Village Free Press_111523

Maria Pappas urges seniors to get critical tax break Page 7

Inside Illinois’ alarming ‘youth lockups’

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Vol. VIII No. 45

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Bellwood D88, teachers union reach tentative deal

State audits point to troubling conditions in juvenile detention centers, but no agency has strong enough oversight to bring about change

By Molly Parker Capitol News Illinois

A review by Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica of hundreds of pages of state audits, law enforcement records, a federal lawsuit, and reports by oversight and advocacy bodies point to troubling conditions inside many of the state’s 16 juvenile detention centers, which operate much like adult jails, detaining court-involved youth with open cases when a judge determines they are at risk of fleeing or reoffending. The facilities combined can house upwards of 1,200 youth as young as age 10, though they are rarely at capacity.

The records show that youth have been Tased, pepper sprayed and roughed up by staff and law enforcement officers; forced into isolation for days at a time; denied access to their psychotropic medications and mental health treatment; and received little or no schooling, despite state See LOCKUPS on page 5

Page 8

MICHAEL ROMAIN

Community members ran and walked during the Westchester Park District’s annual Veterans 5K on Nov. 12. The event started and finished at Mayfair Park in Westchester. See more photos on page 6.

Illinois Report Card data shows local students gaining proficiency Data shows students are much more proficient in science than in ELA or math

By Michael Romain Editor

Publisher’s Note: This is part of a series of articles breaking down aspects of the new Illinois Report Card.

The Illinois State Board of Education released a new Illinois Report Card on Nov. 1.

The annual report is designed to show the state of public schools in Illinois, with data about everything from student and teacher attendance to academic progress.

The percentage of Illinois students proficient in math was roughly unchanged while the state experienced a notable increase in students proficient in science and See REPORT CARD on page 9

2 Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

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Publisher/CEO

Michael Romain

Chief Operations Officer Kamil Brady

Creative Designer Shanel Romain

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOV. 15 - 21

bit.ly/vfp-community-calendar There’s a lot happening across the Proviso Township area in the coming days. We’ve provided a list of some of the community events that will take place in our area. Don’t see yours on the list? Get in touch with us.

HOW TO REACH US John Wilk Communications, LLC 3013 S. Wolf Rd. #278 Westchester, IL 60154 PHONE: (708) 359-9148 VFPress.news TWITTER: @VILLAGE_FREE FACEBOOK: @MAYWOODNEWS The Village Free Press is published digitally and in print by John Wilk Communications LLC. The print edition is distributed across Proviso Township at no charge each week. © 2023 John Wilk Communication LLC

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Maywood Public Library, 121 S. 5th Ave. in Maywood Sign up for the library’s adult Christmas Tree Craft.

Registration required. Visit maywoodlibrary.org/ events-1/adult-christmas-tree-craft/form

Thursday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m., Berkeley Park District, 1200 Lind Ave. in Berkeley Join the park district and KidCreate Studio for Turkey Time. Kids ages 0 to 6 will have an opportunity to make a centerpiece to enjoy for years to come. $10 to register.

For more info, call (708) 544-1935 or visit berkeleyparkdistrict.com

Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bulger Park Hall, 1601 W. Hirsch St. in Melrose Park Join the Veterans Park District’s Active Adult group for Bingo and Chicken Parm. $10 per person. Winners receive gift cards to local businesses. For more info or to register, call (708) 343-5270 or visit vpdpark.org

Saturday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to noon, Northlake City Centre, 112 N. Wolf Rd. in Northlake Attend a Prescription Drug Take Back Recycling and Shredding Event. Electronic recycling included. For more info, visit northlakecity.com

Saturday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd. in Westchester The women from Westchester Community Church will host Harvest of Crafts featuring homemade crafts, raffle prices, trinkets for $2 and up, and more. For more info, call (708) 865-1282 or visit westchester-il.org

Saturday, Nov. 18, noon to 2 p.m., Christian Unity Church, 2140 Washington Blvd. in Bellwood The King Daughters Ministry will host their Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway featuring warm coats and hot chili.

