Bensenville hosts 77th
District Small Business Expo
The Village of Bensenville was the chosen destination for the 77th District Small Business Expo—an event designed to promote small business growth and provide valuable networking opportunities. The Expo was presented by the Office of State Rep. Norma Hernandez in partnership with the Village of Bensenville, the Bensenville Park District, The Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, IL DCEO/OE3, The Illinois Capital Development Board, Sisco Advisors and tabling partners IHCC.
The event took place on Feb. 1 at White Pines Golf Club and served as an opportunity for local entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members to connect, share ideas, and learn about resources to help their businesses thrive.
The Expo featured an array of exhibitors, including local businesses, service providers, and organizations offering small business development resources.
Attendees also had the chance to participate in panel presentations led by industry experts on key topics for small business owners.
“We are happy to partner with Representative Norma Hernandez to bring this valuable event to Bensenville,” said Village President Frank DeSimone. “The Small Business Expo was a fantastic success, providing entrepreneurs with the tools and connections to grow their businesses and strengthen our local economy.”
Highlights of the Expo included:
• Networking opportunities: Local entrepreneurs and business owners were able to connect and build valu-
able relationships.
• Workshops and panels: Sisco Advisors, the Illinois Capital Development Board, and the Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce led discussions on strategies for growing and sustaining small businesses in today’s economy.
• Exhibitor booths: Attendees had the chance to discover services, products, and resources to help their businesses succeed.
• Small business resources: Information on grants, funding, and support systems was available for small business owners. The event was free and open to the public, though attendees were encouraged to register in advance. For more information about future events contact the Village of Bensenville at 630-594-1010 visit bensenville.il.us.
The Law Enforcement Hockey Classic returns for its 12th edition to support Honor Flight Chicago
The Village of Bensenville has announced the return of the Law Enforcement Hockey Classic taking place at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville.
“The Law Enforcement Hockey Classic goes beyond just a great game on the ice; it’s a meaningful opportunity for community, unity, and support of our veterans,” said Village President Frank DeSimone.
“By attending, you’re helping further the mission of Honor Flight Chicago, ensuring that our heroes are honored and remembered for their service. We’re proud and excited that Honor Flight Chicago is returning to Bensenville for their 12th year to host this wonderful event.”
The event promises an evening filled with excitement and family-friendly entertainment. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., allowing attendees to soak in the pre-game atmosphere before the spirited clash between teams from the Chicago Police Department and the FBI’s Chicago Field Office.
In addition to the hockey action, attendees can participate in fun side games like “Chuck-A-Puck,” explore the silent auction, and enjoy a dedicated family fun area with games and activities for all ages.
Tickets are available at honorflightchicago.org and at the door.
Adult tickets are $30 in advance, children ages 12 and under can attend for $10 in advance.
All tickets are $40 at the door. Group rates of $20 each for 10 or more tickets are available by calling the Honor Flight Chicago office at 773-227-8387. The Village of Bensenville en-
courages Chicagoland to join in this exciting evening of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and philanthropy.
March 1.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent
The Law Enforcement Hockey Classic returns to the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville on Saturday,
SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent
Pritzker takes aim at Trump tariffs with business tours, calls to foreign officials
Governor takes new climate role as Trump administration slashes EV charger funding
When President Donald Trump recently announced plans to issue tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, the backlash from Illinois leaders was swift.
The duties on Mexico and Canada were “paused” Feb. 3 amid negotiations between the nation’s leaders, but that didn’t stop Gov. JB Pritzker from frequently taking aim at the tariffs— and Trump—last week.
On Friday, at an announcement of a new tax credit for Freedman Seating, a Chicago-based vehicle seat manufacturer, Pritzker criticized the president’s attempts to impose the tariffs.
“Affordability and jobs are potentially the victims of that trade war,” Pritzker said. “Tariffs are a tax paid for by consumers. In the end, it’s a tax on working families and on small businesses.”
Freedman Seating agreed to invest $4 million for capital upgrades at its Chicago facility and is set to get a state tax credit as part of a deal to create 50
new jobs and keep 676 existing ones. The deal is part of Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy program.
That company was the latest Pritzker visited in what became a week of campaigning against the tariffs. On Thursday, he visited Darvin Furniture in Orland Park and Funkytown Brewery in Chicago to discuss the proposed duties. The furniture store already put a hold on a deal with a Canadian supplier, according to Pritzker’s office.
Trump’s reasons for the tariffs aren’t relevant to Canada, Pritzker argued Friday.
“With regard to Canada, 1 percent of all the fentanyl that ends up in the United States is coming from the northern border, from Canada,” he said. “One percent; that’s the emergency he’s going after. Immigration is the second of the two emergencies that he has declared in order to put these tariffs on. Immigration—that is not a problem from Canada.”
On Feb. 5, Pritzker called Canadian
Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman and Consul General of Mexico in Chicago Reyna Torres Mendivil to discuss the tariffs. On Feb. 7, he said he urged them to make sure their respective countries “don’t retaliate” against products that are important to companies in Illinois.
Pritzker also went after Trump’s disbandment of diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks, calling the move an attack on civil rights during Friday’s news conference. And he criticized the Trump administration’s federal funding freeze, saying it was actually a freeze on programs that keep Illinois safe, specifically local law enforcement agencies.
“It’s a massive effort to distract from what they are doing across the country, to take away things that working-class, middle-class people, families, and the most vulnerable really need,” he said.
EV charger clash
Trump’s actions may also pump the brakes on one of Pritzker’s signature
policy goals: reducing the state’s carbon footprint.
Pritzker set a goal to have 1 million electric vehicles on Illinois roads by 2030. Pritzker’s administration has also awarded more than $1.1 billion in tax breaks meant to bolster the EV industry supply chain since 2022.
But that effort could face new headwinds after the Trump administration told states last week it was suspending funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, a Biden-era program that was originally designed to put $5 billion toward building new EV chargers.
The Illinois Department of Transportation, which administers the program in Illinois, announced in September that it approved $25 million for the first round of funding. Illinois was set to receive as much as $148 million in total through 2027 as part of the program.
Late last year, the department extended the application window for the second round and was accepting
applications as recently as this week, according to its website
Pritzker also on Feb. 6 took on a new role as co-chair of “America is All In,” an advocacy group aimed at a “whole-of-society” response to climate change.
It originated during the first Trump administration after state elected officials and business leaders, including Pritzker, wanted to signal that they would still take aggressive action on climate change after Trump said he would pull the U.S. out of a 2016 U.N. agreement committing the nation to reducing its carbon emissions.
“We cannot be afraid to tell the truth: the climate crisis is real and we must tackle it with action that protects us from natural disasters and builds a strong clean energy economy with good-paying jobs,” Pritzker said in a statement
“It’s clear that states like Illinois and cities, businesses, and institutions will be where climate action presses forward.”
Childhood obesity trends in DuPage County: New data released
The DuPage County Health Department has released the latest data for DuPage County in a publication titled “Childhood Obesity in DuPage County, 2023-2024 Annual Report.”
What the data say:
• In 2023-2024, 16.2 percent (more than one in seven) of DuPage County public school students
from participating kindergarten, sixth, and ninth-grade classes (67.1 percent of classes) had obesity.
• The percent of students with obesity increased by 1.2 percentage points, from 15.0 percent in 20182019 to 16.2 percent in 2023-2024. This represents an 8 percent increase in the proportion of students with obesity.
Three suspects arrested for allegedly stealing more than $13,000 in items from Ulta Beauty store in Naperville
Last week, Naperville police officers were dispatched to the Ulta Beauty store in the 2700 block of Aurora Avenue for a report of a retail theft in progress.
“The suspect was allegedly seen concealing merchandise in his clothing prior to fleeing from the store without paying,” noted a statement from the Naperville Police Department.
“The employee caller provided our dispatcher with a detailed description of the suspect.”
Officers responded to the store, searched the area and located a subject matching the description. Officers made contact with the subject,
who was in a vehicle with two other occupants.
“By the time their investigation concluded, officers had recovered over $13,000 of allegedly stolen Ulta Beauty merchandise,” added the Naperville Police Department’s statement. According to police, felony charges were approved for all three alleged offenders, who were later transported to the DuPage County Jail.
“This was a great example of how the police and community can work together to hold people responsible for their criminal behavior,” concluded the police department’s statement about the incident.
Lombard School District 44 Kindergarten pre-registration for 2025–2026 school year
District 44 welcomes incoming kindergarten students. Pre-registration will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 5-8 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 28 from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Appointments are required.
Steps to pre-register: 1. Pick up a registration packet at your child’s school. 2. Complete the packet and schedule an appointment by calling your school. 3. Bring the completed packet, a certified birth certificate, and three current proofs of residency to your appointment.
Note: Children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1 to enroll. Current John Schroder students do not need to pre-register.
For more information, contact your local school or visit the District 44 website, www.sd44.org
• Additionally, 45.1 percent of DuPage County school-aged children with obesity had an elevated blood pressure reading. Why is this important? Having obesity during childhood increases immediate and future health risks. Compared to children with healthy weight, kids who are overweight in kindergarten are four times more likely to have obesity by eighth grade.
Obesity affects some groups more than others, including adolescents, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children, and children in families with lower incomes. These
Coming events
Plum Library blood drive Feb. 14
The Helen Plum Library is hosting a Versiti blood drive on Friday, Feb. 14, from 2:30-7 p.m. in the meeting rooms. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are appreciated. Visit www.versiti.org/IL or call 800-7TOGIVE to schedule an appointment. Please bring a photo ID.
Versiti blood drive Feb. 15
Lombard Masonic Lodge #1098 is hosting a Versiti blood drive on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at First Church of Lombard, Hatfield Hall, 220 S. Main St., Lombard. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are appreciated. Visit www.versiti.org/IL or call 800-7TOGIVE to schedule an appointment. Please bring a photo ID.
Lombard Service League to meet tonight
The first Lombard Service League meeting of 2025 will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, at TownePlace Suites, 455 E. 22nd St., Lombard, at 7 p.m. The evening will begin with a presentation by Brooke Bingaman from Soapy Roads of Lombard,
differences are rooted, in part, in persistent inequities. These include poverty and access to quality health care, healthy affordable foods and beverages, and safe and convenient places for physical activity.
From 2017 to March 2020 among U.S. 2 to 19 year-olds, obesity prevalence was highest in Hispanic children (26.2 percent) and non-Hispanic Black children (24.8 percent) followed by non-Hispanic white (16.6 percent) and non-Hispanic Asian (9.0 percent) children. What can parents do? Here are ways families can help prevent obesity:
• Model a healthy eating pattern
• Move more as a family
• Set consistent sleep routines
• Replace screen time with family time
• Support obesity prevention in early care and education
• Find a family healthy weight program. To read the full report and learn how everyone, including schools, parents, and healthcare providers can take action, go to www.dupagehealth.org/239/Childhood-Obesity. For additional health indicators in DuPage County, visit www.impactdupage.org.
621 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard. She will tell her story as to how she got into soapmaking and how that evolved into a business. Brooke will explain how she makes soap and will give everyone a sample of freshly made soap to take home. Following the presentation, there will be a brief business meeting to discuss upcoming events and activities. League is an affiliate organization of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and a member of the Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs including District 5/6. Membership in Lombard Service League is open to anyone interested in providing service to Lombard, the surrounding area, plus Illinois and International service projects. Guests are always welcome to attend the meetings. For more information, call 630-988-0625 or email info@lombardserviceleague.org.
MLK Jr. lecture Feb. 19
This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Intercultural Lecture with Nikki Romain begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the Frick Center, Founders Lounge (190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, elmhurst.edu/Campusmap).
The intercultural lectures and other cultural programming at Elmhurst University support community engagement and lifelong learning, and prepare students to thrive as adaptive leaders. Admission is free but reservations are encouraged, at elmhurst. edu/Cultural. For more information, email marketing@elmhurst.edu.
Villa Park Library events
Little Globetrotters Bilingual
Storytime: Urdu Friday, Feb. 21, 10-10:30 a.m. Explore with languages from around the globe. Enjoy songs, stories, games, and rhymes from people who live all around the world. This program introduces young children to a new language in a casual setting. Presented by Language Labs. Register for each date separately.
Game Day Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. join fellow board and card gamer enthusiasts at game days. Bring in your favorite games or use one from our collection.
Registration is required for these programs.
For more information, visit the library’s website at www.vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Village board approves five tourism grant requests
By Jane Charmelo LombArdIAN StAff rEPortEr
At the Thursday, Feb. 6, Lombard Board of Trustees meeting, the board unanimously approved a resolution to approve each of five tourism grant applications.
• A request for $25,000, plus the cost of village services, from the Lombard Lilac Festival Parade committee to be used toward expenses for the 2025 Lilac Parade: honorariums paid to participants, advertisement and recognition.
The parade is scheduled to be held Sunday, May 18.
• A request for $2,000 from the Lombard Garden Club to cover costs of purchasing lilacs, pots, potting soil, labels and containers for the annual Lilac Sale, which is scheduled to take place May 8.
• A request for $10,000 from the Lombard Junior Women’s Club to be used toward the Lilac Princess Program. The funds will be used toward scholarships for each member of the Lilac Court and also for the 95th Lilac Court Reunion.
The program begins in March and will run through June 18.
• A request for $5,000 from the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to pay for Vil-
lage of Lombard Public Works, Police and Fire personnel during the annual Lilac Time Arts and Crafts Fair, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 4.
• A request for $5,000 from the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Lombard Farmers Market, to cover costs associated with overtime pay for Public Works employees to place barricades blocking vehicle access to South Park Avenue, along with advertising costs.
The Lombard Farmers Market is scheduled to be held on Tuesdays starting May 20 and ending Oct. 7.
The Community Promotion and Tourism Committee previously heard presentations regarding the tourism grant requests, and recommended board approval. The funds come from the village’s Hotel/Motel Fund.
District Three Trustee Bernie Dudek, chair of the Community Promotion and Tourism Committee, said the committee met recently and heard tourism grant request presentations for the Lombard Brew Fest, Lombard Cycling Classic, a Food Truck Social, the fall Spooktacular and the Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market.
“Recommendations on each of the current applications will be transmit-
ted to the board of trustees and will be brought up at our next meeting for review and final decision-making,” he told the board. The recommendations will then be placed on an upcoming meeting agenda for trustee consideration.
“I’ve already spoken to some of my fellow trustees about the committee’s decision-making processes, but if anybody has any questions or wants to follow up on any specific questions or issues regarding the recommendations, please reach out to me at any time,” Dudek continued, adding that for more information on how the grant program works, visit www.villageoflombard.org and look for the “How Do I” pull-down.
