EI030625

Elmhurst Independent

IC Catholic Prep wrestling team wins dual team state championship

Knights defeat Geneseo, Montini and Washington to bring home first crown

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

The success of the IC Catholic Prep wrestling team didn’t stop at the Class 2A individual state finals meet in Champaign. The Knights followed up that rousing parade of state medalists—10 of the team’s 12 state entrants finished in sixth place or higher, including three wrestlers securing state titles—by winning the Class 2A dual team state championship at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington on Saturday, March 1. It was ICCP’s first dual team state title in its third trip to the event. The 2023 and 2018 teams advanced to the Class 1A state tournament but lost both times in the quarterfinals.

The Knights opened state finals action with a 47-22 quarterfinal win against Geneseo from northwest Illinois on Friday, Feb. 28. Freshman Jacob Alvarez started the meet at 138 pounds and scored a 20-4 technical-fall victory. Freshman Aiden Arnett was a 19-4 technical-fall winner at 150. Junior Brody Kelly scored a 14-6 major decision at 175 pounds.

Freshman Isaac Barrientos won via fall in 1:01 at 190 pounds. Freshman Mike Bird was a 21-6 technical-fall winner at 106 pounds. Sophomore Dominic Pasquale was a 19-4 technical-fall winner at 113. Junior Sam Murante was a 15-0 technical-fall victor at 120 pounds. Sophomore Kannon Judycki won via fall in 1:12 at 126 pounds and senior Deven Casey won via fall in 1:00 at 132 pounds. All nine of ICCP’s victories against Geneseo occurred via major decision, technical fall and pinfall, resulting in a total of 20 bonus team points.

ICCP then downed neighbor Montini Catholic 29-27 in Saturday’s thriller in the state semifinals, where the Knights came back from a late

The IC Catholic Prep wrestling team proudly displays its newly won Illinois High School Association (IHSA) team state title on Saturday night. In the 42-year history of the state wrestling meet, this is the first state title for ICCP in the sport of wrestling. The IHSA’s three-class, two-day state team championships were held at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28 and March 1. The Knights won the Class 2A state championship.

10-point deficit to win. Arnett won via major decision (15-3) at 150 pounds to cut Montini’s early lead to 5-4. Montini then took a 14-4 lead after wins at 157 and 165. Kelly won via fall in 39 seconds at 175 to bring the Knights to within 14-10.

Junior Foley Calcagno’s 14-3 major decision at 190 and Barrientos’ 7-4 win in overtime (sudden victory period) at 215 gave the Knights a 17-14 lead. Montini then rolled off consecutive wins at 285, 106, 113 and 120 to move back ahead 27-17 before ICCP mounted a final comeback. Sophomore Max Cumbee was an 11-6 winner at 126 points, Casey won via fall in 56 sec-

onds (6 points) and Alvarez took a 4-0 win at 138 pounds to conclude the 12-point ICCP run that earned it a 2927 victory and a spot in the state-championship dual meet.

In Saturday’s state final against downstate Washington, ICCP found itself down 14-0 early after Washington came out of the gate with wins at 150, 157 and 165, all via major decision or technical fall. Kelly won his match at 175 via disqualification, which earned six team points. Barrientos won 17-5 on a major decision at 190 to bring the Knights within 14-10. Washington won the 215-pound bout via decision to go up 17-10 before the Knights

turned the lights out by winning the final eight matches on the card.

Sophomore Anthony Sebastian was a 4-1 winner at 285 in the sudden victory period of overtime, while Pasquale won 7-3 at 106 pounds. Murante won his match at 113 pounds via fall in 36 seconds that put ICCP up for good. Judycki was a 13-4 major-decision winner at 120, while Cumbee won 2-1 in overtime (tiebreaker) at 126 points. Casey won his match by pinfall in 1:45 for six more points. Alvarez won via technical fall (19-3) at 138 pounds and Arnett ended the match with another six-point victory, via fall in 43 seconds. ICCP reached the state quarterfinals

after defeating Niles Notre Dame 4927 in one semifinal of the Class 2A Wheeling dual team sectional. The winners of each sectional semifinal throughout the state earned a spot in the state finals tournament in Bloomington. The Knights trailed 6-0 early against Notre Dame before Cumbee took a forfeit win at 132 to tie it at 6-6. Casey was a winner via fall in 2:34 at 138 to put the Knights up 12-6. Sophomore Joey Pontrelli was a 9-4 winner at 144 and Arnett won 16-1 (technical fall) at 150 to put the Knights up 20-6. Notre Dame won the 157-pound

See WRESTLING, Page 4

MOTO JOHNSON PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off March 8 at noon

For a complete list of parade entries and a list of parade sponsors,

The Parade starts off from Wilson Street and Spring Road heading north and ends at the railroad tracks one block south of St. Charles Road. The best parade in Chicagoland,

the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day parade is expected to attract a large crowd.

The parade features floats, marching units and animated characters

along with local organizations, businesses and clubs along a mile stretch. Don’t miss your chance to see more than 80 floats, Irish Dancers, the Shannon Rovers, local team

Foundation 205 fundraiser

The Elmhurst District 205 community came together at Medinah Country Club to raise funds for Foundation 205 on Feb. 1. Foundation 205 is an independent nonprofit organization that raises funds for innovative educational projects for District 205 Schools. The 225 guests in attendance enjoyed entertainment by harpist and York High School Orchestra Director Julie Spring, a York string ensemble and DJ Daniel Lattas. The evening’s program highlighted some of the most impactful Thiems Grants funded by the foundation, along with the presentation of the annual Friend of the Foundation Award to Angie Kapotas. The highlight of the evening was a surprise $100,000 gift from outgoing Foundation 205 Board Member Angie Martino and her husband Paul. Angie Martino has also served as the event co-chair with Megan Farley for the past five years. A tribute

mascots, Benny the Bull, Southpaw and Tommy Hawk. Also featured will be the York Marching Band, Chicago Highlanders, Medinah Clowns and the Elmhurst Armpit

Orchestra, with the world’s largest drum.

For more parade information, see inside this issue for the Elmhurst St. Pat’s Parade special section.

video highlighting both their comedic talents and fundraising successes kept guests in stitches. To date, Foundation 205 has provided more than $3 million in funding to District 205 through hundreds of Thiems Grants, special projects and through the Mission Fund, which supports families with financial need.

One photo (above left) from the fundraiser shows event co-chairs Megan Farley (left) and Angie Martino (right) with emcee Kerry Sayers (middle). Another photo (above right) shows Foundation 205 Board member and event sponsor Kelly Stetler (left) with Friend of the Foundation Award winner Angie Kapotas (center) and Board Chair Heather Stotts (right). The Foundation 205 Golf Outing will take place at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton on May 19. Tickets go on sale March 17 at www.foundation205.org.

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New curator of education brings a wealth of experience

Emma Marston developed

By Jane Charmelo FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Emma Marston started out her college career with a keen interest in the culture, history and literature of places like ancient Greece and Rome—so much so that she earned a B.A. degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, with a double major in both English and ancient studies.

Saying she took Latin in high school and enjoyed the literature, and mentioning that she always loved reading, “I wanted to dive in a bit deeper into the classical elements” during her college studies.

“There’s so much there … [poetry] beautifully constructed,” she added.

She also earned an M.A. degree in Museum Studies from IU Indianapolis, where she participated in workstudy projects and partnerships with local museums—focusing on “general preparation for museum work, specifically on the education side.”

Marston said that during graduate school, she was a Clowes Fellow at the Indianapolis Zoo, where she did the research and put together an interpretive exhibit about lion fish and also worked on conducting surveys from visitors.

Marston knew she did not want to be a classroom teacher; in fact she said, “I didn’t want to teach necessarily,” but when she began working on a number of projects it became clear that “Maybe this [museums] is a way to use my interest in history.”

And while some of her work involved research, “I found it more interesting to work with people rather than objects,” Marston said with a chuckle.

The Elgin native also mentioned that she grew up going to the Elgin History Museum, where her mother happens to be the museum director,

• Wrestling

(Continued from front page)

match in sudden victory period overtime before ICCP rattled off four wins that racked up 23 more points. Nate Brown, one of only three seniors on the ICCP dual meet state roster, won via fall in 53 seconds at 165. Barrientos was a 17-2 technical-fall winner at 190, while senior John Goggin took a forfeit win at 215 pounds. Murante also won via forfeit at 106 pounds to round out the ICCP scoring. The match featured six forfeits in the 14 scheduled bouts. Casey, an individual state champion, finished the season 51-6. Kelly also won an individual state title and finished 50-5. Calcagno, who took third in the state, went 42-15. Arnett, a state runner-up, ended at 41-11. Barrientos, fifth in the state, finished 37-7. Alvarez went 35-19, while Sebastian, fourth in the state, finished 32-17. Judycki, a sixth-place state finisher, had a 31-21 record this season. Pasquale, who finished fourth in the state, finished 23-10. Cumbee, also a state champion, finished 23-5, while Murante, third in the state individually, was 12-2. Bird finished the year 24-18, while Brown was 19-12 and Pontrelli was 25-25.

a passion for history in a roundabout way

so there’s that.

“I spent a lot of time there growing up,” she shared, adding that it had an influence on her future career decisions.

Leading up to her new position as Elmhurst History Museum curator, Marston obtained a variety of experiences, first working part-time at Elgin Community College in the communications department, “until I figured out what my next steps were.”

She worked for the Village of Bartlett Museum and the Midway Village Museum in Rockford, where she was involved in interpreting a one-room schoolhouse, and also worked as a historic home guide at the Nashville Zoo, which has a historic home on the zoo property.

Right before coming to the Elmhurst History Museum, Marston worked as an interpretive curator at the Des Plaines History Center for six or seven years, working with school services, designing and delivering programs for all ages, and supervising and managing the museum’s docent program.

