Press Releases/Announcements from local sources
West
ChicagoHigh School
THE
ANNUAL MADRIGAL DINNER & TEA ON DECEMBER 8TH & 9TH"Lords and ladies are invited to begin their holiday revels with two Madrigal events sponsored by the Community High School Music Department and the Music Boosters Club. The Madrigal Dinner will be held at 7pm on Saturday, December 8th and a Madrigal Tea will be held at 3pm on Sunday, December 9th."
City
of
West
Chicago
West
Chicago Honors Frosty Fest Essay Contest Winners"Holiday excitement came early to four West Chicago elementary schools when City of West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman paid a visit to announce the winners of a City sponsored essay contest and to extend a personal invitation to each to help him light the official tree in downtown West Chicago"
[You can jump directly to the essays by clicking on 2007 Favorite Things Essay - Bob]
"Brilliant orator. Principled partisan. Author of the Hyde Amendment limiting abortion funding. Leader of the effort to impeach President Clinton. A divisive figure with powerful convictions who nonetheless built bipartisan bridges. Republican Henry Hyde, the suburbs' own Congressional institution, died Thursday at 83, of heart failure. Hyde never fully recovered from triple-bypass surgery in July."
Hyde's local
influence - Daily Herald
"Recent transportation projects -- $11.4 million for Irving Park Road
realignment; $1.7 million for pedestrian tunnel in Winfield; $400,000 for
DuPage River Greenway Trail; $300,000 for Illinois Prairie Path Bridge in
Glen Ellyn"
A legacy built on
fighting abortion - Daily Herald
"If there had been a few people outside the gates of Auschwitz … maybe a few
less people would have been incinerated," he said from the stand in 1998,
likening abortion to the Holocaust."
Son: Hyde stood
behind Constitution - Daily Herald
"I hope history remembers my dad as a champion of the United States
Constitution and for what it stands -- the values, the morality, the
optimism. And, because of that support of the Constitution that also
includes his support for the right to life, honesty in government and
traditional American values."
Longtime staffers
say Hyde was a friend, mentor - Daily Herald
"Stratman recalled how in the middle of impeachment hearings, Hyde as
chairman of the Judiciary was raked over the coals by Maxine Waters, a
Democrat from California. After Waters' time ran out, Republicans
urged Hyde to cut his critic off. Instead, he leaned into the microphone and
said, "I grant additional time for the lady from California to finish her
attack on me," Stratman recalled."
Rep.Randy Ramey"All items that are received will be donated to the needy families in Representative Ramey’s district. Please help those that need a helping hand this winter. Representative Ramey and his staff would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season."
"Reardon, formerly of West Chicago, said it was the last week in October 2000 when Conrad approached them outside a Carol Stream restaurant and asked for a ride. Reardon said Ewing left after dropping them off at Pratt's Wayne Woods, off Munger Road near Bartlett. He said Adamo told Conrad they could buy drugs there but after walking deeper into the woods instead beat Conrad with a tire iron.
"A 37-year-old West Chicago man told police he was robbed of $1,000 and a cell phone by two men at 8 p.m. Monday at Grace and May streets."
D94
seeks to increase drivers' ed fees"The district will also ask for waiver from a new law that prohibits counting simulators as required behind-the-wheel hours. Dan Johnson, division head of the Drivers’ Education program, said discontinuing the use of simulators would reduce the number of students the program could instruct from 240 per year to about 140."
Suburbs
slow railroad-line purchase"The $300 million purchase of the Elgin, Joliet &Eastern Railway Co. would allow Canadian National to route its trains around Chicago and avoid the city's rail congestion."
Sen
Durbin
Durbin,
Emanuel Continue Commitment To Protecting The Great Lakes
“We are concerned that these alleged violations are at odds with your company’s commitment to preserving the environment, and would like to better understand the circumstances surrounding the violations and what plans BP has to bring the Whiting refinery into compliance… As we have previously discussed, economic development and environmental stewardship can and should go hand in hand.”
“Changing the federal funding calculation will protect North Chicago schools from losing their heavily impacted status,” Durbin said. “And it will help to assure that the children of Navy families have the best educational opportunities.”
Rep
Hastert
Ambassador
Hastert? Tipsville . . . - Chicago Sun-Times"The ice cream man: Sneed hears rumbles via Washington wags Hastert may endorse perennial GOP candidate Jim Oberweis to fill his vacated congressional seat."
GovernorBlagojevich
"Former Rep. Henry Hyde, the Illinois Republican who steered the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton and championed government restrictions on the funding of abortions, has died. He was 83."
