Martin Luther King Jr Day
DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship Accepting Applications, Apply by January. 31
Undergraduate and graduate students studying music can apply for the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship through January 31, 2025. Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the scholarship provides a one-time $5,000 award to one student annually who is pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music.
Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was a groundbreaking African American contralto and an inspiration for civil rights. “This scholarship pays tribute to Marian Anderson’s life, and the Daughters of the American Revolution seeks to honor her legacy through today’s aspiring musicians. Her legacy lives on in others who aim for excellence in musical studies, are committed to their communities, and willing to stand up for what is right,” said Pamela Wright, DAR President General.
Applicants should be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited university or college in the United States and have a concentration in music in their course of study. Music performance, composition, theory, or education are all areas that students may be specialized in to qualify for the scholarship. They should have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent GPA on the scale used by the institution.
Applications require references sent through the application system, so students need to request their references ahead of the Jan. 31st application deadline.
In honor of Ms. Anderson’s commitment to the community throughout her life and her willingness to share her incredible talent with the world, applicants are asked to write a personal statement describing their humanitarian or volunteer contributions on behalf of their community and/or country.
To recognize the city Marian Anderson called home, preference will be given to students from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan area, even if they are not pursuing music studies in the Philadelphia area.
This scholarship is not automatically renewed. However, recipients may reapply for consideration each year for up to four consecutive years.
The scholarship is supported by the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Marian Anderson Legacy Fund. Learn more about the relationship between Marian Anderson and the DAR, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to honor her memory at www.dar.org/ MarianAnderson
About the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
One of the largest patriotic women’s service organizations in the world, DAR has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.
Six $1,500 scholarships now open to Midwest high school seniors
High school seniors from Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin now have a chance to receive one of six college scholarships worth $1,500. Registration is open now through April 30, 2025. Parents are also able to register their student.
High school seniors or their parents may register for the ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship at www. IowaStudentLoan.org/Midwest. ISL Education Lending will award $1,500 scholarships to six students whose names are randomly drawn after the registration period. There are no financial need, grade point average or class rank requirements. The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship can be used at any eligible institution in the United States.
Registered participants also receive emails highlighting financial literacy tips, such as the importance of early career and college planning and ways to reduce student
loan indebtedness.
“Student loan debt is a huge concern for new college students,” said Steve McCullough, president and CEO of ISL Education Lending. “As a nonprofit, we provide tools and resources to help high school seniors plan so they can reduce the amount of debt they need to take on while achieving their education goals. Students sign up for a chance at a $1,500 scholarship, and we take that opportunity to share information with them about our free resources.”
The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship is open to legal U.S. citizens who are seniors at a high school in one of the qualifying states during the 2025-2026 school year and who intend to attend college, either virtually or physically, in fall 2025. It is a no-purchase-required program, and full rules and details are available at www.IowaStudentLoan. org/Midwest.
Marian Anderson performing in Constitution Hall in 1943.
An independent newspaper serving this area since 1957. ©The Shopper 924 E. 162nd Street • South Holland, IL 60473
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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE
The Shopper reserves the right to edit any content supplied for publication as it sees fit, including but not limited to clarity, grammatical and factual accuracy, and to accommodate available space. All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to Fair Housing Laws which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, age, ancestry, parental status, source of income, military discharge status or housing status,” no matter how large or small the property. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777.
The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
Real Estate Questions & Answers
Question: My home is currently listed with a Broker. The other night, we left 15 minutes before the 5 and 6 PM showing. I returned at around 7 PM and the Realtor and buyer were still parked in my driveway. As I drove by, I could see them sitting at my kitchen table. I didn’t know what to do so I sat there for another half hour before they finally left. My Broker later explained that they were probably very interested in the home, that’s why they stayed so long, and to take that as a “good thing.” I am still upset about this. Am I wrong being so upset?
Answer: First off you deserve some answers and not just that “it’s a good thing.” Were they late for their appointment? Why did these strangers use your home as a meeting place? Why were they there so long? There is no excuse for a seller not knowing that a Realtors appointment is running late. We all have mobile phones. There is no excuse for a showing lasting for more than an hour….even if they are interested in the home. Lastly, if they used your kitchen table as a meeting place in an occupied home, then that Realtor should be reported. That is unacceptable. Tell your Realtor you want the mobile number of any showing agent. That
way if they are late, and they have not contacted you, you can contact them to check on their status.
Don’t leave for the showing until they arrive at your door. No rule says you have to leave your home unless you want to. If you decide to stay home, stay out of their way and give them some privacy to openly discuss and view your home. If the weather permits, go outside to your yard. If they are late, refuse the showing if it is an inconvenience to you. An appointment means an arrangement to meet someone at an agreed upon time and place.
If you feel the prospective buyer and Realtor have been in your home long enough, then go home! It’s your home! None of these solutions are rude. They are a response to a bad situation that they put you in! If they don’t understand, then they are probably not the buyers you would want purchasing your home.
E-mail us your Real Estate questions at Cathyah@aol.com. Thinking of selling your home? Call Cathy & Jim Higgins, Licensed Broker/Realtors in Indiana & Illinois. IN: 219-865-4361 IL: 708-8283304. McColly Real Estate. Website: www.Cathyhiggins.com. Personal Real Estate Journal: www.Higginshousechat. blogspot.com
Is buying a home always the right move?
SUBMITTED BY PATRICK
It’s widely thought that home ownership is a key to building wealth — but is it? And should you consistently make sacrifices to buy your own home?
Let’s start with the first question: Is owning a home essential to building wealth? It would probably be more accurate to say that home ownership can be helpful in building wealth. Building home equity — essentially, the difference between the size of your home’s value and what you still owe — is certainly valuable. Plus, the bigger your equity, the less you might have to take out in a new mortgage if you ever want to buy a different home.
Now for the next question: How much should you sacrifice to buy your own home? This isn’t an easy question to answer because buying a home isn’t just a financial issue — it’s also an emotional one. Many people simply like the feeling of owning a home. If you fall into this category, you might be willing to make many sacrifices to join the ranks of homeowners.
However, if you’re relatively young and you are part of a single or even a dual-income household, you may well find that your other priorities are more important than home ownership, at least for the moment. These priorities can include paying off student loans, reducing other debts, paying for child care, meeting health care costs and even saving for retirement. With all these expenses, you might not be able to take on a big mortgage, along with real estate taxes, homeowners’ insurance and the inevitable but costly repairs that come with owning a home.
In addition to the danger of becoming
ZAMKIN
“house poor” by paying too high a percentage of your income on your mortgage, you could face another issue by sinking too much money into your home — and that’s liquidity. A home is much more illiquid than savings or investment accounts, so if you needed money in a hurry, and most of yours was tied up in your home, you might be in a jam. You could tap into your home equity through a loan or a line of credit, but that’s basically taking on even more debt, though these loans and credit lines typically offer lower interest rates than other forms of borrowing.
So, here’s the bottom line: You don’t need to feel that you are missing out on a chance to build wealth by not buying a home immediately — especially if you would feel extremely stretched by the mortgage payments, given how expensive homes are today. You won’t hurt yourself — and, in fact, you’ll likely help yourself — by taking care of your most pressing priorities first.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can never become a homeowner. If you would still like to own a home someday, you could start saving for a down payment, keeping the money in a liquid, low-risk account. Just as importantly, though, you should plan on how owning a home can fit into your budget and how it will affect your cash flow. If you can manage it, you may indeed find that there’s no place like home.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Patrick Zamkin, located at 18735 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430. Contact us at (708) 798-9066. Edward Jones. Member SIPC.
