Bensenville Independent
Judge Porter speaks at inaugural Martin Luther King Celebration
The Bensenville Park District hosted its inaugural Martin Luther King Celebration Jan. 20 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center. Judge Chantelle C. Porter—Circuit Court Judge for the 18th Judicial Circuit of DuPage County who was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2022—delivered the keynote address. Porter is shown above in one of the photos (third from left). The event also featured a photo exhibit honoring Dr. King’s legacy. In another photo, Judge Porter’s husband talks to park district employees Breana Aponte and Leslie Monarrez about Dr. King and the National Civil Rights Museum located at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn.—the hotel where King was assassinated in 1968. Prior to being appointed to the 18th Judicial Circuit,
Judge Porter—the first African-American female judge in DuPage County—amassed extensive experience in child advocacy and family law. Her career began at the Cook County Public Guardian’s office, where she represented over 200 children in the foster care system, advocating for their rights and well-being in a challenging legal environment. Judge Porter further honed her abilities at the DuPage County Public Defender’s office, where she supervised the Juvenile Division. In addition to her public service roles, Judge Porter was a partner at A. Traub & Associates, where she continued to advocate for children and families in private practice.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Bensenville Independent
Bensenville awarded grant to boost community tree canopy
The Village of Bensenville has been awarded a $64,000 subgrant by The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) to improve the community tree canopy.
The competitive subgrant is among nearly 40 provided to nonprofits, government entities and other eligible groups through Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, administered by CRTI.
The four-year grants, which do not
require matching funds, are available for projects in communities that meet the federal requirements as disadvantaged. The funding can be used for projects that increase tree canopy, improve forest health, and create or enhance community forestry programs.
Through this subgrant, Bensenville Public Works will plant 250 trees in the Northern Industrial District by May 1, 2028.
“This $64,000 subgrant is a tremendous investment in Bensenville’s
future, enabling us to plant 250 trees in the Northern Industrial District. Strengthening our tree canopy not only improves the environment but enhances the quality of life for residents and businesses,” said Village President Frank DeSimone.
Various projects funded through the CRTI sub-grants include tree planting and the formation of tree inventory and management plans, in both urban and rural areas, to help increase efficiency and proactiveness in community forestry, as well as support local economies and businesses through improved infrastructure and workforce development.
“Improving the distribution of trees and green spaces directly impacts the health and economic outcomes for communities,” said CRTI Director Zach Wirtz. “Projects like this improve quality of life and boost the urban tree canopy’s resilience to threats posed by environmental conditions, pests and diseases.”
Funding for this project provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and
the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initia-
are equal opportunity providers.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent Shown here from left to right are Frank DeSimone, village president; Ann Franz, village trustee; Rigo Trujillo, public works technician II; and Joe Caracci, director of public works.
tive. USDA, The Morton Arboretum, and Village of Bensenville
submitted photos Rock Valley Publishing
Area firefighters respond to fire in Bensenville
Firefighters from the Lombard Fire Department and the Addison Fire Protection District joined other agencies to respond to a fire at 631 S. York Road in Bensenville on Friday, Jan. 24. According to Bensenville Professional Firefighters Local 2968, “Crews were met with heavy fire conditions from a fully involved carport with cars inside. Multiple handlines were deployed and all fire attack companies kept the fire in check and from extending any further.” No injuries were reported. Five vehicles were destroyed.
Potential immigration raids spark fear, protests on Inauguration Day
Illinois among states to file early challenge to one of Trump’s executive orders
By Ashley Soriano and Ismael M. Belkoura
Capitol News illiNois
Immigrant communities around Illinois braced on Jan. 21 for threatened mass deportations.
But the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago, facing subzero temperatures, saw little foot traffic and no anticipated raids as of Jan. 21 on the second day of the Trump administration.
Trump has vowed to carry out the “largest mass deportation in history.” He wasted no time on Inauguration Day before signing multiple immigration-related executive orders, including ones reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy and pausing refugee admissions
Several states quickly moved to block Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship , which grants citizenship to all people born in the U.S., even in cases where the parents are not citizens.
“The President has no authority to amend the Constitution or supersede the Citizenship Clause’s grant of citizenship to individuals born in the United States,” argued a lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and attorneys general in Oregon, Arizona and Washington state.
Eighteen other states had earlier announced a similar lawsuit.
A Wall Street Journal report said around 100 to 200 ICE officers would be sent to the city to execute the operation. Following leaks about raids targeting Chicago, and after initially telling Fox News the raids would begin as early as Jan. 21, “border czar” Tom Homan later said he was reconsidering the operation’s details due to officer safety concerns.
worried law-abiding undocumented Illinois residents will get caught up in deportations as well.
Advocacy organizations have been mobilizing resources to inform immigrants of their rights and try to protect undocumented people from the crackdown targeting Chicago and other sanctuary cities.
Mayor Brandon Johnson did not return requests for comment but posted to X Jan. 19 that Chicago “will continue to fight for the justice and safety of all who call this place home.” At the start of the year, Johnson also reaffirmed Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance, which does not allow city employees and agencies to help civil immigration enforcement.
An ICE spokesperson told Capitol News Illinois Jan. 18 that questions about post-inauguration activities would need to be directed to the incoming administration.
Hundreds march in Inauguration Day protest
In freezing temperatures, hundreds of protesters and more than 80 organizations gathered at Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago around the same time as the new president’s swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20.
Chants of “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” echoed blocks away, as the group marched through Chicago’s Loop and ended the rally across the river from Trump Tower.
Nadiah Alyafai, an organizer for the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, was one of the first speakers and said the organizations were not “blind to the reality” that the incoming administration would target members of marginalized communities.
At an event hosted by local Republican groups in December, Homan, former ICE acting director, named Chicago “ground zero” for the Trump administration’s mass deportation plan.
Gov. JB Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference Jan. 21 he spent part of Jan. 20 in some of Chicago’s Hispanic neighborhoods. He described businesses that were “relatively empty because people were afraid to show up” with the threat of action by ICE looming. But he said he hadn’t heard anything from the Trump administration.
“They’ve not communicated with us, so we don’t know when exactly those enforcement actions might take place. We have heard that they are targeting as many as 2,000 people, initially in the city of Chicago alone,” Pritzker said.
The governor has reiterated in recent months he supports immigration authorities deporting people living in the U.S. without legal permission who have been convicted of violent crimes, but he said he is
“We have seen how Trump weaponized fear and bigotry and how he perpetrated harmful stereotypes that fuel violence, discrimination and hate, and we know that these policies will continue, starting today,” Alyafai said to the crowd.
Martín Unzueta, the executive director and founder of Chicago Community and Workers Rights, urged people who are concerned or confused about their immigration status to reach out to their alderpersons and local organizations.
“We are part of this country,” Unzueta said in a speech spoken in Spanish. “No one is going to run us out. Here is where we’ll defend ourselves.”
Unzueta also reminded protesters that Chicago remains a sanctuary city. Recently, the Chicago City Council temporarily blocked a proposal that would have allowed the Chicago Police Department to help ICE officers in some deportation cases.
Members of Lombard Lodge No. 1098 attended and sponsored last year’s Wreaths Across America event, held on Dec. 14, 2024, at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
Lombard Lodge No. 1098 proudly supports Wreaths Across America event
Members of Lombard Lodge No. 1098 attended and sponsored last year’s Wreaths Across America event, held on Dec. 14, 2024, at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
This annual event is dedicated to honoring and remembering the nation’s military veterans by placing wreaths on their gravesites during the holiday season.
Lodge members joined hundreds of volunteers at the event, contributing their time and effort to ensure that each wreath was carefully placed to honor the memory of our fallen soldiers. The participation of Lombard Lodge No. 1098 demonstrates
our ongoing commitment to community service and to recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
Wreaths Across America is a national initiative that aims to remember and honor those who have served and continue to serve, while teaching the value of freedom to future generations.
“The lodge was proud to stand with our fellow community members in this important act of remembrance as it is a meaningful way for us to express our gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who have served our country. We are honored to be a part of such a heartfelt tra-
dition and to contribute to keeping the memory of our veterans alive,” a recent news release stated. “We extend our thanks to all the volunteers and participants who joined us this year [2024], and we look forward to continuing our support for Wreaths Across America and other community initiatives in the future.”
Lombard Lodge No. 1098 is a fraternal organization dedicated to charitable activities, fellowship, and providing a positive impact through various events and programs for the betterment of the communities in which we live. For more information, visit the lodge’s website at Lombard1098. com – Faith, Hope & Charity.
Chamber announces Lombard Lilac Ball 2025
The Lombard Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to the most anticipated event of the year, the Lombard Lilac Ball 2025, honoring the Lilac Court, taking place on Friday, May 9, at the prestigious venue, The Carlisle, located at 435 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard, IL 60148.
For 2025 the theme will be “Black & White” where all attendees will dress in black and white attire with only the Lilac Ball Court dressing in color.
Prepare to indulge in an evening of sophistication and celebration as we kick off the festivities with a Wine Bottle Pull and Cocktails at
5:30 p.m., followed by a sumptuous dinner at 7 p.m. The night will continue with a raffle of many prizes, enchanting music, and dancing, promising an experience you won’t soon forget.
RSVP Information: Please RSVP by April 18 to secure your place at this unforgettable event. You can register on line at www.lombardchamber.com or email at info@lombardchamber.com. Tickets are priced at $115 each.
“We are excited to celebrate the Lilac Court and welcome guests to the Lombard Black & White Lilac Ball 2025, where we will come together again for an evening of ele-
Suraiya Subdivision gets
30-foot setback approval
By Jane Charmelo LombArdIAN StAff rEPortEr
At the Thursday, Jan. 23, Lombard Board of Trustees meeting, the board unanimously approved, on second reading*, a variation in the village code to allow the Suraiya Subdivision a minimum frontyard setback of 30 feet for several lots, not including any existing single-family home on abutting lots, in the R2 Single Family Residence District.
According to the village, a reversal request to a former requirement was prompted by the request for a permit, and “the review of that permit had brought the front setback issue to the attention of staff.”
The board approval is for lots one through four in the subdivision; three of the four single-family lots are vacant. A fifth lot contains a stormwater outlot.
