Press Releases/Announcements from local sources
Margaret
Berkes - September 28, 2007"Margaret B. Berkes, 95, a life long resident of West Chicago, IL, passed away Friday, September 28, 2007. She was born December 11, 1911 in Winfield, IL. She died as she lived, peacefully at home."
Chapter
2: Unequal state equalizer"West Chicago District 33 received the most federal money per student, at $890. The district received 11 times that amount -- $9,812 -- from state and local sources."
"Registration for a 3-mile Crop Walk to raise money to feed the hungry begins at 1 p.m. Sunday at the old train station. "We're always looking for more walkers," said Evelyn Canabal, a West Chicago business owner and resident helping to organize the event."
All
fun and games for these students"Some students, like 19-year-old Nick Thielman of West Chicago, already have programming experience. Thielman's affinity for making changes to existing games has made him part of the modification, or "mod" community. Modders add new characters, weapons or skill levels to existing video games to keep them fresh."
14
new West Nile cases reported, officials say"Mosquito numbers will stay fairly stable until the first frost," said David Haas, a spokesman for the DuPage County Health Department. The DuPage cases include a 43-year-old West Chicago man..."
"Jim Burns of West Chicago, a professional home inspector and trained CAPS, cites three main areas of concern in a home: "getting into a house, the kitchen, if they can function there, and a primary bath. Everything else you can kind of fudge around. But when you have plumbing and things like that, it's a bigger deal than converting a dining room to a sleeping area.""
Stephen
Fred Longo: 1920 - 2007"Mr. Longo, 87, a World War II veteran and retired manager with Western Electric Co., died of cancer Tuesday, Sept. 25, in the Brighton Gardens retirement facility in St. Charles."
College
"Junior Teresea Crudele (Wheaton North HS, Winfield, Ill.) quickly struck for a goal in the first minute of the contest on an assist from freshman Gina Adduci (West Chicago HS, West Chicago, Ill.), putting the Vikings up 1-0. "
Sen.
Obama
"Former President Bill Clinton showed his singular ability to diminish his wife's presidential rivals when, in a television interview, he said that Senator Barack Obama had about as much experience as Mr. Clinton did in 1988 - the year Mr. Clinton decided not to run for the presidency."
Rep
Hastert
"As Democrats and Republicans prepare for the February primary, some have suggested Hastert might resign soon to force an even earlier primary and special election for his seat."
"John Feehery, a Republican strategist who was former House Speaker Dennis Hastert's chief spokesman and previously worked for former Majority Leader Tom DeLay, called the Foley scandal a "distraction" that prevented the GOP from getting its message across to voters, particularly Republicans."
Hired
Gun Fetish - NY Times"Sometimes it seems that the only way to make sense of the Bush administration is to imagine that it's a vast experiment concocted by mad political scientists who want to see what happens if a nation systematically ignores everything we've learned over the past few centuries about how to make a modern government work."
City
ofWest Chicago
"The City of West Chicago's Water Utility Division has announced fall fire hydrant flushing will begin on Monday, October 1, 2007, and continue weekdays throughout the month of October. The flushing will take place between 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m."
Family
Emergency Preparedness Seminars Offered in West Chicago"The City of West Chicago has learned that the Winfield Township Citizen Corp is partnering with the West DuPage Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) in offering "Family Emergency Preparedness Seminars" during the West Chicago Fire District Open House scheduled for Sunday, October 7, 2007 at the 200 Fremont location."
[Please also see Family Emergency Preparedness Class - "Are You Ready?" which was posted by Winfield Twshp on Sept 16th. - Bob]
"While temperatures have dropped, officials warn that West Nile virus season is not over and precautionary measures should continue."
[See also "Fourth West Nile death" from Sept 26th. - Bob]
"This is a question Keriann Obrochta has heard over and over again from her students at Benjamin Middle School in West Chicago. Obrochta has the answer - she teaches math through real life scenarios. After receiving a grant from ING DIRECT, Obrochta's students learn how to handle their finances."
Sen.
Obama
"The American people have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent in Iraq and the role that security contractors are playing. This legislation will start getting the information we need to make sure their operations are going forth in a way that doesn't hinder our military's efforts to bring this war to a responsible end."
