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Vol. 39, No. 8

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February 21, 2024

See how much teachers earn at RBHS, LTHS PAGE 9

Also serving North Riverside

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Antisemitic notes hit Brookfield PAGE 5

CHAMPS

Riverside raises construction, ambulance, water meter fees

Hauser girls go undefeated BOB SKOLNIK, PAGE 7

The fees, which haven’t been raised since 2018, are expected to recover staff costs

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

The village of Riverside is increasing some of its fees to ensure the village covers staffing costs and keeps pace with neighboring communities’ fees.

At its Feb. 15 meeting, the Riverside village board reviewed the village’s fee structures related to building permits, water meters and ambulance rides. During the meeting, village staff presented a review of what Riverside charges, when the last increases went into effect and what neighboring villages charge for the same services. It was the first such review since 2018.

During the discussion, village staff presented data from a survey of the fee structures of Riverside’s “surrounding, comparable communities” including Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange TOM BURKE/HAUSER JUNIOR HIGH

See RIVERSIDE FEE on page 3

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The Landmark, February 21, 2024

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The Landmark, February 21, 2024

RIVERSIDE FEE Breaking even from page 1 Park, North Riverside, Hinsdale, Western Springs and River Forest. After discussion, the board agreed to raise each of the three kinds of fees in Riverside. A final vote on the increases is scheduled for March 7.

While these fees are rising across the board, Assistant Village Manager Ashley Monroe emphasized during discussion that the increases will bring Riverside closer in line with neighboring villages.

“Overall, the complaints we hear about permitting at times is that costs are high in comparison to [other municipalities’ costs],” she said. “What we found through the survey is that, while we do differ in some of the areas, the results were that we’re either right on par with our neighboring communities … or slightly low in some areas.”

Building permits Riverside’s base fee of 1.75% of the value of construction, which has a minimum cost of $100, is staying the same, Monroe said at the meeting. The biggest change, she said, will come to Riverside’s base fee for reviewing construction plans: What used to be a one-time fee of $75 will become an hourly fee at the same rate.

“As we’re getting increasingly skilled at reviewing many of our permits in-house again, it is comparable to the total of staff

time and the cost for staff,” Monroe said.

All of the work involved in permitting — including “intake and processing,” “registering contractors,” and “addressing inspections” — “takes [staff] several hours, from even the simplest permit to more complex permits,” she said.

Monroe added that making the rate hourly instead of a one-time charge would cover the cost to pay staff for those hours of work, which range from 3.5 hours for simple permits up to more than 14 for complex permits. According to an internal village memo, Riverside’s building permitting process “would operate at a loss” without this change.

The board also agreed to introduce a $100 fee to remove a stop-work order for the same reason of covering staff costs.

According to the memo, other villages already have a similar fee.

Ambulance services Riverside has charged insurance companies from $750 to $1,200 for ambulance rides based on the level of care needed and whether the person receiving care was a village resident. At the meeting, Monroe told the board that village staff recommended increasing the fee across the board to $2,200, which she said was the closest hundred-dollar figure to the average of what other communities charge. According to survey data, other villages charge the same for all ambulance rides within each municipality. The cost to ride ranged from $1,000 in La Grange to $3,202 in Brookfield.

Staff also proposed a possible tiered fee

JAVIER GOVEA

structure, where non-residents would be charged the full $2,200 for an ambulance ride while residents would pay closer to $2,000 per ride, a move the board ultimately supported.

“Typically, our billing company will provide us with schedules and information related to what the insurance is willing to pay,” village manager Jessica Frances said during the discussion. “By not adjusting the rate, you are actually leaving money on the table that the insurance companies would have provided the village of Riverside.”

While trustee Cristin Evans pointed out the large difference between the current ambulance fees and the proposed increase, Monroe clarified that the jump is partly because Riverside’s fees have stayed entirely the same since the last fee review six years ago.

Water meter exchanges The board also approved a $300 fee for residents who continue to refuse to exchange their water meters. The village’s new water meters can be read remotely while staff must drive past homes to read the old meters. The new fee will apply only to residents who refuse or ignore three appointment requests from the village to change their water meter or who do not schedule an appointment by a certain deadline, Monroe said. Riverside implemented a similar fee the last time it required residents to update their water meters about 15 years ago, according to officials. Frances suggested setting a deadline of the end of the year for residents to exchange their water meters to “create a clear break” between residents who are slow to respond and those who refuse to exchange their meters.

“Now they’re making an active decision to either A) ignore our calls and notices and so B) we have to do the process [of reading water meters] manually,” which would cost the village money, Frances said. She added that village staff would “use some discretion” in deciding which residents to charge the $300 fee for cases where residents are willing but unable to have their meters exchanged until after the new year.

“I just want to add to anyone that hasn’t had their meter changed or they’re hesitant to have their meter changed, I just would like you to know my experience, which was for staff to come and spend literally five minutes making the change and leaving,” Evans said. “It was very not intrusive at all.”

“I want to be clear, too, that this additional fee is not punitive,” Village President Douglas Pollock said. “It’s because if you don’t get your water meter switched out, it costs us more, and so it’s only fair to the other water users that you be charged extra.”

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 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 $45 within Cook County and $65 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.

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The Landmark, February 21, 2024

February 21-28

BIG WEEK

Teen Advisory Group Wednesday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library Calling all teens! The library wants your input on initiatives, books, and everything else. Have a great idea for a new class or event? Want to see trending BookTok recommendations on the library’s new Hot Picks table? Join the Teen Advisory Group to share your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions while earning volunteer hours.

541 Park Ave.

Meet A Crocodile

Oscars 2024 Crash Course

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m., North Riverside Public Library Join the North Riverside Public Library during this week’s Whimsical Wednesday. The itinerary for this week’s W.W: Listen to a story, finish a coloring sheet, and … meet a crocodile! Chicagoland’s Greatest Exotic Animal Showcaser, The Reptiles Den, is collaborating with the library to deliver the kids a crocodile-themed story time. However, get this – during this whimsical story time event, you will capture the opportunity to meet a real. Live. Crocodile!