New Year, New Flag? State Flag
Redesign Public Voting Begins
The public voting period for the Illinois state flag redesign contest has kicked off and will run through Feb. 14. Illinoisans can choose to vote for one of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current one.
“Now is the time to make your voice heard and I encourage folks to join the process by voting for the flag that they feel best represents our great state,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office will conduct the public vote. “The public feedback received during this period will help guide the General Assembly’s final decision on the future of our state’s flag later this year.”
Public voting is available at www.ilsos. gov/stateflag.
Participating Illinoisans can vote for:
• One of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 flag designs
• Retaining the existing state flag
• Or reinstating Illinois’ 1918 centennial flag or 1968 sesquicentennial flag.
Members of the public can vote for one flag once every 24-hour period. Individuals with multiple favorite
submissions may select a different flag each day. Participants are encouraged to review their vote carefully before submitting, as their selection cannot be altered after a vote is cast.
After the public voting period has ended, the Illinois Flag Commission will count the votes and report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1, 2025. Members of the General Assembly will then vote on whether to adopt a new flag, return to a previous iteration of the flag or retain the current flag.
Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (48th District— Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District—Chicago), was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2023, creating the commission to gauge public desire for a new flag. The commission selected its Top 10 finalists in December from the 4,844 entries it received during the six-week submission period that closed in October.
The flag designs eligible for public voting can be viewed https://www.ilsos.gov/ special/IFC/10finalists.pdf
CATHY & JIM HIGGINS
LOCAL CHURCHES
CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH, COGIC
1151 E. 170th St., South Holland
708-331-8389
FAX 708.331.8374
Admin@ChristCommunityCOGIC.org
ChristCommunityCOGIC.org
PASTOR DR. CARL E. KING, SR. WORSHIP SERVICES
SUNDAY
Church School 9:15 a.m.
Worship Services 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY Bible Study…… 7:00 p.m.
COVENANT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1130 East 154th St., South Holland
708-333-5955
www.covucc.org
PASTOR REV. DR. PATRICK L. DAYMOND WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday Worship 7:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Wed. Bible Study Noon
FIRST CHURCH (PCA)
3134 Ridge Rd, Lansing
708-474-9610
www.firstchurchpca.org
Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
Evening Worship 5:30 p.m.
JESUS LIGHTHOUSE OF LOVE
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES 19058 Burnham Ave, Lansing 312-206-1833
facebook.com/JLOLMinistries
PASTOR EL CID ZOLLICOFFER
PASTOR SHONNI ZOLLICOFFER WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday........................................... 11:00 a.m. Wed. Service on Facebook.............7:30 p.m. Women of Worship via Zoom 3rd Sat. @ 12 pm
RECONCILIATION CHURCH
833 East 168th St., South Holland
708-331-7755
www.reconciliationchurch.org
PASTOR GLEN MCCARTHY
WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH
651 East 166th St., South Holland
708-331-4100
redeemer-lutheran@sbcglobal.net
WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Channel 6 Tues. 10:00 a.m.
ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH & SCHOOL
8601 Harrison Avenue, Munster, In. 46321 219-838-6720
stplmunster.com
Pastors: Peter Speckhard, Adrian Krebs
WORSHIP SERVICES: Monday: ..........................................6:30 p.m. Sunday: .....................8:00 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.
Heart Smart
JOSH BOOTSMA
I know Christmastime has passed. But the birth of Jesus Christ is always worth thinking about.
It would have seemed odd to the people of Jesus’ day that God’s angel Gabriel came to Nazareth. Though famous now, when Gabriel appeared to Mary, the isolated village of Nazareth likely had a population of less than 500, and was home to tradespeople and farmers. Jesus’ disciple Nathanael confirms the common perception of Nazareth at the time when he says “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1.46)
It’s not just the where of Gabriel’s appearance that would have seemed odd, it’s also the who. Gabriel appeared to a humble virgin named Mary—most likely a teenager at the time—who was betrothed to Joseph, who although he was of David’s lineage, made a less-than-luxurious living as a carpenter.
In other words, Gabriel appears in an ordinary place to ordinary people. But his message was far from ordinary.
Mary is told she is God’s “favored one,” and has a reasonable response: confusion. Why would she, the ordinary girl, be favored by God?
Then Gabriel brings the salvific bombshell, thousand of years in the making. He tells Mary not only is she favored by God, but she will bear a son whose name is Jesus, which means Yahweh is salvation. Gabriel says He will sit on David’s throne, but where David’s kingdom eventually ended, Jesus’ kingdom is eternal. The final iteration of the most anticipated prophecy in history has now been given to a humble teenager from lowly Nazareth. God has once again proven that his ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55.8), and his plan of salvation for his people is far greater than we could ever imagine.
Josh Bootsma Member, Covenant Fellowship Church cfcsh.org
FIRST ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF SOUTH HOLLAND
16248 South Park Ave., South Holland
708-333-8211
www.firstchurchsh.org
PASTOR REV. DANIEL SVENDSEN WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS
8303 Sheffield Avenue Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 865-1137
gracedyer.org
PASTOR REV. DALE HETHERINGTON
WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday........................................... 9:00 a.m.
Bible Study Sunday 10:30 a.m. Monday...........................................7:00 p.m.
Saturday Prayer Service 10:30 a.m.
Bible Study: Sundays at ........9:15am (Sunday school at this time too) 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month (Ladies’ Bible Study) Wednesdays at 10am Thursdays at 10am (Nursery available for Sunday morning services)
ESPIRITU DE DIOS
16400 S. State St., South Holland
708-439-1220
sogfchurch.com
PASTORES Jose & Paula Lopez
SERVICIOS: Grupo de Oracion de Hombres
Jueves ........................................... 7:30 p.m.
Sabado Alabanza y Predicacion.....6:00 p.m.