White
House Climate Change Summit a "Missed Opportunity""Seven years of missed opportunities have stripped America of its credibility on this issue and left the planet more vulnerable than ever. Effectively tackling climate change demands innovative leadership from the United States, and the President's voluntary measures reflect neither innovation nor leadership."
Rep
Hastert"Congressman J. Dennis Hastert is encouraging area job seekers to attend the 6th Annual "Working for the Fox Valley" job fair Friday, September 21 at Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove Campus."
GovernorBlagojevich
"The Environmental Vision Award is deemed the highest award given by the Keep Illinois Beautiful Board of Directors, whose members voted unanimously that Director Scott was exceedingly worthy of receiving the award for his efforts protecting and cleaning up the air, land and water throughout the state."
West
ChicagoHigh School
"This is a reminder to the 200+ students who picked up a Career Exploration Day application to JOB SHADOW on Friday, November 9. This Monday, October 1, is the deadline."
City
ofWest Chicago
OK, this has become ridiculous. We now have an employee of the City government conducting interviews about high school extra curricular activities while not bothering to send a press release about the Sept. 25th hit and run, the fall water hydrant flushing, or the youth commission's request for volunteers for leaf raking.. Is it me or does somebody downtown not understand what municipal government and your tax money is for?
W. Chicago firm
answers complaint"When WinCup became the new owner, it required all the factory workers to fill out federal employee eligibility forms. Those forms require proof of citizenship or temporary or permanent resident status. WinCup Executive Vice President Mark Jason said more than 100 workers couldn't provide that proof, so they never became WinCup employees."
"A 24-year-old man agreed Tuesday to be extradited to Illinois, where he is accused in a fatal hit-and-run crash in West Chicago. Luis Alvarez, of the 800 block of Hill Avenue, near Montgomery, is being held on a $500,000 warrant on felony leaving the scene of a fatal accident charges."
Rep
HastertField
in 14th expands to 7"The impresario, who represents artists such as Doggy Bad and Dude ’N Nem, will face Aurora dairy mogul Jim Oberweis, state Sen. Chris Lauzen and Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns in the primary. On the Democratic side, Fermilab physicist Bill Foster, carpenter and former Navy intelligence analyst John Laesch and attorney Jotham Stein are vying for the post held by former high school wrestling coach Hastert."
Batavia,IL
Curator
reels in the past through photos"DeFauw has been the museum curator for the past 20 years. Only one other employee can stake a claim to being around longer. LuAnn Lombard is the museum’s director. “I was the one to hire Sally,” Lombard said. “She is an extremely detail-oriented person, which is an important quality to have when dealing with the fragile pieces of our history."
Illionois
Senators
"We respectfully request that you make the necessary declaration as soon as possible so that the residents of these counties can receive federal disaster assistance to help the thousands of homes and businesses continuing to recover from this natural disaster."
Sen.
ObamaCollege
Cost Reduction Bill"This legislation passed the Senate this month and included a provision to increase the maximum Pell Grant for eligible students from $4,310 in 2007, to $5,400 by 2012. The bill also mandates that interest rates on subsidized student loans are cut in half over four years. Senator Obama sat on the Conference Committee that won these improvements in the bill."
"This vote was about who we are as Americans and whether this nation is going to live up to its founding promise of equality."
Rep
Hastert"Attorneys for the House of Representatives asked a federal judge Wednesday to quash subpoenas for former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, House Republican Whip Roy Blunt and 10 other members of Congress in the trial of a defense contractor charged with bribing jailed former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham."
"The Bush Administration had not planned to win in Iraq, but simply to keep a war running so Bush could run around and play "war president." That is as devastating a criticism as any general has made of a president since the days of Douglas MacArthur."
Merle
Berle- The fourth Annual Houston J. Pineda Scholarship Foundation's Concert
- Trinity Lutheran Church Rally Day
- Musaica Concert at the library
"The West Chicago Park District will be holding a Meet & Greet on October 3rd. The community of West Chicago is invited to St. Andrews Golf Club from 5pm to 7pm as the West Chicago Park District formally introduces their new Executive Director of Parks and Recreation Gary Major and Superintendent of Recreation Leslie DeMoss. Refreshments and appetizers will be served."
