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Gearing up for the 41st annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot

Elmhurst resident, decorated veteran Mark Madigan named Honorary Starter

By Dee Longfellow

THE

INDEPENDENT

It’s not unusual for a decorated veteran to be modest about his service and accomplishments. That was the case with Elmhurst resident Mark Madigan, who earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart during the Vietnam War, helping to save at least two people’s lives

when an armored personnel carrier (APC) struck a mine.

“I was a medic and I was on a vehicle several yards behind them,” Madigan told the Independent “When I saw it happen, I jumped off and ran up there [to the APC], where two men were stuck underneath. I was able to pull both of them out, just before the APC blew up.

“I’ll never forget this great big fellow from Oklahoma. He was standing between me and the APC when it blew up right after I pulled out the second guy. He was such a big guy, he easily blocked me from the danger, although he got burns on his back.

“Had that man from Oklahoma

This is Spec 5 Mark Madigan (right) receiving the Bronze Star for Valor from Brigadier General David E Thomas for helping to save the lives of two fellow soldiers from a burning armored personnel

Madison also received a Purple Heart for his actions. “A big fellow from Oklahoma got between me and the vehicle when it blew up,” Madigan recalled. “Were it not for him, I would not be here.” Madigan will serve as Honorary Starter of this year’s 41st annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot.

not been there, I wouldn’t be here today. He was a big guy who could take the blow, but I was smaller than him. I would have been blown to bits if he hadn’t been there.”

Madigan, who grew up in Elmhurst and was the oldest of 13 siblings, is set to be this year’s Honorary Starter at the 41st annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot (DGTT), which steps off 9 a.m. Thanksgiving morning on Thursday, Nov. 28, from Park and Cottage Hill avenues in downtown.

The Platinum sponsor of the 5K race will be Jel Sert and Premier sponsors Endeavor Health-Elmhurst Hospital and Kelly Stetler Team/Compass.

The mission of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation is to be a major player in the fight to eradicate hunger in DuPage County.

“People think nobody goes hungry in a wealthy area like DuPage County, but that’s not true,” Gibbons said. “Not only is there hunger, but often in a wealthy area, it’s hard for people to ask for help.”

With the first Turkey Trot taking place on Nov. 22, 1984, it’s hard to believe that 40th year milestone has been reached. (Oglethorpe, the official turkey mascot of the DGTT, is about to be fitted for bifocals— what else happens when you turn 40?!)

There were 17 beneficiaries of last year’s DGTT including local

places such as the Elmhurst Walkin Assistance Network (EWAN), the Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP), the Immaculate Conception Food Pantry and United Community Concerns Association (UCCA). The event raised $220,000 in 2023 and Gibbons hopes this year’s proceeds will top that number.

“We like to get checks in [beneficiaries’] hands before the holidays,” said Gibbons who always has a significant statistic to add every year. “I learned that 56 percent of the people in the United States have less than $1,000 in their checking and-or savings account. People think that’s not the case here in DuPage County, but it’s true.”

Asked how he felt about being selected as Honorary Starter of the 41st DGTT, Madigan quipped, “It’s about time Dan asked me! “I am humbled and honored to be selected; this is a legacy—it’s Dan’s legacy—but I’m proud to be a part of it.”

And a part of it he is indeed— he’s been at almost every race, including the very first one.

“Every year at the finish line is a big reunion,” Madigan said. Gibbons indicated there were 5,500 people who have already registered online—he expects 8,000

See TROT, Page 7

School District 48’s ‘Safe Schools, Secure Futures’ referendum on November ballot

District includes Salt Creek school on Route 83, Frontage Road

Salt Creek School District 48 is placing a $48 million bond measure on the Nov. 5 ballot. If approved by taxpayers, the funds will be used to improve safety and security, ADA accessibility, traffic flow, physical

education and academic programming.

“If the referendum is successful, the district will be equipped to meet the needs of students of today and in the future as enrollment continues to increase,” according to District 48’s web site.

To keep working towards its goal—”Teaching Tomorrow’s Leaders and ensuring the continued growth and success of every student”—the district said funds are needed to finance various projects that are on the horizon.

District administrators say sufficient reserves are not available to fund upcoming projects, and they feel waiting is not an option because the needs are immediate. If the referendum is not successful, the timeline will have to be extended, which could lead to escalated costs. Also the safety, educational, and accessibility issues will persist.

The referendum plan, approved by the Board of Education on Aug. 8, reflects the input of community stakeholders who collaborated with the district’s staff, architects, and financial advisors to identify high-priority needs and fiscally responsible solutions.

Some of the project plans include:

• Improving safety and security by adding secure vestibules at every building. Administrative offices will be relocated to be adjacent to the entrances, which will serve to better monitor visitors who come to the schools.

• Increasing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility by updating toilet facilities and reconfiguring spaces to improve supervision by providing clear sight lines.

• Enhancing educational programming by creating grade-level centers aligned with student development as well as state standards.

The estimate cost of the proposed projects is $52 million, and the district is requesting taxpayer approval to issue bonds in the amount of $48 million to be repaid over 25 years. The district will invest $4 million of its own resources to pick up the

District 48 financial advisor Raymond James estimates that the average annual tax impact for home valued at $325,000 will be about

$381 annually. A tax calculator and more information about the referendum can be found at District 48’s web site. Please note: most of the schools

in District 48 lie in Villa Park and Oakbrook Terrace; therefore, the referendum is covered at the DuPage District 88 web site, which is dupage88.net.

York presents its fall drama production— Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

York Community High School proudly presents Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—High School Edition on Thursday, Oct. 31, Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. in the Baker Auditorium.

This production is suitable for ages 8 and up. Tickets are on sale to the public at www.yorkdrama. org.

The play that took London and Broadway by storm has been honed down from the three and a half hour version now playing in Chicago, to a little over two hours of magic, laughter, chills and heart.

Nineteen years after we last left Harry, Hermione and Ron, we find the trio seeing Harry and Ginny’s middle son Albus onto the Hogwarts Express along with Ron and Hermione’s daughter Rose. There they run into Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Harry’s chief childhood rival. As Albus and Scorpius struggle with living up to their fathers’ infamy, they find themselves in a battle with the dark wizards who will not give up on the return of He Who Shall Not Be Named.

“An entire generation grew up on the saga of Harry Potter and his courageous friends,’” director John Forsythe said. “And my generation experienced sharing this epic series with our children. This is a play for both, as well as the generation just now ready to be introduced to these stories. Cursed Child contains all the thrills, magic and heart pounding action we are accustomed to. The story is at its core, though, about the expectations that weigh on our kids and the strength and resilience they show in finding their own voice, their own purpose, their own heart.”

Aidan Espinosa, playing the role of Scorpius Malfoy, reflects, “Portraying the son of one of the main villains of this series is extremely daunting and even a little frightening. And while Scorpius is generally disliked by most, just like the rest of the Malfoys, I have to find moments of sunshine where he isn’t the outcast and, as weird as he is, he can be loved. During the rehearsal process, I’ve thought a lot about how we are all “cursed children” in a way. Our parents want us to play certain sports, do things they did, etc., but we don’t have to be just like

them. That’s what makes life so exciting, we are all experiencing it for the first time. Who truly has the authority to tell us we’re “cursed”. ”

Liam Rees plays Harry Potter, the character whose ambitions often get in the way of his love for others, and says “It’s been a hard, but exhilarating process to get into this mindset. Harry Potter is an iconic, established character, but as The Cursed Child takes place 19 years later. There are liberties I’m able to take when developing my character and his relationship with his son Albus.”

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USPS to continue delivery of at-home COVID-19 test kits nationwide

The U.S. Postal Service will again deliver millions of rapid athome COVID-19 test kits to households across the nation.

In collaboration with the White House and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, USPS will facilitate the distribution of these test kits through COVIDTests.gov, where people can order their kits at no cost.

Test kit ordering began Sept. 26. More than 12 million COVID-19 tests have already been shipped by the USPS with more than 6 million delivered to households across the nation.

This initiative marks the seventh time the Postal Service has played a crucial role in distributing free athome test kits to Americans. Since the program began in the winter of 2021, ASPR and USPS have distributed approximately 900 million tests, free of charge, to American households nationwide, with an average of just 1.2 days from shipment to delivery.

“The distribution of these athome test kits is a vital public health initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

“We are proud to continue our partnership in ensuring that every household has access to the resources they need to stay safe and healthy.”

USPS delivers more mail than any other post in the world, serving nearly 167 million addresses in the country—covering every state, city and town – and prides itself on going the last mile to deliver the mail.

Every U.S. household, including those in U.S. territories, is eligible to receive these tests.

To ensure widespread access, each residential address can request four free tests.

This program aims to provide communities with easy access to rapid at-home COVID-19 tests in the coming weeks, especially when Americans prepare for travel and gatherings through the 2024 holiday season, empowering individuals to test as needed.

When placing an order, customers will have the option to provide an email address for updates, including a confirmation email. Upon shipment, customers will receive an email with an estimated delivery date and a tracking number to monitor their order’s progress on usps. com.

The COVIDTests.gov website has more information, including testing guidance.

A BOO-tiful day

The Elmhurst Police Department related that its officers had a great time with the community at Elmhurst City Centre’s BOO-tiful Saturday event on Oct. 19. The event, which took place in ideal weather, featured music, prizes and trick-or-treating at participating merchants. Attendees were also able to tour vehicles from Elmhurst’s police and fire departments.