You can be in the presence of a crocodile without fearing for your safety. How sweet is that? This event is for children ages 5 and under. Every child must be accompanied by an adult. Parents and caregivers: This can be a fun experience for you too! 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.

Need help filling out your Oscars ballot before the big day on March 10? Stop by the library to learn more about this year’s major motion picture contenders and who’s favored to win the most coveted awards in the film industry. Who will win Oscars? Barbie? Poor Things?

Oppenheimer? Boost your confidence in your suspected winners and start a ballot amongst your family and friends to see who wins. Put your money where your mouth is and maybe even throw some dough into the bet: Spice it up! 3541 Park Ave.

Radio Players Show

The History of Motown Records

Friday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., Riverside Township Hall The Riverside Township Radio Players will present their February shows Friday, Feb. 23. They will present an episode of Let George Do It, called “Lady in Distress,” and a Blondie episode entitled “Blondie Gets a Valentine.” The performance is at 7:30 p.m. and is free in the Auditorium at Riverside Township Hall. For more information, go to riversidetownshipradioplayers. com or follow the group on twitter @ radioplayers. If you would like more information, please contact Ellie Babka at 708-442-8810 or email babka@att. net. , 27 Riverside Rd.

Monday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library In 1960’s Detroit, Motown Records produced radio hits as efficiently as the Ford Motor Company produced automobiles. Using audio and visual content, this presentation will trace an amazing musical journey from the power soul of “Dancing in The Streets” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” to the pop soul of The Jackson 5. 3541 Park Ave.

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, February 21, 2024

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‘Disturbing’ antisemitic flyers left on cars in Brookfield Whoever left them has ties to a known hate group; police are still investigating

By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter

Cardboard flyers displaying antisemitic messages and linked to a known hate group were found on cars in a residential area of Brookfield last week.

According to the Brookfield Police Department, residents found the flyers Tuesday morning on “the windshields of most vehicles” that were parked on the street on the 3200 and 3300 blocks of Sunnyside Avenue and the 3100-3300 blocks of Vernon Avenue. Police received several calls from residents about the flyers as early as 7:15 a.m. Feb. 13. One resident on the 3900 block of Sunnyside Avenue told police he found one flyer in a planter in front of his house and another in his backyard that morning.

There was no damage done to any of the cars or proof that whoever left them “entered private property,” police said.

Brookfield Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla said in a phone call Wednesday he found the flyers “disturbing” and “abhorrent.”

“We want all people to feel safe and be safe in the community,” he said.

According to police, officers attempted to track down security footage from the neighborhood after residents called to complain about the flyers. They found 22 Ring cameras on the affected blocks, but only one house’s security camera had viewable material.

The footage showed a person of “average build” placing a flyer on a car parked on the east side of the road around 11:30 p.m. Feb. 12 before heading north on foot out of sight, police said. Two minutes later, the person was captured on camera walking south and placing several flyers on cars on the west side of the road. According to police, the video was “foggy” and of low quality, rendering the person who placed the flyers “unidentifiable.”

None of the flyers made specific threats to anyone who found one on their car, police said. While police did not include the content of any of the antisemitic messages in their reports, one user in the Brookfield Connections group on Facebook posted an image of a flyer left on a car Tuesday morning. “The ADL [Anti-Defamation League] loves these signs!” was written in marker on the flyer above three smiley faces and a Star of David. The web address gtvflyers. com was written at the bottom.

According to police, that web address was written on every flyer. It leads to a website called GoyimTV Flyers that displays several infographics and images promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories. The website says it was created by the Goyim Defense League, a hate group the ADL describes as “a loose network of individuals connected by their virulent antisemitism” that parodies the ADL’s name. The website also links to GoyimTV, a video streaming

website run by the GDL that publishes antisemitic content. In 2022, HuffPost reported the GDL was “likely behind” the distribution of antisemitic flyers in 19 states.

The quote on the flyer posted to Facebook could be a reference to a Tweet made by the ADL’s Midwest office Feb. 6 about similar antisemitic hate incidents in Chicago.

Kuruvilla said the police department is investigating the flyers and is taking them “very seriously,” but the case may not result in charges or a conviction because police have yet to identify whoever left the flyers. He also said the incident “would be considered under federal law a hate incident” rather than a hate crime because no direct victim was known yet, “regardless of ethnic or religious descent.”

“We don’t have enough for criminal charges yet,” Kuruvilla said. “We don’t want to overreach if we don’t have the elements of a criminal offense that we can prosecute.”

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The Landmark, February 21, 2024

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Pro bike race returns courtesy of Cycle Brookfield Brookfield trustees called last year’s event a success

By TRENT BROWN

it was held in the parking lot of the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, but due to “access issues,” the expo didn’t get “a lot of Fans of last year’s Cycle Brookfield Cri- foot traffic,” Valadez said.

For this year’s expo, Cycle Brookfield terium will be excited to learn the day of professional bicycle racing and fun in the is eyeing the portion of Prairie Avenue between the intersection with Grand sun is set to return this year.

Boulevard and the train tracks, Valadez At its Feb. 12 Committee of the Whole said, which would require closing down the meeting, the Brookfield village board agreed railroad crossing there for the day. Brookto have local nonprofit Cycle Brookfield, field Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla said which helmed last year’s event, lead the at the meeting that closing the crossing organizing efforts for the second annual day of professional bike racing on July 24 as part would make the race safer for spectators and require fewer police officers of the Intelligentsia Cup, a to work the race, saving the yearly 10-day series of bicycle village from paying overtime races across the Chicagoto those officers. land area. Cycle Brookfield Valadez also pointed to President Chris Valadez said fundraising and marketing at the meeting that Intellias areas where Cycle Brookgentsia Cup directors asked field could improve for this the nonprofit to host the race year’s criterium. again this year after it and “We at Cycle Brookfield got the village of Brookfield did right to the dollar amount, I a “fantastic job” last year. think by the penny, of what Valadez said Cycle we needed to support the Brookfield plans to keep the race,” Valadez said about same route from last year’s fundraising for last year’s criterium — defined as a event. “A lot of us were unone-day bike race on a closed sure of how to promote this circuit — after hearing posiNICOLE GILHOOLEY successfully, but by the skin tive feedback about it.

