Elmhurst Police Department officers honored for their life saving actions
Four members of the Elmhurst Police Department were recently honored with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) 2023 Life Saving Award for their actions during an incident that occurred last year.
Deputy Chief James Gandy, Detective Joan Velez, Officer James O’Connor and Officer Michael Hamblin received the award during the Elmhurst City Council meeting on Aug. 5.
Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean spoke during last week’s city council meeting and described the challenge that first responders faced in downtown Elmhurst on the morning of April 11, 2023. Former Elmhurst Chief of Police John Millner, who is now the ILACP director of public relations, also spoke during the meeting to provide details about last year’s incident.
At 10:25 that morning, officers responded to a report of a 15-yearold girl ready to jump from the top of the city’s seven-story parking deck on the 100 block of North Addison Avenue in downtown Elmhurst, about one-third of a mile from the police department.
McLean related that the first officers to respond to the report tried to talk with the distraught girl, who alternated between sitting on a railing and standing on the ledge.
McLean, who was at the scene, said he and his colleagues were steeling themselves to witness a tragedy.
“Instead, what we saw was something that truly was a miraculous saving of a life,” said McLean.
The chief of police noted that Velez, who is a member of the Elmhurst Police Crisis Negotiation Team, went to the top of the parking deck and built a rapport with the girl. Eventually, Velez got close
Four members of the Elmhurst Police Department received the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
during last week’s Elmhurst City Council meeting. Deputy Chief of Operations James Gandy, Detective Joan Velez, Officer James O’Connor and Officer Michael Hamblin received the award for their response to an incident in downtown Elmhurst in April 2023. In that incident, a teenage girl was ready to jump from the top of the city’s seven-story parking deck on Addison Avenue. After speaking with the girl, Velez approached her and took hold of her wrist. Gandy, O’Connor and Hamblin then grabbed the girl and pulled her to safety. Pictured left to right at the meeting are: Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin, ILACP director of public relations (and former Elmhurst Chief of Police) John Millner, Gandy, Velez, O’Connor, Hamblin, ILACP vice president (and Zion Chief of Police) Eric Barden and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean.
enough to the girl to take hold of her wrist.
“And that moment created an opportunity that allowed Deputy Chief Gandy and Officers O’Connor and Hamblin to move in quickly, grab her, and pull her over the railing and back to safety, ultimately saving her life,” stated McLean.
The teenager reportedly received follow-up medical attention and mental health support.
Eric Barden, who is Zion’s Chief of Police and vice president of ILACP, attended the Elmhurst City Council meeting on Aug. 5.
Barden said the association presents its Live Saving Award to identify good police work.
“There are so many good officers out there risking their lives and putting themselves on the line every day, every shift,” said Barden
Barden presented 2023 ILACP Life Saving Award certificates to Gandy, Velez, O’Connor and Hamblin.
during last week’s presentation. He also read the following quote from General Omar Bradley, who served as field commander of American soldiers during the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II.
“Bravery is the capacity to perform properly, even when scared half to death.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
(ILACP) 2023 Life Saving Award
Council Capsules
Here’s what’s going on at Elmhurst City Hall
By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
The following actions took place at the Elmhurst City Council meeting held on Monday, Aug. 5.
Three aldermen – Michael Bram (3rd Ward), Karen Sienko (2nd) and Rex Irby (7th) -- have requested that the City’s historical preservation
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ordinance be reviewed, along with the historical preservation commission and its role within the current process. These aldermen issued the request in a memo, noting that “recent conversations and community interest have highlighted the necessity to reassess the existing ordinance. Residents have voiced their concerns over the loss of what many believe are Elmhurst’s historically significant properties, which has resulted in teardowns and new construction homes in their place.”
An amended conditional use request was approved to increase the size of an existing pylon sign on the property at 880 No. York St. The size of the overall sign structure will remain the same and only the interior sign cabinet will be enlarged. The proposal meets the requirements for a pylon sign in the C3 district, however, approval of a conditional use permit is required for any changes.
A recommendation of the Finance, Council Affairs and Administrative Services (FCAAS) Committee was
approved to allow the City’s migration to Tyler Technology’s Saas ERP platform, transitioning away from its Azure based solution. The move will put the City on a platform to grow and to better serve its residents and businesses.
A recommendation of the Public Affairs and Safety Committee (PAS) was approved, selecting Andy Frain Services for the provision of crossing guard services through the school years of 2024-25, 2025-26 and 202627 at rates of $29l60, $30.49 and
$31.40 respectively. The requested contract is for a three-year term with two- and one-year renewal options.
A request was approved to allow the Knights of Columbus to hold its annual classic car show on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, Sept. 15. The City Council will meet again on Monday, Aug. 19. The full meeting is available for viewing on ElmhurstTV on YouTube. Meeting agendas and minutes can be found on the City’s web site.
DuPage County Health Department encourages parents to schedule back-to-school vaccinations
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to ensure your child is up to date with their routine vaccinations.
The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) urges parents to prioritize vaccinations on their back-to-school checklist. Illinois immunization requirements for children and adolescents enrolling in childcare or school align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.
For more information, see the IDPH 20242025 School Immunization Requirements.
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children catch up on routine childhood vaccinations to stay on track for childcare, school, and beyond.
“Vaccinations are critical for protecting students from contagious and preventable diseases. Now, with a few weeks left before school starts, it’s time for kids to get the recommended shots.” said Adam Forker, executive director, DuPage County Health Department.
Immunizations are among the most effective, safe, and cost-efficient public health tools available for preventing disease and premature death.
By ensuring children receive on-time vaccinations, we can prevent diseases such as measles, whooping cough (pertussis), chickenpox, mumps, influenza, and COVID-19.
DCHD reminds parents to schedule and discuss routine vaccinations with their
children’s primary care provider. Additionally, childhood immunizations are available at DCHD through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for all children who are uninsured, have insurance that does not cover immunizations, or are Medicaid-eligible. The VFC program helps eligible children get their vaccines at no cost according to the recommended immunization schedule, which has significantly increased childhood immunization coverage levels and helped eliminate disparities in vaccination coverage among young children.
Additional VFC providers can be found through the VFC Provider Search. For more information about the VFC program, call DCHD at (630) 682-7400.
Go native at fall tree and shrub sale
Shop a wide selection of native trees and shrubs at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s annual fall native tree and shrub sale
The online-only sale will feature 44 different species of native trees and shrubs, including three species new to the sale. All were grown locally from seed within 100 miles of DuPage County.
Orders can be picked up Friday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and
Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. James Farm in Warrenville. Gardeners must order trees and shrubs in advance; there is no shopping during the pickup times. Orders will be filled on a first-come, firstserved basis while supplies last and are subject to nursery availability.
Fall is the best time of year to plant native trees and shrubs because it gives them an extra growing season before the stress of summer. There’s no need to worry about young native
trees surviving winter, either, because they go dormant, which is the plant equivalent of hibernation.
There are many benefits to planting native trees and shrubs. For example, they’re better equipped than nonnative species to handle Illinois weather and don’t require fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or watering once established.
They also provide greater soil stability and food and habitat for native wildlife, including pollinators. Na-
tive oaks are especially beneficial additions to the landscape because they’re a keystone species, meaning many other plants and animals rely on them for food and shelter.
The sale will feature seven species of oaks, including bur, chinquapin, northern pin, red, shingle, swamp white, and white.
All proceeds from the sale will go to support educational programming at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
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Glowiak Hilton law prohibits pharmacies from refusing paper prescriptions
In order to make medication more accessible to Illinoisans, state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton’s new law prohibits pharmacists from refusing to fill a written prescription.
“Pharmacies must accept doctors’ prescriptions for approved medication regardless of how the prescription is sent to them,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Every Illinoisan deserves the right to their medication when they need it.”
In response to the opioid epidemic, Illinois passed a law in 2021 requiring prescriptions of controlled substance to be sent electronically. However, some pharmacists have been refusing to fill non-electronic prescriptions despite exceptions under the law. Glowiak Hilton’s new measure will clarify this process
by prohibiting pharmacists from refusing to fill paper or non-electronic prescriptions. “Denying someone of their medication could have serious medical consequences,” said Glowiak Hilton. “These are unnecessary barriers that must be addressed in our pharmacies to prevent potential harm.”
