EI103124 by Southern Lakes Newspapers / Rock Valley Publishing

Elmhurst Independent

Court grants state’s motion to

detain pre-trial

Elmhurst man charged with leading police on chase

Subject reportedly drove toward his home in Elmhurst after crashing into a vehicle on I-88; he then struck another vehicle on Spring Road

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Thomas Wirsing announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for an Elmhurst man charged with fleeing from police and injuring an officer during his arrest.

Gratas Zvirblis, 21, appeared in First Appearance Court on Friday, Oct. 25, and was charged with one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (a Class 4 felony), one count of resisting a police officer causing injury (a Class 4 felony) and more than a dozen misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses including DUI and leaving the scene of an accident involving damage to an attended vehicle.

Zvirblis currently has an outstand-

ing warrant for his arrest for aggravated assault and disorderly conduct charges.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, at approximately 9:17 p.m., Lombard police officers responded to a hit-and-run crash on I-88 involving a gray BMW that had allegedly fled the scene and was last seen traveling eastbound on Butterfield Road. An officer located the BMW, allegedly driven by Zvirblis, eastbound on Butterfield Road and Meyers Road. The vehicle was being driven on just one of its rims. It is alleged that Zvirblis failed to stop after officers activated their emergency lights and siren.

Oak Brook police reportedly placed tire deflation devices near Butterfield Road and Midwest Road. Zvirblis allegedly continued to drive after hitting those devices.

According to police, he waved one of his hands out the window as he continued to drive.

See COURT, Page 2

Elmhurst Trick-or-Treating Hours

Thursday, Oct. 31 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Getting into the Halloween spirit

You don’t necessarily have to go to a haunted house to get into the Halloween spirit in Elmhurst. Just take a walk or a drive throughout your neighborhood. You’ll find everything from traditional Halloween displays to ghosts, grisly ghouls, skeletons and other creatures that go bump in the night prominently displayed in windows and on front yards. More photos on page 5.

Gratas Zvirblis

MIKE SANDROLINI PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

‘Smashing pumpkins’ not just a musical phenomenon

By Jane Charmelo FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

While this time of year pumpkins decorate front porches and stoops—and often provide a snack for local critters to gnosh on—disposing of them after Halloween has proven to create a scary scenario for landfills.

That’s according to Addison-based SCARCE (School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education), with Chief Operating Officer Beverly Jaszczurowski first setting the scene when she described that an average pumpkin “is about 10 pounds and about

92 percent water. A gallon of water weighs a little over 8 pounds.”

So, with every pumpkin that ends up in a landfill, close to 9 pounds of water are wasted, she continued. “You never get that back.”

And consider, Jaszczurowski said, that when that water leaches into the soil, “That is not water we want.”

The University of Illinois Extension—in a release that echoes (and specifically mentions) SCARCE—explains that pumpkins are organic waste and when they decompose in the soil without oxygen, they produce the greenhouse

gas methane.

The Extension notes that Illinois is the top producer of pumpkins, so “There are a lot of pumpkins piling up and filling up landfills across the state.”

The alternative to having pumpkins end up in landfills is to hold “pumpkin smashes,” Jaszczurowski said, and related that SCARCE actually started doing them in 2014.

However, she continued, “We first had to change a law in order to do it,” because Illinois law considered pumpkins to be food waste: Now they can be categorized as food scraps that are eligible be composted.

Jaszczurowski said that the SCARCE-initiated pumpkin smash “has gone nationwide,” citing 20 events in New York and five in Michigan as examples, and “We just found out that Houston has been doing it for three years!”

She also mentioned that in 2023, the United Kingdom contacted SCARCE with an interest in how the process works.

• Court

It is alleged that Zvirblis continued eastbound on Butterfield before turning northbound onto Spring Road in Elmhurst, where he rear-ended another vehicle near Harrison Street, causing damage.

It is further alleged that Zvirblis continued to flee, but then exited his vehicle near his home and began running westbound in the 900 block of Spring Road, between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street. The officer continued pursuing Zvirblis on foot. It is alleged that as Zvirblis attempted to jump over a fence, the officer grabbed him, causing both men to fall to the ground. It is further alleged that Zvirblis resisted the officer’s attempts to handcuff him and that during the struggle, the officer injured his left elbow. It is alleged that when Zvirblis was taken into custody near his home, he had an odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.

According to SCARCE figures, since 2014 pumpkin smashes have composted over 1,253.6 tons of pumpkins, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 926.9 tons of carbon dioxide and diverted nearly 270 gallons of water from landfills.

There are going to be a number of pumpkin smash events on Nov. 9 in Lombard, Villa Park and Addison; and this Saturday, Nov. 2, in Elmhurst. Jaszczurowski said the pumpkins will be going to a commercial composter, which will be putting “water and nutrients back into the soil.”

While a household might have only a few pumpkins, if everyone participates in a pumpkin smash, there will be what Jaszczurowski called a “collective impact” on the environment, for which she hopes to collect more data.

“Every little thing adds up,” she concluded. To find a nearby location, visit www.scarce. org/pumpkins.

(Continued from front page) all motorists, if you see flashing lights behind you, pull over. I thank the Lombard Police Department for their outstanding efforts on this case and wish the injured officer a full and speedy recovery. I also thank the Elmhurst, Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace police departments for their assistance.”

“On behalf of the Lombard Police Department, we would like to thank the Elmhurst, Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace police departments for their assistance apprehending this dangerous suspect,” Wirsing said. “We would also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their assistance.”

Zvirblis’ next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 18, for arraignment in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.

“The allegations that Mr. Zvirblis not only fled from police in his car and through a residential neighborhood on foot, but then fought with the officer as he was being placed under arrest, causing injury to the officer, are outrageous,” Berlin said. “Equally upsetting is the fact that at the time of his arrest, Mr. Zvirblis was facing an active arrest warrant regarding allegations of aggravated assault following a road rage incident. The type of conduct alleged against Mr. Zvirblis in both these cases will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Again, I urge

Results from the Nov. 5 election cannot be published in time for next week’s paper (Nov. 7 issue) due to press deadlines. However, DuPage County will post updated election results online starting on election night, Nov. 5. The website address is: www.dupagecounty. gov/elections/election_results.php.

HAVE A FUN & SAFE HALLOWEEN!

Healthy Teeth For A Lifetime

What parent doesn’t want that for their kids? Ensure your kids form good habits by stressing the importance of brushing and flossing everyday and seeing their dentist regularly.

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Elmhurst school named a National Blue Ribbon School

Jefferson Elementary among 356 schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

By Jane Charmelo

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Jefferson Elementary School now has the “bragging rights” to be added to the list of schools in the United States to have earned National Blue Ribbon Status.

The announcement came from the U.S. Department of Education on Sept. 23, and subsequently from the school district. The Elmhurst school, in Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, was among 356 schools named as a National Blue Ribbon School, and one of 18 in Illinois, according to the department of education.

“This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups,” the department described in a release.

Jefferson Elementary was named in the category of “Exemplary High Performing Schools,” according to Principal Lori Sweeney, who said that the state nominated Jefferson for the honor, after which the school applied to the department of education last April.

She further related that the application’s contents came from “a collaborative effort” made by school

staff and parents, adding, “Writing [the] application was a labor of love … a 19-page love letter to Jefferson.”

In choosing Blue Ribbon schools, the department of education looks at school leaders who “articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards,” the release emphasizes.

Sweeney said she is not surprised by the recognition because of “the team that exists at the school,” elaborating that there is “a long tradition that students, staff and parents work together to achieve academic excellence.”

“I think that has been a guiding light, a ‘North Star,’ for a long time,” she continued, with a lot of what she called “coherence” with each grade’s staff working toward teaching skills that carry on to the next grade level.

Additionally, the award nominees must have leaders who “showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff,” the release stated.

“We prioritize professional learning for teachers,” the principal said, and as such, “have adopted some really high-quality materials.”

“The core value is that we grow

and learn together,” she added.

In a release from District 205, an overview of the school notes that “Jefferson is defined by deep, lasting relationships, and we intentionally foster strong connections among members of our community.

“People come to Jefferson and they stay, as evidenced by teachers who are celebrating over 15 years here; and even a handful of staff members who attended Elmhurst schools as children and now teach in our district.”

“That high bar is for students and for ourselves,” the release continued. “At Jefferson we know that learning has to be meaningful to make a difference. We intentionally teach skills and content that are interdisciplinary and vertically aligned.

“We are proud of the fact that teachers expect every student to do their best to meet high expectations, and 99 percent of our students report that their teachers ‘expect them to work hard.’”

In fact, “Sweeney echoed, “We are a really special place and our team works really hard. We know how to work and have fun.”

In a separate release, District 205 Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell commented on the award,

saying, “We are incredibly proud of the Jefferson Elementary community for this prestigious honor … Their dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students are educated, engaged and empowered reflects the core values throughout our district.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, staff and families.”

According to the department of education, 420 schools are typically nominated each year from all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

The school district release mentions that other District 205 National Blue Ribbon School awardees include York High School (1983), Edison Elementary School (2010), Lincoln Elementary School (1999, 2012), Bryan Middle School (2012) and Sandburg Middle School (2007, 2013).

“We feel very fortunate that we were selected,” Sweeney said, adding that students get “a really strong education at Jefferson … now we can prepare kids for the K-5 experience.”

The Jefferson Elementary School staff proudly displays a banner recognizing the Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 school as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

MIKE SANDROLINI PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Council Capsules

Here’s what’s going on at Elmhurst City Hall

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The following are some of the recent actions taken by the Elmhurst City Council at its meeting on Monday, Oct. 21.

• Halloween Trick-or-Treat hours are Thursday, Oct. 31 from 3:307:30 p.m.

• City Clerk Jackie Tamer announced that early voting is un -

der way at City Hall and will be available through Monday, Nov. 4.

Hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• During the public forum, a bearded gentleman took the microphone and performed a self-made rap song dedicated to 6th Ward Alderman Emily Bastedo on the occasion of her birthday. Happy birthday, Alderman Bastedo!

• During announcements, Alderman Jacob Hill (2nd Ward)

announced that a new Lake-York Business Association has been formed. It was founded by Abbey Cannon, owner of Aunt Tina’s Kitchen, and aims to represent the interests of the business community located in the north part of the City.

• The City was presented with the Water Ambassador Award from the Illinois section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

• Aldermen Tina Park (5th) and Brian Cahill (4th) have requested that the Finance Committee review

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the current compensation paid to aldermen, who receive $2,400 per year. According to Park and Cahill, the amount has not been adjusted in more than 23 years and has lost 77 percent of its value over the time period when looking at the value of a dollar since it was last adjusted.

• Linda Marre was appointed to the Elmhurst Senior Citizen Commission.

• Based on a recommendation of the Development, Planning & Zoning (DPZ) Committee, the City will renew individual consultant agreements with Van Slyke Enterprises, Inc., and Ken Bartels Consulting for their services. Van Slyke Enterprises has been consulting with the City since February, 1988, on matters relating to economic development and redevelopment of the City, such as negotiation of leases, easement procurement, real estate contracts, property management and other real estate services.

