lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s loss to post an 11-2 win in Saturday’s game at Hinsdale Central. The Warriors bashed three home runs in the second inning of Sat urday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Silver Conference. Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and sophomore Kayleigh Dennison provided the home runs. Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the background of the above photo. For more about the Warriors, see page 14.
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.
377325
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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 Concerns 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.
Demolition of Villa Park’s Community Recreation Building (CRB) and site began last week. The demolition process included the removal of the playground outside of the building, which is located at 320 E. Wildwood Ave. The CRB is being demolished to create space for the construction of the village’s new community center. “The CRB building served our community well for many years, but as we say goodbye to this older facility and outdated playground, we say hello to a new state-of-the-art facility that will enhance our community,” noted a recent statement on the village’s website. “This recreation center will be a hub of activity, offering opportunities for fitness, leisure and community engagement.” In September 2021, the Village of Villa Park received notice that the community received a $10 million grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) that could be used to pay for the construction of a new community center. The new building, which could be completed in late 2024, will include a full gymnasium, a fully equipped fitness center and multipurpose rooms.
Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 held its Memorial Day service on Monday morning at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park. Post Commander Jim Blankshain is pictured bowing his head as Willowbrook High School students Lily Hendrickson and Anna Seelbach sound taps at the end of the ceremony. The post’s 2020 Memorial Day event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s observance included a reading of the names of the Post 2801 members who have recently died. That list included World War II veteran Charles “Sid” Bergh, who served as the master of ceremonies of the post’s annual Memorial Day service for several years. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Bergh died in October 2020. He was 94 years old. Bergh was the post’s last surviving World War II veteran.
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During its June 26 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education along with the administration recognized D88 Chief Financial Officer Ed Hoster for 10 years of dedicated service to the district. He was presented with a personalized glass sculpture created by former Willowbrook art department head Bob Fritz. Hoster joined the District 88 family in May 2013 and retired on June 30.
Hoster’s impact was palpable from the beginning, and he quickly established himself as a tireless and meticulous steward of the district’s resources. Hoster makes financial decisions through a lens of equity,
keeping the needs of students at the forefront, while also prioritizing a high level of customer service to the district’s stakeholders.
as to the district’s students, staff and families – is always apparent. He is laser focused on ensuring all decisions made are student-centered and in the best interest of the pupils.
Highlights from Hoster’s time with District 88 include:
had internet access throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring each child had a Chromebook;
Ed HosterHoster earned his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Illinois State University and his master’s degree in school business management from Northern Illinois University.
His passion for public education and his dedication to being fair and responsible to taxpayers – as well
• highly transparent fiscal management;
• steadfast commitment to providing food for our students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic;
• upgrades to the district’s foodservice quality;
• implementing “check your check” day sessions;
• helping to make sure students
• many facility updates, including the security vestibule at Willowbrook; the concession stand at Willowbrook; the tennis courts at Willowbrook; air-conditioning in the CTE wings at Addison Trail and Willowbrook; developing a new culinary arts space at Addison Trail; expanding and renovating the Transition Program space at the District 88 Office; adding more handicap and visitor parking at Addison Trail; and upgrading the auditoriums at Addison Trail and Willowbrook;
• helping the district maintain a financial rating of Aa1 from Moody’s and the highest level of Recognition for the financial rating from the Illinois State Board of Education.
Hoster was named as a 2021 recipient of the Illinois Association of School Business (ASBO) Monarch Award, one of the highest honors the organization bestows upon its members.
In retirement, Hoster plans to do more traveling and find a new balance.
District 88 is grateful for his tremendous passion and contributions and wishes him all the best in the future.
During its June 26 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education and administration recognized and thanked the retiring Dr. Darlene J. Ruscitti, regional superintendent of schools for DuPage County, for her years of service and commitment to public education. She was presented with a personalized glass sculpture. Dr. Ruscitti has served as regional superintendent for 20 years and was the first woman to be elected to that position since the
The 27th Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC) “An Afternoon in the Garden” Garden Walk and Boutique Faire featuring six glorious private gardens and one special birthday celebration public garden will be held Sunday, July 9 from 10 a.m.4 p.m.
Tickets will be sold online only at the web site: elmhurstgardenclub.org.
From now until midnight on July 8, tickets will be $18 per person, After that date, tickets will be $23 each.
The featured public garden this year is the Wilder Park Conservatory, which will hold its 100th Birthday Celebration with refreshments at 10 a.m. at the Conservatory. The Boutique Faire in Wilder Park, featuring a garden plants sale, accessories, horticultural experts, and more is free and open to the public.
Proceeds from the EGC Walk will fund scholarships awarded to college/university students majoring in Horticulture, Environmental Studies, and other related sciences.
Since 1996 more than $210,000 in EGC Scholarship Funds have been awarded to deserving students. Further information available at elmhurstgardenclub.org.
inception of the DuPage Regional Office of Education in 1854.
Dr. Ruscitti’s awards and rec -
ognitions include the Leonardo da Vinci Award from the Illinois Order of the Sons of Italy in America, the Impresa Award from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Women’s Division, Educator of the Year from the DuPage Mental Illness Association, the Lamp of Learning Award, Outstanding Woman Education Leader of the Year for She has always been an advocate and friend of District 88, often seen mingling with new District 88 staff members during the back-to-school community breakfast, attending the annual District 88 crosstown football game and joining the district during meetings with local Realtors, community groups and more. Ruscitti was a leader and supporter during the COVID-19 pandemic, has offered
critical guidance with countywide equity work and has provided educators with resources and professional development to benefit students.
Ruscitti has helped build positive futures for countless students
through her contributions to public education and always puts the needs of students first. The positive impact her efforts have made on the schools and communities of DuPage County will last for years to come.
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The winner’s share of Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801’s current Queen of Hearts contest stands at over $15,000—before taxes.
That figure is certain to rise before the 8 p.m. drawing this Friday, July 7. The drawing will take place at the post, which is located at 39 E. St. Charles Road.
A five-pack of tickets in the Queen of Hearts drawing costs $5. Contestants do not need to be
present at the Friday-night drawing. Tickets are on sale at the post throughout the week, up until a few minutes before the ticket drawing.
The contest features a board of 54 spaces that represent a full deck of cards, including two jokers. Each card on the board is numbered and concealed.