In other business
The board approved, on a waiver of first requested, the purchase of seven cardiac monitors for the fire department.
The Zoll X-Series cardiac monitors each come with a five-year warranty, and will cost $284,068.94. A memo indicates the village was able to use “competitive contract pricing.”
According to the village, the fire department switched to Zoll cardiac monitors in 2018 “after a competitive evaluation process.”
Montini Catholic says ‘thank you’ to Bronco parents during Catholic Schools Week
Montini Catholic’s inaugural “Cookie Club” gathered early in the morning on Wednesday, Jan. 29 to surprise Bronco parents as they were dropping off students for school. Montini celebrated National Catholic Schools Week, which was held Jan. 26-Feb. 1. School President Kevin Beirne and Principal Chris Tiritilli joined faculty, staff and administration members to greet parents with smiles, waves and “thank you” signs while handing them chocolate chip cookies as tokens of appreciation. Shown here, front row from left to right: Mary Albert (alumni relations), Sara McGady (admissions), Barb Pauley (business office), Lexxi Johnson (assistant principal), Anne Marie Lowery (director of development) and Chris Tiritilli (principal); Back row: James Szymczak (dean), Mike Bukovsky (admissions ambassador and head football and wrestling coach) and Kevin Beirne (president).
The memo also notes that the monitors are compatible with the fire department’s AutoPulse mechanical CPR devices. They monitor cardiac rhythms, blood pressure, blood oxygenation and carbon dioxide in respiration.
Advanced life support vehicles are required to have a cardiac monitor on board in order to keep state licensure.
The board also approved the declaring of seven older cardiac mon-
itors as surplus, to be traded in for $7,500. The memo states that the monitors reached the end of a seven-year replacement cycle.
“Our members are experienced with these monitors and have received yearly training on their features and use,” the memo emphasizes. “The level of familiarity increases our members’ confidence and ability to deliver quality care on emergency scenes.”
Village continues victims services contract
AID has provided assistance to Lombard since 2011
By Jane Charmelo LombArdIAN StAff rEPortEr
The Village of Lombard believes that providing supportive services is important; so important, in fact, that staff has recommended—with support from personnel within the police and fire departments—that Lombard continue contracting with the Association for Individual Development, or AID, to offer a Victim Services program to residents and employees of the village.
The latest renewal received village board approval at the Thursday, Jan. 23, board meeting, in which a resolution was passed to enter into a new one-year contract with AID, in the amount of $25,000, according to village figures.
AID offers a variety of services, such as a 24-hour crisis line, assistance in crisis intervention, emotional
support, client advocacy, case management and incident follow-up, educational information, community referrals, death notifications and funeral service assistance, according to a memo to the Community Relations Committee, which earlier in January gave its advisory recommendation for board approval.
In fiscal year 2011, AID worked with 13 cases, and 26 clients, logging in 58 total service hours.
Fast forward to fiscal year 2024— there were 185 cases, and 225 total clients, with 747.5 total service hours, according to village figures.
All told, AID has handled 898 separate cases that involved counseling or personal assistance to 1,548 clients, the figures indicate.
See CONTRACT, Page 8
Maple Street Concerts in Lombard welcomes back the Hounds of Finn Feb. 22
Maple Street Concerts welcomes back, the Hounds of Finn, a fourpiece band blending Celtic influences with Americana-inspired folkrock fusion who previously graced their stage in March 2018 and 2015.
The concert takes place at the historic Maple Street Chapel, 200 S Main St., Lombard on Saturday Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.
The Hounds of Finn are a St. Paul, Minn.-based band that creates spirited and invigorating Celtic-infused, Americana-inspired, Folk Rock delivered with unbridled passion and technical finesse.
“The Hounds” are known for their electrifying energy and crowd-pleasing performances that leave their audiences tapping their toes, clapping their hands, and eager for more.
With a stage full of more instruments than there are members, Pete
McCauley, Leslie Rich, Michelle MacGregor, and Lojo Russo create and perform a repertoire of original songs, traditional tunes, and fresh arrangements of popular standards. Steeped in the rich, lilting, and sometimes haunting heritage of Celtic tunes and songs, and the authentic, poignant, and often compelling legacy of Americana, Bluegrass, and Folk music, the Hounds of Finn blend these musical and cultural traditions into a distinctive sound and exciting experience that bridges the gap between the old and the new. Advance tickets are $21.25 online (with processing fee) and pre-sales end at noon on the day of show. Door sales are cash or check only, pending availability. All sales are final—no refunds or exchanges. For more information, visit: www.maplestreetconcerts.org.
ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING, LLC
SUbmIttEd PHoto Rock Valley Publishing
Opinion
Slices of life
Victim or victor
This life provides challenges for all of us. They can be beyond difficult. And unexpected. And unfair.
Your marriage ends unexpectedly. Your spouse dies. You lose your job. You lose a parent or a sibling. Your best friend finds a new best friend. An accident upends your life. You struggle with infertility. You have chronic pain. You struggle with your health. Your doctor diagnoses you with the ‘C’ word. And so on and so on and on and on.
It can be disheartening. Especially if you see it that way. Life often sets us up to be the victim.
Circumstances go against what we’d hoped. Luck isn’t on our side. We lose more than we win. The rules seem to change. People who should be loyal are not. Others who should be kind are cruel.
The world is cruel.
At face value, it is disheartening. Oh heck, at any level it is disheartening.
Life can be a bully sometimes— often times. Life will beat you up and spit you out, without remorse. Without caring about how you feel or how crushed your spirit might be.
To heck with you.
What does any of it matter, anyway?
When you are the most downtrodden, when people and the world have cut you to your quick, when it seems everyone who should be supporting you has turned their back against you, when you want to stay in bed, under the covers all day long because facing the world seems like facing razor blades, remember one thing:
The world may see you as a victim. You may feel like the victim. But:
You do not have to be the victim. You are not the victim.
Although the role of victim feels like it should be the default for much of life’s foibles, it is not. And perhaps the most telling word in that last sentence is “role.”
You do not have to play the role of victim - despite what your circumstances might imply.
You do not have to accept the role of victim, and if you can sort of grasp this, you can change the whole mentality.
By Jill Pertler Columnist
From victim to victor. It is yours for the taking.
Make lemonade out of lemons— we’ve all heard the phrase, and sometimes it’s a benefit to incorporate such colloquialisms into real life.
Much like making lemonade, this process is pretty simple. I’ve already alluded to the fact the the default is that of victim. But you are not the default! You are unique and one in a million. One in a billion!
What makes you think you are the default? Don’t sell yourself short.
You can take a loss and make it a win. You take a liability and make it an asset. You take lemons and make limonchello (bypassing lemonade, because you are way beyond that!)
Life is hard. I understand that. I know it firsthand.
But I also know that hard can be overcome and the only way to overcome it is through your own mindset.
Other people can define you as the victim, they will see you as the victim. But it is up to you—and only you—as to how you decide to see yourself.
What is a victor? A conqueror. A winner. Someone who ends up on top. Someone who deserves a word of congratulations.
Someone who does not let the world define them, but chooses to define themselves.
I also believe any victor has overcome adversaries and difficulties—battles even, because you can’t be a victor without conflict and struggles. It is those very struggles—and overcoming them, one breath at a time—that allow you to redefine yourself: from victim to victor.
It isn’t easy. But I will tell you one thing for certain.
It is most definitely worth it.
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
District 87 superintendent addresses religious expression in public schools
By David F. Larson
Our local public schools have always been an ideal environment for promoting and advancing key democratic values.
Children learn to understand and embrace democratic ideals such as liberty, equality, justice and respect. Along with imparting these civic values, public schools are attentive to each student’s interests, their specific culture and heritage, as well as their first language.
This attentiveness also includes being committed to an environment where students are able to comfortably integrate their religious faith and background into the school day, including the learning process, when appropriate.
Often misunderstood, due to the concept of separation between church and state, there is a perception that we must avoid or prevent any integration or expression of a student’s personal religious beliefs. In reality, engaging with their religious background can be an asset.
Recent U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, in referencing the 2023 updated U.S. Department of Education Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools, states, “Such environments are fundamental to the principle of religious freedom and necessarily entail respecting rights to engage appropri-
ately in private prayer and religious expression in public schools. Schools are uniquely positioned to assist youth in developing the critical and necessary skills that foster such a culture of respect.”
Clearly from this federal guidance, students are afforded the opportunities to freely and openly express their beliefs and convictions represented by their faith or religion. The U.S. Department of Education’s Guidance highlights the following important opportunities.
Students can:
• Express their faith in classwork and homework—In the course of regular assigned projects, such as written and oral assignments, artwork, poetry, etc., students may express their beliefs. Their work will be free from discrimination and graded on the basis of ordinary academic standards.
• Pray, read religious texts, and talk about their faith—This can take place during non-instructional time to the same extent that they may engage in non-religious activities. Students may discuss and debate their beliefs and convictions regarding religious matters, just as they might with regard to, for example, political matters.
• Share religious literature—Students may share religious material while still adhering to the normal school time, place and manner outlined in the school’s guidelines.
• Wear clothing with religious messages—Students may display religious messages per the same conditions that they are allowed to display
non-religious messages.
• Organize before and after school prayer groups and religious clubs and announce meetings—Students may announce these gatherings and be provided the same access to school facilities as given to other non-curricular groups.
• Be excused from school for religious reasons—Students may be excused for prayer, special observances or off-premises religious instruction. Openness to religious expression helps build an environment of belonging and esteem for students and families. Our own Glenbard District 87 Equity and Belonging Purpose Statement reads, “...[we are] committed to respecting, encouraging and supporting each student and their individual unique background and life experiences … we aim to build an environment where diversity is affirmed and families are valued as esteemed members of our school community.”
When we engage with students’ interests, culture and heritage, first language and religious beliefs, we see students benefit in their academic performance, school attendance and social-emotional development.
Consistent with Dr. Cardona’s comments and the Department of Education’s guidance, Glenbard welcomes all students, including those who choose to integrate their religious faith into their school activities to enhance their educational and personal growth.
David Larson, Ed.D., is superintendent of Glenbard Township High School District 87.
Blair-Sherlock highlights concern with reckless White House decisions Backs resolutions demanding better path forward
Concerned about the impact of reckless White House decisions on the wellbeing of Illinois families and businesses, state Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, D-Villa Park, backed a series of resolutions last week that condemn President Donald Trump’s actions on a number of fronts.
“I’m hearing from many in our community who are rightfully alarmed by what’s coming out of Washington, and how it may hurt families here in Illinois,” Blair-Sherlock said. “It’s critical that we stand up against harmful decisions that ignore the rule of law, target our economic stability and benefit only
the privileged few. Let’s choose a better, more human-centered and responsible path forward.”
Blair-Sherlock sponsored and supported a series of resolutions that passed the Illinois House on Feb. 5, including:
Page 5
Hello Lombard. I was dropping a few flags off and the mailbox that is at Village Hall is jam-packed with the American flags. Wondering who comes and empties that out. Thank you.
Editor’s note: Your comment was forwarded to the Village of Lombard for response, which is as follows: “Thank you for taking the time to properly retire your American flag. The U.S. Flag Drop Box at Village Hall is managed by Lombard’s VFW Lilac Post 5815, which regularly collects and retires flags in accordance with the United States Flag Code.
“As a general reminder, please remove poles and other attachments before placing flags in the drop box to help prevent it from filling up too quickly. If you find the drop box full, please contact Village Hall at (630) 620-5718 so we can assist in coordinating a collection.”
Hi, this is Lombard calling regarding the construction over on Ring Road in Lombard where they’re taking down the Carson Pirie Scott store. Just wondering if they’re going to do anything about the lighting of the street. It is really confusing. It’s very dark, first of all. The lines on the street, you can barely see. That fencing is right up to the street. I was just wondering if the village can take a look at that before an accident happens over there. And like I said, it’s very dark at night. You cannot see the lines. Thank you.
Editor’s note: The following is a response from Village of Lombard staff: “The Yorktown Center Ring Road is not a public street and is private property. The village is currently working with our traffic consultant to identify possible modifications and improvements along the Ring Road to address
traffic movements and pedestrian safety. The properties along the northern portion of the Ring Road are also transforming from commercial to residential, so a goal will be to be mindful of future residents living adjacent to this road as well.
“Separately, the existing fencing on the perimeter of the ring road is construction fencing associated with the townhomes and the Yorktown Reserve project. This safety feature is required to keep motorists and pedestrians from entering the construction activity areas, and it will be removed upon project completion.”
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As a U.S. veteran and senior citizen, I am appalled at what Trump is doing and trying to do. I am even more appalled that Republicans are going along with, or ignoring, what he is doing as if his actions won’t affect us or do anything to harm us. We are seeing and will continue to see extreme demonstrations all over this country. And, thankfully, many thousands of non-government Republicans are also demonstrating. Trump is firing anyone and everyone who has their own thoughts. He has all our financial data and can stop payment to anything any time he wants to. Yes, it’s illegal, but he doesn’t care! When his people do something illegal, he just pardons them; we need to see that he is trying to fulfill his promise to be a dictator! Please get involved somehow; use your voice, your feet, your fingers!
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Hi, this is Lombard calling. Thank you to the Lombard Public Works for your many hours day and night of keeping our streets free of snow and ice. A spectacular job this year and is greatly, greatly appreciated. Thank you, Lombard. Appreciate it.
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Hotels can’t offer recyclable plas-
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.
tic shampoo bottles. Now our state legislature wants to ban single-use plastic and paper bags, plastic tableware in restaurants—or allow it only if requested and not packaged in plastic. So we must comply by bringing our own bags? I already do, most of the time, but single use? I use plastic bags for small garbage cans, to cover things for storage, etc., and besides, those can be taken to grocery stores for recycling. Paper bags? Those are recyclable, and I use them to put my recycle items in, then toss it in the recycle bin so the bags can be recycled as well. I understand landfills not being filled with non-biodegradable items, but these are recyclable items. What’s next, plastic garbage bags? Will I have to start butchering my own meat so grocery stores won’t put it in disposable packaging? Bring my own utensils to restaurants? Maybe ban public pools and water parks to conserve water, and tell all businesses to shut the lights off at night to conserve energy? I am all for doing my part, but this is getting out of hand. Legislators love to dictate our lives without first giving us a chance to use our own common sense.
