Play at the plate Graduation day at Willowbrook
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-
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 dance team performed its Christmas kick routine during halftime of Friday’s boys basketball game against Leyden. The Warriors’ dance teams have performed this routine to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” for more than 20 years. Members of the Willowbrook team, pictured left to right shortly after Friday’s performance are: (front row) freshman Brianna Flemming, junior Cecilia Oddo, sophomore Amanzia Termini, sophomore Kyri Burritt and junior Gedvina Mickevicius; (back row) junior Maddy McEllin, soph -
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.
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.
omore Elizabeth Deany, junior Ava Jovanovich, freshman Soleil Martin, senior Gianna Giampaoli and senior Kelly Kramme. Nearly one year ago, Willowbrook’s dance team qualified for the 2024 IHSA competitive dance state meet. The Warriors will try to qualify for the 2025 state meet at the upcoming Maine East Sectional on Jan. 25. The top six teams in each division at the state’s sectional events will advance to the 2025 state meet, which will take place Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.
Park
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 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.
President Albert Bulthuis, 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
was canceled
of the
This year’s observance included a reading of the
That list included World
of the post’s annual Memorial
of the
for several years. A
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Villa Park Review
Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 held its Memorial Day service on Monday morning at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park. Post Commander Jim Blankshain is pictured bowing his head as Willowbrook High School students Lily Hendrickson and Anna Seelbach sound taps at the end of the ceremony. The post’s 2020 Memorial Day event
because
COVID-19 pandemic.
names
Post 2801 members who have recently died.
War II veteran Charles “Sid” Bergh, who served as the master of ceremonies
Day service
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.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO
Giannoulias unveils relocated and reimagined Lombard DMV
New facility leverages drive-through kiosk to offer improved services around the clock
One of the state’s busiest DMVs has relocated and is now offering 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week renewal services through the state’s first drive-through DMV kiosk. The new facility uses a data-driven design to cut wait times and improve the overall customer experience, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced.
The state’s west-suburban Lombard DMV re-opened last week at its new location, 837 Westmore-Meyers Road, Unit A2, conveniently located in Eastgate Center—the same shopping center as the former location.
For years, the Lombard facility has been one of the state’s busiest facilities. In 2023, the Lombard location completed more than 134,000 vehicle transactions—the most of any of the 143 facilities in the state—and nearly 125,000 driver-related services—the fifth most in the state and the most of any DMV outside of Chicago.
“The Lombard DMV wasn’t keep-
ing up with the growing population in DuPage County. Its small size and the technical limitations often created nightmares for customers with long lines and long wait times.” Giannoulias said. “The new facility will pair the efficiency of our ‘One-Stop-Shop’ model with the convenience of our ‘Fast-Lane’ kiosk initiative to create new synergies to the benefit of our customers and employees.”
“It’s great to see the expansion of vital services to Lombard,” said State Sen. Laura Ellman (21st District-Naperville). “I commend everyone involved with the project and look forward to hearing from my constituents about their experiences in this new DMV.”
“As elected officials, we need to do everything we can to make it pleasant and convenient for people to access the state services they need, whether they’re renewing a driver’s license, replacing the sticker on a car’s li-
cense plate, or getting a state ID,” said State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (42nd District-Lombard). “This new DMV facility in Lombard will provide a much-improved experience for people in our communities.”
The new location will include the following amenities:
• 24/7 DMV services. The facility will offer a drive-through kiosk, the first of its kind in the state. This provides motorists 24-hours-a-day, sevendays-a-week access to renew vehicle registrations, obtain license plate stickers and renew their driver’s licenses –even outside of normal business hours.
• Cross-trained employees. The Lombard DMV is among the first facilities in the Chicago area constructed as a “One-Stop-Shop.” Driver services and vehicle services employees at “One-Stop-Shop” DMVs are crosstrained to provide both sets of services at all 30 customer stations.
• Fewer steps. Each of the 30 customer service stations is equipped with a payment station, compared to just five at the old location, so customers no longer need to visit multiple stations and encounter waits.
• Bigger space. At 13,600 square feet, the new facility is 1,600 square feet larger than the former DMV. More space coupled with the fact that all employees can service drivers and vehicle transactions will reduce lines and waits.
• Administrative hearings. The DMV will conduct reinstatement hearings to decide cases involving driver’s licenses suspended for driving-related offenses, including driving without insurance, driving under the influence, or having too many traffic violations.
• Charging stations. The Secretary of State’s office will offer 18 EV charging stations for customers beginning in 2025.
The new Lombard DMV facility at 837 Westmore-Mayers Road features 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week renewal services through the state’s first drive-through DMV kiosk.
Coming events
Lombard Historical Society holiday hours
The Lombard Historical Society staff office, historic sites and gift shop will be closed through Jan. 6. Offices and the gift shop will reopen on Jan. 7, while historic sites will remain closed until further notice. Visit lombardhistory.org for more information.
Lombard blood drive Jan. 14
The Village of Lombard will hold a Versiti blood Drive Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 1:30-7 p.m. at First Church of Lombard - Fellowship Hall, 220 S. Main St., Lombard. Radon test kits will be handed out free while supplies last to all donors during the blood drive. The drive will also be held in the Versiti mobile coach at the lower level Von Maur - Mall Entrance Circle, 203 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments appreciated; walk-ins welcome. To schedule, go to www.versiti.org/IL, load the Versiti Donor app, call (800) 7TO-GIVE.
Opening soon
Police issue warning about unsafe driving near North and Villa avenues
Authorities advised people to avoid the area on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 22
On Sunday, Dec. 22, the Villa Park Police Department issued a statement about unsafe driving that had taken place near North and Villa avenues during the previous two evenings.
“We do not feel it is a safe environment for passersby, pedestrians, and youths being dropped off in the area. We would ask you to proceed with caution in the area, or even avoid the area as much as possible this evening [Dec. 22].”
The police department’s statement included a warning to those who might flee from a traffic stop.
The Villa Park Parks and Recreation Department recently announced that the new Villa Park Recreation Center is scheduled to open on Friday, Jan. 3. A grand opening/ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Monday, Jan. 13. The new recreation center, located at 320 E. Wildwood Ave., features a gymnasium, a fitness center with stateof-the-art equipment, an elevated two-lane indoor track, full-service locker rooms, and more.
ALLAN R. LOEW, 92
Allan R. Loew, age 92, of Menomonie, WI, was called to his eternal heavenly home on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 with his family by his side.
Allan was born March 26, 1932 in Rice Lake, WI to Austin and Irene (Baland) Loew. He grew up as a farm boy in the Rice Lake, Mikana, and Birchwood areas, until he attended college at UW-Stout in Menomonie where he used all of his hands-on knowledge to graduate with an education degree in Industrial Arts.
Allan married his college sweetheart, Joelene A. Chryst on June 16, 1956 at the First Congregational Church in Menomonie. They traveled to North Carolina where Allan served in the Marine Corp and they had the first of their two children, Sue Ellen (Halama) in May 1957. They lived in Davenport IA for his first year of teaching and then relocated to Illinois to follow their teaching careers, both teaching at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, IL until their retirement.
Joelene had their second daughter, Tamara (Clarke) in September 1959 and they remained in Villa Park for 52 years. Allan taught in the Industrial Arts department and also coached football, girls badminton, and girls golf. He left quite a legacy with the guidance, influence, and impact he made on his automotive students as well as his athletes over the past 40 years.
In 2009, they moved to Sarona, WI to “The Farm,” exploring the area and enjoying each day of their retirement.
They loved to travel and over the last 25+ years they traveled to many places together which included
“The past two evenings on North Avenue, between Villa and Addison [avenues], there have been several unsafe acts committed by drivers of cars,” noted the police department’s statement. “On Dec. 20, there was a high speed collision and serious accident in that corridor. On Dec. 21, there was a takeover of North and Villa, as well as private business lots, with vehicles operating in an unsafe manner. There was an arrest attempted, and a crowd formed to block that arrest. There was also an unsubstantiated claim that a few subjects were displaying weapons.”
The police department’s statement urged motorists to consider avoiding the area of North and Villa avenues on Sunday evening, Dec. 22.