The ticket drum is cleared after each week’s drawing.
Each Friday, the contest tickets that were sold during the week are
spun in the rotating drum, and one ticket is selected. That ticket includes a number representing one of the spaces in which the card has not yet been revealed.
If the card on that space contains the Queen of Hearts, the owner of the selected ticket claims the winner’s share.
The Queen of Hearts is still hiding behind one of 13 covered spaces remaining on the contest board. She can’t hide much longer.
The District 45 Foundation for Excellence in Education visited several District 45 staff members in May to award grants for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. Foundation Board President Rae Rupp Srch joined directors Linda Nystrom and Peg Egan, along with ex officio director Al Legutki and District 45 Superintendent Tony Palmisano, to visit district schools to surprise grant recipients with news of their award. In all, the foundation awarded five educational grants totaling about $5,760. The photo shows foundation members during their visit to Villa Park’s North Elementary School (150 W. Sunset Drive), where they awarded Principal Fred Leinweber, assistant principal Joe Ritchie and teachers Carly Lee and Desta Wenzloff with a $1,900 grant for the “Let’s Read Together” program. Pictured left to right are: Leinweber, Egan, Nystrom, Ritchie, Legutki, Rupp Srch, Lee, Wenzloff and Palmisano. In February, the foundation invited district staff members to apply for grants for new and innovative projects that were not within District 45’s normal operating budget. In April, the foundation’s board of directors carefully reviewed the grant applications and arrived at the five winning proposals. In addition to awarding the grant to the educators at North Elementary School, the foundation awarded 2023-24 educational grants to fund projects at Stevenson, Westmore, Ardmore and Schafer elementary schools.
Ryan William Brown, a Villa Park resident and 2021 graduate of Willowbrook High School, was recently elected as International Master Councilor by the DeMolay Congress at the DeMolay International Supreme session in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Founded in 1919, DeMolay International is an international youth leadership organization for ages 12 to 21 that strives to shape young men into leaders of character.
The DeMolay Congress is the Senate-style body where two voting delegates represent each DeMolay Jurisdiction. The delegates meet once a year and elect an International Master who will lead and serve as the heads of the body for a time span of one year.
Brown, who will be attending College of DuPage this fall, has been a member of the Bloomingdale chapter since 2015.
Villa Park’s residents take pride in preserving the community’s natural beauty—from parks and woods to creeks and trails. Keeping public spaces clean ensures they can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
One way to protect these areas is to make recycling efficient and effective. Well-run recycling systems are designed to keep recyclables out of places they don’t belong, including Villa Park’s outdoor spaces.
That’s why the Illinois Beverage Association, in collaboration with American Beverage, is excited to help modernize curbside recycling collection
services in Villa Park through an Every Bottle Back investment. The Every Bottle Back initiative is a partnership between America’s leading beverage companies and sustainability leaders at World Wildlife Fund, The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners, which aims to improve recycling capability and capacity.
This $780,000 investment from the beverage industry coupled with local funds will pay for a significant upgrade to Villa Park’s recycling infrastructure. The funding will transition the community from small, self-provided containers to large, standardized 65-gallon recycling carts. Increasing the collection capacity for recyclable materials will make it easier than ever to ensure
recyclable items—including the beverage industry’s 100 percent recyclable bottles and cans—can be recycled and remade as intended. Members of the Illinois Beverage Association live and work in the communities they serve and want to keep them pristine. This investment will help do that. In fact, over the next decade it is projected Villa Park will collect 335,400 more new pounds of PET plastic, the most recyclable plastic available that we use to make 100 percent recyclable bottles. In addition, the investment is estimated to collect an additional 111,800 pounds of aluminum cans, strengthening our circular economy.
Villa Park is not the only Every Bottle Back investment we are proud
to see become a reality in Illinois. A separate investment in nearby LaSalle is another example of strong public-private partnerships in action. In LaSalle, the beverage industry worked with local leaders to upgrade recycling containers for 3,700 households and spearhead an information campaign about best recycling practices. We are making progress toward more efficient and effective recycling, but there is more to do. At the Illinois Beverage Association, fostering clean and sustainable communities is part of our mission. Through Every Bottle Back investments and beyond, we will continue to look for ways to work with local leaders and protect our environment.
The Villa Park Mariners’ June 28 meet against Wood Dale/Addison in Wood Dale was canceled due to poor air quality caused by smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The Mariners and all of the other teams in the DuPage Swim and Dive Conference did not compete on Saturday, July 1, and Wednesday, July 5, due to the Fourth of July holiday. The Mariners will complete their regular season with this Saturday’s meet at Roselle. One
photo from Villa Park’s most recent meet—a home meet against Hanover Park on June 24—shows Annabelle Thompson, who delivered an individual victory for the Mariners in the 50-meter backstroke and anchored a pair of winning relay teams in the 15-18 girls level. Another photo from the same meet shows Villa Park’s Ian Mueller, who won the 50-meter backstroke and swam on two winning relay teams in the 13-14 boys division.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires leads to numerous closures at area public pools; Jefferson Pool was closed all day on June 28
The Villa Park Mariners were supposed to swim against Wood Dale/ Addison last week.
The June 28 meet in Wood Dale, however, was canceled because of poor air quality.
Public pools in Wood Dale and
several other area communities, including Villa Park and Lombard, were closed during the middle of last week because of the poor air quality caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires.
The unhealthy air quality led to
Sarah Ball, who is a Villa Park resident and a member of Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2023, has been named to the 2023 NFF Team of Distinction by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (NFF) for her accomplishments as a member/captain of the Willowbrook flag football team. Ball is one of 79 people to receive the NFF recognition. The honorees were selected from a pool of 3,500 scholar-athletes identified by a nationwide chapter network. Each chapter is limited to one honoree, distinguishing that individual as the top scholar-athlete from all high schools covered by the chapter. In February, Ball was one of three recipients of the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter’s Scholar-Athlete Award, which recognizes students for excellence on the football field, in the classroom and in the community and provides them with a $5,000 scholarship. She is the first flag football player and the third female student-athlete to receive that award. An athletic and academic standout at Willowbrook, Ball helped the school’s flag football team to a historic first season during the 2022-23 school year. The Warriors won the inaugural Chicago Bears Girls Flag State Championship in October. Willowbrook won an NFL FLAG regional tournament in Ohio in November. The Warriors competed at the NFL FLAG Championships in Nevada in February. In addition to excelling on Willowbrook’s flag football team, Ball was a key member of the school’s girls gymnastics and girls track and field teams during her time as a Warrior. Ball will attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She will study nursing and be a member of the Spartans’ women’s track and field team.
