EI121924

Hometown

Seasons Greetings

We wish you and loved ones abundance of good health, love, peace, prosperity and contentment.

We strive to live our lives personally and professionally on the principles of Beneficent and good thoughts, words and actions.

Every individual is different. We look different, we think differently, we have different priorities, we belong to different religions, professions, groups, ideologies etc. But above all, our primary legion is to humanity. That is the essence of our creation. This is the commonness we all share. All of our other connections and affiliations are not really genuine if they do not pass the humanity test and need to be questioned.

When disaster takes place anywhere in the world, we feel empathy, without knowing who those folks are or what their beliefs are. That is the commonness, the human connection we have. That is what makes us humans.

May we use this year to develop more empathy and extend understanding among us.

We thank you for being our job creators and supporting us to uphold our principles and values.

We all have the spark of our creator within us, and we pray that helps us all in our growth in life.

Thank you for our forty plus years in business, almost thirty seven in Elmhurst. We hope we have given back to our well wishers and to our City more than we have taken.

Love and good thoughts,

Mehta Motors 630-279-0566 My Car Wash 630-279-9200

Winter Fest 2024

The Spring Road Business Association held its annual Winter Fest event on Saturday, Dec. 14. Hundreds of people from Elmhurst and surrounding communities attend the celebration at Wild Meadows Trace on Spring Road. The area became a winter wonderland with an abundance of Christmas inflatables and candy cane trails filled with lights leading to Santa’s gazebo and Elsa and Anna’s “Frozen” home. The gazebo was converted into Santa’s cozy warm home (with a portable heater) and benches covered with blankets of snow, with Santa seated in a red and green velvet chair ready to spread the holiday cheer. Families sipped on hot chocolate from Phase Three and ate delicious cookies from Lezza while they waited for a sleigh ride or visited with Santa. The afternoon was filled with cheerful, holiday music provided by the Immaculate Conception Student Choir, Acappellago singers and the Elmhurst Choral Union. The festive event ended with the holiday lights being turned on at Wild Meadows Trace. It was a very picturesque event filled with the spirit of Christmas. One photo (top far left) from Saturday shows young Anais, who was excited to visit with Santa at Winter Fest. Another photo (top left) shows a young princess, joined by her mom and baby sister, meeting with her favorite princesses—Elsa and Anna. The Filarski family is pictured (right) visiting with Santa. One more photo (below) shows Key Club and National Honor Society students from York High School. Pictured (left to right) are Sydney, Skyler, Maggie and Lizzy, who handed out hot chocolate and cookies to Winter Fest attendees.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Your Hometown Newspaper

Locally owned and operated

240 N. West Avenue

Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Main Phone 630.834-8244

Fax 630.834-0900

Visit us at: TheElmhurstIndependent.com

The Elmhurst Independent USPS#022-607 is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126. Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.

Display Advertising: 630.834-8355

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630.834-8244

E-mail:

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Administration: Chris Fox

News Coordinator

Debra Hamilton

Advertising Director

Pete Cruger

Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Office Manager: Betty Jesensky

Subscriptions:

The Elmhurst Independent print version is mailed to residents in the 60126 zip code with a paid donation. See inside this issue for an order form. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $45.00 yearly. Single copies are also available at more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

Reprints:

Content appearing in the Elmhurst Independent may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor. Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to:

THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

Visitation Church’s Advent Dinner draws a crowd

More than 300 women of all ages attended Visitation Church’s annual Advent Dinner, which was held recently at the Carlisle in Lombard. This event, hosted by the Visitation Council of Catholic Women, is one of the parish’s most popular events. Pastor Fr. John Lindsey, accompanied by the Visitation Choir, began the evening with a prayer service. Sarah Tardiff, a parishioner at Visitation and theology chair at Immaculate Conception College Prep High School, then spoke about the meaning of Advent. The highlight of the evening was the “table event,” in which guests were invited to view the elaborately decorated tables their hostesses created. Following the viewing, guests enjoyed dinner and fellowship, kicking off the season of Advent.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Toys for Tots collection

The Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program collects new unwrapped toys and distributes them to children in need at Christmastime. Saturday, Dec. 14, was Toys for Tots drop-off day. Officer Tom McNeeley of the Elmhurst Police Department transported toys that were donated at the department to an area distribution center. Those toys will be distributed to children in need. The Elmhurst Police Department thanks everyone who donated toys this year to make a child’s holiday merry and bright.

Obituaries

ELIANE ELIUM nee THIEBAUD, 88

State Flag Commission selects its top 10 designs for public voting

The Illinois Flag Commission selected its top 10 finalists for the state flag redesign contest with public voting slated to begin in January.

Members of the commission could select up to 10 of their favorite designs—from the nearly 5,000 submissions—prior to their Dec. 9 meeting where they narrowed their choices to 10 overall.

“Having received nearly 5,000 entries, I appreciate the creativity and passion reflected in all the submissions,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office convened the Flag Commission meetings.

Starting in January, the public will have the opportunity to vote online at www.ilsos.gov/stateflag for one of the new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current

state flag, the 1918 Centennial Flag and the 1968 Sesquicentennial Flag.

After the public voting period, the commission will report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1, 2025, whose members will vote on whether to adopt a new flag, return to a previous iteration of the flag or retain the current flag.

Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (48th District-Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District-Chicago), was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2023, creating the commission to gauge public desire for a new flag.

The flag designs eligible for public voting in January can be viewed at www.ilsos.gov/special/IFC/10finalists.pdf.

family and friends.

Eliane Elium nee Thiebaud, 88, passed away December 11, 2024, surrounded by family. She is the loving mother of Caroline (Tim) Tess, and Dear grandmother of Christine (Ronnie) Schwaegler, Nathan (Claire) Tess, Nick Tess and Alex Tess. Eliane is preceded in death by her divorced husband James Elium, her sister Gisele (Thiebaud) Tetu, and parents Charles and Marie-Louise Thiebaud.

Eliane grew up in France, experienced the tragedy of war, and was orphaned at an early age. She came to the U.S. as the bride of a U.S. Air Force Officer. She lived in many US states while her husband built a career in the U.S. Veterans Administration, finally settling in Elmhurst over 50 years ago.

Eliane spent her time as a housewife and caretaker to many children. Maybe even more than her independence, she enjoyed caring for small children, helping to raise her grandchildren, and maintaining her yard. She loved to knit and made many baby booties for

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, 60126. A memorial service will be held during visitation at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Salesian Missions (salesianmissions.org) which operates the orphanage in France where Eliane attended.

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

MARYLOU JOHNSON, 95

MaryLou Johnson, 95, of Elmhurst, IL, passed away on December 7, 2024. MaryLou was born on July 25, 1929, in Charlevoix, MI, to Floyd & Mary Black.

She was a loving wife to Richard, who preceded her in death in 2011. Her legacy of love for family, home, and faith continues through her daughters, Debra (Kurt) Palmer, Linda (Michael) Nejman, and Susan (Steven) Eshelman.

MaryLou was a grandmother to Rebecca (Graham), Elizabeth, Dan-

iel (Lida), David (Ann), Jason (Alana), Nicholas (Natalka), Nathaniel, Melinda (Hassan), and Mary (Matt); and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was skilled in the art of cooking and homemaking, creating meals and memories that her family will treasure forever including Christmas cookies, apple pies, and birthday lunches with her grandchildren.

MaryLou was an involved member of the Yorkfield Presbyterian Church. Her family will welcome friends and loved ones to celebrate MaryLou’s life on Saturday, December 21, 2024, with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church, 1099 S. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126. MaryLou will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery in Elmhurst.

Donations may be made to Yorkfield Presbyterian Church - Deacon Fund.

For service information contact Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL at ElmhurstFH.com.

Police beat

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

Criminal damage, criminal trespassing

Dec. 9

Donald J. Bigham, 68, of Las Vegas, was issued a citation for trespassing at a store and also served with a no-trespass notice at a restaurant in the 600 block of W. North.

A complainant in the 200 block of S. Kenilworth reported he found the back passenger window of his vehicle had been shattered. Officers checked the area and found a landscaping company had just left the area, possibly causing the damage.

DUI, consumption of

alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of alcohol

Dec. 8

Beiker Palacios, 27, of Schaumburg, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, no valid driver’s license and illegal possession of alcohol by a driver in a motor vehicle subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Maple at 2:43 a.m.

