Landmark_012826

ICE agent charged in Brookfield battery case

Robert

Held

was

attacked

by a federal immigration agent on Dec. 27

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield police have charged an agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with one count of misdemeanor battery in the case of a civilian lawyer who was attacked on Dec. 27 in town.

In an emailed statement on T hursday, Jan. 22, Brookfield Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla said the of fender had been “charged, cited and released” after cooperating with Brookfield investigators. A court date has been set but was not specified in the statement. Re porting on Jan. 23 by the New York Times refers to the man, Adam Saracco, as an ICE agent who was of f duty at the time of the incident. T he Times re ported that Saracco was at the gas station in Brookfield after leaving the

See ROBERT HELD on page 7

Immigrations and Custom Enforcement agent Adam Saracco was charged with one count of misdemeanor battery by Brook eld police .

e Riverside pack, one of the oldest in nation, began in 1951 and numbers 84 scouts

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Cub Scout members and leaders celebrated Riverside’s Pack 24’s 75th anniversary at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, by throwing the pack a birthday party, complete with games for the Scouts and birthday cake.

“We started out with a little introduction explaining Scouting was started in 1910 in the United States, and shortly after that, the first Cub Scout pack star ted in Port Angeles, [Washington,] which was in the 1920s. The first one locally was in Naperville, which started in 1945, and we started in 1951,” said David eed, the pack’s Cubmaster and the face of its leadership. “We’ re one of the oldest Cub Scout packs in the whole country.”

Reed said the group gave the Scouts honorary patches from BSA, the organization that oversees Scouting, to mark the anniversary.

“We had a lot of party games, and it was definitely

See SCOUTS on page 8

Riversiders protest against ICE

Protestors gather at the corner of Harlem Avenue and Longcommon Road in Riverside to speak out against U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Trump administration. e protest took place on Jan. 26.

One attendee said the protest was organized by Action

Chicago Suburbs.

property tax distributions

Delay by Cook County forces village to obtain a $2.5 million bank line of credit

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield’s finance director, Doug Cooper, said the village has only received about a quarter of the property tax funds from 2024 it is still owed by Cook County.

“We were missing about $4.5 million’s worth of property taxes, and that funds the majority of our expenditures” for the final months of the year, Cooper told the Landmark.

As of Friday, Jan. 23, Brookfield has received $1.37 million of the $4.5 million total, Cooper said. Nearly half of that was distributed in January, as Brookfield had only received about $700,000 by Dec. 31, according to village documents

The funds represent the second installment of the 2024 property taxes that were levied last year, Cooper said. The first installment, worth about $4.86 million, was distributed on time in 2025.

Brookfield took out a $1.5 million line of credit in September from the First National Bank of Brookfield due to the county’s delay in distributing the tax funds. After the village used the full credit line through Dec. 1, trustees on Jan. 12 approved extending it by another $1 million, which Cooper said sustained Brookfield until the county could begin disbursing the funding.

“They didn’t even get the tax bills out until November, and they should have gone out back in August, and we would have started receiving the property tax monies in September. That would have funded us through the rest of the year. Well, we never got them,” he said. “Each one of our payrolls is probably about $400,000 to $450,000, so we just needed to make sure we had that covered until the county actually started distributing the funds.”

The initial delay, which is also impacting local school districts, was due to a systems upgrade undertaken by the county to replace a 1970s mainframe computer with more modern technology, Jim Thompson, the director of property assessment and tax policy for the Cook County Office of the President, told the Landmark in December.

Now that the village has started to receive some funds, Cooper said he doubts

Brookfield will need to make use of the extended credit line.

“But just in case we do, it’s all there. The entire line of credit, whatever the balance is on there, is going to be due and will be paid of f by March 26,” he said.

While the first installment of property taxes is usually due by the first week of March, Cooper noted that the Cook County Treasurer’s website currently does not display a date for the 2025 taxes that are set to be collected this year.

If Cook County fails to distribute any of the remaining money, which Cooper said is unlikely, Brookfield would have to turn to its reserve funds, he said.

“We have about $2 million in reserves that we would have to go to the board and specifically ask them to allow us to tap into those reserves. That would occur over two meetings and then a third meeting for approval,” he said.

In such a situation, he said the village would act ahead of time to ensure there are no inter ruptions to payroll, vendor checks and other important transactions.

“That’s why we did this back in September. That’s why we started initiating the line of credit. We were trying to get ahead of it back then,” he said.

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D208 board approves issuing $4.5M in bonds

Funds will be used for improvements between RBHS and Brook eld Zoo

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

T he Rive rside-Brookfield High School District 208 Board of Education approved Jan. 20 it s i ssuance of $4.5 million in taxexempt wo rk ing c ash b onds fo r capital improvements on the property b etween Rive rsideBrookfield High School and Brookfield Zoo

T hose improvements will include handicapped accessibility to the school as well as accessibility to the school’s parking lot and Brookfield Zoo’s overfl ow park-

ing, along with improvements to extracur ricular facilities.

A ssistant Superintendent Dr K ristin S metana said the final i nterest rate is to be d etermined since the b onds have n’ t actually b een i ssued. T he tentative timeline for b ond sales is Fe b. 10, with the district receiving the proceeds Fe b. 24.

Bonds are a way to bo rrow money for capital improvements, meaning they ca n’ t be used for operating fund s.

T he b ond i ssuance ultimately provides a property tax decrease to community members over the c oming four year s, with the expiration of referendum bonds in levy year 2027.

At its Nov. 11 meeting, the board was presented three bond issuance options – for $3.5 million, $4 million and $4.5 million, but opted for the latter due to project scope.

Riverside-Brook eld High School. David has been a Riverside resident since 2024. A former Morningstar executive, he specializes in retirement planning, and has deep expertise in retirement tax bombs.

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LT teacher runs silent lm festival for students

Bill Allan is one of 3 founders of the annual event in Downers Grove

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Every year, Bill Allan and his students from Lyons Township High School, as well as students from 11 other schools and film buffs, gather at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove. While there are 12 student films competing for best in show, in the spirit of last century, none of them contain any audio

“At the most basic level, this is something that is not familiar to these kids in their generation, so off the bat, [it’s a] cool challenge for kids who are already making videos,” Allan told the Landmark. “With the absence of sound, that presents a lot more challenge for them from a cinematography perspective and a performance perspective.”