Van Slyke Enterprises is currently billed for an hourly rate of $110/ hour with a cap of 900 hours annually, or a maximum of $99,000. The new agreement will have an increase in the hourly rate to $120/ hour, with a cap of 825 hours, for a continued maximum annual total of $99,000.

Ken Bartels Consulting has been working on economic development endeavors for the City since 2009. Bartels has been charged with promotion of the City, recruitment and retention of local businesses and assisting with long- and shortterm planning with the tenets of the City’s Strategic Plan, working closely with the Economic Development Commission. Bartels has also provided valuable counsel to the History Museum and the Heritage Foundation assisting with their long-term planning for growth and stability by providing support for two capital campaigns, development of a sponsorship program and more.

Bartels’ new consultant agreement will have no increase in the hourly rate of $100/hour with a cap of 500 hours annually for a contract term of three years.

This item was pulled from the consent agenda by Alderman Michael Bram (3rd) who raised a discussion about the necessity of consultants, when the City has staff people in place. The measure passed by a vote of 11 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent. The two ‘nay’ votes came from Bram and Alderman Rex Irby (7th).

• A recommendation of the Public Affairs and Safety (PAS) Committee was approved, providing a mutual agreement between the City and Illinois FOP Lodge No. 81, allowing certain patrol officers to be assigned 12-hour shifts instead of the traditional eight-hour shift schedule. This agreement has been approved for the past four years, making 2025 the fifth.

• The route and plans for the annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning were approved. The route has been reviewed and approved by the police, fire and public works departments.

• The City agreed to a service

provider contract with MGP, Inc., the contracted service provider to the Municipal GIS Consortium. The Consortium identifies opportunities for minimizing cost and risk through its shared services model for staffing, software and hardware costs. Other members of the Consortium include Oak Brook, Bensenville, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and other communities. Funds are budgeted in the General Fund’s Information Technology/ Contractual Services section with a line-item amount of $200,000. The total 2025 expenditure is estimated at $168,336.

• An amendment to the Phase II Contract for the Metra Train Station Project was approved in an amount not to exceed $914,344. Appropriations for Phase II professional services are provided in the Downtown Redevelopment budget.

• Phase I engineering services proposal was approved for the Crestview, Indiana and Van Auken Sidewalk Improvements project in an amount not to exceed $126,839.

• A recommendation by the Public Works and Buildings (PWB) Committee was approved for professional engineering services from Clark Dietz, Inc. The company has assisted the City since 2022 with permit reviews and inspections for cellular antenna work at the City’s West and North elevated tanks. No money is required for this professional services agreement.

• The Public Works Garage Security Camera Project was approved based on a proposal from Rock River Service Company in the total amount of $47,970.

• A report from the PWB Committee was accepted to enter into a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the City’s share of the Route 83 (Kingery Highway) Pedestrian Bridge. The City’s share is $37,854 of the total design contract amount of $299,268.

• An ordinance was approved to authorize an extension of time for the final planned unit development (PUD) permit for the construction of a medical office building at 1100 S. York St.

• An ordinance was approved granting conditional use permits and associated variations for the development of the property at 217 E. Butterfield Road.

• A temporary construction access agreement has been authorized for the construction of a grade-level sidewalk on the Thorntons LLC property at 476 N. York St.

• The City agreed to provide funding support to the DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DSCC).

The organization has received 74 percent of its funding from federal and state grants and approximately eight percent from senior donations. The City has assisted the DSCC with funding since 2006 and has budgeted $50,000 for the current fiscal year.

• A resolution was approved authorizing the professional services of Kenig, Lindgren, O’Hara, Aboona, Inc. for a neighborhood traffic study for Area #6 in the amount of $38,000.

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. 22

Parinda Ganjanaget, 34, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was charged with two counts of battery in the 100 block of S. York at 3:15 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a call for a battery in progress at the above location, the suspect was found to have assaulted the victim over issues related to her bank account.

Criminal damage to property

Oct. 23

Police said officers responded to a report of a subject refusing to leave Elmhurst Hospital. The subject had entered other patients’ rooms and disobeyed staff. The subject was issued a no trespass notice and left the scene.

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

Oct. 23

Ryan J. Cooper, 24, of Elmhurst, was charged with disorderly conduct and served a no-trespass notice in the 100 block of E. South at 10:52 a.m. Police said Cooper threatened a victim while he was delivering mail.

Oct. 19

Police said that following an accident near North and West at 11:59 p.m., the two drivers got out of their vehicles and got into a physical confrontation. Both vehicles then allegedly drove off and were later located by police. Miguel Burciaga, 45, of Stone Park, was charged with disorderly conduct, leaving the scene of an accident and no insurance. Shamar Kornegay, 23, of Broadview, was charged with disorderly conduct.

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

Oct. 22

Juan Dominguez-Cruz, 21, of Addison, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, failure to report an accident to the police and no insurance near North and I-290 at 3:43 p.m.

Oct. 21

Omar Caballero, 29, of Carol Stream, was charged with DUI, speeding, unlawful possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle and improper display of registration subsequent to a traffic stop near North and York at 2:54 a.m.

Steven Fret, 72, of Lombard, was charged with aggravated DUI, illegal transportation of alcohol and driving while license suspended in the 100 block of W. Grand at 12:51 p.m. Police said the suspect was found to have driven into a parking lot and struck a vehicle.

Oct. 19

Jolie Milbratz, 23, of Justice, was charged with illegal possession of alcohol by a driver

and operating a motor vehicle while using an electronic device subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and St. Charles at 8:47 p.m.

Michael P. Nielsen, 26, of Itasca, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, improper turn and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle subsequent to a traffic stop near North and West at 3:22 a.m.

Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Melrose and North at 1:24 a.m., a responding officer observed open alcohol and cannabis in a vehicle, which was not in a properly sealed, odor-proof, child-resistant container. Anton Reed, 28, of Chicago, was charged with no seat belt and possession of open alcohol by a passenger. Kailyn Spears, 26, of Chicago, was charged with possession of open alcohol by a passenger, unlawful possession of cannabis by a passenger and no seat belt.

Ruben V. Villarreal, 36, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, attempted obstructing justice, criminal damage to property, illegal possession of alcohol by a driver, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance in the 300 block of N. West 9:39 p.m.

Oct. 18

Jonathan Janulis, 37, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI and two counts of endangering the life of a child in the 600 block of S. Sunnyside at 8:45 p.m.

Roger Mueller, 40, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI, unlawful possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle, and illegal possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle in the 500 block of W. Grand at 9 p.m.

Amilcar G. Ramos Jimenez, 27, of Addison, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and possession of open alcohol subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and Grand at 2:16 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.

Harassment, threats

Oct. 19

A complainant at an animal care center in the 800 block of S. Riverside related a former customer made several harassing phone calls to the business. The suspect currently has a no trespass notice for the business. A responding officer spoke with the subject over the phone to advise him not to call the business again.

Oct. 18

A complainant in the 200 block of E. Harrison reported at 11:44 p.m. that two suspects who were previously involved in a car crash with her allegedly were threatening to sue her unless she would agree to give them money.

Identity theft, fraud

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

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported three incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Jacari Fisher, 26, of Chicago, near Spring and Butterfield at 7:46 p.m. Oct. 22; Teddy Francois, 36, of Elk Grove Village, near York and Diversey at 11:16 p.m. Oct. 22; and David A. Trautmann, 48, of Chicago, near Lake and Church at 7:56 a.m. Oct. 23.

Obstructing

Oct. 17

Margaret A. Manzie, 88, of Wood Dale, was issued a citation for obstructing identification at a store in the 600 block of N. York at 5:58 a.m.

Possession of a controlled substance

Oct. 19

Ulysses D. Reyes Gomez, 22, of Elmhurst, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and DUI in the 800 block of N. Adele at 7:25 a.m.

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

Oct. 25

Geovantae Galloway, 29, of Chicago, was charged with retail theft and burglary at a pharmacy in the 100 block of N. Robert Palmer at 3:58 p.m.

Oct. 23

While on patrol in the 300 block of E. St. Charles at 10:20 p.m., an officer observed an unoccupied vehicle parked in the middle

of the roadway. Upon further investigation, police said the vehicle was confirmed stolen out of Streamwood. Police searched the area and located the suspect, Angel Acevedo, 18, of Streamwood, who was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2), parking on the roadway and no valid driver’s license.

Oct. 21

A complainant in the 700 block of N. Geneva told police that an unknown male suspect stole his package shortly after it was dropped off by Federal Express.

Oct. 18

A complainant in the 300 block of N. Highview reported an unknown suspect had taken a package that was delivered to his porch. A victim in the 300 block of N. Oaklawn told police he had a package delivered by UPS and Federal Express stolen from his front porch.

Oct. 17-Oct. 18

A complainant in the 900 block of N. Oakland told police that an unknown person(s) removed a check from a desk drawer made payable to Glass America from Gerber Auto Collision. The check was altered and was deposited via a BMO mobile deposit, but was denied after a stop payment was placed on the check.

Oct. 17

A complainant at a store in the 100 block of S. Route 83 reported an unknown suspect described as a black male took a pair of shoes and left without paying.

Aug. 22

Michael P. Davis, 31, of Aurora, was charged with burglary and retail theft while Marea Lashay Smith-Wilson, 24, of Aurora, was charged with retail theft at a store in the 900 block of S. York at 6:48 p.m.

Warrant arrest

Oct. 18

Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and Elizabeth at 9:13 p.m., the suspect, Renaldo Saenz-Hernandez, 21 of Addison, was found to be driving while license revoked and had three valid warrants. He was charged with driving while license revoked and improper tints.

Court grants state’s motion to detain pre-trial a man accused of killing family dog/threatening stepdaughters

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Naperville man accused of killing the family dog and threatening to kill his two stepdaughters.

Nathan Gonzalez, 36, appeared in First Appearance Court on Oct. 23, and was charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony, and two counts of misdemeanor endangering the health or life of a child.

Additionally, Judge Dieden granted the state’s motion to detain Gonzalez on unrelated misdemeanor domestic battery charges alleging he struck his wife with a baseball bat on Oct. 2.

On Sept. 29 at approximately 5:58 a.m., Naperville police dispatch received a 911 call from a 14-year-old female juvenile stating that her stepfather, later identified as Nathan Gonzalez, had allegedly killed their family dog and was threatening to kill her and her 11-year-old stepsister. Upon their arrival, officers found the two girls at home; however, Gonzalez and the

family dog Rocco, a black and white Shih Tzu, were missing. Through the course of their investigation into the matter, authorities learned that Gonzalez and his wife were out for the evening but had a dispute and took separate rides home with Gonzalez arriving at the home first.

After the pair split, Gonzalez allegedly called his wife and told her he was going to kill Rocco. When she arrived home, she allegedly found Gonzalez at home, but Rocco was missing. An argument ensued between the two during which Gonzalez allegedly told his wife that he had killed Rocco and dumped his body in a construction site. Gonzalez then left the home. Several hours later, officers received a phone call advising that Gonzalez had returned home. When officers arrived, they learned that Gonzalez had fled the area on foot. He was found a few blocks away hiding behind a dumpster.