Dec. 5

John Szlenk, 55, of Hampshire, was charged with DUI, parking on the roadway, attempted obstructing of justice and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near St. Charles and Arlington at 11:59 p.m.

Antonio Tavira Martinez, 26, of Addison, was charged with DUI, improper lighting and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near Ridgeland and North at 11:27 p.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

Dec. 4

A complainant in the 100 block of E. North told police she received several text messages from a suspect and he later showed up at her residence. The reporting officer advised the suspect not to contact the complainant or return to her residence.

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: Christian R. Traveras, 32, of the Bronx, New York, near I-290 and Lake at 4:51 p.m. Dec. 6; Jamie Trujillo Rebolle, 37, of Chicago, near York and Grand at 10:21 a.m. Dec. 7; and Allison Devell, 29, of Elmhurst, near West and Fellows at 4:16 p.m. Dec. 10.

Unlawful use

of a weapon

Dec. 7

Shuya Inaba, 24, of Schaumburg, was

charged with unlawful use of a weapon, possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle, improper lane usage and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and St. Charles at 3:49 a.m. Police said the suspect was found to be in possession of brass knuckles and cannabis that was not in a properly sealed container.

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

Dec. 11

A victim in the 300 block of N. Oaklawn reported that she had two packages delivered to her residence, and upon returning home, they were gone.

Dec. 8

Declan Barney, 23, of Elmhurst, was charged with theft and criminal damage to property at a restaurant in the 400 block of S. Spring at 12:36 a.m. Police said a victim reports the suspect took his phone while at the bar. The phone was recovered but it was reportedly damaged.

Dec. 7

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. York told police that items belonging to her were stolen from her car while she was shopping.

Dec. 6

A victim at a hotel in the 300 block of N. Route 83 reported that an unknown suspect removed a bag containing jewelry from her room while she was out of the room.

Dec. 5

Jennifer, Kurdziel, 53, of Addison, was charged with retail theft and driving while license suspended while Jessica Koeller, 37, of Addison, was charged with retail theft, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 3:37 p.m. Police said a complainant stated the suspects left the store with merchandise without paying.

A complainant reported someone had taken his jacket with his car key while at a gym in the 100 block of N. Addison at 9:46 p.m. The jacket and car key were later located.

A victim at a restaurant in the 900 block of N. York told police he forgot his wallet on the counter after ordering food when two unknown suspects described as black males took the wallet from the counter.

A victim in the 1000 block of Eldridge bold police that an unknown person(s) removed both license plates on his black Porsche Carrera.

Appellate court affirms subject’s conviction of sexual assault and 88-year sentence

Man convicted of assaulting female employee of an Oak Brook hotel in 2019

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced on Friday that the Third District Appellate Court of Illinois affirmed the conviction and 88-year sentence of Julius Ramsey for sexually assaulting, at gunpoint, a female employee of an Oak Brook hotel in 2019.

In his appeal of his conviction, Ramsey claimed that his attorney was ineffective for failing to explain to the jury why the defendant did not testify at trial after they had been told that he would.

On Sept. 9, 2019, at approximately 11:48 a.m., Oak Brook police were called to the Hyatt House for a sexual assault that had occurred in a vacant room. Through the course of their investigation, officers learned that at approximately 11:20 a.m., Ramsey forced the woman at gunpoint into a vacant room at the hotel, where he sexually assaulted her on several occasions, put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her. The victim was able to escape the room and report the assault.

On May 20, 2021, following a three-daylong trial presided over by Judge Jeffrey MacKay, a jury found Ramsey guilty of three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault with a firearm (a Class X felony), one count of

aggravated kidnapping with a firearm (a Class X felony) and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse (a Class 2 felony).

In its decision, the Appellate Court rejected Ramsey’s claims and found that at trial, “counsel put forth a rigorous defense and appropriately addressed the absence of defendant’s testimony during his closing argument.” The Appellate Court further stated that “Counsel highlighted defendant’s constitutional right not to testify and emphasized the burden was on the State to prove the charged offenses” and noted “We fail to identify what more counsel could have said to remedy defendant’s own last-minute decision not to testify.”

“I thank the Appellate Court for their thorough analysis of this case and their finding that Mr. Ramsey received a fair trial,” Berlin said. “The Appellate Court’s decision ensures that Mr. Ramsey will not receive a new trial and his conviction and 88-year sentence will stand.”

Justice Lance Peterson delivered the judgment of the court, with Justice William Holdridge and Justice Linda Davenport concurring.

Ramsey’s appeal was defended by Steven Biagi of the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Criminal Appeals Division.

Four women and a juvenile charged with burglary/retail theft from Oak Brook Nordstrom

Rack in two separate incidents

One defendant faces additional charge of aggravated battery to a police officer for allegedly fighting with/biting officer

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced on Sunday that four women and a juvenile have been charged with stealing merchandise from the Oak Brook Nordstrom Rack in two separate incidents on Friday, Dec. 13.

Shavaughn Johnson, 18, of Chicago, D’Errika Thrasher 18, of Chicago, and Alanah Booker, 22, of Naperville each appeared at First Appearance Court on Saturday and were charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony).

In addition, Johnson is also facing one count of aggravated battery to a police officer, a Class 2 felony.

A 16-year-old female juvenile was charged with one count of retail theft and one count of burglary at the police station in Oak Brook and released to the custody of her mother.

In an unrelated incident, Darnella Williams, 19, of Maywood, was charged with one count of burglary and one count of retail theft and released on her own recognizance.

It is alleged that on Friday, Dec. 13, at approximately 8:35 p.m., four individuals, later identified as Johnson, Thrasher, Booker and the juvenile, entered the Oak Brook Nordstrom Rack store located at 2155 W. 22nd Street. It is

alleged that once inside the store, the defendants took possession of numerous items of clothing, fragrances and Mark Jacobs gift boxes totaling more than $300 and exited the store.

Oak Brook police officers took all four defendants into custody outside the store. It is further alleged that as an officer took Johnson into custody, she fought with him, punching him in the chest and biting him on his right bicep.

In a separate incident on Dec. 13, it is alleged that at approximately 7:04 p.m., Williams entered the Nordstrom Rack with an empty child car seat. It is alleged that Williams placed $716.87 worth of merchandise, including clothing and cosmetics, into the car seat, draped a blanket over the car seat and exited the store.

Williams was confronted by a loss-prevention officer outside the store and taken into custody a short time later.

The next court appearance for Johnson, Thrasher and Booker is scheduled for Jan. 6. The next court appearance for Williams is scheduled for Jan. 10, for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh. As a condition of their release, the defendants are prohibited from entering the Oak Brook Nordstrom Rack store.

Court grants state’s motion

to detain

pre-trial Michigan man accused of bringing loaded gun into Carol Stream Police Department

Defendants allegedly also found to be in possession of seven catalytic converters

DuPage County State’s Attorney

Robert Berlin and Carol Stream Chief of Police Don Cummings announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Michigan man accused of bringing a loaded weapon into the Carol Stream Police Department and attempting to steal a catalytic converter from an occupied vehicle.

Anthony Huggins, 33, of Inkster, Michigan, appeared in First Appearance Court on Dec. 10, and was charged with one count of bringing a firearm into penal institution (Class X felony), one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle or essential part (Class 2 felony), one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by felon (Class 3 felony), one count of possession of burglary tools (Class 4 felony) and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon—no FOID card (Class 4 felony).

Huggins’ co-defendant, Clinton Bigelow, 33, of Warren, Michigan, also appeared in First Appearance Court on Dec. 10, and was charged with one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle or essential part and one count of possession of burglary tools. Bigelow was not detained pre-trial.

On Dec. 9 at approximately 12:45 p.m., Carol Stream police responded to a call at the Carol Stream Animal Hospital, located at 140 Elk Trail, regarding an individual crawling under a car. Upon their arrival, officers spoke with the victim, an employee of the animal hospital.

Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that a Dodge Caravan with two occupants, later identified as Huggins and Bigelow, pulled into the parking spot next to the victim and that Bigelow exited the Caravan with a cordless saw, got on his back and went underneath the victim’s car.

It is further alleged that when the victim opened her vehicle’s driver-side door, Bigelow got out from under her car and got back into the Caravan, which then left the scene. Officers stopped the Caravan, allegedly driven by Huggins, approximately one-half mile away on North Avenue. When searching the Caravan, officers reportedly located seven catalytic converters in the back seat. It is further alleged that while at the Carol Stream Police Department, officers located a loaded Glock 43 that was reported stolen out of Detroit in Huggins’ slipper.

