VPR032824

Scooping up eggs

Play at the plate

The Villa Park Parks and Recreation Department held its annual egg hunt for children in clear and chilly conditions on Saturday morning outside of the Iowa Community Center. Kids raced to pick up colored eggs that contained candy and trinkets. The eggs were spread in four age zones (under 2, 2 to 4, 5 to 7 and 8 and older). Each zone included a golden egg. The children who collected a golden egg each won a special prize—an Easter basket filled with goodies. The hunt didn’t last long; all of the eggs were picked up in a span of about two minutes. After the hunt, several of the young participants posed for photos with a special guest. One photo

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

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

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 Saturday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Silver Conference. Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and sophomore Kayleigh Dennison provided the home runs. Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the background of the above photo. For more about the Warriors, see page 14.

Arbor Day in Villa Park

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

Memorial Day in Villa Park

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

Pictured (left to right) at the tree planting at the village’s Franklin Park, located at 218 N. Third Ave., are: Villa Park Village Trustee Christine Murphy, Justin Shlensky—chair of the Villa Park Environmental

Commission, Margaret Schiefer—a member of the Villa Park Environmental Concerns Commission, Villa Park Village Trustee Cheryl Tucker, Villa Park Village President Albert Bulthuis, Villa Park Village Trustee (and Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone and Leslie Allison-Seei—chair of the Villa Park Community Pride Commission. Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday of each April. The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Villa Park with Tree City USA designation for 36 straight years. To receive that recognition, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while attempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South.

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 held its Memorial Day service on Monday morning at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park. Post Commander Jim Blankshain is

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review

(above) shows (left to right) 6½-year-old twins Maura and Kerrigan McCarthy of Villa Park. Another photo shows (left to right) Villa Park siblings Luca and Evie Tucci (ages 8 and 4).

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Villa Park Review

Fenton High School, District 100 embroiled in controversy

Bensenville village president among those calling for District 100 superintendent to resign amid sexual abuse allegations surrounding fired teacher/staff member

Fenton Community High School District 100 continues to be embroiled in controversy as angry students, parents, teachers and community members confronted district officials last week during two school board meetings with regard to how they handled allegations involving a former Fenton High School staff member who has been accused of sexual abuse.

The former staff member has been accused of sexually abusing students since 2013, with the allegations reportedly continuing through at least 2019.

The Bensenville Police Department said it was made aware of the allegations last October, and its investigation is ongoing. The accused, who spent time as a teacher, administrator and coach at the school, was put on paid administrative leave last fall. He reportedly had worked at the school since 2007.

On Saturday, March 23, District 100 released a timeline, chronicling events involving the former teacher/staff member in question, and the immediate actions the district said it undertook to address and investigate every anonymous tip provided to school administration.

In that timeline, the accused reportedly sent inappropriate text messages to a student in their class back in December 2011 (see: Fenton District 100 timeline of events.)

The accused has not been criminally charged, but he was fired in a unanimous decision by the school board during a special board meeting held Monday, March 18. That day, District 100 Superintendent James Ongtengco released a state-

ment on the situation in a letter to families. Part of the statement reads:

“We are committed to maintaining the safety of our students. In doing so, we always partner with local law enforcement when allegations of a crime are shared with us.

“Upon receiving information on this situation, we followed mandatory reporting requirements and notified law enforcement immediately. We utilized our school resource officer and other administrative resources to follow internal processes to ensure our school remained safe while fully cooperating with law enforcement in the confidential gathering of information.

“Our responsibility in this matter was to determine whether the individual violated school district policies. Tonight, the school board, acting on our investigation and recommendation, took the step to move toward termination. I am proud of our school leadership in responding to these allegations and in getting us to tonight’s board decision.”

However, at a school board meeting held Wednesday, March 20, several speakers criticized the superintendent and board for their handling of the allegations. They demanded that Ongtengco, and even the entire school board, should resign.

Bensenville Village President Frank DeSimone attended both the March 18 and March 20 school board meetings when the issue was discussed. In a March 21 letter to board of education members, DeSimone, who is the parent of a student at Fenton High School, said that “in order for our community

to begin to heal,” he is calling for Ongtengco to step down.

“What I have witnessed at Fenton these past few weeks is nothing short of horrific, and like so many in our community, I’m outraged at the allegations against a former staff member,” DeSimone said in the letter. “And while his dismissal is a small step forward, it is not enough.

“I attended each of the last two school board meetings where this issue was discussed and the testimony that took place has left a deep impact on me and my family. I can tell you that I stand with our students, families, and all sexual assault victims when I say that the allegations are disgusting and unacceptable. A school should be—amongst all else—safe for children.”

Ongtengco did not comment on the village president calling on him to resign.

A former Fenton student, who graduated from the school in 2022, was one of the speakers at the March 20 board meeting. She alleged that she was assaulted by the fired staff member.

“You failed to support me and other young girls who were assaulted and groomed by a monster that you protected, empowered and promoted as a community hero,” she said while addressing Ongtengco. “You looked my parents dead in the eye and told them that I was in good hands here.”

“He [the teacher who was fired] had a pattern of victims, and none of you seem to care,” added the 2022 Fenton graduate, while speaking to the members of the school board.

“To the board, do better,” she

added. “Formally acknowledge and apologize for your failures to students, staff and families. Create space that fosters growth despite the several crimes hosted in this building. Listen to us when we are screaming to be heard.”

In a statement that accompanied the timeline of events released Saturday by the district, Ongtengco said, “While we did not foresee nor contribute to the circumstances that have unfolded, we find ourselves confronted with the responsibility of managing its aftermath and supporting those affected.

“As your superintendent, I want you to know that we hear you. We understand your anger and concern. It is important to acknowledge the frustration and uncertainty that many of you may be experiencing at this time. Your concerns are noted, and we will continue to address them in a constructive and transparent manner.”

District cancels classes on Friday after threat made against Fenton, school official

Ongtengco released a statement on Friday, March 22, announcing that the district canceled all of that day’s classes and extracurricular activities at Fenton after receiving a threat to bring harm against the school and a school official.

“It is truly unfortunate that recent discussions and disagreements within our community have escalated to alarming levels,” Ongtengco said in the statement.

Later that day, the district issued an update. It said, “The threat made against our school was unfounded, and the school has now been cleared by law enforcement.”

Students were able to enter the school to gather their belongings between noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, and from a.m. to noon on Saturday.

The school is on spring break this week.

Fenton District 100 timeline of events

Editor’s note: The following events are a timeline of what has occurred involving the former teacher/staff member in question. It was released on Saturday, March 23, by Fenton Community High School District 100. This timeline is not associated with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Bensenville Police Department.

information provided in the anonymous tip.

March 8, 2023—An anonymous tip was sent to administration via the school website regarding the staff member in question alleging the individual engaged in a sexual relationship with the previously reported former students from 2011 and 2016. Administration referred this incident to the School Resource Officer (SRO) and DCFS. The SRO spoke with the former students and they both stated that no inappropriate conduct occurred. All parties involved denied the information provided in the anonymous tip.

Dec. 16, 2011—A teacher reported to the administration that the staff member in question was sending inappropriate text messages to a student in their class. The administration investigation included interviews with the student and the student’s family. The staff member in question was issued a disciplinary letter.

May 19, 2023—An anonymous tip was sent to administration via the school website regarding the staff member in question alleging the individual engaged in a sexual relationship with the same two former students first reported on March 8, 2023. Administration referred this incident to the School Resource Officer and DCFS.

May 22, 2012—Teacher overheard a conversation among students and reported to administration potential inappropriate communication between students and the staff member in question via social media. The administration interviewed students and their parents. The staff member in question was issued a second disciplinary letter and mandated to attend personal conduct training.

Dec. 1, 2016—An anonymous tip was sent to the administration via the school website regarding the staff member in question alleging the individual was engaged in a sexual relationship with a student. The administration referred this incident to the School Resource Officer, Department of Child Family Services (DCFS), and the DuPage Children’s Center. The incident was thoroughly investigated, and the allegations were determined to be unfounded by all agencies involved. All parties involved denied the

Aug. 19, 2023—An anonymous tip was sent to the administration via the school website regarding the staff member in question alleging the individual engaged in a sexual relationship with the same two former students that were previously reported. The administration referred this incident to the School Resource Officer and DCFS. The administration received a letter from the DuPage Children’s Center stating that this incident had already been investigated and was determined to be unfounded in 2016. The SRO spoke with the former students and the students stated that no inappropriate conduct occurred.

Alan Energy Services reaches 75-year milestone

Company named ‘Business of the Year’ by ECCI; helps Villa Park family

By Dee Longfellow ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING

Eric Weech of Alan Energy Services on Spring Road recently got some news that made him smile.

Well, that’s hardly fair to say—after all, Weech is always smiling.

The warm and friendly vice-president of operations for Alan Energy Services just recently learned the company has been named the 2023 A. J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year by the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry and will be honored at the 105th Annual ECCI Awards Gala on Friday, March 22.

That honor comes on the heels of another celebration: 75 years as a Lennox dealer, an achievement fewer than 10 percent of dealers have attained. For that milestone, Weech hosted a Business After Hours event for the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

“[Being named Business of the Year] really shows how far we’ve come,” he said. “I believe our success is due to our involvement in the communities, sponsoring events, helping out whenever we can.”

A leader in the Spring Road business scene, Weech is currently serving as president of the Spring Road Business Association (SRBA).

“It’s been an interesting three years,” he said. “The community has really embraced us.”

Where it all began

Weech shared the history of the company and how he came to be involved.

John Alan Macnider founded Alan Heating Air Conditioning, Inc. in Elmhurst in 1948. With ambitions to create a company known for customer satisfaction, he instilled his belief that a customer is not just a “sale” but a lifelong friend.

Roger Alan Macnider joined his father in 1949 and has carried the tradition on. His grandson Michael Alan Macnider joined in 1977 and has since kept the same courteous professional service.

Alan Heating Air Conditioning was acquired by Energy Services in 2020.

When Weech learned they were seeking a distributor to take over the business, he showed an interest.

“We had both been Lennox dealers and had known each other through car clubs,” Weech said. “He wanted to meet to with me because there were certain things he wanted to know. He wanted a promise to keep the name (Alan) and, of course, to

keep the integrity of the business and so forth.”

In January 2020, the handoff took place and Weech’s company became Alan Energy Services. He has worked ever since to keep up his end of the bargain—keeping up the company’s integrity. He now has more than 40 trucks serving customers at any time.

“Alan is a good name (in the industry),” he said. “It helps with employee retention.”

One way to keep employees is to stay ahead of the curve in terms of training, Weech said.

Weech’s business maxims

Besides being active in the local community, Weech shared the following principles for a successful business:

• Have elevated expectations for yourself.

• Don’t just meet expectations, exceed them.

• Give the customer the best value at a fair price.

• Do what you say when you say you’ll do it.

• Treat your customers well from the beginning. Then, if there’s a hiccup, you handle the hiccup.

• Treat people—customers and employees—like you’d like to be treated.

• Don’t stay in your comfort zone.

“We don’t run at our own pace,” Weech added. “We set the pace.”

Giving back

In addition to community involvement, Weech gives back in charitable ways as well. He supports Loaves & Fishes, Wheaton Outreach and CollaborAction, an initiative all about social change.

One day, an extreme request came in from a person at Grace Bible Church in Villa Park, who said the Robert McKendrick family, who resides in Villa Park, had a broken furnace and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were just barely getting by.

“We installed a whole system for them,” Weech said. “We paid for all the permits and everything. We had five installers come out and do the installation in one day. The family kept asking, ‘What’s the catch?’ but we assured them there was no catch.”

It was a great accomplishment and a contribution that makes Weech proud. Then he received some extra-special appreciation. The McKendricks’ adult children called to thank him personally.

“You have to give back,” he said.

VFW Post 2801 to hold

Friday Fish Fry dinners during Lent

Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 is holding its Friday Fish Fry dinners each Friday during Lent.

The dinners will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at the post, which is located at 39 E. St. Charles Road. The post is open to the public.

The first of this year’s dinners at the post took place on Feb. 16. The dinners will continue each Friday through March 29.

Each dinner includes fries or a baked potato, as well as cole slaw, coffee and dessert. Children 3 and under eat for free.

The post’s menu includes beer-battered lake perch, beer-battered walleye, shrimp (eight pieces), a fish and shrimp combo, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese.

