eld’s Xav ier Mrozik-DeJesus (6) pulls in a catch against Niles West’s Nichalos West (8) Friday, August 30, 2024 in Brook eld.
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
The Brookfield Police Department is changing where it houses people overnight who have been arrested before they are placed in the custody of Cook County.
At its Aug. 26 committee of the whole meeting, the village board considered an intergover nmental ag reement with the city of Berwyn for its police department to provide secure lockup and transportation services for people arrested in Brookfield who must be housed overnight. Trustees will vote on and likely pass the ag reement at the board’s next meeting on Sept. 9.
According to a memo from the meeting written by Police
Bridging Salt Creek debated in Creekside Park upgrades
Trustees debated including a bridge to South Kiwanis Park in a grant application
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Brookfield will keep open the possibility of a pedestrian bridge over Salt Creek as it looks to fund a new and improved playg round at Creekside Park
At the Aug. 26 committee of the whole meeting, Brookfield’s village board heard a presentation from Parks and Recreation Director Luke Gundersen about proposed improvements to Creekside Park, including a bridge to South Kiwanis Park, that the village hopes to fund with a $600,000 grant from the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program this year. He asked trustees to decide whether the village should seek to fund the project in two phases, which would require another grant application next year but could result in more available funding, or in just one phase, which would be less risky but lead to a more expensive project for the village Gundersen said Brookfield needs to submit an application for the grant by Sept. 13. The village will lear n if it receives a grant by the end of next April. According to a preliminary timeline, construction should star t in March 2026 and end in October 2026.
The proposed changes to Creekside Park include a new playg round with pour-inplace rubber surfacing, similar to what’s going in at Ehler t Park. It will incorporate slides, climbing walls, swings and a mock storefront that kids can use for “imaginative play,” said Daniel Wilson, a landscape architect at Wight & Company, the firm Brookfield is employing to assist with the OSLAD grant application. Wight designed the renovations to Ehlert Park that are now under construction, which the firm is also overseeing.
Other additions consist of a sun shelter with game tables, boards and sacks to
is map shows the layout for proposed improvements to Creekside Park, including a pedestrian br idge over Salt Creek that would connect to South Kiwanis Park
play cornhole, a permanent single-stall bathroom structure, native plantings with educational signs and a trailhead sign for the bridge connection to South Kiwanis Park, Wilson said.
Trustee Nicole Gilhooley asked about a lack of new lighting measures at the park, as there had “historically” been issues with people vandalizing the park after dark. Village President Michael Garvey said the lack of lighting should discourage people from entering the park after sunset, as all Brookfield parks are closed from dusk till dawn.
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As the discussion moved to funding, Gundersen explained the village’s two options. The first option, which Gundersen recommended, would see Brookfield break the project into two funding phases, allowing it to apply for a second OSLAD grant next year which would be used toward the total cost.
Under this plan, Gundersen said, Brookfield would include bridge abutments on both sides of Salt Creek in the first phase and relegate the bridge itself to the
COURTESY OF THE VILL AG E OF BROOKFIELD
‘Last Comiskey’ with Author Ken Smoller
Thursday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m., Riverside Public Library
Travel back to the nal season of the White Sox classic ballpark with Last Comiskey author and photographer, Ken Smoller. Smoller’s book, a companion to Matt Flesch’s 2023 Last Comiskey documentary, features never-before-seen personal photos and stories of the players, the games, and the incomparable Nancy Faust. Smoller’s presentation will give us a glimpse of the joyful and bittersweet 1990 season. The book, including a foreword by Ozzie Guillen, will be available for purchase and signing. Ken Smoller (aka “Stadium Vagabond”) is a photographer and writer with childhood roots in Chicagoland. In over three decades of extensive traveling, he has photographed more than 2,350 stadiums in 48 states and 24 countries. Registration is required by calling 708-442-6366 or visiting www.riversidelibrary.org. 1 Burling Road
Clean out your basements, attics and garages and sell your “precious treasures” at our annual Flea Market. Set-up begins at 6:30 a.m. Space is approximately the size of a parking spot. Note: Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs, and/or tents. Buy one or more spaces. This event will be held rain or shine in the front parking lot of the Police Station and Village Common Front Lawn. A Goodwill truck may be in the lot after the ea market, if you wish to donate your unsold items. 2401 Desplaines Ave.
Got a minute? How about a minute to win it? Teens in grades 9 to 12 can come ompete and cheer on their friends at a variety of easy Minute It Win It games. Registration is required by calling 708442-6366 or visiting www riversidelibrary.org. 1 Burling Road
Farmers market is back. Pick up high quality meats, handmade soaps, savo r y pecans, fruits, vegetables, sweet treats, and more. If you are unavailable this Saturday then mark your calendars for any Saturday until O ctober 14. The Brookfield Farmers Market is an opportunity t o get out early and support your local vendors, artisans, and communit y organizations. 8820 Brookfield Ave.
Listing your event
■ 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.
Kids’ Kitchen: Littles Edition
Friday, Sept. 6, 4 p.m.
Nor th Riverside Public Library
Children from Kindergarten to 2nd grade can participate. Kids’ Kitchen allows little ones to make things they have never made before, unless your child is a prodigy chef, of course. Little chefs will be making fruit kabobs with yogurt/citrus dip. For more information or to register, visit nrpl.info, call 708-447-0869, or visit the YS Help Desk. 2400 S. Desplaines Ave
Compiled by Grace Har ty
Brookfield picks contractor for new public parking lot
e former owners of 9100 31st St. donated the property to the village late last year
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Brookfield is wo rk ing to bring public pa rk ing to 31st Street.
At the village b oard’s Au g. 26 meeting, trustees a ppr oved a c ontract with Schaumberg-based A L amp C oncrete C ontractor s, Inc., for c onstruction on a new public pa rk ing lot at 9100 31st St. in the amount of $244,449.50. A L amp beat out f our other c ontractors who submitted more c ostly bids, b ut the c ompany’s bid was higher than the engineer ’s estimate of $219,375. Trustees also approved a $19,100 c ontract with Hancock Engineering, Brookfield ’s re g ular engineering firm, for c onstruction engineerin g services on the project.
