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Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest takes place Sept. 14

Featuring craft beer, cider, mead, and seltzers from nearly 50 brewers, the ninth annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest will make its return on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 2-6 p.m. on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 East Park Ave. The fest is hosted by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm for the Elmhurst History Museum, and proceeds benefit the educational programs and exhibits for the museum and the Churchville School House.

Beer novices and aficionados alike will be able to enjoy a variety of brews from renowned brewers, many of which are from Elmhurst, including Elmhurst Brewing, Phase Three Brewing and Bottle Theory, and others, such as Pipeworks Brewing Co., Goldfinger, Tighthead and One Lake Brewing. Brewer 93 Octane will bring its “93 Draft Truck” to share thirst quenching brews from a restored 1941 pickup truck.

There are 11 new breweries participating, each bringing two or three of their finest products to share with the thirsty crowd. Fest attendees will have a chance to relax while sampling their favorite beverage while Lake Effect and newcomer Live Stream will perform on the music stage throughout the afternoon. Golden Boy Barbeque, a new business in Elmhurst, is the event’s exclusive food vendor, and will provide Texas barbeque for fest attendees to purchase.

Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest tickets may be purchased at www.elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com. Discounted tickets are available through this Friday, Sept. 6, featuring $45 general admission tickets. VIP early entry tickets, which allow entry an hour earlier, at 1 p.m., cost $55.

After Sept. 6, general admission tickets will cost $55, while VIP early

tickets are available through this Friday, Sept. 6

entry tickets will cost $70.

Tickets include a 3-ounce commemorative tasting glass, 18 drink tickets, live music, and light snacks. Designated driver tickets are $20. The first 200 attendees to arrive will also receive a $5 City Centre gift card that may be used after the fest in Elmhurst City Center restaurants.

Since the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest began in 2015, over $300,000 has been raised as a result of the annual event. Those funds have been used to provide grants to the Elmhurst History Museum. Pints, owned by Kristi Blessing, 112 S. York Road, has supported the work of the Foundation for years and serves as the event sponsor for 2024.

Cathy Jordan, Chair of the Beer Fest Committee (for the ninth year), shared the secret to why Elmhurst’s fest continues to grow.

“We try to make sure all attendees have a good experience,” Jordan said.

“The attendees then share their good experiences with their friends, who attend with them the following year.

Over the years the fest has grown into an amazing community event, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to enjoy an afternoon supporting the beautiful Elmhurst History Museum.”

This year’s six top-level, Platinum Sponsors, include familiar names such as Lakeside Bank, Kelly Stetler—Compass Realty, Elmhurst Bank, McGrath Elmhurst Toyota and new sponsors, Affetto & Co, certified public accountants and First Trust Portfolios. Over 68 organizations sponsored at different levels last year.

“Next year we will be celebrating our 10th Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest and we will be planning lots of special surprises for the attendees,” added Jordan. “Stay tuned!”

For more information on the up-

The ninth annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 2-6 p.m. on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave. This year’s fest will feature craft beer, cider, mead and seltzers from almost 50 brewers. Discounted tickets ($45 for general admission and $55 for VIP early entry) are available through this Friday, Sept. 6. After Sept. 6, general admission tickets will cost $55, while VIP early entry tickets will cost $70. Tickets for the fest can be purchased online at www. elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.

coming Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest, visit elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com or follow the fest on social media at @ ElmhurstCraftBeerFest on Facebook, @elmhurstcraftbeerfest on Instagram, @BeerElmhurst on Twitter or on the Untappd app.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

California man charged after burglarizing UPS vehicle in Elmhurst

Suspect reportedly left the scene in a vehicle that contained five other occupants

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, at approximately 10:42 a.m. the Elmhurst Police Department responded to the At Home store located at 265 S. Route 83 for a 911 call reporting a man attempted to break in to the rear of a UPS vehicle parked in front of the store.

Upon arrival, officers spoke to a citizen who observed a masked man exit a Chrysler minivan that was parked in a disabled parking space and enter the passenger door of the UPS vehicle. The citizen approached and saw the suspect use two

large screwdrivers, attempting to break in to the locked rear package compartment of the vehicle. The suspect was not successful breaking the door and got back into the front passenger seat of the Chrysler. The suspect vehicle fled the scene through the parking lot.

The citizen related they recognized the suspicious activity and began recording the suspect with their cell phone.

Elmhurst Police detectives located the Chrysler driving in the area and worked with Villa Park, Oak Brook, and Hinsdale investigators to stop the suspect vehicle on I-88 near York Street. The burglary suspect was taken into custody and an additional five men were inside the Chrysler. The suspects

were transported to the Elmhurst Police Department for further investigation.

Investigators determined that the Chrysler used in this incident had a fraudulent license plate affixed to the rear of the vehicle. Also, two of the men in the Chrysler reportedly served as lookouts during the burglary.

One lookout was inside the At Home store watching the UPS driver as he made his delivery, while another lookout stood in the shopping center parking lot, likely in case of police response.

The Chrysler was a rental vehicle, driven by the suspects from California to the Chicago area. This vehicle is linked to several investigations of package thefts from UPS delivery vehicles that took place in the

suburbs during the previous two weeks.

Daniel Fernando Martinez, a 43-yearold man from Long Beach, California, was charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools. He was transported to the DuPage County Jail.

At First Appearance Court on Aug. 29, Martinez was issued pretrial release with a next court date of Sept. 23. Elmhurst investigators are coordinating with other suburban police departments, and additional charges are pending in this case.

The Elmhurst Police Department wishes to thank the alert citizen who recorded the offense. The department cautions that the public should maintain a safe distance and call 911 when observing criminal activity.

Giannoulias opens state flag redesign contest

Illinoisans can submit designs online or via mail until Oct. 18

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today that the Illinois Flag Commission will begin accepting public submissions for a new state flag design beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3. The commission will accept design ideas for consideration from the public – online or via mail – until Oct. 18. The commission also plans to work with schools and local libraries to inform Illinoisans about the process and encourage residents to take part.

The commission was created in 2023 after Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (48th District—Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District—Chicago) was signed into law.

“I’m excited to see the creativity of Illinois residents and how they display their passion for our great state,” said Giannoulias whose office is responsible for chairing the commission. “The symbols that represent and unify our state are important and this presents an excellent opportunity to engage Illinoisans and showcase their pride.”

“History is living, breathing and ev-

er-evolving,” said Turner. “We need to ensure government is evolving with the times so people are engaged and a part of what is going on across the state. To start the conversation, I led the initiative to create the Illinois Flag Commission, which is tasked with deciding whether the current state flag should be replaced with a redesigned state flag. We need a flag that truly represents Illinois—a state with a strong workforce, an agriculture champion and so much more.”

“Our flag embodies the rich tapestry of Illinois—from the mighty Mississippi to the shores of Lake Michigan. It reflects our history, our people, and the spirit of our state,” said Buckner. “A new design presents a unique opportunity to honor our heritage while showcasing the evolving story of Illinois.”

The commission will select 10 designs based on how they reflect the identity of Illinois and will host an online public survey for residents to vote on their favorites or to keep the current flag. Voting will begin Jan. 1 and last around two months.

Some general guidance for submissions includes:

• Design elements can include natural features of the state, history and culture of the state.

• No limit on flag shape or ratio but designs may be edited by the commission.

• No limit on colors but recommended less than three colors for clarity of design.

• Participants can visit www.ilsos. gov and upload online or submit their design via mail addressed to Illinois Flag Commission, Howlett Building, Room 476, 501 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62756.

• Participants are required to provide their first and last name, address, email address and phone number. They are also required to explain their relationship to Illinois and provide a description of their flag entry (each category limited to 500 characters).

• To upload an image, the file will need to be 5 MB or less and in PNG, GIF, or JPG format.

• There should be no watermarks or

frames around the image.

• By submitting a design to the Commission, the designer is authorizing the Commission and the State of Illinois to take ownership of the design.

• Persons under 18 may submit designs if submitted in coordination with a parent/ guardian, teacher or adult mentor.

• Designs cannot be copied from other designs or use existing logos or copyrighted materials; however, the design can include elements or reproductions of the State Seal or any prior Illinois State flag.

• Designs cannot be AI generated.

• Submissions are limited to three per person.

• Submissions from outside the United States, i.e. military bases, need to be made by regular mail.

After public feedback, the commission will report its findings to the Illinois General Assembly, whose members will vote on whether to adopt a new flag or retain the current flag design.

The bill allows for the commission

to evaluate if a new state flag would better represent the state’s diversity of urban, suburban and rural communities and inspire renewed state pride among Illinoisans.

The commission is chaired by David Joens, Director of the Illinois State Archives, on behalf of the Secretary of State. Its members also include:

• Three members appointed by the governor.

• Four members each appointed by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate Minority Leader and the House Minority Leader.

• A representative from the State Superintendent of Education and one from the Board of the Illinois State Museum will also be commission members.

Illinois has joined other states in seeking a new state flag design. Minnesota unveiled its new flag in December 2023, using a similar method to the one adopted by Illinois. Both Michigan and Maine are also considering an official change in their state flags.

Daniel Fernando Martinez

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Immaculate Conception Grade School celebrates 125 years of Catholic education

When the doors recently opened to Immaculate Conception Grade School for the start of the 2024-25 school year, it marked the start of 125 years of service to the community.

In the fall of 1900, Immaculate Conception Grade School began as a one-room schoolhouse on York Street, just south of Church Street. Two Sisters of St. Agnes, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and a postulant, staffed the school.

In addition to some teaching duties, the postulant (the young woman who had not yet professed vows) cleaned the schoolhouse, shoveled the snow, and kept the coal stove that heated the tiny school and convent (which was on the second floor) burning.

The teachers taught 40 students in the first year, predominantly speaking German.

This year, in its quasquicentennial year, Immaculate Conception enrolls 556 students with a staff of 58. The current Immaculate Conception Church and Grade School building at 132 Arthur Street was dedicated in 1929. In the past 125 years, thousands of students have graduated from Immaculate Conception Grade School (ICGS), and many families have seen several generations graduate from ICGS.

The teaching methods and techniques have adapted to the current times, with personalized learning and customized instructional paths for students.

Immaculate Conception teaches Spanish to all students and now employs two social workers to best serve the needs of its students.

“While the teaching methods, offerings and staff may have changed over the past 125 years, the educational ministry of Immaculate Conception has not changed,” said ICGS Principal Mrs. Sharon Meyer. “Immaculate Conception Grade School’s mission continues to be one that teaches students to live a life that is centered in Christ, embodies the values of prayer and service to community, while also striving for their greatest academic potential.”

Many traditions and events that were established in the early years of ICGS still continue today. These include weekly grade school masses, graduation ribbons for eighth-graders, a Living Nativity at the annual Christmas Pageant and reenacting Living Stations of the Cross during the Lenten Season.

Immaculate Conception Grade School’s 125th anniversary commenced on Sunday, Aug. 18, with a Mass in the Sacred Heart Chapel, an open house and a social on its campus for the grade school families.