Brookfield trustee of our teeth, we made it.”

“I had the pleasure of He added that Cycle speaking to many of the bike Brookfield is looking for as racers myself, specifically many local sponsorships some of the professionals, as possible so the nonprofit can do more and they said, ‘Wow, what a fast, amazing, to draw people to Brookfield for the race amazing race course,’” Valadez said. this year.

The route starts with racers heading At the meeting, the village trustees agreed southeast on Grand Boulevard before makthat last year’s race was a success and that ing a sharp left onto Prairie Avenue. Next, they would like to see it return this summer. cyclists turn left onto Grant Avenue, right “That day was so fun,” trustee Edward onto Sunnyside Avenue and left onto Lincoln Côté said at the meeting. “Everybody was Avenue. Finally, the bikers make one last happy. It was a great atmosphere. I couldn’t sharp left back onto Grand Boulevard before get over all the positive things that were sent completing a lap. back. I don’t remember one negative item While the route will remain unchanged, about it.” other parts of the event may be different “Brookfield has a reputation for our this year. Throughout the meeting, Valadez events,” trustee Nicole Gilhooley added and members of the village board discussed later. “This absolutely fits in with that the possibility of moving the business expo, where local businesses were invited to adver- reputation and elevates us because it is such a unique event.” tise themselves to race spectators. Last year, Staff Reporter

“Brookfield has a reputation for our events.

This absolutely fits in with that reputation and elevates us because it is such a unique event.”

The Landmark, February 21, 2024

Hauser girls basketball teams finish perfect seasons Both 7th and 8th grade teams go undefeated

By BOB SKOLNIK

TOM BURKE/HAUSER JUNIOR HIGH

7th Grade Hauser Girls Basketball Team per game. The other players on the eighthgrade team were Addison Butler, Maddy Dan, Demetra Foster, Iliana Gomez, Nuala Lubeck, Greta Lupfer, Lucy McAllister, Gwen McNally, Sloane McNally, Mia Wichmanowski, and Reese Zalewski.

TOM BURKE/HAUSER JUNIOR HIGH

8th Grade Hauser Girls Basketball Team

BEST

LIFE

with Lisa Capone Get Moving

Contributing Reporter

It was a great year for girls basketball at L.J. Hauser Junior High School this year.

Both the seventh and eighth grade girls basketball teams at Hauser finished the recently completed season with perfect 12-0 records to win Salt Creek Valley Conference championships.

The Hauser eighth graders also went undefeated last year as seventh graders, so they will leave Hauser having never lost a junior high school game.

“Everybody played their role very well,” said Tom Burke the coach of the Hauser eighth grade team. “This was an extremely unselfish team. It was a pleasure to coach them. They had great, great, basketball IQ. Probably the highest IQ I’ve seen for a while for this age. It was a really competitive group. They all work well together.”

Burke said his players love the game.

Claire Evans was the leading scorer on the eighth-grade team, averaging 10 points

YOUR

The Hauser seventh grade girls team, coached by Derek Harvey, also went undefeated and were conference champions.

Ella Ryzewski led the seventh-grade team in scoring, averaging 10 points per game.

The eighth grade Hauser boys basketball team finished in third place in the conference with an 8-4 record. The seventh-grade boys team at Hauser finished 11-1, and were conference co-champions sharing the conference title with Lindop School, which is located in Broadview.

The girls basketball teams at S.E. Gross Middle School in Brookfield both finished in second place in the Salt Creek Valley Conference this year. The Gross eighth grade girls basketball team compiled a record of 8-4, while the seventh graders finished 10-2.

The eighth-grade boys basketball team at Gross won the conference title with a 11-1 record, while the seventh grade boys finished third in the conference with a record of 8-4.

The Gross cheerleading squad won the conference tournament that was held at Riverside Brookfield High School.

“Their high-flying, stunt-filled routine had the crowd out of their seats and received a nearly perfect score,” Gross Principal Ryan Evans said in an email to parents.

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The Landmark, February 21, 2024

RBHS may seek $1M to $2M in cash bonds for culinary lab, solar panels Officials may seek cash bonds to pay for the projects

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

The Riverside Brookfield High School District 208 Board of Education must decide whether to go forward with two costly projects this year.

Adding solar panels to the school’s roof is one project and building a new culinary lab is the other. If the school board does both projects, it may issue $1 million to $2 million in working cash bonds later in the year to maintain healthy cash reserves.

Putting solar panels on the school’s roof is expected to cost about $1.5 million upfront, although the cost is expected to be ultimately recouped in about seven years through grants, rebates, and energy savings.

The new culinary lab, which will be of commercial kitchen quality, could cost as much as $3 million, although Asst.

Supt. Kristin Smetana said that the exact cost of building a new culinary lab won’t be known until architects come up with a design.

“We won’t really know until we’re able to narrow down the scope of the project,” Smetana said.

The school will use a $50,000 matching construction grant it is receiving from the state on one of the projects.

Smetana told the school board at its Feb. 13 meeting that if the school spent $4.5 million on the projects in one year, it would reduce the school’s cash fund balance to about 44% of annual operating expenses.

That level of reserves concerns Smetana, although a 33% cash reserve level is generally considered healthy. But Smetana said that the recent history of Cook County collecting property tax payments late and distributing the payments late to school districts makes her uncomfortable with having a cash reserve of less than 50% of the annual operating budget. She said she wants to have at least six months of operating expenses in reserve so that the school would not have to issue tax anticipation warrants, a form of relatively expensive, very short-term borrowing, if cash runs out before property tax revenues come in.

With a nearly 44% reserve level, the school could operate for 5.3 months just by spending down reserves without getting any additional revenue, Smetana wrote in a memo to the school board.

“My concern is that for the past few years Cook County has been very delayed

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in distributing property taxes, like December and January, and so, if that continues, the school district needs to be able to operate for six months and have the cash on hand to do so,” Smetana told the Landmark. “That’s the concern but we won’t really know until we’re able to kind of narrow down the scope of the project and get an actual cost of the project.”

