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 week, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin came out in favor of changing federal law to allow physicians to prescribe medicinal marijuana to their patients."
"U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin was the big wheel Thursday afternoon, as some city officials and bicycle enthusiasts attended a news conference at Routes 66 and 24 about federal funding for the Chenoa Route 66 Prairie Bike Trail."
"Tougher limits on farm subsidies are finding strong support among many senators.
Senators Obama, Durbin, Brown, Dorgan and Grassley have all publicly called for a stronger cap on subsidies. Senator Tom Harkin also wants to see major changes in the subsidy system."
Sen.
Obama
"Like the CNAS plan, Obama's proposal asserts that U.S. forces can continue to train Iraqi Security Forces even after this withdrawal of combat power (as long as the ISF are non-sectarian)."
"What's at stake is bigger than this war: it's our global leadership," Mr. Obama said. "Now is a time to be bold. We must not stay the course or take the conventional path because the other course is unknown."
Rep
Hastert
"How about a penny, plus $3.99 for shipping and handling. That's the lowest price right now on Amazon.com for a used copy of the 2004 autobiography, "Speaker: Lessons from Forty Years in Coaching and Politics,'" by former Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill."
Merle
Berle- Fire at 142 Wood St.
- Mexican Independence Day
- West Chicago Public Action to Deliver Shelter
- Children's Health Fair
"A West Chicago man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for molesting two sisters left in his care. Lorenzo Rogel did not have a prior criminal history, but state law mandates a life term for predatory criminal sexual assault involving multiple children as victims."
"He did outstanding work for me," said Malkin, a West Chicago deputy police chief. "I could always rely on him to get the job done right."
DuPage
County sues street gang"Birkett was the first in Illinois to use a state law that allows such civil lawsuits when he sued the Satan Disciples operating in West Chicago in 1999. He sued the Latin Kings in Addison in 2006. Birkett claims that the legal action disrupts their criminal activity."
"Lorenzo Rogel, 44, who told police the 5-and 7-year-old he often baby-sat were to blame because they repeatedly climbed into his bed and had sex with him while he slept, was convicted in August by a DuPage County jury of four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child."
National
Merit Scholarship semifinalists"Following is a list announced Wednesday of Illinois and northwest Indiana semifinalists for college-sponsored scholarships next year...
WEST CHICAGO Wheaton Academy Daniel J. Spiotta"
Sen
DurbinDurbin
Bill to Cut Student Interest Rates in Half Goes to President for Signature
“We give a lot of speeches on the Senate floor about how much we love this country and how much we want it to succeed, but the real test here is whether or not we are prepared to invest in our children. This bill invests in our kids by giving them the one thing in America that gives you a chance to succeed - an education.”
Illionois
Senators
Durbin
and Obama Request Meeting with CEO and President of Bank of America to
Discuss the Acquisition of LaSalle Bank "As you know, LaSalle Bank has long played an integral role in the local economy in Chicago and has been greatly supportive of local philanthropic and community development initiatives."
Sen.
Obama"I am pleased that the Louisiana state appeals court recognized that the aggravated battery charge brought in this case was inappropriate. I hope that today's decision will lead the prosecutor to reconsider the excessive charges brought against all the teenagers in this case. And I hope that the judicial process will move deliberately to ensure that all of the defendants will receive a fair trial and equal justice under the law."
GovernorBlagojevich
County
group home damaged in blaze"A smoke or heat detector in the two-story frame house in the 100 block of Wood Street, owned by the county Health Department, triggered an alarm to the West Chicago Fire Protection District at about 11 a.m., said Deputy Fire Chief Hugh Stott. Firefighters extinguished the fire in about 45 minutes, but there was extensive damage to the first floor of the building, Stott said. The cause is being investigated by the DuPage County Fire Investigation task force, he said."
"A judge has sentenced a 44-year-old West Chicago man to life in prison for raping two small girls who he was supposed to be baby-sitting."
Sen.
ObamaObama
Responds to President Bush's Address on Iraq"It is long past time to end a war that never should have started. President Bush was wrong when he took us to war, he was wrong when he escalated this war in January, and he is wrong to stay the course now."