She also worked with stakeholders on developing programming for the community, and contributed to exhibit development and gallery activities, according to a release from the Elmhurst History Museum.

Coming into her new job as curator of education at the end of January, Marston said she is learning as much as she can about the history of the Elmhurst community, while focusing on the “education” component of her job description.

“I spent the last month studying, doing research,” she continued. “I’m in study mode!”

Marston will oversee the museum’s education department and public programming. She has realized that she wants to “teach,” but from a different

perspective, saying she enjoys working with school, scouting and other groups to “complement what they’re learning in the classroom.”

Marston wants to “really encourage their interest in history,” and by offering hands-on learning—especially providing visual elements of local history—it will “bring them in beyond the traditional classroom experience.”

“It’s such a great conversation,” she said, when engaging with students, and seeing them “making the connection” with their local roots.

For example, Marston is excited about an upcoming exhibit called “Acre to Acre: Our Farming Heritage,” opening March 14, which covers farming in this area from 18501950.

In addition, Marston said she will be collaborating with colleagues at

the museum on exhibit ideas and one of her goals is to evaluate programs for their popularity—finding out what visitors are interested in and “hopefully I can learn something from them.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Emma to the Elmhurst History Museum team,” Dave Oberg, museum executive director, said in the release. “With her unique background, we know she will continue to grow our school and public programming, with a focus on lifelong learning, local history and community.”

“I’m really happy to be here,” she emphasized. “… to help people understand why their local museums are so important.”

The Elmhurst History Museum is located at 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. For more information, call 630-8331457 or visit elmhursthistory.org.

A championship performance

York High School’s speech team competed in the recent IHSA state speech tournament, which took place Feb. 21-22 in Peoria. York finished in a tie for fourth place in the tournament’s overall team results. York won the state championship in one of the state tournament’s events—the Performance in the Round (PIR) event—for its 15-minute adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax,” which was directed by Mr. Matt Bourke and Mrs. Rebecca Marianetti. The members of York’s state-winning PIR team, pictured (left to right), with their championship plaque in Peoria, are: (bottom row) sophomore Sophia Braafhart, senior Alexa Klein, junior Eva Vitellaro and sophomore Moon Felten; (top row) senior Betsy Kungl, senior Aidan Espinosa, senior Quinn Tolman, sophomore John Poulson, junior Liam Rees and sophomore Ava Glavinskas. York students have now won the state title in the PIR event in two of the last three years. York also won the championship in that event at the 2023 state tournament.

EHM PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Elgin native Emma Marston was named the new curator of education at the Elmhurst History Museum, where she will oversee educational programming, as well as work with colleagues to evaluate current exhibits and develop new ones.

District 205 Board meeting summary

By Chris Fox ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Feb. 25 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St.

All seven board members attended the meeting.

There were no public comments during the meeting.

Board honors Michele Oberlin, who was named Regional Teacher of the Year by the ISBE

The meeting’s spotlight and recognition segment highlighted Madison Early Childhood Education Center teacher Michele Oberlin. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) re-

cently named Oberlin the Far West Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year. The honor recognizes Oberlin’s “dedication, innovation, and impact on Elmhurst’s youngest learners,” noted a statement from the district.

Oberlin teaches pre-kindergarten and early childhood education at Madison Early Childhood Education Center. She is one of 13 educators selected as a finalist for ISBE’s 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year, the state’s highest honor for classroom teachers.

Kevin Rubenstein, the district’s assistant superintendent of student services, stated during the meeting that Oberlin has deep compassion for her students and their families. Rubenstein added that Oberlin creates an envi-

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

IC Catholic Prep math team competes at regional

The IC Catholic Prep math team competed at an Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) regional event on Feb. 22 at Evergreen Park High School. The following members of the Precalculus team qualified for the ICTM state finals: Maggie Berigan, Luke Beckman, Jamie DeRose, Jacob Schriel, Will Bryk and Luke Wojcik. Luke Beckman qualified for the state finals as an individual in Precalculus. The following members of the Algebra 2 team qualified for the state finals: Michelle Chavez, Matt Denekas, Gracie Gildea, Emmanuel Diaz and Ani Talluto. Additionally, Ani Talluto qualified for the state finals as an individual in Algebra 2 while Katie Knable qualified for the state event as an individual in Algebra 1. The following members of the Calculator team earned a second-place finish at the regional and qualified for the state finals: Maggie Berigan, Jamie DeRose, Matt Denekas, Emmanuel Diaz, Michael Orvino, Ali Fromelt and Joseph Costa. Luke Beckman and Jacob Schierl were members of the Oral Competition team that delivered a first-place finish at the regional and qualified for the state finals. The ICTM state finals will take place at Illinois State University on April 26. Pictured left to right are: (front row) Gracie Gildea, Ani Talluto and Michelle Chavez; (middle row) Jamie DeRose, Ashley De La Cruz, Katie Knable, Ali Fromelt and Lucy Cook; (back row) Joseph Costa, Matt Denekas, Maggie Berigan, Emmanuel Diaz, Jacob Schierl, Michael Orvino and Luke Beckman. Not pictured are Luke Wojcik, Will Bryk and Ivan Bustamante.

ronment of support, kindness and encouragement, where every child feels valued. Rubenstein spoke as Oberlin stood in front of board members. Several people attended the meeting to celebrate Oberlin’s honor.

District reports reduction in chronic absenteeism

The Feb. 25 meeting included a presentation from Jacob Wertz, the district’s director of research and program analysis, who discussed numerous figures from the Education Recovery Scorecard—a project that compares learning loss and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for school districts across the United States.

According to the Education Recovery Scorecard, no state in the country has returned to its pre-pandemic (2019) average achievement levels in both English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 3-8.

Wertz did note that District 205 is seeing improvement in school absence trends. A chart showed that as of January 2024, nearly 23 percent of the district’s high school students were chronically absent—meaning they were absent for 10 percent or more of school days. As of January 2025, that number had decreased, with 16 percent of the district’s high school students described as chronically absent.

The district’s chronic absenteeism rates for middle school and elementary school students also decreased from January 2024 to January 2025. According to information provided by the district, the chronic absenteeism rate among District 205 middle school students dropped from 12.4 to 9.4 percent during that period. The chronic absenteeism rate among the district’s elementary school students dropped from 8.1 to 6.6 percent during that same period.

The meeting also included information about the PreACT, a practice test for the ACT—a standardized test that is the state of Illinois’ new assessment to measure for high school students’ proficiency in reading, English, mathematics and science.

Starting this year, Illinois has switched from the SAT to the ACT as the state’s high school accountability assessment.

In October 2024, more than 90 percent of York High School’s juniors took the PreACT test.

According to Kathryn Lyons, the district’s assistant superintendent of learning and teaching, the district is going through data from York students’ recent PreACT results to develop targeted support for students in an effort to help them improve their ACT scores.

Most York juniors are expected to take the ACT—a digital exam—in April.

Board approves hiring of new principal at Edison Elementary School Board members voted unanimously during the meeting to approve the hiring of Larry Joynt to be the next principal of Edison Elementary School, effective July 1 of this year.

Joynt will succeed Edison’s current principal—Jim Pluskota—who is re-

tiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

District 205 received 54 resumes for the position of Edison principal. The field was narrowed down to six semifinalists. Three of those six candidates were then chosen to take part in extensive interviews that included Edison parents and staff members, as well as board members and district administrators.

Joynt currently serves as the assistant principal at Skokie School in Winnetka District 36. His 13 years of experience in elementary education also includes serving as Principal on Special Assignment at Crow Island Elementary School.

“I am honored to become the next Edison principal,” said Joynt, who spoke moments after the board approved his appointment. “This is a special place, and I’m excited to be joining it. I’m confident that we will maintain the positive and supportive culture, and the academic growth and excellence at Edison Elementary. We will continue to further the district’s mission to educate, engage and empower all students. Thank you so much for your trust, and for your support.”

Board members vote against offering an abatement Board members voted 4-3 to offer no abatement to taxpayers for the year 2024. The district had offered abatements in the previous two years.

District 205’s administration recommended that the board not offer any abatement. According to the administration, an abatement could result in a bigger property tax increase next year and have a negative impact on the district’s fund balance.

Board president Athena Arvanitis joined Kelly Asseff, Kelly Henry and Beth Hosler in voting to offer no abatement. Jim Collins, Kara Caforio and Courtenae Trautmann voted in favor of offering an abatement of about $525,000 to district taxpayers. For a homeowner of a home valued at $500,000 that abatement would have reportedly resulted in a decrease of $25 in the District 205 portion of his or her property taxes.

There was some confusion among board members about the motion they were voting for; they wondered if they were voting to approve a motion to provide an abatement, or not to provide one. Before the vote, Collins asked Christopher Whelton, the district’s assistant superintendent of finance and operations, if the district had a surplus last year. Collins asked if the district’s auditor was correct in saying there was a surplus last year. Whelton said he didn’t believe so, considering the district made a $7 million transfer from one of its funds to another.

Collins also asked Whelton what the district’s low cash point for this year would be. Whelton said it would be about $16 million.

At the board’s Jan. 14 meeting, Elizabeth Hennessy, who advises the district, prepared various scenarios to consider regarding the options to abate. She stated that with no abatement, a district homeowner of a property with a market value of $500,000

could expect the District 205 portion of their property taxes to be $7,418. If there was an abatement of about $525,000 that same homeowner’s District 205 portion of their property taxes would drop $25, to $7,393, stated Hennessy.

Arvanitis noted that the board supported an abatement in the previous two years. She said the district is in a different place than it was two years ago. She said that forecasts for the future are not looking the best, and that the district’s fund balance is going down.

Henry stated that the district’s expenditures are outpacing its revenues, and that while the district receives a small percentage of its funding from the federal government, that amount was still about $5 million. She suggested that future federal funding could be uncertain and said her vote would be not to provide abatement this year.