Supt. Kevin Skinkis noted that some bonds related to previous construction will be paid off late this year so that working cash bonds could be issued without increasing costs to taxpayers as compared to previous years. In fact, the bonds issued would be of a lesser amount than the bonds being paid off. Skinkis said that said that if working cash bonds are issued, the use of the bond proceeds would be strictly limited to these two projects.

School officials want to expand the culinary lab because students’ interest in cooking classes has taken off in the last couple

of years and because the school is trying to be certified to offer dual credit culinary courses with Triton College. To receive that certification, the school’s culinary lab must be like a commercial kitchen.

Smetana said that the school board has two options. One is to prioritize the culinary lab and go out to bid on that in the spring and see exactly how much it would cost. The new culinary lab would be built during the summer and into the next school year. After bidding is complete, the school board could then decide whether there is enough money left to go ahead with the solar panels this summer or delay the solar panel installation for another year.

The other option would be do both projects at the same time. This option would save the district some money because the firm, Nicholas and Associates, the school has hired to manage the solar panel project could also manage the culinary project at the same time.

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The Landmark, February 21, 2024

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Many RBHS, LT teachers make more than $100K Compensation reports must be posted annually

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

The average salary for certified employees, a category that includes both teachers and administrators, at both Riverside Brookfield High School and Lyons Township High School is more than $100,000.

At RBHS the average base pay, for the 2022-23 school year, was $104,093 while it was $118,614 at LTHS. The Landmark is using 2022-23 salary data in this story because state law requires all public-school districts in Illinois to annually post an administrator and teacher salary and compensation report on the district’s web site, if it has one, so that anyone can find out, if they choose to, how much a district is paying each teacher and administrator. School districts are required to post the previous year’s data in the fall so this year’s salary data won’t be posted until next fall.

All area school districts covered by the Landmark have complied with that law other than Lyons School District 103, which has posted on its website the administrator and teacher salary and benefit report for the 2020-21 school year.

District 103 school Supt. Kristopher Rivera did not immediately respond to an inquiry from the Landmark asking why more recent compensation reports are not posted on the district’s web site as required by law.

The reports show that many teachers at RBHS and LTHS earn more than $100,000 in a year. At LTHS, 183 teachers made more

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MARK KUZNIEWSKI

than $100,000 during the 2022-23 school year while at RBHS, which is less than half the size of LTHS, 56 teachers made more than $100,000 during the 2022-23 school year.

At RBHS, the average pay for a teacher was $94,594 while average administrator pay was $133,861.

Not many teachers in the elementary school districts covered by the Landmark made more than $100,000. Fourteen teachers in Riverside Elementary School District 96 made more than $100,000. Five teachers in LaGrange School District 102, which includes the southwest portion of Brookfield, made more than $100,000. Only one teacher each in Brookfield-LaGrange District 95 and Komarek School District 94 made more than $100,000.

The average salary for a teacher or administrator in District 96 was $78,780, compared to $68,943 in District 95 and $61,599 at Komarek.

The highest-paid teacher at RBHS in 2022-23 was English teacher Larry Forberg, who made $156,823.81.

Teacher pay is based on seniority and levels of education. Forberg, a highly re-

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spected teacher, started at RBHS in 2001 and is retiring at the end of this school year. Teacher contracts often call for salary boosts for teachers who will soon retire. These special raises, beyond regular raises, boost a teacher’s pension, which is paid by the state.

Computer Science teacher Sandy Czajka, who also serves as an assistant athletic director, was the next highest-paid teacher at RBHS, making $152,543.

Special Education teacher Paul Petrik was the highest-paid teacher at LTHS during the 2022-23 school year, earning $170,042.41.

The highest-paid local superintendent in the 2022-23 school year was District 95’s Mark Kuzniewski, who will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Kuzniewski made $286,683 during the 2022-23 school year. LTHS Superintendent Brian Waterman earned $247,200, while RBHS Superintendent Kevin Skinkis earned $232,463.

District 96 Superintendent Martha RyanToye made $212,273, while District 102 superintendent Kyle Schumacher, who retired at the end of last year, made $168,750

KYLE SCHUMACHER

HECTOR FREYTAS

and Komarek’s Todd Fitzgerald, the least experienced superintendent in the area, made $164,530.

The highest-paid principal in the area was LTHS Principal Jennifer Tyrell, who made $176,800 in the 2022-23 school year.

S. E. Gross Middle School Principal Ryan Evans, who will succeed Kuzniewski as superintendent when Kuzniewski retires after working under Kuzniewski in a new role next year, made $167,673 in 2022-23 while RBHS principal Hector Freytas was paid $146,865. L.J. Hauser Junior High School principal April Mahy made $128,114.

Read it online at www.rblandmark.com

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The Landmark, February 21, 2024

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Man who drove twice the speed limit charged with DUI A man was arrested Feb. 10 in North Riverside for driving drunk after a Riverside police officer on patrol saw him driving at nearly twice the speed limit.

At around 1:20 a.m., the officer first saw the man’s car heading east on Addison Road at 37 mph in a 25-mph zone, police said. After U-turning, the officer saw the man’s car turn north onto South Harlem Avenue before it began to travel at 67 mph in a 35-mph zone. The officer also witnessed the car “weaving within its lane” as it went north, police said. The officer activated their car’s emergency lights to pull the man over at the intersection of South Harlem Avenue and West Cermak Road, but his car did not stop until the intersection at West 21st Street.

The man provided a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance before stating he had drunk three mixed tequila drinks at a party, police said. After the man consented to field sobriety testing, the officer

observed him struggling with his balance.

The man also consented to a preliminary breath test, which showed .149 blood alcohol content, police said.

After the tests, the officer arrested the man for driving under the influence of alcohol. The man was brought back to the police station and charged, and his car was later towed by District Recovery, a towing service based in Justice. The man was later released, and a court date was set for March 15.

Sleeping driver with revoked license charged with aggravated DUI A man was arrested Feb. 11 in Riverside in connection with felony DUI charges after a patrolling officer discovered him asleep in his car on the road with his foot on the brake pedal.

