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Vol. 39, No. 5

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Also serving North Riverside

January 31, 2024

Beautification begins in Brookfield PAGE 3

@RBLandmark

Former superintendent sues D103 PAGE 6

School treasurer’s office will pay LTHS $1.35 million to settle all claims By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Victory! RBHS snags 20th wi win in STORY ON PAGE 14 STEVE JOHNSTON

Lyons Township High School and the Lyons Township Schools Treasurer’s office, commonly known as the TTO, are no longer fighting in court and their divorce – so to speak – is final after a more than decade of courtroom battles that cost taxpayers millions of dollars in legal fees. LTHS and the Lyons TTO have settled the remaining case between them resulting from LTHS’s withdrawal from the TTO with the TTO agreeing to pay LTHS just more than $1.3 million to satisfy LTHS’s claim that the TTO did not give LTHS all its money when LTHS withdrew from the TTO in 2021 after a verdict in a protracted lawsuit the TTO filed against LTHS. On Jan. 25, the TTO wired $1,356,390.49 to LTHS to satisfy all claims LTHS had against the TTO. The LTHS school board unanimously approved

Lyons Township’s Caleb Greer (4) drives the lane for a shot against Riverside-Brookfield during a non-conference game Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 in Brookfield.

See TTO on page 8

Would you like to promote your business in the 2024 Landmark Answer Book? Contact Lourdes (lourdes@oakpark.com) or Ben (ben@oakpark.com) for more information!

The Landmark, January 31, 2024

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The Landmark, January 31, 2024

Brookfield’s new light pole banners begin branding effort Beautification commission members discuss the new plan, and why streetscape improvement projects matter By STEPHEN SONNEVELD Contributing reporter

The Village of Brookfield is adding 121 new banners to light poles in three hightraffic business districts. While the familiar banners dotting light poles throughout those districts – Downtown (Grand, Fairview, Prairie, and Burlington streets), Ogden Avenue and Eight Corners/Broadway – now display seven designs that have been in use for several years, 84 of the new banners will promote three different community assets. Moreover, this marks the first phase of the village’s comprehensive plan encompassing consistent branding, scheduling seasonal banner changes, and the installment of permanent signage after the Illinois Department of Transportation improvements to Ogden Avenue begin in 2027. That was not always the case. “Historically, there has not been a comprehensive banner policy or scheduled program for banners as far as staff can determine,” a Community Development’s Committee Item Memo from May 22, 2023 said. “The intent and goals of a banner program have not been discussed with the Village Board within the past five years or more.” Cindy Klima, economic development assistant, was tasked with coming up with a

temporary plan, which she presented to the board the following month. At that June 12 meeting, in addition to the new banners across the three business districts, Klima also suggested to use both “existing banners that are in good condition,” and “all installed fixtures in the Eight Corners Business District.” On Jan. 9, Klima presented her findings to the Brookfield beautification commission which, according to member Steve Sabourin, the village believed was the “ideal commission” to assist in determining new banners and where they should be installed. Consistency in the banner messaging will be a key factor going forward. “As of now, we are using banners that are still in good condition, but we would like to have a more uniform look throughout the business districts,” said lifelong Brookfield resident and current BBC chairperson Carla Close-Prosen. “We are looking to have seasonal banners that focus on our village events.” Although Sabourin has only volunteered with the BBC for the past nine months, he has more than 30 years of experience in planning and community development. “Many commissioners felt that the banners currently used could be hung anywhere in the country without any unique identifiers that relate to Brookfield,” he said about the lack of branding in the village’s banners, some of which have been hanging for 18 years. “The current banners along Ogden Avenue with hummingbirds say nothing about Brookfield.” Banners serve the practical aspects of village branding and promotion, especially the “Enjoy Brookfield” campaign, which also directs onlookers to the accompanying website, www.enjoybrookfield.com, featuring such items as a community calendar, and information about local businesses.

They also generate emotional value for residents and visitors. “The banners can add color, vibrancy, and a festive atmosphere to the village, all which enrich the appearance,” Sabourin said. They also “create a sense of community identity by concentrating on some of the community’s assets, such as the Brookfield Zoo. There is also the community spirit, especially during the holidays and special occasions, like the anniversary of the village’s incorporation. This year actually marks 130 years. Banners can also celebrate the four seasons, fostering connection to nature and anticipation of the approaching seasons.” The BBC is currently evaluating which community assets will be featured on the new banners. According to Close-Prosen, it “is all a work in progress so nothing is finalized as of yet. We are actively under discussion with the staff. And once the Brookfield beautification commission has everything in order, we will present to the village board for approval.” The only certainty is the scheduled renovation of one of the area’s major roadways. “With the upcoming streetscape improvements planned for Ogden Avenue by IDOT in 2027, lampposts will be installed on both sides of Ogden Avenue,” Sabourin said. “But when that project commences, the village will possibly consider streetscape elements that are more permanent in nature, such as pre-fabricated steel signs, cut-out figurines or wayfinding that is mounted to the lampposts. Ogden Avenue is a very busy thoroughfare, and we cannot have the public works department changing banners every season as that can be a safety issue and takes a significant amount of time.” Assistant Village Manager Stevie Ferrari told Landmark the installation of the new banners is expected to be completed in the first quarter.

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporters Trent Brown, Amaris Rodriguez Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL erika@growingcommunitymedia.org ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $41 within Cook County and $51 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2024 Growing Community Media NFP.

The Landmark, January 31, 2024

BIG WEEK

Maker Studio 101

January 31-February 7 Jackpot Music Game Demo

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library Interested in the Library’s Maker Studio, but don’t know where to start? Attend this introductory tour to the Maker Studio with equipment demonstrations by our knowledgeable Digital Innovations Librarian. Learn best practices for working with our 3D Printer, Glowforge Laser Cutter, Mayku mold-maker, Cricut cutting machine, and Carvey woodcarver. Attendees have the option to complete Maker Certification forms and video tutorials before or after this class. 3541 Park Ave.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 7 - 9 p.m., The Little Owl Social Pub Do you want to be a part of a test run of a new music app? I’ll do you one better: do you want a chance to win $1,000 by just playing a game? Join the Jackpot Music Game demo as the Little Owl Social Pub on Thursday for the chance of winning the Jackpot! All you need to bring is your phone with an appropriate amount of battery life to play. Music will be played during six rounds of the game and the first person who completes their list of songs will win a lottery ticket! 3747 Grand Blvd.

Book Blind Date

But First, This Word from Our Sponsors

Thursdays, Feb. 1 - Feb. 29, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., North Riverside Public Library Get into the month of love and valentines with this new activity that’ll bring you closer to reading! The library urges you to skip the first impressions and indecisiveness of choosing a book and take home a wrapped book as a blind date! This event is all month long so you can go on as many blind dates as you want. Maybe you’ll find your new favorite or maybe you’ll find something that isn’t for you: Just like a blind date! 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.

Monday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library Television commercials—they’re the talk of every Super Bowl, and the subject of this enlightening and lighthearted presentation. Take a video journey through time and enjoy some of the earliest TV commercials, from catchy jingles and popular catchphrases to groundbreakers and award-winners. 3541 Park Ave.