Community Development Director Bill Heniff previously explained: “When the noted single-family lots along Meadow Avenue were originally approved in 2006, the village had a 30-foot front-yard setback requirement.”
“Per a 2008 text amendment for all R2 single-family residential zoning district lots in the village,” he continued, “the front-yard setback would be the mean of the front of the houses on the two abutting lots, in most cases.”
“In this case, there is an existing home that is 65 feet from the front lot line, which would require the abutting undeveloped lots to be set at least 40 [feet] from the front lot line, using this formula,” Heniff calculated.
According to the village, the existing single-family home at 622 W. Meadow Ave. was built in 1999 when the property was “configured as a long narrow lot in unincorporated DuPage County.”
setback to be 30 feet, instead of the current established formula, which would be consistent with the original subdivision approval.”
Heniff said that while there was a permit request for one of the lots, there was no other information on the remaining properties.
* Editor’s note : The Lombardian previously reported that the board’s initial vote on the matter at the Jan. 9 meeting was on a waiver of first requested. It was actually a vote on first reading.
In other business
District Three Trustee Bernie Dudek, chair of the Community Promotion and Tourism Committee, took a few moments to praise one of its outgoing members for her many years of service on the committee.
“I would like to take a moment to recognize the work and contributions of Marguerite Micken. She has been, and continues to be, a remarkably active champion of the Village of Lombard.”
He said Micken had recently informed him of her intention to step down.
“I understand her reasons but I’m disappointed to see her go,” Dudek continued. “Marguerite’s involvement with the Community Promotion and Tourism Committee apparently predates the formal inception of the committee itself.
“When we did some digging, we discovered that she has served since 2006. So yes, after 19 years she deserves a break and yes, we will miss her greatly.
“So I want to take this moment to say thank you, Marguerite, for all your time and contributions.”
Dudek also reported that at the committee meeting members heard presentations for five Local Tourism Grant application requests.
gance, entertainment, and community spirit,” said Rick Galfano, CEO and president of the Lombard Chamber of Commerce. “This event is an opportunity for all our community to gather, connect, and create lasting memories in support of our local businesses and organizations.”
The Lombard Lilac Ball remains a testament to the strength and unity of the Lombard community, showcasing its vibrant spirit and commitment to coming together in celebration.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary evening. Reserve your tickets today and join us for the Lombard Black & White Lilac Ball 2025.
“Subsequent annexation, subdivision and development of the Buckingham Orchard townhomes to the north reduced the depth of 622 W. Meadow,” and affected the front-yard setbacks “that was not intended when the Suraiya Subdivision was platted,” a Plan Commission description explained.
In summary, Heniff stated, “For these limited lots, a request was made to allow for the front-yard
They include the annual Lilac Parade, Lilac Sale, Lilac Time Art and Craft Fair, Lombard Farmers Market and Lilac Princess program.
The trustee said the committee is scheduled to hear more grant application requests at its Feb. 4 meeting, adding, “Recommendations on each grant application will then be transmitted to the board of trustees … for the final review and action.”
ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING, LLC
SUbmIttEd Photo Rock Valley Publishing
Calling for a hearing on health care companies limiting and denying access to coverage
By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
Slices of life
I have a confession: I am a hick
I am a hick.
There, I said it out loud.
I am a hick from a small, rural town in a northern state that gets a lot of snow in the winter (but has many lovely lakes).
Not everyone wants to live there, but the people who do enjoy it. Embrace it. Love it.
Much like I hope you love the neighborhood, the town, the city, the state where you live.
Our hometown gives us all a place of belonging. An identity. A nest.
A place where you can simply be yourself. As for me, the self I choose to embrace is one of a hick.
And there are a lot of (a ton) of good things to say about that.
I am a hick.
I’ve never really enjoyed a choice of restaurants, unless you consider fast food, Mexican or bar fare a choice. (Which it is, but just not a lot of choice.)
food court.
I am a hick.
By JILL PERTLER
I know my neighbors and they know me. If I have a problem, I have their numbers and they have mine. If I call them, they will answer. If I have a problem they will help. If I am hurting or sick or in trouble they will know and vice versa. I like it that way.
I am a hick.
I have never had a pedicure. I can’t imagine someone poking at my toes.
My bestie has regularly scheduled pedicures and I’m absolutely certain she’d also describe herself as a hick, so I guess a pedicure (or lack thereof) does nothing to define a hick.
And therein lies the whole point to this column.
On Jan. 16, I joined with House Oversight and Reform Ranking Member Gerry Connolly in drafting a letter to Chairman James Comer calling for the committee to conduct a hearing on health insurance conglomerates limiting and denying access to medically appropriate care for patients.
The need for this hearing is clear following recent reports of a health insurer announcing it would not cover additional anesthesia for patients beyond its own arbitrary time limit, even if medical professionals deemed it necessary during the procedure.
If this policy came into effect, the insurer could have stopped covering anesthesia halfway through a life-saving procedure.
While that policy has been suspended after a wave of public backlash, other health insurers have similar policies that can result in patients and their families paying out of pocket for health care procedures following a potentially life-threatening situation that any reasonable person would expect to be covered.
Health insurance conglomerates should focus on serving their patients
and finding real efficiencies, instead of cutting off necessary treatment on the operating table. It is my hope that Comer heeds our call and schedules this critical hearing soon.
A recap of my immigration town hall meeting
On Jan. 22, I was joined in a virtual town hall with attorney David W. Leopold to discuss the impact on immigration law of President Trump’s new executive orders. David and I responded to a range of questions from members of our community on the broad and specific implications of these changes to American immigration policy as well as the resources
available to those navigating the system, including the new ambiguities caused by President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship as we know it.
As always, my office is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have. If you or someone you know has any questions regarding the recent immigration policy changes, I encourage you to get in contact with my office directly by calling (847) 413-1959, or by emailing us at IL08.helpline@mail.house. gov.
I meet people who differentiate between a mediocre, good and great Mexican restaurant (or Italian or Chinese or … take your pick.) I’ve never known choices in restaurants and I’ve managed to survive. Plus, I believe it’s snuffed out my picky-eating gene. I consume what they serve me and I don’t know enough to think of doing anything else, much less complaining to the manager.
I am a hick.
For most of my adult life, I didn’t have access to real shopping or a mall. So I learned to purchase everything online. When my kids needed tennis shoes, I learned to measure their feet and order the desired logoed brands. The same goes for back-to-school clothes and birthday presents. Think of all the money I saved by not going to the
Casten: Trump puts energy producers over American consumers
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois 6th Congressional District, which includes parts of Lombard, released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s executive orders that will raise energy prices for American consumers:
“The president’s day-one actions prioritized the wants of energy producers over the needs of American energy consumers. With these executive orders, fossil fuel companies that can’t compete with clean and affordable energy purely on their merits will see a boost in their profits at the expense of increased costs passed on
to Americans.
“It is overwhelmingly clear that increasing LNG exports does not serve the national interest of the United States. Fossil fuel companies have realized their domestic market is collapsing, so they have turned to exports to maintain rising profits. Research has shown that increased LNG exports result in greater price volatility, emissions leaks that are more damaging than coal, and harm to communities along the way. Undoing the pause on new LNG export terminals serves no purpose but to say ‘thank you’ to the fossil fuel ex-
ecutives who poured millions into President Trump’s pockets.
“The president has also quickly embarrassed the United States on the global stage by withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accords. We now join Libya, Iran, and Yemen as the only countries in the world incapable of prioritizing expanded access to cleaner, cheaper energy.
“We’re only as good as the world we leave behind to our children and grandchildren. President Trump is doing his best to ensure that world is one of soaring energy prices, high emissions, and a damaged planet.”
I am a hick. But what does that mean, really? If you get a pedicure—or not. If you make reservations at the elite restaurant— or not. If you hold your pinky finger up while drinking tea—or not. If you sit in first class—or not. If you shop at the finest department stores—or not.
None of it matters. Unless it brings you joy. Unless it matters to you.
The niceties in life are nice and if they bring you joy they are wondrous. If they are simply a way for you to compare yourself to others, then they are doing you no good. I think we spend (at least I’ve spent) too much of our lives comparing ourselves to others and thinking we need what they have versus simply paying attention to ourselves and the things that bring us personal joy
For me, that’s simple things. Small town roads. Neighbors who wave as you drive by. A general lack of shopping, restaurants and the amenities known to people living in urban areas.
I am a hick, and after decades of wondering if that is okay, I’ve decided it is.
But I’m not ruling out a pedicure at some point. Hicks can have pretty toes. Just ask my bestie. 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.
Slices of Life
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
OK, neighbors, holiday decorations are wonderful and beautiful, but they lose their worth when you leave them up too long and then they are no longer special. Please consider taking them down when the weather permits. Thanks.
Hello Speak Out. Bright sunshine and dirty windshields make for a definite chance of an accident. Please, people, get your wipers changed. And keep your windshield clean. Thank you.
So the lion Trump is out of the cage, destroying our country on his first day! The dangerous, convicted criminals he pardoned will band together, do his dirty work, and once again be pardoned as his personal posse. We should all be afraid, be very afraid, of what he can do to our freedom. He does have a few good ideas, and let’s pray he chooses better from now on.
* * *
Democrats constantly harp about how they stand up for the rule of law, and that no one is above the law. But when it comes to standing up for and actually enforcing immigration laws, well, that’s a different story.
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Well, it’s happened again. Another shooting, another murder in a high school. This time in Nashville again (Antioch High School). There were no metal detectors inside the school. Okay, new superintendent of District 87, when will we be installing metal detectors in the Glenbard High School District?
* * *
In the Jan. 23 article about the man who was charged with shooting and murdering his wife, I think the state’s attorney’s office release could have spared us a few of the details about what police found when they
speak OUT
encountered the woman in her bed: “Mouth hanging open,” “blood was coming from her head onto the pillow and bedding.” I think it would have been sufficient to say that the police “discovered what appeared to be a gunshot wound to her head” or something to that effect. I am thinking of people who knew her and may have read that, leaving them with a terrible image.
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Yes, I’d like to know if there are any other schools in Lombard besides Montini. It seems every week Montini is on the cover of the Lombardian Maybe Montini has a better PR department, but I’m sure there are other schools in Lombard whose kids would love to see their pictures on the cover who have accomplishments. So you might take that under advisement. Maybe spread the wealth around a little bit. Thank you.
