Village Free Press_030222

Vol. VI No. 9

MARCH 2, 2022

Ukraine invasion’s local impact, PAGE 8

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State mask mandate lifted

Ike shootings down, PAGE 6

Patrons inside of Dave’s Hot Chicken, the popular LAbased eatery that opened a location in Melrose Park in January.

Read more on page 2.

But there are exceptions to the lifting of the state mandate

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

On Monday, the statewide indoor mask mandate ended, with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle both agreeing to follow Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s lead and end city and county-wide mandates, as well.

State and local officials also ended the vaccination card mandates, which required anyone seeking to dine in restaurants, exercise in gyms and patronize entertainment venues, among other places, to present proof of their vaccination status. In addition, weekly testing for employees covered by the mandate was also lifted.

In a statement on Feb. 25, Pritzker said the decision to end the mandates comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decrease across the state, while the availability of ICU beds steadily increases.

Since the governor announced earlier this month that he would lift the indoor mask requirement, “the number of people See MASKS on page 5

Michael Romain

$30M senior housing complex planned for Bellwood Village also nearly finished building two ‘village-hallbuilt’ single-family homes

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

A developer is looking to build a four-story, 80-unit apartment building for senior citizens at 540 25th Ave. in Bellwood, the site of a former Walgreens store that’s been

abandoned for nearly a decade.

During an interview on Feb. 26, Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey said Evergreen Real Estate Group is the firm driving the development, which is called the Bellwood Senior Apartments.

According to its website, Evergreen is a “fully integrated real estate company that develops, acquires and manages affordable and market-rate multifamily communities across 10 states” in the South and Midwest.

The company owns and manages more than 100 properties and 10,000 units of multifamily housing, according to the website.

WE’RE YOUR FINANCIAL PARTNER BECAUSE

David Block, Evergreen’s director of development, said Evergreen also manages the Garden House of Maywood, an affordable apartment community for senior citizens at 515 S. 2nd Ave. in Maywood. Block said that, as with the Garden apartments, the Bellwood apartments will “100% affordable.”

Harvey said that the village will donate to Evergreen the land on which the old Walgreens sits, which the village owns. In addition, he said, the village will loan EverSee HOUSING on page 3

MEET US

YOU SHOULD KNOW YOUR BANKER. Jose Villa

Vice President & Branch Manager 708-483-0030 | jvilla@hinsdalebank.com Proviso Community Bank is a branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, N.A.

1759 N. Mannheim Rd., Stone Park | 1111 Madison St., Maywood 708-483-0030 | www.provisobank.com

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

NEWS briefs Hillside Fire Department offering CPR classes

the village free press Editor & Publisher Michael Romain Senior Sales & Strategic Consultant Kamil Brady Editorial Designer Andrew Mead HOW TO REACH US Village Free Press 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE: 773-626-6332 FAX: (708) 467-9066 vfpress.news Twitter: @village_free Facebook: @maywoodnews The Village Free Press is published weekly

by Michael Romain. It is distributed free of charge at locations throughout Maywood. © 2022 Village Free Press

We’re proud to partner with Growing Community Media, NFP.

“To learn to be human is to develop through the give and take of communication an effective sense of being an individually distinctive member of a community.”

—John Dewey

The Hillside Fire Department recently announced the 2022 schedule for its life safety/CPR classes.

This year’s classes include Friends & Family CPR, HeartSaver CPR, BLS Healthcare Provider, and Stop the Bleed, village officials said.

Classes will be held on Saturday mornings, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., inside of the board room at Hillside Village Hall on March 12, April 23, June 4, July 16, Aug. 6, Sept. 17, Nov. 19 and Dec. 10.

The Stop the Bleed class is free and offered in-person or online while the Friends and Family CPR is $40, the Heartsaver CPR class is $70 and the BLS Healthcare Provider is $70.

For more information or to register, visit: https://www.hillside-il.org/your-government/departments/fire/cpr-classes/

Local group honors pioneering Proviso women for Black History Month A local organization wrapped up Black History Month by honoring five prominent women in Proviso Township.

Black Men’s Perspective, an organization based in Maywood, hosted the awards ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Global Business Center, 840 S. 17th Ave. in Maywood.

Jim Gardner, the organization’s founder, said Black Men’s Perspective honored Edwena Perkins, the former mayor of Maywood who was the first Black female to hold the position; former Maywood village clerk, Viola Mims; Barbara Cole, the founder of Maywood Youth Mentoring; Vena Nelson, an account and the owner of Go Big Accounting and the Global Business Center; and Dr. Rhonda Sherrod, an author and educator who recently published her first book.

“We wanted to honor them for the things they’ve done,” Gardner said.

Loyola Medicine among Chicago area’s 25 largest employers, according to Crain’s Loyola Medicine, the behemoth academic medical center and nonprofit healthcare provider based in Maywood, ranks among the top 25 largest employers in the Chicago area, according to the most recent list published by Crain’s Chicago Business.