Very Reverend Thomas Paul, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish as well as Associate Pastor, Reverend Jeremy Leganski, presided over the opening Mass. In attendance were over 1,000 members of the current grade school student body and their families, as well as many IC parishioners and guests.

The new 2024-25 school year marks the start of Immaculate Conception Grade School’s 125 years of service to the community. In the fall of 1900, the grade school began as a one-room schoolhouse on York Street, south of Church Street. The current Immaculate Conception Church and Grade School building at 132 Arthur Street was dedicated in 1929. Immaculate Conception Grade School’s 125th anniversary began with a Mass on Aug. 18. Very Reverend Thomas Paul, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, is pictured (above) during the Mass. Thanks to a generous donation, the façade of the IC Church and Grade School building (pictured below) now has new lighting.

“For 125 years, Immaculate Conception students have been ‘Growing in the Light of Christ,’” mentioned Rev. Paul. “Through a generous donation, the façade of the IC Church and Grade School building has new lighting. The beautiful architectural elements that are present are now clearly visible. The alumni and students of Immaculate Conception continue this day to illuminate the world with the presence of Christ. This newly lit building is a reminder to us all of how Catholic Education continues to impact the lives of many.”

The 125th Anniversary celebration will continue on Dec. 10, with a Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks, Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet. The community will gather that day in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Numerous other events will take place during the course of the year. The 125th Anniversary Jubilee will conclude with a Mass and reception at 4:30 p.m. on May 10, 2025. All members and friends of the Immaculate Conception community are welcomed to join in these festivities.

Graduates and alumni families of Immaculate Conception Grade

School are encouraged to contact the school’s Development Office at 630-530-3486 or at develop-

ment@icgradeschoolelmhurst.org to receive information regarding the 125th Anniversary plans and events.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

‘A Night for Nature’ to support habitat restoration

Help the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provide healthy habitats for native plants and animals and inspiring places for visitors by participating in “A Night for Nature” on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 5-8:30 p.m. at St. James Farm in Warrenville.

Hosted by the Forest Preserve District and its nonprofit partner the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the fundraiser’s goal is to raise $50,000 for habitat restoration and native wildlife in forest preserves where people connect to nature.

The evening includes fellowship; food and drinks; live music by Anderlik, Roach & Church; and wagon rides through the forest preserve. Tickets, which are $100 per person for the 21-and-older event, can be purchased at dupageforest.org/ friends.

“A Night for Nature” also features a silent auction where guests can bid on donated products and services from local businesses and new, unique forest preserve experiences, some for individuals and some for small groups, including the following:

• A rehabilitated native wild animal release with a wildlife interpreter from the new DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn.

• A tour of the Urban Stream Research Center at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville with a “Mussel Matters” watch party and popcorn.

• A woodland bird walk with a local birding expert at a DuPage forest preserve, accompanied by coffee and donuts.

• A native garden design experience with a native plant expert at The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, accompanied by a cocktail and appetizer.

• A two-hour ride-along experience with a Forest Preserve District ranger to discover some of our favorite spots in the forest preserves.

• A two-hour session with a Forest Preserve District ecologist to watch a working team from the Conservation Dogs Collective search for rare bumblebee nests at a forest preserve, including time to talk to the handler and meet her specially trained dog.

• An ice cream-making experience at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago.

• Golf packages at DuPage golf preserves including one hour of personal instruction by a Forest Preserve District PGA staff member and one 18-hole round of golf for four with carts at The Preserve at Oak Meadows; one 18-hole round of golf for four with carts at Maple Meadows; and one 9-hole round for four with carts at Green Meadows.

• A native pollinator kit containing 100 native plants to attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.

• A four-hour hiking and nature excursion with a picnic shelter or meet-

Elmhurst Quarry Tour takes place Sept. 28

Tickets are on sale, online only

ing space at Fullersburg Woods. Friends board chair and DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center volunteer Bob Watt said the nonprofit’s board and staff continue to work together to raise awareness in the community.

“The relationships we form with community partners and individual donors demonstrate the value of healthy natural areas to DuPage County’s residents,” he said. “We’re also working to ensure that tomorrow’s generation will be able to visit the forest preserves to experience the same plants and animals that bring us joy today.”

Forest Preserve District president Daniel Hebreard expressed his appreciation for the Friends’ ongoing fundraising efforts when he said, “We appreciate the Friends’ support of the Forest Preserve District’s work to restore habitats and protect wildlife in DuPage forest preserves.”

The Elmhurst History Museum and DuPage County Stormwater Management will co-present the Elmhurst Quarry Tour on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Tickets for the tour are on sale, online only. Visit elmhursthistory.org/event/quarry-tour/450/ for the link to register.

Tickets cost $15 per person, plus a service fee. Children age 10 and over are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets went on sale earlier this week, on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Stormwater Management Committee Chair Jim Zay noted that the tour has consistently sold out quickly in previous years.

The Elmhurst Quarry Tour offers a behind-thescenes tour of the historic Elmhurst Quarry Flood Control Facility, a site rarely open to the public.

Learn about the quarry’s history as one of Elmhurst’s early businesses, visit various areas including private quarry platforms, and see how DuPage County Stormwater Management currently operates the facility to reduce flooding.

The Elmhurst Quarry, which has a floodwater capacity of 2.7 billion gallons, is the largest of DuPage County’s 17 flood control facilities. The

DuPage County Stormwater Management team utilizes a predetermined operating plan to manage floodwater entering the quarry through a 400-foot tunnel beneath Illinois Route 83.

The water is held until levels recede, at which point it is pumped back into Salt Creek.

Tours depart from Elmhurst History Museum Education Center, located at 120 E. Park Ave., via bus every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and last approximately two hours.

After the tour, participants may take a selfguided tour of the “By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst” exhibit to learn more about the quarry’s history.

The tour is comprised of three stops that will involve guests climbing in and out of a school bus using the steps.

The tour offers unique views of the quarry, but it will not visit the bottom of the quarry.

The terrain at these stops is uneven and made of gravel. This tour will be challenging for guests with mobility issues.

For more information, visit elmhursthistory.org or contact the museum at 630-833-1487.

Two Chicago women on pre-trial release for stealing from Yorktown JCPenney charged with burglary/retail theft from Oak Brook Ulta

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis have announced that charges have been filed against two Chicago women for allegedly stealing more than $1,150 worth of merchandise from the Oak Brook Ulta Beauty store.

Reneashia McDowell, 31, and Shania Jacobs, 28, both appeared in court last week and were charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 felony) and two counts of retail theft (one Class 2 felony and one Class 3 felony). Both women are presently on pre-trial release for allegedly stealing $499.98 worth of merchandise from the Yorktown JCPenney department store in Lombard on Aug. 9.

At a hearing last week where both women were released on the new charges as required by law, the state filed a petition to revoke both McDowell’s and Jacobs’ pre-trial release on their previous case. Judge Margaret O’Connell granted the state’s petition to revoke pre-trial release for both women.

It is alleged that on Aug. 9, McDowell and Jacobs entered the JCPenney store, located at 175 Yorktown Mall Drive, and walked toward the children’s section of the store. It is alleged that after Jacobs selected four items of children’s clothing and McDowell selected six items of children’s clothing, the women went upstairs to the jewelry department.

It is further alleged that after Jacobs selected a jewelry box containing a necklace, both

women returned downstairs, where they entered a fitting room together. It is alleged that the women left the fitting room with Jacobs wearing the necklace and carrying the merchandise in bags, and then exited the store without paying for the items. Both women were arrested, charged with felony burglary and retail theft and released with conditions, one of which was that they not violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction.

In the most recent case, it is alleged that on Aug. 29, McDowell and Jacobs entered the Ulta Beauty store, located at 2155 W. 22nd Street, carrying empty bags. It is alleged that the defendants then selected perfumes, placed the merchandise in the bags they brought with them and exited the store without paying for the merchandise where they were arrested by Oak Brook police officers. The value of the items alleged taken by McDowell and Jacobs from the Ulta Beauty store is approximately $1,168.

“Judge O’Connell’s order to revoke pre-trial release and order that both defendants be detained pending trial sends the message that in DuPage County we take these types of crimes seriously,” Berlin said. “Retail theft is not a victimless crime. Businesses, employees, patrons and the entire community all feel the effects of higher prices, lower wages and loss of safety and security as a result. I caution anyone

Reneashia McDowell

Shania Jacobs

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.

Child endangerment

Aug. 26

Police said that subsequent to a call of a 5-year-old child found walking outside, officers were able to locate the child’s residence and found the parents had left the young juvenile and his young siblings at home alone. Suad Hnahein, 30, and Razie Jallaq, 31, both of Elmhurst, were charged with child endangerment. The Department of Children and Family Services was notified.

Criminal damage, criminal trespass

Aug. 28

Sandra L. Zavislak, 46, of Lombard, was charged with resisting a police officer and criminal trespass to property after receiving a notice to leave at Elmhurst Hospital at 7:46 a.m. Later, Zavislak was charged with disorderly conduct at a store in the 100 block of N. York at 10:42 a.m. Police said officers responded to a female requesting medication. According to police, Zavislak refused treatment, walked into a store, grabbed a pair of scissors and attempted to set off a fire alarm.

Aug. 26

Michael McKean, 68, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for trespassing in the 500 block of S. York at 9:57 p.m. Police said officers made contact with McKean, who had been previously trespassed from the property. According to police, McKean admitted to walking on the property to get to a neighboring business.

Aug. 24

Julia Lyson, 21, of Buffalo Grove, and Brayan Salmeron-Godinez, 20, of Maywood, were issued citations for trespassing in 100 block of N. Addison at 10:50 p.m.

Aug. 23

James G. Porter, 56, of Wheaton, was charged with criminal trespass to a building in the 100 block of E. First at 4:05 a.m.

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

Aug. 23

Police said officers responded to a report of a domestic battery in the 100 block of W. Virginia at 4 a.m. The victim reported the suspect struck her in the face, prevented her from calling 911, and left. The suspect would not come out of his residence to meet with police. Officers obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect.

DUI, consumption of alcohol by a minor

Aug. 25

Jonathan Martinez Maldonado, 30, of Melrose Park, was charged with DUI, no valid driver’s license, improper lane usage, expired registration, possession of open alcohol by a

driver and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Michigan at 2:46 a.m.

John P. Witkus, 21, of West Chicago, was charged with DUI in the 300 block of S. Sunnyside at 2:54 a.m.

Evelyn Itzel Tirado Gomez, 18, of Chicago, was cited for consumption of alcohol by a minor near York and North at 3:53 a.m.

Police said an unknown suspect entered a store in the 100 block of E. Schiller, placed liquor bottles into his backpack, and left the store without paying for the merchandise. Officers checked the area with no results.

Police said officers responded to a theft at a store in the 100 block of W. Park at 7:37 p.m. The suspect, described as a white male in his 20s wearing a green camouflage shirt, grabbed the store’s tip jar and ran out the store.

Aug. 24

Luis Hernandez, 51, of Addison, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, speeding, disobeying a traffic control signal and possession of open alcohol by a driver subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and West at 1:15 a.m.

