Staff have secure d ab out $1M in federal fu nds fo r sewer separation no rt h of Fo re st Av enue
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
After Riverside trustees grappled this spring with the cost of a potential floodwall along Groveland Avenue rising unexpectedly by more than $10 million, village staf f have identified funding mechanisms that may allow the village to pay only $2 million toward the project’s overall $18 million price tag.
At the village board’s Sept. 5 meeting, trustees voted to authorize staff to submit a revised request for funding toward the floodwall project to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in the amount of $4.9 million. In 2018, Riverside successfully requested $2.5 million from the MWRD for funding toward the
Wally Strzepka (center), ow ner of Wally’s Wa es, cheers alongside friend Joe Caiafa (le )
sister Maggie Strzepka (right) in front of the
Wally’s Waffles is taking on the world one waffle at a time
A er winning ‘ e Great Food Truck Race,’ owner Wally Strzepka says he’ll ‘keep on wa ing’
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Ever since he was a child visiting family in Poland, Wally Strzepka has loved waffles.
“They had these waf fle stands everywhere, and I was in awe of them. It just mesmerized me. I don’t know why. I can’t explain it,” he said in a phone interview Thursday. “You could smell the aroma from a distance. It was just so simple, and something about pouring batter into an iron and out comes a delicious waffle [that] triggered the fire in me.”
When his father later bought him a waffle maker, Strzepka said he played around with it as a kid, but the checkered treats didn’t become his thing until 2008, when at age 20 he started making waffles for friends and family.
Years later, in March 2016, he started Wally’s Waffles as a side business to fill a niche he had noticed in the Chicagoland food scene
“You see cookies, ice cream, cinnamon buns, stuff like that, but nothing with gourmet waffles,” Strzepka said. “I was trying to find a restaurant to try a real Belgian waffle in Chicago. I couldn’t find anything, so I figured I’d just do it myself. I started unofficially catering small events. I didn’t know what I was doing. I was carrying stuff in grocery bags. I didn’t know how to use a warmer. I didn’t know how electricity worked; I was always blowing fuses. It was a train wreck.”
Strzepka quickly became a certified food vendor so he could operate his pop-up stand at the Brookfield Far mers Market, where each year since he has sold gourmet waffles and waffle-based dishes, both sweet and savory. Wally’s Waffles posts its pop-up locations each month on its website.
Now, eight years into the business, Wally and his waffles are reaching new heights. Strzepka, alongside his sister Maggie Strzepka and their friend Joe Caiafa, took to the national stage as competitors on — and, by the end, the winners of — the 17th season of “The Great Food Truck Race,” which aired this summer on the Food Network. The show
is available on demand or to stream on Max and Hulu.
Each year, teams of three with varying amounts of restaurant or culinary experience compete in cooking challenges that take them to different cities across the United States in custom food trucks. Every week, the teams race to design custom menus, often under challenging restraints, and earn the highest profits from selling their dishes on the street. By the final episode of the season, two remaining teams compete for a $50,000 cash prize.
Getting on the show
Strzepka said casting producers from the show reached out to Wally’s Waffles in autumn 2022 to ask if he would be interested in competing on season 16 of the show. While the waffle slinger and his team submitted an application, they didn’t hear back until the next year, when they went through the same process but this time were cast on the show.
Going into filming, Strzepka said he didn’t expect the Wally’s Waffles team to succeed on the show, never mind take home the firstplace trophy and a $50,000 prize to boot.
“In the first week[s], we actually got first place two days in a row, so that was very challenging. If you watch the show, we had a lot of problems with getting the product out that we wanted and struggling with the food truck. We didn’t really know how to maneuver in there and who would do what, and by some miracle, we pulled it together.”
As the weeks progressed, other teams were eliminated, until only Wally’s Waffles and another team, Bao Bei, remained in the finale. Strzepka said Bao Bei often won challenges across the season that boosted the money in their till, leading the Wally’s Waffles team to doubt themselves going into the final episode.
“We really didn’t think we would have what it takes to beat them creatively in challenges Going into it, we were hopeful. I wouldn’t say we were as confident as we should have been,” he said. “Up to this point in the race, we had only won, I think, one challenge. Bao Bei had won about 11 throughout the entire course of the race. There were three challenges total in the finale. We lost two, but the one challenge that we won is the one challenge that set us up for the win.”
As the underdogs in the finale, Strzepka
said he and his team were in “utter shock” when they learned they had beat Bao Bei and earned the $50,000 prize. He said the show captured their real reactions to the news
“It’s an indescribable feeling. It’s almost a mixed feeling of joy, and excitement for the future, and … relief, I guess, that it was all over with.”
Wally’s a winner
Coming away from the show, Strzepka said he and his team learned how to streamline the culinary process together and how to think on the spot to meet the strict challenge requirements. But he learned something else that applies just as much to a reality TV competition as it does real life.
“One of the most important things I think that we all learned from the show is how important hospitality, customer service and just treating people with respect is, when it comes to any business, but importantly in restaurants,” he said. “Food should be a focus. However, I think, a lot of times, too much focus is put on the food, and people forget about treating people with proper hospitality and talking to people like normal people, not trying to sell [to] them. Just showing that you care about your customers.”
Strzepka said Wally’s Waffles is feeling its “15 minutes of fame” with increased demand — sometimes doing double or even triple the amount of business compared to before the show — and customers traveling from as far as Pittsburgh to try the waffles they saw on the show. He said the team is most focused on meeting that demand for the moment, but with his eye to the future, Strzepka said he hopes to hire more people on to be able to run multiple Wally’s Waffle stands at the same time
In the longer term, he said he hopes to see the brand run its own food truck, like on the show, before potentially opening a “brick-andmortar cafe.” If everything goes Strzepka’s way, he said he dreams of Wally’s Waffles becoming a national franchise with locations at major airports across the country due to the level of foot traffic
But for the moment, Strzepka said, the plan is to take “baby steps” toward expansion and avoid potential growing pains while staying true to what Wally’s Waffles does best. “We’re just going to keep on waffling,” he said.
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Business & Development Manager
Mary Ellen Nelligan
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EMAIL jill@oakpark.com
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BIG WEEK September 11-18
Grassroots Democracy: Illinois Labor Journeys with Mike Matejka
Thursday, Sept. 12, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Riverside Public Library
Cupcake Decorating Challenge: Grades 6 - 8
Tuesday, Sept.17, 2024, 4 – 5 p.m.
