Bensenville Independent
also serving Wood dale
Legislation aims to help first-time homebuyers
Bill would create tax deductible accounts to save for down payments
By Peter Hancock and Jade Aubrey
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
As the cost of housing continues to rise, Illinois realtors are pushing legislation to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to save for a down payment.
Senate Bill 148 would enable Illinois residents to open a special kind of savings account that could only be used to pay eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence. Deposits into those accounts would be deductible from state in-
come taxes with some limitations.
The deductions would be limited to $5,000 per year for individuals and $10,000 per year for joint accounts, up to maximum aggregate amounts of $25,000 per individual and $50,000 for joint accounts over a 10-year period.
The accounts would be available to Illinois residents who have not owned or purchased, either individually or jointly, a single-family residence during the prior 10 years. That would include both first-time and “second-chance” buyers—
A bill pending in the Illinois General Assembly would allow firsttime home buyers to set up tax-deductible savings accounts to save up for their down payment.
people who may have purchased a home previously and now want to get into the ownership market again.
“When you look at the median sales price of a home in Illinois in 2024, it was almost $300,000,” Sen. Christine Castro, D-Elgin, said during a news conference Feb. 27. “That’s 8 percent higher than in 2023 and almost 40 percent higher than in 2019. So you see the rapid (rising) cost of homes.”
Jim Clayton, senior director of state government affairs for the trade group Illinois Realtors, said the bill is one of several initiatives the industry has introduced this year to help alleviate the burden of rising home prices.
The bill has been assigned to the
Senate Revenue Committee and is awaiting further action.
Senate Republicans push property tax relief measures
Senate Republicans are urging passage of a handful of bills they say are aimed at providing property tax relief to Illinois homeowners, something they say Gov. JB Pritzker did not address in his budget proposal.
“He talked about affordable housing,” Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, said during a Statehouse news conference. “And yes, that’s very necessary. First-time homeowners are facing difficulties in buying homes, because what you have to consider most of all is, can you make the property tax payment? You can’t address affordable housing unless you
first address what’s going on with Illinois’s high property tax and high property tax amounts.”
Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, is sponsoring Senate Bill 2246, which would put a cap increases in the assessed valuation of residential property to the rate of inflation over the previous 12 months. He said it would help bridge the rapidly increasing gap between what senior homeowners collect from Social Security and the increasing amounts they’re being charged for property taxes.
“This is real, this is hurting people, and it’s all scalable,” he said. “Whether you live in $100,000 home or $200,000 home or $4,000 home, it’s becoming unaffordable.”
The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Solve the mystery during Murder Mystery Night at Fischer Farm March 22
A crime has been committed at Fischer Farm, and the Bensenville Park District is seeking sleuths to uncover the truth!
Join Fischer Farm staff for Murder Mystery Night—a thrilling and interactive whodunit experience at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville.
Participants will don their detective caps and follow clues to solve the mystery before time runs out. Each participant will take on a role
in this immersive event, making it perfect for friends and families who love a good puzzle and lively fun. Who will unmask the culprit?
“This is a unique opportunity to step into the role of detective—or suspect—in a thrilling murder mystery adventure,” said Christine Shiel, Farm manager. “We’re excited to bring this engaging and interactive experience to the community, and we encourage everyone to join in on the fun!”
The fee for this event, which is
open to the public and is expected to last about an hour, is $20 per person, with a discounted rate of $15 for in-district residents.
Advanced registration is required and can be completed at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville.
Don’t let the killer get away! Gather friends and register today to solve the murder at Fischer Farm!
For more information, visit BvilleParks.org or contact the Bensenville Park District at (630) 766-7015.
Park district unveils March Young at Heart trip lineup
The Bensenville Park District is offering a variety of trips in March as part of its Young at Heart program.
These trips are designed to provide enriching experiences for participants while fostering social connections and fun.
From casino gaming to cultural performances and unique shopping excursions, the program ensures there’s something for every interest.
Participants can test their luck on March 19 at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Mich.
This popular trip includes a $10 food voucher and $15 slot play voucher, making it an excellent opportunity for a day of excitement. Guests are reminded to bring valid identification. Registration for this trip closes on March 12.
On March 17, participants can enjoy a “Thrifting &
Lunch” adventure, which begins at the Goodwill store in Lake Zurich before a lunch stop at McAlister’s Deli. The day continues with visits to additional resale shops, including House of Hope Resale, Community Threads, Habitat for Humanity, and Wings Resale.
The month concludes with the Senior Follies on March 30. This annual talent showcase in Schaumburg highlights the diverse skills of local senior performers, featuring acts such as tap dancing, harmonica playing, torch singing, and other entertaining surprises. Registration for this lively event is due by March 14. Fees and deadlines vary by trip. Registration is available at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, located at 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville. For additional details, contact the Bensenville Park District at (630) 766-7015 or visit BvilleParks.org.
Court grants state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for convicted felon accused of possessing loaded firearm/fentanyl
Defendant taken into custody following high-speed pursuit through Oak Brook, Lombard
Christopher Ellis
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden had granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago convicted felon accused of possessing a fully loaded gun and leading police in a 100+ mph high-speed chase.
Christopher Ellis, 28, appeared in First Appearance Court and was charged with one count of armed violence (Class X felony), one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (Class 3 felony), two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and one count of possession
of a controlled substance (Class 4 felony).
On Feb. 26 at approximately 1:15 p.m., officers with the Oak Brook Police Department were alerted to a wanted vehicle near Butterfield Road and Illinois Route 83. Officers located the vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu, on Butterfield Road near 22nd Street in Oak Brook.
The Malibu proceeded into Lombard, entered the Yorktown Mall parking lot and appeared to be parking when the Oak Brook officer pulled in front of the vehicle and activated his emergency lights.
It is alleged that the Malibu, later determined to be driven by Ellis, reversed away from the officer, evaded spike strips and exited the mall eastbound on Butterfield Road. It is alleged officers pursued Ellis and that during the pursuit, Ellis disobeyed multiple traffic control devices and
reached speeds of approximately 101 mph in the area of Butterfield Road and Fountain Square Drive. It is further alleged that as Ellis continued to flee at speeds in excess of 100 mph on Butterfield Road, he nearly caused an accident with other vehicles before merging onto Roosevelt Road.
It is alleged that as Ellis continued to flee on Roosevelt Road at speeds in excess of 100 mph, he entered oncoming lanes of traffic through a construction zone at which time Oak Brook police officers terminated ground pursuit out of public safety concerns.
A Chicago Police Department helicopter took over surveillance of Ellis at this time and tracked the vehicle to the area of 33 N. Taft Avenue, Hillside, where three subjects allegedly exited the vehicle on foot. It is alleged that when Ellis exited the vehicle, he was holding a handgun.
It is further alleged that as Ellis fled through a residential neighborhood, he hid a firearm and approximately 11.4 grams of fentanyl under a flowerpot at a residence on N. Ashbel Ave.
He was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. When canvassing the area, officers located a loaded and chambered .22 caliber Glock 44 pistol that was reported stolen out of Gary, Indiana, and a clear plastic bag containing fentanyl.
“Public safety remains the top priority not just in my office, but for law enforcement agencies throughout DuPage County” Berlin said.
“The allegations that Mr. Ellis fled from officers at more than 100 mph through a busy shopping district and a residential area while armed and in possession of a deadly narcotic are outrageous and will be met with the full force of the law. I commend the
Oak Brook Police Department whose efforts have, for the second week in a row, resulted in the removal of an illegally possessed firearm and a significant amount of fentanyl from our streets. I thank the assisting agencies on this case, particularly the Chicago Police Department for air support, for their valued partnership in keeping our communities safe.”
“Once again, our officers’ proactive efforts have resulted in getting another illegal gun and fentanyl off the street,” Strockis said. “I’d like to thank our officers for their bravery, commitment and dedication to keeping our community safe. Thanks to the agencies that assisted us with this incident, specifically the CPD helicopter which is such an invaluable resource.”
Ellis’ next court appearance is scheduled for March 24 in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.
Audit finds Illinois’ noncitizen health care programs far outstripped original cost estimates
Finding comes after Pritzker proposed to defund the larger of the two programs
By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
A pair of health care programs that benefit noncitizens—one of which is already on Gov. JB Pritzker’s budgetary chopping block—far outstripped its original estimated price tag and cost the state of Illinois $1.6 billion through last summer, according to a new audit of the programs published last week. The report also found more than 6,000 people enrolled in the state-fund-
ed programs were classified as “undocumented” despite actually having Social Security numbers. Some of those people were green card holders who would have instead qualified for health coverage like Medicaid or traditional insurance.
The audit, which lawmakers requested in late 2023, comes one week after Pritzker delivered his annual budget proposal to the General Assembly. The governor’s plan would defund the newer of the two programs, which is aimed at noncitizens aged 44 to 64, while leaving in place the smaller program for noncitizen seniors aged 65 and older.
Asked about the audit at an unrelat-
ed Chicago news conference, Pritzker defended the Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ work on redeterminations in the program over the last year, which has brought down total enrollment in addition to the administration’s freezes on enrollment in the programs in 2023.
“It’s some evidence, anyway, that there are an awful lot of people out there who need coverage, who aren’t getting it, or who will do anything to get it,” Pritzker said after reiterating his support for universal health care coverage. “And I think that’s a sad state of affairs in our society.”
Republicans, who’ve long criticized both the programs’ ballooning costs
and what they’ve characterized as a lack of transparency, said the audit proves them right about Illinois’ firstin-the-nation programs.
“We’re the only state that puts this burden on Illinois tax on their own state taxpayers taking this on and to not run it properly and to have these large cost overruns, that’s how you end up with a budget deficit,” Senate Minority Leader John Curran, R-Downers Grove told reporters at the Capitol. “That’s what’s crowding out spending on education. That’s what’s crowding out spending on other components of the state budget. That’s why we need an audit.”