Aug. 23

Marcial Perez Garcia, 49, of Cicero, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and possession of open alcohol by a driver subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Willow at 9:49 p.m.

Efrain Puente Munoz, 35, of Addison, was charged with DUI, improper window tinting and speeding subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and Route 83 at 9:47 p.m.

Harassment, threats

Aug. 23

An Elmhurst man was charged with telephone harassment and resisting a police officer in the 100 block of E. Park at 12:35 a.m. Police said a victim reported receiving threatening, homicidal, and suicidal messages from the suspect following their breakup. According to police, officers responded to the suspect’s address for a check on well-being/harassment investigation.

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 four incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Anthony Diaz, 34, of Chicago, near North and West at 12:05 a.m. Aug. 24; Michael Tackitt, 21, of McHenry, near Grantley and Howard, at 11:43 p.m. Aug. 24; Luis C. Suarez Arroyo, 53, of Glen Ellyn, near North and Melrose at 12:02 a.m.; and Jade Howlett, 53, of Chicago, near

York and Lexington at 9:38 p.m. Aug. 28. Police said Howlett also was found to be driving while license suspended and was wanted out of Cook County on a warrant.

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

Aug. 28

Daniel Fernando Martinez, 43, of Long Beach, California, was charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools after he reportedly tried to break into a UPS vehicle in the 200 block of S. Route 83.

Aug. 27

Ashley Robinson, 34, of Cicero, was charged with burglary and two counts of retail theft at a store in the 100 block of E. Schiller at 9:53 a.m. Police said two suspects were observed taking an unknown amount of merchandise and fleeing the area in a black Hyundai. The vehicle was located unoccupied at an apartment complex in Hillside, and the suspect was taken into custody.

A victim in the 900 block of N. Church reported an unknown suspect(s) entered his unsecured vehicle and removed his wallet.

Aug. 24

Police said officers responded to a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at 4:16 p.m. for a retail theft involving two suspects inside the store, as well as a getaway driver. A search revealed James Bonds, 67, of Chicago, allegedly had a controlled substance. Bonds, the driver, was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Christine Carver, 43, of Ottawa, was charged with burglary and two counts of retail theft. Nathaniel Boyd, 36, of Kankakee, was charged with burglary, two counts of retail theft, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

July 15

A complainant in the 400 block of W. Lake reported that a suspect rented a pressure washer and failed to return it. The complainant made multiple attempts to have the pressure washer returned but ever received a response from the suspect.

Aug. 22

A victim in the 600 block of N. Larch reported placing his personal belongings in a truck. The victim left for five minutes, and upon returning, the items were missing.

A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. York related unknown suspects described as two black males and one black female left the store with a shopping cart full of liquor that had not been paid for. The suspects then entered a vehicle, which was last seen heading westbound on Butterfield.

A victim in the 800 block of S. Parkside reported fraudulent purchases were made after contacting a number prompted by his TV. The victim had given remote access to an unknown caller, who made unauthorized gift card purchases and opened a Target credit card in the victim’s name.

Warrant arrest

Aug. 22

Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near West and Lake at 5:23 p.m., Jasmine White, 40, of Lombard, was found to have an active warrant out of Will County. The suspect also was charged with driving while license suspended and no seat belt. She was transported to the DuPage County Jail on the warrant.

DuPage County Health Department Highlights Free Public Access to Narcan on International Overdose Awareness Day

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, which was held Aug. 31, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) and the DuPage Narcan Program (DNP) are highlighting their commitment to saving lives through increased access to naloxone, also known as Narcan.

This life-saving medication is free at our public access locations, is easy to use, and plays a critical role in reversing opioid overdoses.

Overdose can affect anyone—parents, students, friends, and neighbors. Recognizing the signs of an overdose is crucial. Symptoms may include slow or irregular breathing, unresponsiveness, and a bluish tint to the lips or face.

It’s important to know that anyone can use Narcan to reverse opioid overdose. To enhance Narcan accessibility, DCHD and DuPage Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) have strategically placed Narcan Boxes at 14 public access points throughout DuPage County, ensuring community members have easy and immediate access.

“International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the importance of reducing stigma and increasing access to life-saving resources like Narcan,” said Adam Forker, executive director, DuPage County Health Department. “By working together and making Narcan widely available, we are taking vital steps towards preventing overdose deaths and supporting those affected by substance use.”

Since its inception in 2013, the DNP has:

• Trained over 6,300 DuPage first responders and community residents.

• Mailed out 1856 Narcan kits to individuals who have requested Narcan through our online order form.

• Distributed over 1,600 Narcan kits through the vending machine at the Linda A. Kurzawa Community Center, which opened on Overdose Awareness Day 2022.

The DNP is a collaborative initiative involving the DuPage County Coroner, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, chiefs of police, fire chiefs, and DCHD. DCHD encourages community members to be aware of the Narcan public access locations and seek training to learn how they can contribute to overdose prevention efforts.

For more information on available trainings or to arrange a community training session, contact the DNP.

• Women

(Continued from page 6)

who is even thinking about coming to DuPage County to steal that if you do, you will be caught, charged and prosecuted. I also want to stress that conditions of pre-trial release are an order of the Court and are not optional. If you violate those conditions, you may find yourself behind bars awaiting trial. Once again, I commend the Oak Brook Police Department for their ongoing efforts in keeping our businesses and patrons safe.”

“These two offenders figured they’d come out to Oak Brook for an easy steal and when they exited the store, they were met by 10 Oak Brook officers with eight marked and undercover squads,” Strockis said. “We take all criminal offenses seriously in Oak Brook and I hope these offenders tell their friends about their experience here.”

The next court date for McDowell is scheduled for Sept. 24 for arraignment. The next court date for Jacobs is scheduled for Sept. 23 for arraignment. Both cases will be heard in front of Judge O’Connell.

Volunteers grow together during annual Illinois Master Gardener Conference

2024 Illinois Master Gardener State Conference Sept. 12-13

From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs, over 2,300 dedicated volunteers across Illinois are committed to gardening education and community outreach. While they typically help others learn to grow, Master Gardener volunteers will grow together during the 2024 Illinois Master Gardener Conference in Champaign on Sept. 12-13. Hosted by Illinois Extension volunteers and staff from Cham -

paign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties, the annual conference promises a rich blend of educational sessions, engaging tours, and valuable networking opportunities.

On Sept. 12, attendees can choose from a range of optional tours.

Explore the natural beauty of Allerton Park in Monticello with a full-day guided tour or opt for a half-day experience in the Champaign-Urbana area by visiting a

flower farm, vegetable farm, or a garden-focused campus tour.

The conference on Sept. 13 kicks off with a keynote address from entomologist May Berenbaum, whose research focuses on the interactions between insects and plants and their implications in the organization of natural communities and agroecosystems.

Participants will have the chance to attend three informative break -

out sessions, participate in a silent auction, and celebrate at an awards ceremony honoring the exceptional contributions of volunteers from across the state.

This event not only highlights the incredible dedication of volunteers but also provides an opportunity for professional development and networking.

Volunteers and staff interested in attending the conference can regis -

ter at go.illinois.edu/2024MGConference.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Candice Anderson at 217-9355764 or by email at mille116@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.

Endeavor Health announces strategic leadership appointments

Endeavor Health has appointed Joe Dant and Sean O’Grady to newly created executive leadership roles designed to support the organization’s continued growth and operational excellence as one system.

Dant, who most recently served as President, South Region and Institutes, including Edward, Elmhurst and Linden Oaks hospi -

tals, has assumed the new role of Endeavor Health’s System Chief Growth Officer.

O’Grady has assumed the new role of President, Acute and Ambulatory Operations for the health system. O’Grady was most recently President, North Region and Institutes, including Evanston, Highland Park, Glenbrook, Northwest Community, Skokie and Swedish hospitals.

“This evolution in our organizational structure will provide clarity, focus and strengthen our path forward together,” said J.P. Gallagher, Endeavor Health president and CEO. “By harnessing the talents of two of our most experienced operations leaders in Joe and Sean, we will accelerate our progress in delivering on our mission and vision

as a leading community-connected health system, bringing the best of what our health system has to offer to our patients, team members and communities.”

As Endeavor Health’s Chief Growth Officer, Dant will lead the system’s holistic growth strategy, driving proactive business development and enabling delivery of exceptional patient access and

Glowiak Hilton invites residents to shred event in Elmhurst Sept. 14

In partnership with Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin and American Legion Post 187, state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton is hosting a shred event for residents to safely destroy personal documents at no cost.

“To help prevent fraud and identity theft, I encourage residents to take advantage of this free event to

dispose of old personal documents,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Many of us have unnecessary papers in our homes and this is a great opportunity to get rid of them in a safe way.”

The shredding truck will be available in the parking lot of the American Legion Post 187, located at 310

W. Butterfield Road in Elmhurst, from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the truck is full on Saturday, Sept. 14. A limit of two boxes of documents per car is encouraged.

The American Legion Post 187 will be collecting worn or tattered American flags and scrap metal on site.

Examples of documents with personally identifiable information that should be safely discarded include bank statements, outdated medical records, tax returns, bills, junk mail, credit card applications and receipts.

Residents with questions can contact Glowiak Hilton’s office at 630785-3177.

experience. He is responsible for driving growth across Endeavor Health’s Clinical Institutes and will work closely with teams focused on physician alignment models and system partnerships.

“

I am so proud of the momentum that our health system has created and couldn’t be more excited about this new opportunity.”

–Joe Dant

He will also have oversight of Endeavor Health’s diverse portfolio of joint ventures, philanthropy and patient experience.

“I am so proud of the momentum that our health system has created and couldn’t be more excited about this new opportunity,” said Dant.

“Our unique ability to combine empathy and excellence is what sets us apart, and I look forward to the work of advancing our growth and differentiation.”

In his new role as President, Acute and Ambulatory Operations, O’Grady will oversee Endeavor Health’s nine hospitals and ambulatory operations, as well as clinical service lines. He will also maintain his leadership of the Endeavor Health Research Institute and Academic Affairs Office.

“By integrating our hospitals and ambulatory facilities under a common leadership, I am confident we will make significant strides in aligning our operations and advancing our commitment to safe, seamless and personal care for the people we are privileged to serve,” said O’Grady.

Joe Dant Sean O’Grady

Viewpoint

Slices of life

Fixing a broken wheel

We are all broken. Some have just a dent in the fender; others need a whole new transmission.

We are dinged, bent, damaged, hurt, cracked, confused, crushed and cut to the quick.

Because life will sometimes do that to you—to me—to all of us. It changes us. It challenges us. It tosses us into the deep dark waters during a violent tempest because we were meant to whirl with the waves and experience the storm.

And the storm changes us in ways we never would have imagined. It leaves us broken—in tiny or allencompassing ways.

We often try to hide this. The broken pieces that reside within us. But people are smart. They see through our forced smile, our transparent armor, and they want to help.

They want to fix it.

I’ve thought about this and I think it’s simply a part of human nature—to want to heal the hurts in others—to make everything okay. To fix them.