Riverside Public Library
Nor thern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education Live Presentation
Saturday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Riverside Public Library
Experience 6 to 7 live birds of prey consisting of a hawk, owls and falcons at the Riverside Public Librar y. Nor thern Illinois Raptor Rehab will discuss what makes a raptor a raptor, basic anatomy and physiology, raptor conservation, and the role that their group plays in rehabilitation. You’ll leave with a greater understanding of the role raptors play at the top of the food chain, how some species have learned to coexist with humans, and how we can live and thrive together. They will also bring a wide variety of biological artifacts for display; some are hands on. Representatives from Riverside’s C4 Team will be in CYS will a craft and information table. 1 Burling Rd.
Join author, historian, and community organizer, Mike Matejka, at the Riverside Public Library for a belated Labor Day look at the histor y of grassroots democracy in the state. Illinois was critical to workers’ nding their democratic voice through labor organization. From Chicago’s Haymarket Square to southern Illinois coal mines, workers struggled to build unions, create safe work environments, and nd a community voice through their united e orts. Democracy is not just elections; it is “small d” democrac y, too — workers nding their voice through organization and becoming critical community participants and workplace advocates. This event is being presented in partnership with the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, which is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. 1 Burling Rd.
Munchkins in Motion Open Gym
Friday, Sept. 13, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Nor th Riverside Parks & Rec
Children, with the assistance of an adult, can work to develop large muscle motor skills like rolling, hopping, crawling and other age–appropriate fun at this open gym on Friday!
Open Gym will include music, play equipment and exercise. Preferred ratio is one adult to two children maximum. This event is for children ages 1-3. 2401 S. Des Plaines Ave.
Do you have a sweet tooth that needs to be satis ed? Can you decorate the coolest cupcake? Kids and teens from grades 6 to 8 can come to the Riverside Public Library and decorate a sweet treat. Cupcakes will be judged by sta and the winner gets a prize. For all events at the librar y, registration is required by calling 708-442-6366 or visiting ww w. riversidelibrary.org. 1 Burling Rd.
Connec t, Contribute, and Make an Impact
Thursday, Sept. 12, 5 - 7 p.m.
LaGrange Public Library
The LaGrange Volunteer Fair is your por tal to becoming part of an engaged community. Join the fair for an evening dedicated to connecting with local non-pro ts and discovering volunteer opportunities that t your passions. This event kicks o our inaugural Service Week, which runs from Sept. 20 to 28. “We’re thrilled to o er opportunities for both new and long-time residents to engage with causes that matter to them,” said Erin Molek, La Grange Business Association Non-Pro t chair. “In a time when many are looking for ways to give back, we aim to provide meaningful avenues for everyone to get involved.” 10 W. Cossitt 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.
Compiled by Grace Har ty
Plaines River flood prevention project, meaning the organization will nearly double its contribution if its board of commissioners approves the new ask.
Riverside’s board last discussed the project in April, when it directed the United States Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with an alternative design for the floodwall rather than the original proposal. That design, recommended by Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC, Riverside’s engineering firm, will see only one pump station constructed rather than two as well as a sewer separation completed north of Forest Avenue
According to agenda documents from Thursday’s meeting, the floodwall, which includes design modifications recommended by Burke, will cost $16.5 million in total, down from the $18.3 million price tag the Ar my Corps put forward last year. Neither of these figures include the price of the sewer separation.
At the meeting, Village Manager Jessica Frances walked trustees through the progress she and other village staffers have made on finding funding for the project since that previous discussion. She said Riverside had applied for Congressional Community Project Funding for the sewer separation through Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García’s office.
town along the Des Plaines River.
“Of that, federal funding will provide $11 million,” Frances said.
In asking the MWRD to nearly double its $2.5 million in funding, Riverside aims to get its own contribution toward both projects down to just $2 million while kicking off years of preparatory work.
With trustees’ approval, village staf f “will provide subsequent documentation to MWRD staff to then present to their board,” Frances said. “We would then have a public par tnership agreement that would come back before this board for approval with the final numbers, hopefully sometime in October [but] probably more realistically in November.”
“That initial amount for that project, provided by our engineer, was [$]925,000; however, that was not a federal project, so different federal requirements do bring that cost up significantly. We did submit that project, and, initially, Representative García’s office forwarded it on to [the House] Committee [on Appropriations] recommending approximately [$]740,000 to be funded,” Frances said. “In my conversations with their office, with [Village] President [Douglas] Pollock, we emphasized that, because it was a federal project … there would be additional costs, and we had not included that in our initial submission. As it currently stands, we are told that we are looking at receiving up to $1 million for that sewer separation.”
She said staf f anticipates Riverside will need to cover $400,000 of “additional runof f costs” for the sewer se paration, bringing its estimated total to $1.4 million. With the $16.5 million floodwall price tag, the village is looking at a $17.9 million total cost to prevent flooding in
Then, once the Ar my Corps finalizes the engineering, Riverside staff “would begin the property appraisal piece for different pieces along West Avenue that, tentatively, could take 18-24 months depending on the whole process,” she added.
The projected completion date for the floodwall is around “late 2028 into 2029” due to the moving parts that need to come together, she said.
After Frances’ presentation, Trustee Aberdeen Marsh-Ozga praised her and other village staffers for obtaining funding from Rep. García’s office for the sewer separation.
“I know that the notice on that was short notice, that tremendous work and effort was done to put together the application, and not only did you do it, but you also then followed through with it,” she said. “President Pollock, thank you for getting involved at that point and for really facilitating the increase in the proposed allocation, because I think that the ability to move forward with the sewer separation there is going to make a difference for our residents. It’s something we can do right away, and it’s a very meaningful step, so thank you.”
Flea Market Craft Fair
Saturday, sept 14
9am - 2pm
FOR THESE FEDERAL TAX REFUND MYTHS: PART I
Once people complete and file their tax return, many of them eagerly await any refund they may be owed. No matter how a taxpayer plans to use their tax refund, knowing fact from fiction can help manage expectations as they wait for their money. This tip dispels some federal tax refund myths that many people believe are fact, but are pure fiction.
Myth: Calling the IRS, a tax software provider or a tax professional will provide a more accurate refund date.
Many people think talking to the IRS or to their tax software provider or tax professional is the best way to find out when they will get their refund. The best way to check the status of a refund is through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go app. Taxpayers can also call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 to get their refund status. This hotline has the same
information as “Where’s My Refund?”. There is no need to call the IRS unless “Where’s My Refund?” says to do so.
Myth: “Where’s My Refund?” must be wrong because there’s no deposit date yet.
Updates to “Where’s My Refund?” and to the IRS2Go mobile app are made once a day, usually overnight. Even though the IRS issues most refunds within 21 days, it’s possible a refund may take longer. If the IRS needs more information to process a tax return, the agency will contact the taxpayer by mail. Taxpayers should also consider the time it takes for the banks to post the refund to the taxpayer’s account.
People waiting for a refund in the mail should plan for extra time.