The annual list of employers is based on full-time local employees in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake (Ill.), Lake (Indiana), McHenry and Will counties, along with worldwide employees.

Loyola Medicine, a subsidiary of Trinity Health Corp., ranked 25th on Crain’s list. As of Dec. 31, 2021, Loyola employed 8,615 full-time employees, a nearly 14% increase in the healthcare provider’s workforce over last year.

Revenues for Loyola Medicine in 2021 were nearly $2 billion, an increase of roughly 2% over last year’s revenue level.

The largest employer on this year’s last is the U.S. Government, which has 52,316 full-time employees in the Chicago area, followed by Chicago Public Schools (40,119), the city of Chicago (31,020), Amazon (27,050) and Advocate Aurora Health (25,906).

Loyola Medicine did not make the Top 25 listing last year.

This year, Loyola displaced Health Care Service Corp., which was ranked 25th in 2021, with 7,889 full-time local employees.

The United Parcel Service Inc. also fell out of this year’s Top 25 rankings. Meanwhile, Amazon moved up several spots from being ranked 9th last year to 4th this year.

Maywood Police conduct massive search for suspected carjacker Seemingly dozens of law enforcement officials converged on several blocks in Maywood south of I-290 on Feb. 23, after reports that a suspect involved in a carjacking ran from the expressway and into a nearby house, according to police dispatch records.

Shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, dispatchers reported that a subject in a car possibly stolen in Chicago exited the vehicle while on the Eisenhower near 5th Avenue and entered a two-story house on Bataan, which runs parallel the expressway.

With a helicopter hovering overhead, police established a perimeter around several blocks between 5th and 9th avenues, and Bataan Drive and Lexington Street.

The subject is reportedly a Black male in his 20s, wearing a hoodie and black pants. He was described as “armed and dangerous.” Police said that they checked the property and didn’t find him inside.

By 2:30 p.m., authorities still held the perimeter and police officers carrying assault rifles could be seen patrolling the area.

By 3 p.m., the helicopter had flown away.

It wasn’t clear if the suspect was ever captured.

Popular LA chicken eatery opens Melrose Park location Move over Popeye’s, there’s a new chicken sandwich in town.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, a popular restaurant chain started by four friends in a parking lot in East Hollywood, now has a location at 2615 W. North Ave. in Melrose Park — the first in Proviso Township and one of just four in the Chicago area.

The Melrose Park location opened in January. On Jan. 20, iHeart Media personality Don Stuck stopped by the restaurant to provide his stamp of approval.

“I’ve already had some of this stuff,” he said. “It’s so good, I don’t know if it’s legal drive after you’ve eaten it.”

Dave’s Hot Chicken is known for its fried chicken tenders that are served alone and sandwiched between bread. The tenders are cooked in the style of Nashville hot chicken, a dish that originated at Prince’s Hot Chicken in Nashville, according to Eater Chicago. And the heat is real, with spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper.”

After taking Los Angeles by storm, Dave’s opened locations in Las Vegas, Colorado and Dallas, among other cities. In 2020, the chain announced that it would be opening 16 locations in Chicago and the suburbs.

Last year, two locations opened in Chicago proper and one location opened in Naperville. The Melrose Park location is the fourth to open in the Chicago area.

The interior design of the restaurants are about as unique as the sandwiches, with large, colorful murals suspended over diners. The mural in Melrose Park lights up when it gets dark outside.

Eater Chicago reported last year that Hot Dave’s has waivers for customers to sign warning them about the intense heat of the “Reaper” tenders, which could result in upset stomach.

“Dave’s brokered a deal in 2019 with Bill Phelps — co-founder of Wetzel’s Pretzels — to sell franchising rights to 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada, according to a news release,” the Eater reported.

“Notable investors include actor Samuel L. Jackson, Good Morning America host and former NFL player Michael Strahan, and former journalist and California First Lady Maria Shriver.”

Dave’s Hot Chicken is open seven days a week, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (it closes at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).

CONTACT: info@vfpress.news

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

HOUSING

Development happening from page 1 green $10 million from funds available in the Bellwood – Addison Creek Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district.

“Since the property is in a TIF district, we can make that loan and get paid back, so we are not really giving up anything,” Harvey said. “For us, that puts a piece of blighted land back on the tax rolls and increases our tax base.”

Harvey and Block estimated the total cost of the project at around $30 million. The mayor said Evergreen will likely get a variety of tax credits. Block said those credits will come from the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

“That land has been undeveloped for a long time,” the mayor said, referring to the former Walgreens, which closed in 2015.

“We kept wondering what to put there. I told my economic development team to see if we could get more senior housing, because that’s something we need.”

Harvey said that demolition of the Walgreens could start in April, with construction possibly completed in 2023.

The Bellwood Board of Trustees approved a redevelopment agreement and the land donation agreement for the property at a special meeting on Feb. 28.