In honor of the company’s 75th year, Alan Energy Services hosted an After-Hours event for the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Pictured here are (from left): Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin; Bob and Joanne McKendrick of Villa Park, whose family had their broken furnace replaced by Alan Energy Services; Eric Weech and Ken Bartels. “You have to give back (to the community),” Weech said.

“Whatever that is for you, just get out and do something.”

“Whatever that is for you, just get out and do something.”

If you want to see for yourself, stop in to Alan Energy Services at 510 Spring Rd. It is guaranteed that Eric will be smiling!

Editor’s note: During the interview for this article, Eric Weech ex-

Five

pressed high praises for Elmhurst Independent sales manager Brenda Garcia, who handles his advertising account. Eric and Brenda are both active in the Spring Road Business Association. Eric said, “She’s the kind of person, like me, who is still on the job after 5 p.m. I like that.”

men charged with retail theft in three unrelated incidents in Elmhurst

All

three incidents took place on the night of March 15

The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the arrest of five suspects for felony retail theft offenses during three unrelated incidents on the evening of March 15.

On that night, at about 7:30 p.m., an Elmhurst police officer spotted a suspect vehicle that returned to Kohl’s, 303 S. Route 83, after being involved in a prior theft from the store 10 days earlier. Additional officers responded and detained two men who had just committed a theft of approximately $1,300 worth of fragrance boxes by concealing them under their clothes and exiting the store.

Ronald Brito-Padilla, 24, of Chicago, was charged with felony counts of burglary and retail theft.

Erick Quevedo-Nino, 34, of Chicago, was also charged with felony counts of burglary and retail theft.

The Chicago address provided for both Brito-Padilla and Quevedo-Nino is at the location of the former Standard Club. That site is now a migrant shelter.

On March 15, at approximately 8

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p.m., an Elmhurst police officer made a traffic stop of a vehicle at Route 83 and I-290. The driver was identified as the suspect who committed a theft from Shoe Carnival, 195 S. Route 83, on Dec. 27, 2023. The driver, Robert Martin, 56, of Chicago, was arrested at the scene.

Martin was charged with one felony count of retail theft. He was also charged with driving with a suspended license, operating an uninsured vehicle and improper lighting.

On March 15, at approximately 9 p.m., Elmhurst officers responded to Jewel-Osco, 944 S. York St., for a call of a theft in progress. Officers located and detained two men who had just committed a theft of about $1,200 worth of liquor from the store.

Michael B. Howard, 43, of Chicago, was charged with felony counts of burglary and retail theft. Myron Edwards, 31, of Chicago, was also charged with felony counts of burglary and retail theft. Additionally, Edwards was charged with misdemeanor counts of obstructing identification and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All five of the men who were arrested were transported to the DuPage County Jail.

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Opinion Slices of life

Funny things you think, do and say when you are a widow

You know what they say: sometimes you just have to laugh. And why not?

Laughter can be healing. It can be an escape. It lowers stress. It gives a boost to your immune system. It is relaxing. It is stimulating. It increases endorphins and It can provide a respite from an otherwise bleak situation. It can be fun.

And what, if not widowhood, correlates so very closely with laughter? I can’t think of a thing, she said with a wry, all-knowing, sarcastic smile.

Gotcha.

Being a widow has provided a unique, albeit, quirky and (dare I say) weird outlook into the everyday and even the mundane. Nothing is expected or unexpected. It is new and heartbreaking and hilarious - all at the same time.

I hesitate to share, because the humor of widowhood can be dark, or at least dark-ish. But don’t knock it until you’ve lived it. Sometimes you just have to giggle at the pain.

I do it all the time.

Take this afternoon. I was in a good mood and looked at myself in the bathroom mirror and said, rather jokingly, “I hope my boyfriend calls tonight.” Until I remembered …

I don’t have a boyfriend.

(A note about sanity here: It is sanctioned and definitely okay to talk to yourself in the mirror when you are a widow. Who else do you have to talk to?)

Back to my mirror, mirror on the wall:

My original statement (to myself) was somehow exceedingly humorous to me in that moment. I gave myself a smile in the mirror and said it out loud, “You don’t have a boyfriend.”

Next, through my giggles I whispered, “Yet.” And that one extra word seemed vindicating in a number of ways. Plus hilarious— and hopeful.

I’ll take hopeful any day, even Tuesday.

But there’s more!

Bedmaking 2.1: I still sleep in “my” side of the bed. Yet when I wash the sheets, I have to do the whole set - both sides. This seems like half a waste - washing halfclean, half-dirty sheets. I wish there was a way to wash half the bed, but I’ve yet to determine a solution to that one.

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

Maybe I could sleep on each side of the bed half the time, a night here and a night there, in order to use the sheets evenly.

I thought about this, and then considered the downside. I mean, think about it, a woman sleeping here and there—willy-nill— depending on the night. It just isn’t for me. I was in a loyal marriage for more than three decades. I didn’t make it this far to engage in behavior that could get me accused of sleeping around—even if it is within my own bed.

Oh goodness, who am I kidding? I’m not nearly that exciting. I don’t even have a TV in my bedroom.

One final example: Remote controls (okay, that’s multiple examples, but you catch my gist.)

I now enjoy possession of the TV remote. And the fan remote. And a remote for which I know not its purpose, but it is a remote and it is mine.

Dang, I’m not lying people, it feels good to actually hold the remote (or maybe three of them) in my two hands.

I’m not going to imply nor allege that I have mastered the control of the remotes. I’ve only been a widow for three years; give me time. But I do have possession, and I’ve heard (from someone I may have been married to) that possession is nine-tenths of the law.

For now, that will have to suffice. And in finding congruity with the theme of this column, holding the remotes, while not fully understanding their function, gives me a knowing, wry smile.

I’m smiling more these days, whether it’s in response to the incongruity of widowhood or life in general—or maybe just the fact that I’m alive, the sun is shining and I’m finding new ways to giggle at myself each a day, even if the gal in the mirror is the only one who sees it.

(So far.)

Isn’t that grand?

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.

Evidence of success of Pretrial Fairness Act beginning to show after 6 months

By Patrice James ILLINOIS BLACK ADVOCACY INITIATIVE

Last week, we celebrated the sixmonth anniversary of the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act.

There are few places where racial injustice was more apparent in Illinois’ criminal legal system than in the use of monetary bail. The Pretrial Fairness Act was aimed at correcting some of those inequities and eliminated our two-tiered system of justice that routinely and systematically disadvantaged people of color, particularly Black people.

Under the old money bond system, judges simply required people to pay money to be released from jail—a system that research shows did not make us safer. Bond amounts were often arbitrary, and not related to the safety of our communities or whether a person would appear in court if released. If the accused could pay that price, they went home, but if they couldn’t, they remained in jail. Unsurprisingly, most of the people forced to remain in jail because of unaffordable bonds were people of color.

Wealth-based detention served only to destabilize vulnerable individuals and communities and caused catastrophic results for Black Illinoisians.

In 2019, in Illinois, Black people made up 51 percent of the jail population, almost quadruple the share of the state’s population. Much of this disparity occurred because of racism that infected the execution of our monetary bail system.

According to research, judges regularly require Black people to pay monetary bonds at levels that

are significantly higher than white defendants charged with similar offenses, which means more Black people are held in jail. That result should be no surprise to anyone who has examined an American jail population.

The disparities in how judges set monetary bonds not only led to more Black people held in jail pretrial, but had other ripple effects. People held pretrial on an unaffordable bond face an impossible choice: enter a guilty plea to get out of jail, even if they are innocent, or remain in custody awaiting a trial date that might happen months or years away. Or worse, sometimes pretrial detention has life-ending consequences.

Between 2019 and 2022, 564 people in Illinois died while in custody Almost half of those people were Black, and many of those people were held on unaffordable bail. All those people were loved ones—friends, family members, and neighbors—who will never return home. Those who are trapped in jail awaiting trial also face the loss of jobs, housing, and even custody of a child, all losses burdened disproportionately by the Black community.

In 2021, we started to put a stop to this harmful system, inspired by the millions of Americans protesting the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others. Instead of hiding from the call to action echoed in these marches, members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, including Sen. Elgie Sims, Sen. Robert Peters, and Rep. Justin Slaughter, along with advocates from the Illinois Pretrial Justice Network, embraced it and fought to end a system of detention that prioritized wealth over public safety.

The act abolished money bonds,

created a standard tied to safety for judges to determine whether to incarcerate or release a person pretrial, and ensured transparency and oversight in our pretrial system by requiring data collection. Low-income Illinoisians no longer must purchase their own freedom while still presumed innocent, or worse, plead guilty, simply to avoid long periods of unnecessary incarceration.

After just six months, we are starting to see evidence of the act’s success and its ability to advance racial justice and create more equitable practices in our courts. The Pretrial Fairness Act, however, is not a standalone solution. We must follow it with legislation like the Pretrial Success Act , which builds on the progress made by ending money bond, by increasing access to health and human services for people awaiting trial in the community.

Protecting the Pretrial Fairness Act is just the beginning of our state’s journey toward racial justice, but it is an essential first step.

We can continue to honor our commitment to safe, equitable communities by protecting the Pretrial Fairness Act and expanding the supportive solutions that have already made it successful.

Patrice James has spent her career in service of and with a deep love and respect for Black people and its communities. She serves as the founding director of the Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative. Prior to joining IBAI, she was director of community justice at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, a founding attorney of Still She Rises, Tulsa, and a public defender at the Bronx Defenders Office. Patrice is also the co-founder and board member of the Black Public Defender Association.

I hardly feel that a successful referendum passes by 100 votes in a township wide election. The fact that voter turnout was less than 20 percent does not create a mandate by any stretch of the imagination. Please spare us the agony of awarding administrative bonuses for a successful campaign. I do, however, suggest a voter mulligan in the November election where we have a former president and an incumbent president running for re-election.

First the library debacle and now this ... we will be looking to move out of the Lilac Village.

Editor’s note: The District 87 referendum has not yet been officially decided. The DuPage County Election Division has 14 days from Election Day (which was March 19) to count mail-in and provisional ballots. So, the results of the referendum won’t be official until early April. * * *

I’ve been reading and hearing about how the District 87 referendum is too close to call. I voted no.

Let’s say District 87 wins the referendum after all the mail-in votes are counted. Since the vote was so close, the district needs to recognize that. They should scale back their wish list, do fewer repairs and renovations, and save taxpayers money.

That’s the least they could do, but I know it’s wishful thinking on my part because I’m sure it’s winner take all with these referendums. I don’t hold out much hope the referendum will be voted down, so congratulations District 87. I can hardly wait to give you more property tax money—not like you already get enough of it already!

* * *

The actual outcome of the District 87 referendum may not be known

right away. That speaks volumes; so many taxpayers are sending a message that this burden on taxpayers is not OK. And since District 87 covers other communities, like the “wealthier” Glen Ellyn, it wasn’t just Lombard votes in the mix. To those supporters of this audacious request for our tax dollars, I ask you, did you not consider the effect on those of us who are seniors on a fixed income or financially strapped homeowners? Don’t come back with, “But a quality education benefits us all,” because I know that, and it can still be done; just on a tighter budget. However, governments, and yes, the district is a government entity, think they can dig into our pockets whenever they want and I really hoped the message would get through that enough is enough. When the district decides to trim the fat of so many highly-paid upper administrators for the sake of the classroom, I might be persuaded. And an extra $4 a week? Don’t forget that when your assessed valuation goes up, so will your taxes to District 87, on top of that $4.

* * *

I am responding to the letter from Marilyn Fawell published in the March 7 issue. Electing Trump as president won’t change affirmative action practices. Plenty of people were “appointed and/or promoted on the color of their skin and/or their gender” during the Trump years, and don’t forget that the Supreme Court ruled that race-based admissions to universities as unlawful during Biden’s time in office. The Constitution has indeed been repeatedly violated by the Biden administration, but Trump is guilty of the same. For example, Trump bombed Syrian military bases without Congressional approval and violated both World Trade Organization rules and

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Constitutional separation of powers with his tariffs on steel and aluminum. Not to mention his role of fomenting insurrection on Jan. 6 2021, which should disqualify him from holding public office. Whether you love or hate Trump, he, not Biden, is the most divisive President in U.S. American history. However, I am in full agreement that Biden’s handling of the southern border has been a disaster. Some Americans favor Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over Biden or Trump. If enough of us vote according to what we want instead of against what we fear, we may find a way out of this mess.

