Learn the supernatural tales a new walking tour dishes for
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
Re ga rdless of whether you b eli eve in g hosts, the Rive rside area is a hotbed of supernatural stories.
T here’s the 1930s flapper gi rl in a snow- wh i te gown, with a short bob haircut that was popular at the time, who has b een seen looking for a ride to the Melody Mill d ance hall. Problem for her is, the Melody Mill was torn down in 1984.
But it ’s also a problem for all of us. What should we beli eve?
Are we to b eli eve that the s pirits of soldiers c ommanded by Gen. Wi n field Scott that we re stationed in wh at is now Rive rside during the Black Hawk Wa r of 1832 are roaming around? S ome of those soldiers died of cholera and we re almost literally burie d where they fell … in unmarke d gr aves.
And wh at about the Bloody S top Sign, pu rp or tedly near the Scout Cabin at 417 Fairbank Rd.? Le g end has it there was a young gi rl who died in a terrible way and every Halloween blood oo z es from a near by
Brookfield’s PEP Party endorses president, trustee, clerk candidates
Garvey, Ketchmark and Hendricks will run with 2 newcomers to the board
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
T he PEP Pa rt y has announced i ts endorsements for the upcoming b oard of trustees c onsolidated election in April , including three incumbent b oard members, a parks and recreation c ommissioner and a for mer L aGrange Distric t 102 school board president.
Vi llage President Mi ke Gar ve y and Trustees Kit Ketchmark and Jennifer Hendricks will r un for re-election alongside Ky le Whitehead, who is r unning for trustee, and Michael Melendez, who is r unning for village clerk, the PEP Pa rt y recently announced. Th e pa rt y has c ontrolled the village b oard since 2007.
The three incumbents are running for a second term in their respective positions following their uncontested election in 2021, Brookfield’s first in living memory.
Trustee Edward C ôté, who has held his seat since 2017, c onfirmed in an email to the L andmark that he is i neligible to r un again after his two c onsecutive terms on the board.
Vi llage C lerk B rigid We ber has also reached her term limit and c annot ru n again. We ber has b een clerk twice, firs t from 2006-13 and then from 2015 on. In 2006, she was appointed to the p osition after for mer C lerk Dan Raddatz resigned before she was elected in 2007 to finish his term and re-elected for a f ull ter m in 2009.
In 2015, We ber was reappointed as clerk to finish the term of Cathy C olgr ass Edwards, her successor, after Edward’s death S he was elected to ke ep her seat in 2017 and 2021.
T he PEP Pa rt y’s endorsed c andidates traditionally r un as a slate, wh ich simplifies the process of c ollecting signa-
tures for nominating p etitions. Whil e residents outside of the party may seek to file to r un inde p endently for an open seat, the L andmark has not identifie d any other candidates
Whitehead has ser ve d as a parks and recreation c ommissioner since 2020.
T he next year, he co-founded the Brookfield Parks and Re creation Foundation, wh ich f undraises to provide financia l suppo rt to low-income f amilies in town who cannot af ford parks and recreation progr amming. He now serves as the president of the foundatio n’s b oard. Professionally, Whitehead a dvo cates fo r safe and sustainable public transit, now and previously at the Act ive Transportation Alliance.
In an i nterview with the L andmark, Whitehead said r unning for the village b oard f elt li ke a natural pr ogr ession of his c ommunity involvement sinc e he and his family mo ve d to Brookfield in 2018.
“A s I got more involved as a volunteer with the village, I g ot to know more p eopl e, b oth elected officials and village staf f, and [I’ve b een] really impressed by their wo rk and their c ommitment and their c ontributions to the c ommunity,” he said. “That motivated me to want to c ontinue to stay involved. Eventually, some of them asked me over the last year or so if I would be i nterested in r unning for village b oard, and I saw that as the next step from a lot of the wo rk that I’ve been doing.”
Whitehead said he was excited to learn he had b een endorsed and that he looks forward to p ossibly joining a strong group of volunteers and staffers who ke ep Brookfield running
“There’s a level of nervousness that comes with it. It’s a significant responsibility, and I want to make sure I can do it well, but I’m confident based on the work I’ve done in the community so far and the people I’ve gotten to know,” he said.
Melend ez has live d in Brookfield fo r 12 year s. He was elected to the D102 school b oard in 2017, re-elected in 2021 and appointed by the b oard as president in 2020, a role he ser ve d until 2023. He is now finishing the rest of his term as a
b oard member.
According to his PEP bio gr ap hy, Melend ez has practiced law for nearly 20 year s, now serving the manager of the Unive rsity of I llinois System’s Chicag o le g al office and the chie f le g al c ounsel for the Unive rsity of Illinois Chicag o.
Melend ez did not respond to the L andmark’s requests for c omment on his endorsement by the time of publication.
As Brookfield’s outgoing clerk, We be r said in an email that she endorses Melend ez , who “will definitely be an asset to the village.”
Gar ve y is seeking his sixth c onsecutive term on the b oard and his fourth overall term as village president; he first held the seat from 2005-13 before serving as a trustee from 2013-21. This would be his second c onsecutive ter m as president.
Ketchmark ser ve d as a trustee from 2001-09 and again from 2011-2013. He took over as b oard president from 201321 before returning as a trustee four years ago.
Hendricks was first elected as a trustee in 2021 after being a member of Brookfield’s planning and zoning commission.
A ll three incumbents said they we re p leased to hear the PEP Pa rt y had endorsed them to seek re-election.
“Serving my hometown as an elected official for all these years has b een a tremendous honor, and I’m more energized than ever about doing it going forward, so I was ve ry happy to be chosen, ” Gar ve y said.
“I thank the PEP pa rt y for the nomination to my re-election as village trustee,” Ketchmark said. “I f re-elected, I look forward to c ontinuing on with the many projects we have started and seeing them come to fruition. ”
“I’m very pleased. I realized early on in this adventure that this is a challenge that I kind of love. I love being a trustee,” Hendricks said. “It’s very rewarding to know that I’m working to better the community and help out my neighbors.”
Editor Erika Hobbs
Staff Repor ter Trent Brown
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan
Contributing Editor Donna Greene
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
Marketing & Adver tising Associate Ben Stumpe
Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls
Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
EMAIL jill@oakpark.com
Publisher Dan Haley
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
BOARD OF DIREC TORS
Chair Eric Weinheimer Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charlie Meyerson
Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Audra Wilson
HOW TO REACH US
ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066
E-MAIL erika@growingcommunitymedia.org
Books & Brews: Halloween Edition
Thursday, October 31, 7 p.m.
LSF Brook eld Library
Adults ages 21 and older are welcome to join the Books & Brews Book Club. Each month, participants discuss books, socialize and enjoy a ne brew at a local establishment. This Halloween, get in costume and stop by the library to discuss Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie Holmberg, a historical fantasy full of laughs, magic, romance, and suspense. Spooky mocktails and snacks provided. Copies of the book available for pickup at the library. Register for classes and events online at www. lsfbrook eldlibrary.org, by phone at 708-485-6917 or in person at the library. Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the library unless otherwise speci ed. 3541 Park Ave.
BIG WEEK Oc t. 30-Nov. 6
Compiled by Grace Har ty
Sharon Hoogstraten: Dancing for Our
Tribe
Wednesday, November 6, 7 p.m., Riverside Public Library
Photographer Sharon Hoogstraten will be presenting a talk about the largescale photographs from her Dancing for Our Tribe series. This presentation is in partnership with the Riverside Arts Center as part of Hoogstraten’s Oct. 20 – Nov. 30 FlexSpace exhibit. Hoogstraten is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her series portrays tribal members of all nine Potawatomi Nations in their regalia; photographed on reser vation lands in Oklahoma, Michigan, Canada, Kansas and Wisconsin. The photographs have been published as a book containing 150 portraits by Oklahoma University Press. Register by calling 708-442-6366 or visiting www.riversidelibrar y.org.1 Burling Rd.