House Bill 4874 was recently signed into law and takes effect immediately.
Pritzker signs measures reining in biometric data privacy law, eliminating grocery tax
Measures are among more than 50 bills signed since Aug. 2
By Hannah Meisel and Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Illinois’ first-in-the-nation law that allows residents to sue companies over the improper collection of their biometric information will be slightly less punitive after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a new law.
Lawmakers this spring amended the Biometric Information Privacy Act in response to an Illinois Supreme Court ruling last year that suggested lawmakers clarify the law. That ruling found fast food chain White Castle violated BIPA each time employees scanned their fingerprints in the course of performing their jobs, as the company never obtained employees’ permission to collect their fingerprints.
But under Senate Bill 2979, employees or customers whose fingerprints, retinal scans, voice samples or other unique biometric information were collected by businesses without their permission can only claim one violation of BIPA instead of hundreds. In jobs with fingerprint-enabled time clocks and cash registers or other secure areas that require biometric data scans to access, employees might end up scanning their thumbs or eyes dozens of times per day.
Using the old method of accrual, White Castle’s attorneys estimated the company would be on the hook for up to $17 billion in penalties, as the law provides for $1,000 in damages for each “negligent” violation or $5,000 for each “reckless” or “intentional” violation.
Though the eye-popping number made headlines, White Castle earlier this year settled the case for $9.4 million.
Business groups, however, argue that settlement and others like it represent the obvious outcome of the law unique to Illinois, which they argue has incentivized the creation of a cottage industry for ambitious attorneys.
Though technology took years to catch up with the law’s aims, thousands of lawsuits have been filed— especially since they began to take off around 2018—including a few that have resulted in high-profile settlements, such as a $650 million class-action payout from Facebook in 2020.
While some business groups were supportive of the reforms, others claimed they did not go far enough.
Chicago-based attorney Danielle Kays of Fisher & Phillips LLP, who represents companies facing BIPA challenges, told Capitol News Il-
linois that the amendment “can be seen as a step in the right direction” but said it’s up to the courts to interpret the update to the law.
“This isn’t the full reform that most businesses probably want—or that is warranted, given that still no plaintiff has actually been harmed by BIPA violations,” she said.
Because there have been no data breaches that have led to anyone’s fingerprints or other biometric information being stolen, Kays and others say lawmakers should further amend BIPA to allow businesses to cure violations before facing a lawsuit. A business is in violation of BIPA if it doesn’t have a storage policy in place, doesn’t properly protect the data, or if it does not get consent from customers or employees for the data being collected.
The amendment also made it easier for companies to get consent from customers or employees.
While the old law required “informed written consent” for the collection of fingerprints and other biometric data, businesses can now obtain that consent via an electronic signature, which the bill defines as an “electronic sound, symbol, or process.”
Kays also noted that there was an uptick in BIPA cases filed between May, when lawmakers passed the amendment, and the end of July.
“We track the cases on a daily basis and BIPA filings have been fairly consistent but there, of course, have been ebbs and flows,” she said. “One could conclude that the plaintiffs were trying to file the lawsuits before the BIPA amendment went into effect.
Grocery tax to be eliminated
As part of state budget negotiations this year, lawmakers approved Pritzker’s plan to eliminate the statewide 1 percent grocery tax beginning in 2026. He signed that provision into law on Aug. 5.
The revenue from the state grocery tax goes to municipal governments, rather than state coffers. To make up for those lost revenues, the law allows counties and municipalities to levy their own 1 percent grocery taxes by passing an ordinance, rather than needing a referendum.
It also gives non-home rule municipalities the authority to impose sales taxes by up to 1 percent without a referendum.
Inspecting state developmental facilities
The Illinois Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General will be allowed to conduct unannounced site visits at state-run facilities serving individuals with developmental or mental disabilities.
Senate Bill 857, signed Aug. 2, gives the OIG authority to conduct site visits to all community agencies in the state, including Community Integrated Living Arrangements and Community Mental Health Centers.
The OIG is also required to issue written reports and recommendations after reviewing a facility. The OIG will also have more authority to investigate allegations of material obstruction of an investigation under the law that took effect upon its signature on Aug. 2.
Coverage of infertility, wigs
Senate Bill 773 requires state-regulated group health insurance policies that cover pregnancy to group health insurance to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility starting in 2026, including such options as in vitro fertilization. The measure also requires those plans to cover annual menopause health visits for those age 45 and older.
Senate Bill 2573 requires insurance plans to cover wigs for individuals who are losing their hair for medical reasons, such as alopecia or from undergoing chemotherapy.
Mindful classrooms
Senate Bill 2872 allows educators to provide students with at least 20 minutes of relaxation activities, like yoga and meditation, each week. It would also allow them to partner with an outside institution to provide the activities.
During House debate this spring, supporters of the bill said practicing soothing techniques, like breathing exercises and stretching, helps students manage their mental health. But those opposed expressed con-
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Community calendar
Pick of the week:
Saturday, Aug. 17
Senior Conversation with Mayor Scott Levin
Attention seniors! At 10 a.m., there will be a Senior Community Conversation held at City Hall, hosted by Mayor Scott Levin. Includes valuable information about Elmhurst ALERTS, transportation updates, and essential safety tips from the Elmhurst Fire and Police Department. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot by calling 309-703-7748.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Members of the Elmhurst Choral Union and singing friends will learn well-known choral works in an afternoon rehearsal with a performance immediately following. It will take place at St. Peter’s UCC, 125 W. Church Street. Singers must register at elmhurstchoralunion.org. The fee for singer participation and music is $35. Check-in and music pick-up begins at 1 p.m. Rehearsal begins at 1:30 p.m. The performance, open to the public, begins at 4:30 p.m. with a reception immediately following. Free admission, but a free-will offering will be collected. Info: elmhurstchoralunion.org.
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Auditions will be held for the Elmhurst Choral Union. Feel the excitement of singing in a high-quality performance with an orchestra. Share the thrill of ensemble singing and inspire others through moving music. The Elmhurst Choral Union is open to singers with previous choral experience and/or the ability to read music. All voice parts are welcome. Rehearsals begin Tuesday,
Sept. 3. To schedule an audition, visit elmhurstchoralunion.org/auditions.
Sunday, Sept. 1
From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network (EWAN) will hold its annual “Cue for the Cause” fundraiser.
Saturday, Sept. 14
From 2-6 p.m., the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation (EHF) will host the 9th Annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum. Proceeds support the Museum as well as the Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse. Info: elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com
Elmhurst History Museum
Final days! Now through Sunday, Aug. 18, the History Museum presents Victory at Home: 1941-1945 Admission to the Museum is always free, although some events carry a fee. Info: elmhursthistory.org.
Elmhurst Art Museum
Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am
“The Crucial Hours”
Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am
Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Saturday, August 24 Game Night at 4 pm
Everyone is Welcome!
Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022
All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022
Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover”
779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 630-834 -6700 www.visitationparish.org
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Adoration:
Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7
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 trespass
July 26
Sava Cejic, 55, of Johnson City, New York, was arrested on the above date and charged with criminal trespass to property for an alleged incident that occurred at a business in the 600 block of N. Larch July 23. Police said Cejic was previously served a no trespass notice from the business and was recently observed on video surveillance violating the notice.
Aug. 2
A complainant in the 100 block of E. Brush Hill reported an employee slashed the front passenger side tire of a hospital public safety vehicle.
Aug. 1
Police said a victim employs the suspect’s ex-girlfriend. The suspect has called the victim several times and driven through the victim’s parking lot in an attempt to learn the whereabouts of his ex-girlfriend. The victim is concerned for her safety. A reporting officer served the suspect with a no trespass notice for the entire property.
DUI
Aug. 7
Baldomero Davalos-Cruz, 55, of Hillside, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and leaving the scene of an accident in the 900 block of S. York at 7:45 p.m.
Aug. 5
Gloria Raquel Ortiz Reyes, 31, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, failure to dim headlights and disobeying a traffic control device subsequent to a traffic stop near Butterfield and Spring at 5:31 a.m.