* * *

I was just reading an AARP article that applied to me twice, so I thought I’d pass it along. I have twice received books from Reader’s Digest that I did not order. The USPS tells us to just keep the item and let the company who sent it know that you did not order it. You should send them a note saying you didn’t order it. I always offer them the option to send me a post-paid envelope, but they always say to keep it. Don’t ever pay for items you didn’t order.

* * *

Lombard’s village president has things running like a fine Swiss watch. Too bad our governor and president couldn’t follow by example and do the same. Thank you.

* * *

I’d be a lot more inclined to support the District 87 referendum if Glenbard East could produce better academic results with its current resources. According to the Illinois State Board of Education’s latest information at illinoisreportcard.com, only 25 percent of Glenbard East’s students are proficient in math. I’m not sure how the state arrives at who is proficient and who isn’t, but isn’t 25 percent an abysmal fig-

ure? Three-fourths of Glenbard East students aren’t proficient in math at their grade level? According to the same website, 52 percent of Glenbard West’s students, 48 percent of Glenbard South’s students and 29 percent of Glenbard North’s students are proficient in math. Isn’t that a crisis? What are they teaching at these schools?

* * *

All forms of government, including school systems, are like living organisms that automatically grow themselves. Left unchecked, they will create new administrative levels and continue to grow at some average rate without even providing more services. My District 88 high school had about 4,000 students. Now that school has only about 2,000 students, but has two assistant principals and a director of deans. I read in this column that District 87 high schools now each have four assistant principals, a total of 14 deans and a similarly bloated district level. We are keeping the educators fat and happy, and they are still producing horrible student proficiency results. This growth trend is a waste of taxpayer money and must be reversed.

* * *

In sports the idea is to keep your opponent guessing what your next play is. If you slow walk the game and eliminate the element of surprise your opponent can counter your moves. If America has a president that has to run his game off a teleprompter with our adversaries and allies, we are doing to lose the title as leader of the free world. Biden is predictable and full of promises. Trump is usually not but gets results.

* * *

The Democratic Party should be embarrassed that all they can produce for a presidential candidates

is Joe Biden. The poor guy can’t put two sentences together without a teleprompter or a list in front of him. If it were anyone else on TV, except our president. people would say out loud. This man needs to be in a memory care center.

* * *

I don’t care for some of former President Trump’s comments. However, our country needs a Trump in order to prosper. My country is more important to me than any personal feelings I have. Trump is crude, tough and knows what the country and his people need. I truly believe he loves the United States and he cares what happens to us. Powers are trying to destroy him and his family because he dares to run for president and win.

*

* *

Hello, good to see the Villa Park trustees passed the resolution to stop the troubles in Israel. Then maybe after that Haiti and then maybe Chicago even would be a good resolution. And then maybe someday they can get to stopping in the troubles in Villa Park. Great job. Thank you.

*

* *

Personally, I think Donald Trump is a pompous jerk, but what happened to him in that show trial in New York where he’s been ordered to pay $454 million is absurd. I think the judge in that case is as much of a pompous jerk as Trump, if not more. I also think the New York attorney general who filed the lawsuit against Trump is vindictive and power-hungry. When she ran for attorney general, she vowed to pursue Trump, so she clearly was out to get him from the start. I heard that some New York firefighters booed and jeered her when she spoke at a fire department promotion ceremony. Good! She deserved to get booed and jeered!

National University of Health Sciences partners with the University of Akron Advanced Scholars Program offered to pre-chiropractic students

University of Akron students interested in chiropractic medicine will have a new opportunity to complete their bachelor and doctorate degrees in less time as part of the Advanced Scholar Program. National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) has partnered with the University of Akron to allow students to complete both undergraduate and Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degrees in as little

as seven years. The Advanced Scholars Program is a joint recruitment and dual admission effort that creates a coordinated curriculum specifically for exceptional students who maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher at The University of Akron. Students have the option of enrolling in the chiropractic program at NUHS’s Illinois campus in Lombard, or at its Florida site.

“The Advanced Scholars Program is an exciting opportunity for University of Akron students to transition into the Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine program, while saving them significant time and money,” said Daniel Strauss, D.C., dean of National University’s College of Professional Studies-Florida. “With this program, motivated students are able to progress towards their career

goals at an accelerated rate and start helping patients sooner.”

In the Pre-Chiropractic Program at the University of Akron, qualified students will complete three years of undergraduate study, or a minimum of 90 semester credits, leading toward a Bachelor of Science degree.

• Timeline

Students with a 3.5 GPA or higher can then start the Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine program at NUHS.

After satisfactory completion of all coursework in the first three trimesters of their first year at NUHS, they will earn a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Akron.

(Continued from page 2)

Sept. 23, 2023—A teacher was called by one of the former students that was previously reported anonymously and stated that she was a victim of sexual abuse by the staff member in question when she was attending Fenton Community High School. As a mandated reporter, the teacher provided this information to school administration. The teacher and administrator went to the Bensenville Police Department to provide a detailed report of what was stated by the former student. The district immediately placed the staff member in question on administrative leave, which included revoking the individual’s ability to access school grounds, email, and other technology.

Oct. 3, 2023—The former student filed a report with the Bensenville Police Department.

Dec. 4, 2023—An anonymous tip was sent to the administration via the school website regarding the staff member in question alleging that he had inappropriate

interactions with three students, one who had already been reported. The administration emailed the information to the Bensenville Police Department along with contact information from the anonymous source.

Throughout the Bensenville Police Department’s criminal investigative process, the Fenton District 100 administration was requested to hold off on initiating a concurrent school personnel investigation so as to not jeopardize the potential criminal investigation. Fenton’s administration fully cooperated with the Bensenville Police Department’s request and further assisted by providing all requested documents and encouraging staff to contact the Bensenville Police Department if they had information pertaining to the staff member in question. The Fenton administration was provided brief updates bi-monthly by the Bensenville Police Department. The matter is an ongoing criminal investigation.

LEGAL NOTICES

/s/ Jenna Juracka

Dated: 3/11/2024

Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-940502

(Published in The Lombardian March 21, 28 & April 4, 2024) 452510

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79385 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MARCH 19, 2024, wherein the business firm of BARTOS CONSTRUCTION, 5S671 VISTA CIR APT 104, NAPERVILLE, IL 60563 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: Christoph Bartosewicz, 5S671 Vista Cir Apt 104, Naperville, IL 60563.

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

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

NAME: JENNA RAE JURACKA

Case Number: 2023MR000726

My current name is: JENNA RAE JURACKA. I wish my name to be changed to: JENNA RAE TOOMEY. The court date for the Request I filed is scheduled on: May 13, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL, DuPage County, in Courtroom #2007.

(Published in The Lombardian March 28, April 4 & 11, 2024) 453094

Election results for Democratic, Republican primary candidates, referenda

Editor’s note: The following is a list of Democratic and Republican candidates who were in primary races March 19 in the communities of Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park, Oakbrook Terrace and Wood Dale. The vote totals are unofficial and include contested races only, as well as referenda. Total number of votes received and the percentage of the vote received follow each candidate’s name.

Democrat

President of the United States

(Vote for 1)

Joseph R. Biden Jr. 60,640 (91.75 percent)

Marianne Williamson 1,802 (2.73 percent)

Frank “Frankie” Lozada 965 (1.46 percent)

Third Congressional District

Delegates (Vote for not more than 6)

Gilbert “Gil” Villegas (Biden) 8,415 (16.38 percent)

Eva-Dina Delgado (Biden) 8,785 (17.10 percent)

Erik Martinez (Biden) 8,067 (15.71 percent)

Lilian Jimenez (Biden) 8,629 (16.80 percent)

Oswaldo Alvarez (Biden) 7,780 (15.15 percent)

Jackie Williamson (Biden) 8,642 (16.83 percent)

Augusto R. Gonzalez (Williamson) 1,046 (2.04 percent)

Fourth Congressional District Congressman (Vote for 1)

Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, 2,036 (73.63 percent)

Raymond A. Lopez 729 (26.37 percent)

Delegates (Vote for not more than 5)

Theresa Mah (Biden) 2.204 (21.32 percent)

Javier Loera Cervantes (Biden) 1,994 (19.29 percent)

Norma Hernandez (Biden) 2,090 (20.22 percent)

Aaron M. Ortiz (Biden) 1,983 (19.18 percent)

(35.45 percent)

Lynn LaPlante 7,521 (64.55 percent)

Theodore “Ted” Hadley (Haley) 634 (9.62 percent)

David Herndon (Haley) 613 (9.30 percent)

Township (Vote yes or no)

Beth Zavala (Biden) 2,066 (19.99 percent)

Sixth Congressional District Congressman (Vote for 1)

Sean Casten 24,210 (83.86 percent)

Charles M. Hughes 763 (2.64 percent)

Mahnoor Ahmad 3,897 (13.50 percent)

Delegates (Vote for no more than 6)

Deb Conroy (Biden) 22,424 (18.41 percent)

Bill Cunningham (Biden) 19,786 (16.25 percent)

Kelly Burke (Biden) 21,148 (17.36 percent)

Tim Moriarty (Biden) 19,146 (15.72 percent)

Sonia Desai Bhagwakar (Biden) 20,051 (16.46 percent)

Christopher Espinoza (Biden) 19,235 (15.79 percent)

Eighth Congressional District

Delegates (Vote for not more than 5)

Elizabeth Penesis (Biden) 6,634 (22.59 percent)

Fred Crespo (Biden) 5,662 (19.28 percent)

Yasmeen Bankole (Biden) 5,947 (20.25 percent)

Kevin Morrison (Biden) 5,715 (19.46 percent)

Ken Mejia-Beal (Biden) 5,405 (18.41 percent)

DuPage County offices

Coroner (Vote for 1)

Jeffrey M. Jacobson 21,406 (35.10 percent)

Judith Lukas 39,588 (64.90 percent)

Recorder (Vote for 1)

Peter “Pete” DiCianni 11,991 (19.14 percent)

Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin 31,713 (50.61 percent)

Kathleen V. Carrier 18,955 (30.25 percent)

County Board, District 4 (Vote for 1)

Christine “Christy” E. Maes 4,131

Third Appellate Court

3rd Appellate (Lytton) (Vote for 1)

John Anderson 38,528 (62.84 percent)

Joe Hettel 22,781 (37.16 percent)

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit 18th Judicial (Kinsella) (Vote for 1)

Christine Cody 4,233 (37.96 percent)

Leah Danielle Setzen 5,830 (52.29 percent)

Luke P. Dussman 1,087 (9.75 percent)

18th Judicial (Davenport) (Vote for 1)

Jennifer Barron 5,858 (68.94 percent)

Keith E. “Chuck” Roberts, Jr. 741 (8.72 percent)

Sadia Covert 1,898 (22.34 percent)

18th Judicial (Brennan) (Vote for 1)

Sarah Kallas 3.048 (47.28 percent)

Chantelle Porter 3,399 (52.72 percent)

Republican

President of the United States (Vote for 1)

Ryan L. Binkley 281 (0.56 percent)

Ron DeSantis 1,764 (3.51 percent)

Nikki Haley 10,845 (21.59 percent)

Donald J. Trump 36,246 (72.17 percent)

Chris Christie 1,086 (2.16 percent)

Third Congressional District

Delegates

(Vote for not more than 3)

Victoria I. Beis (Trump) 6,721 (23.10 percent)

Andrea E. Fletcher (Trump) 6,769 (23.26 percent)

Gordon J. Kinzler (Trump) 6,858 (23.57 percent)

Michael E. Musson (DeSantis) 550 (1.89 percent)

Richard A. Janor (DeSantis) 466 (1.60 percent)

Jacqueline M. Pruitt (DeSantis) 501 (1.72 percent)

Elizabeth Roskam (Haley) 2,520 (8.66 percent)

Karyn Romano (Haley) 2,237 (7.69 percent)

David Anderson (Haley) 2,155 (7.41 percent)

Bernard Reinwald (Christie) 322 (1.11 percent)

Fourth Congressional District

Delegates

(Vote for not more than 3)

Julian Aguilar (DeSantis) 141 (2.14 percent)

Daniel J. Kordik (DeSantis) 174 2.64 percent)

Noel Talluto (DeSantis) 163 (2.47 percent)

Katie Justak (Haley) 647 (9.81 percent)

William McCloy (Trump) 1,375 (20.86 percent)

William Merchantz (Trump) 1,299 (19.70 percent)

Sherrie V. Saratore (Trump) 87 (1.32 percent)

Kevin O’Keeffe (Christie)

Janice Ely (Christie) 73 (1.11 percent)