The following day, Naperville Animal Control officers found Rocco at a construction site. A necropsy found blunt force trauma to the

List of candidates, referenda, propositions on Nov. 5 general election ballot

Editor’s

The following is a list of candidates running for federal, state and DuPage County offices who will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot, as well as a list of referenda and propositions.

Candidates who are running unopposed are not listed. This list is specific to voters who reside in Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park, Addison, Bensenville, Oakbrook Terrace and Wood Dale.

Registered voters can find a list of candidates, propositions and referenda specific to their individual address in DuPage County by visiting dupagecounty.gov.

President and Vice President of the United States Vote for 1

Kamala D. Harris (Tim Walz) Democratic

Donald J. Trump (JD Vance) Republican

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Nicole Shanahan) Independent

U.S. Congress

Third Congressional District Vote for 1

Delia Ramirez Democrat

John Booras Republican

Fourth Congressional District Vote for 1

Jesus “Chuy” Garcia Democrat

Lupe Castillo Republican

Ed Hershey Working Class Party

Sixth Congressional District Vote for 1

Sean Casten Democrat

Niki Conforti Republican

Eighth Congressional District Vote for 1

Raja Krishnamoorthi

Democrat

Mark Rice Republican

State Representative

45th Representative District Vote for 1

Martha “Marti” Deuter

Democratic

Dennis M. Reboletti

Republican

46th Representative District Vote for 1

Diane Blair-Sherlock Democrat

Robert “Rusty” Stevens Republican

48th Representative District Vote for 1

Maria C. Vesey Democrat

Jennifer Sanalitro Republican

77th Representative District Vote for 1

Norma Hernandez Democrat

Anthony Airdo Republican

DuPage County offices

Circuit Court Clerk Vote for 1

Candice Adams Democrat

Jeremy “Jaye” Wang Republican

County Auditor Vote for 1

William “Bill” White

Democrat

Bob Grogan Republican

Coroner

Vote for 1

Judith Lukas Democrat

Richard Jorgensen

Republican

Recorder

Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin

Democrat

Nicole Prater Republican

County Board District 1

Vote for 1

Maria Sinkule Democrat

Cindy Cronin Cahill

Republican

County Board District 2

Vote for 1

Andrew Honig Democrat

Laura Hois Republican

County Board District 4

Vote for 1

Lynn LaPlante Democrat

Annette Corrigan Republican

Forest Preserve District 4

Vote for 1

Jeff Gahris Democrat

Jeff Castle Republican

Third Appellate Court (Lytton)

Vote for 1

John Anderson Democrat

Kenton Skarin Republican

Third Appellate Court (O’Brien)

Vote for 1

Linda Davenport Democrat

Jason Helland Republican

Third Appellate Court (Schmidt)

Vote for 1

Lance Peterson Democrat

John F. Costello Jr.

Republican

18th Judicial Circuit

3rd Subcircuit (Kinsella)

Vote fore 1

Leah Danielle Setzen

Democrat

Hope F. Mercado Republican

18th Judicial Circuit

2nd Subcircuit (Davenport)

Vote fore 1

Jennifer Barron Democrat

Jae Kwon Republican

18th Judicial Circuit

1st Subcircuit (Brennan)

Vote fore 1

Chantelle Porter Democrat

No Candidate Republican

Marshall J. Subach Independent

Referenda and propositions

State of Illinois

Vote yes or no

Should any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, state, or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker’s official duties?

Vote yes or no

Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?

Vote yes or no

Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vi-

tro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?

DuPage County

Vote yes or no

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County proposition to increase the limiting rate to maintain and improve woodlands, wetlands and prairies in DuPage County.

Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.0350% above the limiting rate for levy year 2023 for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and maintaining forests, open spaces, and water quality; acquiring lands to protect rivers, watersheds, and wildlife habitat; planting trees; enhancing flood control and drainage; maintaining and improving forest preserve woodlands, wetlands and prairies; providing nature education and outdoor opportunities for all ages; increasing forest preserve access and safety; improving recreational amenities such as multi use trails and campgrounds; and for other purposes of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and be equal to 0.1033% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2024?

Addison Township

Vote yes or no

Proposition to abolish the Road District of the Township of Addison

Shall the Road District of the Township of Addison be abolished with all the rights, powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, obligations, and responsibilities being assumed by the Township of Addison?

York Township

Vote yes or no

Shall York Township levy an annual tax of not to exceed 0.05% for the purpose of providing community mental health facilities and services for the person with a developmental disability, mental health disorder, or substance use disorder?

Elmhurst Park District

Vote yes or no

Proposition to issue $89,950,000 park bonds

Shall the Elmhurst Park District, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, improve, equip and maintain parks and park facilities, including (a) replacing the Joanne B. Wagner Community Center by building and equipping a new community center with a walking/jogging track, courts for pickleball, basketball and volleyball, a multisport indoor artificial turf field, and space for gymnastics, dance, early childhood/preschool and other programming; (b) constructing a bandshell with year-round heated restrooms at Wilder Park; (c) constructing year-round heated restrooms at Eldridge and Crestview Parks and on parkland along the Illinois Prairie Path; and (d) converting

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Halloween special: Scribe steps out of the shadows, lists 10 favorite horror movies

Editor’s note: Previously published columns by Mike Sandrolini are being re-published periodically on the Viewpoint page. This column was originally published in 2015.

I was weaned on Creature Features, Dark Shadows and Svengoolie (who is still making jokes about Berwyn on MeTV these days) so my interest in movies involving things that go bump in the night—and even bump in daylight— goes way back.

The following list of my 10 favorite horror movies is top-heavy with vampire flicks … a fascination that can be traced to my childhood days, hurrying home after school to watch Dark Shadows just to see who Collinwood’s resident vampire, Barnabas Collins, would sink his teeth into next.

10. The Wolf Man (1941)—I always felt sorry for poor Lawrence Talbot, the wolf man in this classic film played by Lon Chaney Jr. He was a werewolf with a conscience, so to speak. He dreaded seeing the full moon and wanted no part of morphing into a hairy, growling creature with claws and protruding canines on the prowl for his next victim.

9. Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)—I’m a big fan of the horror movie classics produced in the 1950s, ’60s and into the ’70s by Hammer Films, particularly Hammer’s nine Dracula flicks that star Christopher Lee as Dracula and Peter Cushing in the role of Dracula’s nemesis, Dr. Van Helsing. This one is probably the best of the bunch.

8. The Amityville Horror (1979)—Let’s put it this way: If my eardrums ever came in contact with a menacing voice repeatedly telling me to “Get out!” of my place of residence—and supernatural forces that start acting up precisely at 3:15 in the morning—I’m not sticking around.

7. The Omen (1976)—Little Damien is born into the world as the antichrist—with the number 666 planted on his scalp, to boot—and he just can’t help himself. Anyone who’s on the verge of figuring out who he really is eventually falls victim to a mysterious or sudden death. The 6-year-old Damien’s sinister grin near the end of the film is arguably one of the most classic scenes in horror movie history.

By MIKE SANDROLINI Columnist

6. Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter (2012)—We were all taught in history class that Honest Abe saved the union, issued the Emancipation Proclamation and got the 13th Amendment passed. Well, here’s some revisionist history: Our nation’s 16th president moonlighted as a vampire hunter. And that axe he used as a champion rail-splitter was actually silver-coated and served a dual purpose: destroying vampires.

5. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)—Director Francis Ford Coppola’s spin on the classic vampire tale is well-done, with an all-star cast that includes Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Gary Oldman as the count and Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing (leading one to speculate that Hopkins has had a role in every movie that’s ever been produced).

4. Fright Night (1985) Although listed as a horror/comedy, Fright Night had terrific special effects for its era and was downright chilling with Chris Sarandon as Jerry Dandridge. Dandridge makes the move to suburbia, next door to a teen-ager, Charley Brewster, and Charley’s mother. Charley soon discovers that Dandridge is a vampire, and implores the help of Peter Vincent, a TV vampire hunter, to rid the town of this undead, fangbearing fiend.

3. House of Dark Shadows (1970)—When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait for this full-length feature film, which mirrored the TV series plot, to hit the big screen. Barnabas Collins, turned into a vampire in the late 1700s by a jilted lover, Angelique (who happens to be a witch), is released from his coffin 175 years later and returns to the Collinwood Mansion, passing himself off as a cousin from England. There, he meets Maggie Evans, who resembles his fiancée from the back in the day, Josette DuPres, and the “courtship” begins.

2. Blacula (1972)—The late William Marshall stars as Prince Mamuwalde, who is turned into a blood-sucking creature of the night

Under my father’s fedora

More memories of days gone by …

As I retire, it’s been fun to recall the most memorable times over the past 22 years, even if some were sad.

I was walking down the hallway of my childhood home in 1967 when something stopped me dead in my tracks—I overheard my parents talking. My brother Joe had been drafted.

One of my biggest fears was that he might have to go to Vietnam— and that he might not come back. Not that my brother’s a wimp—he’s a musician! Musicians are typically “lovers, not fighters.”

One day, he spotted a notice on a bulletin board indicating the Army band was looking for French horn player. While his main instrument was the trumpet, he could play the French horn as well. He wound up serving his hitch in the U.S. Army band, stationed in Germany. A long way from Vietnam, thank goodness! Joe’s birthday happens to fall on Veterans Day, and would you believe he married a woman whose birthday is also on Nov. 11. His beautiful wife, Sandy, passed away last April.

About Joe Vanek

Nov. 11 fell on a weekend in the year 2007 and after taking photos at the annual ceremony in Wilder Park, then-Illinois U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam came to present long-lost medals and commendations to a gentleman who had served in World War II. The man’s eyes flooded with

By DEE LONGFELLOW Editor

tears as Roskam offered up those precious items. It was a wonderful moment to share.

After that, it was home to work on the Independent and, in order to meet deadlines, some phone calls went to voice mail. There were several that day; more than usual. Then there was a message on the answering machine of my landline (remember those?). All I heard was “something about Joe Vanek.”

No. It can’t be.

It was—Joe Vanek had been killed in action on Nov. 11, Veterans Day—and my brother Joe’s birthday.

Joe Vanek was the son of Elmhurst residents Frank and Jan Vanek and the brother of Ann Vanek (now St. Martin, wife of Dennis and mother of Joe Vanek St. Martin and his little brother Leo).

Ann graduated from York with my stepson John Born. Frank and Jan were both active in the Elmhurst community, in Rotary, Frank on the Library Board and Jan as a 2nd Ward Alderman, and more.

Jan kept up a brave front in the hoopla that followed the gutwrenching news, the funeral at IC, the burial at St. Mary’s, dodging the big shots in Springfield, who

wanted to come up and make a big political event out of it, as well as the protesters who were rumored to be at the cemetery (they weren’t, thank goodness).

Frank however, well, his face was long and drawn; he was the saddest anyone had ever seen him.

Prior to this, the parents of soldiers like Joe, who had taken basic training at Ft. Bragg and were now serving in Iraq, set up an online effort called “Bragg to Bagdad,” a commitment to walk that number of miles, each person in their own community. I had composed a nice story about the effort and was all set for it to go to the presses when the news of Joe’s death came.