Thing is, there is no undoing what’s been done. There is no changing the dings and the scrapes and the collisions we’d had in life. They exist as sure as the sunrise and sunset, and they can’t be erased.

And they needn’t be. They shouldn’t be.

Because our experiences, our past—good and bad—aren’t supposed to be overlooked, ignored or erased. They happened for a reason. And that reason, however cliché, made us the person we are today—scars and all.

But here’s something I’ve observed about scars and human nature and the troubles we all encounter in life:

Sometimes I just want to talk about mine. Sometimes I want to unload. Sometimes it feels like a relief to talk about these things out loud. Maybe it lessens them. Maybe it makes them more real - or less real.

Maybe it just helps to share. But here’s the crux: sometimes sharing is all I want to do. I’m not necessarily looking for a fix, because there often is no fix, and

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

I’m guessing when you share like this, you aren’t looking to be fixed, either.

We tend to listen with the intent of responding and that involves solving or fixing. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, it’s just not what most people want or need.

We don’t necessarily want, much less need, a response. We’ve probably already heard them all already. What we need is to be heard. We want someone to listen without judgement, but even as importantly, without providing solutions that we’ve most likely already thought of ourselves.

I guess I’m just thinking out loud here because I’ve got as much to learn here as anyone else. I’m venting, if you will. And in that, I’m not looking for a quick fix from anyone. I am realizing I need to/ want to be more mindful (not to mention silent) when others confide in me. I’m going to try to remember my own advice and not give unwarranted advice. (Or at least ask if my advice is wanted.)

Times of trouble can be very large and very lonely. It is during those times we aren’t necessarily looking for solutions or problemsolving. People confiding in us don’t always need ideas about new hobby suggestions, church locations or places to meet new people. Maybe they aren’t looking for any of that Maybe, instead they are looking (we all are looking) simply for an ear. Maybe they are looking for the opposite of a quick fix. Maybe what they need most is a silent, supportive friend who has no need to fix because they love us just as we are, cracks and all. Wouldn’t that be awesome?

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.

We want to print your news!

What’s going on at your club or organization? Seeking new members? Hosting a fundraiser? Send details to independent@rvpublishing.com

Take steps to reduce exposure to PFAS chemicals

PFAS are chemicals commonly found in consumer goods that are making their way into drinking water supplies where they are a risk to human health, but there are steps people can take to protect themselves.

PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of more than 15,000 man-made chemicals that are sometimes added to products to help them resist grease, oil, water, and heat. These “forever chemicals” are found in a wide array of consumer goods, including clothing, cosmetics, food packaging, carpets, cookware, and cleaning products. As a result of their widespread use, PFAS have migrated into soils, lakes, rivers, and streams across the U.S.

No level of PFAS exposure comes without risk to human health, according to a recent press release from the U.S. EPA. PFAS break down slowly and can accumulate in aquatic plants and animals as well as people. Exposure to PFAS through the skin or digestive system has been linked to increased risk of certain cancers, kidney and heart disease, and reproductive issues like low birth weight and birth defects. This

spring, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the first federal legal protections to protect public drinking water from PFAS.

Sarah Zack, pollution prevention specialist with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, works with the public to raise awareness about water contaminants, including PFAS.

“It’s not easy to reduce our risk from PFAS chemicals because they are ubiquitous in the environment,” Zack said. “But there are some simple ways to reduce your exposure and protect your health.”

Replace nonstick pans at the first sign of scratches, and do not heat beyond the recommended temperature, which is typically 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid using nonstick cookware altogether, if possible, and opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic.

Microwave popcorn bags, takeout containers and fast-food packaging can be coated with PFAS to prevent sticking. Be a cautious consumer and do research before eating food from this packaging. Avoid stain-resistant carpets, upholstery and other fabrics. Vacuum regularly to remove PFAS that can accumulate in dusty

fabrics.

Leave shoes at the door to avoid tracking chemicals into your home. Check advisories before eating locally caught seafood.

Contact your public water utility about whether your drinking water has been tested for PFAS. If you are on a private well, conduct regular testing. Consider an at-home water filtration system if you are concerned about the FAS level in your water.

Zack discusses PFAS more in the University of Illinois Extension Spotlight on Natural Resources podcast available at go.illinois.edu/ Spotlight.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is a partnership between NOAA, University of Illinois Extension and Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources, bringing science together with communities for solutions that work. Sea Grant is a network of 34 science, education, and outreach programs located in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Lake Champlain, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Source: Sarah Zack, pollution prevention specialist IllinoisIndiana Sea Grant.

Video scoreboard coming to York stadium

Passes ZPC after discussion of safety, sponsorship concerns

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

At a recent meeting of the Elmhurst Zoning & Planning Commission (ZPC), a discussion about height and setback variance requests were discussed concerning District 205 and York High School’s plans to place a video scoreboard at Clarence East Field, located on the southwest corner of St. Charles and Spring roads.

The area neighborhood group has been consulted and appears to be happy with the plans, seeing no real changes in impact to the neighborhood.

The sound system will not change,

so sound levels are not expected to increase.

One of the concerns Commissioners brought up was safety, considering the traffic at that corner, especially along St. Charles Road traveling eastbound, where drivers might be distracted by a large video screen.

Sponsorship will be allowed on the sign, but company names and logos only—no messages like “Shop at Joe’s,” etc. Sponsors will have to be companies that serve the school community in some way or sponsor a school activity.

“District 205 has met about it and they fully want to control ad revenues and make sure it’s a ‘proper’

University to add seats at Langhorst

New restroom facility to have bleachers on top

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Representatives from Elmhurst University attended a recent Elmhurst Zoning & Planning Commission (ZPC) meeting to share their plans to increase the amount of seating at Langhorst Field.

Additional restroom facilities are to be added on the southwest side of the track, which will offer a place to add bleacher seating on the top of it.

There are virtually no other places to add more seating to the stadium, according to university officials who added that the area was revitalized in recent years and this development will be a welcome addition to the field.

The measure was passed unanimously by the Commission. It now goes before the Development, Planning & Zoning Committee and, if approved, goes before the full City Council.

sponsor,’ ” said Commissioner Carole Snyder. “It will have a dramatic impact. It seems like 13 feet by 3 feet is a gross underestimate.”

Snyder also asked if there was a possibility that a student could climb up there and somehow hurt themselves or damage the sign. There was also discussion about the possibility of increased traffic accidents with the

railroad tracks that cross St. Charles and stretch over to Spring Road.

The measure passed the Commission by a vote of 6-2, approving the setback and height variation.

“This is a very committed group [working on the project],” said ZPC Chairman Susan Rose. “If conditions seem reasonable to them and there is no evidence of damage to property

then it should be approved.”

More information will be provided to the Commission after a period of 90 days. City staff said conditions are still able to be modified if a concern comes up during that time.

At this point, the project goes to the Development, Planning & Zoning Committee for its approval; then on to the full City Council.

Illinois to increase court access through local libraries

A new pilot program utilizing the state’s public libraries to improve court access will offer guidance for Illinoisans struggling to navigate the legal system on their own.

The goal of the pilot is to help people without lawyers—who may have limited technology capabilities or transportation challenges—more easily access legal information and assistance at their local public library.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office partnered with the Illinois Supreme Court’s Commission on Access to Justice and The Chicago Bar Foundation to establish Court Access Library Centers in selected public libraries that offer space and dedicated equipment for residents without lawyers to appear

in court remotely, obtain legal information and resources, and e-file and access court documents online.

“Our libraries have always served as a hub for learning and finding answers. Adding legal guidance as a supplement to the knowledge already available just makes sense,” Giannoulias said. “Bringing services directly to the people has been a top priority of my administration, and we will continue to find innovative ways to work toward that goal.”

“This impactful statewide partnership will significantly enhance access to justice, enabling many individuals to meaningfully engage in their court cases,” said Lake County Judge Jorge Ortiz, chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. “This is particularly vital

for those who face barriers such as limited access to legal services, technology, or transportation to the courthouse. We are thrilled to collaborate with the Illinois Secretary of State and The Chicago Bar Foundation in this important initiative.”

“Libraries have long been a trusted place where people can find help right in their own community,” said Bob Glaves, executive director of The Chicago Bar Foundation. “We are thrilled to be part of this innovative partnership with the Secretary of State and the Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice to expand the information and resources that libraries already offer their communities so they can better assist

See LIBRARIES, Page 13

No ‘slated’ GOP candidates will be kept off ballot after rulings from Supreme Court, elections board

Kennedy to remain on Illinois presidential ballot, 2 third-party candidates removed

By Jerry Nowicki and Jennifer Fuller CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A law banning political parties from waiting until after the primary election to place a state legislative candidate on the general election ballot won’t keep any Republicans from running this November.

The Illinois Supreme Court and State Board of Elections each made rulings Aug. 23, ensuring that a law rushed through by Democrats in May wouldn’t throw a wrench into the filing process for the current election cycle.

The decisions pertain to “candidate slating,” a process through which party insiders can name a candidate to the general election

ballot for their party, even if no candidate ran in the party’s primary. The law, which is now officially on hold for 2024, still allows parties to replace withdrawals but prevents slating in cases where the party didn’t run anyone in the primary.

The elections board ruled that slated Republican candidate Jay Keeven may appear on the November ballot, throwing out challenges against him and other candidates that would have been affected by the law.

Hours later, the high court issued what’s known as a “Perlman order,” affirming a lower court’s decision to temporarily halt the law for the current cycle without

setting a precedent in future cases. That ruling doesn’t void the law in its entirety, but rather blocks it only for this year’s general election for the 14 plaintiffs—all slated Republican candidates—that sued the state after the law’s passage. Democrats introduced the bill in May, then passed it and sent it to the governor for a signature within 48 hours.

While Democrats billed the law as one to would weaken “party bosses,” Republicans decried it as a majority-party power grab to keep Republicans off the ballot in tight races.

A Sangamon County judge agreed in a June ruling that Democrats were out of line in changing

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the rules mid-cycle. Judge Gail Noll blocked the law from taking effect against the candidates who sued the state following its passage. The Supreme Court’s Aug. 23 opinion —which noted two justices recused themselves and the remaining judges couldn’t come to a fourvote majority—upholds the order.

Keeven, a candidate in what’s expected to be a tight House race against incumbent Democrat Katie Stuart in the Metro East, was not party to the lawsuit, because he filed petitions before the law took effect. Democrats challenged his candidacy, seeking to use the law to remove him from the ballot.

The Illinois State Board of Elections rejected the challenge on Aug. 23 on the grounds that “he filed his nomination papers in an accordance with the law in effect at the time.” They accepted the recommendation of a hearing officer with one dissenting vote from Board Chair Casandra Watson.

“For months, Democrats in Springfield have tried every possible way to keep the voters in the Metro-East from having a choice in November,” Keeven said in a statement. “Today, they lost. With every attempt to kick me off of the ballot, our campaign continues to gain momentum.”

Keeven’s challengers were represented by Michael Kasper, a Democratic election lawyer who has long been a power player on issues such as redistricting and candidate challenges. He argued that the hearing officer erred by enforcing a law that was no longer on the books.

“The board’s powers are to apply the law as it is today,” he argued.