UNITY OF NORTHWEST INDIANA
Plum Creek Center
2138 Moeller Street Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 931-5284
www.unitynwi.org ALL WELCOME MINISTER: REV. GERALDINE COLVIN SUNDAY SERVICE.......................10:00 AM
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
Calumet City Public Librar y Address: 660 S Manistee Ave, Calumet City, IL 60409
Phone: (708) 862-6220
Email: info@calumetcitypl.org
Website: http://www calumetcitypl.org/index.html
Dolton Public Libr ar y
Address: 14037 Lincoln Ave, Dolton, IL
Phone: 708-849-2385
Email: lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org
Website: www.doltonpubliclibrary.org
BINGO NIGHT
Starting October 12th, from 3 – 4pm. Held every 2 nd and 4 th Thursday in the Kopac. Please call (708) 849-2385 x3 leaving your full name, email address and phone number or send email to lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org to register. FREE
Virtual Zumba
Dolton Public Library District presents
VIRTUAL ZUMBA with licensed instructor
Yvette Roberts Come and join in the fun every Friday at 5pm Please call (708)8492385 or email lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary org and leave your full name, email address and phone number to register (5pm – 6pm every Friday). FREE
BEGINNERS LINE DANCING with “DAWN the DANCIN’’ DEEVA”
Every Wednesday, from 3pm to 4pm. Please call 708-849-2385 ext. 3 to register, RSVP between Friday, 9am and Tuesday, 4pm ONLY Leaving your full name and phone number Held in the Josway Auditorium. FREE
VIRTUAL SENIOR YOGA
Every Wednesday taught by Dionne Arnold, Certified Yoga Instructor, (4pm to 5pm) Please call 708-849-2385 or email lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org and leaving your full name, email address and phone number to register. FREE
SENIOR BRIDGE CLUB
Held e v ery Tu es d a y, i n perso n, f ro m 3:3 0 pm t o 4: 3 0pm P
reg
b y cal li n g 708- 8 49- 2 3 8 5 x 3
l i ncol n @dolt o npu b
c
b r a
or g a nd leav e your f u l l name, em a i l a n d p h o n e n umber t o registe r. FRE E
VIRTUAL WORKOUT with SHEENA STINSON
Get in Shape from Home. Classes held every Monday from 6pm to 6:30pm Please call 708-849-2385 or email us at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary org leaving your full name, email address and phone number to register. A Zoom Link will be sent day of the program FREE
Get up and Move with Simon Says Join the Dolton Public Library Youth Services Dept. as we play “Simon Says”. Held every 3rd or 4th Friday from 10:45 to 11:45am starting Oct. 27 th . PLEASE CALL FOR FUTURE DATES. Register by calling (708849-2385, ext. 4) or emailing at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org leaving your name, email address, phone number and the number of children participating. FREE
Buriobo
Burbio is a one-stop free resource to find out about all the Dolton area events and activities. If your group wishes to post your events on burbio contact: groupsupport@burbio. com Sign-up at Burbio.com or download the free Android or iPhone app and follow the calendars that interest you. FREE
VIRTUAL PASSPORT TO KNOWLEDGE,
Every first Monday of the month from 3:30 – 4pm. Pack your bags for a virtual trip around the world and learn about other countries and cultures. Register at lincoln@ doltonpubliclibrary.org or call (708-849-2385) and leave your name, email and phone number Come curbside to pick up your Passport Packet prior to departure. The link for Zoom will be emailed prior to the program. FREE
BET WEEN the PAGES : A Virtual Story Time
Every third Saturday of the month at 1:30pm. To register call (708-849-2385) or email lincoln@doltonpubliclibrary.org and leave your name, phone number and email address. A link will be sent to you. FREE
COOKBOOK BOOK CLUB
Will meet in the Josway Auditorium on one Saturday a month, from 11am to 1pm at the library (14037 Lincoln Avenue, Dolton, IL 60419). To discuss the selected cookbook and to taste samples that have been prepared by our members from the recipes within the book
Potential new members please call 708-849-2385, ext. 5 to register leaving your name, email and phone number to get complete details. FREE
Homework Help
GOT HOMEWORK? NEED HELP? For ages 5 – 14yrs, make an appointment with Mrs. Brooks on Fridays or Saturdays by calling (708) 849- 2385 x 4. Sessions are limited to 30 minutes each. FREE
Toddler Time
For young children (18 mos – 4 yrs.) and their caregivers. Every 2nd Tuesday, 10:45am – 11:45am. 14037 Lincoln Avenue, Kopac Room, starting June 6, 2023. To join us, please register at lincoln@doltonpubiclibrary.org leave your name, email address or call at 708-8492385, ext. 4. FREE
Family Game Time
Join us twice a month on Saturday, from 1:00 to 2:30pm for free fun and activities. To be held in the Youth Services department. Call (708) 849-2385 x 4 for future dates. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FREE
Creative Craft
Join Ms. Barbara every 4th Wednesday for a new fun art craft from 3:30 – 4:00 pm in the Kopac Room. NO NEED TO REGISTER KIDS &YOUTH 5-16 YRS. FREE!
Hammond Public Librar y
Address: 564 State St., Hammond
Phone: (219) 931-5100, ext. 310 or 307
Email: swishl@hammond.lib.in.us Website: www.hammond.lib.in.us
Har vey Public Libr ar y
Address: 15441 Turlington, Harvey, IL 60426
Phone: 708-331-0757x3200
Email: has@harvey.lib.il.us
Website:www.harvey.lib.il.us
FREE online Line Dancing with Dawn the Diva, Tuesdays at 6:30pm
Join Us For Vir tual Programs : Each day at 4:00 pm, “stop” in for online family-fun at the Harvey Library Tuesday: Craft Wednesday: Story Time Thursday: Bacon Bits & Cooking Tips Monthly Virtual Music Class (Friday, check calendar each month)
Homewood Public Librar y
Address: 17917 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: (708) 798-0121
Email: hplhelp@homewoodlibrary.org Website: www.homewoodlibrary.org/
Lansing Public Libr ar y
Address: 2750 Indiana Ave., Lansing IL
Phone: 708-474-2447
Email: shari@lansingpl.org Website: www.lansingpl.org
Riverdale Public Librar y
Address: 208 W 144th St Riverdale, IL 60827
Phone: (708) 841-3311
Email: library@rpld.org Website: www.rpld.org
Riverdale Public Library District Food Pantry
Our food pantry is open to everyone and is located in the entryway of library. Donations are also welcome and can be dropped off at the Circulation Desk. Please ensure that food items are non-perishable, non-glass containers and not expired.
Weekly Walking Group
9 – 10 am Ages: Adults/Seniors This walking program is for everyone interested in achieving a healthier lifestyle. What better way to start your path to better physical and emotional health, than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improve your general health.
South Holland Public Librar y Address: 16250 Wausau Ave., South Holland IL Phone: 708-527-3160 or 708-580-6161 Email: library@southhollandlibrary.org Website: shlibrary.org/events-calendar
Thor nton Public Librar y Address: 115 E. Margaret St. Thornton, IL. Email: library@thorntonil us Website: https://www thorntonlibrary org/
Mrvan Secures Seat on House Appropriations Committee
Congressman Frank J. Mrvan announced that the House Democratic Caucus has elected him to serve on the House Appropriations Committee.
Congressman Mrvan stated, “I thank Leader Jeffries and all of my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus for electing me to the House Appropriations Committee so that I can advocate for Northwest Indiana and our nation through the essential work of this Committee. I have sought this position since my first day in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I look forward to ensuring that the federal government has the necessary resources, oversight, and direction to promote our national security, grow our economy, and create more work and wealth for everyone.”
Recently, Congressman Mrvan detailed his interest to serve on this Committee in a letter to Democratic Leader Jeffries, which states that the “members of organized labor and working families understand that federal funds and programs are what keep our economy growing and creating new good-paying job opportunities, and that I would tirelessly strive to ensure that the message and legislation of the House Appropriations Committee continues to fulfill this need.”
The letter also highlights that Congressman Pete Visclosky first served on this Committee starting in 1991 and retired as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Defense in 2020, and that Congressman Adam Benjamin, Jr., served Indiana’s First Congressional District on this Committee from 1977 to 1982, including as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation.
“I write today to submit in writing my request to serve on the House Appropriations Committee in the 119th Congress.
“As a public servant, I know that the House Appropriations
Committee is the heart of improving government services and making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families in communities in Northwest Indiana and across our nation and the world. This is the Committee that I want to further dedicate my time, thoughts, and passions on because I want to be a part of the work that advances policies and clearly defines our nation’s values and priorities through the federal funding process.