“As a police department, we will do all we can to keep the public safe, but with such large crowds and a few bad actors it will be a challenge,” noted the police department’s statement.
“The police departments in the area will not be allowing any vehicles to park in other business lots or on residential streets,” noted the Villa Park Police Department’s statement. “If you should choose to commit a parking violation, we will issue citations and tow your vehicle. If you should choose to flee from a lawful traffic stop, please know we have an ordinance where we will issue a $900 fee to the owner of that vehicle.
“We are prepared to spike the tires of any vehicle that attempts to flee and take all appropriate action against drivers who endanger the public. There have been deaths and serious injuries that have occurred in that corridor. We would ask that all people stay away from that corridor tonight [Sunday, Dec. 22].”
snow-birding in the winter to their home in Florida.
Allan is survived by his two daughters, Sue (David) Halama of Menomonie, WI and Tammy (Raymond) Clarke of Villa Park, IL. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Michael (Allison) Clarke, Christina (Tom) Spring, Katelyn Halama, and Andrew (Chelsey) Halama, as well as seven great-grandchildren who truly were the “lights of his life,” Vincent James, Julia Marie, and Nicholas Robert Clarke, Austin Thomas and Madelyn Jolie Spring, Leddy Joelene and Bodie James Halama.
He is also survived by his sister-inlaw Jackie (John) Dotseth of Menomonie, WI as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joelene Loew, parents, Austin and Irene Loew, his in-laws, Neil and Hazel Chryst, his brother and sisterin-law, Clinton (Connie) Loew, and his brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw, Dwayne (Marjorie) Chryst, Dallas (April) Chryst, and John Dotseth. Celebration of Life for Allan will be held on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025 at 11:30 at the First Congregational Church-UCC in Menomonie, WI with visitation starting at 10:00 before the service. A celebration of life service will be held in Illinois in June.
Family wishes to thank the Red Cedar Mayo health professionals for the compassion and care they provided for Allan during his stay in the hospital, along with Our House and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care they provided for him in his final hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Red Cedar-Mayo hospital auxiliary or monetary donations will go towards a Loew Legacy scholarship for Willowbrook HS-Tech Ed or Family and Consumer Ed. students.
To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com.
Strat’s closes its doors
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Strat’s Drive-Thru, located at 231 E. North Ave., Villa Park, has closed after 25 years in business. Business owner Strat Matsas announced last week that his restaurant would close for good on Sunday, Dec. 22. Strat’s was filled with customers in its final days in business, as long-time patrons and well-wishers stopped in for a final visit. “I’m just overwhelmed with the love,” said Matsas, who is pictured on Friday afternoon. “We’re known for not only the food, but we’re a fun place. Baseball, apple pie and Strat’s. It’s Americana. This is true Americana.” Matsas noted on Friday that past customers from Chicagoland, Wisconsin and Indiana had stopped by in recent days. Local media outlets, including multiple TV and radio stations, also visited Strat’s in its final days in business. Matsas opened his first restaurant in Franklin Park in 1987. The Franklin Park restaurant remained open until 2009. Matsas opened the Villa Park location—on the south side of North Avenue, west of Villa Avenue—in 1999. The business became a magnet for auto and motorcycle enthusiasts. “That wasn’t the main idea,” Matsas said. “I like motorcycles. I like cars. I would hang out with all my friends with motorcycles and cars. It just grew and it snowballed. It wasn’t a plan.” Matsas stated he sold his business after receiving an “irresistible” offer from a national tire company—Belle Tire—which will build a new shop at the current Strat’s location. Matsas expects the Strat’s building to come down in the spring of 2025. “I’m 61. I’m in good health,” said Matsas, who noted that he’s worked long hours at his restaurant, which was open seven days a week. On weekends, Strat’s was open until 2 a.m. It was open until 11 p.m. on weeknights. “Let’s get out when I’m healthy and strong.” Matsas added that he wasn’t certain about his future plans. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I’m not done yet,” he said.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to:
240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm
CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing
Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch & Tree Farm delivers holiday glee
By Celeste Huttes ILLINOIS FARM BUREAU PARTNERS
Every morning, Randy and Beth Espe watch reindeer frolic outside their kitchen window as they sip their morning coffee—a delightful daily ritual they have fondly dubbed the “rodeo.”
Santa himself would envy their view.
“When they go out into the pasture, they get giddy because it’s cool, and that’s their playtime,” Randy says of the reindeer. “They run, they jump, they kick, they spin. It’s pretty amazing to see.”
And so, the day begins at Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch & Tree Farm in Shabbona, where the Espe family’s labor of love grew into a beloved holiday tradition for countless families.
Reining in holiday cheer
What might seem an unlikely retirement gig comes as a slight surprise to those who know Randy well.
“People would bring me abandoned and orphaned animals when I was young,” Randy says. “We raised a lot of raccoons, a pet fox, a little bit of everything. I always dreamed about raising white-tailed deer at some point. But reindeer turned out to be a better choice because they are domesticated. You can snap a halter on them and walk them around on a lead rope—and you can just sit and love on them.”
His dream of deer became a reality after Beth retired from Northern Illinois University and Randy wrapped up a 40-year career in the seed business. As they started a second act in life, the couple set aside 18 acres to grow the small Christmas tree operation they began years earlier on the family farm.
As Randy researched ways to promote Christmas trees, he discovered Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul. He visited owner Mark Hardy for some tips and promptly fell in love with reindeer.
“In hindsight, I wish I had listened better to Mark,” Randy says. “He told me to take all the money I was going to spend on Christmas trees and buy another reindeer or two. Reindeer have turned into our major focus, and they are actually less work than the Christmas trees.”
Before buying any reindeer of their own, the Espes joined the Reindeer Owners and Breeders Association (ROBA) and the Reindeer Farmers Association (RFA) to learn how to responsibly breed and care for reindeer. By 2018, they felt ready to welcome their first four reindeer from Alaska. Today, their herd numbers more than a dozen.
Arctic adaptability
A close but more laid-back cousin to the caribou, reindeer represent a distinct subspecies and longtime friends to humans.
“The Laplanders domesticated reindeer thousands of years ago,” says Randy, referring to the Sami people of the northern regions of Scandinavia. “Reindeer are to the Laplanders what the buffalo was to the American Indian.”
Far from their native lands in the Arctic and mountainous regions of eastern Europe, Siberia and Scandinavia, reindeer living in Illinois require special care. According to Randy, ticks and heat present the biggest challenges.
Reindeer delight in frigid winter weather. During warmer months, the reindeer typically stay in the barn throughout the day, emerging at dawn and dusk to graze in cooler temperatures.
Those amazing antlers—grown by both males and females—also present a serious safety hazard for reindeer. Sprawling like a tree canopy, the antlers can easily become wedged in a fence or gate.
“Reindeer antlers go in all different directions,” Randy says. “It’s one of the bigger challenges of working with them. We’ve done everything we can to make our fenc -
ing safer and try to eliminate places they can get caught.”
Randy notes the steep learning curve involved with raising a nonnative animal and the importance of joining organizations like RFA and ROBA to learn from others’ experiences.
“A lot of products you might typically use for farm animals are not labeled for reindeer,” Randy says. “We medicate them like sheep, feed them like a cow because they’re ruminant, and treat their hair and skin like a horse because they’re sensitive.”
Magical moments
The Espes have also learned reindeer have a magic all their own. With their friendly natures and impressive appearance, the Espes’ reindeer often outshine Santa at the many holiday events they attend.
“The reindeer always create a lot of excitement,” Randy says. “Kids just get giddy, and their eyes light up. It’s heartwarming to see how much happiness they bring.”
Every Thanksgiving weekend, the Espes open their ranch to the public for a holiday experience, complete with Santa, reindeer and countless Christmas trees. Eight varieties of evergreen trees grow at Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch & Tree Farm, and 2024 marks the first year you can cut your own.
You will also find the Espe family and their reindeer at holiday festivals, Christmas parades and tree-lighting ceremonies across northern and central Illinois throughout the holiday season. To further delight young visitors, Randy and Beth’s three daughters dress up as elves.