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New ‘village-hall-built’ single-family homes going up Last year, the northwest corner of 49th and St. Charles Road in Bellwood wasn’t more than a large hole in the ground. Now, it’s the site of two nearly completed single-family homes, each of which is valued at around $370,000, according to Redfin, the real estate site.

In 2020, the village applied for a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), in order to help pay the cost of cleaning up the site, which used to be a gas station.

The homes at 130 49th Ave. and 132 49th Ave. are the latest to be built by the village of Bellwood. Former Bellwood Mayor Frank Pasquale started the initiative of developing what Crain’s has called “village hall-built houses” back in 2016, as a way to improve the village’s housing stock.

The houses built by Bellwood are much larger than most of the older houses in town, which are between 900 and 1,200 square feet.

The two new homes going up on St. Charles Road are each 2,150 square feet.

The homes are the 24th and 25th houses built by the village, said current Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey. He said although the Redfin listings are at around $370,000, the village has already received a bid of $380,000 for one of the homes.

“We have negotiations happening with the other house,” the mayor said. “Usually, the houses we build sell before the construction

An architectural rendering of the proposed Bellwood Senior Apartments, which will be located on the site of the old Walgreens at the corner of Washington and 25th.

Provided

is completed.”

The two homes are described as all-brick, luxury and “maintenance-free” on Redfin.

Once finished, they’ll feature three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a master suite with a soaking tub and separate shower, granite countertops and full unfinished basements, among others.

Bellwood contracts with Angela Walker Homes Real Estate Group to market the village-hall-built houses. Harvey said the village is already planning to build three more

single-family homes, but would not disclose their locations due to ongoing negotiations.

“I don’t like vacant lots, so anything vacant we’re trying to ensure we put something on them,” Harvey said. “We might be putting townhouses on other parcels, but we’re working every day to try to increase the housing stock in Bellwood.”

CONTACT: info@vfpress.news

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

Tensions flare again amid D209 teacher contract talks

D209 Supt. James Henderson blames teachers for student walkout, among other unsubstantiated claims

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

The Proviso Teachers Union (PTU) and District 209 administrators could not come to a collective bargaining agreement during the most recent federally mediated session held Feb. 23, PTU leaders said.

The stalled session happened roughly a week after the union postponed a strike it had scheduled for Feb. 18 and two days after D209 Supt. James Henderson made a series of unsubstantiated claims in an incendiary document that may have only exacerbated the tensions between the two sides.

The two-page document, addressed to Proviso community members and dated Feb. 20, accuses veteran teachers of “looking to line their pockets just prior to retiring.”

He also claims that “the PTU leadership (not teachers), a small number of community members (from Westchester and Forest Park) and one Proviso Board of Education member” orchestrated the student-led walkout, which he says happened on Feb. 17.

Claudia Medina, the outspoken board member the superintendent is likely referencing, issued a statement in response to the superintendent’s claims on Feb. 23, in which she said “every student has the right to ask for a parent or trusted adult when questioned by an authority figure,” before urging students to “exercise that right if you feel you are being intimidated or incriminated. If you feel you are compromised, ask to stop, and request your parents’ presence before you answer any other questions.”

The mass student demonstration held in support of teachers actually happened on Feb. 16. During that demonstration, roughly a dozen students who spoke to Village Free Press said that the walkout was organized by students, with information on their plans circulating on social media a day before the demonstration. The district held classes remotely on Feb. 17, so there were no students in school buildings that day.

The superintendent said that “at least one student just nearly missed getting hit by a car while crossing the street walking from East HS to PMSA campus.” The superintendent provided no supporting evidence for his claims and has refused to make himself or district representatives available for comment.

On Feb. 16, the district released a statement stating that they were investigating “fires that were set in our school bathrooms” during the walkout, but district officials have not communicated the status nor, if it has been completed, the findings of that investigation.

In his statement, Henderson also said that

“the board and I want a starting teacher salary of $60,000, but the PTU leadership is more concerned with increasing salary bonuses for teachers nearing retirement. The PTU leadership’s veteran teachers are planning to cross the picket line, in order to preserve their final years’ income, leaving less experienced teachers to shoulder the costs of the strike.”

The superintendent claimed that the PTU wants to increase sick leave “in a tiered scheme which heavily favors teachers with more experience. According to the Illinois State Report Card, 50% of Proviso teachers are absent more than 10 days each academic school year, already — and now they’re asking for more days to be absent?”

In addition, he claimed that PTU leadership “attempted to damage our athletic scholars by scheduling their original Feb. 18 strike in conflict with the Boys Class 4A Sectional Basketball Tournament, beginning on Feb. 19, 2022 — which would have caused our teams’ disqualification.”

Henderson included on the second page of the document emails from Arnavaz U. Mistry-Mujthaba, a field service director for the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the PTU’s parent union, to Craig Anderson, the executive director of the Illinois High School Association.