“Indiana’s First Congressional District is well familiar with the value of representation on the House Appropriations Committee, as my predecessor and mentor, Congressman Pete Visclosky, first served on the Committee starting in 1991 and retired as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Defense in 2020. Additionally, his predecessor and mentor, Congressman Adam Benjamin, Jr., served on the Committee from 1977 to 1982,
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: M25000085 on JANUARY 2, 2025 under the assumed business name of TJ VEGAN & SOUL FOOD, with the business located at 18416 GOVERNOR HIGHWAY, HOMEWOOD, IL 60430. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) are JUSTIN SAWYER, 11594 S STATE ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60628, USA
including as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation.
“Throughout my first two terms in the U.S. House, I have worked to utilize the impact of the House Appropriations Committee to effectively communicate and deliver resources to the First District. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been able to successfully advocate for Community Project Funding requests, which included ten projects in Fiscal Year (FY) 22, 15 projects in FY 23, 14 projects in FY 24, and 15 projects submitted in FY 25. I also was involved in the programmatic request process, including the submission of 119 programmatic and language requests in FY 22, 145 requests in FY 23 and FY 24, and 173 requests in FY 25. Additionally, I have co-led or led letters to Subcommittees for these types of requests in my capacity as Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus on 12 different occasions.”
Homewood Self Storage located at 501 Ridge Rd, Homewood IL 60430 (773) 974-8797 intends to hold an auction of the goods stored in the following units in default for non-payment of rent: Jeremy Farris - Units 152 and 14A; Shantese Leonard - Units 136 and 60B; Yaki Hillery - Units 148 and 149. Auctions will be conducted online on www.bid13.com and will conclude at 12PM CST on February 3, 2025.
Hemp regulation bill stalls amid Democratic infighting
A bill that would have imposed regulations on new types of intoxicating substances derived from hemp stalled in the Illinois House Tuesday, dealing a political setback to Gov. JB Pritzker after he strongly supported the legislation.
“I was tremendously disappointed,” Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference Tuesday, after it became clear the bill would not be called for a vote in the House. “This is a demonstration, from my perspective, of the power of special interests and the money that they spread around to thwart health and safety of the public.”
But the bill also created rifts within the House Democratic caucus. According to several sources, the hemp regulation bill was the focus of a three-hour closed-door caucus meeting Monday that some House members described afterwards as “spirited” but others described as “raucous.”
Pritzker also called Democratic House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s decision not to call the bill “irresponsible,” saying he believed it would have passed with a bipartisan majority had he done so. And he criticized House Democrats for the treatment of members of his staff who appeared at Monday’s caucus meeting.
But Welch’s spokesperson noted that he is a cosponsor of the bill and would continue working to pass it in the new legislative session that begins Wednesday.
“A lengthy caucus discussion found that the bill in its current form did not have enough support within the House Democratic Caucus,” the spokesperson said. “He is committed to continuing discussions so that when the bill ultimately passes, it is the best possible piece of legislation for the state of Illinois.”
Intoxicating’ hemp
The bill targeted a new category of products that have so far been able to bypass the regulatory framework Illinois set up when it legalized industrial hemp in 2018 and recreational marijuana the following year.
The two crops are closely related biologically. Both are classified as a form of cannabis but the major distinction between them is the amount of the intoxicating chemical THC they contain.
Hemp is defined as having a THC content not more than 0.3% by weight. It is primarily used to make a variety of consumer products, such as CBD oils, that are thought to have health benefits. The plant can also be used to make a variety of industrial products such as textile fabrics and building materials.
Both the hemp and marijuana industries are heavily regulated by the state, from the planting and growing of the crops to the transportation and processing of plants into various products. In addition, marijuana and related cannabis products can only be sold through licensed dispensaries.
In recent years, however, a new category of intoxicating products has emerged in what some people call a “gray market” that lies just outside the existing regulatory framework. Those products are made using THC that is extracted or synthesized from hemp plants and are often sold in gas stations and convenience stores, sometimes in packaging that closely resembles candy, snacks or other products commonly sold to children.
“And I talked to a mother of a daughter who took one of these packages, didn’t understand how intoxicating the package was, and ended up passed out, ended up in the hospital, has been in and out of the hospital now for eight months as a result of just this product that looked, in all respects, as if it were candy,” Pritzker said.
House Bill 4293, known as the Hemp Consumer Products Act, would have closed the existing loophole by defining any product meant for human or animal consumption with a THC content greater than that of consumer CBD products as “cannabis.” It would have done so regardless of where the THC came from or how it was derived, and it would have subjected those products to all the regulations that apply to the cannabis industry.
That bill passed the Senate during the regular 2024 session in May by a vote of 54-1. But the House did not consider the bill during the final days of the spring session, nor did the bill come up for a vote during the
fall veto session in November.
Industry concerns
In December, Pritzker held a news conference and issued a news release announcing his support for the bill while urging lawmakers to pass it during the upcoming lame duck session in January.
But the bill ran into stiff opposition from some hemp-related businesses argued the bill would cast too wide of a net over the industry, putting small, independent businesses and farms at risk while cutting off consumers’ access to health products like CBD oil.
“This bill, as currently written, would wipe out thousands of jobs and criminalize CBD products to the benefit of billion-dollar cannabis corporations,” the lobby group Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association said in a statement Jan. 5.
But other industry advocates disagreed, arguing the new regulations were needed to close a regulatory loophole in Illinois law that allows certain businesses to sell products that are essentially cannabis, without going through the state’s cannabis regulatory process.
“What these guys are trying to do is that they’re trying to cement themselves in a separate category that allows them to sell the exact same product at a whole different rate because they don’t have to follow any of the regulations,” Ted Parks, a licensed cannabis transporter and executive director of the Illinois Third Party Carriers Association, told Capitol News Illinois in an interview.
Democratic rift
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Pritzker openly complained that officials from state agencies that would be involved in the regulatory process were verbally abused by Democratic lawmakers, and he specifically blamed Welch for not intervening.
“There was a raucous meeting of the Democratic House caucus, in which there was a lot of yelling at staff by people who were opposed to the bill that the speaker did not intervene about,” Pritzker said. “And you shouldn’t let staff get berated like that. You just shouldn’t.”
A spokesperson for Welch issued a statement later Tuesday saying he expects House members to conduct themselves with “proper decorum and respect, especially on contentious topics amidst tight deadlines.”
“Speaker Welch spoke individually with certain members immediately following the discussion yesterday, as well as to the entire Caucus today, reiterating these expectations,” the spokesperson said. “It is his understanding that at least one member has reached out to offer an apology to the Governor’s staff, and has also apologized to members of the Democratic Caucus.”
The bill did not come up for a vote Tuesday, the final day of the lame duck session, due to an unwritten procedural rule in the House commonly known as the “rule of 60,” which says no bill can advance to final action on the House floor unless at least 60 members of the majority caucus have signed on to support it.
Sixty is the minimum number of votes needed to pass legislation in the House. Democrats currently hold 78 of the House’s 118 seats.
“It came up a few votes short,” Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, said in an interview.