Gregory Pesavento (Christie) 55 (0.83 percent)

Sixth Congressional District Delegates (Vote for no more than 3)

Kathleen A. Abbate (Trump) 11,857 (23.73 percent)

Scott R. Kaspar (Trump) 11,954 (23.92 percent)

Joyce Hebein (Trump) 10,985 (21.98 percent)

Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman (Haley) 3,691 (7.39 percent)

Chuck Augustyniak (Haley) 3,627 (7.26 percent)

Mary Tolan (Haley) 3,670 (7.34 percent)

Kathleen Murphy (DeSantis) 969 (1.94 percent)

Shaun Murphy (DeSantis) 792 (1.59 percent)

Keith Pekau (DeSantis) 903 (1.81 percent)

Ross Scanio (Christie) 494 (0.99 percent)

Eva Tucker (Christie) 530 (1.06 percent)

Michael Jacobs (Christie) 494 (0.99 percent)

Eighth Congressional District (Vote for no more than 3)

Brett Corrigan (Trump) 6,059 (26.61 percent)

Joseph Folisi (Trump) 5,699 (25.03 percent)

Peter Kopsaftis (Trump) 5.582 (24.52 percent)

Donald P. DeWitte (Haley) 1,299 (5.71 percent)

Edgar Alvarado (Haley) 1,193 (5.24 percent)

Theresa “Terry” Seyring (Haley) 1,259 (5.53 percent)

Paula McCombie (DeSantis)344 (1.51 percent)

Tom Morrison (DeSantis) 332 (1.46 percent)

Jim Zay (DeSantis) 414 (1.82 percent)

Gregory Traphagen (Christie) 175 (0.77 percent)

James Borello (Christie) 202 (0.89 percent)

Carmine Caroll (Christie) 209 (0.92 percent)

State representative 49th District

(Vote for 1)

Aris Garcia 774 (25.46 percent)

Hannah Billingsley 2,266 (74.54 percent)

Referenda

Addison Township

Proposition to authorize Addison Township to contract for and regulate refuse collection and disposal in the unincorporated areas of Addison

Shall Addison Township, DuPage County, Illinois be authorized to exercise the powers of the “Township Refuse Collection and Disposal Act” (60 ILCS 1/210-5 et seq.) to enter into a contract for the collection, disposal, composting and recycling of garbage and refuse for residents of the unincorporated areas of Addison Township?

Yes 223 (34.63 percent)

No 421 (65.37 percent0

Bensenville Fire Protection District No. 2

(Vote yes or no)

Shall the trustees of the Bensenville Fire Protection District No. 2 be elected, rather than appointed?

Yes 1,090 (83.98 percent)

No 208 (16.02 percent)

Bloomingdale Township Proposition to authorize Bloomingdale Township to contract for and regulate refuse collection and disposal in the unincorporated areas of Bloomingdale Township. (Vote yes or no)

Shall Bloomingdale Township, DuPage County, Illinois be authorized to exercise the powers of the “Township Refuse Collection and Disposal Act” (60 ILCS 1/210-5 et seq.) to enter into a contract for the collection, disposal, composting and recycling of garbage and refuse for residents of the unincorporated areas of Bloomingdale Township ?

Yes 429 (28.27 percent)

No 1,057 (71.13 percent)

Milton Township Proposition to authorize Milton Township to contract for and regulate refuse collection and disposal in the unincorporated areas of Milton Township (Vote yes or no)

Shall Milton Township, DuPage County, Illinois be authorized to exercise the powers of the “Township Refuse Collection and Disposal Act” (60 ILCS 1/210-5 et seq.) to enter into a contract for the collection, disposal, composting and recycling of garbage and refuse for residents of the unincorporated areas of Milton Township?

Yes 1,935 (47.28 percent)

No 2,158 (52.72 percent)

York Township

Proposition to authorize York Township to contract for and regulate refuse collection and disposal in the unincorporated areas of York Township

(Vote yes or no)

Shall York Township, DuPage County, Illinois be authorized to exercise the powers of the “Township Refuse Collection and Disposal Act” (60 ILCS 1/210-5 et seq. to enter into contracts for the collection, disposal, composting and recycling of garbage and refuse in the unincorporated areas of York Township?

Yes 737 (51.97 percent)

No 681 (48.03 percent)

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.

March 19

A complainant at a store in the 1-100 block of E. St. Charles reported an unknown suspect entered their vehicle while it was parked and unoccupied and stole an iPhone from the center console.

March 18

A complainant at a fitness center in the 300 block of W. North reported that a wallet and cell phone were stolen from their bag.

A complainant in the 100 block of W. North reported that a suspect broke the passenger-side window of a vehicle and stole a bag containing a laptop computer.

A complainant in the 900 block of S. Summit reported that a suspect entered their residence and stole jewelry and cash.

A suspect at a store in the 200 block of W. Roosevelt entered the store and checked out without paying full retail value for merchandise.

March 17

A 24-year-old Villa Park woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 1-100 block of N. Harvard at 3:12 p.m.

March 16

A 37-year-old Villa Park woman

was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 300 block of N. Ardmore at 10:30 a.m.

A suspect near S. Villa and E. Roosevelt fled from officers attempting a traffic stop at 5:16 a.m.

March 15

A suspect at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 removed merchandise from a display shelf and attempted to leave the store with the items. The merchandise was recovered.

Three male juveniles were cited for retail theft at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 and released to their parents.

March 14

A complainant in the 300 block of N. Ardmore reported some miscellaneous items missing.

March 13

Amina F. Smith, 20, of Chicago, was charged with burglary, criminal damage to property, driving while license suspended, resisting or obstructing a police officer and no insurance at a hotel in the 1-100 block of W. Roosevelt at 11:32 p.m.

A complainant at a cannabis store in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt reported that a suspect sent an email threatening the complainant. Another complainant at the same cannabis store also reported receiving harassing messages from a suspect on March 14.

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

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

Fugitive arrested in Addison

Woman suspected in locker burglaries had several active warrants with extradition

On March 18, members of the Addison Investigations Section, along with Elmhurst detectives, identified a vehicle known to be driven by Maria Vlasceanu and a male companion.

The subjects were known to commit locker burglaries and unlawful use of credit cards throughout the United States.

According to the Addison Police Department, surveillance was established by the Elmhurst Police, Addison Police and Oak Brook Police detectives, as Vlasceanu had several active warrants with extradition out of the following locations:

• San Mateo, California: burglary

• Virginia: burglary and unlawful use of credit card

A new Engine 81

The Villa Park Fire Department recently put a new fire engine into service. The department’s new 2023 Impel, built by Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisconsin, is stationed at Fire Station 81 at 1440 S. Ardmore Ave. That engine—Engine 81—is pictured while snow flurries fell outside of the station on Friday afternoon. The new Engine 81 can hold 750 gallons of water for fire suppression. The Villa Park Fire Department’s fleet includes three fire engines—two on the frontline and one in reserve. The engine that had been in reserve was built in 1998. That vehicle is being donated to the Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA). The department’s engine that was built in 2015 will move from a frontline position to a reserve role. On Feb. 26, the fire department held a push-in ceremony for its new engine at Station 81. The push-in tradition in fire service dates back to the 1800s, when crews returned from calls on horse-drawn equipment, and firefighters had to remove the horses and push the equipment back into the bay.

Giannoulias kicks off 2024 summer job program

Secretary of state offers summer employment for college, trade and grad students

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias on March 21 announced his office is now accepting applications for the second year of his administration’s summer job program.

• Florida: burglary and larceny

• Pennsylvania: forgery and burglary

• Lake County, Illinois: larceny

• Northbrook: burglary and unlawful use of credit card

• Missouri: A pending nationwide warrant

A traffic stop was initiated by detectives with the assistance of several night shift officers, and Vlasceanu was taken into custody and transported to DuPage County Jail to await extradition to California.

The Addison Police Department thanked the Elmhurst Police Department and the Oak Brook Police Department for their assistance in the investigation and in the apprehension of Vlasceanu.

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More than 120 positions are available for college, trade school and graduate school students or graduating high school students who are enrolled in college or trade school in the fall. Job offerings include working at DMVs or at one of the various departments in the secretary of state’s office.

“The goal of our summer jobs program is to provide a pathway for young

people to explore career opportunities, build their skillsets, earn money and make connections through a real-world job experience,” Giannoulias said. “This type of hands-on work also helps with future academic and professional success and can translate into longterm benefits for our communities.”

Along with building job skills for students and learning about state government, the program bolsters the office’s customer service efforts during the busy summer months.

Available positions include work in secretary of state offices in Chicago,

surrounding suburbs, Springfield and downstate facility locations. Pay is $16 per hour for college and trade school students and $25 per hour for specific contractual intern positions for graduate school students.

Interested applicants can apply at www.ilsos.gov/summerjobs and must submit a resume and cover letter explaining their interest in working at the Secretary of State’s office. Applicants may list up to three choices for their preferred work location.

Summer employees can begin their employment as early as May 13.

Giannoulias visits Villa Park

On Monday, March 18, state Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock and state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton were pleased to tour the Villa Park Library with Secretary of State and head librarian Alexi Giannoulias. They discussed the triumphs and challenges facing our libraries, and got to see firsthand the amazing work being done in the beautiful recently remodeled facility. A press release from Blair-Sherlock’s office states: “Libraries are truly the jewels of our communities, offering programs, resources, and community spaces. Support your local libraries!” For more information contact statrep46@gmail.com or call 630-415-3520.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

For the most part, incumbents beat back challengers amid low primary turnout statewide

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

With only a few exceptions, incumbent officeholders in Illinois cruised to easy victories in primary elections last week that were marked by historically low voter turnout.

Although final numbers won’t be known for several more days, preliminary returns from many of the state’s larger counties showed turnout hovering in the range of 20-25 percent.

That compares to a statewide average of 47 percent in 2016, when the White House was an open race, and 28 percent during the pandemic-impacted primaries in 2020

That may have been due to the fact that there were few truly competitive races for voters to decide, especially at the top of the ballot. Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump had both se-

Obituaries

LINDA

C. BARABAD, 81

cured enough delegates to win their respective party nominations a full week before polls even opened in Illinois.

One race that did prove competitive, though, was the 12th Congressional District race in southern Illinois, where incumbent Republican Mike Bost, of Murphysboro, survived a challenge from former state Sen. Darren Bailey, the unsuccessful GOP candidate for governor in 2022.

Bost is a former state legislator who was first elected to Congress in 2014.

Bailey had served only one term in the state House and half a term in the state Senate before running for governor.

Both portrayed themselves as proTrump Republicans. Although Trump had endorsed Bailey in his bid for governor, he endorsed Bost in the primary.

Bailey conceded the race Tuesday night when unofficial returns showed Bost ahead by about 3 percentage

points, with 96 percent of the votes counted.

Another close congressional race was in the 7th District of Chicago, where longtime incumbent Democrat Danny Davis fended off challenges from Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and community organizer Kina Collins among others.

Davis, who is 82, was first elected to Congress in 1996. Before that, he served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners and, starting in 1979, the Chicago City Council. Although his challengers argued it was time for a new generation to step into leadership, Davis drew on his support from Gov. JB Pritzker and other established Democrats to win the race with an estimated 53 percent of the vote.

In state legislative races, two Democratic lawmakers from the Chicago area were ousted by challengers in the

primaries.

In the 20th Senate District, Democratic Sen. Natalie Toro was defeated by challenger Graciela Guzman.

Democratic Party officials appointed Toro to that seat to fill a vacancy when the last elected senator, Christina Pacione-Zayas, resigned to take a job in Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration. Toro had backing from Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, but Guzman was endorsed by liberal U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

And in the 31st District, Rep. Mary Flowers, the longest-serving member of the House who had fallen out of favor with Democratic leaders in recent months, lost her seat to challenger Michael Crawford.

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, appointed Flowers to his leadership team when he was elected speaker in 2021. But Welch removed her from leadership in 2023 amid allegations that she was abusive to staff. Welch endorsed and raised money for Crawford, who carried

roughly 70 percent of the vote as of Wednesday.

Republican Rep. Blaine Wilhour, of Beecher City, fended off a challenge in the 110th House District from Matthew Hall, of Vandalia, who had the backing of teachers unions and other organized labor groups.

Results were not immediately available, however, in the 102nd House District where another labor-backed candidate, Jim Acklin, of Ogden, was trying to unseat Rep. Adam Niemerg, of Dieterich. That’s because both men were running as write-in candidates after Niemerg was removed from the ballot due to a technical error in his candidate filing and Acklin entered the race after the filing deadline.