The officer first saw the man’s car

stopped around 6:20 p.m. facing south in the left lane on Longcommon Road between Forest Avenue and Pine Avenue, just before the railroad crossing. After approaching the vehicle from the passenger side, the officer saw the man asleep in the driver’s seat with the gear in drive and his foot on the brake, police said. The officer also observed an empty shot bottle of vodka on the man’s lap. After the officer woke the man up, he exited the car and said his license was not on him as it had expired, police said. The officer checked the man’s information in the police database and found his license had been revoked following a previous DUI charge.

As they were speaking, the officer saw the man had “bloodshot, glassy eyes” and smelled alcohol on his breath, but the man said he was not intoxicated, police said.

The man told the officer he had been at a friend’s house and was heading home but also said he was up early to drive deliv-

ery for DoorDash and had fallen asleep waiting for the train to pass. The man consented to take field sobriety tests and struggled with his balance throughout, police said. He also agreed to take a preliminary breath test, which showed .163 blood alcohol content, more than double the legal limit.

After the tests, the officer arrested the man for driving under the influence of alcohol and brought him back to the station for booking. The man’s car was later towed by District Recovery. During processing, the officer learned the man had at least one prior conviction for driving with a revoked license during the same revocation period and received approval to upgrade the man’s charge to an aggravated DUI, which is a felony charge. The man was later released, and a court date was set for Feb. 20.

See POLICE REPORTS on page 12

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AN EVENING OF READINGS, MUSIC AND THAI DESSERTS Sunday, March 3 @ 7:00 pm St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church 7416 Dixon St. Forest Park

Opinion T

THE LANDMARK VIEW

OBITUARIES

Bike race is back

Del Burns, 91

he Cycle Brookfield Criterium is back for its second year.

Brookfield’s village board signed off on the deal recently and Cycle Brookfield, a local nonprofit, is happily back as the lead in organizing the quite massive one-day event.

Based on last year’s success, Brookfield was invited to again be part of the Intelligentsia Cup, a 10-day series of bike races held across the Chicago area.

Chris Valadez and the board agreed to keep the race course the same as last year.

That decision was based on the input Valadez received from last year’s bikers, specifically the professional riders, who praised the route as “fast and amazing.”

Inevitably, there will be Year 2 tweaks to the plan aimed at involving more local businesses and upping their visibility on race day. Cycle Brookfield and the police department have made modest changes to improve safety and reduce the amount of police overtime required.

Brookfield welcomes and deserves the attention it garners when it opens its doors to new audiences such as the biking community. There’s a lot to love and a lot to be proud of in Brookfield. Showing off our virtues is a positive plan.

J

Back under the rock

ust because the perpetrators are pathetic doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous.

And as Brookfield police investigate the antisemitic hate flyers left on cars along residential streets in town last week, we’d urge them on as every effort to hold back a rising tide of hate speech has value.

Donald Trump, right wing media and social media have lifted the rock and given permission for all sorts of societal scum to believe they have a voice worth hearing. Starting in small towns like Brookfield we need unity around community values that make plain free speech is welcome and guaranteed while hate speech is a scourge and prosecutable.

Brookfield police are working the case and reviewing a lot of grainy Ring doorbell video. Not surprisingly, it is hard to identify the weasels skulking around town in the dead of night with their message of division and fear.

But the condemnation should be round and the investigation should continue.

E

The Landmark, February 21, 2024

About those fees

very so often, every town does a survey of its neighbors and comparable communities and realizes there is room to raise fees.

And so in Riverside the village board is ready to act on March 7 to hike the costs on building permits and ambulance fees – and the board has even targeted the holdouts who have so far declined to have their water meters upgraded.

Fundamentally, these fees should not be seen as a profit center in and of themselves.

But actions to more fully reflect village costs on reviewing building plans, or removing stop work orders make sense. The substantial hike on ambulance fees seems mainly like Riverside’s piece of the great American health care system botch. Raise the fees as high as the insurance company will pay. Cynical but logical.

11

Active member of Mater Christi Church and Mary Naughton, and ColDelphine M. “Del” Burns (nee lin (Lacey) and Ronan Jones; Laskowski), 91, a longtime resigreat-grandmother of Everdent of North Riverside, died on leigh Jones; sister of the late Feb. 13, 2024. Born on March 19, Geraldine (late Ted) Wychocki; 1932, she was an active parishioand the aunt of many nieces ner at Mater Christi Church for and nephews.

65 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial Del was the wife of the late was held on Feb. 19 at Mater James M. Burns; the mother Christi Church. Interment at of Kathleen M, James M. Jr. Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

(Jane), and Stephen T. (Lori) DEL BURNS In lieu of flowers, donations Burns, Suzanne T. (Tom) Curin Del’s name would be apprecitis, Nancy L. (Myles) Naughton and Patricia E. (Tony) Jones; grandmother ated to Mater Christi Church, 2431 S. 10th of McKenzie, James D., Stephen D. and Ave., North Riverside, IL 60546.

Arrangements were handled by the OrigCara Burns, Clare, Bridget, Caroline and Nora Curtis, Kathleen “Katie”, Bridget (fi- inal Kuratko Family, Brian D. Kuratko, diancé Kevin Edgeworth), Margaret “Meg” rector.

Ed Hoes, 76 Illinois Police Association director Edward W. Hoes, 76, of Plainfield, died suddenly. He was the current executive director of the Illinois Police Association and had been director for the last 24 years.

A police officer for the Riverside Police Department he retired after 30 years of service to the Riverside community. He rose through the ranks of the Illinois Police Association as the Tri-County Division chairman, then was elevated through the different positions of the executive board, until he was elected president of the organization in 1998-1999. Passionate about law enforcement and protecting and supporting law enforcement officers throughout the State of Illinois, he worked tirelessly on behalf of the IPA and its members. His efforts on behalf of all Illinois law enforcement, while sometimes not properly recognized, will never be forgotten.