Monday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to noon, Eisenhower Community Center, 700 Speechley Blvd. in Hillside Compete in the Turkey Team Shot, where teams of two (a parent and child) will compete in a free throw shootout and teams with the highest points will win a turkey. Register online or in person. Limited space. For more info, call (708) 547-3900.

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Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

3

Lawmakers decline to extend private school scholarship tax credit program Veto session adjourns without renewing Invest in Kids Act

By Peter Hancock Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers adjourned their fall veto session on Nov. 9 without renewing a controversial program that provided indirect state support for students attending private and religious schools.

The Invest in Kids program will sunset as scheduled on Dec. 31, meaning donors to six state-approved private school scholarship funds will no longer be able to claim a 75 percent tax credit for their donations. The program has been capped at $75 million annually since its implementation in 2018.

Advocates for the program say without the tax incentives, the scholarship organizations won’t be able to raise the money they have in recent years, and an estimated 9,600 students who currently receive those scholarships may have to find another way to pay for their education or transfer to their local public school.

Lawmakers passed the Invest in TONY MCCOMBIE Kids Act in 2017 as House Republican Leader part of a bipartisan package that also included an overhaul of the way Illinois funds public preK-12 education.

The scholarship program was considered necessary in order to get then-Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, to sign the public school funding overhaul.

Supporters of the program argued that it gave children from lower-income backgrounds the ability to attend schools that would otherwise be available only to wealthier families. But opponents, including teachers’ unions and other advocates for public education, argued that the tax credits siphoned money out of state coffers that could have

“I don’t think it’s going to be something that they’re going to want to just stop.”

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS/ANDREW ADAMS

Supporters of the Invest in Kids scholarship program for private schools rally outside the Illinois House of Representatives chamber last Tuesday.

Lawmakers adjourned their fall veto session last Thursday without voting to renew the program, meaning it will expire on Dec. 31. been used to support public schools.

Last month, state Rep. Angelica GuerreroCuellar, D-Chicago, introduced House Bill 4194, which would have renewed a scaledback version of the program. But that bill was never called for a vote.

One question that remained unanswered about the program is whether students who received private school scholarships performed any better academically than their peers who went to public schools.

The 2017 law required students receiving the scholarships to take the same standard-

ized tests that public school students take each year, and it called on the Illinois State Board of Education to publish an analysis of that data.

But ISBE has not yet published that analysis. Officials at the agency said they were unable to collect reliable data during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. An analysis using 2022 and 2023 test results is scheduled for release later this year or early in 2024.

Throughout the veto session, dozens of supporters of the program converged on the Statehouse wearing blue t-shirts and waving

signs that read, “Protect our scholarships.”

House Republican leader Tony McCombie, of Savanna, told reporters last week that she believes the program still has bipartisan support, and she said its backers will continue working to have it reinstated.

“It certainly will continue to be a priority of the caucus, and it certainly will be a priority of several of the Democrats in the House as well as, I believe, in the Senate,” she said. “I don’t think it’s going to be something that they’re going to want to just stop.”

4 Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

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MARIA PAPPAS COOK COUNTY TREASURER

Second Installment of

Tax Year 2022

Due Date is December 1, 2023 Avoid a Tax Sale.

Check to make sure your taxes are paid.

Everything you can do in person, you can do at

cookcountytreasurer.com

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Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

LOCKUPS

Oversight Breakdown

Reforms needed from page 1 and federal laws mandating that the youth receive educational services while incarcerated. Nearly two-thirds of those who are detained are Black teens.

Poor conditions in juvenile lockups across the country have recently made headlines, bringing renewed calls for reform. What makes Illinois different from many of its state peers is that no independent agency licenses or certifies the youth detention centers. Even in some states that have been heavily scrutinized for problematic conditions inside their youth facilities, such as Louisiana, Tennessee, Michigan and Pennsylvania, a licensing process is in place that allows for sanctions up to closure.