"Going forward, we have to fix our criminal justice system. Whether it's Jena 6 or Genarlow Wilson, it's long past time for us to admit that we have more work to do to ensure that our criminal justice system is fair. We must ensure that both victims and defendants can receive equal justice under the law, regardless of race, wealth, or other circumstances."
GovernorBlagojevich
Sen
JohnMillner
"State Senator John J. Millner (R- Carol Stream) is inviting both the media and residents of the 28th district to a local hearing aimed at giving citizens a venue to voice their concerns over the Governor’s recent budgetary vetoes."
8
residents of home displaced after W. Chicago blaze""Any resident that needs a place will be relocated," said Maureen McHugh, the health department's executive director. Given the extent of the fire, McHugh said, she's relieved no one was injured."
Drive-in
owner is on a quest for perfection"It was opening night of one of this summer's biggest movies. But it still felt a little bit like 1961 at West Chicago's Cascade Drive-in. Homer's distinctive yellow glow illuminated the giant screen as laughter escaped past the muffled dialog coming from speakers tucked in car windows."
"West Chicago Fire Protection District Chief Ron Ackerman spoke of the terrorist attack aftermath when citizens would greet firefighters and thank them or stop by the station to greet them. "A sudden brilliant light shone on American firefighters," Ackerman said. "We should pay tribute to the firefighters lost Sept. 11. We should remember what we were before 9/11 and what strides we made."
Sen
Durbin
Durbin,
Emanuel: Call on BP to Publicly Commit to Protecting the Great Lakes
"Since you do not intend to amend the permit or otherwise codify plans to operate under the old permit, an advertisement would be a welcome illustration of BP’s public commitment to protecting the Great Lakes."
Durbin
Hearing on Toy Safety Focuses on Problems with Chinese Imports
“More than 25 million Chinese-manufactured toys have been recalled this summer alone. That is a staggering number and an indictment of our toy safety system,”
Sen.
Obama“For more than 14 years, Congress has failed to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and complete a comprehensive review and modernization of Native American health care. This is simply unacceptable."
Comprehensive
Plan to Turn the Page in Iraq"Obama would immediately begin to pull out troops engaged in combat operations at a pace of one or two brigades every month, to be completed by the end of next year."
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. Keith Nurnberg, United States Army
Hometown: Genoa City, Wisconsin "
City
ofWest Chicago
"Installed as a featured artist at Gallery 200 in downtown West Chicago since September 6, 2007, Fikar recently reflected on his evolution as a photographer in the years in between."
Another
approval in Klein fen case"The family's bid to have the property annexed is progressing despite months of lobbying against the move by groups formed from residents of adjoining neighborhoods. They argue the tract shouldn't be developed because it feeds needed water into a nearby fen, or wetland. The protected area, informally called the Klein Fen, is part of the West Branch Forest Preserve."
West
Chicago home uninhabitable after fire"Built around 1875, the two-story house at 142 Wood Street previously was operated by Metropolitan Family Services DuPage. It was known as the Edith Bruckner Guest House for senior services before it was purchased by the health department. This morning, West Chicago firefighters received a 911 call at 10:53 a.m. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames and heavy smoke coming from the wood-framed building."
Proposal
to annex hops another hurdle"Then on Monday, the Development Committee unanimously voted to send the proposal to the City Council for final approval. More than 100 people attended the Plan Commission meeting, many of them against the proposal. Opponents shouted “this is unbelievable” and “good luck getting re-elected” to commission members after their vote. "
Sen
DurbinDurbin
Asks EPA for Answers on Lake Michigan Pollution "Lake Michigan is not just another body of water- it is a treasure to be protected. In order to move forward, we need a comprehensive assessment of the current levels, sources and consequences of pollution in the Lake. Once we've gathered this information, we will develop a strategy.”
"Today, on the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation, many Americans in Illinois and across our nation are searching for their own ways to rescue some lasting good out of the evil and heartbreak of 9/11."