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On inauguration day, I heard on the radio a list of our elected officials in Washington who chose not to attend the inauguration. Some said they were going to instead devote a “day of service” to the late Martin Luther King Jr. U.S. Rep Raja Krishnamoorthi said in his recent column that he is committed to working with “colleagues from both parties,” yet I believe he was one of the legislators not in attendance, but correct me if I am wrong. I am so disappointed and embarrassed. Is this how trying to bring our country together begins, on day one, when you will be working with Trump over the next four years? Legislators, whether you like it or not, he is your/our president; and remember, we elected you to represent us, the people. That includes those of us who voted for Trump; your sworn duty to speak for all of your constituents, and work for us in Washington. You are not doing your job, and any
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chance I might vote for you in the future just went out the window. And maybe you did want to honor Dr. King with a day of service, but there would have been time to do both.
* * *
So the sweep on illegal immigrants includes first deporting the violent criminals, according to the news reports. What defines violent crime and how will these offenders be identified, unless they are already incarcerated in jail or prison—at our expense, by the way? How about the “gangs” of thieves and shoplifters coming from the city and hitting shopping centers and stores en masse, which ends up costing merchants and customers so much money? As far as I’m concerned, unless it is a “petty” theft like stealing food to feed their kids, crime is crime. And let it serve as a warning to other potential criminals that they will be deported. I think we should make an agreement with their home countries that violent criminals should be given a severe punishment when they are handed over. * * *
I just read that some Illinois Democrats are proposing to decriminalize prostitution. I would like to know which ones, what is their logic and of course, how they would regulate it to make money from it. Video gaming, cannabis and off-track betting are moneymakers for Illinois, so why not make money off prostitution? I mean, the Democrats in this state are “prostituting” us anyway, from all the money they make from us “working” people.
* * *
I agree with the caller (Jan. 23) who said that pre-emptive management could have avoided or reduced the impact of California’s wildfires. For anyone who lives in an area prone to earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires, being proactive is a lot less costly than being reactive after the fact. Sturdier construction where there are high winds, for instance, building dwellings on sturdy “stilts” in flood-prone areas, or digging trenches or “moats” around
• Hearing
fire-prone areas might help prevent the vast devastation these events cause. Maybe then insurance rates might not also be jacked up so high. And maybe not build new housing in these areas, no matter how appealing the location is. Why risk it just for beautiful scenery?
Incompetent Democrats in California didn’t use basic common sense to minimize the damage of fires. It seems like they didn’t use common sense because they were more concerned about plants, fish, wildlife and the environment. What did the Democrat policies accomplish? The fires killed untold amounts of plants and wildlife, and who knows how many toxic gases were released into the atmosphere. I watched a long video from Pacific Palisades that showed dozens and dozens of cars destroyed by fire. All of those burned cars can’t be good for the environment. Let’s face it. Democrats are incompetent. * * *
I saw Pritzker and Johnson on the news talking about sanctuary cities even though some of the people are illegals. You’d think each one would have a brain in his head and here’s why I say that: get rid of the criminals and get rid of the people causing problems. Send them back. But they won’t even do that. It must be a Democratic thing; let the criminals destroy the city of Chicago like they have been doing. No wonder downstate wants to be part of Indiana. No wonder why people are leaving Chicago and Illinois because they’re tired of it. Everybody blames Trump for what’s going on right now. He’s trying to clean up what Biden and Harris started. No other president opened the borders like Biden and Harris did and I’m sorry that there’s going to be fallback on people. I really am. I’m all for immigration as long as it’s done legally. I can’t comprehend why people will go against Trump when it’s Biden and Harris. Open up your eyes, open up your ears. See it, feel it, hear it and make your own decision, which is fine. But be realistic.
(Continued from page 4)
The negotiated cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas
Before he left office, former President Joe Biden announced a negotiated cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that would finally enable the return of some hostages.
I welcome this announcement and hope that this show of good faith and collaboration will leave the door open to ending the wider war in the region. This agreement is also an important building block towards a durable two-state solution that will allow Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, prosperity, and security.
Responding to Rep. Mike Turner’s removal as House Intel Committee Chair
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) made the extraordinary decision to remove Congressman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) from his position as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Turner has been committed to making the Intelligence Committee as effective and bipartisan as possible, and while I disagree with him on several issues, I have never doubted his commitment to prioritizing our national security and conducting proper oversight of the intelligence community.
Unfortunately, it appears he was
* * *
What a shame! Only about half the normal clients are showing up at area food pantries. They are afraid ICE will be there! Trump is scaring people to the point where they can’t feed their family. His group of convicted felons is on the loose and know that if they commit crimes he will pardon them again. This is a terrible time for our great country.
* * *
Trump is a vehicle for patriotism and democracy. Let’s hope he gets the support he deserves after being shot and all the attacks he has been put through. It’s refreshing to feel someone is now in charge of our country and being accountable. It is also good that President Biden can now enjoy his golden years of retirement.
* * *
Well, I’m going to be keeping my flag at half staff for the next four years. As a matter of fact, I may even have to turn it upside down for the next four years. This is going to be a long four years.
* * *
I see our compassionate oligarch governor is taking Trump and the border czar to task for cracking down on illegal immigration. I read a comment from Pritzker. He said those who are here illegally are law-abiding and are often the anchors of their communities, and he’s just standing up for them. I’m sure the overwhelming majority of them are good, law-abiding people except for one thing. If they are not here legally, then they are still breaking the law, according to U.S. Federal Code 1325. That law criminalizes the improper entry of aliens into the United States. Since Mr. Pritzker wants to stand up for those living here illegally, I think a man of his means can easily afford to take in several illegals and provide them with food, clothing and housing at his mansion on the Gold Coast, his mansion in Lake Geneva, his horse farms in Racine and Wellington, Florida or at some of his investment properties.
fired over doubts that he was sufficiently personally loyal to President Trump based on his criticism of the former president’s conduct on Jan. 6, 2021, his commitment to supporting Ukraine, and his readiness to work across the aisle to keep our country safe. While I will remain committed to working with the incoming chair and my colleagues on the Intelligence Committee regardless of party, it was deeply concerning to see Speaker Johnson put partisan loyalties ahead of our security.
Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes part of Addison, Wood Dale and Bensenville.
Remembering former Lombard police chief
William Hogan served his law enforcement career in Lombard
Former Lombard Police Department Police Chief William Hogan, 90, passed away on Jan. 3, in Port Charlotte, Fla., according to his daughter, Barb Hogan, who said her father served his entire law enforcement career in the Lilac Village.
William was a native of Schenectady, N.Y., and after high school, served in the Navy, on the USS Hornet, during the Korean Conflict, she narrated, before he married her mom, Shirley.
“He worked for different grocery stores,” she continued, and came to Chicago in 1959, where he went to work for Jewel Tea, before becoming a police officer. “He and my mom worked there.”
“He was an avid outdoorsman as a young man” and liked to hunt and fish, Hogan said of her dad, and becoming a police officer was “something he always wanted to do.”
William joined the police department in 1965. According to a Village of Lombard Proclamation (signed by then-Village President Richard Arnold), after being a patrolman, he was promoted to corporal in 1968. He then climbed the ranks as a sergeant and then lieutenant before being appointed deputy chief of police in 1977. He was appointed chief of police in 1980 and served until 1989.
Hogan said her dad was the first police officer from Lombard to graduate from the FBI Academy at Quantico.
He also was among other law enforcement personnel to help establish the DU-COMM intergovernmental communication system, and also DUMEG, the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group.
Additionally, William worked with the Lombard Fire Department to establish a joint arson investigation unit called the F.I.U.
William specialized in weapons training as an instructor and technician, creating a firearms program for other Lombard officers, which included weapons safety training.
Hogan mentioned how her father earned several accolades, among them a Valor Award in March 1974, when he was a sergeant, after saving the life of a woman who was sitting on the railroad tracks east of Grace Street—as a freight train was approaching. For his heroics, he was also named honorary marshal for the May 1974 Lilac Parade.
“My dad was a very good father,” she recalled. He took the family on vacations, ice skating, tobogganing and other activities. “It was pretty much a normal life.”
Hogan said the family had a summer vacation cabin in the Adriondacks, adding, “We spent a lot of years there … a big part of my childhood.”
She recalled growing up around other police officers, with her parents getting together with other officers and their spouses, often to play cards.
Village of Lombard Executive Coordinator Carol Bauer was a police dispatcher early in her career with the village, and remembers that William “worked his way up through the ranks, was a dedicated police officer, was fair and honest.”
“He was a great man, great police officer,” she continued. “Always had time to talk to anyone; concerned about the officers and the residents; loved Lombard; wanted the police department to be the best it could be.”
“I do remember he loved and had German shepherds,” Bauer recounted, “and was involved in establishing a K-9 program for the department way See hogan, Page 14 back in the day.”
Hogan emphasized that as an outdoorsman, it stood to reason that her dad was an animal lover.
especially remembered for his work in establishing a K-9 unit in Lombard.
Photos courtesy of BarB hogan and carol Bauer Rock Valley Publishing William D. Hogan, Lombard chief of police from 1980-89, passed away on Jan. 3 at the age of 90. Working his way through the ranks from patrolman to chief, Hogan helped pave the way for a number of programs in and around Lombard, and is
Illinois Supreme Court hears arguments on a challenge to Illinois’ concealed carry law
State appellate defender says law infringes on Second Amendment right to ‘open carry’
By Ismael M. Belkoura and Medill Illinois News Bureau
Amid multiple recent challenges to state gun control laws, the Illinois Supreme Court recently heard arguments concerning the constitutionality of concealed carry licenses and open carry bans.
Under Illinois’ aggravated unlawful use of a weapon statute, individuals are not allowed to carry a firearm in public unless the person has a valid Concealed Carry License.
Tyshon Thompson, the defendant, was convicted of violating the statute in March 2022 after having been involved in a highway shooting two years earlier.
Thompson, represented by the state appellate defender’s office, has since challenged the statute as unconstitutional based on the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court case New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. After a lower court affirmed his conviction in June 2023, Thompson appealed the decision.
Most states have some type of licensing process, characterized as either “shall-issue,” meaning they are issued if they meet the criteria set by the law, or “may-issue” licensing done at the discretion of authorities. Shall-issue licensing allows citizens to obtain permits through a non-restrictive process, while may-issue licenses require applicants to give a proper reason for needing a weapon.