T he b oard a ppr oved b oth c ontracts as pa rt of the meeting ’s omnibus agenda, meaning trustees did not c onsider or discuss the items on their own.
T he new parking lot’s location has already been fenced of f to prepare for construction, which will include removing and re placing the concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks and driveway aprons as well as the drainage structure. A new ag gregate base and asphalt will go in at the lot alongside new fencing and lighting. There will also be new landscaping for any areas that were disturbed during constr uction.
T he property at 9100 31st St. used to house FJS Automotive, a mechanic shop, but the store closed last November. Its for mer owners, Frank J. Siblik and Judy Anne Siblik, transfer red the land’s title to Brookfield in August 2023 in exchange for
$10, according to a quitclaim deed includ ed in agenda documents from the meeting According to another document, Brookfield had a pplied for a the c onstruction from the Metropolitan Water Re c lamation District of Chicag o, b ut it did not i ssue one to the village “due to environmental i ssues.” Still, Brookfield officials hope the ne w pa rk ing lot c ould become “an example of a high-quality pa rk ing lot that meets [Brookfield]’s design guidelines.”
First
steps toward a green parking lot
Brookfield is also wo rk ing to impr ove pa rk ing elsewhere in town.
At the same meeting, village trustees approved an intergover nmental ag reement with the MWRD for a cost-sharing partnership for construction work and other services related to the renovation of the public parking lot at 3840 Maple Ave., which will see it transformed into a green parking lot with permeable pavers. The ag reement was on the omnibus agenda. According to agenda documents, the pa rk ing lot “predates 2007” and is p ast the “recommended average” of 15 year s of use for a pa rk ing lot before that lot is reconstr ucted. Wo rk on the lot will inc lude c onstructing “agg re ga te storage” underneath it to meet Brookfield ’s and the MWRD’s requirements, a new curb around the lot perimeter, new c oncrete drive way aprons and permeable bric k pave rs as the main pavement for the lot.
A rain ga rden c ould also c ome to the pa rk ing lot, wh ich is located j ust south of the Brookfield Water Towe r and Maple Nor th Pa rk
T he same documents show c onstruction is estimated to c ost $400,000 in total.
T he MWRD will provide $181,600 to the village as pa rt of i ts Green Infrastructur e Par tnership Progr am, leaving Brookfield to cove r the remaining $218,400.
ARRESTEES Lockup change
from page 1
Chief Michael Kuruvilla, Brookfield would be able to make use of Berwyn’s “more expansive lockup facility” with 11 jail cells, including some with constant video monitoring and protection conforming to statewide regulations that Brookfield’s and North Riverside’s lockup facilities lack.
Berwyn also employs dedicated “lockup keepers” certified by the Illinois Department of Corrections whose sole job is to perfor m intake, processing and monitoring duties for people who have been arrested Under the ag reement, Berwyn police would handle transporting arrestees from Brookfield to their lockup facility and from the facility to either the Maywood Courthouse or the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago, where arrestees are transferred to the custody of the Cook County Sherif f’s Office. Only if an ar restee requires medical intervention would a Brookfield officer be called in to take over custody of them at the hospital before Berwyn police transport the arrestee back to the lockup facility.
Brookfield would owe Berwyn $125 per day per arrestee it houses overnight at the Berwyn Police Department and $50 each time Berwyn transports a Brookfield arrestee anywhere, invoiced monthly. The daily charge includes the price of meals for prisoners.
According to a draft of the intergovernmental ag reement, the partnership with
CREEKSIDE
from page 3
second phase, meaning construction of the bridge could be delayed if the village obtains the first OSLAD grant but not the second. Brookfield would also have to include some extra amenities, like a fishing outcropping and a contemplation space, within the scope of the second phase to increase its competitiveness within the application process
The second option would see Brookfield apply for grant funding for the entire project at once without any extra amenities. While this path would carry less risk for the village by minimizing the number of
Berwyn would last for three years. The ag reement will automatically renew itself for another three-year term unless Brookfield or Berwyn pulls out within 60 days of the renewal.
Since 2018, Brookfield has housed ar restees at the North Riverside Police Department as a member of West Central Consolidated Communications, a dispatch agency based in North Riverside that also provides services to police in Brookfield, Riverside and McCook.
“It has worked out well until this point,” Kuruvilla told trustees at the meeting. “It’s not the ideal setup, but it’s what we ’re all able to do, or what we’ve been able to do with what we have.”
Kuruvilla said that, due to the small number of people the four WC3 communities arrest each day, North Riverside’s lockup facility does not have 24-hour monitoring state-certified lockup keepers.
Instead, when Brookfield houses arrestees in North Riverside, police must follow what Kuruvilla described as “best practice,” where officers must check arrestees in-person every half hour while checking video footage every 15 minutes in-between.
While North Riverside officers can conduct one of the in-person checks each hour, Brookfield officers must complete the other, requiring an officer to drive to the North Riverside Police Depar tment at least once per hour for the entire duration an arrestee is housed there. Each check could take up to half an hour, Kuruvilla wrote in the memo.
“This requirement removes one of my staf f from being available for calls for service or otherwise protecting this commu-
grant applications, it would lock Brookfield into building the bridge and leave the village with a higher overall price to pay.
The first option would cost about $2.7 million in total, but if Brookfield gets both OSLAD grants, it will only be on the hook for $1.5 million, split more or less equally into the two phases. The second option would cost $2.3 million in total, but Brookfield would have to pay $1.7 million even with the grant funding.
Village Manager Timothy Wiberg raised concerns about the cost of the bridge — which Wilson said is about $1 million itself — contributing to the high price tag of even the less expensive choice, but Gundersen and Wilson said that the bridge’s inclusion is vital to the project and grant application.
“The whole idea of this project is to increase the connectivity” between the two
nity for sometimes significant stretches of time if an arrest occurs during daytime hours, which then results in checks to be conducted over the course of sometimes twelve or more hours,” he wrote.
In rare cases where an arrestee becomes “volatile,” Kuruvilla said, a Brookfield officer could be called in to monitor that person constantly until the Cook County Sherif f takes custody of them, requiring even more resources from the police depar tment. Under the new agreement, Berwyn’s certified lockup keepers could monitor the arrestee instead.