“We’re in the lame duck (session) and this is a time when there are a lot of things going on, but it’s a measure that we need to address as we go into the 104th General Assembly. I believe this is going to be at the forefront of one of the agenda items.”
Chicago concerns
Some House members speculated that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who was known to oppose the bill, may have been a factor in some Democrats’ refusal to support the bill, but Pritzker said he doubted that was the case.
“My impression is he didn’t have much to do with this,” he said. “There’s a powerful lobby that has been working against this bill for quite some time. This was not an easy bill. If it had been, it would have passed last May.”
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Giannoulias Announces IDs in Apple Wallet Will Be Coming to Illinois
The Illinois Secretary of State‘s office is working to bring IDs in Apple Wallet to Illinois residents in the future with the goal of launching by the end of the year, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced today.
This capability will enable residents to seamlessly and securely add and present their driver’s licenses and state IDs in person and in apps using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The news follows legislation that took effect at the beginning of the year, which enabled the Secretary of State’s office to begin this work. The plan includes robust testing requirements to ensure the office delivers the most secure and private product for Illinois residents, Giannoulias said.
“We’re excited to have kickstarted our work with Apple – a company that shares our commitment to data security – to provide IDs in Apple Wallet that will offer convenience and privacy for Illinoisans,” said Giannoulias, whose office pushed for the legislation enabling the development of mobile driver’s licenses and state IDs in Illinois. “This is the first component of a multi-faceted approach to deliver a stateof-the-art mobile driver’s license and state ID program that leverages best-in-class technology for residents.”
Once the program launches, driver’s licenses and state IDs in Wallet will provide an easy and more secure way for Illinoisans to present their identification. Users will have the ability to add their driver’s license or state ID to Wallet and simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to present it in person, without taking out their physical card or handing over their device.
The office has set up a sign-up page for Illinoisans to receive updates about the mobile driver’s license and state ID program and when IDs in Apple Wallet will become
available for users.
Anyone interested can visit www.ilsos.gov/ mDL to sign up.
Mobile driver’s licenses and state IDs will not be mandatory and will serve as a companion – rather than a replacement – to a physical card.
Presenting an ID in Apple Wallet will allow for more security and privacy than presenting a physical card. Using Apple Wallet, only the information needed for the transaction is presented, and the user has the opportunity to review and authorize the information being requested with Face ID or Touch ID before it is shared. This means that a mobile driver’s license or ID holder can provide proof of their age when legally purchasing alcohol or renting a car, without sharing other personal information – like their address.
Illinois joins ten states and territories that have adopted IDs in Apple Wallet, including Arizona, Colorado, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio and Puerto Rico.
Giannoulias also expects to bring mobile driver’s licenses and IDs to additional digital wallets, such as Google Wallet for Android users, in the future.
HB 4592, which enabled the Secretary of State’s office to begin the process of developing mobile IDs in Illinois, was sponsored by State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District – Chicago) and State Senator Michael Hastings (19th District –Frankfort). The bill is part of Giannoulias’ commitment to modernizing the office, while getting up to speed with other states that already have secure mobile driver’s license and state ID programs in place.
For more information on IDs in Apple Wallet, visit https://learn.wallet.apple/id
Federal Ruling Nice Christmas Present
On December 19, 2024, a client left a message for me with our firm’s answering service. I returned her call on December 20, 2024. It was great news. Our appeal against a local hospital had been successful. Medicare ruled in our client’s favor. The federal ruling was a nice Christmas present for our client.
Our client was an 88-year-old woman from Crown Point, Indiana. Previously, she sent me a bill to check for her. I did. The hospital was billing her a balance of $319.13 WHICH SHE DID NOT OWE. We tried to reason and explain the problem to hospital representatives. But we got nowhere. So, I helped the client file an appeal on December 10, 2024.
We won the appeal in less than ten days. How could I help the client win an appeal to Medicare so quickly? Because of my 22 years of experience helping clients fight mistakes or fraud in Medicare medical billing. I knew what evidence we had to show that the hospital was ignoring the Medicare rulings to violate Medicare law and regulations to send a wrongful bill to
our client. Simply put, the hospital received and ignored Medicare’s ruling about the hospital bill to our client. If I had not helped the client, she would have been hounded to pay a bill that she really did not owe.
All over our country, senior citizens are bullied and badgered to pay medical bills that are wrongful because the faulty Medicare system was poorly designed and needs some major revisions. I’d like to help the new president by working on a team to fix the Medicare system so that it harms seniors financially less frequently. Do you know anyone who could help me connect with President Trump?
Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville, Indiana. He has saved clients of that firm over three million dollars by fighting mistakes and fraud in the Medicare medical billing system. Also, Wilcox wrote the book SOLVING MEDICARE PROBLEM$ which can be ordered through book stores or online.
FEMA Seeks Leaders for Youth Preparedness Council
FEMA is now accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) until March 3. YPC is a program that brings teens together from across the nation who are interested and engaged in community preparedness.
Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades eight through 11 are eligible to apply.
During their one-year term, council members collaborate virtually with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members also engage with leaders within FEMA, the federal government, and national non-profit organizations.
Julia Surzykiewicz, 2023-2024 YPC member from Illinois, appreciates the impact of her time on the YPC:
“Serving on FEMA’s National Youth Preparedness Council has been an extraordinary and deeply rewarding experience. Through this role, I have grown as a leader, developed my leadership and gained a deeper understanding of what it means to contribute meaningfully to my
community. I have been able to meet with other teens, with similar passions, and collaborate in order to create a project that I am extremely proud of. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this Council, I have truly grown so much, and I know that the Council has grown both my professionalism and my confidence, allowing me to create both lasting professional and personal relationships.”
Students from Region 5—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin—who apply for the National YPC will also be considered for a place on the Region 5 Youth Preparedness Council (Region 5 YPC). The Region 5 YPC is an additional service and leadership opportunity for high school students living in these states.
Youth interested in applying must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than March 3, 2025. New council members will be announced by June 2025. To access the application materials, read about the current council members, and for more information about the Youth Preparedness Council visit the Youth Preparedness Council page on FEMA.gov.
New analysis finds commercial property appeals often underestimate market value
A new analysis from the Cook County Assessor’s Office (CCAO) finds that evidence submitted in commercial property appeals often underestimates sale prices, suggesting that the estimates of some appraisal firms do not match market conditions.
The primary duty of the CCAO is to assess the fair market value of property in Cook County. Each year, property owners can appeal these values with the CCAO.
As part of this process, commercial property owners frequently contract with third-party firms to perform appraisals that serve as appeals evidence.
The CCAO does not take these appraisals as the final word on value, but may consider them during the appeal process.
To measure the efficacy of appraisals received, the CCAO conducted a sales ratio analysis. This type of analysis examines the relationship between a valuation estimate, such as an appraisal or assessment, and a sale price that best captures market value.
The CCAO compared 60 appraisals submitted as part of commercial property appeals to sales that took place up to three years after the appraisal was performed.
The analysis found that commercial
appeal appraisals underestimated market value by 38%. (The median ratio of appraisal to sale price was 62%.) If substandard commercial appeal appraisals are accepted routinely by appeals bodies, the result can be an increase in the tax burden for other property owners, including homeowners.
Furthermore, for each of the three firms that performed the most appraisals in this sample, at least half of these appraisals suggested a value below 60% of the sale price. (All identifying information is anonymized as part of the appeals process; both attorneys and appraisal firms are assigned an identification number that was used in this analysis.)