The next court appearance for both men is scheduled for Dec. 23 for arraignment in front of Judge Mia McPherson.

Community calendar

Recurring on Sundays

Elmhurst Model Railroad Club

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

Recurring weekly on Monday nights

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

Recurring monthly

Memory care support group

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

Now through Jan. 3 Penguin scavenger hunt. Presented by the Elmhurst City Centre and recurring daily, there are 100 plush penguins hidden in City Centre Merchant Windows this holiday season. Come explore the heart of downtown Elmhurst, find the penguins and see what City Centre is all about—great shopping, delicious dining and top notch, hometown service. Player cards available at all participating merchants and online at elmhurstcitycentre.com. For more information, call 630-993-1600 or email: info@ elmhurstcitycentre.com.

Saturday, Dec. 21 through February

Winter reading: Reading is sweet. Recurring daily at the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave., pick up a log at the kids’ help desk or print a log from elmlib.org/winter to track days of reading. Collect prizes along the way. The library has winter reading programs for adults and teens, too. For more information, call 630-279-8696 or visit: https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/winter-reading

Sunday, Dec. 22

Christmas Cantata at First Congregational UCC. Starting at 10 a.m. at 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst. Join us for an inspirational Christmas Cantata led by talented Music Director and Vocalist—Meg McGarry. The Music Ministry Team will be presenting “Peace on Earth” with special soloists, vocal ensembles, instrumentalists, and the Chancel Choir. A special optional offering will be collected to support the Music Ministry. Let this music inspire you with joy and hope as we celebrate the

coming of Christ. Then join us again on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. for our joyful Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Elmhurst History Museum Info: elmhursthistory.org.

Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org. We want to print your news! Is your church hosting a special event? Community Calendar listings are free! Send details to independent@rvpublishing.com.

DuPage County office eliminates fees for veterans requesting discharge records

DuPage County’s newly sworn-in Recorder of Deeds, Elizabeth Chaplin, has announced that the office would eliminate fees for veterans who obtain copies of their military discharge records from the Recorder’s office.

“Our veterans have given so much, and this small gesture is one way we can express our gratitude and ensure they have convenient access to the documentation they need without asking for a fee,” said Chaplin.

Effectively immediately, DuPage County Recorder’s Office will no longer charge veterans for copies of their DD214 military discharge records. This change reflects a commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

Chaplin made the change after reviewing state statutes and implementing a new change that allows the fees to be waived. The DD214 form is an essential document for veterans, often required to access benefits, services and other resources.

Veterans and their families can bring a copy to the Recorder’s Office to ensure a backup copy always is available. By eliminating copy and retrieval fees, the Recorder’s Office strives to make the process easier and more accessible for all veterans.

The Recorder’s Office encourages all veterans and their families to take advantage of this new policy, and to sign up for

“Honor Rewards” a special retail discount card offered by the Recorder’s Office. For assistance or additional information, contact the office at (630) 407-5400 or visit www.Dupagecounty.gov/ Recorder.

Viewpoint

Slices of life

Don’t be afraid of the ‘C’ word

My journey through grief has been a public one, laid out for you here on these pages. Many of you have walked with me through the healing process, and for that I’m thankful. It’s funny (in a not so funny way) the things that help us heal. For me, much of the healing process has been led by creativity—quite literally.

During the last four years, I’ve given myself lots of grace. Some of that grace involved the power to tap into my creative juices in whatever way felt right at the moment. In that, I became a Jill of all trades (or artistic endeavors).

I poured paint onto canvas, wax into candle forms and lye into liquid to make soap. I sculpted with cement, plaster, clay and stones. I twisted and tied rope, pool noodles and chicken wire. I built tables, trays, shelves and lamps. I embellished with glass, glitter and gold. Plus, I’ve gathered heaps of random craft supplies, but that’s another article.

Some of my projects look good, most didn’t. Many were failures, but within the mix I was healing and learning.

Somewhere along the way, a kind friend asked it I might be able to share some of my hobbies with others. And in that, the student became the teacher.

What a gift that has been. Helping others tap into their own creative spirit is invigorating, rewarding and fun. But within these instructive endeavors, I’ve found that not everyone finds solace in creativity. In fact, there are those who believe they were born without the creative gene. They’ve even told me so. More than once.

“I’m not creative.”

I’d like to challenge that.

We are all creative; I’ll even take that one step further: we are all artistic.

Some people embrace and excel at these qualities more than others, but practicing creativity benefits every single one of us—much like exercise, a healthy diet, kindness and gratitude do.

Some people love exercising. They couldn’t live without it and in many instances they are very good at it. I am not one of these people, but that doesn’t mean the habit of exercising doesn’t bring me great benefits.

The same goes for creativity. It does for the brain what exercise does for the body.

Creativity helps you think outside the box. Just yesterday, I took two

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

perfectly good cardboard boxes and made a kitty bed with them. This task required math computations, spatial skills, textile manipulation and a whole lot of duct tape.

Creativity reduces stress. When you are focused on art, you cannot focus on the negativity in your life, even if it does involve an upcoming car repair. Creating art makes you forget about the everyday - even if just for a moment in time and that moment is priceless.

Creativity can boost communication. “Do you think this looks more turquoise, teal, or green?” Will solicit responses on numerous levels.

Creativity promotes flexibility and can increase your adaptability to change. When you want to paint your background color in turquoise, but only teal is available, you learn to make it work - or make an extra trip to the craft store.

Creativity can give your life purpose and meaning. If the meaning of life isn’t defined by a magnetic succulent garden “planted” vertically on your refrigerator, I don’t know what the meaning of life might be.

Finally, creativity can help you, me—all of us—live a longer and healthier life. It’s true! If you purchase more craft materials, the gods of the universe understand you must use them all before you leave this earth. Therefore, the acquisition of craft supples - and creativity by association - increases your lifespan.

It’s almost like creativity is the answer to many of the problems you’ve been facing. It’s a release and an outlet that provides respite from the everyday problems of the everyday world.

Plus, at the end of it all, you might find yourself with a brightly painted canvas or a brightly lit holiday wreath. I, personally, give a thumbs up to that. (Just don’t look at my thumbs, they’re most likely all full of paint.)

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

Latest developments on the Elgin O’Hare Western Access project

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

Recently, I partnered with the leadership of the Illinois Tollway in updating the public on the progress being made on the Elgin O’Hare Western Access (EOWA) project.

The project, which will connect Interstate-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) and Interstate-294 (Tri-State Tollway), will significantly reduce the amount of travel time to Chicago O’Hare International Airport for communities across our region.

The project, deemed regionally and nationally significant by the U.S. Department of Transportation, will cut travel time and traffic to the airport, as well as boost local and small businesses in communities around O’Hare by increasing accessibility to these areas.

The EOWA construction is projected to bring 65,000 new, good-paying jobs to the greater Chicago area by 2040 and will reduce stress on national and global supply chains by better connecting O’Hare to ground and rail transportation.

The new connection will also reduce travel on local roads by 24 percent and serve more than 120,000 vehicles per day, meaning frequent fliers will be home faster.

Dispelling dangerous disinformation with FEMA administrator following recent hurricanes

During a recent Oversight Committee hearing, I questioned Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell on the danger of misinformation and disinformation.

Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which devastated parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia earlier this fall, damaging disinformation began circulating online claiming FEMA employees and first responders discriminated against those in need based on their political views.

During my question line with Administrator Criswell, I confirmed that these rumors were not only false but also dangerous, and future disinformation can jeopardize FEMA’s ability to help storm and natural disaster victims. FEMA has received bipartisan praise for its efforts to help those in need following the hurricanes, and disinformation undermines the government’s attempts to aid those impacted.

I also spoke with Administrator Criswell on the dangers posed to child care centers during natural disasters, specifically those located in providers’ homes rather than commercial facilities. Providers’ homes are often overlooked following natural disasters, creating

a child care crisis that can extend long after the cleanup efforts are under way.

The greater Chicago area is not immune to these natural disasters, and if mass flooding were to occur in our communities, thousands of child care centers would be impacted. Administrator Criswell has pledged to work with my office, the Oversight Committee, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure these centers receive the support they need after natural disasters.