Former Illinois Rep. Henry Hyde
is dead at 83 - LA Times
"Hyde retired from
Congress
at the end of the last session. Earlier this month, President Bush presented
him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The White House praised Hyde, a
leading foe of abortion, as a "powerful defender of life" and an advocate
for a strong national defense."
Henry
Hyde dies at 83 - Chicago Tribune
"The news was confirmed by the office of House Minority Leader John Boehner
(R-Ill.). Hyde, 83, had triple-bypass heart surgery in July and had been in
failing health."
Former U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde dies - West Chicago Press
“The clarity of his thoughts, the wisdom of his foresight and the principled
values he espoused were unmatched. It is an honor to succeed him in
Congress; however, there is no replacing Henry.”
Merle
BerleDOLLAR
TREE NEWS FLASH"I normally do not promote a business' sales, but I thought some not-for-profits could benefit from this. Also I like the Operation Home-front project, which I am including in column for next week."
[Incidentally, as usual, a day after the city's posting, Around and About in West Chicago - 28 Nov 2007 is now at the archives - Bob].
$2.85
million gift kick starts Wheaton Academy's fund raising drive"An anonymous donor, whose mother graduated from the private Christian high school, has donated $2.85 million to support the academy's current $12.8 million fundraising campaign. "It's awesome to think that this is the largest financial gift the academy has ever received, and it's going to help so many people," said Nikki Daniels, the academy's development director."
Democratic
delegate candidates"These are Democrats seeking election as national convention delegates in the Daily Herald's circulation area."
Police
beat"Vincent A. Battista Jr., 38, of 2953 Davenport Drive, West Chicago, was arrested at 2:46 a.m. Nov. 20 and charged with improper lane usage and two counts of drunken driving after crashing a vehicle into a ditch on the 4200 block of East Main Street, police said. Battista was released on $3,000 bond with a Dec. 13 court date."
Pedestrian
incident near Geneva causes Metra delays"Metra trains were halted during the afternoon rush hour on the Union Pacific West Line because of an incident involving a pedestrian near Geneva, according to the Metra Web site."
Sen.
Obamaon
the Passing of Former Congressman Henry Hyde“Henry Hyde honorably served the people of Illinois and the entire nation for 40 years. A distinguished veteran, Congressman Hyde will be remembered for his leadership in helping to create the Millennium Challenge Corporation and fighting the spread of AIDS around the world."
GovernorBlagojevich
Honoring
Illinois' Fallen"... to fly the United States and Illinois flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff on behalf of: Former U.S. Congressman Henry Hyde"
Shameless Plug -Upcoming Events - About_Ironnwood
- Long John Snowshoe Run, 5:40 p.m., prior to the Jack Frost Parade, start line at Lahti 's on Aurora St , 906/932-5223
- Jack Frost Festival of Lights Parade, 6:00 p.m., Downtown Ironwood, Live on Charter, Cable with hosts, Chuck Gervasio & Laura Keller
- Gogebic Range Band Concert, after Jack Frost parade, Ironwood Memorial Building
[For anyone thinking about checking out the north woods, this list might have something of interest on it. - Bob]
Hiram
Wurf
ActBlue
And State Rep Candidate Daniel Biss In NYT“Daniel Biss, a University of Chicago math professor, has raised $51,000 through ActBlue for his 2008 race for the Illinois House. His campaign Web site links donors to ActBlue, where his page features a YouTube video of supporter endorsements."
Merle
Berle- Frosty Fest
- Library's Books for Lunch program, "Just What is American Food? Cookbooks and American Cultural Identity,"
- 19th annual "Adopt-A-Family"
- ninth annual Breakfast with Santa
ElementaryDistrict 33
District
33 Emergency Notification System"Attached is a letter being sent home this week to all District 33 families explaining our new emergency phone notification system, which will be tested the week of December 3, 2007."
Sen.Randy Hultren
"The holiday season in Illinois often brings more than just good cheer. With the advent of winter, the threat of severe weather becomes a concern for drivers—particularly as thousands of motorists hit the highways to visit family and friends. With this in mind, State Sen. Randy Hultgren (R-Wheaton) is reminding Illinois residents that it is important to travel with care and to adequately prepare for winter driving."
"The workers alleged they were let go without 60 days notice as required under federal law. But today, a representative answering the telephone at Working Hands Legal Clinic, which represented the workers, confirmed the suit has been dropped."
Hut,
hut, (cable bill) hike“By sponsoring this legislation, we are not saying that cable or (the) NFL is correct,” Ramey said. “We are proposing a fair way to end these disputes so that our constituents are no longer shut out of programming they should have access to.”
