meadows, died after suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Deputy Chief Eric Swanson of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office said in a news conference Sunday, June 18 that at least two other victims were in critical condition.

“The motive behind this incident is unclear,” Swanson said. “This is still an active investigation.”

“We are working around the clock to bring those responsible to justice,” the sheriff’s office said in a recent post on Twitter, urging anyone with information to call 630-407-2343.

The Juneteenth celebration started at around 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

According to the Daily Herald, DuPage County Sheriff’s deputies had been monitoring the celebration, but responded to a 911 call of a fight that had broken out nearby.

While deputies were investigating that call, they heard gunshots and

tion.

“Out of nowhere, there was a major gunfight for like 30 seconds,” eyewitness Bartosz Majerczyk told ABC 7 Eyewitness News. “I’d say, 60 plus rounds. You could tell it was two different groups of people shooting at each other.”

Another witness, who said she was at the celebration, told ABC 7 Eyewitness News “everybody started running” when the gunfire erupted.

“There was a man,” she said. “He fell on top of me. He had a gunshot wound to his leg. It was like something you can’t imagine.”

In a statement, Governor JB Pritzker said he is closely monitoring the shooting.

“Gathering for a holiday celebration should be a joyful occasion, not a time when gunfire erupts and families are forced to run for safety,” Gov. Pritzker said. “As I’ve said time and

health emergency in this country and I remain committed to banning these dangerous weapons and making our state safer for everyone.”

Meadows was described as a “devoted father whose life was tragically taken from us amidst a Juneteenth celebration” on a GoFundMe page set up to provide support to his two young children, RJ and Gabby.

Meadows was “a beacon of love and strength, who fell victim to a devastating crossfire incident that shattered the peace and joy of what should have been a day of celebration.

“Amidst the chaos, Reggie tragically lost his life, leaving an indelible mark of grief on his family and community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the other victims who were injured, as we mourn the loss of Reggie, a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many.”

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

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 SatCHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa ParkSilver Review urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Conference.

Senior Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and that sophomore ceremony that beganAnnemarie at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony started Kayleigh the home Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the at 11 a.m. Dennison The photoprovided shows members of runs. the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing background of the above photo. more aboutsee thePage Warriors, see page 14. during the day’s first service.

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Arbor Day in Villa Park

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Departing Mariners LOW INVENTORY!

CHRISFOX FOXPHOTO PHOTOVilla VillaPark ParkReview Review CHRIS SUBMITTED PHOTO Villa Park 390271 Review

Memorial Day in Villa Park

The Village of Villa Park observed Arbor Day with a tree planting on Friday, April 30. Pictured (left to right) at the tree planting at the village’s Franklin Park, located at 218 N. Third Ave., are: Villa Park Village your local agent

Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commis14 PoliceReports Reports............4 ..........868 Classifieds................10 Sports.................... ....................17 16 sion, The Margaret Villa Park Mariners recognized six Villa departing swimmers during Saturday’s meet against Police Reports ..........

Sports Police Schiefer—a membertheir of the Park “senior” Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park KATE DRURY Hanover Park at Jefferson Pool.Villa Pictured to right at the end of the meet—Villa final home meet of Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Parkleft Village President Albert Bulthuis, VillaPark’s Park Village Trustee (and Contact me for aRoscoe, DRURY Legal Notices ......... 15 Speak Classifieds..............13 Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..........17-18 season—are: (front row) Grace Harper KATE Conboy Knudtson; (back Viewpoint ................6 Classifieds..............16 Puzzles ......................9 Out................8 the Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone andCaitlin LeslieO’Connor, Allison-Seei—chair of theand VillaGabby Park Community Pride complementary row) Alexander Dean and Simon Luedtke. All six of the pictured Mariners are630-514-9961 members of Willowbrook High PRSRT STD PRSRT STD PRSRTSTD STD PRSRT PRSRT STD US POSTAGE US POSTAGE USPOSTAGE POSTAGE US US POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID PAID PAID ROCK VALLEY ROCK VALLEY ROCKVALLEY VALLEY ROCK ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC PUBLISHING LLC PUBLISHINGLLC LLC PUBLISHING PUBLISHING LLC

Corey Williamsen Deputy Village Clerk

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The Village Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids or portions thereof.

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Postal Customer

The bid must be in a sealed opaque envelope plainly marked Alley Maintenance – BID.

The Village of Bensenville will accept bids for “Lawn Maintenance” for the period starting April 23, 2024 through November 15, 2024. The bids shall be sent to the Office of the Deputy Village Clerk located at 12 S. Center St., Bensenville, IL 60106, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The bids will be publicly opened at 10:00 AM on April 9th, 2024 at the Bensenville Village Hall, 12 S. Center Street. No late bids will be accepted under any circumstances.