Former Riverside Trustee Jerry Buttimer dies at 74
Buttimer organized several successful school board campaigns and was behind the ‘Petunia Wars’ in 1998
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Je r ry Buttimer, a for mer Rive rside resident who ser ve d his c ommunity through the village b oard and school b oards, died Au g. 25. He was 74.
An a ccountant by trad e, Buttimer was a village trustee from 1995-1999. Fo r mer Vi llage President Paul S tack said Butti mer was c ommitted to making p ositive change in the village. Having met hi m j ust before being elected, S tack said Butti mer during his term was i nstrumental in solving Rive rside ’s water towe r c risis,
when he said the village partnered with Nor th Rive rside for a joint water towe r.
“He was not afraid of, basically, taking p ositions that p eople we re ve ry sensitive about,” Stack said. “‘When eve rything is said and d one, a lot’s b een said, but nothing’s d one.’ Je r ry was not [of] that school [o f thought].”
Fo r mer Vi llage President Joe Ballerin e, who stepped down last year, sai d Buttimer was a ke y influence wh o, j ust after they met in 1997, set him on the path to join the village b oard. To g ether, they c ampaigned to g et S tack elected , and S tack appointed Ballerine later that year to fill an open trustee seat when a member of the board died.
“Rive rside was established in the late 1800s,” Ballerine said. “I would tell you, Rive rside spent the next 110 year s the same way it started, and then — I’m d ead serious — Je r ry and Paul dragge d the village, kicking and screaming, i nto the futur e. ”
He named the hiring of for mer Village
Manager Kathleen Rush, who served in the role from 1998-2009, as one of Stack and Buttimer’s achievements on the board.
In 1998, Buttimer became embroiled in wh at the Chicago T ribune dubbed the “Petunia Wa rs.” He directed Rivers ide ’s public wo rks department to p lant red, wh i te and blue p etunias overnigh t in p lanting beds along s idewalks downtown, re p lacing wh at S tack and Ballerine both called “weed s. ”
“You would think he was p utting in video g aming slots or something,” Ballerine said of residents’ reactions. “Thi s lady chained herself to the sumac when they came to take them out. ”
Buttimer ’s c olleagues on the b oard quickly had the fl owers dug up before the landscape advisory c ommission issued a list of fl owers that had b een appr oved for planting .
After his term as a trustee, Buttimer wo rked closely with for mer resident and WG N analyst Chris Ro bling to or ganize c ampaigns for local school b oards,
starting with Rive rside Brookfield High School’s, b ased around “common sense refor m” in the mid 2000s
“Jerry wanted to p ut on re g ular, acc omplished residents who didn’t need to be on the school b oard, and who migh t not otherwise think of being on the school b oard … We would help them with the campaign, and then they could ser ve on the school b oard and help the k ids,” Ro bling said. “We recr uited c andidates on that b asis and we supported them. Eventually, the folks who saw the need for refo rm had the majorit y, and, I think, really helped Rive rside Brookfield leave a da rk time.”
Although he lived in Indian Head Park for the last years of his life, Robling said Buttimer always did the best he could for Riverside
“I c ould n’ t find a b etter or more loya l friend, and he was a tremendous cowo rker,” he said. “There’s no q uestion. Je rr y always love d Rive rsid e, and I’m sure he did to his ve ry end. T here’s no q uestion in my mind.”
RB Class of 1962 celebrates 62nd high school reunion
e graduates, who are or will turn 80 this year, celebrated ursday
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
If you p assed the S andtrap G rill and Ta p on Fo rest Avenue T hursd ay evening, you may have noticed the sign on the d oor for a private pa rt y i nside. Yo u might have expected to find friends c ele brating a bachelor pa rt y or a f amily c elebrating a birthd ay i nside. But the ve nue was actually filled with Rive rside Brookfield High School alumni c oming to g ether to mark their gr aduation – 62 years later
T he infor mal r eunion, wh ich r an 6- 9 p. m. Sept. 5, drew about 25 members of the RB c lass of 1962, alongside spouses and friends w ho we re a year abov e or b elow in school. At the age of 80 or almost 80, they c ame to g ether to c elebrate each other and r eminisce on old high school memorie s.
While some might say they’re getting up there in age, most of the crowd seemed down-to-earth about it. When event organizer Bob Doubek got everyone’s attention around 6:30 p.m., he started his brief speech by saying, “This year, a lot of us, if not all of us—”
“Are dead!” someone inter rupted, evoking raucous laughter from the group.
RB alumna Meribeth Tooke said she’s attended almost every one of her class reunions over the years.
“It’s always fun because these are the people you grew up with in your teenage years. They have mostly the same values as you and morals, so it’s a pleasant group to be with,” she said. “Let’s face facts. At 80, which I just turned last week, it’s good to be any place.”
Alumnae and friends Pat Orton and Carol Scibior Burns, who is a member of the reunion committee, attended the reunion together, though Orton said she mostly went in support of her friend.
“She loves these things,” she said.
TODD BANNOR
Members of the Riverside Brook eld High School Class of 1962 gathered ursday, Sept. 5, to celebrate the 62 years since they graduated.
Scibior Burns, however, said she was the one who had the idea for the 62nd reunion in the first place.
“I attended the 60th class reunion two years ag o, and when I left, I told eve ryone that we ’ ll be seeing each other in two year s, because that’s wh at I wanted,” she said. “The [reunion] c ommittee really didn’t r un with it, but Bob Doubek ra n with it. I say, at our ag e, I really think we should be doing it eve ry year.”
Doubek told the Landmark he decided to organize the unofficial reunion marking 62 years since ‘62 because people wanted it.
“I was b asically the chair of the reunion c ommittee for the 60th reunion two years ag o, and the c onsensus was to have a 62nd [reunion], bu t make it ve ry infor mal. No prior p lanning, j ust g et a c ash bar and show up, so that’s wh at we ’ve d one,” he said.
While attendees were clearly in favor of throwing the event, Doubek said his fellow organizers were less so
“In Januar y, we ag reed that we would discuss it, and I found that the response from most of the reunion c ommittee was underwhelming,” he said. “I didn’t want
to let it go, so I found a method to find a bar by sending p ost cards to a ddresses I found on Goo g le Maps. T hese guys responded, and, for a reasonable pric e, we g ot the entire place for three hour s. ”
Doubek said that of about 250 alumni from the class of 1962 who were still alive, he had contact information for about one or two hundred and received affirmative RSVPs from about 40 people.
He said that he has ke pt up with and helped p lan RB class reunions over the p ast six decades d ue to a personal philosop hy of hi s.