Strengthening our defense industrial base to prevent conflict and improve our security

As Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), I recently co-hosted a tabletop simulation on the state of our country’s defense industrial base—the network of companies, facilities, and resources that provide the U.S. military with the materials, products, and services it needs to help our servicemembers succeed. This exercise, centered on threats posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Taiwan, but also the limitations of our current industrial base to produce enough ammunition, armaments, and other supplies to sustain our troops as well

District 205 Board holds special meeting; announces its director of facilities resigned

Employee of six years was arrested last month in Rockford; he and his wife are accused of stealing from his mother

By Chris Fox ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a special meeting on Dec. 10 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St.

One of the board’s seven members—Jim Collins—was absent from the meeting, which ended with a statement about Todd Schmidt, who had been the district’s director of facilities for six years. Schmidt was arrested recently in Rockford. Schmidt and his wife are accused of defrauding Schmidt’s mother of more than $100,000. Schmidt and his wife allegedly used his mother’s name to obtain loans and set up credit card accounts. Schmidt reportedly also used his mother’s credit card account for his own personal expenses, without her permission.

Arvanitis reads a statement from the board after members exit closed session

Shortly after the meeting was called to order at 3:31 p.m., board members went into closed session. When they came out of closed session more than two hours later, District 205 Board President Athena Arvanitis read a prepared statement issued by the board.

• Project

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as to support our security partners and allies.

For example, according to the most recent Congressional Research Service data, the PRC is producing 359 large ocean-going ships for every one the United States produces. This translates into the PRC having a bigger navy than ours with a widening gap, reducing our deterrence.

The question of these capabilities is not simply one of what might happen in an armed conflict but actually how we deter conflict through demonstrating strength. As the CCP continues its policies of bellicosity and military buildup, signs of weakness and vulnerability on our part, whether in the state of our military or in our ability to supply it, actually make conflict more likely.

Thus, to prevent conflict and safeguard our country and our friends from military aggression, it is essential that we strengthen our military industrial base to produce the ammunition, shells, missiles, and other supplies we need to succeed if a conflict were to occur, and, much more importantly, to help prevent one from breaking out.

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

“Todd Schmidt was hired as the director of facilities by the former D205 administration in 2018, and has been with the district in this role for six years. Upon notification of Mr. Schmidt’s arrest, and the charges filed against him, the district placed Mr. Schmidt on leave, and immediately engaged in an internal investigation, specifically focusing on the use of district finances and resources in the department directly overseen by Mr. Schmidt.

“Mr. Schmidt submitted his resignation to the district yesterday, Dec. 9. Pursuant to board policy, the resignation became effective immediately upon his submission, and is irrevocable. The board will review any necessary avenues of legal recourse related to Mr. Schmidt once we have completed a thorough investigation.

“The board of education holds in high regard the immense level of trust the community places on each of us. At this moment, the community can expect to see the board move swiftly in addressing the discovered issues, while continuing to thoroughly seek to uncover any unknown issues at this time. In this effort, the board of education is engaging in a variety of next steps.

“The board, in close partnership with district attorneys, has begun the process of securing an external third-party auditor to review Mr. Schmidt’s actions in relation to district finances and resources, as well as take a complete look at district processes in this area. The results of this audit will be shared with the public upon its conclusion at a future board meeting.

“The board continues to engage in an internal investigation of personnel, and will hold all employees who do not meet the level of expectations set forth by the board of education and superintendent accountable, by implementing disciplinary action up to and including termination.

“More information will be provided to the community as we learn more about this matter. Thank you.”

Moments later, the board meeting ended at 5:52 p.m.

Schmidt’s financial conduct with the district will be scrutinized

As Arvanitis noted in her statement, Schmidt joined the district six years ago, in June 2018. Before coming to District 205, Schmidt spent 18 years in the Rockford Public School District. He had served as that district’s chief operations officer/executive director of operations from 2009 until he joined District 205. Schmidt spoke frequently during regular board meetings to give progress reports about capital projects in the district, including the construction projects to build new facilities at Lincoln Elementary School and Field Elementary School. The new Lincoln school opened in August 2022. The new Field school opened one year lat-

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent Todd Schmidt, who spent more than six years as Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205’s director of facilities, was recently arrested in Rockford. Schmidt and his wife Rita are accused of defrauding Schmidt’s mother of more than $100,000. The District 205 Board of Education held a special meeting on Dec. 10. After the board exited closed session at that meeting, the board’s president—Athena Arvanitis—read a prepared statement from the board that stated the district placed Schmidt on leave after his arrest. Arvanitis added that Schmidt submitted his resignation one day earlier, on Dec. 9. Arvanitis said the district is conducting an internal investigation to focus on the use of district finances and resources in the department directly overseen by Schmidt. She added that the board has begun the process of securing a third-party auditor to review Schmidt’s actions with the district. Schmidt is shown in a picture released by District 205 after he joined the district in June 2018.

er, in August 2023. Each project cost more than $30 million.

The construction projects to build new facilities Lincoln and Field came after district voters approved a $168.5 million referendum in November 2018. The funds from that referendum were used to replace the aging facilities at those two schools, and to complete construction and renovation projects at the district’s facilities.

Schmidt spoke briefly at the board’s most recent regular meeting on Nov. 19. He spoke about the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approving grants of up to $50,000 to school districts for school maintenance projects. He said that in the last couple of years, the district used those ISBE grants toward boiler replacements at York High School. He said that the district planned to use the upcoming $50,000 grant from ISBE toward construction work at Jefferson Elementary School, reducing the district’s expense for that work from about $150,000 to about $100,000.

The district has already pledged to audit all of its department budgets

Chris Whelton, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance and operations, also spoke at the regular board meeting on Nov. 19. Whelton spoke about the district’s estimated 2024 tax levy at the recent meeting. Whelton’s presentation included charts that estimated the district’s expenses for its 2024-25 fiscal year at about $177.1 million. That fiscal year ends on June 30, 2025.

While speaking at the regular meeting on Nov. 19, Whelton said the district staff is already focusing on the 2025-26 budget.

“We have already started working on next year’s budget to find ways to maximize our resources,” said Whelton. “We are taking a thorough review of all of our staffing positions to see if we can reduce positions through attrition, and we are auditing all of the department budgets to find ways to tighten the belt for the 2025-26 budget.”

What financial authority did Schmidt have with District 205?

Some of the audits Whelton mentioned will likely feature extensive scrutiny on Schmidt and his work with the district for the last six years. Schmidt, whose annual salary with the district exceeded $140,000 in 2023, was arrested in Rockford last month and charged with aggravated identity theft/$10,000 to $100,000, use of a forged credit/debit card and financial exploitation of an elderly person.

According to the Rockford Police Department’s November report about Schmidt, which was obtained and uploaded by David Giuliani of Patch (patch.com), Schmidt is accused of stealing money from his own mother since his father died in February 2018. According to the police report, after his father Roy passed away, Schmidt took possession of his father’s credit cards, and he did not close those accounts.

Schmidt’s mother lives in Rockford. Schmidt and his wife Rite reportedly live elsewhere in Rockford.

The police report alleged that Schmidt told his mother that she had gambled away all of her money, but that other family members started to believe “Todd had something to do with her not having any money because of his family’s extravagant lifestyle.”

Schmidt and his wife used his mother’s name to obtain student loans and to open a credit card account

According to the arrest report, Schmidt’s sister learned that her brother opened new accounts in their mother’s name. Schmidt’s wife Rita, who was also arrested last month,

reportedly opened at least three student loans for at least one of their daughters, who attended the University of Missouri. Rita Schmidt named her mother-in-law as the endorser of those loans, one of which was for $39,000 in 2019. The second loan, also in 2019, was for $45,000. The third loan, for $45,000 was obtained in 2020. Rita Schmidt’s mother-inlaw reportedly had no knowledge of co-signing on those student loans.

Those loans were reportedly accessed online in multiple locations, including District 205.

According to the police report from Rockford, Todd Schmidt had his own Capital One credit card on his mother’s account, even though his mother never gave him or his family permission to use the card for personal expenses. Todd Schmidt allegedly made numerous charges to that account, including charges made in Elmhurst, and charges he made in Jamaica.

The police report from Rockford also noted that a $15,000 loan in Schmidt’s mother’s name was opened in 2019. No payments were made after November of that year, and the loan was placed in default.

Schmidt’s mother wished to press charges against her son and

his wife

A detective asked Schmidt’s mother if she wanted to press charges against her son. According to the police report, she said she did not want her son to go to jail, but she then stated she wished to pursue charges against her son and his wife.

