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Addison Independent

Two Addison Trail alumni recognized as promising young professionals by the Italian American Executives of Transportation

Two Addison Trail High School alumni, Stephanie Corona and Anthony Palladino, were recently honored with the Augustus Caesar Award from the Italian American Executives of Transportation (IAET).

The award ceremony took place at Ashton Place in Willowbrook, where the two individuals were celebrated for their significant contributions to their fields as emerging professionals.

Both Corona and Palladino graduated from Addison Trail High School in 2016. Since then, they have built noteworthy careers, demonstrating leadership and a strong commitment to community engagement.

Corona is an education and membership specialist, where she has a key role in supporting nonprofit organizations through conference planning. She collaborates with councils

to organize events, recruit speakers, and create spaces for knowledge-sharing that benefit the next generation of professionals.

Corona is an advocate for heritage and culture. As Miss Northern Illinois, a local title within the Miss America Organization, she uses her platform to emphasize the importance of sharing experiences to foster understanding and create solutions for change.

Palladino is a senior clinic executive. In his role, he is able to assist physicians in scaling their business and allowing them to not only increase the number of patients they strive to help, but also aid doctors in getting to society.

Palladino was the president of the Italian Club in high school and is a co-founder of the Avanti Group, a young adult Italian-American net-

working organization headquartered in Chicago. The The IAET, a nonprofit organization consisting of executives in the transportation and logistics industries, provides a platform for professionals to connect, share knowledge, and promote the advancement of Italian Americans in these fields.

The Augustus Caesar Award is given annually to promising young professionals who have shown extraordinary achievement in their careers and service to their communities.

Corona and Palladino join a distinguished group of past recipients and will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of leaders. For more information about the IAET or to learn more about the Augustus Caesar Award, please visit iaet-chicago.org {https://iaet-chicago.org/}.

Addison Trail hosts winter musical, ‘Mean Girls High School Version’

Being a teenager in high school can be challenging. From navigating cliques, to staying true to yourself, to finding where you fit in, it can be a treacherous journey.

Addison Trail Theatre explored that human experience when the school presented its winter musical, “Mean Girls High School Version” which was held earlier this month.

“My goal is always to balance the genres students are exposed to during their time here at Addison Trail, and ‘Mean Girls’ allows them to engage in new territory with a more modern production that features mature themes and the realities of high school,” said Anna McSweeney, Addison Trail Theatre Director. “Audience members can expect a lot of laughter and satire – but the production highlights a poignant message about the damage that can be caused by social media and bullying, as well as the importance of accepting everyone for their differences.”

The musical follows Cady Heron as she transitions to a new home and high school and struggles to find where she belongs – without losing who she truly is. According to https://www. mtishows.com/ mean-girls-highschool-version, Cady “may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order?

By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies

led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady and her friends devise a ‘Revenge Party’ to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.”

Cady (played by Addison Trail senior Alexandra Marcinkowski) befriends outsiders Janis Sarkasian (played by Addison Trail senior Raina Ashrafi) and Damian Hubbard (played by Addison Trail senior Nathan Elakkatt), who persuade her to infiltrate The Plastics. That group is composed of Regina (played by Addison Trail senior Alexandra Mertz), Gretchen Wieners (played by Addison Trail senior Cinthya Robles) and Karen Smith (played by Addison Trail junior Lilia Zielinski).

“The show has a lot of humor, but it hits on touchy subjects and life lessons,” the six actors said. “It brings awareness to the fact that pushing others down doesn’t bring you up. The show is called ‘Mean Girls,’ but we hope each audience member leaves a better person.”

Stephanie Corona and Anthony Palladino

SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent

Pictured above: Addison Trail students are shown rehearsing scenes from the school’s winter musical, “Mean Girls High School Version.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent

Court denies state’s motion to detain two Ohio men accused of stealing more

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Deputy Chief of Police Joe Grage announced last week that the Court has denied the state’s motion to detain two out-of-state men accused of breaking into and stealing more than $135,000 worth of merchandise from the Rogers & Hollands Jewelers, located at 203 Yorktown Mall, Lombard.

Julius Alls, 51, and Demondre Butler, 28, both of Columbus, Ohio, appeared at First Appearance Court, and were each charged with one count of theft—$100,0000-$500,000 (Class 1 felony), one count of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of possession of burglary tools (Class 4 felony).

In his pre-trial release order, Judge Dieden noted “If the General Assembly intended burglaries and thefts from jewelry stores of this nature and value to be detainable, they would have stated so.”

jewelry from Yorktown jewelry store

On Feb. 13 at approximately 8:56 p.m., Lombard police officers were dispatched to Rogers & Hollands Jewelers after receiving information that two individuals, later identified as the defendants, were inside the store approximately two hours after it had closed.

Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that Alls and Butler used a crowbar to pry open a security gate at the

store. It is further alleged that once inside the store, the defendants stole approximately $137,205.45 worth of merchandise from the display cases.

It is alleged that while in the store, Alls noticed a security officer and yelled “We gotta go!” at which time both suspects fled the scene on foot, ultimately getting into a silver Volvo.

Nearby officers located the Volvo at Highland Avenue and Roosevelt Road and observed the license plate was covered by a towel.

Officers subsequently conducted a traffic stop and took the defendants into custody without incident.

When processing the scene, officers located a crowbar in the backseat of the Volvo as well as a bag of jewelry allegedly thrown from the defendants’ vehicle near Roosevelt Road and Stewart Avenue, approximately 200 feet from where the

vehicle was initially observed by officers.

“As I have said before, burglary and retail theft are not victimless crimes,” Berlin said. “Shoppers, employers, employees, business owners and entire communities ultimately bear the cost in the form of higher prices, lost revenue and wages, reduced local economic investment and a lost sense of security. I thank the Lombard Police Department for their work on this case and for their ongoing efforts in keeping our retail establishments safe for employees and patrons.”

“I would like to recognize our patrol officers and detectives for some fantastic professional police work that led to the apprehension of the individuals involved and the recovery of the property stolen in this incident,” Grage said.

The next court date for both defendants is scheduled for March 10 in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Illinois lawmakers react to Madigan corruption verdict

Longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history found guilty on 10 charges

By Ben Szalinski and Peter Hancock Capitol News illiNois

Illinois lawmakers voiced a wide range of reactions last week following former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction on multiple federal corruption charges.

Republicans, who have long complained about his style of leadership, amplified their call for broader ethics reform in the Capitol while Democrats tried to put the Madigan era behind them and shift their focus to the future.

“We all knew this day was coming,” House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said at a vir-

tual news conference. Madigan, the longest serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was convicted of bribery and conspiracy. Most of the counts for which he was convicted related to him allegedly seeking favors, such as no-work contracts for his allies, from officials at utility giant Commonwealth Edison in exchange for his support for favorable legislation. After being convicted on 10 charges, Madigan was found not guilty on seven others, while the jury deadlocked on the six remaining charges shared by him and his co-defendant, former lobbyist Mike McClain.

Madigan was sometimes known to be a thorn in Illinois governors’ sides. Former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner once claimed “I am not in charge,” when talking about Madigan. But Madigan wasn’t a major barrier to Gov. JB Pritzker, who only served two years alongside the now-convicted ex-speaker.

“The Madigan verdict by a jury of everyday Illinoisans is an important message to anyone in government— or those thinking about public service—that if you choose corruption you will be found out, and you will be punished,” Pritzker said in a statement.

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, ascended to the speakership in January 2021 after Madigan lost support from enough House Democrats to doom his reelection bid. According to the Tribune, Madigan called Welch after it was clear he lost support to ask if he would want to become speaker.

Welch had protected Madigan in the year prior after Republicans sought to oust him from office for “conduct unbecoming of a legislator” via a special House investigating committee.

to be all sorted out,” Welch said in a statement. “Today’s outcome leaves me with great appreciation and respect for our legal system. Investigators, prosecutors, and a jury of Illinoisans did their job.”

Welch, who began his third term as speaker in January, said House Democrats are now “focused on delivering for working people.”

Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, who helped initiate the committee to investigate Madigan, criticized Welch’s leadership of the committee at a news conference.

The House GOP launched that effort after ComEd was charged with handing out favors to Madigan allies in an attempt to gain support from Madigan on legislation. But Welch, who was appointed by Madigan’s majority leader to chair the committee, voted with two fellow Democrats to shut down the investigation, calling it a “sham show trial.” Republicans accused him of protecting Madigan from discipline more than a year before he was charged with crimes related to his relationship with ComEd.

“I have always believed that a court of law was the place for this

“Our efforts could have put a stop to this situation many years ago if we had cooperation from the majority party to support ethics reform and to investigate the pattern of corruption that has now been on full display for Speaker Mike Madigan,” Spain said.

Democrats shift focus

Madigan was also the longtime chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. As party chair, he was able to direct campaign contributions to help Democrats win their races and grow a majority in the Illinois House, a

See madigan, Page 5

Julius Alls Demondre Butler

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Kindness Week celebrated at District 4

Last week, Addison District 4 celebrated Kindness Week. One morning at Indian Trail Junior High, members of the, Addison Police Department, I.T. staff, elementary principals and district office team members greeted and cheered on middle schoolers.

Park District intervillage soccer

The Bensenville Park District is launching its newly revamped Spring-Summer Intervillage Soccer League program under the leadership of professional soccer coach Ty Beshiri.

The league is designed to provide a well-rounded youth soccer experience by combining weekly skill-development practices with Saturday games for a balance of training and competition.

“By integrating the USSF Academy curriculum into our practices, we’re ensuring that every player, regardless of skill level, has the opportunity to improve and grow their love for the game,” Beshiri said. “Our goal is to create confi -

Wood Street Fitness is expanding its wellness offerings with a new Hatha Yoga class, held 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays in the Exercise Room of the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville.

The addition is part of the new schedule that went into effect last week.

dent, well-rounded players ready to take on any challenge.”

The league is divided into the following age groups: Pre-K and kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6 and grades 7-8.

Although the game schedule is still being finalized, games will be held between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays, from April 12 through June 7. Home games will take place at Varble Park.

Volunteers are essential to the program’s success, and the Bensenville Park District encourages parents and community members to get involved. Email BAponte@ bvilleparks.org for more information.

“In our soccer program we either win or learn. Discipline through repetition and humility, or coachability, are the best reinforcement for the game we want to learn,” Beshiri added.

The registration fee is $135 ($110 for in-district participants), which includes a full uniform kit.

Returning players can use their previous uniforms with a fee of $95 ($80 in district) for those opting out of a new kit.

The registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 28 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville.

Visit BvilleParks.org or call 630766-7015 for more information.

Wood St. Fitness adds Hatha Yoga in new class schedule White Pines

Hatha Yoga is a gentle yet effective practice that emphasizes breath control, postures and relaxation techniques to enhance balance, flexibility and overall well-being. Suitable for all experience levels, the class provides a supportive environment for participants to build strength, reduce stress and cultivate mindfulness through deliberate movement and deep breathing.

The class fee is $8 per session, with a discounted rate of $6 for those living within Bensenville Park District boundaries.

Participants looking for more flexibility and value can take advantage of

the Core Class Pass, which provides unlimited access to all fitness classes at Wood Street Fitness. The monthly pass is available for $40 ($35 in district), while an annual pass is offered at $360 ($300 in district). A full class schedule

may be found at WoodStFitness.com/ Classes.

Additional information about Wood Street Fitness facilities, instructors and rates may be found at WoodStFitness. com.

White Pines’ Fish

White Pines Golf Club’s 37 Bar & Grill is once again serving up its popular Fish Fry Fridays, inviting the community to enjoy delicious offerings from Feb. 28 through April 18.

The weekly event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. each Friday and promises a hearty menu of seafood, classic comfort foods and pasta dishes.

The highlights of Fish Fry Fridays are the “Dinners from the Sea” selections, featuring all-you-can-eat fried cod for $26 and single-plate fried cod for $19.

Those seeking baked options can choose from lemon pepper or Cajun cod, both priced at $19.

For shrimp lovers, the fried jumbo shrimp dinner includes six jumbo shrimp and is available for $22. Each seafood dinner is served with dinner rolls, a choice of fries or chips, coleslaw, and tartar or cocktail sauce.

For those who prefer land-based meals, the menu offers hearty favorites served with fries and coleslaw.

Options include a pepper and egg sandwich for $10, with the choice to add cheese for 50 cents, a grilled cheese sandwich for $9, a classic allbeef hot dog for $8, and a half-pound Angus burger for $14, with cheese available for an additional 50 cents.

Rounding out the dinner menu are pasta selections, served with dinner rolls. Guests can enjoy fettuccini alfredo for $12, with the option to add shrimp for $9, or rigatoni with marinara for $10.

Appetizers include fried jumbo shrimp with six pieces priced at $16 and a fresh side garden salad available for $6. Dressing options include ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, bleu cheese, honey mustard and Italian.

“Fish Fry Fridays are a tradition we love bringing to the community,” said White Pines Golf Club Food and Beverage Manager Mike Umans. “The menu has something for everyone, and it’s a great opportunity for friends and families to gather, enjoy a delicious meal and relax at the end of the week.”

Fish fry menu options are available only during the specified hours on Fridays and are available for dine-in or carry out.

Reservations are encouraged for larger groups but are not required. For more information, visit WhitePinesGolf.com/37 or contact White Pines Golf Club at 630-766-0304 to make a date to relish the flavors of Lent at White Pines Golf Club.

White Pines Golf Club invites the community to savor Pasta Nights at 37 Bar & Grill, running from 5 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Feb. 25 through April 15. The event offers an affordable and customizable menu, perfect for a delicious weeknight family meal.