“This analysis puts up evidence to support what we’ve long felt to be the case with commercial appeals submitted to our office – some appraisals we receive in those appeals undershoot values,” said Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi.
“It’s crucial for offices in the property tax system to adopt and maintain heightened standards for appraisals. I hope the publication of this analysis continues the conversation around that issue.”
WOODROW WILCOX
Darlene R. Knurek, age 80, of Park Forest, IL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Loving sister of Robin (Richard) Scheldberg and the late Garfield T. (Vicki) Anderson. Dear aunt of Crystal, Aaron, Darryn, and Tracy and greataunt to several. Preceded in death by her parents Garfield J. and Dorothy M. Anderson. Darlene was an avid collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia and was the photographer for the South Holland Garden Club and South Holland Historical Society. She was loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed. Private family services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be given to the South Suburban Humane Society (https:// southsuburbanhumane.org/). For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com
John A. “Al” Peerbolte, age 89, of Munster, IN, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Loving husband of Ida M. Peerbolte, nee Van Dyke. Devoted father of Linda (Rick) Herman, John (Lorraine) Peerbolte, Leanne (Jon) Heiniger. Proud grandfather of Rick (Jen), Tom, and Dave Herman, Kristina (Marvin) Buhle; J.P. and Catrien Peerbolte; Rachael (Kyle) Moore, Jack (Aimee) Heiniger, Nicole (Ethan) Howard; greatgrandfather of Leah Herman, Annie, Ruby, and Winston Moore, Harry Heiniger, and Stella Buhle. Preceded in death by his parents John and Jewel Peerbolte, daughter Brenda Peerbolte, and daughter-in-law Cathy Peerbolte, nee Beezhold. Dear brother of Don (Georgeanne) Peerbolte, Judy (Bill) Staat, Dave (Toni) Peerbolte, and the late Gene (Karen) Peerbolte; brother-
in-law of Jack (Carol) Van Dyke, Cora (late Dave) Moake, Donna (late Dave) Fledderjohann, and late Hank (late Nikki) Van Dyke. Kind uncle of many nieces and nephews. Al was loved by his family, and many friends, and will be dearly missed.
Visitation Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Al’s funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/ Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN, with services conducted by Rev. Jim Hollendoner. The service will be live streamed from our Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/SmitsFH. Private interment Oak Ridge Cemetery – Lansing, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Munster Church Mission Fund (https:// www.munster.church/), appreciated.
For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com
Donald R. Spence, age 71, of Crete, IL, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Loving husband of Terri Spence, nee Doorn. Devoted father of Jana (Craig) Olthoff, Kristen (Bill) Berger, and Abbey (Ken) Sadecki. Proud grandfather of Nick, Sadie, Carter, and Brad Olthoff, Annalie, Brody, Charlotte, and Colton Berger, Harley and Trevor Sadecki. Dear brother of Pat (Dave) Kings, Dave (Paula) Spence and Tom (Dena) Spence. Kind uncle of many nieces and nephews. Dear son of Delores and the late Harold Spence. Don was incredibly resilient. He always shared a smile and his mischievous personality. He enjoyed the outdoors, his horses, and riding around with his devoted dog Tad. Don was loved by his family and friends, and will be dearly missed.
Visitation Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN. Funeral service Monday, January 13, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home with services conducted by Rev. Brian Dennert.
For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com
Neighbor 2 Neighbor
100 Year old Dorothy Polus enjoyed the annual Calumet City Historical Society post winter luncheon at Steve’s Lounge in Hegewisch Sunday January 12, 2025. Dorothy was the oldest person at the festivity and comes every year to celebrate her birthday.
The trio entertains st the Calumet City Historical society at Steve’s Lounge Sunday January 12, 2025.
Mike Wolski with our ticket takers at the start of the Historical Society Sunday January 12, 2025
Judy from the former Burnham Pharmacy along with Fran and company at the Calumet City Historical Society Sunday January 12, 2025
The board of Directors at the Calumet City Historical Society Sunday January 12, 2025
George French at table 1 holding the fort.
Guests at the Calumet City Historical Society Sunday January 12, 2025.
Fran and Ralph at the Calumet City Historical Society Sunday January 12, 2025. With Reverend from Christ our Saviour in Calumet City, Illinois
Fran schmoozing with friends at the Calumet City Historical Society. Among them is Judy formerly of Calumet City Pharmacy. The room filled up quickly despite the snowy weather outside. Next up are the raffle prizes…
JANICE MINTON-KUTZ
Classifieds
Services
AC/HEATING SERVICES: Summer Special! Furnaces or A/C’s , Clean & check $59.95. Furnaces, A/C’s, Boilers, water heaters, sump pumps, humidifiers, installations, repairs, furnaces installed from $1495.00 R/D Heating & Cooling. IL. and IN. 219-616-3281
SMITH PAINTING 30
YRS EXP FREE
ESTIMATES Mention Sherry, get 5%off job. Call Mike 2197429867
MOVING SERVICES: Pick up/ Delivery Service.Small moves; in-house move; store-to-home. Assembly: Furniture & exercise equipment (Ikea, Office Depot, etc.) Call Rob daily until 9pm 708-898-8668
JUNK REMOVAL Time to make space! Cleanouts (garage attic, basement, shed). Hauling away appliances, furniture, trash. WE RECYCLE! Call ‘til 8pm. 708-898-8668
CAR / TRUCK TROUBLE?
Vehicle shopping? Onlocation diagnosis: Will find needed repairs / maintenance. Uncertain of mechanic estimate? 32 years exper. Any day! 708-898-8668
Wanted
Looking for room to rent with own bathroom. NW Indiana/Lansing area. Elderly care experience. 40+ Non-drinking/smoking male w/ maintnenance skills. Prefer kitchenette & garage space. 708-898-8668
Looking for all running Stihl Lawn Equiptment, Weed Wackers, Chainsaws, Blowers, Edgers. Also 20-24” Lawn Mowers. Call Robb - 219-743-4685
Used or new musical instruments for a local school that does not have a music program. Students need arts like music to appreciate its many benefits. Please donate your working instruments. We need oboes, saxophones, double French horns, trumpets, flutes, clarinets, upright bass, and percussions. (219) 680-7215
WANTED: OLD BEER CANS AND POP CANS. Single cans or whole collections.Also, beer signs, trays, other misc. vintage beer/tavern items.Cash paid. 219-730-9624
Need cleaning woman (or man) for doors, baseboards and exterior of kitchen cabinets; also vacuuming carpets. (708) 895-2647
In need individual looking for older model car donation or under $1000 708-341-3106
SENIOR LOOKING TO RENT 2 OR 3 BEDROOM HOUSE WITH GARAGE. Have Sect. 8, also have 24hr caregiver. Looking in Lansing, Calumet City, South Holland, or Thornton ASAP. Call 815-263-0490. Ask for Carol
Single, childless, and disabled, female is in need of a smoke free and quiet room. Anyone interested in helping financially or with a bed? Not interested in drama, or sexual favors!! I”m trying to pay off debts and pay for my monthly expenses. I will not bring over family/friends. Thanks. Text/call 312.736.2037
WANTED DEGAN OR MUSSER VIBRAPHONE CALL 219-801-0955
WANTED - As many can of salmon fish as you have. 219-801-0955
WANTED - Thick rubber roll roof for (4) car garage. 219-801-0955 IN DESPARATE NEED SMALL CAR FOR 80 YEAR OLDECONOMICAL CAR CAN BE DAMAGED IF RUNNING FOR LOW INCOME SR. CITIZ. Does not have to pass emission test if the price is right - Call 219-801-0955
WANTED: 1972 & OLDER CARS & TRUCKS, PARTS, RUNNING OR NOT (and parts) unfinished project and 67-69 Camaros. 708-439-9770
WANTED - GARAGE TO STORE MY OLD DODGE CAR. Could use 1 or 2 Stall Garage. Prefer the Lansing area. Call James between 9am and 9pm, 708-460-8308 IN SEARCH OF OLDER COBRA CB RADIO BASE STATIONS & ACCESSORIES let me know what you have. Dan 312-720-0844
WANTED: Electric chainsaws and as many chains as you have. Exterior Brown Paint. 219-801-0955
For Sale
1 GE electric stainless steel double oven, 1 Amana electric glass cooktop, both are in excellent condition. $600 for both or available separately. Best offer considered. 5 foot long, 30 inches high all glass jewelry case with light, $100 or best offer. NordiTrack treadmill in great shape, $150 or best offer. For more information, call 708-536-3228.