“It seems like a pretty viable option for us for a more secure and, hopefully, more efficient process moving forward,” Kuruvilla said.
He said now is a good time for Brookfield to switch to using Berwyn’s lockup facility due to recent criminal justice changes in Illinois.
sides of Salt Creek,” Gundersen said. “We needed to include the bridge with the identified Creekside Park as the trailhead for that new amenity, [the] open-space area that we’ve been identifying as South Kiwanis Park.”
As trustees discussed the p otential c osts to the village for the project, wh ic h will only increase if Brookfield d oes not rece ive the OSLAD gr ants it hopes to, A ssistant Vi llage Manager St ev ie Fe rr a ri suggested the b oard c onside r whether the c onnectivity the bridg e c ould provide would outweigh i ts c ost and if Brookfield should even includ e the bridge in its gr ant application.
“If we submit this OSLAD grant as it’s being proposed right now, with the … the pedestrian bridge, we are kind of committing ourselves to completing that bridge in that second phase or sometime soon within
been housing historically,” Kuruvilla said. In 2022 and 2023, Brookfield needed to house only “between 22 and 27” arrestees overnight each year on average, he said.
At the meeting, Village President Michael Garvey spoke supportively of the potential partnership with Berwyn.
“When Chief [Kuruvilla] first approached me about it, it almost seemed too good to be true. I’m like, ‘Why would Berwyn want to do this?’ But I understand that they built a facility this big, and as Chief pointed out the changes in the law, they’re detaining and holding less people,” he said. “To justify the existence of the facility, they’ve reached out to other depar tments at a time when we basically needed help, and other departments are moving toward this.”
the next three to four years because we’re putting those abutments in,” she said.
“If we do option one, phase one, and we invest [$]769,000 and we put in the bridge abutments, and phase two is not guaranteed to be funded by OSLAD or anything, the board might have the hard decision of, ‘Do we abandon the bridge idea?’” Garvey said. “If we don’t put in the bridge abutments or plan for the bridge now, let’s face it; we’re probably not going to put a bridge in at any point in the near future.”
After much discussion about the bridge and other proposed c hanges to Creekside Pa rk , the b oard ag r eed to have village staf f pursue the p hased f undin g approach with bridge abutments in the first p hase. Brookfield will p lan to buil d the bridge later on, d espite the uncertainty of how it will pay the c osts down the line
FILE PHOTO
Massey’s death underscores state delay in launching mental health response program
Law aimed at helping people experiencing crisis was originally set to go live in 2022
By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois
An Illinois law intended to help people with mental illness avoid confrontations with police had been on the books for three years when Sonya Massey was shot by a Sangamon County Sherif f’s deputy.
The Community Emergency Services and Supports Act, or CESSA, requires mental and behavioral health calls to 911 be handled by mental health professionals, rather than police. It was supposed to go into effect on July 1, 2022 – two years before Massey, who was having a mental health crisis, was shot by Sangamon County Sherif f’s Deputy Sean Grayson.
“I think if this system was in place, and emergency responders were trained and aware of what is available to them, then I think Sonya Massey would still be with us today,” said Candace Coleman, community strategy specialist with Access Living, a Chicago-based organization that advocates for disabled people
The struggle over CESSA’s execution has twice caused lawmakers to push back its effective date, but Sen. Robert Peters, (DChicago), one of the bill’s sponsors, said Massey’s death underscores the need to car ry out reform
“I feel confident that we are going to get this done. The state and the advocates want to get this right,” Peters said. “And Sonya Massey is the exactly the reason we need to get this done.”
Administrative delays
Getting CESSA up and running has been complicated by the multiple agencies in-
volved, according to Illinois Department of Human Services spokesperson Rachel Otwell. Those include local law enforcement, telecommunication services, community mental health providers, public and private emergency medical services, and the advocates who pushed for the reform.
In a written response to questions, Otwell said all these groups and organizations have different ideas about how the law should work and how their systems can best be coordinated, and each are governed by different laws, rules and re gulations.
But Massey’s case underscores the existence of ongoing failures when law enforcement responds to calls involving those experiencing a mental health crisis.
A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association put the number of police calls involving a person experiencing mental illness at around 20 %, while the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority says it’s between 7 and 10 %.
In Illinois, police have killed 200 people since 2015, according to state police statistics. Of those, 31, or about 15 %, involved a call about a person with mental illness. The victims ranged in age from 17 to 66.
During a recorded 911 call the da y before a deputy shot her daughter, Donna Massey be gged dispatchers to send help and not hurt her daughter. She told a dispatcher she wanted no “combative” officers.
Donna Massey told the dispatcher she was afraid of her daughter driving while in an erratic state, so she did what the counselors had told her to do and called the police
“I don’t want you guys to hurt her. Please,”
Donna Massey said during a two-minute 911 call made the morning of July 5.
Like Donna Massey, those with children coping with mental illness or neurodivergence are often forced to contemplate whether calling police is the best way to keep their loved one safe during a crisis. A study conducted at the John Jay School of Criminal Justice published in 2021 found that that po-
See MENTAL on pa ge 12
Ending hunger by connecting the four corners of our community
What 's in a word?
When we founded our food pantry, we referred to the people we served as our “clients”...
Many helping professions use this term, which is probably why most food pantries use it . But defense lawyers and psychologists also use the term. And we felt that in our situation, using it can reinforce an unwanted relationship. A relationship that runs contrary to our most guiding core value : Uplifting the dignity of people
Words matter.
Let ’s say you are a volunteer at our food pantry and your shift is to guide visitors through the pantry. So, you go into the pantry ’s waiting room and call out the next service number. And among the several dozen people sitting before you, one raises her hand And you suddenly realize that the person raising her hand is your next- door neighbor.
What must her experience feel like?
What do you want her experience to feel like? These were the questions we started to ask ourselves . And we soon all agreed to stop using the word “client ”. Because the people who come to us for help are not our clients . They are our neighbors .
We're all neighbors here .