The $10 pasta dinner includes a choice of rigatoni or fettuccini, paired with a choice of Alfredo sauce, marinara or garlic butter, and is served with a dinner roll. Guests can elevate their meal with optional add-ons such as chicken ($6), shrimp ($9) or meatballs (8 for $8). Garden salads are also avail-

able for $5, with dressing options that include ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, bleu cheese, honey mustard and Italian. In addition to the pasta offerings, a special sandwich menu is available, featuring:

• Pepper and egg sandwich ($10; add cheese for $0.50)

• All-beef hot dog ($8)

• Grilled cheese ($9)

• Half-pound Angus burger ($14; add cheese for $0.50)

All sandwiches are served with fries and coleslaw.

“Pasta nights are a cost-effective

way to enjoy a delicious and relaxing dinner with friends and family,” says White Pines PGA General Manager Andrew Godfrey. “We’re excited to offer a menu that combines variety, flavor and, most of all, affordability in a family-friendly environment.”

Pasta night menu options are available only during the specified hours on Tuesdays and are available for dine-in or carry out. Reservations are encouraged for larger groups but are not required. For more information, visit WhitePinesGolf.com or call (630) 766-0304.

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Opinion

Slices of life

Dream big, it’s worth it

Dreams and goals—I think it’s safe to say we all have both.

And that’s wonderful, and necessary. Because what would life be without dreams and goals?

In a word: hollow.

I used to set very specific goals for myself. I used to dream of what I wanted to accomplish with those goals. I set goals that were substantial and significant. In that I was proud and happy with myself. I was being proactive and moving forward.

I will earn more money. I will acquire a bigger house. I will buy a better car. I will lose weight. I will adopt a new exercise routine. I will feed my family healthier meals with food cooked from scratch. I will go on a big vacation. I will be better about helping the kids with homework. I will publish this column in more papers than I did last year.

I’ve heard of people doing this same type of thing with a “vision board,” where they post actual images of the goals they want to achieve—the logic being that if you see it, you will be more likely to create it.

I never had a vision board, but I certainly envisioned the goals I hoped to achieve.

And in many ways, it worked. Over the years I’ve been successful in meeting many of my goals.

Which is good. Except for one thing.

I’ve come to believe I was approaching the whole goal thing all wrong. I don’t want to point any fingers, but when it comes to dreams and goals, I think many of us are missing the mark.

For most of my life—for decades—I focused my goals on the world around me: my income, the size of my house, luxury vacations and the newness of my car. I thought those things proved success and would lead to happiness, and (honestly) they often did.

But they never, ever should have been the focus of my goals or my dreams.

Because goals and dreams are so much bigger than things. Therein lies the lesson. Therein lies the awesomeness of goals and dreams.

Don’t dream of a new house or a better job. Dream bigger. When you dreamt of that big house and bigger job, what were you desiring, really? What were they supposed to bring into your life?

Dream of that. Set that as your

goal.

By J Ill PErTlEr Columnist

Don’t dream of things. Dream of a state of mind, because in the long run, it doesn’t matter what you have.

What matters is how you feel.

Let that sentence steep for a moment because it is huge. Is someone living in a glasswalled house overlooking spectacular views of the ocean automatically happier and more fulfilled than someone living in a trailer park on a busy street on the wrong side of the tracks in some crowded urban city?

We all know the answer.

Happiness isn’t contingent on environment or the things we spend so much time and energy attempting to acquire. Happiness comes from somewhere beyond mere things. And deep down we all realize this.

When setting goals—when living your life—think about what brings you joy. What brings you peace. What makes you feel loved.

Seek that. Pursue that.

And understand that despite what the world is telling you, despite what other people tell you about all the possessions they have that they claim make them happy, none of it matters unless it matters to you.

If a bigger house truly brings you joy, then seek it to your full potential. But if not, stop.

Just stop and find your joy. Find your peace.

When you have those two entities—truly encompass them and hold them in your heart—you will understand that nothing else matters. When you have peace and joy you have something much, much bigger than anything this physical world will ever give you.

And here’s the really cool part. When you have peace and joy, you somehow stop thinking about all the extraneous noise beyond that and it’s exactly then that all the other “stuff” seems to fall into place.

Almost like that was the plan all along.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

Defending Medicaid, SNAP and other critical programs

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

On Feb. 11, I participated in my first hearing as Ranking Member of the Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, using my platform to push back at attempts to slash federal funding for critical social assistance programs like Medicaid, public housing, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), our country’s leading anti-hunger program.

These programs, on which more than 700,000 Illinoisans and tens of millions of Americans depend, are deeply personal to me. After my family arrived in the United States when I was just a few months old, we fell on hard times and required social safety net programs to sustain ourselves. These programs gave us the opportunity to work our way into the American Dream of a middleclass life.

Today, my father is a professor emeritus at Bradley University in Peoria, my brother is a doctor, and I have the privilege to serve as your member of Congress in Washington.

USAID’s importance for protecting our security and countering the CCP

Last week, I wrote an op-ed for Newsweek on the importance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for countering the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) influence around the world.

Fundamentally, USAID is our ground game against the expansive Belt and Road Initiative—Beijing’s “deal of the century” that leaves countries in debt with low-quality results. USAID provides needed alternatives to Chinese lending, contributing exponentially to development and national security through such initiatives as countering the proliferation of CCP spyware in consumer devices, preventing CCP espionage of undersea cable traffic, and

helping independent consortiums win contracts for critical minerals, preventing them from falling into the hands of CCP-controlled firms and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

You only have to look at world autocrats’ praise of Trump’s attack on USAID to see how dangerous shutting it down is by ceding global leadership and soft power to our adversaries.

Former Russian President and Putin puppet Dmitry Medvedev wrote on X, “Smart move by @elonmusk, trying to plug USAID’s Deep Throat.”

But USAID is not only critical to competing with the CCP and other adversaries abroad—it also boosts our economy here at home. Often overlooked, USAID contributes directly to the U.S. economy through contracts, procurements, and grants to domestic partners. In fact, USAID has funded at least $200 million in projects to date here in Illinois, supporting Illinois workers and businesses as we strengthen our national security through efforts abroad as well.

The Equality Illinois gala and my reappointment as vice-chair of the Equality Caucus

During the weekend of Feb. 8-9, I was thrilled to join the Equality Illinois Gala in Chicago with local, state, and federal leaders as we celebrated the approaching 10-year anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruling that legalized marriage equality in 2015.

I am also proud to announce my reappointment as a Vice-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, which advocates for the protection and expansion of LGBTQ+ rights for Illinoisans and all Americans. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the Equality Caucus to keep fighting anti-LGBTQ+ hate and discrimination in all forms.

Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes part of Addison, Wood Dale and Bensenville.

Democrat groups applaud removal of Hyde’s name from courthouse

The DuPage County Board voted 10-5 last week to remove the late Congressman Henry Hyde’s name from the county courthouse. Democrats, and supporters of abortion rights applauded the decision. Democratic Party of DuPage County Chair Reid McCollum: “The name Henry Hyde is synonymous with The Hyde Amendment,

which restricts access to abortion care, especially for the most vulnerable women. Removing his name from a courthouse will not restore the rights or assuage the fear of millions of women, but it’s the right thing to do.”

Sarah Garza Resnick, Personal PAC president and CEO: “Henry Hyde’s racist legacy has impacted

millions of abortion patients. We’re encouraged by the DuPage County Board’s actions, and we continue to push for the full repeal of the Hyde Amendment. We are grateful to Chair Deb Conroy for championing this important resolution.”

Editor’s note: Personal PAC is a Chicago-based abortion rights organization.

State Rep. Costa Howard releases statement on conviction of former Speaker Michael Madigan

“At a time when the principles that have guided our government and our country for generations are under attack, I am deeply encouraged that

“It’s been almost five years since I followed my conscience and led the call for Michael J. Madigan to resign as Speaker of the House and Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. Today (Feb. 12), the jury has spoken, and Madigan stands convicted of corruption.

our justice system has delivered this verdict. Corruption and unethical behavior by political leaders cannot be allowed to pervert our government and undermine the people’s trust. Today, the people won.”

This is Lombard: I have put something in Speak Out before about dogs being at the Yorktown Mall, and how I’ve seen them either lift their legs, or even worse, poop on the floor. I saw this play out once again recently when I was at the mall. I watched as a dog lifted their leg on one of the pillars. The owner of the dog tried to pull the dog away, but it was too late. What did the owner do? He kept walking with the dog and left the puddle there! If dog owners are going to walk their dogs at the mall, then the least they can do is clean up their dog’s messes. Dogs shouldn’t be allowed at the mall in the first place.

Some people have been complaining about Christmas lights being left up too long after the holidays. That doesn’t bother me as much as people who don’t take those silly-looking Rudolph antlers and noses off their cars in a timely matter.

Have you noticed how Democrats label critics who don’t agree with them as racists and sexists? It happens all the time. If you don’t vote for a Democrat, like Kamala Harris, many Democrats will demean you as a racist and a sexist. But when Democrats don’t support someone, why aren’t they labeled as bigots? Our state’s two senators, Durbin and Duckworth, both voted against Pam Bondi to be our Attorney General. Why aren’t Durbin and Duckworth bashed as sexists? Durbin and Duckworth also voted against the nomination of a black man, Scott Turner, to be the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Does that make Durbin and Duckworth hateful racists who oppose the advancement of black people? With Democrats, if there weren’t double standards, there would be no standards at all.

Now that former Speaker Madigan is a convicted felon, it makes me wonder. He did these things while working in Springfield and Chicago for many years. How come the State’s Attorney in Cook or Sangamon County or even the Illinois Attorney General has never gone after obvious corruption in the State of Illinois? If it wasn’t for the federal government, we would never hear about corrupt politicians and have them be held responsible.

* * *

I would like to respond to the person making the statement that California does not have voter ID. California does have voter ID. I wish we had voter ID. And the other thing is: now that Trump has hired all of his minions, it reminds me of the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Felons.

* * *

Now that the Laken Riley Act has been signed into law, I’m still waiting for Sean Casten, and his regressive leftist colleague in Congress, Raja Krishnamoorthi, to explain to us why they opposed it. Crickets so far.

* * *

Oh boy, I feel much safer and much better now that Trump has fired everybody from the Kennedy Center. Good thing. Price of gas, price of eggs and price everything else is still up, but I’m glad we got our priorities straight. Hey, while we’re at it, maybe you should just send Elon back to South Africa where he belongs, you know, he’s been kind of a pain in the butt.

* * *

To those who criticize Trump for the price of eggs, this was an issue before he took office. All reputable news reports date the problem back as far as 2022, and that over 145

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million chickens, turkeys and other birds have been slaughtered to help stop the spread of bird flu. I remember how expensive they got during the COVID-19 pandemic. What I find interesting is that stores like Aldi had eggs for $4.76 then a week later were $5.46, up 70 cents. Luckily I found them for $3.49 at Trader Joe’s just last week. They had plenty in stock, as well as pricier varieties. Limit one, which is fair, after seeing videos of greedy people at places like Costco hoarding eggs like with toilet paper during the pandemic. If Trader Joe’s can sell them that cheaply (relatively speaking), then I have to wonder why other stores cannot do the same. A friend in Florida showed me a photo of his Publix grocery store with a price tag of $8.99 for a dozen eggs so I guess we should consider ourselves lucky. But to blame Trump any more than we could blame Biden is a stretch.

* * *

Lombardians, we need to pay special attention to the library board of trustees race this April. There seems to be several “factions,” for lack of better terms, that are in opposition to one another about what the library board should be about. I am not encouraging votes one way or the other, but just asking people to get out and vote. And keep in mind the financial debacle, the stranglehold we were put through during the debate over the new library location with our taxes when you do vote.

* * *

Let’s see: Whining about the Super Bowl kickoff rule. Taking over the Kennedy Center. Pushing for a new national park with statues of George Washington Abraham Lin-

• Madigan

coln and MLK because we don’t have enough statues of them. Proposed U.S. takeover of Gaza. Intervening in a dispute in the golf world. Getting angry with a bishop who preached mercy. Sounds like America is taking steps towards becoming great again to me.

* * *

Speak Out published a piece that I had written on Aug. 16, 2024. In it I put forward Project 2025 and some of the things that were contained within. I was trying to warn people before the election as to the absolute devastation that it would cause. Well, you are now witnessing only the beginning of it. There is a lot more that the Trump administration will unleash on the American people. It was just another lie that Trump told when he denied knowing anything about it. If, as I requested, you had looked into it for yourself, you would have known that everything he has enacted so far was right in line with Project 2025. Sincerely, how I wish that those of you who voted for Trump would have taken what I had written seriously. Now it’s too late and were all going to suffer because of it.

* * *

Hello Lombard. I am just reading the response that the village gave in regards to the box at the Village Hall that collects the American flags that need to be retired. I don’t know if the person who wrote the response walked out there and took a look, but there are no poles still attached to the flags. So I am not sure why they would even comment on that. They need to take a walk out to the box. And look at it. Thank you.

* * *

If you’re wondering why Demo-

(Continued from page 2)

majority that has remained intact since the mid-1990s.

Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez said in a statement her “focus has been on building a more transparent, accountable, and people-focused party” since she took over in 2022 after U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly succeed Madigan in 2021.

“Public service is a responsibility, not a privilege, and those who break the public trust must be held accountable, no matter who they are,” Hernandez said.

Republican party leaders said Democrats are not absolved of their ties to their former party chair as many can credit their electoral victories to Madigan.

“Make no mistake: nearly every Democrat in Illinois has benefitted from Madigan’s corruption in some way, and they have all been willing to sell their souls for hefty donations and the support of the political machine Madigan built,” Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi said in a statement.

Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, had been outspoken in the final years of Madigan’s tenure about the handling of sexual harassment issues in the Democratic Party of Illinois and bullying in the House. Her name came up early in the trial as prosecutors dug into the inner workings of the House and Madigan’s circle.

crats lost the presidency and control of Congress, look no further than some of the far-left fools they elect. You have a Congressman from Texas, Al Green, calling for Trump’s impeachment two weeks into Trump’s second term. I’ve lost count the number of times Green has called for having Trump impeached over the years. Then there’s Illinois very own Jan Schakowsky. At a hearing, she said the reason why fewer women are involved in manufacturing could be because the term has the word “man” in it. How ridiculous! * * *

I see the cancel culture is alive and well in DuPage County thanks to Deb Conroy and the DuPage County Board. The DuPage County Courthouse was named after Henry Hyde years ago, but because Hyde authored the Hyde Amendment, limiting federal funds for abortions, Conroy said it was time to remove his name from the courthouse, and the board voted to do just that. I read a comment from Conroy, explaining why she wanted to have Hyde’s name removed. Quote: “It wasn’t something that was on my radar, to be honest with you. It something that I was asked during my campaign, and I said that, yes, I would do that, and I am a woman of my words.”

She’s been County Board chair since 2022, and now, three years later, this is on her radar because she wanted to fulfill a campaign promise? Oh, please. How lame is that? Since our high and mighty DuPage County Board chair always voted for abortion on demand, for any reason, without parental consent in the case of minors when she was a state rep, she should just go ahead and name the building after herself.

“That there will be some measure of accountability for the decades of abuse of power and corruption is critically important and will have implications for our state government for generations,” Cassidy said in a statement. “Particularly in a moment when our federal government has been subsumed by blatantly corrupt forces, we need our state government to be trustworthy to the public and focused on the will of the people, not self-interest.”

Cassidy was one of 19 House Democrats who put the final nail in the coffin of Madigan’s speakership in 2021 by opposing his reelection as speaker, ultimately forcing him to bow out of the race and, shortly after, resign from the House. The group opposed Madigan’s handling of harassment allegations and shared concerns about a possibly corrupt relationship between Madigan and ComEd.

Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, briefly challenged Madigan for the speakership in 2021.

“It’s clear we have unequivocally moved away from the practices of the past, which put politics before people,” Williams said in a statement to Capitol News Illinois. “It is time to put this chapter behind us as we face incredibly difficult challenges as a state and nation.”

Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, said the “verdict is a

sobering reminder that our work is never finished.”

“The jury’s verdict closes a long, disturbing chapter in Illinois’ history,” Harmon said in a statement. “It’s a stark reminder that corruption, abuse of power and manipulation of public policy for personal gain can never be tolerated. We cannot be effective if people don’t trust us.”

Republicans call for reform

House Republicans said Madigan’s legacy continues to live on in the House rules, which govern how the House operates.

“The issue at the heart of the ComEd scandal here and these convictions had to do with the unchecked ability of Mike Madigan to decide whether or not a bill would be considered for a vote by the House,” Spain said.

Republicans want changes to the House rules to make it easier for members to influence which bills get called for votes.

They also argued more ethics reform is needed, such as providing more power to the legislative inspector general and enacting more restrictions to make it harder for a legislator to resign their office and immediately become a lobbyist.

“We cannot afford to have federal prosecutors continue to enforce our weak ethics laws, regardless of what Speaker Welch feels,” McCombie said.

Rebuilding DuPage County: Road and bridge projects highlight historic construction season

Highlighting one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that major projects in DuPage County are planned, under way or have already been completed—fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.

Seven projects combined represent a total investment of $74 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.

“Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in DuPage County and throughout the state,” said Pritzker. “Through the largest capital program in state history, IDOT will be delivering improvements to build a more resilient, accessible and equitable system of transportation for generations to come, while creating jobs and enhancing local quality of life.”

Of the seven major projects in DuPage County, one was scheduled to be completed in 2024 and the remaining six are anticipated to be completed from 2025 through 2026.

• Illinois 53 (Columbine Avenue) over Great Western Trail south of North Avenue (Illinois 64) includes new bridge deck construction, bridge beam replacement and repair. The project began in spring 2023 and was completed last fall.

• Irving Park Road (Illinois 19) from

west of Mitchell Boulevard to Roselle Road resurfacing also includes new shoulders and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. Daytime lane closures are needed to complete construction. The project is anticipated to begin this summer and estimated to be completed in the fall.

• Irving Park Road from Roselle Road to Baker Drive resurfacing with new shoulders and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. Daytime lane closures are needed to complete construction. The project is anticipated to begin this summer and estimated to be complete in the fall.

• Illinois 56 (Butterfield Road) from just west of Illinois 53 to southbound Interstate 355 (Veterans Memorial Tollway) includes intersection reconstruction at Lloyd Avenue, Illinois 53 and Arboretum/Woodcreek Drive, bridge repair, noise barrier installation, new retaining wall and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. Daytime lane closures will be needed. The project is anticipated to begin this fall and completed by the fall of 2026.

• Butterfield Road from Illinois 59 to York Road traffic signal modernization will require daytime lane closures. The project is anticipated to begin this spring and estimated to be complete in the fall of 2026.

• Illinois 38 (Roosevelt Road) from east of Technology Boulevard to west of Winfield Road resurfacing also

Byrne named next Glenbard South principal

On Feb. 10, the Glenbard District 87 Board of Education appointed Sean Byrne as the next principal at Glenbard South High School, effective July 1.

Sean Byrne

Byrne will become principal after South Principal Jessica Santee assumes her new role as District 87 Superintendent on July 1.

Byrne has served as Glenbard South’s Assistant Principal for Instruction since 2021. He was recently recognized in December as Assistant Principal of the Year for the DuPage Region by the Illinois Principals’ Association. Previously, he was the Department Chair for Science, Technology and Engineering at Glenbard West for 10 years.

“It is with great excitement and Raider pride that I step into the role of Principal of Glenbard South High School,” Byrne said. “Over the past four years, I have come to understand what a special community our school is.

“As principal, I plan to foster an environment where all students are empowered to reach their full potential, faculty and staff are supported in their professional growth, and the community is engaged in our

includes ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. Daytime lane closures are needed during construction. The project is anticipated to begin this spring and is anticipated to be complete in the fall.

family.”

school’s success. We have an incredible team at Glenbard South and I am truly humbled by the opportunity to lead our continued growth.”

Superintendent David Larson said, “Mr. Byrne’s credentials and qualities as an educator make him an ideal fit as South’s principal. He has wide-ranging and successful experiences as an assistant principal, department chair and teacher. We are excited to welcome him to the leadership team here in Glenbard.”

Byrne is currently pursuing his doctorate in educational administration leadership from Aurora University. He earned a master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University (Ill.) and a master’s degree in teaching from University of Portland. Byrne received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College in biology (pre-med) and philosophy. Prior to his arrival in Glenbard, Byrne was the science department chair at Homewood-Flossmoor High School from 2009-11. In the classroom, he was a science teacher at Downers Grove South High School (2007-09) and St. Ignatius College Prep (2000-07).

Byrne also worked extensively with The College Board to support the AP Seminar program. He served on the Development Committee, as a reader and APSI consultant (201521).

• Butterfield Road from west of Illinois 59 to Naperville Road resurfacing also includes ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. Daytime lane closures are needed during construction. The project is anticipated to begin this spring and is anticipated to be complete in the fall.

“By investing in thoughtfully chosen infrastructure projects, the state of Illinois is improving the quality of life for people throughout DuPage,” said state Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn). “I’m especially pleased that many of these projects will make our communities more accessible for people with disabilities. Together, we are making DuPage County an even greater place to live, work and raise a

“These investments in safe, efficient and well-maintained roads are about helping families get where they’re going, ensuring businesses can move their products at a lower cost, and of course creating and sustaining good-paying jobs,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.

“Improving the quality of our local roads and bridges is an investment into road safety, job opportunities, and overall environmental sustainability,” said state Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville). “Through this investment, we will keep our communities connected and facilitate reliable transportation for every resident.”

“By upgrading infrastructure in DuPage County, our state is committed to improving safety, fulfilling transportation needs and creating economic opportunities,” said state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Residents, motorists and visitors will benefit from these investments for many years to come.” Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Accomplishments through Year Five of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements. Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.

Local Girl Scout Cookie booths now open

The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Program is going strong.

Customers may continue to purchase cookies for in-person delivery, shipping, or donation to the military, veterans, and first responders through each Girl Scout’s Digital Cookie website.

Keep an eye out for these safety-conscious and marketing-savvy entrepreneurs as they also take Cookie Walkabouts with cookies in hand, so customers can buy cookies directly with no waiting.

Now through March 9, Girl Scout Cookie customers can also support the world’s strongest and youngest entrepreneurs as they host cookie booths. Girl Scouts will offer cookie booths at various community

locations outside local businesses and stores. Interested customers can visit the Cookie Finder at www. girlscoutsni.org/findcookies to locate nearby cookie booths. Don’t feel like going out? Visit the Cookie Finder to be connected to a local troop who’ll gladly ship cookies to your door with funds being distributed equally between all participating troop members. Cookies are also available at all Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois locations in Lake Zurich, Oswego, Rockford, and South Elgin during normal business hours at www.girlscoutsni.org/visitus.

This year’s cookie lineup includes refreshing Thin Mints® (made with vegan ingredients), peanut but-

ter-stuffed Tagalongs®, coconutty Samoas®, crunchy Do-si-dos®, buttery Trefoils®, sweet S’mores®, inspirational Lemon-Ups®, gluten-free Toffee-tastic®, and the caramel and brownie-inspired Adventurefuls®. At the close of the 2025 cookie season, the Girl Scout S’mores cookie flavor will be retired, so now is the time to stock up. All Girl Scout Cookies are on sale for $6 per package.

If you know a Girl Scout, ask how you can support them in their own cookie small business. Don’t know a Girl Scout? Customers may visit www.girlscoutsni.org/buycookies to purchase cookies directly or be con-

Pritzker emerging as one of Trump’s most vocal Democratic critics

Governor mum about reelection plans as he speaks out on national issues

By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker recently made a “special announcement”: Illinois is renaming Lake Michigan to “Lake Illinois” and annexing Green Bay, Wisconsin, “to protect itself against” the Green Bay Packers.

The video shared by his campaign “was intended to inject some humor at a moment when I think people don’t find much that’s going on humorous,” Pritzker told reporters. It poked fun at President Donald Trump for renaming the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America and pledging the U.S. will acquire Greenland.

Pritzker told reporters in Springfield at the end of January he’s pushing Illinois’ Democratic members of Congress to be “persistent” about communicating the effects of Trump’s policies because he believes national media organizations don’t prioritize governors and state leaders the same as D.C. politicians.

National media attention hasn’t been a big issue for Pritzker, however. Since Trump was sworn in, Pritzker has done two CNN interviews, an MSNBC Sunday show and a profile in Puck—a national political newsletter.

He’s often asked in the interviews how Democrats can infiltrate a Trump-driven news cycle.

“We need to make sure that we’re communicating properly,” Pritzker said in a CNN interview on Jan. 26.

“I think that’s one of the big challenges that we had in the last election: our message wasn’t right.”

Pritzker helped organize a call at the end of January between some Democratic governors and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York to encourage Senate Democrats to more forcefully push back on Trump, according to The New York Times.

Stephen Maynard Caliendo, a political science professor at North Central College in Naperville, said while Pritzker has always been a vocal leader, it seems to have “ramped up” in Trump’s second term.

“It appears to me that he sees an opportunity to capture the American imagination a bit,” Caliendo said in an interview.

Another vocal Democratic voice, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, has been responding to wildfires near Los Angeles, which has forced him to tamp down on criticizing Trump to ensure federal disaster aid gets directed to his state, Caliendo said.

Asked how he has sets himself apart from other Democrats in responding to Trump, Pritzker said he sees negative impacts already coming from Trump’s policies.

“People have been promised something by this Trump administration that he is not delivering,” Pritzker said this week. “They’ve been promised lower prices. They’ve been promised lower grocery prices.

They’ve been promised lower gas prices. They’ve been promised more affordability and that is precisely the opposite of what’s happening.”

Weighing in on the issues

Just about every major story coming out of the Trump White House has been fair game for Pritzker. That includes the president’s reaction to a crash between an American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C.

“While times of tragedy should be focused on mourning the victims and getting answers to their loved ones, we face the unfortunate reality that we must be honest with the nation about: Donald Trump is unfit to lead during moments of crisis like this,” Pritzker said in a statement.

Trump blamed the crash on efforts to hire a more diverse workforce, including people with disabilities, in the federal government.

Pritzker noted that he is governor of one of the busiest airspaces in the country around O’Hare and Midway airports and listed eight questions he wants the federal government to answer, including about staffing at the Federal Aviation Administration, Elon Musk’s role in personnel changes at federal agencies and if top Trump administration officials plan to cooperate in the investigation.

“There’s no way to read that other than it’s an attempt to sort of gain national prominence,” Caliendo said, adding Trump gave Pritzker an opening to position himself as a progressive alternative to Trump.

Other issues Pritzker has focused on directly affect Illinois. He’s defended the state’s “sanctuary” laws for immigrants, slammed Trump for proposing tariffs that would likely raise prices for Illinois consumers and quickly organized a news conference to explain the effects of a proposed federal spending freeze on Illinois.

“I have to say that the last 48 hours have been among the most bizarre and terrible since I took office back in the middle of Trump’s first term,” Pritzker told CNN’s Anderson Cooper after the federal spending freeze was announced then rescinded.

The governor has also often criticized the role of “President Musk” in Trump’s administration. The billionaire was put in charge of an advisory organization, the “Department of Government Efficiency,” which has played key roles in shutting off federal funding sources and controversially sought records with sensitive data about Americans.

Amid all the criticism, Pritzker has said there’s been no communication between Illinois and Trump or the White House.

“I’m looking forward to that call; certainly have a lot of things I’d like to say directly to him,” Pritzker said recently.

Looking to 2028

Pritzker, who turned 60 in January, was vetted as a possible running mate for former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign, but he wasn’t a well-known or popular choice among Democratic voters. A NPR/PBS News/Marist poll last July found just 7 percent of Democrats thought Pritzker should be Harris’ running mate.