From Mama’s Boyz to New Kid and Beyond Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library Learn about life, art, and storytelling with bestselling author, illustrator and syndicated cartoonist, Jerry Craft. Enjoy this virtual conversation about his work and journey to success, including a drawing demo that will be fun for the whole family. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. This virtual event requires email registration and can be viewed from home. 3541 Park Ave.

Singo Thursday, Feb. 1, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Pub 78 What do you get when you combine bingo and music? Singo! Pub 78 will be hosting a Singo Night where snippets from various songs are played and it is your job to name the song appropriately. After you guess the song, you mark the correct space on your bingo card, and the first person with four across or down will receive a prize! The best part about this event is that it is free: who doesn’t like free activities! Bring your friends and family to Pub 78 and play Singo! 3733 Grand Blvd.

Compiled by Grace Harty Contributing Reporter

CALENDAR EVENTS ■ If you would like your event to be featured here,

please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights. Email calendar@wjinc.com.

The Landmark, January 31, 2024

Brookfield neighbor’s perspective: Steve Sabourin

The photographer and beautification commission member discusses the positives of living in Brookfield By STEPHEN SONNEVELD

of July parade, Music on Grand, Farmer’s Market, Concerts in the Park at the Kiwanis Park Band Shell, and Project NICE in the Spring and Fall. This brings together residents and volunteer groups to help clean up key locations throughout the village. Last July, Brookfield was host to the inaugural Cycle Brookfield Criterium, which is part of the Intelligentsia Cup Chicago.

Contributing reporter

Landmark reached out to the Brookfield beautification commission’s Steve Sabourin for his thoughts regarding the Village’s plan to add new banners to business district light poles. Sabourin worked over 30 years in planning and community development for the cities of North Chicago and Waukegan, before he began volunteering in Brookfield’s planning and zoning, and beautification commissions just less than a year ago. Excerpts of his comments appear in a news story about the light poles. But his longer responses reflect expertise and delve in greater detail about the village’s beautification plan – including Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) improvements on Ogden Avenue in 2027 – the benefits of streetscape projects, and why he enjoys living in the Village. The interview was edited for clarity and length. Why he volunteers I have lived in Brookfield since 2011. I was just appointed to the [Brookfield Beautification Commission, BBC] last year, so my experience with the commission is somewhat limited. I wanted to participate with the BBC because of my experience working for other communities who were undertaking some of the same initiatives and projects. I was excited about the opportunity to contribute over 30 years of community development experience to further the commission’s goals and objectives. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping to create vibrant and welcoming communities that people are proud to call home. As a member of the beautification commission, I am committed to using my experience and expertise to help improve the aesthetics and livability of our community. A priority for me is to work on not only maintaining, but enhancing, the visual appeal of our community. By investing in public art installations, streetscape and landscape improvements, and other aesthetic enhancements, we can create a more visually striking and engaging com-

PROVIDED

Steve Sabourin munity that fosters a sense of pride and belonging among our residents. Sabourin, a photographer who sells his prints online, shares why he finds Brookfield unique and engaging I believe one has to look at the community’s assets. I was born and raised in a very large community with close to 100,000 residents. And coming to Brookfield was a welcomed change where so much is within walking distance, and I don’t have to drive to many of my frequent destinations. The village has also been very proactive to maintain Brookfield as a bicycle-friendly community with bike paths and lanes, including the most recent bike lanes along the entire stretch of Washington Avenue. I am fortunate to live in a walkable community. There are many landmarks that identify with Brookfield, whether it’s the Brookfield Zoo, the Grossdale Train Station, Veterans Memorial Circle, Salt Creek, or many of the village’s parks and forest preserves. One can still be surprised by the spotting of wildlife that occupies these parks and preserves. The village also has great street scenes and community events, such as the Fourth

On the aesthetic and practical benefits to a community like Brookfield displaying banners, and the changes coming to Ogden Avenue There are many aesthetic benefits to Brookfield. First there is the enhanced visual appeal. The banners can add color, vibrancy, and a festive atmosphere to the village, all which enrich the appearance. The banners can also help create a sense of community identity by concentrating on some of the community’s assets, such as the Brookfield Zoo. There is also the community spirit, especially during the holidays and special occasions, like the anniversary of the village’s incorporation. The practical benefits to Brookfield include the ability to promote popular events and festivals happening during specific times of the year, increasing community engagement and participation. These would include festivals or events that are held on a specific day of the month so that banners don’t need reprinting every year with the new dates. Examples include the Farmer’s Market, Concerts in the Park, Music on Grand, and Holiday Celebration. Another practical benefit is wayfinding and navigation, which can ultimately identify a destination, especially for attracting visitors to Brookfield. Displaying banners also fosters a sense of community identity and community pride. Currently, banners that are located along Ogden Avenue are only on lampposts that are on the south side of the street. To visitors and passersby unfamiliar with the area, they may think that Brookfield only borders the south side of Ogden Avenue, while a separate village borders the north side of Ogden Avenue. When in fact, Brookfield occupies both side of Ogden Avenue.

Why it was important for the board to develop a comprehensive banner plan First, we want to ensure optimal visibility. A well-thought-out plan ensures that banners are strategically placed in locations with optimal visibility. This helps maximize their impact and ensures that they are easily seen by residents, visitors, and passersby. Second, we want to be consistent. A comprehensive banner plan helps maintain a cohesive and consistent aesthetic throughout the community. Consistency in banner placement creates a more visually pleasing and organized appearance. Third, proper planning ensures that the banners will be placed in areas where they can effectively communicate messages, whether it’s promoting events, highlighting seasonal themes, or conveying important information. This enhances the overall effectiveness of the banners as a communication tool. Fourth, the banner plan should help prevent visual clutter. By determining the appropriate number of banners and their location, we can avoid an overcrowded and chaotic visual environment. In the coming weeks, the Brookfield beautification commission will present their banner recommendations to the board for approval However, the more permanent signage for Ogden Avenue (that will be installed with the IDOT improvements in 2027) will have to be determined and forwarded to the village board at a later date. This should also include streetscape standards that identify the design of the streetscape furniture, planters, bicycle racks and the lampposts themselves. In the meantime, banners will be changed along Ogden Avenue on a less frequent basis. The beautification commission determined at its January [9th] meeting that we need to concentrate on what we consider to be Brookfield’s greatest asset. The commission members agreed that it should be the Brookfield Zoo. What is under consideration is to use pre-fabricated, double-sided cutouts of Zoo animals that would be mounted to the new lampposts permanently. These would be erected on lampposts on both sides of Ogden Avenue.