Under state law, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice sets standards for county detention facilities that hold youth in custody and conducts audits of them. While the department has repeatedly cited several centers for failing to meet its standards, under state law, IDJJ cannot mandate corrective action plans, issue fines or shut down detention centers found in repeated violation of the rules. Instead, the IDJJ reports are sent back to the county detention facilities’ staff and to the chief judges of each judicial circuit, under whose authority they operate.

Neither the staff nor the judges are obligated to respond.

IDJJ shares oversight of the youth detention centers with the Illinois Supreme Court.

The high court’s administrative arm implemented its own set of standards for facilities in 2022 and started conducting reviews later that year. In its initial review of the detention centers, the court found that about a third did not meet its standards, and action plans were developed with them to address deficiencies.

Christopher Bonjean, a spokesperson for the Illinois Supreme Court, declined to provide the full reviews or any of the ongoing progress reports for facilities requiring action plans, saying that only its initial summary reports are made public. The judicial branch is not subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Juvenile justice experts and advocates for incarcerated youth in Illinois say the weak oversight of these facilities needs the attention of lawmakers and policy experts.

It’s the latest example the news organizations have revealed about the failures of Illinois officials to put an end to the poor treatment of vulnerable populations held in facilities, even when problems are well documented.

5

JULIA RENDLEMAN/PROPUBLICA

A 2022 state audit identified the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center in Benton, Illinois, as a “facility in crisis.”

Capitol News Illinois spoke with six experts in the field of juvenile justice and youth development who said facilities that detain children should have robust oversight structures. This spring, Equip for Equality, Illinois’ federally designated legal aid organization for people with disabilities, called on policymakers to reform the oversight system “given the longstanding, serious and pervasive problems” inside facilities statewide.

“Would you want nursing homes operated without any oversight? I don’t want nursing homes operated without oversight. So to think we don’t have any kind of oversight and quality improvement for kids that are in custody in a facility, I don’t understand,” said Hunter Hurst, director of the National Center for Juvenile Justice, the research arm of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

IDJJ Director Heidi Mueller said in an interview that she agrees that the agency is limited in what it can do if a county’s chief judge can’t or won’t enforce compliance.

“I think a lot of folks would say that that oversight mechanism isn’t what you would call best practice,” Mueller said. Only the Illinois General Assembly has the authority to change the oversight structure, she said.

Mueller stopped short of making a call for lawmakers to do so, saying that’s not her role as an agency leader.

Oversight entities have identified numerous problems in facilities across the state. In a March report, Equip for Equality found widespread problems at Chicago’s youth lockup — the state’s largest — including that it had utilized “unjust and excessive use of physical restraints and seclusion, often as punishment, with a wanton disregard of state law.”

In a letter addressed to Equip for Equality, Leonard Dixon, superintendent of the Chicago facility, rebutted the findings, saying that the youth facility follows state and federal laws and that the advocacy group’s claims about unlawful restraints were “unsupported” and that physical restraints are “never used as punishment.” Dixon noted to the news organizations in a statement that recent state audits found the facility to be in compliance with restraint standards.

Concerns about excessive use of force extended beyond Chicago. In April, a youth at the Mary Davis Home in Galesburg, in central Illinois, told an IDJJ auditor of a troubling physical restraint from the day before.

After watching a video of the incident, the inspector was so alarmed that he reported it to the state’s child abuse hotline, although ultimately the Department of Children and Family Services did not designate this as a case of abuse or neglect. No other governmental body is charged with reviewing whether administrative policies were properly followed in specific situations. The IDJJ audit noted that one of the staff members involved had not received the training the facility utilizes to teach staff proper restraint techniques.

Wendi Steck, superintendent of the Mary Davis Home, said the employee involved in the restraint incident no longer works there, but she declined to say whether his departure was related to this incident. “Any incidents of abuse of our clients are not tolerated and are dealt with swiftly,” she said. “All staff are trained in Handle with Care restraint and cannot be involved in any restraints until successfully trained.”