Collins said he felt the district needed to be consistent and keep the District 205 debt service payments portion of property tax bills consistent. He said that the board stated it would make three one-time abatements to make the debt service payments level out for the remaining term of the debt. He also stated that the district could afford the abatement, and mentioned that the DuPage County Forest Preserve District and the Elmhurst Park District would both include referendum-approved tax increases.

Caforio also said that the district could afford to offer an abatement of about $525,000, and that while the amount per taxpayer might not seem like a lot, it was important for the district to keep its commitment.

Community members encouraged to take part in 5Essentials Survey

District officials reminded the community near the end of the meeting that the Illinois 5Essentials Survey will be open until March 28. The survey is open to district families, staff members and students to share their experiences about what makes their school great, and what opportunities there are for growth in their school.

A link to survey is available online at the district’s website—elmhurst205.org.

Asseff stated that beginning in March, the District 205 Board will launch official social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram to enhance communications with the community, provide updates on board activities, and allow residents to stay informed of the board’s work and priorities.

Arvanitis mentions district audit

Arvanitis gave a brief statement near the end of the Feb. 25 meeting.

“The board, in partnership with our attorney, has partnered with an audit firm to conduct a potential multiple-phase analysis of our financial systems, which may take a few months,” Arvanitis said. “The board will update our community at future board meetings.”

The board will hold its next regular meeting on March 18.

Police beat

The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.

Assault, battery

Feb. 20

A victim at a business in the 100 block of N. York reported the suspect has yelled at her customers, asked other tenants in the building for loans, previously pushed the victim, and is currently living out of her unit. The victim did not want to sign complaints.

Criminal trespassing, criminal damage

Feb. 22

Donald J. Bigham, 68, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was charged with criminal trespassing to property in the 600 block of W. North at 12:55 p.m.

Police said a group of unknown suspects were seen setting a fire at a school in the 400 block of N. West, which caused damage to the top level of the multi-level playground unit. Upon officers’ arrival, there was no active fire, but an officer observed soot, charred sticks and leaves. The area was checked for the suspects with no results.

Feb. 21

While on patrol in the 200 block of N. York, police said an officer observed a vehicle which had been reported stolen. Police said a suspect was taken into custody and was transported to the police station. According to police, subsequent to a search of the vehicle, Isaly I. Camana, 21, of Chicago, was found to be in possession of cannabis, which was not in a properly sealed, odor-proof, child-resistant container. She was charged with criminal trespass to a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of cannabis by driver.

Feb. 20-Feb. 21

A complainant in the 100 block of Fellows reported an unknown suspect(s) shattered the passenger side window and damaged the steering column of her vehicle overnight.

Domestic battery, disorderly conduct

Feb. 26

A 69-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 500 block of N. Indiana at 11:31 p.m. Police said that subsequent to the report of a domestic battery at the above location, it was determined the suspect pushed the victim after a verbal argument.

Feb. 25

Mynor D. Ramos, 27, of Summit, was charged with felony disorderly conduct/false police report near Butterfield and Euclid at 11:18 a.m. Police said that subsequent to a report of an armed robbery, Ramos related two unknown subjects approached him and robbed him. However, police said Ramos later admitted to fabricating the entire story.

Feb. 22

Michael T. Delaney, 36, of Bensenville, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct at a convenience store in the 500 block of S. Spring at 9:44 p.m. Police said officers re-

sponded for an intoxicated subject refusing to leave the business. Delaney was located and found to have urinated in public, according to police.

DUI, consumption of alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of alcohol

Feb. 23

Antonio J. Nardulli, 25, of Des Plaines, was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, DUI, unlawful possession of cannabis by the driver, transportation of open alcohol and no insurance near Route 83 and Riverside at 4:44 a.m.

Feb. 21

Felix O. Guijosa Velazque, 35, of Wood Dale, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, driving on the wrong side of the road and reckless driving near St. Charles and Cottage Hill at 9:18 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a road rage incident, the suspect was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

Justin V. Love, 44, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI, resisting arrest, improper lane usage and driving with unsafe tires subsequent to a traffic stop near Roosevelt and Butterfield at 12:04 a.m.

Feb. 12

Iris J. Rivera, 51, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, transportation of open alcohol and no insurance near North and Elm at 4:39 p.m.

Forgery

Feb. 21

Dalvin D. Lockart, 30, of Chicago, was charged with forgery, possession of altered forged documents, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction at an auto dealership in the 200 block of W. Grand at 8:15 p.m. Police said the suspect attempted to purchase a vehicle with a fictitious driver’s license.

Harassment, threats

Feb. 21-Feb. 22

A complainant at a business in the 800 block of S. Riverside related a suspect called the business approximately 15-20 times. The suspect yelled at employees and used profanity because the business was unable to board his dog. An officer spoke with the suspect, advised he was to have no further contact with the business and the suspect related he understood.

Feb. 21

A complainant in the 200 block of E. Grantley advised that the suspect sent her numerous threatening text messages. The suspect was

contacted and advised to have no further contact with the complainant.

Feb. 20-Feb. 21

A complainant in the 300 block of N. Maple told police that the suspect was texting her the day after a date, but she blocked him and did not want him to have any further contact with her. The suspect was advised to have no further contact with the complainant.

Identity theft, fraud

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported seven incidents of identity theft or fraud.

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Mingo M. Nixon, 20, of Broadview, near York and Diversey at 3 p.m. Feb. 26.

Prostitution

Feb. 25

Police said that subsequent to an investigation in the 900 block of S. Riverside at 9:34 p.m., Angela M. Flynn, 45, of Wood Dale, was found to be soliciting for prostitution at a hotel in Elmhurst. Flynn’s boyfriend—Hector Castaneda, 46, of Blue Island, and friend—Samantha Giles, 31, of Orland Park—were found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and crack cocaine, according to police. Police said Flynn was processed on a valid warrant out of Cook County and charged with prostitution. Giles was charged with obstructing identifi-

cation, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Castaneda was charged with unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery

Feb. 24

A victim in the 200 block of S. Route 83 reported that an unknown female suspect stole her wallet and cell phone from her shoulder handbag while in a store parking lot. The wallet contained a credit card, her Illinois driver’s license and $20. The driver’s license was entered into LEADS as stolen.

Feb. 21

Stanley R. McQueen, 39, of Chicago, was charged with possession with intent to deliver any document known to be forged, and two counts of delivery of a forged document in the 100 block of N. York at 4 p.m. Police said officers responded to a report of a suspect who attempted to purchase merchandise using a counterfeit $100 bill before leaving the area. The suspect was found to have passed counterfeit bills at two additional business as well, according to police.

Dec. 18, 2024-Jan. 7

A victim at a school in the 100 block of W. Butterfield reported her son put his violin in the orchestra room storage closet. and when he returned, it was missing.

Residents warned about scam text messages claiming unpaid toll charges

Messages are not from the Illinois Tollway

Think you’re the only one? You’re not alone!

The Illinois Tollway has been alerted to a text message phishing scam claiming that recipients owe money for unpaid tolls and detailing a specific outstanding toll amount. These are not legitimate messages from the Illinois Tollway.

The Illinois Tollway will never use email or text to request that you reply with your

password, Social Security number or confidential personal information. Never reply to or click the links in a message that has characteristics of a phishing email. If you think the message may be legitimate, go directly to the company’s website by typing the real URL into your browser or contact the company to see if you really do need to take the action described in the email message.

Court grants state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for convicted felon accused of possessing loaded firearm

Defendant currently on parole on narcotics charges out of Kane County

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a two-time convicted felon who was allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded handgun.

Parion Lane, 23, of Aurora, appeared in court on Feb. 24, and was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender (Class X felony), one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor offenses including resisting a police officer.

On Feb. 23 at approximately 1 a.m., Naperville police officers on patrol near Washington Street and Ogden Avenue observed a vehicle at a gas station with expired license plates.

The officers followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near 14th Avenue and Main Street.

It is alleged that prior to stopping, one of the officers observed the driver, later identified as Lane, making furtive movements toward the driver-side floorboard. It is alleged that after Lane stopped his vehicle, he exited the vehicle, leaned in toward the driver-side floorboard and then fled the scene on foot. Lane was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit.

When searching Lane and his vehicle, officers allegedly located a loaded Springfield 9mm handgun on the driver’s side floorboard of the car as well as 16 grams of ecstasy on his person.

Lane’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 24, in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

Court grants state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for

convicted felon accused of possessing loaded firearm/fentanyl

Defendant taken into custody following high-speed pursuit through Oak Brook, Lombard

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

Christopher Ellis

Brian Strockis announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden had granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago convicted felon accused of possessing a fully loaded gun and leading police in a 100+ mph high-speed chase.

Christopher Ellis, 28, appeared in First Appearance Court on Feb. 27, and was charged with one count of armed violence (Class X felony), one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (Class 3 felony), two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and one count of possession of a controlled substance (Class 4 felony).

On Feb. 26 at approximately 1:15 p.m., officers with the Oak Brook Police Department were alerted to a wanted vehicle near Butterfield Road and Illinois Route 83. Officers locat-

ed the vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu, on Butterfield Road near 22nd Street in Oak Brook.

The Malibu proceeded into Lombard, entered the Yorktown Mall parking lot and appeared to be parking when the Oak Brook officer pulled in front of the vehicle and activated his emergency lights.

It is alleged that the Malibu, later determined to be driven by Ellis, reversed away from the officer, evaded spike strips and exited the mall eastbound on Butterfield Road. It is alleged officers pursued Ellis and that during the pursuit, Ellis disobeyed multiple traffic control devices and reached speeds of approximately 101 mph in the area of Butterfield Road and Fountain Square Drive. It is further alleged that as Ellis continued to flee at speeds in excess of 100 mph on Butterfield Road, he nearly caused an accident with other vehicles before merging onto Roosevelt Road.