Just like the Larry Roesch story from last week, the “good news” about the “Bragg to Bagdad” effort had to be capped off with an obituary of a young man who had barely started his adult life when it was cut short.

And, it’s probably no surprise, he was supposed to have been discharged a few months before, but we likely all remember those “Stop Gap” measures—which makes his death even more crushing and hurtful—he wasn’t supposed to be there.

He was supposed to be home by then, buying that motorcycle he told his sister he was dreaming of. Frank himself died within the next year. He had cancer, but Jan Oct 31, 2024

Affordable health screenings coming to Elmhurst on Nov. 12,

• Man

(Continued from page 7)

head as the cause of death.

“It is alleged that following a disagreement with his wife, Nathan Gonzalez violently killed Rocco, the family dog, and threatened the life of his two stepdaughters,” Berlin said.

“These allegations, that Mr. Gonzalez killed the family dog following a dispute with his wife, are simply unconscionable. This type of conduct will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law. Because of his alleged actions, Mr. Gonzalez is now facing a serious felony charge.”

“This is a disturbing case, and

• Election

our thoughts are with the children impacted by this horrible act,” said Arres. “I’m grateful to our patrol, investigations, and Animal Control officers for putting together a solid case against the person responsible and to State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s office for their continued partnership and tireless work to bring offenders to justice.”

Gonzalez’s next court appearance is scheduled for arraignment on the aggravated cruelty to animals case on Nov. 18, in front of Judge Joseph Bugos.

(Continued from page 8)

a grass athletic field to an artificial turf field at Berens Park, and issue its bonds to the amount of $89,950,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

Salt Creek School District 48

Vote yes or no Proposition to issue $48,000,000 school building bonds

Shall the Board of Education of Salt Creek School District Number 48, DuPage County, Illinois, improve the sites of, build and equip additions to, and alter, repair and

equip the Salt Creek Elementary, Stella May Swartz Elementary and Albright Middle School Buildings, including installing safety and security improvements, constructing secure entrances, increasing accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, renovating bathrooms, adding classrooms and improving traffic flow at Salt Creek Elementary School, and replacing the gymnasium at Albright Middle School, and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $48,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

Elmhurst University sees strong fall enrollment

A total of 1,331 new students started the 2024-25 academic year at Elmhurst University, the third-largest incoming class in institutional history.

“We are excited to welcome another robust and diverse class to Elmhurst University,” said Christine Grenier, vice president for admission.

“Students are continuing to choose Elmhurst because we offer the welcoming environment and academic experience they’re looking for, at an exceptional value.”

The enrollment picture at Elmhurst was strong despite challenges faced by college students across the country earlier this year as a result of the problematic rollout of the revised federal financial aid application known as the FAFSA.

“Students dealt with a lot of

complications and uncertainty because of the revised FAFSA, so I’m proud that our new Bluejays trusted us to help them make Elmhurst an affordable option and chose to join the Elmhurst University community,” Grenier said.

Elmhurst’s newest class of Bluejays includes 973 undergraduates, eight students in the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) and 350 graduate students, most from Illinois.

Outside of Illinois, Elmhurst’s newest international students come from 17 countries; domestically, they hail from 25 states. Out-ofstate students make up 15 percent of the total class, with the most out-of-state students coming from Michigan and Texas.

As has been the case for several years, more than half of Elm -

hurst’s first-year students identify as first-generation college students. So do more than half of the campus’s nearly 350 new transfer students, most of who come from a Chicago-area community college.

Combined with returning students, the University’s total student enrollment this fall is 3,997, an all-time high for the institution that is due not only to the large class of incoming students, but also to an increase in the student retention rate.

“There’s such a great energy on campus from our new and returning students this fall,” President Troy D. VanAken said.

“It reaffirms our commitment to providing all of our students with an excellent educational experience that will prepare them for success after they graduate.

Man sentenced to 12 years for drug-induced homicide

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced last week that a Chicago man accused of supplying a fatal dose of heroin/fentanyl to a Naperville man has been sentenced to 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Shawn Smith, 33, entered a plea of guilty to one count of drug induced homicide, a Class X felony. Judge Daniel Guerin handed down the sentence. On Nov. 30, 2023, Judge Margaret O’Connell issued an arrest warrant for Smith. On Dec. 7, 2023, he

• Memories

appeared in First Appearance Court, where Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to detain Smith pre-trial.

On Nov. 27, 2022, the victim, a 23-year-old male, was found deceased in a bedroom of the family residence. Through the course of an investigation conducted by the Naperville Police Department, authorities identified Smith as the source of the illegal narcotics that led to the victim’s death. Naperville undercover police officers contacted Smith

(Continued from page 9)

confirmed that, really, Frank had died of a broken heart.

“[Joe and Frank] used to carve the Halloween pumpkins together every year,” Jan said. “It’s the little things that you miss.”

My brother Joe was born on Veterans Day. My friends’ son Joe had died on Veterans Day. It’s one of the reasons there’s a soft spot in my heart for our veterans. And it goes even deeper than that for me.

All in the family

My maternal grandparents met during World War I when he was stationed in Camp Zachary Taylor in Louisville, where my grandmother had a dance studio, following a career as a dancer that included a stint as a Ziegfeld girl.

Her studio offered free dance lessons to the soldiers, and my grandfather took her up on it. She had a rule never to date her students, but she broke that rule to date him.

Fast forward to World War II. My parents met at a USO in Fort Worth, Texas, while my father was at Camp Mineral Wells and my mother attended TCU and loved football—I remain a TCU fan to this day.

My now-deceased ex-husband, Ed Born, served in the U.S. Navy aboard two ships: the U.S.S. John Hancock, a destroyer, and the U.S.S. John McCain, an aircraft carrier.

Some of the pilots who took off from the McCain didn’t come back; they ended up in the “Hanoi Hilton,” the POW camp where Arizona Senator and presidential candidate John McCain was held captive.

Like my grandmother, I had a rule not to date anyone at my workplace. I broke that rule to date Ed Born, who brightened my life with his two children, John and Michelle.

Some rules are made to be broken.

Yes, I’m retiring effective Oct. 31, but I’ll be in Wilder Park for Veterans Day.

and arranged to purchase illegal drugs from him on Dec. 5, 2022. On that day, officers pulled Smith over as he was driving to the pre-arranged meeting. He was taken into custody without incident at that time.

An autopsy determined fentanyl, heroin, diphenhydramine and trazodone toxicity as the cause of death. The victim was prescribed trazodone. Diphenhydramine is an overthe-counter antihistamine commonly referred to as Benadryl.

“Judge Guerin’s 12-year-sentence today [Oct. 22] sends a message of deterrence to any would-be drug dealers that if you supply illegal drugs that result in the death of another person, you will be arrested, charged and face a significant amount of time behind bars if found guilty,” Berlin said. “This young man’s tragic death is yet another stark reminder of the deadly consequences of illegal narcotics.”

Smith will be required to serve 75 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

• Movies

(Continued from page 9)

by Dracula himself in the 18th century. Drac deems him “Blacula” after putting the bite on him and locking him inside a coffin, where he lay for two centuries until being accidentally released from his tomb. After his release, Blacula, as you might expect, is a bit thirsty.

1. Salem’s Lot (1979 and 2004)—There’s a movie version of Salem’s Lot—an adaptation of the novel by Stephen King—but it was first broadcast as a TV miniseries that starred David Soul (from Starsky and Hutch; remember him?) and Lance Kerwin. TNT remade the mini-series in 2004, with Rob Lowe in the lead role. If you’ve seen Salem’s Lot, then you can skip the following public service announcement: Leave your bedroom windows closed after going to bed, no matter how much a shadowy figure floating outside with glowing eyes and fangs taps on the window and beckons you to let him in.

Voters consider ballot questions on reproductive health, tax reform, election interference

Results are nonbinding, but lawmakers may consider them when proposing policy

By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Lawmakers in Illinois are asking voters to weigh in on three hot-button issues on their ballots this year: election interference, income taxes and reproductive health care.

Voters in Illinois are being posed three “advisory” questions that ask voters whether they support a specific policy but aren’t legally binding. Lawmakers may take the results into account when considering what policies to advocate for in future legislative sessions.

The three questions, as they appear on ballots, are:

• Should any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, State, or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker’s official duties?

• Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?

• Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?

These questions are being asked because lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2412 in early May, instructing state election officials to add them to ballots.

“All three of the questions deal with issues that are top of mind for voters or are issues that have been reported on in the news media,” bill sponsor Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, said in an interview this week.

The last time advisory questions were placed on Illinois ballots statewide was in 2014. That year, three questions were posed to voters: one concerning a potential increase to the state’s minimum wage, one concerning whether insurers should be required to cover prescription birth control and one concerning a tax on income over $1 million.

While Hoffman said he has “learned not to predict” how votes like this will go or how they will be used, he said that the 2014 vote “ultimately led to the passage of increasing the minimum wage.”

That measure passed in early 2019 after Gov. JB Pritzker made a personal appeal to lawmakers shortly after taking office.

This year’s advisory questions have generated little in the way of campaigning, but some Illinois politicians have voiced support.

Former Gov. Pat Quinn is touring the state to encourage a “Yes” vote on an increased tax for incomes over $1 million.

“It is important to let folks know that we do have a chance not only to vote for candidates, especially president, but we also have a chance in Illinois to vote on issues, issues that can make a difference in a family budget for years to come,” Quinn said at a recent Capitol news conference.

The referendum, in addition to being similar to an advisory question in 2014, echoes parts of a constitutional amendment that was put to voters in 2020.

That amendment would have repealed the state’s constitutional requirement for a flat income tax rate—a step that would still be necessary to implement the policy described in this year’s advisory question.

When voters went to the polls in 2020, they rejected the amendment –a bruising result for Gov. JB Pritzker, who gave $58 million of his personal fortune to a campaign in favor of the graduated income tax.

Other attempts at ballot measures

Some groups angled to get different questions on the ballot this year to no avail. Parents Matter Coalition, a conservative group launched late last year and backed by former Republican state Rep. Jeanne Ives, ran an unsuccessful signature-gathering campaign for a ballot question concerning parental disclosure for gender-affirming therapy and counseling.

That effort gathered only about 100,000 of roughly 328,000 needed signatures, according to Ives. But the group was ultimately preempted by the legislature because only three advisory questions may appear on a ballot in a given election.

At the time SB 2412 passed, Ives called it an “incredibly undemocratic way to defeat an electorate you oppose.”

In an interview with Capitol News Illinois, Ives again suggested that including three ballot questions was a way to quash her group’s effort.

“They didn’t wait to see if we even had the signatures,” Ives said, later noting that she intends to revive the effort and get the question on a future ballot.

Hoffman didn’t comment directly on Ives’ characterization of the questions, and instead said that they were selected because of an interest from the public.

“These three questions were on the forefront of the news media when we passed these,” Hoffman said.

Other lawmakers attempted to put constitutional amendments up for a vote, including proposals dealing with ethics reforms, guaranteeing hunting rights, voting qualifications and abortion.