While the films may be silent, the viewing area is not. Allan said Derek Berg, one of the event’s other founders, plays a live accompaniment customized for each submission. After the festival, the schools are sent copies of the scores so they can be digitally added to each film for future viewings.

The students get to see their films “in a real movie theater on a big screen, and [get] to have an original soundtrack composed by a professional musician then performed the night of,” Allan said. “They have no idea what’s coming until the night of the festival, and then they get to see their film and experi-

ence it with an original composition.

This year’s competition, wh place Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 6:45 ninth iteration of the festival. A first go-around grew out of LT’s student film festival, held each spring.

“Maybe 10 years ago, I was looking cal area folks who are in the industry to be judges, and a gentleman named Ed Newman reached out, volunteered, and he came out, and it was great. Ed and I kept in touch, and maybe about six months later, he out to me to talk about an idea that he had,” Allan said.

Newman’s idea, he said, was b film fundraisers he had attended filippo family’s estate in the Barrington area.

“He thought it would be really student silent film festival, so he to be the tech supervisor, tech director, and then he pulled in Derek Berg to be the musi and creative director,” Allan said.

For several years, the trio partner the Sanfilippo Foundation to host the festi val in Barrington, but when the COVID-19 pandemic caused lockdowns in 2020, the group had to pivot, Allan said, giving rise to their ongoing partnership with the Tivoli Theatre, the original movie house that grew into Classic Cinemas

written, directed, crewed and acted,” he said.

memorable experience.

PROVIDED BY BILL ALLEN

As a teacher at LT, Allan said he assists his students during the pre-production phase, as they’re brainstorming, scouting locations and thinking of wardrobes, but the students handle the rest all on their own.

“There’s always a staff person supervising, obviously, because I can’t have kids by themselves in school, but, really, it is all 100% student-

This year, LT’s film, “The Master Deck,” was written and directed by senior Emily Schuler and crewed by juniors Auggie Vymyslicky and Andrew Shepard. Junior Gemma Mear and sophomore Jay Jaffre star as the two characters at the center of the tarot card-themed narrative, inspired by this year’s theme, which was a deck of cards, Allan said.

While the festival is competitive, he said it’s less about winning than it is about platforming the students’ art and giving them a

“There have been some years where Lyons Township did not win, and that’s OK, because we still had an amazing time, we saw incredible films, and even the films that we made, they might not have won a trophy, but they still won … a professionally composed soundtrack,” Allan said. “In some ways, everybody does win.”

Advance tickets for this year’s festival are available online for $20. Tickets will also be available day-of at the door for $25.

D96 Selects D&J Landscaping for Blythe Park project

Work to start this summer and nish before start of next school year

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Riverside School District 96 has chosen D&J Landscaping for the new Blythe Park playg round project.

At its Jan. 21 meeting, the Board of Education approved the firm’s bid of $386,785 for the project, which will kick off after the school year ends. The work will include removal and disposal of the existing playground equipment, surfacing and curbing, as well as installation of new cobble paver curbing.

Shorewood-based D&J Landscaping’s bid only covers the site work and not the playg round equipment, according to Dr. Mark Kuznetsky, district interim director of finance and operations, who said that work will incorporate heavy machinery to move the existing playground equipment.

Site evaluations and measurements will be done before this school year ends.

“We have used a firm called Imagine Nation, a playground consultant, who has helped us imagine the equipment,” he said, adding decisions on the equipment itself haven’t been finalized, but a final proposal should arrive within two weeks.

“The district has the opportunity to work as part of a state cooperative,” he said, “and as part of that, we know that Imagine Nation, as being part of the state cooperative, we know we’re getting the lowest price out there.”

That means the total cost to the district will be under the $750,000 total budget for the project, Kuzniewski said. The other bidder for the project, Clauss Brothers, Inc., bid $543,031 for the project.

“In this situation, we are required to take the lowest qualified bidder,” he said. “We required a bid bond, which means they have to be bonded for the amount of their proposal.”

Village of Riverside trustees approved the new playground design in December, on the condition that a raised curb and fence that was planned to encircle the playground be removed.

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The start of a new year is a perfect time for seniors to embrace fresh beginnings and focus on staying motivated and engaged. Here are some simple tips to help make 2026 a year of growth and joy.

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Riverside Arts Center launches playwriting workshop

A er serving 5,000 people in 2025, the RAC is expanding its horizons

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

While most p eople may know the Riverside Arts C enter as a p lace for visual art, Executive Director A nn Filmer sai d the organization is venturing out of it s niche to welcome other for ms of art — namely, scriptwriting.

“We are holding a playwriting workshop March 21 and 22. It’s a pretty big deal. Will Dunne is an award-winning playwright and a teacher of writing for 40 years,” Filmer told the Landmark. “He is holding a twoday workshop. It’s called ‘It Happened One Weekend,’ and in that workshop, you come on the first day, and you write a short play,” around 10 minutes in length, “and then the next day when you come, you will have it performed by actors. It’s incredible.”

Filmer boasted the workshop as the RAC’s newest program for 2026.

“Will Dunne lives in Riverside. I used to run a professional theater in Berwyn called 16th Street Theater, and he was one of the first playwrights we produced,” she said. “When I first started working at RAC, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is where Will Dunne lives. I should reach out. He does all these workshops across the country; maybe he would do one right here in his town.’ He said yes.”

Tickets for the workshop are available online, starting at $225.

In the more immediate future, the Center is hosting its third annual Creativity Fest event on Feb. 7 and 21, both Saturdays, where anyone can drop in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and work on their own 10-inch-by-10inch canvas. After, the canvases, with the creators’ permission, will be included in a community exhibit at Riverside Township Hall from March to May.

“Last year, when we did it, we had like 60 canvasses. We hope to get 80 this year,” Filmer said.

With one eye on the future, Filmer also kept one eye on the past. In 2025, the RAC

A group of participants work on their indiv idual canvases at the Riverside Arts Center during Creativ ity Fest 2025.

served

age of 125 students enrolled each month in classes and workshops, including the free and open Art Jam on Tuesday evenings.

