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Maywood American Legion fetes veterans ahead of Thanksgiving Page 9

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Vol. VIII No. 46

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Northlake sends off Pop Warner champions Page 4

Two longtime Maywood library workers mourned

Sheila Jones Ferrari, 87, and Arthur Williams, 52, died earlier this month

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Community members are mourning two long-serving Maywood librarians who died within days of each other this month.

Sheila Jones Ferrari, 87, a youth services librarian with the Maywood Public Library, died on Nov. 5, and Arthur Williams, 52, who had a nearly 40-year career with libraries in Maywood, Bellwood and Brookfield, died on Nov. 9.

Born Aug. 17, 1936, Jones Ferrari was a lifelong Maywoodian. After graduating from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest in 1958, she taught school at Roy School in Northlake and moved to New York City for a stint before returning home to work for Catholic Charities as a caseworker, her obituary states.

After retiring from Catholic Charities, See LIBRARY WORKERS on page 2

WINSTON PLAZA

Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive by helicopter at Winston Plaza in Melrose Park on Nov. 18. Hundreds of community members enjoyed magic shows, face painting, kid’s crafts, free giveaways, and more.

State high court hears case against staffing agencies accused of suppressing wages Companies sued by attorney general claim they are exempt from antitrust laws

By HANNAH MEISEL & DILPREET RAJU Capitol News Illinois

The Illinois Supreme Court on Nov. 15 heard arguments from three staffing agencies that say their industry is exempt from state antitrust laws in a case claiming the firms conspired to hold down wages for

their workers.

The Chicagoland-based companies have already lost twice in lower court. But they contend those decisions are a new interpretation of Illinois’ decades-old antitrust law.

Wednesday’s oral arguments come after Attorney General Kwame Raoul sued the companies in 2020, alleging they used their

mutual client to coordinate no-poach agreements, which created a secondary agreement to pay less than the market rate.

“No-poach agreements allow employers to take advantage of low-wage workers by trapping them in low-paying jobs and limSee STAFFING AGENCIES on page 8

2 Village Free Press, November 22, 2023 Publisher/CEO

Michael Romain

Chief Operations Officer Kamil Brady

Creative Designer Shanel Romain

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

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LIBRARY WORKERS Bright lights from page 1 Jones Ferrari secured bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Library Science from Rosary and eventually ended up as head of the library’s children’s department from 1970 to 2021, library officials said.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Maywood Public Library officials said Jones FerSHEILA FERRARI rari “was a pivotal person to the Maywood Public Library District, and the Maywood said. “She introduced me to my favorite book community. She was held near and dear in as a kid, ‘The Piano Man,’ and many others the hearts of many children and families over the years. As an adult when I went back to the library I would stop by the beyond the role of Children’s second floor to see her. She always Librarian. remembered me.”

“Her laughter, kindness, and For decades, Jones Ferrari lived consideration sparked the joy in one of the oldest homes in in those fortunate enough to Maywood, located within viewing have known and worked with distance about a block from the her. She consistently made eflibrary. She was also a longtime forts to build the community member of St. James Catholic of Maywood and the MayChurch in Maywood, where she wood Public Library District met her husband, Bob Ferrari. into the haven it could be. Her More recently, she attended St. craftiness and love of literaEulalia Catholic Church in Mayture encouraged generations wood. Funeral services for Jones of young, avid readers.”

GAYLEN RIVERS Ferrari were held earlier this Gaylen Rivers, a patron of Community member month. the Maywood library, wrote on Arthur Williams, also a longFacebook that Jones Ferrari time Maywood resident, worked in introduced her to literature. area libraries for most of his adult “She was a great woman and is one of the reasons why I will always life. Williams died suddenly from a heart atlove and patronize my local library,” Rivers tack on Nov. 9 while at work at the Linda Sokol Francis library in Brookfield, where he was a circulation assistant. He worked at the Maywood library for more than 20 years and also worked at the Bellwood Public Library.

Kimberly Coughran, the executive director of the Brookfield library, told the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark newspaper that Williams “could not help but shine,” adding that Williams “loved libraries and much like many of us, it was the only work he knew.

And as we all know, he loved being at the forefront and served Brookfielders and others with incredible enthusiasm.”

“Arthur was patient and kind to everyone,” Maywood library officials explained in a Facebook post. “He welcomed people with a smile. It was a pleasure to have had him as a part of the Maywood Public Library District family.”

Officials with the Bellwood Public Library echoed the sentiments shared by Williams’ former coworkers and colleagues.

“Arthur was such a bright light during his time here at Bellwood Library [and] we will all truly miss him,” they said in a Facebook post.

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

“She was a great woman and is one of the reasons why I will always love and patronize my local library.”