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6 Sports. 10 reports.. ..............

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Out &Police -10 ....2-4, 6-7 .........................9 Candidate profiles 8 Sports ...................

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The Village of Bensenville will accept bids for “Alley Maintenance” for the period starting April 23, 2024 through November 15, 2024. The bids shall be sent to the Office of the Deputy Village Clerk located at 12 S. Center St., Bensenville, IL 60106, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The bids will be publicly opened at 10:00 AM on April 9th, 2024 at the Bensenville Village Hall, 12 S. Center Street. No late bids will be accepted under any circumstances.

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1 • Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

1 • Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Rock Valley Publishing

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Wayman plans to collect bee hotels from rural and urban areas across Illinois and dissect them to understand what species are using them. The project requires donations of bee hotels from the public.

Anyone who donates a hotel to the project will receive a personalized report on the findings and guidelines for future efforts to support bees.

“Each hotel will be critical for a better understanding of what is going on inside and how we can all better help native bee populations,” they said.

Explore more about the project and learn how to submit a bee hotel that is at least two years old at go.illinois.edu/BeeHotel. Qualifying bee hotel submissions are needed by March 1. Drop-off locations will be provided after a bee hotel is determined to qualify.

Learn more about how you can support pollinators at go.illinois. edu/IllinoisPollinators.

LEGAL NOTICES

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Bee hotels could be easy targets for the natural enemies of native bees.”

VOL. 20 • NO. 28

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79316 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 16, 2024 wherein the business firm of TC SIGNING SERVICES, 1373 TERRY ROAD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL 60139 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: Teresa Campos, 1373 Terry Road, Glendale Heights, IL 60139.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 16TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & 8, 2024) 450071

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Bee hotels buzz with activity, but is it the right kind? A graduate student at the University of Illinois is researching bees and needs help, in the form of donated used bee hotels, from the public to understand if these man-made nests are helping or harming bee populations in Illinois.

Similar to bird or bat houses, bee hotels are artificial habitats made of plant stems or drilled wood for cavity-nesting bees that people can put in their yards. The idea is to provide homes for native bees in areas where there aren’t naturally occurring nest materials, but the research shows mixed results on their benefits. Some studies found the hotels led to higher species diversity, while others warn they host invasive bees, disease, and parasites.

Timo Wayman, an entomology graduate student at the University of Illinois, is interested in native bee conservation and bee parasites and is conducting a research project on bee hotels in Illinois.

“It’s clear that there is a lot we don’t know,” Wayman said. “Bee hotels could be easy targets for the natural enemies of native bees. Under such close quarters, diseases and parasites are free to move from one nest to the next and insect-eating birds can clear out bee hotels in one easy meal.”

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024

Answers

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Warson (VFW) Post 2801 of held itsApril.

Memorial Day service onDay Monday mornCommission.

Arbor Day is observed the last Friday each The National Arbor Foundation 630-514-9961 School’s ClassVeterans of Villa 2023.

Roscoe, has been with the Mariners for years, willTo attend the University ing Cortesi Memorial Park.

Post Commander Jim is pictured bowing his recognihead of as kdrury@atproperties.com hasatrecognized Park withwho Tree City USA designation forBlankshain 36seven straight years. receive that market analysis Wisconsin-Madison.

O’Connor, 11or years with and the Mariners, and Knudtson, who’s a Mariner Willowbrook High School students Lily Hendrickson Anna Seelbach sound ataps at been the end ofcomthe kdrury@atproperties.com tion, a community must have awho treespent board department, a tree-care ordinance, comprehensive of your home!! for sevenforestry years, will both attend Illinois State University.

Conboy,because who hasofbeen member of the Mariners ceremony.

The post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled the a COVID-19 pandemic.

This munity program and an Arbor Day observance. for 10 years, and Luedtke, who’s been with forof six years, both attend College of DuPage. year’s observance included a reading of the team names the Postwill 2801 members who have recentlyDean, died. who’s been with theWorld Mariners 11 years, will attend theBergh, Milwaukee Villa Park beat That list included War II veteran Charles “Sid” who School served of asEngineering. the master of ceremonies I would to for help!

Hanover Park annual 372-205Memorial in Saturday’s to improve its season record to 2-4.

TheU.S. Mariners finish their of the post’s Daymeet service for several years. A veteran of the Navy,will Bergh died in eight-meet regular season with this Dale a meet in Roselle July 8.

October 2020.

He was 94 years old.week’s Berghmeet was in theWood post’s lastand surviving World Waron II veteran.

Federal judge sets trial date for State Sen. Tom Cullerton--Page 4

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