Riverside Girl Scouts host period product drive
By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter
A troop of Girl Scouts from Riverside is hosting a donation drive for period products to benefit people in the re gion who menstruate but cannot af ford to buy these products themselves.
In working toward their Bronze Award, the highest achievement for Girl Scouts Juniors in the fourth and fifth grades, the girls of Troop 47220 are hosting the product drive. Collection bins have been placed around Riverside, including at the Riverside Public Library, to benefit the Share Food Share Love food
See GIRL SCOUTS on page 12
Members of Riverside’s Girl Scout Troop 42770 are leading a donation drive for period products to bene t the Share Food Share Love food pantry in Brook eld.
OK’d the version without inspections
By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter
A program requiring rental property owners to register each year with the village will go into effect next year in Brookfield. Exterior, common area and in-unit inspections will not take place as part of the program.
Trustees on Monday, Dec. 8, unanimously approved the least stringent of three proposed versions of the program, which will require landlords
Brookfield food pantry sees donation surge
‘People have really stepped up’ in the face of SNAP cuts, the pantry’s administrative director said
By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter
In July, John Dumas, administrative director of Brookfield’s Share Food Share Love food pantry, said the pantry could start to struggle around the current time of year due to previous cuts to food stamps. But now, he said, the local community has turned out to fill in the gaps.
“The community has been amazing. People have really stepped up. They know what’s going on; they understand the situation,” Dumas told the Landmark. “People get the idea that this is not, at some level, about politics. It’s not about whether you are a supporter of a particular party or a particular ideology This is about the people. There are people who are not getting the food that they need.”
Dumas said he’s seen contributions of all shapes and sizes, from individuals bringing cans of food or checks to organizations hosting food drives to benefit the pantry, in response to pauses and cuts made by the federal gover nment to food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides food stamps. He said businesses that have helped include Tischler ’s, S wan C leaner s, Hollywood Motor s, A S ound Education, Urb an Mutt, Sw ay Danc e, Daisy ’s Treats and Baker y, GoodxTimes Barbershop, Hitzeman Funeral Home, Fill My Ja r, the F irst National Bank and even C antata S enior Living.
“The [Linda Sokol Francis Br ookfield ] L ibrary has b een incredible. We ’ve actually had p eople going there pretty much eve ry day now to empty their box because there’s so much food c oming in there. T hey’ve b een terrific. T here’s too many [businesses] to even mention, ” he said. “The schools, too. Brook Pa rk [Elementary School] j ust did a hug e c ollection for us. Kensington School in L aGrange did a big c ollection. Ogde n
PROVIDED
e community has helped re ll the shelves at the Share Food Share Love food pantry
School’s b een c ollecting. It ’s really hard to even name them all. ”
Dumas said Share Food Share Love, at 9030 Brookfield Ave., and the Holy Guardian Angels parish food pantry, also called the St. Barbara Food Pantry, at 9300 W. 47th St., have teamed up to split food donations between them so as many people as possible can access it.
“Cash donations or donations that are made on credit cards, each organization is keeping those themselves, but all the food donations are going to be split up between the two,” he said.
The Holy Guardian Angels’ pantry is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment. Share Food Share Love is open on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and runs first-come-first-serve.
“It’s a community issue, and we’re starting to learn more and more about these issues. We’ve always been told that they need to be solved on a national level, but now we understand that these are local issues. We can’t expect Washington or even Springfield to come through to take care of the people in our community. We need to do that ourselves,” Dumas said.
He said the pantry has even been able to help neighbors in need have the holiday meals they would otherwise struggle to pull together.
“We got a lot of turkeys that were donated. We gave out full Thanksgiving meals to everyone who came, which we weren’ t sure we were going to be able to do. Now, we’re
lining up to get the Christmas meals out,” Dumas said. “[Witherite Law Group in Chicago] made a huge cash donation, enough that we were able to buy hams for everybody for Christmas.”
While the pantry will never turn away donations of any kind, Dumas said the monetary kind provide more flexibility and utility to Share Food Share Love
“We buy everything wholesale. We’re totally understanding that not everybody likes that — some people are nervous about giving an organization their money without knowing exactly what’s going on, and that’s difficult for us to provide, so food is great. It all goes out,” he said. “It’s very slow in the summertime when it comes to donations and things, so it helps us out that we have some cash. We put a lot of that money away, and we save it because we know that we’re going to need it later down the road, but we’re never going to tur n away a food donation.”
He said seeing the community outpour has “energized” the volunteers who work to keep the pantry going, from the administrators to those taking shifts to pack bags of food or assist neighbors as they browse the pantry’s grocery-esque shelves.
“We’re just so thrilled now that we don’t have to turn anybody away or say, ‘We’re not going to have this,’” he said. “It looks like we’re going to be able to get right through this holiday and provide everything that we’ve had in the past and, in some cases, even more. It’s been great.”
Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson
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Riverside nixes residential short-term tals
Trustees voted
4-1
to put the policy to rest a er a 2nd planning commission review
By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter
Riverside trustees rejected a proposal on Thursday to further pursue reinstating the village’s residential vacation rental policy.
The village board voted 4-1 to direct staf f not to continue considering the policy for future approval. Trustee Elizabeth Kos was absent from the Dec. 4 meeting.
“I would like for us to take a pass on vacation rentals in the village T he p ossibility has g otten mixed reviews from the c ommunity. T here’s no suppo rt from the neighbors,” said Trustee Cristin Evans, who was a vo c al o pponent of the p oli cy when the b oard held a first discussion on Nov. 6. “ I’m hoping that we c an close thi s chapter tonight. ”
Trustee Alex Gallegos alone voted against the motion to kill the policy after expressing his desire to see Riverside’s economic development commission weigh in on its feasibility first.
“This would be the question of, ‘Does it do well in the residential [districts]?’ That’s why I want [the EDC to consider] the question of how this would affect property values that’s come up,” he said. “EDC has been tasked for these specific questions. I don’t know the answer yet. I don’t know if I am in favor of this or not.”
Gallegos made a motion to direct staf f to proceed with the issue, but it died for lack of a second.
