Play at the plate
Graduation day at Willowbrook
New organization makes its first charitable contribution
On Nov. 11, a group of women gathered at Crazy Pour in Villa Park for the inaugural meeting of the Prairie Path 100+ Women Who Care. At that meeting, presentations for three local non-for-profit organizations were made by certain members. Warm Coats for Cool Kids, a 501(c)3 organization based in Elmhurst, was selected to receive the first charitable contribution made by the Prairie Path 100+ Women Who Care. The photo shows a check for $6,400 being presented last week to Garry and Debra Vaccaro—the founders of Warm Coats for Cool Kids—near the Rugaard Gazebo in Villa Park. Pictured left to right are: Dawn Feldt, Lisa Grover, Katherine
Freshman Lindsey Rugg of the Willowbrook softball team is pictured while attempting to score a run during Friday’s game at Downers Grove South. Rugg tried to score from second base on a single by sophomore Katelyn Cox in the top of the second inning, when the game was tied at 2-2. Downers Grove South’s catcher tagged Rugg out at home plate for the third out of the inning. The Mustangs went on to defeat the Warriors 7-3 in the West Suburban Gold Conference contest. Wil-
Willowbrook High School’s Class of 2021 celebrated its commencement with two separate ceremonies in the school’s main gymnasium on Sunday morning. The entire class includes over 470 students. About half of those students attended the
Willowbrook High School celebrated its homecoming last week. The week’s special activities included Friday afternoon’s homecoming parade, which took place in hot and sunny conditions. The parade procession began near Park Boulevard and Ardmore Avenue. Parade participants marched south on Ardmore before turn-
InsIde:
lowbrook rebounded from Friday’s loss to post an 11-2 win in Saturday’s game at Hinsdale Central. The Warriors bashed three home runs in the second inning of Saturday’s non-conference battle against the Red Devils of the West Suburban Silver Conference. Senior Annemarie Knudtson, freshman Isabella Dugo and sophomore Kayleigh Dennison provided the home runs. Dennison (No. 5) is pictured in the background of the above photo. For more about the Warriors, see page 14.
Hirsch, Sharon Marinier, Christine Wood, Debra and Garry Vaccaro, Kimberly Stoltz, Rae Rupp Srch and Sue Grzadziel. Led by its founders (Christine Wood, Katherine Hirsch, Kimberly Stoltz, and Teri Wood), the Prairie Path 100+ Women Who Care group intends to meet quarterly with its members to learn about local non-for-profit organizations. At each meeting, the group will award funding to one organization. The Prairie Path 100+ Women Who Care plan to hold their next meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, at Crazy Pour, 105 E. North Ave. Any questions or inquiries can be sent to 100womenprairiepath@gmail.com.
Arbor Day in Villa Park
ceremony that began at 9 a.m. The others participated in the ceremony that started at 11 a.m. The photo shows members of the Willowbrook Senior Choir performing during the day’s first service. For more photos, see Page 4.
ing west onto Highridge Road and into the school’s north parking lot. Members of Willowbrook’s marching band are pictured along the parade route. The participants also included several of the Warriors’ fall athletic teams, as well as members of the Villa Park Warriors Football and Cheer program.
Villa Park Village Trustee (and Village President-Elect) Nick Cuzzone and Leslie Allison-Seei—chair of the Villa Park Community Pride Commission. Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday of each April. The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Villa Park with Tree City USA designation for 36 straight years. To receive that recognition, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
War II veteran Charles “Sid” Bergh, who served as the master of ceremonies of the post’s annual Memorial Day service for several years. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Bergh died in October 2020. He was 94 years old. Bergh was the post’s last surviving World War II veteran.
State Board of Elections certifies election results showing decline in turnout
By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Vice President Kamala Harris won Illinois by nearly 11 points as turnout dipped in 2024, according to official election results certified by the State Board of Elections.
The board met Dec. 2 to certify the results of the 2024 election and released final vote totals for races around the state, including locking in several close legislative races. The results also reflected shifts in turnout and voting behavior.
Illinois saw turnout dip in 2024 compared to recent presidential contests. About 5.7 million people participated in this year’s election, representing 70.42 percent of the state’s 8.1 million registered voters. That’s a decline from 2020 when 72.92 percent of voters participated in the largest turnout for a presidential election in Illinois since 1992, according to the board.
This year’s turnout was the fourth lowest of the last 40 years, according to the board. Turnout was slightly below President-elect Donald Trump’s first victory in 2016, but higher than former President Barack Obama’s victory in 2012. Chicago Board of Election officials reported last month the city saw the second lowest turnout in a presidential race in 80 years.
The lower turnout in the November election also followed low turnout in the March primary, which featured uncontested presidential primaries in Illinois after challengers dropped out of the race by the time it was Illinois’ turn to vote.
Voting by mail also remained a popular option for many voters, with more than 1 million people casting their ballot in the mail. That’s down from more than 2 million people in 2020, but it represents the third consecutive statewide election in which more than 15 percent of voters used a mail-in ballot.
A greater portion of the electorate cast early in-person ballots this year than ever before, however. Board of Elections data shows 34.65 percent of votes were cast in-person before Election Day this year, surpassing 2020’s record of 32.89 percent.
This year’s election was the second time most voters did not vote on Election Day.
Data shows 46.69 percent of ballots were cast on Election Day itself, compared to about two-thirds in recent years. Most voters during the pandemic election in 2020 also participated early, either in person or by mail, rather than on Election Day.
In the presidential race, Harris received 3,062,863 votes in Illinois, or 54.37 percent of the vote, to receive Illinois’ 19 electoral votes. That’s 409,052 fewer votes than President Joe Biden received in 2020.
Though Harris won Illinois’ electoral votes by nearly 11 points this year, Trump narrowed his margin of defeat in Illinois after losing the state in both 2016 and 2020 by about 17 points. Harris’ 10.9-point victory was the smallest margin of victory for a Democratic presidential candidate since John Kerry won Illinois in 2004 by about 11 points.
Trump improved his margin in Illinois on his way to an Electoral College and national popular vote victory for the first time. He received 2,158 more votes in 2024 compared to 2020. Despite Trump’s loss in the state, Republicans said they still believe the election results show a mandate in Illinois for their policies.
“I think the people of Illinois, and moreover, the people of this country, have seen what the Democrats have done, especially over the last several years and how woke it has become,” Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said at a news conference in November.
“This is a clear mandate to that ridiculousness that has been going on the last four
Court denies state’s motion to detain
pre-trial Chicago man accused of fatal DUI
Incident occurred at Villa Park intersection
DuPage County State’s Attorney
Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied the state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Chicago man accused of causing a crash that claimed the life of 69-year-old Jose Orizaba.
Luis Guzman Alvarez, 49, appeared in First Appearance Court on Dec. 3, and was charged with one count of aggravated DUI causing death, a Class 2 felony.
As conditions of Guzman Alvarez’s pre-trial release, he will be fitted with a secure continuous remote alcohol monitoring device (SCRAM), he will
Obituaries
THOMAS A. McSHANE, 65
Thomas A. McShane, 65, of Lombard, IL, passed away on December 1, 2024. Born on November 21, 1959, to the late Robert and June McShane, he was the beloved widower of Catherine Henkel McShane.
Tom is survived by his two daughters, Ashley McShane and Kristi Fisher (Blake), and his cherished grandchildren Calvin, Henry, and Remington. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Brennan, and Sharon (Dennis) Sluhoski; his brothers, William (Susan), Joel (Sandy), Michael, and James McShane; and many loving nieces and
not be allowed to drive and he will report to pre-trial services as required.
On Sunday, Dec. 1 at approximately 7:41 a.m., Villa Park police officers responded to a call of a crash involving injuries at St. Charles Road and Villa Avenue. Upon their arrival, officers observed a Chevy SUV, driven by Orizaba, at the Shell gas station at the southeast corner of the intersection with significant driver-side damage and a minivan, allegedly driven by Guzman Alvarez, in the southbound lane of Villa Avenue with heavy frontend damage.
Orizaba was extricated from his vehicle using the jaws of life and immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 11:40 a.m.
Following an investigation into the crash, it is alleged that Orizaba was traveling eastbound on St. Charles Road approaching the traffic signal at Villa Avenue. It is alleged that as Orizaba entered the intersection on
nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Robert and Howard McShane.
Tom was an avid fan of Chicago sports, especially the Chicago White Sox, Blackhawks, and Da Bears. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2025 to honor his memory.
LASZLO ROSZMANN, 91 Laszlo Roszmann, age 91, formerly of Villa Park, beloved husband of the late Janet Roszmann, nee Trippel, passed peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 24 at his home in Elmhurst. All services private.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing Food drive in Villa Park
The Villa Park Police Benevolent Association, in conjunction with G.M. Smith & Son Realtors and Jewel-Osco, held its sixth annual food drive on Saturday. Several members of the association assisted in collecting donations outside of the Villa Park Jewel-Osco at 33 E. St. Charles Road. Those donations will support local food pantries.
a green light, Guzman Alvarez, who was traveling south on Villa at a high rate of speed, ignored the red light and crashed into Orizaba’s vehicle, forcing it into the gas station parking lot. Guzman Alvarez was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and subsequently released. It is further alleged that Guzman Alvarez was traveling at approximately 46 mph in a 30 mph zone at the time of the crash and that his BAC was .374.
When searching Guzman Alvarez’s vehicle, officers allegedly found two small open bottles of Jose Cuervo tequila, a small bottle of pre-mixed margaritas and a small bottle of pre-mixed daquiri.
“Like all alleged DUI cases, the case against Mr. Guzman Alvarez was 100 percent avoidable,” Berlin said. “I offer my sincerest condolences to Jose Orizaba’s family and friends as they grieve and attempt to adjust to their new lives without the love and friendship Jose once provided. I thank
DuPage County Health Department: Flu vaccine can take the flu from wild to mild
The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) promoted National Influenza Vaccination Week (held last week), which is a call to everyone 6 months and older to get their annual influenza (flu) vaccine.
This week serves to remind everyone that there is still time to get a flu vaccine and to stay healthy this winter.