Revamped
ramps to rule at park"The district plans to construct a $125,000 state-of-the-art skateboard park to replace the aging one in Reed-Keppler Park. The proposal is one of the first in a series of planned facilities upgrades, totaling more than $1.7 million. “It (current skatepark) was great when it was put in but we’re at another level,” Park District Director Gary Major said."
"Raul Lopez, 58, was one of an estimated 47 people on a Tornado Bus Line bus traveling from Chicago to Dallas along Interstate 40 when it crashed at about 10 p.m., according to Kentucky State Police."
Hastert's
office still here to help"The operations of the 14th Congressional District fell under the jurisdiction of the clerk of the House of Representatives Tuesday, after Hastert resigned Monday night. "Whatever services the congressman's office has been providing, they will still be able to do that. It just won't be in a partisan way," said House Clerk Lorraine C. Miller."
"More than a dozen people remained hospitalized Tuesday in Arkansas and Tennessee, about eight of them in critical condition. Police have not determined the cause of the crash. Also killed were Raul Lopez, 58, of West Chicago ..."
Rep
Hastert
Formerly the Office of Representative J. Dennis Hastert
"The Washington, D.C. office and the district offices of the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert will continue to serve the people of the 14th Congressional District of Illinois under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Representative J. Dennis Hastert resigned effective November 26, 2007. The vacancy became effective November 27, 2007.
See Press Release"
GovernorBlagojevich
Hiram
Wurf
John
Laesch Press Conference On Jim Oberweis Immigration ID Card"Democratic Congressional Candidate John Laesch held a press conference on November 19th (video below). The press conference was mostly about 14th District Republican Candidate Jim Oberweis’ mailing promoting the use of biometric ID cards for employment as a way to combat illegal immigration - a topic picked up by the Daily Herald last Wednesday. Laesch also criticized fellow Democrat Bill Foster for supporting biometric IDs."
Head
of Rove Inquiry in Hot Seat Himself"Bypassing his agency's computer technicians, Mr. Bloch phoned 1-800-905-GEEKS for Geeks on Call, the mobile PC-help service. It dispatched a technician in one of its signature PT Cruiser wagons... Mr. Bloch had his computer's hard disk completely cleansed using a "seven-level" wipe: a thorough scrubbing that conforms to Defense Department data-security standards. The process makes it nearly impossible for forensics experts to restore the data later."
Rep
Hastert
Hastert
submits official resignation letter - Chicago Sun Times
(posted here 12:28, 26 Nov 2007)"Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert has been saying since this summer that he would leave Congress. The only mystery was exactly when. The Illinois Republican answered that question Monday in a resignation letter to Gov. Rod Blagojevich that was to be effective at 10:59 p.m. CST."
Hastert's
exit could ease election"Serving for almost 21 years as a representative of the people of the 14th District of Illinois has been a high honor for me," he said in a statement. "I am grateful to them and proud of all that we have been able to accomplish together. But the time has now come to spend more time with my family which sacrificed for so long to enable me to serve."
Hastert
officially resigns; governor to schedule special election"One of eight canddates vying for the 14th Congressional seat will fill in for the Plano Republican until his term expires in January 2009. They are Republicans Kevin Burns, Michael Dilger, Chris Lauzen and Jim Oberweis and Democrats Bill Foster, John Laesch, Joe Serra and Jotham Stein."
City
of
West
Chicago
'Stocking
Stuffer' Program Provides Community Connection
"Adding to the merrymaking of Frosty Fest, and furthering community connection, forty-one downtown West Chicago businesses will be ready to greet children and their families with a holiday treat on Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m."
[And as a special and rare treat, they will have live reindeer, just like Naperville, Elgin, Joliet, Quincy, Sandwich, and Lincoln. - A Jolly fat guy with a white beard who happens to be wearing a red shirt.]]
"Authorities said the pickup's driver Danny Okurily, 40, of Hot Springs, Ark., was killed, as were two bus passengers, Raul Lopez, 58, of West Chicago, and a second passenger whose name was not immediately released. State police were still trying at midday Monday to determine the number of people injured."
"A West Chicago man on his way to visit his ailing mother in Mexico was one of three people killed when a Chicago-to-Dallas passenger bus crossed the median and was sandwiched between two trucks on a rain-slicked interstate in eastern Arkansas, officials said."
Sen
Durbin
Senator
Durbin On Toy Safety: "It Might Just Be A Good Christmas ...
- The Consumerist"Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) is the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, which recently held hearings about the state of toy safety in the U.S. What did Sen. Durbin take away from those hearings? That the Consumer Product Safety Commission sucks, of course."
Sen.