“Glenn Poshard is an extraordinary person whose talents and integrity have made him one of the most effective University presidents I have ever worked with. I join the SIU Board of Trustees in giving my full support to his continued leadership.”
Sen.
Obama"However, two reports issued over the past week paint a bleak picture of the prospects of the current strategy. These reports reinforce the conclusion that there is no military solution in Iraq, that we need to get our troops out of the middle of Iraq's civil war, and that this war must be brought to a responsible conclusion."
"As America marks the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we pause to remember each and every victim and to grieve with the families that lost a loved one."
GovernorBlagojevich
Honoring
Illinois' FallenThe 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 PVT. Randol S. Shelton, United States Army ... Hometown: Schiller Park"
'A
new birth, a new start'"After giving his last sermon in the building, Resurrection's leader, the Rev. George Byron Koch, led more than 100 of his members across Route 59 under police escort. Parishioners carried colorful flags, cheered, sang, and walked about a quarter-mile while carrying bibles, a giant cross and instruments. The congregation and church's new name is Resurrection Anglican Church."
Hastert's
collection of Sept. 11 memorabilia on display""Nothing is as defining for this generation as the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001, and what the Hastert Papers contain are the expressions of grief and support from around the world," said David Malone, head of the college's Special Collections department that houses the papers."
"Susan K. Laning of West Chicago was appointed clinical coordinator, home care, for Family Home Health and Services Inc., Addison. She becomes responsible for coordination of home health services, staffing and staff education."
Treasurer
endorses Foster" Illinois state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias on Sunday endorsed a former Fermilab scientist for the seat left open by retiring Congressman Dennis Hastert. Geneva businessman Bill Foster, who spent 20 years working at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, said he earned the "keystone" endorsement after the two met in August in Chicago."
Sen
DurbinDurbin,
Emanuel Comment on Meeting with BP America CEO Bob Malone
"This afternoon, we met with Bob Malone, the CEO of British Petroleum America. He gave us every assurance that BP is 100% committed to their decision not to dump additional waste into Lake Michigan."
Comments
on White House Import Safety Report"While it is encouraging to see the Working Group report the need for increased resources, this is only the first step in a longer process that must result in a modern, effective strategy to protect consumers from dangerous imports."
Sen.
ObamaObama
Calls for Immediate Change of Course in Iraq"The time to end the surge and to start bringing our troops home is now -- not six months from now. The Iraqi government is not achieving the political progress that was the stated purpose of the surge, and in key areas has gone backwards."
"At a time when candidates are focusing on negative messages and all the things that they are 'against', Senator Obama continues to lift the spirit of the debate by offering us something to be 'for'."
GovernorBlagojevich
“Before I became Governor, the child support system in our state was the worst in the nation. But by taking a series of aggressive and creative steps, we’ve turned this program around. We’re breaking our own records and receiving national recognition for improvement like this award from the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement."
"Day
of Remembrance""The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich’s Office to fly the flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff in honor of the: Day of Remembrance for September 11"
"But it’s not just trickle-down that has been refuted: the whole idea that a rising tide raises all boats, that growth in the economy necessarily translates into gains for the great majority of Americans, is belied by the Bush-era experience."
Cable
ComChannel 17
"We've got WCCHS Wildcat football right here on Channel 17. Monday night is the rebroadcast of last Friday's (9/7/07) game and Saturday at noon will be the broadcast of this Friday's (9/14/07) game. We have variety and dance on Wednesday and Friday night with CPR Class and a look at a disaster drill on Tuesday and Thursday."
Ribbons
line Elite to remember soldier"That's when several West Chicago Community High School cheerleaders and West Chicago Park District cheerleaders showed up full of spirit and yellow ribbon. They wrapped every tree from East National Street south to Elmwood Avenue on Elite Avenue."
"The seat belts in the rear of the van were faulty, and the brakes and or wheels may have failed before the accident, State Police spokesman Luis Gutierrez said. The driver, Karina Salgado, 27, was charged with driving uninsured and without a license. She and three of her passengers now face deportation for being in the country illegally, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Gail Montenegro."