The Landmark, January 31, 2024

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Community • Connection Service • Respect

The Village of Oak Park has job opportunities available. Please visit www.oak-park.us or scan the QR code By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

PLANNING TECHNIQUES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CURRENT FEDERAL EXEMPTIONS BEFORE THEY DECREASE IN 2026: PART II C. Make Gifts in Trust Generally speaking, gifts in trust (rather than gifts made outright to an individual) are preferred because they promote flexibility, protect gifted assets, and leverage the use of your exemption. Some possible planning techniques include the following. Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts: Individuals who want to use their remaining exemptions but who are concerned about losing access to gifted assets should consider a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT). SLATs allow one spouse to make a gift in trust for the benefit of the other spouse and their family. The gift to the SLAT uses the donor-spouse’s exemption, but the donor-spouse retains indirect access to the trust assets through their spouse (who is a beneficiary of the trust). Irrevocable Trusts for Children and Descendants: Individuals who want to use their remaining exemptions to benefit their children and younger generations should consider gifting assets to

irrevocable trusts for the benefit of those individuals, rather than giving assets to them outright. This approach has many advantages. Trusts can protect assets from a beneficiary’s creditors, shelter assets from estate tax upon a beneficiary’s death, and prevent imprudent use of assets by a spendthrift beneficiary, while still providing flexible distribution provisions that can address the beneficiary’s current and future needs. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts: For individuals who have used some of their exemption or who are looking to preserve their exemption for other gifts, an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) may be a good option. The purpose of an ILIT is to remove life insurance proceeds from the insured’ s estate.

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Former superintendent sues D103 for discrimination

Carol Baker, who also served as principal, says she was a victim of age and sex discrimination By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Carol Baker, a former principal at George Washington Middle School and a former superintendent and assistant superintendent for Lyons School District 103, has filed a federal lawsuit against the district she once led alleging sex and age discrimination after she was stripped of her assistant superintendent title in 2022 and offered a lower salary to remain as principal of GWMS. Baker declined the offer and instead retired. On Jan.24, Baker won a preliminary round in the case after United States District Court Judge Harry Leinenweber denied D103’s attempt to dismiss the case. Baker, now a science education consultant, claimed that she was a victim of sex and age discrimination in 2022 when, after serving two years in the dual role of assistant superintendent and principal at GWMS, the assistant superintendent position was eliminated, and she was offered a significantly lower salary to remain as principal at GWMS. Baker chose not to accept the lower salary to remain as principal and D103 hired Joshua Dakins, a younger man, to replace her. Baker alleged that Dakins was allowed to negotiate his salary while she was told that the salary offered to her was non-negotiable. Baker served as the superintendent of D103 for two years, from 2016 until 2018. In 2018, Baker left the district to take a job as an assistant superintendent for academics and chief academic officer at Hinsdale Township High School District 86. After two years there, her contract was not re-

newed, and she returned to District 103 during the summer of 2020 as the principal of GWMS. She also was given the title of assistant superintendent, which was a newly created position. Her salary for the 2020-21 school year was $129,000. In March 2022, Baker was informed that the assistant superintendent position was being eliminated and was offered what Leinenweber referred to a “significant reduction in salary” that was non-negotiable to remain as principal. Baker rejected the offer and chose to retire early. Dakins was hired during the summer of 2022 and was paid $126,087 to serve as principal at GWMS and the district’s athletic director. The principal portion of his salary was $117,000. Dakins now serves as the district’s director of safety, as well as the principal at GWMS. In October 2022, Baker filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that Dakins received a higher salary than she was offered to remain as GWMS principal even though Dakins was less experienced and had fewer educational credentials than Baker. In July 2023, the EEOC issued a right to sue letter to Baker, which meant that the EEOC had done all it could to resolve the case and gives the complainant the right to file a lawsuit. Four days after receiving the letter, Baker filed her federal lawsuit against District 103 that alleges discrimination on the basis of age and sex. D103 Supt. Kristofer Rivera did not reply to a request for comment. Baker supplied the name of the law firm representing her, but otherwise declined to comment. Leinenweber, who last year presided over the bribery and corruption trial that resulted in the conviction of the former chief executive officer of ComEd and three lobbyists in a scheme to bribe and curry favor with former House Speaker Mike Madigan, did not delve into the merits of the case in his ruling, but ruled that Baker had alleged enough to warrant going forward with the case.

The Landmark, January 31, 2024

YOUR

BEST

LIFE

with Lisa Capone

New Year. New Home.

FILE

Lyons-Brookfield School District 103 Administration Building, 4100 Joliet Ave., Lyons

District 103 pays more for subs than other local districts

Contracting out substitute teacher hiring to a private company costs more By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Lyons School District 103 pays about 50% more than other local school districts for substitute teachers, district reports show. Part of the reason is that D103 pays substitutes more than other districts in the area, officials said. But the main driver of costs is that D103 has outsourced its substitute teacher hiring to a private company, Kelly Education, a division of temporary help giant Kelly Services. According to district records, D103 pays Kelly Education a 34% markup for each day a substitute teacher works. A D103 substitute teacher is paid $150 a day, more than in any other local elementary school district, but the 34% markup for Kelly Education increases the district’s total cost to $201 a day for a substitute teacher. For comparison: Most districts in Illinois hire their substitute teachers directly and

pay no markup. A substitute teacher earns $120 a day in Brookfield-LaGrange Park District 95, $125 a day in Riverside Elementary School District 96 and $135 a day at Komarek School. Supt. Kristofer Rivera did not respond to requests for comment by publication. Under the contract, the substitutes are employees of Kelly Education, not the district. District officials pay Kelly and then Kelly pays the substitutes. Kelly also recruits them and handles the paperwork and other administrative chores. Long-term substitutes earn $257 a day, which increases to $344 with the Kelly fee. Kelly can also provide substitute Early Childhood Education teachers, and for that service, it charges a 45% markup, bringing the daily pay to $217.50. Kelly also supplies fill-in paraprofessionals and custodians. Substitute custodians are paid $19.62 an hour with a 38% markup, bringing the district’s total to $27.08 an hour. Substitute paraprofessionals are paid $17 an hour with a 36% markup, bringing that cost to the district to $23.12 an hour. Kelly is not the only private company that provides workers to District 103. At its Jan. 23 meeting, the school board approved an agreement with Chicago-based The Stepping Stones Group to provide

specialist services for students who have behavioral problems, those on the autism spectrum or who have developmental issues. The Stepping Stones Group charges $100 an hour to provide a board-certified behavior analyst to the district. A registered behavior technician costs $65 an hour, a behavior technician is $57 an hour, a behavior interventionist is $51 an hour, and paraprofessionals, $42 an hour. Substitute teachers were hard to find during the height of the COVID pandemic when many regular subs, who are often older, didn’t want to be in a classroom of children. But local school superintendents say that the sub shortage has now eased some. “We probably don’t have as many as we would like but we’re able to cover our vacancies,” said District 96 superintendent Martha Ryan Toye. District 95 superintendent Mark Kuzniewski said that they have had more people on its substitute teacher list this year than the district has had in the past couple of years. “I think I heard we have maybe two or three more people who have put in an application within just the last week where we would go a whole year without seeing anyone apply so it seems like people are coming back,” Kuzniewski said.