Noodle Dinosaurs and Fossils
Tuesday, November 5, 11 - 11:30 a.m. Riverside Public Library
Begin your Dino-vember at the Riverside Public Library. Kids from grades K- 3 can come create their own dinosaur replicas using pasta. Do you prefer rigatoni, penne, or farfalle? Registration is required and you can reserve your spot by calling 708-4426366 or visiting www.riversidelibrary.org. 1 Burling Rd
True Crime Club: Accident or Arson?
An In-Depth Look Into Fire Investigations
Wednesday, November 6, 7 p.m., LSF Brook eld Library
Ar t Explorers
Tuesday, November 5, 6 p.m., LSF Brook eld Library
Who was Claude Monet? Did he paint the Starry Night or Impression, Sunrise? Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome to attend this rst meeting of Art Explorers to learn more about this Impressionist artist and his works. Participants will complete a fun art project while they learn about famous artists in this new monthly class. Awaken your creative expression through this class. 3541 Park Ave
Who knew re could be included in True Crime? When a blaze breaks out, who determines the cause? Is the cause always accidental? Division Chief Scott Waszak from the Berwyn Police Department will discuss his experience as head of the Fire Investigation Unit and what separates an accidental re from deliberate arson. 3541 Park 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.
GHOSTS
Creepy lore
from page 1
“ I’m not saying it d oes, but I’m sayin g that’s the le g end,” said Joanne Ro gers, b oard member of the Frederick Law Olmsted Society. And, if you’ll pardon the p un, she’s dead serious.
Ro gers proved to be a fountain of macabre stories on Oct. 19 during the firs t Rive rside Ghost Tour. Two, two-mile tours we re held that evening – especially cree py when the sun finished setting –along with two more on Oct. 26.
Ro gers, dressed in a wh i te g host c ostume, led a group of about 35 through the streets of Rive rside, starting at the Rive rside train station and ending at the steps of the public l ibrary. In a ddition to pointing out many of the village ’s impressive residential architecture, including homes d esigned by the f amed Frank Ll oyd Wright.
But submitted for your approval – li ke T he Twilight Zone’s Ro d Se rl ing would say – within this tour we re vignettes about local super natural lore.
If you’ re from the area, you know about Showman’s Rest, a spot in Woodlawn C emetery in near by Fo rest Pa rk that includes seve r al ele p hant statues
“It’s a gr aveyard for circus performer s, ” Ro gers said. “There was a terrible a ccident outside Hammond [Ind.] where those circus performers we re killed . Why they buried them in Woodlawn C emeter y, I do n’ t know. ”
What ’s cree py is that many of the deceased c ould n’ t be identified, so the tombstones there honor these p eople as “Unknown Male” and “Baldy, ” as examples. It ’s also said that when the wind is right, you c an hear the trumpeting of the ele p hants, who are perhaps lonely without their caretaker s.
But Ro gers also pointed out that c ould actually be “the sound of real ele p hants from Brookfield Zoo.
As for the Melody Mill, at 2400 S. Des Plaines, where the North Rive rside C ommons are now located, this story is similar to that of Resur rection Mar y, the s pirit that hitchhikes by Resur rectio n C emetery in Justice.
S ome of those stories might ke ep yo u up late at night – literally. T here has b een heard the sound of g hostly horses neighing in the F irst Division, harking back to the era of horses and car riage s.
PROVIDED BY FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED SOCIETY
Jo anne Rogers, Frederick Law Olmsted Society board me mb er not on ly recounted local supe rnat ural lore, she prov ided back ground on some of the notabl e res ide nt ial architec ture in the v illage.
Here’s more about the Scout Cabin area: Supposedly someone c alled the “Bronco Girl” vaults her horse out of the wood s. In a house near by c omes the sound of a g hostly little boy that’s splashing in the sink, presumably du ring a bath long ago.
There’s also a story that didn’t come up during the tour. Gangster Frank Nitti, Al Capone’s successor as leader of the Chicago Outfit, committed suicide where the railroad tracks cross Cermak Road near
North Riverside Mall. His ghost purportedly can be seen wandering the tracks where his life came to an end.
What to beli eve indeed Rive rside Ghost Tour pa rt icipants we re mixed.
“ I’m open,” said North Rive rside resid ent Jennifer Smith. “ I’m not going to say that they don’ t exist or do exist. ”
And wh at about Ro gers ?
“I’ve neve r seen a g host,” she said, “but I could be open to the possibility. ”
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.
Recognizing the signs of burnout and seeking help is crucial for caregivers and their families.
• 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. Visit Cantata.org for more senior living advice or call (708) 387-1030.
Hit-and-run driver arrested after rear-ending a car
Brookfield police on Oct. 23 arrested a 52-year-old Palos Hills man for a hit-andrun incident the day prior.
On Oct. 22 around 6 p.m., an officer responded to the intersection of Prairie and Washington avenues, where the caller had said the incident had occur red, but police did not find the offending vehicle after searching the area.
The officer then went to the 8900 block of Burlington Avenue, where the woman whose car had been struck was located. She told police her car was struck while she was driving south on the 3700 block of Prairie Avenue toward Brookfield Avenue. While she was stopped in traffic caused by a passing train, the blue car struck her car’s rear bumper, police said. The woman said she saw the car begin to reverse, and she thought the driver would pull into a parking spot, but the car instead did a three-point turn and began heading north.
The woman told police she followed the
car north on Prairie Avenue and east when it turned onto Washington Avenue but that she lost it before reaching First Avenue. While following the car, the woman called police and read out the car’s license plate. She told police the driver must have been aware of the incident due to his reaction and his failure to get out of the car and share insurance information.
Police found that the hit-and-run was caught on public safety cameras. Police found that the footage corroborated the woman’s version of events. At one point, while both cars were heading east on Washington Avenue, the cameras captured the blue car crossing over the yellow lines into the westbound lane to pass another car. Police could not verify whether the car’s license plate matched the one the woman gave
After checking that license plate number, police found it was re gistered to a 52-year-old Palos Hills man. T hey pro-
cured an image of the car’s owner, which matched the physical description the woman gave of the driver.
The next day, around 2:15 p.m., police had conducted a photographic line-up with the woman whose car was struck; she identified the car’s owner as the driver when it struck her car. Police called the man phone number on file and left a voicemail; around 3:45 p.m., the man returned the call. The man said he wasn’t sure what incident police were refer ring to but ag reed to come to the police station later.
Police c harged the man for failing to reduce his speed to avo id an a ccident, for leaving the scene of an accident and for failing to give his i nsurance info rmation. Police set a Nov. 26 c ourt date and released him.
These items were obtained from the Riverside Police Department reports dated Oct. 20-23 and the Brookfield Police Department reports
dated Oct. 22-29; 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
Brookfield identifies streets for repairs in 2025
Stretches of Monroe, Cleveland, Harrison and Blanchan avenues are slated for regular improvement work
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
Brookfield has picked out the streets it will improve in the coming year.
Monroe Avenue from Kemman Avenue to Grand Boulevard, Cleveland and Harrison avenues from Monroe Avenue to Washington Avenue and Blanchan Avenue from Ogden Avenue to Rochester Avenue are on the village’s docket for re gular re pairs in 2025.