Pritzker has downplayed any interest in running for president when asked by reporters, but admitted last August he was “torn” about leaving Illinois to become vice president should he have been selected by Harris and won the election.

“You don’t get on that list unless they think you actually could be president of the United States and do the job if you had to,” Pritzker told reporters in August.

Governors have good paths to the presidency because of their executive experience overseeing a state government, Caliendo said. If Pritzker is interested in running for president in 2028, there will be more obvious signs than him criticizing Trump, he added.

“If he starts heading out to a lot of

• Cookie

nected local Girl Scout entrepreneurs looking for cookie customers.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls. Girl Scouts’ updated Financial Literacy badges offer entrepreneurial playbooks for every age level. From the Cookie Goal Setter badge earned as a Daisy (grades K–1) to the Entrepreneur Accelerator for girls in high school, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches Girl Scouts financial literacy, planning, budgeting, teamwork, innovative thinking, and confident decision making.

visits to South Carolina and Iowa and New Hampshire, that’s when you really start to get tipped off,” Caliendo said. “Right now, this could be laying the groundwork for that, but it isn’t that out of the ordinary that somebody who feels as protected, I think, as he does to make himself one of the chief critics of the president.”

Forbes estimates Pritzker to be worth around $3.7 billion, making him one of the wealthiest politicians in U.S. history. He self-funded his way through both of his campaigns for governor with hundreds of millions of dollars. But if he runs for national office, he will need more help, Caliendo said.

“What we need to be looking for besides these very sort of public things over the next two years is how that’s going,” Caliendo said. “In other words, what kind of money is Pritzker raising? What kind of coalitions is he putting together that can be fundraising? Because as wealthy as he is, it’s hard to fund a presidential campaign out of his own pocket.”

While Pritzker hasn’t solicited any big donations to his state campaign organization, in 2023 he launched an

abortion rights advocacy group that has funded ballot measure campaigns in Nevada, Ohio and Arizona. The organization, Think Big America, is sometimes called a “dark money” group because it isn’t required to report its donors—though Pritzker himself is its main financial backer. Pritzker hasn’t made any decisions about running for a third term as governor in 2026, though he didn’t announce his 2022 reelection campaign until July 2021.

Being an incumbent isn’t as important as it used to be for a presidential candidate to be successful, Caliendo said.

“Trump has changed a lot about American politics and I think one of the things he changed is that you don’t have to have any governmental experience,” Caliendo said. “But JB Pritzker has lots of it so simply being out of position or spending all his time running for president as opposed to running a state while he’s running for president, I don’t think that’s going to be as much of a disadvantage as it would have been prior to 2015.”

(Continued from page 6) all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends.

Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.girlscouts.org.

During Girl Scout Cookie season, each entrepreneur sets out to sell delicious cookies while also building entrepreneurial and business skills imperative for leadership and future success. All net revenues raised—100 percent of it—stays within the northern Illinois area. Every package of cookies sold provides invaluable experiences for Girl Scouts such as service projects, troop travel, and summer camp for girls across the country!

Join Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts in grades K–12 can start their journey to fun, friendship, and new experiences by joining the world’s largest entrepreneurial organization for girls at any point in the year. Girls can join and adults can become volunteers at www.girlscouts. org/join.

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of

Man charged with threatening

Illinois state representative

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly announced last week that a Downers Grove man has been charged with threatening Illinois State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray after allegedly leaving threatening phone messages for her in November 2024.

On Feb. 7, 2025, Judge Alex McGimpsey issued an arrest warrant for William Dzadon, 71, who has been charged with two counts of threatening a public official, a Class 3 Felony. On Feb. 11, Dzadon turned himself in to the Illinois State Police and was released on personal recognizance the same day.

According to the felony complaint, which was filed with the Court on Feb. 7, 2024, on Nov. 13, 2024, at approximately 6:22 p.m., Dzadon allegedly “knowingly delivered to AMS-M, a state representative in the Illinois House of Representatives … a telephone voicemail containing a threat stating “Quit filling my mailbox with your f***ing b******t every other day you buck-toothed, ugly b**** and now you’re gonna start f***ing harassing me on the telephone. F*** you. I’ll come to your f***ing office and f***ing blow you up.”

The complaint further alleges that approximately four minutes later, Dzadon left a second message in which he stated “Where do you live? Let me know so I can f***ing return the favor to you.”

Dzadon’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 19 for arraignment in front of Judge Mia McPherson.

DCSS announces funding opportunity for mental health and substance use initiatives

The DuPage Council on Strengthening the System for Mental Health & Substance Use Care (DCSS) has announced the availability of $200,000 in grant funds to support mental health and substance use treatment, recovery, harm reduction, prevention, and education. The DCSS particularly seeks innovative, community-based proposals that are sustainable.

“Our goal is to reach into the community and support strategies that provide vital help for families who are struggling with mental illness and to find programs that reduce the impact of substance use on our communities. Making investments in local, grassroots efforts today will change outcomes and help us reduce pain, addiction, and stigma,” said DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy, cochair of the DCSS.

The grant funding is made possible by the DuPage County Board to support the work of DCSS. Grants are available for local government,

charitable community organizations, and behavioral health & substance use disorder treatment providers and organizations. Grant awards are expected to be between $25,000 and $100,000. The submission of an application does not guarantee funds will be made available.

Proposed projects will focus on enhancing the full continuum of care and should address at least one of the following areas:

• Mental health prevention, education, treatment, and recovery

• Substance use prevention, education, treatment, and recovery

• Substance use harm reduction

• Behavioral health workforce development

• The proposed project must serve primarily DuPage County residents.

• Projects focused on treatment and recovery must accept Medicaid and/or individuals who are uninsured.

• Applications proposing innovative strategies are desired. However, projects involving clinical care must use evidence-based treatment practices.

• The proposal must be for a new project or expansion of an existing project.

• Any organization funded by the DCSS will be required to submit a progress report and a final report at dates to be determined.

• Project period will be 12 months.

Grant submissions must be submitted in PDF format by emailing Grants@dupagehealth.org no later than noon on Friday, March 7.

For a complete list of requirements and to apply, visit https:// www.dupagehealth.org/DCSS2025fundingopportunity

• Treatment organizations must be licensed by the state of Illinois (e.g. Illinois Department of Health Services (DMH, SUPR). Treatment providers will be licensed by the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

Nearly 1,000 counterfeit driver’s licenses confiscated at O’Hare international mail facility

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the International Mail Facility at O’Hare International Airport confiscated 984 counterfeit driver’s licenses from Jan. 21-Jan. 26.

With the spring semester under way at many colleges, CBP has seen an uptick in these counterfeit documents. Officers inspecting packages found these IDs concealed within laptop chargers, inside plastic mirrors, and within necklace/jewelry boxes.

Counterfeit documents are fake documents that have the appearance of legal documentation but are not issued by a legitimate organization or government agency and are not recognized in the United States as official travel or identification instruments. Counterfeit documents, such as these driver’s licenses, can be used as a means for college students who have not yet turned the age of 21, to enter a bar or business that sells and

Police Reports

The Addison Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy.

Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Feb. 4

A 43-year-old Bensenville man was charged with two counts of domestic battery at 10:25 p.m.

Feb. 2

Juan Jose Popoca, 40, of Addison, was charged with violation of an order of protection at 6 p.m.

Michal Pstragowski, 53, of Mel-

serves alcohol. Unfortunately, these students put themselves at great risk when purchasing these fake documents.

“Counterfeit driver’s licenses are used by young adults who have not yet reached the legal drinking age,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director, field operations, Chicago Field Office. “CBP’s interception of these IDs significantly reduces the chances for alcohol to be purchased by underage individuals and hopefully reduces the consequences of their actions, including deadly accidents.”

Only two companies have authorization by the U.S. Department of State to print international driver’s licenses in the United States: The American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The IDs were deemed counterfeit based upon the lack of fine line detail, and exhibit features that are not consistent with the document type.

rose Park, was charged with two counts of DUI at 8:51 p.m.

Feb. 1

Teodora O. Siguenza, 63, of Chicago, was charged with theft at 6:58 p.m.

Jan. 30

Police said Alfredo Arteaga, 64, of Addison, was issued a warrant and was charged with two counts of DUI and no insurance at 8:02 p.m.

Jacob Taylor Fulghum, 36, of Addison, was charged with DUI and stopping/standing/parking in a non-business district near Wood Dale and Lake at 11:54 p.m.

Jan. 29

Terrion Townsel, 33, of Chicago, was charged with criminal trespass to vehicles at 8:12 p.m.

According to Sutton-Burke, the reasoning for buying fake IDs has evolved from teenagers trying to get into bars to more nefarious activity.

“Producing these documents without proper authorization and oversight is illegal, and the story doesn’t stop there. Fake documents are associated with identity theft and human trafficking, and the revenue generated from their sales is known to fund

organized crime. Our officers and specialists are trained to recognize a spectrum of fake identification, and their hard work protects innocent civilians around the world.”

CBP officers coordinate identification findings with CBP’s Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and other federal partners to combat any illicit activity. Visit CBP’s YouTube chan-

nel to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.

CBP routinely conducts inspection operations on arriving and departing international flights and intercepts narcotics, weapons, currency, prohibited agriculture products, counterfeit goods, and other illicit items at our nation’s 328 international ports of entry.

DuPage County recognizes 211 Day

DuPage County celebrated 211 Day, recognizing the three-digit phone number that has helped assist residents for the last two years.

The DuPage County Board voted to proclaim Feb. 11 as 211 Day in DuPage County to endorse the value of the helpline to our community’s residents and to raise awareness about the free service. 211 DuPage is a confidential 24-hour information and referral helpline that connects residents to health and human services.

211 DuPage has helped more than

15,700 residents receive assistance for immediate and long-term challenges.

Throughout 2024, trained call specialists connected roughly 8,650 people to locally available services, including help with rent, food, utility bills, senior programs, caregiver support, and health care.

More than 4,100 residents sought assistance for utility payments, more than 2,100 callers requested help for their rent, and roughly 650 people got referrals to food pantries.

Services that can be provided to

residents include mental health services, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, supplemental food programs, shelter, affordable housing options, employment, financial assistance, senior programs, transportation, and more. Residents can call 211 anytime, or text their ZIP code to TXT211 or 898211 to get referrals to assistance available near them. Individuals seeking help may also visit the website at 211dupage.gov to find available services nearby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Homeowners urged to avoid property fraud alert services that charge money

DuPage County Recorder of Deeds

Elizabeth Chaplin is reminding residents that her office provides a free service for homeowners to receive automated alerts any time a document is filed affecting their property, and to be wary of advertisements or mailers that attempt to resell government services for higher prices.

“I was watching a financial news channel recently and saw a commercial selling a property fraud alert service that we offer for free, and I wanted to make sure residents are aware that they don’t have to pay for this valuable service,” said Chaplin.

DuPage County’s free property fraud alert system scans recordings in

real time, and if a document is filed against a property on the subscriber list, the homeowner, or their attorney, will receive a phone call, email or text message.

By providing these free alerts in real time, residents can become aware of potentially fraudulent documents such as fake liens or forged deed transfers. By the time that many victims find out about fraud on their property, the scammer has encumbered it and disappeared with the stolen funds.

Because the state of Illinois maintains an open recording system where no authorization is needed to file against any property, scammers can anonymously mail in fraudulent land

transfers that must, by law, be recorded by the office.

A free property fraud alert is one way that County Recorders can help residents stay ahead of potential fraud.

“Whether it’s an ad in the mail telling you that you need to pay $200 for a copy of your deed or someone reselling a free government service, residents should always check with their local government office before engaging with these companies,” said Chaplin.

To sign up for the office’s free fraud alert, find your property identification number from your property tax bill and visit PropertyFraudAlert.com, or call (630) 407-6500.

William Dzadon

Coming events

Women’s Day

Breakfast March 8

The Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast, hosted by the Zonta Club of Oak Brook, will be held on March 8 in the Harry Caray Ballroom at the Westin Hotel in Lombard. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. Megan Radavich, executive director of Zonta International, will be the keynote speaker. Megan will speak about the work of Zonta International and present updates on Zonta’s local and international service projects. Guests are being asked to bring feminine hygiene or paper products to the breakfast. Donated products will be given to local women’s shelters by the Zonta Club of Oak Brook. The cost of the breakfast is $30 per person. Proceeds from the breakfast will go to the Zonta International Foundation for Women. Lombard Bank and Trust is a Gold Sponsor of this event. To request ticket information call/ text 630-988-0625 go to iwdboakbrook@gmail.com.

GPS program Feb. 27

On Thursday, Feb. 27, the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will host Sarah Ward and Jessica Minahan in a program titled “Crack the Behavior Code, Increase Organizational Skills and Harness Worry” at 7 p.m. for a hybrid in-person and Zoom webinar at Glenbard South High School, 23W200 Butterfield Road in Glen Ellyn. Ward and Minahan will offer practical tools for improving student success. They will discuss the best ways to build skills that reduce anxiety and improve executive functioning, self-monitoring and task initiation. Visit GPSparentseries.org for information and the link to this webinar. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668.

Life Life Well Week program Feb. 25

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will present “The Critical Skills to Unleash Perseverance, Passion and Purpose” with Duncan Kirkwood

at 7 p.m. at the Glenbard West High School library, 670 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. As an inner-city student, Kirkwood overcame many setbacks to make it to graduation Now a resilience officer in the Alabama National Guard, Kirkwood trains soldiers in perseverance skills, and he equips students and adults with the same practical tools. He will share his experiences and the life lessons he learned during his journey. Visit GPSparentseries.org for details. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@ glenbard.org or 630-942-7668.