Obama"Winfrey's endorsement — and her announcement that she will appear with Obama at campaign events in Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire on December 8 and 9 — helps bring the following four things to Obama: campaign cash, celebrity, excitement and big crowds. The four things that Obama has on his own in great abundance — without Winfrey's help — are campaign cash, celebrity, excitement and big crowds."
Presto!
CNN Edits Pelosi's Quote To Make Her Say Dem Congress "Hasn't Done
Anything" - TPM"As you can see, CNN clipped Pelosi's quote so that she was saying of the Dem Congress: "We haven't done anything." Anything at all. But Pelosi actually said that she was unhappy with Congress because we haven't done anything to end the Iraq War."
[This is outrageous! Why aren't other networks talking about this obvious breach of journalistic ethics? - Bob]
Wheaton
Academy"Wheaton Academy has announced the largest single gift in the private Christian high school’s 154-year history. An anonymous donor has committed $2.85 million in support of Transforming Every Student: The Campaign for Wheaton Academy, a $12.8 million fundraising campaign the Academy publicly launched on October 30."
"Fifty-eight-year-old Raul Lopez of West Chicago was traveling to Mexico to see his ailing mother. Lopez's wife, four children and five grandchildren learned Sunday night that he died in the accident."
[This gentleman is the father of Merle Burleigh.'s daughter's significant other. I'm sure your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated. - Bob]
"A West Chicago man was among three killed Sunday when a passenger bus crossed the median on an interstate highway and collided with a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer rig. Fifteen others were injured."
Bill
Foster lays out his energy plan"Foster believes his energy plan (available at www.foster08.com) draws on both backgrounds, and is both economically sound and environmentally conscious. He calls for more resources to be pumped into alternative energy research and conservation policies, and advocates the long-term development of biofuels. He also wants the U.S. to lead the world in environmental responsibility, a goal Foster said can be influenced by who Americans elect."
Report: Streams still polluted, but future looks bright
“But we’re confident that we’ve got a good chance to bring those pollution
levels down because of the large number of people in DuPage County who have
heard the cry to improve the streams.”
"Irwin, 48, has written about 20 books since her writing career began 15 years ago, and although she has shared her books with local school children since 1996, “Nightmare of Shadows” is her first published children’s book. The West Chicago resident is a technology assistant at Geneva’s Mill Creek Elementary School."
Sen
Durbin"The Gang Abatement and Prevention Act, passed by the full Senate on September 21, 2007, makes a number of gang activities a federal crime, while increasing penalties for existing crimes and increasing funding for prevention and intervention efforts."
Sen.
Obama
“Any law that creates discriminatory barriers to the exercise of this fundamental right should be immediately revoked – including the Indiana voter identification requirement."
Rep
Hastert
"So Trent Lott has joined Dennis Hastert with this “sudden” need to retire so quickly. And unlike Hastert, who is leaving with a year left, Lott has 5 YEARS LEFT. Then again, the speculation is that Lott and Hastert aren’t motivated by a better/higher/further calling, well, except for money."
New
Broom Coalition asks Fitzgerald to reopen the Plame case"We believe that further investigation of Scott McClellan's statements and beliefs will provide a legal basis for prosecution of the Bush
administration for threatening the national defense by exposing its undercover CIA agents. Some have called it a treasonous offense."
DECEMBER
2007 PRESS RELEASE"You may work on your own or with family members. Enjoy refreshments as Karin helps you create and decorate a photo memory cube ornament. Your beautiful family keepsake can be hung on your tree or given as a holiday gift."
Fox
Valley Soapbox"In one final sop to his party, Dennis Hastert is likely to leave his U.S. House 14th District seat before the end of the year. That will trigger the need for a special election, likely to be held at exactly the same time the regular primary is held to choose his successor. If anybody doubts why citizens are so fed up with politicians, this is it."
Hastert's
departure leaves quite a mess"Whatever the reason, we deserve better from you than this. There is a huge price tag in dollars, resources and time that has to be paid by all those you are leaving behind. I would like to tell you how disappointing and frustrating it is to have t o endure this mess you are leaving us, but I don't think you would understand."
The
briefs - Club's variety show to benefit charity"Community High School District 94 Future Business Leaders of America will present "Something's A Foot," a variety show, at 4 and 7 p.m. Thursday in the school's auditorium, 326 Joliet, West Chicago. Students will dance, sing and perform stand-up comedy. Admission costs $2 at the 4 p.m. show, $3 for the 7 p.m. show. Proceeds will benefit March of Dimes. For details, call the school at (630) 876-6200 or visit www.district94.dupage.k12.il.us."