The best way to prevent flu is by getting the flu vaccine each year. Getting vaccinated against the flu can also help protect loved ones, like children younger than 5 years old, pregnant people, adults 65 years and older, and people living with chronic conditions.
These groups of people are at a higher risk of having serious complications if they get the flu.
“During this holiday season, getting the flu vaccine is an important step to protect yourself and your loved ones. Let’s stay healthy and enjoy a safe holiday season together,” said Adam Forker, executive director, DuPage County Health Department.
Flu vaccines are safe and effective. The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, and if someone who is vaccinated gets sick, vaccination has been shown to reduce the severity of illness.
Opportunities to get flu vaccines are available in and around DuPage County through pharmacies and medical providers—visit www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you.
Stop the flu and other respiratory viruses with these preventive actions:
• Get the annual flu shot and stay up to date with other vaccines.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
the Villa Park Police Department, the Villa Park Fire Department and DuPage County MERIT Major Crash Investigation Team for their work in this tragic case.”
“It is indeed a tragedy for the Orizaba family to be faced with the loss of their loved one, Jose Orizaba, due to the actions of an alleged intoxicated driver,” Rivas said. “No words can comfort, and no actions taken will ever suffice to undo what has been done.
The Villa Park Police Department will always vigorously investigate all reported cases of an intoxicated driver on the roadways of our village. We can’t say enough about the incredible, and thorough job, the Villa Park police officers and detectives performed in bringing about serious charges against the accused.”
Guzman Alvarez’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 23 for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.
Catholic Theatre solves the crime on the Orient Express
Montini Catholic High School drama students are celebrating the success of their fall play, Murder on the Orient Express. The Agatha Christie mystery, directed by Jackie Martin, delighted audiences with two separate casts performing a total of six performances last month. In addition to the talented casts (two casts) and crew, Martin was grateful for the talents of Montini’s Music Director and Fine Arts Chair, Donnie Glowinski, and costume designer (and teacher) Beth DiMarco. She also thanked Charlie Brewick and Jeff Nowicki, set designers. Shown here is junior Michael May of Villa Park, who played Hercule Poirot (Istanbul cast). Next up for Montini Theatre is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatcoming in March.
Garcia
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SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing Montini
Luis Guzman Alvarez
Opinion
Slices of life
Contemplating the topic of hate
“When hate feels easy, be very wary, lest your hate becomes greater than the one who is hated. Because it is at that point you turn the corner toward evil.”
Today, I’ve been contemplating hate.
It’s a definitely switch for me. I prefer to focus on love, because love is so much more important and impactful and life-changing. When you truly embrace love, there is no room for hate.
But the recent political activities have brought up strong feelings in many people and some of those involve hate. I’ve listened to the news. I’ve heard people vent in real time. I’ve read posts on social media. And, sadly, there is much hate circulating the airwaves.
It’s made me wonder and ponder the topic.
I don’t purport to have all the answers. In this column, as in many others, I’m only answering for myself and from my perspective. I hope to encourage thought, discussion and awareness, but I certainly don’t have any of the answers, much less all of them. What I do have are questions.
My first: Is hate ever justified? I think not. Stay with me here.
But what about serial killers? What about parents who horribly abuse their children? What about sadists and sociopaths? What about elder abuse? What about schoolyard bullies? What about leaders who use their power in inhumane ways? Isn’t that worth our hate? I think not.
We can have many negative emotions about the actions taken by very bad people, but those emotions do not need to lead to hate.
Hate is a very strong word when it comes to describe feelings toward other people.
We can hate Brussels sprouts. We can hate a rainy Saturday when we had plans to go to the beach. We can hate cancer. We can hate the death of a loved one.
But hating another person—even if they do unquestionably bad things?
I think not.
Here’s the thing: we can hate the actions—the bad things—without hating the person. I know I may be splitting hairs, but I don’t think it’s in our capacity to hate others. It goes against our DNA. Hate is counterintuitive to what we are meant to be. We are meant to be inclusive. To be brothers and sisters. To be family. To love.
Hate is contrary to love. The two cannot co-exist. And we simply cannot live without love.
I remember the Broadway musical, “Wicked.” It is the
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
backstory to “The Wizard of Oz” and tells of the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West. As a child I feared her. She was mean and vengeful. She was threatening and combative. She was scary.
She demonstrated no meaningful attributes, because that is what the 1939 movie showed us. But upon seeing the history in “Wicked,” the viewer came to understand the witch who was labeled wicked. Her story illustrated why she became who she was and in knowing that it was much more difficult to see her in the light of all the negative adjectives listed above. It became more difficult to hate her.
I think that might be the case with most people we deem hateworthy. We don’t know them or their history.
I’m not making excuses for inexcusable behavior, but I am saying that people—each of us— live out our own history, and while behaviors might be inexcusable and hateful, people themselves are not.
We may have to put them in prison for the rest of their life. We may have to relegate them to whatever justice suits their actions. We may renounce their actions and mourn with the people they hurt. We may never get over the impact they made on our lives.
But we need not hate.
Hate brings about such negativity to the person experiencing it. Hate hurts the person doing the hating, much more than it hurts the hated.
Hate does not heal. It does not inspire. It does not illicit compassion.
It does not foster kindness. It does no good.
Instead it eats one from the inside out. Hate is black and bleak where there could be light and love.
So, go ahead, hate broccoli or the smell of mothballs, but reject hate against other humans. It does them no good. But more importantly, it does you no good. Compassion, on the other hand goes a long way to accomplishing something.
Something beautiful. And loving and lovely.
And that, my friends, is my wish for you. Today and every day.
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
Latest developments on the Elgin O’Hare Western Access project
By U.S.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
Recently, I partnered with the leadership of the Illinois Tollway in updating the public on the progress being made on the Elgin O’Hare Western Access (EOWA) project.
The project, which will connect Interstate-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) and Interstate-294 (TriState Tollway), will significantly reduce the amount of travel time to Chicago O’Hare International Airport for communities across our region. The project, deemed regionally and nationally significant by the U.S. Department of Transportation, will cut travel time and traffic to the airport, as well as boost local and small businesses in communities around O’Hare by increasing accessibility to these areas.
The EOWA construction is projected to bring 65,000 new, good-paying jobs to the greater Chicago area by 2040 and will reduce stress on national and global supply chains by better connecting O’Hare to ground and rail transportation.
The new connection will also reduce travel on local roads by 24 percent and serve more than 120,000 vehicles per day, meaning frequent fliers will be home faster.
Dispelling dangerous disinformation with FEMA administrator following recent hurricanes
During a recent Oversight Committee hearing, I questioned Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell on the danger of misinformation and disinformation. Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which devastated parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Car-
olina, Tennessee, and Virginia earlier this fall, damaging disinformation began circulating online claiming FEMA employees and first responders discriminated against those in need based on their political views.
During my question line with Administrator Criswell, I confirmed that these rumors were not only false but also dangerous, and future disinformation can jeopardize FEMA’s ability to help storm and natural disaster victims. FEMA has received bipartisan praise for its efforts to help those in need following the hurricanes, and disinformation undermines the government’s attempts to aid those impacted.
I also spoke with Administrator Criswell on the dangers posed to child care centers during natural disasters, specifically those located in providers’ homes rather than commercial facilities. Providers’ homes are often overlooked following natural disasters, creating a child care crisis that can extend long after the cleanup efforts are under way.
The greater Chicago area is not immune to these natural disasters, and if mass flooding were to occur in our communities, thousands of child care centers would be impacted. Administrator Criswell has pledged to work with my office, the Oversight Committee, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure these centers receive the support they need after natural disasters.
Strengthening our defense industrial base to prevent conflict and improve our security
As Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), I recently co-hosted a tabletop simulation on the state of our country’s defense industrial base—the network of companies, facilities, and resourc-
es that provide the U.S. military with the materials, products, and services it needs to help our servicemembers succeed.
This exercise, centered on threats posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Taiwan, but also the limitations of our current industrial base to produce enough ammunition, armaments, and other supplies to sustain our troops as well as to support our security partners and allies.
For example, according to the most recent Congressional Research Service data, the PRC is producing 359 large ocean-going ships for every one the United States produces.
This translates into the PRC having a bigger navy than ours with a widen-
See PROJECT, Page 5
Casten releases statement on Gaetz Report resolution
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06), whose district includes parts of Lombard, released the following statement last week regarding the House of Representatives vote on his resolution to require the House Ethics Committee to release its report into allegations of serious misconduct by former Congressman Matt Gaetz.
“Today (Dec. 5), the majority of the House of Representatives took the easy way out. They could have ensured a vote on whether or not former Members should be held accountable when they face serious and credible allegations of sexual misconduct, including having sex with minors. Instead, the House voted to sweep these allegations under the rug and set an unfortunate precedent that, if you are ever facing scrutiny, resigning from Congress can make your problems go away. I retain options to continue to pursue the release of the Gaetz Report.”
Hi, this is Lombard calling. I want to thank the person who helped me Thanksgiving afternoon around 4:30 at Harry Caray’s Restaurant in Yorktown. The strong gusty winds that afternoon knocked me down between two cars that were parked and I couldn’t get up. This gentleman came over and between him and my boyfriend, they were able with great difficulty, I might say, to help me stand up. I didn’t get his name, but I sincerely hope that he sees this expression of great gratitude. Thank you.
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I want to thank the Village of Lombard and all the others that host blood drives. Did you know one unit of blood can save up to three lives? I had a family member who was one of those statistics. Now, as the weather turns colder, we need more places to host blood drives, to keep saving lives. The Red Cross and even Versiti, which holds drives in Lombard, have put out the alarm that there is a blood shortage crisis. Our park district, First Church of Lombard, Plum Library and even District 44 have done the lion’s share of hosting these drives for the village. Please consider letting Versiti use some of your free space by becoming a host.
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I see people and yard services blowing leaves in the street all the time in Villa Park and Lombard. Is this legal? I think it clogs the sewers, causing flooding and additional work for the filtering system. Please let us know what we can do to report these offenders. (How about taking a picture and sending it to the city?)