Our food pantry ’s long-term goal is to alleviate the causes of hunger in our assigned region This requires that we bring together all regionallyinvested neighbors . Including those in need, volunteers , donors , and strategic partners . And one way to answer that community-rooted problem is by recognizing that we are all neighbors in the effort .
“I love that they call the pantry visitors our neighbors , because that ' s really what they ’re doing there . The pantry is helping neighbors .” Janet , SFSL Pantry Volunteer
Get the facts about hunger in our area .
.org
YOUR BEST LIFE with Lisa Capone
Senior Living Benefits
Senior living communities offer a myriad of benefits that enhance the quality of life for older adults. One of the primary advantages is the opportunity for social interaction.
Residents can participate in a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to group outings, fostering friendships and reducing feelings of isolation.
Senior living communities also free residents from the burdens of home maintenance and chores. Housekeeping, laundry services, and meal preparation are typically included, giving residents more time to enjoy their hobbies and interests.
Moreover, senior living communities often provide various levels of assistance, from independent living to full-time care, allowing residents to age in place comfortably This flexibility ensures that as needs change, the appropriate level of care is always available.
Visit Cantata.org for more senior living advice or call (708) 387-1030.
PICKLEB ALL T OURNAMENT
PROVIDED BY KYLE WHITEHEAD
Members
Brook eld resident Rob Fish (center le ) and LaGrange Park resident Sean Shipley (center right) won the pickleball tournament. Lauren Quintana (le ) and Matt Quintana (right) were the runners-up.
Foundation
Eight teams of two gathered Saturday, Aug. 24, for the rst ever Brook eld Parks and Recreation Pickleball Tournament. Together, they raised more than $700 for local families to put toward re gistering their children for Brook eld parks programs.
Drunk driver in Riverside gets felony charges after giving false name
Riverside police arrested a 33-year-old man Aug. 24 for driving drunk after he was caught asleep in his car.
Around 4:35 a.m., an officer on patrol was driving south on Harlem Avenue when they spotted the man’s car stopped in the outside lane at a green light near the intersection with Addison Road. When the officer approached the stopped car, they saw it was still running and that the sole occupant and driver was asleep with his chair leaned all the way back. The officer opened the car door, turned the vehicle off and woke the man up, asking him to exit the vehicle.
Outside the car, the man said he had been heading home to Cicero when he tried to park the car to await the mother of his child, who was coming to pick the car up. While the man was speaking, the officer noticed he had bloodshot, glassy eyes and his breath smelled of alcohol.
When asked if he had drunk any alcohol,
the man “became very argumentative” and said he had not while offering to take sobriety field testing, police said. During the tests, the man struggled to keep his head upright, maintain his balance and follow instructions. After the tests, the man “stated he was not drunk and he does not drink liquor” before saying he had drunk two beers about two hours prior. The officer offered the man a preliminary breath test that he agreed to take, but he did not provide a sufficient sample
Based on their observations, the officer arrested the man for driving under the influence of alcohol. After placing the man in the back of their squad car, the officer searched the vehicle and found a clear cup partially filled with a clear liquid in the center console; according to police, the liquid smelled of alcohol. The man’s car was later towed.
After arresting the man, the officer asked him for his ID, but he said he did not have it on him. The officer asked for his name and
date of birth, but the man “began not beingw compliant” and did not give a name until the officer asked several times. He also gave a 1992 birthdate. After the officer processed the man and observed him for 20 minutes, he agreed to give another chemical breath sample, which showed .086 blood alcohol content.
After fingerprinting the man, the officer lear ned he had given a false name and bir thdate; he was born in 1991. After running the man’s real information through the police database, the officer learned he had an expired Illinois ID and an invalid and suspended driver’s license.
The man was processed on 11 charges, including aggravated DUI, a felony, due to his invalid driver’s license. An Aug. 30 court date was set before the man was released
Caught with a warrant after ignoring red light
Brookfield police Aug. 28 arrested a 25-year-old LaGrange woman with an active warrant out of Hinsdale.
Nature-inspired elements are at the forefront, with earthy tones like deep greens, burnt oranges, and rich browns bringing the outside in.
Sustainable materials, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and organic fabrics, are also gaining popularity, emphasizing eco-friendly living.
Textured accents are key this season, with chunky knit throws, velvet cushions, and woven rugs adding warmth and depth to interiors.
Statement lighting—think oversized pendants and vintage-inspired chandeliers— is set to illuminate homes with a touch of drama.
Minimalist design focusing on functionality and comfort continues to thrive.
Around 8:30 a.m., an officer on patrol was driving south on Prairie Avenue toward the stoplight on Ogden Avenue when they saw a car turn right through the red light. After over, the officer spoke with the ho said she had slowed down before making the turn. The woman gave the officer r’s license and proof of insurance; unning her information through the olice database, the officer learned the womant out for her arrest from the Hinsdale Police Department.
Incorporating dual-purpose furniture that maximizes space without sacri cing style is a must.
Botanical prints on wallpaper, artwork, accessories, and fabrics provide a timeless yet contemporary feel, bringing a breath of fresh air indoors.
How do you feel about incorporating some of these trends into your home?
olice issued the woman a tickdriving through the red light and er to Hinsdale police.
items were obtained from the Riverside lice Department reports dated Aug. 24-28 and Police Department reports dated gust. 26 to Sept. 2; they represent a portion the incidents to which police responded Anyone named in these reports has only been with a crime and cases have not yet een adjudicated. We report the race of a susen 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.
Divine Consign is a 20,000 + SF Showroom where you can nd on-trend furniture and seasonal decor. We only consign the best of the best and we collaborate with manufacturers, distributors, showrooms and designers to bring you high end new furniture at 40-90% o retail prices.
Brook eld moves ahead with Congress Park station upgrade
Village chooses a contractor and expands land it leases from BNSF
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Brookfield has approved a c onstruction c ontractor and leased more land from the B NSF Rai lway C ompany in prep aratio n for improvements to the area north of the Cong ress Pa rk Metra Station.
At i ts Au g. 26 meeting, the village b oard approved three measures related to the project, wh ich will see a redo of the area c onnecting S outhview Avenue to the north s ide of the tunnel under the train station to improve pedestria n safety and b eautify the area. Trustees aped the measures as pa rt of the omniso they did not c onsider or y.
here,rightacrossfromtheBrookfield Zoo,formorethan a centurypassionatelyservingtheneedsoflocalseniors.