In total, 34 constitutional amendments were introduced since the start of 2023 that could have appeared on this year’s ballot. They came mostly from Republicans, although five came from Democrats and one was introduced with bipartisan sponsorship.

None were considered in a legislative committee.

Other referendums around the state

Several counties will also weigh in on a local measure that is part of a broader secessionist movement in Illinois.

Voters in Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Iroquois, Jersey, Madison

and Perry counties will be casting votes to opine on whether downstate counties should consider separating from Cook County to form a new state.

Since 2019, at least 25 other counties out of Illinois’ 102 have posed similar questions to voters. With the addition of the seven counties considering the issue in 2024, about 10.9% of Illinois’ population outside of Cook County will have had the chance to vote on the issue since 2019.

In each of the counties that have already considered this, the results have leaned heavily in favor of separation. Between 70% and 83% of voters in those counties favor exploring

a split from Cook County, according to Illinois Separation, a group that advocates for these referendums.

The proposal faces long odds of ever coming to fruition. It would require action in Springfield and in Congress and has only happened three times in American history.

Kentucky broke from Virginia in 1792, Maine broke from Massachusetts in 1820 and West Virginia broke from Virginia in 1863.

Additionally, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul told Jersey County’s state’s attorney in a 2023 memo that he believed counties without home rule powers do not have the legal authority to secede from the state.

In May, at an unrelated event in Madison County, the largest county to consider the question so far, Gov. JB Pritzker said proposals like these “should not be on the ballot.”

“It shouldn’t be something that’s part of the lexicon and discussion of politicians,” he said. “We’re one state. We’re supporting each other.” Other counties and municipalities have referendums about several issues. For example, the village of Oak Park and Peoria County are considering switching to ranked choice voting for future elections. They also include routine referendums on levying new taxes for schools, fire districts and other local governments.

Worship Services Directory

779 S. York Street Elmhurst, 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 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

Daily Masses:

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

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

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

Community calendar

Friday, Nov. 1 and

Saturday, Nov. 2

13th annual Wilder Mansion Holiday 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 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

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.

Tuesday, Nov. 12

Hops for Humanity. From 7-9 p.m. at Golden Boy BBQ, 551 S. York, all are welcome to for the 36th event. Come raise a glass and join the fun. Bring your friends and make some new ones. Registration starts at 7 p.m. and will feature a selection of quality craft beers. Attendees may nominate and vote for a local charity that will receive thousands of dollars from the evening’s collective donation of attendees. The cost is $100 per person, which includes beer tasting and a tax-deductible donation to the winning charity. Hops for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) group of local men and women who gather to raise money for greater Chicagoland charities while drinking unique local craft beer.

For more information, call 312543-4816 or email: jgm.3@hopsforhumanity.org

Saturday, Nov. 16

Family Day: Mini Murals. From 1-4 p.m., presented by the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., in celebration of Rafael Blanco’s works as a public artist, families are invited to fabricate a mural with various media on their own mini paper “wall.” Participants can adapt large-scale techniques to a smaller scale. For more information, visit: https://elmhurstartmuseum.org

Sunday, Nov. 17

“No One Ever Sees Indians: Native Americans in Media.” (Lecture). From 2-3 p.m. presented

by the Elmhurst History Museum, Northern Arapaho filmmaker, artist, writer, and media educator, Ernest M. Whiteman III, presents this engaging lecture discussing the many representations of Native Americans in media throughout history and how this has informed audience perceptions of Native people and issues. Note: due to construction at the museum, the event will be held at Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York. Admission is free. For more information, call 630-833-1457 or email: ehmprograms@elmhurst.org

Sunday, Nov. 17

SHE Single Mothers Support Group Monthly Event. Beginning at 12:15 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 Brush Hill Road. We offer a complimentary lunch for all who attend, free child care (ages infants-12). The guest speaker will be Juni Felix, the host of “Middays with Juni Feliz” on Moody Radio. RSVP to elmhurstcrc.org/she

Elmhurst History Museum Info: elmhursthistory.org.

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

Illinois’ Skip-the-Line Program improving DMV services

A year after Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office introduced its Skip-the-Line program, new data shows the multi-pronged approach designed to reduce wait times has improved the customer experience at Illinois DMVs.

Launched last September, Skip-theLine initiated an appointment-only system at the state’s 44 busiest DMVs, including all Chicago and suburban facilities and 20 downstate facilities. Since then, nearly 2.2 million Illinoisans have made in-person appointments to renew or obtain a driver’s license or state ID. As a result, the “Time Tax,” or the amount of time customers were forced to wait in lines for DMV services, has decreased significantly.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of State’s Office also enhanced and promoted its online services, encouraging residents to renew their driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations without having to visit a DMV.

During the past year, more than 4.8 million transactions were completed through the Secretary of State’s website and monthly transactions in-

creased by more than 20 percent. For services that require a DMV visit, an enhanced appointment portal was developed to guide customers to the correct service and appointment type they require.

“Our Skip-the-Line program started as an appointment system but has grown to become a model of convenience and efficiency by leveraging new technology and enhancing accessibility with expanded online services,” Giannoulias said. “We’ll continue to innovate and develop customer-focused solutions to make essential government services even easier and faster to obtain.”

The office’s Help Line, which assists with appointment scheduling and questions, has handled more than 1.1 million customer calls since Skipthe-Line started. During that time, the average wait time decreased from 2 minutes and 22 seconds to 50 seconds, despite an increase in the monthly average number of calls.

To reduce the number of appointment no-shows, the office implemented text message notifications to remind

customers of their upcoming appointments and allow them to cancel, which has freed up additional appointments, especially in urban locations, according to Government Technology magazine—“The Text That’s Saving Illinois DMVs Time (And Frustration).”

To make DMV services more accessible to seniors who may encounter difficulty making an appointment online, the office opened four “Senior Only” walk-in centers located in Bridgeview, Calumet Township, Evanston and Westchester. Since last September, 80,000 customers have received services at these dedicated centers.

The office continues to pursue additional opportunities to bolster the Skip-the-Line program and make its DMV facilities as accessible as possible. For instance, utilizing a data-driven approach, the office determined that customer demand across the state is typically stronger during the first morning hour of facility operations than during the last hour of evening operations. Based on this finding, the office is opening DMV facilities 30 minutes earlier at 7:30 a.m.

JANE JOANN STINSON, 99

Jane JoAnn Stinson, nee Perelli, age 99, cherished wife of the late Cecil (2020) for 68 years. Devoted mother of Julie (Gerald) Glander. Proud grandmother of Tyler (Mary) Glander and Melanie (Nathan) Weglarz. Loving great-grandmother of Andrew, Thomas, Philip Glander and Ethan Weglarz. Dear aunt of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents James and Vivian Perelli and her brother James Jr. (late Patricia) Perelli.

Jane was a volunteer at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital for over 40 years.

She also volunteered for the American Cancer Society in their early Reach to Recovery program to support breast cancer patients. Jane was an avid bridge player and she loved to read. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family, and her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by many.

Private services will be held. Memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst, 232 S. York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126 are appreciated. Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708532-5400.

students

On Friday, Oct. 18, IC Catholic Prep’s

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent ICCP

take part in their Day of Service

Thank you for helping me decorate my office!

PUZZLE Page

SUDOKU

Fun by the Numbers

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

CLUES ACROSS

1. __ Spumante (Italian wine)

5. Highly impressed

11. Pronoun to identify something specific

12. Uttered in an impassioned way

16. Outfits

17. “Westworld” actor Harris

18. Stewed game casserole

19. Indignities inflicted on others

24. Blood type

25. Says beneath one’s breath

26. Taxis

27. Transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm

28. NFL great Randy

29. Where college students live

30. Brief Yankees sensation

Kevin

31. Condiment

33. -frutti

34. Polish city

38. Astronomy unit of distance

39. Romanian village

40. Bears first overall pick

Williams

43. Irritated

44. Clothing for sale has them

45. One-time world power

49. When you anticipate arriving

50. Farm building

51. Organize thoughtfully

53. Detective

54. One who reduces

56. Nursemaids

58. Partner to “Pa”

59. World’s longest river

60. Commemorates

63. Compound

64. The Lannisters and Starks fought for one

65. Email function

CLUES DOWN

1. Open-roofed entrance

Japanese religion

Dancer’s garments

Distributes

Yemeni port

Spanish doctors

7. It cools your house

Engine variant

Makes more manageable 10. Days (Spanish)

13. Milliliter

14. Spread out from

15. With two replaceable hydrogen atoms

20. Respectful title for a man

21. Equally

22. Scarlett’s home

23. Big Blue

27. Subway dwellers

29. One-tenth of a liter

30. Central European river 31. Distress signal 32. Expression of sympathy

Bar bill

Football equipment

Dance music

36. Russian river

37. Mary __, cosmetics

38. Gym class

40. Autos

41. Fourth and honorable name in ancient Rome

42. Defeats (abbr.)

44. A way to color

45. Planet

46. Form of humor

47. Taken without permission

48. Go over again

50. Auto parts manufacturer

51. Detective’s source

52. Home of the Flyers

54. Short official note

55. Emit coherent radiation

57. In the year of Our Lord

Atomic #18

62. Not from, but…

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CASE NUMBER 24 ZBA 07

Request for Variation

Notice is hereby given that the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request by Carmen Cervantes, LIV Companies, on behalf of Alexander Tauchen, property owner, for a side yard setback Variation at the property commonly known as 561 S. Poplar Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois for the purpose of constructing a 2nd story addition.

Following is a legal description of the subject property:

THE SOUTH 65 FEET (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 5 FEET) OF LOT 20 IN BLOCK 11 IN RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF STRATFORD HILLS, A SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH 1/2 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF SAID RESUBDIVISION RECORDED JUNE 21, 1926 AS DOCUMENT NO 216081, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

PIN: 06-12-402-027

The common street address is 561 S. Poplar Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois. The subject property is located within the R2 – Single Family Residence District.

If you have any questions regarding this case, please contact the Community Development Department at 630-530-3121.

Any person who has a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting, should contact Emily Palm, ADA Compliance Officer, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., City of Elmhurst, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126, call 630-530-3770 or email HR@elmhurst.org within a reasonable time before the meeting. Please provide as much notice as possible for sign language interpreting requests.

Eileen Franz, City Planner

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent Oct. 31, 2024) 463592

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE NUMBER 24 ZBA 08

Request for Variation

Notice is hereby given that the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request by the City of Elmhurst, on behalf of NXE Properties, LLC, owner, and Thorntons LLC, tenant, for a sign setback Variation at the property commonly known as 476 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois for the purpose of allowing an existing pylon sign to encroach within the required setback because of land acquisition for City right-of-way.