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After all the recent sub-zero wind chills and temperatures in the teens, I was glad to see temperatures get to 50 degrees on Sunday (Dec. 8). More global warming, please!
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Well, here we go. Trump was not my choice but we must learn to live with changes he makes, try to change the things we can and know the difference. It’s very similar to the “Serenity Prayer” that can get us through tough times. His Cabinet choices are surely not what even many Republicans want, but that too will change; he went through many Cabinet changes in his first term. Mid-term elections are less than two years off, and I’m guessing Trump will have enough angry voters by then that we can take back the House and Senate.
* * *
So President Biden and his administration said inflation was transitory and that there was no border crisis. Now, after several news sources have quoted the president as saying he will not pardon his son Hunter, he reversed course. Not surprisingly, the media, instead of commenting on that, made the Republicans’ reaction the focus of their stories. Don’t be surprised if he pardons people Trump said he would try to prosecute. Only a little more than a month or so left, and Biden can finally wander off to wherever he wants and look for an ice cream cone.
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I am not a Trump fan, although I was way less of a Harris fan. I accepted the winning ticket, but my big fear is the whole tariff move that Trump has said he would make. I don’t see how that will benefit Americans, as pundits say it will drive up costs to consumers. As much as I want to “buy American,” we can’t manufacture anything here in America without it being nearly cost-prohibitive (even though there aren’t the high shipping costs within the country), which is a shame because I would rather support American manufacturers. Problem is, I can’t afford to. I heard on a
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radio talk show how people are going out and buying things like new cars, TVs and other big-ticket items, to get ahead of whatever tariffs Trump plans to impose, which the speaker said could add 20 percent or as much as 40 percent to the cost of imported goods going forward. But I can’t even afford to buy those items now anyway, so I will just enjoy watching a movie on your TV, and taking a drive in your new car.
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I read a letter to the editor in another paper, in which the person said those who voted for Trump did so not because of the border or inflation, but because of greed. Yes, greed. That is, presumably because we expect things to cost less under the new president. I am neither wealthy nor even middle class (anymore, thanks to the money-sucking Illinois Democrats), so I am just looking to pay my bills, keep more of my money instead of it being taxed to death and be able to afford to stay in my house. If that is considered greed, well, then I am greedy.
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The State of Illinois projected budget deficit for FY 2026 is $3.2 billion, the City of Chicago budget deficit for FY 2025 is $300 million. I guess they ran out of the federal COVID money. Democrats bragged about budget surplus. It was because of the gift from Washington, D.C.; now they are broke again. Every school district has or is proposing a tax increase. DuPage County is now all elected Democrats. The residents fled Chicago and Cook County to DuPage and brought their Democratic vote with them. The spending must stop. Cut spending to balance the budget, quit taxing us to death. For only working nine months a year the teachers are all overpaid. Their salary, paid leave and benefits are more than most people working 12 months a year. We can no longer afford all of the government spending.
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Good luck to Thomas Brown, the Bears head coach for the last five games of the season.
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Democrats and their colleagues in the media frequently tell us that the economy has been great during Biden’s presidency. Why, then, are we constantly bombarded with news of food drives, clothing drives, school supply drives and diaper
drives? It seems news about every one of these drives mentions an ongoing and urgent need, and that the number of those in need keeps increasing. There’s a story in the Dec. 5 issue of this paper about one charitable organization in Lombard that refers to a large increase in its number of guests. I don’t think anyone is against any of these charitable drives, and I don’t think anyone could honestly deny that there are a great deal of people who need help. I just wish more people would point out that the mixed messages from the media don’t make sense.
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Hello Lombard. I am just reading the article about the Thomas More Society filing a suit against the state in regard to women’s health issues, abortion speaking, and Peter Breen, who was once one of our representatives who claims to be very a fiscal proponent of helping Illinois establish a better economic state, is now wasting the state’s money on battling this suit in court. What he needs to realize is that church and state don’t mix. And that if people are against abortion then don’t do it; give the right to those who want to choose. It’s not your right to take away choice. And that’s what’s so great about this state is that we have a place where people can make their choices. Thank you.
Okay, I admit to having a college degree. But even I had to research the meaning of “hyperbole” in last week’s Speak Out. The author of that piece was referring to a sarcastic letter to the Lombardian (Nov. 21) from a Mr. Berends who accused (sarcastically) the Republicans of stealing the 2024 presidential election. Don’t you think if the Democrats were successful in stealing the 2020 election that they would have done it again just a few weeks ago? What if millions of Republicans across this great country believe, without any evidence, that the 2020 election was “stolen” from Donald J Trump, but accept the results of the 2024 presidential election with Donald J. Trump as the victor? Was the 2020 election stolen? But the 2024 election was valid? Why is it one election is valid and the other invalid? Have we decided that facts do not matter? Have we become so tribal in our politics that “truth” becomes irrelevant?
So I see Jussie Smollett had his conviction overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court. Whatever. I wouldn’t be surprised if he stages another fake attack to get himself more publicity.
Trump’s inauguration can’t happen soon enough for me. I’m counting the days until that bumbling, stumbling statue currently occupying the Oval Office who doesn’t know where he is half the time leaves office. One night I watched an hourlong program that ranked the best and worst presidents. Biden was ranked the number 2 worst president of all time. That’s being kind. He should be ranked number 1. Biden is an absolute disgrace!
Coming events
Villa Park Library program on holiday traditions
Come visit the Villa Park Public Library to see the fascinating real-life story of “The Night Before Christmas” come to life; as told by educational entertainer, Martina Mathisen, along with the stories of our American Christmas Traditions.
On Monday, Dec. 16, at 5:30 p.m., we will discuss many of the season’s traditions, and answer questions like: Why do we kiss under a mistletoe? Why do we decorate with poinsettias? Where did the jolly old man in the red suit come from anyway? And so many more traditions explored. Registration is required. For more information, please visit our website at www.vppl.info, or call 630-8341164.
Versiti blood drive at Plum Library today
The library will also be hosting a Versiti Blood Drive in the plum meeting rooms at 411 S. Main St., Lombard, on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 2:30-7 p.m. Call 630-627-0316 or visit helenplum.org for more information, or call 800-7TO-GIVE to schedule an appointment. Please bring a photo ID.
• Project
(Continued from page 4)
ing gap, reducing our deterrence.
Since I wrote the letter to the editor that was published here on Oct. 31 regarding supporting our local high school’s music and theatre departments, I have done some research and learned the following information:
District 88 (Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools) offers a Gold Card to all seniors (age 65 and over) who reside in the boundaries of the District 88 area.
Anyone can go to the district office (2 Friendship Plaza—south side of Lake Street by the Addison Police Department and Addison Public Library) and fill out the paperwork to receive the card imme -
Presentation of the card at any fine arts program (music concerts or theatre productions) will allow free admission to the event.
It can also be used for any sports event held at the school. Because I wrote how the public should support the schools’ and fine arts programs, I would hope that those getting free admission would consider a donation to those programs when entering the auditorium.
These are wonderful events, worthy of your support, and will be a joy to you to view and hear.
Jim Reed Lombard
The question of these capabilities is not simply one of what might happen in an armed conflict but actually how we deter conflict through demonstrating strength. As the CCP continues its policies of bellicosity and military buildup, signs of weakness and vulnerability on our part, whether in the state of our military or in our ability to supply it, actually make conflict more likely.
Thus, to prevent conflict and safeguard our country and our friends from military aggression, it is essential that we strengthen our military industrial base to produce the ammunition, shells, missiles, and other supplies we need to succeed if a conflict were to occur, and, much more importantly, to help prevent one from breaking out.
Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes part of Addison, Wood Dale and Bensenville.
Holiday spirit in Lombard
The Lombard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA) is a non-profit organization comprised of graduates of the Lombard Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy program. The LCPAAA assists in a variety of police and community activities throughout the year. One of the association’s largest and most important events of the year is its annual Shop With a Cop (SWAC) program. The goal of the SWAC program is to bring gifts and joy to some local children and their families while fostering positive relationships with law enforcement. The children, who are nominated for the program by Lombard schools, join LCPAAA members and Lombard police officers for a day of shopping and fun. The LCPAAA held its 26th annual SWAC event this year. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Lombard police officers picked up the children at their homes and drove them to Lombard Village Hall. The children were then escorted in a convoy of police squad cars to the Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in Lombard. The children had a chance to shop for themselves and their families at those stores, with help from Lombard police officers. After shopping at Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods, the children returned to Lombard Village Hall to wrap their purchases, with help from LCPAAA volunteers. The children also enjoyed lunch and visited with Santa Claus before returning home in squad cars filled with gifts, cookies and gift baskets. Saturday’s event was made possible by the fundraising efforts of the LCPAAA, Lombard Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) #270, and donations from local businesses and individuals.
DuPage Foundation’s annual benefit raises nearly $700,000 to date
DuPage Foundation celebrated an impactful evening of community philanthropy at its Annual Benefit: Through the Looking Glass, on Nov. 9 at The Westin Chicago Lombard, with more than 425 guests in attendance.
Thanks to generous support from donors, community partners, and sponsors, the event has grossed nearly $700,000 to date for the Foundation.
This funding is critical in fueling the Foundation’s operations and programs as it works to address our
Coming events
community’s greatest challenges and opportunities through collective impact while supporting area donors and businesses in achieving their philanthropy, locally and beyond.
Additional contributions toward the event are expected through year end.
During the event, more than $225,000 was contributed through a paddle raise, thanks in part to a generous $50,000 combined matching challenge provided by Duly Health and Care, Julie and Jeff Curran of Hinsdale, and Earl and Kay Har-
‘Little Women: The Musical’ at Plum Library
Recording available Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec 22. Enjoy a pre-recorded, virtual showing of Louisa May Alcott’s classic story as a Broadway musical. Sign up at helenplum.org to receive the viewing link in your email. This event is in partnership with Illinois Libraries Present. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Glenbard B-PAC program Dec. 19
B-PAC: Glenbard Bilingual Parent Advisory Council and the GPS Parent Series in Spanish will present Strategies to “Help Healthy Families and Teens Thrive” with psychologist Ferney Ramirez. This program will be presented at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Glenbard North High School, 990 N. Kuhn Road in Carol Stream. This event will be presented in Spanish only. Ramírez coordinates programs for families in Chicago and various Illinois school districts and is the author of 10 mental health publications. He is president of the Family First Organization and has extensive experience in clinical psychology, couples therapy and family counseling. A holiday celebration will follow the presentation. For further information, contact Luz Luna at luz_luna@ glenbard.org or 630-942-7447.
baugh of The Villages, Fla.