Aug. 3
Scott Shotton, 52, of Bloomingdale, was charged with DUI, driving the wrong way and illegal transportation of open alcohol subsequent to a traffic stop near York and I-290 at 11:17 p.m.
Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and Roosevelt at 10:42 p.m., the driver of a vehicle stopped and reversed into the reporting officer’s squad car. The suspect was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol while transporting a child. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the police station.
Aug. 2
Jose De Labra, 54, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, driving the wrong way on divided highway and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and Marshall at 12:04 a.m.
Andrew Jasinski, 58, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance near Lake and Route 83 at 8:45 p.m.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of identity theft or fraud.
Possession of cannabis in a vehicle
According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Chanz Aldridge, 24, of Glendale Heights, near Roosevelt and York at 10:41 p.m. Aug. 2.
Possession of a controlled substance
Aug. 5
Police said an officer responded for a subject in the 100 block of Fellows Court, lying in the stairway knocking on his neighbor’s door, claiming to have been shot. The subject was located and had no injuries. The subject admitted to using a controlled substance and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Prostitution
Aug. 6
Police said that subsequent to information that was obtained of prostitution activity occurring at a hotel in the 500 block of W. Grand, Johanna Mafel Arias Lora, 30, of The Bronx, New York, agreed to a sexual act in exchange for currency. Arias Lora was charged with prostitution and released.
Road rage
Aug. 1
Police said that subsequent to a road rage incident near York and Robert T. Palmer at 6:22 p.m., a complainant reported a handgun was displayed. The reporting officer contacted the suspect who stated the complainant approached his vehicle aggressively. The suspect pulled out his firearm but did not point the weapon. The suspect has a valid FOID and conceal carry license.
Suspicious incident
Aug. 5
A complainant in the 800 block of N. Adele told police that an unknown suspect described as a black male rang her doorbell and tried the handle to her front door before leaving.
A complainant in the 400 block of W. Third told police that an unknown person is seen on his Ring camera in the early morning hours talking to someone about the complainant’s residence.
Police said officers responded to Babcock and Frontage at 10:49 p.m. for the report of three subjects wearing ski masks and no shirts walking on the side of the road. Upon an officer’s arrival, the subjects were observed on Route 83 and Frontage with shirts tied around their heads. The subjects fled westbound, further into Addison. The Addison Police Department was notified of the incident.
Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery
Aug. 7
Police said that subsequent to a retail theft that just occurred at a pharmacy in the 100 block of W. North, the reporting officers located the suspects’ vehicle and the suspects were subsequently placed under arrest. Carla Alagna, 34, of Franklin Park, was charged with burglary, retail theft, and obstructing identification. According to police, Erast Key, 52, of Maywood, was found to be in possession of cocaine and brass knuckles. Key was charged with unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful use of weapon. Police said Romane Williams, 40, of Maywood, had a no bond warrant out of Cook County. He also was charged with driving while license suspended and was transported to DuPage County Jail on the warrant. All of the subjects were transported to the DuPage County Jail.
Aug. 6
Robert Reavley, 39, and Shereena S. Picard, 37, both of Chicago, were both charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of retail theft at a store in the 200 block of S. Route 83 on July 7. Police said the suspects took several bottles of liquor and a slice of pizza and exited the store without paying. After an investigation, Reavley was charged on Aug. 1. Picard was charged on Aug. 6. Reavley and Picard were both transported to the DuPage County Jail.
Police said a complainant in the 600 block of N. York related that an unknown female suspect walked out of the store carrying two bags full of unpaid merchandise.
Aug. 5
Annisa Sanchez, 32, of Hillside, was arrested on the above date and charged with retail theft for an alleged incident that occurred Sept. 26, 2023, at a store in the 900 block of S. York.
Sanchez allegedly took a bottle of liquor from the store and left without paying.
Aug. 4
Kiana Boyd, 29, of Maywood, was charged with obstructing identification, driving while license revoked, failure to signal and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Roosevelt and I-290 at 10:04 p.m.
A victim in the 100 block of W. Park reported at 9:20 p.m. that she discovered her purse had been removed from her unsecured vehicle and placed into a garbage can. Upon further inspection, she discovered cash had been taken from her purse.
July 28-Aug. 3
Police said a victim in the 200 block of E. Lake reported cash was taken from her purse. According to police, the victim related she was transported from Elmhurst Hospital to an extended care facility and had the purse in her possession the entire time.
Aug. 2
Police said a victim in the 600 block of N. Larch related a suspect picked up her Super Ego truck to make a delivery after leaving it at the location. Several of her personal belongings that were in the truck are missing. The suspect denied having the items.
Warrant arrest
Aug. 7
Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near St. Charles and I-290 at 3:50 p.m., Christopher M. Epstein, 36, of Wheaton, was found to have an active warrant out of Will County. Epstein also was charged with driving while license suspended, no insurance and no front registration, and was transported to DuPage County Jail for the warrant.
Aug. 5
Police said Gino Martin Alomri, 31, of Addison, was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Cook County in the 900 block of S. York at 9:11 p.m. He was transported to the DuPage County Jail for the warrant.
Judge orders detention of three Chicago juveniles charged with attempted carjacking/ possession of a stolen motor vehicle
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert
Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries have announced that three male Cook County juveniles, two 14-year-olds and one 15-year-old, accused of attempt vehicular hijacking (Class 2 felony) will be detained until at least their next court appearance.
All three juveniles also face misdemeanor charges of criminal damage to property and obstructing a police officer.
Additionally, two of the juveniles, one of the 14-year-olds and the 15-year-old, are charged with one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony). The juveniles each appeared at a detention hearing where Judge Demetrius Panoushis ordered they be detained. A fourth juvenile allegedly involved in the incident has been identified but is not yet in custody.
It is alleged that on Aug. 3 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Downers Grove authorities received a call from a female motorist alleging that four individuals, later identified as the juveniles, attempted to carjack her vehicle.
Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that prior to the 911 call, the juveniles went to a Downers Grove parking deck, broke the rear window of a 2018 Hyundai Elantra and attempted to start the vehicle. After they were
unable to start the vehicle, it is alleged that the juveniles then blocked the road in downtown Downers Grove and when the driver came to a stop, they surrounded her car and pulled on the door handles.
It is further alleged that the juveniles slapped the car window and kicked the door, called the woman a “b----” and yelled at the woman to get out of the car. It is alleged that when the woman called 911, they fled on foot, at which time the woman drove away.
A short time later, officers located the juveniles near Maple Avenue and Main Street. It is alleged that upon seeing the officers, the juveniles ran, and officers were only able to detain one of the juveniles. Through further investigation, officers were able to identify the other three juveniles allegedly involved.
It is alleged that later that morning, at approximately 4 a.m., the three juveniles went back to the Downers Grove parking deck and stole a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was recovered by the Chicago Police Department on Aug. 6 in the 6200 block of Eberhart Avenue. Three of the four juvenile suspects have been taken into custody.
“At just 14 and 15 years old, the juveniles
Man sentenced to 31 years for armed home invasion in Darien
DuPage County State’s Attorney
Joseph Covington
Robert Berlin has announced that Judge Joseph Bugos has sentenced Joseph Covington, 28, formerly of Chicago, to 31 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following his guilty plea to one count of home invasion (Class X felony) on April 3.
On Dec. 21, 2022, Covington appeared in bond court, where Judge Brian Telander ordered he be held without bond. He has remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time.
On the morning of Nov. 26, 2019, officers from the Darien Police Department responded to a residence on Belair Drive for a report of a home invasion. Upon their arrival, officers met with the victim, a female who was home alone from college that morning.
Following an investigation, authorities learned that at approximately 9 a.m., after hearing a knock at the front door, the victim looked out her bedroom window into the backyard and noticed an individual wearing an orange utility vest and black ski mask.
As the victim turned around in her bedroom, she was confronted by another individual wearing dark clothing and a black ski mask, pointing a black and silver handgun at her. The masked individual forced the victim downstairs at gunpoint, and she was confronted by three additional male subjects wearing masks.