Elmhurst University Wind Ensemble presents special Halloween concert this Sunday, Oct. 27 Admission is free

Come join the fun and celebrate the holiday with the Elmhurst University Wind Ensemble as it presents a special Halloween concert— the Halloween Spooktacular.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, in Hammerschmidt Chapel.

Make sure to “ring the doorbell” of the chapel to get treated with this bone-chilling performance. Admission is FREE!

The student members of the band will be performing in costume, so the audience is encouraged to dress up in costume as well, especially the little ones, as they will be invited to join in a costume parade.

Hammerschmidt Chapel will be transformed into a haunted building through spooky decorations such as spider webs, tombstones, and special lighting.

The concert will be a family-friendly 45-minutes in length. It will feature a bunch of short pieces, and a narrator to guide the

Death notice

Wycislak, Viola Ann (nee Nosko) passed October 11, 2024. Adventurous copilot (wife) of Gene Wycislak and courageous ringmaster (mother) for a circus of six sons.

Life Celebration in Villa Park on October 29 from 3pm - 7pm. Email viola.mail@sbcglobal.net for details.

audience through the performance.

Several pieces will be accompanied by a multimedia presentation; movie scenes and more will provide a visual depiction of the music to accompany the performance.

In addition to all the Halloween festivities, there will be a free raffle with the winner getting to conduct the Elmhurst University Wind Ensemble.

The concert will include a variety of music associated with Halloween, including classic movie music, such as Ghostbusters, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, and Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Timeless classical pieces will also be featured, including Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz, Totentanz by Franz Liszt, along

While Quinn Tolman, who plays Albus Potter, finds that “Having to live up to the expectations of the Boy who Lived is difficult, and though we may argue sometimes, in the end he’s still my dad. Playing the role of Albus is so much fun. Not only do I get to be this goofy kid who’s always getting into trouble, I also get to be surrounded by such a magical world that’s full of wonder. But my favorite part of the process is getting to work with this amazing cast of actors who are just as passionate about this world as I am.”

Local Potter-head and production dramaturg, Sam Koerth, perfectly sums up Cursed

with Funeral March for a Marionette, the theme for the old television favorite Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and more.

This concert is aimed at bringing the community of Elmhurst together to celebrate music, art, and the essence of Halloween.

The event is one of the many exceptional concerts presented throughout the year by the Elmhurst University Wind Ensemble and music department.

Join the Elmhurst University Wind Ensemble for an evening filled with “boo-tiful” music and haunting harmonies that are certain to be fun for the whole family. For more information, a map of the university campus, or more details about future performances, visit www.elmhurst.edu/music.

from page 2)

Child’s place in the Harry Potter compendium, “We’ve done our best to keep all the treasured elements of the books in mind throughout the entire process. As a result, this play has truly given us a beautiful gift to share with our audience— connecting with the little boys and girls still left inside us, holding pencils to cast spells and drawing lightning bolts on our foreheads. At the end of the performance, our goal is to connect with all of the young witches and wizards in the audience - big and small—and to push them to love whatever they love as hard as we all did. We all hope your passionate Mischief is never Managed.”

SUBMITTED

PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

VIOLA ANN WYCISLAK

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board meeting summary

By Chris Fox ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Oct. 15 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St.

All seven board members attended the meeting. There were no public comments at the meeting.

Elmhurst Park District’s executive director gives presentation about park district’s referendum

Elmhurst Park District Executive Director Jim Rogers delivered a presentation at the start of the board meeting. Rogers gave a presentation about the park district’s referendum that’s on the ballot in the upcoming Nov. 5 election.

The referendum question asks voters if the park district should issue up to $89.95 million in bonds to pay for multiple improvements. If the referendum is approved, a vast majority of that amount—almost $85 million—would go toward a project to demolish the Joanne B. Wagner Community Center, located at 615 West Ave., and construct a new community center at the same site.

Rogers gave a similar presentation about the referendum at the recent Elmhurst City Council meeting on Oct. 7.

In his presentation, Rogers stated that the current Wagner Community Center building was originally an elementary school that was constructed in the 1950s. The center now occupies about 32,000 square feet. If voters approve the referendum, the new center at the site would take up nearly four times the space—about 127,000 square feet—at the same site.

Rogers said that the park district has overflowing demand for its programs and does not have the adequate space to meet the needs of the district’s residents. He said that in 2022, more than 5,600 registrants remained on waitlists for the district’s programs. The park district could greatly expand its programming— and generate additional revenue— with a new community center, Rogers said.

If voters approve the referendum, the new community center would include a three-lane indoor jogging/ walking track and a multisport gymnasium that would offer space for basketball, volleyball and pickleball. The new facility would also include an indoor turf section with a 60-yard by 40-yard soccer field. The new community center would also feature indoor multi-purpose rooms, as well as viewing areas where parents could watch their children participate in different programs.

Rogers added that the Elmhurst Park District has not posed a referendum to voters since 1971. He said that in the last 53 years, District 205 has had eight referendums, six of which were approved by voters.

Rogers stated that the park district is in excellent financial condition, but it is restricted in the amount of debt it can take on. The only way to go forward with such a large project is through a referendum, he said.

If voters approve the referendum, the Wagner Community Center will

close in August 2025. The center’s current building will be demolished in 2026. The new community center would reportedly open in the fall of 2027.

In addition to building a new community center, the park district’s referendum-related projects would include the construction of heated, year-round restrooms at Wilder Park, Eldridge Park, Crestview Park and along the Illinois Prairie Path at a location to be determined. The referendum also calls for converting one of Berens Park’s two full-size natural grass fields to artificial turf. There are currently two full-size grass fields and two artificial turf fields at the park.

Another project proposed in the referendum is the construction of a permanent bandshell on the east side of Wilder Park.

The park district’s board and staff will hold a live Q&A event about the referendum on Zoom next week. The online event will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

For more information about the park district’s referendum, visit epd. org/referendum.

Meeting includes brief presentation about the culture at York High School

The meeting’s spotlight and recognition segment included a presentation about York High School’s “We are D.U.K.E.S.” campaign to improve the climate, culture and learning environment at the school. The acronym that spells the York mascot stands for Dependable, Unified, Kind, Engaged and Strong.

York Principal Jessica Hurt joined assistant principals Drew McGuire and Tim Dykes and a couple of York

students to talk about the school community. The presentation mentioned that York students are required to carry physical IDs, and that students have to swipe in every day when they arrive. Seniors can leave the building for lunch, but they are required to swipe out when they leave and swipe back in when they return. The presentation mentioned that about 3,000 people come into the York building each school day, and that there are 43 exterior doors at the school.

The presentation also noted that cell phones are not allowed in classrooms during the school day.

October is Principals

Appreciation Month; Oct. 25 is Principals

Appreciation Day in Illinois

The board noted that October is Principals Appreciation Month, and the week of Oct. 20-26 is Principals Appreciation Week. Friday, Oct. 25, is Principals Appreciation Day in Illinois.

Board votes to approve renewal of health and dental insurance plans

Board members voted 5-2 to approve the renewal of the district’s Blue Cross/Blue Shield health and dental insurance plans for the 2025 calendar year. The 2025 renewal reportedly includes an average increase of about 5.1 percent in health premiums over 2024, while the dental plan will increase premium equivalent rates by 12.5 percent.

Board members Jim Collins and Courtenae Trautmann voted against approving the renewal of the health and dental insurance plans for 2025. Collins said the district’s insurance committee has done a commendable

job in recommending changes to control costs. He said his concern in the district’s 2025 plan was that it did not require pre-authorization for certain weight loss drugs, which he said cost about $1,400 per month. Collins said the plan should require pre-authorization for those drugs.

Trautmann said she was disap-

pointed that there was not agreement in the contract to some further cost-saving measures that would not impact district staff members in a negative way.

Board member Kara Caforio, who voted to approve the contract, See BOARD, 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.

Battery

Oct. 12

Vincent Peter Kuczynski, 25, of Schaumburg, was charged with criminal damage to property near North and Route 83 at 8:41 p.m. Police said a victim reported that the suspect brake-checked her and punched her driver’s side rear window, causing damage. The suspect allegedly fled the scene but was later located in Villa Park.

Criminal damage to property

Oct. 12

A victim in the 400 block of N. Evergreen reported at 11:14 p.m. that unknown suspect(s) had thrown a large rock through her front window, shattering the window.

Domestic battery, disorderly conduct, domestic incident, dispute, disturbance

Oct. 15

A complainant in the 900 block of S. Stratford reported that he got in a verbal altercation with a subject walking his dog. Both the complainant and subject wanted the incident documented.

Oct. 12

A 43-year-old Algonquin woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 600 block of N. Howard at 3:14 p.m. Police said a victim reported that his ex-wife had come to visit their son, and a verbal argument ensued. The victim asked the suspect to leave, but she started to physically attack him. During the argument, the suspect threw a bottle of soap, causing the victim to bleed.

A victim in the 900 block of S. York told police at 11:35 a.m. that subsequent to a verbal argument, the suspect struck her.

Oct. 11

A victim in the 100 block of E. Butterfield told police at 11:58 p.m. that while in the car, she and the suspect got into a verbal argument that turned physical. The argument started after the suspect went through the victim’s phone.

DUI, consumption of alcohol by a minor

Oct. 13

Uchenna Aniukwu, 50, of Romeoville, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, possession of open alcohol, failure to signal and speeding subsequent to a traffic stop near Butterfield and Route 83 at 2:49 a.m.