“Anyone can drop in and create using our supplies, or supplies they bring,” she said. “It’s like an open gym, except it’s open arts.”

The center also held 19 exhibitions and 20 art openings, artists talks and workshops, exhibiting the work of 184 artists.

Filmer, who was hired in December 2024 as the Center’s first full-time staf f member, said 2025 was a major year for RAC.

“The biggest growth we’ve seen is in our arts education for all ages, youth and teens, adults, which grew by 250% from the previous year. It’s been so exciting to have so many people of all ages in our studio spaces,” she said.

Filmer attributed the growth to Karen Nelson, the RAC’s education director who joined the team last year.

“The sharp rise in attendance was due to attention on education … Having her expertise and attention on listening to the community,” she said. “We hadn’t bounced back from the pandemic, even four years

ganizations. It was programming classes in ceramics, in painting, and also giving attention to adult education. We’ve always done pretty well with our art camp, but adults need creativity, too, and time and space to use their imagination and create something beautiful or fun or meaningful.”

To that end, the Center partnered with Riverside’s parks and recreation department over the summer to create a Senior Art Club, which Filmer in August called “a perfect collaboration” with the village.

Aside from its new playwriting workshop, Filmer said the organization’s goal for 2026 is to seek stability.

“A nonprofit organization, as I’m sure you know, being a nonprofit newspaper, needs financial stability,” she said. “We want to make sure RAC is here for a long, long, long time. I’ve been paying a lot of attention to our financials, and, of course, fundraising. We have great community support in Riverside, thank goodness, so [our goal is] stabilizing. It’s repeating things that work well and getting rid of anything that doesn’t work so well.”

ROBERT HELD

federal i mmi gr ant d etention c enter in Broadview.

Kuruvilla said the case was reviewed by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, which declined to file felony charges in favor of a misdemeanor charge.

Ro be rt Held, the man who was attacke d, said he spoke with Brookfield p olice on We d nesd ay, Jan. 21, about updates on the case

“I was pleased that there was accountability. T hey did a thorough investigation. T hey conducted themselves professionally, and I am pleased that justice will be done,” he told the Landmark T hursday Held c alled the development a “credit to the Brookfield police.”

“It seems li ke this is something rare, where a federal agent is actually charge d for their criminal conduct,” he said. Ea rl ier this month, Held told the L andmark he had b een filming Saracco from the s idewalk as he was stopped at the

S hell g as station at 31st Street and Map le Avenue after following him from the Broadview d etention c enter. T hen, Sa ra cco approached him and “threw [ Held ] to the ground.”

Saracco “agg ressively was on top of me, trying to grab my phone,” Held said then. “I’m 68. I have an artificial hip. My strength and flexibility are not great, and I used all my might to hold onto my phone.”

Held initially said he b eli eved the battery c ould be a f elony d ue to his age and the fact that he was standing on a public s idewalk when it occu rred

“The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reviews the available facts and relevant law when making charging decisions. After a thorough review of the investigation presented by law enforcement, our office recommended proceeding on a misdemeanor charge of battery, which local police then filed,” a representative said in a prepared statement. “Our office does not comment further on pending cases.”

“It is gross that our officer is facing charges for responding to a direct threat against him and his safety. We stand firmly behind our officer. We won’ t accept this; stay tuned,” said T ricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public af-

Held (le ) is seen speaking to a police o cer in an Instagram Reel

posted a er an alleged federal agent assaulted him in Brook eld.

ho was alone and withequipment, acted to prowith this threat-

Free Memory Screens

a lot of fun,” said Dan Hunt, one of the pack’s committee chairs alongside his wife, Kelly Rathbun.

At the meeting, Hunt said he was in charge of the “kee you don’t let a balloon touch the while Rathbun said she was busy cutting the birthday cake.

“Committee chair is kind of li ministrative lead of the Cubmaster, so he runs the meeting the face. He runs the sho that all the kids pay attention to,” Rathbun said. “We help organize

“We keep on top of health of renewing the charter and keep on top of payments that are coming in and out,” Hunt added.

Reed said the pack separate “muddy b most camping out of

“We love getting the ents and the kids are it. We hike all through winter,” he said. “We’re a volunteer organization, so we have really strong parent leadership. We’ve got parents involved at every level.”

Scouts and pack volunteers gather on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to celebrate the 75th anniversar y of Riverside’s Pack 24.

Reed, Hunt and Rathbun said they all began in their positions about two years ago.

“We have two Scouts in the pack. We have a son who’s in fifth gr ade and a d aughter who’s in third. T hey b oth started in kinder ga r ten,” Rathbun said. “From the g et-go, Dan was asked to be a d en assistant, and then there was need for him to move up from d en assistant. T hey needed a d en leader. And then, the need c ame up two years ago to be do

Reed said he got so involved because of the values Cub Scouts instills in his children.

“At the beginning and the end of every meeting, we say the pack oath and the pack law,” Reed said. “We remind the kids, every time, ‘The Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.’ These are things that I think it’s really good to teach the kids, and I really love how active Pack 24 in Riverside is.”

“It’s a screen-free activity,” he added.

“It’s an opportunity for the kids to be away for the whole weekend. They have fun playing games. They have fun being outside.”

Hunt and Rathbun said participating in Cub Scouts as a family has given way to a deep community within Riverside.

“At a campout, the kids are running around, having a good time, and the parents are getting a chance to talk and connect,” Rathbun said. “We definitely feel connected to that group, which, then, I think, connects us to Riverside as a

whole. We get kids from every school and all across the area, so it really gets us more connected in the community.”

“We see parents all over town that we met through Scouting,” Hunt added. “Riverside is a small town to begin with, but being involved in something li ke this, you really get to know a lot of people and see a lot of people all over town. You definitely have a friend pretty much everywhere when you’re involved in Cub Scouting.”

Former Riverside police chief honored by conservative advocacy group

Village o cials stress that Weitzel does not speak for them

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Former Riverside police chief To Weitzel has b named a “Fellow of Law Enforcement” for the conserva tive advocacy group Awake Illinois. Th appointment was announced in a press release sent out Awake Illinois on Jan. 12.

stronger policing.”