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The Landmark, January 31, 2024

TTO

of its financial affairs in-house. The case dragged on for years, but finally went to trial in 2020. LTHS prevailed on the major issues in the case. Cook County Circuit Court Judge Jerry from page 1 Esrig, after a bench trial that was conducted remotely because of the panthe settlement Jan. 22 and the TTO board demic, ruled in May of 2021 that the approved the settlement at a special meet- only money LTHS owed the TTO was ing a day later. LTHS’s lawsuit is expected $764,781.33 as its share of the legal fees to be formally dismissed with prejudice that the TTO accumulated between 2013 this week. and 2019. The TTO spent an estimated $4 “I think this settlement agreement is a million in legal fees on the case. positive outcome for all parties, including Because of a law that former House the taxpayers of LT, and we are thankful Republican leader Jim Durkin managed, that a settlement agreement has been with the acquiesce of former State Senareached,” said LTHS District 204 Superin- tor Steve Landek, got passed, LTHS was tendent Brian Waterman. allowed to withdraw from the TTO after TTO Treasurer Ken Getty and TTO the verdict in the trial. board president Shakana Kirksey-Miller Shortly after the verdict, the LTHS took did not reply to requests for advantage of the law, that comment. only applied to LTHS, as The settlement agreement the school board voted to includes, as is common in legal withdraw from the TTO. settlements, a clause that proThe withdrawal from hibits the parties from making the TTO became effective disparaging comments about July 1, 2021, and the TTO each other. But there was had to return to LTHS all much ill will between the two the school’s money that it entities over the past decade had been managing. But as they fought over millions of almost immediately, the dollars. two entities began arguUp until 2021, the TTO ing about how much monmanaged and invested the ey LTHS was due from the money for LTHS and all othTTO. After the initial payer public-school districts in out from the TTO, LTHS Lyons Township. TTOs, techclaimed the TTO shortnically Township Trustees of changed the school. BRIAN WATERMAN Schools, were established in In September 2021, the LTHS district 204 superintendent Illinois in the 19th Century to TTO board voted to remanage money for school disduce LTHS’s remaining tricts. They now remain only account by about $1.26 in certain townships in Cook County. LTHS million after Getty said that an examinahad long wanted to withdraw from the TTO tion revealed that LTHS’s account had claiming it could manage and invest its been allocated too much money during money on its own. More than two decades the past 25 years. The TTO claimed that it ago, LTHS officials had worked out an ar- didn’t owe LTHS any more money. LTHS rangement with former TTO Treasurer immediately went to court to get a tempoRobert Healy, who ultimately pleaded guilty rary restraining order prohibiting mainafter being charged with embezzling about taining the funds in an interest-bearing, $1.5 million from the TTO, to allow LTHS to segregated account. That money, with acnot pay all the fees that other districts be- cumulated interest, is the money that was cause LTHS handled many business func- sent to LTHS on Jan. 25 to settle the case. tions in house that the TTO did for other Settlement discussions began in eardistricts. nest last year in July after longtime TTO But the TTO sued LTHS in 2013, asking board president Mike Thiessen left the for about $4.5 million while saying that board after deciding not to run for anothLTHS has paid less than its fair share of er term. The settlement discussions were fees because of the agreement with Healy. held with the assistance of Cook County The suit claimed that LTHS paid less, in Circuit Court Judge Lynn Weaver Boyle. percentage terms, than other school disWaterman said that LTHS spent about tricts in the township. LTHS said it had a $135,000 in legal fees on the case that was valid agreement because it handled most settled.

Battle settled

“I think this settlement agreement is a positive outcome for all parties, including the taxpayers of LT, and we are thankful that a settlement agreement has been reached

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

As other newsrooms shrink, we’re investing in ours It was a tough week in journalism. The L.A. Times announced the layoffs of 115 people from its newsroom. With last year’s layoffs — 80 positions — their newsroom has shrunk by one-third. Time and National Geographic magazine also announced layoffs. Sports Illustrated just eliminated its entire editorial staff. And staffers at Conde Nast held a one-day strike over planned cuts So what lessons do we take from this grim news? Well, being owned by billionaires, as is the case at the L.A. Times and Washington Post, does not protect the news industry. Corporate ownership hasn’t been the solution in local journalism for 30 years. But we’re here. And we’re building the

local journalism of the future. Our model is one that works: A community-owned nonprofit with wide support from readers who value what we do. Readers like you. Readers in the thousands who donate to us, who subscribe to our print editions and who advertise in our digital and print platforms. We are growing, not shrinking. We are investing in our newsroom, not slicing and dicing it. And we need your help to continue to do that. I’m asking you to join us with an investment in local news. Support us today. It’s easy. Hit the donate button at GrowingCommunityMedia.org.

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The Landmark, January 31, 2024

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Man gropes bartender at Sebastian’s Police reports Jan. 22-29

An unidentified man grabbed a female bartender working at Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House on Jan. 25 before leaving the establishment. A woman who watched it happen told police she had seen the man at the bar before but was unable to identify him and that she had witnessed him trying to place a $100 bill down another female bartender’s shirt. According to police, the bartender said she had been behind the bar serving the man, during which time he commented on her appearance. When the bartender turned her back to fill some water glasses, the man approached her from behind and grabbed her with both arms around her waist. The bartender threw a glass of water on the man to get him off her. During the incident, the bartender said, the man clenched his lips together, and she “initially thought he was going to try and give her a kiss,” but he did not kiss her. The man paid cash, so the police could not identify him. He was last seen walking south on Prairie Avenue after leaving Sebastian’s.

Driving with suspended registration due to no insurance ■ A Brookfield woman was pulled over on Grand Avenue Jan. 22 and ticketed after police ran her registration and found it was suspended for no insurance. ■ A Chicago woman was pulled over on Lincoln Avenue Jan. 23 after police identified through license plate recognition that her car’s registration was suspended. Police also observed the car driving through a stop sign. She received tickets for the lapsed registration and running the stop sign, as well as not having insurance. ■ A North Riverside woman was pulled over on Maple Street Jan. 23 and was ticketed after police ran her car’s registration and found it was suspended. She was also ticketed for not having insurance.

Arrested after shots fired A Chicago man who was staying in the Colony Motel with his girlfriend was arrested Jan. 24 after police were patrolling the area following a call from a woman who thought she heard a single shot nearby. An officer spotted the man ducking behind a dumpster in the alley behind the motel. After running him through the database, police determined the man had an extraditable warrant from DuPage County out for his arrest, so they took him into custody. Police continued to search the area, including the man’s motel room, for shell casings from the single shot, but they found none.