The work will include re placing deteriorated mainline sewer sections and curbs and gutters and re placing or re pairing drainage structures. Making intersections and alley connections ADA compli-
ant, patching pavement in failed areas and resurfacing the pavement also fall under the scope. The village will also widen Monroe Avenue by three feet to a total pavement width of 25 feet, according to village documents
The repairs are expected to cost the village about $2.45 million, although Brookfield has been awarded $200,000 in federal funding through Cook County’s branch of the federal Community Development Block Grant program. The remaining $2.25 million price tag includes engineering and construction costs.
Brookfield trustees approved a contract with Hancock for design and construction engineering in the amount of $314,700 at the village board’s Oct. 28 meeting.
“We’ve ypically tried to target about $3 million dollars [per year] work as part of these projects,” said Dan O’Malley, a project Hancock Engineering, Brookfield’s re gular engineering firm, at the village board’s Oct. 14 committee of the whole meeting.
“We do have a large project planned for next year,” he added. “That’s the 3700
[block of] Grand [Boulevard] and Brookfield Avenue improvements. That’s about a $5 million project, $1 million of which is going to be funded by the village, so, with that in mind, we have a slightly reduced program that we’re recommending for next year.”
He said Hancock had budgeted an additional $150,000 on top of the project’s costs for “miscellaneous asphalt and concrete pavement patching throughout town,” which will allow Brookfield to maintain other streets as needed and extend their lifetime of use.
He told trustees the project would go out to bid by early March with construction ideally starting in April and ending sometime in July or August.
The stretches of the four roads up for repairs were chosen from streets Hancock identified in a 2021 pavement condition report and rated their quality three out of five, as Brookfield has already fixed up all streets that were rated one or two out of five, O’Malley said.
In response to a question from Trustee Kit Ketchmark, O’Malley said Brookfield
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still has about 17 miles of streets rated three out of five, but that the rating represents streets in fair condition.
“Every year, we review all the streets that were rated a three, pick out the ones that are now starting to age out and get to the point where, with our yearly paving or patching budget, we’re not really getting the same investment out of them.”
He said most streets in town are now rated at a three, and those rated a four or five are “in very good condition” and have no need for repairs, as they were likely already redone within the past decade
Village President Michael Garvey said he appreciated Hancock’s ef for ts to bring street repairs to the board relatively early so Brookfield can get a head start on them.
“We’re on the aggressive schedule of getting out to bid in early spring and getting contractors who want to book up their summer, so we feel like we do get better rates at that time, and the projects start early [so] we don’t worry about them finishing before the end of the season,” he said. “[For] these types of projects, coming out now and asking for this is the way to go.”
here,rightacrossfromtheBrookfield Zoo,formorethan a centurypassionatelyservingtheneedsoflocalseniors.
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Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care
Independent Living•Assisted Living•Memory Support Short-Term Rehab•Long-Term Care•Home Care
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a cowboy sheriff
We asked. You answered! Enjoy your neighbors’ furbabies all decked out for Halloween. We a k d
NEYMARas
FRANKIE as a taco
LUNA as a monarch butterfly
MAXWELL as Beetlejuice HUTCH
STELLA as a banana split
GINGER as the devil
WRIGLEY as a T-rex
SUGI as a police officer
IRELAND as a hot dog
HENRY as a honey bee
PEACH and BLEU as cops and robbers
CHER all dressed up
VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
REVENUE SUMMARY:
MUNICIPAL SALES TAX-5,858.472; NON-HOME RULE SALES TAX-4,233,817; LOCAL USE TAX-280,089; PROPERTY TAX-614,843; PLACES FOR EATING TAX-1,282,992; UTILITY TAX-389,024; SIMIPLIFIED MUNICIPAL TELECOMMUNCATIONS TAX-93,117; VIDEO GAMING TAX-484,783; INCOME TAX-1,215,745; PERSONAL PROPERTY REPLACEMENT TAX-111,648; CANNABIS EXCISE TAX-11,524; LOCAL AMUSEMENT TAX-436,316; LIQUOR LICENSES-193,395; BUSINESS LICENSES-270,540; VEHICLE LICENSES-192,470; BUILDING PERMITS-355,118; CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION-54,000; TELEPHONE FRANCHISE FEE-9,208; CABLE FRANCHISE FEE-85,366; OTHER LICENSES & PERMITS-27,183; STATE AID ROUTE MAINTENANCE-34,266; GRANTS-71,954; RECREATION FEES-780,873; AMBULANCE FEES1,277,912; FIRE INSPECTIONS-42,854; ELEVATOR INSPECTIONS-15,020; PRESALE INSPECTIONS-33,118; HEALTH INSPECTIONS-26,100; ALARM CONNECTION FEES-30,473; SIGN INSPECTIONS-45,455; PLAN REVIEW FEES-70,248; OTHER CHARGES FOR SERVICES-60,012; CIRCUIT COURT FINES-44,444; PARKING & COMPLIANCE FINES-146,998; LOCAL ORDINANCE FINES-4,545; PHOTO ENFORCEMENT FINES-1,613,701; ADMINISTRATIVE TOW FINES-129,000; LOCAL DEBT RECOVERY COLLECTIONS-58,181; COLLECTIONS-224,269; MISCELLANEOUS FINES-60,065; INVESTMENT INCOME-3,659,140; REIMBURSEMENTS-2,084,092; DONATIONS-22,887; MISCELLANEOUS INCOME-44,003; MUNICIPAL MOTOR FUEL TAX267,987; MOTOR FUEL TAX ALLOTMENTS-350,203; REFUSE FEES-630,823; FOREIGN FIRE INSURANCE TAX-13,392; WATER SALES-4,254,444; STANDPIPE MAINTENANCE FEES-40,000; INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS-3,279,374; PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS-4,561,400; OPERATING TRANSFERGENERAL-853,000
TOTAL REVENUES: $40,982,352
VENDOR SUMMARY:
ABC AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS-48,624; AA RENTAL CENTER-3,200; ABC PARADE FLOATS-6,100; AFTERMATH, INC.-3,600; AGILANT SOLUTIONS, INC.-18,682; AHW LLC-10,038; AIR ONE EQUIPMENT, INC.-6,507; AIRGAS USA, LLC-18,558; AJZ-NORTH RIVERSIDE LLC-209,703; ALAN R MEYER-29,254; ALEXANDER EQUIPMENT COMPANY-12,345; ALTORFER INDUSTRIES, INC.-8,224; AMAZON BUSINESS-19,954; AMERICAN EXPRESS-44,325; AMERICAN EXPRESS -15,036; AMERICAN SOCCER COMPANY, INC-10,559; ANDERPRINTS, LLC-16,130; ANDERSON ELEVATOR CO.-2,781; ANDERSON PEST SOLUTIONS-4,334; ANTHONY RAINIERO-30,000; ANTHONY ROOFING, LTD.11,098; APPAREL INC.-2,905; APPLIED CONCEPTS, INC-2,575; ART-FLO SHIRT & LETTERING CO.-
8,170; AT&T-4,247; AXON ENTERPRISE, INC44,965; AYRE STAGING-5,200; BEACON SSI INCORPORATED-11,130; BELDEN TUCKPOINTING INC15,800; BLACKHAWK TOWER COMMUNICATIONS, INC-5,520; BORE REPAIR SYSTEMS-31,177; BROOKFIELD-NORTH RIVERSIDE-1,762,642; BRYANT ROULEAU-5,821; BS & A SOFTWARE-12,306; BURKE BEVERAGE-5,625; CAPERS NORTH AMERICA LLC7,200; CAPITAL GAINS INCORPORATED-15,685; CARGILL INCORPORATED-49,306; CATHY KOLESSAR-3,506; CCP INDUSTRIES INC.-4,965; CDS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIES-17,865; CERTIFIED LABORATORIES-2,676; CHANDLER SERVICES INC.-2,878; CHICAGO COMMUNICATIONS-3,368; CHICAGO SUPERCOACH-2,520; CHRIS NYBO LLC-48,750; CHRISTMAS DESIGNERS-19,200; CINTAS CORPORATION-65,852; CINTAS FIRST AID & SAFETY-9,093; CITY SOCIAL MARKETING SOLUTIONS-24,000; CIVICPLUS-12,044; CLOWNING AROUND ENTERTAINMENT-7,350; COLLEGE OF DUPAGE-3,835; COLLETTE-3,791; COMCAST-9,533; COMED-61,970; COMMERCIAL TIRE SERVICE-10,683; CONSERVICE-3,284; CORE & MAIN-71,281; CORE & MAIN-71,281; CRAMER LAW GROUP, P.C.-190,000; CROWN TROPHY-2,812; CURRIE MOTORS-40,315; DACRA ADJUDICATION SYSTEM-7,800; DAYSMART SOFTWARE-RECPRO-3,425; DAYSMART SOFTWARERECPRO-3,425; DEERE & COMPANY-10,108; DELTA MIDWEST-35,845; DIAMOND TOURS, INC.-92,613; DINGES FIRE COMPANY-31,348; DNR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS-27,237; DOOR SYSTEMS, INC.-5,746; DORA MURPHY-6,000; EDWIN BENN-3,749; ESO SOLUTIONS-3,798; FACTORY MOTOR PARTS-56,258; FIRE SERVICE INC-3,123; FIRST ILLINOIS SYSTEMS, INC-24,889; FOREST PRINTING-6,702; FOSTER & FOSTER, INC.-15,420; FOUR SEASONS AMUSEMENTS-25,025; FULL CIRCLE K9 SOLUTIONS, INC-6,600; FULLMER LOCKSMITH SERVICE, INC-4,252; GBJ SALES, LLC-4,291; GRAINGER-14,275; GREAT LAKES DISTRIBUTING, INC11,475; GREG MOORE-20,228; HAGG PRESS-9,603; HEALTH ENDEAVORS SC-4,555; HFS BUREAU OF FISCAL OPERATIONS-539,891; HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVICES-18,206; HOT SHOTS SPORTSNORTH CHICAGO-6,964; HOUSE OF DOORS-9,340; IGNITE VOLLEYBALL CLUB-6,953; ILLINOIS ALARM SERVICE-7,394; ILLINOIS PUBLIC SAFETY-5,808; IMRF-191,626; IN PARTICULAR, INC.-19,255; INFINITY ENTERTAINMENT-4,900; INFRASEARCH, INC.-18,050; INTERSTATE POWER SYSTEMS, INC6,430; IPBC-3,056,865; IRS-1,408,069; J. J. KELLER & ASSOCIATES, INC-3,694; JERRY KIDD-17,520; JOHN NALBANDIAN-4,784; JX TRUCK CENTER-141,129; KARL CHEVROLET-42,702; KEARNS DESIGN GROUP-4,776; K-FIVE HODGKINS, LLC.-12,242; KIESLER'S-2,600; KIMLEY-HORN & ASSOCIATES, INC13,460; KONICA MINOLTA PREMIER FINANCE-21,322; LAGRANGE PARK ACE HARDWARE-3,820; LAGRANGE PARK ACE HARDWARE-3,820; LAKESHORE
RECYCLING SYSTEMS-504,195; LASER LIGHT COMPANY-3,000; LAUTERBACH & AMEN, LLP44,950; LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.-50,141; LAZY CREEK COFFEE SERVICE-4,358; LEADS ONLINE-3,081; LEAHY-WOLF-12,358; LEHP MANAGEMENT INC4,840; LEONARD B. CANNATA-15,600; LEXIPOL LLC-10,860; LRS, LLC-169,136; MABAS DIVISION XI-10,000; MACQUEEN EQUIPMENT-17,948; MAGGIE SPEAKS-8,500; MATTHEW KERR-2,750; MCMASTERCARR-11,137; MEADE ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.54,194; MIKE'S CONCRETE INC-26,323; MINUTEMAN PRESS-3,690; MINUTEMAN PRESS OF LYONS-17,136; MITCHELL VAUGHT & TAYLOR-35,439; MPC COMMUNICATIONS & LIGHTING-5,282; MUNICIPAL INSURANCE COOPERATIV-713,405; MYS, INC.1,482,350; NAPA AUTO PARTS-10,939; NEUMANN COMPANY CONTRACTORS, INC.-1,481,000; NICOR GAS-19,459; NORTH EAST MULTI-REGIONAL-3,500; NOVOTNY ENGINEERING-258,666; OFFICE DEPOT-11,268; OVERLAP TECH-3,834; OZINGA READY MIX CONCRETE, INC.-8,838; PARAMEDIC SERVICES OF-43,936; PARTNERS & PAWS VETERINARY SERVICES-3,046; PEERLESS-38,864; PEERLESS NETWORK-43,394; PETERSON, JOHNSON & MURRAY CHICAGO-14,955; PIONEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY-3,632; PITNEY BOWES INC.-6,158; PMA COMPANIES-4,146; PNC EQUIPMENT FINANCE, LLC-131,454; POWER DMS, INC-5,150; PREFERRED PLUMBING, INC.-3,905; PREMIER WORLD DISCOVERY-62,996; PREMISTAR NORTH-63,510; PUBLIC RESEARCH GROUP-6,500; R & W GARAGE DOORS, LLC-5,975; RADJA COLLINS LAW-3,400; RAY O'HERRON CO INC.-33,890; RECORD-A-HIT, INC.7,090; REGIONAL TRUCK EQUIPMENT-6,209; RELIABLE FIRE & SECURITY-2,744; RESERVE ACCOUNT-14,000; REWORK-2,517; RICCIO CONSTRUCTION-107,963; RIZZA ENTERPRISES-69,122; ROBERT R. ANDREAS & SONS-5,985; ROMEOVILLE FIRE ACADEMY-5,415; RONCO INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY, CO.-4,964; ROSE ZAPLETAL-1,934; ROSE'S CATERING-1,509; RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF ILL-4,322; RYAN ZIMMERMAN-2,760; S & M JANITORIAL, INC.18,260; SALERNO CUSTOMIZED SECURITY-4,430; SAM'S CLUB MC/SYNCB-19,769; SAVVIK BUYING GROUP-6,453; SAWYER FALDUTO ASSET MGMT6,000; SCOTT KOPACH-7,073; SERVICE SPRING-6,108; SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO.-2,501; SIKICH LLP-16,593; SIDNEY MCNEAL-2,760; SMITH ARCHITECTURE-3,225; SNAP ON INDUSTRIAL-31,931; ST. PAUL VI PARISH-6,300; STANARD & ASSOCIATES, INC.-9,057; STANDARD EQUIPMENT COMPANY-7,989; STARFISH TRANSPORTATION-9,250; STATE TREASURER-18,525; STORINO RAMELLO & DURKIN-65,933; SUBURBAN TREE CONSORTIUM-16,740; TARIQ DANDAN-242,312; TECHNO CONSULTING INC-64,361; TELCOM INNOVATIONS GROUP, LLC-5,322; TERRY'S FORD45,787; THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON-860,311; THE EAGLE UNIFORM CO., INC.-11,255; THE FUN ONES-2,660; THE LOCKER SHOP-7,257;