Konrad Matys, 43, of Bloomingdale, was charged with DUI and improper display of registration subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and Grand at 3:47 a.m.

Oct. 12

Mianna Brender, 27, of Naperville, was charged with DUI, unlawful possession of

cannabis by a driver, parking on the railroad tracks and no insurance, while Mikhail Gelande, a passenger in the vehicle, was issued a citation for possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle in the 100 block of Geneva at 1:17 a.m.

Riley Earley, 26, of Glen Ellyn, was charged with DUI, disobeying a traffic control device, improper turning at an intersection and failure to signal subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Route 83 at 9:45 p.m.

Shefali Shastri, 38, of West Chicago, was charged with DUI, while Juan T. Acmay, 27, of Chicago, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct near North and York at 12:25 a.m.

Fleeing, eluding

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

Identity theft, fraud

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

Leaving the scene of an accident

Oct. 9

Gerald D. Berry, 27, of Hillside, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and improper lane usage in the 100 block of E. Butterfield at 12:33 p.m. Police said after a crash, the victim reported a physical altercation with Berry, who fled when told police were called. According to police, officers later located Berry, who claimed the victim pushed him first.

Possession of a controlled substance

Oct. 16

Riley Fleming, 52, of Aurora, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, while Rodney Green, 50, of Chicago, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia in the 600 block of N. York at 4:13 p.m.

Reckless driving Suspicious incident

Oct. 15

Police said officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in a store parking lot in the 900 block of S. York at 11:26 a.m. The driver stated she previously reported the vehicle stolen and Chicago police had recovered her vehicle.

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

Oct. 13

Marcellus King, 43, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft at a store in the 900 block of S. York at 7:02 p.m.

Oct. 12

Michael Wright, 39, of Villa Park, was charged with theft of services in the 100 block of W. First at 11:24 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a report for an unruly Metra passenger, a complainant stated that Wright was swearing at conductors and not paying the fare.

A complainant at a food and liquor store in the 400 block of N York reported an unknown suspect described as a white male took a bottle of whiskey and left without paying for it.

Oct. 11

Kervin Matos-Matos Jr., 27 (residence not given), was charged with resisting a police officer, obstructing a police officer, retail theft and theft in the 900 block of S. York at 9:31 p.m. Police said a complainant reported that the suspect took two flasks and attempted to steal several bottles of liquor. The suspect also tried to steal a scooter for escape, but was unsuccessful and fled on foot, according to police.

Oct. 10-Oct. 11

A victim in the 200 block of E. Park reported that an unknown suspect broke the rear window of his parked vehicle and stole several tools sometime between the above dates.

Oct. 10

Police said a reporting officer observed a burglary in progress at a liquor store in the 500 block of W. North at 4:47 a.m. The officer observed several subjects, wearing facemasks and hoodies, get into an allegedly sto -

len red SUV and a white Dodge Challenger. Both vehicles reportedly fled the area east on North Avenue. The red SUV allegedly crashed into a police car; two suspects were taken into custody and transported to the police station. Antwan Ford, 22, of Chicago, was charged with burglary, criminal damage to government supported property and two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding. Police said Michael Harris, 19, of Chicago, was processed on an out of state warrant and charged with burglary, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, criminal damage to government supported property, two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of an accident, no valid license, driving on the wrong side of the road, failure to signal, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Aug. 15-Oct. 10

A complainant in the 500 block of N. West reported her front and back license plates, as well as the lug nut caps, were taken from her 2002 Pontiac Firebird sometime between the above dates.

July 24-July 30

A complainant at a rental business in the 400 block of W. Lake reported a suspect rented a skid loader and has not returned the equipment. The loader was located at a company in Maywood, and the rental business took possession of the equipment. Several attempts to contact the suspect did not produce any results.

Warrant arrest

Oct. 6

Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and York at 10:49 p.m., Miguel Entzin Gomez, 29, of Bensenville, was found to be driving while license suspended and have two active warrants out of DuPage County and Cook County. The suspect was processed on their warrants, and charged with driving while license suspended, disobeying a traffic control device and no insurance.

Federal grand jury indicts man in connection with robberies of suburban banks, including two robberies in Elmhurst

A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a man with robbing six banks in the suburbs, including two that took place in Elmhurst.

German Campos Jr., 24, of Franklin Park, committed the robberies in 2023 and 2024, according to an indictment returned Oct. 16 in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment alleges that Campos brandished a handgun in five of the robberies.

In total, Campos is accused of taking approximately $52,200 during the six robberies.

The indictment identified the six bank robberies, which included two separate robberies of the U.S. Bank located at 536 S. York Street in Elmhurst.

On Dec. 16, 2023, Campos allegedly took about $5,530 in cash from the bank. Nearly six months later, on June 13, 2024, Campos allegedly took about $4,925 in cash from the same bank.

Campos is accused of four other suburban bank robberies in the indictment, including:

• On Oct. 18, 2023, he allegedly took nearly $7,000 from the U.S. Bank at 60 S. Meacham Road in Schaumburg.

• On March 6, 2024, he reportedly took over $14,600 from the same U.S. Bank at 60 S. Meacham Road in Schaumburg.

• On Aug. 9, 2024, he allegedly took about $3,860 from the BMO Bank at 615 Busse Highway in Park Ridge.

• On Aug. 28, 2024, he reportedly took more than $16,300 from the U.S. Bank at 8500 W. Dempster Street in Niles.

The indictment charges Campos Jr. with six counts of bank robbery, each of which is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, and five counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, each of which would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years.

Campos Jr. is currently detained in law enforcement custody.

Arraignment was set for Thursday at 11 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez.

The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.

Substantial assistance in the investigation was provided by the Schaumburg Police Department, Elmhurst Police Department, Park Ridge Police Department, Niles Police Department, and Franklin Park Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie C. Stern represented the government.

Appellate Court affirms 50-year sentence for Juan Calderon

Juan Calderon

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced that the Third District Appellate Court of Illinois has affirmed the 50-year sentence of Juan Calderon for the 2018 murder of 26-year-old Alexander Nicolas of West Chicago. In his appeal of his conviction for first degree murder, Calderon claimed that his attorney was ineffec-

tive for failing to object to accountability jury instructions. Calderon also claimed that the Trial Court erred in admitting statements from his co-defendant and erred in imposing a 50-year sentence.

On Nov. 9, 2018, at approximately 7:34 a.m., West Chicago police responded to a 911 call of a man found lying on the ground in the 600 block of E. Forest Ave. Upon their arrival, officers found Nicolas lying face up with blood coming from the back of his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Following an investi-

Man sentenced to 20 years - guilty but mentally ill - for stabbing mother to death

gation, authorities learned that at approximately 11:19 p.m., the previous night, Nicolas was near his vehicle on E. Forest Avenue when he was approached by Calderon and another man, Emelio Guillen.

The two men physically attacked and ultimately shot Nicolas in the head with Guillen giving the order to shoot Nicolas and Calderon shooting Nicolas in the head. After killing Nicolas, the men got into Guillen’s car and fled the scene.

In September 2022, following a three-day trial, a jury found Calderon guilty of first-degree murder. On Feb. 3, 2023, Judge Michael Reidy sentenced Calderon to 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

rejected Calderon’s claims that statements made by co-defendant Guillen were inadmissible hearsay, finding that “the court determined the State proved the existence of a conspiracy and allowed the statement to be admitted and we cannot say that decision was an abuse of the court’s discretion.”

The Appellate Court also found that the Court did not err in sentencing the defendant.

“I thank the Appellate Court for their thorough analysis of this case

• Board

and their finding that Mr. Calderon received a fair trial,” Berlin said.

“The Appellate Court’s decision ensures that Mr. Calderon will not receive a new trial and his conviction and 50-year sentence for first degree murder will stand.”

Justice Hettel delivered the judgment of the Court with Justice Brennan and Justice Albrecht concurring. Calderon’s appeal was defended by Amy Watroba of the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Criminal Appeals Division.

(Continued from page 5)

stated that the recent increases in the district’s health premiums are not sustainable, and that collaboration is needed to control costs. She said the majority of the district’s expenditures are on salaries and benefits, and that if benefits go up, the district has less to spend on salaries.

State of the District event takes place at York on Oct. 30

Kevin James

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced that a former Downers Grove man accused of killing his mother in 2018 has been sentenced to 20 years, guilty but mentally ill, in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Kevin James, 30, appeared in court, where he entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill to one count of first degree murder. James entered his plea in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh, and she entered the agreed sentence.

On Jan. 11, 2018, James appeared in Bond Court, where bond was set at $3 million with 10 percent to apply. He has remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time.

On Jan. 9, 2018, at approximately 1:38 p.m., the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a stabbing that had occurred at a home located in the 2100 block of 63rd Street in unincorporated Downers Grove.

Upon their arrival, authorities found

• Trot

James in the doorway of the home with the main door open and the screen door closed. Deputies observed blood on James’ body and clothing. Inside the home deputies located a female, later identified as James’ mother, Patricia, face down in the living room, unconscious and bleeding from what appeared to be multiple stab wounds.

Kevin James was taken into custody. Patricia was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. Following an investigation into the murder, authorities learned that at approximately 1:30 p.m., James began choking his mother with his hands. After choking his mother, James then stabbed his mother several times with a kitchen knife.

