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Vol. 41, No. 34

August 26, 2026

Page 7

Riverside seeks state grant for downtown street work

ITEP funds could cover more than $2.2M to improve roads around the central business district

Students walk through the halls of Riverside Brookfield High School in between classes on Aug. 21.

SYDNEY LOVAN

First week of school full of promise at RBHS From freshmen to seniors to teachers and administration, goals are key

By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

Now that I’m not a cub reporter anymore, I’m much more cognizant that the

start of high school is clearly a philosophical matter.

It is a beginning, of course, but for some, like the freshmen, it’s the beginning, of four years of hard work, study-

ing, fun and the occasional rough patch.

In other words, lifetime memories will be made, for better or for worse.

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside could receive more than $2.2 million for planned street improvement work in the downtown area in two years.

Village trustees on Thursday, Aug. 20, approved submitting an application for grant funding through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. If the village is announced as a recipient of the funding in the

See RBHS on page 12

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

Stegemann focuses on one-on-one physical therapy care and internal team building OPRF grad and Riverside resident opening fourth clinic this fall

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By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

As a student at Oak Park and River Forest High School once upon a time, Caty Stegemann took a specialized test that would indicate what field of work in which she would excel as a professional.

Two possibilities were presented – healthcare and education.

A tough decision, but she took up the former and has thrived.

Stegemann founded Centre Physical Therapy at 207 Harrison St. in Oak Park in 2018, and since has expanded to Riverside and Lincoln Park. She plans to open a fourth location at 7625 Lake St. in River Forest this fall.

“OPRF was instrumental, and I did my volunteer work in the physical therapy department at West Suburban [Medical Center],” said Stegemann, who went to St. Louis University. “I fell in love with getting to know my patients one on one and helping them with whatever deficit they were dealing with.”

The calling card for her success has been ensuring every patient feels listened to, cared for and empowered.

“I want people to be proactive with their health as opposed to reactive,” she said.

“We’re able to see patients without a physician’s referral. I think it’s instrumental in avoiding injuries.”

What’s kind of funny to her is that there is an element of education to what she and her team do.

For example, any idea what vestibular rehabilitation is? No? Stegemann is your source.

“It’s when patients have an acute onset of dizziness,” she said. “It can be from an inner-ear issue, it can be from a concussion. Sometimes it can be from chronic neck pain or a migraine.”

Or how about TMJ? That stands for the long-winded temporal mandibular joint.

“People who grind their teeth, clench their jaw or even have chronic headaches, and facial and neck tension, that can some-

IN THIS ISSUE

Staff Reporters Stella Brown, Jackie Pisano, Bob Skolnik, Gregg Voss News Intern Lillian Ali Sports Reporters Bill Stone, Melvin Tate Contributing Editor Donna Greene Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona Designer Susan McKelvey Sports Photographer Steve Johnston GREGG VOSS

Caty Stegemann times be coming from TMJ,” she said.

As an entrepreneur, there is certainly more to Stegemann’s professional life than care and education. It’s building a team at not one, but three locations (soon to be four) that are equally effective and share the same values.

In other words, it’s about team building, because, as she admitted with a chuckle, she can’t clone herself.

“I have very trustworthy managers at every clinic, so now I can actually step away from each of the clinics and know that they are being run smoothly,” she said. “The team at all the clinics are the best coworkers.”

Jill Thompson is manager at the Riverside location, 1 Riverside Road, Unit 107.

“She kind of makes sure there is a team collaborative approach with our patients,” Thompson said. “When she’s here, it’s kind of busy for her, because we throw a lot of questions at her. She’ll answer questions and pop over to look at a patient. That’s part of our collaboration.”

Team building does include an element of fun, Thompson added, including bowling and pool parties, which allows employ-

ees at all locations to meet each other.

While the challenges of owning a business are many, another issue is thriving in a male-dominated field. Stegemann has lectured at many symposiums, usually focusing on the hip, which is her specialty, and often she is the only woman.

“I think I kind of gain respect in that I am a solo entrepreneur,” she said.

Stegemann, who lives in Riverside with her husband, Erik, and their two children, said that making all the tumblers fall as a business owner and a parent is the bigger challenge.

“You’re juggling that no matter what,” she said, “but Erik has been instrumental when I have to work those late nights and he can get my children to their activities.”

What of the future of Centre Physical Therapy? Stegemann has lots of ideas, but the biggest parameter is not growing so big that patients lose their one-on-one care … and her team doesn’t feel like a team anymore.

“I don’t want to grow too big where I lose sight of the family that we’ve built through Centre,” she said.

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Legal Notices Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

Riverside’s bat hike corrects the record on misunderstood pollinators Residents of all ages attended the Monday night hike

By LILLIAN ALI Reporting Intern

Nature enthusiasts of all ages gathered near the Scout Cabin in Riverside for the “Get Batty With Me!” bat hike Monday night, after the event was rescheduled from its original Aug. 7 date.

Unfortunately, the hike faced a snag even on its new date: naturalist Amy Godbey, who was bringing a special “bat backpack” that could identify bats based on the high frequency sounds they emit, was unable to attend due to unexpected traffic. Luckily, that did not stop Riverside Recreation Supervisor Alyssa Szymanski and a host of attendees from discussing and observing the bats swooping around Riverside’s trees.

“Bats get a bad rap,” Szymanski said.

“They’re not as cute and cuddly as some other species.”

Szymanski highlighted some misinformation about bats, such as the idea that most bats carry rabies. In reality, less than 1% of bats have rabies (though you should still report any suspected physical contact with bats to a health professional).

Szymanski said Riverside, being the “village in the forest,” is a great place for a bat hike. Trees, bridges and the Des Plaines river offer wildlife habitats for many different species, including bats.

Against background music provided by a choir of cicadas, the group walked around

LILLIAN ALI

The hike attracted people of all ages, who scanned the treetops for bat activity. the clearings near the Scout Cabin, pausing when they saw a flutter of wings in a distant tree.

One attendee, Allen Goodcase, is a member of Windy City Grotto. Part of the National Speleological Society, Windy City Grotto helps preserve caves and educate people about conservation in the Chicago area.

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“We’re very tuned to bat conservation,” Goodcase said, mentioning times Windy City Grotto has worked with the Field Museum or Bat Conservation International.

Fred Schumann, who attended the hike with Goodcase, has been caving for nearly 30 years. Schumann was visiting from Tennessee, though he used to live in the Chicago area.

Schumann said he appreciated the enthusiasm for bats that events like the bat hike can spark, especially among children. The children on the hike had plenty of questions for Szymanski and eagerly volunteered when she asked them what they knew about bats.

Schumann said that kind of enthusiasm can help people want to protect bats, rather than seeing them as “the scary little creature from the movies.”

“I like seeing that transformation,” Schumann said.

Illinois is one of several states where it is illegal to rehabilitate injured bats.

Illinois is home to 13 bat species, six of which are threatened or endangered on the state or federal level. Szymanski said several organizations are advocating for changes to Illinois law to make it easier for injured bats to receive care. There are also efforts to foster bat conservation. She stressed the importance of bats, which are vital pollinators, to the ecosystem.

Szymanski said the bat hike is “near and dear to [her] heart,” and that it is something she wants to try and do again in Riverside.