But John Fogarty, the GOP’s counterpart to Kasper, argued the General Assembly shouldn’t be allowed to change the rules in the middle of an election cycle, particularly for candidates for the General Assembly.

“The role of this body is, yes, to apply the law, but you also apply the law as it was when this act was taken,” he said, noting that if the General Assembly wanted the law applied retroactively, it could have specifically said so.

Presidential action

In other action, the board removed two third-party candidates from the presidential ballot while ruling that independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can remain on the ballot despite objections.

Libertarian candidate Scott Schluter and Green Party candidate Jill Stein were both ordered removed due to lack of signatures.

The challenges to Kennedy’s candidacy stemmed largely on the argument that he falsified his address, among other challenges to signatures and nominating petitions. But a hearing officer recommended he be kept on the ballot

and the board agreed.

Kennedy’s lawyer didn’t comment when asked about the candidate’s future in the race.

“Is your client dropping out?” Watson asked.

“That’s beyond my pay grade. I’m sorry, I don’t know,” Kennedy’s attorney Andrew Finko replied. “I’m here for the electoral board and that’s it.”

Hours later, Kennedy said he’s not terminating his campaign but is taking his name off the ballot in swing states as to not play “spoiler.” He’s endorsing former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Illinois State Board of Elections confirmed Aug. 23 that Kennedy’s name would appear on the ballot and he had not filed to withdraw as of Aug. 23.

Bost elections case denied

A federal appeals court this week rejected a lawsuit from U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, that argued Illinois’ policy of accepting mail-in ballots for two weeks after election day violates federal law.

In its 2-1 decision, the 7 th Circuit Court of Appeals panel agreed with a circuit court that Bost and other plaintiffs in the case lacked standing, because they didn’t have evidence that they were tangibly harmed by the law.

Illinois allows mail-in ballots to be counted up to 14 days after Election Day, as long as they are postmarked by Election Day. Bost and other plaintiffs argued their votes would be diluted, and that candidates would have to spend more money, in part by maintaining campaign offices for longer periods.

Writing for the majority, Judge John Lee said Bost’s claims failed to show voters were harmed by ballots being counted after Election Day.

“Even if we were to accept Plaintiffs’ premise that inclusion of these ballots would cause vote dilution, their votes would be diluted in the same way that every other vote cast in Illinois prior to Election Day would be diluted,” Lee wrote. “Thus, to the extent Plaintiffs would suffer any injury, it would be in a generalized manner and not “personal and individual” to Plaintiffs, as the Supreme Court requires.”

U.S. District Judge John Kness dismissed the case last year. Bost appealed, and that appeal was heard nine days after the 2024 primary he narrowly won over challenger and former state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia.

Judge Michael Scudder Jr. agreed the votes would not be unfairly diluted, but he disagreed with the other two judges on Bost’s standing in the suit. Rather, Scudder classified Bost as an “active stakeholder.”

Report shows Illinois union participation declining despite growth in new petitions

‘State of the Unions’ study shows public sector unions shrink following 2018 Janus decision

By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Overall participation in labor unions has declined in recent years in Illinois, although the state has seen an increase in successful unionization efforts for the second year in a row.

That’s according to the State of the Unions 2024 report, the latest installment in an annual review of unionization in Illinois and the U.S. by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the University of Illinois’ Project for Middle Class Renewal. ILEPI is a nonprofit research organization with a board of directors that’s closely tied to organized labor.

The study found that Illinois saw 86 successful union petitions in 2023, up from 67 the year before. Those are the two highest totals in a 10-year period dating back to 2014. The prior eight years ranged from 25 to 62 successful petitions.

“When you see a couple of positive years where you’re seeing growth in in numbers, it does suggest that there’s some change in the labor market, there’s some change in worker attitudes, there’s some change in the strategy of union organizers,” Robert Bruno, a report co-author and director of the Project for Middle Class Renewal said in an interview. “It all suggests a positive turn.”

The successful petitions led to 4,399 additional workers being unionized in 2023, down from 9,497 in 2022.

“That’s from coffee shops to hospitals to cannabis producers to topranked universities,” said Frank Manzo, a report co-author and economist with ILEPI, said. “You know, private and nonprofit workers successfully organized dozens of workplaces, showing that the labor movement is gaining traction in new and emerging industries.”

Despite the increase in private sector unionization efforts, the percentage of Illinois’ workforce that is unionized dropped below 13 percent for the first time in the 10-year period surveyed. At 12.8 percent, Illinois had the 13th-highest unionization rate among all states. A total of 707,829 people in Illinois were unionized in 2023, down from nearly 847,000 in 2015.

The public sector unionization rate has declined by a total of 4.1 percentage points since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision in Janus vs. AFSCME, from 52.1 percent to 48 percent.

That ruling put an end to public sector unions being able to charge fees to individuals who benefit from union representation but choose not to join the union.

Those fees, often referred to as “fair share” fees, helped unions better negotiate wage and benefit structures for all employees, regardless of whether they are part of the union. Without them, Manzo said, unions are required to represent those individu-

als without compensation.

“It is true that the most significant contributor to the declines in Illinois’ unionization rate has been drops in worker bargaining power in the public sector that was sparked by a 2018 Supreme Court decision,” Manzo said.

Another contributor to union participation decline is that the economy has added jobs in sectors with “low union densities,” like management, professional services, e-commerce and the gig economy, he said. At the same time, careers with long-standing union ties, such as mining and manufacturing, have either grown more slowly or “been lost altogether,” he said.

But he added that other states, including many surrounding Illinois, have enacted “right-to-work” laws, which create “Janus-like conditions” in the private sector.

Illinois’ Workers’ Rights Amendment—an amendment to the state constitution that was approved by voters in 2022—“effectively bans those so-called right-to-work laws from ever coming to the state,” Manzo said.

“And the data show that states that protect workers rights, like Illinois, have higher wages, faster wage growth and stronger unions compared to those that have weakened collective bargaining rights,” he said.

While Illinois’ unionization rate was 12.8 percent in 2023, nearby states that have right-to-work laws— Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and Wiscon-

sin—had rates ranging from 7.1 percent to 8.8 percent.

Average hourly earnings in Illinois were $36.82 in 2023, compared to rates of $28.82 to $31.84 in the four neighboring right-to-work states, although Illinois’ cost of living is generally higher than in those states, which don’t have a city comparable to Chicago’s size.

Illinois’ wage growth from 2017 to 2023 was an average of 4.6 percent higher than those four states, based on the study’s review of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Current Population Survey data. Unionized Illinois workers earn about 12.6 percent more than non-union workers, per the same

• Libraries

analysis.

The study found Black workers, men, military veterans, and workers with master’s degrees have the highest unionization rates in Illinois.

Nationally, the U.S. added 135,000 new union members in 2023, following a gain of 277,000 union members in 2022, according to the report. Unions are also seeing near record-high support, with 67 percent of respondents viewing them favorably, per a Gallup poll cited in the report.

“Despite dealing with an economy in transition and facing considerable legal challenges, unions are organizing new industries and improving job quality,” Manzo said.

(Continued from page 10)

people facing legal problems on their own.”

Using a data-driven approach, 18 libraries across the state were selected for the pilot phase based on the volume of litigants without lawyers, geographic and/or transportation limitations to local courthouses, broadband internet access constraints and interest from public libraries in the area.

Each pilot location has been provided with court access training for the librarians who volunteer. Additionally, some librarians will be trained as certified “Court Library Navigators” to offer more customized legal information to patrons.

The Court Library Navigators’ training sessions will focus on specific types of cases, including: divorce and child custody; domestic violence; wills, trusts and estates; housing; and consumer debt.

In DuPage County: 18th Judicial Circuit, Addison Public Library; (630) 459-3426; email: adultservices@addisonlibrary.org; 4 Friendship Plaza, Addison, IL 60101; website: https://www.addisonlibrary. org.

For more information about Court Access Library Center locations and resources, litigants are encouraged to call Illinois Court Help at (833) 411-1121.

Dr. Kelly talks straight about sciatica

Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information.

To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because local doctor Kelly Synowiec-Moroney DC is going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts.

MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest.

FACT: If you are dealing with back pain, buttock pain or leg pain, then you must seek help from a doctor who is knowledgeable in sciatica immediately. Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain.

MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica.

FACT: In severe cases, sciatica can lead to the inability to control your bowels or bladder - leading to embarrassing situations.

MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with sciatica.

FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure the root cause of sciatica.

MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to get sciatica.”

FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to sciatica. Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause sciatica.

Sciatica can affect anyone - including super-fit celebrities like Tiger Woods, Sylvester Stallone, and British Olympic medallist Ian Wynne.

MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to overcome sciatica.

FACT: Staying active can help to relieve sciatic pain and prevent the pain getting worse. Staying inactive in bed could be the worst advice - based on a recent study in the Netherlands.

MYTH: Sciatica requires surgery.

FACT: NO! There’s been a huge breakthrough in the treatment of sciatica and lower back pain. It’s a new procedure called Non-Surgical ReConstructive Spinal Care. The excellent results from this treatment have been published in major medical journals. Success rates are up to 88%.

MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.”

FACT: With the correct treatment from a healthcare professional who specialises in sciatica, you can find relief from the core cause - and the symptoms.

MYTH: Getting Sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive.

FACT: Not true. We are currently offering an initial consultation right here in Elmhurst for Just $43.

We have helped over 1,483 patients find relief from agonising back pain and sciatica. We are one of the first places to use Non-Surgical Re-

Constructive Spinal Care.

This procedure does not require a hospital stay. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the back pain and sciatica.

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Patient Jeff P. from Berwyn wrote, “My back pain was unbearable but the worst thing was the searing burning pain I felt in my buttock and leg... my wife insisted I see doctor Dr. Kelly. I’m 95% better in just a couple of weeks.”

Take the Next Step - END the Suffering... Initial Consultation Just $43

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Only 100 reader consultations are available at this exclusively discounted rate. Call her office now and get a full and thorough examination to pinpoint the cause of your problem for just $43. You can even call on the weekend as there is always a staff member ready to assist you. During the week they are

Standing in front of the old neon sign that hung from the store’s previous location are the four sons of Kurt Hill, the original owner of Cottage Hill Diamonds. Pictured are (from left, with their “job titles”): Kyle, Word Specialist (say it with jewelry), Drew, Trouble Specialist (getting women in and men out of it!), Collin, Hard Rock Specialist (rocks and gems that is!), and Jordan Hill, whose business card simply says: “Less mass, more appeal.” Each has taken a separate role in managing the business from bookkeeping, buying, managing inventory, appraisals, repairs—and they all seem to get along.

Worship Services Directory

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

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

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am

“The Crucial Hours”

Wednesday Service at 7pm

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

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

Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, September 28, Game Night at 4 pm

Gather with us for weekend worship!

Saturdays 5 p.m.

Cottage Hill Diamonds

A new generation looks to a successful future

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Many family businesses, while once successful, often find it hard to keep the business together when passing it along to the next generation.

Oftentimes, there are personalities that clash, which can make an uncomfortable situation, leading to an unsuccessful company that often fails.