Ed was the husband of Kathleen “Kathy” (nee Holliday) Hoes; the father of Tim (Lisa) Hoes and the late Christo-

pher Hoes and Kathy’s children, John (the late Kate), Michael (Heather) and Laura Holliday; the grandfather of Michael and Chris “CJ” Hoes Jr. and “Papa” to Brandon and Maddie Holliday; brother of Kenneth (Livie) Hoes and the late Henry (Jeri) Hoes; and son of the late Henry and Jeanette (nee Hornbogen) Hoes.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road (2 Blks W. of Mannheim Rd) Westchester on Sunday, Feb. 25 from noon until 3 p.m. A short prayer service and words of remembrance will begin at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be private.

Arrangements were handled, with a heavy heart, by the Original Kuratko Family, Brian D. Kuratko, director, and 2nd vice president of the Illinois Police Association.

See OBITUARIES on page 12

12

The Landmark, February 21, 2024

OBITUARIES continued from page 11

RD Kratovil, 83 Outdoorsman, racer, sailor RD Kratovil (Kratochvil), 83, died peacefully at home in Ave Maria, Florida on Feb. 15, 2024.

Born on July 3, 1940, he was originally from Riverside. His family and friends knew him as a vibrant, wellRD KRATOVIL traveled, “foodie” with a lifelong sense of entrepreneurism. He was full of advice and the best consumer products researcher around. He enjoyed a wellmade Manhattan, Friday night Fish Frys, mashed potatoes with too much milk/butter, and he dressed for every holiday occasion (think Pilgrim suit, lederhosen, snowman hat, and always the Stars and Stripes).

As a dad and grandfather, he was known for his creative “Indian Joe” stories, ongoing pursuit of the elusive musky while

fishing (it takes 10,000 casts) and a love of hunting, firearms and snowmobiling. The trails of St. Germain in Vilas County, Wisconsin were well traveled. The deer were better fed in his backyard than most zoos.

In his youth, RD (then Bob or Bobby) got his pilot’s license but then found his early passion for boating while racing with friends in McHenry County on Fox Lake. Behind the wheel of his Corvettes, he was a prominent figure at the Oswego Dragstrip. His passion for racing and his skill behind the wheel along with his “A” team of best friends in the pit crew made them respected competitors.

He was a member of the Chicago Yacht Club and captained his 41-foot Chris Craft out of Burnham Harbor. He found Harleys later in life and his car addiction was constant.

RD is survived by his wife, Margaret “Maggie” (Morris); his son, Robert Kratochvil and daughter Susan (Nelson); grandchildren Melisa Neal and Taylor Nelson; greatgrandson Landon Neal; step-children Kate (Jay) Bublitz and Joe (Delphine) Klimek; step-grandchildren Sarah and Lila Klimek; his siblings, Mary Anne (Cermak), Kathy (Jim) Connelly, Bill Kratochvil, and Cindy (Mike) Turk. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen (Meydrech) and Robert Kratochvil, his brother Keith Kratochvil and his grandson Robert Nelson.

He lived 1,000 years in the 83 calendar years we had with him because he loved life.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held later this year. The family asks that you make a contribution to a charity of your choice in his honor.

Bradley Schlueter, 69 Automotive body worker Bradley Schlueter, 69, of Western Springs, died on Feb. 13, 2024. He was an automotive body worker.

Bradley was the husband of Linda Schlueter (nee Jeske); the father of Amy Schlueter and Holly Schlueter; the grandfather of Gabriel Hogan; and the brother of the late Gary Schlueter. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and JoAnn Schlueter and he was the longtime companion of Mylee (the family dog).

Visitation was held on Feb. 20 and 21 at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien.

If you wish to send a Sympathy Card to the family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o the Bradley Schlueter family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.

POLICE REPORTS from page 10

Driver involved in collision arrested for DUI A man was arrested Feb. 10 in Riverside for driving under the influence of alcohol after he was involved in a collision with another driver’s car.

According to police, the man was involved in a rear-end collision at the intersection of 31st Street and South 1st Avenue that afternoon. Police did not specify which car was rear-ended. The arresting officer spoke with the man in his car after being called to the scene of the collision and smelled alcohol on his breath; when the officer asked the man to take a few sobriety tests, police said he “refused and became defensive,” acting belligerently and using profanity.

After the officer asked the man several times to step out of his vehicle, he agreed and moved to the rear of his car, where he

once again refused field sobriety testing.

Officers observed the man struggling with his balance while standing, police said, and they placed him under arrest around 1 p.m.

Once the man was brought back to the station, he struggled to walk properly and refused to discuss the incident, police said. He also had a “combative” attitude, threatening to fight officers, swearing at them and giving them the middle finger until he was put in a cell, police said. In the cell, the man continued to struggle with his balance and could not button his shirt up correctly or put his shoes on without assistance.

The man was ultimately charged with driving under the influence, speeding and driving without insurance. The man was later released, and a court date was set for March 1.

Ticketed for driving with suspended registration A Berkeley man was ticketed Feb. 13 in Brookfield for driving with a

Mary Sordel Riverside school teacher Mary Sordel, formerly of Riverside; El Dorado Hills, California; Lynnwood, Washington; and presently Westmont, died on Feb. 15, 2024. She taught in Riverside Public Schools for over 20 years, MARY SORDEL contributed to the education of many Riverside children, and will be fondly remembered with respect and deep affection by students, parents and colleagues.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Sordel Jr., formerly Riverside Township supervisor. She is survived by her daughter, Kay Sordel, and her son, Lynn Sordel; four granddaughters and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, with a service following from 5-6 p.m. at Ivins Moravecek Funeral Home in Riverside. Interment will take place in Westby, Wisconsin by the family in July 2024.

suspended registration. A patrolling officer was driving west on Shields Avenue behind the man’s car and, after running the car through the database, learned its registration had been suspended for no insurance. The officer pulled the man over just before the intersection with Prairie Avenue and issued the citations there after the man provided a valid license and proof of insurance.

These items were obtained from the Riverside Police Department reports dated Feb. 10-11 and the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Feb. 12-19; they 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

Sports

The Landmark, February 21, 2024

13

Bulldogs’ Mosquera earns second place at 2A state Junior is first RBHS boys wrestler in title match since 1983

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Junior Edgar Mosquera became the first boys wrestling state finalist in Riverside Brookfield High School history since 1983 and just the second top-six all-stater during that period.