In the Feb. 6 article on state board of education spending, the state superintendent of education said he recognized “the tight fiscal projections” in the state budget, yet, here comes the “but,” but he still wants to spend money on “things we know are critical for school districts…” Who doesn’t want the best for education? Do I object that some of my income taxes go toward helping needier school districts? No, but I do object that my property taxes are so high because of the school districts, when the Illinois Constitution states that the state is obligated to fund the “preponderance” of education. To my knowledge, no school boards in the 40 years I have lived here have lobbied for that, but instead keep voting to raise our taxes at the request of administratively top-heavy districts. Look up their salaries sometime. They are public servants, getting paid more than some higher-ups in private businesses. Just because we want something doesn’t mean we have to spend ourselves into the red have it.
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The Jan. 30 issue includes an extremely long and slanted Capitol News Illinois story (Potential immigration raids spark fear, protests on Inauguration Day). It’s a typical one-sided story from the advocate “journalists” at Capitol News Illinois. There are quotes from members of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, Chicago Community and Workers Rights, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Immigrant Solidarity DuPage.
• Decisions
Can we expect a Capitol News Illinois story about Chole Polzin, age 21, of Deerfield, and Katherine Abraham, age 20, of Glenview, who were killed by an alleged drunk driver in Urbana on Jan. 19? They were allegedly killed by a hit-and-run driver, who fled the scene and was later located in Texas, on a bus headed for Mexico. The suspect used an alias, claiming he was from Mexico. But he is apparently from Guatemala, and had previously been deported from our country. When will this paper and Capitol News Illinois publish a story about that deadly incident?
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How many people are tired of listening to Pritzker and the mayor of Chicago crying like every other Democrat; teachers unions crying because they’re not getting their way? Biden put us in this mess and unfortunately Trump has to take care of it. Now, I’m not a Trump supporter, but nobody can afford a Democrat in office anymore because all they do is give away money and raise your taxes, and now they’re crying about that. They’re crying about everything. How many people are really tired of the Democrats crying? It’s sad. Can’t we all just get along, but I guess that it’s not going to happen as long as Democrats are going to cry. It’s sad.
* * *
To all the MAGA supporters of the individual currently referred to as your commander-in-chief. I must ask, what in the world this man is thinking to interject race and politics into a national disaster of the consequence we witnessed in Washington, D.C., that resulted in the loss of 67 innocent lives? And to do it without any facts, knowledge or cause at such a catastrophic event. Has this man absolutely no decorum, empathy or sympathy for the relatives of these victims at this point in time? Considering his past history of such words and action, one really should not be surprised, yet one could hope he would find just one ounce of common sense, which he bragged he has, and act like a normal human being for one time at least. This individual is one of the lowest forms of human life I have ever witnessed, and this is from someone who used to be a Republican-leaning voter with a somewhat conservative position on life and politics. The next four years just can’t come fast enough for me.
Donald Trump is president of the United States. Let him perform the actions of the president. In some quarters, there’s a deep, unrelenting hatred of the man. Some politicians and most of the media have lost all semblance of decorum which they try to persuade and instill in ordinary Americans. Don’t let them direct you
(Continued from page 4)
• House Resolution 115, which calls out Trump’s decision to double down on a broken immigration system, his reliance on threats and dehumanizing language and his efforts to circumvent the rule of law and make Illinois communities less safe;
• House Resolution 116, which notes Trump’s unlawful policies make it harder for families to make ends meet and condemns his at -
tempted funding freeze that would have stripped millions of Americans of the services they depend on to live and thrive;
• House Resolution 117, which condemns Trump’s efforts to undermine equal pay, make workplaces less fair and limit opportunity;
• House Resolution 118, which calls out Trump’s inexcusable pardons of Jan. 6 conspirators and
to the dark side of hate, discordant division. Let us see for ourselves what the new president can do for us in America. Give him a chance to do his job.
For anyone griping about politics, remember, all politics is local. Start by learning about the candidates in your village, what they stand for, etc., how they align with your ideals. Voter turnout around here has been poor for so long, in some of the most important local races. So you don’t like high taxes, water bills, fees, how school and library boards spend your tax dollars? Start with your village, library and school board. That’s as local as it gets. So get out there and vote.
Did you know Trump’s new press secretary is the youngest press secretary in history and a woman? And here I thought all this time that Trump was a misogynist. Imagine if the new press secretary was a woman of color and openly LBGTQ like Biden’s press secretary was, plus being the youngest press secretary in history. All the leftists in the media would be endlessly fawning over her!
So AOC says Elon Musk is one of the most unintelligent billionaires she’s ever seen. This coming from someone who posted an Instagram video a few years ago showing her freaking out about attempting to use a kitchen sink garbage disposal.
It’s interesting that a Speak Out caller brought up downstate Illinois wanting to become part of Indiana (Jan. 30 issue). I saw a story on WGN News about a proposal being introduced in the Indiana House of Representatives that would provide a potential route for neighboring counties that have voted to secede from Illinois to join Indiana. The filed measure would create a commission to assist those counties in becoming part of Indiana. I’m sure nothing will become of it, but did you know that 33 counties have voted in nonbinding referendums since 2020 to secede from Illinois, including seven counties that voted to do so in the last election? Don’t believe me? Go online and look it up. I heard JB Pritzker say this was all a stunt. If he and his regressive leftist colleagues who are running this state into the ground were actually interested in sitting down with people in these counties and asking them why they voted to secede from the state instead of dismissing it as a stunt, they might learn a few things. But they won’t because they already think Illinois is heaven on earth, and they have all the answers.
criminals convicted of attacking police, attacking our Nation’s Capital and attacking our democracy; and
• House Resolution 119, which calls upon Trump to abandon his reckless tariff plans that have caused unnecessary economic instability and would raise costs on Illinois families and businesses.
For more information, contact StateRep46@gmail.com.
out& about Jane Charmelo
Plastic sleeping mats can make a big difference for the homeless
If you love to crochet and have some time on your hands, the Guardian Corps of America (GCA) is looking for volunteers to help assemble sleeping mats for the homeless as part of Operation EDDA.
Anthony La Piana, founder and executive director/president of the nonprofit 501(c)(3) GCA, estimates there are as many as 2,000 homeless veterans living in the greater Chicagoland area, and having a sleeping mat can make a big difference when they are sleeping on a cold, hard or wet surface.
Sleeping mats are not a new idea
La Piana described how he was at an event for homeless veterans, and a woman was there with sleeping mats—crocheted using plastic grocery bags—and “I was amazed!”
“She had all these completed mats and she gave them to us. We loaded up at least two huge SUVs!” he recalled.
La Piana said he had also learned about a church group making the mats, and “They gave us mats, too. About a hundred at a time.”
“They had a huge crew of people doing it,” he continued.
“Then, the pandemic hit and everything seemed to go south,” La Piana added.
Fast forward to a few years ago,
and after he made a presentation before a knitting group, some new volunteers emerged.
“That’s when I met Maryanne. She took over the project,” around three
Charmelo
years ago, he said.
Maryanne is Maryanne Burke; she is part of a knitting group in Berwyn whose members knit blankets for the neonatal unit at Loyola Medical Center.
She related that one of the group members had heard La Piana speak, and came back to the group and talked about the need for sleeping mats.
Burke said the group invited him to speak to the knitters, and remembers saying to herself, “I think we can do that.”
She did what many people do when they want to learn how to do something new—checked out YouTube. “It’s kind of a specialty,” La Piana interjected.
After watching a video on how to make the mats, “That’s where it just kind of blossomed,” Burke said.
Each sleeping mat takes about 800 plastic bags, which La Piana said measures about 6 feet, 2 inches in length and about 3 to 3 ½ feet in width.
Burke outlined that the bags are folded and cut into strips that are the width of the bag, are looped together and crocheted (she uses an “N” crochet hook).
The only downside, both La Piana and Burke admit, is that it can take as long as 25 to 30 hours to make one mat, which is why more volunteers are needed.
La Piana and Burke echoed that currently they have plenty of plastic bags, with La Piana estimating that he has anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 of them.
“We’ve got enough right now in storage to keep us going for a couple of years,” he said.
However, “We need more people. We need more of the mats completed
Anthony La Piana, founder and executive director/president of Guardian Corps of America (GCA), has made it his life’s mission to combat homelessness, but in the meantime, he provides necessities to homeless veterans and other individuals, which he keeps inside his van (above). Also pictured (left) is La Piana’s service dog, Sergeant Babe, who accompanies him on “patrol” looking out for homeless individuals to whom he offers food, clothing and other supplies. She is part of the GCA mission, not only to provide food for homeless individuals’ dogs/cats, but raise awareness about service dogs and to potentially connect a veteran and a service dog.
because of the volume of the homeless veterans we encounter,” La Piana lamented.
Reflecting back on his estimate of 2,000 homeless veterans, La Piana rethought that figure and said, “In the last five years, I think it’s even higher.”
Burke said volunteers are also needed cut the plastic bags into strips because currently only two members of the knitting group are crocheting them.
“Any little bit …” she added, but at the same time, “So much of this can be done at home.”
A lifelong mission
La Piana grew up in a helping environment, going with his mother— whose family lost their home in Italy during World War II when she was 14 and lived in a shelter—door to door to distribute food and clothes to the less fortunate.
She also donated items to churches, orphanages and shelters, he recounted.
So, when his mother passed away, La Piana decided to honor her legacy by founding the CGA in 2012, which in January 2024 received a State of Illinois proclamation—signed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Gov. JB Pritzker—in recognition of its service as a direct outreach organization.
Today, he said he has about 47 volunteers assisting in different capacities.
There is always a need In addition to the sleeping mats, GCA is in need of brand new winter items, such as coats, hats, gloves, blankets (not throws), sleeping bags and boots (average size 11.5 and no shoes).
Other items include strong, sturdy two-person tents, either new or in excellent condition; canned meats with a flip-top lid; new (only) socks, T-shirts and underwear; unisex shampoo and soap; and other hygiene products.
Cat/dog food with at least a sixmonth expiration date is also needed, as part of the GCA’s Sergeant Babe Survival Kit, named after La Piana’s service dog, Sergeant Babe, who is his constant companion when he serves the homeless.
While those necessities are all important, La Piana said, having a weatherproof sleeping mat can make all the difference for a homeless person who is sleeping on concrete or the ground.
“The homeless veterans love it,” he said of the gratitude he’s received, adding that they are always asking, “Can you help us with some more?” If you, or a group, are able to volunteer to cut bags into strips or to crochet a mat, contact La Piana at 630-415-3281, email info@usaguardian.org or visit the GCA website at www.usaguardian.org.
Jane
PhoTos Rock Valley Publishing
PhoTo CourTesy of anThony la Piana Rock Valley Publishing
One of the items Guardian Corps of America needs is sleeping mats—hand-crocheted out of plastic grocery bags—that can be used to protect against cold, wet surfaces. GCA is in need of volunteers to make more sleeping mats and/or cut the plastic bags into strips.
Obituaries
JOSEPH P. MCMANUS, 85
Joseph Philip “Skip” McManus, 85, of Lombard, Illinois, passed away Feb. 7, 2025, after battling cancer.
Skip was born June 14, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Peter and Margaret Husted McManus. He attended St. Joseph Grade School in Edina, Missouri, and St. Boneface Grade School in Quincy, Illinois. Upon his father’s death, he moved to Baring, Missouri, and lived with his aunt and uncle, John & Mildred McManus. He graduated from Baring High School in 1957. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a radioman. He did testing on the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) and served on the USS Spinax (SS/SSR-489) submarines.
He is survived by his children; seven grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan Harrigan) McManus, Kylie McManus, Daniel (Maxine Perez) Struif, Christopher (Katie) Struif, Rebecca McManus, John McManus and Thomas McManus; and one great-grandchild, Nolan Harrigan. He enjoyed watching sports on Television, but his favorite was college basketball. He also played golf and was a bowler.
Skip leaves behind many friends and relatives.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 9:30 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 10:30 AM at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Skip’s memory may be made to VFW Lilac Post #5815, P.O. Box 1912, Lombard, IL 60148; or to American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 10393, Chicago, IL 60610. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
MARY ANNE NIELSEN, 93
Mary Anne Nielsen, nee Plunkett, age 93, of Lombard, Illinois. Be-
In 1959 he married Barbara Lawson of Baring, and after completing his enlistment they moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he found employment at Canteen Food and Vending. They had three children, Joseph M. McManus, Sandra (Daniel) Struif and John (Christine) McManus. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary McManus and a half-sister, Melinda McCarty.
Coming events
Blood drive at NUHS Feb. 21
The National University of Health Sciences is hosting a Versiti Blood Drive Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Gym at 200 E. Roosevelt Road, Lombard. Appointments appreciated; Walk-ins welcome. To schedule, go to www. versiti.org/IL, load the Versiti Donor app or call (800) 7TO-GIVE. Please bring a photo ID.
February seed swaps
Sustain DuPage will be sharing seeds, including the 2025 One Seed, One Community selection, Norfolk Spinach, at the following seed swaps: Feb 19, 6:30-8 p.m., Lombard Garden Club Seed Swap, Helen Plum Library, Lombard. Free, public welcome. Feb 22, 1-3 p.m., Seed Swap with Sustain DuPage at Wheaton Public Library, free, details at sustaindupage.com.
SCARCE Open House Feb. 17
Ever wondered how SCARCE recycles everything from books to bread tags to holiday lights to highlighters? Want to learn about our on-going eco-projects? Visit us on Open House Day. Join a behind-thescenes tour to see how we reuse, recycle, and educate. Tours run on the half-hour, starting at 9:30, 10, 10:30, or 11 a.m.; 1:30, 2, 2:30, or 3 p.m. 800 S. Rohlwing Road (Route 53), Unit D, Addison. Visit scarce.org for more information.
Cleaning products drive
State Rep. Terra Costa Howard is collecting cleaning products for DuPagePads and newly housed people. To help people who need basic housekeeping supplies, her office is hosting a cleaning products donation drive to support DuPagePads. From now through Feb. 28, we’ll be
loved wife of the late John Nielsen; dear daughter of the late Emma, nee Krueger, and the late William Plunkett; loving step-mother of Diane (the late Carl) Schroeder, Paul (Beth) Nielsen, and Sharon (the late Richard) Andresen; devoted step-grandmother of Kari (Fred) Nimon, Jon (Simona) Nielsen, Ryan (Liz) Nielsen, Michael (Katie) Schroeder, Liz Schroeder, Paul (Jenell) Schroeder, and Rebekah (Ralph) DiVenere; loving step-great-grandmother of Richie, Joseph, Nadia, Jordan, Penny, Jillian, Molly, Beau, Max, Greyson, Madelyn, Ralph, Micala, and Giovanna; devoted sister of Larry (Judith) Plunkett, the late Robert Plunkett (Betsy), William Plunkett (Marty), and John Plunkett; sister-inlaw of the late Dorothy Wallace and Kristina Plunkett; devoted aunt of Lawrence Plunkett Jr., Michael Plunkett, Daniel Plunkett, David Plunkett, Sarah Plunkett Martin, Lonnie Plunkett Raymond, Bonnie Plunkett Patterson, John Plunkett, Lynn Plunkett Kwasney, Julie Plunkett Bradford and the late Jean Plunkett. Mary Anne graduated from Emerson High School in Gary, Indiana, and Valparaiso University. She enjoyed a long career in the banking industry.