Jefferson Pool in Villa Park closing on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 27.
Jefferson Pool was closed all day on Wednesday, June 28. The pool reopened on Thursday, June 29.
The Mariners and the 11 other teams in the DuPage Swim and Dive
Conference did not swim on Saturday, July 1, or Wednesday, July 5, due to the Fourth of July holiday. The Mariners will finish their regular season with this Saturday’s meet against the Roselle Racers in Roselle.
Some Mariners will finish the
2023 season by competing in the DuPage Swim and Dive Conference’s Red Division ‘B’ Meet on July 15. Other Mariners will complete the season by swimming in the conference’s Red Division ‘A’ Meet on July 22.
Area police departments recently reported the following arrests and citations. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.
Addison
June 27
Austin S. Kinnett, 31, of Indianapolis, Ind., was charged with possession of a controlled substance in the 1700 block W. Army Trail.
Tyshar K. Mosley, 35, of Glenview, was charged with obstructing identification, driving while license suspended, expired registration and no insurance near Swift and Pampered Chef at 10:29 p.m.
June 26
An 18-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery and obstructing a police officer
at 1:48 p.m.
Jonathan Juarez-Rodriguez, 24, of Lombard, was charged with resisting a police officer in the 1100 block of Bloomingdale at 10:15 p.m.
June 25
Julio Cecena Sauza, 25, of Cicero, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, DUI-drugs, improper lane usage and no insurance near Villa and Palmer at 4:20 a.m.
June 24
Carlos D. Lopez-Fabian, 21, of Addison, was charged with possession of a controlled substance in the 500 block of W. Byron at 2 a.m.
Edwin Ramirez Rivas, 30, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI and failure to reduce speed in the 500 block of N. Macie at 12:05 a.m.
June 23
Lauren A. Eilken, 34, of Addison, was charged with criminal trespass to a residence and criminal damage to property in the 1-100 block of N. High-
view at 4:07 p.m.
June 22
Jazmine R. Alexander, 42, of Schaumburg, was charged with DUI in the 100 block of E. Lake at 11:06 p.m.
June 21
Sierra M. Guajardo Paredes, 26, of Addison, was charged with obstructing identification at 6:45 a.m.
Syed M. Qadri, 30, of Addison, was charged with two counts of theft, violation of bail bond and aiding, abetting, possession and sale of a stolen vehicle in the 600 block of E. Lake at 7:42 p.m.
Tony L. White, 42, of Chicago, was charged with theft by deception.
Villa Park
June 24
A 33-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery, DUI, driving too fast for conditions and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident in the 300 block of S. Riverside at 12:29 a.m.
A complainant at a pharmacy in the
200 block of E. Roosevelt reported at 3:13 a.m. that suspects removed several items from display shelves and left the store without paying.
Julian F. Rodriguez Cabrera, 19, of Villa Park, was issued citations for reckless driving/squealing or screeching tires in the 300 block of E. North at 11:50 p.m.
June 23
A complainant at Jefferson Pool reported that an unknown suspect entered the building through an unsecured window and removed bottles of Gatorade.
A complainant in the 400 block of W. Division reported at 8:54 p.m. that unknown suspects battered them. The complainant does not want to press charges.
A complainant at a pharmacy in the 200 block of E. Roosevelt reported at 11:41 p.m. that an unknown suspect removed items from display shelves and left without paying.
June 22
Stefany N. Avila, 25, of Chicago, was charged with two counts of DUI near W. North and N. Main at 2:09 p.m.
June 20
LaShawn Howard, 51, of Maywood, was charged with burglary, possession of a controlled substance, retail theft, driving while license suspended, operating a vehicle with a cancelled, suspended or revoked Illinois registration, improper display of a registration plate and no registration plate on the front or
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rear of a vehicle at a pharmacy in the 200 block of E. Roosevelt at 8:24 p.m.
A 35-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence in the 300 block of N. Lincoln at 3:13 a.m.
A complainant at a hotel in the 300 block of E. Roosevelt reported at 8:32 a.m. that an unknown suspect removed items while they were sleeping in the lobby.
A complainant at a business in the 600 block of W. North reported at 8:29 p.m. that a suspect slashed two tires of a vehicle parked in the parking lot.
June 19
A 25-year-old man from Carrier Mills, Ill., was charged with two counts of domestic battery, driving while license suspended and no insurance at a shopping center in the 200 block of W. Roosevelt at 11:42 a.m.
A complainant in the 400 block of N. Chatham reported at 10:46 a.m. that a suspect battered them. The complainant did not show signs of injury and did not want to press charges.
A complainant at a liquor store in the 500 block of W. St. Charles reported at 2:41 p.m. that an unknown suspect removed bottles of alcohol from display shelves and left the store without paying.
According to information provided last week by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported three incidents of residents being a victim of fraud or identity theft.
DuPage County Animal Services is asking for the community’s help as the County’s animal shelter has reached its capacity to safely provide care for dogs, cats, and other animals. Due to a large number of surrenders and other admissions, the DuPage County Animal Shelter (DCAS) is currently housing 80 dogs, 119 cats, 34 small and exotic animals. “At this point, the shelter is over capacity, and we need the community’s help,” said Brian Krajewski, chairman of the DuPage County Ani-
mal Services Committee. “We’ve taken in more dogs this summer than we have in years. We’ve had several owner surrenders and admissions of dozens of dogs at once. Therefore, our shelter population has quickly ballooned. For those looking for their next pet, DuPage County Animal Services is also waiving adoption fees on select dogs. The “Chicago Dog Summer” promotion features dogs over 40 pounds who may have a harder time finding a home.
When confronting a problem. I’ve always been told to gain perspective by thinking about how important this issue will be in five years. It’s a useful exercise.
But going into the future is mere speculation. You don’t/can’t know where you will be in five years. Maybe your troubles will be small; maybe they will be great.