Two years ago, IDJJ updated its standards for the operation of juvenile detention centers, incorporating language that emphasizes youths’ education and mental health and stresses the appropriate use of restraint and seclusion. Its reports, available online, became more robust. But while they have helped bring problems to light, said Rachel Shapiro, a managing attorney with Equip for Equality, her agency is still identifying some “horrific” conditions that never appear in IDJJ audits.

Although it can document problems it has identified, IDJJ’s authority to ensure they are fixed is limited.

The law does allow the state agency to petition a court to order a facility into compliance if it hasn’t fixed deficiencies within six months of receiving notice from IDJJ. But IDJJ said the agency is “not aware of any instances’’ of agency staff initiating such a process, in part because it would have to petition the very courts that run them.

The Illinois Supreme Court is also limited in what it can do. Its standards say that the court “shall” withhold 10% of the salary reimbursements it provides to any facility that remains out of compliance 90 days after receiving notice, and another 10% monthly thereafter. But it has not financially sanctioned any facilities.

Instead, Bonjean said, a special unit within the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts is closely monitoring any facilities that are still working through their corrective action plans.

John Albright, IDJJ’s chief of performance and innovation, who conducts the audits for the agency, said he also tries to work closely with facility staff to help them understand the standards and how to meet them.

“Some facilities have been working very hard to make changes, and others maybe not as much,” he said.

Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director of the John Howard Association of Illinois, an independent watchdog organization, agreed that even with the improved standards, there are still shortcomings with “system transparency and concerns about the treatment and conditions youth experience while in detention.”

The weak enforcement mechanisms are “a real deficiency in the state of Illinois,” she said. “We have work to do so that we’re not just inspecting these facilities and reporting on the issues. There has to be some way of holding the detention centers accountable and responsible for the treatment of youth in their custody short of litigation.”

Southern Illinois University journalism students Sarah Alli-Brown, Grayson Bittner, Carolyn Dickte, Jared Harris, Brandon Jones, Jamilah Lewis and Ethan Neir contributed research.

6 Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

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The Women from the Westchester Community Church

Harvest of Crafts SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023 9 AM - 2 PM 1840 Westchester Blvd. in Westchester

Have questions? Contact Westchester Community Church at 708-865-1282

ADMISSION IS FREE The church women feature: * Homemade crafts * Raffle prizes Treasures and Trinkets for $2.00 and up *

CRAFTERS/VENDORS ARE SELLING: Beaded animal figures, Beaded bracelets, house plants, Mary Kay products, wooden ornaments, wooden pictures/portraits, American Doll clothes, Barbie Doll clothes, color graphics metal earrings, hand painted ornaments, lighted wine bottles, Holiday décor, Christmas pillows, silk floral designs, handmade greeting cards, tags, artwork, dog bandanas, Afocentric products (books, Christmas items, personal care items, unique jewelry), Tees, sweatshirts, cups, tinsel, bracelets, Scout popcorn, Scout bake sale, needle point gifts, baby blankets, towels, crocheted items, picket fence people, dolls and doll houses………….and much, much more.

Community members young and old ran and walked during the Westchester Park District’s annual Veterans 5K on Nov. 12.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ROMAIN

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Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

7

Seniors earning less than $65,000 per year may be missing a big property tax break

A MARIA PAPPAS

Cook County Treasurer

Maywood senior received more than $13,000 to spend on home improvements after my office helped him secure a property tax refund.

Michael Warner was a guest on my weekly radio show, “Black Houses Matter,” on WVON-AM 1690. Like many Cook County residents, Warner had no idea he was eligible for two types of tax relief, the senior citizen and the senior freeze exemptions.

“I never knew about it,” Warner told me.

The senior citizen exemption is a credit for homeowners who are 65 years or older. The less common senior freeze exemption is for homeowners who are over 65 and whose household income is less than $65,000 per year.

“This exemption ‘freezes’ the senior citizen’s property’s equalized assessed value the year that the senior citizen qualifies for the exemption,” according to the Illinois Department of Revenue.

A lower assessment results in a lower tax bill.

Tax bills may still increase if tax rates go up or

if improvements are made that increase the value of the property. But for many, the senior freeze exemption prevents tax increases due to inflation.