It is alleged that as Ellis continued to flee on Roosevelt Road at speeds in excess of 100 mph, he entered oncoming lanes of traffic through a construction zone at which time

Oak Brook police officers terminated ground pursuit out of public safety concerns.

A Chicago Police Department helicopter took over surveillance of Ellis at this time and tracked the vehicle to the area of 33 N. Taft Avenue, Hillside, where three subjects allegedly exited the vehicle on foot. It is alleged that when Ellis exited the vehicle, he was holding a handgun.

It is further alleged that as Ellis fled through a residential neighborhood, he hid a firearm and approximately 11.4 grams of fentanyl under a flowerpot at a residence on N. Ashbel Ave.

He was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. When canvassing the area, officers located a loaded and chambered .22 caliber Glock 44 pistol that was reported stolen out of Gary, Indiana, and a clear plastic bag containing fentanyl.

“Public safety remains the top priority not just in my office, but for law enforcement agencies throughout DuPage County” Berlin said. “The allegations that Mr. Ellis fled from officers at more than 100 mph through a busy shopping district and

Police arrest man who allegedly passed counterfeit $100 bills at three Elmhurst City Centre businesses

The Elmhurst Police Department reported last week the recent arrest of a Chicago man alleged to have passed counterfeit $100 bills at three Elmhurst City Centre businesses.

On Friday, Feb. 21, at about 4 p.m., Elmhurst police officers responded to a 911 call from a store located in the 100 block of N. York Street. An employee reported a man attempted to purchase two small items with a $100 bill that the employee suspected to be counterfeit. The transaction was declined by the store clerk. The suspect related he would retrieve his credit card to pay, but instead was seen getting into a vehicle and driving north on York Street. The store employee called 911 immediately.

Elmhurst police officers responded to the area and located the suspect’s unoccupied vehicle parked less than one block away. Officers

Man arrested

watched the vehicle, and approximately five minutes later, the suspect was observed getting into his car. Officers detained the suspect and observed a counterfeit $100 bill inside his car. Officers also saw small items recently purchased from two other City Centre businesses.

Detectives learned the suspect had also visited a restaurant on the 100 block of N. York Street and another small business on the 200 block of N. York Street. Detectives determined the suspect passed a counterfeit $100 bill at each of the two businesses, receiving approximately $67 and $81 in cash as change from them.

The suspect, Stanley R. McQueen, 39, was brought to the Elmhurst Police Department. In consultation with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, McQueen was charged with two counts of de-

livering a forged document (Class 3 felonies) and possession with intent to deliver a forged document (a Class 3 felony). McQueen was transported to the DuPage County Jail for first appearance court.

“The Elmhurst Police Department commends the alert store employee that recognized the counterfeit bill, refused the transaction and called 911 right away,” noted last week’s statement from the department about the incident. “It’s unfortunate criminals often target small stores as these businesses may have the most difficulty handling the losses of financial crimes.”

The police department’s statement advised that all businesses should educate their store associates to recognize the correct design and security features of US currency to avoid becoming victims. To learn more, visit www.uscurrency.gov.

for filing false police report in Elmhurst

Subject reportedly made up robbery story because he was late to work at a construction site

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 11:17 a.m., Elmhurst Police were called to the area of Butterfield Road and Euclid Avenue for the dispatch of a man who said he had been robbed.

According to the Elmhurst Police Department, Mynor Ramos, a 27-year-old man from Summit, reported he was walking on Euclid to his job at a construction site when two males approached him, displayed a handgun, and stole is cellphone and backpack. The man stated the robbery occurred at around 8:30

a.m.—almost three hours prior to the 911 call reporting the alleged incident.

“Officers were able to pick up on clues that this may be a false report,” noted a statement from the Elmhurst Police Department. “The lack of an explanation for the three hours that passed between occurrence time and reported time, the changing story of which way the offenders fled, and that Bryan Middle School security cameras that covered the area in question showed no signs of ‘victim’ or either suspect.”

Once the “victim’s” stolen backpack was found at his jobsite, he reportedly confessed to making up the story.

“He explained he forgot his cellphone, couldn’t find the jobsite, and was late to work. Instead of telling the truth, he told his boss he was late because he was robbed,” added the police department’s statement.

Ramos was charged with a felony count of disorderly conduct—false police report.

a residential area while armed and in possession of a deadly narcotic are outrageous and will be met with the full force of the law. I commend the Oak Brook Police Department whose efforts have, for the second week in a row, resulted in the removal of an illegally possessed firearm and a significant amount of fentanyl from our streets. I thank the assisting agencies on this case, particularly the Chicago Police Department for air support, for their valued partnership in keeping our communities safe.”

“Once again, our officers’ proactive efforts have resulted in getting another illegal gun and fentanyl off the street,” Strockis said. “I’d like to thank our officers for their bravery, commitment and dedication to keeping our community safe. Thanks to the agencies that assisted us with this incident, specifically the CPD helicopter which is such an invaluable resource.”

Ellis’ next court appearance is scheduled for March 24 in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Pre-trial release denied for Burr Ridge man charged with murdering his mother

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Burr Ridge Chief of Police Marc Loftus announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Burr Ridge man accused of attacking his mother, Virna Rodriguez, with a hammer in the family home on Feb. 21.

On Feb. 22, Oscar Rodriguez, 37, was charged with two counts of attempted murder (Class X felony) and one count of aggravated domestic battery (Class 2 felony).

On Feb. 23, Virna passed away from the injuries she sustained allegedly at the hands of her son. Rodriguez appeared at First Appearance Court on Feb. 24, and was charged with two upgraded counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated domestic battery.

On Feb. 21 at approximately 6:28 p.m., officers with the Burr Ridge Police Department were dispatched to the family residence.

Upon their arrival, officers observed the victim, Virna Rodriguez, on the ground sitting propped up against a chair, bleeding from her head, her nose, vomiting blood and with a significant wound to the left side of her head.

Ms. Rodriguez, who was still breathing but did not appear to be conscious, was immediately transported to a local hospital for med-

ical attention. On Feb. 23, she was pronounced deceased due to her injuries.

Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that another individual was in the home when she heard Ms. Rodriguez scream. When the individual went to investigate the scream, she allegedly observed Ms. Rodriguez sitting at the table bleeding, with Oscar Rodriguez standing behind her.

It is alleged that Oscar Rodriguez saw the woman and ran toward her, chasing her upstairs. It is further alleged that after the woman locked herself in a bedroom, Oscar Rodriguez broke through the bedroom door.

It is alleged that the woman then locked herself in a bathroom and that Oscar Rodriguez briefly banged on the bathroom door before fleeing the scene. Illinois State Police took Oscar Rodriguez into custody a few hours later without incident.

When processing the residence, officers located a mini sledgehammer in the snow in bushes along the front sidewalk with a red substance on it that appeared to be blood. The snow around the hammer also contained a red substance, which appeared to be blood.

Rodriguez’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 13 in front of Judge Mia McPherson.

Viewpoint

Slices of life

Is it daylight saving, or daylight taking?

Twice a year—every year—we succumb. In the spring we spring and in the fall we fall.

Seriously, you couldn’t make this stuff up.

Somewhere, at sometime, someone (supposedly a real person) invented the practice. It probably made sense at the time.

And time is exactly what we are talking about here. The daylight of time. The saving of time.

Daylight Saving Time.

What does that even mean, really?

Are we saving the daylight? There is only so much of it to go around, and no way—in any way—can any of us bank time or to put it in a safe place for later use. Performing a switcheroo of the numbers that describe the time does nothing to impact the actual daylight we all experience in any given 24hour time period. Period.

According to the truest source of information available, besides the media, Wiki tells us that Daylight Saving Time (or DST to the inner crowd) “is the practice of advancing clocks to make better use of the longer daylight available during summer so that darkness falls at a later clock time.”

I grew up believing DST was put into place as a benefit to farmers. I grew up believing many lies. It’s lucky I survived to the point where I can tell the truth from misinformation. (If indeed that is possible.)

In fact, DST isn’t about the farmers. They often oppose it. As it turns out, cows and plants and morning dew don’t know anything about telling time on a clock; instead they follow a schedule dictated by the sun, which knows nothing of springing ahead or falling back.

The origin of DST in the U.S. dates back to World War I. It was implemented as a way to conserve energy resources.

Conserving energy resources— now there’s a term I can relate to. My energy resources are zapped twice each year when I am forced to adapt to a new number on my clock. It’s like jet lag without the vacation.

In the fall, 3 p.m. becomes 2 p.m. and darkness comes just after lunch.

It’s a gloomy, doomy time, punctuated by early sunsets and early bedtimes.

What does that do to the psyche? It makes it tired, so very, very tired—by right around 7 p.m.

Oh, sure, you wake up at 7 a.m.

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

and it feels like 8 a.m. (because it is) but I ask you—in all honesty— would you rather have sunlight early in the morning or later in the evening?

I’ll take evening any day of the week.

The clock cycle initiated in the fall represents “regular” time. We are currently in regular time for the next few days. Daylight Saving Time begins in the spring (this year on March 9 ) when we move ahead one hour and 5 p.m. becomes 6 p.m. Granted, this makes hitting the early bird dinner hour more of a challenge, but other than that, DST really doesn’t have much of a downside.

Well, unless you count getting up at 2 a.m. to reset the clocks. Most of them do it on their own now anyway, so it’s really no longer a worry. Besides, if we made DST permanent there wouldn’t be a need to reset the clocks. Think about how much time that would save everyone!

Here’s my final thought on the subject. Life is complicated. Why make it more so by messing with the time? Why complicate things that don’t need further complicating?

Pick a time, any time, and stick with it.

That’s my two cents, or maybe better put, two minutes, whether they be prior to or after sunrise— you can take your pick.