Beth recalls a young boy named Fritz who was only mildly excited to see Santa and his reindeer. He told Beth he was really there to see the elf, Ginger Bells, because he follows her on TikTok and thought she was “awesome.”
“Ginger Bells is my daughter,
Food pantry donation
On Monday, Dec. 9, members of Lombard VFW Lilac Post #5815 returned to York Township Hall to present York Township Supervisor John W. Valle with another big-hearted donation to the York Township Food Pantry. The funds will be used to keep pantry shelves stocked for the holidays. Valle said, “On behalf of our pantry clients and staff I once again commend the members of Lilac Post #5815 for their public-spirited service and their ongoing commitment to partner with York Township to move the needle on hunger in our community.”
Barney Bucholz, Dennis Jensen and Chuck
Allie, and she’s very into her role,” Beth says. “Seeing those smiles and hearing those laughs and giggles—it’s the best thing ever.”
From watching their reindeer prance in the pasture to seeing faces light up at the sight of them, the Espes are living their dream.
“Reindeer are such playful and magnificent animals. When they run and jump in the pasture, it looks like they’re learning to fly,”
Randy says. “We are blessed to get to see that every day. Reindeer have become part of who we are. And the way they make people feel is magical.”
This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit ILFBpartners.com.
BOB BIDDLE PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
local pantry
Altar’d State at Oakbrook Center offered photos with Mrs. Claus on Monday, Dec. 9, with donations going to The Outreach House in Lombard. They’re also hosting a coat and feminine care collection drive at the store through the end of the month. Pictured (left to right) are Catherine Lynott from The Outreach House, Mrs. Claus and elf helper Raffaella Maffiola. SUBMITTED
Pictured (left to right) are Valle; Food Pantry Director Angela Tanner; Post Commander Tom Zilla; and members Michelangelo Di Cosola, Rich Carsley, Tony Massa, Tony Maroney, Gene Rymut,
Grafton.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Whispering Pines Reindeer Ranch & Tree Farm owner Randy Espe brings holiday glee to seasonal events with his reindeer. The ranch and tree farm is located in Shabbona, and is owned and operated by Randy and his wife, Beth.
I read with mixed feelings in the Dec. 19 issue of Speak Out the announcement of Villa Park Police Officer Kordell Kitching’s retirement. I do not know Officer Kitching personally, but in the seven years I have been in this town I have had several casual interactions with this man, mostly at charity events, all positive. I always came away with the impression that this is a person who sincerely loves his job. His imposing stature is diffused by his friendliness to our citizens, willingness to volunteer for worthy causes and always having that infectious smile on his face. I say mixed feelings because I am sorry to see him go after his 20 years with the village which he served so well; yet he is a relatively young man who probably has a very bright future in his retirement. Congratulations to Officer Kitching on his exemplary dedication to service and for the example of good will he passed on to our residents. I’m grateful for his service and wish him well.
Hey, York Township. Is it me or did more people put Halloween decorations out then Christmas decorations?
Keep Christ in Christmas. Thank you.
So, by the time you read this I hope the government is not shut down as Trump wants it to be (on Dec. 19). An incoming president should be able to have an opinion on events before he is inaugurated, but to shut the government down with a “tweet”? And he only tweeted because his co-president told him to? Musk has never had to negotiate with anyone because he has all the money and it’s always been his way or the highway. I sincerely hope that more Republicans stand up to Trump. We know there most likely will be nothing accomplished in the next four years as Trump does not have enough votes to do much, and his “executive orders” will not be followed by the military and turned down by the Supreme Court. We must hope and
pray to get through the next four years, although we have elections in less than two years which will probably change the balance in the House and Senate.
I can hardly wait to see the fight for a new Speaker as Johnson’s days are numbered.
Regarding the school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, I read that the police chief stated schools should not have metal detectors because schools are “a safe place.” Apparently not anymore. How naïve, in my opinion. And as for the shooter, a teenage girl, he said the police department had no prior contact with her, and so far, the school has not said there were any issues. Sometimes these kids believe that students, teachers, etc., are the problem (that they are being bullied or don’t feel heard when they report it), so they don’t see a need to seek help. Also, these students often hide their distress very well, so adults or other students don’t know there’s a problem, until it boils over. As if teachers don’t have enough on their plate these days besides teaching—and as someone with a degree in education from back in the 1980s, identifying a student in distress was not a high priority in the curriculum—I think teacher workshops, further training, etc., would be a good use of their time and our taxpayer dollars to help identify and work with students who may be at risk, just like many police officers are receiving training in crisis intervention. And I have no problem with metal detectors in schools if it prevents mass murder.
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I am disappointed in our local churches for not having a “blue Christmas” or “longest night” service for those of us who are grieving over the holidays. The closest one I could find was in Wheaton. I had finally decided I would attend such a service, and to my surprise, there was not one in the Lombard or Villa Park area, at least that was
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listed in any newspapers I read. Here’s hoping for a happy new year. I predict we will have a tumultuous time ahead come Jan. 20.
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Ah-ha, another grand call-in regarding the holy grail of choice. I quote, “If the people are against abortion then don’t do it; give the right to those who want to choose.” (Dec. 12 issue.) Let’s go back to another disgraceful time in our history and say, “If the people are against slavery, then don’t do it; give the right to those who want to choose.” How absurd! Right is right and wrong is wrong no matter how you word it. May God open the eyes and hearts of people in this country and forgive us for the slaughter of these innocent lives.
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There was a time when someone who is charged with murder was universally scorned by society. That doesn’t seem to be the case with Luigi
Coming event
Tree care series
Mangione. There are people out there who somehow see this scum as being a folk hero and a sex symbol. Then I saw a poll of 1,000 registered voters conducted by Emerson College. In that poll, 41 percent of voters between the ages of 18 and 29 said the UnitedHealthcare CEO killing was “acceptable” or “somewhat acceptable.” I find this to be appalling.
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The guardians of our cherished democracy are us, the American citizen with all of our faults. It is us. It is not the Democratic Party nor the Republican Party. It’s us the citizens. The last election, I voted for the person that I thought could move our country forward in the positive direction. Remember that we are the caretakers of our democracy and our freedom.
Yes, just wondering what happened to the Lombardian and didn’t have any Lombardians at Jewel Dec. 19 or 20.
Illinois Extension’s Community Tree Care Series is back and ready to help everyone learn how to support tree health in their local landscapes. The hybrid series is a training opportunity for individuals performing tree care work and looking to build on their knowledge. Topics range from tree basics to identification, health assessment, and pruning techniques. The hybrid model provides two forms of training, which offer online webinars and in-person workshops. First are six winter webinar sessions from 9 to 10:30 a.m., spanning two Wednesdays a month from January through March. Each webinar covers two main topics per date. The
What’s going on with the Lombardian and Merry Christmas.
I see our dear lame duck walking statue currently in the White House has issued 8,027 pardons so far, including one to his son. All the presidents since Dwight Eisenhower have issued 8,096 pardons combined. Let that sink in for a minute. I wouldn’t be surprised if Biden pardons himself before January 20th
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As I’m reading about the tragic shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin and the shooting in New York City where the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was killed, this thought came to mind: I noticed the left once again was calling for gun control after the Madison, Wisconsin shooting, but there were no calls for gun control after the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. Wondering why that is.
cost is $10 for general access to all sessions and $50 for those seeking Continued Education Units for access to all sessions. Registration is required, and individuals can attend one, some, or all sessions. One hour of CEUs is available per session to Illinois Arborist Association certified arborists who qualify. During registration, please specify attendance as a certified professional seeking CEUs. To register, visit go.illinois.edu/TreeCareSeries. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Emily Swihart at eswihart@illinois.edu, 217-3331677. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Glenbard District 87 board appoints next superintendent
The Glenbard Township High School District 87 Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Glenbard South High School Principal Jessica Santee as Glenbard District 87’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. The board approved Santee’s appointment on Dec. 16.
Santee will succeed
Superintendent David Larson, who previously announced that he will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Larson has been Glenbard’s superintendent since 2012.