'Tis
the season to see green"Guarinne, of West Chicago, said the outing was planned for a year since he found out last year his nieces had never cut down their own tree ... So Guarrine set to work cutting down the tree, and the girls decided which longer hanging ornaments could decorate the far side of the tree.
Sen
Durbin
Just
Off Insular Senate Floor, Life of the Uninsured Intrudes -
NY Times"“I wonder how many senators have been in the elevator with Sergio, talked to him, shared a smile with him, but had no idea of the terrible burden he and his mother were carrying,” said Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the Senate Democratic whip, who learned of Mr. Olaya’s problems from an aide."
Hairstylists
rally to fund homes for Katrina victims"A dinner party meeting between a West Chicago woman and hair product mogul Vidal Sassoon led to a campaign that raised more than $2 million for charity."
Local
tree lightings"Frosty Fest will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 downtown. The event will include the city's tree lighting, reindeer games and crafts, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Victorian carolers, horse-drawn sleigh rides, the Frosty Procession, puppet shows and more. Free."
"Across the mall, outside of Prime Dollar, Sandra Fessler of West Chicago looked tired as she sat on a bench and waited for her husband to finish his shopping. “I’m done shopping — I hate the crowds,” Fessler said."
A
Phoenix-bound Judy Roberts rises"Roberts and Fishman play from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Tivoli Ristorante, 956 N. Neltnor Blvd., West Chicago. No cover; 630-957-6500."
HAPPY
THANKSGIVINGWe should all be grateful that we get an opportunity today to watch the Lions humiliate the Green Bay Packers. You should also be grateful that due to the game, updating here will be minimal.
[I would have been better off spending the time surfing the net. - Bob]
Volunteering
at local greenhouse turns into whole new career"For several months now, Staple has been a bona fide staff member at We Grow Dreams, helping to train the workers, teaching them to create portfolios, writing grants, and spreading the word about We Grow Dreams to special education teachers and school districts."
"For every gift-giving occasion, Carpenter asks them to make a donation to Mutual Ground, a domestic violence shelter in Aurora. The West Chicago volunteer is perhaps the organization's biggest advocate, eager to share its story with anyone who will listen."
"The ship's odyssey continued from the shores of Lake Michigan to the banks of the Fox River more than 100 years later, with stops in Chicago's Lincoln Park and a West Chicago warehouse. Now it cannot be moved again unless it's significantly stabilized."
Sen
Durbindurbin
calls on bush to support head start expansion - All American
Patriots"U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today visited a local Head Start program to discuss Congressional efforts to increase the program’s funding and next steps in the wake of a veto from President Bush, who has consistently cut Head Start funding in his budgets."
Sen.
ObamaA
Thanksgiving Message from Barack"On this Thanksgiving, as we spend time with our family and friends, let's all reflect on what we're thankful for in our own lives. And let's remember those who cannot be with their loved ones because they're serving overseas. But let's also do our part to help those who have no place to go for a meal."
"As a result of rising costs on everything from health care to gasoline, more and more Americans can't afford to put food on the table. At the same time, pantries are being stretched thin as a result of reduced donations and cuts in government assistance."
Obama
unveils $18 billion education plan - MSNBC"It's pretty popular to bash No Child Left Behind out on the campaign trail, but when it was being debated in Congress four years ago, my colleague Dick Durbin offered a chance to vote so that the law couldn't be enforced unless it was fully funded," Obama said. "A lot of senators, including Senator Edwards and Senator Clinton, passed on that chance. And I believe that was a serious mistake."
Hiram
Wurf
Either
DuPage Tax (Vehicle Sticker Or Sales) Would Prevent Staff Cuts According To
Tribune"The difference between the revenue from the DuPage vehicle sticker tax ($24 million) that the county board can enact and the DuPage quarter cent sales tax ($40 million) that needs to go to referendum is pretty substantial ($16 million). In neither case does it plug the over $50 million budget shortfall."
[I have been searching for local Dem voices to balance the numerous Rep officials that graciously send me info. Please feel free to tell me what you think of this guy at lemon@wegoweb.net. - Bob]
Rep Peter Roskam
veteran
challenges roskam - Northwest Herald - Crystal Lake,IL"The 53-year-old Democrat is a former member of Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration. She says Roskam is “in lock step with President Bush and out of step with [the] district.” She says the war, immigration and health care are the most important issues to voters. Morganthaler served more than 30 years in the military, including in Iraq."
"As I’ve said to you before, I am prepared to prove the lie and marshal all the evidence, the question is whether you are prepared to fulfill your obligation — no variations, no back pedaling, no retreat, no new bets, no changing the subject. The only thing remaining now is to set the date for our meeting in an appropriate forum..."