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

Opposing a budget that could strip millions of their healthcare

Last week, I voted against the Republican budget resolution that would gut Medicaid and jeopardize the health care coverage of more than 850,000 Illinois residents. This is not hypothetical—we’re talking about seniors who will no longer be able to afford their nursing home care and parents who will no longer be able to treat their sick children.

As Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), I also discussed how these brutal cuts would weaken our economic and national security by jeopardizing our ability to compete with the CCP on everything from investments in technological research to advanced manufacturing. I refuse to support legislation that will strip millions of our fellow Americans of their health care while weakening our economy and our national security

Calling for an oversight committee hearing on President Trump’s USPS proposals

On Feb. 25,, I called on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to conduct a

Deadline March 14 for letters to the editor pertaining to election

The deadline for letters to the editor pertaining to the April 1 elections must be sent to us by, or before, Friday, March 14 to be considered for publication.

Letters must be no longer than 400 words, and be sent by email only to this address: news1@rvpublishing.com

Letters that are submitted by a

candidate’s campaign will not be considered for publication. No more than 2 letters supporting a specific candidate will be published per week.

The Elmhurst Independent will not publish any letters related to the April 1 election in the last issue before the election, which is the March 27 issue.

hearing based on President Donald Trump’s recent statements and proposals regarding the United States Postal Service (USPS).

In December, the Washington Post reported that President Trump was considering privatizing the postal service and pushing out thousands of USPS employees. Then, we recently learned that President Trump was preparing a plan to potentially dissolve the leadership of the USPS and have the administration absorb the independent agency.

These reports of the President

dismantling the USPS and ending its independence are beyond troubling because the Postal Service is both an economic engine and a trusted pillar of American communities.

The USPS is the foundation of our $1.92 trillion mailing industry, led courageously by letter carriers who deliver 44 percent of the world’s mail while providing universal service across our nation—something no private entity does.

See BUDGET, Page 10

Letters to the editor

Three former Elmhurst City Council members: Scott Levin needs to continue his leadership as Elmhurst mayor

We served with Scott Levin on the Elmhurst City Council and prior to that, Bob also worked on the (then) Mayor’s Financial Task Force where Scott was co-Chair. We continue to support Scott’s efforts to maintain and enhance the City of Elmhurst, in a manner reflective of the community’s needs and priorities.

Being the mayor of Elmhurst is not a ceremonial post for Scott. His ongoing efforts move Elmhurst forward in all areas including our infrastructure, public safety, development, and financial health. Throughout his elected tenure, Scott has been a leader on critical and sometimes complicated issues, and we could always count on him to closely listen to, and collaborate with, all parties involved to reach reasonable solutions. His keen legal and governmental policy understanding as well as his broad experience with community groups like the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce have allowed him to facilitate local government that works for everyone.

Scott’s approachable nature and disarming humor make it a pleasure to work with him. He helped set a col-

laborative and respectful tone for our city government—among its elected officials, across local governing bodies and with City staff. His judgment is sound. We are glad to support Scott Levin in his re-election bid for mayor of Elmhurst.

Former Aldermen Dannee Polomsky, Bob Dunn and Chris Healy

Residents support Mike Baker to represent the Fourth Ward in the Elmhurst City Council

We think our Fourth Ward in Elmhurst is so fortunate to have a wonderful candidate, Mike Baker, running for our alderman on April 1! My wife Susie and I have been blessed to know him well for over 30 years, and got so excited when he informed us he was going to run. Mike served as president of our church, president of Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, and is currently on the board of the United Community Concerns Association. He has been an excellent leader at all three places! We are 100 percent positive he will be an outstanding alderman as he serves the Elmhurst residents in a great way.

Sincerely, Susie and Kent Sands Fourth Ward residents

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

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:

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am

“The Crucial Hours”

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

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

Midweek Lenten Services Wednesdays at 7 pm Saturday, March 22, Game Night at 4 pm

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

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

Everyone is Welcome! All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

Fourth Lenten Service

March 23, 2022

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18

Fifth Lenten Service

Sixth Lenten Service

March 30, 2022

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

April 6, 2022

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

Maundy

Ed Stevenson named 2024 Illinois PGA Executive of the Year

Award recognizes leadership in golf, environmental stewardship, and community impact

The Illinois Professional Golfers’ Association has named the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s director of golf, Ed Stevenson, as the 2024 Illinois PGA Executive of the Year, one of the association’s highest honors.

This prestigious annual award recognizes a PGA golf professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing multiple facilities, overseeing course operations, guiding allied golf associations, or holding an executive role within the industry. As one of the highest honors the Illinois PGA can bestow, recipients are distinguished by their outstanding qualities of leadership,

vision, courage, strong moral character, and a significant record of service to both the association and the game of golf.

Stevenson began his executive golf career in 2011 when he became director of golf for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s three golf properties: The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Maple Meadows, and Green Meadows. Facing aging infrastructure, chronic flooding, and financial challenges, he saw an opportunity to transform the courses into multifunctional assets aligned with the Forest Preserve District’s conservation mission. His visionary leadership redefined the sites as

“golf preserves,” emphasizing their ecological and recreational value to the community.

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In 2015, Stevenson led the ambitious transformation of The Preserve at Oak Meadows into an 18-hole public golf destination. The two-year project improved water quality in Salt Creek, restored habitats for wildlife, and increased the landscape’s capacity to hold an additional 20 million gallons of stormwater. These changes not only protected the course from damage but also addressed regional flooding issues. His leadership in the renovation earned multiple accolades from both golf and environmental organizations alike, including Golf Digest’s “Green Star,” Golf Inc.’s “Renovation of the Year,” and the “Force of Nature Award” from Chicago Wilderness. Stevenson’s leadership extends beyond environmental sustainability. His innovative strategies have also made the Forest Preserve District’s golf operations financially sustainable, paving the way for future projects, including the upcoming renovation of the Maple Meadows property anticipated during the 2025 and 2026 golf seasons.

Promoted to executive director of the Forest Preserve District of

• Budget

DuPage County in 2016, Stevenson simultaneously balanced the role of top executive along with his responsibilities as director of golf for five years. During his tenure, he guided the Forest Preserve District through challenges such as the pandemic while expanding golf’s reach by hosting prestigious events, including the Illinois Senior Open, Illinois Open qualifying rounds, and Drive, Chip & Putt competitions. Stevenson currently serves in dual

(Continued from page 8)

Without the work of USPS letter carriers, more than 51.5 million households and businesses in rural communities would have no guaranteed delivery. Those households would be forced to either pay more or go without delivery of critical items like medications, ballots, and bills. In short, the Postal Service is indispensable to American commerce and daily life for millions of Americans.

As the committee with jurisdiction over the USPS, it is the responsibility of the Oversight Committee to uncover the facts about these plans.

In response to my remarks, Chairman James Comer (R-KY) announced that a hearing will be held on these proposals.

I look forward to participating in those deliberations, and whether inside or outside of the hearing room, I will continue to defend the independence and standards of the postal service.

Calling on HHS Secretary Kennedy to provide an update on toxic heavy metals in baby food

Last week, I wrote to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding

roles as the Forest Preserve District’s executive advisor and director of golf. He remains actively involved with the Illinois PGA, serving on the Player Engagement and Finance committees and recently completed a two-year term as president of the Illinois Junior Golf Association.

“I’m honored to receive the Illinois PGA Executive of the Year Award,” Stevenson said. “Throughout my career, I’ve always believed golf courses can be powerful community assets—places where recreation, environmental stewardship, and personal history come together. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Maple Meadows, and Green Meadows, and I look forward to continuing this work that blends the beauty of nature with the spirit of the game.”

According to the Illinois PGA, “Individuals honored with the PGA Golf Executive of the Year Award are held as a model PGA Professional.”. Stevenson’s career continues to serve as a model for blending environmental stewardship, historical reverence, and community connection—qualities that help enhance the experience for more than 100,000 visitors to the Forest Preserve District’s golf preserves each year.

an update on the plan to combat toxic heavy metals in baby food.

In 2021, while serving as chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, I led an investigation that found common baby food products contained heavy metal levels up to 177 times higher than those allowed in drinking water. Although the FDA recently established new guidelines for lead levels in processed baby food as a result of my investigation and years of pressure from parents, it has not addressed other harmful metals like mercury and arsenic.

Moreover, even the FDA’s guidelines are not enforceable and do not apply to other common foods for young children, such as teething biscuits and cereals, even though these products have also been found to contain high levels of lead. Fundamentally, the FDA needs to establish and enforce clear standards to keep our children safe.

My discussion on strengthening Illinois’ health care workforce

I recently traveled to Peoria to speak with OSF HealthCare leadership, regional and

technical education leaders, and representatives from organized labor on how to better strengthen our state’s health care workforce.

I also had the opportunity to tour the OSF HealthCare and the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center and discuss how our federal dollars can be best leveraged to strengthen career and technical education (CTE) programs throughout the state.

With critical fields like health care facing a massive and dangerous shortage of qualified employees, expanding access to CTE programs is more important than ever. That’s why legislation like my bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which increased federal funding to CTE programs by $1.3 billion annually, is so important.

I am continuing to tour our state and speak with those on the ground to ensure these programs are properly funded and expanded.

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

Ed Stevenson

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

District 205 Board appoints Larry Joynt as Edison Elementary School’s next principal

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education announced last week the appointment of Larry Joynt as the new principal of Edison Elementary School, effective for the 2025-2026 school year.

Joynt will succeed Edison’s current principal, Jim Pluskota, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.

According to information provided by District 205, the district received 54 resumes from candidates for the position. The field was narrowed down to six semi-finalists, who were invited to attend an in-person interview with a panel that

included multiple building leaders across departments and schools.

After those in-person interviews, three candidates were then chosen. Each of those three candidates took part in an extensive interview at Edison Elementary School that included parents, board members, administrators and Edison staff.

“At the conclusion of the final interview, it was evident that there were three highly qualified candidates, each bringing their own unique strengths and qualifications,” noted last week’s release from the district announcing Joynt’s appointment.