Abandoned hearse left outside home A 1995 Cadillac hearse had been left outside a house on the 4100 block of Blanchan Avenue for several days before a resident reported it to police on Jan. 22. According to police, the hearse’s registration was expired. Three days later, the hearse had still not moved from in front of the house, so police left a ticket for parking for over 72 hours and applied tow stickers. The next morning, Jan. 26, the car was gone. These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Jan. 22-29 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Trent Brown

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The Landmark, January 31, 2024

Brookfield opts out of county paid leave ordinance The village will continue to follow its own paid leave ordinance for village employees By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield has opted out of a new county ordinance that officials said could have led to staffing shortages in its parks and other departments. That county ordinance requires all employers with employees in Cook County, including municipalities such as Brookfield, to provide their employees with at least one hour of paid leave per 40 hours worked, with a minimum of five days per year. This includes part-time and seasonal employees. Employers are not allowed to deny employees paid leave under the county ordinance unless they establish a clear paid leave policy and communicate it to their workers. Enforcement begins Thursday, Feb. 1. However, Brookfield opted out of it under a provision that permits entities to do so because it conflicts with a preexisting village ordinance codifying fulltime village employees’ right to five days of paid leave per year. Under Illinois law, Brookfield’s paid leave ordinance is permitted to override Cook County’s within the village’s borders.

The board passed that paid leave ordinance last month at its Dec. 11 meeting as a way to exclude Brookfield from Illinois’ Paid Leave for All Workers Act, which went into effect on Jan. 1. The act’s wording specifies that it does not apply to employers that were already covered by municipal or county ordinances when it went into effect. Cook County aligned its stance on paid leave with the new statewide rules under PLAWA. Brookfield does not offer paid leave to its municipal part-time or seasonal employees. Village president Michael Garvey said in an interview Thursday that the village opted out of Cook County’s ordinance and PLAWA because it had not budgeted for providing paid time off to its part-time and seasonal employees. The village also would potentially have to deal with staff shortages in areas that depend on these employees, such as summer camps run by seasonally employed counselors. “We don’t have employees to cover those seasonal spots or those part-time spots,” Garvey said. “We don’t have replacement staff on hand to fill those important roles.”

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Opinion T

ypically when newspaper editorial pages take shots at Illinois’ status as the state with the most units of local government, we are criticizing township government as the most duplicative and extraneous layer of governance. The truth, though, is the hard-to-kill but totally obsolete layer of government that still hangs on in portions of the state is the Township School Treasurer’s Office. You’ve never heard of it, right? Except once in a great while when some persevering, totally fed-up school district decides to fight to the death to get out from under the yoke of the fully politicized, expensive and useless local TTO. Credit then to Lyons Township High School which has been battling the Lyons Township School Treasurer’s Office for more than a decade. Though a recent legal settlement prohibits the parties from saying what they clearly want to say, these two entities have separated for good. TTOs were created long ago as a mechanism for small school districts to have an outside body manage their finances. That may have made sense a century ago but no longer. Every school district wants to manage its finances, has the capacity to do it, and saves money in the process. But the TTOs never wanted to let go, so long as they could skim an easy fee off the top and the politically connected — the Lyons’ TTO treasurer is a member of the Getty family — could expand their influence. Just last week, the TTO wired the high school district the final $1,356,390 it had been hoarding. And that will do it. It’s all over now except for the TTO to pay its pricey lawyers who battled this outcome in every venue possible for so many years. What a waste TTOs are. What an abuse of public trust. On the community level this is the sort of circumstance that just decimates public trust in local affairs.

Banners with a message Light-pole banners in Brookfield have evolved into a haphazard mishmash of messaging and design that often has little relevance to the village or any connection to the community. It happens in well-meaning efforts where a local business group raises the money for a batch of banners. Or the village government approves some banners without much thought to the message they want to communicate to neighbors and visitors. Now that will start to change as a new banner program will roll out and connect back to Brookfield’s Comprehensive Plan. There will be consistent branding — and likely not the hummingbirds found on the Ogden Avenue banners. This is a good thing and a sign of a town with a plan where one thing builds upon another and subtler messages of connection and purpose are shared. We look forward to this new plan gradually taking hold.

ONE VIEW

THE LANDMARK VIEW

The blight of the TTO

The Landmark, January 31, 2024

Public safety in the balance

t is time for the residents of Cook County to give a complex and thorough review of who will be the next Cook County State’s Attorney. I have not shied away from criticism of Kim Foxx’s leadership as the current Cook County State’s Attorney. Her blatant disrespect for police officers, chiefs of police, and, more importantly, public safety has put me at odds with her since she took office. I have experienced her leadership approach to be more dictatorial than collaborative. When I was president of the West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association, I attended a regional chief ’s meeting in the south suburbs along with other directors and presidents of the association. Both the North Suburban representative, Brian King, who at the time was chief in Wilmette, and the South Suburban representative, Chief Tim McCarthy, who was chief in Orland Park, shared that they, too, had experienced difficulty in dealing with the current State’s Attorney Office. At the meeting, Kim Foxx walked in with a bodyguard detail. She proceeded to address the police chiefs, informing them what she and her office were no longer going to do; she made it clear that the chiefs would have no choice in the matter. She was referring to the cases she would and would not prosecute and how felony review would be handled. I argued with her, but eventually got up and left. In the following days, as a representative of the West Suburban Chiefs of Police, I went on record, sending letters to both County and State elected leaders, outlining objections to the procedural changes as presented. The objections were never addressed. Felony review is a crucial first step in the prosecution of cases. When a police officer makes an arrest that is a felony statute, in almost all cases, the officer must call felony review to get approval. There are some exceptions to this, most notably drug cases and some felony traffic offenses. The state’s attorney reviews the facts and evidence that the officer has and decides whether the case will be prosecuted as a felony. One of the favorite tactics used by the State’s Attorney Office to punt

the case down the line is the CI, continuing investigation. It effectively delays prosecution indefinitely. Over the years, there has been much discussion on crime in minority neighborhoods, especially in south Chicago and the south suburbs. The many upstanding and exemplary citizens of these areas are being victimized repeatedly by the policies put in place by Kim Foxx and her administration, such as raising the limits for felony theft charges and selectively restricting prosecutions, leaving the public vulnerable to continuing criminal activity. This is not a Democrat-Republican issue, black-white issue, or based on any other racial or ethnic divide. This is simply about public safety and officials doing the job they were elected to do: prosecute offenders. Looking at the record, one might construe Kim Foxx’s staff as acting like public defenders, working against rather than with the police. Several cases in recent years have shined the spotlight on how certain doctrines and laws have been misinterpreted to advance Kim Foxx’s agenda. One such instance involved the application of the mutual combatant theory. Getting into a mutually agreed upon fight with someone is not a defense for murder as was posited by the Cook County State’s Attorney Office in the teenage murder case in Schaumburg in 2021. In the Jessie Smollett case, originally he was not charged with disorderly conduct or filing a false police report, which is a felony, until an independent prosecutor got involved. These are just two examples of case mismanagement that have led several of her top aides to quit over the years. Given the performance of the Cook County’s State’s Attorney and her office over the last eight years, I encourage police chiefs and other police executives in Cook County to stand up and advocate for what is best for public safety as well as for police officers and the citizens they serve. I know it is often difficult for police chiefs to take a stand