Following is a legal description of the subject property:

LOT 1 (EXCEPT THAT PART LYING EASTERLY OF A LINE COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 1; THENCE NORTHERLY TO A POINT IN THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 1 WHICH IS 10 FEET WEST OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 1) AND ALL OF LOT 2 IN COUNTY

LEGAL NOTICES

CLERK’S ASSESSMENT DIVISION OF LOTS 1 AND 2 OF NORTH ELMHURST THIRD ADDITION TO THE VILLAGE OF ELMHURST, (EXCEPTING THOSE PARTS TAKEN FOR STREET PURSUANT TO CASES 03ED14 AND 10ED18) IN THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTH EAST 1/4 OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF SAID ASSESSMENT DIVISION RECORDED APRIL 8, 1927 AS DOCUMENT 233179, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION DESCRIBES MORE LAND THAN SHOWN HEREON DUE TO MATTERS NOTED BELOW.

THE COURT CASE 2024ED0004 FILED FEBRUARY 23, 2024, RELATED TO EMINENT DOMAIN ACQUISITION OF A 565 SQUARE FOOT FEE SIMPLE PARCEL AND A 333 SQAURE FOOT TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2025.

THE COURT CASE NUMBER 10ED18 DATED APRIL 26, 2011 AND LISTED AS THE EXCEPTION IN THE TITLE COMMITMENT LEGAL DESCRIPTION APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS ONLY. NO FEE SIMPLE TAKE OCCURRED. TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS ARE SAID TO EXPIRE WITHIN FIVE (5) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ENTRY OF A FINAL JUDGMENT ORDER AND ARE SHOWN HEREON.

NOTES:

THIS SURVEY REFLECTS MATTERS OF TITLE AS LISTED ON A COMMITMENT FOR TITLE INSURANCE BY OLD REPUBLIC NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY, FILE NO.: 1560601 WITH EFFECTIVE DATE: MAY 5, 2015.

UNDERGROUND UTILITIES ARE SHOWN BY USING PHYSICAL EVIDENCE FOUND ON THE SURFACE AND/OR FROM UTILITY COMPANY FIELD STAKES, AND/OR ENGINEERING DESIGN PLANS. THEREFORE, THEIR LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE AND SUSPECTED AND MAY NOT BE COMPLETELY ACCURATE. FOR MORE ACCURATE LOCATION, FIELD EXCAVATE. OTHER UTILITIES NOT SHOWN MAY EXIST. NO UNDERGROUND UTILITIES WERE LOCATED. BEFORE DIGGING CALL J.U.L.I.E. AT 1-800-892-0123.

ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN FEET AND DECIMAL PARTS THEREOF. NO DISTANCES OR ANGLES SHOWN HEREON MAY BE ASSUMED BY SCALING.

THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONFORMS TO THE CURRENT ILLINOIS MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR A BOUNDARY SURVEY. SPACECO, INC IS AN ILLINOIS PROFESSIONAL DESIGN FIRM REGISTERED UNDER LICENSE NUMBER 184-001157.

TAX P.I.N. (PER TITLE COMMITMENT): 03-35-406-048 (AFFECTS LOT 1) 03-35-406-049 (AFFECTS LOT 2)

ADDRESS (PER DUPAGE COUNTY GIS): 476 YORK ROAD ELMHURST, ILLINOIS 60126 (TABLE A ITEM 2)

BASED UPON A REVIEW OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

AGENCY (FEMA) FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) MAP NUMBER 17043C0309H EFFECTIVE DATE DECEMBER 16, 2004, IT IS OUR CONSIDERED OPINION THAT THIS PROPERTY LIES IN ZONE X (UNSHADED) – AREAS DETERMINED TO BE OUTSIDE THE 0.2% ANNUAL CHANCE FLOOD PLAIN AS IDENTIFIED BY SAID F.I.R.M. MAP.

(TABLE A ITEM 3)

PROPERTY SURVEYED CONTAINS 59,149 SQUARE FEET, OR 1.358 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. (TABLE A ITEM 4)

THE CURRENT ZONING FOR THE SURVEYED PROPERTY IS C 2 COMMUNITY SHOPPING & SERVICE BASED ON THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF ELMHURST CERTIFIED ON DECEMBER 31, 2013 (TABLE A ITEM 6A)

THIS SURVEYOR KNOWS OF NO CHANGES IN STREET RIGHT OF WAY LINES EITHER COMPLETED OR PROPOSED. THERE IS NO OBSERVABLE EVIDENCE OF RECENT STREET OR SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIRS. (TABLE A ITEM 17)

ACCORDING TO THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE WETLANDS MAPPER WEBSITE, REFERENCED ON JUNE 19, 2015, THE SURVEYED PROPERTY CONTAINS NO WETLANDS. (TABLE A ITEM 19)

PROPERTY TAKEN PER COURT CASE 03ED14 SHOWN HEREON. TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS WERE SAID TO EXPIRE WITHIN THREE (3) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ENTRY OF A FINAL JUDGMENT ORDER AND ARE NOT SHOWN HEREON. SAID COURT CASE WAS DATED ON JANUARY 13, 2009.

THE COURT CASE NUMBER 10ED18 DATED APRIL 26, 2011 AND LISTED AS THE EXCEPTION IN THE TITLE COMMITMENT LEGAL DESCRIPTION APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS ONLY. TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS ARE SAID TO EXPIRE WITHIN FIVE (5) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ENTRY OF A FINAL JUDGMENT ORDER AND ARE SHOWN HEREON.

PROPERTY SUBJECT TO:

12. ABROGATION OF ALL RIGHTS OF EASEMENTS, ACCESS, CROSSING, LIGHT, AIR AND VIEW APPURTENANT TO THE LAND AND ABUTTING LAKE STREET, US ROUTE 20 PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT ENTERED IN CONDEMNATION SUITE CASE NUMBER 1017-62 COUNTY COURT OF DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ON AUGUST 9, 1962. (SURVEYOR’S NOTE: DOCUMENT NOT PROVIDED TO THIS SURVEYOR. IT’S AFFECT, IF ANY, ON THE SURVEYED PROPERTY HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.)

13. EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES, DRAINAGE, INGRESS AND EGRESS AS CONTAINED IN THE DOCUMENT RECORDED FEBRUARY 13, 1913 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 110881, AFFECTING SAID LAND AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED THEREIN. (SURVEYOR’S NOTE: DOCUMENT NOT PROVIDED TO THIS SURVEYOR. IT’S AFFECT, IF ANY, ON THE SURVEYED PROPERTY HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.)

14. GRANT OF EASEMENT OVER PARCEL 3 IN FAVOR OF A DOMINANT TENEMENT DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 5 OF COUNTY CLERK’SASSESSMENT DIVISION OF LOTS 1 AND 2 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING THE EXISTING BUILDING TO REST UPON LOT 4 IN COUNTY CLERK’S ASSESSMENT DIVISION OF LOTS 1 AND 2, MADE BY PREFERRED RISK MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. TO YORK STATE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, UNDER A TRUST AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 24, 1977 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NUMBER 568 RECORDED MAY 8, 1979 AS DOCUMENT NO. R79-36850 AND THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS CONTAINED THEREIN. (SURVEYOR’S NOTE: DOCUMENT NOT PROVIDED TO THIS SURVEYOR. IT’S AFFECT, IF ANY, ON THE SURVEYED PROPERTY

HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.

PIN: 03-35-406-048 and 03-35-406-049

The common street address is 476 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. The subject property is located within the C2 Community Shopping & Service District.

If you have any questions regarding this case, please contact the Community Development Department at 630-530-3121.

Eileen Franz, City Planner

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent Oct. 31, 2024) 463593

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE NUMBER 24 P 18

Request for Conditional Use Permit for Planned Unit Development with Site Development Allowances

Notice is hereby given that the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request by David Evans, Wight & Company, on behalf of Todd Schmidt, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, for a Conditional Use Permit for a Preliminary and Final Planned Unit Development with Site Development Allowances pursuant to Sections 22.26 and 22.31 of the Elmhurst Zoning Ordinance at the properties commonly known as 345 E. St. Charles Road and 246 S. Fair Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois for the purpose of constructing a maintenance and storage building behind Sandburg Middle School to be used by Edison Elementary School and Sandburg Middle School.

Following is a legal description of the subject property:

LOT B IN BRYNHAVEN UNIT #1, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 1 AND PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED OCTOBER 25, 1954 AS DOCUMENT 734823, IN DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

THAT PART OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY FALLING IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, SAID PROPERTY DESCRIBED BY COMMENCING AT THE QUARTER CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTION 1 AND 12 AND RUNNING THENCE EASTERLY ON THE SECTION LINE 508 FEET FOR A PLACE BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 1, A DISTANCE OF 305 FEET MORE OR LESS, TO A POINT WHICH IS 740 FEET NORTH FROM THE CENTER LINE OF EAST ST. CHARLES ROAD MEASURED ON THE LAST DESCRIBED LINE EXTENDED SOUTH; THENCE EASTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE CENTER LINE OF EAST ST. CHARLES ROAD 600 FEET; THENCE SOUTH ON A LINE WHICH IS PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID

SECTION 1 AND SAID LINE EXTENDED SOUTH 740 FEET TO THE CENTER LINE OF EAST ST. CHARLES ROAD THENCE WESTERLY ON THE CENTER LINE OF SAID ROAD 600 FEET; THENCE NORTH 435 FEET MORE OR LESS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; IN THE CITY OF ELMHURST, DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

THAT PART OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY FALLING IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, SAID PROPERTY DESCRIBED BY COMMENCING AT THE QUARTER CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTION 1 AND 12 AND RUNNING THENCE EASTERLY ON THE SECTION LINE 508 FEET FOR A PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 1, A DISTANCE OF 305 FEET MORE OR LESS, TO A POINT WHICH IS 740 FEET NORTH FROM THE CENTER LINE OF EAST ST. CHARLES ROAD MEASURED ON THE LAST DESCRIBED LINE EXTENDED SOUTH; THENCE EASTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE CENTER LINE OF EAST ST. CHARLES ROAD 600 FEET; THENCE SOUTH ON A LINE WHICH IS PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 1 AND SAID LINE EXTENDED SOUTH 740 FEET TO THE CENTER LINE OF EAST ST. CHARLES ROAD THENCE WESTERLY ON THE CENTER LINE OF SAID ROAD 600 FEET; THENCE NORTH 435 FEET MORE OR LESS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; IN THE CITY OF ELMHURST, DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

PIN: 06-01-409-025 and 06-12-200-009

The common street addresses are 345 E. St. Charles Road and 246 S. Fair Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. The subject properties are located within the R1 Single-Family Residence District.

If you have any questions regarding this case, please contact the Community Development Department at 630-530-3121.

Eileen Franz, City Planner (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Oct. 31, 2024) 463594

Quite a jackpot

The winner’s share of Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801’s current Queen of Hearts contest is more than $21,000. The contest’s weekly ticket drawing takes place at 8 p.m. each Friday at the post, which is located at 39 E. St. Charles Road. Pictured left to right after the recent drawing of Oct. 25 are two members of the post’s contest team—Michael Huston and Mary Agrusa. The Queen of Hearts is hiding behind one of the covered spaces on the contest board. A fivepack of contest tickets costs $5. The ticket that is selected during each Friday’s drawing includes a number on the contest board that has not been revealed. If the Queen of Hearts is behind that number, the ticket holder claims the winner’s share of the jackpot. Tickets are on sale at the post during the week and up until a few minutes before each Friday’s drawing. Contestants do not have to be present at the drawing.