“We had a great turnout tonight, but if only five people come next time, that’s still five people that are going to go share the message,” Szymanski said. “I encourage people to … take a step back and, before you judge something by its cover, dig a little deeper.”

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

ITEP FUNDS

Seeking state grant from page 1 spring of 2027, Riverside would receive $2,238,523 to put toward making improvements to Riverside Road, East Quincy Street, East Avenue and Forest Avenue.

The grant funding would cover 80% of the construction costs and half of the costs for lighting, leaving the village on the hook for $667,896 for those portions, according to agenda documents from the Aug. 20 village board meeting.

The village also received funds from Cook County to put toward another portion of the project, Community Development Director Anne Cyran said.

“The village is in a more competitive position for this grant due to being awarded an Invest in Cook grant in July. The Invest in Cook grant will cover half, or $120,698, of the phase two engineering costs for the project,” Cyran told trustees.

Combining those two grants would see Riverside receiving $2,359,221 in total for the project and paying $787,594 from its own coffers.

If Riverside receives the ITEP grant next year, construction on the four streets will be able to start in 2028.

The improvements will include redoing sidewalks with permeable pavers and exposed aggregate concrete, adding in curb bump-outs near crosswalks; increasing the width of the sidewalk along East Avenue; installing raised planters to feature native

plants and trees, new seating; reconfiguring crosswalks for better pedestrian safety and accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; installing new traffic control measures at East and Pine avenues; and installing new bike racks.

According to agenda documents, the project has been underway in some form since 2016, when Riverside unsuccessfully applied for ITEP funds to improve East Quincy Street. The village received $10,000 in ITEP funding for its application the next year toward phase one engineering on the project and then unsuccessfully applied for grant funds for the remaining phases in 2020, 2022 and 2024, expanding the scope of the project over time to include Riverside Road and then East and Forest avenues.

At the village board meeting, Village President Doug Pollock lauded Cyran for her work in earning the village the Invest in Cook grant and positioning Riverside to have a greater chance of success for the upcoming ITEP application.

“This is an item that, typically, we might put on the consent agenda, but we wanted to draw attention to it and draw attention to Director Cyran’s work in getting the engineering grant already,” Pollock said.

“All the streetscape projects we’ve done in the last 15 years, starting on Burlington, or 10 years, have been paid for primarily through grants such as this. What a transformation that has been for our village around the train station and on Burlington, the brick paver parking lots. That’s all our staff, directed by Manager (Jessica) Frances, in getting other people’s money spent in Riverside.”

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

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Brookfield’s beautification commission is going dormant Trustees voted to let the commission go dark earlier this month

they’ve done have actually received full grant funding and different ways to be improved by the village, which has led to less projects that they’ve been taking on.”

Kaluzny said the group would be unable to reach a quorum and formally meet come Tree Care | Paul Bunyon & Sons Tree Service | Oakbrook Terrace September due to three of its five members

By STELLA BROWN reaching the end of their terms without Staff Reporter plans to renew for another three years.

That state of affairs prompted the quesBrookfield’s trustees have voted to allow its beautification commission to fall into tion of the beautification commission’s fustories, local government, features, events, ture, with its commissioners agreeing on dormancy.

Top stories,Top local government, features, events, dormancy as the best path forward, leaving art, and sports right at your fi ngertips!

The village board voted unanimously to apart, and sports right at your fingertips!

Top stories, local government, features, events, prove an ordinance on Aug. 10 reducing the room to revive the group if Brookfield has art, and sports right at your fingertips! group’s meeting frequency to none until fur- a future need for it. Kaluzny said the group ther notice. The item was part of the consent agreed to raise the issue this summer so the agenda, meaning it was not discussed or con- village doesn’t have to budget funds toward it in 2027. sidered individually, although “I want to make it clear: This members of the board were was not an easy decision,” Elaine broadly supportive of the meaJans, chair of the commission, sure in a discussion on July 27. said before the board on July The commission is still set to 27. “Personally, I was not renewhave one final meeting on Sept. ing my term because I know I’m 8, following its previous regular the oldest person in this room, schedule, for the members to and I’ve reached a point where wrap up its business and have a I’m going to do other things. I’ve In April 2027, group celebration, said Trustee loved the six years I’ve been on Katie Kaluzny , who has been the Riverside will elect the beautification commission, board’s liaison to the beautificathree Trustees to but things have evolved.” tion commission since she was MICHAEL GARVEY Jans joked that she “partially elected as a trustee in 2019. the Village Board.

Village president blamed” the public works deIn that July 27 discussion, partment for the group’s disManagement Analyst Noah Rife The Riverside Community bandment due to the “amazing summarized the takeaways from Caucus is seeking residents job” its staff have done at keepthe beautification commission’s who are interested in learning more ing Brookfield clean and looking own meeting on July 7, where commissioners first talked about having the nice in recent years. She said she was personabout being a candidate in the next election. ally “hard-pressed” to find things to beautify group go dormant.

“Previously, work that was done by com- during Project NICE, which the commission missioners is now able has now been able to no longer manages.

What you can do: Village President Michael Garvey gave the be taken on by staff. Things that were solely done by the commission have expanded to in- beautification commission its flowers for the 1. Go to www.RCCIL.org and suggest people you think work it’s done to get Brookfield to a point clude public engagement,” Rife said. would be a great fit for trustee using the 2026 Village Kaluzny elaborated on the commission’s where it is no longer needed in the village.

Trustee RCC Nomination Form.

“I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiimpact and how improved efficiencies within ments that public works is tremendous and the village have allowed the group’s duties to 2. Ask your friends and neighbors to suggest candidates. be taken on in large part by the public works has stepped up, but I also want to give a lot 3. Email us with questions at recruiting@rccil.org. of credit to the commission and the comdepartment.

“It’s been a commission that’s been around mission members,” Garvey said. “You’ve Members of the Recruiting Committee will reach out for a long time, doing some projects that have raised awareness and thoughtfulness to all potential candidates. lasted more than 30 years, like Project NICE, about beautification in general. Maybe, and some newer initiatives that they’ve come just maybe, because of your work, people up with even in the time that I’ve been the li- are more careful about what they do with rccil.org Nominations accepted through Aug. 31! aison,” she said. “A lot of the cool thing that village property.”

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

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Brookfield native releases debut novel

‘Too Close for Comfort’ is Téa Gibson’s 1st foray into romantic thrillers

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Gibson said the novel’s central premise was borne out of a dream she had while working on a separate fantasy novel.

“The world-building got the better of me.

I was burning out with that. Around that same time, I had a dream, which sounds very cliche, but, unfortunately, that is how it happened,” she said. “In the opening scene in the book, you’ll see our two main characters meet on the quad, and that was just a snippet. I had this dream of this one moment in time of these two people, and it really stuck with me.”

But the sinister turns the plot takes came from further back in her life, she said.

“I’ve always really loved thrillers and horror and everything like that. I was like seven years old watching ‘Halloween,’ which is arguably questionable,” she said. “Those types of films have always been some of my favorites, so it was nice to take a step back from fantasy and dive into the world of a thriller.

If you’re a fan of romantic thrillers, small college towns and autumnal vibes, Brookfield’s latest homegrown novel might just be for you. Published in July, “Too Close for Comfort” is the debut novel

by Brookfield native Téa Gibson under the name T. E. PROVIDED Gibson.

