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VOL. 17 • NO. 7

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Police Reports...........6 Sports �������������������� 14 Viewpoint.................7 Classifieds..............13

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THURSDAY, FEB. 4, 2021

Former Villa Park resident turns 100

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

Marianne Kolak, who lived in Villa Park for more than 60 years, celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday, Jan. 29. Kolak and her late husband George moved to Villa Park in 1951. They have six daughters, all of whom graduated from Willowbrook High School. Kolak has lived at Lexington Square in Lombard for the last five years. The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for Kolak, who hasn’t been able to see her 20 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. On Saturday, Jan. 30, one day after her birthday, Kolak went to the Wheaton home of one of her daughters. A parade of cars that included her grandchildren and great-grandchildren passed by to wish her a happy birthday. The caravan also included vehicles from the Winfield Fire Protection District. For more photos, see Page 5.

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2 • Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 • 3

DuPage County Health Department reports 1,110 COVID-19 related deaths since March Region 8, which includes DuPage County, moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1 mitigations last week

STAFF REPORT

The DuPage County Health Department’s daily COVID-19 update of Jan. 31 reported there have been 1,110 deaths related to the coronavirus in county residents since March 2020. The Jan. 31 update also reported there have been 68,619 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county.

There have been 2,146 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 17 deaths related to the coronavirus in Villa Park residents. Lombard has reported 3,577 cases and 49 deaths.

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

The county’s first death related to the coronavirus was reported on

March 19, 2020.

As of Jan. 31, nearly 58 percent (641) of the DuPage County’s 1,110 deaths related to the coronavirus involved residents 80 and older.

About 93 percent (1,038) of the 1,110 deaths involved residents 60 and older.

None of the county’s 1,110 deaths related to the coronavirus have involved a resident 19 and under. There have been two DuPage County deaths related to the coronavirus among residents in the 20-29 age group.

The Jan. 31 update indicates 88 COVID-19 related deaths in DuPage County residents during January, following 209 in December and 166 in November. The county health department notes that its figures are provisional and subject to change. For

example, the Jan. 24 update indicated 204 COVID-19 related deaths in county residents during the month of December. One week later, the health department’s update indicated five additional deaths that took place during December.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) daily update from Jan. 31 indicated 1,126,301 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 19,243 statewide deaths related to the coronavirus.

More than 16 million tests for COVID-19 have been performed in the state as of Jan. 31. Illinois has a total population of about 12.67 million.

According to the IDPH, the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Region 8 (DuPage and Kane counties) dropped from 373 to 320 in the nine-day period from Jan. 21-30.

On Jan. 18, Region 8 moved from Tier 3 to Tier 2 mitigations in the state’s Restore Illinois Mitigation

Illinois Attorney General warns of text scam

Bottom line: State will never ask you to update personal info via text

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE INDEPENDENT

As if we’re not going through enough with a pandemic, a struggling economy and job losses, to top it off, there are the scams.

The Independent has previously shared news about the many instances of persons stealing another’s identity in order to apply for unemployment benefits through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

Now Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul reports that there are text message scams circulating that

have to do with the new federal “Real ID” requirements.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, Illinois will institute the “Real ID Act” requiring residents to provide a driver’s license or state ID that complies with “Real ID” specifications at airport security and other places.

However, scammers, claiming to be from the IDES, are reportedly sending text messages, asking residents to click on a link that will update their state ID or license.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul reminds Illinois residents that the IDES

will never request personal information by text, nor ask about updating your ID via text.

Residents are urged to delete any such messages and to hang up any calls that request any personal information, such as bank account numbers and Social Security numbers. Raoul also urges people to keep their phones and computers updated with the latest anti-virus software. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has instructed the Secretary of State Police and other law enforcement authorities to launch an investigation into the scam.

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Beginning Monday, Feb. 1, the hours of operation for The Odeum Expo Center COVID-19 testing site in Villa Park will change. The COVID-19 testing site will operate Sunday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the capacity to provide up to 1,000 tests per day.

The change in schedule was made in order to maximize testing during operating hours by accommodating more residents.

Anyone can be tested with no appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is required. Visitors are encour-

aged to pre-register at testdirectly.com to help reduce wait times. Please note, each individual being tested must create an account, but staff members will assist in registering anyone who does not have an email or who has not already created an account.

The COVID-19 testing site at the DuPage County Complex in Wheaton is now permanently closed. The DuPage County Fairgrounds will be used to support DCHD’s COVID-19 mass vaccination efforts next month.

For more information, visit dupagehealth.org/covid19testing.

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The Jan. 31 update from the IDPH showed Region 8’s test positivity rate at 7.1 percent. In addition to maintaining its status in the other two metrics, the region needs that rate to drop to 6.5 percent or lower for three consecutive days in order to move to the Phase 4 level.

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Plan. Tier 3 is the plan’s most restrictive level. On Jan. 26, Region 8 moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1 mitigations.

The region would move from the Tier 1 to the Phase 4 level if it maintains its status in two metrics (related to staffed ICU bed availability and the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients), along with improving in the

4VP • Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Police urge motorists to huddle up and designate a sober driver for Super Bowl Sunday

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

The Villa Park Police Department reminds football fans that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving.

If your Super Bowl plans this Sunday involve alcohol or cannabis, make the right play and pass your keys to a sober driver.

“Everyone wants to have a good time on Super Bowl Sunday, but driving after even one drink or hit can impair judgment,” said Villa Park Police Sgt. James Cihak. “If you’ll be watching the game away from home this year, we urge you to answer a simple question: ‘Are you drinking or are you driving?’ Never do both.”