Gardening series

University of Illinois Extension participants will log on for weekly online workshops starting March 4. Each session will explore a new topic and give participants the opportunity to engage with Extension horticulture experts. Along the way, attendees will receive emails with more research-based tips and factsheets to supplement learning.

Sessions will be from 6 to 7 p.m. on select Tuesdays. Each class consists of a live 50-minute presentation followed by time for Q&A. Extension horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Jennifer Fishburn, Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, Ken Johnson and Sarah Vogel will lead this series.

Series Sessions

Where Will You Garden? March 4

Seed and Plant Choices, Soils, and Fertilizers March 11

Cool-Season Vegetables March 18

Warm-Season Vegetables March 25

Insects and Diseases April 1

Bonus: Gardening Q&A Session April 29

The cost is $10 for the series, and registration is required by Feb. 28 at go.illinois.edu/GrowGreatVegetables. Sessions will be recorded and made available to registered participants if they are unable to attend live.

For questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Ken Johnson by email at kjohnso@illinois.edu or phone at (217) 243-7424. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.

Worship

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

“The Crucial Hours”

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm Wednesday Service at 7pm

Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26

Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, February 22, Game Night at 4 pm

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

Everyone is Welcome!

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover”

779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834 -6700 www.visitationparish.org

Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM

Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM

Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM

Adoration:

Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7

Robotic-assisted knee replacement enables nurse to resume traveling – and climb a mountain

After Darlene Day’s husband passed away in 2018, she embraced traveling as a way to fill the void in her life.

The retired nurse went to Paris in 2019, and although her arthritic left knee made walking difficult, she enjoyed the trip enough to make plans to travel next to South Africa.

But the COVID-19 pandemic caused that trip to be canceled, and while she waited for the pandemic to subside, her knee pain worsened. Cortisone shots helped her manage the pain for a while but gradually became less effective. “I was having a hard time, especially going up steps,” said Day, who has two adult children and two grandchildren. “I knew I wanted to travel, and in order to travel, I knew I had to get my knee replaced.”

With the help of a friend and fellow nurse, Day connected with Andrew Ehmke, D.O., a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement surgery at the Center for Advanced Joint Replacement (CAJR) on the campus of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange.

After meeting with Day and confirming she needed a knee replacement, Ehmke replaced her knee in August 2022 with the help of a Mako® robotic-arm assisted surgery system. She went home the next

day after starting physical therapy at the hospital. She then had physical therapy three days a week for about a month. At that point, “I felt pretty good,” Day said. “The pain was manageable. I didn’t stay on the pain-killing medication long. Tylenol® was good enough.” About six weeks after her surgery, she was walking normally without any pain.

Reaching a peak

Eager to travel again, Day flew to Florida in November 2022 to celebrate a friend’s birthday. “I couldn’t believe I went to the beach, and I was walking in the sand,” she said. When an opportunity to travel to South Africa arose again in 2023, Day signed up without hesitation. “I said, `I’m going to go. I didn’t get this knee fixed just for nothing,’’’ she recalled. Day, 71, not only took the trip, but also climbed to the top of Table Mountain, which overlooks Cape Town and Table Bay from an elevation of more than 3,500 feet. “They take you in a gondola to a flat part of the mountain, but then you have to hike up farther to get to the top,” she said. “I said to myself, `I don’t believe God let me have this knee not to go.’ So I went and made it to the top. I was very proud of myself.”

Standing at the top of the mountain was an emotional experience. “I said, `My eyes have seen the glory,’’’ she said. “The view was beautiful. I

had never seen anything like it. I just thanked God.”

Helping patients get lives back Ehmke began performing robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement surgeries in 2015. He now has performed more than 1,000 and believes so strongly in their effectiveness that he does not perform traditional open knee and hip replacement surgeries.

Mimicking patient’s natural knee

When compared with open surgeries, robotic-assisted surgeries offer multiple benefits, including a smaller incision, less time in surgery, greater surgical precision, reduced pain, faster recoveries, and joint replacements that fit better and feel more natural, Ehmke said.

His knee-replacement surgeries usually take about an hour, and most of his patients return home the day of their surgery and feel normal again about six weeks later. “Even before six weeks, my patients are highly functional,” Ehmke said. “They’re usually driving again after two to three weeks.” By contrast, traditional open knee replacement surgeries take twice as long and require hospital stays of two to three days, followed by about three months of recovery, he said.

See KNEE, Page 13

Darlene Day preparing to make the ascent of Table Mountain in South Africa after undergoing a robotic-assisted knee replacement at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth in La Grange.

SUBMITTED

IDPH celebrates American Heart Month in February

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is announcing a monthlong focus on heart health during American Heart Month in February.

The annual observance serves as a reminder to the public about the dangers of cardiovascular disease and the resources that are available to help people maintain heart health.

Gov. JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Gov. Juliana Stratton joined IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in urging the public to be aware of, and to take care of, their heart health.

“Heart disease remains the number one cause of death both nationally and right here in Illinois,” said Vohra. “But heart disease can be preventable when we are aware of our own personal risk factors. The first step in prevention is identifying what can make your heart unhealthy, such as untreated high blood pressure, high

cholesterol, and high levels of stress. Next, create a heart-healthy action plan. Finally, schedule a check-up with your medical provider and take control of your heart health today.”

“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Illinois and across the country, but many risk factors are preventable,” said Pritzker. “This Heart Health Month, take charge of your well-being and schedule a screening, make heart-healthy choices, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. If you need support, the Illinois Department of Public Health has great resources to help you stay on top of your heart health. A little prevention today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.”

IDPH social media channels will also be busy during the month, with frequent messaging about heart disease risks and prevention strategies, including:

No Frills Fun Run is Sunday, Feb. 23 in Elmhurst

The No Frills Fun Run is an annual charitable run that was started in 2012 by two moms in Elmhurst. Each year, one local family in need is selected to receive 100 percent of the proceeds from all the funds raised across various fundraising events, the race registration and the after race party with raffle baskets and silent auction items.

The run itself is exactly as its name implies... “no frills”. It’s usually cold (and sometimes snowy) outside but the incredible hearts of

• Knee

this community’s runners, sponsors and volunteers make this one of the warmest events in town. The race takes place on the Prairie Path with a start and finish at York Street and the Prairie Path. The course option is a 5K distance. You can complete it twice for a 10K. You can also choose to run or walk a mile if that’s more your speed. What matters more than the distance is your participation and support. For further information, visit nofrillsfunrun.org.

(Continued from page 12)

“Where robotic-assisted surgery really shines compared with open surgeries is that once the patient has recovered and returned to their full activities, their new knee mimics their natural knee so much better,” Ehmke said. “It feels more natural and more comfortable and allows the patient to do more rigorous activities on the knee. Because it fits comfortably and smoothly, it’s going to last longer.”

Using robot as a surgical tool

Before surgery, Ehmke uses a CT scan of a patient’s knee to create a 3D virtual model of the knee. He studies the model, evaluating the patient’s bone structure, disease severity, joint alignment and surrounding bone and tissue, and creates a customized surgery plan based on the patient’s unique anatomy. “I can plan out exactly what size parts I’ll use to fit them perfectly and how I can position them to recreate their specific anatomy,” he said.

The 3D model and surgical plan are loaded into the robot and displayed during surgery, enabling Ehmke to follow his plan with great precision, making fine-tuning adjustments as necessary. “Using the robot, we can make adjustments in one-millimeter increments, which is impossible to do with the naked eye,” he said. “The precision of the robot allows me to be a much better surgeon because

I can fine-tune the knee in ways I never could before. That produces a more comfortable, natural fit for the patient.”

Planning the surgery in advance shortens operating time because “I don’t have to stop and think about what step comes next,” Ehmke said. “I can just execute the plan with robotic precision.” He also credits CAJR’s specially trained surgical staff for the efficiency and success of his surgeries. “Our team is very experienced,” he said, noting that CAJR handles more than 3,000 joint-replacement surgeries a year.

Ehmke emphasized that his surgeries are not automated. “I control them 100 percent,” he said. “The robot is a tool I use in surgery, not something that does the surgery for me.”

For example, although a saw is attached to the robotic arm to cut bone during surgery, Ehmke moves the saw himself, making precision cuts based on his surgical plan. “I can stop it whenever I want, and the robot prevents it from going outside our pre-programmed zones, so it only removes the bone we want to remove to make the implants fit perfectly,” he said.

For more information about knee and hip replacement and the Center for Advanced Joint Replacement, please visit Ortho-pedic Care | UChicago Medicine AdventHealth.

“

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death both nationally and right here in Illinois and across the country, but many risk factors are preventable.”

• The benefits of regular checkups and frequent monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels;

• The symptoms of a heart attack;

• The heart benefits of adequate sleep, proper diet, physical activity, and giving up smoking;

• And more.

You can connect with IDPH social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, and LinkedIn.

IDPH has also made radio pub-

–Gov. JB Pritzker

lic service announcements on heart health available once again to radio stations across the state.

Additional information about heart health can also be found on the IDPH website at Heart Disease.

Unsung heroes

Blood donors quietly revolutionizing Sickle Cell treatment

For Jimi Olaghere, sickle cell disease once meant a life of limitations, sudden pain episodes and frequent hospitalizations. Today, thanks to groundbreaking gene therapy and blood donors, he is reaching new heights.

“I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to have a gene-editing transplant without blood donations,” said Olaghere.

Complications of Sickle Cell disease

Prior to gene therapy, Olaghere’s life was consumed by severe health complications caused by sickle cell disease – the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S.

He experienced acute chest syndrome, pneumonia, avascular necrosis, lung damage, and more. Once, he suffered cardiac arrest due to not receiving a preventative blood transfusion before a minor surgery.

“Sickle cell was like a dream killer for me,” said Olaghere. “I like to equate it to a succession of time bombs in terms of what it feels like living with sickle cell and having all these complications.”

Newfound hope

In 2019, hope appeared when Olaghere discovered a news article detailing how gene therapy could be

used to boost fetal hemoglobin production in patients with sickle cell disease, potentially reducing symptoms.

Inspired to have a better quality of life, Olaghere signed up to participate in a CRISPR gene-editing clinical trial under the care of Dr. Haydar Frangoul at Sarah Cannon Research Institute.

“When we went with Dr. Frangoul’s team, it was like when Dorothy goes into Oz and all of a sudden everything turns from black and white to color,” said Amanda Olaghere, Jimi Olaghere’s wife.

“To finally have somebody listening to us and hearing us...it was a relief to know that while we were fighting our fight in the dark, somebody else was doing good work behind the scenes,” she added.

For a year, Olaghere underwent the gene therapy process. Before treatment, he had bi-weekly red blood cell exchanges – a non-surgical procedure that replaces abnormal red blood cells with healthy ones from blood donors – to keep him well throughout the trial.

During the first phase, in which his blood stem cells were collected and sent to a lab for genetic editing, he had whole blood transfusions after each collection.

Post chemotherapy, patients may

need platelet donations to increase their platelet levels before getting the edited stem cells.

“I received about 20 to 30 units of blood in total,” said Jimi Olaghere, who has had over 200 blood transfusions throughout the course of his life.

Since he completed gene therapy, Jimi Olaghere’s life has transformed. He no longer experiences sickle cell pain crises requiring transfusions. His energy has skyrocketed, allowing him to manage work and family life in ways he never imagined.

He and his wife now have three children and have transitioned from a life of “Netflix and chill” to one filled with swim lessons, travel, and constant activity.

Recently, Jimi Olaghere hiked a 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado, preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for sickle cell disease.

“It kind of feels like I’m living my dream, but at the same time I’m still able to go after things I’ve always dreamed of that I haven’t been able to attain because of my disease,” he explained.

“What I would say to the blood donors who helped Jimi through this process is ‘we could not be here without you,’” said Amanda Olaghere. “Our story is your story.”

What you can do

Blood and platelet donations are vital for people with sickle disease getting gene therapies and stem cell transplants as well as those in need of regular blood transfusions to alleviate pain and help manage their disease.

A patient undergoing gene therapy for sickle cell disease may need as many as 50 units of blood and up to 25 units of platelets. To schedule a blood donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood. org/OurBlood or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

NAPS Rock Valley Publishing

Jimi Olaghere and his wife, Amanda, are grateful for blood donors who helped save his life and enabled him to complete gene therapy to treat his sickle cell disease.

Fitness classes worth considering Taking place indoors makes them

Ask people what their top New Year’s resolution is each year and they’re likely to say something along the lines of “lose weight” or “get fit.”

That is why area gyms run specials throughout the month of January as they seek to attract new people intent on improving their overall health. Too often these resolutions are a distant memory by the ides of March.

Despite repeatedly hearing about how important diet and exercise can be for personal health, and even despite the same resolutions made at the start of every year, a recent survey from Healthy People 2020, an initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services, found only 24 percent of Americans 18 and older met current aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening guidelines.

ideal this time of the year

Among those who exercise regularly, a study published in the International Journal of Liberal Arts and Social Science found women tend to exercise more than men and have different exercise habits and motivation to exercise.

Women were apt to exercise to control weight, while men do so to improve fitness level. As women find more time for exercise, they may be drawn to the various classes available that can help them meet their exercise goals.

Barre classes

Barre classes are inspired by ballet and work on the ballet bar. They are designed to help participants develop a lean and long dancer’s body.

The classes may be low-intensity or vigorous, depending on the instructor. They certainly will be leg-heavy with a lot of squat or plié type maneuvers.

Zumba

Zumba is a danced-based class that incorporates dance styles from around the world but tends to feature a notable concentration of Latin moves.

The music is full of energy, and instructors engage the classes with fancy footwork that feels more like visiting a dance club than a workout studio.

cular dividends. Stationary bikes line workout rooms, and the instructor varies the pace and intensity to simulate various real-world conditions.

Circuit classes

Circuit classes feature short intervals at various stations or machines. Participants move around the circuit in predetermined periods of time to complete the exercises.

High intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT stands for high intensity interval training. HIIT features short bursts (anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes) of cardiovascular exercises that are designed to work at intense levels with recovery, but not rest periods.

This keeps the heart pumping and is designed to boost metabolism. Plus, the workouts are short, so time-crunched people don’t have to devote as much time to the gym each day.

Aerial fitness

Those who have been to the circus may have been amazed at the aerial artistry of being twisted and suspended in silk. Aerial fitness classes blend elements of this performance art with gymnastics and yoga.

Cycling

Riding a bicycle pays enormous cardiovas-

Exercise classes come in many forms and can motivate women to fully commit to their fitness goals.

As people find – or make – more time for exercise, they may be drawn to the various classes available that can help them meet their exercise goals. This is the perfect time of year to give some new classes a try as they’re offered.

Many health conditions linked to alcohol use

CALL TODAY to schedule your child’s appointment! (630) 833-1166

We see children from birth to age 18. Membership plans and monthly payment plans are available.

We see children from birth to age 18. Membership plans and monthly payment plans are available.

CALL TODAY to schedule your child’s appointment! (630) 833-1166

And be sure to check out all of our great Google reviews!

And be sure to check out all of our great Google reviews!

Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed beverages across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is a psychoactive substance that is a nervous system depressant. Alcohol contains dependence-producing properties, which means there is the risk for addiction.

Although alcohol has been widely used in many cultures for centuries, overconsumption of alcohol can cause various diseases. In fact, the WHO says alcohol is a casual factor in more than 200 diseases, injuries and other health conditions.

• Immune system disruption: The NIH says alcohol can interfere with multiple aspects of the immune response; the result can be decreased protection against infection.

• GERD: Drinking alcohol can cause an increased risk of gastrointestinal reflux disease.

• Various cancers: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate alcohol can lead to cancers of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.

• Mental health issues: Alcohol usage can exacerbate existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, or potentially lead to them.

The jury is still out regarding just how harmful alcohol can be. There are some who believe that light drinking poses little risk, and it was once believed there were some benefits to enjoying a drink once in a while, such as a lower risk for heart disease or diabetes.

• Cardiovascular disease: The Mayo Clinic warns that heavy drinking can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure and stroke.

Today, many experts are rethinking those assertions.

The Mayo Clinic says current research on alcohol suggests drinking in any amount carries a health risk. While the risk may be low for moderate intake, the risk escalates as the number of drinks go up.

Here are some health conditions tied to alcohol usage.

• Pregnancy complications: Women are urged to avoid alcohol while pregnant because drinking may cause the unborn baby to suffer brain damage or be born with fetal alcohol syndrome.

• Alcohol poisoning: Alcohol poisoning is an acute condition of heavy binge drinking. This illness can cause brain damage, seizures and hypothermia, all of which can lead to death.

• Alcohol use disorders: The CDC warns that drinking can eventually lead to dependence on alcohol and the development of alcohol use disorder, which is the term now used in place of alcoholism or alcohol dependence.

• Liver disease: The National Institutes of Health says 90 percent of absorbed alcohol is metabolized in the liver, so it is extensively exposed not only to alcohol, but toxic alcohol metabolites. Hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver, is one alcohol-related liver disease. ALD is a major contributor to morbidity in the United States and around the world.

• Brain changes: Excessive alcohol consumption may cause irreversible brain damage depending on how much a person drinks, says the Alcohol Rehab Guide.

Many health professionals warn that drinking more than one alcoholic beverage per day for women and two for men, is considered moderate drinking, can lead to health complications. Currently the sentiments are there is no safe amount of alcohol, and people may want to consider avoiding it entirely in the name of good health.

Hanover Park man found guilty of attempted murder

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced last week that Judge Joseph Bugos has found Reco Murry, 27, formerly of Hanover Park, guilty of shooting at a female motorist in the summer of 2022.

Judge Bugos rendered his verdict this morning following a two-day-long bench trial which concluded on Jan. 20.

On Aug. 22, 2022, Murry appeared in Bond Court in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell who denied bond. He has been held in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time.

In all, Judge Bugos found Murry guilty of two counts of attempted murder (Class X Felony) and two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class 1 felony).

On Aug. 21, 2022, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the victim was in her vehicle stopped at a red light at Lake Street and Ontarioville Road in Hanover Park when Murry pulled up behind her. When the light turned green, Murry immediately began honking at the victim and tailgated her.

The victim pulled over to let Murry pass. Shortly after passing the victim, Murry stopped at which time the victim attempted to continue driving past Murry. As the victim attempted to pass Murry, the two vehicles were involved in a minor traffic crash.

When the victim stepped out of her car

to exchange information, Murry began yelling at her, pulled out a handgun and fired two shots at her.

The victim ran back to her car and drove away with Murry following her. It is alleged that Murry caught up to the victim at a red light at the intersection of County Farm Road and Lake Street and fired four more rounds at the victim’s vehicle.

It is alleged that the victim then drove to the Hanover Park Police Department and circled the parking lot with Murry still following her. Officers with the Hanover Park Police Department took Murry into custody at this time. Through the course of their investigation officers found a 9mm Taurus handgun from under the driver’s seat of Murry’s vehicle.

Authorities also recovered a total of six shell casings from the two locations as well as five bullet cartridges from the victim’s vehicle.

Additionally, the victim’s vehicle was found to have multiple bullet holes and a shattered passenger side window. The victim was uninjured.

Murry’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 31 for return of the pre-sentence report.

He faces a penalty of between 26 to 50 years in the Illinois Department of corrections to be served at 85 percent.

As Chicago strengthens immigrant protections, downstate officials split on sanctuary laws

Illinois counties, cities leverage local laws to guide immigration policy

By Lily Carey and Medill Illinois News Bureau

As the Trump administration has begun enacting mass deportations in recent weeks, activists and public officials in Chicago have been scaling up protections for immigrants.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker have both vowed to leverage state law to limit such arrests, leading the Trump administration to sue the state, Cook County and Chicago last week over their respective sanctuary laws.

The state’s TRUST Act, enacted in 2017, prevents local authorities from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement with civil immigration enforcement or asking people about their immigration status.

But beyond the Chicago area, the landscape of local immigration laws is more mixed, and some lawmakers in downstate Illinois are trying to block those protections.

In 2023 and 2024, over a dozen Illinois counties and cities passed non-sanctuary laws or resolutions, explicitly stating that they don’t intend to welcome undocumented immigrants—and many of these municipalities are doubling down on their non-sanctuary approach in the wake of President Donald Trump’s push for mass deportations.

“We had a clear mandate from our voters that they wanted us to react with the more ‘Trump way’ of handling these immigration issues,” Drew Muffler, chairman of the Grundy County Board, said in an interview. “We didn’t want to find ourselves financially on the hook to have to provide accommodations (for incoming migrants).”

Grundy County was the first municipality in the state to enact a non-sanctuary ordinance in December 2023. Muffler said the move was sparked by voter feedback on a 2020 referendum, where 64 percent of county residents said they preferred a more conservative approach to immigration law.

Like Grundy County, the counties that have enacted non-sanctuary laws

did so when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began sending buses of migrants to Illinois. Local officials hoped to send a message that they wouldn’t welcome these buses after some began dropping migrants off in the suburbs with no warning, rather than a dropoff site in Chicago.

But with the TRUST Act in place statewide, non-sanctuary resolutions in Grundy County and throughout the state have little legal power, even in the wake of Trump’s changes to federal immigration policy.

“People have been asking, what is Grundy County going to do with the new facts on the table? And obviously we leaned on the sheriff for that question, and his answer is very simple: we have to, as of right now, follow the TRUST Act,” Muffler said.

Under this law, state and local police are legally not allowed to assist ICE in federal civil immigration enforcement, as long as they don’t prevent federal forces from doing their job. It applies to the entire state, even in communities that align more closely with Trump’s approach to immigration law.

“Counties or cities or villages where, say, the local government may not be so inclined to resist immigration enforcement, they still cannot participate in immigration enforcement activities,” Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said in an interview.

In the first few weeks of the Trump administration, this issue has mainly impacted the greater Chicago area, where the immigrant population is much higher.

According to the ACLU of Illinois, there had been about 1,000 arrests nationally as of Feb. 7, with about 100 of these taking place in Chicago and its suburbs. The ACLU and local law enforcement officials told Capitol News Illinois that they aren’t aware of any ICE arrests outside the Chicago area.

Still, partisan opposition to the TRUST Act has become louder in Springfield. In January, Republican

lawmakers introduced a bill that would overturn the TRUST Act, requiring local law enforcement to comply with ICE if necessary.

“It’s my view that public safety is at greater risk when you restrict the ability for federal and state authorities to communicate with one another,” Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, lead sponsor of the Immigration Enforcement Act, told Capitol News Illinois. “We have a responsibility to make sure that people are here legally, and that those that are not are quickly removed.”

The Democratic supermajority in the state legislature—led by Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, both of whom supported the TRUST Act in 2017— is unlikely to support any challenge to the sanctuary law, Tsao said. The Immigration Enforcement Act is sponsored by three Republican senators and has yet to gain Democratic backing.

“By taking these steps, the City of

Evanston aims to uphold its values of community trust and safety while ensuring every resident has the opportunity to thrive,” the city said in a statement. “Together, we are building a vibrant, inclusive community for all.”

Lily Carey is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and a Fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Did you know that dental-related ailments are responsible for the loss of more than 50 million school hours each year? That’s right. Thousands of children miss school every year because of some dentalrelated ailment. Fortunately, many of these ailments can be prevented through good oral care.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, make your child’s smile a priority. Take them to the dentist regularly and teach them to care for their teeth properly.

PUZZLE Page

SUDOKU

Fun by the Numbers

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How

It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

CLUES ACROSS

1. Tropical Asian plant

5. Yankees’ slugger Judge

10. Helps to preserve food

12. Plant disease

14. One who predicts

16. Equally

18. Burundian franc

19. Pouch

20. Arizona city

22. Surround

23. Hard, heavy timber

25. Witnessed

26. They __

27. French river

28. A way to drink

30. Small constellation

31. Peruse a written work

33. Type of hound

35. Plant of the goosefoot family

37. Evade or escape

38. A way to confine

40. Volcanic crater

41. Weekday

42. Women’s service organization (abbr.)

44. Local area network

45. Sensory receptor

48. Posted

50. Tibetan pastry

52. Licensed for Wall Street

53. Very willing

55. Golf score

56. Consume

57. Touchdown

58. Tends to remind

63. In a way, smoothed

65. Poke holes in the ground

66. Herbaceous plants

67. Taiwanese river

CLUES DOWN

1. Body art

2. Boxing’s GOAT

3. Film for posterity (abbr.)

4. Prayer

5. Calculating machine

6. Keyboard key

7. Outburst

8. Man-eating giants

9. New Hampshire

10. Type of sword

11. Counting

13. Pants style

15. Political action committee

17. U.S. government legislative branch

18. Civil Rights Act component

21. Contractors take one

23. Spanish soldier

24. A person’s brother or sister

27. Expressed pleasure

29. Song of praise

32. Shock treatment

34. Patti Hearst’s captors

35. Counteract

36. Goes over again

39. Popular Dodge truck

40. Male adult

43. A part of a river where the current is very fast

44. Rope used to lasso

46. Become less intense

47. Subway rodent

49. Lead alloy

51. Japanese honorific title

54. Advise someone

59. Famous NYC museum

60. Ocean

61. Cathode-ray tube

62. Cologne

64. It starts with these

Sports

Comeback win lifts Rams to a division title

Down 32-23 at halftime, Glenbard Easts rallies to beat Ridgewood 73-66; Rams post a first-place record of 11-1 in their division

The Glenbard East boys basketball team needed to beat Ridgewood on Friday night in Lombard to close out a championship season in the Upstate Eight Conference’s East Division.

After a very slow start, the Rams heated up and eventually earned a 73-66 win over the visiting Rebels.

Glenbard East, which finished its division season with Friday’s victory, posted an 11-1 record in division play.

Riverside Brookfield also turned in an Upstate Eight Conference East Division record of 11-1 to join the Rams atop the division standings.

Glenbard East and the Bulldogs split their two meetings this season. Riverside Brookfield earned a narrow 59-58 win over the Rams on Jan. 14 in Riverside. Glenbard East won the rematch, beating the Bulldogs 67-59 in Lombard on Jan. 30.

The Rams’ first-place finish in 2024-25 division standings gave the program its first division/ conference championship in nine years. Glenbard East’s 2015-16 team won a share of the Upstate Eight Valley Conference title. The Rams and West Chicago both finished that season with 7-3 conference records.

The Rams raised their overall season record to 20-9 with Friday’s victory.

Glenbard East may not have expected a major challenge from Ridgewood in Friday’s contest. The Rams beat the Rebels 71-58 in the teams’ first division meeting of the season, which took place on Dec. 17 in Ridgewood. The Rebels, who entered Friday’s game with a division record of 5-6, led the Rams 16-10 at the end of the first quarter. Ridgewood’s lead ballooned to 16 points at one point during the second quarter, but the Rams shaved the Rebels’ lead to 32-23 by halftime.

“They [the Rebels] are very well-coached,” said Glenbard East coach Eric Kelly after Friday’s thrilling victory. “They played hard. Our guys showed a lot of heart, and we wanted this real bad. We came back and played a great game.”

After scoring 23 points in the entire first half, Glenbard East erupted for 28 points in the third quarter and took a 51-47 lead with eight minutes to play.

Junior Danny Snyder, who did not score any points in the first half of Friday’s game, scored 10 points for the Rams in the third quarter. Snyder sank four shots, including a pair of 3-point attempts, during the quarter.

Junior Jacob Marynowski, who also went scoreless in the first half, provided nine of the Rams’ third-quarter points.