“It takes place in a small Téa Gibson poses with attendees of the book launch event for her debut novel at Pub 78. college town and kicks off when a sorority girl is murAnd I am a romantic. I love any book that of the first draft completed. She said she dered on campus, and from has some kind of romantic plot or subplot, hopes to publish it by next summer. there, the mystery and the so I had to put a little bit of romance in there “It’s been a lot of fun to keep writing, and story begins to unravel,” as well.” it is an interconnected standalone to the Gibson told the Landmark.

Gibson said she wrote the first draft of one that I just released. You’ll see some of “It does become a bit of a “Too Close for Comfort” in about three the characters come back,” she said. “If my nightmare for our female months, from the end of October 2024 first book, ‘Too Close for Comfort,’ has got main character, Lexi, besome ‘Scream’ elements, the second book is through January 2025, taking up much of cause all of the victims look a little bit more like ‘I Know What You Did her free time. like her.”

“I was waking up early before work and Last Summer.’ There’s a secret. There are Lexi is a senior at the fictional Silver Falls writing from 6 to 7:30 a.m. and then going to a lot of twists and things that are going to University in the fictional town of Silver my full-time job. Then, I was getting home, come into play there. It’s fun to put all the Falls, struggling with love, work and grief. and I was eating dinner, all of that stuff, pieces together.”

The self-published book also follows the perbut then I was going back into writing until Gibson warned that “Too Close for Comspective of Wes, a graduate student probably 10 p.m.,” she said. fort” contains discussions of sexual assault and Silver Falls native dealing with Despite the ferocity with which she and other heavy topics like death, relationsimilar issues. As the murders start wrote, the process wasn’t all rain- ship abuse, drug use and depictions of piling up, the two friends are drawn bows and sunshine. violence. She said she raised money at her together.

“Once I decided I was going to self- book launch event for the Western Illinois Gibson said she hosted a soldpublish, I would say the biggest hic- Regional Council, which works to improve out book launch event earlier this cup was the doubt that really hits quality of life and connect people struggling month in Brookfield’s Pub 78 with you. I think that goes for anybody with resources, including survivors of sex65 attendees, which she said left her trying to follow their dreams. You feel ual assault. “at a loss for words.” very inspired, and you’re like, ‘Yes, I “When I was writing the book, I was think“It left me completely in awe of can do this,’ but at some point in the ing, ‘This is a fun book to write,’ and then I the support and community that process, you’re going to get hit with got done and looked a little bit closer at it, I have. I had people that drove up that imposter syndrome and that and I thought, ‘No, there’s a message here,’” from the St. Louis area to be there, self-doubt,” she said. “Being able to she said. “You do see the abuse cycle play out from Wisconsin,” she said. “It was surround myself with people who in the book. For survivors that I know and one of the best feelings that you can believed in me until I could believe in some of the reviews that I’ve gotten so far, have, being in a room of people who myself in those moments was really the highest praise that I could get is that I PROVIDED are supporting you toward someimportant.” handled that with tact and in a way that emthing that you’ve dreamed about Téa Gibson reads an excerpt from her debut novel, “Too While readers are busy savoring powered survivors.” since you were a kid. It was surreal, Close to Comfort,” at the book launch event at Pub 78 her first novel, Gibson said her sec“Too Close for Comfort” is available for really.” on Aug. 8. ond is already in the works, with half purchase on Gibson’s website.

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

Brookfield resident wins awards for Norwegian folk art

Mari Solberg Smith has been rosemaling since 2015

By STELLA BROWN

how to use oil paints and not really learning rosemaling, so I took the class again to learn how to do rosemaling this time, and A Brookfield resident has been recog- then I took the class again to improve my nized for her work in a form of Norwegian stroke work. Persistence has paid off,” she said. “Over the course of the last 11 years, folk painting that dates back hundreds of I have worked and improved my painting.” years.

Smith, who is the librarian and educaMari Solberg Smith earned an honorable mention award for her art at the National tion chair of the Illinois Norsk Rosemalers Norwegian-American Folk Art Exhibition Association, said she began entering exhiin July and two first-place ribbons at the bitions and competitions in 2018 as a way Wisconsin Rosemalers’ Syttende Mai com- to seek feedback on her creations.

“There are no other teachers petition in May. in Illinois. I have to go outside Smith said she felt “delight” the state in order to get teachin reaction to her awards. ers to come into Illinois for in“Persistence pays off. Growth person classes or to teach on happens a little at a time. To be Zoom,” she said. “For me to recognized for the skill, that take classes and get critique people appreciate the work that and instruction, I need to go out goes into the art, it’s just wonof state. There are other groups derful,” she told the Landmark. around the country, especially Smith has been painting for up in Wisconsin, that I can more than a decade in the style participate in classes and have known as rosemaling. The style teachers tell me what I’m doing typically involves oil paints and right and wrong in my art.” features floral elements and She joined the group that fine lines applied to walls or MARI SOLBERG SMITH same year as a board member Artist bowls, chairs, boxes and other to help it continue in the face wooden items. of “serious doubts” about its “It developed from the Bafuture, she said. roque and Rococo art that “We weren’t having very was coming out of the Euromany classes because it was a pean continent in the 1700s and small group. We would have two or three 1800s,” Smith said.

She said the art form came about after classes a year, locally in-person, and it was guild-sponsored artists were trained in still a small group. There were maybe 50 those styles and brought their techniques people on the membership, 30 people parback to the valleys of Norway, where they ticipating and 10 of us doing the work,” she trained local residents, who incorporated said.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Smith them into their existing styles of folk art.

Smith said she’s had a lifelong enjoy- said she had to turn to teachers from out ment of art, which led her to pick up rose- of state to Zoom in and hold classes, which maling from her mother-in-law, inheriting seemingly revitalized the group.

“Everybody has a camera, so if they want her supplies after her death. She took her to show what they’re doing to the teacher, first class in 2015.

“I spent that entire first class learning they just have to maneuver their camera Staff Reporter

“There’s pleasure in creating a work of art for others to enjoy.”

PROVIDED BY MARI SOLBERG SMITH

Mari Solberg Smith stands with her favorite piece of her own artwork, titled “En liten Eksplosjon,” which is Norwegian for “A little explosion.” The piece is painted in oils on a basswood plate in the Os style of rosemaling. so it looks at their artwork or hold their artwork up in front of them,” she said. “On Zoom, you can spotlight the teacher so that her camera was showing her work on her desktop really well, and you could follow along even better than you could if you were standing and looking over her shoulder in a classroom.”

Despite her high level of achievement in the rosemaling community, Smith said she most enjoys freely sharing her art with others.

“There’s pleasure in creating a work of art for others to enjoy. I give my art to fam-

ily and friends as presents. I’m not prolific enough to sell [my art],” she said. “Being able to share my personal art with other people, and also as a former educator, I really enjoy sharing the skills so that people can learn how to do it for themselves.”

If rosemaling has piqued your interest, Smith said the INRA is hosting several events in the upcoming months, including sales events in September at Vasa Park in South Elgin and at the Cottages in the Woods in Geneva as well as a beginner’s class on Halloween at Geneva’s Good Templar Park.

The Landmark, August 26, 2026

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LILLIAN ALI

The car show, which ran from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Circle, featured a variety of classic and custom models.