“We are deeply grateful for the amazing generosity displayed by our friends and partners, said Mike Sitrick, DuPage Foundation president and CEO. “It highlights both their trust in our work and the commitment so many in our community share toward investing in local philanthropy.”
As a part of the event, the Foundation announced a $1 million gift from Trustee Emerita Carole Cline of Wheaton to establish the Richard G. and Carole J. Cline Community Impact Fund, a permanently endowed fund at the Foundation to support its annual community grantmaking.
A part of Cline’s gift will also help bolster the Foundation’s Operating Endowment. Benefit guests enjoyed live music and dancing provided by Blue Water Kings and other themed activities. Members of the event’s Host Committee included Mike and Elizabeth Sitrick, Lombard.
Food pantry donation
Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Lilac Post #5815 recently presented Food Pantry Director Angela Tanner with a $300 donation to York Township Food Pantry. The funds will be used to help stock pantry shelves for the upcoming holiday season. Supervisor John W. Valle said, “I want to commend the members of Lilac Post #5815 for their public-spirited service and their ongoing commitment year after year to partner with York Township in moving the needle on hunger in our community.” Pictured (left to right) are members Rich Carsley, Tony Massa, Post Commander Tom Zilla, Dennis Jensen, Valle, Gene Rymut, Michelangelo Di
jim waters photos Rock Valley Publishing
Cosola and Barney Bucholz.
Illinois American Water will increase water rates
Acquisition costs, affordability major themes surrounding case
By Andrew Adams Capitol news illinois
The state’s largest private water utility, Illinois American Water, will increase customer bills in the new year.
The move comes after state regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the requested increase on Dec. 5. The five-member board approved a $110 million increase for the company, a 30 percent reduction from the company’s original request early this year.
Illinois American Water serves more than 1 million Illinoisans in roughly 150 communities around the state, ranging from South Beloit to Cairo, with major operations in the Chicago suburbs, Champaign, Peoria and the Metro East.
Illinois American Water said in a statement it is reviewing the final order and indicated it will communicate directly with customers about the impact to their bills. While they did not provide an estimate, the increase will be lower than the company’s originally requested rate hike. That would have corresponded to a roughly $24 per month increase in water service bills and a $5 increase in wastewater service costs for the average residential customer.
The ICC also reduced the company’s proposed return on equity—a share of the company’s revenue that’s paid out to investors – from its requested 10.75 percent to 9.84 percent.
New water rates will go into effect in early 2025.
The company said in a statement Thursday the “main driver” of the increase was to cover the cost of future investments in water systems.
That includes things like lead pipe replacement and upgrading pump stations that move water throughout its system. The increase also covers the costs associated with Illinois American Water purchasing several water systems from local governments.
The legal order approving the rate increase also included an expansion
Obituaries
RONALD D. HAPPEL
Ronald D. Happel of Chicago, formerly of Villa Park, entered God’s heavenly kingdom on Dec. 4.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Lombard. A Committal Service followed at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, Oakbrook Terrace.
Arrangements by Brust Funeral Home. Info: www.brustfuneralhome. com or 888-629-0094.
GERARD HILDEBRANDT, 72
Gerard “Gerry” Hildebrandt, age 72, of Lombard, passed peacefully at home on December 4, 2024.
Gerry was the loving husband of 51 years to Brenda, nee O’Neal; beloved father of Shawn (Mary Jo) and Richard; cherished grandpa of Wil-
of Illinois American Water’s low-income discount program. The expansion will provide between a 10 percent and 80 percent reduction to customers’ bills if they have an income below three times the federal poverty level. In 2024, that was about $93,600 per year for a family of four.
Affordability was a major issue for some customers who spoke out against the proposed rate increase at public hearings held around the state this summer. At one particularly fiery hearing in Bolingbrook, customers urged the ICC to reject the increase, pointing out the already high cost of bills.
Others at that hearing pointed to the fact that bill increases disproportionately affect those on fixed incomes and the elderly. This was a major theme for AARP Illinois, a group that advocates for the interests of those 50 and older.
Last month, AARP Illinois delivered petitions with what they said were over 10,000 signatures to the ICC opposing the proposed rate increase as well as a similar proposal from Aqua Illinois, the state’s second largest private water utility.
AARP Illinois State Director Philipe Largent said in a statement the 30 percent reduction was a “step in the right direction” and commended the ICC for hosting public hearings on the rate case earlier in the year.
Water system acquisitions were a major part of the controversy surrounding Illinois American Water’s rate case and others this year. Throughout the past year, consumer advocates criticized a state law that allows water utilities to purchase water systems and recover 100 percent of the associated costs of those purchases from customers.
That policy, outlined in the Illinois Water Systems Viability Act, or SVA, has led to lawmakers of both parties calling for reform to the system, backing a proposal from the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer advocacy group.
CUB Executive Director Sarah
liam and Lucille; loving son of the late Richard and the late Elizabeth; and dear brother of the late Thomas.
Gerry was a jack-of-all-trades. He loved his old cars. He mastered his line of work in HVAC and refrigeration for over 50 years and owned his own company. Gerry’s well-known saying was “If it ain’t broken, keep your hands off of it.”
Funeral services were Tuesday, December 10, at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main Street, Lombard. Info” www.brusfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
THOMAS A. MCSHANE, 65
Thomas A. McShane, 65, of Lombard, IL, passed away on December 1, 2024. Born on November 21, 1959, to the late Robert and June McShane, he was the beloved widower of Catherine Henkel McShane.
Tom is survived by his two daughters, Ashley McShane and
Moskowitz said she and others at CUB were “disappointed” that the water utility received a significant rate increase.
“The ICC’s ruling gives new urgency to CUB’s push to reform a water privatization law that Illinois American Water successfully lobbied for, and now uses to plunder its customers,” Moskowitz said in a statement. “Illinois American Water has now received $195 million in rate hikes in just two years, and they’ve indicated on earnings calls that they expect the rate hikes to continue.”
But some say that privatization is a way for smaller water systems to get infrastructure upgrades they otherwise wouldn’t have.
Illinois American Water President Rebecca Losi noted at a public hearing earlier this year that the acquisitions make up “less than 4 percent” of the company’s originally proposed increase.
ICC Commissioner Stacey Paradis called out the role of acquisitions in a comment at Thursday’s meeting.
“Generally, we’ve seen communities choose to sell because they cannot afford to invest in system upgrades to antiquated infrastructure required to meet federal and state regulations or they can’t maintain existing systems,” Paradis said. “It seems clear based on recent cases and evidence across the country that water systems haven’t received much investment in decades, leading to aging systems that are inefficient and aren’t able to meet health and safety standards.”
ICC Chair Doug Scott also noted Thursday the state’s limited ability to interfere with municipal water systems
“If an investor-owned utility seeks to acquire a system and the acquisition is compliant with the SVA, the commission must grant the acquisition order,” Scott said. “The commission does not have the authority to direct public and municipal system investments in the system that were referred to by Commissioner Paradis.”
Kristi Fisher (Blake), and his cherished grandchildren Calvin, Henry, and Remington. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Brennan, and Sharon (Dennis) Sluhoski; his brothers, William (Susan), Joel (Sandy), Michael, and James McShane; and many loving nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Robert and Howard McShane.
Tom was an avid fan of Chicago sports, especially the Chicago White Sox, Blackhawks, and Da Bears.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2025 to honor his memory.
LASZLO ROSZMANN, 91
Laszlo Roszmann, 91, formerly of Villa Park, beloved husband of the late Janet Roszmann, nee Trippel, passed peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 24, at his home in Elmhurst. All services private.
Lombard Police Department releases Thanksgiving enforcement results
The Lombard Police Department recently concluded a Thanksgiving traffic safety campaign, held from Nov. 22 through Dec. 2 to remind drivers to buckle up and drive sober.
The initiative was part of the statewide “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns, conducted in collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to reduce roadway fatalities.
Throughout the campaign, Lombard police issued the following:
• 79 seatbelt citations
• 36 child safety seat citations
• 24 speeding citations
• 21 distracted driving citations (cell phone)
• 27 other citations (moving/non-moving)
• 6 traffic arrests (no valid/suspended/revoked licenses)
• 2 criminal arrests
• 1 driving under the influence arrest
“Our officers work tirelessly year-round to enforce traffic laws and promote safe driving habits,” said Police Sgt. Tom Balsitis. “Efforts like this campaign are about saving lives and ensuring that everyone gets home safely to their loved ones.”
The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock
Valley Publishing
Warrior Project adopts nine York Township families for Christmas
On Thursday, Dec. 5, students and faculty members from Willowbrook High School delivered presents and gift cards to York Township Hall as part of the Willowbrook Student Council’s Warrior Project. The Warrior Project adopted nine York Township families with a total of 25 children this year. Every holiday season, York Township brings together families through its “Adopt a Family for Christmas” gift program with the help of local individuals, companies and organizations, such as Willowbrook’s annual Warrior Project. York Township Supervisor John W. Valle said, “I want to thank the ‘Warrior Project’ for their ongoing support. Year after year the students and faculty of Willowbrook High School support our efforts to make the holidays brighter for our residents.” Pictured (left to right) are: Valle, Willowbrook Student Council Advisor Gabby Horabik, York Township Food Pantry Director Angela Tanner, Willowbrook Assistant Principal Jamie Gourley, students Peter Kabat, Emily Wolter, Alana Romero and April Santos, Willowbrook Student Council Advisor Dalila Ramirez, student Kelly Kramme and Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause. All of the pictured students are seniors at Willowbrook.
