By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
TODD BANNOR
Riverside Brook eld teacher Kendra Cagle shows Human Development curriculum aids on
Riverside settles on gateway signage design
e village will stick with pole signs along Harlem Avenue a er choosing a design
from 2018
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
After soliciting feedback from four village commissions on potential designs for gateway signage, Riverside trustees agreed to proceed with a set of asymmetrical pole sign designs featuring aspects of the village’s logo that have been installed elsewhere in town.
At the board’s Oct. 17 meeting, Village Planner Anne Cyran asked trustees to review three sets of designs for potential signs that, once installed, officials hope will advertise the village to drivers on Harlem Avenue. All three sets of designs were created by Point B Communications, a Chicago-based design and marketing firm, when Riverside first considered a wayfinding sign plan in 2018.
“Point B provided this to us because they didn’t want to provide a quote to do additional signs if they had something the board appreciated more so from the initial branding and design campaign that they had done previously,” Village Manager Jessica Frances said.
Village President Doug Pollock, the only current board member who was on the board in 2018, explained that Riverside had partially implemented the plan with signs downtown and near Riverside Brookfield High School after receiving feedback then from village commissions
Each set of designs included a gateway monument sign, a gateway pole sign, a parking sign and a directional sign. The monument signs are larger, made of stone and brick and would sit on the ground. The other three kinds of signs would be attached to poles. The third set also included a vertical gateway sign that would stand on its own.
The second design, featuring signs offset to one side of the pole with a decorated branch reminiscent of Riverside’s logo, has already been used for signs on Ridgewood Road
“My summary of what I think I read and heard from all the committees and commissions [this year] was, it needs to be simple, subtle background signage, not prominent
like the Water Tower masonry sign,” Pollock said.
In the course of their discussion, trustees quickly ruled out the third set of designs.
“I don’t like option three at all,” Trustee Jill Mateo said, so the rest of the board ag reed not to consider it.
Pollock expressed his preference for the second set of designs and the pole gateway sign over a monument gateway sign, to which trustees Elizabeth Kos and Alex Galle gos said they ag reed.
“I personally think that’s consistent with what our committees and commissions suggested. It’s simple. It’s background. It’s more about branding than it is directing traffic,” Pollock said. “I strongly favor that particular sign.”
While Mateo expressed interest in including a monument sign or “something with bulk,” Pollock made the case to keep the signage slim.
“My concern with the monument sign is they tend to be more intrusive. Every village has some kind of monument-type sign at their entryway, and we’re different, in my view. I think something subtle like this, to me, is a whole lot better than a large monument sign,” he said.
Kos ag reed, pointing to the visually busy nature of Harlem Avenue and Longcommon Road, which trustees have raised as an issue in past sign discussions.
“There’s so much going on in that intersection already,” she said. “We can’t compete with everything that’s going on there, so maybe we shouldn’t try.”
She said it wouldn’t make sense for Riverside to spend money on a monument sign, which would likely cost more than a pole sign, if it won’t draw visitors.
The board did not discuss where the signs would go, but Riverside is still considering two potential locations: the strip mall at the intersection with Longcommon Road and the incoming Star Buds location along East Burlington Street. Riverside has agreements with the owners of the private parcels of land that would allow the village to install public signs on each one
Should commissions always review signage?
Immediately before the board discussed gateway signs, trustees considered expanding the role of village commissions in reviewing village signage before it is installed ,
though they ultimately decided not to.
“The planning and zoning commission, the preservation commission and the landscape advisory commission recently expressed that they’d like to have a more for malized role in reviewing signs installed by the village,” Cyran said. “The village board can ask the commissions for feedback on village installed signs. They have, recently and notably on the gateway signs, but it’s not a power for those commissions listed in the municipal code.”
She asked trustees whether Riverside’s village code should be amended so any or all of these commissions must give feedback before the board approves signage. By the end of their discussion, trustees ag reed that doing so could set a precedent that weakens the power of future boards.
The discussion seems to have been spurned, at least in part, by the installation of new park signs over the summer. According to agenda documents, some of the landscape advisory commissioners said at a July meeting they were disappointed they did not have a say on the signs before they were installed
Trustee Cristin Evans said she would be comfortable with the board asking the commissions for feedback “on an individual basis” while Trustee Aberdeen MarshOzga suggested automating the process.
“I think it would be advisable to have it as part of the code that it automatically goes, so we don’t have to remember on a case-by-case basis when these things come up,” she said. “Sometimes the discussions that we have are multi-pronged and multi-layered, and things do get lost in the process.”
Evans said she felt the park signs were a unique case, as they were driven by some public safety needs, and that she didn’t think trustees would need feedback from the commissions on every sign they consider. Trustee Me gan Claucherty agreed.
“I think we typically do a very good job at involving our commissions, and I agree in this case, this is probably a lesson learned,” she said. “I don’t see a compelling need here to amend the village code for this purpose.”
“I would agree, and I would be concerned about setting a precedent of carving out areas where the village board has to go to commissions for doing things,” Kos said. “I feel like, especially when it’s public safety things, sometimes moving quickly is better and needs to happen. I think this is adding a layer of bureaucracy that, in a small town, doesn’t need to happen.”
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Pumpkin Patch!
Monday, Oc t. 28, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Village Commons
The Nor th Riverside Village Commons invites the community to come out for a day of family fun at the pumpkin patch. Families can pick their own pumpkin and decorate however they ’d like! You can carve, paint, or dress it up with some light — it is up to you and your family! This event is designed for ages 1 and up. If you would like a pumpkin, then you must register your family for $9 to $1. Secure your spot now. 2400 S. Desplaines Ave.
Halloween Radio Show
Friday, Oc t. 25, 7:30 p.m. Riverside Township Hall
The Riverside Township Radio Players will present their annual Halloween show on Friday, Oct. 25. They will present two programs, a Lights Out episode entitled “Chicken Hear t” as well as a CBS Radio Workshop “A Pride of Carrots”. The per formance is at 7:30 p.m. and is free in the Auditorium at Riverside Township Hall. For more information, go to riversidetownshipradioplayers. com or follow the group on twitter @radioplayers. If you would like more information about this, please contac t Ellie Babka at 708-442-8810 or email babka@att.net. 27 Riverside Rd.
BIG WEEK
Oc tober 23-30
Monster Mash Family Halloween Part y
Thursday, Oc t. 24, 6 - 7 p.m. , Riverside Public Library
They did the what? They did the Monster Mash. I heard it was a graveyard smash… Families with young children are invited to come mash it up at the Riverside Public Library for a Halloween par ty. Wear your costume for dancing, coloring and fun. No registration is required so you can monster mash! 1 Burling Rd.
Unlocking the True Power of your Smart Phone
Monday, Oc t. 28, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. LSF Brook eld Library
The library invites you to unlock the power of the smartphone provided by the Brookeld Aging Well Team, Senior Tech Suppor t, and Aging Care Connections. Attendees will hear about tools that make tasks simpler and more accessible on the, sometimes complicated, smartphone. Seniors will also learn how to navigate the app stores for iOS and Google Play to ensure they have the latest in mobile technology safety. The presentation begins at 11:30 a.m. and pizza will arrive at 12:15 p.m. It is important to note that you must RSVP by Oc t. 24 by calling 708-485-2000 or by emailing info@ hitzemanfuneral.com. 3541 Park Ave.
Lizzie Borden and the Borden
Murders: The Original CSI with Ed Dzialo
Tuesday, Oc t. 29, 6:30 p.m.
Riverside Public Library
On August 4, 1892, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, were murdered in their home with a hatchet. Andrew ’s daughter, Lizzie Borden, was charged and later acquitted of the murders, which remain unsolved to this day. Today, it is a story not just about a crime, but a story about media in the Gilded Age and the class, nativism and gender stereotypes played into Lizzie’s life. Ac tor and story-teller, Ed Dzialo, shares the details, but also paints a fascinating picture of Lizzie, both before and after the murders through photos, memorabilia, and peek at life in the city that Lizzie Borden called home. Registration is required by calling 708-442-6366 or visiting www riversidelibrary.org. 1 Burling Rd.
