Bugle Newspapers 07-17-25

National Association of Counties passes Cook County Assessor’s proposal for federal property characteristics data

The Board of Directors of the National Association of Counties (NACo) called for the release of property characteristics data from the federal government last week, supporting a policy proposal by the Cook County Assessor’s Office to improve assessment accuracy.

This is the first time that NACo has passed a property assessment-related policy proposal. The resolution was approved unanimously during NACo’s annual conference.

The resolution, sponsored by Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and Maricopa County Assessor Eddie Cook, calls for the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to release its dataset of millions of property appraisals to 16 of the largest assessment offices in the coun

try.

Without incurring any extra cost, this data would provide assessors with a more accurate snapshot of residential property characteristics.

Nationwide, property assessments tend to be regressive. This means that less valuable homes are overvalued, while expensive homes are undervalued.

The effect of this can be that working-class homeowners end up paying more than their fair share in property taxes, particularly compared to the wealthiest homeowners.

More accurate property data could help alleviate this regressivity, which researchers have suggested is due to a lack of information about homes.

The FHFA, a federal agency that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, maintains a Uniform Appraisal Dataset with millions of home appraisal records from across the country.

“Property assessments in Cook County have become much more accurate over the last seven years, helping to make our property tax system fairer for everybody,” said Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. “But for us to continue improving, access to this data from the FHFA is crucial.”

CCAO wins three NACo awards for 2024

The Cook County Assessor’s Office also won three 2025 Achievement Awards from the National Association for Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for home and business owners in Cook County.

The CCAO won for the following initiatives:

Explaining the property tax system using plain language and inclusive communication strategies

The CCAO took on a largescale project to rethink commonly used forms and material, making them easier to navigate. Over several years, the office redesigned many of its forms and mailings, and translated them into English, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, and Simplified Chinese.

Empowering homeowners through community engagement and trust

The CCAO’s six-member Residential Outreach team travels throughout Cook County to share information about assessments and the property tax system with homeowners. In 2024, they attended 217 events, a new record.

Building partnerships with the local business community and commercial industry

The CCAO launched a robust outreach campaign to reach commercial property owners and the local business community. The CCAO also began to publish extensive data on its

ILLINOIS LOTTERY CELEBRATES OVER FIVE DECADES OF GIVING BACK DURING LOTTERY WEEK

The Illinois Lottery is proud to join lotteries across North America in celebrating Lottery Week, taking place July 14–18, 2025. This annual event shines a spotlight on the positive impact lottery proceeds have on communities—from funding public education to supporting small businesses, boosting local economies, and investing in charitable causes.

As a thank you to players, the Illinois Lottery is partnering with over 40 radio stations statewide to give listeners a chance to win a bundle of Instant Tickets—one of which could win up to $2 million.

“For over 50 years, the Illinois Lottery has proudly supported communities throughout the State—most notably through funding for K-12 public education,” said Harold Mays, Director of the Illinois Lottery. “Lottery Week is a time

to celebrate the players, retailers, and partners who make our mission possible and help deliver winning moments across Illinois every day.”

When people play the Illinois Lottery, they’re helping fund a brighter future for the State. Approximately 99% of all lottery proceeds go directly to the Common School Fund, which supports K-12 education funding in Illinois. Additional proceeds from specialty scratch ticket help advance causes, including the following:

•Alzheimer’s support programs

•Breast cancer research and support services

• Homelessness prevention and assistance programs

•Multiple Sclerosis research

•Special Olympics Illinois athletes

•The United Negro College Fund scholarships

• Veterans’ support programs

Since 1985, the Illinois Lottery has contributed more than $25 billion in revenue to educational funding and other good causes statewide.

The lottery supports a robust network of nearly 7,000 retail partners across Illinois, helping drive local economic growth. In fiscal year 2025 alone, retailers earned an estimated $172 million in commissions and bonuses, while players won approximately $2.6 billion in prizes—including 38 prizes of $1 million or more.

For more on how the Illinois Lottery is celebrating Lottery Week, visit Facebook. com/IllinoisLottery and follow along on Instagram at @illinoislottery.