Court grants state’s motion to detain man charged with leading police on high-speed chase/illegal possession of a loaded firearm
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Round Lake Beach man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of methamphetamine.
Fernando Poblete Lopez, 29, appeared at First Appearance Court on Dec. 3, and was charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine (Class 1 felony), one count of
• Flu
(Continued from page 3)
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Masks also can help reduce the spread of respiratory virus.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. People may be ill with the flu without fever.
If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. People at higher risk for complications should get antiviral treatment as early as possible.
Visit the CDC’s website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu.
A festive day in Villa Park
unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 3 felony), one count of possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number (Class 3 felony) and two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony).
Police Reports
The Villa Park Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.
Nov. 26
A complainant in the 500 block of S. Michigan reported at 8:15 p.m. that a package that was delivered had been tampered with and the ordered item was missing.
Nov. 25
Police said Mark A. Herrera, 37, of Villa Park, was served an in-jurisdiction warrant in the 400 block of S. Harvard at 3:41 p.m.
Marilyn Quezada, 21, of Addison, was charged with retail theft at a store in the 1-100 block of E. North at 3:02 p.m.
A complainant in the 100 block of S. Princeton reported at 10:54 p.m. that a suspect battered them. The complainant did not wish to sign any complaints.
A complainant in the 1-100 block
The Villa Park Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Village of Villa Park, held the annual Joyful Traditions celebration on Saturday. The free family event attracted a sizable crowd to the area around the Rugaard Gazebo, which is located near Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard, along the Illinois Prairie Path. The Villa Park Fire Department escorted Santa Claus and Villa Park Village President Nick Cuzzone to the event. Santa and Cuzzone are pictured (top left) as they arrived and were greeted by a group of excited children. Santa headed straight to the gazebo, where he posed for numerous photos with kids and their families. Saturday’s gathering featured a petting zoo, pony rides and character photo-ops with Mickey and the Grinch. One photo (above left) shows Mickey smiling as people lined up to pose for photos with him. Also pictured (above right) is Camry Lewis, age 7, of Villa Park, who is shown before and during his pony ride.
of W. Terrace reported at 2:12 a.m. that they were being harassed and threatened by a suspect believed to be in a vehicle outside of their residence. The vehicle fled when officers arrived.
Nov. 24
Police said Jessica Joyce Larin, 26, and Jennifer Maya Jaime, 28, both of Addison, were issued in-jurisdiction warrants in the 300 block of N. Yale at 8:40 p.m.
Nov. 23
Roberto Alcala, 53, of Villa Park, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, driving while license revoked, improper window tinting and no insurance on the above date for an incident that allegedly occurred on Oct. 18 near S. Westmore-Meyers and E. Jackson in Lombard.
Police said Aliyah Vaughans, 19, of Chicago, was issued an in-jurisdiction warrant at a hotel in the 1-100 block of W. Roosevelt at 6:49 a.m.
A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported at 10:09 p.m. that a suspect has removed items from display shelves and left without paying on several occasions.
A complainant at a restaurant in the 200 block of W. Roosevelt reported at 4:29 p.m. that an unknown suspect removed a panel from their air-conditioning unit.
Nov. 22
Vanessa Tapia, 26, of Arlington Heights, was charged with two counts of DUI, driving too fast for conditions, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance near W. North and the Canadian National Railroad tracks at 11:57 p.m.
A 17-year-old male juvenile was charged with disorderly conduct and possession of tobacco by a minor in the 1-100 block of W. Terrace at 10:24 p.m. The juvenile was released to his parents.
A 16-year-old male juvenile was charged with theft at Willowbrook High School at 12:54 p.m. and released to his parents.
A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported their wallet and cellphone were stolen while at the store.
A complainant at a store in the 1-100 block of E. St. Charles reported at 6:29 p.m. that a subject was causing a disturbance. The subject was issued a no-trespass warning.
A complainant in the 300 block of
W. North reported an unknown subject struck his vehicle while it was parked unoccupied in a parking lot, and then left the scene without leaving information.
Nov. 21
A complainant at North School reported at 8:59 a.m. that a suspect had threatened to damage property.
A complainant at a store in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt reported that a subject approached them and shouted vulgarities, which alarmed and disturbed them.
A complainant at a restaurant in the 100 block of W. Roosevelt reported that a subject slammed a door, causing it to shatter. The subject was issued a citation.
Nov. 20
A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. Route 83 reported that a suspect attempted to commit a retail theft. The suspect was issued a no-trespass warning.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported four incidents of identity theft or fraud in the village between Nov. 20 and Nov. 26.
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. Thou __ do it
6. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)
9. Brainstem part
13. Town in New York state
14. Little (Spanish)
15. Continent
16. Retch
17. Short-billed rails
18. Small period of time (abbr.)
19. Confused
21. A team needs one
22. Woman in ancient times
23. Republican Party
24. Spanish be
25. “The Godfather” character
Johnny
28. Not around
29. City in Zambia
31. A type of beginning
33. Numb
36. Gurus
38. Small, gray-headed crow
39. Vehicle type
41. Disorders
44. One point east of southeast
45. Indian soldier
46. Tree type
48. Midway between south and southeast
49. It cools your home
51. Corn comes on it
52. Ship’s deck
54. A way to bake
56. Improvised
60. Butterfly genus
61. Baseball fields have them
62. Designated space
63. Discharge
64. Two of something
65. Once more
66. Part of your face
67. Tax collector
68. Cassia tree
CLUES DOWN
1. One-time Aaron Rodgers
target
2. Wings
3. Overly studious person
4. They protect your valuables
5. The Volunteer State
6. Non-hydraulic cement
7. Horse mackerel
8. Jackson and Diddley are two
9. Splendid displays
10. Mountain in NE Greece
11. A daughter or your brother or sister
12. German surname
14. Having more than one husband at a time
17. Romanian city
20. Energy
21. Makes less hot
23. Gas diffusion electrode
25. Former CIA
26. Set an example for others
27. Support of a particular person
29. One from the Big Apple
30. Mountain range
32. Violate the sanctity of something
34. Supervises flying
35. Talks
37. Persian male given name
40. Born of
42. Forcibly take one’s possessions
43. Discounts
47. Knockouts
49. Posh Colorado destination
50. Form of therapy
52. British rock band
53. Type of virus (abbr.)
55. The U. of Miami mascot is one
56. Volcanic crater
57. Middle Eastern nation
58. Sinn __, Irish organization
59. Ethiopian lake
61. Bits per inch (abbr.)
65. Equally
Coming events
High school exam prep night at Villa Park library
The Villa Park Public Library will host High School Exam Study Night on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 5-10 p.m. The library will be open until 10 p.m. so students can stay and study. High school students are invited to study at the library with free Wi-Fi, snacks and therapy dogs. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.vppl. info or call 630-834-1164.
Glenbard Parent Series program Dec. 17
The GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will host psychologist Timothy Wahlberg in a pro-
gram titled “Strengthening T(w)een Socialization Skills for Better Interpersonal Relationships” at noon and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, via Zoom. Go to gpsparentseries.org for information and the links to these webinars. Wahlberg is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist. Also, he is an expert in the area of neurological impairments. For the past 25 years he has been advocating, educating, and treating neurodiverse children, adolescents, adults, and their families. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@ glenbard.org or 630-942-7668.
Faith United Methodist Church Christmas Eve service
All are cordially invited to join the Faith family for its candlelight Christmas Eve worship service, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. in our beautiful stained glass window sanctuary. Faith UMC is located at 815 S. Finley Road, Lombard. There will be a Christmas Eve Message by Pastor David Price, the Faith Chime Choir, the Faith Choir, lighting of the Christ candle (Advent), communion taken individually at your seat, congregational singing of Christmas carols and a “Silent Night” candle lighting. Ample parking is available.
Worship Services Directory
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
547 N. Main St. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-2435
Sunday Worship at 10:15am
Sunday School & Bible Study 9am
Advent Services on Wednesday, Dec. 18th at 7pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7pm Christmas Day Service 10:15am
Everyone is Welcome!
All services are live streamed.
You can watch them on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL
630-834-6700 www.visitationparish.org
Lombard recycling
Free light recycling now through Jan. 15: Recycle your old or unwanted holiday lights, extension cords and scrap wiring this holiday season. The Village of Lombard has partnered with Elgin Recycling to offer residents holiday light through Jan. 15, 2025.
A collection bin will be located in front of the Public Works building and will be accessible at any time.
Please remove any plastic ornamentals and bags from the lights and chords to prevent entangling in the processing machinery—similar to curbside recycling.
Free holiday tree pickup: Residents may place holiday trees, free of tinsel and decorations, at their curbsides, Jan. 6-17, for free disposal.
Learn ways to recycle electronic waste at www.villageoflombard.org/ recycling.
Weekend Masses:
Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil)
Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
Daily Masses:
Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM Confessions:
Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Adoration:
Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:
Christmas Eve: 3 & 5 PM and Midnight Christmas Day: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 AM
Be a part of the Worship Services Directory for as low as $20 per week
Call Brenda at 630-834-4450 or Betty at 630-627-7010
Lombard-based Radonova, Inc., a radon detector manufacturer and lab, participated in the Biden Cancer Moonshot, which is working to understand and prevent environmental exposures to such toxins as radon gas.
Lombard-based Radonova participates in Biden Cancer Moonshot Roundtable
The Biden Cancer Moonshot Team and White House Office of Science & Technology Policy hosted a roundtable discussion, “Operationalizing Radon Data for Lung Cancer Prevention,” on Nov. 20, 2024 at the White House Complex in Washington, D.C.
As part of President and First Lady Biden’s goal of “ending cancer as we know it” the Biden Cancer Moonshot is working to understand and prevent toxic environmental exposures. Therefore, the program has identified radon gas exposure as critical to their mission since it is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Zan Jones, of Radonova, Inc., a radon detector manufacturer and lab headquartered in Lombard, was invited to join the panel discussion.
The roundtable began with a series of brief presentations from the Centers for Disease Control, the Portland VA Research Foundation, and the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health.