Senior citizens seeking the freeze benefit must apply for it every year.

Illinois law allows us to refund money for four years’ worth of missed exemptions, which Warner learned when he called into a televised ABC7 phone bank hosted by my office and reporter Samantha Chatman.

You can conduct your own search at cookcountytreasurer.com. Click on a purple box that says, “Your Property Tax Overview,” type in your address and a picture of your home should appear.

Scroll down to learn if there are any overpayments on your property or whether you have received exemptions for recent tax years. If you are missing an exemption or eligible for a refund,

you can apply online.

Property owners may be entitled to a share of $84 million in overpayments going back 20 years and up to $34 million for missed exemptions for the past four tax years.

In Warner’s case, about half his $13,474 refund was for missed senior citizen exemptions and half was for missed senior freeze exemptions for tax years 2018 through 2021.

Warner told me he was going to use his refund to replace a fence that secures his home’s corner lot. Part of the fence was replaced after it was damaged during a storm and he wants to finish the rest with treated wood that will be more resistant to insects.

“They’re going to come back and estimate another part of the fence so it will match all the way around,” he told me. “So that’s what I’m doing with it.”

Property owners

may be entitled to a share of $84 million in overpayments going back 20 years.

ALPHA OMEGA APARTMENTS 708-415-3897

MAYWOOD APARTMENT LARGE & SPACIOUS

2 BEDROOM PLAY AREAS & FREE PARKING NEAR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SOME UTILITIES INCLUDED BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS AND LANDSCAPING SECTION 8 WELCOME

ALPHA OMEGA APARTMENTS 708-415-3897

8 Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

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MICHAEL ROMAIN

Bellwood teachers stand in solidarity with their bargaining team outside District 88 headquarters in Bellwood on Oct. 30, moments before a contract negotiation session begins. The district and teachers union would eventually reach a tentative agreement later that day.

Bellwood D88 reaches tentative agreement with teachers’ union The Bellwood Education Association still has to ratify the tentative agreement

By Michael Romain Editor

Bellwood School District 88 recently reached a tentative contract agreement with the Bellwood Education Association, the local union representing nearly 160 teachers in the district.

The bargaining teams for the district and the union had been negotiating since

January but decided to go into federal mediation in August, a representative of the union said.

The two sides settled on the tentative deal during a negotiating session on Oct. 30. Moments before the meeting, dozens of D88 teachers stood outside district headquarters at [xxx] to cheer on members of their bargaining team as they walked into the building.

“We are showing solidarity with our bar-

gaining team and asking the Board of Education to bargain for fair wage increases and stronger working conditions,” said Michelle Prusko, a D88 teacher and member of the union’s support team, on Oct. 30.

Prusko did not detail specific points of contention between the union and the district. The union still has to ratify the tentative agreement. It’s unclear when that will happen.

In an interview on Nov. 10, Bellwood D88 Supt. Victoria Hansen said the union will likely vote on the agreement by the end of the month. She also declined to go into the specifics of the contract until it’s formally ratified. The new teachers’ contract will cover the next five years.

“Both sides worked collaboratively and used the bargaining process to ensure we do what’s best for the kids,” Hansen said.

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Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

ILLINOIS REPORT CARD DATA

REPORT CARD

enced only marginal changes in the percentage of students proficient in math.

Proviso Township High School District 209 experienced the biggest decline of four points, from 13% to 9%, followed by from page 1 Lindop D92, which went from 14% to 11%.

Berkeley District 87 and Westchester D92ELA. From 2022 to 2023, the percentage of 5 experienced jumps of 3%, from 11% to students proficient in math, science and 14% and 24% to 27%, respectively.

ELA went from 26% to 27%, 50% to 52%, Students across the state are more likeand 30% to 35%, respectively. ly to be proficient in science The state uses the term than ELA or math, Illinois proficiency to describe how Report Card data shows. Bellstudents are demonstrating wood D88 experienced the or not demonstrating their biggest jump in the percentadvancement in a particular age of students proficient in branch of knowledge. science, going from 23% to The Illinois Report Card 31%. Proviso D209 and Westmeasures proficiency by stuchester D92-5 experienced dents’ performance on stanthe biggest declines, going dardized tests in ELA, math from 29% to 20% and 48% to and science.