City
ofWest Chicago
- Public Hearing Case PC 05-18 - Central Development Corporation - The PUD, if granted, would permit the applicant to construct a multi-tenant retail building in accordance with Section 10.3 of the West Chicago Zoning Ordinance on the proposed Lot 1 and three (3) multi-tenant office buildings...
- Public Hearing Case PC 07-15 - Jack Kammes - The Special Use Permit, if granted, would allow municipal uses and professional offices on the subject property
- Public Hearing Case PC 07-21 - Scott Skifano - . The variance, if granted, would permit the applicant to replace a portion of the existing (6) foot tall fence with an eight (8) foot tall fence.
- The City of West Chicago, 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 is proposing various text amendments to the City of West Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
West
ChicagoHigh School
HOMECOMING
TEA"Please join us Friday, September 28th at 2:30 pm in the LRC for the annual Homecoming Tea! All Wildcats, past and present are welcome. Come enjoy coffee, cake and punch right after the Parade. (Parade is at 1:30 pm if you'd like to come early to watch the fun and festivities)
WEGO Alumni -- hope to see you there!
"Jeff York, a senior assistant DuPage County public defender, said Villareal is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. One mental health expert found him insane. A judge appointed a second expert Tuesday to also evaluate the defendant."
ComEd:
We will try to stop outages"ComEd has documented 13 power outages lasting at least one minute within the subdivision in the last two years, a number many of the nearly 100 residents who attended a forum at Norton Creek School repeatedly pointed out was unacceptable."
Briefs:
Hastert won't quit soon"Congressman Dennis Hastert said Tuesday he still hasn't decided whether he'll vacate his seat before his term ends in January 2009, but scoffed at speculation he might quit soon to force a special election before the Feb. 5 primary."
State
can't rewrite federal worker law"As it is, the federal government advises participating employers about a worker's legal authority to work in the United States within a day for about 92 percent of cases. Not perfect, but not bad. But the state insists, under a law approved by the legislature and signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich last month, that the federal government must be able to complete checks with 99 percent accuracy in three days before employers can use the verification program."
Sen
Durbin"I am honored to accept the Guardian Award from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America."
Illionois
Senators
"Although the power is back on, and the flooding is long gone, residents and business owners are still facing a mountain of challenges. This Presidential disaster declaration will now start the process of matching needs with money,"
Sen.
Obama"The American people have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent in Iraq, what functions security contractors are performing, and whether they are complying with the law."
"There is no excuse for painful delays in disability payments, shortfalls in care, and glaring failures to screen for the signature injuries of these wars - PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury. I have worked to introduce and pass bipartisan legislation to improve living conditions at military facilities, bolster staffing at places like Walter Reed, enhance mental health screening and care for service members, slash red tape, extend job protections and health care to family members caring for recovering service members, and reform the broken disability review process."
Rep
Hastert
"This federal disaster declaration will provide cash assistance and low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration for individuals and households to pay for temporary housing, home repairs, and replacement, medical, dental, funeral, and other disaster-related costs. "
GovernorBlagojevich
Sen.Randy Hultren
"State Sen. Randy Hultgren (R-Wheaton) presents Caleb Rathbun of Wheaton with the grand prize from a Children's Health Fair sponsored by Hultgren and Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) that was held in Wheaton on Saturday, September 22."
"Authorities said they developed Alvarez as a suspect Sunday after tracing the abandoned Pontiac back to him. A DuPage County judge signed a warrant for his arrest. Police in Grand Rapids, Mich. arrested Alvarez shortly before midnight Sunday after detectives developed leads that he fled to a relative's home."
"David Martinez Villareal, 23, faces first-degree murder charges for the Jan. 9, 2006 attack that killed a West Chicago woman. Mireille Ellberg, 72, died March 1 after never fully regaining consciousness, nearly 14 months after an assailant beat her and ran her over with the couple's truck."
"Through donations, Holm raised about half the amount needed to support a local artists residency program, allowing artists from around the world to come stay in West Chicago and produce pieces here. "We will have to do some fundraising events, but not sure in what form," Holm said."
"Witnesses told police that Alvarez continued south on Illinois 59. The mini-van was discovered in a neighborhood near the scene, authorities said. A warrant was issued for Alvarez on a charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident."
Sen.