The Villa Park Police Department recently offered some pregame tips to make a game plan for a safe and happy Super Bowl Sunday;

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

Obituaries

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

Advertising: Brenda Garcia Marguerite Micken

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

For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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

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

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

Office Hours:

352518

Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

Betty Jean Bobolia, 90 Betty Jean Bobolia, née McCoskey, of Lombard, passed away recently at the age of 90. Beloved wife of 68 years to Paul Bobolia; cherished mother of Linda (Tim) Halleckson, Karen (Richard) Berger, Mary (Dan) Coco, Barbara (Harold) Cazaubon, and Lisa (Sean) Kerns.

Devoted grandmother of Stephanie (Mike) Gorecki, Stacey Berger, Corinne (Sarah) Berger-Clark, Tony Coco, Hannah (James) Garriga, and Stephanie Coco. Fond Great-Grandma of Theo and Gwen Gorecki. Big sister to Pat (the late Mary) McCoskey and Donald (Carole) McCoskey, and Aunt to many.

Betty was born and raised in New York where she graduated from Cochran School of Nursing and began a nursing career. After finding her soulmate Paul, the newlyweds relocated to the Midwest where they raised their family of five daughters. After a number of years, Betty resumed her nursing career at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital where she worked until retirement. After that, she remained a familiar face around the hospital as a dedicated volunteer.

Betty will always be remembered for her kind nature, fun loving spirit, great love for her family, and her famous potato casserole which nobody has been able to duplicate. She is already missed but she has left us with a treasure trove of amazing memories.

Memorials to the Parkinson's Foundation, www.parkinson.org, are appreciated. Mass and interment private. For info 630-932-1500 or www.knollcrest.net

• Drunk or high, it doesn’t matter. It is never OK to drive impaired.

Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

• Use your community’s sober ride program.

• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.

• If you have friends who are about to drive impaired, take their keys and help get them home safely.

• Buckle up. It’s your best defense in the event of a crash.

There will be additional police patrols on the roads of Villa Park this Sunday. The Super Bowl enforcement campaign is part of the Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” programs that are funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Helen Godzicki, 101 Helen Godzicki, of Villa Park, passed away recently at the age of 101. Beloved wife of the late Frank Godzicki; loving mother of Dorothy Longo, Martin (Shirl) Godzicki, Mi-

See OBITUARIES, Page 12

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

District 88 provides free meals for students

District 88 is continuing its commitment to provide food service to students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The district is partnering with its food-service provider—Chartwells—and Cottage Hill Operating Company to offer free meals to all children up to the age of 18.

Each Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., meal kits containing seven days’ worth of meals per student are distributed at Willowbrook High School and Addison Trail High School. The distributions at Willowbrook take place at Door 6—the door near the main gymnasium.

Each meal kit includes a gallon of milk, as well as whole grains, proteins and a week’s worth of fresh fruit and vegetables. Pictured (left to right) during last week’s distributions at Willowbrook are Maria Dalesio of Chartwells and Sarah Warren—the director of food service for Chartwells at District 88.

Longtime officers retire

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

The Villa Park Police Department recently bid farewell to three veteran part-time officers. The trio of (left to right) Jerome Skiba, Gerald Kalkanian and Manny Varesis retired near the end of 2020. Kalkanian provided 40 years of service. Skiba spent 25 years with the department, while Varesis logged 15 years of service. “We have always considered ourselves backers and supporters of the full-time regulars,” said Kalkanian. “We are all so proud to have been a part of the thin blue line.” Kalkanian grew up in Villa Park; he attended District 48 schools, including Butterfield School (now Stella May Swartz School) in Oakbrook Terrace and Villa Middle School (now Albright Middle School) in Villa Park. Kalkanian graduated from Willowbrook High School. “You make a lot of great friendships,” said Kalkanian while reflecting on his 40 years with the police department. “The camaraderie is very nice. We wish the very best to all of the department and the support staff. They all step up and keep the machine running.”

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 • 5VP

Shame on you Sen. Tom Cullerton from Villa Park for voting yes on House Bill 3653. This is the most anti-police, pro-criminal bill to ever come up for vote and you voted yes for it. Shame on you for not supporting our brave men and women in blue, especially in these most difficult times. I hope every voter remembers this next time you come up for a vote. *** I am 77. My wife is 75. We got up this morning thinking about shoveling. Ugh. Paul, Roy and Jim, my neighbors, did it all. They did the front yard twice and my driveway.

Thank you, guys. It really is appreciated. *** Joe Biden issued more executive orders in the first week of his presidency than his four predecessors combined during their first week in office! This is the same Joe Biden who said during the campaign that he would not use executive orders to implement his policies because, quoting Biden, “You can’t use executive orders unless you are a dictator.” I kept hearing for four years how Donald Trump was a dictator.

What about you, Joe? By your own definition, doesn’t this make you a dictator? ***

The debate over fossil fuels, clean energy and climate change, once known as global warming, is back now that the president has us back on board with the Paris climate agreement. Speaking of fossils, I noticed John Kerry is the new climate czar.

Kerry made an interesting comment.

He admitted that even if the U.S. reduced their emissions to zero, it wouldn’t make much of a difference in climate change around the world.

“Not when almost 90 percent of all of the planet’s global emissions come from outside of U.S. borders.

We could go to zero tomorrow and the problem isn’t solved.” Those are John Kerry’s words; not the words of a so-called climate change denier.