So, while the approach of looking ahead has worked for me thus far, I’m proposing something completely different. What if we take this idea and turn it on its head?
Instead of looking to the future, how about we go back—to the past?
Put yourself in your own shoes five years ago. Here, there is no guessing. You know exactly where you were five or even 10 years ago. You know far too well the obstacles you’ve encountered— and overcome—since then.
And these obstacles, I think, can perhaps better help us put our present angst into perspective.
Today I struggle with the need to purchase a car. Or maybe a washing machine that needs repair. Or perhaps one of my kids needs a job.
All angst-worthy situations.
But.
How do they compare to other angst-worthy situations I’ve encountered in the past?
I advised going back five years, but I don’t have to go that far. For me, the key year is (and probably always will be) 2020. In 2020, COVID hit, the world shut down, my dad died and then my husband died. All in those 12 precious months. Worst year of my life - so far and I hope ever.
My present angst doesn’t come close to that of 2020. It isn’t even a sliver.
Still, it threatens to overpower my day - with worry, consternation, with what-ifs and worst-case-scenarios. All a waste of my good time. I read somewhere once that it isn’t negative events that cause anxiety, it’s the way we think about those events—or how much we allow ourselves to think about those events.
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
We think we can control the negative events in our lives but that is most often impossible. We can’t control negative events any more than we can control lightning or the tide or the path of a tornado. We aren’t in control of the bad things that happen in our lives. We are in control of how we respond to them.
It’s tempting to get caught up in the maze of turbulence that is life. And sometimes I do, but not for long—at least not often. Much, much less than in the past—prior to 2020. That’s for sure.
I only need to think of 2020 and suddenly perspective becomes crystal clear. I survived 2020. Certainly, I can survive an appliance repair.
It’s a no-brainer.
Maybe that’s the hidden gift of hard times. They create perspective. They give a backdrop onto reality. They make everyday problems seem doable because they are.
Life provides hills and hurdles. It isn’t a clear path because it wasn’t designed to be. We wouldn’t learn needed lessons if all we experienced was easy street. Life is meant to be hard. Gulp.
Because hard pushes us. Hard makes us grow. Hard helps us to rise above the problems of today and realize we can tackle tomorrow. Hard—when conquered - makes us the opposite of hard.
It opens us to the beauty in every moment. Hard, when tackled correctly, softens us. It allows us to be more loving and kind. And in doing so, it makes the world a kinder place.
And, really, truly, that’s what this is all about, isn’t it?
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
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Editor’s note: This op-ed was distributed by Capitol News Illinois on behalf of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own.
By John T. ShawMany of us learned long ago of the limited persuasive power of unsolicited advice. Offering unprompted words of wisdom is the clear triumph of hope over experience! Nonetheless, this spring I bravely offered my students at Southern Illinois University some of the lessons that I have learned over my career. I humbly offer them here as well.
1. Work hard at every job—even the ones you don’t like. You can learn a lot from work that isn’t fun, rewarding, or stimulating. In addition to gaining skills, you can also study the qualities of successful colleagues. Learn from stars.
2. Try out as many things professionally as possible early in your career. Take chances; don’t be afraid to fail, and then focus by midcareer.
3. Travel as much as you can within your own country and abroad. Traveling expands your horizons and makes you a larger person. And it’s fun.
4. Read, especially books, and
especially biographies and memoirs. They are life’s instruction manuals.
5. Commit to excellence. My favorite historian, Barbara Tuchman, wrote that you either do things right or half-right, your approach is either careful or sloppy. Always try to do things right and make sure your approach is careful.
6. Keep improving your skills, in particular writing and negotiating. Effective writing requires clear thinking which is both valuable and rare. And much of life is negotiating, even when we are not aware of it.
7. Play the long game. Stay in touch with people. Send notes, make calls, and ask questions of your bosses, colleagues, friends and especially your parents and grandparents. Mark Twain was right: “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”
8. Persistence is an underrated, even essential, quality. Press ahead on projects and refuse to give up. Stay humble, exceed expectations, and control the controllables.
9. Make time to think and plan. George Shultz, as secretary of state, set aside one hour a week to sit quietly in his office to consider what he was trying to accomplish. He brought only a notepad, a pen, and his thoughts. Thinking and planning allows us to avoid one of life’s
greatest traps: letting the urgent take precedence over the important.
10. Take every opportunity, even small ones, to be courageous.
John F. Kennedy wrote that courage “requires no exceptional qualifications, no magic formula, no special combination of time, place and circumstance. It is an opportunity that sooner or later is presented to us all.”
11. Be on the lookout for mentors. Life has a way of providing them at times and in places that are surprising. Watch for them and pay as much attention to what they do as to what they say.
12. Be a good citizen. Learn how your government works, vote, support honorable candidates even if you don’t agree with all their views. Make life better in your community and support problem-solvers.
13. Enjoy life; the years pass quickly. Al McGuire, the legendary coach of Marquette University, sent a note to one of his successors, Tom Crean, wishing him luck. McGuire’s handwriting was not completely legible, so the note ended with either “Enjoy the sun” or “Enjoy the run.” Whichever word McGuire intended, the meaning is the same.
John T. Shaw is the director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois Institute Carbondale. His monthly column explores how Illinois can work toward better politics and smarter government.
A new state fiscal year began July 1, ushering in the reinstatement of a 1 percent tax on groceries and a second increase to the state’s motor fuel tax in 2023.
Amid record-high inflation last spring, the General Assembly temporarily waived Illinois’ grocery tax for the coming fiscal year and delayed the annual increase in the state’s motor fuel tax for six months. Democrats introduced both those measures as part of a larger tax relief package that drew criticisms for its proximity to the November general election.
“What we did last year was a temporary measure because we had very high inflation,” Pritzker said when asked at an unrelated news conference June 27 whether the changes were election-related. “Inflation, you may notice, has come down.”
Inflation was approaching 9 percent when the tax relief plan passed last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, but it was 4 percent last month when the fiscal year 2024 was budget passed.
The Pritzker administration es-
timated at the time the temporary pause on the grocery tax would cost the state $400 million. Most grocery tax revenues are distributed to local governments, so last year lawmakers directed state general revenue funds to reimburse local governments for any financial hit they would have taken due to the pause.