“Frankl y, my personal o pinion is, where you’ re from is where you went to high school. W heneve r I meet somebo dy, I’ll say, ‘Where are you from? ’ T hey’ll say, ‘Well, we live d all over.’ I’ll say, ‘Where did you go to high school?’” he said. “A s far as I’m c oncerned, high school is the quintessential A merican experience … I’ve d one some things in my l ife, had my name in the paper and eve rything else, and in the back of my mind is always, ‘Did anybo dy from my high school see it?’ Maybe that’s my pe rsonal neurosi s. ”
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.
Brook eld approves nal plan for condo complex downtown
A 3- oor, 12-unit structure with a roo op deck will go in at 8845 Burlington Ave. near
the Metra station
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
After developers revived their idea to build a three-story, 12-unit condominium complex at 8845 Burlington Ave. that had sputtered out earlier this year, Brookfield has given approval to a final plan for the building with a rooftop deck and enclosed parking.
At its Sept. 9 meeting, Brookfield’s village board unanimously voted to approve five variations from the village’s zoning code for the plan for the condominium complex known as “The Canopy.” Though the ordinance trustees approved does not give an exact timeline for the project, it gives the developers two years to build the complex, and Brookfield is able to grant them an extra year if they need it.
According to the approved plans, the building will have a rooftop deck, accessible from the second floor, in the rear of the building ab ove a closed parking garage with 14 parking spots. The developers are allowed to build the complex with the approved variations from the code, which include three-foot gaps from the building to the edge of the road it fronts rather than five- and 10-foot gaps at dif ferent points.
The other approved variations involve reducing how far the building is set back from the property line, from five feet all around to just three feet for the main building and zero feet for the garage, as well as shrinking the width of the garage’s drive aisle from the required 22 feet and six inches to just 11 feet and three inches.
In November, when trustees approved a preliminary site plan for the development, construction for the project was estimated to end by fall 2025, though with a spring 2024 start date. At that time, the project’s developer said it would cost about $3.2 million in total.
According to agenda documents from Brookfield’s Aug. 26 committee of the
whole meeting, the complex’s developers are Peter Haleas of Hinsdale and John Fairclough of Romeoville, who manage Three Green Ve getables, LLC, the firm that owns the property. After trustees approved the preliminary site plan, Haleas applied for approval of the final plan in January; later that month, Brookfield’s planning and zoning commission voted to recommend the final plan with four outstanding
changes that w the plan could go before the village board at a committee of the whole meeting.
In April, after Haleas didn’t make the needed changes, the application “was withdrawn by default,” but the same week, Fairclough reached out to staff to bring forth a new final plan that made its way through the planning and zoning commission before being approved by trustees Monday evening
Police arrest drivers with registration pr
Riverside police ticketed a man Sept. 4 after they said they saw his car had no license plates.
Around 3:45 a.m., an officer on patrol was driving south on Harlem Avenue when they saw a maroon car missing its front and back license plates heading in the same direction.
After pulling the driver over near Lawton Road, the officer began to approach him, but stayed near the back of the car as they noticed the front door open. The man exited his vehicle and said he had recently bought the car and that the title was inside the glove compartment.
After police searched him, they found only a pocket knife, which they held onto for safekeeping. When the officer asked him for his driver’s license, the man provided his Illinois ID card.
The officer learned the man’s driver’s license had been expired for more than a year and that the car’s re gistration had been transfer red to another vehicle.
After placing the man in their squad car
for driving without a valid license, the officer inventoried his car and found a beer can under the front driver’s seat and a clear plastic cup in the rear driver’s side door, both of which contained liquid.
The officer issued the man citations and released him with an Oct. 18 court date.
Arrested on a warrant
Brookfield police arrested a 31-year-old Chicago man Sept. 3 with a warrant out of DuPage County after he drove a car with suspended re gistration.
While on patrol around 7:40 p.m., an officer driving west on Ogden Avenue ran the license plates of the car ahead of theirs and learned its had been suspended due to a lack of nsurance, so the officer pulled the car er near Elm Avenue.
The man provided his license, but said he did not have proof of insurance on him.
Police learned he had a warrant out of DuPage County
T he officer ar rested the man and
brought him lice Department, and handcu tion, the officer for suspended re gistration, as well as for having an expired driver’s license. An Oct. 8 court date was set.
Shortly after, the dispatch center “posted the warrant confirmation hit” and set $5,000 bail for the man to be released. As he was unable to pay the amount, the man was transported to the DuPage County lockup center.
dents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest. Compiled by Trent Brown
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Opinion
THE L ANDMARK VIEW
Focus on the oodwall
Riverside’s lengthy, meandering quest to build a floodwall along Groveland Avenue to hold back the occasionally mighty Des Plaines River continues. The price keeps rising in million-dollar leaps as the years pass, but a determined village hall keeps finding new pots of money to tap to keep the local cost of this essential project in range.
While the total cost of the project has now risen to $18 million, the village thinks it can lock in the direct cost to Riverside taxpayers at about $2 million. That might happen after it secured nearly $1 million in new federal funds through the effor ts of Rep. Chuy Garcia.
Next it is about to ask the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to nearly double its 2028 contribution of $2.5 million to make it $4.9 million.
As more frequent and intense rainstorms swell the Des Plaines, a floodwall that is both effective in containing nature while not being grotesque to those who want to be in proximity to the river, has been an elusive target. The Ar my Corp of Engineers has sometimes resembled the Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight as its plans have been inadequate, mispriced and unrealistic.
Good for the village staff and board for sticking with this critical mission. We hope it can be locked in before the next time the river overspills its banks.
Remembering Jerry Buttimer
Jerry Buttimer was one of those unique souls who touched his hometown in ever so many ways. Mr. Buttimer, for merly of Riverside, died last week at 74.
He brought boundless energy to each of the many passions he had, whether it was in prep and colle ge sports, his businesses, or the many civic causes he championed, including service as a village official. Wherever he turned his attention he brought determination, humor and results
It is people like Jerry Buttimer who have made Riverside the particular and special community it is today.
Why wait, says class of ‘62
Where’d you go to high school? For some, that is the primary identifier of a rooted life. Might just be the case for the 25 graduates of RB back in 1962 who gathered last week to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of their graduation.
Bob Doubek helped organize the informal gathering. He describes high school years as “the quintessential American experience.” And it is why he has been active in organizing for mal reunions of his class for most of six decades. But now with members of the class of 1962 turning 80, he was up for an impromptu get together, which was hosted as a private party at Sandcastle Grill and Tap on Forest Avenue.