Obama
"With an estimated 48,000 private security employees operating in Iraq, and more than 1,000 contractors killed since 2003, little is known about what functions these security contractors are performing, how much their services are costing, and what rules of engagement they are following."
"Despite slurs, taunts, and all kinds of indignities, these nine students kept their heads high and their backs straight, integrating Little Rock Central High School, and helping realize our founding promise of justice and equality for all."
Marcel Marceau, the famous French mime, recently died at age 84. Instead of a minute of silence, celebrate his life by watching this clip of his performance in Mel Brooks' film, "Silent Movie."
"Addressing the "60 Minutes" report about President George Bush's National Guard service that preceded Mr. Rather's departure from CBS, Mr. Koppel said the story was "much more correct than incorrect.""
Cable
ComChannel 17
"Watch the replay of the WCCHS Wildcats exciting overtime win om Monday at 7pm. This week we are showing two collections of Cablecom Classics, 'Dave in DuPage' and 'A Kid's Point of View'. If you missed last week's City Council meeting, you can catch that this week at various times. Watching Channel 17 is fun so tell your friends."
October
2007 Press Release- Fall Garden Calendar
- Prime Suspect Mystery
Briefs:
Free emergency seminars"The open house, at 200 Fremont St., will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., during which the 15-minute seminars will be held on the hour. The free sessions teach families how to develop a plan to deal with the chaos of an emergency."
Public
schools' revenue growth outpaces inflation"Some years, you give much more -- even if you live in the same house, work the same job, pull down the same pay. Like it or not, you're a contributor to big business -- the big business of Illinois public schools. This multi-part Daily Herald series will help you understand the financial side of your investment."
"A motorist remained in police custody Monday in Michigan after he was accused of fleeing a weekend crash in West Chicago that left a Lisle woman dead. Luis Alvarez, 24, who lives near Montgomery, is charged with felony leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Police arrested him late Sunday on a $500,000 warrant."
Businessman
signs on as Flyer relief pitcher"When West Chicago business owner Randy Dunnett left minor league baseball seven years ago, he expected his career in the sport to be over. But this summer, at age 29, he stood on a dusty mound, pitching once again."
Sen
Durbin"The construction and repair of several locks and dams in the state - vital components of our nation's infrastructure - will finally receive authorization with the passage of the Water Resources Development Act."
Illionois
Senators
Durbin,
Obama Ask for Explanation of Increased Deaths at Marion VA Center
"The Illinois Senators noted that: "The recent revelation that VAMC employed a surgeon who had been barred from practicing in another state casts doubt on the adequacy of the VA's system of credentialing and quality control. It also raises serious concerns about the response to the unusual spike in deaths at Marion earlier this year"
" U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent a letter to the CEO and President of Bank of America Corporation, Kenneth D. Lewis expressing their disappointment with the company's decision to layoff 2,500 LaSalle Bank employees over the next two years."
Sen.
Obama"The demands the union is fighting for--job security, the health benefits they were promised--are things that all workers should expect and that UAW members deserve."
"What Ahmadinejad will learn while he's here is that America is united in rejection of his hateful views, and in opposition to the Iranian government's support of terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons."
"You are coming together at a critical moment to send a clear message to Iran: it is time for the Iranian government to cease its dangerous and reprehensible behavior."
GovernorBlagojevich
tour
to build support for Illinois Works"Schools. Job growth. Transportation. The environment. These are not Democrat issues. They are not Republican issues. These are the issues that impact all of us and the communities we live in."
West
ChicagoHigh School
- PSAT test for juniors October 20th
- PLAN test for sophomores - November 3rd
Board
BriefsDistrict 94 posts its short, informal, un-official minutes of its school board meetings under this name. You can click on the link and see the report on the Sept 18th meeting.
City
ofWest Chicago
Family
Emergency Preparedness Seminars Offered in West Chicago"The City of West Chicago has learned that the Winfield Township Citizen Corp is partnering with the West DuPage Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) in offering "Family Emergency Preparedness Seminars" during the West Chicago Fire District Open House scheduled for Sunday, October 7, 2007 at the 200 Fremont location."
"A Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Educational Event DuPage County's 15th Annual 'Take Back The Night' event will be held on Saturday, September 29th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Naperville's Central Park, near the Bandshell, at 104 East Benton."