Ridgewood drained a 3-point shot in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter. Moments later, the Rebels made a pair of free throws to take a 52-51 lead with 7:27 to play.

Marynowski made two free throws to give the Rams a 53-52 lead with 7:07 on the clock.

Ridgewood took a 55-53 lead, but a 3-point play from Marynowski put the Rams ahead 56-55 with 5:44 remaining.

A breakaway layup by Glenbard East senior Devin Kraft tied the score at 59-59 with about 4:10 left in the game. Snyder connected on two free throws to give the Rams a 61-59 advantage with 3:30 remaining.

Ridgewood sank a 3-point shot to take a 62-61 lead with about 2:20 to play. Glenbard East senior Michael Nee was fouled on a 3-point shot on the Rams’ subsequent trip down the court. Nee stepped to the free-throw line and made all three attempts to give Glenbard East a 64-62 lead with 2:02 remaining.

Seconds later, junior Sam Walton of the Rams delivered a steal and drove toward the hoop. Walton scored an inside basket and was fouled on the play. Walton was called for a technical foul after the exciting play. He went to the free-throw line and made the shot to complete his 3-point play, which gave the Rams a 67-62 lead with 1:47 on the clock. The Rebels then went to the free-throw line and made two shots they picked up on Walton’s technical foul to cut the lead to 67-64.

Marynowski made two free throws to raise Glenbard East’s lead to 69-64 with 1:29 on the clock.

Snyder drained two free throws to boost the Rams’ lead to 71-66 with 41.7 seconds remaining. Nee closed out the scoring by sinking two free throws with 14.8 seconds to play.

Marynowski scored a team-leading 17 points in Friday’s victory. Kraft and Nee added 16 points each. Nee made all eight of his free-throw attempts. He sank three shots from the foul line in the third quarter and drained five free throws in the fourth quarter.

Snyder added 14 points, tallying 10 points in the third quarter and making all four of his free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter.

Walton contributed seven points, while junior Muhammad Musleh provided three points by connecting on a 3-point shot in the third quarter.

“It was a total group effort,” added Kelly after Friday’s victory.

“It wasn’t one guy. All of the guys did something good. Everybody did something today.”

The Rams began last week’s ac -

tion with a 58-48 loss to Deerfield on Feb. 10 in Lombard. That loss snapped Glenbard East’s 10-game winning streak. Snyder scored 16 points in the contest, while Nee added 14 points.

The visiting Warriors of Deerfield led the Rams 11-9 after one quarter and 28-20 at halftime. Deerfield owned a 43-31 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Glenbard East was supposed to play a home game against Joliet Central on Feb. 12, but that contest was canceled because of severe winter weather.

ball team needed to beat Ridgewood in Friday’s Upstate Eight Conference East Division game in Lombard to claim the division title. The visiting Rebels led the Rams by as many as 16 points in the first half. Glenbard East cut Ridgewood’s lead to 32-23 by halftime. The Rams heated up in the third quarter and took a 51-47 lead with eight minutes to play. Ridgewood regained the lead during a tense fourth quarter, but Glenbard East managed to pull out a 73-66 victory. With the win, the Rams finished their division season with an 11-1 record and claimed the program’s first conference/division title in nine years. Riverside Brookfield also went 11-1 in the division standings. Glenbard East and the Bulldogs split their two division meetings. One photo (top left) from Friday’s game shows junior Jacob Marynowski (No. 15), who scored a team-leading 17 points for the Rams. Another photo (left) shows senior Devin Kraft (No. 10), who is pictured while driving for a basket that tied the score at 59-59 in the middle of the fourth quarter. Kraft scored 16 points for the Rams. One more photo (above) shows junior Michael Nee, who is pictured at the free-throw line. Nee, who scored 16 points in Friday’s victory, made all eight of his free-throw attempts during the second half.

The Rams, who improved their overall season record to 20-9 with Friday’s win, will begin IHSA Class 4A post-season action with a Feb. 26 game against Bartlett at the Lake Park Regional.

The Rams completed their regular season earlier this week with a home game against West Aurora— the champion of the Upstate Eight Conference’s West Division. Glenbard East will open the IHSA Class 4A post-season with a Feb. 26 game against Bartlett at the Lake Park Regional. The Rams crushed Bartlett 72-33 in a Feb. 5 meeting in Bartlett. If Glenbard East beats the Hawks in the regional semifinal, it will face Proviso East or Lake Park in the regional final on Feb. 28.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing Glenbard East’s boys basket-

Broncos win seven titles at Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional

Ten Broncos qualify for IHSA Class 2A

individual state meet

Eleven wrestlers from Montini Catholic High School competed in the IHSA Class 2A individual sectional at Hinsdale South, which concluded on Saturday. All of the wrestlers who took part in the sectional needed to earn top-four finishes in their respective weight classes to qualify for the IHSA Class 2A individual state meet, which takes place this week in Champaign.

Ten of Montini’s sectional competitors qualified for the individual state meet. Seven Broncos delivered first-place finishes at the Hinsdale South Sectional.

Montini’s champions at the individual sectional included freshman Erik Klichurov, who won the 106-pound title; sophomore Allen

Woo, who claimed first-place honors in the 113-pound level; sophomore Mikey Malizzio, the winner of the 120-pound championship; and sophomore Bobby Ruscitti, who captured the 126-pound championship.

Junior Kam Luif provided the Broncos with another first-place finish by winning the sectional’s 138-pound title. Montini junior Santino Tenuta won the 165-pound championship at Hinsdale South, while sophomore Gavin Ericson-Staton of the Broncos battled to a title in the 285-pound division.

Klichurov will head to the individual state meet with a 44-4 season record. Woo will open the state meet with a 45-5 record. Ruscitti, who reached the 40-win mark at the sectional, will begin this week’s state meet with a record of 40-3. Luif will start the meet with a 46-4 record.

Montini junior A.J. Tack earned a trip to Champaign with his sec-

ond-place finish in the Hinsdale South Sectional’s 175-pound weight class. Senior Jaxon Lane of the Broncos qualified for the state meet with his third-place finish in the sectional’s 190-pound level. Sophomore Isaac Mayora of Montini advanced to the state meet with his fourth-place finish in the sectional’s 132-pound division.

“Our seven champions wrestled very strong, and defeated several highly ranked wrestlers along their championship paths,” stated Montini coach Mike Bukovsky after the individual sectional at Hinsdale South.

“The other three guys did a great job, and won some matches that they possibly weren’t favored to win. I think as usual our season schedule prepared us for the competition we see throughout the IHSA series. Our guys know that they have worked hard and put in the time to compete for individual titles and medals next

Pitts earns individual state-meet berth

Senior records seventh-place finish in individual standings of the De La Salle Institute Sectional

The Glenbard East girls bowling team competed in Saturday’s IHSA De La Salle Institute Sectional at Bowlero in Lyons. The Rams needed a top-four finish at the 12-team sectional to qualify for this week’s IHSA state meet. Glenbard East placed seventh in the sectional’s team standings and did not earn a berth in the state meet.

Senior Jenna Pitts of the Rams did secure an individual berth in the state meet, which will take place this Friday and Saturday at the Cherry Bowl in Rockford. The De La Salle Institute Sectional’s top five bowlers who weren’t members of state-qualifying teams advanced to the state meet as individuals. Pitts finished second among that quintet of individual state qualifiers.

South Elgin won the sectional title with its total pin count of 5,392. Chicago’s Taft High School placed second with its total of 5,196. York (5,029) claimed third. Addison Trail earned a state-meet berth with its fourth-place total of 5,016. The Blazers finished ahead of fifth-place St. Charles North (4,911) in the battle for the last available state-meet berth.

Morton (4,909) finished in sixth place, two pins behind St. Charles North. Glenbard East landed in seventh in the sectional’s team standings with its team total of 4,830.

Pitts finished seventh in the sectional’s individual standings with her six-game total of 1,123. After opening the sectional with a 163 in her first game, Pitts bowled a 193 in her second game. She then fired a 183 in her third game. Pitts recorded her best game of the sectional when she delivered a 215 in her fourth game. She recorded a 167 in her fifth game and completed the sectional with a 202 in her sixth game.

Glenbard East sophomore Jenna Pope placed 26th in the sectional’s individual standings with her sixgame total of 1,018. Pope bowled her best game of the day—a 203—in her fifth game.

Sophomore Zoey Poling contributed a six-game sectional total of 999 for the Rams. Poling fired her best game of the sectional in her second game, when she recorded a 206.

Glenbard East senior Adalyn Bylsma provided a six-game score of 876. Bylsma turned in her best game of the day when she bowled a 170 in her fifth game.

Senior Kylie White of the Rams posted a six-game sectional total of 814. White bowled a 201 in her second game of the competition.

Ayala leads the Blazers to a state-meet berth with a fantastic finish in her last three sectional games

Senior Angie Ayala led Addison Trail’s state-qualifying performance at Saturday’s De La Salle Institute Sectional in Lyons with her sixth-place effort in the event’s individual standings. Ayala fired a six-game total of 1,140 at the sectional.

After opening the competition with scores of 157, 181 and 136 in her first three games, Ayala produced a strong finish in her next three games.

She delivered a sensational score of 254 in her fourth game. Ayala rolled a 227 in her fifth game before finishing the sectional with a 185 in her sixth game.

Senior Val Pizzoferrato of the Blazers contributed a six-game sectional total of 1,020 to finish 24th in the event’s individual standings. Pizzoferrato bowled her best game of the day when she recorded a 181 in her sixth game.

Senior Grace Cannizzo supplied a six-game sectional score of 1,004 for the Blazers. Cannizzo turned in her best game of the event with a 186 in her sixth game.

Senior Amelia Leslie recorded a six-game sectional total of 939 for the Blazers. Leslie bowled her best game score of the day—a 186—in her fourth game.

Addison Trail sophomore Alessandra Pizzoferrato posted a six-game score of 913 at the sectional. She provided her best game of the event in her fourth game, when she fired a 179.

The Blazers will join 23 other teams at this week’s state meet. The top 12 teams from Friday’s preliminary round will advance to Saturday’s final round.

Four Warriors bowl as individuals at the sectional in Lyons

Four Willowbrook bowlers competed as individuals in the De La Salle Institute Sectional in Lyons. None of those Warriors advanced to the state meet. Willowbrook sophomore Elizabeth Pettinger finished 44th in the sectional’s individual standings with her six-game score of 936. Pettinger bowled her best game of the day in her sixth game, when she turned in a score of 170.

Freshman Lily Nguyen of the Warriors recorded a six-game sectional score of 809 that included a 164 in her sixth game. Junior Reese Farquhar bowled a six-game total of 767 for Willowbrook. Freshman Mikayla Tijerina of the Warriors rolled a six-game sectional score of 748.

weekend in Champaign.”

Two Rams qualify for the Class 3A individual state meet

Glenbard East junior Ismael Chaidez earned a berth in this week’s IHSA Class 3A individual state wrestling meet in Champaign with his second-place finish in the 120-pound level of the Class 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional.

Chaidez earned wins in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds of the sectional before losing the 120-pound championship match. He will enter the individual state meet with a season record of 42-3.

Junior Orlando Hoye will also represent Glenbard East at the IHSA Class 3A individual state meet. Hoye earned a third-place finish in the Hinsdale Central Sectional’s 190-pound division.

Hoye won his first two matches at the sectional before losing in the

semifinal round. He bounced back from the loss to win a 2-0 decision in the consolation round. Hoye completed the sectional with a 6-4 win in the third-place match. Hoye will open the state meet with a 33-12 season record.

Glenbard East sophomore Lorenz Rios Loud competed in the Hinsdale Central Sectional’s 106-pound level. He did not qualify for the state meet. Rios Loud won his first match at the sectional. He then lost in the quarterfinal round. He won two straight matches in the consolation round before ending the event with a loss. Rios Loud finished his season with a record of 36-10.

Willowbrook junior Aris Neal competed in the Hinsdale Central Sectional’s 113-pound division. Neal lost his first two matches at the sectional and did not advance to the state meet. Neal completed his season with a 24-13 record.

Bell captures sectional title in Schaumburg

Montini

senior heads to state meet with a 36-5 record

Montini Catholic senior Kat Bell advanced to the IHSA girls wrestling individual state meet by winning the 100-pound championship at the individual sectional at Schaumburg High School.

Bell won three matches at the sectional, which ended on Saturday. She earned technical-fall victories in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. She then won the 100-pound weight level’s championship match with a first-period pin of Batavia junior Lily Enos.

Bell advanced to the Schaumburg Sectional after winning the 100-pound title at the Hinsdale South Regional on Feb. 1.

The upcoming IHSA girls wrestling individual state meet will take place Feb. 28-March 1 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. Bell will begin the state meet with a season record of 36-5.

Shymkiv and Green will represent the Rams at the individual state meet Glenbard East junior Nadiia Shymkiv earned a berth in the individual state meet by placing third in the Schaumburg Sectional’s 105-pound weight level. Shymkiv won three of four matches at the sectional. After winning in the quarterfinal round, she lost a semifinal match to suffer her first loss of the season. Shymkiv then won a consolation-round match before posting a victory in the 105-pound division’s third-place match.

Shymkiv will head to the state meet with a season record of 32-1. Sophomore Maria Green of Glenbard East earned a state-meet berth with her fourth-place finish in the 135-pound weight division at the Schaumburg Sectional. Green won her first two matches at the sectional to advance to the semifinal round. After losing a semifinal match, Green earned a win in the consolation round before losing the third-place match. Green will head to the state meet with a season record of 35-6.

Rams close out regular season with a loss to South Elgin

The Glenbard East girls basketball team completed its regular season with last week’s 57-48 loss at South Elgin.

The Rams finished their regular season with a 16-15 record.