Merle
Berle- We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center Holiday Open House
- Norris-Walen Funeral Home Tree of Memory ecumenical service
- St. Mary's School Live Nativity
- "A Few of My Favorite Things about West Chicago" essays
District
94 takes stance on debate over levy amounts"To pass this levy amount would send a message to the taxpayer that we have a desire to take as much possible from the community," Cole said. "We're asking for this money without any documentation showing what we need the money for."
[Dist 94 reduced its reserves over several years... this needs to be rebuilt, but also over a period of years. It can be done without bankrupting the taxpayer by collecting every dollar possible. Reyes and Cole seem to have this right. - Bob]
Laesch
wants Oberweiss to withdraw ads""These ads are designed to make people afraid by blaming immigrants and keeping people distracted from the real issues like stagnating wages, unfair trade agreements, out of control health care costs and the war in Iraq," Laesch said in a news conference outside World Relief's Aurora branch."
Possibility
of special election doesn't concern candidates"Like the Republicans, Democrats Bill Foster of Batavia and Jotham Stein of St. Charles said a special election wasn’t of great concern. “The mechanics get sped up, but it’s something we’re prepared for,” said Tom Bowen, campaign manager for Foster. “It doesn’t change things campaign-wise.”"
"The following people were arrested at 2:57 a.m. on Nov. 12 at Route 59 and Bartlett Road after a traffic stop, police said: Nicole Becker, 19, of 2230 Candleberry Lane, Aurora was charged with illegal possession of liquor and illegal lane usage; Drew Krecek, 20, of 27W757 Hickory Lane, West Chicago was charged with illegal possession of liquor; and Kent Monson, 21, of 200 Glen Ellyn Road, Bloomingdale, was charged with two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one count of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. They have court on Nov. 30."
"Kamco, a 35-year old custom plastic injection molder and sub-assembly provider owned and operated by Norb Kaiser, specializes in value-added technologies and services for the appliance, automotive and industrial markets. KPI Chair Alicia Campos says, "Kamco will continue serving without disruption all of its customers with skilled employees in the US and in Kamco's facility in Reynosa, Mexico.""
Sen
Durbin
"McClatchey News reports, “More than 1,000 people from 85 countries who are accused of such crimes as rape, killings, torture and genocide are living in the United States, according to Department of Homeland Security figures.” Sen. Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) have introduced legislation intended to partially fill in the gaps in U.S. law."
Sen.
Obama
Obama
Calls for Increased Cafe Standards, Updated RFS in Energy Bill"In October, Obama joined Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) to introduce legislation to immediately update the RFS to require the production of 18 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2016 including 3 billion gallons of advanced biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol. This legislation recognizes the need for prompt action to update these renewable fuel requirements to provide market certainty to small, local, and farmer-owned ethanol producers."
"I strongly urge the Department of State to condemn this ruling. Moreover, since your Department is finalizing this year’s country reports on human rights pursuant to Sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), I ask that this unjust case and any efforts to correct this demeaning ruling be given a prominent place in that report."
Rep
Hastert
Hastert's
Heir - Human Events - Washington,DC"All signs are, at this point, that the primary front-runner is State Sen. Chris Lauzen, one of the most conservative legislators in Springfield. Harvard Business School graduate Lauzen was elected to the legislature in 1992 as one of the “Fabulous Five” -- the most right-of-center lawmakers who all proved to be unbossed by moderate GOP Gov. James Edgar. "
GovernorBlagojevich
"The rate of participation in Illinois is up to 75 percent according to the most recent surveys for FY05, improving participation six percent from the previous year and 10 percent higher than the national average."
West
ChicagoHigh School
Indonesian
Delegation Visits District 94"Visiting teachers, administrators and community leaders from Jakarta Indonesia attended District #94 American Government and Community Leadership classes. The Indonesian delegation also visited with the school’s administrators and teachers."
Sen.Randy Hultren
“The Illinois Insurance Hotline is an educational resource designed to help consumers with questions about insurance-related matters,” said Hultgren. “Consumers can use this information to make knowledgeable decisions on insurance issues.”
City
ofWest
Chicago
Community
Support for West Chicago's Frosty Fest Takes Event to New Heights"When was the last time you saw a live reindeer on Main Street? You need wait no longer than Saturday, December 1st when Main Street in West Chicago welcomes two of these enchanting creatures, sure to delight children of all ages, to this year's Frosty Fest."
"The award recognizes the community as a model of how mayors and other municipal leaders can work with artists, art organizations and volunteers to improve the quality of life for its residents."