Performances Slated, GreenMan Theatre’s 10-Minute Play Festival “8 to the Bar 2025”

With the theme “Moving On” Elmhurst’s GreenMan Theatre Troupe will perform “8 to the Bar 2025,” its fifth-annual production of 10-minute plays, on July 18, 19 and 20, 2025.

For the first time this year, tickets are being sold online in advance at https://rb.gy/lr69fh “Hope & Greg,” written by Emily Beck of Fargo, ND, tells the story of bride-to-be Hope who has a final conversation with her longtime friend Greg, the monster under her bed.

“This is definitely a coming-ofage tale,” said director Derek

Dillon. “And it’s very relatable. Everyone grows up and has moments of growth and moments of goodbye, both sad and joyous.”

Actor Howard Raik plays Dr. Baffledome in “None of Your Beeswax” by Reg Stout of Minooka, IL.

He is a mad scientist who has created a serum that has turned the play’s two other characters into wax figures. “I’m hoping the audience will like my antics,” Raik said. “Almost everything I do as this character is way over the top. I’m 83 and when people

see someone my age gallivanting around on stage, I think that will carry some humor with it!”

Other “8 to the Bar 2025” plays are: “A Benevolent Alliance of Mourners,” “Acting on Impulse,”

“College Hunk Movers,” “Ghost Light,” “Path of Love” and “Wishes.”

“8 to the Bar 2025” will be held July 18, 19 and 20, 2025, at Mystic Vines, 219 W. St. Charles Rd., Villa Park. Performance times are at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 online – or at the door, first come, first served. Wine and light snacks will be available for purchase. Limited parking is available at the storefront location; for additional parking locations go to www.greenmantheatre.org/parking.

In its 22 nd season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a non-profit 501[c]3 organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts.

GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003.

Past productions include “Dracula,” & ”Pride and Prejudice” and “Doubtful Abbey.”

GreenMan also offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theatre production.

GreenMan programs are partially supported by Explore Elmhurst, as well as other individual and corporate donations.

Hidden costs of home ownership

Did you know?

A home is the most expensive purchase many people ever make. Buyers understand that certain costs come with home ownership. However, some of the costs associated with home ownership can catch even the most savvy savers off-guard. And in recent years, those extra costs have been surging.

The following are some of the unexpected expenses that come with living the homeowner dream.

• Property taxes: Depending on where you live, property taxes can comprise a large portion of monthly expenses. Some people pay their property taxes separate from their mortgage payments. Others wrap the tax burden into their mortgage bill.

Either way, Business Insider reports that New Jersey currently has the highest effective property tax rate in the United States, with a median Garden State property tax bill at $9,000 annually. The lowest property tax rate is found in Hawaii, and the average homeowner there pays only $2,000 in property taxes annually. Zoocasa reports that annual property taxes in Canada can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on the province’s property tax rate and average cost of homes.

• Home insurance: CNN Business reports that home insurance premiums have surged in recent years, in large part due to extreme weather. In the U.S., insurance rates jumped 11.3 percent nationally last year, according to S&P Global. Severe storms, including hurricanes and wildfires, cost homeowners insurance agencies nearly $101.3 billion last year, and those losses have been passed on to policy holders

through higher prices.

· Mortgage insurance: Many people do not have the standard 20 percent down payment necessary to buy a home.

To circumvent this, lenders will require borrowers to take out mortgage insurance, also called PMI, to offset their risk. Credit Karma says PMI depends on factors such as down payment and borrowers’ credit scores, but typically it’s around 0.2 to 2 percent of the loan amount per year. You can remove PMI from your monthly payment once you have 20 percent equity in your home.

· Maintenance: Even a brand new home will require some measure of maintenance and routine upkeep. Bankrate indicates one of the biggest costs of owning a home is maintenance, coming in at roughly $3,018 a year and an additional $3,300 for improvements. Lawn care, home cleaning, pest prevention, replacing smoke alarms and batteries, roof repair, and clearing rain gutters

are some of those costs.

· HOA and CDD fees: Some communities impose homeowners association fees on those who live within the neighborhood. Such fees cover items like maintenance in and around the community and snow removal.

A Community Development District Fee is imposed by the developer of a neighborhood or subdivision to finance the cost of amenities in a neighborhood. Homeowners should be aware of these fees before buying in an HOA community.