Visitation Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, 10:00 AM until time of funeral service at 11:00 AM, at Knollcrest, 1500 S. Meyers Road, Lombard, IL 60148. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Funeral info: knollcrest.net or (630) 932-1500.
CARL F. SCHROEDER, 76
Carl Frederick Schroeder, age 76, of Lombard. Beloved husband of Diane Schroeder, nee Nielsen; loving father of Michael (Katie), Elizabeth, Paul (Jenell) and Rebekah (Ralph); devoted grandfather of Molly, Beau, Max, Q, Micala, Giovanna, Madelyn, Greyson.
Born and raised in Villa Park, Carl was a 50-year member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lombard. As a political science graduate from Valparaiso University, he loved the rough and tumble world of politics, and in 1973 he graduated from Loyola Law School and went on to develop a successful practice as a trial attorney for over 40 years.
During his life he served in many leadership roles both at Trinity and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, as well as taking on the role of Board Chairman for Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park twice. In 2014 he retired and became
a ‘snowbird’ in Florida during the winter months where he and Diane quickly gained lots of wonderful new friends and enjoyed entertaining, socializing, and the warm Florida weather.
An avid griller, he enjoyed cooking and smoking meats for his family and friends and making chocolate chip pancakes for his 8 grandkids. Above all, he always endeavored to serve his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in all he did and always strove to seek justice for others through his busy law practice, church work, and his tireless work in the pro-life community as a voice for the unborn- a cause particularly close to his heart. He is dearly loved and will be missed by many.
Services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 4th, 2025 Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials to Lutherans for Life are appreciated. Funeral info: knollcrest.net or (630) 932-1500.
DOLORES L. WRIGHT, 86
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dolores L. Wright, age 86, of Lombard, on Feb. 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. All services are private. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
collecting laundry detergent pods, dish soap, hand soap, sponges, dryer sheets and wipes. To schedule a drop-off time or porch pick up, you can email us at reptch42@gmail.com or call 630-812-9292. You can also donate through our Amazon Wish List and have the donations delivered directly to our office.
Plum Library events
Mardi Gras and Movies in the Midwest Monday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. Explore the history of Mardi Gras and some of its 200+ onscreen depictions, including some from Chicago film companies. Discover traditions from New Orleans to Chicago and how they have translated to the silver screen.
Register at helenplum.org or by calling 630-627-0316.
Illinois Libraries Present: Slowing Down with Amy Tan Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. Bestselling author of “The Joy Luck Club” and
“The Backyard Bird Chronicles,” Amy Tan joins us live on Zoom to share thoughts on her work and reflect on the wonder of slowing down and savoring the quiet moments. Register at helenplum.org to receive the Zoom link in your email.
Plum Library Genealogy Club to meet Feb. 24 Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., The Helen Plum Library Genealogy Club will learn about “Genealogy – Where Do You Look?” Find your family history and find your ancestors’ stories with the help of Jacquie Schattner. Whether you’re just starting out or need a refresher, discover over 25 websites, plus tips on using them more efficiently to organize your information. This program will be in-person and held in the Plum Meeting Rooms (1st floor).
Registration required. Visit www. helenplum.org/event/genealogy-66824 to register.
Woman sentenced to 40 years in 2018 West Chicago homicide
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced last week that following a four-day-long sentencing hearing, Judge Brian Telander has sentenced Tia Brewer, 22, formerly of Wheaton, to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for her role in the 2018 murder of Luis Guerrero, 18, of West Chicago.
The state had asked for a sentence of natural life in the IDOC. On Nov. 1, 2023, Brewer entered a plea of guilty to one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated kidnapping (Class X felony).
Brewer, who was 16 years old at the time of the murder, is the third of four individuals charged in the murder to be sentenced.
She was prosecuted as an adult pursuant to Illinois law. Co-defendants Jesus Jurado-Correa, 25 and Saul Ruiz, 24, both formerly of West Chicago, each entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, a Class 1 felony, and in exchange for their cooperation, were sentenced to 15 years in the IDOC and 10 years in the IDOC respectively.
On Nov. 9, 2022, co-defendant Francisco Alvarado, 25, formerly of West Chicago, in exchange for his cooperation, entered a plea of guilty to one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated kidnap-
Police Reports
The Addison and Bensenville police departments recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.
Addison
Jan. 26
A 38-year-old Addison woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery at 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 25
Kevin Servin, 22, of Glendale Heights, was charged with operating wipers without headlights, no insurance and two counts of DUI at 4:37 a.m.
Jan. 24
Macgyver Perez Hernandez, 34, of Addison, was charged with DUI, illegal possession/transportation of open alcohol, speeding and a stop sign/ yield sign violation near Addison and Byron at 4:23 p.m.
Jan. 23
Jasmyne Monoco, 31, of Orland Park, was charged with four counts of battery in the 2700 block of S. California at 5 p.m.
Rafael Rodriguez, 56, of Whiting, Ind., was charged with failure to reduce speed, no insurance and two counts of DUI at 5 p.m.
Jan. 22
David Edward Adams, 37, of
ping (Class X felony). His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 26.
On Aug. 14, 2018, at approximately 11:30 a.m., while conducting a nearby training exercise, personnel with the West Chicago Fire Department observed a smoldering object in a fire pit located at 1325 Joliet Street. Upon inspection of the object, fire personnel discovered the object to be a human body, later identified as Guerrero. Fire personnel immediately contacted the West Chicago Police Department who began an investigation into the matter with the assistance of the Major Crimes Task Force. The investigation quickly led authorities to Alvarado, Brewer, Correa, and Ruiz.
The investigation found that all four defendants had planned the murder of Guerrero for approximately one month and that in the early morning hours of Aug. 14, Brewer arranged to meet Guerrero at the West Chicago Public Library.
At the library, Alvarado ambushed Guerrero from behind and strangled him with a belt around his neck. Alvarado and Brewer then began stabbing and punching Guerrero.
After stealing Guerrero’s backpack, Alvarado and Brewer loaded him into their Jeep Cherokee, traveled to the location on Joliet Street and removed Guerrero from the Jeep. They stabbed and beat Guerrero as
Chicago, was charged with DUI, unauthorized lighting on a vehicle, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and an equipment requirement violation at 8:34 p.m.
Jan. 19
Jesse M. Gomez, 32, of Hanover Park, was charged with DUI, fleeing/ attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving and no insurance at 3 p.m.
Jan. 17
Martin J. Albor Guerrero, 61, of Addison, was charged with DUI, not driving on the right side of the road and no insurance near Fullerton and LaLonde at 4:50 a.m.
Jan. 16
Police said Raul Allende-Meneses, 28, was issued a warrant near Route 53 and Armitage at 3:50 a.m. He also was charged with driving while license expired and a headlight violation.
Marco A. Arreola-Martinez, 39, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft and burglary at 7:50 p.m.
Jan. 15
A 28-year-old Addison man was charged with domestic battery.
Bensenville
Feb. 3, 10:24 a.m. in the 600 block of N. Route 82, there were reports taken for CPC modules stolen from two customers Freightliner Cascadia’s sometime over the weekend. No suspect info at this time.
The incident is under investigation. BEPC2500090 and BEPC2500091
he begged to be taken to a hospital.
The investigation further found that Correa arrived at the fire pit with a container of gasoline after Guerrero was unconscious. Correa gave the container of gasoline to Alvarado and Brewer who then poured the gasoline onto Guerrero and then lit him
on fire. While on fire, Guerrero got up and began to run away at which time Alvarado and Brewer stabbed and beat him. Alvarado and Brewer dragged Guerrero back to the fire pit, threw Guerrero into the pit and lit him on fire again.
Judge Telander sentenced Brewer to 34 years in the IDOC on the murder charge to be served at 100 percent and six years in the IDOC on the aggravated kidnapping charge to be served at 85 percent.
The sentences will be served consecutively.
IDPH advises public to be vigilant as flu cases and respiratory virus levels tick up
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently announced that after a one-week dip, the state’s overall respiratory illness level has ticked up again from Moderate to High, driven by a notable increase in emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions for flu.
While data for ED visits and hospital admissions for the week ending Jan. 25 show that COVID-19 and RSV are declining, it indicates the flu is circulating more widely. There are three times as many hospital admissions for flu as there are for COVID-19, with 4.6 percent of admissions attributed to flu, with 1.6 percent to COVID-19 and 0.7 percent for RSV.
Almost 20 percent percent of ED visits were for acute respiratory illness, a catchall category that includes flu, COVID-19 and RSV plus other respiratory conditions. Of those, 7.8 percent were attributed to flu, 1.6 percent to COVID-19 and 0.7 percent to RSV.
“IDPH continues to closely monitor data on seasonal viruses during this respiratory season,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Flu continues to circulate widely across Illi-
nois. I recommend that all those over 65, very young children, individuals with chronic disease, and those who are immunocompromised, use all the tools at their disposal to prevent exposure. If you do develop flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider and seek treatment right away. Antiviral medication is most effective if initiated less than 48 hours after your symptoms begin.”
The state’s overall respiratory activity level as calculated by the CDC moved up to High in late December but dipped to Moderate in January for one week before ticking up to High again in the most recent week, driven by increasing rates of flu. The five CDC respiratory activity levels are designed to help people understand the extent of respiratory illness activity in their area. They are divided into Minimal, Low, Moderate, High, and Very High and are based on data that captures a broad range of diagnoses from emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses, from the common cold to severe infections like influenza, RSV and COVID-19.
For those who are unvaccinated, public health officials note that it’s
not too late to get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks for vaccinations to provide their full level of protection. Getting shots now will offer protection through the cold and flu season that lasts into the spring.
Director Vohra recommends that anyone feeling symptoms of respiratory illness—such as a fever, runny nose, sore throat or cough—consider getting tested and treated early in the course of their illness, especially if they are at risk for serious illness or spreading it to someone who is at risk of serious illness. Those who are ill should avoid spreading germs to others by self-isolating (i.e. staying away from others when they are ill) or wearing a mask if unable to isolate. Sadly, the IDPH Respiratory Illness Dashboard has recorded five pediatric deaths this season from flu, with three from RSV and one from COVID-19 and RSV. These deaths are a stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations for children and of the risk of serious illness from these largely preventable seasonal illnesses. For help finding a provider of vaccines near you, go to www.vaccines. gov.
Addison Trail Special Olympics basketball team fourth at region tournament
On Jan. 19, the
Roldan.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Addison Trail Special Olympics basketball team participated in the Special Olympics Region C Basketball Tournament and finished in fourth place. The tournament took place at Unity Junior High School in Cicero. Students who played are (pictured, from left to right) Justin Ruiz, Sam Arroyo, Abigail Zahn, Francesco Conforti, Leonardo Ortuno Roldan and Jovanni Ortuno
DuPage Foundation grants nearly $580,000 to
not-for-profit organizations across DuPage County
DuPage Foundation has announced the awarding of $579,550 to 56 not-for-profit organizations across DuPage County through its discretionary grant programs: Community Impact, Arts DuPage, and Glen Ellyn Fund.
This vital investment in education, environment, animal welfare, and arts organizations will directly empower these organizations to continue their critical work, making a real and lasting difference in the lives of countless residents and affirm DuPage’s reputation as a destination for the arts.
A Grant Open House was held at the Foundation’s office in Downers Grove. Grant recipients received their grant checks and mingled with other not-for-profit organizations along with DuPage Foundation staff, Board, volunteer leaders, and partners.
The following 31 organizations received a Community Impact grant totaling $399,250:
Total education grants (24):
$272,000
• Alive Center: $25,000
• Bartlett Learning Center: $12,000
• Best Buddies: $10,000
• Candor Health Education: $10,000
• Child’s Voice: $5,000
• CREO DuPage: $19,000
• DuPage Children’s Museum: $15,000
• DuPage County Farm Bureau Foundation: $5,000
• Embrace Living Communities: $10,000
• Exodus World Service: $15,000
• Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource
Center: $10,000
• Go Team 2704 NFP: $2,000
• GPS Education Partners: $20,000
• Green Halo Scholars: $23,000
• grit2: $5,000
• H.O.M.E. DuPage, Inc.: $15,000
• HOPE Fair Housing Center: $5,000
• Innovation DuPage: $25,000
• Inside Out Club DuPage: $5,000
• KidsMatter: $15,000
• The Community House: $6,000
• The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace: $5,000
• Turning Pointe Autism Foundation: $5,000
• United States Adaptive Golf Alliance: $5,000
Total environment grants (four): $68,000
• Fermilab Natural Areas: $12,000
• Naperville Heritage Society/Naper Settlement: $21,000
• The Morton Arboretum: $20,000
• Three Fires Council, Boy Scouts of America: $15,000
Total animal welfare grants (three): $59,250
• A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter: $14,250
• Animal Rescue Foundation: $25,000
• West Suburban Humane Society: $20,000
The following 23 organizations received an Arts DuPage grant, totaling $159,900 :
• Anima—Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus: $8,500
• BrightSide Theatre: $10,000
• Chhobighar Film Society: $5,000
• College of DuPage Foundation: $13,000
• Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education: $20,000
• Darien Arts Council: $5,000
• DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation: $3,000
• DuPage Symphony Orchestra: $9,400
• Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts: $6,000
• Elmhurst Choral Union: $5,000
• Equality Downers Grove (EQDG): $5,000
• ESSE Adult Day Services: $10,000
• Fair Lady Productions: $5,000
• Lisle Community Band: $5,000
• Naperville Men’s Glee Club: $2,500
• NaperVoice: $5,000
• Paramount Theatre: $12,500
• Salt Creek Ballet: $10,000
• Senior Suburban Orchestra:
$2,500
• Sinfonietta Bel Canto: $5,000
• Spirito!: $5,000
• Village Theatre Guild: $5,000
• The West Towns Chorus: $2,500
The following two organizations received a Glen Ellyn Fund grant totaling $20,400:
• Glen Ellyn Park District: $5,000
• Go Green Glen Ellyn: $15,400
“We are proud to share that 72 percent of eligible grant applications submitted this fall received funding,” said Barb Szczepaniak, DuPage Foundation vice president for programs. “Our grant program exists because of generous donors who have made unrestricted gifts or established endowed field-of-interest funds at the Foundation. These ‘forever funds’ are invested wisely and generate income that fuels our discretionary grantmaking. While
the number of requests we receive always exceeds the amount of funding available in our budget, this cycle we received $217,550 in additional support for grants from local funders and our donor-advised fund partners. By working together, we are providing critical support to our community’s not-for-profits. That’s the power of coordinated impact at work.”