“Kevin James was sentenced to 20 years behind bars for the stabbing death of his mother,” Berlin said. “This tragic case has deeply affected the James family and with Mr. James’ plea of guilty but mentally ill and the agreed 20-year-sentence, it is my sincerest hope that the family will be afforded some measure of closure. I wish them strength as they continue their lives as the comforting memories of Patricia must now replace the love and support she once provided.”

(Continued from front page)

total runners and walkers when it’s all said and done. He has people registered from 32 states, three foreign countries and 837 cities outside of Elmhurst.

Besides Madigan as Honorary Starter, The Men of Spirito are scheduled to perform prior to the race, and Jim Cornelison will return for the National Anthem, as the Lima Lima Flight Team draws beautiful white lines across the skies above (weather permitting), in a missing man formation.

How do they do it? Every year, just as Cornelison sings, “… and the rockets’ red glaaare,” the Lima Lima team roars by overhead. Gibbons confesses he gives a signal to someone who alerts the team—it takes one-minute and five seconds for the planes to arrive. Over the past 40 years, he has mastered the timing of the Lima Lima arrival.

As the race steps off, “What A Wonderful World,” by Louie Armstrong plays.

To register for the DGTT, visit dan-

gibbonsturkeytrot.org. Online registration closes on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. People can register in person as well as pick up packets on Saturday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Race day in-person registration and packet pick up takes place from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Elmhurst University gymnasium at 221 Walter St.

For the safety and welfare of all race participants, people are asked to leave their pets at home.

To get to the race, you are invited to park at York High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road, or at U.S. Bank, 536 S. York St. (at Vallette). There will be shuttles running from these locations to the Elmhurst University main parking lot, which is just two blocks from the starting line.

The south route will also have two pick-up and drop off locations on Spring Road, across from Spring Inn and across from My Car Wash, next to Mehta Motors.

In its decision, the Appellate Court rejected Calderon’s claims and found that at trial, “all the relevant factors favored a finding of accountability and, therefore, supported submitting the accountability instruction to the jury” and that “defense counsel was not ineffective for failing to object.” The Appellate Court also

District 205 invites the public to attend its upcoming State of the District event, which will take place at York High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m.

The District 205 Board will hold its next regular meeting on Nov. 19.

ViewpOint

Slices of

life

Talk about grief

There has been a lot written about grief.

I’ve contributed my fair share, because it’s a topic I’ve lived up close and personal.

“Write what you know.”

Some of the best advice ever given.

“Even if you wish you didn’t know it.”

That’s the rest of the advice no one ever includes.

So I write about what I know, and although I wish I didn’t know it, I have become somewhat of an expert on grief.

I’ve even awarded myself a PhD (Personally hate Dying) in grief, but don’t tell anyone affiliated with a college or university.

Sometimes, I think this scares people - this speaking of and alluding to death.

(How morbid!)

They say that most people’s number one fear is public speaking. Ha! I beg to differ.

We are, my friends, universally afraid of death - and not necessarily our own death, because many of us believe something better awaits us after this lifetime.

We are afraid of losing the people we love. We are so afraid we can’t even let ourselves think about the topic.

I can’t and I’ve already found myself at the front of the line for the grief carousel.

Round and round it goes…

But I still have more to lose and I don’t want to consider adding to the the already fulfilled portion of grief in my life.

I don’t want to bring it into focus in any sense of my reality or thought processes. I don’t want to go there.

And I think that’s mostly okay. To worry about and put your focus on losing that which is most dear to you, does no good.

It causes anxiety and stress and we all have too much of those things already.

I, for one, am seeking peace, not stress.

But what, then, do we do with the people around us who have experienced a significant loss? Their existence serves as a reminder of what could happen to us. God-awful.

Grief is one of the most universal, the most real of the realities that we all will deal with at some time in our lifetime and yet it is one of the most universal topics we choose to avoid.

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

I never talked to my husband about one of us dying - not in the serious sense.

We joked about caskets and cremation, but always with a jovial attitude.

We were young; there wasn’t a need for such a difficult conversation.

And then he got sick and we still didn’t approach the topic. It was a brief illness, so to our defense, we didn’t have much time to process what was happening. We talked about him “beating it.” All our conversations centered around a future - when he got better. Even at the very end.

And then it was too late.

In this, I suppose we were weak. Or at least in denial.

For sure in denial. Or perhaps a better word choice might be hopeful.

Even today, I’m not sure.

My best advice: Talk about it before it is relevant. Before time is short.

Talk about the nitty gritty details that no one wants to face because if you don’t, you will regret it, because those details involve important decisions and you truly do not want to have to make them alone.

You don’t want to guess. None of us wants to consider grief, but just about all of us will experience it on a significant level at some point.

You can never ready yourself for it, but you can ready yourself with information about your loved ones—about their wishes, their beliefs, their feelings, their vision of you going forward.

It’s not the most pleasant of conversations. I understand that. But consider the alternative, and then consider living that out with all the regrets it might include.

I think about that every day. So have the talk, please. Do it for me.

Better yet, do it for someone you love.

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.

Letter to the editor

The Cross as a symbol of life

October—the month proclaimed in 1988 by President Reagan for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. It is the month during which we are called to remember and honor the loss of babies, whether by miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or abortion.

There are many ways to remember a loss. It may be in our thoughts, in prayer, by visiting a grave, by consoling a parent, or by volunteering time or making a monetary donation toward prevention of such loss. No matter how they are remembered, babies are worthy of remembrance.

Visitation Catholic Church chose for many years to remember such loss and express its position in favor of life with a powerful symbol—the cross.

In fact, every October, many, many small white crosses meticulously covered its corner property at York and Madison, much like Arlington National Cemetery.

As an Orthodox Christian, a 54year resident of Elmhurst, a mom, and an attorney, I appreciate and

commend the parish for its method of remembrance, for its chosen manner of speech, and for its mode of communication. Thank you.

The crosses gave me the opportunity year after year to explain to my children with age appropriate words the importance of remembering the loss of babies and their mothers and fathers—a practice of the Christian faith and of many other religions. It opened the door for sharing the loss of four of my own babies due to miscarriage. The crosses united us with those we remembered; they did not divide us. As my children matured, I was able to teach them about abortion, as well.

Last year, a few but influential community members (as it appeared to the average reader) voiced opposition to the crosses, calling the churchyard a “dead baby graveyard.” Among other arguments, it was expressed that the crosses made children “uncomfortable”. What scares children in October are skeletons, stabbed, bloody, stuffed bodies laying in the yard, heinous

evidence of murder, hands reaching up out of the ground next to grave stones, and other depictions of death, evil, and hatred. Perhaps it was the adults who were uncomfortable with the crosses and what they stand for. Conversely, for believers (at least), the cross is comforting. It is a symbol of life after death, a symbol of hope, a symbol of forgiveness, and a symbol of love. I have no doubt that that was the message that the church sought to convey.

The opposition to those iconic crosses led to their replacement with three large signs. The church explained that it needed to change to fit the needs of a changed culture. The message is the same but the mode is different. Thank you, Vis, for continuing to express your stance in favor of life and your message of remembrance, hope, forgiveness, and love.

Please bring back the crosses.

Vanessa Clohessy Elmhurst

DuPAGE DESTINATIONS

Haunted houses in and around DuPage County; visit them … if you dare

13th Floor Haunted House—5050 River Road, Schiller Park. Open on selected nights through Nov. 9. Premium valet parking is offered by One Spot O’Hare Airport Parking, located at 9500 River St, Schiller Park, right next to the haunted house. For more information, visit: https://13thfloorchicago.com.

Basement of the Dead and Shattered 3D Haunted House Aurora Takes place in a 121-year-old building that will give you the chills. Open now through Nov. 6. Purchasing tickets online will guarantee you entry and will be cheaper than buying at the door. For more information, call 630-896-2466 or visit: https://basementofthedead.com/.

Disturbia Haunted House Chicago—1213 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove. Open now through Nov. 3. Free parking, restrooms/porta potties onsite, food/concessions, gift shop/souvenirs, special events

and a “hi-tech” attraction. You will not be touched. You are encouraged to purchase tickets online. For more information, times and ticket prices, visit; https://hauntedhousedisturbia. com/.

Evil Intentions 45W050 Beith Road, Maple Park—Open now through Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Evil Intentions Haunted House has moved from Elgin and has snagged its insidious roots in the grounds of Forsaken Hollow in Maple Park near Routes 47 and 64. For more information and ticket prices, visit: https://eihaunt. com.

HellsGate Haunted House—3101 Canal Street, Lockport. Open now through Nov. 2. Parking located at 301 W. 2nd St., Lockport. Buses shuttle to/from there. You must park here! HellsGate is a multi-level mansion deep in the woods. General admission: $40 plus fees online; $45 plus fees on site. For times, ticket prices

and more information, visit: www. hellsgate.com

Hayride of Horror/Curse of the Bayou—199 E. Woods Drive (Dellwood Park), Lockport. Open from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 25-27 Admission: From $15. For more information visit: www.lockportpark.org/HayrideOfHorror/curseofthebayou. Massacre Haunted House—299 Montgomery Road, Montgomery. Open now through Nov. 2. Newly renovated every year and ready to deliver the scares, The Massacre offers over 30,000 square feet of sheer nightmares for your enjoyment. General admission: $34.99. Fast pass: $49.99. For tickets and more information, visit: https://fearthemassacre.com/.

Midnight Terror Haunted House—5520 W. 111th St., Oak Lawn, located on the north side of 111th across the street from Chapel Hill Garden South Cemetery in Oak Lawn. Midnight Terror’s expansive playground progresses throughout 26,000 square feet. Open now through Nov. 3 and Nov. 8-9 (clown takeover) starting at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit: https://midnightterrorhauntedhouse.com/.