THEATRICAL RIGHTS WORLDWIDE-4,114; THOMAS J BRESCIA-50,400; THOMPSON ELEVATOR INSPECTION SERV-3,110; THOMSON WEST PAYMENT CENTER-6,039; TIMECLOCK PLUS, INC5,400; TRAFFIC CONTROL & PROTECTION-2,998; TRUGREEN-7,207; TWILIGHT PORTABLE RESTROOMS-8,300; TYLER TECHNOLOGIES-2,612; UCP SEGUIN OF GREATER CHICAGO-7,500; UNITED RADIO COMMUNICATIONS-11,557; UNITED STATES POST OFFICE-9,086; VANTAGEPOINT TRANSFER AGENT-71,717; VEGA BUILDING & MAINTENANCE SUPPLIE-36,102; VERIZON WIRELESS-26,300; VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE-3,710; VISION SERVICE PLAN-34,445; VS PRINTING SERVICES, LLC-12,040; WARREN OIL CO-148,740; WC3-451,655; WEDNESDAY JOURNAL, INC.-4,079; WEST CENTRAL MUNICIPAL-16,084; WEST COOK COUNTY SOLID WASTE-5,200; WESTAFMAJOR CRASH UNIT-2,750; WESTCHESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT-3,800; WIDAMAN SIGN-5,215; WILD GOOSE CHASE-9,341; WINKLER'S TREE SERVICE, INC.80,318; WSSRA-63,820; ZARNOTH BRUSH WORKS, INC.-4,301; ZEIGLER FORD NORTH RIVERSIDE-35,120; EXPENSE DISBURSEMENTS UNDER 2,500-297,427 TOTAL VENDORS: $17,799,578
COMPENSATION SUMMARY: PAYROLL: UNDER $25,000 AITCHESON, JAMES; ALFRED, VERONICA; ALVAREZ, LUCAS; ANGELINI, MARIE E; AVALOS, JOSEFINA; BARAN, MIKAEL; BARNES, ANDREW W; BASA, MATTHEW D; BELGIN, SOFIA; BENCIK, JASON; BEREK, GRACE; BIANCO, JASON; BISKUPIC, SAMUEL C; BISTYAK, DORIS; BOULAHANIS, ERIC; BURZYNSKI, AUDREY E; BZDYL, JAMES; BZDYL, PATRICIA; CALDWELL, NYLA; CASHIN, JAMES; CENTORCELLI, ELIZABETH D; CERVANTES, FRANCISCO E; CHIAPPETTA, JAMES; CHORLEY, ANDREW J; CONNERTY, AVA M; CRANSTON, ROBERT J; CUBIE, BERNICE; CZAJKA, DEBORAH; DELANGEL, KATHERINE V; DELANGEL, JOSE; DELMONICO, LEYNA M; DEMAURO, KELLEY; DI NOVO, ATHONY; DOHENY, MAUREEN; DUNCAN, DYLAN; EGAN, SAMUEL; FARKASCHEK, JOSEPH; FLANNERY, THOMAS; FLORES, FERNANDO; FORD, MOIRA; FORNALSKY, JOHN M; GIOVENCO, TONI E; GONZALEZ, AMAYA; GRAY, DONNA; GRIFFIN, CLARE M; GROSSE, LORI; GUTIERREZ, JOSUE F; HAMILTON, MIA; HANNEMAN, PETER; HILDALGO, JESSE; HILL, SPENCER; HOADLEY, LILLIAN G; JANSON, MARY BRIGID; JOHNSON, HEATHER; KILBURG, MICHAEL; KOLTZ, NATALIE M; KOPECKY, JOSEPH C; KOPKA, BARBRA J; KROPACEK, GERALDINE; LANDA, DAVID; LEMBCKE, LENA M; LINARES JR, GUSTAVO; LITAVECZ, MORGAN; LUKWINSKI, ANDREW K; LUPECANINO, ANTHONY;MADERA, JULIA F; MAGUIRE, ROSE; MARES, KEMBERLY M; MARTIN, CALVIN; MCKINNEY, ROWAN; MENDOZA, IVAN; MENGONI,
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THE L ANDMARK VIEW
Essential Civics of local news
We are less than a week out from our national elections. It has been a dismaying campaign which has only further divided our fellow Americans. In five months, communities across Growing Community Media’s coverage area will have critical elections for municipal government, school, park and library boards.
As we look out toward these elections, and as we ramp up to ask you to invest in our reader-supported newsroom between now and year-end, we are focused on what we call the Essential Civics. These are the virtues we believe are core to independent, genuine local news.
Democracy. Local news promotes and nurtures democracy in myriad ways that foster a more active citizenry.
Accountability. We have re porters on the ground in all of our neighborhoods covering local government and schools. We are always there watching. Equity. We believe in equity. Simple yet hard-to-attain concept that tells us every community member deserves the resources they need to thrive. Connection. Local news is the great community connector. We’re not boosters, but we do love these towns and neighborhoods in their glories and their foibles. Civility. How we talk to each other is important. Disagreements are good. Misinformation and mean-spiritedness are not good or acceptable in our pages.
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Uncontested so far
Brookfield’s PEP Party has announced its slate for the April municipal election. Steady as she goes could be the campaign slogan for a political organization that has fully dominated local elections for nearly two decades.
Mike Garvey is, once again, the candidate for village president. Garvey and Trustee Kit Ketchmark have swapped that role multiple times to satisfy local term limit restrictions. Garvey is going for his sixth straight term on the board and his fourth at the top of the ticket. Ketchmark is up for trustee once again and Jennifer Hendricks is running for re-election as trustee. There are two newcomers rounding out the remaining trustee and clerk posts.
Re g ular readers know we often praise the steady headway these PEP leader s have made in turning Brookfield forward. Under i ts leadershi p, Brookfield’s gove r nment has become more professional, more i ntentional, more progr essive, more transparent.
That said, there is still a bit of time for more candidates to file for this election. We hope that will happen. Contested elections are good for everybody. It sharpens everyone’s thinking when positions need to be explained and defended. It is good when new ideas are injected into the discussion. It increases the interest of locals in their local democracy when races are contested.
Historically, Brookfield has had contested elections. And it is true that going back, some of those campaigns brought for th loons, and some of those loons won. But in this new and improved Brookfield, we hope there might be some critical thinkers who would like to engage in a sincere contest of ideas.
Old age made me war y, so after hearing only “pro” referendum o pinions, I recently requested o pposing views T hen I read all available public data and attended Rive rside ’s official meeting re ga rding the referendum. Here is my (unbiased?) neither pro/nor opp osed summary of the looming tax referendum, wh ich will be on the upcoming November ballot:
The new tax will use funds currently
paying bond-interest to finance a moderate amount of additional village roadwork — but at the “cost” of permanently yielding voter approval on future roadwork bond issuance taxes (currently, every 10 years).
I am not a public official and have no self-interest in this beyond being a 24year Riverside resident.