In a Feb. 15 email, Mistry-Mujthaba informs Anderson of the PTU’s planned strike on Feb. 18 and cites a section of the IHSA’s bylaws that he says may prohibit D209 students from participating in the tournament on Feb. 19 “because the school is not in legal session on the date of the beginning of the competition.

Mistry-Mujthaba adds that Anderson should “be advised that teachers and other community members may be picketing, leafleting, and otherwise communicating with the public outside of the tournament in accordance with their rights under the Illinois Labor Dispute Act.”

He adds that the union “hopes to be able to reach an agreement” with the district before the tournament, but “felt that it was our duty to inform you of this impending labor action.”

In a Feb. 16 email chain between the superintendent and Proviso East Athletic Director Calvin Davis, who asks Henderson about the strike’s possible impact on sports teams, Henderson inexplicably writes: “Thank you Mr. Anderson, I did indeed get your message – that’s great news!”

It’s unclear what may have prompted Henderson’s response and there’s no indication from the emails that PTU leaders deliberately selected Feb. 18 as their strike date in order to conflict with the East boys varsity basketball team’s appearance in the sectional tournament. The PTU announced the Feb. 18 strike date on Feb. 12, two weeks before the start of the sectional tournament.

PTU leaders rebutted Henderson’s claims in a series of statements released last week.

On Feb. 22, union leaders said Proviso “teachers are disheartened to see your latest ‘update’ on negotiations. Once again, it is full of lies and mischaracterizations” before demanding that the superintendent show proof of his various claims.

“You claimed that our Unions set the initial strike date of 2/18 to interfere with basketball playoffs,” the union stated. “Please provide proof. Again, you know the date was determined by the legal timeline required under the Labor Act as part of the first date on which a legal strike could occur.”

The union also demanded that the superintendent provide proof of his claims that he and the board “have offered a written proposal for $60K starting teacher salary,” that “unions leaders orchestrated the student walkout” that the union “prioritizes the needs of veteran educators and their retirement benefits over less veteran ones.”

In his document, Henderson includes a screenshot of what he claims are the union’s demands for professional leaves and absences, which range from 14 days for non-tenured teachers to 35 days for teachers with at least 25 years’ experience.

Union leaders, however, pointed to their most recent offer submitted to the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB) last month, which they said has not changed.

According to the offer, which is available on the IELRB’s website, the union is asking for teachers to be granted 14 days’ worth of paid sick leave each school term or seven days per semester “for any teacher who is hired to commence teaching during the second semester of a school term.”

“If a teacher uses no more than two (2) sick leave days in a semester, the teacher shall receive an additional two (2) sick leave days per semester,” the offer reads.

In a separate statement released on Feb. 22, PTU leaders said that Henderson’s Feb. 20 document is “another pathetic attempt to divide our teachers and community because

he knows that we stand together in this fight for our students.”

In the district’s most recent update on the negotiations, D209 school board President Rodney Alexander struck a much milder tone. He said that during the Feb. 23 mediation session, the district offered salary increases of 7% over the course of a threeyear contract. That’s closer to the union’s original most recent offer on the IELRB’s website of a five-year contract, with a 5.7% pay raise each year. The district’s initial offer was a two-year contract, with no salary increase the first year and a 5% increase the second year.

Alexander said the district also agreed to “a popular program in which Proviso 209 teachers who provide four years of advance notice of their planned retirement receive additional compensation of 6% during each of those years. The District proposes that participation in this program should be available only to teachers who have earned the minimum mandatory 20 years of service within Proviso 209.” The union’s offer is that the board provide the retirement incentive for any teacher who submits an “irrevocable letter of intent to resign and retire on or before June 30, 2026.”

Alexander said extending eligibility for the retirement incentive “to teachers who spent the bulk of their careers in other districts would irresponsibly shift the burden of this incentive to our taxpayers versus those of the community teachers previously taught.”

The board president added that the district and union “are very close to agreement on the optimal student enrollment for both general education and PE classes,” with both sides agreeing, in principle, on “the concept of providing an additional $1,000 in compensation to teachers if average course enrollments for the semester exceed these targets. The union demands that this additional compensation be paid if average enrollment exceeds the target by even one student. We are continuing to discuss the appropriate threshold that would trigger an additional payment.”

The next mediation sessions between the union and the district is scheduled for March 7 and March 9.

On Feb. 26, PTU members were out canvassing Proviso Township in an effort to “educate the public about why the teachers are fighting for a competitive contract and how that affects students at 209 and their academic success,” according to a statement released Feb. 25.

CONTACT: info@vfpress.news

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

MASKS

Mostly gone? from page 1 in the hospital with COVID-19 has been cut in half and the number of ICU beds available increased by 24%. Illinois’ weekly COVID-19 case rate has also decreased by 70%,” state officials said.