Silverwood Screams—461 Silverwood Court, Winfield. Open at dusk until 10 p.m. now through Oct. 31. Do you have the courage to enter Silverwood Court and confront the horrors that await you? For tickets and more information, visit: www.illinoishauntedhouses.com/halloween/ silverwood-screams-il.html.

Terror Roulete—The Arboretum of South Barrington at the corners of Route 59 and 72, just north of I-90. Open now through Oct. 31 at 6:45 p.m. This is a terrifying encounter where thrill-seekers willingly surrender themselves to the sadistic whims of fate. A twisted game of fear, where boundaries are shattered, and nightmares become an unsettling reality. For more information and tickets, visit: https://terrorroulette.com.

The Old Joliet Haunted Prison—401 Woodruff Road, Joliet. Open now on selected nights through Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. The Old Joliet Haunted Prison is Chicago’s only haunt inside a real abandoned prison. Ticket prices start at $29.99. For more information, visit: https:// hauntedprison.com.

Undead Acres—3450 W. Crete Monee Road, Monee (Santa Fe Landscaping & Nursery): Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 2. Join us on a zombie hunting safari, wielding your trusty paintball gun against the legions of undead. Will you survive? Admis-

sion: $30 per person credit; $25 per person cash includes 80 paintballs, gun rental and unlimited compressed air. For more information, visit: www.undeadacres.com.

Friday, Oct. 25

Dav of the Dead EAG Fall Member Exhibit Elmhurst

Presented by the Elmhurst Art Museum, The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Fall Member show will be a Day of the Dead theme. Local artists will create art celebrating the Mexican culture with the exhibit running from Oct 19 through Nov 30. An opening reception will be held on Oct. 25 from 7-9 p.m. which is free and open to the public. An ofrenda will be created to honor the Guild founder Eleanor King Hookham. Please join us at 150 S. Cottage Hill. For more information, visit: www. elmhurstartistsguild.org.

Sunday, Oct. 27

St. John’s Artist Series

Reformation Hymn Festival Lombard

From 3 to 4:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln St., choirs from seven area churches come together, led by Dr. Charles Brown (Concordia University Chicago) and accompanied by Dr. Steven Wente, organ (Concordia Emeritus.) Those attending will be invited to join in the singing. This event is no-ticket/no-charge; a free-will offering will be taken to defer costs and support the arts. For more information, visit: https://www.stjohnslombard.org/artist-series.html.

Thursday, Oct. 31

Trunk-or-Treat

Bensenville

From 3-5 p.m. in downtown Bensenville, Village President Frank DeSimone and the Village Board present Trunk-or-Treat on Center Street. Bensenville organizations and businesses will be decorating their trunks and handing out candy to children ages 3-11 years old along Center Street during this family friendly event. Don’t forget to wear your costume! For more information, visit: www.bensenville.il.us.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Pumpkin Smash Villa Park

From 9 a.m. to noon at Village Hall, 20 S. Ardmore, What will you

Stay well this winter: Vaccinate against COVID-19, flu, and RSV

To protect yourself and your family against COVID-19 and influenza (flu) this coming winter, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) strongly recommends everyone six months and older, especially people with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant, get their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines this winter.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also spreads in the winter months. Like COVID-19 and flu, RSV causes a respiratory infection that can lead to severe illness and death. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends RSV vaccines for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV.

There are two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine given during pregnancy, or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth.

“Everyone should make a plan to get the vaccines that offer the best protection for themselves and their families. For those at high risk of severe illness, including pregnant individuals, staying up to date with immunizations for COVID-19,

•

flu, and RSV is one of the most effective steps to protect not just themselves, but also their newborns from potentially life-threatening complications,” said Adam Forker, executive director, DuPage County Health Department.

Vaccinating against COVID-19, flu, and RSV during pregnancy is important because it helps protect newborns during their most vulnerable months, when they are too young to be vaccinated.

Babies have a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization in the first few months of life, and by getting vaccinated during pregnancy, mothers can pass on protective antibodies to their babies.

The CDC reported in a study that from October 2022 to September 2023, 18 percent of infants hospitalized with COVID-19 had mothers who were vaccinated during pregnancy. This dropped to less than 5 percent from October 2023 to April 2024, showing that maternal vaccination is a key way to reduce hospitalizations and protect newborns from severe illness.

DCHD offers the updated COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines to eligible children through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program. Call DCHD for questions about the availability of specific childhood vaccines or clinic schedules

DuPage (Continued from page 10)

do with your pumpkin after Halloween? You can drop off your jack-o-lantern to be composted at the parking lot behind Villa Park Village Hall as part of the 11th annual Pumpkin Smash. You can either come to smash your pumpkin or have volunteers do it for you. All the pumpkins will be composted, which is nature’s method of recycling. Composting pumpkins helps keep waste out of our landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and creates a natural fertilizer for our soils. Please remember to

remove candles and decorations (like stickers, yarn, googly eyes, etc.) before dropping off your pumpkins. For inquiries, contact Bob Wagner at 630-484-8856.

Saturday, Nov. 16

Mayor’s Community Charity Ball Addison

Starting at 6 p.m. at 550 Shriners Drive, Addison, Join us for a cooperative fundraiser for 15 Addison-based charities and service organzations, to benefit those in need

at (630) 682-7400.

Updated COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines are available through retail pharmacies and most doctor’s offices—visit www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you.

As we head into the colder months, remember to take these steps to prevent respiratory illnesses this winter:

• stay up to date with immunizations: Stay up to date with the immunizations that are recommended for you.

• Practice good hygiene: Practice good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

• Take steps for cleaner air: This can mean bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors. Virus particles do not build up in the air outdoors as much as they do indoors.

• Take precautions if you’re sick: Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren’t better explained

in our community. Tickets available now— $130 per person, including dinner, open bar, dancing and entertainment, as well as cash raffle and silent auction. To purchase tickets online visit MCCB24.givesmart.com or text MCCB24 to 76278. Follow the link to register for bidding in the silent auction, even if you aren’t attending the event. Auction bidding begins Nov. 3. Entertainment provided by the Addison Trail High School Chamber Strings and Elmhurst University Jazz Band.

by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.

• Seek medical care promptly: Seek health care right away for testing and/or treatment if you believe you may have a respiratory virus (if you feel sick or tested positive for one) and you have risk factors for severe illness. If you have flu or COVID-19, treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.

Community calendar

Friday, Oct. 25

Dav of the Dead EAG Fall Member Exhibit. Presented by the Elmhurst Art Museum, The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Fall Member show will be a Day of the Dead theme. Local artists will create art celebrating the Mexican culture with the exhibit running from Oct 19 through Nov 30. An opening reception will be held on Oct. 25 from 7-9 p.m. which is free and open to the public. An ofrenda will be created to honor the Guild founder Eleanor King Hookham. Please join us at 150 S. Cottage Hill. For more information, visit: www. elmhurstartistsguild.org.

Friday, Oct. 25

Elmhurst Panhellenic hosts Halloween Night!

From 7-11 p.m. at Wilder Mansion. Featuring appetizers, desserts, a DJ, a cash bar and a silent auction. All proceeds go toward scholarships for Elmhurst high school students. Purchase tickets at elmhurstpanhellenic.com.

Saturday, Oct. 26

Family Day: Monochrome Portraits. From 1-4 p.m. presented by the Elmhurst Art Museum, inspired by the technicolor of Rafael Blanco, families are invited for an afternoon exploring color and portraiture. Using different shades or one’s favorite hue, visitors can create pictures of themselves or loved ones in this artist-led activity. Price: included with museum admission. Members are free. For more information, call 630-834-0202 or email: joann@elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Sunday, Oct. 27

Public art walking tour. Starting at 1 p.m. and presented by the Elmhurst Art Museum, enjoy a guided tour of public art in Elmhurst and observe the changing of the seasons. This tour will start and end at the Elmhurst Art Museum. Price: $15 for members; $25 for nonmembers. For more information, call 630-834-0202 or visit https://elmhurstartmuseum. org.

Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2

13th annual Wilder Mansion Hol-

iday Market. From 4-8 p.m. Nov. 1 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 2, presented by Wilder Mansion (211 S. Prospect) and Kelly Stetler/COMPASS, this is a one of a kind artisan and seasonal gifts, including pottery, stationery, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, painting, and gourmet food. Free admission. For more information, call 630-7126541 or email: rozlong28@gmail. com.

Saturday, Nov. 2

Artisan Fair Trade Mart

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s UCC, 125 W. Church St., Elmhurst. Shop for artisan quality items while supporting minority-owned businesses, immigrants and thirdworld countries.

Sunday, Nov. 3

Gallery Talk: “Chicagoland movie palaces: A century of follies and film. Starting at noon at the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park

Elmhurst Public Library programs

Ave., join museum staff for a guided tour, which includes exclusive access to the museum galleries, an overview of movie palace history highlights, and the opportunity to view an array of interesting artifacts and images, including items on loan from Jurassic Park and The Mummy, courtesy of NBC Universal. Admission: members free, nonmembers $5. For more information, call 630-833-1457 or email: ehmprograms@elmhurst.org.