But we are supposed to sacrifice our economy while 90 percent of the world’s emissions come from outside the United States. *** District 203 in Naperville is offering a one-time rebate to taxpayers after in-person learning was put on hold due to the pandemic. The school board vice president said she thought it was something “almost no other school district” in the area, or state, has done. Their thinking was to “help ease the financial burden” on taxpayers, according to one newspaper account, and I bet we can all agree anything helps. How about

it, District 44, 45, 87, 88? We who support the schools are having to do without, or with a lot less, and I think the districts need to do so as well. If not, why not? For those who don’t support it, I will remember at the voting booth. *** The mob that stormed our Capitol in Washington, D.C., assaulted our democracy, put our elected officials and law enforcement in harm’s way, did so at Trump’s instigation. This has eroded our collective strength as the United States of America. Our enemies will take note of this insurrection. They will use this weakness to attack our country. Trump has placed us all at risk, and the Republican Party is fast becoming the fringe apologist for Trump’s continued destructive politics. *** Gov. Pritzker supports the most anti-police, pro-criminal bill ever to be voted on by legislators. Could one Democrat please explain to me why the only lives we’re trying to make better in the state of Illinois are those of criminals? This makes absolutely no sense. How is this good for our state? Thank you. *** Good morning. I want to address all of the Trump supporters and fellow patriots. Don’t feel everything is lost. As in the days of Moses, watch for the parting of the waters.

Stop watching the news media. They don’t want you to know the truth and they want to continue to spread the lies. They are becoming afraid; why else would they start shutting down Parler and other conservative sites and news? This is not just an election battle between the left and the right.

This is a spiritual battle for the soul of the United States. Keep praying.

It’s all going to work out. To those who don’t believe in God, watch the coming miracle. *** I am pro-life, but I won’t judge personal choice. However, I disagree with calling elective abortion, when

Happy 100th Marianne Kolak turned 100 years old on Friday, Jan. 29. A longtime resident of Villa Park, Kolak and her husband first moved to the village in 1951. They lived on the 500 block of South Monterey Avenue until 1967, when they moved to the 200 block of South Myrtle Avenue. Kolak and her late husband George had six daughters—Randy, Rosemary, Betty Lou, Nancy, Margaret Ann and Donna—all of whom graduated from Willowbrook High School. Kolak, who grew up in Oak Park, lived in Villa Park for over 60 years. About five years ago, she moved to Lexington Square in Lombard. Kolak, who has 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, with three

used as a form of birth control, “reproductive health.” As such, I oppose my tax dollars being used to pay for it. And now we may have to pay for abortions in other countries? I see no justification for that. If a woman’s life is in danger and terminating a pregnancy is necessary, I have no problem with that, but we need to take a proactive approach with education and contraception, and taking personal responsibility, to prevent unwanted pregnancies, or offer up adoption as an alternative. *** Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, you know the invasion of the Capitol building was wrong.

There’s more to the true story than any of us will ever realize. One thing I do know is that Trump supporters have been bullied, abused and silenced for four years. In general, conservatives are logical thinkers and doers. Bullied people either crumble under the pressure of their abusers or finally decide to stick up for their rights. So, liberals now want all Americans to crumble to their fake call for unity, or pay the consequences. There’s been a lot of crumbling going on in Washington!

I’m sorry—I don’t buy it. I do not trust anymore. Do you? *** Hey, this is for the person who wants to know why I wear a mask all the time. Well, mostly it’s because I don’t want to run into you, who are not wearing a mask. Undoubtedly, though, you have your tinfoil hat on to keep all the left-wing conspiracy theories out. So there you go; bye for now. *** So, what are the odds of the Democratically controlled Congress even entertaining the prospect of defunding the police after the fiasco while counting electoral votes? *** Democrats spent four years telling everyone our elections aren’t legitimate. Russia! Democrats are now mad that people think our elections

aren’t legitimate.

*** That was quite a show of force at the inaugural. All of those National Guard troops sure could have helped keep the peace when rioters were looting and burning cities during the summer of 2020. Apparently, those riots were politically correct. *** To the person who complained about the last stimulus bill being passed without anybody reading the 5,000+ pages: Weren’t we told that Obamacare would have to be passed to find out what was in it? Wish I had a job where I could spend billions upon billions of other people’s money without knowing what I was spending it on. *** Joe Biden said in his own words: Executive orders are for dictators.

Joe Biden in his first three days of office signed 19 executive orders.

How are you liking your vote now?

Restores funding to Palestine just to give away a little more of your tax money to terrorist organizations. *** It’s wonderful to know there are still honest people in this changing world. I had a serious senior moment and left my purse with all my worldly personal information in it in a shopping cart outside the Walmart on Route 83. I didn’t realize until I made another stop and needed my phone. All I could think of were all the card cancellations I would have to make plus all new identifications for driver’s license, memberships, etc.

I returned to Walmart and, as I suspected, nothing found. Drove home continuing to think of all the phone calls I needed to make immediately.

I was met at the door by my daughter, saying she had my purse all intact!

A wonderfully honest lady actually delivered my purse personally to my home! Wow! Only problem is, I don’t have a name to thank her. I hope somehow she sees or hears about this so she knows what a huge blessing her actions were. Thank you so much!

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

more great-grandchildren coming soon, has been unable to see many of her family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Saturday, Jan. 30, she went to the Wheaton home of one of her daughters. A caravan of cars including several of Kolak’s family and friends drove by to wish her a happy birthday. One photo shows a vehicle being driven by Terry Kral—Randy’s husband (above left). The passengers in the vehicle (pictured) included Jackie (one of Kolak’s granddaughters) and Hanna (one of her great-granddaughters). Saturday’s caravan of well-wishers also included vehicles from the Winfield Fire Protection District.

6 • Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

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

the Cook County Jail at around 3:30 p.m. to transport and process Donnie Whitfield, 29, of Chicago, to the Addison Police Department on an original warrant for theft, battery, and criminal trespass to real property.