Car show takes Brookfield under the hood Classic models and unique cars lined the Veterans Memorial Circle

By LILLIAN ALI Reporting Intern

From pristine antiques to one-of-a-kind custom vehicles, car lovers had a lot to look at during the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Car Show on Sunday.The show, which was held at Eight Corners from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 23, featured dozens of vehicles as well as local vendors and business owners.

Jim Sorich, a car enthusiast from Chicago, praised the show’s atmosphere and the variety of vehicles.

“A lot of times you go to car shows and it’s the same cars,” Sorich said. He pointed out a particularly unique car, which had the rare combination of a stick shift and a bench seat. “Little things like that … make the car its own.”

People and groups from Brookfield and Chicago brought vehicles to display. The Mi Gente Old School Toyota Car Club,

based in Chicago, brought a few classic Toyota models, including a 1979 Toyota Corolla Liftback.

“We just get together and have fun, like a family,” said Miguel Franqui of the Mi Gente Toyota Club.

Franqui said that, while the show was smaller than other car shows he had attended, it was well organized.

The event was hosted by the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, which also recruited artists and businesses to advertise and sell at the event. Artisan Laura Sroka, who sells crocheted items under the name Crochet by Laura, said the Chamber of Commerce invited her to the car show after she participated in the block party on Grand Boulevard.

Sroka said events like the car show mean “everything” to small vendors like her.

“I don’t have any online store. Occasionally, on my own Facebook page, I post where I’m going to be, but to do an online store with a full-time job is just way too

much to keep up with,” said Sroka, who works in hospital IT. Near the back of the show was one of the most distinctive vehicles on display: Larry Baron’s 1949 Chevy. While the dark red pickup truck resembled a normal antique from the front, the truck bed held a working model railroad, featuring two moving trains, a range of toy characters, and a miniature version of Brookfield’s Metra station. A Brookfield resident, Baron bought the truck 45 years ago and fitted it with the train set around 8 years ago.

“It’s an outdoor train I had in my backyard, [but] nobody sees it,” said Baron, who decided to put the set on the back of the truck so he could show it to more people.

“Kids love it.”The piece is full of small details, such as “Toy Story” characters scattered around the railroad. Baron himself makes an appearance in the scene: a small figurine resembling him sits outside of a building representing the Loca Moca Cafe.

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10

The Landmark, August 26, 2026

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By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

Y

DOES YOUR HOME SALE QUALIFY FOR THE EXCLUSION OF GAIN? PART I

ou meet the requirements for a partial exclusion if any of the following events occurred during your time of ownership and residence in the home.

• You took or were transferred to a new job in a work location at least 50 miles farther from the home than your old work location. For example, your old work location was 15 miles from the home and your new work location is 65 miles from the home.· • You had no previous work location and you began a new job at least 50 miles from the home.

• Either of the above is true of your spouse, a co-owner of the home, or anyone else for whom the home was their residence.

You meet the requirements for a partial exclusion if any of the following health-related events occurred during your time of ownership and residence in the home: • You moved to obtain, provide, or facilitate diagnosis, cure, mitigation, or treatment of

disease, illness, or injury for yourself or a family member.

• A doctor recommended a change in residence for you, your spouse, a co-owner of the home, or anyone else for whom the home was their residence because you were experiencing a health problem.

• You moved to obtain or provide medical or personal care for a family member suffering from a disease, illness, or injury. A family member includes your Parent, grandparent, stepmother, stepfather; child (including adopted child, elegible foster child, and stepchild), grandchild; brother, sister, stepsibling; mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law son-in-law; uncle, daughter-in-law, aunt, nephew, or niece.

Linda Sokol Francis, E.A.

3439 Grand Boulevard • Brookfield, Illinois 60513 • 708-485-9224 Brought to you as a public service since 1975

R E P O R T S

Brookfield police ticketed a 22-year-old Chicago man on Aug. 10 for speeding.

Around 9:35 p.m., an officer was patrolling in the Citi Bank parking lot at 9009 Ogden Ave. when they used the squad car radar to observe a silver Ford car traveling at 48 mph in the posted 30-mph zone. The officer activated their car’s emergency lights at the intersection with Prairie Avenue and initiated a traffic stop when the car pulled into the BP gas station off Ogden.

The officer made contact with the driver and asked the man for his driver’s license and proof of insurance, but the man indicated he did not speak English. Using a translator app, the officer spoke with the man and a passenger. After obtaining his driver’s license, the officer ran it and learned it had been suspended for “financial responsibilities,” according to police.

The man said he could not provide proof of insurance.

The officer issued citations to the man for speeding 15-20 miles above the speed limit, driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured vehicle. The officer had the car towed and set an Aug. 25 court date. The officer offered the man and his passenger a ride from the scene, but they said someone else was coming to pick them up shortly.

Suspended plates and license Brookfield police on Aug. 17 ticketed a 28-year-old Brookfield man.

Around 9:45 a.m., an officer was on patrol, driving west on Ogden Avenue behind a black Mitsubishi whose license plates they ran and learned had been suspended for a lack of mandatory insurance on the vehicle.

The officer made contact with the driver after the car turned onto Maple Avenue and stopped at the intersection with Windemere Avenue. They explained the reason for the stop and asked the man for his driver’s license and proof of insurance, at which point they learned his license had been suspended due to a previous conviction for driving without insurance.

The officer issued citations to the man for driving a car with a suspended registration and on a suspended license and set a Sept. 22 court date before turning the car over to a passenger with a valid driver’s license.

Warrant out for his arrest Brookfield police arrested a 63-year-old Broadview man on Aug. 14 who had a Cook County warrant out for his arrest.

Around 10:50 p.m., an officer responded to the 3000 block of Maple Avenue on a report of a suspicious person underneath one of the vehicles at the auto body shop there. There was also a bicycle in the alley. Upon arriving at the scene, the officer discovered the man pulling weeds in the alleyway next to a vehicle parked at the auto repair shop.

The officer made contact with the man, who said he had been hired to pull weeds and clean up around the business. Officers could not make contact with the owner of the business. Police took the man’s information and ran it through the police database, at which point they learned he had a warrant out for his arrest at the county level for a previous failure to appear in court.

After dispatchers confirmed the warrant, officers took the man into custody and transported him to lockup in Berwyn, placing his bicycle into the garage at the police station for safekeeping.

These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Aug. 10-17 they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

— Compiled by Stella Brown

The Landmark, August 26, 2026

11

Leave your mark on Turtle Park

Riverside is seeking name suggestions for the park’s eponymous reptile

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Your creativity could leave a permanent mark in Riverside history following the renovation of Turtle Park later this year.

Riverside parks and recreation staff are seeking entries into a “Name the Turtle” contest, where residents have a chance to submit a name they find befitting of the namesake turtle statue that resides in Turtle Park. You can submit your own entry online.

Once submissions close on Sept. 4, an assembled so-called Turtle Committee will narrow down the options to a pool of five, which will be eligible for votes through Facebook starting Sept. 9. The most-voted name will be bestowed upon the turtle, with the winner of the contest invited to the grand opening of the renovated Turtle Park.

As the school year approaches, so does the park’s renovation, said Ron Malchiodi, Riverside’s director of parks and recreation, at the village board’s Aug. 20 meeting.