“I would like very much to eliminate entirely the grocery tax, but it is a matter of local governments and what they would do if they didn’t have that income as a result of the grocery tax,” Pritzker said, faulting Republicans for “complaining” about the tax being reimposed without offering revenue alternatives.
The motor fuel tax on gasoline, gasohol and compressed natural gas, meanwhile, will increase by 3.1 cents on July 1, to 45.4 cents per gallon. The tax rate for diesel fuel will also increase by 3.1 cents, to 52.9 cents per gallon.
The automatic increase in the fuel tax at the beginning of the new fiscal year is an annual process that became law in 2019 with bipartisan support . Lawmakers doubled the motor fuel tax and indexed it
to increase at the rate of the federal government’s Consumer Price Index each year.
The motor fuel tax revenue, combined with one-time increases to license and registration fees that took effect in 2020, provided the funding backbone of the state’s $33.2 billion six-year infrastructure plan for road and bridge upkeep, dubbed Rebuild Illinois. According to the governor’s office, Rebuild Illinois has funded $10.9 billion of upgrades as of March 31, including 4,913 miles of roads, 479 structures, and 709 other safety improvements.
Last year’s July 1 motor fuel tax increase was delayed six months, so the per-gallon tax already increased by 3.1 cents in January. Pritzker last year estimated that the temporary pause on the gas tax hike would have saved consumers about $70 million.
As part of last year’s tax relief plan, lost motor fuel tax revenues were replaced by money from the state’s Leaking Underground Storage Tank fund, which is historically paid into by fees and fines related to underground chemical storage tanks, such as those at gas stations.
AIR CONDITIONER
AUGUST BASEBALL
BEACH
BOATING CAMP CANOE CLOUDS
DIVING
FANS
GARDENING
HEAT
HOT
HUMID
ICE CREAM
INDOORS
MUGGY
OCEAN
POPSICLE
SHADE
SUMMER
TEMPERATURE
THUNDERSTORM
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. Indicates tire pressure
4. Request
7. Clairvoyance
10. 007’s creator
11. Adult male
12. Scandinavian god of battle
13. Cloths spread on a coffin
15. Breeze through
16. Ladyfish genus
19. It’s good to take them
21. Noble-governed territory
23. Members of U.S. Navy
24. Card game resembling rummy
25. Affected by injury
26. Member of a Semitic people
27. Left
30. Woman’s cloak
34. S. American plant
35. Prohibit
36. Offense
41. Dish soap brand
45. Ottoman military commanders
46. Ancient Greek City
47. Makes unhappy
50. Discuss again
54. Medical instrument
55. Promote
56. A beloved carb
57. Tag the base runner to get him out
59. Prehistoric people
60. Large African antelope
61. Vehicle
62. Georgia rockers
63. Scientific instrument (abbr.)
64. A major division of geological time
65. Attempt
CLUES DOWN
1. Plant of the nettle family
2. Fit to be sold
3. Rather
4. Collected
5. A baglike structure in a plant or animal
6. Patella
7. Ageless
8. Lists of course requirements
9. Pokes at
13. TV network
14. They __
17. Cooking hardware
18. U.S. Army title
20. Iron-containing compound
22. Swiss river (alt. spelling)
27. Former French coin
28. Electronic countermeasures
29. Taxi
31. Helps little firms
32. Woeful
33. Midway between northeast and east
37. Glowing
38. Tasks which should be done
39. An informal body of friends
40. Intrinsic nature
41. Neural structures
42. Brews
43. Where ships unload cargo
44. Singer
47. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)
48. Southwest Scotland town
49. Most worthless parts
51. Viscous
52. Put to work
53. Old world, new
58. Swiss river
VACATION Answers
A trip from St. Louis to Chicago via Amtrak’s Lincoln Service will be about 15 minutes quicker starting this week due to track upgrades that allow for increased speeds.
The Amtrak line ran its first 110 mph service last week, up from 90 mph previously, which would make the one-way trip less than five hours long. The trip is now a full 30 minutes quicker than when the service ran at 79 mph when the project began in 2010.
former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood were on hand for the news conference, alongside others from Illinois’ congressional delegation, representatives of federal transit agencies and Union Pacific Railroad.
“Our railway is just a microcosm of the monumental collaboration of the federal government, the state of Illinois and local governments to modernize our infrastructure,” Pritzker said.
In addition to the higher speed service, the infrastructure project also included major upgrades at rail crossings and new stations in Dwight, Pontiac, Carlinville and Alton, as well as upgrades to the Lincoln, Normal and Springfield stations.
Rail passengers will also see new railcars on the Lincoln Service route and several other routes throughout the Midwest, including the Chicago-to-Carbondale Illini/Saluki route and the Chicago-to-Quincy Carl Sandburg/Illinois Zephyr route.
The upgraded passenger cars will
be rolled out by the end of August, with updated cafe cars slated for 2024, according to Jennifer Bastian, the Illinois Department of Transportation official who managed the passenger car project.
The new cars, which cost about $3 million each, are engineered to minimize noise and increase accessibility. These include measures to increase compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, such as wider and more stable walkways between cars, wheelchair lifts and seat designs to facilitate easier wheelchair transfers.
The U.S. Department of Justice and Amtrak signed a settlement agreement in 2020 to upgrade stations throughout the country to comply with the ADA.
According to Amtrak’s most recent report on ADA compliance from April 2022, the rail service had completed 373 station construction and design projects, with 167 in progress and 364 remaining. Amtrak is also updating passenger display boards and boarding technology as
part of its ADA settlement agreement with the federal Department of Justice in 2020. Amtrak is also
updating passenger display boards and boarding technology as part of the ADA settlement agreement.
The faster speed doesn’t meet the federal definition of high-speed rail—125 mph—but the new Lincoln Service is faster than most other Amtrak trains. Less than half of Amtrak trains pass 100 mph, according to a March Amtrak report
The speed upgrade is part of a broader $1.96 billion infrastructure project aimed at upgrading passenger rail service in Illinois.
The funds mostly came from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a 2009 stimulus package passed in response to the Great Recession. Around $300 million in funding for the project came from a mix of state and non-federal sources, according to the governor’s office.
Ray Lang, Amtrak’s vice president of state-supported services, said he believes the upgrades to route speed will help the company make rail travel more appealing downstate.