Apart from these expenses, annual utility payments can be quite expensive. Utilizing utility plans that offer a fixed cost per month can help homeowners budget for utility expenses more readily.

Home ownership can be costly. Buyers would be wise to familiarize themselves with some of the hidden costs of owning a home prior to purchasing one of their own.

TO: Jann Owen; Will County Clerk, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Kaitlin Owen, Christopher Owen, Virgil Owen; Occupant, 812 Grove Lane, Bolingbrook, IL; Parties in occupancy and possession; any unknown owners and occupants.

TAX DEED NO. 2025TX000223. FILED: June 30, 2025. TAKE NOTICE. County of Will. Date Premises Sold 12/5/2022.

Certificate No. 21-00216. Sold for General Taxes of (year) 2021.

Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and special assessment number N/A Warrant No. N/A Inst. No. N/A.

THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. Property located at. 812 Grove Lane, Bolingbrook, Illinois. Legal Description or Property Index No. 12-02-16-110031-0000.

This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on 12/1/2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before 12/1/2025.

This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this county in the Will County Courthouse, 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432, on 12/18/2025 at 9:00 AM in room 905.

YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY. Redemption can be made at any time on or before 12/1/2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Will County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Joliet, Illinois. For further information contact the County Clerk. ADDRESS: 302 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432. TELEPHONE: (815) 740-4615. Scribe Funding LLC, Purchaser or Assignee.

Dated: July 11, 2025.

Published July 17, 2025, July 24, 2025, & July 31, 2025

TO: Lorena Hurtado; Rafael Hurtado, Will County Clerk, SBA Monarch Towers III RA: Corporate Creations Network Inc., T-Mobile Central LLC RA: Illinois Corporation Service Company, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee for SBA Tower Trust Secured Tower Revenue Securities c/o Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, PNC Bank, N.A., Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee for SBA Tower Trust Secured Tower Revenue Securities, TSS-Alternative and Structured Finance Services, SBA Depositor LLC c/o Illinois Secretary of State, SBA Depositor LLC RA: Corporate Creations Network Inc.; Occupant, 15410 S Indian Boundary Line Rd, Plainfield, IL; Parties in occupancy and possession; any unknown owners and occupants.

TAX DEED NO. 2025TX000212. FILED: June 30, 2025.

TAKE NOTICE. County of Will. Date Premises Sold 12/5/2022. Certificate No. 21-00333.

Sold for General Taxes of (year) 2021. Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and special assessment number N/A Warrant No. N/A Inst. No. N/A.

THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. Property located at. 15410 S Indian Boundary Line Rd, Plainfield, Illinois. Legal Description or Property Index No. 06-03-17-100-005-0000. This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on 12/1/2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales.

Check with the county clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming. This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before 12/1/2025. This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of this county in the Will County Courthouse, 100 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432, on 12/18/2025 at 9:15 AM in room 904.

YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY.

Redemption can be made at any time on or before 12/1/2025 by applying to the County Clerk of Will County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Joliet, Illinois. For further information contact the County Clerk. ADDRESS: 302 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432. TELEPHONE: (815) 740-4615. Scribe Funding LLC, Purchaser or Assignee.

Dated: July 11, 2025.

Published July 17, 2025, July 24, 2025, & July 31, 2025

TAKE NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 21-00174

TO: Michael J Niehaus

Ronald N Niehaus

Judith G Niehaus

Michael J Neihaus

Ronald N Niehaus

Judith G Niehaus

Cameron Gilchrist

Nathan Valtman

Occupant

Will County Clerk

Spouse of Michael J Niehaus

Spouse of Micael J Niehaus

Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property; Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots.

A Petition for Tax Deed on premise de-

scribed below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WILL County, IL as Case No. 2025TX000134

The Property is located at: 249 Seabury Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 Property Index Number: 12-02-11-402015-0000

Said Property was sold on 12/5/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021.

The period of redemption will expire on 11/12/2025. On 12/03/2025 at 9:00 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed.