The other trustees seemed to ag ree with Evans. Trustee Jill Mateo motioned to have Riverside stop considering the policy, which Evans seconded.
“I’ve heard p eople ask why we revisi ted thi s. T he answe r is somebody asked us to do that. It ’s b een seven years sinc e it was last c onsidered. T here’s only one person on this b oard who was pa rt of the discussion seven years ag o, ” Mateo said. “Enough time has p assed. I think it was a legitimate inquiry to make, especially because of p otential economic b enefit s … At the end of the day, I do n’ t think p eople are wanting this in their residen-
tial areas.”
The push to bring back a policy for short-term rentals in residential districts be g an in August at the request of resident Maria Bernardi, who owns a duplex. Bernardi lives in one side of the building and said she wanted to rent the other half out for short periods as a form of supplementary income.
The planning and zoning commission first reviewed a potential policy in October, but four of the five commissioners recommended against implementing one due to a lack of interest in short-term rentals in business districts, where bed-and-breakfasts have been allowed for years without any cropping up.
The commission reviewed the topic again on Nov. 17 at the village board’s direction, with three of the commissioners remaining opposed. According to a summary of their discussion, included in agenda materials for the Dec. 4 meeting, the commissioners felt it would be “difficult to accept” homes being occupied for only 60 days out of the year, the maximum number of days a home can be rented under village code, and that residents should be able to know their neighbors rather than experiencing a transient community in their neighborhood
They also pointed to a petition against residential vacation rentals that garnered nearly 300 resident signatues in 2018 after a short-term rental home on Michaux Road drew controversy for hosting large events on the property such as family re-
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As the holiday season arrives, Cantata is filled with the spirit of togetherness as residents craft decorations, sing carols, and enjoy festive meals.
unions and weddings.
“I was disappointed, but I wasn’t really surprised” by the village board’s decision, Bernardi told the Landmark Friday morning. “I knew this was going to be a challenge, presenting this option, especially due to the ne gative experience they had previously in town. I was disappointed. I really thought people were understanding that it could be done in a way that would not disrupt the quality of life in Riverside.”
The real estate broker, who rents the second half of her duplex to long-term tenants now, said she expected “some” resistance from the community but not as much as the proposal received, with some residents giving public comment and writing letters to officials to express their concern.
“I did expect some, especially from the Michaux debacle, but I thought things had changed,” she said. “[Short-term rentals] are much more used by everyone nowadays, so I was a little surprised.”
She said she felt her situation was different from the one that drew controversy in 2018, and she hadn’t expected it to factor into the discussion as much as it did.
“I believe it was at least eight bedrooms, so that immediately speaks to a party house. What I tried to propose intelligently was not a party house but a first-rate, wellrun residence where people could stay. End of conversation,” she said. “I truly love this town, and I would have never proposed anything that I thought would lower the quality of life.”
Winter brings its charm, but it’s also a time to focus on safety and well-being. Seniors should dress warmly in layers, wear shoes with good traction, and keep walkways clear to prevent falls. Staying hydrated and checking on friends and neighbors helps everyone stay well throughout the season.
For families traveling this holiday season, Cantata offers respite stays a perfect solution to ensure loved ones are cared for while you’re away. These short-term stays provide professional support, nutritious meals, and opportunities for holiday activities in a welcoming environment.
The holidays are about connection, joy, and peace of mind, and Cantata invites you to embrace the season safely while creating special memories.
Happy Holidays!
For more info, visit Cantata.org or call (708) 387-1030
A former vacation rental home is seen on June 22, 2018, on Michaux Road in Riverside.
Riverside passes local e-bikes ordinance
Certain classes of electric bikes and scooters are banned for minors
By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter
Only adults will be able to operat e some classes of electric bicycles and other motorized vehicles in Rive rside going forward.
Riverside trustees on Thursday, Dec. 4, approved an ordinance defining and re gulating the use of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters and low-speed gas bicycles, incorporating elements of state statute.
“[Village] Attorney [Robert] Pickrell did an amazing job of not only incorporating the Illinois Vehicle Code but incorporating it in such a way that, if there are any changes that are made at the state level, we don’t have to turn around and make addi-
tional updates to our village code, which we appreciate,” said Village Manager Jessica Frances.
The ordinance also bans the use of ebikes and e-scooters on sidewalks due to safety concerns trustees and village staf f expressed at a preliminary discussion of the issue in October.
“Even if a person is of age and can legitimately ride and operate one, under no circumstance should they be on the sidewalk,” Village President Doug Pollock said.
According to a memo from the meeting, different legal classes of e-bikes and other “low speed” vehicles will be broken into dif ferent age groups.
Class one e-bikes, with a motor that only aids a pedaling rider and stops propelling at a speed of 20 mph, and class two e-bikes, which have a motor that alone can move the bike up to 20 mph, will have no age requirement.
Those in class 3, which have motors that aid a pedaling rider up to 28 mph, will be limited to riders aged 16 and older, as will
low-speed gas-driven bicycles, which have a gasoline powered motor that can propel the bike at up to 20 mph.
Electric scooters, both low-speed and high-speed, will be relegated to users 18-years-old and older. Low-speed e-scooters cannot exceed 10 mph with the use of a motor while those that are high-speed can reach up to 28 mph.
Frances said she asked Pickrell to look into lowering the age for e-scooters from 18 to 16 but that it could not be done.
Public Safety Director Matthew Buckley said the passage of the ordinance gives Riverside police a way to prevent issues that officials had been noticing in town related to teenagers riding electric bikes and scooters unsafely.
“It gives us the ability to educate, enforce, and, if necessary, adjudicate those that improperly ride these motorized devices. For us, the education part is the most important key component, but, if necessary, enforcement action can be taken,” Buckley said.
He further encouraged residents with children to pay close attention to the different definitions added to Riverside’s village code, which is viewable online, due to the new age restrictions
“A lot of kids are going to be putting these types of devices on their Christmas lists, and we want them to make sure that whatever they do purchase, they’re going to be able to utilize properly,” he said.
“It may be some comfort to parents to know that, if we didn’t adopt this, then escooters would be banned outright in Riverside,” Pickrell added. “By adopting this, we’re allowing them, subject to certain regulations, so they can still buy those Christmas presents if they want to.”