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
irst-y table for healthcare careers
e students’ medical future is now
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
Mia Melendez has always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.
So, when the Riverside-Brookfield High School freshman learned of a new course titled Health Occupations, she was in, without hesitation.
“When the R-B people came to Gross [Middle School] and told us what classes we could take as electives, the description was interesting,” Melendez said, noting the course will start her down the road toward her chosen career path.
Which is? “I would want to be a doctor or surgeon in an emergency room in a Trauma 1-level hospital,” she said.
That’s a heavy burden, but the semesterlong Health Occupations course is getting her ready by teaching her how to take vitals and assess different scenarios when people get hurt. But more importantly, it’s teaching her how to react in an emergency situation.
Her classmate, Nina Johnsen, has learned the acronym EMCAP that is a huge aid when there is a medical emergency: Environment, Mechanism of Injury, Casualty, Assistance and Personal Protective Equipment.
Johnsen said she wants to be either a nurse practitioner or a registered nurse, which harks back to her youth. The course has had an impact on her, but her parents, too
“I think they really enjoy seeing how excited I am,” Johnsen said. “When I was a little, I played doctor and seeing how I’m learning and comprehending all this information is making them excited for my future.”
Kendra Cagle is in her second year at Riverside-Brookfield, and it’s her first year leading the Health Occupations course, which is available to any student regardless of grade.
“It’s a pretty good mix of freshmen through seniors,” Cagle said, adding a similar course was offered years ago at the school, but a resurgence in interest began after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I have a lot of students that are really interested in health careers. This is a good way to find out what it would be like.”
One thing the course – and the real-world work of someone working in a health-related occupation – is not is anything like what is seen on television.
Cagle laughs a little when a student asks if she saw what happened on the latest episode of a show like Grey’s Anatomy. She has to remind them that “it’s not real life.”
What is real is the subject matter that is broken into five units. The first is an introduction to diagnostic services, and how it relates to different body systems. Students learn about things like the difference between hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the things that can be trained for a healthcare job, while soft skills are things communications
The next unit is about therapeutic services, such as what it is like having a job in cardiac health or any kind of rehabilitation. After that is health information, which includes a lot more than computer work; it provides a
look at some of the latest medical technology.
The supportive services unit focuses on things like how to handle transitioning a patient from the hospital to home. Medical research is the final unit and addresses the science aspect of medical care
“I try to tailor my content to what kids want to learn about, since it is an elective,” she said, noting 26 students are enrolled
It wasn’t all that long ago that Cagle was in college and mulling what she wanted to do career-wise, so she started in public health, finishing with a degree in family and consumer science. That helped her assume her current role and development of the Health Occupations course curriculum, which she did with Kylie Lindquist, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction.
Here’s another practical aspect of the course for upperclassmen: It feeds into the Dual Enrollment program at Triton College, which has a nursing assistant program. Students attend Triton Monday through Thursday mornings, and then go to a clinical site on Saturdays. Successfully finishing the program earns a student seven credits that are transferable
“They do a clinical like any other nursing program,” Cagle said. “They wear scrubs They have to go through a pretty rigorous setup procedure, they must take a test and go through a background check.”
Johnsen isn’t there yet, but said the Health Occupations has been enriching to be sure.
“I think the most interesting thing, and important thing, is how to react to medical emergencies and how to remain calm and know what to do,” she said.
Experiencing Caregiver Burnout? YOUR BEST LIFE with Lisa Capone
Caregiver burnout is a growing concern, especially for those caring for aging loved ones. The demands of caregiving, while rewarding, can become overwhelming and lead to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.It’s essential to recognize the signs early and consider options to prevent exhaustion and ensure quality care for all involved.
• Look Out for Signs. Common signs include chronic fatigue, irritability, feelings of helplessness, and a decline in personal health. Caregivers may also experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and withdrawal from social activities.
• Strategies to Reset: It’s important for caregivers to seek support and practice self-care. Senior living communities and respite care services offer relief by providing professional care for their loved ones, allowing caregivers time to rest and recharge. Taking a break doesn’t mean giving up on caregiving; rather, it ensures caregivers remain healthy and strong enough to continue caring for their loved ones in the long term.
Recognizing the signs of burnout and seeking help is crucial for caregivers and their families.
Latest News
Olmsted
Brook eld previews potential community center locations, amenities
Architects identi ed 5 potential sites for the indoor rec center
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Brookfield trustees got a first look last week at possible locations for a community and indoor recreation center alongside data about residents’ thoughts on indoor programming in town.
At the board’s Oct. 14 committee of the whole meeting, Managing Principal Andy Dogan of Williams Architects led a presentation explaining the statistically valid survey the firm took of Brookfield residents, in which they asked what kinds of village recreation programming are lacking and what should go inside a community rec center. They also showed of f five sites that could host a potential center.
According to village documents, Brookfield first contracted with Williams for the project in late 2022, but “several different factors,” including staffing changes in the parks and recreation department, meant Brookfield had to delay the project for about a year until village staff could handle coordinating with Williams for early steps Wi lliams is the same firm tackling Riverside ’s public safety and c ommunity gy m project.
The locations Williams identified are Madlin Park, Ehlert Park, the St. Barbara Parish Center, St. Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church and the parking lot behind Brookfield Village Hall, although each comes with its own set of considerations, said Kim Nig ro, a senior project architect at Williams.
While Brookfield owns Ehlert Park, almost all of the park is considered floodplain aside from the northwest corner, which makes it the best spot in the park for a potential rec center, Nigro said.
The village also owns the land under and around village hall; Dogan and Nigro said a community center there would go in over the existing parking spaces in the back parking lot rather than re placing them and reducing the lot’s capacity.
When mapping the center’s possible locations, Williams used a model with an area of 30,000 square feet, although Dogan said the real thing could range from 26,000 square feet to 34,000 square feet, depending on how Brookfield weighs space and cost. With the model, the center would neither fit in Madlin Park nor on St. Nikola’s property under Brookfield’s current zoning code, Nig ro said. It would fit on the Parish Center property, but there would be little room left for parking.
Survey says?
Williams partnered with Laura Payne, the director of the University of Illinois’ Office of Recreation and Park Resources, to conduct and analyze a random, stratified, statistically valid survey of Brookfield households’ opinions on parks and recreation programming in town.
The Parish Center, which is across the street from the St. Barbara Catholic Church, is owned by the Archdiocese of Chicago while St. Nikola owns its own land, Nig ro said. Ownership of Madlin Park is split between Brookfield and BrookfieldLaGrange Park School District 95.
Payne, who holds a doctorate degree in leisure studies, said she and her team sent survey postcards to 5,000 of Brookfield’s 7,785 households, although only 4,520 received them, because some had an undeliverable address or had submitted a forwarding address to the post office. Of those households, 406, or about 9%, filled out the survey from the unique QR code on their postcard. While that number may seem low, “It’s on the higher end of [response rates for] what we usually see for a community survey of this sort,” Payne said. “This response rate ensured a 95% confidence level was met, which is the industry standard.”
TOWN HALL
Tax discussion
from page 1
of Rive rside, Cook County, Illinoi s, be increased from the lesser of 5% or the pe rc entage increase in the C onsumer P ric e Index over the prior levy year to 9.3% pe r year for 2024? ”
What is the point of the referendum?
At the special meeting, Village Manager Jessica Frances started by explaining the history of street repairs in Riverside and why the village is seeking a new funding mechanism for them.
In 2004 and 2014, she said, about 80% of resident voters approved the issuance of 10-year bonds in the amount of $2.5 million to improve the village’s roads. While this method allowed Riverside to set aside money for the next decade of street maintenance, village taxpayers saw about $500,000 of their taxes go toward interest and other bond fees over each decade.
If the referendum passes, it will establish a one-time increase in the amount of property taxes levied from residents; however, this increase would go into effect at the same time that Riverside no longer owes money on its bonds from 2014, making it tax-neutral for residents.