“DuPage County has a thriving arts scene, providing world class experiences right here,” said Debbie Venezia, director of Arts DuPage. “By supporting our local arts not-for-profits, Arts DuPage is ensuring these organizations flourish as they continue to contribute to the economic success and cultural vibrancy of our community.”
For grant guidelines and more information, visit dupagefoundation. org/grants
Worship Services Directory
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm
“The Crucial Hours”
Groups demand release of after-school program funding
By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Organizations that provide tutoring, recreation and other after-school programs are calling on Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education to release $50 million that was included in this year’s budget to fund those programs.
The organizations say tens of thousands of students are being denied access to services because the money is not being spent.
continue operating, many have been forced to close their doors and lay off staff, cutting off access to after-school programs to as many as 27,000 youths in Illinois, mainly in high-minority and lower-income communities.
“There’s no amount of private philanthropy that exists to fill the hole that we’re looking at right now,” she said. “We’re looking at about a $50 million hole statewide … and I encourage you to contact any private family foundation or community foundation or philanthropic group in Illinois, and they will tell you that they don’t have $50 million sitting around for this.”
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
Wednesday Service at 7pm Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, February 22, Game Night at 4 pm
Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022
Everyone is Welcome!
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022
Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover”
779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834 -6700 www.visitationparish.org
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
Daily Masses:
Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Adoration:
Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7
“The General Assembly knew the importance of these programs and heard our caution that funds were ending, so they saw fit to include $50 million for these programs in the FY 25 budget,” Susan Stanton, executive director of the advocacy group ACT Now, said at a recent news conference.
The programs in question normally receive federal funding through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. They include programs such as local YMCA chapters, Boys & Girls Club and other organizations.
That money flows through ISBE, which awards competitive grants. Those grants are made in three-year or five-year cycles, and at the end of each cycle, the grants can either be renewed or the organization can reapply through a new competitive grant process.
In 2023, however, ISBE miscalculated how much federal funding would be available and made commitments to award more grants than the state could afford to fund. As a result, many organizations whose grant cycles came due in 2024 could not get them renewed because there was no federal funding available.
As a result, ACT Now and many of the after-school programs it represents sought, and received, $50 million in state funding in this year’s budget to make up for the loss of federal funding.
But now, seven months into the fiscal year, none of that money has been released by ISBE. Stanton said that while some organizations have been able to
In an email, a spokesperson for ISBE said the agency would like to see the organizations receive their funding as well, but they need more direction from the legislative leaders about how they want the money distributed.
The spokesperson noted that while the money was included in the omnibus appropriations bill that lawmakers passed in May last year, it was not tied to any existing statutory program that outlines a method for distributing the funds.
“We understand the urgency surrounding after-school programming and remain committed to ensuring that these resources are allocated in a way that best serves students and families across Illinois,” the spokesperson said. “At the request of the General Assembly, ISBE is awaiting their direction before proceeding. “
But state Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, one of the lead budget negotiators for the House Democratic caucus, said in an interview that lawmakers are equally frustrated that the money hasn’t been released.
“We feel as though we gave the agency the appropriations authority that it needs to disperse these funds and make sure these programs can continue to operate,” he said. “But certainly, if ISBE needs further guidance from the General Assembly, we’re happy to provide it to make sure that they perform their statutory responsibility.”
Pritzker signs law to prioritize placing foster children with family members
Bill received unanimous support from legislature in fall ceremony at the Statehouse. The new law puts an obligation on the Department of Children and Family Services to use a “kin-first approach” when placing children in foster care.
By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Foster care officials will have to prioritize placing children with their relatives under a new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker last week Pritzker signed the Kinship in Demand Act , or KIND Act, at a
Lawmakers and advocates said it’s better for children to be placed with a family member or another person close to the child when possible.
“Keeping these children safe and connected with relatives isn’t just smart policy; it’s the right thing to do,” Pritzker said.
Kin-first foster systems decrease the risk of abuse and create a higher chance of achieving permanent placement for kids, according to Casey Family Programs, the nation’s largest foundation focused on foster care. Most of the youth in DCFS care are already placed with families, according to Pritzker.
“It makes sure that we take into account the wishes of the young people that we care for and their families when we plan for their fu -
tures,” DCFS Director Heidi Mueller said.
DCFS will develop a certification policy for family members, which will allow them more access to financial resources for caregiving.
“The cost of raising a child is the same whether it’s done by a relative or a stranger,” Pritzker said. “The KIND Act allows DCFS to support relative caregivers by developing the certification standards specifically for them, ensuring the safety and well-being of youth in care, and allowing them to receive the same payment rate as non-family caregivers.”
Relatives will also have different criminal background criteria than other foster parents. The federal government allows DCFS to waive “ non-safety-related licensing” for relative caregivers on a case-bycase basis. Relatives would still be subject to a personal analysis assessing their criminal record and its potential impact on the child.
Courts would also have a larger role in family-finding efforts like monitoring whether DCFS complies with notifying relatives that a child has been removed from their parents’ custody within 30 days.
Like most other state agencies, DCFS faced challenges during a two-year budget impasse that ended in 2017 and strained the system’s funding and ability to promptly place children in care settings.
The Pritzker administration ramped up funding for the agency, but former DCFS Director Marc Smith was found by a Cook County judge in contempt of court multiple times in 2022 for failing to find adequate placements for foster care children, some of whom were living in psychiatric hospitals longer than was medically necessary. An
“ The KIND Act allows DCFS to support relative caregivers by developing the certification standards specifically for them, ensuring the safety and well-being of youth in care, and allowing them to receive the same payment rate as nonfamily caregivers.”
– Gov. JB Pritzker
appellate court later vacated the contempt citations.
The agency has been the subject of some of the most intense criticism Pritzker’s administration has faced as governor, but lawmakers and advocates said Wednesday they’re seeing steps in the right direction for the agency since Mueller took over one year ago.
“I really do feel like we got it right this time because what the KIND Act is all about is keeping families intact,” Sen. Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago, said.
DCFS will now be turning their focus to helping kids transition from foster care to adulthood, Mueller said.
This includes funding to expand services for housing for kids in foster care and improve planning for the transition to adulthood earlier in a child’s life.
“It’s an area that frankly we’ve looked at and we’ve recognized that there has been a gap in the support that we provide over time,” Mueller said.
Analysis: How RFK Jr.’s health proposals could affect Illinois
The federal health department nominee has a history of spreading false information, but he could find a partner in Illinois on food regulations
By Ben Szalinski Capitol News illiNois
Every new presidential administration comes with policy changes, but the second administration of President Donald Trump and his proposed secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., could dramatically reshape the public health landscape.
Kennedy, a former political rival of Trump, became a close ally of Trump over the final months of the 2024 campaign and was named to the HHS post shortly after the election. The department houses the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Kennedy’s views on health and his stated policy initiatives could have far reaching effects on public health, including on policies in Illinois. Kennedy has often encouraged healthier food consumption for Americans—a goal Illinois Democrats could support.
But Kennedy holds other views at odds with science. In a 2023 Fox News interview he said he believes a debunked theory that vaccines cause autism. He has also proposed discouraging fluoridating public water—a public health measure that supports dental health, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health
If Kennedy becomes the HHS secretary, his administration’s work could put Illinois health policy at odds with federal directives in some areas. But the state might also find a partner
in Kennedy as the General Assembly considers food regulation.
Fluoride in water
If Kennedy gets his way, the Trump administration’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would recommend public water systems stop putting fluoride in public drinking water.
“Fluoride is an industrial waste,” Kennedy said, claiming it causes bone and neurological issues as well as other problems.
Fluoride keeps teeth strong and is a naturally occurring mineral that is often used in toothpaste because of its benefits for dental health, according to the CDC. Putting it in water supplies was named by the agency one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century.
As for Kennedy’s claim that it causes health problems, one National Toxicology Program study found a possible link between fluoride levels of 1.5 milligrams per liter or higher and lower IQs in children.
However, researchers noted more studies are needed to draw specific conclusions. Illinois water systems keep fluoride levels at 0.7 parts per million and are required to notify customers when levels exceed 2 milligrams per liter, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
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Nearly every Illinois resident consumes fluoride in their drinking water, according to a 2023 CDC report. The annual report found 90 percent of state water systems had fluoride. Together, they serve 98 percent of the state’s population.
Fluoride is required in Illinois drinking water under a 1967 state law, which was amended in 2016 to lower the amount of fluoride water systems are required to use. However, the 2016 law says the levels “shall be in compliance with the recommendations on optimal fluoridation for community water levels as proposed and adopted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
Additional rules established by the state’s Pollution Control Board also govern the level of fluoride in water. It’s not clear how Illinois’ fluoride use would change if federal recommendations change.
“Illinois EPA cannot speculate on what actions may be taken if such decisions are made at the federal level. State regulations can be more stringent than federal regulation but cannot be less stringent,” agency spokesperson Kim Biggs said in an email.
Vaccines
Kennedy is known for being skeptical of vaccines and spreading false information about them. What he would do about vaccines as HHS secretary is unclear. He has said he wouldn’t take any vaccines away. However, he has pushed for significant deregulation and changes at HHS and its agencies that could affect approval of future vaccines.
The Illinois Department of Public Health requires a schedule of 12 vaccines children must receive and stipulates parents present their child’s school with proof of immunization for certain vaccines by certain grade
levels. There are also various vaccine requirements for college students and health care workplaces.
Illinois’ school vaccine policy is set at the state level based on recommendations of a CDC advisory committee on vaccines, according to IDPH.
The state’s history of requiring vaccines in schools goes back more than a century. The Illinois State Board of Health first required children to get vaccines against smallpox to attend school in 1894. The World Health Organization eventually declared smallpox eradicated in 1977 after decades of vaccination against the virus.
Broader vaccine requirements that apply today were mandated by the General Assembly beginning in 1967.
The State Board of Health, a division of IDPH, is primarily responsible for any changes to Illinois’ vaccine requirements, even if recommendations change at the federal level. Any changes to the requirements would be recommended by the Board of Health following a public hearing, according to IDPH, and are based on recommendations issued by a CDC review panel.
States bear the responsibility of setting specific requirements for vaccines, according to the CDC
Some common vaccines such as Hepatitis A, flu and COVID-19 are not required for children to attend school in Illinois despite appearing on the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule. Illinois law requires school districts to provide parents with information about flu shots, however.
State law also allows parents and guardians to skip vaccines for their children for religious or medical reasons.
Food ingredients
Another of Kennedy’s priorities is establishing healthy diets to combat obesity and chronic diseases. He has called for more regulation of food in-
gredients in a pledge to crack down on ultra-processed foods and ingredients linked to health problems.
“Given the current nominee’s interest, it’s likely something like this could be on the docket on the federal level,” University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health Senior Associate Dean and Professor Jamie Chriqui told Capitol News Illinois. “Usually what we see is it gets tested first at the state and local level before it becomes a federal push, unless there is a champion at the federal level who is interested in making changes.”
Despite controversy around Kennedy, the Trump administration could have a partner with Illinois on ingredient restrictions. The state Senate took a bipartisan vote this spring to advance a bill that would ban brominated vegetable oil, red dye No. 3, propylparaben and potassium bromate—which are all used in food manufacturing—in food sold in Illinois beginning in 2028. The bill is currently stalled in the House.
“I agree with the science and in this case; it appears RFK does as well,” bill sponsor Sen. Willie Preston, D-Chicago, told Capitol News Illinois. “We’re in alignment. I’m happy to work with him if that’s possible to move this issue forward, certainly here in Illinois, which I have a responsibility to do, but across this country.”
Kennedy is “problematic” on other issues, Preston said, but he said he believes on the issue of food additives, Kennedy’s appointment by Trump shows the country is moving toward further regulation to make food healthier.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which Kennedy hopes to reduce in size and scope, has considered revoking authorization for brominated vegetable oil.
These ingredients are all linked to health issues from cancer to nervous system issues, Chriqui said.
A strong regional for Warriors
The Willowbrook girls gymnastics team hosted an IHSA regional competition last week. Glenbard West won the Feb. 6 regional’s team title with its score of 137.325. Willowbrook placed second with its total of 133.075, while Maine West (121.2) claimed third. The regional’s top five finishers in each individual event and the all-around competition automatically qualified for this week’s Glenbard West Sectional. Other gymnasts who competed at the Willowbrook Regional earned at-large sectional berths. Glenbard West’s team secured an automatic berth into the sectional’s team competition. The Warriors earned one of two available at-large berths into the Glenbard West Sectional. Willowbrook competed against five other teams (York, Geneva, Glenbard West, Lake Park and Wheaton Warrenville South) at the sectional, which took place earlier this week. Willowbrook senior Naomi Campbell won the all-around championship at last week’s regional in Villa Park with her score of 36.1. Campbell won the firstplace medal in the vault (9.4) at the regional. She is pictured (above left) while approaching the vault during last week’s event. Campbell finished second on the balance beam (9.1), second in floor exercises (8.8) and third on the uneven bars (8.8). Junior Kaia Capulong of Willowbrook finished fifth in the regional’s all-around standings with her total score of 32.6. Capulong placed third on the balance beam (8.5) at the regional. She is pictured (above right) during her beam routine. Willowbrook sophomore Lilli Macias earned an automatic sectional berth in the vault with her fourth-place regional score of 9.1. Capulong earned at-large sectional berths in the vault and in floor exercises. Willowbrook freshman Ella Paulsen also earned atlarge sectional berths in the vault and in floor exercises.
Sports
Rams’ winning streak hits 10 with win over Raiders
Glenbard East runs its division record to 10-1 with victory in Glen Ellyn; Rams wrap up division season with this Friday’s home game
The Glenbard East boys basketball team pushed its winning streak to 10 games with last week’s victories at Bartlett and Glenbard South.
The Rams raised their overall season record to 19-8 with the two road wins.
Glenbard East pounded Bartlett 72-33 on Feb. 5. Two days later, the Rams beat Glenbard South 56-48 in an Upstate Eight Conference East Division game in Glen Ellyn. Glenbard East improved its division record to 10-1 with Friday’s win over the Raiders.
The Rams will complete their division season with this Friday’s home game against Ridgewood.