OBITUARIES
Chris Kudla, 52 Riverside police o cer
Christopher Michael (Chris) Kudla, 52, died on Oct. 24, 2024. Born on Nov. 26, 1971 in Berwyn, he was a steadfast protector of the community and a beacon of light that shone brightly throughout his life. After graduating from Joliet Junior College, he served as a police officer in the towns of Lyons, Sleepy Hollow, Montgomery, and Riverside. He was a public servant, but also a craftsman and businessman, establishing Blue Line Appliance Repair Services. He found solace and enjoyment in fishing, playing golf, and bowling. A faithfilled man and friend, he placed others before himself and demonstrated courage in facing the world’s tribulations
Chris is survived by his wife, Tricia Kudla; his daughters, Amanda and Ashley Kudla; his parents, Dennis and Virginia Kudla; his siblings, Roger Kudla, David Kudla, and Alyceson (Andy) Niemi; his in-laws, Barbara (Charles) McDonnell; his sisters-in-law, Jennifer (Ernesto) Mota, Marie McDonnell, and Angelina (Chris) Wells; his brother-in-law, John (Ashley Kern) McDonnell; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends who became family; and his beloved pets
He was preceded in death by his sister, Cindy Stykes and his grandparents, Joseph (Virginia) Kudla, and Joseph (Addiemae) Oxendine.
Memorial services for Chris will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 1, at Crossroads Christian Church, 2312 Essington Road in Joliet. Memorial visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of services. Per Chris’ wishes, cremations rites
have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be most appreciated.
For more information, visit www.farkasfuneralhome.com.
Carmen Donelson, 89
Former Brook eld resident
Carmen G. Donelson (nee Goranson), 89 of Joliet, for merly of Brookfield, died on Oct. 24, 2024. Born on Oct. 10, 1935, she worked in banking
Carmen was the wife of the late William Donelson; the mother of Kim (Douglas) Kent and the late David William Donelson; and the grandmother of Daniel Kent and Jennifer Kent.
Interment was held on Oct. 28 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by JohnsonNosek Funeral Home. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.johnsonnosek.com.
Geraldine Zamco, 87
High school teacher
Geraldine “Geri” Rose Edith Fricek Zamco, 87, of Springfield, died on Oct. 20, 2024, at Loyola University Medical Center. Born Feb. 18, 1937, in Chicago, the daughter of George and Rose (Klapp) Fricek, who preceded her in death, she married Milan Zamco on July 8, 1961.
A high school teacher, she dedicated herself to the growth and development
OBITUARIES continued pa ge 12
Michael Maher Ri verside
OBITUARIES continued
of countless students, through seven years at Farragut School in Chicago and later at Lawrence Education Center, from which she retired after 23 years of service. Her passion for teaching was matched only by her devotion to her faith. As a long-standing member of Christ the King Catholic Church, she found strength and community
As a mother and housewife, she filled her home with warmth and laughter. She will be remembered for her love of the color purple, especially when embellished in rhinestones and sequins, reflecting her vibrant personality and belief that every day was an occasion to celebrate. Her zest for life was infectious, and her ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary made her a consummate hostess. Her parties were the epitome of her philosophy: “Life’s a stage, so why not wear a costume?” She made every moment a fashion statement by wearing her best self.
In addition to her husband, Milan, she is survived by her daughter, Jerilynn “Gogi” Shipley; her grandson, Spencer Miles Shipley; several cousins; and many gracious, lifelong friends.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 12 to 1 p.m., at Hitzeman Funeral Home in Brookfield. The funeral service will take place at 1 p.m., followed by burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Forest Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702 or to an animal rescue charity of the donor’s choice
Joanne Matousek, 88 Teacher
Joanne C. Matousek, 88, of LaGrange Park, died on Oct. 20, 2024. A teacher, she was the
mother of Patrick (Katherine) Matousek, Gina Matousek, Sarah (Brian) Morris, and the late Andrew Matousek; the grandmother of James, Margo, Jade and Maya; and a friend to many.
Services are private.
Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513
Information: 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com.
If you wish to send a sympathy card, mail it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, c/o Joanne Matousek Family. We will forward it to the family.
Rick Masek, 68
Advertising ar t designer
Richard J. Masek Jr., 68, of Berwyn, formerly of Cicero and North Riverside, died on Oct. 20, 2024. Born on June 26, 1956, he was a talented artist and writer and worked as an art designer for advertising firms.
Rick was the son of Lillian and the late Richard J. Masek Sr.; the brother of Larry (late Diana) Masek, Susan M. Masek and Karen (Michael) VanderMey; uncle of Michelle (Kenneth) Berantzino and Jerry (Jennifer) Masek and Kyle (Amy) VanderMey; great-uncle of Violet and Lotus Masek, and Eva and Silas VanderMey.
Vi sitation and services we re held on Oct. 25 at I vins/Mor avecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St., Rive rside.
Roger Clegg, 62
Drummer and car salesman
Roger D. “The Rock” Clegg, 62, of Elmwood Park, for merly of Cicero, Berwyn and Brookfield, died on Oct. 17, 2024 in Berwyn. Born in Oak Park on March 11, 1962, he worked as a salesman and general manager at several
area car dealers. He played the drums, loved dogs, and old classic movies.
Roger was the father of Cassandra (Jason Martinez, fiancé) Clegg and Nicole (Eddie Szkodzinski, fiancé) Clegg; the brother of Caren Clegg, the late Richard F. “John” (Marylou) Clegg, and the late James Clegg; the uncle of Rich (Olivia) Clegg; the good friend of Len Pappone, Dave Kosin and Bradley Paul; and the dog dad of Gizmo Memorial visitation and celebration of life were held on Oct. 26 at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.
Sandra Bossingham, 85 Teacher
Sandra Sue Bossingham (nee Willan), 85, of Riverside, for merly of Bloomington, Gibson City, and Pontiac, died peacefully at her home on Sept. 17, 2024. Born on July 21, 1939, in Normal to Ray and Freida Willan, she was a 1957 graduate of Normal Community High School and married Roger Bossingham on June 28, 1958 in Bloomington.
A stay-at-home mom, at the encouragement of her husband, she went to college once their children were in school, earning a bachelor’s
degree in elementary education, the first person in her family to obtain a college degree She taught first and then third grade for over 20 years. A gifted teacher, with a gentle spirit, she adored working with children.
Once her own children had graduated from high school, she went back to school again, and earned a master’s degree in education.
After retiring, she taught S und ay School for seve r al years at C olle ge Pa rk Christian C hurch in Normal. S he took great care in sending birthd ay cards to each of her students.
In the fall of 2015, she and Roger moved to Riverside to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Being a grandma was one of the greatest joys in her life
Sandy was the mother of Greg (Kathy) Bossingham and Gwen (Michael) Jebb; the grandmother of Rachel (Anthony) Bellcourt, Nathan (Hannah) Jebb, Alexandra (Alexander) Hamilton, Luke (Kelsey) Jebb, Margaret (Brian) Flavin, Vanessa (Jared) Jebb Swanson, Isaiah Jebb, Sophie Jebb, Marshall Jebb, and 10 great-grandchildren; the sister of Anna Lee Marquis and the late Ray (Miriam) Willan, and aunt.
Private interment took place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, in Lexington, Illinois.
In lieu of fl ower s, the f amily requests that d onations be made to the A merican C ancer Society.
To run an obituary
Please contact Erika Hobbs by e-mail: erika@growingcommunitymedia.org, before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
Sports
Vlcek, Ellis win UEC swim titles
It was the rst conference title for Ellis
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
As Riverside Brookfield High School senior Hailey Vlcek was deciding on swimming for the University of Illinois, one sacrifice was missing the 2023 Suburban Prairie Conference Meet for a colle ge recr uiting trip.
“The dates they had to visit happened to line up with conference weekend,” Vlcek said.
With the Bulld ogs now part of a different conference, the two-time all-stater showed her championship form again at the Upstate Eight Conference Meet Saturday.
Vlcek won the 200-yard freestyle (1:54.29) and junior Maria Ellis won the 200 individual medley (2:14.79) while the Bulldogs (231 points) finished second to host West Chicago co-op (337).