Doubek said the best estimate is that 250 members of that class are still living. He had a way to reach, maybe, 200 of them. About 40 responded and 25 turned out for the event. It made for a happy evening of memories and the start of planning for the next get-to g ether
Prisoner management is a County function
Recently, I read that the village of Brookfield Police De partment has decided to end its contract with the Nor th Riverside Police De partment for prisoner housing. Th e Landmark’s editorial also covered the same topic and stated that the municipality must look for ways to consolidate services, which I ag ree with. Prisoner booking, which is the processing of prisoners and the holding of these individuals until they appear in cour t after an ar rest, should solely be the responsibility of the Cook County Sherif f’s Police. Cook County is one of the only counties where the sheriffs do not handle prisoners from municipal police de partments. Police de partments in neighboring counties, such as Cook, Will, and DuPage, bring their detainees directly to the County lockup after booking for housing. Some agencies brin g their prisoners directly to the sherif f’s police for processing and housing.
vidual, most li ke ly throug h finger prints, book them i nto custody, ar r ange fo r their housing at the local municipality, watch them over night so there are no medical or suicide issues, and then physically transpo rt them either to the Maybrook Court House in Maywood or, at times, to the main cour thouse at 26th and Califo rn ia
One View
I pushed the Cook County Sherif f’s Police to handle the housing of prisoners my entire tenure as police chie f and rece ived no traction from the Sherif f’s Offic e. Almost all my municipal police chie f par tners wanted the same thing Still, we ran into roadblocks, including Sherif f Dart’s Of fic e, Cook County President Toni Pe riwinkle’s Of fic e, and even our local county of ficials. They neve r wanted the increased prisoner population, expenses, liabilit y, or the headache of managing this population. But think about this: the Cook County Jail is designed for that, and of ficials already do that at the facility. Thei r reasoning for not doing this was simply ridiculous, and it ne gative ly impacted eve ry other municipal police de pa rtment in Cook County.
If you want to know how it impact s municipal policing to book, transpor t, and house prisoners — this is wo rs e. W hen an officer makes an ar rest cu rrently, they have to bring the ar restee i nto the local police facility, type up c riminal charges, identify the indi-
This all requires pulling of ficers of f the street to do the jo b. That means you are shor tening the shifts and , therefore, fewe r officers are patrolling during that time. Municipalities ar e paying over time somewhere, whether to the transport officers or the of ficer s cove ring the street wh i le an of ficer handles the prisoner s. Additionall y, municipal police de par tments are not set up as lock-up facilities. They are not set up as lock-up ke ep er s. T he liability of local municipalities to house prisoners is enor mous, as is the responsibility and the overall strain on resources. No resident wants their local police officer spending vast amounts of time out of the village they are patrolling to manage prisoner transpor t and bond hearings. It costs additional money, the liability is extreme, and the possibility of officers getting injured on prisoner transpor t is high. If officers are getting injured on these transpor ts, you can bet that taxpayers are paying for it through high worker compensation costs.
If there’s any doubt about my commitment to efficient police services, I urge you to read the op-ed I wrote in Wednesday Journal in 2022. In that piece, I advocated for the merger of small municipal police departments, a move that would significantly improve efficiency. This commitment to efficiency is at the core of my advocacy for consolidating prisoner management services under the Cook County Sherif f’s Police.
Tom Weitzel retired from the Riverside Police Department in May 2021 after 37 years in law enforcement, 13 of which were as chief of police. His opinions are his own.
TOM WEITZEL
OBITUARIES
Michael Mitchell, 71
Loved music and roller coasters
Michael Thomas Mitchell, 71, of Brookfield, died on Aug. 24, 2024. Born on Dec. 5, 1952 in Chicago, he was a floor manager at Citigroup Global Markets. He enjoyed music of all kinds and roller coasters.
Michael was the husband of Mary (nee Young) Mitchell; the father of Ryan and Peter Mitchell; and the uncle of many Celebration of Life memorial took place on Sept. 4 at Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Ave., Brookfield.
Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www. johnsonnosek.com.
Patti Bzdyl, 67
Pace bus dr iver, karaoke spec ialist
Patricia Jean (“Patti”) Bz dy l, 67, of North Riverside, died on Au g. 29, 2024. Born on Oct. 8, 1956, she was bus drive r fo the Resident Pace Bus Progr am fo senior citizens and those with disabilities in the Vi llage of No rt h Rive rside. P rio r to wo rk ing for the village of North Riverside, she wo rked for over 20 years at Family Fe deral Bank, where many of her co-worke rs we re li ke f amily to her S he love d all things Disney, especially Tin ke rbell. S he enjoyed the TV show I Lo ve Lu cy , was an avid singer and would karaoke any time she c ould. It was a pa rty wherever Patti went.
Gruba, Peter Grossi, Mary Alice (Danny) Riva s, Helen (Johnny) Garcia, Garri Grossi and the late Ro ger C. Grossi Jr.; and the aunt, great-aunt, c ousin and friend to man y.
Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. unti l time of servic e, 1 p. m. at Ku ratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 S. DesPlaines Ave. , Nor th Rive rside, IL 60546.
Memorial d onations to L es Turner ALS Foundation, 5550 W. Touhy Ave. , Suite 302, Skoki e, IL 60077 would be appreciated. Online c ondolences, memories and p hotos may be shared with the f amily at www.Kurat ko N osek.com.
Richard Callahan, 67
Cement mason, loved chess and so ball
Richard Callahan, 67, of Brookfield, died on Aug. 30, 2024 in his Brookfield home. Born on Aug. 22, 1957 in Chicago, he was a cement mason for Local 502 Cement Masons Union. He enjoyed cooking, spending time with family and friends, and loved a good game of chess and softball.
Patti was the w ife of James “ Jimmy ” Bz dy l; d aughter of the late Ro ger Camillo Grossi and the late Mercedes (nee Lopez) Grossi; step-mother of Kelly Bzdy l and Kathryn (Frank) Horky; stepgr andmother of Ro be rt Horky; sister of Kathryn (Donald) C lark, L aurie (John)
Richard was the husband of Domenica “Micki” (nee Caccamo) Callahan; the father of Michael Callahan, Brian (Michele) Callahan, Taylor (Victor Munoz) Callahan and Samantha (Nolan Galivan) Callahan; the grandfather of Landon and Chase Callahan; brother of Billy (Jo) Callahan, Mary (Jim) Lawler, Raymond (Nancy) Callahan, Anne (Jim) Salkas, Danny Callahan, Rita Callahan, Patty (Ralph) Peck, Jim (Lori) Callahan and Kevin Callahan; and the uncle of Kim, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Laura, Kate, Connor, Tommy, Kelsey, Ralphie, Kelly, Tracy, Vince, Andrea, Jimmy, Robert, Aidan, Devan and Shane.