“Essentiall y, wh at the board is looking to do is levy the d ollars that we re previously c ollected for b ond s. I nstead of paying for b onds and all the i nterest tha t g oes with that, ke e ping your tax levy level b ut utilizing those f unds directly … to go to streets,” Frances said. “Thi s new a pproach provides a dedicated f unding source, so then the village would n’ t have to come to taxp ayers eve ry 10 year s asking to issue bond s. ”
S he said i ssuing debt to re pair streets will become a less efficient use of taxpaye r money as time g oes on. As i nterest rates increase, the village will owe mor e on i ts b ond s, wh i le inflation means the $2.5 million ga i ned wo n’ t go as far with each successive issuanc e.
Tax levies rise each year by a percentage of the amount levied in the previous year — in Illinois, this rate is equal to the CPI inflation rate and capped at 5% unless voters approve a higher increase. Because of this, the one-time levy hike will have a cumulative effect in future years, meaning Riverside will be able to earmark
about $256,000 per year to fix up streets
T he 9.3% figure was chosen to account for inflation and ensure tax-neutrality by of f setting the amount that each r esid ent had b een paying toward the village ’s expiring b ond debt, Vi llage Presid ent Doug Pollock said.
Frances noted that the village only receives about 16% of the money residents pay toward property taxes, meaning their tax bills could go up this year due to factors unrelated to the referendum.
The cost of voting ‘no’
Without the passage of the referendum, Frances said, Riverside will not have sufficient funding to complete all of the street improvements planned for the next decade
Between funds raised from taxes on sales in Riverside and those allocated to the village from the state’s Motor Fuel Tax on a per capita basis — the only funding sources aside from bonds or the tax levy increase — the village projects it will earn about $631,000 each year to improve streets. However, its current 10-year plan calls for about $744,000 on average each year for street repairs.
Frances noted that the budgeted price per year only includes the costs to resurface streets, curbs and some sidewalks. Other projects related to streets, like improving traffic safety, implementing traffic-calming measures or making changes for cyclists, are not included
If Rive rside c annot secure enoug h f unding for i ts street improvement p lan, those re pairs will be d elaye d unless the village c uts other services i nstead. In an i nterview with the L andmark before the town hall, Frances said projects c ould take up to 50% longer to c omplete, meaning those scheduled for 2034 c ould ta ke until 2039. Streets now scheduled to be re paired in 2044 could languish for an extra decade before Rive rside c an af ford to resurface them.
Should the referendum fail, Frances said the village will prioritize which streets to improve based on their conditions and whether work needs to be done on underground infrastructure, like water mains or sewers, though the funding for that extra work comes from another source
Resident questions and board comments
After Frances finished her presentation, she and Pollock r esponded to audience questions
One r esident framed the extra c osts associated with i ssuing voter-approved
b onds as “the price of d emocra cy ” — that is, r esidents g et to have a direc t say on whether Rive rside i ssues street re pair b ond s. He asked whether the increased tax levy would be permanent if the referendum passes.
“It is permanent in the sense that it would require the village b oard to vote to approve to abate the tax if we suddenly said we do n’ t need it or do n’ t want it anymore, ” Pollock said. “It’s a tax that would be levied every year unless the village b oard took action otherwise.”
A nother r esident asked if the village c ould g et gr ant f unding to impr ove streets d ue to i ts state-mandated — and now federally imposed — lead line rep lacement project, wh ich will necessarily involve wo rk on water mains that ru n b eneath streets
Frances explained that Riverside has different funds for street expenses and those related to water and sewers; while the village aims to resurface streets efficiently with water and sewer projects in mind, it is ineligible for federal need-based funding for the lead water service line replacements
Trustee Jill Mateo c ommented on the importance of Rive rside ’s education c ampaign in the face of the refe r-
endum’s state-mandated wo r ding tha t c ould confuse residents
“President Pollock and I attended a c ommunity meeting last week, and somebo dy asked, ‘What ’s the o pposition to this?’ I have n’ t personally seen or heard any, but it really drove home the reason we ’re [ sending out] p ostcards, the reason we ’re doing the town hall, the reason we have social media p osts about this is because that q uestion sounds aw f ul and we need to educat e, ” she said. “I ca n’t speak for my f ellow trustees, but when I first saw that q uestion, I wrote an emai l saying, ‘This is terrible! We have to have something simple.’”
Trustee Elizabeth Kos emphasize d the need for a stabl e, dedicated f undin g mechanism for street improvements
“It’s not li ke we ’r e ever going to be li ke, ‘The streets are d one! We ’r e neve r going to touch them again!’” she said. “Streets take wear and tear, so they ’r e going to need to be r esurfaced after a certain period of time, so there’s no end to the need for street re pair.”
Rive rside encourages you to r each out to Frances at 708-447-2700 or jfrances@ rive rside.il.us with any additional q uestions about the referendum.
TRENT BROWN
Riverside o cials and trustees listen as a resident asks a question at the village’s tax levy referendum town hall on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
LTHS names students of the month
Check out this month’s stars
By LANDMARK STAFF
Lyons Township High School released i ts October S outh C ampus S tudents of the Month. These are student who are nominated by faculty and staf f for achievements in c oursewo rk , and then they are selected as the most exemp lary students in each subject.
Those celebrated this month are:
■ William Anderson, La Grange Pa rk
■ Eileen Cavaliere, La Grange Pa rk
■ Zion Crockrell, La Grange
■ Hannah Herchenroether, Wester n Springs
■ Jaise Mar tine z, Indian Head Park
■ Matej Naunov, La Grange
■ Violeta Posadas-Martinez, Brookfield
■ Rianna Salazar, Brookfield
■ Joel Sanchez, Brookfield
■ Georgia Sisto, Willow Springs
■ Daniela Tarbajovsky, La Grange Pa rk
■ Luke Vaupell, La Grange Highlands estfall, La Grange Pa rk
TIPS TO HELP TAXPAYERS CHOOSE A TAX PREPARER
Anyone with an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number can be a paid tax return preparer. However, tax return preparers have differing levels of skills, education and expertise. Choosing a tax return preparer wisely is important because taxpayers are ultimately responsible for all the information on their return, no matter who prepares it for them.
Before hiring a preparer, taxpayers should make sure they know what they’re getting. They can do this by:
Checking the preparer’s history with the Better Business Bureau. Taxpayers can also verify an enrolled agent’s status on IRS .gov.
Asking about fees. Taxpayers should avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund or who offer to deposit all or part of their refund into their financial accounts. Taxpayers should be suspicious of any preparer claiming they can get larger refunds than other tax preparers.
Asking if the preparer plans to use e-file. The fastest way to get a tax refund is by e-filing and choosing direct deposit.
Making sure the preparer will be available if needed. People should consider whether the individual or firm will be around for months or years after filing the return. It’s possible they ‘ll need the preparer to answer questions about the preparation of the tax return later.
Ensuring the preparer signs and includes their PTIN. Paid tax return preparers must have a PTIN to prepare tax returns and must include it on any tax return they prepare.
By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.
‘DMV kiosks’ unveiled at 15 grocery stores across Illinois
Modernization
push
By ANDREW ADAMS & HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois
Illinoisans can now renew their driver’s license and state ID cards at the grocery store.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office unveiled this week 15 “DMV kiosks” at Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco and other grocery store locations around the state
The kiosks, which look like blue ATMs, offer ID renewals and vehicle registration
stickers in English and Spanish during this pilot phase, although the office will consider adding services and other languages if the program expands.
“This is a big step in our ongoing ef fort to modernize the office and enable Illinoisans to obtain more services online and remotely without having to visit a DMV,” Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said in a news release.
Giannoulias, who took office in early 2023, has launched several programs as part of that modernization push, including adding online services, revamping the secretary of state website and requiring appointments for most driver services.
He also rebranded many of these offerings to be part of the state’s “DMV” services
For many years under previous Secretary of State Jesse White, the office resisted the use of the phrase DMV, instead using phrases such as “driver services” and “secretary of state facilities.”