In response to a question from Trustee Cristin Evans, Frances said village staf f will work to put out info graphics related to the new ordinance on Riverside’s website and social media profiles in addition to working with local school districts to ensure students know what they can and cannot use based on their ages.
Drunk driver drags bicycle under car
Brookfield police arrested a 46-year-old Brookfield woman on Nov. 24 for driving under the influence.
Around 9:31 p.m., an officer responded to the intersection of Prairie and Shields avenues after police received a report of a car driving north while dragging a bicycle underneath. Upon arriving, the officer saw the car parked in the street and heard the driver and sole occupant crying as they approached. The officer asked the woman for her name, to which she said she didn’t know what was going on, police said.
Two of the people were wearing black ski masks. The officer pulled into the parking lot, at which time the group split up. The officer spoke with one of them, who said she was there alone and was waiting for an Uber
The officer then followed one of them into the laundromat there, who said she was there looking to get change from the coin machine. She then admitted she was with the first woman and that the two of them were waiting for a ride, at which point the officer saw the first woman run around the cor ner toward Padilla Tire Service.
While waiting for the group to “re-emerge,” the officer saw a white Hyundai quickly pull out of the Padilla parking lot and head east on Plainfield Road, police said. The officer pulled the car over just west of First Avenue with assistance from a Lyons officer. During the stop, the officer noticed the first woman was in the rear driver’s-side seat.
The woman slurred her speech, had glossy eyes and smelled of alcohol as she continued to cry and yell while the officer spoke to her. The woman refused to exit her car when the officer asked and was assisted by another officer; then, she was seen stumbling and unable to stand on her own, police said. The woman remained uncooperative and hostile when the officer asked her what had happened. The officer checked the woman’s car and found an empty 375-milliliter bottle of tequila and an unopened can of hard punch, police said.
Firefighter paramedics arrived at the scene and advised the woman she would need to go to the hospital, but the woman continued to act hostile and refused to go until police “assisted” her onto the gurney with restraints, police said. After arriving at the hospital, the woman attempted to bite and spit at medical staff, so they sedated her, and police handcuffed her to the gur ney
After the driver provided identification at the officers’ request, police learned she had never been issued a driver’s license. Police asked all four passengers, whom they noted were all dressed in black, to exit before patting them down for weapons, though none were found
At the hospital, police charged the woman with driving under the influence, illegally parking in the roadway, driving an uninsured vehicle, failing to wear a seatbelt and illegally transporting alcohol. They set a Dec. 23 court date and released her from police custody while still at the hospital.
Driver without license caught as passengers wear ski masks
Brookfield police cited a woman on Nov. 25 for driving without a license after her passengers were seen looking into businesses while wearing ski masks.
Around 12:40 a.m., an officer was patrolling 47th Street in their car when they saw three people in the parking lot of the strip mall that includes Mr. Submarine walking back and forth and looking into businesses
The officer spoke with the driver, who first said she had rented the car before saying someone else rented it for her, though she couldn’t say who. The driver said there were no weapons or drugs in the car and consented to a search, in which none were found. Police noted they found “multiple ski masks” in the car, including some in unopened packages, and that each of the four occupants had a ski mask in their pockets. Police cited the driver and set a Dec. 23 court date before allowing all four people to go on their way, though police towed the car, as none of them could provide a driver’s license
These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Nov. 24 to Dec. 1; 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
Riverside police arrest bank robbery suspect
64-year-old
Robert Jocko was arrested Dec. 3
in Brook eld
By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter
Rive rside p olice have ar rested the man suspected of robbing Rive rside Bank, 17 E. Burlington St., on Saturday, Nov. 29. 64-year- old Ro be rt Jo cko was located in Brookfield on We d nesd ay, Dec. 3, and ar rested around 5:35 p. m ., p olice said in
a press release Friday.
Police have charged Jo cko with class one ag gr avated robber y, and other charges are p ending. Public safety officials wo rked with the Chicago field office of the Fe deral Bureau of Investi gation to “analyze evidenc e, review sur ve i llanc e footage, and track down lead s, ” p olice said in the written statement.
Police said the robbery o ccu rr ed at 10:23 a.m. on Nov. 29. Jo cko “implied ” to b ank staf f he was carrying a we apon, p olice said, but he did not displ ay one, Gabrielle S zlenkier, the public af fairs officer of the FBI ’s Chicago field offic e, told the Landmark on Mond ay, Dec. 1.
CO RRECTI ON
Cor rection: A story titled “Riverside is set to create a digital amusement tax” that ran in print Nov. 26, 2025, misquoted Village Manager Jessica Frances. She spoke of PEG fees, not pet fees. The Landmark re grets the er ror.
RENTAL REGISTRATION
to annually register each of their rental properties with Brookfield by March 1. They will be charged a $50 fee per property that will “offset direct administrative costs for maintaining records, processing renewals and performing follow-up communication,” according to a memo from the meeting.
The issue has been the subject of controversy and discussion online and has consistently drawn negative public comments, mostly from landlords, who condemned the invasive nature of random, in-unit inspections that were originally proposed as part of the program.
The first version that staf f brought to the board in October required such inspections, as well as those of rental exteriors and common areas, to be completed each year. In November, Community Development Director Libby Popovic brought for th three new versions.
Under the most rigorous of the three, an inspection of a random living unit in each rental property would have been required every three years while exterior and common area inspections would have taken place each year.
A middle-ground proposal would have done away with in-unit inspections and made exterior and common area inspections triennial instead of annual.
The least strict program, which trustees approved Monday, calls only for annual registration and did away with inspections entirely The village will still be able to complete inunit inspections in response to tenant complaints as it already does now, Popovic said.
Several public commenters, including some who have spoken at previous discussions of the program, criticized the program Monday night, with the majority of commenters decrying what they called an expansion of the local government’s power to re gularly enter the homes of rental tenants. Some commenters expressed understanding for the village’s need to create a re gistry to have an updated list of who owns which rental properties.
In the past, public commenters have pointed to a lack of data to justify a registration program. At a Nov. 24 discussion, Popovic shared her department’s findings, which included processing more than 1,000 “code enforcement and property maintenance matters,” of which 315 went to adjudication.