South Elgin led Glenbard East 19-9 after one quarter of the Feb. 11 contest. The Storm led the Rams 29-19 at halftime and 38-29 at the end of the third quarter. Glenbard East picked up its offensive production in the fourth quarter, scoring 19 points in the game’s final eight minutes. South Elgin also scored 19 points in the fourth quarter. The Storm delivered 13 of those points from the free-throw line. The Rams made all four of their free-throw attempts in the final quarter.

Junior Nora Opila and sophomore Teagan Murphy scored 10 points each for the Rams in their loss to South El-

gin. Murphy scored eight of her points during the fourth quarter. Opila tallied six points in the fourth quarter.

Freshman Olivia Nee provided nine points for Glenbard East in its loss to the Storm. Nee made a pair of 3-point shots in the game. She sank one 3-point basket in the first quarter and added another in the fourth quarter.

Senior Erin Brown contributed six points for the Rams. Seniors Taylour Hodges and Veronica Witt supplied five points each. Junior Haley Greenfield made a 3-point shot in the third quarter to contribute three points.

Earlier this week, Glenbard East played an IHSA Class 4A post-season game against Wheaton North at the St. Charles North Regional. The winner of that contest will likely face St. Charles North in tonight’s regional final.

Warriors beat Blazers

Willowbrook’s boys basketball team defeated Addison Trail 75-67 in Friday’s West Suburban Gold Conference game in Villa Park. The Warriors led the visiting Blazers 21-10 after one quarter and 39-29 at halftime. Willowbrook held a 54-50 lead at the end of the third quarter. Senior Luke Smith (No. 1 - above left) of Addison Trail) sank a 2-point field goal to even the score at 64-64 with about 1:17 left in the game. Moments later, Willowbrook senior Mark Murrell drained a 3-point shot to give his team a 67-64 lead with about one minute to play. Murrell (pictured above right at the foul line) then made one free throw to raise the Warriors’ lead to 68-64 with 40.1 seconds on the clock. Willowbrook junior Otis Powell made seven free throws to account for his team’s final seven points of the game. Powell scored 34 points for the Warriors in Friday’s victory. Smith poured in 35 points for Addison Trail. Murrell contributed 16 points for Willowbrook. Junior Jaylen Griffen added 10 points for the Warriors, who improved to 8-19 overall and 4-5 in conference play with the win. Willowbrook dropped to 8-20 overall and 4-6 in the conference following Saturday’s 55-44 loss at Hinsdale South. Powell scored 17 points in Saturday’s loss to the Hornets. Willowbrook senior Filip Palutkiewicz sank four shots from 3-point range and contributed 14 points. Earlier in the week, the Warriors lost 64-44 to Christ the King in a non-conference game in Villa Park. Powell scored 21 points in the Feb. 10 contest. Griffen added 12 points. The Warriors are finishing their conference season with this week’s games at Morton and Downers Grove South.

Warriors earn post-season win over Bartlett

Willowbrook High School’s girls basketball team opened IHSA Class 4A post-season action with Saturday’s 63-28 victory over Bartlett in a regional quarterfinal game in Villa Park. The Warriors led the visiting Hawks 18-8 after one quarter and 29-17 at halftime. Willowbrook’s lead grew to 42-25 by the end of the third quarter. The Warriors then delivered a 21-3 run during the fourth quarter. Senior Kendall Medinger (above left) scored a team-leading 23 points for Willowbrook in Saturday’s victory. Medinger drained five 3-point shots during the game. After making a pair of 3-point baskets in the opening quarter, she added one 3-point basket in the third quarter before sinking two more 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter. Senior Ayaani Gusman (No. 10 - above right), who drained one shot from 3-point range in the victory, added 20 points for the Warriors. Sophomore Jada Langston contributed 10 points for Willowbrook, while seniors Loralai McIntyre and Kristin Woods scored six and four points, respectively. The Warriors improved their overall season record to 8-20 with Saturday’s victory. The win propelled the Warriors to a regional semifinal game against St. Charles East, which took place earlier this week in Villa Park. Willowbrook completed its regular season with a 57-48 home win over Oak Park and River Forest High School on Feb. 11. The Warriors led the Huskies 12-5 after one quarter and 28-14 at halftime. Oak Park and River Forest sliced Willowbrook’s lead to 40-38 by the end of the third quarter. Gusman scored 26 points in the Warriors’ triumph over the visiting Huskies. She delivered 10 of those 26 points during the fourth quarter. McIntyre, who buried four shots from 3-point range, provided 14 points. Medinger, who sank two 3-point shots, supplied eight points. Woods scored four points, while Langston and senior Madison Vega scored three and two points, respectively.

All-around champion

Willowbrook senior Naomi Campbell won the all-around championship at Friday’s IHSA girls gymnastics sectional at Glenbard West High School. Campbell claimed the all-around title with her score of 36.275. Campbell tied for first in the sectional’s balance beam competition by earning a score of 9.25. She is pictured (right) at the end of her performance on the balance beam. Campbell finished second on the vault (9.25), tied for fifth on the uneven bars (8.925) and placed 12th in floor exercises (8.85). The top five finishers in each sectional event, and the top five finishers in the sectional’s all-around standings, automatically qualified for the IHSA state meet, which will take place this Friday and Saturday at Palatine High School. Campbell, therefore, will compete in the state meet’s all-around competition. She will also contend in the meet’s balance beam, vault and uneven bars competitions. Wheaton Warrenville South won the Glenbard West Sectional’s team title with its total of 142.525. With its win, Wheaton Warrenville South earned a berth in the state meet’s team competition, which will feature eight teams. Lake Park placed second in the sixteam sectional with its score of 141.275. Willowbrook (133.5) landed in sixth place in the sectional’s team standings. One year ago, Campbell earned a pair of topfive finishes at the state meet. She tied for fifth in floor exercises and placed 10th on the balance beam at the 2024 state meet. In addition to Campbell, Willowbrook’s lineup at Friday’s Glenbard West Sectional included junior Kaia Capulong, sophomore Lilli Macias, junior Leigh Bernardo, sophomore Mallory Yeazel, sophomore Macy Morris, freshman Ella Paulsen, freshman Rebekah Brown and senior Isabella Giannotti. Macias delivered

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

STATE OF ILLINOIS

COUNTY OF DU PAGE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN RE THE ESTATE OF DANIEL THOMAS CONROY

DECEASED

2025 PR 000100 CASE NUMBER

PUBLICATION NOTICE AND/OR CLAIMS NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of DANIEL THOMAS CONROY whose address was 505 SOUTH EDSON AVENUE, LOMBARD, IL 60148. Letters of Office were issued on Feb. 10, 2025 to Jennifer Justine Clesle, 449 Farnham Ln., Wheaton, IL 60189, Independent Executor whose attorney is Dominic J. Mancini.

NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES

The estate Will be administered without Court Supervision, unless under section 28-4 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person may terminate independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Court Clerk.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of CANDICE ADAMS, Circuit Court Clerk, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois, or with the representative or both on or before August 20, 2025 any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Circuit Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney, if any, within 10 days after it has been filed with the Circuit Court Clerk.

Dominic J. Mancini

DuPage Attorney Number: 51449

Attorney for: Estate of Daniel Thomas Conroy 133 Fuller Road Hinsdale, IL 60521

630-325-2580

Email: domm1@msn.com

(Published in The Lombardian Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 2025) 468074

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DU PAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT

DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

Request of: Randeep Kaur Gill

Case Number 2025MR000058

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from Randeep Kaur Gill to the new name of Randeep Kaur Bhangu. The court date will be held: MARCH 24, 2025 at 9:00 at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL in Courtroom 2005.

Dated 01/24/2025

Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-949881

(Published in The Lombardian Feb. 6, 13, & 20, 2025) 467535

NOTICE OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING OFFER

ARTERIAL SIDEWALK GAP IMPROVEMENT

Madison Street

The Village of Lombard previously held a public information meeting for this project on September 26, 2024. At that time, the alignment of the proposed new sidewalk on Madison Street (from Edgewood Avenue to Chase Avenue) was entirely in the Village of Lombard’s right-

LEGAL NOTICES

of-way. After feedback from residents and stakeholders, the alignment of the proposed new sidewalk and/or shareduse path has shifted to be located on Lombard Park District property (Madison Meadow Park). For this reason, the Village is extending an offer to hold an open house public information meeting to discuss the project.

Any interested person who desires that a public information meeting should be held for this project may request a public information meeting be held by contacting the Village of Lombard’s Project Manager. The Village of Lombard Project Manager’s contact information is listed below.

Mike Barbier, P.E., PTOE Village of Lombard – Public Works 255 E. Wilson Avenue, Lombard, IL 60148

BarbierM@VillageofLombard.org (630) 620-5740

Requests for a public information meeting must be received by March 13, 2025. A public information meeting will be held if the public demonstrates sufficient interest. If this interest is demonstrated, it is anticipated that the public information meeting would be held at Lombard Village Hall in April 2025.

This is a federally funded project, and this opportunity for a public information meeting is being offered as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and in accordance with the Illinois Department of Transportation’s public involvement policy.

PROJECT INFORMATION: The Village is proposing pedestrian network improvements along Madison Street from Edgewood Avenue to east of Chase Avenue. The project is anticipated to consist of the construction of new sidewalk and/or shared-use path, pedestrian crossings, and pedestrian accommodations throughout the project limits. Alternatives under consideration have potential impacts to Madison Meadow Park in Lombard, Illinois.

The Village of Lombard is seeking public comments on the effects that proposed improvements to Madison Street will have on the Madison Meadow Park. Madison Meadow Park, which is under the jurisdiction of the Lombard Park District, is a significant, publicly owned recreational park. As such, it is subject to protection under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966. For the Madison Street project, the Village of Lombard intends to seek a Section 4(f) “de minimis” impact finding from the Federal Highway Administration based on a determination that the project will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities that qualify the Madison Meadow Park for protection under Section 4(f). Effects of the Madison Street project on the Madison Meadow Park will include the construction of sidewalk and/or shared-use path parallel to Madison Street and connecting to existing shared-use paths in the Madison Meadow Park. Mitigation will include minimizing tree and grading impacts to only what is necessary to construct the improvements, keeping ownership of the property with the Lombard Park District with a temporary easement during construction, and restoring land scaping to existing conditions after con struction is complete. The proposed in stallation of sidewalk and/or shared-use path on Madison Meadow Park property will enhance the recreational and public

features of Madison Meadow Park facility by providing additional access and recreational facilities for pedestrians and/or bicycles.

The Madison Meadow Park is also eligible for additional protections from Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965.

Detailed documentation describing the impacts and mitigation associated with the effects of the Madison Street project on the Madison Meadow Park will be available for review at the Lombard Public Works building from February 20 to March 13 or by contacting the Village of Lombard’s Project Manager.

Maps, drawings, aerial photography, and other project related information is available upon request. If additional information is desired, contact Mike Barbier, P.E., PTOE.

(Published in The Lombardian Feb. 20, 27, 2025) 468151

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DuPage County, Illinois

ESTATE OF JEFFREY D LINDMAN, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2024PR000841

Notice is given of the death of the abovenamed decedent. Letters of office were issued to Jenna Lindman, of 365 S. Kenilworth Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, as Independent Executor, whose attorney of record is Chris J. Aiello, P.C., of 322 S ARDMORE AVE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181; DuPage County attorney No.: 21072; phone No.: 630-833-1122.

The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, par. 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the DuPage Circuit Court Clerk, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois, or with the representative, or both, on or before July 31, 2025, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile. illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/ FAQ/gethelp.asp.

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 6, 13, & 20, 2025)

467499

ARTHUR COURT IMPROVEMENTS

Proposals will be publicly read aloud at 11:00 A.M. on March 11, 2025. No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the proposals without the consent of the Village for a period of ninety days after the scheduled time of closing bids.

This project generally consists of the reconstruction of Arthur Court from Church Road to the east end with new Portland cement concrete pavement, sidewalk and driveway removal and replacement, minor storm sewer improvements, landscape restoration, and all related appurtenances and accessories necessary to complete the work.

All proposals shall be sealed in an envelope, addressed to the Village of Bensenville, attention Village Clerk. Name, address and phone number of the bidder and the name of the project shall also appear on the outside of the envelope. Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided by the Engineer.

The Bidding Documents can be obtained by contacting Gordon Foley at Baxter & Woodman (815- 444-4489) (gfoley@baxterwoodman.com) for access information to the BHFX Online Planroom (bhfxplanroom. com) where documents can be obtained upon a non-refundable payment of $35.

Contractors must purchase bid documents and be shown on the Bidder’s Planholder List in order to bid. Bids received from contractors who are not in the Bidder’s Planholder List may be rejected.

A certified check/bank draft drawn on a

Answers

solvent bank, payable without condition to the Village of Bensenville, or a bid bond in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the bid shall be submitted with each proposal as a guarantee that, if the proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract is properly secured.

A Contract Bond, each in a sum equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the bid with sureties to be approved by the Village, must be furnished by the successful bidder. All bids or proposals shall contain an offer to furnish bonds upon acceptance of such bid or proposal.

Contractors shall be required to pay not less than the prevailing wage rates on the Project as established by the United States Department of Labor and the State of Illinois Department of Labor for DuPage County. Copies of these wage rates are incorporated in the Contract Documents.

Contractors and subcontractors shall be IDOT pre-qualified in the respective discipline(s) they will be responsible for constructing. The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals, to waive technicalities, to postpone the bid opening, or to advertise for new proposals, if in the judgment of the Village their best interests will be promoted thereby.

Nancy Quinn, Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville (Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 20, 2025) 468175

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Village will receive sealed proposals for the following improvements at the Bensenville Village Hall, 12 S. Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106 until 11:00

VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE, IL

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7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

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Never Known to Fail

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the Son of God.

Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother.

Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to answer me in this necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother.

Oh, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3xs). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who gave me divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory.

Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.

The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days, after 3 days the request will be granted.

This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. A.S.K. 467158

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