Riverside Village President Doug Pollock said that Weitzel was a valued employee during his years with the Riverside Police Department but said that Weitzel’s current activities have no connection with the Village of Riverside

As a fellow, Weitzel, who retired in 2021 after 13 years as Riverside police chief and 37 years with the Riverside Police Department, will serve as a regular commentator on Awake Illinois’s Awake and Armed podcast and also write exclusive op-eds for the Awake Illinois blog.

“Chief Tom Weitzel is a proven leader who has lived the realities of policing every day,” Awake Illinois founder Shannon Adcock said in the press release announcing Weitzel’s new unpaid position. “In a time when too much discussion is driven by ideology instead of facts, Tom’s credibility, experience, and courage make the perfect addition. We are thrilled to have him as a Fellow, regular voice on Awake and Armed, and contributor to our blog—helping deliver the truth Illinoisans need for safe communities and

Weitzel, who lives in Will County, said in the press release: “I’m honored to join Awake Illinois at this critical moment. “Awake Illinois built an enormous reach across Illinois and far beyond, connecting thousands of concerned citizens, parents, credentialed professionals and policymakers who are hungry for honest, fact-based conversations about crime public safety. My goal as Fellow is to ensure these vital discussions remain grounded eal-world experience, constitutional prin, and actual outcomes, so citizens everyhere are safer, officers are better supported, olicies finally deliver the results that communities deserve.”

Awake Illinois was founded in 2021 in the midst of the COVID pandemic and originally focused on school-related issues. It criticized school closings, mask mandates and has criticized how some schools teach about gender and sexuality. Members of Awake Illinois have been also been critical of critical race theory saying that the theory has been taught in schools. In 2023 the Southern Poverty Law Center classified Awake Illinois as an extreme hate and anti-gover nment group.

In a telephone interview with the Landmark, Weitzel challenged that description of Awake Illinois.

“They’re not a hate group, that’s number one,” Weitzel said. “Are they conservative? Yes, for sure. There are also progressive groups, liberal groups, there is nothing wrong with the views of being conservative.”

In a text message to the Landmark Ad-

cock forcibly attacked the Southern Pover ty Law Center

“Awake Illinois was designated years ago as a ‘hate group’ by the totally not respected and fully absurd jo ke of an organization known as the Southern Poverty Law Center,” Adcock. “In 2026, Awake Illinois continues to be a thorn in the side of gover nment bootlickers, child exploiters, antiAmericans, Marxists, and people with no sense of humor whatsoever.”

Weitzel said that Awake Illinois reached out to him a couple of months ago.

“They wanted somebody that could participate in their podcast, could advise them on law enforcement- related issues, specifically legislation, the courts, officer safety type issues, pro law enforcement legislation and issues,” Weitzel said.

Weitzel said that he will only focus on law enforcement issues.

“My area of exper tise for their org anization is going to law enforcement and the courts and then police legislation,” Weitzel said. “That’s my lane that I’m staying in, and I’m proud to do so. I’m not going to venture into expertise areas that I have no expertise in.”

Awake Illinois is currently organizing opposition to a bill introduced by State Sen. Laura Fine and others that would prohibit Illinois law enforcement agencies from hiring federal immigration officers such as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who were hired between January 20, 2025 (the date Donald Trump was inaugurated as president for the second time) through Jan. 20, 2029 (the end of Trump’s current ter m in office).

Since retiring Weitzel has written many op-eds for a variety of different newspapers on law enforcement and criminal justice issues. He has been a vocal critic

of the Illinois Safe-T act which eliminated cash bail in Illinois.

“I want to make a difference in the police landscape in my retirement,” said Weitzel, who is also active with the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police

Weitzel said that he knows his association with Awake Illinois might raise some eyebrows in Riverside.

“I’m sure some people that read the Landmark, they don’t like the organization but if they just maybe give the law enforcement aspect a chance, this is the real world, you don’t have to like everything,” Weitzel said.

In disassociating himself from Weitzel’s viewpoints, Village President Pollock told the Landmark: “I am aware of his post-retirement political activities. I support the right of any for mer employee to engage in such activities. However it should be clear that Mr. Weitzel does not represent the opinions or values of the Village of Riverside. Anyone interested in knowing the village’s position on such issues as immigration enforcement are encouraged to refer to our resolution affir ming community values and public safety issues which the board adopted November 20th 2025 and is available on our web site

Pollock said that he wishes Weitzel did not always identify himself in his writings as a for mer Riverside police chief.

“Regrettably I think Mr. Weitzel refers to his for mer title with the Village of Riverside with the apparent intent of adding credibility to his postings,” Pollock said. “Mr Weitzel retired five years ago and since that time he has not represented the Village of Riverside in any capacity. Any connection between the Village of Riverside and the political activities of any for mer employee should not be assumed and, in my opinion, it would be inappropriate.”

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Don't let hearing loss hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take the first step towards better hearing health today by scheduling a consultation with us. Together, we can help you rediscover the joy of sound and embrace a brighter, more vibrant future.

MOVE & MINGLE

Kehrein Center for the Arts | 5628 W. Washington Boulevard February 13 | 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

VIVA LA VIDA

National Museum of Mexican Art | 1852 W. 19th Street February 26 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 1:30–3:30 p.m.

WALKING & WELLNESS CLUB

Salvation Army Freedom Center | 825 N. Christiana Avenue Fridays | 8:30–10:00 a.m.

Register today! Anyone 55+ is welcome to join for our free programs.

PO

Speeding driver ticketed

Brookfield police ticketed a 19-year-old Chicago man on Jan. 15 for speeding.

Around 10:18 p.m., an officer on patrol on the 8800 block of 31st Street witnessed a vehicle traveling at 52 mph in the posted 30-mph zone. The officer U-turned to catch up with the vehicle and matched its pace at 56 mph.

The officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who provided proof of his driver’s license and insurance for his vehicle. The officer cited the man for speeding and set a March 24 court date before sending the man on his way.

Criminal damage to a vehicle

Brookfield police witnessed an instance of criminal damage on Jan. 14, but no one was arrested.

While on patrol and heading south on Grand Avenue around 2:46 p.m., an officer noticed two vehicles stopped on the 3700 block. They saw a man exit his vehicle and “gesture with his hands” before getting

back in and driving away

The officer approached the second vehicle and spoke with the driver, who said the other man had thrown an object at his vehicle. The officer observed a dent on the rear of the man’s car. He provided the officer with the other man’s license plate number but said he did not wish to sign complaints. The officer documented the incident but did not pursue further police activity.