TOM WEITZEL One View

See WEITZEL on page 12

The Landmark, January 31, 2024

WEITZEL

OBITUARIES

Arlene M. Magee, 85 Beloved mother and cook Arlene Magee (nee Rizzo) was born on May 23,1938 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Mary Rizzo (nee Lapalio). She entered eternal life on Jan. 23, 2024 from her home surrounded by her loving family. Magee, of ARLENE M. MAGEE Buffalo Grove and formerly of Mt. Prospect, found joy in the kitchen crafting delicious meals for her family and friends. Her skillful hands and warm heart made every gathering a memorable occasion. Above all, Arlene’s legacy is one of love and devotion to her family. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support and faith in God will be deeply missed by

all who had the privilege of knowing her. Beloved wife of David R. Magee for nearly 65 years; loving mother of Michael (Susan) Magee, James Magee, David (Darlene) Magee, Jr. and Laura (Thomas Boehm) Magee; remarkable grandmother to Nathan, Erin, Matthew, Trisha (Todd) Meisner, Daniel, Rachel, Ryan, and Anne, cherished great-grandmother to Ellie, Maggie, and Noelle; and loving sister to Carol (Richard) Bee and June (Edward) Nichols. Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd. 1520 North Arlington Heights Road (four blocks south of Palatine Road) Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004 and on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum in Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, www.alzinfo.org. Funeral information and condolences

Frederick Krubel, 71

from page 12

Train-lover, grandfather

that is in opposition to the current office holder’s policies and the political support behind them without jeopardizing their jobs. In this case, it would not be a far-fetched scenario to have a chief fired if he or she were to vocally oppose the current administration and the policies of Kim Foxx’s State’s Attorney’s Office. The truth remains: this is not about the individual herself. It is not personal; it is about policy. I am also asking the citizens of Cook County to think long and hard about who we elect as the next Cook County State’s Attorney. So far, there are three declared candidates: Democrat Clayton Harris III, Democrat Ellen O’Neil Burke, and Republican Robert Fioretti. It is important for voters to investigate these individuals’ backgrounds, work histories, and public statements on how they would prosecute, staff the office, and work with law enforcement to reduce crime. To fail to do so and elect a state’s attorney based primarily on politics is to run the risk of perpetuating the kind of problems we have been experiencing since the last election. It is time to vote for a positive change, for someone who will diligently prosecute cases according to the law and the merit of a case, regardless of personal stances or political affiliations. The people of Cook County deserve better. Tom Weitzel is the retired chief of the Riverside Police Department after 37 years in law enforcement and 13 years as Chief of Police. These opinions are his own.

Frederick Krubel of Brookfield, died Jan. 22, 2024. He was born in Chicago in 1952 to Frederick and Dorothy and was raised in Riverside. Frederick attended Riverside Brookfield High School before studying finance at Northern Illinois University and DePaul University and then working in banking and management. He had a love of cars, trains and dogs. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Christopher and Katherine, and is survived by his wife, Gloria; son, Frederick; daughter, Jeannette; and granddaughter, Gemma. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Irish Times Pub in Brookfield. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com. More information can be found at 708-485-0214.

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Sports

The Landmark, January 31, 2024

Multi-sport seniors learn multiple lessons RB basketball players share athletic success, fun beyond court By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

For Riverside Brookfield High School senior girls basketball player Kelley Tyler, great friends always are as close as her current sport. The four-year, three-sport athlete counts plenty of best buddies as teammates, often in multiple sports. “I just like to keep myself busy and there’s no better way than to spend time with teammates you love and a sport you love,” Tyler said. “My friend group is basically all of the people I’ve met through sports and who I surround myself with outside of school. Sports has definitely had an impact on who my friend group is.” The feeling rings true for this season’s seven basketball seniors — Amanda Buckley, Mayan Covarrubias, Niamh Larson, Julia Madera, Andrijana Nikolic, Emily Organ and Tyler. Senior Night for the Bulldogs (13-13, 4-0 in Metro Suburban Conference) is Friday against Westmont. “Always coming to practice makes me feel better because we just start laughing and doing weird stuff together,” Covarrubias said. “We all have so much fun when we play.” Besides their basketball bonds, the seniors all play at least one other sport. In the fall, Covarrubias earned her third state trip in girls golf, Larson became the football team’s starting placekicker, and Tyler and Emily Organ played volleyball. In the spring, Tyler, Organ and Madera play softball, Larson and Nikolic play girls soccer, and Buckley is a jumper in track and field. “I see Emily and Kelley all the time,”

Madera said. “[My basketball teammates are] very supportive and just the game overall, I just really enjoy being around the team. The people push you. They encourage you. They’re there no matter what and are like my motivator to keep going.” RBHS coach Jordan Mack played four basketball seasons at St. Joseph. He summarized his multi-talented seniors with one word: dedicated. “You’ve got school year-round, a lot of them are great students as well. You’re sacrificing a lot of time, maybe from hanging out with friends. So they love it,” Mack said. “You have to be mentally strong, emotionally, physically because right after we get done, they’re diving right back into [spring sports]. It’s tough, but they’re great kids.” Organ will play NCAA Division I softball at Bradley. After taking junior year off from volleyball, she’s playing all three sports one last time. “It’s good diversity instead of burning out and just doing softball,” Organ said. “I think it makes me way more athletic and, honestly, some of the moves I do in basketball correlate to softball.” Many seniors mentioned enjoying basketball’s fast pace. Tyler appreciates the team aspect of her sports. “I like competing with my friends,” she said. “You rely on your teammates a lot. You also have to work for yourself, too.” Covarrubias, who will play golf at Missouri-St. Louis, sees benefits from the contrast of her sports. “Just mentally, patience and trying to keep calm because basketball can really speed you up, and golf sometimes if you’re not playing well,” she said. “It’s good to get the team atmosphere in [basketball] and just kind of rely on myself and do what I do in [golf].” Buckley’s basketball talents were noticed by former RB girls track coach Ian Robins. Last spring, Buckley joined track and plans to focus on long and triple jump.

BILL STONE

All seven RBHS girls basketball seniors play multiple sports for the school. Players are front row (from left): Kelley Tyler, Niamh Larson, Emily Organ; Back row (from left): Andrijana Nikolic, Mayan Covarrubias, Julia Madera, Amanda Buckley. “I’m still kind of new to it. (But) I think it actually helps my overall endurance and athleticism,” Buckley said. “Working out in the spring really helped me, even for the summer league for basketball. I was always in shape.” An all-conference soccer player, Larson translated her kicking talents to football for the first time. The college prospect usually focused on club soccer and pre-season basketball in the fall. “I like to think of myself as a busy person. I feel like when I’m home or don’t have things going on, I just get bored,” Larson said. “I feel like going into the [basketball] season I was a little bit less prepared but it still worked out.” Nikolic is the basketball newbie. Encouraged by several seniors, Nikolic joined this season after two years of playing middle school and “in my alley.”

“I thought why not? I knew a lot of the girls on the team and they’re all really nice and friendly and encouraging,” Nikolic said. “The only hard part would be the physical aspects but it seems to be going fine.” Nikolic still hopes to prove herself in soccer. She played junior varsity in 2023 after missing her first two seasons with a torn ACL and meniscus in her right knee. The seniors have learned plenty of lessons from their sports commitments. “The great thing is they play for many different coaches. They have different expectations so you have to rise to the occasion for each one,” Mack said. “Being on time. You’re committed to the philosophy of whatever team you’re on. That will propel them far in life in general because there’s just standards you have to follow in order to be a varsity athlete.”