[Although technically an Aurora article, the issues apply to West Chicago. Is something being done?- Bob]
"Q. We have no problem finishing bottles of wine; however, liqueurs are another story. I have quite a collection of opened liqueurs with small amounts remaining. My husband says they can last forever. I disagree. You'll be the deciding factor. Just how long can one keep liqueurs?
-- Barbara Bizzarri, West Chicago"
Sen
Durbin“President Bush is preparing to tell the nation, once again, that his strategy in Iraq is succeeding,” Senator Durbin said in prepared remarks. “We know what the Bush-Petraeus report will say: ‘The surge is working; be patient.’ ”
Sen.
Obama"The word some people are hearing is, 'You're making a big mistake. If Barack Obama wins, he'll welcome all into his administration. But if Hillary wins, that's not going to be the case'," says a midlevel Obama adviser who would speak about infighting only on the condition of anonymity."
Rep
Hastert"Hastert’s popularity instantly plummeted in the wake of the Foley scandal after House leaders and other top aides told the House ethics committee that they had previously warned the former speaker about Foley’s misconduct."
Resident
remains in contaminated home"The company wants Riess to allow access to her property so it can do further testing and complete a remediation plan that requires EPA approval, spokeswoman Debbie Schramm said. Riess wants to move out before granting access to the property, Sargis said."
Wheaton
Academy remembers teacher"Carol Riebock, a West Chicago resident, died during liver transplant surgery Wednesday at age 61. An academy teacher for 18 years, Riebock served as a chaplain, helped with music and drama productions, and taught the Bible and Christian living."
Notes
on Religion"St. Andrew Lutheran Church will hold a Worship in the Park with a bilingual service at 11 a.m. Sunday in Reed Keppler Park, National and Arbor streets, West Chicago. A potluck picnic begins at noon, with place settings and drinks provided by the church. Guests should bring food, a lawn chair or blanket. For details, call (630) 231-3787."
Notes
on Religion"St. Andrew Lutheran Church will hold its golf outing fundraiser at noon Friday at St. Andrews Golf Course in West Chicago. The event includes dinner and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the church's rebuilding fund after the fire in 2005. For details, visit www.standrewlutheran.net or call (630) 231-3787."
Different
versions of night offered"A man slashed a screen on the front window of a house on Elizabeth Avenue, climbed in and headed to the room of the 11-year-old. He grabbed the girl's head and tried to tape her mouth shut but fled when she started screaming. Police allege De La Salle mistakenly thought he was in the home of an ex-girlfriend."
"As of Friday, 87 cases of rabid bats had been confirmed throughout the state. This figure is up from last year, when 46 reports of rabid animals were confirmed."
Sen
Durbin"Durbin’s commitment--and a forceful speech he delivered against new funding for Bush’s war strategy--positions an influential Senate leader in favor of a hard line at a moment when some Democrats are signaling a willingness to compromise on war funding."
"Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, said the war may be the worst foreign policy mistake in American history. The people of Iraq are suffering more now than they did under Saddam Hussein, the Illinois senator said, and the war has created a backlash against the United States that makes it harder to fight terrorism and religious extremism."
Iraqi
Coalition Casualty Count - icasualties.orgWith the increasing talk about casualties increasing or decreasing by various generals, pols, and talking heads, I thought some of you would like to see an ongoing source that can be searched/reported in several ways. - Bob
ElementaryDistrict 33
District
33 Wins Grant for School Emergency Program"Congressman Peter J. Roskam announced yesterday a $98,983 Department of Education grant to fund a school readiness and emergency management program for West Chicago Elementary School District 33. The district is one of just five school districts in Illinois to receive this grant. "
Sen.Randy Hultren
Hultgren
and Fortner to host Children’s Health Fair"Access to government agencies, health and public safety information highlight the upcoming children’s health fair being hosted by state Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) and state Sen. Randy Hultgren (R-Wheaton)."
"For a few years, the boat was stored in a warehouse in West Chicago. When the warehouse changed hands, the owners gave the boat the boot, and the local lodge of the International Order of Good Templars, a temperance organization headquartered in Sweden, agreed to house it at its private park in Geneva."