There are six kiosks in the city of Chicago, six in the Chicago suburbs and one location each in East Peoria, Springfield and Fairview Heights
Illinois drivers typically receive a mailing when they need to renew their license or ID with a unique barcode and access number. Those looking to use the kiosks will need that number to use these kiosks
The kiosk project does not include any new costs to taxpayers, according to Giannoulias’ office, although Intellectual Technology Inc., the company that operates the machines, will collect a $4.95 fee and any applicable credit card processing fees
Intellectual Technology Inc. operates similar self-service kiosks in 17 other states
Boo! At the Zoo didn’t disappoint this year as little clow ns, goblins and football players enjoyed days of creepy creatures and hair y beasts during the annual Halloween celebration at Brook eld Zoo.
PHOTO S PROVIDED BY BOOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO
Odd Fellows to host November charity meat raffle
Buy a ticket on Nov. 2 and spin to win a package of farm-raised meat
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
If luck is on your side, you might win a gift package of farm-raised meat for a steal next weekend.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Palacky Lodge #630 is set to host their second meat raffle this year at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Pub 78 in Brookfield, where attendees can buy tickets for a chance to win one of 20 meat packages.
For each package, the Odd Fellows sell 120 raffle tickets, ranging in price from $2
to $6 based on the kind of meat, from hamburger patties to steaks, briskets and other cuts of beef. The group’s first meat raffle, in August, also included cuts of pork in some packages.
You must attend the raffle to buy tickets and be eligible to win. Each ticket has a number corresponding to a spot on a wheel; once each spot has a corresponding ticket-holder, the Odd Fellows give the wheel a spin, and the person whose number the wheel lands on wins the package.
To see a video O dd Fellows explain the process, heck out thei r Facebook pa O dd F onate proceeds from the meat ra to the Brookfield c ommunity
The cuts of meat in each package come from Corrigan Cattle Farm, a family-run livestock farm in Seneca, about 60 miles southwest of Brookfield
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Speeding driver caught with uncased rearm in car
Riverside police arrested a man Oct. 12 for unlawful use of a weapon after they saw him speeding.
At about 4:50 p.m., an officer on patrol on Harlem Avenue saw a car driving south at 57 mph in the 35-mph zone, so they pulled the car over near the intersection with Olmsted Road.
After the officer began speaking with the driver, the man said he did not have a valid driver’s license. The officer confirmed his license had been revoked with a check of the police database, so they arrested the man after he stepped out of his car.
While taking an inventory of the man’s car, the officer said he found an uncased firearm in the center console with rounds in the magazine but a clear chamber. The officer also found a set of brass knuckles under the driver’s seat cushion and bags holding a “leafy green substance” they suspected to be cannabis in the center console, police said. Police ran the firearm through the database and found it was legal and not connected to a crime.
After police took the man to be booked and processed, the man said during questioning that the firearm was his, and he had bought it about six years ago to protect himself, as he used to be involved in gangs. The man said he also had the brass knuckles for his protection.
Police contacted the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for felony review, seeking felony charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The office approved the latter charge but denied the for mer, as it is a lower offense.
Police charged the man for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, misdemeanor unlawful use of a weapon, driving on a revoked license, driving without having been issued a license, driving an uninsured vehicle and speeding. During processing, the man told police he believed his car’s speedometer was broken, as it had read 20 mph while he passed a radar speed sign saying he was going 35 mph.
Police released the man with an Oct. 21 court date
Thieves take tools from trucks
On Oct. 15, Brookfield police responded to two calls about tool thefts from trucks. Around 6:34 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 4200 block of Elm Avenue on a report of a burglary to a truck that had just occurred The caller told police that he was about to leave for work when he saw a maroon SUV
parked behind his work truck and two men in the back of his truck with the back door open. The man said he yelled at them, causing them to leave, heading north in the SUV. When the man checked his truck, he saw tool boxes had been moved around and a Milwaukee brand reciprocating saw worth $150 was missing.
Police checked for fingerprints on the toolboxes that had been moved but found none; police said the men had seemingly broken the car’s driver’s side vent window to reach in and unlock its doors. Police then checked the area, but did not find the men or reach anyone who may have had a front door camera.
Around 11:11 a.m. the same day, an officer responded to the 4200 block of Deyo Avenue for a burglary to a van that happened sometime after 1:30 a.m. The caller told police someone unknown had broken into his work van and stolen several power tools. The officer found the passenger window on the truck had been broken, and the resident told them the back door was partially open.
According to police, the officer saw miscellaneous tools on the floor of the van with an empty area, which the caller said was where he had kept his Milwaukee brand power tools in tool bags
The officer attempted to look for fingerprints but could not find “a viable area” due to rain entering the car from the broken window. They searched the nearby alley for cameras but did not find any.
The next day, the caller sent police a list of the tools he was missing, which included three kinds of drill drivers with batteries and sets of bits as well as a bandsaw and reciprocating saw with add-ons and a flashlight. Altogether, the tools were worth about $1,550, according to the man.
According to the reports, police did not identify or arrest any suspects in relation to either burglary.
These items were obtained from the Riverside Police Department reports dated Oct. 12-15 and the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Oct. 14-21; they represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest
Compiled by Trent Brown
Essential Civics
Democracy, Accountability, Equity, Connection, Civility
At Growing Community Media we work every day to keep building dynamic and sustainable local newspapers. That’s because local news that is trusted, accurate, rooted is so vital to each of the villages and neighborhoods we cover.
And as we keep growing our reader supported newsroom we keep the focus on five key values which we call the essential civics.
Democracy
Democracy is not just about contentious national elections. We nurture democracy in a dozen different ways in each town we cover. Communities with genuine newspapers have more active citizens, higher voter turnout, a place to share thoughts and debate complex issues.
Accountability
Our four newspapers – Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark – have reporters on the ground, covering local government and schools, following tax levies and capital projects, local elections and referendums. We are always there watching.
Equity
We believe in equity. Each of our communities, and this news organization, need to strive to build and rebuild systems which have historically, and today, limited and denied opportunity to people with whom we share community. This belief in equity is reflected on our editorial pages and it shapes our news coverage.
Connection
Our newspapers have been described as the glue which holds our communities together. We’re not boosters but we do love these towns and neighborhoods in their glories and in their foibles. Read us in print or digitally and you will come to better understand the community you call home.
Civility
In our reporting, in the dozens of letters to the editor we publish, in the conversations we launch, we strive to foster a civil tone. Disagreements are good. Accusations, misinformation, mean spiritedness are not good or acceptable in our pages. We all need to do better.
If these values resonate with you, we ask that you find ways to support our efforts. Renew your print subscription. Support us financially at any level that works for you. Talk us up to a new neighbor who may not know there is a legit local newspaper in their town.
Opinion
THE LANDMARK VIEW
LETTERS
Models of local governance Supporting Fioretti for state’s attorney
Du ring the Q&A po rt i on of a town hall meeting on a local referendum last week in Rive rside, we heard one of the fundamental questions that comes up from time to time in our re presentative democra cy. Ye s, we know the focus of the town hall was finding the best way to pave streets in town.
But the position taken by a Riverside neighbor was that just maybe it is better to pay a lot of interest and fees to municipal financiers so that locals get to vote every 10 years to approve a couple of million dollars in bonds to fix the streets. The argument he made is that having taxpayers skim $500K of f the top of a $2.5 million bond issue to pay interest is “the price of democracy” to hold local of ficials accountable.
However, Riverside leaders, appointed and elected, had a better idea. Instead of issuing bonds and paying a ton of interest while re paving fewer miles of needy streets, they are asking voters this election season to vote on a one-time property tax hike that will create a special fund in the village budget to directly pay for streets
And because this year closes out pay ments on the bonds issued in 2014, the one-time tax hi ke will not actually increase the total tax bill for residents this year or going forward.
The logic of this move is so simple that if our elected officials had not figured it out and put their approval on the ballot, then we’d really have a basis to vote them out of office next spring when local elections roll around.