Vastly underestimated costs
When progressive lawmakers first pushed for the creation of the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, or HBIS, program for noncitizens aged 65 and older in the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials relied on advocates’ $2 million cost estimate for the program’s first year.
Though that projection was later doubled to $4 million as the program was being set up in the latter half of 2020, the actual cost ended up at more than $67 million after HBIS began accepting enrollees in December of that year.
But while actual costs for the seniors’ program in its first three years—$412 million—ended up being 84 percent higher than original estimates, the
price tag for the expanded program for adults aged 44 to 64 was many times larger.
The Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults, or HBIA, program covered noncitizen adults age 55 to 64 and was later expanded to cover those as young as 44. It cost $485.3 million over its first two years—roughly 284 percent more than the combined original estimate for both programs.
The programs were designed with the same income eligibility thresholds as Medicaid. But since federal Medicaid dollars can’t be spent on many types of non-citizens, the state has had to foot the bill itself instead of receiving a roughly 52 percent federal match like it does for traditional Medicaid coverage.
The audit noted that HFS began seeking federal reimbursement for some emergency services last year, which would be retroactive to mid2022. But Pritzker last week said part of the reason he was proposing axing the program for adults—which would save an estimated $330 million next year—was due to the Trump administration signaling it would soon halt that reimbursement.
Enrollment has also far outstripped original estimates, especially in the program for adults aged 44 to 64. For fiscal year 2023, nearly 54,000 adults
Messages are not from the Illinois Tollway See AUDIT, Page 6
Residents warned about scam text messages claiming unpaid toll charges
Think you’re the only one? You’re not alone!
The Illinois Tollway has been alerted to a text message phishing scam claiming that recipients owe money for unpaid tolls and detailing a specific outstanding toll amount. These are not legitimate messages from the Illinois Tollway.
The Illinois Tollway will never use email or text to request that you reply
with your password, Social Security number or confidential personal information. Never reply to or click the links in a message that has characteristics of a phishing email. If you think the message may be legitimate, go directly to the company’s website by typing the real URL into your browser or contact the company to see if you really do need to take the action described in the email message.
Lombard resident, Glenbard East student, earns Eagle Scout ranking
Peter Prasad, a member of Boy Scout Troop 140 in Lombard, recently completed his final requirement and earned the rank of an Eagle Scout.
A Scout for over five years, Prasad is a junior at Glenbard East High School.
Prasad completed an Eagle Scout project on behalf of Troop 140—a community Little Free Library in front of Calvary Episcopal Church on West Maple Street in Lombard. Rather than books, the library has free puzzles available with the sign: “Puzzled? We can help you.”
He started working on the project last April with the design stage. With the help of fellow Scouts, adults leaders and Calvary Episcopal Church, construction and installation was completed last November.
Prasad serves at Calvary on Sundays, alternating with other Scouts to run audio visual equipment.
This year, Troop 140 is celebrating its 59th consecutive year of Scouting. The troop was formed in 1966 at St. Pius X Church. The troop moved from St. Pius to Calvary several years ago. Calvary hosts Scout meeting every Monday evening.
Peter Prasad of Lombard is shown (right) last fall after he completed an Eagle Scout project on behalf of Troop 140—a community Little Free Library in front of Calvary Episcopal Church. The library has free puzzles available, rather than books.
Lombard Junior Women’s Club holds its Bunco Night fundraiser
The Lombard Junior Women’s Club (LJWC) held its Bunco Night fundraising event on Friday, Feb. 21, at Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801. More than 160 people purchased tickets for the event, which raised over $8,500. All proceeds from Friday’s fundraiser support the LJWC’s Philanthropic Fund, which helps several local causes. In one photo (above) (clockwise from left to right), Nicole Schroeder, Danielle Guerrero and Kathy Bliss look on after a roll of the dice. In another photo (right), Junior Women’s Club President Cassie Hartness sells split the pot tickets.
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SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
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Opinion
Slices of life
Is it daylight saving, or daylight taking?
Twice a year—every year—we succumb. In the spring we spring and in the fall we fall.
Seriously, you couldn’t make this stuff up.
Somewhere, at sometime, someone (supposedly a real person) invented the practice. It probably made sense at the time. And time is exactly what we are talking about here. The daylight of time. The saving of time.
Daylight Saving Time.
What does that even mean, really?
Are we saving the daylight? There is only so much of it to go around, and no way—in any way—can any of us bank time or to put it in a safe place for later use. Performing a switcheroo of the numbers that describe the time does nothing to impact the actual daylight we all experience in any given 24-hour time period. Period.
According to the truest source of information available, besides the media, Wiki tells us that Daylight Saving Time (or DST to the inner crowd) “is the practice of advancing clocks to make better use of the longer daylight available during summer so that darkness falls at a later clock time.”
I grew up believing DST was put into place as a benefit to farmers. I grew up believing many lies. It’s lucky I survived to the point where I can tell the truth from misinformation. (If indeed that is possible.)
In fact, DST isn’t about the farmers. They often oppose it. As it turns out, cows and plants and morning dew don’t know anything about telling time on a clock; instead they follow a schedule dictated by the sun, which knows nothing of springing ahead or falling back.
The origin of DST in the U.S. dates back to World War I. It was implemented as a way to conserve energy resources.
Conserving energy resources— now there’s a term I can relate to. My energy resources are zapped twice each year when I am forced to adapt to a new number on my clock.
It’s like jet lag without the vacation.
In the fall, 3 p.m. becomes 2
Coming event
By JIll PerTler Columnist
p.m. and darkness comes just after lunch.
It’s a gloomy, doomy time, punctuated by early sunsets and early bedtimes.
What does that do to the psyche? It makes it tired, so very, very tired—by right around 7 p.m.
Oh, sure, you wake up at 7 a.m. and it feels like 8 a.m. (because it is) but I ask you—in all honesty— would you rather have sunlight early in the morning or later in the evening?
I’ll take evening any day of the week.
The clock cycle initiated in the fall represents “regular” time. We are currently in regular time for the next few days. Daylight Saving Time begins in the spring (this year on March 9 ) when we move ahead one hour and 5 p.m. becomes 6 p.m. Granted, this makes hitting the early bird dinner hour more of a challenge, but other than that, DST really doesn’t have much of a downside.
Well, unless you count getting up at 2 a.m. to reset the clocks. Most of them do it on their own now anyway, so it’s really no longer a worry. Besides, if we made DST permanent there wouldn’t be a need to reset the clocks. Think about how much time that would save everyone!
Here’s my final thought on the subject. Life is complicated. Why make it more so by messing with the time? Why complicate things that don’t need further complicating?
Pick a time, any time, and stick with it.
That’s my two cents, or maybe better put, two minutes, whether they be prior to or after sunrise— you can take your pick.
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.
Opposing a budget that could strip millions of their health care
By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
Last week, I voted against the Republican budget resolution that would gut Medicaid and jeopardize the health care coverage of more than 850,000 Illinois residents. This is not hypothetical—we’re talking about seniors who will no longer be able to afford their nursing home care and parents who will no longer be able to treat their sick children.
dismantling the USPS and ending its independence are beyond troubling because the Postal Service is both an economic engine and a trusted pillar of American communities.
The USPS is the foundation of our $1.92 trillion mailing industry, led courageously by letter carriers who deliver 44 percent of the world’s mail while providing universal service across our nation—something no private entity does.
recently established new guidelines for lead levels in processed baby food as a result of my investigation and years of pressure from parents, it has not addressed other harmful metals like mercury and arsenic.
Single mothers group to meet March 9
SHE Single Mothers Support Group Christmas Event on Sunday, March 9, 12:15 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, 60126. We offer a complimentary lunch for all who attend, free child care (ages infants -12 years). Come and be inspired by our speaker and other single mothers. RSVP to elmhurstcrc.org/she.
As Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), I also discussed how these brutal cuts would weaken our economic and national security by jeopardizing our ability to compete with the CCP on everything from investments in technological research to advanced manufacturing.
I refuse to support legislation that will strip millions of our fellow Americans of their health care while weakening our economy and our national security
Calling for an oversight committee hearing on President Trump’s USPS proposals
On Feb. 25,, I called on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to conduct a hearing based on President Donald Trump’s recent statements and proposals regarding the United States Postal Service (USPS).
In December, the Washington Post reported that President Trump was considering privatizing the postal service and pushing out thousands of USPS employees. Then, we recently learned that President Trump was preparing a plan to potentially dissolve the leadership of the USPS and have the administration absorb the independent agency.
These reports of the President
Without the work of USPS letter carriers, more than 51.5 million households and businesses in rural communities would have no guaranteed delivery. Those households would be forced to either pay more or go without delivery of critical items like medications, ballots, and bills. In short, the Postal Service is indispensable to American commerce and daily life for millions of Americans.
As the committee with jurisdiction over the USPS, it is the responsibility of the Oversight Committee to uncover the facts about these plans.
In response to my remarks, Chairman James Comer (R-KY) announced that a hearing will be held on these proposals.
I look forward to participating in those deliberations, and whether inside or outside of the hearing room, I will continue to defend the independence and standards of the postal service.
Calling on HHS Secretary Kennedy to provide an update on toxic heavy metals in baby food
Last week, I wrote to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding an update on the plan to combat toxic heavy metals in baby food.
In 2021, while serving as chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, I led an investigation that found common baby food products contained heavy metal levels up to 177 times higher than those allowed in drinking water. Although the FDA
Moreover, even the FDA’s guidelines are not enforceable and do not apply to other common foods for young children, such as teething biscuits and cereals, even though these products have also been found to contain high levels of lead. Fundamentally, the FDA needs to establish and enforce clear standards to keep our children safe.
My discussion on strengthening Illinois’ health care workforce
I recently traveled to Peoria to speak with OSF HealthCare leadership, regional and technical education leaders, and representatives from organized labor on how to better strengthen our state’s health care workforce.