The police report added that the Internal Revenue Service advised that Schmidt’s mother did not pay her tax bill in 2020, 2021 and 2022. According to the report, Todd Schmidt should have taken care of those bills.

Additionally, Schmidt was frequently late in paying his mother’s water bills, and that the water at his mother’s home was turned off for non-payment in October 2019 and in May 2022.

The police reported stated that Todd Schmidt began changing the billing addresses on his mother’s bills from her residence to his own residence. He reportedly also used his own address for loans he opened in his mother’s name, without her knowledge.

According to Todd Schmidt’s sister, the estimated amounts that were either forged or stolen by Todd and Rita Schmidt from his mother’s accounts included: $42,000 in forged checks, $47,000 in Todd’s personal bills, and $62,000 in charge cards used by Todd. Schmidt reportedly also sold his mother’s car for $7,000, and was supposed to put the money into her account, but there is no record of him doing so. He reportedly also moved his mother’s pension to his personal account.

Worship Services Directory

St. Alexander Parish

300 S Cornell Avenue, Villa Park, IL 630-833-7730 www.stalexanderparish.org

Confessions:

Tuesdays at 5:00pm-6:00pm and Saturdays 4:00-4:45pm

Christmas Eve Masses: 4:00pm, 6:30pm and Midnight

Christmas Day Masses: 8:30am, 10:30am and 6:00pm in Espanol

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-2435

Sunday Worship at 10:15am Sunday School & Bible Study 9am

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7pm Christmas Day Service 10:15am Everyone is Welcome!

sainttimothy.org

FIRST CHURCH

Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 am

Christmas Eve Family Service 5:00 pm

Immaculate

Conception Church

134 Arthur St., Elmhurst, IL 630 530-8515 www.icelmhurst.org

Christmas Eve Masses

3:00pm Church, Sacred Heart Chapel, & Plunkett Hall

5:00pm Sacred Heart Chapel 11:00pm Sacred Heart Chapel

Christmas Day Masses

7:30am Church

9:00am & 11:30am Sacred Heart Chapel

Thursday, December 26

8:00am Church

Feast of the Holy Family

Saturday, December 28

8:00am Church

4:30 pm Sacred Heart Chapel

Sunday, December 29

7:30am & 7:00pm Church

9:00am & 11:30am Sacred Heart Chapel

Come and Celebrate the Birth of Christ with Us!

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LOMBARD

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LOMBARD

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LOMBARD

A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!

A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!

A Reconciling Congregation where all are truly welcome!

Advent & Christmas Services

Advent & Christmas Services

Advent & Christmas Services

Come Worship with Us!

Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream

Come Worship with Us! Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream

Come Worship with Us! Every Sunday at 10am in person or live stream

Christmas Cantata

Christmas Cantata

The Christmas story told through music & songs Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10am

Christmas Cantata

The Christmas story told through music & songs Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10am

The Christmas story told through music & songs Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10am

Christmas Eve – Dec. 24

Christmas Eve – Dec. 24 Family Service at 5pm Candlelight Service at 1 1pm

Service at 5pm Candlelight Service at 1 1pm

Christmas Eve – Dec. 24 Family Service at 5pm Candlelight Service at 1 1pm

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS First UMC Lombard

155 S Main

First UMC Lombard

First UMC Lombard

155 S. Main Street – Lombard IL 60148

155 S Main Street – Lombard IL 60148

South East Corner of Main & Maple www.FirstUMCLombard.org

South East Corner of Main & Maple www.FirstUMCLombard.org

Weekend

Daily Masses:

Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM

Saturday: 8:15 AM

Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM

Adoration:

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

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:

Christmas Eve: 3 & 5 PM and

7:30, 9:30, 11:30 AM

Santa visits Elmhurst Garden

Club’s holiday party

More than 100 members of the Elmhurst Garden Club joined Santa Claus to attend the club’s annual holiday luncheon last week at the Wilder Mansion. Holiday centerpieces assembled by the club’s Design’s and Exhibits committee graced each table. Additional floral centerpieces were on display in an adjoining room where the buffet lunch was served. Large baskets filled with interesting items, including gift cards to local businesses and restaurants, were raffled resulting in 28 happy winners. One photo from the luncheon shows (below, left to right) Santa with Sandra Loeser and Joanne Carlson. Another photo shows (above, left to right) Karyn Arnold, Dorothy Hamby and Diane Johnson. Elmhurst Garden Club meetings are held on the first Monday of the month in the Wilder Mansion, located at 125 Prospect. The upcoming Jan. 6 meeting features a presentation on “Indoor Gardening” by landscape consultant Mel Zaloudek. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mr. Zaloudek’s presentation, which is free and open to the public. Visit www.elmhurstgardenclub.org for more information.

U.S. News & World Report names Lifespace’s Beacon Hill, Greenfields of Geneva, and Oak Trace among the best nursing homes nationally for 2025

Lifespace Communities, one of the nation’s top 10 largest nonprofit senior living organizations, announced that 13 of its communities with a health center, including Beacon Hill in Lombard, Greenfields of Geneva, and Oak Trace were recognized nationally for having one of America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report

Lifespace received this honor by earning a “High Performing” rating, the highest possible for short-term rehabilitation, with seven of these 13 communities also recognized for excellence in long-term care.

“This recognition reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care, amenities and services to support our

residents,” said Doug Fleegle, executive director of Beacon Hill. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our Beacon Hill and Lifespace Communities team.” “This recognition from U.S. News is a testament to our team members’ unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care and creating a supportive community environment for our residents,” said Jesse Jantzen, president and CEO of Lifespace. “It is a privilege to serve our residents, and being rated highly in both short-term rehab and long-term care highlights our communities’ capability to meet a broad range of health needs, from transitional recovery to stable, long-term support.”

Elmhurst Independent

DuPage Foundation grants nearly $580,000 to 56 local organizations through its Community Impact, Arts DuPage,

DuPage Foundation has announced the awarding of $579,550 to 56 not-for-profit organizations across DuPage County through its fall discretionary grant programs: Community Impact, Arts DuPage, and Glen Ellyn Fund.

This vital investment in education, environment, animal welfare, and arts organizations will directly empower these organizations to continue their critical work, making a real and lasting difference in the lives of countless residents and affirm DuPage’s reputation as a destination for the arts.

A Grant Open House took place on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Foundation’s office in Downers Grove. Grant recipients received their grant checks and mingled with other notfor-profit organizations along with DuPage Foundation staff, Board, volunteer leaders, and partners.

The following 31 organizations received a Community Impact grant totaling $399,250:

Total education grants (24): $272,000

• Alive Center: $25,000

• Bartlett Learning Center: $12,000

• Best Buddies: $10,000

• Candor Health Education: $10,000

• Child’s Voice: $5,000

• CREO DuPage: $19,000

• DuPage Children’s Museum: $15,000

• DuPage County Farm Bureau Foundation: $5,000

• Embrace Living Communities: $10,000

• Exodus World Service: $15,000

• Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center: $10,000

• Go Team 2704 NFP: $2,000

• GPS Education Partners: $20,000

• Green Halo Scholars: $23,000

• grit2: $5,000

• H.O.M.E. DuPage, Inc.: $15,000

• HOPE Fair Housing Center: $5,000

• Innovation DuPage: $25,000

• Inside Out Club DuPage: $5,000

• KidsMatter: $15,000

• The Community House: $6,000

• The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace: $5,000

• Turning Pointe Autism Foundation: $5,000

• United States Adaptive Golf Alliance: $5,000

Total environment grants (four): $68,000

• Fermilab Natural Areas: $12,000

• Naperville Heritage Society/Naper Settlement: $21,000

• The Morton Arboretum: $20,000

• Three Fires Council, Boy Scouts of America: $15,000

Total animal welfare grants (three): $59,250

• A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter: $14,250

• Animal Rescue Foundation: $25,000

94th birthday

On Dec. 9, Elmhurst resident Marilyn Fredericks celebrated her 94th birthday at the York Township Senior Center at 1502 South Meyers Road in Lombard. York Township Supervisor John W. Valle surprised Marilyn with a cake and led the senior center’s lunch crowd in a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday to You.” The cake was then cut and shared with the crowd after lunch. “We wanted to show Marilyn how much we care and wish her another year of love, health and happiness,” said Valle.

and Glen Ellyn Fund grant programs

• West Suburban Humane Society: $20,000

The following 23 organizations received an Arts DuPage grant, totaling $159,900:

• Anima—Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus: $8,500

• BrightSide Theatre: $10,000

• Chhobighar Film Society: $5,000

• College of DuPage Foundation: $13,000

• Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education: $20,000

• Darien Arts Council: $5,000

• DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation: $3,000

• DuPage Symphony Orchestra: $9,400

• Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts: $6,000

• Elmhurst Choral Union: $5,000

• Equality Downers Grove (EQDG): $5,000

• ESSE Adult Day Services: $10,000

• Fair Lady Productions: $5,000

• Lisle Community Band: $5,000

• Naperville Men’s Glee Club: $2,500

• NaperVoice: $5,000

• Paramount Theatre: $12,500

• Salt Creek Ballet: $10,000

• Senior Suburban Orchestra: $2,500

• Sinfonietta Bel Canto: $5,000

• Spirito!: $5,000

• Village Theatre Guild: $5,000

• The West Towns Chorus: $2,500

The following two organizations received a Glen Ellyn Fund grant totaling $20,400:

• Glen Ellyn Park District: $5,000

• Go Green Glen Ellyn: $15,400

“We are proud to share that 72% percent of eligible grant applications submitted this fall received funding,” said Barb Szczepaniak, DuPage Foundation vice president for programs. “Our grant program exists because of generous donors who have made unrestricted gifts or established endowed field-of-inter-

est funds at the Foundation. These ‘forever funds’ are invested wisely and generate income that fuels our discretionary grantmaking. While the number of requests we receive always exceeds the amount of funding available in our budget, this cycle we received $217,550 in additional support for grants from local funders and our donor-advised fund partners. By working together, we are providing critical support to our community’s not-for-profits. That’s the power of coordinated impact at work.”

“DuPage County has a thriving arts scene, providing world class experiences right here,” said Debbie Venezia, director of Arts DuPage.

“By supporting our local arts notfor-profits, Arts DuPage is ensuring these organizations flourish as they continue to contribute to the economic success and cultural vibrancy of our community.”

For grant guidelines and more information, visit dupagefoundation. org/grants.

Elmhurst Public Library programs

Friday, Dec. 20

2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”

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

Saturday, Dec. 21

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Canasta

Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Monday, Dec. 23

9:30-10 a.m.

Mother Goose & Me

Newborn-11 months with adult. Meet other parents and caregivers of newborns to share rhymes, activities, and resources.

Tickets available starting at 9 a.m. the morning of the program.

Friday, Dec. 27

2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: “Togo”

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday.

No registration required.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts recently was awarded a $6,000 grant from DuPage Foundation. The Elmhurst Choral Union and Spirito! were also awarded grants.

Sport S

Elmhurst Evolution welcomes players for its spring season

The Elmhurst Evolution Ultimate Frisbee Team, the 2024 Illinois High School Ultimate Frisbee State Champions, is excited to invite middle and high school students to join the team for the upcoming spring 2025 season. Ultimate Frisbee is a globally recognized sport, blending the athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football using a high-tech plastic disc. The game involves moving the disc by throwing and catching, with the condition that the player holding the disc is not allowed to move. Players move quickly from offense to defense until either team scores by catching the disc in the opponent’s end zone. The team is proud to accept boys and girls in grades 6-12 from any school. No prior experience is necessary—just a passion for learning, a willingness to

work hard, and a love for fun. The team’s spring season begins in March 2025. Practices will be held in Elmhurst three days a week through the conclusion of the Illinois High School State Tournament in late May. High school league games are played on Sundays, beginning in April and May. There will also be one or two weekend tournaments. To register or learn more, visit elmhurstevo.com or send an email to elmhurstevo@gmail.com. Meet the team and coaches at the upcoming pre-season meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Bethel UCC Welcome Center, 315 E. St. Charles Road (next to Sandburg Middle School). The middle school co-ed meeting will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The high school meeting will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Registration must be completed by March 7.

York girls basketball team defeats Oak Park-River Forest Silkaitis earns all-tournament award;

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls basketball team got back into the win column with a recent 48-21 West Suburban Conference Silver Division victory over Oak Park-River Forest. The win moved the Dukes to 1-2 in conference play.

Prior to defeating OPRF, York had lost five games in a row dating back to its own Thanksgiving tournament runner-up finish. York lost 57-37 to Glenbard West in WSC Silver action, dropped a 56-48 non-conference game to Naperville North, lost 47-34 in non-conference play to Benet Academy and 43-39 to Downers Grove North in WSC Silver play. York lost to Waubonsie Valley 57-24 in the title game of the York Thanks-

giving tournament. York started the Thanksgiving tournament off with wins against Chicago Butler (4835), Glenbrook South (41-36) and Oswego (60-32).

“According to Max Preps (online statistical/schedule service), we have played the toughest schedule in the state of Illinois so far,” York coach Brandon Collings noted. “We are a very young team and have played a very tough schedule to start the year off. That’s a double-edged sword. When you are playing very tough competition it can kind of knock down your confidence a little bit with a young team. The other end of it is we are playing the best out there and getting that experience and then everything seems a little easier after that. I’m hoping the tough schedule

Dukes headed to Montini for holidays

will make us stronger in the end.”

Collings noted the five teams York has lost to had a combined 41-6 record through late last week. York (4-5 overall) starts only one senior, Anna Filosa, who is averaging around 11 points a game. Junior Olivia Silkaitis leads the team in scoring (14 points) and rebounding (9 per game). Juniors Elle Kehoe, Kayla Callahan and sophomores Briley O’Brien (7 points, 3 assists per game) and Cate Carter have been consistent in the starting lineup as well. Sophomore Maggie Mikucki, junior Amelie Van heukelum, junior Paige Byrne and sophomore Avery Larma also contribute in the Duke’s rotation.

“We are young and athletic and have had some great practices head-

ing out of these games,” Collings said. “During these five losses, the practices we’ve had I have been very happy with. They want to get better. We are learning a lot from playing these tough teams and we’re putting in some new stuff on offense and defense. I like the fight in them. When we show up to battle, we are a tough team to beat. When we lose confidence a little, it shows. That’s how we got hurt in the five-game losing streak. When we are confident out there, we are tough and we are only going to get better because of how young we are. We are looking for big improvements throughout the year.”

York heads to Lombard and the Montini Christmas tournament. The Dukes have a rematch against Naperville North in the first round and

could see top seed Palatine Fremd in the second round. Collings also knows the Dukes will have to be ready in the second half of the season, particularly in the competitive WSC Silver.

“Lyons Township is undefeated and playing well. Downers North lost to LT and Glenbard West is good,” he said. “Those are the top three and Hinsdale Central is playing well. Those are probably the top four and we’ll battle around there to get in that mix again. I thought the conference might be down with all the seniors that different teams lost. It’s tougher than it’s been, to be honest.”

On the awards front, Silkaitis was named to the York Thanksgiving all-tournament team.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

IC Catholic Prep graduate

Leslie headed to Le Moyne

IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team impressive during 3-0 week

Will play volleyball for Division II school

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

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

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

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

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

Knights defense helps secure pair of GCAC White wins and comeback victory against Timothy Christian

nice conference win.”

Defense was the name of the game for the IC Catholic Prep girls basketball team during a productive 3-0 run last week that included a pair of Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White Division victories. The Knights were 49-18 GCAC White winners over Rosary. ICCP jumped out to a 12-1 lead after the first quarter and led 24-7 at halftime.

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

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

Mary Kate Hilgart led the Knights with 11 points, four rebounds, two steals and one blocked shot. Ali Fromelt, a sophomore, had nine points, three rebounds and one steal, while junior Sofia Bucaro had seven points and three steals. “We jumped on them early,” ICCP coach Todd Fisher said. “It was a good conference win. We played very good defense. Our defense from start to finish was very good. I was proud of the kids. It was a very good team effort and an absolutely

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.

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

The Knights then came from behind to down Wheaton St. Francis 39-38 in GCAC White play. Fromelt hit the game-winning shot with nine seconds to play in regulation. The win moved ICCP to 3-0 in conference play. “It was an inbounds play and Ali was able to get downhill and hit a great shot,” Fisher said. “She hit a big shot that turned out to be the game-winning shot.”

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

The two teams were tied 11-11 after the first quarter and St. Francis led 24-19 at halftime and 3330 heading into the fourth. Hilgart had 12 points and two steals, while Maura Grogan had nine points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a blocked shot. “Maura had a really nice game,” Fisher said.