Friday, Nov. 8

Access Sports annual spaghetti dinner. From 5-8 p.m. being held at the Elmhurst Knights of Columbus, 537 S. York, this is Access Sports biggest fundraiser of the year, which brings the entire community (athletes and their families, sponsors, donors, youth volunteers, coaches, community leaders and our board) together to celebrate all that we have accomplished collectively this year. Come join us for a fun evening including raffles and a delicious dinner provided by local restaurants. Register at AccessSports.org for advance ticket prices. Ticket prices at the door will be $15 for adults (13 and over) and $8 for children (3 to 12). For more information, call 630-290-9514 or email: denafuss@comcast.net.

Sunday, Nov. 10

An afternoon of Beethoven, Brahms and Barton Pine. From 3-5 p.m. presented by the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra being held at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road. American pianist and comedian Oscar Levant once tried to talk his way out of a speeding ticket by saying, “You can’t possibly hear the last movement of Beethoven’s Seventh and go slow!” We agree, and preemptively caution you as you drive home from this concert. Opening with the charming and witty Barber of Seville Overture (you might fondly recall the Bugs Bunny cartoon), this concert welcomes violinist Rachel Barton Pine to the stage for the Violin Concerto by Johannes Brahms. Ticket prices are $35-$45; $12 for students. For more information, visit: https://elmhurstsymphony.org/ call 630-941-0202 or email: contact@elmhurstsymphony.org.

Monday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day ceremony; From 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect and presented by Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187, join us to thank the brave individuals who have served our country at the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Elmhurst Farmers Market

Recurring weekly on Wednesdays through Oct. 30 from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on Vallette, just east of York, an Elmhurst community jewel offering a wide variety of farmers, vendors, and more with free parking. For more information, email: info@elmhurstfarmersmarket.com.

Elmhurst History Museum Info: elmhursthistory.org.

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

Friday, Oct. 25

2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: “The Fall Guy”

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration required.

Sunday, Oct. 27

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Lyric Opera Lecture: The Marriage of Figaro Hear the story, learn about the composer, and listen to music. No registration required.

Monday, Oct. 28

1:30-3 p.m.

Memory Café: Halloween Reminisce about our childhood Halloween memories, including favorite costumes and candies. We’ll

also learn how to make braided pumpkins, which can be beautiful décor throughout autumn. A Memory Café is a welcoming place for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or other cognitive or memory impairment disorders, as well as their caregivers. Registration required.

Tuesday, Oct. 29

1-3 p.m. - Bridge and Pinochle

Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Tuesday, Oct. 29 - 7-8:30 p.m.

Serial Killer Era: Why 19702000 Saw So Many Murders

From sociological changes to biology to technology to culture wars — why were there so many serial

killers during this brief period? And where did they go? Social-political scientist Katharine Korte Andrew answers these questions and highlights some of the most infamous cases of the era, including the Golden State Killer, John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, and more.

Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Wednesday, Oct. 30

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

American mahjong: open play

Gather every Wednesday for American mahjong, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance.

Live in-person. No registration required.

Worship Services Directory

779 S. York Street

IL 630-834 -6700 www.visitationparish.org

St. Timothy Evangelical

Lutheran Church

547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am

“The Crucial Hours”

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm Wednesday Service at 7pm

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

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

Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, October 26, Game Night at 4 pm Everyone is Welcome! All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org

Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022

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

Fifth Lenten Service

March 30, 2022

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

Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

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

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

Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17

Adoration:

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17

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

Momentum on the side of York boys soccer team

Dukes

3-0-1

to close regular season

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The pendulum has started to swing in the favor of the York boys soccer team. Coach Jordan Stopka’s group went 3-0-1 during a recent four-game stretch to close out the regular season. York finished the regular season 7-6-3 overall and went 4-2 in West Suburban Conference Silver Division play.

The Dukes finished second in the conference and, as Stopka pointed out, were the only team to beat conference-champion Hinsdale Central, which finished 5-1 in league action.

During that four-game span, York downed Hinsdale Central 3-1, and then defeated two more conference teams in Proviso West (4-2)

and Lyons Township (1-0 in overtime), before playing to a 1-1 draw against Timothy Christian in the “Battle of Elmhurst.” “We are on a nice little run the past two weeks,” the coach noted.

Quinn Stratton was leading the team in goals scored with four, while Graham Reedy and Oliver Connor had three goals each. Tito Barriga was the team’s top assist-man heading into the playoffs with three. Diego Ochoa had made 113 saves in goal to go with four shutouts.

Stopka also has been impressed with the play of Graham Reedy. Stopka explained Reedy suffered a “gruesome” injury his junior year and as a result was not up to speed at the beginning of the season and started on the JV2 team. “Over the course of the first four weeks, he absolutely dominated the JV2 landscape and earned a call up to varsity,” Stopka said. Reedy has three goals and one assist in his five games on varsity and scored two

“ Confidence is at an all-time high and we are looking to take it one game at a time during the playoffs.”

– Jordan Stopka, York soccer coach

goals, including the game winner, against Hinsdale Central, “and has been an uplifting presence on the team,” he said.

Carlos Banda and Tito Barriga were notable in the Lyons Township game, combining for the golden goal. “I’d like to tip my cap to Carlos and Tito for the golden goal against Lyons Township,” Stopka said.

Stopka has been pleased with the team’s progress in transition and the attack. He noted the Dukes

SUBMITTED

Emeralds’ 12U team wins fall title

scored on a set piece in three of the past four games. “There have been improvements in our transition and attack,” he affirmed. “We are starting to become more dangerous in open play and on set pieces. The boys’ communication is also getting much better when defending set pieces.”

York has enjoyed contributions from many on the offense end. “The offense is looking better,” Stopka said. “We definitely have a committee approach with kids chipping in goals here and there. If we are going to succeed in the playoffs, it will have to be a team effort.”

Stopka has been thrilled with the squad’s defensive effort throughout the fall. “The defense has been great all year,” he said. “The place where they are improving is the movement of the ball. It helps alleviate pressure on our middle three and lets us get up the field easier.”

On the goalkeeping front, Ale

Valdez Nicholson came in and recorded the win against Proviso West. Stopka continued to sing the praises of standout starting netminder Ochoa. “Diego has been a top goalie in the state for three years and continues to be amazing,” he said. “He should be an allstate recipient.”

York opened Class 3A postseason action earlier this week against West Chicago at Glenbard East. If the Dukes won that game they will play for the Glenbard East regional title Friday at 4:30 p.m. in Lombard.

“We have come to realize in the last few weeks that we can beat a majority of the teams we face,” Stopka said. “Confidence is at an all-time high and we are looking to take it one game at a time during the playoffs. We have begun to wonder, ‘why not us?’ as we try to make a deep run into the playoffs. The boys are ready.”

Timothy Christian boys soccer team on fire

Trojans 8-0-1 over recent nine-game stretch

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian boys soccer team has turned it up a notch — more like two or three — in recent times. During a nine-game recent run, the Trojans went 8-0-1 to up their overall mark to 13-4-4 overall and 6-0 and a first-place showing in the Chicagoland Christian Conference. In that span, the Trojans downed Bishop McNamara 10-0 in conference play, and then went 3-0 at the Great River Classic with wins over Belleville Althoff Catholic (10), Union Grove out of Wisconsin (2-0) and Alton Marquette Catholic (2-0).

Back in conference action, Timothy upended St. Edward 7-1, downed Wheaton Academy 4-2 in overtime and blanked Marian Central Catholic 9-0. The Trojans also tied York 1-1 and defeated Chicago Taft in non-conference action. Owen Wise had three goals (a hat trick) against Wheaton North, while Timothy Nulty filled the scoresheet with two goals and three assists against Marian Central. Through late last week, senior Owen Wise was leading the team with 19 goals and eight assists. Nulty, also a senior, had nine goals and seven assists, while junior Ben Schroeder had eight goals and three assists. “We have played very consistent and high-level soccer over the past month,” Timothy coach Joel

Zielke said.

During that recent run, Timothy posted 50 goals while only giving up five goals. “Our speed of play and off-ball movement has caused a lot of issues for our opponents, and we make it very difficult with a strong backline,” Zielke explained. “I feel like we have started to hit our stride and are peaking at the right time heading into postseason play. We have played a very grueling schedule against top teams, and we feel very prepared for any situation that comes our way. This is an experienced and tight group with 14 seniors that is accustomed to the pressures of postseason play over the last three seasons. We are excited to get going.”

Timothy also has been bolstered by the strong play of senior goalie Peter Buikema, who has allowed only 13 goals (3 scored by penalty kick) over 20 games for a 0.65 goals against average. Buikema has made 81 saves and has earned 10 clean sheets (shutouts). “Peter has continued to be lights out between the posts,” Zielke said.

Timothy opened Class 2A postseason play earlier this week against Nazareth Academy. If Timothy won its game against Naz, it will play for the Class 2A Timothy Christian regional title Friday at 6 p.m. against either Benet Academy or Wheaton St. Francis. The winner heads to the Rockford Boylan sectional.

The Elmhurst Emeralds’ 12U softball team recently won its fall league championship. Pictured left to right are: (front row) Gia Cibelli and Lily Doucet; (middle row) Cameron Bucolo, Rosaria Cacucciolo, Callie Chipain, Claire Sloan and Gabby Ligunas; (back row) Coach Chris Chipain, Coach Joe Cibelli, Savanna Brown, Sienna Carroccio, Olivia Jahn, Ella Bonuso and Coach Amanda Sloan. Not pictured are Coach Tony Carroccio, Coach Kerry Doucet, Sarina Sangha and the Utility Dad— Pat Bonuso.

PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

sports

York girls tennis team qualifies three for state

IC Catholic Prep graduate

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Timothy Christian’s Carter headed to finals for fourth year in a row

Leslie headed to Le Moyne

Will play volleyball for Division II school

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls tennis team will have representation in triplicate at this week’s Class 2A state finals meet in the Northwest Suburbs. York’s Lizzie Isyanov qualified for the state singles tournament, while the team of CJ and Josie Coan qualified for the doubles state finals out of the Class 2A Lyons Township sectional.

Recent IC Catholic Prep graduate Bella Leslie wanted to head east for college.

I feel like I would be so bored with out it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

memories from IC Catholic Prep’s coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program.

Isyanov, the No. 1 sectional seed, dropped only one game in the entire sectional tournament, while the Coan sisters, the No. 2 sectional doubles seed, dominated during the Friday portion of the sectional “and then played great tennis Saturday morning to take the double sectional title,” York coach Kara Dollaske said. Both Isyanov and the Coan sisters beat Hinsdale Central twice to earn their sectional titles.

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

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

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

During the Saturday portion of the sectional, Isaynov defeated Hinsdale Central’s Asha Sarai 6-0, 6-0 in the semifinals and then downed Hinsdale Central’s Kotryna Tomas 6-0, 6-1 for the sectional singles title. The Coan sisters defeated a Hinsdale Central team 6-3, 7-5 in the doubles semifinals and then defeated the other Hinsdale Central doubles team 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (7-4) in the final.

left, York girls tennis players CJ

Lizzie

York finished second as a team at the Lyons sectional, just a point behind sectional-champion Hinsdale Central. “We had a fantastic cheering section out Saturday morning,” Dollaske said. “Varsity players, parents and grandparents really hyped up the energy for Lizzie and CJ and Josie.

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

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

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

to play volleyball in college,” she said. “It gives me something to do.

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

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

ty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will miss how close knit of a communi ty it was,” she said. “I knew every body at the school. It will be weird going on campus and not knowing all the faces. I’ll miss those close connections with the coaches and teachers. It will be weird for the first year or so.”

We’re excited about the state tournament. Lizzie is especially ready and hungry after sitting out last season due to an injury. She plays some of the best offensive and defensive tennis in the game. In any given point, don’t count her out. She’s a fighter.

York girls tennis standout Lizzie Isyanov ran her record to 20-2 overall after winning the single tournament at the Class 2A Lyons Township sectional. Isaynov will compete in this weekend’s Class 2A finals at sites across the Northwest suburbs.

Leslie said pandemic life hasn’t been overly exciting, though her club volleyball team has started practicing again. “We have been practicing two or three times a week,” she said. “We are going to be starting tournaments again. Before that I haven’t been doing anything because senior soccer season and the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go

“Coach Brigman and I are so proud and amazed at the level of tennis that CJ and Josie brought to the Saturday matches. They played with heart

and conviction through five sets of incredibly competitive tennis. They held strong and kept cool under pressure.”

Dollaske also lauded the play of York’s Olivia Allen in the singles tournament and the doubles team of Rosie DeCristofaro and Lizzy Boychuk. “Olivia, and Rosie and Lizzy played great tennis on Friday afternoon, but missed qualifying in the

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

and Josie Coan all qualified for this weekend’s Class 2A state finals meet. The Coan sisters won the Class 2A Lyons Township sectional doubles title with a pair of wins against Hinsdale Central on the final day, while Isyanov won the sectional singles title, also defeating Hinsdale Central players in the semifinals and finals.

third round,” she said. York finished the regular season with an 18-11 overall mark in dual meets.

Timothy Christian girls tennis

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

Stopka noted York has been doing conditioning drills and said the plan as of earlier last week was to start summer camp pending District 205 approval. “I have probably been able

proved that would be the start of our contact days with four days a week for three weeks straight. And even out dates before the school year, we won’t take advantage of that. I’m pretty sure families have plans to do things before school starts. I’m the new guy and I’m not going to say you can’t go with your family. Go do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and

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

Timothy Christian senior Jane Carter qualified once again for the Class 1A state finals meet. Carter lost only three games in four matches on her way to the Class 1A Timothy Christian sectional singles title. “Jane dominated the sectional,” Timothy Christian coach Keith Mills said.

During the month of October thus far, Carter has posted a 9-0 record, winning the Chicagoland Christian

Conference No. 1 singles title — her fourth consecutive conference title. Prior to the conference tournament, Carter defeated undefeated IMSA player Medha Veeathu by a 6-2, 6-4 count and defeated two-time state qualifier Kaitlyn Remke of Marian Central Catholic at the conference meet.

Carter, a three-time all-state performer, will bring a 124-26 record into this weekend’s Class 1A state finals meet at various locations throughout the Northwest suburbs. This is Carter’s fourth state appearance in a row, “and Jane has high hopes following her second-place doubles finish last year,” Mills said.

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

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

York sophomore girls tennis doubles standout CJ Coan and her sister, Josie, qualified for this weekend’s Class 2A state doubles finals after winning the sectional doubles title at Lyons Township. The Coan sisters defeated a team from Argo 6-0, 6-0 in the second round and duplicated the score against a Willowbrook team in the quarterfinals. The Coans were 6-3, 7-5 winners over Hinsdale Central in the semis and then defeated the other Hinsdale Central team in a third-set tiebreaker to win the championship.

proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK LIZZIE ISYANOV, JOSIE COAN, CJ COAN YORK GIRLS TENNIS

Isyanov and the Coan sisters qualified for this weekend’s Class 2A girls tennis state finals after winning titles at the recent Class 2A Lyons Township sectional. Isyanov won the sectional singles title, while the Coan sisters won the sectional doubles championship.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

From

Coan,

Isyanov

York girls tennis doubles senior Josie Coan and sophomore sister, CJ, won the doubles tournament at the recent Class 2A Lyons Township sectional. The Coans will bring a 23-5 record into this weekend’s Class 2A doubles state finals.

York football week 9 preview

York (6-2, 3-2) at Proviso West (2-6, 0-5)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m., Proviso West High School, Hillside

Last year: York 43, Proviso West 12 Outlook: York was eliminated from the West Suburban Conference Silver Division race last week after a loss to unbeaten and Class 8A stateranked No. 4 Lyons Township. The focus now shifts to improving its playoff lot. A win on the road to

close out the regular season should guarantee a home playoff game for the Dukes in Week 10 and could lead to a 5-4 qualifier standing on the visiting sideline. Proviso started the season 2-0 but has dropped six games in a row since and has scored a total of eight points in those six losses (51-0 loss to Glenbard West last week). York was ranked No. 9 in the state in Class 8A heading into last week.

IC Catholic Prep football week 9 preview

IC Catholic Prep (4-4, 0-2) at Chicago St. Rita (6-2, 1-1)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: IC Catholic Prep, winners of two in a row, becomes playoff eligible with a win on the road in Chicago against a St. Rita team that was ranked No. 6 in the state in Class 7A heading into last week. A Knights loss makes things a tad more interesting, but 4-5 teams have been qualifying for the playoffs in recent years and with the dossier ICCP carries this season, a qualification at 4-5 is not out of the realm of possibilities (six 4-5 teams made the playoffs last season). Of the teams with 3-4 records across the state heading into Week

8, ICCP had the sixth-highest playoff points (opponents combined wins to that point). Heading into this week and using unofficial tallying to the best of this reporter’s ability, opposing teams did ICCP no playoff-point favors in Week 8, going a combined 4-4 (meaning ICCP goes from 39 to 43 playoff points heading into the final week). At most, the Knights could get eight more points if they beat Rita and nine points if they lose to Rita (all ICCP’s opponents winning in Week 9). Regardless, plenty of internet watching/fact gathering is in store for the folks on Cottage Hill Ave. Friday and Saturday.

NOTICE TO OUR READERS Receiving the weekly

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Illinois fall trout season now under way at locations statewide

The 2024 Illinois fall trout season has gotten under way at 60 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.

Forest Preserve District

• Busse Woods North Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

60126. Or

All anglers, including those who participate in the early catch-andrelease season, must have an Illinois fishing license and inland trout stamp, which are available at Illinois Department of Natural Resources license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores, and other retail outlets. Check the IDNR website for locations.

Fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased online with a credit card.

For information about all site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. Not all sites open at 5 a.m. on opening day. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite sites prior to the open date.

The fall trout season offers opportunities for families to get outdoors and enjoy fishing. Online resources are available for taking kids fishing.

IDNR reinstated its catch-able trout program in 1994, funded in part by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps.

IDNR stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the fall season. An additional 80,000 trout are stocked for the spring season, which begins each April. For more information on trout seasons and other Illinois fishing opportunities, visit www. ifishillinois.org.