In the Bruen case, the U.S. Supreme Court found that may-issue licenses were unconstitutional, ruling the New York law at issue violated the Fourteenth Amendment by making it difficult for people to show “proper cause” in order to exercise their basic Second Amendment right to bear arms. The court also decided states must show that their laws are consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearms regulation.
Eric Castañeda, of the state appellate defender’s office, argued Illinois’ concealed carry law was unconstitutional according to the Bruen precedent because of the license’s prerequisites.
One of the requirements for a concealed carry license is another permit—a Firearm Owner’s Identification, or FOID, card. A FOID card allows an Illinois native to purchase and possess firearms and ammunition. Thompson had a FOID card but was still found guilty of violating state law for having a firearm in his vehicle in 2020. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
One point of contention for Castañeda was the requirement to obtain two licenses to carry a weapon in public.
“The test provided by Bruen shows that the state has to point you in the direction of a historical analog that is well established,” Castañeda said. “And it simply can’t do that. … There’s simply no historical analog to show a double licensing regime.”
Because of the need for a secondary permit, as well as the required
16-hour training, Castañeda said, Illinois’ requirements for concealed carry were equivalent to a may-issue license.
Castañeda also argued the double licensing requirement did not pass the historical tradition test because there was no equivalent to Illinois’ concealed carry license requirements at the time of the drafting of the Second Amendment, which protects the rights of citizens “to keep and bear arms.”
Assistant Attorney General Garson Fischer, who represented the state, said the concealed carry law was shall-issue in nature. He cited the Bruen decision itself, which referenced 43 states, including Illinois, that have shall-issue licensing processes.
“The court said in no uncertain terms that shall-issue licensing regimes, including explicitly Illinois, are constitutional,” Fischer said.
Fischer also said the defendant never applied for a concealed carry license and would have likely been approved for the license if he had gone through the appropriate steps.
The assistant attorney general noted the historical tradition test does not require an exact copy from the 18th century, but that the purpose of the regulation must have a similar purpose to regulations from that era.
Castañeda made additional arguments against any regulation prohibiting open carry, which is illegal under state law. In a court filing, the defense argued the concealed carry law is “facially unconstitutional as it categorically bans a law-abiding citizen’s Second Amendment right to public open carry a handgun.”
“We think that concealed carry and open carry are two categorically different conducts, one which is protected under the Second Amendment and the other which is not,” Castañeda said. “So the government can regulate concealed carry as it pleases, but the same doesn’t apply for open carry.”
Thompson was convicted for violating a specific part of the aggravated unlawful use of a weapon statute concerning the concealed carry licenses, so it’s unclear if Castañeda’s client has standing to challenge Illinois’ open carry ban.
“What the relevant provision of AUUW (aggravated unlawful use of a weapon) says is that you cannot legally carry a firearm in public unless you have a currently valid concealed carry license,” Fischer said. “It doesn’t say anything about open versus concealed carriage.”
Illinois is not the only state to face challenges under the new Bruen framework. The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear a challenge to a pair of Maryland state firearm regulations after the laws were affirmed by lower courts.
One of the challenged Maryland regulations was a ban on assault rifles, which is similar to an Illinois law that was temporarily struck
down as unconstitutional by a federal judge in November. Illinois immediately appealed that decision, and a federal appeals court allowed the law to remain in place until it hears full arguments from both parties.
The other Maryland regulation in-
cluded a licensing process similar to the dual system in Illinois.
The Illinois Supreme Court did not indicate when a final decision would be issued in the Thompson case.
Ismael M. Belkoura is a graduate
student in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and a Fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.
Care bags donated
Recently, Corp. Jeremy Rimmer with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office hand-delivered over 50 care bags created and donated by The Alex Project for residents in need experiencing homelessness. The care bags consisted of items such as hats, gloves and socks as well as small toiletries and food items. The Alex Project was started by Alex McCall, who was adopted from Russia in 2003 at 7 years old. Since spending the first seven years of his life in the orphanage he has always wanted to give back to those in need. When he was younger, he would give his lunch away to kids who were hungry at school, and as he grew up he would use his own money to buy toys and other items for kids in need. Seven years ago, he started creating care bags for the homeless and The Alex Project was born. Township Supervisor John W. Valle said, “I want to thank Alex McCall, founder of the Alex Project, and Corp. Jeremy Rimmer for this heartwarming community initiative. It is important that we take care of our fellow brothers and sisters who are experiencing hard times. The Alex Project is a wonderful example to inspire us all.” Pictured (left to right) are York Township Director of General Assistance Pamela Sarno and Rimmer. To learn more about The Alex Project, visit thealexproject.net.
Submitted Photo Rock Valley Publishing
Giannoulias warns Illinoisans of
scammers selling used vehicles
Recent uptick in wholesale dealers defrauding consumers with odometer ‘rollbacks’
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans shopping for a used vehicle to exercise caution and employ best-practices amid a rise in fraudulent vehicle purchases across the state.
The Secretary of State’s office has uncovered a growing number of fraudulent sales from out-of-state businesses licensed as wholesale dealers that illegally falsify the mileage shown on a used vehicle’s title and odometer to defraud car buyers.
Giannoulias’ warning comes on the heels of an Illinois car buyer, who thought they purchased a used vehicle from a wholesale dealer with 80,000 miles, only to find out the seller rolled back the odometer from over 200,000 miles and deliberately failed to disclose major mechanical problems with the car.
“Nightmare stories like this one is one of the worst-case scenarios when purchasing a used car,” Giannoulias said. “In many cases, the purchaser is in a desperate financial situation or needs a car fast, which leads them to overlook red flags and fail to do their due diligence.”
The wholesale car dealer scam is a deceptive practice in which someone licensed in other states to sell vehicles exclusively to dealers instead poses as a private vehicle owner. Vehicles are often sold in Illinois through online advertisements and social media channels at seemingly low prices. In many cases, these vehicles have serious mechanical issues or are missing the ownership documents required to title and register the vehicle. By the time the buyer discovers the problem, the wholesaler is long gone.
Odometer fraud across the country is rising each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 450,000 vehicles are sold annually with false odometer readings causing consumers to lose over $1 billion annually. In December, Carfax ranked Illinois the fifth highest state in the nation with 79,000 cars discovered with rolled-back odometers.
With older vehicles, odometers scammers roll back odometers manually; however, newer vehicles have digital odometers that can be altered by removing or manipulating a car’s circuit board, deceiving buyers into
believing a car has a lower mileage that would sell for a higher price.
“My office is continuing to work with law enforcement and to educate the public to identify these scammers before they take advantage of customers,” Giannoulias added. “It’s imperative that buyers do their homework and know the signs before it is too late.”
To best protect yourself against fraudsters, Giannoulias recommends the following when buying from an individual seller:
• When buying from an individual, always get the properly signed title at the time of purchase.
• Make sure the seller owns the vehicle.
• If there is a lien on the vehicle, make sure it is paid off before taking ownership.
• Look for evidence of erasing or other tampering with the title documents.
• Make sure the wear and tear on the vehicle appears to match its age and mileage.
• Closely examine the vehicle history report on Carfax, AutoCheck or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) and compare the report to the name on the title, title number, VIN number, issue date and odometer reading. Compare the VIN on the vehicle’s dashboard against the title and history report.
• Have the vehicle inspected by an automotive professional.
• Never buy a previously junked vehicle, meaning the vehicle is inoperable, wrecked or dismantled. You cannot register the vehicle in Illinois and it cannot be rebuilt, no matter what it looks like.
• If you believe you are buying from an individual seller, but the last assigned owner looks like a dealer name, do not buy it. You may have trouble registering the vehicle and you may pay additional taxes. For more information, visit ilsos. gov and scroll down to Publications & Forms where, under the Law Enforcement section, you can find informational forms on odometer fraud and buying or selling a vehicle. If you believe you are a victim of odometer fraud or other vehicle-related fraud, contact your local police department.
Police Reports
Addison
The Addison Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.
Jan. 6
Bianca Y. Cuello, 32, of Addison, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed and no insurance near Lake and Addison at 1 a.m.
Jan. 5
Kelly J. Pesek, 55, of Medinah, was charged with battery/bodily harm in the 400 block of N. Swift at 1 p.m.
Jan. 3
Kevin Y. Cruz-Lopez, 21, of Addison, was charged with illegal possession/transportation of liquor, operating wipers without headlights and two counts of DUI near Lincoln and Church at 10:23 p.m.
Jan. 1
Heather E. Meske, 38, of Schaumburg, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, disregarding a traffic control device and parking where prohibited near Lake and John F. Kennedy Drive at 7:45 p.m.
Antonio Rodriguez Salazar, 35, of Glendale Heights, was charged with criminal damage to property and resisting/obstructing a police officer in
the 2100 block of W. Army Trail at 4:54 a.m.
Bensenville
The Bensenville Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons who are charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the victim’s privacy. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.
Jan. 23, 6:10 a.m. in the 600 block of York, a complainant wanted to file a police report after his vehicle was burglarized and damage was caused to the steering column and ignition switch. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2500059
Jan. 20, 9:55 a.m. in the 100 block of Dolores, a complainant reported her 2016 Kia Soul was stolen overnight by an unknown suspect(s). The vehicle was recovered and towed by the Chicago Police Department. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2500050
Jan. 20, 10:12 a.m. in the 400 block of Thomas Drive, two semi-trailers were broken into sometime overnight. The trailers were found with padlocks cut off; however, nothing appeared to be taken. No suspect information at this time, pending video from business. The business requested extra watch overnight between midnight and 3 a.m. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2500049
Jan. 20, 10:12 a.m. in the 100 block
of Beeline Drive, five semi-trailers were broken into sometime overnight. Medical supplies were taken from a skid in two of the trailers. The incident is under investigation. BEPC2500051
Jan. 18, 1:42 p.m. near York and Jefferson, police said Luis Alberto Pucheta Chapol, 38, of Mt. Prospect, was stopped for a traffic violations and found to be DUI. He was transported to the station for processing, issued complaints a court date, and released on a pre-trial release.