Jan. 23 Edgar M. Veliz, 65, of Addison, was charged with DUI, driving while license revoked, failure to reduce Addison speed to avoid an accident and no Jan. 25 insurance subsequent to a traffic acPolice said an officer responded to cident near Lake and Mill at around

Jan. 19 A 70-year-old Addison man was charged with domestic battery in the 300 block of W. Stone at around 11:41 a.m. Police said the suspect struck a victim on the head with a closed fist and grabbed the victim by the neck and choked her. The suspect also grabbed a second victim by the neck, threw him to the ground, and then kicked him.

7:51 p.m.

Jan. 21 A 47-year-old Addison man was charged with domestic battery and theft in the 500 block of S. Michigan Court at around 10:32 p.m. Police said the suspect took a victim’s cell phone from her hand and refused to return it to her, punched her twice on her right cheek with a closed fist, and then pushed her down onto to the couch, placing both his hands on her Villa Park chest and neck area to pin her down. Jan. 23 Lateesia D.S. Bryant, 30, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, transportation or possession of open alcohol by the driver, improper U-turn and no insurance near Roosevelt and Route 83 at around 12:48 a.m.

Jan. 21 Cristian Gonzalez, 19, of Addison, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis by the driver, driving with only one headlight and no valid license/permit-expired for more than one year near Ardmore and North at around 1:34 a.m.

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Jan. 20 Criminal damage to a vehicle was reported in the parking lot of a local store at around 4:20 p.m. Police said an unknown suspect damaged the driver’s side cargo window on a vehicle parked in the lot.

Bensenville The Bensenville Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy. 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.

Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Jan. 26, 10:35 p.m. in the 1100 block of S. York, Eduardo T. Medina, 32, was arrested for driving with revoked license and without an MDDP device, resisting or obstructing a police officer, and a traffic violation. BEPC2100064.

Jan. 25, 9:23 a.m. in the 600 block of County Club Drive, a complainant discovered that the catalytic converter on his company truck

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was missing. This is only for documentation purpose. BEP21000722.

Jan. 25, 12:23 a.m. in the 1100 block of Grove Avenue, a complainant reported a known suspect activated the fire alarm and damaged property, after further observing suspect condition, suspect was transferred to Elmhurst Hospital.

BEPC2100062.

Jan. 23, 12:49 a.m. in the 600 block of John Street, Jose I. Diego, 36, of Wood Dale, was processed on a Schiller Park warrant and cited for illegal possession of alcohol by a driver. BEPC2100055.

Jan. 23, 4:16 a.m. near W. Green St. and Center Street, Edi Tomas Lopez, 18, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

BEPC2100057.

Jan. 23, 4:16 a.m. near N. York Road and W. Irving Park Road, Yuran Estuardo Lopez-Carrillo, 19, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, no driver’s license, no insurance, transportation/ possession of open alcohol by the driver and other traffic violations.

BEPC2100056.

Jan. 23, 6:51 a.m. in the 600 block of S. York Road, a complainant reported that a possible known suspect broke the front driver-side window to his vehicle. This case is under investigation. BEPC2100058.

Jan. 22, 3:53 p.m. in the 300 block of S. Barron St., a complainant reported that an unknown suspect applied for an apartment in a different state using the complainant’s social security number without authorization. This case is under investigation. BEPC2100053.

Jan. 22, 1:48 a.m. in the 1200 block of Spruce Avenue, Charlie Jesus Mena, 19, of Chicago, was cited for unlawful possession of cannabis by the driver. BEPC2100051.

Jan. 21, 10:24 a.m. in the 1200 block of Itasca Street, a complainant reported that an unknown suspect opened a personal loan through American First Finance using the complainant’s information.

This case is under investigation.

BEPC2100047.

Jan. 21, 10:47 a.m. in the 1200 block of S. York Road, a complainant reported that an unknown suspect used fraudulent currency to pay for their items. This case is under investigation. BEPC2100048.

DuPage County caregivers for people who are 60 years and older are eligible to participate in TCARE, an evidence-based assessment to reduce caregiver stress and burnout.

The TCARE system partners with government and healthcare entities, using scientifically validated algorithms to create individualized care plans for caregivers. Types of assistance may include assistive technology, in-home support, education, adult day care, informal support, and counseling.

The Senior Services Caregiver Resource Center will host a Zoom meeting for hospital and long-term

care discharge planners to learn more about the new TCARE assessment and available County supports for overwhelmed caregivers. The meeting will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 11.

To register for the meeting, please email jennifer.chlela@dupageco.org with “TCARE” in the subject line prior to Feb. 9. You will receive a confirmation email with Zoom information.

To learn more about the TCARE program or about caregiving support available through DuPage County, call (630) 407-6500 or visit www. dupageco.org/caregiver.

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 • 7

Rock Valley Publishing

Viewpoint

Feb. 4, 2021 • 7

Slices of life

No one wants to get good at grieving By

JILL PERTLER Contributor

down like rain.

At first I couldn’t breathe. Literally. I was living breath to breath. Then, minute to minute, and task to task. Hours were too much to take on — still are sometimes. Evening seems incredibly distant at 10 a.m. How am I going to make it that far?

I don’t know the answer, so I breathe. Calm in. Fear out. Peace in. Anxiety out. Happiness

Glowiak Hilton’s office to gather valentines for long-term care residents

To brighten the spirits of older residents who have been isolated from loved ones, state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) invites people of all ages to donate valentines to be given out at local long-term care facilities.

“Whether the card comes from the store or is made from paper and crayons, many older residents could use an extra reminder that they are cared for,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I encourage families, students, community members and anyone with artistic talent to send in a Valentine’s Day card to spread love to our older neighbors.”

Glowiak Hilton’s office will collect Valentine’s Day cards through Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various long-term care facilities in the community.