Our point is that we elect people to represent us at all levels of gover nment. In local elections as we have in Riverside, we are often choosing to support people we know or know of, people who in almost every circumstance are running for of fice as volunteers to do good for their community. Not much ego, not a hint of graft.
Better, in almost all circumstances, to allow them to govern rather than push issues to citizen referendums. And because accomplishing this goal of creating a designated fund for repairing streets will require a one-time tax hike greater than 5%, state law requires citizen approval via referendum anyhow. So those wor ried about not having a voice do indeed have a direct voice in the outcome of this good idea.
Our Community Needs Community Journalism
It’s not just about crime reports and board meetings. We also need inspiring, funny, heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking stories about our friends, neighbors and children. Perhaps now, more than ever.
I have never in my entire career endorsed a political candidate. But I believe that Bob Fioretti and the staff he’ll put in place will be able to bring professional prosecution to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Kim Foxx and her staf f have demoralized law enforcement in Cook County to the point where it is almost ir reversible. I believe that Mr. Fioretti puts public safety first, will take the victims and families into account over offenders, and work to repair the relationship with all police agencies in Cook County
This is not a Republican-Democratic
OBITUARIES
Av id traveler
Dorothy Marker (nee Sluka), 100, of Riverside, died on Sept. 28, 2024. Her roots were in Berwyn and she moved to Riverside in 1957. She was a medical transcriptionist at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago. She traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, including several times by ocean liner.
She was the wife of the late Earl E. Marker; the mother of Christine Marker, Mark Marker, James Marker (Cecilia) and Amy Marker (Brian); the grandmother of four and the great-grandmother of one.
issue for me; it is strictly about the best individual to lead the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and have public safety as its driving force. I believe that Bob Fioretti is that person.
I would also a dd that I b eli eve ever y single p olice officer, f amily member, and those who suppo rt the p olice and C ook C ounty should p ut aside thei r p olitical views and vote for Fioretti bec ause everyone, in eve ry neighborhood , d eserves to be saf e, have a prosecutor who is an a dvo cate for them, and does it professionally.
Tom Weitzel
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at: https://www. dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/forest -
Dorothy Marker, 100
6 Bulldogs race to all-conference cross country honors
Palm ties for 15th at state boys golf; Van Vuren improves at girls state
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Riverside Brookfield High School senior A sa K ahle c ontinues r unning cross c ountry races d espite battling i llness the p ast five weeks
“I’ve just tried to hang in there, push along but it’s been rough,” Kahle said. “I’ve run all of the meets, all of the practices. I’m sneezing, coughing a little bit but it’s not much anymore.”
Kahle received an emotional lift Saturday with a season-best time while finishing 11th at the Upstate Eight Conference Meet at Fenton. Seniors Brady Norman (4th, 15:36.1 for 3.0 miles), Kahle (16:19.0) and Diego Lopez-Molina (14th, 16:27.0) earned allconference honors with top-25 finishes. In their first season in the UEC, the Bulldogs (84 points) took second to West Aurora (76) among 13 teams.
The Bulldogs and Lyons Township compete at the LT Re gional, Saturday, in Western Springs with the girls race at 10 a.m. and the boys at 11.
Potential sites
from page 6
Payne said the random households were stratified along lines of race and homeownership, as “research shows” people of color and renters would have been less likely to respond to the survey, “so you want to oversample people in those groups.” Stratification means households were grouped based on the two demographic data points before being randomly selected from those groups. She said the survey found the programs that residents had the highest need for were health and fitness spaces, a walking track, rooms to host programming and indoor court spaces for sports such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball and soccer. The most
Only the top six teams advance to the Hinsdale Central Sectional, Nov. 2. Defending 3A state champion and No. 1-ranked Downers Grove North, the Lions and Morton are state-ranked and the Bulldogs finished at invites behind Willowbrook and Whitney Young, although that race was without two re gulars. Downers North, second in 3A in 2023, is the only ranked girls team at the re gional.
“We’ve got to run well to get out [to sectionals],” RBHS coach Jack Brady said.
Last year, the Bulldogs swept the top seven places at their final Metro Suburban Conference Meet in the rain, mud and wind. They ran as a pack until sprinting the final 300 meters. Graduated all-stater Cooper Mar rs won, while Norman (2nd), Kahle (4th) and Lopez-Molina (7th) also were top-12 all-conference runners.
“That was a fun race,” Lopez-Molina said. “We just stuck together the whole time and then went for the win at the end. It was much different [Saturday].”
Norman kicked into third Saturday but was passed by .1 second. He won his first varsity invite at Elmwood Park, Oct. 12.
“I felt I had a really good race at Elmwood Park and was hoping to use that as momentum,” Norman said. “I just did not have the legs at all. I gritted it out. Definitely not the kind of race I’m looking for [in postseason].”
used programming spaces at the time of the survey included the classroom and basement recreation hall in Brookfield Village Hall, as well as Kiwanis Park and Ehlert Park
Most residents said the village’s current programming spaces they used and could comment on were in good or better condition. The biggest barrier preventing residents from accessing parks and recreation programming was that they weren’t aware of available programs, followed by residents being disinterested in the programs they did know about. When asking residents about funding the construction of the community center, Payne gave Brookfielders two options. A smaller center 26,000 square feet to 28,000 square feet in size would have one full-size gymnasium court in addition to programming spaces. One 30,000-34,000 square feet in size would have two courts and even more space for programs.
According to the survey, the smaller cen-
Filling in for an ill Norman at the 2022 MSC Meet, Kahle was two places from allconference. He just missed additional honors Saturday.
“I’m happy to be all-conference again except that they only announced the top 10 and I was 11th,” he said.
The RBHS girls (121) were third. Junior Addie Vaia (9th, 19:51.4), senior Gianna Gelb (21st, 20:56.7) and junior Rebecca Dosek (24th, 21:00.9) were all-conference.
Gelb and Dosek both were All-MSC last year. Vaia missed the race because she was still playing volleyball. She did compete at re gionals and sectionals.
“Conference was not as stressful because there’s less on the line,” Vaia said. “I was pretty excited with my performance. I had never run on Fenton’s course so I went out with the mentality I was going to stick with the front of the pack. I was able to maintain their speed as well as pass a few people at the end.”
On Saturday, the LTHS boys were second (56) to Downers North (26) at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet at Berens Park in Elmhurst.
Seniors Ben Wuggazer (5th, 14:59.5 for 2.99 miles), among five runners to break 15:00, John O’Halloran (6th, 15:11.3) and Tate Pavelka (12nd, 15:16.4) and junior Tyler Gantt (16th, 15:27.7) were top-16 all-
ter would cost residents $270 per year over 20 years to pay of f $20 million of village bonds while the larger center would cost $265 per year over 30 years to pay of f $25 million of bonds. In both cases, roughly half of residents surveyed were willing to pay this cost while about 20% were undecided and about 30% did not want to pay.
Across both sizes, residents had the same desires for what would go inside the center, which matched the programs for which they had the highest unmet needs: a fitness space, a track, indoor courts, and “support facilities” like bathrooms and locker rooms.
Brookfield also conducted an open survey for residents to give their thoughts, but Payne said she and her team were still working on analyzing data from the 960 respondents. She said the open sur vey would be more inclusive but could contain responses from members of the same household or even duplicates from the same per-
conference individuals and senior Charlie Ciesla 17th (15:33.0). LTHS edged thirdplace York by two points.
The girls were sixth (142). Junior Mya Coglianese was an all-conference 14th (18:30.0).
LTHS boys golf
As the lone Class 3A state qualifier for Lyons Township, senior Anderson Palm took the long drive to The Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington with coach Brian Kopecky.
“That was probably the most memorable, just because in all of my years playing for him, we never had that much time to talk,” Palm said. “It was nice to talk golf and non-golf stuf f. A great coach, a great guy. It was great to spend some time and chat with him.”
P alm’s first state a ppearance was quite memorable, too. He tied for 15th with a 5- over-par 149 (74-75) and was just two strokes from t ying for 10th and allstate honor s.
“The big goal was to get all-state. I missed that by a couple of shots, but all in all I was happy with how I played,” he said.