The Landmark, January 31, 2024

S P O R T S

Bulldogs rely on diverse offense to top Lions again Mercer, Brown, Cicic reach double figures; RB gets 20th victory By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School senior guard Steven Brown alternates wearing a white headband for boys basketball games. Brown intended to unveil it again for Friday’s rematch with visiting rival Lyons Township, but the game proved to be just too big. “Today was a day where I thought about it and just didn’t put it on,” Brown said. “I was just so focused on the game that I forgot.” In spite of that, the Bulldogs still looked sharp early and then held off a furious rally to prevail 68-60 in front of a vociferous home crowd and secure their fifth straight season with at least 20 victories. Sophomore Cameron Mercer’s outside shooting sparked the early momentum for the Bulldogs (20-3) enroute to 21 points with six 3-pointers. Brown (19 points, 11 rebounds) and 7-foot senior center Stefan Cicic (18 points, 11 rebounds) each had double-doubles and senior Mehki Austin contributed eight points and eight assists.

RBHS previously beat the Lions (8-13) at York’s Jack Tosh Classic, 71-56, Dec. 28. Brown had a team-best 26 points with four 3s. “I don’t think it feels any different. We’ve been looking to get back at them (for losing last year) and we got it twice,” Brown said. “Since we played them twice, it felt like conference. It’s hard to beat a team a second time. We know they’re coming for us, but as we got in the game, we saw the atmosphere [and felt] they can’t beat us.” “Obviously, it feels great. LT’s a really good team,” Cicic added. “Just this environment was insane. A lot of people showed up and were going crazy every time we made a shot, made a big play.” The Bulldogs had many offensive looks for the Lions. Mercer hit his first three 3-point attempts and had 15 points as RB led 34-21 at halftime. Cicic had just two first-half points but then got the ball more and asserted himself inside. He scored the Bulldogs’ last two field goals after the Lions closed to 61-56 with 1:35 left. “Every time they made a little run, we seemed to come back with a big basket or two and were able to hold them off,” RB coach Mike Reingruber said. “It’s a resilient group. The thing I like about this group is we seem to win in different ways. Tonight was a little combina-

tion of both [threes and inside]. First half Cameron, second half Stefan. And I really credit Steven.” Leading the Lions were Ian Polonowski (15 points with 4 threes, 8 rebounds), Liam Taylor (13 points, 7 rebounds), Caleb Greer (11 points, 4 assists), Brady Chambers (4 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists) and Michael Reilly and Jimmy Pajauskas (5 points each). The Lions trailed 51-39 after three quarters but threes by Polonowski, Pajauskas and Taylor helped cut the deficit to 57-50. LTHS closed to 61-56 after Taylor was fouled and hit all three free throws. “It would have been easy to just quit [early]. They battled and that showed,” LTHS coach Tom Sloan said. “I was really impressed with our effort, especially in the second half. We made some big shots, big plays to make it tight.” With LT trailing 66-60 late, Greer drove for an uncontested layup but slipped on water on the court. Austin controlled the loose ball and hit two free throws with 13.7 seconds. “That would have cut it to four. Then we would have called time out and who knows what would have happened,” Sloan said. Brown (14 points. 9 rebounds), Mercer (12 points with 2 threes, 5 steals) and Cicic (12 points, 9 rebounds) also reached double figures when RBHS beat Morton 50-38, Jan. 23.

Mercer’s hot hand Friday helped RB lead 27-11 early in the second quarter on 11-for-17 shooting with five 3s before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with an injury. “Cameron has been fantastic all year long. He’s had big games in big moments,” Reingruber said. “For us to be successful the rest of the year, obviously we need him.” Mercer, the son of former Chicago Bulls player Ron Mercer, also has proven to be a defensive force, guarding Taylor man-toman Friday. “I think when [my father] was my age, he was way more athletic, but I think I am a better shooter,” Mercer said earlier this season. “I like the mid-range fade-away a lot. But I shoot a lot of 3s. He gives me footwork advice.” Junior Polonowski had one of his best all-around games as one of the Lions’ key reserves. “It was just teammates kept getting the ball in my hand and I kept shooting. It went in, got a little lucky,” Polonowski said. “I’m getting more acclimated [on varsity], playing more and just finding the groove.” The Lions edged Oswego East 55-54 Saturday behind Chambers (15 points, 9 rebounds), Polonowski (12 points), Taylor (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), Greer (7 points, 6 assists) and Tyler Kuta (4 rebounds).

RB cheerleaders faced stiffer competition in bigger division LTHS earns third straight state berth By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The large senior class of the Riverside Brookfield High School competitive cheerleading team faced many new experiences this season. At the Rolling Meadows Sectional Saturday, the Bulldogs had to compete in the large division, based on school enrollments rather than the medium division like years past. “The change from medium to large division has posed some challenges. We compete against schools that are double and triple the size of RB,” said second-year RBHS coach Tricia Schroeder. “We only

competed with 12 athletes against some schools who competed with 20.” The Bulldogs finished 13th in their large division group (68.97). They needed a topfive to advance to the state meet. Team members are seniors Isabella Arreola, Genevieve DiNatale, Logan Hoyd, Kamryn Koehnen, Mae Melidis, Allison Prochaska, Bridget Roudebush and Aiden Smith, junior Natalie Torres, sophomores Lilah Finkle and Saraii Lopez, and freshmen Brooklyn Delgado and Alexa Maciejewski. Schroeder coaches the team with junior varsity coach Lauren Vara and volunteer assistant McKenzie Sopoci. Co-captains Rodenbush and Smith, Arreola, Hoyd, Koehnen and Prochaska returned from last year’s competitive lineup. The cheerleaders still have their Senior Night halftime performance on Feb. 13. “The end to every season is emotional, but

when more than half of the team is a graduating senior. You feel it a bit more,” Schroeder said. “It is a bittersweet feeling. They are moving onto bigger and better things, but a chapter in their life is closing at the same time.” The Bulldogs gained seven points in their raw score between their first competition and the Metro Suburban Conference Meet, where Rodenbush and Koehnen received individual all-conference honors. “There has been tremendous growth from the start to the end of the season,” Schroeder said. “Not only did their skills improve but so did their confidence. Unfortunately, this just wasn’t our year [at sectionals].”

Lyons Township/Nazareth The Lions earned their third straight state trip by taking third in the co-ed divi-

sion (90.17) at the Hinsdale South Sectional Saturday. Team members are seniors: Samantha Borkowski, Frannie Chevalier, Tommy Chyna, Ally Colantuono, Charlotte Judy, Val Kleier, Grace Maciag, Jillyan Martinez, Ashley Mills, Molly Peake, Sadie Rintz, Emily Roberts, Mia Schlichter, Will Taylor, Ella Thornberg, juniors Maddie Brennan, Meg Gray, Grace Lannon, Devon MacKenzie, Melissa Marquez, Annie Sarno and Katie Villarreal and freshmen Averie Grigus, Hayden Livingston, Audreya Wilkins and Aleigh Zeman. These are the only state trips in program history for the Lions, who were 22nd at state in 2023 (83.47). This is the second season for coaches Sharon Lupo and Ana Samaniego. Nazareth (84.70) finished seventh in the sectional’s medium division.