These items we re o btained from th e Brookfield Po lice Department re port s dated Jan. 12-19; th ey re present a portio n of the incidents to wh ich police responded. Anyone named in these re ports ha s only b een charged with a crime and cases ha ve not yet b een adjudicated. We re port the ra ce of a suspect only wh en a serious crime has b een c ommitted, the suspect is still at la rge and police ha ve provided us with a detailed physical d escription of the suspect as th ey seek the public’s h elp in making an arrest

Compiled by Stella Brown

LETTERS OBITUARIES

Accountable is an American axiom

I am a huge supporter of professional, competent, trained, and accountable law enforcement agencies. In particular, city law enforcement personnel who are often tasked with confronting volatile and, at times, dangerous situations.

In my experience, the vast majority of law enforcement professionals are honorable individuals doing their job to the best of their abilities. We have seen exemplary examples of this by the responses of the Capitol Police during the Jan. 6 terrorist attack and the recent responses of Minneapolis law enforcement personnel to the executions of American citizens by ICE.

Which is why I find those who believe law enforcement professionals are above re proach to be not only an exercise in cognitive dissonance but dangerous to our democracy

We have seen numerous examples to disprove this alarming belief. On Sept. 19, an ICE agent fired pe pper balls at a Presbyterian pastor who was peacefully demonstrating. On Sept. 30, masked, unidentifiable federal agents, without war rants or probable cause, descend on a Chicago apartment building. The agents broke down the doors, removed babies, young children, and American citizens

Numerous reports state both American citizens and children were zip-tied. On Oct. 7, an ICE agent is caught on camera aiming a weapon at a resident peacefully documenting ICE activity. Within the last two weeks in Minneapolis we have seen a peacefully protesting pastor handcuffed, taunted and had a gun pointed in his face, and two American citizens executed at point-blank range. Sadly, instances of law enforcement misconduct are not limited to ICE. It was widely re ported the White House border czar and head of ICE accepted $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents Moreover, over a six-year period, 1,643 Chicago police officers (roughly 7% of the force) had eng aged in misconduct, including excessive force and false ar rest, costing city taxpayers $419.7 million. Failure to hold law enforcement accountable mocks the American belief that no one is above the law.

I believe our country has already crossed the Rubicon. Poorly trained and ill-tempered ICE agents have resulted in widespread accusations of misconduct and at least two dead Americans. According to the conservative Cato Institute, of those people detained by ICE, “nearly three in four (73%) had no criminal conviction.”

The most ef fective way to defend the integrity of law enforcement agencies is for those 90-95% of professional and competent law enforcement personnel to hold their unfit colleagues accountable. Failure to do so will continue America’s descent into authoritarianism. The actions of poorly trained and unaccountable ICE agents resemble Pinochet’s Chile and Duterte’s Philippines rather than the America that was the light on the hill.

We expect a level of competency, professionalism, and accountability from our educators, government employees, medical professionals, and every other person we engage with in a professional capacity. Why wouldn’t we expect the same from the people who have the guns?

Support SB2820.

Shawn Lewis

Loved people, especiall

Victoria Sue 84, died on Jan. 14, 2026. Born on Dec. 31, 1941, she cherished her role as matriarch. She was bright and curious and appreciated hearing people’s live calm, soothing presence was sought after. There was something about her that made people feel accepted and comfortable She could strike up a co touched so many her work providing could support working mothers and their families. She collected antique books and had a legendary glass juicer display. She loved high tea, an amaretto stone sour, and quarter-pounders with cheese. Her laughter was infectious, and one of the most magical feelings was being in her company when she lost her stoic composure. As she lay dying, she quipped, “Is it crazy to think the last days of your life could be fun?”

Catherine Abbs, 63

Catherine Cecelia Abbs, 63, of La Porte, Indiana; for merly of y Largo, Florida riarcliff, Texas; Rolling Prairie, Indiana; Berwyn, Brookfield, and Maywood, Illinois; died suddenly on Dec. 29, 2025 while on va cation in West Baden, Indiana.

Born on Sept. 6, 1962 in Oak Park, the fifth of six children, to the late Bertram G. and Jacqueline J. Abbs (nee Stevens), she always made an impact. Kind, giving, selfless, and fearless, she spent her early years in Maywood, attended St. Eulalia Catholic School, then moved to Brookfield. She attended RiversideBrookfield H.S. and graduated in 1980.

She was part of an epic 56-year-long relationship with the love of her life, William Walter Vogel (Bill). Mar ried at 18, she had six kids by 28. She opened her home and loved to entertain. She was an active member of the Riverside Presbyterian Church. Her cinnamon rolls, French toast, molasses cookies, and fried chicken dinners cured what ailed you.

She and her family have deep gratitude to her sister, Kay, for her loving care and support over the past eight years.

Vicky was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, and her son Will Vogel and his wife Susanne. She is survived by her sisters, Kay Kappelmann and Karla (Mike) Becker; her five children, Henry (Debbie) Vogel, Victoria “Ginger” (Keith) Schander, Annie Vogel (Tim Heilenbach), Rachel Vogel (Michael Forseth), and Amanda (Paul) Wright; and her 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Victoria Sue Vogel loved this life and did not want to say goodbye to the people she loved dearly Some of her last words invoked the need for more kindness and love in this world. In lieu of flowers, please open your heart and show someone love and kindness today. Vicky would love that.

There will be a celebration of her life at a later date.

Catherine and her third husband, Christopher, found many ways to enjoy life to its fullest. In time, the couple moved to the Florida Keys. She always possessed a sense of childlike wonder when it came to new things and new places.

In 2022, selling their Florida Keys home, they came back north to be accessible to both their aging mothers and her daughter and two grandchildren. She held a variety of jobs in her lifetime, in sales at a travel agency, Trane Air Conditioning, and a music store. She worked catering at Indiana Deli. She was in the golf industry, working for Ben Crenshaw at Austin Golf Club and at Omni Barton Creek Resort.