“The Turtle Park renovation is on schedule for the fall. We did not want to take the playground offline for the summer. All plans are finalized, and once a contractor is chosen, we will expedite the purchase and construction efforts to complete [the renovation] by the end of the year,” Malchiodi said.

He added that the still nameless turtle statue will remain in the park during construction.

“The turtle will not be relocated. It’s going to stay in place, so you can visit it any time you like,” he said.

Other parks updates Malchiodi gave village trustees other updates at the Aug. 20 board meeting about the status of several parks and recreation events and projects.

“While the playground at Blythe Park is nearing completion, we are excited to announce that the Blythe multi-use court project has been completed and will provide recreation opportunities for residents as well as students of Blythe School to play basketball and pickleball,” Malchiodi said.

The project has been underway since March 2025, when the village and River-

COURTESY OF DLA ARCHITECTS

This rendering shows the proposed layout of the new playground at Blythe Park Elementary School. side School District 96 signed an intergovernmental agreement to work together on the improvements to the playground and court, which previously was used only to play tennis. The village previewed designs for the new multi-use court and the new playground through the end of 2025, with work on the playground beginning in June.

Malchiodi also announced a litany of upcoming events the department is hosting in Riverside. The annual Cori’s Triathlon took place the morning of Saturday, Aug. 22, with

the first annual back-to-school festival in Guthrie Park later that day.

This coming Friday, Aug. 28, the village will host its August movie in the park at 8:30 p.m. in Big Ball Park. Due to the July screening being cancelled, the event will feature the 1991 movie “Hook” starring Robin Williams as a grownup Peter Pan. There will also be a movie in the park on Friday, Sept. 11, with voting on the film open through Tuesday, Sept. 1 on the department’s Facebook page. The choices include

“Shrek,” “Freaky Friday,” “Monsters University” and “High School Musical.”

The next week, Riverside’s annual Toucha-Truck event will return on Thursday, Sept.

17, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Pine Avenue, featuring vehicles from Riverside’s police, fire and public works departments and other local agencies. Malchiodi confirmed the event is not limited to kids.

“There have been many adults, including myself, that have climbed the trucks,” Malchiodi said. “We disengage the horns.”

12

The Landmark, August 26, 2026

RBHS

First day hopes and jitters from page 1 But for some, like Angela Ziola, it’s the beginning of the end. Last week was the last, first week for the Advanced Placement psychology teacher at Riverside-Brookfield High School. She’s retiring after 32 years at RB at the end of this school year.

Talk about the memories. But while it would be tempting to focus on the whole idea of “one more day til I’m done,” that’s not Ziola’s gig. She prefers to live in the moment.

In other words, psychologically speaking, I got the sense that it’s hard for her to think about the end of this chapter of her life when I sat down with her Friday in her classroom.

“That part of it is hard to accept,” she said. “I’m still putting things back in my binder, thinking that I’m going to take the binder home with me at the end of the year, but I’m not sure what I will do” Now juxtapose Ziola with math teacher Adal Samaniego, finishing his very first full week at school.

So … how did it go?

“It’s going really good,” he told me. “Nervous. My first day of class I asked my freshmen, ‘Who’s nervous? Show of hands.’ Just like them, I was raising my hand.”

Samaniego coaches football and he equated teaching to that experience. When you get past that first play from scrimmage, that first hit – that first lesson -- you’re good to go.

That said, Samaniego told me he has clearly defined goals for this school year.

“Professionally, just to grow as a lesson planner, to make lessons engaging for my students,” he said. “I feel like some students aren’t very used to collaborative group work. I feel like them doing them the work for themselves, them leading the lesson rather than me up front, I think that’s one of

SYDNEY LOVAN

Riverside Brookfield High School on Aug. 21, 2026.

my goals.”

Goals are ubiquitous this year, all across the spectrum.

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Skinkis has two of them. First up is finalizing an agreement with Brookfield Zoo and the Cook County Forest Preserve that will allow the campus improvement construction project to commence this school year. The other is identifying new opportunities for students to gain college and/or career readiness by increasing dualcredit opportunities at Triton College, new AP class offerings and creating new partnerships for students to pursue career pathways.

He’s not the only one with goals. School board president Deanna Zalas is going to be working hard on her twin goals.

“This year, we will work to negotiate a fair and reasonable agreement with our union,” she said. “The current contract includes some well-regarded terms, and I am confident we will continSYDNEY LOVAN ue on this collaborative path.

“I am also optimistic that Mike Reingruber, Riverside Brookfield High School guidance counselor.

this is the year that we finally put shovels in the ground for the new athletic and activity field behind the high school,” she added. “This is not only an investment in financial resources, but it also represents a significant investment in time and effort from the district to finally get us to this place, and it will be such an improvement for our students and the overall campus.”

With the help of District 208’s communications lead Kiley Fletcher, we tracked down principal Dr. Hector Freytas, who might be the very definition of Bulldog pride. This day, he was wearing a blue RB t-shirt under his suit coat. I asked him about his goals for the school year.

“First of all, I want our students to feel valued, connected and appreciated,” he said. “Every day, they should feel safe.

I want them to feel connected with a subject, with a teacher, with an activity, with a sport. I want them to feel valued; their voices are heard.”

High school is about the students, like freshmen Jonah Podrid and Lukas Bursua.

Fletcher and I went to the library and recruited the pair to answer the key question on every freshman mind.

Are you nervous? Now, be honest.

“I was nervous, but I’m starting to get used to my schedule all that,” Podrid said.

Added Bursua: “I was nervous the first few days, but after I started to get used to my schedule, it became a lot simpler to get around the building.”

But are you havin’ fun?

Yep. Podrid said he likes high school better than middle school, at least so far.

“I’m liking high school a lot more,” Bursua added.

The Landmark, August 26, 2026 “Lunch is better.” tor to help every student to have the best exAlways a plus. I didn’t stay for lunch, but perience possible.”

Fletcher and I did drop by RBTV’s studios, I got the sense from Reingruber that there complete with an ESPN-style desk, and is an overarching message for students. chatted with seniors Kai Hendricks and What is it?

Henry Jurgens. Like Ziola, it’s the begin“Getting involved in the high school experining of the end of their high ence is huge,” he said, “whether school experience. it’s being part of a team or a Here’s a tough one: Where do club or an extracurricular such they expect to be at the end of as music, making sure you’re this school year? going to the dances, going to the Once again, the focus is on games. The more invested you goals. are in the high school commu“I just want to be mentally nity, generally the better experiprepared for college,” said Juence it is.” rgens, the first-year kicker on I asked the others what they the football team. “I’m taking thought. four AP courses, so being able Skinkis: “Attendance is imto prepare myself for the next portant; show up for school every day and make every day level of academics.” count. Get involved; we have Hendricks said his goal is to unlimited opportunities across be “a lot smarter and more exathletics, fine arts and our 50+ perienced in all the fields I’m HECTOR FREYTAS clubs and activities.” working on.”

Principal Zalas: “Develop good habits In addition to coaching the today that will serve you tomorvarsity basketball team, Mike row and use the resources at Reingruber is a school counselRB to learn about yourself and or, and his goals are simultaneothers.” ously different but the same.

Freytas: “At RB, we love you, we care about “Seniors who are preparing for college have very different needs than freshmen who you and we have your back. This is a great are just walking through the door for the first place to be, a great school and all the adults time,” said Reingruber, himself an RB grad. working together here make it special.