W.
Chicago schools focus on projected growth"After a few years of steady growth, the district enrolled its largest kindergarten class ever this year, with 474 students. The school board asked statistical expert Charles Kofron to find out if the increases will be a trend."
"As a way to draw in the regional art community, West Chicago residents will transform a city institution into an international art gallery this weekend."
"For at least the past two years, blackouts have hit nearly 500 homes in Dzierzanowski's ward about twice a month. Homeowners had enough when last month's torrential storms knocked out power for 15 hours, while the lights in nearby houses shone bright."
"Allen Mahr, 27, of the 400 block of east Blair Street in West Chicago, was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia at 11:54 p.m. Thursday on Route 25 near Kenyon Road in Elgin Township. He was also charged with speeding, excessive noise and operating a 1990 Honda Accord without insurance."
Sen
Durbin
Durbin
Statement On The Recall Of 1 Million Cribs"When you look at the series of recalls of children's products over the last few months, one thing becomes clear; greater steps need to be taken to test and certify the safety of products designed for children."
"This bill creates a balance between enforcement and prevention by providing federal resources for local police and prosecutors to investigate gangs, bring cases to court, and protect witnesses from retaliation."
Sen.
Obama"At a "Senior Town Hall Meeting" in Ames today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama brought together the Greatest Generation and the next generation to talk about issues that affect all Americans, like health care, the war in Iraq, and the future of Social Security. Obama said he will expand programs like Senior Corps and call on Americans of all generations to serve a cause larger than themselves like so many did in previous eras."
"I believe it's time that we had a tax policy in this country that stops giving billions in tax cuts to the wealthiest few Americans who didn't need them and didn't ask for them," Obama said. "It's time to give working Americans a break."
Due to a truck breakdown in Cadillac, MI, I am not able to update this site. Believe it or not, if you get stopped at 6PM on Friday, you can wait till Monday morning or be towed 50 miles to Traverse City ... and neither allows one to get to hot spots and work. I will get caught up on Sunday the 23rd. Sorry. - Bob
City
ofWest Chicago
Community
Emergency Plan"As municipalities across the country look at their readiness plans this month during National Preparedness Month, the City of West Chicago need only look to its response to recent storms which walloped the area with gale force winds, severe lightening and torrential rains to assess the effectiveness of a community policing emergency system..."
West
ChicagoHigh School
"Does your teen know what his future holds? Will she attend college after graduation? If so, what will she major in?"
"Volunteers are also needed to set-up the refreshments before the dance and to serve refreshments during the dance"
GeneRennels
"Were I to have the pleasure of creating awards I think an "Orchids and Onions" category might be appropriate."
3-car
crash closes part of Route 59"No serious injuries were reported Wednesday after a three-vehicle crash that prompted authorities to close a stretch of Route 59 through West Chicago for roughly 45 minutes."
Hastert's
chief of staff is resigning"Stokke, who was named chief of staff in January 2007, first joined Hastert's office in 1998. He served as deputy chief of staff for Hastert, who at the time was chief deputy whip in the U.S. House. When Hastert became House speaker, Stokke became his chief deputy."
"West Chicago
The photographic work of Jerry Fikar and Friends will be on display through Sept. 30 at Gallery 200, 200 Main St. For more information, call 630-293-9550."
Post
Two
Powerful Anglican Leaders in Town Amid High Tension"Also in Chicago, the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection recently left The Episcopal Church and the church building and placed itself under the auspices of the Anglican Church of Uganda. The breakaway parish broke from The Episcopal Church last week citing the denomination's drift from historic Christian faith as the reason. Their new home is called Resurrection Anglican Church."
Sen
Durbin"This important bipartisan legislation will close a legal loophole that currently prevents the U.S. Justice Department from prosecuting people in the United States who have committed the crime of human trafficking in other countries."
Sen.
Obama"In February, Obama introduced the Transparency and Accountability in Military and Security Contracting Act (S. 674), which would require federal agencies to report to Congress on the number of security contractors, the military and security equipment they use, the number of contractors killed and wounded, and any disciplinary action taken against them."
"Illinois' academic institutions and Rock Island Arsenal are laboratories of innovation and this funding gives them the resources they need to expand research opportunities and develop ground-breaking medical and military technologies."