43%, respectively.

TONY SANDERS Many of the eight elemenAccording to Chalkbeat State Superintendent tary and high school districts Chicago, the new Report Card in the Village Free Press read“shows that more students ership saw notable gains in were considered proficient on proficiency, as well. standardized tests in the 2022For instance, Lindop Dis23 school year compared to trict 92 and Westchester Disthe previous year, but scores trict 92-5 experienced the bighave yet to return to pre-pangest jumps in ELA proficiency demic levels.” from 2022 to 2023. Lindop D92 went from Chalkbeat referenced a Nov. 1 press con24% to 37% of students proficient in ELA ference, in which State Superintendent while Westchester D92-5 went from 21% to Tony Sanders “said educators and families 29%. should be proud of the progress made on Hillside District 93, which saw a four- the 2023 report card. point drop (from 37% to 30%), and Berkeley “‘I’m so happy to see a second year of District 87, which remained at 13%, were strong recovery post-pandemic,’ said Sandthe only districts that did not experience ers. ‘We’re moving fast toward recovery, jumps in ELA proficiency year-to-year. although we still have quite a distance to Most school districts in the area experi- travel.’”

Improvements made

“I’m so happy to see a second year of strong recovery post-pandemic.”

9

10 Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

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CRAFT SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CRAFT SALE Westchester Community Church is having their annual Harvest of Crafts Sale Saturday, November 18, 2023.

The sale is from 9am - 2pm. The church women feature: Homemade crafts, raffle, and Treasures and Trinkets for $2 and up. We are featuring crafters/vendors selling: beaded animal figures, bracelets, house plants, Mary Kay products, American Girl Dolls and Barbie Dolls and clothes for both to wear, earrings, silk floral designs, greeting cards and tags, artwork, dog bandanas, Afocentric products, ornaments, wine bottles, Holiday decor, Christmas pillows, needle point gifts, baby blankets, towels, tees, sweatshirts, picket fence people, Scout popcorn, Scout bake sale, cupcakes, jams, wreaths, wine bags and glasses, beer mugs, knitted and crocheted items, and much more.

Please come out and support local crafters and vendors.

Commencement of Construction:…. no later than Feb. 14, 2025 Substantial Completion of Construction Date: ………………….

May 15, 2025 Completion of Plantings & All Work Date………………………………….

June 1, 2025 A Pre-Bid Meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 at the Project Site (see page 3 map or engineering plans) along Silver Creek, immediately west of 9th Avenue, south of Rt. 64 North Ave., south of Northern Tool Store, at Winston Plaza Mall, Melrose Park, Illinois. Final questions shall be submitted by Bidders to Engineer in writing to TGray@LWC-Inc.com no later than 10 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2024.

The Village of Melrose Park reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Dated at Melrose Park, Illinois, this 7th day of November, 2023.

BY ORDER OF THE VILLAGE BOARD Village of Melrose Park, Illinois

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the President and the Board of Trustees of the VILLAGE OF MELROSE PARK, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be received for the following Improvement: “Silver Creek Stabilization Project, 12th Ave. to 9th Ave.,” (may also referred to as Phase 7) for the for the implementation of streambank grading, bank stabilization, earthwork including bank re-shaping, grade control, tree removal, seeding, furnishing and installing plants, and other related construction. Proposed work includes excavation along streambanks; backfill handling, hauling, stockpiling and disposal; tree removal; installation of rock toe, rock riffles, re-shaped slopes, and native plant species; and restoration of all areas disturbed by construction activities.

Bids will be received up to the hour of 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 at the Office of the Village Clerk, 1000 North 25th Avenue, Melrose Park, Illinois 60160, and will be publicly opened and read at that time.