Tour our 10-acre campus today! (708) 387- 1030
he first measure trustees approved is Nardulli C onstruction Chicago-based fi rm , onstruction services on the project. ame in at $313,679.75, ompanies that subell as the engineer ’s $351,200. Whil e ve a date for when onstruction will begin, Nardulli will 45 days to “substantially c omplete” the wo rk once it starts, unless Brookfield extends that deadline.
Brookfield becomes responsible for improving and maintaining it .
B NSF owns all three train stations in Brookfield and leases them back to the village for a nominal annual f ee — in the c ase of C ong ress Pa rk , $1 each year. Brookfield last expanded i ts lease near the station in 2020, when it took on responsibility for the stretch south of the tunnel up to Burlington Avenue. Th e C ong ress Pa rk lease is set to expire on Se pt. 30, 2039.
According to agenda documents from the meeting, Brookfield has leased land that c onnects S outhview Avenue to the tunnel “for many decade s, ” but the lease c ontract outlines the entire stretch as Brookfield’s expanded new property. It is not i mmediately clear wh ich parts of the land Brookfield had already b een renting from BNSF
In Ju ly 2023, C ook C ounty awarded Brookfield $208,845 toward the improvement project as pa rt of the C ounty Department of Transporta tion’s Investing in C ook progr am, wh ich aims to help municipalities improve transportation by providing project f unding. T he village approved a final i ntergove r nmental ag reement with C ook C ounty for the improvements in October 2023. T he gr ant means Brookfield will only need to pay $129,434.75 toward the c ontracts it approved Mond ay
a centurypassionatelyservingtheneedsoflocalseniors.
Tour our 10-acre campus today! (708) 387- 1030
Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care Scan here to visit Cantata.org
Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care Scan here to visit Cantata.org
Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care Scan here to visit Cantata.org
Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care Scan here to visit Cantata.org
T he second measure is a c ontrac t with Hancock Engineering, Brookfield’s re g ular engineering firm, for c onstruction engineering services on the project, a role Hancock has pl ayed in p ast village projects. This second c ontract is wo r th $24,600, bringing the project c ost to $338,279.75. L ast year, Brookfield estimated the project would c ost the village $417,690 in total.
Scan here to visit Cantata.org
Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care
Scan here to visit Cantata.org
T he third measure is an amendment to Brookfield’s ag reement with B NSF that will allow the village to expand the land it leases from the railway c ompany to include the strip that pedestrians use to a ccess the C ong ress Pa rk tunnel from S outhview Avenue. By leasing the land ,
T he improvements that Brookfield aims to bring to the area, a ccording to agenda documents, include new landscaping with native p lants, w idening the pedestrian and bike path to 7 f eet, a dding c oncrete drive aisles for trucks and p utting in new f encing, pedestrian-scale lighting, and street-striping for separate different modes of transportation. Th e village also hopes to a dd a wayfindin g sign of f S outhview Avenue
Cu rrently, the path from the tunnel to S outhview Avenue c omprises an unpave d road with a single s idewalk on it s western s ide that r uns south to a railroad spur. From there, another s idewalk s prings up, bringing pedestrians west p ast a small lawn and stormwater d etention area before it turns south again to c onnect to the tunnel.
THE LANDMARK VIEW
Opinion Building new for public safety
There are many, many details to resolve in the plan to build a new public safety facility in Riverside. But the most critical choice has now been made as the village board decided in mid-August that the current ragtag police and fire facility must be demolished.
After listening to a detailed presentation by its architects, the board wisely chose to dismiss two options which would have seen those obsolete facilities renovated. While adjacent to the historic and lovely Riverside Village Hall, the fire and cop shops were always inadequate add-ons and lack any reasonable call for preservation. With so much changing in policing — from transparency to technolog y — building new is an exciting opportunity for Riverside.
The architect, Mark Bushhouse, was frank with elected officials in detailing how the multiple phases of demolition and new construction will be consternating to all involved. But in the end Riverside will finally have new police and fire facilities and some added and needed public spaces. But the process will be awkward and will require flexibility.
It is good to see Riverside begin to move forward in upgrading its public facilities. Overlooked for far too long, officials have been dealing with sticker shock for the past several years after the village finally did a frank assessment of conditions for its multiple buildings.
But the only way forward is to tackle a single piece of the problem and get to work. Public safety is the obvious place to start. And building new is the right solution.
Sharing a police lockup
It might be seen as a small fix to an ongoing problem, but we see Brookfield’s imminent decision to shift its prisoner lockup from North Riverside to Berwyn as a continuing effort to find regional solutions to problems no single small police department can effectively manage
In 2018, Brookfield chose to shutter its own small lockup facility and began to partner with police in North Riverside. A smart move as Brookfield did not have overwhelming demand for overnight housing of prisoners. Consolidating also saved the costs and personnel shift shuffling necessary to staff the facility when it was needed.
Now, Brookfield police are recommending that it contract with police in Berwyn to house prisoners for the short span before they are transferred to Cook County’s facilities Berwyn surprisingly has 11 jail cells. More importantly it has constant video monitoring and other safety precautions now mandated by the state of Illinois. With its larger facility, Berwyn also has certified “lockup keepers” who are trained in intake, processing and monitoring of those in custody.
Along with state-mandated consolidation of police and fire dispatch services, these are positive changes which save resources of time and money, improve safety for those arrested. All small local governments should be actively looking for other ways to collaborate with neighboring communities to save tax dollars and improve services
LETTERS
Kudos to Anthony Harding
While I was at Brookfield’s Village Board meeting, held on Monday, August 26, 2024, the village recognized and promoted individuals from the Fire Department and the Police Department. One of the individuals recognized was Anthony Harding, who used to work at the First National Bank of Brookfield. Even though he had been gone for over a year, his First National Bank work family attended his promotion ceremony by cheering him on. His wife, two children
and his mom were among the audience to witness the applause and his impact on the community.
Well done, First National Bank! Congratulations Anthony and thank you for serving our community.