Santee said, “Glenbard District 87 is a community deeply committed to fostering student learning and engagement. We hold a shared belief that all students and staff have the capacity to learn, grow, and excel. This mindset of continuous improvement is at the heart of our strategic efforts and reflects who we are as educators.
“I am honored to lead this remarkable district as we work collectively to expand access and opportunities for every student. Together, we will empower our students to discover their identity, aspirations, and pathways as they prepare for success beyond high school.
“This is a transformative time for Glenbard, marked by the largest facility improvement projects in our district’s history and significant advancements in dual credit opportunities and career exploration programs. I am excited to continue collaborating with our greater Glenbard community and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as your superintendent.”
Santee has served as principal at Glenbard South since 2021. Prior to that, she was Glenbard South’s assistant principal of instruction from July 2019-June 2021. Before coming to Glenbard, Santee was Lisle Community High School’s assistant principal for curriculum and instruction from July 2016-June 2019. Prior to that, she was York Community High School’s division chair for research and social sciences from July 2014-June 2016. Also at York, Santee was a social studies teacher from 2008-16 and department coordinator from 2012-14.
Santee is in the final steps of pursuing a doctorate in educational administration leadership from Aurora University. She has a master’s degree of educational leadership, principal preparation program from North Central College and a master’s degree of secondary education from University of Cincinnati. Santee earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminology from The Ohio State University.
Glenbard District 87 Board of Education President Margaret DeLaRosa said, “The board is delighted to offer the superintendent’s position to Ms. Jessica Santee. Glenbard was fortunate to have an extremely talented group of candidates for this position and the input from our community.
“Ms. Santee demonstrates a deep understanding of where we are today, and a focused vision for the work ahead. We are excited for her future and the leadership she will provide to our students, faculty, staff and community.”
As part of the superintendent search, Glenbard District 87 conducted an online survey and a series of focus group meetings with faculty, staff, students and community members to provide input and feedback.
Santee has earned the following recognitions:
• DuPage County, IL Principal of the Year: Illinois Principals Association; 2023-24
• Asked to co-author an article for National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Principal Leadership Journal based on NASSP National Conference presentation, 2024. Article: Rethinking the School Day Schedule – A new way to emphasize deep learning and student support
• North Central College Leader of the Month: Educational Leadership; 2023
• Illinois Econ IL 3M Outstanding Economic Educator of the Year; 2016
• Japan Fulbright Memorial Scholar; 2007
• Korea Society Scholarship for Summer Institute: NYC; 2005
• Outstanding Graduate Student Award: University of Cincinnati School of Education; 2002
Larson will collaborate with Santee for a smooth transition leading up to her official start date on July 1, 2025.
Jessica Santee
Forest Preserve District Board approves $126.7 million budget
Key projects earmarked for 2025
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a $126.7 million budget, excluding transfers, for 2025. The budget, funded primarily by less than 2% of a DuPage County homeowner’s property taxes, will support daily operations, capital improvements, and strategic initiatives to enhance the District’s facilities and services.
A homeowner whose property has a fair market value of $308,500 is estimated to pay approximately $145 annually to the District, which maintains 26,000 acres of land, 60 forest preserves, 600 acres of lakes, and 175 miles of trails.
Earlier this month the board also approved the annual tax levy, which historically accounts for over twothirds of the District’s annual revenue. The total estimated levy to be extended, $68.4 million, will cover a portion of the District’s operational and capital expenses. Additionally, the Forest Preserve District restructured existing debt and approved the issuance of $85 million in bonds to fund long-term capital expenditures.
“The 2025 budget focuses on supporting daily operations and investing in much-needed capital improvements,” said District executive director Karie Friling. “Our team has once again crafted a fiscally responsible budget within the board of commissioners’ guidelines, supporting key master plan initiatives while ensur-
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.
Dec. 17
Mark F. Fisher, 70, of Villa Park, was charged with reckless conduct causing bodily harm or endangering safety in the 1-100 block of N. Michigan at 5 p.m.
A 20-year-old Villa Park woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 100 block of N. Cornell at 11:21 a.m.
Dec. 16
A complainant in the 300 block of W. North reported at 11:33 a.m. that a suspect battered them.
A complainant in the 300 block of E. Maple reported that a subject damaged a door.
Dec. 15
Matthew M. Kish, 38, of Addison, was charged with DUI and driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk in the 100 block of W. St. Charles at 8:10 p.m.
A complainant in the 200 block of
ing the continued delivery of outstanding recreational and nature-education programs,” Friling said.
The 2025 budget will support a variety of projects aimed at enhancing recreation, improving infrastructure, restoring habitats, and advancing sustainability efforts across DuPage County’s forest preserves.
• Construction of a new Natural Resources and Grounds campus in West Chicago
• Land acquisition
• Completion of the new state-ofthe-art, net-zero-designed DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn
• Recreational accessibility improvements across the District
• Infrastructure upgrades, including trails, roads, and parking lots at Greene Valley Forest Preserve (Naperville), Blackwell Forest Preserve (Warrenville), Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve (Wayne), and Salt Creek Marsh Forest Preserve (Itasca)
• Interior restoration work at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook
• Course updates and ecological restoration at Maple Meadows Golf Preserve in Wood Dale
• Habitat-restoration projects at Egermann Woods (Lisle), Fischer Woods (Bensenville), Herrick Lake (Wheaton), West DuPage Woods (West Chicago), and Hickory Grove (Lisle),
• Preserve master planning
E. Vermont reported that a subject damaged their vehicle.
Dec. 14
Nemias Jimenez Cruz, 21, of West Chicago, was charged with DUI, no valid license/permit never issued, driving too fast for conditions, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, not driving on the right side of a fourlane road and no insurance near W. North and N. Addison at 11:40 p.m.
Gerardo Yepez, 37, of Westchester, was charged with DUI, driving while license suspended, operating a vehicle with a canceled, suspended or revoked registration, failure to yield from a private road or drive and no insurance near N. Princeton and W. Wildfire at 8:19 a.m.
Dec. 12
A 41-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 500 block of W. Terrace at 11:51 p.m.
A complainant at a hotel in the 300 block of E. Roosevelt reported at 11:57 p.m. that several items were moved within their room.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Villa Park Police Department, police reported one incident of identity theft or fraud in the village between Dec. 4 and Dec. 17.
• Expansion of green-energy and sustainability initiatives
“This budget represents an exciting opportunity to deliver on the promises we’ve made to our community,” said Daniel Hebreard, the Forest Preserve District president.
“Thanks to the taxpayers’ overwhelming support of the referendum, we can advance key projects that enhance our preserves, improve recreational access, and protect vital natural areas for generations to come. I’m thrilled about the work ahead and grateful for the trust our residents have placed in us to make these investments a reality.”
For more information about the Forest Preserve District’s annual budgets and financial reports, visit dupageforest.org and click on “About Us” and “Transparency Portal.”
IDOT, ISP: Don’t let a DUI wreck your holidays
This holiday season, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 police and sheriff’s departments are joining forces for the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, reminding the public that law enforcement will focus not only on impaired drivers, but also seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving and other traffic offenses.
“The holidays should be a time for celebration and creating memories—not for grief and loss caused by preventable crashes,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Whether you’re using alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing substance, the message is the same: If you drive impaired, you risk lives, including your own.”
As holiday festivities fill calendars, it’s critical to plan for a sober ride home before celebrations begin. Law enforcement statewide reminds drivers to stay sober and buckle up to help ensure the holidays remain a time of joy rather than tragedy.
According to provisional IDOT data, in 2023 there were 1,241 traffic fatalities. Twelve lives were lost in nine fatal crashes during the holiday period from Dec. 22 to 25.