That certainly is not the case with Cottage Hill Diamonds at 125 N. York Road in the heart of City Centre, owned by Kurt Hill. Now in semi-retirement, Kurt has entrusted his legacy to his four sons: Jordan, Andrew, Collin and Kyle.

“He still likes to keep his hand in things,” said Jordan Hill of his father. “But much of the time, he spends traveling and he spends winter in Florida.”

Jordan says he and his three brothers not only get along, but he considers working together in a family business to be one of his favorite parts of the job.

“We each have our areas to take care of,” Jordan said. “I handle the bookkeeping and manage the inventory. I’m also the buyer. My dad stays involved with that as well, because he began in the business as a diamond broker. That’s really where his passion lies.”

Andrew handles sales and trains the staff. Collin heads up appraisals, the repair side of the business and custom-made jewelry pieces. Kyle does some bench jewelry work as well as repairs, and he works the sales floor. There is also the store manager, Joe Cuomo, no relation to the Hills.

As the manager of the inventory, Jordan attends big jewelry trade shows every year to seek out new merchandise to carry in the store. There’s a big show in Las Vegas every year that he never misses. There is also one in Hong Kong, where he has never gone, but hopes to someday.

Cottage Hill Diamonds is part of a coalition of 150 jewelry stores, which gives them more buying power.

way to splurge on something special, if you can’t take a nice vacation.”

The hockey angle

Kurt Hill didn’t just raise four boys—he raised four life-long hockey fans, and even coached them in their younger years. Andrew and Collin still play to this day.

The store used to have a “Men’s Night In,” usually before the Christmas holiday, which invited men to watch a hockey game, eat brats, drink beer, play games for prizes and shop for their special lady.

“Those events didn’t go over very well,” Jordan said. “Even with a hockey game and all that, guys just didn’t feel comfortable hanging out in a jewelry store. It’s just ‘not their scene.’ ” Ladies Nights are still taking place, and there is an event scheduled that will feature a very special prize.

“We have a 11.11 carat lab-created diamond that we plan to give away on 11/11 [Nov. 11]. It’s a $15,000 stone. We will, of course, work with the winner to set it in a ring or a pendant, whatever she chooses,” Jordan said.

Mining vs. lab-created

This opened a conversation about natural diamonds from mines vs. lab-created diamonds. Is there really a difference?

“There is virtually no way to tell the difference, even with a jeweler’s [eye piece],” Jordan said. “Chemically they are the same, but lab-created stones have no nitrogen in them; that’s what gives a diamond a yellowish hue. They are a more pure white, which is what most people want in a diamond.”

There was a time when diamond mines were surrounded by land mines that were often stepped on by innocent children, leaving them without one or more of their limbs. It was a fight championed by the late Princess Diana prior to her untimely death. Jordan said it’s greatly improved since those days.

Success following COVID-19

Everyone is Welcome!

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

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

All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org 460153

Fourth Lenten Service

March 23, 2022

Sundays 8:30 and 11 a.m. Education Hour between services at 9:45 a.m.

142 E. Third St. Elmhurst, IL ImmanuelElmhurst.org

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

Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022

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

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

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

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

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

Like most businesses, Cottage Hill had to close during the pandemic, but only for a few months. In March of 2020, things were getting bad; then at the end of April, they sadly announced that the store would have to close for a while. They were only closed from May until mid-July, about 2½ months. Luckily when COVID got under control, the business boomed.

“As soon as we were able, we called everyone back to work and, because we got so busy, we even added a couple of staff,” Jordan said.

“There are better ways of mining today. Mining is a dangerous job, no matter what you’re mining for, but the equipment is much safer today, people are getting proper training, allowing them to make a living in the mines. The mining industry is important, because it provides jobs.”

As for the fashion trends, we’re back in the 1980s, according to Cottage Hill Diamonds.

“Yes, the ‘80s are back,” he said. “Yellow gold is back in style, rather than silver or platinum. We have big gold hoops and we can hardly keep them in stock. And the stones are trending back to the ‘80s as well. We’re seeing a lot of malachite, which is a dark green stone, and a lot of black onyx. Besides that, people are always interested in the diamond tennis bracelets and diamond stud [earrings].”

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

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

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

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

Adoration:

Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7 457554

“We had some very good business from the new high-rise buildings on Addison Road, we’ve gotten several new clients from those buildings. The customers are younger, more upscale people, many who have lived in [downtown Chicago], who appreciate real jewelry and seem to have the money to spend.

“I think a lot of people were unable to do things like travel during the pandemic, so the money they may have set aside for travel, they decided to spend on some nice jewelry. It’s a nice

Overall, the store loves being a part of downtown Elmhurst and enjoys the various programs and events that City Centre offers to draw customers to the area. Stop in at 125 N. York next time you’re downtown and check out the glittering showcases as well as the warm, friendly atmosphere at Cottage Hill Diamonds.

And keep a watch out for that 11/11 giveaway.

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Fr. McDonald Council #1911 Knights of Columbus “..serving the Elmhurst community since 1918..”

The Knights Kick Off September “giving month” with 3 fundraisers: The Tootsie Roll Drive, Classic Car Show and Oktoberfest!

Donating never tasted so sweet! The Tootsie Roll Drive raises money for individuals with intellectual disabilities look for our volunteers on almost 100 major street corners in Elmhurst during the Tootsie Roll Drive on Friday & Saturday, Sept. 6-7th

Will your family help Fr. McDonald Council raise $40,000?

Scan to see how YOUR family can help this September!

Raising Money to hep individuals with intellectual disabilities by supporting these Organizations:

Coffee & Classic Cars Fundraiser

Open Show to All Years, Makes, and Models Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 8am-2pm

Location in the Parking Lot behind the Renaissance Room, 537 South York Street, Elmhurst Rain or Shine. Registration from 8-11am Starbucks Coffee and Donuts Provided By Council #1911 Knights of Columbus

Save the Date! Elmhurst Knights of Columbus Giving Month Concludes with Oktoberfest on September 21st.

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. Current unit

7. Reciprocal of an ohm

10. God of the sea

12. A way to disfigure

13. Positioned

14. Tall tropical American tree

15. Large deciduous trees

16. __ and ends

17. Part of a machine

18. Brews

19. One who leads prayers in a mosque

21. Indian state

22. Partisans

27. Top lawyer in the land

28. Former Dodgers MVP

33. Title for women

34. Heated and allowed to slowly cool

36. Copycat

37. Sounds

38. One-time Israeli diplomat

Abba

39. Part of (abbr.)

40. Hateful

41. Collide

44. European football heavyweight

45. One who works for you

48. Song

49. Ancient marvels

50. Bridge building degree

51. Delivery boys

CLUES DOWN

1. Continent

2. Submissive

3. There’s a lot in a bowling alley

4. Sun up in New York

5. Court decision __ v. Wade

6. Finish line

7. Young women

8. Hives of activity

9. Hyman Roth’s right-hand man Johnny

10. Eastern U.S. river

11. Popular cooking ingredient

12. Greek mythological princess

14. Scent for men

17. Cost, insurance and freight (abbr.)

18. Once more

20. Irate

23. Triangular spaces above a door

24. Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik

25. Atomic #58

26. Patti Hearst’s captors

29. Natural logarithm

30. Talk incessantly

31. Went by

32. Strives

35. Fall back

36. Manila hemp

38. Not easily explained

40. Former “Double Dare” host Summers

41. Mollusk

42. Capital of Togo

43. Letter of Semitic scripts

44. Founder of Babism

45. Indicates near

46. Family of regulator genes

47. Indicates before

Answers

As Illinois receives praise for its cannabis equity

efforts, stakeholders still working on system’s flaws

New entrants to marijuana market still struggle against entrenched businesses

By Dilpreet Raju CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Medical marijuana patients can now purchase cannabis grown by small businesses as part of their allotment, Illinois’ top cannabis regulator said, but smaller, newly licensed cannabis growers are still seeking greater access to the state’s medical marijuana customers.

Illinois legalized medicinal marijuana beginning in 2014, then legalized it for recreational use in 2020. While the 2020 law legalized cannabis use for any adult age 21 or older, it did not expand licensing for medical dispensaries.

Patients can purchase marijuana as part of the medical cannabis program at dual-purpose dispensaries, which are licensed to serve both medical and recreational customers. But dual-purpose dispensaries are greatly outnumbered by dispensaries only licensed to sell recreationally, and there are no medical-only dispensaries in the state.

As another part of the adult-use legalization law, lawmakers created a “craft grow” license category that was designed to give more opportunities to Illinoisans hoping to legally grow and sell marijuana. The smaller-scale grow operations were part of the 2020 law’s efforts to diversify the cannabis industry in Illinois.

Prior to that, all cultivation centers in Illinois were large-scale operations dominated by large multi-state operators. The existing cultivators, mostly in operation since 2014, were allowed to grow recreational cannabis beginning in 2019.

Until recently, dual-purpose dispensaries have been unsure as to whether craft-grown products, made by social equity licensees— those who have lived in a disproportionately impacted area or have been historically impacted by the war on drugs—can be sold medicinally as part of a patient’s medical allotment.

Erin Johnson, the state’s cannabis regulation oversight officer, told Capitol News Illinois last month that her office has “been telling dispensaries, as they have been asking us” they can now sell craft-grown products to medical patients.

“There was just a track and trace issue on our end, but never anything statutorily,” she said.

No notice has been posted, but Johnson’s verbal guidance comes almost two years after the first craft grow business went online in Illinois.

It allows roughly 150,000 medical patients, who dispensary owners say are the most consistent purchasers of marijuana, to buy products made by social equity businesses without paying recreational taxes.

However—even as more dis -

pensaries open—the number available to medical patients has not increased since 2018, something the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office “desperately” wants to see changed. Johnson said Illinois is a limited license state, meaning “there are caps on everything” to help control the relatively new market.

Berwyn Thompkins, who operates two cannabis businesses, said the rules limited options for patients and small businesses.

“It’s about access,” Thompkins said. “Why wouldn’t we want all the patients—which the (adultuse) program was initially built around—why wouldn’t we want them to have access? They should have access to any dispensary.”

Customers with a medical marijuana card pay a 1 percent tax on all marijuana products, whereas recreational customers pay retail taxes between roughly 20 and 40 percent on a given cannabis product, when accounting for local taxes.

While Illinois has received praise for its equity-focused cannabis law, including through an independent study that showed more people of color own cannabis licenses than in any other state, some industry operators say they’ve experienced many unnecessary hurdles getting their businesses up and running.

The state, in fact, announced last month that it had opened its 100 th social equity dispensary.

But Steve Olson, purchasing manager at a pair of dispensaries (including one dual-purpose dispensary) near Rockford, said small specialty license holders have been left in the lurch since the first craft grower opened in October 2022.

“You would think that this would be something they’re (the government) trying to help out these social equity companies with, but they’re putting handcuffs on them in so many different spots,” he said. “One of them being this medical thing.”

Olson said he contacted state agencies, including the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, months ago about whether craft products can be sold to medical patients at their retail tax rate, but only heard one response: “They all say it was an oversight.”