“We really think that now we’ll really begin to penetrate that market in a meaningful way south of Springfield and really begin to compete with the aviation industry between St. Louis and Chicago,” Lang said.
In fiscal year 2022, the Lincoln Service route had a ridership of 476,000, up 82 percent from 261,000 the previous year, which included several months in late 2020 and 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic was still disrupting daily travel.
Despite the growth, ridership has yet to surpass pre-pandemic levels
In FY 2019, the route saw about 628,000 trips, according to Amtrak data.
Local, state and federal officials celebrated the infrastructure investment at Chicago’s Union Station on June 26. Gov. JB Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and
Under a well lit canopyConveniently located on Lake Street / just west of Addison Road
“ Our railway is just a microcosm of the monumental collaboration of the federal government, the state of Illinois and local governments to modernize our infrastructure.”
–Gov. JB Pritzker
My husband and I were so glad to read the article about Cooper Merrinette who, with the help of many, was able to arrange a respectful funeral service and burial for seven long-forgotten war veterans. How so many people from different stages of life came together to make it happen was inspiring and fosters hope for our humanity. We would love to see more human-interest articles in the future. Thanks again, bye-bye.
If Donald Trump ends up being the Republican nominee in 2024, I have just the running mate for him. Hunter Biden! What a team they would make!
In response to the recent shooting in Willowbrook, Gov. JB Pritzker said he remains committed to banning “these dangerous weapons and making our state safer for everyone.” And our very strict gun laws are effective how? We need to look more closely at the sociological and demographical aspects of what is going on with these individuals who think killing is the answer. An answer to what, though? Retribution? Revenge? Gang rivalry? Exerting a sense of power? Pure hate? I have said it before, but I think there needs to be a “summit” with the “gang-bangers” and whoever else is responsible for the shootings, and have a real dialogue about what the motives are, and why they think violence and killing is the answer. We can’t just blame having absent fathers or lack of opportunity, as some—such as clergy—have suggested, because there are many more people who succeed in spite of their environment. And it’s not just “inner city” violence anymore.
It is coming to the suburbs, as the Willowbrook shooting incident proves. * * *
It seems like there are one or two outrages every week from the Democrats. It never ends. So the latest is the Hunter Biden whitewash from the DOJ. No prison time, a slap on the wrist. The IRS dings him for unreported income but there is no investigation into how he earned that income. Unbelievable.
* * *
This is for all you Biden lovers out there: you got sold a bill of goods. If this country and you Biden lovers don’t vote this guy out, you’re not going to have a country. The guy is a radical socialist.
* * *
If our president doesn’t know
what’s going on in his own family as he has indicated, how can he be in the know about international affairs? He seems to be oblivious to any questions from the public and the press. We got rid of Trump, but I think we cut off our nose to spite our face, as the saying goes. Where are we going from here?
* * *
According to IRS whistleblower testimony to Congress, Hunter Biden deducted tens of thousands of dollars in payments he made to a prostitute and a sex club from his taxes. Additionally, Biden allegedly went to great lengths to underreport his income and avoid paying $106,000 in taxes. If you or I were accused of doing this, would we get a slap on the wrist? Would we avoid prison?
* * *
A free ride from the government is socialism, and the next stop is communism.
* * *
Hey, this is a message for the person who flies the American flag in the back of the Ukrainian flag. If you know the rules of the flag, the American flag flies first and in front; the Ukraine flag in back. So I hope you put the American flag in front. If you’re going to be an American, that’s what you do. Bye.
* * *
I’m glad I didn’t get rid of my masks. Good grief, what is this world coming to?
* * *
Here’s what Joe Biden wants us to believe: he had nothing to do with his son, brother and other family members allegedly being paid large sums of money from foreign sources, and he had no knowledge of the numerous shell companies to allegedly conceal foreign cash. Give me a break. I don’t know if any Democrats are picking up on the Biden family’s shady finances, but people with common sense certainly are.
* * *
Out of an abundance of caution, last year the fireworks were canceled due to something that happened 40 miles away from here. Now this year, in the middle of the worst drought in who knows how long, we’re having fireworks. Wait a minute; what’s wrong with that? Boy, I miss the circus.
* * *
I just watched President Biden’s speech on the news today and he’s saying that our country is in the best shape it has ever been financially. Well, guess what? I’m not
sure where a Democrat gets this or he gets this; if you look at the stock market, it keeps going down. Three days it goes down, one day goes up, three days it goes down, one day up. Where do Democrats get these numbers from? Numbers don’t lie. I can’t see how anybody can vote for this idiot again. Please don’t vote for him again; if you voted for him, stop voting. The country’s in trouble. We should hang all our flags upside down. That means America’s in distress, and it’s in distress because of Biden financially.
With the warm weather, it’s common to see moms and dads on bicycles with their small children in the back or in front in one of these kiddie carts. These carts don’t look like they offer any protection for the kids. I wouldn’t put my kids in
one of these things. Just sayin.
There have been some comments in Speak Out lately about the gas tax going up 3.1 cents per gallon on July 1. Now we’re paying a grand total of 45.4 cents per gallon in taxes. The gas tax was 19 cents a gallon before Governor Billionaire doubled the gas tax in 2019 and then built in automatic increases. We are paying 50 to 60 cents more per gallon for gas than neighboring states. I heard one brilliant Democrat the other day say, “Get an electric car.” Hey genius, many of us are living paycheck to paycheck. We don’t have the money to buy a $50,000 electric car, let alone make a downpayment for one. Even if we could afford one, how do you charge it up if you happen to live in an apartment complex? What do you do?
Immigrants in Illinois with or without permission from U.S. immigration authorities will soon be able to obtain standard driver’s licenses that can be used for identification.
Gov. JB Pritzker on June 30 signed House Bill 3882, which will phase out the “Temporary Visitor Driver’s License,” or TVDL, which noncitizens currently use to drive legally in Illinois. The new law takes effect July 1, 2024.
“This legislation is a significant step in eliminating the barriers to opportunity that many undocumented immigrants face,” Pritzker said in a statement. “We’re ensuring every eligible individual can obtain a driver’s license, making our roads safer, decreasing stigma, and creating more equitable systems for all.”
TVDLs look similar to a standard driver’s licenses, except they have a purple strip across the top that reads “TVDL” above the words “NOT VALID FOR IDENTIFICATION.”