The masked individuals, one of which was later identified as
(Continued from page 6)
charged in this case now find themselves facing multiple serious felony charges,” Berlin said. “In DuPage County we have zero tolerance for such violent behavior, and anyone accused of such, regardless of their age, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I commend the Downers Grove Police Department for their outstanding work in identifying the suspects in this case and I thank the Chicago Police Department for their assistance in taking the suspects into custody.”
“I would like to thank our Investigations Division for their diligence in identifying and apprehending the juveniles involved in this case,” DeVries said. “I’d also like to thank the Chicago Police Department and DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their assistance in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”
The next court appearance for two of the juveniles is scheduled for Aug. 15, while the next court date for the remaining juvenile was scheduled for Aug. 14. The juveniles’ cases will be heard in front of Judge Panoushis.
Covington, demanded to know where money was located inside the home. Authorities also learned through their investigation that after repeated phone calls by the victim’s mother to the victim went unanswered, the masked individuals instructed the victim to answer her mother’s call and tell her everything was alright.
After that conversation, the victim’s mother contacted a neighbor who went to the residence, and after the victim opened the door at the instruction of the intruders, the neighbor was able to pull the victim out of the residence and call 911.
Officers along with a K-9 unit arrived at the scene and were able to track the intruder’s path through backyards they took when fleeing the residence. Officers located a .40 caliber black and silver handgun loaded with thirteen rounds along a fence line in a neighbor’s yard as well as various clothing items of evidentiary value along the way.
A short time later, officers responded to a nearby Taco Bell parking lot for an individual who matched the description of the offenders, later identified as Covington. He was taken into custody at this time.
“I cannot begin to imagine the unspeakable terror the victim, who was home alone from college at the time, must have felt when she saw a masked man in her backyard and then was confronted by another armed, masked man in her bedroom,” Berlin said. “Our homes are
“
Our homes are our sanctuaries, and we all deserve to feel safe and secure at home. Mr. Covington not only stole the comfort and protection a home provides from his victim and her family, but also left an entire community on edge, concerned about their own wellbeing.
– Robert Berlin
our sanctuaries, and we all deserve to feel safe and secure at home. Mr. Covington not only stole the comfort and protection a home provides from his victim and her family, but also left an entire community on edge, concerned about their own wellbeing.
“The sentence imposed against Mr. Covington sends the message that in DuPage County, we will not tolerate this type of violent, criminal behavior. I thank the Darien Police Department for their prompt response to the initial 911 call and for the quick apprehension of the defendant in this case.”
Willowbrook Wildlife Center renamed DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center
Newly rebranded center to open later this year
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is excited to announce that its nationally renowned wildlife treatment and education center in Glen Ellyn—formerly known as Willowbrook Wildlife Center—will reopen as the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center at Willowbrook Forest Preserve this fall.
The new moniker highlights the center’s renewed emphasis on conservation and encompasses the wide range of other wildlife-related activities conducted there, including rehabilitation, propagation of endangered and threatened species, and public education about peaceful coexistence with our animal neighbors. The new name also firmly establishes the center in DuPage County, which is important as its national reputation continues to grow.
Currently undergoing extensive improvements as part of the Forest Preserve District’s 2019 master plan, the center will feature a new 27,000-square-foot wildlife rehabilitation clinic and visitor center, the district’s first net-zero designed building. This facility will generate more energy from renewable resources than it consumes, setting a new sustainability standard in the region.
Key features of the new DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center include new outdoor and indoor animal rehabilitation areas, interactive educational exhibits on the wildlife rehabilitation process, an outdoor classroom, an interpretive trail with wildlife observation areas, and outdoor activity spaces that demonstrate how to attract and live harmoniously with native wildlife.
Existing staff offices will later be converted to lab space for expanded propagation of endangered and threatened species at the center.
The animal admittance area remains open throughout construction, ensuring continued care for injured and orphaned wildlife during the renovation period. The visitor center is slated to reopen to the public in late 2024.
This is not the first name change for the center. It was originally named Willow Brook in 1956 as a nod to Glencrest Creek that flows through the preserve and later renamed Willowbrook Wildlife Center in 1993.
Viewpoint
Slices of life
The meaning of life
Our search for meaning is nearly as old as time.
I’ve been round and round and round again (and again) with widowhood. To say I overthink it is the understatement of understatements.
It seems like something this big and this life-changing should have meaning.
Big meaning.
I can’t imagine going through what this has put me through without it having meaning. Purpose. Immense purpose.
Without that it would be such a waste. That would be even more sad than losing my person.
And that feels devastating.
To be honest—and I can say this now that I am out of the dark, suffocating cloud that encompasses the center of grief—now that I am nearly on the other side (and I’m not sure there really is another side) I’m surprised I survived.
I’m glad I did. I think I’m glad. I wouldn’t have wanted to give up or to die, but at times it felt like death, or maybe something close to death or maybe something much worse than death.
Because based on what I believe now, death is pretty awesome. It is a gateway to the spectacular. And we all will love it when we get there.
But that isn’t supposed to be now. At least not for the most of us.
So we grapple with life—the struggles of it all and the meaning therein.
Because we all struggle. We all deal with our own struggles.
And each one of them seems so personal at the time. Because it is, but then again, is isn’t. None of them are.
Because as personal as my struggle has been, there a lot of widows and widowers who are traveling through the turmoil that is grief.
Many people struggle with mental health issues. Likewise (sadly) for people with cancer and other diseases. There are lots who are physically or cognitively disabled. There is abuse and neglect, poverty, homelessness and hunger. Many struggle with pain we all can see and even more with pain we can’t.
There are so many ways to challenge the joy-filled happiness we all
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
believe is supposed to comprise life.
We struggle collectively and we struggle individually while we search for a purpose to it all.
What does all this mean—for me, for the people I love, for the world at large? And why?
Why the need for the pain? The suffering. The despair. The confusion. The loss. Being lost.
What is the purpose of it all? Shouldn’t there be a purpose? A meaning?
Perhaps pain is a teaching moment. Perhaps it is an integral part of the purpose.
Boy, wouldn’t that suck? But it does make sense.
Maybe, pain is growth. Maybe it can lead to clarity.
Clarity regarding the small stuff; none of it matters. Clarity regarding the big stuff; none of it matters.
Our suffering is real. My suffering has been real. I will never deny that.
Oftentimes, suffering, in its specificity, feels personal. It feels like we are the only one, when that just isn’t true.
We all struggle. We all suffer. We are all outcasts—in some form - at one time or another.
And it is what we do with that and because of that—for ourselves and for others—inward and outward, that propels us forward or backward or somewhere in-between.
It is what helps us define the meaning. It helps us find the meaning. Perhaps it is the meaning. The purpose—to move beyond and through the suffering to understand none of us is in this alone. We are all here together.
Perhaps that itself is the answer to my original question.
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.
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Conversation on
the
importance of civic engagement with Gen Z voters
By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
I joined The Hill’s Mychael Schnell, former Illinois Congressman Peter Roskam, and A Starting Point co-founders Chris Evans and Mark Kassen recently in Chicago for a bipartisan discussion on the importance of participating in our democracy and in broader civic engagement.
It was a pleasure to meet with so many students from the BridgeUSA organization, many of whom will be voting in their first presidential election in November.
Every vote matters, and it is our duty as Americans to participate in our democracy and make our voices heard and represented.
Examining the CCP’s Great Firewall and its techno-authoritarian state
The Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) recently held a hearing on the danger posed by the CCP’s efforts to censor and monitor all information coming into and out of the country.
The internet is designed to connect people from around the world, promoting the exchange of ideas and information freely. But for those living within the People’s Republic of China, this right is being denied by the CCP, which is using the internet to divide and suppress its people by cutting off their connection to the
outside world and only promoting content and ideas that the CCP wants its citizens to see.
The CCP has also stifled conversations about human rights and democracy within the PRC, painting the U.S. and our allies as aggressors and spreading anti-democratic propaganda to keep its citizens in line with the authoritarian regime. This, coupled with the CCP’s estimated 500 million surveillance cameras in use throughout the country, has allowed the regime to maintain a stranglehold on its population.
As Ranking Member of the Committee, what is equally concerning is the spread of this type of techno-authoritarian state to other nations around the world. Xi Jinping has said that the countries that control the internet will win the world, and many other leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, have taken steps to restrict online freedoms in a similar manner.