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Village Free Press, November 22, 2023

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NEWS briefs Westchester mourns former trustee, park district commissioner Community members in Westchester are mourning a former longtime village trustee and park district commissioner. Patrick M. Casey, 66, died on Nov. 11. According to his LinkedIn profile, Casey served as village trustee from 1997 to 2011. He was a commissioner with the Westchester Park District from 2011 to 2015. Casey’s funeral services were on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15.

Bellwood Dunkin relocates across the street A year after Bellwood’s plan commission voted unanimously in favor of required zoning changes, the new Dunkin’ is up and run-

COURTESY GOTTLIEB MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Gottlieb officials break the ribbon on the newly revonated 3 West Patient Care unit on Nov. 9. The unit was the primary Covid unit during the pandemic.

Gottlieb celebrates renovation of Patient Care Unit Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, 701 W. North Ave. in Melrose Park, held a ribbon cutting on Nov. 9 for the $1.1 million renovation of its 3 West Patient Care unit. The renovation was made possible thanks to $1 million from the Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Foundation and $100,000 from the Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, hospital officials said.

“The renovation of the 3W unit would not have been possible without the funding from the Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Auxiliary,” said Elizabeth Early, president of Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. “This will be a much-needed change for the comfort and care of our patients and families at Gottlieb.”

Hospital officials stated that the 3 West unit was the last of the hospital’s medical-surgical units to be refurbished in recent years and was the primary Covid unit during the pandemic. The renovated space is “brighter and more comfortable, which assists in improving patient experience and creating a more relaxed environment for visitors,” officials said.

“This hospital was a labor of love for my grandparents, parents and entire family, and has continued to be important to me and the next generation of Gottlieb families,” said Jack Weinberg, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital board chairman who spearheaded the donation.

Melrose Park donates $1.3 million to area schools for security, safety improvements On Nov. 13, Melrose Park Mayor Ron Serpico distributed grants totaling $1.2 million to local school leaders, including the superintendents of Bellwood School District 88 and Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District 89.

Melrose Park officials said the money is designed to “assist the schools in [Mayor Serpico’s] community in developing more advanced safety and security initiatives to better protect students and avert potential threats.”

“The safety and protection of our children is the highest order of business for any community and this money will go toward ensuring that protection,” Mayor Serpico said.

Village officials said the money comes from “unused economic development funds” and can be spent on a range of safety enhancements, including “better doors and locks, surveillance cameras, and window coverings.”

“Anything we can do as educators to protect children in our schools is worthwhile and I am grateful to Mayor Serpico and the people of Melrose Park for assisting us in that endeavor,” said D88 Supt. Dr. Victoria Hansen Stockton.

FILE

The exterior of the new Dunkin’ in Bellwood, which opened earlier this month.

ning inside a newly built two-unit commercial building on land that used to be the old Captain B’s seafood restaurant at 445 25th Ave. The management of the old Dunkin, located across the street at 440 25th Ave. in Washington Square, announced earlier this month that the location would close as they transitioned to their new site.

The new location features a drive-thru and a brighter, more modernized interior. So far, it’s unclear what will occupy the building’s second retail unit, which is still empty.

Burlington, Chili’s to open along North Avenue next year The old OfficeMax at 1060 Winston Plaza in Melrose Park will soon become a Burlington once work is done renovating the space. According to Construction Journal, the renovation is estimated to cost around $3 million.

On Nov. 18, Winston Plaza representatives posted an update on the renovation process to their Facebook page. They said interior work is expected to be finished by December and the store is expected to open in February 2024.

And construction on a new Chili’s restaurant at 915 W. North Ave. in Melrose Park is underway. Melrose Park officials said the new restaurant is expected to open in the fall of 2024. According to Construction Journal, the new construction is estimated to cost around $2 million.

FILE

The future Chili’s at 915 W. North Ave. in Melrose Park is expected to open sometime in the fall of 2024, Melrose Park officials said.

4 Village Free Press, November 22, 2023

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MICHAEL ROMAIN

The 10U Leyden Bears won the Pop Warner Illinois State Championships and are headed to Orlando, Fla., for the national tournament.

Northlake sends off Pop Warner state champs Leyden Bears headed to Florida for national championships

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Mayors from three different suburbs and dozens of parents and community members gathered at Grant Park, 44 W. Golfview Rd. in Northlake, on Nov. 18, to give the Leyden Bears the sendoff a champion deserves.

The 10U Leyden Bears are the Pop Warner Illinois state champions and Pop Warner MidAmerica regional champions. Saturday’s pep rally, attended by the mayors of Village Park, Northlake and River Grove, was designed to give the team a morale boost as they make their way to Orlando, Fla., for the Pop Warner National Championships.