Rather than reflect on making history, Mosquera continues looking to 2025 after losing 11-2 to Rock Island senior Truth Vesey for the Class 2A state championship at 113 pounds Saturday in Champaign.

“I’m still disappointed that I got second. I look to achieve anything I set my mind to,” Mosquera said Sunday.

“It really upset me after I trained so hard that I couldn’t get what I thought I worked hard enough for. It’s fine, though. This summer I’m going to train twice as hard, three times, and next year I’m going to be the state champ.”

Mosquera (41-7) made an impressive return after first qualifying for state in 2022 and going 0-2.

Senior Josh Gonzalez (41-12 at 144), who was 1-2 at state, joins Mosquera with the most single-season victories during Nick Curby’s eight seasons as head coach heading into the 2A team sectional Tuesday at Brother Rice. Junior Ethan Rivas (24-14 at 157) was 0-2 at state after overcoming shoulder and labrum injuries just to qualify.

Mosquera became the Bulldogs’ first state finalist since Dave Vohaska’s second state title in 1983 and first all-stater since Al’len Carter was fifth in 2A in 2015.

Mosquera won his first three state matches with 8-2 and 3-2 decisions and a third-period pin. Vesey (37-7) was an allstate fifth in 2023 and the only repeat allstater within the weight class. “[Mosquera] was confident throughout [state], which led to a lot of the success he had. He just ran up against a better wrestler at that time,” Curby said. “When the brackets came out, he knew he had a good shot to get a medal. As the tournament went on, the way he was wrestling, winning matches, he was growing more and more confident he could get in the finals.”

At the RB Regional Feb. 3, Mosquera lost in the finals to Kennedy’s Victor Alvarado 4-2 but felt a legal move that would have at least tied the match was not allowed.

In the Hinsdale South Sectional final

MOTO JOHNSON

After finishing second at state, Edgar Mosquera (left) looks ahead to 2025.

Feb. 10, Mosquera beat Alvarado 12-4 after other dominant victories by technical fall, pin and major decision.

“Losing [regionals] made me feel really upset,” Mosquera said.

“You can really do anything that you put your mind to. I believe that and I was so close [to winning state]. It’s going to be all over again but it’ll be just way better.”

At 2023 state, Gonzalez was 0-2 at 138.

This time, Gonzalez won his opening match 4-3 with a late escape but then was beaten by the state-runner up by technical fall (15-0) and the fourth-place finisher 6-4

in the consolation bracket.

“I lost to two all-state wrestlers. But I felt like I was right there,” Gonzalez said. “It’s been a wonderful experience.

It’s been amazing going downstate two years. It’s awesome. The environment is like no other.”

Rivas was pinned in both matches. He started 15-4 before his injuries, then went 3-7 but rebounded for an admirable finish.

“It’s just hard when you’re one appendage down. But he battled,” Curby said.

“Just getting down there on that [state] floor really set the table for next year.”

Bulldogs seek continued success in regional RBHS is No. 3 sectional seed

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

In another successful season for Riverside Brookfield High School boys basketball, the Bulldogs added a few twists in winning their

regular-season finale, Feb. 13.

The Bulldogs celebrated Senior Night with an NBA-like rally to beat Oak Forest 65-62 after trailing 59-53 with 1:48 left.

“It started from our point guard (Mehki Austin),” sophomore guard Cameron Mercer said. “Because of him, we made some defensive stops and got the win.”

All eight seniors saw significant action for RBHS (25-4) — regular starters Ste-

ven Brown, Stefan Cicic and Austin, Sam Shelven, Joey Garvey, Max Almeida, Ivan Ramos-Olivera and John Super.

They hope to return to their home court — if they can win the Class 4A Hinsdale Central Regional.

The Bulldogs seek their second regional title in three years and fourth in five seasons as the No. 3 seed in the RB Sectional.

They play No. 14 Argo at 6 p.m. Wednesday

with the winner playing No. 6 Simeon (1413) or No. 10 Hinsdale Central (15-15) at 7 p.m. Friday for the regional title.

RBHS, which lost to Hinsdale Central in last year’s regional final, is enjoying its fifth straight 20-win season that includes seven conference titles in Mike Reingruber’s eight seasons as head coach.

See BASKERBALL on page 14

14

The Landmark, February 21, 2024

S P O R T S

Bulldogs bring huge group to swim at state this time Second RBHS sectional title ever yields 7 state berths

third-place senior Cooper Marrs (200 individual medley in 1:56.63) beat respective state cuts of 51.98 and 1:57.20. Junior diver Nate Kissel (4th, 424.40 points) advanced by being among the top 32 at-large scores.

“The No. 1 goal was sending as many people to state as we could. The second priority was winning sectionals,” Pankros said.

The sectional was not as competitive as years past but all RBHS swimming quali-

fiers achieved the respective state cuts, other than Hayden Marrs in the 50 free.

“I knew we had a chance [for several qualifiers],” RBHS swim coach Mike Laurich said.

“It was kind of weird because normally on the bus ride there’s a lot of talking, music, noise. It was the quietest bus ride I’d ever been on. We’re either nervous or getting ready. They were ready to go, so it was

a fun day.”

The worst cut happened to Pankros. Five minutes before his 50 free, he gashed his left shin against the corner of the bleachers.

The trainer protected his leg with waterproof bandages, tape and plastic wrap.

The dressings were changed before each of his other three events. Pankros also competed in the 100 fly, the 200 free relay and 400 free relay with Cooper Marrs, Kallas and Hayden Marrs (2nd, 3:13.11), which just missed the 3:12.78 state cut.

Afterward, the wound required three stitches.

“It did throw off my 50 free. After [that] I was able to lock in, focus a little more,” Pankros said. “At that point, I still couldn’t feel the cut. The pain wasn’t even registering yet. It was just mainly a mental game and I knew I had to suck it up. You have to hold yourself accountable. You’re not just racing for yourself. You’re racing with other people.”