Charles T. Hitzeman President Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Vance and misunderstanding education
JD Vance’s angry, hurtful comments that teachers who don’t have children “disorient and really disturb” him are consistent with his long history of attacking families and public schools.
Teachers, teacher a ide s, paraprofessionals, school nurses, bus drive rs, cafeteria wo rker s, j anitor s, l ibrarians, socia l wo rker s, c ounselor s, and do z ens of other essential school employees wo rk ever y day to help k ids learn and grow. So often they pay for supplies for children out of their own pockets to make sure they have wh at they need.
Vance d oesn’t seem to understand that being an effective educator and not having biological k ids are c ompletely unrelated. I suppo rt our educators because they suppo rt our k ids, and it ’s upsetting that Donald Trump and JD Vance have such anger and disdain for people who do not share their views. Enough is enough. We have more in common than what divides us, and that’s why I am excited for the hopeful vision Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have for our families and the future of our great nation.
Avelina Nunez
OBITUARIES
Annie Kosmider, 90 St. Barbara parishioner
Annie Kosmider (née Kenneally) of Brookfield, died on Aug. 28, 2024 at AdventHealth Hospital in Bolingbrook, IL. She had been a resident of Encore Memory Care of Bolingbrook for the past 3 years. Born on June 8, 1934 in Chicago, she grew up on the family farm in Ogema, Wisconsin and moved to Chicago after graduating high school. She married Matthew A. Kosmider in 1954 and raised three children. They were longtime residents of Brookfield and members of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, where she was involved in many church activities and held various leadership positions in the church’s Women’s Group
She loved telling stories to her grandchildren about her life growing up on the farm with her parents, brothers and sisters in rural Wisconsin. She organized family events
and family reunions. Her parents were born in Ireland and immigrated to Canada, then to the United States in the early 1900s. She loved her Irish heritage, and in 1999 traveled to Ireland and took a tour of the country with her good friend Louise Schraub. Looking at pictures from the trip and talking about the sights she saw and people she met brought her great joy the rest of her life
Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Kenneally; her husband, Matthew A. Kosmider; two sisters, Mary Kenneally McCann and Eileen Kenneally McCann; one brother, William Kenneally; two grandchildren, Nicholas Paul Montalbano and Lisa Catherine Kosmider; her brothers; Joseph Kenneally, Francis Kenneally; her sister, Rose Kenneally (Jim) Powell; her children, Matthew D. Kosmider (Bonnie), Deborah (James) Sanchez, and Kathleen (Michael) Moran; six grandchildren, Caity Montalbano;
See OBITUARIES on pa ge 12
OBITUARIES
from page 11
David Kosmider (Megan); Rachel Moran (Grant) Czadzeck, Alex (Taylor) Moran, Brian Moran, and Sean (Amanda Griffith) Moran; and five great-grandchildren, Evelynn Stoltz, Lilliann Moran, Rowan and Sylvie Czadzeck and Greyson Moran.
Expressions of Sympathy can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz. org, The Les Turner ALS Foundation at lesturnerals.org/donate or The Lisa C. Kosmider Memorial Scholarship Fund, MSU Foundation, Office of Development, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, KY 42071 Attn: Abby Hensley.
Visitation will be held on Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. until prayers at 11 a.m. at JohnsonNosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. at St. Barbara Church, Brookfield, followed by inter ment at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice
Edward Pec, 82
Vietnam vet, ballroom dancer
Edward Joseph Pec, 82, of Brookfield, died on Aug. 18, 2024 in Chicago. Born on May 29, 1942 in Chicago, he was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. A printer at a publishing company before retiring, he enjoyed ballroom dancing, listening to music and watching football.
Edward was the father of Edward A. (Mary) Pec and MaryAnn Pec; the grandfather of Sara Pec and Joseph Pec; and the brother of Joseph (late Marge) Pec, Carol (late John) Eishelman, JoAnne (Dave) Kaskiek and Rob-
MENTAL
from page 7
lice are than 10 times more likely to use force against a person experiencing mental illness than a person who is not.
“Yeah, we know that there are tools out there that could change the outcome,” Coleman, of Access Living, said. “It’s hard for people who know that they have a mental health condition to call for help because they fear for their lives. All that is at play; family members also fear for their loved ones’ lives. So, this is not an easy topic at all, because people do die.”
ert (Ellen) Pec.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. until the chapel service at 11 a.m. at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery Garden Mausoleum, Justice.
Jerry Buttimer, 74
Accountant, business ow ner
Gerald “Jerry” Buttimer, 74, for merly of Riverside, died on Aug. 25, 2024. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago and attended Mendel Catholic High School, where he wrestled and ran track and cross country. He graduated from St. Ambrose University, continuing his passion for track and cross country, and was recently elected to the university’s athletic hall of fame. An accountant and business owner, he held two patents on photographic equipment. A creative problem-solver, he relished a challenge and was known for his integrity and tireless energy and tenacity. He was always eager to share his talents with friends, family, and community organizations. His passion for videotaping high school and college athletics led him to share these memories with athletes and their families. He will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, love of practical jokes, and endless curiosity
Jerry was the son of the late Cornelius J. and the late Re gina M. Buttimer (nee Griffin); the husband of Jeanine (nee Harris); the father of Kelsey and Keegan (Rachel); the grandfather of Annie; the brother of Larry (Dee) and the late Greg; the uncle of Paula, Tim, Andy, Alan, and Vincent; and the cousin, great-uncle, brother-in-law, and friend to many
‘Fastest assistance possible’
In the early morning hours of July 6, Massey called 911 to re port a prowler outside her home, setting in motion the chain of events that left Massey dead and Grayson, the officer who shot her, facing charges of first-de gree murder.
Dispatchers who sent deputies to Massey’s home that night didn’t relay that Massey was the subject of calls to them in previous days, including the one from her mother about her apparent mental breakdown. She told dispatchers that her daughter was thinking that people were out to get her, like “paranoid schizophrenic.”
While it seems the deputies sent to answer her call should have been made aware
Visitation was held on Sept. 3 at Ivins/ Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Riverside. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Sept. 4 at St. Paul VI Parish (St. Mary Church), 105 Herrick Road, Riverside.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Denver Urban XC online at https:// www.denverurbanxc.org/ or 4496 Bryant Street, Denver, CO 80211 or St. Ambrose University track and cross country teams online at https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/25899/donations or 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA, 52803.