Open
house to focus on Civil Air Patrol"The Fox Valley Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, will hold an open house for the community from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the DuPage County Airport Planemasters' hanger, 32W581 Tower Road, West Chicago. For details, call 2nd Lt. Jeff Jorgensen at (630) 415-1616."
"I read an article in the Aug. 28 Daily Herald about former workers protesting at a West Chicago business and would like to bring up a couple of issues. First, it appears the employees are requesting severance pay for termination. In the state of Illinois, severance pay is not a right, but your article never mentions that the company policy is to pay severance."
"It's like American Idol, but for historic landmarks. It's called Partners in Preservation. For the next five weeks, two Fox Valley monuments, each more than a century old, will compete online for a share of $1 million in restoration funds."
Laesch
headquarters opens up"This is Laesch’s second bid for the seat held by Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Plano. Laesch took 40 percent of the vote in his race against Hastert in 2006. Hastert does not plan to run for re-election in 2008."
Tivoli
Ristorante, house salad, free"Order an entree at lunch or dinner at this unpretentious west suburban Italian restaurant -- which features live music several nights per week -- and the house salad is complimentary. And this is no thrown-together effort, either; chef Stephanie Kuti tops mixed spring lettuces with discrete piles of cherry tomato, cucumber, hearts of palm and shredded carrots, and the dressing choices include a well-balanced balsamic vinaigrette and an indulgent blue cheese. It's colorful, it's fresh, and, best of all, free! 956 N. Neltnor Blvd., West Chicago; 630-957-6500."
3
ex-tech firm officials accused of kickbacks"The institute is nationally known for its research of alternative-energy sources. Earlier this year U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) showcased the institute when it opened the first hydrogen-fueling station in Illinois."
Sen
DurbinRemarks
to the Center for National Policy: "No More Blank Checks for Iraq"
"There would never have been a 9/11 Commission were it not for the courage and persistence of the families who lost loved ones on that day. It took too long – and an election – to do it, but Congress finally passed most of the Commission’s remaining recommendations at the end of July."
"Adopt
a School Library Month" "This legislation reaffirms what studies have consistently shown: children are more likely to succeed when they have access to a high quality library at school."
"It would also require creditors to rigorously review a student's credit history and proof of income before issuing a card. A companion bill, sponsored by Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) is pending in the Senate."
"He asks why one should exclude the chemical in marijuana that can be used to treat glaucoma simply because some people abuse it for recreational purposes. He says that makes no sense."
Sen.
Obama“For decades, Predominantly Black Institutions have given our students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's economy, and their recognition is long overdue,"
"The first bill I introduced as a Senator was to make college more affordable for every American, and the bill we passed today is an important step toward achieving that goal,”
SoapBox
EPA Sends letter to 117 West Chicago Homeowners
Sandra Hartman-Riess, a resident of West Chicago near the Factory Site, sent
a PDF of the letter distributed to WC residents. The text is reproduced
here.
W.
Chicago panel goes against fans of fen"The unincorporated property on Klein Road is owned by the Jemsek-Hinckley family, who operate the adjacent St. Andrew's Golf Course. It's also being eyed by DuPage County Forest Preserve District commissioners."
Sen
DurbinDurbin
Announces Congressional Oversight Hearing On Toy Safety"Durbin, who chairs the Subcommittee, called the hearing to focus on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) ability to protect American consumers. The hearing will deal with recent recalls of children's toys, efforts to improve the safety of imported products, and CPSC’s budget and statutory authority."
Interview:
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin - Chicagoist - Chicago,IL"The reality is that under the Senate rules, a filibuster, which any Senator can initiate, can only be stopped with 60 votes. We have 51 Democratic votes. And so anything that is going to move forward needs 60 votes. So far, Mitch McConnell on the Republican side has used the filibuster 45 times this year."
Sen.
Obama"Senator Obama fought for and won a provision in the Senate ethics reform bill that requires campaigns to disclose campaign contributions solicited by lobbyists from their friends and colleagues – a practice known as bundling."