I also had the opportunity to tour the OSF HealthCare and the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center and discuss how our federal dollars can be best leveraged to strengthen career and technical education (CTE) programs throughout the state.
With critical fields like health care facing a massive and dangerous shortage of qualified employees, expanding access to CTE programs is more important than ever. That’s why legislation like my bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which increased federal funding to CTE programs by $1.3 billion annually, is so important.
I am continuing to tour our state and speak with those on the ground to ensure these programs are properly funded and expanded.
Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes part of Addison, Wood Dale and Bensenville.
I read the comments by Terra Costa Howard (Feb. 20 issue) and I’m glad she followed her conscience and led the call for Mike Madigan to resign.
I’ll give her credit for that, but I remember hearing and reading about her getting campaign donations from Mike Madigan a few years ago. It was quite a bit of money, from what I understand.
Editor’s note: Your comments were forwarded to Rep. Costa Howard, who responded as follows:
“During my four successful campaigns for State Representative, I have been proud to be supported by my fellow Democrats. In addition to the many direct donations I have received from my supporters, I have received in-kind contributions from the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) and the Democratic Majority fund, which raise money from people and organizations throughout the state to support Democratic candidates who share their values: supporting excellent public schools, providing accessible and affordable healthcare, and making wise investments in economic development.
“Although those in-kind contributions—which included salaries paid directly to staff, mailers and other printed campaign materials, digital advertising, and commercial production and placement—gave important support to my campaigns, they were not cash donations.
“During my first two campaigns, DPI and the Democratic Majority fund were chaired by former House Speaker Michael Madigan. I think my record of standing up and demanding the former Speaker’s resignation makes it clear that my conscience was not swayed by those in-kind donations. I am—and have always been—firmly committed to ethical leadership and trustworthy service to my constituents in the 42nd District.”
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Hello, Lombard calling regarding the Blair-Sherlock highlights “Concern with reckless White House decisions” in your paper of Feb. 13. Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, Democrat from Villa Park, voted against our president’s resolutions only because of her leftist personal opinions, which are of no interest or value to me. I hope she will not be reelected. She marches to socialist drums instead of common-sense American values in my opinion. Thank you.
Editor’s note: We reached out to Rep. Blair-Sherlock’s office for a comment. However, we were notified that she would not be issuing a response.
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I read in this paper that legislators are boasting how they intend to increase “economic development” in Illinois. I have to wonder how that can happen when taxes, regulations and other obstacles to free enterprise or starting a new business have driven out not just residents of Illinois but businesses as well. Even at the local level, I have heard prospective businesspersons, and those who are leaving Lombard, say regulations, rents and other economic hardships are driving them away. Now that DuPage County has turned solid blue, we have no Republicans to turn to who can stand up for us and make our area thrive again. Legislators, do better—to welcome new businesses and keep the ones we have; not strangle them to the point of exiting our state, which leaves those of us still remaining to carry the tax burdens.
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Earlier this year my representative, Diane Blair-Sherlock, was proposing to raise the senior homestead exemption income restriction, saying she wanted to “take responsible action to drive down costs for homeowners.” As a senior, this new ruling would not help
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me one bit as I already qualify. However, raising the senior homestead exemption amount itself would be more of a savings for many of us senior citizens on a fixed income. How about it, legislators? Please represent us, too.
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In the Feb. 20 issue of Speak Out, someone stated “California does have voter ID.” I just checked the California Secretary of State’s website. Its page that’s titled “What to Bring to Your Polling Place” begins by stating “In most cases, a California voter is not required to show identification to a polling place worker before casting a ballot.” In other words, the person who claimed California does have voter ID was incorrect. First-time voters who did not provide information like their driver’s license number or Social Security number on their registration form may be asked to show identification at the polls. But California does not have voter ID. * * *
Has Capitol News Illinois considered changing its name to the Pritzker Public Relations Agency? Capitol News Illinois keeps churning out friendly stories that may as well have been written by Pritzker’s staff. The story on page 7 of the Feb. 20 paper is a good example. Capitol News Illinois can apparently find no flaws with Pritzker’s performance as governor. Capitol News Illinois is also unable to locate anyone to say something critical about Pritzker. Are we supposed to believe Pritzker is a miracle-worker who has fixed the state and has now become a prominent critic of the evil Donald Trump? Capitol News Illinois is a joke.
It’s bad enough that the Democrats have grossly mismanaged this state for the last 20-plus years. Now their leader, Gov. Pritzker, is launching more ugly verbal attacks against Republicans. When does it end, Democrats?! And when will the news media in the Chicago area stop protecting the Democrats? Things will only change when enough Illinoisans wake up and stop automatically voting Democrat. But what will it take to wake them up? I would like to know.
It’s Friday night, but I hope this can be printed in next week’s paper. Trump just fired the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a couple other generals. These are the most informed and
Coming events
GPS program March 12
On Wednesday, March 12, the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will host best-selling author Alexandra Solomon in a program titled Cultivating Healthy Relationships for Joy, Peace and a Meaningful Life. Solomon is a licensed clinical psychologist and couples therapist in private practice, and she is on faculty at Northwestern University where she teaches Building Loving and Lasting Relationships: Marriage 101 which has drawn international media attention. She is the author of three award-winning books including “Loving Bravely: 20 Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want” and “Love Every Day: 365 Relational Self-Awareness Practices to Help Your Relationship Heal, Grow, and Thrive.” Solomon
intelligent people who keep our country safe from Russia and China! I’ve said it before; stand by with your emergency supplies because it’s already happening. Such a shame that so many Republicans were so uninformed and naive as to what Trump said he would do and how it will affect all of us. Tens of thousands of people have been fired; fired so they can’t claim their pensions either! He is firing FAA people—who of us can safely fly in the next few months? And don’t be looking for a tax refund; several thousand of the IRS clerks, the ones who send refunds, have been fired also. (You are better off claiming additional dependents so that at the end of the year you owe the IRS money; not the other way around.) This is so sad, but the majority of us voted for this mentally unstable man.
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Hi, south Lombard here. I didn’t vote for our president, however first and foremost I am an American and accept him as our leader for the next four years. I don’t ask for much but as noted in an article on page 7 of your Feb. 20 edition, I am simply looking forward to “lower prices for groceries and gas” and maybe lower interest rates. The rest of my civic attitude is not feeding into the continued divisional attacks and actions against him and his rhetoric. I am hopeful and pray that Democrats take a step back before they react, state or do something that may promote continued polarization between Democrats and Republicans. Yes, this is aimed at all of our elected figure heads. Lead. Make an example for us to follow and embrace. Compromise. Meet in the middle. Focus on the positive even if it’s “just four more years” but keep that to yourself.
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The war of words between the Ukrainian president Zelenskyy, Trump and JD Vance was a disgrace, and I say that as someone who voted for Trump. Something like this never should have played out in public. All three deserve blame for this getting out of hand.
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You know that commercial we keep seeing about Xfinity for $35 a month and “we will never raise you”? My account just went from $35 to $105 a month! After nearly an hour on the phone I am back to the original amount. Check your bill; I bet I’m not the only one!
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also hosts the podcast, Reimagining Love. This program will be presented in a hybrid in-person and Zoom webinar format in the Silverleaf Room at the Culinary and Hospitality Center at College of DuPage from 12-1:30 p.m. and via Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. Go to 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.
Plum Library programs
Petra Sings, Andy Swings! Jazz with Petra van Nuis and Andy Brown Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Enjoy the pairing of jazz vo -
I am tired of the Illinois governor telling us how great he is running the state. If it wasn’t for COVID money the state would be bankrupt. These things happened under the current governor’s watch. One, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration vastly underestimated the cost and popularity of a pair of health insurance programs for immigrants who are not citizens that has ended up costing the state $1.6 billion since the initiative began in 2020. Two, the Illinois auditor general published a report that showed how the state agency that distributes unemployment benefits issued “overpayments” to the tune of $5.2 billion in fraudulent or excessive claims from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2022. Three, Illinois has received $3.5 billion from the federal government during COVID for expenses in 2020 through 2021. The state received another $8.3 billion from the American Rescue Plan. That’s a total of $18.6 billion dollars in the past 5 years that has been lost or spent. On what? Now this year the state is facing another $1.7 billion deficit for this year’s budget. Pritzker needs to go!
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The protests and criticism aimed at Trump and Elon Musk for reducing the federal workforce and holding federal employees accountable for what they do at work is laughable. These federal workers seem to have quite a sense of entitlement. Do they think they are immune to being held to some degree of accountability on the job or being required to go into an office, let alone thinking they should never face being laid off or fired? Many of us who work in the private sector usually have performance reviews on a regular basis and are required to go to an office to work. I’ve been working for over 30 years and I’ve been laid off more than once. I don’t go crying to the media if I lose my job, like I’ve seen some of these federal employees do. I get my resume together and go look for another job. There are no guarantees in this world.
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So I see Trump issued an executive order making English the official language of the United States. It’s no surprise that regressive leftists oppose this. Since many of them are convinced that Trump is a Nazi, I wonder if would make them feel any better if he made German the official language instead of English.
calist Petra van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown. These high school sweethearts regularly play at prominent Chicagoland venues and have toured Europe, spreading their swinging sounds to music lovers far and wide. Register at helenplum.org or by calling (630) 6270316. The Intricate Riddle of Life: Mary Shelley Wednesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Meet Mary Shelley, brought to life by actress Debra Miller, and discover the myths and realities surrounding the life of the legendary Frankenstein author. Step back into the spring of 1848 and hear from a 50-year-old Mary Shelley in this living history lecture, followed by a Q&A. Register at helenplum.org or by calling (630) 627-0316.
A clean and fun fundraiser
coming March 12-15
Visit Soapy Roads: Small Batch
Artisan Gift & Experience Shop 10 W. St. Charles Road in Downtown Lombard March 12-15 and 10 percent of your purchase will be donated back to the LCPAAA. Be sure to mention LCPAAA at checkout.
Soapy Roads of Lombard offers eco-friendly, handcrafted soaps.
