AI062024

Making a monster

Giannoulias launches ‘DMV on wheels’

“Since

residents to

access government services without having to wait or travel to a DMV facility,” Giannoulias said.

“Our DMV on Wheels program will build on the success of our digital programs, saving time by offering efficient ways to do things like renew your driver’s license or get a vehicle sticker without leaving their communities.”

Similar to a food truck, the first electric-powered Mobile DMV vehicle will launch this month serving Chicago and suburbs with three more coming later in the summer that will hold events across the entire state.

While the Secretary of State’s Pop-Up DMVs in brick-and-mortar locations require several physical space and internet connection re-

quirements, the Mobile DMVs offer more flexibility because they are self-contained units and utilize an on-board internet connection.

The office will work closely to partner with municipalities, organizations, businesses and universities to promote and generate interest in Mobile DMV events, providing tools including social media kits to get the word out.

Customers visiting a Mobile DMV can obtain the following services within minutes:

• Renew their driver’s license, state ID or Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL).

• Renew their vehicle registration.

• Purchase a vehicle sticker.

• Apply for a REAL ID.

• Apply for a replacement or corrected driver’s license or state ID.

• Join the Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.

• Register to vote.

Mobile DMVs will increase the efficiency of off-site events by drastically reducing the setup time required compared to Pop-Up DMVs.

Secretary of State employees can have a Mobile DMV set up and ready to serve customers quickly at the designated location.

Furthermore, in the event of an unforeseen temporary closure of a traditional DMV, the Secretary of State’s office can dispatch a Mobile DMV immediately to an area near the facility to avoid any disruption in service for customers.

Nora Birman (right), 8, creates a monster while her sister Lia, 6,

Their mother brought them to Family Day at the Elmhurst Art Museum

Naperville woman charged with stealing more than 200 items from

Yorktown Center retailer

Defendant allegedly used her two young daughters to steal more than $4,600 in merchandise from JCPenney

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing announced last week that a Naperville woman has been charged with enlisting the help of her two juvenile daughters to steal more than $4,600 worth of merchandise from the JCPenney department store at Yorktown Center.

Following her arrest, Ritka Jain, 36, was charged with two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Class 1 Felony), one count of burglary (Class 2 Felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 Felony).

On June 13, at approximately 1:24 p.m., officers with the Lombard Police Department were dispatched to the JCPenney department store, lo-

cated at 175 Yorktown Mall Drive, Lombard, regarding a suspected retail theft. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that Jain and her two daughters, ages 9 and 5, entered the store. It is alleged that once inside the store, Jain used her two daughters to help her conceal merchandise in a piece of luggage and inside a baby stroller.

In all, it is alleged that the theft includes 207 items of clothing, one pair of shoes, three toys and the piece of luggage—totaling $4,607.97.

It is further alleged that Jain and her daughters then walked past the final point of purchase without paying for the items.

Jain was released on her own recognizance at the scene.

“The very idea that Ms. Jain enlisted her two young daughters to help her steal more than $4,600 worth of merchandise is extreme-

ly disturbing,” Berlin said. “Retail theft, which, according to the National Retail Foundation amounted to nearly $35 billion in losses nationwide in 2022, is not a victimless crime. Losses are ultimately paid for by consumers, employees, business owners, shareholders and entire communities. I thank the Lombard Police Department for their efforts in keeping our retail establishments safe for employees and patrons. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Paup for his work in preparing a strong case against Ms. Jain.”

“The Lombard Police Department would like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their assistance on this disturbing case,” Wirsing said.

Jain’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 22, for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Sheriff’s office alerts residents of scam callers

Scammers reportedly demand gift cards to clear a bogus arrest warrant

The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents that individuals posing as DuPage County Sheriff’s Deputies are calling county residents.

“These scammers claim there is an arrest warrant against you and demand gift cards to clear it up,” noted a statement from the sheriff’s office. “This is a scam. The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money over the phone.”

If you receive a call like this, do not provide any personal information or payment, advised the sheriff’s office. Instead, immediately contact your local police department. If you live in unincorporated DuPage County, call 630-407-2400.

“Stay alert and protect yourself from fraud,” related the statement from the sheriff’s office. “Share this information to help keep our community safe.”

Villa Park man dies following collision on North Avenue

Victim was riding his bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle on Saturday night

A Villa Park man died after he was involved in a collision with a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Saturday night.

Darwin Javier, 29, suffered fatal injuries during the incident.

On Saturday, June 15, at approximately 10:55 p.m., the Villa Park police and fire departments responded to the area of North and Ellsworth avenues for a serious crash involving a vehicle—a Ford Mustang—and a bicyclist.

Police and fire personnel arrived at the scene and found Javier unconscious. His bicycle, which was nearby, was significantly damaged. The driver of the Ford Mustang was not injured. His vehicle had front-end damage.

Javier was pronounced dead at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.

According to the Villa Park Police Department, the preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the Ford Mustang was traveling eastbound on North Avenue, in the center lane, approaching Ellsworth Avenue.

“A vehicle traveling eastbound in front of the Ford Mustang suddenly swerved to the left lane to avoid a

bicyclist who was riding in the center lane of North Avenue,” related a statement from the police department.

“The driver of the Ford Mustang was unable to stop and struck the bicyclist.”

The incident remains under active investigation by the Villa Park Police

Department in conjunction with the DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigations Team (MERIT).

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Villa Park Police Department at 630834-7447.

Garden club meeting on Monday to hear about ‘defeating’ pests

The Lombard Garden Club is pleased to announce that horticulturist Sharon Yiesla will speak on “Growing Degree Days: Using Heat to Defeat Pests” at its June 24 meeting.

Accumulation of heat influences the development of both plants and insects. We can use this information to better manage insect pests and limit their damage to our plants.

Yiesla is the owner of “Sharon Yiesla, Horticultural Services.” She has been a horticulturist since 1983 and runs her own business, through which she delivers gardening presentations. Yiesla earned a B.S. in Horticulture from Purdue University

An Elmhurst Police Department evidence technician exits the back entrance at U.S. Bank, 536 S. York Road, following a robbery at 3:25 p.m. Thursday, June 13. The FBI said the robbery suspect is believed to be responsible for three other bank robberies at U.S. Bank locations in the past year—two at a bank in at 60 S. Meacham Road in Schaumburg (in October 2023 and March 2024) and one at the same Elmhurst bank in December.

U.S. Bank in Elmhurst robbed on June 13

At approximately 3:25 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, Elmhurst Police responded to a bank robbery that occurred minutes earlier at U.S. Bank, 536 S. York Road in Elmhurst.

The armed suspect is still at large and is described as a male, in his 20s, 6 feet tall, average build, wearing a gray face mask, dark baseball cap, black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and dark blue backpack.

The suspect was last seen exiting the north door into the parking lot. He was reportedly armed with a handgun.

Police conducted a search and determined the suspect was no longer in the immediate area.

The FBI said the suspect is believed to be responsible for three other bank robberies at U.S. Bank locations in the past year—two at a bank in Schaumburg and one at the same Elmhurst bank.

be related. The public can report tips (even anonymously) at 312421-6700 and at tips.fbi.gov.

and an M.S. in Horticulture from the University of Illinois.

Please mark your calendars for Monday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Helen Plum Library, 411 S. Main St. in Lombard. There is no charge and the public is welcome to attend.

The Lombard Garden Club is an award-winning 98-year-old organization that promotes an interest in gardening and the beautification of the landscape in our community.

The club welcomes fellow gardeners who enjoy learning opportunities and the company of others.

Please check the club’s website at www.lombardgardenclub.org for details.

Robberies at U.S. Bank locations

• Robbery of the U.S. Bank located at 60 S. Meacham Road, Schaumburg, on Oct. 18, 2023

• Robbery of the U.S. Bank located at 536 S. York Road, Elmhurst, on Dec. 16, 2023

• Robbery of the U.S. Bank located at 60 S. Meacham Road, Schaumburg, on March 6, 2024

Anyone with information or video that may assist the investigation is asked to call Elmhurst Police at 630-530-3050.

The FBI is also asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect from the June 13 robbery and three recent incidents believed to

Ritka Jain

PETE CRUGER PHOTO/SUBMITTED PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Court denies pre-trial release for two accused in unrelated gun charges

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state’s motion to deny two men pre-trial release in unrelated weapons charges out of Naperville.

Tony Thompson, 19, of Joliet, was charged with one count of possession of a machine gun, one count of possession of a firearm—no FOID, and two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

On Thursday, June 6 at approximately 8:09 p.m., officers with the Naperville Police Department reportedly observed a vehicle turn out of a Wendy’s parking lot coming close to the officers’ vehicle. The vehicle appeared to jerk partially into the roadway, coming close to the officer’s vehicle.

The officer proceeded in front of

the vehicle, allowed it to turn, and then made a U-turn to get behind it. Once behind the vehicle, the officer conducted a traffic stop for expired license plates.

While speaking to the driver, the officer heard what sounded like the slide of a handgun rack from inside the vehicle. The officer approached the individual in the passenger seat, later identified as Thompson, while awaiting backup.

When backup arrived, the officer asked Thompson to exit the vehicle. When officers searched the vehicle, underneath Thompson’s seat, they found a Glock 17 9mm firearm with a switch capable of making the firearm fully automatic. Thompson was taken into custody at that time.

Another gun incident

In an unrelated case, Trensae

Ware, 24, of Naperville, was charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and one count of reckless discharge of a firearm.

On Thursday, June 6 at approximately 8:07 p.m., Naperville police officers on patrol were traveling behind a vehicle allegedly driven by Ware, who was observed not wearing a seatbelt.

Officers heard what sounded like a gunshot come from the vehicle and observed the vehicle to lightly swerve and shake. Officers conducted a traffic stop.

After approaching the vehicle, officers found cannabis on the gearshift and an open bottle of tequila in the rear pocket of the passenger’s seat. All four occupants were asked to exit the vehicle.

As Ware exited, a spent shell casing was found on the driver’s seat.

The vehicle was then searched, and a loaded .45 caliber firearm was located under the front passenger seat. The bullets contained in the firearm matched the spent shell casing found on the driver’s seat.

Officers observed a bullet hole entrance leading outward from within the vehicle, near where the driver’s left foot would have been. Police observed no exit hole. After testing all occupants for gunshot residue, residue was found only on Ware’s hands. A 9 mm handgun was also located in the rear passenger compartment of the vehicle, that did not match the discharged shell casing.

The next court appearance for both men is scheduled for arraignment on Monday, July 1. Thompson’s case will be heard in front of Judge Brian Jacobs while Ware’s case will be heard before Judge Daniel Guerin.

Family Day at the Elmhurst Art Museum

Visitors create ‘monsters’ inspired by Wilder Park exhibit; ‘Donkey Hodie’ remains

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE INDEPENDENT

Over the past several months, more than 300 kids within the Elmhurst community dreamt up and submitted their own monster drawings to the Elmhurst Art Museum to be part of the Monsters in Wilder Park public art exhibit. Inspired by these unique sketches, Elmhurst-based artist and illustrator Dave Pryor reimagined them as larger than life artworks and they were placed on display in Wilder Park, unveiled on the weekend of Art in Wilder Park May 4 – 5.

Beyond those that were chosen for public viewing, guests of Family Day on Saturday, June 14, were able to view all of the monster drawings submitted by the children for the public art installation.

In addition, they were invited to create their own unique monster through a hands-on artmaking activity.