The team’s coach, Mike Olsen, said the Leyden Bears were new to Pop Warner but that didn’t prevent them from becoming a target of other teams.

“The hardest thing about this year for our

boys is we were the hunted,” Olsen told the crowd assembled at Grant Park on Saturday.

“It’s very difficult when you know you’re the top team and teams are out to hunt you. Everything those teams did was to beat us […]

We brushed it off and we beat every team along the way.”

Olsen thanked his fellow volunteer coaches, parents and the boys, who he said practiced for three to four days a week during the roughly four-month football season.

“This is a grueling sport, it’s physical, you have to be dedicated,” he said. “These boys put in the work.”

Olsen said the Leyden Bears parents were another key to the team’s success.

“We are the team we are because of every single one of you parents,” he said. “Great kids come from great parents and we have the most special group of parents we could possibly have.”

The Leyden Bears 2023 Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer and Dance Championships will take place Dec. 2 through Dec. 9 in Orlando. Olsen said the Bears will have to win three games in Florida to take home the national championship.

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Village Free Press, November 22, 2023

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOV. 22 - 28

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.

Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m., Hillside Public Library, 405 N. Hillside Ave. in Hillside Join the library as they celebrate the life of John F. Kennedy on the 60th anniversary of his death. Watch “PT 109” starring Cliff Robertson as a young JFK serving during World War II. Snacks and beverages provided. For more info, visit hillsidelibrary.org or call (708) 449-7510.

Wednesday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m., Maywood Public Library, 121 S. 5th Ave. in Maywood Join the library for Crafty Afternoons. Registration required. Children 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are 8 years and older. For more info or to register, call (708) 343-1847 or visit maywoodlibrary.org

Friday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Broadview Public Library, 2226 S. 16th Ave. in Broadview Join the library’s weekly take and make craftsfor ages 3 (with help) to 12 years of age. Crafts are available for pick up while supplies last every Friday during normal business hours. For more info, call (708) 345-1325 or visit broadviewlibrary.org

Friday, Nov. 24, 1:30 p.m., Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest Walk off that extra helping of turkey and stuffing during the Annual Turkey Trot Hike. Free but registration required. For more info or to register, call Trailside at (708) 366-6530, email trailside.museum@cookcountyil.gov or visit fpdcc.com

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24 and Nov. 25, Triton College Cernan Earth and Space Center, 2000 5th Ave. in River Grove On Nov. 24, the Cernan Center will show Rusty Rocket’s Last Blast at 1:30 p.m. and A Trans-Siberian Christmas at 3

p.m. Rock out at the Triton College Cernan Earth and Space Center’s Jimi Hendrix Laser Experience at 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 25. Tickets for Rusty Rocket’s Last Blast are $8 for adults, $4 for seniors (55 and over) and $4 for children (2-17). Tickets for Jimi Hendrix Laser Experience and A Trans-Siberian Christmas are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (55 and over) and $5 for children (2-17). Triton students, faculty and staff are admitted free with a valid ID. For more info, visit triton. edu/Cernan or contact cernan@triton.edu

Advocates hail regulatory ‘earthquake’ as state slashes requested gas rate increases Company profits cut, lowincome customers set to receive new discounts

By ANDREW ADAMS

Friday, Nov. 24 through Sunday 26, 3 to 9 p.m., Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St. in Brookfield The Brookfield Zoo’s annual Holiday Magic starts Friday.

Visit the Chicago area’s longest-running lights festival featuring over 2 million sparking LED lights. The festival will continue on Nov. 30 and select dates throughout December. For more info or to purchase your tickets, visit czs.org/ holidaymagic

Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Northlake Public Library, 231 N. Wolf Rd. in Northlake The Youth Services Department is helping deliver mail to the North Pole. You can mail your letter to Santa using a mailbox in the library’s Youth Department. Then watch your mailbox for a personal response from St. Nick himself!

Don’t forget to include your address so Santa can write you back! The Mailbox will be available from Nov. 25 through Dec. 15. For more info, visit northlakelibrary.org

Saturday, Nov. 25, 5 - 7 p.m., Washington Blvd. in Bellwood Join the village of Bellwood for their 1st Christmas Parade and Festival of Lights. Free hot beverages nad treats served at the lighting ceremony. The parade kicks off at 25th Ave. and travels down Washington Blvd. to Eastern Ave., then north and turns east on Randolph before ending at the parking lot behind The Stevenson Center. For more info, contact Rev. Rodney L. Smith at (630) 926-8529 or Cynthia Eubanks at (708) 547-3500 (Ext. 1100).

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Capitol News Illinois

CHICAGO – Regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission on Nov. 16 unanimously approved rate hikes for four major natural gas utilities, but the little-known regulatory body’s decision was perhaps more notable for what it rejected.