As a sophomore, Vlcek won an SPC title in the 100 free (53.61) by .05.
“[Winning] was definitely really special for me being my senior year and just g etting to be a part of the team,” Vlcek, an all-state third in the 200 last season (1:51.05) after a school-record 1:50.50 in prelims.
This was the first conference title for Ellis, second in
the 200 IM at the SPC Meet the past two seasons
“It meant a lot. It was my first individual win,” said. “It always means so much to watch teammates wi individually so to finally have one under my belt f ally good. I’m most proud how the team did overall.
Vlcek was second in the 500 free (5:14.75) and Ellis was third in the 100 butterfly (1:02.31).
T hey also joined Maggie McCo and Lizzie Ryan for second in the 200 free relay (1:44.11) and 400 free relay (3:47.52).
Diver Paig e Phelan (365.70 points) was third. McCoy (200 free in 2:01.86), Charlene Wang (100 breast stroke in 1:21.38), Ca Romero (500 free in 6:09.69), and the 200 medley relay of Liv Dob be, Wang, Audrey Simpson and Claire Ruska (2:07.38) were fourth.
T he Bulldogs compete at the Hinsdale Central Sectional Nov. 9. Sectional champions automatically qualify for state as well as entries that achieve state-qualifying standards at the sectional. Qualifying standards for every swimming event has changed from 2023. Vlcek already is under cuts in the 200 free (1:56.21) and 500 free (5:13.64). Going for her first state berth, Ellis hopes to beat the 200 IM cut (2:10.54) after posting that exact time at the 2023 sectional by drop-
Riverside-Brook eld’s Hailey Vlcek during the 200 Yard Freestyle at the RB Girls’ Swim Inv ite Sept. 14.
ping 5.39 seconds from conference. Last year’s state cut was 2:10.25.
“It’s a different kind of pressure but I’m just going to try and have fun with it and wor ry about my lane but also wor ry about our relays as well. We have a good shot,” Ellis said.
LTHS soccer takes regional; RBHS loses opener at Argo
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
In a span of roughly three minutes on the soccer field Saturday, Lyons Township High School senior defender Devin Wong went from pretty exasperated to completely exhausted
Wong couldn’t have been much happier.
“I had a head of steam. It feels good. It’s electric, especially when you work your butt off for it,” Wong said.
The center defender described scoring the lone goal in the Lions’ 1-0 Class 3A LT
Re gional title victory over Downers Grove North after an improbable 70-yard run downfield to deposit sophomore Hayden McTigue’s left-wing cross into the lower right corner of the net with 19:36 remaining.
The Lions (13-7-2), the No. 5 seed in the Reavis Sectional, played No. 1-seed Morton (12-5-5) in the sectional semifinals Tuesday. The winner meets No. 6 Downers Grove South (13-6-2) or No. 7 Hinsdale Central (128-1) for the sectional title at 5 p.m. Friday.
The Lions finished second in 3A last year and again have numerous senior stand-
outs, but senior Mason Burda is their only returning starter.
“This is what we wanted,” senior goalie Matt Peterson said. “We’re not done here. It was just a big win.”
Burda nearly gave the Lions the lead in the 58th minute with a beautiful corner kick from the left side.
Situated by the right post, Wong leaped among the crowd for a clean header. The ball went untouched but clearly wide of the post.
“I was pissed. My run was of f by a yard or two,” Wong said. “It was a good ball. I
was too wide, headed it straight. We were able to make up for it, though.”
Wong did so by initiating a counterattack for the goal after LTHS cleared a deep sidelines throw-in by the No. 13 Trojans (4-19-1).
Wong quickly crossed the ball down left wing to an open McTigue, who closed on the goal. As McTigue drew attention, he passed across the crease to an open Wong –again by the right post – for the tap-in.
“I saw Devin out of the corner of my eye and he was just in a perfect spot for me,”
HAILE Y VLCEK MARIA ELLIS
STEVE JOHNSTON
RBHS football misses playo return in season nale
Bulldogs lose key seniors, but return experienced group on o ense
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
With the Riverside Brookfield High School football team’s season about to end Friday, seniors Max Strong and Caleb McCottry left their mark one last time on the final two plays.
On back-to-back Glenbard East rushing attempts, the de fensive standouts delivered tackles for losses of two (Strong) and four yards (McCottry)
Still, it was a bittersweet finish for them and the Bulldogs, whose hopes of a playoff retur n were thwarted by the 42-19 loss to the visiting Upstate Eight Conference East champions.
“All the way through we believed we could make the season into something we wanted it to be. I think that’s all you can do,” said linebacker Strong. “We just gave it our all. We were banged up [missing three starters F riday]. Obviously, that didn’t help.”
“We knew it was win or go home,” said RBHS coach Sam Styler
“The way they fought the entire time [this season]. I’m happy with the way this senior class came together. Obviously, the season didn’t turn out the way we wanted, but they fought until the very end. We’re going to miss these seniors very much. They laid a great foundation for us so hopefully we keep building on it.”
The week eight loss at West Chicago took its toll. Starting senior lineman Carter Shelby and junior defensive starters Warren Mason and Oscar Aguirre were unable to play Friday after injuries sustained in that game.
Had the Bulldogs (4-5, 2-4 in UEC East) won five games, they would have advanced to a fifth consecutive IHSA playoff. This year, every team that finished at least 5-4 is part of the 256-team playoff field with one 4-5 qualifier.
SOCCER
from page 13
McTigue said.
Was it meant to be? Although that was only Wong’s second goal this season, LTHS coach Paul Labbato had told Wong “jokingly” at practice Friday that he was going to score.
“(I said) a set piece, free kick or corner kick. At no point did a say, ‘I think you’re going to finish of f a 70-yard run,’ ” Labbato said. “He makes a difference in a lot of spaces for us.”
Wong once again provided dangerous throw-ins on goal and was at the center of a great defensive ef fort with senior goalie Matt Peterson, senior center defender Fred
covery and a pick-six interception TD in the season-opening victory over Niles West.
“All of the memories blur together. It’s football,” Strong said. “The sport itself and having the long nights when you get to spend a lot of time with your friends is the greatest memory you can have.”
McCottry finished with four sacks and 10 solos. Other defensive standouts included senior Julian Espinoza (52 tackles), juniors Mason (61 tackles, 28 solos, 3 interceptions), Aguir re (36 tackles), Luke Ferguson (2 sacks, 10 solos, 2 interceptions) and John Evans (11 solos), and sophomores Andrew Olivares (3.5 sacks) and Bryam Rimpila (7 tackles for loss).
The Rams (8-1, 6-0) led 35-0 at halftime and pulled ahead 42-0 with 6:58 left in the third quarter to initiate a running clock.
As Bulldogs embraced and took photos on the field afterwards, there still was plenty to smile about.
Strong later found out that his last-minute play clinched his season goal of 100 total tackles for the season. That included 41 solos, four tackles for loss, five sacks, one fumble re-
Chen and seniors Sean Dunne and Johnny Rocha on the outsides. The Lions posted their 12th shutout.
In their re gular season meeting Oct. 12, LTHS needed overtime to beat Downers North 1-0 on a goal by junior Ryland Avants.
With some help from the wind Saturday, the Trojans pressed LTHS throughout the first half.
In the 13th minute, the Trojans’ corner kick resulted in a shot of f the post. Five minutes later, Peterson made a diving save and pushed the ball wide with his left arm extended.
“My defense closed the angle down. That was a big save, kept us in the game,” Peterson said. “We did not play our best soccer in the first half, one of our worst halves.”