The U.S. cannot allow this model to continue to spread, and we must continue to work with our partners and allies to counter the efforts of the CCP to export its Great Firewall idea to other nations.
Working to protect the United States Postal Service
I joined with Robert Weissman, co-president of public interest at Public Citizen, in authoring a letter in the Washington Post on the current state of the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Under Postmaster General DeJoy’s struggling strategic plan, customers of the Postal Service have seen relentless rate hikes. July 14 marked the fifth increase in three years, affecting broad categories of popular mail products, including first-class mail, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and more. Package prices have also been raised significantly, and the price of the first-class “forever” stamp is now 73 cents. These recent price increases total more than 184 percent of inflation, leaving small businesses and customers racing to keep up with higher prices, even in the face of declining service standards and slower delivery times. The Postal Regulatory Commission, charged with oversight of the USPS, noted in its recent comments on the rate hikes that “the Commission is concerned, given the current state of affairs, that the Postal Service’s proposal does not reflect reasoned consideration of the potential widespread effects of its proposal, is not prudent, and is not consistent with the best interest of all stakeholders.”
Our country needs a reliable, affordable postal system for everyone. Contrary to the title of Louis DeJoy’s strategy for the USPS, his current leadership is not “delivering for America.”
Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes part of Addison, Wood Dale and Bensenville.
to Right: Scott, Jack-John, Evie, Gia, Anthony, Al, and Sophia look
to making your
sweeter with our desserts and indulgent coffee.
Spice up your dining routine with the newest addition to Elmhurst’s culinary scene: Órale Güey! This lively restaurant offers an authentic taste of Mexico right in the center of our community. From traditional dishes like tacos and burritos to creative twists on classic favorites, our menu is sure to tantalize your taste buds. With a colorful and vibrant atmosphere, our restaurant is perfect for date nights, group gatherings, or a quick bite after work. Be sure to enjoy our daily specials and happy hour deals! We also serve brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Come to Órale Güey today and experience the flavor and fiesta of Mexico right here in Elmhurst.
Our friendly staff (from L to R): Hector, Victoria, Annette, Kazteny and Evelyn look forward to meeting you!
From Left to Right: Kevin Dickson (president), Brian Rainville (comfort advisor), Eric Weech (vice-president), Sue Brosan (office staff), Gloriana Salinas (office staff), E.J. Rasine (office manager), and Patrick Brown (office staff).
These Fine Elmhurst Merchants have enjoyed serving
They look forward to meeting each of you.
Growing Together, Investing in Our Community. Stop by and Meet Your Elmhurst Bank Team! With two convenient locations, ready to help you with all your banking and financial needs.
Pictured Here From L to R: Jessica Bustamante and Oscar Garcia.
Elmhurst Management Team From L to R: Emmylou Feliciano, Andrea Pokrefke, Alex Bokich, Jonathan Czopek, John Czyzycki, and Sean Daly (front).
Pictured Here From L to R: Nicole Reeves, Mohamed Elshabassy, Pete Kamp, Sharon Russell, Front Row: Eveleen Comas and Adriana Martinez. Not pictured: Donna Golden, Mia Faliszek, and Selia Fry.
Illinois further expands reproductive health care protections
Pritzker signs bills safeguarding various reproductive rights for residents, visitors of Illinois
By Dilpreet Raju CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Gov. JB Pritzker signed multiple bills expanding reproductive rights in Illinois last week, including codifying a federal law that allows medical professionals to perform an abortion in response to a clinical emergency.
Another bill bolsters Illinois’ interstate shield law that prohibits Illinois authorities from disclosing information, or using resources, to abet any interstate investigation into someone receiving abortion services within Illinois. The final bill signed prohibits discrimination against people for their reproductive health decisions, including abortion, in vitro fertilization and fertility treatment.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade, states have had greater authority to curtail abortion access. States with Democratic majorities, like Illinois, have sought to
enact more protections for abortion and other reproductive health services, while Republican-led states have moved to impose bans or limitations on the procedure.
One federal law Illinois lawmakers sought to codify in case it is struck down is the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or EMTALA, which allows practitioners to perform abortions in medical emergencies. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case against EMTALA in June, although it could come back before the high court once it advances further in the lower courts.
Pritzker at the time called the high court’s decision a “small respite,” but he said it was also important to be proactive as a state in case of any further U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
“We can’t wait around and be reactive when the latest attacks come, the pro-choice majority in this country
need to be proactive,” Pritzker said. “The three bills that I am signing today send a single, straightforward message: Illinois will always be a place where women have the freedom to make their own medical decisions.”
Chief sponsor of the EMTALA-codification bill, Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, said the realities of medical emergencies are distant from the clashes of partisan politics.
“We recognize that a medical emergency like this knows no politics,” Avelar said. “A person in crisis deserves care, not controversy.”
The bill also allows the Department of Public Health to investigate potential violations where medical practitioners fail to provide “stabilizing treatment” and issue fines at a minimum of $50,000.
Dr. Allison Cowett, medical director at Family Planning Associates
Medical Group in Chicago, said her clinic is seeing more than double the number of out-of-state patients as compared to 2022.
“I will take care of patients from as close by as our West Loop neighborhood and as far away as Texas, border towns and the southern part of Florida,” she said.
Cowett maligned the situation for people experiencing unsafe or unwanted pregnancies in states where abortion is illegal.
“Some patients share their stories with me, they share their rage about what forced them to come to Illinois for basic medical care,” she said. “They were turned away because providers are afraid of criminalization and prosecution for even discussing abortion with a patient. This is not what health care is supposed to be.”
Attorney General Kwame Raoul said Illinois’ protections will help
people in nearby states that have enacted abortion restrictions.
“We have Indiana with a near abortion ban, near-total abortion ban, Missouri banning abortions without exception for rape and incest, Kentucky the same, and Iowa’s recently enacted six-week ban,” Raoul said. “That is horrific, but it lifts us up as a safe haven.”
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said the laws passed are about expanding the state’s ability to take in more people seeking reproductive health care.
“Today is both beautiful and dumbfounding. As Gov. Pritzker protects doctors and empowers Illinois families, the governor of Iowa just signed a fetal heartbeat bill that will push Iowans into our home for health,” Stratton said, also adding, “We have to stretch our capacity to provide care, not just for the women of Illinois, but for all women in the Midwest and beyond.”
South suburban airport could bring over $1 billion in economic activity, per report
By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
A new airport in Chicago’s far south suburbs could bring thousands of jobs and a $1 billion economic impact, according to a new report, but state and local officials expressed concerns about the future of the long-delayed project.
A study from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a think tank with ties to organized labor, found that building a cargo-focused airport in the south suburbs would create around 6,300 total jobs.
The plan for an airport in the south suburbs has been proposed and discussed in various forms for decades, with the earliest proposals coming in the 1960s. The state has commissioned several studies on the plan’s viability since the early 1990s. While previous proposals included passenger travel, the current plan is for a cargo-only airport between Beecher and Peotone. The state currently owns 89 percent of the land needed to build such an airport. In 2019 lawmakers allocated $162 million in capital funding to build a new interchange on In-
terstate 57 to, at least in part, allow more traffic to reach the area where the airport could be built.
Construction is set to begin in the current fiscal year, which the report suggests will bring in an additional 1,500 jobs and boost economic activity by $314 million.
The airport would also generate approximately $24 million each year in economic activity and $2 million each year in state and local tax revenues, according to the report.
“Once it is built, the south suburban airport would have these long-lasting positive effects well after the construction phase,” ILEPI economist Frank Manzo said in an interview.
ILEPI Transportation Director Mary Tyler, a co-author of the report alongside Manzo, noted that the south suburban region has become a freight hub boosted by the rise in e-commerce over recent years.
“You’ve got I-57. You’ve got, in Joliet, the inland port, the navigable waterways,” she said. “It’s obvious because you can see Will County has already grown so much in terms of distribution centers and all the other freight growth that the industry has already viewed that as a key area.”
Tyler noted that freight traffic at O’Hare Airport in Chicago and in Rockford almost doubled between 2010 and 2022. Air freight traffic in Rockford alone grew by 273 percent over the same time, partially due to e-commerce giant Amazon building a facility there in 2016.