During its board meeting on Dec. 9, the District 88 Board of Education named Kate Drury, with The Schiller Team @ Properties, as a Business Partner. That program acknowledges businesses, organizations and individuals for their support in building futures for District 88 students and helping to accomplish the district’s mission and vision. Drury is a local realtor and a proud Willowbrook parent. Drury is always willing to lend a helping hand and promote studentathletes. District 88 is proud to honor Drury as a Business Partner in recognition of her efforts, which include: Supporting Willowbrook athletics as a corporate sponsor through the district’s advertising opportunities with Power Ad Company; coordinating a digital billboard ad in Villa Park to promote the Willowbrook football team (for Round 1 of the IHSA 7A playoffs, which was a home game); volunteering during Willowbrook’s Teacher Appreciation Luncheons; helping to organize the Willowbrook Athletic Booster Club’s Silver and Blue Parents Night Out; constantly promoting Willowbrook on social media To watch the presentation, and to view a photo gallery from the event, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/16583). To read more about this recognition, go to www.dupage88.net/ DruryBusinessPartner2024.
DuPage County Sheriff’s
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office warns the community about a dangerous new scam that’s taking place across the country that could leave your personal information exposed.
In a brushing scam, you may receive an unsolicited gift or package at your home—something you didn’t order. It seems innocent enough, but here’s where it gets tricky: the package includes a QR code that you’re encouraged to scan.
Don’t scan the code! By scanning this code, you could unknowingly provide scammers with access to your personal information, such
as banking, putting you at risk for identity theft or other malicious activities.
Here’s what to do if you receive an unexpected package:
• Do not scan any QR codes or open any suspicious links.
• Contact the sender if they appear to be a legitimate company.
• Report it to your local police department. If you’re in unincorporated DuPage County, call the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office at 630-4072400.
Remember: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! Stay vigilant.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced that a former Homer Glen man charged with causing a crash that took the life of 51-year-old John Exner was sentenced to 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Robert Ebel, 55, appeared in Court in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell, who handed down the sentence.
On April 30, 2024, Ebel entered a blind plea of guilty to one count of aggravated DUI—accident causing death (Class 2 felony).
On Aug. 22, 2020, at approximately 2 p.m., Ebel was driving a 2015 Tesla at a high rate of speed on I-55 south of Cass Avenue in Darien. As Ebel approached a semi-truck, he attempted to pass the truck on the right-hand shoulder of the road and crashed into a disabled Toyota on the shoulder occupied by Exner.
Upon their arrival at the crash, authorities immediately transported Exner to a local hospital where he was treated for life-threatening injuries including a collapsed lung, inter-
nal bleeding and injury to his spleen. Exner died from his injuries approximately 13 hours later at the hospital. An investigation into the matter found that Ebel had amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, cocaine and THC in his system at the time of the crash. Ebel will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. He will receive credit for 958 days he has already spent in custody.
2025
BID DUE: By January 14, 2025 at 11:00
A.M.
PROJECT NAME: 2025 Addison Creek Tree and Vegetation Clearing
PROJECT LOCATION: Village of Bensenville, Illinois
December 26, 2024
Notice is hereby given that the Village of Bensenville is seeking bids from qualified, licensed contractors for establishing a contractual agreement for the 2025 Addison Creek Tree and Vegetation Clearing. The bids shall be sent to:
Village of Bensenville Office of the Village Clerk
12 South Center Street Bensenville, IL 60106
The Village of Bensenville will accept Sealed Bids until January 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM The Bid must be in a sealed opaque envelope plainly marked 2025 Addison Creek Tree and Vegetation Clearing Bid.
The forms can be found at www.bensenville.il.us under “Business.” The packet can also be picked up at the Public Works Department, 717 E Jefferson Street, Bensenville, IL 60106. Detailed information may be obtained by contacting Brad Hargett at 630-350-3411 or via email at bhargett@ bensenville.il.us
All bids require a Bid Bond, or Certified or Cashier’s Check made payable to the Village of Bensenville for not less than five percent (5%) of the base bid amount.
The Village Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids or portions thereof.
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 26, 2024) 466157
Village of Bensenville Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule
Calendar Year 2025
The Board meeting schedule for Calendar Year 2025 is hereby established to provide for regular Board of Trustee meetings on the dates listed below. Unless indicated otherwise, all regular Board of Trustee meetings shall be held in the Board Room at 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, IL and shall commence at 6:30 p.m. on a specific Tuesday of each month.
January 28, 2025
February 25, 2025
March 25, 2025
April 29, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 10, 2025
June 24, 2025
July 29, 2025
August 26, 2025
September 30, 2025
October 28, 2025
November 18, 2025
December 16, 2025
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 26.2024) 465998
Village of Bensenville CDC Meeting Schedule
Calendar Year 2025
The Community Development Commission meeting schedule for Calendar Year 2025 is hereby established to provide for regular CDC Meetings on the dates listed below. Unless indicated otherwise, all regular meetings shall be held in the Board Room at 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, IL and shall commence at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.
LEGAL NOTICES
The court date for the Request is scheduled on: March 3, 2025 at 9:00
a.m. in Courtroom 2007, 505 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187..
/s/ Geoff Edward Strauss Geoff Edward Strauss
(Published in The Lombardian Dec. 26, 2024, Jan. 2 & 9, 2025) 465976
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 26, 2024) 466000
Village of Bensenville Village Board Schedule for the Committee of the Whole Calendar Year 2025
The following is the 2025 Committee of the Whole schedule. This schedule is hereby established to provide for the regular Committee of the Whole meetings on the dates listed below. Unless otherwise indicated, all regular meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. on specific Tuesdays of the month. All committee meetings will be held at 6:30p.m. unless indicated otherwise. All regular and special Committee of the Whole meetings shall be held in the upstairs Board Room at 12 South Center Street, Bensenville, IL.
March 18, 2025
May 13, 2025
September 23, 2025 October 21, 2025
(Published in the Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 26, 2024) 465999
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. 79584 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 13, 2024 wherein the business firm of LUXE LOFT, 44 W. OGDEN AVENUE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515 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: Lakeshia Jones, 717 S. Clark Unit 805, Chicago, IL 60605.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 13TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2024.
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (Published in The Lombardian Dec. 26, 2024, Jan. 2 & 9 2025) 466031
PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE
iN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS CIRCUIT COURT COUNTY OF DU PAGE 2024MR000768 CASE NUMBER
My current name is: Geoff Edward Strauss.
I wish my name to be changed to: Jess Elwood Strauss.
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: Karl Alexander Hildner Case Number 2024MR000710
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from Karl Alexander Hildner to the new name of Lyra Fyxe Fanchon. The court date will
be held: February, 13, 2025 at 9:00 at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL in Courtroom 2007. Dated 12/17/2024
Candice Adams Clerk of the Circuit Court 8085-949009
(Published in The Lombardian Dec. 26, 2024, Jan. 2 & 9, 2025) 466171
Worship Services Directory
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435
Sunday Worship at 10:15 am
Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.
Sunday School & Bible Study 9 am
“The Crucial Hours”
Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30 pm
Wednesday Service at 7pm
Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022
Immaculate Conception Church
Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26
Adult Bible Study Wednesdays after Service Saturday, January 25, Game Night at 4 pm
Third Lenten Service
134 Arthur St., Elmhurst, IL
630 530-8515
www.icelmhurst.org
March 16, 2022
Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4
Everyone is Welcome! All services are live streamed. Watch on our website or on Facebook. sainttimothy.org
Fourth Lenten Service
March 23, 2022
Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover” Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18
Fifth Lenten Service
Feast of the Holy Family
Saturday, December 28 8:00am Church
4:30pm Sacred Heart Chapel
Sunday, December 29
7:30am & 7:00pm Church 9:00am & 11:30am Sacred Heart Chapel
March 30, 2022
Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12
Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022
Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66
Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14
Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15
Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17
Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17
Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Tuesday, December 31 4:30pm Church
Wednesday, January 1 7:30am & 11:30am Church (No 9:00am or 7:00pm Masses)
The Epiphany of the Lord Saturday, January 4 4:30pm Sacred Heart Chapel Sunday, January 5 7:30am & 7:00pm Church 9:00am & 11:30am Sacred Heart Chapel
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
Appellate court affirms subject’s conviction of sexual assault and 88-year sentence
Man convicted of assaulting female employee of an Oak Brook hotel in 2019
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin recently announced that the Third District Appellate Court of Illinois affirmed the conviction and 88-year sentence of Julius Ramsey for sexually assaulting, at gunpoint, a female employee of an Oak Brook hotel in 2019.