“[State] was awesome. It’s fun to be in a tournament where everyone is happy to be there and play some good golf. Obviously, it isn’t just any other tournament but I tried to treat it as such.”
son on different devices with no way to tell, making the data less re presentative
You can still get involved
While the open survey is closed, there’s still a chance for you to learn about the project first-hand and ask any questions you might have
Brookfield and Williams are partnering to host an open house about the community center and study at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at village hall.
Dogan said the open house will begin with a 15-minute presentation sharing a condensed form of the information trustees heard over the course of about 70 minutes. Afterward, residents will be free to look at informational boards and ask questions Residents will be able to leave their own feedback on the plan in writing on comment cards or electronically through a QR code
RBHS soccer’s rst UEC East championship is a real kick
Bulldogs, Lions move into Class 3A regionals with high hopes
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Riverside Brookfield High School boys soccer coach Ivek Halic breaks the season into three sections – the seasonopening invitational, conference play and the postseason.
The Bulldogs took care of the second part by being No. 1. They earned the championship in their first season in the Upstate Eight Conference East Division with just one blemish: their Oct. 10 conference finale with second-place West Chicago, losing at home on penalty kicks to settle a scoreless tie.
“It’s definitely an honor to go into a new conference and disturb the balance,” said RBHS senior captain and defender Liam Hickey, a third-year varsity player.
“It’s especially great because last year we didn’t win it and we did during our sophomore year. To return it to Riverside Brookfield, get a plaque, it’s definitely something we can keep forever.”
Using a points system similar to the NHL, the Bulldogs (10-7-1) were 5-0-1 in UEC East matches with one victory in penalty kicks over Glenbard East, Sept. 24. That edged the Wildcats, who were 5-1-0 with a 2-1 re gulation loss at Fenton, Sept. 24.
In their final season in the Metro Suburban Conference, the 2023 Bulldogs were 3-3 for second place, finishing the season with 10 victories.
“Being new to the conference, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I loved the competition. I loved the format of it,” Halik said. “It was just tough. Each game these boys showed up. It was more meaningful, dif ficult.”
Lyons Township (11-7-2) and RBHS hope to re peat their strong 2023 postseasons as the No. 5 and 8 seeds in the Class 3A Reavis Sectional.
The Bulldogs played No. 9 Argo (12-4-4) Tuesday with the winner most likely meeting No. 1-seed Morton (10-5-5) at 11 a.m., Saturday. Morton was ranked No. 17 in the area last week by ChicagolandSoccer.org.
T he Lions play No. 12 Proviso West (6-11-1), Wednesday, with the winner most likely meeting No. 4 Whitney Young (14-7-4) at 1 p.m., Saturday. LTHS is ranked No. 23 in the area.
If both teams win re gionals, they’ll meet in the 4:30 p.m. sectional semifinals Tuesday.
The 2023 Lions rode a great senior class all the way to second place in Class 3A. With a new talented senior crop, they shared second in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division this season with York and Oak Park and River Forest at 4-2.
Both losses came in overtime to Silver champion Hinsdale Central 3-2, Oct. 1, and York 1-0, Oct. 15. They also beat Downers Grove North 1-0 in overtime Oct. 12.
Last year, the Bulldogs lost their re gional final to Morton 4-2 on penalty kicks to break a scoreless tie.
Although RBHS lost 2-0 at No. 4-ranked West Aurora, Oct. 16, in the crossover match between UEC division champions, it served as a good postseason-like test. The Blackhawks (16-4) scored twice in the final 26 minutes.
“I think defensively as a unit, we played well. We kind
Riverside-Brook eld’s Xav ier Salamanca (19) tries to work past Lyons’ Devin Wong (8) during a nonconference game Sept. 27, in Brook eld.
of faltered a bit in the second half, but overall it was a valiant ef fort by the defense,” Hickey said. “We knew this was going to be tough. Especially this type of play, the style. Again, it is good preparation.”
One strength has been the defense, which has six shutouts, including three of the last five games.
Goalie Eros Valadez and defenders Hickey, Josef Guerrero, Xavier Salamanca and Reese Jackson started against West Aurora. Salamanca returned to action around the start of October.
“We know how hard it is [in the playoffs]. We’re just taking it one day at a time and trying to better ourselves every day,” Salamanca said.
Junior Valadez, a varsity newcomer, and the Bulldogs also have the experience of four re gular-season games decided by penalty kicks, winning three of them.
“It’s kind of nerve-wracking. This is my first time on varsity. But I’m trying to get myself better, help the team out,” Valadez said. “I like how organized we are. When we’re under pressure, we can get away from the pressure.”
Lions capture rst outright Silver football title since 1987
Bulldogs lose at West Chicago, need victory to maintain playo hopes
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
The Monday after the Lyons Township High School football team’s 2023 season ended with a second-round loss to York in the Class 8A state playoffs, the returnees
immediately spoke of higher aspirations.
“We went into a classroom and said we’re going to win a conference championship,” LTHS senior center/defensive lineman Cooper Komsthoeft said. “We said we’re going to practice every day as hard as we possibly can. And we did what we set out to do.”
Almost fittingly, the Lions fulfilled those words with impressive action Friday at York. With a dominant 24-7 victory, the Lions not only celebrated their first West Suburban Conference Silver Division title since 2010 but their first outright title since the 1987 team that reached the 6A state quarterfinals when there were only six playoff classes.
The Lions (8-0, 6-0 in Silver) can complete their first undefeated and untied re gular season since 1950 with a home victory Friday over winless Proviso East.
See FOOTBALL on page 18
STEVE JOHNSTON
Bulldogs, Lions roar into volleyball playo s
LTHS, RBHS are No. 5 and 7 seeds in Class 4A Willowbrook Sectional
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
For senior Reagan Far nan and her Lyons Township High School girls volleyball teammates, grueling three-set matches are the norm this season.
“It’s been tough losing in three sets, but really when we play three sets, we come out strong and play through to the end,” Far nan said. “I think we’re a really strong team, but we just don’t always finish all the way through.”
The Lions are finding that winning mentality at the right time with impressive backto-back West Suburban Conference Silver Division victories over Oak Park and River Forest, Oct. 8, and at York, Oct. 15.
After the Lions (17-13, 3-2 in Silver) swept OPRF 25-21, 25-22, they outlasted the Dukes 19-25, 25-12, 25-23 for their third victory in 12 three-set matches this season.
“I feel really good about the trajectory of how we’re doing. It’s always been uphill,” LTHS sophomore Taylor Carroll, whose cousin, freshman Eileen Carroll, plays for York
FOOTBALL
from page 17
“For us to win the conference, it’s a big deal. There’s a lot of great teams,” LTHS coach Jon Beutjer said.
“The seniors said this team can be something special, but we’ve got to work That’s what I’m most proud of, that the senior leadership is so impressive. They care about each other. They play for each other.”
The victory was especially sweet for senior running back Danny Carroll, who rushed for all three touchdowns and 159 yards on 31 carries. Senior AJ Vavrik kicked a 31-yard field goal on the opening drive
Carroll now has 945 rushing yards. Last season, he suffered a sprained MCL during the re gular-season Homecoming loss to York and was injured for the playoffs.
“Kind of my revenge game in a way,” Carroll said. “It really does feel great, especially after our two losses last year. It really meant something to come out and show what we’ve got the whole year.”
“We’ ve had r eally g ood c ohesiveness within the team, especially with leadership c oming from a bunch of different positions.”
The Lions and Riverside Brookfield (2310) are the No. 5 and 7 seeds in the Class 4A Willowbrook Sectional. Both are fully capable of exceeding their seeds for a regional title.
The Bulldogs, undefeated champions of the Upstate Eight Conference East Division, open York Re gional play against No. 10 Glenbard East (10-23) at 7 p.m., Tuesday with the winner most likely facing the No. 2-seeded Dukes (23-10) at 6 p.m., Oct. 31.