“The Chicago area is primed for air cargo,” Tyler said.
The Illinois General Assembly has recently taken several steps to advance progress on the long-delayed south suburban airport.
In 2023, state legislators passed a law requiring the Illinois Department of Transportation to develop a process for requesting contractors and
other developers to submit plans.
A spokesperson for IDOT said the department is working on a “request for qualifications,” an early step in the bidding process for large projects like this, but the department has not released it.
Earlier this year, lawmakers revisited the subject and passed a bill that allows IDOT to accept unsolicited bids for the project. That legislation awaits the governor’s signature before it can go into effect.
Rep. Will Davis, D-Homewood, who sponsored both bills, said in an interview he is frustrated with the project’s slow progress. He said that political leadership in the state has “failed to bring us all together” to push the development forward.
“When we talk about growth and development in the state of Illinois, it doesn’t get much better than an airport,” Davis said.
Davis pointed to the Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, as an example of the kind of development that he’d like to see in the south suburbs. That airport, which opened in the late 1980s, serves as a regional hub for FedEx and Amazon Air.
“Why would we not want a thriving development like that in Illinois?” he said.
Davis said that, in his district, which includes Harvey and Oak Forest, there is “excitement” about the project.
But some in Will County, where the project is slated to be built, remain opposed.
Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, voted against both recent bills dealing with the airport and remains opposed to a cargo airport in the area.
In an interview, she said the boom in warehouses and freight traffic in recent years has contributed to increased flooding and higher maintenance costs for local roads.
(Continued from page 4)
cern with potential programming interfering with classroom learning time and religious freedoms.
Food grants
A pilot program that has given nearly $2 million to local farms will become permanent after Pritzker’s signature Aug. 2 on Senate Bill 3077. It creates a special fund for the Department of Agriculture to administer the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program. Grants would go to select small farms for things like food processing and cold stor-
age. Grant amounts could range from $1,000 to $75,000 for individual projects and up to $250,000 for a collaborative project.
Garbage truck coverings
Garbage trucks that lose trash because they are not properly covered will be subject to fines starting next year. House Bill 4848 creates a specific violation for law enforcement to cite when garbage or other debris falls from a truck and litters highways. Each infraction will result in a $150 ticket.
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. Mongolian city __ Bator
5. Coconut palms
10. Rounded knob
14. Japanese city
15. Type of sandwiches
16. A type of shape
17. Son of Shem
18. French modernist painter
19. Grandmother
20. Mammary gland of female cattle
22. Hill or rocky peak
23. Secret political clique
24. Songs to one’s beloved
27. “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen
30. Father
31. Chinese philosophical principle
32. Restrict the number or amount of
35. Combined into a single entity
37. Brother or sister
38. Evil spirit
39. Materials in the earth’s crust
40. Partner to cheese
41. Of the sun
42. Baseball great Ty
43. After B
44. Place to relax on the beach
45. Folk singer DiFranco
46. Partly digested food
47. Small dog breed
48. Japanese honorific
49. Salts
52. Beard moss genus
55. Mountain pass
56. Type of sword
60. Albanian language
61. Metric weight unit
63. Italian Seaport
64. Longtime late night host
65. Extremely angry
66. Wading bird
67. Days in mid-month
68. Omitted from printed matter
69. Upper body part
Two-toed sloth
Cooking ingredient
Iranian city
Accuses
Corrie
Delivered a speech
Collection of sacred books
8. Theatrical
Very fast airplane
Arm bones
Ancient kingdom near Dead
__ fide: legit
Gemstone
Counsels
Corporate bigwig
Cool!
Touch lightly
Small Milky Way constellation
Satirical website
Border lines
Soft drinks
Capital of Guam
Six-membered ring (chemistry)
36. Bar bill
37. Car mechanics group
38. Notable Bill Murray character
40. Health care for the aged 41. Gurus
43. A passage with access only at one end
44. Reduce
46. Spy organization
47. The upper surface of the mouth
49. Plants of the lily family
50. Type of reef
51. Oral polio vaccine developer
52. Mottled citrus fruit
53. Lose
54. Former Brazilian NBAer
57. Baseball great Ruth
58. __ Clapton, musician
59. Chance
61. Spanish soldier
62. CNN’s founder
Elmhurst Public Library programs
Friday, Aug. 16
2-4 p.m.
Friday Features:
“The Bucket List”
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday.
No registration required.
Saturday, Aug. 17
10 a.m.-noon
Canasta: Open Play
Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Sunday, Aug. 18
1:30-3 p.m.
Plant Swap
Plant lovers of all ages are invited to meet at the library to trade pestfree plants, including houseplants, potted plants, cuttings, succulents, and more.
No registration required.
Monday, Aug. 19
10 a.m.-noon
Scrabble
Play a friendly game of Scrabble. All skill levels welcome. No registration required.
Monday, Aug. 19
7-8:30 p.m.
Ciao Italia
Improve your Italian language skills while exploring a different aspect of Italian culture each month. All skill levels welcome.
Live in-person and virtually on Zoom. Registration required.
Tuesday, Aug. 20
2-3 p.m.
Coloring for Mindfulness
Choose from beautiful designs and become absorbed in the joy of coloring.
No registration required.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
American mahjong: open play
Gather every Wednesday for American mahjong, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance.
Live in-person. No registration required.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
6-7:30 p.m.
Excel Advanced
Learn advanced features of Excel, including PMT, XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and more.
Live in-person. Registration with an Elmhurst Public Library card required.
Friday, Aug. 23 - 2-4 p.m.
Friday Features: “Vertigo”
Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday.
No registration required.
Answers
Receive a free eSubscription of your hometown newspaper For a free eSubscription with a weekly link emailed to any Elmhurst resident or business, sign up at: rockvalleyenews.com Your FREE eSubscription can be read on a computer, laptop, or tablet.
LEGAL NOTICE
and proceed with the work. Upon failure to do so, the bidder shall forfeit the amount deposited as liquidated damages and no mistakes or errors on the part of the bidder shall excuse the bidder or entitle the bidder to a return of the aforementioned amount.
Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Library Trustees of the Elmhurst Public Library for a Carpet Replacement Project at the Elmhurst Public Library located at 125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126. Sealed bids are due at or before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Elmhurst Public Library located at 125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126 and will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time. Bids received after that time will not be considered. All bids shall be submitted on the required bid form before the specified closing time in an opaque sealed envelope marked “Elmhurst Public Library, Carpet Replacement Project” on the outside.
Bid Documents will be available on August 19, 2024. Electronic copies of the Bidding Documents can be obtained from Tiffany Nash with Product Architecture + Design at tnash@product-architects.com. Questions about the Bid Documents should be submitted, in writing, to Tiffany Nash with Product Architecture + Design at tnash@product-architects.com.
Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or a cashier’s check in the amount of 10% of the total bid, made payable to Elmhurst Public Library, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will promptly execute a satisfactory contract, will furnish a satisfactory performance bond and payment bond
No bid will be considered unless the bidder shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the Board of Library Trustees that the bidder has the necessary facilities, abilities, experience, equipment, financial and physical resources available to fulfill the conditions of the Contract and execute the work, should the Contract be awarded such bidder.
Not less than the prevailing wage shall be paid for labor on the work to be done as required by law.
The successful bidder will be required to comply with the provisions of all State of Illinois and federal laws concerning public works projects as well as the State of Illinois Human Rights Act and the regulations of the Illinois Human Rights Commission. The Board of Library Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any technicalities and irregularities in the bidding and to hold the bid proposals for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of opening set forth above.
Sport S
No slowing down for York football 2024 schedule
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The York football team once again has a competitive road ahead of it with the release of its 2024 regular-season schedule. The Dukes, who once again qualified for the Class 8A state semifinals last season and finished 11-2, open the season under new head coach Don Gelsomino Friday, Aug. 30 at home at Clarence D. East Field against Glenbrook South (7:30 p.m. start).
Glenbrook South, out of the Central Suburban League South Division, is one of six 2023 playoff teams on the York schedule. Glenbrook North qualified for the playoffs with a 4-5 record last season. York won last year’s meeting 35-17 in Glenview.