Hastert
slimming down"Congressman Dennis Hastert is getting ready for retirement by getting back into fighting shape. The former House speaker and one-time high school wrestling coach has been working to slim down and says he has 10 more pounds to go before he reaches his "college fighting weight.""
"I had unknowingly passed along false information. And five of the highest ranking officials in the administration were involved in my doing so: Rove, Libby, the vice president, the president's chief of staff, and the president himself."
"Alice M. Herman age 86 a 52 yr. resident of West Chicago. Died peacefully at her on November 18, 2007."
"A swarm of news cameras captured Hassan's tears when he learned that his mother's body had been found in a lot near West Chicago, where she'd gone to deliver a pizza."
Frosty
Fest to be bigger and better"City and Park District officials say they’ve organized a Frosty Fest unlike any other. The three-hour event will take place all along the downtown area Dec. 1. Highlights this year include two “elves” brought in with the help of West Chicago Sister Cities. Two live reindeer will also be at the festival."
"Northern Illinois University and Central DuPage Hospital are separately planning to build proton therapy centers in western DuPage County — now with no sites of proton therapy — which might get two of them practically next to each other."
Sen
Durbin
Durbin
Calls on Bush to Support Head Start Expansion “Without the services provided by Head Start, many of these children would arrive in kindergarten at a disadvantage,” Durbin said. “Shouldn’t we help every child in this nation put his or her best foot forward?”
Sen.
Obama
America
Has Obligation to Right the Wrongs of Centuries Past"For decades, African American farmers suffered disenfranchisement and discrimination by they the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). This injustice ran deep and had devastating effects. Because so many of these farmers were denied credit and benefits, the number of African American farmers"
Affordable
Family Planning"For almost 20 years, college health centers could buy prescription drugs, including contraceptives, at an extraordinary discount of some 90 percent. This arrangement was not a subsidy and did not cost taxpayers a dime."
GovernorBlagojevich
I checked the site at about 2PM from the US51 Truck Stop in Merrill... and everything was fine. When I arrived in West Chicago, the server was under attack, I couldn't update, and the host couldn't be reached. I couldn't do anything until 11PM. Therefore, the update is a bit short. I will get back at it tomorrow morning. Sorry. - Bob
"As the West Chicago Park District rolls toward the construction of a new skateboard park in Reed-Keppler Park this coming spring, there is a link between the old and the new. The common thread is the involvement of persons using the facility. Listening to the youths has been the viable approach and success to the community's skateboard facilities."
City
ofWest
Chicago
- DuPage Senior Citizen Council
- Arts Friendly Community Award 2007
- Downtown Rehabilitation Facade Program
- Popeye's Chicken
- Temporary Moratorium on Approval of New Banks
- Liquor License for Mr. Hot Dog
Planning
Commission Agenda PostedDebora Doyle of 825 E. Elmwood seeks variances to allow replacement of a garage less than 3 feet from a lot line and with lot coverage of more than 40% of the lot.
Burns
willing, but opponents aren't"What is going on with the Republicans in this district? Nothing, that's what. There has not been a single debate, and there are none on the horizon. There is one Republican candidate who would like to change that because he has put out an official invitation for the other candidates to come together so the public can hear them -- Mayor Kevin Burns."
Urgent
dental clinic may become casualty of DuPage budget crisis"That's out of the price range of the 70-year-old West Chicago resident whose Medicare benefits don't extend to dental work. The urgent dental clinic schedules 1,800 visits a year. One-third of the patients are children, two-thirds are adults and seniors."
Dropout
rates falling"West Chicago Community High School District 94's rate dove from 9.7 percent in 1998 to just under 2 percent nearly a decade later."
Fleur
du jour"Here's a favorite flower of Jim Nau, manager of The Gardens at Ball, Ball Horticultural Co., West Chicago.
ANGELONIA ANGUSTIFOLIA
Angelonia"
Sun
Times
Voters
to replace Hastert twice"Once Hastert's seat is vacant, it needs to be filled by a special election within about four months. Candidates would have less than two months to file to run, and those already in the race to take Hastert's seat say they want a spot on a special ballot."
"For people who hadn't seen the former speaker in a while there was, well ... how can we say it ... a whole lot less Denny. The former Yorkville wrestling coach went from heavyweight to -- we're guessing here -- a middleweight. But readers had their doubts."
Winners
in special elections have edge"If 14th District Republican Dennis Hastert steps down before Dec. 31 -- as his office announced last week he would -- Illinois voters will have to select someone to serve out his term by the end of April in an early special election. The victor would win less than a year in office, but history suggests he would also get something much more important: a stranglehold on Hastert's U.S. House seat."
West
ChicagoHigh School
"On Tuesday after THANKSGIVING BREAK, November 27th, the Counseling department will be presenting a two hour program on post high school planning. This program is designed for parents and their students."