Nellie Brennan, 93
Nurse, active volunteer
Nellie L. Brennan, 93, of Riverside, lived an amazing life and tragically died in a train accident on Aug. 22. Born in Hammond, Indiana on April 17, 1931, she grew up in Lowder, a small farm town in southern Illinois. She graduated from Waverly High School, then attended nurse’s training in Jacksonville, becoming a nurse in 1952. She moved to Rock Island, married Thomas Brennan, a firefighter and for mer Marine in 1960 and they had three sons, divorcing in 1965.
As a single mother, she moved the family to Riverside in 1970, working at Hines V.A. Hospital. Serving others as a nurse, a Red Cross volunteer, a Brookfield Zoo volunteer and as an election judge were very important to her and she instilled these values in her children.
A passionate lover of music, Ms. Brennan attended concerts at Millennium Park and Ravinia Music Festival as often as she
of that, Sangamon County 911 Director Chris Mueller said in a written statement that this is easier to see in hindsight. Massey did not give her name when she called 911, he said, so in responding to what looked like an emergency, no one connected the earlier call from her mother.
“Researching each call history would take time,” Mueller said in a written response. “The 9-1-1 system is predicated on providing the f astest assistance possible to the caller in need. Most would not wish delays when they call 9-1-1 to re port a prowler.”
When operational, CESSA is meant to help 911 dispatchers avoid call delays but to also identify calls involving mental health, even when a caller does not mention men-
could. Her Catholic faith was very important to her and she raised her children at St. Mary Church and sang in the choir, including the Resur rection Choir which sings at funerals. She loved taking her daily walk and absolutely loved her nursing career.
Nellie is preceded in death by her parents, Nellie and Howard Mauch; a brother, Ben; two sisters, Pe gg y and Delores; and she leaves behind her sisters Joan, Nancy, and Lucy; and three sons Jim, Ben, and Steve, as well as two grandsons and one great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 3 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 6 from 9:30 a.m. till time of services at 10:15 a.m. at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington Street, Riverside, going to St. Mary Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. She will be buried at a private ceremony in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Davenport, Iowa.
Ronald Car ter, 69 Salesman
Ronald R. Carter, age 69, of North Riverside, died on Aug. 29, 2024. He worked as a fasteners salesman.
Ronald was the husband of Francine Carter, nee Cieniuch; the father of Jason (Amanda) Carter and Justin Carter; the brother of Wayne (Debbie) Carter and Jeff (Chrysalis) Carter; and the uncle and cousin of many. Visitation was held on Aug. 30 and the funeral service on Aug. 31at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
tal health.
The dispatcher protocols will change to help them assess calls and identify callers who are suicidal or in crisis and get them access to trained professionals for help, as well as determining the speed of the needed response, Otwell stated in a written response
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
Sports
RBHS, LTHS football both score 5 TDs in season-opening wins
Bulldogs determined to continue playo streak while joining UEC
By BILL STONE
Contributing Reporter
Junior safety Warren Mason had a memorable first varsity defensive series for the Riverside Brookfield High School football team Friday.
Even with an interception, the best was yet to come for him and the Bulldogs in the season opener.
Mason later returned his second interception 19 yards for a touchdown as the Bulldogs rolled to a 34-13 victory over visiting Niles West.
“That was awesome, an awesome feeling,” Mason said.
“I bobbled it. Honestly, I saw the ball. I didn’t think (the quarterback) was going to throw it because I was right there. It just ended up in my hands and it was good.”
The pick-six TD returns in the third quarter by Mason and senior middle linebacker Max Strong -- just two defensive plays apar t – completed the Bulldogs’ scoring for a 34-7 advantage after only leading 14-7 at the half.
The offense scored TDs on their first and third possessions with a 30-yard run by junior Jacob Retana and 34-yard screen-pass run by junior Xavier MrozikDeJesus from sophomore quar terback Giancarlo Garcia.
The Bulldogs also scored on their opening possession of the second half with a 23yard reverse run by junior Jayden Karas on fourth-and-4.
Six offensive plays of at least 20 yards –many by varsity newcomers – ke pt RBHS
in control.
“Our defense came out firing. We had some great plays across the board. I’m so proud of every single one of these guys, especially a lot of them in their first varsity game,” RBHS coach Sam Styler said.
“I know a lot of guys that felt young, just didn’t know if they were ready to answe the call. I think they answered that question tonight.”
The Bulldogs return six starters from last year’s 7-3 Class 6A playof f team. Strong, one of them, savored his 22-ya TD interception return.
“I was li ke, ‘This guy’s c oming in the cu rl b ehind me.’ I ai n’ t f ast by any means, but I took of f. Th at ’s my first pick ever,” Strong said.
“I’d say we learned [Friday] it isn’t over. We have to keep getting better and better.”
The defense allowed just 181 yards – 66 on a second-quarter TD pass and 61 on the fourth-quarter scoring drive. Mason and Strong each had eight total tackles, Bryan Rimpila seven and Oscar Aguir re six.
As big as Mason’s first interception at the Niles West 49-yard line, the Bulldogs’ first drive continued thanks to a 20-yard screen run by sophomore Nicholas Caputo on third-and-19 to the Wolves’ 38. Retana scored three plays later.
Mrozik-DeJesus scored on third-and-14 after three plays earlier catching a 38-yard bomb from Garcia to the 30.
Mrozik-DeJesus, a transfer last year from Fenwick, had three catches for 77 yards. Garcia was 7-for-13 passing for 120 yards.
LTHS football
S enior r unning back Danny Ca rroll was especially anxious for the start of the Lyons Township High School football season Friday.
The returning starter missed 4 1/2 games
in 2023 because of injury, including both playoff games.
“It was awesome being able to carry the ball again,” Carroll said.
Ca rroll wasted little time making an impact. Ca rroll scored a touchdown on the Lions’ opening drive and c ollected three T Ds and 144 ya rds on 27 carries as the Lions roared p ast Prospect 38-21 in Wester n Springs.