BEPC2500045
Jan. 17, 3:49 p.m., a complainant in the 1000 block of Green Street found his vehicle vandalized in the parking lot after school. The incident is under investigation.
BEPC2500044
Jan. 17, 4:52 p.m., officers responded to trespassing at a business in the 1100 block of S. York Road.
Police said Jequz Brown, 34, of Chicago, was trespassed from business and arrested on an outstanding Cook County warrant. He was transported to the police station for processing and then transported to the DuPage County Jail. BEPC2500045
Jan. 16, 9:19 p.m. at N. Church and Hillside Drive, Carlos Ocampo, 47, of Bensenville, was arrested for DUI and other traffic violations.
Additional charges are pending the results of lab testing. BEPC2500039
Jan. 16, 11:13 p.m. officers responded to a crash in the 1000 block of S. York. Oswaldo D. Mejias-Veramendez, 30, of Cicero, was arrested for driving with no valid license, no insurance and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
BEPC2500039
Court grants state’s motion to detain pre-trial four Venezuelan migrants charged with robbery from Oak Brook Sunglass Hut
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state’s motion to detain four men accused of stealing nearly $5,000 worth of merchandise from the Oak Brook Sunglass Hut store.
Police Department received information about suspicious activity involving a silver Ford Fusion parked in the Oakbrook Center parking lot. Officers located the Ford and began surveillance.
Jaidera Rincon-Jaramillo, 24, with no known address; Jonamer Barrios-Moreno, 28, of Chicago; Gregory Mendoza-Rivas, 25, with no known address; and David Vivas-Esis, 21, of Chicago, appeared in First Appearance Court, where each was charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), one count of robbery (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony).
Additionally, Rincon-Jaramillo and Barrios-Moreno are each charged with one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding (Class 4 felony).
On Jan. 20 at approximately 2:37 p.m., officers with the Oak Brook
It is alleged that as officers surveilled the Ford, they alerted employees at Sunglass Hut about three individuals, later identified as Mendoza-Rivas, Barrios-Moreno and Vivas-Esis and an unknown individual entering their store. It is alleged that Mendoza-Rivas, Barrios-Moreno, Vivas-Esis and the unknown accomplice entered the Sunglass Hut, selected 13 pairs of sunglasses worth a total of approximately $4,960, and attempted to flee the store without paying for the merchandise. It is alleged that after a brief struggle during which the defendants pulled an employee to the ground, the four men fled the store with Mendoza-Rivas, Barrios-Moreno and Vivas-Esis returning to the Ford and the unknown accomplice fleeing into the mall.
It is alleged that after committing the robbery, Mendoza-Rivas, Barrios-Moreno and Vivas-Esis ran to, and then entered, the Ford. Officers activated their emergency lights and siren, at which time the Ford, allegedly occupied by Rincon-Jaramillo, who was waiting in the vehicle, fled. It is alleged Rincon-Jaramillo was driving the Ford and as he fled, he reached speeds of approximately 93 mph on Butterfield Road and ultimately made his way to eastbound I-290. It is further alleged that the Ford continued to flee from officers on I-290 and ultimately exited the expressway at southbound Mannheim Road after officers successfully deployed spike strips. It is further alleged that the Ford turned westbound onto Harrison and pulled over. All four defendants were taken into custody at that time.
The next court date for each defendant is scheduled for Feb. 18 for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.
Lombard Historical Society announces Black History Month events Illinois schools prepare for immigration enforcement
The Lombard Historical Society announces its February 2025 Black History Month events. Reservations are required for all events, as space is limited.
For more information about these events or the Lombard Historical Society, visit lombardhistory.org, email info@ lombardhistory.org, or call 630629-1885.
Expect to be enlightened and entertained when you attend the Lombard Historical Society’s Black History Month events. The month will feature documentary screenings, lectures, and special evening tours—all at the Lombard Historical Society in February. Reservations are required for all events, as space is limited.
Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.
Join the Lombard Historical Society for a special evening tour of the Sheldon Peck Homestead. Learn what makes this modest home of Sheldon Peck integral not only to the history of Lombard but also to the history of one of the most contentious parts of American history—the Civil War.
Tickets are free, but registration is required. Register at LombardHistory.org
submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing
“The Search for Old Charley: Uncovering the Story of a Freedom Seeker” will be presented by the Lombard Historical Society at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27 as part of its celebration of Black History Month. Old Charley was a freedom seeker who spent time at the homestead of Sheldon Peck (above).
Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. In 1947, an idea for establishing a cooperative community was conceived by Louis Shirky, a member of the Church of the Brethren. This pioneering, faith-based effort provided fair housing, community, and opportunity during an era of white flight, redlining, and restrictive covenants that effectively prevented non-white Americans from fully participating in the American Dream.
Despite acts of overt racism, the York Center Co-op and the white, Black, Asian, and Jewish families who lived there demonstrated to themselves, their neighbors, and America what happens when determined people set aside racial, religious, and class differences and work together for the common good.
This documentary was produced in partnership with Tim Frakes Productions and the Lombard Historical Society. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Register at LombardHistory.org.
Saturday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. Join LHS as it host Caroline Kisiel, who will present Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes, 1819-1865 . As the home of celebrated champions of freedom such as Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, it is often surprising for Illinoisans to learn about the long history of slavery, racial segrega-
tion, and exclusion in Illinois’s past.
This presentation will highlight stories of African American resilience under the Illinois Black Codes.
This event is co-presented by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. Road Scholar speakers travel throughout Illinois sharing free, dynamic presentations about literature, philosophy, theater, local history, film, music, politics, and more, at no cost to host organizations.
The program enables local nonprofit organizations to present
free-admission cultural programs to their communities. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Register at LombardHistory.org.
Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
The Lombard Historical Society presents a free screening of Sheldon Peck: Portrait of an Ordinary Man in Extraordinary Times , a documentary produced by Tim Frakes Productions.
This story is infused with humanity that resonates today. Largely forgotten in the century after he died in 1868, Sheldon Peck and his legacy have seen a revival and renewed appreciation, recognizing his talent, passion, courage, and vision.
It’s a story of American Western expansion during the days of Manifest Destiny and how one man embraced the important issues of his day, not afraid to speak out or get personally involved when he saw injustice.
Tickets are free, but registration is required. Register at LombardHistory.org.
Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m.
The Search for Old Charley: Uncovering the Story of a Freedom Seeker. In 2018, the Lombard Historical Society received a grant to continue research on Old Charley, the freedom seeker who spent time at the Sheldon Peck Homestead.
This fascinating research project has been likened to finding a needle in a haystack, but each piece of information we uncover brings us closer to understanding Charley’s life and his remarkable journey to freedom.
Join LHS Collections Manager Rae Slowik as we learn about Old Charley in a virtual lecture. Tickets are free but registration is required. Register at LombardHistory.org.
State board issues guidance after Trump rescinds Biden-era policy limiting actions in ‘sensitive locations’
By Peter Hancock Capitol news illinois
The Illinois State Board of Education is encouraging local school districts to adopt clear policies spelling out how and when their staff should cooperate with federal immigration officials carrying out enforcement actions or seeking information from school officials.
The “non-regulatory guidance” on immigration enforcement actions was issued Wednesday, Jan. 22, two days after President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term in the White House.
Almost immediately after the inauguration, Trump’s new head of the Department of Homeland Security, acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman, rescinded a Biden administration policy that had limited immigration enforcement actions in or near “sensitive locations” such as schools, playgrounds, child care centers and school bus stops.
“All children in the United States are entitled to equal access to a basic public elementary and secondary education, regardless of their actual or perceived immigration status, or the status of their parents/ guardians,” State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders said in his weekly message posted on the ISBE website.
Sanders cited a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case, Plyler v. Doe, which struck down a Texas statute that barred children who were not “legally admitted” into the United States from enrolling in public schools, saying the law violated the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause.
In announcing the policy change, however, DHS said the Biden administration’s policy had hampered legitimate law enforcement efforts.
“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP (Customs and Border Protection) and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens—including murders and rapists—who have illegally come into our country,” the agency said. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.”
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to crack down on illegal immigration into the United States. That included promises to carry out the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history. See EnforcEmEnt, Page 12
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. Where entertainers perform
7. Miller beer variety
10. Ageless
12. River in SE Europe
13. Able to be repaired
14. Type of wrap
15. Atomic #54
16. Type of tent
17. U.S. Treasury position
18. Opposed to
19. Protective covering 21. Bridge building degree
22. Clouding of the lens
27. Priestess of Hera loved by Zeus
28. Unacceptable
33. Mr. T’s “The A-Team” character
34. American national park
36. One point south of due east
37. Assist in a crime
38. Greek mythological personification of Earth
39. A major division of geological time
40. German courtesy title
41. English family dating back to Norman times
44. Discounts
45. South American nation
48. Former Milwaukee Buck Michael
49. Hostile
50. Passports and drivers licenses are two
51. Discourages from doing
CLUES DOWN
1. Supreme god of ancient Egyptians
2. Nevada city
3. Energy, style and enthusiasm
4. Bird’s beak
5. Language
6. Midway between south and southeast
7. Punjab village
8. Small biting flies
9. Sportscaster Patrick
10. A way to get around
11. Repeat
12. A way to cook with fat
14. Temporary loss of consciousness
17. Reciprocal of a sine
18. Fir tree genus
20. “Transformers” director Michael
23. Criminals who steal
24. Genus of leaf-footed bug
25. Music product
26. “Talk to you”
29. Santa says it three times
30. Doctors’ group
31. African nation
32. Ageless
35. When you hope to get somewhere
36. Worn
38. Deprives of vigor
40. Used to have (Scottish)
41. Where you live
42. Muslim ruler title
43. Basics
44. Type of drug (abbr.)
45. Spanish soldier
46. It precedes two
47. Illuminated
Answers
Worship Services Directory
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm
“The Crucial Hours”
• Enforcement
In his message, Sanders reminded school officials that they are not allowed to inquire about a student’s or parent’s citizenship status. But he said the guidance was being issued to respond to the “numerous requests” for information the agency had received from local officials about how to handle enforcement actions that federal agents might carry out on school grounds.
The guidance notes that federal law authorizes DHS to deputize state and local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration law. But it also reminds school officials that under a 2019 state law known as the Keep Illinois Families Together Act, no Illinois law enforcement agency or official is allowed to take part in such an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
reference.