“More than 8 million people in Illinois are fully vaccinated with an average of approximately 16,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered each day, including more than 4,600 first doses daily,” they added.

“Today, our hospitals are much better positioned to handle emergencies and more than half of all eligible adults have been boosted; this is the progress we needed to make to remove our state indoor masking requirements,” Pritzker stated.

“As individuals, I encourage everyone to make the best choices going forward to protect your health, along with that of your family and community – and most importantly to treat each other with kindness and compassion,” the governor added.

In a statement released Feb. 22, Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) officials said that, as of Feb. 22, the COVID-19 positivity rate in the suburbs under its jurisdiction, which include all of Proviso Township, was 3% while the 7-day rolling average for confirmed cases was 285.

“The region’s ICU and Non-ICU admis-

sions numbers, and the positivity rate are both in the ‘lower transmission’ risk category, and confirmed cases continue to decrease and are approaching the lower transmission category,” officials said.

“We are glad to be able to move with the rest of the state to lift these measures,” said Dr. Rachel Rubin, CCDPH’s co-lead and senior medical officer. “We thank the residents for their cooperation, and the suburban Cook County business community for their support and compliance of the mask mandate and vaccination requirements. We urge those who have not been vaccinated to do so.”

Despite mandate’s lifting, exceptions linger “Masks will still be required where federally mandated (including on public transit), health care facilities, congregate settings, long term care facilities, and daycare settings,” state officials announced.

“Additionally, private businesses and municipalities may choose to implement their own masking requirements,” they said.

Cook County officials pointed out that, despite the lifting of the mask mandate, “many residents will choose to continue to wear a mask — especially those who are immunocompromised and children under the age of 5 who are not eligible to be vaccinated.”

“We ask for continued understanding and kindness to those who choose to wear a mask,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, CCDPH’s co-

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lead and senior medical officer.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, CCDPH strongly recommends wearing a face mask in schools.

Only 48% of suburban Cook County residents younger than 20 have received one dose of COVID The outside of Maywood Village Hall last year. vaccine.

In addition to File schools, CCDPH continues to recommend maskThe change in position has already had ing in any crowded indoor public setting local ramifications. For instance, Maywhere physical distancing cannot be main- wood-Melrose Park-Broadview District tained such as at large indoor events. We 89 announced over the weekend that they will continue to monitor COVID-19 metrics would move from mandating masks to in our suburban jurisdiction and may rec- strongly recommending that masks be worn ommend additional mitigation measures in inside of schools. the future if the healthcare system is overDavid Negron, D89’s superintendent, exwhelmed or if transmission rate increases plained in the statement sent to D89 families warrant such action. and community members that the district Schools shifting their approach On Feb. 25, Pritzker announced that the removal of the mask mandate will also apply to schools — a change from his earlier stance. Previously, Pritzker had said masks would still be required in schools even after he lifted the mandate statewide.

will continue to follow mitigation protocols, such as social distancing in schools, offering free masks to students and staffers who want them and continuing to regularly clean and disinfect, among other protocols.

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

Ike expressway shootings down 70%, as of Feb. 22

Shootings on all Illinois tollways and highways were down by 32%, according to Illinois State Police data

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

As of Feb. 22, there were 28 shootings on Illinois tollways and highways, compared to 41 by this time last year — a decline of around 32%, according to the most recent data on expressway shootings provided by the Illinois State Police.

The decline in shootings has been much starker on the Eisenhower Expressway. So far this year, there have been three shootings on the I-290, compared to 10 by this time last year — a decline of around 70%, according to ISP data.

The most recent shootings on I-290 happened on Jan. 21, Jan. 24 and Feb. 19. The Jan. 21 shooting happened at 10:41 p.m. on the westbound exit ramp to Harlem Avenue.

Injuries were reported in all three shootings.

Last year, there were 310 highway shootings in Illinois, compared to 147 in 2020 and

51 in 2019. On the Eisenhower, there were 51 in 2021, 28 in 2020 and six in 2019. Of the 536 highway shootings that have taken place from 2019 to Feb. 22 of this year, around 93% have been non-fatal and around 56% have resulted in injuries.

The I-94 Dan Ryan is the most dangerous expressway in the state in terms of shootings. There have been 124 shootings on that expressway since 2019. The Eisenhower has the second-most shootings among Illinois highways, with 88 since 2019. The roadway is followed by I-57 (84 shootings), I-94 Bishop Ford (67 shootings) and I-55 Stevenson (44 shootings).

So far this year, no fatalities have resulted from expressway shootings. At this point last year, there were six expressway shootings with fatalities and 24 in all of 2021.

“Does that indicate a trend?” Daily Herald reporter Marni Pyke mused in a Feb. 21 article.

“I think that remains to be seen,” ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly told her. “We’re utilizing every resource at our disposal to focus on the areas where we see the greatest amount of interstate shootings but we look for long-term trends.”