"For too many elections, misinformation and intimidation have kept thousands of Americans from voting," said Senator Obama. "Voting is not only a basic right but also one of our most important responsibilities, and we must ensure that all Americans have equal, unfettered access to the polls."
Barack
Obama: The Internet's President - TECH.BLORGE.com -
Sydney,Australia"Barack Obama, Senator from Illinois, Democrat, had 717,000 unique visitors to his campaign web site, outperforming Democrats Hillary Clinton and John Edwards by nearly 300,000 visitors."
[In comparison, WegoWeb had only 31,000 in July. - Bob]
Rep
Hastert"The allocation of these dollars will result in improved protection for residents and a safer operating environment for our firefighters. It is important that we continue to provide them with the resources necessary to respond to emergencies and to ultimately save lives,"
"The former Speaker of the House in January donated his congressional papers to the school in preparation for his retirement. Now the college will unveil a new academic program and center to house the documents and create an education legacy for Hastert."
"Lauzen said he intends to differentiate himself from Oberweis by focusing on his electoral victories, his independence and his experience. Oberweis’s strategists see their candidate as the GOP front-runner and intend to set up his contrast with the
Democrats versus running against Lauzen."
GovernorBlagojevich
West
ChicagoHigh School
The Planning Commission meeting on the acreage north of St. Andrews GC will be this evening at 7PM on the campus of Wheaton Academy.
Planning
Commission Meeting Vote:The Planning Commission voted 5-0 (with two members absent) to approve the annexation and rezoning to R3 (9000 sq ft lots) for the 200 acres north of St. Andrews Golf Course. More information can be found at http://www.friendsofkleinfen.com .
Merle
BerleMerle Burleigh's column is now available at the city's website. Pending approval from the city, it does not appear at its old home at SoapBox. Archival copies are, however, still there- Bob
City
ofWest Chicago
"The site of a former hardware store (Grobe's True Value) at 103 W. Washington Street will open its doors to artXposium, on September 21, 2007 and bring local, national and international talent together to display a variety of art work ranging from traditional painting and sculpture, to interactive and multimedia installations."
"Local emergency personnel Tuesday gave a tour of the county's storm-ravaged areas for representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration. They visited a West Chicago business where 40 people were injured when a roof collapsed, ..."
Lawmakers:
School cash a victim of politics"Gov. Rod Blagojevich "repeatedly misled" school districts across the state about the status of long-awaited construction dollars and used those districts as political pawns, several lawmakers said Tuesday. "Misleading the school districts hurts all of the students," West Chicago Republican state Rep. Michael Fortner said."
Employees think green at Fermilab"Fermilab Natural Areas has a tri-fold mission, according to Walton -- restoration, research and education. To that end, they hope to expand the environmental research conducted on the lab, and build a few more bike trails that will run through the lab's property."
Sen
Durbin
Durbin,
Manzullo: Army Corps of Engineers Will Fund Keith Creek Feasibility Study to
Prevent Further Flooding “The flooding in August marked the second time in eleven months that Rockford and surrounding area residents have been devastated by flash flooding,” said Durbin.
Sen.
Obama"Obama is also the sponsor of the Lead Poisoning Reduction Act (S. 1811) which requires that all non-home-based child care facilities, including Head Start program locations and kindergarten classrooms, be lead-safe within five years."
GAO
Report Shows Iraq’s Leaders Not Achieving Political Benchmarks“The GAO report confirms that Iraq’s leaders are not achieving the political reconciliation that was the stated purpose of the surge. There is no military solution to Iraq’s civil war. It’s time for President Bush to stop searching for new justifications to continue the wrong policy."
Rep
HastertHastert
Statement Regarding the Passing of Congressional Colleagues Gillmor and Dunn“From their efforts in Congress to their record of accomplishment in their home states, my friends and colleagues Congressman Paul Gillmor and Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn each dedicated their lives to public service and made a difference that will be felt for generations to come."