In his appeal of his conviction, Ramsey claimed that his attorney was ineffective for failing to explain to the jury why the defendant did not testify at trial after they had been told
that he would.
On Sept. 9, 2019, at approximately 11:48 a.m., Oak Brook police were called to the Hyatt House for a sexual assault that had occurred in a vacant room. Through the course of their investigation, officers learned that at approximately 11:20 a.m., Ramsey forced the woman at gunpoint into a vacant room at the hotel, where he sexually assaulted her on several occasions, put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her. The victim was
able to escape the room and report the assault.
On May 20, 2021, following a three-day-long trial presided over by Judge Jeffrey MacKay, a jury found Ramsey guilty of three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault with a firearm (a Class X felony), one count of aggravated kidnapping with a firearm (a Class X felony) and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse (a Class 2 felony).
In its decision, the Appellate
Court rejected Ramsey’s claims and found that at trial, “counsel put forth a rigorous defense and appropriately addressed the absence of defendant’s testimony during his closing argument.” The Appellate Court further stated that “Counsel highlighted defendant’s constitutional right not to testify and emphasized the burden was on the State to prove the charged offenses” and noted “We fail to identify what more counsel could have said to remedy defendant’s own last-minute decision not to testify.”
“I thank the Appellate Court for their thorough analysis of this case and their finding that Mr. Ramsey received a fair trial,” Berlin said. “The Appellate Court’s decision ensures that Mr. Ramsey will not receive a new trial and his conviction and 88year sentence will stand.”
Justice Lance Peterson delivered the judgment of the court, with Justice William Holdridge and Justice Linda Davenport concurring. Ramsey’s appeal was defended by Steven Biagi of the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Criminal Appeals Division.
Budget pressures could impact K-12 funding
By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Public schools in Illinois have enjoyed several consecutive years of substantial increases in state funding, thanks largely to steady growth in state revenues and a new funding formula that lawmakers approved in 2018.
butions, Medicaid and state employee health care costs, and PreK-12 education.
In the current fiscal year, state spending on public schools totals just under $11 billion, or about 20 percent of the state’s $53 billion General Revenue Fund Budget.
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But whether that can continue into the upcoming fiscal year is an open question that state lawmakers will have to face when they return to the Statehouse in January.
With budget forecasters predicting flat revenue growth over the next year and continued demands for increased spending in other areas of the budget such as pension costs and health care, members of the Illinois State Board of Education were told recently that they are now in a different fiscal environment.
“I do not envy anybody involved in that process because it won’t be a fun time,” Eric Noggle, revenue manager of the legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, or COGFA, told the board.
COGFA is a nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the General Assembly. It operates independently of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, or GOMB, although the two agencies are often in agreement in their general findings and analysis.
In November, GOMB issued a report projecting a $3.2 billion deficit in the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2025. That was based on projections of essentially flat revenue growth of about $53.4 billion, and a 6 percent increase in spending due to statutorily required increases in things like pension contri-
Two factors are primarily responsible for the demand for increased state spending on schools. One is the 2018 funding formula, known as the Evidence-Based Funding model, that calls for annual increases of at least $350 million.
That law sets out a formula for determining what would be an “adequate” level of funding for each district based on factors such as total student enrollment, poverty rates, and the number of English language learners in the district. The adequacy target includes both state aid and money the district is able to raise on its own through local property taxes.
The law then directs that the new money each year be sent to districts that are furthest away from their adequacy target. The annual funding increases are supposed to continue until all districts reach at least 90 percent of their adequacy target.
But some advocates argue the state needs to increase its evidence-based funding by more than the minimum $350 million each year.
State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders is scheduled to submit his final budget proposal to the board for approval at the board’s Jan. 15 meeting.
Pritzker is scheduled to deliver his budget address to the General Assembly Feb. 19.
LEGAL NOTICE
VILLAGE OF LOMBARD NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR FY2025 Water/Sewer System Supplies
The Village of Lombard is now accepting sealed bid proposals for FY2025 Water/Sewer System Supplies.
Bid proposals must be received prior to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Department of Public Works, 1051
the Director of Public Works at the Department of Public Works. All questions concerning the bid document or specifications must be submitted in writing to the Director of Public Works. A written response will then be provided to all known bidders and made available to the public. No interpretations, clarifications or addenda will be issued after three (3) working days prior to the scheduled bid opening.
S. Hammerschmidt Ave., Lombard, Illinois, 60148, marked “Attention: Carl S. Goldsmith” and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Each proposal should be placed in a sealed envelope and the envelope labeled with the bidder’s name, address, bid item name and bid opening location, room number, time, and date. Only sealed bids will be accepted.
Bid specifications and specific instructions to bidders may be obtained from
The Village of Lombard reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive all technicalities or to accept the proposal deemed most advantageous to the Village.
Elizabeth Brezinski Village Clerk
(Published in The Lombardian Dec. 26, 2024)
Happy New Year from Lezza Bakery & Gelateria! It was a pleasure serving you in 2024 and we’re really excited for 2025! The weather outside may be frightful but it’s sure delightful at Lezza’s! And if you have no place to go... stop in and we’ll warm you with our fresh baked treats and hot coffee and cocoa.
We have a whole calendar planned for the New Year, so be sure to stop by often. EXCITING NEWS!
WE NOW HAVE AN ONLINE STORE!
Just shop and ship when you can’t stop by to see us. ***We are closed for New Year’s Day!***
LEZZA BAKERY & GELATERIA
544 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst 630.530.0630 • www.Lezza.com
Store Hours: Sun. 8am-5pm Closed Mondays • Tues.-Sat. 7am-6pm
New Year, a Stronger YOU!
Let us show you
Illinois’ presidential electors meet to cast votes for Harris
Electoral College votes take place in state capitols around the country
By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Illinois’ presidential electors met at the Statehouse Dec. 17 to cast their votes for president and vice president of the United States.
The ceremony, which is held on the same day in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., is one of the final steps in certifying the winner of the presidential election. The process is spelled out in federal law and the U.S. Constitution.
“A successful election is defined by more than just what happens on Election Day,” Secretary
of State Alexi Giannoulias said during a Dec. 16 news conference in Chicago. “It depends on various voter registration efforts throughout the state, including at our DMVs, and collaboration with county clerks across Illinois to register voters and ensure clean voting rolls. Volunteers and other public servants work long, stressful days to make sure that the tenets of democracy are upheld at our polling places and that the votes are counted accurately.”
Article 2 of the Constitution provides that the number of electoral votes in each state is equal to
the number of senators and representatives that state has in Congress. And the 23rd amendment provides that Washington, D.C., receive the same number of electoral votes it would have if it were a state, which is three.
That brings the total number of electoral votes in the United States to 538, including 19 from Illinois.
In Illinois, electors are chosen by the political party whose presidential candidate wins the popular vote. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, won Illinois’ popular vote 54 percent to 43 percent and thus will receive the state’s 19 electoral votes. But former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, won the popular vote in enough other states to win the majority of electoral votes nationally.
According to the Democratic Party of Illinois, the 19 electors will be former U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush; state Sens. Cristina Castro, Bill Cunningham and Omar Aquino; state Reps. Will Davis, Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, Hoan Huynh and Maurice West; Illinois Board of Education member Christine Benson; Illinois Civil Service Commission member Vivian Robinson; Democratic State Central Committee members Kristina Zahorik, Melinda Bush, Kate Daniels and Elizabeth Lindquist; state employee Mariah McGuire; businesswoman and former national Democratic Party leader Smita Shah; lobbyist Loretta Durbin, wife of Sen. Dick Durbin; Vera Davis, wife of Congressman Danny Davis; and Paul Kendrick, executive director of the Democratic campaign group Rust Belt Rising.
During the ceremony at the Statehouse that lasted only about half an hour, the aforementioned electors chosen by the Democratic Party of Illinois stepped up, one-by-one, and dropped their paper ballots into a specially-made wooden box—one ballot for president, and a separate ballot for vice president.
For some, it was a chance to make a final statement about the 2024 election.