Bidders must contact Engineer to obtain electronic Bid documents. Electronic Bid documents are available by contacting Ted Gray, P.E., at TGray@LWC-Inc.com, or by phone at 630-321-1133. The Engineer is authorized by the Village of Melrose Park to refuse to issue Bid Documents to bidders based on bidder qualification requirements described in the Bid Documents.

Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided. All bids must be accompanied by a bid bond, cash, or a certified or cashier’s check in the amount of at least 10% of the proposal as a guarantee that a contract will be executed if the proposal is accepted.

Work shall be completed per the schedule below, excepting written approval by Owner due to extended inclement weather conditions.

Contract Commence Date: …..........

Feb. 28, 2024 (or after per below) Selective Tree Removal Completion: …………………………. either March 1, 2024-April 15, 2024 or Dec. 15, 2024 – April 15, 2025

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Published in Village Free Press November 15, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC Plaintiff, -v.BARRY N. MARKS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Defendants 2022 CH 06135 3222 PARK AVE BROOKFIELD, IL 60513 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 20, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 22, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 3222 PARK AVE, BROOKFIELD, IL 60513 Property Index No. 15-34-208-0270000 The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Cer-

CLASSIFIED

tificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 7949876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-21-04423 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2022 CH 06135 TJSC#: 43-3764 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2022 CH 06135

By Phone:

I3232696 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE DBA MR. COOPER; Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CHRISTINE BRIDGES AKA CHRISTINE BRIDGES, DECEASED; PEARL BRIDGES; PEARL BRIDGES, AS INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTINE BRIDGES, DECEASED; Defendants, 19 CH 10135 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, December 11, 2023 at the hour

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-16-216-010-0000.

Commonly known as 1129 32nd Avenue, Bellwood, IL 60104.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence.

If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 22-030196 ADC F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3232050

vs.

ERSKINE BROWN; VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 61 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-15-109-002-0000.

Commonly known as 1223 South 21st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence.

If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 LUCERNE DRIVE, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LB-RANCH SERIES V TRUST; Plaintiff,

440-572-1511. ILF2212019 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3232074 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.CARY ROSENTHAL, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF MARY R SPIGHT, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MARY R SPIGHT, BIANCA PHILLIPS Defendants 22 CH 07827 426 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 17, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 1, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 426 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-311-0220000

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Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

11

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The real estate is improved with a single family residence with no garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 22-10868IL Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 22 CH 07827 TJSC#: 43-2987 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I3232212

ATEES OF CAROL LICHOUNAS A/K/A CAROL M. LICHOUNAS, DECEASED, SAMUEL LICHOUNAS A/K/A SAVAS LICHOUNAS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF CAROL LICHOUNAS A/K/A CAROL M. LICHOUNAS, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants 21 CH 6249 1529 COOLIDGE AVENUE BERKELEY, IL 60163 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 8, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 11, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1529 COOLIDGE AVENUE, BERKELEY, IL 60163 Property Index No. 15-07-118-0080000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $251,647.12.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

single family residence.

The judgment amount was $137,347.38.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no rep-

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF STANWICH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST M ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEG-

CLASSIFIED

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm..

Please refer to file number 21-095224.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 21-095224 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 21 CH 6249 TJSC#: 43-3618 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 21 CH 6249 I3232227

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.LINDA L GREEN, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS AGENCY THE INTERNAL REVENUE DEPARTMENT, AARON GREEN, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE Defendants 2023 CH 00957 240 LINDEN AVE. BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 8, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 6, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 8 IN CUMMINGS AND FOREMAN REAL ESTATE CORPORATION, RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF MIAMI PARK, IN THE WEST 1/2 OF SECTION 9, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 240 LINDEN AVE., BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-113-0220000 The real estate is improved with a

resentation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810, CHICAGO, IL, 60601 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 22-089813.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810 CHICAGO IL, 60601 561-241-6901 E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM Attorney File No. 22-089813 Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2023 CH 00957 TJSC#: 43-2476 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2023 CH 00957 I3232299

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12 Village Free Press, November 15, 2023

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