Pryor was on hand Saturday to explain how he helped explore the world of monster creation.

“It was a really tough task, choosing the top monsters from all 300 drawings,” Pryor told the Independent at the event. “It was tough enough narrowing the list down to just 100 drawings, then choosing 40 drawings from them, then so on until we got down to ten.”

Pryor, who is an Elmhurst resident, began his career in 1992 working in television animation on Warner Bros cartoons.

Since 2002, he has worked in gaming, developing art for several popular licenses including “The Wizard of Oz,” “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” and “The Simpsons.”

Most recently, he worked with other artists designing puppets and props for Donkey Hodie , a new PBS program by Fred Rogers Productions, based on the characters from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Monsters in Wilder Park will remain on display through Wednesday, July 31. Donkey Hodie remains until Sunday, Aug. 11. (And in case you are curious,

‘Donkey Hodie’ is a play on words with “Don Quixote,” the famous Spanish epic novel written by Miguel de Cervantes back in the early 1600’s, often considered the greatest literary work every written.)

This exhibition is made possible in partnership with Elmhurst Park District and generously supported by the JCS Arts, Health and Education Fund

of DuPage Foundation. Additional support by the City of Elmhurst Public Arts Commission, Elmhurst Bank/ Wintrust, Makinney Group | Compass, Kelly Stetler | Compass, Total Window Treatments, and Chicago Event Graphics. Production support by DIT Workshops. For more information, visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Subscriptions: The Independent is mailed to the 60101, 60106 and 60181 zip code areas for $45 yearly. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $50 yearly. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244. Reprints:

Content appearing in the Independent may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor. Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to:

240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

Pictured is local artist Dave Pryor, who had the arduous task of choosing the “monsters” that would be going on display in Wilder Park from among some 300 drawings submitted by school-aged children in Elmhurst. Pryor is also involved in the Donkey Hodie exhibit, currently on display at the Elmhurst Art Museum, through Sunday, Aug. 11.

Combating the fentanyl epidemic and supporting those in recovery

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

On May 28, I joined several Cook County officials, including Cook County Board of Commissioners

President Toni Preckwinkle, at a press conference to address the ongoing fentanyl epidemic across our state.

Since taking office in 2017, I’ve been proud to support legislation expanding funding for front-line health care providers and increasing the availability of naloxone. I’ve also secured funding for treatment centers and diversion programs right here in Chicago.

But last year, when I was selected as Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), I also dedicated myself to tackling international aspects of this crisis.

It’s estimated that 97 percent of illegal fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). That means that if we stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors—the chemicals specifically used to make fentanyl—from the PRC, it will save lives in Illinois and across the country.

That’s why my Committee spent months investigating the CCP’s role in this crisis, and a few weeks ago, I released a 64-page report summarizing our findings and identifying specific policy solutions to help victims

My investigation revealed that the CCP has not only turned a blind eye towards PRC companies that export fentanyl precursors for clearly illicit purposes, even when the U.S. has provided them with irrefutable evidence, but that it has actually been directly subsidizing the export of such chemicals. That means that CCP policy has been to provide tax breaks to encourage the production of the chemicals fueling the fentanyl epidemic.

In addition to supporting local efforts to address the impacts of the fentanyl epidemic, Congress has a critical role to play in cutting off the supply of these deadly drugs.

One of the top legislative recommendations from my investigation was enacting the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law just one week after my Committee released our report and called for the bill’s passage.

This is a sanctions and anti-money laundering law that will help combat the fentanyl crisis by targeting opioid traffickers and money launderers, making fentanyl less lucrative for traffickers by making it harder to smuggle

and profit from trafficking.

While an enormous amount of work remains to be done to end the fentanyl epidemic, the FEND Off Fentanyl Act is an important step forward.

Commemorating the 35th anniversary of the

Tiananmen Square massacre

On June 4, I led a bipartisan commemoration for the victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre with members of the House of Representatives as well as former Speakers Nancy Pelosi and Kevin McCarthy, as well as Chinese political dissidents.

The protests held in 1989 by Chinese students advocating for democracy, human rights, and freedom, were immortalized in the indelible image of a single, unidentified demonstrator facing down a line of 18 People’s Liberation Army tanks in defiance of the brutal oppression of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

People had a choice on that day: to stand with that man who stood up to power, or to stand with that tank, and the CCP’s brutal crackdown and repression.

Many dissidents, including some who joined me outside our Capitol, stood with that brave man. As a result, many Chinese people were exiled, or worse, while others chose, through action or inaction, to stand with the tanks and the CCP. Thirty-five years since have shown that the CCP’s advance against the freedom of the people of China has only continued.

When Chairman Xi Jinping says he will “crack down hard on subversion and separatist activities.” by those deemed as “enemy forces”, he is telling the world that the CCP will send those tanks again against anyone that stands up for freedom and democracy, declaring his own people enemies of the state.

We have seen this in Hong Kong through mess suppression, in Tibet through the mass relocation of Tibetans to “reeducation camps,” and in Xinjiang through the Uyghur Genocide.

As Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the CCP, I organized a June 4 press conference with members of both parties not only a commemoration, but also as a call to action.

We came together to send a unified message to the CCP that we would stand for freedom and democracy, joining with all those across the world ready to do the same.

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

Sandro Sez...

10 most overplayed songs (or annoying, or both) by bands in the ’burbs

Editor’s note: Previously published columns by Mike Sandrolini are being re-published periodically on the Opinion page. This column was originally published in 2019. There is a plethora of talented cover bands in the suburbs, but many of them must be sharing the same set list.

How about playing a little Wang Chung, Chaka Khan or Kajagoogoo? (Bonus points if you remember Kajagoogoo from the 1980s.) Or even Mr. Mister or Sister Sledge? Anything, except for the following: Honorable mention: Summer of ‘’69 (Bryan Adams 1985)—The best days of my life are whenever I don’t have to hear about how the band fell apart when Jimmy quit and Jody got married.

10. “Livin’ on a Prayer” (Bon Jovi 1986)—I like Bon Jovi, and the intro to their signature tune rocks. That said, the story of Tommy working on the docks and being down on his luck, while his sniveling significant other, Gina, dreams of running away, is getting old. Perhaps Gina could use a hug, but in this case, Tommy needs to exercise some tough love. “Yo, Gina, it’s time to work the diner all day and bring home your pay for love, so suck it up, buttercup.”

9. “Footloose” (Kenny Loggins 1984)—”Ooh-wee, Marie … whoa, Milo.” Admittedly, I get a kick out of watching all you lovely ladies trip over yourselves as you stampede to the dance floor once that familiar guitar riff to “Footloose” commences.

8. “Summer Nights” (John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Grease 1978)—Hard to believe the Grease album went eight times platinum despite having two of the

By MIKE SANDROLINI Columnist

most overplayed songs ever recorded as part of the album. (“You’re the One That I Want” being the other.)

7. “Uptown Funk” (Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson 2014)—Ahh, yes. The song that made Jackson, Mississippi famous and introduced Michelle Pfeiffer to a new generation. Someone suggested in a tweet they were going to name their first son Bruno. Since I’ve heard one too many parents call their sons “buddy” at Walmart (“c’mon buddy”; “let’s go buddy”), hearing a parent say “c’mon Bruno” would be refreshing.

6. “Shut up and Dance” (Walk the Moon 2014)—This tune by a band called Walk the Moon makes me want to walk the plank. Shut up and play another song (puh-leese).

5. “Brown Eyed Girl” (Van Morrison 1967)—What if you’re a blue-eyed girl, a green-eyed girl, a hazel-eyed girl or a one-eyed girl? I see a discrimination lawsuit on the horizon, and the payout could equal the national debt.

4 Tennessee Whiskey (David Allen Coe 1981)—This country ditty gained new popularity when Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake teamed up to perform it during the 2015 Country Music Association Awards. Unfortunately, they opened Pandora’s box. Now, just about every band in the Chicago area plays it. I don’t drink, but to help me make it

through “Tennessee Whiskey,” I’ve been known to belly up to the bar and chug a tall glass of Diet Coke during the first verse.

3. “I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor 1978)—It’s been said that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. I beg to differ. Fellas, you don’t want to get caught on any dance floor when the band cranks up the Women’s National Anthem (aka, “I Will Survive”). Just trust me on this one. Once I hear … “First I was afraid; I was petrified,” that’s my cue to take cover in my safe space (the men’s restroom) and curl up into the fetal position until I get the all-clear sign.

2. “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” (Journey 1981)—Journey has produced several monster hits, yet every band believes it’s their civic duty to cover this worn-out oldie. Sorry to spoil the ending for all you hopeless romantics, but “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” has been around 40 years. If just a small-town girl, living in a lonely world, hasn’t crossed paths by now with just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit, on the midnight train going anywhere, they’re never going to meet, so Please Stop Believin’.

1. “Sweet Caroline” (Neil Diamond 1969)—Friends in a social group I regularly attend ask why I’m often late for events that involve listening to bands. It’s because I hold out hope that the band will have already played arguably the most annoying/overplayed song of all time by the time I arrive. So many good Neil Diamond tunes; why has this one become a cult favorite? “Sweet Caroline

Good morning, when the guys spread defoliant around Terrace View Pond (in Lombard), what are they using and is it harmful to animals? Are they allowed to do that with all the ducks? And the migratory waterfall nesting in the pond? Is that okay? Thank you.

Editor’s note: The following is a response from the Village of Lombard: “The Village of Lombard is responsible for the water quality of Terrace View Pond under an agreement with the Lombard Park District. The village’s contractor, Environmental Aquatic Management of Algonquin, inspects the pond weekly from April through September, and treats as needed with IEPA-permitted herbicides and algaecides to limit submerged and surface weeds as well as algae.”

* * *

I agree with last week’s caller (June 13 issue) about the raises our state legislators gave themselves. I think at least the voting—I mean taxpaying—public should have a say in this, since we are funding it. I will vote against any of my district legislators who voted themselves a raise and I encourage all of you to consider doing the same, to make our voice heard that we are not an endless source of money for these politicians. I would be happy to have half of what they are making, but I can’t because my high taxes help pay for their salaries.

* * *

I am always entertained by some of the naïve contributors to Speak Out that whatever they present to the column should be taken as gospel. For instance, to respond to the author of the Thursday, May 30, comment regarding Trump appointing Supreme Court justices “that would support his way of governing, and not expect is for any of them to openly support

his views.” Maybe Trump’s way of governing follows the U.S. Constitution, and the judges he nominated are of the same principles? Justice Thomas received “tens of thousands of gifts from Republican supporters.” Really? That’s a lot of gifts. As far as judge Alito who had two flags “that support Trump” … wrong on at least two fronts. One of the flags is a centuries-old “Appeal to Heaven” flag; green pine tree on a white background. It has a long history of an appeal to prayer for our country. And we need that right now. The second, the U.S. flag flown upside down, is recognized as signifying distress in our country, our citizens or a U.S. vessel. Perfectly acceptable protocol for displaying our flag. So exactly how do these two flags show an expression of support for Trump?

* * *

Hunter Biden’s laptop is authentic. The FBI confirmed that at Hunter Biden’s trial. Four years ago, a big chunk of the media parroted the Joe Biden campaign’s nonsensical claim that the laptop was Russian disinformation. Other media outlets ignored the story about the laptop. Social media companies, including Twitter, locked the accounts of people who tried to make posts about the laptop. Isn’t that election interference? These media companies claim they are fact-checkers and honest journalists. They’re a disgrace. Will they ever apologize, or note that they were wrong?