“He really stepped up in a situation where most other kids would have crumbled,” Laurich said.

This year, top 16 prelim finishers advance to Saturday’s finals instead of top 12. In 2023, Rosa was 14th in the 100 fly (50.73) and 15th in the 100 breast (57.53). He should drop considerable time from Saturday considering he was not shaved for a complete taper.

Hayden Marrs has competed for the 2022 Class 2A state championship boys cross country team and qualified for state track with relays. The 50 free victory marks his first individual state experience.

“I love competing with a team and bringing guys with but everyone wants a first and that’s definitely validating,” Marrs said. “I was a little selfish and really, really wanted [that 50 free]. That’s been my bread and butter for so long, and it’s such a precise event. I’m just glad things went right and I had a lot of fun.”

lead since the start of the second quarter at 62-59 when Mercer stole the ball and Austin converted a conventional threepoint play with 45.7 seconds left. Mercer and Austin had just hit back-to-back threes to tie the game at 59.

“Any time I can help the team win, it’s good,” said Austin, a transfer as a senior from Oak Park and River Forest High.

“My teammates have made it great so far [this season]. They’ve been very welcoming

since the first day I came in.”

Austin wasn’t done. He stole the ball at half court and converted another layup with 15 seconds left for a 64-59 lead. After Oak Forest made three free throws, Shelven made one of two free throws with 5.5 seconds.

Trying to tie, the Bengals’ three-point attempt from the right of the key was blocked by the 7-foot Cicic.

It was the first time Cicic remembered such a dramatic game-ending block.

“I wasn’t nervous [about fouling],” Cicic said. “I just jumped straight up and put my hands up. Luckily I’m tall enough to block the shot.”

Cicic achieved another personal best, eight dunks, en route to yet another doubledouble of 27 points and 11 rebounds. Austin (13 points with 2 threes, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), Mercer (11 points with 3 threes), junior Danny Loftus (6 points) and Brown (5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) also contributed.

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Especially for Hayden Marrs and the rest of the Riverside Brookfield High School boys swimming and diving team seniors, everything came together Saturday at the York Sectional. “[The pairings were] a blessing but I really feel like this was our season,” Marrs said. “Things are clicking. The team’s getting along really well. We’re all motivated. I really feel blessed to be a part of this senior season.”

Led by third-time state qualifier Drew Rosa, seven seniors contributed to seven state-qualifying performances and helped RBHS win a sectional (249 points) for only the second time and not since 2014.

Everyone but Rosa will compete at state for the first time Friday and Saturday at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont.

“A lot of us don’t swim year-round and after this, except for Drew, it’s done. To have the opportunity to go out with a bang, it’s providing some closure,” Marrs said.

Sectional champions automatically qualify for state, along with entries who achieve state-qualifying standards.

Taking first were Rosa in the 100-yard breast stroke (58.17 seconds), Marrs (50 freestyle in 21.80), the 200 free relay of Marrs, Rosa, junior Aiden Pankros and senior Will Kallas (1:27.09) and the 200 medley relay of seniors Lucas Hedrich (backstroke) and Alex Jacobs (breast), Rosa (butterfly) and Hayden Marrs (free) in 1:36.49.

Second-place Rosa (100 fly in 51.50) and

BASKETBALL from page 13 “Our sectional is one of the deepest and toughest in the state, year in and year out,” Reingruber said.

“We’ve found different ways to win. I think we’re battled tested and ready to go.”

Against Oak Forest, RBHS took its first

IAN MCLEOD

Drew Rosa battles his way to first place in the 100 Yard Breaststroke at York High School on Saturday Feb. 17.

The Landmark, February 21, 2024 15

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Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE **Village of North Riverside Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals**

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Village of North Riverside Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals

**VARIANCE REQUEST FOR AVA’S WINE BAR** Notice is hereby given that the Village of North Riverside Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider a variance request for AVA’s Wine Bar located at 7700 W 26th Street, North Riverside, IL.

**VARIANCE REQUEST FOR POLLO CAMPERO**

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Maribeth Fromm Case Number 2024 4000810 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Maribeth Gunger Fromm to the new name of: Maribeth Gunger.

The court date will be held: On April 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Fourth Municipal Court House Maywood at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood IL 60153 in Courtroom # 0112.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 14, 21, 28, 2024

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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: 1-800669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

**Variance Request Details** The variance request pertains to the installation of a pole sign. **Public Hearing Details** Date: March 21, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Village of North Riverside Village Commons Address: 2401 Desplaines Ave, Riverside, IL 60546 All interested parties are invited to attend and provide input at the public hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to the hearing at the following address: Community Development Department Village of North Riverside 2401 Desplaines Ave Riverside, IL 60546 For further information, please contact the Community Development office at (708) 447-4211.

Published in RB Landmark, February 21, 2024

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Notice is hereby given that the Village of North Riverside Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider a variance request for Pollo Campero located at 7451 Cermak Road, North Riverside, IL. **Variance Request Details:** The variance request pertains to the following: (1) number of permitted signs, (2) additional sign area (size), and style of sign. **Public Hearing Details:** Date: March 21, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Village of North Riverside Village Commons Address: 2401 Desplaines Ave, Riverside, IL 60546 All interested parties are invited to attend and provide input at the public hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to the Village Commons office prior to the hearing at the following address: Community Development Department Village of North Riverside 2401 Desplaines Ave Riverside, IL 60546 For further information, please contact the Community Development office at (708) 447-4211 Published in RB Landmark, February 21, 2024

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The Landmark, February 21, 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 NG MI O C

ON SO

R T DE AC N R U NT CO

273 Maplewood Rd, Riverside

302-306 River Oaks Dr, Calumet City $300,000

W NE

G TIN LIS

R T DE AC N R U NT CO

2321 Scoville Ave, Berwyn $380,000

4408 S Talman, Chicago $339,000

1526 W Ohio, Chicago $975,000

T LA F 4-

R T DE AC N R U NT CO

LD SO

3122 Wisconsin Ave, Berwyn $650,000

116 E Quincy St, Riverside $425,000

69 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $189,900

R T DE AC N R U NT CO

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

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

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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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