The Landmark, January 31, 2024 15

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PUBLIC NOTICE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING

The site will be available for visits by appointment to be coordinated with Bulley & Andrews, LLC. Interested parties may inspect the existing conditions. Schedule an appointment with Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews in advance if you wish to visit the sites.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield will hold a public hearing at 6:30 P.M. on February 12, 2024, at the Village Board Room in the Municipal Building of the Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 on the Village’s proposed appropriation ordinance, which will serve as the basis for the Village’s 2024 Annual Appropriation Ordinance.

OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 SD97 – JULIAN MS GENDER NEUTRAL TOILET ROOMS OAK PARK, IL 60302 BID GROUP 1 – GENERAL TRADES, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be read at 2:15 p.m. CST on that date. Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked: Oak Park Elementary School District 97 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 Attention: Bulley & Andrews Project: SD97 – JULIAN MS GENDER NEUTRAL TOILET ROOMS Bid Opening will be held at 2:15pm CST within the board room: Scope of work for Bid Group 1 generally includes: GENERAL TRADES, ELECTRICAL, MECHANCIAL, AND PLUMBING All bids must be submitted in accordance with the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project. Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Should a bid bond be submitted, the bond shall be payable to the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. All documents and information required by the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project shall be submitted with the bid. Incomplete, late or non-conforming bids may not be accepted. No bids shall be withdrawn, cancelled or modified after the time for opening of bids without the Board’s consent for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled time of bid opening. The Bidding Documents for the project (which include the bidding instructions for the project and other related documents) will be available Friday January 19, 2024 and are available for viewing/ download online without cost or purchase on the Bulley & Andrews, LLC Google Drive, located at the following link. No username or password is required. https://drive.google.com/ drive/folders/19k -upj1_k5Y_Qo2IvAw VDuSHWladZCdZ The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and

All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all Contractors working on public works. If during the time period of work, the prevailing wage rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. All bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor, including Equal Employment Opportunity Laws. For additional information on the project, contact Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at mdamato@bulley. com or 847-602-9512.

The proposed appropriation ordinance will be on file in the Village Clerk’s Office for at least ten (10) days prior to February 12, 2024, and copies thereof will be conveniently available for public examination and copying. Brigid Weber, Village Clerk .

Published in the RB Landmark, January 31, 2024

Dated: 1/19/24 Michael Damato Bulley & Andrews, LLC Published in Wednesday Journal January 24, 31, February 7, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Dana Louise McKinzie Case Number 2023 CONC 001444 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Dana Louise McKinzie tto the new name of: Dana Louise Allen. The court date will be held: On March 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.at in Courtroom # 12, Zoom link: https://circuitcourtofcookcounty. zoom.us/j/95894921843?pwd=S1RCcmlCZjFpRnVIQUpZU25lRzJFUT09 Meeting ID: 958 9492 1843 Passcode: 226532 Published in Wednesday Journal January 24, 31, February 7, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified mechanical contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Mon thru Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm local time until 11:00 am on Fri, Feb 23, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park Main Fire Station HVAC Replacement Proposal Number: 24-116 Issuance Date: Jan 31, 2024 There will be a mandatory prebid meeting at the Main Fire Station, 100 N. Euclid, Oak Park, IL on Wed Feb 7, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http://www.oak-park. us/bid. Design drawings and specifications will be available at the pre-bid meeting. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700. Published in Wednesday Journal January 31, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from authorized vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park ABB Variable Frequency Drives Purchase Project Number: 24-112 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified electrical contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park Variable Frequency Drive Electrician Hourly Rates Project Number: 24-111

Published in Wednesday Journal January 31, 2024

Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park. us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 3585700 during the above hours.

Notice to Prospective Village of Oak Park Federal Grants Applicants The Program Year (PY) 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) process will begin February 8, 2024 with a mandatory Application Workshop. The application will then be open from February 9, 2024 to March 1, 2024 and will be due no later than 5:00pm on March 1, 2024. PY 2024 runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. Applications for PY 2024 CDBG funds will be available for Public Services and Public Facilities Improvements. Other PY 2024 CDBG funds will be set aside for Village-run activities. Applications for PY 2024 CDBG funds must be completed online and will be available February 9, 2024 on the Village’s website at www.oak-park.us/cdbg.

The federal CDBG program is a source of funding that addresses local housing and community development needs. These funds are available to 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations that serve primarily low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons residing in Oak Park. Each proposed activity must meet the CDBG Program National Objective of primarily serving LMI persons and be eligible. Grant funds are for non-profit agencies, not individuals. Reasonable accommodations will be made for non-English speaking persons and for people with disabilities. For more information, write to Vanessa Matheny, Grants Manager: vmatheny@oak-park.us

Published in Wednesday Journal, January 31, 2024

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby

informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of the SCIG Series III Trust; Plaintiff, vs. GAD IKEANUMBA AKA GAD C. IKEANUMBA; 1030-32 NORTH AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AKA 1030 -32 N. AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AND HENRY SILVERMAN LIVING TRUST U/A/D AUGUST 26, 1996; Defendants, 11 CH 33740 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-05-314-031-1001. Commonly known as 1032 N. Austin Blvd., Unit 1N, Oak Park, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 LUCERNE DRIVE, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130. (440) 572-1511. ILF1810025 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3237038

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 7020194122 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3236657

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION; Plaintiff, vs. DONNA EUDOVIQUE AKA DONNA D. EUDOVIQUE; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 23 CH 7029 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-08-409-001-0000. Commonly known as 501 48th Avenue, Bellwood, IL 60104. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CABANA SERIES V TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. FORREST K. JOHNSON; WYANETTA JOHNSON; 929 OAK PARK CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 23 CH 317 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-307-034-1002. Commonly known as 929 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 LUCERNE DRIVE, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130. (440) 572-1511. ILF2203044 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3237044

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The Landmark, January 31, 2024

2 1 E . B U R L I N GTO N R OA D, R I V E R S I D E | 70 8 . 4 47.72 07 T LA F 4-

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1516 S Wabash Ave, #902, Chicago $435,000

3122 Wisconsin Ave, Berwyn $650,000 L TA N RE

622 Robinhood Ln, LaGrange Park $2,800/mo

2321 Scoville Ave, Berwyn $380,000

O ND O C

69 Longcommon Rd, #D3, Riverside $189,900

When it comes to selling and buying homes... experience, results and ties to the community make all the difference. Curious about the current real estate market and the impact on your home’s value? Thinking about selling, but need to find your next home first? Can’t find your dream home in this competitive market? Contact one of our local market experts for a free, confidential consultation.

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