Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst donates
$18,000 to the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry
In a generous act of community support, the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst has donated $18,000 to the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP) to help fund the food pantry’s vital Milk and Eggs Program. This donation will ensure that local families in need have access to these essential staples, which are often a challenge to afford for households struggling with food insecurity.
The donation comes at a crucial time, as many families continue to face economic challenges, and the pantry’s resources are stretched thin.
The Milk and Eggs Program, which the Kiwanis donation directly supports, provides fresh dairy and eggs to food pantry clients, helping to ensure that those in need have access to balanced, nutritious meals.
“We are proud to support the efforts of the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry in providing vital resources to our neighbors,” said Derek Schlager, president of the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst.
“This donation is part of our ongoing commitment to helping those in our community who are facing hardship, and we are thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in
See KIWANIS, Page 10
Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst Vice President Heather Bereckis, Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst President Derek Schlager, EYFP Executive Director Kathie Watts, EYFP Board of Directors President Walter Salek, EYFP Board of Directors Treasurer Lynn Czapla, EYFP Manager Vicky Blust and EYFP Board of Directors member Carol DiMonte Frank. For more about the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, go to: https//www.eyfb.org.
Elmhurst Park District to hold Master Plan Open House this Thursday
Park district seeks neighborhood input on Crestview Park
By Jane Charmelo
For thE Elmhurst
InDEPEnDEnt
Neighborhood parks are just that—about the neighbors who live near them, and the Elmhurst Park District (EPD) is looking for input from the residents who live near Crestview Park, 245 E. Crestview Ave.
Officials are holding an open house this Thursday, March 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Crestview Park Recreation Building so neighbors can stop by and share their thoughts about what amenities they would like to enjoy at a renovated park.
The property where the park is located, originally 7.47 acres, was bought in 1963, according to the park district, and was named after the former occupant, Crestview School.
The park district purchased more acres from the school dis-
trict in 1971 and 1980, through an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD), which is a state-financed grant program “that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space,” according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
In collaboration with the EPD, homeowners’ association and community clubs, the park district erected a community building, dedicated in 1970; an addition was built in 1975.
According to the park district, the first playground was built in 1989, and two tennis courts were converted to two roller hockey courts in the late 1990s.
The playground was renovated in 2005, and in 2020, the
park district added its first dedicated pickleball courts.
Amenities also include ball diamonds, basketball courts, drinking fountains, a picnic table, a sledding hill and a soccer field. The community building has hosted the Sunbeams & Rainbows preschool, along with numerous park district programs.
The EPD website indicates the park is now 11.14 acres.
“The playground is up for replacement,” said Keri Felkamp, director of marking and communications for the park district, who also noted the lifespan of a playground is about 20 years.
“We’re right at the 20-year mark,” she added.
Two main projects are being planned for the park, according to a park district release; one of which is a new year-round heated restroom, which will be
funded through a bond referendum that was approved by Elmhurst residents in 2024.
A second project involves building a new playground, slated to be redeveloped in 2026.
Felkamp said that while no numbers are in yet regarding the cost of construction for a new playground—since no bids have been requested—“We have money budgeted for it.”
The recreation building “will continue to serve as a program space until the construction of the new Wagner Community Center, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027,”
the release outlines.
“The park wanted to take a cohesive look at the entire park and develop a Master Plan,” the release also mentions, “which will review and evaluate all aspects of the park, helping to ensure future improvements align with community needs.”
And that, said Felkamp, is why the park district is holding an open house, because it is “a chance for the neighbors to weigh in.”
While all residents are welcome to the open house, she said she hopes to see the park’s neighbors in attendance, because they “have a sense of what they are looking for …
the park district is very driven by the neighbors.”
And, Felkamp continued, the neighbors who live near the park have “the most vested interest” in what amenities and features the new Crestview Park will have. She said the park district has sent communications to the neighboring residents announcing the open house.
Elmhurst is “a very engaged community,” she added. “We wanted to make sure they [neighbors] give us their feedback.”
For more information on Crestview Park and other projects, visit epd.org/projects.
Paid for by Friends of Bresnahan
EPD
Photo Elmhurst Independent
The Elmhurst Park District will be undertaking a number of projects at Crestview Park in the coming years, including a new playground. The park district is holding an open house tonight, March 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to get neighborhood input.
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Candidate profiles for Elmhurst alderman
Mayoral, District 205 candidate profiles to appear in March 27 issue
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Elmhurst Independent asked each candidate for alderman who will be on the April 1 ballot to complete a profile. The profiles are designed to give readers an overview on each candidate’s background, and provide insight with regard to how they would address certain issues pertaining to Elmhurst they believe are important, if elected. Elmhurst residents vote for one alderman within their ward.
Profiles of candidates who are running to serve as Mayor and on the District 205 Board of Education will appear in the March 27 issue.
The Elmhurst Independent will not be endorsing referenda or any candidates in any local or county-wide races, nor will it be publishing profiles of candidates running in uncontested races.
Jacob Hill Office sought: City of Elmhurst Alderman, Ward 2
Occupation: Tenured professor and research librarian at Elmhurst University, since 2003
Education: MBA, MLIS (Information Science)
Family: Wife Amy, sons Sam (14), Ben and Jack (11) Previous elected office held: City of Elmhurst Alderman, Ward 2
Website or social media address: https://tinyurl.com/ Hillward2
Campaign contact email: hillward2elmhurst@gmail.com
Why are you running to become an alderman for the City of Elmhurst, whether it’s for the first time or whether you are seeking reelection?
Aside from being my civic duty, serving as an elected official is well-suited to my background. I’m a research librarian and university professor. My job is to be open, to listen to evidence and reflect before I stake positions. And change my mind if my peers or constituents present me with better arguments. I think this spirit of inquiry is what my constituents value. In addition to my skill sets, I have a longstanding record of innovation on the City Council. I believe I have submitted more referrals (alderman-sponsored items for review) in the last 4 years than any other alderman. What do you believe are two or three major issues facing Elmhurst, and what would you do to resolve these issues, if elected as an alderman?
My issues are centered
around affordability.
1. Density in downtown Elmhurst. Are higher-density developments the only way to get needed tax revenue for operating costs and crucial infrastructure improvements?. Can we develop other commercial areas?
2. Consider potential revenue streams and/or sale of city assets. How can we innovate to offset future costs, to avoid pricing residents out?
3. Strategic planning and our community’s future. There has been a disconnect between planning and budgeting over the years. I think the city will be able to make better and more affordable decisions, if we plan accordingly and collaborate with other elected bodies.
Kevin Kirby Office sought: City of Elmhurst Alderman, Ward 2 Occupation: Sales
Executive Education: BS, Purdue University
Family: Wife, Katie, Son (7), Daughter (3) Previous elected offices held: None Website or social media address: www.kevinforelmhurst. com, www.facebook.com/kevinforelmhurst
Email address: kevinforelmhurst@gmail.com
Why are you running to become an alderman for the City of Elmhurst, whether it’s for the first time or whether you are seeking reelection?
Elmhurst is a place that is incredibly special to me and my family and I would be honored to serve my neighbors and the community. Whether you have lived in Elmhurst for two months or two decades, you deserve to have your voice heard. As alderman, I will work to enhance two-way communication between residents and the city, while ensuring every tax dollar is entrusted to responsible government. I’ll put my business experience to work in helping to bringing in new revenue sources to empower strategic growth that lowers the tax burden on residents.
What do you believe are two or three major issues facing Elmhurst, and what would you do to resolve the issues, if elected as an alderman?
Two major issues facing Elmhurst currently are rising costs and the need for infrastructure upgrades. The two combined have put us on a path of gradual increases in taxes and fees on residents. While we can’t control costs
entirely, we can strategically broaden our tax base to reduce the burden on residents.
I intend to use my 20-plus years of business experience to support the city in negotiating fair prices from vendors.
I also will actively work to support our businesses, to recruit new businesses to Elmhurst, and to help the city turn under-utilized assets in to revenue generating opportunities.
All of this in service of keeping taxes flat for residents, upgrading our infrastructure, and helping the city to save for future expenses.
The other major issue is taking care of our seniors.
Today, many seniors feel as though they are being pushed out, by no fault of their own, by rising taxes and fees that exceed their planned budgeting.
I will work to ensure that all seniors can afford to stay in their homes as long they would like and that if they chose to sell, they are rewarded for selling a home in the amazing community that they helped to build.
I will also oppose the concept of “Granny Flats” as a realistic solution. I find the idea of tucking our seniors into small dwellings in a side or back yard lacking in dignity.
Mike Baker Office
sought: City of Elmhurst Alderman, Ward 4
Occu-
pation: Sr. Account Manager
Education: Bradley University, Bachelor of Arts Degree
Family: Barbara, my wife; David, Brian and his wife, Claire; and my brother, Steven Previous elected offices held: None
Website or social media address: www.bakerforalderman. vote
Email address: Mike@ Bakerforalderman.vote
Why are you running to become an alderman for the City of Elmhurst, whether it’s for the first time or whether you are seeking reelection?
As a 37-year resident, I am running for alderman to ensure our residents voice is heard on City Council. Communication with residents on critical initiatives is essential. As a result of the increase in water bills last year, I decided to run for alderman. In addition, in every volunteer role I have served, there has been an element of raising funds or ensuring they are appropriately spent. This is crucial as an alderperson. I strive to honorably serve others. My
broad-based experiences provide me with the knowledge needed to serve our ward with dedication, leadership, and fiscal accountability.
What do you believe are two or three major issues facing Elmhurst, and what would you do to resolve these issues, if elected as an alderman?
The most important pressing issue in Elmhurst now and going forward is continuing to balance revenues with expenditures. Residents expect the city council to scrutinize spending ensuring city expenses are warranted and responsible. I have extensive experience in monitoring revenues and costs. Alderpersons need to be accountable to residents that provided city services are as cost effective as they can be. With growing utility rates, significant infrastructure demands and large building projects, there are existing pressures to maintain our strong financial position.
We need to be creative when looking for additional revenue opportunities to protect homeowners from additional taxes. I would encourage responsible economic development because attracting new business to Elmhurst helps alleviate some tax burden on residents.
My experience allows me to critically evaluate the merits of a potential project. Likewise, Elmhurst must clearly inform residents if actual revenues fall below projected expenses. This way, residents are aware if there are anticipated increases in fees or portions of their taxes.
Public safety is an important indicator of a community’s stability. In Elmhurst, we have maintained a nationally recognized low crime rate, excellent city services and emergency services, which are second to none. It is this unified effort which makes Elmhurst a destination for individuals and families. “Elmhurst Alerts” is a way the city communicates during emergencies and important events, while the WaterSmart app helps residents monitor their water usage. Make sure to sign-up to for these important apps to stay informed.
I will act as a resource within my ward for questions or discussion. Residents require transparency on issues, and I will provide information to help residents understand what issues may be pending or why decisions were made. Respectful dialogue is essential for developing strong relationships and informed decisions.
Robert ‘Bobby’
Fontana
Office sought: City of Elmhurst Alderman, Ward 4
Occupation: Systems Engi-
neer
Education:
MS in Interdisciplinary Engineering with a Specialization in Global Management and Leadership (Purdue University) BS in Electrical Engineering (Purdue University)
Family: Wife (Megan) and 2 kids (grades 3 and K, both at Field Elementary)
Previous elected offices held: None
Website or social media address: ward4bobby.com
Email address: ward4bobby@gmail.com
Why are you running to become an alderman for the City of Elmhurst, whether it’s for the first time or whether you are seeking reelection?
My family and I have lived in Elmhurst for eight years and appreciate the many great aspects of our town—from safety to a thriving downtown to a welcoming community. I am running as a first-time candidate for alderman as a way to contribute to the community that has given us so much joy and fulfillment. My career as a systems engineer, where I serve in both technical and organizational leadership positions, gives me a useful perspective when making difficult decisions about priorities and tradeoffs in seeking incremental improvement for our city.
What do you believe are two or three major issues facing Elmhurst, and what would you do to resolve these issues, if elected as an alderman?
I believe our town is generally in a good place. My priorities for continued focus on incremental improvement include: Fiscal and individual responsibility.