The five-member board flexed its regulatory muscle, slashing the utilities’ requested rate increases by as much as 50 percent.

“This was an earthquake in Illinois utility regulation,” Abe Scarr, director of consumer advocacy group Illinois PIRG told Capitol News Illinois after the Thursday meeting.

Scarr and PIRG were among the consumer advocates asking for greater regulatory oversight of the natural gas industry ahead of the requested rate increase from the four utilities that collectively serve 98 percent of Illinois’ gas customers – Nicor Gas, Ameren Illinois, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. Rates will still rise next year, but not nearly as much as they would have if the commission had approved the utilities’ initial requests.

The commissioners instead sided with consumer advocates – rejecting several recommendations from the ICC’s own staff – in several key areas, including profit rates, low-income discounts and spending oversight.

Commissioners lowered Ameren’s initial ask by about 50.8 percent and cut Nicor’s request by 30.3 percent. For Peoples Gas, it was a 25 percent reduction, and for its sister company North Shore, regulators cut the request by 34 percent.

While advocates hailed the ICC’s deci-

sions as a victory, utilities were wary.

“My initial reaction is that I’m concerned,” Matthew Tomc, who oversees regulatory affairs for Ameren Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois.

Tomc said that once Ameren staff fully reviews the ICC decision, they will consider requesting a rehearing to challenge the ICC’s conclusions.

Other companies involved in the cases indicated they were reviewing the decisions.

“Natural gas remains the most affordable energy source for winter-residential heating and is the main fuel source used by manufacturers in Illinois,” Nicor spokesperson Jennifer Golz said in a statement.

“Nicor Gas provides an affordable energy source, which is more important now than ever with families facing rising costs for everything. resources as an energy.”

Nicor and Peoples Gas have not released cost estimates under the new rates approved on Nov. 16. But downstate Ameren Illinois says costs will remain similar to last winter, echoing claims made by Peoples Gas earlier this year.

In general, the ICC’s five commissioners reduced the companies’ requests for infrastructure spending, citing a lack of evidence that increased rates were necessary to maintain system safety.

But the commission was particularly critical of one company’s spending choices.

Peoples Gas, which operates in the city of Chicago, has been highly criticized for its ongoing system modernization program, which critics have said is plagued by regular budget overruns and is often behind schedule.

Thursday’s ICC decision not only reduced Peoples Gas’ overall infrastructure spending request, but it also took a strong oversight step for the company’s pipeline replacement program. The ICC paused all spending on the program for the next year See GAS RATES on page 9

6 Village Free Press, November 22, 2023

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Sensationz African Boutique opens second location in Maywood Sensationz African Boutique opens inside Eisenhower Tower in Maywood

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

A Hillside clothing store that specializes in formal wear and African attire has opened its second location in Maywood.

Sensationz African Boutique held a formal ribbon-cutting on Nov. 8 inside of its new retail space in Suite 1020 in Eisenhower Tower, 1701 S. 1st Ave. in Maywood.

Joyce Edwards, who owns Sensationz alongside her husband, Manasses Edwards, said the new Eisenhower Tower location is something of a homecoming since the couple lives in Maywood.

“We live in Maywood and we love Maywood,” Joyce said in an interview on Nov. 18. “We’ve been in this business since 2012. We custom make some of our clothing and accessories.

Fashion is embedded in us.”

The Edwards’ Sensationz African Boutique Hillside store is at 4219 Butterfield Rd. (Suite 1B) in Hillside. They also own Suit Plus More Boutique located in Suite 1A. Joyce said she and her

husband also have a printing company that produces obituaries called Mjt Design and Print.

“We love fashion, we love people and we love giving back to the community,” Joyce said.

“We love helping people, especially through design and encouragement. Our motto is: ‘Looking good is feeling good, especially you, kings and queens.’”

Joyce said during the Covid pandemic, the business closed temporarily. She said the outpouring of support from patrons was overwhelming.

“When I was off during Covid, people were asking where I was at,” Joyce recalled. “They were like, ‘She knows what I want and I can talk to her about anything.’ We love encouraging people and letting them know how good they look.”

Sensationz African Boutique Maywood is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Although they aren’t normally open on weekends, they’ll be open and will host a major sale the weekend after Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23.

Joyce said both the Maywood and Hillside locations are holding 50% off sales throughout the month of November.

For more info on Sensationz African Boutique, visit sensationzafricanboutique.com, facebook.com/SensationzafricanboutiqueMaywoodil or call (888) 712-6362.

COURTESY MAYWOOD MAYOR NATHANIEL GEORGE BOOKER

Maywood Mayor Nathaniel George Booker, second from left, and Sensationz African Boutique owners Manasses and Joyce Edwards cut the ribbon on their new Maywood store on Nov. 8.