Under the new law, those people will qualify for standard licenses that carry the words “Federal Limits Apply” at the top, but which do not qualify as REAL ID for travel purposes.
Immigrant rights advocates say the purple bar on the TVDL stigmatizes the people holding them, creates barriers to other kinds of services that require identification such as picking up medication from a pharmacy or signing an apartment lease, and exposes them to law enforcement action.
“They know and the officer knows that this form of ID essentially serves as an admission of being undocumented or having a temporary visa,” Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said during a June 21 news confer-
Run an extension cord from your apartment out to the parking lot to your charger if it reaches that far? Go to a Walmart charging station every day? Keep voting for these geniuses. They’re always looking out for the little guy.
ence. “TVDLs have become the ‘Scarlet Letter’ of someone’s immigration status and sadly exposes them to discrimination or immigration enforcement.”
In 2013, Illinois became one of the first states in the nation to offer TVDLs to residents without legal residency status. Proponents argued they would help ensure that all drivers on state roads, regardless of immigration status, had passed a road test and carry liability insurance. Currently, more than 300,000 individuals carry Illinois TVDLs, according to the secretary of state’s office.
The process for an individual who does not have a social security number to receive a standard license would be the same as it was for receiving a TVDL. The applicant must have lived in Illinois for more than a year and must provide U.S. immigration documentation, or if they don’t have that, a passport or a consular card that is within two years of its expiration date.
Giannoulias’ office said that documentation will ensure that noncitizens are not added to the voter rolls as part of Illinois’ automatic voter registration program.
The measure also prohibits the secretary of state from sharing driver information with immigration officials unless the official has a court-issued warrant, order or subpoena.
Real IDs requirements, which are scheduled to go into effect in May 2025, include stricter documentation such as a birth certificate and Social Security number to prove U.S. citizenship. They will be required for air travel and access to military bases or other secure facilities.
HB 3882 was among more than 150 bills that Pritzker signed on June 30.
The District 88 Board of Education joined the district’s administration in recognizing Chief Financial Officer Ed Hoster during the board’s June 26 meeting. Hoster, who has been with the district for 10 years, retired on June 30. Ryan Domeracki, who had been District 88’s assistant chief financial officer, is succeeding Hoster. During last week’s meeting, Hoster was presented with a personalized glass sculpture created by former Willowbrook High School Art Department Head Bob Fritz. Hoster began his career in 1989 at District 230, headquartered in Orland Park, as assistant to the comptroller. He later served as the business manager at Argo Community High School District 217, the assistant superintendent for business/treasurer at Hinsdale Township High School District 86 and the coordinator of business services at Glenbard Township High School District 87. Hoster earned his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Illinois State University and his master’s degree in school business management from Northern Illinois University. In 2021, Hoster was named a recipient of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) Monarch Award, which is one of the highest honors the organization bestows upon its members. District 88 Superintendent Jean Barbanente praised Hoster during last week’s meeting, calling him “an incredible steward of the district’s resources,” and stating that his impact was palpable from the beginning of his time with the district. “I wish I was here my whole career,” said Hoster in his brief comments at the June 26 board meeting. “This place is special.”
which specializes in ecclesiastical furnishings for Catholic churches.
Phil Greco
Phil Greco, owner and president of The Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, and longtime resident of Villa Park and Elmhurst, passed away peacefully at his Elmhurst home surrounded by family and loved ones on June 20, 2023. He was 67. Phil battled the devastating disease of ALS for five and one-half years with tremendous strength and courage. His optimism, wit, and humor throughout have been an inspiration to all who shared in his life.
A graduate of Marmion Military Academy and Elmhurst College (now University), he served as owner and president of The Odeum Expo Center for 40 years. The family business hosted a variety of special events including concerts, indoor soccer, corporate events, and public tradeshows. Phil loved the challenge of producing unique and complex events that were visited by more than 1.2 million visitors each year.
Through the years, Phil also remained involved with PEP Industries, a manufacturing company established by the family in 1947,
Phil was involved with many community events and organizations. He volunteered his time and expertise with the Elmhurst Summer Fest, Village of Villa Park Economic Development Committee, International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), Villa Park Chamber of Commerce, along with many other organizations and events in Villa Park and Elmhurst.
Phil played a key role in establishing the DuPage County Convention and Visitors Bureau, serving on the inaugural board of directors and continuing to serve for many years thereafter.
It was a big surprise when it was announced that The Odeum Expo Center would be hosting its 40th anniversary and Farewell Season in 2022. At that time, Phil and his sister and co-owner Sis Greco released the following statement: “We have had a lot of fun and have met fantastic and unique people from around the country, so we’ve enjoyed this business.”
Over the course of his lifetime, Phil was recognized several times for his service and generosity. Most notably, Phil, along with the Odeum and his family, were recognized by the DuPage County Board and the Village of Villa Park Board of Trustees with several Proclamations for
their investment and commitment to the community. One such contribution was the development and construction of The Great Western Trail Head Arch.
In his own fight with ALS, Phil helped fund a study with Northwestern Memorial Hospital studying the positive and clinical effects of yoga and breathing exercises on ALS patients. This study will soon be published and has already proved helpful for many patients with lung disease.
Phil leaves behind his wife, Kathleen (nee Olinger); daughter Jordan (Blake) Lejcar, granddaughter Loretta, brother Patrick Greco, Sr., and sisters Francine “Sis” Greco (Bruce Campbell) and Renee Greco, his nieces and nephews Patrick Greco Jr. (Antoinette), Carly Greco (Dave Bischoff), Shannon (Jeff) Rodenberg, Tara (Andy) Wilhoit, Colin (Taylor) Murphy, Jeff (Melissa) Schultz, and Kristen Schultz, and many great-nieces and great- nephews.
Phil loved his family, all of whom were so proud of him. He was an inspiration to all of us and will be truly missed.
Memorial donations in Phil’s name may be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation for research at Northwestern Memorial Hospital: https://events.lesturnerals.org/site/ Donation.
“ We have had a lot of fun and have met fantastic and unique people from around the country, so we’ve enjoyed this business.”
Phil Greco and co-owner Sis Greco in 2022
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7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.
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 1-800-9279275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation last week that will dramatically alter the health insurance market in Illinois.