Keeping the city’s property taxes low. Efficiently executing necessary infrastructure projects while laying them out over time to fit within our budget with minimal impact to homeowners.
Pursuing policies emphasizing trust in our residents and ensuring that my positions reflect the needs and desires of my neighbors in the Fourth Ward.
Example: Ensuring the city’s water treatment and related infrastructure is completed fully and responsibly while minimizing any future water rate increases through the life of the project (at which point the rates decrease)
A welcoming and thriving community.
Phase Three Brewing Company to donate to the Elmhurst Branch of the AAUW in March Brewery is donating ‘rounded up’ proceeds during Women’s History Month
Phase Three Brewing Company, located at 494 Spring Road in Elmhurst, is collaborating with the Elmhurst Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) throughout March in commemoration of Women’s History Month. The brewery is donating “rounded up” proceeds from its sales to the AAUW as the charity of the month. The AAUW’s mission is to advance gender equity through research,
• Profiles
(Continued from page 4)
Keeping public safety as top priority. Ensuring the downtown area remains a desirable place for businesses, residents of Elmhurst, and visitors from neighboring towns.
Highlighting the importance of events, programs, and spaces where residents can mingle with their neighbors to keep the community bond strong.
Example: Supporting a longterm solution that maintains the open space in the fourth ward as an area for community interaction.
Reasonable and ethical decision-making.
Recognizing that everything is about trade-offs and priorities. There is a difference between supporting an idea in principle and prioritizing what can be achieved within a given budget and time frame.
Dedicating myself to understanding all aspects of issues before committing to a position and working with others to build consensus.
As a father of young children, realizing the value of planning for the long-term.
Example: Effectively communicating so my constituents are informed of upcoming policies/projects/programs under consideration by the city government and aware of my positions so that support and concerns can be expressed prior to decisions being made
These are my priority areas. You can share your priorities by taking a 30-second survey at ward4bobby.com.
Adam Park Office
sought: City of Elmhurst Alderman, Ward 5
Occupation: Healthcare Finance
Executive
Education: BA, Political Science, University of Chicago; MBA, Business Administration, Georgia State University; MHA, Health Administration, Georgia State University
Family: Married to Tina for 30 years. Father of Sophia, Josie, Aaron, and CC—all current and/or former students of York, Bryan, and Lincoln. Father-in-law of Jack. Grandfather of Miles.
Previous elected offices
held: None
Website or social media
education, and advocacy. This aligns with the theme of history month, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”
The AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch is a not-for-
profit 501(c)3 organization. Funds from donations and the Branch’s annual used Book Sale are used to support the local scholarships, national AAUW research and programs for women and girls.
Inaugural Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot to support Elmhurst nonprofits fighting hunger
The Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot, a 5-kilometer run benefiting four local Elmhurst organizations, will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
This new event builds on the success of the longstanding Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot, with a mission to support hunger relief and basic human needs year-round.
address: ‘Adam Park for 5th Ward’ on Facebook
Email address: adamfor5thward@gmail.com
Why are you running to become an alderman for the city of Elmhurst, whether it is for the first time or whether you are seeking reelection?
I want to give back to the community that we all love—helping Elmhurst create strategies and policies that are based on sound financial analysis and prioritize longterm stability. My wife, Tina, is stepping down after serving the 5th Ward of Elmhurst as alderwoman for 8 years. I’ve seen firsthand the dedication it takes to represent our community effectively. I will serve the residents of the 5th Ward by being a committed listener to concerns and strong advocate in city affairs. What do you believe are two or three major issues facing Elmhurst, and what would you do to resolve these issues, if elected alderman?
As your alderman, my priorities would be: managing the city expenses to keep property taxes as low as possible, ensuring Elmhurst remains a safe and welcoming place to raise a family, and efficiently investing in projects that enhance property values.
Expenses: Despite the city’s share being only 7 percent of our overall property taxes, any increase by the city has consequences. Nobody likes a higher tax bill. When we have real issues that need to be addressed, I would rather lend even more support to our business districts so we can generate additional revenue through sales tax. This would minimize the financial burden on the residents of the 5th Ward, especially those on a fixed income.
Safety: Smartasset.com recently ranked Elmhurst the 8th safest suburb in the country. Our police department keeps us safe from crime. Our traffic mitigation and sidewalks keep our families safe as we walk to school or ride a bike. Our water infrastructure keeps us safe from disease and flooding. Safety is the most important service Elmhurst can provide for its residents.
Property values: For most of us, our home is our largest
investment. My family moved to Elmhurst over 20 years ago, in part because Chicago Magazine called it one of the best places to live. Elmhurst is blessed with a multitude of assets: stable local businesses, lovely parks and green spaces, and excellent schools. Strategic investment in our community will enrich the worth of every home in Elmhurst. High taxes and/or crumbling infrastructure would have the opposite effect.
I’d love to hear from you. Please email me at adamfor5thward@gmail.com and follow my campaign on Facebook (search ‘Adam Park for 5th Ward’) to learn more about my ideas and share your thoughts.
Dan Virgil
Office sought: City of Elmhurst Alderman, Ward 5
Occupa-
tion: I retired three years ago. I was a Senior Technical Project Manager for a large consulting company where I worked for over 31 years.
Education: B.S. Computer Science from Purdue University
Family: Nicole is my wife of 28 years. We have two children ages 22 and 18.
Previous elected offices held: none
Website or social media address: https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=61566506572961
Email address: danvirgilward5@gmail.com
Why are you running to become an alderman for the City of Elmhurst, whether it’s for the first time or whether you are seeking reelection?
If you’ve been around Elmhurst for a while, you may remember my family from the hoop drama a few years ago. During that six-year effort to change the city’s code, I learned a lot about how the city works and what it takes to successfully make change. I also gained a strong sense of civic responsibility and a passion for urban planning. Since then, I have been regularly attending city council and committee meetings to be familiar with the issues.
I wish to serve the residents of Ward 5 to make Elmhurst more fiscally resilient, safer, and more livable.
What do you believe are two or three major issues facing Elmhurst, and what would you do to resolve these issues, if elected as an alderperson?
The most pressing issue is the cost of living. Elmhurst is a desirable place to be, but it’s also expensive. Taxes/fees and housing affordability have become burdensome to many residents. The city’s tax and fee collections have been increasing faster than inflation for decades. In the past 30 years, the city’s revenues have doubled in real terms (after taking out the impact of inflation) although the city’s population has only risen by about 10 percent.
I would like to see the city look for opportunities for savings and spending cuts. I have a few ideas for these. More importantly, I would support efforts to grow the tax base to better leverage the infrastructure investments the city has already made to provide savings to existing residents.
A couple of key focus areas are continuing to invest in our downtown and encouraging a different development pattern in our low-density commercial and industrial zones. Downtown is a powerhouse of financial productivity. It provides housing and jobs as well as a significant tax base for the city. In fact, many properties in the downtown area have ten times the taxable (assessed) value per acre compared to the median Elmhurst property. This does not even consider the various sales taxes the city collects from downtown businesses. The residents in these buildings also help support the downtown businesses.
We should look for opportunities to expand the core business district such as N. York between North Avenue and Lake. Some properties in many of the other low density commercial and industrial zones cost more for the city to provide services and infrastructure than they provide in revenues. We should look at other options to shift over time to mixed-used, walkable areas. This would make better use of this land and the city’s existing infrastructure to save residents money.
All proceeds from the Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot will stay in Elmhurst, benefiting the following Elmhurst nonprofit organizations:
• Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network
• United Community Concerns Association (UCCA)
• Immaculate Conception Food Pantry
• Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry
The inaugural Twilight Trot provides an opportunity to address hunger and basic needs halfway through the year, in advance of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot’s traditional Thanksgiving efforts. The annual Turkey Trot has been serving the hungry in the area for more than 40 years.
“It’s time to step up our efforts,” said Gibbons. “The Twilight Trot will help our neighbors in need with a check in June, halfway to our normal December distribution of funds from our Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. We have a great community that rallies around a great cause.”
The Twilight Trot will be held on the previous Turkey Trot course—a scenic 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) route through Elmhurst, including the Illinois Prairie Path, finishing at the fountain in Wild Meadows Trace Park.
“UCCA is so excited to be part of the Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot and grateful to receive proceeds from this amazing event,” said UCCA President Shari Haug. “With the community’s support, we can continue to help provide food to local families who need it most.”
Registration for the Dan Gibbons Twilight Trot is open online. The cost is $35 per participant. The event is expected to bring together community members for a fun and meaningful evening to support those in need.
For information on sponsoring the event, or to register, visit dangibbonstwilighttrot.org.
To contact the Dan Gibbons Foundation, email info@ dangibbonsfoundation.org, or call 630-415-2816.
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.
Criminal trespassing, criminal damage
March 10-March 11
A victim in the 500 block of W. St. Charles reported an unknown suspect(s) broke the passenger-side window on her parked Kia Soul to gain entry sometime between the above dates. The unknown suspect(s) then damaged the steering column. Nothing was missing from the vehicle.
March 8-March 9
A victim in the 3500 block of N. Maple reported an unknown suspect(s) entered her vehicle, which was parked in her detached garage, sometime between the above dates. Nothing appeared to be missing from the vehicle or the garage.
March 6-March 8
A complainant at a business in the 500 block of S. Spring related that an unknown suspect(s) broke a security camera that had been mounted on the building.
March 8
A complainant in the 100 block of Fellows reported parking her car, and upon her return to the vehicle, finding that three of its tires had been slashed.
Domestic battery, disorderly conduct, domestic issue
March 6
A complainant in the 400 block of N. Van Auken reported her neighbor had been throwing garbage into her yard. Officers attempted to make contact with the neighbor, but were unsuccessful.
March 4
A complainant at a hotel in the 900 block of S. Riverside told police that she and the suspect violated her order of protection and met at the above location. During the evening, they were involved in a verbal altercation, and the suspect allegedly battered the complainant.
DUI, consumption of alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of alcohol
March 9
Alfredo Carrillo-Fuentes, 42, of Lombard, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving the wrong way on a divided highway in the 500 block of W. Grand at 7:50 p.m.
Amit K. Khankari, 35, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI subsequent to a traffic stop near Berkley and Vallette at 3:36 a.m.
March 8
Police said that subsequent to a report of a crowd of people standing in the street in the 100 block of East Van Buren at 3:49 p.m., three suspects were found to be possession of open alcohol on a public way. Roland Dearborn, 22, of Sleepy Hollow; Anna T. Kleszynski, 21, of St. John, Indiana; and Frank Ruggieri, 21, of
Addison, were issued citations for possession of alcohol on a public way. Joseph Schied, 19, of Tucson, Arizona, was issued a citation for possession of alcohol by a minor. Ryan Burton, 19, of Palatine, was issued citations for possession of alcohol on a public way and possession of alcohol by a minor.
Isabel Gomez, 45, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI, driving with expired license plates, obstructing a police officer, unlawful possession of a weapon and disobeying a stop sign subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Hale at 9:53 p.m.
Daniel Luna Sanchez, 29, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, no valid license, improper window tinting, no seat belt, possession of open alcohol, suspended registration and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Clinton and North at 2:53 a.m.
Fleeing, eluding
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of fleeing and eluding during which a driver fled the scene after being stopped for a traffic stop by police.
Harassment, threats
March 10
A victim in the 600 block of N. Oaklawn told police she received numerous text messages from the suspect after telling her she wanted no further contact. The reporting officer attempted to contact the suspect, with no results.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported four incidents of identity theft or fraud.
Possession of cannabis in a vehicle
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Cameron C. Collier, 25, of Flossmoor, near York and Fullerton at 4:28 p.m. March 11; and Juan A. Villa, 30, of Chicago, near North and Shady at 10:15 p.m. March 12.
Suspicious incident
Feb. 1
A victim in the 400 block of N. Walnut told police a suspect has mailed several credit cards to his address. The suspect came to the victim’s address to retrieve mail and provided the victim with her phone number. The U.S. Postal Service sent the victim notifications of incoming mail and a change of address form addressed to the suspect.
Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery
March 12
A victim in the 200 block of S. Route 83 told police a suspect sold her fake Apple products while posing as an Amazon delivery driver.
March 10-March 12
A victim in the 100 block of E. Brush Hill told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole various items out of her wallet.
Feb. 22-March 12
A victim at a business in the 800 block of N. Industrial told police that scaffolding equipment was stolen from an outdoor gated storage area sometime between the above dates.
March 10
A victim in the 200 block of W. First report-
ed returning home and discovering that an unknown suspect(s) forced entry into his locked apartment and removed several items.
March 8
Samantha M. Diaz, 20, of Glendale Heights, was issued citations for use of a false ID at a pub in the 100 block of N. Addison at 10:18 p.m. Police said Diaz presented a fictitious driver’s license in an attempt to gain entry to the business.
March 6
A complainant at a business in the 100 block of N. York reported finding two of the business’ exterior chairs missing. The complainant did not see anyone taking the chairs and was unsure when the chairs were taken.
Warrant arrest
March 7
Police said that subsequent to a vehicle lockout in the 500 block of N. County Farm Road in Wheaton, Suad S. Hnahein, 30, of Elmhurst, was found to have a failure to appear warrant out of DuPage County.
Court grants state’s motion to detain pre-trial two Elgin teens charged with shooting at another vehicle/ leading police on a 115 mph high-speed chase
Christopher Martinez Mendoza
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden had granted the state’s motion to detain pre-trial two Elgin teenagers accused of leading police on a high-speed chase after shooting at another vehicle.
Christopher Martinez Mendoza, 19, appeared in court on March 10, and was charged with one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm – direction of an occupied vehicle (a Class 1 felony) and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon – no FOID (a Class 4 felony).
Martinez Mendoza’s co-defendant, Iban Pelayo, 19, also appeared in court on March 10, and was charged with one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm – direction of an occupied vehicle (a Class 1 felony) and one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding (a Class 4 Felony).
In the early morning hours of March 9, the victims were driving on the off-ramp exiting I-290 onto Lake Street in Addison when a gray Hyundai Sonata allegedly approached them from behind, crossed onto the shoulder before merging back onto the off-ramp, causing the front driver’s side of the Sonata to strike the front passenger side of the victims’ car. The Sonata, allegedly driven by Pelayo, continued to drive away following the collision.
Following the collision, the victims followed the Sonata. It
Iban Pelayo
is alleged that while following the Sonata, the Sonata struck a mailbox near Stone Avenue and Ellsworth Avenue, but did not stop. It is further alleged that after striking the mailbox, the Sonata slowed but did not stop. It is alleged that as the victims continued to follow the Sonata near Lake Street and Villa Avenue, Martinez Mendoza leaned out of the front passenger-side window and fired a handgun toward the victims’ car. The victims stopped following the Sonata at this time and immediately contacted police.
At approximately 1:06 a.m., an Elmhurst police officer on routine patrol received information that the suspected Sonata was detected in Elmhurst. The officer located the vehicle near the I-290 eastbound onramp from Lake Street and activated his emergency lights and siren. It is alleged that instead of stopping, Pelayo rapidly accelerated away from the officer, ultimately reaching speeds of about 115 mph on I-290. The Sonata subsequently crashed on the exit ramp to St. Charles Road off I-290, with the vehicle becoming airborne and rolling before landing on its tires. It is alleged that Pelayo attempted to drive away before being stopped by authorities. Pelayo was taken into custody at this time.
It is alleged that Martinez Mendoza exited the car and fled. He was apprehended approximately 10 minutes later. When searching the Sonata, authorities recovered two live 9mm rounds. Authorities also
found a Polymer 80, or ghost gun, as well as 9mm magazine loaded with 10 rounds, in a culvert where Martinez Mendoza allegedly threw the gun as he fled.
“The alleged actions of both of these defendants are outrageous and will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin said. “Crashing into and then shooting at another vehicle before leading police on a highspeed chase, as alleged in this case, may be something you see in the movies, but in DuPage County, this type of behavior will quickly land you behind bars. Thankfully, no innocent motorists were injured or killed as a result of the defendants’ alleged actions. I commend the Elmhurst Police Department for not only their work on this case, but also for their ongoing efforts in keeping our roadways safe. I thank the Addison Police Department for their assistance on this case as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Pingaj, Sandi Tanoue and Kevin Kosman for their work in preparing strong charges against the defendants.”
“Criminals have no safe haven in Elmhurst,” McLean said. “I am very proud of the proactive response of our patrol officers leading to the apprehension of these fleeing suspects and the alleged shooter during this dangerous incident. The teamwork demonstrated by all police agencies involved and DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office demonstrates DuPage County law enforcement stands as a united front against those seeking to engage in violent crime.” Martinez Mendoza’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 7. Pelayo’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 24.
Court grants state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Hanover Park
man accused of pepper-spraying a DuPage County Sheriff’s Deputy
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Hanover Park man accused of pepper spraying a DuPage County Sheriff’s Deputy.
Leobejildo Torres, 58, appeared in court on Friday,
March 14, and was charged with one count of aggravated battery to a police officer –great bodily harm (a Class 1 felony), one count of aggravated battery to a police officer (a Class 2 felony), one count of aggravated assault on a police officer (a Class 4 felony) and one misdemeanor count of attempted aggravated assault on a police officer.
On Thursday, March 13, at approximately 11:22 a.m., deputies with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence under construction on Cloverdale Road in unincorporated Roselle for a call of an individual taking materials from the construction site.
Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that Torres was at the prop-
erty, taking items without the owner’s permission. It is further alleged that the owner of the property confronted Torres and called the police, at which time Torres fled the property with the items. A short time later, deputies located Torres at a nearby gas station. It is alleged that Torres fled on foot from officers at the gas station. It is further alleged that
during the foot pursuit, as one of the deputies tried to grab him, Torres pulled out a canister of pepper spray and discharged it about the face of the deputy, causing him to fall to the ground. The deputy sustained major injuries, including a ruptured patellar tendon of both knees and dislocated kneecaps. It is alleged that Torres continued to flee on foot
and unsuccessfully discharged pepper spray at two additional deputies before being apprehended.
Torres was found to be in possession of two canisters of pepper spray when deputies took him into custody.
Torres’ next court appearance is scheduled for April 7, in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.
Suburban businessman indicted on immigration fraud charges
A Downers Grove businessman has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly providing false and fraudulent information to U.S. authorities to obtain immigration benefits for his foreign national clients.
Jose Gregorio Sosa Cardona operated Delta Global Solutions, Inc., which assisted individuals in applying for asylum, immigrant visas, lawful permanent residence cards, and other immigration benefits. From 2020 to 2024, Sosa Cardona conspired with two employees of his firm and others to knowingly provide false and fraudulent information to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on behalf of his foreign national clients who were seeking benefits, according to an indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment accuses
Sosa Cardona of, among other things, fabricating foreign law enforcement reports and foreign political party membership letters to falsely corroborate his clients’ asylum claims.
Sosa Cardona also falsely represented to U.S. immigration officials that he was an attorney licensed to practice law in Ohio, when, in fact, he was not an attorney and not authorized to represent ap-
plicants in immigration proceedings before the USCIS, the indictment states. Sosa Cardona, 40, is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and commit immigration fraud, four counts of falsifying applications for immigration benefits, and two counts of making a false statement to the USCIS. Sosa Cardona was arrested on March 10 He was arraigned in federal court in Chicago and pleaded not guilty to the charges. A detention hearing was held March 12.
The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-inCharge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago; Ram-
sey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office; and Ruth Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistance was provided by the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Snell.
Court grants state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Chicago man accused of attempting to disarm a police officer after a high-speed chase
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced on Saturday, March 15, that Judge Anthony Coco granted the state’s motion to detain a Chicago man accused of attempting to grab a police officer’s gun after leading police on a high-speed chase.
Devante Gunn, 32, appeared in court on March 15, and was charged with one count of attempting to disarm a peace officer (a Class 3 felony), one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon – no FOID (a Class 4 felony), one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a peace officer (a Class 4 Felony) and four counts of misdemeanor resisting a police officer.
On Friday, March 14, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Naperville police officers observed a dark colored sedan with suspended registration plates turning onto North Aurora Road near Route 59. The officers activated their emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, one officer spoke with the driver, while a second officer placed spike strips under a rear tire. It is alleged that while speaking to the driver, later identified as Gunn, Gunn put the car into drive and fled the scene, causing a tire to pop.
The officers pursued the defendant as he turned northbound on to Fairway Drive, where they were joined by a fully marked squad car. Gunn allegedly reached
Elmhurst Police Department will take part in this Saturday’s Polar Plunge in Oak Brook Proceeds support the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois
The Elmhurst Police Department is participating in the Polar Plunge as part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, helping support athletes locally and across the state. The Polar Plunge will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club.
The Elmhurst Police Department team will take the plunge in the pond outside of the club—all for a great cause.
If you’d like to support Special Olympics athletes, you can make a donation using the following link: https://support.soill.org/team/634431.
speeds of approximately 68 mph in a 30-mph zone while fleeing from police.
It is further alleged that Gunn entered the parking lot of an apartment complex, where he exited the car and fled on foot. It is alleged that
when officers attempted to take Gunn into custody following a brief foot pursuit, Gunn resisted, and officers had to deploy multiple Taser strikes to take him into custody.
It is alleged that when officers took Gunn into custody, they found a loaded Springfield Armory XD 9mm handgun, with a round in the chamber, in his waistband. It is further alleged that as officers took Gunn into custody, he reached toward and grabbed at an officer’s holstered firearm, but the officer was successful in preventing Gunn was from retrieving the weapon. Gunn’s next court date is scheduled for March 31, in front of Judge Joseph Bugos.
Viewpoint
Slices of life
A berry by any other name … lots of names
What’s in a name?
Well apparently a lot. Or, apparently nothing. When it comes to berries, it depends on which berry to which you refer.
Recently I unexpectedly dove down a rabbit hole—a berry, berry big rabbit hole.
I was researching topics for another column and somehow berries crept into my periphery. A cavernous hole opened up and like a seed ready to be planted, down I went.
And during my descent, my berry reality, as I knew it, changed in an instant.
Here’s a simple request for you: Name a berry.
I played this game myself. My first choice was the very obvious strawberry.
Strawberries are berries. It’s in their name, isn’t that right? Well no, and yes.
Strawberries are called berries, but apparently they are only masquerading as such. They are actually aggregate fruits— which in simple terms means a lot of little fruits grouped together to form one large entity.
A fruit—yes, but a berry— no.
A strawberry, by definition, is not a berry.
Wipe me up from the floor right now.
It makes one wonder: what else in this world isn’t what it seems?
But I digress from the much more important topic of berries.
As with too many things in this life, it all comes down to reproductive organs. In this case, the organs in question are ovaries.
Berries, by definition, come from one ovary on the plant; aggregate fruits come from multiple ovaries on a single flower. Strawberry plants contain an overly ambitious
JOHN DAWSON HILL, 89
John Dawson Hill, 89, passed away in Aurora on March 13, 2025. He was born December 7, 1935, in Chicago to the late Alfred and Coleta Hill. Raised in Elmhurst, he remained in the Chicagoland area his entire life.
He proudly served his country in the National Guard, stationed
By Jill Pertler Columnist
number of ovaries, making them decidedly aggregate. Now you know
Don’t worry if you’re not a botanist. I don’t think many of us are.
Along with strawberries, other berry imposters include raspberries and blackberries. I like to think of them as clusterfruits. I’m not sure anyone will get that joke, but I know my late husband would, so I have to include it.
It’s not known how all these non-berries ever became berries (in name only) but at this point I wouldn’t feel comfortable calling them something more botanically correct like strawfruit, raspfruit or blackfruit. Despite the wrongevity in terms, they’ll always be berries to me.
To further confuse the already confused (like me) despite the straw, blue and rasp imposters, other fruits with berries in their names are actual berries. Blueberries and cranberries fall into this category. They are what they claim to be, and I appreciate that.
I haven’t even touched on the weirdest of the weird in this berry fiasco. Buckle up because here we go.
Blueberries fit nicely in your curled palm. They are an anomaly. Some berries you can’t even hold in one hand. Take melons, for example – water, musk and honeydew. All berries! And exceedingly difficult to lose after purchase
in Chicago. After that time of duty, he enjoyed his career as co-owner of Century Pipe Organ. He excelled as an organ builder, with knowledge of organ technology, repair and maintenance. His understanding of acoustics, complex mechanisms, and craftmanship in this field was remarkable, and some of these distinctive instruments can be used in churches indefinitely. He dearly loved his cats and
at the grocery store.
Let’s take this fruity circus one step further. Pumpkins. Squash. Cucumbers.
Berries.
Bell peppers. Poblano papers. Jalapeños—berries.
Tomatoes--berries. Bananas—also berries.
Oranges, grapes, pineapple and kiwi – all berries.
It almost makes you wonder which fruits (and even some fruits also known as vegetables) aren’t berries. Well, besides strawberries.
And it almost makes you wonder if it matters whether strawberries call themselves berries, but don’t qualify, by definition.
I’m sure it matters on some level—in botany terms or something like that.
But in the bigger picture, it doesn’t really matter what we call something, or label someone, or name it.
All my life, I’ve loved strawberries. And in that time, I’ve believed and thought them to be berries. Now I know the truth.
Strawberries (damned liars) are not berries. But you know what? They aren’t made of straw, either. In that they are double liars, which in essence is a double negative, which in essence makes a positive.
So maybe they are strawberries after all.
Or maybe not. Or maybe it doesn’t matter what we call them.
They are still sweet. They are still good. And I still like to eat them.
I think I’ll leave it at that.
Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
had an avid interest in trains. He is survived by his brother, Alan (Phyllis) Hill, and three generations of nieces and nephews. He was a loyal friend to many, and his passing will leave a void in the hearts and lives of all of those who knew and loved him.
Plans are being made for a future memorial service. For information, (630) 8343515.
Letters to the editor
Resident supports Kevin Kirby for Ward 2 alderman
I am writing to express my support for Kevin Kirby in his campaign for alderman of Ward 2 in Elmhurst.
I moved to Elmhurst 5 years ago with my family and we’ve been fortunate enough to meet and become friends with the Kirby family.
Kevin’s decision to run for office comes from a sincere commitment to serve his neighbors and address the concerns that many of us share. We’ve had many discussions about his candidacy over the last year.
He consistently emphasizes his excitement about the opportunity to work with residents of all backgrounds. His focus on improving communication between the community and local officials is essential in creating a local government that is both transparent and responsive. This commitment to dialogue and community engagement is exactly what Elmhurst needs to thrive moving forward.
Moreover, Kevin has demonstrated a practical understanding of our city’s fiscal challenges. He recognizes the heavy burden that current proposals for funding city improvements could impose on homeowners. With a strong background in business, Kevin is equipped to seek innovative funding solutions. By
exploring alternative revenue sources, he aims to secure the necessary resources for Elmhurst’s progress without placing undue financial strain on residents. This pragmatic approach not only addresses immediate fiscal concerns but also promises a sustainable financial future for the city.
I’ve personally seen Kevin out in the community over the last few months, meeting with neighbors, listening to their concerns, and preparing to take real action to address them. He will be the kind of alderman who consistently shows up, engages, and works tirelessly for the people of this community.
Beyond his policy ideas, Kevin is running a campaign focused on unity and collaboration. At a time when political divisions have left so many of us feeling disheartened, he is committed to bringing people together. His leadership is about solutions, not partisanship, and he is dedicated to making Elmhurst the best city it can be. His willingness to engage personally, knocking on doors and inviting feedback from every resident, exemplifies the genuine, people-first leadership that Elmhurst deserves.
In this important time for our city, I urge my fellow residents to consider Kevin’s vision for a more connected, fiscally responsible, and united Elmhurst. I am confident that, with Kevin as an alder-
man, we will see positive and enduring change that benefits every resident.
Nathan Jones Elmhurst
Scott Levin ‘the best candidate for Elmhurst’
We have a mayoral election coming up, and Scott Levin is the best candidate for Elmhurst. He’s fair, smart and cares about our town. After two years working with him as an alderman, I’ve come to know him and appreciate his personal leadership.
As a freshman member of City Council, I’ve had a million questions. He’s always given me answers and advice. Any idea I put to him comes back clearer and more succinct. When he disagrees with me, I know it; but he listens and considers my perspective. He has that same duty to our neighbors. I’ve seen detailed thoughtful communications to concerned citizens about problem traffic intersections, building codes and everything in between.
On an executive level, the mayor sets the tone for the city. He’s our standard-bearer. Last winter when other municipalities were racing to enact emergency laws in the face of buses of undocumented migrants coming from out
Worship Services Directory
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.
Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm
“The Crucial Hours”
Second Lenten Service
Midweek Lenten Services Wednesdays at 7 pm Saturday, March 22, Game Night at 4 pm
March 9, 2022
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Everyone is Welcome!
Third Lenten Service
All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
March 16, 2022
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
Fourth Lenten Service
March 23, 2022
779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834 -6700 www.visitationparish.org
779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834 -6700 www.visitationparish.org
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
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
Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Adoration: Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7
Adoration: Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7
Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18
Welcome to ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC COMMUNITY Diocese of Joliet
Fifth Lenten Service
SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE
March 30, 2022
SATURDAY: 5:00 PM (VIGIL MASS) 7:00 PM (ESPAÑOL)
Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12
SUNDAY: 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM
WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE
Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022
MONDAY - FRIDAY & FIRST SATURDAY: 8:30 AM FRIDAYS OF LENT: RECONCILIATION 5:30 PM
Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66
STATIONS OF THE CROSS 6:00 PM SIMPLE SUPPER 6:30 PM VIA CRUCIS 7:00 PM SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION ( ENGLISH & ESPAÑOL)
SATURDAY: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT Parish Office: 1025 E. Madison Street - (630) 627-4526 - www.stpiuslombard.org
Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14
Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15
Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17
Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17
Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17
Join us at the corner of Spring and Vallette 314 W. Vallette Street Elmhurst, IL 630-832-8457 www.epiphanyelmhurst.org
All are Welcome! Worship with us Saturdays 5:30 pm Sundays 9:30 am Sunday services are live streamed on
U.S. Holocaust Museum
historian to speak at EU April 6
Elmhurst University will observe its 35th year of Holocaust education on April 6 with the lecture “Understanding Rescue During the Holocaust” by Rebecca Carter-Chand, director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Programs on Ethics, Religion and the Holocaust.
Carter-Chand notes that accounts of rescue during the Holocaust have long fascinated survivors, historians and the public. For decades after the Holocaust, rescue was understood primarily as a psychological phenomenon that could be attributed to one’s ethical predisposition or empathetic personality, or as a result of one’s piety or theological commitments.
In recent years, a new approach has been gaining attention—one that focuses less on motivations and more on circumstances. This talk will trace the evolution of the study of rescue and highlight
new research on the rescue of Jews by Christians, as well as Jewish strategies of survival. The 35th Annual Holocaust Service of Remembrance and Lecture will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, in the Founders Lounge of the Frick Center Chapel (190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, elmhurst. edu/campusmap). Admission is free but reservations are encouraged, at elmhurst. edu/Cultural. The intercultural lectures and other diverse cultural programming at Elmhurst University support community engagement and lifelong learning, and prepare students to thrive as adaptive leaders.
For more information, email marketing@elmhurst. edu.
• Kiwanis
(Continued from front page)
the lives of local children and families.”
“On behalf of the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club for their generous donation. Their support plays a vital role in helping us provide essential services to our community, and together, we are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most,” shared EYPF Executive Director Kathie Watts.
The Kiwanis Club, known for its longstanding tradition of community service, has been a pillar of support for Elmhurst and surrounding areas for many years. Kiwanis clubs across the globe are dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities through service projects and charitable donations. With a mission focused on building a better world, Kiwanis members focus on serving the children of the world, promoting healthy communities, and addressing pressing needs like hunger, homelessness, and education.
“Our mission has always been to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families,” said Heather Bereckis, Vice President of
• Letters
“ By supporting the Milk and Eggs Program, we’re helping to ensure that families have access to healthy food, which is a crucial step in creating stronger, more resilient communities.”
– Heather Bereckis
the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst.
“By supporting the Milk and Eggs Program, we’re helping to ensure that families have access to healthy food, which is a crucial step in creating stronger, more resilient communities.”
The EYFP has been a cornerstone in addressing hunger in the local area, providing food and resources to individuals and families facing financial challenges. As demand continues to grow, the pantry relies on donations from organizations like Kiwanis to
(Continued from page 8)
of state, our mayor kept his head. He understood the parameters of the situation, to keep both our residents and the migrants safe, and delegated his plan to Elmhurst police and Public Works. Any buses that did arrive Uptown weren’t treated as a danger but rather a logistical task of keeping the passengers warm and transferring them via the Metra to Illinois state processing facilities in Chicago.
Even below the executive level, Scott does the work. One small example: the city liquor license structure was disorganized. It got that way over the years. Each new business earned its own license classification. There were licenses for bars, clubs, restaurants with and without service bars, restaurants with and without seating, breweries on and off premise and even pottery classes. It was a mess for both permitting and new business owners. Scott streamlined the whole process and made sure it remained revenue neutral. This is a small thing. Maybe not the capstone to a career, but it’s an example of somebody who did the work even when it’s not glamorous. He left something much cleaner than he found it. That is a public servant, not a politician.
I want to raise my boys in a town that’s had smart decisions made on its behalf. I trust Scott to make those deci-
sustain their programs and services.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst for this generous donation,” said Walter Salek, President of the Board of Directors for the EYFP. “Their support helps us continue to provide fresh, nutritious food to those who need it most, and it makes a significant difference in the lives of the families we serve.”
This donation is just one example of the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the local community. The club also participates in a variety of other service projects, from youth scholarships to supporting local schools and healthcare initiatives.
As the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst continues to live out its mission of service and community engagement, the donation to the EYFP serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action can have on the lives of individuals and families in need.
For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst and its upcoming projects, visit its website at elmhurstkiwanisclub.org or on social media via Facebook and Instagram (@ Elmhurst.Kiwanis).
sions. If you have a chance to have him in your corner, consider yourself lucky. Elmhurst is well served by Scott Levin. Guido Nardini, Elmhurst
Longtime resident supports another term for Mayor Scott Levin
I am supporting Scott Levin for mayor. I am a 57-year resident of Elmhurst’s Second Ward, and proud citizen of Elmhurst. During the fiscal crisis of 2008, I was selected to serve on the Citizens Task Force to help find solutions to Elmhurst’s financial issues. That is when I got to know Scott. He was such a valuable resource for our task force. Always delivering information that we request ed. He kept us focused and on the right track. A quality of a strong leader.
I was also impressed by his financial and legal knowledge. I also could sense the healthy cooperation amongst the other units of government such as the Park District, school districts, and Elmhurst University.
Not many cities can make that statement. Scott deserves a part of that success. And he is a great individual who also happens to have a deep sense of humor. Please consider voting for Scott. Another term as Mayor would be
great for Elmhurst. Don Jacobsen Elmhurst
Scott Levin a ‘gifted public servant’
I am writing to you encourage Elmhurst voters to vote for Scott Levin for Mayor of Elmhurst on Tuesday April 1.
I have known and observed Scott personally, professionally and politically for over 30 years. He is a gifted public servant, a tremendous attorney and an even better person. He is fair, open minded/ forethinking, empathetic and decisive.
I had the privilege to serve on the Elmhurst City Council from 2001-2009 as Alderman for the First Ward. I have a solid understanding of the issues facing the City of Elmhurst and have first-hand knowledge of the leadership skills required to successfully address those issues and move the City in a positive direction.
I strongly believe that Scott’s extensive experience serving on the Elmhurst City Council and as Mayor coupled with his personal and professional attributes make Scott best suited to lead the City of Elmhurst.
Please vote to re-elect Scott for Mayor on April 1. Mike Regan Elmhurst
Rebecca Carter-Chand
Elmhurst Independent
Stolper State Farm Insurance will receive the A.J. “Toche” Terrones
Business of the Year Award for 2024 at the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual awards gala, which will be held this Friday, March 21. The gala will be held in the Oak Room at Endeavor Health’s Elmhurst Hospital. Stolper State Farm has been operating out of the same Elmhurst location—447 N. York Street—since 1940. A.O.
“Al” Stolper founded the business nearly 100 years ago. His great grandson, Brian Stolper (pictured), is now the president of Stolper State Farm Insurance.
Stolper State Farm named ECCI Business of the Year for 2024
Stolper State Farm Insurance will receive the A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year Award for 2024 at the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 106th annual awards gala, which will be held in the Oak Room at Endeavor Health’s Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Road) from 5 to 9 p.m. this Friday, March 21.
An active chamber member since 1967, Stolper is multi-generational family business, dating back to 1930 and operating out of the same 447 N. York Street location since 1940.
The agency is focused on auto insurance, home insurance, renters insurance, business insurance health insurance, life insurance, and financial services.
The award presentation will be made Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) President and CEO Jennifer Veremis, along with Eric Weech, Vice President of Operations for Alan Energy Services, the 2023 Business of the Year honoree.
A.O. “Al” Stolper began selling insurance as a licensed agent when State Farm was only eight years in business,
culminating in his recognition as the largest State Farm agent in the country at the age of 54. Despite battling tuberculosis, he still worked until his 1953 death at age 65.
H.H. “Hub” Stolper joined the family business in 1946, became sole proprietor following his father’s death and died in 1987. A former ECCI Board of Directors member, he served as an Elmhurst Lions Club President, with a 27-year perfect attendance record.
Don and Bob Stolper joined the agency in 1967 and 1974, respectively, and became licensed in 1971 and 1975.
Bob served the Lions for 47 years, including as president, and is a former Elmhurst Jaycee. The brothers grew the business in a rapidly-changing insurance industry.
Bob retired in 2018 after 43 years, while Don remains active to this day.
Brian Stolper, Al’s great grandson, came on board in 2004 and has been recognized as a Top-50 agent. He is a member of the City of Elmhurst’s Economic Development Commission and a former Lions Club President.
The annual award, which features a traveling trophy and permanent plaque, is named in memory of A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who served as chamber president for nearly a decade until his death in July of 1999.
Business of the Year honorees include Alan Energy Services (2023), Elmhurst University (2022), Edward-Elmhurst Health (2020), Elmhurst Auto Group (2019), the Elmhurst Independent (2018), Brewpoint Coffee (2017), Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria (2016), Café Amano (2015), West Suburban Office Products (2014), Community Bank of Elmhurst (2013 and 1999), York Furrier (2012), Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare (2011), OEC Business Interiors (2010), Harris Bank Elmhurst (2009), Diplomat West Banquet Halls (2008), Suburban Bank & Trust Co. (2007), Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge (2006), York Theatre (2005), Synergistic Networks, Inc. (2004), The Silverado Grill (2003), Great American Exteriors (2002), Cardinal Cartridge, Inc. (2001) and Unique Travel Service, Ltd. (2000).
The traveling trophy of an
11-inch-high glass sculpture featuring colors from ECCI’s Elm Leaf logo atop a 4.5-inchhigh glass base will be displayed by Stolper State Farm Insurance until the Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala in 2026, while an award plaque with a nameplate listing Stolper State Farm is on permanent display at the chamber office.
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined
together to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community.
The Elmhurst Chamber’s mission is to promote an environment that creates success for local businesses and our community.
The chamber also serves the needs of its members through services, programs and events that provide opportunities for networking and referral, business education, development and promotion, governmental representation and community involvement.
Elmhurst Public Library programs
Friday, March 21 2-4 p.m.
Friday Features:
“White Bird”
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/ Friday. No registration required.
Saturday, March 22 10 a.m.-noon
Canasta: Open Play
Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Sunday, March 23 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Music to Light the Darkness: Pre-Concert Lecture
Join Elmhurst Choral Union’s conductor, Scott Uddenberg, for a behindthe-scenes look at the music, composers, and performers of ECU’s upcoming concert, “Music to Light the Darkness: A Candlelight Experience,” which features music from Gabriel Faure, Elaine Hagenberg, and Ola Gjeilo. Live in-person. No registration required.
Elmhurst Public Library programs
Monday, March 24
7-8 p.m.
First Pets:
American Presidents and Their Furry Family Members
Revisit some of the First Pets over the last 70s years with heartwarming and sometimes surprising stories.
Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.
Tuesday, March 25
1:30-3 p.m. Great Decisions
Learn about critical issues facing America with Professor Gary Midkiff. We will discuss Chapter 2: U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy in the Great Decisions book.
Live in-person. Registration required.
Tuesday, March 25
7-8 p.m. Service is a Four-Legged Job
The differences and similarities between assistance and therapy dogs are often misunderstood.
Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required.
York Township receives dividend
The Township Officials of Illinois Risk Management Association (TOIRMA) has voted to pay a dividend to all eligible members, which includes York Township. To be eligible, members must have been in the TOIRMA Program for the previous five consecutive years. This is the 34th consecutive year a dividend has been paid to eligible members and this year York Township’s dividend check amounted to $16,136. TOIRMA is a self-funded intergovernmental pool established to provide coverage exclusively for Illinois townships that are members of the Township Officials of Illinois. Township Supervisor John Valle said, “We are proud to be a member of the TOIRMA family, sharing the common goal of maintaining fiscal responsibility for York Township.” Pictured (left to right) are Supervisor Beth Eyrich, York Township; Valle; and Loss Control Rep. Tyler Knight.
SKILLS SCHOOL
• Fridays or Saturdays
• 8 week session
• Grades PreK-4
• Practice 1x a week
• Sundays 3 vs 3
• Grades K-4
PUZZLE Page
SUDOKU
Fun by the Numbers
Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
CLUES ACROSS
1. Take heed
5. One’s superior
9. Prepped meat
11. Tighten anew
13. Type of textile fiber
15. Animalistic
16. When you hope to get somewhere
17. Offender
19. Former NYC mayor Ed
21. Type of cryptocurrency
22. Mauna __, Hawaiian volcano
23. Herring-like fish
25. Popular PBS program
26. Congressman (abbr.)
27. Flightless Australian birds
29. Defrosted
31. Prior Yankee sensation
Kevin
33. Nasal mucus
34. Some are southern
36. A place to construct
38. Popular beer brand
39. Shouts of farewell
41. Network of nerves
43. Make a mistake
44. Showed old movie
46. Body parts
48. A divisor
52. Congressional investigatory body
53. Papers
54. Most unnatural
56. Judge the worth of something
57. Makes sounds while sleeping
58. Which
59. Hungarian Violinist
CLUES DOWN
1. Pages
2. Head pain
3. A loud utterance
4. Large brown seaweed 5. Hulu’s chef Carmine
6. Greek mountain
7. Made final 8. Bar
9. Tai subgroup
10. What you eat 11. Teaches again
12. Small constellation
14. Type of berry
15. Cows fattened for meat
18. A way to hoof it
20. Exaggerated a role
24. About two
26. Long upholstered seat
28. What employees earn
30. Fiber from a coconut husk
32. Digits
34. Polish by rubbing
35. Liquid body substances
37. Furniture with open shelves
38. Edible part of a chicken
40. Satisfy
42. Tool used to remove
43. Icelandic poems
45. Swiss village
47. Drunks
49. Evergreen plant genus
50. Light precipitation
51. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid
55. An informal debt instrument
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
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 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/
Monday, March 24
First Pets: American presidents and their furry family members. Presented free by the Elmhurst Public Library from 7-8 p.m., most U.S. presidents have had companion animals live with them at the White House. These pets have served to both unite—and sometimes divide—the nation. Pets have even played a role in international diplomacy. Revisit some of the First Pets over the last 70 years with heartwarming and sometimes surprising stories. Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required. For more information, call 630279-8696 or visit: https:// elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal. com/calendar
Thursday, March 27
The Women who Measured the Stars. Presented free by the Elmhurst Public Library from 7-8 p.m., In the late 19th and 20th centuries, women astronomers of the Harvard College Observatory calculated the distances, temperatures, and composition of the stars. However, their legacy and place in history was largely eclipsed by their male counterparts. Learn about the scientific contributions made by astronomers Henrietta Swan Leavitt, Annie Jump Cannon, and Cecilia Payne. Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required. For more information, call 630-279-8696 or visit: https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/calendar
Friday, April 4
“Babe” film screening. Starting at 2 p.m. and presented by the Elmhurst Public Library, enjoy a free viewing of the 1995 classic, “Babe,” a heartwarming and fun sto-
ECCI Civic Hall of Fame welcomes Ken Bartels—‘The Voice of Elmhurst’
ry about finding your place in the world. Free. All ages. No registration required. For more information, call 630279-8696 or visit: https:// elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal. com/calendar
Sunday, April 6
Understanding rescue during the Holocaust. Presented at 7 p.m. by Elmhurst University at the Frick Center Founders Lounge, for decades after the Holocaust, rescue was understood primarily as a psychological phenomenon that could be attributed to one’s ethical predisposition or empathetic personality, or as a result of one’s piety or theological commitments. In recent years, a new approach focuses less on motivations and more on circumstances. This talk by Rebecca Carter-Chand, director of the Programs on Ethics, Religion and the Holocaust at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, will trace the evolution of the study of rescue and highlight new research on the rescue of Jews by Christians, as well as Jewish strategies of survival. Free.
Thursday, April 10
Poetry workshop: What sustains us. From 5:30 to 8 p.m. presented by the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., in celebration of National Poetry Month and inspired by the spring exhibition, we invite community members to join us for an evening of enjoying and creating poetry that explores the intersection of who we are and the food that sustains us. Participants will listen to poems exploring relationships between food, culture, and identity. Next, Elmhurst University professor Dr. Ann Frank Wake will guide participants as they write their poems about a food that is meaningful to them. No writing experience is required. Price is $25 for nonmembers, $15 for members. For more information, visit: https://elmhurstartmuseum.org/events or call 630-834-0202
Elmhurst History Museum Info: elmhursthistory.org.
Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
We want to print your news!
Is your church hosting a special event? Community Calendar listings are free! Send details to independent@ rvpublishing.com
Long-time Elmhurst resident Ken Bartels will be honored as the 2024 inductee into the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) Civic Hall of Fame at the Chamber’s 106th annual awards gala in the Oak Room at Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital (155 E. Brush Hill Road) this Friday, March 21, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Bartels has served as a senior vice president and director at Community Bank of Elmhurst since 2009 and is the owner/principal of Ken Bartels Consulting—both active chamber members—since 1992 and 2010, respectively.
As an economic development consultant for the City of Elmhurst, Bartels played an instrumental role in raising the funds to construct the First Responders Memorial and Plaza adjacent to Elmhurst Fire Station No. 2. He serves with the current Economic Development Commission and was a member of the now-defunct Economic Development Corporation.
Known as “The Voice of Elmhurst,” Bartels has served as the announcer for the Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade, Elmhurst’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot and more Elmhurst TV local-access cable television programs, and is the current host of the “Elmhurst: Our Community” interview series sponsored by Community Bank of Elmhurst.
Bartels served as then-Elmhurst College as vice president for college advancement (1981-2007), and then as vice president for college relations (2007-09),
Bartels has more years of ECCI Board of Directors service than any director in chamber history representing Elmhurst College, Community Bank of Elmhurst and now Ken Bartels Consulting, and he served as board chair for ECCI’s 100th anniversary in 2018. He oversees the Civic HOF Committee, starting while an Elmfest Steering Committee member.
His philanthropy includes the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the Elmhurst Symphony Association, Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network, Epiphany Lutheran Church, Rotary Club of Elmhurst, The Conservation Foundation DuPage and VNA DuPage, and he served on the former Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Board of Governors. He founded both the West Suburban Philanthropic Network and Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. His honors include the Elmhurst Jaycees Distinguished Service Award (2007), Bluejay Backer Hall of Fame (2016) and Community Service Award, three-time ECCI Chairman’s Award (2019, 2009 and
1997) and ECCI Good Works Award (2017).
The ECCI Civic Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to recognize women and men who make major contributions to the Elmhurst community. Up through 2008, inductions were conducted during the opening ceremonies of Elmfest. The 2009 inductee was honored at the chamber’s spring luncheon in April 2010.
The late Joe Newton, legendary boys’ cross-country coach at York Community High School, was the inaugural ECCI Civic Hall of Fame inductee in 1992.
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community.
The Elmhurst Chamber’s mission is to promote an environment that creates success for local businesses and the community.
The chamber also serves the
will be honored as the 2024 inductee into the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) Civic Hall of Fame at the chamber’s annual awards gala, which will take place this Friday in the Oak Room at Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital. Bartels, who is known as “The Voice of Elmhurst,” has served as the announcer of numerous community events, including the city’s Memorial Day and St. Patrick’s Day parades, as well as the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot. Bartels has served as a senior vice president and director at Community Bank of Elmhurst since 2009. He is also an economic development consultant for the City of Elmhurst. He served then-Elmhurst College as vice president for college advancement (from 1981 to 2007), and as vice president for college relations (from 2007 to 2009).
needs of its members through services, programs and events that provide opportunities for networking and referral, busi-
ness education, development and promotion, governmental representation and community involvement.
10 tax breaks for parents
Raising kids is expensive!
In fact, SmartAsset’s 2024 study found the median annual cost of raising a child in the United States is $22,850 when accounting for just their child care, housing, food, medical care, and transportation—but any parent knows there are far more costs than those, and costs vary dramatically by state.
Here in Illinois, parents can expect to spend $23,821 annually on a single child, according to the study. With tax day fast approaching, busy parents that haven’t filed a tax return yet still have time to collect a tax break.
The Illinois CPA Society suggests parents speak with their CPAs—certified public accountants—to get help identifying and maximizing the many tax credits and deductions available to them, like these:
• Child tax credit: This credit may be worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child or dependent who has a valid U.S. Social Security number, per annual income limitations.
• Child and dependent care credit: Did you pay someone to care for your child or another qualifying person so you (and your spouse if filing jointly) could work or look for work? If so, you may be able to claim a credit of up to $3,000 (or $6,000 for two or more qualifying individuals) for your child and dependent care expenses. Dependent care expenses like daycare and day camp (not including overnight camps) for dependents under the age of 13, or dependents of any age who are incapable of self-care and
who live with you for more than half of the year, may qualify for this federal credit.
• Adoption tax credit: If you adopted a child through eligible international, domestic, private, or public foster care adoptions, you could claim a credit for up to $16,810 in qualified expenses in 2024. Further, if you received adoption benefits from your employer, you could also exclude up to $16,810 of those benefits from your income. The credit is nonrefundable, so you can’t get back more than you owe in taxes.
• American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): This credit is for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student for the first four years of higher education. Per annual income limitations, the maximum annual credit is $2,500 per eligible student, and if the credit brings the amount of tax owed to zero, 40 percent of any remaining credit amount (up to $1,000) is refundable.
• Student loan interest deduction: Did you incur interest on loans for qualifying higher education? If eligible based on annual income, you may be able to deduct the lesser of $2,500 or the amount of interest actually paid during the year.
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): This credit allows qualifying low- and moderate-income workers and families to reduce taxes owed, potentially increasing a tax refund. The credit is based on various factors, such as adjusted gross income, filing status, dependents, and more, but could be worth $632 to $7,830 if eligible.
7. Illinois EITC: If you qual-
ify for the federal EITC, you’re automatically eligible for the credit on your Illinois tax return, which is calculated at 20 percent of your federal credit.
8. Illinois child tax credit: If you qualify for the Illinois EITC and have at least one qualifying child under age 12, you also qualify for the Illinois Child Tax Credit. The credit is calculated at 20 percent of your Illinois EITC amount.
• Illinois K-12 education expense credit: If you paid more than $250 in expenses (think tuition, books, and lab fees), you may be eligible for a 25 percent credit of your student’s qualifying education expenses, worth up to $750.
• Illinois 529 College Savings Plan Deduction: Illinois allows parents to lower their taxable income by making tax-deductible contributions (up to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for joint filers) to state-sponsored 529 plans.
Additionally, investments grow tax-free while in the plan. While the costs of raising children will likely continue to rise, there are many tax credits and deductions available to help alleviate some of the financial burden.
A CPA can help prepare and file your tax return to ensure all eligible credits and deductions are maximized. The Illinois CPA Society’s free “Find a CPA” directory can help you find the trusted, strategic advisor that’s right for you and your family based on location, types of services needed, and languages spoken. Find your CPA at www.icpas.org/findacpa.
submitted photo Elmhurst Independent Ken Bartels (second from left)
Sport S
York baseball team loaded with returning talent
2024 state semifinalist Dukes usher in new era under coach Pitlock
By Mike Miazga Correspondent
While York may have a new baseball coach, one thing that hasn’t changed is the squad’s recent talent makeup. The Dukes return multiple key contributors from a 2024 team that won 31 games and finished fourth in Class 4A for a second year in a row, the fourth state finals trip in program history.
New coach River Pitlock, who took over for longtime skipper Dave Kalal, returns six position players and eight of the team’s top 11 hitters. Six York players will take the next step and play in college next season.
“We have added depth to
our defense at each position,” said Pitlock, who played under Kalal at York and is in his fourth season as a coach in the program. “We have many promising young arms to complement that defense.” Top returners for the Dukes include seniors Josh Fleming (infield), Owen Chael (catcher), Drew Gami (outfield), Jack Bodach (pitcher) and Austin Grzywa (outfield).
The NCAA Division II Grand Valley State University-bound Fleming, who has all-state and West Suburban Conference Silver Division co-player of the year honors on his resume, hit .342 in 2024 with a 1.028 OPS (on-
Senior-laden Timothy Christian baseball team looks to take next step
By Mike Miazga Correspondent
The Timothy Christian baseball team will have experience on its side this season.
Five Trojan players have collegiate playing plans in Des Moines, Iowa), Gavin Bullard (Division III Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin), Alex Miller (JUCO Hocking in Nelsonville, Tennessee) and Nolan Montella (Division III Loras in Dubuque, Iowa).
Third-year coach Frank Romano reports the Trojans have 10 seniors on the squad’s 16man roster. Timothy is coming off a 2024 season where it went 13-13 overall and 7-7 in Chicagoland Christian Conference play.
The Trojans lost 4-3 to host Montini in the semifinals of the Montini regional last season.
Back for the Trojans are the likes of seniors Peter Buikema (catcher), Luke Canada (shortstop) and Eli Colegrove (outfielder). Buikema hit .323 last season with 30 hits and 21 RBI, while Canada had a .409 on-base percentage and stole 11 bases. Colegrove hit .280 and had an on-base percentage of .438.Key newcomers to the team include sophomores Jonah Roemmich (infield) and Johnny Tragos (pitcher).
Romano’s squad does have five players with college baseball plans, including Canada (NCAA Division III Maryville in Tennessee), Colegrove (NAIA Grand View
In terms of players who have made big strides, Romano said Colegrove has a great swing with tons of potential.
“Being a full-time starter, he could be a real force for us,” he explained. The coach also has high hopes for program newcomer Danny Rudman. “Danny has a tons of potential to become a real power bat,” he said.
Romano noted a key strength for the Trojans this spring will be its faith.
“Our strength will be in Jesus,” he said. “In all things, we strive to glorify God and make him the focus in all we do. I like that we give all the glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in all we do. Our team is having weekly Bible studies this year, and I feel this will help us grow on and off the field.”
Timothy Christian was scheduled to open the 2025 schedule with March games at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, and a pair of home dates against Fenton and Wheaton St. Francis.
base percentage plus slugging percentage), while Chael hit .295. Gami hit .305 and stole 14 bases last year. Bodach had a 2.73 ERA in 23 innings pitched to go with strong 0.96 WHIP (walks plus hits divided by innings pitched) and .165 opponents’ batting average numbers. Grzywa (Concordia Wisconsin) hit .280 and stole 12 bases. York has four other college-bound players with Ryan Lisowski (Wisconsin-Oshkosh), Luke Pieczynski (Missouri S&T University), Jacob Perry (St. John’s Minnesota) and Ben Dizillo (Concordia Wisconsin) on that list. Pitlock pointed out Fleming is now a fourth-year varsity player. “He is well-disciplined at the plate with a large frame that hits for power and average,” he said. Pieczynski, is another player Pitlock has seen make key improvements. “Luke has a well-put-together swing and approach, as well as great hands in the infield,” the coach said. “He is capable of
“ they are a close family that works hard and asks questions, and they are excited to get the season underway.”
– River Pitlock, York baseball coach
hitting for average with gapto-gap power and great baseball instincts.”
Key newcomers include junior Mason Shorter (pitcher, outfield, infield), sophomore Matt Young (pitcher, outfield), junior Charlie Martin (catcher, infield) and junior Evan Mendiola (catcher, infielder). A senior-laden team also will be a key plus for the Dukes. “There is strong leadership driven by a senior-heavy class that loves the game of baseball,” said Pitlock, who added York is bless-
ed with strong team speed this season. “They are a close family that works hard and asks questions, and they are excited to get the season underway.”
York finished 11-7 and in third place in the always competitive WSC Silver Division last season. “The conference is strong every year,” Pitlock said. “There are no easy games in our conference. Each team is well-coached and hungry to win. Oak Park-River Forest will be a tough team this year. Lyons Township is always strong and so is Downers Grove North. Hinsdale Central gave us trouble last year, as well. Again, each conference game will be tough.”
Pitlock was a three-year varsity shortstop, third baseman and pitcher at York and went on to play at NCAA Division I Butler University in Indianapolis.
As part of York’s coaching staff the previous three seasons, he helped guide the Dukes to three regional and
sectional championships in a row. Pitlock is the son of former Major League Baseball pitcher Skip Pitlock, who logged 192 2/3 innings on the mound during his career with the San Francisco Giants and Chicago White Sox.
“River ’s exceptional background as a proven coach and his deep understanding of the game will undoubtedly elevate our baseball program,” York athletic director Rob Wagner said in a news release announcing Pitlock’s hiring. “His commitment to developing young athletes, combined with his strong community ties and rich baseball legacy makes him the ideal leader for our team.”
Kalal, according to IHSA published records, 290-202 during a 15-year run that included the three regional titles, three sectional titles and two Class 4A fourth place finishes from 2022-2024. Those 20222024 teams went a combined 73-43-1.
York girls track team hosts pair of indoor meets Navarre, Galiano-Sanchez, Janowski victorious in individual races
By Mike Miazga Correspondent
The York girls track and field team has been busy on the indoor track circuit of late. In the recent Yorkhosted invite No. 3 (that included the Dukes, Glenbard West, Oak ParkRiver Forest, Plainfield North, Lake Park and Palatine), Morgan Navarre took sixth in the 60 dash with a time of 8.30, while Libby Donaldson was seventh at 8.31.
Sophomore Jillian Booth was third in the 200 with a time of 26.04, while Norah Peiffle was fourth at 26.97. Navarre won the 300 dash with a time of 42.32, while sophomore Julia Weseloh was fifth at 46.41. Navarre was second in the 400 with a time of 1:00.21, while senior Adell Weseloh was fourth at 1:06.01.
Sophia Galiano-Sanchez won the 600 run with a time of 1:40.78, while Julia Weseloh was seventh at 1:54.19. In the 800, Galiano-Sanchez was second at 2:21.84, while senior Scarlett Moriarty was sixth at 2:28.57.
Lila Stanley placed sixth in the 1,600 with a time of 5:36.46, while senior Quinn Jacobs was 11 th at 6:05.97. Freshman Karlin Janowski
won the 3,200 run in 11:31.74, while teammate Sofia Stoddard was second at 11:43.53.
Senior Clara Lawrence was sixth in the 55 hurdles in 10.11, while Ava DiCosola was ninth at 10.72. York won the 800 relay in 1:46.12, while placing fourth in the 1,600 relay at 4:31.95. York was second in the 3,200 relay with a time of 9:54.97.
Junior Morgan Brunner was third in the high jump at 4-9 3/4, while Madeline Valeski tied for eighth at 4-2. Sophomore Abigail Pointon was fifth in the long jump at 15-3 3/4, while Charlotte Hopkins was 10 th at 14-5 1/2. Hopkins was fourth in the triple jump at 31-1 1/2, while Adalyn Noble was 11 th at 27-6. Senior Mia Carone was third in the pole vault competition at 9-10, while Madeline Hsieh was sixth at 8-10 1/4. Madeleine Tresnak was 17 th in the shot put with a mark of 22-10 3/4. At the York-hosted Invite No. 2 (with the Dukes, Hersey, Downers Grove North, Lyons Township, Prospect and New Trier in action), Peiffle was second in the 55 dash with a time of 7.47, while Pointon was eighth at 7.80. Navarre was fourth in the 200 at 26.77, while Pointon was eighth at 27.84. Julia
Weseloh was seventh in the 300 with a time of 45.07, while junior Josephine Burns was eighth at 45.12. Galiano-Sanchez took fourth in the 400 at 1:00.41, while Adell Weseloh was fifth at 1:03.64. Moriarty was second in the 600 with a time of 1:45.98, while Emma Cardenas was eighth at 1:59.61. Junior Ariya Shah was seventh in the 800 with a time of 2:37.60. Janowski was fourth in the 1,600 with a time of 5:21.83, while Stoddard was sixth at 5:22.45. Lawrence was seventh in the 55 hurdles with a time of 10.14, while sophomore Lily Carone was ninth at 10.23.
York placed second in the 800 relay with a time of 1:50.79 and took sixth in the 1,600 relay at 4:28.37. The Dukes won the 3,200 relay with a time of 9:52.20.
Senior Chloe DeClue was 10 th in the high jump at 4-7, while Valeski was 13 th at 4-3 1/4. Sophomore Lauren Gunn was 14 th in the long jump at 14-3 3/4. Senior Samantha Tilson was 16 th in the triple jump at 26-8. Mia Carone took third in the pole vault at 9-10, while Haley Klaibor was 10 th at 7-10 1/2. Junior Alyssa Korkowski was 13 th in the shot put at 22-11 1/4.
Want more plants? Try propagation
U of I Extension horticulture educator offers tips for beginners
By Jane Charmelo for the eLMhUrst independent
If you want to add to your collection of plants, or maybe want a cutting from a relative’s houseplant as a keepsake, propagation may be a cost-effective and easy solution.
University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator
Brittnay Haag has put together a beginner’s guide to propagation, and she related that the timing right now is perfect.
“March, April, spring is a perfect time to do plant propagation,” she said, adding that there are a number of steps to take—and a variety of methods with which to achieve the desired results.
Following is a synopsis of her tips:
Preparation
In her guide, Haag said the first step before propagating is to use sterilized tools and containers, and also, “Before starting, make sure any propagated plant material is healthy and free of pests and disease.”
Elmhurst
Wednesday, March 26
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
American mahjong: open play
“A high-quality potting mix will provide adequate moisture-holding capacity and good drainage without allowing cuttings to dry out or rot,” Haag emphasized as another part of the preparation process.
Making cuttings
When asked about rooting cuttings in potting mix or water, she responded that “A lot of our plants root well in water,” but creating cuttings in potting mix can work with some plants as long as there is enough moisture.
Will play volleyball for Division II school
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
Recent IC Catholic Prep gradu-
ate Bella Leslie wanted to head east for college.
“You can also propagate in perlite,” she mentioned, but added, “The best bet is going to be water or wet potting soil.”
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.
Haag said it is important to change the water every three to five days.
She noted that cuttings are taken with a healthy 3- to 5-inch shoot with four to six leaves, cutting just below a leaf node or where the leaf is attached to the stem.
Then, remove any flowers or buds, along with the bottom two to four leaves. She
“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 campus 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 facilities. The volleyball program has good workout facilities and a nice locker room. I liked how modern it was.”
suggested in the guide taking several cuttings “to increase the chance of one rooting and growing into a viable plant,” adding, “Most houseplants can be propagated by tip cuttings, including snake plants, croton, peperomia, pothos and philodendron.”
IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne
Haag said begonias and African violets are typically propagated by leaf cuttings: “Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally across the main leaf vein and then lay the cutting flat on the soil with the vein side down. Roots will develop at the cut point along the vein.”
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.
“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.”
Her instructions call for covering the container with clear plastic (wrap) to increase the humidity while the plant is forming roots, and she said that the rooting media should never be allowed to dry out.
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 first year or so.”
The cuttings should be placed in bright indirect light, and the cover removed once roots develop. Haag also said cuttings can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder before they are planted, to im-
Propagation is a simple and cost-effective way to grow or add houseplants, and spring is a good time to get started, according to the University of
horticulture educator Brittnay Haag.
prove root development.
a keepsake.
– Bella Leslie
Public Library programs
Gather every Wednesday for American mahjong, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Wednesday, March 26
7-8:30 p.m.
Understanding Social Security: Maximize the Benefits You’ve Earned
Greg Kurinec, CFP and
member of the Financial Planning Association, discusses when to take benefits, working while receiving benefits, taxation and Social Security, and spousal benefits.
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.
Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.
Thursday, March 27
7-8:30 p.m.
The Women Who Measured the Stars
Leslie’s volleyball journey started in the fifth grade, the first year she could play the sport at IC Grade School. She’s been playing club volleyball since seventh grade, most recently with the Chicago Elite group that practices out of Scores in Willow Springs and Montini High School in Lombard.
“I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college,” she said. “It gives me something to do.
•
In the late 19th and 20th centuries, women astronomers of the Harvard College Observatory calculated the distances, temperatures, and composi-
tion of the stars. Learn about the scientific contributions made by astronomers Henrietta Swan Leavitt, Annie Jump Cannon, and Cecilia Payne.
Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.
Friday, March 28
2-4 p.m.
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 that. I try and run every day.”
A more challenging method, she said in the guide, is layering or rooting a new plant while it is still attached to the “parent” plant, and “grafting or growing a plant shoot with desirable characteristics on a strong rootstock. Division is the easiest method of propagation, achieved by removing naturally produced offsets or shoots from the parent plant.”
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.”
“Some plants are going to be harder to propagate than others,” Haag narrated, such as the ZZ plant, in which “the roots take a really long time to grow.”
Why propagate?
“This is super cool; a clone of the parent plant,” she added.
Outdoor plants, patents
Haag said the guide focuses on indoor plants, but plants such as the coleus, geranium, begonia and polka dot plant are examples of outdoor plants that can be propagated.
Haag did caution that “There are some plants that are patented … so do not propagate.”
and respecting it,” Haag commented.
When asked if horticulture educators such as herself experiment with best propagation practices, Haag responded that for one, U of I Extension Master Gardeners* she works with enjoy swapping cuttings, and for herself, “I have tried growing plants through different propagation methods. It is fun to test it out.”
For more information, you can also visit https://extension.illinois.edu/houseplants.
Friday Features: “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/ Friday.
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)
No registration required.
They lost to West Chicago on I 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.”
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.”
She suggests “cutting back plants that are overgrown,” which not only will give you more plants, but will produce “bigger plants quicker versus seed.”
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.”
Some people “want to preserve a special plant,” Haag said, adding, “I’ve heard a lot of stories” about making cuttings from a relative’s plant as
ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”
Timothy Christian softball team looking to take next step
By Mike Miazga Correspondent
The Timothy Christian softball team had plenty to celebrate in 2024. Eighth-year coach Lindsay Slovey’s team went 15-6, took second in the Chicagoland Christian Conference with a 7-3 record and then won a Class 2A regional title, before losing to IC Catholic Prep in the Class 2A IC Catholic Prep sectional championship game.
Now, the Trojans are looking to take that next step and have a number of returning weapons to help in that mission. Key returners include senior shortstop Sophia Mook, sophomore catcher Lauren Kottke, sophomore
infielder Grace Hoffman and senior second baseman Chloe Wetterquist. Mook, who hit .431 last year, and Kottke, who hit .484 as a freshman on the varsity, were all-Chicagoland Christian Conference selections. Hoffman hit .413, while Wetterquist hit .466. Timothy also will be bolstered by the return of senior pitcher-infielder Maci Woerner, who is back after suffering a season-ending injury. Freshman infielder Chloe Granger also is a key newcomer for the Trojans.
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 Jurgen 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. I am more light-hearted and smiling. 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 at yelling at the group, and I’m not a
ey, speaking of the team’s strengths. “We have a strong returning infield, key positions are covered by returners and having Maci back is also great.” Slovey said Kottke and Mook bring “great leadership and strong minds to the table,” while the coach also lauded the efforts of Hoffman. “Grace is strong and determined to always work hard,” she added.
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 goofy time. You have to be accessi-
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 the bat.”
A plant will typically be labeled as patented on the container, she said, or you can look up the information at www.ams.usda.gov/services/ plant-variety-protection.
It’s about “being aware of it
*To get help from a Master Gardener, visit go.illinois. edu/MGHelpline or call the University of Illinois Extension at 815-858-2273 and leave a message.
“We will have great leadership from some four-year starters and coming off a big regional win for our school after 10 years,” said Slov-
Team camaraderie is also in abundance with this group, Slovey noted. “The girls genuinely like each other,” she said. “I am so excited to have this program be as big and as competitive as we have become. We are looking forward to a great year.”
Slovey would like to see Timothy, which was runner-up in its first year in the Chicagoland Christian Conference, take the next step forward in league play as well. Kankakee Bishop McNamara ran the table in the CCC last year at 12-0, defeating Timothy 6-0 and 13-1 in its two meetings. “I think we look good,” she said. “We are hoping to be even more competitive than last year. I’m hoping we can compete with the firstplace team this year.”
The Trojans were slated to have three games in March against Norridge-based Ridgewood on the road and a home and home series with Aurora Christian.
Stopka
Jenna BraasCh photo Elmhurst Independent
Illinois Extension
DuPage County Health Department celebrates 80 years
For 80 years, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) has been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of the county’s residents. DCHD’s work is expansive—preventing and controlling disease outbreaks, supporting healthy lifestyles and ensuring access to essential health services for residents most in need. Its team continues to meet the challenging and ever-changing public health needs of the day to build a healthier tomorrow in DuPage.
“For eight decades, DCHD has been at the forefront of safeguarding and improving public health in DuPage County,” said Adam Forker, executive director of the DuPage County Health Department. “Our legacy is built on a steadfast commitment to public health, and we remain dedicated to continuing this mission for generations to come.”
DCHD was founded on March 13, 1945, in the original DuPage County Court-
house on Reber Street in Wheaton, serving a primarily rural population of 125,000.
Early priorities focused on sanitation and disease prevention, resulting in the adoption of five key public health ordinances addressing water safety, sewage and garbage disposal, public swimming pools, and trailer parks.
Throughout its history, DCHD has demonstrated commitment to innovation and excellence in public health by meeting clients
where they are. In the 1960s, DCHD opened its first mental health clinic and introduced a 24/7 crisis hotline. This groundbreaking initiative laid the foundation for a comprehensive behavioral health crisis system that now includes a mobile crisis response team, outpatient substance use treatment, and a crisis residential unit for short-term stabilization.
This summer, DCHD will continue its leadership in public health by opening
the Crisis Recovery Center (CRC)—a 24/7 resource where DuPage residents can seek support during a mental health or substance use health crisis and connect to community resources in a healing environment.
Beyond its direct services, DCHD has spent 80 years working behind the scenes to create a healthier community for all who live, work, and play in DuPage County. From monitoring health trends and investigating outbreaks
to ensuring food and water safety and promoting healthy lifestyles through educational programs, DCHD takes pride in supporting one of the healthiest counties in the nation.
As DCHD celebrates this milestone, the department remains committed to evolving with the community’s needs and strengthening its role as a trusted public health resource.
For more information on DCHD’s history and services, visit www.dupagehealth.org.
Illinois schools turn to retirees, substitutes, outsourcing, state grants to combat prolonged teacher shortage
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
From hiring retired educators to adjusting class offerings, Illinois schools are relying on a variety of shortterm, innovative measures to cope with a prolonged and critical statewide teacher shortage.
The most recent survey of education leaders from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, or IARSS, shows overall shortage percentages similar to pre-pandemic levels, yet school districts are still struggling to ease less-than-optimal student-teacher ratios.
“For our school districts throughout the state, (the teacher shortage) is not universally created everywhere. It looks different in every place, but I think everybody believes—or at least feels like—it’s a challenge,” said Gary Tipsord, IARSS Executive Director. “So let’s accept that as a reality, and then that will allow us to best solve this sustainably.”.
This is the eighth year the IARSS has partnered with Goshen Consulting to produce the report.
Of more than 750 schools surveyed this year, 87 percent said they have a “minor, serious or very serious (shortage) problem.” The report also found that 91 percent of schools said they struggle to hire substitute teachers, while 65 percent said more than half of teacher candidates don’t have the proper credentials for the teaching positions they’re applying to.
“I think the biggest impact that (the shortage) has is on teacher morale. If there aren’t enough people to do all of the jobs, then those of us who are committed and dedicated to what we do automatically do more,” said Gretchen Weiss, a special education teacher at Macomb Middle School in West Central Illinois.
Illinois had roughly 140,000 teachers for the 2023-2024 school year, according to a report by the Illinois State Board of Education. This number has grown
every year since the implementation of Evidence-Based Funding, or EBF, in 2018. The student-teacher ratio was 17:1 in 2024 at both the elementary and high school levels, a steady decrease from roughly 19:1 in 2016.
The IARSS 2024-25 teacher shortage survey found that while alternative teaching methods helped districts see an increase in the number of educators, the shortage persists due to a lack of new teachers entering the profession.
School leaders surveyed said a limited applicant pool, compensation issues and “poor working conditions” are among the main causes of the shortage, though Tipsord said the term “working conditions” is broad and its meaning can vary from one respondent to another.
“When people talk about working conditions … that potentially means something different to every teacher or every district or every building,” Tipsord said. “I don’t know that we’re in a good space to truly understand that yet, and I think that’s the place where we need to continue to dig.”
Pandemic
In 2020, Illinois schools, like others across the country, were hit with temporary school closures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Rachael Mahmood, a teacher at Georgetown Elementary School in Aurora and the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year, noted that students and teachers alike struggled with the effects of an upsurge in online learning.
“I missed my students being in the classroom, and I missed all the community of a classroom, so I was ready to return,” Mahmood said.
In the 2020-2021 academic year, administrators saw a spike in unfilled positions or low-quality hires. Budget and health concerns due to the pandemic in school districts caused a decrease in the number of educators working
in K-12 schools. Though the shortage seemed to improve the following year, it has proved to be a continuing issue with shortages rising between 2022-2024.
Because of the pandemic, school districts in the state are working to return shortage rates back to pre-pandemic levels. In 2018, 85 percent of education leaders reported “a major or a minor issue” in filling teaching positions. This number grew by 3 percent in 2019.
To help relieve issues caused by the pandemic, schools across the country received an infusion of federal money called Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.
Illinois saw this money distributed in three rounds over the last five years through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act; the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act; and the American Rescue Plan (ARP ESSER). About $7.7 million of the $8 million funds were spent, with final ESSER dollars being allocated to schools in September of this school year.
“I think what is going to be very interesting is after this year, all those ESSER dollars will have expired unless they get an extension through March of 2026,” said Tipsord. “But as those have expired, what’s the landscape? And will data next year—raw data next year—look worse?”
Alternative measures
About 3,864 positions are left unfilled this school year at a vacancy rate of 2.8 percent, a decrease from 4,096 positions last year, or 3 percent.
For the 2024-2025 school year, Illinois schools filled 6,117 teaching positions with innovative alternative measures like using retired teachers, going virtual, modifying class offerings and utilizing third-party vendors to find educators. Many of those positions were in areas such
as bilingual or special education, early childhood and elementary education.
At Macomb Middle School, these measures include having two Leading, Educating and Partnering in Schools, or LEAP, advocates and a “paperwork day” for
special education teachers.
LEAP advocates are the school’s support staff who help with school attendance, academics and student well-being, according to the Macomb Regional Office of Education’s website. A paperwork day is when teachers
take time off from school to complete an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) outlining the special education students’ academic goals and deficits for the school year.
Weiss said in addition to
See SHORTAGE, Page 22
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Burial Needs
7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.
Household Items
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Business & Service DIRECTORY
Republican bills aim to assist Illinois in its battle against fentanyl
By Jade Aubrey and UIS
Public Affairs Reporting
Illinois Republican senators have filed bills that would combat the state’s fentanyl crisis and further punish major possessors of the drug.
One bill would reclassify a fentanyl overdose as a “poison,” while another would consider major fentanyl possessors a threat to public safety.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois experienced 3,261 fatal opioid-related drug overdoses in 2022, and 2,855 in 2023.“
There’s not one simple area that it affects. It’s everyone,”
Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, said. “If you don’t know someone that’s been tainted with fentanyl, you will.”
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times
stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says fentanyl accounts for a major portion of all fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.
It’s usually added to other types of drugs to increase potency, making the laced- drug cheaper, more powerful, addictive and dangerous.
“A packet of sugar that you get at the restaurant, that’s about 2 milligrams,” Turner said. “If you compare that to 2 milligrams of fentanyl, that little packet could kill 500 people. So think about that. That’s how important this is.”
Turner and Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, announced their sponsorship of the four fentanyl-related bills during a recent news conference with McLean County Coroner Kathleen Yoder in the State-
house.
“The vast majority of time in these deaths, fentanyl is not something someone chooses to use intentionally,” Rezin said. “It’s something they take when it’s laced in other pills or products. Families are losing loved ones, not because of addiction, because they are unknowingly being poisoned right now.”
Rezin championed Senate Bill 1283, which would change the official language of IDPH for a fentanyl-related death from an “overdose” to a
• Shortage
LEGAL NOTICES
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF DUPAGE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN RE THE ESTATE OF Vincent J. Crowley DECEASED
2025PR000040 CASE NUMBER PUBLICATION NOTICE AND/OR CLAIMS NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of Vincent J. Crowley whose address was 108 West Leslie Lane, Villa Park, IL 60181. Letters of Office were issued on January 29, 2025 to Elizabeth M. Crowley and Vincent S. Crowley, 1133 Cambria S, Lombard, IL 60148, 21W456 Acorn, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, Independent Executor, whose attorney is William A. Deitch.
NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES
Notice is hereby given to any known and unknown creditors and known and unknown heirs, who are heirs or legatees in this cause.
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 Rd., Wheaton, Illinois, or with the representative or both on or before September 20, 2025 any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Circuit Court Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney, if any, within 10 days after it has been filed with the Circuit Court Clerk.
William A. Deitch
DuPage Attorney Number: 27841
Attorney for: Elizabeth M. Crowley and Vincent S. Crowley
1776 S. Naperville Road Suite 105A Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 871-8778
Email: Bill@TEPLG.com
(Published in The Elmhurst Independent March 20, 27, April 3, 2025) 469340
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
To the legal voters, residents of the TOWNSHIP OF YORK in the County of DuPage and the State of Illinois, that the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING of said Township will take place on:
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025
being the second Tuesday of said month at the hour of 7:00 O’clock P.M. at York Township Hall
1502 S. Meyers Road, Lombard for the transaction of the miscellaneous business of the said town; and after a Moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear and consider reports of officers, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider and decide the following:
THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING OF THE TOWN OF YORK APRIL 8, 2025
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Welcome and Introduction by Anthony Cuzzone, Town Clerk
5. Call for Nomination of Moderator
a. Closing of Nominations
b. Election of Moderator
c. Oath of Moderator
6. Approval of Minutes of the a. Annual Town Meeting of April 9, 2024
7. Supervisor’s Statement of Financial Affairs
a. Fiscal Year 2024/2025
8. Resolution of Electors: Authority to Sell or Lease Property
9. Public Comment (limit to 3 minutes)
10. Announcement of Next Annual Town Meeting on April 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
11. Benediction
12. Adjournment Anthony Cuzzone Town Clerk
(Published in the Elmhurst Independent, Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent, Villa Park Revuew and Lombardian March 20, 2025) 469330
“poisoning.”
“When we treat fentanyl deaths as overdoses, we minimize the impact that this drug has on the victims,” Rezin said. “As legislators, it’s our responsibility to ensure that people who die from this poison are recognized as victims, not just another overdose statistic.”
Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, said in an interview he is supportive of Rezin’s bill and is filing and sponsoring a duplicate bill in the House.
(Continued from page 19)
teaching, she also writes IEPs for 14 of her students.
“The district hires a sub for me, and I find a quiet workspace in the building, and I can work on paperwork,” Weiss said. “That speaks to my district’s commitment to work-life balance… That’s something that my district does very well in terms of taking care to make sure that teachers have the support they need.”
This year, school districts hired about 1,440 substitute teachers, including some retired teachers. To accommodate those retirees, many downstate school districts increased the number of days retired educators can work as substitutes without affecting their retirement benefits. Of the schools surveyed, 86 percent said this measure helped with the shortage.
“We do have one retiree that’s helping us with a math vacancy right now,” said Travis. “She just retired, and she signed up right away to be a
Answers
substitute. We reached out to her, and she said, ‘Absolutely,’ because she’s familiar with the curriculum and the students.”
Policy recommendations
Increasing state funding for K-12 schools, investing in teacher and school leadership and helping support staff become educators are some of the recommendations school leaders mentioned in the survey as possible ways to ease the shortage crisis.
Fifty-nine percent of school leaders said EBF money allowed districts to add additional staff, while others said the teacher vacancy grants and career and technical education pathway grants can also help ease the crisis.
EBF is a school funding formula lawmakers adopted in 2017 that seeks to reduce funding gaps in the state by sending more resources to the most underfunded districts. CTE programs prepare students for high-skill, in-de-
“It’s clear that fentanyl is poisonous, and people die from it,” he said. “And many times, people that die from the fentanyl overdose, they’re not intending to die, but they get a fatal dose, just like a fatal dose of any poison, and therefore it should be registered as a poison.”
Rezin is also pushing Senate Bill 113, which would require someone charged with handling 15 grams or more of substances containing fentanyl to prove that they do not pose a threat to public safety
mand occupations like engineering or culinary arts.
In his February State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker reiterated Illinois’ ongoing support for K-12 education funding, including a $350 million increase in EBF and a $1.3 million increase in CTE programs. This brings the total EBF funds to $8.9 billion since the program was enacted in 2017.
Pritzker also proposed continued funding of $45 million for the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program
“We are recipients of the teacher vacancy program. I should say that has helped us retain teachers because we were able to offer some signing bonuses for hard-tofill positions,” said LaTesh Travis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Berkeley School District 87.
Launched in the 2023-2024 academic year, the teacher vacancy grant allowed districts to fill educator positions and offer money for education
to be granted pretrial release.
“This shifts the burden away from prosecutors and judges and makes clear that the safety of our communities come first,” she said.
Neither of Rezin’s bills have been assigned to a committee; however, Ford said he agreed with Rezin that such people are a threat to public safety and planned to talk with the senators further about the bill.
His main concern is if judges can already do this under the Safe-T Act
training. For the Berkeley School District, Travis says they were able to offer signing bonuses for math, special education and bilingual teachers.
Though the state has pledged its support for education funding over the past couple of years, some say there is still room for improvement.
“We understand that this budget, although compassionate, still has a long way to go when it comes to really being able to close gaps. Illinois has committed to education, and I think that has to be part of (the budget) as well,” said Jelani Saadiq, director of government relations with Advance Illinois, a nonprofit agency that promotes public education in Illinois.
Aside from funding, the report proposed more support for shortage research—to better understand what is working to ease shortages—and the implementation of Illinois Vision 2030, a five-year policy framework for state legislators and education officials to better support K-12 public education.
One of the framework’s focuses is on attracting and retaining high-quality educators through marketing campaigns, strengthening educator pathway programs and improving educators’ experience.
Vision 2030 also advocates for grow-your-own programs that encourage local high school students to consider careers in education.
Mahmood said one other way to keep teachers in the workforce is through leadership, though balancing a professional’s “natural desire” to be promoted and their sense of duty can be challenging.
“Every teacher is a leader— they lead classrooms, they’re in charge of little people and they’re making all these decisions as a leader. But are we treating them as leaders?” Mahmood said. “Teaching is the only job where going up means going out of the classroom, and we need great teachers to choose to stay in the classroom.”
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