When the meeting Monday proceeded to
the point of board action, no trustee made a motion to put either the strictest or the middle-ground version of the program to a vote.
Before trustees approved the re gistration-only program, Trustee Kyle Whitehead said he wanted Brookfield to further educate renters.
“In past discussions of this, we’ve talked about, is there potential to do some community education around tenants’ rights and making sure that tenants are aware of the resources they have,” he said. “I understand it’s also part of the materials they receive from their landlords, but I do hope that’s something we and staff can stay on top of.”
Trustee Kit Ketchmark, who is the board’s liaison to the economic development commission, which discussed a possible program before the village board, expressed hesitancy around the re gistry’s implementation.
“It’s not clear how this would work We heard some comments tonight as it relates to this. How do we reach out to property owners to get them to register?” he said. “The idea of using the water billing data has come up several times … Short of this, would compliance simply be voluntary? If there isn’t compliance, will staff be tasked with spending the resources and hunting down the property owners’ info, which is what we are trying to avoid in having the registration?”
Ketchmark initially passed his vote when the roll was called before voting ‘aye’ in line with the other five trustees.
Trustee Julie Narimatsu said she empathized with public commenters as a landlord herself.
“I understand the burdens that this kind of policy could have on you all. I also want to recognize that a lot of people aren’t here to talk about their issues, whether they’re tenants or landlords, who might think this is a good idea,” she said. “I also don’t think that responsible governance needs to wait for a public health or safety crisis to take action. I think the village needs as much data as it can get in order to manage successfully and effectively.”
After trustees approved the ordinance establishing the program, Village President Michael Garvey thanked members of the public for sharing their perspectives.
“There’s nothing that we’ve ever done that is completely written in stone that never changes or can’t be revisited. We like to reevaluate our policies as we go forward with input from staff and the public Thank you for everybody that shared their comments and their input and thank you to all the responsible housing providers that we have in town,” he said. “I think you understand that we may have some [landlords] that are not as responsible, but I think the board’s trying to make the most infor med decision they can, and we’ll look at it going forward.”
GIRL SCOUTS
‘Girls
support girls’ from page 1
pantry in Brookfield
The drive will run until Saturday, Dec. 13, when the troop will host a final collection event at the Riverside Swim Club from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A blood drive will also happen concurrently at the swim club for those who wish to donate to two causes at once.
“Pads normally go out first, so that would be the product we need the most, probably,” said Claire Marx, one of four fifth graders from Central Elementary who spoke to the Landmark on behalf of the troop, accompanied by troop leaders Mandi Altepeter and Megan Claucherty, who is also a former village trustee
While pads are the menstrual product most taken by women who visit the pantry, Claucherty said the troop will accept donations of all kinds of period products, including tampons as well as menstrual cups and period underwear, which are both reusable.
The group said the idea for the donation drive was one of several Altepeter and Claucherty presented to the troop for their Bronze Award.
“We all kind of chose this as the one we want to do. We brainstormed a lot of ideas for how we could get these things, and we said these ones would probably be the most effective,” said Violet Filipkowski, another member of the troop.
“Girl Scouts is meant to be girl-led. The girls take a role in figuring out what we do and how we do it. We came up with some ideas for them; we talked about whether they wanted to do a Bronze Award, which is a bigger project, because these girls are now in fifth grade,” Claucherty said. “We’re a troop full of Girl Scouts, right? This is an issue that affects girls and women, and we talked about that a lot.”
Altepeter and troop members said they were inspired to gather donations for the food pantry after a group visit where the girls volunteered
“We stocked. We helped with the people getting their food, and we also helped with other things around the donations,” said Robin Barrs, a member of the troop
The Girl Scouts said the donation drive posed an opportunity to help others like them while learning more about period products and volunteerism alike.
“We can learn about it while helping other women in need, in other communities and here in our community,” said Neve Lumell, a troop member
“Girls support girls,” Violet said.
KO MAREK SCH OO L WILD CATS AND SE GROSS SCH OO L W ARRI OR S CHEER
Photos by ERIC A BENSON
Cheerleading squads from S.E. Gross and Hauser middle schools and Komarek Junior High School came to Riverside Brookfield High School Saturday to compete in the annual RB Middle School Match-Up. S.E. Gross, the final team to perform, took first place and opening team Hauser was third among this year’s participating teams, which also included secondplace Albright, Forest Park and Stevenson middle schools. The event was concluded by a performance from the RBHS co-ed competitive cheerleading team.
OBITUARIES
Betty Kurich, 97
Homemaker
Elizabeth Joan “Betty” Kurich (nee Purcell), 97, of North Riverside, died on Dec. 3, 2025. Born on June 19, 1928, she was a homemaker.
Betty was the wife of the late William Kurich; the mother of William Robert (Alice) Kurich, Richard Joseph Kurich, Robert James Kurich, Keith Edward (Marilyn) Kurich and the late Ronald Joseph Kurich; grandmother of William, Rebecca, Melissa, Michael, Daniel, Robert, Amanda, Emma, Maxwell, Andrew, and Brian; and the great-grandmother of Lilianne, Abigail, Kaylynn, Holly, Carly, William, Eloise, Eric, Xander, Benjamin, Thomas, Veronica, Zoey and Fredrick.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 S. Desplaines Ave., North Riverside. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at Mater Christi Church, North Riverside. Interment private
Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.KuratkoNosek.com.
Violet Zaklan, 83
Loved teaching science
Violet B. Zaklan (nee Peroutka), 83, of Riverside, died on Dec. 1, 2025. Born in Chicago, she spent her formative years growing up in the Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods, attending Cooper School and graduating from Harrison High School where she served as treasurer on the Student Council.
Demonstrating her lifelong passion for learning, she went on to attain a bachelor’s de gree in Education at Dersity and taught in District 100, primarily as a fourth grade teacher at Irving School. She loved creating science experiments that thrilled her students and had a passion for teaching astronomy.
As a natural leader, she excelled as a CCD teacher, PTA board member and Girl Scout leader. She loved exploring nature and National Parks with her family and was known for her tender heart toward others, which extended to animals, especially dogs. She enjoyed going to the theater with her many friends, as well as attending their re gular brunches. Her smile will be missed and forever remembered.