“We got out of that 0-0 [at halftime],” Labbato added. “I felt like with a little bit of
A 6-foot-2 defensive end, McCottry recalled starting as an of fensive lineman along the 5-9, 175-pound Strong. McCottry also was appreciative he made it through this season.
“I’m always beat up. T he r unning joke on the team is I’m the old man,” McCottry said. “Everything on me hurts – a lot. It’s always something. But I’m blessed and glad I made it through.”
Trailing 42-0, the Bulldogs’ next play from scrimmage was senior receiver Nick
coaching points and motivation and this is what we need to do, I felt we could sustain some pressure.”
The sectional champion plays at the Morton Super-Sectional at 5 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 5 against the winner of the Joliet West Sectional, where Lincoln-Way East and Lockport are the top two seeds.
RBHS soccer
Hoping for a strong playof f start, the No. 9–seeded Bulldogs (10-8-1) lost their Argo Re gional opener 6-3 to No. 8 Argo (13-6-3) Oct. 22 after two early goals on restarts.
Of their three team captains, the Bulldogs lost Tomas Kunickas to injury in the early minutes and Diego Villegas was out of town.
“I’m very proud of the way our team battled, even when calls weren’ t going in
Rivera scoring on an electrifying 74–yard pass play over the middle from sophomore quar terback Giancarlo Garcia.
“Rewarding. This was the first time I ever ran [that play],” Rivera said. “I’m not going to lie. I thought I was going to get caught. And then we scored and it felt really good. All my teammates cheered me on and that felt even better.”
After a 48-yard TD pass to junior Xavier Mrozik-DeJesus later in the quarter, Rivera added a 9–yard TD rece ption in the final two minutes
“So many [memories], the brotherhood, the bond,” said Rivera, who had three TD catches. “I’ve played basketball, volleyball and football and football has the best bond ever. T hey’re you’ re brothers. I’ve met my best friend s.”
This season, Garcia was 107-for-173 passing for 1,468 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for 447 yards and seven TDs.
Mrozik-DeJesus caught 36 passes for 592 yards with five TDs. Junior Jacob Retana r ushed for 281 yards with three TDs. Junior Jayden Karas and Mason also scored three TDs. Junior John Bielobradek kicked five field goals.
“I wish all the best of luck for all of those [underclassmen]. I hope they realize their full potential and they g et where they want to go,” Strong said.
our favor,” senior captain Liam Hickey responded. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t get the result that we wanted, but we played well as a team especially considering we were without our two other captains.”
The Bulldogs’ biggest highlight was winning the Upstate Eight East Division in their first year in the conference. Hickey also helped RBHS capture a Metro Suburban Conference title in 2022, the program’s first since 2015, but was injured last season.
“It has been an absolute privilege to represent my school,” Hickey responded. “I want to thank [head coach Ivek Halic and assistant Carlos Hernandez] for providing me with such a memorable experience, embracing me like family. Above all, I’m going to remember the relationships I forged with my teammates.”
Morton beat Argo 4-1 in Saturday’s regional final.
MAX STRONG
K ALEB MCCOT TRY
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Published in Wednesday Journal October 30, 2024
PRE-FILING NOTICE FOR APRIL 1, 2025 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION OF RIVER FOREST TOWNSHIP
River Forest Township hereby provides public notice that the office of the Clerk of River Forest Township (Local Election Official) will be open Friday, November 15, 2024 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.and Monday, November 18, 2024 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of accepting candidate petitions and certificates for the Consolidated General Election to be held on April 1, 2025 for the following offices: River Forest Township Assessor, Township Clerk, Township Supervisor, Township Trustees (4). Nomination papers may be turned into the River Forest Township office located at 8020 Madison St, 2nd Floor, River Forest, IL 60305 to: River Forest Township Clerk Detmer or River Forest Township Supervisor Becvar. Any objections to nominating petitions must be filed with the filing officer (who received the original petitions) within 5 business days as follows: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and Monday, November 25, 2024 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Published in Wednesday Journal October 30, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS
Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:
The ZBA will consider an application for major zoning variations submitted by Steven Hoover, owner of the property at 633 Ashland Avenue, who is proposing to construct an addition onto the existing house.
Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Zoning Ordinance.
The applicant is requesting major variations to Sections 10-9-5 and 109-7 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Section 10-9-5 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-5) allows a maximum Floor Area Ratio of 0.40 (40 percent of the lot area). The proposed addition will increase the Floor Area Ratio to approximately 0.4572.
Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning ordinance (10-8-7-A-2) requires “On the secondary street the front yard shall be a minimum of thirteen feet for a fifty foot wide lot,…”. The proposed addition has a setback for the Secondary Front Yard of 13’-2” from the north property line to the face of the building. The roof eave has a depth of 2’-0”, so that the setback to the fascia board of the eave is only 11’2”.
The legal description of the property at 633 Ashland Avenue is as follows: LOT 44 IN BLOCK 2 IN RIVER FOREST, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, AS SURVEYED FOR THE SUBURBAN HOME MUTUAL LAND ASSOCIATION ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 23, 1890 AS DOCUMENT 1291334, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet, which includes a copy of this zoning variation application, will be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.
All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participate in the hearing by visiting www. vrf.us/zoningvariation.
Sincerely, Clifford Radatz
Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals
Published in Wednesday Journal October 30, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: G24000600 on October 25, 2024
Under the Assumed Business Name of B-THE BEAT with the business located at:6250 S. ARCHER AVE SUITE #5, CHICAGO, IL 60638. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: LAURA A. CRUZ CONCHA 612 RANDOLPH ST, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA.
Published in Wednesday Journal October 30, November 6, 13, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
THE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN
Attorney for Petitioner 722 W. Diversey Parkway, Ste. 101B Chicago, IL 60614
STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ssCircuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division
In re the Marriage of: Tigist Samuel Zeleke, Petitioner, and, Amdemichael Lidetu Tariku, Respondent, Case No. 2024D007809
The requisite affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, Amdemichael Lidetu Tariku, Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, Tigist Samuel Zeleke, for Dissolution of Marriage and that said suit is now pending.
Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before November 27, 2024 default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage Entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.
IRIS Y. MARTINEZ, Clerk.
Published in Wednesday Journal October 30, November 6, and November 13, 2024.
NOVENAS NOVENAS
NEVER FAIL NOVENA
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the world, now and forever. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you. Holy Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me. St. Theresa child of Jesus, pray for me.
St. Jude, helper of hopeless causes, pray for me and grant this favorI ask. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days .R.B
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail .Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus. Thank You St . Jude. RB
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL)
Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. RB
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.
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.
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.
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
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a 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 OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE’S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties that the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Illinois will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in Riverside Township Hall Room 4, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, 60546 on the Tentative Annual Budget for the 2025 fiscal year of the Village of Riverside, Illinois, commencing January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025.
Public comments on the Proposed Annual Budget are welcome at the public hearing. Emailed comments may be sent to Village Clerk Ethan Sowl at esowl@riverside.il.us. Written comments may be submitted to the attention of the Village Clerk at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois. Emailed or written comments should be submitted prior to 5:00 on November 7, 2024. While emailed or written comments are strongly encouraged, comments may also be made in person.
The Proposed Annual Budget will be available for public inspection on and after, November 7, 2024 at the Finance Department of the Village of Riverside, Illinois, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, 60546 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for any day being a legal holiday.
Disabled persons needing assistance to attend said hearing should contact the Office of the Village Clerk before the hearing by calling (708) 447-2700.
Said hearing may be continued without further notice except as required by the Illinois Open Meeting Act. The tentative annual budget may be further revised and passed without any further notice or hearing.