In the 88th District of central Illinois, Decatur native Regan Deering, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022, edged out McLean County Board member Chuck Erickson in the Republican primary. That’s a seat

See PRIMARY, Page 27

DOLORES MEYER, 82

Linda C. Barabad, nee Caro, 81, of Lombard passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 23, 2024, at Northwestern Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. She was the beloved wife of Romeo G. Barabad; loving mother of Sheryl (Craig) Stolworthy, Karen (George) Harkins, Sheila (Jonathan) Sarmiento; cherished grandmother of Keeli, Kai, Kelcie, and Christopher; dear sister of 4 brothers and 4 sisters, and caring aunt to many.

Born in Manila, she attended the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. While working at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, she met her husband, Romeo. A devoted Army wife, they raised their children in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and across the United States before settling in Lombard in 1986. She worked for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a dedicated secretary. A long-time member of Sacred Heart Church, Linda enjoyed being in God’s presence on Sundays.

Linda was a soft-spoken woman who enjoyed classical music and the gentle crooning of Julio Iglesias. She loved to travel and collected keepsakes along the way. Cooking was her passion, especially the ribs she made on Christmas for her family and friends.

Linda always put others before herself and treated everyone she met with kindness and respect. More than anything, her heart and soul were dedicated to her beautiful grandchildren.

Funeral Services were held Wednesday, March 27, at Sacred Heart Church, 114 S. Elizabeth St., Lombard. Interment was at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 1S510 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s memory to Autism Speaks are greatly appreciated.

Info: www.brustfuneralhome. com or 888-629-0094.

Dolores “Doby” Meyer, age 82, longtime resident of Lombard, passed away on Sunday, March 17th, 2024.

Doby was the loving wife of Leroy Meyer; beloved mother of David (Lynda), Scott, Jon (Kim), and Peter (Kendra); cherished grandma of Nathan, Zachary (Jolene), Andrew, Alison (Andrew) Jankowski, Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, and Clint. She was also looking forward to becoming a great-grandma for the first time in August 2024.

Doby was a very active member at St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church for over 55 years. She also taught Sunday school, was a part of the choir, youth group leader and served

on various committees. Some of her hobbies included baking cookies with her grandchildren and traveling to all 50 state capitals.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 22, at St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, 547 N. Main Street, Lombard.

In lieu of sending flowers, please send donations to St. Timothy Evangelical Church, 547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148.

GWEN VOSS, 65

Gwen Voss, nee Summers, age 65, of Lombard, passed away March 21, 2024, at her home.

A Visitation will be held today, March 28, from 3-8 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Interment private.

Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

LEGAL NOTICES

RECORDED APRIL 11, 1974 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 22682660, IN COOK

PARCEL 2: NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENTS APPURTENANT TO AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF PARCEL 1 CREATED AND GRANTED BY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND GRANT OF EASEMENTS DATED DECEMBER 21, 1978 RECORDED DECEMBER 26, 1978 AS DOCUMENT NO. 24778114 OVER THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CROSSING SAME WITH RAILROAD SIDING TRACKS FOR THE PASSAGE OF RAILROAD TRAIN S AND INGRESS AND EGRESS THERETO FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, RESTORATION AND USE OF SUCH RAILROAD SIDING TRACKS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SERVING THE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE DOMINANT PARCELS DESCRIBED THEREIN WITH RAILROAD SERVICE AND FOR THE PURPOSES OF ACCEPTING AND TRANSPORTING FURTHER WITH RAILROAD SERVICE AND FOR THE PURPOSES OF ACCEPTING AND TRANSPORTING FURTHER DOWNSTREAM ANY AND ALL SURFACE STORM WATER RUN-OFF AS MAY FLOW FROM THE DOMINANT PARCELS TO THE SERVIENT PARCEL AS DESCRIBED THEREIN, TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT OF INGRESS AND EGRESS THERETO FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING, RECONSTRUCTING, REPAIRING, MAINTAINING, LANDSCAPING OR OTHERWISE KEEPING THE DETENTION BASIN THERE-

ON IN A SERVICEABLE STATE OF REPAIR FOR THE PURPOSE INTENDED: LOT 5 IN HAWTHORNE CENTER FOR INDUSTRY, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF APRIL 11, 1974 AS DOCUMENT NO. 22682660, IN COOK

FRANKLIN AVENUE A DISTANCE OF 503.05 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH A LINE 1002.90 FEET EAST OF (MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES) AND PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 19 AFORESAID; THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE 294.60 FEET; THENCE WEST ALONG ALINE DRAWN AT RIGHT ANGLES TO LAST DESCRIBED LINE 502.90 FEET TO A POINT ON THE FIRST DESCRIBED PARALLEL LINE; THENCE SOUTH 309.60 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

PARCEL E

PARCEL 1:

LOT 4 IN HAWTHORN CENTER FOR INDUSTRY, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHWEST FRACTIONAL QUARTER OF SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 11, 1974 AS DOCUMENT NO. 22682660, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

PARCEL 2: NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF PARCEL 1, AS CREATED BY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND GRANT OF EASEMENT DATED DECEMBER 21, 1978 AND RECORDED DECEMBER 26, 1978 AS DOCUMENT NO. 24778114 OVER, ACROSS AND UPON LOT 5 IN HAWTHORN CENTER FOR INDUSTRY, AFORESAID.

PARCEL F

PARCEL 1: LOT 1 IN HAWTHORNE CENTER FOR INDUSTRY, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHWEST FRACTIONAL QUARTER OF SECTION

19, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 11, 1974 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 22682660, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

PARTIES, INCLUDING PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN THE PROPOSED SPECIAL SERVICE AREA ARE HERE-

BY invited to attend the public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard in respect to (1) the proposed creation of the Sesame Street Special Service Area; (2) the issuance of bonds in connection with the repairs in the Sesame Street Special Service Area; and (3) the levy of a special tax upon the properties within the Sesame Street Special Service Area to pay off the bonds. At the public hearing, all interested persons and property owners within the proposed Sesame Street Special Service Area will also have the opportunity to file objections to the amount of the tax levy. In the event of questions, please contact Kurtis Pozsgay, Director of Community & Economic Development, at (630) 350-3396.

/s/ Nancy Quinn Village Clerk

Village of Bensenville, Illinois (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review March 28, 2024) 453265

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79368 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MARCH 4, 2024 wherein the business firm of NEIGHBORHOOD PAWS, 227 N. YALE 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:

Margaret B. Connelly, 227 N. Yale Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 4TH day of MARCH, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review March 14, 21 & 28, 2024) 452125

NOTICE

Receive a digital copy of your hometown newspaper every week with an eSubscription for only $35 a year. There’s no waiting for your home delivery.

Your link to the weekly newspaper will be emailed to you every Thursday. The digital version of the newspaper can be read on a computer, laptop or tablet. For an eSubscription, visit rockvalleyenews.com or call 627-7010.

LOT 3 IN HAWTHORN CENTER FOR INDUSTRY, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHWEST FRACTIONAL 1/4 OF SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 11, 1974 AS DOCUMENT 22682660, IN COOK COUNTY,

EASEMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF PARCEL 1 AS CREATED BY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND GRANT OF EASEMENTS RECORDED DECEMBER 26, 1978 AS DOCUMENT NO. 24778114 FOR COMMON USAGE FOR RAILROAD SIDE TRACKS AND STORM WATER DETENTION PURPOSES AND INGRESS AND EGRESS TO MAINTAIN SAME OVER LOT 5 IN AFORESAID SUBDIVISION.

PARCEL 2:

Published by Rock Valley Publishing 240 N. West Ave., Suite B Elmhurst, IL 60126

Phone: 630.834.8244 453187

THAT PART OF NORTHWEST FRACTIONAL 1/4 OF SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE CENTER LINE OF FRANKLIN AVENUE WITH A LINE AT 500 FEET EAST OF (MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES) AND PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE 1496.53 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF LAND HEREIN DESCRIBED; THENCE EAST ALONG A LINE WHICH INTERSECTS THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF THE CHICAGO AND NORTHWESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY AT A POINT 1185.10 FEET SOUTH (AS MEASURED ALONG SAID WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE) OF THE SAID CENTER LINE OF

PARCEL 2: NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF PARCEL 1, AS CREATED BY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND GRANT OF EASEMENT DATED DECEMBER 21, 1978 RECORDED DECEMBER 26, 1978 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 24778114, OVER, ACROSS AND UPON LOT 5 IN HAWTHORNE CENTER FOR INDUSTRY, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION

19, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 11, 1974 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 22682660, ALL IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLIC NOTICE is to inform interested parties about the public hearing and the proposal to create the Sesame Street Special Service Area before the Board of Trustees adopts ordinances to create the special service area, issue bonds to pay for repairs within the special service area, and authorize a special levy to repay those bonds. The Board of Trustees will consider the issuance of a maximum of $2,000,000 in Alternative Revenue Bonds with a General Obligation backing, Series 2024A, which will be paid by the levy of a special tax by the Village on each parcel of property in the proposed SSA, sufficient to produce revenues to provide the special municipal services to the proposed SSA. The bonds will be retired within a maximum of 20 years, and the bonds will bear a maximum interest rate of 7.0% The proposed rate of taxes for the initial year shall not exceed $1.19 for every $100.00 of equalized assessed value and the maximum rate of such taxes to be extended in any year within the proposed SSA shall not exceed $1.19 for every $100.00 of equalized assessed value. The proposed tax would be levied only for the number of years necessary to pay off the bonds for the proposed SSA.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND

CERTIFICATE NO. 79370 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MARCH 8, 2024 wherein the business firm of CRUZ TAXI EN LIMO, 638 N IOWA AVENUE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181-1508 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:

Jaime Oswaldo Cruz Silva, 440 W. Stevens Drive Apt G08, Addison, IL 60101.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 8TH day of MARCH, A.D. 2024.

Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review March 21, 28 & April 4, 2024) 452850

IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT DUPAGE COUNTY

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT

DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT NAME CHANGE)

CURRENT LEGAL NAME: JOCELYN RUBY SAUCEDO ARGUELLO

Case Number: 2024MR000141

My current name is: JOCELYN RUBY SAUCEDO ARGUELLO. I wish my name to be changed to: JOCELYN RUBY LUJANO ARGUELLO. The court date for the Request I filed is scheduled on: June 3, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL, DuPage County, in Courtroom #2007.

/s/ Jocelyn Ruby Saucedo Arguello

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review March 21, 28 & April 4, 2024) 452555

PUZZLE Page

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. Database management system

5. Medical procedures

11. __ Clapton, musician

12. Defender

16. Exert oneself

17. Indicates position

18. Quay

19. Atrocities

24. A way to address an adult man

25. Ends

26. Unable

27. Taxi

28. Gratuities

29. A famous train station

30. Japanese persimmon

31. Sours

33. Beneficiary

34. Baseball official

38. Confused situation

39. Unworldly

40. Yemen capital

43. Type of soil

44. Beloved beverage __-Cola

45. Lying down

49. __ Angeles

50. Fail to amuse

51. Collapsible shelter

53. Commercial

54. Taste property

56. Lordship’s

58.

59.

65.

CLUES DOWN

1.

4.

7.

10.