Catherine is survived by her husband, Christopher C. Evans; her children, Hayley M. Sanders, Caitlin I. Sanders, Cassandra Vanek; her stepdaughter Rebecca L. Sage, and two wonderful grandchildren, Maxwell M. Sanders and Jacob D. Sanders; her siblings, Susan (Steven) Bejlovec, Stephen (Mary) Abbs, Barbara (Bob) Lumpkins, and Re gina (Kevin) Gahr; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was pre-deceased by her parents and her sister, Lisa (David) Kummerow.

A celebration to honor her will be held on March 21 at Irish Times Pub, 8869 Burlington Ave., Brookfield, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

A scattering of her ashes is planned for Sept. 6 in Savannah, Georgia. Those who know her will understand the dates’ significance and the location she wanted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name to The COPD Foundation or The American Lung Association would be appreciated.

OBITUARIES

Liz Giacomelli, 59

Daughter of Ireland

Elizabeth “Liz” Giacomelli (nee Skelly), 59, of Brookfield, for merly of Clonmellon Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland, died on Jan. 21, 2026. Born on Aug. 6, 1966, she defined by love, generosity and compassion. Born in County Meath, Ireland, her early life was shaped by strong family ties, tradition and a deep sense of home.

After completing her Learning Certificate, she attended Thompson Colle ge in 1985, a move that brought her to Dublin. She worked at Lombard Bank and later Ulster Bank. In 1993, she immigrated to the United States, embracing a new country while keeping Ireland close to her heart.

She worked at Kenny’s Tavern, where her warmth, humor and welcoming nature made her well known and deeply appreciated. She later worked at Fort Dearborn Life. It was during her time at Kenny’s that she met Bob, who would become her husband and lifelong partner.

She had a rare gift for making people truly feel seen and valued. She was a treasured friend whose friendships spanned countries and generations. Her kindness, sincerity and generous spirit left a lasting impression. She lived with grace and humility, putting others before herself. Her

memory will live on.

Liz was the wife of Bob Giacomelli; dog mom of Lilly, Bill and the late Molly; sister of Gerard, Myriam, Brendan, Padraig and Karen; sister-in-law of David (Melissa) Giacomelli; and the aunt of Stephen, Peter, Louise, Lisa, Michael, Aaron, Robert, Meghann, Killian, Tyler GIacomelli, Ryan (Bree) Giacomelli, Tim (Kari) Giacomelli and Becky (Lalo) Solis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Kitty Skelly, and her brothers, Tony and Martin, and she will be missed by her extended family and friends in Ireland and the United States.

Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., memorial service 2 p.m. at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield.

James Geary Jr., 80

Landscaper and

dog lover

“special uncle” of Karen Koch, Diane Kienzle, Mark Hoffman, Matthew Hoffman and Denise (Erin Leidy) Hoffman; brotherin-law of Edward (Maureen) Chott, Jacqueline (Dr. Thomas) Carey and the late Gwynn (the late Joseph) Hoffman; and the uncle of numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were held on Jan. 15, 2026 at St. Mary Church in Riverside. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (www.t2t. org).

Arrangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family, Kenneth D. KuratkoDirector.

Joan Mokry, 86

Loved gardening and the White Sox

Everett, Connor, Ephraim, Eleanor, Winston, Sebastian, Savannah, Gwendolyn, Jonathan, Ellie and Evelyn; and sister of the late John Bottenhagen.

Visitation was held on Jan. 22, at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Funeral took place on Jan. 23 at St. Barbara Church and Chapel Hill Gardens West, Oak Brook Terrace. Arrangements were handled by Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home.

Robert Bojan, 73 Book purchasing manager

James V. Geary Jr., 80, of Riverside, died on Jan. 9, 2026. Born on Oct. 1, 1945, he was a U.S. Ar my Vi nam veteran. He loved to golf, was a huge fan of Notre Dame football and the Chicago Bears. An avid landscaper, he love to garden. He was known as a constant (along with Ange) dog walker with his five beloved dogs around the streets of Riverside. He was a man of few words, but when he talked, people listened!

Jim was the husband of Ange (nee Chott) Geary; the brother of Michael (Janet) Geary, John (Kathleen) Geary, Patrick (Debbie) Geary and the late Dennis Geary;

Joan A. Mokry, 86, of Brookfield, died on Jan. 18, 2026. Born on Nov. 24, 1939, she loved being a grandma and gr eat- gr andma and also enjoyed gardening, reading, crossword puzzles and the Chicago White Sox.

Joan was the wife of Mokry Sr.; the mother of Edward (Linda) Mokry Jr., William (late Mary) Mokry, Ronald (Karen) Mokry and Michael (Kelley) Mokry; the grandmother of Jennifer (Paul), William Jr. (Melissa), Adam (Crystal), Kimberly, Ronald Jr. (Yvette), Katelyn (Matthew) Keith, Hunter (Maggie) and Michelle; great-grandmother of Madelyn,

Robert J. Bojan, 73, of Brookfield, died on Jan. 18, 2026. An Ar my veteran, he worked as a purchasing manager for retail books

Robert was the husband of Margaret Bojan (nee Schouten); the father of Christine (Raymond) Keating, Michael (Sherie) Swiontek and Gregory (Kristina) Swiontek; and the grandfather of Me g an, Ella, Alex, Kyle, Jack, Nick and Mike.

Visitation was held on Jan. 22 from at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9445 31st St., Brookfield. T he funeral Mass was celebrated on Jan. 23 at St. Louise de Marillac Church. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607 or Maryville Caring for Children, 701 Lee St., Suite 100, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

Sports

LTHS, Nazareth dance return to state with sectional titles

Lions’ ninth straight state trip includes second WSC title in three seasons

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Lyons Township High School competitive poms team delivered a championship performance at the West Conference Silver Division Meet, Jan. 19, at Hinsdale South. The Lions better Saturday. They received a seasonhigh score of 94.20 in winning the Class 3A Maine South Sectional to advance to the Jan. 30-31 competitive dance state meet in Bloomington for the ninth straight year.

“Our focus before the perfor mance made the difference,” senior Hayden said. “I’m so glad we are entering state week with a performance we are proud of. State is one of the most nerve performances of the season so going in with confidence is key.”