“It is my honor and my privilege to represent the people of the 7th Congressional District to cast
this historical ballot for a person who has broken barriers for women, and particularly women of color,” said Elector Vera Davis, wife of U.S. Rep. Danny Davis. “And also, my sister in the sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., I cast this vote for Kamala Harris.”
After the ballots were cast, Giannoulias, accompanied by electors Loretta Durbin and Bobby Rush, opened the ballot box, counted the ballots and announced the results.
“It is my pleasure to announce that Kamala D. Harris has received 19 electoral votes for president of the United States from the great state of Illinois, and Tim Walz has also received 19 votes for vice president of the United States,” Giannoulias said. “I did that on purpose. I’m proud to see the electors are paying attention.”
For Illinois, it was the 52nd meeting of the state’s presidential electors.
After the Dec. 17 ceremony at the Statehouse concluded, the electors’ ballots will be sent to the president of the U.S. Senate, where they will be opened and counted during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6.
Since the vice president serves as president of the Senate, that means Harris will have the responsibility to open the ballots and declare her opponent, Trump, the winner.
A similar result occurred in 2021 when thenVice President Mike Pence was required to declare Democrat Joe Biden the winner over then-President Trump. That ceremony was interrupted when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a failed attempt to prevent the electoral votes from being certified.
In 2001, Democratic Vice President Al Gore was required to certify results in favor of his opponent, Republican George W. Bush. And in 1961, Republican Vice President Richard Nixon was required to certify results in favor of his opponent, Democrat John F. Kennedy.
Additional copies of the ballots are sent to the National Archives, the Illinois State Board of Elections, and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.
Coming events
Chamber board installation luncheon Jan. 16
Join the Lombard Chamber Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the 2025 January Board Installation Luncheon, as we celebrate and support our newly installed and returning board members for 2025, at the Westin Chicago Lombard, 70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard. Visit lombardchamber. com for details.
Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Concert Jan. 9
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra invites you to a breathtaking winter concert, featuring two timeless masterpieces that explore the seasons of the year in vivid musical detail. Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, Stephen Alltop, the orchestra will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and Astor Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.” The performance is dedicated to the memory of Keith Olson, a beloved supporter of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. (Pre-Concert Talk at 1:45 p.m.) Location: Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Visit https://elmhurstsymphony.org/the-four-seasons or call (630) 941-0202 (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for ticket information. For further inquiries, please contact the Elmhurst Symphony Association at (630) 941-0202 or via email at contact@elmhurstsymphony.org.
Boy Scout Troop 51 seeks photos for anniversary
To help celebrate their 100-year anniversary, Boy Scout Troop 51 is asking all Troop 51 Scouts, Leaders and Committee Members (past and present) for their favorite scouting picture. Please email the photo, a brief description and the date to: troop51.lombard.100years@gmail.com.
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.
Sports
The Rams’ winning streak reaches five games
Wins over Ridgewood and Glenbard South lift Glenbard East’s division record to 5-0
The Glenbard East boys basketball team recorded two Upstate Eight Conference East Division victories last week to improve to 6-3 overall and 5-0 in the division.
The Rams posted a 71-58 division win at Ridgewood on Dec. 17. Three days later, Glenbard East beat Glenbard South 56-41 in a division battle in Lombard.
The Rams kicked off their 202425 season by going 1-3 in four non-division contests. Glenbard East has since won five straight division games.
The Rams led Glenbard South 17-9 after one quarter of Friday’s matchup between area rivals. Glenbard East led the Raiders 34-28 at halftime of the contest, which featured a large and vocal crowd in the Rams’ student section.
Junior Michael Nee sank a 3-point shot in the opening seconds of the third quarter to raise the Rams’ advantage to 37-28. Baskets by junior Sam Walton and junior Jacob Marynowski hiked Glenbard East’s lead to 41-28. The Rams held a 4635 lead over Glenbard South at the end of the third quarter.
“The first half was back and forth,” said Glenbard East coach Eric Kelly after Friday’s win over the Raiders. “We went on a little bit of a run to go up double digits in the second half. We came out strong to start the third quarter, and I think our defense really played well.”
Nee made three shots from 3-point
range and scored a team-leading 13 points for the Rams in Friday’s victory. Junior Muhammad Musleh, who drained a pair of 3-point attempts, provided 10 points for Glenbard East. Senior Devin Kraft contributed nine points. Marynowski and junior Danny Snyder added six points each. Walton and junior Norman Loechel supplied five points each. Senior Emmitt Perryman sank two free throws in the fourth quarter to score two points.
The Rams have now beaten Glenbard South twice this season. Glenbard East earned its first win of its 2024-25 campaign when it beat the Raiders 54-32 at the District 87 Tournament on Nov. 27. The Rams opened that four-team, round-robin event with losses to Glenbard North and Glenbard West.
Kraft provided 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in the Rams’ Dec. 17 victory at Ridgewood. Nee supplied 17 points and four assists. Snyder contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.
Glenbard East is playing in the 50th annual Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York High School in Elmhurst. The Rams are opening play in the 32-team tournament with a Dec. 26 game against St. Patrick. Glenbard East will play at least four games in the event, which concludes on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
The Rams will resume their division season with a Jan. 7 home game against Elmwood Park.
CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing Glenbard East’s boys basketball team raised its Upstate Eight Conference East Division record to 5-0 with last week’s division wins over Ridgewood and Glenbard South. After earning a 71-58 victory at Ridgewood on Dec. 17, the Rams defeated Glenbard South 56-41 in Lombard on Friday night. Junior Michael Nee scored a team-high 13 points for the Rams in Friday’s win over the Raiders. Nee (No. 4 - top left) is pictured while launching and making a 3-point shot early in the third quarter. Junior Muhammad Musleh (No. 0 - above) made two 3-point baskets and scored 10 points for Glenbard East in Friday’s victory. Senior Devin Kraft (No. 10 - left) added nine points. Kraft scored 21 points for the Rams in last week’s win at Ridgewood. Glenbard East moved its overall season record to 6-3 with Friday’s triumph over Glenbard South. The Rams will play at least four games in the 32-team Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York High School. That tournament begins this week and continues through Dec. 31.
Rams win two of three home games to raise their overall season record to 8-5 Glenbard East drops to 4-1 in division play after its loss to Glenbard 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 games and ended the week with an overall season record of 8-5 and an Upstate Eight Conference East Division mark of 4-1.
Glenbard East began the week with a dominant 56-23 division win over Ridgewood on Dec. 17. The Rams suffered their first division loss of the season on Friday, when they lost 47-28 to Glenbard South. Glenbard East completed its week with Saturday afternoon’s 42-27 victory over Addison Trail in a non-division contest.
The Rams led Ridgewood 17-11 after one quarter of last week’s division game in Lombard. Glenbard East made four 3-point shots in the second quarter, when it outscored the Rebels 20-5 to build a 37-16 lead by halftime. The lead grew to 48-22 by
the end of the third quarter. Junior Haley Greenfield scored a team-leading 11 points for the Rams in last week’s win over Ridgewood. Senior Erin Brown and freshman Olivia Nee added 10 points each. Sophomore Teagan Murphy provided eight points, while senior Veronica Witt scored seven points. Sophomores Lilly Carver and Bridget Crocker supplied four points each. Senior Taylour Hodges added two points. Nee drained two 3-point shots during the second quarter of Glenbard East’s Dec. 17 win over the Rebels. Greenfield and Murphy made one 3-point field goal each during the second quarter. Murphy also sank a 3-point shot during the first quarter. Glenbard South led Glenbard East 10-8 after one quarter of Friday’s contest,
which was the opening
CHRIS FOX PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing Glenbard East’s girls basketball team won two of three home games last week to improve its overall season record to 8-5. The Rams posted a 56-23 win over Ridgewood in an Upstate Eight Conference East Division contest on Dec. 17. Glenbard East suffered a 47-28 division loss to Glenbard South on Friday. One day later, the Rams beat Addison Trail 42-27 in a non-division game. One photo from Saturday’s game against Addison Trail shows Glenbard East senior Veronica Witt (No. 15 - above left), who scored six points in her team’s win over the Blazers. Sophomore Lilly Carver (No. 22 - above middle) scored four points for the Rams in Saturday’s victory. Junior Nora Opila (No. 5 - above right) added three points for Glenbard East.