Glenbard East suffered its only division loss of the 2024-25 season on Jan. 14, when it dropped a 59-58 decision at Riverside Brookfield. The Rams won the rematch, defeating the Bulldogs 67-59 on Jan. 30 in Lombard.
Riverside Brookfield has already completed its division season with an 11-1 record. The Rams could match the Bulldogs at 11-1 if they beat Ridgewood this Friday. Glenbard East beat the Rebels 71-58 in the teams’ previous division meeting, which took place on Dec. 17 in Ridgewood.
The Rams held a 20-15 lead over Bartlett after one quarter of last week’s contest. Glenbard East’s lead
grew to 40-24 by halftime. The Rams outscored the Hawks 22-1 during the third quarter to take a 62-25 lead with eight minutes to play.
Junior Michael Nee scored 21 points for the Rams in their Feb. 5 win at Bartlett. Junior Sam Walton provided 12 points for Glenbard East. Junior Jacob Marynowski added 11 points, while senior Devin Kraft contributed seven points.
The Rams trailed Glenbard South 11-9 after one quarter of Friday’s division battle. Glenbard East junior Danny Snyder, who did not score during the opening quarter, heated up in the second quarter, when he scored 11 points to help the Rams to a 31-21 halftime lead. Snyder delivered four field goals, including one shot from 3-point range, and two free throws during the second quarter.
“Danny’s one of the best players in this league, and he showed it in the second quarter,” said Glenbard East coach Eric Kelly after Friday’s win.
The Rams led the Raiders 4130 at the end of the third quarter of Friday’s contest, which marked the teams’ third meeting of the season.
Kraft made a 3-point shot to give Glenbard East a 48-35 lead with about six minutes to play in the fourth quarter. The Raiders made three shots from 3-point range in the fourth quarter. They drained their final 3-point basket of the evening
Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing
Glenbard East’s girls basketball team completed its Upstate Eight Conference East Division season with Friday’s 48-30 loss at Glenbard South in Glen Ellyn. The Raiders of Glenbard South won the championship in the seven-team division with a perfect 12-0 record in division play. The Rams finished second in the division standings with a 9-3 record. Senior Erin Brown (No. 10) scored a team-leading 15 points for the Rams in Friday’s loss to the Raiders. The Rams’ overall season record fell to 16-14 after that loss. Glenbard East completed its regular season earlier this week with a game at South Elgin. The Rams will open IHSA Class 4A post-season play with a Feb. 18 battle against Wheaton North at the St. Charles North Regional. Glenbard East faced the Falcons of Wheaton North last week. The Falcons defeated the Rams 63-49 in a Feb. 3 contest in Wheaton.
with about 25 seconds to play to account for the game’s final points.
Nee scored a team-high 18 points for the Rams in Friday’s win. He made all seven of his attempts from the free-throw line during the game. Marynowski provided 12 points. Snyder contributed 11 points with his 11-point outburst in the second quarter. Kraft, who made two 3-point baskets, supplied eight points. Junior Muhammad Musleh added five points with a 3-point basket in the third quarter and a pair of free throws in the fourth quarter. Walton tacked on two points with a fourth-quarter layup.
“This team is more than Michael Nee and Danny Snyder,” added Kelly after Friday’s victory in Glen Ellyn. “We’ve got guys like Mo Musleh. We’ve got guys like Jacob Marynowski and Sam Walton. One thing we talk about is having balance, not just relying on Michael and Danny. We’ve got other guys who can help.”
The Rams earned their first victory of the season when they beat Glenbard South 54-32 at the District 87 Tournament on Nov. 27. Glenbard East defeated the Raiders 55-42 in a Dec. 20 division game in Lombard.
The Rams played two non-division home games earlier this week, facing Deerfield on Feb. 10 and Joliet Central on Feb. 12.
Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing Glenbard East’s boys basketball team extended its winning streak to 10 games with Friday’s 56-48 Upstate Eight Conference East Division victory at Glenbard South. Two days before beating the Raiders, the Rams traveled to Bartlett and crushed the Hawks 72-33 in a non-division contest. Glenbard East improved to 19-8 overall and 10-1 in division play with Friday’s win at Glenbard South. The Rams will complete their division season with this Friday’s home game against Ridgewood. Junior Michael Nee (No. 4 - above left) scored a team-leading 18 points for Glenbard East in Friday’s triumph over the Raiders. One more photo from that game shows Glenbard East junior Muhammad Musleh (No. 0above right), who provided five points with a 3-point basket in the third quarter and a pair of free throws in the fourth quarter.
Rams finish their division season with loss to Glenbard South
Raiders win the division title with a perfect 12-0 record; Glenbard East places second in the division standings with 9-3 mark
The Glenbard East girls basketball team lost a pair of road games last week. The Rams opened the week with a 63-49 loss at Wheaton North on Feb. 3. On Friday, Feb. 7, the Rams completed their Upstate Eight Conference East Division season with a 48-30 loss at Glenbard South.
Glenbard East dropped to 16-14 overall and 9-3 in division play following Friday’s loss to the Raiders. Glenbard South closed out a perfect 12-0 division season with its win over the visiting Rams.
Wheaton North led Glenbard East 16-11 after one quarter of last week’s non-division matchup. The Falcons led the Rams 30-27 at halftime and 46-35 at the end of the third quarter.
Glenbard East freshman Olivia Nee sank six 3-point shots and scored a team-leading 18 points in last week’s loss at Wheaton North. Nee made three 3-point baskets in the second quarter. She added one more 3-point field goal in the third quarter and drained a pair of 3-point
attempts in the fourth quarter.
Sophomore Teagan Murphy made seven field goals, including a pair of 3-point shots, and scored 16 points for the Rams in their loss to the Falcons.
Senior Erin Brown contributed 10 points, while senior Veronica Witt and junior Haley Greenfield added three and two points, respectively.
The Raiders led the Rams 14-11 after one quarter of Friday’s division contest in Glen Ellyn. Glenbard South outscored Glenbard East 17-6 in the second quarter to extend its lead to 31-17 by halftime.
The Raiders owned a 40-21 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Brown scored a team-high 15 points for the Rams in Friday’s loss at Glenbard South. Nee contributed six points with a pair of 3-point baskets in the first quarter. Murphy supplied five points. Senior Taylour Hodges and sophomore Bridget Crocker scored two points each. Glenbard South won the Upstate
Eight Conference’s East Division title with its unblemished 12-0 record in division play. The Rams landed in second place in the seven-team division’s standings with their 9-3 record.
Glenbard East lost both of its division meetings to Glenbard South and suffered a 42-34 loss to Riverside Brookfield on Jan. 31 in Lombard. The Rams beat the Bulldogs of Riverside Brookfield 60-55 in the teams’ Jan. 10 division meeting in Riverside.
The Rams earned two wins against each of the division’s four other teams—Elmwood Park, West Chicago, Fenton and Ridgewood. Glenbard East finished its regular season earlier this week with a game at South Elgin. The Rams will open up IHSA Class 4A post-season play with a Feb. 18 game against Wheaton North at the St. Charles North Regional. The winner of the regional semifinal between Glenbard East and Wheaton North will likely face St. Charles North in the regional final on Feb. 20.
Broncos begin the Class 2A post-season by winning a regional title
Eight Montini wrestlers claim individual championships at the Richards Regional
Montini Catholic High School’s wrestling team opened post-season action by winning an IHSA regional championship on Saturday. The Broncos captured the title at the Class 2A regional at Richards High School in Oak Lawn.
Montini won the team title at the eight-team regional with its total score of 252.5. Providence Catholic finished second with its team score of 229.
Montini’s wrestling program has now won 29 IHSA regional team titles.
Eight Montini wrestlers won individual titles at Saturday’s regional. One Bronco earned a second-place finish in the event, while two Broncos secured third-place finishes. The 11 Montini wrestlers who earned top-three finishes at the regional advanced to this week’s individual sectional at Hinsdale South High School.
Wrestlers who earn top-four finishes in their weight divisions at the Hinsdale South Sectional will qualify for the IHSA Class 2A individual state meet, which will take place Feb. 20-22 in Champaign.
Winning the team title at the Richards Regional propelled Montini to the upcoming Class 2A team sectional at Brother Rice High School in Chicago on Feb. 25.
“Overall we wrestled well up and down the lineup,” said Montini coach Mike Bukovsky after the Broncos’ team victory at the Richards Regional. “Our big guns did what they were supposed to do, particularly in the area of earning bonus points.”
Bukovsky, whose team posted a dual-meet record of 24-3 during the 2024-25 regular season, noted that a big factor in Saturday’s team success was that each Bronco who competed in the event turned in a top-four finish in his respective weight level.
“It was truly a team effort,” Bukovsky said.
Montini’s individual champions at the Richards Regional included freshman Erik Klichurov, who won the 106-pound title; sophomore Allen Woo, who delivered a firstplace finish in the 113-pound weight class; sophomore Mikey Malizzio, who claimed the victory in the 120-pound division; and sophomore Bobby Ruscitti, who prevailed in the 126-pound weight class.
Junior Kam Luif (138 pounds), junior Santino Tenuta (165 pounds), junior A.J. Tack (175 pounds) and sophomore Gavin Ericson-Staton (285 pounds) also won individual championships for the Broncos at Saturday’s regional at Richards High School.
Montini sophomore Kevin May advanced to the individual sectional by placing second in the regional’s 157-pound weight class. Sophomore Isaac Mayora (132 pounds) and senior Jaxon Lane (190 pounds) earned berths in the individual sectional with third-place finishes at the regional.
“ Overall we wrestled well up and down the lineup. Our big guns did what they were supposed to do, particularly in the area of earning bonus points.”
–
Mike Bukovsky, Montini
coach
Klichurov’s season record stood at 42-4 after Saturday’s individual regional. Woo and Luif have also eclipsed the 40-win mark this season.
Woo held a 42-5 record after the regional, while Luif owned a 43-4 record.
Rams and Warriors battle at the Class 3A Naperville North Regional; Glenbard East’s Ismael Chaidez wins the 120-pound title
The Glenbard East and Willowbrook wrestling teams competed in Saturday’s IHSA Class 3A regional at Naperville North High School. The Rams finished seventh in the team standings of the eight-team regional, while Willowbrook placed eighth. Sandburg won the regional’s team championship.
Glenbard East junior Ismael Chaidez won the regional’s 120-pound title. Chaidez won three matches at Saturday’s event. He earned a first-period pin in the quarterfinal round. He delivered a 13-0 major-decision win in the semifinal round and posted a 13-3 major-decision victory in the 120-pound championship match. Chaidez owned a 40-2 record at the end of the regional.
Chaidez and two other Glenbard East wrestlers advanced to this week’s Class 3A individual sectional at Hinsdale Central High School by posting top-three finishes at the Naperville North Regional.
Junior Orlando Hoye of the Rams qualified for the individual sectional after placing second in the regional’s 190-pound division. Hoye won two of three matches at the regional to improve his overall season record to 29-11.
Glenbard East sophomore Lorenz Rios Loud advanced to the individual sectional by placing third in the Naperville North Regional’s 106-pound weight level. Rios Loud’s season record stood at 33-8 at the end of the regional.
Willowbrook junior Aris Neal earned a trip to this week’s Class 3A individual sectional at Hinsdale Central with his third-place effort in the Naperville North Regional’s 113-pound weight class. Neal won three of four matches at the regional to raise his overall season record to 24-11.
The Montini Catholic wrestling team won the team title at the IHSA Class 2A Richards Regional in Oak Lawn on Saturday. The Broncos won the championship at the eight-team regional with their total score of 252.5 points. Providence Catholic finished second with 229 points. The Montini wrestling program has now won 29 IHSA regional titles. Eight Broncos won individual championships at the Richards Regional. Those Broncos, along with three other Montini wrestlers, advanced to this week’s individual sectional at Hinsdale South High School. Montini’s team will compete at an upcoming Class 2A team sectional at Brother Rice High School in Chicago.
Rams compete at the state meet
Glenbard East’s cheerleading team competed at the IHSA state meet in Bloomington on Friday. The Rams earned their berth in the state meet with their fourth-place finish in the Co-ed Team-1 division at the sectional competition at Buffalo Grove High School on Feb. 1. The top five teams in each division of the state’s five sectional events qualified for the state meet, which took place on Friday and Saturday at Grossinger Motors Arena. Glenbard East and 24 other teams competed in the Co-ed Team division at the state meet. The division’s top 10 teams from Friday’s preliminary round advanced to Saturday’s final round. The Rams earned a score of 87.42 for their performance on Friday. They placed 16th in their division and did not advance to Saturday’s final round. Belvidere North won the Co-ed Team division’s state title on Saturday. Buffalo Grove finished second, while Dundee-Crown placed third. The members of Glenbard East’s team, pictured left to right shortly before they traveled to Bloomington last week, are: (front row) senior Josalyn Hearn, senior Cindy Quach, senior Kendra Trummer, senior Emily Fisher, senior Mariah Aguilar, senior Taylor Vu and senior Julia Urban; (middle row) junior Liyah Adams, sophomore Madison Leicht, freshman Carsyn Corral, sophomore Keira Carr, junior Courtney Coletto, freshman Daija Trice and sophomore Makayla Hagenbart;
Taylor Murphy and Darren Nuezca.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
(back row) junior Nick Logalbo, junior Cortasia Boyd, freshman Mariah Smith, junior Allison Yuknis, freshman Margo Nunamaker, freshman Leighann Schreiber and freshman Wyatt Wilson. The Rams’ head coach is Kelly Dolan. The team’s assistant coaches are
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Rams earn sectional berth after placing third in IHSA regional
Jenna Pitts finishes second in regional’s individual standings; Jenna Pope delivers fourth-place effort for Glenbard East
The Glenbard East girls bowling team hosted an IHSA regional on Saturday at its home venue—Bowlero in Glendale Heights. The Rams delivered a third-place finish in the 12-team regional and qualified for this week’s sectional competition in Lyons.
The top four teams in each of the state’s 18 regional competitions advanced to this week’s sectional events. There will be six sectional competitions this Saturday, Feb. 15. The top four teams in each sectional will qualify for the IHSA state meet, which takes place Feb. 21-22 at the Cherry Bowl in Rockford.
York won the team title at the Glenbard East Regional with its total pin count of 5,193. Morton secured second-place honors with its total of 5,187. Glenbard East placed third with its team score of 4,925. Fenwick claimed a sectional berth with its fourth-place total of 4,782. Fenwick finished 10 pins ahead of Willowbrook (4,772) in the battle for fourth place and a sectional berth. Willowbrook settled for fifth, while Downers Grove North (4,751) finished sixth.