“I’m thinking shootings are down due more to the snowy weather in the city, rather than an increase in civility,” said veteran traffic and spot news reporter Kris Haber-

mehl. “Feuds and bad blood continue unabated on social media, which oftentimes lead to expressway hits.”

Earlier this month, Gov. JB Pritzker held a news conference with Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly in Chicago in order to update the public on recent measures implemented to address the shootings.

Pritzker and Kelly pointed out that 20 arrests had been made in recent months related to the shootings and other crime and that 99 cameras equipped with automatic license plate readers had been installed on the Dan

Ryan expressway, with “hundreds more coming,” according to Capitol News Illinois.

Kelly added that his agency “increased patrol presence on Chicago expressways by over 150 percent at ‘peak criminal activity times,’” Capitol News reported. “Since October, that has led to nearly 5,000 traffic stops, 132 DUI arrests, 69 firearm recoveries and 133 criminal arrests in the Chicago area.”

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

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Caribbean grocery store in Maywood reinvents itself Kingston Market Caribbean and African Groceries moves into larger space at 1401 S. 5th Ave., expands to include take-out

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Kingston Market Caribbean and African Groceries is opening 2022 in a new and expanded location just down the street from their original location at 1401 S. 5th Ave. in Maywood, which they opened in 2019.They also have a new offering — take-out.

Mark Phillips, the store’s owner, said on Feb. 26 that he was prompted to move into the new space at 1305 S. 5th Ave. mainly to add the take-out option.

“The major decision was the ability to provide hot food — take-out Jamaican food,” Phillips said.

“People would come in for hot food all of the time, because they thought it was a restaurant,” he said. “You don’t see that many Caribbean grocery stores, so when they would see the Jamaican colors on the outside they would automatically think it was a restaurant, because that’s what the

community is used to — jerk chicken and Jamaican food.”

Keri Wright was one of those patrons.

Wright and her companion, who preferred not to give his name, would travel to Maywood from Joliet to shop for Caribbean grocery items. Saturday was her first time ordering Kingston’s hot food.

Phillips said that, in addition to prepared take-out food like jerk chicken, curry chicken, red snapper, curry goat and oxtail, the new location also carries more fresh vegetables and meats than the old location.

Ramone Roberts, Phillips’ nephew, was working the register on Sunday. Roberts said Kingston had been closed for roughly a month in order to move into their new digs.

The store reopened last week, he said.

Phillips said he understands that Kingston’s new take-out offerings will put it in competition with Lickle Jamaican Restaurant, 620 S. 5th Ave., which opened last year.

Lickle Jamaica owner Tusain Collins told Village Free Press last year that he actually sources much of his food from Kingston Market. Phillips said he sees Lickle Jamaica as an ally more than a competitor.

“They buy goods from us to sell there,” Phillips said of Lickle Jamaica. “We’re friends with them and we shop with each other.”

Phillips said Kingston Market has thrived

Ramone Roberts assists a customer inside of Kingston Market Caribbean and African Groceries in Maywood on Saturday.

Michael Romain

during the pandemic.

“It was actually fine during the pandemic, because we were mainly selling groceries,” he said. “I think people were mostly buying food to cook at home, because a lot of the restaurants were closed. The grocery sales were consistent.”

Kingston Market is open seven days a

week, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer. The store’s kitchen, however, is closed on Sundays. Phillips said he’ll consider opening the kitchen up on Sunday if the demand exists.

CONTACT: info@vfpress.news

Westchester’s newest grocer opens doors

Michael’s Fresh Farms, 1551 Westchester Blvd., opened last week

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Phyllis Dotson, of Bellwood, was on her way from work when she drove by Michael’s Fresh Farms, 1551 Westchester Blvd. in Westchester, on Friday afternoon. The discovery was a pleasant surprise.

“I usually go to Jewel and Tony’s and the dollar store to shop,” she said, as she was leaving the store. “I stopped by to see if they were open and just went in. You don’t want to go to the big stores all the time.”

Dotson was among the first customers to shop at Michael’s, which opened its doors on Friday. An official grand opening is scheduled for Saturday at noon, said owner Anwar Michaels.

“We’ve already had about eight sales,” said Westchester resident Connie Gresko, one of the store’s employees. “We sold some grapes. It’s exciting. The community has been waiting for this for a long time. This store is a million times better than what was here, which was empty space.”

Michael’s Fresh Farms in Westchester, which opened on Westchester Boulevard on Feb. 25, sells fresh fruits and vegetables. Owner Anwar Michaels is a military veteran.

Michael Romain

Before the building sat empty, it was the site of the popular Joe’s Place, owned by the late Westchester village president, Frank Perry. Joe’s Place shared space with other retailers.

“This will be convenient for neighbors here,” Michaels said. “Maybe someone wants something quick and doesn’t want to

go all the way to Jewel or Target.”

Michaels, who lives in Skokie, said he served in the military before working as a contractor protecting U.S. diplomats in Iraq.