Those wishing to participate can drop off cards in the office’s mail slot or mail them to: State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton 17W715 E. Butterfield Rd. Suite F Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 For more information, call Glowiak Hilton’s office at (630) 785-3177.

in. Sadness out.

The days are long and the nights sometimes longer. Sleep is elusive, especially when everyone else who is normal is sleeping.

There’s no one to call at 3:26 a.m.

Sometimes, on the best of days, my heart is calm and I feel like I can make it through the day. But not tomorrow. I can’t commit to tomorrow quite yet. It’s too far away. Too optimistic.

Some days are better than others. Some days start out good and turn bad. Some start bad and then turn good. There is no f***ing (flipping) rhyme or reason to grief.

I consider it a win if I shower. So far I haven’t missed a one. Winner, winner chicken dinner. How great for me. Exclamation point.

I also pat myself on the back each morning for making half the bed. The other half doesn’t get messed up anymore so there’s only half of that job to do. Sigh.

Mascara is a thing of the past — an implement for optimists who don’t worry about tears washing it away before breakfast.

Sunglasses, however, are a wardrobe staple, no matter the number of clouds in the sky.

Between my sunglasses and COVID mask, I figure hardly anyone will recognize me when

I go out in public. Because of grief, this is a good thing.

I think most people have difficulties with grief. I’m not the only one who sucks at it. No one wants to win an Olympic medal for grief.

No one. We’d give up the gold to have one last day, one last discussion, one last warm hand to hold from the precious person who is no longer here to give us any of those things.

Grief is, in a word, sadness. It is an overpowering, all-encompassing, horrific and terrible sadness. I want to make it through. I am trying, for myself and my kids. They still need me. But it is overwhelmingly difficult.

Even though I know my dear, sweet husband is now free and in a place where love is perfect and no one needs to experience pain, I miss him. He wanted us to remember the happy times, so I attempt that. We had many.

And when I miss him terribly, so much so that my heart hurts, I take one breath at a time: Love in. Pain out. Right now it’s what I’ve got.

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

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I’ve written about grief before (recently).

I know that. Thing is, there are infinite facets of grief to talk and write about. Just like the infinity of grief.

No one wants to go through grief. And for sure no one wants to go through it alone.

But grief is a lonely process. You can be in a roomful of people and feel alone, because grief is a beast that isolates — in the cruelest of ways.

I’ve recently become somewhat of an expert at grief. I’m practically a grief M.D., although it’s a title I never would have chosen. I wish I could give it back. But there aren’t any do-overs with grief. I’m living that out the hard way.

I suck at grief. I’m terrible at it. I never know what to expect from myself from one moment to the next. I wake up and think I might be having an OK day and then, whoosh! That good thought flies out the window and the tears fall

8 • Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 • 9

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10 • Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

On Trump’s final day, HHS launches probe into Illinois abortion law

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched an investigation to determine whether Illinois has violated federal law by enacting and enforcing the 2019 Reproductive Health Act which, among other things, requires certain health insurance plans to cover abortion services.

In a letter dated Jan. 19, which was the last full day of the Trump administration, HHS’s Office of Civ-

il Rights notified the Chicago-based Thomas More Society that it had received a complaint the group filed in October 2019 and had agreed to open an investigation to determine if certain portions of the act violate federal law.

Specifically, the letter stated that HHS’s Office of Civil Rights “is investigating whether the state of Illinois, through its Department of Insurance and Department of Central Management Services, is discriminating against health plan issuers and

plans that would offer health coverage that limited or excluded abortion coverage but for the Reproductive Health Act,” Luis Perez, who was a deputy director at HHS in the Trump administration, wrote in the letter.

But it is unclear how the investigation will play out as the department transitions to the leadership of President Joe Biden.

A spokeswoman for Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in an email statement that his office was aware of the pending investiga-

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tion but that it intends to defend the state’s law.

“We were notified—on the final day of the Trump administration—of the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights’ intention to investigate complaints filed by the Thomas More Society” the spokeswoman said. “In the event that the new administration follows through on this 11th hour attempt to undermine access to reproductive care in Illinois, Attorney General Raoul is committed to defending Illinois’ Reproductive Health Act.” The Illinois Department of Insurance regulates small-group health plans sold in Illinois while the Department of Central Management Services administers the state employee health insurance program, both of which are under the coverage mandate in the Reproductive Health Act.

The coverage mandate does not apply to private, large-group insurance plans that are regulated under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, also known as ERISA. And while the mandate does apply to plans in the state’s Medicaid program, abortion services within that program are paid for only with state funds, not federal matching funds.

The letter specifically referred to a federal law known as the Weldon Amendment, which has been attached to every HHS appropriations bill since 2005. It prohibits any recipient of HHS funds, including state and local governments, from discriminating against “any institutional or individual health care entity,” including health insurance plans, “on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions.”

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Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 • 11

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12VP • Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook athletes prepare for winter sports Some winter teams held their first practice last week; Warriors’ boys and girls basketball seasons remain on hold

STAFF REPORT

After two months on the sidelines, some of Willowbrook High School’s athletes are back in action.

All Illinois High School Association (IHSA) winter sports were on pause for more than two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That pause ended shortly after all 11 of the state’s regions moved out of Tier 3

Back in action

mitigations.

Tier 3 is the most restrictive level in the state’s Restore Illinois Mitigation Plan.

Region 8, which includes DuPage and Kane counties, moved from Tier 3 to Tier 2 mitigations on Jan. 18. Early last week, the region moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1.

On Wednesday, Jan. 27, the IHSA announced updated athletic schedules for the remainder of the current school year. Those schedules attempt to provide some competition for all of the teams that are supposed to play their winter, spring and summer seasons over the next four and a-half months.