City
ofWest
Chicago
"Gallery 200, located at 200 Main Street in West Chicago, welcomes back a poetry and music group that has engaged audiences at several prior Gallery appearances. Award-winning poet Laura Pickard, in association with The Awakenings Project, is hosting the literary and musical offering on Friday, November 30, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m."
Rep
Fortner
Cook
County Judge Throws Out Medical Malpractice Caps"In a move that could potentially have devastating implications for doctors across the state, a Cook County judge ruled that medical malpractice caps are unconstitutional. However, State Representative Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) believes that the Illinois Supreme Court will uphold the law."
W.
Chicago students take on new comedy"It would be fair to call it a screwball comedy," director and English teacher Mary Hafertepe said. "And it involves romance." The audience should expect pure, light fun, with a handyman who hits his head and thinks he's a pirate; government agents in disguise; people assuming unnatural accents; and two shy people who find each other."
Hastert confirms
he won't finish his term"The speech marked a rare moment of bipartisan warmth in the House. Most members attended and gave Hastert a long ovation. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, introduced him by his old title, calling him "the distinguished speaker of the House.""
"Dulceak was arrested June 5 after sheriff's narcotics detectives searched his West Chicago home and found 120 grams of crack cocaine, valued at $12,000, hidden under a grill cover in his yard."
State to examine weak high school test scores"But Addison School District 4, Keeneyville School District 20 in Hanover Park, West Chicago Elementary School District 33 and Community Consolidated School District 180 in Burr Ridge all failed to make adequate yearly progress due to the reading scores of special education students."
Sen
Durbin
Durbin,
Obama Introduce Legislation To Address Quality Of Care For Nation's Veterans
“We are going to get to the bottom of what happened at Marion because the veterans and their families affected by this tragedy deserve to know the facts. This legislation will help ensure situations like this one won’t happen at other VA facilities.”
Sen.
Obama"I will not support funding for a failed policy. It is long past time for the Republicans to stop filibustering a responsible removal of our troops from Iraq, and for the President to stop threatening to veto anything that is not a blank check for his failed strategy."
Farm
Bill"I was disappointed to see that important improvements and solutions for our family farmers in this bill fell victim to partisan politics and obstructionism. Those who stood in the way of this bill stood against our farmers and a clean energy future."
Rep
Hastert
"Madam Speaker, as Members of Congress we are not here just to vote, but to speak -- to give voice on this floor to the aspirations of our constituents. So this place where we speak -- the well of the House -- is very special to me."
GovernorBlagojevich
Honoring
Illinois' Fallen"... fly the United States and Illinois flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff on behalf of: PFC Ashley Sietsema, Illinois Army National Guard ... Home Town: River Grove, Illinois"
ElementaryDistrict 33
Lions
Club International Peace Poster Contest Winner"Eighteen posters were submitted by District 33 fifth and sixth grade students as entries to the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest. Poster entries were placed on display at the West Chicago Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at West Chicago Middle School on Sunday, November 4, 2007."
City
of
West
Chicago
West
Chicago Police Respond to Coyote Concerns"Coyote sightings in West Chicago have caused concern among some members of the community prompting the City of West Chicago Police Department to gather and disseminate information intended to educate the public."
Martin
Jagusch - November 14"Martin R. Jagusch, 71, of West Chicago. Beloved Husband of Joanne nee May. Loving Father of Laura (Bill) Saunders, Lynda Funderburk, and Brian (Corinne) Jagusch. Fond Grandfather of Jessica, Ryan, Shannon, Taylor, Austin, Bailey, and Parker. Funeral Monday 10:30 a.m..."
Briefs:
New W. Chicago contest"West Chicago has started a new essay contest that challenges elementary-age children to write about their favorite aspects of the city. Essays will be judged in three age categories..."
"Lois A. Tyndall, 46, of 5N689 Tanager Court, St. Charles, was taken to Delnor-Community Hospital after an accident at 9:57 a.m. Monday at Routes 47 and 64 in Campton Township. She was driving a 2003 Honda Civic south on Route 47 and drove through a stop sign, hitting a Ford E150 1999 truck driven by Carolyn A. Pearson, 47, of 3N611 Timberline Drive, West Chicago, police said. Tyndall was cited for failure to yield at a stop sign, police said."
Mayors endorse one of their own"It has been said all politics are local. It was in that spirit Wednesday that Mayors Don DeWitte of St. Charles and Jeff Schielke of Batavia endorsed one of their own -- Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns -- for the Republican nomination for the 14th District congressional seat."
Sen
Durbin