At the LT Re gional, the Lions play No. 12 Nazareth (3-26) at 7 p.m., Tuesday, with the winner most likely meeting No. 4 Oak Park and River Forest (17-13) at 6 p.m., Oct. 31. The sectional semifinals are Nov. 5.
“We saw some flashes of greatness against OPRF, a consistent level of play, so I’m hoping that will continue,” LTHS coach Jill Bober said. “We’re staying competitive, which is nice, but we want to stay consis-
For two-way starting linemen Komsthoeft and senior Tyler Chambers, it was the best of both worlds. The defense didn’t allow a touchdown. The Dukes (6-2, 3-2) closed to 10-7 early in the third quarter on a 45-yard interception return.
Senior Josh Gutier re z added to his earlier interception by recovering a fumble on York’s next possession. LTHS didn’t allow a first down the rest of the way.
“It’s a credit to our defensive coaches and everyone,” Komsthoeft said. “We just stood up and gave it to them. We wanted it more than they did.”
Tackle leaders were Gutier re z (six), Ayman Soltan (five) and Pat Cheney (four). Komsthoeft even savored a sack.
“Our student section was awesome. I just held out my arms and embraced the moment a little bit,” he said.
The Lions actually got stronger as the game progressed. The offense finally opened the gap on TDs with 9:48 and 5:50 left following missed field goals of 43 and 29 yards in the third quar ter.
“[Playing two ways] takes a lot out of us but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do
tent and competitive.”
On Saturday, the Bulldogs fittingly defeated the Lions 25-16, 18-25, 16-14 for fifth place overall at the Maine West Pumpkin Tournament. Including Friday’s pool play, RBHS went 4-1 at the tour nament.
Senior Sofia Owens leads RBHS with 196 kills and 54 blocks, and junior setter Claire Cameron has 577 assists, 180 digs and 59 aces. Cameron surpassed 1,000 career assists during Thursday’s victory over Leyden.
Returning starters Carroll and senior Maddie Richard lead the Lions in kills. But after graduating a huge and talented senior class, several less experienced varsity players have stepped up big.
Junior libero Kate Heatherly leads the team in aces and digs, sophomore Colleen Chambers leads in assists and junior Corinne Yanzy leads in blocks.
Around this time last season, Heatherly was promoted to varsity libero from the sophomore team. She bolstered the backrow defense, led by graduated all-state libero Kiley Mahoney.
“I didn’t play libero in club [last offsea-
for the team. I’m gassed right now,” Chambers said.
“[Carroll] is a stud and when we run the ball, it feels safe with him because we know he’s going to make a play.”
LTHS went ahead 10-0 after Gutier re z’s midfield interception gave the Lions the ball at the York 43. Carroll scored from the 3 after converting a fourth-and-1 at the 8.
On the second TD drive, Carroll r ushed all five plays, including a 38-yarder to the 20 on first-and-23 and the 4-yard score. After a fourth-down sack by 64 gave LTHS the ball at the 20, Carroll r ushed three more times for another score with his TD from 14 yards out.
After Travis Stamm’s late interception, Carroll did a victory back flip while the offense ran out the clock.
“I got yelled at because I fell in Week 2,” Carroll said. “Coach Beutjer told me not to do it again but after a conference championship win, I think I had to.”
Quarterback Dom Pisciotti was 14-for-24 passing for 131 yards mainly to Mack Long (6 catches, 62 yards) and Stamm (4 catches, 52 yards).
son]. It was a big transformation switching positions and more of a leadership role being [on the court] all of the time,” Heatherly said. “It hasn’t been much of a challenge because everyone’s been really supportive.”
The victory over OPRF also was significant as the Lions’ first match after sidelined senior hitter/setter and captain Kate Badrov broke her left thumb the night before against Metea Valley during warmups. Badrov actually played three rotations before the pain became too intense.
“She’s managing the injury well and stepping up in a captain’s role. She’s still been on the bench giving insights and calls to our hitters,” Bober said.
As a result, Chambers has been setting a 5-1 offense. Chambers is another of Carroll’s cousins and a volleyball teammate for the first time since they were 10.
“We’ve been talking about that ever since we were in third grade when we realized we were going to the same high school,” Carroll said. “It’s been super-fun to play with her.”
RBHS football
Any kind of state playoffs for the Bulldogs begins F riday. After losing 41-10 at West Chicago, Oct. 18, the Bulldogs (4-4, 2-3 in Upstate Eight East) must upset conference champion Glenbard East (7-0, 5-1) F riday at home for any chance of making the playoffs. T he Rams have beaten every conference opponent by at least 33 points At West Chicago (5-3, 3-2), the Bulldogs closed to 14-10 on John Bielobradek’s 24yard field goal in the second quarter. The Wildcats scored two more touchdowns before halftime for a 27-10 lead and added two more in the third quar ter.
RBHS quarterback Giancarlo Garcia was 13-for-23 passing for 150 yards with a 20-yard TD pass to Nick Rivera. Xavier Mrozik-DeJesus caught four passes for 45 yards and Jacob Retana had 51 yards on 13 carries.
Defensive leaders included Max Strong (20 tackles, 7 solos), Michael Kallas (6 tackles, 3 solos), Warren Mason (10 tackles, 2 solos), Kaleb McCottry (tackle for loss) and Myron O’Bea and Carter Shelby (fumble recoveries).
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLNOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, PROBATE DIVISION
Estate of NANCY MELANSON, Deceased No. 2024P003200
That the Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Representative in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois was granted on July 26, 2024 for the Estate of Nancy Melanson, Deceased and that KRYSTIN MELANSON BURNS was appointed as the Independent Executor and letters of office have issued and states under the penalties of perjury that:
1. Nancy Melanson died April 20, 2024, leaving a will dated February 13, 2013.
2. The approximate value of the estate is Personal: $10,000, Real: $400,000, Annual Income from Real Estate $0.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE
BONDS AND RIGHT TO FILE PETITIONS
3. The names and post office addresses of the testator’s heirs and legatees are set forth on Exhibit A made a part of the petition.
of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4,000,000, for improvements to the waterworks and sewerage system of the Village through the replacement of lead service lines.
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4. The testator nominated as executor of the following, qualified and willing to act: Kristin Burns, 1115 Thatcher Ave., River Forest, IL 60305.
5. By order dated July 26, 2024 Kristin Melanson Burns has been appointed Independent Executor and letters of office issued.
6. This ad requests that any unknown heirs make themselves known to the attorney herein.
7. This ad will serve as a notice to creditors that they have 6 months from the date of filing of this petition to submit their claims.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to an ordinance adopted on the 17th day of October, 2024 (the “Ordinance”), by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois (the “Village”), intends to issue its Waterworks and Sewerage Revenue Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4,000,000 (the “Bonds”) and bearing interest per annum at not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by law at the time of sale thereof, for the purpose of paying costs of improving the combined waterworks and sewerage system of the Village through the replacement of lead service lines (the “System”), as further described in the Ordinance. The Bonds would be payable solely from the revenues of the System, including the portion thereof attributable to the Village’s recent water rate increases for the purpose of lead service line replacements. A complete copy of the Ordinance follows this notice.
Atty Name: Matt Leuck Attorney for Petitioner
84 E. Burlington, 2W Riverside, IL 60546
708-447-3166
Atty No. 11017
Published in RB Landmark October 16, 23, 30, 2024
transaction of
the State,” as amended, that
certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: G24000553 on October 8, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of EPISTLE WEAR with the business located at: 1626 BUCKINGHAM AVE, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: ARLENE JONES, 1626 BUCKINGHAM AVE, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154, USA.
Published in RB Landmark October 16, 23, 30, 2024
Notice is hereby further given that a petition may be filed with the Village Clerk of the Village (the “Village Clerk”) within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice, signed by 676 or more electors of the Village (the same being equal to 10% of the registered voters in the Village), asking that the question of improving the System and the issuance of the Bonds therefor, be submitted to the electors of the Village.