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

– Bella Leslie

ous goal is to shut down the other team’s leading scorers. I think we held all three of their leading scorers to under their season average. It was a gutty conference win. It was a back-and-forth game, and I was proud of the kids in terms of getting the stops when they needed to get stops. We trailed by three going into the fourth quarter. We didn’t win the game from the free-throw line. Maura had four big points in the fourth, Mary Kate had three big points and Ali hit that big shot. It worked out. It was a good, fun game. St. Francis is one of those games where both teams get up for each other.”

“ We played very good defense. Our defense from start to finish was very good. I was proud of the kids. It was a very good team effort and an absolutely nice conference win.”

“This was another very solid conference win against in one of those rivalry teams,” Fisher continued. “I was proud of the kids in terms of our defense. Our obvi -

York athletics announces fall college signings

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.

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

in Rolla, Missouri.

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

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

The Knights closed out the week with a 36-32 non-conference win over town neighbor Timothy Christian. The two teams were tied 6-6 after the first quarter. Timothy led 18-12 at halftime and 26-19 heading into the fourth quarter. ICCP (6-3 overall) outscored Timothy 17-6 in the fourth quarter.

Hilgart led the way with 14 points. Graziella Narcisi had nine points, while Grogan had six points. “It was defense in the fourth quarter,” Fisher said. “We played with a sense of urgency and tenacious defense that I don’t think we have seen this year.” ICCP sank of 11 of 14 free-throw attempts in the fourth, punctuated by Hilgart’s 7-for-8 effort form the line.

in the game and the defense won the game. In the post-game talk in the locker room, I told them there was no quit. I was proud of their effort.”

Jack Tosh Holiday Classic pairings revealed

Eight York High School student-athletes recently signed their national letters of intent to continue their academic and athletics careers at the next level.

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

Sophia Amendola signed with NCAA Division I Butler University in Indianapolis for women’s swimming. Amendola recently competed in the IHSA girls state swimming finals in Westmont.

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.”

Benjamin Dizillo and Austin Grzywa are two of six York athletes who signed national letters of intent to play baseball in college. Both are headed to NCAA Division III Concordia University Wisconsin located just outside Milwaukee in Mequon, Wisconsin.

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

Lizzie Isyanov, who recently finished second at the Class 2A state singles finals and helped York take fourth as a team, is headed to NCAA Division I University of Illinois to further her tennis career.

• Stopka (Continued from page 18)

Jack Tosh Holiday Classic pairings

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

Wheaton St. Francis (10 a.m.), Palatine against Downers Grove South (11:30 a.m.), Wheaton North against Metamora (1 p.m.), Hinsdale South against Bolingbrook (3 p.m.), Glenbard North against Glenbrook South (4:30 p.m.), Glenbard East against Chicago St. Patrick (6 p.m.) and Batavia against Lake Forest (7:30 p.m.).

“On offense, we shot extremely poor from the field,” Fisher noted. “We missed a lot of open shots and shots close in and got down by seven in the fourth quarter. And then it was like a switch flipped on. Our defense came up huge. I haven’t seen this all year. I haven’t seen that sense of urgency and tenacious defense like I saw in that game. Give kudos to the kids. They stepped up on defense, clawed back and got some big stops and hit some free throws and made key field goals. Our defense got us back

U12 baseball action

ICCP played a non-conference game earlier this week against Horizon Science Academy Southwest Chicago and then open play in the Lisle Christmas tournament against Addison Trail. “Our goal (for last week) was to go get two big conference games and the crosstown rivalry game,” Fisher said. “The goal was 3-0 and the kids had a great week. Those two games against St. Francis and Timothy we are going to look back at as great learning opportunities. We were put in two close games. St. Francis was back and forth, and we hit a big shot at the end. With Timothy, we learned a lot about who we are as a team. We as coaches learned a lot and the kids learned a lot. It will be a positive going forward.”

Pairings were recently revealed for the 32-team Jack Tosh Holiday Classic boys basketball tournament hosted by York High School and now in its 50 th 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.”

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.”

Josh Fleming will play baseball at NCAA Division II Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, while Ryan Lisowski is headed to NCAA Division III University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Jacob Perry will play baseball at NCAA Division III Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, while Luke Pieczynski will play baseball at NCAA Division II Missouri Science and Technology

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

Action starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26 with the final game tipping off at 8 p.m. Games run in both gyms at York.

Admission is $5 per day and allows a fan to watch games throughout the day. Games also will be broadcast live on a YouTube channel.

Host York rounds out the Day 1 action on Dec. 26 when it faces Minooka in the Campbell gym at 8 p.m. Timothy Christian opens the tournament at 8:30 a.m. in the south gym against Rolling Meadows.

Other south gym contests on Dec. 26 include Yorkville against

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

Other Campbell gym first-round contests on Dec. 26 include Highland Park against Conant (9 a.m.), Tinley Park Andrew against Oak Park Fenwick (10:30 a.m.), Riverside-Brookfield against Chicago Christ the King (noon), Nazareth Academy against Glenbard West (1:30 p.m.), Lake Zurich against Lemont (3:30 p.m.), Lyons Township against Burbank St. Laurence (5 p.m.) and Palos Heights Stagg against St. Ignatius from Chicago (6:30 p.m.).

Action runs each day through New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, Dec. 31). On New Year’s Eve championship day, the consolation final takes place at noon, followed by the third-place game at 1:30 p.m., and the Tosh title game at 3 p.m. All three championship games will be played in the Campbell gym.

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

proudly presents YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK OLIVIA SILKAITIS YORK GIRLS BASKETBALL

Silkaitis, a junior, is averaging 14 points and nine rebounds per game through the Dukes’ first nine games of the 2024-2025 season. Silkaitis earned all-tournament honors, helping York finish second at its own recent Thanksgiving tournament

– Todd Fisher, ICCP coach

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. Miller beer variety

4. Member of people inhabiting

Bering Sea islands

9. Stomach

14. Investment vehicle

15. Fictional soccer coach Ted

16. Irregular in botanical parlance

17. Cease standing

18. “American Horror Story” actress

20. Grow milk teeth

22. Plant parts

23. Snow house

24. Most contemptuous

28. Note to repay

29. Old English

30. Wings

31. Financial institutions

33. Parks and Lopez are two

37. Mr. T’s “The A-Team” character

38. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)

39. Give off

41. Semitic alphabet letter

42. Farm state

43. Actress Sarandon

44. Back parts

46. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire

49. Touchdown

50. One point north of due east

51. Refurbishes

55. Silver and Dogg are two

58. Former Tigers catcher Alex

59. Type of envelope

60. Seriously considered

64. Unhappy

65. Past (archaic)

66. Asian wild dog

67. Old English letter

68. Young domestic sheep

69. Football players need to gain them

70. Witness

CLUES DOWN

1. Dormant Peruvian volcano

2. Norwegian composer

3. Indicates location

4. Pubs

5. Unable to walk easily

6. Electronic warfare-support measures

7. World leader

8. Midsection

9. Jewish calendar month

10. Urological condition

11. A small quantity of anything

12. Mountain Time

13. Affirmative

19. Word element meaning ear

21. Carried away

24. Short-billed rails

25. Newborn child

26. Sword

27. Groups of people

31. Prickly, scrambling shrubs

32. Become less intense

34. Polishes

35. Indicates position

36. Songs sung to one’s beloved

40. The 12th letter of the Greek alphabet

41. Insects

45. Israeli politician

47. Pre-digital

48. Roaming

52. Ambience

53. Brew

54. Late

56. Make ecstatically happy

57. Semitic alphabet letter

59. Blend

60. Dash

61. Self

62. Exclamation of satisfaction

63. Hill or rocky peak

Appeals court keeps Illinois’ assault weapons ban in place

7th Circuit blocks, for now, lower court’s order that held the law unconstitutional

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois’ assault weapons ban will remain in place, at least until a federal appeals court hears full arguments challenging a lower court ruling that found the law unconstitutional.

In a brief, two-page order issued Thursday, Dec. 5, a three-judge panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago granted the state’s motion to delay the order, noting that just a year earlier the circuit refused to grant a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the same law.

The order noted that while refusing to issue a preliminary injunction is not the same as upholding the law entirely, “the laws have enough support to remain in place pending the final resolution of plaintiffs’ suit.”

Illinois lawmakers passed the weapons ban in January 2023 in response to numerous mass shootings around the country in which ARstyle rifles with large-capacity magazines were used. Among those was

a deadly shooting at an Independence Day parade the previous summer in Highland Park.