New spa ‘just for girls’ opens in Maywood Maywood village officials held a ribboncutting ceremony in October for a new spa tailored for young women.

The Just For Girls Spa, located at 419 Lake St. in Maywood, offers pedicures, manicures, canvas painting, arts and crafts, fashion shows, and special birthday events for young women.

“Our Mission at Just For Girls Spa is to provide memorable Birthday experiences while meeting the needs of Your Princess

on her special day,” the business states on its website.

“We strive to create a fun, loving, and safe environment during each and every one of our spa event parties. We believe wholeheartedly that every princess deserves the royal treatment especially on their Birthday.”

For more info on Just For Girls, visit justforgirlsspa.com/, call (331) 274-7647 or email dominique@justforgirlsspa.com.

African fusion restaurant opens in Westchester The Jungle Plate opens inside old Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp at 9916 Roosevelt Rd.

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Community members who have a taste for authentic West African and Caribbean cuisine now have a place to go. The Jungle Plate opened earlier this month at 9916 W. Roosevelt Rd., formerly home to Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp.

The owners, Nicholas and Wilma Poku, said they take pride in the food’s cultural authenticity and physical integrity. They said they use ingredients that are organic and not genetically modified. They also try to avoid monosodium glutamate (MSG, a popular fla-

vor enhancer.

“My husband and I are both foodies, we enjoy good food and we thought we’d share our own good food with the rest of the community,” said Wilma, who said she and her husband live in the Westchester area.

Nicholas said while he and his wife don’t have formal culinary backgrounds, they brought a following when they opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. Nicholas said he owns a sign shop just across the street from his new restaurant and many patrons have been members of their local church.

“So, we have a crowd,” he said.

Some patrons like Sam Amoah have come all the way from Chicago to order from the Jungle Plate. Amoah said on Nov. 18 that he’s already been to the restaurant twice since it opened earlier this month.

Nicholas, whose family is from Ghana, said some of the more popular dishes are the jollof rice, a West African delicacy made of cooked rice in a rich tomato-based sauce often served with chicken, fish or goat meat. The dish has gone viral among Instagram and TikTok users who often feature it in mukbangs, Korean for “eating show.”

Other popular dishes from the Jungle Plate

include egusi stew, a mixture of spinach and melon seed cooked in a tomato sauce and served with pounded yam, boiled plantain or white rice.

On the Caribbean side, the Jungle Plate serves up an array of jerk chicken dishes, including jerk tacos, jerk chicken alfredo and jerk fish, among others.

The Jungle Plate held a soft opening on Nov. 4. The restaurant will host an official grand opening on Dec. 2. Meanwhile, it’s open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

For more info, visit thejungleplate.com or call (224) 443-3965.

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Village Free Press, November 22, 2023

METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO

A photo of a green alley that’s designed to mitigate urban flooding. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has given Westchester and Maywood funding to construct more of the green alleys in those suburbs.

More green alleys coming to Maywood, Westchester

in Maywood. The village’s estimated Designed to mitigate urban Street share of the project cost is around $455,000.

Construction on the alleys will start in the flooding, the alleys are paid summer of 2024. According to MWRD estimates, once the alleys are completed, they’ll for in part by the Metropolitan have the capacity to store around 117,000 galWater Reclamation District of lons of stormwater each time it rains.

The Westchester village board unanimousGreater Chicago ly approved its IGA with the MWRD on Nov.

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

At least two suburbs in Proviso Township are slated to get more alleys designed to address urban flooding.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) will fund most of the project costs for constructing nine new green alleys in Maywood and Westchester next year.

Unlike conventional alleys made of “gray infrastructure” like concrete pipes that convey stormwater, green alleys utilize green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavement to “store water before it slowly soaks into the underlying soil,” MWRD officials have explained.

The Maywood village board unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the MWRD on Oct. 10, in which the latter will pay up to $662,000 of the total $1.1 million construction cost for five alleys on Hugh Muir, Superior Street and Huron

14. The MWRD will pay up to $558,000 of the estimated $915,000 in total construction costs to reconstruct four gravel alleys to permeable paver green alleys. The alleys are located on the far south end of the village just north of 31st Street, from Mayfair to Sunnyside avenues, village officials said.

Work on the four Westchester alleys will occur in the summer of 2024. Once they’re completed, the alleys will have the capacity to store 92,600 gallons of stormwater, village officials said.

As extreme weather events from climate change increase in frequency, more and more municipalities are turning to green infrastructure.