Stop
personality-disorder discharges"Back in June, Obama and a bipartisan group of his colleagues (well, maybe tripartisan, because the group includes Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman) asked the defense department to review its policies for discharging soldiers diagnosed with personality disorders."
Rep
Hastert
"DESPITE SUBPOENAS, 13 members of Congress are refusing to testify at the trial of a defense contractor charged with bribing disgraced former Rep. Randy Cunningham. The members, who include former House Speaker Dennis Hastert and House Republican Whip Roy Blunt, said yesterday they were following the advice of House attorneys."
GovernorBlagojevich
Honoring
Illinois' Fallen"The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich's Office to fly the United States and Illinois flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff on behalf of: Army SPC. Jonathan Rivadeneira, United States Army, Hometown: Queens, NY
Merle
Berle- Fire at 142 Wood St.
- Mexican Independence Day
- West Chicago Public Action to Deliver Shelter
- Children's Health Fair
Rep.Randy Ramey
Ramey
Abandon Vehicle Bill Signed by Governor"Owners of abandoned vehicles along Illinois roadways may be prohibited from renewing their license as a result of a new bill that was signed into law, said the bill's sponsor, State Rep. Randy Ramey (R-Carol Stream)."
City
ofWest Chicago
"The City of West Chicago will be hosting a public hearing/meeting with residents of the Cornerstone Lakes subdivision and ComEd to address issues of reliability of service to that area of the community"
"The City of West Chicago has learned from ComEd today that residential disconnections for non-payment, which had been suspended since late 2006 pending the resolution of Illinois regulatory issues, will resume."
West
ChicagoHigh School
"Parents and students are welcome to walk through the tables of over 240 college representatives. Ask your questions, pick up information, have it all available to you in one room."
"Freshman parents are reminded that they are invited to a presentation from the Counseling department before Open House September 20th."
Forest
district to seize land"The fate of the property became a central issue after the Jemsek-Hinckley family asked West Chicago to annex and rezone it, as part of a longstanding agreement with the city. While the family says it has no plans to sell or build on the land, nearby residents say they worry the rezoning would lead to development that would hurt the adjacent wetland, which is sometimes called the Klein fen."
Mary
Dunlop: 1936 - 2007"For 30 years, Mary Dunlop amassed a wealth of banking knowledge at DuPage National Bank, where she rose from a part-time secretary to vice president, trust officer and compliance officer."
"This actually has given us some hope. Maybe we will uncover something. Maybe we will get some piece of information as to what happened to John," said Stephanie McNeil, Spira's sister.
"West Chicago, Cicero, Waukegan and Addison are among those that have wound up in court over their occupancy enforcement in recent years, accused of discriminating against Latinos ... Waukegan believes its new approach will pass legal muster because it's based on measurements that will be applied to everyone."
Sen.
Obama"The truth is we are not keeping our sacred trust with our men and women in uniform - we are asking too much of them, and we are asking too much of their families. We owe it to our troops and their families to adopt a fair policy that ensures predictable rotations, adequate time to be with their families before redeployment, and adequate time for realistic training for the difficult assignments we are giving them."
"This challenge requires Congress to do more than just increase agency funding - we must demand meaningful and innovative solutions to prevent lead-contaminated toys from crossing our borders."
"Our brave civil rights leaders sacrificed too much to ensure that every American has the right to vote for us to tolerate the disenfranchisement of the nearly 600,000 residents of the District of Columbia,"
ADOPT-A-FAMILY
"All families live in West Chicago, Warrenville, Winfield or Aurora (DuPage County portion.) If you take the name of a family, you will be expected to purchase a gift for each member and also provide a gift card to a local grocery store."
ElementaryDistrict 33
"The staff of the Early Learning Center of West Chicago Elementary School District 33 has been hard at work raising funds for an age appropriate playground for the District's tiniest students; preschoolers ages 3 to 5."
"Visitation Thursday, September 20, 2007 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Williams-Woodward Funeral Home, 820 Pine St. West Chicago ... Visitation Friday, September 21, 2007 from 9:30 a.m. until time of mass 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Winfield."