The discussion then focused on barriers to collecting and sharing radon data, how to improve the radon data ecosystem, and ways that the government, advocates, and private sector can use actionable radon data to prevent lung cancer and improve early detection.
The conversation touched on topics such as lung cancer screening, data privacy, data integrity, socioeconomic factors, and the differences among states in radon data reporting requirements.
“As a radon test manufacturer and lab, I was glad to be included in this roundtable. It is a tremendous national challenge to streamline and analyze the
amount of radon test data in the United States,” said Jones. “Equally as challenging is determining how the data can be organized in a way to increase radon awareness and used meaningfully to prevent lung cancer.
Cancer Moonshot
The Cancer Moonshot was launched in 2016 by then-Vice President Joe Biden. It was reignited by President Joe Biden in 2022 targeting the reduction of the cancer death rate by 50 percent in the next 25 years and to improve “the experience of people and their families living with and surviving cancer.”
Radon and lung cancer
Radon is an odorless and colorless radioactive gas released during the natural decay of uranium in soil and rocks around homes, schools and workplaces. It enters homes through cracks and other openings in the foundation, such as sump holes or drains.
Radon exposure is the number one cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked and the number two cause of lung cancer nationwide, according to the EPA. It is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States.
About Radonova, Inc.
Radonova is the laboratory of choice for numerous government radon surveys, as well as other public, and private sector large-scale measurement contracts around the world.
A truly global laboratory, Radonova is active in over 80 countries and has performed millions of radon measurements.
The Doctors Are In!
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group is pleased to announce the opening of our Lombard Primary Care office. Convenient, same-day and next-day appointments are now available, including telehealth video visits.
Schedule an appointment today by calling 630-819-5600.
Medicare and most insurance plans accepted.
• Acute and chronic disease management
• Senior care
• Flu shots and immunizations
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care
2050 Finley Road, Suite 50 Lombard, IL 60148
• School and sports physicals
• Preventive medicine
• Men’s and women’s health
• Sick visits
Begin your next chapter in your favorite neighborhood. At Lombard’s Beacon Hill senior living community, you can explore a future full of new possibilities.
Just ten minutes from Lilacia Park, five minutes from Yorktown Center, and ten minutes from downtown, you can embrace a brighter, more secure future without leaving the place or the people you’ve always loved.
Embrace the best that life has to offer at Beacon Hill.
* Say goodbye to daily chores and indulge in a maintenance-free lifestyle
* Discover a new talent or reignite old passions
* Bask in unparalleled hospitality and comfort
* Take advantage of our convenient location near your favorite Lombard hotspots
* Enjoy the comforts of home with in-home care services that adapt to your changing healthcare needs
Sheri L. Evans, DOCharles A. Friedl, DOJ. James Graziano, MD
Jesse Kulig, DOManjari Ranganathan, MD
TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF THE HOLIDAYS WITH AN EVERYDAY LOAN
Gift-giving, holiday travel, and party preparations can quickly add up, but you can be prepared for the season with an Everyday Loan from Lombard Bank & Trust. Skip the high-interest credit cards and payday loans. Everyday Loans allow you to focus on enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.
• Loans up to $5,000
• Much lower rate than payday loans or credit card interest
• You still get your money when you need it
• Pay it off within 12 or 24 months, not two weeks
• No outrageous or surprise charges
Enjoy Lombard Park District’s annual holiday lights display in Lilacia Park through Jan. 1
Charming holiday displays illuminate the park from 4:30 to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 with magical light shows, tree decorations, a gingerbread house, and so much more! Youngsters can visit with Santa Claus, enjoy a spectacular show with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and visit with their favorite holiday characters.
Upcoming events
Friday, Dec. 13, 6 to 8 p.m.
Free visit with Santa and caroling and s’mores around the fire.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 to 8 p.m.
Free visits with Santa, Rudolph, and friends. All participants will receive their very own Rudolph red nose when they visit.
Sunday, Dec. 15, 5 to 7 p.m.
Free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Friday, Dec. 20, 6 to 8 p.m.
Free visits with Santa and a magical Elf Hunt!
Saturday, Dec. 21, 6 to 8 p.m.
Free visits with Santa and a magical Elf Hunt!
Sunday, Dec. 22, 5 to 7 p.m.
Polar Express Night in Lilacia Park. Every participant will receive their very own bell when they visit with Santa.
Interplan LLC, located in Lombard, provides development solutions for restaurant, retail, hospitality and commercial programs. As a way to give back to the community, employees organized their 14th annual food drive collecting an abundance of non-perishable food items for families in need. Items were hand delivered to the York Township Food Pantry on Monday, Nov. 25, just in time to help stock pantry shelves for the upcoming holiday season. York Township Supervisor John W. Valle said, “I want to thank the management and all the employees at Interplan LLC for their ongoing support year after year. We are proud to have such generous partners in the fight against hunger in York Township.” Pictured (left to right) are Valle, Project Coordinator Lia Thompson, York Township Food Pantry Director Angela Tanner, Office Coordinator Isaly Gonzalez and Director Jay Schoneman.
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79575 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 2, 2024 wherein the business firm of RIGHT IT SYSTEMS LIMITED, 1956 COBBLEBROOK LANE, NAPERVILLE, IL 60565 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:
Lalitha Nadella, 1956 Cobblebrook Lane, Naperville, IL 60565. Ramachandran Nadella, 1956 Cobblebrook Lane, Naperville, IL 60565.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 2ND day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Dec. 12, 19 & 26, 2024) 465408
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79563 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 19, 2024 wherein the business firm of STUDIO101 IZABELLE was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:
Izabelle Hosek, 9730 Secret Forest Drive, Burr ridge, IL 60527.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 23RD day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Nov. 28, Dec. 5 & 12, 2024) 464772
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79562 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 19, 2024 wherein the business firm of M SALON, 7315 LEMONT ROAD SUITE #105, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 605163807 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/ are as follows:
Melinda Nowak, 3384 Gilbert Court, Darien, IL 60561.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 19TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024. Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Nov. 28, Dec. 5 & 12, 2024) 464824
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79565 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 20, 2024, wherein the business firm of AMPHIBIA COACHING, 330 LARCH LANE APT 304, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:
Andzelika Kudzmaite, 330 Larch Lane Apt 304, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 20TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Nov. 28, Dec. 5 & 12, 2024) 464908
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79560 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 19, 2024, wherein the business firm of DUPAGE HOLIDAY LIGHTS, 874 N. RIDGE AVE., LOMBARD, IL 60148 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Robert Iodice, 1346 Foxglove Dr., Batavia, IL 60510.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 19TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2024) 464980
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79568 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 25, 2024, wherein the business firm of LEIVA J&J DIAMOND, 298 CANE GARDEN CIRCLE, AURORA, IL 60504,´ was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: Claudia E. Leiva-Gento, 298 Cane Garden Circle, Aurora, IL 60504. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 25TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 2024) 465056
LEGAL NOTICE
ADDISON TOWNSHIP 2025 BOARD OF TOWN TRUSTEES MEETING DATES Approved 11-20-2024.
January 8 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
February 12 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
March 12 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
April 8 Tues. 7:00 P.M. 2025 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Followed By Regular Meeting
May 14 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
June 11 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
July 9 Wed. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Town Budget f/by PUBLIC HEARING: Road Budget f/by Regular Meeting
August 13 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
September 10 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
October 8 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
November 12 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
December 10 Wed. 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting
PLEASE NOTE: All meetings are held at 6:30 P.M., unless otherwise indicated, in the Office of the Town Clerk, in the Addison Township Administrative Facility, Event Center, 401 N. Addison Rd., Addison. BY ORDER OF ADDISON TOWNSHIP
PAMELA JOY MORETTI TOWN CLERK
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 12, 2024) 465455
LEGAL NOTICES
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DU PAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT
DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE
Request of: Paige Lorraine Piotter Case Number 2024MR000720
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from Paige Lorraine Piotter to the new name of Paige Lorraine Garcia. The court date will be held: 01/09/2025 at 9:00 at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL in Courtroom 2007.
Dated 11/21/2024
Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-948184
(Published in The Lombardian Nov. 28, Dec. 5 & 12, 2024) 464934
NOTICE OF ENTRY AND CLEANUP OF LOMBARD CEMETERY
PURSUANT TO 65 ILCS 5/11-49-1 AND VILLAGE OF LOMBARD ORDINANCE NO. 6045
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Village of Lombard (hereinafter “Village”) staff or contractors duly authorized by the Village intend to enter the premises of the cemetery located on the west side of Main Street between Washington Boulevard and S. Park Avenue in the Village of Lombard, Illinois (hereinafter referred to as the “Lombard Cemetery”) between February 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 to cause the grounds to be made clear and orderly by performing the following activities:
(1) mowing the lawn to prevent an overgrowth of grass and weeds;
(2) trimming of greenery to prevent excessive overgrowth and remove dead limbs;
(3) repair of drains, water lines, buildings, fences and other structures of the cemetery premises; and (4) any other general maintenance and upkeep activities necessary to “cause the grounds to be cleared and made orderly.”
NOTICE IS FURTHER HEREBY GIVEN that the Village is authorized to perform the above-referenced maintenance to the Lombard Cemetery pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-49-1, as the Lombard Cemetery has been found to be an “abandoned cemetery” by the Village within the meaning of said statute pursuant to Village Ordinance No. 6045.
NOTICE IS FURTHER HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-491 that the owner of the property or the legally responsible cemetery authority shall have the right to deny entry for the above-stated purposes upon written notification to the Village:
(1) demonstrating the ownership or authority to control or manage the cemetery, and (2) declining the corporate authority authorization to enter the property; said written notification to be received by February 1, 2025.
NOTICE IS FURTHER HEREBY GIVEN that the Village is not assuming, and shall not be deemed to have assumed, ownership or control of, or maintenance responsibility in relation to the Lombard Cemetery by this Ordinance generally or pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-52-1 et seq.,
65 ILCS 5/11-52.1-1 et seq., 65 ILCS 5/11-52.2-1 et seq., or any other Illinois statute pursuant to which a governmental entity may exercise ownership, control, or maintenance responsibility relative to a cemetery. Furthermore, as the Village is expressly disclaiming ownership or control of, or maintenance responsibility in relation to the Lombard Cemetery, the Village shall not be held liable for and is not assuming and shall not assume liability for any claims of any nature, including but not limited to claims of injury, based on failure to adequately maintain, control or operate the Lombard Cemetery.