Inside Climate News reported earlier this year that as temperatures rise worldwide, the “intensity and variability of rainfall are expected to increase. Already, Illinois has seen a 12 to 15 percent increase in total annual precipitation and a 40 percent increase in the number of 2-inch rain days in the last 120 years, according to the Illinois State Climatologist Office.”

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8 Village Free Press, November 22, 2023

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Pritzker designates additional $160M for migrant response as winter approaches

New spending focused on building Chicago’s shelter capacity, getting migrants to permanent housing

By HANNAH MEISEL & JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois

CHICAGO – As winter quickly approaches, Gov. JB Pritzker on Nov. 16 announced plans for the state to spend an additional $160 million to aid and house a sustained influx of migrants sent to Chicago from the nation’s southern border.

The administration sold the plan as a threephase approach: “welcome, shelter, independence” aimed at meeting the needs of migrants based on how long they’ve been in Chicago and whether they’re planning to stay.

The state will spend $65 million to create a winterized “soft shelter site” to address severe shortages in the city’s shelter system, and another $65 million to assist with legal and housing assistance to resettle the migrants. Another $30 million would go to launch the intake center.

“With Congress likely unwilling to act and with lives of innocent people at stake, the hurdles we face seem far beyond the scope of

STAFFING AGENCIES Taken to court from page 1 iting their opportunities for advancement,” Raoul said in a news release at the time.

The three companies – Elite Staffing Inc., based in Chicago, Midway Staffing Inc. and Metro Staffing Inc., both headquartered in Chicago suburbs – all had contracted with a construction company also located in the suburbs.

Elgin-based Colony Display LLC designs and builds display models and custom furniture for commercial properties like motels, grocery stores and restaurants. While the company operates in seven states, Colony manufactures, assembles and houses most of their furniture in three Illinois warehouses.

The vast majority of Colony’s workforce is

any one state and yet everything we can do, we must do,” Pritzker said at a news conference announcing the plans.

Thursday’s announcement was made easier by the fact that the state is running a budget surplus. In an updated five-year economic forecast published on Nov. 15, the governor’s budgeting agency increased current-year revenue estimates by more than $1.4 billion.

That created leeway for the state, which has already spent $470 million on the response to asylum seekers since the wave of new arrivals to Chicago began 15 months ago, according to the administration’s breakdown of state agency spending. The city is on track to spend more than $500 million of its own money to address the influx by the end of next year.

But Pritzker emphasized the state isn’t handing over the $160 million directly to the city of Chicago, instead characterizing the plan as offering the types of “wraparound” services state agencies otherwise provide to Illinois residents.

He chided the city for an intake and resettlement process that he said was moving too slowly and said Thursday’s action plan was spurred by his administration’s analysis of data regarding the influx of migrants.

“We’re stepping in here to try to help and accelerate this process,” the governor said. “It isn’t moving fast enough. That’s why you’re seeing people still on the street…We cannot have people freezing on the streets of Chicago as we

head into very cold weather.”

In the last 15 months, Chicago has seen more than 24,000 migrants arrive – the vast majority coming by bus at the direction of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott – according to city data.

In late September, the number of weekly arrivals to Chicago began surging, reaching nearly 3,000 the first week of October. But since then, the numbers have once again leveled off, averaging about 700 asylum seekers weekly for the last three weeks.

With federal coordination of migrant relocation efforts lacking, the Pritzker administration said it was critical to create an intake center to coordinate the new arrivals. That includes identifying which migrants are hoping to go somewhere else in the U.S. from Chicago, and those who have sponsors in Illinois.

The state will pay $30 million to launch the intake center, at a location in Chicago that is yet to be determined. The center will provide a centralized place for migrants to get assistance from community-based organizations already working with the asylum seekers. It would also likely serve as the new de facto location for buses to drop asylum seekers, an administration official said.

Pritzker on Thursday estimated having a centralized intake center would also help reduce the number of new arrivals going to city shelters by 10 percent. If that projection bears out, it would be a weight off Chicago’s already

overloaded system.

According to city data, nearly 12,300 migrants were staying in city shelters as of Thursday morning. But another 2,400 were awaiting placement in those shelters – the majority of whom have been sleeping in police stations, with hundreds more taking up temporary residence at O’Hare Airport.

As the pace of migrant arrivals picked up in September, Pritzker was critical of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposal to build tent encampments for migrants, telling reporters he didn’t think it was “the only option.”

But on Thursday, Pritzker said the state would spend $65 million on a similar endeavor – “dependent on the city turning over a property to us.”

Asked why he’d softened to the idea, the governor pointed to the quickly approaching cold weather. In just a week, on Thanksgiving, the high temperature in Chicago is forecasted to be 24 degrees – more than 40 degrees below Thursday’s mild temperatures.