This potentially hurt social equity companies because they sell wholesale to dispensaries and may have been missing out on a consistent customer base through those medical dispensaries.

Olson said the state’s attempts to provide licensees with a path to a successful business over the years, such as with corrective lotteries that granted more social equity licenses, have come up short.

“It’s like they almost set up the social equity thing to fail so the big guys could come in and swoop up all these licenses,” Olson said. “I hate to feel like that but, if you look at it, it’s pretty black and white.”

Olson said craft companies benefit from any type of retail sale.

“If we sell it to medical patients or not, it’s a matter of, ‘Are we collecting the proper taxes?’ That’s all it is,” he said.

State revenue from cannabis taxes, licensing costs and other fees goes into the Cannabis Regulation Fund, which is used to fund a host of programs, including cannabis offense expungement, the general revenue fund, and the R3 campaign

aiming to uplift disinvested communities.

For fiscal year 2024, nearly $256 million was paid out from Cannabis Regulation Fund for related initiatives, which includes almost $89 million transferred to the state’s general revenue fund and more than $20 million distributed to local governments, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue

Medical

access still limited

The state’s 55 medical dispensaries that predate the 2020 legalization law, mostly owned by publicly traded multistate operators that had been operating in Illinois since 2014 under the state’s medical marijuana program, were automatically granted a right to licenses to sell recreationally in January 2020. That gave them a dual-purpose license that no new entrants into the market can receive under current law.

Since expanding their clientele in 2020, Illinois dispensaries have sold more than $6 billion worth of cannabis products through recreational transactions alone.

Nearly two-thirds of dispensaries licensed to sell to medical patients are in the northeast counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will. Dual-purpose dispensaries only represent about 20 percent of the state’s dispensaries.

While the state began offering recreational dispensary licenses since the adult-use legalization law passed, it has not granted a new medical dispensary license since 2018

That has allowed the established players to continue to corner the

market on the state’s nearly 150,000 medical marijuana patients.

But social equity licensees and advocates say there are more ways to level the playing field, including expanding access to medical sales. Johnson, who became the state’s top cannabis regulator in late 2022, expressed hope for movement during the fall veto session on House Bill 2911, which would expand medical access to all Illinois dispensaries.

“We would like every single dispensary in Illinois to be able to serve medical patients,” Johnson said. “It’s something that medical patients have been asking for, for years.”

Johnson said the bill would benefit patients and small businesses.

“It’s something we desperately want to happen as a state system, because we want to make sure that medical patients are able to easily access what they need,” she said.

“We also think it’s good for our social equity dispensaries, as they’re opening, to be able to serve medical patients.”

Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, who was the first statewide project coordinator for Illinois’ medical cannabis program prior to joining the legislature, wrote in an email to Capitol News Illinois that the state needs to be doing more for its patients.

“Illinois is failing the state’s 150,000 medical cannabis patients with debilitating conditions. Too many are still denied the patient protections they deserve, including access to their medicine,” Morgan wrote, adding he would continue to work with stakeholders on further legislation.

Business & Service

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

Burial Needs

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.

Personals

LOOKING FOR A COMPANION 60+ year old woman looking for a male companion who is interested in going out to dinner, concerts, shows, movies, etc. If interested, please call 630-782-1006

AUTOMOBILES

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 1-900669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Business & Service DIRECTORY

Elmhurst Public Library programs

Friday, Sept. 6

2-4 p.m.

Friday Features:

“The Princess Bride”

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

No registration required.

Saturday, Sept. 7

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, Sept. 8

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Lyric Opera Lecture: Rigoletto

Hear the story, learn about the composer, and listen to the music.

Live in-person. No registration required.

Monday, Sept. 9

7-8:30 p.m.

Medicare 101

Learn what Medicare covers, what it doesn’t, and your potential out-ofpocket expenses, including Supplement and Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Coverage, and cost-saving strategies.

Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Tuesday, Sept. 10

Noon to 2 p.m.

In Stitches Needleworkers

Knitters, crocheters, and needleworkers of all skill levels: Bring a project on which to work, share knowledge with others, and have fun! Live in-person. No registration required.

Tuesday, Sept. 10

3:30-4:30 p.m. - Bingo

Join us for a few rounds of Bingo

and compete for prizes.

Live in-person. Registration required.

Tuesday, Sept. 10

7-8 p.m.

The Beatles: Their History in One Hour

With performance and interview clips, Gary Wenstrup traces the Beatles from development, through Beatlemania, into their psychedelic phase, and finally their dissolution.

Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Wednesday, Sept. 11

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, Sept. 11

7-8:30 p.m.

Building the Magic: Disney’s EPCOT Center

In the 1960s, Walt Disney dreamed of building a futuristic utopian city that would act as a living laboratory for urban planning developments. After his death, Disney World would change this idea into what would become EPCOT.

Learn about the history of EPCOT Center and its most popular attractions and take a virtual tour of the park.

Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Thursday, Sept. 12

10-11:30 a.m.

Resume Review

Meet with a career expert for help with your resume.

Live in-person. Register for a 30-minute time slot with your Elmhurst Public Library card. Call 630279-8696 or visit elmlib.org/events.

Friday, Sept. 13

2-4 p.m. - Friday Features: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”

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

-We want to print your news! Is your church hosting a special event? Community Calendar listings are free! Send details to independent@rvpublishing.com

Sport S

York girls volleyball team off to strong 5-1 start

Dukes go 4-1 in Wheaton North

tournament

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls volleyball team has piled up the wins in a hurry.

The Dukes started the season 5-1, which included a 4-1 showing at the Wheaton North tournament.

York picked up a 25-23, 26-24 non-conference win against Timothy Christian to start the season and then opened play at Wheaton North with a pair of wins over Kaneland (25-20, 20-25, 15-13) and Glenbard East (25-21, 25-15).

The Dukes lost 25-17, 24-26, 2725 to Montini at Wheaton North, before rebounding to score decisive wins against Romeoville (25-17, 25-13) and Kaneland again (25-17, 25-9).

York is coming off a 2023 season where it went 25-12 and earned a pair of regular-season tournament runner-up finishes. Top returners for the Dukes include 5-11 junior outside hitter Katie Day (171 kills, 29 blocks last season), 5-10 junior setter-right-side hitter Amalia Toliopoulos (128 assists, 115 kills, 13 blocks), 6-1 senior middle blocker-right-side hitter Lilly Roach (90 kills, 57 blocks) and 5-6 senior libero Ava Nawrocki (171 receptions, 81 digs, 1.84 passer rating).

Key newcomers to the team include juniors Reese Timmerwilke (5-11, middle blocker-right-side hitter), Audrey Faley (5-11, middle

Timothy Christian girls volleyball team opens season against York, R-B

IC Catholic Prep boys soccer team squares off against Proviso East

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian girls volleyball team lost a pair of close recent non-conference matches to York and Riverside-Brookfield. In a 25-23, 26-24 loss to York, Abby VanderWal had five kills, one ace and nine digs. Ella Rickert finished with four kills and one ace. Audrey Williams had two kills and one block. Bella Potempa finished with two kills and three digs, while Miriam Pozdol-Niego had two aces and seven digs. Jenna Wasco had one block and three digs, while Elizabeth Alex had eight assists, two aces and three digs. Maria Pozdol-Niego had five assists and five digs.

The Trojans then dropped a 2325, 25-13, 25-22 match to Riverside-Brookfield. VanderWal had 18 kills and five digs. Rickert added four kills and four aces. Williams finished with three kills and one block, while Potempa had eight kills, one ace and four digs. Miriam Pozdol-Niego had one ace and 12 digs. Wasco had one kill, three aces, one block and two digs. Alex had 21 assists, one ace and four digs and Maria Pozdol-Niego had five assists and one ace. Kate Vogelzang had one ace and five digs.

IC Catholic Prep boys soccer

The IC Catholic Prep boys soc-

cer team dropped a 5-0 non-conference game to Proviso East to kick off the season. “From training sessions, we are seeing great movement of the ball and great chemistry with this group,” Knights assistant coach Bianca Madonia said.

ICCP returns several players from last year’s team, including four-year starter and two-year captain Filip Cipiela, an all-Chicago Catholic League midfielder-defender, as well as four-year starter and fellow team captain Tristan Salgado, also an all-CCL midfielder-defender. Alan Salgado also is back and is a twoyear starter as a midfielder-forward. Senior Ben Erickson will be in goal for the Knights. “Ben will be a key attribute for us,” Madonia said.

Madonia said team chemistry on offense is looking great. “We are putting the pieces together slowly,” she said. Madonia pointed out ICCP will roll with almost an entire new back line. “We are filling in gaps and it is slowly coming together, as well,” she said.

Madonia said good overall team chemistry, a good work ethic and positive attitudes are building blocks for the Knights. “That will take them far,” she said. “We are taking each game and training session one day at a time and our goal is to improve on getting better each day.”

blocker-right-side hitter) and Allison Fehlberg (5-7, libero-defensive specialist), along with freshmen Lila Bennis (5-7, libero-defensive specialist) and Eileen Caroll (57, outside hitter-right-side hitter). York did graduate eight seniors from last season, “including our kills, assists and digs leaders from last season,” York coach Danny Piwowarczyk said. “However, I feel very positively about the potential of this group.”

Piwowarczyk said having Day and Toliopoulos back for their third varsity seasons will be key, calling them “huge pieces to this team,” he said. “Amalia will transition into a setting role where she is being scouring by Division I programs and start the season running a 5-1 for us. Katie will return as an out -

side after finishing second on the team in kills last season.” Roach, the team’s blocks leader last year, will move to the right-side hitter position, “to get her more sets and put up a block on the other team’s best hitter,” Piwowarczyk said.

The coach added he’s also excited about the addition of three highly athletic front-row players in Timmerwilke and Faley in the middle and freshman Caroll on the left side pin. “They all should help generate kills for our offense,” Piwowarczyk pointed out.

The defense features senior returner Nawrocki, who Piwowarczyk noted is strong on serve-receive, and Bennis, a highly skilled freshman, “who showcased high-level varsity defense this summer,” Piwowarczyk said. “Al -

lison Fehlberg can both defend and serve-receive at a high level and will help our ball control tremendously. “Lila and Eileen have been playing at a very competitive level on their club teams for a long time, but what stands out more to me is their willingness to work and learn new things. They will both have a good amount of opportunities to have an impact as freshmen.”

Piwowarczyk said the West Suburban Conference Silver Division will be tough as always, “but many teams graduated a lot of players, so every team is going to look very different from last year,” he said. “I am excited about the work ethic and love of volleyball from this group. It should be a fun season working to try to become the best team we can be.”

Timothy Christian boys soccer team looks to continue string of success

Trojans advanced to Class 2A round of eight last season

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian boys soccer team has woven together quite the recent success story. Coach Joel Zielke’s team finished fourth in the state in Class 1A in 2021, took third in 2022 in the same classification and came within one victory last year of qualifying for the state semifinals at a higher classification level (2A).

The Trojans went 18-7 overall and won the Chicagoland Christian Conference title with a 5-1 mark. And Timothy has plenty of firepower returning from that squad and will look to continue a string of success few programs can lay claim to.