Violet was the wife of Michael John Zaklan Jr.; the mother of Juli Ann Zaklan and Lisa Ann Zaklan; the sister of the late Frank (the late Bernice) Peroutka; aunt of Gregory Peroutka (Sylvia) and Francis “Chip” Peroutka (Joanne); and the greataunt of four.
Visitation was held on Monday, Dec. 8 at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 31st St., Brookfield. Funeral Mass was celebrated at Mater Christi Church, North Riverside, on Dec. 9. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park Memorials appreciated to your favorite animal shelter or organization.
RBHS girls bowling sees progress in second season
Bulldogs achieve program-h score in opening week of UEC action
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
With several returnees from last year’s first official season, senior Ava Haralamos and her Ri Brookfield High School girls bowling teammates are learning the routines to success.
“It is definitely less pressure for the returnees, knowing how matches and tournaments work there’s more fluidity due to that,” Haralamos said. “I have improved from last season, now knowing I need to fix, how to fix it and just having a better idea on how the sport works. I was able to go bo in the offseason, to work on consistency with my throws and scores.”
The Bulldogs already are ahead of last season sizewise, growing their roster to 21 bowlers from 15 last season. On the lanes, they broke 2,000 pins for the first time in a three-game series for a 2,007 to 1,933 Upstate Eight Conference dual victory over Streamwood Dec. 4.
“It’s been a great bunch and our scores right now at the be ginning of the season are reflecting what they were at the end of last season,” RBHS coach Doug Schultz said. “We’re seeing some progress.”
Ten bowlers have returned from last season –seniors Abby Ford, Haralamos, Zoe Jeffcott, Audrey Raymond, Sofia Sanchez and Lucia Vazzana and sophomores Isabella Buczek, Emily Cubas, Amira Glenn and Mia Torres. Team newcomers are seniors Alekse Alijosius and Yemaya Ramire z, juniors Avery Blair, Violet Furey, Alyssa Petrucci, Nicolette Ritacca and Isabel Rosa, sophomores Harper Jesswein and Isabella Readus and freshmen Charlotte Ehrenhaft and Mia Melvin.
The Bulldogs are 1-3 in UEC duals with four team points all from the Streamwood victory. UEC duals award one point for each game victory and two points for each series victory. Against Streamwood, Ford had a team-high 480 series and a 188 in the Bulldogs’ team-best 715 first game. Ford currently has the highest season average in the mid-130s and Torres and Glenn are in the mid-120s. Haralamos and Raymond also have been bowling varsity with others rotated into the lineup.
So far, Petrucci is the lone newcomer to appear in
RBHS’s Abigail Ford bowls during a match at Bowlero, Dec. 4, in Lyons.
a varsity match, but that may change. The junior varsity outscored the varsity in Monday’s home loss against Elgin at Bowlero in Lyons.
“We have a large group that’s scoring in the same area. Our job now is to get more consistent, bring our low scores up,” Schultz said. “Still being an emerging team, we’re going to be outmatched in a lot of matches. Our goal is not to wor ry about opponents. The goal is to increase your score every time. We want to see that number keep going up, It’s more of the game within yourself.”
Last season, the Bulldogs were ninth at the 12–team Glenbard East Re gional (3,658 pins for six games). Torres (30th, 815, 178 high game), was 51 pins from the last individual sectional qualifier. Haralamos (39th, 739) and Raymond (45th, 699) also bowled six games and Sanchez (365) and Vazzana (340) three each.
The Bulldogs finished 7-12 in duals and seventh in the one-division UEC with a 7-11 dual record and 35 points. Torres (130) and Haralamos (118) had the team’s top averages in UEC play with Torres just missing individual all-conference honors.
“A successful bowling season can be achieved by improving individual and team averages and consistently hitting your marks,” Haralamos said. “We will win some and lose some, but consistency, having fun, and supporting one another is key.”
STEVE JOHNSTON
Sports
Riverside residents contribute to Fenwick football’s 6A title
Friars strike early, upset East St. Louis for second
IHSA championship
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
While the Fenwick High School football team had a great start to the Class 6A state championship game Dec. 2, senior Connor Wahl didn’t. The starting center from Riverside was battling additional pain.
“I dislocated my finger in the first quarter and my back’s been hurting,” Wahl said.
Of course, Wahl stayed in the game — and
The Friars just surprised defending 6A state champion East St. Louis 38-28 at a frigid Illinois State University in Normal for the program’s second IHSA state championship.
“It’s surreal. It’s everything I imagined (winning state) would be,” Wahl said. “It’s like (beating Nazareth in the overtime semifinals) all over again but even better because this is what we play for. We made it.”
Seniors Luke Leone, Will Tomczak, Topher Polston and Diego Robles and freshman Jack Rooney, all from Riverside, and senior Odin Ferjak of Lyons also were part of the Friars’ success.
Senior quarterback Jamen Williams scored on a group push with teammates with 2:22 remaining. Part of that pile, Wahl played
one on his left hand taped together.
“Celebrating with my friends, my family, I’ll remember that with the rest of my teammates,” said Wahl before raising his injured hand. “It’s all taped up. It was going sideways. We’re all right. We’ll survive. We’re done.”
The Friars eclipsed the euphoria of their 28-27 overtime semifinal victory at defendin g 5A champion Nazareth Academy Starting defensive lineman Leone was injured during the Nazareth game but showed no signs in the title game, recording one solo tackle and two assists. Ferjak (4 solos, assist), Tomczak (solo, assist) and Polston (solo) also contributed tackles.
“I’m doing great. I just won a state championship,” Leone said. “I don’t feel great (physically) but I feel great on the inside. I’m happy.”
Williams was 8-for-14 passing after an 0-for-3 start for 155 yards with TDs to seniors Cameron Garrett (37 yards) and Raphiel Stewart (15 yards).
Starting receiver Tomczak also had a 14yard kickof f return. He had no rece ptions in the final but 45 rece ptions for 561 yards and 5 TDs for the season.
“We did as good as we could (defensively). They had some huge guys up front,” Leone said. “I had to go up against them but I’ve done it before.”