Competing in both performances were seniors Peyton Carmody, Frazier, Alexis Jain, Brooke Manley, Lily Martin, Maeve McCormack, Lucia Nemeth, Liza Shor rock and Karina Singh, juniors Failenn Daley, Campbell McCarthy and Natalya Thompson and sophomores Madison Carmody, Julia Dienes, Alexa Far mer, Payton Gourley, Bella Holcer and Kassidy Powell. Other team members are seniors Maya Bylsma, Maddie Dienes, Nora Foley, Greta Newlin, Samantha Sexton and Elaina Stoltz, juniors Siena Giordano, Aara Maheronnaghsh and Reese Morgan and sophomore Caroline Ketchum.

They are coached by head coach Brittany Smith and assistant Annie Pinta.

“(Sectionals) wasn’t so much tweaking as it was drilling sections so our confidence could increase,” Carmody said. “Our performance has only validated our confidence and abilities. We are going into state with the same drive, mindset and intensity to further improve.”

At the WSC Silver Meet, the Lions won by 60 over York (87.53 to 86.93) after finishing second at the 2025 WSC Meet to the Dukes by just .03 (89.20 to 89.17). This was the first year WSC champions were split

into the two divisions.

Smith said adjustments after their WSC routine paid of f Saturday with a seasonhigh score by nearly two points and a 2.23-point victory. The sectional title followed last year’s first sectional title (93.30) en route to seventh at state (93.07).

“It was that redemption, like we did it once. We have to get it again. We really wanted it. And it was special to them because it was done (choreographed) by the girls,” Smith said. “(They performed) wonderfully, way better than (conference). It felt good. We were all proud of it. We really locked in at practice this week and it worked.”

Frazier and Foley choreographed the Dracula-based routine with all-black outfits. In past years, the team’s routine has been professionally choreographed

“We just thought it was easier because we know everyone’s strengths and it’s just an easier way to showcase all of our talents,” said Frazier, who added this routine is “completely opposite” from last year’s lyrically-based performance in all white.

As discussed back in August, contrasting red skirts were added to appear for the first time during the Lions’ WSC routine. One big change Saturday was when and how the red was revealed. Smith said the Lions will stay with their sectional routine at state.

“I think that being able to solidify it and not bring (the red) out until the middle of our season was a really nice aspect because it was kind of another motivating factor and sense of newness,” Carmody said after the WSC Meet.

The Lions’ junior varsity also won the Silver (80.23) by 95. Perfor mers were Avery Jorgensen, Beatrice McGahey, Charlotte Davies, Ellie Carsello, Emma DeNaut, Ginger Bruno, Hannah Lee, Isla Johnson, Laila Lorenzi, Lily Bielski, Lola Watanabe, Maddie Stuck, Sloane Groetsma, Sophie Hartford and Vivian Rolek.

team member Ella McGlynn are Brookfield residents.

Nazareth poms

They are coached by head coach Dana Fry and assistant Nicole Dargis. Fry and

Nazareth Academy advanced to the 2A state meet for the fifth straight year by winning its Maine South Sectional (88.03). Team members are seniors Liliana Baldwin, Emma Calderon, Josie Colet, Gabriella Imbarrato, Bea Keenan, Josephine Meehan, Elise Ochoa and Zoe Weiss, juniors Cait McCall and Shaye Neville, sophomores Kiley Broderick, Olivia Caputo, Gabriella Ganal, Gianna Lavorato and Ivy Wiet and freshmen Mary Connors, Annalise Hernandez of Brookfield, Paige McNaughton and Alex Weiss.

The Roadrunners are coached by head coach Kristen Yarka and assistant coach Kristi Przybylski. This was their second sectional title in three years.

Big senior wrestling class helps RBHS share UEC East title

Bulldogs’ Gonzalez captures UEC title; Lions also rolling behind seniors

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

There was no question Riverside Brookfield High School boys wrestler Gerald Evans would come back for his senior season.

“The main reason why I’ve ke pt going is because I’ve been doing it for so long. I’ve for med a commitment. That’s not something you walk away from,” Evans said. “It keeps you in good shape. You’ re able to connect with a lot of different people and overall you just learn new skills.”

Evans is not alone. He’s part of another giant senior class that was honored during the Bulldogs’ Jan. 21 dual against Fenton.

This year’s group includes Joey Alberts, Kevin Callejas, Evans, Dip Ghosh, Izaiah Gonzalez, Isaac Lee, Samuel Lee, Antonio Miranda, Nick O’Connor, Omar Rendon, Miles Russell-Barnes, Jesus Emiliano Serna, Jayden Tulian, Aiden Veltman, Kennan Walton and Kevin Zuniga.

“We definitely got applauded, got pictures taken,” Evans said. “We won for the most part. I won my match and I was proud of that. It was nice to end of f with a win at home.”

Last season, RBHS coach Nick Curby had 16 seniors. Like 2025, most of these are fourth- or third-year wrestlers with some first-timers as well.

“To have that many people in the program still at that grade level is a testament to them,” Curby said. “Wrestling’s not easy. To have that sized group make it through the years, that’s pretty good.”

Even with all of the graduations, the Bulldogs’ success has continued. T hey tied for the Upstate Eight Conference East Division title in their second year in the conference. RBHS, Glenbard East and West Chicago all had 5-1 records.

T he Bulldogs beat West Chicago 48-28, Dec. 3, and the Wildcats beat Glenbard East, Dec. 10. RBHS had a chance to win outright but lost at home to Glenbard East 58-18, Jan. 7.

“We kind of came up a little bit shor t (a gainst Glenbard East) but at least we have a piece,” Curby said. “For the little rebuilding year that we have, (a title) was kind of nice.”

Transfer Gonzalez then won the 132–pound title at the UEC Meet Jan. 17 at Fenton with a third-period pin over West Chicago junior Brian Correa in 5:59. The Bulldogs (97 points) were sixth.

Gonzalez (26-3) finished the season undefeated in UEC action. Previously wrestling for Bremen, Gonzalez had finished second the past two varsity seasons at the Southwest Suburban Conference Red Division Meet.

“I felt pretty good. I was confident, just another goal to complete,” Gonzalez said.