22. Changes color

23. A place to stay

27. Town in Galilee

29. Mathematical figure

30. Klingon character

31. They __

32. Atomic #58

33. Showed up extinct

34. Loosen grip

35. Unpleasant smell

36. Innermost membranes

enveloping the brain

37. Esteemed college “league”

38. Partner to Pa

40. Small American rail

41. A salt or ester of acetic acid

42. Sodium

44. Military figure (abbr.)

45. Lighted

46. Paid to get out of jail

47. All of something

48. Ohio city

50. More abject

51. A radio band

52. Scientific development (abbr.)

54. Monetary unit

55. Scored perfectly

57. A punch to end a fight

61. The Golden State (abbr.)

62. The Beehive State (abbr.)

Daily Specials

Chicken

Served

Homemade

Served with mashed potatoes, vegetables of the day,

2

substitute

served with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, salsa & sour cream, Guacamole 50¢

Wednesday ♣

Meat Loaf Sandwich

Served with Potato Chips

Pot Roast

Served with new potatoes, carrots, & garlic bread

Pot Roast Grilled Cheese

Your choice of sides

♣ Thursday ♣

Pasta Special .........................................................$12.95

Ask server for details; served with garlic bread and a side salad

Pot Roast Sandwich

Served with Potato Chips

♣ Friday ♣

Our World Famous Beer Battered Fish Fry

ALL YOU CAN EAT

Served with fries, homemade coleslaw, & tartar sauce

FISH SANDWICH

Served on garlic French bread with fries, homemade coleslaw, & tartar sauce

Pepper & Egg Sandwich

Fish Tacos .............................................................$10.95

Three soft or hard shell tacos served with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded Cheddar cheese, salsa & sour cream, guacamole 50¢

♣ Saturday & Sunday ♣

Weekend Specials (Dine-In Only)

-Mini Fitz Chips - Homemade otato chips covered with bacon, Mozzarella, Cheddar, & crumbled Bleu cheese; served with Ranch dressing .....................$4.00

-Mini Basket of Fries $4.00 (add cheese for $1.00)

-Mini Basket of Waffle Fries $4.75

-Mini Basket of Onion Rings $5.00

Sandwiches:

1/4 Cheeseburger, Mini-Italian Beef, Mini Slopper Joes - $3.00; Mini Fish - $4.00 Jumbo Hot Dog, Bratwurst $4.00 add chips or fries for $1.00; peppers or grilled onions 35¢

♣ Everyday ♣

Jumbo Deep Fried Shrimp ...................................$12.95

Served with homemade cocktail sauce & fries

* Prices are subject to change without notice.*

Be sure to visit our other locations:

Butterfield Park District (Vote yes or no)

Shall Butterfield Park District annex the following described territory for park purposes? (Address-Owner-Occupant)

2S726 RT 53, GLEN ELLYN IL, 60137—KPC RE LLC. KinderCare Learning Center

22W070 BUTTERFIELD RD, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137—IKI Real Estate LLC. Mobile Gas

22W151 BUTTERFIELD RD, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137—FMI Properties LLC. Starbucks

2S780 RT 53, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137—FMI Properties LLC. BP

(Continued from page 7)

Wash-n-Go 3S002 RT 53, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137—MAR LAC House Ltd. Abbington Distinctive Banquets 3S010 RT 53, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137—McDonald’s Corp. McDonald’s 3S100 RT 53, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137—Walmart Inc. Walmart Inc.

Yes 1,035 (76.1 percent)

No 325 (23.9 percent)

Fenton Community High School District 100

Proposition to issue $65,000,000 school building bonds (Vote yes or no)

Shall the Board of Education of Fenton Community High School District Number 100, DuPage County, Illinois, improve the site of and renovate, alter, repair and equip the Fenton High School Building, in cluding installing school safety and emergency response systems and equipment, repairing and replacing ventilation, plumbing and electri cal infrastructure, increasing class room capacity, improving classroom lighting and technology, renovating programming and career learning spaces and increasing accessibility with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance measures and is

sue bonds of said School District to the amount of $65,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

Act compliance measures, repair and replace mechanical systems, roofs and other infrastructure, improve

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LOMBARD

A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!

Worship Services Directory

Easter week and Easter Sunday Services

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435

Come Worship with Us! Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

“The Crucial Hours”

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

Holy Week and Easter Worship

Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26

Maundy Thursday Communion 7:00pm, March 28

Good Friday Tenebrae 7:00pm, March 29

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022

Palm Sunday, April 2 at 10am

Holy Thursday, April 6 at 7pm

Good Friday, April 7 at 7pm

Easter Sunday, April 9

Sunrise Service at 6:30a m Easter Service at 10am

First UMC Lombard 155 S Main Street – Lombard IL 60148

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022

Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12

Wednesday Service at 7pm

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66

Everyone is Welcome!

Northeast Corner of Main & Maple www.FirstUMCLombard.org

Sunday School & Bible Study 9am

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30pm

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

All services are live streamed. SaintTimothy.org ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17

Easter Festival 10:15am, March 31 452639

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LOMBARD

A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!

We are a reconciling church and all are truly welcome to join us every Sunday at 10am in person at 155 S. Main Street, Lombard, or via livestream.

Holy Week Services:

Holy Thursday, March 28 at 7pm

Easter week and Easter Sunday Services

Good Friday, March 29 at 7 pm

Easter Sunday March 31st offers two services:

Sunrise service at 6:30am (outdoors weather permitting)

Come Worship with Us!

Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream

10am service with choir, bells, brass & hymns Communion is offered to all who enter our doors, even if you are not a member of this or any church. Children’s time and Sunday school are offered during the 10am service. For questions or additional information visit www.FirstUMCLombard.org.

Palm Sunday, April 2 at 10am

Holy Thursday, April 6 at 7pm

453229

Good Friday, April 7 at 7pm

Easter Sunday April 9

Visitation Catholic Church 779 S. York Street

Elmhurst, IL 630�834�6700

www.visitationparish.org

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Holy Thursday, March 28:

Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 PM Night Prayer, 11:45 PM

Good Friday, March 29

Celebration of the Passion, 3 PM Stations of the Cross, 7 PM

Holy Saturday, March 30

Easter Food Blessing, Noon Easter Vigil, 7:15 PM

Easter Sunday, March 31

Masses at: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM

Confessions:

Saturday: 3 3:45PM

Sunday: 5�5:45 PM

Adoration: Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7

453112

116 East Church Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126 oursaviourelmhurst.org

Gathered In Christ, Sent Out To Serve

us Holy Week. All are welcome!

Maundy Thursday

p.m. Eucharistic Service

Good Friday

p.m. Stations of the Cross

Easter Sunday

a.m. Easter Vigil

Sunday Worship at 9:45 AM

Come worship with us!

300 East Belden Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.ODMFellowship.Org 452638

453119

Messiah Lutheran Church

130 W. Butterfield Road Elmhurst, IL 630-279-4775

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

March 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Easter Celebration March 31 at 10:00 a.m.

FAITH CHURCH OF ELMHURST

FAITH

452640

FAITH

C HU R C H

FAITH C HU R C H

C HU R C H

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

Sunday Worship: 10 am

Sunday Worship: 10 am

Sunday Worship: 10 am

H O L Y

HO LY WEEK AC TIVITIES :

Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 pm

A C T I V I T I E S : Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 pm

HO LY WEEK AC TIVITIES : Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 pm

Good Friday (March 29) 7 pm

Good Friday (March 29) 7 pm

Good Friday (March 29) 7 pm

Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) 7:45 am

Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) 7:45 am

Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) 7:45 am

Easter Celebration (March 31) 10 am

Easter Celebration (March 31) 10 am

Easter Celebration (March 31) 10 am

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.faithchurchelmhurst.org 630-941-0212 faithelm@gmail.com

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.faithchurchelmhurst.org 630-941-0212 faithelm@gmail.com

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.faithchurchelmhurst.org 630-941-0212 faithelm@gmail.com

452081

Sports

Rams start their season with a win over the Warriors

Weltin’s 15 kills and Junior’s 27 assists highlight Glenbard East’s triumph over Willowbrook

Glenbard East’s boys volleyball team opened its 2024 season with a 25-13, 25-18 victory over Willowbrook on March 19 in Lombard.

Senior Aidan Weltin bashed 15 kills and made nine digs in the Rams’ victory over the visiting Warriors. Senior Danny Overlin supplied six kills and five blocks. Junior Nick Som-

mesi provided six kills. Glenbard East senior Jack Junior piled up 27 assists in his team’s win over Willowbrook. Senior Payton Stieve contributed 16 digs. Freshman Gloire Emena and junior Cooper Wooldridge made 11 and six digs, respectively. Senior Brayden Smith delivered four blocks.

The Rams played at the Barrington/Vernon Hills Invite on Friday and Saturday. Glenbard East won two of four matches and earned a seventh-place finish in the 12team tournament.

The Rams opened the invite with a 25-16, 25-18 win over Plainfield Central on Friday. Later on Friday, Glenbard

East lost a three-game battle to Vernon Hills. The Rams won the opening game, but Vernon Hills won the next two games to earn a 21-25, 25-19, 25-22 victory.

Glenbard East lost 25-17, 26-24 to Glenbrook North on Saturday. The Rams then ended the event with a 20-25, 2519, 25-18 win over Warren.

Weltin, who was named to the event’s all-tournament team, made 55 kills during the Rams’ four matches at the invite. Junior Max McDermott compiled 48 assists during the tournament, while Junior handed out 41 assists.

The Rams will conduct their 16-team Springfest event on Saturday, April 6.

The Rams will open their Upstate Eight Conference schedule with a match at Larkin on April 2. Glenbard East will play a non-conference match at Naperville North on April 4.

The Glenbard East boys volleyball team kicked off its season with last week’s 25-13, 25-18 home win over Willowbrook. Senior Aidan Weltin (No. 11) of the Rams drilled 15 kills and provided nine digs during the March 19 contest in Lombard. Senior Jack Junior (No. 2) handed out 27 assists for Glenbard East. One more photo from the match shows senior Danny Overlin (No. 18), who contributed six kills and five blocks for the Rams. Glenbard East moved its record to 3-2 by winning two of four matches and placing seventh in the 12-team Barrington/Vernon Hills Invite, which took place on Friday and Saturday. Weltin, who bashed 55 kills during the invite, was named to the event’s all-tournament team.

Rams post victories over Glenbard West and West Aurora Glenbard East opens its Upstate Eight Conference season next week

The Glenbard East baseball team won two of three games last week to move its overall season record to 3-2-1.

The Rams began the week with a 9-5 win over Glenbard West on March 19 in Glen Ellyn. One day later, Glenbard East suffered a 3-0 loss at York. Playing their third game in three days, the Rams beat West Aurora 15-9 in a five-inning game in Aurora.

Senior Brett Vercruysse went 2-for-4 and scored two runs for the Rams in last week’s win over Glenbard West. Senior Grant Bruen also went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Junior Horacio Solis went 1-for-5 with two runs batted in. Junior Aiden Towey and sophomore Lucas Calderin drove in one run each for the Rams.

Glenbard East and Glen-

bard West committed four errors each in last week’s contest.

Senior Trevor Rehnstrom pitched three innings for the Rams in the March 19 game against the Hilltoppers. He allowed four hits and two unearned runs. Rehnstrom struck out two batters and allowed two walks.

Senior Chris Ludwig relieved Rehnstrom and pitched two scoreless innings. He recorded two strikeouts while allowing two hits and three walks.

Calderin pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the Rams to close out the team’s win over Glenbard West. He didn’t allow any hits and struck out one batter.

Junior Konrad Toth and Solis handled Glenbard East’s pitching duties in last week’s

3-0 loss at York. Toth allowed two hits and one run in four innings. He recorded two strikeouts. Solis allowed two hits and two runs in two innings. He had one strikeout.

Vercruysse went 2-for4 and drove in three runs during last week’s victory at West Aurora. Junior Connor Peckham went 3-for-3 with one run batted in. Solis went 2-for-4 with one RBI.

Calderin and junior Devin Kraft provided two RBIs each for the Rams, who scored eight runs in the top of the fourth inning.

The Rams are playing several games in Tennessee during their spring break this week. Glenbard East will open its Upstate Eight Conference season with next week’s pair of games against Glenbard South.

Rams beat the Red Devils

Glenbard East’s softball team improved to 3-2 following last week’s 7-4 six-inning win over Hinsdale Central in Lombard. The Rams scored four runs in the bottom of the second inning to take an early 4-0 lead in the March 19 game. Glenbard East freshman Ally Amrhein (pictured) belted a tworun home run in the bottom of the third inning to extend the lead to 6-0. Amrhein and junior Melissa Saldana drove in two runs each for the Rams. Senior Maddie Howell, senior Sophia Opila and freshman Althea Fitzgerald provided one RBI each for Glenbard East. Freshman Claire Bolda pitched a complete game for the Rams. She allowed seven hits, four runs and three walks while recording eight strikeouts. Bolda retired the side in order in the top of the sixth inning. The game was then called due to darkness. Glenbard East’s schedule next week includes games against Willowbrook, Rolling Meadows and Glenbard North, along with the team’s Upstate Eight Conference opener at East Aurora.

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Broncos beat Lisle before playing Willowbrook to a tie

Montini ends its week with a loss; Broncos are competing in Florida during their spring break

The Montini Catholic baseball team picked up a win, a tie and a loss in three games last week. The Broncos finished the week with an overall season record of 3-1-1.

Montini began the week with a 10-0 five-inning win at Lisle on March 19. One day later, the Broncos played Willowbrook to an 8-8 tie in a six-inning contest in Lombard. Montini suffered its first loss of the season on March 21, when it dropped a 4-0 decision in a home game against Lincoln-Way East.