Ferjak had one of the key plays on the Flyers’ second failed fourth-down secondquarter drive
Ferjak intercepted at the 20 and returned the ball 43 yards to the Flyers’ 37. Williams hit Garrett for a TD pass on the next play for the Friars’ halftime lead and another emotional swing they sustained.
“Tommy (Thies) was playing great defense. He tipped the ball so I was surprised (at the interception) and I was like, ‘Oh. I’ve got to run,’” Ferjak said. “I knew that our offense was going to respond fast, and they did. Just like that, we had insane momentum throughout the game.”
For most seniors, part of the emotion was that it was their last competitive football game, and their final one as a group. They received three additional days together when the area snowstorm Nov. 29 resulted in the 5A through 8A state championships being rescheduled, an unprecedented occurrence in the 51-year history of the IHSA state football finals.
“We always knew we could beat anyone in the whole state,” Ferjak said. “Our team is different than anyone else’s. We have compassion, love for each other. We work as a team. We knew coming into this game, of course, it’s going to be a dogfight, but, of course, we’re going to come out on top.”
BILL STONE
Fenw ick football players Luke Leone (le ), Connor Wahl, Will Tomczak, Odin Ferjak, Jack Rooney and Diego Robles, all from Riverside. Topher Polston is not pictured.
TOOD BANNOR
Logan Schultz (77) and Luke Leone (99) carr y the championship trophy with the Fenwick High School football team in to the gy m at Victor y Rally celebrating their winning the Illinois Class 6A Football Championship.
Evans, Hudson fuel energetic RBHS girls basketball victo
RBHS boys beat Fenton; LTHS girls and boys re
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Riverside Brookfield High School sophomore Claire Evans’ return to the varsity girls basketball starting lineup this season started with her first all-tournament honors ever following the Schaumburg T hanksgiving Tournament.
“It was really cool. I did not think it was going to happen and then it did,” Evans said. “I was really, really happy about that.”
In F riday’s home opener, Evans enjoyed her best offensive g ame so far as part of a huge second half with senior Arianna Hudson. The pair combined for 26 of the Bulldogs’ 39 points after halftime as the team shook of f a rough second quarter to beat visiting Fenton 51-39. The Upstate Eight Conference East Division victory for the Bulldogs (2-5, 1-1 in UEC East) was part of a home doubleheader with the RBHS boys, who later beat the Bison 70-27 behind a 23-3 first quar ter.
With Evans (18 points with 3 three-pointers, 6 rebounds, 9 steals, 10 deflections) and Hudson (16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 8 deflections) leading the way, the Bulldogs overcame a 17-12 halftime deficit on the strength of 26 steals, 16 in the second half
Kate Hamilton (5 points, 3 steals), Addie Vaia (3 points, 4 steals, 7 deflections), Abby Weinert (3 points, 3 rebounds, 4 steals), Giselle Rodgers (4 rebounds) and Joselyn Her nandez (3 points) also contributed.
“We just needed some more energy,” Hudson said of the second half. “We needed to work to g ether more and realize that this is our gym and that we can do it if we put our minds to it. We just got that energy back.” Evans, a 5-foot-9 guard, collected a team-high 45 points over the five g ames at Schaumburg, including 17 in the loss to the host Saxons. Hudson had a personal-best 19 in the victory over Bartlett. Evans has never scored 20 points in a g ame, but that could happen soon. Varsity experience as a freshman certainly has helped
“It’s nice playing with older girls (on varsity) and kind of having a bigger challeng e. Just being on the varsity is the next level and I really, really love it,” Evans said.
“Claire looks great. She’s been scoring. She’s everywhere on the floor. A non-stop motor,” RBHS coach Jordan Mack said. “She has more confidence (this season). She’s stronger, just physically from the weight room. She has that strength and that’s only going to pr ogress when she gets older.”
T he 6-foot Hudson continues to progress after minimal play the last two seasons because of injuries. Her quickness and mobility, especially for her size, makes her an
inside and perimeter threat.
“The first couple of g I wasn’t used to the (varsity “It’s definitely different than in practices couple of g ames I got used to it and I’m fident.”
Most of the Bulldog nerves. In their three-point second just 1 of 15 shots and 1 of ton (2-5, 0-2) with full-court pressure in the second half and collected nine steals in the third quar
“It definitely did (change the momentum),” Mack said. “The defense was great. They erything was like a chain. Ev
RBHS scored the first eight points of to lead 20-17 while holding the Bison scoreless Evans hit 3 of 4 free throws to ahead 30-28 lead entering the layup by Hudson, driving from Evans opened a 37-28 ad
“It’s the first home g ame but had a lot of jitters. well,” Mack said. “During halftime, (they) calmed their pace, breathed a little bit and then just worked to g ether. T hey were able to focus, to talk, just play their g ame. I’m glad we were able to lock back in and focus.”
T he Bulldogs actually fed of f the crowd after Fenton closed to 41-39 on a conventional three-point play with 3:54 left. Evans nailed a corner three-pointer of f a Weiner t pass and free throws from Evans and Hudson opened a 46-39 advantage with 2:43 left. T he Bison went scoreless on their last nine possessions with eight tur novers
“The first half, you could tell we were a little bit nervous just because it was our first home g ame and there was a big crowd,” Evans said. “Towards the second half, everybody was g etting hyped so it was really helping with our energy.”
T he Bulldogs were coming of f a 51-48 Dec. 2 conference loss at undefeated West Chicago (7-0, 2-0) after holding a double-digit lead in the third quarter. Top performers were Hudson (14 points, 11 rebounds), Evans (10 points), Weinert (9 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), Maggie Por ter (5 points), Vaia (5 points, 5 steals), Eleanor Kowynia (4 points) and Greta Lupfer (4 rebounds).
T he RBHS boys (3-1, 1-0) made 24 of 46 shots against Fenton with 11 threes and 11 of 15 free throws.
Liam Enright (19 points with 5 threes), Cam Mercer (19 points with three, 4 rebounds, 9 steals, 6 assists), Colin Cimino (16 points with 4 threes) and Noah VanTholen (9 points with three, 4 rebounds) paced the Bulldogs.
year.