(Published in The Lombardian Dec. 12, 2024) 465451
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 79564 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 20, 2024, wherein the business firm of ARNOLDAS PELESINAS, 124 N. WISCONSIN AVENUE, VILLA PARK, IL 60181 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows:
Arnoldas Pelesinas, 124 N. Wisconsin Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 20TH day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Nov. 28, Dec. 5 & 12, 2024) 464918
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Sports
Rams open their UEC East Division season with a win
Nee scores a team-high 24 points in Glenbard East’s triumph over Elmwood Park
The Glenbard East boys basketball team opened its Upstate Eight Conference East Division season with Friday’s 72-53 victory at Elmwood Park.
The Rams raised their overall season record to 2-3 with their win over the Tigers.
The two teams were tied at 1717 at the end of the first quarter. Glenbard East unleashed a 10-0 run to start the second quarter to take a 27-17 lead. The Rams led Elmwood
Park 32-23 at halftime. Glenbard East’s lead grew to 55-41 by the end of the third quarter.
The Rams’ trio of juniors Michael Nee, Danny Snyder and Jacob Marynowski provided most of the team’s scoring punch in Friday’s win. Nee, who sank five 3-point shots and converted all five of his free-throw attempts, scored a team-leading 24 points in the victory. Snyder and Marynowski contributed 19 points each.
Nee made a pair of 3-point shots during the first quarter. He added two more long-range baskets in the third quarter and tacked on one basket from 3-point range in the fourth quarter.
Snyder connected on three 3-point attempts in the second quarter. He sank two more 3-point field goals in the third quarter.
Marynowski scored eight inside baskets and made three free throws during Friday’s win in Elmwood
Park. After scoring five points in the first quarter and two points in the second quarter, Marynowski delivered three field goals to score six points in the third quarter. He added six more points in the fourth quarter, when he scored two baskets and made a pair of free throws.
Glenbard East senior Devin Kraft contributed six points in Friday’s win. Junior Sam Walton added two points with a first-quarter basket. Junior Norman Loechel scored two
points by making a pair of free throws in the fourth quarter.
Three days before facing Elmwood Park, the Rams traveled to Schaumburg and suffered a 64-55 loss to the Saxons. Nee scored a team-high 26 points in the Dec. 3 game against Schaumburg. Snyder provided 12 points.
The Rams will play their first home game of the season this Friday, when they will meet Fenton in a division battle in Lombard.
Rams post home wins over Bartlett and Elmwood Park
Glenbard East finishes its week with a loss to Wheaton Warrenville South
The Glenbard East girls basketball team played three home games in a five-day span last week. The Rams won two of those three contests. Their overall season record stood at 4-4 at the end of the week.
Glenbard East began its week with a 33-27 victory over Bartlett on Dec. 3. The Rams opened their Upstate Eight Conference East Division season with Friday’s 41-12 victory over Elmwood Park. One day later, Glenbard East lost 57-40 to Wheaton Warrenville South.
Freshman Olivia Nee scored a team-leading 18 points for the Rams in last week’s win over Bartlett. Nee sank a two-point shot to break
a 27-27 tie with 2:34 remaining in the game. Sophomore Lilly Carver’s steal and basket raised Glenbard East’s lead to 31-27 with 35 seconds to play. Nee closed out the scoring by draining two free throws with 15.9 seconds on the clock.
Senior Erin Brown scored six points for the Rams in their win over Bartlett. Junior Haley Greenfield added three points with her 3-point play early in the fourth quarter. Carver, senior Taylour Hodges and sophomore Teagan Murphy contributed two points each.
Glenbard East led Elmwood Park 10-4 after one quarter of Friday’s division contest. The Rams led the Ti-
gers 15-6 at halftime. Glenbard East outscored the Tigers of Elmwood Park 20-1 in the third quarter to build a 35-7 lead with eight minutes to play. The Rams scored a basket early in the fourth quarter to take a 30-point lead, which triggered a running clock for the rest of the game. Nee, who made three shots from 3-point range during the third quarter of Friday’s game, scored a teamhigh 13 points for the Rams in their win over the Tigers. Hodges, who made a pair of 3-point shots, added 10 points. Brown scored nine points, while Murphy and Carver supplied six and three points, respectively.
Wheaton Warrenville South held
Celebrating a state title
Montini Catholic High School held a celebration last week to honor its state-championship football team. The student body attended the assembly on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4, to recognize the football team, which won the 2024 IHSA Class 3A state title with its 49-8 victory over Monticello in the Nov. 29 championship game in Normal. One photo from the assembly in Montini’s gymnasium shows head coach Mike Bukovsky with the team’s nine senior captains. Those captains, pictured (standing) left to right, are: Nicky Castaldo, Nick Irion, Vince Irion, Jaxon Lane, Max Bell, Gaetano Carbonara, JC Hayes, Luke Jezyk and Santino Florio. The Broncos won their last 10 games of their 2024 championship campaign to post an overall season record of 12-2. The Montini football program has won seven IHSA state titles.
an early 14-2 lead in Saturday’s game in Lombard. The Rams cut that lead to 21-13 by the end of the first quarter. Carver scored two field goals—a three-point basket and a two-point shot—to give Glenbard East a 24-23 lead in the middle of the second quarter. The Rams led the visiting Tigers of Wheaton Warrenville South 30-27 at halftime.
The Tigers outscored the Rams 19-4 in the third quarter to build a 46-34 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Brown, who scored five field
goals in the second quarter, provided a team-high 16 points for the Rams in Saturday’s loss. Carver scored eight points, while Murphy supplied six points. Greenfield contributed three points with a 3-point basket in the first quarter. Hodges, Nee and senior Veronica Witt scored two points each. Sophomore Bridget Crocker added one point.
Glenbard East’s schedule this week includes division games against West Chicago and Fenton. The Rams will travel to Bensenville for this Friday’s contest against the Bison.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing Glenbard East’s girls basketball team defeated Bartlett 33-27 last week in Lombard. Freshman Olivia Nee (No. 20) scored 18 points for the Rams in their Dec. 3 victory over the Hawks. Nee provided a team-leading 13 points in Glenbard East’s next game—Friday’s 41-12 Upstate Eight Conference East Division victory over Elmwood Park in Lombard. The Rams finished their week with Saturday’s 57-40 home loss to Wheaton Warrenville South. That loss moved Glenbard East’s overall season record to 4-4. Senior Erin Brown led the Rams in scoring in Saturday’s contest with her 16-point output.
Glenbard East junior bowls a perfect game
Justin Kay of the Glenbard East/Glenbard South boys bowling team fired a perfect game during the team’s Nov. 21 meet against Bartlett at Streamwood Bowl. Kay, a junior at Glenbard East, fired the 300 game during the second game of his three-game series. After posting a 223 in his first game of the meet, Kay rolled 12 consecutive strikes in his second game to achieve the magic 300 score.
“By the tenth frame, everybody stopped,” said Kay in describing the tension as he closed in on the perfect game.
“I was really nervous. Everybody stopped to watch.” Needing one more strike to notch the perfect game, Kay delivered a shot, which he thought was slightly off-target. “I thought I missed, but I got a little lucky,” he said of his final shot of the game. When all 10 pins fell, Kay’s excited teammates surrounded him to celebrate his perfect game. Before Nov. 21, Kay’s best-ever game score was a 288, which he rolled in a practice round. His best game score in a competitive meet was a 279. Kay, who has been bowling since he was in eighth grade, noted that while he had competed at Streamwood Bowl before, he had not enjoyed a lot of success there. “I usually don’t do too well there,” he said. Kay bowled a 194 in his third game of the Nov. 21 meet to turn in a three-game series score of 717 that led the team, known as the Ramders, to a win over Bartlett. He is pictured before the team’s Dec. 2 home meet against Riverside Brookfield. The Ramders defeated the Bulldogs in that meet. At the end of last week, the Ramders held an 11-0 season record in match play and an 8-0 mark in Upstate Eight Conference matches. Sophomore Geo Clayton fired a three-game series score of 691 in the team’s win over Riverside Brookfield, while Kay delivered a three-game total of 687.
Montini’s Broncos pick up two wins to move to 5-2
Kerstein pours in 36 points in Montini’s victory at the Hoosier Gym in Indiana
The Montini Catholic girls basketball team won two straight games last week to raise its overall season record to 5-2.
The Broncos opened their Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) season with at 47-41 victory at DePaul College Prep in Chicago on Dec. 3. On Saturday, Montini defeated Bishop Chatard High School of Indianapolis 73-52 in a contest at the Hoosier Gym in Knightstown, Indiana. The Hoosier Gym is a basketball gym, museum and community center that was a filming location for the 1986 film “Hoosiers.”
Senior Nikki Kerstein scored a team-leading 19 points for the Broncos in their Dec. 3 victory over DePaul College Prep. Senior Peyton Farrell added 14 points. Senior Lily Spanos provided five points, while seniors Natalie Gartlan and Lauren Mellish supplied four points each.
Kerstein erupted for 36 points in Saturday’s victory over Bishop Chatard High School. She made 13 field goals, including five shots from 3-point range, during the game. Kerstein sank two 3-point shots and scored 10 points
in the first quarter to help the Broncos to a 22-17 lead after eight minutes of action. She scored eight points in the second quarter, helping Montini to a 38-24 halftime lead. Kerstein made three 3-point shots and scored 12 points during the third quarter to lift the Broncos to a 62-40 advantage with eight minutes to play.
Spanos connected on a pair of 3-point shots and scored 12 points in Saturday’s win. Gartlan added eight points, while senior Audrey Kinney contributed seven points.