The measures establish a statebased exchange for policies sold under the Affordable Care Act and give the Illinois Department of Insurance the authority to modify or reject proposed rate increases.
“Since day one of my administration, I’ve been committed to making health care more equitable and holistic and accessible,” Pritzker said at a bill signing ceremony in Chicago. “With these bills, we aren’t just increasing access to affordable preventative care, we’re improving the quality of life for millions who call Illinois home.”
Under the Affordable Care Act, people who are not eligible for Medicaid but who do not have access to affordable health insurance through their employer can buy subsidized policies through an online exchange operated by either the federal government or their state government.
Illinois, however, was among the states that chose not to set up its own exchange. Instead, it pays an annual fee so Illinois residents can use the federal exchange.
That will change under House Bill 579, which calls on the Department of Insurance to set up a state-based exchange that will be fully operational by 2026.
Dana Popish Severinghaus, director of the Insurance Department, said during an interview after the bill signing that having a state-based ex-
change ultimately will make it easier for Illinois consumers to shop for insurance.
“I think it’s ultimately our goal that Illinois consumers can have a one-stop shop where, whether they need to enroll in an ACA plan or a Medicaid plan or, you know, their family is split, we can do that in one place for them to make it as easy as possible,” she said.
Pritzker said having a state-based exchange will give Illinois the flexibility to offer more enrollment periods during the year than the federal exchange offers and to coordinate with nonprofit organizations that help people navigate the marketplace.
But perhaps more importantly, Pritzker said, it will protect Illinois consumers from any potential changes in federal policy. During the Trump administration, funding for advertising and nonprofit groups to help people sign up for insurance were slashed and the yearly number of enrollment days was cut roughly in half.
“I’m suggesting that if Joe Biden were to lose reelection to a Republican, that people nationally would lose their health care coverage or lose their access to that federal exchange, but they won’t lose access to the Illinois exchange,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker also signed House Bill 2296, which, for the first time, gives Illinois insurance regulators authority to review health insurance rate changes and, if necessary, modify or reject those proposed changes— authority that regulators in 41 other states already have.
Under the bill, beginning in 2025,
companies that offer individual and small group health insurance policies will have to submit their proposed rates for the following year to the Insurance Department, which will post those flings on its website. After a 30-day public comment period, the department will either approve, modify or reject the proposed rate changes.
The bill also calls on the department to publish an annual report on health insurance coverage, affordability and cost trends in Illinois, including such things as cost trends by major service category, including prescription drugs; utilization patterns by major service category; the impact of benefit changes; enrollment trends; and demographic shifts.
State Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, said during a separate interview before the bill signing that those changes will make the pricing of health insurance more transparent to consumers and give regulators the ability to determine whether consumers are being overcharged.
“The insurance industry, they file their plans with the Department of Insurance, and although the department goes through the actuarial process, they can’t reject a rate,” she said.
Under the new law, she said, regulators will be able to reject rates that are unreasonably high as well as rates that are so low that they could put the insurance company in financial risk.
Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education, Addison School District 4, in the County of DuPage, State of Illinois, that the tentative budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, is on file and conveniently available for public inspection at 222 North Kennedy Drive, Addison, Illinois. Notice is further hereby given that a public hearing on said budget will be held at 6:00 pm, on Wednesday, the 29th day of September, 2023 at the Board Room of the Board of Education, 222 North Kennedy Drive, Addison, IL 60101.
Tim Keeley
Assistant Superintendent for Business Addison School District 4 630/458-2500
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review July 6, 2023) 439350
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SUNDAYS
50¢ Boneless Wings LIMIT 12 (with side purchase)
$5 Sausage & Peppers ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$9 Pasta Marinara (add $2 for Vodka, Meat, Carbonara or Alfredo)
$10 Bacon Wrapped Pickle Spears
$10 Vegan Pasta Marinara
$4 Mimosa - $6 Tito’s Bloody Mary
$4.50 Miller Lite or $6 Import 22 oz. Drafts
$17 Bottles of Woodbridge House Wine
TUESDAYS
$2 Beef/Pulled Pork Taco
$3 Chicken - Fish - Pork Belly - Steak
$4 Vegan Tacos - Impossible Meat - Chicken - Pork
$4 Cilantro Lime Rice or Seasoned Black Beans
$10 BACON Nachos
$4 Modelo Draft
$6 Don Julio Margaritas
$7 Don Julio Frozen Margaritas
$20 Any Mexican Beer Buckets
WEDNESDAYS
FREE Bar Bingo/Kids eat free
10 and Under - Ask server for more details
$5 Gourmet Cheeseburger (with side purchase)
$10 BACON Wrapped Mushrooms
$8 Impossible Burger (with side purchase)
$5 U Call Its $8 and Under Wine/Liquor ONLY
THURSDAYS
$5 Pulled Pork ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$10 BACON Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
$8 Vegan Chicken Parmesan ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$4 Drafts $8 and Under
Half Price Bottles of Wine $25 or More
1/2 Off any $20 or More Bourbon, Scotch or Whiskey
$5 Pepper & Egg ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$15 Fish & Chips (1/2 Pound Alaskan White Fish)
$10 Bacon Stuffed Avocado
$8 Vegan Burrito (with side purchase)
$5 Stella Draft
$5 Crown or Titos
$25 High Noon Buckets
SATURDAYS/UFC
$5 1/2 Lb BLT ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$10 BACON Croquettes
$8 Vegan Buffalo Chicken ‘Wich (with side purchase)
$5 Sam Seasonal Draft
$5 Proper Twelve Shot
$5 Absolut or Jameson
$22 Modelo Buckets
CLOSED - MONDAYS
99¢ Chicken Tenders ~ SLIDERS ~
$2 Grilled Chicken - Meatball - Pulled Pork
$3 Burger - Fish - Pork Belly
$4 Vegan Chicken or Impossible Slider
$5 Italian Beef ‘Wich
$8 Medium Cheese Pizza - $3 Full Toppings
$12 XL Cheese Pizza - $4 Full Toppings
$4 Well Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka & Whiskey
$4 House Wine (Woodbridge)
$5 Blue Moon Drafts
$15 Domestic Buckets - $20 Import Buckets
$8 Jefferson Old Fashioned
$5 Jefferson 1.25 oz. Pour