“We’re here in the service of our students.”

“So the goals are to do your best as an educa-

“At RB, we love you, we care about you and we have your back. This is a great place to be.’

13

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Riverside Brookfield High School on Aug. 21, 2026.

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

OPINION

Back to the drawing board?

Thank you to the Landmark for publishing Jacquelyn Paine’s very informative letter. The closure of the Riverside Fire Station North of the tracks is a complete deal-breaker. I can’t count how many times a freight train has been stopped on the tracks and I’ve either waited for a half hour or had to just drive to 1st Avenue just to cross the tracks. Many of us are familiar with this experience. There is no way any public safety chief can say with a straight face that the 70% of us north of the tracks are going to be more safe with our fire station closed. We will be less safe. The current plan makes no sense.

I also have to question the town’s leadership, likely that of the past, who allowed the facilities to deteriorate to the point where they have boarded up windows and require a $4-8 million remodel. This should not happen. Good stewards budget for upgrades and repairs. Regardless of the approval or not of a new station, the town’s leadership should provide a systematic review of what led to the deterioration and how they plan to prevent such situations in the future. Who wants to invest $30 million in a new facility when the stewards of the last one allowed it to degrade in such a way?

Also, on Aug. 28, 2024 Stella Brown reported in this very paper that Riverside had a budget of $20 million for the new facility. In 2 years they’ve gone 50% over budget. How is this being fiscally responsible with our tax dollars? Where is the explanation from current Riverside leaders as to why they are so over their own budget?

The village of Riverside should pause the referendum and go back to the drawing board with a plan that doesn’t close fire station #2 north of the tracks, ensures our public safety facilities aren’t neglected in the future, and doesn’t cost $30 million.

A link to Stella’s previous reporting: h t t p s : / / w w w. r b l a n d m a r k . com/2024/08/28/riverside-building-newpolice-fire-facility

Mike Dobbins

Riverside Editor’s note: See the accompanying One View by Village President Doug Pollock which addresses these issues.

T

Riverside’s public safety facilities

hank you to the Landmark for your ongoing coverage of the village of Riverside’s review of its public safety facilities (News, June 24) and your recent publication of the letter to the editor from a Riverside resident. I appreciate the Landmark’s role in facilitating this community conversation.

I want to take this opportunity to clarify and correct statements from the referenced letter to the editor.

Contrary to the letter’s title, the proposed building is a public safety facility and not a town hall. The village’s administrative offices will remain in the Town Hall, including the Village President’s Office, Village Manager’s Office, Community Development Department, and Finance Department. There is a portion of the existing police station that will be used as additional office and storage space and a portion of the new building dedicated for use by Riverside TV and for Information Technology. Riverside TV and Information Technology support all village departments, including public safety. These spaces combined are less than 5% of the total square footage of the proposed building.

I would also like to clarify the purpose of certain rooms within the new building. The Riverside Village Board and our design consultants have strived to add value and utility to the public safety building by giving some spaces a dual purpose.

For example, a multi-purpose meeting room (referenced as the “community room” in the plans) with modern audio/visual capabilities is necessary for police and fire training. At no added cost, that room may also be used for village meetings, community groups, and made available for private events. Likewise, police and fire personnel require fitness facilities and a kitchen. Again, at no added cost, those facilities may be used by other village departments, residents, community groups, and even for parks and recreation programming.

Concerns about costs are shared by all. We have asked our design consultants to itemize the cost to renovate the existing public safety facilities. Renovation would exceed $8 million and under any scenario, renovation will not improve the lack of space nor the functional limitations inherent in the

Send letters to the editor Ken Trainor, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark E-mail: ktrainor@newswellchicago.org Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

size of existing spaces. Cost per resident has also been cited as a concern. Cost per resident is not a relevant comparison as a fire and police station serving 9,000 residents costs much the same as one serving 20,000 or more residents.

I have also heard concerns about the potential closing of Fire Station #2 north of the BNSF tracks.

That concern is based on the false assumption that the two stations are necessary to provide full service to residents when the tracks are blocked. The two stations are not redundant nor is that redundancy necessary. We have mutual aid agreements with all of our neighboring public safety departments and, in fact, share a 911 dispatch service with our neighbors. It is already the case that the first available responder will be on the scene regardless of whether that is a Riverside responder or one of our highly qualified neighboring departments. This has proven to work for many years not only in Riverside but in other communities that border the BNSF train line. As examples, Clarendon Hills and Hinsdale each have only one fire station.

I also want to stress that information about public safety facilities and their costs has been disseminated via a wide variety of platforms over the last eight-plus years. A property tax calculator is available on our website that allows residents to plug in the value of their home and immediately see the property tax impact of a public safety referendum. Village staff presented the tax impacts as early as our March 19, 2026 board meeting. The Landmark has reported this information as well. An open house was held in June, and the village is also offering tours of the existing public safety facilities.

I encourage residents to attend one of the tours and see for themselves whether a new facility is needed to support our first responders. I also encourage everyone to stay engaged, ask questions, and share their thoughts and suggestions.

We are all fortunate to be residents of Riverside and I believe we share a common goal: maintaining our quality of life and ensuring that future generations of Riversiders have the same privilege.

Doug Pollock is the village president of Riverside.

DOUG

POLLOCK One View

The Landmark, August 26, 2026

15

OBITUARIES

Paul Bocian, 75

Barbara Ligeikis, 78

LaGrange Fire captain

The heart of her home

Paul Lawrence Bocian, 75, of Brookfield died on July 1, 2026.

Born on Jan. 12, 1951, he was a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and Retired Captain in the LaGrange Fire Department.

He proudly served the village for 20 years from 1981 to 2001 and was also a longtime member of the LaGrange Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 2338.

Paul was the son of the late Gerald F. and late Lucille (nee Sniegowski) Bocian and the brother of Christine (late Marvin) Lanzel, Garry Bocian, Janine S. (Thomas) Harder, late Donna Saculla and late Neil Bocian.

Committal Service with Military Honors will be held on Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 Hoff Road, Elwood. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the public information center by 10:15 a.m.

Arrangements were handled by Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.

Barbara Ann Ligeikis, 78, formerly of Brookfield, died peacefully on May 10, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on Jan. 26, 1948, in Berwyn, the daughter of John and Virginia Brady, she spent most of her life in the home where she was raised in Brookfield, a place that remained deeply tied to her heart and memories.

In a home filled with noise, energy, chaos, and the constant movement of a large family, she was the steady presence at the center of it all. She created a home where people gathered, stories were shared, laughter filled the rooms, and everyone felt welcome. Her home was more than just a place to live, and she was its heart.

In 2018, she and her husband Julian relocated to Bluffton, South Carolina, where she searched for alligators in the Lowcountry and spent time sewing.

She also had a special place in her heart for Special Olympics, proudly supporting her youngest son as he competed. Her encouragement, compassion, and unwavering support reflected the kind of person she was.

Her legacy lives on through her children, Craig Ligei-

kis (Heather Hill), Heather VandeWeert (Alan), Shawn Ligeikis (Rita), Katie Jindrich (Chas), Eric Ligeikis (Casey), and Joseph Ligeikis, as well as her 12 grandchildren, who brought joy to her life.