Owner Brooke Bingaman started Soapy Roads of Lombard alongside her husband, Joe, with the goal of providing clean and safe skincare and home care products that are made with integrity and a healthy dose of humor.
Not only do they sell wonderful smelling, luxurious products, they
provide live soap-making events to educate as many people as possible on the benefits of natural and eco friendly products and good hygiene habits. For more information visit them at www.soapyroads.us
The LCPAAA presents and promotes a positive image of law enforcement and the Lombard Police Department, assists the LPD when requested, and can be found at various events in the community. Members have gone through the Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy and have joined together to foster volunteer help in the community. For more information visit them at https:// www.lombardcpaaa.org.
Lombard Historical Society presents Betsey Means of WomanLore this Saturday, March 8
The Lombard Historical Society (LHS) welcomes Betsey Means of WomanLore as she presents Fish & Fetish—Travels in West Africa: A Lecture by Mary Kingsley on Saturday, March 8, at 3 p.m. in the Carriage House at 23 W. Maple St.
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are $7 for members and $10 for nonmembers and can be purchased at LombardHistory.org. For more information, visit LombardHistory.org, email info@lombardhistory.org, or call 630-629-1885.
Step back into the Victorian Era with an immersive historical theatrical experience. WomanLore’s one-woman performances are adapted directly from journals, autobiographies, and personal writings.
Each production is authentically costumed and designed, offering a fully realized theatrical portrayal of the era.
Among the long list of explorers, one remarkable woman stands out: Mary Henrietta Kingsley (1862–1900). In 1893, Kingsley set sail
Submitted
On March 8, Betsey Means of WomanLore will present Fish & Fetish—Travels in West Africa: A Lecture by Mary Kingsley. Means has adapted Kingsley lecture “Fish & Fetish” from Kingsley’s letters, journals, and bestselling books. Mary Kingsley is pictured here.
for Equatorial Africa with two objectives: to collect fish specimens for the British Museum and to study African religions. By the time she returned to England in 1895, she had already gained fame through her published articles.
Her first book, “Travels in West Africa” (1897), was an instant success, reprinted four times in its first year. It was followed by “West African Studies” (1899), solidifying her reputation as a leading authority on African cultures. Today, Travels in West Africa ranks No. 7 among the 100 best travel books of all time, as recognized by the National Geographic Society.
Means has adapted Mary Kingsley’s lecture “Fish & Fetish” from Kingsley’s letters, journals, and bestselling books.
Means, a professional actress with over 20 years of experience, has performed with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare on the Green, Blue Rider Theatre, and Chicago Children’s Theatre, among others. She is the artistic director of WomanLore, which brings to life historical women who have made significant contributions through their own words and writings.
• Audit
Happy 94th birthday
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, York Township Supervisor John W. Valle surprised Marielle Giguere with a birthday cake to celebrate her 94th birthday. She is a Lombard resident and has been a regular at the York Township Senior Nutrition Center for many years. After a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday To You” led by Valle, the cake was cut and shared as dessert at Marielle’s request. Valle said, “We wish Marielle a happy and healthy birthday. She has been with us here at the Township for many years and we wanted to show her how much we care.”
(Continued from page 2)
enrolled in the program—about twice the original projection of 26,800.
In 2023, after the Pritzker administration acknowledged the programs’ cost had grown to $1.1 billion, the governor asked the General Assembly for authority to impose spending controls. After lawmakers followed his request, Pritzker quickly paused enrollment in the program for adults in July of 2023, followed by a pause in the program for seniors in November of that year.
The programs have not accepted any new enrollees since those pauses and redetermination efforts have decreased their headcounts in the last year.
The audit cited an enrollment decline in the adults’ program from a high of 53,936 in fiscal year 2023 to 41,537 in fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30.
The day after the second enrollment pause in November 2023, lawmakers approved a resolution calling for an audit of the programs, which autho-
rized Auditor General Frank Mautino’s office to begin work on the report published last week
Pritzker last week proposed defunding the program for adults, telling reporters that those aged 44 to 64 are still of working age and could get jobs with health care coverage.
Axing the program renews a disagreement between the governor and progressive members of the General Assembly’s Latino Caucus, who opposed enrollment pauses and efforts to require co-pays for program participants.
But the governor framed his proposal as one of shared sacrifice.
“If you come to the table looking to spend more, I’m going to ask you where you want to cut,” the governor told lawmakers in his Budget Address.
“I have made difficult decisions—including to programs I have championed, which is hard for me, just as I know some of the difficult decisions
you will have to make will be hard for you.”
Mis-enrollments
The audit also found inconsistencies in enrollment data, sometimes relying on misreporting from program participants.
Of the 6,098 enrollees with social security numbers who’d been mislabeled as undocumented, nearly 400 people had been in the U.S. for the five years it takes for legal permanent residents to qualify for Medicaid, according to the audit. Meanwhile, other green card holders who hadn’t yet reached that five-year threshold but were enrolled in the state-run programs would have been eligible to purchase health coverage from the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace.
HFS last spring issued new rules clarifying that those noncitizens were not eligible for the state health cover-
Glenbard congratulates National Merit finalists
Congratulations to the following Glenbard students who have been named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition: Glenbard North student Madalyn Cook and Glenbard West students Megan Antonacci, Morgan Baedke, Syeda Zahra Baqhari, Emily Overtoom and Allison Penley. Finalists have met high academic standards, received a recommendation from their principal and earned SAT scores that confirm the earlier qualifying test performance.
Coming event
Blood drive March 15
The Fr. Boecker Council 6090 and Christ the King Council 11027 are hosting a Versiti Blood Drive Saturday, March 15, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Pius X Social Center, 601 S. Westmore Meyers Road, Lombard. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. Call 800-7TO-GIVE or visit Versiti.org/ IL to make an appointment. All donors will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a trip to Hawaii.
age programs, and the agency’s redetermination process has identified and disenrolled many.
Others who had social security numbers are in the U.S. legally but are not eligible for green cards. The HBIA and HBIS programs were designed to cover them but were not intended to cover asylum-seekers who’ve been sent to Illinois from southern border states in recent years.
Those mis-enrollments, which also included nearly 700 people who received coverage under the program for noncitizens 65 and older despite being too young to qualify, drove some of the ballooning costs in the health care initiative. But the audit points to the Pritzker administration relying on vastly underestimated figures when setting up the programs in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
“Actual enrollment and actual costs exceeded the initial program estimates for both the HBIS and HBIA program,” the audit said.
Submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing
Pictured (left to right) are Matt Corso (LCPAAA member), Kaleigh Miller (Soapy Roads store manager) and Brooke Bingaman (Soapy Roads owner).
Photo Rock Valley Publishing
Submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing
Obituaries
IRENE R. CIHAK, 102
Irene R. Cihak, nee Wiktor, age 102, at rest February 21, 2025. Wow! What a woman! Irene was married for 61 wonderful years to a caring, devoted and beloved husband, the late Erwin F. Cihak, Capt. U.S.A.F. retired, Pearl Harbor Survivor and owner of the Famous Miracle Ham Co. Longtime residents of Oak Brook for over 54 years. He always called her “IKE”!
They have 3 God-loving, talented daughters, Bernadette Irene Cihak, a chef and cellist with the Senior Suburban Orchestra, Pamela Irene (the late Paul) Maksimovic, a former school teacher and ceramist. Sandra Irene (Capt. Alan Swinger, U.S.N. retired) Swinger, active antique dealer. Very proud grandmother of Pamela Swinger (Dave) Knight, entrepreneur and professional equestrienne/trainer. Grandson Mark A. Swinger, U.S.N. retired (Lara), former jet fighter pilot with the Blue Angels, and aviation portfolio manager for Navy legislative affairs, presently pilot for the airlines. Proud great grandmother of Olivia Irene Swinger (golfing/ice skating) and Madelyn Audrey Swinger (gymnastics).
Irene was the 7th of 8 children born to beloved Jan Wiktor and Aniela Wiktor, nee Mikotajczyk. Also predeceased were sisters and brothers Victoria, Helen, Thaddeus, Lottie, Miles, Isabelle and Marian. With many friends she was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Irene attended St. Casimir Grade School and graduated from Lourdes High School for girls, the Pioneer class of 1940, excelling in drama, with a dominant singing voice in chorus and all social and theatrical activities. After Lourdes graduation, she attended Jr. College night classes, studying journalism while working for the Chicago Steel Co. and Sunbeam. While married, she was employed at Oak Brook Marshall Field’s, as a switchboard operator, moving up to the Cash/Credit Dept. Eventually, she became the store communicator for 30 years, with 4 more years at Macy’s. In 1988 Irene was selected to receive the “Field’s Finest” award as an exemplary employee.
As a devoted wife and mother with remarkable spirit of fortitude, always with a smile, she nurtured her family with a zest for healthy living, believing with faith, all things are possible.
Irene and her husband were avid golfers, Erwin fashioned a “par 3” on their Oak Brook acreage. Honing their skills, they practiced their irons, putting and chip shots. As members of Hinsdale’s Ruth Lake Country Club, they enjoyed many rounds of golf. Irene, with plenty of vitality, was a twice recipient of the Woman’s Golf Championships at Ruth Lake Country Club. She also won the championship from the Oak Brook Women’s Golf League.
Irene always found time to give back to her church and community. She was an active parishioner and committee chair for the St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Woman’s Club, member of the Oak Brook Women’s
Club, also a very active fundraiser for station WTTW Channel 11. She volunteered at the Treasure House of Glen Ellyn and St. Mary of Nazareth’s Hospital Health Center in Chicago. Irene was also active with the Women’s National Polish Club, as she was very proud of her Polish heritage, reading, writing, translating and speaking the Polish language fluently.
Irene looked forward to her love of country, tending to her Oak Brook precinct as an election judge for both major and local elections. She was true patriot, always proudly displaying the American flag on all her postal and personal correspondence.