LTHS basketball
The LTHS girls are now 8-0 after beating Huntley 43-29 Saturday as part of the Fremd Invitational in Palatine. Emma O’Brien (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Gwen Smith (14 points. 11 rebounds) both had double-doubles against Huntley (5-2), followed by Kennedy Moore (6 points, 6 rebounds) and Anna Bigenwald (4 rebounds, 5 defections).
The Lions also won their first two West Suburban Conference Silver Division games, beating Hinsdale Central 40-30 Dec. 2 and Oak Park and River Forest 58-24 Thursday. Against the rival Red Devils (5-3, 1-1 in Silver), O’Brien also had 12 points with a three, 10 rebounds and 5 assists). Smith (15 points with three, 5 rebounds), Bigenwald (4 points, 9 rebounds), Moore (6 points with three), Colleen Chambers (6 rebounds) and Sydney Munson (4 rebounds) also contributed.
The LTHS boys moved to 4-0 by beating Proviso West 65-22 in their Silver opener Friday in La Grange behind Grant Smith (12 points, 5 rebounds), Byron Walton (11 points), Nate Woods (9 points, 4 rebounds), Blake Ragsdale (9 points, 6 rebounds), Tommy Blyth (9 points, 3 rebounds), Tommy Sloan (5 points, steals), Timmy Sloan (3 points, 5 assists) and Dylan Holcer (5 rebounds).
STEVE JOHNSTON
Claire Evans (20) makes a pass against Hinsdale South during a game last
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE BONDS AND RIGHT TO FILE PETITIONS
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: M25001094 on November 18, 2025 Under the Assumed Business Name of ROAMWELL, A TRAVEL COMPANY with the business located at: 221 OLMSTED ROAD, RIVERSIDE, IL 60546. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: ALLISON FAKHOURY 221 OLMSTED ROAD RIVERSIDE, IL 60546, USA
Published in RB Landmark
November 26, December 3, 10, 2025
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: M25001053 on November 4, 2025 Under the Assumed Business Name of GREY PHOENIX ART STUDIO with the business located at: 3730-32 PRAIRIE AVENUE, BROOKFIELD, IL 60513. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: THERESE ANGARONE 3238 RAYMOND AVE BROOKFIELD, IL 60513, USA
Published in RB Landmark
November 19,
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park ��Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302�� will receive electronic proposals until 10�00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2025 for Project: 25�22, EV Charger Installations. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of: the installation of Electric Vehicle �EV� Charging Stations and associated conduit, cable and controllers, as well as pavement removal, earth excavation, concrete median installation, bollard installation, pavement markings, and all appurtenant work thereto.
Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 4�00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/budgetpurchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number
9971313 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4�00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. All prospective bidders must provide their Illinois Department of Transportaion prequalification with with their bid.
This project is financed with local Village of Oak Park funds and Illinois Environemtnal Protection Agency �ILEPA� Driving a Cleaner Illinois � Climate and Equitable Jobs Act �CEJA� funds. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to all state rules, regulations and guidelines including the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq and the requirements in the ILLINOIS WORKS JOBS PROGRAM ACT, 30 ILCS 559.
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer
Published in Wednesday Journal, December 10, 2025
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to an ordinance adopted on the 4th day of December, 2025 (the “Ordinance”), by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois (the “Village”), intends to issue its Waterworks and Sewerage Revenue Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12,000,000 (the “Bonds”) and bearing interest per annum at not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by law at the time of sale thereof, for the purpose of paying costs of improving the combined waterworks and sewerage system of the Village through the replacement of lead service lines (the “System”), as further described in the Ordinance. The Bonds would be payable solely from the revenues of the System, including the portion thereof attributable to the Village’s recent water rate increases for the purpose of lead service line replacements. A complete copy of the Ordinance follows this notice.
Notice is hereby further given that a petition may be filed with the Village Clerk of the Village (the “Village Clerk”) within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice, signed by 700 or more electors of the Village (the same being equal to 10% of the registered voters in the Village), asking that the question of improving the System and the issuance of the Bonds therefor, be submitted to the electors of the Village. If such petition is filed with the Village Clerk within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of the Ordinance and this notice and on or before the 15th day of December, 2025, an election on the proposition to issue said bonds shall be held on the 17th day of March, 2026. If such petition is filed with the Village Clerk within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of the Ordinance and this notice and after the 15th day of December, 2025, an election on the proposition to issue said bonds shall be held on the 3rd day of November, 2026. The Circuit Court may declare that an emergency referendum should be held prior to either of said election dates pursuant to the provisions of Section 2A 1.4 of the Election Code of the State of Illinois, as amended. If no such petition is filed with the Village Clerk within said 30-day period, the Bonds shall be authorized to be issued.
By order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois.
Dated this 4th day of December, 2025.