“I saved some money while contracting overseas and decided to start my own business,” he said. “I was looking online and I found this agent selling this place. I put in

an offer and they accepted my offer.”

On Friday, Michaels and his employees were still busy stocking shelves. The store features an array of produce, a small deli and many of the same offerings shoppers will see in much larger grocery stores.

“I also provide some imported items, such as baba ghanouj made in Jordan,” he said.

Michael’s Fresh Farms is open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

CONTACT: info@vfpress.news

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

Bellwood baker turns passion into serious business

Keelie Banks said when she lost her vision, she gained more insight, eventually prompting her to start Suga Bakers

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Bellwood native Keelie Banks, 37, had been baking for more than a decade when she decided last year to take steps to turn her passion into a business. She launched a website and registered her business, Suga Bakers, with the Illinois Secretary of State.

“I had been wanting to do it for so long and I was just tired of being scared,” Banks said during an interview on Feb. 24.

Banks said she started off baking as a way to earn money while going to college for fashion and design, but was determined to turn the activity into something more serious and financially sustainable during the pandemic.

“I was like this is the time,” she said. “People were hunkered down. I was also on YouTube a lot and listening to people say that this is the time to reinvent yourself. Whatever you want to do, buckle down and focus

Bellwood baker Keelie Banks started Sugar Bakers last year. The business specializes in sweet baked goods, such as this German chocolate cake.

Provided

on putting yourself out there. Step out on faith.”

Keelie’s leap is starting to pay off. She’s been featured in a range of media outlets and said she now has a rather following.

Most of her customers are in Oak Park and Forest Park, with many recent customers coming from her hometown of Bellwood.

She said she leans heavily on social me-

dia platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the word out about her business.

“Before, I would have to advertise and send out text messages and things like that,” she said. “Now, without even advertising, I have people coming to me. When people have parties or are celebrating holidays they automatically think of me. I have repeat customers now. I love that.”

Banks said that what makes her products particularly sweet is the process by which they’re made. Eight years ago, Banks was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa, which resulted in the loss of her sight.

She said her condition forced her to side-

line her passion for bakery for a while, but not for too long.

“I didn’t let that stop me,” Banks said. “I regained the vision for my future last year in the midst of the pandemic. If the pandemic taught me anything, it taught me to embrace change, have courage, and that I was stronger than I had ever realized.”

Banks navigates the kitchen inside her Bellwood home, where she bakes the products that she sells online, with the help of Alexa, which she uses as an audible timer; and bump dots that are installed on her microwave and oven.

“Everything else is good,” she said. “I’ll have my mom measure out the liquid ingredients before she goes to work. Other than that, I’m able to handle things on my own.”

Banks said the love for baking helped propel her beyond her condition. That love, she said, transfers to products like her popular German chocolate and red velvet cakes.

Going forward, Banks said she would love to sell her baked goods through either a brick-and-mortar bakery cafe or a food truck.

“If only I can find someone to drive it for me,” she said before laughing.

Banks’ inner drive will do the trick.

For more information on Suga Bakers, visit sugabakers.com/ or call (630) 886-2525.

CONTACT: info@vfpress.news

Ukraine invasion sends gas prices above $4 in Proviso Other effects of the invasion could include higher food prices

By LOCAL NEWS CURATOR Village Free Press

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has meant higher gas prices in Proviso Township, according to numerous media outlets that spoke with energy experts.

Tom Kloza, an energy analyst with the Oil Price Information Service, told the Chicago Tribune that the Chicago area is “in for a few months of higher prices.”

The average price of gasoline in the Chicago metropolitan area was at around $3.82 a gallon on Feb. 24, the Tribune reported.

That was up from an average of around $3.60 a month ago.

According to Kloza, gas prices “could climb above $4 a gallon in Illinois,” with the highest prices possibly coming in the next 60 days, the Tribune reports. By Feb. 28, just a few days after the invasion, Proviso drivers were already seeing $4 gas prices.

CBS News reported on Feb. 23 that the price of oil “hit an eight-year high this week” as traders reacted to the international news.

“Gas prices are likely to surge even further if the hostilities escalate or if U.S. lawmakers pass another round of sanctions, according to experts,” CBS reports, adding that analysts are also warning that the impact of the Ukraine invasion could extend beyond the gas pump.

“Sanctions or export controls against Russia could make current semiconductor shortages even worse, while restrictions on wheat or metals could drive the fiercest bout of inflation in decades to climb even higher,” CBS reports.

Russia accounts for roughly 12% of the global oil supply, the media outlet said.

Patrick DeHaan, a petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, told CBS News that if “Russia makes a run on Ukraine, we could see [oil prices] over $100 a barrel next week.”

That statement was published on Wednesday. On Thursday, NPR reported that global oil prices already have risen to above $100 a barrel — the first time since 2014, when Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region.