In the 2023 opener, Carroll rushed for 77 yards, when the Lions lost 24-10 at Prospect.
“That [loss] stuck with us the whole season last year. Our whole goal was coming back and beating that team Week 1 and that’s what we did,” Ca rroll said.
“It honestly felt great. The O-line was blocking. The receivers were blocking. Our quarterback [senior Dom Pisciotti] stayed calm and collected the whole time. Everyone was just motivated and ready to go.”
Junior starting linebacker Pat Cheney rushed for the Lions’ other two touchdowns as tailback in the I-formation.
Senior Mack Long had tw o interceptions in his varsity defensive debut and caught three second-half passes for 77 yards from
Pisciotti (9-for-17, 151 yards) in his first varsity start.
“It was just sick, seeing the crowd get all amped up. It was a perfect way to start the season,” Long said.
The Lions scored on their first three possessions for a 21-0 first-quarter lead and two of their first three in the second half after the Knights closed to 21-14 at halftime and 28-21 in the third quarter. Senior AJ Vavrik kicked a 32-yard field goal with 9:13 left.
“[Starting strong] was a big emphasis for our coaches in the offseason. We implemented a good strateg y, but most importantly, our players worked so hard in the offseason and pre-season. That’s why we felt we beat (Prospect),” LTHS coach Jon Beutjer said.
“I was proud that we came out really fast and strong and physical. We had a great start but some adversity in the second quarter where the momentum started to shift a little bit. But our kids calmed down. And we took care of business in the second half.”
Melvin Tate contributed to this story
STEVE JOHNSTON
Lyons Tow nship’s quarterback Dom Pisciotti (12) attempts a pass against Prospect Friday, August 30, 2024 in Wester n Springs.
RBHS volleyball out to continue conference success in UEC
All-conference Owens, Cameron among Bulldogs’ ve returning starters
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Through four seasons as a varsity starter, senior middle hitter Sofia Owens has seen significant changes within the Riverside Brookfield High School girls volleyball progr am.
“I’ve always been the youngest so it’s definitely a level change. I like being a senior,” the 6-foot-1 Owens said.
Boyle and sophomore Mackenzie Sloger also are returning starters and seniors Elaina Harazin, Avery O’Shaughnessy and Tatiana Sanchez are varsity returnees. Newcomers are junior hitters Lily Mills and Kate Zobel and freshman Nina Johnsen.
Another highlight of joining the UEC is the addition of a sophomore level coached by Logan Wiseman.
“It’s nice to have a lot of returners. And five seniors, which is good for leadership,” StaibLipinski said.
“We take every game, every practice at a time. Also the main thing is having fun. When we’re having fun on the court, that’s when everything comes together.”
“Every year we’ve just gotten a lot better (Third-year head coach Caitlin Staib-Lipinski) has brought our program to a new level, improving it every year. I think we can do really great things this year if we just have the drive to win.”
In Owens’ first three years, the Bulldogs finished first or shared the best record in Metro Suburban Conference play.
This season, the Bulldogs join the Upstate Eight Conference and play in the seven-team East Division with a roster of only 11 but eight returnees and five seniors.
“I’m really excited to have new competition. I’m just excited to see how we’ll do at a higher level,” Owens said.
The Bulldogs finished 19-15 in 2023, including a perfect 6-0 to win the four-team MSC in its final season.
Seeking their first regional title since 2016, the Bulldogs lost to Downers Grove North 2325, 25-17, 25-16 in last year’s 4A Riverside Brookfield Regional semifinals
“We’re coming into this conference ready to play and compete and we’re coming in as the underdog,” Staib-Lipinski said. “I feel like we’re ready to prove ourselves so I think having a senior class that’s been with me three years, they’re on the same page.”
Owens is a three-time All-MSC selection.
Junior setter Claire Cameron joined Owens on the 2023 All-MSC team with graduated Annabel Krueger.
Senior Aimee DiBattista, junior Lucy
Last season, Owens had a team-high 170 kills with 48 service aces and 47 total blocks. She also led the Bulldogs in 2022 with 130 kills and as a freshman recorded 109 kills and a team-best 32 blocks
Cameron had a team-high 373 assists in 2023 with 59 aces and 134 digs after 160 assists as a 2022 mid-season varsity call-up.
Outside hitters Boyle (133 kills, 107 digs, 269 serve receptions in 2023) and Sloger (107 kills, 57 aces) also were huge offensive contributors.
DiBattista (74 digs) will anchor the backrow defense with Sanchez and Johnsen. Sanchez and hitter Harazin played in about half of the sets last season.
With Krue ger’s graduation, the Bulldogs will mainly use a one-setter offense with Cameron.
“Now I just feel a lot more comfortable on the court with my team. I grew with my hitters and connected better with them,” Cameron said. “I think we just need to stay locked in and know what we’re working for in a match.”
The Bulldogs are 3-3 with two three-set victories and losses. They finished 14th at the Plainfield North Invite Friday and Saturday with a 2-3 record, beating Maine South and Wheaton Warrenville South in three. They beat Timothy Christian 25-23, 13-25, 25-22 in the Aug. 28 opener.
Stat leaders have included Owens (40 kills, 8 blocks), Cameron (104 assists, 10 aces), Boyle (35 kills, 11 aces, 39 digs), Sloger (32 kills, 48 digs) and DiBattista (113 serve receptions).
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:
FY 2025 Tree Trimming Program
This project consists of the removal of designated parkway trees throughout the Village in addition to stump removal and area restoration.
The bidding documents are available for download starting Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at:
www.vrf.us/bids
Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at:
Public Works Department, 2nd Floor
Village of River Forest
400 Park Avenue
River Forest, IL 60305
The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.
No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.
The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.
Published in Wednesday Journal September 4, 2024
STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.
Request of Vughaingmeh Edwin Mbuh Case Number 20243005947
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Vughaingmeh Edwin Mbuh] to the new name of: Edwin Mbuh Vughaingmeh
The court date will be held: On October 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m via Zoom. https://Zoom.US.Download Zoom.Access Code: 967 0125 5353 Password: 680014
Published in Wednesday Journal September 4, 11, 18, 2024
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.