Three days before facing DePaul College Prep, the Broncos suffered a 56-37 loss at Glenbrook South in Glenview. Kerstein scored 12 points in the Nov. 30 loss. She swished a 3-point shot from just inside the halfcourt line at the end of the first quarter to cut the Titans’ lead to 12-11. Farrell made two shots from 3-point range and scored 10 points in Montini’s loss at Glenbrook South.
The Broncos will play their first home game of the 2024-25 season tonight, Dec. 12, when they will face Trinity in a GCAC contest.
Senior cheer
Willowbrook High School honored the seniors on its cheerleading team before last week’s boys basketball game against Montini Catholic in Villa Park. The Warriors’ senior cheerleaders, pictured left to right after the game, are: Mariah Green, ShaNiya Lawson, Kinsey Crawford, Trinity Smith, Myra Gnourou Bve and Maria Musni. The cheerleading team’s competition season begins this month.
• Elections
(Continued from page 2)
years.”
Further down the ballot, results certified Dec. 2 finalized many close races in the Illinois House. The chamber’s balance is unchanged by the election and Democrats will hold a 78-member supermajority when lawmakers are sworn in on Jan. 8.
“Democrats won every seat in the General Assembly that it already had, and we won in races that I think people didn’t expect—county board races, taking control of the McLean County Board, for example, coroner races,” Gov. JB Pritzker said last month reacting to the election results. “People clearly bifurcated and
made decisions different down the ballot than they did at the top of the ballot, so I’m proud of that. I think that’s a result of the policies Democrats have had in Illinois.”
Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, officially eked out a 47-vote victory in the 52nd House District in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago in a race House Democrats spent millions hoping to flip.
Rep. Amy Grant, R-Wheaton, won a fourth term in the 47th House District in DuPage County by 292 votes.
And Rep. Brandun Schweizer, R-Danville, was reelected by 269 votes in the 104th House District in
Champaign and Vermillion counties.
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Moline, defeated former Winnebago County Republican judge Joe McGraw by 8.86 points in the 17th Congressional District, which was considered to be the state’s most competitive federal race.
A majority of voters also supported three statewide advisory questions which asked about potential penalties for interfering with an election judge, a tax on millionaires to cover property tax relief and requiring insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization.
Montini Catholic celebrates 2024-25 Legacy Students
Montini Catholic recently gathered a unique group of students for what has become an annual photo celebration. The group represents what Montini Catholic endearingly defines as its “Legacy Students” – students of alumni parents who once walked the halls of Montini. This year, 52 students of alumni are carrying on their parents’ legacies. The number represents close to 10% of Montini’s total student body. This year’s Legacy Students are, front row: (left to right) Noah Paprockas, Ava Neustadt (Lombard), Nora Fitzpatrick, Zoe Gangas, Charlotte Payne Zabojnik (Lombard), Avery Herold, Joseph Neustadt (Lombard), Annalee DeFeo (Lombard), Teagan O’Connor, Maryfaith Considine, Giuliana Karnick, Mary Grace Hubeny and Brianna Konopacz. Second row: Owen Ferris, Orla O’Flaherty, Margaret Nielsen (Lombard), Juliana Neustadt (Lombard), Audrey Ruddy, Jamie Loftus, Nolan Ferris, Jackson Bell, Katelyn Bell, Madilyn McGady, Marian Ogan, Leah Piper (Lombard) and Courtney Canty. Third row: Ava Sebben, Matthew McGivern, Sean Hubeny, Nick Irion (Lombard), Johnathan Neustadt (Lombard), Myles Monis (Lombard), Vince Irion (Lombard), Quin Paprockas, Chase Langert and Lily Spanos. Back row: James Kavanagh, Louis Corpora, Henry Herold, Vincent Knudtson (Lombard), Peter Considine, Jimmy Fitzpatrick (Lombard), Alexander Tack (Lombard), Bryce Ryan (Lombard), Patrick Thompson and Finnegan Grimes (Lombard). Not pictured are: Collins Whitfield, Michael Kavanagh, Lilliana Navarro (Lombard), Malin McGivern, Gianna Langert and Jack Spanos.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Five days after losing to the Warriors, Broncos win the rematch
Montini prevails 58-54 in an overtime battle in Villa Park
The Willowbrook and Montini Catholic boys basketball teams didn’t need to wait long for a rematch.
The Warriors and Broncos faced off in the fifth-place game at Fenton High School’s Chuck Mitchell Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 30. Willowbrook edged Montini 50-48 in that contest to place fifth in Fenton’s eight-team tournament.
Five days later, the Broncos faced Willowbrook on the Warriors’ home court in Villa Park. Montini won the rematch, beating Willowbrook 58-54 in overtime.
The Broncos improved to 2-4 with their Dec. 5 win over the Warriors. Willowbrook dropped to 2-3 with the loss.
The Warriors led Montini 18-7 after one quarter of last week’s contest in Villa Park, which featured vocal student support for both teams. The Broncos scored the first 12 points of the second quarter to take a 19-18 lead. The Warriors regrouped and took a 28-22 lead by halftime. Willowbrook held a 37-36 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Montini senior Drew Church gave his team a 43-39 lead with his 3-point play with less than four minutes to play in the fourth quarter. Seconds later, Willowbrook junior Jaylen Griffin drained a 3-point shot to reduce the Broncos’ lead to 43-42. Senior Feim Alka gave the Warriors a 45-43 lead when he sank
a 3-point shot with 2:40 remaining in regulation.
Montini junior Robert Sansone made a 3-point shot to give the Broncos a 46-45 lead in the backand-forth clash. Senior Jaden Royal put the Warriors back in the lead with a 3-point play. Royal’s driving basket and ensuing free throw gave Willowbrook a 48-46 lead with 1:28 to play in the fourth quarter.
Church’s steal and basket evened the score at 48-48 with 1:03 remaining in the fourth quar-
Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing Montini Catholic’s boys basketball team squared off against Willowbrook in last week’s spirited game in Villa Park. The visiting Broncos beat the Warriors 58-54 in overtime in the Dec. 5 battle. The same two teams met five days earlier, when they played in the fifthplace game at Fenton’s Chuck Mitchell Thanksgiving Tournament. Willowbrook scored a last-second basket to earn a 50-48 win in that meeting. Junior Otis Powell (No. 2 - top left) scored a team-leading 18 points for the Warriors in their Dec. 5 overtime loss to Montini. Senior Jack Barrett (No. 13 - top right) contributed seven points for the Broncos in their win over Willowbrook. One more photo (above) from last week’s game shows (left to right) senior Filip Palutkiewicz (No. 23), who scored 12 points for the Warriors, and Montini junior Henry Herold, who scored the game’s last two points when he sank a pair of free throws with 15.4 seconds remaining in the overtime period. Herold scored four points in the game.
ter. Church, who was fouled on the play, made the free throw to give the Broncos a 49-48 lead.
Montini held a 50-48 lead in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. Royal’s driving basket tied the score at 50-50 with 5.5 seconds left in the quarter. After a time out, the Broncos missed a long-range shot at the buzzer, and the game continued with a four-minute overtime period.
Willowbrook junior Otis Powell scored the first four points of the overtime period with a pair of free throws and an inside basket. Powell’s four overtime points gave the Warriors a 54-50 lead, but Montini closed the game with an 8-0 run.
Senior Dillon Bagley scored the Broncos’ first basket of the overtime period. Sansone then scored to tie the score at 54-54. Bagley added another basket to give Montini a 56-54 lead with 34 seconds to play.
Junior Henry Herold made two free throws with 15.4 seconds remaining to give the Broncos their 58-54 advantage.
Sansone scored a team-leading 15 points for the Broncos in their win over the Warriors. Bagley provided 13 points for Montini. Church and senior Jack Barrett contributed eight and seven points, respectively, for the Broncos.
Powell scored a team-high 18 points for the Warriors in their overtime loss to the Broncos. Senior Filip Palutkiewicz, who sank a pair of 3-point shots during the first half, supplied 12 points for the Warriors. Griffin added nine points.
Montini raised its overall season record to 3-4 following Saturday’s 73-31 victory over Bishop Chatard High School of Indianapolis in a game played at the Hoosier Gym in Knightstown, Indiana. The Hoosier Gym was a filming location for the 1986 film “Hoosiers.”
Warriors beat Morton, lose to Hinsdale South
Willowbrook’s girls basketball team opened its West Suburban Gold Conference season with last week’s 63-49 home victory over Morton. The Warriors led the visiting Mustangs 17-5 after one quarter of the Dec. 3 game in Villa Park. Willowbrook held a 37-26 lead at halftime. The Warriors owned a 47-38 lead at the end of the third quarter. Willowbrook senior Kendall Medinger (No. 14 - above left) made six shots from 3-point range and scored a team-leading 22 points in her team’s win over Morton. Medinger sank a pair of 3-point attempts in the first quarter. She poured in three 3-point baskets in the second quarter and drained one 3-point attempt in the fourth quarter. She also made a 2-point field goal and sank two free throws during the fourth quarter. Senior Ayaani Gusman, who made seven of eight free throws in the fourth quarter, added 18 points for the Warriors. Senior Kristin Woods provided nine points in Willowbrook’s win over Morton. Sophomore Jada Langston and junior Joely Maciejewski contributed six and five points, respectively. Senior Loralai McIntyre netted three points. The Warriors fell to 1-1 in conference action following Saturday’s 59-50 loss to Hinsdale South in Villa Park. The visiting Hornets led the Warriors 40-39 at the end of the third quarter. The teams were deadlocked at 47-47 during the fourth quarter. Hinsdale South then scored nine straight points to jump to a 56-47 lead. Gusman (No. 10above right) led the Warriors in scoring in Saturday’s game with her 17-point output. Medinger made four 3-point shots to supply 12 points. Woods, who made four field goals and sank four free throws, also tallied 12 points. Willowbrook’s overall season record fell to 2-4 after Saturday’s loss to Hinsdale South. The Warriors’ schedule this week includes non-conference games against Metea Valley and Lake Park, along with a conference battle at Addison Trail.
Chris
Chris Fox photos Rock Valley Publishing
Business & Service
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patios, walkways. Stamped and colored
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