Rep
Fortner
Schools
Caught in Politics"One of the long-running issues in Winfield has been the lack of funding for the District 34 school construction project. This might seem like old news since the work on Winfield Central School was completed years ago, but the state still hasn't made good on its promise to from five years ago, and the taxpayers of Winfield are left footing the bill that failed promise."
GovernorBlagojevich
Illinois
Landowner Incentive Program Accepting Applications In Alton Bluffs Area For
Habitat Restoration And Enhancement ProjectsIllinois
Department of Veterans’ Affairs presents $100,000 Veterans Cash grant to
help establish The John Marshall Veterans Legal Support Center
Gov.
Blagojevich expands I-Loan Mortgage program to offer 40-year loans for
first-time homebuyersRep.Randy Ramey"After approving a 1-year budget for FY08 on Aug. 10, the Governor finally acted on the spending proposal but vetoed certain projects so that he could expand his universal healthcare initiative.
City
ofWest Chicago
West
Chicago City Museum Plans for Busy Season"A new exhibit, Building Community opens on September 15, 2007 at the City Museum, 132 Main Street in downtown West Chicago, and will feature the stories of hard-working immigrant families who built West Chicago and the railroads."
"Anni Holm, an internationally recognized artist, and City Museum Registrar Brian Reis are coordinating ArtXposium, a three-day exhibit expected to bring together more than 60 artists from around the country and world, including about five West Chicagoans, Sept. 21 through Sept. 23."
Sen.
Obama
Obama
Campaign Announces Iowa Faith Steering Committee"The Obama Campaign today announced that 32 Iowans of different faiths will participate on the Faith Steering Committee for Barack Obama's Iowa Campaign. Today's announcement comes as the Obama Campaign kicks off a 10-day faith tour to give Iowans an opportunity to discuss faith, values, and politics."
GovernorBlagojevich
Cable
ComChannel 17
"This week the City Council meets on Tuesday because of the holiday. Watch government in action live on Tuesday at 7PM. The meeting will be rebroadcast on Wednesday and Friday for your convenience. Also on Wednesday and Friday, we have an enjoyable look at the history of The Great American Railroad presented by the middle school students. And don't forget to catch the Saturday Matinee at noon featuring the WCCHS Wildcats football game taped this Friday night."
West
Chicago
Historical Society
"Time for more fun! The Kruse House Ice Cream Social is this coming Saturday, September 8th, from noon to 3:00 p.m. As always, there will be wonderful food, an opportunity to socialize with old friends or make new ones, and a silent auction. The Kruse House Museum is self-supporting, and this is a major fundraiser for them. Please plan to attend!" - Becky Hall
Sen
JohnMillner
"Legislation aimed at helping to protect children from online predators, and those who target the most vulnerable, has been signed into law, according to its sponsor State Senator John J. Millner (R- Carol Stream)."
Winners
& losers in budget battle"Lawmakers, state bureaucrats: Garner raises of more than 10 percent retroactive to the first of the year. Soon they'll get a big check for the first half of 2007 and bigger paychecks and pensions from here on out. West Chicagoans: No longer taxed by DuPage Water Commission for Lake Michigan water they don't use. The city will be refunded $1 million."
Sen
Durbin"While the surge forces are making marginal and temporary improvements in security, the political scene has disintegrated. There is no government of national unity. [Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri] Al-Maliki is presiding over a skeleton of a government."
Sen.
Obama"But we also know that, as bad as George Bush has been, it's going to take more than a change of parties in the White House to truly turn this country around. George Bush and Dick Cheney may have turned divisive, special-interest politics into an art form, but they didn't invent it. It was there before they got to Washington, and if you and I don't stand up and challenge it, it will be there long after they leave."
"It is outrageous that what began as a journey to visit and care for her 93 year old mother became such a terrible ordeal. It is time for the Iranian government to release all of the innocent Iranian-Americans who are still detained within Iran, and to uphold the principles of respect and dialogue that have been Haleh's life work."
“There are those who tout their experience working the system in Washington,” Mr. Obama said, speaking beneath a cloudless sky at a downtown park. “But the problem is that the system in Washington isn’t working for us and hasn’t for a long time.”