It also describes the differences between various types of documents that immigration officials might serve on school officials, such as federal court warrants, federal court orders, judicial subpoenas, civil immigration warrants, notices to appear and administrative subpoenas.
“ISBE strongly encourages school districts to work directly with their legal counsel to create board policies and administrative guidelines so school districts can ensure any potential response to a warrant or subpoena described above is legally compliant and aligns with that school district’s policies,” the document states.
Leaders of the state’s two largest teachers unions issued statements criticizing the new Trump administration policy.
Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Wednesday Service at 7pm Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, February 22, Game Night at 4 pm
Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022
Everyone is Welcome!
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022
Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover”
779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834 -6700 www.visitationparish.org
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Adoration:
Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7
In addition, the guidance notes, the Illinois TRUST Act restricts the way law enforcement agencies and officials may participate in federal civil immigration matters.
“These pieces of legislation would apply to law enforcement agencies that might otherwise have a relationship or presence on the school’s property,” the document states.
The document advises districts to name a point person or department where federal authorities can be directed should they arrive on campus. It also advises designating a point person to review records requests or subpoenas from immigration agencies and to keep track of requests they receive in case that information is needed for future
Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery called it a “sad and shameful day when schools, meant to educate and support students, are turned into sites of fear and chaos.”
Illinois Education Association President Al Llorens issued a statement saying all children should have access to “an equitable, highquality public education.”
“Our educators should not be put in the crosshairs of these political policies,” he said. “School employees should be allowed to focus on supporting and educating all our students. We will do whatever it takes to protect all students, our teachers, our school support staff, our communities.”
• Hogan
(Continued from page 6)
“It warms my heart a lot,” she said of his love of animals.
Hogan said her dad was “in charge of making that [K-9 program] happen, at a time when the department needed $1,500 to get the canine unit started.”
Former Police Chief Van Dillenkoffer also recalled that William was “behind the village having a K-9 unit, and he himself loved dogs; German shepherds.”
The village proclamation states that the K-9 unit became a “model corps within DuPage County.”
Like Bauer, Dillenkoffer said of William that he was “very well respected and looked up to by the entire department; maybe a lot because he worked himself through the ranks. He always had time to
say ‘hi’ and see how you were doing.”
Both the former chief and Bauer related how William came to each of their homes on his off time to help with them with a flooring project. Dillenkoffer summed up their sentiments when he stated, “He strived to make the department top notch and the officers the best they could be. And he succeeded.”
William was preceded in death by his first wife Shirley in 2003, and son Douglas in 2009. He is survived by his daughter, and his wife Dolores, and was the grandfather of three and great-grandfather of five, with two on the way.
Hogan said there will be a family service in mid-February, with interment at Sarasota National Cemetery.
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It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Did you know that dental-related ailments are responsible for the loss of more than 50 million school hours each year? That’s right. Thousands of children miss school every year because of some dental-related ailment. Fortunately, many of these ailments can be prevented through good oral care.
This National Children’s Dental Health Month, make your child’s smile a priority. Take them to the dentist regularly and teach them to care for their teeth properly.
Rams run their winning streak to five games
Third-quarter surge propels Glenbard East to a division win over Fenton; one day later, Rams beat Lindblom
The Glenbard East boys basketball team ran its winning streak to five games with last week’s victories over Fenton and Lindblom. The Rams raised their overall season record to 14-8 with the two wins.
Glenbard East defeated Fenton 57-36 in Friday’s Upstate Eight Conference East Division game in Bensenville. The Rams beat Lindblom 71-50 in Saturday’s contest at the 16th annual Breast Cancer Shootout at Rich Township High School in Matteson.
Glenbard East raised its division record to 8-1 with Friday’s victory at Fenton.
The Rams had a slow start in their division game against the Bison. Fenton led Glenbard East 11-5 after one quarter. Junior Michael Nee made three 3-point shots during
the second quarter to help the Rams to a 25-24 halftime lead. Glenbard East took control of the game in the third quarter, when it outscored Fenton 21-5 to take a 46-29 lead with eight minutes to play.
The Rams opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run to push their lead to 36-24. Fenton didn’t score during the first five minutes of the quarter. The Bison ended their scoring drought when they delivered a field goal with about 2:40 left in the third quarter.
Nee and junior Jacob Marynowski scored 16 points each for the Rams in Friday’s win over the Bison. Junior Sam Walton provided 12 points. Junior Danny Snyder contributed nine points, while senior Devin Kraft scored four points.
Nee made five shots from 3-point
range and scored a team-leading 23 points in Saturday’s win over Lindblom. Marynowski supplied 14 points and 15 rebounds, while Walton contributed 12 points and five assists. Snyder added 11 points and five assists.
The Rams faced Willowbrook earlier this week in a non-division matchup in Lombard. Glenbard East will meet Riverside Brookfield in a division battle that takes place tonight—Thursday, Jan. 30—in Lombard. Riverside Brookfield handed the Rams their only division loss of the season on Jan. 14 in Riverside. The Bulldogs edged Glenbard East 59-58 in that contest.
The Rams will finish this week’s schedule with Saturday’s non-division home game against Wheaton Academy.
Broncos pick up pair of victories
The Montini Catholic girls basketball team won two of three games last week to move its overall season record to 16-8. After beginning the week with a 67-33 loss to Nazareth Academy in a Jan. 20 game at Benet Academy, the Broncos defeated Fenwick 49-28 a Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) Red Division game in Oak Park on Jan. 23. Montini finished its week with Saturday’s 68-31 victory over Amundsen High School in Chicago. Senior Nikki Kerstein scored a team-high 15 points for the Broncos in last week’s win at Fenwick. Senior Peyton Farrell (No. 24) added 14 points for Montini. Seniors Lily Spanos and Audrey Kinney provided seven and five points, respectively. Senior Natalie Gartlan supplied four points for the Broncos, who completed their GCAC Red Division season with their win over Fenwick. Montini went 5-2 in division play to finish third in the standings. Saint Ignatius won the division title with a perfect 7-0 record, while Loyola Academy went 6-1 in division action. Kerstein scored a team-leading 21 points in Saturday’s win over the Vikings of Amundsen. Farrell provided 12 points in the decisive victory in Chicago. Kinney and senior Lauren Mellish supplied eight points each for the Broncos. Spanos and Gartlan contributed six and four points, respectively. Montini’s schedule this week includes a home game against Marian Catholic, along with this Saturday’s contest at Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan.
East’s boys basketball team improved its Upstate Eight Conference East Division record to 8-1 with Friday’s 57-36 win over Fenton in Bensenville. The Rams led Fenton 25-24 at halftime. They outscored the Bison 21-5 in the third quarter to build a 46-29 lead with eight minutes to play. Juniors Jacob Marynowski (No. 15) and Michael Nee (No. 4) scored 16 points each for Glenbard East in Friday’s victory. Junior Sam Walton (No. 24) contributed 12 points for the Rams. One day after beating Fenton, Glenbard East defeated Lindblom 71-50 in a contest at the Breast Cancer Shootout at Rich Township High School in Matteson. Nee scored 23 points in Saturday’s win, which ran the Rams’ winning streak to five games. Glenbard East improved its overall season record to 14-8 with Saturday’s triumph over Lindblom. The Rams’ schedule this week includes a division battle against Riverside Brookfield in Lombard. The Bulldogs edged Glenbard East 59-58 on Jan. 14. The rematch takes place tonight—Jan. 30.
Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing Glenbard
Chris Fox File photo Rock Valley Publishing
Rams move to 15-11 with two road wins
Strong finish lifts Glenbard East to a win at Metea Valley; Rams move to 9-1 in division play after pounding Ridgewood
The Glenbard East girls basketball team posted two road wins last week to improve its overall season record to 15-11.
The Rams began their week with a 41-36 victory over Metea Valley in Aurora on Jan. 21. Two days later, Glenbard East crushed Ridgewood 65-36 in an Upstate Eight Conference East Division game in Norridge.
The Rams raised their division record to 9-1 with their Jan. 23 win at Ridgewood.
Glenbard East led Metea Valley 15-7 after one quarter of last week’s non-division game. The Rams led the Mustangs 21-17 at halftime. Metea Valley owned a 32-30 lead at the end of the third quarter.
The Rams trailed the Mustangs 34-30 with about five minutes to play. Glenbard East sophomore Teagan Murphy connected on a 3-point shot to cut the Mustangs’ lead to 3433 with just under five minutes left in the contest. Senior Veronica Witt of the Rams made one free throw to tie the score at 34-34 with 4:05 to play.
Seconds later, Metea Valley scored to take a 36-34 lead. The Rams held the Mustangs scoreless for the rest of the game.
Junior Nora Opila of Glenbard East delivered an inside basket to even the score at 36-36 with about 2:30 remaining. Freshman Olivia Nee gave the Rams a 38-36 lead when she scored with about 1:50 on the clock.
Sophomore Lilly Carver sank one
free throw with 52.5 seconds remaining to give the Rams a 39-36 lead. Senior Erin Brown helped to seal Glenbard East’s victory when she grabbed an offensive rebound and scored a basket with about 20 seconds to play.
Carver and Murphy scored 11 points each in the Rams’ win at Metea Valley. Brown supplied 10 points. Opila provided four points, while Witt and Nee contributed three and two points, respectively.
The Rams led Ridgewood 22-10 after one quarter of last week’s division game. Glenbard East led the Rebels 45-19 at halftime and 59-29 at the end of the third quarter.
Murphy made three shots from 3-point range and scored a team-leading 15 points in the Rams’ Jan. 23 win at Ridgewood. Carver added 12 points, while Brown and Nee scored 10 points each. Nee sank three 3-point baskets—two in the first quarter and one in the second quarter.
Opila, junior Haley Greenfield and sophomore Bridget Crocker added four points each for Glenbard East. Sophomore Ally Amrhein contributed three points with a 3-point basket in the second quarter. Sophomore Sarah Crocker scored two points, while Witt provided one point.
The Rams’ schedule this week includes this Friday’s division game against Riverside Brookfield in Lombard, followed by this Saturday’s non-division home contest against Willowbrook.