* * *

Lombard calling. To the person who actually mailed their property tax check by certified check through the Lombard post office, no less, I have a suggestion: come into the 21st century, get on your computer and pay your property taxes online. It’s simple; it’s easy. It’s certainly less expensive than sending a letter by certified mail. And it’s foolproof.

How Speak Out works

• Speak Out is a forum in which readers can express their opinion anonymously concerning local, state, national and international topics. Each call is limited to 200 words whether the caller calls 630-629TALK or emails their opinion to speakout@rvpublishing.com.

• The views expressed by callers are their own.

• All calls are checked by four editors. If a consensus of editors believes a particular call is deemed to be in poor taste, erroneous, inaccurate, libelous, doesn’t make sense, or if claims stated in a call cannot be verified, the call will not be published.

• With regard to calls of a political nature, it is not possible to have an equal balance of calls with liberal and conservative viewpoints during any given week. The editors of Speak Out don’t have control of who calls in, what their political leanings happen to be, and the topic(s) they want to discuss.

• If you have further questions about Speak Out, email: news1@ rvpublishing.com.

I’ve been doing it for years. Never had a problem and I get a return email from the DuPage County treasurer confirming that they received my payment. Thank you.

* * *

President Trump was voted into politics with the goal of draining the swamp in Washington. After that, he was accused of everything, starting with the Russian collusion hoax, which his political enemies carried out his entire four-year term to keep him down. Now they’re trying to keep a cloud over his head to stop him from finishing what he started. Overall, America was in a better place under his watch. Forget personalities and look for results.

* * *

To the person in June 6 Speak Out who said their tax bill got lost in the mail. I would like to tell people check with their local bank because we live in Lombard and our local bank accepts the tax payment. Thank you. Bye.

* * *

Yes, this is for all you people who bought those electric cars. I agree with saving the planet and everything like that, but as a mechanic, I’d never own one. This winter, you noticed, the batteries froze and a lot of people got stuck because it was too cold out and the battery system didn’t hold up. My sister bought a full electric car. Great. That’s what

you wanted. It’s cute. Whatever. But that’s four years ago. Well the battery failed. It’s going to cost $8,000 to have that battery replaced in her electric car. And batteries are supposed to last anywhere between three and eight years and they cost anywhere between $1,800 for a hybrid and $12,000 for a full battery.

I just want to say, how do you like your electric cars now, and thank your Democratic governor and Democratic president for throwing them down our throats. When you’re in the poor house because you can’t replace the battery in your car, well, sorry, you brought it on yourself.

I want Villa Park to just leave the new park with Lions Club name. I think that’s sufficient since that was the objective from the Lions to be for the village. Thank you. Bye. Okay.

Saturday, June 15, was National Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is too bad the Democratic establishment that keeps pushing poor President Biden to be their puppet doesn’t practice elder abuse awareness. It’s a shame they can’t find any better candidates willing to ensure their policies. * * *

A $53.1 billion state budget, and gee, the base salary for legislators is up to over $93,000. And for many of them, this is not even their full-time

job. Boy, are we being squeezed. I would love to hear how they justify that, but again, it’s our tax dollars, so I bet none of them will speak up. And tax credits for children are fine (although isn’t there already a deduction on income taxes for that?), but what about some tax credits for senior citizens, say in our income or property taxes? The county’s senior exemption only saves me about $500. But I guess it is the younger people who they are looking to for future votes.

* * *

Did you see the Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that a widely used abortion pill will stay on the market? What a relief! But just in case this abortion pill doesn’t work for some reason, no worries. Abortion on demand without parental consent is doing great business in Illinois! Those from neighboring states with more restrictive abortion laws seeking an abortion have been coming to Illinois in droves. I read that Illinois alone had 28,000 more abortions than expected in the first 15 months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Pro-abortion extremists such as JB Pritzker and the state representatives and senators in this area who’ve passed the laws that have made Illinois an abortion oasis should be proud! At least this state is among the nation’s leaders in something.

Glenbard District 87 focuses on equipping students for success

By David F. Larson

The primary goal of comprehensive high schools is to equip students for the future— preparing them for college, careers and life after high school. At Glenbard District 87, we are proud of our work helping our students identify and pursue their goals.

development;

• Financial aid and literacy.

These robust career exploration and individualized learning plans help students make decisions about career and postsecondary education or training; plan a course of study; and make financial aid assessments with family members.

This planning process culminates during senior year. Our school counselors work hard to make sure students pursue a diverse selection of postsecondary opportunities, such as:

postsecondary plans. Students and families have access to the SchooLinks portal. Along with a college search function, the platform also features financial literacy tools. Glenbard’s SchooLinks accounts remain active for students to use as a resource even after graduation. Our approach to postsecondary planning has yielded successful results:

• Glenbard students who enroll in a four-year college have a 91 percent graduation rate within six years, compared to 62 percent nationally.

One of our district’s main strategic priorities is to engage every Glenbard student in postsecondary planning. It is a focus throughout all four years of high school—from when they walk into the schools as freshmen until they walk out the doors as graduates.

Our school counselors at each high school closely align with the Illinois PaCE Framework (Postsecondary and Career Expectations). The framework is organized around three key areas:

• Postsecondary education exploration, preparation and selection;

• Career exploration and

• Safety/match/reach schools,

• Apprenticeships,

• Credentialing programs,

• Military enrollment, or

• Joining the workforce.

All seniors and their families have a group conversation with their school counselor to review options and create a clear postsecondary plan. This structured approach supports student goals and gives them a path to pursue those goals with confidence.

Glenbard schools use SchooLinks, an online portal that empowers students to find their path, linking student interests with career exploration and academic and

• Glenbard two- and four-year college enrollment remains above the national average at 79 percent for the class of 2023.

• Our postsecondary support counselors have helped ensure more students than ever following through with their postsecondary plan, lowering student “summer melt,” from 15 percent in 2019 to 8 percent in 2023.

We wish all of our graduates much success in their future plans of college, careers and life after Glenbard.

David F. Larson, Ed.D., is superintendent, Glenbard Township High School District 87.

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als specifically associated with local village governments or entities such as school districts, park districts or library districts.

No letters directed to a third party will be accepted for publication. We reserve the right to edit a letter for reasons of clarity, space restrictions and libel

Ribbon cutting

The Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a ribbon cutting on Thursday May 23, at RCR Cabinetry, 915 S. Main St. Pictured (left to right) are Tod Altenberg; Barb Kruser; Anna Weselak; Deanna Wilkins; Kathy Volpe; Jean Nolan; owners Rob DiRienzo, Cindi Marcello, Ron Brands; Rick Galfano; John Hughes; Marybeth Moore; Steve Flint; and Brian Nickleski.

Montini Catholic congratulates Father

John Guiney Memorial Scholarship

recipient from Lombard

Special recognition was given to recent Montini Catholic graduate Zander Montgomery during Montini Catholic’s Founder’s Day Award Ceremony in May. The Lombard resident was awarded Montini’s Father John Guiney Memorial Scholarship, presented annually to a student for their academic achievement, community service and service to the poor. Montgomery, who most recently traveled to Springfield to represent Montini at the March for Life, was very active in community service throughout his four years at Montini. A parishioner at St. Joan of Arc, Montgomery was a member of Montini Catholic’s National Honor Society. He was also president of Montini’s Lasallian Youth club and a two-year member of the Peer Ministry team. Montgomery (right) is shown here with Montini Principal Chris Tiritilli.

DuPage Foundation grants nearly $940,000 to 52 area health and human services organizations

DuPage Foundation has announced awarding $938,077 to 52 essential health and human services not-for-profit organizations across DuPage County through the spring cycle of its Community Impact grant program (formerly Community Needs grant program).

A Grant Open House took place June 5 at the foundation’s office in Downers Grove. Grant recipients received their checks, had their photos taken, enjoyed refreshments, and mingled with other not-for-profit organizations along with DuPage Foundation staff, volunteer leaders, and partners.

The following organizations received a Community Impact grant:

360 Youth Services: $25,000

AbilityLinks: $5,000

Assistance League Chicagoland West: $18,000

Bridge Communities, Inc.: $25,000

CASA of DuPage County, Inc.: $25,000

Chicago Dental Society Foundation: $25,000

DuPage Senior Citizens Council: $12,000

DuPagePads: $25,000

Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley: $25,000

Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network: $12,000

Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry: $11,000

Evangelical Child & Family Agency: $10,000

Family Focus: $20,000

Glen House Food Pantry: $8,234

Hamdard Health Alliance: $25,000

HCS Family Services: $25,000

Healthcare Alternative Systems, Inc.: $25,000

Hope’s Front Door: $10,000

Little Friends, Inc.: $15,000

LOVE Christian Clearinghouse: $12,000

Marklund: $5,000

Mayslake Village: $3,000

Metropolitan Asian Family Services: $15,000

Metropolitan Family Services DuPage: $25,000

NAMI DuPage: $25,000

Naperville Elderly Homes: $15,000

Neighborhood Food Pantries: $25,000

Northeast DuPage Family and Youth Services: $25,000

Northern Illinois Food Bank: $25,000

OLI Gardens: $10,000

Outreach: $25,000

Path To Recovery Foundation: $10,000

Peoples Community Church: $5,000

Ray Graham Association: $25,000

Reclam13: $23,250

Repeat Boutique Center: $25,000

Ride Assist Naperville: $7,500

SamaraCare: $25,000

Sharing Connections: $25,000

Society of St. Vincent dePaul Conference: $4,500

Special Kids Day: $6,000

Teen Parent Connection: $25,000

The GardenWorks Project: $18,000

The Outreach House: $15,593

United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago: $23,000

VNA Health Care: $25,000

Warm Coats for Cool Kids: $22,000

West Suburban Community Pantry: $25,000

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association: $10,000

World Relief Chicagoland: $25,000

Xilin Association: $12,000

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago: $25,000

“We’re thrilled to announce the awarding of these grants to essential health and human service organizations across our community,” said Roger McDougal, DuPage Foundation trustee and Grant Committee chair. “This vital investment will directly empower these organizations to continue their critical work, making a real and lasting difference in the lives of countless residents. By supporting such a diverse range of services, we are fostering a healthier, stronger community for all.”

“We are proud to share that 83 percent of eligible grant applications submitted this spring were funded,” said Barb Szczepaniak, DuPage Foundation vice president for programs. “Our Community Impact grant program exists because of generous donors who have made unrestricted gifts or established endowed field-of-interest funds at the Foundation in support of our community and their favorite causes. “These ‘forever funds’ are invested wisely and generate income that annually fuels our Community Impact grantmaking. While the number of requests we receive always exceeds the amount of funding available in our budget, this year we received $480,000 in additional support for grants thanks to the generosity of several area donors and Foundation donor-advised fund representatives who supplemented our spring grant budget allowing us to set a new record from a single cycle. We are extremely grateful for their investment. That’s the power of coordinated impact at work.”

Submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing

Submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing

Volunteers receive training

Eight members of Lombard Service League completed the required training to become one-on-one volunteers for Magdalene House in Lombard. Members of the club who complete the training will be able to help drive residents to appointments, lead group sessions, assist with events and promote Magdalene House in the community. Magdalene House is a 24 -month residential program and justice social enterprise for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction. During the training session, members of Lombard Service League presented Magdalene House with a check for $1,000 to help meet the needs of the program and its residents. Pictured (left to right) with the Magdalene House Program Director Rachel Mooney are club members Sally Haptas, Barbara Madigan, Carol Sink, Jean Nelson, Catrina Nitchmann, Rachel Mooney from Magdalene House, Lombard Service League President Anna Weselak, Patti Blazejak and Patty Lindstrom. For more information about Magdalene House, send an email to info@magdalenehousechicago.org. For information about GFWC Lombard Service League, call 630-988-0625 or email info@lombardserviceleague.org.

THOMAS H. MORRIS, 70

Thomas H. Morris, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 12.

He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Barbara Keigley Morris, sons Matthew, Tommy (Ashley) and grandsons Wyatt and Noah, mother Grace, sisters Terry Taylor, Sherry Noorlag (Joe), and brother Harry (Kerry), many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry C. Morris.

Tom’s greatest loves besides his family were anything with a motor that ran fast: boats, cars, snowmobiles, etc. He spent many joyful years boating with family and friends at their place on Fox Lake.

He later got a hot rod that he loved to show at cruise nights and car shows. For four years Tom was chairman of the Crazy T’s Car Show held at Mooseheart as a fundraiser for that organization.

Tom’s service to the Lord included many years as Elder and Deacon at Fellowship and Hope Churches.

Tom spent his career in the automotive industry: twenty-five years with A-K Tire in Downers Grove and 25 years in outside sales for Rubber, Inc. in Chicago.

Though he suffered from Alzheimer’s for the last five years, his life was full and happy. Grandkids Wyatt and Noah were special blessings to him.

Tom was a kind soul who leaves behind many friends, family and colleagues.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 18, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln St., Lombard. Private Interment at Forest Home Cemetery, Forest Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Community Adult Day Center, 4501 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515 would be appreciated. They are a wonderful resource for families navigating dementia.

Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

JOSE A. RODRIGUEZ, 78

Jose A. Rodriguez, age 78, of Lombard, passed away June 14 at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital., Funeral prayers will be held Thursday, June 20, at 9:15 a.m. at Brust Villa Park Funeral Home, 305 S. Princeton Ave., to 10 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 330 E. Fullerton Ave., Addison. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven

Cemetery, Hillside. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

JUDITH M. SCHILLING, 76

Judith Marie Schilling, nee Potenza, 76, passed away peacefully at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

A private gathering will be held at a later date.

Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

CARL FRANCIS WARREN, 73

Carl Francis Warren, age 73, of Lisle. Dear son of the late Frank and Rita Warren; fond brother of Cheryl (Terry) Martin; loving uncle of Dr. Ashley Martin (Dr. Andrew Raduski) and Alyssa Martin (Fiancé Greg Hayward).

Carl was a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan and enjoyed working on his cars in his spare time. He was a double lung transplant recipient, and was always grateful for that gift.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 17, from Knollcrest Funeral Home to Mass at St. Pius X Church, 1025 E. Madison St., Lombard. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

For info: 630-932-1500.

Coming events

Helen Plum Library programs

College of DuPage Presents: Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Doo-Wop

Wednesday, June 26, at 7 p.m. For families with children of all ages. Lace up your “glass” saddle shoes and step into the sock-hop sensation at Fairy-Tale High. Audiences will be rooting for Cindy as she discovers the power of kindness in this 50s-inspired twist on the classic Cinderella tale. Registration and an HPL library card are required. Register at helenplum.org or by calling (630) 627-0316.

Drop-In Sewing Craft Saturday, June 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Drop into the Studio 411 makerspace to check out the sewing machines and make a beginner-level project. A library staffer will be available to answer questions about the Library’s sewing machines.

APDA

Optimism Walk June 22

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Illinois Chapter is hosting its annual Optimism Walk event in Naperville, as part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness and vital funds for the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community. The local walk is set to take at Naperville Riverwalk-Grand Pavilion (912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court, Naperville,). Registration is free and open to all. Participants are encouraged to form teams, fundraise and spread awareness leading up to the Walk. There are rewards for anyone fundraising $100 or more. Funds raised help fuel APDA Illinois Chapter programs and resources such as Parkinson Education Programs and support groups. To register for the APDA Illinois Optimism Walk, or to learn more about how to get involved, please visit http://www.apdaparkinson. org/il or call 708-329-9527.

Appellate court affirms 101-year sentence

for man convicted in 2019 incident

Dalcollo guilty in armed abduction, sexual assault, robbery of college student

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced that the Third District Appellate Court of Illinois has affirmed the 101year sentence of Justin Dalcollo for the abduction, sexual assault and armed robbery of a female college student in March 2019.

In his petition seeking a new sentencing hearing, Dalcollo claimed that the trial court abused its discretion in sentencing and improperly imposed consecutive sentences.

On March 22, 2019, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the victim, who was home from college on spring break, was getting into her car in the parking lot at Bloomingdale Court Mall when Dalcollo approached her and forced his way into her car at gunpoint. Dalcollo then ordered the woman to drive to a bank in Glendale Heights and forced her to withdraw $300 from her debit card for him. He then forced her to drive to numerous locations in Hanover Park and Bartlett, ultimately parking the car in a parking garage at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin where Dalcollo sexually assaulted her.

Following the sexual assault, Dalcollo ordered the victim to drive to a convenience store in Elgin and accompany him as he went inside. He then ordered the woman to call a cab for him from her cell phone and drive him to the Elgin train station, where the cab picked him up. The victim then went to a hospital where she reported the sexual as-

sault.

An investigation led to Dalcollo who was taken into custody the following day in Chicago.

On Dec. 13, 2021, following a five-day-long trial, a jury found Dalcollo guilty of six counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, one count of armed robbery, one count of aggravated kidnapping, and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon,

On May 2, 2022, Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh sentenced Dalcollo to two consecutive sentences of 40 years imprisonment for two counts of the aggravated criminal sexual assault charges and a consecutive 21-year sentence for aggravated kidnapping. The sentences on the remaining charges ran concurrently, for a total aggregate sentence of 101 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

At his sentencing hearing, the court noted Dalcollo’s lengthy criminal history with “back-to-back convictions for domestic battery.”

The court also considered the fact that Dalcollo was on parole for an unlawful sexual conduct with a minor conviction out of Ohio, when he removed his ankle monitor, fled and committed the March 22 offense.

The court also found that a significant sentence was necessary to reassure the public that “the defendant cannot commit incomprehensible criminal acts on any other citizen,” concluding that Dalcollo’s actions have “forfeited him from ever reentering society.” In their analysis, the Appellate Court disagreed with Dalcollo’s assertions that the court abused its discretion at sentencing and failed to “take into account any

potential for rehabilitation.”

The Appellate Court noted that the Trial Court considered and weighed mitigating including Dalcollo’s “difficult childhood as a victim of abuse and mental illness” but concluded that this evidence “did not significantly deprecate the seriousness of the offense or warrant the imposition of a lesser sentence.”

In determining Dalcollo’s lack of potential for rehabilitation, the Trial Court noted his violent criminal history as well as his refusal “to abide by any authority or the law,” his “pattern of taking whatever he wants, whenever he wants,” and his continued “defiant behavior” and “inability to control himself,” while in custody.

The Appellate Court concluded that “in light of the nature of defendant’s 10 convictions, and the court’s finding that his actions were ‘deplorable’ an ‘reprehensible’ and defendant was ‘incapable of rehabilitation,’ the court did not abuse its discretion when sentencing defendant.”

“I thank the Appellate Court for their thorough analysis of this case and their finding that a 101-year sentence is not only appropriate, but warranted in this case,” Berlin said.

“The violent kidnapping and sexual assault at gunpoint of a young woman at home from school for spring break severely damaged not just the victim, but her family as well, and shook an entire community to its core. The Appellate Court’s decision guarantees that Mr. Dalcollo will spend the rest of his life behind bars, a sentence he has most certainly earned.”

Convicted felon accused of possessing machine gun

Court denies pre-trial release for suspect also found with Xanax

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police

Jason Arres have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Glendale Heights convicted felon accused of possessing a fully loaded gun that had been modified, making the weapon fully automatic.

Devon Redmond, 25, appeared at First Appearance Court and was charged with one count of possession of a loaded machine gun, one count of armed violence, one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

On Tuesday, June 11 at approximately 8:05 p.m., officers set up surveillance on a vehicle that was registered to Redmond, who was wanted on several outstanding nobond arrest warrants out of DeKalb County.

Officers observed Redmond, who was carrying a handbag, exit a residence and walk towards his vehicle, a white 2014 Nissan Altima. Police said Redmond placed the handbag into the rear of the car directly behind and beneath the driver’s seat and then entered the car.

Officers immediately pinned Redmond’s vehicle at which time, Redmond exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Following a brief foot chase, officers apprehended Redmond and placed him under arrest.

When searching the Altima, officers located a fully-loaded Glock

Can’t get enough?

In case you just can’t get enough of those chirping cicadas, the Elmhurst Art Museum has a small collection of artworks featuring the winged visitors, who come every 17 years.

23 with an extended magazine and one bullet in the chamber in Redmond’s handbag. The weapon had been modified with a switch capable of making the firearm fully automatic.

Officers also found numerous pills of suspected Xanax. Redmond is currently on parole for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer.

“What I find particularly disturbing in this case is the fact that the defendant, a convicted felon currently on parole with multiple active warrants out for his arrest, was allegedly in possession of a machine gun,” Berlin said.

Redmond’s next court appearance is scheduled Monday, July 8 for arraignment before Judge Brian Telander.

Justin Dalcollo

Devon Redmond

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State law dating back to 2020 sought to cut deep poverty in half by 2026, end it by 2036

However, one particular Illinois county is experiencing the hardships of poverty, economic decline and the fastest depopulation

By Lylee Gibbs

Jamilah Lewis

Molly Parker and Julia Rendleman

Capitol News illiNois

aNd the saluki loCal RepoRtiNg lab

Editor’s note: This story, produced in partnership with Southern Illinois University journalism students, was supported by grant funding from the Pulitzer Center.

Pink and purple toys line the living room of this tiny public housing apartment in Cairo at Illinois’ southern border. A doorway leads to the only other room: a small bedroom that Kaneesha Mallory shares with her 4-year-old daughter Bre’Chelle.

It’s not an ideal living situation. The public housing authority built the high-rise for seniors, not families.

But on an annual income of about $15,000, it’s all the 34-year-old single mother can afford. She receives food stamps and disability benefits but those payments haven’t kept up with the rising cost of groceries and other essentials.

“It’s hard. I didn’t plan to live like this but such is life, you know?” Mallory said. “Because if I wanted to get another apartment somewhere out of housing, I would have a utility bill and the utility bill would be super freakin’ high.”

Her rural town of about 1,600 people has suffered one hit after another. It’s lost most of its public housing in recent years because of health and safety concerns. Cairo’s Head Start, where Mallory’s daughter attended, closed last year, leaving fewer options for child care and early education services.

The town lost its sole nursing home during the pandemic. And while Cairo celebrated the opening of a co-op grocery store last year, there’s still no place to fill up a car with gas.

In 2020, Gov. JB Pritzker and lawmakers pledged to help people like Mallory and the communities they call home.

Through passage of a law known as the Intergenerational Poverty Act, they decreed an ambitious plan: to

“ it’s hard. i didn’t plan to live like this but such is life, you know?”

– Kaneesha Mallory

cut deep and persistent poverty by 50 percent by 2026, lift all children from poverty by 2031 and eliminate poverty entirely in Illinois by 2036.

This law created a 25-member commission made up of private and public sector officials to study the root causes of poverty and racial disparities that plague many of Illinois’ poorest communities, including their lack of safe, affordable housing, high unemployment rates and child care shortages.

But like most of the commissions and blue-ribbon panels that lawmakers create, it has no authority to fix the problems it finds. It can only make recommendations to lawmakers and the governor.

Pritzker’s agenda has aligned with much of what the group has proposed, such as increasing funding for early childhood education and creating for the first time in Illinois a $50 million state-level child tax credit similar to what the federal government offers families, which was included in the state budget that passed last month .

Collectively, those plans provide funding for 5,000 state-supported preschool seats next year and give qualifying families with children up to age 12 a tax credit that’s equal to 20 percent of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit.

The state, under Pritzker’s leadership, has also increased funding for low-income college students, increased the cash assistance paid to eligible families under what’s known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and expanded the number

Coming events

Current

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-Bring

-Protect

in America

of working parents eligible for child care subsidies, among other initiatives, according to a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Human Services.

But bolder and more controversial policy ideas supported by some on the commission, such as extending coverage to tipped workers under the state’s minimum wage laws and establishing a statewide guaranteed income for families who live in poverty—state aid they could spend with no strings attached—have not gained significant traction. Communities like Cairo that have suffered decades of economic decline have seen little relief.

And the commission, which has seven vacancies, is a long way from meeting its goals.

In fact, financial problems are worsening for many families as pandemic-era enhanced benefits sunset in the face of rising inflation.

‘What’s your plan …?’

Few places are immune to poverty, but rural counties in southern and central Illinois struggle the most. And perhaps nowhere experiences these challenges as deeply as Cairo.

A majority Black town steeped in history at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, Cairo is the government seat of Alexander County. It’s the poorest county in Illinois and the fastest depopulating in America. Today, the county is home to about 5,000 people, down from a high of over 25,000 in 1940.

Cairo Mayor Thomas Simpson said he’d never heard of the commission on poverty elimination, though it did hold a listening session in the town in March 2023.

“We need to know, OK, what’s your plan to get us out of poverty?” Simpson said. ‘What (are) you gonna do for us down here in Cairo? I’m working on rebuilding Cairo, so how can we work together to make things happen?”

Simpson said his community suf-

list at go.illinois.edu/GCsubscribe for direct access to timely tips.

Lombard Chamber program June 24

“Woman in Business - Work Life Balance.” Work, family and personal lives are often difficult to manage. Maria Zucchero from House of Gemneye will help us to achieve work life balance to successfully juggle all aspects of our lives at this special event. Also learn about the services that Maria offers to help us to be our personal best. Both men and women are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. Monday June 24, 4-6 p.m. at House of Gemneye, 330 East Roosevelt Road

fers from a lack of industry and small businesses. The state, he said, should take advantage of the region’s natural resources.

“I mean, you look at river, rail and of course we’ve got the waterways out here. … A lot of things can happen here and we’ve got space for it,” Simpson said.

There have been efforts to uplift Cairo, but they’ve fallen short.

One of the latest came in August 2020, when Pritzker joined local officials to announce $40 million in state support to jump-start construction of a port just west of Cairo on the Mississippi River, near the confluence.

The governor billed the project as an economic lifeline for Cairo and the surrounding area.

“This is more than just a port,” Pritzker said that day. “It’s also fuel for new jobs and newfound economic prosperity all across this region, a region that’s been left out and left behind for far too long.”

But the project, which was supposed to be operational this year, has faced numerous delays . Local officials say planning work and environmental studies are under way, but no timeline has been given for construction to start.

‘They can’t find a place to stay’

Alongside an expansion of industry and jobs, Cairo officials say they need places for people to live at a variety of price points.

“We have a crisis in southern Illinois for affordable housing, especially in areas such as Alexander County,” said state Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, who sits on the commission.

That crisis was apparent on a Tuesday night in early April, when dozens of Cairo citizens, including Mallory, filled the blue lunch tables in the high school gymnasium for a meeting about the town’s housing needs.

The conversation sounded like

See POVERTY, Page 11

Suite 110, Lombard. Visit lombardchamber.com for more information and to register.

Genealogy club to meet at Plum Library June 24

Join the Helen Plum Library Genealogy Club June 24 at 7 p.m. for a roundtable discussion to share your research findings, hear success stories from other members and seek solutions to brick walls. This program will be in-person and held in the Conference Room (2nd floor). Registration required. Visit helenplum.org/event/genealogy-club-56865 to register.

one that might be heard after a hurricane or large-scale fire pushed people from their homes. “We’ve had a lot of folks displaced. And of course, a lot of folks want to come home,” Simpson said at the top of the meeting. But the housing crisis here is human-made.

Citing safety issues and no money for repairs after local officials misspent it, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has closed five large housing complexes in the county since 2019.

That eliminated most of the subsidized apartment units that had been available only five short years ago.

Residents forced to move from their apartments received vouchers to help subsidize their rents in privately owned homes and apartments. But due to the severe lack of housing in the county, most have moved 30 miles or more away to mid-size communities in Illinois and neighboring Kentucky and Missouri.

The town begged for help replacing some of its lost housing, but the government is no longer in the business of building public housing. Instead, state and federal programs now rely on private and nonprofit developers who use complex tax-credit deals to build housing.

And though Fowler said the commission supports an expansion of affordable housing in Illinois, including for southern Illinois, these tax-credit housing models are challenging to make work in disadvantaged rural communities, as they struggle to operate at the scale need-

ed for financial sustainability.

The housing crisis in Cairo is widespread, affecting people across the income spectrum. Home prices are low compared to the statewide average, but they often need thousands of dollars in repairs.

“When I moved back home eight years ago, I had to stay with my sister in the projects until I found somewhere to live,” said Lisa Thomas, a fifth-grade teacher at a nearby elementary school. “When I finally found somewhere to live, it took a lot of money to actually get my home into a livable condition. And so that’s some of the things that you’re finding, people stay with other people, because they can’t find a place to stay.”

Looking for solutions

Christopher Merrett, director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University, said that while communities must shoulder much of their own recovery work, it’s unrealistic to think they can do it without help.

“It’s really hard to think beyond that day-to-day and week-to-week basis,” he said. “Hard to get that mindset that you should be thinking a year out, five years out, because you’re just so busy trying to keep a roof over your head and over your family’s head.”

Merrett is not on the poverty commission but his institute is helping Cairo officials with economic development planning. It starts, he said, with changing attitudes.

“There’s kind of a negative nar-

rative about rural communities,” Merrett said. “We’re trying to help change the way people think about the community because many communities have been in population decline for decades.”

Audra Wilson, the poverty commission’s co-chair and the president and CEO of the Chicago-based Shriver Center on Poverty Law, said the group also hopes to reframe the discussion around poverty, emphasizing systemic failures and policy decisions that have let people and communities down rather than assigning blame for their circumstances.

Rural areas, in particular, lack the resources they need, Wilson said, and the commission acknowledges that. But often, she added, there are programs to help that people do not know about. Part of the commission’s work is studying how to more effectively connect people to existing benefits.

Indeed, there are community-based programs in Alexander County. For instance, every Wednesday, several dozen people line up single-file in a Cairo parking lot and await the arrival of a bus filled with groceries. This “mobile food pantry” service is provided by Arrowleaf, a local nonprofit.

But getting the word out is hard, said Sherrie Crabb, Arrowleaf’s chief executive. “We do have some resources, but it’s just trying to find ways to educate individuals that may not use regular means of communication that you see in other areas,” Crabb said.

‘They don’t care’ As for the commission’s future, with an impending goal of cutting deep poverty in half in less than two years, it continues to meet and develop policy solutions that it plans to present to the governor and lawmakers.

Wilson acknowledged that broader anti-poverty work is still needed. However, there have been some attempts at larger undertakings.

For instance, the state has earmarked $13 million over three years for a guaranteed income pilot program known as the Illinois Stability Investment in Family Housing program. It’s a joint effort between the poverty commission and two additional state committees tackling homelessness and hunger.

Under the pilot program, 1,125 families, selected by lottery, have received $9,500 each—one-time payments they can spend as they see fit. To qualify, individuals had to be experiencing homelessness, receiving services for housing stability and be pregnant or have at least one child living with them. It is operating in eight regions of the state—in Chicago and the surrounding areas, central Illinois and the Metro East—though families south of the St. Louis metropolitan area are not eligible.

The state has partnered with the Inclusive Economy Lab at the University of Chicago to design and evaluate the program. Preliminary findings are expected late next year, IDHS said.

Wilson said the no-strings-attached cash assistance “has been a

huge game changer.” But these programs have strong detractors and statewide implementation would face significant hurdles. Asked if the Pritzker administration supports some form of a guaranteed income program, the IDHS spokesperson said that it is committed to working with lawmakers and other policy experts to “explore all options to help lift people out of poverty.”

Other big questions also remain unresolved, like how to help places like Cairo reverse decades of economic decline.

If the major industries that supported the town are gone, “Where do people go? And where do they work?” Wilson said. “These are things that you have to think about in its entirety if you’re going to really be lifting families out of poverty.”

Despite the challenges that Cairo faces, it’s still home for Mallory and others like her working to rebound their town. Even as others have left, Cairo is the place she wants to live—a powerful draw, rooted in deep connections.

“I want her to be raised in Cairo because this is where our family (is),” Mallory said of her daughter.

“My granny, my younger sister, those are my rocks, those are my heartbeats, those are my like, to get me through each and every single day.”

But, she said, it feels like policymakers could do more to help her community.

“Well past Springfield,” she said, echoing a common refrain around town, “they don’t care about us.”

TIME TO SPARKLE!

Start your Fourth of July celebration right at the 19th Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th!

Thursday, July 4th

7:15 AM — 4-Mile Race 8:20 AM — 1-Kilometer Kids Race (Ages 5-12)

Light up your morning on the streets of Elmhurst! Both races start and finish on S. Prospect Ave. between Elmhurst University and Wilder Park.

Register now to reserve your spot at the starting line and to guarantee your T-shirt size.

Sign up today at 4ON4TH.RUN

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Consider adding cicadas--yes, cicadas--to ice cream toppings

“That’s surprisingly delicious!” This is maybe not the phrase first expected to be heard when trying a once-in-a-lifetime lunch menu of cicada pesto pizza, cicada tempura bites with lime aioli, and, for dessert, cicada ice cream sundaes.

This spring, a team of University of Illinois Extension educators fully embraced the historical double-emergence of cicada broods a little out of the box and closer to the plate.

When Ken Johnson and Chris Enroth, “Good Growing” podcast hosts and Extension horticulture educators, started working on a periodical cicada episode, they wanted to explore every angle from science to nutrition.

So they recruited entomologist Kacie Athey, assistant professor and Extension specialist in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and then Kristin Bogdonas, Extension nutrition and wellness educator, as lead chef.

Extension staff, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists and community members were then invited to sample a cicada-themed lunch in late May during the peak of the cicada emergence in Springfield.

Eating cicadas

Wildlife aren’t the only things that can eat cicadas; humans can too. Historically, Native Americans used them in their diet. “Outside of Western culture, eating insects is less of a novelty, part of a regular diet, and often found as a popular street food choice,” says Johnson. Be sure to speak with an allergist before enjoying cicadas for those with shrimp or shellfish allergies since they are related. Cicadas should be treated as any other potential allergen when preparing food. Like other edible insects, cicadas are low in fat, a good source of protein, and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals.

To prepare for the culinary curiosity cicada lunch, Johnson collected newly emerged Brood 13 cicadas from maple trees in his backyard and froze them days before recipe testing. At this life stage, the cicadas are white and soft-bodied with soft wings. When collecting cicadas, it’s important to know the tree and lawn care practices used at the site. Do not collect from areas treated with pesticides or un-

known soil types due to higher levels of metals found in some soils.

On event day, the kitchen was buzzing. The team quickly found out that after thawing the cicadas followed by blanching them, it filled the room with the smell of cooked asparagus.

When the moment for the taste test arrived, the team counted one, two and three before they each popped a roasted cicada in their mouth with a laugh. They all smiled in shock.

“It’s actually delicious and tastes just like a vegetable,” said Bogdonas.

Sampling cicadas

Soon, the room began to fill with curious guests. Some were eager to try, while a few had reservations and hesitated to make a plate.

Team Cicada, as some refer to them, led a discussion on periodical cicadas and answered questions about the historical emergence and nutritional values.

The room quickly filled with conversation, laughter, and, for many, a new experience they genuinely enjoyed. The top-voted dish of the day was the fried tempura cicadas, followed by pizza, ice cream, and plain roasted cicadas. Numerous people shared that the chopped cicadas on top of the ice cream smelled like almonds. One person asked for seconds, and many took home samples for their family and friends to try.

Several people made sure to give their compliments to the chef.

Relive the day with the “Good Growing” Podcast Episode 175: “Eating Periodical Cicadas,” available at go.illinois.edu/EatingCicadas. The page also contains a link to watch the video version with featured cooking and tasting reactions. Find cicada recipes at go.illinois. edu/CicadaRecipes.

Subscribe to the “Good Growing” blog for weekly horticulture topics, podcast episodes, and more at go.illinois.edu/GoodGrowingSubscribe.

Source: Ken Johnson, horticulture educator; Chris Enroth, horticulture educator; Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition and wellness educator; and Kacie Athey, entomologist, assistant professor, and Extension specialist.

Writer: Jenna Braasch, media communications coordinator,Illinois Extension.

Illinois child tax credit:

who gets it, how much is it?

$50 million tax credit program will provide up to roughly $300 for low-income families

By Andrew Adams CaPitol neWs illinois

In the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children.

The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although it has exceptions, that credit is generally available to married couples earning up to about $60,000 and single people earning up to about $50,000, depending on the number of children they have.

For taxes on 2024 income, the tax credit will cap at just over $300 for tax filers with three or more children who meet certain income requirements. Taxpayers with two children face a cap of about $270 and taxpayers with one child face a cap of about $170.

The child tax credit equates to 20 percent of the state’s EITC, which allows Illinois taxpayers a credit equal to 20 percent of the federal EITC.

Starting in tax year 2025, the state’s child tax credit will double to 40 percent of the state EITC, meaning that it will max out at a bit over $600 for families with three children. Because the federal tax credit that determines its size is tied to inflation, the actual size of future years’ child tax credits is yet to be determined.

In its first year, the program is expected to cost the state $50 million, with a cost of about $100 million in subsequent years.

The idea of a permanent child tax credit in Illinois has been floated for several years, with various proposals being put forward by legislators in the General Assembly as well as advocacy groups and think tanks.

Gov. JB Pritzker pitched a child tax credit in his proposed budget earlier this year that was smaller than the version that passed in the final budget. It would have applied to children under three years old and cost about $12 million.

Proponents of the idea say that in addition to helping low-income families, programs like

Elmhurst University Summer Band

Elmhurst University Summer Band

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7:00PM

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Hammerschmidt Chapel

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Lawmakers pass on oversight vote for Pritzker’s prison closure, rebuild plan

By Hannah Meisel and Dilpreet Raju Capitol News illiNois

For the last two decades, each time a governor has moved to close a large state-run facility like a prison or mental health center, a legislative oversight panel has voted on the plan.

That changed on June 14—at least for now—when only three lawmakers made it to Springfield for the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s scheduled vote on Gov. JB Pritzker’s plans to demolish and rebuild Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill and Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln. State Department of Corrections officials and the governor have indicated they’re strongly considering rebuilding Logan 140 miles northwest of its decadeslong home in central Illinois to the grounds of Stateville in Chicago’s southwest suburbs.

Without a quorum, the 12-member panel was unable to take an official vote on the matter within the timeline specified under law for reviewing facility closures. But COGFA’s Democratic co-chair, Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria, had told reporters the previous evening that even if absences were not an issue, the Pritzker administration’s current plans for Stateville and Logan are so vague that “We don’t really know what we’re voting on.”

After the meeting June 14, Koehler told reporters the fact that COGFA failed to vote “doesn’t really change anything”—the governor’s office can move forward with a closure regardless.

The vote from the bipartisan panel would merely have been a recommendation; some governors have still gone ahead with closures even after the panel has voted to reject those plans.

But with the exception of a few instances where closure plans have been withdrawn before COGFA’s scheduled vote, the appointed members of the body have formally registered their positions on nearly three dozen proposed closures since 2005.

Despite not voting, the three members present at the June 14 meeting registered their criticisms anyway.

“This is really a concept and not a plan, in my estimation, because a plan has details,” Koehler said, though he spoke for the panel in saying he was supportive of the idea of “having new state-of-the-art facilities” to replace

(Continued from page 13)

this help local economies.

“Every dollar we invest in the child tax credit is immediately spent locally,” Erion Malasi, the policy director for Economic Security for Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois.

Researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a labor movement-affiliated think tank, found in a January report that child tax credits have a higher economic impact than cuts to corporate income taxes or to capital gains taxes.

the crumbling prisons. He added the commission would be willing to work with IDOC and the administration once more details of the plan are available.

Koehler’s Republican co-chair, Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer of Murrayville, was far blunter in his appraisal of the Pritzker administration’s approach to the closure process.

“I think that we have a thought bubble more so than the written-down plan, right?” he said.

He blamed the governor for not working with COGFA—and accused him of either not having a plan or not being willing to divulge it publicly.

“I think this is coming from the top, and they put their appointees and their Department (of Corrections) in a place to defend their idea,” Davidsmeyer said.

During an unrelated news conference June 14, Pritzker insisted “the legislature is ultimately going to have a lot to say along the way” even without an advisory vote from COGFA.

Though he said some groups will inevitably be “disappointed with whatever the final outcome ultimately will be,” he reiterated that the closure and rebuild plans are still taking shape.

“And it may be that changes might get made along the way, but no final decisions have been made,” he said.

IDOC officials testified in front of the legislative panel three times in the last several weeks, including at a pair of hearings in the prisons’ current host communities. At those hearings, prison employees and local residents had the opportunity to air their concerns with the closure and rebuild plans.

Before both hearings last week, COGFA members and local state lawmakers were given the opportunity to tour both Stateville and Logan, which a 2023 state-commissioned report identified as among a handful of prisons with unlivable conditions caused by years of deferred maintenance by the state.

Reflecting on the tours during the June 14 meeting, Davidsmeyer said they were “very eye-opening,” but urged the Pritzker administration to keep Stateville, a men’s maximum-security prison, open during the rebuild process. IDOC officials last month said they may close Stateville as early as September but planned to keep Logan running during a rebuild.

“Stateville is beyond disrepair,” Davidsmeyer said. “I agree that we should continue to operate Stateville while we

build. We should make Stateville a priority to rebuild right now, immediately. Put a rush on it.”

Logan, a multi-security women’s prison, currently houses more than 1,000 individuals. Formerly incarcerated women testified on Thursday that relocating the prison to the Stateville site would help the 40 percent of residents who are from the several counties that

comprise the Chicagoland area.

But Logan employees balked at that idea, even citing an individual in custody with a life sentence and mental health issues who has been worried that a move north would mean she would never again see her mother, who is located downstate. The state’s only other women’s prison in Decatur is currently a minimum-security prison.

At the June 14 hearing, Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said he cannot support the plans with “so many unanswered questions.”

“To suggest that I’ve been disappointed with how this process has played out would be an understatement,” he said.

See voTe, Page 23

Worship

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

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

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am

“The Crucial Hours”

Wednesday Service at 7 pm

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

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

Adult Bible Study after Wednesday Service Saturday, June 22 Game Night at 4 pm

Everyone is Welcome!

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

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” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18

Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022

Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Gather with us for weekend worship!

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17

State Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, sponsored legislation that would have created a $300 million child tax credit program that was more expansive than the version that passed.

Aquino told Capitol News Illinois he will be watching the rollout of the child tax credit to see if there is room for an “expansion” in future budget years or if there is a route for the credit to be automatically applied for qualifying taxpayers.

The Illinois Department of Revenue is working on guidance for next year’s filing season and will provide information about how to claim the child tax credit on its website.

That report also cited several research teams that found the temporary expansion to the federal child tax credit between 2021 and 2023 reduced child poverty in the U.S. by between 25 and 36 percent. That credit provided an additional $1,000 per child on top of an existing $2,000 credit, with increases for younger children.

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

Saturday: 3�3:45PM

Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision

SCOTUS expected to announce whether it will hear unrelated appeal of 2023 assault weapon ban

By Peter Hancock Capitol News illiNois

An Illinois law banning the sale and use of “bump stocks” and other devices that increase the firing power of semiautomatic weapons remains in place, at least for now, despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision June 14 striking down a federal ban on such items.

“Illinois law is not affected by the decision,” a spokesperson for Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in an email statement June 14.

Meanwhile, however, advocates on both sides of the gun control debate in the United States are anxiously waiting to learn whether the high court will hear a broader constitutional challenge to the state’s 2023 assault weapons ban, which includes the

state-level ban on bump stocks. An announcement on that appeal could come at any time in the next several days.

Bump stocks are devices that attach to a semiautomatic weapon that enable it to fire multiple shots in rapid succession with a single pull of the trigger, effectively enabling the weapon to function like a fully automatic weapon.

Those devices became the focus of gun control debate following a 2017 mass shooting at a music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. A gunman used weapons equipped with bump stocks to fire more than 1,000 rounds into a crowd in a matter of minutes, killing 60 people and injuring more than 400.

Although public ownership of “machine guns” had long been

banned under the National Firearms Act, a 1934 law originally written in response to gangland violence of that era, that law had never been interpreted to include the use of bump stocks.

Public outrage over the Las Vegas massacre prompted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to adopt a new regulation imposing a federal ban on bump stocks.

In a 6-3 ruling June 14, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down that regulation, saying ATF exceeded its authority in issuing a rule that classifies bump stocks as machine guns. The majority did not, however, say a ban on bump stocks per se would violate the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

“The Supreme Court decision, as you know, is not a Second Amend-

ment decision,” Gov. JB Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference just hours after the decision was released.

“It was a decision about whether the ATF has the authority to issue the rules that they put out back then. … I do think it’s going to spur action at the state level as well as the federal level to try to once again ban bump stocks. Here in Illinois, we’ve already done that.”

The Illinois bump stock ban was enacted as part of the state’s overall ban on assault-style weapons, which came in response to another mass shooting, this one at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park in 2022.

The law bans a long list of firearms defined as “assault weapons,” as well as large-capacity magazines and various kinds of attachments. Those include attachments that “increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm above the standard rate of fire” for a weapon not equipped with such a device.

 Yes. Please send me an

with a

laws that apply only to certain classes of individuals.

At the federal level, however, decisions so far have been mixed. Two separate district court judges in the Northern District of Illinois rejected constitutional challenges to the law and refused to block enforcement of either the state ban or local bans enacted in Naperville and Chicago.

But in April, a judge in the Southern District of Illinois granted a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the law on the grounds that it likely violates the Second Amendment.

Those three cases were later consolidated at the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, where a three-judge panel ruled Nov. 3 that the law could remain in force while challenges to it are being considered.

That is the decision now pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, which so far has declined to issue its own preliminary injunction to block enforcement of the law while the cases are being heard.

That law was passed during a special lame duck session of the General Assembly in January 2023, just six months after the Highland Park shooting. Pritzker signed it into law within hours of its final passage, making Illinois the ninth state in the nation at the time to enact such a ban. Washington became the 10th state a few months later.

Legal challenges to the Illinois law moved swiftly through both state and federal courts. In August, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled 4-3 the law did not violate a narrow provision of the Illinois Constitution that prohibits the passage of “special legislation,” or

Legal challenges are also pending against assault weapon bans in other states, but a spokesperson for the National Association for Gun Rights, one of the leading organizations challenging those laws, said Monday the Illinois case is the only one currently poised to be taken up by the Supreme Court.

If the court agrees to take the case, oral arguments would be scheduled for the term that begins in October. A decision against hearing the appeal would leave the Seventh Circuit’s decision from November in place.

link for only $35 per year. Enclosed is my check for $35.

GAME 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. Breezed through

5. Supervises interstate

commerce

8. Unruly group

11. Backs away from

13. Expression of understanding

14. Have concern for

15. Monetary units

16. Congressman (abbr.)

17. Iranian city

18. Eating houses

20. 2,000 lbs.

21. Grandmother

22. They include North, South and Central

25. In an early way

30. Foes

31. Shuttered British entertainment magazine

32. One who unloads cages

33. Another term for sesame

38. Formally forbid

41. Make clear

43. Inaccessible

45. Get through

47. Ancient kingdom near Dead

Sea

49. Decameter

50. Type of sword

55. Actor Idris

56. Affirmative (slang)

57. Afflicted

59. One point north of northwest

60. Born of

61. Arabic name

62. Traditional Hong Kong street food: ____ pai dong

63. Termination point

64. Email function

CLUES DOWN

1. Sign language

2. In style

3. Helsinki neighborhood

4. Unable to hear

5. More rapid

6. An idea accepted as a demonstrable truth

7. In a cagey way

8. Kate and Rooney are two

9. Algerian port

10. Community in Ladakh

12. Midway between south and southeast

14. Town in Galilee

19. Satisfy

23. Italian impressionist painter

24. Brass instrument

25. Chest muscle (slang)

26. Transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm

27. Records electric currents generated by the brain

28. Woman (French)

29. Aircraft designed to carry lots of passengers

34. Baseball stat

35. Pointed end of a pen

36. Popular sports league

37. Body part

39. Unlikely to provoke dissent

40. Yellowish cotton cloth

41. Domesticated house pet

42. Untruths

44. Set out to attract

45. Spiritual leader

46. Abba ____, Israeli politician

47. Repair

48. Genus of flowering plants

51. Swiss river

52. Prejudice

53. River in central Europe

54. Harness

58. Father

Sports

Waves swim one meet during the week, losing at Woodridge

Lombard’s June 12 home meet against Bartlett was canceled

The Lombard Waves continued their DuPage Swim and Dive Conference season with Saturday’s meet against the Woodridge Sea Lions. The Sea Lions outscored the Waves 472-153 in the meet, which took place in Woodridge. Lombard’s season record fell to 1-2 following Saturday’s meet.

The Waves were supposed to face Bartlett at Paradise Bay Water Park on June 12, but that meet was canceled due to an issue with the pool.

The Lombard swimmers who won individual championships on Saturday in Woodridge included Marco Garavito, who won three races in the 13-14 boys division. He earned his victories in the 50-yard freestyle, which he won in 27.90 seconds; the 100-yard freestyle, which he completed in 1 minute, 4.48 seconds, and the 50-yard backstroke (37.30).

The Waves’ other individual champions on Saturday were:

8-and-under girls: Claire Wedel (25-yard breaststroke; 40.28)

8-and-under boys: Jack Kueking (25-yard freestyle; 22.39) and Daniel Petrine (25-yard backstroke; 27.29)

9-10 girls: Molly Gierman (50yard freestyle; 32.89)

13-14 girls: Allie Walden (50yard freestyle; 29.68) and Caitlin Hageman (100-yard freestyle; 1:07.08)

15-18 boys: Adam Hollis (100yard individual medley; 1:03.96); Mason McKenna (50-yard backstroke; 28.49) and Adriano Bifero (50-yard breaststroke; 32.28)

The Waves’ foursome of Marshall

The Lombard Waves who won individual events during Saturday’s meet at Woodridge included Marco Garavito, who won three races in the 13-14 boys division. He is pictured (above left) during his first-place swim in the 100-yard freestyle. Adam Hollis of the Waves is shown (above right) during his victory in Woodridge. He earned his win in the 15-18 boys level’s 100-yard individual medley. One more photo from Saturday’s meet shows Lombard’s Caitlin Hageman, who is pictured (below) during her victory in the 13-14 girls level’s 100-yard freestyle.

Victor, Daniel Petrine, Jack Kueking and Joshua DeKoekkoek won the 8-and-under boys level’s 100-yard medley relay on Saturday. The four Lombard swimmers completed the race in 2 minutes, 16.58 seconds.

The quartet of Weslee Pounders, Adriano Bifero, Adam Hollis and Benjamin Bates provided Lombard with another relay victory on Saturday. The four Waves won the 15-18 boys division’s 200-yard medley relay, finishing the race in 2 minutes, 3.36 seconds.

Lombard’s season continued with this week’s meet against the Itasca Dolphins, which took place in Itasca on June 19. The Waves have a bye this Saturday.

Scholarship recipient

Several members of Glenbard East High School’s Class of 2024 received scholarships during last month’s Local Scholarship Awards Night ceremony in the school’s Biester Auditorium. The scholarship recipients included Lauren Bradley, who received the $1,000 Lombard Service League Scholarship. She is pictured (right) at the ceremony with Glenbard East Principal Antoine Anderson (left). The Lombard Service League Scholarship is presented to a Lombard resident who is an excellent student. The recipient of the scholarship, who is recommended by Glenbard East’s faculty, also seeks out ways to support the welfare of the community and the school. Bradley was a four-year athlete at Glenbard East. She was a member of the Rams’ girls volleyball and girls track and field teams. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and the vice president of Glenbard East’s chapter of the National English Honor Society. Bradley will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she will major in natural resources and environmental science.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing

Mariners edge Roselle 294-291

Villa Park moves to 3-1 with its narrow win over the Racers

The Villa Park Mariners swim team improved its 2024 DuPage Swim and Dive Conference record to 3-1 with Saturday’s 294-291 victory over the Roselle Racers at Jefferson Pool.

Three days before beating Roselle, the Mariners posted a decisive win over Wood Dale/Addison in Wood Dale.

Villa Park’s three-time individual champions during Saturday’s meet included Penelope Kuhl, who swam to her victories in the 8-and-under girls level. She earned her wins in the 50-meter freestyle (which she completed in 50.85 seconds), the 25-meter butterfly (26.23) and the 25-meter breaststroke (35.19).

Leighton Stempel of the Mariners raced to three first-place finishes in the 9-10 girls division. She secured her victories in the 100-meter individual medley (1 minute, 48.18 seconds), the 50-meter butterfly (51.86) and the 50-meter breaststroke (57.98).

Phoebe Aldana of Villa Park delivered three wins in the 13-14 girls level during Saturday’s meet against Roselle. She claimed her wins in the 100-meter individual medley (1:24.01), the 50-meter butterfly (35.97) and the 50-meter breaststroke (42.60).

Naomi Aldana picked up three wins for the Mariners in the 15-18 girls division on Saturday. Her wins came in the 100-meter individual medley (1:19.71), the 100-meter freestyle (1:07.19) and the 50-meter butterfly (33.78).

Villa Park’s Ary Carrola earned two wins in the 11-12 girls level

on Saturday. She won the 50-meter freestyle (34.80) and the 100-meter individual medley (1:30.03). Elin Stempel also provided the Mariners with two victories in the 11-12 girls division during the meet against Roselle. She won the 50-meter butterfly (41.73) and the 50-meter backstroke (40.98).

Villa Park’s other individual champions during Saturday’s meet against the Racers included: 8-and-under boys: Ethan Aldana (25-meter freestyle; 30.20) 9-10 girls: Ruth Aldana (50-meter backstroke; 56.53)

11-12 girls: Colleen Pienkos (100-meter freestyle; 1:25.16) and Lydia Aldana (50-meter breaststroke; 49.68)

11-12 boys: Ryan Mueller (50-meter freestyle; 43.16); Chris Spears (100-meter freestyle (1:37.12) and Caleb Vaughan (50-meter breaststroke (58.12)

13-14 girls: Brooke Turner (50-meter freestyle; 36.72)

13-14 boys: Alex Carson (50-meter backstroke; 57.05)

Villa Park’s 9-10 girls foursome of Ruth Aldana, Maddie Lynch, Leighton Stempel and Ariana Knudtson swam to two relay victories on Saturday. The four Mariners won the 200-meter medley relay (3:39.83) and the 200-meter freestyle relay (3:14.12).

The Mariners’ 11-12 girls quartet of Ary Carrola, Lydia Aldana, Elin Stempel and Colleen Pienkos also won two relay events, racing to firstplace finishes in the 200-meter medley relay (2:54.94) and the 200-meter freestyle relay (2:33.77).

The 11-12 boys lineup of Ryan Mueller, Caleb Vaughan, Gabriel Clark and Chris Spears provided Villa Park with two relay wins on Saturday. The four Mariners won the 200-meter medley relay (3:59.24) and the 200-meter freestyle relay (3:11.03).

Villa Park’s other first-place relay

teams on Saturday included:

8-and-under girls: Margot Tarsitano, Layla Borkowski, Gabrielle Porebski and Penelope Kuhl (100-meter freestyle relay; 2:50.56)

8-and-under boys: Tre Tarsitano, Sawyer French, Ethan Aldana and Henry Porebski (100-meter freestyle relay; 2:15.13)

13-14 girls: Belle Knudtson, Megan Usry, Sophia Maffia and Phoebe Aldana (200-meter freestyle relay; 2:31.23)

The Mariners’ season continues with this week’s meets against Carol Stream and Hanover Park. Villa Park will face Hanover Park this Saturday at Jefferson Pool.

The Villa Park Mariners faced the Roselle Racers in Saturday’s meet at Jefferson Pool. The Mariners narrowly outscored Roselle 294-291 in the meet’s team standings. Villa Park improved its season record to 3-1 with the victory. The Mariners who earned individual wins during the meet included Penelope Kuhl, who won three events in the 8-and-under girls level. She is pictured (above) during her win in the 25-meter breaststroke. Another photo (below) shows Villa Park’s Elin Stempel, who won two individual events in the 11-12 girls division on Saturday. She is shown during her first-place effort in the 50-meter backstroke. One more photo (bottom left) shows Caleb Vaughan, who is pictured while providing the Mariners with a win in the 11-12 boys level’s 50-meter breaststroke.

Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing

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Willowbrook will host the IHSA state tournament in girls flag football

Warriors will host the event for the next three seasons; inaugural IHSA tournament will take place in October

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors announced last week that Willowbrook High School will serve as the host of the inaugural IHSA Girls Flag Football State Finals in the fall of 2024.

According to the IHSA, Willowbrook entered a three-year contract to host the state finals of the sport. Earlier this year, the IHSA announced that girls flag football would become the 32nd sport to contest an IHSA state series.

The 2024 IHSA state finals in girls flag football, which will feature eight teams, will take place at Willowbrook on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19. The state finals will return to Willowbrook in 2025 and 2026.

“The Willowbrook High School team, coaching staff, and administration have been a model program in girls flag football in the state, so it seems fitting that they will serve as the host of the inaugural state finals,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “We appreciate their passion for the sport and are excited to work together to create lifelong memories for our participating schools.”

Willowbrook launched its girls flag football program in 2022. During that year, the Chicago Bears hosted a girls flag football state tournament.

The Warriors won the state championship at that tournament in October 2022.

In 2023, Willowbrook won the West Suburban Gold-Plus Conference Tournament to advance to the Bears’ state tournament at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.

After losing in the semifinal round, the Warriors completed the

Willowbrook High School will host the inaugural IHSA Girls Flag Football State Finals. The

of Directors announced last week that Willowbrook would be the host of the first three IHSA state tournaments in

The 2024 state finals, which will feature eight teams, will take place Oct. 18-19 at Willowbrook. Led by head coach Rachel Karos, the Warriors started their own girls flag football program in 2022. Willowbrook’s 2022 team won the championship at the Chicago Bears’ state tournament at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. The Warriors’ 2023 team won the third-place trophy at the Bears’ state tournament. One photo from the 2023 season shows (bottom right - left to right) Kendall Medinger, Loralai McIntyre, Marli Smrz and Lilli Macias after the Warriors’ 32-0 home victory over Addison Trail on Oct. 7. Another photo (above) shows the Willowbrook team after it defeated the Blazers 20-6 in the championship game of the West Suburban Gold-Plus Conference Tournament in Villa Park on Oct. 21. The Warriors advanced to the Bears’ state event with their Oct. 21 victory over Addison Trail in the conference tournament’s title contest.

2023 tournament by winning the third-place contest.

“As one of the pioneers of girls

flag football in Illinois, we are thrilled to host the first IHSA State Championship at Willowbrook High

Willowbrook graduate earns his first MLB win

Willowbrook High School graduate Chris Roycroft, who is now pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals, earned his first Major League Baseball win last week. Roycroft, who graduated from Willowbrook in 2015, was called up from the Cardinals’ Triple-A team—the Memphis Redbirds—in May, and made his big-league debut on May 7. Roycroft is pictured while pitching two-thirds of an inning in relief in the Cardinals’ 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on June 13. Roycroft, who didn’t allow any runs in that appearance, was the contest’s winning pitcher. A member of the Cardinals’ bullpen, Roycroft pitched one and one-third scoreless innings in relief during his team’s 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field.

Through Saturday, Roycroft made 10 appearances for the Cardinals, pitching a total of 12 and two-third innings.

He had a 1-0 record with an earned-run average of 2.84. He allowed four runs and eight walks while recording 12 strikeouts during his first 10 appearances with the Cardinals.

Roycroft, who turns 27 this Friday, June 21, is 6 feet 8 inches tall. He played baseball and basketball at Willowbrook. He went on to play baseball and basketball at Aurora University.

School,” said Rachel Karos, the head coach of the Warriors’ program. “We are proud to be part of growing girls flag football in Illinois, throughout the U.S. and internationally. Through the support of the IHSA and the Chicago Bears, girls flag football creates tremendous opportunities for a diverse group of students—including engaging them with athletics, provid-

ing once-in-a-lifetime experiences and connecting them to scholarships.

The inaugural IHSA State Championship will be a historic event to continue to drive the sport forward and inspire the next generation. We are excited to provide an experience that promotes inclusion, access, diversity and equity for female athletes in Illinois.”

Chris Fox File photos Rock Valley Publishing

Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board

girls flag football.

submitted photo/st. louis Cardinals Rock Valley Publishing

Elections board urged to dismiss complaint that Bailey illegally coordinated in 2022 campaign

By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A hearing officer is recommending the Illinois State Board of Elections dismiss a complaint that alleged conservative radio host and political operative Dan Proft illegally coordinated with former Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey during his 2022 campaign for governor.

Proft, a one-time gubernatorial candidate himself, is behind an independent expenditure committee dubbed the “People Who Play By The Rules PAC,” which received $42 million from GOP megadonor Richard Uihlein, and in turn spent $36 million during the 2022 campaign cycle.

The complaint, filed by a top Democratic party official in the waning days of the campaign, claimed Proft’s PAC coordinated campaign spending with Bailey in violation of state law.

Under Illinois election law, “independent expenditure committees” like Proft’s PAC are barred from making expenditures “in connection, consultation, or concert with or at the request or suggestion of” public officials or candidates for office.

But in an opinion published last week ahead of the election board’s next meeting Tuesday (June 18), hearing, officer James Tenuto agreed with Proft and Bailey’s contention that the complaint actually relied

on federal law prohibiting independent expenditure coordination and wrote that “Illinois has no laws or rules governing independent expenditures.”

Though Tenuto recommended that the Board of Elections adopt rules or the General Assembly clarify state law about what is and isn’t allowed by independent expenditure committees, his broader take was that the evidence in the case didn’t support the claims of Proft and Bailey’s illegal coordination.

In an April hearing on the matter, attorneys for Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Ben Hardin, who lodged the complaint, painted a picture of illegal campaign coordination via a secret meeting, use of Bailey’s campaign footage in advertisements produced by Proft’s PAC, and Bailey’s appearances on Proft’s AM radio show.

The day after Bailey won the fourway Republican primary for governor in June of 2022, he and his campaign manager flew via helicopter to a Chicago-area country club for a meeting requested by Proft.

At that meeting, Proft told Bailey that Uihlein had agreed to provide $20 million to Bailey’s campaign— and allegedly presented Bailey with an envelope containing a check to that effect—if Bailey fired his campaign staff and Proft was given the reins.

If not, Bailey was told, Uihlein would instead direct the money to Proft’s PAC, according to testimony during the April hearing. Bailey refused to accept the deal, and Proft’s PAC went on to produce pro-Bailey ads funded by Uihlein’s millions.

Tenuto was unconvinced by Hardin’s contention that because Bailey refused the $20 million, he tacitly agreed to Uihlein’s alternative plan to give Proft the money in order to indirectly boost Bailey’s campaign.

Tenuto pointed out that Uihlein was free to change his mind about the deal, and that “rather than proving coordination,” Bailey’s refusal to fire his staff “confirmed the desire for the Candidate and Bailey for Illinois to maintain their independence from Proft and the PAC.”

“Nevertheless, Bailey’s refusal to accept the conditions was the result, but more significantly, not the cause of the $20 million contribution going to the PAC,” he wrote. “Ultimately, the recipient of the contribution was Uihlein’s decision. Bailey never had any ‘control’ over the ultimate recipient of the contribution.”

The complaint also alleged that Bailey’s appearances on Proft’s radio show were tantamount to message coordination that were later used in ads paid for by the PAC. But Tenuto also dismissed that theory, pointing out that Bailey and Proft were simply amplifying a key GOP argument of

the 2022 election cycle: crime.

“There was no need for Bailey to appear on Proft’s radio show to signal to the PAC the message he wanted to get out,” Tenuto wrote. “‘Crime is out of control’ was a common theme for Republican candidates.”

And though Hardin pointed out that Proft’s pro-Bailey ads used B-roll footage created by the Bailey campaign and posted on its website and YouTube channel, Tenuto also didn’t buy that its public posting was a clear sign of coordination. He cit-

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ed Proft’s testimony from the April hearing that he was “solely...responsible” for the PAC ads and “never had any conversation” with Bailey’s campaign staff about the ads.

Bailey lost the general election to Gov. JB Pritzker by 12.5 percentage points, and earlier this year lost his primary challenge against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost.

The Board of Elections was scheduled to make a final decision in the case at its Tuesday (June 18) meeting.

(Continued from page 15)

IDOC officials contend the rebuilds are necessary considering an ongoing class action lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Illinois, and other court rulings the department says forced it to build new, safer facilities

Pritzker and his administration also echoed that sentiment – and included a $900 million line item for capital improvements at Stateville and Logan, which house about 1,500 individuals, in the upcoming fiscal year budget.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union representing employees at both prisons agrees the prisons need to be rebuilt but disagrees with moving their jobs, along with individuals in custody,

to other prisons while rebuilds happen.

Michael Newman, deputy director of AFSCME Council 31, said the union needs more answers.

“We’re not arguing that the statebuilt facility as it exists now is the right kind of facility for the long-term, what we’re talking about is how you get from here to there,” Newman said at a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s Joliet hearing. “Let’s do it in a rational, smart way to assure safety and the best conditions for both employees and incarcerated individuals.”

AFSCME says about 1,000 workers are directly threatened by potential closures at both facilities.

Jerry Nowicki contributed.

In September of this year, the York Theatre

will be 100 years old. The legendary theatre, a part of the sixteen theatre Classic Cinemas chain, has always been a vital attraction for downtown Elmhurst. The York, with its trademark marquee and distinctive interiors, has been described as “a beacon to the heart of Elmhurst.”

The late Willis and Shirley Johnson were the faces of Classic Cinemas for many years. Willis, an Elmhurst Chamber Civic Hall of Fame member, was an active volunteer and business leader in Elmhurst and they both left their mark on many facets of the community.

Chris Johnson now leads the family movie business, and he is leading it into the future with energy, anticipation and innovation. Chris started as an usher, then concessions manager, theatre manager and in 2014 became CEO. Chris shared that a “normal” day for him consists of checking on how we did yesterday, directing staff in targeting priorities, and thinking about the future. It’s the future, after all, that will create new opportunities for growth, guest services and enjoyment.

Classic Cinemas, small as movie chains go, has prospered and succeeded despite challenges that placed larger chains in jeopardy. Chris Johnson describes Classic Cinemas as “nimble, attentive and interested in feedback”. Every guest review is read and replied to because “it’s that feedback that keeps us alert and focused”, Johnson said. Classic Cinemas sold more than 3.25 million tickets in 2023 despite some disruption of movie production and delivery. Classic Cinemas rebounded from the Pandemic by careful attention to their guests and communities. When the theatres reopened, their guests came back, understanding that theatres are great for business in the downtown, and great for the local economy.

Improved technology, recliner seating, excellent sound and projection, affordable pricing and reimagining what movies and movie theatres mean to individuals are all keys to the years ahead. Johnson shared, “the move business will always be more art than science, but it’s finding the right blend of those characteristics that will allow Classic Cinemas and The York Theatre to continue to thrive”.

Community Bank of Elmhurst is proud to be a business partner with Classic Cinemas and Chris Johnson. CBE’s tagline of “We Know Elmhurst. We ARE Elmhurst.”, could easily be on the York’s marquee too, as an example of two distinctive, community-oriented businesses.