She would often reminisce of their 50th wedding anniversary celebration, flying the immediate family to Oklahoma City where it all started at the St. Joseph Old Cathedral. Pastor, Rev. Louis J. Lamb was amazed to see them return after 50 years. He presented them with another copy of their wedding certificate with much admiration.
As family, we were ever so fortunate to have her vibrant spirit and determination in our lives. She was more than inspiring, with her faith and kindness, while proud of her family, especially her husband, the true love of her life. Now Irene and Erwin will golf forever together! May their memories remain eternal.
Family and Friends will meet at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum for blessings and committal service on Thursday, March 6th at 10:30 am, 2025. Entombment at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, 1400 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside, IL 60162. St. Peter’s Shrine, Tier 3, Crypt 33. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Mercyship, are appreciated. For info: www.Knollcrest. net or 630-932-1500.
BLAIR A. CHUMAN, 63
Blair Arthur Chuman, 63, of Lombard, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025. Born March 14, 1961, the son of the late Carlton and Faythe Chuman. Beloved husband of Jennifer Chuman, nee Landers; loving father of Joshua (Kayla), Alivia, and Benjamin. Dear brother of Brian
(Linda) and Bonnie (Ed) Speciale. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 15th from 1-3 PM at Knollcrest Funeral Home 1500 S. Meyers Rd, Lombard.
NILDA E. DAL MONTE, 98
Nilda E. Dal Monte née Salineri, age 98, of Lisle, Ill., formerly of Lombard, passed away on Feb. 13, 2025, in Naperville, Ill.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Interment will be held in private on March 15 at Chapel Hill Gardens West.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
DELORES DEATHERAGE
Delores Deatherage, of Lombard, affectionately known as “Dee,” entered God’s heavenly kingdom on February 25, 2025.
Dee was the dear wife of 49 years to the late Alan Deatherage. Alan worked at a paint store when he met Dee, who owned a dance studio next door. They were married at Christ the King Catholic Church on December 21st, 1975.
Dee was the loving mother of Michael (Kate) Johnson, Donna Johnson, Clark (Heather) Johnson, the late Paula (Edward) Brandl and the late Robert Johnson; adored grandma of Jennifer (Eric) Moody, Chris Liazuk, Don Johnson, Carly Brandl, Scott Brandl, Ethan Cherry, James Cherry, Sam Johnson. She was a loving stepmother of Lorie Konicki, Lee Deatherage, and Diane (Alan) Lange; Dear step grandma to nine; dear Great-Grandma to six; dear step great-grandma to six; sister of Mickey (the late Mike) Haag, Judy (Mike) Childs, and Sue (the late Fred) Winborne.
Dee was predeceased by her parents Earl and Rose (Tersi) Clark, and her siblings and many nieces and nephews, LaVerne (the late Harold) Allen, Vivian Clark, Carolyn (the
late Jerry) Reidel, Shirley (the late Bob) Nardi, and Bruce (Beth) Clark.
Dee was a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church and worked at their food bank for many years.
Dee owned the Art Linkletter School of Dance Studio in Lombard for over thirty years.
Family was important to Dee and she deeply loved her children and grandchildren; she also dearly loved her siblings.
Dee enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and traveling to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S Main St., Lombard. A Prayer Service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Brust Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1501 S Main St., Lombard. Private Interment.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dee’s name to Christ the King Catholic Church, 1501 S. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148, would be appreciated. Info: www.brustfuneralhome. com or 888-629-0094.
IRMA E. HARKS, 96
Irma E. Harks, nee Schmitt, age 96, of Lombard, passed away February 28, 2025.
Irma was the beloved wife of the late Alvin W. T. Harks; loving mother of Glenn (Karen) of Geneva, Gregg (Cari) of Lombard, Cheryl (Doug) Hoy of Portland, and Debbie (Kevin) Kelly of Glen Ellyn; fond grandmother of 11; and great-grandmother of 22. She was also preceded in death by her son, Gary, and two sisters.
Irma grew up in Forest Park and was a 1946 graduate of Proviso East High School.
She was married 66 years to her late husband. They moved to Lombard in 1958.
Irma was a proud homemaker. She loved knitting and sewing. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, Wheaton, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Irma’s memory may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 550 E. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Info: www.brustfuneralhome. com or 888-629-0094.
The Addison Historical Museum recently welcomed members of the Addison Public Library Genealogy Club for a special guided tour led by Museum Director Susan English (right). The Genealogy Club, which meets regularly at the library, encourages members of the community to explore their heritage through shared research and historical resources.
Local Genealogy Club explores village history at Addison Historical Museum
The Addison Historical Museum recently welcomed members of the Addison Public Library Genealogy Club for a special guided tour led by Museum Director Susan English.
The visit provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits and learn about the extensive archival resources available for tracing family histories.
The tour included highlights of the
museum’s various resources available, including newspapers, documents, maps, clipping files, photographs, local history books, and family files.
Attendees had the chance to ask questions and discuss research strategies, making the visit both informative and interactive. The Addison Public Library Genealogy Club, which meets regularly at the library,
Court grants state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for convicted felon
accused of possessing loaded firearm Defendant currently on parole on narcotics charges out of Kane County
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s moton to deny pre-trial release for a two-time convicted felon who was allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded handgun.
Parion Lane, 23, of Aurora, appeared in First Appearance Court and was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender (Class X felony), one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor offenses including resisting a police officer.
On Feb. 23 at approximately 1 a.m., Naperville police officers on patrol near Washington Street and Ogden Avenue observed a vehicle at a gas station with expired license plates.
• Seniors
The officers followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near 14th Avenue and Main Street.
It is alleged that prior to stopping, one of the officers observed the driver, later identified as Lane, making furtive movements towards the driver’s side floorboard. It is alleged that after Lane stopped his vehicle, he exited the vehicle, leaned in towards the driver’s side floorboard and then fled the scene on foot. Lane was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit.
When searching Lane and his vehicle, officers allegedly located a loaded Springfield 9 mm handgun on the driver’s side floorboard of the car as well as 16 grams of ecstasy on his person.
Lane’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 24 in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.
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Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. More than 15,000 students have been named as finalists, and the NMSC will begin notifying scholarship winners in March.
For more information, go to www. nationalmerit.org
• Katelyn Ford has been named as a National Honor Society (NHS)
Scholarship National Semifinalist.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), parent organization of the NHS, recently announced the winners of the 2025 National Honor Society Scholarships, and the recipients were chosen from among thousands of applicants.
Ford earned $3,200 in recognition of her dedication to scholarship, service, leadership and character.
Pre-trial release denied for Burr Ridge man charged with murder of mother
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Burr Ridge Chief of Police Marc Loftus announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Burr Ridge man accused of attacking his mother, Virna Rodriguez, with a hammer in the family home last Friday evening.
On Feb. 22, Oscar Rodriguez, 37, was charged with two counts of attempted murder (Class X felony) and one count of aggravated domestic battery (Class 2 felony).
On Feb. 23, Virna passed away from the injuries she sustained allegedly at the hands of her son. Rodriguez appeared at First Appearance Court and was charged with two upgraded counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated domestic battery.
On Feb. 21 at approximately 6:28 p.m., officers with the Burr Ridge Police Department were dispatched to the family residence.
ical attention where she was pronounced deceased Feb. 23 due to her injuries.
Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that another individual was in the home when she heard Ms. Rodriguez scream. When the individual went to investigate the scream, she allegedly observed Ms. Rodriguez sitting at the table bleeding, with Oscar Rodriguez standing behind her.
It is alleged that Oscar Rodriguez saw the woman and ran toward her, chasing her upstairs. It is further alleged that after the woman locked herself in a bedroom, Oscar Rodriguez broke through the bedroom door.
It is alleged that the woman then locked herself in a bathroom and that Oscar Rodriguez briefly banged on the bathroom door before fleeing the scene. Illinois State Police took Oscar Rodriguez into custody a few hours later without incident.
encourages members of the community to explore their heritage through shared research and historical resources.
The Addison Historical Museum welcomes individuals and groups interested in local history and archival research. Admission to the museum is free. For more information about museum resources or to schedule a visit, call 630-628-1433.
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
Feb. 10
John J. Diamantouros, 30, of Elk Grove Village, was charged with forgery, displaying a false insurance card and no insurance at 9:34 a.m.
Feb. 9
Osvaldo Rodriguez, 27, of Addison, was charged with DUI in the 800 block of Sumner at 6:28 a.m.
A 21-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery, attempting to disarm a police officer and aggravated battery to a police office at 2:05 a.m.
Feb. 8
Miguel Angel Gomez Lopez, 33, of Bensenville, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, obstructing identification and possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle near Addison and Stone at 8:11 p.m. Police said the suspect also was issued a warrant.
Oscar F. Lopez Garcia, 23, of Addison, was charged with two counts of DUI, driving while license suspended and no insurance near Addi-
Upon their arrival, officers observed the victim, Virna Rodriguez, on the ground sitting propped up against a chair, bleeding from her head, her nose, vomiting blood and with a significant wound to the left side of her head.
Ms. Rodriguez, who was still breathing but did not appear to be conscious, was immediately transported to a local hospital for med -
When processing the residence, officers located a mini sledgehammer in the snow in bushes along the front sidewalk with a red substance on it that appeared to be blood. The snow around the hammer also contained a red substance which appeared to be blood.
Rodriguez’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 13 in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
son and Sydney at 12:46 a.m.
A 51-year-old Addison man was charged with two counts of domestic battery and interfering with reporting domestic violence in the 100 block of N. May at 11:49 p.m.
Feb. 7
Arnaldo Contreras, 32, of Melrose Park, was charged with DUI, parking where prohibited, illegal possession of ammunition and no insurance near Addison and Marylin at 3:49 a.m.
Jermaine D. Young, 41, of Bellwood, was charged with two counts of manufacturing/delivering heroin in the 200 block of W. North at 12:19 p.m.