If such petition is filed with the Village Clerk within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of the Ordinance and this notice and on or before November 25, 2024, the question of the issuance of the Bonds shall be submitted to the electors of the Village on the 25th day of February, 2025, unless no voters in the Village are scheduled to cast votes for any candidates for nomination for, election to or retention in public office at said election, in which case the question of the issuance of the Bonds shall be submitted to the electors of the Village on the 1st day of April, 2025. If such petition is filed with the Village Clerk within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of the Ordinance and this notice and after November 25, 2024, the question of the issuance of the Bonds shall be submitted to the electors of the Village on the 1st day of April, 2025. The Circuit Court may declare that an emergency referendum should be held prior to either of said election dates pursuant to the provisions of Section 2A- 1.4 of the Election Code of the State of Illinois, as amended. If no such petition is filed with the Village Clerk within said 30-day period, the Bonds shall be authorized to be issued.
By order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois.
Dated this 17th day of October, 2024.
Ethan Sowl Village Clerk, Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois
ORDINANCE NO. 4115
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance of Waterworks and Sewerage Revenue Bonds of the Village
WHEREAS, the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois (the “Village”), operates its combined waterworks and sewerage system (the “System”) in accordance with the provisions of Division 139 of Article 11 of the Illinois Municipal Code, as supplemented and amended, and in particular as supplemented by the Local Government Debt Reform Act, as amended (collectively, the “Act”); and WHEREAS, the President and Board of Trustees of the Village (the “Board”) has determined that it is advisable, necessary and in the best interests of the public health, safety and welfare to improve the System through the replacement of lead service lines, all in accordance with the preliminary plans and estimate of costs heretofore approved by the Board and now on file in the office of the Village Clerk, and to pay the engineering, legal, financial and administrative expense related thereto (collectively, the “Project”); and WHEREAS, the Project has an expected useful life of not less than 50 years; and WHEREAS, the estimated cost of constructing and installing the Project, including engineering, legal, financial, bond discount, printing and publication costs, and other expenses, is not less than $4,000,000, and there are insufficient funds on hand and lawfully available to pay such costs; and WHEREAS, it is necessary and for the best interests of the Village that the Project be undertaken and in order to finance the costs thereof it will be necessary for the Village to issue up to $4,000,000 bonds payable from the revenues of the System, including the portion thereof attributable to the Village’s recent water rate increases for the purpose of lead service line replacements (the “System Revenues”) as authorized by the Act (the “Bonds”); and WHEREAS, the State of Illinois (the “State”), acting through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (the “IEPA”), has offered to make loans to the Village, to be evidenced by the Bonds, through the “Public Water Supply Loan Program” or the “Water Pollution Control Loan Program,” or from both of said programs, of the State (together, the “Program”), for the purpose of paying certain eligible costs of the Project; and it is necessary and advisable to authorize the acceptance of said loans and execution of appropriate loan documents at the appropriate time; and WHEREAS, pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Village is authorized to borrow funds from the Program and may issue the Bonds in evidence thereof for the purpose of providing funds to pay the costs of the Project; and WHEREAS, the loan will bear an interest rate as defined by 35 Ill. Adm. Code 662 (the “Program Regulations”) which does not exceed the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended,
at the time of the issuance of the loan; and WHEREAS, the principal and interest due on the loan shall be payable semi-annually, and the loan shall mature within 30 years, which is within the period of useful life of the Project; and WHEREAS, such loan or loans to the Village may be made pursuant to a loan agreement or agreements and bond ordinance or ordinances, with such terms and conditions as may be provided by the IEPA: NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Ordained by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois, as follows:
Section 1. Incorporation of Preambles. The Board hereby finds that all of the recitals contained in the preambles to this Ordinance are full, true and correct and does incorporate them into this Ordinance by this reference.
Section 2. Determination to Issue Bonds. It is necessary and in the best interests of the Village to undertake the Project for the public health, safety and welfare, in accordance with the preliminary plans and estimate of costs as hereinabove described, that the System continue to be operated in accordance with the provisions of the Act, and that for such purpose, there are hereby authorized to be issued and sold the Bonds in an aggregate principal amount (which can include construction period interest financed over the term of the loan) not to exceed $4,000,000.
Section 3. Publication This Ordinance, together with a notice in the statutory form (the “Notice”), shall be published once within ten (10) days after passage hereof by the Board in a newspaper of general circulation in the Village, and if no petition signed by a number of electors being at least equal to ten percent (10%) of the number of registered voters in the Village, asking that the question of improving the System and issuance of the Bonds therefor, as provided in this Ordinance, be submitted to the electors of the Village is filed with the Village Clerk within thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this Ordinance and the Notice, then this Ordinance shall be in effect and the Village will be authorized to issue the Bonds. A form of petition to be provided by the Village Clerk to any person requesting one is attached hereto as Exhibit A. In the event that no such petition is filed, the Village Clerk shall provide a no referendum certificate to the IEPA in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B and made part hereof.
Section 4. Additional Ordinances. If no petition meeting the requirements of applicable law is filed during the petition period hereinabove referred to, then the Board may adopt additional ordinances or proceedings supplementing or amending this Ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of the Bonds, prescribing all the details of the Bonds, so long as the maximum amount of the Bonds as set forth in this Ordinance is not exceeded and there is no material change in the Project or purposes described herein. Such additional ordinances or proceedings shall in all instances become effective in ac-
cordance with applicable law. This Ordinance, together with such additional ordinances or proceedings, shall constitute complete authority for the issuance of the Bonds under applicable law.
However, notwithstanding the above, the Village may not adopt additional ordinances or amendments which provide for any substantive or material change in the scope and intent of this Ordinance, including but not limited to interest rate, preference, or priority of any other ordinance with this Ordinance, parity of any other ordinance with this Ordinance, or otherwise alter or impair the obligation of the Village to pay the principal and interest due to the Program without the written consent of the IEPA.
Section 5. Loan Not Indebtedness of Village. Repayment of the loan(s), as may be evidenced by the Bonds, by the Village to the IEPA pursuant to this Ordinance is to be solely from the System Revenues derived from user charges for the System and such other lawful sources as described in the preambles hereto, and the loan(s) shall not constitute an indebtedness of the Village within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation.
Section 6. Application for Loan. The President, Village Manager or Finance Director of the Village is hereby authorized to make application to the IEPA for a loan through the Program in accordance with the loan requirements of the Program Regulations.
Section 7. Acceptance of Loan Agreement. The Board hereby authorizes acceptance of the offer of the loan(s) through the Program, including all terms and conditions of the IEPA loan agreement(s) as well as all special conditions contained therein and made a part thereof by reference, such loan agreement to be as further approved by the bond ordinance and related proceedings for the Bonds. The Board further agrees that the loan funds awarded shall be used solely for the purposes of the Project as approved by the IEPA in accordance with the terms and conditions of the loan agreement.
Section 8. Outstanding Bonds. The Village has outstanding bonds that are payable from the outstanding bonds payable from the System Revenues, but the outstanding bonds are not senior to, but will be on parity with, the loan authorized by this Ordinance, which will be evidenced by the Bonds. The Village will comply with all other provisions of the Program Regulations with respect to the loan and the Bonds.
Section 9. Authorization of President to Execute Loan Agreement. The Village President is hereby authorized and directed to execute the Loan Agreement with the IEPA. The Board may authorize by resolution a person other than the Village President for the sole purpose of authorizing or executing any documents associated with payment requests or reimbursements from the IEPA in connection with this loan.
Section 10. Severability If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be held
invalid, the invalidity of such section, paragraph, clause or provision shall not affect any of the other provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 11. Repealer; Effective Date. All ordinances, resolutions or orders, or parts thereof, in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed; and this Ordinance shall be effective immediately
ADOPTED by the President and Board of Trustees on the 17th day of October, 2024.
AYES: Claucherty, Evans, Kos, Gallegos, Marsh-Ozga, Mateo NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
APPROVED on October 17, 2024 /s/ Douglas Pollock President, Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois
PUBLISHED in ________________ on October ____, 2024.
RECORDED in the Village Records on October 17, 2024.
Attest: /s/ Ethan Sowl Village Clerk, Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois
Published in RB Landmark Ocotber 23, 2024