1960s Gilbert American Flyer Train Set All Aboard Pioneer 600 Model 6 square interlocking panels with rails mounted 5 unit train, buildings, landscape,transformer. box is rough $80 Dan 312-7200844
Lighted Christmas Tree. Seven feet, six inches tall. On/Off foot pedal.Great condition. $40 Call or text 708-673-9361
Trailer hitch Curt 13146 with plug & play wiring harness. Honda Pilot 201622/Acura MDX 2014-20. $150 used708 955 4890
Modern Medical Counselor, book, guide to health, 1943...$25.00... Queen mattress , box spring., guest room,.. like new . $125.00. 708-6454245
Emerson stereophonic phonograph ( record player) used lightly in original box late 1970s model $30. 312-720-0844
Late 1960s Gilbert American Flyer All Aboard Pioneer 600 train set 6 scenic panel 5 unit train original box is rough nearly all pieces inside $100. 312-720-0844
100 yr old Singer Pedal Sewing MachineAntique Croquet Set with all piecesAntique Royal Typewriter with stand$100 each or best offer Lansing Illinois - 630-697-0188
Pyrex Bowls and Bakeware $3-$5 a Piece; Champagne and Wine Glasses (Crystal) $2 ea; Crystal Wine, Liquor Decanters $15-$25; “Johnson’s Bros.” White English Ironstone Set of Dishes (64 pc.) $40 or OBO. Vintage Madame Alexander doll, “Degas” girl #1575 in original box, wrist tag and stand, $45. 708-481-6907
FOR SALE: Schwinn
Men’s 26” Jaguar bike, as is. $100.00. 219-8366104.
Exercise Bike Pro Form Model GR 75 $60 OBO; Drill Press Bench Mount Wards Powercraft $60 OBO; Trailer Winch Fulton Model 511 1600 LBS capacity $20 OBO; Rare R-12 Freo $30 ea; Greenlee Slug Buster, Have Two Kits Model 7235 BB and 7237 BB $100. BOth OBO; Industrial Heat Gun HG301A $25 OBO; Copper Sulfate Root Killer for Sewer Lines have several bottles, $5 each; A&W Dog and Suds Root Beer Mugs, $5 each OBO; House Box Fans $10 ea. OBO. 708-837-9814
Nordic Track Pro, excellent like new condition $100 708-8914798
Ethan Allen Wingback Chair - $70; Hardwood Kitchen Chairs (Windsor Type) $30; Heavy duty universal bed frame, $15. Stiffel brass table lamps, $25-$35 each. Assorted lamp shades, $5-$10ea; Occasional Squire 26” dark wood 2 tier table. $50; Assorted Luggage, $5-$10 each; Kitchen Cabinet 33.5”h x 16.5”w x 18”d with 1 door (3 shelves inside);$30 OBO; Stainless Steel, Almost new, Whirlpool Over the Stove Microwave, $50. 708-4816907
Ottoman (footstool) $25; Small Kitchen Appliances (Juicers, Toasters, Rice Cooker, 5 Speed Mixer, Coffee Grinder, etc) from $5-$10; “Johnson’s Bros.” White English Ironstone Set of Dishes (64 pc.) $40 or OBO; 708-481-6907
40 hummels in original boxs and 4 goebel plates best reasonable offer 708 308 4634
New Electric Coffee Maker w/2 Stainless Steel Travel Cups. Still in box $20.00Call 708-474-9568
Estate Sale, Shark Navigator Vacuum, anti-allergen, pet plus, more suction/lighter, New, Boxed, $159.00,,cash, originally $259.00 708-645-4245
Queen mattress/box spring ..guest room.. like new ..$125.00 , West Bend electric stainless wok, w/ accessories, used once. $25.00 708-645-4245
Set of Rugs $20 - and a cargo liner $30 for Subaru. (708) 895-2647
Christmas tree 5 foot pre lit full plus ornaments and storage bag 150.00 call 219 663 8544
New Power Air Fryer Pro all attachments and cook books 65.00 call 219 663 8544
Ladies winter coat, wool, boucle, camel shade, large mink collar, medium ... excellent condition..$75.00..official Chicago Bears glasses...8/$20.00 708645-4245
2 Broyhill end tables with drawer and lower cabinet 25” high x 26” wide x 28” deep. Good condition Pickup in St.John, IN 219-308-5442
Cabbage Patch Doll 1992 Tenth Anniversary Zora Mae numbered new in box ( box has some dents rips) never played with smoke free home. Can provide pics on request ! $75 312-720-0844
Size 10.5 Brown LaCoste Hiking Boots w/ Steeel Toe, New in Box, Paid $65, Asking $40 OBO. Call 312-203-41-67 ask for Tony!
Blaupunkt antique stereo and turntable with centerpiece. $125.00, email at Patc96259@gmail.com
4 chairs wrought iron all black and table wrought iron.$125.00 email to Patc96259@gmail.com
Leaf Blower-700 Rake
O-Vac-like new $25, Miscelaneous movice cameras, projectors and tripod--Best Offer! Office Chair New--In BoxModway EEI-757 $95. Matching Buffet Lamps --New $20. Tomato Grinder Antique -$ 15. Sausage Grinder Antique-$15. Beleek China Plate--New in Box $20 708-448-5672
Small Shovel, 5” Steel Blade for kids or Adults, new, $6; 3 ft. Weed Wacker, double cutting blade, $10; Alum. Scoop shovel, USA Made, new, $39; Steel Scoop HD Shovel, very old, $15; Timex 7” Wall Thermometer, new $4. 708-460-8303
Sealy Queen, guest room mattress/ box spring. .$125.00..Baby changing table ,walnut frame, excellent condition, $25.00. 708-645-4245
Heat Surge electric fireplace, infrared heating , Amish crafted furniture, w/ remote. $75.00...Ensure plus, strawberry flavored. 24 / 8 oz, carton, unopened, $30.00 708645-4245
Toro snowblower model CCR2450. 5 H .P.Electric start. $75.00(402)6701694
Full size bed with mattress, box spring and frame $100, 4 drawer dresser $25, Drive extra large size manual wheelchair with pad never been used $100. Please contact Vicki at 708 634-9464. Leave message on voicemail I will return you’re call..