Oscar Zavalza, 24, of Wheaton, was charged with bank fraud/possession of a stolen check at 3:11 p.m.
Feb. 5
A 31-year-old Addison woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 900 block of N. Rohlwing at 1 p.m.
Bensenville
Feb. 24, 11:04 a.m. in the 900 block of W. Irving Park, a complainant reported that her package containing approximately $50 worth of clothing was stolen from the vestibule of the apartment building. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2500139 Feb. 24, 5:31 p.m., officers responded to a crash at 8 E Belmont. Police said Victor Y Lopez-Jimenez, 20, of Bensenville, was located by officers and arrested for leaving the scene of an accident, no valid driver’s license, and
two warrants. He was processed, issued citations, a court date and posted bond on warrants, and released. BEPC2500142
Feb. 24, 11:38 p.m. in the 1100 block of S. York Road, Marcos De Leon-Garcia, 41, of Bensenville, was arrested for retail theft, a DuPage County warrant, Kane County warrant. He was processed, issued citations, a court date and was transported to the DuPage County Jail.
BEPC2500144
Feb. 23, 11:34 a.m. The Bensenville Police Department received a report by a complainant that her wallet was stolen on Feb. 21 by an unknown suspect. BEPC2500133 Feb. 23, 8:38 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance in the 1100 block of David Drive. A 47-yearold Bensenville man was arrested for domestic battery and aggravated battery to a police officer. He was transported to the station for processing, issued complaints then transported to the DuPage County Jail.
BEPC2500135
Feb. 22, 2:21 p.m.in the 200 block of Main, police said Fernando Ramos-Ramos 44, of Bensenville, was arrested for the outstanding failure to appear warrant. Police said he was unable to post required bond, and subsequently transported to DuPage County Jail.
BEPC2500132
Feb. 20, 7:05 a.m. in the 100 block of George Street, a victim reports while parked overnight, the driver’s side window broken out on vehicle and cash missing from center console. The incident is under investigation.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Weekend Masses:
Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Adoration:
and Easter
Services
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am
at 7 p.m.
Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am
“The Crucial Hours”
Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm
Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Midweek Lenten Services Wednesdays at 7 pm Saturday, March 22, Game Night at 4 pm
Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
Everyone is Welcome! All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
Fourth Lenten Service
March 23, 2022
Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18
Fifth Lenten Service
Sixth Lenten Service
March 30, 2022
Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12
April 6, 2022
Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66
Maundy
PUZZLE Page
SUDOKU
Fun by the Numbers
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How
It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
CLUES ACROSS
1. Cut a little bit off
5. State with confidence
11. River in NE Scotland
14. Not narrow
15. Lacking social polish
16. Amount of time
17. Frame
19. Automobile
20. Toadstools
21. High school dances
22. Utilize
23. Challenged
25. One-sided
27. Showing extreme greed
31. Potted plants
34. Everyone has one
35. Lake in Botswana
38. E.T. rode in one
39. Juniors’ parents
41. Small amount
42. Mother of Perseus
44. Ornamental box
45. Gov’t investigators
46. Uncertain
49. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish
51. The vast grassy plains in S. America
55. Your consciousness of your own identity
56. Noted consumer advocate
60. Spanish sports club
61. Body part
62. Tractability
64. Woman (French)
65. Ready and willing to be taught
CLUES DOWN
1. Brushed aside
2. Water sprite
3. Ones to look up to
4. Monetary units
5. A number everyone has
6. Marine invertebrate
7. One who takes you to
court
8. Indicates outer
9. Parallelograms
10. Strains
11. Cross
12. A way to remove
13. Some pages are dog-__
18. Ukraine city
24. A citizen of Denmark
26. Summer month (abbr.)
28. Hindu queens
29. Jewelry brand
30. Fictional rider of Rohan
31. Wet dirt
32. Russian city
33. Observed
36. Furious
37. Drivers’ licenses
39. Musical composition
40. Auction
43. They __
45. Women
47. Inspire with love
48. Japanese ankle sock
49. Appears
50. Old World lizard
52. The leading performer
53. Type of protein
54. Pennsylvania town
57. Art __: around 1920
58. __ Blyton, children’s author
59. Abnormal breathing
63. A place to sleep
66. Muslim ruler title
67. Depressed
68. Gradually gave way
69. Clear-thinking
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
STATE OF ILLINOIS
COUNTY OF DU PAGE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN RE THE ESTATE OF DANIEL THOMAS CONROY
DECEASED
2025 PR 000100 CASE NUMBER
PUBLICATION NOTICE AND/OR CLAIMS NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of DANIEL THOMAS CONROY whose address was 505 SOUTH EDSON AVENUE, LOMBARD, IL 60148. Letters of Office were issued on Feb. 10, 2025 to Jennifer Justine Clesle, 449 Farnham Ln., Wheaton, IL 60189, Independent Executor whose attorney is Dominic J. Mancini.
NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES
The estate Will be administered without Court Supervision, unless under section 28-4 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/28-4) any interested person may terminate independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Circuit Court Clerk.
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of CANDICE ADAMS, Circuit Court Clerk, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois, or with the representative or both on or before August 20, 2025 any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Circuit Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney, if any, within 10 days after it has been filed with the Circuit Court Clerk.
Dominic J. Mancini
DuPage Attorney Number: 51449
Attorney for: Estate of Daniel Thomas Conroy 133 Fuller Road Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-325-2580
Email: domm1@msn.com
(Published in The Lombardian Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 2025) 468074
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79630 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on FEBRUARY 14, 2025, wherein the business firm of RTW REALTY & DEVELOPMENT, 2100 W. WIESBROOK RD., WHEATON, IL 60189 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: Robert Woods, 2100 W. Wiesbrook Rd., Wheaton, IL 60189.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 14TH day of FEBRUARY, A.D. 2025. Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Feb. 27, March 6, 13, 2025) 468247
VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR 2025 RM PROG 15 – Sidewalk Slicing
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 via online electronic bidding only through Quest Construction Data Network (QuestCDN) until March 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM, local time for the 2025 RM Prog 15 – Sidewalk Slicing. Paper bids will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. 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
LEGAL NOTICES
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 President and Board of Trustees.
descriPTion of Work
The Village of Lombard seeks contractors for removing vertical surface discontinuities in sidewalks between ½” to 2½”. All vertical surface discontinuities will be sawcut in complete accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Vertical surface discontinuities ½” or greater will be sawed back at a maximum slope of 1:12 or less. All of the above, as well as other project details, are further described in the contract documents for the said work prepared by the Village of Lombard.
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 9541411 to locate the job on the QUESTCDN website search page.
There is a $22.00 non-refundable cost for downloading the contract documents in a pdf format. An online bidding cost of $42.00 will be charged to those contractors who choose to submit an electronic bid through QuestCDN. Bids will not be accepted from any prospective bidder who has not purchased contract documents through QuestCDN. Only online bids through QuestCDN will be accepted.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, plans and specifications may be examined at the following locations:
1) QUESTCDN. The Village electronically posts Plans, Advertisements, Plan Holders Lists, and Addenda to QUESTCDN. For any additional services or assistance contact QUESTCDN at 952233-1632 or info@questcdn.com.
2) 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: 877-784-9556. Web: www.construction.com
3) Subscribers to constructconnect may view the documents through their service agreement. For any additional services, constructconnect data subscribers should contact constructconnect, Telephone: 877-422-6865. Web: www.constructconnect.com
However, 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.
A pre-bid meeting will not be held. Any
question(s) must be submitted to the Project Manager huizingab@villageoflombard.org by no later than March 14, 2025 at 3:30 PM. Questions submitted after the deadline shall not be acknowledged.
(Published in The Lombardian March 6, 2025) 468497
VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR WOODROW AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
FROM WESTMORE-MEYERS RD TO ADDISON AVE
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 via online electronic bidding only through Quest Construction Data Network (QuestCDN) until Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM, local time for the WOODROW AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION FROM WESTMORE-MEYERS RD TO ADDISON AVE. Paper bids will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. 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 President and Board of Trustees.
descriPTion of Work
The proposed work is officially known as “WOODROW AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION FROM WESTMORE-MEYERS RD TO ADDISON AVE”. This project will consist of the reconstruction of Woodrow Avenue from Westmore-Meyers Road to Addison Avenue.
The scope of work includes the removal of existing pavement, base course, and subbase down to the proposed subgrade elevation. The roadway pavement will be reconstructed with a 4” aggregate base course, a 5.25” hot-mix asphalt base course, a 2.25” hot-mix asphalt binder course, and a 1.5” hot-mix asphalt surface course. Additionally, the project will include the removal and replacement of curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveways, storm sewers, and underdrain construction, as well as traffic control measures.
All of the above, as well as other project details, are further described in the contract documents for the said work prepared for the Village of Lombard by Robinson 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.
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 (9493581) to locate the job on the QUESTCDN website search page.
There is a $22.00 non-refundable cost for downloading the contract documents
in a pdf format. An online bidding cost of $20.00 will be charged to those contractors who choose to submit an electronic bid through QuestCDN. Bids will not be accepted from any prospective bidder who has not purchased contract documents through QuestCDN. Only online bids through QuestCDN will 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) Robinson Engineering, Ltd., 602 Walnut St, Suite 200, Itasca, IL 60143; 3) QUESTCDN. The Village electronically posts Plans, Advertisements, Plan Holders Lists, and Addenda to QUESTCDN. For any additional services or assistance contact QUESTCDN at 952233-1632 or info@questcdn.com.