“That is a reflection again of the fact that we are heading into winter very shortly,” Pritzker said. “And that not enough shelter space has been created between the last couple of months when I said that and now.”

The winterized shelter site would house as many as 2,000 people at any given time, and the Pritzker administration estimates it would be up and running for as long as six months.

temporary. According to court records, at any given time the company “employs approximately 75 to 100 full-time employees,” compared with “between 200 to 1,000 temporary workers,” the original complaint alleged.

The staffing agencies’ contracts with Colony gave the company sole discretion over hiring, firing and assigning workers. And, the lawsuit alleged, the staffing agencies began to take advantage of that setup as early as 2018, communicating with each other via Colony.

“For example, many Midway employees wanted to switch to Elite because they were ‘not happy working for Midway’; they cited ‘pay issues’ and a lack of communication and support from their employer,” according to court records.

In response, Midway Staffing allegedly asked Colony for assistance in “squashing” the transfer of employees, resulting in Colony informing Elite Staffing that hiring other agencies’ employees was “bad practice” and

wasn’t allowed. Elite Staffing then produced its own policy to Colony, which the company then forwarded on to Midway Staffing, thus enforcing the no-poaching policy, according to Raoul’s office.

“As this incident shows, the no-poach conspiracy eliminated competition among (the staffing agencies)...which resulted in a lower quality of employment for the workers,” lawyers for the attorney general’s office wrote in a brief this summer.

As a result, “the workers could not seek better wages, on-time payment, improved communication from supervisors, or other benefits” by switching to another of the staffing agencies.

The staffing agencies also used Colony as a medium to set wages lower than the market rate, according to Raoul’s office.

“At one point, for instance, the fixed wage was $10 per hour but, according to a survey done by Elite, the ‘fair wage’ was $13 per hour,” according to court records.

For their part, the staffing agencies claim their business models preclude them from the state’s Antitrust Act, basing their legal arguments on a 1980s update to a key definition in the law.

The law prohibits “restraint of trade” that decreases competition between “persons engaged in commerce and trade,” and then further defines commerce and trade as “all economic activity involving or relating to any commodity or service.”

But the staffing agencies point to that 1980s-era update that defines service as anything that isn’t a commodity. The definition also stipulates that “service” doesn’t include “labor which is performed by natural persons as employees of others.”

In an appellate court opinion last year, Judge Thomas Hoffman wrote that “services provided by staffing agencies are generally not excluded from the Act’s coverage.”

He also said the agencies are attempting to broaden the law’s exceptions by distinguish-

vfpress.news

Village Free Press, November 22, 2023

9

COMMUNITY briefs

MICHAEL ROMAIN

William Whisenton, Loretha Gross and Curtis Montgomery pose for a photo inside the John H. Shelton American Legion Post #838 in Maywood on Nov. 19.

Maywood American Legion hosts pre-Thanksgiving dinner for local vets Hershel Embry hosted the Annual Veterans Thanksgiving Celebration for years at the John H. Shelton American Legion Post #838, 1219 Madison St. in Maywood. The annual event was his way of giving back to area veterans. When Embry died two years ago, Loretha Gross, an auxiliary member with Post #838, took the baton and ran with it.

On Nov. 19, dozens of local veterans floated in and out of the American Legion during the annual dinner, which was also an opportunity to reflect on Embry and the history of the ing the “labor” of its temp workers from the “service” the agencies provide.

In June, three workers’ rights groups – the National Legal Advocacy Network, the National Employment Law Project, and the Raise the Floor Alliance – filed an amicus brief in support of the Attorney General’s claim, writing that “temporary staffing jobs, including those working in warehouse and manufacturing facilities like those operated by Colony, often do the same work as direct-hire employees, but for less pay, worse benefits, increased health and safety risks, and no job security.”

It went on to argue that temporary workers are “disproportionately people of color” and such conditions “are contributing to the racial wealth gap and economic insecurity for communities of color.”

Shelton post.

“This was his baby, he loved doing this,” said Embry’s daughter, Nickey Embry. “He used to work at Hines as a spokesperson for the [Veterans Administration].”

Gross said Embry was also a vice commander and a commander of the Shelton post.

Curtis Montgomery, a former post commander and Army veteran, said that Post #838 is among the largest in the west suburbs. Montgomery said the post’s namesake, John H. Shelton, was an African-American Army private in World War I. He reportedly received the Silver Star while serving in the 41st Infantry Division.

GAS RATES

Not quite as high from page 5 and ordered a new ICC investigation into the program.

“We look forward to actively participating in future proceedings and demonstrating how our energy delivery system is critical to Chicago’s clean energy future,” Peoples Gas spokesperson David Schwartz said in a Thursday statement. “We are pleased the Commission shares our concern about safety.”