1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 8147-955803

Published 7/17/2025, 7/24/2025 & 7/31/2025

TAKE NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 21-00188

TO:

Ernesto Munoz Jr Spouse of Ernesto Munoz Jr Occupant

AERO HEC ACQUISITION I LLC

Associated Bank NA Will County Clerk

Persons in occupancy or actual possession of said property;

Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots.

A Petition for Tax Deed on premise described below has been filed with the Circuit Clerk of WILL County, IL as Case No. 2025TX000135

The Property is located at: 130 Wethersfield Ln, Bolingbrook, IL

60440

Property Index Number: 12-02-14-108018-0000

Said Property was sold on 12/5/2022 for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and/or Special Assessments for the year 2021.

The period of redemption will expire on 11/12/2025. On 12/03/2025 at 9:15 AM the Petitioner will make application to such Court in said County for an Order for Issuance of a Tax Deed.

1095 Investments, LLC, Petitioner 8147-955804

Published 7/17/2025, 7/24/2025 & 7/31/2025

Horoscopes Recipe of the Week

Week of July 14

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Fill your mind with positive and motivational thoughts and you’ll be much happier in the long run, Aries. It’s easy to focus on negatives, but a change of perspective is liberating.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21

It is possible that a lack of energy is affecting your ability to do the things that you normally enjoy, Taurus. Figure out ways to get more rest so you will not lack energy.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21

It seems your social skills have been less consistent than in the past, Gemini. Do you have a reason why you have been pulling away from others lately? Get back on track.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, someone might recommend you for a leadership position and you could be inclined to take it. This is something that is out of your wheelhouse, but you’ll make the most of it.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, trusting someone else right now is something you might find challenging. It could be because you don’t trust your instincts. You’ll have to find a way around these feelings.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you haven’t been available for some key people, and you’ll find they’ve pulled away. You may miss their presence, but you can mend fences if you hope to.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you have been making excuses for someone in your life in the hopes that the relationship could be salvaged. But the other person must make an effort as well.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you have been putting your goals aside due to overwhelming circumstances and general procrastination. Now is the time to get things back on schedule.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21

It’s time to engage with the activities that you are passionate about, Sagittarius. There is never a “right” opportunity to get things started; you just need to take that first step.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20

Someone who understands you may enter your life, Capricorn. It may feel like you already know and understand this person, even though you have just met.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18

It’s possible that you might feel

stuck with someone in a situation that is not to your liking, Aquarius. You can be a catalyst for change if you start taking action.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20

You are about to have a eureka moment, Pisces. Everything you have been fretting about will then fall into place. It will be some smooth sailing afterwards.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

JULY 6

Kevin Hart, Comic (46)

JULY 7

Ashton Irwin, Drummer (31)

JULY 8

Maya Hawke, Actress (27)

JULY 9

DeAndre Yedlin, Athlete (32)

JULY 10

Sofía Vergara, Actress (53)

JULY 11

Lil Kim, Rapper (51)

JULY 12

Phoebe Tonkin, Actress (36)

Week of July 14

Cherry-almond ice cream is a scoop above the rest

Ice cream is a beloved dessert.

The extraordinary number of flavor combinations that can be achieved simply by mixing together a few ingredients undoubtedly contributes to the popularity of ice cream.

For those partial to cherries and almonds, there’s nothing better than combining those flavors in this recipe for “NoChurn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream” from “Jane’s Patisserie” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn.

• No-Churn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream

•Serves 10

•200 grams pitted cherries (about 1 cup)

• 450 milliliters double (heavy) cream (about 2 cups)

• 397 grams condensed milk (14 ounces)

•1 teaspoon almond extract

•1/2 teaspoon pink food coloring (optional)

•Cherries and toasted flaked almonds, to serve

Add the pitted cherries to a blender and blitz until smooth.

Pass through a sieve to remove any lumps and set aside.

Pour the cream into a bowl and whip to soft peaks.

Put the condensed milk, almond extract, pink food coloring (if using) and puréed cherries into a separate bowl and stir to combine, then pour the mixture into a container, like a large loaf tin.

Freeze for at least 5 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight so it has time to get the correct texture.

Remove from the freezer about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.

Scoop into bowls and serve topped with fresh cherries and toasted flaked almonds.