“I’m looking forward to that state title This is just another ste p.” O’Connor (26-5 at 175) was second, losing in the final to West Aurora senior Dayne Serio (30-4) by technical fall 17-0. Russell-Barnes (16-14 at 113) and Veltman (11-12 at 150) were fourth, Evans (2211 at 190) and sophomore Riley Cavaliere (16-14 at 106) were fifth and Alberts (12-13 at 215) was sixth. Junior Tony Lombardo (23-4), the No. 2 seed at 138, did not compete because of illness

T he Bulldogs next compete at the Class 2A Glenbard South Re gional, where topthree finishers advance to the Hinsdale South Sectional. It’s one last chance for many seniors or the first for those like Evans. He’s enjoying a 20-win varsity season after being on junior varsity with one varsity match as a junior

“(My goal is) win re gionals, at least place in sectionals to make it to state,” Evans said. “Going in, we were told to see (varsity) as any other level. Obviously, the people are going to be better, but go in wrestling like any other (level). You want to be more cautious, but don’ t look at it as being harder.”

LTHS boys wrestling

Fueled by 18 seniors, the Lions compete at the 3A Naperville North Re gional with hopes of advancing to the Hinsdale Central

Sectional. The group was honored on Senior Night Jan. 15 against Downers Grove North.

The Lions lost to finish fourth in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division with a 3-3 dual record.

“That’s more (seniors) than we’ve had in several years. I would say most of them (are four years),” LTHS coach Griff Powell said.

Seniors Griff Powell (36-3 at 138), coach Powell’s son, and Jimmy Hillmann of Brookfield (31-12 at 285) are ranked No. 2 and 12 in 3A, respectively Powell is undefeated in Illinois with his losses to nationally-ranked wrestlers from California (two) and New Jersey.

Others with 20-plus victories include seniors Luke Wilhelm (30-13 at 190), Cornell Fennessee (28-17 at 165) and Joey Colantuono (23-15 at 126), juniors Joey Rossi (21-20 at 102) and Daniel Koziol (23-16) and sophomore Jesse Nunez-Garcia (28-14 at 150).

Many were among the Lions’ 12 topfive finishers as they won the Wheaton Warrenville South Invitational Jan. 3. Powell was named the invite’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.

“Luke was on JV (last season) so for him to have 30 wins in his first varsity season is incredible. He’s really improved quite a bit,” coach Powell said.

Hillmann finished second and NunezGarcia was third at the Oak Park and River Forest Invitational Saturday. Powell did not compete because of illness.

Bulldogs’ Bejarano sings winning tune at UEC Meet

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside Brookfield High School senior girls wrestler Estefany Bejarano once again displayed her singing talents, Saturday, with her rendition of the StarSpangled Banner at the Upstate Eight Conference Meet at West Aurora. Bejarano then delivered quite an encore performance on the wrestling mat.

She won the 170-pound title with pins in all three of her matches, including a 1:02 first-period f all over West Chicago junior

Olivia Halminiak in the final.

“That was awesome. I nearly cried after the very last match,” Bejarano said.

“I feel like the conference win was one of my best achievements this season.”

Enjoying her best season with a 23-4 record, Bejarano is among the Bulldogs hopeful for a strong postseason beginning with re gionals, Feb. 6-7.

Senior Danely Villagomez (18-5 at 155), who finished second at the UEC Meet, was a 2023 state qualifier at 135 and won conference as a junior.

Last season, Bejarano was third at the

UEC Meet at 170 and finished with victories “in the teens.” She’s improved significantly since then.

“I think it’s because I spent this summer I spent three times a week every week in the gym,” Bejarano said. “I got strong and went to summer wrestling. I got to get stronger all summer.”

T he title victory also had special meaning considering Bejarano and Halminiak (27-11) had split their previous two meetings.

“It was against (Halminiak) who I’m pretty good friends with and I felt really

good about it. That was like our tiebreaker and I won,” Bejarano said.

Villagomez lost by technical f all 17-1 to undefeated South Elgin sophomore Allison Gabacz (28-0) after a first-period pin in the semifinals. Junior Emily Anaya (16-9 at 145) took third with a first-period pin. Lea Becker (17-12 at 125) was fourth and seniors Heidi Velazquez (11-7 at 110) and Angelica Solis (8-10 at 135) were sixth. T he Bulldogs (90 points) were seventh overall after going 4-2 in UEC East Division duals.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project:

MAPLE AVENUE WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

This project will include the abandonment of an existing 6” water main, installation or transferring of water services and fire hydrants from the existing 6” water main to the existing 12” water main on the opposite side of the street, restoration of disturbed areas, and other related work.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 11th day of February 2026, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 11th day of February, 2026, at the Village Hall.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Friday, the 6th day of February, 2026.

All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. All bidders must provide proof that they are prequalified with the Illinois Department of Transportation to perform at least 50% of the value of the work before being issued bidding documents. A non-refundable fee of Thirty dollars ($30.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company.

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the

Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.

The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

BY ORDER

THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

Published in RB Landmark January 28, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice is hereby given to all persons concerned that on the 5th day of November, 2025, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois, voted to amend its Rules and Regulations. Printed copies of the Rules and Regulations, as amended, may be obtained from the Office of the Village Clerk, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. The rules shall be operable as of February 7, 2026, or 10 days from the date of publication of this Notice (January 28, 2026) whichever date is later.

Published in RB Landmark January 28, 2026

NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING

Request for bids for the Field Center Building Demolition at 935 Woodbine Ave., Oak Park.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302

The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for the Field Center Building Demolition at 935 Woodbine Ave., in Oak Park. The project consists of the removal and disposal of the building, and of all appurtenances relating to electrical, plumbing, fixtures, heating, cooling, boilers, waterheaters, and all other remaining related building appurtenances. Also includes the select demolition of the foundation walls, basement slab break-up and final grading.

The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 10:00 a.m. (Central time) on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. A Mandatory pre-bid walk-thru is scheduled for Thursday, February 12th at 10am (Central Daylight time) at 935 Woodbine Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors.

Bid Documents and specifications will be available on the DemandStar Website as of Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at 4pm, under “Active Bids”, at the following link.

pdop.org/rfps-bids

For additional information, contact Bill Hamilton at bill.hamilton@ pdop.org or by phone at (708) 725 2052. Only bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2025. The Park District of Oak Park encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

Park District of Oak Park

By: Chris Wollmuth, Parks and Planning Committee, Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal January 28, 2026

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