York then heads to Plainfield North in Week two for a Friday, Sept. 6 non-conference game (7 p.m. start). North also qualified for the playoffs
with a 4-5 mark. The two teams share a common opponent in Class 8A state champion Loyola Academy. Loyola beat Plainfield 45-9 in the first round, while York lost 23-14 to Loyola in the state semifinals.
York’s lone West Suburban Conference crossover game takes place at home Friday, Sept. 13 against Downers Grove South (7:30 p.m. start).
The Mustangs went 6-4 last season and made the playoffs. This game will be a battle between defending conference champions. York shared the Silver title with Glenbard West, while Downers South ran the table in the Gold Division at 6-0.
York then opens WSC Silver play Friday, Sept. 20 on the road against Oak Park-River Forest (7:30 p.m. start). York hosts Hinsdale Central in Week 5 for a Friday, Sept. 27 tilt (7:30 p.m.). The Huskies went 1-8 last season, while the Red Devils
were 3-6.
York takes on Downers Grove North on Friday, Oct. 4 (7:30 p.m. start) before heading to Glen Ellyn to face Glenbard West for a Saturday, Oct. 12 matinee (1:30 p.m. start)— two key contests on the schedule. Downers Grove North made the Class 7A state semifinals and finished 11-3, while West shared the Silver title with York, handing the Dukes their only regular-season defeat, a 28-7 in Week 7 in Elmhurst. West advanced to the second round of the Class 8A playoffs.
The Dukes wrap up the conference and regular-season schedules with games against Lyons Township and Proviso West. York hosts LT on Friday, Oct. 18 (7:30 p.m.) and heads to Hillside for a Week 9 game against Proviso West.
LT went 7-4 and made the playoffs last year, while Proviso West failed to win a game.
Senior-laden team evokes optimism for IC Catholic Prep boys basketball
Knights log positive summer season; Look forward to second year in Chicago Catholic League
By Mike Miazga
CORRESPONDENT
Veteran IC Catholic Prep boys basketball coach TJ Tyrrell has what a lot of his colleagues wish for every year. A senior-laden squad with returning experience. The Knights, fresh off their first season in the roughand-tumble Chicago Catholic League (where it went 5-3 in White Division action), do, indeed, return myriad seniors that saw key time during last year’s 19-win effort. “We have a good group of returning seniors,” he said. That senior group is led by returning all-Chicago Catholic League White Division honorable-mention selection Andrew Hill, along with the likes of Matthew Sloan, Jordan Hall, Danny Fromelt, Joe McDonough and Johnny Orvino, as well as Luke Wojcik. “We have some good experience coming back,” Tyrrell said. “Andrew Hill was honorable-mention allCatholic League and is getting a great deal on interest from various (NCAA) Division III colleges. He had an excellent summer and showed some great things offensively. We expect a very big year from him. Danny Fromelt started last year, and Jordan Hall started a handful of games at the point guard with Danny on the wing. We’ll count on their experience and build forward.”
Tyrrell’s enthusiasm for this group continued to show when talking about the likes of Sloan, McDonough, Orvino and Wojcik. “Matthew Sloan is a sharp-shooter and a big-game player who stepped up in big moments with confidence last year,” he said. “Johnny started a couple games and did a great job of putting in the effort to get stronger and faster. He’ll have an increased role. Joe McDonough didn’t get a lot of minutes last year but gained great perspective. He’s been a leader in
games and practice this summer. Another key returner who played a big role last year was Luke Wojcik, who is very fundamental and a tough and physical post presence. He has a very good head on his shoulders, and we expect an excellent season from him. It’s a big senior group that has experience in the program. Many of them have been here for four years and that varsity experience helps us in terms of what we are doing.”
ICCP, Tyrrell noted, played 30-plus games during the summer, including the Hoop Mountain shootout at Batavia and NCAA live-period events at Romeoville and Ridgewood. The Knights also played in weeknight shootouts at Fenton and Addison Trail.
An overnight team camp at NCAA Division II University of Indianapolis also provided beneficial, the coach explained. “We spent a weekend there. It was great team building and it was great for team chemistry,” Tyrrell said. “We played a ton of games this summer. It was up and down in terms of game performance, but we accomplished a lot. We brought up some young guys and mixed them in. We played a lot of guys and got them experience and used to playing with each other.”
Tyrrell said the team is excited about the 20242025 season, as well as its second year in the Chicago Catholic League. “Year two in the Catholic League — we’re gearing up for that,” he said. “Our main message over the summer to these guys was optimism. The end of last season was very tough (loss to Timothy Christian in a Class 2A regional championship game). The guys didn’t finish the way they wanted to. That has fueled them in workouts, the offseason and this summer. You can tell they are very hungry. We have a lot of optimism leading into this year. It’s a good group of guys.”
River Forest-Elmhurst baseball team competes at Junior League World Series
Squad faces teams from Michigan and Pennsylvania in United States bracket in Michigan
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The River Forest-Elmhurst baseball team enjoyed the thrill of a lifetime playing in the recent Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan. River Forest-Elmhurst opened play in the tournament under the Central region moniker, with a 13-0 loss at Heritage Park to the Michigan District 5 champion from Taylor (Michigan) North Little League.
Taylor North Little League jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first inning and then scored five runs in the second inning and six more in the third inning. River Forest-Elmhurst had four hits in the contest.
Kedon Robinson (incoming York freshman), Logan Dunlop (River Forest), Dominic Ramos (incoming eighth grader at Churchville Middle School) and Marcelo Garcia (incoming freshman at York) each had one hit. Dunlop and Bryce Draeger (River Forest) were each hit by a pitch.
Kayden Crump (incoming freshman at York), Fran Madden (River Forest) and Garcia pitched in the game for River Forest-Elmhurst. Crump threw 5 2/3 innings in the team’s semifinal victory in the Central region semifinals.
River Forest-Elmhurst then dropped an 8-4 game to DuBois Little League out of DuBois, Pennsylvania (the East region champion) and was eliminated from the tourna-
ment. DuBois Little League led 2-1 after the second inning and 4-1 after three innings. Central scored a run in the fourth to cut the lead to 5-2, but DuBois scored three more runs in the sixth inning.
River Forest-Elmhurst had nine hits in the game. Carson Krischke (River Forest) had three hits and scored a run. Madden had two hits and scored two runs, while Dunlop, Garcia, Draeger (1 RBI) and Sam Falbo (River Forest) each had one hit. Robinson scored the team’s other run and drew two walks. Two of Krischke’s three hits were doubles, while Madden and Dunlop each had a double. Madden stole two bases, while Krischke, Dunlop and Garcia each had one stolen base. Draeger and Crump were each hit by a pitch. Krischke, Draeger and Sebastian Sichlau (River Forest) pitched against DuBois.
Taylor North ended up winning the United States championship bracket with a 9-7 win over Keystone Little League from Tampa, Florida (the Southeast region champion). Michigan lost to Shing-Ming Junior Little League from Taoyuan City, Chinese Taipei 5-0 in the Junior League World Series title game this past Sunday.
River Forest-Elmhurst reached the Junior League World Series after
Proposed Aqua rate increase reignites tensions between the company and its customers
Aqua Illinois proposal to increase rates under review by Illinois regulators
By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
As state regulators consider whether to approve a proposed rate increase for the state’s second largest private water utility, its customers are criticizing it for poor service and high prices.
Aqua Illinois, which serves parts of 14 counties mostly in northern Illinois, requested an increase to its rates in January. Under the proposal, customers would see about a $30 increase in monthly bills, according to Citizens Utility Board, a consumer watchdog group involved in the case.
This comes at the same time as the state’s largest utility, Illinois American Water, is requesting a similar rate increase of its own—and facing its own criticisms.
The Illinois Commerce Commis-
• Baseball
sion is expected to rule on both cases by the end of the year. Regulators at the ICC can accept, reject or modify the proposals based on evidence presented to them from the companies, ICC staff, advocacy groups and municipalities.
Representatives of Aqua Illinois say the rate increase is necessary to maintain the infrastructure of its water systems, such as pump stations and water treatment plants, as well as to keep up with the cost of inflation. According to Aqua Illinois President David Carter, the cost of chemicals needed for making water safe to drink has more than doubled since the utility’s last rate case over six years ago.