Senior Cash Campbell and freshman Johnny Louise hit home runs for Montini during last week’s win over Lisle. Campbell hit a solo homer in the top of the third inning. Louise launched a two-run homer later in the same inning.

Senior Anthony Spidale pitched a five-inning complete game for the Broncos last week in Lisle. Spidale allowed four hits and didn’t issue any walks against the Lions. He recorded five strikeouts.

Montini and Willowbrook played a back-and-forth contest in last week’s matchup, which took place in extremely cold weather in Lombard and lasted until sundown. The visiting Warriors scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning to take a 6-3 lead. The Broncos scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to grab a 7-6 advantage. Willowbrook then scored two runs in the top of the

Montini Catholic’s baseball team went 1-1-1 in three games last week. After beating Lisle 10-0 on March 19, the Broncos battled Willowbrook to an 8-8 tie in a six-inning game in Lombard. One photo from Montini’s game against the Warriors shows junior Max Bell preparing to touch third base as he scored a run for the Broncos in the bottom of the fifth inning. Moments earlier, Bell delivered a two-run double. One more photo from the same game shows Montini senior Jaylen Howery firing a pitch. The Broncos completed the week with a 4-0 home loss to Lincoln-Way East on March 21. The Broncos traveled to Florida to play several games in the Tampa area this week.

sixth inning. Montini picked up one run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game.

Junior Max Bell of the Broncos hit a two-run double in the bottom of the fifth inning to cut Willowbrook’s lead to 6-5. Freshman Julio Ayala delivered a two-run single later in the inning to give Montini a 7-6 lead.

Lincoln-Way East had only one hit in last week’s game in Lombard. Montini pitchers gave up six walks

A good start for the Warriors

Freshman Liz Pettinger of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while throwing to first base during last week’s game against Yorkville Christian in Villa Park. The Warriors beat the visiting Mustangs 10-0 in the March 20 contest, which ended after five innings. Willowbrook improved to 2-0 with the win. One day earlier, the Warriors opened their season with a 17-0 five inning win over Eisenhower in Blue Island. Junior Isabel Bates pitched no-hitters for Willowbrook in both of last week’s victories. Pettinger, who plays second base for the Warriors, went 1-for2 and scored four runs in the March 19 win over Eisenhower. She went 1-for-3 and scored one run in her team’s victory over Yorkville Christian. The Warriors continued their season by playing a few games this week in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Willowbrook is scheduled to play five games next week. Those games include an April 2 battle at Glenbard East and a doubleheader at Glenbard West on April 6.

during the game. The Broncos, who managed four hits over seven innings, committed four errors in the loss.

The Broncos traveled to Florida this week to play multiple games in

the Tampa area during their spring break. Montini’s schedule next week includes games at New Trier and Mount Carmel, along with a home game against Wheaton Academy on April 6.

Broncos defeat York to claim their first win

of

the season

Raffen

bashes a solo homer; Gutierrez and Barrett provide two RBIs each

The Montini Catholic softball team earned its first win of the 2024 season last week, when it beat York 6-5 in Elmhurst.

The Broncos improved to 1-2 following their March 21 victory over York.

The Dukes scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 3-0 lead over Montini.

Freshman Aubry Raffen of the Broncos homered in the top of the second inning to cut York’s lead to 3-1. Montini added another run in the second inning to trim the Dukes’ lead to 3-2.

The Broncos evened the score at 3-3 in the top of the third inning. York took a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Montini senior Kassandra Gutierrez tripled in the top of the fifth inning. Moments later, the Dukes intentionally walked Raffen. Freshman Cedona Barrett then hit a tworun double to give the Broncos a 5-4 lead.

Gutierrez delivered a run-scoring single in the top of the seventh inning to push Montini’s lead to 6-4.

York picked up one run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Gutierrez went 2-for-4 and

drove in two runs. Barrett also went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in.

Junior Ariana Macias pitched all seven innings for the Broncos to earn the win against York. Macias allowed 11 hits and two earned runs. She recorded four strikeouts and didn’t allow any walks.

Montini opened its season with a 15-9 loss at Plainfield South on March 16. The Broncos dropped to 0-2 following their 16-6 loss at Aurora Central Catholic on March 19.

“We’re a young team,” said Amy Bukovsky, Montini’s first-year head coach. “We’re going to go through some growing pains, but we’re going to find our way by the end of the year.”

Bukovsky is a 2016 Montini graduate. She was a four-year member of Montini’s varsity softball program. She captained the Broncos’ 2016 team, which won the IHSA Class 3A state title to capture the first state championship in program history.

The Broncos are spending their spring break in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where they are playing several games this week. Montini’s schedule next week includes games against Providence Catholic, St. Edward, Taft and Mother McAuley.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

Bates fires two no-hitters in two days

The Willowbrook softball team opened its 2024 season with a pair of dominant wins last week. The Warriors started their season with a 17-0 five-inning win at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island on March 19. One day later, Willowbrook beat Yorkville Christian 10-0 in five innings in Villa Park. Junior Isabel Bates pitched no-hitters in both of the Warriors’ victories last week. She recorded 11 strikeouts and gave up one walk in her no-hitter against Eisenhower. Bates piled up eight strikeouts and issued one walk during her no-hitter against Yorkville Christian. Bates (No. 1) is pictured during the March 20 contest in Villa Park. Junior Sonia Ruchala went 4-for-4 with two doubles and a triple and drove in six runs in Willowbrook’s win over Eisenhower. Sophomore Allison Coppersmith went 2-for2 with two runs batted in and scored four runs in the Warriors’ season opener. Bates and freshman Aleena McNamara provided two hits each in the victory in Blue Island. Bates went 2-for-3 and drove in four runs in Willowbrook’s home opener against Yorkville Christian. Ruchala and McNamara contributed two hits apiece in the 10-0 victory. Earlier this week, the Warriors played multiple games in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (near Nashville). Willowbrook’s schedule next week includes games against Batavia, Glenbard East and Lyons Township, along with a doubleheader at Glenbard West on Saturday, April 6.

Answers

Warriors tie Broncos

Willowbrook’s baseball team improved to 2-0-1 with last week’s 17-4 victory at Glenbard South in Glen Ellyn. The Warriors scored eight runs in the top of the seventh inning of the March 19 game against the Raiders. Senior Vincent Aiello went 3-for-5 and drove in three runs for the Warriors in their win over Glenbard South. Junior Ryan Bannon went 2-for-6 with three runs batted in. Senior Dylan Jenkins pitched five innings and earned the win for the Warriors. Jenkins allowed seven hits, one earned run and one walk in five innings on the mound. He recorded nine strikeouts. One day after beating Glenbard South, Willowbrook battled Montini Catholic to an 8-8 tie in a six-inning game in Lombard. Junior Vincent Ippolito went 2-for-3 and drove in three runs for the Warriors in the March 20 contest, which took place in frigid conditions. Ippolito is pictured just before he lashed a two-run double in the top of the fifth inning to give Willowbrook a 5-3 lead. Sophomore Jake Bonino hit a two-run home run earlier in the game for the Warriors. His homer in the top of the second inning gave Willowbrook a 2-1 lead. Senior Ryan Knebel went 2-for-4 and scored two runs for the Warriors, who picked up their second tie of the season against an area opponent. Willowbrook opened its season with a 1-1 tie against Glenbard East on March 12 in Villa Park. The Warriors are playing multiple games in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this week. Willowbrook will open its West Suburban Gold Conference season with next week’s three-game series against Hinsdale South.

Warriors face the Rams

Willowbrook’s boys volleyball team opened its season with last week’s 25-13, 25-18 loss to Glenbard East in Lombard. Senior Andrew Ciesinski provided four kills and five blocks for the Warriors in their season-opening match against the Rams. Sophomore Matt Ciesinski connected for five kills for Willowbrook. Senior Carter Ferguson contributed 10 assists and three digs for the Warriors, while sophomore Jonnie Gosmire made three digs. One photo from the match shows Andrew Ciesinski hitting the ball over the net while Glenbard East senior Brayden Smith attempts to make a block. Another photo from the Warriors’ season opener shows Gosmire (No. 0) preparing to receive a serve. Willowbrook improved to 1-1 following its threegame victory at Glenbard South on March 21. The Warriors beat the Raiders 23-25, 25-21, 25-23.

Andrew Ciesinski bashed 11 kills and made nine blocks to help the Warriors to their first victory of the season. Ferguson supplied six assists, two kills, two blocks and two aces. Gosmire delivered five digs and one ace. The Warriors will begin their West Suburban Gold Conference season with next week’s match at Hinsdale South.

ChRiS FOx PhOtO Rock Valley Publishing

ChRiS FOx PhOtO Rock Valley Publishing

Painting

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

REAL ESTATE

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

I BUY OLD TOYS

American Flyer, Lionel trains, Barbie and other dolls; G.I. Joe, Tonka, Matchbox, Hot Wheels cars, slot cars & more! Plus any other antiques and collectibles. Call: 630-248-3222

PERSONALS

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit. You who make me see everything and who show me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrongs that are done to me and you who are in all the instances of my life with me. In this short dialogue I want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory Amen.

Thank you for your love toward me and my loved ones. Person must pray this 3 consecutive days without asking for your wish. After the 3rd day your wish will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be, then promise to publish this dialogue as soon as your favor has been granted. B.L.

A busy week for the Warriors

Willowbrook’s badminton team played a pair of triangular home meets last week. On March 18, the Warriors faced Maine South and Lake Park in Villa Park. Willowbrook defeated Maine South 5-3 and tied Lake Park 4-4. Each meet featured four singles matches and four doubles contests. The Warriors’ winners against Maine South included senior Lillian Caron (No. 1 singles), sophomore Maisie Thompson (No. 2 singles) and sophomore Shannon Freer (No. 3 singles). Willowbrook’s No. 1 doubles team of senior Jasmine Langston and junior Abby Schnittker also posted a victory against Maine South, as did the Warriors’ No. 2 doubles duo of junior Hannah Daly and sophomore Sophia Gustafson. Caron, Thompson and Freer earned singles wins against Lake Park. The doubles tandem of Langston and Schnittker also

secured a victory against the Lancers. After beating Addison Trail 15-0 on March 20, Willowbrook played a home triangular meet against Metea Valley and Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) on March 21. Metea Valley defeated the Warriors 7-1, with Freer earning her team’s lone victory in the No. 3 singles match. The Warriors defeated IMSA 6-2. Thompson, Freer and senior Seyna Fall (No. 4) earned Willowbrook’s singles victories against IMSA. Langston and Schnittker delivered a win at No. 1 doubles. Juniors Jill Mei and Sophia Merchant provided the Warriors with a win at No. 3 doubles. Seniors Ashe Fajardo and Amoret Molina earned a victory at No. 4 doubles. Caron (above left) and Freer (above right) are pictured during Willowbrook’s March 21 home meet.