Her life was not measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the countless everyday moments she gave to others, the meals shared around the table, the conversations, the laughter, and the steady presence she provided.

A Celebration of Life honoring Barbara will be held on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Joshua Harris VFW Post 2868, 8844 Ogden Ave., Brookfield.

If you’re not able to attend, remember her by spending time with family, sharing stories, enjoying the sunshine, and appreciating the simple moments in life, just as she did.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in her memory to: Special Olympics South Carolina - Area 8, P.O. Box 4641, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938.

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16

The Landmark, August 26, 2026

Sports

Bulldogs show promise despite defeat in opener Novak, Caputo have busy offensive nights against arearanked Sandburg

By BILL STONE Staff Writer

Senior co-captain Anthony Lembcke returned to the defensive starting lineup for the Riverside Brookfield High School football team in Friday’s season and home opener, playing outside linebacker. This time, he also played offense as a short-yardage running back. He even scored a touchdown in the third quarter.

“An amazing feeling, the crowd cheering, everything,” Lembcke said. “This is my first-ever touchdown on varsity and first-ever (offensive) snap. It was a big experience.”

The Bulldogs had highlights and big plays but that was their only score in a 28-6 loss to top-25, area-ranked Sandburg in the meeting between two 2025 playoff teams.

On the game’s opening drive, RBHS reached the 7-yard line but turned the ball over on downs. A 37-yard field goal attempt was unsuccessful as the first half ended.

Still, the Bulldogs only trailed 7-0. The Eagles then scored to open the second half with a 49-yard TD pass and added TDs on their next two possessions.

“I think just a few missed plays that we didn’t capitalize on. Other than that, if we capitalize on those plays, then I think we could have won that game,” RBHS senior running back/receiver Nico Caputo said. “But we fought hard and played with a lot of energy. That’s kind of what matters so hopefully we can keep that going the rest of the season and find a way to bounce back.”

The Bulldogs already were back on the field practicing at 8 a.m. Saturday. On Friday, Aug. 23, they visit Hinsdale South (0-1), which lost to Wauconda 32-21.

“I’m extremely proud of how the boys fought. They played hard. We just didn’t execute well enough on either side of the football,” RBHS coach Sam Styler said. “We showed when we did play our game that good things were happening. Just little mistakes here, little mistakes there that ended up being big mistakes. We’re going to get it

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Nico Caputo (3) looks for running room as he returns a kick off against Sandburg during a nonconference game Friday, Aug. 21, in Brookfield. fixed up but I have all of the faith in the world in this team.

We knew they were a good team. I don’t think there was ever a moment where our guys really felt like they were wavering.”

Senior quarterback Braeden Novak completed his first four attempts and was 21 of 38 passing for 193 yards.

Caputo (10 catches, 65 yards), senior Tim Giacomelli (4 catches, 58 yards) and sophomore James Organ (5 catches, 56 yards) were the leading receivers.

“I really think the game came down to execution,” Novak said. “I made a few execution mistakes. I think the whole team did.”

RBHS senior running back Gideon Bradford rushed nine times for 44 yards. Caputo had 12 rushes for 24 yards, giving him 22 touches for the game.

“I definitely anticipated that (multiple) role moving forward and I’m excited for it,” Caputo said. “I really like whenever I get the ball. As long as I get the ball.”

The Bulldogs opened with a 17-play, 62-yard drive that included two third-down conversions and a 3-yard run by Lembcke on fourth-and-1 at the 13.

On first-and-goal, a pass completion to the 3 was nullified by an offensive pass interference penalty. Back-to-back catches by Caputo moved the ball from the 23 to the 7, but Novak’s pressured fourth-down pass to Organ in the end zone was low.

Sandburg scored 59 seconds before halftime on an 18-yard

TD pass. The Bulldogs marched from their 30 to the Sandburg 20 but senior Henry Jurgens’ field-goal attempt was wide.

“I overthrew a couple of throws in the first half and if I make those throws, it’s two touchdowns and I think it’s a whole different ballgame,” Novak said.

Trailing 14-0, the Bulldogs used their first drive of the second half for a 59-yard TD drive – the last nine rushes behind the line of center Felix Sanchez, guards Ryan Kubitz and Daniel Amparan and tackles Charlie Jicha and Joaquin Jara.

Lembcke (3 carries, 7 yards), who had two carries on the opening drive, scored from the 2.

Sandburg, however, answered with a 24-yard TD pass after facing second-and-25 at the 35 following a personal foul penalty. Sandburg quarterback Max Fahey added his fourth TD pass, an 11-yarder, in the fourth quarter. The Eagles’ talent and 8A roster certainly helped against the 6A Bulldogs as the game progressed.

The Bulldogs’ Joshua Villeda, Bryan Rimpila and Jayden Lee added tackles for loss.

“After the second quarter, we definitely got over our heads a little bit and we needed to stay disciplined,” Lembcke said.

“It is a new defense. We are still learning the defense, but I think with just a couple of more tweaks, we should be right there. (Sandburg) is a good team. We definitely showed our own out there.”

S P O R T S

The Landmark, August 26, 2026

17

LTHS wins home opener over Barrington Harris demonstrates his versatility

By BILL STONE Staff Reporter

Senior Cole Harris began a new starting defensive position Friday for the Lyons Township High School football team, switching from cornerback to inside linebacker.

“At the beginning of the game, I was pretty nervous going in, but I knew what I had to do,” Harris said. “I figured out how to pick up the speed as the game kept going and it was a lot of fun. I like the position. It’s real fun; it’s tough though.”

Also returning as the long snapper on kicks and punts, Harris received even further work in the season and home opener against Barrington – at running back. With senior standout EJ Kuhlman and sophomore Jack Williams briefly sidelined by leg cramps in the third quarter, Harris entered and had four straight carries for 24 yards and two first downs. That was just part of the persistent and patient effort the Lions used for their 24-19 victory in Western Springs.

“Once I heard my name called (for running back), I was ready to go behind the great offensive line. We got some yards, kept the momentum going,” Harris said. “I’m giving the credit to the O line. They were making huge gaps for me and I was just running hard.”

The Lions, ranked No. 19 by MaxPreps, never trailed, scoring on the opening drive of the game and their first possession of the second half to pull ahead 21-12.

Leading 24-12 with 7:56 remaining, they had to endure a 30-minute lightning delay and the Broncos scoring on a fourth-down, 29-yard run with 4:18 left. LTHS ran out the clock with two first downs on eight rushes. Kuhlman converted both third-and-6 carries.

The Lions now visit No. 23 Wheaton Warrenville South (7-4 in 2025), which beat Naperville Central 27-7. Barrington was a 2025 8A quarterfinalist.

“I was proud of how we came out (scoring). I was happy with our defense with the exception of a couple of plays,” LTHS coach Jon Beutjer said. “A lot of good things but a lot of things we can improve on. And really happy with how some of those guys played and pushed through being tired.

Some of those guys were cramping. A good win against a really good program.”

Kuhlman rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns on 32 attempts behind the starting line of center Luke Vaupell,

STEVE JOHNSTON

Lyons Township’s Jack Williams (22) picks up yardage against Barrington during a nonconference game Friday, Aug. 21, in Western Springs guards Liam Corrigan and Thomas Green and tackles Charlie Harrington and Edwin Martinez. Williams had 59 yards on eight carries. Senior quarterback Brendan McCabe was 4 for 7 passing for 37 yards in his first varsity start with a 6–yard TD slant pass to Aidan Angel.