Broncos lose to Marmion Academy
The Montini Catholic boys basketball team suffered its third consecutive loss when it dropped a 53-49 decision to Marmion Academy last week in Lombard. The Broncos led the visiting Cadets 9-8 after one quarter of the Jan. 23 contest. Marmion led Montini 23-20 at halftime. The Cadets’ lead stood at 35-27 at the end of the third quarter. The Broncos cut Marmion’s lead to one point during the fourth quarter, but the Cadets were able to hang on for a four-point victory. The Broncos trailed the Cadets 41-31 with less than six minutes to play. Marmion held a 46-38 advantage with less than four minutes left in the game. Montini senior Drew Church (No. 2) scored 11 of his team-leading 17 points during the fourth quarter. Church made a 3-point shot to cut the Cadets’ lead to 48-47 with 54 seconds to play. Senior Max Bell contributed 10 points for the Broncos. Junior Angelo DeSensi provided seven points. Seniors Dillon Bagley, Jack Barrett (No. 13) and Jake Maquet added four points each. Bagley made two free throws with 15 seconds to play to cut Marmion’s lead to 50-49. The Cadets then made three free throws in the game’s final 10.8 seconds. Junior Henry Herold scored three points for the Broncos. Montini’s overall season record fell to 11-9 after its loss to Marmion. Since winning six straight games to move to 11-6, the Broncos have lost battles to Mount Carmel, Saint Laurence and Marmion. Montini’s upcoming schedule includes this Saturday’s game at Timothy Christian in Elmhurst.
Glenbard East’s dance team earns trip to the state meet
Glenbard East High School’s dance team—the Ramettes— earned the first IHSA state-meet berth in program history on Saturday. The Ramettes qualified for the 2025 IHSA competitive dance state meet with their sixth-place finish in the 3A division of Saturday’s sectional at Sycamore High School. The top six teams in each division at the sectional qualified for the state meet, which will take place this Friday and Saturday at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. Lake Park won the 3A division’s sectional title in Sycamore. Bartlett finished second in the 15-team division, while Naperville North placed third. St. Charles East earned a fourth-place finish. York claimed fifth, while Glenbard East placed sixth. The members of the Ramettes’ state-qualifying team, pictured left to right after the sectional’s awards presentation, are: (front row) seniors Vivian Bregenzer, Katie Dotson, Lennea Condon, Emma Carneiro and Sabrina Childers; (middle row) sophomore Alexis Roimicher, junior Brynlee DeForest, junior Diana Quevedo, freshman Brooke Czerny, junior Khloe Hickman and junior Anahi Gonzalez; (back row) freshman Kaylee Goosman, freshman Chloe Jarosh, junior Julia Jarosh, junior Ashley Parker, sophomore Jade Hernandez-Smith and sophomore Maggie MacDonald.
Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing
Ramders earn a berth in the IHSA state meet
Team qualifies for the 24-team meet with its secondplace sectional finish
The boys bowling team from Glenbard East and Glenbard South high schools is heading to the IHSA state meet.
The Glenbard East/South team— referred to as the Ramders—earned a trip to the state meet with its second-place finish in Saturday’s 12team Naperville Central Sectional at Lisle Lanes. The sectional’s top four teams advanced to the state meet, which takes place this Friday and Saturday (Jan. 31-Feb. 1) at St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon.
Joliet West won the title at the Naperville Central Sectional with its total pin count of 5,984. The Ramders delivered a second-place score of 5,944. Naperville Central landed in third place with its total of 5,913. Morton also claimed
a state-meet berth with its fourthplace score of 5,887.
The Ramders will be one of 24 teams (the top four teams from each of the state’s six sectionals) competing at this week’s state meet. The 12 teams with the highest pin count in this Friday’s action will advance to the finals on Saturday.
Senior Landon Giron of the Ramders bowled a six-game total score of 1,230 at the Naperville Central Sectional. Sophomore Geo Clayton compiled a sectional total of 1,210. Giron placed 10th in the sectional’s individual standings.
Clayton secured a 14 th-place finish in the individual competition.
Giron bowled his best game of the sectional—a 242—in his fifth game of the day. Clayton turned in his best game of the event with a 226 in his third game.
Junior Justin Kay of the Ramders delivered a six-game total of 1,184 at the sectional. Kay bowled a 234 in his fifth game of the day. Sophomore Thomas Benka provided the Ramders with a six-game total of 1,175 at Lisle Lanes. Benka
fired a 226 in his fourth game of the sectional. Senior Zack Poling compiled a five-game score of 979 at the sectional. Poling rolled a 233 in his second game of the competition.
Senior Josh Roimicher bowled one game for the Ramders at the sectional and turned in a score of 166.
Willowbrook senior Dean Romano competed in the Naperville Central Sectional as an individual. The sectional’s top five scorers who weren’t members of state-qualifying teams advanced to the state meet as individuals. Romano bowled a six-game total of 1,199 at the sectional—the exact same total he compiled at a regional competition one week earlier. Romano, who finished 17th in the sectional’s individual standings, was unable to earn a state-meet berth.
Romano bowled his best game of the sectional in his first game, when he fired a 256. He added scores of 187 and 205 in his next two games. Romano finished the sectional with scores of 181, 179 and 191 in his final three games.
Broncettes win a sectional title
Montini Catholic High School’s dance team—the Broncettes—won an IHSA sectional title on Saturday. The Broncettes delivered a first-place performance in the 17-team 1A division in the sectional competition at Sycamore High School. The top six teams in each division at the sectional qualified for the IHSA competitive dance state meet, which will take place this Friday and Saturday at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. Montini earned a winning score of 87.93 for its sectional performance. Sycamore (87.2) placed second, while Mundelein’s Carmel Catholic High School (86.8) claimed third. Glenbard South earned a state-meet berth with its fourth-place score of 85.5. Saint Viator (83.23) and Saint Francis (82.83) qualified for the state meet by finishing fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Sycamore Sectional’s 1A division. The members of the Broncettes’ sectional-championship team are: seniors Bella Greco and Annabelle Nelson; juniors Liv Kosarek and Zoe Rohrich; sophomores Gemma Gatto and Cameron Kalata; and freshmen Brynlee Boyer, Courtney Canty, Mya Kois, Abby Milas and Gia Pulia.
Coming events
Volunteers needed to crochet sleeping mats
The non-profit Guardian Corps of America is seeking volunteers to crochet sleeping mats for homeless veterans. Training will be available for interested volunteers and plastic bags will be provided. (Volunteers can later collect plastic bags to make more sleeping mats.) Visit www.usaguardian.org, email info@usaguardian.org or call 630-415-3281 for more information.
‘Animal Farm’ at Glenbard West
Glenbard West Theatre presents “Animal Farm” Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 “Animal Farm” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 in the Larry Shue Auditorium at Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Tickets are $10. Purchase tickets at: https://search. seatyourself.biz/webstore/accounts/ glenbardwest/buy-tix.
Blood drive Feb. 4
The Lombard Park District is hosting a Versiti blood drive Feb. 4 at the Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard, from 2:30-7 p.m. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. Visit www.versiti.org/IL or call 800-7TO-GIVE to make an appointment. Bring a photo ID.
Sustainable Design Challenge
It’s not too early! Get Ready for Sustainable Design Challenge 2025 Tuesday, April 15. Do you know a high school student who wants to make the world a better place? Who is into all things STEAM? Or a terrific science teacher at your local high school? Tell them about the Sustainable Design Challenge. Students from all over DuPage County can enter this hands-on, engineering and sustainability fair that introduces real world problem solving. Request more information by emailing info@ scarce.org.
GPS program in Spanish Feb. 6
On Thursday, Feb. 6, B-PAC: Glenbard Bilingual Parent Advisory Council and the GPS Parent Series in Spanish will present “Positive Parenting Mindsets – A Guide to Mental Endurance” with Dr. Edith Treviño from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. This program will be presented in Spanish only. Treviño, also known as “Dr. ET,” is a dynamic presenter, self-taught edtech, author and advocate of language and students. She is co-author of “The Death of My Mexican Name.” Her research is focused on teacher perceptions of Mexican immigrant students’ lived experiences. 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. Visit GPSParentSeries.org for information and the links to these webinars. For further information, contact Luz Luna at luz_luna@glenbard.org or 630-942-7447.
Illinois Libraries Present: An Evening with James McBride Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. Join the
bestselling author of “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store,” “The Good Lord Bird,” “The Color of Water” and more live on Zoom in conversation with Heather Marie-Montlilla of PBS Books. Register at helenplum. org to receive the Zoom link in your email.
Single Mothers Group to meet Feb. 9
Join our monthly SHE Single Mothers Support Group on Feb. 9, 12:15 p.m., Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, 60126, as we welcome Pastor Jeff Klein with a “Good News” message. We offer a complimentary lunch for all attendees, free child care (ages 0-12), and fellowship with other single mothers. RSVP at elmhurstcrc.org/she.
GPS program Feb. 4
On Tuesday, Feb. 4, the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will host acclaimed New York Times reporter Emma Goldberg in a program titled “Future Proof: Positioning Students for the Changing Tide of Work” at noon and 7 p.m. via Zoom. Goldberg is an award-winning business and investigative reporter who covers both workplace culture and the future of work. Visit GPSParentSeries,org for information and the links to these webinars. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@ glenbard.org or 630-942-7668.
Plum Library blood drive Feb. 14
The Helen Plum Library is hosting a Versiti blood drive on Friday, Feb. 14, from 2:30-7 p.m. in the meeting rooms. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are appreciated. Visit www.versiti.org/IL or call 800-7TOGIVE to schedule an appointment. Please bring a photo ID.
Versiti blood drive Feb. 15
Lombard Masonic Lodge #1098 is hosting a Versiti blood drive Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at First Church of Lombard, Hatfield Hall, 220 S. Main St., Lombard. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are appreciated. Visit www. versiti.org/IL or call 800-7TO-GIVE to schedule an appointment. Please bring a photo ID.