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Willowbrook High School’s badminton team held its first practice of the winter season last week. The picture above from the team’s Jan. 27 practice shows (left to right) head coach Eastman Tiu and senior Lana Gallagher. Another photo (below left) shows senior captain Katie Abbott. One more photo (below right) shows junior Becca Lopez Egan. The program’s entire 2020 spring season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In late 2020, the IHSA moved the sport of badminton from the spring to the winter season of the current school year. All IHSA winter sports were on pause for more than two months because of the pandemic. That pause, which began in mid-November, recently ended after regions around Illinois moved out of the restrictive Tier 3 mitigations of the state’s Restore Illinois Mitigation Plan. Region 8, which includes DuPage and Kane counties, moved from Tier 3 to Tier 2 on Jan. 18. Last week, on Jan. 26, the region moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1. One day later, the IHSA released updated athletic guidelines and schedules for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. The badminton season will continue through April 3.

Several of Willowbrook’s winter athletic teams began practicing last week. As of Jan. 31, two of those teams (girls bowling and girls gymnastics) had competitions scheduled for this week.

In addition to girls bowling and girls gymnastics, Willowbrook’s winter sports include badminton, cheerleading, dance and boys swimming and diving. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has classified all six of those activities as low-risk sports.

The IDPH classifies the traditional winter sports of boys and girls basketball as high-risk sports. Willowbrook’s boys and girls basketball teams did not practice last week.

The District 88 weekly newsletter of Friday, Jan. 29, stated that the district will share more information about boys and girls basketball as soon as possible.

According to the IDPH and the IHSA, low-risk sports in a region of Tier 1 mitigations can conduct non-conference contests, out-of-state contests, tournaments and a state series. High-risk sports, such as basketball, are only allowed to conduct practices and intra-team scrimmages in Tier 1 regions. A region would need to advance to the less restrictive Phase 4 to conduct contests in high-risk sports.

Those contests would be limited to teams within the same conference and region.

The key metric that would allow

Region 8 to move from Tier 1 to Phase 4—thereby allowing high school girls and basketball contests—is the COVID-19 test positivity rate of 6.5 percent. To move to Phase 4, the region’s COVID-19 test positivity rate needs to be less than or equal to 6.5 percent for three consecutive days.

According to the IDPH update of Jan. 31, Region 8’s test positivity rate stood at 7.1 percent on Jan. 28. The same rate was 7.9 percent on Jan. 19.

Region 8 has already met two other metrics needed to advance to Phase 4.

If the region maintains those metrics and reaches the test positivity threshold of 6.5 percent or lower, it would move to the less restrictive Phase 4 level.

According to the IDPH limitations, there is a maximum of 50 spectators allowed at contests in regions in Phase 4. There’s a limit of 25 spectators at contests in regions in Tier 1.

The IHSA’s updated athletic schedules provide an end date of March 13 for several winter sports. The badminton season will continue through April 3.

There will be no state series in boys and girls basketball, boys swimming and diving, girls bowling and girls gymnastics. Both dance and cheerleading will reportedly feature a virtual state series. The IHSA stated last week that a badminton state series is to be determined.

Badminton is normally a spring sport, but the IHSA recently moved it to the winter season for the current

• Obituaries

school year. The 2020 spring badminton season was canceled because of the pandemic.

The spring sports of the current school year include boys soccer, football, girls volleyball and boys gymnastics. There will be no state series in boys soccer, football and girls volleyball. A state series in boys gymnastics is to be determined.

The football season is scheduled to begin with practices on March 3. The first games of an abbreviated six-game season are supposed to begin on Friday, March 19. Football, like boys and girls basketball, is classified as a highrisk sport. The regular season in IHSA football normally features nine games.

Most summer sports seasons will begin with practices on April 5. This year’s summer sports include sports that had their entire 2020 spring seasons canceled because of the pandemic. Wrestling, which is normally a winter sport, will take place in the summer season of the current school year. There will be no state series this year in wrestling—a high-risk sport.

The wrestling season is scheduled to run from April 19 to June 12.

The IHSA has yet to determine if state series will be allowed in other summer sports, including baseball, softball, girls soccer, boys tennis, boys volleyball and boys and girls track and field.

The seasons in those sports are scheduled to run from April 5 to June 19.

(Continued from page 4) chael (Denise) Godzicki, Matthew ziata) Birdwell, Jon (fianceé Sabrina) tion of Life Memorial on Saturday, (Jackie) Godzicki; grandmother of 9, Birdwell; nieces and nephews, Na- Feb. 6, 2021 to begin at 7 p.m. through great-grandmother of 13; great-great than, Lucian, Jayden, Godric, Sophia, 12 midnight at Indian Lakes Hotel, grandmother of 2; fond sister of 6; Athena, Dexter.

250 W. Schick Rd. in Bloomingdale.

Aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Instead of the traditional services, Arrangements provided by SteuerleVisitation Thursday, February 4th his family will be hosting a Celebra- Knollcrest Funeral Home. from 3-8PM at Steuerle Funeral Home, 350 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park. Please register for visitation with the above link.