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: 877-784-9556. 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: 877-422-6865. Web: www.constructconnect.com
However, 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 March 6, 2025) 468597
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79637 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on FEBRUARY 21, 2025 wherein the business firm of ROYAL PET, 1213 W. IRVING PARK RD., ITASCA, IL 60143 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:
Stacy Keith, 326 N. LaLonde Ave., Lombard, IL 60148.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 21ST day of FEBRUARY, A.D. 2025. Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian March 6, 13, 20, 2025) 468654
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79638 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on FEBRUARY 21, 2025 wherein the business firm of LIBERTY & JUSTICE TRIAL CONSULTANTS, 919 N. SCOTT STREET, WHEATON, IL 60187 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:
Susan L. Fagan, 919 N. Scott Street, Wheaton, 60187.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 21ST day of FEBRUARY, A.D. 2025.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian March 6, 13, 20, 2025) 468463
Sports
Post-season success! Rams win a regional title
Program claims its first regional championship in five years; Nee drains five 3-point shots and scores 24 points in his team’s triumph over Proviso East in a regional final
The Glenbard East boys basketball team won an IHSA Class 4A regional title on Friday. The Rams defeated Proviso East 59-49 in Friday’s championship game at the Lake Park Regional in Roselle.
Glenbard East improved its overall season record to 22-10 with its win in the regional final and advanced to this week’s Class 4A St. Charles East Sectional. Earlier this week, the Rams (the sectional’s No. 4 seed) faced Glenbard West in a sectional semifinal. The winner of that contest will face Geneva or Wheaton Warrenville South in the sectional final this Friday, March 7.
Glenbard West, which is the No. 1 seed in the St. Charles East Sectional, struggled to win the Addison Trail Regional. After beating Willowbrook (the sectional’s No. 16 seed) 60-54 in a regional semifinal battle on Feb. 26, the Hilltoppers edged Addison Trail (the sectional’s No. 9 seed) 74-73 in Friday’s regional final in Addison.
Glenbard West defeated Glenbard East 59-45 when the two teams met at the season-opening District 87 Tournament on the Hilltoppers’ home court in Glen Ellyn on Nov. 26.
The Rams began post-season action with a 58-49 win over Bartlett in a regional semifinal at Lake Park on Feb. 26. Three weeks earlier, Glenbard East traveled to Bartlett and pounded the Hawks 72-33 on their home court.
Bartlett provided much stiffer opposition in last week’s rematch. Glenbard East led the Hawks 11-6 after one quarter and 29-25 at halftime. The Rams owned a 44-36 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Junior Danny Snyder scored a team-leading 20 points for Glenbard East in the regional semifinal against Bartlett. Junior Jacob Marynowski added 16 points.
“In the playoffs, teams play tough,” said Glenbard East coach Eric Kelly while speaking about the post-season matchup with Bartlett. “We knew they were going to give us a good game, and they did, but our guys persevered.”
The Rams led Proviso East 13-12 after one quarter of Friday’s regional final. Senior Devin Kraft scored seven of the Rams’ first-quarter points with three baskets, including a 3-point field goal.
Junior Michael Nee, who is the Rams’ leading scorer, did not score in the opening quarter of Friday’s game. Nee caught fire in the second quarter, when he sank four shots from 3-point range to help Glenbard East to a 3224 halftime lead.
Nee’s first 3-point basket of the second quarter gave the Rams a 1914 lead. After the Pirates trimmed Glenbard East’s lead to 21-19, Nee buried two 3-point shots in the middle of the quarter to raise the lead to 27-19. His fourth 3-point basket of the quarter extended the Rams’ lead
to 30-21.
Moments after Proviso East cut the Rams’ lead to 35-33 in the middle of the third quarter, Nee drained a 3-point shot to push his team’s lead to 38-33. Junior Sam Walton added an inside basket to move Glenbard East’s lead to 40-33. Nee made two of three free throws with 2:34 left in the quarter to complete a 7-0 run that gave the Rams a 42-33 advantage.
Snyder, who did not score during the first half of Friday’s game, provided his first points of the night when connected on a 3-point shot to give his team a 45-36 lead with less than two minutes left in the third quarter. Neither team scored for the rest of the quarter, leaving the Rams’ lead at 45-36 with eight minutes to play.
Junior Norman Loechel made a 3-point shot to give the Rams a 5038 lead with about six minutes left in the game. Nee then made three free throws to raise the lead to 53-38 with 5:41 remaining. Proviso East delivered a 7-0 run in the next minute to cut the Rams’ lead to 53-45.
The Pirates scored to trim Glenbard East’s lead to 55-49 with about 2:40 to play. Proviso East did not score for the rest of the game. Nee scored the final four points of the contest. He made a pair of free throws with 1:07 to play to account for the final two points of the Rams’ 59-49 triumph.
Nee poured in a team-high 24 points in Friday’s win. He made five 3-point shots and sank seven of eight attempts from the free-throw line.
“In the first quarter [against Proviso East] I kind of came out a little slow,” said Nee during the Rams’ post-game celebration on Friday. “In the first game of the regional [against Bartlett], I was kind of slow. But my coach just kept emphasizing for me to keep shooting. I knew they’d fall eventually. It was just a matter of time before they started to fall. When they fell, I was confident.”
Nee, who has been a member of the varsity team since his freshman year, noted that the Rams lost their post-season openers in 2023 and 2024. He and his teammates were focused on reversing that trend in 2025.
“Going into this season, we knew we had to win a regional, at least,” said Nee. “This has been a goal for the whole off-season. We dedicated the whole off-season to winning a regional and keep going.”
Marynowski contributed nine points in Friday’s win. Kraft provided eight points, while Loechel and Snyder supplied seven points each. Walton scored four points before fouling out with 4:44 left in the fourth quarter.
“We knew we were the better team,” stated Kelly after Friday’s win over Proviso East—the No. 5 seed in the St. Charles East Sectional. “We won 20 games during the
Glenbard East’s boys basketball team won an IHSA Class 4A regional championship last week. The Rams defeated Proviso East 5949 in Friday’s regional final at Lake Park High School’s west campus in Roselle. The victory gave Glenbard East’s boys basketball program its first regional title since 2020. The Rams improved their overall season record to 22-10 with Friday’s victory and advanced to this week’s St. Charles East Sectional. Glenbard East faced Glenbard West in a sectional semifinal earlier this week. Junior Michael Nee (No. 4 - above right) sank five 3-point shots and scored a team-leading 24 points for the Rams in Friday’s regional final. Nee made four 3-point shots during the second quarter to help Glenbard East to a 32-24 halftime lead. Junior Jacob Marynowski (No. 15 - above) provided nine points in the Rams’ win over Proviso East, while senior Devin Kraft (No. 10 - right) contributed eight points.
year, and we have one of the best players in the state in Mike Nee. But he wasn’t the only guy tonight. Danny Snyder played well. Jacob Marynowski was a monster on the glass. Norman Loechel came in and made a big three and played tough, so it was a group effort. But Mike was tremendous.”
With Friday’s victory over Proviso East, Glenbard East’s boys basketball program claimed its first regional title in five years. In 2020, the Rams won the IHSA Class 4A Willowbrook Regional champion-
ship in thrilling fashion. The Rams beat Willowbrook 75-70 in overtime in a regional semifinal on March 3, 2020. Three days later, Glenbard East earned another overtime win, beating Batavia 81-79 in the regional final in Villa Park.
The Rams advanced to the Addison Trail Sectional, where they suffered a narrow 62-58 loss to Naperville Central in a semifinal contest on March 11, 2020. Naperville Central was supposed to face Lake Park in the sectional final on Friday, March 13, 2020—the last day that school
tional final in Addison, and the rest of the IHSA post-season, were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing
Broncos continue their post-season run by winning sectional title
After beating Trinity in sectional semifinal, Montini soundly defeats DePaul College Prep in sectional final
The Montini Catholic girls basketball team claimed the title at last week’s IHSA Class 3A DePaul Col-
lege Prep Sectional in Chicago. The Broncos defeated DePaul College Prep 48-31 in the sectional final on Feb. 27.
Winning the sectional title propelled Montini into this week’s Class 3A super-sectional against Grayslake
The Montini Catholic girls basketball team won an IHSA Class 3A sectional title last week. The Broncos defeated DePaul College Prep 48-31 in the Feb. 27 final at the DePaul College Prep Sectional in Chicago. The team is pictured with its sectional plaque after that victory. The original 2025 plaque was reportedly lost in the mail. The Broncos are holding a plaque from 2023. Montini improved its overall season record to 24-10 with its win in the sectional final. Two days before facing DePaul, Montini beat Trinity 34-29 in a sectional semifinal. Earlier this week, the Broncos faced Grayslake Central in a Class 3A super-sectional game in Arlington Heights. The winner of that contest advanced to this week’s IHSA Class 3A state semifinals in Normal.
Broncos win regional title on their home court
Montini advances to sectional after beating IC Catholic Prep to win Class 2A regional championship
The Montini Catholic boys basketball team won an IHSA Class 2A regional title on its home court on Friday night. The Broncos defeated IC Catholic Prep 64-43 in Friday’s regional final in Lombard.
Montini’s boys basketball program has won multiple regional titles, but before Friday, the Broncos had never won a regional championship on their home court.
Montini, which improved its overall season record to 20-11 with last week’s win over the Knights, advanced to this week’s Class 2A sectional at Chicago’s Christ the King School. Earlier this week, the Broncos faced Chicago’s Clark High School in a sectional semifinal. The sectional final takes place this Friday, March 7.
Montini opened Class 2A post-season play with a dominant 73-28 victory over Chicago’s RoweClark Math & Science Academy in a regional semifinal in Lombard on Feb. 26. The Broncos held a 14-8 lead after one quarter of that game. Montini’s lead swelled to 39-10 by halftime. The Broncos’ lead stood at 57-21 at the end of the third quarter.
Montini junior Robert Sansone made three 3-point shots in the first
half of last week’s regional semifinal and scored a team-leading 13 points in the victory. Senior Dillon Bagley added 11 points for the Broncos. Senior Max Bell and junior Colt Ashton provided seven points each for the Broncos. Senior Drew Church and juniors Angelo DeSensi and Henry Herold added six points each.