Historic Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elmhurst

Please join us for worship this Holy Week as we celebrate The Passion and Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Holy Thursday, March 28 Divine Service at 7:00 pm

Good Friday, March 29

Joint Tre Ore Service at Noon

(To be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Bensenville, 865 S. Church Road)

Good Friday, Tenebrae Vespers at 7:00 pm

Holy Saturday, March 30 Easter Vigil at 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday, March 31 Divine Service at 10:00 am

Fully handicapped-accessible

123 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-1411

www.RedeemerLCMS.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/RedeemerLCMS.com

Easter Fest ~ March 31, 2024

9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion

10:30 am

Chris Fox Photos Rock Valley Publishing

Palm Sunday, March 24 10:00 AM

7:00 PM Good Friday Evening Service, March 29

Easter Service & Children’s Easter Party, March 31 10:00 AM

132 Arthur St., Elmhurst, IL Church

130 Arthur St., Elmhurst Sacred Heart Chapel 630-530-8515

Holy Thursday - March 28

Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church

Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:00 p.m., Sacred Heart Chapel

(Adoration of the Eucharist will follow in the Church)

Night Prayer: 11:45 p.m., Church

Good Friday - March 29

Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church

Stations of the Cross: Noon, Church

Passion of the Lord: 3:00 p.m., Church A Day of Fast and Abstinence

Holy Saturday - March 30

Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church

Blessing of Easter Food: Noon, Church

Easter Vigil: 8:00 p.m., Church

Easter Sunday - March 31

Mass: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Sacred Heart Chapel

Mass: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Church (Please

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Can’t-miss events in and around DuPage County

Editor’s note: If you have information on an event in DuPage County taking place that you would like us to consider listing here, please email that information to: news1@rvpublishing.com

Ongoing

Train Saturdays

DuPage County Historical Museum Wheaton

The DuPage Society of Model Engineers operates the model railroad at the museum, 102 E. Wesley St., on the third and fifth Saturday of the month. The layout covers more than 2,000 feet of track and highlights some of DuPage County’s landmarks in a landscape full of surprises. Your family will love watching the trains run. See if you can spot Superman and the Batmobile. For more information, visit: https://dupagemuseum.org/calendar/category/ train-saturdays

North Suburban Carvers meetings

The North Suburban Carvers meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Wood Dale Public Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Anyone interested in carving, power carving, wood burning or special finishing techniques is welcome. North Suburban Carvers is a non-profit organization that promotes carving in the Chicago area. For more information, visit: northsurburbancarvers.com .org/calendar.aspx

Now through April

Meet Me at the Fair: The Chicago

World’s Fairs in DuPage County

Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, in the 19th and 20th centuries, expositions and world fairs worked to celebrate the past while also highlighting visions of the future. Chicago hosted two expositions: The World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 and A Century of Progress

World’s Fair in 1933-34. Meet Me at the Fair: The Chicago World’s Fairs in DuPage County looks at the ways in which these two expositions impacted DuPage County residents by exploring the various advancements of art, architecture, social issues, agriculture, and technology that were happening during these points of time. Admission: Free. For more information, visit: https://dupagemuseum.org/ collections-exhibits/

Friday, March 29

Doggie Egg Hunt and Bunny Photos

West Chicago

Starting at 11 a.m. presented by the West Chicago Park District, 201 W. National St., bring your paw-some four-legged friend to Wiggly Field Dog Park for a special dog-friendly egg hunt, bonnet contest, and photos with the bunny. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and proof of rabies vaccination is required to sign up for this event. Price: $10 for residents, $12 for nonresidents. Price is per dog. For more information, visit: www.we-goparks.org/special-events

Saturday, March 30

Hopper Cottontail and friends Hoppy Party

Glen Ellyn

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ackerman SFC, 800 St. Charles Road, Hopper Cottontail (Glen Ellyn’s own Easter bunny) and some of your favorite character friends are coming to Ackerman SFC for two hours of egg-citing activities and games, including egg-shaped cookie decorating, egg toss contest, and crafts (egg hunt not included). There will also be a bounce house, and an opportunity to take photos. Only children must register but must be accompanied by an adult. Per-child fee is $25 for residents, $40 for non-residents. For more information, visit: https://gepark.org/gepdevent/hopper-cottontail-and-friends-hoppy-party

The Forge celebrates Easter Lemont

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main St., The Forge is planning an EGGstra fun day at the park with scavenger hunts, egg hunts, egg rolls, and more. Plus, meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy these special activities for kids ages 14 and under. For more information, visit: https://forgeparks.com/ the-forge-celebrates-easter

Thursday, April 4

An evening with Geoffey Baer

Oak Brook

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Join the Friends of the Forest Preserve District and popular WTTW host, producer and writer Geoffrey Baer, to explore your DuPage forest preserves.

From historic architecture, namesake families, and local characters, discover fascinating stories about the preserves. For ticket prices and information, visit: https://www.dupageforest. org/friends

Friday, April 5

Pizza and Prosecco

Lisle

From 6 to 8:30 p.m. presented by the North American Pizza & Culinary Academy, 1970 University Lane, take part in a celebration of pizza and prosecco and watch our Pizzaioli at work. Our Pizzaioli will be stretching dough and firing pizzas all evening in our oven room, for this special pizza dinner. Bring all of your questions and learn pizza making from the best in the business. Price: $70 per person. For more information, visit: https://pizzaculinaryacademy.com

Saturday, April 6

Superhero 3K Fun Run

Lisle

Starting at 8:30 a.m. presented by the Wheaton Park District at the Sensory Garden Playground, 2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle, show off your superpower at the Superhero 3K Fun Run. All participants are invited to wear their favorite superhero attire as they participate in this 3K Fun Run so break out your Wonder Woman costume, Captain America T-shirt, or Iron Man mask. Along the way, you will see some of your favorite superheroes who will cheer you on. After the run, stick around for music, character meet and greets, and more fun. Price: In-person race $35, virtual race $35. For more information, visit: https://wheatonparkdistrict. com/events/funrun

The Fashion Brunch: Spring edition Naperville

From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., presented by the Downtown Naperville Alliance in downtown Naperville, join us for an exclusive fashion event highlighting both local and national fashion trends, from downtown Naperville shops, along with swag bags and exciting giveaways. A win-win-win, you’ll enjoy incredible Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House cuisine, inspiring spring fashions, giveaways, prizes and great conversation with friends. Tickets are $50 per person and are required. For more information, visit: https://downtownnaperville.com/events/ the-fashion-brunch-spring-edition

Saturday, April 6-Sunday, April 7

All-Around the House Quilt Show Bensenville

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. presented by the Bensenville Park District at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave., experience the artistry of

With recession fears subsiding, new state economic forecast expects ‘firm but steady growth’

By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The state’s two main fiscal forecasting agencies agree: Illinois’ finances will see a strong close in the final 3 ½ months of the fiscal year before things tighten a bit next year.

It’s a picture laid out in Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal last month, and it got a vote of confidence last week from the legislature’s fiscal forecasting body, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

“So looking into fiscal year 25, what are we seeing? There is some concern going forward that the economy, or not necessarily the economy, but the revenues are slowing down,” COGFA revenue manager Eric Noggle said at the annual revenue briefing to the bipartisan commission of lawmakers.

Still, COGFA staff noted general nationwide fears of a recession have subsided, and the scope of the potential slowdown is reflected in Pritzker’s proposed spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

“During our last annual revenue meeting, we mentioned that many of the economic firms were still forecasting such a chance of a recession,” COGFA executive director Clayton Klenke said. “But we mentioned that the data that we saw coming in month to month gave us greater confidence that the economy would continue to chug along. And that is what we have continued to see.”

Still, COGFA staff noted general nationwide fears of a recession have subsided, and the scope of the potential slowdown is reflected in Pritzker’s proposed spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

“During our last annual revenue meeting, we mentioned that many of the economic firms were still forecasting such a chance of a recession,” COGFA executive director Clayton Klenke said. “But we mentioned that the data that we saw coming in month to month gave us greater confidence that the economy would continue to chug along. And that is what we have continued to see.”

COGFA’s revised revenue estimates expect the current fiscal year to end with $52.6 billion in revenue,

• Primary

or about $2 billion ahead of what lawmakers budgeted for last May.

That estimate tracks closely with the revenue estimate released by the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget in February. The GOMB estimate was about 0.7 percent, or $374 million, below COGFA’s updated projection.

Current-year revenue estimates have been driven upward by strong economic performance, as seen by an annual transfer from the state’s income tax refund fund that exceeded expectations by $255 million. Larger than expected transfers from that fund are a general indicator that individual household incomes are performing strongly, driven by such factors as strong stock market or interest gains in the previous fiscal year.

But state coffers also saw about $881 million in unexpected onetime revenues this year, according to COGFA. That includes $633 million received from the federal government as reimbursement for Medicaid services the state failed to collect in previous fiscal years.

Because those one-time sources are not expected to repeat, COGFA is expecting revenues to decrease to about $52.1 billion in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

That’s $916 million below GOMB’s estimate that was included in Pritzker’s budget proposal. But Pritzker’s plan also anticipates raising more than $1 billion in additional revenue through tax law changes, including more than doubling the state tax on sports betting and extending a cap on a tax credit for net operating losses that businesses can claim.

Factoring in those changes, COGFA’s estimate would be about $182 million above what the governor’s office projected in February – a difference of just 0.3 percent.

Benjamin Varner, COGFA’s chief economist, said the state’s economic projections are largely based on data from the financial analytics group S&P Global.

S&P projected a 55 percent likelihood that the economy will progress “with firm but slowing growth.” It projected a 30 percent likelihood of a “pessimistic” scenario which would entail “a short, two-quarter

(Continued from page 9)

where incumbent Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, is stepping down. No Democrat has entered that race so far.

In a race to replace retiring Sen. Win Stoller in the 37th Senate District, former Dixon Mayor Li Arellano Jr. won a three-way primary against Henry County Board member Tim Yager and Chris Bishop, a former teacher and high school wrestling coach who now works in crop insurance.

In the 53rd Senate District, where incumbent Sen. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, is stepping down, Grundy County Board member Chris Balkema came out ahead in a four-way race against

recession.” A more optimistic scenario, marked by “stronger consumer demand and more banking support,” was given a 15 percent likelihood.

Noggle noted sales tax revenues are a main area of concern, driven by a slowdown in “big item purchases.” He said that was a result of the federal reserve keeping interest rates high, which discourages borrowing.

Growth in sales tax has also slowed as federal stimulus funds have waned, he said, and consumers are slowly moving back toward pre-pandemic trends of spending more money on untaxed services than on taxable goods. Wages and employment are still growing in Il-

linois, but at a slower pace than one year ago.

been volatile and difficult to predict as far as state revenues go, he noted.

Susan Winn Bence, Jesse Faber, and Mark Kirkton.

And in the 58th District in southern Illinois, Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, the only incumbent senator to face a primary challenge, won her race against local attorney Wesley Kash.

In the 1st District Democratic primary for a Cook County seat on the Illinois Supreme Court, incumbent Justice Joy Cunningham defeated challenger Jesse Reyes, an appellate court justice, by a roughly 75-25 percent margin. Cunningham was appointed to the seat in 2022 to replace retiring Justice Anne Burke.

Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, noted Illinois’ recent string of revenue overperformance is at least partially attributable to the fact that lawmakers have adopted conservative revenue estimates.

“In these times of uncertainty, if things go bad, it could go really bad,” Noggle responded. “And I think it’s our responsibility to not provide a number that is too optimistic or too pessimistic.”

Caution, Noggle noted earlier in the meeting, is one reason COGFA did not update its personal income tax estimates for the current fiscal year. April and May have generally

But Noggle said his “gut” tells him an upward revision in that category could still be on the horizon.

“Just personally doing my own taxes and talking to my father-inlaw and my dad, that all three of us have had to pay more taxes than we expected,” he said. “But the good news is, that’s because the higher interest income that we’ve gained from our savings accounts and our CDs and stuff like that. So if that is the same case throughout the state, which it probably will be, I think revenues will turn out to be pretty good from final tax payments in this fiscal year.”

• Events (Continued from

page 26)

quilting. Explore a stunning array of intricate quilts created by local talents, or have a quilt appraised by an AQS-certified appraiser by appointment for a small fee. From traditional designs to contemporary masterpieces, this event celebrates the timeless craft of quilting. Vendors and volunteers needed. Adults $5; ages 5-15, $2; ages 4-and-under free. For more information, visit: https://www.bvilleparks.org

Monday, April 8

Solar eclipse viewing party

Oak Brook

From 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, join us for a party with solar viewing glasses, activities, crafts, and, in case of clouds, a live stream of the eclipse. The maximum eclipse will take place at 2:07 p.m. All ages. Free. For more information, visit: www.dupageforest.org

Solar eclipse at Lions Park

Warrenville

From noon to 3 p.m. at Lions Park, 27W650 Parkview Ave., gather at Lions Park to view the solar eclipse. There will be hot dogs, snacks, and drinks for people to enjoy. There will also be free sunglasses for all to view the eclipse safely. For more information, visit: www. warrenvilleparks.org/event/solar-eclipse-at-the-park

Thursday, April 11

Ladies Night Out—spring edition

Glen Ellyn

From 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Glen Ellyn, grab your friends to sip, shop, and stroll your way through 19 stores. The night is filled with friends, fun, bites, sips, and deals that are amazing. Tickets are $15 per person. For more information, visit: https://downtownglenellyn. com/lno-spring-edition

Looking to build your dream home, but no idea where to begin?

Want to add 2 bedrooms and a bath to your home and not sure how to finance the addition?

Community Bank of Elmhurst:

The Construction Financing Experts!

Get all your questions answered:

• Where do we start? The Architect? The Builder? Our Bank? The Realtor?

• How long does the process take? Will we need to live elsewhere while our addition is built?

• How do we know what it will cost? Can we afford the project?

• How does construction financing work? What process does my Bank use to pay my contractors?

• How do I ensure subcontractors are paid and my property won’t end up with a lien through no fault of my own?