"So let's be clear – there are a lot of people who have been in Washington longer than me; who have better connections and go to the right dinner parties and know how to talk the Washington talk. Well I might not have the experience Washington likes, but I believe I have the experience America needs right now."
Are
Spanish-speaking students 'coddled?'"Right across the border from Mexico, they know that you have to learn English to be successful," he said. "Fifteen hundred miles in, we don't do that. We coddle (Spanish-speaking) kids and pretend that they're stupid."
Home
prices on rise""The prices are driving our young, upwardly mobile residents out of the county," said Fenner, vice chairman of the DuPage Housing Authority"... And while it won't solve the county's dearth of affordable housing, DuPage Habitat for Humanity is going to build a 11-unit subdivision near West Chicago."
Notes
on Religion (Scroll down)"The Rev. Steven Ziegler has been appointed to serve as the new senior pastor effective today at First United Methodist Church and the First Congregational Church, both of West Chicago. His first service will be at 10 a.m. Sunday at the First United Methodist Church,..."
Notes
on Religion (Scroll down)"St. Andrew Lutheran Church will hold a Worship in the Park with a bilingual service at 11 a.m. Sept. 9 in Reed Keppler Park, National and Arbor streets, West Chicago. A potluck picnic begins at noon with place settings and drinks provided by the church. Guests should bring food, a lawn chair or blanket. For details, call (630) 231-3787."
Sen.
Obama"You've been in a room once in a while with a rock star. He walks into the world and he takes your breath away. I'd love him to be president, quite honestly," Clooney told reporters at the Venice Film Festival, where the actor's legal thriller Michael Clayton premiered on Friday night."
"Harsh attacks on candidates from sources with murky motivations and support are nothing new in American politics . . . " wrote Times reporter Mike McIntire, adding that Novak's project "is one of the more sophisticated assaults on a candidate."
"The latest data shows U.S. troop fatalities worse every month this year compared to the same months last year. A smidgeon of evidence pointing to at least marginal political progress late last week turned out to be smoke and mirrors."
City
ofWest Chicago
SAVE
OUR HISTORY GRANT FROM The History Channel®"The History Channel has awarded the West Chicago City Museum in West Chicago a $10,000 Save Our History grant to partner with the West Chicago Community High School District 94 for "Building a Community: Creating a Dialogue about Mexican Contributions to West Chicago," a collaborative project exploring the lives of Mexican immigrants in West Chicago."
College
Rock Island,IL
"Oakes made it 4-0 with an unassisted goal at 19:51. Just before halftime (39:58), freshman Gina Adduci (West Chicago HS, West Chicago, Ill.) scored her first collegiate goal and it was unassisted."
Sen
DurbinDurbin
talks about Iraq war at senior center in Edwardsville - St.
Louis Post-Dispatch - MO"Durbin said American soldiers should not be asked to be in the "crossfire" when the Iraqis can't settle their differences. He said the money used to fund the war could be used in other means or for other programs, such as the No Child Left Behind program, tax breaks for small businesses, health insurance and medical research. Bridges, highways and airports are some of the other sources that could be funded, he said."
Sen.
Obama"The New York Times posted the following correction on its website today, responding to a problem pointed out in a FAIR Action Alert (8/24/07):"
Rep
Hastert"... Tom DeLay falsely claimed that Mark Foley "resigned from Congress because the Republicans demanded that he resign from Congress," when sexually explicit Internet messages he had sent to former congressional pages became public. In fact, Dennis Hastert stated in October 2006 that "Foley resigned almost immediately upon the outbreak of this information, and so we really didn't have a chance to ask him to resign."
"In 2006 critics demanded his resignation for allegedly looking the other way when evidence surfaced implicating Rep. Mark Foley in improprieties? History suggests that different generations of Americans would reach different conclusions."
"Now, I'm not naive. I realize it is probably more fun for reporters and pundits to fulminate about John Edwards' haircuts and to make up gotcha narratives - all while giving probably the most serious speech in the last last 30 years of presidential campaign politics just 275 words on page A15."