Sansone and senior Jack Barrett combined to score 17 of Montini’s 21 first-quarter points in Friday’s regional final against IC Catholic Prep. The Broncos led the Knights 21-9 at the end of the first quarter. Sansone made five field goals, including one shot from 3-point range, to score 11 points in the opening quarter. Barrett drained two 3-point attempts in the first quarter to supply six points in the game’s first eight minutes.
A 3-point basket from Herold gave the Broncos a 29-11 lead with 5:15 left in the first half. The Knights then scored eight straight points to cut Montini’s lead to 29-19.
The Broncos closed the second quarter with a 7-2 run to take a 36-21 halftime lead. Montini led IC Catholic Prep 40-26 at the end of the third quarter.
Sansone made three shots from 3-point range and provided a teamhigh 23 points in Friday’s regional final. Barrett, who made all eight of his free-throw attempts during the fourth quarter, added 14 points. DeSensi supplied 11 points. Church and Bagley contributed seven and six points, respectively. Herold added three points with his long-range shot in the second quarter.
Central in Arlington Heights. The winner of that March 3 super-sectional advanced to this week’s Class 3A state semifinals in Normal.
The Broncos improved their overall season record to 24-10 with their Feb. 27 victory over DePaul in the sectional semifinal. Montini opened the post-season by earning two decisive wins to claim the Elmwood Park Regional title. The Broncos then beat Trinity 34-29 in a sectional semifinal at DePaul on Feb. 25.
Montini jumped out to an early 8-0 lead over Trinity in the sectional semifinal. The Broncos led the Blazers 8-2 at the end of the first quarter. Senior Lily Spanos drained a pair of 3-point shots in the second quarter to help Montini boost its lead to 20-8 by halftime. The Broncos’ lead grew to 29-13 by the end of the third quarter.
Trinity sliced Montini’s lead to 3229 in the game’s final minute. Senior Audrey Kinney of the Broncos made two free throws in the closing seconds to seal her team’s victory.
Montini Catholic High School’s boys basketball team won an IHSA Class 2A regional championship on its home court last week. The Broncos defeated IC Catholic Prep 64-43 in Friday’s regional final in Lombard. Montini, which improved its overall season record to 20-11 with the victory, advanced to this week’s Class 2A sectional at Chicago’s Christ the King School. Senior Jack Barrett (No. 13) of the Broncos scored 14 points in the regional final. Barrett made two 3-point shots in the first quarter and drained all eight of his freethrow attempts in the fourth quarter. Montini opened post-season play with a resounding 73-28 win over Chicago’s Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy in a regional semifinal contest in Lombard on Feb. 26.
Montini led DePaul 8-6 after one quarter of last week’s sectional final in Chicago. The Broncos led the Rams 21-15 at halftime. Montini outscored DePaul 17-7 in the third quarter to build a 38-22 lead with eight minutes to play.
The Broncos opened the third quarter with a 2-point basket from Farrell, followed by a 3-point field goal from Kerstein. The 5-0 burst raised Montini’s lead to 26-15. Spanos sank a corner 3-point shot in the middle of the third quarter to extend the Broncos’ lead to 32-18.
Kerstein poured in 24 points to account for half of her team’s scoring output in the sectional final. She made nine field goals, including one 3-point basket, and converted five of eight shots from the free-throw line.
Kinney provided 11 points in the sectional final. Spanos scored five points, while Farrell and senior Lauren Mellish added four points each.
Montini faced both of its sectional opponents during the 2024-25 regular season. The Broncos edged DePaul 47-41 in a Dec. 3 contest in Chicago.
Montini defeated Trinity 47-43 in a Dec. 12 battle in Lombard.
Senior Nikki Kerstein scored a team-leading 14 points for Montini in its win over Trinity in the sectional semifinal. Spanos contributed eight points, while Kinney provided six points. Seniors Natalie Gartlan and Peyton Farrell added four and two points, respectively.
Broncos finish third in Class 2A dual team state tournament
IC Catholic Prep rallies to beat Montini 29-27 in semifinal round; Broncos earn a victory in third-place match to finish season with a record of 27-4
Montini Catholic High School’s wrestling team won the third-place trophy at the IHSA Class 2A dual team state finals, which ended on Saturday at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.
The Broncos earned their trip to Bloomington with their 55-21 victory over Oak Forest in a Feb. 25 dual meet at the Class 2A Brother Rice Sectional in Chicago.
On Friday, Montini defeated Chatham’s Glenwood High School 56-13 in a quarterfinal matchup in Bloomington.
IC Catholic Prep edged the Broncos 29-27 in one of Saturday’s Class 2A semifinals. Montini finished its season later in the day with a 50-24 victory over Mahomet-Seymour in the Class 2A third-place match.
IC Catholic Prep won the Class 2A state title. The Knights defeated Washington 46-17 in Saturday’s championship matchup.
The Montini wrestling program earned the 22nd dual team state trophy with this year’s third-place finish. In its history, Montini’s program has won 16 IHSA state titles in dual team competition. The Broncos, who won their first state championship in dual meet action in 2000, have claimed three second-place trophies (2007, 2017 and 2024) and three third-place trophies (1996, 1998 and 2025) in the state’s dual team tournament.
The Broncos completed their 2024-25 season with a record of
27-4 in dual meets.
The Broncos led IC Catholic Prep 27-17 with three matches remaining in Saturday’s Class 2A semifinal contest. The Knights closed the dual meet with three victories—two decisions and one pin. IC Catholic Prep picked up three team points for each of those two wins by decision. The Knights added six points to their team total with the pin.
The Broncos who won matches in Saturday’s semifinal dual with the Knights included junior Kam Luif, who earned five points for his team with a technical-fall victory in the 138-pound match. Montini sophomore Kevin May delivered four points to the team’s score with his major-decision win in the 157-pound contest. Junior Santino Tenuta added five points to the Broncos’ team score with his technical-fall win in the 165-pound match.
Sophomore Gavin Ericson-Staton provided the Broncos with three points with his triumph in the 285-pound match. Freshman Erik Klichurov tacked on three points to Montini’s total with his victory in the 106-pound contest. Sophomore Allen Woo provided Montini with four points with his major-decision victory in the 113-pound match. Sophomore Bobby Ruscitti added three points to the Broncos’ team score with his win in the 120-pound battle. Ruscitti’s win gave the Broncos their 27-17 lead over the Knights with three matches remaining.
Chris Fox photo Rock Valley Publishing
submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing
Warriors’ season ends with a loss to Glenbard West
The Willowbrook boys basketball team completed its season with a 60-54 loss to Glenbard West in a Feb. 26 regional semifinal at the IHSA Class 4A Addison Trail Regional. The Warriors finished their 2024-25 season with an overall record of 9-23. Willowbrook opened post-season play with a 65-54 victory over West Chicago in a Feb. 24 regional quarterfinal in Villa Park. Junior Otis Powell (No. 2- above right) scored a team-leading 20 points for the Warriors in their win over West Chicago. Senior Mark Murrell (No. 3 - above middle) contributed 17 points for Willowbrook, while junior Jaylen Griffin provided 10 points. Senior Filip Palutkiewicz (No. 23above left) and sophomore Michael Garner added nine points each. Garner provided his nine points with three 3-point shots—two in the first quarter and one in the second quarter. Willowbrook led West Chicago 24-13 after one quarter and 35-19 at halftime. The Wildcats cut the Warriors’ lead to 47-37 by the end of third quarter.
Coming event
‘Women in the Blues’ at Villa Park Library March 9
On Sunday, March 9, from 2-3:30 p.m., join the Villa Park Public Library and hear the songs and stories of the great women blues singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists such as Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Bonnie Raitt. Women were a dominating force in blues music beginning in the 1920’s and continue to have an impact today. The program will demonstrate various types of blues music, such as classic blues, gospel, country and hill country blues and will discuss the women that made these styles popular. Donna Herula, Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee, will perform songs made popular by these women along with her trio including Marc Edelstein on upright bass and Tony Wittrock on guitar and mandolin. Registration is required. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.vppl.info or call 630-8341164.
Willowbrook faced an uphill battle in its regional semifinal against Glenbard West at Addison Trail. Glenbard West is the No. 1 seed in the St. Charles East Sectional, while Willowbrook was the sectional’s No. 16 seed. The Warriors and Glenbard West were tied at 11-11 after one quarter of the Feb. 26 contest. The Hilltoppers led Willowbrook 30-23 at halftime and 47-36 after three quarters. Palutkiewicz drained three shots from 3-point range and scored a team-high 21 points in last week’s loss to Glenbard West. Powell, who also made three 3-point baskets during the game, supplied 18 points. Garner added seven points. Griffin and Murrell scored five and three points, respectively. Garner, Griffin and Murrell each made one shot from 3-point range. Glenbard West went on to edge Addison Trail 74-73 in Friday’s regional final in Addison. Earlier this week, Glenbard West faced Glenbard East in a sectional semifinal at St. Charles East.
CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing
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SENIOR SERVICES - Our Senior Nutrition Department has prepared and served well over 370,000 meals in the last 10 years .
SENIOR SERVICES - Our Senior Nutrition Department has prepared and served well over 370,000 meals in the last 10 years .
BALANCED BUDGET - Over the last nineteen years, have a balanced budget and continued to be one of the smallest portions of your property tax bill.
BALANCED BUDGET - Over the last nineteen years, have maintained a balanced budget and continued to be one of the smallest portions of your property tax bill.
FIGHTING FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF - The entire York Team will fight for expanding Homeowner, Veterans and Senior Citizen property tax exemptions to help bring property tax relief to York Township residents.
FIGHTING FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF - The entire York Team will fight for expanding Homeowner, Veterans and Senior property tax exemptions to help bring property tax relief to York Township residents.
JOHN W. VALLE
JOHN
RAE
RAE RUPP SRCH TRUSTEE
JEFF MUSSATTO TRUSTEE
KEVIN O'REILLY TRUSTEE ELLEN PICKER GREER TRUSTEE
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GEORGE T. BENES HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER