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Elmhurst City Council meeting summary

By Chris Fox

ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst City Council held its regular meeting on Dec. 16. All 14 aldermen attended the meeting—the city council’s final regular meeting of 2024.

Resident speaks about construction activity near his home

Tom Altergott, who lives on the

100 block of South Rex Boulevard, was the only speaker during the meeting’s public forum segment. Altergott said that he lives next to a house that’s currently under construction. He asked why adjacent

homeowners should have to deal with construction activity that extends onto neighbors’ property. He also stated that construction workers trespass on adjacent property.

York Township benefits from the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot

Dan Gibbons visited York Township’s headquarters on Dec. 20, and donated a check for $10,000 to be used by the York Township Food Pantry to help stock pantry shelves. The funds were raised in November leading up to the annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) fun run, which is held each Thanksgiving Day in Elmhurst. This year marked the 41st year of the event. York Township Supervisor John W. Valle said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the citizens of York Township, especially those who benefit from our food pantry services, I wish to express our profound gratitude to Dan Gibbons and the Board of Directors of the Turkey Trot Foundation for their continued support year after year. We are blessed to have such generous partners in the ongoing battle against hunger in York Township.” Pictured left to right are Turkey Trot Operations Manager and York Township Clerk Tony Cuzzone, Valle and Gibbons.

Grabowski gives information about the updated Elmhurst Connect service request system

Elmhurst City Manager James Grabowski reported during the meeting that the city is preparing to launch an updated Elmhurst Connect service request system for residents. He said the updated system and mobile app will go live on Jan. 8. According to Grabowski, the updated Elmhurst Connect system will provide residents with a more streamlined and user friendly way to report issues and request city services.

Grabowski said there will be no additional action required for residents to submit a service request through the city’s website. He added that the current Elmhurst Connect app would no longer be available to download after Dec. 19. Grabowski said that residents who had the existing Elmhurst Connect app could continue to use that app until Jan. 8. Starting Jan. 8, users should delete their existing app and download the new Elmhurst Connect app. Grabowski reported that the updated Elmhurst Connect app will include the same features that residents are familiar with, and that it will provide some improved functionality and a better experience for users. One downside, he said, was that the service request history in the current app would no longer be viewable after the transition to the new app.

Grabowski said residents can always contact the city for more information about the updated Elmhurst Connect system.

Levin comments on party at the Elmhurst Police Department

Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin reported that he had attended a recent

See MEETING, Page 4

Ignite Fitness patrons donate to York Township Food Pantry

On Dec. 19, a carload of food and handmade blankets were delivered to the York Township Food Pantry. Over 60 blankets were made my students of Niko Karavolos’ fitness program at Ignite Fitness in Elmhurst and members of the Bibles and Biceps group that meets there. Pictured left to right are Mike Pawelek from Bibles and Biceps, York Township General Assistance Director Pamela Sarno and Karavolos. York Township Supervisor John W. Valle said, “I want to thank everyone at Ignite Fitness and Athletics and the Bibles and Biceps group for their generous donation. It really touches the soul when you see people give from the heart. The donation is very much appreciated and will help many families in our community. We rely on donations from individuals, organizations and companies to help us keep pantry shelves full.”

Forest Preserve fleet earns Top Green Garage recognition

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s fleet has been named the #1 Green Garage for 2024 by the NAFA Fleet Management Association, topping the list of the 10 most progressive and environmentally committed vehicle fleet maintenance garages in the nation.

The Green Garage Contest showcases best practices in sustainable garage operations and beyond. The District’s achievement highlights its organization-wide commitment to sustainability through initiatives like repurposing cut trees into decking for trailers and picnic tables, powering multiple buildings with solar arrays, and the ambitious design and construction of the net-zero-designed DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center.

An impressive 95 percent of the vehicles in the Forest Preserve District’s fleet run on alternative fuels, including liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, ethanol, biodiesel, hybrid electric, and electric. These efforts have significantly lowered fuel costs, reduced tailpipe emissions, and extended vehicle lifespans. Further demonstrating its leadership, the district supports local municipalities by providing access to the alternative fuel station at Blackwell Forest Preserve— the first of its kind in Illinois—offering four types of alternative fuels.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health. More than 5.5 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year.

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NBA Hall of Famer, former Bulls star

Dennis Rodman visits area

• Meeting (Continued from front page)

party at the Elmhurst Police Department. Levin said that observing the presentation of various awards to members of the department at that party made him understand what a fine police department the city has.

Levin offered congratulations to each officer who received an award.

Mayor and council members salute Deuter, who is leaving city council to serve in the state legislature

The Dec. 16 meeting included a special recognition for outgoing Alderman Marti Deuter, who is leaving the city council to represent District 45 in the Illinois House of Representatives in Springfield. In November, Deuter, a Democrat, was elected to

represent District 45 in the lower house of the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield. She will be sworn in to her new position on Jan. 8.

Levin noted that Deuter was first elected to the Elmhurst City Council in 2013, and was near the end of her third term on the council. Levin said Deuter was a thoughtful leader on the council, and that other aldermen looked to her to analyze their own positions.

He added that Deuter was respected by her peers and the entire city. He stated that he was not sure residents appreciate how much time she put in to her role as an alderman.

Levin said Deuter will be missed on the city council, and that he was very confident she would represent

Dennis Rodman, the flamboyant and colorful forward who was an integral part of three Chicago Bulls NBA championship teams during the 1990s, paid a visit to Mike’s Sports & More at the Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard on Saturday. A long line of fans, many of them wearing Rodman’s No. 91 Bulls jersey—and some even coloring their hair like Rodman—got an opportunity to meet and have their photo taken with Rodman, 63, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011. All told, Rodman played for five NBA championship teams (he also won two titles with the Detroit Pistons), was a seventime NBA All-Defensive First Team honoree and led the NBA in rebounding seven consecutive seasons (from 1991 through 1998). Rodman sported a green goatee on Saturday … but he was wearing a cap, so no one could tell if he had colored his hair. Rodman’s appearance was coordinated by Westmont-based Elite Icons Framing & Sports Memorabilia.

the city well in the Illinois General Assembly.

Other aldermen spoke about Deuter during the meeting, praising her as a wonderful mentor who is trustworthy and respectful. Some aldermen said that even when they disagreed with Deuter, they always respected her.

Deuter thanks colleagues, family and residents in her final meeting as a city council member

Deuter spoke near the end of the meeting and thanked her colleagues for their kind words. She said she appreciated everyone’s comments. Deuter said that 12 years ago, a neighbor said that an alderman was

not running for re-election. That neighbor then asked if Deuter was interested in running for a seat on the city council.

Deuter mentioned that she had done public policy work for the city of Chicago for eight years, and that she had only lived in Elmhurst for about five years when her neighbor suggested she run to serve on the city council.

“When you start doing this work, you very quickly meet people, and it didn’t take me long to realize that it’s the people in Elmhurst who make our community amazing,” said Deuter during her comments at the Dec. 16 meeting.

Deuter said she’s seen what’s possible when people come together, listen to each other, discuss their differences and find middle ground. She said she’s also seen missed opportunities when communication doesn’t happen.

Deuter stated that one of the beauties of local government is its non-partisan nature.

“I don’t think the growing divide in our country makes anyone better off, and there’s no reason, in my opinion, to create division where it doesn’t need to exist,” said Deuter. “Communication is an antidote to division and polarization, and I encourage all of us to engage rather than splinter when there are differences of opinion. Working together, we can accomplish great things.”

Deuter went on to thank her husband, her children, and the residents of Ward 1. She said representing the residents of Ward 1 has been an incredible honor.

MIKE SANDROLINI PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

First Congregational UCC’s Organic Seedlings Sale has begun

Orders due by Feb. 28

The First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elmhurst has launched its 11th annual Organic Seedlings Sale. You can preorder plants by going to the church’s website: https://elmhurstucc.org/store/ Pay by credit card on the site or find a hardcopy order form there. Print out the form and send it to the

Obituaries

CAROL E. WOJAK, 85

Carol E. Wojak, aged 85, passed away December 22, 2024.

Born on December 26, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois.

Carol was the oldest child to Louis Loewe and Florence Loewe, nee Hardeland.

Carol is survived by her sons, Alan Wojak(Becki), Steven Wojak, Richard Wojak(Susan), 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Don Loewe, and son Walter L Wojak.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 12 – 4 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, 60126, with a Memorial Service beginning at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL. For information, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.

JEANNE C. STUART, 99

Jeanne C. Stuart, 99, of Elmhurst, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024.

Born in Buffalo, New York, to Nathalia (née Vosseller) and Frederick Crane, Jeanne graduated from that city’s Bennett High School in 1942. She earned a full scholarship to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in American history in 1945 at just 20 years old. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Chicago and briefly worked for Encyclopædia Britannica.

Jeanne returned to Buffalo, where she rekindled a connection with her former high school classmate James D. Stuart. The couple relocated to Chicago in 1949 and married on May 20, 1950, in a chapel of the Holy Name Cathedral. They lived in Hyde Park when Jim was chief resident in pediatrics at the University of Chicago. In 1954, they moved to Elmhurst, where Jim practiced as a pediatrician for many years. They were married for 40 years until Jim’s passing in 1991.

Jeanne was deeply engaged in

church office with cash or check, if you prefer. See the website for more details. Orders are due by Feb. 28, 2025 and will be available for pick up at the church’s Green Garden Fair on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. The fair will be on the church grounds at 235 S. Kenilworth Avenue in Elmhurst. And while you have until Feb. 28 to place your order, you are encouraged to get it in early. While the church hopes to receive everything

exactly as requested from its growers, horticulture is not an exact science. The growers reserve the right to make substitutions when necessary. When filling orders, the church will give priority based on the dates received. You improve your chance of getting everything you requested by making your selections early. With 60 different varieties of vegetable, herb and flower plants to choose from, gardeners can select their old favorites and try some new

things too. Organic vegetable and herb seedlings will be provided by Baas Greenhouses, Inc. Its seedlings are grown in Mokena, which is just 30 miles south of Elmhurst, so the church is offering a very local product. Baas has been USDA Certified Organic since 2005. Baas doesn’t provide flowers, but to be sure that our pollinator friends are taken care of, the sale will offer flower seedlings from We Grow Dreams (WGD) Greenhouse in West Chicago. The floral seedlings will not be organically grown. But We Grow Dreams provides job training and employment for the develop-

mentally disabled, so it’s well worth it to support their mission. New this year, WGD will be providing us with Confetti Lantana, loved by hummingbirds, plus they are easy to grow and beautiful.

All plants will be provided in 3½inch to 4-inch containers. For more information about the Organic Seedlings Sale or the Green Garden Fair, contact the church at elmhurstucc@sbcglobal.net, or at 630832-2580.

You can also follow the church on its Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/FirstCongregationalUCCofElmhurst/

local politics. She was one of the first female members of Elmhurst’s Zoning Board and the Elmhurst City Council. She represented Elmhurst’s Fourth Ward from 1975 to 1983, and played a crucial role in the planning, funding, and construction of the Elmhurst underpass along Robert T. Palmer Drive, named in honor of a former city manager and close friend. She was an early member of Elmhurst League of Women Voters, joining shortly after she moved to Elmhurst; she served as the League president and membership chair and held other executive roles.

Jeanne was a dedicated member of Bethel United Church of Christ since the 1960s. She actively participated in various committees. She felt honored to be part of the church’s search committee for its most recent pastor, Rev. Gretchen Sylvester. Even at 90, Jeanne prepared large meals and sandwiches for Housing Forward and the Night Ministry, supporting homeless LGBTQIA+ individuals. She was recognized for her service at Bethel’s 70th anniversary celebration last year.

A devoted music lover, she was president of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Auxiliary. In recognition of her outstanding service, she received the orchestra’s prestigious Silver Measure Award in 1994. Jeanne was also a longtime financial supporter of Elmhurst University, which recognized her support in 2018.

Jeanne traveled extensively in retirement. She spent most summers at her cabin north of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She and her sister explored the Lewis and Clark trail, as well as England, Scotland, France, Italy, Israel, and Russia. Her other loves included the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Goodman Theater, Steppenwolf Theater, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. She was a subscriber of them all. She was a member of the Art Institute of Chicago for much of her adult life and a member of the Elmhurst Art Museum from its opening. She loved cooking and hosting dinner parties, bridge, knitting, and needlepoint.

Jeanne was the beloved mother of Robert (Janice), Thomas (Sandra), and Christopher (Rose) Stuart; a proud grandmother to Jacob, Ryan, and Jennifer Stuart; the dear sisterin-law of William Stuart; and a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sister and brother-inlaw, Carolyn and Robert Fisher. A memorial service will be held at

Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 East St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst, Illinois on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethel United Church of Christ (https:// www.bethel-ucc.org/give) or the Illinois League of Women Voters (https://www.lwvil.org/donate-campaign-to-safeguard-democracy).

ROBERT G. WEBER, 79

Robert G. Weber, 79, of Galena, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Midwest Medical Center in Galena. Private services will be held.

Bob was born on January 25, 1945, in Elmhurst, IL, the son of Robert and Vanja (Fritz) Weber. He graduated from York Community High School in Elmhurst, IL, Class of 1963. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, in 1974.

He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1975 after serving from 1964 to 1975. Bob worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) at Hines VA Hospital in Maywood, IL, and as a Surgical RN at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL. After retiring, he founded “At Home Bob,” his own handyman business. He spent many hours tinkering in his workshop and was happiest spending time in his garden and with his grandchildren. He was a lifelong Cubs fan.

Bob was married to his loving wife, Suzanne Weber, for more than 53 years. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Kristin Weber; son, Ryan (Megan) Weber; granddaughters, Reese and Macie Weber; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Judy MacFeely.

The family would like to thank Galena EMS, Midwest Medical Center Inpatient Floor and Rehabilitation Departments. Your care and compassion will never be forgotten.

The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel. com.

Memorials may be given to the Parkinson’s Association or a charity of your choice in his memory.

Avian flu mortality events in waterfowl throughout Illinois being monitored

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is monitoring a large event of waterfowl mortality at numerous locations throughout Illinois.

Test results received so far indicate highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the cause. The public is reminded to not handle or attempt to capture waterfowl or other wild birds displaying signs of illness.

IDNR will continue to monitor for HPAI mortality events throughout the state during the seasonal bird migration. Members of the public are encouraged to report concentrations of five or more deceased birds found at one location to IDNR district wildlife biologists by going online.

Due to risk of infection to other animals, dogs and other pets should be kept away from the carcasses of birds that may have died from HPAI.

If carcasses need to be disposed of, IDNR recommends following guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). IDNR is unable to assist with carcass removal from non-IDNR properties in most situations.

Local animal control agencies should also take similar precautions and follow the guidelines above in disposing of dead birds. In addition, IDPH recommends:

• Do not send dying or dead birds to veterinarians, wildlife refuges, etc., for testing. Instead, notify your local health department or alert IDNR wildlife biologists in cases of five or more deceased birds found in one location.

• People can get on antiviral medications after exposures to prevent illness.

See FLU, Page 7

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.

Armed habitual criminal

Dec. 15

Police said a reporting officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop at 4:15 a.m. near York and Grand on a vehicle that was reported to have stolen license plates. The driver of the vehicle, Daniel A. Medina-Guerrero, 27, of Chicago, allegedly failed to stop and fled eastbound on Grand Avenue. The suspect was later located, taken into custody and charged with armed habitual criminal, possession of a weapon-prior conviction, driving while license revoked, improper use of registration, no front/ rear registration plate and no insurance.

Assault, battery

Dec. 23

Brian Reynolds, 51, of Bensenville, was charged with assault and disorderly conduct at a business in the 100 block of N. York at 7:41 p.m. Police said officers responded to the business for a subject making threats.

Dec. 21

A victim in the 100 block of N. Addison told police at 11:53 p.m. he got into an argument with the suspect’s sister several weeks ago. On the above date, the suspect came to the victim’s workplace, where he slapped the victim in the face and made threatening statements.

Criminal damage, criminal trespassing

Dec. 21

A victim in the 600 block of S. Hawthorne received a text from his neighbor informing him that his inflatable Christmas decoration had been damaged by four unknown subjects at 12:47 a.m.

Dec. 17

Subsequent to a suspect threatening a victim over the phone, the reporting officer made contact with the suspect, who was served with a no-trespass notice.

Domestic incident, disorderly conduct, domestic battery

Dec. 23

Jeramiah Webb, 25, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct and failure to yield to traffic near York and North at 4:57 p.m.

Dec. 22

A 29-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with domestic battery in the 500 block of W. Avery at 8:06 p.m.

Dec. 21

Darin Rajan, 43, of Naperville, was charged with threatening a public official and disorderly conduct in the 200 block of E. Butterfield at 7:06 a.m. Police said a complainant reported receiving bomb threat calls from an unknown phone number. The area was searched with no results. Upon further investigation, police said the number was found to be associated with Ra-

jan, who had an active warrant out of Elmhurst. Dec. 20

A victim in the 800 block of S Bryan told police he and his wife have been having verbal arguments and some physical fights over the victim spraying allergens around the house. Due to conflicting stories and no injuries, no arrests were made.

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

Dec. 25

Jesus Rene Dadivas, 44, of Niles, was charged with DUI, possession of a conceal carry firearm while under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage and failure to signal when changing lanes subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and Third at 2:34 a.m.

Dec. 24

Joseph Vercillo, 56, of River Grove, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, failure to wear a seat belt, two counts of disobeying a traffic control signal and transportation of open alcohol subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Shady Lane at 1:31 a.m.

Dec. 22

Mario Muniz, 46, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, improper lighting, failure to signal and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Route 83 at 12:39 a.m.

Gerardo Salmon, 31, of Melrose Park, was charged with DUI and illegal stopping/parking where prohibited near St. Charles and Berkley at 12:38 a.m.

Fleeing, eluding

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported three incidents of fleeing and eluding during which the driver of a vehicle fled the scene after being stopped for a traffic stop by police.

Harassment, threats

Dec. 20

A victim in the 100 block of E. First told police they received multiple phone calls from a suspect who threatened and made numerous hostile remarks directed toward the victim. Police arrested the suspect on Dec. 21.

Identity theft, fraud

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

Possession

Dec. 23

Subsequent to a traffic stop, an unnamed

suspect was found to be driving with a suspended license and in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was placed under arrest, transported to the police department and released without charges, pending lab results.

Suspicious incident

Dec. 21

Police said that subsequent to a suspicious vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near North and West at 5:15 a.m., a reporting officer attempted to follow the vehicle but lost sight of it in the area of North and Clinton. It was determined the vehicle had recently been reported stolen out of Glen Ellyn.

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

Dec. 24

A victim in the 400 block of W. Butterfield told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole jewelry from her residence.

Dec. 17-Dec. 24

A victim in the 800 block of S. Linden told police he mailed a check and later learned it was cashed for a different amount. The victim believed the check had been intercepted in the mail, forged, and cashed by an unknown suspect.

Dec. 22

Police said a complainant at a convenience store in the 100 block of E. First was informed by an employee that a suspect had stolen scratch-off lottery tickets. Upon further investigation, it was learned the suspect had committed previous thefts at several other convenience stores around the area.

Dec. 21

A victim at a banquet hall in the 600 block of W. North told police she left her purse unattended while at a Christmas party. The victim

was notified of a charge to her debit card made by an unknown individual.

Dec. 20

While on patrol, a reporting officer observed a vehicle that was reported stolen out of Willowbrook. The reporting officer recovered the vehicle unoccupied in Melrose Park. Willowbrook police officers responded and took over the investigation.

Dec. 19

A complainant in the 100 block of N. Willow reported that his Amazon package had been stolen off his front porch. A complainant at a gas station in the 200 block of E. Butterfield told police that a suspect pumped gas and left without paying.

Dec. 18

A complainant in the 900 block of S. Colfax told police he received a notification that a package containing clothing was delivered to his home. The complainant did not receive his package.

Warrant arrest

Dec. 22

Police said that subsequent to a report of a battery in the 700 block of Junior Terrace at 2:01 p.m., a victim related the suspects battered him and his brother. Both suspects were placed under arrest and transported to the police department. Police said Toribio B. Garcia, 35, of Addison, was found to have a valid warrant. Garcia was processed on the warrant and charged with battery. The second suspect was charged with two counts of domestic battery and two counts of battery. Both suspects were transported to the DuPage County Jail.

Dec. 21

Police said that subsequent to a report of a suspicious person standing in the roadway, Eduardo Reza, 35, of Maywood, was found to have an active warrant out of Cook County for burglary. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Elmhurst Police Department. Reza was processed on the warrant and transported to the DuPage County Jail.

Court grants state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for Chicago felon accused of illegally possessing a loaded handgun

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

Michael McLean announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago convicted felon accused of possessing a loaded handgun.

Daniel Medina-Guerrero

Daniel Medina-Guerrero, 27, appeared in court last week and was charged with one count of armed habitual criminal (Class X felony), one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.

On Dec. 23 at approximately 3:30 p.m., detectives with the Elmhurst Police Department were conducting surveillance at a location in the 600 block of West Lake Street awaiting the arrival of the defendant, later identified as Medina-Guerrero, who was a suspect in an alleged fleeing and eluding incident on Dec. 15.

It is alleged that Medina-Guerrero drove to the Lake Street location and exited the vehicle, at which time detectives took him into custody for driving with a revoked license. Upon con-

ducting a search of the vehicle, officers located a stolen, loaded, SAR9 9mm handgun, which was immediately accessible to the driver, underneath the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

Following further investigation, officers learned that the handgun was reported stolen out of Dayton, Ohio, in January 2023.

“The law is crystal clear, as a convicted felon, Mr. Medina-Guerrero has forfeited his right to legally possess a firearm,” Berlin said. “I commend the Elmhurst Police Department whose continued efforts on a fleeing and eluding case led to the removal of an illegal weapon from our streets and serious charges against the man who was allegedly in possession of that weapon.”

“The Elmhurst Police Department will not tolerate criminal activity in our community,” McLean said. “We will be relentless in our investigation of those that flee the police and convicted felons who seek to possess firearms in violation of our laws. I commend the actions of the alert patrol officer that first spotted this vehicle and the Elmhurst tactical officers and detectives who located the suspect and safely took him into custody.”

Medina-Guerrero’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 21, for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.

Man who was involved in 2023 residential

burglary in Oak Brook is shot and killed in Florida

A South American man who was the getaway driver in a residential burglary in Oak Brook nearly two years ago was shot and killed last week after he allegedly committed a home invasion in Florida.

Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, 27, was reportedly shot by a homeowner in Bradenton, Florida, on the evening of Dec. 26. Flores-Toledo died the next morning. His accomplice was arrested a few blocks away from the home.

Subject, who was reportedly released on parole in Illinois in November, broke into home on Dec. 26; homeowner then shot the subject, who died the next morning cameras that there was motion on one side of his home. He then told his wife to find a safe place in the residence. The homeowner then retrieved his firearm—a legally owned semiautomatic 9mm handgun—and went into an office/bedroom.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Flores-Toledo also went by the name of Anibal Miller-Valencia, with a date of birth of 2001. The subject was known by that name when he was charged with felony counts of home invasion and residential burglary for his role in the 2023 crime in Oak Brook.

On Jan. 13, 2023, at about 6:40 p.m., officers with the Oak Brook Police Department responded to a call of a home invasion on Luthin Road. Officers arrived at the scene and spoke to a juvenile female, who was home alone at the time of the incident.

According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Miller-Valencia and two accomplices drove to a nearby forest preserve parking lot and parked their car before the home invasion in 2023. The two accomplices then left the vehicle and went to the Oak Brook home on Luthin Road. The two subjects reportedly broke a rear glass door and entered the home. When they entered the residence, the juvenile female hid behind a

(Continued from page 5)

• If the public develops any symptoms of the “flu”—fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, body aches, headaches, eye redness, vomiting or diarrhea—after exposure to sick or dead birds, please notify the local health department immediately. Upon seeking medical attention, please let any health care facility know of your exposure.

• Treatment must be started within two days of illness for it to be most effective, so the public is urged to not delay seeking care.

“While avian influenza generally poses a low risk to the population, it is essential to take the necessary steps to avoid exposure, and to seek treatment quickly if you are exposed,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We encourage all Illinoisans to follow the advice of the experts at IDNR in order to avoid contact with sick birds, and to take any potential exposure seriously. These common-sense steps can help reduce the likelihood of spreading this illness.”

IDNR recommends that wildlife rehabilitators not accept waterfowl and other aquatic birds because of the

door. A short time after entering the home, the two subjects reportedly fled into a nearby wooded area.

Officers investigating the incident in Oak Brook found Miller-Valencia in the forest preserve parking lot, sitting in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle. He was arrested at that time.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office related that Miller-Valencia served four months in jail in Illinois for his role in the January 2023 crime in Oak Brook before being released on parole in November 2024. He had an active warrant for parole violation at the time of his death, and was considered armed and dangerous, added the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

An online report stated that Miller-Valencia was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for taking part in the home invasion and residential burglary in Oak Brook in January 2023, but that he was released on parole on Nov. 22, 2024.

Last week, on Dec. 26, two masked subjects were captured on a homeowner’s video surveillance system entering the rear of an occupied home in Bradenton, Florida, at around 9 p.m.

A statement from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office noted that the homeowner fired multiple rounds, hitting one of the intruders, while the other intruder fled the scene.

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells stated during a Dec. 27 news conference that the homeowner in Bradenton was alerted by his

According to Wells, the homeowner was then confronted by Miller-Valencia, who was already inside the home. The homeowner fired at least three shots at Miller-Valencia, Wells said.

The other subject, who was halfway through a window when the homeowner entered the room, retreated and was later found about four blocks away. Deputies used

K9 units to track down that suspect.

The injured intruder—Miller-Valencia, also known as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo—was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries at about 7 a.m. on Dec. 27.

Wells said his office was working with the US Border Patrol to try to validate the identities of both suspects in the Dec. 26 incident in Bradenton. He said the suspect who was apprehended near the home is of Chilean descent, and came to California a few months ago. His visa was supposed to expire in September, but he never returned to Chile, Wells related.

Wells said he had no information

on why the suspects chose to enter the occupied home in Bradenton. Wells said the suspects used a large screwdriver-type pry bar to break in to the home.

“The bottom line is, this is the state of Florida,” said Wells. “You want to break into someone’s home; you should expect to be shot.”

Wells went on to commend the homeowner for his actions.

“I praise this husband for doing what he needed to do to protect his home and protect his family,” said Wells.

“And if you’re going to be that brazen to come into my home, once again, you should expect that you’re going to be shot.”

elevated risk of infection by HPAI at this time. Caution should also be taken when accepting raptors, scavengers, and other birds displaying signs of illness due to risk of exposure to HPAI. Further guidance for wildlife rehabilitators regarding HPAI can be found online.

IDNR reminds waterfowl hunters to take precautions and thoroughly cook game meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid handling sick or dead waterfowl found in the field. Further guidance for hunters can be found online. In addition to detections in wild birds, Illinois and other states across the United States have seen detections in poultry.

“The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) encourages poultry owners to be aware of the risk, increase biosecurity measure and prevent contact with wild birds,” said Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA state veterinarian. “In addition, we encourage poultry owners to report unusually large mortalities in their flocks and to be aware of IDPH’s recommendations regarding exposure to sick birds.”

Viewpoint

Letter to the editor Urgent message: Blood donors needed

The need for blood is vital right now, and our December blood drives were a lifeline for patients depending on us.

Across the region, we’re struggling to meet patient demand, and we need your help to ensure we not only reach but exceed our goals.

Recently, Versiti supported a patient undergoing an organ transplant, a critical procedure requiring an extraordinary amount of blood. This patient represents just one of many whose lives depend on us during this season.

Blood usage is expected to be extremely high, and without our blood drives, we cannot meet the needs of patients like this who are fighting for their lives.

Here’s how you can make the biggest impact:

• Every potential donor needs a personal ask. A direct, heartfelt invitation from you makes all the difference. Sharing the story of this transplant or similar examples can inspire people to act. Let them know they have the power to save a life!

• Push for participation. Engage your community and emphasize the urgency—blood donations right now will save lives over the holidays and give families the gift of more time with their loved ones.

• Help us exceed the goal. Every unit collected matters, and going above goal could mean the difference between life and loss for a patient.

We know the holidays are a busy time, but this is the moment when patients need us most. Your leadership can change lives. Filling the blood drive schedule is the best way to ensure we meet the community needs. Together, we’ll meet this challenge and give hope to those who need it most.

Thank you for your incredible efforts and for being a true hero to patients and their families this holiday season.

With gratitude and hope, Robert Rosa Versiti Blood Center of Illinois

Account Representative

Slices of life

Old should be a badge of honor

Old things are often valued.

An old house is called midcentury modern. Old cheese is aged. Old furniture is antique. Old dishes are Depression glass. Old cars are classic.

And we all know wine only gets better with age.

But old people?

They are just old. (Or seniors, at best.)

So why do we attribute favorable terms to old things, but not people?

The word itself is pretty simple. Just three letters. One syllable. A vowel and two consonants. It can’t get any easier than that, can it?

But, old is so much more than a three-letter word. The older you get, the more you realize: old is a concept. It defies definition because its definition changes with time.

At least this was my hypothesis, which I took to the streets—or more aptly, random acquaintances, friends and family.

I don’t think anyone wants to get old. Young is the preferred adjective. So much so that we go to great lengths to hold onto young and hold off old.

We allow ourselves to be Botoxed, tummy tucked, suctioned,

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

peeled, filled, dyed and lifted - all in the name of holding onto the concept of young.

We count our age in numbers, and I was interested if there was a number that defines old. I asked people from age 4 to 84 what age they thought constituted old and as expected, answers varied greatly.

In general, it seems that old is roughly 20 years beyond the number that indicates your current age.

When you are four, old is 17. At age 6 it is 32. My daughter, who happens to be 32 believes old is 80. My son, age 26 says, it is age 70. My oldest respondent, age 84, believes old begins at 100. He is a friend I met playing wallyball and his goal is to continue playing until he’s 91. I should be so lucky. (And sure hope he is as well.)

So, based on my very scientific

surveys, old begins anywhere between 17 and 100.

I wasn’t surprised that people had varying ideas of the age of old. I was surprised at their thoughtful responses to the overall question. It was almost like they’d thought about the topic previously. Like they’d pondered growing old on their own, without any prompting.

(Sarcastic tone optional.)

In general, these contemplative and philosophical folks had similar thoughts:

Old may be defined, on the outside, by the age of your skin and your bones, but that isn’t what makes a person old in the true sense of the word. A person can be old in years, but young at heart. People can be old on the outside, but interesting and relevant and fun on the inside and those three things elevate them beyond old.

And the older the respondent, the more they’d thought about the question. And, the more hesitant they were to put a numerical value on the term.

I guess that makes sense. It also makes sense that the closer we get to the cultural definition of “old” the more our

own definition changes. No one wants to be old, even those people who many of us believe have clearly reached this milestone. And that’s kind of sad. Old should be a badge of honor. It should be a milestone we seek to attain. It should be a cause for celebration.

It should be mid-century modern in the human sense. It should be antique and classic. It should be something to celebrate because when you reach the stage of old you have made it!

You have lived longer than most people. You are still walking, breathing and fighting the good fight. You have kept on keeping on. You have beat the odds. And that is to be celebrated.

Some people might think you are old. They might even tell you so. Let them. They don’t know what they’re missing.

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

Two Cook County women and two juveniles charged with retail theft/burglary from Oak Brook Sephora

One minor defendant allegedly threatened police officer and his family

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced last week that two Cook County women and two male juveniles have been accused of stealing merchandise from the Oak Brook Sephora store located at 104 Oakbrook Center.

Ocampo’s co-defendant, Deysi Villalobos, 32, of Melrose Park, also appeared in court on Dec. 23, and was charged with one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, three counts of burglary and three counts of retail theft.

Marisol Ocampo, 35, of Chicago, appeared in court on Dec. 23, and was charged with one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Class 1 felony), two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony).

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.

Recurring weekly on Monday nights

Trivia night. From 7-9 p.m. at Bottle Theory, 542 S. Spring, Monday is trivia night and you’re invited. There are seven rounds of audio, visual and live hosted trivia. You’ll get everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot 100 to Better Call Saul. It’s free to play; prizes will be awarded for answering bonus questions, and gift cards for the top teams at the end of the night. So gather up to six of your brainiest pals. Tables are first come, first serve. For more information, visit: https:// bottletheorytaproom.com/.

Recurring monthly

Memory care support group

Held on the first Wednesday of every month at the Adult Christian Day Center, Epiphany Church, 314 W. Vallette, Elmhurst and at St. Paul Church, 545 S. Ardmore, Villa Park, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., this is a free support group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The group alternates months between Epiphany Church and St. Paul Church. Call or text Jamie to RSVP at 312-543-5158 or email: AdultChristianCenterElmhurst@ gmail.com for more information.

Now through Jan. 3

Penguin scavenger hunt. Presented by the Elmhurst City Centre and recurring daily, there are 100 plush penguins hidden in City Centre Merchant Windows this holiday season. Come explore the heart of downtown Elmhurst, find the penguins and see what City Centre is all about—great shopping, delicious dining and top notch, hometown service. Player cards available at all participating merchants and online at elmhurstcitycentre.com. For more information, call 630-993-1600 or email: info@ elmhurstcitycentre.com.

Two male juveniles who were with the women, one 17-year-old and one 15-year-old, both appeared at a detention hearing, and each was charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), one count of aggravated battery (Class 3 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony).

Thursday, Jan. 16

Artist talk with Clayton Beck III. From 7-9 p.m. at Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild will host an artist’s talk with award winning artist Clayton Beck III. The talk is free and open to the public. For more information, call 630-738-9102 or visit: www.elmhurstartistsguild.org.

Friday, Jan. 17

“Snapshots: Elmhurst Now & Then” exhibit opens. Experience the museum’s latest exhibit through Sunday, Feb. 23 from 1-5 p.m. This original exhibit will showcase digitally enhanced photographs of iconic Elmhurst buildings, street views, parks, and transportation routes using images from the museum’s perma-

In addition, the 17-year-old juvenile was charged with one count of threatening a public official (Class 3 felony). Both juveniles were released and placed on GPS monitoring.

It is alleged that on Dec. 22 at approximately 5 p.m., the defendants entered the Sephora store and selected numerous items of merchandise valued at more than $300 and left the store without paying for the merchandise.

nent archives. These historical images will be paired with their contemporary counterparts, allowing guests to observe the evolution of Elmhurst’s history through changing architecture, transportation, green spaces, and business developments. The exhibit will feature 25 framed photographs and video footage from the museum’s archives, including the earliest filmed footage of Elmhurst from a “drive around town” in 1929, recreated in 1990. Admission is free. For more information, visit: elmhursthistory.org.

Sunday, Jan. 19

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra presents “The Four Seasons”—a memorable afternoon of music. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed

It is also alleged that both Ocampo and Villalobos directed one of the juveniles to steal merchandise from the Sephora. It is further alleged that the juveniles struck a store employee during the commission of the retail theft and that one of the juveniles also threatened an Oak Brook police officer, stating “I am going to get your a** killed, boy … I know your family. I know your brother. You better watch out.”

It is further alleged that on Dec. 20 at approximately 5:59 p.m., Ocampo and Villalobos entered the same Sephora store and selected numerous items of merchandise valued at more than $300 and left the store without paying for the merchandise. The next court appearance for Ocampo and Villalobos is scheduled for Jan. 21, for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander. The next court appearance for the juveniles is scheduled for Jan. 10.

Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road. A pre-concert talk starts at 1:45 p.m. The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra invites you to a breathtaking winter concert, featuring two timeless masterpieces that explore the seasons of the year in vivid musical detail. Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Stephen Alltop, the orchestra will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and Astor Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.” The performance is dedicated to the memory of Keith Olson, a beloved supporter of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. To order tickets for the concert, visit https:// elmhurstsymphony.org/the-four-seasons or call 630-941-0202 (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for more information, or contact the association via email at contact@elm-

hurstsymphony.org.

Now through Feb. 28 Organic seedlings sale at First Congregational UCC. It’s never too early to start thinking about your spring garden. The First Congregational United Church of Christ’s 11th annual Organic Seedlings Sale is underway. Preorders for certified organic vegetable, herb and annual flower seedlings will be taken through Feb. 28. (NOTE THE EARLY DEADLINE.) Seedlings can be ordered by going to the church’s website: https://elmhurstucc.org/store. Seedlings will be available for pick up at the church’s Green Garden Fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 10. The church is located at 235 S. Kenilworth Avenue in Elmhurst.

Girl Scout Cookie

Program kicks off on Friday

Following the theme of Embrace Possibilities, local Girl Scouts will kick off the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Program on Friday, Jan. 3. Young entrepreneurs will take cookie orders in person and offer online opportunities through their digital cookie sites for customers to order cookies for shipping, in-person Girl Scout delivery, and donations to the military and to community organizations.

Illinois’ minimum wage increases, completing 6-year transition

2019 law was Pritzker’s first major legislative victory

By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The minimum wage in Illinois increased to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, completing a six-year transition period since the increase was approved in 2019.

Beginning New Year’s Day, Illinois workers making minimum wage will see wages rise by $1 and tipped workers will see their paychecks bump to $9 an hour. Youth workers under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours a year will have a $13 minimum wage.

The final increase, ending a six-year ramp which began with the minimum wage rising from $8.25 to $9.25 on Jan. 1, 2020, puts a bow on Gov. JB Pritzker’s first major legislative victory. He signed the wage increase in February 2019 about a month after being sworn in for his first term, checking off a top campaign promise.

“Since day one of my administration, I’ve made it my mission to build an economy that works for everyone and raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour fulfills that promise to our

working families,” Pritzker said in a statement. “This increase honors the workers who power our state and ensures they can better support their families, bringing us closer to a stronger, more equitable economy for all.”

Illinois will be one of 10 states with a minimum wage of $15 or greater, according to the National Employment Law Project. Twenty-two other states are also increasing their wages on Jan. 1.

The minimum wage increase is one of many economic changes that have happened since 2019, including effects of the pandemic, Illinois Chamber of Commerce CEO Lou Sandoval told Capitol News Illinois. He said those have caused businesses to adjust their operations in a variety of ways, such as increasing automation.

“I think you’re starting to see businesses pivot in terms of how they’re adjusting,” Sandoval said. “You’re seeing this at the national chains.” Some restaurants, for example, are

On Dec. 19, Villa Park’s Cottage Hill Operating Company donated several boxes of toys to York Township residents in need. The items were donated by Cottage Hill employees as part of their second annual toy drive. Cottage Hill is a family-owned business that’s provided school bus transportation services since 1951. York Township General Assistance Director Pamela Sarno (top row, second from right) is pictured with Cottage Hill employees and their children. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the families who benefit from our gift program I would like to thank everyone at Cottage Hill Operating Company for their generous donation of toys for our residents in need,” said York Township Supervisor John W. Valle. “The holidays are tough for many families and we are proud to partner with local companies, individuals and organizations to help keep the season bright.”

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. Americans’ “uncle”

4. Chair

8. Ancient kingdom

10. Egyptian city

11. Alaskan glacier

12. One from Somalia

13. Ancient alphabets

15. Relating to vocabulary

16. Small mongrels

17. Natural settings

18. Weekend entertainments

21. Line from which light seemingly streams

22. Your own private code

23. Swiss river

24. Satisfaction

25. A person’s brother or sister

26. Folk singer DiFranco

27. The Blonde Bombshell

34. Kids’ school project

35. Bluish greens

36. Classifying

37. Cube-shaped

38. Choo-choos

39. Indian religious god of dissolution

40. French department

41. Leak into gradually

42. Foundation

43. Midway between south and southeast

CLUES DOWN

1. Counterbalancing debt

2. In slow tempo

3. Glamorous city

4. Japanese lute

5. Makes law

6. Informative book

7. Animal’s body part

9. American playwright

10. Blood poisoning

12. Angels

14. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

15. Written account

17. Unwelcome pest

19. Saddle horses

20. Type of gibbon

23. Delta is one

24. NE Massachusetts cape

25. Soup cracker

26. Yes vote

27. Muddy ground

28. Physics apparatus (abbr.)

29. Type of drug

30. German city

31. Animal disease

32. Martini ingredients

33. Get away

34. Spanish municipality

36. Thrust a knife into

“moving away from larger sit-down areas into grab-and-go.”

Illinois job growth has been slow since October 2019, according to a November report by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. The state has seen a net increase of 28,700 jobs from October 2019 through October 2024.

That’s a growth rate of 0.5 percent, compared to the national rate of 4.9 percent.

The rate of new job postings by businesses at the beginning of the year will shed some light on how the jump to $15 on Jan. 1 is impacting business operations, Sandoval said.

To help small businesses with the change, the state provides a tax credit through 2027 to businesses with 50 or fewer employees for wages paid to minimum-wage workers.

“As a state, we have helped countless workers make ends meet, reduce financial stress, and provide a more solid foundation for their futures,” Lightford said in a statement.

“The $15 minimum wage is a testament to our commitment to economic justice and our belief that everyone who works full time deserves a living wage.”

The value of a $15 minimum wage, however, has changed since lawmakers acted in 2019. A person making $8.25 in February 2019 would need to earn $10.30 today to have the same buying power after inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index. A $15 hourly wage today has the buying power that $12.02 had in February 2019.

The 2019 minimum wage law marked the first increase since the wage hit $8.25 in 2010. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Westchester, introduced a bill to raise it to $15 an hour in 2017 that was passed by the General Assembly and vetoed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Lightford sponsored the initiative again in 2019.

A person would need to make an $18.72 wage today to have the same buying power that $15 had in February 2019. Top Democrats didn’t say if they will push for new increases.

“As a Senator of 25 years, history has shown my commitment of fighting to ensure workers are paid a living wage. That commitment still holds strong today,” Lightford said in an email statement.

Pritzker said he supports ideas that will help workers make more money, but didn’t commit to supporting any plan to raise the minimum wage further when pressed about it at a news conference Dec. 11.

“We always are thinking about how do you balance the need for higher wages with the needs that businesses have to hire people and do it affordably. But I think we did it the right way when we did it back in 2019,” Pritzker said.

The new $15 wage equates to a 40-hour-per-week annual salary of

$31,200 before taxes. That equals the federal government’s poverty level for a four-person household. The poverty level is $15,060 in a single-person household.

But according to calculations in a national project by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, $15 hourly still doesn’t equate to a “living” wage in Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau cost of living and other cost estimates provided by federal agencies adjusted for inflation.

A single adult with no children needs a $22.86 hourly salary to make a living wage in Illinois,

while a two-parent household with two working adults and three children would each need to earn $31.69. In a two-parent household with one working adult and one child, the worker needs $36.49 to make a living wage, according to the MIT project.

Inflation is making it hard for workers to benefit from wage increases, Sandoval said, adding rising wages also cause businesses to raise prices.

“They might get the wage increase on one side, but their cost of living goes up accordingly,” Sandoval said.

779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834 -6700 www.visitationparish.org

Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil)

Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM

Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM

Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM

Adoration: Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm Wednesday Service at 7pm

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022 Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26

Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, January 25, Game Night at 4 pm Everyone is Welcome! All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022 Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

Nearly 300 new Illinois laws take effect in 2025

They include digital driver’s licenses, salary transparency and health insurance changes

By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Time to study up, Illinois. After the clock hit midnight on New Year’s Day, 293 new state laws took effect.

Those include some of the defining bills of the 2024 legislative session and others that will change how people get IDs, evaluate job postings and even cancel gym memberships.

In addition to the laws taking effect on Jan. 1, the state’s minimum wage will rise to $15 to complete a ramp up initiated during Gov. JB Pritzker’s first month in office in 2019.

Digital driver’s licenses

The secretary of state can begin creating a process to issue digital driver’s licenses and state IDs beginning in the new year after

Pritzker signed House Bill 4592 Residents will still be required to receive a physical ID and agencies or private entities will not be required to accept digital IDs in place of physical IDs.

Providing a phone to police to show a digital ID also doesn’t give police consent to search a person’s cell phone.

Salary transparency

Employers with 15 or more employees must include information about benefits and the salary range on job postings, according to House Bill 3129. The law will also apply to businesses hiring for remote work positions in Illinois.

“When employers aren’t transparent about pay, gender and racial wage gaps widen, costing women and people of color valuable compensation,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Strat -

“ Illinois’ new Pay Transparency law is a resounding win for the working people who call our state home.”

– Lt. Gov. Juliana Straton

ton said in a news release. “Illinois’ new Pay Transparency law is a resounding win for the working people who call our state home.”

‘Junk’ health insurance

Short-term, limited duration health insurance plans will be il -

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legal in Illinois beginning Jan. 1. The plans, often called “junk insurance” by critics, do not meet the minimum standards of the federal Affordable Care Act.

The ban outlined in House Bill 2499 was part of Pritzker’s health insurance overhaul that lawmakers passed in the spring. It was aimed at reducing barriers to care for patients and making health care more affordable by expanding coverage requirements for insurance companies.

Short-term insurance plans are typically for people who have a lapse in health insurance coverage such as when they lose or change jobs, but they are different from COBRA benefits, which most employers are required to offer under federal law. Supporters of the bill argued the plans are deceptive and stick consumers with huge out-ofpocket costs, but others said the plans provide consumers with an affordable option to fill a gap in coverage.

Caregiver discrimination

House Bill 2161 adds family responsibilities to the list of categories protected from discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. The new law prevents employers from taking adverse action against employees because of their responsibilities as a caregiver for a family member, which could cause them to miss work.

Bill sponsor Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, told a House committee in April that pregnant women are a good example of who the bill is designed to help. He said pregnant women shouldn’t be passed up for a promotion or face other consequences at work in anticipation that they will be taking time off to care for their baby. Guzzardi stressed the bill does not protect employees who fail to meet job performance requirements.

AI regulations

New laws governing artificial intelligence take effect Jan. 1. It will be illegal to generate child pornography using AI, according to House Bill 4623. Supporters of the bill, including the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, said it is becoming more difficult to distinguish between real and AI-generated images. They said updating Illinois’ child pornography laws was a necessary to step allow law enforcement to identify and prosecute child pornography cases.

House bill 4875 also adds new protections to prohibit using AI to recreate a person’s voice, image or likeness for commercial purposes without the person’s consent. Recording artists can seek damages for violations of the law.

Politics and religion at work

protections for employees who skip out on such meetings and prevents employers from retaliating against them.

The law does not prohibit discussing religion or politics at work, but employees are not required to participate in the discussions if such activities are not part of their job. The law excludes non-profit and advocacy groups where politics or religion may be part of job.

Coming later in 2025

Pritzker’s signature health reform package goes into effect on Jan. 1, but most provisions don’t have to be implemented until the beginning of 2026. House Bill 5395 bans “step therapy,” which requires patients to try and fail treatments preferred by insurance companies before they can receive the treatment recommended by their doctor. It also bans insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for emergency in-patient mental health treatment, requires insurers to keep up-to-date lists of in-network providers and expands the power of the Illinois Department of Insurance to regulate premium rates.

Many hotels in Illinois will no longer be allowed to provide customers with single-use plastic soap and shampoo beginning July 1 under Senate Bill 2960 . The move is designed to cut down on waste from single-use products. The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association supported the change. Hotels with fewer than 50 rooms have until 2026 to make the change.

Other new laws

NIL money: Student athletes at NCAA universities can earn name, image and likeness money directly from their universities. House Bill 307 was an initiative of the University of Illinois.

Hearing aids : Insurance providers must cover medically prescribed hearing aids for all people under House Bill 2443 . Coverage was previously only required for those under 18.

Gym memberships : House Bill 4911 requires gyms and fitness centers to accept multiple ways for people to cancel their membership. Physical fitness locations also must now allow customers to cancel their membership by email or online. Customers will also be allowed to submit written notice for canceling their membership by mail.

Subscription renewals : Businesses that offer a free trial or promotional period for their product or service must notify customers at least three days before the subscription automatically renews at a paid rate under Senate Bill 2764 The law only applies to subscriptions longer than 15 days.

Mail to: The Elmhurst Independent, 240 N. West Ave., Elmhurst, IL. 60126. Or call 630.834-8244

Employees can’t be required to sit through work meetings discussing religion or politics starting Jan. 1. Senate Bill 3649, an initiative of the Illinois AFL-CIO, creates new

Crime victim DNA: DNA evidence collected from a person who is the victim of a crime to aid a criminal investigation cannot be entered into a DNA database, according to House Bill 1168

State lawmakers consider Tier 2 pension changes as new session approaches

Public employee unions seeking changes to Tier 2 retirement system

By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Changes that would make Illinois pension systems compliant with Social Security by improving benefits for government employees hired since 2011 could be on the table when lawmakers return to Springfield in January.

The General Assembly passed legislation in 2010 to create a second tier of state pension benefits in hopes of reducing long-term liabilities. But the latest benefits structure for employees entering the government workforce after 2010, known as Tier 2, has raised concerns about its compliance with Social Security and fairness to public employees.

Not all public employees are covered by Social Security. But federal law does require governments to provide benefits that are at least equal to Social Security. If a pension system fails to meet that “Safe Harbor” requirement, the employer must make up the difference. Officials from pension systems have said doing so would be costly, though exactly how much so is unclear.

While calls for changes have grown louder in recent years, the underlying concerns aren’t new, Sen. Robert Martwick, D-Chicago, told Capitol News Illinois.

“It was contemplated by members of the General Assembly during debate for its passage that Tier 2 could create a problem if it didn’t satisfy Safe Harbor,” Martwick said.

Tier 2 employees also say the benefits they receive, which are not as generous as those received by Tier 1 employees who were employed before 2011, will make retirement challenging and are currently hurting recruitment and retention in public sector jobs.

Lawmakers are tentatively scheduled to be back in Springfield on Jan. 4 for a lame duck session before new lawmakers are sworn in on Jan. 8.

“Whether that will all come together in a fashion that is ready for lame duck or not remains to be seen,” Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, told Capitol News Illinois. “I do think we’re closer than we were than at the beginning of the legislative session.”

Latest proposal

Kifowit’s House pensions committee has held more than a dozen hearings exploring pension reform in the past two years, including on multiple bills she has filed. The latest bills, House bill 5909 and Senate bill 3998, are a product of the “We Are One Illinois” coalition of labor unions seeking Tier 2 reform.

“We understand this is a big lift,” Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney said in a Dec. 13 committee hearing. “We’re going to continue to push for a lame duck solution. We’re ready today, tomorrow, through the holidays to work.”

The union-backed proposal would aim to fix the “Safe Harbor” flaw of Tier 2, in part by increasing the maximum salary used to calculate pension benefits. The current maximum salary for Tier 2 employees is more than $40,000 less than the Social Security salary base and has increased at half the rate of inflation. The new average salary calculation for Tier 2 would be the same as Tier 1.

Martwick said the problem with Tier 2 is it uses 60 percent of a person’s highest average salary over eight years to calculate benefits, compared to 70 percent-80 percent under Tier 1.

The proposal would also include an annual non-compounded 3 percent cost of living adjustment for all pension systems to keep pace with inflation. Under the current law, Tier 2 pension systems for teachers, university employees and state employees receive non-compounded increases of 3 percent or half the rate of inflation, whichever is less. The Tier 2 pensions systems for judges and members of the General Assembly currently are compounded and increase by 3 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

Unions and government employers have also described a growing challenge to retain and recruit people to government jobs, in part because of the diminished quality of Tier 2 benefits.

“What we need to look at and identify is that the state of Illinois has a significant staffing shortage,” Kifowit said. “When private businesses have a staff shortage, they increase

their benefits and increase their pay to become competitive in the market to attract decent employees.”

Another key fix in the bills would put the Tier 2 retirement ages back in line with Tier 1. Under current law, Tier 2 employees are eligible for retirement benefits at a higher age— depending on how long they’ve been employed—such as 67 for teachers compared to 62 for Tier 1, and age 55 for most police officers and firefighters, compared to 50 for those under Tier 1.

“It is hard to think that a Tier 1 and Tier 2 employee are doing the same amount of work and it is hard to think the Tier 2 employee is going to get fewer benefits just because of when they graduate,” Brittany Archibald-Swank, a 4th grade teacher in Urbana, told Capitol News Illinois.

Other public employees worry about handling the physical demands of a job as they get older.

“I can’t do it. It’s not a matter of willpower. It’s a physical impossibility,” Cook County Sheriff correctional officer Ryan Molina said at a Statehouse rally in November. Molina, who is under the Tier 2 system, would be eligible to retire at age 62 following 20 years of service under the current law, rather than 50 following 20 years of service under the Tier 1 law.

Martwick is backing the unions’ proposal but said it won’t be the final product as conversations continue.

“Every employer owes a responsibility to their employees to provide retirement savings so they have what they need to make their retirement,” Martwick said.

Projected cost

Union officials and leaders of the state’s pension funds told the committee recently it’s not clear how much a Tier 2 fix would cost or what penalties the state would face if the Internal Revenue Service decided to act on the violation.

Only a few Tier 2 employees have retired or will retire in the next few years, officials from the pension systems said. But when they do retire, if their benefits are found noncompliant, units of government from the state to school districts will have to

make up the difference to ensure benefits are adequate.

“It’s not that we should fix the illegal parts of the benefits structure, it’s that we have to fix it, otherwise others are going to fix it for us to the drastic detriment of state and local government finances,” Devaney said.

Martwick shared a similar sentiment.

“My whole focus on this thing is throughout the course of this process that we are cognizant that there is no such thing as zero cost. Not doing something doesn’t mean you’re spending zero money,” he said.

A report earlier this year by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shed some light on what those proposals could cost.

The April analysis of a different bill found it would cost the state $5 billion in total through fiscal year 2045 to tie the salary cap to the Social Security wage base and improve the rate of the annual cost of living adjustment.

The analysis also showed lower retirement ages would cost about $3 billion in total through FY45. But she said the most recent bill proposed by the unions is “more generous” and could cost more.

Between lowering the retirement ages and creating parity with Social Security, COGFA’s analysis shows state pension costs could increase by about $500 million annually. Kifowit said she believes that sum is small enough that the budget can “absorb” it without tax increases – though Illinois could already be facing a multi-billion deficit, according to early estimates from the governor’s office.

She said her preference would be to continue making pension payments beyond what is required by law, like lawmakers did in fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

“I think we need to have a continual stream of additional payments, not just if we have extra money,” Kifowit said.

The pension payment will consume about 19 percent, or $10.4 billion, of the state’s general revenue

spending in FY25.

Kifowit said her goal is to avoid any surprise legislation that hasn’t been well-vetted in committee hearings, pointing back to the 2010 legislation that created Tier 2, which was filed and passed through the legislature in just a few days.

“In my opinion, this isn’t going to be the final proposal because it lacks some of the governor’s proposal,” Kifowit said.

Pritzker’s plan

Gov. JB Pritzker proposed a plan in February that focused more on restructuring the state’s pension payment law than fixing Tier 2. It would aim to make pensions 100 percent funded by fiscal year 2048, rather than 90 percent by FY45 under current law.

It also plans to use revenue streams currently paying back bonds and dedicate them to pension payments in the early 2030s when the bonds are retired.

Pritzker proposed reviewing and, “if necessary,” adjusting the salary cap on Tier 2 pensions to align with the Social Security wage base to stay compliant with the law. But he has not publicly taken a position on the latest union proposal.

“It’s not something that needs to get done exactly in the next session. But it’s clear that it needs to be dealt with because otherwise you create a whole ’nother liability for the state,” Pritzker said of the Safe Harbor issue at a November news conference.

Illinois’ unfunded pension liability grew by $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2024 to $143.7 billion, according to a December report from COGFA The pensions systems were collectively funded at 46 percent, which is an improvement from 44.6 percent in fiscal year 2023.

The unfunded liability has been growing since fiscal year 2011 when Tier 2 took effect. That year the state had an $83.1 billion liability. It peaked at $144.2 billion in fiscal year 2020 and briefly declined thanks to strong investment returns in fiscal year 2021 but has continued to grow since then.

Sport S

IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team scores Christmas tournament win

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team continued its strong start to the season with a 71-42 victory over Chicago Universal in the ICCP-Westmont co-hosted Christmas tournament. The Knights led 29-3 after the first quarter of the Dec. 23 game.

ICCP’s Andrew Hill scored all 12 of his points in the first quarter. Alex Simkowski led ICCP with 15 points. Matthew Sloan added four assists, while Danny Fromelt had four assists as well. Junior Sonny Zambole pulled in nine rebounds. The win moved the Knights to 8-2 overall.

Part of ICCP’s hot 8-2 start included winning the Coal City Thanksgiving tournament to start the season. “We are off to a great start,” ICCP coach TJ Tyrrell said prior to the holidays. “The guys are playing very confidently.”

Recently, the Knights dropped a 62-51 Chicago Catholic League crossover game to Chicago Mt. Carmel, ranked No. 7 in the state in Class 3A in the Dec. 18 Associated Press poll. ICCP trailed by six points

late in the game. “We had it down to six and a had a couple of mistakes and had to foul at the end,” Tyrrell said. “If we did a little better rebounding it probably would be a different game. Overall, it was a good showing for our guys.” Andrew Hill had 20 points against Chicago Mount Carmel, while senior Makai Mandley added 14 points.

The Knights’ other loss to that point was another CCL crossover game against Chicago Brother Rice, which was ranked No. 4 in the Dec. 18 Class 3A AP state poll. “Both our Chicago Catholic League crossover opponents were tough,” Tyrrell said. “We are playing top-ranked teams in the state. That will get us battle-tested and hopefully we will continue to learn from it and grow together as a team.”

U12 baseball action

ICCP also scored a recent 81-31 non-conference win against Horizon Science Academy-Southwest Chicago. Senior Joe McDonough came off the bench and scored 19 points to go with nine rebounds, five assists and four steals. The 19 points were a career high. “Joe had a real nice game,” Tyrrell said.

Simkowski, a junior, had 10 points, earning his first double-digit scoring tally at the varsity level. “Alex has been giving us a good spark of energy with spot minutes,” Tyrrell pointed out. “It was nice that a lot of guys were involved in that game.” Hill added 10 points against Horizon.

“The team from a chemistry standpoint is coming together in a solid way,” Tyrrell said. “We took a team retreat a couple weeks ago to Michigan and the guys opened up to each other and got to know each other. It was a good trip after a nice tournament win at Coal City.”

Heading into the holidays, ICCP was 1-0 in CCL White Division play after a win against Marmion Academy. “We still have plenty of challenges ahead,” Tyrrell said. “We have several opponents that we will play later in the year that are state ranked right now.”

Tyrrell said senior leadership has been key thus far. “We’re very senior heavy this year,” he said. “We bring back a lot of experience. We also added Makai Mandley, who is a transfer from Fenwick. He is doing a great job. We are getting a balanced effort. Andrew Hill is a great leader for us. He’s been with us since playing a little at the varsity level as a freshman. He brings great maturity and high effort. You couldn’t ask for a better leader for our guys.”

Fromelt, Sloan and Jordan Hall have been important cogs for the Knights, Tyrrell added. “Danny Fromelt is another team captain who works really hard and gives us a nice spark,” the coach said. “Matthew Sloan is a senior who is shooting very well and has picked up his defensive intensity. He’s also a great facilitator for us. Jordan Hall got a lot of experience last year running the point and has been very steady and

consistent this year.”

Tyrrell was also complimentary of the play of Luke Wojcik and Will Schmidt. “Luke is a senior who has done a great job stepping up as a leader and being more vocal with the team,” he said. “He does a lot of things that get overlooked on the state sheet, but he is very integral to our success and starting 7-2 and we look for that to continue. We’re also getting solid play off the bench from freshman Will Schmidt, who is very tough and is a high-IQ basketball player. He gives us some nice toughness of the bench. It’s rare to say that about a freshman.”

Heading into the ICCP-Westmont Christmas tournament (which ran from Dec. 23-30), Tyrrell, overall, was pleased with what he had seen thus far. “One thing that has helped us is we have scored big points early

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team continued its winning ways over the holidays. The Knights defeated Addison Trail 43-39 in overtime at the Lisle Holiday Tournament. Mary Kate Hilgart led IC Catholic Prep with 18 points. The win moved ICCP to 8-3 overall. The win against Addison Trail pushed the Knights’ winning streak to five games in a row. ICCP started out 3-3.

Prior to Christmas and in the midst of semester finals, the Knights were 70-15 winners over Chicago Horizon Science Academy-Southwest. Chole Brandt led the Knights with 18 points, while Julia Guttilla had nine points and Vanessa Mitropoulos added eight points.

“Everybody scored,” IC Catholic Prep coach Todd Fisher said. “It was a good game at the right point in the calendar year. It was a good team win right at the beginning of finals.”

After the win over Horizon, Fisher spoke about how far the team had come since Thanksgiving. “We told the kids that we started out, understandably, a little slow because we did not have the whole team together at the beginning with all the

fall sports success and a retreat,” he said. “We had the 3-0 run with wins against Rosary, St. Francis and Timothy Christian and then add in the Horizon game. We’re playing good basketball. I’m very happy with our effort and our competitiveness.”

Fisher noted he can’t put a finger on just one area where the Knights have taken big steps forward. “It’s quite a few things,” he said. “I like our competitiveness in all aspects in drills, in practice and in games. The last few practices we implemented some new things on offense and some different things with our defense. I’m highly impressed that they take everything in and come back days later when we review it and they know it. I’m impressed with their eagerness. They want something new every day in practice. They are looking for something new and different. This group wants something to keep them on their toes.”

Fisher then circled back to the effort part of the equation. “Again, I am impressed with their effort,” he said. “That’s not coach talk. In practice and games, the effort is always there. They want to give 100 percent, 100 percent of the time. If you back to those three games against Rosary,

Francis and Timothy, we learned so much about ourselves. St. Francis we go on a 9-0 run and win the game. Timothy we were down by 10 points late in the game and won. We’ve focused on late-game situations and putting ourselves in different situations and going over expectations — what we want to do depending on the situation.”

For Fisher, he feels the best is yet to come with this year’s group. “I know we haven’t played our best basketball yet,” he said. “I think we are getting there. We have excelled at certain points and looked really good. Now, we are working to put it together for the whole game. We’re working on finding our true identity and then building on that.”

On the Chicago Catholic League front, through late December, ICCP’s Hilgart is the CCL White Division’s third-leading scorer at 13.7 points per game. She trails Aurora Central Catholic’s Riley Cwinski (23.7 points per game) and Burbank St. Laurence’s Marlee Coleman (17.0 points per game). ICCP is 3-0 in White Division action and heads to ACC on Jan. 22 and turns around to play St. Laurence at home the following evening.

Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent

Martinelli and Nitti have been key contributors for the York wrestling team thus far. Marintelli and Nitti both won titles at the Prospect tournament with Martinelli winning at 126 pounds and Nitti at 144. Nitti also took third at the Barrington tournament, while Martinelli was fifth. Both wrestlers were 18-2 through their first 20 matches.

The next school reform push in Illinois: Testing and accountability

Officials say grading systems need fresh overhaul

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Education officials from five statewide organizations are pushing for fundamental changes in the way student achievement is measured each year and how schools are held accountable for meeting the state’s academic standards.

In a new report titled Vision 2030, organizations representing local school boards, superintendents, principals, district business officers, and regional superintendents argue that in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire landscape of public education has been dramatically altered, presenting new challenges and heightened scrutiny of public schools.

The report is similar to one the same groups released about a decade ago, Vision 20/20, that pushed for reform of the state’s school funding system, eventually leading to the adoption of the Evidence-Based Funding formula that is used today to steer state funding to the neediest school districts.

The new report makes recommendations on several aspects of public education, such as improving schools’ focus on college and career readiness, enhancing student safety and well-being, and attracting and retaining a diverse educator workforce—all subjects that are routinely at the center of most discussions about education policy.

But the groups also argue in the new report that it’s time to take a new look at the whole system of outcomes-based accountability for schools, something that has been a central focus of public education since the 1990s.

They say the current system of grading schools based largely on standardized test scores fails to give an accurate picture of how well stu-

• Basketball

dents are doing or what schools need to do to improve.

“This might seem counter intuitive, but educators do welcome accountability,” Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association, said during a media briefing about the report. “But we just want to make sure that the accountability really talks about the comprehensive work that educators do, much more than just test scores.”

State assessments

In the 1990s, Illinois, along with most other states, began moving to an outcomes-based education model in which teachers, schools, and districts were graded based on how well their students were learning. That was measured by how students performed on standardized tests that were tied to the state’s official learning standards for each subject and grade level.

Such systems became a federal mandate in 2002 with passage of the No Child Left Behind Act—later replaced by the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act—which required standardized testing as a condition of receiving federal education funding.

NCLB also required states to adopt systems of holding schools and districts accountable – through things like focused remedial programs or administrative sanctions – for making continuous improvement toward the goal of having all students meet or exceed the state’s academic standards.

Today in Illinois, students are tested in English language arts and math in grades 3-8 by taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. And starting this year, high school students will be tested using the ACT set of exams, which are replacing the SAT exams that have been used in previous years.

(Continued from page 16)

and that has helped our confidence,” he explained. “Last year, we had a very good year but played in a lot of very close games. We had to grind things out. We anticipate some close games ahead, but it’s nice to see the guys open up some big scores early, share the ball and score off assists. They are playing team basketball.”

On the statistical front, Hill had 17 points against Peotone in the Coal City tournament. Mandley added 13 points and four steals, while Fromelt and Sloan each had 10 points. McDonough had five assists. Hill had 26 points and 14 rebounds against Manteno at Coal City, while Sloan had 11 points. Fromelt had 17 points and 10 rebounds against Beecher at Coal City.

Sloan added 14 points, while Mandley had 13 points. Hill had 16 points, 13 rebounds and four steals

Schools also administer the Illinois Science Assessment in grades 5 and 8.

it’s like setting different qualifying times in a track meet.

against Timothy Christian in the title game at Coal City. Fromelt had 12 points and hit a buzzer-beater to win the tournament. Hall had 11 points.

In the conference win against Marmion, Hill had 26 points and nine rebounds, while Fromelt had seven assists and three steals. Sloan had 13 points in the loss to Brother Rice. Mandley had 18 points, Hill had 14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks and Hall had 11 points in the non-conference win against Timothy Christian.

Through seven games, Hill was averaging 16.3 points and nearly 10 rebounds a game. Mandley was averaging 9.4 points, while Sloan was at 9.0 points and Fromelt 8.6 points. ICCP’s sophomore team won the Westmont holiday tournament recently, defeating Montini in overtime for the crown.

The scores that students earn on those tests are divided into five categories, indicating they either exceeded, met, approached, partially met, or did not meet the state’s standards for proficiency in a particular subject.

Those test scores, in turn, make up a large part of the overall “designations” schools are given each year. The designations are based on test scores and other data for the student body overall and for student subgroups based on race, ethnicity, gender, disabilities, poverty status and other factors.

The top two designations, “exemplary” and “commendable,” are those with the highest overall scores who also have no student subgroups that are significantly underperforming. Exemplary schools are those with overall scores in the top 10 percent of all schools.

State officials give the bottom three designations to schools that are placed on four-year improvement plans while being given “targeted,” “comprehensive,” or “intensive” supports to address problem areas.

Schools designated for comprehensive or intensive support and oversight represent those with overall scores in the bottom 5 percent of all schools.

But state and local school officials in Illinois have argued for years that those systems are flawed.

First, they argue, the dividing line between meeting and not meeting state standards—what is often referred to as the “cut score”—is set unreasonably high in Illinois, giving the false impression that Illinois students are significantly less accomplished than their peers in other states.

Gary Tipsord, executive director of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, said

“If Indiana students are having to run the mile in in seven minutes, and the kids in Illinois are having to run at six, that’s not an equitable comparison. We don’t have parity there,” he said in an interview. “And as it stands, in Illinois today, our cut scores are higher than other states, and then we’re trying to compare what Illinois students are doing to the students in other states, which creates an unfair comparison.”

Officials also argue those designations do not accurately describe how well students are performing academically.

In 2021, for example, only about one-third of high school juniors taking the SAT met or exceeded state standards in English language arts, and slightly fewer did so in math. And yet, after those same students graduated the following year, nearly two-thirds enrolled in college within 12 months of graduation.

The Vision 2030 report also questions the validity of the performance designation for schools, noting the categories are based largely on how schools compare with each other, rather than how they measure up to an objective standard.

“Inevitably, you’re going to have a top 10 percent. You’re going to have a bottom 5 percent. Inevitably, you’re going to have that in the way it is structured currently,” Tipsord said. “What you don’t then get is a good system of communicating to communities around the state of Illinois about how their districts are actually performing. … Those designations don’t necessarily inform how your school districts are performing relative to grade-level equivalency, or relative to growth and improvement.”

Recommendations

The Vision 2030 report calls for

making several changes to the state’s testing system, including recalibrating the benchmarks that define “proficiency” in a given subject. Those benchmarks, they argue, should be aligned to a national standard such as the one used for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP exam, which shows Illinois students rank about average nationally across most subjects and grade levels.

The report also recommends the Illinois State Board of Education work with its State Assessment Review Committee to develop a new test that not only measures students’ proficiency at a particular grade level but also tracks their growth over time.

In addition, the report recommends releasing unofficial test results earlier, “in near real time,” so teachers can use the information to adapt their teaching methods. Currently, tests are given in the spring, but results are not reported until the following fall, long after instruction for the next set of students is already underway.

The authors also recommend overhauling the state’s system of ranking schools for accountability purposes so schools are measured against a fixed, objective standard, rather than comparing them to one another.

It also recommends using a scoring system that takes into account both the proficiency rate among students as well as the “growth” rate for students who are below proficiency.

“Proficient students should meet or exceed expectations, while students below proficiency should accelerate rates of growth to achieve proficiency over time,” the report states. “Therefore, within the broader accountability scoring system, student growth should be given more weight for students below proficiency and less weight for proficient students.” Gardeners Corner:

Gardeners Corner is a quarterly newsletter of syndicated columns from University of Illinois Extension experts around the state. Each issue highlights best practices that will make houseplants, landscapes, or gardens shine in any season.

Winter issue articles

Current and past issues are available at go.illinois. edu/GardenersCorner. The topics in the Winter 2024 issue include:

• Overwintering potted plants.

• Add these garden tools to holiday wish lists.

• Candy jar terrariums: A nostalgic take on a

holiday gift.

• Sugar and spice make everything nice.

• From one to many: A beginner’s guide to plant propagation.

Additional featured content

• Protect your pets: Keep paws off overwintering indoor plants.

• Indoor gardening can brighten winter doldrums.

• Good Growing Podcast: All About Poinsettias: Myths, legends, how they’re grown, and more. Join the Gardener’s Corner email list at go.illinois. edu/GCsubscribe for direct access to timely and seasonal tips.

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