Sen
JohnMillner
"Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed a law that will increase protections for children against sexual predators, by making it a criminal offense for someone to intentionally lure a minor through electronic media, and classifying an individual as a sexual predator if they have been convicted of two or more offenses of luring a minor."
"No one was injured in the blaze that broke out just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Universal Cable Construction Inc, 2N255 County Farm Road. Carol Stream Fire Chief Michael Kanzia estimated the damage at $750,000 and said a cause had not yet been determined late Monday."
Home
rule sparks West Chicago's first tax"Consumers' pocketbooks will be largely unaffected, though, because the new tax will be canceled out by another being lifted: the .25 percent DuPage Water Commission sales tax."
"Katherine Bauer of Wheaton, Ashley Hitchcock of Warrenville and Samantha Marusiak of West Chicago all won ribbons for their projects in the Foods and Nutrition division of the Illinois State Fair 4-H Exhibit Division... and Marusiak won an Award of Excellence ribbon in the Tricks and Treats II class."
"The case of a St. Charles man missing since February was reignited Sunday after the business he co-owned went up in flames. Dozens of firefighters responded to the home of Universal Cable Construction in unincorporated West Chicago at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday to find the building ablaze."
Cause
of blaze at group home undetermined"They (investigators) don't really know the cause for sure," West Chicago Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Bob Hodge said. "They have some ideas but that’s it."
Exhibit
celebrates contributions of immigrants, past, present and future"We’re looking at who makes up our community, why did they come here, where did they come from and how did they get here," Museum Curator Sally DeFauw said. The inspiration for Building Community came from a similar, but smaller exhibit detailing the history of West Chicago's four main immigrant groups: Irish, German, English and Hispanic."
"DuPage County Sheriff's police and fire investigators are investigating the cause of a Sunday fire that destroyed a cable company in an unincorporated area near West Chicago which police say belongs to a 45-year-old St. Charles man who has been missing since February."
"It's a myth that government is here to help us," Lauzen said Monday. "People are constantly disappointed in big government. The bigger we grow it, the more it just controls us."
Sen
DurbinDurbin's
Troops to Nurse Teachers Program Wins Senate Approval "U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) led a bi-partisan effort to adopt a pilot program aimed at encouraging nurses retiring from the military to become nurse educators. The Troops to Nurse Teachers program was included in the Senate 2008 Department of Defense Authorization bill late last night."
Durbin
Announces Downstate Air Service to Begin November 4 "Great Lakes Airlines was awarded the Essential Air Service contracts in Marion/Herrin, Quincy and Decatur, Illinois after Regions Air – the previous regional airline – discontinued their service to these areas."
Sen.
Obama"When America’s sons and daughters are injured overseas and they return home to begin their recovery, their families should not be forced to choose between caring for a wounded family member and keeping their jobs."
“It is imperative that we build and sustain a truly global effort under an aggressive timeline to secure, consolidate, and reduce stockpiles of nuclear weapons and weapons-usable material to keep them out of the wrong hands.”
GovernorBlagojevich
law
to further protect children from sexual predators“And as a parent, I am happy to sign this law, which gives law enforcement officials the tools they need to protect minors from predators who may be watching our children on the Internet. I would like to thank the sponsors for their work to keep our children safe.” House Bill 1979, sponsored by State Representative Ruth Munson (R-Elgin) and State Senator John Millner (R-Bloomingdale), also strongly increases the penalties for luring a minor in Illinois."
Honoring
Illinois' Fallen"The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich’s Office to fly the United States and Illinois flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff on behalf of: Marine SGT. Nick Hopper, United States Marines, Hometown: Montrose, Illinois"
In response to people who get their national news elsewhere, I will continue to post press releases from Durbin, Obama, and Hastert... but will reduce paper clippings to, at most, a single article from out-of-state newspapers when nothing else is available. I don't know if the national coverage is "just too much" or if campaign fatigue is setting in... but I'm spending hours reading that stuff and finding little that's new, different, and exciting.
City
ofWest Chicago
- Variances for 363 Freemont
- Retailers' Occupation Tax
- Appearance Code Variance for Action Jewelers
- Appoint Administrative Law Judge
"No one was injured in the blaze that broke out at Universal Cable, 2N255 County Farm Road near West Chicago, but Carol Stream Fire Chief Michael Kanzia estimated the damage at $750,000. The cause has not yet been determined."