Answers

815-877-4044

email your legals

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Nile Rodgers joins 93XRT’s Terri Hemmert at Elmhurst University on Nov. 14

As a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and multiple Grammy Award-winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger and guitarist, Nile Rodgers has worked with a host of iconic artists ranging from David Bowie and Madonna to Beyoncé and Daft Punk. He’s written, produced and performed on records that have cumulatively sold more than 500 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide.

Chicago radio legend and Elmhurst University alumna Terri Hemmert just celebrated 50 years as a deejay at WXRT and is one of the country’s foremost experts on the Beatles. She has devoted her career to sharing her love of music, not only as a deejay but also as a teacher and popular speaker.

On Thursday, Nov. 14, beginning at 7 p.m., Rodgers and Hemmert will present this year’s Roland Quest Lecture, “The Beat Goes On: Creative Collaborations That Last,” a lively conversation about creativity, innovation and music for the ages. The presentation will take place in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel (190 S. Prospect Avenue).

Admission is $15 for the general public and free for Elmhurst University students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets for the presentation are

Postal service recommended holiday mailing, shipping dates

The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages today.

The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25 for items sent to addresses in the contiguous United States (lower 48 states):

• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 18

• First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18

• Priority Mail service: Dec. 19

• Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 21

For items sent to addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:

• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16

• First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18

Priority Mail service: Dec. 19

• Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 20

For customers sending packages internationally, or to military addresses, USPS suggests checking the complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.

USPS urges customers to plan ahead and ship early during this holiday season. The earlier you send, the better; don’t delay—mail and ship today!

For tips on preparing shipments, including packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies and information on local post office location hours, visit usps.com.

Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Avenue. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Rodgers is a prominent songwriter, composer, producer, arranger and guitarist.

available by visiting elmhurst.edu/ cultural.

Public lectures and other diverse cultural programming at Elmhurst University support community engagement and lifelong learning, and prepare our students to thrive as adaptive leaders.

In 2023, Rodgers became the first musician to be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy for his legacy in the same year he was awarded a Grammy for his new work with Beyoncé on the smash hit “Cuff It.” He is the first and only producer in residence at Apple Music, and helms the award-winning Apple Music 1’s “Deep Hidden Meaning” radio show celebrating the work of great songwriters.

Hemmert began her career at 93XRT in 1973 as overnight announcer and public affairs director, rising to become Chicago’s first female morning drive personality in 1981.

In 2002 she became host of the popular Sunday morning program “Breakfast with The Beatles.” Hemmert teaches classes on the history of rock, soul, rap and other music topics, and hosts The Classic Encounter Series with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 2017, Elmhurst University awarded Hemmert an honorary doctorate for her distinguished career and contributions. For more information, about the Nov. 14 presentation, email marketing@elmhurst.edu.

County sheriff’s office provides residents with some autumn safety tips

The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office recently listed some autumn safety tips for county residents.

“As we embrace the beauty of fall and the days grow shorter, it’s essential to keep safety in mind— especially for our elderly community members and everyone out and about,” noted the sheriff’s office in providing its autumn safety tips to residents. Those tips include:

• Fill Up Before Sunset: Make sure to refuel your vehicle during daylight hours to avoid being on the road after dark.

• Avoid Nighttime ATM Runs: If possible, conduct any banking transactions during the day. It’s saf -

er to avoid ATMs at night.

• Choose Well-Lit Parking Areas: When parking your vehicle, opt for well-lit areas to enhance your safety as you enter and exit.

• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep your head up and pay attention to your environment. Avoid distractions—like your phone—while walking or moving about.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation.

“Let’s enjoy this beautiful season while keeping safety at the forefront,” concluded the recent message from the sheriff’s office.

Coyotes are on the move in DuPage County

DuPage County residents might see more coyotes between now and February as young leave their parents in search of mates and territories to call their own, according to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

“Young coyotes are looking for a place to call home, yet most areas are already occupied. This forces them to move around in search of unclaimed territories,” explained Forest Preserve District ecologist Dan Thompson.

“As a result, sightings tend to in-

crease this time of year.”

People may also see coyotes more frequently in winter because there’s less vegetation, which means the animals have fewer places to hide. Snow on the ground makes them easier to spot, too. Coyotes are also more active because they have to spend more time foraging for food. A rise in sightings doesn’t necessarily mean a rise in the county’s coyote population, though. Still, because of this seasonal increase in activity, people with pets should be especially vigilant.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Nile Rodgers will join WXRT’s Terri Hemmert for a Nov. 14 presentation at Elmhurst University. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in Hammerschmidt Memorial

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Business & Service

Classifieds

Announcements

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Burial Needs

This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD tollfree at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

SpOrt S

York girls volleyball team wins Glenbrook North invitational Day and Toliopoulos earn all-tournament honors

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

Revenge is a dish best served cold — or something to that effect.

The York girls volleyball dished out some revenge recently, avenging an earlier-season loss to Buffalo Grove by beating the Bison in two sets on its way to winning the Glenbrook North invitational championship.

“We avenged a loss to Buffalo Grove earlier in the season beating them in two after losing in two, which was a good feeling to show we have been improving,” York coach Danny Piwowarczyk said.

The Dukes downed host Glenbrook North via a 15-13 third set triumph to secure the invitational championship. Katie Day and Amalia Toliopoulos earned all-tournament honors at Glenbrook North. Through 34 matches, Day was leading York with 261 kills, while freshman Eileen Carroll had 167 kills.

“Eileen has really been working hard and has been constantly looking for ways to improve,” Piwowarczyk

said. Carroll ranked second on the team in kills. Toliopoulos was leading the team in assists with 372, while Audrey Faley was the team-leader in blocks with 45, while Ava Nawrocki was leading the team with 246 digs.

Piwowarczyk pointed out York’s 5-1 offense using Lilly Roach on a lot of slides was doing quite well, but the team ran into some injury issues after the Glenbrook North invitational. “We are now back at full strength and we are hoping it provides enough time to gel again before the playoffs,” he said.

York was 23-11 through 34 matches and finished 3-3 in West Suburban Conference Silver Division action. York is hosting a Class 4A regional as the No. 2 sectional seed in the Class 4A Willowbrook sectional. The Dukes faced the winner of Proviso East-Chicago Curie in the semifinals earlier this week. If York won that match, will face either Riverside-Brookfield or Glenbard East for the regional title tonight on Halloween night at York.

Timothy Christian girls volleyball team ups winning streak to

33 matches

in

a row

Trojans

open Class 2A postseason play this week with goal of getting back home

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian girls volleyball team opened the 2024 season with losses to larger-school York and Riverside-Brookfield in the span of two days. The Trojans haven’t lost since. Timothy concluded the regular season with recent wins over Hinsdale Central and Trinity to move its impressive winning streak to 33 matches in a row.

In a 25-11, 25-16 non-conference win over Trinity, Abby Vander Wal had 12 kills, six digs and one block, while Bella Potempa had nine service aces, three kills and three digs.

Ella Rickert finished with three kills and two blocks. Audrey Williams had three kills. Jenna Wasco finished with four digs, while Miriam Pozdol-Niego had 11 digs, two aces and two assists. Elizabeth Alex finished with 16 assists, three digs and one kill.

In a 25-19, 22-25, 25-19 win over Hinsdale Central, a Class 4A school, Vander Wal had 13 kills, two aces and two blocks. Potempa finished with 11 kills, six digs, three aces and two blocks. Rickert had six kills, four digs and one

block. Williams ended with four kills and three blocks, while Wasco had five digs and two blocks. Pozdol-Niego had 10 digs, and two assists and Alex had 31 assists, four digs and two kills.

Timothy also won the Chicagoland Christian Conference regular season (10-0) and tournament titles. Other key recent wins have come against Romeoville, Wheaton Academy, Montini and DePaul College Prep.

In the CCC tournament, the Trojans downed Chicago Hope Academy 25-13, 25-13 and then downed Aurora Christian 25-16, 25-13 in the semifinals before dispatching Wheaton Academy 25-19, 25-21 in the tournament final.

Through 33 matches, Vander Wal, headed to play at the University of Texas next fall, had 352 kills, 161 digs, 62 aces and 23 blocks and was hitting .529 as an outside hitter, which ranks second in the state according to one statistical service and first among all Class 2A Illinois players. Potempa had 180 kills, 142 digs and 48 aces, while Rickert had 141 kills, 39 blocks and 22 aces. Williams had 101 kills and 28 blocks, while Wasco had 109 digs, 43 kills, 32 aces and 17

blocks. Pozdol-Niego had 224 digs and 41 service aces, and Alex had 624 assists, 100 digs, 17 aces and 15 blocks.

Timothy coach Scott Piersma said both sides of the net are excelling as the team heads into the playoffs this week. “Our offense is very dynamic,” he said. “Our ability to run a very balanced offense with the hitters we have is making it very tough on our opponents to key in on one hitter to stop. If they want to focus on Abby and Bella, then our middles are able to get sixplus kills each to force them into rethinking that strategy. In our recent match against Wheaton Academy, we had three girls with eight or more kills.”

Piersma lauded the efforts of Potempa, in particular, on the offensive end.

“Bella has been a great complement to Abby on the outside,” he explained. “She jumps out of the gym and is able to hit balls just as hard as Abby, which is a great thing for us, but not so much for opposing teams when thy don’t get a break defensively from a powerful outside.”

And Alex, as Piersma noted, makes the offense go from the set -

ter’s position. “Elizabeth continues to run a very diverse offense for us,” he said. “She makes good decisions in the moment and has even added a bit of offense for us.”

Piersma noted Timothy continues to add more to its game defensively. “Our serve-receive has been a driving force of our offensive ability, but when we are able to get blocks and digs on other teams’ top hitters, we can really start to demoralize other teams. We can typically side out close to 70 percent of the time, but it makes it very hard for teams to hang with us when we can also protect our serve with our defense.”

Pozdol-Niego also drew high praise from her coach. “Miriam has been the best libero on the court for a while now, too,” he said. And Piersma is not forgetting about Vander Wal’s massive contributions. “Abby is still the best player on the court in any match we play,” he said.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the results this year,” Piersma said. “I’m sure the girls think we should be undefeated and would like to replay those first two matches, but 33 wins in a row is nothing to scoff at. As we start state tournament play, we have to travel to Rosary for regionals and hopefully Marian Central Catholic for sectionals. We’re hoping for a deep run in the 2A tournament, which would allow us to play the supersectional at home and hopefully make a trip downstate for the second time in school history.” The 2015 Timothy team finished third in the state.

The Timothy 33-match winning streak is a school record by a large margin, besting the 2014 squad’s 23-match run. Timothy has hit 30 or more wins seven times now, five coming during Piersma’s tenure. “I don’t take credit for that though,” he stressed. “All the credit goes to all the girls who have come through to make this a top-notch program for a long time. If you wanted me to name them all, you would need another page for the article.” Timothy opened Class 2A regional play in Aurora this week at Rosary. The Trojans faced the winner of Westmont and Chicago Academy on Tuesday. If the Trojans won that match, they will play tonight on Halloween night against either Rosary, Lisle or Chicago Foreman for the regional title and a trip to next week’s Woodstock Marian Central Catholic sectional.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The York girls volleyball team recently won the Glenbrook North invitational title. The Dukes beat host Glenbrook North in three sets (15-13 in the third) in the championship match. York’s Katie Day and Amalia Toliopoulos were named to the all-tournament team there.