Memorial visitation was held on Sept 8 at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield . Online c ondolences, memories and p hoto gr aphs may be shared with the f amily at www.JohnsonNosek.co m
Bob Paul, 79
Chicago Public School pr incipal
Robert E. Paul, 79 of Brookfield, died peacefully following a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Born on Sept. 25, 1944 to the late Robert H. Paul and Bernice F. Paul (nee Dehlke), he was with Chicago Public Schools for 34 years, 17 years as a teacher and 17 years as an administrator (assistant principal/principal) at Holden Elementary School where he retired in 2004. He was well loved by students and teachers alike. He loved to travel, venturing to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Italy and a river cruise through Europe and many other cruises in the Caribbean, Hawaii and Alaska. He enjoyed spending time at his condo in Racine, Wisconsin and Scottsdale, Arizona during his retirement. Bob was the husband of Stephen, together for 34 years, and the brother of the late Charlene Moravecek.
Visitation was held on Sept. 9 at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield. The funeral service took place at Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine, LaGrange, IL 60525, followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery, 2905 N. Thatcher Ave., River Grove, IL 60171. Memorials are appreciated to Grace Lutheran Church in LaGrange. Information: 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com.
Sara Schuenemann, 71
Sales representative
Sara B. Schuenemann nee Edwards, 71, of Lyons, for merly of LaGrange, died on April, 17, 2023. Born on Oct. 14, 1951, she was a sales representative for a Steel Company.
LETTERS A new bridge across Salt Creek
I believe Brookfield has made the correct decision in putting the bridge abutments in first and then getting more funding for the bridge. This decision made sense to me because this would increase the likelihood of the village receiving a larger grant for the bridge, allowing for a higher quality pedestrian bridge to be put in place than if the village did the bridge in one phase
Sara was the wife of Earl Schuenemann; the mother of Benjamin Schuenemann; the sister of Ann Hodges; and the aunt of Lauren Hodges, Emily Hodges, Casey Schuenemann, Charlie Schuenemann, Rhiannon Schuenemann, Brandon Schuenemann, Bonnie Schuenemann, Lisa Schuenemann, James Vrchota, Laura Vrchota, Tracy Vrchota and Brandi Vrchota.
Earl Schuenemann Jr., 79
Brook eld Public Works maintenance
Earl A. Schuenemann Jr., 79, of Lyons, died on July 22, 2024. Born on May 17, 1945, he was a maintenance worker for Brookfield Public Works.
Earl was the husband of the late Sara B. Schuenemann (nee Edwards); the father of Benjamin Schuenemann; the brother of Judy (late Albert) Vrchota, Gary (Shellie) Schuenemann, Charles (Nancy) Schuenemann, Michael Schuenemann, and Richard (Dawn) Schuenemann; and the uncle of James Vrchota, Laura Vrchota, Tracy Vrchota, Brandy Vrchota, Lauren Hodges, Emily Hodges, Casey Schuenemann, Charlie Schuenemann, Rhiannon Schuenemann, Brandon Schuenemann, Bonnie Schuenemann and Lisa Schuenemann.
Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Military honors at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation would be appreciated Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.johnsonnosek.com.
Nathan Dranso Brookfield
Sports
Rettke returns to RBHS, Hauser with volleyball silver medal
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Now a starter for the Riverside Brookfield High School girls volleyball team this season, senior outside hitter Alaina Harazin led the team in questions asked Sept. 4. Dana Rettke, a 2017 graduate, was visiting the Bulldogs only weeks after contributing to the USA women’s volleyball team’s silver medal at the Summer Olympics in Paris.
“I asked a couple (of questions), yeah,” Harazin said.
“It was good because she went through a great experience and it was interesting to me. I was curious, I guess, to get good advice from an Olympian.”
The 6-foot-8 Rettke addressed all RBHS girls volleyball levels and then the varsity exclusively, sharing insight and memories about the Olympics and her professional, colle ge and high school seasons.
Rettke was scheduled to leave Monday for Istanbul and her new professional club team in Turkiye after three pro seasons in Italy.
“Usually, I try to [visit] every summer, if I’m around,” Rettke said.
“They asked a lot of really great questions. I talked about the hard points in my career and the changes I made to be great. I talked about my Olympic experience. A little bit about the professional volleyball world.”
And yes, Rettke’s silver medal came, too.
“We all got to hold it. She passed it
USA Oly mpic women’s volleyball player Dana Rettke (center, back) with the Riverside Brook eld varsit y girls volleyball team during Rettke’s visit Sept. 4 (last Wednesday).
around. It’s a lot heavier than you think,”
RBHS junior setter Claire Cameron said. “She used to come to summer camps. It’s not the first time we’ve met but it’s always super exciting whenever we do.”
Rettke texted RBHS coach Caitlin StaibLipinski about visiting two days before and finalized the night before. Staib-Lipinski and assistant coach Amy Frey received U.S. Olympic pins from Rettke.
“I spent literally all day with her. She’s just great, so selfless, and talked to the girls,” Staib-Lipinski said.
“She addressed all of the teams and specifically to varsity because I wanted her to have a serious conversation about how is the varsity going to be successful.”
The day began with a visit to Hauser Junior High School, where Rettke attended and Staib-Lipinski teaches.
Rettke said she hadn’t been inside Hauser since her sister Leah attended, roughly 10 years ago.
“Nothing has changed,” Rettke said.
“I know there are a lot of [her] teachers still there,” Staib-Lipinski said. “They’re
asking me when’s the next celebrity I’m going to bring to Hauser.”
Rettke’s No. 15 uniform number has been retired by RBHS. Her numerous school records include the career leader for kills (1,280), blocks (259) and aces (191).
Among the people Rettke saw was Dan Bonarigo, her RBHS varsity coach.
Harazin said Rettke discussed the importance of “owning your role” on your team, such as at the Olympics, where Rettke played in one pool match against France.
Cameron learned that Rettke has no superstitions before matches. Also an NCAA champion with Wisconsin in 2021, Rettke said one of her most devastating losses was with the Bulldogs 25-22, 22-25, 31-29 to Niles West at the 2016 Class 4A super-sectional, one victory from going downstate.
“To this day, it’s the toughest loss I’ve ever had,” Rettke said. “It was a nice visit It was nice to be able to talk to the team and share my experiences and hopefully continue to grow the volleyball world in their minds.”
The meeting seems to have motivated the Bulldogs (8-4). On Thursday, they won 25-23, 25-23 at Oak Park and River Forest. On Saturday, they won the Hoffman Estates Tournament by beating St. Viator 17-25, 2518, 15-4 in the final.
“We were on a mission (at OPRF),” said Staib-Lipinski after the victory. “We have no pressure on us. We’re just here to play and to put RB on the grid.”
LTHS o to solid start with Lally as the only returnee from 2023 state lineup
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Senior Gianna Gelb, the veteran of this season’s Riverside Brookfield High School girls cross country team, already knows many of the varsity newcomers well.