“After thoughtful consideration and discussion, there was a clear con-

Community calendar

Recurring on Sundays

Elmhurst Model Railroad Club

Sunday open house. From 1-4 p.m. every Sunday at the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club, 111 E. First St., and visit the club’s three operating model railroad layouts. For more information, call 630-530-9584 or email: emrrc@comcast.net

Wednesday, March 12

Closet Change: The Enduring Politics of Fashion. Starting at 4 p.m. and presented by Elmhurst University, Sekile Nzinga is an interdisciplinary scholar, educator and practitioner who prioritizes mental health, healing and reproductive justice within black and other underserved

communities. Nzinga will give this year’s Genevieve Staudt Intercultural Lecture at Elmhurst University for Women’s History Month. Admission is free but reservations are encouraged, at elmhurst.edu/Cultural. For other questions, email marketing@ elmhurst.edu or call 630-617-5186

Friday, March 14

“Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage.” From 1-5 p.m. presented free by Elmhurst History Museum, from 1850 to 1950, the area of DuPage County was home to farming families and small towns. The Elmhurst History Museum’s Acre by Acre: Our Farming Heritage exhibit will explore how settlers transformed

sensus around Mr. Joynt as the right choice to lead Edison Elementary School. By the end of the interview process, he demonstrated that his skills best align with the needs of the Edison community. Additionally, through the robust interview process and conversations with his references, it became clear that his experiences, personality, and proven track record make him an excellent fit for the community.”

Joynt holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Governors State University. He currently serves as the as-

the land into a thriving farming community and delve into the rich history of farming in the western suburbs. Despite facing challenges, these pioneering families supported themselves through subsistence farming before transitioning to commercial farming, contributing to Illinois’ agricultural legacy. The farmers of DuPage experienced the impact of mechanized farming equipment, which revolutionized the agriculture industry in Elmhurst and throughout Illinois. For more information, visit: www.elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457.

Saturday, March 15

Adult Egg Hunt. Starting at 10

Eagle Scout project

Ben Melzer, a junior at York High School and an Eagle Scout candidate, recently presented his Eagle Scout project to the Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187. Melzer is a member of Troop 417 under Scout Leader Mr. Prine. Melzer’s project entailed a complete restoration of a plaster base that was recovered from the Italian American Veterans Museum. The base was going to be discarded. The restored item includes a new Plexiglas box on top of the stand. The project, which will serve as a donation box for the American Legion, features an upside down military helmet to collect cash/coin donations. Melzer (left) joined other Troop 417 members to present the completed project to THB Post 187 Commander Eric Pulia (center) and Post Judge Advocate (and Elmhurst Second Ward Alderman) Jacob Hill (right). Hill is a United States Army veteran.

sistant principal at Skokie School in Winnetka District 36. His 13 years of experience in elementary education also includes serving as Principal on Special Assignment at Crow Island Elementary School.

“We are thrilled to welcome Larry Joynt to Edison Elementary,” said District 205 Superintendent Keisha Campbell. “Throughout the interview process, Larry stood out as a clear fit for the Edison community, demonstrating a deep commitment to student-centered learning, innovative instructional practices, and building strong school connections. His passion and leadership make him an outstanding choice to support our

a.m. at Berens Park, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., and presented by the Elmhurst Park District, this event gives new meaning to BYOB (bring your own basket). Adults will hunt for eggs filled with goodies and have a chance to win amazing prizes. There will be $500 in cash prizes, courtesy of sponsor, Kelly Stetler Real Estate. Raffle winners will be called after the event, so be sure to stay until the end for raffle winner announcements. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Ages 18 and up. No children under 18 are allowed. Register at epd.org.

Sunday, March 16

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra presents “A Grand Tour.” Starting at 3 p.m. at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra presents an afternoon of musical masterpieces featuring music from around the world. This concert promises a captivating exploration of American, French, Spanish, and Italian music, conducted by Music Director Stephen Alltop. A pre-concert talk will begin at 1:45 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the featured pieces and composers before the performance. Ticket prices are $35-$45 for general admission, $32$42 for seniors and $12 for students. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit ElmhurstSymphony.org or call the Elmhurst Symphony office at 630-941-0202.

Wednesday, March 19

Teen job and volunteer fair. Sponsored by the City of Elmhurst Commission on Youth, the teen job and volunteer fair will be held from 3:05 to 6 p.m. at York High School. Learn about volunteer and paid work opportunities with local organizations. Free. Information on obtaining work permits for those under age 16 will be available.

Saturday, March 22

Spring scavenger hunt. Presented free by the Elmhurst City Centre and recurring daily, more than 100 adorable barnyard animals have arrived in Downtown Elmhurst, and they are eager to be found. Take a

students, staff, and families, and we are confident that he will continue the strong student growth that Edison has seen in recent years.”

District 205 will schedule a meetand-greet event this spring to introduce Joynt to the Edison community.

“I am honored to join the Edison Elementary community and excited to collaborate with students, staff, and families to build upon the school’s strong foundation and rich traditions,” said Joynt. “Together, we will continue to cultivate a dynamic learning environment where all students and staff feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to achieve their best.”

stroll through downtown businesses and search for at least 20 of them for a chance to win prizes. Player cards are available at all participating merchants or on the ECC website: https://elmhurstcitycentre.com/

Elmhurst History Museum Info: elmhursthistory.org.

Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

LEGAL NOTICE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF DU PAGE IN RE THE ESTATE OF MARK KAPUSCINSKI DECEASED

2024 PR 000973 CASE NUMBER PUBLICATION NOTICE AND/OR CLAIMS NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of MARK KAPUSCINSKI whose address was 276 E. IRVING PARK RD., WOOD DALE, IL 60191. Letters of Office were issued on FEBRUARY 19, 2025 to BRIAN LEE KAPUSCINSKI, 546 BABCOCK AVE., ELMHURST, IL 60126 as: INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR whose attorney is RICHARD L. INSKEEP.

NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES

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

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of CANDICE ADAMS, Circuit Court Clerk, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois, or with the representative or both on or before August 27, 2025 any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Circuit Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney, if any, within 10 days after it has been filed with the Circuit Court Clerk.

RICHARD L. INSKEEP

DuPage Attorney No.: 15110

Attorney For: BRIAN KAPUSCINSKI

100 South York, Suite 200 Elmhurst, IL 60126

630-530-5252

Email: inskeep.law@gmail.com

(Published in The Elmhurst

Sport S

IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team reaches sectional final for third time in four years

Grogan scores 17 points against Westmont and 13 against Phillips

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team wrapped up its 2024-2025 season after reaching the round of 16 teams in the state in Class 2A for an impressive third time in four years. The Knights dropped a 39-25 decision to Chicago Phillips in the Class 2A Lisle sectional championship game.

Maura Grogan led the Knights with 13 points and four rebounds. “Maura had a real nice game,” ICCP coach Todd Fisher said. Libby Phillips added six points and 11 rebounds. “Phillips averages 55 points or about that on the season,” Fisher added. “They are big and have some nice post players and very good 3-point shooters. If we hold them to 39 points and they didn’t make a 3, we are thinking we are in a good position. The only thing is we scored 25 points.”

Phillips shot 0-for-17 from the 3-point line, while ICCP shot 1-for16. “We shot 20 percent from the floor and Phillips shot 30 percent,” Fisher pointed out. “We uncharacteristically didn’t shoot well from the free-throw line. Defensively, we played great. We were very pleased holding them to 39 points, but 25 points for us means we missed a lot of shots. I don’t think we got to the line enough. A lot of games this year we are shooting 20-plus free throws. This game, we only shot 13. Phillips is a good team.” Phillips led 13-12 after one quarter and 26-18 at halftime. ICCP trailed 34-23 heading into the final quarter. “We had a hard time scoring,” Fisher said.

ICCP reached the sectional final after a 49-32 win over Westmont.

Grogan had 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Mary Kate Hilgart had 13 points and seven rebounds. Phillips had nine points and 15 rebounds. “Going into it, we knew who their two main players were and we wanted to shut them down,” Fisher said. “We did a pretty good job on them.”

ICCP led 14-3 after the first quarter and 23-10 at half. The Knights brought a 38-28 lead into the fourth quarter. “We were pleased with how we took on the responsibility of taking away their two better kids,” Fisher said. “Their leading scorer had 11 points and their second-leading scorer had seven points. I thought we did a pretty good job on those kids. After that, only a couple kids scored for them. It was a solid game for us and got us to a sectional final.”

The IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team completed its season with last week’s 39-25 loss to Chicago’s

in the championship game of the IHSA Class 2A Lisle Regional. Senior Maura Grogan (No.

a

for the Knights in their loss to Phillips High School at Lisle High School on Feb. 27. Freshman Libby Phillips (No. 25 - above right) added six points for the Knights. Junior Mary Kate Hilgart and senior Graziella Narcisi provided four and two points, respectively. One more photo (below) shows IC players celebrating from the sideline after Hilgart scored a basket during the third quarter.

The Knights lost to Chicago Noble/Butler in a 2022 sectional final, to Timothy Christian in the regional final in 2023 and to Phillips in a sectional final last season. “We told the seniors and the team what they have accomplished,” Fisher said. “This senior group had their third Sweet 16 in four years. It was a very good run for this group of seniors. Not too many teams out there can say they have been to the Sweet 16 in three of the last four years. It’s a difficult thing to do. I give all the credit to the kids.”

ICCP graduates seniors Grogan, Graziella Narcisi, Lizzie Cook and Peyton Schmidt. “We graduate kids who have played some significant minutes the last three or four years,” Fisher said. “We lose four seniors, but we bring back the bulk of the kids and we bring back JV kids who won 20 games this season.”