The law bans the sale, purchase and manufacture of a wide range of firearms that are defined as “assault weapons,” as well as large-capacity magazines and certain kinds of attachments, including those that increase the rate of fire from a standard semiautomatic weapon.

The new law was quickly challenged in multiple lawsuits in state and federal court. In August 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the law against claims that it violated provisions of the Illinois Constitution. But the broader claims that it violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution are still a matter of legal dispute.

The various federal cases were eventually consolidated into three lawsuits – two in the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago and one in the Southern District in East St. Louis.

As budget tightens, report finds Illinois better prepared for recession than in recent past

Economic resilience measures have improved since Great Recession and pandemic

By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

State lawmakers will face a projected budget deficit and slowing revenue when they return to Springfield in January, but a new report shows fiscal decisions made in recent years have put Illinois in a better position to handle a recession than any time in recent decades.

No state is immune from the negative effects of an economic downturn, but Illinois is more prepared today than it was for the Great Recession of 2007-2009 or the COVID-19 recession of 2020, according to a new report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Project for Middle Class Renewal.

The report analyzed nine indicators of progress, such as fund balances and past due bills, that would help the state weather a future economic downturn.

“Illinois is better positioned to overcome challenges and withstand the forces that trigger recessions than at any other point in recent history,”

ILEPI economist Frank Manzo told Capitol News Illinois.

The main reason Illinois is more prepared is because it eliminated its backlog of unpaid bills in the years since the state’s budget impasse ended in 2017. The backlog had reached nearly $17 billion at the height of the two-year impasse between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats in the General Assembly. But it now sits generally between a $2 billion to $3 billion range, putting it in line with a standard 30-day billing cycle.

Illinois has enjoyed nine credit

In April 2023, Judge Stephen McGlynn, of the Southern District, granted a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of the law while a trial of the case proceeded in his court, saying plaintiffs in that case were likely to prevail in the end. But two other judges in the Northern District denied identical motions, reaching an opposite conclusion about the prospects of the case.

Those three cases were then consolidated in the first appeal to the 7th Circuit, which ruled 2-1 in November 2023 that the preliminary injunctions should be denied. That decision was then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear the cases at this juncture, sending them back to the lower courts for full proceedings.

In September, McGlynn conducted a weeklong trial of the case in the Southern District, and on Nov.

8 handed down a decision declaring the law unconstitutional and enjoining the state from enforcing it. But he stayed the effective date of that order for 30 days, giving the state time to appeal.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office appealed almost immediately and requested a stay of McGlynn’s order. On Thursday, just a few days before McGlynn’s order would have gone into effect, the 7th Circuit granted a stay, keeping the law in effect.

Meanwhile, the two other cases are still pending before different judges of the Northern District but have not yet gone to trial.

In its order Thursday, the 7th Circuit panel took notice of those other cases, where different judges have declined to issue preliminary injunctions.

“The state laws cannot be valid in some parts of Illinois and invalid

elsewhere,” the panel noted.

“This does not necessarily imply that the three cases will again be consolidated on appeal; we are reluctant to delay disposition of this appeal indefinitely just because similar litigation is pending in other districts,” the order stated. “Still, the only way to preserve the status quo statewide is to enter a stay in this suit.”

The panel included Judges Frank Easterbrook, Michael Brennan, and Amy St. Eve.

The panel noted that just this year, other federal circuits have reached similar conclusions in at least two other instances.

Those included one in March when the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals refused to block enforcement of a Rhode Island assault weapons ban, and another in August when the 4th Circuit upheld a Maryland assault weapons ban.

upgrades collectively from the three major credit rating agencies since the impasse, as bills are now paid by the comptroller when they arrive each month.

“Those higher credit ratings allow the state to borrow money at lower interest rates, which save money for Illinois taxpayers. Lower General Fund deficits and better credit ratings put Illinois in a much better position to reduce the depth and severity of the next recession,” the report stated.

A healthier reserve fund also provides the state with more money to fund operations if revenue dips. The Budget Stabilization Fund, more commonly known as the “rainy day” fund, had a balance of $2.2 billion as of Dec. 2. That’s a major improvement from 2007 when the fund had just $276 million available, enough to fund the state for four days, according to the report. But researchers also said Illinois should follow a Fitch Ratings recommendation to set aside $3 billion to $5 billion in reserves.

Researchers also credited the state’s recent decisions to increase annual payments into state pension funds when surpluses allowed for it. In fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the state contributed $700 million more in total to its pension funds than was required by law, helping to slow the growth of unfunded liabilities.

The pension systems were collectively funded at 46 percent at the end of fiscal year 2024, according to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. That’s an improvement from 44.6 percent

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funded last year and the highest ratio since 2021 when the state enjoyed strong investment returns. However, unfunded pension liabilities grew by $1.5 billion in FY24 to $143.7 billion. The liability has continued to grow after briefly declining in 2021.

The pension payment required by law each year, meanwhile, will consume about 19 percent of the state’s general revenue spending in FY25.

“While the condition of the state-funded retirement systems poses challenges for the financial well-being of Illinois and hinders the State’s ability to invest in public services and infrastructure, marked improvements in funding, including supplementary contributions during the Pritzker Administration, indicate that Illinois is better prepared for a recession than it has been at any time since 2008,” the report said.

Still, a separate report from COGFA showed Illinois lags the nation in new job growth when compared to pre-pandemic job levels in fall 2019. The state has recovered all the jobs lost during the pandemic, but has only added about 29,000 jobs since October 2019, an increase of 0.5 percent compared to the national rate of 4.9 percent, according to COGFA Chief Economist Benjamin Varner.

The Champaign-Urbana and Bloomington metropolitan areas are the only ones in Illinois to surpass the national job growth rate since the pandemic, logging growth numbers of 8.4 percent and 7.3 percent respectively, according to COGFA. The Champaign area, with the University of Illinois’ main campus, benefited as a hub of government employment while Bloomington has seen new manufacturing growth.

The Chicago area saw 0.3 percent growth and made gains in the private education and health services sector, but lost hospitality jobs. The Kankakee metropolitan area saw the largest decline since 2019 with total employment down 5.2 percent.

Replenishing the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund after the pandemic, increasing investments in public education, passing an infrastructure bill, climate resilience projects and embracing a Medicaid expansion under the federal Affordable Care Act all help create jobs and financial security for residents, which creates more stability in the state’s economy, according to the report. Job creation establishes a “foundation for recovery,” Manzo said.

But the report also suggested state lawmakers should review Illinois’ tax structure. Researchers wrote the state’s flat income tax structure and local reliance on property taxes is more resilient than other tax systems to a recession, but the lack of robust sales taxes on services creates more vulnerability.

The report suggests a flat tax reduces volatility in a recession, UIUC professor Robert Bruno said, but he added the report does not conclude that it is the best overall structure for a state’s economy and budget.

“The more volatile the tax structure, the more, if you will, at risk the state is to negative impacts of a recession,” Bruno told Capitol News Illinois.

What matters most is how states spend tax revenue, such as if it’s spending on critical services and infrastructure or shoring up the “rainy day” fund and pensions, Manzo said.

Early fiscal year 2026 estimates from the governor’s office, meanwhile, project a potential budget shortfall of $3.2 billion if the state doesn’t decrease spending or raise revenue.

Researchers with ILEPI and UIUC also noted Illinois has a new tool to mitigate job losses when the next recession hits. Illinois implemented a work-share program that allows employers to temporarily reduce employees’ hours and receive partial unemployment benefits to help avoid layoffs. It was created in 2015, but the state didn’t implement it until 2021. NPR Illinois previously reported it could have saved up to 124,000 jobs and reduced unemployment costs by $1 billion during the 2020 recession.

Tax revenue for the state continues to lag this year, according to COGFA’s November report. Corporate income taxes have dropped by 15.3 percent in fiscal year 2025 through November compared to the first five months of fiscal year 2024. Personal income tax receipts have risen by 6.4 percent, but sales tax receipts have seen little growth and are down $8 million this year compared to FY24.

Analysts said they’re hopeful holiday shopping will boost sales tax receipts.

The state’s revenue total so far in FY25 also remains $291 million behind this point in FY24, mostly thanks to $633 million of one-time federal money the state received last year but is not receiving this year— an expected drop. State revenue is up $342 million excluding the loss of those federal funds.

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