The northern Illinois locations scheduled to be open for the 2024 fall trout season are: Bureau County

• Hennepin Canal Parkway Cook County

• Axehead Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

• Belleau Lake, Cook County

• Green Lake in Calumet City, Cook County Forest Preserve District

• Horsetail Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

• Sag Quarry East, Cook County Forest Preserve District

• Wolf Lake at William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago DuPage County

• Grove Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District

• Pickerel Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District

• Silver Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District

Jo Daviess County

• Apple River, Apple River Canyon State Park **

Kankakee County

• Bird Park Quarry, Kankakee

• Rock Creek, Kankakee River State Park **

• Big Lake, Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

Lake County

• Sand Lake, Illinois Beach State Park

LaSalle County

• Illinois and Michigan Canal Lock 14, LaSalle

McHenry County

• Spring Grove Hatchery Pond, Spring Grove Ogle County

• Pine Creek, White Pines Forest State Park **

Rock Island County

• Prospect Park Lake, Moline Warren County

• Citizens Lake, Monmouth Whiteside County

• Centennial Park Pond, Rock Falls, Coloma Park District Will County

• Lake Strini, Romeoville

• Van Horn Woods, Plain-field Winnebago County

• Baumann Lake, Cherry Valley

**Denotes sites open for catchand-release early fall season fishing.

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

DU PAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT

DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

Request of: Theresa Carmella Ragano Case Number 2024MR000605

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from Theresa Carmella Ragano to the new name of Carmella Theresa Ragano. The court date will be held: NOVEMBER 25, 2024 at 9:00 at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL in Courtroom 2005.

/s/ Theresa Carmella Ragano

Dated SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 10587-947001

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent Oct, 10, 17 & 24, 2024) 462564

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF AUDIT REPORT OF YORK TOWNSHIP

York Township hereby provides public notice that an audit of its funds for the period April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024 has been made, and that a report of such audit dated October 2024 performed by Selden Fox, Ltd has been filed with the County Clerk of DuPage, in accordance with 30 ILCS 15/0.01 et seq. The full report of the audit is available for public inspection at Town Hall 1502 S. Meyers Rd., Lombard, IL 60148 during regular business hours 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday except for holidays

(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent, Villa Park Review, The Elmhurst Independent & The Lombardian Oct. 24, 2024) 463182

Former Speaker Madigan goes to trial

Lengthy jury selection portends arduous trial for ousted Democratic powerbroker

By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

On a late October day in Springfield nearly five years ago, then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan exited a private caucus meeting and strode up to a group of waiting reporters in one of the state Capitol’s vast marble halls.

It was lawmakers’ first day back in the Statehouse since wrapping up a historically productive spring legislative session in which Democrats—emboldened by major wins during the 2018 midterm election cycle—raised Illinois’ minimum wage, legalized recreational marijuana and enshrined abortion rights into state law, among other priorities.

But in the months that followed, Democrats’ celebrations gave way to a growing anxiety that the feds had trained their microscope on Springfield.

A steady drip of news leaks during the summer of 2019 began to outline a criminal probe with Madigan at its center, though indictments and highly visible FBI raids of other state and local elected Democrats later that summer and fall muddied the emerging picture.

And as General Assembly members settled back into the Capitol for their two-week fall veto session, the powerful speaker was dealing with fallout from the latest action taken by the feds against a prominent new target. Hours earlier, a member of Madigan’s House Democratic leadership team had been hauled into court after his arrest on a charge that he bribed a sitting state senator who happened to be cooperating with the FBI.

In a rare, and brief, availability with reporters in the crowded and noisy hallway off the Statehouse rotunda, the longtime speaker said he would take steps for House members to expel the representative from the body if he did not resign.

But quickly, the questions turned to why Madigan’s name had shown up in subpoenas made public after the spate of recent FBI searches and if he’d been contacted by the feds— which the speaker met with shrugs and a flat “no.” In response to a reporter asking whether he was a target of the investigation, Madigan issued a categorical denial.

“No, I’m not a target of anything,” he said.

Within the year, however, Madigan would be proven wrong as prosecutors filed the first in a series of bombshell charges alleging the longtime speaker had been the beneficiary of a yearslong bribery scheme.

And in those filings, the speaker, who for decades had been referred to as “the Velvet Hammer” for his quiet but forceful approach to political leadership, would be given a new nickname by the feds: Public Official A.

Now, half a decade—and a stunning political fall—later, the formerly powerful speaker will spend the next two months in a Chicago federal courtroom watching as his long-awaited corruption trial unfolds

to determine whether he picks up another moniker: convicted felon.

Public Official A

Opening statements in Madigan’s trial were expected to begin Monday afternoon after a grueling two weeks of jury selection finally concludes with the seating of the last two alternate jurors.

During the six-day process, the former speaker took careful notes on each prospective juror on a yellow legal pad and occasionally conferred with his attorneys, displaying the same fastidiousness in the courtroom that garnered him power over his five decades in Springfield.

By the time he was elected speaker in 1983, Madigan had already gained a reputation for the types of shrewd political calculations designed to protect and grow his House Democratic caucus, which, in turn, would keep him in power.

Notwithstanding a two-year interruption of that reign when Republicans briefly won control of the Illinois House in the mid-1990s, Madigan was speaker for 36 years, making him the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history.

In the first several months of what would ultimately become his last term as House speaker, Madigan was, in some ways, operating at nearpeak political power.

The “Blue Wave” election cycle in 2018 expanded Madigan’s Democratic caucus to its largest number yet and wiped out his biggest political nemesis: Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

As a candidate and then as governor, Rauner had spent the previous five years spending millions of his own dollars painting Madigan as not just the root of Illinois’ fiscal problems but also fundamentally corrupt. The messaging was at least somewhat effective, and Democratic majorities in the General Assembly shrank over the course of two election cycles.

As Rauner dug his heels in proposals to weaken labor unions—one of Madigan’s key constituencies—the new governor’s political fight with the speaker morphed into a legislative stalemate that plunged the state into a two-year budget impasse and ballooned Illinois’ deficit to nearly $17 billion. It only ended when Republicans in the House and Senate defied Rauner and sided with Democrats to pass a budget deal.

When billionaire JB Pritzker was sworn in as governor in early 2019, Madigan finally had an executive he could work with for the first time in more than 15 years. The previous nearly two decades had been marked by enmity with not only Rauner, but also Govs. Pat Quinn and Rod Blagojevich—both Democrats.

Pritzker had kept his distance from Madigan during his campaign, trying to avoid any perception that he was the polarizing speaker’s favored candidate during a crowded primary run. He was, however, initially reticent to criticize Madigan’s handling of sexual harassment allegations in both

his political operation and speaker’s office that came to light in 2018 at the height of the #MeToo movement.

But Madigan had weathered the storm by firing the accused and keeping his focus on winning legislative races. And by the following spring, he was back to making significant political maneuvers that allowed for the passage of big-ticket progressive items like legalizing marijuana, as well as rare bipartisan support for a state budget, a $45 billion infrastructure plan and massive gambling expansion.

Though Madigan’s legislative efforts helped to paper over intraparty rifts that had formed the previous year, the rebuilt goodwill wouldn’t last.

The steady drip of news about FBI searches executed on Madigan’s close political allies in mid-2019 would turn into a deluge of news about the feds’ growing criminal investigation, with the speaker at its center.

Those reports were interrupted, at least temporarily, by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 as a commission set up by Madigan to study Illinois’ ethics laws did its work. But the pressure returned at full force in July of that year when then-U.S. Attorney John Lausch called an unusually rare press conference on a Friday afternoon.

In the news conference—and a lengthy charging document—prosecutors revealed that electric utility giant Commonwealth Edison had admitted that over a nine-year period, the company had bribed the speaker, whom the feds referred to as “Public Official A.” ComEd agreed to pay a $200 million fine and cooperate with

the feds’ investigation surrounding Madigan in taking responsibility for giving jobs and lucrative no-work contracts to the speaker’s political allies in exchange for favorable legislation in Springfield.

Political fallout

Soon after, some of Madigan’s newest members—especially suburban women who’d been elected during the “Blue Wave” campaign cycle that boosted the House Democratic caucus to its biggest majority ever—began pushing for his ouster.

As the speaker’s brand became toxic within his own party, Republicans and business interests used the political situation to their advantage that fall. Groups opposed to Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature graduated income tax campaign promise spent millions on a campaign to defeat the ballot referendum, suggesting voters couldn’t trust Springfield politicians like Madigan with their tax dollars.

Voters rejected the constitutional amendment, in addition to ousting a sitting Illinois Supreme Court justice for the first time in history after opponents spent big on ads calling him “Madigan’s favorite judge.”

Following the election, the governor and other Democrats laid responsibility for those losses at Madigan’s feet. And just a few weeks later, the speaker’s close friend and political advisor Mike McClain, a longtime lobbyist for ComEd, was indicted for orchestrating the alleged Madigan bribery scheme along with three other former executives and lobbyists for the utility.

Meanwhile, the number of Democratic House members who’d publicly committed to voting against Madi-

gan’s coming bid for a historic 19th term as speaker kept growing. By the time lawmakers returned to Springfield for their “lame duck” session in early January 2021, the group had reached critical mass, despite Madigan maintaining staunch support from influential blocs like the House’s Black and Latino caucuses, as well as many rank-and-file members.

In a series of tense closed-door meetings in Springfield’s cavernous Bank of Springfield Center, which the House rented out to allow for pandemic-era social distancing, Madigan lost several rounds of votes – ultimately “suspending” his campaign for speaker and allowing the election for a new speaker to play out. In the following weeks, Madigan would resign from the House seat he’d held for 50 years, followed by stepping down from his longtime role as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. It would be another year until Madigan himself was indicted.

Legal arguments

In March of 2022, Madigan was charged with 22 counts of racketeering, bribery, wire fraud and extortion. Charged alongside him was McClain, whom the feds alleged acted as the conduit—and sometimes muscle—for multiple bribery schemes beyond ComEd’s.

After prosecutors added additional charges to Madigan’s indictment later in 2022, he now faces 24 counts in a case that frames Madigan’s power in government, politics and as a partner in his law firm as a “criminal enterprise” meant to maintain and increase his power and enrich his allies.

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