Thursday, Feb. 4 Funeral to be held Friday, Feb. 5 • Library presents Cheese & Chocolate Pairing at 9:45 a.m. from the funeral home to Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Villa Park Public Library will hold St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1025 E. Cheese & Chocolate Pairing virtually from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Registrants will Madison, Lombard, for Mass at 10:30 receive a suggested shopping list upon sign-up so they can taste along with a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven the group if they choose. This program is presented by Meredith Meder, Cemetery. Arrangements provided by ACS, CCP. This program will be held online via Zoom. Registration and Steuerle-Knollcrest Funeral Home. a valid email address are required. For more information, visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Craig Anthony Birdwell, 38 Craig Anthony Birdwell, 38, passed • Harry Potter Book Night Kits at the library away in the early morning hours of Children of all ages can celebrate all things Harry Potter with free takeJanuary 14, 2021 after complications home kits from the Villa Park Public Library. Kits will contain crafts and from the Sugar Toxin that lead to a activities to go along with this year’s Harry Potter Book Night theme: Diagon career long battle with the infamous Alley. Activity kits will be available for pickup at the Library starting on Feb. criminal known as Type 1 Diabetes. 4. Registration is required for each child. For more information, visit the Civilians will recognize him as Rock- library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164. man and thank him for his years of rocking out and making people laugh. Monday, Feb. 8 His family only knew him as a Mardi Gras celebrated with New Orleans cuisine at the library musician, an electric spark that could Enjoy an evening traveling through the culinary world of Cajun/New Orfill a room with a smile that was in- leans cuisine with the Villa Park Public Library’s Mardi Gras Celebration fectious and a style all his own. Craig virtual program from 7-8:30 p.m. Chef Susan Maddox will be preparing both was known for his entertaining stories savory and sweet items which will make your Mardi Gras Celebration a hit that were usually wildly inappropriate with family and friends! Methods and techniques for making these fabulous and his abundance of useless knowl- recipes will be discussed and demonstrated. This program will be held online edge. via Zoom. Registration with a valid email address is required. For more inHe is survived by his father Robert formation, visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.

Birdwell; wife Valerie Kast-Birdwell (separated); stepdaughter Shirley Wednesday, Feb. 17 Eisele and daughters Beverly and Library hosts online Disney Family Trivia Payton Birdwell, who will grow up The Villa Park Public Library will hold Disney Family Trivia virtually to avenge their fathers’ untimely de- starting at 4 p.m. Presented live on Zoom by Baig of Tricks, this is the mise! He is also survived by brothers perfect opportunity for families to test their knowledge of all things DisChris (Lauren) Birdwell, Jeff (Annun- ney and have a laugh. Registration and a valid email address are required.

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14 • Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

High school sports are back

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Illinois High School Association brought smiles to faces across the state last week after releasing a revised sports calendar for the remainder of the school year that has most winter sports already back up and running, while basketball in the DuPage County COVID-19 region awaits a return to Phase 4 mitigations in order to start playing games.

“We understood the high level of anticipation surrounding the announcement, along with the scrutiny that will accompany it,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said.

“Ultimately, the board adhered to its stated goals throughout the pandem-

ic: providing an opportunity for every IHSA student-athlete to compete safely this year and maximizing opportunities for traditional IHSA spring sports after they lost their entire season a year ago.

“I recognize many schools and coaches could likely offer a tweak here or there that would have, in their opinion, made it ‘better’ for their school or sport Our board faced an impossible task with a litany of factors. They were conscientious in considering every possibility, and I believe their decisions today are a positive step for the mental, emotional and physical well-being of our students.

We are excited to channel our energy into creating as many positive experiences for Illinois high school students as we can between now and the end of this extraordinary school year.”

The low-risk winter sports of boys swimming, dance, cheerleading, boys and girls bowling and girls gymnas-

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tics and the recently relocated girls badminton were given the green light to being practices as soon as possible, and as soon as seven practice dates were completed, those sports can begin playing games and participating in competitions. The season-ending date for those sports is March 13 and with the exception of dance and cheer, there will be no state playoffs, although the IHSA listed girls badminton as TBD when it came to that sport’s state series. Dance and cheer will hold virtual state series.

About basketball In terms of boys and girls basketball, that sport remains classified as higher risk by the Illinois Department of Health. Basketball teams were to begin practicing immediately and once seven practice dates were logged, those schools that reside within a Phase 4 mitigation COVID-19 region can start playing games.

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The three Elmhurst high schools (York, IC Catholic Prep and Timothy Christian), along with the other three schools in the Independent’s coverage area (Addison Trail, Fenton and Willowbrook), reside in COVID-19 Region 8 (DuPage and Kane County), which as of this past Sunday morning had not yet returned to Phase 4 mitigations, which would allow game play to commence in basketball. As of last weekend, the five schools were permitted intra-team scrimmages with parental consent, but no competitive play yet.

As of this past Sunday morning, five COVID regions in the state were back at Phase 4 mitigations, while five others (including DuPage-Kane County) were still at Tier 1, while Region 4 remained in Tier 2. Basketball still has a listed IHSA season-ending date of March 13.

Schools in the Independent’s coverage area, based on scans of athletic websites, are anticipating an imminent return to Phase 4 mitigations.

A scan of one website that houses York’s athletic schedule shows only a Feb. 12 boys basketball date at Willowbrook as being on the books as of press time, same with the girls basketball team, but with the Dukes hosting the Warriors in the Campbell Gym. Timothy Christian, on the other hand, already shows a robust boys basketball schedule with 12 games, all against Metro Suburban Conference foes, starting Feb. 9 in Kankakee against Bishop McNamara, ending March 13 at Riverside-Brookfield.

The Trojans’ girls basketball team has 13 games scheduled, beginning this Saturday with a 1 p.m. game at Westmont, and culminating March 11 at home against Wheaton Academy. Timothy also is scheduled to host Bishop McNamara Monday night at the Ward Athletic Center.

IC Catholic Prep’s boys basketball team also has a 12-game schedule ready to roll, starting Tuesday, Feb. 9 at St. Edward in Elgin and ending Saturday, March 13 at home against Wheaton Academy—again IC Catholic Prep, like Timothy, playing a conference-only schedule. The Knights’ girls basketball team has 12 games on their schedule, starting Monday at home against St. Edward and finishing up Thursday, March 11 at Aurora Christian.

Soccer and football The remainder of the IHSA revised season calendar has boys soccer starting practice March 1 and finishing the season on April 17.

Football is scheduled to start practice March 3 with opening games starting March 19 and the season running until April 24, basically a sixgame football schedule with no state playoffs.

Volleyball Girls volleyball is scheduled to start practice March 8 and run until April 24. Boys soccer and girls volleyball also will not be afforded state playoffs. Those three sports were displaced from the traditional IHSA fall season due to the pandemic.

Gymnastics Boys gymnastics is slated for a March 15 start and will run to May 22, while boys and girls water polo will run from March 15 to May 29. The IHSA listed TBD for state playoffs for those two sports.

Baseball, softball, lacrosse, T&F, more And finally, the IHSA summer season has baseball, boys and girls lacrosse, girls soccer, softball, boys tennis, boys and girls track and field and boys volleyball starting practice April 5 and running until June 19 with the state leaving open the possibility for some sort of state series in all sports.

Wrestling, displaced to the summer season because of its continued highrisk categorization, starts practice April 19 and runs until June 12 with no state playoffs.

Athletic websites for Addison Trail and Willowbrook, as of this past weekend, show no scheduled boys or girls basketball games. Fenton’s athletic website lists the boys basketball team with two games against Upstate Eight Conference opponents South Elgin (Feb. 12 at home) and Elgin Larkin (Feb. 16 away). The Fenton girls basketball team has games against South Elgin and Larkin also listed on those same Feb. 12 and 16 dates.

Answers PUZZLE 1

PUZZLE 2

Rock Valley Publishing - Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 • 15

Welch seeks to set a new tone in Illinois House New speaker talks changes to House rules, path forward for General Assembly

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The election of Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives marked the beginning of a new era in state politics. Not only is he the first Black speaker in state history, he is also the first speaker in 24 years whose name is not Michael Madigan.

But Welch assumes the gavel at a precarious time in state history, a time marked by a deadly pandemic that has resulted in an economic crisis and a steep drop in state revenues, as well as a time of social unrest over racial inequities, many of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

“Well, I definitely agree that I’m taking over at a challenging time,” Welch said during a podcast interview. “Any one of the things that you just mentioned makes for an interesting session by itself. And I’m inheriting a situation where we’re going to have to deal with all of that all at once. And so, I think that where you start is where have already started.

And that’s by putting a diverse leadership team in place, a team that reflects the diversity of our state, which is our strength.”

Welch unveiled his new leadership team on Jan. 21. It includes a mix of old and new faces. Rep. Greg Harris, of Chicago, remains House Majority Leader and Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, of Peoria, remains deputy majority leader. But the team also includes some newer faces such as Chicago-area Reps. Mary Flowers, Jaime Andrade Jr., Robyn Gabel, Elizabeth Hernandez, Marcus Evans and Delia Ramirez, as well as Urbana Rep. Carol Ammons.

It will be some time, though, before the House is able to fully get back to work. Welch has already announced that the House will come back into session on Feb. 10 for the sole purpose of adopting new rules, which are expected to allow for re-

mote committee meetings that will then occur regularly over the next couple of months. But other substantial action at the Statehouse in Springfield is unlikely to occur until at least sometime in April.

At that point, Welch said, he expects the General Assembly to move into high gear.

“As we approach April and May, as we’re getting to crunch time, I anticipate being in Springfield a lot more than we have over the past year,” he said.

Welch, 49, of Hillside, said he was born and raised in the 7th District that he now represents. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and the John Marshall Law School.

While at Northwestern, Welch also played baseball. A left fielder who was known for his speed, he wouldn’t disclose his batting average, saying only that it was below .300, but he described the experience as “one of the best times of my life.” But he did not play his senior year, saying he chose to focus on his grades that year “because I knew I wanted to go to law school.”

As speaker, Welch faces a challenge distinguishing himself from his predecessor. That’s because many members of the House were not even born yet the first time Madigan was elected speaker in 1983.

“I really speak very highly of Speaker Madigan,” Welch said. “We wouldn’t have 73 Democrats and a super majority in our chamber without Speaker Madigan. But I will say that I still have to be Chris Welch.”

Madigan, through much of his tenure as speaker, was known for keeping a tight grip on the House. It was often said that no bill ever reached the floor of the House for a vote unless it had his blessing, including such issues as legislative ethics reform.

Welch, by contrast, has indicated he may try to govern with a softer hand by relaxing some of the House rules.

“We’re being sincere in taking a quick, hard examination on these rules,” he said. “But you know, we can’t do much until rules are approved. And so, our intent is to let

this go on for the next couple of weeks. And Feb. 10, We will have a vote on the rules. I anticipate that there will be some changes to the rules from the past.”

Welch also said he hopes to repair the Democratic majority’s relationship with House Republicans, including Minority Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, who led an effort last year to have Madigan removed from office over his role in a yearslong bribery scheme involving utility

giant Commonwealth Edison.

Welch, who chaired the special investigating committee that was formed to investigate Madigan’s role in that scheme, played a key role in preventing the filing of formal disciplinary charges. But now, as speaker, Welch said he hopes to rebuild a working relationship with Republicans.

“And I actually called him this past Saturday (Jan. 23) to talk to him about the intent about going back

to session to improve the rules on February 10, find out who his point person is on the rules,” Welch said.

“And he was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from me on a Saturday morning.”

“That’s my style,” he added.

“And that’s what I intend to do going forward is to keep an open line of communication. We actually live less than five miles from each other. When things open back up, we’ll probably meet regularly for coffee.”

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS Rock Valley Publishing

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch takes questions from members of the news media on Jan. 13, the day he was chosen as Speaker of the Illinois House.

386993

16 • Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 - Rock Valley Publishing

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