Timothy Christian girls tennis standout Carter finishes sixth in state

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne

Finishes spectacular four-year career with 129-28 record

Timothy Christian girls tennis standout Jane Carter finished her

high school career with another memorable performance. Carter went 5-2 in the Class 1A singles state finals tournament, earning a

sixth-place finish. Carter wraps up her Timothy Christian girls tennis career with a 129-28 mark and four state finals appearances, including

a 2023 state runner-up showing in the Class 1A doubles tournament.

Will play volleyball

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

ate Bella Leslie wanted to head east for college.

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.

I feel like I would be so bored with -

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

Carter opened play in the state singles tournament with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Chicago Heights Marian Catholic and then downed Ottawa Township 6-1, 6-1 in the second round and Dunlap 6-2, 7-5 in the third round.

In the state quarterfinals, Carter lost 7-6 (3), 6-2 to Urbana University High, before rebounding to defeat Benet Academy 6-2, 6-0 in the consolation quarterfinals and Casey-Westfield 6-1, 6-4 in the consolation semifinals. In the fifthplace match, Carter lost 6-2, 6-2 to Dunlap’s Anna Yu.

“I would say I have gotten better this season at varying my serve a little bit and changing how I place it and add spin,” Carter said earlier last week. “I have noticed it catches my opponents more off guard. I can kind of gain an advantage more that way and try and take advantage of the return.”

Carter said the best part of her game also has to do with variety. “I like to have a variation of shots,” she said. “My drop shots and my forehand are all different and I can change it up well, I’ve been told. My whole game is kind of about changing it up.”

riously, and go for it.”

Qualifying for the state tournament four times is something Carter hasn’t taken for granted. “Honestly, it’s such a blessing,” she said. “I am really excited to be able to put what I have practiced so much into play and honor God through all I do and Timothy Christian as well.”

Carter, who wants to play tennis and study psychology (forensic psychology to be specific) in college, said her biggest advancement from freshman to senior year has been in the leadership department. “Getting to where I am has helped me look at my own game more. Freshman year, I was not the most confident and I have gotten a little better at that,” said Carter, a high-honor roll student at Timothy. “I have learned how to help lead the team. I have gotten better at helping others and taking what I know and trying to help them.”

Carter said her time in coach Keith Mills’ Timothy girls tennis program has been special beyond the tennis itself. “It’s been so much fun to play with such a great group of girls who are all really talented and unique people,” she said. “They are fun to hang out with after practices and they have taught me so much and I teach them. It’s been a great atmosphere to be in.”

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.

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

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

to the end.”

practicing again. “We have been practicing two or three times a week,” she said. “We are going to be starting tournaments again. Before that I haven’t been doing anything because senior soccer season and the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville. This summer, we have some tournaments planned over the next few weekends. They are little tournaments with all of the local clubs.

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.”

Timothy Christian girls tennis standout Jane Carter recently took sixth in the Class 1A state singles tournament with a 5-2 record. It was Carter’s fourth state finals appearance in a row.

York boys cross country program performs well at WSC Silver meet

But if all systems are a go, Leslie can’t wait to take her skills as a libero to the next level with the Dolphins. “I feel like being a libero you have to be really quick and that is typically what I am good at.

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

The results were positive across the board for the York boys cross country team at the recent West Suburban Conference Silver Division meet. At the varsity level, York took third with four-all-conference runners separated by five seconds. Patrick McGrail led the way, placing seventh. Carter Olsen took eighth, while Emmett Bradford was 10th and Zach Saltiel finished 13th. McGrail, Olsen, Bradford and Saltiel earned all-conference honors. Max Zangan was York’s fifth scorer at the league meet. He took 20th in the race.

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

“The varsity group ran very well,” York coach Charlie Kern said. “We knew that without Patrick Hill in our varsity lineup (he won the sophomore WSC Silver individual title), we would have to rely on our seniors to help our team contend with LT (Lyons Township) for second place. Downers Grove North is at a much better level at this point, and it was almost a foregone conclusion that they would win the team title.”

Nothing large and really local.

Other than that, I have been trying to work out a lot and stay in shape.

I’ve been running a lot, so I got into that. I try and run every day.”

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

Saltiel earned his second varsity all-conference honor in cross country. York won the sophomore team title with Hill winning the conference individual race. Michael Gurgone took third, while Harrison Manternach was fifth. Anders Dochoff took ninth and Thomas Gonzalez finished 16th. Hill, Gurgone, Manternach, Dochoff and Gonzalez all earned allWSC Silver accolades.

• Stopka (Continued from page 18)

fore ending in second. Kern also was thrilled with how Lower ran in the ninth-grade race. “Jamie has worked since the first day of the summer program and has made himself a runner and earned all-conference honors,” Kern said.

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.”

Carter caught the tennis bug when she was in fifth grade. “I watched it on TV with my dad one day and said, ‘Why don’t I give it a shot?’” she explained. “We found some rackets in the crawlspace and went to the bottom of the street and hit. That’s when I found out I wanted to try it more. I like the individual aspect of it a lot.” Carter said she’s always taken the sport seriously. “I always was kind of serious with it,” she said. “I don’t think I ever wanted to play loosely. I always wanted to play, take it se -

Carter added she hopes she is remembered at Timothy as someone “who tries to work hard for God and puts him first in all her actions” she said. “I want to be remembered as someone who tries her best and loves others.” Carter, who went 14-2 in the month of October, went 16-7 in four state finals appearances, which included the state runner-up doubles finish with Crystina Lee last year and a consolation quarterfinals appearance with Clarissa Chen freshman year.

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

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

At the freshman level, York took fourth as a team. George Knott finished second for the Dukes, while Jamie Lower was 12th. Both Knott and Lower earned all-conference awards for their efforts. York’s JV team took second as a team. Ryler Harges was the meet runner-up, while Everett Sinson took sixth and Michael McEvoy finished 13th. Harges, Sinson and McEvoy earned all-WSC Silver honors.

Kern noted York has been working hard during recent training sessions at running together. “They are beginning to realize that pack running is our best path to success,” he said. “Throughout the race, Patrick, Emmett, Zach and Carter remained near each other and did so all the way

“We are so excited about the present state of our team and the future,” Kern said. “The West Suburban Conference is arguably the best conference in the state. Success in the conference, therefore, equals success at the state level. Our freshman and sophomore group is outstanding. Our freshmen have been amazing this year.”

Kern noted in the freshman race that Knott was in contention for the win for the majority of the race be-

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

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

Freshman John Siok also has been having a strong season but was slowed by illness at the conference race. “John has been racing near Jamie all season,” Kern explained. “Unfortunately, John has been battling an illness and was unable to finish at his best. It is very likely he would have been right with Jamie again.”

Kern pointed out two additional freshmen, Hill and Gurgone, excelled in the sophomore race. “What makes this significant is that Patrick and Michael were rock stars in the sophomore race,” he said.

“Patrick won the sophomore race, and Michael almost ran down the runner-up from Downers Grove North to finish third. If we can have another hard-working and talented freshmen group next year, we will have the foundation to be state-championship contenders.”

York’s JV finished second to Downers Grove North with Harges, Sinson finishing in the top 10 and earning all-conference honors along with McEvoy. “The JV squad represented York very well,” Kern said.

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

proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK LIZZIE ISYANOV YORK GIRLS TENNIS

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Isyanov finished second in the recent Class 2A girls tennis state finals tournament with a 5-1 mark. Isyanov lost to Plainfield North's Jessica Kovalcik 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 in the state-championship match. Isyanov helped York finish fourth as a team. Isyanov took fifth in the state in 2022.

York’s Isyanov finishes second in Class 2A state tennis tournament

IC Catholic Prep boys soccer team continues improvement

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

The York girls tennis team had a historic Class 2A state tournament last weekend. The Dukes finished fourth in the state as a team thanks to the phenomenal efforts of singles standout Lizzie Isyanov and the star doubles team of sisters CJ Coan and Josie Coan.

Isyanov finished second in the Class 2A singles state tournament, while the Coan sisters reached the consolation quarterfinals. Isyanov went 5-1 to secure York’s highest-ever individual finish at the state tennis finals. Isyanov won her first match against Barrington by a 6-0, 6-0 count and then downed Sandburg 6-0, 6-1 before scoring a 6-0, 6-0 win over Downers Grove South.

In the quarterfinals, Isyanov defeated New Trier 6-0, 6-1 and then downed Lake Zurich 6-1, 6-3 in the state semifinals. Isyanov lost to Plainfield North’s Jessica Kovalcik 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 in the Class 2A state-championship match. Isyanov broke her own school record for highest finish at the state meet. She took fifth in the singles division in 2022, a distinction she shared with the 1984 doubles team of Maria Redmond and Lisa Stock.

The Coan sisters opened play with a 6-0, 6-1 win over St. Charles North and then downed Belleville

West 6-0, 6-1 in the second round. The sisters downed Huntley 6-0, 6-1 in the third round before losing to Naperville North 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 in the quarterfinals and to Hinsdale Central 2-6, 7-5, (10-7) in the consolation quarterfinals. The three York players went a combined 8-3 at the state meet.

IC Catholic Prep Boys Soccer

The IC Catholic Prep boys soccer team rode a wave of strong play into the playoffs. The Knights were 6-5-3 overall through their first 14 games and took second in the Chicago Catholic League White Division. The Knights finished the regular season with an unbeaten streak that dated back to Sept. 19.

Alan Salgado, Tristan Salgado and Filip Ciepiela are ICCP’s statistical leaders. “Every game for the last six or seven games, Alan, Tristan and Filip have put up goals or assists for us,” IC Catholic Prep assistant coach Bianca Madonia said. “Our offense has been creative and scoring lots of goals lately.”

Madonia said the Knights were playing solid defense heading into the playoffs and, “our goalkeeper Ben Erickson has been playing incredibly well,” she said. “The boys are peaking at the right time. Our team chemistry, leadership and heart are at an all-time high right now.”

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Athlete of the Month Athlete of the Month

Jane Carter

Senior Jane Carter dominated the tennis sectional losing only three games in four matches for the singles title. During October Jane was 9-0 in the Chicagoland Christian Conference singles championship. It was her fourth consecutive conference title! Jane’s record during her four years at Timothy Christian Schools is currently 124-26. She heads to the State tournament for the 4th year in a row and has high hopes following her 2nd place doubles finish last year. We look forward to seeing Jane excel at state!

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York girls volleyball team wins Glenbrook North invitational Day and Toliopoulos earn all-tournament honors

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33 matches

in

a row

Trojans

open Class 2A postseason play this week with goal of getting back home

Timothy Christian girls tennis standout Carter finishes sixth in state

IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne

Finishes spectacular four-year career with 129-28 record