Senior Jenna Pitts led Glenbard East’s team at Saturday’s regional with
her six-game total of 1,168. Pitts finished second to Fenwick senior Olivia Cameron in the regional’s individual standings. Cameron posted a six-game score of 1,174 in the event to edge Pitts by six pins.
Pitts bowled a 186 in her opening game at Saturday’s regional. She added scores of 178, 182 and 194 in her next three games before firing a 225 in her fifth game of the event. Pitts closed out the regional with a 203 in her sixth and final game.
Sophomore Jenna Pope of Glenbard East rolled a six-game score of 1,146 to place fourth in the regional’s individual competition. Pope finished 10 pins behind York senior Ava Lewandowski, who posted a third-place score of 1,156.
After opening the regional with a 193 in her first game, Pope bowled a 200 in her second game. She turned in a 181 in her third game, followed by another 181 in her fourth game. Pope turned in a 170 in her fifth game before completing the regional with a 221 in her sixth game.
Sophomore Zoey Poling of Glenbard East bowled a six-game regional score of 1,094 and placed ninth in the
Broncos finish sixth in conference tournament
event’s individual standings. Poling bowled her best game of the regional—a 215—in her sixth and final game of the day. Senior Adalyn Bylsma contributed a six-game regional score of 769 for the Rams. Glenbard East senior Kylie White provided a six-game total of 748 at the regional.
The Rams will compete in this Saturday’s De La Salle Sectional at Bowlero in Lyons.
The Glenbard East Regional’s top 10 scorers who weren’t members of sectional-qualifying teams advanced to the De La Salle Sectional as individuals. That group of individual qualifiers included three Willowbrook bowlers. Sophomore Elizabeth Pettinger of the Warriors qualified for the sectional with her six-game regional total of 1,096. Junior Reese Farquhar of Willowbrook earned a sectional berth with her regional score of 1,084, while freshman Lily Nguyen of the Warriors advanced to the sectional with her sixgame total of 892.
Pettinger opened the regional with scores of 179, 170 and 172 in her first three games. After bowling a 181 in her fourth game, she rolled a 201 in her fifth game before finishing the event
with a 193 in her sixth game.
Farquhar opened the regional with a spectacular score of 257 in her first game. After rolling a 132 in her second game, she bounced back with a 220 in her third game. Farquhar finished the regional with scores of 182, 173 and 120 in her final three games.
Nguyen bowled her best game of the regional—a 173—in her third game of the day. Willowbrook’s regional lineup also included freshman Mikayla Tijerina, who bowled a six-game total of 865, as well as senior Gabriella Maher, who provided a three-game total of 461. Willowbrook senior Paola Perez contributed a three-game score of 374. Blazers win a regional championship
Addison Trail’s girls bowling team won a regional title on Saturday at the St. Charles East Regional, which was held at the Funway Entertainment Center in Batavia. The Blazers advanced to this Saturday’s De La Salle Sectional in Lyons after prevailing at the 14-team regional.
Addison Trail won the regional title with its team total of 5,255. The Blazers nipped second-place South Elgin (5,252) by three pins in the battle for
the regional championship. St. Charles North (4,950) finished third, while Elgin (4,878) claimed fourth. Those four teams will join eight other teams at this Saturday’s sectional in Lyons. Senior Val Pizzoferrato led Addison Trail at the regional with her six-game score of 1,097. Senior Grace Cannizzo provided a six-game regional score of 1,081 for the Blazers. Sophomore Alessandra Pizzoferrato contributed a six-game regional score of 1,037 for Addison Trail. Senior Amelia Leslie bowled a six-game score of 1,033 for the Blazers on Saturday, while senior Angie Ayala rolled a six-game total of 1,007.
Val Pizzoferrato, who bowled a 209 in her second game at the regional, finished fourth in the event’s individual standings. Cannizzo, who fired a 206 in her third game of the competition, placed sixth among all individuals at the regional. Alessandra Pizzoferrato, who opened the event with scores of 190 in her first and second games of the day, earned a 10th-place finish in the event’s individual competition. Leslie tied for 11th in the regional’s individual standings, while Ayala delivered a 17thplace finish.
Warriors beat Pirates
The Montini Catholic girls basketball team won two of four games and finished sixth in last week’s Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) Tournament. The Broncos’ overall season record stood at 20-10 at the end of the tournament. Montini, which played the first two games of the tournament on its home court, opened the event with a 54-20 win over De La Salle on Feb. 3. Senior Nikki Kerstein scored a team-leading 22 points for the Broncos in the victory. She also notched the 2,000th point of her fouryear varsity career during the game. Kerstein played at Deerfield during her freshman and sophomore seasons before attending Montini in her junior year. Senior Natalie Gartlan (No. 42) made four 3-point shots and provided 16 points for the Broncos in their win over De La Salle. Montini lost its next game of the tournament, dropping a 45-40 decision to Providence Catholic on Feb. 4. The Broncos led the Celtics 40-31 at the end of the third quarter. Providence Catholic outscored Montini 14-0 in the game’s final eight minutes. Kerstein scored 16 points in the loss to the Celtics. Senior Peyton Farrell supplied nine points for the Broncos, while senior Audrey Kinney scored eight points. Montini won its next game of the tournament, beating Mother McAuley 58-44 in a Feb. 6 contest at Loyola Academy. Kerstein scored 23 points in the Broncos’ victory over the Mighty Macs. Senior Lily Spanos provided 15 points by draining five shots from 3-point range. Gartlan and Farrell added 10 and eight points, respectively. The Broncos completed the tournament with Saturday’s 72-67 loss to Aurora Central Catholic in a game played at Trinity High School. Kerstein scored 19 points in Saturday’s loss. Gartlan made three 3-point shots and supplied 15 points. Kinney contributed 14 points, while Spanos made a pair of 3-point baskets and provided nine points. Farrell, Kerstein and Spanos were named to the GCAC Red Division’s All-Conference Team. The Broncos completed their regular season with a game against Benet Academy earlier this week. Montini will open the IHSA Class 3A post-season with a Feb. 18 game at the Elmwood Park Regional.
Rams take third in Wheaton Warrenville South Regional
The Glenbard East girls gymnastics team competed in last week’s IHSA regional at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. The Tigers of Wheaton Warrenville South won the Feb. 4 regional’s team title with their score of 139.9. Maine South (129.55) finished second, while Glenbard East (108.3) placed third.
The regional’s top five finishers in each individual event and in the allaround competition earned automatic berths in this week’s Glenbard West Sectional. Other gymnasts earned at-large sectional berths.
Glenbard East freshman Julia Daoud earned an automatic sectional berth with her fifth-place total of 29.225 in the regional’s all-around scoring. Senior Dalia Daoud of the Rams secured an at-large sectional berth in the all-around competition.
Three Addison Trail gymnasts earn at-large sectional berths
The Addison Trail girls gymnastics team hosted an IHSA regional competition last week. York won the team championship at the Feb. 3 regional with its score of 140.45. Geneva (136.375) finished second, while Addison Trail (128.9) placed third.
The Blazers did not deliver any topfive finishes at the regional. A top-five regional finish would have secured an automatic berth in this week’s Glenbard West Sectional. Three Addison Trail gymnasts did earn at-large sectional berths.
Senior Olivia DeBeau of the Blazers earned at-large sectional berths in the allaround competition, the uneven bars and in floor exercises. Addison Trail junior Mia Trombatore claimed at-large sectional berths in the all-around competition, the vault, the uneven bars, the balance beam and in floor exercises. Freshman Izabela Hernandez of the Blazers earned an at-large sectional berth on the vault.
The Willowbrook girls basketball team defeated Proviso East 48-40 in last week’s West Suburban Gold Conference game in Villa Park. The Warriors and Pirates were deadlocked at 13-13 after one quarter of the Feb. 4 contest. Proviso East led Willowbrook 20-19 at halftime and 35-31 at the end of the third quarter. Senior Kendall Medinger helped the Warriors overtake the Pirates by sinking a pair of 3-point attempts during the fourth quarter. Willowbrook senior Ayaani Gusman (No. 10) made one 3-point shot in the fourth quarter. Gusman scored a team-leading 18 points in the Warriors’ win over Proviso East. Sophomore Jada Langston provided 11 points, while Medinger supplied nine points with three 3-point baskets. She made her first 3-point field goal of the game during the third quarter. Senior Loralai McIntyre, who made two 3-point baskets in the first quarter, contributed eight points for the Warriors. Senior Kristin Woods added two points with a fourth-quarter basket. The Warriors finished their conference season with Friday’s 53-26 loss to Leyden in Villa Park. The Warriors posted a 3-9 record in conference play. Their overall season record dropped to 6-20 with Friday’s loss to Leyden. Willowbrook completed its regular season with a home game earlier this week against Oak Park and River Forest High School. The Warriors will begin the IHSA Class 4A post-season on their home court. Willowbrook is hosting a regional that begins this Saturday, Feb. 15. The Warriors will face Bartlett in this Saturday’s regional quarterfinal. The winner will meet St. Charles East in a regional semifinal on Monday, Feb. 17.
Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing
Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing
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. Racquet sport group (abbr.)
4. Norse god of thunder
8. Russian industrial city
10. What’s good for the __
11. Round-ish shape
12. Baltimore MLBer
13. French modernist painter
15. Burned with water
16. Intestinal issue
17. Take the lead
18. Prove oneself worthy
21. None
22. Tax collector
23. Swiss river
24. Gymnast Raisman
25. Baby’s dining accessory
26. Canadian beer distributor
27. Iconic American tourist destination
34. More expansive
35. Alert
36. Popular boots Doc __
37. Showings
38. Conclusion
39. Share a common boundary
40. Shooting sport
41. Popular side dish
42. Global energy firm
43. Chronicles (abbr.)
CLUES DOWN
1. Type of bomb
2. Polynesian island country
3. Heavenly body
4. Hard workers
5. Covered
6. Johns Hopkins Hospital
founder
7. Plant of the grass family
9. Island person of the Bering
Sea 10. Storehouse
12. Scarlet-flowered desert shrub
14. A pituitary hormone
15. Female sibling
17. Monetary unit of Afghanistan
19. Empowering
20. Space station
23. Disorder
24. State of fuss
25. Footwear for babies
26. Nuclear reactor (abbr.)
27. Droves
28. Affirmative
29. Male parent
30. Utter obscenities
31. Type of verse
32. Unpleasant person
33. One who settles down
34. Founder of source-based history
36. A way to snarl
It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Did you know that dental-related ailments are responsible for the loss of more than 50 million school hours each year? That’s right. Thousands of children miss school every year because of some dental-related ailment. Fortunately, many of these ailments can be prevented through good oral care.
This National Children’s Dental Health Month, make your child’s smile a priority. Take them to the dentist regularly and teach them to care for their teeth properly.
Warriors drop two conference road games
Powell scores 20 points and hits the 1,000-point mark in his varsity career in Friday’s loss at Leyden
The Willowbrook boys basketball team suffered a pair of West Suburban Gold Conference road losses last week.
The Warriors dropped a 74-50 decision at Proviso East on Feb. 4. Willowbrook lost 62-54 at Leyden on Friday. The Warriors slipped to 7-18 overall and 3-5 in conference play following Friday’s loss to the Eagles.
LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Community Development Commission of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:30 P.M, at which a Public Hearing will be held to review case No. 2025 – 02 to consider a request for:
Special Use Permit, Outdoor Storage Area Municipal Code 10 – 7 – 2 – 1
At 1084 Industrial Drive is an existing I-2 General Industrial District. The Public Hearing will be held in the Village Board Room at Village Hall, 12. S. Center Street, Bensenville.
The Legal Description is as follows:
THE WEST 150 FEET OF LOT 19 IN O’HARE WEST INDUSTRIAL PLAZA SUBDIVISON, BEING IN PART OF THE NORTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 11 AND THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 26, 1971 AS DOCUMENT R-71-16332 IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Commonly known as 1084 Industrial Drive, Suite 6.
Brandonbury LLC of 1084 Industrial Dr, Bensenville, Illinois 60106 is the owner of the subject property and Jobsite Solutions Corp PDQuiment of Oregon City, Oregon 97045 is the applicant for the subject property.
Any individual with a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any public meeting held under the authority of the Village of Bensenville should contact the Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville, 12 S. Center St., Bensenville, IL 60106, (630) 766-8200, at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting.
Applicant’s application and supporting documentation may be examined by any interested parties in the office of the Community and Economic Development Department, Monday through Friday, in the Village Hall, 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. All interested parties may attend the Public Hearing and be heard. A link for electronic viewing will be posted on the Village website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Written comments mailed to the Village Hall, and online comments submitted on the Village website, will be accepted by the Community and Economic Development Department through March 4, 2025 until 5:00 PM.
Office of the Village Clerk Village of Bensenville
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 13, 2025) 467924
Junior Otis Powell scored 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Warriors in last week’s loss at Proviso East. Senior Mark Murrell provided 11 points for Willow -
LEGAL NOTICES
Commission of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:30 P.M, at which a Public Hearing will be held to review case No. 2025 – 06 to consider a request for:
Special Use Permit, Motor Vehicle Repair and/or Service Municipal Code 10 – 7 – 2 – 1
Special Use Permit, Outdoor Storage Area Municipal Code 10 – 7 – 2 – 1
At 1025 Industrial Drive is an existing I-2 General Industrial District. The Public Hearing will be held in the Village Board Room at Village Hall, 12. S. Center Street, Bensenville.
The Legal Description is as follows:
THE EAST 125.00 FEET OF LOT 15, AND THE WEST 50.00 FEET OF LOT 16 IN O’HARE WEST INDUSTRIAL PLAZA, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 11, AND THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 40 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED APRIL 26, 1971, AS DOCUMENT R71-16332 AND CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION RECORDED FEBRAURY 21, 1973 AS DOCUMENT R73-9686, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Commonly known as 1025 Industrial Drive.
Jeff & Keri Hubert of 703 S I Oka Ave, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 are the owners of the subject property and TCR Americas LLC of 11465 Melrose Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131 is the applicant for the subject property.
Any individual with a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any public meeting held under the authority of the Village of Bensenville should contact the Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville, 12 S. Center St., Bensenville, IL 60106, (630) 766-8200, at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting.
Applicant’s application and supporting documentation may be examined by any interested parties in the office of the Community and Economic Development Department, Monday through Friday, in the Village Hall, 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. All interested parties may attend the Public Hearing and be heard. A link for electronic viewing will be posted on the Village website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Written comments mailed to the Village Hall, and online comments submitted on the Village website, will be accepted by the Community and Economic Development Department through March 4, 2025 until 5:00 PM.
Office of the Village Clerk Village of Bensenville
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 13, 2025) 467922
brook. Junior Jaylen Griffin contributed seven points, while senior Filip Palutkiewicz supplied five points. Senior Jaden Royal scored four points and pulled down six rebounds.
Powell scored 20 points and snared eight rebounds in Friday’s
loss at Leyden. He notched the 1,000 th point of his Willowbrook varsity career during the contest. Palutkiewicz added 18 points and 10 rebounds in the Warriors’ loss to the Eagles.
Coming events
GPS program Feb. 18
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Community Development Commission of the Village of Bensenville, DuPage and Cook Counties, will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:30 P.M, at which a Public Hearing will be held to review case No. 2025 – 03 to consider a request for:
Preliminary and Final Plat of Subdivision Municipal Code 11 – 3
Variation, Minimum Corner Side Setback Municipal Code Section 10 – 6 – 12 – 1
Variation, Garage Location Municipal Code Section 10 – 7 – 4C – 9a – 1
Variation, Maximum Driveway Width Municipal Code Section 10 – 8 – 8 – 1
Variation, Driveway Visibility Municipal Code Section 10 – 8 – 8D
At 224 Marshall Rd is an existing R-3 Single-Unit Dwelling District. The Public Hearing will be held in the Village Board Room at Village Hall, 12. S. Center Street, Bensenville.
The Legal Description is as follows:
LOTS 1 AND 2 IN BLOCK 12 IN THE FIRST ADDITION TO PERCY WILSON’S IRVING PARK MANOR, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN SECTIONS 10, 11, 14 AND 15, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED MAY 7, 1926 AS DOCUMENT 213044, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Commonly known as 224 Marshall Road, Bensenville, Illinois 60106.
Cyrille Llanes and Gonzalo Cervantes of 224 Marshall Road, Bensenville, Illinois 60106 are the owners and applicants for the subject property.
Any individual with a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any public meeting held under the authority of the Village of Bensenville should contact the Village Clerk, Village of Bensenville, 12 S. Center St., Bensenville, IL 60106, (630) 766-8200, at least three (3) days in advance of the meeting.
Applicant’s application and supporting documentation may be examined by any interested parties in the office of the Community and Economic Development Department, Monday through Friday, in the Village Hall, 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. All interested parties may attend the Public Hearing and be heard. A link for electronic viewing will be posted on the Village website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Written comments mailed to the Village Hall, and online comments submitted on the Village website, will be accepted by the Community and Economic Development Department through March 4, 2025 until 5:00 PM.
Office of the Village Clerk Village of Bensenville(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 13, 2025) 467921
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will host Dr. Amishi Jha in a program titled “Peak Mind: Enhance Your Attention, Focus, and Performance to Become Your Best Self” at noon and 7 p.m., via Zoom. Dr. Jha is director of contemplative neuroscience and professor of psychology at the University of Miami. She will be in conversation with Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, who leads The Social and Emotional Learning Lab at the Department of Psychology at University of Illinois at Chicago. Visit GPSparentseries. org for information and the links to these webinars. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630942-7668.
Answers
Willowbrook’s schedule this week includes this Friday’s conference home game against Addison Trail, followed by this Saturday’s conference battle at Hinsdale South.
Lombard Garden Club to meet Feb. 28
The Lombard Garden Club is pleased to announce a program on “Ohara Ikebana Arrangements” with presenter E-Ling Lou on Friday, Feb. 28. Ohara Ikebana is the Japanese art of arranging flowers, branches, leaves and stems as materials in natural, serene works of art. Our speaker will share a PowerPoint presentation and demonstrate several creations, which will be raffled off to members. E-Ling Lou is a second-term master teacher of the Ohara School of Ikebana. She has been practicing Ikebana for over 25 years and also volunteers at the Morton Arboretum. The program will be held at 1 p.m. at the Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road in Lombard. There is no charge and the public is welcome to attend. Please check the club’s website for details at www. lombardgardenclub.org.
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79615 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 24, 2025 wherein the business firm of ALL THAT GLITTERS, 485 GREENFIELD AVE., GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Cheryl Mordini, 485 Greenfied Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 24TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2025. Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 2025) 467341
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DU PAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE
Request of: Randeep Kaur Gill
Case Number 2025MR000058
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from Randeep Kaur Gill to the new name of Randeep Kaur Bhangu. The court date will be held: MARCH 24, 2025 at 9:00 at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL in Courtroom 2005.
Dated 01/24/2025
Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-949881
(Published in The Lombardian Feb. 6, 13, & 20, 2025) 467535
LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR WATER SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION AND SURVEY SERVICES
TIME AND PLACE OF OPENING BIDS
Notice is hereby given that the Village of Lombard, Illinois, acting through the Department of Public Works, will receive bids until March 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM, local time for the WATER SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION AND SURVEY SERVICES. Bids will be publicly read at the Public Works Facility, 1051 S. Hammerschmidt Avenue, Lombard, Illinois immediately after bids are due.
Bid proposals for this project will be considered to determine the lowest responsible bidder. Judgment on the award of the contract shall be based not only on cost, but also on past performance, experience, and ability to perform the work. The Village of Lombard reserves the right to accept the proposal deemed to be in its own best interest based on all of the above considerations and other considerations the law allows in determining the definition of ‘responsible bidder’. Bids will be acted upon by the Board of Trustees.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The proposed work is officially known as “WATER SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION AND SURVEY SERVICES”. It is the intent of the Village of Lombard (“Lombard”), the City of West Chicago (“West Chicago”), the Village of Willowbrook (“Willowbrook”), the Village of Roselle (“Roselle”) and the Village of Burr Ridge (“Burr Ridge”) to award contracts to a single contractor for leak detection and survey services.
AVAILABILITY OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
Prospective Bidders submit a request for the bid documents through the Village of Lombard. This can be done via a link on the Village of Lombard website (www.VillageofLombard.org)
BID SECURITY
All bid proposals must be accompanied by a bid bond payable to the Village of Lombard for five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid as provided in the General Requirements. Bidders will need to upload a copy of their bid bond or elect to use Surety2000. No proposals or bids will be considered unless accompanied by such a bond.
LEGAL NOTICES
REJECTION OF BIDS
The Village reserves the right to defer the award of the contract for a period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days after the date bids are received, and to accept or reject any or all proposals, and to waive technicalities.
PRE-BID MEETING
A pre-bid meeting will not be held. Any question(s) must be submitted to Carl Goldsmith at goldsmithc@villageoflombard.org by no later than 4:00 PM on February 20, 2025. Questions submitted after the deadline shall not be acknowledged.
Village of Lombard, Illinois Elizabeth Brezinski, Village Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Feb. 13, 2025)
NOTICE
TO
BIDDERS
467758
the option of electing to submit an electronic online bid through QuestCDN. Bids will not be accepted from any prospective bidder who has not purchased contract documents through QuestCDN. Bids need to be submitted online through QuestCDN. Paper bids will not be accepted Notwithstanding the foregoing, plans and specifications may be examined at the following locations:
1) Office of the Director of Public Works, 1051 S. Hammerschmidt Avenue, Lombard, Illinois 60148.
2) Christopher B. Burke Engineering LTD.
3) QUESTCDN. The Village electronically posts Plans, Advertisements, Plan Holders Lists, and Addenda to QUESTCDN. For any additional services or assistance contact QUESTCDN at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com.
If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/ FAQ/gethelp.asp.
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 6, 13, & 20, 2025) 467499
2025-2028 FIRE HYDRANT FLOW TESTING SERVICES
BID DUE: By Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
PROJECT NAME: 2025-2028 Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Services
PROJECT LOCATION: Village of Bensenville, Illinois
February 13, 2025
plans and specifications, are on file at the office of the Owner, Village of Bensenville – Department of Public Works, 717 East Jefferson Street, Bensenville IL 60106, (630) 350-3411. Copies of the bid documents may be obtained from the Village of Bensenville website https:// www.bensenville.il.us/bids.aspx or email Brad Hargett, Assistant Village Engineer, at bhargett@bensenville.il.us at no charge for each set along with a copy of the Contractor’s “Certificate of Eligibility” issued by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
A bid bond, certified check, bank draft or irrevocable letter of credit on a solvent bank, payable to the Village of Bensenville, or cash in an amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bid shall be submitted with each bid.
BIDS
FOR Highland Avenue Sewer Separation Project VILLAGE OF LOMBARD TIME AND PLACE OF OPENING
Notice is hereby given that the Village of Lombard, Illinois, acting through the Department of Public Works, will receive bids via online electronic bidding only through Quest Construction Data Network (QuestCDN) until March 25, at 11:00 AM, local time for the Highland Avenue Sewer Separation Project. Paper bids will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. Bids will be publicly read at the Public Works Facility, Front Conference Room, 1051 S. Hammerschmidt Avenue, Lombard, Illinois immediately after bids are due.
Bid proposals for this project will be considered to determine the lowest responsible bidder. Judgment on the award of the contract shall be based not only on cost, but also on past performance, experience, and ability to perform the work. The Village of Lombard reserves the right to accept the proposal deemed to be in its own best interest based on all the above considerations and other considerations the law allows in determining the definition of ‘responsible bidder’. Bids will be acted upon by the President and Board of Trustees.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The proposed work is officially known as “Highland Avenue Sewer Separation Project”. The project area includes Chase Avenue from S. Broadway to Division Street and Division Street from Chase Avenue to Highland Avenue. The work to be performed consists of PCC sidewalk, curb and gutter, concrete and asphalt pavement removal asphalt paving and patching, 12, 42 and 48 inch diameter storm sewer, earth excavation, adjustment of drainage structures and water main, parkway restoration and all incidental and collateral work necessary to complete the improvement as shown and further described in the contract documents for the said work prepared for the Village of Lombard by Christopher B. Burke Engineering LTD.
PRE-QUALIFICATION OF BIDDERS
Pre-qualification of Bidders per Section 102 of the Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction in Illinois will be required of all Bidders on this proposal. Potential bidders must e mail pre-qualification to Ray Schwab, Civil Engineer II at schwabr@villageoflombard.org by 4:00 PM March 10, 2025.
AVAILABILITY OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
Prospective Bidders must purchase contract documents through Quest Construction Data Network (QUESTCDN). This can be done via a link on the Village of Lombard website (www.VillageofLombard.org) or on the QUESTCDN website (www.questcdn.com).
QUESTCDN is a web-based platform for construction project advertisements, bid documents, and plan holder lists. Prospective bidders will need the seven-digit QUESTCDN project number (931927) to locate the job on the QUESTCDN website search page.
There is a $42.00 non-refundable cost for downloading the contract documents in a pdf format, this cost includes
4) Subscribers to Dodge Data & Analytics may view the documents through their service agreement. For any additional services, data subscribers should contact Dodge Data & Analytics, Telephone: 877-7849556. Web: www.construction.com
5) Subscribers to ConstructConnect may view the documents through their service agreement. For any additional services, ConstructConnect data subscribers should contact ConstructConnect, Telephone: 877-422-8665. Web: www.constructconnect.com
An examination of said plans and specifications at any of these locations or online shall not relieve the prospective bidders from the contract document purchase requirement set forth above. Bid Security
All bid proposals must be accompanied by a bid bond payable to the Village of Lombard for five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid as provided in the General Requirements. Bidders will need to upload a copy of their bid bond or elect to use Surety2000. No proposals or bids will be considered unless accompanied by such a bond.
Rejection of Bids
The Village reserves the right to defer the award of the contract for a period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days after the date bids are received, and to accept or reject any or all proposals, and to waive technicalities.
(Published in The Lombardian Feb. 13, 2025)
467812
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DuPage County, Illinois
ESTATE OF JEFFREY D LINDMAN, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2024PR000841
Notice is given of the death of the abovenamed decedent. Letters of office were issued to Jenna Lindman, of 365 S. Kenilworth Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, as Independent Executor, whose attorney of record is Chris J. Aiello, P.C., of 322 S ARDMORE AVE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181; DuPage County attorney No.: 21072; phone No.: 630-833-1122.
The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, par. 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the DuPage Circuit Court Clerk, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois, or with the representative, or both, on or before July 31, 2025, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.
E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile. illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider.
Notice is hereby given that the Village of Bensenville is seeking Bids from qualified firms to establish a contractual agreement for the 2025-2028 Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Services. The Bids shall be sent to:
Village of Bensenville Office of the Village Clerk 12 South Center Street Bensenville, IL 60106
The Village of Bensenville will accept Sealed Bids until 9:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The Bid must be in a sealed opaque envelope plainly marked Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Services. The forms can be found at www.bensenville.il.us under “Business.” The packet can also be picked up at the Public Works Department, 717 E Jefferson Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. Detailed information may be obtained by contacting Amanda Segreti at 630-350-3435 or via email at asegreti@ bensenville.il.us.
All Bids require a Bid Bond, or Certified or Cashier’s Check made payable to the Village of Bensenville for not less than five percent (5%) of the base Bid amount.
The Village Board reserves the right to reject any and all Bids or portions thereof.
Nancy Quinn Village Clerk
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 13, 2025) 467749
NOTICE TO BIDDERS THE VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE, DuPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, will receive sealed bids for the 2025 RESIDENTIAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM until Eleven A.M. (11:00 A.M.) (prevailing time), March 4, 2025 at the office of the Municipal Clerk in the Village Hall, 12 South Center Street, in the Village of Bensenville, Illinois, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.
The contract documents, including
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a satisfactory performance bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract sum as a security for the faithful performance of the Contract and also a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Sum as a security for the payment of all persons performing labor on the Project under the Contract and furnishing materials in connection of the Contract. The successful bidder shall also furnish a Certificate of Insurance. No bid shall be withdrawn after opening of bids without the consent of said Municipality for a period of sixty (60) days after the scheduled time of opening bids. The Village of Bensenville reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in bidding and to accept the bid deemed most advantageous to it, all in accordance with the standard specifications.
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 13, 2025)
467813
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Village of Bensenville will accept proposals for Plan Review and Building Inspection Services The request for proposals is available in the Community and Economic Development Department at Bensenville’s Village Hall, located at 12 S. Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. Proposals must be received no later than 5:00 pm on March 6, 2025 at the same location. No late submittals will be accepted. One (1) hard copy of the proposal in a sealed package will be required at the time of the submission. One (1) digital copy shall also be submitted. Proposals will be evaluated on company qualifications and fixed fee pricing. The Village of Bensenville reserves the right to reject any and all proposals to protect the interests of the Village. For more information contact Louis Czerwin, Building Official, at 630.350.3413.
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Feb. 13, 2025)
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