Hilgart averaged 13.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Phillips, pulled up from the JV team in January, averaged 7.1 points, a team-best 8.6 rebounds and one steal a game. Grogan averaged 8.1 points, 6.6 re-

bounds, led the team in assists at 3.1 per game and averaged 1.5 steals. Narcisi averaged 7.6 points, four rebounds and two steals per game.

The Knights finished the season at 18-15. “We started good at Thanksgiving and had a nice month of December,” Fisher said. “We got hurt with injuries in January and then these last three weeks of the season we have been playing some of our best basketball of the year. That is all you can ask for going into the postseason: playing your best ball. I thought we did that. Where do we go from here? We already have talked about the summer and what we would like to work on, and we move forward. We have a lot of three-sport athletes who will be doing their spring sports. Once they are done, we look forward to getting back in the gym in June and we’ll start to get ready for next season.”

The Knights ended the season with a streak of limiting its last four opponents to 39 points or less and eight of their last nine foes scored under 50 points.

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Wendell Phillips High School

21 - above left) scored

team-leading 13 points

York boys basketball loses heartbreaker in overtime in regional title game

IC Catholic Prep graduate

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Fitzgerald, Stepanich earn all-West Suburban Silver honors

fended well.”

Leslie headed to Le Moyne

Will play volleyball for Division II school

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Recent IC Catholic Prep gradu -

The losses don’t get much tougher than the one the York boys basketball endured recently. The Dukes dropped 47-44 decision in overtime to Wheaton-Warrenville South in the Class 4A Proviso West regional title game in Hillside. York was the No. 6 seed in the Class 4A St. Charles East sectional, while Wheaton-South was the No. 3 seed.

ate Bella Leslie wanted to head east for college.

Her landing spot ended up being at NCAA Division II Le Moyne College where the former Knights volleyball and soccer standout will continue her volleyball career at the Syracuse, New York school as a libero.

York coach Mike Dunn pointed out Wheaton-South didn’t take its first lead until nine seconds remained in the overtime session. “Talk about a tough loss,” Dunn said. York shot 4-for-15 from the foul line in the game, including a 1-for-8 stat line down the stretch. “Free throws cost us the game,” a to-the-point Dunn said. “If you go 4-for-15 from the free-throw line, you are going to lose.”

Brendan Carroll led the Dukes with 12 points, while Connor Fitz-

“All of the schools I was looking at were on the East Coast,” Leslie told the Independent last week. “I visited Le Moyne and really liked it. It reminded me of high school because it was a small school, and in a smaller school you will know a lot more faces than if I would have gone to a bigger school. The cam pus there is really pretty. It sits on a big hill and the scenery around it is great. Everything is pretty close together. They have very nice facil ities. The volleyball program has good workout facilities and a nice locker room. I liked how modern it was.”

Leslie plans on studying nursing at Le Moyne. “They have a good nursing program,” she said. “As far as what kind of a nurse I want to be, I’m not quite sure yet.”

Leslie played volleyball and girls soccer at IC Catholic Prep all four years. She was a center-midfielder on the Knights soccer team.

Leslie’s volleyball journey started in the fifth grade, the first year she could play the sport at IC Grade School. She’s been play ing club volleyball since seventh grade, most recently with the Chi cago Elite group that practices out of Scores in Willow Springs and Montini High School in Lombard.

I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

Leslie said she has plenty of memories from IC Catholic Prep’s coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program.

gerald added 11 and Hunter Stepanich had 10 points. York made 65 defensive plays in Dunn’s scoring system, led by Carroll with 15. “The kids played their hearts out,” Dunn said “We did everything we wanted to do in the game plan to win. It’s been kind of the story of our season. We had three or four games where we shot under 50 percent from the line, and it cost us. I’m proud of the kids. We were on the verge of winning that game.”

“I loved playing there,” she said. “I probably enjoyed school volleyball more than club because I love my team and the coaching staff was very supportive on and off the court. It made it a really good environment to be in. Coach (Kerrigan) was great. I have known her for a while. When I was little, I did all the little kids camps, and her daughter was in my brother’s grade at IC.”

York advanced to the regional final after a 60-53 win over No. 11 sectional seed Wheaton North in the Proviso West semifinals. Fitzgerald led the Dukes with 19 points, while Stepanich had 18 points. The Dukes made 100 defensive plays, led by Stepanich with 22. “We played a really good game,” Dunn said. “Wheaton North was tough; they had the same type of record as us. It was a typical first-round 4A playoff game. Our kids played really well. We de-

Leslie said she will miss plenty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will miss how close knit of a community it was,” she said. “I knew everybody at the school. It will be weird going on campus and not knowing all the faces. I’ll miss those close connections with the coaches and teachers. It will be weird for the

Leslie said pandemic life hasn’t been overly exciting, though her club volleyball team has started practicing again. “We have been practicing two or three times a week,” she said. “We are going to be starting tournaments again. Before that I haven’t been doing anything because senior soccer season and the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville. This summer, we have some tournaments planned over the next few weekends. They are little tournaments with all of the local clubs. Nothing large and really local. Other than that, I have been trying to work out a lot and stay in shape. I’ve been running a lot, so I got into

Unlike the Wheaton-South game, York was clutch from the foul line late with James DeCicco, Eddy Sica and Fitzgerald each sinking two throws down the stretch to make it a three-possession game, Dunn noted. “We hit some big free throws late in the game,” Dunn said. “Our freethrow shooting was good enough for us to win the game, but in the region-

al championship it cost us.”

York finished the season 14-18 overall. “A 14-18 record wasn’t because of the effort,” Dunn said. “We came into the year a little inexperienced coming off eight seniors graduating and we play in a tough league. We struggled to win games, but at the end of the day we had a chance to win a regional championship, but it didn’t work out. I am very proud of

them for what they did this season.” Fitzgerald was an all-West Suburban Conference Silver Division pick, while Stepanich was all-WSC Silver honorable mention. Stepanich, Costa Kampas and sixth man Ethan Iacob lead a list of returners next season. “We’ll be young,” Dunn said. “We graduate a bunch of guards, so we’ll have young guards. We’ll be challenged right away.”

York’s Glod 16th in the state in the butterfly Dukes boys swimmers win Downers Grove North sectional team title

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

“ I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college. It gives me something to do. I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my

– Bella Leslie

The York boys swimming team was well represented at the recent IHSA boys state swimming finals held at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont. On the relay side, York’s 200 medley relay team took 27th in the state with a time of 1:36.62 (its seed time was 1:36.23). That team included freshman Dymtro Rozdolskyy, senior Tim Jensen, sophomore Matthew Glod and senior Henry Nelson. York’s 200 relay team took 20th in the state with a time of 1:27.39 (1:26.94 seed time). That quartet included Nelson, Rozdolskyy, Glod and Jensen.

Glod finished 16th in the state in the butterfly with a time of 50.34. He swam a 50.16 and took 15th in the preliminaries (seeded 11th in the state at 49.83 heading into Westmont),

been cancelled due to the pandemic. “I will probably leave Aug. 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” she said. “We had Zoom call with the team recently and they said they should have an answer about our season in the next 7-10 days. They talked about three scenarios and what could happen like if we start the season and someone gets sick and we have to stop and go. That’s one of the reasons why they are looking at moving the season to the spring. Right now the plan is to have a season, but we won’t know until the next 7-10 days.”

Interactive portal to determine whether Illinoisans need a REAL ID

which earned him a spot in the “B Final,” which features the 9th through 16th place-finishers from the prelims. Jensen finished 17th in the breaststroke prelims with a time of 57.34 (19th in the state with a 57.68 seed) and missed advancing to the final day by one place. Jensen also was 17th in the 50 freestyle with a time of 21.20 (21.64 seed time), again missing the final-day advancement by one place. Sophomore diver Connor MacLoad finished 24th in the preliminaries with a score of 206.60 and did not advance to the semifinals. The top 20 divers in the prelims moved to the semifinal round.

al-winning time of 21.50 and under the 21.73 state-qualifying standard, MacLeod took second in the diving competition with a 424.05 score, while junior Trevor Rice was fourth at 403.15. Glod won the butterfly sectional title with a time of 49.83 and Jensen won the breaststroke in 57.68

“I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college,” she said. “It gives me something to do.

Leslie said she is scheduled to report to Le Moyne in the Aug. 1215 timeframe, but noted preseason volleyball activities already have

• (Continued from page 18)

They lost to West Chicago on think an own goal in the last five minutes. That was against the state champs in the sectional finals. That’s a hell of a season if you ask me.”

Stopka will teach Spanish at York. He taught Spanish and one math class at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am more of a players’ coach,” he said. “I have been a big Liverpool soccer supporter ever since 2015 when Jur gen Klopp came over and he’s known as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my coaching idol. I want to related to the players and form bonds with them. am more light-hearted and smil ing. I like to have fun and joke with the kids. The goal is understanding where each player can be successful and the provide the best way possible to convey the knowledge they need at the position they play. I am not big

huge rah-rah person. I’m a little bit more of an individual players’ coach. I will pull kids to the side at practice and games and teach them.”

The IC Catholic Prep and Timothy Christian boys basketball teams squared off in last week’s contest at the IHSA Class 2A Montini Catholic Regional in Lombard. The Knights of IC Catholic Prep defeated Timothy Christian 71-50 in a regional semifinal matchup on Feb. 26. Senior Andrew Hill (No. 32 - above) scored a team-leading 35 points for the Knights in their win over the Trojans. Timothy Christian junior Marc Gamble (No. 33 - left) led his team in scoring with 20 points. IC Catholic Prep lost 64-43 to Montini Catholic in Friday’s regional final.