Snow season!! MTD Pro snow blower. 21’ swath, electric start. Runs great! $75.00708-895-3767 Lansing
Full length mink coat, medium, older , good condition $150.00. Red wool blazer, size medium/ petite, Nordstroms, new, $29.00. 708-645-4245
30 Gal Aquarium $35 Firm 219 670 2492
Oster turkey roaster 50.00, inline skates 30.00, Steno Machine with paper 120.00, Steno Machine with case and stand 100.00 708-517-3788
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Lawmakers advance ‘Karina’s bill’ to remove guns from domestic violence situations
It’s been 18 months since Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter Daniela were shot and killed on Fourth of July weekend at their Chicago home, allegedly by her husband.
Gonzalez had filed for an order of protection from her husband just two weeks before her death. That order caused his Firearm Owner’s Identification card to be revoked, but law enforcement never removed the gun he owned from his possession.
After more than a year of negotiations, the Illinois General Assembly passed “Karina’s Bill” on Tuesday with bipartisan support. It clarifies that local law enforcement must temporarily remove guns from a person who has an order of protection against them when the alleged victim successfully seeks firearm removal as a remedy in court.
“We are talking about people who are abusing the people that they claim to love, that are threatening them with harm, that are shooting them and killing them,” bill sponsor Sen. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, told the Senate Monday night.
Gonzalez’s son, Manny Alvarez, who survived the 2023 shooting, joined Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., D-Chicago, on the House floor for the bill’s final passage. It needs only a signature from Gov. JB Pritzker to become law.
Current law allows people asking a court for an order of protection to request a “firearm remedy” that would lead to law enforcement removing guns from the alleged abuser’s possession. Karina’s bill seeks to close the loophole that made it unclear who was responsible for removing the gun from the situation.
Under the bill, the person who seeks an order of protection can also ask the court to issue a search warrant that will allow local law enforcement to seize firearms from the alleged abuser. The petitioner or state’s attorney must demonstrate probable cause that the alleged abuser poses an immediate threat to the petitioner. Law enforcement would then be required to execute the warrant within 96 hours of it being issued.
Road blocks, delays
The bill ran into road blocks, including that lawmakers wanted to wait for the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on a similar federal case.
The nation’s high court upheld a federal law last June that prohibits people with domestic violence-related restraining orders from having guns. Though Karina’s bill had previously passed through the House, senators delayed action while waiting for the decision. The court’s ruling “gave us far more elbow room than I would have expected to tackle this issue,” Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, said in a Senate committee Monday.
Illinois law enforcement organizations also had concerns about their ability to carry out the law, including where police
agencies would store the confiscated firearms and the logistics of carrying out search warrants against alleged abusers. Stakeholders came to agreement over those logistics, including giving police 48 hours to research the situation behind the order of protection so they can properly execute the search warrant.
However, some Republicans expressed concerns that small sheriff’s departments in rural districts would continue to struggle to carry out the law with limited resources.
“We don’t have the people to do these things,” Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said.
But supporters of the bill said the state needed to strengthen its laws to support victims of domestic violence and prevent deaths like Gonzalez’s.
“Our current laws are confusing for victims and judges and the result is that victims aren’t getting what they need: their abuser’s guns taken away,” Villanueva said in committee Monday.
Domestic violence shooting deaths were up 63% from 2019 to 2023 and were responsible for three times as many gun deaths in 2023 as non-domestic violence incidents, Amanda Pyron from The Network, an anti-domestic violence organization, told the Senate committee.
“The emergency order of protection stage is the most dangerous moment and the time a survivor is most likely to be killed because it is when an abuser realizes they’re losing power over a survivor,” Pyron said.
But gun rights lobbyists expressed concerns the bill undermines due process afforded to people accused of crimes. They argued taking guns away from a person with an order of protection against them assumes guilt on criminal charges and violates their constitutional rights. Orders of protection are filed in civil court.
The bill received bipartisan support in the legislature, but some Republicans echoed the concerns of the gun rights groups.
“There is not another amendment in our Bill of Rights that you have to petition a court to get your right back before you’re convicted of something,” Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia, said in the Senate Monday.
Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser told the Senate committee she believes the bill will withstand any court challenges. Mosser, who officially took a neutral position on the bill, said due process is honored because the guns are temporarily confiscated, and the person can file objections if the guns were taken away permanently.
The measure, House Bill 4144, passed 4310 in the Senate and 80-33 in the House.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
The Triple “B”: Believe, Bless, and Begin
by Janice R Newman
Motivation and determination are keys to achieving your dreams and goals. We all struggle in various areas of our growth, personal and professional success, health, and finances. Motivation is different for everyone. Finding what motivates you can be challenging. It can include desires for personal achievement, spiritual growth, and financial security. Words can also be inspiring and motivational.
This week of the ABCs of Motivation we’re discussing “B” words. The triple “B”: believe, bless, and begin. The “B” words can ignite your motivation by you must believe in yourself and your dreams, bless others, and begin immediately. Believing in your potential, blessing others with acts of kindness, and beginning immediately towards achieving your dreams, can strengthen you to make lasting changes in your life.
The book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill mentions if you can conceive and believe, you can achieve. You must believe in what you are striving for, your potential, your abilities to accomplish what you set out to do. Your belief increases your confidence and helps to reduce doubt and fear. To achieve anything, you must truly believe that you can. You see yourself accomplishing the goal. The Bible encourages us in Mark 9:23, where Jesus says, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” This verse exemplifies the power of believing in yourself and in God’s ability to help you overcome any obstacle. Belief fuels motivation and keeps you moving forward.
Blessing others might seem unrelated to motivation. Blessing others means life is not all about you. When you bless others, you show acts of kindness and generosity. Focusing your goals on others’ needs can be motivational to create a social organization, invent a
product or business to fill a need, or give back financially. Volunteering your time to help someone in need or donating to a charitable cause can motivate you to set higher goals or remind you of the blessings you already have. The Bible teaches in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” By focusing on blessing others, you grow spiritually and are uplifting during your struggles. The final “B” word is begin. You must begin immediately to work on your goals and plans. Motivation often decreases not because we lack goals and dreams but because we hesitate to begin and take the first step. Procrastination, fear, or overplanning can keep us stuck in the thinking mode instead of action. The key is to begin immediately, no matter how small the step. Small baby steps can build momentum to drive you forward. Action leads to more action and before you know it, you’ve made significant progress toward your goal. The first step shifts you from dreaming to doing, from planning to achieving. Beginning reinforces your belief in your ability to achieve results.
The triple “B”- believe, bless, and begin adds to the roadmap to building motivation. When you believe in yourself and your dreams, you tap into unlimited possibilities to unlock the potential you have inside. When you bless others, you experience the joy and purpose that comes from selflessness. Lastly, when you begin immediately, you’re taking action to improve your life spiritually, physically, financially, and personally. This week, contemplate these words and apply them to your life, goals, and dreams. Believe in your Godgiven abilities, bless someone in your community, and begin the journey to the extraordinary life you want. Y? Why Not! Like us on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/ywhynotshow/