The defense allowed just 98 total yards. Leading tacklers were Harris (seven) and Colman O’Sullivan. Harris, Aidan Webster, Benjamin Sosne and Brady Koren had tackles for loss. Webster and Sosne recovered fumbles that they caused.

Harris is among team captains with Liam Corrigan, Charlie Harrington. He had added responsibilities Friday because of the lightning delay – and with the game already starting late.

“All of the captains had to keep the team in check so we were all there and prepared to come back out and finish this game,” said Harris, who was prepared for his defensive switch similar to older brother Shane, now playing at Denison University.

As a running back, Harris recalled roughly six carries as a backup over two games last season.

“I’m used to it because in practice I get a few reps just to stay fresh,” he said.

A returning starter on the offensive line, Harrington has switched from center in 2025. He’s now going both ways, too, playing defensive and nose tackle Friday.

“It was really fun playing both ways. Pretty tiring, but once you get to the third, fourth quarter you get used to it and you enjoy it more,” he said. “I’m excited for it. I can’t wait to do it all year. I know it’s going to be tough, I’m go-

ing to cramp but you get used to it.”

The LTHS offense began 2026 by going 80 yards on 13 plays with Kuhlman scoring on a 3-yard run. However, the Broncos answered with a 90-yard kickoff return for a TD but missed the extra point.

“We’ve got three new guys on the offensive line that played amazing (Viopell, Martinez, Green) so it was great to see,” Harrington said. “We’re going to be able to pound the rock and throw when we need to.”

In the second quarter, Webster’s fumble recovery gave the Lions the ball at the Barrington 22, but they were eventually stopped on a fourth-yard run one-half yard from the end zone. However, the Lions did convert after Sosne’s fumble recovery at the Barrington 19. Angel’s TD reception just eight seconds before halftime opened a 14-6 advantage. Ian Collins’ 43–yard punt return to the 21 set up the Lions’ first possession of the third quarter. Kuhlman again scored on a 3-yard run.

After Barrington closed to 21-12 with the extra point blocked, the Lions’ Wolfie Ketterling kicked a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The lightning delay soon stifled the Lions’ momentum. The Broncos also regained a second wind after their late TD. “To have the satisfaction of having the last first down to end the game is such a reliving thing, especially after such a tough game. Barrington is very good,” Kuhlman said. “It’s tough to kind of come out here so late after a couple of delays but I think we were ready. We didn’t lose our spirit throughout the game. I think that’s kind of what gave us the edge.”

18 The Landmark, August 26, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

Let the sun shine in...

PUBLIC NOTICE RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP MENTAL HEALTH BOARD 27 RIVERSIDE ROAD, RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS 60546 In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, this is to advise you that the Riverside Township Mental Health Board will hold the meetings below at the listed locations: Mental Health Board Meeting Mental Health Board Meeting Notices 2026-2027 RTMHB Meetings Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Room 4, Riverside, Illinois Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 20, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

June 2027 RTMHB Meeting Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Room 30, Riverside, Illinois Wednesday, June 16, 2027 @ 6:30p.m.

2026-2027 RTMHB Meetings Outside the Riverside Township Pillars Community Health, 5220 East Ave. Countryside, IL 60525 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Thrive Counseling Center, 120 S. Marion St., 2nd Floor Group Room Oak Park, IL 60302 Wednesday, February 17, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

UCP Seguin, 3100 South Central Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804-3956 Wednesday, April 21, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525 Wednesday, May 19, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

2026-2027 RTMHB Meetings Outside the Riverside Township Pillars Community Health, 5220 East Ave. Countryside, IL 60525 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Thrive Counseling Center, 120 S. Marion St., 2nd Floor Group Room Oak Park, IL 60302 Wednesday, February 17, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

UCP Sequin, Seguin Gardens and Gifts, 5621 W 31st Street, Cicero, IL 60804, Wednesday, April 21, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525 Wednesday, May 19, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Board President, Adam Wilt, at awilt.rtmhb@ gmail.com or call Adam at 708-804-4400.

Published in RB Landmark August 26, 2026

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 26-04 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment) HEARING DATE: September 10, 2026 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 - Council Chambers, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PETITIONER: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 REQUEST: The Petitioner, Village of Oak Park, seeks a text amendment to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance as follows: 1) amending Article 2 (“Definitions and Rules of Measurement”), Section 2.3 (“Definitions”) by adding a definition for “Reception/Banquets Facility – Small” as follow: “A facility that provides hosting and rental services of a banquet hall or similar for private events in an area no greater than 900 square feet that is available for rent for, but not limited to, wedding receptions, holiday parties, and fundraisers, with food and beverages that are prepared and served on-site or by a caterer to invited guests during intermittent dates and hours of operation. Live entertainment may be provided as an ancillary use as part of an event. A reception facility is not operated as a restaurant with regular hours of operation.”; 2) modifying the definition of Reception/Banquet Facility to “Reception/Banquet Facility – Large” and adding “in an area

greater than 900 square feet that is available for rent” into the definition “Reception/ Banquet Facility – Large”; 3) amending Article 8 (“Uses”), Table 8-1 (“Use Matrix”) by adding “Reception/Banquet Facility - Small” as a permitted (P) use in all commercial zoning districts; 4) requiring a special use permit (S) for “Reception/ Banquet Facility – Large” in the HS – Harrison Street Zoning District and NC – Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District in areas that currently do not allow these uses by right or via special use permit; and 5) amending Article 8 (“Uses”), Section 8.4 (“Principal Use Standards”) Subsection (N) by adding “Large and Small” to (“Reception/Banquet Facility”) title. The Plan Commission may also consider any related and additional relief that may be discovered during the review of this docket.

A copy of the proposed text amendment is on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal August 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE The he Vill Vi Village lage of Oak Park will receiv receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2026 Snow and Ice Public Parking Lots, sidewalks and Snow Plowing Bid Number: 26-122 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal August 26, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) is proposing to build a 34-ft Pole telecommunications facility near 1011 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, Cook County, Illinois 60305. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Project 260072479PR, EBI Consulting, 21 B Street, Burlington, MA 01803, EBIPNReplies@ebiconsulting.com or at (617) 715-1822.

Published in Wednesday Journal August 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE OAK PARK DOCTOR DEPARTURE In accordance with Illinois state regulations, notice is hereby given that Dr. Susan Vierling of Retina Institute of Illinois, is leaving the practice located at 715 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301. All patients may retrieve their medical records Retina Institute of Illinois located at 715 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 or by calling 847-297-8900. Dr. Vierling last day at the practice will be September 15, 2026. It is important for existing patients to schedule an appointment within the next 30 days either with one of Retina Institute of Illinois doctors or an outside eyecare doctor to ensure they are receiving ongoing care.

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice:

Your right to know...In print • Online

Published in Wednesday Journal August 12, 19, 26, September 2, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: M26001928 on August 14, 2026 Under the Assumed Business Name of PJS TREASURES with the business located at: 841 N. CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: PATRICIA JURCZAK 841 N. CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal August 19, 26, September 2, 2026

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

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The Landmark, August 26, 2026

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