Stopka noted York has been doing conditioning drills and said the plan as of earlier last week was to start summer camp pending District 205 approval. “I have probably been able to meet 60 to 70 percent of the players so far,” he said. “If it does get approved that would be the start of our contact days with four days a week for three weeks straight. And even though the IHSA waived the blackout dates before the school year, we won’t take advantage of that. I’m pretty sure families have plans to do things before school starts. I’m the new guy and I’m not going to say you can’t go with your family. Go do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and

Not all Illinoisans will need a REAL ID before May 7 enforcement begins

To accommodate the recent surge in demand, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias introduced a new designated “Get A REAL ID” portal on the homepage of its website—www. ilsos.gov--

But if all systems are a go, Leslie can’t wait to take her skills as a libero to the next level with the Dolphins. “I feel like being a libero you have to be really quick and that is typically what I am good at. I have really good reaction time,” she said. “I like diving on the floor and saving balls. It’s a really good feeling when you make a save. The position fits my personality, too. You have to be the loudest one on the court. I have a loud personality. You have to be pretty loud if you want to be a libero. I think I match that description.”

so Illinoisans can determine: 1) if they need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement period begins; and 2) how to find a walk-in location or schedule an appointment near them.

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

Earlier, the Dukes won the Downers Grove North sectional team title in thrilling fashion by a half point over Glenbard West. York won the title with 231 points, while Glenbard West was second at 230.50. York won the 200 medley relay sectional title with Rozdolskyy, Jensen, Glod and Nelson swimming 1:36.23. The Dukes also won the 200 relay sectional crown with Nelson, Rozdolskyy, Glod and Jensen swimming 1:26.94, ahead of Downers Grove South’s 1:27.01 finish.

Jensen qualified for state in the 50 free after taking second with a time of 21.64, just off the section-

Sophomore Thomas Buhrfiend was ninth at the sectional in the 200 with a time of 1:51.28, while sophomore Jake Lisowski was 10th at 1:52.90. Rozdolskyy was fourth in the IM with a time of 2:01.65, while sophomore Ethan Allen was eighth at 2:06.79. Freshman Evan Larson-Behal was sixth in the 50 with a time of 22.84. Sophomore Theodore Kamenica was third in the butterfly with a time of 53.57. Larson-Behal was 10th in the 100 with a time of 50.34. Lisowski was seventh in the 500 with a time of 5:02.85, while Buhrfiend was ninth at 5:06.85. Senior Noah Choi was ninth in the backstroke at 58.07, while senior Danny Grant was 10th at 59.31. Kamenica took fourth in the breaststroke with a time of 1:00.74. York was fourth in the 400 relay with a time of 3:16.58 with Buhrfiend, Nelson, Rozdolskyy and Glod competing in that race.

The office has also announced new Saturday hours at 12 DMV facilities exclusively for REAL ID services and expanded Saturday hours at six DMVs beginning March 1 through May 10.

The “REAL ID Saturday” facilities that will accommodate exclusively REAL ID requests will be open on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. include Chicago West (7301 W. Lexington Ave.) and the following suburban facilities: Addison, Aurora, Des Plaines, Elgin, Joliet, Lake Zurich, Melrose Park, Plano, St. Charles, Waukegan and Woodstock.

“To meet the demand for REAL IDs, we’ve established Saturday

As far as the future, Stopka wants York competing at a high level on a consistent basis. “The short-term goal is to restock and build up the team,” he said. “A large portion of last year’s team was seniors, especially the starting 11. We have to make sure the now juniors are up to the speed of the varsity level and are ready to contribute. We want to keep that pipeline going with the younger groups of players. We want to make sure we are not only competitive, but that we are competing for regionals, sectionals and supersectionals. It starts for me with this junior class that is coming in. We want them ready to go and setting the standard for these other classes that come in so they can also contribute right off

proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK MATTHEW GLOD YORK BOYS SWIMMING

200 medley and 200 freestyle relay teams at state.

FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Glod took 16th in the butterfly at the recent IHSA boys state swimming finals in Westmont. Glod finished with a time of 50.34 after a 50.16 effort earned him 15th in prelims and another swim on the final day. Glod, a sophomore, also swam on York’s

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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.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, reli gion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial sta

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York speech team excels at state tournament

York High School’s speech team finished in a tie for fourth place in the overall team results of the IHSA state speech tournament, which took place Feb. 21-22 in Peoria. York won the championship in one of the tournament’s events—the Performance In the Round (PIR) event. The York students who earned top-six finishes in other events at the tournament included: senior Nico Thoresen, who placed second in Special Occasion Speaking; junior Skylar Adams, who finished second in Impromptu Speaking; senior Alyssa Kachappilly, who placed third in Poetry Reading; juniors Eloise Hill and Luca Hohf, who finished fourth in Humorous Duet Acting; and senior Brooklyn Nuss, who placed fourth in Original Oratory.

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Audit finds Illinois’ noncitizen health care programs far outstripped original cost estimates

By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A pair of health care programs that benefit noncitizens—one of which is already on Gov. JB Pritzker’s budgetary chopping block—far outstripped its original estimated price tag and cost the state of Illinois $1.6 billion through last summer, according to a new audit of the programs published last week.

The report also found more than 6,000 people enrolled in the state-funded programs were classified as “undocumented” despite actually having Social Security numbers. Some of those people were green card holders who would have instead qualified for health coverage like Medicaid or traditional insurance.

The audit, which lawmakers requested in late 2023, comes one week after Pritzker delivered his annual budget proposal to the General Assembly. The governor’s plan would defund the newer of the two programs, which is aimed at noncitizens aged 44 to 64, while leaving in place the smaller program for noncitizen seniors aged 65 and older.

Asked about the audit at an unrelated Chicago news conference, Pritzker defended the Department of Healthcare and Family Services’

• REAL ID

work on redeterminations in the program over the last year, which has brought down total enrollment in addition to the administration’s freezes on enrollment in the programs in 2023.

“It’s some evidence, anyway, that there are an awful lot of people out there who need coverage, who aren’t getting it, or who will do anything to get it,” Pritzker said after reiterating his support for universal health care coverage. “And I think that’s a sad state of affairs in our society.”

Republicans, who’ve long criticized both the programs’ ballooning costs and what they’ve characterized as a lack of transparency, said the audit proves them right about Illinois’ first-in-the-nation programs.

“We’re the only state that puts this burden on Illinois tax on their own state taxpayers taking this on and to not run it properly and to have these large cost overruns, that’s how you end up with a budget deficit,” Senate Minority Leader John Curran, R-Downers Grove told reporters at the Capitol.

“That’s what’s crowding out spending on education. That’s what’s crowding out spending on other components of the state budget. That’s why we need an audit.”

(Continued from page 15)

hours at 12 Chicago-area DMVs specifically to serve Illinoisans who need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement period,” Giannoulias said. “But before visiting a DMV, I’m imploring everyone to make absolutely certain that you need a REAL ID. Most Illinoisans do not need one before May 7 and they can still get one after that date.”

In addition, six DMV appointment-only locations currently open on Saturdays will expand their operations for an additional five hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Chicago North (5401 N. Elston Ave.), Deerfield, Lombard, Naperville, Schaumburg and Springfield (Wabash Avenue). Appointments at these facilities must be made in advance.

The office increased the number of available daily appointments by nearly 2,500 at the 44 appointment-only DMVs in Chicago and the suburbs.

Prior to going to a DMV for a REAL ID, Giannoulias stressed that that Illinoisans should make sure they need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal deadline, adding the demand for REAL IDs has made it challenging for the public to access other services at DMVs:

Individuals who have a valid U.S. passport, global entry card or military identification and those under the age of 18 will not need a REAL ID to fly domestically on a commercial aircraft or visit certain federal facilities, such as a military base or federal courthouse as of May 7.

REAL IDs are not mandatory for driving a vehicle or required for valid identification or proof of citizenship.

er’s licenses and State IDs—will remain valid until the printed expiration date.

Meanwhile, TSA has not provided details on how it plans to enforce the REAL ID Act once the enforcement date arrives, suggesting it will implement a “phased enforcement approach” over a two-year period, which could allow travelers to board flights with warnings about the requirement.

Individuals applying for a REAL ID must do so in-person at an Illinois DMV and are required to present: A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form is also acceptable.

If you’ve changed your name, you’ll need to provide name change documents.

Proof of a full Social Security number (SSN). Examples include: a Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay stub with your full SSN.

Two current residency documents that list your full name. Examples include: a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title or a bank statement.

Proof of your signature. Examples include: a signed credit or debit card, canceled check, or current state driver’s license or state ID.

Illinois residents can go online to access an interactive checklist to make sure they have the documents they need before heading to a DMV.

Elmhurst Independent, 240 N. West Ave., Elmhurst, IL. 60126. Or call 630.834-8244

Illinoisans will still be able to apply for a REAL ID after May 7 and non-REAL ID identification—driv-

Some Illinois DMVs require an appointment, so residents are encouraged to plan ahead and visit www.ilsos.gov if they need to schedule one.

TEAM WITH A

AN EXPERIENCED TEAM WITH A PROVEN RECORD YOU CAN TRUST

TEAM WITH A PROVEN RECORD YOU CAN TRUST

SENIOR SERVICES - Our Senior Nutrition Department has prepared and served well over 370,000 meals in the last 10 years .

SENIOR SERVICES - Our Senior Nutrition Department has prepared and served well over 370,000 meals in the last 10 years .

BALANCED BUDGET - Over the last nineteen years, have maintained a balanced budget and continued to be one of the smallest portions of your property tax bill.

BALANCED BUDGET - Over the last nineteen years, have a balanced budget and continued to be one of the smallest portions of your property tax bill.

FIGHTING FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF - The entire York Team will fight for expanding Homeowner, Veterans and Senior property tax exemptions to help bring property tax relief to York Township residents.

FIGHTING FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF - The entire York Team will fight for expanding Homeowner, Veterans and Senior Citizen property tax exemptions to help bring property tax relief to York Township residents.

JOHN

RAE

RAE RUPP SRCH TRUSTEE

JEFF MUSSATTO TRUSTEE KEVIN O'REILLY TRUSTEE