"Lazaro Contreras played the violin with five other members of Mariachi Tecalitlan while dressed in a festive cowboy outfit during West Chicago's Mexican Independence Day parade Sunday."
Sen
Durbin"I hope that the Administration will cooperate with the Senate Judiciary Committee by providing relevant information so that the Senate can consider this nomination in a fair and timely manner. "
Illionois
Senators
President
Bush to Declare Nine Illinois Counties Federal Disaster Areas"We are writing in support of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's request for a major disaster declaration for nine Northern Illinois counties as a result of severe storms and flooding beginning August 20 and continuing through August 31, 2007," the Illinois members wrote."
Sen.
Obama"By classifying a worker as an "independent contractor" instead of an "employee," an employer pays less in employment taxes and workers compensation, sometimes cutting costs by 30 percent ... These workers are also denied basic employee
protections, such as workers compensation and overtime pay.
"However, we need more than qualifications and technical competence. We need someone who understands that the Attorney General is the top law enforcement official protecting the rights of all Americans; he is not the President's private lawyer."
Obama
Statement on Health Care"I commend Senator Clinton for her health care proposal. It's similar to the one I put forth last spring, though my universal health care plan would go further in reducing the punishing cost of health care than any other proposal that's been offered in this campaign."
"Specht said earmarked funds tend to flow to the majority party's leaders as well as to members of the powerful Appropriations Committee. He added that several top Republicans were targeted last year because the majority party tends "to have a larger pool of earmarks to choose from." For example, a Flake amendment targeted one of Dennis Hastert's (R-Ill.) earmarks when he was still Speaker."
GovernorBlagojevich
"This new law gives our Ombudsmen the option to serve all residents of long term care facilities, regardless of age, including the disabled and sick children."
"Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. After an emergency, essential services may be cut off and local disaster relief and government responders may not be able to reach you right away. Knowing what you do to protect yourself and your household is essential. Don't get caught unprepared!"
TrinityLutheran
Church
"Music, Games, Goody Bags, Hot Dogs, Bratwyrst, Beverages and Much More!"
Cable
ComChannel 17
"Tune in to Channel 17 on Monday at 7PM for the live broadcast of the City Council meeting. The meeting will be rebroadcast on Wednesday and Friday. Make sure you catch all of the CableCom Classic programs we're showing all this week. We're showing lots of the old Storytellers and Grapevine programs."
Drive-in
owner is on a quest for perfection"Yet the contrast of modern movie double-features lighting up in the old-fashioned setting isn't unusual. In fact, it happens all summer at the landmark theater at North Avenue and Prince Crossing Road."
[Reprint of a West Chicago Press article. - Bob]
Sen
DurbinSenators
Urge More Stringent Rules for Toy Safety - New York Times"Senator Richard J. Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, praised the toy industry for acknowledging that hazardous toys are a real problem. "There is no corporate denial here," he said. "There is no defensive crouch." But Mr. Durbin said he was disappointed with Ms. Nord and the safety commission, which he said did not appear to be attacking the problem aggressively enough, including moving too slowly to institute and enforce a ban on lead in children's jewelry."
Sen.
Obama"Fortunately there is a candidate running for president in 2008 who has made open government and ethics reform a priority throughout his public life: Barack Obama."
W.
Chicago hopes new market will bring growth"Morales showed off aisles featuring produce "from every ethnic group you can imagine," pointed out empty counters where fresh chicken and fish will be offered, and, at another alcove, conjured the image of ready-to-eat meals like lasagna and sushi."
County
forest district ready to seize Klein Fen"Negotiations between both sides have stalled, and the family has criticized the district for trying to take their property. Meanwhile, the city of West Chicago is on track to annex the property, now a farm field, and rezone it for residential use."
Honoring
Mexico""Everything was laid out for somebody to do and they dropped the ball, so the city called me and asked if I would pick it up," said Tomas Aviles, a West Chicago real estate agent who has taken a leading role in organizing the celebration for the past four years."
Residents
leaving polluted house"The harried West Chicago residents packed Friday for a move to a nearby hotel, after learning that the company responsible for their home's contamination had agreed to pay for their relocation."
Sen
Durbin
"In an interview with the Associated Press last wee