Other impacts on local living The rising gas prices aren’t the only consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, experts say. The invasion could also exacerbate inflation, which is already high.

Higher energy and commodities prices could translate into higher prices at grocery stores and other retailers.

Two eight-foot, white birch wood peace poles outside of Westchester Community Church in Westchester on Feb. 25, 2022. Each side of the two poles has a placard reading “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in a different language, including Ukrainian.

Michael Romain

“Christian Bogmans, an economist at the International Monetary Fund, said a conflict in Ukraine could further inflate global food prices, which were set to stabilize after skyrocketing last year,” the New York Times reported.

“Russia and Ukraine together are responsible for nearly 30 percent of global wheat

exports, while Ukraine alone accounts for more than 15 percent of global corn exports, he said. And many of Ukraine’s growing regions for wheat and corn are near the Russian border.”

CONTACT: info@vfpress.news

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

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LIFE GUARDS Certifications available

DAY CAMP COUNSELORS Applications accepted after March 1 FOR MORE INFORMATION (708) 547-3900 x3006

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Pay range $13-$20 per hour MEMORIAL PARK DISTRICT EISENHOWER COMMUNITY CENTER, HILLSIDE 60162

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST Plaintiff, -v.LINDA FITZGERALD, AS INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF ELAINE E. KOVESKI, LINDA FITZGERALD, GENE A. KOVESKI, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ELAINE E. KOVESKI, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2021CH03858 1332 HAASE AVE WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 9, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 28, 2022, 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 1332 HAASE AVE, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 Property Index No. 15-20-111-0490000 The real estate is improved with a single family 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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 fore-

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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closure 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.

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. 14-20-06225 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021CH03858 TJSC#: 41-3453 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 # 2021CH03858 I3187908

single family 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 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. 14-19-01081 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH01782 TJSC#: 42-197 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 # 2019CH01782 I3188238

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) 794-9876 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. 14-19-11625 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH14505 TJSC#: 41-3460 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 # 2019CH14505 I3187180

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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 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. 14-19-04288 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH05749 TJSC#: 42-140 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 # 2019CH05749 I3187192

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSRMF MH MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST II Plaintiff, -v.REMIRRA JACKSON, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF REGINA L. JACKSON, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR REGINA L. JACKSON (DECEASED) Defendants 2019CH01782 2006 SOUTH 1ST 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 January 3, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 5, 2022, 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 2006 SOUTH 1ST AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-14-323-0380000 The real estate is improved with a

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF11 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.CORETTA GATES Defendants 2019CH14505 141 MORRIS AVENUE 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 December 16, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 18, 2022, 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 141 MORRIS AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-103-0580000 The real estate is improved with a single family 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.OSCAR A. PAZOS, MIRNA J. PAZOS Defendants 2019CH05749 541 N WOLF RD NORTHLAKE, 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 December 6, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 18, 2022, 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 541 N WOLF RD, NORTHLAKE, IL 60164 Property Index No. 12-32-100-0090000 The real estate is improved with a single family 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2018-6, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE Plaintiff, -v.DARRAL S. REED, STATE OF ILLINOIS Defendants 2021 CH 00959 1309 SOUTH 9TH 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 December 10, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 18, 2022, 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 1309 SOUTH 9TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-14-124-0140000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $136,566.04.

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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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 FORECLO-

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

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SURE 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, JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 20 7870.

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 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago IL, 60606 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 20 7870 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2021 CH 00959 TJSC#: 42-556 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 # 2021 CH 00959 I3187214

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018-HB1 Plaintiff, -v.RUBY L. BADGER, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2021CH03915 213 S 13TH 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 February 1, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 22, 2022, 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 213 S 13TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-404-0040000, 15-10-404-005-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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) 794-9876 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. 14-20-00903 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021CH03915 TJSC#: 42-630 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 # 2021CH03915 I3187394

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION COMMUNITY LOAN SERVICING, LLC; Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF DOLORES H. SIMON; HARVARD HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, LLC; JOSEPH FRANK SIMON; JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF DOLORES H. SIMON; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 15020 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, March 28, 2022 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. 15-12-434-046-1003.

Commonly known as 300 Circle Avenue, Unit 2A, Forest Park, IL 60130.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 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 Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455.

W19-1100 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3187570

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC; Plaintiff, vs.

UNKOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF WILLIE G. HENRY; FLORENCETTA HENRY; TCF NATIONAL BANK; ANITA HENRY; COURTNEY HENRY; EBONEE HENRY; MERCEDES HENRY; TIARA HENRY; JACK LYDON, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF WILLIE G. HENRY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF FLORENCETTA HENRY, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 13529 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, March 28, 2022 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. 15-09-315-063-0000.

Commonly known as 635 Rice 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 Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455.

W17-0871 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3187561

Help us continue to keep you informed.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

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To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

VILLAGE FREE PRESS

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Village Free Press | March 2, 2022

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