U of I Extension seminar Feb. 11
Join a lively discussion on winter sowing annual flowers, vegetables and herbs. Winter sowing is a practice of starting seeds during winter outside using empty plastic jugs. No more thin, weak seedlings, as winter-sown seedlings are stout with huge root systems. Participants will learn several winter sowing improvements to make the process more effective. Feb. 11. Sessions are free and presented live online beginning at 1:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays. Registration is required. Extension educators Nancy Kuhajda and Sarah Vogel will lead the winter series. Find more information and sign up for each session at go.illinois.edu/FourSeasons.
submitted photo Rock Valley Publishing
Warriors split two conference games
The Willowbrook boys basketball team played a pair of West Suburban Gold Conference home games last week. The Warriors defeated Morton 62-55 in a conference game in Villa Park on Jan. 22. Three days later, Willowbrook suffered a 66-49 home loss to conference rival Hinsdale South. The Warriors fell to 7-15 overall and 3-3 in conference play following Saturday’s loss to the Hornets. Morton led Willowbrook 16-13 after one quarter of last week’s contest. The Mustangs held a 35-32 lead at halftime. Morton owned a slim 4543 lead at the end of the third quarter. The Warriors then rallied in the game’s final eight minutes, when they outscored Morton 19-10. Junior Otis Powell scored a team-high 22 points for the Warriors in last week’s victory over the Mustangs. Senior Filip Palutkiewicz added 12 points. Junior Jaylen Griffin provided 10 points, while seniors Mark Murrell and Jaden Royal contributed eight points each. The Warriors trailed Hinsdale South 12-6 after the first quarter of Saturday’s game. The Hornets led the Warriors 30-20 at halftime and 46-34 at the end of the third quarter. Hinsdale South’s lead grew to 66-40 during the fourth quarter. Willowbrook scored the game’s final nine points to trim the Hornets’ margin of victory. Powell (No. 2) scored 21 points in Saturday’s home loss, which completed the first half of the Warriors’ conference schedule. Royal contributed 10 points, while Palutkiewicz (No. 23) provided eight points. Griffin and Murrell supplied five points each. Willowbrook’s schedule this week featured a non-conference game at Glenbard East on Jan. 28.
Warriors in action
• Raids
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The Chicago Police Department confirmed to Capitol News Illinois Jan. 21 it would not assist federal immigration authorities with civil enforcement. CPD also does not document immigration status.
“To be clear, the Chicago Police Department will not assist or intervene in civil immigration enforcement in accordance with the City of Chicago Municipal Code,” a CPD spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “As always, we will continue to enforce the law if a crime occurs, regardless of the citizenship status of those involved.”
Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott began busing migrants to Chicago in 2022 as part of what critics, including Pritzker, called a political stunt. Since August 2022, nearly 52,000 people seeking asylum arrived by bus and plane through Dec. 18, 2024, according to city data
The governors of Arizona and Florida also bused migrants to various cities, including New York City and Washington, D.C.
Chicago has been a sanctuary city for immigrants since 1985 and reaffirmed the protections during the first Trump administration.
A lone counter-protester stood across the street during the Jan. 20 demonstration, swinging an American flag back and forth chanting “America first!” He declined to give his name.
Advocacy organizations warn undocumented clients
Since late last year, advocacy organizations have been warning and preparing their undocumented clients by hosting “Know Your Rights” sessions, including roleplay workshops on what
The Willowbrook girls gymnastics team faced the Downers Grove co-op team in last week’s dual meet in Villa Park. Downers Grove outscored the Warriors 144.0 to 131.9 in the Jan. 23 meet’s team standings. Willowbrook senior Naomi Campbell delivered a firstplace performance in floor exercises with a routine that earned a score of 9.05. Campbell placed third in the meet’s all-around standings with her total of 35.50. She finished third on the balance beam (9.15), tied for fourth on the vault (9.2) and placed fifth on the uneven bars (8.1). Campbell is pictured while approaching the vault. Junior Kaia Capulong of Willowbrook placed sixth in the all-around standings with her score of 32.4. Capulong is pictured during her routine on the balance beam, which earned a fourth-place score of 9.1. Sophomore Lilli Macias of the Warriors finished seventh in the all-around competition (32.0). She placed sixth on both the vault (9.05) and the balance beam (8.6). Sophomore Mallory Yeazel of Willowbrook finished eighth in the all-around standings with her score of 30.75. Willowbrook freshman Ella Paulsen earned a ninth-place all-around score of 29.75. The Warriors earned a second-place finish in the team standings of Saturday’s Bulldog Invitational at Riverside Brookfield. The Hinsdale South/Lemont co-op team won the event’s title with its score of 142.25. Willowbrook earned a second-place score of 129.2. Campbell finished second in the invite’s all-around competition with her score of 35.15. Capulong earned seventh in the all-around standings with her total of 33.35. Campbell placed second on the vault (8.9) and fourth on both the balance beam (9.05) and the uneven bars (8.45). Capulong placed third on the vault (8.8) and fifth on the balance beam (9.0). Paulsen turned in a fifth-place score of 8.5 on the vault. The Warriors will host an IHSA regional competition on Thursday, Feb. 6.
to do if a loved one is detained.
La Villita Community, an organization in the majority Hispanic Little Village neighborhood, provided instructions on social media ahead of reported ICE activity.
Other groups like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights serve Illinois communities beyond Chicago.
Dulce Ortiz, the ICIRR board president, came to the U.S. from Mexico without documentation when she was 10 years old. The now 43-year-old is a U.S. citizen, and she’s providing resources to people who are in the same shoes as she was as a child.
“I had to make some decisions when I was young, (and) I hope young women will never have to make those decisions in order to become a U.S. citizen,” Ortiz said.
ICIRR, which primarily serves Lake County and parts of McHenry County, defines its mission as to empower and integrate immigrants into their communities.
The organization recommends preparation ahead of possible confrontations with ICE officers, including renewing any visas or permits five months ahead of their expiration. Ortiz, the ICIRR board president, suggests a three-step process: don’t open your door, remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
“We don’t want to create even more fear in our community, but at the end of the day, the fear is already there,” Ortiz said. “And I rather argue to be ready and prepared and alert and aware than us, you know, trying to protect their feelings and do nothing.”
Ortiz and other ICIRR advocates have been meeting with state legislators, ensuring staff and volunteers are keeping an eye out for any ICE presence and hosting mental health workshops.
Another group, Immigrant Solidarity DuPage, provides services to immigrants in the Chicagoland area, organizer Cristobal Cavazos said.
Cavazos attended the Federal Plaza protest alongside a dozen members of the organization, saying that although there is fear, it’s important to translate that fear to action.
“We want to show Trump that we are many and we are more united than ever,” Cavazos said in an interview conducted in Spanish. “He’s not going to make us feel like strangers in our own home.”
Ashley N. Soriano and Ismael M. Belkoura are graduate students in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and Fellows in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.
Your link to the weekly newspaper will be emailed to you every Thursday. The digital version of the newspaper can be read on a
Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing
Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing
THERESA MARY CARNEY, 86
Theresa Mary Carney, age 86, a longtime Lombardian, passed on January 24, 2025.
Theresa was the dear wife of the late Thomas V. Carney, Sr.; loving Mom of Kathleen “Kathy” (Angelo) Pierucci; Thomas “Tommy” (Kathy) Carney and James “Seamus” Carney, and the late Winifred “Una” Carney; proud Nana of Peter Pierucci, Anthony “Tony” Pierucci, Matthew “Matt”
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Pierucci, Kristi (Brian) Terpstra, Jamie (Douglas) Strock, and Haley (Lucas) Radice; loving Great Grandma to Audrina Terpstra, Aria Terpstra, Alexa Terpstra, Jaxon Strock, and Liam Strock; Dear relative and friend of many.
Theresa was a resident of Lombard since 1969. She was a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church in Lombard.
Theresa was a member of the Red Hat Society. The Red Hat Society “supports women in the pursuit of Fun, Friendship, Freedom, Fitness and the Fulfillment of lifelong dreams.” Theresa wore her red hat proudly.
In her free time, Theresa loved to
research genealogy and all things regarding her family history. She loved to dance and was full of life.
Above all other things, family was so important to Theresa. She loved being Nana to her grandkids. She even spent time learning the ‘new’ technology to be able to stay close to them. She loved spending time with her family and having the “Breakfast with Nana” tradition with her kids.
Funeral Prayers Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 9:15 AM at Brust Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Christ the King, 1501 S. Main St., Lombard. Interment at Queen of Heaven, Hillside. Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888629-0094.
LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79597 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 30, 2024 wherein the business firm of E & K, 1049 WESTMORE MEYERS RD UNIT 102, LOMBARD, IL 60148 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: Judith King, 1049 Westmore Meyers Rd Unit 102, Lombard, IL 60148.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 30TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Jan. 16, 23 & 30, 2025) 466617
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79606 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 13, 2025, wherein the business firm of PERFECT PET USA, 380 E. ST. CHARLES ROAD UNIT 43, LOMBARD, IL 60148 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: Scot Moore, 21W761 Busch Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 13TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2025.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6, 2025) 466854
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79605 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 13, 2025, wherein the business firm of UNTAMED MOVEMENTS, 1203 FISCHER ST., 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: Milena Deneno, 1203 Fischer St., Wheaton, IL 60189.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 13TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2025.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6, 2025) 467113
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79615 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 24, 2025 wherein the business firm of ALL THAT GLITTERS, 485 GREENFIELD AVE., GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Cheryl Mordini, 485 Greenfied Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 24TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2025.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 2025) 467341
Business & Service
CUSTOM CONCRETE
Residential
Residential
Classifieds
Announcements
CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.
DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.
Burial Needs
7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.
custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD tollfree at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Never Known to Fail
Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the Son of God.
Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother.
Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to answer me in this necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3xs). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who gave me divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory.
Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.
The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days, after 3 days the request will be granted.
This prayer must be published after the favor is granted.
General Office Assistant
C. Acitelli Heating & Piping Contractors, Inc. is an HVAC company based in Villa Park. We’re looking for a motivated, organized individual with the initiative to join our team and support our office operations in a part-time capacity.
What You’ll Be Doing:
• Answering calls, providing customer service, and supporting daily office tasks
• Handling data entry and processing into our internal systems
• Assisting with scanning, sorting and organizing documents
• Using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook to keep things running smoothly
• Taking initiative to identify tasks that need attention and ensuring they’re completed efficiently
• Working independently while maintaining a collaborative, team-focused mindset
What We’re Looking For:
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Comfortable with multitasking and fast-paced environments
• A proactive attitude with the ability to take initiative and solve problems on your own
• Part- time hours with flexibility to fit your schedule
Interested?
Reach out to Osiris at 630-832-4645 for more information.