/s/ Emily Stenzel Village Clerk, Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois
ORDINANCE NO. 4173
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance of Waterworks and Sewerage Revenue Bonds of the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12,000,000, for improvements to the waterworks and sewerage system of the Village through the replacement of lead service lines. *
WHEREAS, the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois (the “Village”), operates its combined waterworks and sewerage system (the “System”) in accordance with the provisions of Division 139 of Article 11 of the Illinois Municipal Code, as supplemented and amended, and in particular as supplemented by
the Local Government Debt Reform Act, as amended (collectively, the “Act”); and WHEREAS, the President and Board of Trustees of the Village (the “Board”) has determined that it is advisable, necessary and in the best interests of the public health, safety and welfare to improve the System through the replacement of lead service lines, all in accordance with the preliminary plans and estimate of costs heretofore approved by the Board and now on file in the office of the Village Clerk, and to pay the engineering, legal, financial and administrative expense related thereto (collectively, the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, the Project has an expected useful life of not less than 50 years; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost of constructing and installing the Project, including engineering, legal, financial, bond discount, printing and publication costs, and other expenses, is not less than $12,000,000, and there are insufficient funds on hand and lawfully available to pay such costs; and WHEREAS, it is necessary and for the best interests of the Village that the Project be undertaken and in order to finance the costs thereof it will be necessary for the Village to issue up to $12,000,000 bonds payable from the revenues of the System, including the portion thereof attributable to the Village’s recent water rate increases for the purpose of lead service line replacements (the “System Revenues”) as authorized by the Act (the “Bonds”); and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois (the “State”), acting through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (the “IEPA”), has offered to make loans to the Village, to be evidenced by the Bonds, through the “Public Water Supply Loan Program” or the “Water Pollution Control Loan Program,” or from both of said programs, of the State (together, the “Program”), for the purpose of paying certain eligible costs of the Project; and it is necessary and advisable to authorize the acceptance of said loans and execution of appropriate loan documents at the appropriate time; and WHEREAS, pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Village is authorized to borrow funds from the Program and may issue the Bonds in evidence thereof for the purpose of providing funds to pay the costs of the Project; and WHEREAS, the loan will bear an interest rate as defined by 35 Ill. Adm. Code 662 (the “Program Regulations”) which does not exceed the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended, at the time of the issuance of the loan; and WHEREAS, the principal and interest due on the loan shall be payable semi-annually, and the loan shall mature within 30 years, which is within the period of useful life of the Project; and WHEREAS, such loan or loans to the Village may be made pursuant to a loan agreement or agreements and bond ordinance or ordinances, with such terms and conditions as may be provided by the IEPA: NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Ordained by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois, as follows:
Section 1. Incorporation of Preambles. The Board hereby finds that all of the recitals contained in the preambles to this Ordinance are full, true and correct and does in-
corporate them into this Ordinance by this reference.
Section 2. Determination to Issue Bonds. It is necessary and in the best interests of the Village to undertake the Project for the public health, safety and welfare, in accordance with the preliminary plans and estimate of costs as hereinabove described, that the System continue to be operated in accordance with the provisions of the Act, and that for such purpose, there are hereby authorized to be issued and sold the Bonds in an aggregate principal amount (which can include construction period interest financed over the term of the loan) not to exceed $12,000,000.
Section 3. Publication. This Ordinance, together with a notice in the statutory form (the “Notice”), shall be published once within ten (10) days after passage hereof by the Board in a newspaper of general circulation in the Village, and if no petition signed by a number of electors being at least equal to ten percent (10%) of the number of registered voters in the Village, asking that the question of improving the System and issuance of the Bonds therefor, as provided in this Ordinance, be submitted to the electors of the Village is filed with the Village Clerk within thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this Ordinance and the Notice, then this Ordinance shall be in effect and the Village will be authorized to issue the Bonds. A form of petition to be provided by the Village Clerk to any person requesting one is attached hereto as Exhibit A. In the event that no such petition is filed, the Village Clerk shall provide a no referendum certificate to the IEPA in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B and made part hereof
Section 4. Additional Ordinances. If no petition meeting the requirements of applicable law is filed during the petition period hereinabove referred to, then the Board may adopt additional ordinances or proceedings supplementing or amending this Ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of the Bonds, prescribing all the details of the Bonds, so long as the maximum amount of the Bonds as set forth in this Ordinance is not exceeded and there is no material change in the Project or purposes described herein. Such additional ordinances or proceedings shall in all instances become effective in accordance with applicable law. This Ordinance, together with such additional ordinances or proceedings, shall constitute complete authority for the issuance of the Bonds under applicable law.
However, notwithstanding the above, the Village may not adopt additional ordinances or amendments which provide for any substantive or material change in the scope and intent of this Ordinance, including but not limited to interest rate, preference, or priority of any other ordinance with this Ordinance, parity of any other ordinance with this Ordinance, or otherwise alter or impair the obligation of the Village to pay the principal and interest due to the Program without the written consent of the IEPA.
Section 5. Loan Not Indebtedness of Village. Repayment of the loan(s), as may be evidenced by the Bonds, by the Village to the IEPA pursuant to this Ordinance is to be solely from the System Revenues derived from user charges for the System and such other lawful sources as described in the preambles hereto, and the loan(s) shall not constitute an indebtedness of the Village within the meaning of
any constitutional or statutory limitation.
Section 6. Application for Loan. The President, Village Manager or Finance Director of the Village is hereby authorized to make application to the IEPA for a loan through the Program in accordance with the loan requirements of the Program Regulations.
Section 7. Acceptance of Loan Agreement. The Board hereby authorizes acceptance of the offer of the loan(s) through the Program, including all terms and conditions of the IEPA loan agreement(s) as well as all special conditions contained therein and made a part thereof by reference, such loan agreement to be as further approved by the bond ordinance and related proceedings for the Bonds. The Board further agrees that the loan funds awarded shall be used solely for the purposes of the Project as approved by the IEPA in accordance with the terms and conditions of the loan agreement.
Section 8. Reserve Account. The Bonds will be issued subordinate to certain outstanding bonds of the Village with respect to the System Revenues. As long as the Village has outstanding senior bonds that are payable from the System Revenues, the Village shall maintain an account, coverage, and reserves equivalent to the accounts, coverages and reserves required by the outstanding ordinances.
Section 9. Authorization of President to Execute Loan Agreement The Village President is hereby authorized and directed to execute the Loan Agreement with the IEPA. The Board may authorize by resolution a person other than the Village President for the sole purpose of authorizing or executing any documents associated with payment requests or reimbursements from the IEPA in connection with this loan Section 10. Severability. If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be held invalid, the invalidity of such section, paragraph, clause or provision shall not affect any of the other provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 11. Repealer; Effective Date. All ordinances, resolutions or orders, or parts thereof, in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed; and this Ordinance shall be effective immediately.
ADOPTED by the President and Board of Trustees on the 4th day of December, 2025.
AYES: Evans, Fitzgerald, Gallegos, Marsh-Ozga, Mateo
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Kos
APPROVED on December 4, 2025
/s/ Douglas Pollock President, Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois
PUBLISHED in the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark on December 10, 2025.
RECORDED in the Village Records on December 4, 2025. Attest:
/s/ Emily Stenzel Village Clerk, Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois
Published in RB Landmark December 10, 2025
Submit events and see full calendar at rblandmark.com/events
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Your community. Your news. Now more than ever.
Growing Community Media Year End Fundraiser 2025
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