Headlining that list of returners is senior goalie Peter Buikema, who is entering his fourth season as the team’s starting goalie. Buikema, with two state medals in his possession, was an all-sectional selection last season where he won 16 games, registered nine shutouts and finished with a 0.65 goals-against average.

Senior forward Owen Wise (9 goals, 16 assists in 2023) also returns and can play all 10 outfield positions, Zielke noted. “He played all those spots as necessary last season but split primarily between center back and attacking mid,” Zielke explained. “He’s a pure finisher and this season he will be featured on the top line.”

Zielke added senior center-mid Cooper Rainone “will be a big key to our success this season,” he said. “He is quick on the ball and has great vision to get his teammates involved.”

A fourth-year varsity player, Rainone had six goals and eight assists last season on his way to an all-sectional selection. Senior midfielder Timothy Nulty is a three-year starter and finished last fall with nine goals and five assists. “We look for a big

“ Our entire back line of Timo, Ben, Trevor and Wes returns that saw nine shutouts along with Peter in goal. Look for a possession-oriented group to battle through a tough schedule that includes top-tier Class 3A schools this season.” –Joel Zielke

year from this three-year starter,” Zielke said. Senior midfielder Josiah Bhatia will contribute as well for the Trojans. On defense, senior Timo Kacian, junior Ben Schroeder, senior Trevor Munk and junior Wes Huber all return on the Timothy back line with Buikema.

Key newcomers to the team include sophomore midfielder Zach Baker, who missed his freshman year due to injury, and junior forward Aidan Contant. “Zach will bring great ball control and game knowledge to our offensive attack,” Zielke said. Timothy has a total of 13 players and eight starters back from the team that lost to eventual Class 2A state-champion Crystal Lake South in the supersectional round. “We bring back a very experienced and hungry group from last season,” said Zielke, in his seventh season as head coach and 10th overall at Timothy. “Our entire back line of Timo, Ben, Trevor and Wes returns that saw nine shutouts along with Peter in goal. Look for a possession-oriented group to battle through a tough schedule that includes top-tier Class 3A schools this season.”

Massey’s death underscores state delay in launching mental health response program

Law aimed at helping people experiencing crisis was

By Beth Hundsdorfer CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

An Illinois law intended to help people with mental illness avoid confrontations with police had been on the books for three years when Sonya Massey was shot by a Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy.

The Community Emergency Services and Supports Act, or CESSA, requires mental and behavioral health calls to 911 be handled by mental health professionals, rather than police. It was supposed to go into effect on July 1, 2022—two years before Massey, who was having a mental health crisis, was shot by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson.

“I think if this system was in place, and emergency responders were trained and aware of what is available to them, then I think Sonya Massey would still be with us today,” said Candace Coleman, community strategy specialist with Access Living, a Chicago-based organization that advocates for disabled people.

The struggle over CESSA’s execution has twice caused lawmakers to push back its effective date, but Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, one of the bill’s sponsors, said Massey’s death underscores the need to carry out reform.

“I feel confident that we are going

York football week 2 preview

York (1-0) at Plainfield North (0-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Plainfield North High School

Outlook: While York has a new head coach in Don Gelsomino, some things remain the same —as in the Dukes winning football game. York was a 28-10 non-conference winner in Week 1 against Glenbrook South in Gelsomino’s first game at the helm. The Dukes now head to Plainfield to take on a Tigers team that 28-21 on the road to Lockport. North, out of the Southwest Prairie West Division, went 4-5 a year ago.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

U12 baseball action

Where: Lewis Stadium at Plunkett Athletic Complex, Elmhurst Outlook: The Knights headed to St. Louis in Week 1 and came away with a 27-26 win in overtime against St. Mary’s South Side Catholic. St. Mary’s led that game 20-14 in the fourth. ICCP tied it late in the fourth and missed a two-point conversion to go ahead. Week 2 sees Chicago Military-Bronzeville headed to Elmhurst. MilitaryBronzeville traveled to Westmont last week and won 12-8. Westmont, which does not play in a football conference, went 2-7 last year. Military-Bronzeville, out of the Chicago Public League White-South Central division, had a 2-6 record last season.

Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12

to get this done. The state and the advocates want to get this right,” Peters said. “And Sonya Massey is the exactly the reason we need to get this done.”

Administrative delays

Getting CESSA up and running has been complicated by the multiple agencies involved, according to Illinois Department of Human Services spokesperson Rachel Otwell. Those include local law enforcement, telecommunication services, community mental health providers, public and private emergency medical services, and the advocates who pushed for the reform.

In a written response to questions, Otwell said all these groups and organizations have different ideas about how the law should work and how their systems can best be coordinated, and each are governed by different laws, rules and regulations.

But Massey’s case underscores the existence of ongoing failures when law enforcement responds to calls involving those experiencing a mental health crisis.

A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association put the number of police calls involving a person experiencing mental illness at around 20 percent, while the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority says it’s between 7 and 10 percent.

In Illinois, police have killed 200 people since 2015, according to state police statistics. Of those, 31, or about 15 percent, involved a call about a person with mental illness. The victims ranged in age from 17 to 66.

During a recorded 911 call the day before a deputy shot her daughter, Donna Massey begged dispatchers to send help and not hurt her daughter. She told a dispatcher she wanted no “combative” officers.

Donna Massey told the dispatcher she was afraid of her daughter driving while in an erratic state, so she did what the counselors had told her to do and called the police.

originally set to go live in

“I don’t want you guys to hurt her. Please,” Donna Massey said during a two-minute 911 call made the morning of July 5.

Like Donna Massey, those with children coping with mental illness or neurodivergence are often forced to contemplate whether calling police is the best way to keep their loved one safe during a crisis. A study conducted at the John Jay School of Criminal Justice published in 2021 found that that police are more than 10 times more likely to use force against a person experiencing mental illness than a person who is not.

“Yeah, we know that there are tools out there that could change the outcome,” Coleman, of Access Living, said. “It’s hard for people who know that they have a mental health condition to call for help because they fear for their lives. All that is at play; family members also fear for their loved ones’ lives. So, this is not an easy topic at all, because people do die.”

‘Fastest assistance possible’

In the early morning hours of July 6, Massey called 911call to report a prowler outside her home, setting in motion the chain of events that left Massey dead and Grayson, the officer who shot her, facing charges of first-degree murder.

Dispatchers who sent deputies to Massey’s home that night didn’t relay that Massey was the subject of calls to them in previous days, including the one from her mother about her apparent mental breakdown. She told dispatchers that her daughter was thinking that people were out to get her, like “paranoid schizophrenic.”

While it seems the deputies sent to answer her call should have been made aware of that, Sangamon County 911 Director Chris Mueller said in a written statement that this is easier to see in hindsight. Massey did not give her name when she called 911, he said, so in responding to what looked like an emergency, no one connected the earlier call from her mother.

2022

“Researching each call history would take time,” Mueller said in a written response. “The 9-1-1 system is predicated on providing the fastest assistance possible to the caller in need. Most would not wish delays when they call 9-1-1 to report a prowler.”

When operational, CESSA is meant to help 911 dispatchers avoid call delays but to also identify calls involving mental health, even when a caller does not mention mental health.

The dispatcher protocols will change to help them assess calls and identify callers who are suicidal or in crisis and get them access to trained professionals for help, as well as determining the speed of the needed response, Otwell stated in a written response.

Those revised protocols are currently being tested.

The current CESSA implementation deadline is July 1, 2025, but an exact timeline of what will happen between now and then is still up in the air, Otwell said. Ongoing testing could require retooling the system and retesting to work out any bugs.

Coleman said better training, destigmatizing mental illness and improving access to care for people experiencing mental illness are all much needed, especially downstate where there is a scarcity of resources. Providing not only intervention, but also the necessary care is an important part of getting help to those in crisis.

Those resources should include living rooms models, which is a house where people in crisis can be treated by trained professionals without an admission to a psychiatric hospital, Coleman said. Currently, there are two such models in the lower third of the state, in East St. Louis and Lawrenceville.

Illinois also provides a 988 number for people experiencing a mental health crisis. The eight call centers are staffed by 114 call takers with at least a bachelor’s degree and additional special training.

York boys soccer team opens 2024 season with tie against Lane Tech

Ochoa stars in goal against quality non-conference opponent

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York boys soccer team opened the 2024 season with a 0-0 non-conference game against Chicago Lane Teach that saw Dukes’ goalie Diego Ochoa turn in an elite effort between the pipes. Ochoa made 11 saves, including two penalty kick denials to preserve the tie. “Diego went off the rails,” complimented York coach Jordan Stopka.

goal after recording eight shutouts as a junior. Stopka said Ochoa should be in the running for an all-state honor this season. Senior forward-midfielder Aaron Jobi (3 goals, 3 assists in 2023) returns, as does senior midfielder Oliver Connor (2 assists), along with senior defender Freddie Steen.

Stopka has been pleased with the progress he has seen on defense.

“The defense is looking pretty good,” he said. “Despite being pressured against a good Lane Tech team, they limited high scoring opportunities for the most part and earned a shutout. After a few games, I believe this will be a strong point of the team.”

Ochoa made 11 saves, including two that came on penalty kicks, to help the York boys soccer team play to a 0-0 tie against Chicago Lane Teach in a non-conference seasonopening game. Ochoa recorded eight shutouts in goal as a junior last season.

The Dukes are coming off a 2023 season where they went 16-5, finished 4-2 in West Suburban Conference Silver Division play and reached a Class 3A sectional title game.

Ochoa headlines a list of returners. This is his third year starting in

Key newcomers to the squad include senior forward Carmie DiMiele and juniors Quinn Stratton (midfield-forward) and Cameron Coates (defender). “The offense is a work in progress,” Stopka pointed out. “We only return three goals from last year’s team so a new person will have to step up in the wake left by the class of 2024 — still remains to be seen.”

Overall, Stopka likes his team’s willingness to push each other and get better in practice. “It’s still way too early with way too many question marks,” he said.

“We will know more by (this) weekend after playing two more quality teams.”

York opens West Suburban Silver play at home Sept. 10 against Downers Grove North.

Dukes begin their season

York High School’s girls cross-country team kicked off its 2024 season with an Aug. 28 meet against Wheaton North and Glenbard West at Camera Park in Glendale Heights. The Dukes posted five of the meet’s nine fastest finishes and earned

a

in the

Athlete of the Month Athlete of the Month

Jonathan Kelsey

Jonathan Kelsey (Timothy Christian High School Class of 2025) had an incredible track season last spring. Over the course of the season, he shaved six seconds off his 400-meter time! Jonathan was the 400-meter Sectional champ with a time of 50.63, which earned him a spot at the IHSA State Track Meet last May. Despite being ranked 9th in Class 1A in Illinois, Jonathan finished 5th, earning him a spot on the podium. Congratulations Jonathan!

Recognized by

victory

meet’s team competition. The York team is pushing to repeat its success from last season, when it won the 2023 IHSA Class 3A state championship.

CLARK MAXWELL PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

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