The Broncos defeat Mother McAuley
Montini Catholic’s girls basketball team beat Mother McAuley 59-42 in last week’s Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) Red Division contest in Lombard. The Broncos moved to 8-3 overall and 3-0 in division play with their Dec. 17 victory over the Mighty Macs. Montini led Mother McAuley 15-5 after one quarter and 30-11 at halftime. The Broncos owned a 46-25 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Seniors Peyton Farrell and Nikki Kerstein scored 22 points each for Montini in the game. Kerstein made four shots from 3-point territory during the contest. She also sank four free throws. Farrell (No. 24) supplied 10 field goals and made two free throws in the Broncos’ victory over Mother McAuley. Farrell scored five of her 10 baskets during the third quarter. Senior Audrey Kinney made one 3-point shot and contributed nine points for Montini. Seniors Natalie Gartlan, Lauren Mellish and Lily Spanos provided two points each. The Broncos are playing in their own 16-team tournament this week.
Montini opened its event with a game against Neuqua Valley on Monday, Dec. 23. The tournament ends this Saturday, Dec. 28.
• Rams
Warriors win the team
title at Addison Trail’s invite Capulong takes first in the all-around standings
The Willowbrook girls gymnastics team won the title at Saturday’s Addison Trail Winter Tumbleland Invite. The Warriors posted a firstplace team score of 130.15 in the five-team event. Leyden (128.1) finished second, while Addison Trail (127.8) placed third. York (119.5) and Morton (113.7) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Willowbrook sophomore Lilli Macias won the invite’s title in the vault event with her score of 9.25. Addison Trail senior Olivia DeBeau claimed the championship on the uneven bars with her firstplace score of 8.2. Junior Mia Trombatore of Addison Trail won the first-place medal on the balance beam with her score of 8.4.
Willowbrook junior Kaia Capulong won the invite’s all-around title with her total score of 33.55. Capulong achieved her all-around score after placing second on the balance beam (8.3), third in floor exercises (8.7), tying for fourth on the vault (8.75) and finishing sixth on the uneven bars (7.8).
Trombatore (33.3) placed second in the all-around standings, while DeBeau (32.55) and Macias (32.25) landed in third and fourth, respectively.
Willowbrook freshman Ella Paulsen secured a second-place finish on the vault (8.95). Sophomore Mallory Yeazel of the Warriors finished third on the uneven bars (8.0). Senior Naomi Campbell of Willowbrook earned fourth-place finishes on the balance beam (8.15) and in floor exercises (8.5).
The Warriors competed in a dual meet at Leyden on Dec. 19. Leyden earned a narrow 129.85-128.3 victory in the meet’s team standings. Capulong finished first on the balance beam (8.85) in that competition. Campbell delivered a first-place effort in floor exercises. Her routine earned a score of 8.65.
The Warriors’ 2024-25 season continues with a home meet against Addison Trail on Jan. 8.
Broncos drop to 5-5 after losing to Brother Rice
Sansone
connects on four 3-point shots and scores 16 points for Montini
The Montini Catholic boys basketball team’s overall season record fell to 5-5 following Friday’s 64-51 loss to Brother Rice in Lombard.
The visiting Crusaders jumped out to an 11-0 lead during the opening minutes of the game. Brother Rice led the Broncos 22-4 at the end of the first quarter. The Crusaders held a 37-19 lead at halftime. Their lead swelled to 58-33 by the end of the third quarter.
Brother Rice led Montini 64-44 with a little more than two minutes to play. The Broncos delivered a 7-0 run to end the game.
Junior Robert Sansone made four 3-point shots and scored a team-leading 16 points for the Broncos during Friday’s loss. Senior Dillon Bagley
(Continued from page 11)
game of a doubleheader; the second game featured a battle between the two schools’ varsity boys teams. The Raiders expanded their lead to 25-13 by halftime. Glenbard South led the Rams 35-21 at the end of the third quarter.
The Raiders improved their division record to 5-0 with Friday’s win over Glenbard East.
Nee connected on three shots from 3-point territory and scored a team-high 11 points in Friday’s loss to the Raiders. Murphy provided six points, while Carver contribut-
ed four points. Brown scored three points, while Witt and Greenfield tallied two points each.
The Rams had a slow start in Saturday afternoon’s game against Addison Trail. The visiting Blazers led Glenbard East 5-2 at the end of the first quarter. The Rams rallied to take a 16-9 lead by halftime. Glenbard East’s lead grew to 29-18 by the end of the third quarter.
Nee made two 3-point shots and scored 10 points in the Rams’ win over Addison Trail. Murphy supplied nine points with three 3-point
Warriors lose to the Mustangs
Warriors fight back to win their conference opener
supplied 11 points for Montini, while senior Jack Barrett made two 3-point shots and scored 10 points. Senior Jake Maquet and junior Colt Ashton contributed four points each for the Broncos.
Senior Drew Church, junior Kenny Hines and junior Charlie Morton added two points each.
The Broncos are playing in the 12team ICCP/Westmont 2024 Christmas Classic, which began earlier this week. Montini opened the event with a game against Taft High School on Dec. 23 in Westmont. The Broncos finished pool play in the tournament with a Dec. 26 game against Unity Christian in Westmont. The tournament continues through Monday, Dec. 30.
baskets. Witt and Hodges added six and five points, respectively. Carver scored four points, while junior Nora Opila contributed three points. Bridget Crocker provided three points with a 3-point basket in the fourth quarter. Greenfield added two points. The Rams will play four games in this week’s Sandburg Holiday Classic at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park. Glenbard East opened play in the 16-team event with a Dec. 26 matchup against Nazareth Academy.
Willowbrook’s girls basketball team lost 61-25 to Downers Grove South in last week’s West Suburban Gold Conference game in Villa Park. The visiting Mustangs led the Warriors 28-11 after one quarter and 36-18 at halftime. Downers Grove South held a 53-23 lead at the end of the third quarter. That lead of 30 points triggered a running clock for the entire fourth quarter of the Dec. 17 game. Sophomore Jada Langston scored a team-leading 10 points for the Warriors in the contest. Langston (No. 0) is pictured while launching and making a 3-point shot in the third quarter. Senior Ayaani Gusman and junior Joely Maciejewski added five and four points, respectively. The Warriors lost their next game, falling 51-44 at Leyden in Friday’s conference battle. That loss dropped Willowbrook to 2-10 overall and 1-4 in conference action. Gusman scored a team-high 15 points in Friday’s loss to the Eagles. Langston and senior Loralai McIntyre provided eight points each. The Warriors are playing in this week’s 16team Bill Neibch Holiday Classic at Wheaton North High School. Willowbrook began the event with a Dec. 23 game against West Aurora. The tournament ends this Saturday, Dec. 28.
Willowbrook’s boys basketball team opened its West Suburban Gold Conference season with Friday’s 41-38 victory over Leyden in Villa Park. The Warriors, who improved their overall record to 3-4 with the win, trailed the visiting Eagles 11-9 after one quarter. The two teams were tied at 22-22 at halftime. Willowbrook struggled in the third quarter and trailed Leyden 36-27 with eight minutes to play. The Warriors outscored the Eagles 14-2 in the fourth quarter to earn a hard-fought victory. Junior Otis Powell (No. 2) scored a teamhigh 12 points for Willowbrook in the contest. Junior Jaylen Griffin provided nine points, while seniors Filip Palutkiewicz and Jaden Royal supplied eight points each. Powell sank a 3-point shot with about one minute left in the game. A layup from Royal and two late free throws by Palutkiewicz helped the Warriors complete their comeback victory. The Eagles tried and missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer. There was a scuffle near the end of the game, just before Palutkiewicz made his two freethrow attempts. Leyden finished the game with only three players on the court. The Warriors are playing in this week’s 2024 ICCP/ Westmont Christmas Classic. Willowbrook opened the 12-team event with a game against Providence St. Mel on Dec. 23. The tournament continues through Dec. 30.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
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