But many Aqua Illinois customers say the company has already failed to adequately maintain its systems and
(Continued from page 15)
defeating Michigan Southern Little League (Grand Rapids, Michigan area) 4-1 to win the Central Junior League title in Midland, Michigan. River Forest-Elmhurst also defeated Foster Park Little League from Indiana 4-0, Whitefish Bay (Wisconsin) Little League 3-2 and that same Michigan Southern squad 8-2 in the semifinals. Ramos pitched 6 2/3 innings in the Central region title game to earn the win.
Other River Forest-Elmhurst squad members include Camilo Colombari (incoming freshman at IC Catholic Prep) and Chase Trachtman (incoming sophomore at York).
ney-Forest View Little league, Plainfield, Rochelle, Archer Manor Little League and Plainfield again. River Forest-Elmhurst won those five games by a combined score of 64-19. The team won a district title by beating Melrose Park Little League twice by a combined 33-8 score at Fenwick High School in Oak Park.
shouldn’t be granted the increase.
Last year, Aqua Illinois entered into a consent order meant to resolve years of legal battles with the state’s attorney general stemming from dangerously high levels of lead in the water system for University Park, a far south suburb of Chicago. The heavy metal can lead to brain and kidney damage and is particularly dangerous for young children.
University Park’s mayor, members of its board of trustees and residents registered their dissatisfaction with the utility at an ICC hearing Aug. 1 in Bourbonnais. Black residents make up the majority of the working-class village of about 7,200.
“This is environmental racism and injustice,” University Park Village Manager Elizabeth Scott said during a public comment. “And ICC, I want you to know we have to have you do something. These people are monsters.”
Others, like former village trustee Sonia Jenkins, criticized the rate increase request itself, particularly after many have spent several years buying bottled water to avoid relying on the tap.
“We have major concern with Aqua water company,” Jenkins said.
U12 baseball action
River Forest-Elmhurst won the Illinois Junior League state title in Elgin, beating the likes of Stick-
Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball game.
The River Forest-Elmhurst head coach is Zack Smith, with Edwin Ramos and Cameron Chi the assistant coaches. Elmhurst Youth Baseball and Softball is run by Bobby Smith, while the River Forest baseball league president is Greg White. Two years ago, River Forest-Elmhurst came within a win of qualifying for the Williamsport Little League World Series.
Hunter Stepanich recently was named to the Volleyball Magazine (www.VolleyballMag.com) boys high school All-American second team for his efforts this past season. Stephanich helped lead the York boys volleyball team to a second-place state finish. Volleyball Magazine is in its fourth decade of covering all aspects of the sport, including boys and girls high school volleyball.
“There is no trust. Our seniors cannot afford an increase like this.”
In the five years since the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency found lead in University Park’s water, Aqua has spent about $18 million on remediation, according to Carter, none of which is being recovered from ratepayers. The lead contamination came from erosion of older pipes.
“We feel really confident that the erosion control treatment we have in place is working well,” he said in an interview last week, also noting that testing has found lead levels to be acceptable for three years.
Residents of the village can also request lead level testing from the company at no cost.
“We are committed to wanting to begin to build the trust,” Carter said Aug. 1.
But University Park residents are not alone in their discontent over Aqua’s water quality. At a separate hearing Monday in the far northwest Chicago suburb of Crystal Lake, attendees complained of service interruptions and of discolored water.
“It’s just unfair,” said Frank Pontrelli of Lakemoor. “We’re just getting browbeat here. Money’s getting
taken and the water is still orange.”
Stephanie Tesmer, a customer and longtime critic of Aqua Illinois, said in an interview that she and others in her McHenry County community are “angry” and “frustrated” with the company.
“No one uses water from the tap,” she said.
Water in Tesmer’s unincorporated neighborhood of Eastwood Manor is often discolored due to high levels of iron. In the company’s 2023 water quality report for that system, it found the iron concentration to be 2.3 parts per million. While it doesn’t apply to this specific water system, the general threshold for iron set by the Illinois EPA’s threshold of 1.0 parts per million for drinking water. This leaves people like Tesmer relying on personally owned filtration systems to remove iron in their water, which can be costly.
Carter said despite the discoloration, the water meets state and federal safety regulations. Still, the company is expected to have a system-wide iron filtration system in place in Eastwood Manor by early next year. The company acquired
See RATE, Page 17
Mudcats win a title
After
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
left
right)
(front row, kneeling) Bryan Lyford, Mike Sabatini, Eddy Garry and Jeff Bogasz; (back row, standing) Tom Cahill, Cos Garcia, Vince Scanio, Fred Dickson, Chris Casey and Colin Hobin.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation opens Community Grant
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is now accepting applications for its annual Community Grants Program. Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation partners with a diverse range of organizations to provide essential dental services, education and preventive care for children in Illinois.
Grant recipients will receive a one-year grant of up to $20,000. To be considered, organizations must provide programs and services benefiting Illinois children, have a physical presence in Illinois and meet one of the following criteria:
Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Be a public or governmental entity such as a public school or health department.
Interested organizations can access the application form and detailed guidelines by visiting deltadentalil.com/community-grants. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 2.
Recipients will be announced in
• Rate
(Continued from page 16)
Eastwood Manor’s water system, which had been plagued by water quality issues for decades, in 2016.
But Tesmer remains skeptical the utility will keep to its timeline.
“I won’t believe anything until I see a proposal at the county level that they’re ready to do the work,” Tesmer said.
Service interruptions and high costs were also common concerns among residents of Lake County who registered public comment.
Last year, Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer experienced a multi-day service interruption, leaving hundreds of households without water. Parts of Lake County, including Hawthorn Woods, earlier this month were put under a boil advisory after a water main break.
“In 31 years of living in Buffalo Grove, I only had one boil order,” Susan Bauer, who moved to Hawthorn Woods four years ago, said during a public comment. “Furthermore, my bills were nothing compared to what I’m paying now. My friends who still live in Buffalo Grove, they pay half of what I pay.”
These situations have, according to Aqua, been resolved and all of its water systems are testing below regulatory limits for other hazardous materials.
But every water utility—public and private—is facing aging infrastructure that will need to be replaced or upgraded in the coming years. The federal EPA in a 2023 report found that Illinois needs more than $22 billion in infrastructure spending over the next two decades, an increase of about 6 percent since its last assessment of infrastructure needs that was released in 2018.
While some infrastructure improvements can be handled with government funding, for Aqua and other private companies, much of it will have to come from customers.
“We are on kind of a collision course, truly, with rates and infrastructure,” Carter said.
November.
Last year, 18 local nonprofit and community organizations received grants totaling nearly $250,000. Since the grant program began in 2014, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation has awarded 226 grants, to -
taling more than $2 million.
The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation was formed in March 2008 by Delta Dental of Illinois, a not-for-profit dental service corporation with a mission to improve the oral health of the communities it serves. Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois and works to support and improve the oral health of people in Illinois. In the past decade, combined efforts of Delta Dental of Illinois and
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation have provided more than $30 million to programs and organizations in Illinois that improve the oral health of the residents of Illinois. For additional information, visit deltadentalil.com/ddilfoundation.
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7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.
Automobiles
IBLE with white top, black interior, 4 speed, garage kept. $40,000 OBO. 708-533-7035
Campers and RVs
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
1994 WINNEBAGO WARRIOR 22’ V8 454 engine, 97,200 miles. Newer tires, new battery, new sub floor and flooring. Rooftop A/C works great. Rust free, runs good and ready for travel! Asking $10,500. Located near Rockford. Call 815-520-0997.
Motorcycles
FOR SALE: 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU, full dress bagger, 96 cu.in., 6 speed, excellent condition, 13,000 miles on the clock. All stock with bag liners, tour pack rack & Garmin GPS. Includes motorcycle lift for winter storage. Buy it now in time for Sturgis. $8,500 OBO. 630-6241323; leave a voicemail.
Never Known to Fail
Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the Son of God.
Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother.
Help Wanted
Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to answer me in this necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3xs). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who gave me divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory.
Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.
The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days, after 3 days the request will be granted.
This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. A.S.