“We have a really good set of runners.
We have a lot of really committed people. I’ve seen a lot of people at summer running that have been at it ever since,” Gelb said.
“It’s been really good so far with commitment and dedication and I’m really proud of that so far.”
Fourth-year standout Gelb is joined by juniors Addie Vaia and Rebecca Dosek, se-
nior Jorie Eggers and junior Elli Barsotti as varsity returnees.
Gelb is a two-time C lass 2A individual state q ualifier as a freshman and sophomore. Wi th the Bulld og s in 3A last season, Gelb (62nd) and Va ia (63rd) we re the Bulld og s’ top two finishers at the Hinsd ale C entral Sectional and Dosek (94th)
their No. 5 finisher. T he Bulld og s we re 15th (371 points).
This year, the Bulldogs also join the Upstate Eight Conference. RBHS won last year’s Metro Suburban Conference Meet with Gelb (2nd) and Dosek (7th) earning
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAITLIN STAIB-LIPINSKI
Stamm sets reception record as LTHS football moves to 2-0
Bulldogs seek strong Homecoming performance following rst defeat
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Lyons Township High School senior wide receiver Travis Stamm returned to football action F riday with a new look. He cut the hair hanging beyond the back of his helmet.
“This helmet’s a large T he other one was an XL and the hair didn’t fit no more,” Stamm said. “And it gets hot. ”
Stamm also brought his same old dependable catching style. T he fourth-year varsity player and Illinois State recr uit became the Lions’ all-time leading receiver during their 30-22 victory at Wheaton Warrenville South (WWS). He had five catches for 45 yards and one touchdown in breaking the record of 109 career rece ptions by 2017 graduate Brandon Fischer.
Fittingly, Stamm’s record breaker was his first TD of the season, an 11-yarder from senior quar terback and longtime friend Dom Pisciotti, the first of three LTHS second-quarter TDs for a 21-7 halftime lead.
“That might be one of my favo ri te touchdowns. Th at ’s a special one,” S tamm said.
“He’s an exceptional person, an exceptional player,” LTHS coach Jon Beutjer said. “That’s a testament to him and all of his hard work. And more catches to come.”
Stamm now has 111 career rece ptions that cover 1,545 yards with 22 TDs.
“[The record is] a testament to what
we’ve been able to do here for multiple years,” Stamm said. “Thanks to g etting the ball, great scheming, everyone around me, it’s a testament to everyone else.”
Pisciotti, a backup last season, also recorded his first two varsity TD passes in finishing 11-for-20 passing for 132 yards.
“[T he record catch] was fun. I liked my matchup against Travis, really against anyone,” Pisciotti said. “He just caught the ball and drove in with two guys on him.”
Senior Julian Padilla completed a 40-yard TD pass play by breaking a tackle near the line of scrimmage and scurrying down the right sideline. Senior Danny Carroll, (205 yards on 27 carries) scored on a 31yard r un 3:08 before halftime for a 21-0 lead
out the clock.
This was the first g ame coaching at WWS for Beutjer, an all-state quarterback for the Tigers’ 1999 undefeated Class 6A state championship team.
“It is a special place. I grew up going to Wheaton Tigers g ames when I was a little boy, so this is a special progr am, so many memories,” Beutjer said. “[But] if I thought about those types of things, then it would distract from my job now in preparing our kids.”
Besides being 4-fo r- 4 on field g oals, Vavrik sur p assed his previous high of two field g oals in one g ame, his first two ever with the Lions’ freshman B team against Yo rk , including a 47- ya rd g ame winner
“I just kind of wound up and used all of my leg power. I just remember everybody r ushing the field,” Vavrik said. “I’ve come a long way, all the way up to varsit y. We have such a great team this year. We don’ t even need to come down to that g ame-winning goal so far.”
RBHS football
The Bulldogs have more than enough motivation for Friday’s Homecoming game against undefeated Ridgewood in their Upstate Eight Conference East Division debut.
RBHS (1-1) is coming of f a 34-9 loss at Hinsdale on Sept. 6 after trailing 20-0 at halftime
“It was a rough game for us in general,” RBHS coach Sam Styler said. “We’re a tough team. Obviously Homecoming is always a big week at every high school, so hopefully we’ll be able to bounce back.”
“Honestly, that’s the new normal for [Padilla],” Pisciotti said.
In the second half, senior AJ Vavrik converted field goals of 24, 27 and 25 yards. The Tigers (1-1) scored last with 1:30 left but the Lions recovered the onside kick and ran
Anabel Olesiak and Evelyn Walsh. Moran has joined for the first time after running track as a freshman.
from page 13
top-10 all-conference honors. Eggers was 13th. “I was really happy with my performance but I really want to do better this year,” said Dosek, hoping to break 20:00. “It spurred me to just try harder this time around.”
Vaia, who missed the MSC Meet, is now full-time cross country. She only raced in the RBHS Invite, re gionals and sectionals in 2023 while also playing volleyball. Newcomers include sophomore Elizabeth Moran and freshmen Elsie Clark,
“It’s a young team and I tell them, make sure you’re racing. They’re getting that race mentality,” RBHS coach Blair Jensen said. “Even training wise, these young kids are like, ‘I can make varsity.’ They’re going to push themselves a little harder, start improving faster than normal.”
On Aug. 28, the Bulldogs edged Nazareth 65-66 for the title at Elmwood Park’s Trial on the Trail Aug. 28. Vaia (5th), Gelb (7th) and Dosek (9th) were top 10.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs were 18th (494 points) at Hinsdale Central’s Red Devil
Now also playing defensive back, S tamm enjoyed his first i nterception on a deflected p ass. Other defensive standouts included Lou Ratcliff e (8 tackles, 2 for loss), S hane Harris (5 tackles) and JD Mahoney had (4 tackles, 3 fo r loss, 18- ya rd sack) and Jack G rigus (13ya rd sack).
Invitational with a lineup of Vaia (65th, 19:34.9 for 2.9 miles), Gelb (93rd, 20:11.9), Dosek (116th, 20:46.6), Clark (163rd, 21:59.0), Olesiak (166th, 22:07.7), Moran (174th, 22:21.5) and Walsh (178th, 22:31.6).