PROVIDED

McDonald’s Operators of Chicagoland gave out 300 holiday meal boxes in Broadview on Nov. 18.

Turkeys galore given out across Proviso Township Over the weekend, there were at least three major turkey giveaways in the Proviso Township area. The Broadview Police Department reported that they helped distribute 500 turkeys to community members at Broadview Missionary Baptist Church, 2100 S. 25th Ave. in Broadview, on Nov. 17.

On Nov. 18, the McDonald’s Operators of Chicagoland gave out 300 holiday meal boxes to people in need at the McDonald’s at 6000 Broadview Village Square in Broadview.

Scarr, a longtime critic of the program, praised the decision.

“This program was clearly problematic, literally since it got started. It stumbled out of the gates and there’s been so many investigations,” Scarr said. “For years, decisionmakers have looked the other way, but they didn’t today and that’s a huge deal.”

Consumer impacts have been one of the most hotly debated elements of the four concurrent rate cases. Last year, the ICC directed utilities to propose a new system to offer lower energy rates for low-income customers.

These low-income rate designs were one of the areas of focus of Karen Lusson, a lawyer with the National Consumer Law Center who advocated for the plan that the ICC

The initiative was part of Food for the Body and Spirit, a 10-day, 15-site holiday event series lasting from Nov. 9 through Nov. 19 at locations in Chicago, the suburbs and Northwest Indiana. Overall, more than 5,000 holiday meal boxes including turkeys and side dishes were given to families during the Food for the Body and Spirit campaign.

There was also a turkey giveaway at Miracle Revival Center, 2010 St. Charles Rd. in Maywood, hosted by Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, who is running for the 7th District Congressional seat held by Congressman Danny K. Davis.

eventually adopted, overruling administrative judges’ recommendations.

“In previous rate case orders, the commission never specifically assessed how affordable or unaffordable rates are for customers,” Lusson said.

The plan will offer discounts to those with incomes below three times the federal poverty limit, with greater discounts for those making less money. Discounts would apply to an entire customer bill and would be as high as 83 percent for Peoples Gas customers and 75 percent customers of other companies, according to Lusson. These discounts are slated to go into effect in October 2024.

Ameren’s Tomc said he was worried about the program’s potential impacts on customers who are not low-income.

10 Village Free Press, November 22, 2023

vfpress.news

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS INC. Plaintiff, -v.WAYNE WASHINGTON, DESRI H. WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Defendants 2022 CH 11715 1444 MORRIS 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 July 31, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 2, 2024, 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 1444 MORRIS AVENUE, BERKELEY, IL 60163 Property Index No. 15-08-105-0360000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $253,946.41.

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. 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 JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 22-0025.

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.

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 22-0025 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2022 CH 11715 TJSC#: 43-3171 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 11715 I3232030 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.JACQUELINE DESHANA GILES, DEBRINA TARINA RANSON, RICKY R GILES, HELEN GILES, OSCAR GILES, NAPOLEON GILES, JR, CHERYL GILES, VICTOR GILES, RODNEY GILES, PATRICIA GILES, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF NAPOLEAN GILES, DECEASED, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ESTATE OF NAPOLEON GILES, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2022 CH 04195 1916 S 17TH AVE 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 June 28, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corpo-

CLASSIFIED

ration, will at 10:30 AM on December 19, 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 1916 S 17TH AVE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-15-315-0230000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $130,546.93.

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 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 22-022095.

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

By Phone:

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. 22-022095 Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2022 CH 04195 TJSC#: 43-2768 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 04195 I3232973 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CHASE MORTGAGE HOLDINGS, INC. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO JPMC SPECIALTY MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, -v.ARNULFO MARRON A/K/A ARNULFO M. MURILLO, MISAEL VENCES-OCAMPO, LAURA Y. NEGRETE A/K/A LAURA Y. NEGRETE ROMERO, DINORA JUDITH MARRON A/K/A DINORA NEGRETE A/K/A DINORA NEGRETE ROMERO Defendants 2023 CH 02004 11353 W. GRAND AVE. MELROSE PARK, IL 60164 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 25, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 27, 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 11353 W. GRAND AVE., MELROSE PARK, IL 60164 Property Index No. 12-30-201-0050000 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 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,

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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. 14-23-01184 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2023 CH 02004 TJSC#: 43-3780 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 02004 I3233185

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. 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.

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

Case # 2022 CH 06135 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 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 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, 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

(708) 406-2494 By Email: kamil@vfpress.news

vfpress.news

Village Free Press, November 22, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

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.

440-572-1511. ILF2212019 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3232074

tate 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. 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 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 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 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 LEGATEES 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 es-

CLASSIFIED

By Phone:

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

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

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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