LTHS girls cross country
The Lions were an impressive second at their annual Mike Kuharic Invitational Saturday with an all-new varsity lineup. Juniors Mya Coglianese (13th, 20:05.76 for 5 kilometers/3.1 miles), Annika McDonnell (18th, 20:23.94) and Grace Rhoten (20th, 20:36.23) were top 20 for the Lions (131 points), followed by junior Addi-
T he Bulld og s closed to 20-9 in the third q uarter on a 24- ya rd field g oal by John Bielobradek and 26- ya rd touchdown r un by sophomore q uarterback Giancarlo Garcia. T he Hornets (1-1) answe red with a 62- ya rd TD ru n and added a four th-quar ter TD. Garcia r ushed for 91 yards on 15 carries and 13-for-24 passing for 120 yards with top receivers Xavier Mrozik-DeJesus (5 catches, 78 yards) and Nick Caputo (4 catches, 33 yards). Leading tacklers were Warren Mason with 12 (5 solos), Bielobradek (4 solos) and Max Strong with eight and Eric Servin seven.
son Powers (38th, 21:45.70), senior Sarah Mshar (42nd, 21:53.98), junior Ryann Remiasz (48th, 22:00.60) and senior Clarisa Gonzale z (62nd, 22:31.03).
Junior Jenna Lally is the lone returnee for LTHS coach Eric Simon from last year’s state team, which finished 12th (363 points), but is recovering from a hip injury dating back to the track season. Lally was 171st at state (19:04.24 for 3.0 miles) and the Lions’ No. 6 finisher and their No. 4 finisher at the Hinsdale Central Sectional (36th).
Other sub-22:00 races Saturday came from sophomore Amelia Ludden in the sophomore race (8th, 21:04.33) and junior Ainsley Grove (6th, 21:46.19) in the open race
TRAVIS STAMM
DOM PISCIOTT I
JOHN BIELOBRADEK
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME
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
PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE
STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.
Request of Robert Mulloy Thompson
Case Number 2024CONC001473
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Robert Mulloy Thompson to the new name of: Jack Mulloy Thompson
The court date will be held:
On January 9, 2025 at 9am via Zoom. Meeting ID 92302509713 Password 709022 Court room 1707.
Published in RB Landmark September 11, 18, 25, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT FOR NOTIFICATION OF BID FOR PROVISO SCHOOL DISTRICT 209 – PROVISO WEST ROOF REPLACEMENT
Gilbane Building Company Construction Manager, for and acting on behalf of The Board of Education of Proviso Township High School District 209, is receiving lump sum proposals from interested contractors for the Proviso School District Capital Improvements Project. This release includes the following:
Complete roof replacement at Proviso West High School.
Bid Release 18 includes the following bid packages: 07C Roofing Work.
1. The bid documents will be distributed to bidders on or about Monday, September 23, 2024
2. An in-person Pre-Bid Meeting and Site Walk-through will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 10:00AM
3. The last day for bidders’ questions is Friday, October 11, 2024, 5:00PM
4. The proposals will be due on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:00AM. via bidder’s account at Building Connected
To bid this project, bidders must be qualified by Gilbane Building Company. The prequalification application is to be completed online via Compass at https://compassapp.com/auth/register. Questions regarding the prequalification application procedure should be directed to Yvonda Royster at 312-
614-3913 or yroyster@gilbaneco. com.
Bid Security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid is required from all Bidders. No other forms of Bid Security will be accepted. Guarantee Bonds in the form of a Performance Bond and Labor and Material Payment Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid will be required from the awarded Bidder. The work will be done in accordance with the Contract Documents. “FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS INVITATION TO BID WILL RESULT IN THE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE BIDDER”.
This contract calls for the construction of a “public work,” within the meaning of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/.01 et seq. (“the Act”). The Act requires contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers, workers and mechanics performing services on public works projects no less than the “prevailing rate of wages” (hourly cash wages plus fringe benefits) in the county where the work is performed. For information regarding current prevailing wage rates, please refer to the Illinois Department of Labor’s website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/ idol/Laws-Rules/CONMED/Pages/ Rates.aspx. All contractors and subcontractors rendering services under this contract must comply with all requirements of the Act, including but not limited to, all wage, notice and record keeping duties.
The Proviso Township High School District 209 and Gilbane Building Company reserve the right to reject any or all bids. All information submitted as part of this process shall be considered public information under the State Freedom of Information Act unless specifically disclosed on the applicable information by the Bidder. Challenges to such exemptions shall be defended solely by the Bidder.
Published in Forest Park Review September 11, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD
Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission September 26, 2024 at 7:00 PM
NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, September 26th , 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Triana Calderon for a variation from §62-290 Required parking spaces in order to build a new garage for property located at 4431 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PIN 1803409067).
Legal Description: LOT 3 IN BISHOP’S UNIT NUMBER 1, BEING A RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF AUSPITZ AND OAKES BROOKFIELD PARK, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST ½ OF THE EAST ½ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼, ALSO THE EAST 6.8368 ACRES (EXCEPT ROAD) OF THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ IN SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED MAY 13, 1968 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER
20488018, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments.
Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil. gov, or 708-485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing.
The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 24-14. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall.
By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.
Published in RB Landmark September 11, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Attention NATIONAL GENERAL INS CO & COPART STK 60638933, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 10/21/24, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles atthe request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2017, INFINITI, Q60 with the followingVIN JN1FV7EL8HM701349 was towed to our facilityper police ordinance. Our records show thatthe current amount due and owing is $320.00. If payment is not receivedwithin 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.
Published in Forest Park Review September 11, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Attention ANGEL D VILLATORO RIVERA, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 10/21/24, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinoisagainst such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles atthe request of thefollowing designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2007, Chevy, SILVERADO with the following VIN 2GCEK13M771549181 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.
Published in Forest Park Review September 11, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Attention POPULAR FINANCE & YAZMIN ESTRADA, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 10/21/24, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2011, GMC, TERRAIN with the following VIN 2CTFLVEC1B6253117 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $320.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.
Published in Forest Park Review September 11, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024 for Project: 24-15, Bike Boulevard Pavement Marking and Signage Improvements. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of: the installation of pavement markings including polyurea, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), and thermoplastic; the fabrication and installation of signs and telescoping steel sign supports and all appurtenant work thereto.
Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, September
12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 9317130 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00.
The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.
The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer
Published in Wednesday Journal, September 11, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024 for Project: 24-20, Bike Boulevard Concrete and Electrical. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of: thermoplastic, installation of signs and telescoping steel sign supports; concrete sidewalks and curbs; installation of RRFB systems; and all appurtenant work thereto.
Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and
proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 9317132 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00.
The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.
The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK
Bill McKenna Village Engineer
Published in Wednesday Journal, September 11, 2024
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust Plaintiff vs. Anne S. Hiter; James C. Hiter; USAlliance Federal Credit Union d/b/a USAlliance Financial; TD Bank USA, N.A.; Unknown Owners and Non Record Claimants Defendant 22 CH 3421 CALENDAR 60 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on October 15, 2024, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-17-328-003-0000. Commonly known as 1154 South Lombard Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group LLC, 33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1540, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3251240
